bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ruthenium(II)‐Chitosan, an Enantioselective Catalyst for the Transfer Hydrogenation of N‐Heterocyclic Ketones
Authors: Kolcsár Vanessza Judit , Fülöp Ferenc , Szőllősi György 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe present study aimed at extending the applicability of a recently developed stereoselective catalytic system to the preparation of optically enriched N‐heterocyclic alcohols. Chiral ruthenium catalyst formed in situ using the chitosan biopolymer as ligand, which provided good results in the transfer hydrogenation of heterobicyclic compounds, such as 4‐chromanone and 4‐thiochromanone, was used in reactions of various N‐containing prochiral ketones. High enantioselectivities were reached in transfer hydrogenations of bicyclic compounds bearing nitrogen either in aromatic or cycloaliphatic moieties, provided that the amino group was protected or shielded by a nearby substituent. Results were rationalized by interactions of the nitrogen with the metal and/or ligand. N‐containing bicyclic compounds having heteroatoms in both rings were also prepared and tested. The detrimental effect of the pyridyl moiety was compensated by the beneficial influence of the heteroatom in the cycloaliphatic ring, as indicated by high rates and good enantioselectivities obtained in reactions of these compounds. Preparation of several N‐heterocyclic alcohols, in good yields and high optical purities was achieved using Ru(II)‐chitosan complex.
Development of laser‐based remote sensing technique for detecting defects of concrete lining
Authors: Shimada Yoshinori , Kotyaev Oleg , Kurahashi Shinri , Yasuda Naotoshi , Misaki Norikazu , Takayama Yoshihisa , Soga Toshitaka 
Published: April 2019

AbstractLaser‐based remote sensing system (LRSS) for detecting defects of concrete lining has been developed. This system can move a central passage in Shin‐kansen tunnel and detected the concrete defects. We have developed automatic positioning and focusing system of impact and detection lasers. It was confirmed that this system inspected concrete defects with remote and high speed and soundness could be judged.
A controlled study of an integrated prevention program for improving disordered eating and body image among Mexican university students: A 3‐month follow‐up
Authors: Castillo Iraís , Solano Santos , Sepúlveda Ana R. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObesity and eating disorders are currently two significant health problems in Mexico. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of an integrated prevention program on university students through an exploratory controlled study that targeted specific predisposing factors of disordered eating and obesity related to healthy eating, physical activity, body image satisfaction and perceived pressure to be thin. A total of 388 university students participated (264 females and 124 males) and were assigned either to an intervention condition or one of the two control conditions (study skills vs. nonintervention); each comprised of a total of eight workshops lasting 90 min. The program did not have any effect on the male students. In contrast, there was an interaction effect for time and group in thin‐ideal internalization (η2 = 0.04) and in disordered eating attitudes/behaviours (η2 = 0.03); both showed improvements over time only among the female sample. Though, the effect size was insignificant, which means that the effectiveness of this integrated prevention program was limited. Integrated prevention approaches to eating and weight‐related problems are still nascent in Mexico, and further research in this field is warranted so as to fine tune future prevention programs.
Annual Award for an Essay by an Early‐Career Scholar
Authors: Solomon Mildred Z. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAs part of the celebrations of The Hastings Center’s fiftieth anniversary, we are launching an annual prize, The David Roscoe Award for an Early‐Career Scholar’s Essay on Science, Ethics, and Society. The award is named in honor of David Roscoe, an accomplished essayist and recent past chair of the Hastings board. The award is intended to highlight the good scholarship that will take the field of bioethics forward into the next fifty years. It will recognize an early‐career scholar—someone who either is currently pursuing a relevant academic degree or has earned one within the last six years—for a published essay on the social and ethical implications of advances in science and technology. More information about the award, along with online submission forms, is available on The Hastings Center’s website.
Conscience and Religious Freedom Division Marks Its First Anniversary with Action
Authors: Johnson Sandra H. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIn January 2018, the Trump administration established the Conscience and Religious Freedom Division within the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Civil Rights with the explicit goal of intensifying legal protection of religious and conscience objections in health care. The establishment of OCR’s new division illustrates the significant powers of administrative agencies to mold the substance of law without seeking legislative action. The mere formation of a division dedicated to protecting conscience rights is already having a significant impact; it is causing health care entities, including hospitals, research organizations, and clinics, to change policies and practices to comply with the declared enforcement strategy. Administrative agencies also shape the law in what they decide not to pursue. For example, OCR has suspended enforcement of the Affordable Care Act prohibition against gender‐identity discrimination.
Changing the Question
Authors: Brudney Daniel 
Published: April 2019

