bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Voltammetric Assessment of Ions Transfer at Ionophore‐Graphene Based Polymeric Membranes
Authors: Izadyar Anahita , Hershberger John C. , Rogers Robert
Published: September 2018

We report for the first time a study on ionophore‐graphene based polymeric membranes to develop better sensing performance in sensitivity and selectivity. This sensing is based on ion‐transfer stripping voltammetry (ITSV) at interface between two immiscible electrolyte solutions (ITIES) technique which will lead to an electrochemical phenomenon to create highly sensitive sensors. We have integrated nanotechnology through electrochemistry and sensor techniques as part of an important environmental monitoring strategy to evaluate lead and dihydrogen phosphate ion.
Innovation for hepatotoxicity in vitro research models: A review
Authors: Han Weijia , Wu Qiao , Zhang Xiaohui , Duan Zhongping
Published: September 2018

Many categories of drugs can induce hepatotoxicity, so improving the prediction of toxic drugs is important. In vitro models using human hepatocytes are more accurate than in vivo animal models. Good in vitro models require an abundance of metabolic enzyme activities and normal cellular polarity. However, none of the in vitro models can completely simulate hepatocytes in the human body. There are two ways to overcome this limitation: enhancing the metabolic function of hepatocytes and changing the cultural environment. In this review, we summarize the current state of research, including the main characteristics of in vitro models and their limitations, as well as improved technology and developmental prospects. We hope that this review provides some new ideas for hepatotoxicity research.
Influence of liquid pore precursors on morphology and mechanical properties of 3D scaffolds obtained by dry inversion phase method
Authors: Kruk Aleksandra , Gadomska‐Gajadhur Agnieszka , Rykaczewska Izabela , Dulnik Judyta , Ruśkowski Paweł , Synoradzki Ludwik
Published: September 2018

Polyester 3D scaffolds were obtained by dry inversion phase method. The influence of a polymer and liquid pore precursor type on the 3D scaffolds morphology, porosity and mechanical properties was tested. Polymers and precursors forming a porous structure were identified. It was found that 3D scaffolds having the most preferable structure for cell cultures were obtained from polylactide with the addition of n‐butanol as the liquid pore precursor. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1079–1087, 2019.
Estimating Renal Function in Drug Development: Time to Take the Fork in the Road
Authors: Crass Ryan L. , Pai Manjunath P.
Published: September 2018

Renal function is the most commonly applied patient‐specific quantitative variable used to determine drug doses. Measurement of renal function is not practical in most clinical settings; therefore, clinicians often rely on estimates when making dosing decisions. Similarly, renal function estimates are used to assign subjects in phase 1 pharmacokinetic studies, which inform dosing in late‐phase clinical trials and ultimately the product label. The Cockcroft‐Gault estimate of creatinine clearance has been the standard renal function metric; however, this paradigm is shifting toward the Modification of Diet in Renal Diseases (MDRD) estimate of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The proportion of approved new drug labels with dosing recommendations based on the MDRD equation was 16.7% in 2015, 70.0% in 2016, and 46.7% in 2017. Disharmonious recommendations from the United States Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency will continue to increase this heterogeneity in the assessment of renal function in drug development and negatively impact industry, health systems, and clinicians. In this review, we discuss the current regulatory guidance for the conduct of renal impairment pharmacokinetic studies and review the implications of this guidance across the medication use system with 3 recently approved antibiotics: ceftazidime/avibactam, delafloxacin, and meropenem/vaborbactam. Finally, we suggest measuring GFR in phase 1 studies and employing the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD‐EPI) equation to integrate data across clinical trials. This will help to harmonize CKD staging, population pharmacokinetic analyses, and dosing by estimated renal function.
Equivalence class formation as a function of preliminary training with pictorial stimuli
Authors: Arntzen Erik , Nartey Richard K.
Published: September 2018

The present experiment investigated the effects of preliminary training with pictorial stimuli on the subsequent formation of three 5‐member equivalence classes (A➔B➔C➔D➔E) in 84 university students assigned to seven groups of 12. In the Abstract (ABS) group, all stimuli were abstract shapes. In the Picture (PIC) group, the C stimuli were pictures, and the remaining stimuli were the same abstract shapes as in the ABS group. For the remaining five groups, all stimuli were the same abstract shapes as in the ABS group. However, across groups, preliminary training involved either the establishment of conditional relations with simultaneous (SMTS) or delayed (DMTS) matching‐to‐sample with 0 s, 3 s, 6 s, or 9 s between the abstract C stimuli and the meaningful pictures. For the ABS and the PIC groups, 16.7% and 83.3% of participants formed classes, respectively. Preliminary training with SMTS and DMTS with 0 s, 3 s, and 6 s produced a linear increase in the likelihood of equivalence class formation, 41.7%, 50%, and 75%, respectively. Increasing the duration of delay further from 6 s to 9 s produced a substantial decline, 50%. This experiment extends knowledge about how including meaningful pictures enhances equivalence class formation.
Pseudocnidae of archinemerteans (Nemertea, Palaeonemertea) and their implications for nemertean systematics
Authors: Magarlamov Timur Yu , Chernyshev Alexey V. , Turbeville James M.
Published: September 2018

