bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expedient Approach to α,β‐Unsaturated δ‐Lactones through a Catalytic Asymmetric [2+2] Cycloaddition
Authors: Rousseau Anaïs , Buchotte Marie , Guillot Régis , Vincent Guillaume , Kouklovsky Cyrille
Published: October 2017

The stereoselective synthesis of the cis‐γ,δ‐disubstituted α,β‐unsaturated δ‐lactone fragment of the leustroducsins or phoslactomycins was accomplished. The new synthetic strategy involves a catalytic asymmetric ketene–aldehyde [2+2] cycloaddition leading to the formation of a cis‐disubstituted β‐lactone. Ring extension by enolate condensation and subsequent recyclisation then gave the target δ‐lactone in a straightforward fashion. Coupling studies with cyclohexanone are also reported.
Fullerene Black Modified Screen Printed Electrodes for the Quantification of Acetaminophen and Guanine
Authors: Valentini Federica , Ciambella Elena , Cataldo Franco , Calcaterra Andrea , Menegatti Luca , Talamo Maurizio
Published: October 2017

Fullerene Black (FB) and Extracted Fullerene Black (EFB) were used in modified screen‐printed electrodes producing electrochemical transducers (FB‐SPEs and EFB‐SPEs). A complete electrochemical study was performed and the best results are obtained working with FB‐SPEs, especially in terms of: 1. improved electron‐transfer kinetic mechanisms and 2. sensitivity and selectivity toward Acetaminophen (Ac) and Guanine (G). These latter represent two important electro‐active targets to quantify in medicine field application, because: Ac is a preferred alternative (as analgesic‐antipyretic agent) to aspirin, particularly for patients who cannot tolerate aspirin; the oxidation signal of G is useful for the fabrication of emerging analytical tools, such as DNA chipsand user‐friendly diagnostic devices. Ac and G are quantify by using FB‐SPEs electrochemical devices, with an extended linearity (1–300 μM for Ac; 0.1–300 μM for G), an excellent sensitivity (2.82 μA μM−1 cm−2 in the case of Ac; and 0.183 μA μM−1 cm−2 in the case of G), a low detection limit (0.01 μM for Ac; 0.005 μM for G), a very good reproducibility (both: intra‐; inter‐electrodes reproducibility RSD % ranging from 0.3–0.5 for Ac; and 0.50–0.85 for G) and a very fast response time (6 s for Ac; 5 s in the case of G). In addition, high selectivity is obtained at FB‐SPEs, meaning that the FB‐SPEs electrochemical transducers are suitable to simultaneously quantify Ac and G in real samples, having several different (highly concentrated) interference.
Efficient one‐pot synthesis of 1‐chlorovinyl p‐tolyl sulfoxides from aldehydes and ketones by the Horner‐Wadsworth‐Emmons reaction
Authors: Kimura Tsutomu , Kobayashi Gen , Ijima Shiori , Saito Sae , Imafuji Aki , Satoh Tsuyoshi
Published: October 2017

A variety of 2‐monosubstituted and 2,2‐disubstituted 1‐chlorovinyl p‐tolyl sulfoxides was synthesized through a one‐pot procedure by the Horner‐Wadsworth‐Emmons reaction of carbonyl compounds with [chloro(diethoxyphosphoryl)(p‐tolylsulfinyl)methyl]lithium, which was generated from diethyl chlorophosphate, chloromethyl p‐tolyl sulfoxide, and lithium diisopropylamide in advance. The in situ‐prepared sulfoxides were directly converted into alkynes via the sulfoxide/magnesium exchange reaction with i‐PrMgCl and the subsequent Fritsch‐Buttenberg‐Wiechell rearrangement of the resulting magnesium alkylidene carbenoids.
First practical synthesis of novel 1‐phosphonylated pyrrolo[1,2‐a]pyrazine derivatives
Authors: Cervera‐Villanueva Juan Manuel Junior , Viveros‐Ceballos José Luis , Ordóñez Mario
Published: October 2017

We present a convenient synthetic approach to novel 1‐phosphonylated pyrrolo[1,2‐a]pyrazine derivatives based in efficient three‐component reactions. According to this method, N‐functionalized 2‐formylpyrrole derivatives are used as bifunctional coupling reagents in the reaction with dialkyl phosphites and amines to access to the target compounds.
The importance of choosing precipitation datasets
Authors: Simpson Micheal J. , Hirsch Adam , Grempler Kevin , Lupo Anthony
Published: October 2017

Precipitation data are important for hydrometeorological analyses, yet there are many ways to measure precipitation. The impact of station density analysed by the current study by comparing measurements from the Missouri Mesonet available via the Missouri Climate Center and Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow (CoCoRaHS) measurements archived at the program website. The CoCoRaHS data utilize citizen scientists to report precipitation data providing for much denser data resolution than available through the Mesonet. Although previous research has shown the reliability of CoCoRaHS data, the results here demonstrate important differences in details of the spatial and temporal distribution of annual precipitation across the state of Missouri using the two data sets. Furthermore, differences in the warm and cold season distributions are presented, some of which may be related to interannual variability such as that associated with the El Niño and Southern Oscillation. The contradictory results from two widely‐used datasets display the importance in properly choosing precipitation data that have vastly differing temporal and spatial resolutions. With significantly different yearly aggregated precipitation values, the authors stress caution in selecting 1 particular rainfall dataset as conclusions drawn could be unrepresentative of the actual values. This issue may be remediated by increased spatiotemporal coverage of precipitation data.
Spatial and temporal patterns of stable water isotopes along the Yangtze River during two drought years
Authors: Wu Huawu , Li Jing , Song Fan , Zhang Yanan , Zhang Haixia , Zhang Cicheng , He Bin
Published: October 2017

