bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conjugated Polymers Based on Difluorobenzoxadiazole toward Practical Application of Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Junyi , Wang Shiliang , Duan Chunhui , Colberts Fallon J. M. , Mai Jiangquan , Liu Xi , Jia Xiao'e , Lu Xinhui , Janssen René A. J. , Huang Fei , Cao Yong
Published: September 2017

To advance polymer solar cells (PSCs) toward real‐world applications, it is crucial to develop materials that are compatible with a low‐cost large‐scale manufacturing technology. In this context, a practically useful polymer should fulfill several critical requirements: the capability to provide high power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) via low‐cost fabrication using environmentally friendly solvents under mild thermal conditions, resulting in an active layer that is thick enough to minimize defects in large‐area films. Here, the development of new photovoltaic polymers is reported through rational molecular design to meet these requirements. Benzodithiophene (BDT)‐difluorobenzoxadiazole (ffBX)‐2‐decyltetradecyl (DT), a wide‐bandgap polymer based on ffBX and BDT emerges as the first example that fulfills the qualifications. When blended with a low‐cost acceptor (C60‐fullerene derivative), BDT‐ffBX‐DT produces a PCE of 9.4% at active layer thickness over 250 nm. BDT‐ffBX‐DT devices can be fabricated from nonhalogenated solvents at low processing temperature. The success of BDT‐ffBX‐DT originates from its appropriate electronic structure and charge transport characteristics, in combination with a favorable face‐on orientation of the polymer backbone in blends, and the ability to form proper phase separation morphology with a fibrillar bicontinuous interpenetrating network in bulk‐heterojunction films. With these characteristics, BDT‐ffBX‐DT represents a meaningful step toward future everyday applications of polymer solar cells.
Recent advancements in bariatric/metabolic surgery
Authors: Lee Wei‐Jei , Almalki Owaid
Published: September 2017

Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are currently two pan‐endemic health problems worldwide and are associated with considerable increase in morbidity and mortality. Both diseases are closely related and very difficult to control by current medical treatment, including diet, drug therapy and behavioral modification. Bariatric surgery has proven successful in treating not just obesity but also in significantly decreasing overall obesity‐associated morbidities as well as improving quality of life in severely obese patients (body mass index [BMI] >35 kg/m2). A rapid increase in bariatric surgery started in the 2000s when the laparoscopic surgical technique was introduced into this field. Many new procedures had been developed and changed the face of modern bariatric surgery. Recently, bariatric surgery played as gastrointestinal metabolic surgery has been proposed as a new treatment modality for obesity‐related T2DM for patients with BMI >35 kg/m2. Strong evidence has demonstrated that bariatric/metabolic surgery is an effective and durable treatment for obese T2DM patients. Bariatric/metabolic surgery is now becoming an important surgical division. The present article examines and discusses recent advancements in bariatric/metabolic surgery and covers four major fields: (i) the rapid increase in numbers and better safety; (ii) new procedures with better outcomes; (iii) from bariatric to metabolic surgery; and (iv) understanding the mechanisms and personalized treatment.
Visualization of Stereoselective Supramolecular Polymers by Chirality‐Controlled Energy Transfer
Authors: Sarkar Aritra , Dhiman Shikha , Chalishazar Aditya , George Subi J.
Published: September 2017

Chirality‐driven self‐sorting is envisaged to efficiently control functional properties in supramolecular materials. However, the challenge arises because of a lack of analytical methods to directly monitor the enantioselectivity of the resulting supramolecular assemblies. Presented herein are two fluorescent core‐substituted naphthalene‐diimide‐based donor and acceptor molecules with minimal structural mismatch and they comprise strong self‐recognizing chiral motifs to determine the self‐sorting process. As a consequence, stereoselective supramolecular polymerization with an unprecedented chirality control over energy transfer has been achieved. This chirality‐controlled energy transfer has been further exploited as an efficient probe to visualize microscopically the chirality driven self‐sorting.
Matrix of the mind. An investigation into mother–child continuity
Authors: Azzone Paolo
Published: September 2017

Matrix, Wachowsky sisters' blockbuster, depicts an ominous scenario where sensory reality is illusory and the feigned product of hostile forces. Such general mistrust towards the contents of experience has underlain the whole course of Western philosophy from Plato to Descartes. The paper explores the hypothesis the movie reflects a basic human anxiety about unconscious representation of interpersonal reality. Relying on some basic insights of Freud's and Fairbairn's the author propose a model of human dependence where the passive sharing of the love‐object's unconscious phantasies is a basic dimension. This set of resident object's phantasies is termed matrix. The hypothesis is illustrated through clinical material.
Planungsgrundsätze von Ingenieurbauten
Authors: Gunreben Yvonne‐Christine
Published: September 2017

Mit der Neuordnung des Regelwerks im Jahr 2003 des Brücken‐ und Ingenieurbaus war es das erklärte Ziel, die Allgemeinen Rundschreiben Straßenbau (ARS) im Entwurfsbereich des Brücken‐, Tunnel‐ und Ingenieurbaus des Bundesministeriums für Verkehr und digitale Infrastruktur (BMVI) in ein kompaktes Regelwerk zu überführen – die Richtlinien für den Entwurf, die konstruktive Ausbildung und Ausstattung von Ingenieurbauten (kurz: RE‐ING).