The structure of pseudocnidae of 16 species of Palaeonemertea clade Archinemertea (= Cephalotrichida s.l.) was investigated with confocal laser, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). All species of the genus Cephalothrix possess two kinds of pseudocnidae, large and small. Only one type of pseudocnida is present in Balionemertes and Cephalotrichella. TEM revealed variation in the ultrastructure of large and small pseudocnidae of four species of Cephalothrix. Pseudocnidae of Balionemertes, Cephalotrichella, and Cephalothrix differ in substructure: in Balionemertes and Cephalotrichella the medulla is located in the basal half of the pseudocnidae with а precore layer situated in the apical half, whereas in Cephalothrix spp. and other palaeonemerteans the medulla surrounds a precore layer. Our results confirm the division of archinemerteans into Cephalotrichidae (with genus Cephalothrix) and Cephalotrichellidae (with genera Cephalotrichella and Balionemertes). The synapomorphy of Cephalotrichidae is pseudocnida dimorphism and the synapomorphies of Cephalotrichellidae are the position of the pseudocnidae on epithelial ridges and the distinct organization of pseudocnida layers, specifically the relative position of the medulla and precore layers. The pseudocnida lateral process, one or more of which is present in most species observed, is a probable synapomorphy of the clade Archinemertea. This is the first application of pseudocnida features to distinguish super‐generic nemertean taxa and the results suggest that pseudocnidae provide a useful source of characters for nemertean systematics.
Exopolysaccharides producing rhizobacteria and their role in plant growth and drought tolerance
Authors: Naseem Hafsa , Ahsan Muhammad , Shahid Muhammad A. , Khan Naeem
Published: September 2018

Drought stress not only effect the population and activities of microorganisms inhabiting the rhizosphere but also various physiological and biochemical process in plants that is, photosynthesis, respiration, translocation, uptake of ions, carbohydrates, and nutrient metabolism. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and their exopolysaccharides (EPS) showed profound effects on plant growth and drought tolerance. Reactions of bacteria to drought stress at various organizational levels are different which depends on intensity of stress, duration, species, and growth stage. PGPR could be effectively utilized in developing strategies to facilitate water conservation strategies of plants. They have the ability to improve plant growth directly by enhancing level of phytohormones, siderophore, biofilm, and exopolysaccharides production and by increasing the nutrient availability in the rhizosphere or indirectly by protecting plants from pathogen attack. EPS producing bacteria are capable to maintain higher soil moisture content and growth of plants even under severe dried sandy soils. The evidence of survival of rhizobacteria under low moisture content obtained from the fact of rhizobacterial occurrence in the soil of desert and effective nodule formation in desert soil. Beside this, EPS produced by PGPR form rhizosheath around the roots and thus protect the plant roots from desiccation for a longer period of time. Important role exhibited by exopolysaccharides includes, protection from desiccation, microbial aggregation, plant‐microbe interaction, surface attachment, bioremediation and its use by many industries for stabilizing, thickening, coagulating, gelling, suspending and for film forming. Plants inoculated with EPS‐producing bacteria showed higher accumulation of proline, sugars, and free amino acids under water deficit stress. Biofilms formed by the PGPR around the roots are made up of bacterial populations or bacterial communities that encased inside the polymeric extracellular matrix formed by bacteria itself, they adhered to the external surfaces that contain sufficient moisture. It is concluded that the application of PGPR in combination with their EPS is a promising measure to combat drought stress thus, increasing global food security.
Changes in aridity and its driving factors in China during 1961–2016
Authors: Liu Laibao , Wang Yang , You Nanshan , Liang Ze , Qin Dahe , Li Shuangcheng
Published: September 2018

Understanding the changes in aridity is crucial because of the substantial impacts it can have on human society. However, realistic aridity changes and their underlying climatic mechanisms demonstrate large uncertainties in China. Here we adopted the aridity index (AI) to assess the aridity changes in China, and we quantified the relative contributions of various climatic drivers (the precipitation, net radiation, wind speed, relative humidity, and air temperature) to AI changes based on the station data during 1961–2016. Our results showed that the arid/semi‐arid northwest China and Tibet Plateau experienced wetting trends, while western sub‐humid north and northeast China and western humid south China exhibited drying trends during 1961–2016. The dominant climatic drivers involved in the changing AI trends changed from arid to humid regions. In arid northwest China, increasing precipitation and decreasing wind speeds contributed the most to the wetting trends (0.024 and 0.017 in 56 years, respectively). In the semi‐arid Tibet Plateau, increasing precipitation dominated the wetting trends (0.045 in 56 years). However, in sub‐humid/humid north and northeast China and south China, decreasing wind speed and net radiation dominated the annual AI changes (0.061 and 0.092 in 56 years, respectively). In addition, AI of northwest China and the Tibet Plateau exhibited a significant abrupt change in 1987 and exhibited wetter states afterwards, which could be caused by the abrupt increase in precipitation in 1987. This study could improve current understanding of the aridity changes in China and help adapt its potential impacts.
Recent multivariate changes in the North Atlantic climate system, with a focus on 2005–2016
Authors: Robson Jon , Sutton Rowan T. , Archibald Alex , Cooper Fenwick , Christensen Matthew , Gray Lesley J. , Holliday N. Penny , Macintosh Claire , McMillan Malcolm , Moat Ben , Russo Maria , Tilling Rachel , Carslaw Ken , Desbruyères Damien , Embury Owen , Feltham Daniel L. , Grosvenor Daniel P. , Josey Simon , King Brian , Lewis Alastair , McCarthy Gerard D. , Merchant Chris , New Adrian L. , O'Reilly Christopher H. , Osprey Scott M. , Read Katie , Scaife Adam , Shepherd Andrew , Sinha Bablu , Smeed David , Smith Doug , Ridout Andrew , Woollings Tim , Yang Mingxi
Published: September 2018

