bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Novel Pyrazole Derivatives as Antineoplastic Agent
Authors: Rizk Sameh A. , El‐Sayed Amira A. , Mounier Marwa M. 
Published: August 2017

Anticancer evaluation of pyrazole 2 and Schiff base 5 is reported. Synthesis of some important heterocyclic compounds via 2,3‐diaryloxirane‐2,3‐dicarbonitrile 1, pyrazole 2, and Schiff base 5 with different nitrogen nucleophiles afforded new routes for synthesized fused heterocyclic derivatives. These compounds can be used as a key starting materials to synthesize some important imidazolo‐[4,5‐c]pyrazole, pyrazolo[3,4‐e]1,2,4‐triaging, imidazolo[3,2‐b]pyrazole, and pyrazolo‐pyrazine, as anticancer reagents showed good results at optimum conditions (400–500 ppm), particularly the bridge head nitrogen compounds, and could be used to improve them. Electromeric effect of the halogen atom in the aryl moieties can be controlled upon the rate of reaction and the yield of the product. The structure of the synthesized new compounds would be characterized by elemental and spectral data.
Phosphine‐Catalyzed Diastereoselective [3 + 3] Annulation of Morita–Baylis–Hillman Carbonates with C,N‐Cyclic Azomethine Imines
Authors: Zhang Lei , Yang Wenjun , Zhou Leijie , Liu Honglei , Huang Jiaxing , Xiao Yumei , Guo Hongchao 
Published: August 2017

In this paper, phosphine‐catalyzed [3 + 3] annulation of Morita–Baylis–Hillman carbonates with C,N‐cyclic azomethine imines has been achieved. The reaction worked smoothly under mild conditions to afford 4,6,7,11b‐tetrahydro‐1H‐pyridazino[6,1‐a]isoquinoline derivatives in high yields with good to excellent diastereoselectivities.
Democratic Capital, Democratic Rights and FDI in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Gossel Sean Joss 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis study investigates the relationship between democratic capital, democratic rights and foreign direct investment (FDI) in 42 Sub‐Saharan African (SSA) countries over the period of 1972–2014. The results show that FDI is affected by the accumulation of democratic capital to a greater extent than by contemporaneous democratic reforms or the components of democracy (civil liberties and political rights). Furthermore, FDI is found to respond positively to the recent accumulation of democratic capital in more democratic SSA countries, to the durable accumulation of democracy in less democratic countries, and by political repression in more democratic countries. Finally, sensitivity analysis shows that although the results are not significantly affected by the extent of resource dependence, they are susceptible to socio‐cultural variations, particularly among the European heritage SSA countries. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Successful Transition to Secondary School in Tanzania: What Are the Barriers?
Authors: Joyce‐Gibbons Andrew , Galloway David , Mollel Andrew , Mgoma Sylvester , Pima Michael , Deogratias Enos 
Published: August 2017

AbstractTransition to secondary school is a problem internationally. Tanzanian students face an additional challenge as the medium of instruction changes from Kiswahili to English. An 18‐item questionnaire (N = 383) and focus groups (primary standard 7, secondary forms 1 and 3, and primary and secondary teachers) were used in this study. Most students started secondary school with high expectations. These were qualified by experiences of bullying and punishment. Teachers recognised students losing hope as an explanation for truancy. However, they lacked both the training to teach English and knowledge of alternatives to punishment. Peer mentoring potentially addresses these challenges during transition. © 2017 The Authors Journal of International Development Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Seasonal assessment and classification of aerosols transported to Lahore using AERONET and MODIS deep blue retrievals
Authors: Zafar Qudsia , Zafar Sidra , Holben Brent 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACTDaily measurements of aerosol optical depth (τ) and Ångstrom wavelength exponent (α) acquired from Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS) are analysed over Lahore – an urban city of Pakistan (period: 2010–2014) to investigate contribution of different types of aerosols originating from both local and regional source locations. The obtained annual averages (mean ± standard deviation) for AERONET retrievals of τ (500 nm) and α (440–870 nm) are 0.68 ± 0.37 (0.08–2.91) and 0.99 ± 0.33 (0–1.8), respectively. Of all the sources, 61% are found within Pakistan, 11% in India, 19% in Afghanistan, 6% in Iran and 2% in Saudi Arabia with seasonal contributions of 35, 25, 23 and 17% in pre‐monsoon, monsoon, winter and post‐monsoon, respectively. The bimodal distributions of α show dominance of coarse‐mode particles during pre‐monsoon, fine‐mode particles during