Die RE‐ING gelten für Planung, Entwurf, konstruktive Ausbildung und Ausstattung von Ingenieurbauwerken in der Baulast des Bundes.

Sie bündeln zum einen die Entwurfs‐ und Konstruktionsanforderungen für Ingenieurbauwerke der Bundesfernstraßen, die bisher in verschiedenen Allgemeinen Rundschreiben Straßenbau veröffentlicht wurden, und bilden zum anderen ein umfassendes Werk für die Planung, den Entwurf, die konstruktive Durchbildung sowie die Ausstattung von Ingenieurbauwerken. Hierzu zählen auch Verstärkungsmaßnahmen an bestehenden Bauwerken.

In einem ersten Schritt wurden Verwaltungsanweisungen, Gestaltung sowie umfassende konstruktive Grundsätze, die Durchbildung sowie Ausstattungsmerkmale inklusive der Verfahrensweise bei der Planung von integralen Brücken eingeführt.
An open‐source biomass pyrolysis reactor
Authors: Woolf Dominic , Lehmann Johannes , Joseph Stephen , Campbell Christopher , Christo Farid C. , Angenent Largus T.
Published: September 2017

Despite its long history of technological development, much charcoal production still relies on polluting and inefficient technologies utilizing traditional kiln designs. In addition to the need for improved charcoal production systems, the growing interest globally in pyrolysis of biomass to generate biochar as a soil fertility improver and for climate change mitigation may drive an increasing demand for such technologies. Accordingly, there is a clear need in developing countries for access to safe, affordable, and efficient open‐source designs and technology that can be fabricated locally. The design described here includes computational fluid dynamics modeling which demonstrated that the design exhibits a stable flow and combustion pattern. A hazard and operability (HAZOP) study, mass and energy modeling, and costing of all components and fabrication were also conducted for a prototype kiln that will accept up to 250 kg biomass h‐1. Fabrication and installation costs were estimated using actual commercial quotations based on detailed engineering drawings and design, and were found to be $580 000 for a 250 kg h‐1 unit. We therefore find that this pyrolysis system promises to be economical on a small scale. It can utilize waste lignocellulosic materials for feedstock, thus alleviating demand pressure on woodlands to provide feedstocks. It was, therefore, concluded that the pyrolysis unit described here promises to provide an affordable and efficient open‐source design that can be fabricated locally in developing countries without licensing restrictions or royalties. © 2017 The Authors Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining published by Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis can cause periaortitis and pericarditis
Authors: Miyawaki Mari , Oda Seitaro , Hirata Kenichiro , Yuki Hideaki , Utsunomiya Daisuke , Hayashi Hidetaka , Sakamoto Yasumiko , Okamoto Shinichiro , Fujii Kazuhiko , Yamashita Yasuyuki
Published: September 2017

Key Clinical Message

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is characterized by necrotizing granulomatous inflammation usually involving the upper and lower respiratory tracts and necrotizing vasculitis predominantly affecting small‐sized vessels. Although categorized as a small vessel vasculitis, GPA can cause periaortitis and pericarditis. Physicians should recognize all categories of vasculitis can affect any size arteries.
First Investigations Towards the Feasibility of an Al/Br2 Battery Based on Ionic Liquids
Authors: Hog Michael , Burgenmeister Benedikt , Bromberger Kolja , Schuster Michael , Riedel Sebastian , Krossing Ingo
Published: September 2017

We present first investigations towards the feasibility of an Al/Br2 battery based on ionic liquids (ILs). The charged battery consisted of an Al anode, a bromoaluminate IL as the anolyte, an ion‐exchange membrane, a polybromide IL as the catholyte, and an inert cathode. The open‐circuit voltage (OCV) of the battery was strongly dependent on the molar ratio of AlBr3 in the anolyte with values of 1.9 V when using a Lewis basic anolyte and 1.1 V when using a Lewis neutral anolyte. NMR studies with different organic cations in both electrolytes revealed the migration of organic cations as major charge‐balancing ions, which leads to a reduced theoretical energy density of 33 Wh L−1 (as opposed to 166 Wh L−1 for an anion mechanism). The battery could be discharged with high discharge resistance values of up to 3 kΩ cm2, and preliminary charging attempts revealed high overpotentials. Hitherto, an Al/Br2 cell with a Lewis basic anolyte could be used as primary battery with an OCV of 1.9 V.
Constrained Ab Initio Thermodynamics: Transferring the Concept of Surface Pourbaix Diagrams in Electrocatalysis to Electrode Materials in Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Exner Kai S.
Published: September 2017

DFT‐based ab initio Pourbaix diagrams represent a powerful tool to resolve the stable surface structure of an electrocatalyst under different environmental parameters such as the applied electrode potential and pH. Herein, a general approach for anode and cathode materials in lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) is presented that enables to transfer the concept of surface Pourbaix diagrams from electrocatalysis to electrode materials employed in LIBs. This novel approach is exemplified at the example of the (111) facet for a single‐crystalline spinel lithium titanate (LTO) model electrode by combining constrained thermodynamics and density functional theory calculations.
New two‐phase and three‐phase Rachford‐Rice algorithms based on free‐water assumption
Authors: Li Ruixue , Li Huazhou Andy
Published: September 2017

