bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcultural adaptation and validation of the Persian version of the breast cancer awareness measure (BCAM) questionnaire
Authors: Heidari Zahra , Feizi Awat
Published: August 2018

Background/objective

Enhancing awareness level about breast cancer is a pivotal strategy for reducing breast cancer burden. There is no fully validated Persian instrument for evaluating breast cancer awareness. This study aimed at investigating the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the Breast Cancer Awareness Measure (BCAM) questionnaire.

Methods

This methodological cross‐sectional study was conducted among 1078 Persian language women (including 965 general women and 113 medical/clinical experts), which selected from different parts of Isfahan city using multistage cluster random sampling method. Translation of BCAM questionnaire was performed using forward‐backward method. Internal consistency was evaluated through Cronbach's α and test‐retest reliability using unweighted kappa statistic and intraclass correlation (ICC) coefficient. Construct validity was investigated using both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses as well as Latent class analysis (LCA), and discriminant validity using ROC curve. Convergent validity was assessed using phi and eta correlation coefficients. Ceiling and floor effects, SE of measurement (SEM), and smallest detectable change (SDC) were also determined.

Results

Persian version of BCAM showed excellent test‐retest reliability (ICC = 0.841) and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.882). Most of the computed kappa coefficients were in the range moderate to very good (0.47‐0.81). Medical/clinical experts had higher levels of breast cancer awareness than general women, indicating good discriminant validity (Area under the curve [AUC]) of 0.822 (95% CI: 0.781, 0.864). Construct validity evaluation by exploratory factor analysis (EFA) led to extraction of two factors from 11 items (“breast shape changes” and “breast pain and lump”), and the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) confirmed the adequacy of extracted construct from EFA. Latent class analysis for evaluating of construct validity led to extracting three classes from participants (high [12.83%], moderate [60.97%], and low [26.2%]) in terms of awareness levels about early warning signs of breast cancer. All item‐scale correlation coefficients exceeded the set value of 0.40, indicating satisfactory convergent validity. No ceiling and floor effects were detected. SEM and SDC were found to be 0.85 and 2.36, respectively.

Conclusions

The Persian version of BCAM is a reliable and valid instrument for monitoring levels of breast cancer awareness in general women population, also it can be used for evaluating the impacts of interventions attempting to raise breast cancer awareness.
Emerging Chemodiversity and Stereoisomerism in Acyclic Mono‐ and Dichloroalkanes
Authors: Testa Bernard
Published: August 2018

The objective of this pen‐and‐paper study is to monitor the growth of structural complexity as a function of the number of heavy atoms. This is done here using simple chloroalkanes, the indices of structural complexity being the number of regioisomers and mainly stereoisomeric features. Following a previous work dealing with acyclic alkanes, the present study focuses on all acyclic monochloroalkanes from four heavy atoms (four regioisomers) to 10 heavy atoms (2 to 211 regioisomers, respectively). Similarly, all acyclic dichloroalkanes were drawn, ranging from five heavy atoms to nine heavy atoms (4 to 130 regioisomers, respectively). The first part of the work describes the nature and number of stereoisomeric features seen to emerge in molecular structures featuring one or more stereogenic centers. These molecular features include enantiomerism, diastereoisomerism, pseudoasymmetry, andmeso‐isomerism. The first appearance of chirality among the monochloro and dichloro homologs occurred in the families with five heavy atoms. Diastereoisomerism,meso‐isomerism, and pseudoasymmetry appear in higher families of homologs. The second part of the article is an attempt to rationalize the appearance of regioisomers, stereogenic centers, and stereoisomers as their number grows along homologous series, from one family of regioisomers to the higher ones. Far from being random as anticipated, such increases appear regular and ordered. Indeed, the data available demonstrate exponential increases and suggest the involvement of geometric order in the growth of chemical complexity.
Efficient Gelation of Graphene Oxide Aqueous Dispersion Induced by Sonication‐Promoted Leuckart Reaction
Authors: Song Man , Tahershamsi Leili , Zhao Jie , Zhang Zhibin , Grennberg Helena
Published: August 2018

Graphene oxide (GO) undergoes a rapid gelation process in the presence of ammonium hydroxide and formic acid at room temperature which is promoted by ultrasonication. Infrared and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy proved partial reduction of GO and nitrogen incorporation, resulting from sonication‐promoted Leuckart reactions at GO carbonyl groups. The amine groups produced via Leuckart reactions undergo further reactions that result in salt bridges with carboxylic groups and covalent cross‐links, both of which contribute to the stabilization of the resulting hydrogel. The resultant GO hydrogel exhibits enhanced thermal stability.
Virtual machine anomaly detection strategy based on cloud platform operating environment perception
Authors: Miao Xuna , Wu Xiaobo
Published: August 2018

