bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BTLA suppress acute rejection via regulating TCR downstream signals and cytokines production in kidney transplantation and prolonged allografts survival
Authors: Zhang Jiayi , Zhang Hengcheng , Wang Zijie , Yang Haiwei , Chen Hao , Cheng Hong , Zhou Jiajun , Zheng Ming , Tan Ruoyun , Gu Min
Published: August 2019

Acute rejection is a major risk for renal transplant failure. During this adverse process, activated T cells are considered the main effectors. Recently, B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA), a member of the CD28 family receptor, was reported to be a novel inhibitory regulator of T cell activation in heart and pancreatic allograft rejection. Due to the similarity of acute rejection pathways among different organs, we hypothesized that BTLA might play a role in acute rejection of kidney transplant. In renal transplant patients, we observed that BTLA expression was significantly decreased in peripheral CD3+ T lymphocytes of biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR) recipients compared with control patients with stable transplanted kidney functions. Remarkably, overexpression of BTLA in the rat model was found to significantly inhibit the process of acute rejection, regulate the postoperative immune status, and prolong allograft survival. BTLA overexpression significantly suppressed IL-2 and IFN-γ production and increased IL-4 and IL-10 production both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, vital factors in T-cell signaling pathways, including mitogen-associated protein kinases (MAPK), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT), were also significantly repressed by BTLA overexpression. Therefore, BTLA can suppress acute rejection and regulate allogeneic responses of kidney transplant by regulating TCR downstream signals and inflammatory cytokines production to improve allografts outcomes.
Systematic gene silencing identified Cryptosporidium nucleoside diphosphate kinase and other molecules as targets for suppression of parasite proliferation in human intestinal cells
Authors: Castellanos-Gonzalez A. , Martinez-Traverso G. , Fishbeck K. , Nava S. , White A. C.
Published: August 2019

Cryptosporidiosis is a major cause of diarrheal disease. The only drug approved for cryptosporidiosis has limited efficacy in high-risk populations. Therefore novel drugs are urgently needed. We have identified several enzymes as potential targets for drug development and we have optimized a rapid method to silence genes in Cryptosporidium. In this study, we knocked down expression of the four selected genes: Actin (Act), Apicomplexan DNA-binding protein (Ap2), Rhomboid protein 1 (Rom 1), and nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDK). After gene silencing, we evaluated the role of each target on parasite development using in vitro models of excystation, invasion, proliferation, and egress. We showed that silencing of Act, Ap2, NDK, and Rom1 reduced invasion, proliferation, and egress of Cryptosporidium. However, silencing of NDK markedly inhibited Cryptosporidium proliferation (~70%). We used an infection model to evaluate the anticryptosporidial activity of ellagic acid (EA), an NDK inhibitor. We showed that EA (EC50 = 15–30 µM) reduced parasite burden without showing human cell toxicity. Here, we demonstrated the usefulness of a rapid silencing method to identify novel targets for drug development. Because EA is a dietary supplement already approved for human use, this compound should be studied as a potential treatment for cryptosporidiosis.
Survival of outbreak, food, and environmental strains of Listeria monocytogenes on whole apples as affected by cultivar and wax coating
Authors: Macarisin Dumitru , Sheth Ishani , Hur Minji , Wooten Anna , Kwon Hee Jin , Gao Zhujun , De Jesus Antonio , Jurick Wayne , Chen Yi
Published: August 2019

The 2014–2015 U.S. nationwide outbreak of listeriosis linked to apples used in commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apples was the first implication of whole apples in outbreaks of foodborne illnesses. Two case patients of this outbreak didn’t consume caramel apples but did eat whole apples, suggesting that contaminated whole apple may serve as a vehicle for foodborne listeriosis. The current study evaluated the effect of conventional fruit coating with wax and that of apple cultivar on the survival of outbreak-associated and non-outbreak Listeria monocytogenes strains on Red Delicious, Granny Smith and Fuji apples during 160 days under simulated commercial storage. L. monocytogenes survived in calyxes and stem ends of apples of all 3 cultivars through the duration of the experiment. After 2 months of storage, significantly (p < 0.05) larger L. monocytogenes populations were recovered from apples coated with wax than those un-waxed, regardless of the cultivar. No differences in survival amongst L. monocytogenes strains (serotypes 1/2a and 4b) from clinical, food, and environmental sources were observed. The observation that coating with wax facilitates prolonged survival of L. monocytogenes on whole apples is novel and reveals gaps in understanding of microbiological risks associated with postharvest practices of tree fruit production.
The FLT3-ITD mutation and the expression of its downstream signaling intermediates STAT5 and Pim-1 are positively correlated with CXCR4 expression in patients with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Cao Tingyong , Jiang Nenggang , Liao Hongyan , Shuai Xiao , Su Jun , Zheng Qin
Published: August 2019

