bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge Of Timing And Compliance With Routine Immunization Schedule Among Mothers Of Under Five Attending Immunization Clinic In A Tertiary Hospital, Sokoto State, Nigeria
Authors: U.M Ango , M Babazhitsu
Published: October 2024

Background: Immunization is the most efficacious and low-cost strategy to save the lives of children and prevent dangerous communicable diseases. In order to develop the highest level of protection against diseases, children should be fully vaccinated as per the schedule and at the right age. Complete vaccination to children is a successful way of reducing the infant mortality rate, and to make zero dropouts and achieve 100% vaccination, vaccines should be administered as per scheduled time. Aim: The aim of this study is assess the knowledge of timing and compliance with routine immunization schedule among mothers of under five children attending immunization clinic in a tertiary hospital in Sokoto state, Nigeria Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive study conducted among 280 mothers of under five children attending immunization clinic in a tertiary hospital in Sokoto state in May and June, 2022. The respondents were selected by multistage sampling technique. A set of pretested, semi-structured interviewer- administered questionnaire was usedtocollect data on the research variables. Data were analyzed using IBM® SPSS version 25 statistical package. Results: The ages of the respondents ranged from 18 to 45 years with a mean age of 29.18 ± 8.16 years. Majority of the respondents 167 (59.5%) were aged 21-30 years. Most of the respondents were married 277 (99.0%) and larger proportion (58.1%) had tertiary education. The proportions of respondents with good knowledge of routineimmunization timing as the per schedule was (90.7%) and majority 235(83.9%) complied with timing according totheschedule. About two-third 175 (62.5%) of the respondents were fully vaccinated, some of the reasons mentioned by therespondents for not complying with timing were; waiting time, attitude of the health workers, husband disapproval andsickness of the child among others. Conclusion and Recommendations: Most of the respondents demonstrated good knowledge of routine immunization timing and majority compliedwith the timing according to the scheduled. About two-third of them were fully immunized, some of the reasons fornot complying with timing as per the schedule among the respondents were waiting time, attitude of the healthworkers, husband disapproval and sickness of the child among others. Improving the knowledge of parents about immunization was recommended by providing health education session consistently at every clinic day before the immunization session
Professionalism Among the Medical Graduates and Ethical Responsibility: Bangladesh Perspectives
Authors: Samdani Dr. Syed Golam , Ahmed Dr. Abu Hena Helal Uddin , Hossin Dr. Md. Immam , Ahmed Dr. AKM Kabir , Hasan Dr. Md. Kamrul , Mahmud Dr. Atique , Ahmad Dr. Md. Rasel
Published: October 2024

Background: Ethics and professionalism, though interconnected, represent distinct aspects of professional conduct. Ethics are explicit guidelines that dictate acceptable behaviour within a profession, while professionalism encompasses personal attributes such as competence, reliability, and ethical integrity. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the attitude of recent medical graduates towards medical ethics and professionalism. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study explored the status of professionalism and ethics regarding knowledge, attitude and behavioural skills among graduates of different medical college hospitals in Bangladesh. This study period was July 2015 – June 2016. The sample size was 300 and a convenience sampling technique was adopted. Result: This cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out to evaluate 300 intern doctors based on their knowledge, attitudes, and behavioural skills as it concerns professionalism and ethics through the use of questionnaires, direct observation, and evaluation by patients. Of the participants, 73.3% were from government medical colleges with almost equal male-to-female ratios. Behavioral skills were assessed among 72 interns by assistant registrars and patients assessed 60 interns. While 68.3% of the interns reported prior knowledge about professionalism, only 15% correctly identified core elements of professionalism. Most participants, 52.3%, were unclear about the difference between ethics and professionalism. Conclusion: This study underscores how vital professionalism and ethics are in shaping Bangladesh's future workforce. Combining ethical training with technical education is key as the economy grows, particularly in healthcare. New graduates must blend expertise with empathy and strong ethics to build public trust and support the country's development on a global scale
Regulation of the prometastatic neuregulin–MMP13 axis by SRC family kinases: therapeutic implications
Authors: Orive‐Ramos Ana , Seoane Samuel , Ocaña Alberto , Pandiella Atanasio , Montero Juan Carlos
Published: October 2017

Metastatic dissemination of tumor cells is responsible for the fatal outcome of breast cancer. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms involved in dissemination is essential for the development of new therapeutic strategies to prevent metastasis. One mechanism involved in metastatic dissemination of breast cancer cells is dependent on control of the production of matrix metalloproteinases by the neuregulins (NRGs). The NRGs are polypeptide factors that act by binding to the ErbB/HER subfamily of receptor tyrosine kinases. NRG‐mediated activation of HER receptors causes an increase in the production of metalloprotease 13 (MMP13, also termed collagenase‐3), which facilitates metastatic dissemination of breast tumors. In this context, we aimed to explore whether the clinically approved tyrosine kinase inhibitor dasatinib was able to neutralize this mechanism of metastatic dissemination. Here, we show that dasatinib restricted NRG‐induced MMP13 upregulation, both in vitro and in vivo, and in vivo metastatic dissemination of breast cancer cells. Chemical proteomics studies showed that the main cellular targets of dasatinib were SRC family kinases (SFKs). Moreover, genetic studies showed that knockdown of SRC or YES strongly inhibited NRG‐induced MMP13 upregulation in vitro. Mechanistically, dasatinib treatment or knockdown of SRC also inhibited ERK1/2 kinases in vitro, which were required for NRG‐induced MMP13 upregulation. These results open the possibility of clinically exploring the antitumoral action of dasatinib in those tumors in which the NRG–MMP13 signaling axis may play a relevant role in the control of tumor cell dissemination.
Estimating Belowground Carbon Stocks in Isolated Wetlands of the Northern Everglades Watershed, Central Florida, Using Ground Penetrating Radar and Aerial Imagery
Authors: McClellan Matthew , Comas Xavier , Benscoter Brian , Hinkle Ross , Sumner David
Published: October 2017