In this paper, a variety of anomaly detection strategies are provided with the application of the cloud platform center in view of the processor resources allocation according to the peak load demand, provision of the single anomaly detection strategy, and the problem of the sudden increase of the abnormal rate due to the change of the resource demand. The gray waveform detection algorithm is applied to detect the anomaly arriving at the virtual machine in the future time period, and the abnormal utility function of the virtual machine is given to balance the resource requirements and anomaly detection priority, and all the virtual machines are dynamically configured for each virtual machine with the maximization of the anomaly utility value of the virtual machine as the objective. Through the global load balancing between the same virtual machines and the redistribution of the virtual machines for multiple times, the detection quantity on the virtual machine anomaly with relatively huge increase of anomaly is further increased. Finally, the anomaly detection algorithm based on the gray waveform detection in the cloud platform center ADGWT is given. Simulation experiment results show that the proposed algorithm can effectively improve the abnormal rate of the processors in the cloud platform, and it has practical significance to improve the completion rate of the user requests.
Implementation and optimization of a data protecting model on the Sunway TaihuLight supercomputer with heterogeneous many‐core processors
Authors: Chen Yuedan , Li Kenli , Fei Xiongwei , Quan Zhe , Li Keqin
Published: August 2018

With the rapid development of information technology, the security of massive amounts of digital data has attracted huge attention in recent years. The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) algorithm and the Security Hash Algorithm 3 (SHA3) are extensively used as cryptographic algorithms for protecting the security of information. The Sunway TaihuLight, with massive heterogeneous many‐core SW26010 processors, has the peak performance of over 100 PFlops. To achieve high efficiency of data encryption/decryption and guarantee the data integrity for large‐scale applications, this paper proposes a fast and secure data protecting model using the parallel AES algorithm and the SHA3 on the Sunway TaihuLight. According to the particular computing architecture and memory hierarchy of the Sunway TaihuLight, we propose a fine‐grained software design for the data protecting model to fully exploit the parallelism and properly arranges the data on the Sunway. Furthermore, we propose optimization strategies for the parallel AES algorithm of the data protecting model. It is proved that our data protecting model has high security, good scalability, and excellent encryption/decryption efficiency on the Sunway. Our data protecting model achieves a high throughput of 269.95 Gbits/s, and the optimized parallel AES algorithm achieves 511.28 Gbits/s on the Sunway.
Testbed evaluation of Lightweight Authentication Protocol (LAUP) for 6LoWPAN wireless sensor networks
Authors: Arockia Baskaran Annie Gilda Roselin , Nanda Priyadarsi , Nepal Surya , He Sean
Published: August 2018

6LoWPAN networks involving wireless sensors consist of resource starving miniature sensor nodes. Since secured authentication is one of the important considerations, the use of asymmetric key distribution scheme may not be a perfect choice. Recent research shows that Lucky Thirteen attack has compromised Datagram Transport Layer Security (DTLS) with Cipher Block Chaining (CBC) mode for key establishment. Even though EAKES6Lo and S3 K techniques for key establishment follow the symmetric key establishment method, they strongly rely on a remote server and trust anchor. Our proposed Lightweight Authentication Protocol (LAUP) used a symmetric key method with no preshared keys and comprised of four flights to establish authentication and session key distribution between sensors and Edge Router in a 6LoWPAN environment. Each flight uses freshly derived keys from existing information such as PAN ID (Personal Area Network IDentification) and device identities. We formally verified our scheme using the Scyther security protocol verification tool. We simulated and evaluated the proposed LAUP protocol using COOJA simulator and achieved less computational time and low power consumption compared to existing authentication protocols such as the EAKES6Lo and SAKES. LAUP is evaluated using real‐time testbed and achieved less computational time, which is supportive of our simulated results.
A Structural Basis for 129Xe Hyper‐CEST Signal in TEM‐1 β‐Lactamase
Authors: Roose Benjamin W. , Zemerov Serge D. , Wang Yanfei , Kasimova Marina A. , Carnevale Vincenzo , Dmochowski Ivan J.
Published: August 2018

Genetically encoded (GE) contrast agents detectable by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enable non‐invasive visualization of gene expression and cell proliferation at virtually unlimited penetration depths. Using hyperpolarized 129Xe in combination with chemical exchange saturation transfer, an MR contrast approach known as hyper‐CEST, enables ultrasensitive protein detection and biomolecular imaging. GE MRI contrast agents developed to date include nanoscale proteinaceous gas vesicles as well as the monomeric bacterial proteins TEM‐1 β‐lactamase (bla) and maltose binding protein (MBP). To improve understanding of hyper‐CEST NMR with proteins, structural and computational studies were performed to further characterize the Xe‐bla interaction. X‐ray crystallography validated the location of a high‐occupancy Xe binding site predicted by MD simulations, and mutagenesis experiments confirmed this Xe site as the origin of the observed CEST contrast. Structural studies and MD simulations with representative bla mutants offered additional insight regarding the relationship between local protein structure and CEST contrast.
Protocols for Measuring Glutamate Uptake: Dose‐Response and Kinetic Assays in In Vitro and Ex Vivo Systems
Authors: Fontana Andréia C. K.
Published: August 2018

This article presents detailed descriptions of procedures and troubleshooting tips for basic in vitro and ex vivo uptake assays for the functional characterization of glutamate transporters and the assessment of the effect of compounds that modulate their activity. Assays are performed in cell lines that transiently or stably express a particular transporter under investigation, in primary cultures of astrocytes, or in ex vivo synaptosomal preparations that endogenously express these transporters. Two main assays are described, including dose‐response assays to measure potencies of test compounds for stimulation or inhibition of function (EC50 or IC50 values, respectively) and kinetic functional assays to calculate apparent affinity (KM) and maximal velocity (Vmax) of radiolabeled substrate uptake into the cells. The methods described use glutamate transporters as an example; however, the protocols can be adapted to other neurotransmitter transporters using their respective substrates (e.g., GABA uptake through GATs, serotonin uptake through SERTs, among others). © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Gigapixel big data movies provide cost‐effective seascape scale direct measurements of open‐access coastal human use such as recreational fisheries
Authors: Flynn David J. H. , Lynch Tim P. , Barrett Neville S. , Wong Lincoln S. C. , Devine Carlie , Hughes David
Published: August 2018

