bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, spectroscopic, DFT, biological studies and molecular docking of oxovanadium (IV), copper (II) and iron (III) complexes of a new hydrazone derived from heterocyclic hydrazide
Authors: El‐Gammal O.A. , El‐Reash G.M. Abu , Bedier R.A.
Published: August 2019

A new Schiff base hydrazone (Z)‐2‐(2‐aminothiazol‐4‐yl)‐N′‐(2‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxybenzylidene) acetohydrazide (H2L) and its chelates [VO (HL)2]·5H2O, [Cu (HL)Cl(H2O)]·2H2O and [Fe(L)Cl(H2O)2]·3H2O have been isolated and characterized using different physico‐chemical methods, for example infrared (IR), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), thermogravimetric analysis and DTG in the solid state, and 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR and UV in solution. Magnetic and UV–visible measurements proposed that the coordination environments are square pyramidal, tetrahedral and octahedral geometries for oxovanadium (IV), Cu (II) and Fe (III), respectively. The ligand acts as mono‐negative NO towards oxovanadium (IV) and Cu (II) ions, and bi‐negative ONO for Fe (III) ion. The geometries of the ligand and its complexes were performed using Gaussian 9 program with density functional theory. The EPR spectral data of oxovanadium (IV) and Cu (II) chelates confirmed the mentioned geometries. The molecular modeling was done, and illustrated bond lengths, bond angles, molecular electrostatic potential, Mulliken atomic charges and chemical reactivity for the inspected compounds. Theoretical IR and 1H‐NMR of the free ligand were calculated. Furthermore, thermodynamic and kinetic parameters for thermal decomposition steps were studied. Docking study of H2L was applied against the proteins of both bacterial strains Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, as well as the protein of xanthine oxidase as antioxidant agent by Schrödinger suite program utilizing XP glide protocol. Furthermore, antimicrobial, antioxidant and DNA‐binding activities of the compounds have been carried out.
Cellulose hydrogels physically crosslinked by glycine: Synthesis, characterization, thermal and mechanical properties
Authors: Palantöken S. , Bethke K. , Zivanovic V. , Kalinka G. , Kneipp Janina , Rademann Klaus
Published: August 2019

Biopolymers are very efficient for significant applications ranging from tissue engineering, biological devices to water purification. There is a tremendous potential value of cellulose because of its being the most abundant biopolymer on earth, swellability, and functional groups to be modified. A novel, highly efficient route for the fabrication of mechanically stable and natural hydrogels is described in which cellulose and glycine are dissolved in an alkaline solution of NaOH and neutralized in an acidic solution. The dissolving temperature and the glycine amount are essential parameters for the self‐assembly of cellulose chains and for tuning the morphology and the aggregate structures of the resulting hydrogels. Glycine plays the role of a physical crosslinker based on the information obtained from FTIR and Raman spectra. Among the prepared set of hydrogels, CL5Gly30 hydrogels have the highest capacity to absorb water. The prepared CL5Gly30 gels can absorb up to seven times their dry weight due to its porous 3‐D network structure. CL5Gly10 hydrogel exhibits 80% deformation under 21 N force executed. The method developed in this article can contribute to the application of heavy metal adsorption in aqueous solutions for water purification and waste management. © 2019 The Authors. 137 published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48380.
Design, synthesis, biological evaluation, and molecular modeling studies of rhodanine derivatives as pancreatic lipase inhibitors
Authors: Chauhan Divya , George Ginson , Sridhar S. N. C. , Bhatia Rohit , Paul Atish T. , Monga Vikramdeep
Published: August 2019

A series of rhodanine‐3‐acetic acid derivatives were synthesized via Knoevenagel condensation of rhodanine‐3‐acetic acid with various substituted aromatic aldehydes. The synthesized derivatives were screened in vitro for understanding the inhibitory potential towards pancreatic lipase (PL), a key enzyme responsible for the digestion of dietary fats. Derivative 8f exhibited a potential inhibitory activity towards PL (IC50 = 5.16 µM), comparable to that of the standard drug, orlistat (0.99 µM). An increase in the density of the aromatic ring resulted in potential PL inhibition. The enzyme kinetics of 8f exhibited a reversible competitive‐type inhibition, similar to that of orlistat. Derivative 8f exhibited a MolDock score of ‐125.19 kcal/mol in docking studies, and the results were in accordance with their PL inhibitory potential. Furthermore, the reactive carbonyl group of 8f existed at a distance adjacent to Ser152 (≈3 Å) similar to that of orlistat. Molecular dynamics simulation (10 ns) of the 8f‐PL complex revealed a stable binding conformation of 8f in the active site of PL (maximum root mean square displacement of ≈2.25 Å). The present study identified novel rhodanine‐3‐acetic acid derivatives with promising PL inhibitory potential, and further lead optimization might result in potent PL inhibitors.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Chemoselective Acetalization of Aldehydes With Alcohols under Neutral Conditions
Authors: Subaramanian Murugan , Landge Vinod G. , Mondal Akash , Gupta Virendrakumar , Balaraman Ekambaram
Published: August 2019

A molecularly defined NiII‐complex catalyzing the chemoselective acetalization of aldehydes with alcohols under neutral conditions is reported. The reaction is general, efficient and showed a wide substrate scope (including aliphatic aldehydes) as well as excellent functional group tolerance. Reusability of the present nickel catalyst is also demonstrated.
How Much Knowledge is Worth Knowing? An American Intellectual Historian's Thoughts on theGeschichte des Wissens
Authors: Marchand Suzanne
Published: August 2019

