bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cu(i)-Catalyzed amidation/imidation of N-arylglycine ester derivatives via C–N coupling under mild conditions
Authors: Daggupati Ramana V. , Malapaka Chandrasekharam
Published: November 2017

A copper-catalyzed cross-dehydrogenative amidation/imidation of N-arylglycine ester derivatives with benzamides, aromatic heterocyclic amides (oxindole, isatins), acyclic and cyclic amides (lactams) and imides (phthalimide, succinimide) under aerobic conditions has been developed.
Polyfluorenylacetylene for near-infrared laser protection: polymer synthesis, optical limiting mechanism and relationship between molecular structure and properties
Authors: Zhao Gang , Feng Yan , Guang Shanyi , Xu Hongyao , Lin Naibo , Liu Xiangyang
Published: November 2017

The incorporation of styryl/stilbene–fluorene into polyacetylenes not only endowed the polymers with novel near-infrared optical limiting properties based on a two-photon absorption mechanism but good solubility and high thermal stability.
Cyanocobalamin conjugates of cisplatin and diaminocyclohexane-platinum(ii): matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry characterization using 4-chloro-α-cyanocinnamic acid as the matrix
Authors: Ventura G. , Arnesano F. , Calvano C. D. , Palmisano F. , Cataldi T. R. I.
Published: November 2017

cis-Diamminedichloroplatinum(ii), also known as cisplatin, is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent to treat several malignant tumours, but unfortunately it causes serious side effects, especially nausea, vomiting and nephrotoxicity.
Monte Carlo study of chemical reaction equilibria in pores of activated carbons
Authors: Furmaniak Sylwester , Gauden Piotr A. , Kowalczyk Piotr , Patrykiejew Andrzej
Published: November 2017

Systematic Monte Carlo studies concerning relationships between the porous structure of activated carbons and the equilibria of reactions under confinement are presented.
Reply to the ‘Comment’ on “Lewis acidic ionic liquids of crown ether complex cations: preparation and applications in organic reactions” by M. Swadźba-Kwaśny, RSC Adv., 2017, 7, DOI: 10.1039/c7ra05921c
Authors: Wang Jinyuan , Zhou Panpan , Jing Huanwang
Published: November 2017

We published recently in RSC Advances a paper, reporting a new group of Lewis acidic ionic liquids that were prepared by the combination of 18-crown-6, alkali metal chloride (NaCl or KCl) and metal chloride (FeCl3, AlCl3, ZnCl2) and applied in organic reactions as catalysts.
Computational design of enhanced photocatalytic activity of two-dimensional cadmium iodide
Authors: Tao Lin , Huang Le
Published: November 2017

The recent synthesis of two-dimensional cadmium iodide (CdI2) opens up the questions of its properties and potential applications in optoelectronic and photovoltaic devices.
The recycle of red mud as excellent SCR catalyst for removal of NOx
Authors: Li Changming , Zeng Hong , Liu Pingle , Yu Jian , Guo Feng , Xu Guangwen , Zhang Zhan-guo
Published: November 2017

The red mud is reused as catalyst with excellent DeNOx efficiency at high temperature by milling and neutralization method.
The role of sp2/sp3 hybrid carbon regulation in the nonlinear optical properties of graphene oxide materials
Authors: Wang Shuai , Dong Yongli , He Chunying , Gao Yachen , Jia Nan , Chen Zhimin , Song Weina
Published: November 2017

A reduced graphene oxide with regulatable sp2 hybrid carbon configuration/cluster structure presents significant nonlinear optical properties.
Investigation of SO2tolerance of Ce-modified activated semi-coke based catalysts for the NO + CO reaction
Authors: Wang Zhiqiang , Wang Luyuan , Cheng Xingxing , Ma Chunyuan , Qin Yukun
Published: November 2017

The SO2tolerance mechanism of Ce-modified activated semi-coke based catalysts for the NO + CO reaction.
Enhanced antioxidant activity, antibacterial activity and hypoglycemic effect of luteolin by complexation with manganese(ii) and its inhibition kinetics on xanthine oxidase
Authors: Dong Hao , Yang Xiaocui , He Jiapeng , Cai Sheng , Xiao Kaijun , Zhu Liang
Published: November 2017

A coordination compound with enhanced biological activities was synthesized with luteolin and manganese(ii) cation. The inhibition effect assay found that the complex reversibly inhibited xanthine oxidase in a competitive manner.
Induction of diffusion and construction of metallurgical interfaces directly between immiscible Mo and Ag by irradiation-induced point defects
Authors: Li Lanting , Zhang Jie , Pan Xinchang , Huang Yuan , Wang Zumin , Liu Yongchang
Published: November 2017

As advanced materials, Mo/Ag laminated metal composites (LMCs) can be used for the interconnectors of spacecraft solar arrays and extend spacecraft orbital lifetime effectively.
Molecular dynamics study on the formation of self-organized core/shell structures in the Pb alloy at the nanoscale
Authors: Li Tao , Wang ZhiChao , Duan YunRui , Li Jie , Li Hui
Published: November 2017

An abnormal self-organized core/shell structure is formed in the liquid Al–Pb alloy, which can be controlled by confined conditions.
Correction: Analysis of moisture diffusion mechanism in structured lipids using magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Paluri Sravanti , Shavezipur Mohammed , Heldman Dennis R. , Maleky Fatemeh
Published: November 2017