Chemokine ligand 12(CXCL12) mediates signaling through chemokine receptor 4(CXCR4), which is essential for the homing and maintenance of Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in the bone marrow. FLT3-ITD mutations enhance cell migration toward CXCL12, providing a drug resistance mechanism underlying the poor effects of FLT3-ITD antagonists. However, the mechanism by which FLT3-ITD mutations regulate the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis remains unclear. We analyzed the relationship between CXCR4 expression and the FLT3-ITD mutation in 466 patients with de novo AML to clarify the effect of FLT3-ITD mutations on CXCR4 expression in patients with AML. Our results indicated a positive correlation between the FLT3-ITD mutant-type allelic ratio (FLT3-ITD MR) and the relative fluorescence intensity (RFI) of CXCR4 expression in patients with AML (r = 0.588, P ≤ 0.0001). Moreover, the levels of phospho(p)-STAT5, Pim-1 and CXCR4 proteins were positively correlated with the FLT3-ITD MR, and the mRNA levels of CXCR4 and Pim-1 which has been revealed as one of the first known target genes of STAT5, were upregulated with an increasing FLT3-ITD MR(P < 0.05). Therefore, FLT3-ITD mutations upregulate the expression of CXCR4 in patients with AML, and the downstream signaling intermediates STAT5 and Pim-1 are also involved in this phenomenon and subsequently contribute to chemotherapy resistance and disease relapse in patients with AML. However, the mechanism must be confirmed in further experiments. The combination of CXCR4 antagonists and FLT3 inhibitors may improve the sensitivity of AML cells to chemotherapy and overcome drug resistance.
Brain structure links trait conscientiousness to academic performance
Authors: Wang Song , Zhao Yajun , Li Jingguang , Wang Xu , Luo Kui , Gong Qiyong
Published: August 2019

In the long history of identifying factors to predict academic performance, conscientiousness, a so-called ‘big five’ personality trait describing self-regulation and goal-directed behavior, has emerged as a stable predictor for this purpose. However, the neuroanatomical substrates of trait conscientiousness and the underlying brain mechanism linking trait conscientiousness and academic performance are still largely unknown. Here, we examined these issues in 148 high school students within the same grade by estimating cortical gray matter volume (GMV) utilizing a voxel-based morphometry method based on structural magnetic resonance imaging. A whole-brain regression analysis showed that trait conscientiousness was positively associated with the GMV in the bilateral superior parietal lobe (SPL) and was negatively associated with the GMV in the right middle frontal gyrus (MFG). Furthermore, mediation analysis revealed that trait conscientiousness mediated the influences of the SPL and MFG volume on academic performance. Importantly, our results persisted even when we adjusted for general intelligence, family socioeconomic status and ‘big five’ personality traits other than conscientiousness. Altogether, our study suggests that the GMV in the frontoparietal network is a neurostructural marker of adolescents’ conscientiousness and reveals a potential brain-personality-achievement pathway for predicting academic performance in which gray matter structures affect academic performance through trait conscientiousness.
An electrochemical aptasensor based on eATRP amplification for the detection of bisphenol A
Authors: Li Manman , Guo Zhuangzhuang , Zheng Xiaoke , Yang Huaixia , Feng Weisheng , Kong Jinming
Published: August 2019

Schematic illustration of the aptasensor for the detection of BPA based on electrochemically mediated atom transfer radical polymerization.
A 3D printing-based portable photoelectrochemical sensing device using a digital multimeter
Authors: Zhang Kangyao , Lv Shuzhen , Tang Dianping
Published: August 2019

An enzyme-free photoelectrochemical sensing method based on a 3D-printing device was developed for CEA detection coupling glucose-encapsulated liposomes with digital multimeter readout.
Detection of Fe3+ using a novel hyperbranched polymeric spectral sensor
Authors: Guo Wenbo , Tang Tengxuan , Lu Shenzhou , Xu Dongmei
Published: August 2019

Fe3+ was highly selectively and sensitively detected using a novel turn-on hyperbranched polymeric spectral sensor.
An improvement in scanning electrochemical microscopy based on a plasmon-accelerated electrochemical reaction
Authors: Zhou Yun-Lu , Zhang Pan-Ke , Xu Cong-Hui , Xu Jing-Juan , Chen Hong-Yuan
Published: August 2019

A plasmon-accelerated electrochemical reaction coupled with SECM provides an opportunity to improve the performance of SECM.
A light-responsive liposomal agent for MRI contrast enhancement and monitoring of cargo delivery
Authors: Reeßing F. , Stuart M. C. A. , Samplonius D. F. , Dierckx R. A. J. O. , Feringa B. L. , Helfrich W. , Szymanski W.
Published: August 2019

A liposomal MRI-probe changing relaxivity and releasing cargo upon light irradiation was developed for diagnostics and monitoring of drug delivery.
Facile synthesis of a micro-scale MOF host–guest with long-lasting phosphorescence and enhanced optoelectronic performance
Authors: Yang Xiao-Gang , Lu Xiao-Min , Zhai Zhi-Min , Zhao Ying , Liu Xin-Yi , Ma Lu-Fang , Zang Shuang-Quan
Published: August 2019

Micro-scale MOF host–guest with tunable phosphorescence and enhanced optoelectronic performance can be obtained by a facile and scalable precipitation process in aqueous solution.
Pt nanoparticles anchored over Te nanorods as a novel and promising catalyst for methanol oxidation reaction
Authors: Yang Xudong , Xue Jia , Feng Ligang
Published: August 2019

Pt/Te nanorods exhibited excellent catalytic performance for methanol oxidation in both acidic and alkaline electrolytes.
Large-sized benzo[e]indolium salt single crystals with high optical nonlinearity
Authors: Shang Shufang , Li Ruian , Ping Linjun , Luo Wenzhen , Hai Mingtan , Yang Zhou , Wang Dong , Cao Hui , He Wanli
Published: August 2019

Two new benzo[e]indolium salts with highly efficient nonlinear optical performance and excellent crystal characteristics were synthesized.
Structure and water attachment rates of ice in the atmosphere: role of nitrogen
Authors: Llombart Pablo , Bergua Ramon M. , Noya Eva G. , MacDowell Luis G.
Published: August 2019

