bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Schubversuche an geschosshohen Wänden aus wärmedämmendem Planziegelmauerwerk mit Dünnbettmörtel
Authors: Schermer Detleff , Meyer Udo Joachim , Lutman Marjana , Triller Petra
Published: December 2019

The paper presents results of a series of 6 in‐plane shear tests on storey‐height clay unit masonry panels [1] with thin‐layer mortar, carried out in addition to previous test campaigns [2], [3], and [4]. The walls were constructed with unfilled thermally insulating clay units with a thermal conductivity of λ = 0.09 W/(m · K).

The current design rules for clay unit masonry according to DIN EN 1996‐1‐1/NA [5] are conservative compared to the presented test results for thermally insulating clay unit masonry.
Which diagnostic tests in everyday clinical practice are (not) useful in the management of diabetic foot disease?
Authors: Jeffcoate William J. , Dinneen Sean F.
Published: December 2019

This commentary reviews the use of a small number of tests used in the routine management of foot disease in diabetes. The aim is to consider some of the evidence underlying the use of these tests and the difficulties that can be encountered in interpretation. All tests have their limitations and it is important for these to be understood by the clinicians who request them. There are few test results which are categorically diagnostic in the field of the diabetic foot and the majority merely provide supporting evidence for a diagnosis that is either less or more strongly suspected on other grounds.
Bee pollinator functional responses and functional effects in restored tropical forests
Authors: Montoya‐Pfeiffer Paula María , Rodrigues Ricardo R. , Alves dos Santos Isabel
Published: December 2019

Wild pollinators are necessary for ensuring plant reproduction, not only among crop fields but also remnant and restored ecosystems. Restoration activities should, therefore, lead to wild pollinator recovery, and thus be monitored to evaluate effects on pollinator diversity and functionality. We assessed bee pollinator functional responses in restoration plantings by creating functional groups (traits: body size, nesting location, sociality, and foraging strategy), comparing their abundance and diversity to that of other habitats (i.e., conserved and degraded primary forest fragments, anthropogenic wetlands, and sugarcane fields), and testing for an effect of source habitat (i.e., primary forest fragments) isolation. We analyzed functional effects on pollen transportation by identifying the pollen grains attached on the bodies of bees; creating plant functional groups with the identified species (traits: habit, successional class, geographic origin, and pollination mode); comparing their frequency, diversity, and interaction network structure among habitats; and searching for key interactions in network modules. In general, the abundance and diversity of bee communities and the frequency and diversity of the interacting plant species in restoration plantings were lower than those in primary forest fragments but higher than those in anthropogenic wetlands and sugarcane fields, suggesting that restoration plantings better enhance bee community recovery and functionality than other disturbed habitats. The interacting bees and plants were also negatively affected by habitat isolation, demonstrating the importance of primary forest fragments to supply bee populations to restored sites. The structure of interaction networks was little affected by habitat change and isolation, but the composition and diversity of functional groups varied significantly. There were more effects on larger bee species with more restricted nesting and floral requirements, and the woody species with which they interact most frequently. We identified key functional groups of bee pollinators that deserve priority for conservation because they play an important role in the pollen transportation of some the most relevant species in remnant forests and restoration plantings and also respond more negatively to habitat disturbances. Restoration efforts should include provisioning of nesting resources and management and conservation of primary forest remnant fragments that represent source habitats for them.
High mortality rates in a juvenile free‐ranging marine predator and links to dive and forage ability
Authors: Cox Sam L. , Authier Matthieu , Orgeret Florian , Weimerskirch Henri , Guinet Christophe
Published: December 2019

High juvenile mortality rates are typical of many long‐lived marine vertebrate predators. Insufficient development in dive and forage ability is considered a key driver of this. However, direct links to survival outcome are sparse, particularly in free‐ranging marine animals that may not return to land.

In this study, we conduct exploratory investigations toward early mortality in juvenile southern elephant seals Mirounga leonina. Twenty postweaning pups were equipped with (a) a new‐generation satellite relay data tag, capable of remotely transmitting fine‐scale behavioral movements from accelerometers, and (b) a location transmitting only tag (so that mortality events could be distinguished from device failures). Individuals were followed during their first trip at sea (until mortality or return to land). Two analyses were conducted. First, the behavioral movements and encountered environmental conditions of nonsurviving pups were individually compared to temporally concurrent observations from grouped survivors. Second, common causes of mortality were investigated using Cox's proportional hazard regression and penalized shrinkage techniques.

Nine individuals died (two females and seven males) and 11 survived (eight females and three males). All but one individual died before the return phase of their first trip at sea, and all but one were negatively buoyant. Causes of death were variable, although common factors included increased horizontal travel speeds and distances, decreased development in dive and forage ability, and habitat type visited (lower sea surface temperatures and decreased total [eddy] kinetic energy).