Correction for ‘Analysis of moisture diffusion mechanism in structured lipids using magnetic resonance imaging’ by Sravanti Paluri et al., RSC Adv., 2015, 5, 76904–76911.
Tailored metallacarboranes as mediators for boosting the stability of carbon-based aqueous supercapacitors
Authors: Ruiz-Rosas R. , Fuentes I. , Viñas C. , Teixidor F. , Morallón E. , Cazorla-Amorós D.
Published: November 2017

The addition of a tailored metallacarborane to a commercial AC allows using supercapacitors (in 0.5 M Na2SO4 electrolyte) at 2.2 V.
Centrifugation-induced fibrous orientation in fish-sourced collagen matrices
Authors: Zhang Juntao , Sun Yang , Zhao Yan , Wei Benmei , Xu Chengzhi , He Lang , Oliveira Cristiano L. P. , Wang Haibo
Published: November 2017

An aligned fibrous collagen matrix is fabricated at the macroscale by centrifugation.
Heteroatom-doped electrodes for all-vanadium redox flow batteries with ultralong lifespan
Authors: Huang Peng , Ling Wei , Sheng Hang , Zhou Yan , Wu Xiaopeng , Zeng Xian-Xiang , Wu Xiongwei , Guo Yu-Guo
Published: November 2017

The heteroatom-doped graphite felt electrode with prominent hydrophilicity presents excellent electroactivity towards V2+/V3+ and VO2+/VO2+, and dramatically extends the energy efficiency of vanadium redox flow batteries towards 1000 cycles with 0.003% reduction per cycle.
Rapid production of carbon nanotubes: a review on advancement in growth control and morphology manipulations of flame synthesis
Authors: Hamzah N. , Yasin M. F. Mohd , Yusop M. Z. Mohd , Saat A. , Subha N. A. Mohd
Published: November 2017

A comprehensive review analysing the recent development in growth control enhancement of carbon nanotube synthesis in flame environment.
Controlled synthesis of upconverting nanoparticles/CuS yolk–shell nanoparticles for in vitro synergistic photothermal and photodynamic therapy of cancer cells
Authors: Huang Chen-Xi , Chen Hua-Jian , Li Fei , Wang Wan-Ni , Li Dong-Dong , Yang Xian-Zhu , Miao Zhao-Hua , Zha Zheng-Bao , Lu Yang , Qian Hai-Sheng
Published: November 2017

A chemical solution method involving multistep process has been developed to fabricate UCNPs@CuS yolk–shell nanoparticles for synergistic photothermal and photodynamic therapy of cancer cells.
Prolonging the lifetime of ultralong organic phosphorescence through dihydrogen bonding
Authors: Gu Long , Shi Huifang , Miao Chunyang , Wu Qi , Cheng Zhichao , Cai Suzhi , Gu Mingxing , Ma Chaoqun , Yao Wei , Gao Yaru , An Zhongfu , Huang Wei
Published: November 2017

Dihydrogen bonding can increase intermolecular interactions and confine molecular motion to prolong the lifetime of ultralong organic phosphorescence.
In vitro effects of endosulfan-based insecticides on mammalian sperm
Authors: Sánchez M. C. , Alvarez Sedó C. , Chaufan G. R. , Romanato M. , Da Cuña R. , Lo Nostro F. , Calvo J. C. , Fontana V.
Published: November 2017

This paper includes new information on the effect of endosulfan and/or its commercial formulations on some aspects of sperm function.
Leishmania LABCG2 transporter is involved in ATP-dependent transport of thiols
Authors: Perea Ana , Manzano José Ignacio , Kimura Yasuhisa , Ueda Kazumitsu , Castanys Santiago , Gamarro Francisco
Published: November 2017

The Leishmania LABCG2 transporter has a key role in the redox metabolism of these protozoan parasites. Recently, the involvement of LABCG2 in virulence, autophagy and oxidative stress has been described. Null mutant parasites for LABCG2 present an increase in the intracellular levels of glutathione (GSH) and trypanothione [T(SH)2]. On the other hand, parasites overexpressing LABCG2 transporter export non-protein thiols to the extracellular medium. To explore if LABCG2 may mediate an active transport of non-protein thiols, the effect of these molecules on ATPase activity of LABCG2 as well as the ability of LABCG2 to transport them was determined using a baculovirus-Sf9 insect cell system. Our results indicate that all thiols tested [GSH, T(SH)2] as well as their oxidized forms GSSG and TS2 (trypanothione disulfide) stimulate LABCG2-ATPase basal activity. We have measured the transport of [3H]-GSH in inside-out Sf9 cell membrane vesicles expressing LABCG2-GFP (green fluorescence protein), finding that LABCG2 was able to mediate a rapid and concentration-dependent uptake of [3H]-GSH in the presence of ATP. Finally, we have analyzed the ability of different thiol species to compete for this uptake, T(SH)2 and TS2 being the best competitors. The IC50 value for [3H]-GSH uptake in the presence of increasing concentrations of T(SH)2 was less than 100 μM, highlighting the affinity of this thiol for LABCG2. These results provide the first direct evidence that LABCG2 is an ABC transporter of reduced and oxidized non-protein thiols in Leishmania, suggesting that this transporter can play a role in the redox metabolism and related processes in this protozoan parasite.
PU.1-deficient mice are resistant to thioacetamide-induced hepatic fibrosis: PU.1 finely regulates Sirt1 expression via transcriptional promotion ofmiR-34aandmiR-29cin hepatic stellate cells
Authors: Liu Qing , Zhang Yongming , Yang Songzhu , Wu Yanfang , Wang Jiantao , Yu Weiwei , Liu Yanguo
Published: November 2017

