bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compact Silicon Waveguide Mode Converter Employing Dielectric Metasurface Structure
Authors: Wang Hongwei , Zhang Yong , He Yu , Zhu Qingming , Sun Lu , Su Yikai
Published: December 2018

Mode converters are key components in on‐chip mode‐division multiplexing systems. A compact silicon waveguide mode converter is proposed and demonstrated using all‐dielectric metasurface structure with a tilted subwavelength periodic perturbation. The proposed waveguide mode converter can be scaled to realize arbitrary waveguide mode conversion. As examples, two waveguide mode converters are experimentally demonstrated on a silicon‐on‐insulator wafer, which can convert the TE0 mode to the TE1 mode and the TE2 mode with coupling lengths of 5.75 and 6.736 µm, respectively. The conversion losses of <1 dB and crosstalk values of <−10 dB are achieved for both the TE0‐to‐TE1 and the TE0‐to‐TE2 mode converters.
Defect‐Rich Soft Carbon Porous Nanosheets for Fast and High‐Capacity Sodium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Yao Xuhui , Ke Yajie , Ren Wenhao , Wang Xuanpeng , Xiong Fangyu , Yang Wei , Qin Mingsheng , Li Qi , Mai Liqiang
Published: December 2018

Soft carbon has attracted tremendous attention as an anode in rocking‐chair batteries owing to its exceptional properties including low‐cost, tunable interlayer distance, and favorable electronic conductivity. However, it fails to exhibit decent performance for sodium‐ion storage owing to difficulties in the formation of sodium intercalation compounds. Here, microporous soft carbon nanosheets are developed via a microwave induced exfoliation strategy from a conventional soft carbon compound obtained by pyrolysis of 3,4,9,10‐perylene tetracarboxylic dianhydride. The micropores and defects at the edges synergistically leads to enhanced kinetics and extra sodium‐ion storage sites, which contribute to the capacity increase from 134 to 232 mAh g−1 and a superior rate capability of 103 mAh g−1 at 1000 mA g−1 for sodium‐ion storage. In addition, the capacitance‐dominated sodium‐ion storage mechanism is identified through the kinetics analysis. The in situ X‐ray diffraction analyses are used to reveal that sodium ions intercalate into graphitic layers for the first time. Furthermore, the as‐prepared nanosheets can also function as an outstanding anode for potassium‐ion storage (reversible capacity of 291 mAh g−1) and dual‐ion full cell (cell‐level capacity of 61 mAh g−1 and average working voltage of 4.2 V). These properties represent the potential of soft carbon for achieving high‐energy, high‐rate, and low‐cost energy storage systems.
Heat recovery in energy production from low temperature heat sources
Authors: Brogioli Doriano , La Mantia Fabio
Published: December 2018

Low‐temperature (<100°C) heat sources have the potential to provide renewable and clean energy. Traditional technologies (thermal engines and thermoelectric solid‐state devices) are not economic in this temperature range. Innovative methods have been recently proposed. In some of them, a process of “heat recovery” has been proposed: it consists in the reuse of the heat provided by the heat source more than one time. Here, we perform a thermodynamic analysis of the heat recovery process. We found that, in the considered temperature range, the temperature difference across the heat exchangers has a major impact on the efficiency, being the main cause of entropy production. By evaluating the efficiency and the surface of heat exchangers needed for producing one unit of power, we found that fundamental processes operating on large temperature difference should be preferred, in order to minimize the capital cost and volumetric dimension of the heat recovery system. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 65: 980–991, 2019
Super‐Twisting Observer‐Based Integral Sliding Mode Control for Tracking the Rapid Acceleration of a Piston in a Hybrid Electro‐Hydraulic and Pneumatic System
Authors: Hoang Quoc‐Dong , Lee Soon‐Geul , Dugarjav Batsaikhan
Published: December 2018

A new hybrid electro‐hydraulic and pneumatic actuator system and its dynamic model for high‐performance control are presented. This work focuses on tracking control of rapidly changing acceleration that is an advanced area with various practical applications in industries. The impact motion control of the actuator is one of challenging task due to the system instability during the transition state. Since composite disturbances derived from the inaccurate and unmodeled dynamics considerably reduce the control performance. A novel structure of variable integral sliding mode controls integrated with a sliding mode disturbance observer is proposed based on the super‐twisting algorithm. With the control strategy, not only does the controller overcome the extreme sensitivity of the system during rapid movements, but it also eliminates the internal parameter uncertainties and external load disturbance while tracking rapid gain‐scheduled acceleration. The results of the numerical simulation and field experiment are presented to assess the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Three cases of adjacent segment disease post‐posterior spinal fusion, treated successfully by oblique lateral interbody fusion: A clinical series
Authors: Sakamoto Takuya , Abe Koki , Orita Sumihisa , Inage Kazuhide , Suzuki Miyako , Fujimoto Kazuki , Shiga Yasuhiro , Kanamoto Hirohito , Inoue Masahiro , Kinoshita Hideyuki , Norimoto Masaki , Umimura Tomotaka , Eguchi Yawara , Takahashi Kazuhisa , Ohtori Seiji
Published: December 2018

