bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Charge transfer interactions of pyrazine with Ag12 clusters towards precise SERS chemical mechanism
Authors: An Pan , Anumula Rajini , Wu Haiming , Han Juanjuan , Luo Zhixun
Published: August 2018

Charge transfer of Ag12-pyrazine is demonstrated via experimental and theoretical investigations, modelling the chemical contributions of the SERS mechanism.
Self-assembly of clay nanotubes on hair surface for medical and cosmetic formulations
Authors: Panchal Abhishek , Fakhrullina Gölnur , Fakhrullin Rawil , Lvov Yuri
Published: August 2018

Self assembly of halloysite clay nanotubes inside and around the cuticles of hair, creating a novel technique for developing haircare formulations.
Enantioselective 1,4-Michael addition reaction of pyrazolin-5-one derivatives with 2-enoylpyridines catalyzed by Cinchona derived squaramides
Authors: Sharma Vivek , Kaur Anmolpreet , Sahoo Subash Chandra , Chimni Swapandeep Singh
Published: August 2018

Cinchonidine derived squaramide catalyzed Michael addition of pyrazolin-5-ones to 2-enoylpyridines providing chiral molecules bearing two heterocyclic motifs with enantiomeric excess up to 96%.
Three-dimensional multicomponent vesicles: dynamics and influence of material properties
Authors: Gera Prerna , Salac David
Published: August 2018

The influence of material properties on the hydrodynamics of three-dimensional multicomponent vesicles is explored.
On the universality of the flow properties of soft-particle glasses
Authors: Liu Tianfei , Khabaz Fardin , Bonnecaze Roger T. , Cloitre Michel
Published: August 2018

Particle dynamic simulations are used to investigate the structural and flow properties of jammed suspensions for different soft interaction potentials and lubrication forces.
Metal–organic framework nanosheets (MONs): a new dimension in materials chemistry
Authors: Ashworth David J. , Foster Jonathan A.
Published: August 2018

Metal–organic framework nanosheets (MONs) are emerging as a novel class of two-dimensional materials. Here we critically review the distinct set of design principles, synthetic approaches, characterisation techniques and applications associated with this exciting new class of materials.
Order engineering on the lattice of intermetallic PdCu co-catalysts for boosting the photocatalytic conversion of CO2 into CH4
Authors: Cai Xiaotong , Wang An , Wang Jiawei , Wang Ruoxin , Zhong Shuxian , Zhao Yuling , Wu Lanju , Chen Jianrong , Bai Song
Published: August 2018

Order engineering has been performed on PdCu co-catalysts for enhanced photocatalytic performance in conversion of CO2 to CH4 based on the disorder–order transformation from an A1 alloy phase to a B2 intermetallic phase.
Broadband low‐loss power splitter based on ferrite cores
Authors: Wei Xin , Liu Lei , Luo Ling‐Zhi , Wang Zheng Bin
Published: August 2018

A broadband 3‐dB power splitter based on ferrite cores is proposed for RF communication systems. This power splitter is developed from the transformer‐type Wilkinson power splitter, where lumped components are detailed designed to achieve excellent input and output impedance match in an ultra‐wide bandwidth (300 kHz–400 MHz). The power splitter demonstrates better RF characteristics in comparison with former designs. The voltage standing wave ratios of the input and output ports are <1.2, the isolation between two output ports is >20 dB, the amplitude imbalance is <0.04 dB, and the insertion loss is <0.5 dB. Such power splitters have small dimensions and very low costs.
Fully distributed joint resource allocation in ultra‐dense D2D networks: a utility‐based learning approach
Authors: Dominic Susan , Jacob Lillykutty
Published: August 2018

In this study, the authors address the problem of joint resource block and power allocation in ultra‐dense device‐to‐device (D2D) networks underlaying cellular networks. They propose a fully distributed scalable scheme that ensures quality‐of‐service (QoS) of the cellular user equipments (CUEs) while maximising the sum rate of the D2D tier. The resource allocation problem is modelled as a Stackelberg game with pricing. The base station as the leader decides prices to be paid by the D2D users for reusing the resources of the CUEs, based on the QoS requirements of the CUEs, and broadcasts the prices. D2D pairs as followers use the pricing information and a completely uncoupled learning algorithm that guarantees Pareto optimal solution. Analytical proof is provided to establish the convergence of the learning algorithm. Simulation results show superior performance compared to two other existing schemes.
Frequency reconfigurable antenna with triple linear polarisation and wide H‐plane characteristic for future smart communications
Authors: Feng Botao , Luo Tao , Zeng Qingsheng , Chung Kwok L.
Published: August 2018

A novel magneto‐electric dipole antenna with wide H‐plane beamwidth, triple‐linear polarisation and frequency reconfiguration is proposed for 5G communications. In this study, the radiated dipoles are designed with the arc‐shaped planes to exhibit wide H‐plane performance. A bent cross‐dipole feed with PIN diodes and varactor diodes inserted into its four arms at different altitudes is utilised to excite and control the antenna. Consequently, a measured wide beamwidth ranging from −67° to 67° can be achieved in H‐plane. In addition, the height of the proposed antenna decreased about 30% due to the bent designs. Finally, by controlling the PIN diodes and varactor diodes, the three kinds of linear polarisations and frequency reconfiguration functionalities for 2G/3G/LTE/5G applications can also be easily obtained. With the above‐mentioned features, the proposed antenna well suits for intelligent base‐station communications.
Millimetre wave antenna deployment in a single room environment
Authors: Ramachandran Sujith , Neve Michael J. , Sowerby Kevin W.
Published: August 2018