This essay investigates the origins and assesses the advantages and disadvantages of the new field known asWissensgeschichtefrom the perspective of an American intellectual historian. It argues that while some historians of science may be ready to embrace a new identity ashistorians of knowledge, this terminology remains baggy and invites facile applications of Foucauldian theory. The essay concludes with the hope that thehistory of knowledgeapproach may instead open up new avenues for conversation and collaboration between historians of science and garden variety historians.
A component analysis of behavioral skills training with volunteers teaching motor skills to individuals with developmental disabilities
Authors: Davis Sarah , Thomson Kendra , Connolly Maureen
Published: August 2019

This study included a component analysis of behavioral skills training (BST) for teaching volunteers how to use this training method to support individuals with developmental disabilities in a physical education program. In an alternating treatment design embedded within a multiple baseline design across five participants, the number of BST steps that volunteers completed correctly while teaching four motor skills was measured. In the initial training phase, each motor skill was taught to volunteers using a specific component of BST (i.e., instructions, modeling, rehearsal, or feedback). In subsequent training phases, BST components were combined to teach the volunteers the motor skills for which they did not reach a predetermined mastery criterion (a score of four correct responses across two consecutive trials). Maintenance was assessed. Results indicated that individual components of BST alone were sufficient for volunteers to meet the mastery criterion; however, the full BST framework was necessary for skill maintenance. Strengths, limitations, and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Treatment duration as a surrogate endpoint to evaluate the efficacy of crizotinib in sequential therapy for patients with advanced ALK‐positive non‐small cell lung cancer: A retrospective, real‐world study
Authors: Yang Guangjian , Ma Di , Xu Haiyan , Yang Lu , Li Junling , Xing Puyuan , Hao Xuezhi , Wang Yan
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Crizotinib has demonstrated good efficacy in patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)‐positive non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Continuing crizotinib therapy beyond progressive disease (CBPD) can achieve ongoing survival benefit in real‐world clinical practice. In terms of survival, progression‐free survival (PFS), the most commonly used endpoint in efficacy evaluations, may not provide accurate information on the impact of this intervention when crizotinib is administered in sequential therapy.

Materials and Methods

A single‐center, retrospective study of 201 ALK‐positive advanced NSCLC patients was conducted to analyze the PFS, overall survival (OS), and treatment duration (TD) of crizotinib. The correlations between the TD of crizotinib and OS in CBPD and non‐CBPD groups of patients were compared.

Results

All patients were treated with crizotinib, 150 of whom eventually developed progressive disease (PD). The median PFS1 and PFS2 were 13.2 months and 10.5 months, respectively. The OS of the whole population was 50.5 months. The median TD was 20.7 months, which is shorter than direct PFS1 + PFS2. The TD of crizotinib in CBPD group was significantly longer than that in non‐CBPD group (median 39.7 vs 15.0 months, P < .001). TD correlated better with OS (R = .79) than PFS (R = .64) in the CBPD group.

Conclusions

Crizotinib showed good efficacy in patients with ALK‐positive advanced NSCLC. Instead of PFS, treatment duration might be a more reasonable surrogate clinical endpoint in patients who received crizotinib in sequential therapy.
Prognostic significance of laterality in renal cell carcinoma: A population‐based study from the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results (SEER) database
Authors: Guo Shengjie , Yao Kai , He Xiaobo , Wu Shulin , Ye Yunlin , Chen Junxing , Wu Chin‐Lee
Published: August 2019

Background

Various prognostic characteristics have been established in the renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, the impact of tumor laterality is unknown. The objective of the current study was to explore the predictive and prognostic impact of tumor laterality of RCC after surgery.

Methods

This investigation was a population‐based retrospective cohort study of patients with RCC from the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results (SEER) database in the USA. All patients received surgical treatment between January 2010 and December 2014. Cancer‐specific survival (CSS) measured from the time of surgery.

Results

This study identified 41 138 surgically treated RCC patients: Of these patients, 50.6% had right‐sided RCC, 59.5% were younger than 65 years of age, 63.8% were male, and 81.0% were Caucasian. The stage distribution was 67.0% (I), 9.5% (II), 17.1% (III), and 6.4% (IV). Patients with right‐sided RCC were more likely to have favorable clinicopathological features compared with patients with left‐sided RCC. In adjusted analyses, patients with right‐sided RCC showed significantly better CSS than those with left‐sided RCC within different subgroups including tumor size ≥10 cm (P = .004), age <65 years (P = .002), male gender (P = .001), Caucasian race (P = .001), clear cell carcinoma type (P = .024), and radical nephrectomy (P = 0.008). Moreover, in the subgroup of tumor size ≥10 cm, right‐sided cancer was an independent predictor of CSS (P = .022).