Key Clinical Message

The incidence of spinal fusion surgery and associated adjacent segment disease (ASD) is steadily increasing. We report three cases of ASD after posterior fixation, treated by oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF). All cases had a good postoperative course. Altogether, OLIF surgery may be a viable option for treating ASD.
Adversaries or allies? Privacy and deep learning in big data era
Authors: Liu Bo , Ding Ming , Zhu Tianqing , Xiang Yong , Zhou Wanlei
Published: December 2018

Deep learning methods have become the basis of new AI‐based services on the Internet in big data era because of their unprecedented accuracy. Meanwhile, it raises obvious privacy issues. The deep learning–assisted privacy attack can extract sensitive personal information not only from the text but also from unstructured data such as images and videos. In this paper, we proposed a framework to protect image privacy against deep learning tools, along with two new metrics that measure image privacy. Moreover, we propose two different image privacy protection schemes based on the two metrics, utilizing the adversarial example idea. The performance of our solution is validated by simulations on two different datasets. Our research shows that we can protect the image privacy by adding a small amount of noise that has a humanly imperceptible impact on the image quality, especially for images of complex structures and textures.
Genome‐Wide Maps of Transcription Regulatory Elements and Transcription Enhancers in Development and Disease
Authors: Agrawal Puja , Heimbruch Katelyn E. , Rao Sridhar
Published: December 2018

Gene expression is regulated by numerous elements including enhancers, insulators, transcription factors, and architectural proteins. Regions of DNA distal to the transcriptional start site, called enhancers, play a central role in the temporal and tissue‐specific regulation of gene expression through RNA polymerase II. The identification of enhancers and othercisregulatory elements has largely been possible due to advances in next generation sequencing technologies. Enhancers regulate gene expression through chromatin loops mediated by architectural proteins such as YY1, CTCF, the cohesin complex, and LDB1. Additionally, enhancers can be transcribed to produce noncoding RNAs termed enhancer RNAs that likely participate in transcriptional regulation. The central role of enhancers in regulating gene expression implicates them in both normal physiology but also many disease states. The importance of enhancers is evident by the suggested role of SNPs, duplications, and other alterations of enhancer function in many diseases, ranging from cancer to atherosclerosis to chronic kidney disease. Although much progress has been made in recent years, the field of enhancer biology and our knowledge of thecisregulome remains a work in progress. This review will highlight recent seminal studies which demonstrate the role of enhancers in normal physiology and disease pathogenesis. © 2019 American Physiological Society.Compr Physiol9:439‐455, 2019.
Pt–Co Alloy Nanoparticles on a γ‐Al2O3 Support: Synergistic Effect between Isolated Electron‐Rich Pt and Co for Automotive Exhaust Purification
Authors: Sato Katsutoshi , Ito Ayano , Tomonaga Hiroyuki , Kanematsu Homare , Wada Yuichiro , Asakura Hiroyuki , Hosokawa Saburo , Tanaka Tsunehiro , Toriyama Takaaki , Yamamoto Tomokazu , Matsumura Syo , Nagaoka Katsutoshi
Published: December 2018

There is interest in minimizing or eliminating the use of Pt in catalysts by replacing it with more widely abundant and cost‐effective elements. The alloying of Pt with non‐noble metals is a potential strategy for reducing Pt use because interactions between Pt and non‐noble metals can modify the catalyst structure and electronic properties. Here, a γ‐Al2O3‐supported bimetallic catalyst [Pt(0.1)Co(1)/Al2O3] was prepared which contained 0.1 wt % Pt and 1 wt % Co and thus featured an extremely low Pt : Co ratio (<1 : 30 mol/mol). The Pt and Co in this catalyst formed alloy nanoparticles in which isolated electron‐rich Pt atoms were present on the nanoparticle surface. The activity of this Pt(0.1)Co(1)/Al2O3 catalyst for the purification of automotive exhaust was comparable to the activities of 0.3 and 0.5 wt % Pt/γ‐Al2O3 catalysts. Electron‐rich Pt and metallic Co promoted activation of NOx and oxidization of CO and hydrocarbons, respectively. This strategy of tuning the surrounding structure and electronic state of a noble metal by alloying it with an excess of a non‐noble metal will enable reduced noble metal use in catalysts for exhaust purification and other environmentally important reactions.
An integrated enrichment system to facilitate isolation and molecular characterization of single cancer cells from whole blood
Authors: Yu Liping , Sa Silin , Wang Ling , Dulmage Keely , Bhagwat Neha , Yee Stephanie S. , Sen Moen , Pletcher Charles H. , Moore Jonni S. , Saksena Suraj , Dixon Eric P. , Carpenter Erica L.
Published: December 2018

