bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevention of Ocular Tenon Adhesion to Sclera by a PDMAA Polymer to Improve Results after Glaucoma Surgery
Authors: Martin Gottfried , Lübke Jan , Schefold Suzanna , Jordan Jens F. , Schlunck Günther , Reinhard Thomas , Kanokwijitsilp Thananthorn , Prucker Oswald , Rühe Jürgen , Anton Alexandra
Published: January 2020

The authors describe a process that may eventually reduce the risk of scar formation after glaucoma surgery. For this, a thin hydrogel coating is photochemically generated and linked to the sclera surface at the surgical site. This coating is generated from a photoreactive prepolymer containing anthraquinone groups, which is administered as a thin pad to the sclera surface. Short UV irradiation leads to a reaction of the photogroups with neighboring chains via C–H insertion crosslinking, thus transforming the precursor polymer into a hydrogel. Simultaneously, a reaction between the photogroups and the underlying sclera tissue occurs, so that the hydrogel patch becomes covalently linked to the tissue. The authors show that the resulting thin coating is strongly cell repellent and hinders tenon fibroblasts to form tenon tissue at the site of the coating and is suitable for inclusion into a surgical procedure.
Optical Development of UV Lenses
Authors: Wahn Hannes
Published: January 2020

Within the scope of optical system developments for industrial and scientific applications, different requirements have to be taken into account. These include, for example, restrictions regarding available space, protection against environmental influences, or the need for special properties of perspective. The spectral range or bandwidth might impose additional constraints. If available standard lenses do not meet the special requirements which arise, the development of customized optical systems may become necessary.
Localization Microscopy
Authors: Klatt Gregor , Saroglou Konstantinos , Kobitski Andrei , Nienhaus G. Ulrich
Published: January 2020

Single‐molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) denotes a family of super‐resolution optical fluorescence imaging techniques that overcome the Abbe diffraction barrier, which normally restricts the lateral optical resolution to 200 to 300 nm. The fundamental principle of all SMLM implementations is the localization of individual fluorescence emitters by detecting their photon emission at a certain position and time in the complete absence of emission from neighboring emitters. The centroid of the diffraction‐limited distribution of photons is a measure of the location of the emitter and much better defined than the photon distribution itself. Thus, whereas a standard widefield image is an overlay of the photon distributions from a large number of emitters, a super‐resolved SMLM image is a map of their individual locations.
Fiber End‐Capping and Splicing of High‐Power Fiber Arrays
Authors: Theeg Thomas , Pulzer Tony , Brag Jürgen
Published: January 2020

Well‐established splicer devices for fiber‐to‐fiber splices have been on the market for many years. The availability of CO2 laser‐based fiber splicing systems that can control the position and size of the heating zone has opened up new possibilities in the splicing of single and multiple fibers to optical elements of various sizes and shapes. The ability to control the splicing temperature in real time (ms range) enables precise and repeatable splicing results on a new level – especially for complex fiber structures such as large mode area (LMA) and hollow core fibers. Temperature‐controlled splicing also opens up the possibility of splicing different glass types (e.g. soft glass fibers).
More Than Meets the Eye
Authors: Beletkaia Elena , Pozo Jose
Published: January 2020

Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) has been widely applied in various fields, such as astronomy, food quality and safety control, remote sensing, pharmaceuticals, etc. In recent years, this technique has also gathered a huge amount of attention in biomedical fields. Hyperspectral imagery, processed using commercially available software, can identify subtle color differences in an imaged scene that are not visible to the human eye.
Business model diversification and firm performance: A demand‐side perspective
Authors: Sohl Timo , Vroom Govert , McCann Brian T.
Published: January 2020

Research summary

This study explores the relationship between business model diversification (BMD) and firm performance from a demand‐side perspective. We focus on the addition of a business model with a high degree of demand complementarity, which we refer to as demand‐related BMD and explain the ways that such an addition can increase firm performance. We further extend theoretical understanding by first providing a comparison of demand‐related BMD to demand‐unrelated BMD, describing why we expect the former to be the more profitable form of BMD. Second, we contend that the ability to exploit demand complementarities depends on both demand heterogeneity as well as the level of demand for the added business model. Using a unique panel dataset of global retail corporations, we find evidence supportive of our arguments.

Managerial summary

Despite the strong recognition that many firms operate multiple business models at the same time, little is known about how business model diversification (BMD) may be associated with firm performance. Our study explores this question from a demand‐side perspective, leading us to distinguish between two BMD strategies: demand‐related BMD and demand‐unrelated BMD. We argue and show that demand‐related BMD increases firm performance and is more profitable than demand‐unrelated BMD. We also explore external market conditions under which demand‐related BMD should lead to greater performance improvements. Our results reveal that demand‐related BMD is more profitable in markets with higher demand heterogeneity—as fostered by increases in consumer incomes—and increased technology availability that enables consumers to act on their heterogenous preferences.
An assembly perspective of entrepreneurial projects: Social networks in action
Authors: Obstfeld David , Ventresca Marc J. , Fisher Greg
Published: January 2020

Research abstract

We introduce an assembly perspective of entrepreneurial action in early‐stage projects, developed in a process model of microsocial network dynamics. The model comprises four conceptual elements: (a) an initial entrepreneurial projection or goal, which motivates and guides network‐based action, and evolves as the venture unfolds; (b) knowledge articulation to make the entrepreneurial projection relevant to diverse stakeholders; (c) combinatorial action, which entails joining people and resources in new combinations and that may reshape the project; and (d) network expansion by which stakeholder relationships develop and generate distributed momentum. This approach integrates and extends foundational theoretical perspectives in entrepreneurship studies—bricolage, effectuation, and opportunity creation—and draws on recent developments in social network process theory to specify the model.

