bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multifunctional amphiphilic ionic liquid pathway to create water-based magnetic fluids and magnetically-driven mesoporous silica
Authors: Shen Jing , He Wen , Wang Tongwen
Published: January 2019

1-Alkyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (CnmimCl) can be used to construct bilayer CnmimCl stabilized magnetic fluids, and subsequently magnetic mesoporous silica can be prepared by using the C16mimCl as template in the magnetic fluids.
Improvement of the performance in Cr-doped ZnO memory devices via control of oxygen defects
Authors: Li Sih-Sian , Su Yan-Kuin
Published: January 2019

The depth-profiling XPS spectra results are strong evidence that the resistive switching effects are applicable to oxygen vacancy-based conductive mechanisms.
Seven new cytotoxic phenylspirodrimane derivatives from the endophytic fungus Stachybotrys chartarum
Authors: Zhang Hong , Yang Ming-Hua , Zhuo Fang-fang , Gao Na , Cheng Xiao-Bei , Wang Xiao-Bing , Pei Yue-Hu , Kong Ling-Yi
Published: January 2019

The diverse structures and anticancer activities of phenylspirodrimane derivatives are investigated.
Transparent, pressure-sensitive, and healable e-skin from a UV-cured polymer comprising dynamic urea bonds
Authors: Jun Sungwoo , Kim Sun Ok , Lee Hee-Jin , Han Chul Jong , Lee Chan-Jae , Yu Yeon-Tae , Lee Cheul-Ro , Ju Byeong-Kwon , Kim Youngmin , Kim Jong-Woong
Published: January 2019

A UV curable, healable polymer was synthesized, and hybridized with silver nanowires to afford a pressure-sensitive e-skin capable of irradiation-induced healing.
A strategy to develop highly efficient TENGs through the dielectric constant, internal resistance optimization, and surface modification
Authors: Paria Sarbaranjan , Si Suman Kumar , Karan Sumanta Kumar , Das Amit Kumar , Maitra Anirban , Bera Ranadip , Halder Lopamudra , Bera Aswini , De Anurima , Khatua Bhanu Bhusan
Published: January 2019

We have shown an enhancement in the output performance of PDMS/ZnSnO3/MWCNT based TENGs through modification of dielectric constant, internal resistance, and surface patterning.
A high-voltage aqueous lithium ion capacitor with high energy density from an alkaline–neutral electrolyte
Authors: Li Chunyang , Wu Wenzhuo , Zhang Shuaishuai , He Liang , Zhu Yusong , Wang Jing , Fu Lijun , Chen Yuhui , Wu Yuping , Huang Wei
Published: January 2019

A proof-of-concept lithium ion capacitor comprising LiMn2O4 nanorods as the cathode, a nitrogen-rich biomass carbon anode and a stable alkaline–neutral electrolyte was designed and fabricated.
In situ catalytic formation of graphene-like graphitic layer decoration on Na3V2−xGax(PO4)3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.6) for ultrafast and high energy sodium storage
Authors: Hu Qiao , Liao Jia-Ying , He Xiao-Dong , Wang Shuo , Xiao Li-Na , Ding Xiang , Chen Chun-Hua
Published: January 2019

A series of Na3V2−xGax(PO4)3 (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6) with in situ catalytic formation of graphene-like graphitic layer decoration are synthesized via a solid-state reaction process.
A super compact self-powered device based on paper-like supercapacitors
Authors: Luo Zhiling , Liu Changhong , Fan Shoushan
Published: January 2019

A novel self-powered device was fabricated by adding one small piece of metal foil onto a supercapacitor. The device can be self-charged to more than 0.7 V when touched by a wet swab. This slender device demonstrates impressive output performance and can drive a vibrating motor. This study provides a novel energy source for self-powered wearable electronics.
Synthesis of Li4+xSi1−xFexO4 solid solution by dry ball milling and its highly efficient CO2 chemisorption in a wide temperature range and low CO2 concentrations
Authors: Lara-García Hugo A. , Ovalle-Encinia Oscar , Ortiz-Landeros José , Lima Enrique , Pfeiffer Heriberto
Published: January 2019

Li4+xSi1−xFexO4 presents a synergic effect between microstructural features by giving the synthesis and iron content, thus improving CO2 capture.
Reversible conversion reaction of GeO2 boosts lithium-ion storage via Fe doping
Authors: Wu Junxiu , Luo Ningjing , Huang Shuping , Yang Wenjuan , Wei Mingdeng
Published: January 2019

Hierarchically structural microflowers consisted composed of Fe-doped GeO2 nanosheets were synthesized via a facile solvothermal route for the first time, and they exhibited reversible conversion reaction of GeO2 which boosted lithium-ion storage via Fe doping.
Supramolecular crowns: a new class of cyclic hydrogen-bonded cavitands
Authors: Chen Qiang , Su Xiaoshi , Orentas Edvinas , Shi Qixun
Published: January 2019

A novel design of highly preorganized bicyclic monomers, based on quadruple hydrogen bonding motifs, is proposed to access noncovalent cavitands with large internal volumes and interesting shapes.
Nitrogen-doped carbon sheets coated on CoNiO2@textile carbon as bifunctional electrodes for asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Guo Rui , Li Jing , Jia Yufeng , Xin Fuen , Sun Jie , Dang Liqin , Liu Zonghuai , Lei Zhibin
Published: January 2019