Conclusion

Right‐sided RCC is associated with more early‐stage, low‐grade disease and shows better CSS than left‐sided RCC. Moreover, laterality remained as an independent prognostic factor for cancer‐specific survival in subgroup of tumor size ≥10 cm RCC.
Cognitive and motor aspects of cancer‐related fatigue
Authors: Feng Li Rebekah , Regan Jeniece , Shrader Joseph A. , Liwang Josephine , Ross Alexander , Kumar Saloni , Saligan Leorey N.
Published: August 2019

Background

Cancer‐related fatigue (CRF) is a debilitating symptom frequently reported by patients during and after treatment for cancer. CRF is a multidimensional experience and is often solely assessed by self‐report measures. The goal of the study is to examine the physical and cognitive aspects of self‐reported CRF using a cognitive function test and a physical fatigue index in order to provide objective measures that can characterize the CRF phenotype.

Methods

A total of 59 subjects with nonmetastatic prostate cancer receiving external beam radiation therapy were included in the study. Fatigue was measured using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Fatigue (FACT‐F) questionnaire. Cognitive characteristics of CRF was measured using the Stroop Color‐Word Interference computerized test and the motor aspect of fatigue was measured using the static fatigue test using a handgrip dynamometer.

Findings

Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Fatigue scores significantly correlated with the Stroop Interference score, but not performance accuracy in all test conditions. Fatigued subjects exhibited a more rapid decline to 50% of maximal strength and increased static fatigue index in the handgrip test, whereas maximal grip strength was not affected.

Conclusions

The results suggest that CRF exhibits both cognitive and physical characteristics. Subjective fatigue was associated with increased time required to overcome cognitive interference, but not cognitive performance accuracy. Fatigued patients exhibited decreased physical endurance and the ability to sustain maximal strength over time. These objective measures may serve as valuable tools for clinicians to detect cognitive and physical impairment associated with CRF.
Patients' prognosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and combined hepatocellular‐cholangiocarcinoma after resection
Authors: Song Peipei , Midorikawa Yutaka , Nakayama Hisashi , Higaki Tokio , Moriguchi Masamichi , Aramaki Osamu , Yamazaki Shintaro , Aoki Masaru , Teramoto Kenichi , Takayama Tadatoshi
Published: August 2019

Combined hepatocellular‐cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC‐CC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) are classified into one category, but comparison of prognosis of the two carcinomas remains controversial. The aim of the current study was to investigate surgical outcomes for patients with ICC or cHCC‐CC who underwent resection in order to elucidate whether the classification of ICC and cHCC‐CC is justified. Subjects were 61 patients with ICC and 29 patients with cHCC‐CC who underwent liver resection from 2001 to 2017. Clinic‐pathological data from the two groups were compared. Tumor number and vascular invasion were independent risk factors for recurrence‐free survival (RFS) in both groups (P < .001 for both). Of note, for patients with ICC, tumor cut‐off size of 5 cm showed statistical significance in median RFS (>5 cm vs ≤5 cm, 0.5 years vs 4.0 years, P = .003). For patients with cHCC‐CC, tumor cut‐off size of 2 cm showed statistical significance in median RFS (>2 cm vs ≤2 cm, 0.6 years vs 2.6 years, P = .038). The median RFS of patients with cHCC‐CC was 0.9 years (95% confidence interval: 0.3‐1.6), which was poorer than that of patients with ICC (1.3 years, 0.5‐2.1) (P = .028); the rate of RFS at 5 years was 0% and 37.7% respectively. Our study supports the concept of classifying ICC and cHCC‐CC into different categories because of a significant difference in RFS between the two.
Risk of cancer and longest‐held occupations in Japanese workers: A multicenter hospital‐based case‐control study
Authors: Kaneko Rena , Zaitsu Masayoshi , Sato Yuzuru , Kobayashi Yasuki
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Little is known about the risk of developing various cancers according to occupation and occupational physical activity.

Methods

Using nationwide clinical inpatient data (1984‐2017) in Japan, we undertook a multicentered, matched case‐control study with regard to the risk of developing various cancers according to occupation and using patients admitted with fractures as controls. Using standardized national occupation and industrial classifications, we first identified the longest‐held job for each patient. Using sales workers as the reference group, odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by conditional logistic regression, adjusted for age, admission period, and the admitting hospital, with smoking, alcohol consumption, and lifestyle diseases as covariates. The risk of high and low occupational physical activity was also estimated.

Results

Across all occupations, a reduced risk for all common cancers among males was observed among those occupations associated with high physical activities, such as agriculture. People in these occupations tended to show a lower risk for most cancers, including, for example, prostate cancer (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.45‐0.75) and lung cancer (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.51‐0.76). For females, the breast cancer risk was low in women engaged in agriculture (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.45‐0.75) and in those occupations with high levels of occupational physical activity (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.52‐0.66).

Conclusions

This study revealed differences in cancer risk among diverse occupations in Japan. Specifically, those occupations associated with high levels of physical activity may be associated with a decreased risk of cancer.
Use of 65 cm large caliber Dryseal sheaths to facilitate delivery of the Edwards SAPIEN valve to dysfunctional right ventricular outflow tracts
Authors: Kenny Damien , Morgan Gareth J. , Murphy Matthew , AlAlwi Khalid , Giugno Luca , Zablah Jenny , Carminati Mario , Walsh Kevin
Published: August 2019

Background

The Edwards SAPIEN valve and its delivery system may complicate transit through the right heart during transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (tPVR). We report our early experience using a large diameter, 65 cm delivery sheath to facilitate delivery of the SAPIEN valve to the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT).

Methods

Retrospective analysis of all patients from three large congenital heart centers undergoing tPVR with the Edwards SAPIEN valve delivered with the 65 cm Gore Dryseal Sheath.