Based on the free‐water assumption that the water‐rich liquid phase contains only pure water, we develop two simple free‐water Rachford‐Rice methods: 1) a two‐phase free‐water Rachford‐Rice method where the phase fractions can be analytically solved; and 2) a three‐phase free‐water Rachford‐Rice method where there is only one unknown in the objective function (i.e. the vapour‐phase fraction) that is used for solving the phase fractions. Combining these two Rachford‐Rice methods, a new free‐water flash algorithm is developed to perform multiphase flash calculations where single‐phase equilibria, two‐phase equilibria, and three‐phase vapour‐liquid‐aqueous equilibria can be considered. In this free‐water flash algorithm, we first test if the mixture is stable; if the mixture is found to be unstable, we directly initiate the three‐phase free‐water flash. A set of criteria is developed for one to properly switch from a three‐phase free‐water flash to either a two‐phase free‐water flash or a conventional two‐phase flash, depending on whether a water‐rich phase is present in the two‐phase equilibrium. We also develop efficient and robust methods for initializing the equilibrium ratios for the two‐phase flashes. The negative flash is allowed in the flash calculation algorithms. A number of example calculations are carried out to demonstrate the robustness of the newly developed algorithm. A good agreement can be achieved between the flash results obtained by the new flash algorithm and those obtained by the conventional full three‐phase flash algorithm.
Sequential extraction methods applied to Piper hispidinervum: An improvement in the processing of natural products
Authors: Rossa Guilherme E. , Almeida Rafael N. , Vargas Rubem Mário Figueiró , Cassel Eduardo , Moyna Guillermo
Published: September 2017

The Piperaceae family is represented by herbaceous plants, shrubs, and, more rarely, trees. Among the aromatic varieties of this genus, Piper hispidinervum C. DC. stands out. In this work, volatile and non‐volatile extracts from P. hispidinervum were obtained through the application of sequential extraction methods. The results of steam distillation experiments indicated that optimal conditions were achieved when the extractions were conducted at 101 kPa and an initial bed porosity of 0.91. Chemical analysis showed that safrole is the major component present in the essential oil. NMR analysis revealed the presence of 6‐methoxy eugenol for P. hispidinervum extracts obtained by supercritical fluid extraction using water as co‐solvent at 20 MPa and 313.15 K. Mathematical models adjusted well to the experimental data in all conditions investigated. The methodology proposed represents an improvement in the processing of natural products, since the same material is submitted to different technologies, obtaining different compounds with distinct properties.
Development and Applications of Patient‐Derived Xenograft Models in Humanized Mice for Oncology and Immune‐Oncology Drug Discovery
Authors: Verma Bhavna , Ritchie Michael , Mancini Maria
Published: September 2017

With the recent approval of four novel immune oncology agents for the treatment of various cancers, the emerging power of this drug class has been substantiated. However, the full potential of such agents is yet to be realized, with only a fraction of the patient population responding to these drugs. A more advanced pre‐clinical and translational research platform may increase our understanding of the mechanisms associated with immune‐mediated cancer cell death, thereby facilitating the design and development of more generally efficacious agents and drug regimens. Described in this report are the nuances, advantages, and limitations of such a research approach. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Rodent Test of Attention and Impulsivity: The 5‐Choice Serial Reaction Time Task
Authors: Higgins Guy A. , Silenieks Leo B.
Published: September 2017

The 5‐choice serial reaction time task (5‐CSRTT) is employed extensively to measure attention in rodents. The assay involves animals trained to respond to a brief, unpredictable visual stimulus presented in one of five locations. The effects of experimental manipulations on response speed and choice accuracy are measured, and each related to attentional performance. The 5‐CSRTT is also used to measure motor impulsivity. Adapted from a human task, the 5‐CSRTT can be employed with rodents or primates, highlighting its translational value. Another strength of this procedure is its adaptability to task modification. An example is the 5‐choice continuous performance task, which has both target and non‐target trial types. Overall, the 5‐CSRTT has proven to be valuable for drug discovery efforts aimed at identifying new agents for the treatment of central nervous system disorders and for further understanding the neurobiological processes of attention and impulsivity. Its flexibility offers considerable scope to the experimenter, and in this respect the task continues to evolve. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Engaging with the Violent Past to Motivate and Direct Conflict Resolution Practice in Northern Ireland
Authors: Rafferty Rachel
Published: September 2017

Collective memories can form a barrier to conflict resolution in societies affected by violent conflict. Although engaging with conflict history is an important aspect of conflict resolution practice, it is not fully understood how to achieve this in these complex and emotive environments. This article presents the case of local grassroots conflict resolution practitioners in Northern Ireland who have developed an alternative narrative about the violent past that they draw on to motivate and direct their practice. It provides insights into how conflict resolution practitioners in intractable conflicts can engage with the violent past in ways that support increased understanding between identity groups.
In Situ‐Formed Hierarchical Metal–Organic Flexible Cathode for High‐Energy Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Huang Ying , Fang Chun , Zeng Rui , Liu Yaojun , Zhang Wang , Wang Yanjie , Liu Qingju , Huang Yunhui
Published: September 2017