AbstractJack, who is seventy‐five years old, is in the hospital with a terminal condition that has undermined his cognitive faculties. He has left no advance directive and has never had a conversation in which he made his treatment wishes remotely clear. Yet now, a treatment decision must be made, and in modern American medicine, the treatment decision for Jack is supposed to be made by a surrogate decision‐maker, who is supposed to use a decision‐making standard known as “substituted judgment.” According to the substituted judgment standard, Jack’s surrogate decision‐maker, his wife, is supposed to decide on his treatment by determining what Jack would do if he did have decisional capacity. That is, she is supposed to answer the question, what would the patient choose? I will argue that this is the wrong question to ask because when the question has a determinate answer, that answer is sometimes not sufficiently connected to the value that is supposed to make the question morally salient, and because sometimes, perhaps often, there is no determinate answer to the question of what the patient would choose. Jointly, these two problems suggest the need for a different question.
Coupling tumor necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand to iron oxide nanoparticles increases its apoptotic activity on HCT116 and HepG2 malignant cells: effect of magnetic core size
Authors: Belkahla Hanene , Haque Amranul , Revzin Alexander , Gharbi Tijani , Constantinescu Andrei Alexandru , Micheau Olivier , Hémadi Miryana , Ammar Souad 
Published: April 2019

AbstractTumor necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) has been considered as a potential anticancer agent owing to its selectivity for malignant cells. However, its clinical use remains limited because of its poor efficacy. Attempts to increase its antitumor activity include, among others, its functionalization by nanoparticles (NPs). In the present study, TRAIL was grafted onto magnetic spinel iron oxide NPs of defined core size, 10 and 100 nm on average, to see whether the size of the resulting nanovectors, NV10 and NV100, respectively, might affect TRAIL efficacy and selectivity. Apoptosis induced by NV10 and NV100 was higher than by TRAIL alone in both HCT116 and HepG2 cells. At equimolar concentrations, neither the nanovectors nor the corresponding NPs displayed cytotoxicity towards normal primary hepatocytes or TRAIL receptor‐deficient HCT116 cells. NV100 exhibited superior proapoptotic activity than NV10, as evidenced by methylene blue and annexin V staining. Consistently, both caspase activation and TRAIL death‐induced signaling complex formation, as assessed by immunoblot analysis, were found to be increased in cells treated with NV100 as compared with NV10 or TRAIL alone. These results suggest that the size of NPs is important when TRAIL is vectorized for cancer therapy.
Associations of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 rs5498 polymorphism with ischemic stroke: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Gao Hua , Zhang Xinhua 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundRecently, associations between intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) rs5498 polymorphism and ischemic stroke (IS) were investigated by several pilot studies, but with inconsistent results. In this study, a meta‐analysis was performed to better assess the relationship between ICAM‐1rs5498 polymorphism and IS.MethodsPubMed, Medline, Embase, and CNKI were searched for eligible studies. We calculated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to evaluate associations between ICAM‐1 rs5498 polymorphism and IS.ResultsTotally 16 studies with 2,596 cases and 11,800 controls were analyzed. A significant association with IS was observed for rs5498 polymorphism in GG versus AA + AG (recessive model, p = 0.009, OR = 1.62, 95% CI 1.13–2.32, I2 = 76%) in overall population. Further subgroup analyses showed that rs5498 polymorphism was significantly associated with IS in Caucasians in AA versus AG + GG (dominant model, p = 0.03, OR = 0.52, 95% CI 0.29–0.95, I2 = 72%), GG versus AA + AG (recessive model, p < 0.0001, OR = 2.98, 95% CI 2.05–4.31, I2 = 19%), and A versus G (allele model, p = 0.005, OR = 0.50, 95% CI 0.31–0.81, I2 = 81%). However, no any positive findings were detected for Asians.ConclusionsOur findings indicated that rs5498 polymorphism was significantly associated with individual susceptibility to IS in Caucasians, but not in Asians.
Positron Scattering: Total Elastic and Grand Total Cross Sections for Molecules of Astrophysical Importance
Authors: Sinha Nidhi , Patel Durgesini , Antony Bobby 
Published: April 2019