post‐monsoon and presence of both coarse‐mode and fine‐mode particles during winter and monsoon with winter showing more fine‐mode particles. Two broad classes of aerosols namely desert dust (DD) and biomass burning/urban industrial (BU) are identified with criteria, e.g. τ ≥ 0.3 and α ≤ 0.75 indicating presence of DD while τ ≥ 0.2 and α ≥ 1.15 indicating BU. The frequency of occurrence (FOO) of DD and BU aerosols is further identified by applying classification criteria over Aqua‐MODIS deep blue retrievals. The FOO identifies anthropogenic activity on‐going throughout the year, disrupted with DD aerosols only during pre‐monsoon and monsoon. The maximum dust activity is seen over Indo‐Gangetic plains (IGP) (localized maxima: 35–45%) and the Arabian peninsula (>55%) during pre‐monsoon, while maximum BU aerosols are found over IGP, central and south‐eastern plains of India and the state of Gujarat (localized maxima: >70%) in winter and post‐monsoon.
Precipitation over the Tibetan Plateau during recent decades: a review based on observations and simulations
Authors: Wang Xuejia , Pang Guojin , Yang Meixue 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACTThe Tibetan Plateau (TP) has a significant influence on local, regional, and even global weather and climate systems. Precipitation on the TP plays a critical role in the energy and water cycle and terrestrial ecosystem. This study reviewed recent research progress in precipitation changes in recent decades and explored their mechanisms involved based on observations (meteorological station data and satellite remote sensing data) and simulations [global climate models (GCMs) and downscaling modelling]. Our review suggested that the TP precipitation decreases progressively from southeast to northwest, mainly occurs in summer (June–August), accounting for ∼60–70% of annual total, and marginally occurs in winter (December–February), accounting for less than 10%. Diurnal variation of precipitation and convective activity are obvious on the TP. The TP has experienced an overall surface air wetting trend since the 1960s, but with apparent regional and seasonal differences. Projected precipitation on the TP from GCMs and statistical downscaling methods (SDMs) generally increases, while from dynamic downscaling methods (DDMs) slightly increases or even decreases as greenhouse gas emissions continue in the future. Influencing factors such as the TP' and Asian land heating, large‐scale atmospheric circulations, climate warming, aerosols, and land surface conditions all exert prominent but complicated effects on precipitation changes on the TP. More efforts should be made to improve the reliabilities and accuracies of precipitation observational data sets, GCMs, and downscaling modelling. Finally, directions for future research are discussed based on the various means covering high‐quality precipitation observations and more skilful simulations, which are synthetically used to investigate the TP precipitation and its driving mechanisms. It is expected that this review and its results will be beneficial for hydrological and precipitation studies over the TP.
Single standard substance for the determination of nine volatile components in the distillate of Fructus Gardeniae and Radix Curcumae (an intermediate of Xingnaojing Injection)
Authors: Fang Jinyang , Yang Bo , Ge Zhiwei , Bai Xue , Yan Binjun 
Published: August 2017

AbstractXingnaojing Injection is a traditional Chinese medicine extensively used for stroke and cerebral ischemia. For better in‐process quality control of Xingnaojing Injection, a method for the analysis of its intermediate (i.e., the distillate of Fructus Gardeniae and Radix Curcumae) is needed to monitor and optimize the hydrodistillation extraction process. In this work, nine major volatile components in the intermediate were identified: isophorone, 4‐methylene‐isophorone, curcumenone, curcumenol, curdione, curzerenone, furanodienone, curcumol, and germacrone. A quantitative analysis of multi‐component with a single‐marker method based on high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection was developed for the simultaneous determination of the nine components. In this method, only curdione was needed as the reference substance, and the other eight components were determined using their relative correction factors to curdione. In the method validation, good linearity (r > 0.9999), sensitivity, repeatability, and accuracy (recoveries within 95.3–105.4%) were shown. The repeatability and robustness of the relative correction factors were studied with different column temperatures, flow rates, detection wavelengths, columns, and instruments. In sample analyses, consistent results between the proposed method and the external standard method were shown. The proposed method provides a comprehensive and low‐cost tool for the quality assessment of the intermediate of Xingnaojing Injection.