Changes in the level of the Yangtze River caused by anthropogenic water regulation have major effects on the hydrological processes and water cycle in surrounding lakes and rivers. In this study, we obtained isotopic evidence of changes in the water cycle of Yangtze River during the two drought years of 2006 and 2013. Isotopic evidence demonstrated that the δ18O and δD levels in Yangtze River exhibited high spatial heterogeneity from the upper to lower reaches, which were controlled by atmospheric precipitation, tributary/lake water mixing, damming regulation, and water temperature. Both the slope and intercept of Yangtze River evaporative line (δD = 7.88 δ18O + 7.96) were slightly higher than those of local meteoric water line of Yangtze River catchment (δD = 7.41 δ18O + 6.01). Most of the river isotopic values were located below the local meteoric water line, thereby implying that the Yangtze River water experienced a certain degree of evaporative enrichment on isotopic compositions of river water. The high fluctuations in the isotopic composition (e.g., deuterium excess [d‐excess]) in the middle to lower reaches during the initial stage of operation for the Three Gorges Dams (2003–2006) were due to heterogeneous isotopic signatures from the upstream water. In contrast to the normal stage (after 2010) characterized by the maximum water level and largest water storage, a relatively small variability in the deuterium excess was found along the middle to lower reaches because of the homogenization of reservoir water with a longer residence time and complete mixing. The effects of water from lakes and tributaries on the isotopic compositions in mainstream water were highlighted because of the high contributions of lakes water (e.g., Dongting Lake and Poyang Lake) efflux to the Yangtze River mainstream, which ranged from 21% to 85% during 2006 and 2013. These findings suggest that the retention and regulation of the Three Gorges Dams has greatly buffered the isotopic variability of the water cycle in the Yangtze catchment, thereby improving our understanding of the complex lake–river interactions along the middle to lower reaches in the future.
Clinicopathologic characteristics and outcomes of transformed diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma in hepatitis C virus‐infected patients
Authors: Hosry Jeff , Miranda Roberto N. , Samaniego Felipe , Economides Minas P. , Torres Harrys A.
Published: October 2017

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes a chronic but curable infection associated with the development of marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) and diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Preliminary data have shown frequent transformation of indolent lymphoma to DLBCL in HCV‐infected patients. To compare their clinicopathologic characteristics and oncologic outcomes, we reviewed the medical records and pathology reports of HCV‐infected and uninfected patients with DLBCL that transformed from indolent lymphoma seen at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (June 2004 to May 2015). To identify predictors of DLBCL relapse, patients with relapse after first‐line chemotherapy were compared with those without it using univariate and logistic regression analyses. Compared with the uninfected patients (n = 63), HCV‐infected patients (n = 21) were younger (median age =54 years [interquartile range= 49–62 years] vs. 62 years [53–66 years]; p = 0.01) and more often had advanced DLBCL (Ann Arbor stage 3–4; 95% vs. 76%; p = 0.05). Immunophenotypically, more HCV‐infected than uninfected patients had CD10‐negative B cells (76% vs. 43%; p = 0.008), CD5‐positive B cells (39% vs. 7%; p = 0.004) and activated B‐cell phenotypes (57% vs. 31%; p = 0.07). Comparison of the patients who had relapse after first‐line chemotherapy (n = 42) and those who did not (n = 40) revealed that having CD5‐positive B cells was the only factor associated with DLBCL relapse in multivariate analysis (odds ratio= 10.7; p = 0.02). HCV‐infected patients with transformed DLBCL have unique clinicopathologic characteristics that make their lymphoma difficult to treat, potentially leading to unfavorable outcome. The impact of HCV eradication should be explored in such patients.
Extracellular 5′‐nucleotidase (CD73) promotes human breast cancer cells growth through AKT/GSK‐3β/β‐catenin/cyclinD1 signaling pathway
Authors: Yu Jiangang , Wang Xue , Lu Qi , Wang Jigang , Li Luying , Liao Xiaohong , Zhu Wei , Lv Lei , Zhi Xiuling , Yu Jerry , Jin Yiting , Zou Qiang , Ou Zhouluo , Liu Xiuping , Zhou Ping
Published: October 2017

To identify the role and to explore the mechanism of extracellular 5′‐nucleotidase (CD73) in human breast cancer growth, CD73 expression was measured firstly in breast cancer tissues and cell lines, and then interfered with or over‐expressed by recombinant lentivirus in cell lines. Impacts of CD73 on breast cancer cell proliferation and cell cycle were investigated with colony formation assay, CCK‐8 and flow cytometry. The relationship between CD73 and AKT/GSK‐3β/β‐catenin pathway was assessed with adenosine, adenosine 2A receptor antagonist (SCH‐58261), adenosine 2A receptor agonist (NECA), CD73 enzyme inhibitor (APCP) and Akt inhibitor (MK‐2206). Moreover, the effect of CD73 on breast cancer growth in vivo was examined with human breast cancer transplanting model of nude mice. The results showed that the expression of CD73 was high in breast cancer tissues and increased with advanced tumor grades and lympho‐node status. CD73 expression was higher in more malignant cells, and CD73 overexpression promoted breast cancer cell proliferation in both in vivo and in vitro. It activated AKT/GSK‐3β/β‐catenin/cyclinD1 signaling pathway through CD73 enzyme activity and other mechanism.
Mifepristone–misoprostol for menstrual regulation in public sector facilities in Bangladesh
Authors: Alam Anadil , Lotarevich Tatyana , Das Tapash R. , Reichenbach Laura , Bracken Hillary
Published: October 2017

Objective

To examine the use of mifepristone and misoprostol for menstrual regulation among Bangladeshi women attending public sector facilities.

