bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structure‐Activity Relationship of Hetarylpropylguanidines Aiming at the Development of Selective Histamine Receptor Ligands†
Authors: Pockes Steffen , Wifling David , Buschauer Armin , Elz Sigurd 
Published: March 2019

AbstractNew classes of alkylated hetarylpropylguanidines with different functionality and variation in spacer length were synthesized to determine their behavior at the four histamine receptor (H1R, H2R, H3R, H4R) subtypes. Alkylated guanidines with different terminal functional groups and varied basicity, like amine, guanidine and urea were developed, based on the lead structure SK&F 91486 (2). Furthermore, heteroatomic exchange at the guanidine structure of 2 led to simple analogues of the lead compound. Radioassays at all histamine receptor subtypes were accomplished, as well as organ bath studies at the guinea pig (gp) ileum (gpH1R) and right atrium (gpH2R). Ligands with terminal functionalization led to, partially, highly affine and potent structures (two digit nanomolar), which showed up a bad selectivity profile within the histamine receptor family. While the benzoylurea derivative 144 demonstrated a preference towards the human (h) H3R, S‐methylisothiourea analogue 143 obtained high affinity at the hH4R (pKi=8.14) with moderate selectivity. The molecular basis of the latter finding was supported by computational studies.
Facile Synthesis of Amorphous Ge Supported by Ni Nanopyramid Arrays as an Anode Material for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wu Hao , Liu Wenjun , Zheng Lihua , Zhu Danfeng , Du Ning , Xiao Chengmao , Su Liwei , Wang Lianbang 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIn this work, we introduce Ni nanopyramid arrays (NPAs) supported amorphous Ge anode architecture and demonstrate its effective improvement in sodium storage properties. The Ni−Ge NPAs are prepared by facile electrodeposition and sputtering method, which eliminates the need for any binder or conductive additive when used as a Na‐ion battery anode. The electrodes display stable cycling performance and enhanced rate capabilities in contrast with planar Ge electrodes, which can be owing to the rational design of the architectured electrodes and firm bonding between current collector and active material (i. e. Ni and Ge, respectively). To validate improvement of nanostructures on electrochemical performance, sodium insertion behavior of crystalline Ge derived from Mg2Ge precursor has been investigated, in which limited but effective enhancement of sodium storage properties are realized by introducing porous nanostructure in crystalline Ge. These results show that elaborately designed configuration of Ge electrodes may be a promising anode for Na‐ion battery applications.
Prenatal exposure to non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and neurodevelopmental outcomes in children
Authors: Markovic Maja , Swanson Sonja A. , Stricker Bruno H. , Jaddoe Vincent W.V. , Verhulst Frank C. , Tiemeier Henning , El Marroun Hanan 
Published: March 2019

AbstractPurposeNon‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used during pregnancy. Findings that prenatal NSAID exposure may affect offspring neurodevelopment have been inconsistent. We investigated the effect of prenatal NSAID exposure on childhood neurodevelopment and explored the susceptibility of our effect estimates to forms of bias via negative exposure, negative outcome, and multi‐informant analyses.MethodsIn a cohort of pregnant women (n = 6876), perinatal NSAID use was assessed by prescriptions and self‐report. Primary neurodevelopmental outcomes included attention problems using maternal reports at 1½, 3, and 5 years. To explore potential systematic biases, we compared estimates from maternally reported attention problems to a teacher's report and a measure of nonverbal intelligence assessed at a clinic visit at age 6 years; we also used NSAID use before pregnancy and somatic problems as a “negative” exposure and outcome, respectively.ResultsMaternal reports suggested that prenatal exposure to NSAIDs was associated with more attention problems at younger ages (eg, at age 3: mean difference in attention problems score: 0.30; 95% CI 0.12, 0.48). However, no strong association with attention problems was found in the teacher report, and a similarly strong association between prenatal NSAID exposure and somatic complaints suggests residual confounding by indication likely remains. Moreover, prenatal exposure to NSAIDs was not associated with an observed measure of IQ (mean difference in IQ score: −0.32; 95% CI: −1.82, 1.19).ConclusionsJointly, our results suggest that the observed associations between prenatal exposure to NSAIDs and child attention problems reflect systematic biases of a null or small effect.
The ENCePP Code of Conduct: A best practise for scientific independence and transparency in noninterventional postauthorisation studies
Authors: Gini Rosa , Fournie Xavier , Dolk Helen , Kurz Xavier , Verpillat Patrice , Simondon François , Strassmann Valerie , Apostolidis Kathi , Goedecke Thomas 
Published: March 2019