Managerial abstract

How do entrepreneurs use social networks in early‐stage projects? We introduce a conceptual model for how entrepreneurs initiate and adapt network activity as they pursue their entrepreneurial project. In its early stages, a new venture begins with the crystallization of an “entrepreneurial projection” that motivates and guides action. Then, the entrepreneur's action consists first of the articulation of that projection to appeal to potential stakeholders such as investors, employees, and other collaborators. Second, the entrepreneur is simultaneously connecting diverse stakeholders in different clusters of support critical to the project's continued growth. Finally, the entrepreneur generates momentum by expanding her network by recruiting new stakeholders. As this entrepreneurial activity unfolds, the entrepreneur continually adjusts her projection and subsequent actions in response to diverse stakeholder feedback.
Probing Interface Manipulation of Metal‐Graphene Composites via Doping and Vacancy Engineering towards Excellent Mechanical Strengths
Authors: Zhang Qian , Mei Jun , Liu Ying , Zhang Caili , Wu Yucheng , Liao Ting , Han Peide
Published: January 2020

Owing to the unique merits benefited from the two‐dimensional (2D) geometry, graphene has been often chosen as an attractive strength enhancer during the design of metal‐graphene structural composites. In spite of the improved mechanical properties with the assistance of graphene, it is still challenging to fit the strength requirements for these metal‐graphene composites in the practical applications. To address this issue, metal‐doping and carbon‐vacancy engineering, in this work, are first proposed to manipulate the dual‐phase interfaces between metal and graphene in order to further strengthen the mechanical properties in metal‐graphene composites based on the first‐principle calculation. It can be concluded that a single‐carbon‐vacancy graphene or a Ti, Mn‐doped metal matrix in metal‐graphene composites delivers the best interfacial binding capability, resulting in an obvious strength increase of over 110% for Cu‐graphene composites. Finally, the deformation mechanisms of metal‐graphene composites are discussed via the evaluation on tensile deformation processes, electron densities, and stacking fault energies. This work offers us an alternative solution for the effective reinforcement on mechanical properties of metal‐graphene composites by manipulating the dual‐phase interfaces using doping or vacancy engineering.
Synthesis of 3‐[(1H‐Benzimidazol‐2‐ylsulfanyl)(aryl)methyl]‐4‐hydroxycoumarin Derivatives as Potent Bioactive Molecules
Authors: Obaiah Nagaraja , Bodke Yadav D. , Telkar Sandeep
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we described the synthesis of 3‐[(1H‐benzimidazol‐2‐ylsulfanyl)(aryl) methyl]‐4‐hydroxy‐2H‐chromen‐2‐one derivatives by one‐pot three‐component reaction between 4‐hydroxycoumarin, substituted aldehydes and 2‐mercaptobenzimidazole in the presence of L‐proline as a catalyst. The structures of the synthesized compounds were characterized by FT‐IR, NMR and Mass spectral data. Further, the synthesized compounds were screened for antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Molecular docking studies were also carried out to know the inhibitory effect of the synthesized compounds against pathogens.
Aggregation Induced Emission Enhancement (AIEE) of Naphthalene‐ Appended Organic Moiety: An Al3+ Ion Selective Turn‐On Fluorescent Probe
Authors: Mondal Asit , Ahmmed Ejaj , Chakraborty Sujaya , Sarkar Arnab , Lohar Somenath , Chattopadhyay Pabitra
Published: January 2020

An example of an aggregation‐induced emission enhancement (AIEE)‐active new naphthalene appended Schiff base (H2L) as an Al3+ ion selective fluorescent sensor has been successfully designed and synthesized. H2L showed turn‐on fluorescence at high concentration in DMF only, and at low concentration in DMF‐H2O mixtures having high water content (more than 20%). But at very low concentration of H2L and in DMF/H2O solutions with low water fraction (fw ≤ 20%), the fluorescence was turned ON in presence of Al3+ ions, which helps to detect Al3+  ions as low as 4.9×10−7 M with high selectivity in an DMF solution without any interference of other competitive metal ions. The fluorescence of H2L in different conditions and in solid state due to AIE effect has been established with the help of detailed spectroscopic studies, dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscope (SEM), life time using time‐resolved photoluminescence and optical fluorescence microscope. The experimentally observed H‐type aggregation nature of the probe H2L has also been supported by the theoretical (DFT studies and TDDFT) studies. This probe (H2L) has also been employed for on‐site Al3+ ions detection in solid state.
Tuning Acidity of Sulfonated Mesoporous Polymers (MP−SO3H) for Efficient Tetrahydropyranylation of Alcohols at Room Temperature
Authors: Churipard Sathyapal R. , Kanakikodi Kempanna S. , Jose Nileena , Maradur Sanjeev P.
Published: January 2020