In this work we perform computer simulations of the ice surface in order to elucidate the role of nitrogen in the crystal growth rates and crystal habits of snow in the atmosphere.
Direct observation of the intermediate radical in the photodissociation of 1,3-cyclohexane dinitrite
Authors: Qin Tai , Xue Junfei , Huo Dayujia , Zu Lily
Published: August 2019

The two-step photodissociation mechanism of 1,3-cyclohexane dinitrite is confirmed by observation of the laser-induced fluorescence spectrum of the intermediate 3-nitrosooxy cyclohexoxy radical.
Characterization of semiconductor photocatalysts
Authors: Zhang Liping , Ran Jingrun , Qiao Shi-Zhang , Jaroniec Mietek
Published: August 2019

The long-standing popularity of semiconductor photocatalysts stimulated their characterization, which is the subject of this review aiming to help materials chemists and physicists, particularly students, to select suitable characterization methods.
Recent trends in the development of sustainable catalytic systems for the oxidative cleavage of cycloalkenes by hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Cousin Tony , Chatel Gregory , Kardos Nathalie , Andrioletti Bruno , Draye Micheline
Published: August 2019

This review proposes a comprehensive, critical, and accessible assessment of reaction conditions for cycloolefin oxidative cleavage regarding green chemistry criteria.
Salt loading in MOFs: solvent-free and solvent-assisted loading of NH4NO3 and LiNO3 in UiO-66
Authors: Seth Saona , Vaid Thomas P. , Matzger Adam J.
Published: August 2019

The salts NH4NO3 and LiNO3 were loaded in the MOF UiO-66 by a solvent-free and solvent-assisted method, respectively.
Interplay of anthracene luminescence and dysprosium magnetism by steric control of photodimerization
Authors: Huang Xin-Da , Jia Jia-Ge , Kurmoo Mohamedally , Bao Song-Song , Zheng Li-Min
Published: August 2019

Systematic control of [4 + 4] photocycloaddition of dysprosium phosphonates through fine-tuning of two different phosphonate ligands with alkyl substituents reveals a size dependent rate with remarkable changes in the luminescence and magnetic dynamics.
Uniform flower-like BiOBr/BiOI prepared by a new method: visible-light photocatalytic degradation, influencing factors and degradation mechanism
Authors: Li Jianhui , Zhou Quan , Yang Fan , Wu Lijie , Li Wenying , Ren Ruipeng , Lv Yongkang
Published: August 2019

BiOBr/BiOI photocatalyst with different molar ratios was synthesized via a simple one-step solvothermal method. The uniform flower-like BiOBr/BiOI (3 : 1) owns high photocatalytic degradation efficiency, excellent recyclability and stability.
The design, preparation, and properties of dual-crosslinking copolymerized systems based on hemp oil
Authors: Yi Jing , Li Shouhai , Xia Jianling , Li Mei , Ding Haiyang , Xu Lina , Yang Xiaohua
Published: August 2019

Novel, dual-crosslinking, resin monomers of MAHHAGMA and HHAGE were synthesized using hemp oil.
Mn4+ nonequivalent-doped Al3+-based cryolite high-performance warm WLED red phosphors
Authors: Hong Feng , Xu Haiping , Yang Liu , Liu Guixia , Song Chao , Dong Xiangting , Yu Wensheng
Published: August 2019

Mn4+ nonequivalent-doped Al3+-based cryolite red phosphors with controlled morphology and optimized luminescence properties for high-performance warm WLEDs.
Mass loading effects in the acoustic vibrations of gold nanoplates
Authors: Devkota Tuphan , Yu Kuai , Hartland Gregory V.
Published: August 2019

Changes in vibrational frequencies for Au nanoplates have been used for mass sensing with a detection limit of 10 attograms.
Copper-catalyzed synthesis of spiro-indolofurobenzopyrans: tandem reactions of diazoamides and O-propargyl salicylaldehydes
Authors: Muthusamy Sengodagounder , Prabu Ammasi , Suresh Eringathodi
Published: August 2019

An atom-economical synthesis of spiro-indolofurobenzopyrans was developed from diazoamides and O-propargyl salicylaldehydes in the presence of copper(i) thiophene-2-carboxylate in a diastereoselective manner.
Ion-pair induced supramolecular assembly formation for selective extraction and sensing of potassium sulfate
Authors: Jagleniec Damian , Dobrzycki Łukasz , Karbarz Marcin , Romański Jan
Published: August 2019

The formation of a supramolecular core–shell like assembly upon interaction of the receptor with potassium sulfate enables its selective extraction.
Ultra-selective ferric ion-complexed membranes composed of water-based zwitterionic comb copolymers
Authors: Park Min Su , Kim Na Un , Park Byeong Ju , Ryu Du Yeol , Kim Jong Hak
Published: August 2019

Water-based, non-toxic, eco-friendly polymerization is carried out to synthesize a zwitterionic comb copolymer, i.e., poly(oxyethylene methacrylate)-co-sulfobetaine methacrylate (POEM–PSBMA).
Endowing recyclability to anti-adhesion materials via designing physically crosslinked polyurethane
Authors: Liu Minhuan , Yu Danfeng , Xu Xiubin , Yang Hui , Wyman Ian , Wang Jinben , Wu Xu
Published: August 2019

The existing principles regarding the design of anti-adhesion materials significantly restrict the recyclability of these functional materials.
Percent Grammatical Utterances Between 4 and 9 Years of Age for the Edmonton Narrative Norms Instrument: Reference Data and Psychometric Properties
Authors: Guo Ling-Yu , Eisenberg Sarita , Schneider Phyllis , Spencer Linda
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this article was to provide the reference data and evaluate psychometric properties for the percent grammatical utterances (PGU;
Eisenberg & Guo, 2013
) in children between 4 and 9 years of age from the database of the Edmonton Narrative Norms Instrument (ENNI;
Schneider, Dubé, & Hayward, 2005
).