For long‐lived marine vertebrate predators, such as the southern elephant seal, the first few months of life following independence represent a critical period, when small deviations in behavior from the norm appear sufficient to increase mortality risk. Survival rates may subsequently be particularly vulnerable to changes in climate and environment, which will have concomitant consequences on the demography and dynamics of populations.
Global canopy rainfall interception loss derived from satellite earth observations
Authors: Zheng Chaolei , Jia Li
Published: December 2019

Information on global canopy rainfall interception loss is essential for understanding the dynamics of land surface processes and the water cycle. In addition, large uncertainty remains regarding the global variation in this factor. The development of satellite earth observations has provided a great opportunity for the estimation of global rainfall interception loss to reveal the spatiotemporal variations. In the current study, the analytical Gash model was adapted and applied to estimate global rainfall interception loss from 2001 to 2015 on the basis of satellite remote‐sensing products, for example, gross rainfall amount and rate and leaf area index. The Dalton‐type equation was adopted to estimate the wet canopy evaporation rate in the revised Gash model. The estimation on the basis of the Dalton‐type equation showed better agreement with the ground observations than the classical Penman–Monteith equation in terms of estimated rainfall interception loss and its ratio to gross rainfall. Large spatial variations in global rainfall interception loss were found, and high values appeared in the regions with dense vegetation cover and high gross rainfall amounts, for example, tropical rainforests, whereas high rainfall interception to gross rainfall ratios occurred in the regions with low rain rates and high vegetation cover. This study constitutes a significant step forward in understanding global hydrological cycle on the basis of earth observation products.
[3+2] Anionic Cycloaddition of Isocyanides to Acyclic Enamines and Enaminones: A New, Simple, and Convenient Method for the Synthesis of 2,4‐Disubstituted Pyrroles
Authors: Efimov Ilya V. , Matveeva Maria D. , Luque Rafael , Bakulev Vasiliy A. , Voskressensky Leonid G.
Published: December 2019

We herein demonstrate a new approach for the synthesis of 2,4‐disubstituted pyrroles by [3+2] cycloaddition reaction of isocyanides to the activated double bond of various enamines and enaminones. This process paved the way for the synthesis a series of 2,4‐disubstituted pyrroles, which are known to be intermediates in the synthesis of biologically active compounds, in good to excellent yields from simple and commercially available starting materials. The process is carried out efficiently using a strong base, tBuOK, at low temperatures (0 °C). The described method is simple, proceeds in one step, does not require additional catalysts and hence, has a wide scope.
A decadal‐scale numerical model for wandering, cobble‐bedded rivers subject to disturbance
Authors: De Rego Kathryn , Lauer J. Wesley , Eaton Brett , Hassan Marwan
Published: December 2019

Alluvial rivers are composed of self‐formed channels which are sensitive to disturbances in their flow and sediment‐supply regimes. Regime changes commonly occur over decadal and longer timescales and can be caused by anthropogenic alterations such as dam construction and removal. Advances in numerical modeling have increased our ability to explore geomorphic adjustments over long timescales; however, many models designed to be run for decades or longer assume that banks are immovable or that channel width is constant. Since river channels often respond to disturbance by adjusting their geometry, this is a significant shortcoming. To investigate the impact of long‐term sediment supply alterations on channel geometry and stability, we have adapted MAST‐1D, a reach‐scale bed evolution model, to incorporate functions for bank erosion, vegetation encroachment, and local avulsions. The model is designed for medium‐large, coarse multithreaded rivers and can be run over long (decades–centuries) timescales. Bank erosion is a function of the mobility and transport capacity for structurally‐important grains which protect the bank toe. Vegetation growth is proportional to point bar width and occurs during conditions of low shear stress. Local avulsions occur when aggradation causes channel depth to drop below a threshold. We apply the model to the Elwha River in Washington, USA with the goal of investigating if and when the river recovers from dam emplacement and removal. The Elwha was dammed for nearly 100 years, and then two dams were removed, releasing a large pulse of sediment. We have modeled the set of reaches between the two dams. Our simulations suggest that channel response to dam emplacement occurs gradually over several decades but that the channel recovers to near pre‐dam conditions within about a decade following the removal. The dams leave a lasting legacy on the floodplain, which does not completely recover, even after two centuries. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Towards Visible‐Light Photocatalytic Reduction of Hypercoordinated Silicon Species
Authors: Levernier Etienne , Lévêque Christophe , Derat Etienne , Fensterbank Louis , Ollivier Cyril
Published: December 2019

Nowadays, the quest of new radical precursors based on heteroatom complexes occupies an increasingly prominent position in contemporary research. Herein, we investigated the behavior and the limitations of hexa‐ or pentacoordinated organochlorosilanes and related pentacoordinated silyliums as new families of complexes for the generation of radicals under photocatalytic reductive conditions. Particularly, treatment of chlorophenylbis[N,S‐pyridine‐2‐thiolato(−)]silicon(IV) or the related silylium derivative with thefac‐Ir(ppy)3(5 mol‐%)/NEt3(1.5 equiv.) system under blue LEDs irradiation generates a thiopyridyl radical which can participate in the formation of a carbon−sulfur bond by reaction with an allylsulfone. Computational studies supported this experimental finding, and particularly by showing that homolytic fragmentation of C−Ts bond is favored over the fragmentation of thiopyridyl radical.
Peristaltically induced flow of nanomaterial through uniform porous space and gravitational aspects
Authors: Abbasi Fahad M. , Kayani Sidra A. , Shehzad Sabir A. , Gul Maimoona
Published: December 2019

