bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A rightward saccade to an unexpected stimulus as a marker for lateralised visuospatial attention
Authors: Sanefuji Masafumi , Yamashita Hiroshi , Torio Michiko , Katsuki Daisuke , Akamine Satoshi , Ishizaki Yoshito , Kishimoto Junji , Sakai Yasunari , Takada Hidetoshi , Yoshida Keiko , Ohga Shouichi
Published: May 2018

The human brain is lateralised to the right for visuospatial attention, particularly when reorienting attention to unexpected stimuli. However, the developmental characteristics of lateralisation remain unclear. To address this question, we devised a saccade task applicable for both adults and children. To assess the utility of this system, we investigated the correlation between line bisection test performance and the saccade task for 54 healthy adult volunteers. Participants followed a visual target that jumped 10 times, alternating between two fixed positions across the midline with a constant pace. In both the rightward and leftward directions, saccadic reaction time (RT) to the target jump decreased and reached a plateau from the first to the tenth jumps. Furthermore, we obtained the time required for reorienting in the contralateral hemisphere using the corrected value of the first RT. We found that longer corrected RTs in the rightward saccade were associated with greater deviation to the left in the line bisection task. This correlation was not observed for leftward saccades. Thus, corrected RTs in rightward saccades reflected the strength of individual hemispheric lateralisation. In conclusion, the rightward saccade task provides a suitable marker for lateralised visuospatial attention, and for investigating the development of lateralisation.
Risk of poisoning in children and adolescents with ADHD: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ruiz-Goikoetxea Maite , Cortese Samuele , Magallón Sara , Aznárez-Sanado Maite , Álvarez Zallo Noelia , Luis Elkin O. , de Castro-Manglano Pilar , Soutullo Cesar , Arrondo Gonzalo
Published: May 2018

Poisoning, a subtype of physical injury, is an important hazard in children and youth. Individuals with ADHD may be at higher risk of poisoning. Here, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify this risk. Furthermore, since physical injuries, likely share causal mechanisms with those of poisoning, we compared the relative risk of poisoning and injuries pooling studies reporting both. As per our pre-registered protocol (PROSPERO ID CRD42017079911), we searched 114 databases through November 2017. From a pool of 826 potentially relevant references, screened independently by two researchers, nine studies (84,756 individuals with and 1,398,946 without the disorder) were retained. We pooled hazard and odds ratios using Robust Variance Estimation, a meta-analytic method aimed to deal with non-independence of outcomes. We found that ADHD is associated with a significantly higher risk of poisoning (Relative Risk = 3.14, 95% Confidence Interval = 2.23 to 4.42). Results also indicated that the relative risk of poisoning is significantly higher than that of physical injuries when comparing individuals with and without ADHD (Beta coefficient = 0.686, 95% Confidence Interval = 0.166 to 1.206). These findings should inform clinical guidelines and public health programs aimed to reduce physical risks in children/adolescents with ADHD.
Invisible light inside the natural blind spot alters brightness at a remote location
Authors: Saito Marina , Miyamoto Kentaro , Uchiyama Yusuke , Murakami Ikuya
Published: May 2018

The natural blind spot in the visual field has been known as a large oval region that cannot receive any optical input because it corresponds to the retinal optic disk containing no rod/cone-photoreceptors. Recently, stimulation inside the blind spot was found to enhance, but not trigger, the pupillary light reflex. However, it is unknown whether blind-spot stimulation also affects visual perception. We addressed this question using psychophysical brightness-matching experiments. We found that a test stimulus outside the blind spot was judged as darker when it was accompanied by a consciously unexperienced blue oval inside the blind spot; moreover, the pupillary light reflex was enhanced. These findings suggested that a photo-sensitive mechanism inside the optic disk, presumably involving the photopigment melanopsin, contributes to our image-forming vision and provides a ‘reference’ for calibrating the perceived brightness of visual objects.
Accurate and fiducial-marker-free correction for three-dimensional chromatic shift in biological fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Matsuda Atsushi , Schermelleh Lothar , Hirano Yasuhiro , Haraguchi Tokuko , Hiraoka Yasushi
Published: May 2018

Correction of chromatic shift is necessary for precise registration of multicolor fluorescence images of biological specimens. New emerging technologies in fluorescence microscopy with increasing spatial resolution and penetration depth have prompted the need for more accurate methods to correct chromatic aberration. However, the amount of chromatic shift of the region of interest in biological samples often deviates from the theoretical prediction because of unknown dispersion in the biological samples. To measure and correct chromatic shift in biological samples, we developed a quadrisection phase correlation approach to computationally calculate translation, rotation, and magnification from reference images. Furthermore, to account for local chromatic shifts, images are split into smaller elements, for which the phase correlation between channels is measured individually and corrected accordingly. We implemented this method in an easy-to-use open-source software package, called Chromagnon, that is able to correct shifts with a 3D accuracy of approximately 15 nm. Applying this software, we quantified the level of uncertainty in chromatic shift correction, depending on the imaging modality used, and for different existing calibration methods, along with the proposed one. Finally, we provide guidelines to choose the optimal chromatic shift registration method for any given situation.
Temporal changes in immune cell composition and cytokines in response to chemoradiation in rectal cancer
Authors: Lee Yong Joon , Lee Sat Byol , Beak Suk Kyung , Han Yoon Dae , Cho Min Soo , Hur Hyuk , Lee Kang Young , Kim Nam Kyu , Min Byung Soh
Published: May 2018

