bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The versatility of lithium cation coordination modes in salts with [W(CN)6(bpy)]2− anions
Authors: Hodorowicz Maciej , Szklarzewicz Janusz , Jurowska Anna
Published: May 2020

Effect of the cation size (compared to Cs+) in Li2[W(CN)6(bpy)] salts on the nature of the interaction with cyanide ligands and on the crystal structure is discussed, unusual decrease of the W–W distance and increase of cell volume are observed.
Thermodynamic pathway between the non-polar and ferroelectric polymorphs of guanidinium ethoxysulfonate
Authors: Jarek Marcin , Szafrański Marek
Published: May 2020

The reconstructive phase transition between the non-polar and ferroelectric structures of guanidinium ethoxysulfonate cannot be triggered by thermal stimulation, but it occurs under an external stress.
A diamondoid net sustained by halogen bonds: employing a cyclobutane to generate a tetrahedral architecture
Authors: Oburn Shalisa M. , Santana Carlos L. , Elacqua Elizabeth , Groeneman Ryan H.
Published: May 2020

A purely organic dia net sustained by halogen bonds that contains nodes comprised of rctt-tetrakis (4-pyridyl) cyclobutane, obtained from a solid-state photoreaction, is reported.
Polyamines stimulate RecA-mediated recombination by condensing duplex DNA and stabilizing intermediates
Authors: Tirtom Naciye Esma , Hsu Yang , Li Hung-Wen
Published: May 2020

Polyamine stimulates the RecA-mediated recombination by condensing duplex DNA and increasing duplex-capture efficiency via stabilizing the intermediates.
Establishing a new hot electrons transfer channel by ion doping in a plasmonic metal/semiconductor photocatalyst
Authors: Wang Zhiyu , Xue Jiawei , Pan Haibin , Wu Lihui , Dong Jingjing , Cao Heng , Sun Song , Gao Chen , Zhu Xiaodi , Bao Jun
Published: May 2020

Synchrotron radiation XANES confirms that the Fe dopant energy level in TiO2 establishes a new transfer pathway for hot electrons.
The effect of DMPO on the formation of hydroxyl radicals on the rutile TiO2(110) surface
Authors: Lei Yanhua , Huang Xiang , Zhao Changming , Jin Yuanjun , Xu Hu
Published: May 2020

The detected OH˙ signals by EPR on the rutile TiO2(110) surface are proposed to primarily originate from water upon illumination rather than the free OH˙ radical.
Structure, magnetic anisotropy and relaxation behavior of seven-coordinate Co(ii) single-ion magnets perturbed by counter-anions
Authors: Yi Gangji , Zhang Chunyang , Zhao Wen , Cui Huihui , Chen Lei , Wang Zhenxing , Chen Xue-Tai , Yuan Aihua , Liu Yuan-Zhong , Ouyang Zhong-Wen
Published: May 2020

A series of mononuclear seven-coordinate complexes with the same coordination unit [Co(BPA-TPA)]2+(BPA-TPA = pentapyidyldiamine) display the different slow magnetic relaxation processes perturbed by the variation of the counter anions.
An 8-hydroxyquinoline–proline hybrid with multidrug resistance reversal activity and the solution chemistry of its half-sandwich organometallic Ru and Rh complexes
Authors: Mészáros János P. , Poljarević Jelena M. , Szatmári István , Csuvik Oszkár , Fülöp Ferenc , Szoboszlai Norbert , Spengler Gabriella , Enyedy Éva A.
Published: May 2020

Synthesis and characterization of an 8-hydroxyquinoline–proline hybrid, and its complex formation with half-sandwich organometallic cations: aqueous chemistry, lipophilicity, cellular uptake and anticancer activity.
Continuous flow Suzuki–Miyaura couplings in water under micellar conditions in a CSTR cascade catalyzed by Fe/ppm Pd nanoparticles
Authors: Wood Alex B. , Nandiwale Kakasaheb Y. , Mo Yiming , Jin Bo , Pomberger Alexander , Schultz Victor L. , Gallou Fabrice , Jensen Klavs F. , Lipshutz Bruce H.
Published: May 2020

The first demonstration of aqueous surfactant-enabled Suzuki–Miyaura couplings run under flow conditions is described.
Single-phase catalysis for reductive etherification of diesel bioblendstocks
Authors: Hafenstine Glenn R. , Huq Nabila A. , Conklin Davis R. , Wiatrowski Matthew R. , Huo Xiangchen , Guo Qianying , Unocic Kinga A. , Vardon Derek R.
Published: May 2020

We developed a single-phase Pd/NbOPO4catalyst for reductive etherification that displays high catalytic activity, product selectivity, and regeneration stability.
A facile, environmentally friendly synthesis of strong photo-emissive methylammonium lead bromide perovskite nanocrystals enabled by ionic liquids
Authors: Hoang Minh Tam , Pham Ngoc Duy , Yang Yang , Tiong Vincent Tiing , Zhang Chao , Gui Ke , Chen Hong , Chang Jin , Wang Jianpu , Golberg Dmitri , Bell John , Wang Hongxia
Published: May 2020

An ionic liquid-based green synthesis of perovskite nanocrystals towards practical applications.
Enhancing the mechanical and thermal properties of waterborne polyurethane composites with thermoset epoxy resin microspheres
Authors: Cheng Liming , Zhu Nianqing , Ni Zhongbin , Xu Jin , Zhu Xiangmiao , Wen Jie , Chen Mingqing
Published: May 2020