PU box binding protein (PU.1) is a critical transcription factor involved in many pathological processes. However, its exact role in activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and liver fibrosis was rarely reported. Here, we found that, in HSCs of PU.1+/− mice, Sirt1 mRNA expression was not changed but Sirt1 protein was significantly increased, suggesting its promoting role in Sirt1 translation. We then isolated HSCs from wild-type (WT) and PU.1+/− mice, and the pcDNA-PU.1 expression vector was transfected into PU.1+/− HSCs. We checked the levels of miR-34a and miR-29c, two Sirt1-targetting miRNAs, and protein levels of PU.1 and Sirt1. The results showed that miR-34a/-29c were significantly reduced and Sirt1 protein was increased in PU.1+/− HSCs, compared with WT HSCs. Besides, PU.1 overexpression inversed the reduction in miR-34a/-29c levels and the increase in Sirt1 protein in both PU.1+/- HSCs and WT HSCs. Additionally, ChIP-quantitive real-time PCR (qPCR) assay comfirmed that PU.1 was directly bound to both the promoter regions of miR-34a and miR-29c. Importantly, PU.1 overexpression promoted the proliferation, migration, activation, oxidative stress and inflammatory response in WT HSCs, while the promotion could be inversed by either overexpression of Sirt1 or inhibition of miR-34a/-29c. Moreover, animal model of liver fibrosis was established by intraperitoneal injections of thioacetamide (TAA) in WT and PU.1+/− mice, respectively. Compared with the WT mice, PU.1+/− mice displayed a lower fibrotic score, less collagen content, better liver function, and lower levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory response. In conclusion, PU.1 suppresses Sirt1 translation via transcriptional promotion of miR-34a/-29c, thus promoting Sirt1-mediated HSC activation and TAA-induced hepatic fibrosis.
Huai Qi Huang corrects the balance of Th1/Th2 and Treg/Th17 in an ovalbumin-induced asthma mouse model
Authors: Liang Peng , Peng Shao , Zhang Man , Ma Yingying , Zhen Xinggang , Li Huijuan
Published: November 2017

The present study is designed to determine whether Huai Qi Huang has immunoregulatory effects on the (helper T (Th)) Th1/Th2 and regulatory T cell (Treg)/Th17 balance in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma model mice. Asthma model mice were constructed by OVA treatment and Huai Qi Huang was administered. The amount of migrated inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from the OVA mice was counted. The total IgE in the sera was detected by the IgE ELISA kit. Cell suspensions from the lung were stained with antibodies specific for CD4 and the master transcription factors for Th1 (T-box expressed in T cells (T-bet)), Th2 (GATA-binding protein 3 (Gata-3)), Th17 (retinoic acid related orphan receptor γt (RORγt)), and Treg (forkhead box p3 (Foxp3)). The left lobe of the lung was used to prepare a single-cell suspension for flow cytometry to determine whether Huai Qi Huang influenced CD4+ T-cell subsets. Histological analyses were performed by using Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. The mRNA expression levels of the transcription factors were detected by using qRT-PCR. Huai Qi Huang inhibited infiltration of inflammatory cells into the lung, reduced influx of eosinophils (EOSs), lymphocytes (LYMs), neutrophils (NEUs), and macrophages (MACs) in the BALF, and decreased IgE in the serum in OVA-treated mice. Huai Qi Huang could regulate Th1/Th2 and Treg/Th17 via the re-balance of cytokine profiles and change the mRNA expression levels of the transcription factors, T-bet/Gata-3 and Foxp3/RORγt in OVA-treated mice. Our results showed that Huai Qi Huang could correct the imbalance of Th1/Th2 and Treg/Th17 in OVA-induced asthma model mice, indicating its effects on inhibiting the development and severity of asthma.
Does sympathetic dysfunction occur before denervation in pure autonomic failure?
Authors: Guo Ling , Esler Murray D. , Sari Carolina , Phillips Sarah , Lambert Elisabeth A. , Straznicky Nora E. , Lambert Gavin W. , Corcoran Susan J.
Published: November 2017

Pure autonomic failure (PAF) is a rare sporadic disorder characterized by autonomic failure in the absence of a movement disorder or dementia and is associated with very low plasma norepinephrine (NE) levels—suggesting widespread sympathetic denervation, however due to its rarity the pathology remains poorly elucidated. We sought to correlate clinical and neurochemical findings with sympathetic nerve protein abundances, accessed by way of a forearm vein biopsy, in patients with PAF and in healthy controls and patients with multiple systems atrophy (MSA) in whom sympathetic nerves are considered intact. The abundance of sympathetic nerve proteins, extracted from forearm vein biopsy specimens, in 11 patients with PAF, 8 patients with MSA and 9 age-matched healthy control participants was performed following a clinical evaluation and detailed evaluation of sympathetic nervous system function, which included head-up tilt (HUT) testing with measurement of plasma catecholamines and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) in addition to haemodynamic assessment to confirm the clinical phenotype. PAF participants were found to have normal abundance of the NE transporter (NET) protein, together with very low levels of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) (P<0.0001) and reduced vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) (P<0.05) protein expression compared with control and MSA participants. These findings were associated with a significantly higher ratio of plasma 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol (DHPG):NE in PAF participants when compared with controls (P<0.05). The finding of normal NET abundance in PAF suggests intact sympathetic nerves but with reduced NE synthesis. The finding of elevated plasma ratio of DHPG:NE and reduced VMAT2 in PAF indicates a shift towards intraneuronal NE metabolism over sequestration in sympathetic nerves and suggests that sympathetic dysfunction may occur ahead of denervation.
Vaq‐based tri‐level switching scheme for SAR ADC
Authors: Zhao Jinqiang , Mei Niansong , Zhang Zhaofeng , Meng Lingqin
Published: November 2017