We measured systemic changes in the immune response in 92 patients receiving preoperative chemoradiation therapy (CRT) and subsequent surgery for rectal cancer. The peripheral blood was sampled five times from the onset of CRT until surgery. Lymphocytes decreased continuously during CRT but increased after CRT. The increased lymphocyte population was predominantly CD8+ T lymphocytes, which accounted for a significantly larger proportion in patients without residual lymph node metastasis than in those with residual lymph node metastasis. Neutrophils and monocytes decreased during the initial two weeks of CRT but were maintained or increased afterwards. Neutrophil and monocyte counts were significantly lower in patients with a pCR (pathologic complete response) than in those without a pCR two weeks after CRT began but not at the initiation of CRT. All cytokines showed dramatic changes one month after the termination of CRT. Cytokines related to the antitumour immune response increased, and those related to tumour progression decreased. The predictive value of cytokines was not clear. In short, we observed that immune components in peripheral blood are affected by CRT and show dynamic changes over time. We identified biomarker candidates to predict the pathologic response in the future.
Neural predisposing factors of postoperative delirium in elderly patients with femoral neck fracture
Authors: Kyeong Sunghyon , Shin Jung Eun , Yang Kyu Hyun , Lee Woo Suk , Chung Tae-Sub , Kim Jae-Jin
Published: May 2018

Elderly adults are more likely to develop delirium after major surgery, but there is limited knowledge of the vulnerability for postoperative delirium. In this study, we aimed to identify neural predisposing factors for postoperative delirium and develop a prediction model for estimating an individual’s probability of postoperative delirium. Among 57 elderly participants with femoral neck fracture, 25 patients developed postoperative delirium and 32 patients did not. We preoperatively obtained data for clinical assessments, anatomical MRI, and resting-state functional MRI. Then we evaluated gray matter (GM) density, fractional anisotropy, and the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF), and conducted a group-level inference. The prediction models were developed to estimate an individual’s probability using logistic regression. The group-level analysis revealed that neuroticism score, ALFF in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and GM density in the caudate/suprachiasmatic nucleus were predisposing factors. The prediction model with these factors showed a correct classification rate of 86% using a leave-one-out cross-validation. The predicted probability computed from the logistic model was significantly correlated with delirium severity. These results suggest that the three components are the most important predisposing factors for postoperative delirium, and our prediction model may reflect the core pathophysiology in estimating the probability of postoperative delirium.
Collective gradient sensing in fish schools
Authors: Puckett James G. , Pokhrel Aawaz R. , Giannini Julia A.
Published: May 2018

Throughout the animal kingdom, animals frequently benefit from living in groups. Models of collective behaviour show that simple local interactions are sufficient to generate group morphologies found in nature (swarms, flocks and mills). However, individuals also interact with the complex noisy environment in which they live. In this work, we experimentally investigate the group performance in navigating a noisy light gradient of two unrelated freshwater species: golden shiners (Notemigonuscrysoleucas) and rummy nose tetra (Hemigrammus bleheri). We find that tetras outperform shiners due to their innate individual ability to sense the environmental gradient. Using numerical simulations, we examine how group performance depends on the relative weight of social and environmental information. Our results highlight the importance of balancing of social and environmental information to promote optimal group morphologies and performance.
Non-thermal plasma treatment improves chicken sperm motility via the regulation of demethylation levels
Authors: Zhang Jiao Jiao , Do Huynh Luong , Chandimali Nisansala , Lee Sang Baek , Mok Young Sun , Kim Nameun , Kim Seong Bong , Kwon Taeho , Jeong Dong Kee
Published: May 2018

The quality of avian semen is an important economic trait in poultry production. The present study examines thein vitroeffects of non-thermal dielectric barrier discharge plasma on chicken sperm to determine the plasma conditions that can produce the optimum sperm quality. Exposure to 11.7 kV of plasma for 20 s is found to produce maximum sperm motility by controlling the homeostasis of reactive oxygen species and boosting the release of adenosine triphosphate and respiratory enzyme activity in the mitochondria. However, prolonged exposure or further increase in plasma potential impairs the sperm quality in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Optimal plasma treatment of sperm results in upregulated mRNA and protein expression of antioxidant defense-related and energetic metabolism-related genes by increasing their demethylation levels. However, 27.6 kV of plasma exerts significant adverse effects. Thus, our findings indicate that appropriate plasma exposure conditions improve chicken sperm motility by regulating demethylation levels of genes involved in antioxidant defense and energetic metabolism.
The effects of the China–Russia gas deal on energy consumption, carbon emission, and particulate matter pollution in China
Authors: Lu Chenxi , Venevsky Sergey , Cao Shixiong
Published: May 2018

After more than two decades of negotiation, the China–Russia gas deal represents a new era of energy cooperation between China and Russia. In total, this is a win–win deal for both sides. For China, the deal will decrease energy consumption and carbon emission but will not significantly influence air quality; for Russia, it will provide a new market for its gas resources. In this study, we calculated the energy consumption, carbon emission, and particulate matter pollution (PM2.5 and PM10) in China in 2020, 2030, 2040, and 2050 under four IPCC representative concentration pathways (RCPs 8.5, 6.0, 4.5, and 2.6). We found that energy consumption and carbon emission decreased under the gas deal in RCPs 8.5, 6.0, and 4.5, although the rate of decrease slowed over time; however, in RCP 2.6, the rate of decrease of energy consumption and emission increased over time. PM2.5 and PM10 emission showed similar trends but with increasing rate, although the gas deal would mitigate air pollution in the short term. Although China’s government hopes to reduce carbon and pollutant emission under the deal, our results suggest that additional mitigation measures will be necessary to achieve this goal. Nonetheless, the reduction in carbon emission suggests that the China–Russia gas deal provides a model that other countries can follow to slow climate change.
New particle formation leads to cloud dimming
Authors: Sullivan Ryan C. , Crippa Paola , Matsui Hitoshi , Leung L. Ruby , Zhao Chun , Thota Abhinav , Pryor Sara C.
Published: May 2018