AbstractPurposeThe ENCePP Code of Conduct provides a framework for scientifically independent and transparent pharmacoepidemiological research. Despite becoming a landmark reference, practical implementation of key provisions was still limited. The fourth revision defines scientific independence and clarifies uncertainties on the applicability to postauthorisation safety studies requested by regulators. To separate the influence of the funder from the investigator's scientific responsibility, the Code now requires that the lead investigator is not employed by the funding institution.MethodTo assess how the revised Code fits the ecosystem of noninterventional pharmacoepidemiology research in Europe, we first mapped key recommendations of the revised Code against ISPE Good Pharmacoepidemiology Practices and the ADVANCE Code of Conduct. We surveyed stakeholders to understand perceptions on its value and practical applicability. Representatives from the different stakeholders' groups described their experience and expectations.ResultsUnmet needs in pharmacoepidemiological research are fulfilled by providing unique guidance on roles and responsibilities to support scientific independence. The principles of scientific independence and transparency are well understood and reinforce trust in study results; however, around 70% of survey respondents still found some provisions difficult to apply. Representatives from stakeholders' groups found the new version promising, although limitations still exist.ConclusionBy clarifying definitions and roles, the latest revision of the Code sets a new standard in the relationship between investigators and funders to support scientific independence of pharmacoepidemiological research. Disseminating and training on the provisions of the Code would help stakeholders to better understand its advantages and promote its adoption in noninterventional research.
Toward superior applications of thermoplastic elastomer blends: double Tg increase and improved ductility
Authors: Burgoa Aizeti , Hernandez Ricardo , Vilas Jose L 
Published: March 2019

AbstractWith the aim of curbing air pollution and addressing climate change, the use of low density thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) in transportation could be a useful way to lighten the vehicle weight. For that, melt blending of high performance rubber and thermoplastics is an attractive way of preparing high performance TPEs. In this work, several TPEs have been prepared by melt blending of hydrogenated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR) with polyamide 6 (PA6), adding different amounts of carboxylated HNBR (XHNBR) as compatibilizer: 40/60/0, 40/42/18, 40/30/30 and 40/18/42 (PA6/HNBR/XHNBR). The resulting blends were investigated using melt rheological measurements, morphological observations (scanning electron microscopy and polarized optical microscopy), dynamic mechanical analysis, differential scanning calorimetry analysis and mechanical tests. A biphasic morphology was noted for all TPEs. An increase in XHNBR amount changes the morphology from dispersed to co‐continuous. This evolution is explained by the change in the melt rheological properties of the HNBR/XHNBR rubber phase. Moreover, the introduction of 42% XHNBR resulted in an increase in the glass transition temperature of both rubber and PA6 phases. This double Tg increase phenomenon was attributed to the interfacial interactions between the carboxyl groups in XHNBR and the amine end groups in PA6. Additionally, thermal analysis revealed a reduced crystallinity of PA6 in the blend, which corresponds to enhanced interfacial interactions. The interfacial adhesion and the co‐continuous morphology resulted in an improved ductility. This study reveals the possibility of obtaining TPE blends with tunable thermal and mechanical properties by controlling both interfacial interactions and morphology. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Agreement Between Face‐to‐Face and Tele‐assessment of Upper Limb Functioning in Patients with Parkinson Disease
Authors: Cabrera‐Martos Irene , Ortiz‐Rubio Araceli , Torres‐Sánchez Irene , López‐López Laura , Rodríguez‐Torres Janet , Carmen Valenza M. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundUpper limb disturbances are prevalent in patients with Parkinson disease (PD) and can limit their participation in activities of daily living. Tele‐assessment of upper limb motor symptoms using an Internet application may be an alternative for addressing the growing demand for monitoring of disease progression.ObjectiveTo evaluate the level of agreement between face‐to‐face and tele‐assessment of patients with PD.DesignReliability study.SettingParkinson's Disease Association.ParticipantsTwenty‐one patients with PD from a local association participated in the study.MethodsPatients attended a session for clinical face‐to‐face and real‐time online tele‐assessment.Main Outcome MeasurementsUpper limb measures of function (assessed with the Manual Ability Measure 16), dexterity (evaluated using the coin rotation task), motor speed (assessed by the finger tapping test), tremor (evaluated with the Fahn‐Tolosa‐Marin Tremor Rating Scale), and range of motion (using the Kinovea software) were recorded by two independent researchers.ResultsAll the outcome measures evaluated showed a good interrater, intraclass correlation coefficient (ρ > 0.75). In addition, most confidence intervals were narrow and excluded 0.8. The lowest reliability was obtained for elbow flexion of the most affected upper limb (ρ = 0.75; confidence interval 0.49‐0.89) and the highest reliability for finger tapping tests (ρ = 1; 1, 1).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates high interrater reliability of upper limb tele‐assessment in patients with PD compared to a face‐to‐face assessment.Level of EvidenceIII.
Quality of life versus length of life considerations in cancer patients: A systematic literature review
Authors: Shrestha Anne , Martin Charlene , Burton Maria , Walters Stephen , Collins Karen , Wyld Lynda 
Published: March 2019