Methods

In a prospective study, women (aged ≥18 years) with up to 9 weeks of amenorrhea were enrolled at 24 government health facilities in Bangladesh from November 2012 to June 2015. Paramedics or female welfare visitors provided most menstrual regulation care. Participants took 200 mg mifepristone followed by 800 μg buccal misoprostol after 24 hours, and were asked to return to the clinic 10–14 days later for clinical assessment and an exit interview. The primary outcome was successful evacuation of the uterus without need for surgical intervention. Women who completed follow‐up were included in analyses for the primary outcome.

Results

Among 1744 enrolled participants, 1738 completed follow‐up. Most (1674, 96.3%) had a successful uterine evacuation without the need for surgical intervention. A successful outcome was significantly more common in primary (724/744, 97.3%) and secondary facilities (861/895, 96.2%) than in the specialty hospital (89/99, 89.9%; P<0.001 and P=0.004, respectively).

Conclusion

Menstrual regulation with mifepristone and misoprostol can be provided effectively in public sector facilities in Bangladesh.

ClinicalTrials.gov

NCT01798017
Hybrid organic–inorganic CH3NH3PbI3perovskite building blocks: Revealing ultra‐strong hydrogen bonding and mulliken inner complexes and their implications in materials design
Authors: Varadwaj Arpita , Varadwaj Pradeep R. , Yamashita Koichi
Published: October 2017

Methylammonium lead iodide (CH3NH3PbI3) perovskite compound has produced a remarkable breakthrough in the photovoltaic history of solar cell technology because of its outstanding device‐based performance as a light‐harvesting semiconductor. Whereas the experimental and theoretical studies of this system in the solid state have been numerously reported in the last 4 years, its fundamental cluster physics is yet to be exploited. To this end, this study has performed theoretical investigations using DFT‐M06‐2X/ADZP to examine the principal geometrical, electronic, topological, and orbital properties of the CH3NH3PbI3molecular building block. The intermolecular hydrogen bonded interactions examined for the most important conformers of the system are found to be unusually strong, with binding energies lying between −93.53 and −125.11 kcal mol−1(beyond the covalent limit, −40 kcal mol−1), enabling us to classify the underlying interactions as ultra‐strong type since their characteristic properties are unidentical with those have already been proposed as very strong, strong, moderate, weak, and van der Waals. Based on this, together with the unusually high charge transfers, strong hyperconjugative interactions, sophisticated topologies of the charge density, and short intermolecular distances of separation, we have characterized the conformers of CH3NH3PbI3as Mulliken inner complexes. The consequences of these, as well as of the ultra‐strong interactions, in designing novel functional nanomaterials are outlined. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Parallel implementation of efficient charge–charge interaction evaluation scheme in periodic divide‐and‐conquer density‐functional tight‐binding calculations
Authors: Nishimura Yoshifumi , Nakai Hiromi
Published: October 2017

A low‐computational‐cost algorithm and its parallel implementation for periodic divide‐and‐conquer density‐functional tight‐binding (DC‐DFTB) calculations are presented. The developed algorithm enables rapid computation of the interaction between atomic partial charges, which is the bottleneck for applications to large systems, by means of multipole‐ and interpolation‐based approaches for long‐ and short‐range contributions. The numerical errors of energy and forces with respect to the conventional Ewald‐based technique can be under the control of the multipole expansion order, level of unit cell replication, and interpolation grid size. The parallel performance of four different evaluation schemes combining previous approaches and the proposed one are assessed using test calculations of a cubic water box on the K computer. The largest benchmark system consisted of 3,295,500 atoms. DC‐DFTB energy and forces for this system were obtained in only a few minutes when the proposed algorithm was activated and parallelized over 16,000 nodes in the K computer. The high performance using a single node workstation was also confirmed. In addition to liquid water systems, the feasibility of the present method was examined by testing solid systems such as diamond form of carbon, face‐centered cubic form of copper, and rock salt form of sodium chloride. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Dehydrogenative Coupling Reaction of Terminal Alkynes with Unactivated Alkenes
Authors: Yada Akira , Nishi Shoki , Sato Yuta , Ichinoseki Sakina , Murakami Masahiro
Published: October 2017

Terminal alkynes having a bulky substituent dehydrogenatively couple with unactivated terminal alkenes with catalysis of palladium. The terminal sp carbon forms a bond with the internal sp2 carbon of the alkene regioselectively to produce branched, conjugated 1,3‐enynes with wide functional group tolerance.
Is left upper lobectomy always worthwhile for early stage lung cancer? A comparison between left upper lobectomy, trisegmentectomy, and lingulectomy
Authors: Aprile Vittorio , Bertoglio Pietro , Dini Paolo , Palmiero Gerardo , Mussi Alfredo , Ambrogi Marcello Carlo , Lucchi Marco
Published: October 2017

Background and Objectives

Lobectomy is the gold standard treatment for resectable Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). We compared oncological outcomes of patients undergoing a “multi‐segmentectomy” (trisegmentectomy or lingulectomy) and left upper lobectomy for early stage (T1‐2, N0) NSCLC of the left upper lobe.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed all patients with pathological early stage (T1‐T2 N0) NSCLC located in left upper lobe who underwent a lobectomy, a trisegmentectomy, or a lingulectomy between 2006 and 2013, focusing on surgical and oncological outcomes.

