bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HeRO Graft versus Lower Extremity Grafts in Hemodialysis Patients with Long Standing Renal Failure
Authors: Glickman Marc H.
Published: March 2016

Background

The role of the HeRO graft in central venous pathology has been defined in the literature and clinically. There have been two publications or abstracts that have compared the patency rates and outcomes of this graft to the lower extremity graft.

Aim

The outcomes of both publications leads to an algorithm suggested by the author in determining which procedure should be used for specific patients.

Methods

Both papers trend to show that lower extremity grafts have improved patency rates when compared to the HeRO device in the upper extremity.

Discussion

The author will use these data to demonstrate that in younger patients and in patients with low morbidity and mortality, salvaging the upper extremity area for access may show that the HeRO device provides benefit for these patients.
Interventions for Failed Wrist Fistulae: Is it Worthwhile?
Authors: Shenoy Surendra , Wood Michaeline , Matson Sarah
Published: March 2016

A well-functioning forearm fistula is considered as the most suitable access for dialysis. It is easy to construct, has the fewest number of complications and lasts for a long time. Many patients fail to enjoy this benefit due to the high rates of thrombosis and the failure to mature associated with this procedure. Attempts to salvage failed and failing fistula suggest that there is a group of patients where interventions can help provide this benefit. This article provides a brief review of current experience using surgical and interventional techniques to salvage failing forearm fistulae. It attempts to classify modes of presentation of access failure and different modalities used to salvage them. It also suggests an algorithm that can be used to identify patients who may benefit from these interventions and a guide to make the decisions related to selection of a treatment modality. Successful salvage of a failing forearm fistula provides the patient with an opportunity to enjoy all the benefits of this access.
Developing Research Paper Writing Programs for EFL/ESL Undergraduate Students Using Process Genre Approach
Authors: Thanh Tuyen Kim , Osman Shuki Bin , Cong Dan Thai , Shafrin Binti Ahmad Nor
Published: March 2016

Research Paper Writing (RPW) plays a key role in completingall research work. Poor writing could lead to the postponement of publications. Therefore, it is necessary todevelop a program of (RPW) to improve RPW ability for EFL/ESL writers, especially for undergraduate students in Higher Education (HE) institutions, which has caught less attention of curriculum developers so far. Therefore, this studyaims to determine the core components of (RPW) program perceived as essential for EFL/ESL undergraduate studentsusing Process Genre Approach (PGA) to develop a program of RPW. The Delphi Technique (DT) was used to validate those components through the interviews of experts including two boards of ten experienced and qualified lecturers of TESOL and curriculum studies in Can Tho University (CTU) in Vietnam and UniversitiSains Malaysia (USM). The results revealed that the corecomponents of RPW programfor EFL/ESL undergraduate students were determined and confirmed. This paper is therefore believed to make a great contribution to practical applications for RPW program developers, lecturers, undergraduate and postgraduate students in EFL/ESL contexts.
De overheid als marktpartij: de market economy operator-test in het staatssteunrecht
Authors: Stekelenburg Sandra
Published: March 2016

De overheid als marktpartij: De market economy operator-test in het staatssteunrecht

Als de overheid marktconform handelt, dan is er geen sprake van staatssteun. Marktconformiteit kan worden vastgesteld aan de hand van het concept van de particuliere marktdeelnemer in een markteconomie. Dit noemt de Europese Commissie in haar ontwerpmededeling over het begrip staatssteun het beginsel van de market economy operator. De in de ontwerpmededeling genoemde testmethoden kunnen door een overheidsinstantie worden gebruikt om aannemelijk te maken dat een transactie marktconform is, en dus geen staatssteun bevat. In voorkomende gevallen kan de MEO-test de doorslag geven bij het antwoord op de vraag of een maatregel al dan niet staatssteun bevat.
Uitspraak rechtbank inzake Brink’s Nederland BV – Geldservice Nederland BV
Authors: Slotboom Marco
Published: March 2016

Uitspraak rechtbank inzake Brink’s Nederland BV – Geldservice Nederland BV

De Rechtbank Rotterdam verwerpt het beroep van Brink’s Nederland BV tegen het besluit op bezwaar van ACM waarin haar klacht tegen de oprichting door ABN AMRO, ING en Rabobank van Geldservice Nederland BV wordt afgewezen. Naar de mening van de rechtbank heeft ACM terecht geoordeeld dat de gezamenlijke geldverwerking en de gezamenlijke inkoop van geldtransportdiensten in het kader van Geldservice Nederland BV niet in strijd zijn met de artikelen 6 lid 1 Mw en 101 lid 1 VWEU respectievelijk artikelen 24 Mw en 102 VWEU.
O narrador performático em Rioseco, de Manuel Rui
Authors: Calado Karina De Almeida
Published: March 2016

Este texto tem o propósito de analisar a construção do narrador no romance Rioseco, de Manuel Rui, a partir do pressuposto de que a organização discursiva na qual ele se enuncia permite considerá-lo como o “narrador performático”, conforme operador teórico cunhado por Terezinha Taborda Moreira (2005). Esse narrador realiza a proposta de recuperação da oralidade, lançada no projeto estético do autor em reflexões como Eu e o outro – o invasor ou em poucas três linhas uma maneira de pensar o texto (1985) e Da escrita à fala (2004). Retomar a oralidade é, para Manuel Rui, a forma de inscrever a identidade angolana no processo de apropriação da escrita, símbolo da cultura do outro.

