bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BPI19-021: Medical Oncologist Perspectives of the Veterans Affairs National Precision Oncology Program
Authors: Vashistha Vishal , Poonnen Pradeep J. , Patel Vimla L. , Skinner Halcyon G. , Snowdon Jane L. , McCaffrey Victoria , Spector Neil L. , Hintze Bradley , Duffy Jill E. , Jackson Gretchen P. , Kelley Michael J.
Published: March 2019

Background: Genomic sequencing of tumor samples is often considered for patients diagnosed with metastatic malignancies. In July 2016, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) created the VA National Precision Oncology Program (NPOP) to offer next generation sequencing (NGS) multigene panels for veterans with advanced solid tumors. We sought to assess the perceptions of NPOP among medical oncologists across VHA. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were designed to evaluate the following concepts: expectations for NGS testing, required workflow to conduct testing, applicability of testing results, and summative views of genomic sequencing. VHA medical oncologists who had previously sent at least one sample for testing through NPOP were solicited to participate for an in-person or telephonic conversation. Interviews were analyzed by an inductive narrative approach to code responses, which was then followed by thematic analysis for key findings that emerged. Results: 17 medical oncologists were interviewed from 16 different VA medical centers (VAMCs) in 12 states. 16 (94.1%) oncologists reported sending at least 5 samples for NGS testing; 4 (23.5%) oncologists practiced at VAMCs that sent over 100 samples. Clinicians collectively expected that testing would determine all clinically relevant genomic alterations in a reasonable time. Testing was expedited for oncologists who maintained a collaborative relationship with their local pathologists and proceduralists. 8 (47.1%) oncologists felt that testing reports should provide greater insight into the clinical significance of uncommon gene variants. 6 (35.3%) respondents expressed that educational efforts are warranted to describe optimal sample processing, indications for testing, and/or relevance of rare mutations. Twelve (70.6%) respondents felt strongly that NGS testing would improve outcomes for their patients, while 3 (17.6%) oncologists were wary that the current number of actionable mutations is too limited to offer widespread benefit. Conclusions: VHA medical oncologists opined that NGS testing through VA NPOP improved outcomes. The testing process is expedited with multidisciplinary involvement. Designed approaches to semi-algorithmically report testing results may improve efficiency of clinical decision-making. More education is warranted to detail the procedural requirements to conduct testing, indications for test ordering, and interpretation of results.
HSR19-088: Severe Obesity Does Not Worsen Transplantation Outcome in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Gahvari Zhubin J. , Lasarev Michael , Eickhoff Jens C. , Hall Aric C. , Hematti Peiman , Juckett Mark B. , Kenkre Vaishalee P. , Callander Natalie S.
Published: March 2019

Background: Obesity, and in particular severe obesity, is increasingly prevalent in the United States. Epidemiological studies have shown an association in multiple myeloma (MM) between obesity and mortality (Teras et al, Br J Haematol 2014). Autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (autoPBSCT) remains a crucial aspect of treating MM, and the NCCN Guidelines recommend all eligible patients be evaluated for transplant. There is limited data analyzing the relationship between severe obesity and transplant outcomes in MM patients in the era of modern therapy, routine post-transplant maintenance, and genetic-based risk stratification. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients undergoing autoPBSCT for MM at our institution from 2010–2017. Patients were categorized by body mass index (BMI) and Revised International Staging System (R-ISS) score. Patients were followed from time of first transplant until death. Surviving patients and those lost to follow-up were censored at last point of contact. Cox proportional hazard regression models and associated log-rank tests were used to assess whether age, BMI, lag time between diagnosis and transplant, and R-ISS score were associated with risk of death. Post-transplant hospital length of stay (LOS) was evaluated using generalized linear models with response following a gamma distribution. Results: 314 patients (59.2% male) were included. BMI was categorized as nonobese ([16, 30) kg/m2; n=178, 56.7%), obese ([30, 35) kg/m2; n=72, 22.9%) or severely obese ([35, 55) kg/m2; n=64, 20.4%) and was not found to be associated with risk of death following transplant, either independently (P=.17) or when adjusting for age, sex, lag, and R-ISS (P=.26). As expected, R-ISS score was associated (P=.006) with risk of death after transplant. No association was found between mean LOS and BMI (P=.875). Kaplan-Meier mortality estimates are shown in Figure 1. Conclusions: Obesity and severe obesity were not associated with an increased risk of mortality for MM patients receiving autoPBSCT. Although severe obesity is a health hazard, this should not be used to exclude patients from transplant.
HSR19-097: Understanding U.S. Mutational Testing Patterns and Treatment Implications in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST) Patients
Authors: Mamlouk Khalid , Crouch Zach , Lee Philina , Mendonca Clive , Gumina Maria , Rubin Brian
Published: March 2019

