bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bis-salophen palladium complex immobilized on Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles as a highly active and durable phosphine-free catalyst for Heck and copper-free Sonogashira coupling reactions
Authors: Sardarian Ali Reza , Kazemnejadi Milad , Esmaeilpour Mohsen
Published: January 2019

A new Fe3O4@SiO2 superparamagnetic nanoparticles functionalized by a bis-salophen Schiff base Pd(ii)-complex and used as efficient catalyst for Heck and Sonogashira reactions in aqueous media.
Reduced dimensionality hyphenated NMR experiments for the structure determination of compounds in mixtures
Authors: Sakas Justinas , Bell Nicholle G. A.
Published: January 2019

A suite of NMR experiments using combined chemical shifts to separate resonances in two rather than three dimensions.
Correction: Focused ion beam milling of self-assembled magnetic superstructures: an approach to fabricate nanoporous materials with tunable porosity
Authors: Håkonsen Verner , Singh Gurvinder , He Jianying , Zhang Zhiliang
Published: January 2019

Correction for ‘Focused ion beam milling of self-assembled magnetic superstructures: an approach to fabricate nanoporous materials with tunable porosity’ by Verner Håkonsen et al., Mater. Horiz., 2018, 5, 1211–1218.
Oxidative C(sp3)–H functionalization of methyl-azaheteroarenes: a facile route to 1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-a]pyridines
Authors: Weng Wei-Zhao , Gao Yin-He , Zhang Xue , Liu Yan-Hua , Shen Ying-Jie , Zhu Yan-Ping , Sun Yuan-Yuan , Meng Qing-Guo , Wu An-Xin
Published: January 2019

An oxidative [4 + 1] annulation for triazolo[4,3-a]pyridine–quinoline linked diheterocycle synthesis via functionalization of the sp3 C–H bonds of 2-methyl-azaheteroarenes has been developed.
Psychometric Evaluation of Lexical Diversity Indices in Spanish Narrative Samples From Children With and Without Developmental Language Disorder
Authors: Kapantzoglou Maria , Fergadiotis Gerasimos , Auza Buenavides Alejandra
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of the current study was to examine construct validity evidence for the following 4 lexical diversity measures for use in Spanish narrative samples of children with developmental language disorder and typical language development (TLD): (a) type–token ratio (TTR;
Chotlos, 1944
;
Templin, 1957
), (b) hypergeometric distribution D (
McCarthy & Jarvis, 2010
), (c) measure of textual lexical diversity (MTLD;
McCarthy, 2005
), and (d) moving-average TTR (MATTR;
Covington & McFall, 2010
).

Method

A multiple-group, confirmatory factor analytic stepwise procedure was applied to examine factorial invariance in a sample of 435 monolingual Spanish-speaking children (335 with TLD and 100 with specific language impairment).

Results

MATTR was the strongest indicator of the lexical diversity of a sample and demonstrated measurement invariance across children with TLD and specific language impairment. MTLD scores included some noise at different levels as a function of the length of a sample, especially for short language samples, but differences in relation to MATTR were relatively small. The validity of hypergeometric distribution D and TTR score interpretations was low, as the scores covaried systematically with length, with TTR being the poorest measure of lexical diversity.

Conclusion

Results support the use of MATTR and MTLD as measures of lexical diversity and should assist clinicians and researchers in the selection of lexical diversity measures to minimize bias in score interpretations when conducting language sample analyses.
Low‐complexity search method for CFO estimation in GFDM
Authors: Shayanfar H. , Saeedi‐Sourck H. , Farhang A.
Published: January 2019

In this Letter, the authors propose a low‐complexity search method for carrier frequency offset (CFO) estimation in generalised frequency division multiplexing (GFDM). The proposed technique does not have any limitations on CFO acquisition range while providing an accurate estimate. Compared with the existing solutions in the literature with the lowest complexity, the proposed technique brings at least an order of magnitude complexity reduction without any performance penalty. Finally, the numerical results and comparisons with the existing literature in terms of performance and complexity attest the efficacy of the proposed method.
Multi‐view spectral clustering via partial sum minimisation of singular values
Authors: Zhai Ling , Zhu Jihua , Zheng Qinghai , Pang Shanmin , Li Zhongyu , Wang Jun
Published: January 2019

This Letter proposes a robust multi‐view spectral clustering approach. It first calculates a normalised graph Laplacian for each single view, and then uses them to recover a shared low‐rank Laplacian by the low rank and sparse matrix decomposition. To achieve matrix decomposition, partial sum minimisation of singular values is leveraged to design a novel objective function, which can be optimised by the augmented Lagrangian multiplier algorithm to recover a common normalised graph Laplacian. Accordingly, multi‐view clustering results can be obtained by taking spectral clustering on the common Laplacian. Experimental results illustrate its effectiveness over other related approaches.
A topology of DC electric springs for DC household applications
Authors: Wang Qingsong , Zha Daojun , Deng Fujin , Cheng Ming , Buja Giuseppe
Published: January 2019