Metal–organic compounds are a family of electrode materials with structural diversity and excellent thermal stability for rechargeable batteries. Here, we fabricated a hierarchical nanocomposite with metal–organic cuprous tetracyanoquinodimethane (CuTCNQ) in a 3 D conductive carbon nanofibers (CNFs) network by in situ growth, and evaluated it as flexible cathode for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). CuTCNQ in such flexible composite electrode is able to exhibit a high capacity of 252 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and highly reversible stability for 1200 cycles within the voltage range of 2.5–4.1 V (vs. Na+/Na). A high specific energy of 762 Wh kg−1 was obtained with high average potential of 3.2 V (vs. Na+/Na). The in situ‐formed electroactive metal–organic composites with tailored nanoarchitecture provide a promising alternative choice for high‐performance cathode materials in SIBs with high energy.
Sensitive community responses of microbiota to copper in sediment toxicity test
Authors: Yang Jianghua , Xie Yuwei , Jeppe Katherine , Long Sara , Pettigrove Vincent , Zhang Xiaowei
Published: September 2017

Sediment contamination is widespread and can be toxic to aquatic ecosystems and impair human health. Despite their significant ecological function, meio- and microbiota in aquatic ecosystems have been poorly studied in conventional sediment ecotoxicity tests because of the difficulty in sample collecting and identification. In the present study, a novel DNA metabarcoding method was used to assess the effects of spiked copper (Cu) on benthic eukaryotic and prokaryotic communities in laboratory sediment toxicity tests with macroinvertebrates, the chironomid Chironomus tepperi and the amphipod Austrochiltonia subtenuis. In addition to the obvious toxic effects to experimental animals, microbiota (bacteria, protists, algae, and fungi) were significantly altered by spiked Cu in the sediments. The phylogenetic diversity of eukaryotic communities was decreased after spiked-Cu exposure. Even a low–spiked Cu treatment (125 mg/kg) altered structures of eukaryotic and prokaryotic communities in the amphipod experiment. The present study demonstrates that measuring microbiota communities will expand our understanding of the influences of contaminants on aquatic ecosystems. Particularly, the alterations of phylogenetic biodiversity of eukaryotic communities and the structure of sedimentary communities are sensitive indicators for sediment contamination, which can be incorporated in the monitoring and assessment of sediment quality. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:599–608. © 2017 SETAC
Drug‐induced cholestasis
Authors: Sundaram Vinay , Björnsson Einar S.
Published: September 2017

Cholestatic drug‐induced liver injury (DILI) can be a diagnostic challenge due to a large differential diagnosis, variability in clinical presentation, and lack of serologic biomarkers associated with this condition. The clinical presentation of drug‐induced cholestasis includes bland cholestasis, cholestatic hepatitis, secondary sclerosing cholangitis, and vanishing bile duct syndrome. The associate mortality of cholestatic DILI can be as high as 10%, and thus prompt recognition and removal of the offending agent is of critical importance. Several risk factors have been identified for drug‐induced cholestasis, including older age, genetic determinants, and properties of certain medications. Antibiotics, particularly amoxicillin/clavulanate, remain the predominant cause of cholestatic DILI, although a variety of other medications associated with this condition have been identified. In this review, we summarize the presentation, clinical approach, risk factors, implicated medications, and management of drug‐induced cholestatic liver injury. (Hepatology Communications 2017;1:726–735)
Construction of polylysine dendrimer nanocomposites carrying nattokinase and their application in thrombolysis
Authors: Wu Can , Gao Chunmei , Lü Shaoyu , Xu Xiubin , Wen Na , Zhang Shaofei , Liu Mingzhu
Published: September 2017

Thrombotic disease has become one of the leading causes of mortality among humans globally. Nattokinase (NK), a novel thrombolytic agent, has attracted the attention of researchers. However, NK is a serine protease that is vulnerable to environmental effects resulting in its inactivation. In this study, polylysine dendrimer (PLLD) was synthesized through divergence‐convergence method, and a series of NK/PLLD nanocomposites with different molar ratio was prepared. In addition, NK was successfully incorporated into the cores of PLLD G4 through hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces. In NK/PLLD nanocomposites, when the molar ratio of NK to PLLD is 1:30, a high relative enzyme activity level (up to 117%) was achieved and was more stable at different temperatures and pH than free NK. In in vitro thrombolysis experiment, compared with free NK, NK/PLLD nanocomposites could control the release of NK. The thrombolysis rate of NK/PLLD nanocomposites reached 50% at 12 h, which can effectively avoid other complications such as hemorrhage. Interestingly, NK/PLLD nanocomposites with positive charge can penetrate into the negatively charged thrombus through electrostatic interaction, thus providing a good thrombolytic effect. Hemolysis and MTT experiments show that PLLD nanomaterials can serve as ideal carriers of protein drugs. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 440–449, 2018.
Targeted medical nutrition for cachexia in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Calder Philip C. , Laviano Alessandro , Lonnqvist Fredrik , Muscaritoli Maurizio , Öhlander Maria , Schols Annemie
Published: September 2017

Background

Cachectic patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may benefit from nutritional support. This double‐blind, randomized, controlled trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of targeted medical nutrition (TMN) vs. an isocaloric comparator in pre‐cachectic and cachectic patients with COPD.

Methods

Patients aged ≥50 years with moderate‐to‐severe COPD and involuntary weight loss or low body mass index (16–18 kg/m2) were randomized 1:1 to receive TMN (~230 kcal; 2 g omega‐3 fatty acids; 10 μg 25‐hydroxy‐vitamin D3) or isocaloric comparator twice daily for 12 weeks (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02442908). Primary safety endpoints comprised adverse events and changes in vital signs, laboratory parameters, and concomitant medications. Secondary efficacy endpoints included changes in weight, body composition, exercise tolerance, metabolic biomarkers, and systemic inflammation.