Background: In the United States, 3,000–4,000 cases of GIST occur each year. Approximately 80% of newly diagnosed GIST harbor mutations in KIT and up to 10% harbor mutations in PDGFRA, including an activation loop mutation at amino acid 842 that is associated with treatment resistance. Most patients (pts) with metastatic GIST (mGIST) respond initially to imatinib but progress and require alternative lines of therapy. However, pts with a PDGFRα D842V mutation have absolute resistance to imatinib and little to no benefit from other therapies. NCCN and ESMO GIST guidelines recommend routine mutational testing in all pts initiating therapy, though recent publications report low testing rates in this setting. This retrospective chart audit of GIST treaters further examines mutational testing and treatment decisions to better understand current practices and educational needs. Methods: Hematologist/oncologists who practiced in academic or community settings were eligible if they treated ≥5 pts with mGIST in the past 12 months. Respondents were asked to retrieve the last 4 charts of pts with metastatic/unresectable GIST of which ≥1 received ≥3 lines of therapy and answer questions geared toward assessing patient journey from diagnosis and mutation testing through treatment choices and outcomes. Results: 105 U.S. physicians (academic: 32; community: 73) reviewed and answered questions based on 403 patient charts. Overall KIT/PDGFRA mutation testing rates prior to initiating therapy was 59%, with lower rates in community settings. Further, only 34% of surveyed community physicians indicated they always perform mutational testing before initiating therapy despite it being strongly recommended in NCCN Guidelines. Top reasons cited for not performing mutation testing included questionable therapeutic impact, not part of practice’s standard protocol, cost, and lack of tissue. In our data set, 15 pts with a PDGFRα D842V mutation were identified, 12 of whom received imatinib despite known inactivity in this population. In the overall population, pts were primarily sequenced through imatinib, sunitinib, and regorafenib, with community clinicians being less likely to use regorafenib in the third-line setting. Conclusion: Continued education is needed about the role of mutational testing in GIST to ensure optimal treatment, especially among U.S. community oncology practitioners. The data also highlight the need for novel therapies that are effective in PDGFRα D842V-driven GIST.
Les discours pour soi et sur soi dans l’Antiquité : les pratiques de l’intime dans les Pensées et les lettres de Marc Aurèle et chez quelques prédécesseurs
Authors: Fleury Pascale
Published: March 2019

La présente recherche vise à observer les témoignages antiques pouvant être rapprochés de la pratique moderne des carnets, et particulièrement les Pensées de Marc Aurèle, dans leur rapport aux notes (hypomnemata/commentarii), aux comptes rendus philosophiques découlant de lameditatioet aux lettres. La comparaison avec les processus à l’oeuvre dans la correspondance de Marc Aurèle avec Fronton permet de saisir tous les refus sociaux et culturels qu’implique le choix d’écrire lesPensées.
Multi-gene incongruence consistent with hybridisation in Cladocopium (Symbiodiniaceae), an ecologically important genus of coral reef symbionts
Authors: Brian Joshua I , Davy Simon K , Wilkinson Shaun P
Published: March 2019

Coral reefs rely on their intracellular dinoflagellate symbionts (family Symbiodiniaceae) for nutritional provision in nutrient-poor waters, yet this association is threatened by thermally stressful conditions. Despite this, the evolutionary potential of these symbionts remains poorly characterised. In this study, we tested the potential for divergent Symbiodiniaceae types to sexually reproduce (i.e. hybridise) within Cladocopium, the most ecologically prevalent genus in this family. With sequence data from three organelles (cob gene, mitochondria; psbAncr region, chloroplast; and ITS2 region, nucleus), we utilised the Incongruence Length Difference test, Approximately Unbiased test, tree hybridisation analyses and visual inspection of raw data in stepwise fashion to highlight incongruences between organelles, and thus provide evidence of reticulate evolution. Using this approach, we identified three putative hybrid Cladocopium samples among the 158 analysed, at two of the seven sites sampled. These samples were identified as the common Cladocopium types C40 or C1 with respect to the mitochondria and chloroplasts, but the rarer types C3z, C3u and C1# with respect to their nuclear identity. These five Cladocopium types have previously been confirmed as evolutionarily distinct and were also recovered in non-incongruent samples multiple times, which is strongly suggestive that they sexually reproduced to produce the incongruent samples. A concomitant inspection of Next Generation Sequencing data for these samples suggests that other plausible explanations, such as incomplete lineage sorting, are much less likely. The approach taken in this study allows incongruences between gene regions to be identified with confidence, and brings new light to the evolutionary potential within Symbiodiniaceae.
Recensão: Justiça Juvenil. A Lei, os Tribunais e a (In)Visibilidade do Crime no Feminino [João Pedroso, Paula Casaleiro e Patrícia Branco, 2017, Porto, Vida Económicaa]
Authors: Gomes Sílvia
Published: March 2019

-
Microglial SIRPα regulates the emergence of CD11c+ microglia and demyelination damage in white matter
Authors: Sato-Hashimoto Miho , Nozu Tomomi , Toriba Riho , Horikoshi Ayano , Akaike Miho , Kawamoto Kyoko , Hirose Ayaka , Hayashi Yuriko , Nagai Hiromi , Shimizu Wakana , Saiki Ayaka , Ishikawa Tatsuya , Elhanbly Ruwaida , Kotani Takenori , Murata Yoji , Saito Yasuyuki , Naruse Masae , Shibasaki Koji , Oldenborg Per-Arne , Jung Steffen , Matozaki Takashi , Fukazawa Yugo , Ohnishi Hiroshi
Published: March 2019

A characteristic subset of microglia expressing CD11c appears in response to brain damage. However, the functional role of CD11c+ microglia, as well as the mechanism of its induction, are poorly understood. Here we report that the genetic ablation of signal regulatory protein α (SIRPα), a membrane protein, induced the emergence of CD11c+ microglia in the brain white matter. Mice lacking CD47, a physiological ligand of SIRPα, and microglia-specific SIRPα-knockout mice exhibited the same phenotype, suggesting that an interaction between microglial SIRPα and CD47 on neighbouring cells suppressed the emergence of CD11c+ microglia. A lack of SIRPα did not cause detectable damage to the white matter, but resulted in the increased expression of genes whose expression is characteristic of the repair phase after demyelination. In addition, cuprizone-induced demyelination was alleviated by the microglia-specific ablation of SIRPα. Thus, microglial SIRPα suppresses the induction of CD11c+ microglia that have the potential to accelerate the repair of damaged white matter.
Retinal stem cells modulate proliferative parameters to coordinate post-embryonic morphogenesis in the eye of fish
Authors: Tsingos Erika , Höckendorf Burkhard , Sütterlin Thomas , Kirchmaier Stephan , Grabe Niels , Centanin Lazaro , Wittbrodt Joachim
Published: March 2019