AbstractSpherical complex optical potential (SCOP) method, appropriately modified by our group for positron scattering, is employed to compute total elastic and grand total cross sections for astrophysical molecules. The cross sections for the present targets, viz. H2O, NH3, HCl, OCS and SO2 are reported for a wide energy range, spanning from 1 eV to 5000 eV. The elastic cross sections for HCl and OCS are reported for the first time. In the intermediate to high energy regime, results of most of the targets studied compare fairly well with the recent measurements, wherever available. Present cross sections would be useful for modelling astrophysical systems.
Surfactant‐Assisted Electrodeposition of Nickel Nanostructures and Their Electrocatalytic Activities Toward Oxidation of Sodium Borohydride, Ethanol, and Methanol
Authors: Zolfaghari Mahdieh , Arab Ali , Asghari Alireza 
Published: April 2019

AbstractDifferent Ni nanostructures were electrodeposited from the Watts bath in the presence of different concentrations of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) using the pulse reverse current technique on the copper substrate. The concentration of SDS was lower than the critical micelle concentration (CMC), equal to CMC and higher than CMC for electrodeposition of Ni‐1, Ni‐2, and Ni‐3 samples respectively. The electrodeposited samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and field emission‐scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) techniques. The electrocatalytic activity of samples for oxidation of sodium borohydride, ethanol, and methanol was investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). For borohydride oxidation, one oxidation peak, as well as one semicircle, observed respectively in the cyclic voltammograms and Nyquist diagrams confirmed that only one reaction happened on the surface of samples. It was observed that at high overpotentials, Ni‐1 sample was more reactive for NaBH4 oxidation compared to the Ni‐2 and Ni‐3 samples.
An Efficient Ultrasound Promoted Three‐Component and Regioselective Synthesis of Indenoquinoxaline Compounds Containing Pyrrolopyrimidine Skeleton
Authors: Alizadeh Abdolali , Ghasemzadeh Hossein , Roosta Atefeh , Halvagar Mohammad Reza 
Published: April 2019

AbstractA series of new indeno[1,2‐b]quinoxaline compounds containing pyrrolopyrimidine skeleton have been synthesized in excellent yields using an improved and efficient synthetic methodology under ultrasonic irradiation in the absence of any added catalyst. The reactions were carried out under both thermal and ultrasonic irradiation condition. In general, obvious improvement in reaction time and milder conditions were observed when reactions were carried out under sonication compared with conventional silent conditions.
Optimization of N‐alkylation in the Synthesis of Methotrexate and Pteridine‐based Derivatives Under Microwave‐Irradiation
Authors: Quotadamo Antonio , Linciano Pasquale , Costi Maria Paola , Venturelli Alberto 
Published: April 2019

AbstractMethotrexate (MTX) and its pteridine‐based derivatives represent an attractive chemotype for the development of bioactive molecules. However, the synthesis of pteridines suffers from several drawbacks. Here we describe a new efficient and improved microwave‐assisted lab‐scale process for the preparation of MTX and congeners. Starting from the commercially available 2,4‐diamino‐6‐(hydroxymethyl)pteridine (Pt‐OH), MTX was obtained with an overall 94% yield through a three steps procedure. The crucial yield‐limiting and time‐consuming step of SN2 substitution between halogenated pteridine and nucleophilic aromatic amine was taken. The innovative process, conducted under microwave irradiation, improved yield and purity, and in particular reduced the reaction time from days to 20 minutes. The optimized protocol was successfully applied to the synthesis of diverse pteridine‐based derivatives and to the preparation in gram‐scale of antiparasitic MTX derivatives for in vivo studies. This new optimized synthetic procedure therefore represents a worthy alternative to the current protocols for the preparation of pteridine‐based derivatives.
8‐Hydroxyquinoline‐2‐Carboxanilides as Antiviral Agents Against Avian Influenza Virus
Authors: Kos Jiri , Ku Chuen Fai , Kapustikova Iva , Oravec Michal , Zhang Hong‐Jie , Jampilek Josef 
Published: April 2019