Collecting data on unlicensed open‐access coastal activities, such as some types of recreational fishing, has often relied on telephone interviews selected from landline directories. However, this approach is becoming obsolete due to changes in communication technology such as a switch to unlisted mobile phones. Other methods, such as boat ramp interviews, are often impractical due to high labor cost. We trialed an autonomous, ultra‐high‐resolution photosampling method as a cost effect solution for direct measurements of a recreational fishery. Our sequential photosampling was batched processed using a novel software application to produce “big data” time series movies from a spatial subset of the fishery, and we validated this with a regional bus‐route survey and interviews with participants at access points. We also compared labor costs between these two methods. Most trailer boat users were recreational fishers targeting tuna spp. Our camera system closely matched trends in temporal variation from the larger scale regional survey, but as the camera data were at much higher frequency, we could additionally describe strong, daily variability in effort. Peaks were normally associated with weekends, but consecutive weekend tuna fishing competitions led to an anomaly of high effort across the normal weekday lulls. By reducing field time and batch processing imagery, Monthly labor costs for the camera sampling were a quarter of the bus‐route survey; and individual camera samples cost 2.5% of bus route samples to obtain. Gigapixel panoramic camera observations of fishing were representative of the temporal variability of regional fishing effort and could be used to develop a cost‐efficient index. High‐frequency sampling had the added benefit of being more likely to detect abnormal patterns of use. Combinations of remote sensing and on‐site interviews may provide a solution to describing highly variable effort in recreational fisheries while also validating activity and catch.
Anode‐Supported Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Based on Double‐sided Cathodes
Authors: Liu Wu , Zou Zhiwen , Miao Fuxing , Li Xin , Wang Jianxin , Yang Jun , Wilson Joshua , Zhou Xiaodong , Zhong Zheng , Zhai Qijie , Guan Wanbing
Published: August 2018

Planar solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) have been extensively studied during the past few decades, particularly the anode supported SOFC. In traditional electrode‐supported cells, the mismatch of coefficients of thermal expansion between materials in each layer may give rise to thermal stresses during operation, resulting in micro‐cracks of ultra‐thin electrolytes, which may ultimately lead to operational damages and performance degradation. This work proposes a new symmetric, planar SOFC design based on double‐sided cathodes to offset asymmetry of thermal stresses within the structure. This new design has been applied to prepare an anode‐supported SOFC that maintains integrity after two complete redox cycles. Its anti‐fracture load is 20 times stronger than that of traditional ultra‐thin cells, and its electrochemical performance is close to that of traditional large‐scale, ultra‐thin cells. These properties are promising for application under harsh operational environments.
Redefining synchronous colorectal cancers based on tumor clonality
Authors: Perea José , García Juan L. , Corchete Luis , Lumbreras Eva , Arriba María , Rueda Daniel , Tapial Sandra , Pérez Jessica , Vieiro Victoria , Rodríguez Yolanda , Brandáriz Lorena , García‐Arranz Mariano , García‐Olmo Damián , Goel Ajay , Urioste Miguel , Sarmiento Rogelio González
Published: August 2018

To analyze the possible clonal origin of a part of Synchronous colorectal cancer (SCRC), we studied 104 paired‐SCRCs from 52 consecutive patients without hereditary forms of CRC. We used a Single‐Nucleotide Polymorphism array to characterize the genomic profiles, and subsequently used a statistical application to define them according to clonality within the same individual. We categorized the ensuing groups according to colonic location to identify differential phenotypes. The SCRC Monoclonal group (M) (19 cases) was divided into Monosegmental (MM) and Pancolonic (MP) groups. The SCRC Polyclonal group (P) (33 cases) was also divided into Monosegmental (PM) and Pancolonic (PP), the first exhibiting preference for left colon. The MM group showed a high rate of mucinous tumors, the lowest mean‐number of tumors and associated‐polyps, and the worst prognosis. The MP group included the largest mean‐number of associated‐polyps, best prognosis and familial cancer component. The PM group seemed to be a “frontier” group. Finally, the PP group also exhibited a mucin component, the highest mean‐number of tumors (4.6) compared with the mean‐number of polyps (7.7), poor prognosis and sporadic cases. Most relevant differential genomic regions within M groups were gains on 1q24 and 8q24, and deletions on 1p21 and 1p23 for MM, while within P were the gains on 7q36 and deletions on 1p36 for PM. The statistical application employed seems to define clonality more accurately in SCRC ‐more likely to be polyclonal in origin‐, and together with the tumor locations, helped us to configure a classification with prognostic and clinical value.
Senescence markers: Predictive for response to checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Moreira Alvaro , Gross Stefanie , Kirchberger Michael Constantin , Erdmann Michael , Schuler Gerold , Heinzerling Lucie
Published: August 2018