Results

Over a 12 month period, 30 patients (17 female) with median age 17.5 years (range 8–72) underwent attempted tPVR with the SAPIEN valve delivered using the 65 cm Dryseal sheath (20–26Fr). All procedures resulted in successful valve delivery to the target area. Twenty patients had a native RVOT. The most commonly used valve diameter was 29 mm (n = 15) with the majority of cases requiring a 26Fr Dryseal sheath (n = 20). One patient with severe RVOT stenosis underwent prestenting. Median procedure time was 100 min (59–225). No patient had increase in tricuspid valve regurgitation as a consequence of valve delivery. One patient required a synchronous cardioversion for intraprocedural VT and another required ECMO postprocedure due to severe pre‐existing left ventricular dysfunction. On median follow‐up of 5 months, all patients had mild or less pulmonary regurgitation. Median peak Doppler velocity across the pulmonary valve was 2.2 m/s (1.7–4). There were no clinically relevant complications relating to vascular access.

Conclusions

Using 65 cm Dryseal sheaths facilitates delivery of SAPIEN valves in patients with dysfunctional RVOTs.
Endovascular repair during complex thoracic aortic dissection using a micropore stent graft: Midterm follow‐up clinical outcomes
Authors: Wang Zhe , Wang Cheng , Li Fenghe , Zhao Yu
Published: August 2019

Objective

This study explored the clinical efficacy and hemodynamic effects of the micropore stent graft (MSG) that could promote aortic remodeling and preserve important organ branches.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 26 patients who underwent endovascular repair using an MSG for DeBakey types I and III TAD at our center between December 2014 and December 2017. The main efficacy parameters were rupture of the false lumen or dissection‐related death, conversion to open repair, secondary reintervention, branch vessel patency, and the hemodynamic effects of TAD at 12 months.

Results

Dissection rupture, dissection‐related mortality, conversion to open repair, and secondary reintervention rates at 12 months were 0, 3.9, 0, and 0%, respectively. In the 24 patients with more than 6 months of follow‐up, micropore stents were implanted to cover 39 openings in aortic arch branches, 91.7% (22/24) presented with complete thrombosis in the false lumen, 8.3% (2/24) presented with partial thrombosis in the false lumen, 35.2% (6/17) presented with a thrombus in the false lumen that was completely absorbed, and all 39 branches were patent. After surgery, pressure peak value and fluctuation along with the degree and range of unstable blood flow in the aortic lumen decreased.

Conclusions

For type I and type III thoracic artic dissection, endovascular treatment with an MSG may be a safe and effective treatment option with a good midterm outcome.
Effects of different fertilization levels on the concentration of high molecular weight glutenin subunits of two spring, hard red bread wheat cultivars
Authors: Tóth Brigitta , van Biljon Angeline , Moloi Makoena Joyce , Labuschagne Maryke
Published: August 2019

Backgrounds and objectives

High molecular weight gluten subunits (HMW‐GS) are generally considered to play a key role in gluten formation and structure and are closely related to wheat quality. In this study, two spring wheat cultivars (PAN3497 and SST806) with the same HMW‐GS composition (1Ax1, 1Bx7, 1By8, 1Dx2, and 1Dy12) were tested in the greenhouse, over 2 years, in order to determine how different genetic backgrounds, and low‐nitrogen and low‐phosphorus treatments, influenced the expression and quantity of the HMW‐GS, as measured by reverse‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC).

Findings

Cultivar effect was highly significant for all HMW‐GS, except for 1By8. A large treatment effect was found on subunits 1Ax1, 1Dy12, and 1By8. Cultivar‐by‐treatment interaction was highly significant and contributed to variation of subunit 1Dx2. Subunits 1Dy12 and 1By8 were highly influenced by low‐N conditions. Ratio of HMW‐GS x type/y type was higher for PAN3497 than for SST806. Furthermore, a strong treatment effect was observed for the ratio of x type/y type, which was 45% higher in PAN3497 under optimal and low‐N conditions, compared to SST806.

Conclusions

This study showed that fertilization level had a considerable effect on HMW‐GS composition and on FPC, with low‐N conditions having the largest influence, followed by a combination of low N and low P.

Significance and novelty

The results highlighted the importance of the y‐type subunits in the bread wheat quality breeding programs, especially under low‐N and low‐P growing conditions.
Electron‐Deficient Borinic Acid Polymers: Synthesis, Supramolecular Assembly, and Examination as Catalysts in Amide Bond Formation
Authors: Baraniak Monika K. , Lalancette Roger A. , Jäkle Frieder
Published: August 2019