The sulfonated mesoporous polymers (MP−SO3H) with varying acidity were synthesized by template free solvothermal method followed by sulfonation at different intervals of time. The catalytic activities were tested for the tetrahydropyranylation of alcohols. Among the synthesized materials, MP−SO3H‐12 was found to be efficient and demonstrated the highest yield of pyranylated product which is superior in contrast to various heterogeneous catalysts screened. Furthermore, the substrate scope was extended to various primary, secondary, benzylic, aromatic, substituted aromatic and bulkier alcohol substrates. The catalyst retained its heterogeneity and there is no loss in its activity beyond three catalytic runs. The results observed herein are significant and comparable with the best reports available in the open literature. These interesting findings observed over MP−SO3H‐12 make it a potential candidate for the pyranylation of various alcohols under ambient reaction conditions.
Synthesis and Properties of A Low Melting Point Phthalonitrile Resin Containing High Density Nitrile Groups
Authors: Bai Shengnan , Sun Xinyu , Zhang Zhenjiang , Chen Xinggang , Yu Xiaoyan , Zhang Qingxin
Published: January 2020

A polynitrile‐based phthalonitrile monomer with a low melting point containing an alkyl center, namely, 4,4′,4′′‐ [(methanetriyltris (benzene‐4,1‐diyl)) tris (oxy)] triphthalonitrile (MDTP), is synthesized from a nucleophilic substitution reaction of 4,4′,4′′‐trihydroxytriphenylmethane and 4‐nitrophthalonitrile. The MDTP monomer is cured at different temperatures 4‐(aminophenoxy)phthalonitrile (APPH) as the curing agent to give the MDTP polymers. The MDTP monomer and polymers are characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (NMR). Differential Scanning Calorimetric (DSC) analysis shows that the melting point of the monomer is 103 °C and the processing window is about 128 °C. The crosslinking degree of the resin varies with curing time and temperature, which affects the properties of resin. Its glass transition temperature (Tg) is higher than 400 °C. The resin possesses excellent thermal stability and mechanical properties. It loses 5 % weight at 511.2 °C and has a storage modulus of 1611 MPa at 400 °C.
Ascorbic Acid as an Efficient Organocatalyst for the Synthesis of 2‐Substituted‐2,3‐dihydroquinazolin‐4(1H)‐one and 2‐Substituted Quinazolin‐4(3H)‐one in Water
Authors: Chandra Pariyar Gyan , Mitra Bijeta , Mukherjee Suvodip , Ghosh Pranab
Published: January 2020

An environmentally benign, robust and straightforward protocol has been developed for the synthesis of a diverse array of 2,3‐dihydroquinazolin‐4(1H)‐ones using 2‐aminobenzamide and various aldehydes or ketones. Water, a green solvent was adopted in this methodology replacing hazardous reaction mediums. Further, ascorbic acid, an organocatalyst has been accepted to meet the role of catalyst, thus bypassing the use of noxious metals or hazardous materials, which is another asset of this protocol. The activity of this novel methodology has been further being broadened using an oxidant oxone to synthesize 2‐substituted quinazolin‐4(3H)‐one from aldehyde.
Isomerization Kinetics of Glucose to Fructose in Aqueous Solution with Magnesium‐Aluminum Hydrotalcites
Authors: Li Chunxiao , Wang Yong , Zhang Yuan , Wang Ming , Sun Xiuyu , Cui Hongyou , Xie Yujiao
Published: January 2020

Mg−Al hydrotalcites for catalyzing glucose isomerization to fructose are prepared. Effects of atom ratios of Mg/Al ranging from 1 to 4 and calcination temperatures from 250–650 °C on catalytic performance were examined systematically. It was found that the hydrotalcite (Mg2Al1LDH) calcined at 450 °C with an atom ratio of Mg/Al=2 is an excellent catalyst for glucose isomerization. Characterizations by SEM, EDS, TEM, XRD, FTIR, TG and BET demonstrated that the formed oxide condensed phase as well as the interaction with the alumina helps promote glucose isomerization reaction due to their appropriate basic sites at high calcination temperature. With Mg2Al1‐450 as the catalyst, kinetic model analysis confirmed that the reaction of glucose isomerization to fructose was an exothermal reversible reaction; both the forward and reverse reactions are quasi‐first‐order reactions with activation energies of 71.82 kJ/mol and 48.15 kJ/mol, respectively, while the side reaction is a zero‐order reaction with an activation energy of 94.22 kJ/mol. Therefore, high isomerization reaction temperature is not beneficial to enhance the yield and selectivity of fructose.
NaAlO2‐Promoted Mesoporous Catalysts for Room temperature Knoevenagel Condensation Reaction
Authors: Ramesh Sreerangappa , Devred François , Debecker Damien P.
Published: January 2020

Mesoporous solid base catalysts are essential candidates for green and sustainable catalytic processes. In this work, novel mesoporous solid base catalysts was synthesized by promoting mesoporous supports with sodium aluminate (NaAlO2). The prepared catalysts are characterized using a wide variety of molecular and solid‐state techniques to determine their structural and textural properties. The catalysts texture was strongly affected by the promotion of sodium aluminate. The nature of the support and the sodium aluminate loading are shown to play a crucial role on the total basicity. In turn, these NaAlO2‐containing mesoporous materials showed high catalytic activity for Knoevenagel condensation under solvent free reaction conditions. The catalysts are truly heterogeneous without leaching any active sites and also showed good reusability.
Bi‐Co‐Cu Metal Oxide Foam as Significant Electrocatalyst for Methanol Electrooxidation
Authors: Sesu Divya Catherin , Marbaniang Phiralang , Ingavale Sagar , Manohar Arva Clement , Kakade Bhalchandra
Published: January 2020