Palavras-chave: Narrador. Performance. Oralidade. Ancestralidade.
Contramodelos cavaleirescos na literatura genealógica e cronística medieval ibérica – diálogos com a ética aristotélica
Authors: Barros José D’Assunção
Published: March 2016

Neste artigo, preocupado em examinar a intertextualidade da literatura medieval com o pensamento aristotélico, são examinadas algumas narrativas medievais da Idade Média portuguesa que aparecem nos livros de linhagens do século XIII com vistas à identificação dos principais traços de um Imaginário Cavaleiresco que foi essencial para a formação da identidade nobiliárquica do mesmo período. Investiga-se, assim, a influência da ética aristotélica no padrão cavaleiresco que é definido preponderantemente nas narrativas linhagística
Robotic Assistance of Human Motion Using Active-Backdrivability on a Geared Electromagnetic Motor
Authors: Claros Mario Jorge , Soto Rogelio , Gordillo Jose Luis , Pons Jose Luis , Contreras-Vidal Jose Luis
Published: March 2016

In this research, we describe an actuation and control system designed for geared electromagnetic motors, which is characterized by its simple implementation, fast response to external input loads, reliable human-machine interaction features, no need for previous set-up or calibration from user to user and high portability due to the reduction of weight and space used. By the implementation of the proposed system, an electromagnetic motor can become a multitasking, wearable actuation system capable of: detecting the user's intentions regarding motion, tracking the limbs with minimal force interaction within a wide bandwidth and also providing controllable assistance and resistance forces to the user's movements, without the use of any biological signal. Validation of the proposed approach is shown by the construction of a powered orthosis for the knee, used to test the system's performance under real human motion conditions. The proposed system was tested on one healthy subject by measuring electromyographic levels both with and without the orthosis, under controlled flexion and extension cycles. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach in detecting the user's intentions regarding motion, reducing and increasing muscular activity when configured for assistance and resistance, respectively, and also increasing the transparency of the actuation system when perfect tracking of the limbs is needed.
Research on a Micro Flip Robot That Can Climb Stairs
Authors: Wang Jianzhong , Shi Jiadong , Zhang Shilong
Published: March 2016

Micro mobile robots (MMRs) can operate in rugged, narrow or dangerous regions; thus, they are widely used in numerous areas including surveillance, rescue and exploration. In urban environments, stairs are common obstacles, ones that such robots find difficult to manoeuvre over. The authors analysed the research status of MMRs, particularly in terms of difficulties when performing stair climbing and present a novel type of MMR called the micro flip robot (MFRobot). A support arm subassembly was added to the centre of a wheeled chassis; using this structure, the MFRobot can climb stairs when a flipping mode is utilized. Based on this structure, the authors established a kinematic model of the stair-climbing process and analysed the force conditions for the key status, contributing to the existing knowledge of robot design. An MFRobot prototype was produced and the stair-climbing experiments, as well as experiments on manoeuvring through rubble regions and slope surfaces, were conducted. The results show that the MFRobot can rapidly climb common stairs and can easily manoeuvre through a rubble region. The maximum slope angle the robot can climb was shown to be about 35° for concrete and wooden slope surfaces. In the case where the robot needed to be equipped with sensors, particularly a camera, the camera was equipped on the support arm of robot. The MFRobot prototype weighs 2.5 kg and is easily transportable. This structure can resolve contradictions between portability and performance in terms of overcoming obstacles; in addition, operational effectiveness can be improved using this structure.
The Future of Poison Pills in Canada: Are Takeover Bid Reforms Needed?
Authors: Anand Anita
Published: March 2016

The rules regarding shareholder rights plans, also known as “poison pills”, ensure
that boards of directors facing a hostile takeover bid can retain a poison pill for a period
of time in order to search for other potential offers. Over the years, the period of time
has grown in length from twenty to thirty-five days and the Canadian Securities
Administrators (CSA) have recently proposed a 120-day period during which takeover bids
would remain open. In light of the historical rationale of takeover bid law to protect the
interests of target shareholders, this article argues that the legal regime should not allow
an extensive bid period of 120 days. While other aspects of the CSA proposal are sound, a
lengthy bid period disadvantages both target shareholders and bidders and will ultimately
deter bids from occurring.
Temperature-dependent electroluminescence from GeSn heterojunction light-emitting diode on Si substrate
Authors: Chang Chiao , Li Hui , Huang Ssu-Hsuan , Lin Li-Chien , Cheng Hung-Hsiang
Published: March 2016

The electroluminescence from a Ge/GeSn/Ge p–i–n light-emitting diode on Si was investigated under different temperatures ranging from 25 to 150 K. The diode was operated at a low injection current density of 13 A/cm2. We obtained no-phonon- and phonon-assisted replicas in emission spectra. Also, the relationship between indirect bandgap energy and temperature was investigated. The temperature-dependent bandgap energy followed Varshni’s empirical expression with α = 4.884 × 10−4 eV/K and β = 130 K.
Low resistivity lateral P–I–N junction formed by Ni–InGaAsP alloy for carrier injection InGaAsP photonic devices
Authors: Park Jin-Kwon , Takenaka Mitsuru , Takagi Shinichi
Published: March 2016