New particle formation (NPF), nucleation of condensable vapors to the solid or liquid phase, contributes significantly to atmospheric aerosol particle number concentrations. With sufficient growth, these nucleated particles may be a significant source of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN), thus altering cloud albedo, structure, and lifetimes, and insolation reaching the Earth’s surface. Herein we present one of the first numerical experiments conducted at sufficiently high resolution and fidelity to quantify the impact of NPF on cloud radiative properties. Consistent with observations in spring over the Midwestern USA, NPF occurs frequently and on regional scales. However, NPF is not associated with enhancement of regional cloud albedo. These simulations indicate that NPF reduces ambient sulfuric acid concentrations sufficiently to inhibit growth of preexisting particles to CCN sizes, reduces CCN-sized particle concentrations, and reduces cloud albedo. The reduction in cloud albedo on NPF days results in a domain average positive top of atmosphere cloud radiative forcing, and thus warming, of 10 W m−2 and up to ~50 W m−2 in individual grid cells relative to a simulation in which NPF is excluded.
The influences of El Nino and Arctic sea-ice on the QBO disruption in February 2016
Authors: Hirota N. , Shiogama H. , Akiyoshi H. , Ogura T. , Takahashi M. , Kawatani Y. , Kimoto M. , Mori M.
Published: May 2018

Abstract

The westerly phase of the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) was unexpectedly disrupted by an anomalous easterly near 40 hPa (~23 km) in February 2016. At the same time, a very strong El Nino and a very low Arctic sea-ice concentration in the Barents and Kara Sea were present. Previous studies have shown that the disruption of the QBO was primarily caused by the momentum transport of the atmospheric waves in the Northern Hemisphere. Our results indicate that the tropical waves evident over the Atlantic, Africa, and the western Pacific were associated with extratropical disturbances. Moreover, we suggest that the El Nino and sea-ice anomalies in 2016 account for approximately half of the disturbances and waves based on multiple regression analysis of the observational/reanalysis data and large-ensemble experiments using an atmospheric global climate model.
Regioselective C–H alkenylation of imidazoles and its application to the synthesis of unsymmetrically substituted benzimidazoles
Authors: Kim Hyeongwoo , Hwang Ye Ji , Han Inhyuk , Joo Jung Min
Published: May 2018

A palladium-catalyzed C5-selective alkenylation of imidazoles has been developed and applied to the synthesis of alkenyl imidazoles and multi-substituted benzimidazoles.
Towards the rational design of novel charge-transfer materials: biaryls with a dihedral angle-independent hole delocalization mechanism
Authors: Ivanova Lena V. , Navale Tushar S. , Wang Denan , Lindeman Sergey , Ivanov Maxim V. , Rathore Rajendra
Published: May 2018

Herein, we demonstrate a rational design of novel materials using FMO analysis on the example of biaryls with dihedral angle independent mechanism of hole delocalization.
Alkene protection against acid using a bromide substituent: application in a total synthesis of (−)-6,7-dideoxysqualestatin H5
Authors: Almohseni Hasanain A. A. , Al Mamari Hamad H. , Valade Anne , Sintim Herman O. , Hodgson David M.
Published: May 2018

Alkenyl bromide functionality survives several synthetic steps, including an acid-induced rearrangement, before a stereoretentive methylative debromination gives the natural product.
Correction: Development of a novel secondary phosphine oxide–ruthenium(ii) catalyst and its application for carbonyl reduction
Authors: Tan Xuefeng , Zeng Weijun , Zhang Xiaoyong , Wa Chung Lung , Zhang Xumu
Published: May 2018

Correction for ‘Development of a novel secondary phosphine oxide–ruthenium(ii) catalyst and its application for carbonyl reduction’ by Xuefeng Tan et al., Chem. Commun., 2018, 54, 535–538.
A critical assessment of force field accuracy against NMR data for cyclic peptides containing β-amino acids
Authors: Paissoni C. , Nardelli F. , Zanella S. , Curnis F. , Belvisi L. , Musco G. , Ghitti M.
Published: May 2018

A critical assessment of the reproducibility of NMR parameters of β amino acids pinpoints the major weaknesses of eight widely used force fields in reproducing the equilibrium conformational properties of highly constrained cyclic peptides containing isoAspartic acid.
Construction of half-sandwich multinuclear complexes including tunnel architectures via C–H-activation-directed assembly
Authors: Guo Bei-Bei , Gao Wen-Xi , Lin Yue-Jian , Jin Guo-Xin
Published: May 2018

Half-sandwich bi-, tetra-, hexa- and octanuclear complexes were prepared via C–H-activation-directed assembly based on three aromatic ligands. A series of tunnel architectures were observed in the complexes, with guest molecules in certain parts.
Unraveling the mechanism of the oxidation of glycerol to dicarboxylic acids over a sonochemically synthesized copper oxide catalyst
Authors: Amaniampong Prince N. , Trinh Quang Thang , Varghese Jithin John , Behling Ronan , Valange Sabine , Mushrif Samir H. , Jérôme Francois
Published: May 2018

Glycerol was oxidized selectively to oxalic and tartronic acids in 78% yield over a highly crystalline CuO catalyst prepared within a few minutes by a sonochemical synthesis.
Graphene-assisted fabrication of poly(ε-caprolactone)-based nanocomposites with high mechanical properties and self-healing functionality
Authors: Wang Yang , Li Ting , Ma Piming , Zhang Shengwen , Du Mingliang , Dong Weifu , Xie Yi , Chen Mingqing
Published: May 2018