Results

Among 159 patients, 105 patients underwent a lobectomy and 54 patients a multi‐segmentectomy (33 lingulectomy and 21 trisegmentectomy). Actuarial mean Overall Survival was 87 months (95%CI 79‐95) and 89 months (95%CI 76‐101) for lobectomies and multi‐segmentectomies, respectively (P‐value: 0.895), while actuarial mean Disease Free Interval was 91 months (95%CI 82‐100) and 96 months (95%CI 84‐108) respectively (P‐value: 0.565). We did not observe any difference in terms of local recurrence rate between the two groups (P = 0.337).

Conclusions

Lingulectomy and trisegmentectomy lead to similar oncological outcomes compared to left upper lobectomy for T1 and T2 N0 NSCLC, and they could be used as an alternative to lobectomy even in patients with a good pulmonary function.
A method for the systematic assessment of lubricant performance during superplastic sheet forming
Authors: Farrell M. , Drabek M. , Qarni M.J.
Published: October 2017

Frictional forces at the die‐sheet interface during superplastic forming play an important role in controlling material flow. As such, lubricious coatings are routinely used to facilitate a low friction flow of sheet metal into the die cavity. They may also act as parting agents and/or oxidation barriers. The selection of coatings for the superplastic forming of Ti‐6Al‐4 V is limited by the requirement of thermomechanical stability at the high forming temperature, therefore, solid film coatings such as boron nitride are a common choice. However, little work has been published on coating performance during superplastic forming, particularly under true process conditions. This paper presents a method for the systematic assessment of superplastic forming coating performance by using a multi‐pocket die, which allows many coating types and combinations to be tested simultaneously during a single forming cycle. Sixteen coating combinations were evaluated in total and the resultant sheet thickness distributions compared, serving as an indicator of friction.
A comparative study assessing the wear behaviour of different ceramic die materials during superplastic forming
Authors: Gomez‐Gallegos A. A. , Farrell M. , Zuelli N. , Staiano A.
Published: October 2017

Superplastic forming is an advanced manufacturing process where metallic sheets are heated to their superplastic region to be then blow formed within a die set. The process allows for the forming of complex parts but it is typically restricted to low volume production and high value pieces. Despite their brittle nature, ceramic dies are a developing technology for superplastic forming as they offer lower production costs and shorter lead times than conventional metallic dies, thus reducing process costs. This work presents a method to assess ceramic die wear by means of a novel test rig developed a at the Advance Forming Research Centre of the University of Strathclyde, Scotland, UK where the superplastic forming die‐part interaction can be replicated at laboratory scale. Controllable normal load tests at standard superplastic forming conditions on three different reinforced ceramic materials are carried out with a view to understanding their wear mechanisms and to ultimately identify methods to improve their wear resistance.
Development of a strain dependent pressure law for superplastic forming of 2024 aluminium alloy
Authors: Du R. , Feng J. , Giraud E. , Santo P. D.
Published: October 2017

Superplastic forming is widely used in aeronautic industry to produce complex parts due to the ability of the material to sustain very large deformation. One of the main problems lies in the determination of the pressure law applied during the process to control the strain rate evolution. Many algorithms exist in numerical codes to predict the pressure law, but they generally use a constant value of maximum strain rate as reference to control the pressure law. These simulations give globally good results while lead to long cycle times. In this work, the pressure law is computed in order to control the forming process by a non‐constant strain rate. The value of the optimum strain rate is indeed adapted to the level of strain developed within the part during the forming. This approach is applied on the 2024 aluminium alloy. Uniaxial tensile tests are performed to determine the influence of strain level on the maximum allowable strain rate. Then, the new pressure control algorithm is implemented in the ABAQUS code. Numerical simulations of generic parts are finally performed and the results show a significant reduction of the forming time without decreasing the quality of the parts.
Selection and characterization of Bacillus thuringiensis strains from northwestern Himalayas toxic against Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: Lone Showkat A. , Malik Abdul , Padaria Jasdeep C.
Published: October 2017