AbstractSeries of thirty‐two mono‐, di‐ and tri‐substituted 8‐hydroxyquinoline‐2‐carboxanilides were prepared by microwave‐assisted synthesis. The compounds were characterized, and their lipophilicity was experimentally determined. Primary in vitro screening of the cytotoxicity of all the synthesized compounds was performed using adenocarcinomic human alveolar basal epithelial cells (A549), and determined nontoxic compounds were then tested for their activity against highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus. 8‐Hydroxy‐N‐(3,4,5‐trichlorophenyl)quinoline‐2‐carboxamide, N‐(3‐chloro‐2‐fluorophenyl)‐8‐hydroxyquinoline‐2‐carboxamide and N‐(3,4‐dichlorophenyl)‐8‐hydroxyquinoline‐2‐carboxamide demonstrated the highest activity within the investigated series (IC50 = 11.3, 21.2 and 31.2 μM, respectively), while N‐(4‐chloro‐2‐fluorophenyl)‐8‐hydroxyquinoline‐2‐carboxamide expressed the highest cytotoxic effect (CC50 = 31.6 μM). In general, the inhibitory activity of the compounds depends on the position of halogen substituents on the anilide ring and is also affected by the lipophilicity and electron properties of individual substituents of the anilide part of the molecule. The structure‐activity relationships are discussed.
Optical Design in Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Deng Kaimo , Li Liang 
Published: April 2019