AbstractObjectivePatients with cancer face difficult decisions regarding treatment and the possibility of trading quality of life (QoL) for length of life (LoL). Little information is available regarding patients' preferences and attitudes toward their cancer treatment and the personal costs they are prepared to exchange to extend their life. The aim of this review is to determine the complex trade‐offs and underpinning factors that make patients with cancer choose quality over quantity of life.MethodsA systematic review of the literature was conducted using MeSH terms: cancer, longevity or LoL, QoL, decision making, trade‐off, and health utility. Articles retrieved were published between 1942 and October 2018.ResultsOut of 4393 articles, 30 were included in this review. Older age, which may be linked to declining physical status, was associated with a preference for QoL over LoL. Younger patients were more likely to undergo aggressive treatment to increase survival years. Preference for QoL and LoL was not influenced by gender, education, religion, having children, marital status, or type of cancer. Patients with better health valued LoL and inversely those with poorer physical status preferred QoL.ConclusionBaseline QoL and future expectations of life seem to be key determinants of preference for QoL versus LoL in cancer patients. In‐depth studies are required to understand these trade‐offs and the compromises patients are willing to make regarding QoL or LoL, especially in older patients with naturally limited life expectancy.
Possible anti‐obesity effects of phytosterols and phytostanols supplementation in humans: A systematic review and dose–response meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Ghaedi Ehsan , Varkaneh Hamed Kord , Rahmani Jamal , Mousavi Seyed Mohammad , Mohammadi Hamed , Fatahi Somaye , Pantovic Ana , Darooghegi Mofrad Manije , Zhang Yong 
Published: March 2019

Present meta‐analysis investigates the effects of phytosterols and phytostanol (PS) supplementation on anthropometric indices, using data from randomized controlled trials. We performed a systematic search in the databases: PubMed, Scopus, Cochran, and Web of Science. Weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were presented. Overall, 79 randomized controlled trials investigated the effects of PS on anthropometric indices. Meta‐analysis results did not reveal any significant effect of PS supplementation on weight (66 trials‐WMD: −0.083 kg; CI [−0.233, 0.066]; I2 = 42.5%), percentage fat mass (6 trials‐WMD: −0.090%; CI [−0.789, 0.610]; I2 = 0.0%), and waist circumference (WC; 5 trials‐WMD: −0.039 cm; CI [−0.452, 0.374]; I2 = 0.0%). However, body mass index (BMI) significantly decreased after PS supplementation (39 trials‐WMD: −0.063 kg/m2, p = 0.024, I2 = 25.1%). Subgroup analyses showed that PS supplementation in subjects with baseline BMI ≥25 and hyperlipidemic significantly decreased body weight and BMI. The overall results showed that although PS supplementation did not affect anthropometric indices (except BMI), baseline status regarding BMI and hyperlipidemia and also dose and duration could be contributing factors for favorable effects.
A dual Newton strategy for tree‐sparse quadratic programs and its implementation in the open‐source software treeQP
Authors: Kouzoupis D. , Klintberg E. , Frison G. , Gros S. , Diehl M. 
Published: March 2019