Peat soils store a large fraction of the global soil carbon (C) pool and comprise 95% of wetland C stocks. While isolated freshwater wetlands in temperate and tropical biomes account for more than 20% of the global peatland C stock, most studies of wetland soil C have occurred in expansive peatlands in northern boreal and subarctic biomes. Furthermore, the contribution of small depressional wetlands in comparison to larger wetland systems in these environments is very uncertain. Given the fact that these wetlands are numerous and variable in terms of their internal geometry, innovative methods are needed for properly estimating belowground C stocks and their overall C contribution to the landscape. In this study, we use a combination of ground penetrating radar (GPR), aerial imagery, and direct measurements (coring) in conjunction with C core analysis to develop a relation between C stock and surface area, and estimate the contribution of subtropical depressional wetlands to the total C stock of pine flatwoods at the Disney Wilderness Preserve (DWP), Florida. Additionally, GPR surveys were able to image collapse structures underneath the peat basin of depressional wetlands, depicting lithological controls on the formation of depressional wetlands at the DWP. Results indicate the importance of depressional wetlands as critical contributors to the landscape C budget at the DWP and the potential of GPR‐based approaches for (1) rapidly and noninvasively estimating the contribution of depressional wetlands to regional C stocks and (2) evaluating the formational processes of depressional wetlands.
Persistent Shoreline Shape Induced From Offshore Geologic Framework: Effects of Shoreface Connected Ridges
Authors: Safak Ilgar , List Jeffrey H. , Warner John C. , Schwab William C.
Published: October 2017

Mechanisms relating offshore geologic framework to shoreline evolution are determined through geologic investigations, oceanographic deployments, and numerical modeling. Analysis of shoreline positions from the past 50 years along Fire Island, New York, a 50 km long barrier island, demonstrates a persistent undulating shape along the western half of the island. The shelf offshore of these persistent undulations is characterized with shoreface‐connected sand ridges (SFCR) of a similar alongshore length scale, leading to a hypothesis that the ridges control the shoreline shape through the modification of flow. To evaluate this, a hydrodynamic model was configured to start with the US East Coast and scale down to resolve the Fire Island nearshore. The model was validated using observations along western Fire Island and buoy data, and used to compute waves, currents and sediment fluxes. To isolate the influence of the SFCR on the generation of the persistent shoreline shape, simulations were performed with a linearized nearshore bathymetry to remove alongshore transport gradients associated with shoreline shape. The model accurately predicts the scale and variation of the alongshore transport that would generate the persistent shoreline undulations. In one location, however, the ridge crest connects to the nearshore and leads to an offshore‐directed transport that produces a difference in the shoreline shape. This qualitatively supports the hypothesized effect of cross‐shore fluxes on coastal evolution. Alongshore flows in the nearshore during a representative storm are driven by wave breaking, vortex force, advection and pressure gradient, all of which are affected by the SFCR.
Oxygen in the Southern Ocean From Argo Floats: Determination of Processes Driving Air‐Sea Fluxes
Authors: Bushinsky Seth M. , Gray Alison R. , Johnson Kenneth S. , Sarmiento Jorge L.
Published: October 2017

The Southern Ocean is of outsized significance to the global oxygen and carbon cycles with relatively poor measurement coverage due to harsh winters and seasonal ice cover. In this study, we use recent advances in the parameterization of air‐sea oxygen fluxes to analyze 9 years of oxygen data from a recalibrated Argo oxygen data set and from air‐calibrated oxygen floats deployed as part of the Southern Ocean Carbon and Climate Observations and Modeling (SOCCOM) project. From this combined data set of 150 floats, we find a total Southern Ocean oxygen sink of −183 ± 80 Tmol yr−1 (positive to the atmosphere), greater than prior estimates. The uptake occurs primarily in the Polar‐Frontal Antarctic Zone (PAZ, −94 ± 30 Tmol O2 yr−1) and Seasonal Ice Zone (SIZ, −111 ± 9.3 Tmol O2 yr−1). This flux is driven by wintertime ventilation, with a large portion of the flux in the SIZ passing through regions with fractional sea ice. The Subtropical Zone (STZ) is seasonally driven by thermal fluxes and exhibits a net outgassing of 47 ± 29 Tmol O2 yr−1 that is likely driven by biological production. The Subantarctic Zone (SAZ) uptake is −25 ± 12 Tmol O2 yr−1. Total oxygen fluxes were separated into a thermal and nonthermal component. The nonthermal flux is correlated with net primary production and mixed layer depth in the STZ, SAZ, and PAZ, but not in the SIZ where seasonal sea ice slows the air‐sea gas flux response to the entrainment of deep, low‐oxygen waters.
The Effect of the Leeuwin Current on Offshore Surface Gravity Waves in Southwest Western Australia
Authors: Wandres Moritz , Wijeratne E. M. S. , Cosoli Simone , Pattiaratchi Charitha
Published: October 2017