A fast NIR light-induced self-healing PCL nanocomposite with superior mechanical properties was achieved by tailoring the cyclic mechanical annealing process.
Encapsulation of cationic iridium(iii) tetrazole complexes into a silica matrix: synthesis, characterization and optical properties
Authors: Zanoni Ilaria , Fiorini Valentina , Rosado Marcos , Ballesteros Belén , Androulidaki Maria , Blosi Magda , Ortelli Simona , Stagni Stefano , Dondi Michele , Costa Anna Luisa
Published: May 2018

We designed a multi-scale process, and obtained luminescent powders with preserved optical properties from molecular scale to microscale.
A revisit to the structure of Au20(SCH2CH2Ph)16: a cubic nanocrystal-like gold kernel
Authors: Wang Pu , Sun Xiangxiang , Liu Xia , Xiong Lin , Ma Zhongyun , Wang Yong , Pei Yong
Published: May 2018

A new stable structural form of Au20(SR)16 cluster is theoretically predicted. The density functional theory (DFT) calculations with the inclusion of dispersion corrections indicated the nanocrystal-like isomer (Au20-Iso1) has comparable and even lower total energies compared to the non-fcc crystal structure of Au20(SPh-tBu)16.
Novel protein–lipid composite nanoparticles with an inner aqueous compartment as delivery systems of hydrophilic nutraceutical compounds
Authors: Liu Guangyu , Huang Weijuan , Babii Oksana , Gong Xiaoyu , Tian Zhigang , Yang Jingqi , Wang Yixiang , Jacobs René L. , Donna Vine , Lavasanifar Afsaneh , Chen Lingyun
Published: May 2018

Protein–lipid composite nanoparticles featuring three-layered structure (protein layer, α-tocopherol layer and phospholipid layer) and an inner aqueous compartment improve the absorption of hydrophilic nutraceuticals.
Twin-mediated epitaxial growth of highly lattice-mismatched Cu/Ag core–shell nanowires
Authors: Weng Wei-Lun , Hsu Chin-Yu , Lee Jheng-Syun , Fan Hsin-Hsin , Liao Chien-Neng
Published: May 2018

Epitaxial growth of an Ag shell on twinned Cu nanowires through a twin-assisted growth mechanism.
A highly water-soluble triblock conjugated polymer for in vivo NIR-II imaging and photothermal therapy of cancer
Authors: Lu Xiaomei , Yuan Pengcheng , Zhang Wansu , Wu Qi , Wang Xiaoxiao , Zhao Meng , Sun Pengfei , Huang Wei , Fan Quli
Published: May 2018

A highly water-soluble conjugated polymer probe was developed for tumor NIR-II imaging and photothermal therapy.
Novel functionalized polyamides prone to undergo thermal Claisen rearrangement in the solid state
Authors: de la Viuda Mónica R. , Tena Alberto , Neumann Silvio , Willruth Sebastian , Filiz Volkan , Abetz Volker
Published: May 2018

A novel approach for the introduction of alkenyl functionalization in polymers.
Ionic liquids and plastic crystals with a symmetrical pyrrolidinium cation
Authors: Yunis Ruhamah , Newbegin Timothy W. , Hollenkamp Anthony F. , Pringle Jennifer M.
Published: May 2018

New salts using the symmetrical diethylpyrrolidinium cation and a range of anions show varied thermal behaviour and good transport properties.
Accessing polysubstituted oxazolidines, pyrrolidines and imidazolidines by regioselective [3 + 2] annulations of ketenimines with donor–acceptor oxiranes and aziridines
Authors: Alajarin Mateo , Bañon Daniel , Egea Adrian , Marín-Luna Marta , Orenes Raul-Angel , Vidal Angel
Published: May 2018

Diverse five-membered rings result from formal [3 + 2] cycloadditions of ketenimines with carbonyl and azomethine ylides.
Excellent supercapacitance performance of 3-D mesoporous carbon with large pores from FDU-12 prepared using a microwave method
Authors: Cha Wang Soo , Talapaneni Siddulu Naidu , Kempaiah Devaraju M. , Joseph Stalin , Lakhi Kripal Singh , Al-Enizi Abdullah M. , Park Dae-Hwan , Vinu Ajayan
Published: May 2018

Highly ordered and three-dimensional (3-D) mesoporous carbon materials were prepared through a nano-hard templating approach using FDU-12 silica with tunable pore sizes as a template, which was synthesized via a microwave-assisted method.
Synthesis of poly (N-isopropylacrylamide)-co-(acrylic acid) microgel-entrapped CdS quantum dots and their photocatalytic degradation of an organic dye
Authors: Liu Jingzhu , Shu Tong , Su Lei , Zhang Xueji , Serpe Michael J.
Published: May 2018

CdS quantum dots (CdSQDs) were generated inside the network structure of poly (N-isopropylacrylamide)-co-(acrylic acid) (pNIPAm-co-AAc) microgels and their ability to photocatalytically degrade organic dyes was evaluated using rhodamine B (RhB).
1,2,3-Triazole-fused spirochromenes as potential anti-tubercular agents: synthesis and biological evaluation
Authors: Ashok Dongamanti , Chiranjeevi Pamula , Kumar Aamate Vikas , Sarasija Madderla , Krishna Vagolu Siva , Sriram Dharmarajan , Balasubramanian Sridhar
Published: May 2018

A convenient synthesis of novel prototypes containing the two pharmacophores of chromene and 1,2,3-triazole in a single molecular backbone, were evaluated againstMycobacterium tuberculosisH37Rv strain.
Carbon nanotube/PVA aerogels impregnated with PEI: solid adsorbents for CO2 capture
Authors: Gromov A. V. , Kulur A. , Gibson J. A. A. , Mangano E. , Brandani S. , Campbell E. E. B.
Published: May 2018