Magneto peristaltic flows of nanofluids play a key role in magnetic drug transport systems. Therefore, peristalsis of a nanofluid through a uniform porous medium under the influence of a uniform magnetic force is studied here. Ohmic heating and Hall aspects are incorporated in the analysis. Three distinct types of nanoparticles (ie, silver, alumina, and copper) have been used for theoretical analysis. A large wavelength and a small Reynolds number scheme are adopted in mathematical modeling. The dimensionless nonlinear system is solved using the well‐known perturbation method, and physical analysis is done via graphs. A comparison of different nanoparticles is also presented. It is noticed that an increase in the Hall effects nullifies the variations, which are due to an increment in the Hartman number. The temperature of the nanofluid can be reduced by increasing the permeability of the porous medium.
miR‐128‐3p contributes to mitochondrial dysfunction and induces apoptosis in glioma cells via targeting pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1
Authors: Qu Changda , Yan Chang , Cao Weifan , Li Fangqin , Qu Yewei , Guan Ke , Si Chengqing , Yu Ze , Qu Zhangyi
Published: December 2019

Glioma, like most cancers, possesses a unique bioenergetic state of aerobic glycolysis known as the Warburg effect, which is a dominant phenotype of most tumor cells. Glioma tumors exhibit high glycolytic metabolism with increased lactate production. Data derived from the gene expression profiling interactive analysis (GEPIA) database show that pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1) is significantly highly expressed in glioma tissues compared with corresponding normal tissues. PDK1 is a key enzyme in the transition of glycolysis to tricarboxylic acid cycle, via inactivating PDH and converting oxidative phosphorylation to Warburg effect, resulting in increment of lactate production. Silencing of PDK1 expression resulted in reduced lactate and ATP, accumulation of ROS, mitochondrial damage, decreased cell growth, and increased cell apoptosis. Aberrant expression of miR‐128 has been observed in many human malignancies. Mechanistically, we discover that overexpressed miR‐128‐3p disturbs the Warburg effect in glioma cells via reducing PDK1. Our experiments confirmed that the miR‐128‐3p/PDK1 axis played a pivotal role in cancer cell metabolism and growth. Collectively, these findings suggest that therapeutic strategies to modulate the Warburg effect, such as targeting of PDK1, might act as a potential therapeutic target for glioma treatment.
A fluorescence “on–off” sensor for the highly selective and sensitive detection of Cu2+ion
Authors: Zhang Han , Qu Yao , Zhao Kun , Wang Cong , Wu Yancong , Wu Huilu
Published: December 2019

In an attempt to obtain a model of copper(II) ion‐selective sensors, a new 1,8‐naphthalimide‐based fluorescence chemosensor,N‐allylamine‐4‐[(E)‐4‐(([2‐aminoethyl]imino)methyl) benzene‐1,3‐diol]‐1,8‐naphthalimide (NABN), was designed and synthesized. The sensor NABN is fully characterized by melting point analysis, fourier transform infrared spectra, Ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectra, fluorescence spectra,1H NMR and13C NMR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. NABN showed an unrivaled sensing behavior and an ardent selectivity toward copper(II) ion over other competitive metal ions tested in solution (N,N‐Dimethylformamide (DMF)/Tris–HCl buffer, 1:1, v/v, pH = 7.2). The sensor showed a linear fluorescence quenching toward copper(II) ion in the range 0–50 μM, with a detection limit of 1.92 × 10−7M estimated. Job's method indicated the formation of a 2:1 coordinative mode of the sensor with copper(II) ion with a high threshold of binding constant of 4 × 1012 M−1. Combining the above results, the quenching response of NABN toward Cu(II) ions could be ascribed to the strong, intrinsic paramagnetic behavior of Cu(II).
Progesterone Metabolites Inhibit the Human Ether‐a‐go‐go‐Related Gene and Predict QT Interval Length
Authors: Shugg Tyler , Egly Christian , Stamatkin Chris W. , Patil Avinash S. , Tisdale James E. , Overholser Brian R.
Published: December 2019

A decrease in the human ether‐a‐go‐go‐related gene (hERG/KCNH2)‐related channel has been linked to intrauterine fetal death. The formation of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A‐mediated progesterone metabolites, 6‐beta‐hydroxy‐progesterone (6β‐OHP) and 16α‐hydroxy‐progesterone (16α‐OHP), is variable among adults and differs from fetal metabolism. The primary objective of this study was to assess the potential for progesterone metabolites to inhibithERG‐related current and predict QTc intervals. Whole‐cell voltage‐clamp electrophysiology was performed on human embryonic kidney 293 cells stably expressing hERG exposed to progesterone or metabolites. Both 6β‐OHP and 16α‐OHP positively shifted the voltage dependence of activation relative to vehicle from ‐4.0 ± 0.8 to ‐0.3 ± 0.8 mV,P< .01; and 1.0 ± 0.6 mV,P< .01, respectively. In addition, 6β‐OHP decreased maximal outward tail currents from 49.4 ± 4.9 to 32.5 ± 4.1 pA/pF,P< 0.01, and reduced the expression of fully glycosylated hERG by 42%. Healthy female subjects were administered progesterone 400 mg orally for 7 days, ibutilide 0.003 mg/kg was infused, and serial electrocardiograms and blood samples collected. Relationships between rate‐corrected QT intervals (QTcI) with circulating hormones and metabolites were assessed. The 6β‐OHP and 16α‐OHP metabolites were independent predictors of QTcI intervals prior to and following ibutilide administration. In conclusion, the progesterone metabolites formed via CYP3A cause inhibitory effects on hERG channels and predict QTcI intervals in healthy women pretreated with progesterone. Further study into maternal and fetal exposure to these metabolites and potential to prolong cardiac repolarization is warranted.
Observation of a gerade symmetry state of Cu2 using two‐color resonant four‐wave mixing
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Bornhauser Peter , Knopp Gregor , Radi Peter
Published: December 2019