The knowledge of regional wave regimes is critical for coastal zone planning, protection, and management. In this study, the influence of the offshore current regime on surface gravity waves on the southwest Western Australian (SWWA) continental shelf was examined. This was achieved by coupling the three dimensional, free surface, terrain‐following hydrodynamic Regional Ocean Modelling System (ROMS) and the third generation wave model Simulating WAves Nearshore (SWAN) using the Coupled Ocean‐Atmosphere‐WaveSediment Transport (COAWST) model. Different representative states of the Leeuwin Current (LC), a strong pole‐ward flowing boundary current with a persistent eddy field along the SWWA shelf edge were simulated and used to investigate their influence on different large wave events. The coupled wave‐current simulations were compared to wave only simulations, which represented scenarios in the absence of a background current field. Results showed that the LC and the eddy field significantly impact SWWA waves. Significant wave heights increased (decreased) when currents were opposing (aligning with) the incoming wave directions. During a fully developed LC system significant wave heights were altered by up to
25% and wave directions by up to
20°. The change in wave direction indicates that the LC may modify nearshore wave dynamics and consequently alter sediment patterns. Operational regional wave forecasts and hindcasts may give flawed predictions if wave‐current interaction is not properly accounted for.
The Global Mode‐1 S2 Internal Tide
Authors: Zhao Zhongxiang
Published: October 2017

The global mode‐1 S2 internal tide is observed using sea surface height (SSH) measurements from four satellite altimeters: TOPEX/Poseidon, Jason‐1, Jason‐2, and Geosat Follow‐On. Plane wave analysis is employed to extract three mode‐1 S2 internal tidal waves in any given 250 km by 250 km window, which are temporally coherent over a 20 year period from 1992 to 2012. Depth‐integrated energy and flux of the S2 internal tide are calculated from the SSH amplitude and a conversion function built from climatological hydrographic profiles in the World Ocean Atlas 2013. The results show that the S2 and M2 internal tides have similar spatial patterns. Both S2 and M2 internal tides originate at major topographic features and propagate over long distances. The S2 internal tidal beams are generally shorter, likely because the relatively weaker S2 internal tide is easily overwhelmed by nontidal noise. The northbound S2 and M2 internal tides from the Hawaiian Ridge are observed to travel over 3500 km across the Northeast Pacific. The globally integrated energy of the mode‐1 S2 internal tide is 7.8 PJ (1 PJ = 1015 J), about 20% that of M2 (36.4 PJ). The histogram of S2 to M2 SSH ratios peaks at 0.4, consistent with the square root of their energy ratio. In terms of SSH, S2 is greater than M2 in
10% of the global ocean and ≥50% of M2 in about half of the global ocean.
Characterization of the Deep Water Surface Wave Variability in the California Current Region
Authors: Villas Bôas Ana B. , Gille Sarah T. , Mazloff Matthew R. , Cornuelle Bruce D.
Published: October 2017

Surface waves are crucial for the dynamics of the upper ocean not only because they mediate exchanges of momentum, heat, energy, and gases between the ocean and the atmosphere, but also because they determine the sea state. The surface wave field in a given region is set by the combination of local and remote forcing. The present work characterizes the seasonal variability of the deep water surface wave field in the California Current region, as retrieved from over two decades of satellite altimetry data combined with wave buoys and wave model hindcast (WaveWatch III). In particular, the extent to which the local wind modulates the variability of the significant wave height, peak period, and peak direction is assessed. During spring/summer, regional‐scale wind events of up to 10 m/s are the dominant forcing for waves off the California coast, leading to relatively short‐period waves (8–10 s) that come predominantly from the north‐northwest. The wave climatology throughout the California Current region shows average significant wave heights exceeding 2 m during most of the year, which may have implications for the planning and retrieval methods of the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite mission.
Multigeneration family with dominant SPG30 hereditary spastic paraplegia
Authors: Roda Ricardo H. , Schindler Alice B. , Blackstone Craig
Published: October 2017

Autosomal recessive KIF1A missense mutations cause hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) type SPG30, while recessive truncations lead to sensory and autonomic neuropathy (HSN2C) and many de novo missense mutations are associated with cognitive impairment. Here, we describe family members across three generations with pure HSP. A heterozygous p.Ser69Leu KIF1A mutation segregates with those afflicted. The same variant was previously reported in a Finnish father and son with pure HSP as well as four members of a Sicilian kindred with more intrafamilial phenotypic variability. This further validates the pathogenicity of the p.Ser69Leu mutation and suggests that it may represent a mutation hot spot.
Characterization and mechanical properties of ultraviolet stimuli‐responsive functionalized cellulose nanocrystal alginate composites
Authors: Smyth Megan , Rader Chris , Bras Julien , Foster E. Johan
Published: October 2017