Results

Forty‐five patients were randomized to receive TMN (n = 22; mean 69.2 years) or isocaloric comparator (n = 23; mean 69.7 years). TMN was well tolerated. Adverse events were similar in number and type in both groups. Compliance to both products was good (TMN, 79%; comparator, 77%). Both groups gained weight, but the TMN group gained comparatively more fat mass (P = 0.0013). Reductions in systolic blood pressure (P = 0.0418) and secondary endpoints of triglycerides (P = 0.0217) and exercise‐induced fatigue (P = 0.0223) and dyspnoea (P = 0.0382), and increases in high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.0254), were observed in the TMN vs. the comparator group by week 12.

Conclusions

Targeted medical nutrition containing high‐dose omega‐3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and high‐quality protein is well tolerated with a good safety profile and has positive effects on blood pressure and blood lipids and on exercise‐induced fatigue and dyspnoea. Therefore, this TMN could be clinically beneficial in the nutritional and metabolic support of pre‐cachectic and cachectic patients with COPD.
CFD studies on hydrodynamic characteristics of shaking bioreactors with wide conical bottom
Authors: Lu Zhiming , Wang Kang , Jin Gaofeng , Huang Kang , Huang Jingfeng
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

Disposable bioreactors based on orbital shaking technology have been employed extensively for mammalian cell culture, which proved to be less expensive and more flexible compared with mechanical stirred‐tank bioreactors. However, it is difficult to evaluate flow parameters quantitatively since the flow field in bioreactors is complicated.

RESULTS

The flow characteristics of shaking bioreactors with a wide conical bottom under different shaking frequencies and filling volumes were simulated by CFD method. The validity of the simulation model was investigated by comparing simulated free‐surface shapes and liquid levels with experimental results, and the CFD simulation results were shown to be in good agreement with experiment data.

CONCLUSION

The results show that: turbulence parameters (k and ϵ) increase with shaking frequency, while they decrease with filling volume proportionally; shaking frequency has no significant effect on specific gas–liquid interface area (a) but a positive effect on mass transfer coefficient (kL); the volumetric mass transfer coefficient (kLa) decreases with filling volume because of the combined effect of a and kL; the average shear strain rate (SSR) increases significantly with frequency, while it decreases with filling volume. Results also show that the SSR of shaking bioreactors is mainly distributed in low range which is acceptable for cell cultivation. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Regional changes of precipitation and temperature over Bangladesh using bias‐corrected multi‐model ensemble projections considering high‐emission pathways
Authors: Fahad Md. Golam Rabbani , Saiful Islam A. K. M. , Nazari Rouzbeh , Alfi Hasan M. , Tarekul Islam G. M. , Bala Sujit Kumar
Published: September 2017

A multi‐model ensemble provides useful information about the uncertainty of the future changes of climate. High‐emission scenarios using representative concentration pathways (RCP8.5) of the Fifth Phase Coupled Model Inter‐comparison Project (CMIP5) in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) also aids to capture the possible extremity of the climate change. Using the CMIP5 regional climate modelling predictions, this study analyses the distribution of the temperature and precipitation in Bangladesh in the recent years (1971–2000) and in three future periods (2010–2040, 2041–2070 and 2070–2100) considering RCP8.5 scenarios. Climate changes are expressed in terms of 30‐year return values of annual near‐surface temperature and 24‐h precipitation amounts. At the end of the century, the mean temperature increase over Bangladesh among the 11 RCMs will vary from 5.77 to 3.24 °C. Spatial analysis of the 11 RCMs exhibited that the southwest and the south central parts of Bangladesh will experience a greater temperature rise in the future. Possible changes in rainfall are also exhibited both temporally and spatially. Based on the analysis of all the RCMs, a significant increase of rainfall in the pre‐ and post‐monsoon period is observed. It is also evident that monsoon rainfall will not increase in comparison with pre‐monsoon season. Zonal statistics of 64 districts of Bangladesh are also conducted for the 2020s, 2050s and 2080s to find out the most exposed regions in terms of the highest rise in temperature and changes in precipitation.
Effect of biomechanical stress on endogenous antioxidant networks in bovine articular cartilage
Authors: Issa Rita , Boeving Michael , Kinter Michael , Griffin Timothy M.
Published: September 2017