Transition metals and metal oxides are carrying out vibrant role in electrooxidation of methanol. Unfortunately, the unclear cognition of methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) mechanism hampers the development of high performance electrocatalysts. Thus, in this report, a fascinating MOR mechanism has been studied using CoCuBi oxide foam structure, where the (220) plane of CoCuBi oxides are playing an exciting role in an unprecedented mechanism. Interestingly, the (220) plane belongs to the families of plane, where transition metal oxides prefer Eley‐Rideal (ER) mechanism with concomitant reduction in the poisoning effect due to CO. The synergetic effect of these planes triggers the excellent current density of 118 mA/cm2 with 50% retention of activity even after 10 h stability test. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) studies revealed different oxidation states of metal ions indicating formation of mixed oxides along with different phase formation in CoCuBi foam structure. More excitingly, CoCuBi nanocomposites show remarkable electrochemical methanol oxidation to form specific product such as formate, which is strongly confirmed by proton NMR spectroscopy.
Poly (Ionic Liquids) Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles as Efficient Adsorbent for Determination of Pyrethroids from Environmental Water Samples by GC‐MS
Authors: Wang Tiefeng , Zhang Ruiqi , Gong Zhen , Su Ping , Yang Yi
Published: January 2020

In this work, 1‐vinyl‐3‐butylimidazolium bis((trifluoromethyl) sulfonyl)imide modified Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles were prepared by “thiol‐ene” click chemistry. The morphology, composition, and structure of as prepared functional material was investigated with several technique. Such magnetic material was applied to magnetic solid‐phase extraction of pyrethroid pesticides, and the analytes were quantitatively analyzed by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. Significant parameters of proposed method, including adsorbents amount, vortexing time, solution pH, and eluent volume and type, were optimized. Under the optimized condition, this method exhibited good linearity in the range of 0.19–200 μg L−1 for resmethrin, 0.44–200 μg L−1 for bifenthrin, 0.35–200 μg L−1 for fenpropathrin, and 0.31–200 μg L−1 for cyhalothrin, with the correlation coefficients>0.9992, and low limits of detection (0.06–0.13 μg L−1, S/N=3). The method was successfully applied to quantitative determination of pyrethroid pesticides in environmental water sample with the satisfactory recovery ranging from 85.7 % to 110.4 % and relative standard deviations ranging from 1.3 % to 6.6 %. The results indicated that the proposed magnetic solid‐phase extraction is a simple, efficient and time‐saving method.
Discovery of the Potent Phosphoinositide 3‐Kinase δ (PI3 K δ) Inhibitors
Authors: Lei Tao , Hong Yongwei , Chang Xinyue , Zhang Zhimin , Liu Xingguo , Hu Miao , Huang Wenhai , Yang Haiyan
Published: January 2020

The PI3Kδ plays a pivotal role in regulating immune cell function and has recently emerged as a promising therapeutic target in treating various diseases, which draw more and more attention to discover potent PI3Kδ inhibitors in recent years. Starting from structure‐based drug design, a series of derivatives were designed and synthesized as new chemotypes of PI3Kδ inhibitors. The potential compounds were structurally optimized by interaction showed in docking study. In cell‐free kinase activity assays, Homogeneous Time‐Resolved Fluorescence Assay (HTRF) method was performed for evaluating the inhibitory activities against PI3Kδ. Interestingly, the representative compound 4 exhibited potent PI3Kδ activity (IC50=72 nM), which is comparable to that of positive compound TGR1202. Furthermore, compound 4 showed 15‐fold water solubility than TGR1202. In addition, the tests of compound 4 on anti‐cancer activity against jeko‐1 cancer cell line and cytotoxicity against peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) suggested high inhibition activity and low toxicity respectively. A series of experiments indicated that compound 4 possessed novel chemical structure and high‐efficiency PI3Kδ inhibition activity, deserving further structural optimization to develop highly potent PI3Kδ inhibitors.
Accessing Symmetrical Tetraphenyl‐pyrrole‐2‐yl Squaraines Through an Improved Synthesis of 2,4‐Diphenylpyrrole
Authors: Gut Arkadiusz , Stosz Maria , Łapok Łukasz , Stadnicka Katarzyna M. , Nowakowska Maria
Published: January 2020

Synthesis of tetraphenyl‐pyrrole‐2‐yl squaraines is introduced for the first time. An improved, reproducible and straightforward method for the preparation of 2,4‐diphenylpyrrole‐a key structural synthon for the preparation of the squaraines in question‐is reported. Both, squaraine dyes and all intermediates were fully characterized using spectroscopic methods, viz. 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 2D NMR (COSY, HSQC, HMBC), FT‐ATR‐IR, ESI‐HRMS. The structures of tetraphenyl‐pyrrol‐2‐yl squaraines were unambiguously confirmed by single X‐ray analysis. The squaraines studied exhibit an intense absorption bands spanning from ca. 600 to 700 nm, entering to the spectral region, which is highly sought after for biomedical applications and advanced material technologies.
4‐Phosphonated or 4‐Free 1,2,3‐Triazoles: What Controls the Dimroth Reaction of Arylazides with 2‐Oxopropylphosphonates?
Authors: Pokhodylo Nazariy T. , Shyyka Olga Ya. , Goreshnik Evgeny A. , Obushak Mykola D.
Published: January 2020