Oxidative polymerization of dopamine and the subsequent thermal conversion generate N-doped carbon protective layers which could significantly improve the cycling stability of CoNiO2 electrodes.
Ultrasmall-sized SnS nanosheets vertically aligned on carbon microtubes for sodium-ion capacitors with high energy density
Authors: Zhao Jing , Wang Guiling , Hu Rong , Zhu Kai , Cheng Kui , Ye Ke , Cao Dianxue , Fan Zhuangjun
Published: January 2019

In this work, the porous SnS nanosheets with abundant ultra-small nanocrystals aligned on carbon microtubes are designed to achieve good structural stability, remarkable rate capability and high sodium storage capability.
Destruction energy index (DEI) of vitamin E blended UHMWPE for artificial joints
Authors: Hatano Naoya , Higaki Masaya , Otsu Youhei , Otsu Tatsuya , Mikami Shinji , Matsumoto Mitsuhiro , Kono Daisuke , Matsubara Atsushi , Tomita Naohide
Published: January 2019

Destruction resistance such as start‐up wear resistance characteristics of vitamin E (dl‐α‐tocopherol) blended ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) were evaluated using the destruction energy index (DEI). The DEI is used to evaluate wear‐like destruction, by minimising the effects of viscosity at the sliding interface, and is estimated using newly designed friction testers. In this experiment, silicone oils of different viscosities were used to determine micro displacement up to a start‐up point, and the DEI of the UHMWPE was changed from 17.48 to 1.84 μJ by adding vitamin E. The results suggest that the blending with vitamin E reduces destruction of UHMWPE at start‐up friction in silicone oils.
Power system effects and mitigation recommendations for DER cyberattacks
Authors: Johnson Jay , Quiroz Jimmy , Concepcion Ricky , Wilches‐Bernal Felipe , Reno Matthew J.
Published: January 2019

Extensive deployment of interoperable distributed energy resources (DER) is increasing the power system cyber security attack surface. National and jurisdictional interconnection standards require DER to include a range of autonomous and commanded grid‐support functions, which can drastically influence power quality, voltage, and bulk system frequency. Here, the authors investigate the impact to the cyber‐physical power system in scenarios where communications and operations of DER are controlled by an adversary. The findings show that each grid‐support function exposes the power system to distinct types and magnitudes of risk. The physical impact from cyber actions was analysed in cases of DER providing distribution system voltage regulation and transmission system support. Finally, recommendations are presented for minimising the risk using engineered parameter limits and segmenting the control network to minimise common‐mode vulnerabilities.
Full‐selective contribution of sources in DC nanogrids using a technique based on buck/boost converter
Authors: Samet Haidar , Ghanbari Teymoor , Kazemzadeh Ebrahim , Moshksar Ehsan
Published: January 2019

In addition to conventional methods such as load side management and source side management, recently some new techniques have been presented to manage local sources in power networks. However, realising full‐selective contribution of the load side sources has not addressed in the literature, yet. In this study, an efficient full‐selective method is proposed, aimed to achieve a different desirable contribution of the sources in DC nanogrids. The proposed technique is based on a novel idea of DC power hub, which includes several buck/boost converters to control the contribution of local sources for supplying each of nanogrid's loads. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is confirmed using some simulations under different operating conditions.
Modified capacitor voltage balancing sorting algorithm for modular multilevel converter
Authors: Zhang Jie , Liu Jun , Liu Jiayu , Fang Wanliang , Hou Junxian , Dong Yifeng
Published: January 2019

The modular multilevel converter (MMC) with large‐scale sub‐modules has the advantage of simpler modulation, lower switching frequency, and lower harmonic component, thus would be very promising in voltage source converter (VSC)–high voltage direct current transmission systems. Conventional capacitor voltage balancing algorithm suffers from insufficient grouping and sorting techniques. Therefore, it might result in excessive computation and high switching frequency of power electronic devices. To address the problem, a modified capacitor voltage balancing sorting algorithm is proposed in this paper. The proposed algorithm could avoid sorting all the module capacitor voltages by selecting only a certain number of the largest or smallest module capacitor voltages, and thus reduces time complexity greatly without losing control precision. Furthermore, the proposed algorithm focuses on the sub‐modules whose capacitor voltage exceeds the limits, while the switching states of the other sub‐modules are maintained to some degrees by employing the maintaining factor. Therefore, the switching frequency of the power electronic devices is further reduced. The performance of the proposed algorithm is evaluated through a time‐domain MMC–HVDC simulation in PSCAD/EMTDC. Results show that the proposed algorithm is able to balance the module voltage with lower computation and reduce the switching frequency of power devices significantly, without noticeably increasing the capacitor voltage ripples.
Rotational spectroscopy of malononitrile and its corresponding monoisocyanide isomer, isocyanoacetonitrile
Authors: Motiyenko R. A. , Armieieva I. A. , Margulès L. , Alekseev E. A. , Guillemin J.-C.
Published: January 2019

Context. Nitriles constitute almost 20% of the molecules observed in the interstellar medium, whereas only one dinitrile and one isocyanonitrile compound have been detected up to now. The lack of detections of such compounds may be partially explained by the lack of accurate spectroscopic data on their rotational spectra.

Aims. Two small seven-atom dinitriles, malononitrile NCCH2CN and isocyanoacetonitrile NCCH2NC, were chosen as target species for this study. For malononitrile the goal of the study is to systematize all the previous measurements, and to extend the measurements to the sub-millimeter wavelength range. The spectrum of isocyanoacetonitrile has not been studied before.