In wireless system deployment, the system planner must deploy base station antennas at the most appropriate locations to maximise system performance. In this study, the effect of transmitting antenna deployments on coverage in a single room office environment at millimetre wave frequencies is investigated using a three‐dimensional implementation of Geometrical Optics. Multiple antenna deployments and artificial environmental modifications (convex reflectors) are also investigated in order to quantify how they might improve coverage compared to a single antenna deployment. A quantitative estimate of shadowing inside the office volume indicated that there are significant non‐illuminated regions which cannot be eliminated by simply increasing the transmitted power. It is shown that such regions can significantly be reduced in size if an appropriate deployment of multiple antennas or passive reflectors is adopted.
Fully adaptive update rate for non‐linear trackers
Authors: Pilté Marion , Bonnabel Silvere , Barbaresco Frederic
Published: August 2018

Modern phased‐array multifunction radars have the ability to change or schedule the tasks of the beam in order to accomplish all their missions in an optimised fashion. The resource manager of the radar must then control the update rate of the measurement task of target active tracking, so as to minimise the radar computer load without losing targets. Scarce measurements lead to low radar load, but they also lead to an increased number of illuminations at each measurement epoch to find the target. On the basis of this rationale, a sound procedure was proposed by Blackman and van Keuk to derive an optimal measurement rate. Their optimisation criterion is established using a linear Singer target model and a linear Kalman filter. In this study, their method is extended, and the authors propose a versatile optimal update rate algorithm that is applicable to virtually any non‐linear target model combined with any non‐linear filter able to output an error covariance matrix. This includes extended Kalman filter (EKF), Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF), Interacting Multiple Model (IMM) algorithm, and particle filters. For numerical experiments and validation, they consider a non‐linear target model based on Frenet–Serret three‐dimensional equations, and the tracking is performed by a non‐linear invariant EKF.
Sinusoidal Bragg grating based on hybrid metal insulator metal plasmonic waveguide
Authors: Chitimireddy Sindhura , Sharma Prateeksha , Vishwakarma Dinesh Kumar
Published: August 2018

This is the first report on 3D sinusoidal Bragg grating structure based on hybrid metal insulator metal (HMIM) plasmonic waveguide. The proposed structure has a gradual change in the refractive index rather than an abrupt change providing excellent filtering characteristics. The device is studied at an operating wavelength of 1.55 μm. The results are based on numerical simulations performed using the software CST microwave studio suite. The transmission characteristics show more than 80% transmission in the passband and near zero transmission in the rejection band. The proposed structure reduces the scattering losses and a wide bandgap of 0.387 μm is achieved. The proposed structure has a track length of 3.784 μm for 11 cells, which is very less compared to previous reports allowing large‐scale integration of photonic devices. A microcavity is also formed and its resonance is investigated by introducing a defect length of 0.217 μm in the periodic structure. A peak transmission of 50% and a narrow resonance bandwidth of 0.029 μm are achieved at 1.55 μm resonance wavelength. The quality factor which defines the energy stored in the cavity is Q = 53.
Cardiorespiratory Fitness is Associated with Glycated Hemoglobin and
Triglyceride Levels in Severely Obese Men: A Retrospective Clinical Data
Analysis
Authors: Wilms Britta , Keppler Rahel , Ernst Barbara , Schmid Sebastian M. , Thurnheer Martin , Schultes Bernd
Published: August 2018

Background Even subjects with severe obesity show a wide range of
metabolic health states, with some showing marked alterations in glucose and
lipid metabolism whereas others do not. In severely obese women, we could
recently show that the degree of cardiorespiratory fitness is, independently of
body mass and age, associated with several markers of glucose and lipid
metabolism.

Aims In our retrospective study on a clinical data set, we questioned
whether such an association also exists in severely obese men.

Methods Cardiorespiratory fitness, i. e. workload
(Wpeak) and oxygen uptake (V̇O2,peak) at peak
exercise, was assessed by a bicycle spiroergometry in 133 severely obese men
(all BMI>35 kg m−2). The following metabolic
blood markers were also measured: Fasting serum glucose, insulin, triglycerides
(TG), total, low-, high-density cholesterol (Chol, LDL, HDL), uric acid, and
whole blood glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). The Chol/HDL ratio and
Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) were also
calculated.

Results Multiple stepwise linear regression models including age, body
mass, and smoking status as independent variables revealed that Wpeak
and V̇O2,peak, explained 4.5 to 10.7% of variance in
HbA1c and TG (all beta<− 0.22; all p<0.02).
Including fat free mass instead of body mass in respective models revealed that
both Wpeak and V̇O2,peak were predictors of HbA1c
and TG (all beta<− 0.265; all p<0.013),
respectively, while Wpeak also accounted for variance in glucose and
Chol (both beta<− 0.259; both p<0.023).