In this study, we present the selection and the characterization of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) strains with respect to their cry/cyt gene content and toxicity evaluation toward one of the most important polyphagous lepidopteran pest, Helicoverpa armigera. Fifty‐six Bt isolates were obtained from 10 different regions of northwestern Himalayas, recording a total B. thuringiensis index of 0.62. Scanning electron microscopy revealed presence of bipyramidal, spherical, flat and irregular crystal shapes; SDS‐PAGE analysis of spore‐crystal mixtures showed the prominence of 130, 70, and 100 kDa protein bands in majority of the isolates; PCR analysis with primers for eight cry and cyt gene families and 13 cry gene subfamilies resulted in isolates showing different combinations of insecticidal genes. Strains containing cry1 were the most abundant (57.1%) followed by cyt2 (46.42%), cry11 (37.5%), cry2 (28.57%), cry4 (21.42%), cyt1 (19.64%), cry3 (8.9%), and cry7, 8 (7.14%). A total of 30.35% of the strains did not amplify with any of the primers used in this study. Median lethal concentration 50 (LC50) estimates of spore‐crystal mixtures of Bt‐JK12, 17, 22, 48, and 72 against second instar larvae of H. armigera was observed to be 184.62, 275.39, 256.29, 259.93 μg ml−1, respectively. B. thuringiensis presents great diversity with respect to the presence of crystal protein encoding genes and insecticidal activity. Four putative toxic isolates identified in this study have potential application in insect pest control. B. thuringiensis isolate JK12 exhibited higher toxicity against H. armigera than that of B. thuringiensis HD1, hence can be commercially exploited to control insect pest for sustainable crop production. The results of this study confirm the significance of continuous exploration of new Bt stains from different ecological regions of the world.
Spotted fever group rickettsiae associated with ixodid ticks in wild environment in Southern Italy
Authors: Raele Donato Antonio , Galante Domenico , Pugliese Nicola , Salandra Giovanna La , Cafiero Maria Assunta
Published: October 2017

Ixodidae ticks are vectors and reservoirs of several species of rickettsiae, and tick‐borne rickettsioses are reported worldwide. This study was aimed to verify the distribution of spotted fever group rickettsiae associated with ticks in a wild environment, the National Park of Gargano, where there is proximity between wild and domestic animals, and which is within an endemic area for rickettsiosis. Ticks were collected from animals or vegetation, morphologically identified and tested by a PCR targeting the 17kDa gene, and by a loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) targeting ompB gene. Out of 34 tested tick pools, 2 from Dermacentor marginatus, 1 from Ixodes ricinus, and 1 from Rhipicephalus turanicus resulted positive. Nucleotide sequences of amplicons showed high similarity with sequences from Rickettsia slovaca, Rickettsia raoultii, Rickettsia helvetica, and Rickettsia felis. The overall calculated infection rate was 26.19 per 1,000, while it rose up to 107.77 when only D. marginatus was considered. The results highlight the association among Ri. slovaca, Ri. raoultii, D. marginatus and wild boars from which infected ticks were collected. Finally, the study shows the low efficacy of the previously described LAMP method for the detection of Rickettsia spp., when compared to PCR, making urgent the development of most effective LAMP protocols.
An existence and uniqueness principle for a nonlinear version of the Lebowitz‐Rubinow model with infinite maximum cycle length
Authors: Ariza‐Ruiz David , Garcia‐Falset Jesús , Latrach Khalid
Published: October 2017

The present article deals with existence and uniqueness results for a nonlinear evolution initial‐boundary value problem, which originates in an age‐structured cell population model introduced by Lebowitz and Rubinow (1974) describing the growth of a cell population. Cells of this population are distinguished by age a and cycle length l. In our framework, daughter and mother cells are related by a general reproduction rule that covers all known biological ones. In this paper, the cycle length l is allowed to be infinite. This hypothesis introduces some mathematical difficulties. We consider both local and nonlocal boundary conditions.
A certain class of weighted statistical convergence and associated Korovkin‐type approximation theorems involving trigonometric functions
Authors: Srivastava H. M. , Jena Bidu Bhusan , Paikray Susanta Kumar , Misra U. K.
Published: October 2017

The subject of statistical convergence has attracted a remarkably large number of researchers due mainly to the fact that it is more general than the well‐established theory of the ordinary (classical) convergence. In the year 2013, Edely et al introduced and studied the notion of weighted statistical convergence. In our present investigation, we make use of the (presumably new) notion of the deferred weighted statistical convergence to present Korovkin‐type approximation theorems associated with the periodic functions
, and
defined on a Banach space
. In particular, we apply our concept of the deferred weighted statistical convergence with a view to proving a Korovkin‐type approximation theorem for periodic functions and also to demonstrate that our result is a nontrivial extension of several known Korovkin‐type approximation theorems which were given in earlier works. Moreover, we establish another result for the rate of the deferred weighted statistical convergence for the same set of functions. Finally, we consider a number of interesting special cases and illustrative examples in support of our definitions and of the results which are presented in this paper.
Ion pair and solvation dynamics of [Bmim][BF4] + water system
Authors: Cascão João , Silva Wagner , Ferreira Ana S.D. , Cabrita Eurico J.
Published: October 2017

In this work, 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate/water mixtures were analysed over the whole water composition (xw) in order to study the rotational and translational behaviour of the ions. We employed a multinuclear NMR approach to determine anion/cation/water diffusion coefficients and longitudinal relaxation rates at different water content. In neat ionic liquids (IL), the cation diffuses faster than the anion, and at low xw, anions and cations share almost the same diffusion coefficient, but above a critical water concentration, the anion begins to diffuse faster than the cation. We identified this composition as approximately 10% xw where the ions share the same diffusion coefficient. We found that the water at this composition seems to have a much more dramatic effect in the rotational diffusion of the anion that decreases substantially and approaches that of the anion in the diluted IL. Translational and rotational dynamics of the ions suggest that water is first incorporated in pockets in the nanostructure of the IL allowing the ions to maintain most of the cation/anion interactions present in neat IL but already disrupting some anion/cation interactions due to preferential interaction with the anion. HOESY and NOESY data show that water displays contacts both with the cation and the anion in a positive NOE regime in contrary to the negative regime found for the cation/anion and cation/cation cross‐relaxation. This is in accordance with the high relative diffusion coefficient of water and suggests that water molecules can exchange between preferential location sites that allow water to maintain contacts both with the anion and cation.
Menopause is associated with impaired responsiveness of involuntary pelvic floor muscle contractions to sudden intra‐abdominal pressure rise in women with pelvic floor symptoms: A retrospective study
Authors: Huang Wen‐Chen , Yang Jenn‐Ming
Published: October 2017

Aims

To explore the effect of menopause on the movements of the bladder neck and genital hiatus during involuntary and voluntary pelvic floor muscle (PFM) contractions among women with pelvic floor symptoms.