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) carry valuable biological information. While enumeration of CTCs in peripheral blood is an FDA‐approved prognostic indicator of survival in metastatic prostate and other cancers, analysis of CTC phenotypic and genomic markers is needed to identify cancer origin and elucidate pathways that can guide therapeutic selection for personalized medicine. Given the emergence of single‐cell mRNA sequencing technologies, a method is needed to isolate CTCs with high sensitivity and specificity as well as compatibility with downstream genomic analysis. Flow cytometry is a powerful tool to analyze and sort single cells, but pre‐enrichment is required prior to flow sorting for efficient isolation of CTCs due to the extreme low frequency of CTCs in blood (one in billions of blood cells). While current enrichment technologies often require many steps and result in poor recovery, we demonstrate a magnetic separator and acoustic microfluidic focusing chip integrated system that enriches rare cells in‐line with FACS™ (fluorescent activated cell sorting) and single‐cell sequencing. This system analyzes, isolates, and index sorts single cells directly into 96‐well plates containing reagents for Molecular Indexing (MI) and transcriptional profiling of single cells. With an optimized workflow using the integrated enrichment‐FACS system, we performed a proof‐of‐concept experiment with spiked prostate cancer cells in peripheral blood and achieved: (i) a rapid one‐step process to isolate rare cancer cells from lysed whole blood; (ii) an average of 92% post‐enrichment cancer cell recovery (R2 = 0.9998) as compared with 55% recovery for a traditional benchtop workflow; and (iii) detection of differentially expressed genes at a single cell level that are consistent with reported cell‐type dependent expression signatures for prostate cancer cells. These model system results lay the groundwork for applying our approach to human blood samples from prostate and other cancer patients, and support the enrichment‐FACS system as a flexible solution for isolation and characterization of CTCs for cancer diagnosis. © 2018 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Strategies in scheduling marine protected area establishment in a network system
Authors: Kininmonth Stuart , Weeks Rebecca , Abesamis Rene A. , Bernardo Lawrence Patrick C. , Beger Maria , Treml Eric A. , Williamson David , Pressey Robert L.
Published: December 2018

Instantaneous implementation of systematic conservation plans at regional scales is rare. More typically, planned actions are applied incrementally over periods of years or decades. During protracted implementation, the character of the connected ecological system will change as a function of external anthropogenic pressures, local metapopulation processes, and environmental fluctuations. For heavily exploited systems, habitat quality will deteriorate as the plan is implemented, potentially influencing the schedule of protected area implementation necessary to achieve conservation objectives. Understanding the best strategy to adopt for applying management within a connected environment is desirable, especially given limited conservation resources. Here, we model the sequential application of no‐take marine protected areas (MPAs) in the central Philippines within a metapopulation framework, using a range of network‐based decision rules. The model was based on selecting 33 sites for protection from 101 possible sites over a 35‐yr period. The graph‐theoretic network criteria to select sites for protection included PageRank, maximum degree, closeness centrality, betweenness centrality, minimum degree, random, and historical events. We also included a dynamic strategy called colonization–extinction rate that was updated every year based on the changing capacity of each site to produce and absorb larvae. Each rule was evaluated in the context of achieving the maximum metapopulation mean lifetime at the conclusion of the implementation phase. MPAs were designated through the alteration of the extinction risk parameter. The highest ranked criteria were PageRank while the actual implementation from historical records ranked lowest. Our results indicate that protecting the sites ranked highest with regard to larval supply is likely to yield the highest benefit for fish abundance and fish metapopulation persistence. Model results highlighted the benefits of including network processes in conservation planning.
Design and Performance Investigation of a Carbon‐Free Pt/Ti Cathode with Low Membrane Degradation Rate for Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyser
Authors: Shi Yan , Guo Lili , Lu Zhuoxin , Wang Zhida , Gan Yuan , Guo Changqing , Tan Hongyi , Yan Changfeng
Published: December 2018

In a proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolyser, Pt‐coated porous titanium plate always acts as the current collector both in the anode and cathode. However, the Pt particles on the Ti current collector cannot take part in the electrochemical reactions and thus lead to a lower utilization of the noble metal. In this work, the Pt‐coated Ti current collector is directly used as the cathode in the PEM water electrolyser instead of the conventional Pt/C electrode. To improve the performance, Nafion ionomer is coated on the Pt/Ti electrode to enlarge the electrochemical surface area (ECSA); the ECSA of the Pt/Ti electrode is increased by six times, and the utilization of Pt can be elevated to 45%. The voltage of the electrolyser with the Pt/Ti electrode is only 31 mV higher than the conventional Pt/C catalyst layer at 1 A cm−2. After stability tests, an obvious membrane thinning is observed using Pt/C as the cathode while the membrane of the electrolyser with the ionomer‐coated Pt/Ti cathode does not show a significant change in thickness. The F ion emission rate shows the membrane degradation rate is reduced by 15 times compared with the conventional Pt/C cathode.
Enhanced biodeterioration resistance of nanophase modified fly ash concrete specimens: Accelerated studies in acid producing microbial cultures
Authors: Uthaman Sudha , George R.P. , Vishwakarma Vinita , Ramachandran D. , Anandkumar B. , Kamachi Mudali U.
Published: December 2018

This paper specifically investigates the effect of an acid producing fungus and anaerobic sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) on nanophase modified fly ash (FA) concrete specimens. Four different types of concrete specimens namely FA (FA concrete with 40 wt % replacement of Ordinary Portland Cement), FAT (FA concrete modified with 2 wt % TiO2), FAC (FA concrete modified with 2 wt % CaCO3), and FATC (FA concrete modified with 2 wt % TiO2:CaCO3) were fabricated. These specimens were exposed to microbial cultures for accelerated biodeterioration studies. Growth of microbes on specimen surfaces was visualized by epifluorescence microscopic studies. Important biodeterioration parameters like pH reduction, weight loss, thickness, and diameter loss under biofilms were analyzed. Absence of degradation phases like ettringite and calcium oxalate in the modified FA concrete was confirmed using X‐ray diffraction studies. Results proved biodeterioration resistance of all the three nanophase modified FA concrete specimens. Among the three, FAT emerged superior with excellent resistance to biodeterioration owing to the presence of TiO2 nanoparticles. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: 457–466, 2019
Renewable energy analysis in the agriculture–greenhouse farms: A case study in the mediterranean region (sidi bel abbes, algeria)
Authors: Mostefaoui Z. , Amara S.
Published: December 2018

Greenhouse cultivation is an essential activity for the development of the agricultural sector, and most of the energy consumption is in the agricultural industry. The increase in fossil fuels cost and their negative effects on the environment, limit the use of heating/cooling and irrigation applications.