The poor mechanical properties of alginate when exposed to aqueous solution have been a problem plaguing researchers within the biomedical field. In order to be able to improve the mechanical properties in a systematic manner functionalized cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were added to alginate and UV‐induced crosslinked following an azo‐initiated free radical polymerization. CNCs were functionalized with 4‐pentenoic acid (PA‐g‐CNCs) using a simple, environmentally friendly solvent‐free esterification. The dimensional and crystallinity properties of PA‐g‐CNCs remained unchanged following esterification. Thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance indicated that 4‐pentenoic acid was present on the surface of CNCs through bulk analysis. These PA‐g‐CNCs were then used in the creation of composites with an azo‐initiator to induce UV‐dependent crosslinking for the improvement of the mechanical properties of alginate. It was shown that the properties of alginate can be enhanced with the addition of functionalized CNCs to nanocomposites in mechanical testing in wet and dry conditions. These results suggest that the addition of PA‐g‐CNCs and crosslinking by UV‐dependent free radical polymerization improves the performance of alginate when tested in dry conditions, but without any apparent dependence to azo‐initiated crosslinking when exposed to water in regards to mechanical properties. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45857.
Electrospun PAN–GO composite nanofibers as water purification membranes
Authors: Lee Jeonghun , Yoon Jaehan , Kim Jun‐Hyun , Lee Taegwan , Byun Hongsik
Published: October 2017

Varying amounts of exfoliated graphene oxide (GO) are systematically incorporated into nanoscale polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers via an electrospinning method. Subsequent treatment of the PAN–GO composite nanofibers under a moderate temperature and high pressure leads to the formation of membrane sheets with enhanced mechanical properties. scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements confirm the successful incorporation of the GO into the PAN nanofiber membranes whose diameter, porosity, and pore size are notably influenced by the amount of the GO content. These composite membranes also exhibit a gradual reduction in the water contact angle as a function of the hydrophilic GO content, resulting in a beneficial property for water purification. In addition, the proper integration of GO into the PAN nanofibers improves the protein rejection rate and water flux during the filtration process, which indicates the possibility of utilizing these types of composite membranes in water treatment systems. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45858.
MPEG grafted quaternized carboxymethyl chitosan for demulsification of crude oil emulsions
Authors: Fan Guangtan , Lyu Renliang , Gao Xiao , Liang Cheng , Wang Cunwen
Published: October 2017

Four novel environmentally friendly and highly branched crude oil demulsifiers were prepared by using different molecular weight (Mn = 350, 750, 1000, 1900 g/mol) of methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) to modify quaternized N,O‐carboxymethyl chitosan. Fourier transform infrared and 1H‐nuclear magnetic resonance were employed to confirm the structure of the demulsifiers. The surface tension of demulsifies was determined and hydrophile–lipophile balance value was calculated at the critical micelle concentration. The demulsification performance was evaluated by the bottle test method against water‐in‐oil emulsions simulated in the laboratory and it was found that the dehydration rate of four demulsifiers can come to 74.2%–80.4%, which have better demulsification performance than the commercial demulsifier JL‐1. Demulsification mechanism was discussed, and it was encouraging to find that the tiny water droplets in the emulsion coalesced to form the water phase and separated with the water from the polarization microscope. Results show that methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) grafted quaternized carboxymethyl chitosan has a promising application as a demulsifiers for dealing with W/O crude oil emulsions. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45867.
Influence of glutaraldehyde on the performance of a lignosulfonate/chitosan‐based medium density fiberboard adhesive
Authors: Ji Xiaodi , Dong Yue , Yuan Bingnan , Li Bin , Guo Minghui
Published: October 2017

A lignosulfonate/chitosan‐based medium density fiberboard (MDF) adhesive has been prepared using glutaraldehyde as crosslinking agent. Optimization of glutaraldehyde/chitosan mass ratio was carried out based on characterization details involving MDFs’ mechanical and dimensional performances analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and X‐ray diffraction. The addition of glutaraldehyde improved the mechanical properties of the MDF significantly, while it negatively affected the dimensional properties. The MDFs using lignosulfonate/chitosan‐glutaraldehyde adhesives (LS/CS‐Glu) with glutaraldehyde/chitosan mass ratios in the range of 0.25–0.75 fulfilled the Chinese national standard for MDF. Chitosan was crosslinked with self‐polymerized glutaraldehyde through CN linkages which resulted in the reduction of the amide bonds and hydrogen bonds between chitosan and lignosulfonate. The proposed LS/CS‐Glu adhesives can be a promising candidate for traditional MDF adhesives which contain formaldehyde. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45870.
Microcellular polymeric foams based on 1‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone and butyl‐acrylate with tuned thermal conductivity
Authors: Reglero Ruiz José A. , Vallejos Saúl , Sanjuán Ana M. , García Félix C. , Múgica Mikel , Rodríguez‐Pérez Miguel Ángel , García José M.
Published: October 2017

Microcellular polymers have been produced by ScCO2 foaming, based on 1‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (VP) and butyl‐acrylate (BA). Three different copolymers were prepared, varying the compositions of VP and BA, following a simple radical polymerization process using an UV initiator. The samples a good foaming behavior and also excellent flexibility and handle ability, with expansion ratios between 1.53 and 1.72, and cell sizes in the microcellular range (below 5 µm). However, it was observed that the gas distribution and, consequently, the cellular structure inside the polymer foams was highly dependent on the VP and BA proportions, leading to very different thermal conductivity values, even for similar volume gas fraction values. These results were related to the copolymer nanostructuration, which seems to have an influence in the final pore structure, thus opening the possibility of designing microcellular foams with similar macroscopic characteristics but different thermal conductivity values. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45872.
Assessment of cerebral blood flow with magnetic resonance imaging in children with sickle cell disease: A quantitative comparison with transcranial Doppler ultrasonography
Authors: Croal Paula L. , Leung Jackie , Kosinski Przemyslaw , Shroff Manohar , Odame Isaac , Kassner Andrea
Published: October 2017

Introduction

Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCD) is a clinical tool for stratifying ischemic stroke risk by identifying abnormal elevations in blood flow velocity (BFV) in the middle cerebral artery (MCA). However, TCD is not effective at screening for subtle neurologic injury such as silent cerebral infarcts. To better understand this disparity, we compared TCD measures of BFV with tissue‐level cerebral blood flow (CBF) using arterial spin‐labeling MRI in children with and without sickle cell disease, and correlated these measurements against clinical hematologic measures of disease severity.