The Lewis acidic character of borinic‐acid‐functionalized polymers suggests broad potential applications in supramolecular materials, chemo‐ and biosensors, as well as supported catalysts. Two highly electron‐deficient borinic acid copolymers (3 a and 3 b) with variable steric hindrance at the boron center were prepared by reaction of aryldibromoboranes ArBBr2 (2, Ar=2,4‐Cl2Ph, 3,5‐Cl2Ph) with a 10 % stannylated polystyrene random copolymer, followed by conversion to the desired PS‐B(Ar)OH functionalities. The supramolecular assembly of these polymers through Lewis acid–Lewis base interactions and reversible covalent B−O−B bond formation was investigated. Exposure of a polymer solution of 3 a to pyridine triggered spontaneous gelation, whereas 3 b only gelled upon addition of molecular sieves to favor formation of boroxane crosslinks. The crosslinking process was readily reversed by addition of small amounts of water or wet solvent. The dynamic processes were studied in detail by variable‐temperature (VT) NMR by using molecular model compounds. The polymers and their corresponding model compounds were also examined as catalysts in the amide bond formation reaction between phenylacetic acid and benzylamine. The 3,5‐dichlorophenyl borinic acid derivatives proved to be the more effective catalysts. Mechanistic studies suggested that the borane Lewis acid‐catalyzed coupling involves initial acid‐induced protodeboronation to release the dichlorophenyl boronic acid as the active catalyst.
Towards Nonalternant Nanographenes through Self‐Promoted Intramolecular Indenoannulation Cascade by C−F Bond Activation
Authors: Akhmetov Vladimir , Feofanov Mikhail , Papaianina Olena , Troyanov Sergey , Amsharov Konstantin
Published: August 2019

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Konstantin Amsharov at Friedrich‐Alexander University Erlangen‐Nuernberg. The image depicts a snowball effect, illustrating how the PAH core becomes more and more prone to undergo indenoannulation as its size grows after each cyclization. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201902586.
Das Periodensystem der Elemente und Lothar Meyer
Authors: Boeck Gisela
Published: August 2019

Lothar Meyer suchte fast sein gesamtes wissenschaftliches Leben lang nach einer Erklärung der Döbereiner'schen Triaden und nach den kleinsten Bausteinen der Materie. Er verwarf die Prout'sche Hypothese nicht vollständig. Im Hinblick auf Voraussagen war Meyer sehr zurückhaltend, er hat sich auch nie deutlich dazu bekannt, ein Gesetz aufgefunden zu haben. Er erkannte die Notwendigkeit, die Atomgewichte noch besser zu bestimmen. Den besonderen Wert des Periodensystems sah er in seiner Rolle als Hilfsmittel in der Lehre, obwohl er selbst erkannt hatte, dass der Einzug in die Lehrbücher nur sehr zögerlich verlief. Die Bestätigung des Periodensystems durch die Atomtheorie und das Auffinden und Einordnen der Isotope hat Lothar Meyer nicht mehr erlebt.
Comparison of ablation outcomes of the second ablation procedure for recurrent atrial fibrillation using an ultra‐high‐resolution mapping system and conventional mappings system
Authors: Masuda Masaharu , Asai Mitsutoshi , Iida Osamu , Okamoto Shin , Ishihara Takayuki , Nanto Kiyonori , Kanda Takashi , Tsujimura Takuya , Matsuda Yasuhiro , Okuno Shota , Tsuji Aki , Mano Toshiaki
Published: August 2019

Background

The utility of an ultra‐high‐resolution electroanatomical mapping system (UHR‐EAM, Rhythmia) for repeat atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation has not been evaluated.

Hypothesis

A second AF ablation procedure performed using UHR‐EAM may demonstrate different outcomes compared with that using a conventional electroanatomical mapping system (C‐EAM, CARTO3).

Method

This observational study enrolled consecutive patients who underwent a second AF ablation procedure using UHR‐EAM (n = 103) and C‐EAM (n = 153). The second ablation procedure included re‐isolation of reconnected pulmonary veins (PVs) and elimination of clinical or induced non‐PV AF triggers and atrial tachycardia (AT). Other empirical ablations were additionally conducted at the discretion of the operators.

Results

Re‐isolation of PVs was achieved in 196 patients who had ≥1 left atrial‐PV reconnection. The elimination rate of AT was higher in the UHR‐EAM group than the C‐EAM group (87% vs 65%, P = .040), while that of non‐PV AF triggers was similar (63% vs 63%, P = 1.00). The UHR‐EAM demonstrated shorter radiofrequency application time (21.8 ± 16.8 vs 28.0 ± 21.3 minutes, P = .017), but longer fluoroscopic time (26.2 ± 12.6 vs 21.4 ± 9.3 minutes, P = .0001). No severe complication developed. The total 1‐year AF/AT‐free survival rates were similar between the two groups (off AADs, 59.2% vs 56.2%, P = .62; on AADs, 65.0% vs 69.3%, P = .49).

Conclusion

The efficacy and safety outcomes of repeat AF ablation using UHR‐EAM was comparable to those using C‐EAM.
The Landscape of the Spiked Tensor Model
Authors: Arous Gérard Ben , Mei Song , Montanari Andrea , Nica Mihai
Published: August 2019

We consider the problem of estimating a large rank‐one tensor u⊗k ∈ (ℝn)⊗k, k ≥ 3, in Gaussian noise. Earlier work characterized a critical signal‐to‐noise ratio λ  Bayes = O(1) above which an ideal estimator achieves strictly positive correlation with the unknown vector of interest. Remarkably, no polynomial‐time algorithm is known that achieved this goal unless λ ≥ Cn(k − 2)/4, and even powerful semidefinite programming relaxations appear to fail for 1 ≪ λ ≪ n(k − 2)/4.