Renewable energy is an alternative solution for water pumping and irrigation of isolated and arid regions. This article analyzes the heating/cooling and irrigation requirements of a pilot greenhouse and provides two solutions by combining thermal energy storage with phase change material as well as photovoltaic systems for cooling and irrigation.

Results have shown that monthly heating and cooling demands were at 2.25 kW and 2 kW, respectively. Monthly water consumption varies between 3.5 m3 and 38 m3 for the three sample products such as tomato, muskmelon, and watermelon. The technologies proposed can fully satisfy these heating/cooling and water requirements.

Furthermore, an economic analysis for this technology has been carried out in contrast to a diesel system. The results obtained indicate that the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of a photovoltaic system is acceptable when compared with the diesel system, where LCOEPV = 0.068$/kWh and LCOEDiesel = 0.230$/kWh. Taking into account that the water price for a PV system amounts to 1.48$ whereas the cost for a diesel system is at 2.68$, the former can be declared more economically feasible. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13029, 2019
Synergistic effect of mixed alcohols on esterification of decanoic acid with amberlyst 15 as catalyst
Authors: Lamba Ruchi , Sarkar Sudipta
Published: December 2018

Mixed esters of decanoic acid were synthesized using Amberlyst 15 catalyst in batch reactor. Butanol–methanol was used as alcohol feed for esterification of decanoic acid. Synergic effect of alcohol gave a good result in esterification reaction. The studies showed that the conversion of decanoic acid to its butyl methyl ester can be performed at optimal temperature 358 K, 8% catalyst loading, 1:4/1 M ratio (acid: butanol/methanol) in presence of solid acid catalyst. We have also investigated salient fuel properties of mixed methyl‐butyl decanoate and found that use of butyl methyl decanoate become economically attractive as it shows better fuel properties. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13103, 2019
Postoperative volumetric modulated arc therapy for sinonasal cancer: Improved survival compared with 3D conformal radiation therapy
Authors: Frederic‐Moreau Thomas , Piram Lucie , Bellini Romain , Martin Fanny , Miroir Jessica , Saroul Nicolas , Pham Dang Nathalie , Lapeyre Michel , Biau Julian
Published: December 2018

Background

Prospective evaluation of the results of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for sinonasal cancer compared to 3D conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT).

Materials and Methods

We prospectively evaluated 34 patients (pts) treated with postoperative VMAT with simultaneous integrated boost (SIB; RapidArc) from 2011 to 2015. These pts were retrospectively compared with 24 pts treated with 3DCRT from 2003 to 2011. The two sets were not significantly different on sex, mean age, tumor site, stage, histology. Efficacy and toxicity were evaluated.

Results

Median follow‐up was 45 months (range: 6‐143 months). Three‐year overall survival was 85.2% in VMAT‐SIB versus 65.2% in 3DCRT (P = .02). Three‐year local control was 81.2% in VMAT‐SIB versus 62.5% in 3DCRT (P = .04). There was a reduction of acute (<0.09) and late (0.03) ocular toxicity of grade ≥ 2 for pts with VMAT‐SIB.

Conclusion

VMAT significantly improved local control and overall survival in sinonasal cancer with lower rate of toxicity.
Prognostic value of textural indices extracted from pretherapeutic 18‐F FDG‐PET/CT in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Guezennec Catherine , Robin Philippe , Orlhac Fanny , Bourhis David , Delcroix Olivier , Gobel Yves , Rousset Jean , Schick Ulrike , Salaün Pierre‐Yves , Abgral Ronan
Published: December 2018

Background

This study aimed at assessing the prognostic value of textural indices extracted from 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron‐emission tomography (FDG‐PET)/CT in a large cohort of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) of any anatomic subsite and staging.

Methods

Consecutive patients with HNSCC referred for a pretreatment FDG‐PET/CT were retrospectively included and followed up for a minimum of 2 years. Standardized uptake value, metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and textural indices were calculated using LIFEx software. Prognostic significance of parameters was assessed in univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results

Textural indices were extracted in 284 patients (mean age = 63.7±9.6 years). In univariate analysis, MTV and 4 textural indices—Correlation, Entropy, Energy, and Coarseness—were significantly correlated with overall survival (OS). In multivariate analysis, MTV (P = .008) and Correlation (P = .028) remained independently correlated to OS.