Combining clonal analysis with a computational agent based model, we investigate how tissue-specific stem cells for neural retina (NR) and retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) of the teleost medaka (Oryzias latipes) coordinate their growth rates. NR cell division timing is less variable, consistent with an upstream role as growth inducer. RPE cells divide with greater variability, consistent with a downstream role responding to inductive signals. Strikingly, the arrangement of the retinal ciliary marginal zone niche results in a spatially biased random lineage loss, where stem- and progenitor cell domains emerge spontaneously. Further, our data indicate that NR cells orient division axes to regulate organ shape and retinal topology. We highlight an unappreciated mechanism for growth coordination, where one tissue integrates cues to synchronize growth of nearby tissues. This strategy may enable evolution to modulate cell proliferation parameters in one tissue to adapt whole-organ morphogenesis in a complex vertebrate organ.
Bichir external gills arise via heterochronic shift that accelerates hyoid arch development
Authors: Stundl Jan , Pospisilova Anna , Jandzik David , Fabian Peter , Dobiasova Barbora , Minarik Martin , Metscher Brian D , Soukup Vladimir , Cerny Robert
Published: March 2019

In most vertebrates, pharyngeal arches form in a stereotypic anterior-to-posterior progression. To gain insight into the mechanisms underlying evolutionary changes in pharyngeal arch development, here we investigate embryos and larvae of bichirs. Bichirs represent the earliest diverged living group of ray-finned fishes, and possess intriguing traits otherwise typical for lobe-finned fishes such as ventral paired lungs and larval external gills. In bichir embryos, we find that the anteroposterior way of formation of cranial segments is modified by the unique acceleration of the entire hyoid arch segment, with earlier and orchestrated development of the endodermal, mesodermal, and neural crest tissues. This major heterochronic shift in the anteroposterior developmental sequence enables early appearance of the external gills that represent key breathing organs of bichir free-living embryos and early larvae. Bichirs thus stay as unique models for understanding developmental mechanisms facilitating increased breathing capacity.
Single-cell expression profiling reveals dynamic flux of cardiac stromal, vascular and immune cells in health and injury
Authors: Farbehi Nona , Patrick Ralph , Dorison Aude , Xaymardan Munira , Janbandhu Vaibhao , Wystub-Lis Katharina , Ho Joshua WK , Nordon Robert E , Harvey Richard P
Published: March 2019

Besides cardiomyocytes (CM), the heart contains numerous interstitial cell types which play key roles in heart repair, regeneration and disease, including fibroblast, vascular and immune cells. However, a comprehensive understanding of this interactive cell community is lacking. We performed single-cell RNA-sequencing of the total non-CM fraction and enriched (Pdgfra-GFP+) fibroblast lineage cells from murine hearts at days 3 and 7 post-sham or myocardial infarction (MI) surgery. Clustering of >30,000 single cells identified >30 populations representing nine cell lineages, including a previously undescribed fibroblast lineage trajectory present in both sham and MI hearts leading to a uniquely activated cell state defined in part by a strong anti-WNT transcriptome signature. We also uncovered novel myofibroblast subtypes expressing either pro-fibrotic or anti-fibrotic signatures. Our data highlight non-linear dynamics in myeloid and fibroblast lineages after cardiac injury, and provide an entry point for deeper analysis of cardiac homeostasis, inflammation, fibrosis, repair and regeneration.
Getting the full picture
Authors: Luchetti Alessandro , Chowdhury Ananya , Silva Alcino J
Published: March 2019

A combination of old and new techniques has revealed new details about the behavior of individual neurons across the sleep-wake-cycle.
Hva er meningen? – Momenter av nærvær i et kunstnerisk utviklingsarbeid
Authors: Dahlsveen Mimesis Heidi
Published: March 2019

Denne artikkelen søker å forstå hva mening er i et kunstnerisk utviklingsarbeid. Videre ønsker artikkelen å bidra til en diskurs knyttet til dagens fortelleres arbeidsmetode mot et scenisk uttrykk. Det kunstneriske utviklingsarbeidet «23.27» var en musikalsk fortellerforestilling hvor en autobiografisk fortelling om «da Daniel døde» ble formidlet sammen med den norrøne myten om Balders død. Det metodiske arbeidet mot en forestilling befinner seg i gråsoner mellom hva som er en kunstnerisk prosess, hva som er det endelig produktet og hva som er kunstnerisk utviklingsarbeid. Artikkelen drøfter og skisserer deler av en prosess med fokus på nærvær mot en fortellerforestilling, der det settes opp ulike temaer for å forstå begrepet mening i lys av kunstnerisk utviklingsarbeid. Artikkelen ser også på nærværets betydning i forhold til å forstå mening.
Políticas públicas de desenvolvimento regional em Minas Gerais: o Plano Estratégico de Desenvolvimento Sustentável do Consórcio da Zona da Mata e Campos das Vertentes
Authors: Marinho Raphael Campana , Ferreira André
Published: March 2019

Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo analisar o Plano Estratégico de Desenvolvimento Sustentável da Zona da Mata e Campos das Vertentes. Elaborado pela Agência Espanhola de Cooperação Internacional, em agosto de 2001 e financiado pelo Banco Interamericano de Desenvolvimento (BID). O Plano foi implantado pelo Consórcio Intermunicipal da Zona da Mata e Campos das Vertentes, composto por 21 municípios com realidades díspares, no que diz respeito ao tamanho, população, caracterização atividade econômica, realidade social, etc. No levantamento bibliográfico faz-se uma breve revisão de políticas públicas, além das principais abordagens teóricas sobre desenvolvimento regional. Os procedimentos técnicos utilizados na pesquisa foram a análise documental e o levantamento bibliográfico. Os resultados apontam para a não efetivação de diversas ações planejadas, além da centralização de suas ações na cidade de Juiz de Fora e em outros polos regionais, que por sua vez, contribuíram para reforçar as disparidades intermunicipais. Apesar do Plano ter sido planejado e articulado de forma estruturada, contando com o apoio e incentivo de todas as esferas do governo e também da iniciativa privada não conseguiu amenizar as históricas desigualdades regionais a que se propôs
Monitoramento de fronteira via sistema de informação geográfica em Oiapoque-AP
Authors: Medeiros Dr. José Marcelo Martins , Oliveira Marcelo Da Silva
Published: March 2019

No Brasil as arboviroses representam sérios problemas de saúde pública, especialmente porque não se dispõe de vacinas contra essas doenças, o que, por sua vez, aumenta a importância do controle do vetor, o Aedes aegypti. A identificação de espaços de maior risco para a transmissão da Chikungunya auxiliam os estudos do processo de difusão desta virose. O objetivo norteador deste trabalho é utilizar o Sistema de Informação Geográfica - SIG na obtenção de um produto espacial dos casos notificados e confirmados de febre Chikungunya no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) no município de Oiapoque – AP de 2014 a 2015, que possam servir de suporte para uma possível tomada de decisão que proporcione a diminuição ou erradicação dos vetores causadores da doença. Na análise estatística foi utilizado o programa Microsoft Excel 2010 para a tabulação e organização dos dados de notificados por grupos familiares no período do corte temporal (2014-2015) com o universo da pesquisa constituído de 513 casos notificados confirmados e com o uso da ferramenta de análise espacial, software ArcGis 10.2.1, utilizando a técnica de interpolação de dados espaciais de Kernel, permitiu visualizar e compreender de forma mais holística, as áreas de risco e de vulnerabilidade à doença no município de Oiapoque – AP.
Evaluation of Serum α-tocopherol and Anemia among Infertile Patients Attending Specialists Hospital, Sokoto
Authors: Bunza F. U. , Mainasara A. S. , Wasagu I. Z. , Maryam I. Y.
Published: March 2019

Infertility is the inability of a couple to achieve pregnancy over an average period of one year despite adequate, regular and unprotected sexual intercourse. Avitaminosis E has been implicated in the development of infertility and hemolytic anemia in animals. There is, however, little evidence that man is ever scanty in vitamin E. The aim of this study is to evaluate serum α-tocopherol levels and anemia among infertile patients attending Specialists Hospital, Sokoto. A total of fifty (50) infertile patients and fifty (50) apparently healthy fertile married as control were recruited for this study. The blood samples collected were analyzed for α-tocopherol using Hashim and Schuttringer (1996) method, and PCV using hematocrit reader. The data obtained were analyzed using the Student's T-independence test. The result shows that the level of serum α-tocopherol was significantly lower (p<0.05) in infertile patients (0.65±0.04) compared to controls (1.38±0.02). The result, however, shows no statistically significant difference of PCV and BMI (37.58±0.4 and 21.14±0.34 respectively) in infertile patients when compared to the controls (38.61±0.4 and 22.05±2.64 respectively). A reduced serum α-tocopherol level among infertile patients was observed in this study. The α-tocopherol has been described to be a potent antisterility factor on account of the development of the sterility in its absence. We, therefore, commend the incorporation of α-tocopherol in the diagnosis and treatment of infertility in human.
Possibility of Allelopathic and Residues Effects of the Rotated Crops on Productivity, Chemical Composition, Nitrogen Utilization of Wheat (Triticum aestivum) and Soil Fertility
Authors: El-Shamy Moshira A. , El-Naqma Kholoud A.
Published: March 2019

Aims: To evaluate the possibility of allelopathic effects of the rotated crops on productivity, chemical composition, N utilization of wheat and soil fertility.

Study Design: A split plot design with three replications was used. The main plots were assigned with three previous crops, The sub plots were assigned by three nitrogen fertilizer rates (0, 35 and 70 kg N fed-1).

Place and Duration of Study: A field study was carried out at Sakha Agricultural Research Station farm, ARC, Kafr El-Sheikh governorate, Egypt, during two successive seasons of 2016/2017and 2017/2018

Methodology: The local wheat cultivar (Sids 12) was sown after three crops (fahl berseem) after rice, (Drawa) after rice and Fallow after rice as preceded crops.

Results: The results showed that fahl berseem roots and residues in the clover (berseem)-wheat rotation secreted biologically active chemical compounds which have a positive effect on growth and development of wheat. The preceding clover (fahl berseem) wheat rotation appeared to be promising for wheat productivity, N, P, K concentrations, N-uptake, N utilization, protein content of wheat grain and straw, availability of N, P and K after wheat harvest compared with fallow after rice, green maize (drawa-wheat rotation). The interaction between the preceded crops and N fertilizer rates was significantly for all the studied traits. The highest performance of wheat traits were observed when wheat was grown after fahl berseem and fertilized with 70 kg N.fed-1. While the lowest performance was obtained following cereal crops rice (fallow) and the lowest N level in both seasons. Treatment of fahl berseem with nitrogen fertilizer (70 kg N.fed-1) had given a best values from grain yield with relative increments of (37.54%) compared with preceding rice-wheat rotation and (23.26%) compared with rice-drawa rotation.