A facile way to prepare WPU with good mechanical and thermal properties by adding epoxy microspheres.
tert-Butyl-substituted bicarbazole as a bipolar host material for efficient green and yellow PhOLEDs
Authors: Zhou Dandan , Zhang Bingqian , Yu Zhenyi , Liao Qing , Fu Hongbing
Published: May 2020

We designed a novel bipolar host material with a high ET and thermal stability for multi-colour PhOLEDs.
Unusual effects of the bulky 1-norbornyl group in cobalt carbonyl chemistry: low-energy structures with agostic hydrogen atoms
Authors: Li Huidong , Zhang Ze , Wang Linshen , Wan Di , Hu Yucheng , Fan Qunchao , King R. Bruce , Schaefer Henry F.
Published: May 2020

Low-energy (nor)Co(CO)n (n = 3, 2) and (nor)2Co2(CO)n (nor = 1-norbornyl; n = 6, 5) structures are found to have agostic hydrogen atoms from a CH2 group adjacent to the Co–C bond forming C–H–Co bridges. In addition, low-energy structures are found with (nor)CO acyl ligands resulting from carbonyl migration.
Progress in Ce0.8Gd0.2O2−δ protective layers for improving the CO2 stability of Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3−δ O2-transport membranes
Authors: Solís Cecilia , Balaguer María , Garcia-Fayos Julio , Palafox Elena , Serra José M.
Published: May 2020

A promising way of overcoming BSCF limitations in real operation conditions are CGO protective layers deposited by RF magnetron sputtering, as they show an improvement in the oxygen permeation flux when using pure CO2 as sweep gas.
Development of novel anti-malarial from structurally diverse library of molecules, targeting plant-like CDPK1, a multistage growth regulator of P. falciparum
Authors: Jain Ravi , Gupta Sakshi , Munde Manoj , Pati Soumya , Singh Shailja
Published: May 2020

Upon Plasmodium falciparum merozoites exposure to low [K+] environment in blood plasma, there is escalation of cytosolic [Ca2+] which activates Ca2+-Dependent Protein Kinase 1 (CDPK1), a signaling hub of intra-erythrocytic proliferative stages of parasite. Given its high abundance and multidimensional attributes in parasite life-cycle, this is a lucrative target for designing antimalarials. Towards this, we have virtually screened MyriaScreenII diversity collection of 10,000 drug-like molecules, which resulted in 18 compounds complementing ATP-binding pocket of CDPK1. In vitro screening for toxicity in mammalian cells revealed that these compounds are non-toxic in nature. Furthermore, SPR analysis demonstrated differential binding affinity of these compounds towards recombinantly purified CDPK1 protein. Selection of lead compound 1 was performed by evaluating their inhibitory effects on phosphorylation and ATP binding activities of CDPK1. Furthermore, in vitro biophysical evaluations by ITC and FS revealed that binding of compound 1 is driven by formation of energetically favorable non-covalent interactions, with different binding constants in presence and absence of Ca2+, and TSA authenticated stability of compound 1 bound CDPK1 complex. Finally, compound 1 strongly inhibited intra-erythrocytic growth of P. falciparum in vitro. Conceivably, we propose a novel CDPK1-selective inhibitor, step towards developing pan-CDPK kinase inhibitors, prerequisite for cross-stage anti-malarial protection.
Weighted gene correlation network analysis reveals novel regulatory modules associated with recurrent early pregnancy loss
Authors: Li Xiaoxiao , He Yuanqi , Hao Cuifang , Li Xiaona , Li Xue
Published: May 2020

At present, the etiology and pathogenesis of recurrent early pregnancy loss (REPL) are not completely clear. Therefore, identifying the underlying diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of REPL can provide new ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of REPL. The chip data of REPL (GSE63901) were downloaded from the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was used to construct a co-expression module for studying the relationship between gene modules and clinical features. In addition, functional analysis of hub genes in modules of interest was performed. A total of 23 co-expression modules were identified, two of which were most significantly associated with three clinical features. The MEbrown module was positively correlated with cyclin E level and the out-of-phase trait while the MEred module was positively correlated with the effect of progesterone. We identified 17 hub genes in the MEred module. The functional enrichment analysis indicated that such hub genes were mainly involved in pathways related to cellular defense response and natural killer (NK) cell-mediated cytotoxicity. In the MEbrown module, we identified 19 hub genes, which were mainly enriched in cell adhesion molecule production, regulation of cellular response to growth factor stimulus, epithelial cell proliferation, and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway. In addition, the hub genes were validated by using other datasets and three true hub genes were finally obtained, namely DOCK2 for the MEred module, and TRMT44 and ERVMER34-1 for the MEbrown module. In conclusion, our results screened potential biomarkers that might contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of REPL.
Adaptations for centromere function in meiosis
Authors: Prosée Reinier F. , Wenda Joanna M. , Steiner Florian A.
Published: May 2020