Mechanosensitve pathways in chondrocytes are essential for maintaining articular cartilage homeostasis. Traumatic loading increases cartilage oxidation and causes cell death and osteoarthritis. However, sub‐lethal doses of the pro‐oxidant molecule tert‐Butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP) protects against loading‐induced chondrocyte death. We hypothesized that compressive cyclic loading at moderate strains (<20%) causes sub‐lethal cartilage oxidation that induces an adaptive increase in the endogenous antioxidant defense network. We tested this hypothesis by subjecting healthy bovine articular cartilage explants to in vitro static or cyclic (1 Hz) compressive loading at 50 kPa (15% strain, “physiologic”) versus 300 kPa (40% strain, “hyper‐physiologic”) for 12 h per day for 2 days. We also treated unloaded explants with 100 μM tBHP for 12 h per day for 2 days to differentiate between biomechanical and chemical pro‐oxidant stimulation. All loading conditions induced glutathione oxidation relative to unloaded controls, but only the 50 kPa cyclic loading condition increased total glutathione content (twofold). This increase was associated with a greater expression of glutamate‐cysteine ligase, the rate‐limiting step in glutathione synthesis, compared to 300 kPa cyclic loading. 50 kPa cyclic loading also increased the expression of superoxide dismutase‐1 and peroxiredoxin‐3. Like 50 kPa loading, tBHP treatment also increased total glutathione content. However, tBHP treatment and 50 kPa cyclic loading differed in their effect on the expression of genes regulating antioxidant defense and cartilage matrix synthesis and degradation. These findings suggest that glutathione metabolism is a mechanosensitive antioxidant defense pathway in chondrocytes and that intermittent pro‐oxidant treatment alone is insufficient to account for all changes in mediators of cartilage homeostasis associated with cyclic loading. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:760–769, 2018.
Analysis of outcomes achieved with squamous cell carcinomas of the anus in a single university hospital over the last two decades: Clinical response rate, relapse and survival of 190 patients
Authors: Gravante Gianpiero , Stephenson James Andrew , Elshaer Mohamed , Osman Ahmed , Vasanthan Subramaniam , Mullineux Joseph H. , Gani Mohamed Akil Dilawar , Sharpe David , Yeung Justin , Norwood Michael , Miller Andrew , Boyle Kirsten , Hemingway David
Published: September 2017

Background and Objectives

We reviewed our series of anal squamous cell carcinomas (ASCC) treated over the last two decades.

Methods

ASCC patients undergoing treatment at the Leicester Royal Infirmary between 1998 and 2016 were selected. Age, gender, pathological tumor characteristics, treatment adopted, the overall survival (OS), cancer‐specific survival (CSS), and disease‐free survival (DFS) at 5‐year follow‐up were recorded and calculated.

Results

A total of 190 ASCC were reviewed, of these 64.2% (n = 122) received primary radical chemoradiotherapy. Complete response rate was 92.6% (n = 113) and four patients with residual disease underwent a salvage APER. Twenty‐eight patients experienced recurrent disease (23.0%) either systemic (n = 8), local (n = 14), or both (n = 6); six had a salvage APER. Complete follow‐up data are available for 63.1% patients (77/122). Overall, the locoregional failure rate of primary chemoradiotherapy (residual + recurrent disease) was present in 29 patients (29/122; 23.8%). OS was 41.6% CSS was 69.2% and DFS 60.0% at 5 years follow‐up.

Conclusions

In our series of ASCC primary chemoradiotherapy had achieved significant initial complete response rates, however, long term‐follow ups still present systemic and local recurrences. APR is able to treat 30% of the pelvic recurrences (6/20), the others are either associated with systemic disease or locally inoperable masses.
Pyrogenic Carbon Contributes Substantially to Carbon Storage in Intact and Degraded Northern Peatlands
Authors: Leifeld Jens , Alewell Christine , Bader Cédric , Krüger Jan Paul , Mueller Carsten W. , Sommer Michael , Steffens Markus , Szidat Sönke
Published: September 2017

Pyrogenic carbon (PyC) derives from incomplete combustion of organic matter and is ubiquitous in terrestrial and aquatic systems. Most PyC is inherently more stable against decomposition than plant residues, and PyC therefore forms an important component of the global carbon (C) cycle. During the Holocene, about 436 Pg organic C accumulated in northern peatlands, and we hypothesize that PyC may contribute substantially to that C stock. We studied 70 samples from 19 intact and degraded European peatland sites and analyzed their PyC content by 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and molecular modeling and peat age and accumulation by radiocarbon dating. Classification of a peatland as either intact or degraded was based on the comparison between apparent and expected long‐term C accumulation rates. On average, PyC amounted for 13·5% of soil C across sites, and accounted for up to 50% at single sites. The amount of PyC increased significantly with peat age. Degraded peatlands had lost approximately 56 kg C m−2, half of their former C stock. However, degraded peat had higher PyC contents than intact one. Selective enrichment of PyC during both peat build‐up and decomposition seems to be an important factor fostering PyC accumulation. Assignment of our results to peatlands of the northern hemisphere, stratified by age, revealed an estimated PyC stock of 62 (±22) Pg. Our estimate indicates a substantial and hitherto unquantified contribution of northern peatlands to global PyC storage. © 2017 The Authors. Land Degradation & Development Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Quasilinear Schrödinger equations with unbounded or decaying potentials
Authors: Severo Uberlandio B. , de Carvalho Gilson M.
Published: September 2017

We study the existence of nonnegative and nonzero solutions for the following class of quasilinear Schrödinger equations:urn:x-wiley:0025584X:media:mana201600028:mana201600028-math-0001whereVandQare potentials that can be singular at the origin, unbounded or vanishing at infinity. In order to prove our existence result we used minimax techniques in a suitable weighted Orlicz space together with regularity arguments and we need to obtain a symmetric criticality type result.
Effect of cerebrospinal fluid shunt surgery on lower urinary tract dysfunction in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus
Authors: Aruga Seiji , Kuwana Nobumasa , Shiroki Yoshiharu , Takahashi Shintaro , Samejima Naoyuki , Watanabe Akira , Seki Yojiro , Igawa Yasuhiko , Homma Yukio
Published: September 2017

Aims

To examine the outcomes of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and urodynamic test results after cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt surgery in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH).