Methods. The rotational spectra of the two molecules were measured in the frequency range 150–660 GHz using the Lille fast-scan spectrometer. The spectroscopic study was supported by high-level theoretical calculations on the structure of these molecules and their harmonic force field.

Results. Accurate frequency predictions for malononitrile and isocyanoacetonitrile were calculated on the basis of the analysis of their rotational spectra. The influence of the spin statistics on the intensities of the lines of malononitrile was taken into account. The provided line lists and sets of molecular parameters meet the needs of astrophysical searches for the two molecules.
A methodological approach to assess the effectiveness of the projects on Russian power export to the North-East Asia countries
Authors: Smirnov Konstantin
Published: January 2019

The paper presents a methodological approach to assess the effectiveness of the projects on Russian power export to the North-East Asia countries. The mathematical models are described and the guidelines for selecting the most preferable project on power export are offered.
Thermal Error Measurement and Analysis of Vertical Machining Center
Authors: Ma Yumeng , Cui Huanyong , Li Changchun , Wu Changzhong , Zhao Zhenyuan
Published: January 2019

In this paper, the thermal calculation and thermal-structural coupling analysis of the vertical machining center are carried out to obtain the theoretical values of thermal generation and thermal displacement. Combined with the thermal structure analysis of vertical machining center, sensors are placed at the key positions with large thermal displacement to measure and analyze the thermal error data, and the law of temperature and thermal deformation of machining center is found out. This research provides theoretical basis for thermal error compensation.
Application of bio-based material for concrete repair: case study leakage on parallel concrete slab
Authors: Yane Putri Prima , Ujike Isao , Kawaai Keiyu
Published: January 2019

The applicability of bio-based materials for concrete repair has been studied. This technique employs yeast, glucose and calcium acetate mixed in Tris buffer solution. The microbial metabolic process leads to precipitation of calcium carbonate. First, this study investigated the applicability of bio-based repair materials to small-scale concrete specimens. On this research, water permeability test was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of the selected mixtures for sealing cracks in the concrete specimens. As the result of permeability tests carried out using specimens with crack width of 0.6 mm, water leakage through crack was observed to be negligible after 216 hours by continuous pouring method using bio-based repair materials. Also, this study showed the initial flow rate for the specimens with the same crack width does not influence crack sealing time. Furthermore, the precipitation of the calcium carbonate from the bio-based materials was analyzed by Fourier-Transformed Infra-Red spectroscopy (FT-IR) and then examined by X-ray Diffraction (XRD) for mineral identification formed through the microbial metabolic process.
Optimum seismic performance estimation of integrated multiple steel pipes bridge pier connected by shear panel damper with ANN method
Authors: Fajar Angga S. , Aminullah Akhmad
Published: January 2019

This paper discusses the optimum seismic performance estimation analysis of the integrated multiple steel pipes bridge pier connected by shear panel damper (SPD). The optimization result to be expected to result in an easier structural design for the practical engineer. In this study, 405 different structural configurations with 35 and more variations of SPD thickness to be analyzed by non-linear static cyclic in order to quantify its energy dissipation. The optimum energy dissipation to be assumed as analogous with best objective seismic perfor- mance in order avoiding time consumption of numerical analysis. Furthermore, the SPD’s thickness related optimum energy dissipation of each structural configuration was successfully predicted by multi-parameter es- timation analysis with the artificial neural network (ANN) method. As the result, the R-value and the average error value of the estimated optimum SPD’s thickness compared with analytical result were 0.988 and 2.38%, respectively. With the estimated empirical equation result, the practical engineer could determine the structural configuration in the optimum seismic performance easily.
Public tendering process for construction projects: problem identifications, analysis, and proposed solutions
Authors: Indah Kusumarukmi Eryana , Joko Wahyu Adi Tri
Published: January 2019

The current tendering process has vulnerabilities that can be exploited to negatively impact project delivery. There are many research papers that discussed the occurrences of these exploitations (i.e., funds embezzlement, fraud invoicing, etc.), but there has not been one that focused on the study of the tendering process itself, nor presented problem analysis and mitigation options. The aims of this research are to identify and analyze problems in every stage of public tendering process, then offer potential solutions to resolve or curb these problems. In addition to utilizing publicly available studies and interviews were used as starting point of problems identifications. Questionnaires were then distributed to tendering practitioners. Likert scale assessment and factor analysis were used to measure the questionnaires and analyze the data respectively, while proposed solutions were established from experts’ judgement.This study showed that there are 135 problems that occur during tendering process. The most common problem is the bidding system’s inability to provide a complete database of contractors with their personnel, past works and experiences, and performance evaluation. The limited human resources in both number and competency is another important issue to consider. Proposed solution to solve these issues are based on four pillars of reformation concept done by public procurement agency.
Analitycal study of viscous damper parameters at a simple reinforced concrete frame
Authors: Ramdani Yusep , Satyarno Iman
Published: January 2019

The energy dissipation process in the structure is caused by the earthquake load can be done by using bracing, base isolation and damper system. Damper is a device that is able to transform one form of energy into another form of energy. When a structure is experiencing vibration then the damper system can transform the energy from mechanical energy to other forms of energy. Viscous damper gives the damper force highly determined by the damping coefficient and relative velocity. In determining the capacity of the viscous damper is strongly influenced by several parameters of the damper consisting of the period of natural structure (T), damping coefficient (C), stiffness (K), relative velocity (V), and relative velocity coefficient (α). So that viscous dampers can reduce enormous earthquake energy significantly. In this paper, by using ground motion of Imperial Valley, the largest of damper force results obtained is 5.062 kN at T=0.128 s and and α=0.1, the smallest of story drift results obtained is 0.087 mm at T=0.128 s and α=0.1, and the largest of relative velocity results obtained is 107.6 mm/sec at T=0.621 s and α=1.5.
Image analysis on the flexural behaviors of RC beams with artificial damage and the effects of repair
Authors: Matsue Kota , Matsumoto Takashi , Kakuma Ko , Nishi Hiroaki
Published: January 2019