The influence of base‐solvent systems and substituents on the reaction of aryl azides with dimethyl 2‐oxopropylphosphonate was studied. It was shown that azides with electron‐withdrawing substituents in K2CO3/DMSO medium (mild conditions) afford 5‐methyl‐1‐aryl‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazole‐4‐ylphosphonates as major products. In contrast, azides with electron‐donating substituents produce 1‐aryl‐5‐methyl‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazoles. Based on the obtained results the plausible mechanisms of the reactions were discussed and key points of selectivity control were indicated.
Structure Engineering of MoS2 via Simultaneous Oxygen and Phosphorus Incorporation for Improved Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Liu Jinlong , Wang Zhenyu , Li Jun , Cao Lujie , Lu Zhouguang , Zhu Dongdong
Published: January 2020

Oxygen and phosphorus dual‐doped MoS2 nanosheets (O,P‐MoS2) with porous structure and continuous conductive network are fabricated using a one‐pot NaH2PO2‐assisted hydrothermal approach. By simply changing the precursor solution, the chemical composition and resulting structure can be effectively controlled to obtain desired properties toward the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Thanks to the beneficial structure and strong synergistic effects between the incorporated oxygen and phosphorus, the optimal O,P‐MoS2 exhibit superior electrocatalytic performances compared with those of oxygen single‐doped MoS2 nanosheets (O‐MoS2). Specifically, a low HER onset overpotential of 150 mV with a small Tafel slope of 53 mV dec−1, excellent conductivity, and long‐term durability are achieved by the structural engineering of MoS2 via O and P co‐doping, making it an efficient HER electrocatalyst for water electrocatalysis. This work provides an alternative strategy to manipulate transition metal dichalcogenides as advanced materials for electrocatalytic and related energy applications.
Phosphorus Regulated Cobalt Oxide@Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nanowires for Flexible Quasi‐Solid‐State Supercapacitors
Authors: Liu Shude , Yin Ying , Shen Yang , Hui Kwan San , Chun Young Tea , Kim Jong Min , Hui Kwun Nam , Zhang Lipeng , Jun Seong Chan
Published: January 2020

Battery‐type materials are promising candidates for achieving high specific capacity for supercapacitors. However, their slow reaction kinetics hinders the improvement in electrochemical performance. Herein, a hybrid structure of P‐doped Co3O4 (P‐Co3O4) ultrafine nanoparticles in situ encapsulated into P, N co‐doped carbon (P, N‐C) nanowires by a pyrolysis–oxidation–phosphorization of 1D metal–organic frameworks derived from Co‐layered double hydroxide as self‐template and reactant is reported. This hybrid structure prevents active material agglomeration and maintains a 1D oriented arrangement, which exhibits a large accessible surface area and hierarchically porous feature, enabling sufficient permeation and transfer of electrolyte ions. Theoretical calculations demonstrate that the P dopants in P‐Co3O4@P, N‐C could reduce the adsorption energy of OH− and regulate the electrical properties. Accordingly, the P‐Co3O4@P, N‐C delivers a high specific capacity of 669 mC cm−2 at 1 mA cm−2 and an ultralong cycle life with only 4.8% loss over 5000 cycles at 30 mA cm−2. During the fabrication of P‐Co3O4@P, N‐C, Co@P, N‐C is simultaneously developed, which can be integrated with P‐Co3O4@P, N‐C for the assembly of asymmetric supercapacitors. These devices achieve a high energy density of 47.6 W h kg−1 at 750 W kg−1 and impressive flexibility, exhibiting a great potential in practical applications.
Small pertubations of an interface for Stokes system
Authors: Daveau Christian , Khelifi Abdessatar , Oueslati Soumaya
Published: January 2020

We consider the Stokes system for a viscous medium consisting of an impurely (inclusion) merged in a consistent background medium. Appointed on both field expansion and layer potential methods, we strictly derive the asymptotic expansion of the perturbed velocity field because of small perturbations in the interface of the inclusion. We use these techniques to determine a relationship between Stokes solutions measurements and the shape of the object. Moreover, we may prove an asymptotic expansion for the perturbation in the viscosity moment tensors (VMTs) caused by the presence of small changes in the interface of the impurity.
The matrix-extended $$ {\mathcal{W}}_{1+\infty } $$ algebra
Authors: Eberhardt Lorenz , Procházka Tomáš
Published: January 2020

Abstract

We construct a quadratic basis of generators of matrix-extended

$$ {\mathcal{W}}_{1+\infty } $$

W

1
+
∞

using a generalization of the Miura transformation. This makes it possible to conjecture a closed-form formula for the operator product expansions defining the algebra. We study truncations of the algebra. An explicit calculation at low levels shows that these are parametrized in a way consistent with the gluing description of the algebra. It is perhaps surprising that in spite of the fact that the algebras are rather complicated and non-linear, the structure of their truncations follows very simple gluing rules.
Bile Leak Reduction with Laparoscopic Versus Open Liver Resection: A Multi‐institutional Propensity Score‐Adjusted Multivariable Regression Analysis
Authors: Smith Alison A. , Monlezun Dominique J. , Martinie John , Iannitti David , Konstantinidis Ioannis , Darden Michael , Parker Geoffrey , Fong Yuman , Buell Joseph F.
Published: January 2020

Introduction

The reported rate of postoperative bile leak is variable between 3 and 33%. Recent data would suggest a minimally invasive approach to liver surgery has decreased this incidence.