Conclusions Similar to previous observations in women, our data indicate
that cardiorespiratory fitness assessed by bicycle ergospirometry test is
associated with glucose and lipid metabolism in severely obese men. The strength
of the found associations suggest a mild to moderate influence of
cardiorespiratory fitness on metabolic health in severe obesity.
Differential Expression of MicroRNAs and miR-206-Mediated Downregulation of BDNF Expression in the Rat Fetal Brain Following Maternal Hypothyroidism
Authors: Xing Qian , Shan Zhongyan , Gao Yun , Mao Jingyuan , Liu Xiu , Yu Jiashu , Sun Huakun , Fan Chenling , Wang Hong , Zhang Hongmei , Teng Weiping
Published: August 2018

To investigate the mechanism responsible for the neurological alterations, miRNA expression profile and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were evaluated in brain tissues of fetal or neonatal rats and from maternal rats with hypothyroidism. Ninety female Wistar rats were divided into a control and a hypothyroid group, which were mated. Brain samples of the offspring were obtained at maternal embryonic day (E) E13 and E17 as well as postnatal day (P) P0 and P7, and the hippocampus and cortex were separated at P7. BDNF mRNA at E13 was tested by real-time PCR and protein expression by Western blot. Luciferase assays were used to conﬁrm that miR-206 targets the 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) of BDNF. In the brain tissues of fetal and neonatal rats from maternal rats with hypothyroidism, differentiation miRNAs profile were found at E13, E17, P0, and P7. Compared with the control group, miR-206 levels in the hypothyroidism group were increased by 3.1-fold by micro-array, and were higher as measured by SYBR green real-time qRT–PCR (p<0.01). There was no significant difference in the BDNF mRNA levels at E13 between the hypothyroidism group and the control group (1.767±0.477 vs. 1.798±0.462, respectively; p>0.05), but pro-BDNF and mature BDNF protein levels in the hypothyroid group at E13 were significantly lower than those in the control group (p<0.05). miR-206 targeted 3′-UTR of BDNF. Our data highlight the role of miR-206 as a post-transcriptional inhibitor of BDNF at E13 in pregnant hypothyroid rats.
Effects of Zn and Y on hot-tearing susceptibility of Mg–xZn–2xY alloys
Authors: Wei Ziqi , Wang Yue , Liu Zheng
Published: August 2018

The effect of Zn and Y on hot-tearing susceptibility (HTS) of Mg– xZn–2 xY ( x = 1, 1.67, 2.67) alloys is investigated. It is found that the microstructure of the alloys is mainly composed of α-Mg, long-period stacking-ordered (LPSO) phase and W-phase. Both theoretical and experimental results illustrated that HTS of the investigated alloys is in the following order: Mg–1Zn–2Y > Mg–1.67Zn–3.34Y > Mg–2.67Zn–5.34Y. For Mg–2.67Zn–5.34Y alloy, LPSO phase content reaches at the maximum and its grain size reaches at minimum of 16.4 µm, and the pinning effect of the LPSO phase on grain boundaries is considered to be an important reason for reducing HTS of the alloy.
MCO: towards an ontology and unified vocabulary for a framework-based annotation of microbial growth conditions
Authors: Tierrafría V H , Mejía-Almonte C , Camacho-Zaragoza J M , Salgado H , Alquicira K , Ishida C , Gama-Castro S , Collado-Vides J
Published: August 2018

Motivation

A major component in increasing our understanding of the biology of an organism is the mapping of its genotypic potential into its phenotypic expression profiles. This mapping is executed by the machinery of gene regulation, which is essentially studied by changes in growth conditions. Although many efforts have been made to systematize the annotation of experimental conditions in microbiology, the available annotations are not based on a consistent and controlled vocabulary, making difficult the identification of biologically meaningful comparisons of knowledge derived from different experiments or laboratories.

Results

We curated terms related to experimental conditions that affect gene expression in Escherichia coli K-12. Since this is the best-studied microorganism, the collected terms are the seed for the Microbial Conditions Ontology (MCO), a controlled and structured vocabulary that can be expanded to annotate microbial conditions in general. Moreover, we developed an annotation framework to describe experimental conditions, providing the foundation to identify regulatory networks that operate under particular conditions.

Availability and implementation

As far as we know, MCO is the first ontology for growth conditions of any bacterial organism, and it is available at http://regulondb.ccg.unam.mx and https://github.com/microbial-conditions-ontology. Furthermore, we will disseminate MCO throughout the Open Biological and Biomedical Ontology (OBO) Foundry in order to set a standard for the annotation of gene expression data. This will enable comparison of data from diverse data sources.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
ImaGEO: integrative gene expression meta-analysis from GEO database
Authors: Toro-Domínguez Daniel , Martorell-Marugán Jordi , López-Domínguez Raúl , García-Moreno Adrián , González-Rumayor Víctor , Alarcón-Riquelme Marta E , Carmona-Sáez Pedro
Published: August 2018

The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database provides an invaluable resource of publicly available gene expression data that can be integrated and analyzed to derive new hypothesis and knowledge. In this context, gene expression meta-analysis (geMAs) is increasingly used in several fields to improve study reproducibility and discovering robust biomarkers. Nevertheless, integrating data is not straightforward without bioinformatics expertise. Here, we present ImaGEO, a web tool for geMAs that implements a complete and comprehensive meta-analysis workflow starting from GEO dataset identifiers. The application integrates GEO datasets, applies different meta-analysis techniques and provides functional analysis results in an easy-to-use environment. ImaGEO is a powerful and useful resource that allows researchers to integrate and perform meta-analysis of GEO datasets to lead robust findings for biomarker discovery studies.