The aim of mitosis is to segregate duplicated chromosomes equally into daughter cells during cell division. Meiosis serves a similar purpose, but additionally separates homologous chromosomes to produce haploid gametes for sexual reproduction. Both mitosis and meiosis rely on centromeres for the segregation of chromosomes. Centromeres are the specialized regions of the chromosomes that are attached to microtubules during their segregation. In this review, we describe the adaptations and layers of regulation that are required for centromere function during meiosis, and their role in meiosis-specific processes such as homolog-pairing and recombination. Since female meiotic divisions are asymmetric, meiotic centromeres are hypothesized to evolve quickly in order to favor their own transmission to the offspring, resulting in the rapid evolution of many centromeric proteins. We discuss this observation using the example of the histone variant CENP-A, which marks the centromere and is essential for centromere function. Changes in both the size and the sequence of the CENP-A N-terminal tail have led to additional functions of the protein, which are likely related to its roles during meiosis. We highlight the importance of CENP-A in the inheritance of centromere identity, which is dependent on the stabilization, recycling, or re-establishment of CENP-A-containing chromatin during meiosis.
Auditory Processing Differences in Toddlers With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Jones Maranda K. , Kraus Nina , Bonacina Silvia , Nicol Trent , Otto-Meyer Sebastian , Roberts Megan Y.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Auditory processing measures have been used in an attempt to understand the relationship between neurological mechanisms and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptomatology in school-age children. The focus of the current study was to understand neural auditory processing in 2- to 3-year-olds with ASD.

Method

Auditory processing measures (click auditory brainstem responses and speech-evoked frequency-following responses) were hypothesized to differ between typically developing children (
n
= 18) and children with ASD (
n
= 18). Auditory processing measures were hypothesized to relate to language development in children with ASD.

Results

The current study found limited differences in auditory processing measures between the two groups. No relationships were found between auditory processing measures and language development measures.

Conclusions

Future research is necessary to characterize auditory processing in toddlers with ASD. Longitudinal approaches should be considered when studying auditory processing in children with ASD in order to explore its developmental relationship with ASD symptomatology.
Design and test of a broadband rectangular waveguide TE10–TE20 mode converter
Authors: Xu Yong , Wang Weijie , Peng Tinghui , Mao Ya , Zheng Zhibin , Liu Zhihang , Luo Yong
Published: May 2020

A broadband rectangular waveguide TE10–TE20 mode converter with high mode purity and conversion efficiency is designed, fabricated and measured in this Letter. Based on the broadband characteristic of ridged twist waveguide and its characteristic of polarisation direction torsion of electromagnetic wave, this mode converter achieves broadband and high‐efficiency TE10–TE20 mode conversion. Simulation results reveal that the return loss of the proposed mode converter is >20 dB and insertion loss is <0.04 dB in whole Ka‐band. Two prototype TE20 mode converters were fabricated. Back‐to‐back millimeter‐wave measurements by vector network analyser were performed to verify the design. The measured performances show return loss of the proposed mode converter is >20 dB and insertion loss is <0.1 dB in whole Ka‐band, the corresponding mode conversion efficiency is >97.7%.
Infrared and visible image fusion based on non‐subsampled shearlet transform, regional energy, and co‐occurrence filtering
Authors: Zhang Shuang , Liu Feng
Published: May 2020

The fusion of infrared and visible images has been playing an important role in various scenarios all over the world. For the fusion results from most of the existing techniques in this area, some features, such as the image contrast and edge details, are still needed to be improved. In this Letter, a new fusion method of the infrared and visible image is rendered. In this method, the infrared image is preprocessed to improve the contrast. Then, the two source images are decomposed based on non‐subsampled shearlet transform (NSST). The fusion rules based on regional energy and co‐occurrence filtering are proposed for the low‐frequency and high‐frequency NSST coefficients, respectively. Experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively retain the details of the source image, meanwhile improve the contrast of the fused image.
Wide spectrum terahertz quantum well photodetector
Authors: Li Ruizhi , Fu Zhanglong , Tan Zhiyong , Shao Dixiang , Gu Liangliang , Zhang Zhenzhen , Cao Juncheng
Published: May 2020

A 45°‐incident facet wide‐spectrum terahertz (THz) quantum well photodetector (QWP) is presented. It peaks at ∼2.0 THz with a full width at half maximum of 3.0 THz. The response frequency covers 1.5–7.6 and 8.8–20.3 THz. It has the highest responsivity of 0.18 A W−1 and a best specific detectivity of 3.5 × 1010 cm Hz0.5 W−1. It is an initial attempt to achieve a wide spectrum THz QWP below 3.0 THz, which has promising applications in THz radar or THz imaging.
AgITO for high‐performance semi‐transparent wideband antenna applications
Authors: Eltresy N.A. , Abd Elhamid A.M. , Elsheakh D.N. , Abdallah E.A. , Elhennawy H.M.
Published: May 2020

Semi‐transparent wide‐band coplanar waveguide slot antennas based on commercial indium tin oxide (CITO) and silver sandwiched indium tin oxide (AgITO) conductor thin films on soda‐lime glass substrate are proposed. RF/DC sputtering was functionalised to deposit the AgITO and obtaining sheet resistance (Rs) below 1 Ω/Sq. coupled with ∼52% transparency. The associated three thin films (AgITO) deposition parameters were optimised using bandgap engineering to obtain a low ohmic interfacial contact resistance. The ultra‐thin AgITO and CITO conductor films impact on the proposed antennas bandwidth and gain is introduced. The two antennas were fabricated and measured. The AgITO presented a maximum gain of 3 dBi against −2.9 dBi for CITO antenna at 5.8 GHz coupled with a nearly stable gain over a wide band of about 4 GHz.
Attention‐based end‐to‐end image defogging network
Authors: Yang Yan , Zhang Chen , Jiang Peipei , Yue Hui
Published: May 2020