An area‐efficient tri‐level switching scheme is proposed for the successive approximation register (SAR) analogue‐to‐digital converters (ADCs). Unlike existing tri‐level scheme, the proposed switching scheme is based on a new third reference voltage Vaq which is a quarter of the reference voltage Vref. With reusing the least significant bit capacitors in the last two bits generation, the proposed switching scheme achieves 87.5% less number of unit capacitors and 96.48% less switching energy over the conventional scheme.
Channel transmission strategy for mmWave hybrid UAV communications with blockage
Authors: Zhao Jianwei , Jia Weimin
Published: November 2017

The blockage is a tough hurdle for millimetre‐wave (mmWave) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) communications. In this Letter, the authors propose an angle domain channel transmission scheme for mmWave hybrid UAV communication with blockage. Firstly, they investigate the angle domain channel transmission of mmWave UAV communication systems with massive array antennas. Then, they solve the blockage problem through the multi‐UAV coordination. Specially, they provide a practical user scheduling algorithm to maximize the achievable sum rates. Finally, simulation results are provided to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
AdaBoost classifiers for phasor measurements‐based security assessment of power systems
Authors: Thirugnanasambandam Venkatesh , Jain Trapti
Published: November 2017

Power system security is a major concern in real‐time operation. It is essential to protect the system from blackout by taking proper control actions. This study proposes a boosting algorithm for the precise and accurate prediction of static security assessment of power systems using synchronised measurements. In addition to security status, the proposed approach also predicts the type of violations which may be either line overload/voltage violation or both of the insecure operating conditions. To overcome the computational complexity, the number of input phasor measurements is reduced by a statistical approach based on class separability and correlation coefficient indices. In the classification stage, support vector machines (SVMs) are used as weak classifiers and a strong classifier is constructed as the linear combination of many weak SVM classifiers. The performance of the Adaptive Boosting (AdaBoost) algorithm is further improved by a new weight updation strategy using fuzzy clustering thresholding technique. The efficiency of the proposed approach is demonstrated on IEEE 14‐bus, IEEE 30‐bus, and Indian 246‐bus systems. Further, the test results reveal that the proposed method of security assessment performs better than the other traditional classifiers viz. SVM, feed forward neural network and k‐nearest neighbour classifier.
Financial risk constrained remote controlled switch deployment in distribution networks
Authors: Izadi Milad , Safdarian Amir
Published: November 2017

Recently, diverse technologies and apparatus are launched to enhance service reliability in the distribution level. In this regard, remote controlled switches (RCSs) can play a prominent role in declining interruption durations and costs. The stochastic nature of contingencies, however, imposes considerable uncertainty on the achievements of RCS deployment. This study presents a model to consider the financial risk induced by the uncertainty in an RCS placement problem. The risk awareness of distribution companies is scrutinised through an effective risk measure, i.e. conditional value at risk. In the model, the number and location of RCSs are determined such that the system expected cost is minimised and the risk is managed. The model is treated as a multi‐objective problem with two conflicting objectives. The problem is then solved via a non‐dominated sorting genetic algorithm II. This algorithm results in a set of non‐dominated solutions. Finally, a fuzzy decision making method is applied to select the best placement strategy from the set. The presented model is applied on RBTS‐Bus4, where the findings reveal the importance of considering the risk in an RCS placement problem as well as the capability of the method in doing so.
New fault detection and localisation technique for double‐circuit three‐terminal transmission line
Authors: Gaur Vishal Kumar , Bhalja Bhavesh
Published: November 2017

This study proposes a new technique which detects fault on the line, identifies faulty circuit/line‐section and estimates location of fault (fault localisation) on the double‐circuit three‐terminal transmission line. The fault detection and faulty circuit/line‐section identification has been carried out by estimating the superimposed components of current at remote end with reference to all the three terminals. Subsequently, the estimation of fault distance is performed by utilising phase angle of voltage and current at the fault point. The performance of the proposed technique has been evaluated by simulating 400 kV double‐circuit three‐terminal transmission line network using PSCAD/EMTDC software package. The results indicate that the presented technique is able to detect as well as recognise the faulty circuit/line‐section correctly even in case of occurrence of a high resistance ground fault near the tap point. At the same time, it is also capable of estimating the precise value of fault location as the percentage error remains within ±1.3%, even under wide variation in system and fault parameters. The proposed technique is also valid for cross‐country faults and its accuracy remains consistent even with considerable errors in the measurement of current transformers and capacitive voltage transformers.
Deep multiple instance learning for automatic detection of diabetic retinopathy in retinal images
Authors: Zhou Lei , Zhao Yu , Yang Jie , Yu Qi , Xu Xun
Published: November 2017