Availability and implementation

ImaGEO is accessible at http://bioinfo.genyo.es/imageo/.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Frontoparietal Networks Mediate the Behavioral Impact of Alpha Inhibition in Visual Cortex
Authors: Wiesman Alex I , Groff Boman R , Wilson Tony W
Published: August 2018

Alpha oscillations are known to play a central role in the functional inhibition of visual cortices, but the mechanisms involved are poorly understood. One noninvasive method for modulating alpha activity experimentally is through the use of flickering visual stimuli that “entrain” visual cortices. Such alpha entrainment has been found to compromise visual perception and affect widespread cortical regions, but it remains unclear how the interference occurs and whether the widespread activity induced by alpha entrainment reflects a compensatory mechanism to mitigate the entrainment, or alternatively, a propagated interference signal that translates to impaired visual processing. Herein, we attempt to address these questions by integrating alpha entrainment into a modified Posner cueing paradigm, while measuring the underlying dynamics using magnetoencephalography. Our findings indicated that alpha entrainment is negatively related to task performance, such that as neural entrainment increases on the attended side (relative to the unattended side) accuracy decreases. Further, this attentional biasing is found to covary robustly with activity in the frontoparietal attention network. Critically, the observed negative entrainment effect on task accuracy was also fully mediated by activity in frontoparietal regions, signifying a propagation of the interfering alpha entrainment signal from bottom-up sensory to top-down regulatory networks.
Money creation under full-reserve banking: a stock–flow consistent model
Authors: Lainà Patrizio
Published: August 2018

This paper presents a stock–flow consistent model of full-reserve banking. The paper investigates money creation through government spending in a full-reserve banking system. The results are contrasted against the cases in which government spending is increased under full-reserve banking without money creation and under endogenous money, that is, the current monetary system. It is found that output, employment and inflation evolve almost identically. In contrast to other cases, money creation in a full-reserve banking system leads to a permanent reduction in consolidated government debt. Monetary policy transmits effectively as an increase in central bank reserves translates into an almost equal increase in demand deposits. Furthermore, an unusually large change in the money supply induces only smooth and relatively small changes in interest rates. In addition, the paper compares three additional ways to create money. Money creation through tax cuts or citizen’s dividend generates roughly the same results as creating money through government spending. In contrast, money creation through quantitative easing affects only monetary aggregates and interest rates but not the real economy. Although in every money creation experiment banks are able to fully satisfy the demand for loans, temporary credit crunches can occur under full-reserve banking. The occurrence of credit crunches depends on changes in private behaviour and economic policy as well as safety margins adopted by banks.
A flux-ratio anomaly in the CO spectral line emission from gravitationally lensed quasar MG J0414+0534
Authors: Stacey H R , McKean J P
Published: August 2018

We present an analysis of archival observations with the Atacama Large (sub-)Millimetre Array (ALMA) of the gravitationally lensed quasar MG J0414+0534, which show four compact images of the quasar and an Einstein ring from the dust associated with the quasar host galaxy. We confirm that the flux-ratio anomalies observed in the mid-infrared and radio persist into the sub-mm for the continuum images of the quasar. We report the detection of CO (11–10) spectral line emission, which traces a region of compact gas around the quasar nucleus. This line emission also shows evidence of a flux-ratio anomaly between the merging lensed images that is consistent with those observed at other wavelengths, suggesting high-excitation CO can also provide a useful probe of substructures that is unaffected by microlensing or dust extinction. However, we do not detect the candidate dusty dwarf galaxy that was previously reported with this data set, which we conclude is due to a noise artefact. Thus, the cause of the flux-ratio anomaly between the merging lensed images is still unknown. The composite compact and diffuse emission in this system suggest lensed quasar starbursts will make excellent targets for detecting dark sub-haloes and testing models for dark matter.
Understanding the Motivations, Morale, and Retention of Special Constables: Findings from a National Survey
Authors: Callender Matthew , Cahalin Kathryn , Cole Sam J , Hubbard Luke , Britton Iain
Published: August 2018

Special Constables have an established history within British policing. The Special Constabulary has represented an under-researched aspect of policing, with motivations to join, morale, factors relating to length of service and reasons for leaving being poorly understood. This article draws upon data from a national survey of Special Constables undertaken across all police forces in England and Wales. The analysis illustrates differences in motivations, dependent on age, and length of service, with younger Special Constables viewing the role as a pathway to future paid employment as a Regular police officer. The results contradict perspectives that attribute attrition from the Special Constabulary primarily to changes in personal circumstances for Specials, demonstrating how such changes are less important than satisfaction with the experience of being a Special Constable. The article concludes by identifying the significance of the findings for future policy and practice in respect of the Special Constabulary.
Optimal Dynamic Capital Budgeting
Authors: Malenko Andrey
Published: August 2018