There are two types of existing direct current (DC) electric spring (DCES), of which the one realised by alternative current electric spring has low power density because of the low‐pass filter with big volume, another one is realised by DC/DC converters but too complicated. In this study, aiming at households' applications, a novel topology is proposed for DCES, using a three‐port DC/DC converter with a bi‐directional boost‐buck converter (BBC) paralleled at one port. Critical load (CL), noncritical load (NCL) and power source are located at separate port. Besides the isolation electrically, the most important advantage is that the NCL is no longer in series with DCES, which is possibly the first attempt to change the connection type of a visual NCL with an electric spring (ES) from series to normal parallel way. With the proposed DCES, CL power is regulated stable while the fluctuations are transferred to the NCL. Meanwhile, the DCES does not provide nor absorb active power at steady‐state. When the battery voltage reaches its lower or upper limits, the protection mechanism will start to ensure safe operations. The effectiveness of the proposed DCES topology and its control has been validated by simulation and experiment results.
An exact approach for the multicommodity network optimization problem with a step cost function
Authors: Mejri Imen , Haouari Mohamed , Layeb Safa Bhar , Mansour Farah Zeghal
Published: January 2019

We investigate the Multicommodity Network Optimization Problem with a Step Cost Function (MNOP-SCF) where the available facilities to be installed on the edges have discrete step-increasing cost and capacity functions. This strategic long-term planning problem requires installing at most one facility capacity on each edge so that all the demands are routed and the total installation cost is minimized. We describe a path-based formulation that we solve exactly using an enhanced constraint generation based procedure combined with columns and new cuts generation algorithms. The main contribution of this work is the development of a new exact separation model that identifies the most violated bipartition inequalities coupled with a knapsack-based problem that derives additional cuts. To assess the performance of the proposed approach, we conducted computational experiments on a large set of randomly generated instances. The results show that it delivers optimal solutions for large instances with up to 100 nodes, 600 edges, and 4950 commodities while in the literature, the best developed approaches are limited to instances with 50 nodes, 100 edges, and 1225 commodities.
Bildgebung in der Kornea mittels optischer Kohärenztomografie – historische Entwicklung und neueste technische Fortschritte
Authors: Werkmeister René , Stegmann Hannes , dos Santos Valentin , Schmidl Doreen , Schmetterer Leopold
Published: January 2019

Die optische Kohärenztomografie (OCT) hat seit ihrer Einführung für die retinale Bildgebung in den 90er-Jahren eine rasante Entwicklung genommen und die Ophthalmologie revolutioniert. Während sie zu Beginn nur zur Untersuchung der Retina zum Einsatz kam, wurden in der Zwischenzeit auch zahlreiche Systeme zur Beurteilung des vorderen Augenabschnitts entwickelt. Basierend auf der Detektion und Verarbeitung des vom Gewebe zurückreflektierten und gestreuten Lichts, eröffnete sie dem Ophthalmologen völlig neue Möglichkeiten zur Untersuchung der Strukturen des vorderen Augenabschnitts. Je nach technischer Umsetzung erlauben OCT-Systeme für den vorderen Augenabschnitt die präzise Vermessung einzelner Schichten der Kornea und des Kammerwinkels oder – in Form von ultrahoch auflösender OCT – die detailreiche Darstellung der Hornhautmorphologie mit nahezu histologischer Auflösung. Letztere könnte durch weitere technische Entwicklungen vor allem hinsichtlich der Erhöhung der Aufnahmegeschwindigkeit zu einem wesentlichen Werkzeug in der Differenzialdiagnose und Verlaufsbeobachtung verschiedenster Erkrankungen der Hornhaut werden, das auch neue Einsichten in die Pathophysiologie dieser Erkrankungen liefert.
Anleitung in der Kinder- und
Jugendpsychiatrie
Authors: Kratzmeier Ute
Published: January 2019

Der Umgang mit psychisch erkrankten Kindern und Jugendlichen verunsichert viele
Auszubildenden. Umso wichtiger ist es, ihre Einarbeitungsphase klar zu
strukturieren und bereits im Erstgespräch eine gute Beziehung anzubahnen, um
Berührungsängste zu minimieren. Wie ein Anleitungskonzept aussehen kann, das den
Bedürfnissen der Auszubildenden gerecht wird, schildert unsere Autorin.
Regio- and Stereoselective Synthesis of a Novel Family of Unsaturated Compounds with the S–Se Bond and Their Cyclization to 2,3-Dihydro-1,4-thiaselenines
Authors: Amosova Svetlana , Filippov Andrey , Potapov Vladimir , Penzik Maxim , Makhaeva Nataliya , Albanov Alexander
Published: January 2019

Regio- and stereoselective ring-opening reaction of 2-bromomethyl-1,3-thiaselenole with thiols proceeded as nucleophilic attack at the selenium atom of seleniranium intermediate affording unsaturated selanyl sulfides, (Z)-CH2=CHSCH=CHSeSR, in up to 93% yield. Dithiols were involved in this reaction giving symmetrical polyunsaturated compounds with two S–Se bonds in 70–75% yields. Efficient synthesis of 2-(organylsulfanyl)-2,3-dihydro-1,4-thiaselenines in 69–96% yields was developed by the acid-catalyzed cyclization of the unsaturated selanyl sulfides. Mild reaction conditions (room temperature) and short reaction times are important features of this methodology.
Indolylvinyl Ketones: Building Blocks for the Synthesis of Natural Products and Bioactive Compounds
Authors: Serdyuk Olga , Trushkov Igor , Uchuskin Maxim , Abaev Vladimir
Published: January 2019

Indolylvinyl ketones are valuable building blocks that can be utilized for the synthesis of numerous natural products and bioactive molecules containing an indole core motif. Herein, we describe their application for the total synthesis of some alkaloids, their analogues, and a variety of other important compounds, with an emphasis on biologically active examples.