In this study, we investigate low-resistivity InGaAsP lateral P–I–N junctions using Ni–InGaAsP alloy in conjunction with Zn diffusion. It is found that Ni–InGaAsP alloy is formed via a direct reaction between Ni and InGaAsP after annealing at more than 300 °C. The Ni–InGaAsP preserves the initial Schottky junction properties between Ni and InGaAsP, and thus exhibits an ohmic contact for n-InGaAsP and a Schottky contact for p-InGaAsP. Hence, the Ni–InGaAsP alloy can be used instead of the Si ion implantation process to form the P–I–N junction. The Ni–InGaAsP alloy exhibits significantly lower contact resistance and sheet resistance than Si implanted n+-InGaAsP. The InGaAsP lateral P–I–N junction formed with the Ni–InGaAsP alloy and Zn diffusion shows approximately 10 times lower access resistance than the n+-InGaAsP junction. Thus, we successfully achieve large on-current in the lateral P–I–N junction with the Ni–InGaAsP alloy. The fabrication procedure of the lateral P–I–N junction using the Ni–InGaAsP alloy is promising for carrier-injection photonic devices on the III–V CMOS photonics platform.
Adverse events associated with incretin-based drugs in Japanese spontaneous reports: a mixed effects logistic regression model
Authors: Narushima Daichi , Kawasaki Yohei , Takamatsu Shoji , Yamada Hiroshi
Published: March 2016

Background:Spontaneous Reporting Systems (SRSs) are passive systems composed of reports of suspected Adverse Drug Events (ADEs), and are used for Pharmacovigilance (PhV), namely, drug safety surveillance. Exploration of analytical methodologies to enhance SRS-based discovery will contribute to more effective PhV. In this study, we proposed a statistical modeling approach for SRS data to address heterogeneity by a reporting time point. Furthermore, we applied this approach to analyze ADEs of incretin-based drugs such as DPP-4 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists, which are widely used to treat type 2 diabetes.Methods:SRS data were obtained from the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report (JADER) database. Reported adverse events were classified according to the MedDRA High Level Terms (HLTs). A mixed effects logistic regression model was used to analyze the occurrence of each HLT. The model treated DPP-4 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists, hypoglycemic drugs, concomitant suspected drugs, age, and sex as fixed effects, while the quarterly period of reporting was treated as a random effect. Before application of the model, Fisher’s exact tests were performed for all drug-HLT combinations. Mixed effects logistic regressions were performed for the HLTs that were found to be associated with incretin-based drugs. Statistical significance was determined by a two-sided p-value <0.01 or a 99% two-sided confidence interval. Finally, the models with and without the random effect were compared based on Akaike’s Information Criteria (AIC), in which a model with a smaller AIC was considered satisfactory.Results:The analysis included 187,181 cases reported from January 2010 to March 2015. It showed that 33 HLTs, including pancreatic, gastrointestinal, and cholecystic events, were significantly associated with DPP-4 inhibitors or GLP-1 receptor agonists. In the AIC comparison, half of the HLTs reported with incretin-based drugs favored the random effect, whereas HLTs reported frequently tended to favor the mixed model.Conclusion:The model with the random effect was appropriate for analyzing frequently reported ADEs; however, further exploration is required to improve the model. The core concept of the model is to introduce a random effect of time. Modeling the random effect of time is widely applicable to various SRS data and will improve future SRS data analyses.
A quantitative look on northwestern Tethyan foraminiferal assemblages, Campanian Nierental Formation, Austria
Authors: Wolfgring Erik , Wagreich Michael
Published: March 2016

Deposits spanning theRadotruncana calcarataTaxon Range Zone at the Postalm section, Northern Calcareous Alps (Austria) are examined quantitatively for foraminiferal assemblages, especially the planktonic group. This study focuses on establishing a high resolution record spanning an 800 ka long stratigraphic interval from the active continental margin of the Penninic Ocean. The Postalm section displays reddish limestone- marl alternations representing precession cycles. For this study, 26 samples were taken bed by bed to allow a “per-precession-cycle” resolution (i.e., a minimum sample distance of ∼20 ka). Samples from limestones as well as from marls were examined for foraminiferal assemblages. Data suggest a typical, open marine Campanian foraminiferal community. The >63 µm fraction is dominated by opportunist taxa, i.e., members ofMuricohedbergellaand biserial planktic foraminifera.Archaeoglobigerinaand “Globigerinelloides” appear frequently and benthic foraminifera are very sparsely found. The share of globotruncanids, representing more complex morphotypes amongst planktonic foraminifera, is recorded with 5–10%. The state of preservation of foraminifera from the Postalm section is moderate to poor. Differences between samples from marls and samples from limestone are evident, but do not reveal evidence that there was an influence on the postdepositional microfossil communities. However, data from microfossils showing moderate to bad preservation can still offer valuable insight into the palaeoenvironment and biostratigraphy. Information gathered on the composition of the planktonic foraminiferal assemblage confirms a low-to-mid-latitude setting for the Postalm section. As well resolved records of Late Cretaceous foraminifera assemblages are rare, the examination of theRadotruncana calcarataTaxon Range Zone provides some insights into variations and short term changes during the very short period of 800 ka.
Long‐term trends of the Polar and Arctic cells influencing the Arctic climate since 1989
Authors: Qian Weihong , Wu Kaijun , Leung Jeremy Cheuk‐Hin , Shi Jian
Published: March 2016

The strengthening and broadening trends of the Hadley cell have been revealed, while the existence of the Arctic cell has also been confirmed in previous studies. This study extends previous strengthening trend analyses of the Hadley cell to the Polar and Arctic cells in the Northern Hemisphere and explores their climate influences. Results show that the Polar cell experienced an abrupt change from a slow to a rapid strengthening trend in 1989, while the Arctic cell showed an insignificant strengthening trend and a significant weakening trend successively. The strengthening subsidence flow associated with the Polar and Arctic cells can partly explain the warming surface air temperature and declining sea ice concentration through the increasing tropospheric height and temperature trends. These results provide new insights for understanding the interdecadal relationship between atmospheric circulation and climate change in the Arctic region.
Metal‐Organic‐Framework‐Coated Optical Fibers as Light‐Triggered Drug Delivery Vehicles
Authors: Nazari Marziyeh , Rubio‐Martinez Marta , Tobias Gerard , Barrio Jorge Pérez , Babarao Ravichandar , Nazari Fatemeh , Konstas Kristina , Muir Benjamin W. , Collins Stephen F. , Hill Anita J. , Duke Mikel C. , Hill Matthew R.
Published: March 2016