Conclusions: Cereal winter crops can be sow after preceding legume crops rather than summer cereal crops. We can sow fahl berseem crop as a forage to animals after cereal crop (rice) and before sowing wheat crop to improve soil properties and its availability of the essential elements and consider additional revenue to farmer. Fahl barseem had be sown in the end of august month after rice crop to produce approximetly 20 ton fresh forage.fed-1 (~ 9 ton dry grass.fed-1) which provides farmers with (~ 9 thousands EL) in 88 days only.
A Survey of Symptoms of Fungal Disease in Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) in Buea, in the South West Region of Cameroon
Authors: Tambe Bechem Eneke Esoeyang , Jackai Mbella Clara Elinge
Published: March 2019

Aim: Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) which is mostly cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of the world is an important source of sucrose. This crop which was originally grown in South Eastern Asia and the Pacific for the sole purpose of chewing is mainly used nowadays for the production of sugar, bio-fuels, medicine etc. In spite of its numerous uses, the production of sugarcane in Buea, South West region of Cameroon is hampered by many factors including the incidence of disease. It is possible that some varieties are no longer cultivated because of their susceptibility to fungal diseases. It was for these reasons that we decided to survey the sugarcane farms in this area, to evaluate the presence of diseased symptoms due to activity of fungi.

Study Design: Random sampling.

Place and Duration of Study: Buea and its environs, Rubber Pathology Laboratory IRAD Ekona, and Life Sciences Laboratory, University of Buea, between June 2016 and July 2017.

Methodology: During the survey, sugarcane farms in five villages in Buea and its environments were visited. The leaves and stems of the plants were observed for any symptoms of fungal activity. The incidence, severity and prevalence of the symptoms were noted. Leaf samples were collected from diseased sugarcane plants and transported to the laboratory for the isolation of fungi on Potato Dextrose Agar growth medium. The isolates were identified based on their cultural and micro-morphological characteristics.

Results: Sugarcane plants with fungal disease symptoms were seen in all the farms visited during the survey, thus a prevalence of 100%. The disease incidence varied from 54- 100%, while the severity ranged from 20- 55%. Two genera of fungi were isolated from the diseased plants viz: Chaetomium sp. and Bipolaris sp.

Conclusion: Chaetomium and Bipolaris are associated with fungal symptoms in diseased sugarcanes hence any management plans geared towards the improvement of sugarcane production in this area must include control measures for these fungi.
Rituximab in kidney disease and transplant
Authors: Chauhan Kajal , Mehta Anita A.
Published: March 2019

Rituximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody that binds toCD20 antigen of B‐cells. It depletes the level of mature B‐cells by various mechanisms such as mediation of antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity, complement‐dependent cytotoxicity, and B‐cell apoptosis. Rituximab is aUSFDAapproved drug for clinical use in non‐Hodgkin's B‐cell lymphoma (NHL), rheumatoid arthritis, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), granulomatosis with polyangiitis and pemphigus vulgaris. It is also known for its “off label” use in renal disease and renal transplant worldwide. However, the exact mechanisms by which it exerts its effect in the aforementioned condition remain unclear but may be related to its long‐term effects on plasma cell development and the impact on B‐cell modulation of T cell responses. This review discusses the current use of rituximab in renal disease and renal transplantation, and its potential role in novel therapeutic protocols.
High Accuracy Protein Structures from Minimal Sparse Paramagnetic Solid‐State NMR Restraints
Authors: Perez Alberto , Gaalswyk Kari , Jaroniec Christopher P. , MacCallum Justin L.
Published: March 2019

There is a pressing need for new computational tools to integrate data from diverse experimental approaches in structural biology. We present a strategy that combines sparse paramagnetic solid‐state NMR restraints with physics‐based atomistic simulations. Our approach explicitly accounts for uncertainty in the interpretation of experimental data through the use of a semi‐quantitative mapping between the data and the restraint energy that is calibrated by extensive simulations. We apply our approach to solid‐state NMR data for the model protein GB1 labeled with Cu2+‐EDTA at six different sites. We are able to determine the structure to 0.9 Å accuracy within a single day of computation on a GPU cluster. We further show that in some cases, the data from only a single paramagnetic tag are sufficient for accurate folding.
Assembled Vitamin B2 Nanocrystals with Optical Waveguiding and Photosensitizing Properties for Potential Biomedical Application
Authors: Fei Jinbo , Dai Luru , Gao Fuping , Zhao Jie , Li Junbai
Published: March 2019

Great success has been achieved in recent years in the development of synthetic or assembled nanobiomaterials. Among these, biomolecule‐based nanoarchitectures with special optical property are of particular interest. Here, we demonstrate that vitamin B2 nanocrystals assembled as nanorods can be obtained with precise control. Excitingly, such one‐dimensional nanostructures not only exhibit intrinsic optical waveguiding properties but also the ability to sensitize oxygen to produce reactive oxygen species. With these properties, we applied the obtained vitamin B2 nanorods under remotely localized light illumination into single tumour cells in vitro for anticancer photodynamic therapy. Further, vitamin B2 nanorods were explored for in vivo photodynamic therapy by using a tumour model. With such bionanostructures, new features and functions of vitamin B2 and its derivatives have been developed.
Enantioselective Cross‐Exchange between C−I and C−C σ Bonds
Authors: Sun Yu‐Li , Wang Xing‐Ben , Sun Feng‐Na , Chen Qian‐Qian , Cao Jian , Xu Zheng , Xu Li‐Wen
Published: March 2019