1 Introduction

2 Functionalization of the Enone C=C Bond

2.1 Reduction

2.2 Michael Addition

2.3 Cycloaddition

3 Transformation of the Carbonyl Group

3.1 Reduction

3.2 Knoevenagel Reaction

3.3 Addition of Organometallic Compounds

3.4 Olefination

4 Reactions Involving the Enone Conjugate System С=С–С=О

4.1 Reactions with 1,2-Dinucleophiles

4.2 Reactions with Compounds Bearing an Active Methylene Group

4.3 Reactions with 1,3-Dinucleophiles

4.4 Reactions with 1,4-Dinucleophiles

5 Functionalization of the Enone Methylene Group C(O)–CH2R

5.1 Acylation/Crotonic Condensation and Related Transformations

5.2 Enolization

6 Functionalization of the Indole Core

6.1 [4+2] Cycloaddition

6.2 [3+3] Annulation

6.3 Electrocyclic Reactions

7 Miscellaneous

8 Conclusions
A Tandem Sulfonylation and Knoevenagel Condensation for the Preparation of Sulfocoumarin-3-carboxylates
Authors: Dong Ziyang , Chen Yang , Yang Zhiheng , Yang Zhanhui , Xu Jiaxi
Published: January 2019

Sulfocoumarins are key structural motifs in several bioactive molecules. Herein, we describe a simple, one-pot procedure for the synthesis of structurally diverse sulfonocoumarin-3-carboxylates by heating 2-hydroxyaryl aldehydes with an active sulfonyl chloride in the presence of pyridine. The process tolerates numerous functional groups including alkoxy, alkyl, halogen, nitro, and even nucleophilic phenolic hydroxy. Additionally, reactions of 2-hydroxyaryl ketones and 2-methylaminoaryl aldehydes give 4-substituted sulfocoumarins and 1-aza-2-sulfocoumarins, respectively. A gram-scale synthesis and further derivatizations are also reported. The ester group is easily removed via ­Happer’s decarboxylation.
Zinc-Mediated Double Addition on Functionalized Nitriles
Authors: Pearson-Long Morwenna , Bertus Philippe , Caillé Julien , Pantin Mathilde , Boeda Fabien
Published: January 2019

Allylzinc reagents were used to access highly functionalized tertiary carbinamine derivatives in high yields from cyanoesters and cyanocarbonates. While the monoaddition of organometallics on nitriles is generally observed, in this work the nucleophilic allylation occurs twice, due to an intermediate transfer of the carbonyl moiety onto the nitrogen atom. The chemoselectivity of the reaction allows the presence of various functionalities and in the case of carbonate derivatives, the nature of the final product was modulated by kinetic control, giving selectively hydroxyamides or cyclic carbamates.
Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion in Patients with Lumbar Degenerative Disease with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Akbary Kutbuddin , Quillo-Olvera Javier , Lin Guang-Xun , Jo Hyun-Jin , Kim Jin-Sung
Published: January 2019

Purpose of Study Standard treatment protocols for lumbar degenerative lesions in the setting of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are lacking. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiologic outcomes of minimally invasive oblique lumbar interbody fusion (MI-OLIF) in RA patients having degenerative lumbar spine lesions.

Methods This was a retrospective hospital-based case series (evidence level 4). Eight patients with degenerative lumbar disease with significant back pain and neurologic claudication underwent MI-OLIFwith polyetheretherketone cage insertion and posterior pedicle screw instrumentation. The clinical outcomes were measured by the numerical rating scale (NRS) for back and leg pain and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and radiologic outcomes were studied on radiographs, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Minimum follow-up duration was 1 year.

Results Mean NRS results for back and leg pain preoperatively were 6.3 and 7.1 that improved to 2.6 and 2 for back and leg pain, respectively, at last follow-up. The mean ODI scores preoperatively were 58.02 that improved to 39.06 at last follow-up. All patients had good functional outcomes, good fusion rates, and were able to continue their activities of daily living without much disability at last follow-up.

Conclusion MI-OLIF in patients with symptomatic lumbar spine degenerative lesions with RA seems to provide good short-term clinical and radiologic outcomes.
Enhanced near-infrared electroluminescence from a neodymium complex in organic light-emitting diodes with a solution-processed exciplex host
Authors: Shahalizad Afshin , Kim Dae-Hyeon , Rao Bobbara Sanyasi , Tsuchiya Youichi , D'Aléo Anthony , Andraud Chantal , Ribierre Jean-Charles , Nunzi Jean-Michel , Adachi Chihaya
Published: January 2019

We report enhanced near-infrared (NIR) electroluminescence from a Nd3+-complex with thenoyltrifluoroacetone and 1,10-phenanthroline ligands. The NIR-emitting complex was blended into an exciplex-forming co-host system comprising 2,7-bis(diphenylphosphoryl)-9,9′-spirobifluorene as the electron transport material and 4,4′,4″-tris(carbazol-9-yl)triphenylamine as the hole transport material in solution-processed small molecule organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). This binary ambipolar host system favors direct charge trapping and exciton formation on the Nd3+-complex molecules. Efficient energy transfer from the singlet and triplet exciplexes formed between the host molecules to the Nd3+ ions contributes to the enhanced luminescence efficiency. The photoluminescence quantum yield of this blend is 1.2%, and the optimized OLED shows a maximum electroluminescence external quantum efficiency of 0.034%. The device also exhibits a low efficiency roll-off of only 12% over a current density range of 100 mA/cm2, due to the reduced triplet-polaron annihilation.
Ehrenfest+R dynamics. I. A mixed quantum–classical electrodynamics simulation of spontaneous emission
Authors: Chen Hsing-Ta , Li Tao E. , Sukharev Maxim , Nitzan Abraham , Subotnik Joseph E.
Published: January 2019