Major changes are occurring across the North Atlantic climate system, including in the atmosphere, ocean and cryosphere, and many observed changes are unprecedented in instrumental records. As the changes in the North Atlantic directly affect the climate and air quality of the surrounding continents, it is important to fully understand how and why the changes are taking place, not least to predict how the region will change in the future. To this end, this article characterizes the recent observed changes in the North Atlantic region, especially in the period 2005–2016, across many different aspects of the system including: atmospheric circulation; atmospheric composition; clouds and aerosols; ocean circulation and properties; and the cryosphere. Recent changes include: an increase in the speed of the North Atlantic jet stream in winter; a southward shift in the North Atlantic jet stream in summer, associated with a weakening summer North Atlantic Oscillation; increases in ozone and methane; increases in net absorbed radiation in the mid‐latitude western Atlantic, linked to an increase in the abundance of high level clouds and a reduction in low level clouds; cooling of sea surface temperatures in the North Atlantic subpolar gyre, concomitant with increases in the western subtropical gyre, and a decline in the Atlantic Ocean's overturning circulation; a decline in Atlantic sector Arctic sea ice and rapid melting of the Greenland Ice Sheet. There are many interactions between these changes, but these interactions are poorly understood. This article concludes by highlighting some of the key outstanding questions.
Raman spectroscopy study of reduced strontium barium niobate (SBN61) and hints of supergrowth or intergrowth structures
Authors: Primrose Michael Shoji , Toulouse Jean , Bock Jonathan , Randall Clive
Published: September 2018

Reduced strontium barium niobate, SrxBa1 − xNb2O6 (SBN), is a potential candidate for oxide thermoelectrics. In order to understand the effects of oxygen reduction on the structure and properties of SBN, room temperature Raman spectra of reduced and unreduced crystals with composition x  =  0.61 (SBN61) have been measured, fitted, and compared, for incident light polarized successively along the crystallographic a‐ and c‐axes. Unexpectedly, the low wavenumber spectra (<200 cm−1) of reduced SBN are found to display much better resolved and intense peaks than those of unreduced SBN, suggestive of a more ordered and compact lattice arrangement in reduced SBN. Shape changes of certain peaks and the disappearance or appearance of other peaks (30 cm−1/1000 cm−1) are also observed as a result of reduction. Comparison of the experimental spectra and fits of the unreduced and reduced crystals are suggestive of a redistribution of the remaining oxygen anions, structural rearrangements, and the development of supergrowth or intergrowth structures in reduced SBN. The reduced spectra are found to be very similar to the published spectra of other complex oxides such as the H‐form of niobium oxide, H‐Nb2O5, or TiNb2O7, which are made up of a regular layered arrangement of blocks of corner‐sharing and edge‐sharing oxygen octahedra. These structural changes may play an important role in the enhanced electrical conductivity of reduced SBN perpendicular to the layers.
Inter‐rater agreement in the diagnosis of adenomyosis by 2‐ and 3‐dimensional transvaginal ultrasonography
Authors: Rasmussen Christina K. , Hansen Estrid S. , Dueholm Margit
Published: September 2018

Objectives

To assess the inter‐rater agreement of 2‐dimensional (2D) and 3‐dimensional (3D) transvaginal ultrasonography (TVUS) in the diagnosis of adenomyosis.

Methods

This prospective study included premenopausal women (n = 96) with heavy menstrual bleeding, menstrual pain, or both who were scheduled for hysterectomy or transcervical resection of the endometrium. All women underwent real‐time 2D TVUS and subsequently offline 3D TVUS, which was blinded to 2D TVUS, by a single expert rater and a single nonexpert rater for the diagnosis of adenomyosis based on standardized pattern recognition and junctional zone measurements. Three‐dimensional TVUS was done on a computer with 3D volumes recorded during 2D TVUS by both raters. The expert rater reported the image quality of all 3D volumes (n = 192). Inter‐rater agreement (Cohen's κ) was assessed for both techniques, and the improvement over time was assessed for 2D TVUS.

Results

Diagnosis of adenomyosis showed good (κ = 0.69) and poor (κ = 0.21) inter‐rater agreement with 2D and 3D TVUS, respectively (P < .05). The agreement with 2D TVUS improved over time. The agreement with 3D TVUS was slightly better for expert‐recorded 3D volumes (κ = 0.40), which also had better image quality (P < .05). The most reproducible 2D and 3D features were anechoic lacunae (κ = 0.52) and junctional zone irregularity (κ = 0.27), respectively.

Conclusions

Standardized pattern recognition during real‐time 2D TVUS may result in good agreement between expert and nonexpert raters for the diagnosis of adenomyosis. Offline 3D TVUS is less reproducible, and junctional zone measurements do not improve the inter‐rater agreement. The low inter‐rater agreement may be related to a lack of experience and low image quality of nonexpert‐recorded 3D volumes.
Micellar‐accelerated hydrolysis of organophosphate and thiophosphates by pyridine oximate
Authors: Kandpal Neha , Dewangan Hitesh K. , Nagwanshi Rekha , Ghosh Kallol K. , Satnami Manmohan L.
Published: September 2018