Aiming at the problem that the traditional prior information‐based defogging algorithm fails in some special scenarios, an end‐to‐end convolutional defogging network based on attention mechanism is proposed. The network consists of two modules: parameter estimation and image restoration. First, multi‐scale convolution is used to extract image feature information. Residual network and skip connection methods are used to improve the utilisation rate of shallow network feature information. Secondly, the channel domain attention is used to add weight to the feature image input from the previous network and select useful feature information. Finally, the atmospheric visibility model is combined to achieve image visibility restoration. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can effectively improve the visibility of the image and the restoration effect is natural. The objective evaluation index of the benchmark datasets also shows the effectiveness of the algorithm.
Influence of the opening width of stator semi‐closed slot and the dimension of the closed slot on the magnetic field distribution and temperature field of the permanent magnet synchronous motor
Authors: Tang Haoyue , Zhang Meiwei , Dong Yu , Li Weili , Li Lin
Published: May 2020

The structure of a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM), more precisely, its shape and dimension of the stator slot can change the magnetic field distribution of the stator tooth and the yoke. In addition, it also affects the magnetic field distribution in the air‐gap and the electrical loss in the rotor. As a result, there is an effect on the motor's internal temperature distribution. This study aims at investigating the influence of stator slot dimension on the performance of the motor. To this extent, a field‐circuit coupled model combining the vector control strategy with motor finite element model is proposed. Based on this model, the impact of using various opening widths of semi‐closed slot and the dimension of the closed slot on both magnetic field distribution and loss in the PMSM is studied in detail. Furthermore, by considering the calculated loss as a heat source, the temperature variation of the stator core, winding, magnetic bridge and permanent magnet of the motor for different scenarios of slot dimensions can be obtained by using a three‐dimensional temperature field model at steady‐state. An experimental platform is established to validate the model this provides a theoretical support for the analysis of the results.
Central threat register – a complex system for risk analysis and decision support in railway transport
Authors: Michalak Marcin , Górka Wojciech , Bagiński Jacek , Rogowski Dariusz , Socha Michał , Stęclik Tomasz , Flisiuk Barbara , Leśniak Dawid , Sikora Marek
Published: May 2020

Risk management is an important element in the operations of each organisation. In order to provide active support of risk analysis and decision making processes, a system was developed, called Central Threat Register. The goal of the system is to collect information about events and threats in the area of railway transport and to support the system users in risk analysis and decision making. The presented system complies with European and Polish requirements for railway transport. It consists of the following basic modules: knowledge base module, data exchange and anonymisation module, threat and risk assessment module, and decision support module. In addition, this study features two cases of the system's application: an analysis pertaining to preventing railway traction breaks due to icing and analysis regarding the prevention of train collisions.
Effect of polyethylene glycol on BaTiO3 nanoparticles prepared by hydrothermal preparation
Authors: Peng Yanfen , Chen Huiling , Shi Feng , Wang Jing
Published: May 2020

This work investigated the effect of polyethylene glycol (PEG) as an additive on barium titanate (BaTiO3, BT) nanoparticles (NPs) synthesised by a hydrothermal process. The structure, morphology, dispersion and crystallinity of BT NPs were tested by differential scanning calorimetry–thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope and Raman spectroscopy, respectively. The results showed that the main phase of BT NPs includes the cubic BT phase with a tiny tetragonal phase. Also, the addition of PEG with different concentrations has a very positive effect on the control of the grain size and grain shape of the samples during the hydrothermal process. When the concentration of PEG is 1 g/l, BT NPs possess the best morphologies and highest dispersibility, and the average size is about 71.86 nm.
Novel high gain DC–DC converter based on coupled inductor and diode capacitor techniques with leakage inductance effects
Authors: Hoseinzadeh Lish Mana , Ebrahimi Reza , Madadi Kojabadi Hossein , Guerrero Josep M. , Nourani Esfetanaj Naser , Chang Liuchen
Published: May 2020

In this study, due to the low output voltage that often is presented by renewable energy sources like photovoltaic panels, a single switch high step‐up dc–dc converter with high efficiency is proposed. The presented step‐up dc–dc converter uses a coupled inductor and diode‐capacitor technique to achieve high voltage gain. By changing the turns ratio of the coupled inductor, this novel topology does not need to operate at a high duty cycle conditions to obtain the high voltage gain. Moreover, the leakage inductance energy of the coupled inductor is recovered by using two passive clamp circuits to reduce the stress across the semiconductor devices, which improve efficiency. The operating modes of the proposed converter and the theoretical analysis are considered and finally, a prototype setup has been implemented to accredit the accuracy of the theoretical and simulation analysis.
Influences of thickness and temperature of low temperature GaAs buffer layer on two-step MOVPE grown GaAs/Ge heterostructures
Authors: Demir Ilkay , Kasapoğlu Ahmet Emre , Budak Hasan Feyzi , Gür Emre , Elagoz Sezai
Published: May 2020