Recent studies suggest that the age‐related remodeling of the immune system, known as immunosenescence, could impact the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in leukemia or nonsmall cell lung cancer. We investigated whether senescence markers can predict response to checkpoint inhibitor therapy in melanoma patients. The peripheral blood of patients with newly diagnosed, untreated metastatic melanoma was analyzed by flow cytometry to correlate the frequency of senescence markers with clinical response as measured by RECIST after 12 weeks of treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors. The loss of surface markers CD27 and CD28 or the expression of Tim‐3 and CD57 on T cells was associated with resistance to checkpoint inhibitor blockade, presenting these phenotypes as possible predictive biomarkers for checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Immunosenescence seems to impact on the response to checkpoint inhibitor therapy in melanoma patients. Thus, lymphocyte phenotyping for senescence markers, with the introduction of immunosenescence panels, could be predictive for checkpoint inhibitor response.
A B7‐CD28 family based signature demonstrates significantly different prognoses and tumor immune landscapes in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zheng Shanbo , Luo Xiaoyang , Dong Chuanpeng , Zheng Difan , Xie Juntao , Zhuge Lingdun , Sun Yihua , Chen Haiquan
Published: August 2018

B7 family ligands and CD28 family receptors have complicated interaction for modulating immune functions. They play a central role in response to immunotherapy and outcome of patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Thus, we analyzed B7‐CD28 family gene expression profiles in LUAD and generated a signature to predict prognosis and immune host status. B7‐CD28 family gene expression profiles and clinical data of LUAD from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were analyzed. In the training cohort, prognostic association was assessed and then a prognostic signature was built with stepwise multivariable Cox analysis. The signature was validated by Kaplan–Meier and multivariable Cox analysis in several published gene expression datasets and a Fudan University cohort. Expression of immune cell populations and other immunotherapy predictors was further investigated. In TCGA LUAD cohort, eight B7‐CD28 family genes had prognostic association with p values <0.05. Stepwise regression generated a gene signature including two genes, CD28 and CD276. Signature high‐risk cases had worse overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) in three published gene expression datasets and a Fudan University validation cohort. The B7‐CD28 family based signature also significantly stratified OS and DFS in important clinical subsets, including stage I–II and EGFR mutant subsets. Signature high‐ and low‐risk tumor had significantly different expressions of PD‐L1 and tumor infiltrating leukocytes. The B7‐CD28 family based signature demonstrates significantly different prognoses and tumor immune landscapes in LUAD. Whether it could serve as potential biomarkers for immunotherapy needs further investigation.
Capturing colorectal cancer inter‐tumor heterogeneity in patient‐derived xenograft (PDX) models
Authors: Prasetyanti Pramudita R. , van Hooff Sander R. , van Herwaarden Tessa , de Vries Nathalie , Kalloe Kieshen , Rodermond Hans , van Leersum Ronald , de Jong Joan H. , Franitza Marek , Nürnberg Peter , Todaro Matilde , Stassi Giorgio , Medema Jan Paul
Published: August 2018

Patient‐derived xenograft (PDX) models have become an important asset in translational cancer research. However, to provide a robust preclinical platform, PDXs need to accommodate the tumor heterogeneity that is observed in patients. Colorectal cancer (CRC) can be stratified into four consensus molecular subtypes (CMS) with distinct biological and clinical features. Surprisingly, using a set of CRC patients, we revealed the partial representation of tumor heterogeneity in PDX models. The epithelial subtypes, the largest subgroups of CRC subtype, were very ineffective in establishing PDXs, indicating the need for further optimization to develop an effective personalized therapeutic approach to CRC. Moreover, we showed that tumor cell proliferation was associated with successful PDX establishment and able to distinguish patient with poor clinical outcomes within CMS2 group.
The FLC dimer with lambda type may false‐migrate to the position of “albumin” band by urine protein electrophoresis on Sebia agarose gel‐based detection system
Authors: Chen Changqiang , Chen Peizhan , Fang Xuqian
Published: August 2018

Background

Monoclonal free light chains (FLC) commonly exist in monomeric or dimeric forms but rarely as larger molecules. Little is known about whether polymeric molecules can affect urine protein electrophoresis (UPE) results.

Methods

Urine samples were collected from 72 multiple myeloma (MM) patients with Bence Jones protein (BJP). Urine protein and immunofixation electrophoresis were analyzed on Sebia SDS “agarose” gel electrophoresis system (SDS‐AGE), and immunoglobulin free light chains were measured on the BNII nephelometric assay.

Results

A type of disulfide‐bound FLC dimer shows a pattern shift to the position of the “albumin” band in urine protein electrophoresis in multiple myeloma (MM) patients according to the Sebia agarose gel‐based detection system, which was validated by immunofixation, SDS‐PAGE, and mass spectrometric methods. Similar cases were found in 21 (29.17%) of 72 MM patients with BJP, and 19 (90.5%) of 21 patients were the lambda type.