In cold and snowy regions, frost damage happened in an RC bridge deck slab leads to horizontally layered cracks, which results in the disintegration of cover concrete. Since this deterioration mode occurs inside an RC slab, it is usually difficult to detect them. It is possible that the slab performances have already decreased when the deteriorations appear on the exterior surface. As a preliminary step towards the establishment of a method for evaluating the structural performance of such a damaged RC slab, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between deteriorations and structural behaviors and to study the effect of an epoxy injection repair. For simplification, RC beams are prepared with artificial cracks that simulate deteriorations and these were made by the use of expansive agent. These beams are tested in flexure. Since the damage is volumetric, image analysis is useful to capture the two-dimensional deformations. It is shown that with different deterioration depths that is a part of the compression side of the beam or full of the height, there are differences about the deformation behaviors, the repair effects and the distributions of maximum and minimum principal strain.
Signal Timing Optimization Model of Urban Road Intersection Based on Multi-factor
Authors: Wang Qiuping , Wang Kai , Zhou Shuaiqi , Shi Qiongjie , zhang Qi , Sun Hao
Published: January 2019

As the congestion point of urban road network, it is critical to keep the intersection traffic clear. The model was built targeting on decreasing vehicle delays and vehicle emissions, taking traffic queens, stopping time, road capacity and capacity utilization as verification indicators with two constraint conditions which are cycle time length and green ratio by means of genetic algorithm. And the dynamic vehicle emissions rate was taken into account. According to the data of Ke Ji Road-Feng Huinan Road intersection and Tong Yi Road-Tong De Road intersection, which show that the method is practical, and traffic queens, stopping time, vehicle delays, vehicle emissions decrease 34.03%,28.79%,48.73% and 28.04% at most, road capacity and capacity utilization increase 15.67% and 7.74% at most.
Research on Nonlinear EPDM for ±525kV HVDC Cable Accessories
Authors: Li Dong , Zhu Zhien , Yang Liming , Ma Yili
Published: January 2019

High voltage direct current (HVDC) cable accessories are usually the weak link in the cable system for the electric field distribution is often extremely uneven, and it has a range of adverse effects in design and manufacture. In this paper, Ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM) was developed for ±525 kV HVDC cable accessories, and the conductivity, XLPE/EPDM interface charge behavior and breakdown strength were tested respectively. The electric field distribution of cable accessories was calculated by COMSOL analysis software. It is shown that the conductivity of EPDM is nonlinear with electric field, and it is possible to achieve the uniformity of electric field distribution by using a composite material with nonlinear conductive properties. Furthermore, the interfacial charge characteristics of XLPE/EPDM depend on the conductivity of EPDM. As a consequence, the research will make a potential application for ±525 kV HVDC cable accessories.
Non-characteristic Harmonic Analysis of Uhv ac/dc Systems
Authors: Gong Jie , Zhou Lixing , Zhou Lawu , Zhou Mengdi
Published: January 2019

Uhv direct current transmission has developed rapidly in China due to its unique advantages of large capacity, long distance and high voltage. A series of researches have been carried out on the non-characteristic harmonic current in the grid side of uhv dc transmission system. This paper is aimed at the analysis of non-characteristic harmonics in the uhv direct current transmission system using a 12-pulse converter. Under ideal operating conditions, the system has characteristic non-characteristic harmonics. However, the actual operation condition of HVDC project is not ideal, so there are non-characteristic harmonics. The Simulink of MATLAB is used to model a uhv dc power transmission system. Based on this model, dynamic simulation is carried out to analyze the steady-state and dynamic characteristics of the system. Meanwhile, several common faults in the system are simulated. The simulation result is the same as the actual phenomenon, which provides support for identification, control and fault diagnosis of uhv ac/dc transmission system in the future.
Comprehensive technologies for increase of reliability and energy efficiency of medium capacity PTVM and KVGM hot-water boilers
Authors: Orumbayev Rakhimzhan , Kibarin Andrey , Kassimov Arman , Khodanova Tatyana , Korobkov Maxim
Published: January 2019

This article is dedicated to the problems of reliability, long-term thermal capacity and operational efficiency rate of PTVM and KGVM hot-water boilers. Based on the analysis of statistic data, tests, and certain works on increase of efficiency and reliability of PTVM-100 tower hot-water boilers, which were performed in Kazakhstan, it may be said that the reconstruction of PTVM-100 boilers accomplished on CHP was mainly aimed at the increase of reliability while saving the operational efficiency of boilers almost without changes. If the boiler is operating on fuel oil and without periodical washes, then it is possible to achieve consistent operation only under 75% of the nominal operational load. Structural changes of the PTVM-100 boiler unit offered by authors, along with the increase of operational reliability on fuel oil and it’s thermal capacity, allow increasing boiler’s efficiency rate up to 91-92% if it is operated under nominal load and using fuel oil. Structure the new KV-GM 55 hot-water boiler with horizontal design includes the two-row bi-radiated screen wrapping around the furnace and the new arrangement of convective packs, which are now located next to each other, allowed to increase heating characteristics of the boiler significantly due to the intensification of heat exchange and decrease of temperature of gases released from behind of the boiler unit, as well as to increase boiler’s efficiency rate up to 92,5% under nominal load.
Influence of particle size on copper recovery from sulfide ore by the moderately thermophilic microorganisms
Authors: Zhou Wen-bo , Li Kai , Wang Yu-guang , Zhang Li-juan , Cheng Hai-na , Zhou Hong-bo
Published: January 2019