A palladium‐catalyzed enantioselective intramolecular σ‐bond cross‐exchange between C−I and C−C bonds is realized, providing chiral indanones bearing an alkyl iodide group and an all‐carbon quaternary stereocenter. Pd/TADDOL‐derived phosphoramidite is found to be an efficient catalytic system for both C−C bond cleavage and alkyl iodide reductive elimination. In addition to aryl iodides, aryl bromides can also be used for this transformation in the presence of KI. Density‐functional theory (DFT) calculation studies support the ring‐opening of cyclobutanones occuring through an oxidative addition/reductive elimination process involving PdIVspecies.
Reversible Photoisomerization from Borepin to Boratanorcaradiene and Double Aryl Migration from Boron to Carbon
Authors: He Zhe‐Chang , Mellerup Soren K. , Liu Lijie , Wang Xiang , Dao Caitlin , Wang Suning
Published: March 2019

B(npy)Ar2 (npy=2‐(naphthalen‐1‐yl)pyridine) compounds bearing various nonbulky aryl groups undergo a clean and sequential two‐step photoisomerization in which two aryl substituents on boron migrate to a carbon atom of the naphthyl moiety. The second isomerization step is the first example of a reversible photoisoermization between a borepin and a borirane. Both steric and electronic factors have been found to have a great impact on this photoreactivity. Furthermore, the borirane isomer reacts with oxygen, forming a rare oxaborepin dimer.
Oriented Gold Nanorod Arrays: Self‐Assembly and Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: Wei Wenbo , Bai Feng , Fan Hongyou
Published: March 2019

Self‐assembly of anisotropic plasmonic nanomaterials into ordered superstructures has become popular in nanoscience because of their unique anisotropic optical and electronic properties. Gold nanorods (GNRs) are a well‐defined functional building block for fabrication of these superstructures. They possess important anisotropic plasmonic characteristics that result from strong local electric field and are responsive to visible and near‐IR light. There are recent examples of assembling the GNRs into ordered arrays or superstructures through processes such as solvent evaporation and interfacial assembly. In this Minireview, recent progress in the development of the self‐assembled GNR arrays is described, with focus on the formation of oriented GNR arrays on substrates. Key driving forces are discussed, and different strategies and self‐assembly processes of forming oriented GNR arrays are presented. The applications of the oriented GNR arrays in optoelectronic devices are also overviewed, especially surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS).
Solvent‐Induced Control over Breathing Behavior in Flexible Metal–Organic Frameworks for Natural‐Gas Delivery
Authors: Kundu Tanay , Wahiduzzaman Mohammad , Shah Bhuvan B. , Maurin Guillaume , Zhao Dan
Published: March 2019

Finding appropriate stimuli for controlling the breathing behavior of flexible metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) is highly challenging. Herein, we report the solvent‐induced changes in the particle size and stability of different breathing phases of the MIL‐53 series, a group of flexible MOFs. A water/dimethylformamide (DMF) ratio is tuned to synthesize members of the MIL‐53 series which have different behaviors. The breathing is explored by high‐pressure methane sorption tests. Increasing DMF concentration decreases MOF particle size and increases the stability of the porous phases, boosting the 5.8–65 bar sorption difference of methane, which is required for natural‐gas delivery.
Membrane‐Penetrating Carbon Quantum Dots for Imaging Nucleic Acid Structures in Live Organisms
Authors: Han Guangmei , Zhao Jun , Zhang Ruilong , Tian Xiaohe , Liu Zhengjie , Wang Aidong , Liu Renyong , Liu Bianhua , Han Ming‐Yong , Gao Xiaohu , Zhang Zhongping
Published: March 2019

The dynamics of DNA and RNA structures in live cells are important for understanding cell behaviors, such as transcription activity, protein expression, cell apoptosis, and hereditary disease, but are challenging to monitor in live organisms in real time. The difficulty is largely due to the lack of photostable imaging probes that can distinguish between DNA and RNA, and more importantly, are capable of crossing multiple membrane barriers ranging from the cell/organelle to the tissue/organ level. We report the discovery of a cationic carbon quantum dot (cQD) probe that emits spectrally distinguishable fluorescence upon binding with double‐stranded DNA and single‐stranded RNA in live cells, thereby enabling real‐time monitoring of DNA and RNA localization and motion. A surprising finding is that the probe can penetrate through various types of biological barriers in vitro and in vivo. Combined with standard and super‐resolution microscopy, photostable cQDs allow time‐lapse imaging of chromatin and nucleoli during cell division and Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) growth.
Oxidative amidation of benzyl alcohol, benzaldhyde, benzoic acid styrene and phenyl acetylene catalyzed by ordered mesoporous HKUST‐1‐Cu: Effect of surface area on oxidative amidation reaction
Authors: Mohebali Haleh , Mahjoub Ali Reza , Karimi Meghdad , Heydari Akbar
Published: March 2019