Method

Participants were 377 children who were between 4 and 9 years of age, including 300 children with typical language (TL) and 77 children with language impairment (LI). Narrative samples were collected using the ENNI protocol (i.e., a story generation task). PGU was computed from the samples. Split-half reliability, concurrent criterion validity, and diagnostic accuracy for PGU were further evaluated.

Results

PGU increased significantly in children between 4 and 9 years of age in both the TL and LI groups. In addition, the correlation coefficients for the split-half reliability and concurrent criterion validity of PGU were all large (
r
s ≥ .557,
p
s < .001). The diagnostic accuracy of PGU was also good or acceptable from ages 4 to 9 years.

Conclusions

With the attested psychometric properties, PGU computed from the ENNI could be used as an assessment tool for identifying children with LI between 4 and 9 years of age. The reference data of PGU could also be used for monitoring treatment progress.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.9630590
Deep Boltzmann machine algorithm for accurate medical image analysis for classification of cancerous region
Authors: Jeyaraj Pandia Rajan , Nadar Edward Rajan Samuel
Published: August 2019

In this research work, a deep learning algorithm is applied to the medical domain to deliver a better healthcare system. For this, a deep learning framework for classification the region of interest pattern of complex hyperspectral medical images is proposed. The performance of computer‐aided diagnosis by verifying the region in hyperspectral image by pre and post‐cancerous region classification is enhanced. For this a deep Boltzmann machine (DBM) architecture of the bipartite structure as an unsupervised generative model was developed. The performance of DBM is compared with deep convolutional neural network architecture. For implementation, a three‐layer unsupervised network with a backpropagation structure is used. From the presented dataset, image patches are collected and classified into two classes, namely non‐informative and discriminative classes as labelled classes. The spatial information is used for classification and spectral‐spatial representation of class labels is formed. In the labelled classes, the accuracy, false‐positive predictions, sensitivity are obtained for the proposed fully‐connected network. By the proposed cognitive computation technique an accuracy of 95.5% with 93.5% sensitivity was obtained. From the obtained classification, accuracy and success rate DBM provide a better classification of complex images compared to traditional convolution network.
Deterministic aggregated harmonic source models for harmonic analysis of large medium voltage distribution networks
Authors: Bosovic Adnan , Renner Herwig , Abart Andreas , Traxler Ewald , Meyer Jan , Domagk Max , Music Mustafa
Published: August 2019

Modelling of harmonics in large medium voltage (MV) distribution networks has so far been a challenge due to the presence of a large number of harmonic sources contributing to total harmonic voltages. This study proposes a deterministic methodology of modelling harmonics in large real MV distribution networks using aggregate harmonic source models parameterised based on measurements and results from the literature. In this research, background harmonic voltages from the sub‐transmission system are parameterised based on measurements in the analysed network. Aggregate harmonic current emission of different customer categories in low‐voltage (LV) networks (households and small commercial customers) parameterised based on several measurements in LV networks was dominated by residential or office customer type configurations. The harmonic current emission of industrial customers is parameterised based on the results from published literature. Two methods for modelling harmonic sources are used and compared: (i) modelling according to the IEC 61000‐3‐6 summation law and recommended summation exponents and (ii) modelling using complex phasors. The results of the models show a good match with the measurements from power quality monitors installed in the analysed MV network. Based on these results, the method according to the IEC 61000‐3‐6 is recommended for large MV distribution networks.
Secure resource allocation for green two‐way relay networks with mutually untrusted relay and mobile users
Authors: Wang Fei , Qin Changchun
Published: August 2019

The authors investigate secure resource allocation for an orthogonal frequency division multiple access two‐way relay network, which has several pairs of mobile users (MUs) and one energy harvesting (EH) relay. In this network, the relay is untrusted and each MU pair may also overhear the other MU pairs’ confidential information. In particular, to forward information for each MU, the relay adopts power splitting technique to harvest energy from radio frequency signals emitted by each MU. For this scenario, which has hardly been considered, the joint problem of subcarrier allocation, power control, and power splitting ratio selection is formulated, with the aim to maximise the total secrecy rate of all MUs. A suboptimal algorithm with low complexity and satisfactory performance is proposed to solve the formulated non‐convex problem.
Terminal voltage analysis for the transformerless PV inverter topologies in a single‐phase system
Authors: Sonti Venu , Jain Sachin , Agarwal Vivek , Bhattacharya Subhashish
Published: August 2019