The bioleaching of copper ore by the defined moderately thermophilic consortium containing Leptospirillum ferriphilum and Acidithiobacillus caldus was carried out in the bench-scale column. Bioleaching experiments showed that the leaching rate was 25% higher than that of a conventional leaching and the acid consumption was reduced by 33% at the optimal leaching condition. Meanwhile, the effect of different particle sizes on the rate of the copper leaching was also investigated, and it was shown that the particle size affects the bioleaching rate significantly in the range of 5–25 mm, in which approximately 89.27% of copper was extracted at 5–10 mm, while only 57.08% at 15–25 mm. The results obtained by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of the mineral samples before and after microbial and chemical leaching revealed that the decrease in particle size of the minerals resulted in an enhancement of complex microbial interactions. Especially for the particle size of 5–10 mm, a significant amount of elemental sulfur and jarosite formed on the surface of the mineral, while it was further confirmed that critical microbe-mineral interactions have taken place on the mineral surface. The results indicated that mineral particle size is an integral factor to improve the copper recovery from ore in heap leaching operation. This will provide a reference to the heap construction for the bioleaching.
Beurteilung der Geschäftsfähigkeit und Testierfähigkeit bei Schlaganfallpatienten mit Aphasie
Authors: Dreßing Andrea , Weiller Cornelius , Foerster Klaus , Dreßing Harald
Published: January 2019

Obwohl Aphasien nach ischämischen Schlaganfällen oder Hirnblutungen häufig auftreten, hat sich weder die medizinische Wissenschaft noch die obergerichtliche Rechtsprechung intensiver mit der praktisch bedeutsamen Frage beschäftigt, welche Auswirkungen diese Störung auf die Geschäftsfähigkeit hat.

Mit Hilfe moderner Bildgebungsstudien ist eine differenzierte Betrachtung der unterliegenden Pathologien der erworbenen Sprachstörungen, der daraus resultierenden unterschiedlichen klinischen Bilder der Aphasie sowie dem Erholungsverlauf möglich. Auf der Basis dieser Befunde sowie dem Konzept der „Inneren Sprache“ wird untersucht, inwieweit Aphasien die Geschäftsfähigkeit beeinträchtigen könnten und ein Phasenmodell zur Beurteilung der Geschäftsfähigkeit bei Aphasie vorgeschlagen, welches die grundsätzlichen Möglichkeiten der Erholung im Rahmen neuronaler Reorganisation berücksichtigt.

Die gutachtliche Beurteilung der Voraussetzungen zur Annahme einer Geschäftsfähigkeit oder -unfähigkeit bei Aphasie erfordert eine interdisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit von Neurologen, Psychiatern und Sprachtherapeuten. Da Gutachten zur Geschäftsunfähigkeit häufig ex-post erstellt werden müssen, ist der Gutachter auf eine detaillierte Befunddokumentation von Fähigkeiten und Defiziten bei Vorliegen einer Aphasie angewiesen. Um die bisherigen Limitationen in der Begutachtung der Geschäftsfähigkeit von Patienten mit Aphasien zu verbessern, wäre eine standardisierte Beschreibung der Aphasie und assoziierter neuropsychologischer Symptome als obligater Bestandteil eines Arztbriefes nach einer neurologischen Akut- und Rehabilitationsbehandlung wünschenswert.
Antibiotikaverbrauch auf einer Intensivstation für
Schwerbrandverletzte
Authors: Steinke Björn , Sablotzki Armin , Kremer Thomas , Bethge Angela , Glas Annette , Gille Jochen
Published: January 2019

Hintergrund Brandverletzte Patienten unterliegen einem besonders hohen
Infektionsrisiko. Daraus könnte sich ein erhöhter Antibiotika-Verbrauch ergeben.
In Deutschland existieren hierzu keine Daten. Ziel dieser Untersuchung war die
Ermittlung der Antibiotikaverbrauchsdichte (AVD) bei Schwerbrandverletzten und
der Vergleich mit operativen Intensivstationen.

Patienten und Methode In die retrospektive Untersuchung wurden 136
Patienten eingeschlossen, die im Zeitraum von 2013 bis 2016 aufgrund einer
schweren Verbrennung auf der Intensivstation des Schwerbrandverletztenzentrums
(SBVZ) des Klinikums St. Georg Leipzig behandelt wurden. Die Anwendung von
Antibiotika wurde anhand der elektronischen Krankenakte erfasst und die Anzahl
der Tagesdosen in Recommended Daily Dose (RDD) und Defined Daily Dose (DDD)
bezogen auf die Patiententage errechnet.