In order to elucidate this behavior, we consider the maximum likelihood estimator, which requires maximizing a degree‐k homogeneous polynomial over the unit sphere in n dimensions. We compute the expected number of critical points and local maxima of this objective function and show that it is exponential in the dimensions n, and give exact formulas for the exponential growth rate. We show that (for λ larger than a constant) critical points are either very close to the unknown vector u or are confined in a band of width Θ(λ−1/(k − 1)) around the maximum circle that is orthogonal to u. For local maxima, this band shrinks to be of size Θ(λ−1/(k − 2)). These “uninformative” local maxima are likely to cause the failure of optimization algorithms. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Privacy of outsourced two‐party k‐means clustering
Authors: Cai Yunlu , Tang Chunming
Published: August 2019

Many schemes for privacy‐preserving machine learning have been proposed over the past decade. Often, the entities want to keep the privacy of their data while performing machine learning tasks collaboratively, and institutions or end‐users are with limited computing and storage resources. To overcome these issues and to take benefits of cloud computing, it is possible to outsource the execution of a machine learning task to a computing service while retaining confidentiality of the participant's data. Clustering is one of the commonly used tasks in various machine learning and data mining applications. In this paper, we demonstrate that, by using homomorphic encryption, it is possible to outsource the execution of a two‐party k‐means clustering algorithm to a single cloud server while retaining confidentiality of the test data. To the best of our knowledge, ours is the first reasonable scheme to discuss the two‐party k‐means clustering algorithm to a single cloud server.
On‐chip evolution of combinational logic circuits using an improved genetic‐simulated annealing algorithm
Authors: Shang Qianyi , Chen Lijun , Peng Peng
Published: August 2019

This paper presents the on‐chip evolution system of combinational logic circuits by a new hybrid algorithm known as improved genetic‐simulated annealing algorithm (IGASA). IGASA is based on the concept and principles of genetic algorithm (GA) and simulated annealing (SA). The main idea is to combine GA's global search ability with the advantage of SA's fast convergence to reach an optimal solution. In this paper, a new mutation operation and a repeated annealing (RA) process are introduced to overcome the premature convergence of the standard GA and the large number of searches in the later period. An elitist strategy to enhance convergence characteristic of the proposed algorithm is incorporated to better speed up the evolution process. In addition, the new algorithm is implemented in a new evolvable platform using Intel Cyclone V FPGA with an embedded ARM microprocessor. Comparison of the performance of the improved algorithm to the pure GASA algorithm and standard GA is presented on a number of case studies. The experiment results demonstrate that feasible circuits are always achieved by the IGASA algorithm unlike with other algorithms and the number of generations required is less.
A Microelectronic Sensor Device Powered by a Small Implantable Biofuel Cell
Authors: Bollella Paolo , Lee Inhee , Blaauw David , Katz Evgeny
Published: August 2019

Biocatalytic buckypaper electrodes modified with pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ)‐dependent glucose dehydrogenase and bilirubin oxidase for glucose oxidation and oxygen reduction, respectively, were prepared for their use in a biofuel cell. A small (millimeter‐scale; 2×3×2 mm3) enzyme‐based biofuel cell was tested in a model glucose‐containing aqueous solution, in human serum, and as an implanted device in a living gray garden slug (Deroceras reticulatum), producing electrical power in the range of 2–10 μW (depending on the glucose source). A microelectronic temperature‐sensing device equipped with a rechargeable supercapacitor, internal data memory and wireless data downloading capability was specifically designed for activation by the biofuel cell. The power management circuit in the device allowed the optimized use of the power provided by the biofuel cell dependent on the sensor operation activity. The whole system (power‐producing biofuel cell and power‐consuming sensor) operated autonomously by extracting electrical energy from the available environmental source, as exemplified by extracting power from the glucose‐containing hemolymph (blood substituting biofluid) in the slug to power the complete temperature sensor system and read out data wirelessly. Other sensor systems operating autonomously in remote locations based on the concept illustrated here are envisaged for monitoring different environmental conditions or can be specially designed for homeland security applications, particularly in detecting bioterrorism threats.
Negative‐Stain Transmission Electron Microscopy of Molecular Complexes for Image Analysis by 2D Class Averaging
Authors: Gallagher John R. , Kim Alexander J. , Gulati Neetu M. , Harris Audray K.
Published: August 2019

Negative‐stain transmission electron microscopy (EM) is a technique that has provided nanometer resolution images of macromolecules for about 60 years. Developments in cryo‐EM image processing have maximized the information gained from averaging large numbers of particles. These developments can now be applied back to negative‐stain image analysis to ascertain domain level molecular structure (10 to 20 Å) more quickly and efficiently than possible by atomic resolution cryo‐EM. Using uranyl acetate stained molecular complexes of influenza hemagglutinin bound to Fab 441D6, we describe a simple and efficient means to collect several hundred micrographs with SerialEM. Using RELION, we illustrate how tens of thousands of complexes can be auto‐picked and classified to accurately describe the domain level topology of this unconventional hemagglutinin head‐domain epitope. By comparing to the cryo‐EM density map of the same complex, we show that questions about epitope mapping and conformational heterogeneity can readily be answered by this negative‐stain method. © 2019 The Authors.
3D Residual Strain in DKDP Crystals by Neutron Diffraction
Authors: Liu Fafu , Sun Xun , Sun Guangai , Cao Jianwu , Mu Xiaoming , Guo Zaizai , Yuan Qingxi
Published: August 2019