Conclusion

This study showed that MTV and 1 textural index extracted from pretherapeutic FDG‐PET/CT (Correlation) were independent prognostic factors of OS in patients with HNSCC.
Impact of tumor budding in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhu Yue , Liu Haichao , Xie Nan , Liu Xiqiang , Huang Hongzhang , Wang Cheng , Hou Jinsong
Published: December 2018

Tumor budding (TB) has been suggested as an adverse prognostic factor in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This meta‐analysis evaluated the prognostic role of TB in HNSCC. We systematically reviewed the literatures of electronic databases and performed a meta‐analysis to address the impact of TB on prognosis in HNSCC. Published data were extracted and organized. Then, pooled odds ratios for lymph node metastasis (LNM) and hazard ratios for survival were calculated by using the Mantel‐Haenszel fixed effect model. The results showed that high TB was significantly associated with LNM and worse survival in patients with HNSCC. Moreover, high TB was also correlated with poor prognosis in patients with cT1‐2N0 oral squamous cell carcinoma. TB is a promising prognostic factor associated with LNM and worse survival, which should be included in the routine pathological examination of HNSCC.
Improvements in Histologic Features and Diagnosis Associated With Improvement in Fibrosis in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis: Results From the Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Clinical Research Network Treatment Trials
Authors: Brunt Elizabeth M. , Kleiner David E. , Wilson Laura A. , Sanyal Arun J. , Neuschwander‐Tetri Brent A. ,   for the Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Clinical Research Network
Published: December 2018

Hepatocellular injury and inflammation are believed to be the primary drivers of fibrogenesis that ultimately lead to cirrhosis in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This study sought associations between observed improvements in fibrosis with improvement in specific histologic features, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease activity score (NAS) ≥2, diagnostic category, and primary histologically based outcomes of two adult NASH treatment trials. The primary outcome for the study was fibrosis improvement from baseline to end of treatment, defined as a 1‐point or more improvement in fibrosis stage. This is a retrospective analysis of biopsy data collected from the NASH Clinical Research Network Pathology Committee of Pioglitazone versus Vitamin E versus Placebo for the Treatment of Nondiabetic Patients with NASH Trial (PIVENS) and Farnesoid X Receptor Ligand Obeticholic Acid in NASH Treatment Trial (FLINT) baseline and final biopsies. Treatment group–adjusted univariable and multivariable logistic regression models related improvement in fibrosis to improvements in other histologic variables, resolution of steatohepatitis, and improvement in the NAS ≥2. In PIVENS 221 subjects had baseline and 96‐week biopsies, and in FLINT 200 subjects had baseline and 72‐week biopsies. Improvement in fibrosis was found in 38% of PIVENS and 29% of FLINT biopsies; fibrosis improvement was more likely in treated than placebo subjects in both studies. Controlling for treatment group, fibrosis improvement was associated most strongly with resolution of NASH (PIVENS, odds ratio [OR], 3.9; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.0‐7.6; P < 0.001; FLINT, OR, 8.0; 95% CI 3.1‐20.9; P < 0.001), and improved NAS by ≥2 (PIVENS, OR, 2.4; 95% CI 1.3‐4.3; P = 0.003; FLINT, OR, 4.2; 95% CI 2.1‐8.3; P < 0.001). Improvement in histologic features associated with improved fibrosis for both studies included steatosis, ballooning, Mallory‐Denk bodies, and portal, but not lobular, inflammation. Conclusion: These findings support a strong link between histologic resolution of steatohepatitis with improvement in fibrosis in NASH.
Coordination chemistry of Zn2+with Sal(ph)en ligands: Tetrahedral coordination or penta‐coordination? a DFT analysis
Authors: Lamine Walid , Boughdiri Salima , Christ Lorraine , Morell Christophe , Chermette Henry
Published: December 2018

In this article, the Lewis acidic character within a series of Zn‐Sal(ph)en complexes is reviewed and revisited. Besides traditional analyses found in the literature, conceptual density functional theory descriptors are used to assess this acidic character. Using these tools, we highlight how the nature of the bridging diamine linker in the Schiff base ligand controls this feature mainly responsible of the coordination geometry of these complexes. This Lewis acidic behavior is addressed first by application of the usual dual descriptor to a prototypical complex, namely ZnCl42−. However, the usual dual descriptor exhibits significant weaknesses to retrieve the electrophilic part on the metal cation of Zn‐sal(ph)en complexes. The inclusion of the densities of the electronic excited states through the so‐called state‐specific dual descriptor allows us to recover successfully the appropriate reactivity of these chosen complexes with different diamine bridges in flexible to semirigid, and then to rigid ranges. The coordination of the Zn2+is shown to be dictated by the geometry of the sal(ph)en ligand. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cytokine, chemokine, and growth factor levels in peri‐implant sulcus during wound healing and osseointegration after piezosurgical versus conventional implant site preparation: Randomized, controlled, split‐mouth trial
Authors: Gürkan Ali , Tekdal Gözde Peker , Bostancı Nagihan , Belibasakis Georgios N.
Published: December 2018

Background

The aim of this trial was to evaluate the cytokine, chemokine, and growth factor levels in peri‐implant sulcular fluid (PISF) during healing and osseointegration at osteotomy sites prepared either with piezosurgery (PS) or drills.

Methods

Fourteen patients having contralateral partial edentulism in the posterior maxilla were enrolled and 38 osteotomies were prepared. Implants were placed with one‐stage surgery. Insertion torque, early healing index, probing depth and modified gingival and plaque indices and crestal bone loss (CBL) were measured. PISF was collected from each implant at weeks 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 and were analyzed by a 30‐Plex immunoassay. Data analysis employed Brunner‐Langer method.