The dynamics of an electronic system interacting with an electromagnetic field is investigated within mixed quantum–classical theory. Beyond the classical path approximation (where we ignore all feedback from the electronic system on the photon field), we consider all electron–photon interactions explicitly according to Ehrenfest (i.e., mean-field) dynamics and a set of coupled Maxwell–Liouville equations. Because Ehrenfest dynamics cannot capture certain quantum features of the photon field correctly, we propose a new Ehrenfest+R method that can recover (by construction) spontaneous emission while also distinguishing between electromagnetic fluctuations and coherent emission.
Inelastic scattering of photoelectrons from He nanodroplets
Authors: Shcherbinin M. , Westergaard F. Vad , Hanif M. , Krishnan S. R. , LaForge A. C. , Richter R. , Pfeifer T. , Mudrich M.
Published: January 2019

We present a detailed study of inelastic energy-loss collisions of photoelectrons emitted from He nanodroplets by tunable extreme ultraviolet (XUV) radiation. Using coincidence imaging detection of electrons and ions, we probe the lowest He droplet excited states up to the electron impact ionization threshold. We find significant signal contributions from photoelectrons emitted from free He atoms accompanying the He nanodroplet beam. Furthermore, signal contributions from photoionization and electron impact excitation/ionization occurring in pairs of nearest-neighbor atoms in the He droplets are detected. This work highlights the importance of inelastic electron scattering in the interaction of nanoparticles with XUV radiation.
Direct comparison of plain and oxidized metal Schottky contacts on β-Ga2O3
Authors: Hou C. , Gazoni R. M. , Reeves R. J. , Allen M. W.
Published: January 2019

High quality Ru, Ir, Pd, Pt, Ag, and Au Schottky contacts (SCs) were fabricated on 2¯01 β-Ga2O3 single crystal substrates via rf sputtering under inert and oxidizing plasma conditions. The oxidized SCs exhibited significantly higher rectifying barriers and, with the exception of gold oxide, significantly improved high temperature performance, with more than 12 orders of magnitude of stable rectification at 180 °C. With the exception of Ag, the image-force-corrected laterally homogeneous barrier heights of the plain metal SCs were pinned close to 1.3 eV, irrespective of the metal work function, with the Fermi level at the SC interface close to the predicted VO (2+/0) transition level of fourfold coordinated oxygen vacancies. The equivalent barrier heights of the oxidized SCs were consistently 0.5–0.8 eV higher than their plain metal counterparts, lying in the range of 1.8–2.5 eV, with the increase attributed to the passivation of interfacial oxygen vacancies and a significant increase in the work function of the oxidized metals. The highest Schottky barriers for both the plain and oxidized metal SCs involved Ag, which may be linked to the relative ease of its unintentional and intentional oxidation, respectively. The very high rectifying barriers and the thermal stability of oxidized Schottky contacts to β-Ga2O3 indicate their potential for high temperature device applications.
A fractional model for predator-prey with omnivore
Authors: Bonyah E. , Atangana A. , Elsadany A. A.
Published: January 2019

We consider the model of interaction of predator and prey with omnivore using three different waiting time distributions. The first waiting time is induced by the power law distribution which is the generator of Pareto statistics. The second waiting time is induced by exponential decay law with a particular property of Delta Dirac distribution when the fractional order tends to 1, this distribution is link to the Poison distribution. While the last waiting distribution, induced by the Mittag-Leffler distribution, presents a crossover from exponential to power law. For each model, we presented the conditions under which the existence of unique set of exact solutions is reached using the fixed-point Picard’s method. Making use of a recent suggested numerical scheme, we solved each model numerically and some numerical simulations were generated for different values of fractional orders. We noticed a new attractor which can be considered as a combination of the Brownian motion and power law distribution in the model with the Atangana-Baleanu fractional derivative. With the aim to capture more attractors, we modified the model and presented also some numerical simulations. Our new model provides more attractors than the existing one even for fractional differential cases. We presented finally the Maximal Lyapunov exponent and the bifurcation diagrams. The comparative study shows that modeling with non-local and non-singular kernel fractional derivative leads to more attractors as this kernel is able to capture more physical problems.