Methods

This multi‐institutional case–control study utilized databases from three high‐volume surgeons. All consecutive open and minimally invasive liver resection cases were analyzed in a propensity score‐adjusted multivariable regression. A p value < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

In 1388 consecutive liver resections, the average age was 56.9 ± 14.0 years, 730 (52.59%) were male gender, and 599 (43.16%) underwent minimally invasive liver resection. Thirty‐nine (2.81%) in the series were identified with post‐resection bile duct leaks. Leaks were associated with major resections and increased blood loss (p < 0.05). Propensity score‐adjusted multivariable regression identified minimally invasive liver resection significantly and independently reduced the odds of bile duct leak (OR 0.48, p = 0.046) even controlling for BMI, ASA, cirrhosis, major resection, and resection year.

Conclusions

Our data suggest the incidence of bile leaks in a large‐volume center series is far less than previously reported and that a minimally invasive approach to liver resection reduces the incidence of postoperative bile leak.
Injury Pattern and Injury Severity of In‐Hospital Deceased Road Traffic Accident Victims in The Netherlands: Dutch Road Traffic Accidents Fatalities
Authors: Leijdesdorff Henry A. , Gillissen Stijn , Schipper Inger B. , Krijnen Pieta
Published: January 2020

Background

Further reduction in road traffic accident (RTA) fatalities is a key priority in the European Union. Since data on injury patterns related to mortality in RTAs are scarce, the aim of this study was to analyze injury patterns and injury severity of in‐hospital RTA fatalities in the Netherlands.

Methods

All in‐hospital deceased RTA victims in the Netherlands during the period 2015–2016 were analyzed. Data were obtained from the National Trauma Registry. Injury patterns, injury severity, accident and patient characteristics of road user groups were compared.

Results

A total of 497 deceased RTA victims were analyzed, of which most were bicyclists. All analyzed motorcyclists had an ISS ≥ 16. Head trauma was most frequent in pedestrians (73.7%) and bicyclists (71.3%). Thorax trauma was most frequent in motorcyclists and motorists (60.9% and 65.8%, respectively). RTA victims younger than 25 years were more severely injured (median ISS 38, interquartile range [IQR] 29–46) compared to RTA victims aged over 75 years (median ISS 25, IQR 13–30). More than 10% of the severely injured (ISS ≥ 16) RTA victims was not transported to a level I trauma center. The majority of this group was older than 75 years.

Conclusions

Further prevention of head trauma is needed to reduce RTA fatalities, especially in bicyclists. Also, undertriage of severe trauma in elderly RTA victims is obvious and should be addressed in the early phases of trauma care, especially during prehospital triage and initial care at admission.
Ethics as a Non‐technical Skill for Surgical Education in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Tarpley Margaret J. , Costas‐Chavarri Ainhoa , Akinyi Beryl , Tarpley John L.
Published: January 2020

Background

In recent years, surgical education has increased its focus on the non‐technical skills such as communication and interpersonal relationships while continuing to strive for technical excellence of procedures and patient care. An awareness of the ethical aspects of surgical practice that involve non‐technical skills and judgment is of vital concern to surgical educators and encompasses disparate issues ranging from adequate supervision of trainees to surgical care access.

Methods

This bibliographical research effort seeks to report on ethical challenges from a sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) perspective as found in the peer‐reviewed literature employing African Journals Online, Bioline, and other sources with African information as well as PubMed and PubMed Central. The principles of autonomy, non‐maleficence, beneficence, and justice offer a framework for a study of issues including: access to care (socioeconomic issues and distance from health facilities); resource utilization and decision making based on availability and cost of resources, including ICU and terminal extubation; informed consent (both communication about reasonable expectations post‐procedure and research participation); research ethics, including local projects and international collaboration; quality and safety including supervision of less experienced professionals; and those religious and cultural issues that may affect any ethical decision making. The religious and cultural environment receives attention because beliefs and traditions affect medical choices ranging from acceptance of procedures, amputations, to end‐of‐life decisions.

Results and Conclusions

Ethics awareness and ethics education should be a vital component of non‐technical skills training in surgical education and medical practice in SSA for trainees. Continuing professional development of faculty should include an awareness of ethical issues.
Evolving Indications for Lower Limb Amputations in South Africa Offer Opportunities for Health System Improvement
Authors: Khan Muhammad Zafar , Smith Michelle TD , Bruce John L , Kong Victor Y , Clarke Damian L
Published: January 2020

Background

Rapid urbanization and westernization have precipitated dramatic changes in the profile and prevalence of surgical diseases in sub‐Saharan Africa. Disease of lifestyle is now common. We aimed to review our experience with lower‐limb amputations at our surgical service in South Africa.

Methods

A single‐center retrospective review of a prospectively collected database was performed of all patients who underwent a lower limb amputation. Inferential and descriptive statistics were performed. Patient demographics, indication, type of amputation, and management were reviewed. The primary outcome was 30‐day in‐patient mortality rate.

Results

Over a 5‐year period (2013–2018), 348 patients underwent lower limb amputations. The median age was 61.5 years. 53.7% were diabetic and 56.3% were hypertensive. 53.2% had associated peripheral vascular disease and 8% preexisting cardiac disease. 30.7% smoked. Guillotine below‐knee amputation was frequently performed (44.5% of amputations). 16.1% of these patients required a further operation. The in‐hospital mortality rate was 8%. Underlying renal disease was an independent risk factor for mortality (p = 0.004).