Rate constants for the hydrolysis reaction of phosphate (paraoxon) and thiophosphate (parathion, fenitrothion) esters by oximate (pyridinealdoxime 2‐PyOx− and 4‐PyOx−) and its functionalized pyridinium surfactants 4‐(hydroxyimino) methyl)‐1‐alkylpyridinium bromide ions (alkyl = CnH2n+1, n = 10, 12, 14, 16) have been measured kinetically at pH 9.5 and 27°C in micellar media of cationic surfactants cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and cetylpyridinium bromide (CPB). Acid dissociation constant, pKa, of oximes has also been determined by spectrophotometric, kinetic, and potentiometric methods. The rate acceleration effects of cationic micelles have been explored. Cationic micelles of the pyridinium head group (CPB) showed a large catalytic effect than the ammonium head group (CTAB). The effects of pH, oximate concentration, and surfactants have been discussed.
Rare genetic variation in mitochondrial pathways influences the risk for Parkinson's disease
Authors: Gaare Johannes J. , Nido Gonzalo S. , Sztromwasser Paweł , Knappskog Per M. , Dahl Olav , Lund‐Johansen Morten , Maple‐Grødem Jodi , Alves Guido , Tysnes Ole‐Bjørn , Johansson Stefan , Haugarvoll Kristoffer , Tzoulis Charalampos
Published: September 2018

Background: Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a key role in PD, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unresolved. We hypothesized that the disruption of mitochondrial function in PD is primed by rare, protein‐altering variation in nuclear genes controlling mitochondrial structure and function.

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess whether genetic variation in genes associated with mitochondrial function influences the risk of idiopathic PD.

Methods: We employed whole‐exome sequencing data from 2 independent cohorts of clinically validated idiopathic PD and controls, the Norwegian ParkWest cohort (n = 411) and the North American Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (n = 640). We applied burden‐based and variance‐based collapsing methods to assess the enrichment of rare, nonsynonymous, and damaging genetic variants on genes, exome‐wide, and on a comprehensive set of mitochondrial pathways, defined as groups of genes controlling specific mitochondrial functions.

Results: Using the sequence kernel association test, we detected a significant polygenic enrichment of rare, nonsynonymous variants in the gene‐set encoding the pathway of mitochondrial DNA maintenance. Notably, this was the strongest association in both cohorts and survived multiple testing correction (ParkWest P = 6.3 × 10−3, Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative P = 6.9 × 10−5, metaanalysis P = 3.2 × 10−6).

Conclusions: Our results show that the enrichment of rare inherited variation in the pathway controlling mitochondrial DNA replication and repair influences the risk of PD. We propose that this polygenic enrichment contributes to the impairment of mitochondrial DNA homeostasis, thought to be a key mechanism in the pathogenesis of PD, and explains part of the disorder's “missing heritability.” © 2018 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Predicting venous congestion before DIEP breast reconstruction by identifying atypical venous connections on preoperative CTA imaging
Authors: Davis Christopher R. , Jones Lyn , Tillett Rachel L. , Richards Helen , Wilson Sherif M.
Published: September 2018

Background

Venous congestion is the principle cause of flap failure after microsurgical breast reconstruction. We aim to correlate preoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA) findings with postoperative venous congestion to predict patients at risk of congestion.

Methods

All patients undergoing deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) breast reconstruction between August 2009 and August 2013 underwent preoperative CTA and prospectively entered the study. Patients with postoperative venous congestion were matched with a similar cohort of complication‐free patients. Preoperative CTAs were randomized and re‐interpreted by a radiologist, blinded to the subsequent clinical outcome. Inter‐group comparisons were performed.

Results

Two hundred and forty DIEP flaps were performed in 202 patients over the 4‐year study. Venous congestion affected 15 flaps (6.3%). Preoperative CTA showed significantly more atypical venous connections between deep and superficial systems in congested flaps compared to controls (66.7% vs. 8%; P < .0001), with a positive predictive value of 83%. Atypical connections were narrow, tortuous, or incomplete. Patients with congestion‐free flaps had more normal connections (80% vs. 26.7%; P < .001) and more cranial perforators (P = .02). Similar CTA findings between groups included perforator size and lateral position, superficial inferior epigastric vein size, crossing of midline, and absent connections (P > .05).

Conclusions

Preoperative CTA identifies atypical venous connections between deep and superficial systems that increase the risk of postoperative DIEP congestion five‐fold. Identifying atypical venous connections maximizes the chances of flap survival and minimizes complications for patients considering DIEP breast reconstruction.
Gamma‐Tocotrienol Attenuates the Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrosis by Suppressing Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Mice
Authors: Kim Yongeun , Natarajan Sathish Kumar , Chung Soonkyu
Published: September 2018

Scope

Gamma‐tocotrienol (γT3), an unsaturated isoform of vitamin E, is implicated in the hepatoprotective effects. The aim is to determine the effectiveness of γT3 on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Methods and Results

C57BL/6 male mice are fed a diet containing high fat (45%) and cholesterol (0.2%) along with sucrose drink (HFCS) or HFCS diet supplemented with 0.1% γT3 (HFCS + γT3). The inclusion of γT3 robustly decreases the HFCS diet‐induced de novo lipogenesis (DNL), ER stress, and inflammation leading to reduced hepatic steatosis and fibrosis. Next, mice are fed a methionine‐ and choline‐deficient (MCD) diet or MCD diet with γT3 (MCD + γT3). The γT3 supplementation significantly reduces the MCD diet‐induced hepatic ER stress and fibrosis despite the minimal impact on steatosis. To further investigate the role of ER stress, the mice with genetic ablation of CHOP are fed an MCD or MCD + γT3 diet. CHOP deletion abolishes the γT3‐mediated suppression of hepatic fibrosis, suggesting that modulation of ER stress is a prerequisite to inhibit hepatic inflammation and fibrosis.