Methods

TCD and MRI assessment were performed in 13 pediatric sickle cell disease patients and eight age‐matched controls. Using MRI measures of MCA diameter and territory weight, TCD measures of BFV in the MCA [cm/s] were converted into units of CBF [ml min−1100 g−1] for comparison.

Results

There was no significant association between TCD measures of BFV in the MCA and corresponding MRI measures of CBF in patients (r = .28, p = .39) or controls (r = .10, p = .81). After conversion from BFV into units of CBF, a strong association was observed between TCD and MRI measures (r = .67, p = .017 in patients, r = .86, p = .006 in controls). While BFV in the MCA showed a lack of correlation with arterial oxygen content, an inverse association was observed for CBF measurements.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that BFV in the MCA cannot be used as a surrogate marker for tissue‐level CBF in children with sickle cell disease. Therefore, TCD alone may not be sufficient for understanding and predicting subtle pathophysiology in this population, highlighting the potential clinical value of tissue‐level CBF.
Hispanane‐Type Diterpenoid and Secoiridoid Glucosides from Viburnum cylindricum
Authors: Wang Li‐Xia , Fang Yin‐Dong , Zhang Rui‐Han , Ren Fu‐Cai , Zhang Xing‐Jie , Wang Fei , Xiao Wei‐Lie
Published: October 2017

Three hitherto unknown compounds, including one new hispanane‐type diterpenoid glucoside, namely viburnumoside (1), two new secoiridoid glucosides, 7α‐galloyloxysweroside (2), and 7β‐galloyloxysweroside (3), together with ten known compounds (4 – 13) were isolated from the ethanol extract of twigs and leaves of Viburnum cylindricum. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic studies, and the absolute configuration of compound 1 was confirmed by the experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data.
Synthesis and Characterization of the Hemi‐Salen Ligands and Their Triboron Complexes: Spectroscopy and Examination of Anticancer Properties
Authors: Kilic Ahmet , Koyuncu Ismail , Durgun Mustafa , Ozaslan Ismail , Kaya İbrahim Halil , Gönel Ataman
Published: October 2017

The synthesis, spectroscopic properties, and in vitro cytotoxicity activity of a series of various salen‐based triboron complexes have been designed and prepared from hemi‐salen (L1H3 – L4H3) ligands and BF3·Et2O or BPh3 under simple reaction conditions. The hemi‐salen (L1H3 – L4H3) ligands and their BF2 or BPh2 chelating triboron complexes were characterized by means of NMR (1H, 13C, 19F, and 11B) spectra, FT‐IR spectra, UV/VIS spectra, fluorescence spectra, mass spectra, melting point, as well as elemental analysis. The triboron [L(1 – 4)(BF2)3] and [L(1 – 4)(BPh2)3] complexes were investigated for their absorption and emission properties, and these complexes are also good chelates towards boron(III) fragments such as BF2 or BPh2 quantum yield in solution reaching up to 38%. The hemi‐salen (L1H3 – L4H3) ligands and their BF2 or BPh2 chelating triboron complexes were tested for the in vitro anticancer activity against various cancer and normal cells (HeLa, DLD‐1, ECC‐1, PC‐3, PNT‐1A, and CRL‐4010), and it was found that the cell viability of cancer cells was decreased while most of the healthy cells could still be viable. Also, the cytotoxicity studies showed that anticancer activity of hemi‐salen (L1H3 – L4H3) ligands is higher than that of triboron [L(1 – 4)(BF2)3] and [L(1 – 4)(BPh2)3] complexes. The hemi‐salen (L1H3 – L4H3) ligands showing the strongest cytotoxic effect in PC‐3 cells were found to exhibit anticancer activity with apoptosis by increasing the level of ROS in the PC‐3 cells.
Experimental Evaluation of (L)Au Electron‐Donor Ability in Cationic Gold Carbene Complexes
Authors: Carden Robert G. , Lam Nathan , Widenhoefer Ross A.
Published: October 2017