SummaryThis paper presents a dual Newton scheme for tree‐sparse quadratic programs as they may arise in the field of stochastic programming. Previous work suggests to introduce auxiliary variables to decompose the tree into scenarios and use Newton's method to solve a dual problem formulation. Following a different approach, we apply the same principle directly on the tree‐sparse problem, avoiding the increase in dimensionality. In combination with a tailored algorithm for the calculation of the step direction, which is typically the most expensive operation per iteration, the proposed algorithm achieves a linear complexity in the number of nodes and supports parallel processing of the tree branches in a stage‐wise fashion. An open‐source implementation of the presented dual Newton strategy is publicly available in treeQP, a toolbox of open‐source solvers for tree‐sparse quadratic programs.
Using the U‐net convolutional network to map forest types and disturbance in the Atlantic rainforest with very high resolution images
Authors: Wagner Fabien H. , Sanchez Alber , Tarabalka Yuliya , Lotte Rodolfo G. , Ferreira Matheus P. , Aidar Marcos P. M. , Gloor Emanuel , Phillips Oliver L. , Aragão Luiz E. O. C. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractMapping forest types and tree species at regional scales to provide information for ecologists and forest managers is a new challenge for the remote sensing community. Here, we assess the potential of a U‐net convolutional network, a recent deep learning algorithm, to identify and segment (1) natural forests and eucalyptus plantations, and (2) an indicator of forest disturbance, the tree species Cecropia hololeuca, in very high resolution images (0.3 m) from the WorldView‐3 satellite in the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest region. The networks for forest types and Cecropia trees were trained with 7611 and 1568 red‐green‐blue (RGB) images, respectively, and their dense labeled masks. Eighty per cent of the images were used for training and 20% for validation. The U‐net network segmented forest types with an overall accuracy >95% and an intersection over union (IoU) of 0.96. For C. hololeuca, the overall accuracy was 97% and the IoU was 0.86. The predictions were produced over a 1600 km2 region using WorldView‐3 RGB bands pan‐sharpened at 0.3 m. Natural and eucalyptus forests compose 79 and 21% of the region's total forest cover (82 250 ha). Cecropia crowns covered 1% of the natural forest canopy. An index to describe the level of disturbance of the natural forest fragments based on the spatial distribution of Cecropia trees was developed. Our work demonstrates how a deep learning algorithm can support applications such as vegetation, tree species distributions and disturbance mapping on a regional scale.
Including 38 kHz in the standardization protocol for hydroacoustic fish surveys in temperate lakes
Authors: Mouget Anne , Goulon Chloé , Axenrot Thomas , Balk Helge , Lebourges‐Dhaussy Anne , Godlewska Malgorzata , Guillard Jean 
Published: March 2019