Conclusion

γT3 supplementation is effective in attenuating NAFLD and fibrosis through a synergistic mechanism of decreased DNL and hepatic ER stress. This work strongly supports the translational potential of γT3 supplementation against NAFLD.
Accelerated, free‐breathing, noncontrast, electrocardiograph‐triggered, thoracic MR angiography with stack‐of‐stars k‐space sampling and GRASP reconstruction
Authors: Haji‐Valizadeh Hassan , Collins Jeremy D. , Aouad Pascale J. , Serhal Ali M. , Lindley Marc D. , Pang Jianing , Naresh Nivedita K. , Carr James C. , Kim Daniel
Published: September 2018

Purpose

To develop an accelerated, free‐breathing, noncontrast, electrocardiograph‐triggered, thoracic MR angiography (NC‐MRA) pulse sequence capable of achieving high spatial resolution at clinically acceptable scan time and test whether it produces clinically acceptable image quality in patients with suspected aortic disease.

Methods

We modified a “coronary” MRA pulse sequence to use a stack‐of‐stars k‐space sampling pattern and combined it with golden‐angle radial sparse parallel (GRASP reconstruction to enable self‐navigation of respiratory motion and high data acceleration. The performance of the proposed NC‐MRA was evaluated in 13 patients, where clinical standard contrast‐enhanced MRA (CE‐MRA) was used as control. For visual analysis, two readers graded the conspicuity of vessel lumen, artifacts, and noise level on a 5‐point scale (overall score index = sum of three scores). The aortic diameters were measured at seven standardized locations. The mean visual scores, inter‐observer variability, and vessel diameters were compared using appropriate statistical tests.

Results

The overall mean visual score index (12.1 ± 1.7 for CE‐MRA versus 12.1 ± 1.0 for NC‐MRA) scores were not significantly different (P > 0.16). The two readers’ scores were significantly different for CE‐MRA (P = 0.01) but not for NC‐MRA (P = 0.21). The mean vessel diameters were not significantly different, except at the proximal aortic arch (P < 0.03). The mean diameters were strongly correlated (R2 ≥ 0.96) and in good agreement (absolute mean difference ≤ 0.01 cm and 95% confidence interval ≤ 0.62 cm).

Conclusion

This study shows that the proposed NC‐MRA produces clinically acceptable image quality in patients at high spatial resolution (1.5 mm × 1.5 mm × 1.5 mm) and clinically acceptable scan time (~6 min).
Therapy‐related acute myeloid leukemia following treatment for cancer in childhood: A population‐based registry study
Authors: Brown Catherine A. , Youlden Danny R. , Aitken Joanne F. , Moore Andrew S.
Published: September 2018

Background

Therapy‐related acute myeloid leukemia (t‐AML) is defined as AML that develops after exposure to cytotoxic chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. There is a paucity of available literature, particularly in regard to t‐AML following childhood cancer. Our aim was to describe the risk of t‐AML among children treated for other cancers and their subsequent survival.

Procedure

We utilized data from the population‐based Australian Childhood Cancer Registry to examine all childhood patients (<15 years at diagnosis) treated with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy for cancers other than AML who received a subsequent diagnosis of AML between 1983 and 2014. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated to approximate the relative risk of being diagnosed with AML compared to the general population. Estimates of 5‐year observed survival were obtained using the Kaplan‐Meier method, with differences determined by the log‐rank test.

Results

Fifty‐eight of 11,753 patients in the study cohort (0.5%) were diagnosed with t‐AML, an almost 50‐fold higher risk than expected (SIR = 45.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 35.3‐59.0). Five‐year observed survival from the date of t‐AML diagnosis was 31.2% (95% CI = 19.6‐43.5%). A significant survival advantage was found for patients who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) following diagnosis of t‐AML, with a 5‐year survival of 52.4% (29.7‐70.9%) compared to 5.7% (0.4‐22.6%) for those who did not have HSCT (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Although rare, t‐AML is an important potential late effect of childhood cancer therapy. Prognosis is generally poor, with HSCT offering some survival benefit.
Earth's perennially frozen environments as a model of cryogenic planet ecosystems
Authors: Rivkina Elizaveta , Abramov Andrey , Spirina Elena , Petrovskaya Lada , Shatilovich Anastasia , Shmakova Lyubov , Scherbakova Viktoria , Vishnivetskaya Tatiana
Published: September 2018

Permafrost and ice are important components of cryogenic planets and other bodies, which are abundant in the universe. Earth is one of many planets of the cold type. Earth's permafrost and ice provide an opportunity to test hypotheses that could be applied in the search for possible ecosystems and potential life on extraterrestrial cryogenic planets. Permafrost sediments in polar and alpine regions are natural ecosystems with a unique feature of low‐temperature preservation of the biological material and its genetic information. Therefore, permafrost studies allow reconstruction of the events that occurred in the Cenozoic and the prediction of possible life that might have been preserved before the effect of anthropogenic factors on these ecosystems, and could be found within ice or permafrost on other cryogenic planets.
Structural and biochemical characterization of Plasmodium falciparum Hsp70‐x reveals functional versatility of its C‐terminal EEVN motif
Authors: Mabate Blessing , Zininga Tawanda , Ramatsui Lebogang , Makumire Stanley , Achilonu Ikechukwu , Dirr Heini W. , Shonhai Addmore
Published: September 2018