Results

CBL values did not depend on osteotomy modality (P > 0.05). Eighteen molecules (interleukine (IL)‐1β, granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G.CSF), IL‐13, IL‐6, IL‐12, interferon (IFN)‐γ, IFN‐α, IL‐2, IL‐2 R, IL‐8, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)‐1α, MIP‐1β, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)‐1, interferon gamma‐induced protein (IP)‐10, monokine induced by IFN‐γ (MIG), epidermal growth factor (EGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) showed time‐dependent decrease (P < 0.05), but they were not treatment‐dependent (P > 0.05). When values of weeks 4, 8, 12, and 24 were compared to week 2, it was found that all were highest at week 2 and decreased thereafter (P < 0.05). The decrease was significant at weeks 4 or 8 for multitude of molecules and was mostly sustained throughout the follow‐up. Week 8 regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) values in PS group were lower in PS group compared to drill group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Implants placed into osteotomies created with PS and drills are similar in terms of PISF biomarker changes during the osseointegration and wound healing period. When clinical and CBL parameters were taken into account together with the PISF molecular data it can be speculated that PS and conventional drill osteotomy have similar effects on peri‐implant tissues on the biochemical, clinical and radiological levels.
The effect of carbohydrases or prebiotic oligosaccharides on growth performance, nutrient utilisation and development of small intestine and immune organs in broilers fed nutrient‐adequate diets based on either wheat or barley
Authors: Craig Allison D , Bedford Mike R , Hastie Peter , Khattak Farina , Olukosi Oluyinka A
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

Non‐starch polysaccharides are large complex molecules and are found in cereal grains. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of carbohydrase enzymes or prebiotic oligosaccharides on growth performance, nutrient utilisation and weight of organs associated with the immune system in broilers fed wheat‐ or barley‐based diets.

RESULTS

In wheat‐based diets, feed intake was lower (P < 0.05) following xylo‐oligosaccharide supplementation, whereas in barley‐based diets feed intake was greater (P < 0.05) following β‐glucanase supplementation. Gross energy digestibility was improved (P < 0.01) when either level of xylanase was added to wheat diets. Ileal digestible energy was greater (P < 0.01) in wheat diets including an additive compared with the control diet. In wheat diets, bursa weight was lower (P < 0.05) following xylo‐oligosaccharide supplementation compared with the control treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study showed that supplemented carbohydrases or prebiotic oligosaccharides could alter the development of immune organs or small intestine without any significant effect on growth performance in broilers receiving nutrient‐adequate diets. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Hypoglossal nerve stimulation in three adults with down syndrome and severe obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Li Carol , Boon Maurits , Ishman Stacey L. , Suurna Maria V.
Published: December 2018

We present three adults with Down syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treated with hypoglossal nerve stimulation. The average age of these three males was 37.3 years. All patients had severe OSA on polysomnography. Postimplantation titration sleep studies exhibited residual OSA according to average total apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI), but there were significant reductions (86%–100%) in the titrated AHI at the ideal device setting. Morbidity of the surgery was low, and there was excellent device adherence, with an average of 57.3 hours/week. All patients reported subjective improvements in symptoms, and one patient experienced improved blood sugar control.

Laryngoscope, 129:E402–E406, 2019
Models to predict positive and negative effects of cochlear implantation on tinnitus
Authors: Kloostra F.J.J. , Arnold R. , Hofman R. , Burgerhof J.G.M. , van Dijk P.
Published: December 2018

Objectives

The effect of cochlear implantation on tinnitus is heterogeneous: implantation does not always reduce tinnitus and may even worsen tinnitus. Therefore, it is important to know which factors influence the consequences of cochlear implantation for tinnitus. To date, no consensus has been reached regarding the factors that influence tinnitus. This study aimed to create prognostic models, using binary logistic regression analyses to predict positive or negative changes in tinnitus after cochlear implantation.

Methods

For this study we retrospectively sent two questionnaire packages to 117 cochlear implant patients.

Results

In the binary logistic regression analyses of the responses to the questionnaires, it was not possible to create a significant model to predict a positive effect of cochlear implantation on tinnitus. However, a negative effect of cochlear implantation on tinnitus was predictable, using a backward stepwise selection method in a model including the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) and Tinnitus Handicap Questionnaire (THQ) (P < .001, Nagelkerke R2 = 0.529).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the lower the preoperative tinnitus handicap and the preoperative hearing handicap, the higher the chance that cochlear implantation will worsen tinnitus. More research needs to be done, preferable in a big prospective study, to make this model instrumental for clinical decision making and preoperative patient counselling. However, our results might suggest that preoperative THQ and APHAB screening could be meaningful. Especially in patients who are afraid to develop tinnitus or tinnitus worsening as complication of cochlear implantation.