This article is being retracted effective 7 July 2020.
Ultrafast third harmonic generation imaging of microplasma at the threshold of laser-induced plasma formation in solids
Authors: Mareev E. I. , Migal E. A. , Potemkin F. V.
Published: January 2019

We present a method of ultrafast laser-induced microplasma mapping based on the third harmonic generation at tightly focused laser beams in solids. The technique gives a submicron resolution and can be applied for two-dimensional imaging of laser-induced microplasma with the electron density as low as 10−5 ncr produced by a femtosecond laser driver at the plasma formation threshold. High sensitivity and contrast are dictated by nonlinear behavior of the third harmonic yield with the laser field. The demonstrated method gives an opportunity to increase the precision of plasma volume determination in the field of material microstructuring.
A new analysis for fractional rumor spreading dynamical model in a social network with Mittag-Leffler law
Authors: Singh Jagdev
Published: January 2019

Rumor plays a key role in social interaction, and its spreading has a notable influence on human lives. In this work, we study the rumor spreading dynamical model in a social network associated with the Atangana-Baleanu derivative of non-integer order. A deterministic model of the rumor spreading is studied. The solution of the rumor spreading dynamical model is obtained by employing an iterative scheme. Additionally, existence and uniqueness of the solution are discussed by employing the Picard-Lindelöf scheme. The effect of the order of AB fractional derivative on ignorants, spreaders, and stiflers is analyzed. Finally, to represent the obtained results, some numerical simulations are shown via graphs.
Research on complex dynamic behavior control of supply chain finance nonlinear system based on fractional differential operators
Authors: Yang Shenyan , Shi Wen , Chen Xiangjun , Leng Kaijun , Van Nieuwenhuyse Inneke
Published: January 2019

Supply chain management is a kind of behavior for enterprises to create core competitiveness in a complex competitive environment, especially for supply chain finance, which is a typical complex system with dynamic, open, and emergent non-linear characteristics in structure, environment, and behavior. For fractional order non-linear multi-agent systems, the event trigger control protocol is studied, and an event based on the threshold function of decreasing time is designed. According to the properties of the fractional linear differential equations, the consistency criterion is obtained, and the Zeno phenomenon is effectively avoided. Chaos exists in fractional-order electronic oscillators with order lower than 4th order, and the lowest order of chaos in the fractional-order system is only 2.3 orders. The research shows that under the appropriate parameter adjustment, chaos exists in the fractional-order vanderPol oscillator with order less than 4th order, and the lowest order of chaos in the fractional-order system is 2.7.
Network-based microsynteny analysis identifies major differences and genomic outliers in mammalian and angiosperm genomes
Authors: Zhao Tao , Schranz M. Eric
Published: January 2019

A comprehensive analysis of relative gene order, or microsynteny, can provide valuable information for understanding the evolutionary history of genes and genomes, and ultimately traits and species, across broad phylogenetic groups and divergence times. We have used our network-based phylogenomic synteny analysis pipeline to first analyze the overall patterns and major differences between 87 mammalian and 107 angiosperm genomes. These two important groups have both evolved and radiated over the last ∼170 MYR. Secondly, we identified the genomic outliers or “rebel genes” within each clade. We theorize that rebel genes potentially have influenced trait and lineage evolution. Microsynteny networks use genes as nodes and syntenic relationships between genes as edges. Networks were decomposed into clusters using the Infomap algorithm, followed by phylogenomic copy-number profiling of each cluster. The differences in syntenic properties of all annotated gene families, including BUSCO genes, between the two clades are striking: most genes are single copy and syntenic across mammalian genomes, whereas most genes are multicopy and/or have lineage-specific distributions for angiosperms. We propose microsynteny scores as an alternative and complementary metric to BUSCO for assessing genome assemblies. We further found that the rebel genes are different between the two groups: lineage-specific gene transpositions are unusual in mammals, whereas single-copy highly syntenic genes are rare for flowering plants. We illustrate several examples of mammalian transpositions, such as brain-development genes in primates, and syntenic conservation across angiosperms, such as single-copy genes related to photosynthesis. Future experimental work can test if these are indeed rebels with a cause.
Escape band in
Escherichia coli
chemotaxis in opposing attractant and nutrient gradients
Authors: Zhang Xuanqi , Si Guangwei , Dong Yiming , Chen Kaiyue , Ouyang Qi , Luo Chunxiong , Tu Yuhai
Published: January 2019

Significance

Not all nutrient molecules act as attractant signals, and not all attractants are good nutrients. Here, we study behaviors of bacterial cells in an environment with competing sources: One has a strong attractant but a poor nutrient, and the other has a rich nutrient but a weak attractant. We find that, although initially cells are attracted toward the strong attractant, the opposing nutrient gradient generated by consumption eventually becomes dominant when the cell density reaches a critical value. The cells then form a band escaping the strong attractant but weak nutrient “trap” and migrating toward the rich nutrient. Our study shows that combination of growth and chemotaxis allows cells to find nutrient source in complex environments with conflicting sensory cues.
Optofluidic real-time cell sorter for longitudinal CTC studies in mouse models of cancer
Authors: Hamza Bashar , Ng Sheng Rong , Prakadan Sanjay M. , Delgado Francisco Feijó , Chin Christopher R. , King Emily M. , Yang Lucy F. , Davidson Shawn M. , DeGouveia Kelsey L. , Cermak Nathan , Navia Andrew W. , Winter Peter S. , Drake Riley S. , Tammela Tuomas , Li Carman Man-Chung , Papagiannakopoulos Thales , Gupta Alejandro J. , Shaw Bagnall Josephine , Knudsen Scott M. , Vander Heiden Matthew G. , Wasserman Steven C. , Jacks Tyler , Shalek Alex K. , Manalis Scott R.
Published: January 2019