This study presents an analysis of the terminal voltage of the basic photovoltaic (PV) inverter topologies available in the literature. The presented analysis utilises the switching function concept. Use of switching function in the analysis enables the inclusion of the effect of the pulse‐width modulation technique or the switching strategy on the terminal voltage of the reviewed configuration. It gives insight into the switching action effects on the terminal voltage and provides every detail of the high‐frequency transitions in the terminal voltage for the given switching strategy. Using the terminal voltage expression derived in terms of switching function, the analytical waveforms are obtained for various configurations. These waveforms are compared with the simulation and experimental results waveforms to justify the analysis given. This study also presents a bar chart view of the switching and conduction losses of the switches in the reviewed PV inverter topologies. The magnitude of high‐frequency components in the terminal voltage and the leakage current is also presented in this study. The PV inverter topologies are also compared in terms of other aspects such as a number of devices used, asymmetry in operation, filter requirement etc.
Decentralised adaptive control design for single‐phase parallel‐inverter systems
Authors: Fan Bo , Guo Shilin , Yang Qinmin , Liu Wenxin
Published: August 2019

Single‐phase inverters are widely installed to integrate distributed generations into microgrids. To further improve the reliability and flexibility, several inverter modules connected in parallel are usually preferred. Besides achieving bus voltage regulation, another control objective of parallel‐inverter systems is to guarantee load current sharing performance among multiple inverter modules. To attain these objectives in the presence of physical differences and uncertain system parameters, advanced control schemes are needed. In this study, a state‐feedback decentralised adaptive control algorithm is firstly presented for single‐phase parallel‐inverter systems with unknown system parameters. Adaptive laws are designed to compensate for the uncertainties. In addition, the proposed control algorithm is decentralised in the sense that only local information is required for each inverter's controller. To overcome the practical problem that not all system states are available due to the presence of the unknown system parameters and load current, an output‐feedback version of the decentralised adaptive controller is introduced through observers. The closed‐loop system stability is proved via Lyapunov analysis. Finally, extensive simulation studies on parallel‐inverter systems of different levels of detail are conducted to illustrate that the proposed control algorithm can provide satisfactory voltage regulation and current sharing performance under various loading conditions.
Wind speed estimation based on a novel multivariate Weibull distribution
Authors: Salim Omar M. , Dorrah Hassen Taher , Hassan Mahmoud Adel
Published: August 2019

Good practice in smart grids is networked sensors topologies which give the ability to fuse sensors to obtain a new feature based on sensors’ complementarity. Moreover, to get a prediction based on other sensors, possibly in other areas, in case of sensor failure. This ability may be achieved by correlating sensor data based on their historical observations. This study addresses the problem of stochastic multivariate modelling within the framework of cyber‐physical systems. Weibull distribution function (WDF) was found to be the best probability distribution function to fit wind variations. The main idea of this study is to propose a generalised multivariate stochastic model to describe the joint probability between multi‐stochastic variables. A novel multivariate WDF for wind modelling is proposed to estimate wind speed in one location based on wind speed data on other location(s). The suggested approach is applied to three cases to demonstrate the efficacy of the developed technique. It is pointed out that this approach could be generalised for the multivariate WDF of wind modelling situations. Finally, it is shown that there are existing structures resemblances between the wind Weibull versus normal distribution models arising from the fact WDF reflects a natural phenomenon with some restrictions.
Robust and fast algorithm for extracting the periodic feature from jet engine modulation signals
Authors: Sun Jingming , Yu Junpeng
Published: August 2019

Jet engine modulation (JEM), a modulation phenomenon induced by the rotating structure of jet engines, is a representative feature extracted from the radar returns for aircraft target recognition. As one of the most significant periodic characteristics of JEM, the chopping frequency plays an important role in aircraft target recognition. However, existing methods either need complicated logical algorithms to get an accurate estimation of the chopping frequency or exploit the chopping frequency as priori information for further feature extraction, and neither of these two scenarios is practical. Here, the authors propose a robust and fast algorithm for extracting the chopping frequency, which uses wavelet decomposition combined with autocorrelation to process the analytic form of the JEM signal. Application results of measured JEM signals demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is effective and practical for stable and accurate extraction of the periodic feature from JEM signals.
Synthesis and characterisation properties of the Sb–SnO2–SiO2 composite powder with the correlation analysis of resistivity and dispersion
Authors: Tang Jiawei , Liu Zong , Zhang Chunhui , Meng Xiaofei , Li Suoyang , Pan Yi , Wu Xiaoyu , Yan Zheng , Hao Xinghua , Zhuang Honglei
Published: August 2019

Multi‐group orthogonal experiments cooperating MATLAB stimulation were employed to synthesise antimony‐doped tin oxide (ATO) (Sb–SnO2)‐doped silica (ATO/SiO2) composite powder with high conductivity and dispersivity analysis. Results suggested that the resistivity ranged from 3.9 to 300 Ω cm while the nano‐silica doping amount ranged from 0 to 1.5% (mass ratio) under the best parameters of Sb‐doped content of 9.5 mol%, 3 precursor wash times, calcination temperature of 750°C, gelling reaction temperature of 45°C and calcination time of 2 h. Both the ATO and ATO/SiO2 particles were characterised by X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscope studies to prove that the addition of silica could not only increase the specific surface area and resistivity of particles, but also reduce the agglomeration of particles. The relationship between conductivity and dispersion of composite powder (Sb–SnO2 −SiO2) dominated by different nano‐silica content could be simulated by the ‘logistic function model’, which has important guiding significance for the preparation of composite powders with prominent characteristics.
Astrometric planet search around southern ultracool dwarfs
Authors: Lazorenko P. F. , Sahlmann J.
Published: August 2019