I study optimal design of a dynamic capital allocation process in an organization in which the division manager with empire-building preferences privately observes the arrival and properties of investment projects, and headquarters can audit projects at a cost. Under certain conditions, a budgeting mechanism with threshold separation of financing is optimal. Headquarters: (1) allocate a spending account to the manager and replenish it over time; (2) set a threshold, such that projects below it are financed from the account, while projects above are financed fully by headquarters upon an audit. Further analysis studies when co-financing of projects is optimal and how the size of the account depends on past performance of projects.
Juvenile dermatomyositis: novel treatment approaches and outcomes
Authors: Varnier Giulia C. , Pilkington Clarissa A. , Wedderburn Lucy R.
Published: August 2018

Purpose of review

The aim of this article is to provide a summary of the recent therapeutic advances and the latest research on outcome measures for juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM).

Recent findings

Several new international studies have developed consensus-based guidelines on diagnosis, outcome measures and treatment of JDM to standardize and improve patient care. Myositis-specific antibodies together with muscle biopsy histopathology may help the clinician to predict disease outcome. A newly developed MRI-based scoring system has been developed to standardize the use of MRI in assessing disease activity in JDM. New data regarding the efficacy and safety of rituximab, especially for skin disease, and cyclophosphamide in JDM support the use of these medications for severe refractory cases.

International network studies, new biomarkers and outcome measures have led to significant progress in understanding and managing the rare inflammatory myositis conditions such as JDM.
Preventing Posttraumatic Stress in ICU Survivors: A Single-Center Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of ICU Diaries and Psychoeducation*
Authors: Kredentser Maia S. , Blouw Marcus , Marten Nicole , Sareen Jitender , Bienvenu O. Joseph , Ryu Jennifer , Beatie Brooke E. , Logsetty Sarvesh , Graff Lesley A. , Eggertson Shauna , Sweatman Sophia , Debroni Braeden , Cianflone Nina , Arora Rakesh C. , Zarychanski Ryan , Olafson Kendiss
Published: August 2018

Objectives:

Critical illness can have a significant psychological impact on patients and their families. To inform the design of a larger trial, we assessed feasibility of ICU diaries and psychoeducation to prevent posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety following ICU stays.

Design:

Four-arm pilot randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

A 10-bed tertiary ICU in Winnipeg, MB, Canada.

Patients:

Critically ill patients greater than 17 years old with predicted ICU stays greater than 72 hours and mechanical ventilation duration greater than 24 hours.

Interventions:

Patients were randomized to usual care, ICU diary, psychoeducation, or both ICU diary and psychoeducation.

Measurements and Main Results:

Our primary objective was to determine feasibility measured by enrollment/mo. Secondary outcomes included acceptability of the ICU diary intervention and psychological distress, including patients’ memories 1 week post ICU using the ICU Memory Tool, posttraumatic stress disorder (Impact of Events Scale-Revised), depression, and anxiety symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) 30 and 90 days post ICU. Over 3.5 years, we enrolled 58 patients, an average of 1.9 participants/mo. Families and healthcare providers wrote a mean of 3.2 diary entries/d (sd, 2.9) and indicated positive attitudes and low perceived burden toward ICU diary participation. A majority of patients reported distressing memories of their ICU stay. Those who received the diary intervention had significantly lower median Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale anxiety (3.0 [interquartile range, 2–6.25] vs 8.0 [interquartile range, 7–10]; p = 0.01) and depression (3.0 [interquartile range, 1.75–5.25] vs 5.0 [interquartile range, 4–9]; p = 0.04) symptom scores at 90 days than patients who did not receive a diary.

Conclusions:

ICU diaries are a feasible intervention in a tertiary Canadian ICU context. Preliminary evidence supports the efficacy of ICU diaries to reduce psychological morbidity following discharge.
Protocolized Thoracic Ultrasonography in Transbronchial Lung Cryobiopsies
Authors: Matus Ismael , Raja Haroon
Published: August 2018

Background:

Widespread implementation of transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLCB) in the diagnostic approach to diffuse parenchymal lung disease has prompted a call for standardization of technique to optimize safety and diagnostic yield. Thoracic ultrasound (TUS) is proving effective in detecting postconventional transbronchial biopsy pneumothorax (PTX). However, TUS does not obviate the need for chest radiography (CXR) which quantifies and guides treatment of PTX. To our knowledge, this is the first experience evaluating TUS’s reliability to rule-out PTX post-TBLCB in diffuse parenchymal lung disease.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of patients undergoing TBLCB. A standardized pre-TBLCB/post-TBLCB TUS was performed to detect the presence or absence of sliding lung (SL). TUS’ findings were then compared with CXR performed at 1 hour after TBLCB.

Results:

A total of 24 patients’ records reviewed. In total, 21 of 24 patients had SL in all lung zones on TUS before and after TBLCB, with a negative CXR for PTX in all 21 patients. The negative predictive value was 100% (95% confidence interval, 84%-100%). Three patients did not have SL in all lung zones on TUS, of which 2 showed the absence of SL in all lung zones on both pre-TBLCB and post-TBLCB TUS, with negative CXR for PTX. 1 of the 3 showed SL in all zones pre-TBLCB and in only 2 zones post-TBLCB. CXR confirmed PTX in this 1 patient.