Neutron diffraction technique is applied to study the three‐dimensional (3D) residual strains in K(H1−xDx)2PO4 (DKDP) crystals with various deuterium contents (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.99). It is found that the residual strains in the crystalline coordinate are at the magnitude of 10−3 to 10−4. The results show that the level of the macro‐strain in the crystal bulk is independent of the deuteration level. However, when the deuteration level is below 50%, the average of micro‐strain increases first with the increasing of deuteration level, then decreases when the deuteration level is in excess of 50%. According to the residual strains, the internal stresses are calculated through σij = Cijklεkl. Finally, the potential sources of the stresses in crystals are discussed and analyzed.
The impact of corporate social responsibility transparency on the financial performance, brand value, and sustainability level of IT companies
Authors: Alcaide González Maria Ángeles , De La Poza Plaza Elena , Guadalajara Olmeda Natividad
Published: August 2019

The companies are aware of the impact that disseminating their corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance has on how shareholders or investors perceive them. This work analyses if disseminating CSR results affects their economic–financial results, their scores in open‐access sustainability ranking, their brand values, and also the credit ratings that agencies S&P and Moody's confer them. For this purpose, the only 13 companies of the IT sector occupying a top 100 brand rankings position were selected. The results reveal that large companies come over as being more transparent in terms of sustainability, but this transparency is not related to their financial behaviour. Brand rankings collect socio‐economic and environmental information, but only the transparency in social and environmental aspects explains the public‐access CRS rankings. Finally, the results also show that this transparency affects credit ratings.
Performance analysis of LTE physical layer using hardware cosimulation techniques and implementation on FPGA for communication systems
Authors: Venkataramanan V , Lakshmi S
Published: August 2019

The recent mobile networks provide large data access using long‐term evolution networks. Long‐term evolution networks are a third‐generation partnership project standard that provides different speed limits for uplink and downlink. The different network operators have different bandwidth requirements to provide different services. Long‐term evolution improves the efficiency of the network. The analysis of long‐term evolution is performed using different signal processing algorithms that require a realistic, flexible, and standard compliant simulation environment. This study emphasizes to measure the performance of long‐term evolution downlink and uplink physical layer based on Release 11, 12, and 13. The analysis of orthogonal frequency division multiple access for downlink and single‐carrier frequency division multiplexing access for uplink using different modulation schemes like quadrature amplitude modulation (4, 16, 64) and different antenna configurations in long‐term evolution physical layer is analyzed using hardware cosimulation platform.
A systematic investigation of forensic hair decontamination procedures and their limitations
Authors: Mantinieks Dylan , Wright Paul , Di Rago Matthew , Gerostamoulos Dimitri
Published: August 2019

The effectiveness of decontamination procedures used for the removal of external drug contamination in forensic hair analysis is an ongoing debate. This investigation evaluated wash methods complying with Society of Hair Testing (SoHT) guidelines and their capacity to remove cocaine (COC) and methamphetamine (MA) from artificially contaminated hair. The most effective decontamination method was determined using a systematic approach, involving (1) an initial washing solvent screen, (2) optimization of wash duration, (3) comparison of sequential wash methods, and (4) reanalysis of clinical hair samples. For analysis, hair was subjected to micro‐pulverized methanolic extraction prior to quantitation by ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography−tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC−MS/MS). Methanol (MeOH) and 0.1 M phosphate buffer (pH 6) were the most effective organic and aqueous solvents, respectively, removing 28%–38% of COC and 16%–31% of MA. Wash durations longer than 30–60 minutes did not remove additional amounts, and a more efficient sequential wash method was subsequently developed. Despite this, the interpretation of reportable results relative to the SoHT cut‐off levels was unchanged for most clinical hair samples reanalyzed after washing by agitation for 30 minutes with MeOH. These findings highlight the inability of decontamination solvents to completely remove external COC and MA contamination from hair, including wash methods adhering to SoHT guidelines.
Detectability of various cannabinoids in plasma samples of cannabis users: Indicators of recent cannabis use?
Authors: Kraemer Michael , Madea Burkhard , Hess Cornelius
Published: August 2019

Despite many studies on cannabinoid pharmacokinetics, the proposals of marker cannabinoids for recent cannabis use, and the introduction of mathematical models estimating the time frame between consumption and blood sampling, it is still challenging for forensic toxicologists to estimate the last time of cannabis exposure. To assess the informative value of determining (minor) cannabinoids in plasma of cannabis users, detection rates of 14 cannabinoids next to Δ9‐THC and THC‐COOH (11‐OH‐THC, CBC, CBD, CBN, CBDV, THCV, CBG, CBL, Δ8‐THC, THCA, CBDA, CBGA, THCV‐COOH, CBN‐COOH) were determined. Three hundred fifty‐five plasma samples, previously tested positive for cannabinoids (Δ9‐THC: approximately 0.4 ng/mL – 125 ng/mL (range), mean: 10.1 ng/mL; THC‐COOH: approximately 3.8 ng/mL – 457 ng/mL (range), mean: 71.6 ng/mL) were analyzed by means of liquid chromatography−tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). All analyzed cannabinoids could be detected in plasma samples with varying incidence. 11‐OH‐THC, THCA, CBC, CBN, and CBD were the most frequent detectable cannabinoids (next to Δ9‐THC and THC‐COOH). The dependency of cannabinoid detectability on the plasma Δ9‐THC concentration and on the probable time of consumption (estimated by a model of Huestis and coworkers) was examined. Detection incidences (eg, 11‐OH‐THC, CBC) often increased with increasing Δ9‐THC concentration but not for all cannabinoids (eg, CBD, THCA). The presented data for minor cannabinoid findings in plasma can be helpful for a comprehensive interpretation of cannabinoid findings in plasma samples of cannabis users.
Impact of demography on linked selection in two outcrossing Brassicaceae species
Authors: Mattila Tiina M. , Laenen Benjamin , Horvath Robert , Hämälä Tuomas , Savolainen Outi , Slotte Tanja
Published: August 2019