The first observation of an excited 0
state of dicopper is reported. “g” inversion symmetry states are not observable by direct one‐photon absorption from the X
ground state. Measurements are performed by applying nonlinear two‐color resonant four‐wave mixing (TC‐RFWM) spectroscopy. Cold Cu2 molecules in a molecular beam environment are generated by applying a pulsed laser vaporization source and subsequent near supersonic expansion of the vaporized metal plume entrained in a helium pulse. Spectra in the wavenumber region of the [37.5(v)]0
‐ B0
electronic transition are recorded by using the UNFOLDED double‐resonance scheme. Specific rotational levels of the intermediate state B0
, v′=1 are accessed from the X
ground state. Dipole selection rules from the labeled levels define unambiguously the rotational quantum number and symmetry of the final state (ΔJ=±0,1 and g ↔ u). The UNFOLDED scheme is verified by additional measurements via the origin level, v′=0, of the intermediate B0
state. Spectroscopic constants of the [37.5(v)]0
state have been determined for both 63Cu2 and 63Cu65Cu isotopologues by analysis of the rotationally resolved spectra. The potential of TC‐RFWM to study the unexplored “g” symmetry manifold of Cu2 is discussed.
Successful Treatment of Cosmetic Eyebrow Tattoos in Fitzpatrick III‐IV With Picosecond (1,064, 532‐nm) Neodymium‐Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Laser With a Perfluorodecalin‐Infused Patch: A Pilot Study
Authors: Moustafa Farah , Suggs Amanda , Hamill Selina S. , Friedman Paul M.
Published: December 2019

Background and Objectives

Nanosecond Q‐switched lasers have been used for the removal of traditional and cosmetic tattoos. Picosecond lasers utilize pulse durations of 10−12 and provide more efficient clearance of tattoos. Safe and effective removal of tattoos is especially important in cosmetically sensitive areas such as the face. We report four patients with skin types (III–IV) who have had successful removal of eyebrow tattoos with the picosecond (1,064‐, 532‐nm) laser using a perfluorodecalin‐infused patch (PFD).

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Patients with eyebrow tattoos underwent treatment with dual‐wavelength picosecond Nd:YAG laser at 1,064‐nm with a 3 mm spot size and fluence of 4–4.6 J/cm2. The 532‐nm wavelength was also used during treatment #1 (patient 2 only) with a 4 mm spot size and fluence of 0.5 J/cm2. Patient 1 had a total of three treatments (6–8 weeks apart). The remaining patients, each had only one treatment. Patients were photographed prior to treatment and subsequently at each follow‐up.

Results

Immediately following each laser treatment, only mild and transient localized erythema and edema was observed. Some epidermal crusting was noted for 3–5 days following each treatment. Eyebrow hair growth was not affected and no adverse events were reported. There was 75% clearance in patient 1 after three treatments over a period of 2.5 months, 75% clearance in patient 2 after one treatment, 90% clearance in patient 3 after one treatment, and 100% clearance in patient 4 after one treatment.

Conclusions

The 532‐ and 1,064‐nm wavelength of the picosecond Nd:YAG laser was safely used to clear brown and black ink eyebrow tattoos in four patients, three of whom were skin type IV, and one of whom underwent eyebrow tattoo via microblading, a novel and popular technique for cosmetic tattoos. The use of picosecond laser provides several treatment advantages to Q‐switched laser when treating eyebrow tattoos. In our experience, it required less number of treatments and lower fluences. This, along with use of the perfluorodecalin‐infused patch resulted in excellent outcomes for our patients with no significant side effects. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
When does every definable nonempty set have a definable element?
Authors: Dorais François G. , Hamkins Joel David
Published: December 2019

The assertion that every definable set has a definable element is equivalent over to the principle , and indeed, we prove, so is the assertion merely that every Π2‐definable set has an ordinal‐definable element. Meanwhile, every model of has a forcing extension satisfying in which every Σ2‐definable set has an ordinal‐definable element. Similar results hold for and and other natural instances of .
Novel FSHR variants causing female resistant ovary syndrome
Authors: Khor Shuzin , Lyu Qifeng , Kuang Yanping , Lu Xuefeng
Published: December 2019

Background

Pathogenic variants of follicle‐stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) are known to cause amenorrhea and infertility in women. However, only a limited number of pathogenic FSHR variants have been reported, and few reports described detailed characteristics of patients with pathogenic FSHR variants.

Methods

The affected siblings and both parents were subjected to whole‐genome exon sequencing. Transient transfection of HEK 293T cells was performed with constructed vectors. The cellular localization of the FSHR protein was evaluated using confocal microscopy, and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production was detected with a cAMP ELISA kit.