As a weakly supervised learning technique, multiple instance learning (MIL) has shown an advantage over supervised learning methods for automatic detection of diabetic retinopathy (DR): only the image‐level annotation is needed to achieve both detection of DR images and DR lesions, making more graded and de‐identified retinal images available for learning. However, the performance of existing studies on this technique is limited by the use of handcrafted features. The authors propose a deep MIL method for DR detection, which jointly learns features and classifiers from data and achieves a significant improvement on detecting DR images and their inside lesions. Specifically, a pre‐trained convolutional neural network is adapted to achieve the patch‐level DR estimation, and then global aggregation is used to make the classification of DR images. Further, the authors propose an end‐to‐end multi‐scale scheme to better deal with the irregular DR lesions. For detection of DR images, they achieve an area under the ROC curve of 0.925 on a subset of a Kaggle dataset, and 0.960 on Messidor. For detection of DR lesions, they achieve an F1‐score of 0.924 with sensitivity 0.995 and precision 0.863 on DIARETDB1 using the connected component‐level validation.
Electrically small naturally circularly polarised antenna
Authors: Manteghi Majid
Published: November 2017

A new self‐matched, naturally circularly polarised, electrically small antenna (ESA) is introduced along with its feeding structure. The antenna consists of two coplanar electric and magnetic loops representing two parallel ES magnetic and electric dipoles. These two antennas form resonant pair and exchange electric and magnetic stored energies. Therefore, their combination radiates a circularly polarised wave with a doughnut‐shaped radiation pattern. A circuit model is introduced for the antenna and the design equations are presented in addition to simulated examples. One of the simulated models with dimensions 0.0581λ×0.0581λ×0.005λ (ka = 0.18) was prototyped and measured. Axial ratios of 1.4 and 1.48 have been achieved in the simulation and measured results, respectively. The radiation efficiency and 3 dB bandwidth of the prototyped antenna are 13% and 1.39 MHz, respectively.
Greening big data networks: velocity impact
Authors: Al‐Salim Ali M. , El‐Gorashi Taisir E.H. , Lawey Ahmed Q. , Elmirghani Jaafar M.H.
Published: November 2017

The authors investigate the impact of big data's velocity on greening IP over WDM networks. They classify the processing velocity of big data into two modes: expedited‐data and relaxed‐data modes. Expedited‐data demands higher amount of computational resources to reduce the execution time compared with the relaxed‐data. They developed a mixed integer linear programming model to progressively process big data at strategic locations, dubbed processing nodes (PNs), built into the network along the path from the source to the destination. The extracted information from the raw traffic is smaller in volume compared with the original traffic each time the data is processed, hence, reducing network power consumption. The results showed that up to 60% network power saving is achieved when nearly 100% of the data required relaxed processing. In contrast, only 15% of network power saving is gained when nearly 100% of the data required expedited processing. The authors obtained around 33% power saving in the mixed modes (i.e. when ∼50% of the data is processed in the relaxed mode and 50% of the data is processed in expedited mode), compared with the classical approach where all the processing is achieved inside the centralised data centres only.
Model of ferromagnetic steels for lightning transient analysis
Authors: Chen Hongcai , Du Yaping
Published: November 2017

This study investigates the model of structural steels used in the lightning current analysis. These steels, magnetic material, can be found in grounded structures, such as towers and buildings. An equivalent electrical circuit is presented first for these magnetic conductors under lighting transient current. Circuit parameters of the steel wires are determined numerically with an equivalent circuit approach. A rational function approximation is incorporated for developing an extended circuit model of frequency‐dependent circuits used in time‐domain simulations. Experiments are carried out to disclose the transient response of both steel bars and rods when they carry a surge current directly. It is found that these steel wires exhibit weak ferromagnetism, and can be represented with linear magnetic materials. The proposed modelling procedure is applied to analyse surge current sharing in a three‐dimensional steel wire/power cable system adopted in radio base stations. Good agreements with the experimental results are observed.
Describing function‐based approximations of biomolecular systems
Authors: Dey Abhishek , Sen Shaunak
Published: November 2017

Mathematical methods provide useful framework for the analysis and design of complex systems. In newer contexts such as biology, however, there is a need to both adapt existing methods as well as to develop new ones. Using a combination of analytical and computational approaches, the authors adapt and develop the method of describing functions to represent the input–output responses of biomolecular signalling systems. They approximate representative systems exhibiting various saturating and hysteretic dynamics in a way that is better than the standard linearisation. Furthermore, they develop analytical upper bounds for the computational error estimates. Finally, they use these error estimates to augment the limit cycle analysis with a simple and quick way to bound the predicted oscillation amplitude. These results provide system approximations that can add more insight into the local behaviour of these systems than standard linearisation, compute responses to other periodic inputs and to analyse limit cycles.
Method of adapting to grid recovery in extreme weather conditions
Authors: Luo Gang , Xu Wei , Liu Chongru , Qian Feng , Yang Yinguo , Liu Junlei
Published: November 2017

A reasonable recovery strategy for power system is important for the rapid recovery of the grid after a large‐scale blackout. Based on the idea of timing restoration decision and taking into account the influence of extreme weather, a restoration strategy of power grid is proposed to avoid the affection of extreme weather on selecting transmission paths and generators and minimise the risk of a secondary failure in system recovery. Firstly, the recovery model of power elements in the case of extreme weather is established, and the improved Dijiestra algorithm is used to find the optimal path of the target generator. Secondly, the dynamic ordering of the generators is carried out considering the maximum power generation capacity during the grid recovery time, where the effects of various safety constraints and extreme weather on outputs of generators are taken into account. The validity and practicability of the proposed method are verified by the IEEE30 node system and the actual Guangdong power grid.
Full exploration of the giant planet population around β Pictoris
Authors: Lagrange A.-M. , Keppler M. , Meunier N. , Lannier J. , Beust H. , Milli J. , Bonnavita M. , Bonnefoy M. , Borgniet S. , Chauvin G. , Delorme P. , Galland F. , Iglesias D. , Kiefer F. , Messina S. , Vidal-Madjar A. , Wilson P. A.
Published: November 2017

Context. The search for extrasolar planets has been limited so far to close orbit (typ. ≤5 au) planets around mature solar-type stars on the one hand, and to planets on wide orbits (≥10 au) around young stars on the other hand. To get a better view of the full giant planet population, we have started a survey to search for giant planets around a sample of carefully selected young stars.