Plasmodium falciparum, the main agent of malaria expresses six members of the heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) family. Hsp70s serve as protein folding facilitators in the cell. Amongst the six Hsp70 species that P. falciparum expresses, Hsp70‐x (PfHsp70‐x), is partially exported to the host red blood cell where it is implicated in host cell remodeling. Nearly 500 proteins of parasitic origin are exported to the parasite‐infected red blood cell (RBC) along with PfHsp70‐x. The role of PfHsp70‐x in the infected human RBC remains largely unclear. One of the defining features of PfHsp70‐x is the presence of EEVN residues at its C‐terminus. In this regard, PfHsp70‐x resembles canonical eukaryotic cytosol‐localized Hsp70s which possess EEVD residues at their C‐termini in place of the EEVN residues associated with PfHsp70‐x. The EEVD residues of eukaryotic Hsp70s facilitate their interaction with co‐chaperones. Characterization of the role of the EEVN residues of PfHsp70‐x could provide insights into the function of this protein. In the current study, we expressed and purified recombinant PfHsp70‐x (full length) and its EEVN minus form (PfHsp70‐xT). We then conducted structure‐ function assays towards establishing the role of the EEVN motif of PfHsp70‐x. Our findings suggest that the EEVN residues of PfHsp70‐x are important for its ATPase activity and chaperone function. Furthermore, the EEVN residues are crucial for the direct interaction between PfHsp70‐x and human Hsp70‐Hsp90 organizing protein (hHop) in vitro. Hop facilitates functional cooperation between Hsp70 and Hsp90. However, it remains to be established if PfHsp70‐x and hHsp90 cooperate in vivo.
Electrochemically Facilitated Interaction of O‐Nucleophiles with Imine Group in Electroactiveortho‐((Ferrocenylimino)methyl)phenylboronate and Comparison with Its Regioisomers
Authors: Konhefr Martin , Lacina Karel , Langmajerová Monika Skrutková , Glatz Zdeněk , Skládal Petr , Mazal Ctibor
Published: September 2018

Mutual position of imine and boronic acid moieties inorthoregioisomer of ((ferrocenylimino)methyl)phenylboronic acid (1 a) facilitates and highly favours reversible molecular switching between C=N imine and COR‐NH hemiaminal group. These two states are controllable electrochemically by oxidation/reduction of ferrocenyl moiety and thus a simple dynamic molecular switch for addition/elimination of nucleophile to/from the imine is formed. The exceptional redox behaviour of1 ain protic primary alcohols is caused by the interaction of both the motif of the boronic acid moiety and imine carbon atom with the alcohol molecule. Thus, the behaviour of acids1is influenced by the type of solvent, oxidation state of the ferrocenyl residue and proximity of the boronic acid moiety. Moreover, other multiple equilibria covering majority of possible interactions of imine group and boronic acid moiety with surroundings including influence of various O‐nucleophiles have been addressed and described in detail within the interest in understanding the fundamental factors governing the B–N interaction.
Tolerogenic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles in Type 1 Diabetes: Biodistribution and Pharmacokinetics Studies in Nonobese Diabetic Mice
Authors: Dubreil Chloe , Sainte Catherine Odile , Lalatonne Yoann , Journé Clément , Ou Phalla , van Endert Peter , Motte Laurence
Published: September 2018

Nanoparticle (NP) administration is among the most attractive approaches to exploit the synergy of different copackaged molecules for the same target. In this work, iron oxide NPs are surface‐engineered for the copackaging of the autoantigen proinsulin, a major target of adaptive immunity in type 1 diabetes (T1D), and 2‐(1′H‐indole‐3′‐carbonyl)‐thiazole‐4‐carboxylic acid methylester (ITE), a small drug conditioning a tolerogenic environment. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) combined with magnetic quantification are used to investigate NP biokinetics in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice and control mice in different organs. Different NP biodistribution, with in particular enhanced kidney elimination and a stronger accumulation in the pancreas for prediabetic NOD mice, is observed. This is related to preferential NP accumulation in the pancreatic inflammatory zone and to enhancement of renal elimination by diabetic nephropathy. For both mouse strains, an MRI T2 contrast enhancement at 72 h in the liver, pancreas, and kidneys, and indicating recirculating NPs, is also found. This unexpected result is confirmed by magnetic quantification at different time points as well as by histological evaluation. Besides, such NPs are potential MRI contrast agents for early diagnosis of T1D.
Querbelastete Stumpfstöße als kritisches Kerbdetail bei Stahlrohrtürmen und Monopiles
Authors: Collmann Mareike , Schaumann Peter
Published: September 2018

Immer größere Abmessungen stellen die gesamte Wertschöpfungskette der Windindustrie vor große Herausforderungen. Eine effiziente Fertigung wird für die Unternehmen immer wichtiger, um dem steigenden Kostendruck standzuhalten und auch auf dem internationalen Markt konkurrenzfähig zu bleiben. Im schweren Stahlbau ist das Schweißen die am weitesten verbreitete Fügetechnik. Durch den Einsatz neuartiger Hochleistungsfügeverfahren sollen zukünftig die Lagenanzahl und die Durchlaufzeit in der Fertigung verringert werden. Für diese alternativen Verbindungen ist nachzuweisen, dass die mechanisch‐technologischen Nahteigenschaften vergleichbar oder sogar besser sind. In diesem Beitrag liegt der Fokus insbesondere auf einer Beurteilung der Ermüdungsfestigkeit. Dabei werden sowohl konventionell Unterpulver (UP)‐geschweißte Stumpfstöße als auch Verbindungen, gefügt mit einer Verfahrenskombination aus UP‐ und Elektronenstrahlschweißen an Atmosphäre, experimentell und analytisch untersucht. Motiviert durch die Frage nach einer optimierten Ermüdungsbemessung mit Berücksichtigung lokaler Nahteigenschaften wurde die Nahtgeometrie aller Schwingproben zunächst vermessen. Um eine allgemeine Vergleichbarkeit dieser Messungen zu gewährleisten, werden Standards für diese Messaufgabe und die anschließende Aufbereitung der Daten vorgeschlagen. Die gemessenen Profile wurden in FE‐Modelle überführt und elastische Kerbfaktoren ermittelt. Bei ausreichender Profilanzahl entlang der Naht kann der spätere Anrissort eindeutig prognostiziert werden. Die statistische Auswertung der Kerbfaktoren in Kombination mit den Schwingversuchen zeigt abschließend einen direkten Zusammenhang zwischen geometrischer Kerbwirkung und Lebensdauer.
Analysis of height difference between three trusses of a steel truss bridge during incremental launching
Authors: Wu Xun , Wu Taotao , Chen Weizhen
Published: September 2018