The effect of solvation processes on amino acid‐ and peptide‐silica stationary phases
Authors: Skoczylas Magdalena , Bocian Szymon , Kowalkowski Tomasz , Buszewski Bogusław 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe surface excess adsorption isotherms of water, acetonitrile, and methanol from binary hydro‐organic mobile phases were investigated on nine home‐made stationary phases with chemically bonded amino acids, dipeptides, and tripeptides using the dynamic minor disturbance method. The stationary phases were modified by the following amino acids: glycine, alanine, phenylalanine, leucine, and aspartic acid. We investigated the influence of the type of immobilized amino acids, in particular their different side chains, on the solvent adsorption. The interpretation of solvation phenomena shows significant accumulation of investigated solvents on the adsorbent surface according to their hydrophilic or hydrophobic properties. Moreover, the accumulated amount was dependent on the length and type of amino acid sequences bonded to the silica surface. Stationary phases with bonded amino acids and peptides show stronger water and acetonitrile adsorption in contrast to the stationary phase modified with aminopropyl groups—a support for the synthesis. The comparison of water and acetonitrile adsorption as well as a data obtained with the two‐site adsorption model reveal and confirm the heterogeneity of chemically bonded phases. As a consequence of performed investigations, the classification of tested stationary phases for the potential usage in particular high‐performance liquid chromatography mode was also accomplished.
Habitat selection and activities of dabbling ducks during non‐breeding periods
Authors: Osborn Joshua M. , Hagy Heath M. , Mcclanahan Matthew D. , Davis J. Brian , Gray Matthew J. 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACTWestern Tennessee is an important region for waterfowl during non‐breeding periods, supporting >40% of the Mississippi Flyway population of American black ducks (Anas rubripes). Understanding habitat selection and activities of waterfowl during the non‐breeding period is important for directed habitat management on national wildlife refuges and in other wetlands important in meeting regional waterfowl conservation objectives. During November–February 2011–2013, we investigated diurnal habitat selection and activities of dabbling ducks (Anatini) among 5 common wetland types relative to emergent cover, water depth, and energetic carrying capacity (i.e., duck energy days [DEDs]) in western Tennessee, USA. We observed waterfowl daily and sampled food resources monthly at Tennessee and Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuges. Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), gadwall (A. strepera), northern pintail (A. acuta), and American green‐winged teal (A. carolinensis) selected moist‐soil wetlands over wooded, aquatic bed, and open water wetland types. Gadwall also selected deeper wetlands containing submersed aquatic vegetation. Foraging was the dominant activity of all dabbling ducks in mudflats and moist‐soil wetlands, and it was also dominant in wooded wetlands for green‐winged teal and gadwall. Deep, open water was avoided by dabbling ducks. Selection of wetland types was negatively correlated with increasing water depth and positively correlated with increasing emergent cover and DEDs. Shallowly flooded moist‐soil and wooded wetlands provide high‐energy foods and dense emergent cover, and are important to a diversity of dabbling ducks during winter. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Soil Organic Horizons Depending on the Soil Burn Severity and Type of Ecosystem
Authors: Rey‐Salgueiro Ledicia , Martínez‐Carballo Elena , Merino Agustín , Vega José A. , Fonturbel M. Teresa , Simal‐Gandara Jesus 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBecause forest fires are a source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), the influence of burnt conditions is of paramount importance and has not been thoroughly studied yet. In this study, two types of forest stands (Pinus nigra and Pinus pinaster) and two shrubland systems (Erica arborea and Ulex europaeus), differing in litter properties (composition and flammability), were considered. Changes in PAH levels were analysed in unburnt and charred litter, and they were related to different levels of soil burn severity and the organic matter composition of the charred litter, including charcoal and/or ashes. For monitoring PAH levels, an analytical method to determine them in unburnt and burnt woodland samples by pressure liquid extraction using a solid phase extraction cleanup was optimized. The highest levels of PAHs were found in the charred litter of P. pinaster (especially at soil burn severity = 200–400 °C), followed by U. europaeus, which presented similar concentration than Erica arborea and, finally, P. nigra. An association between the low molecular weight PAHs and 50% burn‐off temperature differential scanning calorimetry supports the idea of fire smoke as the main source of low molecular weight PAHs in charred biomass generated at temperatures of 200–400 °C. Instead, the fraction of high molecular weight PAHs is related to hydrogen‐to‐carbon and oxygen‐to‐carbon ash‐free dry weight, with charring depending on their organic matter content in the burnt material. PAH mobility will depend on the solubility of the organic matter, which is higher at higher pHs. The higher risk is the transport downstream to rivers or wet systems. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Filling the dead‐time gap in zero echo time MRI: Principles compared
Authors: Froidevaux Romain , Weiger Markus , Brunner David O. , Dietrich Benjamin E. , Wilm Bertram J. , Pruessmann Klaas P. 