Physical delivery of anticancer drugs in controlled anatomic locations can complement the advances being made in chemo‐selective therapies. To this end, an optical fiber catheter is coated in a thin layer of metal organic framework UiO‐66 and the anticancer drug 5‐Fluorouracil (5‐FU) is deposited within the pores. Delivery of light of appropriate wavelength through the fiber catheter is found to trigger the release of 5‐FU on demand, offering a new route to localized drug administration. The system exhibits great potential with as much as 110 × 10−6 m of 5‐FU delivered within 1 min from one fiber.
Dual‐Functional Coating of Forward Osmosis Membranes for Hydrophilization and Antimicrobial Resistance
Authors: Liu Qing , Li Jingguo , Zhou Zhengzhong , Qiu Guanglei , Xie Jianping , Lee Jim Yang
Published: March 2016

Microbial fouling and internal concentration polarization (ICP) are factors limiting the performance of forward osmosis (FO) membranes. These limitations in flat sheet thin film composite (TFC) FO membranes are mitigated by a single Ag/AgCl nanocomposite coating in this study. The coating is prepared by first adsorbing Ag+ on the negatively charged carboxylate groups of polyacrylic acid (PAA)‐polyethersulfone (PES) blend membrane substrate (support layer). Cl− ions are introduced next to form a conformal AgCl coating in situ. Irradiation of the coating with visible light then converts it into a composite coating with nano‐Ag(n‐Ag) on the membrane substrate exterior and AgCl in the membrane substrate interior. The Ag/AgCl‐coated membranes prepared as such deliver good antimicrobial resistance concurrently with a high water flux. The antimicrobial performance can be attributed to a high loading of n‐Ag on the membrane exterior while the high water flux to the AgCl hydrophilization of the membrane interior which reduces the ICP. To the best of our knowledge, this is probably the first demonstration of a dual‐functional coating for FO TFC membranes.
Zinc‐Catalyzed Stereo‐ and Regioselective 1,4‐Hydrative Fluorination of 3‐En‐1‐ynamides with Selectfluor
Authors: Jadhav Appaso Mahadev , Huple Deepak B. , Singh Rahulkumar Rajmani , Liu Rai Shung
Published: March 2016

Zinc‐catalyzed 1,4‐oxofluorinations of 3‐en‐1‐ynamides with Selectfluor in acetonitrile/water proceeded with high regio‐ and stereoselectivity, giving E‐configured γ‐fluoro‐α,β‐unsaturated amides efficiently. Our control experiments indicate that kinetically unstable C‐bound zinc dienolates are chemically reactive to undergo SE2′‐electrophilic fluorinations whereas the detectable O‐bound dienolates preferably undergo protodemetalation reactions instead.

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Breaking the 10% Efficiency Barrier in Organic Photovoltaics: Morphology and Device Optimization of Well‐Known PBDTTT Polymers
Authors: Zhang Shaoqing , Ye Long , Hou Jianhui
Published: March 2016

With the advances in organic photovoltaics (OPVs), the invention of model polymers with superior properties and wide applicability is of vital importance to both the academic and industrial communities. The recent inspiring advances in OPV research have included the emergence of poly(benzodithiophene‐co‐thieno[3,4‐b]thiophene) (PBDTTT)‐based materials. Through the combined efforts on PBDTTT polymers, over 10% efficiencies have been realized recently in various types of OPV devices. This review attempts to critically summarize the recent advances with respect to five well‐known PBDTTT polymers and their design considerations, basic properties, photovoltaic performance, as well as device application in conventional, inverted, tandem solar cells. These PBDTTT polymers also make great contributions to the rapid advances in the field of emerging ternary blends and fullerene‐free OPVs with top performances. Addtionally, new challenges in developing novel photovoltaic polymers with more superior properties are prospected. More importantly, the research of highly efficient PBDTTT‐based polymers provides useful insights and builds fundamentals for new types of OPV applications with various architectures.
Quick Takes: Magic Moments
Authors: Creo Robert A.
Published: March 2016

Editor's note: Alternatives columnist Bob Creo, a Pittsburgh arbitrator and mediator, has been revisiting his catalog of CPR Institute website columns, originated a decade ago, in a Back to Basics series that he has subtitled “Human Problems, Human Solutions.” These updated and expanded columns are in print for the first time, building on new concepts and knowledge. He has revisited a wide spectrum of mediation room behaviors and practices. This month's column combines two of those early efforts.
Asymmetrische Brønsted‐Säure‐katalysierte Substitution von Diarylmethanolen mit Thiolen und Alkoholen zur Synthese von chiralen Thioethern und Ethern
Authors: Chatupheeraphat Adisak , Liao Hsuan‐Hung , Mader Steffen , Sako Makoto , Sasai Hiroaki , Atodiresei Iuliana , Rueping Magnus
Published: March 2016