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) play a fundamental role in cancer progression. However, in mice, limited blood volume and the rarity of CTCs in the bloodstream preclude longitudinal, in-depth studies of these cells using existing liquid biopsy techniques. Here, we present an optofluidic system that continuously collects fluorescently labeled CTCs from a genetically engineered mouse model (GEMM) for several hours per day over multiple days or weeks. The system is based on a microfluidic cell sorting chip connected serially to an unanesthetized mouse via an implanted arteriovenous shunt. Pneumatically controlled microfluidic valves capture CTCs as they flow through the device, and CTC-depleted blood is returned back to the mouse via the shunt. To demonstrate the utility of our system, we profile CTCs isolated longitudinally from animals over 4 days of treatment with the BET inhibitor JQ1 using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) and show that our approach eliminates potential biases driven by intermouse heterogeneity that can occur when CTCs are collected across different mice. The CTC isolation and sorting technology presented here provides a research tool to help reveal details of how CTCs evolve over time, allowing studies to credential changes in CTCs as biomarkers of drug response and facilitating future studies to understand the role of CTCs in metastasis.
Small molecule ISRIB suppresses the integrated stress response within a defined window of activation
Authors: Rabouw Huib H. , Langereis Martijn A. , Anand Aditya A. , Visser Linda J. , de Groot Raoul J. , Walter Peter , van Kuppeveld Frank J. M.
Published: January 2019

Significance

The integrated stress response (ISR) protects cells from a variety of harmful stressors by temporarily halting protein synthesis. However, chronic ISR activation has pathological consequences and is linked to several neurological disorders. Pharmacological inhibition of chronic ISR activity emerges as a powerful strategy to treat ISR-mediated neurodegeneration but is typically linked to adverse effects due to the ISR’s importance for normal cellular function. Paradoxically, the small-molecule ISR inhibitor ISRIB has promising therapeutic potential in vivo without overt side effects. We demonstrate here that ISRIB inhibits low-level ISR activity, but does not affect strong ISR signaling. We thereby provide a plausible mechanism of how ISRIB counteracts toxic chronic ISR activity, without disturbing the cytoprotective effects of a strong acute ISR.
Specific sequences of infectious challenge lead to secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis-like disease in mice
Authors: Wang Andrew , Pope Scott D. , Weinstein Jason S. , Yu Shuang , Zhang Cuiling , Booth Carmen J. , Medzhitov Ruslan
Published: January 2019

Secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH) is a highly mortal complication associated with sepsis. In adults, it is often seen in the setting of infections, especially viral infections, but the mechanisms that underlie pathogenesis are unknown. sHLH is characterized by a hyperinflammatory state and the presence hemophagocytosis. We found that sequential challenging of mice with a nonlethal dose of viral toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist followed by a nonlethal dose of TLR4 agonist, but not other permutations, produced a highly lethal state that recapitulates many aspects of human HLH. We found that this hyperinflammatory response could be recapitulated in vitro in bone marrow-derived macrophages. RNA sequencing analyses revealed dramatic up-regulation of the red-pulp macrophage lineage-defining transcription factor SpiC and its associated transcriptional program, which was also present in bone marrow macrophages sorted from patients with sHLH. Transcriptional profiling also revealed a unique metabolic transcriptional profile in these macrophages, and immunometabolic phenotyping revealed impaired mitochondrial function and oxidative metabolism and a reliance on glycolytic metabolism. Subsequently, we show that therapeutic administration of the glycolysis inhibitor 2-deoxyglucose was sufficient to rescue animals from HLH. Together, these data identify a potential mechanism for the pathogenesis of sHLH and a potentially useful therapeutic strategy for its treatment.
Effect of pro-eutectoid ferrite on subsequent bainite transformation kinetics simulation
Authors: Chen Xiangjun , Rolfe Bernard , Abdollahpoor Amir , Xiao Namin , Li Dianzhong
Published: January 2019

The kinetics of multiphase transformation is more complicated than single phase transformation due to the effects of prior phase transformation on the subsequent transformations. The authors have previously proposed a new method to estimate the parameters related to the isothermal kinetics of single phase transformation. This current paper investigates the application of the authors’ method to the bainite transformation process of multiphase steel G18CrMo2-6. The mathematical relationship between Pro-eutectoid ferrite (Pro-EF) fractions and the kinetics related parameters of the subsequent bainite transformation during heat treatment processes in the G18CrMo2-6 multiphase steel has been investigated. The results show the significant effect of Pro-EF fractions on the start and finish temperatures and the isothermal phase transformation parameters ‘ b’ of subsequent bainite transformation.
Predictors of Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) Treatment Initiation and Engagement among Patients with Opioid use Disorder across 7 Health Systems
Authors: Campbell Cynthia I. , Weisner Constance , Binswanger Ingrid A. , Lapham Gwen T. , Ahmedani Brian K. , Yarborough Bobbi Jo H. , Haller Irina V. , Altschuler Andrea , Hechter Rulin C. , Loree Amy M. , Kline-Simon Andrea H.
Published: January 2019

Background

The prevalence of opioid use disorder (OUD) has increased rapidly in the United States and improving treatment access is critical. Among patients with OUD, we examined factors associated with the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) performance measures of alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment initiation and engagement.

Methods

Electronic health record and claims data between October 1, 2014, and August 15, 2015, from 7 health systems were used to identify patients ( n = 11,490) with a new index OUD diagnosis (no AOD diagnosis prior <60 days) based on International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-9 codes. Multivariable generalized linear models with a logit link clustered on health system were used to examine the associations of patient demographic and clinical characteristics, and department of index diagnosis, with HEDIS measures of treatment initiation and engagement.