Aims. This paper aims at exploring the giant planet population around one of our targets, β Pictoris, over a wide range of separations. With a disk and a planet already known, the β Pictoris system is indeed a very precious system for studies of planetary formation and evolution, as well as of planet–disk interactions.

Methods. We analyse more than 2000 HARPS high-resolution spectra taken over 13 years as well as NaCo images recorded between 2003 and 2016. We combine these data to compute the detection probabilities of planets throughout the disk, from a fraction of au to a few dozen au.

Results. We exclude the presence of planets more massive than 3 MJup closer than 1 au and further than 10 au, with a 90% probability. 15+ MJup companions are excluded throughout the disk except between 3 and 5 au with a 90% probability. In this region, we exclude companions with masses larger than 18 (resp. 30) MJup with probabilities of 60 (resp. 90) %.
First analysis of solar structures in 1.21 mm full-disc ALMA image of the Sun
Authors: Brajša R. , Sudar D. , Benz A. O. , Skokić I. , Bárta M. , De Pontieu B. , Kim S. , Kobelski A. , Kuhar M. , Shimojo M. , Wedemeyer S. , White S. , Yagoubov P. , Yan Y.
Published: November 2017

Context.Various solar features can be seen in emission or absorption on maps of the Sun in the millimetre and submillimetre wavelength range. The recently installed Atacama Large Millimetre/submillimetre Array (ALMA) is capable of observing the Sun in that wavelength range with an unprecedented spatial, temporal and spectral resolution. To interpret solar observations with ALMA, the first important step is to compare solar ALMA maps with simultaneous images of the Sun recorded in other spectral ranges.

Aims.The first aim of the present work is to identify different structures in the solar atmosphere seen in the optical, infrared, and EUV parts of the spectrum (quiet Sun, active regions, prominences on the disc, magnetic inversion lines, coronal holes and coronal bright points) in a full-disc solar ALMA image. The second aim is to measure the intensities (brightness temperatures) of those structures and to compare them with the corresponding quiet Sun level.

Methods.A full-disc solar image at 1.21 mm obtained on December 18, 2015, during a CSV-EOC campaign with ALMA is calibrated and compared with full-disc solar images from the same day in Hαline, in He I1083 nm line core, and with various SDO images (AIA at 170 nm, 30.4 nm, 21.1 nm, 19.3 nm, and 17.1 nm and HMI magnetogram). The brightness temperatures of various structures are determined by averaging over corresponding regions of interest in the calibrated ALMA image.

Results.Positions of the quiet Sun, active regions, prominences on the disc, magnetic inversion lines, coronal holes and coronal bright points are identified in the ALMA image. At the wavelength of 1.21 mm, active regions appear as bright areas (but sunspots are dark), while prominences on the disc and coronal holes are not discernible from the quiet Sun background, despite having slightly less intensity than surrounding quiet Sun regions. Magnetic inversion lines appear as large, elongated dark structures and coronal bright points correspond to ALMA bright points.

Conclusions.These observational results are in general agreement with sparse earlier measurements at similar wavelengths. The identification of coronal bright points represents the most important new result. By comparing ALMA and other maps, it was found that the ALMA image was oriented properly and that the procedure of overlaying the ALMA image with other images is accurate at the 5 arcsec level. The potential of ALMA for physics of the solar chromosphere is emphasised.
The environment of the wind–wind collision region of η Carinae
Authors: Panagiotou C. , Walter R.
Published: November 2017

Context. η Carinae is a colliding wind binary hosting two of the most massive stars and featuring the strongest wind collision mechanical luminosity. The wind collision region of this system is detected in X-rays and γ-rays and offers a unique laboratory for the study of particle acceleration and wind magneto-hydrodynamics.

Aim. Our main goal is to use X-ray observations of η Carinae around periastron to constrain the wind collision zone geometry and understand the reasons for its variability.

Methods. We analysed 10 Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) observations, which were obtained around the 2014 periastron. The NuSTAR array monitored the source from 3 to 30 keV, which allowed us to grasp the continuum and absorption parameters with very good accuracy. We were able to identify several physical components and probe their variability.

Results. The X-ray flux varied in a similar way as observed during previous periastrons and largely as expected if generated in the wind collision region. The flux detected within ~10 days of periastron is lower than expected, suggesting a partial disruption of the central region of the wind collision zone. The Fe Kα line is likely broadened by the electrons heated along the complex shock fronts. The variability of its equivalent width indicates that the fluorescence region has a complex geometry and that the source obscuration varies quickly with the line of sight.
Anti-M Alloimmunization: Management and Outcome at a Single Institution
Authors: Stetson Bethany , Scrape Scott , Markham Kara
Published: November 2017

Objective The objective of this study was to review the management strategies and outcomes in gravidas with anti-M alloimmunization over 15 years.