Conclusion:

Our study demonstrates a 100% negative predictive value for the exclusion of PTX via TUS’ verification of SL. The practical value of TUS post-TBLCB may lie in its application as a rule-out study, thereby avoiding CXR.
Newborn screening in the developing countries
Authors: Therrell Bradford L. , Padilla Carmencita D.
Published: August 2018

Purpose of review

We review newborn screening (NBS) publications from the developing countries to identify global progress in improving child health.

Recent findings

Many developing countries do not yet have national NBS. As infant mortality rates decline, NBS gains in public health priority. Local incidence and outcome data are used to persuade health officials to include screening in priority health spending. Congenital hypothyroidism is the most cost-effective screened condition in most countries. In sub-Saharan Africa, India and some parts of Asia, screening for hemoglobinopathies and glucose-6-dehydrogenase deficiency are also important. Expanded screening for metabolic conditions is most needed in areas of high consanguinity. Screening for hearing disorders and critical congenital heart defects is increasing globally. The largest birth cohorts are India and China, but only China has successful NBS. Reports from completed government research projects in India support initiation of NBS.

Government activities around NBS are increasing in India and there is increased emphasis on pilot programs for sickle cell NBS in sub-Saharan Africa. Genetic counseling training in Asia and Africa is increasing and will be helpful as part of NBS. To build successful screening programs, partnerships among health professionals, parents, policy makers and industry stakeholders are essential.
Preclinical Experience Using a New Robotic System Created for Microsurgery
Authors: van Mulken Tom J. M. , Boymans Clint A. E. M. , Schols Rutger M. , Cau Raimondo , Schoenmakers Ferry B. F. , Hoekstra Lisette T. , Qiu Shan S. , Selber Jesse C. , van der Hulst René R. W. J.
Published: August 2018

Background:

Robotic assistance in microsurgery could enhance human precision and dexterity to improve clinical outcomes. Because no robotic device has been designed primarily for microsurgery, the authors developed a dedicated microsurgical robotic system. This preclinical study investigates whether microsurgical anastomosis can be successfully completed on silicone vessels using a prototype of this new robotic system, and compares outcomes of robot-assisted versus conventional microsurgery.

Methods:

Three participants at different levels of microsurgical training completed 10 anastomoses by hand and 10 anastomoses with robotic assistance. Four blinded, experienced microsurgeons evaluated the quality of the microsurgical skills using a modified version of the Structured Assessment of Microsurgical Skills. Time to perform the anastomosis and adverse events were recorded.

Results:

The total time to perform the anastomoses with and without robotic assistance decreased to 35.1 minutes and 12.5 minutes, respectively, during the study. The overall performance and indicative skill of the Structured Assessment of Microsurgical Skills improved with the conventional method (from 2.8 to 3.6 and from 2.6 to 3.7, respectively) and the robot-assisted method (from 2.3 to 3.0 and from 2.3 to 3.1, respectively).

Conclusions:

It is feasible to complete anastomotic microsurgery on silicone vessels using the MicroSure robotic system. In comparison with the conventional method, time to perform the anastomosis was longer and quality of microsurgical skills was lower in the robot-assisted group. However, the robot-assisted performance showed steeper learning curves for both surgical time and domains of microsurgical skills. The encouraging results indicate further development of the system and (pre)clinical trials.
Fetal Cardiac Functional Assessment by Fetal Heart Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Tsuritani Mitsuhiro , Morita Yoshiaki , Miyoshi Takekazu , Kurosaki Kenichi , Yoshimatsu Jun
Published: August 2018

Objective

We attempted to evaluate fetal cardiac activity of congenital heart disease (CHD) and normal heart fetuses by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

We evaluated the fetal cardiac functional assessment and the blood flow of descending aorta at 34 weeks' gestation or more by MRI and compared the results with ultrasonography findings. We measured 6 normal heart fetuses and 14 CHD fetuses.

Results

The ejection fraction (EF) and descending aorta blood flow in the CHD group were 76.4% ± 11.9%, 687.5 ± 303.8 mL/min by ultrasonography and 48.3% ± 7.1%, 711.4 ± 273.1 mL/min by MRI; those in the normal group were 66.9% ± 12.2%, 898.1 ± 245.9 mL/min by ultrasonography and 51.3% ± 4.2%, 911.9 ± 223.1 mL/min by MRI.

Conclusions

There was no significant difference in descending aorta blood flow measurements between ultrasonography and MRI, but the EF showed a significant between-group difference. In the normal group, the variation of EF and blood flow measured by MRI was significantly smaller compared with those of ultrasonography.
Dual-Energy Spectral Computed Tomography With Adaptive Statistical Iterative Reconstruction for Improving Image Quality of Portal Venography
Authors: Wang Weibing , Huang Jinbai , Wang Ai , Li Yun , Peng Jie , Hu Xinjie , Liu Yingjun , Zhang Haiyan , Li Xiaohu
Published: August 2018

Objective

The aim of the study was to investigate whether spectral computed tomography (CT) plus adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) could improve imaging quality of computed tomography portal venography (CTPV).