We investigate influence of GaAs buffer layer (BL) growth parameters such as temperature and thickness on the structural, morphological, crystalline and optical quality of metal organic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) grown heterostructures of GaAs on Ge. It was found that the optimal BL conditions significantly decrease the effects of anti-phase boundaries (APBs) even when grown on offcut Ge substrate by two-step growth technique with AsH3 pre-flow to promote double atomic step formation. It is observed that as the growth temperature increases, the growth rate of the GaAs BL increases, too. Improvement on the structural quality is observed up to BLs temperature of 535 °C, then it decreases. On the other hand, as the different thick BLs, 12, 25, 75 nm are considered, the epilayer grown on the 25 nm thick BL has shown the lowest full width at half maximum (FWHM) value, large photoluminescence peak intensity and internal quantum efficiency (IQE).
Fermer le cycle du combustible
Authors: Crampon Cécile
Published: May 2020

Le cycle du combustible repose aujourd’hui sur le mono-recyclage des matières valorisables issues du traitement des combustibles usés. Pour répondre aux orientations de la Programmation pluriannuelle de l’énergie (PPE), les industriels, dans le cadre du contrat stratégique de la filière, ont défini trois enjeux avec des objectifs complémentaires à des horizons de court, moyen et long terme. Ces derniers devraient permettre de progresser par étapes successives dans la mise en oeuvre de l’économie circulaire pour atteindre in fine la fermeture de tout le cycle du combustible. Nous faisons le point sur ces trois enjeux, à partir d’une table ronde animée par Cécile Evans, directrice marketing et développement stratégique dans les activités aval chez Orano, lors de la Convention 2020 de la SFEN.
Immunthrombozytopenie (ITP) und andere Thrombozytopenien in der Schwangerschaft
Authors: Matzdorff Axel , Sachs Ulrich J.
Published: May 2020

Thrombozytopenien in der Schwangerschaft sind häufig. Bei isolierter, leichter Thrombozytopenie (100 000 – 150 000/µl) handelt es sich in der Regel um eine harmlose Gestationsthrombozytopenie. Bei Werten unter dieser Schwelle sollte eine Abklärung erfolgen, um Präeklampsie/HELLP-Syndrom, eine Immunthrombozytopenie (ITP) oder einige weitere seltene Ursachen nicht zu übersehen. In dieser Arbeit werden typische Symptome, Differenzialdiagnostik und therapeutisches Vorgehen für die tägliche Praxis dargestellt.
Inherited Autoinflammatory Disease with Immunodeficiency Combined with IgA Nephropathy
Authors: Jiang Zhifeng , Feng Aiqiao , Tao L I
Published: May 2020

The etiology of unexplained periodic fever is often complex, and hereditary factors play an important role. This article describes a 26-year-old chinese women with intermittent fever for 9 years, with 10-year history of IgA nephropathy. Her fever is relieved during pregnancy, but after a baby is born, fever reappears, accompanied by headache, gasping after activity, chest pain, abdominal pain, blood in the stool, ataxia, intermittent back erythema, skin biopsy suggests amyloidosis, the autoinflammatory PLCG2 associated antibody deficiency and immune dysregulation was diagnosed by genetic testing. The fever was gradually relieved after treatment with rilonacept.
Leitfaden digitale Physiotherapie – Therapie per Video
Authors: Vielitz Arne
Published: May 2020

Die Corona-Pandemie hat Physiotherapeuten besonders hart getroffen. Von heute auf morgen digitale Angebote auf die Beine zu stellen, war eine Herausforderung für eine Berufsgruppe, die es sonst gewohnt ist, direkt am Menschen zu arbeiten. Der Leitfaden gibt eine Orientierung im Tele-Dschungel.
HWS-Bewegungen analysieren – Physiotherapeutische Bewegungsdiagnostik
Authors: Danler Andreas
Published: May 2020

Physiotherapeuten eignen sich mehr als jede andere Berufsgruppe dazu, das Bewegungsverhalten zu analysieren und zu beurteilen. Besonders zum Tragen kommt das bei Nackenbeschwerden. Hier hat sich über Jahre der sogenannte„Fly-Test“ bewährt, den es auch computergestützt gibt.
Comparison of Oxidant and Antioxidant Parameters in Patients with Sjögren’s Syndrome and Healthy Subjects
Authors: Dogan İsmail , Erten Sukran , Sahin Ali , Isıkoglu Semra , Neselioglu Salim , Ergin Merve , Erel Ozcan
Published: May 2020

Objective Oxidative stress may have an effect on the pathogenesis of diseases, including autoimmune rheumatic diseases. We aimed to investigate the serum paraoxonase activity and other oxidant/antioxidant parameters in patients with Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) and healthy controls.

Methods 85 patients with SS and 65 healthy subjects were included in the study. Groups were age and gender-matched and had no liver disease. Serum paraoxonase (PON)-1 activity, stimulated paraoxonase (SPON), PON-1 phenotypes that represent polymorphism (Q192R; QQ, QR, RR), arylesterase (ARE), total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), oxidative stress index (OSI), advanced oxidative protein products (AOPP), total thioles (TTL) and ischaemia-modified albumin (IMA) were measured in all study participants.

Results Statistically significant differences were found in the QQ and QR+RR phenotype of PON-1 for TAC, TOS and TTL (p<0.001) between SS and healthy groups. The other parameters were statistically insignificant.