Methods

Records of 48 patients (33 men; 15 women), who met the definite iNPH criteria and underwent CSF shunt surgery, were retrospectively analyzed. LUTS and their impact on quality of life (QOL) were evaluated using an all‐or‐none questionnaire targeting four symptoms, the Overactive Bladder Symptoms Score (OABSS), and the QOL index. Urodynamic investigations included filling cystometry and pressure‐flow studies performed before and after surgery.

Results

Forty‐seven (98%) patients complained of LUTS, 41 (87%) patients of whom experienced LUTS improvement after surgery. The OABSS and QOL index, which before surgery were 6.8 ± 0.7 and 4.1 ± 0.4, respectively, significantly decreased to 4.6 ± 0.6 and 3.2 ± 0.3, respectively, after surgery. The maximum cystometric capacity (174.9 ± 13.3 mL to 222.4 ± 14.7 mL) and bladder compliance (35.8 ± 4.4 ml/cmH2O to 52.1 ± 5.4 ml/cmH2O) significantly increased after surgery. Detrusor overactivity, which was observed in 37 (77%) patients preoperatively, became undetectable in 7 patients postoperatively. Voiding dysfunction (defined as maximum flow rate <10 mL/s or post‐void residual >100 mL) was observed in 29 (60%) patients, 22 (75%) of whom had detrusor underactivity before surgery. None of the voiding urodynamic parameters significantly improved postoperatively.

Conclusions

iNPH is often associated with LUTS and both storage and voiding dysfunctions. CSF shunt surgery improved LUTS and storage dysfunction, with limited effects on voiding dysfunction.
Supercloseness analysis and polynomial preserving Recovery for a class of weak Galerkin Methods
Authors: Wang Ruishu , Zhang Ran , Zhang Xu , Zhang Zhimin
Published: September 2017

In this article, we analyze convergence and supercloseness properties of a class of weak Galerkin (WG) finite element methods for solving second‐order elliptic problems. It is shown that the WG solution is superclose to the Lagrange interpolant using Lobatto points. This supercloseness behavior is obtained through some newly designed stabilization terms. A postprocessing technique using polynomial preserving recovery (PPR) is introduced for the WG approximation. Superconvergence analysis is performed for the PPR recovered gradient. Numerical examples are provided to illustrate our theoretical results.
Explosion Performance of High‐Temperature Degraded Emulsion Explosives
Authors: Wang Fei , Ma Honghao , Shen Zhaowu
Published: September 2017

Experiments were conducted to study the underwater explosion performance of emulsion explosives (EE) after hot water bath. Spherical charges of EE with different sensitizers and hot water bath were prepared and tested. As for as‐prepared charges, the detonation velocity experiments and underwater explosion experiments were carried out and the crystallization ratio was measured and calculated by the dissolution and neutralization method. The results showed an inverse relationship between explosion parameters (pressure peak, specific impulse, detonation velocity and specific total energy) and heating time. It also revealed that the effective explosive weight of EE was reduced with long time of hot water bath. Moreover, the crystallization ratio and the decreasing rate of explosion parameters of EE sensitized by NaNO2 were apparently higher than EE containing physical sensitizers (glass microballoon and perlite), which was attributed to the different destruction mechanism of EE. After 6‐hour hot water bath, the EE containing physical sensitizers still retained detonator sensitivity and more than 80 % of specific total energy. Meanwhile, the crystallization ratio was less than 20 %. Whereas, the EE sensitized by NaNO2 lost the detonator sensitivity and the crystallization ratio of EE was also above 40 %.
Lack of clinically important PK interaction between coformulated ledipasvir/sofosbuvir and rilpivirine/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide
Authors: Custodio Joseph M. , Chuck Susan K. , Chu Hoa , Cao Huyen , Ma Grace , Flaherty John , Ling John , Kearney Brian P.
Published: September 2017

The drug–drug interaction (DDI) potential between the fixed‐dose combinations of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir 90/400 mg for hepatitis C virus and emtricitabine/rilpivirine/tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) 200/25/25 mg for HIV was evaluated in a randomized, open‐label, single‐center, multiple‐dose, 3‐way, 6‐sequence, crossover Phase 1 study in 42 healthy subjects. Emtricitabine/rilpivirine/TAF had no relevant effect on the pharmacokinetic parameters of maximum concentration [Cmax] and area under the concentration versus time curve over the dosing interval [AUCtau] for ledipasvir, sofosbuvir, and the metabolites GS‐566500 and GS‐331007. Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir had no effect on the Cmax and AUCtau for rilpivirine and emtricitabine. The Cmax and AUCtau of tenofovir, the major metabolite of TAF, were increased by 62% and 75%, respectively. However, the resulting absolute tenofovir exposures were markedly lower than the historical tenofovir exposures following tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and, as such, were not considered to be clinically relevant. In contrast, additional adverse effect monitoring is recommended upon coadministration of ledipasvir and TDF due to elevated tenofovir exposures resulting from the DDI. This difference is explained by the fact that TAF 25 mg results in markedly lower (~90%) plasma tenofovir exposure compared to TDF 300 mg. Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir and emtricitabine/rilpivirine/TAF were generally well tolerated when administered alone or in combination. HIV/hepatitis C virus‐coinfected patients can coadminister ledipasvir/sofosbuvir and emtricitabine/rilpivirine/TAF without dosage adjustments.
An integrin antagonist (MK‐0429) decreases proteinuria and renal fibrosis in the ZSF1 rat diabetic nephropathy model
Authors: Zhou Xiaoyan , Zhang Ji , Haimbach Robin , Zhu Wei , Mayer‐Ezell Rosemary , Garcia‐Calvo Margarita , Smith Elizabeth , Price Olga , Kan Yanqing , Zycband Emanuel , Zhu Yonghua , Hoek Maarten , Cox Jason M. , Ma Lijun , Kelley David E. , Pinto Shirly
Published: September 2017