Methods

The data of 162 premenopausal and 215 postmenopausal women were retrospectively analyzed. The investigation encompassed clinical interview, pelvic examination, and four‐dimensional ultrasound. The ultrasound manifestations of the bladder neck and genital hiatus during involuntary and voluntary PFM contractions were assessed during coughing and maximal squeezing. The bladder neck location, genitohiatal size, and genitohiatal location were evaluated with bladder neck distance (BND) and bladder neck angle (BNA), genitohiatal dimension (GHD) and genitohiatal area (GHAR), as well as genitohiatal angle (GHA), respectively.

Results

From resting to coughing, postmenopausal women exhibited a more caudodorsal bladder neck movement (changes in BND/BNA, premenopausal vs. postmenopausal women: −0.91 ± 1.22 cm/–12 ± 47° vs. −0.48 ± 0.83 cm/11 ± 38°, P < 0.001), less genitohiatal size reduction (changes in GHD/GHAR, premenopausal vs. postmenopausal women: −1.38 ± 2.15 cm/−5.5 ± 8.4 cm2 vs. −0.46 ± 1.68 cm/−1.9 ± 7.6 cm2, P < 0.001), and less cranioventral genitohiatal movement (changes in GHA, premenopausal vs. postmenopausal women: −33 ± 63° vs. −11 ± 43°, P < 0.001) than premenopausal women. Premenopausal and postmenopausal women demonstrated comparable ultrasound manifestations of the bladder neck and genital hiatus during maximal squeezing.

Conclusions

For women with pelvic floor symptoms, menopause is associated with impaired responsiveness of involuntary PFM contractions to sudden intra‐abdominal pressure rise but not with voluntary PFM contractions.
Impact of the initial fitness level on the effects of a structured exercise therapy during pediatric stem cell transplantation
Authors: Wallek Susanne , Senn‐Malashonak Anna , Vogt Lutz , Schmidt Katharina , Bader Peter , Banzer Winfried
Published: October 2017

Background

Before and after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), most patients suffer from psychophysical limitations due to the treatment. Exercise interventions demonstrate beneficial effects on, for example, strength, endurance, or health‐related quality of life during and after HSCT, but with a great variation among patients concerning the response to exercise. This study examines the influence of the initial fitness on the effects of an exercise therapy in pediatric HSCT.

Procedure

Fifty‐three children and adolescents (10.9 ± 3.5 years) scheduled for HSCT were randomized into an exercise intervention group (IG) or a control group (CG). During hospitalization, the IG performed endurance, strength, and flexibility training three times per week. The CG included a nonexercise program. A 6‐min walk test was completed before and after the inpatient period. Baseline results (6‐min walking distance [6MWD]) were used to split both groups into the following: IGUNFIT, n = 14; IGFIT, n = 12; CGUNFIT, n = 16; CGFIT, n = 11. Differences in outcome changes between groups were analyzed with H‐test.

Result

Intergroup comparison revealed significant differences between IGUNFIT and CGUNFIT (P < 0.05). The IGUNFIT increased their 6MWD by +8% (vs. IGFIT, +1%); both CGs presented a decline in 6MWD (CGUNFIT, –14%; CGFIT, –16%). At discharge, the IGFIT achieved 85.5 ± 10.3% of healthy reference values.

Conclusions

The current results indicate that exercise during pediatric HSCT is feasible and contributes to prevention of treatment‐related loss of physical function. As seen in healthy persons, patients’ benefits might depend on their initial fitness level. As a diminished physical capability may result in higher training effects, impaired especially patients should engage in exercise.
Elaborating the excited state behavior of 2‐(4′‐N,N‐dimethylaminophenyl)‐imidazo[4,5‐c]pyridine coupling with methanol solvent
Authors: Yang Dapeng , Jia Min , Song Xiaoyan , Zhang Qiaoli
Published: October 2017

We present a theoretical investigation about the excited state dynamical mechanism of 2‐(4′‐N,N‐dimethylaminophenyl)‐imidazo[4,5‐c]pyridine (DMAPIP‐c). Within the framework of density functional theory and time‐dependent density functional theory methods, we reasonably repeat the experimental electronic spectra, which further confirm the theoretical level used in this work is feasible. Given the best complex model, 3 methanol (MeOH) solvent molecules should be connected with DMAPIP‐c forming DMAPIP‐c‐MeOH complex in both ground state and excited state. Exploring the changes about bond lengths and bond angles involved in hydrogen bond wires, we find the O7‐H8···N9 one should be largely strengthened in the S1state, which plays an important role in facilitating the excited state intermolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) process. In addition, the analyses about infrared vibrational spectra also confirm this conclusion. The redistribution about charges distinguished via frontier molecular orbitals based on the photoexcitation, we do find tendency of ESIPT reaction due to the most charges located around N9 atom in the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital. Based on constructing the potential energy curves of both S0and S1states, we not only confirm that the ESIPT process should firstly occur along with hydrogen bond wire O7‐H8···N9, but also find a low potential energy barrier 8.898 kcal/mol supports the ESIPT reaction in the S1state forming DMAPIP‐c‐MeOH‐PT configuration. Subsequently, DMAPIP‐c‐MeOH‐PT could twist its dimethylamino moiety with a lower barrier 3.475 kcal/mol forming DMAPIP‐c‐MeOH‐PT‐TICT structure. Our work not only successfully explains previous experimental work but also paves the way for the further applications about DMAPIP‐c sensor in future.
Understanding middle‐aged and older adults' first associations with the word “cancer”: A mixed methods study in England
Authors: Agustina Edelyn , Dodd Rachael H. , Waller Jo , Vrinten Charlotte
Published: October 2017