Results

A Chinese family with two siblings carrying compound heterozygous pathogenic variants of FSHR: c.182T>A (p.Ile61Asn) and c.2062C>A (p.Pro688Thr). Both siblings had amenorrhea, infertility, and resistance to gonadotropin (Gn) stimulation but showed high anti‐Müllerian hormone levels and early antral follicles. Molecular dynamics simulations of the FSHR variants revealed significant changes in structural characteristics and electrostatic potential. In vitro analysis indicated that the p.Ile61Asn variant lacked cell surface localization and completely abolished the cAMP second messenger response. The p.Pro688Thr variant retained cell surface localization but caused decreased FSH‐induced cAMP production.

Conclusion

We found two novel pathogenic FSHR variants causing resistant ovarian syndrome. This study expands the genotypic spectrum of pathogenic FSHR variants and our knowledge of phenotype–genotype correlations.
Existence results for a class of nonlinear singular transport equations in bounded spatial domains
Authors: Latrach Khalid , Oummi Hssaine , Zeghal Ahmed
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we prove the existence of solutions to a nonlinear singular transport equation (ie, transport equation with unbounded collision frequency and unbounded collision operator) with vacuum boundary conditions in bounded spatial domain on Lp‐spaces with 1 ≤ p<+∞. This problem was already considered in6,8,9 under the hypothesis that the collision frequency σ(·) and the collision operator are bounded. In this work, we show that these hypotheses are not necessary; it suffices to assume that σ(·) is locally bounded, and the collision operator is bounded between
(a weighted space) and
(cf Section 2). Although the analysis for p∈(1,+∞) is standard in the sense that it uses the Schauder fixed point theorem, the compactness of the involved operator is not easy to derive. However, the analysis in the case p=1 uses the concept of Dunford‐Pettis operators and a new version of the Darbo fixed point theorem for a measure of weak noncompactness introduced in the paper.
Invariant solutions of one‐dimensional equations of two‐temperature relaxation gas dynamics
Authors: Siriwat Piyanuch , Grigoriev Yurii N. , Meleshko Sergey V.
Published: December 2019

The group analysis method is applied to the plane one‐dimensional equations of two‐temperature gas dynamics. The complete classification of the equations with respect to admitted Lie group is studied. All invariant solutions are analyzed and their comparisons with the known invariant solutions of the ideal gas dynamics system are presented.
Technical Note: An IBEX adaption toward image biomarker standardization
Authors: Bettinelli Andrea , Branchini Marco , De Monte Francesca , Scaggion Alessandro , Paiusco Marta
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Interest in the field of radiomics is rapidly growing because of its potential to characterize tumor phenotype and provide predictive and prognostic information. Nevertheless, the reproducibility and robustness of radiomics studies are hampered by the lack of standardization in feature definition and calculation. In the context of the image biomarker standardization initiative (IBSI), we investigated the grade of compliance of the image biomarker explorer (IBEX), a free open‐source radiomic software, and we developed and validated standardized‐IBEX (S‐IBEX), an adaptation of IBEX to IBSI.

Methods

Image biomarker explorer source code was checked against IBSI standard. Both the feature implementation and the overall image preprocessing chain were evaluated. Sections were re‐implemented wherever differences emerged: in particular, contour‐to‐binary‐mask conversion, image sub‐portion extraction, re‐segmentation, gray‐level discretization and interpolation were aligned to IBSI. All reported IBSI features were implemented in S‐IBEX. On a patient phantom, S‐IBEX was validated by benchmarking five different preprocessing configurations proposed by IBSI.

Results

Most IBEX feature definitions are IBSI compliant; however, IBEX preprocessing introduces non‐negligible nonconformities, resulting in feature values not aligned with the corresponding IBSI benchmarks. On the contrary, S‐IBEX features are in agreement with the standard regardless of preprocessing configurations: the percentage of features equal to their benchmark values ranges from 98.1% to 99.5%, with overall maximum percentage error below 1%. Moreover, the impact of noncompliant preprocessing steps has been assessed: in these cases, the percentage of features equal to the standard drops below 35%.

Conclusions

The use of standardized software for radiomic feature extraction is essential to ensure the reproducibility of results across different institutions, easing at the same time their external validation. This work presents and validates S‐IBEX, a free IBSI‐compliant software, developed upon IBEX, for feature extraction that is both easy to use and quantitatively accurate.
Relationship between spiritual health and hope by dietary adherence in haemodialysis patients in 2018
Authors: Musavi Ghahfarokhi Motahareh , Mohammadian Sara , Mohammadi Nezhad Bahar , Kiarsi Maryam
Published: December 2019

Aim

The present study aimed to determine the relationship between spiritual well‐being and hope through adherence to diet in haemodialysis patients referred to the dialysis centre.

Design

This research was a cross‐sectional study of a descriptive‐analytical type conducted on 120 patients undergoing haemodialysis in a haemodialysis centre of a hospital affiliated to Dezful University of Medical Sciences using the census method.

Method

The data were collected using a questionnaire and through the laboratory information included in the patient's records. The data collection tools were a demographic information questionnaire, the Ellison and Paloutzian spiritual well‐being scale (SWBS), the Hope‐Herth questionnaire and the objective laboratory criteria (phosphorus, potassium). This included the weight difference between the two dialysis sessions from the record to examine the adherence to the diet.