Level of Evidence

4
Marine phytoplankton in subtropical coastal waters showing lower thermal sensitivity than microzooplankton
Authors: Liu Kailin , Chen Bingzhang , Zhang Shuwen , Sato Mitsuhide , Shi Zhiyuan , Liu Hongbin
Published: December 2018

Temperature sensitivity of plankton in terms of activation energy (Ea, eV) in the Arrhenius equation is critical for predicting how marine productivity and carbon export will respond to ocean warming. In this study, we quantified the temperature responses of phytoplankton growth rate and microzooplankton grazing rate by conducting short‐term temperature modulation experiments on natural communities at two subtropical sites with contrasting nutrient conditions. Our results showed that the activation energy of phytoplankton growth rate (Ea = 0.36 eV, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.28–0.44 eV) at each station was less than that of microzooplankton grazing rate (Ea = 0.53 eV, 95% CI = 0.47–0.59 eV), indicating an increasing grazing pressure on phytoplankton under warming conditions. Although the difference is consistent with that reported in previous studies, it is very likely to arise from another reason, i.e., differential proximities of the optimal temperature (Topt in nonlinear temperature responses of rates) of phytoplankton and microzooplankton to the environmental temperature, as we found that the environmental temperature is closer to the optimal temperature of phytoplankton growth than to that of microzooplankton grazing in this subtropical environment. Our results suggest that nonlinear temperature responses of plankton should be considered when evaluating and predicting the effects of ocean warming on ecosystem productivity and food web dynamics, especially in subtropical and tropical waters.
The −44 C/G (rs1800972) polymorphism of the β‐defensin 1 is associated with increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Martinez‐Rios Marco Antonio , Vargas‐Alarcon Gilberto , Peña‐Duque Marco Antonio , Perez‐Mendez Oscar , Rodriguez‐Perez Jose Manuel , Perez‐Hernandez Nonanzit , Herrera‐Maya Gabriel , Posadas‐Sanchez Rosalinda , Posadas‐Romero Carlos , Fragoso Jose Manuel
Published: December 2018

Background

The aim of this study was to establish the association of two polymorphisms of the β‐defensin 1 gene (DEFB1, OMIM#602056) with the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in a group of Mexican patients.

Methods

The 5′UTR −20 G/A, and −44 C/G polymorphisms of DEFB1 gene were genotyped by 5′ exonuclease TaqMan assays in a group of 252 patients with T2DM and 522 healthy control.

Results

Under dominant and additive models adjusted for the risk factors, the C allele of the −44 C/G polymorphism was associated with increased risk of T2DM (OR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.07–2.48, pCdom = 0.021 and OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.05–1.91, pCadd = 0.023, respectively). In addition, the linkage disequilibrium analysis showed that AC haplotype was associated with an increased risk of developing T2DM (OR = 4.39, p = 0.04). The in‐silico analysis showed that the −44 C allele produces a binding site for the transcription factor Ikaros (IK).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that the C allele of −44 C/G polymorphism, as well as haplotype AC are associated with the presence of T2DM in the Mexican population. The variation in this polymorphism of the DEFB1 gene could increase the migration of the macrophages to pancreatic islets accelerate the β‐cell dysfunction in T2DM.
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation in early rehabilitation of Guillain‐Barré syndrome: A pilot study
Authors: Harbo Thomas , Markvardsen Lars Kjøbsted , Hellfritzsch Michel Bach , Severinsen Kåre , Nielsen Jørgen Feldbæk , Andersen Henning
Published: December 2018

Introduction: In Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS), patients often develop muscle atrophy from denervation and immobilization. We, therefore, conducted a pilot study of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to evaluate feasibility, safety, and effect on muscle wasting in the early phase of GBS. Methods: Seventeen patients were randomized to receive 20 min of muscle fiber stimulation followed by 40 min of NMES of the right or left quadriceps muscle with the untreated side as control. Cross‐sectional area (CSA) of the muscle measured by ultrasound and isometric knee extensor strength were the primary and secondary outcome measures. Results: No treatment related adverse effects were recorded. Change in CSA was ‐0.25 cm2 (confidence interval [CI], ‐0.93–0.42) on the stimulated side versus ‐0.60 cm2 (CI, ‐1.32–0.11) on the nonstimulated side (P = 0.08). No effect was observed on muscle strength. Conclusions: NMES seems safe and feasible in the early phase of GBS. Further studies are needed to explore effect on muscle function. Muscle Nerve 59:481–484, 2019
Transport Stress Mitigation and the Effects of Preanesthesia on Striped Bass
Authors: Kenter Linas W , Gunn Mackenzie A , Berlinsky David L
Published: December 2018

The demand for Striped Bass Morone saxatilis as food and sport fish has generated interest in developing effective transport and handling protocols. Studies have shown that anesthetics and elevated salinity can reduce transport stress in Striped Bass, but no studies have compared stress responses among strains or compared and combined treatments to maximize efficacy. In this study, 1-h transport trials were conducted with subadults produced from wild-caught (Florida strain) and domesticated Striped Bass. Fish were transported in freshwater (FW; 0‰) or brackish water (SW; 10‰) alone or containing either metomidate hydrochloride (hereafter, “metomidate”; 1 mg/L) or tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222; 25 mg/L). After transport, half the fish from each treatment were sampled for cortisol or stocked in a freshwater recirculating system to monitor their health and behavior for 7 d. In preanesthesia trials, Florida-strain fish were netted and transferred to baths containing a single anesthetic (induction doses; 5-mg/L metomidate or 150-mg/L MS-222), observed for nociception and recovery, and bled 1 h after anesthesia for cortisol analysis. Results from this traditional approach were compared to results for fish that were first exposed to low anesthetic doses (1-mg/L metomidate or 25-mg/L MS-222) added directly to the culture tank prior to netting and then were transferred to baths containing induction doses of the same anesthetic. In transport studies, cortisol was elevated in the MS-222 and FW treatment groups compared to the metomidate and SW treatment groups, respectively. Strain, feed consumption, and health were not correlated with cortisol measured following the transport stressor. In the preanesthesia study, metomidate blocked cortisol synthesis if added prior to or following handling, while MS-222 blocked nociception.
Model order reduction based on successively local linearizations for flexible multibody dynamics
Authors: Tang Yixuan , Hu Haiyan , Tian Qiang
Published: December 2018