Multiple integrins have been implicated in modulating renal function. Modulation of integrin function can lead to pathophysiological processes associated with diabetic nephropathy such as alterations in the glomerular filtration barrier and kidney fibrosis. The complexity of these pathophysiological changes implies that multiple integrin subtypes might need to be targeted to ameliorate the progression of renal disease. To address this hypothesis, we investigated the effects of MK‐0429, a compound that was originally developed as an αvβ3 inhibitor for the treatment of osteoporosis, on renal function and fibrosis. We demonstrated that MK‐0429 is an equipotent pan‐inhibitor of multiple av integrins. MK‐0429 dose‐dependently inhibited podocyte motility and also suppressed TGF‐β‐induced fibrosis marker gene expression in kidney fibroblasts. Moreover, in the obese ZSF1 rat model of diabetic nephropathy, chronic treatment with MK‐0429 resulted in significant reduction in proteinuria, kidney fibrosis, and collagen accumulation. In summary, our results suggest that inhibition of multiple integrin subtypes might lead to meaningful impact on proteinuria and renal fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy.
17β‐estradiol reduces Cav1.2 channel abundance and attenuates Ca2+‐dependent contractions in coronary arteries
Authors: Hill Brent J.F. , Dalton Robin J. , Joseph Biny K. , Thakali Keshari M. , Rusch Nancy J.
Published: September 2017

One mechanism by which the female sex may protect against elevated coronary vascular tone is inhibition of Ca2+ entry into arterial smooth muscle cells (ASMCs). In vitro findings confirm that high estrogen concentrations directly inhibit voltage‐dependent Cav1.2 channels in coronary ASMCs. For this study, we hypothesized that the nonacute, in vitro exposure of coronary arteries to a low concentration of 17β‐estradiol (17βE) reduces the expression of Cav1.2 channel proteins in coronary ASMCs. Segments of the right coronary artery obtained from sexually mature female pigs were mounted for isometric tension recording. As expected, our results indicate that high concentrations (≥10 μmol/L) of 17βE acutely attenuated Ca2+‐dependent contractions to depolarizing KCl stimuli. Interestingly, culturing coronary arteries for 24 h in a 10,000‐fold lower concentration (1 nmol/L) of 17βE also attenuated KCl‐induced contractions and reduced the contractile response to the Cav1.2 agonist, FPL64176, by 50%. Western blots revealed that 1 nmol/L 17βE decreased protein expression of the pore‐forming α1C subunit (Cavα) of the Cav1.2 channel by 35%; this response did not depend on an intact endothelium. The 17βE‐induced loss of Cavα protein in coronary arteries was prevented by the estrogen ERα/ERβ antagonist, ICI 182,780, whereas the GPER antagonist, G15, did not prevent it. There was no effect of 1 nmol/L 17βE on Cavα transcript expression. We conclude that 17βE reduces Cav1.2 channel abundance in isolated coronary arteries by a posttranscriptional process. This unrecognized effect of estrogen may confer physiological protection against the development of abnormal Ca2+‐dependent coronary vascular tone.
Effects of fertility preservation in patients with breast cancer: A retrospective two‐centers study
Authors: Hashimoto Tomoko , Nakamura Yusuke , Obata Ryuichiro , Doshida Masakazu , Toya Mayumi , Takeuchi Takumi , Kyono Koichi
Published: September 2017

Purpose

To assess the efficacy of fertility preservation (FP) and the impact of chemotherapy on the reproductive potential of Japanese patients with breast cancer.

Methods

Sixty‐two patients with breast cancer visited the authors’ centers from October, 2003 to June, 2015. They were divided into two groups according to the treatment: oocyte or embryo vitrification for FP before cancer treatment (group A) or infertility treatment after cancer treatment (group B). Group B was divided into two subgroups, B1 (no chemotherapy) and B2 (postchemotherapy), in order to analyze the effect of anticancer drugs on ovarian reserves and assisted reproductive technology outcomes. The number of retrieved oocytes, vitrified oocytes or embryos, and pregnancy rates were analyzed and compared: group A compared to group B1 compared to group B2.

Results

The patients in groups A and B1 underwent egg collection without any chemotherapy. The numbers of collected oocytes and vitrified embryos were significantly higher in groups A and B1 than in group B2. Nearly 50% of the in vitro fertilization patients who underwent an embryo transfer (ET) became pregnant, including two patients in group A who underwent a vitrified‐warmed ET. Among the pregnant women, 70% did not have chemotherapy.

Conclusion

For patients with breast cancer, FP with unfertilized oocytes or embryos before chemotherapy seems to be promising for achieving higher pregnancy rates, with no risk of minimal residual disease.