Eine enantioselektive Addition von Thiolen und Alkoholen an Aza‐ortho‐chinonmethide ausgehend von Diarylmethanolen wurde entwickelt. Die asymmetrischen Additionen verlaufen unter milden Reaktionsbedingungen in Anwesenheit chiraler Phosphorsäuren und ergeben die entsprechenden Addukte mit exzellenten Ausbeuten und Enantioselektivitäten.
Ferrocene‐substituted 3,3′‐diindolylmethanes with improved anticancer activity
Authors: Muenzner Julienne K. , Ahmad Aamir , Rothemund Matthias , Schrüfer Sebastian , Padhye Subhash , Sarkar Fazlul H. , Schobert Rainer , Biersack Bernhard
Published: March 2016

A series of ferrocene‐substituted derivatives (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f, 2g) of the known drug 3,3′‐diindolylmethane (DIM) were prepared and tested for their in vitro antitumor activity. The derivatives 2a (featuring indole moiety), 2b (featuring 2‐methylindole moiety) and 2f (featuring 5‐nitroindole moiety) were growth‐inhibiting in vitro at lower concentrations than DIM in various tumor cells including pancreas cancer (BcPC‐3), three DIM‐resistant cancer cell lines (518 A2, KB‐V1/Vbl, HT‐29), triple‐negative breast cancer (MDA‐MB‐231) and prostate cancer (PC‐3). Derivatives 2a, 2b and 2f were the most active compounds of this series, qualifying as drug candidates for various cancer diseases. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new paradigm for producing astaxanthin from the unicellular green alga Haematococcus pluvialis
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Wang Baobei , Hu Qiang , Sommerfeld Milton , Li Yuanguang , Han Danxiang
Published: March 2016

The unicellular green alga Haematococcus pluvialis has been exploited as a cell factory to produce the high‐value antioxidant astaxanthin for over two decades, due to its superior ability to synthesize astaxanthin under adverse culture conditions. However, slow vegetative growth under favorable culture conditions and cell deterioration or death under stress conditions (e.g., high light, nitrogen starvation) has limited the astaxanthin production. In this study, a new paradigm that integrated heterotrophic cultivation, acclimation of heterotrophically grown cells to specific light/nutrient regimes, followed by induction of astaxanthin accumulation under photoautotrophic conditions was developed. First, the environmental conditions such as pH, carbon source, nitrogen regime, and light intensity, were optimized to induce astaxanthin accumulation in the dark‐grown cells. Although moderate astaxanthin content (e.g., 1% of dry weight) and astaxanthin productivity (2.5 mg L−1 day−1) were obtained under the optimized conditions, a considerable number of cells died off when subjected to stress for astaxanthin induction. To minimize the susceptibility of dark‐grown cells to light stress, the algal cells were acclimated, prior to light induction of astaxanthin biosynthesis, under moderate illumination in the presence of nitrogen. Introduction of this strategy significantly reduced the cell mortality rate under high‐light and resulted in increased cellular astaxanthin content and astaxanthin productivity. The productivity of astaxanthin was further improved to 10.5 mg L−1 day−1 by implementation of such a strategy in a bubbling column photobioreactor. Biochemical and physiological analyses suggested that rebuilding of photosynthetic apparatus including D1 protein and PsbO, and recovery of PSII activities, are essential for acclimation of dark‐grown cells under photo‐induction conditions. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 2088–2099. © 2016 The Authors. Biotechnology and Bioengineering Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Herbicidal and Cytotoxic Constituents from Aralia armata (Wall.) Seem.
Authors: Miao Hui , Sun Yongyan , Yuan Yunfei , Zhao Huanhuan , Wu Jiao , Zhang Weiyun , Zhou Lijuan
Published: March 2016

Two new triterpenoids, 3β‐hydroxyoleana‐11,13(18)‐diene‐28,30‐dioic acid (1) and 3‐oxooleana‐11,13(18)‐diene‐28,30‐dioic acid (2), one novel triterpenoid glycoside, 3β‐O‐(6′‐O‐methyl‐β‐d‐glucuronopyranosyl)oleana‐11,13(18)‐dien‐28‐oic acid (3) along with six known compounds (4 – 9) were isolated from the stem bark of Aralia armata (Wall.) Seem. Their structures were elucidated through extensive spectroscopic methods. The herbicidal activities of these compounds against Bidens pilosa L., an invasive weed in P. R. China, were evaluated. Compounds 3, 5, and 6 exhibited more significant herbicidal activities on B. pilosa than the positive‐control pendimethalin. Their possible use as herbicidal chemicals or model compounds deserved more attention. The effects of compounds 1 – 9 on Spodoptera litura cultured cell line Sl‐1 cell proliferation and its morphology were also evaluated. The results indicated that compounds 1 – 5 affected Sl‐1 cell proliferation. Compound 3 showed more obvious proliferation inhibition activities on Sl‐1 cell than the positive‐control rotenone. With regard to the effect on morphology, compound 2 significantly changed Sl‐1 cell, resulting in cell blebbing and vacuole forming. Triterpenoids aremedicinally and agriculturally important, and cytotoxicity of the three new compounds 1 – 3 deserved further studies.
Nanocellulose 3, 5‐Dimethylphenylcarbamate Derivative Coated Chiral Stationary Phase: Preparation and Enantioseparation Performance
Authors: Zhang Xiaoli , Wang Litao , Dong Shuqing , Zhang Xia , Wu Qi , Zhao Liang , Shi Yanping
Published: March 2016

Nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) with high surface area and high ordered crystalline structure was prepared from microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) under the hydrolysis of sodium hypochlorite. NCC was further reacted with 3,5‐dimethylphenyl isocyanate to obtain the nanocellulose derivative, and then coated successfully on the surface of silica gel to a prepared NCC‐coated chiral stationary phase (CSP) as a new kind of chiral separation material. Similarly, MCC derivative‐coated CSP was also prepared as contrast. The chiral separation performance of NCC‐based CSP was evaluated and compared with MCC‐based CSP by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Moreover, the effects of the alcohol modifiers, mobile phase additives, and flow rates on chiral separations were investigated in detail. The results showed that 10 chiral compounds were separated on NCC‐based CSP with better peak shape and higher column efficiency than MCC‐based CSP, which confirmed that NCC‐based CSP was a promising packing material for the resolution of chiral compounds.Chirality 28:376–381, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Einfluss des Nährmediums auf die Bewegungscharakteristik von Bacillus amyloliquefaciens
Authors: Ziegler Andreas , Schock‐Kusch Daniel , Kapoustina Viktoria , Braun Frank , Dounia Sandra , Stahl Ulf , Rädle Matthias
Published: March 2016

Die Bewegungsmuster von Bakterien wurden mit einem neuartigen bildanalytischen Messsystem untersucht. Durch die flexibel und getaktet einstellbare Schichtdicke der Durchflussküvette ist es möglich, alle Mikroorganismen im Messfenster im Tiefenschärfebereich von 3 µm darzustellen. Die Probenahme, Datenerfassung und Auswertung erfolgt vollautomatisch. Eine automatische Analyse von Bewegungsmustern von Mikroorganismen ist damit erstmals in dieser Weise möglich. Die erhaltenen Daten erlauben Rückschlüsse auf die Vitalität der Bakterien und können für die Fermentationsoptimierung genutzt werden.
A Near Infrared Cyanine‐Based Fluorescent Probe for Highly Selectively Detecting Glutathione in Living Cells
Authors: Sheng Xiaole , Chen Dan , Cao Meijiao , Zhang Yufeng , Han Xie , Chen Xiaoqiang , Liu Shenghua , Chen Haiyan , Yin Jun
Published: March 2016

Amino acids containing the thiol group play significant roles in keeping biological oxidation reduction balance. Due to the important cellular function of biothiols, it is imperative to develop efficient methods to detect biothiols in complicate biological systems. In this work, we developed a cyanine‐based fluorescent probe utilizing thioether as a detecting group, which showed the fluorescent "turn‐on" response towards GSH and it can be used as a biomarker to determine the cellular GSH.
Activation of Trifluoromethylthio Moiety by Appending Iodonium Ylide under Copper Catalysis for Electrophilic Trifluoromethylation Reaction
Authors: Saidalimu Ibrayim , Suzuki Shugo , Tokunaga Etsuko , Shibata Norio
Published: March 2016

A novel iodonium‐ylide compound 2 that appends atrifluoromethylthio (SCF3) group is disclosed as a new, shelf‐stable electrophilic trifluoromethylation reagent. Unlike known shelf‐stable electrophilic trifluoromethylation reagents, 2 has a stable SCF3 group which is activated by appending iodonium ylide under copper catalysis via sulfonium ylide to generate a cationic trifluoromethyl (CF3) species. Reagent 2 was found to be an efficient electrophilic trifluoromethylation reagent for a wide range of silyl enol ethers 3 under copper catalysis. Cyclic and acyclic α‐trifluoromethyl ketones 4 were obtained by reagent 2 in moderate to good yields. On the other hand, a difluoromethylthio analogue 5 did not affect intermolecular transfer difluoromethylation to substrates. Instead, intramolecular 1,4‐migration proceeded similar to the Stevens rearrangement to provide 6 in 21% yield, independent of the presence of nucleophiles 3.
Solutions that enable ablative radiotherapy for large liver tumors: Fractionated dose painting, simultaneous integrated protection, motion management, and computed tomography image guidance
Authors: Crane Christopher H. , Koay Eugene J.
Published: March 2016

The emergence and success of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for the treatment of lung cancer have led to its rapid adoption for liver cancers. SBRT can achieve excellent results for small liver tumors. However, the vast majority of physicians interpret SBRT as meaning doses of radiation (range, 4‐20 Gray [Gy]) that may not be ablative but are delivered within about 1 week (ie, in 3‐6 fractions). Adherence to this approach has limited the effectiveness of SBRT for large liver tumors (>7 cm) because of the need to reduce doses to meet organ constraints. The prognosis for patients who present with large liver tumors is poor, with a median survival ≤12 months, and most of these patients die from tumor‐related liver failure. Herein, the authors present a comprehensive solution to achieve ablative SBRT doses for patients with large liver tumors by using a combination of classic, modern, and novel concepts of radiotherapy: fractionation, dose painting, motion management, image guidance, and simultaneous integrated protection. The authors discuss these concepts in the context of large, inoperable liver tumors and review how this approach can substantially prolong survival for patients, most of whom otherwise have a very poor prognosis and few effective treatment options. Cancer 2016;122:1974–86. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Improved Prediction of Drug‐Induced Torsades de Pointes Through Simulations of Dynamics and Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Lancaster M Cummins , Sobie EA
Published: March 2016