Conclusions

These results indicate that BJP with lambda type has a strong tendency to abnormally migrate, which may increase the risk of misinterpretation of protein electrophoresis in clinics. Thus, when the urine protein electrophoresis is inconsistent with the result by nephelometric method, urine protein electrophoresis needs to be repeated on the deduced condition to confirm the essence of the originally identified “albumin.”
Droughts in Portugal in the 18th century: A study based on newly found documentary data
Authors: Fragoso Marcelo , Carraça Maria da Graça , Alcoforado Maria João
Published: August 2018

A renewed interest in historical droughts is due to the current climate change issues and also to the recent extreme drought of 2017 in Portugal. This work aims to lengthen the historical drought series and help improve projections for the future. The main droughts of the 18th century in mainland Portugal were identified using mostly direct documentary sources: individual (poems, letters, memoirs, manuscripts and printed newspapers) and institutional (ecclesiastical and administrative), as well as accounts of Pro pluvia ceremonies and processions. All the records had been assembled in the KlimHist database (http://clima.ul.pt/Klimhist-project). A summary statistical analysis of the drought evidence including its impacts was performed to assess its temporal distribution and geographical incidence. A strong precipitation variability was detected, which, similar to the present times, hardly presents trends in long series. The main years of drought during the 18th century in Portugal are highlighted, particularly the severe and long‐lasting 1737–38 and 1753–54 droughts that, together with their atmospheric causes, were studied in detail. There are more drought records for Southern Portugal (SP) than for Northern Portugal (NP). It was also observed that spring March, April and May (MAM) and winter December, January and February (DJF) drought evidence are more frequent in SP, whereas in NP there are more records concerning summer June, July and August (JJA). The results obtained agree with those of others of the Iberian Peninsula (IP). Despite Portugal being a small country, our results confirm the existence of an important climatic boundary between the NP and the SP with different precipitation variability.
Structural and sampling uncertainty in observed UK daily precipitation extremes derived from an intercomparison of gridded data sets
Authors: Simpson Ian R. , McCarthy Mark P.
Published: August 2018

This paper compares multiple gridded data sets of daily UK precipitation to evaluate structural uncertainty in our reconstructions of historical rainfall. The data sets compared reflect two different sampling strategies and three different grid interpolation methods. In order to separate the influence of sampling and interpolation uncertainties, one of the data sets (produced by the Met Office) has been recreated using the sampling strategy of stations used in the European (E‐OBS) data set. The results confirm and build upon previous studies showing that relying on a relatively sparse but homogeneous network of stations limits the ability of the resulting data set to reliably estimate extreme rainfall at the daily timescale. It is shown that gridding methods that additionally make use of reference climatological data can avoid systematic bias in both the average and extreme events even when using a relatively sparse network of observations. This is an encouraging result in terms of our potential to reliably extend such data sets further back in time where the availability of digitized data is substantially lower than the more modern era.
A radar‐based study of severe hail outbreaks over the contiguous United States for 2000–2011
Authors: Schlie Emily Elizabeth‐Janssen , Wuebbles Donald , Stevens Scott , Trapp Robert , Jewett Brian
Published: August 2018

A radar‐based hail climatology, with broad coverage and high resolution, is possible using the Next‐Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) Reanalysis through application of the multiradar multisensor (MRMS) algorithm and maximum expected size of hail (MESH). Using 12 years of MESH data, we define a “severe hail outbreak day” and analyse the characteristics and frequency of severe hail and severe hail outbreaks, including an analysis of hail swaths. Thresholds are set to signify severe hail in terms of MESH, and automated quality control measures are implemented. When comparing severe hail days in MESH to reports, we find a linear relationship between MESH and reports. Several case studies are also included to highlight the utility of MESH when studying outbreaks of severe hail, specifically regarding outbreak events that occur in low‐population areas. With the caveat that this is a relatively short‐time period, we find that severe hail days decrease while severe hail outbreak days increase over the period 2000–2011. The increase in outbreaks is happening primarily in the month of June, where the number of severe hail days stays fairly constant over the 12 years. This suggests that the increase in outbreaks is mainly taking place on days when severe hail already occurs. When examining hail swath characteristics, we find that there are a greater number of hail swaths (with a major‐axis‐length [MAL] of at least 15 km) on outbreak versus nonoutbreak days. Additionally, hail swaths with the largest MALs occur on outbreak days.
Recent development trends for chiral stationary phases based on chitosan derivatives, cyclofructan derivatives and chiral porous materials in high performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Xie Sheng‐Ming , Yuan Li‐Ming
Published: August 2018

The separation of enantiomers by chromatographic methods, such as gas chromatography, high‐performance liquid chromatography and capillary electrochromatography, has become an increasingly significant challenge over the past few decades due to the demand of pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and food analysis. Among these chromatographic resolution methods, high‐performance liquid chromatography based on chiral stationary phases has become the most popular and effective method used for the analytical and preparative separation of optically active compounds. This review mainly focuses on the recent development trends for novel chiral stationary phases based on chitosan derivatives, cyclofructan derivatives, and chiral porous materials that include metal‐organic frameworks and covalent organic frameworks in high‐performance liquid chromatography. The enantioseparation performance and chiral recognition mechanisms of these newly developed chiral selectors toward enantiomers are discussed in detail.
Last ten years (2008–2018) of chiral ligand‐exchange chromatography in HPLC: An updated review
Authors: Ianni Federica , Pucciarini Lucia , Carotti Andrea , Natalini Serena , Raskildina Gulnara Z. , Sardella Roccaldo , Natalini Benedetto
Published: August 2018