Conclusion Antioxidant parameters were lower in SS patients compared with healthy controls. Conversely, oxidant parameters were higher. This imbalance may play a role in SS pathogenesis.
Gastroscopic surveillance with targeted biopsies compared with random biopsies in CDH1 mutation carriers
Authors: van Dieren Jolanda M. , Kodach Liudmila L. , den Hartog Peggy , van der Kolk Lizet E. , Sikorska Karolina , van Velthuysen Marie-Louise F. , van Sandick Johanna W. , Koemans Willem J. , Snaebjornsson Petur , Cats Annemieke
Published: May 2020

Background The International Gastric Cancer Linkage Consortium (IGCLC) consensus guideline advises prophylactic gastrectomy in early adulthood to prevent gastric cancer development in CDH1 germline mutation carriers; psychosocial reasons may postpone gastrectomy. We analyzed the yield of signet-ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) during surveillance gastroscopy in CDH1 mutation carriers.

Methods A retrospective analysis on surveillance gastroscopies in CDH1 mutation carriers was performed. The yield of SRCC in both targeted and random biopsies was studied. Endoscopic (biopsy) results were compared with the histopathologic outcomes in gastrectomy specimens.

Results 42 CDH1 mutation carriers (18 men; mean age 43, range 20–82 years) underwent 96 surveillance gastroscopies. SRCC lesions were identified on surveillance gastroscopy in 21 patients (50 %), by either targeted biopsies only (n = 11), random biopsies only (n = 3), or both random and targeted biopsies (n = 7). SRCC was detected in 41 /377 targeted biopsies (11 %), whereas random biopsies revealed SRCC in 14/1563 biopsies (0.9 %). At least one SRCC lesion was found in 26 of 30 gastrectomy specimens. In 18 of these 26 specimens (69 %), SRCC had been identified by endoscopic biopsies. Missed lesions were all small superficial SRCC foci, mainly in the body of the stomach.

Conclusion In our cohort of CDH1 mutation carriers, SRCC lesions were identified by an extensive endoscopic surveillance protocol in 69 % of SRCC-positive patients who underwent a gastric resection. The low number of SRCC detected through random sampling demands a critical reappraisal of random biopsy sampling in the IGCLC guideline.
Experience with a modified technique of free Gracilis transfer
Authors: Gautam Biswas , Puneet Tuli , Kavita Kalitha
Published: May 2020

Various techniques of harvesting the free Gracilis flaphave been described. The authors describe their experiencein the use of a ′limited′ incision in harvesting this flap, as compared to the long medial incision,for both a segmental as well as total flap harvest. Whole orpartial Gracilis harvest could be done using small incisions avoiding long scars using the conventional approach. Twenty-one free Gracilis muscle transfers were performed. In12, a short proximal curved incision was used to dissect asegment of the muscle with its pedicle and with an added small incision near the knee, the whole muscle could be dissected and delivered. The described technique of tracing the vascular pedicle by retracting both the borders of the adductor longus, was followed. This gave a better and easier access to the whole length of the pedicle, vis-à-vis the classic approach of dissecting the pedicle below the adductor longus, which was performed in nine cases.
An island flap based on the anterior branch of the superficial temporal artery for perioral defects
Authors: Ganji Raveendra Reddy , Bhattacharya V. , Sheikh Adil Bashir , Sunish Goyal
Published: May 2020

Defects following excision of lesions in and around theoral commissure extending on either lip are not infrequent. A majority of them are malignant. Various local flaps have been described to correct these defects, but sometimes they may not be feasible. However, the advantage of single-stage reconstruction can still be achieved by using an island forehead flap based on the anterior branch of the superficial temporal artery. This is a versatile flap with a reliable blood supply. It is relatively less popular as it involves time-consuming dissection.Aims: We have modified the island forehead flap based on the anterior branch of the superficial temporal artery by designing the flap on the frontoparietal region based on the terminal course of the anterior branch of the superficial temporal artery. Materials and Methods: This flap was used in five cases of perioral defects involving both the upper and lower lips including the angle of the mouth. Conclusions: Small to moderate dimension full thickness perioral defects can thus be reconstructed effectively with this modified flap in a single stage. The functional and aesthetic results are gratifying with minimal donor site morbidity.
Four cases of variations in the forearm extensor musculature in a study of hundred limbs and review of literature
Authors: Rao Mohandas K.G. , Venkata Ramana Vollala , Seetharama Bhat M. , Sreenivas Bolla , Vijay Paul  Samuel , Narendra Pamidi
Published: May 2020

All surgeons must bear in mind the existence of muscular variations when performing common tendon transfers. Presence of additional bellies and tendons of existing muscles or presence of additional muscles in unusual locations might misguide a surgeon, during surgery and also during diagnosis. In the present paper we are reporting four cases of variations encountered during the study of extensor muscles of the forearm in 100 limbs. In Case 1, additional bellies of extensor carpi radialis longus and extensor carpi radialis brevis and multiple tendons of insertion of abductor pollicis longus were observed in a single limb. In Case 2, an additional belly of the abductor pollicis longus was observed. In Case 3, a short muscle on the dorsum of the hand going to the index finger [extensor indicis brevis (EIB)] was found in addition to the normal extensor indicis (EI). It was also observed that some of the most superficial fleshy fibers of EIB were getting inserted into the tendon of EI. In Case 4, a rare incidence of extensor digiti medii proprius was observed. Further, the related literature is reviewed and the clinical and surgical importance of these muscular variations in diagnosis and proper planning of treatment is discussed.
Does giant breast tumour have an increased complication risk for subcutaneous mastectomy and reconstruction?
Authors: Yusuf Kenan Coban , Nazim Gumus
Published: May 2020