AbstractOrganic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have undergone an unprecedented development in the past few years and their power conversion efficiency (PCE) has reached over 23%. The conversion from light to electricity in the photovoltaic device has an intimate connection with the light absorption and charge dynamics. To further improve the PCE, it is necessary to optimize the device architecture and maximize the light absorption of the active materials, so that more photoexcited carriers can be generated and collected. The optical properties can also affect the device stability, especially for the long‐term exposure under UV light. Herein, recent progress of optical designs in PSCs toward better device performance and wider applications are summarized. The design strategies from the perspective of optical properties may further boost the development of PSCs.
How Spatial Patterns of Soil Moisture Dynamics Can Explain Field‐Scale Soil Moisture Variability: Observations From a Sodic Landscape
Authors: Peterson A. M. , Helgason W. H. , Ireson A. M. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractRoot‐zone soil moisture (0–110 cm) was monitored at 21 sites within a cold‐region semiarid prairie grazing pasture over multiple growing seasons. There were large differences in the moisture dynamics for different sites, which was related to local‐scale impacts of sodium‐induced clay dispersion. Sites with high exchangeable sodium percentages, indicative of sodic soils, were characterized by small changes in soil moisture storage. The sites with the largest soil moisture changes had negligible exchangeable sodium percentage. We used this difference to divide the area into sites that participate in the field‐scale water balance and those that do not. As a result of this heterogeneity, a unique soil moisture variability‐mean relationship was observed; the spatial variability of root‐zone soil moisture was lowest during intermediate wetness conditions and highest for wet and dry conditions. Furthermore, the shape of the variability‐mean relationship depended on the depth over which soil moisture was integrated. The persistent differences in soil moisture dynamics were also responsible for the presence of two distinct spatial patterns of root‐zone soil moisture, representing early and late growing season (i.e., wet and dry conditions). The participating versus nonparticipating framework may be applicable broadly to sodic soils and to other soil types and has practical implications for parameterizing the water balance in hydrological models and for designing representative soil moisture monitoring networks in such environments.
Effect of Adding Carbon Nanotubes on Corrosion Rates and Steel-Concrete Bond
Authors: Hassan Ahmed , Elkady Hala , Shaaban Ibrahim G. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThis paper presents a continuation of the evaluation of utilizing Nano Carbon Tubes (CNTs) in reinforced concrete (CNT-CRETE). The compressive, tensile and bond strengths of the samples with and without CNTs were investigated. Scanning Electron Microscope (SME) was utilized to study the microstructure of the prepared samples. In addition, the corrosion resistance of CNT-CRETE, was measured and compared to traditional concrete. Four mixes were prepared, with 0.01%, 0.02%, and 0.03%, CNTs by weight of cement, along with a control mix without CNTs. The results of the experimental work showed that adding CNTs led to an increase in the compressive, tensile and bond strengths of specimens compared to those of the control specimen. SEM examination for control and CNTs specimens showed that CNTs specimen were well structured compared with the control specimen and this affirms that CNTs act as bridges across micro cracks, which explains the improvement in mechanical properties. The diameter of steel bars played a significant role in failure mechanism for pull-out testing and corrosion resistance. In general, adding CNTs to the concrete mix increased the rate of corrosion for steel bars within the low risk limits. Benefits from using CNTs were limited to moderate. Mineral/chemical admixtures or fibers provide better improvements in the mechanical properties of concrete without the problems associated with dispersing CNTs and the health hazard of handling a Nano material.
Comparing Three Different Contrast Sensitivity Tests in Adults and in Children with and without Amblyopia
Authors: Ulrich Kerstin , Palmowski-Wolfe Anja 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
Background Tests of contrast sensitivity (CS) are not routinely performed in the clinic, although CS is reduced in many conditions, such as amblyopia or glaucoma. This may be due to perceived time constraints or unaffordability of equipment.
Patients and Methods Monocular CS functions obtained with the FACT, CSV 1000E, and Lea Symbols were compared in 19 healthy subjects aged 24 – 78 years and 24 subjects aged 5 – 16 years, 9 of whom had amblyopia.
Results CS functions could be obtained with all three tests. The tests were equally comfortable for young and adult patients, and took less than 5 minutes to perform (one eye). All measured CSs at 3, 6, 12, and 18 cycles per degree (cpd), but the FACT included 1.5 cpd.
Linear mixed effect models were performed. While there was no significant difference at low spatial frequencies, the Lea CS test showed a ceiling effect in that range, while the FACT showed a floor effect at high spatial frequencies. CS in amblyopic children did not differ between the contralateral and the amblyopic eye. Overall, amblyopic eyes had lower CS values than the control eyes and CS did not correlate significantly to visual acuity at distance.
Conclusion All three CS tests could be usefully applied in the clinic in adults as well as children over the age of 4 years. Only the CSV 1000E exhibited neither a ceiling nor a floor effect. This was also the fastest test. In children with amblyopia, CS testing offers additional information on visual function. In contrast to previous reports, we did not find that the CSV and FACT are interchangeable.
Bovine dilatative Kardiomyopathie beim Rind: nach wie vor
ein Thema
Authors: Magner Regina 
Published: April 2019

Riedi AK, Drögemüller C, Gurtner C et al. Bovine dilatative Kardiomyopathie:
Altbekannt und dennoch gegenwärtig. SAT 2018; 160 (5): 289–293
Herzerkrankungen beim Rind sind medizinisch herausfordernd, sowohl
diagnostisch als auch therapeutisch. Dass eine genaue Diagnostik trotzdem
sinnvoll ist, zeigt die bovine dilatative Kardiomyopathie (BDCMP), die immer
noch mit 2 % in der Schweizer Rinderpopulation vorkommt. Dieser Gendefekt
kam besonders Ende der 1970er Jahre bei Kühen der Rasse Swiss Fleckvieh zur
Ausprägung und lässt sich auf den 1946 geborenen Stier „Reflection
Sovereign“ zurückführen. Durch zuchthygienische Maßnahmen konnte die
Prävalenz deutlich gesenkt werden, doch immer wieder fallen Tiere mit
Leistungseinbußen und Rechtsherzinsuffizienz auf, bei denen die
Verdachtsdiagnose BDCMP gestellt werden kann. Im Folgenden werden drei
Fallberichte besprochen.