Results

The results indicate there to be a significant relationship between hope and spiritual well‐being with the objective criteria of the adherence to the diet in dialysis patients (p = .001).
Associations of nurse education level and nurse staffing with patient experiences of hospital care: A cross sectional study in China
Authors: Liu Xu , Zheng Jing , Liu Ke , Baggs Judith G. , Liu Jiali , Wu Yan , You Liming
Published: December 2019

Strengthening the nursing workforce is core to health system reform in China. Patient experiences of hospital care have been recognized as important in this endeavor. Studies exploring the relationships between nursing workforce and patient experiences of hospital care, however, are scarce. The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to examine the associations between nurse education level, nurse staffing, and hospitalized patients’ experiences of hospital care. Participants were 1,582 nurses responsible for direct care and 1,305 hospitalized patients from 23 hospitals in Guangdong province, China in 2014. Education level of nurses was measured by the proportion of nurses holding a baccalaureate or higher degree. Nurse staffing was measured by the unit nurse‐patient ratio. The Hospital Consumer Assessment of Health care Providers and Systems Scale was used to measure patient experiences of hospital care. Structural equation modeling demonstrated that a higher proportion of nurses holding a baccalaureate or higher degree was related directly to better patient perceptions of communication with nurses, responsiveness of nurses, pain management, and physical environment, and related indirectly to overall hospital ratings and recommendation of the hospital. A higher nurse‐patient staffing ratio was associated directly with better patient perceptions of communication with nurses, education about new medications given in hospital, and physical environment, and indirectly with overall ratings and recommendation of the hospital. Our findings add new evidence in the Chinese societal context about the relationship between the nursing workforce and patient experiences of hospital care. Upgrading nurse education level and increasing nurse staffing could potentially improve patient experiences of hospital care.
Molecular evolution during dynamic vulcanization of polyolefin mixtures for lead‐free thermoplastic vulcanized
Authors: Ciardelli Francesco , Dossi Stefano , Galanti Andrea , Magri Andrea , Riolo Stefano
Published: December 2019

The preparation process and the final properties of new thermoplastic lead‐free medium voltage (MV) insulation compounds based on the thermoplastic vulcanized (TPV) technology are reported and discussed at molecular level. The TPV MV insulation compounds were prepared starting from a peroxide curable lead free MV insulation, which is the actual market benchmark. For this reason, they were extensively investigated in comparison to the standard lead free MV insulation. The results of the dynamic vulcanization process were evaluated and related to the formulation. Now in the present paper we are reporting a detailed analysis of the molecular changes induced by the vulcanization reaction with reference to the different polymers and low molecular weight additives present in the starting mixture. The results are analyzed with reference to the used polyolefins structure with the aim to provide insights helping to relate the formulation at molecular level to the behavior of the final complex materials thus offering an useful tool to a priori design of TPVs with the desired ultimate properties.
Interpretation of somatic POLE mutations in endometrial carcinoma
Authors: León‐Castillo Alicia , Britton Heidi , McConechy Melissa K , McAlpine Jessica N , Nout Remi , Kommoss Stefan , Brucker Sara Y , Carlson Joseph W , Epstein Elisabeth , Rau Tilman T , Bosse Tjalling , Church David N , Gilks C Blake
Published: December 2019

Pathogenic somatic missense mutations within the DNA polymerase epsilon (POLE) exonuclease domain define the important subtype of ultramutated tumours (‘POLE‐ultramutated’) within the novel molecular classification of endometrial carcinoma (EC). However, clinical implementation of this classifier requires systematic evaluation of the pathogenicity of POLE mutations. To address this, we examined base changes, tumour mutational burden (TMB), DNA microsatellite instability (MSI) status, POLE variant frequency, and the results from six in silico tools on 82 ECs with whole‐exome sequencing from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Of these, 41 had one of five known pathogenic POLE exonuclease domain mutations (EDM) and showed characteristic genomic alterations: C>A substitution > 20%, T>G substitutions > 4%, C>G substitutions < 0.6%, indels < 5%, TMB > 100 mut/Mb. A scoring system to assess these alterations (POLE‐score) was developed; based on their scores, 7/18 (39%) additional tumours with EDM were classified as POLE‐ultramutated ECs, and the six POLE mutations present in these tumours were considered pathogenic. Only 1/23 (4%) tumours with non‐EDM showed these genomic alterations, indicating that a large majority of mutations outside the exonuclease domain are not pathogenic. The infrequent combination of MSI‐H with POLE EDM led us to investigate the clinical significance of this association. Tumours with pathogenic POLE EDM co‐existent with MSI‐H showed genomic alterations characteristic of POLE‐ultramutated ECs. In a pooled analysis of 3361 ECs, 13 ECs with DNA mismatch repair deficiency (MMRd)/MSI‐H and a pathogenic POLE EDM had a 5‐year recurrence‐free survival (RFS) of 92.3%, comparable to previously reported POLE‐ultramutated ECs. Additionally, 14 cases with non‐pathogenic POLE EDM and MMRd/MSI‐H had a 5‐year RFS of 76.2%, similar to MMRd/MSI‐H, POLE wild‐type ECs, suggesting that these should be categorised as MMRd, rather than POLE‐ultramutated ECs for prognostication. This work provides guidance on classification of ECs with POLE mutations, facilitating implementation of POLE testing in routine clinical care. © 2019 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Pharmaceutically treated comorbidities and associated healthcare costs among triptan users in Switzerland: A pharmacoepidemiological study from a nationwide health insurance database
Authors: Huber Carola A. , Agosti Reto , Näpflin Markus , Blozik Eva
Published: December 2019