AbstractHydroacoustics has become a requisite method to assess fish populations and allows to describe the relationships of fish with other elements of the aquatic ecosystem. This nonintrusive method is currently an integral part of the sampling procedures recommended for fish stock assessment by the Water Framework Directive and has been standardized by the European Committee for Standardization [CEN (2014) CSN EN 15910 ‐ Water quality ‐ Guidance on the estimation of fish abundance with mobile hydroacoustic methods, Category: 7577 Water quality. Biological.]. In Europe, hydroacoustic surveys are performed in freshwater using different frequencies. Consequently, there is a need to evaluate if survey results can be compared. This study aimed to carry out in situ comparisons at the 38 kHz frequency (noted f) with two other commonly used frequencies, 70 and 200 kHz. The 38 kHz frequency has seldom been compared with other frequencies in freshwater although it is widely used worldwide, especially in the Great Lakes of North America and in Sweden. In 2016, hydroacoustic data were acquired in Lakes Annecy and Bourget using methods validated in previous studies that compared the frequencies 70, 120 and 200 kHz. This study showed similar density and biomass estimations as a function of frequency, density(f) and biomass(f), between the frequencies studied for low to moderate fish densities. For higher fish densities, the results were more variable and need to be verified. Fish density(f) and biomass(f) estimations sometimes exhibit differences between frequencies, which is not fully in agreement with theoretical calculations. The aim of this study was to evaluate frequency comparisons in practise. However, if the differences on acoustic metrics, density(f) or biomass(f) between frequencies were occasionally statistically significant, the differences were small enough to be considered negligible for fish population management. These analyses led to better knowledge of the responses from fish in temperate lakes for the studied frequencies. Our findings should be considered when revising the CEN standard.
Nano‐Fibrillated Cellulose as a Versatile Carrier of Ru/Cu Nanoparticles for the Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenation of 5‐Hydroxymethyfural to 2,5‐Bishydroxymethylfuran
Authors: Zhang Junhua , Xie Wenxing , Liang Qidi , Peng Lincai , He Liang 
Published: March 2019

AbstractNano‐fibrillated cellulose (NFC), an abundant natural biomacromolecule, has received much attention in the field of catalyst preparation due to its unique properties. Herein, NFC is used as a versatile carrier of ruthenium and copper nanoparticles to enhance their performance in the catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) into 2,5‐bis(hydroxymethyl)furan (BHMF). The obtained RuCu@NFC was first characterized by SEM‐EDX, TEM, FT‐IR, XRD, TGA, and XPS techniques. The results showed that ruthenium and copper nanoparticles were well‐distributed on the surface of NFC, and NFC had a good thermal stability under the temperature of 210 °C. The CTH of HMF into BHMF study showed that a 97.0% of HMF conversion with a satisfactory BHMF selectivity up to 91.5% was obtained at 210 °C in 12 h over RuCu@NFC using isopropanol as the H‐donor. And RuCu@NFC was a robust catalyst that could be continuously used at least third times without significant loss in its catalytic activity.
Imaging histamine H3 receptors with [18F]FMH3: Test–retest and occupancy studies in the non‐human primate
Authors: Sandiego Christine M. , Barret Olivier , Lee Hsiaoju , Alagille David , Amenta Amy , Fowles Krista , Holden Daniel , Seibyl John P. , Tamagnan Gilles 
Published: March 2019

AbstractA positron emission tomography (PET) radioligand, [18F]FMH3, has been developed to interrogate histamine receptor subtype 3 (H3R), where dysfunction at this site is linked with obesity, sleep abnormality, and cognitive disorders. [18F]FMH3 was evaluated for imaging central H3R sites in non‐human primates through test–retest (TRT) and dose‐receptor occupancy studies with two selective H3R antagonists in order to support clinical investigations. Two adult female baboons underwent [18F]FMH3 PET brain scans in the HR+, at repeated baseline (n = 7) and following administration of escalating doses of ABT‐239 (0.003–0.1m/kg, n = 4) and ciproxifan (0.5–2.1 mg/kg, n = 7). Volume of distribution (VT) in brain regions was estimated using the 2‐tissue compartment model. TRT variability of VT across repeated baseline scans was reported as % coefficient of variation (COV). ABT‐239 and ciproxifan occupancy at H3R was estimated using the occupancy plot, and the relationship of occupancy with dose and plasma levels was determined. In baboons, distribution of [18F]FMH3 was high in the striatum, intermediate in cortical regions, and low in the brain stem. COV of baseline VT was 7.0 ± 3.5%, averaged across regions and animals. Dose‐dependent effects of ABT‐239 and ciproxifan measured the brain. ED50 and EC50, respectively, were 0.011 mg/kg and 0.942 ng/ml for ABT‐239 and 0.73 mg/kg and 208.3 ng/ml for ciproxifan. [18F]FMH3 demonstrated high TRT reliability and can be used to measure occupancy of H3R‐targeted drugs. Validation in non‐human primates support [18F]FMH3 PET studies toward clinical investigations of H3R.