HKUST‐1‐Cu synthesized in the presence and absence of P‐123 trough solvotermal method. After characterization using some different microscopic and spectroscopic techniques such as XRD, FT‐IR, SEM, ICP, BET and TEM its catalytic activity was investigated in the oxidative coupling of benzyl alcohol, benzaldhyde, benzoic acid, styrene and phenyl acetylene with N,N‐dialkylformamides for the preparation of N,N‐dimethylformamides. Different derivatives of tertiary amides were synthesized in moderate to good yields in the presence of just ~0.28 mol% of this catalytic system. Reusability of the synthesized catalysts was examined and catalysts were reusable for 8 times without significant decrease in optimized conditions.
The Use of a Mobile Learning Tool by Medical Students in Undergraduate Anatomy and its Effects on Assessment Outcomes
Authors: Golenhofen Nikola , Heindl Felix , Grab‐Kroll Claudia , Messerer David A.C. , Böckers Tobias M. , Böckers Anja
Published: March 2019

Hand‐held devices have revolutionized communication and education in the last decade. Consequently, mobile learning (m‐learning) has become popular among medical students. Nevertheless, there are relatively few studies assessing students' learning outcomes using m‐learning devices. This observational study presents an anatomy m‐learning tool (eMed‐App), an application developed to accompany an anatomy seminar and support medical students' self‐directed learning of the skeletal system. Questionnaire data describe where, how frequently, and why students used the app. Multiple choice examination results were analyzed to evaluate whether usage of the app had an effect on test scores. The eMed‐App application was used by 77.5% of the students, mainly accessed by Android smartphones, and at students' homes (62.2%) in order to prepare themselves for seminar sessions (60.8%), or to review learning content (67%). Most commonly, students logged on for less than 15 minutes each time (67.8%). Frequent app users showed better test results on items covering eMed‐App learning content. In addition, users also achieved better results on items that were not related to the content of the app and, thus, gained better overall test results and lower failure rates. The top quartile of test performers used the eMed‐App more frequently compared to students in lower quartiles. This study demonstrated that many students, especially the high‐performing ones, made use of the eMed‐App. However, the app itself did not result in better outcomes, suggesting that top students might have been more motivated to use the app than students who were generally weak in anatomy.
H∞ output feedback control for stochastic systems with randomly occurring convex‐bounded uncertainties and channel fadings
Authors: Jiang Xiangli , Xia Guihua , Feng Zhiguang , Li Tao
Published: March 2019

In this paper, the H∞ output feedback control problem for a class of stochastic discrete‐time systems with randomly occurring convex‐bounded uncertainties and channel fadings is investigated. A sequence of mutually independent random variables with known probabilistic distributions are utilized to describe the randomness that convex‐bounded uncertainties appear in practical systems. The measurements with channel fadings are given by a stochastic Rice fading model which is regulated by a set of random variables with certain probability density functions. The purpose of this paper is to design an output feedback controller such that the closed‐loop control system is asymptotically stable with a prescribed H∞ performance level. The less conservative results are obtained by employing the stochastic Lyapunov technique. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Observations of X‐ray reverberation around black holes
Authors: De Marco B. , Ponti G.
Published: March 2019

The X‐ray emission from accreting black hole (BH) systems displays strong variability. Short reverberation lags are expected between the primary hard X‐ray continuum and the reprocessed disk emission. These lags depend on light‐travel distances, thus offering the opportunity to map the geometry of the innermost accretion flow. X‐ray reverberation lags have been observed in several BH accreting systems. In radio‐quiet active galactic nuclei (AGN), these lags scale with BH mass and point to a reprocessing region located close to the comptonizing X‐ray corona. On the other hand, reverberation lags detected in the hard state of some BH X‐ray binaries (BHXRB) suggest a different accretion flow geometry than in AGN, showing evidence of evolution as a function of luminosity.
Meta-analysis of totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair in patients with previous lower abdominal surgery
Authors: Prassas D , Rolfs T-M , Knoefel W-T , Krieg A
Published: March 2019

Background

Previous lower abdominal surgery is considered a relative contraindication to laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair. This was a meta-analysis of studies comparing the feasibility and safety of TEP repair between patients with (PS), and without (NS) a history of lower abdominal surgery.

Methods

A systematic literature search was undertaken for studies comparing the outcome of TEP inguinal hernia repair in patients with, and without previous lower abdominal surgery. Data on postoperative outcomes were extracted and compared by meta-analysis. Odds ratios (ORs) and mean differences with 95 per cent confidence intervals were calculated.

Results

Seven comparative cohort studies were identified, involving a total of 1657 procedures (PS 326, NS 1331). There was a statistically significant difference between PS and NS favouring the NS group with regard to both primary outcomes: intraoperative morbidity (OR 2·85, 95 per cent c.i. 1·19 to 6·80; P = 0·02; 7 studies; I2 = 33 per cent), and postoperative morbidity in the multiport subgroup (OR 2·14, 1·28 to 3·58; P = 0·004; 5 studies; I2 = 0 per cent). For the secondary endpoints conversion rate, peritoneal tears, major intraoperative bleeding, postoperative haematoseroma and delay in return to normal activities, there was a statistically significant difference favouring the NS group.