Methods

Sixty-four patients underwent CTPV, with CT number of portal vein (PV) less than 150 HU in portal phase, were divided into 2 groups A (n = 31), using standard 120-kVp protocol. group B (n = 33), using spectral CT protocol. Standard 120-kVp images were reconstructed with 40% ASIR, and monochromatic images at 60 keV were reconstructed with the following 4 ASIR percentages: 0%, 20%, 40%, and 60%. The CT number, image noise, and contrast-to-noise ratio in main PV were measured. The maximum intensity projection and volume-rendering images were used for subjective evaluation. These 2 kinds of results were statistically analyzed.

Results

The contrast-to-noise ratio and subjective scoring of PV increased gradually from 120-kVp images to 60% weight ASIR (3.44 ± 0.95, 4.58 ± 1. 59, 5.26 ± 1.85, 6.18 ± 2.18, and 7.39 ± 2.65 and 4.35 ± 1.17, 6.21 ± 1.29, 6.48 ± 1.35, 6.85 ± 1.28, and 7.00 ± 1.19). There were statistically different for the 5 groups (P < 0.001). The CT number of the PV in the 60-kiloelectron volt spectral images had higher than the 120-kVp images (P < 0.001). The noise of 120 kVp was significantly higher than those of 60% ASIR and significantly lower than those of 0% ASIR (both P < 0.001), and there were no significant differences between 120-kVp, 20% ASIR, and 40% ASIR (P = 0.107 and 1.000, respectively). The diagnostic acceptability was highest at 40% ASIR.

Conclusions

Forty-percent ASIR addition to the 60-kiloelectron volt monochromatic image could improve image quality of CTPV comparing with conventional 120-kVp images.
Evaluation of a Computer-Aided Diagnosis System for Automated Bone Age Assessment in Comparison to the Greulich-Pyle Atlas Method: A Multireader Study
Authors: Booz Christian , Wichmann Julian L. , Boettger Sabine , Al Kamali Ahmed , Martin Simon S. , Lenga Lukas , Leithner Doris , Albrecht Moritz H. , Ackermann Hanns , Vogl Thomas J. , Bodelle Boris , Kaltenbach Benjamin
Published: August 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate a novel version of a computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system developed for automated bone age (BA) assessment in comparison to the Greulich and Pyle method, regarding its accuracy and the influence of carpal bones on BA assessment.

Methods

Total BA, BA of the left distal radius, and BA of carpal bones in 305 patients were determined independently by 3 blinded radiologists and assessed by the CAD system. Pearson product-moment correlation, Bland-Altman plot, root-mean-square deviation, and further agreement analyses were computed.

Results

Mean total BA and BA of the distal radius showed high correlation between both approaches (r = 0.985 and r = 0.963). There was significantly higher correlation between values of total BA and BA of the distal radius (r = 0.969) compared with values of total BA and BA of carpal bones (r = 0.923). The assessment of carpal bones showed significantly lower interreader agreement compared with measurements of the distal radius (κ = 0.79 vs κ = 0.98).

Conclusion

A novel version of a CAD system enables highly accurate automated BA assessment. The assessment of carpal bones revealed lower precision and interreader agreement. Therefore, methods determining BA without analyzing carpal bones may be more precise and accurate.
Preservation of muscle mass as a strategy to reduce the toxic effects of cancer chemotherapy on body composition
Authors: Pin Fabrizio , Couch Marion E. , Bonetto Andrea
Published: August 2018

Purpose of review

Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy often experience very debilitating side effects, including unintentional weight loss, nausea, and vomiting. Changes in body composition, specifically lean body mass (LBM), are known to have important implications for anticancer drug toxicity and cancer prognosis. Currently, chemotherapy dosing is based on calculation of body surface area, although this approximation does not take into consideration the variability in lean and adipose tissue mass.

Recent findings

Patients with depletion of muscle mass present higher chemotherapy-related toxicity, whereas patients with larger amounts of LBM show fewer toxicities and better outcomes. Commonly used chemotherapy regimens promote changes in body composition, primarily by affecting skeletal muscle, as well as fat and bone mass. Experimental evidence has shown that pro-atrophy mechanisms, abnormal mitochondrial metabolism, and reduced protein anabolism are primarily implicated in muscle depletion. Muscle-targeted pro-anabolic strategies have proven successful in preserving lean tissue in the occurrence of cancer or following chemotherapy.