Analyse der Höhendifferenz zwischen drei Fachwerken einer Stahlfachwerkbrücke während des Taktschiebeverfahrens. Das Taktschiebeverfahren ist aufgrund seiner Platz‐, Zeit‐ und Ausführungsvorteile weit verbreitet im Ingenieurbau. Die Brücke über den gelben Fluss in Jinan ist eine doppelstöckige Eisenbahnbrücke aus Stahlfachwerk mit versteiften Tragelementen, die im Taktschiebeverfahren errichtet wird. Ein Höhenunterschied zwischen den drei Hauptfachwerkträgern infolge eines Montagefehlers kann während des Vorschubs zu großen Reaktionskräften an einem oder zwei Gleitschuhen unter den drei Hauptfachwerken führen, da die Brücke sehr schwer ist. Hierbei ist nicht auszuschließen, dass die Belastung der Hauptbrücke und der Traggerüste das zulässige Maß übersteigt und die Brückenkonstruktion Schaden nimmt. Um den Einfluss veränderlicher Höhendifferenzen auf die Belastung der gesamten Brücke einschließlich der Traggerüste zu untersuchen, werden mithilfe einer Finite‐Elemente‐Simulation die globalen und lokalen Belastungen der gesamten Brücke analysiert. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass bei einer Höhendifferenz von mehr als +20 mm oder weniger als –30 mm die Spannungen der Traggerüste in der Nähe des Pfeilers die zulässige Belastung während des Vorschubs übersteigen. Die Höhendifferenzwerte der drei Fachwerke müssen daher begrenzt werden, um die Sicherheit der Konstruktion zu gewährleisten. Die Grenzwerte der Höhendifferenz wurden mithilfe eines Finite‐Elemente‐Modells der gesamten Brücke bestätigt. Darüber hinaus liegt im lokalen Finite‐Elemente‐Modell die lokale Konstruktion bei Auftreten der bestätigten Höhendifferenz im Sicherheitsbereich, was die Rationalität der bestätigten Höhendifferenzwerte sicherstellt. Die Ergebnisse der Finite‐Elemente‐Simulation entsprechen in etwa denjenigen einer tatsächlichen Messung während des Vorschubs, und die angemessenen Grenzwerte für die Höhendifferenz zwischen drei Fachwerken liegen bei +15 mm bzw. –25 mm. Bei diesen Grenzwerten handelt es sich um die für das Bauteil vorgesehenen Bauvorgabewerte. Abschließend werden Lösungen zur Verringerung des Einflusses des Höhenunterschiedes aufgezeigt.
Rapid Generation of Molecular Complexity by Chemical Synthesis: Highly Efficient Total Synthesis of Hexacyclic Alkaloid (−)‐Chaetominine and Its Biosynthetic Implications
Authors: Geng Hui , Huang Pei‐Qiang
Published: September 2018

The efficiency becomes a key issue in today's natural product total synthesis. While biomimetic synthesis is one of the most elegant strategies to achieve synthetic efficiency and thus to approach the ideal synthesis, most biogenetic pathways are unknown or unconfirmed. In this account, we demonstrate, through the shortest and also the most efficient asymmetric total syntheses of the hexacyclic alkaloid (−)‐chaetominine to date, that on the basis of biogenetic thinking, one can develop quite efficient bio‐inspired total synthesis, which in turn serves to suggest and chemically validate plausible biosynthetic routes for the natural product. The synthetic strategy thus developed is also inspiring for the development of other synthetic methods and efficient total synthesis of other natural products.
Master integrals for the NNLO virtual corrections to μe scattering in QED: the non-planar graphs
Authors: Di Vita Stefano , Laporta Stefano , Mastrolia Pierpaolo , Primo Amedeo , Schubert Ulrich
Published: September 2018

Abstract

We evaluate the master integrals for the two-loop non-planar box-diagrams contributing to the elastic scattering of muons and electrons at next-to-next-to-leading order in QED. We adopt the method of differential equations and the Magnus exponential to determine a canonical set of integrals, finally expressed as a Taylor series around four space-time dimensions, with coefficients written as combination of generalised polylogarithms. The electron is treated as massless, while we retain full dependence on the muon mass. The considered integrals are also relevant for crossing-related processes, such as di-muon production ate+e−colliders, as well as for the QCD corrections to top-pair production at hadron colliders. In particular our results, together with the planar master integrals recently computed, represent the complete set of functions needed for the evaluation of the photonic two-loop virtual next-to-next-to-leading order QED corrections toμe→μeande+e−→μ+μ−.
Four-point functions of all-different-weight chiral primary operators in the supergravity approximation
Authors: Arutyunov Gleb , Klabbers Rob , Savin Sergei
Published: September 2018