Genetic diversity is shaped by mutation, genetic drift, gene flow, recombination, and selection. The dynamics and interactions of these forces shape genetic diversity across different parts of the genome, between populations and species. Here, we have studied the effects of linked selection on nucleotide diversity in outcrossing populations of two Brassicaceae species, Arabidopsis lyrata and Capsella grandiflora, with contrasting demographic history. In agreement with previous estimates, we found evidence for a modest population size expansion thousands of generations ago, as well as efficient purifying selection in C. grandiflora. In contrast, the A. lyrata population exhibited evidence for very recent strong population size decline and weaker efficacy of purifying selection. Using multiple regression analyses with recombination rate and other genomic covariates as explanatory variables, we can explain 47% of the variance in neutral diversity in the C. grandiflora population, while in the A. lyrata population, only 11% of the variance was explained by the model. Recombination rate had a significant positive effect on neutral diversity in both species, suggesting that selection at linked sites has an effect on patterns of neutral variation. In line with this finding, we also found reduced neutral diversity in the vicinity of genes in the C. grandiflora population. However, in A. lyrata no such reduction in diversity was evident, a finding that is consistent with expectations of the impact of a recent bottleneck on patterns of neutral diversity near genes. This study thus empirically demonstrates how differences in demographic history modulate the impact of selection at linked sites in natural populations.
Tree rings: A key ecological indicator for reconstruction of groundwater depth in the lower Tarim River, Northwest China
Authors: Zhou Honghua , Chen Yaning , Hao Xingming , Zhao Ying , Fang Gonghuan , Yang Yuhai
Published: August 2019

Groundwater is becoming increasingly important in extremely arid areas due to climate change and human activities. Little is known, however, regarding the long‐term dynamics of groundwater due to the lack of long‐term historical records of groundwater depth data. In this study, we investigated the relationship between hydrometeorology and tree rings of Populus euphratica (P. euphratica) and the feasibility of reconstructing historical groundwater depths from these tree rings in the lower reaches of the Tarim River, an extremely arid area in China. Tree‐ring growth of P. euphratica mainly reflected historical changes in regional water environments (including runoff and shallow groundwater), rather than climatic variables (including temperature, precipitation, relative humidity, and sunshine hours). Groundwater depth constituted the key environmental factor for directly controlling P. euphratica growth. Linear regression models using tree rings were developed to reconstruct historical changes of groundwater depths in the calendar year (January–December) and the growing season (April–August) from 1950 to 2015. Results tracked well with the main hydrological events in the study area. Our findings demonstrate that tree rings of P. euphratica are a key and effective ecological indicator for quantitatively reconstructing and elucidating historical changes of groundwater depth in the lower reaches of the Tarim River. Additionally, the suitable sampling range for establishing tree‐ring chronologies of P. euphratica and reconstructing groundwater depth is 0–300 m from the river channel in the lower Tarim River. Taking into consideration the lagged effect between runoff of the Ecological Water Conveyance Project (EWCP), decrease in groundwater and tree growth, we recommend that the optimal implementation time of ecological water conveyance is between the previous September and November in the lower Tarim River. This application will effectively improve the groundwater environment in the current year and ensure the growth of riparian trees.
Why has positive inotropy failed in chronic heart failure? Lessons from prior inotrope trials
Authors: Ahmad Tariq , Miller P. Elliott , McCullough Megan , Desai Nihar R. , Riello Ralph , Psotka Mitchell , Böhm Michael , Allen Larry A. , Teerlink John R. , Rosano Giuseppe M.C. , Lindenfeld Joann
Published: August 2019

Current pharmacological therapies for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction are largely either repurposed anti‐hypertensives that blunt overactivation of the neurohormonal system or diuretics that decrease congestion. However, they do not address the symptoms of heart failure that result from reductions in cardiac output and reserve. Over the last few decades, numerous attempts have been made to develop and test positive cardiac inotropes that improve cardiac haemodynamics. However, definitive clinical trials have failed to show a survival benefit. As a result, no positive inotrope is currently approved for long‐term use in heart failure. The focus of this state‐of‐the‐art review is to revisit prior clinical trials and to understand the causes for their findings. Using the learnings from those experiences, we propose a framework for future trials of such agents that maximizes their potential for success. This includes enriching the trials with patients who are most likely to derive benefit, using biomarkers and imaging in trial design and execution, evaluating efficacy based on a wider range of intermediate phenotypes, and collecting detailed data on functional status and quality of life. With a rapidly growing population of patients with advanced heart failure, the epidemiologic insignificance of heart transplantation as a therapeutic intervention, and both the cost and morbidity associated with ventricular assist devices, there is an enormous potential for positive inotropic therapies to impact the outcomes that matter most to patients.