Study Design Data collected from 195 pregnant patients with anti-M antibodies from July 2000 through June 2016 were reviewed retrospectively. We analyzed indirect antiglobulin test titer results, paternal or fetal/neonatal M antigen status, antepartum course, and perinatal outcomes.

Results Anti-M antibodies were found in 146 women and 195pregnancies. Among those with positive indirect antiglobulin tests, 193 pregnancies had titers at or below 1:4. Only one patient with an initial low titer experienced a more than twofold increase to a titer 1:64. Two women underwent an amniocentesis and cordocentesis. Ninety-five (73.6%) of the 129 infants tested were positive for the M antigen. Nine infants required phototherapy. There were no cases of hemolytic disease of the fetus or newborn, mild or severe.

Conclusion The incidence of severe hemolytic disease of the newborn due to anti-M is extremely low. We found no cases in our review of 195 pregnancies, despite several cases of severe hemolytic disease of the newborn reported in the literature. We have created an algorithm for the management of anti-M antibodies in pregnancy based on our data and extensive literature review.
Calculation of HAS-BLED Score Is Useful for Early Identification of Venous Thromboembolism Patients at High Risk for Major Bleeding Events: A Prospective Outpatients Cohort Study
Authors: Raggam Reinhard , Hafner Franz , Avian Alexander , Hackl Gerald , Cvirn Gerhard , Brodmann Marianne , Gary Thomas , Rief Peter
Published: November 2017

The aim of this study was prospective evaluation of the performance of the HAS-BLED score in predicting major bleeding complications in a real-world outpatient cohort, during long-term anticoagulation for venous thromboembolism (VTE), treated with a broad spectrum of anticoagulants. We analyzed 111 outpatients objectively diagnosed with VTE and treated long-term with various anticoagulants. Patients were grouped in three cohorts based on the anticoagulant regimen. Calculation of the HAS-BLED score and documentation of bleeding events were performed every 6 months for 1 year. Patients with a HAS-BLED score ≥ 3 had an increased risk for major bleeding events (odds ratio [OR]: 13.05, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.96–692.58, p = 0.028) and a trend to higher risk for minor bleeding events as well (OR: 2.25, 95% CI: 0.87–5.85, p = 0.091) when compared with patients with a HAS-BLED score < 3.This indicates that a HAS-BLED score ≥ 3 allows for identification of patients with VTE on long-term anticoagulation at an increased risk for major bleeding events, irrespective of the anticoagulant agent used.
Inhibitors in Patients with Congenital Bleeding Disorders Other Than Hemophilia
Authors: Marano Giuseppe , Mengoli Carlo , Piccinini Vanessa , Pupella Simonetta , Vaglio Stefania , Liumbruno Giancarlo , Franchini Massimo
Published: November 2017

The most worrying complication of replacement therapy for severe hemophilia A and B is currently the occurrence of inhibitory alloantibodies against infused factor VIII and factor IX, respectively. Inhibitors compromise the management of hemorrhage in affected patients, with a considerable increase in complications, disability, and costs. While these alloantibodies have been extensively studied in the past years in hemophilia A and B, those occurring in patients with other inherited bleeding disorders are less well characterized and still poorly understood, mostly due to the rarity of these hemorrhagic conditions. This narrative review will deal with inhibitors arising in patients with inherited bleeding disorders other than “classical” hemophilia, focusing in particular on those developing in patients with congenital deficiency of coagulation factor V, factor VII, factor XI, and factor XIII.
Severe Trampoline Injuries: Incidence and Risk Factors in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Salokorpi Niina , Suo-Palosaari Maria , Pesälä Juha , Serlo Willy , Sinikumpu Juha-Jaakko , Korhonen Linda
Published: November 2017

Introduction Severe trampoline injuries in children and adolescents are rare; however, minor injuries are common and their incidence is increasing. Severe injuries are most commonly head and neck injuries. They may result in long-term morbidity. This study aimed to illustrate these severe injuries and to find out their incidence and risk factors.

Materials and Methods This is a population-based, prospective study in the Oulu region of Finland completed over 2 years (May 1, 2015 to April 31, 2017). All children (<16 years of age) with severe trampoline injuries were included. Cervical spine fractures, chest wall and skull fractures, lesions of internal organs, hip and knee dislocations, and permanent disorders of the peripheral veins or nerves were in prior defined as severe. Multiple jumpers, stunts, younger age, previous injuries, insufficient use of safety equipment, and lack of supervision were hypothesized as risk factors.

Results There were 11 injured patients (10 boys). The annual incidence was 6.28/100,000 children <16 years of age. Mean age was 11.5 years. Severe injuries included five ligamentous cervical spine injuries and two sternal bone fractures. In addition, there were one lumbar spine ligament injury, two hip dislocations, and one severe axillary plexus nerve lesion. Eight out of 11 accidents were not seen by any adult and none of them happened under professional supervision. Most injuries (N = 8) happened by failed backflips.

Conclusion Most severe injuries happened in unsuccessful flips. Children should have an adult supervisor and flips should not be attempted.
Comparison of Melatonin Levels in the Colostrum between Vaginal Delivery and Cesarean Delivery
Authors: Kalem Ziya , Yuce Tuncay , Bakırarar Batuhan , Söylemez Feride , Namlı Kalem Müberra
Published: November 2017

Objective This study aims to compare melatonin levels in colostrum between vaginal and cesarean delivery.