A series of ultra-light aerogels made of oxidized carbon nanotubes and cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol has been prepared by freeze drying of hydrogels, characterised, and tested as amine impregnated solid supports for CO2 capture.
Self-powered diamond/β-Ga2O3 photodetectors for solar-blind imaging
Authors: Chen Yan-Cheng , Lu Ying-Jie , Lin Chao-Nan , Tian Yong-Zhi , Gao Chao-Jun , Dong Lin , Shan Chong-Xin
Published: May 2018

Self-powered solar-blind photodetectors based on diamond/β-Ga2O3 heterojunctions have been fabricated and high quality solar-blind images have been realized.
ApoE isoforms and carboxyl-terminal-truncated apoE4 forms affect neuronal BACE1 levels and Aβ production independently of their cholesterol efflux capacity
Authors: Dafnis Ioannis , Raftopoulou Christina , Mountaki Christina , Megalou Evgenia , Zannis Vassilis I. , Chroni Angeliki
Published: May 2018

The β-site amyloid precursor protein-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) initiates the production of amyloid-β peptide (Aβ), which is central to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Changes in brain cholesterol homeostasis have been suggested to affect Aβ metabolism. Cholesterol homeostasis is maintained in the brain by apolipoprotein E (apoE). The apoE4 isoform constitutes the major risk factor for AD. Here, we investigated the effect of apoE forms on Aβ generation and on BACE1 levels. We also examined the potential involvement in these processes of cholesterol transporters ABCG1 and ABCG4 or the lipoprotein receptor SR-BI, which are implicated in cholesterol efflux to apoE. It was found that reconstituted lipoprotein-associated apoE isoforms promoted the increase of Aβ production and oligomerization and of BACE1 levels in human neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells, with an apoE4 ≥ apoE3 > apoE2 potency rank order. Progressive carboxyl-terminal apoE4 deletions between residues 230–299 decreased the protein's ability to increase BACE1, while further truncations up to residue 166 prevented apoE4 from increasing BACE1 and Aβ levels in SK-N-SH and primary mouse neuronal cells. ABCG1, but not ABCG4 or SR-BI, moderately increased Aβ production and BACE1 levels in SK-N-SH cells. All apoE forms affected Aβ production/oligomerization and BACE1 levels in a pattern that did not follow that of their capacity to promote ABCG1, ABCG4 or SR-BI-mediated cholesterol efflux. Overall, our data indicate that apoE-containing lipoprotein particles can have a direct effect on BACE1 levels and Aβ secretion and possibly contribute to AD pathogenetic processes, independently of their capacity to promote cholesterol efflux.
Communicating with the dead: lipids, lipid mediators and extracellular vesicles
Authors: Devitt Andrew , Griffiths Helen R. , Milic Ivana
Published: May 2018

Apoptosis is a key event in the control of inflammation. However, for this to be successful, dying cells must efficiently and effectively communicate their presence to phagocytes to ensure timely removal of dying cells. Here, we consider apoptotic cell-derived extracellular vesicles and the role of contained lipids and lipid mediators in ensuring effective control of inflammation. We discuss key outstanding issues in the study of cell death and cell communication, and introduce the concept of the ‘active extracellular vesicle’ as a metabolically active and potentially changing intercellular communicator.
Clinical Implications for Working With Nonmainstream Dialect Speakers: A Focus on Two Filipino Kindergartners
Authors: Hamilton Megan-Brette , Angulo-Jiménez Henry , Taylo Christine , DeThorne Laura S.
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this clinical focus piece is to increase familiarity with Philippine English (PE) and highlight clinical implications for working with nonmainstream dialect speakers.

Method

The clinical focus draws on descriptive case study data from 2 Filipino kindergarten boys who live in the United States. Multiple ethnographic data sources were subjected to contrastive analyses regarding nonmainstream features in the children's speech that might be consistent with PE.

Results

The 2 boys demonstrated grammatical and phonological features consistent with their home dialect, PE, and individualized variation relative to one another. We utilize these findings to illustrate 2 key implications for providing culturally competent clinical services when working with nonmainstream dialect speakers: (a) validate and support all Mainstream American English Learners in the classroom and (b) recognize that variance within a dialect is not always indicative of disorder. Explicit recommendations for clinical practice are provided.

Conclusion

Understanding and validating the diversity of nonmainstream dialect speakers within the U.S. schools are critical to providing culturally competent speech-language services.
VCO‐based ADC with a simplified DAC for non‐linearity correction
Authors: Quintero A. , Perez C. , Gutierrez E. , Hernandez L.
Published: May 2018

The performance of open‐loop ADCs implemented with VCOs is limited by VCO non‐linearity and first‐order noise shaping. The resolution limitation imposed by first‐order noise shaping can be compensated by a ring oscillator VCO with many output phases. Linearity can also be improved by using a feedback loop around the VCO closed with a DAC. However, a long ring oscillator may require a DAC with a prohibitive number of bits if feedback is used to compensate distortion. This Letter proposes an ADC architecture based on the Leslie‐Singh Sigma‐Delta () modulator that allows to implement a distortion correction loop around a VCO with a simplified DAC of few levels, yet keeping a large number of output quantisation levels to maintain resolution. The Letter discusses the system‐level architecture and shows an implementation circuit example to verify the effective correction of distortion.
185–220 GHz wideband amplifier in 40 nm CMOS
Authors: Liu Yibo , Mao Luhong , Chi Baoyong
Published: May 2018