Abstract

Recently a Mellin-space formula was conjectured for the form of correlation functions of 1/2 BPS operators in planar

$$ \mathcal{N}=4 $$

N
=
4

SYM in the strong ’t Hooft coupling limit. In this work we report on the computation of two previously unknown four-point functions of operators with weights 〈2345〉 and 〈3456〉, from the effective type-IIB supergravity action using AdS/CFT. These correlators are novel: they are the first correlators with all different weights and in particular 〈3456〉 is the first next-next-next-to-extremal correlator to ever have been computed. We also present simplifications of the known algorithm, without which these computations could not have been executed. These simplifications consist of a direct formula for the exchange part and for the contact part of the correlation function, as well as a simplification of the C tensor algorithm to compute a tensors. After bringing our results in the appropriate form we successfully corroborate the recently conjectured formula.
Graviton scattering and a sum rule for the c anomaly in 4D CFT
Authors: Gillioz Marc , Lu Xiaochuan , Luty Markus A.
Published: September 2018

Abstract

4D CFTs have a scale anomaly characterized by the coefficient c, which appears as the coefficient of logarithmic terms in momentum space correlation functions of the energy-momentum tensor. By studying the CFT contribution to 4-point graviton scattering amplitudes in Minkowski space we derive a sum rule for c in terms of TT

$$ \mathcal{O} $$

O

OPE coefficients. The sum rule can be thought of as a version of the optical theorem, and its validity depends on the existence of the massless and forward limits of the 〈TTTT〉 correlation functions that contribute. The finiteness of these limits is checked explicitly for free scalar, fermion, and vector CFTs. The sum rule gives c as a sum of positive terms, and therefore implies a lower bound on c given any lower bound on TT

$$ \mathcal{O} $$

O

OPE coefficients. We compute the coefficients to the sum rule for arbitrary operators of spin 0 and 2, including the energy-momentum tensor.
Severe hair loss associated with psyc
hotropic drugs in psychiatric inpatients—Data from an observational pharmacovigilance program in German-speaking countries
Authors: Druschky Katrin , Bleich Stefan , Grohmann Renate , Burda Katharina , Frieling Helge , Hillemacher Thomas , Neyazi Alexandra , Stübner Susanne , Toto Sermin
Published: September 2018

Background:

The study aimed to investigate severe hair loss related to psychotropic drugs (PDs) by using data from the drug safety programme Arzneimittelsicherheit in der Psychiatrie (AMSP).

Methods:

Data on PD utilization and reports of severe PD-related hair loss were collected in 83 psychiatric hospitals in Austria, Germany and Switzerland during the period 1993–2013.

Results:

Out of 432, 215 patients under surveillance, 404, 009 patients were treated with PDs for the main indications of depression, schizophrenic disorder, neurosis, mania, and organic psychosis. Severe hair loss related to PD treatment was reported in 43 cases (0.01%). The rates of hair loss under antipsychotic drugs were slightly lower than the mean rates of all PDs and antidepressant drugs. Valproic acid was related to the highest risk. In 6 of the 43 cases, hair loss was imputed to multiple drugs, with 4 cases imputed to double drug combinations and 2 cases to triple combinations. Rates of severe hair loss under valproic acid (VPA) and lithium salts were distinctly lower as compared with the overall rates reported in literature. Severe hair loss under PD treatment was reported significantly more often in female patients than in male patients (p < 0.01).

Conclusion:

The rate of severe PD-related hair loss was very low in the present survey. The large number of patients included in this multicentre study allows for assessment and comparison of hair loss rates related to different PDs and groups of PDs and provides new and supplementary information on PD-related hair loss.
Local families, local allegiances: sigillography and autonomy in the eleventh-twelfth century Black Sea
Authors: Feldman Alex M.
Published: September 2018

Many studies of the medieval Black Sea address the importance of Byzantine imperial agency in facilitating economic and political exchange. However, few studies examine the limits of Byzantine statehood regarding trans-Black Sea local dynasts. This study, primarily utilizing sigillography, focuses on the eleventh-twelfth century notable families of Cherson and Trebizond in case studies, particularly the well-known Tzouloi and Gavrades: two cities and families famed for their respective local autonomies. How can seals uncover an otherwise hidden dimension of Byzantine sovereignty, or its contestation, which manifested itself across the Black Sea even before the emergence of the empire of Trebizond after 1204?
Struggles and Actions for Legal Space in the Urban World: The Case of Informal Economy E-waste Workers
Authors: Khan Sabaa Ahmad
Published: September 2018

Informal workers play a central role in the global value chain along which electronic waste (e-waste) is collected and recycled. The failure of governments to recognize informal e-waste workers as legitimate stakeholders in the e-waste economy means these workers assume acute health and livelihood risks. This article argues that the exclusionary dynamics of contemporary e-waste governance paradigms, in failing to acknowledge the legal identity of some stakeholders and the legal responsibilities of others, contribute to a grossly imbalanced and environmentally unjust globalization of e-waste marked by the proliferation of dangerous and exploitative forms of work. E-waste legislation must embrace and reflect the needs and interests of marginalized social groups whose livelihoods depend on their participation in the urban waste economy. Waste governance paradigms must recognize informal workers’ claims over urban space and resources, in other words, their spatial citizenship and fundamental place as workers within the global hi-tech economy.
State Terror as a Management Practice
Authors: VINOKUROVA NATALYA
Published: September 2018

This comment, in response to Phil Scranton’s article, suggests that communist business practices differ from those adopted in the West along three dimensions: (1) the locus and degree of centralization of production decisions, (2) the mechanism for coordinating the producers’ actions, and (3) the use of state terror in shaping the workers’ and the managers’ incentives. My analysis focuses on the third dimension—state terror, which I define as workers and managers experiencing extreme penalties for failing to meet the state’s goals. I argue that business history and allied disciplines of management and economics would benefit from studying state terror as a management practice and outline several avenues for pursuing such research.