Ergebnisse Medianes Patientenalter und verbrannte Körperoberfläche (VKOF)
waren 56,5 Jahre [42; 75] bzw. 17 % [8,75; 31] bei einem ABSI von 7 [6; 9]. Eine
Antibiotikatherapie erhielten 82 Patienten (60,3 %). Die AVD betrug insgesamt
77,38 RDD/100 PT bzw. 937,64 DDD/1000 PT und war damit etwas geringer als für
operative Intensivstationen. Dabei wurden am häufigsten Fluorchinolone (16,90
RDD/100 PT; 259,91 DDD/1000 PT) verabreicht, gefolgt von Carbapenemen (12,76
RDD/100 PT; 128,44 DDD/1000 PT) und Aminopenicillinen/ BLI (11,54 RDD/100 PT;
115,39 DDD/1000 PT). Die am häufigsten nachgewiesenen Erreger waren
Staphylococcus aureus (54,4 %), Enterococcus faecalis (54,4 %), E. coli (37,5 %)
und Pseudomonas aeruginosa (36,8 %).

Schlussfolgerung Der Gesamtverbrauch an Antibiotika bei
Schwerbrandverletzten war im Vergleich zu anderen operativen Intensivpatienten
nicht erhöht. Hinsichtlich einzelner Substanzklassen lassen sich aufgrund des
besonderen Keimspektrums Besonderheiten feststellen.
Real-World Adequacy of Glycaemic Control in Treatment-Naïve
Greek Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Initiating Treatment with Metformin
Monotherapy at the Maximum Tolerated Dose: The Reload Study
Authors: Tsimihodimos Vasilis , Bargiota Alexandra , Pagkalos Emmanouil M. , Manes Christos , Papas Aggelos , Karamousouli Eugenia , Voss Bernd , Elisaf Moses S
Published: January 2019

Background Metformin, in the absence of contraindications or
intolerance, is recommended as first-line treatment for patients with type 2
diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This observational, retrospective study assessed
the real-world adequacy of glycaemic control in Greek patients with T2DM
initiating metformin monotherapy at maximum tolerated dose.

Methods Included patients received metformin monotherapy for
≥24 months; relevant patient data were collected immediately prior
to metformin initiation (baseline) and at other prespecified time points.
The primary objective was to report, after 9 months of metformin treatment,
the percentage of patients with baseline glycated haemoglobin
(HbA1c) levels ≥6.5%
(≥48 mmol/mol) achieving
HbA1c<6.5%. Secondary objectives included the
assessment of time spent with poor glycaemic control and time to treatment
intensification. A sensitivity analysis assessed the percentage of patients
with baseline HbA1c≥7%
(≥53 mmol/mol) achieving
HbA1c<7%
(<53 mmol/mol).

Results Of the enrolled patients (N=316), 247 had baseline
HbA1c ≥6.5%; following 9 months on metformin,
90 (36.4%) patients achieved HbA1c<6.5%
(mean HbA1c change−1.3%
[−14 mmol/mol]). Median time of exposure to
HbA1c ≥6.5% was 23.4 months and time to
treatment intensification was 28.0 months. The sensitivity analysis revealed
that the proportion of patients achieving
HbA1c<7.0% was 50% (mean
HbA1cpy for up to 24 months. Addressing clinical inertia could
improve disease outcomes and, possibly, economic burden.
Dwarf minke whales from the South Pacific share a matrilineal lineage distinct from Balaenoptera acutorostrata acutorostrata and B. a. scammoni
Authors: Ramirez-Flores Omar , Birtles Alastair , Pazmino Diana , Zenger Kyall R. , Van-Herwerden Lynne
Published: January 2019

Dwarf minke whales are regarded as an undescribed subspecies of common minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), but appropriate conservation action requires taxonomic confirmation. The relationship of the Australian Great Barrier Reef (GBR) dwarf minke whale aggregation to other minke whales is unknown. This study aims to clarify the phylogenetic relationship of GBR dwarf minke whales, using partial mitochondrial DNA sequence data from 23 GBR dwarf minke whales, compared with other available minke whale sequences. GBR dwarf minke whales share haplotypes with other West South Pacific (WSP) dwarf minke whales. Satellite tagging studies corroborate these findings, indicating that GBR dwarf minke whales migrate south along the east Australian coast towards the Southern Ocean. Despite nuclear data not being available, GBR and WSP dwarf minke whales share a distinctive mitochondrial lineage compared with other common minke whales and should be managed independently of North Pacific and Atlantic Ocean common minke whale populations.
Increasing metabolisable energy and protein supplementation to stimulate the subsequent milk production during late gestation by increasing proliferation and reducing apoptosis in goat mammary gland prepartum
Authors: Shabrandi F. , Dirandeh E. , Ansari-Pirsaraei Z. , Teimouri-Yansari A.
Published: January 2019

In total, 32 pregnant goats were assigned randomly to four diets fed from Day 100 of pregnancy to Day 30 after parturition, to determine the effects of metabolisable energy (ME) and metabolisable protein (MP) supplementation levels on feed intake, subsequent colostrum and milk production and expression of genes regulating mammary-cell proliferation and apoptosis. Diets were as follows: (1) diet with ME and MP provided according to NRC recommendations (control), (2) diet with extra 10% ME, (3) diet with extra 10% MP, and (4) diet 1 with 10% extra of both ME and MP. Mammary biopsies were obtained from each udder half 24 h after parturition. Feed intake (g/day), and colostrum (kg/day) and milk (kg/month) production increased when the extra ME and MP were provided together prepartum and in early lactation (P < 0.05). Relative mRNA expressions significantly increased in the mammary gland of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1, 4.3-fold), IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R, 3.6-fold) and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2, 4.6-fold), whereas insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3, 3.2-fold), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax, 16.7-fold) and the ratio of Bax:Bcl-2 expressions significantly decreased (69.8-fold) with increased ME and MP levels fed in late gestation. In conclusion, colostrum production and milk yield in the early lactation period are sensitive to nutrient supply during gestation, where increased dietary ME as well as MP supplementation levels during late gestation will favour mammary development, by increasing expression of genes stimulating cellular proliferation (IGF-1, IGF-1R, Bcl-2) and reduced those stimulating apoptosis (IGFBP-3, Bax).
Highly Crystalline Zinc Oxide/Mesoporous Hollow Silica Composites Synthesized at Low Temperature for the Photocatalytic Degradation of Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
Authors: Pourdayhimi Parisa , Koh Pei Wen , Nur Hadi , Lee Siew Ling
Published: January 2019