Chiral ligand‐exchange chromatography is one of the elective strategies for the direct enantioresolution of small chelating compounds: amino acids, diamines, amino alcohols, diols, small peptides, etc. Unlike other methods, the interaction between chiral selector and analyte enantiomers is mediated by a cation, thus producing diastereomeric ternary complexes. Two main approaches are conventionally applied in chiral ligand‐exchange chromatography. The first relies upon chiral stationary phases where the chiral selector is either covalently immobilized or physically adsorbed onto suitable packing materials (coated phases). In the second approach, chiral molecules are added to the eluent, thus generating chiral eluent systems. Among the advantages of chiral ligand‐exchange chromatography, the generation of UV/vis‐active metal complexes, and the use of commercially available or easy‐to‐synthesize chiral selectors, in combination to rather inexpensive achiral columns for coated phases and chiral eluents, are noteworthy. Besides amino acids and amino alcohols, other species have proven suitable for chiral ligand‐exchange chromatography applications. Recently, the use of either chiral ionic liquids or micellar liquid chromatography systems as well as the successful off‐column formation of diastereomeric complexes have expanded the selectivity profiles and application fields. All of these issues are touched in the review, shedding light to the contributions appeared in the last decade.
Characterization of balls by generalized Riesz energy
Authors: O'Hara Jun
Published: August 2018

We show that balls, circles and 2‐spheres can be identified by generalized Riesz energy among compact submanifolds of the Euclidean space that are either closed or with codimension 0, where the Riesz energy is defined as the double integral of some power of the distance between pairs of points. As a consequence, we obtain the identification by the interpoint distance distribution.
Free jejunal flap transfer containing multiple vascular pedicles for pharyngoesophageal reconstruction in conjunction with anterior mediastinal tracheostomy
Authors: Kubo Tateki , Kurita Tomoyuki , Tashima Hiroki , Seike Shien , Fujii Takashi , Yano Masahiko , Yamasaki Makoto , Doki Yuichiro , Hosokawa Ko
Published: August 2018

Background

When pharyngoesophagectomy is performed in conjunction with anterior mediastinal tracheostomy, reconstructing both the trachea and alimentary tract is extremely difficult. We developed a novel 1‐stage reconstructive procedure using a single free jejunal flap containing multiple vascular pedicles to decrease postoperative morbidity and mortality. Free jejunal flap transfer with multiple vascular pedicles could offer a viable option for reducing associated life‐threatening complications.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of 34 patients who underwent free jejunal flap transfer with multiple vascular pedicles in anterior mediastinal tracheostomy and pharyngoesophagectomy due to lesions involving both the airway and esophagus. In all cases, 1‐stage reconstruction of the digestive tract and trachea was performed. Technical details and outcomes were analyzed.

Results

All 34 jejunal flaps (100%) survived. Major morbidity classified as Clavien–Dindo grades III and IV occurred in 10 (29.4%) and 0 (0%) patients, respectively during hospitalization. With regard to common complications, anastomotic leakage from transferred jejunal flaps and surgical site infections occurred in 0 (0%) and 7 (20.6%) patients, respectively. Five (14.7%) patients experienced tracheal stoma dehiscence. Donor site morbidity was observed in 2 (5.9%) patients. The overall in‐hospital mortality rate was 2.9%.

Conclusions

Our 1‐stage reconstruction procedure achieved low morbidity and low mortality rates following anterior mediastinal tracheostomy and pharyngoesophagectomy. Only 1 jejunal flap transfer is needed to simultaneously reconstruct the trachea and alimentary tract in a safe and reliable manner with this procedure.
Porphyrinic Ionic Liquid Dyes: Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Li Kai , Titi Hatem M. , Berton Paula , Rogers Robin D.
Published: August 2018

Four porphyrinic ionic liquids and four higher melting salts (>100 °C) were synthesized as potential photosensitizers from highly symmetric porphyrins by introducing alkyl chains and exchanging anions to tune their solubility and singlet oxygen generation capability. Among the synthesized compounds was 5,10,15,20‐tetra(4‐dodecylpyridinum)porphyrin tetrakis‐bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)‐amide, a room‐temperature ionic liquid that could be crystallized as a solvate with nitrobenzene.
Crystalline structure and phase transition of syndiotactic styrene‐based copolymers
Authors: Naga Naofumi , Sakurai Takaaki , Hashimoto Taku , Noguchi Keiichi
Published: August 2018

Crystalline structure and phase transition of clathrate phase of syndiotactic poly[styrene‐co‐(p‐R‐styrene)] (St/RSt; R = CH3 (Me), tert‐butyl (Bu), HO), prepared from solutions, have been investigated with wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD) and differential scanning calorimetry. The copolymers containing less than 67.2 mol% of MeSt or 9.4 mol% of BuSt formed δ phase crystallized from toluene solution. The Bragg distance of 010 and reflections of the St/MeSt copolymer slightly increased with increasing of the MeSt content over 10 mol%. The St/HOSt copolymer containing 16.1 mol% of HOSt crystallized from dioxane solution also formed δ phase crystal. The orientation of the crystalline phase of the copolymers in films, which were prepared by cast‐crystallization from o‐xylene or dioxane solution, was evaluated using WAXD. The degrees of orientation were almost independent of RSt content in the copolymers. Phase transition from the δ phase crystal to the α or γ phase crystal of the copolymers in the heating process was observed using WAXD. The copolymers containing less than 14.8 mol% of MeSt or 8.4 mol% of BuSt showed a transition from the δ phase to the γ phase at more than 150 °C. Crystallinity of St/BuSt in the γ phase was lower than that in the δ phase. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Heat resistant and transparent organic–inorganic hybrid materials composed of N‐allylmaleimide copolymer and random‐type SH‐modified silsesquioxane
Authors: Oban Ryohei , Matsukawa Kimihiro , Matsumoto Akikazu
Published: August 2018