A 185–220 GHz four‐stage differential wideband amplifier is presented. The bandwidth (BW) is significantly expended by using the coupled transmission line (CTL) technique and the staggered inter‐stage wideband matching technique. CTL is adopted due to its high self‐resonant frequency, high simulation accuracy, compact layout and wide BW characteristics. The amplifier achieves a peak gain of 10.1 and 3 dB BW of 35 GHz ranging from 185 to 220 GHz. With a supply voltage of 0.9 V, the amplifier consumes a DC power of 54.5 mW. The amplifier occupies a core area of 500 × 250 μm2 in 40 nm CMOS.
Fault estimation for continuous‐time Markovian jump systems by a mode‐dependent intermediate estimator
Authors: Wang Guoliang , Yi Chenglong , Shen Mouquan
Published: May 2018

This study focuses on the fault estimation problem for a class of continuous‐time Markovian jump systems. A kind of fault estimation approach is proposed, and the established intermediate estimator could estimate the state and fault simultaneously. Particularly, a stochastically intermediate variable depending on operation modes is firstly introduced. Meanwhile, another kind of intermediate variable is constructed by a series of mode‐dependent parameters and its probability distribution. Different from the former one, it is independent of system mode and does not need its operation mode available online. Compared with some existing fault estimation methods, the proposed algorithms could bear stochastic failure and have less conservatism. Two practical examples are exploited to demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed methods.
control of continuous switched systems based on input and output strict passivity
Authors: Gao Zairui , Wang Ziyun , Ji Zhicheng , Liu Yunlong
Published: May 2018

In this study, the authors study the issue of control of continuous switched systems based on the input and output strict passivity. First of all, for switched non‐linear systems, by constructing non‐linear controllers and an appropriate switching rule, a sufficient condition is given to guarantee the existence of a solution to the control problem based on the multiple Lyapunov functions method. It only requires that each subsystem exhibits input and output strict passivity in the activation interval, and not in the whole time domain. Next, for switched linear systems, a sufficient condition is obtained to guarantee the existence of a solution to the control problem based on the linear matrix inequality, and the controllers with explicit expressions of subsystems are designed. Finally, two examples are given to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the results.
Fluctuating characteristic and power smoothing strategies of WECS
Authors: Jia Feng , Cai Xu , Li Zheng
Published: May 2018

The electric power output of the wind energy conversion system (WECS) fluctuates owing to the inherent feature of the wind speed, which do harm not only to the power grid it connected into, but also to the lifetime of power converters. The electric power fluctuation characteristic of WECS is analysed in frequency domain under overall wind speed to facilitate the planning of distribution grids and to reveal the key factors influencing power fluctuation under different operation modes. The analysis results are well‐validated by detailed simulations. On the basis of power fluctuation characteristic analysis, the power‐smoothing schemes are carried out in different operation modes. In variable‐speed mode, an enhanced optimal torque control is proposed for power smoothing. In constant‐speed mode, the control bandwidth of speed loop or the slope of look‐up table is decreased to smooth the electric power, and a feed‐forward pitch control is proposed to prevent the wind turbine from exceeding safe speed. In constant‐power mode, the suggested power‐smoothing scheme is worked out. The analysis results and the proposed control schemes are verified by refined co‐simulation platform based on GH bladed and real‐time digital simulator.
Effect of phase‐locked loop on small‐signal perturbation modelling and stability analysis for three‐phase LCL‐type inverter connected to weak grid
Authors: Yang Ling , Chen Yandong , Luo An , Chen Zhiyong , Zhou Leming , Zhou Xiaoping , Wu Wenhua , Tan Wenjuan , Guerrero Josep M.
Published: May 2018

For three‐phase LCL‐type inverter connected to weak grid, the bandwidth and dynamics of phase‐locked loop (PLL) directly affect small‐signal perturbation modelling, which causes the control dq frame of PLL being no longer aligned with the system dq frame of weak grid. Thus, considering the effect of PLL, a small‐signal perturbation admittance model is firstly built. Secondly, by the rotating matrix, variables in the system dq frame are transformed into the control dq frame. Then, the interaction between two dq frames is established based on an admittance model in consideration of the PLL, and the inverter output admittance is obtained. Finally, the effect of PLL, grid impedance and LCL‐type filter parameters on system stability are analysed. As a conclusion, with an increase in PLL bandwidth and grid impedance, the system stability gradually is decreased, even resulting in the system instability. In addition, the larger the active damping coefficient is, the better the system stability is. While, the increase of filter capacitance and grid‐side inductance leads to the decrease of system stability. The conclusions have certain guiding significance and reference value for the design and safe operation of three‐phase LCL‐type grid‐connected inverter. The simulation and experiment verify the validity of theoretical analysis.
VLBA+GBT observations of the COSMOS field and radio source counts at 1.4 GHz
Authors: Herrera Ruiz N. , Middelberg E. , Deller A. , Smolčić V. , Norris R. P. , Novak M. , Delvecchio I. , Best P. N. , Schinnerer E. , Momjian E. , Dettmar R.-J. , Brisken W. , Koekemoer A. M. , Scoville N. Z.
Published: May 2018

We present very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) observations of 179 radio sources in the COSMOS field with extremely high sensitivity using the Green Bank Telescope (GBT) together with the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) (VLBA+GBT) at 1.4 GHz, to explore the faint radio population in the flux density regime of tens of μJy. Here, the identification of active galactic nuclei (AGN) is based on the VLBI detection of the source, meaning that it is independent of X-ray or infrared properties. The milli-arcsecond resolution provided by the VLBI technique implies that the detected sources must be compact and have large brightness temperatures, and therefore they are most likely AGN (when the host galaxy is located at z ≥ 0.1). On the other hand, this technique only allows us to positively identify when a radio-active AGN is present, in other words, we cannot affirm that there is no AGN when the source is not detected. For this reason, the number of identified AGN using VLBI should be always treated as a lower limit. We present a catalogue containing the 35 radio sources detected with the VLBA+GBT, ten of which were not previously detected using only the VLBA. We have constructed the radio source counts at 1.4 GHz using the samples of the VLBA and VLBA+GBT detected sources of the COSMOS field to determine a lower limit for the AGN contribution to the faint radio source population. We found an AGN contribution of >40−75% at flux density levels between 150 μJy and 1 mJy. This flux density range is characterised by the upturn of the Euclidean-normalised radio source counts, which implies a contribution of a new population. This result supports the idea that the sub-mJy radio population is composed of a significant fraction of radio-emitting AGN, rather than solely by star-forming galaxies, in agreement with previous studies.
Stabile koronare Herzkrankheit, akutes Koronarsyndrom und Vorhofflimmern
Authors: Leschke Matthias
Published: May 2018