Highly crystalline ZnO/mesoporous hollow silica sphere (MHSS) composites have been successfully synthesized through an impregnation method at 323K without applying calcination. Three composites of different Zn/Si molar ratios of 1:2, 1:1, and 2:1 were prepared. X-Ray diffraction patterns confirmed the presence of highly crystalline ZnO in the materials. A layer of ZnO was formed on the MHSS as evidenced by field emission scanning electron microscopy analysis. Transmission electron microscopy analysis verified the mesoporous structure in ZnO/MHSS composites. N2 adsorption–desorption analysis indicated a type IV isotherm for 1ZnO/2MHSS and 1ZnO/1MHSS samples, confirming the presence of mesopores in the ZnO layer. It has been demonstrated that all the ZnO/MHSS composites exhibit a high photocatalytic activity towards sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate degradation compared with bare ZnO under UV irradiation. A kinetic study showed that the photodegradation followed a second order model. Among the prepared composites, 1ZnO/1MHSS recorded the highest reaction rate of 6.03×10−3mM−1min−1 which is attributed to a high crystallinity and the monodispersity of a high amount of ZnO on MHSS.
Molecular-scale investigation of soil fulvic acid and water-extractable organic matter by high-resolution mass spectrometry and 1H NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Han Ruixia , Lv Jitao , Luo Lei , Wen Bei , Zhang Shuzhen
Published: January 2019

Environmental contextNotwithstanding the environmental and geochemical significance of soil dissolved organic matter (DOM), its molecular components are still not well characterised. This study investigates chemical similarities and differences between two widely used forms of soil DOM: water-extractable organic matter and fulvic acids. The findings will guide appropriate extraction and purification protocols in future studies related to soil DOM.
AbstractDissolved organic matter (DOM) is the most active fraction of soil organic matter (SOM), which has both environmental and geochemical importance. However, the extraction of DOM from soils is still ambiguous. Instead, operational concepts, such as fulvic acid (FA) and water-extractable organic matter (WEOM), are widely used in practice. In this study, the molecular components of FA and WEOM extracted from two standard soils were investigated by using electrospray ionisation coupled with Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy to clarify the molecular similarities and differences between them. The results revealed that WEOM and FA shared many of the same molecules, which accounted for 64% and 82% of the total numbers of molecules for WEOM and FA respectively. However, WEOM displayed higher chemical and molecular diversities than FA. Detailed analysis revealed that the extraction and desalination procedure of FA led to the loss of lignin, protein and carbohydrate compounds, but induced preferential release of some tannin-like molecules from the aggregate- or organic mineral-associated SOM. Based on the results of the present study, water extraction combined with desalination through a functionalised styrene divinylbenzene polymer-based solid phase extraction is more reliable to retain the molecular diversity of soil DOM.
Effect of the type of packaging on the oxidative stability of pine nuts (Pinus pinea L.) grown in Chile
Authors: Henríquez  , Loewe  , Saavedra  , Córdova  , Lutz
Published: January 2019

Pine nut (Pinus pinea L.) is a nutritious, expensive tree nut. During storage, it is exposed to a wide range of environmental deteriorative conditions. This study describes the oxidative stability of pine nuts kept in pouches made of three different packaging materials and stored
at three different temperatures. The packaging materials evaluated were low-density polyethylene (LDP), high-density polyethylene (HDP), and high-barrier metallized film (MF). Temperatures evaluated were 4, 20, and 60°C. In addition, a control unpacked sample was also evaluated in identical
conditions. The oxidative parameters evaluated were acid value and peroxide value. Data analyses include a shelf-life study and a principal component analysis. The results obtained indicate what the best packaging material at 20°C was MF with a shelf-life of 703 d. At 4°C, the
shelf-life of pine nuts stored in HDP was 1148 d. It is concluded that it is fundamental to use an adequate packaging to protect the seeds from environmental conditions that promote deterioration.
Exosomes derived from clinical‐grade oral mucosal epithelial cell sheets promote wound healing
Authors: Sjöqvist Sebastian , Ishikawa Taichi , Shimura Daisuke , Kasai Yoshiyuki , Imafuku Aya , Bou‐Ghannam Sophia , Iwata Takanori , Kanai Nobuo
Published: January 2019