Published: August 2017

PurposeMRI of tissues with short coherence lifetimes T2 or
can be performed efficiently using zero echo time (ZTE) techniques such as algebraic ZTE, pointwise encoding time reduction with radial acquisition (PETRA), and water‐ and fat‐suppressed proton projection MRI (WASPI). They share the principal challenge of recovering data in central k‐space missed due to an initial radiofrequency dead time. The purpose of this study was to compare the three techniques directly, with a particular focus on their behavior in the presence of ultra–short‐lived spins.MethodsThe most direct comparison was enabled by aligning acquisition and reconstruction strategies of the three techniques. Image quality and short‐
performance were investigated using point spread functions, 3D simulations, and imaging of phantom and bone samples with short (<1 ms) and ultra‐short (<100 μs)
.ResultsAlgebraic ZTE offers favorable properties but is limited to k‐space gaps up to approximately three Nyquist dwells. At larger gaps, PETRA enables robust imaging with little compromise in image quality, whereas WASPI may be prone to artifacts from ultra‐short
species.ConclusionFor small k‐space gaps (<4 dwells) and
much larger than the dead time, all techniques enable artifact‐free short‐
MRI. However, if these requirements are not fulfilled careful consideration is needed and PETRA will generally achieve better image quality. Magn Reson Med 79:2036–2045, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Urate levels predict survival in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Analysis of the expanded Pooled Resource Open‐Access ALS clinical trials database
Authors: Paganoni Sabrina , Nicholson Katharine , Chan James , Shui Amy , Schoenfeld David , Sherman Alexander , Berry James , Cudkowicz Merit , Atassi Nazem ,   for the Pooled Resource Open‐Access ALS Clinical Trials Consortium
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Urate has been identified as a predictor of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) survival in some but not all studies. Here we leverage the recent expansion of the Pooled Resource Open‐Access ALS Clinical Trials (PRO‐ACT) database to study the association between urate levels and ALS survival. Methods: Pooled data of 1,736 ALS participants from the PRO‐ACT database were analyzed. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to evaluate associations between urate levels at trial entry and survival. Results: After adjustment for potential confounders (i.e., creatinine and body mass index), there was an 11% reduction in risk of reaching a survival endpoint during the study with each 1‐mg/dL increase in uric acid levels (adjusted hazard ratio 0.89, 95% confidence interval 0.82–0.97, P < 0.01). Discussion: Our pooled analysis provides further support for urate as a prognostic factor for survival in ALS and confirms the utility of the PRO‐ACT database as a powerful resource for ALS epidemiological research. Muscle Nerve 57: 430–434, 2018
The Epigenomic Analysis of Human Obesity
Authors: Bell Christopher G. 