Purpose

In course of the new migraine drug development on the global market it is important to quantify the current burden of migraine medication. This study aimed to estimate the comorbidity burden and its relation to healthcare costs in patients using triptans in Switzerland by analyzing a large population‐based database.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was based on Swiss health insurance claims data (2015/2016). The study sample comprised adult patients with ≥1 triptan prescription in 2015. We evaluated pharmaceutically treated comorbid conditions (CCs) and costs (12 months after index prescription) of patients using triptan. Multivariable linear regression models with log‐transformed outcomes were performed to identify the factors related to healthcare costs.

Results

From a total of 749 092, we identified 10,090 patients using triptans (1‐year prevalence of 1.35%), whereas 58.9% had ≥2 CCs. The most frequent CCs were pain‐ and rheumatologic‐related diseases and psychological disorders. Among triptan users, the mean total healthcare costs were highest in older patients with ≥2 CCs (>64 years: migraine with ≥2 CC “12 331 SFr”). Multivariate regression analyses showed that psychological disorders had the strongest impact on healthcare costs (Coefficient: 1.29; 95%‐CI: 1.27‐1.31).

Conclusions

The present study provides an overview of comorbidities and its related costs in migraine patients, which helps to quantify the current burden of migraine. This is relevant as the recently licensed CGRP antagonists are likely to change current treatment schemes for migraine, which strongly depends also on the comorbidities. The present study might therefore be helpful for the future development of treatment guidelines.
Rhythms, flows, and structures of cross‐boundary schooling: state power and educational mobilities between Shenzhen and Hong Kong
Authors: Waters Johanna L. , Leung Maggi W.H.
Published: December 2019

This paper explores the phenomenon of cross‐boundary schooling (CBS), where more than 30,000 children undertake a daily, checkpoint‐crossing commute to school and back again, over the Hong Kong–Shenzhen border. It elaborates on the notion of “state assemblage” to consider how the power of the state (in this case, both the People's Republic of China and Hong Kong authorities) manifests in CBS and, in particular, how the state attempts to exert control over children's and parents' bodies. This view of CBS contrasts with a sense of “agency” that prevails around discussions of educational mobilities, and we explore this tension here. The paper focuses on two related aspects of CBS—materiality and the role of habit and rhythm in directing, guiding, and cajoling children to conform to an extremely rigid and regimented daily routine. We found that the material structures that make up the border are crucial in enabling CBS to “function” and that notions of rhythm and habit are very useful for understanding how the “flow” of educational mobilities is achieved. At the same time, we considered instances where flow was disrupted, rhythms were changed, and individuals somehow resisted the material constraints of the border.
Discussion on statistical analysis of carcinogenicity studies with an early terminated treated group
Authors: Saul Jim , Ashcroft‐Hawley Kelly
Published: December 2019

High rates of mortality on long term carcinogenicity studies can often result in challenges when it comes to the statistical analysis of tumor incidence. The current regulatory advice often results in treated groups being terminated earlier than the control group. However, this advice rarely considers the impact of this action on the statistical analyses. The nature of these analyses means that groups terminated at different times may not be directly comparable due to age differences of the animals. Here we discuss the issues related to this and investigate several approaches of how to incorporate these groups within the statistical analyses. Although no single method appears to resolve these issues consistently, inclusion of the early terminated group is still informative. Depending on the timing of the early termination, either pooling of the groups into a single terminal kill (TK) interval or reassignment of intervals based purely on time of death (ie, no separate TK interval) appear preferable. However, to draw meaningful conclusions the time of onset of a given tumor must also be considered alongside incident rates and any statistical findings.
Therapeutic effects of kaempferol affecting autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Ashrafizadeh Milad , Tavakol Shima , Ahmadi Zahra , Roomiani Sahar , Mohammadinejad Reza , Samarghandian Saeed
Published: December 2019

Regulated cell death (RCD) guarantees to preserve organismal homeostasis. Apoptosis and autophagy are two major arms of RCD, while endoplasmic reticulum (ER) as a crucial organelle involved in proteostasis, promotes cells toward autophagy and apoptosis. Alteration in ER stress and autophagy machinery is responsible for a great number of diseases. Therefore, targeting those pathways appears to be beneficial in the treatment of relevant diseases. Meantime, among the traditional herb medicine, kaempferol as a flavonoid seems to be promising to modulate ER stress and autophagy and exhibits protective effects on malfunctioning cells. There are some reports indicating the capability of kaempferol in affecting autophagy and ER stress. In brief, kaempferol modulates autophagy in noncancerous cells to protect cells against malfunction, while it induces cell mortality derived from autophagy through the elevation of p‐AMP‐activated protein kinase, light chain‐3‐II, autophagy‐related geness, and Beclin‐1 in cancer cells. Noteworthy, kaempferol enhances cell survival through C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) suppression and GRP78 increment in noncancerous cells, while it enhances cell mortality through the induction of unfolding protein response and CHOP increment in cancer cells. In this review, we discuss how kaempferol modulates autophagy and ER stress in noncancer and cancer cells to expand our knowledge of new pharmacological compounds for the treatment of associated diseases.
Ongoing forest disturbance in Guatemala's protected areas
Authors: Bullock Eric L. , Nolte Christoph , Reboredo Segovia Ana L. , Woodcock Curtis E.
Published: December 2019