The oral mucosa exhibits unique regenerative properties, sometimes referred to as foetal‐like wound healing. Researchers from our institute have used sheets of oral mucosa epithelial cells (OMECs) for regenerative medicine applications including cornea replacement and oesophageal epithelial regeneration for stricture prevention. Here, we have isolated exosomes from clinical‐grade production of OMEC sheets from healthy human donors (n = 8), aiming to evaluate the clinical potential of the exosomes to stimulate epithelial regeneration and to improve understanding of the mode‐of‐action of the cells. Exosomes were isolated from conditioned (cExo) and non‐conditioned (ncExo) media. Characterization was performed using Western blot for common exosomal‐markers: CD9 and flotillin were positive while annexin V, EpCam and contaminating marker GRP94 were negative. Nanoparticle tracking analysis revealed a diameter of ~120 nm and transmission electron microscopy showed a corresponding size and spherical appearance. Human skin fibroblasts exposed to exosomes showed dose‐dependent reduction of proliferation and a considerable increase of growth factor gene expression (HGF, VEGFA, FGF2 and CTGF). The results were similar for both groups, but with a trend towards a larger effect from cExo. To study adhesion, fluorescently labelled exosomes were topically applied to pig oesophageal wound‐beds ex vivo and subsequently washed. Positive signal could be detected after as little as 1 min of adhesion, but increased adhesion time produced a stronger signal. Next, labelled exosomes were added to full‐thickness skin wounds in rats and signal was detected up to 5 days after application. cExo significantly reduced the wound size at days 6 and 17. In conclusion, exosomes from OMEC sheets showed pro‐regenerative effects on skin wound healing. This is the first time that the healing capacity of the oral mucosa is studied from an exosome perspective. These findings might lead to a combinational therapy of cell sheets and exosomes for future patients with early oesophageal cancer.
Functional recovery in photo‐damaged human dermal fibroblasts by human adipose‐derived stem cell extracellular vesicles
Authors: Choi Ji Suk , Lee Cho Woo , Choi Yeo Jin , Kim Jae Dong , Park Hyun‐A , Kim Su Yeon , Park Jae Hyung , Jo Dong‐Gyu , Cho Yong Woo
Published: January 2019

Ultraviolet‐B (UVB) irradiation causes imbalance between dermal matrix synthesis and degradation through aberrant upregulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which leads to overall skin photoaging. We investigated the effects of extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from human adipose‐derived stem cells (HASCs) on photo‐damaged human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). EVs were isolated from conditioned media of HASCs with tangential flow filtration and characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), western blotting, micro RNA (miRNA) arrays, cytokine arrays and liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). The effects of EVs on the UVB‐irradiated HDFs were evaluated using scratch assay, ELISA and real‐time PCR. Microarrays exhibited that EVs are rich in various miRNAs and proteins, and that these EV contents are linked to a broad range of biological functions, including fibroblast proliferation, UV protection, collagen biosynthesis, DNA repair and cell ageing. A scratch assay showed that HASC‐EVs enhanced the migration ability of UVB‐irradiated HDFs. Real‐time RT‐PCR and ELISA analyses revealed that the HASC‐derived EVs significantly suppressed the overexpression of MMP‐1, ‐2, ‐3 and ‐9 induced by UVB irradiation and enhanced the expression of collagen types I, II, III and V and elastin. In particular, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)‐1 and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1, which are important factors involved in MMP suppression and ECM synthesis, were upregulated in EV‐treated HDFs after UVB irradiation. Overall results suggest that diverse components that are enriched in HASC‐derived EVs could act as a biochemical cue for recovery from skin photoaging.
DiffNetFDR: differential network analysis with false discovery rate control
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Fei , Ou-Yang Le , Yang Shuo , Hu Xiaohua , Yan Hong
Published: January 2019

To identify biological network rewiring under different conditions, we develop a user-friendly R package, named DiffNetFDR, to implement two methods developed for testing the difference in different Gaussian graphical models. Compared to existing tools, our methods have the following features: (i) they are based on Gaussian graphical models which can capture the changes of conditional dependencies; (ii) they determine the tuning parameters in a data-driven manner; (iii) they take a multiple testing procedure to control the overall false discovery rate; and (iv) our approach defines the differential network based on partial correlation coefficients so that the spurious differential edges caused by the variants of conditional variances can be excluded. We also develop a Shiny application to provide easier analysis and visualization. Simulation studies are conducted to evaluate the performance of our methods. We also apply our methods to two real gene expression datasets. The effectiveness of our methods is validated by the biological significance of the identified differential networks.

Availability and implementation

R package and Shiny app are available at https://github.com/Zhangxf-ccnu/DiffNetFDR.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
NEMO: cancer subtyping by integration of partial multi-omic data
Authors: Rappoport Nimrod , Shamir Ron
Published: January 2019

Motivation

Cancer subtypes were usually defined based on molecular characterization of single omic data. Increasingly, measurements of multiple omic profiles for the same cohort are available. Defining cancer subtypes using multi-omic data may improve our understanding of cancer, and suggest more precise treatment for patients.

Results

We present NEMO (NEighborhood based Multi-Omics clustering), a novel algorithm for multi-omics clustering. Importantly, NEMO can be applied to partial datasets in which some patients have data for only a subset of the omics, without performing data imputation. In extensive testing on ten cancer datasets spanning 3168 patients, NEMO achieved results comparable to the best of nine state-of-the-art multi-omics clustering algorithms on full data and showed an improvement on partial data. On some of the partial data tests, PVC, a multi-view algorithm, performed better, but it is limited to two omics and to positive partial data. Finally, we demonstrate the advantage of NEMO in detailed analysis of partial data of AML patients. NEMO is fast and much simpler than existing multi-omics clustering algorithms, and avoids iterative optimization.

Availability and implementation

Code for NEMO and for reproducing all NEMO results in this paper is in github: https://github.com/Shamir-Lab/NEMO.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.