Results

The prevalence of OUD among all AOD diagnoses varied across health systems, as did rates of AOD initiation (5.7%–21.6%) and engagement (7.6%–24.6%). Those diagnosed in the emergency department (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.27,1.97) or psychiatry/AOD treatment (aOR = 2.92, 95% CI = 2.47,3.46) were more likely to initiate treatment compared with primary care. Older patients were less likely to initiate (age 50–64 vs. age 18–29: aOR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.35, 0.51; age 65+ vs. age 18–29: aOR = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.26, 0.43), as were women (aOR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.62, 0.85). Patients diagnosed in psychiatry/AOD treatment (aOR = 2.67, 95% CI = 1.98, 3.60) compared with primary care were more likely to engage in treatment. Those identified in an inpatient setting (aOR = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.14, 0.27 vs. primary care), those with medical comorbidity (aOR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.52, 0.95), and older patients (age 50–64 vs. 18–29: aOR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.46, 0.88; age 65+ vs. 18–29: aOR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.22, 0.57) were less likely to engage in treatment.

Conclusions

Rates of initiation and engagement for OUD patients vary widely with noticeable room for improvement, particularly in this critical time of the opioid crisis. Targeting patient and system factors may improve health system performance, which is key to improving patient outcomes.
Parametric effect on dissimilar friction stir welded steel-magnesium alloys joints: a review
Authors: Singh Virendra Pratap , Patel Surendra Kumar , Kumar Nitin , Kuriachen Basil
Published: January 2019

The joining of a strong and a light metal such as; steel and magnesium alloys (Mg alloys) is much-needed demand for reducing the weight of the vehicles and other structures in various engineering applications. This has steered to a need of an acceptable welding method for dissimilar material. The Steel-Mg alloys joining make challenges through fusion welding because of various metallurgical issues. The friction stir welding (FSW) being a solid-state welding, has been used to join dissimilar materials. This review article thoroughly highlights the influence of FSW working parameters on microstructure, mechanical properties, and associated welding defects. Finally, this effort not only sets eminent outcomes of the preceding research personnel but also proposes forthcoming guidelines for FSW of Steel-Mg alloys.
Unidentical twins: recent social policy developments in Canada and the United States
Authors: Béland Daniel , Waddan Alex
Published: January 2019

There is a vast social policy literature on how Canada and the United States share key characteristics associated with the liberal welfare regime such as significant reliance on both social assistance and tax-subsidized private benefits and services. Yet, a closer look at these two countries points to key differences in areas such as fiscal federalism, health care, old-age pensions, and family benefits. This special issue of the Journal of Comparative and International Social Policy looks at recent social policy developments in Canada and the United States in ways that further illustrate the broad similarities, but also the key cross-national differences in policy design and real-world consequences, between these two countries. This Introduction explains why Canada and the United States are “unidentical twins” in social policy before discussing the contributions comprising this special issue.
CDK1-CCNB1 creates a spindle checkpoint–permissive state by enabling MPS1 kinetochore localization
Authors: Hayward Daniel , Alfonso-Pérez Tatiana , Cundell Michael J. , Hopkins Michael , Holder James , Bancroft James , Hutter Lukas H. , Novak Bela , Barr Francis A. , Gruneberg Ulrike
Published: January 2019

Spindle checkpoint signaling is initiated by recruitment of the kinase MPS1 to unattached kinetochores during mitosis. We show that CDK1-CCNB1 and a counteracting phosphatase PP2A-B55 regulate the engagement of human MPS1 with unattached kinetochores by controlling the phosphorylation status of S281 in the kinetochore-binding domain. This regulation is essential for checkpoint signaling, since MPS1S281A is not recruited to unattached kinetochores and fails to support the recruitment of other checkpoint proteins. Directly tethering MPS1S281A to the kinetochore protein Mis12 bypasses this regulation and hence the requirement for S281 phosphorylation in checkpoint signaling. At the metaphase–anaphase transition, MPS1 S281 dephosphorylation is delayed because PP2A-B55 is negatively regulated by CDK1-CCNB1 and only becomes fully active once CCNB1 concentration falls below a characteristic threshold. This mechanism prolongs the checkpoint-responsive period when MPS1 can localize to kinetochores and enables a response to late-stage spindle defects. By acting together, CDK1-CCNB1 and PP2A-B55 thus create a spindle checkpoint–permissive state and ensure the fidelity of mitosis.
Integrating the evidence from evidence factors in observational studies
Authors: Karmakar B , French B , Small D S
Published: January 2019

A sensitivity analysis for an observational study assesses how much bias, due to nonrandom assignment of treatment, would be necessary to change the conclusions of an analysis that assumes treatment assignment was effectively random. The evidence for a treatment effect can be strengthened if two different analyses, which could be affected by different types of biases, are both somewhat insensitive to bias. The finding from the observational study is then said to be replicated. Evidence factors allow for two independent analyses to be constructed from the same dataset. When combining the evidence factors, the Type I error rate must be controlled to obtain valid inference. A powerful method is developed for controlling the familywise error rate for sensitivity analyses with evidence factors. It is shown that the Bahadur efficiency of sensitivity analysis for the combined evidence is greater than for either evidence factor alone. The proposed methods are illustrated through a study of the effect of radiation exposure on the risk of cancer. An R package, evidenceFactors, is available from CRAN to implement the methods of the paper.
Benthic effects of offshore renewables: identification of knowledge gaps and urgently needed research
Authors: Dannheim Jennifer , Bergström Lena , Birchenough Silvana N R , Brzana Radosław , Boon Arjen R , Coolen Joop W P , Dauvin Jean-Claude , De Mesel Ilse , Derweduwen Jozefien , Gill Andrew B , Hutchison Zoë L , Jackson Angus C , Janas Urszula , Martin Georg , Raoux Aurore , Reubens Jan , Rostin Liis , Vanaverbeke Jan , Wilding Thomas A , Wilhelmsson Dan , Degraer Steven
Published: January 2019