Insbesondere Patienten mit einem akuten Koronarsyndrom, die eine stärkere Plättchenaktivität mit anhaltend hoher Thrombinaktivität aufweisen, profitieren von
einer verlängerten dualen Antiplättchentherapie (DAPT), wenn das Blutungsrisiko gering ist und zusätzliche ischämische Risikofaktoren, wie ein Diabetes
mellitus, ein weiteres Myokardinfarktereignis, eine koronare Mehrgefäßerkrankung oder eine Niereninsuffizienz vorliegen. Der klinische Stellenwert spezieller
Score-Systeme zur Differenzierung von Patienten, die von einer DAPT profitieren, ist derzeit unklar, da prospektive Daten bisher nicht vorliegen. Obwohl die
aktuellen Leitlinien zur DAPT bei Vorhofflimmern und koronarer Stentimplantation eine Triple-Therapie aus Antikoagulanz und einer dualen Plättchenhemmung aus
Clopidogrel und Aspirin (IIaB) bis zu ggf. 6 Monaten bei erhöhtem ischämischen Risiko empfehlen, sollte unter Berücksichtigung der Studiendaten von PIONEER-AF
und REDUAL-PCI sowie der in verschiedenen Registern dokumentierten hohen Blutungsrate der Triple-Therapie eine duale Therapie bevorzugt mit Rivaroxaban bzw.
Dabigatran in reduzierter Dosierung von 15 mg bzw. 110 mg durchgeführt werden. In diesen beiden Studien wies die Kombination aus Rivaroxaban bzw. Dabigatran mit
Clopidogrel weitaus geringere Blutungsraten als die klassische Triple-Therapie auf.
Vermutung auf Behandlungs- oder Aufklärungsfehler
Authors: Häser Isabel
Published: May 2018

Wenn ein Behandlungs- oder Aufklärungsfehler vermutet wird, wird in der Regel sowohl das Krankenhaus als auch der oder die Ärzte verklagt, denen der
vorgeworfene Fehler unterlaufen sein könnte. Das OLG Hamm hatte über eine Klage einer Patientin zu entscheiden, die vom Krankenhaus die Mitteilung der
Privatanschriften aller behandelnden Ärzte verlangte.
Efficient Syntheses of Diverse N-Heterocycles: The Molybdenum(VI)-Catalyzed Reductive Cyclization of Nitroarenes using Pinacol as a Deoxygenating­ Agent
Authors: Gujjarappa Raghuram , Vodnala Nagaraju , Kabi Arup , Kaldhi Dhananjaya , Kumar Mohan , Beifuss Uwe , Malakar Chandi
Published: May 2018

Molybdenum(VI)-catalyzed domino reductive cyclization of nitroarenes has been devised for the syntheses of 1,4-benzoxazines and 1,4-benzothiazines in the presence of pinacol as deoxygenating agent. The scope of the described method was further extended to the syntheses of the rarely explored scaffolds, 1-hydroxyphenazines and quinoxalines. The present method avoids the use of hazardous deoxygenating agents and operates under solvent-free conditions.
Klinikunternehmen: Auf-/Absteiger des Monats
Authors: Schmidt Hartmut
Published: May 2018

Börsenexperte, analysiert für kma die Jahresabschlüsse* ausgewählter Kliniken

* Quelle: Geschäftsberichte, elektronischer Bundesanzeiger
Prospitalia best Practice Award: Das Smartphone als individuelle Gesundheitsakte
Authors: Kucera Martin
Published: May 2018

Bereits zum vierten Mal hat der Einkaufsdienstleister Prospitalia den Best Practice Award für den Bereich „Einkauf und Logistik im Krankenhaus“ verliehen. Gewonnen haben die Kliniken des Kreises Mühldorf am Inn, mit der Smartphone-App „Smart Visit“.
„Digital vor Ambulant vor Stationär“: Wie die Digitalisierung unser Gesundheitssystem verändern wird
Authors: Dorner Carola
Published: May 2018

Ein Interview mit Dr. Markus Müschenich vom Bundesverband Internetmedizin über digitale Konkurrenzverhältnisse, Qualitätssicherung und Geld.
Zwischenbilanz Innovationsfonds: Vielen Projekten rennt die Zeit davon
Authors: Mau Jens
Published: May 2018

Der Innovationsfonds hat viele Freunde, nicht zuletzt in der Bundesregierung, die den Fonds für weitere vier Jahre verlängern will. In der Praxis poppen jedoch altbekannte Innovationshürden auf und vielen Projekten rennt die Zeit davon. Wie es nach der Förderung weitergehen soll, bleibt eine Blackbox.
Versorgungsforscher Prof. Dr. Holger Pfaff im Interview: „Die Evaluation bringt zweifelsfreie Erkenntnis“
Authors: Jens Mau
Published: May 2018