Muscle wasting often occurs as a consequence of anticancer treatments and is indicative of worse outcomes and poor quality of life in cancer patients. Accurate assessment of body composition and preservation of muscle mass may reduce chemotherapy toxicity and improve the overall survival.
Optimized cross-linking mass spectrometry for in situ interaction proteomics
Authors: Ser Zheng , Cifani Paolo , Kentsis Alex
Published: August 2018

Recent development of mass spectrometer cleavable protein cross-linkers and algorithms for their spectral identification now permits large-scale cross-linking mass spectrometry (XL-MS). Here, we optimized the use of cleavable disuccinimidyl sulfoxide (DSSO) cross-linker for labeling native protein complexes in live human cells. We applied a generalized linear mixture model to calibrate cross-link peptide-spectra matching (CSM) scores to control the sensitivity and specificity of large-scale XL-MS. Using specific CSM score thresholds to control the false discovery rate, we found that higher-energy collisional dissociation (HCD) and electron transfer dissociation (ETD) can both be effective for large-scale XL-MS protein interaction mapping. We found that the density and coverage of protein-protein interaction maps can be significantly improved through the use of multiple proteases. In addition, the use of sample-specific search databases can be used to improve the specificity of cross-linked peptide spectral matching. Application of this approach to human chromatin labeled in live cells recapitulated known and revealed new protein interactions of nucleosomes and other chromatin-associated complexes in situ. This optimized approach for mapping native protein interactions should be useful for a wide range of biological problems.
Supervised machine learning to decipher the complex associations between neuro-immune biomarkers and quality of life in schizophrenia
Authors: Kanchanatawan Buranee , Maes Michael
Published: August 2018

Stable phase schizophrenia is characterized by altered patterning in tryptophan catabolites (TRYCATs) and memory impairments, which are associated with PHEMN (psychosis, hostility, excitation, mannerism and negative) and DAPS (depression, anxiety and physio-somatic) symptoms. This study was carried out to examine the association between TRYCAT patterning, memory impairments, psychopathological features and health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) in schizophrenia.

The World Health Organization (WHO) QoL instrument-Abbreviated version (WHO-QoL-BREF), IgA/IgM responses to TRYCATs, cognitive tests, Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS), Hamilton and Depression (HAMD) and Anxiety (HAMA) Rating Scales and the Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Rating Scale (FF) were measured in 80 schizophrenia patients and 40 controls.

Neural Network analysis shows that the total HR-Qol score is best predicted by (in descending order) FF, HAMA and SANS scores, Mini Mental State examination, hostility, ratio noxious/protective TRYCATs and HAMD score. Partial least Squares (PLS) analysis shows that 55.1% of the variance in Domain1 (physical) is predicted by PHEMN and DAPS latent vector (LV) scores, while 57.9% of domain2 (psychological), 32.7% of domain3 (social) and 55.0% of domain4 (environment) are explained by DAPS LV scores. TRYCATs and episodic/semantic memory impairments have specific indirect effects on domains 2, 3 and 4, which are mediated by DAPS symptoms, while the effects of TRYCATs on domain1 are mediated by PHEMN and DAPS symptoms. Picolinic acid, xanthurenic acid and 3-hydroxy-kynurenine decrease WHO-QoL scores, whilst anthranilic acid is protective.

The results show that lowered HR-Qol in schizophrenia is strongly predicted by noxious TRYCATs, impairments in episodic and semantic memory and DAPS symptoms, especially physio-somatic symptoms and anxiety. Neuro-immune pathways and the consequent cognitive impairments determine to a great extent lowered HR-QoL in schizophrenia.
Genome-wide characterization deciphers distinct properties of major intrinsic proteins in six Phytophthora species
Authors: Azad Abul Kalam , Ahmed Jahed , Hakim Al , Hasan Md. Mahbub , Alum Md. Asraful , Hasan Mahmudul , Ishikawa Takahiro , Sawa Yoshihiro
Published: August 2018

Major intrinsic proteins (MIPs), commonly known as aquaporins, facilitate the membrane diffusion of water and some other non- polar solutes. MIPs might be involved in host-pathogen interactions. Herein, we identified 17, 24, 27, 19, 19, and 22 full-length MIPs, respectively, in the genomes of six Phytophthora species, P. infestans, P. parasitica, P. sojae, P. ramorum, P. capsici, and P. cinnamomi. These Phytophthora species are devastating plant pathogens and members of oomycetes, a distinct lineage of fungus-like eukaryotic microbes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the Phytophthora MIPs (PMIPs) formed a completely distinct clade from their counterparts in other taxa and were clustered into nine subgroups. Sequence and structural properties indicated that the primary selectivity-related constrictions, including aromatic arginine (ar/R) selectivity filter and Froger’s positions in PMIPs were distinct from those in other taxa. The substitutions in the conserved Asn-Pro-Ala motifs in loops B and E of many PMIPs were also divergent from those in plants. We further deciphered group-specific consensus sequences/motifs in different loops and transmembrane helices of PMIPs, which were distinct from those in plants, animals, and microbes. The data collectively supported the notion that PMIPs might have novel functions.
North Cumbria and North East Transforming Care, transforming lives case study
Authors: Turner Ursula
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe how, as part of a national initiative led by NHS England and key partners, it is transforming lives by helping people with a learning disability, autism or both to live more independent and better quality lives in their own home rather than spending many years in hospital unnecessarily.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology applied was to capture the real experience of a person with a learning disability, autism or both who successfully moved from long-term hospital care to home. This was achieved through developing a narrative story by capturing their experiences in their own words and the words of the individual’s support team who made this life changing event possible.

Findings

This story shows how with the right planning and support, people with a learning disability can live in their own homes, gain their independence and be supported to take risks.

Originality/value

This is an original case study that has not been published previously and has been written for the sole purpose of this journal.