The ventricular arrhythmia Torsades de Pointes (TdP) is a common form of drug‐induced cardiotoxicity, but prediction of this arrhythmia remains an unresolved issue in drug development. Current assays to evaluate arrhythmia risk are limited by poor specificity and a lack of mechanistic insight. We addressed this important unresolved issue through a novel computational approach that combined simulations of drug effects on dynamics with statistical analysis and machine‐learning. Drugs that blocked multiple ion channels were simulated in ventricular myocyte models, and metrics computed from the action potential and intracellular (Ca2+) waveform were used to construct classifiers that distinguished between arrhythmogenic and nonarrhythmogenic drugs. We found that: (1) these classifiers provide superior risk prediction; (2) drug‐induced changes to both the action potential and intracellular (Ca2+) influence risk; and (3) cardiac ion channels not typically assessed may significantly affect risk. Our algorithm demonstrates the value of systematic simulations in predicting pharmacological toxicity.
Electrochemical Determination of Sulphur‐containing Pharmaceuticals Using Boron‐doped Diamond Electrodes
Authors: Abt Bärbel , Hartmann Andreas , Pasquarelli Alberto , Strehle Steffen , Mizaikoff Boris , Kranz Christine
Published: March 2016

N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) and gentamicin sulfate (GS) are biologically and pharmaceutically relevant thiol‐containing compounds. NAC is well known for its antioxidant properties, whereas GS is an aminoglycoside that is used as a broadband antibiotic. Both pharmaceuticals play a significant role in the treatment of bacterial infections by suppressing the formation of biofilms. According to the European Pharmacopeia protocol, GS is analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using gold electrodes for electrochemical detection. Here, we report the electrochemical detection of these compounds at NH2‐terminated boron‐doped diamond electrodes, which show significantly reduced electrode passivation, an issue commonly known for gold electrodes. Cyclic voltammetry experiments performed for a period of 70 minutes showed that the peak current decreased only by 1.6 %/7.4 % for the two peak currents recorded for GS, and 6.6 % for the oxidation peak of NAC, whereas at gold electrodes a decrease in peak current of 14.2 % was observed for GS, and of 64 %/30 % for the two peak currents of NAC. For their quantitative determination, differential pulse voltammetry was performed in a concentration range of 2–49 µg/mL of NAC with a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.527 µg/mL, and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 3.624 µg/mL, respectively. The quantification of GS in a concentration range of 0.2–50 µg/mL resulted in a LOD of 1.714 µg/mL, and a LOQ of 6.420 µg/mL, respectively.
PEDOT/WO3 Hybrid Nanofiber Architectures for High Performance Electrochromic Devices
Authors: Dulgerbaki Cigdem , Nohut Maslakci Neslihan , Komur Ali Ihsan , Uygun Oksuz Aysegul
Published: March 2016

This study focuses on the electrochromic device (ECD) applications of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)/tungsten oxide (PEDOT/WO3) hybrid nanofibers prepared via electrospinning method. Nanoporous WO3 films were initially electrosynthesized on Pt sheet. The PEDOT layer was electropolymerized onto the entire surface of the WO3 nanoporous host framework in the presence of different ionic liquids: 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BMIMBF4), 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (BMIMPF6), 1‐butyl‐ 3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide (BMIMTFSI), and 1‐butyl‐1‐methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide (BMPTFSI). The morphological features and elemental surface characterization of hybride nanofibers were monitored by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. ECDs changed color reversibly from transparent to light brown by switching from +3 V to −3 V. It was found that the highest optical modulation of 47.89 % and maximum coloration efficiency of 363.72 cm2/C is achieved for PEDOT/WO3/BMIMPF6 based electrochromic device. Hybrid nanofibers exhibited excellent long term stability even after 1000 chronoamperometric cycles. This work could not only push forward the facile preparation of PEDOT/WO3 nanofibers but also represent, for the first time, the possibility that the hybrid nanofibers could be a promising material for the highly efficient ECDs.
High‐Temperature Dielectric Relaxation Behaviors of Relaxer‐Like PbZrO3–SrTiO3 Ceramics for Energy‐Storage Applications
Authors: Zhang Tian‐Fu , Tang Xin‐Gui , Huang Xian‐Xiong , Liu Qiu‐Xiang , Jiang Yan‐Ping , Zhou Qi‐Fa
Published: March 2016

(1−x)PbZrO3–xSrTiO3 (x: 10, 20, and 30 mol %) ceramics were prepared by a conventional mixed‐oxide solid‐state reaction method. The relaxer behaviors of the PbZrO3–SrTiO3 ceramics were examined in the temperature range of 120–523 K. A broad dielectric maximum that shifted to higher temperature with increasing frequency signified the relaxer‐type behaviors of these ceramics. The value of the relaxation parameter of γ=1.73, estimated from the linear fit of the modified Curie–Weiss law, indicated the relaxer nature. High‐temperature dielectric relaxation phenomena were found in the temperature region of 600‐850 K. The activation energy, calculated from impedance measurements of samples, suggested that the dielectric relaxation was a result of oxygen vacancies generated during the sintering process. The energy‐storage density calculated from hysteresis loops reached about 0.46 J cm−3 for the PSZT30 ceramic at room temperature.
Cause‐specific long‐term mortality in survivors of childhood cancer in Switzerland: A population‐based study
Authors: Schindler Matthias , Spycher Ben D. , Ammann Roland A. , Ansari Marc , Michel Gisela , Kuehni Claudia E. ,   for the Swiss Paediatric Oncology Group (SPOG)
Published: March 2016