Protected areas in Guatemala provide habitat for diverse tropical ecosystems, contain ancient archeological sites, sequester carbon, and support economic activity through eco‐tourism. However, many of the forests in these protected areas have been converted to other uses or degraded by human activity, and therefore are considered “paper parks”. In this study, we analyzed time series of satellite data to monitor deforestation, degradation, and natural disturbance throughout Guatemala from 2000 to 2017. A recently developed methodology, Continuous Degradation Detection (CODED), was used to detect forest disturbances of varying size and magnitude. Through sample‐based statistical inference, we estimated that 854 137 ha (± 83 133 ha) were deforested and 1 012 947 ha (±139 512 ha) of forest was disturbed but not converted during our study period. Forest disturbance in protected areas ranged from under 1% of a park's area to over 95%. Our estimate of the extent of deforestation is similar to previous studies, however, degradation and natural disturbance affect a larger area. These results suggest that the total amount of forest disturbance can be significantly underestimated if degradation and natural disturbance are not taken into account. As a consequence, we found that the protected areas of Guatemala are more affected by disturbance than previously realized.
Insights on the Chemical Behavior of Ethyl Cyanoformate: Dipolarophile, Cyano or Ethoxycarbonyl Source
Authors: Dascălu Anca‐Elena , Bîcu Elena , Shova Segiu , Lipka Emmanuelle , Rigo Benoît , Billamboz Muriel , Ghinet Alina
Published: December 2019

Imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines (azaindolizines) 1a‐k have been designed and easily synthesized by the [3+2] cycloaddition reaction between cycloimmonium salts and ethyl cyanoformate used as dipolarophile. The behavior of the latter in cycloaddition reactions has been studied using different pyridinium, (iso)quinolinium or benzimidazolium salts and demonstrated the substrate‐dependent reactivity, and the observation in many cases of its reaction as a cyano or an ethoxycarbonyl donor reagent. New chemical platforms have been identified thanks to the different reactivity of ethyl cyanoformate. Final molecules were subjected to a biological evaluation on ESKAPE pathogens (five bacteria: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae (MDR), Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and two fungi: Cryptococcus neoformans (H99) and Candida albicans). Azaindolizines 1b and 1e displayed antifungal activity on Candida albicans and ylide 11 inhibited both fungi Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans. These results open the way for the development of analogues with improved antifungal activity.
Novel Method of MoS2 Decorated CdS Core‐shell Nano‐Heterojunctions for Highly Efficient and Stable Hydrogen Generation
Authors: Zhang Ke‐Jie , Xu Hao , Sun Lei , Luo Wen‐Tao , Gu Si‐Wen , Wang Hanyang , Ye Chengfan , Han Shuo , Shen Tianying
Published: December 2019

Exploitation of efficient and stable photocatalyst for water splitting is pressing to solve the energy crisis. Four CdS@MoS2 nano‐heterojunctions were prepared by a single precursor thermal decomposition combined with one‐step hydrothermal method. The morphology of the prepared samples is spherical and has obvious core‐shell structure interface. The photocurrent of CdS@MoS2‐2 wt% is the largest, which is more over 40 times that of the pure CdS. In addition, CdS@MoS2‐2 wt% had superior photocatalytic H2 generation activity (20.23 mmol g−1 h−1) without any noble metal as a cocatalyst under visible light and show marked photocatalytic durability after a continuous test for 16 hours. This work provides a new insight for the design of core‐shell nano‐heterojunctions for other metal sulfide composites.
Electrochemistry of 2,2‐Diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) in Acetonitrile in Presence of Ascorbic Acid ‐ Application for Antioxidant Properties Evaluation
Authors: Deutchoua Arlette Danelle Djitieu , Siegnin Raïssa , Kouteu Glory Koutnaitze , Dedzo Gustave Kenne , Ngameni Emmanuel
Published: December 2019

The electrochemistry of 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) in acetonitrile was studied in presence of ascorbic acid (AAH2) as model antioxidant. In the presence of AAH2, the intensities of the two characteristic systems of DPPH decreases and an intense oxidation peak at 1.07 V assigned to the oxidation of reduced DPPH was observed. The currents associated to these electrochemical processes showed excellent correlation with the amount of AAH2 added and were used for determining its free radicals scavenger activity. Chronoamperometry was found more suitable for a real time monitoring of the chemical reaction between DPPH and an antioxidant, and thus to evaluate their efficiencies by determining the corresponding half‐maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values. Comparison of the reactivity of the antioxidants tested was possible by comparing the times necessary for the stabilization of the residual DPPH reduction currents. The method was subsequently applied to the evaluation of antioxidant properties of lemon and orange samples.