Conclusion

Currently, the most common indications for LLA in South Africa are diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis. This reflects the changing pattern of disease in the country. There is a major problem with access to health care in rural areas in South Africa with significant delays in getting patients to tertiary units for evaluation by specialists. Foot care and prevention at a primary health care level is also lacking. Global improvements in the healthcare system are needed to improve LLA rates in South Africa.
Real-world outcomes following 12 months of intravitreal aflibercept monotherapy in patients with diabetic macular edema in France: results from the APOLLON study
Authors: Korobelnik Jean-François , Daien Vincent , Faure Céline , Tadayoni Ramin , Giocanti-Auregan Audrey , Dot Corinne , Kodjikian Laurent , Massin Pascale
Published: January 2020

Purpose

To report the effectiveness of intravitreal aflibercept (IVT-AFL) treatment for diabetic macular edema (DME) in French clinical practice.

Methods

APOLLON (NCT02924311) was a prospective, observational cohort study of patients with DME. Effectiveness was evaluated by change from baseline in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 12 months in treatment-naïve patients (i.e., had not received any anti-vascular endothelial growth factor [anti-VEGF] agent, laser, or steroid at IVT-AFL treatment start) and previously treated patients (i.e., previously treated with anti-VEGF agents other than IVT-AFL, laser, or steroids at IVT-AFL treatment start). Secondary endpoints included change in central retinal thickness (CRT) over 12 months, frequency of injections, and proportion of patients with safety events.

Results

Of the 147 patients followed for at least 12 months and included in the effectiveness analysis, 52.4% (n = 77) were treatment-naïve and 47.6% (n = 70) were previously treated. Mean (standard deviation [SD]) BCVA score at baseline was 62.7 (14.3) Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letters in treatment-naïve patients and 60.0 (13.7) ETDRS letters in previously treated patients. At month 12, mean (SD) change in BCVA was + 7.8 (12.3) letters in treatment-naïve patients and + 5.0 (11.3) letters in previously treated patients. Mean CRT decreased in both patient cohorts. The mean (SD) number of IVT-AFL injections at month 12 was 7.6 (2.5) for treatment-naïve patients and 7.6 (2.3) for previously treated patients. Of 388 patients included in the safety analysis, ocular treatment-emergent adverse events occurred in 54.1% (n = 210) of patients.

Conclusion

IVT-AFL treatment was associated with improvements in functional and anatomic outcomes in both treatment-naïve and previously treated patients with DME in France.
Histone methyltransferases regulate the transcriptional expression of ERα and the proliferation of tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cells
Authors: Kim Seung-Su , Lee Min-Ho , Lee Mi-Ock
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Although tamoxifen remains the frontline treatment for ERα-positive breast cancers, resistance to this drug limits its clinical efficacy. Most tamoxifen-resistant patients retain ERα expression which may support growth and progression of breast cancers. Therefore, we investigated epigenetic regulation of ERα that may provide a rationale for targeting ERα in these patients.

Methods

Expression levels of the mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL) family of proteins in tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cells and publicly available breast cancer patient data sets were analyzed. Histone methylation levels in ERα promoter regions were assessed using chromatin immunoprecipitation. Expression levels of ERα and its target gene were analyzed using western blotting and real-time qPCR. Cell-cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry.

Results

The expression of MLL3 and SET-domain-containing 1A (SET1A) were increased in tamoxifen-resistant breast cancers. An MLL3 chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing data analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments for MLL3 and SET1A suggested that these proteins bound to enhancer or intron regions of the ESR1 gene and regulated histone H3K4 methylation status. Depletion of MLL3 or SET1A downregulated the expression level of ERα and inhibited the growth of tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cells. Additional treatment with fulvestrant resulted in a synergistic reduction of ERα levels and the growth of the cells.

Conclusions

The enhanced expression of MLL3 and SET1A in tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cells supported the ERα-dependent growth of these cells by increasing ERα expression. Our results suggest that targeting these histone methyltransferases might provide an attractive strategy to overcome endocrine resistance.
A multi-criteria evaluation system for arable land resource assessment
Authors: Li Feipeng , Liu Wei , Lu Zhibo , Mao Lingchen , Xiao Yihua
Published: January 2020

This study proposed a multi-criteria evaluation system for arable land resources by combining the soil integrated fertility index (IFI) with a soil cleanliness index (based on heavy metals and metalloid content). A total of 16 typical arable land units in Chongming District, China, were evaluated using the proposed evaluation system based on 104 collected soil samples in 16 towns. The comprehensive soil evaluation scores of arable lands in 16 towns were in the range of 90.7 to 99.2 with a mean of 96.2, indicating that the arable land in all 16 towns was at the level of excellent (≥ 90.0). Lower cleanliness indices had a significant impact on the final evaluation score. In comparison with single-index evaluation systems (i.e., the IFI or soil cleanliness index), the proposed multi-criteria system better reflects the quality of the soil. In the practice of arable land requisition and subsidy policy, the proposed multi-criteria evaluation system not only encourages farmers to preserve arable lands during farming but also helps agricultural authorities make effective and reliable management decisions.
Sources of stress and scholarly identity: the case of international doctoral students of education in Finland
Authors: Pappa Sotiria , Elomaa Mailis , Perälä-Littunen Satu
Published: January 2020