29Si NMR spectroscopy was employed to evaluate the electron donor properties of the (L)Au fragments in the cationic gold (β,β‐disilyl)vinylidene complexes [(L)Au=C=CSi(Me)2CH2CH2Si(Me)2]+B(C6F5)4− [L=P(tBu)2o‐biphenyl or NHC] relative to the p‐substituted aryl group in the α‐aryl‐(β,β‐disilyl)vinyl cations [(p‐C6H4X)‐C= CSi(Me)2CH2CH2Si(Me)2]+B(C6F5)4−. Similarly, 19F NMR was employed to evaluate the σ‐ and π‐electron donor properties of the (L)Au fragments in the neutral gold fluorophenyl complexes (L)Au(C6H4F) and in the cationic (fluorophenyl)methoxycarbene complexes [(L)AuC(OMe)(C6H4F)]+SbF6− [L=P(tBu)2o‐biphenyl or IPr] relative to the p‐substituted aryl group of the protonated monofluorobenzophenones [(p‐C6H4X)(C6H4F)COH]+OTf−. The results of these studies indicate that relative to p‐substituted aryl groups, the gold (L)Au fragments [L=P(tBu)2o‐biphenyl or NHC] are significantly more inductively electron donating and are comparable π‐donors and for this reason, the extent of (L)Au→C1 electron donation in gold carbene complexes appears to exceed that provided by a p‐(dimethyamino)phenyl group. Furthermore, the [L=P(tBu)2o‐biphenyl]Au fragment is a nominally stronger electron donor than the (IPr)Au fragment, and both are significantly more inductively electron donating than the (PPh3)Au and [P(OMe)3]Au fragments.
Implementation of AICAR analysis by GC‐C‐IRMS for anti‐doping purposes
Authors: Buisson C. , Frelat C. , Mongongu C. , Martinat N. , Audran M.
Published: October 2017

AICAR (5‐aminoimidazole‐4‐carboxamide‐1‐β‐D‐ribofuranoside), is a naturally occurring substance which is part to the World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List. It is claimed to improve physical performance when administered as a supplement. As for other endogenous compounds such as steroids, the gas chromatography‐combustion‐isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC‐C‐IRMS) analysis remains an efficient tool to differentiate endogenous substances from exogenous ones. A protocol was described in the literature for the analysis of AICAR by GC‐C‐IRMS. The aim of the present study was to implement this protocol in our laboratory and to propose solutions to avoid the difficulties encountered. The first point discussed in this study is the derivatization step. Due to the structure of the AICAR molecule, conventional derivatization for GC‐C‐IRMS such as acetylation could not be applied and silylation was preferred. The improvement of the derivatives stability was achieved thanks to several derivatization conditions tested. This adjustment led to a reproducible derivatization pattern with the 3‐TMS form as major derivative product. The second point discussed in this study is the diminution of extracts' background noise. Indeed, the implementation of the published protocol was not easy due to high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) problems encountered when concentrated urine was injected into our system. Also, too many interferences in the endogenous reference compound fractions were observed. The addition of both a wash step before the HPLC purification and a HPLC purification step for the endogenous reference compound (ERC) fraction allowed us to increase the robustness of the method. This study presents the modified protocol compared to the original protocol as well as the evaluation of the whole method performances. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increasing habitat complexity on seawalls: Investigating large‐ and small‐scale effects on fish assemblages
Authors: Morris Rebecca L. , Chapman M. Gee , Firth Louise B. , Coleman Ross A.
Published: October 2017

The construction of artificial structures in the marine environment is increasing globally. Eco‐engineering aims to mitigate the negative ecological impacts of built infrastructure through designing structures to be multifunctional, benefiting both humans and nature. To date, the focus of eco‐engineering has largely been on benefits for benthic invertebrates and algae. Here, the potential effect of eco‐engineered habitats designed for benthic species on fish was investigated. Eco‐engineered habitats (“flowerpots”) were added to an intertidal seawall in Sydney Harbour, Australia. Responses of fish assemblages to the added habitats were quantified at two spatial scales; large (among seawalls) and small (within a seawall). Data were collected during high tide using cameras attached to the seawall to observe pelagic and benthic fish. At the larger spatial scale, herbivores, planktivores, and invertebrate predators were generally more abundant at the seawall with the added flowerpots, although results were temporally variable. At the smaller spatial scale, certain benthic species were more abundant around flowerpots than at the adjacent control areas of seawall, although there was no general pattern of differences in species density and trophic group abundance of pelagic fish between areas of the seawall with or without added habitats. Although we did not find consistent, statistically significant findings throughout our study, the field of research to improve fish habitat within human‐use constraints is promising and important, although it is in its early stages (it is experimental and requires a lot of trial and error). To advance this field, it is important to document when effects were detected, and when they were not, so that others can refine the designs or scale of habitat enhancements or their study approaches (e.g., sampling protocols).
Longitudinal shortening of sub‐epicardial myocytes in severe ischaemic cardiomyopathy: insights from gadolinium contrast cardiac magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Bjerre Jenny , Kyhl Kasper , Gustafsson Finn , Kelbæk Henning , Engstrøm Thomas , Olsen Peter Skov , Hasbak Philip , Vejlstrup Niels , Madsen Per Lav
Published: October 2017

We present two patients with three‐vessel disease and severely depressed left ventricular (LV) systolic function where viability analysis by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated areas of near‐transmural sub‐endocardial fibrosis and hence little chance of regaining systolic function as judged by conventional analysis from radial function. Despite the pessimistic cardiac magnetic resonance imaging analysis, however, the patients underwent full revascularization and regained impressive increases in LV systolic function mainly based on improved longitudinal systolic segment function. The cases highlight that sub‐epicardial, longitudinally oriented myocytes can contribute to overall LV systolic function and suggest taking their ‘piston‐function’ into consideration when analysing viability.
Running large‐scale CFD applications on Intel‐KNL–based clusters
Authors: Tiwari Ananta , Cauble‐Chantrenne Allyson , Jundt Adam , Peraza Joshua , Löhner Rainald , Baum Joseph D. , Carrington Laura
Published: October 2017