Prosthetic breast reconstruction after subcutaneous mastectomy has some complications such as skin necrosis, loss of areola-nipple, haematoma, seroma, infection, displacement of implants, areola nipple disposition and inadequate skin construction resulting in skin wrinkles. We discuss whether giant breast tumour has an increased complication risk after the surgery, in this paper which reports a patient with giant breast tumour i.e., a large recurrent fibroadenoma in the same breast. Subcutaneous mastectomy was performed without skin reduction through submammary incision. Total muscular coverage was provided for immediate reconstruction using 350 cc gel- filled breast implant. Though haematoma or seroma didn′t exist, superficial skin necrosis developed subsequently. Spontaneous epithelisation was observed all of the necrosis area to cover this area in a few weeks. Initially, skin coverage and areola nipple position on the breast was acceptable, but 8 months after the operation, skin reconstruction was not good enough to provide good skin envelope. Just as as skin lack or insufficiency is a severe problem in breast reconstruction, excess skin may be another trouble for providing an acceptable breast shape.
Chlorination of Conjugated Nitroalkenes with PhICl2 and SO2Cl2 for the Synthesis of α-Chloronitroalkenes
Authors: Tabolin Andrey A. , Fadeeva Anastasia A. , Ioffe Sema L.
Published: May 2020

Chlorination of conjugated nitroalkenes with iodobenzene dichloride or sulfuryl chloride to give target α-chloronitroalkenes in good yields is described. Details of the procedure depend on the donating ability of the nitroalkene substituents. The activity of the described chlorinating agents increases in order ‘PhICl2/Py’ < ‘SO2Cl2’ < ‘SO2Cl2/HCl’ with the former producing the best yields for highly donating substrates and the latter for non-activated groups. An autocatalytic role of hydrogen chloride and the chemoselectivity of chlorination were also demonstrated.
Electrochemical Synthesis of Sulfinic Esters via Aerobic Oxidative Esterification of Thiophenols with Alcohols
Authors: Yang Jingya , Wang Xi-Cun , Zhou Hongyan , Duan Jiaokui , Xie Dongtai , Ma Ben , Wang Ganggang , Wu Chengqi
Published: May 2020

A method for the electrochemical synthesis of sulfinic esters by aerobic oxidative coupling of thiophenols and alcohols has been developed. Using electrons as the redox reagent and O2 in air as the oxygen source, the reactions proceeded smoothly at room temperature, even for a gram-scale preparation. No use of catalyst, clean redox reagent, green and abundant oxygen source, and mild reaction conditions make this strategy eco-friendly.
Recommendations for Designing, Conducting and Reporting Observational Studies in Homeopathy
Authors: Teut Michael , Walach Harald , Varanasi Roja , Manchanda Raj K. , Oberai Praveen , Thompson Elizabeth , Ulbrich-Zürni Susanne
Published: May 2020

Background Randomized placebo-controlled trials are considered to be the gold standard in clinical research and have the highest importance in the hierarchical system of evidence-based medicine. However, from the viewpoint of decision makers, due to lower external validity, practical results of efficacy research are often not in line with the huge investments made over decades.

Method We conducted a narrative review. With a special focus on homeopathy, we give an overview on cohort, comparative cohort, case-control and cross-sectional study designs and explain guidelines and tools that help to improve the quality of observational studies, such as the STROBE Statement, RECORD, GRACE and ENCePP Guide.

Results Within the conventional medical research field, two types of arguments have been employed in favor of observational studies. First, observational studies allow for a more generalizable and robust estimation of effects in clinical practice, and if cohorts are large enough, there is no over-estimation of effect sizes, as is often feared. We argue that observational research is needed to balance the current over-emphasis on internal validity at the expense of external validity. Thus, observational research can be considered an important research tool to describe “real-world” care settings and can assist with the design and inform the results of randomised controlled trails.

Conclusions We present recommendations for designing, conducting and reporting observational studies in homeopathy and provide recommendations to complement the STROBE Statement for homeopathic observational studies.
Endovascular Treatment of Epistaxis
Authors: Wojak Joan C.
Published: May 2020

Epistaxis is not uncommon, with up to 60% of the population suffering from at least one episode in their lifetime and as many as 6% presenting for medical attention. An analysis of emergency room (ER) visits in the United States between 2009 and 2011 identified 1.2 million encounters for epistaxis, accounting for 0.32% of ER visits. Approximately 6% of patients will require more aggressive, invasive management in the form of transnasal ligation of the sphenopalatine artery or endovascular embolization. This article reviews the epidemiology, rationale for endovascular treatment, strategy for treatment, endovascular technique, postprocedural follow-up, and complications and their management.
Can Homeopathy, a Particularly Mild Therapeutic Approach, Survive and Grow in a World of Violence?
Authors: Vithoulkas George
Published: May 2020

This short treatise addresses a philosophical question concerning the place of homeopathy in our modern world. The question raised is whether a therapeutic system as peaceful, mild, and non-violent as homeopathy can survive and grow within a society that often displays the opposite characteristics.

Much of contemporary society is more interested in fast and impressive cures, even if these may also bring side effects; whereas homeopathy can offer solutions with a personalized approach that requires long hours of case study by the homeopath to find the correct personal remedy that aims to bring about positive results, which the therapy can produce in deep chronic diseases.