Objective

Cancer is still widely feared and often associated with death. Fatalistic beliefs adversely affect help‐seeking for cancer symptoms and engagement in cancer prevention. This study aims to understand middle‐aged and older adults' first association with the word “cancer” and their relationship with sociodemographic factors, cancer fear, and cancer information avoidance.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional survey of 1464 community‐based adults aged 50 to 70 living in England in April 2015. First associations with cancer were measured qualitatively and analysed using content analysis. We used binary logistic regression to analyse associations between the most common first association of cancer and sociodemographic characteristics, cancer fear, and cancer information avoidance.

Results

Cancer was most commonly associated with “death” (26%). Respondents with lower levels of education, living in the Midlands or North of England where cancer mortality is higher, or with close friends or family members with a cancer history, were more likely to associate cancer with death. Cancer fear was significantly associated with death associations, but cancer information avoidance was not.

Conclusions

Despite improved cancer outcomes, middle‐aged and older adults often associate cancer with death. Further efforts to decrease fatalistic associations in this age group may be needed.
Atmospheric pressure plasma treatment of agricultural seeds of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) and pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) with effect on reduction of diseases and germination improvement
Authors: Štěpánová Vlasta , Slavíček Pavel , Kelar Jakub , Prášil Jan , Smékal Milan , Stupavská Monika , Jurmanová Jana , Černák Mirko
Published: October 2017

The paper presents the effects of plasma treatment on agricultural seeds. Cucumber and pepper seeds, widely used in agriculture, were treated using the Diffuse Coplanar Surface Barrier Discharge (DCSBD) at atmospheric pressure in ambient air. The plasma treatment (4 s for pepper, 20 s for cucumber) led to an improvement of germination and germinating power. XPS confirmed chemical changes on the seed surface. The surface morphology of the plasma treated seeds showed no evidence of structural damage. The conclusion is that DCSBD proves to be able to reduce some of the microorganisms and pathogens affecting the seeds. Thanks to their technical simplicity and easy scaling‐up, DCSBD plasma sources open new opportunities for atmospheric pressure plasma application in the agricultural industry.
Systematic screening of viral entry inhibitors using surface plasmon resonance
Authors: Kumar Penmetcha K.R.
Published: October 2017

Viral binding and entry into host cells for various viruses have been studied extensively, yielding a detailed understanding of the overall viral entry process. As cell entry is an essential and requisite process by which a virus initiates infection, it is an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. The advantages of targeting viral entry are an extracellular target site, relatively easy access for biological interventions, and lower toxicity. Several cell‐based strategies and biophysical techniques have been used to screen compounds that block viral entry. These studies led to the discovery of inhibitors against HIV, HCV, influenza, Ebola, and RSV. In recent years, several compounds screened by fragment‐based drug discovery have been approved as drugs or are in the final stages of clinical trials. Among fragment screening technologies, surface plasmon resonance has been widely used because it provides accurate information on binding kinetics, allows real‐time monitoring of ligand‐drug interactions, requires very small sample amounts to perform analyses, and requires no modifications to or labeling of ligands. This review focuses on surface plasmon resonance–based schemes for screening viral entry inhibitors.
Who Cares About Product Sustainability Information at the Moment of Purchase? Consumer Evidence from Three Countries
Authors: Pekkanen Tiia‐Lotta , Pätäri Satu , Albadera Laura , Jantunen Ari
Published: October 2017

Sustainable consumption is a crucial contributor to sustainable development. Often, environmental policy approaches to promote sustainable consumption rely on increasing the awareness of consumers through information provision. Hence, it is important to know what kind of people the sustainability information is likely to reach, and what kind of people would need to be reached by other means in order to green their consumption. We advance the question of the characteristics of consumers who look for information about sustainability when making grocery purchasing choices. We focus on value‐based buying behaviour of Millennials, drawing from consumer surveys carried out in Finland, Hong Kong and Spain. The results show that values differ between the studied nationalities, but when modelling how values affect the pro‐responsibility behaviour the effect of nationality vanishes. Also, high perception of one's own sustainability related behaviour seems to enable altruistic, self‐directed people to act on environmental concern. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Green Innovativeness in Farm Enterprises: What Makes Farmers Think Green?
Authors: Lioutas Evagelos D. , Charatsari Chrysanthi
Published: October 2017