A thermally stable and transparent copolymer (PAED) composed of N‐allylmaleimide, N‐(2‐ethylhexyl)maleimide, and diisobutylene as the repeating units was produced by radical copolymerization in the presence of an azo initiator in chloroform at 60 °C. The thiol–ene reaction between the allyl groups included in the side chain of PAED and the mercapto groups (SH) included in a random‐type SH‐modified silsesquioxane (SQ) as the crosslinker provided PAED–SQ hybrid materials upon heating. The reaction process for this thermal curing was monitored from the intensity changes of characteristic peaks by IR spectroscopy as well as the gravimetric determination of the isolated insoluble fractions. The thermal, optical, and mechanical properties of the hybrids were investigated. The onset and maximum decomposition temperatures were 322–369 °C and 399–431 °C, respectively. The weight residue at 800 °C was 16–40 wt%, which depended on the amount of the SQ content in the feed. These organic–inorganic hybrid materials were highly transparent and exhibited refractive index of 1.522–1.524 and Abbe number of 40.0–45.8. The tensile test and dynamic mechanical analyses were also carried out to investigate the mechanical properties and the network structures of the hybrids. The addition of triallylisocyanurate (TAIC) to the curing system efficiently improved the conversion of the allyl and SH, leading to the more dense network structure and the higher strength and hardness of the cured hybrids. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 2294–2302
Digital health interventions to help living with cancer: A systematic review of participants' engagement and psychosocial effects
Authors: Escriva Boulley Géraldine , Leroy Tanguy , Bernetière Camille , Paquienseguy Françoise , Desfriches‐Doria Orélie , Préau Marie
Published: August 2018

Objective

Digital health interventions (DI) open the possibility for cancer patients and survivors to manage the disease and its side effects when they return home after treatment. This study aims to highlight the components of DI, investigate patient engagement with DI, and explore the effects of DI on psychosocial variables.

Methods

In September 2017, we performed a systematic review of studies focusing on DI which target cancer patients or survivors.

Results

A total of 29 articles (24 studies) were reviewed. There was considerable heterogeneity in study methods, in outcome definitions, in measures for engagement with DI and in psychosocial variables assessed. Results from the studies showed a high level of engagement. Self‐efficacy, psychological symptoms, and quality of life were the most commonly assessed psychosocial variables. However, results for the effect of DI on psychosocial variables were inconsistent. Regarding pain management, results were in line with what one would expect.

Conclusions

The present review showed that despite the heterogeneity in the studies assessed and inconsistent results, DI may constitute an excellent means to help cancer patients and survivors cope better with the disease and with treatment side effects, as they can improve self‐management and wellbeing. In order to acquire a greater understanding of the mechanisms underlying cancer patients'/survivors' psychological and behavioral changes in terms of adopting DI, direct comparison between studies is needed. However, this can only come about if methodological and conceptual standardization of DI is implemented.
Fenoxaprop‐ethyl affects mouse oocyte quality and the underlying mechanisms
Authors: He Ya‐Ting , Yang Lei‐Lei , Zhao Yong , Shen Wei , Yin Shen , Sun Qing‐Yuan
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

Fenoxaprop‐ethyl (FE) is an active ingredient of commercially available herbicide formulations. Its overuse has caused much damage to the environment, livestock breeding, agricultural crops and humans. However, little is known about the effects of FE exposure on female reproductive health and the mechanisms underlying those effects. In this study, we investigated the toxic effects of FE on oocyte quality and their underlying mechanisms in mice fed a diet containing FE.

RESULTS

Ovary weight and numbers of oocytes were reduced in FE‐treated mice. Moreover, oocyte quality was seriously impaired, as shown by the reduced rate of first polar body extrusion and fertilization ability in vivo. In FE‐treated mice, oocytes presented reduced actin expression and abnormal meiotic spindle morphology, which indicate that cytoskeletal integrality is disrupted. Also, FE induced mitochondrial dysfunction, reflected by the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), apoptosis and autophagy, as revealed by fluorescent staining analysis and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Finally, FE led to changes in epigenetic modifications such as histone H3K27me3 and H3K9me2 in oocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that FE has adverse effects on oocyte quality as assessed by maturation and fertilization potential, due to disrupted cytoskeletal integrality, and mitochondrial dysfunction leading to ROS accumulation, apoptosis and autophagy. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Three‐Component Domino Reaction Promoted by Solid Acid: An Efficient Strategy for Synthesis of Pyrano[2,3–d]pyrimidine Derivatives
Authors: Xia Qiqi , Li Chunmei , Zhang Yaohong , Qi Chenze , Zhang Furen
Published: August 2018