The conclusion drawn is that homeopathy does not readily fit within a modern and violent society that prefers quick and invasive solutions to its clinical problems.
AGE-RAGE Axis in the Pathophysiology of Chronic Lower Limb Ischemia and a Novel Strategy for Its Treatment
Authors: Prasad Kailash , Bhanumathy Kalpana K.
Published: May 2020

This review focuses on the role of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and its cell receptor (RAGE) and soluble receptor (sRAGE) in the pathogenesis of chronic lower limb ischemia (CLLI) and its treatment. CLLI is associated with atherosclerosis in lower limb arteries. AGE-RAGE axis which comprises of AGE, RAGE, and sRAGE has been implicated in atherosclerosis and restenosis. It may be involved in atherosclerosis of lower limb resulting in CLLI. Serum and tissue levels of AGE, and expression of RAGE are elevated, and the serum levels of sRAGE are decreased in CLLI. It is known that AGE, and AGE-RAGE interaction increase the generation of various atherogenic factors including reactive oxygen species, nuclear factor-kappa B, cell adhesion molecules, cytokines, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor, and growth factors. sRAGE acts as antiatherogenic factor because it reduces the generation of AGE-RAGE-induced atherogenic factors. Treatment of CLLI should be targeted at lowering AGE levels through reduction of dietary intake of AGE, prevention of AGE formation and degradation of AGE, suppression of RAGE expression, blockade of AGE-RAGE binding, elevation of sRAGE by upregulating sRAGE expression, and exogenous administration of sRAGE, and use of antioxidants. In conclusion, AGE-RAGE stress defined as a shift in the balance between stressors (AGE, RAGE) and antistressor (sRAGE) in favor of stressors, initiates the development of atherosclerosis resulting in CLLI. Treatment modalities would include reduction of AGE levels and RAGE expression, RAGE blocker, elevation of sRAGE, and antioxidants for prevention, regression, and slowing of progression of CLLI.
A camera-based ballistocardiogram heart rate measurement method
Authors: Li Fen , Zhao Yuejin , Kong Lingqin , Dong Liquan , Liu Ming , Hui Mei , Liu Xiaohua
Published: May 2020

Recent studies have shown that head movements associated with cardiac activity contain a heart rate (HR) signal. In most previous studies, subjects were required to remain stationary in a specific environment during HR measurements, and measurement accuracy depended on the choice of target in the scene, i.e., the specified region of the face. In this paper, we proposed a robust HR measurement method based on ballistocardiogram (BCG) technology. This method requires only a camera and does not require that users establish a complex measurement environment. In addition, a bidirectional optical flow algorithm is designed to select and track valid feature points in the video captured by using the camera. Experiments with 11 subjects show that the HR values measured using the proposed method differ slightly from the reference values, and the average error is only 1.09%. Overall, this method can improve the accuracy of BCG without limitations related to skin tone, illumination, the state of the subject, or the test location.
Frequency-domain hot-wire sensor and 3D model for thermal conductivity measurements of reactive and corrosive materials at high temperatures
Authors: Wingert M. C. , Zhao A. Z. , Kodera Y. , Obrey S. J. , Garay J. E.
Published: May 2020

High temperature solids and liquids are becoming increasingly important in next-generation energy and manufacturing systems that seek higher efficiencies and lower emissions. Accurate measurements of thermal conductivity at high temperatures are required for the modeling and design of these systems, but commonly employed time-domain measurements can have errors from convection, corrosion, and ambient temperature fluctuations. Here, we describe the development of a frequency-domain hot-wire technique capable of accurately measuring the thermal conductivity of solid and molten compounds from room temperature up to 800 °C. By operating in the frequency-domain, we can lock into the harmonic thermal response of the material and reject the influence of ambient temperature fluctuations, and we can keep the probed volume below 1 µl to minimize convection. The design of the microfabricated hot-wire sensor, electrical systems, and insulating wire coating to protect against corrosion is covered in detail. Furthermore, we discuss the development of a full three-dimensional multilayer thermal model that accounts for both radial conduction into the sample and axial conduction along the wire and the effect of wire coatings. The 3D, multilayer model facilitates the measurement of small sample volumes important for material development. A sensitivity analysis and an error propagation calculation of the frequency-domain thermal model are performed to demonstrate what factors are most important for thermal conductivity measurements. Finally, we show thermal conductivity measurements including model data fitting on gas (argon), solid (sulfur), and molten substances over a range of temperatures.
Electronic energy levels at Li-ion cathode–liquid electrolyte interfaces: Concepts, experimental insights, and perspectives
Authors: Hausbrand René
Published: May 2020

Although electrolyte decomposition is a key issue for the stability of Li-ion batteries and has been intensively investigated in the past, a common understanding of the concepts and involved processes is still missing. In this article, we present an overview on our results obtained with a surface science approach and discuss the implications for the stability window of Li-ion electrolytes under consideration of calculated oxidation potentials from the literature. We find LiCoO2 valence band–solvent highest occupied molecular orbital offsets that are in agreement with expectations based on ionization potentials, polarization effects, and solvent–salt interactions. In agreement with thermodynamic considerations, our data show that surface layer formation on pristine electrodes occurs inside the electrochemical window as defined by the measured oxidation and reduction potentials, which can be attributed to electrode surface interactions. The results demonstrate that the simple energy level approach commonly used to evaluate the stability window of Li-ion electrolytes has very limited applicability. The perspectives for further investigations of the electronic structure of Li-ion cathode–liquid electrolyte interfaces are discussed.