Durch den Innovationfonds schließt Deutschland in Sachen Versorgungsforschung zu den USA und Großbritannien auf, sagt Prof. Dr. Holger Pfaff. Mit kma spricht der Kölner Wissenschaftler über die Schwachstellen des Fonds und die Frage, wie erfolgreiche Projekte in die Fläche kommen sollen.
Ortungssysteme im Krankenhaus: Diebstähle verhindern und die Sicherheit von Personal und Patienten erhöhen
Authors: Filthuth Heiko , Gruppe FAC'T
Published: May 2018

Zu wissen, wo sich ein bestimmtes Bett befindet ist nützlich. Zu merken, wenn Krankenhausequipment das Gelände verlässt, ist Geld wert. Reagieren zu können, wenn ein Mensch vermisst wird oder ein Übergriff stattfindet, ist lebenswichtig. Die Technik dafür gibt es bereits. Wir stellen einige Anwendungsszenarien vor.
Krankenhaus-IT: IT-Sicherheit ist Patientenschutz
Authors: Holzbrecher-Morys Markus
Published: May 2018

Bis Juni 2019 müssen alle Krankenhäuser, die unter die Kritisverordnung fallen, angemessene organisatorische und technische Vorkehrungen zum Schutz ihrer IT treffen. Die DKG hat jetzt den Entwurf eines branchenspezifischen Standards für Krankenhäuser verabschiedet. Stimmt der Bund zu, gilt der Standard künftig als Richtschnur für einen ausreichenden Schutz.
Sprechstunde in der PR-Ambulanz: Warum werden wir im Internet nicht gefunden?
Authors: Endele Kerstin
Published: May 2018

Kerstin Endele ist zur Hälfte Journalistin und zur Hälfte Biochemikerin. Seit mehr als 15 Jahren ist sie Expertin für Gesundheitskommunikation und war fünf Jahre Kommunikationschefin und Pressesprecherin der Charité. Wenn sie nicht Klinikvorstände aus Krisen rettet und Pressesprechern diverser Krankenhäuser dabei hilft, ein bisschen Strategie ins übliche Chaos zu bringen, betreibt sie mit der PR-Ambulanz (www.pr-ambulanz.com) einen der größten Blogs zur Klinikkommunikation in Deutschland.
Deutsches Ärzteforum 2018: Was die Digitalisierung der Medizin bedeutet
Authors: Ekkernkamp Axel
Published: May 2018

Bis die Digitalisierung so richtig im Gesundheitswesen angekommen ist, hat es eine ganze Weile gedauert. Doch jetzt ist sie auf dem Vormarsch – und bringt tiefgreifende Veränderungen für Medizin und Heilberufe mit sich. Es ist deshalb an der Zeit, sich intensiv damit zu beschäftigen.
Gastrointestinal Stents: Materials and Designs
Authors: Black Steven , Edwards Derek , Smith Graham , Laasch Hans-Ulrich
Published: May 2018

Over the past 25 years, stents have developed into an established way of restoring luminal patency throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Materials used as well as the construction of these devices have become more and more sophisticated to comply better with the complex environment they are inserted in. The requirements vary greatly from organ to organ and stent behavior differs significantly between stent constructions. However, this is not necessarily appreciated by many operators. The choice of devices is now vast, and in many cases, decisions are made on availability and cost. An increasing challenge in malignant conditions is the improving survival of incurable patients, which now exceeds the traditional life expectancy of a stent by a factor of 2 to 3. Consequently, more patients experience failure of their stent and require repeat interventions. This has a poor impact on patients' quality of life and potentially on their survival. Re-intervention is often more difficult, carries the risk of additional complications, and presents an additional economic burden to the health systems.

This article illustrates current stent designs, their different behaviors, and limitations.
The Role of Modified Expansion Sphincter Pharyngoplasty in Multilevel Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome Surgery
Authors: Lorusso Francesco , Dispenza Francesco , Modica Domenico , Gallina Salvatore
Published: May 2018

Introduction Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a sleep disorder caused by an excessive narrowing of the pharyngeal airway that also collapses during inspiration, with an important role played by the lateral pharyngeal wall in the development of the obstruction.

Objective To describe our surgical experience with modified expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty (MESP) in the management of lateral collapse in upper airway multilevel surgery.

Methods A total of 20 patients with moderate to severe OSAS were recruited in the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Department of the University of Palermo, Italy. All of the enrolled patients refused the ventilatory therapy. The subjects were evaluated for snoring, and daytime sleepiness had a clinical evaluation including collection of anthropometric data and ENT examination and rhinofibroscopy with Müller maneuver. The patients undergoing upper airway multilevel surgery and we selected for MESP the patients with an oropharyngeal transverse pattern of collapse at Müller maneuver.

Results In the postoperative assessment, all of the patients reported a reduction in snoring scores and daytime sleepiness. We observed a reduction in the mean apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of 57.5% of the sample, which decreased from a mean value of 41.7 ( ± 21.5) to 17.4 ( ±  8.9) (p < 0.05), with a success rate, according to the Sher criteria, of 65%. We observed very few postoperative complications.

Conclusion Modified expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty in multilevel surgical therapy preceded by a careful selection of patients has proven to be effective in treating patients with moderate to severe syndromes.
Kasuistik: Opioidtherapie bei chronischem Rückenschmerz
Authors: Schnabel Alexander , Haaga Roland , Rittner Heike
Published: May 2018

Ein 76-jähriger stellt sich mit chronischen lumbalen Rückenschmerzen vor, die trotz hochdosierter Opioidtherapie nicht suffizient behandelt sind. Nach Ausschluss spezifischer Ursachen konnte im Rahmen eines multimodalen tagesklinischen Behandlungsprogramms für Senioren die Opioidtagesdosis von 480 mg auf 28 mg Morphinäquivalent und die initiale hohe Schmerzintensität von 7 auf 4 Punkte auf einer numerischen Rangskala erfolgreich reduziert werden.