Survivors of childhood cancer have a higher mortality than the general population. We describe cause‐specific long‐term mortality in a population‐based cohort of childhood cancer survivors. We included all children diagnosed with cancer in Switzerland (1976–2007) at age 0–14 years, who survived ≥5 years after diagnosis and followed survivors until December 31, 2012. We obtained causes of death (COD) from the Swiss mortality statistics and used data from the Swiss general population to calculate age‐, calendar year‐, and sex‐standardized mortality ratios (SMR), and absolute excess risks (AER) for different COD, by Poisson regression. We included 3,965 survivors and 49,704 person years at risk. Of these, 246 (6.2%) died, which was 11 times higher than expected (SMR 11.0). Mortality was particularly high for diseases of the respiratory (SMR 14.8) and circulatory system (SMR 12.7), and for second cancers (SMR 11.6). The pattern of cause‐specific mortality differed by primary cancer diagnosis, and changed with time since diagnosis. In the first 10 years after 5‐year survival, 78.9% of excess deaths were caused by recurrence of the original cancer (AER 46.1). Twenty‐five years after diagnosis, only 36.5% (AER 9.1) were caused by recurrence, 21.3% by second cancers (AER 5.3) and 33.3% by circulatory diseases (AER 8.3). Our study confirms an elevated mortality in survivors of childhood cancer for at least 30 years after diagnosis with an increased proportion of deaths caused by late toxicities of the treatment. The results underline the importance of clinical follow‐up continuing years after the end of treatment for childhood cancer.
Evaluation of Rifampin's Transporter Inhibitory and CYP3A Inductive Effects on the Pharmacokinetics of Venetoclax, a BCL‐2 Inhibitor: Results of a Single‐ and Multiple‐Dose Study
Authors: Agarwal Suresh K. , Hu Beibei , Chien David , Wong Shekman L. , Salem Ahmed Hamed
Published: March 2016

Venetoclax is a selective, potent, first‐in‐class B‐cell lymphoma‐2 inhibitor that has demonstrated clinical efficacy in a variety of hematological malignancies. A single‐dose and multiple‐dose rifampin study was conducted to evaluate the effect of CYP3A induction and transporter inhibition on the pharmacokinetics of venetoclax. Subjects received a single dose of venetoclax 200 mg on day 1 of period 1 and days 1 and 14 of period 2, a single dose of rifampin 600 mg on day 1 of period 2, and rifampin 600 mg once daily on days 5 through 17 of period 2. Blood samples were collected up to 96 hours after each venetoclax dose on day 1 of period 1 and days 1 and 14 of period 2. Compared with venetoclax alone, coadministration with a single dose of rifampin increased venetoclax Cmax and AUC∞ by 106% (90%CI, 73%–145%) and 78% (90%CI, 50%–111%), respectively, whereas coadministration with multiple doses of rifampin decreased venetoclax Cmax and AUC∞ by 42% (90%CI, 31%–52%) and 71% (90%CI, 66%–76%), respectively. It was possible to isolate the net effect of chronic CYP3A induction from acute P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) inhibition by comparing venetoclax exposures following coadministration with multiple doses of rifampin versus a single dose of rifampin, which showed that CYP3A induction decreased venetoclax Cmax and AUC by 72% and 84%, respectively. These results are consistent with venetoclax being a P‐gp substrate and indicate that CYP3A plays a major role in venetoclax metabolism. Prescribers should consider agents with little or no CYP3A induction during treatment with venetoclax.
Design and Synthesis of Novel 6‐(5‐Methyl‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)‐5‐[(2‐(thiazol‐2‐yl)hydrazono)methyl]imidazo[2,1‐b]thiazoles as Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Abdel‐Wahab Bakr F. , Khidre Rizk E. , Awad Ghada E. A.
Published: March 2016

Novel 6‐(1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)‐5‐[(2‐(thiazol‐2‐yl)hydrazono)methyl]imidazo[2,1‐b]thiazoles 7, 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, and 11 were prepared by reaction of thiosemicarbazone 5a, 5b with either hydrazonoyl chloride 6, phenacylbromides 8 or 2‐bromo‐1‐(5‐methyl‐1‐p‐tolyl‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)ethanone 10 respectively. The new products were tested for their antimicrobial activities using 96‐well micro‐plate assay, and compound 7 showed excellent antibacterial activities compared with Vancomycine (reference drugs), while compounds 5b and 9c exhibited good results against yeast. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined, and compound 7 showed the lowest MIC against Gram positive bacteria while compound 5b showed the lowest MIC against yeast.
On the morphology of antennular sensory and attachment organs in cypris larvae of the deep‐sea vent/seep barnacles, Ashinkailepas and Neoverruca
Authors: Yorisue Takefumi , Chan Benny K. K. , Kado Ryusuke , Watanabe Hiromi , Inoue Koji , Kojima Shigeaki , Høeg Jens T.
Published: March 2016

Barnacle cypris larvae show high morphological variation in the organs used in search of and attaching to a substratum. This variation may represent adaptation to the habitat of the species. Here, we studied SEM level morphologies of cypris antennular sensory and attachment organs in a deep‐sea vent endemic species (Neoverruca sp.) and a vent/seep inhabiting species (Ashinkailepas seepiophila). We compare them with three species from other environments. The antennular morphologies of Neoverruca sp. and A. seepiophila were similar, which is consistent with recent molecular studies showing a close relationship of the two species. The setation pattern of the antennules was very conservative among species from various environments. In contrast, striking differences were observed in the structure of the attachment organ (the third antennular segment). Neoverruca sp. and A. seepiophila had no velum or a skirt surrounding the attachment disc on the third segment, while other cirripede cyprids almost always have either of these structures. In addition, both cyprids of A. seepiophila and Neoverruca sp. had the attachment disc angled toward the substratum, whereas it faces distally in cyprids from hard bottom inhabiting barnacles. We suggest that both velum/skirt and the angle of the attachment disc play an important role, when the antennules are contacting the substratum during surface exploration. Differences in attachment organ structures may be highly adaptive, enabling cirripede species to enter new habitats during evolution. J. Morphol. 277:594–602, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.