Conclusion

This study suggests that patients with previous lower abdominal surgery who need hernia repair get less benefit from TEP repair than those with no history of surgery.
5‐Bromo‐2,9‐bis(5,6‐diphenyl‐1,2,4‐triazin‐3‐yl)‐1,10‐phenanthrolin as an Efficient Ligand for Selective Removal of Strontium and Cobalt from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Jang Jiseon , Harwood Laurence M. , Lee Dae Sung
Published: March 2019

In this study, 5‐bromo‐2,9‐bis(5,6‐diphenyl‐1,2,4‐triazin‐3‐yl)‐1,10‐phenanthroline (5‐bromo‐Ph4‐BTPhen) was synthesized and evaluated for its ability to remove major radionuclides (Cs+, Sr2+, and Co2+). The synthesized ligand removed both Sr2+ and Co2+ from 1 mg/L aqueous solutions with extraction efficiencies of up to 99% at neutral and alkaline pH. The Sr2+ and Co2+ removal efficiencies decreased as a consequence of the higher bonding strengths of competing metal ions to the N‐donor atoms in the cavity of the ligand; competing divalent ions affected the Sr2+ and Co2+ removal efficiencies more than monovalent ions.
A triple‐win scenario for horizontal collaboration in logistics: Determining enabling and key success factors
Authors: Palmieri Antonio , Pomponi Francesco , Russo Angeloantonio
Published: March 2019

Horizontal collaborations emerged as a new strategic option in the logistics sector during the last decade. However, successful implementation of horizontal collaborations is far from a developed issue due to several barriers that exist or emerge when setting up such collaborative projects. This study aims at identifying the enabling factors supporting successful implementation of horizontal collaborations in the logistics sector, and in identifying key success factors that logistics service providers (LSPs) should consider. Results from a within‐ and cross‐case analysis of two horizontal collaboration projects in the contract logistics sector support the proposed theoretical framework, highlighting both enabling and key success factors of horizontal collaborations. The former refers to factors that are related to LSPs, customers, and industries, whereas the latter results in a triple‐win scenario characterised by LSP competences, trust, and environmental management orientation of successful horizontal collaboration projects.
Quantitative flow ratio for immediate assessment of nonculprit lesions in patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction—An iSTEMI substudy
Authors: Sejr‐Hansen Martin , Westra Jelmer , Thim Troels , Christiansen Evald Høj , Eftekhari Ashkan , Kristensen Steen Dalby , Jakobsen Lars , Götberg Matthias , Frøbert Ole , van der Hoeven Nina W. , Holm Niels Ramsing , Maeng Michael
Published: March 2019

Objectives

We evaluated the diagnostic performance of quantitative flow ratio (QFR) assessment of nonculprit lesions (NCLs) based on acute setting angiograms obtained in patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with QFR, fractional flow reserve (FFR), and instantaneous wave‐free ratio (iFR) in the staged setting as reference.

Background

QFR is an angiography‐based approach for the functional evaluation of coronary artery lesions.

Methods

This was a post‐hoc analysis of the iSTEMI study. NCLs were assessed with iFR in the acute setting and with iFR and FFR at staged (median 13 days) follow‐up. Acute and staged QFR values were computed in a core laboratory based on the coronary angiography recordings. Diagnostic cut‐off values were ≤0.80 for QFR and FFR, and ≤0.89 for iFR.

Results

Staged iFR and FFR data were available for 146 NCLs in 112 patients in the iSTEMI study. Among these, QFR analysis was feasible in 103 (71%) lesions assessed in the acute setting with a mean QFR value of 0.82 (IQR: 0.73–0.91). Staged QFR, FFR, and iFR were 0.80 (IQR: 0.70–0.90), 0.81 (IQR: 0.71–0.88), and 0.91 (IQR: 0.87–0.96), respectively. Classification agreement of acute and staged QFR was 93% (95%Cl: 87–99). The classification agreement of acute QFR was 84% (95%CI: 76–90) using staged FFR as reference and 74% (95%CI: 65–83) using staged iFR as reference.

Conclusions

Acute QFR showed a very good diagnostic performance with staged QFR as reference, a good diagnostic performance with staged FFR as reference, and a moderate diagnostic performance with staged iFR as reference.
Fraktographische Bruchspannungs‐Analyse von Acrylglas
Authors: Brokmann Christopher , Berlinger Marcel , Schrader Peer , Kolling Stefan
Published: March 2019

Durch fraktographische Analysen der Bruchflächen spröder Werkstoffe ist es anhand der im Versagensursprung entstehenden Bruchspiegel möglich, eine Aussage über die Bruchspannung zu treffen. Im vorliegenden Artikel wird diese Methodik auf nicht‐ideal‐spröde Werkstoffe am Beispiel von PMMA (Acrylglas bzw. Plexiglas®) angewendet und eine Vorgehensweise zur Bestimmung der materialabhängigen Bruchspiegelkonstanten vorgestellt. Hierzu werden an über 50 Zugproben die Bruchspiegelradien vermessen und ausgewertet. Mittels digitaler Bildkorrelation wird das nicht lineare Spannungs‐Dehnungs‐Verhalten von PMMA ermittelt und daraus die Versagensspannungen bestimmt. Zur Validierung der Bruchspiegelanalyse an PMMA wird die resultierende statistische Bruchspannungsverteilung mit der aus einer digitalen Bildkorrelation gewonnenen Verteilung verglichen. Das vorgestellte Verfahren erlaubt es, die Bruchspannung auch für komplexe Bauteilgeometrien nach bereits erfolgtem Versagen zu bestimmen.
Catalytic Regio‐ and Stereoselective Alkene Sulfenoamination for 1,4‐Benzothiazine Synthesis
Authors: Alom Nur‐E. , Kaur Navdeep , Wu Fan , Saluga Shannon Jasmine , Li Wei
Published: March 2019

An alkene sulfenoamination reaction with 2‐aminothiophenol is developed using iodide catalysis. This reaction renders access to useful 1,4‐benzothiazines with good functional group compatibility including both electron‐donating and electron‐withdrawing substituents. The reaction is proposed to proceed through an inversion of the polarity of the thiol functionality. Our mechanistic studies reveal that both thiiranium and thiyl radical pathways are plausible and that the disulfide reagent can also function as a viable substrate in this reaction.