Intel's latest Xeon Phi processor, Knights Landing (KNL), has the potential to provide over 2.6 TFLOPS. However, to obtain maximum performance on the KNL, significant refactoring and optimization of application codes are still required to exploit key architectural innovations that KNL features—wide vector units, many‐core node design, and deep memory hierarchy. The experience and insights gained in porting and running FEFLO (a typical edge‐based finite element code for the solution of compressible and incompressible flows) on the KNL platform are described in this paper. In particular, optimizations used to extract on‐node parallelism via vectorization and multithreading and improve internode communication are considered. These optimizations resulted in a 2.3× performance gain on a 16 node runs of FEFLO, with the potential for larger performance gains as the code is scaled beyond 16 nodes. The impact of the different configurations of KNL's on‐package MCDRAM (Multi‐Channel DRAM) memory on FEFLO's performance is also explored. Finally, the performance of the optimized versions of FEFLO for KNL and Haswell (Intel Xeon) is compared.
Novel Dendritic PNP Chromium Complexes: Synthesis, Characterization, and Performance on Ethylene Oligomerization
Authors: Wang Jun , Gao Rui , Zhang Na , Tan Xiangkun , Wang Libo , Ma Lili , Shi Weiguang
Published: October 2017

Three dendritic PNP ligands with ethylenediamine, 1,4‐butanediamine, 1,6‐diaminohexane as bridged groups are synthesized in good yields, respectively. Three dendritic PNP chromium complexes (C1 – C3) are prepared with the ligands and chromium(III) chloride tetrahydrofuran complex (CrCl3(THF)3) as materials. The dendritic PNP ligands and the synthetic chromium complexes are fully characterized by spectroscopic and analytical methods. All chromium complexes activated with methylaluminoxane (MAO) exhibited moderate activities on ethylene oligomerization (7.90 × 104 – 2.15 × 105 g (mol Cr h)−1] and had better selectivity for C6 and C8 oligomer, reaching up to 81%. The chromium complex (C1) activated with diethylaluminium chloride (Et2AlCl) has higher catalytic activity than the chromium complex C1 activated with MAO, although the chromium complex (C1) activated with Et2AlCl had lower selectivity for C6 and C8 oligomer. The effects of solvent and reaction parameters on ethylene oligomerization are also studied using the chromium complex C1 as pre‐catalyst and MAO as co‐catalyst. Under optimized conditions ([complex] = 2 μmol, Al/Cr = 500, 25 °C, 0.9 MPa ethylene, 30 min), the catalytic activity of complex C1 in toluene is 2.15 × 105 g (mol Cr h)−1 and the selectivity for C6 and C8 oligomer is 36.76%. In addition, the structure of complexes significantly affects both the catalytic activity and the selectivity on ethylene oligomerization.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Quinoxaline Derivatives for PET Imaging of the NMDA Receptor
Authors: Milicevic Sephton Selena , Vetterli Peter T. , Pedani Valentina , Cermak Stjepko , Chiotellis Aristeidis , Roscales Sylvia , Müller Herde Adrienne , Schibli Roger , Auberson Yves P. , Ametamey Simon M.
Published: October 2017

Due to the biological complexity of the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR), the development of a positron emission tomography radiotracer for the imaging of NMDAR has met with limited success. Recent studies have established the presence of GluN2A subunit of the NMDAR in the heart and its role in the regulation of intracellular calcium levels. In our efforts to develop an imaging agent for the GluN2A subunit, we designed three new compounds based on a quinoxaline scaffold. The synthesis of the analogues was based on a two‐step Kabachnik–Fields reaction in sequence with Suzuki cross‐coupling and acid hydrolysis. They exhibited comparable high binding affinity values below 5 nm. A two‐step radiolabeling procedure was successfully developed for the synthesis of [18F]1. [18F]1 was obtained in a modest overall radiochemical yield of 5.5 ± 4.2%, a good specific radioactivity of 254 ± 158 GBq/μmol, and a radiochemical purity > 99%. While compounds 2 and 3 showed comparable binding affinity towards NMDAR, sluggish radiolabeling, prevented their further evaluation. For [18F]1, in vitro autoradiography on rat heart slices demonstrated heterogeneous but unspecific accumulation, whereas for the brain a high in vitro specificity towards NMDAR, could be demonstrated.
Tokyo Guidelines 2018: diagnostic criteria and severity grading of acute cholangitis (with videos)
Authors: Kiriyama Seiki , Kozaka Kazuto , Takada Tadahiro , Strasberg Steven M. , Pitt Henry A. , Gabata Toshifumi , Hata Jiro , Liau Kui‐Hin , Miura Fumihiko , Horiguchi Akihiko , Liu Keng‐Hao , Su Cheng‐Hsi , Wada Keita , Jagannath Palepu , Itoi Takao , Gouma Dirk J. , Mori Yasuhisa , Mukai Shuntaro , Giménez Mariano Eduardo , Huang Wayne Shih‐Wei , Kim Myung‐Hwan , Okamoto Kohji , Belli Giulio , Dervenis Christos , Chan Angus C. W. , Lau Wan Yee , Endo Itaru , Gomi Harumi , Yoshida Masahiro , Mayumi Toshihiko , Baron Todd H. , de Santibañes Eduardo , Teoh Anthony Yuen Bun , Hwang Tsann‐Long , Ker Chen‐Guo , Chen Miin‐Fu , Han Ho‐Seong , Yoon Yoo‐Seok , Choi In‐Seok , Yoon Dong‐Sup , Higuchi Ryota , Kitano Seigo , Inomata Masafumi , Deziel Daniel J. , Jonas Eduard , Hirata Koichi , Sumiyama Yoshinobu , Inui Kazuo , Yamamoto Masakazu
Published: October 2017