Published: August 2017

ObjectiveAnalysis of the epigenome—the chemical modifications and packaging of the genome that can influence or indicate its activity—enables molecular insight into cell type‐specific machinery. It can, therefore, reveal the pathophysiological mechanisms at work in disease. Detected changes can also represent physiological responses to adverse environmental exposures, thus enabling the epigenetic mark of DNA methylation to act as an epidemiological biomarker, even in surrogate tissue. This makes epigenomic analysis an attractive prospect to further understand the pathobiology and epidemiological aspects of obesity. Furthermore, integrating epigenomic data with known obesity‐associated common genetic variation can aid in deciphering their molecular mechanisms.Methods and ConclusionsThis review primarily examines epidemiological or population‐based studies of epigenetic modifications in relation to adiposity traits, as opposed to animal or cell models. It discusses recent work exploring the epigenome with respect to human obesity, which to date has predominately consisted of array‐based studies of DNA methylation in peripheral blood. It is of note that highly replicated BMI DNA methylation associations are not causal, but strongly driven by coassociations for more precisely measured intertwined outcomes and factors, such as hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, and inflammation. Finally, the potential for the future exploration of the epigenome in obesity and related disorders is considered.
Prior Endurance Training Enhances Beta‐Adrenergic Signaling in Epidydimal Adipose from Mice Fed a High‐Fat Diet
Authors: Snook Laelie A. , Trottier Sarah K. , Worndl Elizabeth A. , Bombardier Eric , Tupling A. Russell , MacPherson Rebecca E.K. 
Published: August 2017

ObjectiveAdipose tissue beta‐adrenergic signaling is attenuated in obesity and insulin resistance. It has been previously demonstrated that prior exercise training protects against short‐term, high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced weight gain and glucose intolerance. This study aimed to determine whether prior exercise training results in altered beta‐adrenergic and lipolytic signaling in adipose tissue when challenged with a HFD.MethodsMale C57BL/6J mice underwent 4 weeks of treadmill training (1 h/d, 5 d/wk). Twenty‐four hours after the final bout of exercise, mice were fed a HFD (60% kcal lard) for 4 days.ResultsSerum fatty acids, beta‐adrenergic signaling (phosphorylated ERK, hormone‐sensitive lipase, and p38), and perilipin 1 content were greater in epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT) from previously trained mice. These changes were not evident in eWAT from trained mice prior to the HFD and were not secondary to alterations in insulin responsiveness or catecholamine concentrations. CL 316,243‐mediated increases in hormone‐sensitive lipase phosphorylation and fatty acid accumulation in the media were greater in adipose tissue explants from previously trained mice fed a HFD.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that previous training increases adipose tissue beta‐adrenergic responsiveness to a short‐term HFD. This may help to explain the protective effect of prior exercise training against the deleterious effects of a HFD.
Impact of the black triangle label on prescribing of new drugs in the United Kingdom: lessons for the United States at a time of deregulation
Authors: Horton Daniel B. , Gerhard Tobias , Davidow Amy , Strom Brian L. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractPurposeNewly approved novel drugs in Europe receive a black triangle label to promote pharmacovigilance. With growing momentum for earlier drug approvals and reliance on real‐world evidence, we studied if the black triangle label promotes more judicious prescribing.MethodsWe examined whether general practitioners prescribed escitalopram, tadalafil, and vardenafil with a black triangle more cautiously than the same or similar drugs without a black triangle in The Health Improvement Network (UK). We performed interrupted time‐series analyses to estimate changes in new prescription rates and nested case‐control studies to compare characteristics of new users before and after removal of a black triangle.ResultsPrescribing rates to the 33 441 new users of these new drugs were highest shortly after initial approval and declined subsequently; there were no increases in rates of new prescriptions after a black triangle's removal (new prescriptions/million/month postlabel: escitalopram −1.5 [95% CI, −1.9 to −1.2]; tadalafil and vardenafil: −0.1 [95% CI, −0.6 to 0.4]). Among drugs in the same class, loss of a patent had more impact on prescribing rates than loss of a black triangle. People who began taking black triangle drugs were less likely to be young or to have multiple comorbidities or recent hospitalization compared with those starting the same drugs after the label's removal. However, these differences generally reflected secular trends seen also in similar, unlabeled medicines.ConclusionsAccelerated drug approvals could cause more uncertainty about drug effectiveness and safety, but specific labeling of newly approved medicines is unlikely to promote more judicious prescribing.