We present an investigation of the stability of the two chips in the FORS2 camera CCD mosaic on the basis of astrometric observations of stars in 20 sky fields, some of which were monitored for four to seven years. We detected a smooth relative shear motion of the chips along their dividing line that is well approximated by a cubic function of time with an amplitude that reaches ∼0.3 pixels (px) or ∼38 mas over seven years. In a single case, we detected a step change of ∼0.06 px that occurred within four days. In the orthogonal direction that corresponds to the separation between the chips, the motion is a factor of 5–10 smaller. This chip instability in the camera significantly reduces the astrometric precision when the reduction uses reference stars located in both chips, and the effect is not accounted for explicitly. We found that the instability introduces a bias in stellar positions with an amplitude that increases with the observation time span. When our reduction methods and FORS2 images are used, it affects stellar positions like an excess random noise with an rms of ∼0.5 mas for a time span of three to seven years when left uncorrected. We demonstrate that an additional calibration step can adequately mitigate this and restore an astrometric accuracy of 0.12 mas, which is essential to achieve the goals of our planet-search program. These results indicate that similar instabilities could critically affect the astrometric performance of other large ground-based telescopes and extremely large telescopes that are equipped with large-format multi-chip detectors if no precautions are taken.
Experimental Assessment of the Depth of the Deformed Layer in the Roller Burnishing Process
Authors: Kowalik Marek , Trzepiecinski Tomasz
Published: August 2019

This paper presents the methods of experimental determining the depth of the plastically deformed top layer in the roller burnishing process. Precise determination of the depth of the plastically deformed layer is difficult due to slight deformation at the boundary of the plastic and elastic zone, the lack of visible changes in the microstructure, and minimal changes in microhardness. The article shows the method of original measurement method that consists in determining the thickness of the deformed layer using rings. The method involves the profilographometric measurements of the disconnected rings (samples) which are flat-faced in the package on the mandrel. The rings material deforms plastically in the surface layer causing wrapping of the end face of the ring in the direction of the rolling tool movement. After dismantling the ring pack, measurements were made on the face of each ring along radial directions, and the thickness of the deformed layer was observed on the microscope. The method was verified by microhardness measurements in the cross-section and cross-section of the ring. The results of deformation depth measurements were verified by finite-element-based numerical simulation.
On the longitudinal vibration of the railway bogie
Authors: Dumitriu Mădălina , Gheţi Marius Alin
Published: August 2019

This paper examines the influence of the rebound longitudinal motion of the bogie upon the vibration behaviour in the bogie. The analysis is based on the results of the numerical simulations developed on the basis of a general model with a nine-degree freedom of the bogie-track system, which takes into account the rigid vibration modes of the bogie – bounce, pitch and rebound, vertical and longitudinal displacements of the wheels, vertical displacements of the rails, and the wheel-rail contact elasticity, and a simplified model that does not consider the bogie longitudinal vibrations of rebound. The bogie vibration behaviour is assessed based on the power spectral density of the vertical acceleration and root mean square of vertical acceleration. It is highlighted the increase of the vibration level of the bogie due to the coupling effect between the pitch and rebound longitudinal vibrations, which, however, does not exceed 3-4% in terms of acceleration.
The Balance of Multi-phase Gathering and Transport Systems
Authors: Eparu Cristian Nicolae , Neacsu Sorin , Radulescu Renata , Prundurel Alina Petronela
Published: August 2019

Natural gases are a mixture of hydrocarbons which are generally in a gaseous state. Due to the variation in transport parameters (pressure, temperature) and gas composition, there may be sectors where those appear in liquid state, the condensate. The paper presents a system for managing the quantities of fluids from a network in which the liquid state appears. Based on a simulator that includes flash computation, a physical balance of the transport or gathering network can be made.
The risk of landslide occurrence in the waste dump belonging to the Ruget quarry and measures to combat it
Authors: Rada Constantin , Faur Florin
Published: August 2019

The mining waste dump has emerged as a result of lignite extraction from Ruget quarry. The waste dump should have 6 steps with a total height of 90 m (as designed), but, at present, only 5 steps have been constructed (in different stages of execution) due to cessation of the activity. Since the stability analysis showed a high degree of instability for some steps there are needed specific redesigning works (slope angle reduction, terraces, levelling etc.) as well as hydrotechnical works (central and side collector drains and collector tubes at the base of the dump). At present, no properly designed works to eliminate the risk of landslide (not even consolidation) and no ecological rehabilitation projects are in progress. Thus, in this paper there are proposed and designed stabilization works (by reshaping, construction of rock support walls at the base of the dump etc.), as well as recultivation with specific plants, which aim at eliminating the geotechnical risks in the area and the reintegration of the dump in the surrounding landscape.
Physical and calorific properties of wheat straw briquettes and pellets
Authors: Spirchez Cosmin , Lunguleasa Aurel , Ionescu Constantin , Croitoru Catalin
Published: August 2019

Wheat straw briquettes are high performance combustible products obtained by densification from the wheat straw biomass without the use of additional adhesives or additives. The purpose of the paper is to analyze and to detail the physical properties (SR EN ISO / CEI 322 for moisture content by method of drying and weighing, and effective density method according to SR EN ISO / CEI 323: 2005) and calorific properties of these briquettes (high and low calorific value according to ÖNORM M7135 using the XRY-1C / China Calorimeter and ash content according to ASTM D1102-84: 2013 and ISO 18122: 2015) and to make a comparison between these briquettes and other briquettes obtained from wooden biomass. The tested briquettes had a moisture content of 8%, an effective density of 1214 kg/m3, a high calorific value of 17.670 MJ/kg, the low of 17.525 MJ/kg and an ash content of 5.6%. All these values correspond to the permissible limits of the standards in the field. The final conclusion of the paper shows that wheat straw briquettes had physical and calorific properties similar to those of wooden biomass.
Herausforderungen in der primären Hüftendoprothetik
Authors: Staats Kevin , Kubista Bernd , Windhager Reinhard
Published: August 2019