Although the diagnostic and severity grading criteria on the 2013 Tokyo Guidelines (TG13) are used worldwide as the primary standard for management of acute cholangitis (AC), they need to be validated through implementation and assessment in actual clinical practice. Here, we conduct a systematic review of the literature to validate the TG13 diagnostic and severity grading criteria for AC and propose TG18 criteria. While there is little evidence evaluating the TG13 criteria, they were validated through a large‐scale case series study in Japan and Taiwan. Analyzing big data from this study confirmed that the diagnostic rate of AC based on the TG13 diagnostic criteria was higher than that based on the TG07 criteria, and that 30‐day mortality in patients with a higher severity based on the TG13 severity grading criteria was significantly higher. Furthermore, a comparison of patients treated with early or urgent biliary drainage versus patients not treated this way showed no difference in 30‐day mortality among patients with Grade I or Grade III AC, but significantly lower 30‐day mortality in patients with Grade II AC who were treated with early or urgent biliary drainage. This suggests that the TG13 severity grading criteria can be used to identify Grade II patients whose prognoses may be improved through biliary drainage. The TG13 severity grading criteria may therefore be useful as an indicator for biliary drainage as well as a predictive factor when assessing the patient's prognosis. The TG13 diagnostic and severity grading criteria for AC can provide results quickly, are minimally invasive for the patients, and are inexpensive. We recommend that the TG13 criteria be adopted in the TG18 guidelines and used as standard practice in the clinical setting. Free full articles and mobile app of TG18 are available at: http://www.jshbps.jp/modules/en/index.php?content_id=47. Related clinical questions and references are also included.
Microscopic assessment of the tissue‐sparing potential of radiofrequency‐assisted liver resection techniques in a porcine model
Authors: Ypsilantis Petros , Lambropoulou Maria , Milicevic Miroslav , Bulajic Predrag , Karayiannakis Anastasios , Zacharoulis Dimitrios , Simopoulos Constantinos
Published: October 2017

Background

The aim of the present study was to microscopically assess the tissue‐sparing potential of contemporary radiofrequency‐assisted liver resection (RF‐LR) techniques.

Methods

Twenty‐four pigs were subjected to either (1) partial hepatectomy (PH) using the sequential‐coagulate‐cut (SCC) technique (group SCC, n = 6) using a monopolar electrode, the technique using the bipolar electrode Habib‐4X (group H, n = 6) or the “crush‐clamp” technique (group CC, n = 6); or (2) sham operation (group Sham, n = 6). At 48 h post‐operation, liver parenchyma proximal to the ablation rim was excised for histopathologic examination and immunohistochemical assessment of apoptosis (antibody M30) and inflammatory response (antibodies IL‐6, TNFα and NFκB).

Results

Histopathologic index increased from the 1st to the 4th, the 1st to the 2nd or only the 1st cm from the inner margin of the ablation rim in group SCC, H or CC, respectively. The index was higher in group SCC compared to the other groups. Tissue expression of M30, IL‐6, TNFα and NFκB increased in all PH groups, being higher and more expanded in group SCC, H, SCC and SCC, respectively.

Conclusions

RF‐LR techniques had variable microscopically assessed tissue‐sparing effect. The Habib‐4X proved to be less injurious compared to the SCC Belgrade technique regarding the severity and extent of tissue damage proximal to the ablation rim.
Usefulness of endoscopic ultrasonography‐elastography as a predictive tool for the occurrence of pancreatic fistula after pancreatoduodenectomy
Authors: Kuwahara Takamichi , Hirooka Yoshiki , Kawashima Hiroki , Ohno Eizaburo , Yokoyama Yukihiro , Fujii Tsutomu , Nakamura Shigeo , Kodera Yasuhiro , Nagino Masato , Goto Hidemi
Published: October 2017

Background

Pancreatic fistula (PF) is a major complication following pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). Pancreatic texture is a risk factor for PF, but its evaluation depends on the subjective judgment. The aim of this study was to investigate whether preoperative endoscopic ultrasonography‐elastography (EUS‐EG), which objectively assesses tissue elasticity, predict the development of PF following PD.

Methods

Fifty‐nine patients who underwent EUS‐EG before PD and had pancreas parenchyma histologically evaluated were included. Using histogram analysis, mean elasticity (ME), which represents tissue elasticity and is inversely correlated with pancreatic fibrosis, was calculated.

Results

Among 59 patients, 19 developed PF (32.2%). The ME in patients with PF was significantly higher than that in patients without PF (85.4 vs. 55.6, P < 0.001). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the accuracy of pancreatic texture and ME for predicting PF were 0.718 and 0.846, respectively. When a ME of 70.0 was used as a cut‐off value for predicting PF, the sensitivity and specificity were 84.2% and 80.0%, respectively. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, only a ME of >70.0 was an independent predictor of PF (odds ratio 10.02, P = 0.008).

Conclusions

Endoscopic ultrasonography‐elastography may be an accurate and objective method for predicting PF following PD.