A series of poly‐substituted pyrano[2,3–d]pyrimidine derivatives have been synthesized using solid acid as catalyst in water. The poly‐substituted pyrano[2,3–d]pyrimidines are important structural motifs in organic and biological research. The present procedure shows many attractive advantages, such as the operational simplicity, highly efficiency and recyclability of heterogeneous catalyst, and highly yields of desired products. A probable mechanism was proposed for accounting the domino reaction.
DFT Study of Skutterudite CoSb3 and In0.2Co4Sb12 Thermoelectric Heterostructures with 2D–WSe2
Authors: Kiarii Ephraim Muriithi , Govender Krishna Kuben , Mamo Messai Adenew , Govender Penny Poomani
Published: August 2018

Recently, two–dimensional WSe2 transition–metal dichalcogenides have been used for novel electronic devices. However, its influence on the electronic and optical properties of thermoelectric Skutterudite CoSb3 and In0.2Co4Sb12 is unknown. Despite the increased potential of energy conversion obtained by doping CoSb3 with indium, further theoretical study is necessary to understand the origin of this enhancement. Heterostructures of hybrid WSe2/CoSb3 and WSe2/In0.2Co4Sb12 are investigated in this study using a density functional theory calculation. The electronic structure, energy, geometry optimisation and optical properties are analysed for the individual components in the heterostructure. The obtained results show that pure CoSb3 has a bandgap of 0.456 eV, and In0.2Co4Sb12 has a zero bandgap, while the calculated bandgap for WSe2 is found to be 1.482 eV. The heterostructures show an exceptional absorption in the infrared region where the heat energy mainly dominates. The charge transfer study indicates a built–in potential at the interface, which ensures easy separation of charge generated carriers and thus, improved the thermoelectric performance.
Expanding the Scope of Functionalized Small Nonprotein Components for Holoabzyme 27C1
Authors: Ishikawa Fumihiro , Shirahashi Masato , Hayakawa Hiroshi , Tanabe Genzoh , Tsumuraya Takeshi , Fujii Ikuo
Published: August 2018

The creation of artificial enzymes that achieve high selectivity, and turnovers equivalent to natural enzymes remains a challenging aspect of biocatalyst research. The design of new catalytic proteins presents a straightforward test of our understanding of enzyme catalysis. The holoabzyme 27C1 possesses binding pockets for substrates, as well as for a large variety of functionalized small nonprotein components. Site‐directed chemical mutations have optimized the β‐elimination activity of antibody 27C1, resulting in a 106 fold rate enhancement. In this study, we incorporate synthetic catalytic components with different steric properties into the binding site, and investigate the substrate scope of the 27C1‐catalyzed β‐elimination reaction. Our results indicate that the flexibility and tunability of the binding pocket toward synthetic small molecules may enable incorporation of newly devised components, and thus, introduce novel reactivities.
3D prints from ultrasound volumes
Authors: Tutschek B.
Published: August 2018

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A multivariate metabolic imaging marker for behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Nazem Amir , Tang Chris C. , Spetsieris Phoebe , Dresel Christian , Gordon Marc L. , Diehl‐Schmid Janine , Grimmer Timo , Yakushev Igor , Mattis Paul J. , Ma Yilong , Dhawan Vijay , Eidelberg David ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: August 2018

Introduction

The heterogeneity of behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) calls for multivariate imaging biomarkers.

Methods

We studied a total of 148 dementia patients from the Feinstein Institute (Center‐A: 25 bvFTD and 10 Alzheimer's disease), Technical University of Munich (Center‐B: 44 bvFTD and 29 FTD language variants), and Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (40 Alzheimer's disease subjects). To identify the covariance pattern of bvFTD (behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia–related pattern [bFDRP]), we applied principal component analysis to combined 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose–positron emission tomography scans from bvFTD and healthy subjects. The phenotypic specificity and clinical correlates of bFDRP expression were assessed in independent testing sets.

Results

The bFDRP was identified in Center‐A data (24.1% of subject × voxel variance; P < .001), reproduced in Center‐B data (P < .001), and independently validated using combined testing data (receiver operating characteristics–area under the curve = 0.97; P < .0001). The expression of bFDRP was specifically elevated in bvFTD patients (P < .001) and was significantly higher at more advanced disease stages (P = .035:duration; P < .01:severity).

Discussion

The bFDRP can be used as a quantitative imaging marker to gauge the underlying disease process and aid in the differential diagnosis of bvFTD.
Slowakische Republik (Slovak Republic) v. Achmea B.V.
Authors: Arp Björn
Published: August 2018

On March 6, 2018, the Grand Chamber of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU or Court) rendered its judgment in Slowakische Republic (Slovak Republic) v. Achmea B.V. (Achmea decision) in response to the German Federal Court of Justice's (Bundesgerichtshof) request for a preliminary ruling. Deciding for the first time on the compatibility of the arbitration provision in bilateral investment treaties (BITs) with European Union (EU) law, the Court concluded that the investor-state arbitration clause in the Dutch-Slovak BIT was incompatible with EU law because it violated the principle of autonomy. The Court will soon respond to Belgium's request for an Opinion on the Canada-EU free trade agreement (FTA), where it will rule on the compatibility of extra-EU investment agreements with EU law.