This work is based on the conjecture that multiple motivational pathways might lead to the adoption of green innovations. A sequence of two studies was designed to identify motives driving farmers to adopt green innovations. Study 1 aimed at the development of a scale assessing potential adoption motives. Study 2 – using this measure – examined which of these motives predict farmers' adoption behavior. Study 1 uncovered five factors that affect adoption decision: adaptation to the social process of innovation diffusion, environmental concern, convenience, economic incentives and the internal need to pursue change. Study 2 showed that perception of the convenience of an innovation is a significant antecedent of farmers' green innovativeness. Economic drivers, farmers' environmental concern and their need to pursue novelty are also positively associated with aspects of green innovativeness. Our results underscore the multidimensional nature of green innovativeness and generate challenging directions for future research in the field of sustainable development. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Inhibition of yeast‐to‐filamentous growth transitions in Candida albicans by a small molecule inducer of mammalian apoptosis
Authors: Goffena Joy , Toenjes Kurt A. , Butler David K.
Published: October 2017

The opportunistic fungal pathogen of humans Candida albicans is able to grow in different morphological forms such as round or oval yeasts and filamentous hyphae and pseudohyphae. Morphogenesis, the ability to switch between the yeast and filamentous growth forms, is important for adapting to new microenvironments in the human host and for pathogenesis. The molecular pathways governing morphogenesis are complex and incompletely understood. Previously, we identified several small organic molecules that specifically inhibit the initiation of hyphal growth in C. albicans without affecting cell viability or budded growth. One molecule from that screen is known to induce apoptosis in mammalian cells. In this study, we have screened additional inducers of mammalian apoptosis and identified BH3I‐1, as well as several structural derivatives of BH3I‐1, that act as specific inhibitors of morphogenesis under a variety of environmental conditions. Chemical epistasis experiments suggest that BH3I‐1 acts downstream of the hypha‐specific gene regulators Rfg1, Nrg1 and Ume6.
Aging and stem cell therapy
Authors: Khorraminejad-Shirazi Mohammadhossein , Farahmandnia Mohammad , Kardeh Bahareh , Estedlal Alireza , Kardeh Sina , Monabati Ahmad
Published: October 2017

In recent years, tissue regeneration has become a promising field for developing stem cellbased transplantation therapies for human patients. Adult stem cells are affected by the same aging mechanisms that involve somatic cells. One of the mechanisms involved in cellular aging is hyperactivation of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and disruption of 50 adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Aging of stem cells results in their impaired regenerative capacity and depletion of stem cell pools in adult tissue, which results in lower efficacy of stem cell therapy. By utilizing an effective therapeutic intervention for aged stem cells, stem cell therapy can become more promising for future application. mTORC1 inhibition is a practical approach to preserve the stem cell pool. In this article, we review the dynamic interaction between sirtuin (silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog) 1, AMPK, and mTORC1. We propose that using AMPK activators such as 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide, A769662, metformin, and oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) are practical ways to be employed for achieving better optimized results in stem cell-based transplantation therapies.
Multidomain lifestyle intervention benefits a large elderly population at risk for cognitive decline and dementia regardless of baseline characteristics: The FINGER trial
Authors: Rosenberg Anna , Ngandu Tiia , Rusanen Minna , Antikainen Riitta , Bäckman Lars , Havulinna Satu , Hänninen Tuomo , Laatikainen Tiina , Lehtisalo Jenni , Levälahti Esko , Lindström Jaana , Paajanen Teemu , Peltonen Markku , Soininen Hilkka , Stigsdotter‐Neely Anna , Strandberg Timo , Tuomilehto Jaakko , Solomon Alina , Kivipelto Miia
Published: October 2017

Introduction

The 2‐year Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (FINGER) multidomain lifestyle intervention trial (NCT01041989) demonstrated beneficial effects on cognition. We investigated whether sociodemographics, socioeconomic status, baseline cognition, or cardiovascular factors influenced intervention effects on cognition.

Methods

The FINGER recruited 1260 people from the general Finnish population (60–77 years, at risk for dementia). Participants were randomized 1:1 to multidomain intervention (diet, exercise, cognition, and vascular risk management) and regular health advice. Primary outcome was change in cognition (Neuropsychological Test Battery z‐score). Prespecified analyses to investigate whether participants' characteristics modified response to intervention were carried out using mixed‐model repeated‐measures analyses.

Results

Sociodemographics (sex, age, and education), socioeconomic status (income), cognition (Mini–Mental State Examination), cardiovascular factors (body mass index, blood pressure, cholesterol, fasting glucose, and overall cardiovascular risk), and cardiovascular comorbidity did not modify response to intervention (P‐values for interaction > .05).

Conclusions

The FINGER intervention was beneficial regardless of participants' characteristics and can thus be implemented in a large elderly population at increased risk for dementia.
The Statutory Derivative Action in Malaysia: Comparison with an Australian Judicial Approach
Authors: CHEN Vivien
Published: October 2017

This article examines the operation of the Malaysian statutory derivative action through an analysis of Malaysian judicial decisions from 2008 to 2015. It considers the extent to which the statutory derivative action has achieved its underlying objective of facilitating better shareholder access to redress. The analysis focuses on applications for leave to bring derivative actions for breaches of directors’ duties, considering the manner in which the courts have interpreted and applied the criteria for granting leave and the rate of success in obtaining leave. The findings are compared with an analysis of Australian statutory derivative actions and situated in a broader comparative context. The article considers the effectiveness of the Malaysian statutory derivative action in facilitating better shareholder access to redress and canvasses possible explanations for the Malaysian approach.