Although stressors and coping strategies have been examined in managing stress associated with doctoral education, stress continues to have a permeating and pernicious effect on doctoral students’ experience of their training and, by extension, their future participation in the academic community. International doctoral students have to not only effectively cope with tensions during their training and their socialization in their discipline but also address the values and expectations of higher education institutions in a foreign country. Considering the increase of international doctoral students in Finland, this study focuses on perceived sources of stress in their doctoral training and how their scholarly identity is involved when responding to them. The study draws on thematically analyzed interviews with eleven international doctoral students of educational sciences. The participants, one man and ten women, came from nine countries and conducted research in six Finnish universities. The principal sources of stress identified were intrapersonal regulation, challenges pertaining to doing research, funding and career prospects, and lack of a supportive network. Despite the negative presence of stress, most participants saw stress as a motivating element. However, in order for stress to become a positive and motivational force, participants had to mediate its presence and effects by means of personal resources, ascribing meaning and purpose to their research, and positioning themselves within their academic and social environment. The study argues for stress as a catalyst for scholarly identity negotiation and professional development when perceived positively.
Model-based kernel sum rule: kernel Bayesian inference with probabilistic models
Authors: Nishiyama Yu , Kanagawa Motonobu , Gretton Arthur , Fukumizu Kenji
Published: January 2020

Kernel Bayesian inference is a principled approach to nonparametric inference in probabilistic graphical models, where probabilistic relationships between variables are learned from data in a nonparametric manner. Various algorithms of kernel Bayesian inference have been developed by combining kernelized basic probabilistic operations such as the kernel sum rule and kernel Bayes’ rule. However, the current framework is fully nonparametric, and it does not allow a user to flexibly combine nonparametric and model-based inferences. This is inefficient when there are good probabilistic models (or simulation models) available for some parts of a graphical model; this is in particular true in scientific fields where “models” are the central topic of study. Our contribution in this paper is to introduce a novel approach, termed the model-based kernel sum rule (Mb-KSR), to combine a probabilistic model and kernel Bayesian inference. By combining the Mb-KSR with the existing kernelized probabilistic rules, one can develop various algorithms for hybrid (i.e., nonparametric and model-based) inferences. As an illustrative example, we consider Bayesian filtering in a state space model, where typically there exists an accurate probabilistic model for the state transition process. We propose a novel filtering method that combines model-based inference for the state transition process and data-driven, nonparametric inference for the observation generating process. We empirically validate our approach with synthetic and real-data experiments, the latter being the problem of vision-based mobile robot localization in robotics, which illustrates the effectiveness of the proposed hybrid approach.
Comparative Assessment of the New PDE7 Inhibitor – GRMS-55 and Lisofylline in Animal Models of Immune-Related Disorders: A PK/PD Modeling Approach
Authors: Świerczek Artur , Pociecha Krzysztof , Ślusarczyk Marietta , Chłoń-Rzepa Grażyna , Baś Sebastian , Mlynarski Jacek , Więckowski Krzysztof , Zadrożna Monika , Nowak Barbara , Wyska Elżbieta
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the activity of two phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors, namely GRMS-55 and racemic lisofylline ((±)-LSF))in vitroand in animal models of immune-mediated disorders.

Methods

Inhibition of human recombinant (hr)PDEs and TNF-alpha release from LPS-stimulated whole rat blood by the studied compounds were assessedin vitro. LPS-induced endotoxemia, concanavalin A (ConA)-induced hepatitis, and collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) animal models were used forin vivoevaluation. The potency of the investigated compounds was evaluated using PK/PD and PK/PD/disease progression modeling.

Results

GRMS-55 is a potent hrPDE7A and hrPDE1B inhibitor, while (±)-LSF most strongly inhibits hrPDE3A and hrPDE4B. GRMS-55 decreased TNF-alpha levelsin vivoand CIA progression withIC50of 1.06 and 0.26 mg/L, while (±)-LSF withIC50of 5.80 and 1.06 mg/L, respectively. Moreover, GRMS-55 significantly ameliorated symptoms of ConA-induced hepatitis.

Conclusions

PDE4B but not PDE4D inhibition appears to be mainly engaged in anti-inflammatory activity of the studied compounds. GRMS-55 and (±)-LSF seem to be promising candidates for future studies on the treatment of immune-related diseases. The developed PK/PD models may be used to assess the anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic potency of new compounds for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory disorders.
Text2Sign: Towards Sign Language Production Using Neural Machine Translation and Generative Adversarial Networks
Authors: Stoll Stephanie , Camgoz Necati Cihan , Hadfield Simon , Bowden Richard
Published: January 2020

We present a novel approach to automatic Sign Language Production using recent developments in Neural Machine Translation (NMT), Generative Adversarial Networks, and motion generation. Our system is capable of producing sign videos from spoken language sentences. Contrary to current approaches that are dependent on heavily annotated data, our approach requires minimal gloss and skeletal level annotations for training. We achieve this by breaking down the task into dedicated sub-processes. We first translate spoken language sentences into sign pose sequences by combining an NMT network with a Motion Graph. The resulting pose information is then used to condition a generative model that produces photo realistic sign language video sequences. This is the first approach to continuous sign video generation that does not use a classical graphical avatar. We evaluate the translation abilities of our approach on the PHOENIX14TSign Language Translation dataset. We set a baseline for text-to-gloss translation, reporting a BLEU-4 score of 16.34/15.26 on dev/test sets. We further demonstrate the video generation capabilities of our approach for both multi-signer and high-definition settings qualitatively and quantitatively using broadcast quality assessment metrics.