An efficient method of model order reduction is proposed for the dynamic computation of a flexible multibody system undergoing both large overall motions and large deformations. The system is initially modeled by using the nonlinear finite elements of absolute nodal coordinate formulation and then locally linearized at a series of quasi‐static equilibrium configurations according to the given accuracy in dynamic computation. By using the Craig‐Bampton method, the reduced model is established by projecting the incremental displacements of the locally linearized system onto a set of local modal bases at the quasi‐static equilibrium configuration accordingly. Afterwards, the initial conditions for the dynamic computation for the reduced model via the generalized‐α integrator can be determined from the modal bases. The analysis of computation complexity is also performed. Hence, the proposed method gives time‐varying and dimension‐varying modal bases to elaborate the efficient model reduction. Finally, three examples are presented to validate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method.
Nurse competence in the interface between primary and tertiary healthcare services
Authors: Leonardsen Ann‐Chatrin Linqvist , Bjerkenes Annette , Rutherford Inga
Published: December 2018

Aims

(a) To explore nurses’ self‐assessed competence and perceived need for more training in primary and tertiary healthcare services; and (b) to investigate the factors associated with these issues.

Design

Quantitative, cross‐sectional, descriptive.

Methods

The ProffNurseSAS, the Job Satisfaction Scale and socio‐demographics were used. A convenient sampling method was used to invite registered nurses from 23 primary (N = 104) and tertiary care wards (N = 26).

Results

Five significant differences in self‐assessed competence were identified, with none regarding the perceived need for more training between nurses working in primary versus tertiary health care. Nurses in primary health care had longer experience, and a larger proportion had continuing education. Nevertheless, this was not associated with either self‐assessed competence or the perceived need for more training. Years of experience, training or reported job satisfaction was not associated with the items on the ProffNurseSAS.

Conclusion

Findings indicate that nurses’ competence is same in primary and tertiary healthcare settings. Moreover, the findings of this research highlight areas that need further improvement and emphasis from both leaders and educational institutions when they attempt to ensure nurses’ competence.
The future for plasma science and technology
Authors: Weltmann Klaus‐Dieter , Kolb Juergen F. , Holub Marcin , Uhrlandt Dirk , Šimek Milan , Ostrikov Kostya (Ken) , Hamaguchi Satoshi , Cvelbar Uroš , Černák Mirko , Locke Bruce , Fridman Alexander , Favia Pietro , Becker Kurt
Published: December 2018

The application of gas discharge plasmas has assumed an important place in many manufacturing processes. Plasma methods contribute significantly to the economic prosperity of industrialized societies. However, plasma is mainly an enabling method and therefore its role remains often hidden. Hence the success of plasma technologies is described for different examples and commercial areas. From these examples and emerging applications, the potential of plasma technologies is discussed. Economic trends are anticipated together with research needs. The community of plasma scientists strongly believes that more exciting advances will continue to foster innovations and discoveries in the first decades of the 21st century, if research and education will be properly funded and sustained by public bodies and industrial investors.
Nonlinear coordination control of offshore boom cranes with bounded control inputs
Authors: Lu Biao , Fang Yongchun , Sun Ning
Published: December 2018

Offshore cranes are complicated underactuated systems, which work in harsh sea conditions. Due to the various severe disturbances, the control of offshore cranes has always been a great challenge, which is made even more complicated when considering some practical issues such as actuator saturation and coordination. Until now, few results have been published in the literature on this topic. To address this problem, an efficient nonlinear control method is proposed for offshore boom cranes suffering from both ship roll and heave motion in this paper, which takes full consideration of actuator saturation, as well as the coordination problem between actuators. Furthermore, regarding the various extra nonvanishing disturbances, such as winds, frictions, and unmodeled dynamics, a disturbance observer is designed to estimate and eliminate these uncertainties. The asymptotic stability of the desired equilibrium point is rigorously guaranteed by Lyapunov techniques and LaSalle's invariance theorem. Finally, extensive hardware experimental tests are carried out to demonstrate the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed method. To the best of our knowledge, this paper proposes the first method that considers the saturation and coordination problem for offshore cranes while guaranteeing the asymptotic stability of the desired equilibrium point.
Robust pinning synchronization of complex cyberphysical networks under mixed attack strategies
Authors: Song Zhiqiang , Liu Yunfeng , Tan Manchun
Published: December 2018

This paper is concerned with the robust pinning synchronization control problem in complex cyberphysical networks under mixed attacks. The channels for transmitting control input signals and receiving information agent are assumed to be independent of each other and both can be destroyed by frequently occurred attacks. After the attacks, a repairing cell will be instantly activated until the communication topology is restored to the initial state. Assume that broken‐down nodes remain partial function. Moreover, feedback gain matrices and coupling strengths will be designed by some algorithms. By dint of geometrical method and inequality technique, sufficient conditions are established to guarantee robust synchronization for the complex cyberphysical networks. Finally, a simulation example is utilized to illustrate the obtained results.