As the EU's commitment to renewable energy is projected to grow to 20% of energy generation by 2020, the use of marine renewable energy from wind, wave and tidal resources is increasing. This literature review (233 studies) (i) summarizes knowledge on how marine renewable energy devices affect benthic environments, (ii) explains how these effects could alter ecosystem processes that support major ecosystem services and (iii) provides an approach to determine urgent research needs. Conceptual diagrams were set up to structure hypothesized cause-effect relationships (i.e. paths). Paths were scored for (i) temporal and spatial scale of the effect, (ii) benthic sensitivity to these effects, (iii) the effect consistency and iv) scoring confidence, and consecutively ranked. This approach identified prominent knowledge gaps and research needs about (a) hydrodynamic changes possibly resulting in altered primary production with potential consequences for filter feeders, (b) the introduction and range expansion of non-native species (through stepping stone effects) and, (c) noise and vibration effects on benthic organisms. Our results further provide evidence that benthic sensitivity to offshore renewable effects is higher than previously indicated. Knowledge on changes of ecological functioning through cascading effects is limited and requires distinct hypothesis-driven research combined with integrative ecological modelling.
Real-time Ultrasound-Guided Lumbar Epidural with Transverse Interlaminar View: Evaluation of an In-Plane Technique
Authors: Elsharkawy Hesham , Saasouh Wael , Babazade Rovnat , Soliman Loran Mounir , Horn Jean-Louis , Zaky Sherif
Published: January 2019

Objective

The anatomical landmarks method is currently the most widely used technique for epidural needle insertion and is faced with multiple difficulties in certain patient populations. Real-time ultrasound guidance has been recently used to aid in epidural needle insertion, with promising results. Our aim was to test the feasibility, success rate, and satisfaction associated with a novel real-time ultrasound-guided lumbar epidural needle insertion in the transverse interlaminar view.

Design

Prospective descriptive trial on a novel approach.

Setting

Operating room and preoperative holding area at a tertiary care hospital.

Subjects

Adult patients presenting for elective open prostatectomy and planned for surgical epidural anesthesia.

Methods

Consented adult patients aged 30–80 years scheduled for open prostatectomy under epidural anesthesia were enrolled. Exclusion criteria included allergy to local anesthetics, infection at the needle insertion site, coagulopathy, and patient refusal. A curvilinear low-frequency (2–5 MHz) ultrasound probe and echogenic 17-G Tuohy needles were used by one of three attending anesthesiologists. Feasibility of epidural insertion was defined as a 90% success rate within 10 minutes.

Results

Twenty-two patients were enrolled into the trial, 14 (63.6%) of whom found the process to be satisfactory or very satisfactory. The median time to perform the block was around 4.5 minutes, with an estimated success rate of 95%. No complications related to the epidural block were observed over the 48 hours after the procedure.

Conclusions

We demonstrate the feasibility of a novel real-time ultrasound-guided epidural with transverse interlaminar view.
Analysing the Investigation and Prosecution of Cryptocurrency Crime as Provided for by the South African Cybercrimes Bill
Authors: Reddy Eveshnie
Published: January 2019

The purpose of this article is to determine the effectiveness of the Cybercrimes Bill of 2018 in investigating and prosecuting cryptocurrency crime. The method used to determine this enquiry is based on the analysis of certain criminal, procedural, and investigatory support provisions of the bill, accompanied by recommendations where necessary. An analysis of the Cybercrimes Bill of 2018 in its entirety falls outside the scope of this article. The significance of this enquiry rests on the increasing use of cryptocurrencies in criminal activity (including money laundering, investment scams, fraud, hacking, and cyber extortion). The investigation and prosecution of such criminal activity may be exacerbated by the unique characteristics inherent in a cryptocurrency; a cryptocurrency is an unregulated, online, encrypted (and thus pseudonymous) ‘currency’ denominated in its own units of value. Cryptocurrencies are thus an international online ‘currency’ with multijurisdictional presence. Any criminal activity associated with its use will therefore invariably possess a cyber-element. Such criminal activity will thus need to be addressed from a legal basis that caters for the criminal and procedural processes necessary in the investigation and subsequent prosecution of such crime.
A Neurologic Examination for Anesthesiologists
Authors: Reshef Edith R. , Schiff Nicholas D. , Brown Emery N.
Published: January 2019

Anesthetics have profound effects on the brain and central nervous system. Vital signs, along with the electroencephalogram and electroencephalogram-based indices, are commonly used to assess the brain states of patients receiving general anesthesia and sedation. Important information about the patient’s arousal state during general anesthesia can also be obtained through use of the neurologic examination. This article reviews the main components of the neurologic examination focusing primarily on the brainstem examination. It details the components of the brainstem examination that are most relevant for patient management during induction, maintenance, and emergence from general anesthesia. The examination is easy to apply and provides important complementary information about the patient’s arousal level that cannot be discerned from vital signs and electroencephalogram measures.