Bei der Implantation einer Hüfttotalendoprothese sollten definierte und standardisierte Prinzipien verfolgt werden. Wenn besondere präoperative Voraussetzungen bestehen, müssen weitere Faktoren in die Operationsplanung miteinbezogen werden, um das Risiko für Komplikationen zu minimieren. Dieser Artikel liefert einen Überblick über Herausforderungen in der primären Hüftendoprothetik und zeigt bewährte Möglichkeiten, wie Probleme gelöst werden können.
Magnetresonanztomographie des Gehirns bei einem Hund mit
nachgewiesenem Morbus Aujeszky
Authors: Engelhardt Stephan , Schneider Stefan , Buder Astrid , Aupperle-Lellbach Heike , Pfeil Ingo
Published: August 2019

Beschrieben wird die MRT-Untersuchung bei einem Hund mit nachgewiesener Infektion
durch Schweine-Herpesvirus 1 vor dem Hintergrund der durchgeführten
histopathologischen Untersuchung. Eine 5 Jahre alte, jagdlich geführte
Jagdterrierhündin zeigte 7 Tage nach Wildschweinkontakt starken Juckreiz und
Fieber. Zwei Tage nach Auftreten der ersten Krankheitssymptome wurde der Hund
mit Krampfanfällen und Hyperthermie vorgestellt. Magnetresonanztomographisch
zeigten sich in den T2-gewichteten Sequenzen hyperintense Veränderungen im
Bereich des Okzipital-, Temporal- und Parietallappens. In den nach
Kontrastmittelgabe angefertigten Sequenzen konnte eine
Kontrastmittelanreicherung im Bereich der Medulla oblongata sowie der Pachy- und
Leptomeningen im Bereich des Okzipitallappens und Kleinhirns nachgewiesen
werden. Die Hündin wurde aufgrund des sich akut weiter verschlechternden
Zustands euthanasiert. Histopathologisch fanden sich eine multifokale gering-
bis mittelgradige gemischtzellige Vaskulitis und Satellitose im Bereich von
Stammhirn und Pons mit immunhistologischem Nachweis von SHV-1-Antigen in
Neuronen und Gliazellen. In molekularbiologischen Untersuchungen des
Trigeminusganglions sowie der Medulla oblongata war SHV-1-spezifische DNA
nachweisbar. Die MRT-Läsionen weisen deutliche Unterschiede zu den in der
Literatur bei Frühsommer-Meningoenzephalitis oder der paralytischen Verlaufsform
der Tollwut beschriebenen Veränderungen auf. Demgegenüber scheinen Ähnlichkeiten
zu den bei Staupe und der enzephalitischen Verlaufsform der Tollwut
beschriebenen Veränderungen zu bestehen.
Herd health monitoring in dairy farms – discover metabolic
diseases. An overview
Authors: Gruber Simone , Mansfeld Rolf
Published: August 2019

The transition period, 3 weeks before and 3 weeks after calving, is inevitably
accompanied by a negative energy balance, which sometimes causes metabolic
disturbances, such as ketosis. Subclinical ketosis (SCK) is defined as an
increase in the β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentration to ≥ 1.2 mmol/l in the
blood. According to a recent study, a value of ≥ 0.7 mmol/l of non-esterified
fatty acids (NEFA) in the blood indicates the potential development of the poor
metabolic adaption syndrome (PMAS). With a herd prevalence of 21 %, and an
incidence of approximately 40 % within the first 2 weeks after calving, SCK is a
relevant herd health problem. The milk yield decreases in the first 2 weeks
postpartum by 3–5.3 kg/d for each ketotic cow, and the total milk reduction
through the whole lactation period of 305 days averages 112 kg (SD 89 kg).
Although the cow does not display any clinical signs of ketosis at this stage,
the risk of developing associated production diseases like retained placenta,
metritis, displaced abomasum, lameness and clinical ketosis increases and the
expected performance in terms of milk production will decrease. The herd health
status deteriorates and the risk for early culling increases. Another impact
factor is the financial aspect, which includes costs for early death, reduced
milk production, reproduction losses, and associated production diseases. In the
literature, the calculated costs per SCK case vary between $ 78 and $ 289. The
gold standard diagnostic test for SCK is the photometric measurement of BHB in
blood. This method is accurate, but results are delayed due to the required
laboratory analysis. There are also some rapid cow-side tests, i. e. urine or
milk strip tests available to identify ketotic cows. The common disadvantage of
these methods is that they are not suitable for herd health monitoring because
of the need to collect samples from each cow manually and the high rates of
false negative results. However, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy is
suitable for herd health monitoring. It is already being used for the analysis
of milk composition. This inexpensive, rapid and simple technique has a
specificity of 83.8 % and a sensitivity of 82.4 %. Therefore, FTIR is an early
and easy method for detecting ketotic cows, that could help reduce financial and
performance losses associated with ketosis.
Ketamine in the Treatment of Depressive Episodes
Authors: Ritter Philipp , Findeis Hannelore , Bauer Michael
Published: August 2019

The treatment of depressive episodes remains complicated by the long latency of
antidepressant efficacy, insufficient response, and high risk of suicide.
Ketamine and esketamine have been proposed as fast-acting substances able to
overcome these impediments.