Study Design This cross-sectional study was conducted with 139 mothers who gave live births between February 2016 and December 2016. The mothers were divided into three groups according to the mode of delivery: 60 mothers (43.2%) in the vaginal delivery group, 47 mothers (33.8%) in the elective cesarean delivery, and 32 mothers (23.0%) in the emergency cesarean delivery group. Colostrum of the mothers was taken between 01:00 and 03:00 a.m. within 48 to 72 hours following the delivery, and the melatonin levels were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and compared between the groups.

Results The melatonin levels in the colostrum were the highest in the vaginal delivery group, lower in the elective cesarean section group, and the lowest in the emergency cesarean group (265.7 ± 74.3, 204.9 ± 55.6, and 167.1 ± 48.1, respectively; p < 0.001). The melatonin levels in the colostrum did not differ according to the demographic characteristics of the mothers, gestational age, birth weight, newborn sex, the Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration (APGAR) scores, and for the requirement for neonatal intensive care.

Conclusion Our study results showed that melatonin levels in the colostrum of the mothers who delivered vaginally were higher than those who delivered by cesarean section. Considering the known benefits of melatonin for the newborns, we believe that vaginal delivery poses an advantage.
Efficacy of Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum for Dupuytren Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sanjuan-Cerveró Rafael , Vazquez-Ferreiro Pedro , Gomez-Herrero Diego , Carrera-Hueso Francisco
Published: November 2017

Introduction Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum (CCH) has become a therapeutic alternative for Dupuytren disease. However, its efficacy in the medium to long term is unknown. The objective of our study is to carry out a systematic review of the studies conducted on the subject.

Material and Methods Systematic bibliographic search. Analysis depending on the time of progression, looking into 2 groups with the follow-up cut-off point of 1 year. Analysis of the number of patients who reached the primary endpoint, of the mean correction in degrees, and of the proportional correction of each joint.

Results The 50 selected clinical trials encompass a total of 4,622 patients (an average of 92.70). A total of 7,546 joints were treated with the mean being 148.15 joints per trial (3,925 metacarpophalangeal [MCP] and 2,350 proximal interphalangeal [PIP]). In less than one year of progression, the primary end point was reached in 48.9% of the joints (69.77% of the MCPs and 30.14% of the PIPs), the mean correction in degrees was 45.5 (standard deviation [SD]: 19.18) degrees; 40.8 degrees in the MCP (SD: 10.12) and 35.6 in the PIP (SD: 13.23), and the proportional correction of the joints was 72.9% (SD: 14.43) (83.9% for MCPs [SD: 12.58] and 64.2 for the PIPs [SD: 16.35]). In the follow-ups over 1 year, the primary end point was reached at a rate of 57.5% (68.9% of the MCPs and 43.3% of the PIPs), the mean correction in degrees was 37.6 degrees (SD: 10.93) (37.3 degrees in the MCPs [SD: 9.98] and 23.7 in the PIPs [SD: 16.33]) and the proportional correction of the joints was 87.3% (SD: 10.96) (90.3% for MCP [SD: 6.94] and 75% for PIP [SD: 13.54]).

Conclusions The results indicate a satisfactory response to CCH treatment maintained in the short and medium term. The recurrence rate is uncertain given the available data.
Use of Intramedullary Cannulated Headless Screws in the Treatment of Hand Fractures - An Anatomical Study on Long Fingers
Authors: Rivera Vegas María , Estefanía Díez Miguel , Martínez Núnez Pablo , Astorga Veganzones Rebeca
Published: November 2017

Objective To quantify the cartilaginous and tendinous lesions produced upon percutaneous introduction of intramedullary cannulated screws as osteosynthesis material in metacarpal and phalangeal fractures.

Materials and Methods Seven anatomical models and one non-replanted hand were used. The measurements of 30 metacarpals and proximal and middle phalanges were taken. Cannulated screws with complete and partial threads were placed percutaneously through the metacarpal head and the proximal and middle phalanges, reproducing the actions performed in the clinic. The following measurements were performed: A) Percentage of the damaged cartilaginous area and its location. B) Damage to the extensor apparatus and its distance to the bone insertion point. C) Bone marrow size.

Results (A) The percentages of the damaged areas in the metacarpals, proximal and middle phalanges were 5.7%, 13.35% and 9.62%, respectively. (B) The damage to the extensor apparatus was less than 3 mm with a 4-mm distance to the bone insertion point and (C) We have obtained the measurements of the intramedullary bone and from them, we calculated the width of the most appropriate screw.

Conclusion In conclusion, the use of retrograde and percutaneous cannulated screws is a reliable technique with regard to the associated morbidity, and we present an approximation regarding the most appropriate screw for each location.
Bone Marrow Cellular Therapies: Novel Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Khlopas Anton , Newman Jared , Ng Mitchell , Roche Martin , Husni M. , Spindler Kurt , Mont Michael , Muschler George , Piuzzi Nicolas
Published: November 2017

Cellular therapies are emerging as potentially promising treatments for numerous musculoskeletal conditions, such as knee osteoarthritis (OA). As orthopaedic surgeons represent a sizable portion of the providers who deliver these therapies, it is particularly essential for them to understand their fundamental principles. One major principle is to identify the appropriate sources for obtaining these cells, with bone marrow being most common. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to provide an overview of cell-based therapies available for the treatment of knee OA with a focus on bone marrow-derived cellular therapies. Specifically, we discuss (1) bone marrow aspiration technique, (2) processing to bone marrow aspirate concentrate, and (3) the rational and clinical evidence for the use of bone marrow cellular therapies for the treatment of knee OA.