Since the first randomized controlled trial in the year 2000, numerous studies
have explored the antidepressant efficacy of ketamine and esketamine. Clear
evidence has emerged that a single infusion exerts a significant antidepressant
and antisuicidal effect in both unipolar and bipolar depression. A few studies
suggest that antidepressant response can be improved and maintained by repeated
administration. Although intravenous application has been most common,
subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intranasal application has also been
successful. There is some evidence that ketamine may accelerate the response to
electroconvulsive therapy without improving the overall response rate.

The precise position of ketamine and esketamine within treatment algorithms have
yet to be defined, and issues surrounding potential toxicity need to be
resolved.
Missed Opportunities for Early Diabetes Screening in Pregnancy
Authors: Battarbee Ashley N. , Cavallini Maximiliano , Keller Catherine , Boggess Kim A.
Published: August 2019

Objective This study aimed to identify characteristics of women at risk of undiagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) that fail to receive early pregnancy screening.

Study Design This was a retrospective case–control study of at-risk women who initiated care at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill at <21 weeks from January 2015 to December 2015. In 2013, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Diabetes Association recommended women with prior GDM, glucose intolerance, or body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2 receive early pregnancy screening for undiagnosed T2DM. We defined early screening as 1-hour 50-g glucose challenge test or hemoglobin A1c at <21 weeks' gestation. Cases were women who did not have early screening, and controls were women who did. Modified Poisson regression with robust error variance estimated relative risks of factors associated with missed early screening.

Results Of the 1,932 women who initiated care at <21 weeks, 257 (13%) women were at risk of undiagnosed T2DM and, thus, candidates for early screening. However, 129 (50.2%) women were not screened. Higher BMI and prior GDM were associated with a lower relative risk of missed screening.

Conclusion Higher BMI and prior GDM increased the likelihood of early diabetes screening, but only half of at-risk women were screened. Provider education and best practice alert systems are needed to increase screening for undiagnosed T2DM.
Thrombogenicity and Antithrombotic Strategies in Structural Heart Interventions and Nonaortic Cardiac Device Therapy—Current Evidence and Practice
Authors: Geisler Tobias , Jorbenadze Rezo , Popov Aron-Frederik , Mueller Karin L. , Rath Dominik , Droppa Michal , Schreieck Juergen , Seizer Peter , Storey Robert F. , Kristensen Steen D. , Rubboli Andrea , Gorog Diana , Aradi Daniel , Sibbing Dirk , Huber Kurt , Gawaz Meinrad , Ten Berg Jur
Published: August 2019

As the number of, and the indications for, structural heart interventions are increasing worldwide, the optimal secondary prevention to reduce device thrombosis is becoming more important. To date, most of the recommendations are empiric. The current review discusses mechanisms behind device-related thrombosis, the available evidence with regard to antithrombotic regimen after cardiac device implantation, as well as providing an algorithm for identification of risk factors for device thrombogenicity and for management of device thrombosis after implantation of patent foramen ovale and left atrial appendage occluders, MitraClips/transcatheter mitral valve replacement, pacemaker leads, and left ventricular assist devices. Of note, the topic of antithrombotic therapy and thrombogenicity of prostheses in aortic position (transcatheter aortic valve replacement, surgical, mechanical, and bioprostheses) is not part of the present article and is discussed in detail in other contemporary focused articles.
Current-injection quantum-entangled-pair emitter using droplet epitaxial quantum dots on GaAs(111)A
Authors: Ha Neul , Mano Takaaki , Kuroda Takashi , Sakuma Yoshiki , Sakoda Kazuaki
Published: August 2019

A source of single photons and quantum entangled photon pairs is a key element in quantum information networks. Here, we demonstrate the electrically driven generation of quantum entangled pairs using a naturally symmetric GaAs quantum dot grown by droplet epitaxy. Coincidence histograms obtained at a temperature of 10 K reveal the generation of quantum entangled pairs that have a fidelity to the Bell pairs of 0.71 ± 0.015, much beyond the classical limit. We study the temperature dependent device characteristics and estimate the maximum operation temperature to be ∼ 65 K, which is essentially limited by the weak charge carrier confinement in the present dot system. Our study offers a guideline for the fabrication of quantum entangled pair sources suitable for practical use.
Room temperature magnetism of ordered porphyrin layers on Fe
Authors: Jagadeesh M. S. , Calloni A. , Brambilla A. , Picone A. , Lodesani A. , Duò L. , Ciccacci F. , Finazzi M. , Bussetti G.
Published: August 2019

We propose a method to grow metal tetraphenyl porphyrin (MTPP) molecular layers where a long-range structural and magnetic order can be achieved simultaneously and at room temperature by a proper treatment of the ferromagnetic substrate. We focus in particular on the oxygen-passivated Fe(001)-p(1 × 1)O surface, where MTPP molecules (with M=Co and Ni) arrange by forming square commensurate overlayers. Spin-resolved photoemission detects a clear spin-splitting of CoTPP electronic states, while no magnetic response is obtained from NiTPP, as expected from the electronic configuration of the respective free molecules. We link these observations to the decoupling action of oxygen at the interface, whose effect is to enhance the molecular diffusivity and tune the electronic interaction with the substrate electronic structure.