bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Degradation and biocompatibility of a series of strontium substituted hydroxyapatite coatings on magnesium alloys
Authors: Gu Xuenan , Lin Wenting , Li Dan , Guo Hongmei , Li Ping , Fan Yubo
Published: May 2019

Sr-HA coatings could simply improve the degradation and osteoblast response of Mg in a Sr-dose dependent manner.
Inhibition of oil digestion in Pickering emulsions stabilized by oxidized cellulose nanofibrils for low-calorie food design
Authors: Liu Bin , Zhu Yanli , Tian Jingnan , Guan Tong , Li Dan , Bao Cheng , Norde Willem , Wen Pengcheng , Li Yuan
Published: May 2019

Oil digestion in CNF-stabilized Pickering emulsion was inhibited effectively.
Magnetoliposomes with size controllable insertion of magnetic nanoparticles for efficient targeting of cancer cells
Authors: Choi Won Il , Sahu Abhishek , Wurm Frederik R. , Jo Seong-Min
Published: May 2019

Cationic magnetoliposomes enable to achieve efficient capture of cells and intracellular delivery of oligonucleotides into nucleus through cancer cell-specific targeting.
Low voltage operation of a silver/silver chloride battery with high desalination capacity in seawater
Authors: Srimuk Pattarachai , Husmann Samantha , Presser Volker
Published: May 2019

The silver/silver chloride conversion reaction allows for a high desalination capacity of saline media with high molar strength.
New transition metal complexes with a pendent indole ring: insights into the antifungal activity and mode of action
Authors: Dar Ovas Ahmad , Lone Shabir Ahmad , Malik Manzoor Ahmad , Wani Mohmmad Younus , Ahmad Aijaz , Hashmi Athar Adil
Published: May 2019

Mixed ligand complexes containing a pendent indole showed significant proton pump ATPase targeted antifungal activity.
Leoligin-inspired synthetic lignans with selectivity for cell-type and bioactivity relevant for cardiovascular disease
Authors: Linder Thomas , Liu Rongxia , Atanasov Atanas G. , Li Yuanfang , Geyrhofer Sophie , Schwaiger Stefan , Stuppner Hermann , Schnürch Michael , Dirsch Verena M. , Mihovilovic Marko D.
Published: May 2019

The first total synthesis of the edelweiss constituent leoligin is reported, together with the first pharmacological evaluation of the parent compound and some of its analogs.
Ultra-high molecular weight linear coordination polymers with terpyridine ligands
Authors: Lewis Reece W. , Malic Nino , Saito Kei , Evans Richard A. , Cameron Neil R.
Published: May 2019

This first report of ultra-high molecular weight (>1000 kDa) linear coordination polymers demonstrates their use in agricultural spray drift control.
A reactive coordinatively saturated Mo(iii) complex: exploiting the hemi-lability of tris(tert-butoxy)silanolate ligands
Authors: Pucino Margherita , Allouche Florian , Gordon Christopher P. , Wӧrle Michael , Mougel Victor , Copéret Christophe
Published: May 2019

Hemilabile tris(tert-butoxy)silanolate ligands allow stabilizing a mononuclear octahedral Mo(iii) complex without quenching its reactivity towards small molecules (N2, CO2, N2O).
Correction: Identification of selective protein–protein interaction inhibitors using efficient in silico peptide-directed ligand design
Authors: Beekman Andrew M. , Cominetti Marco M. D. , Walpole Samuel J. , Prabhu Saurabh , O’Connell Maria A. , Angulo Jesus , Searcey Mark
Published: May 2019

Correction for ‘Identification of selective protein–protein interaction inhibitors using efficient in silico peptide-directed ligand design’ by Andrew M. Beekman et al., Chem. Sci., 2019, DOI: 10.1039/c9sc00059c.
Connectivity dependence of gelation and elasticity in AB-type polymerization: an experimental comparison of the dynamic process and stoichiometrically imbalanced mixing
Authors: Yoshikawa Yuki , Sakumichi Naoyuki , Chung Ung-il , Sakai Takamasa
Published: May 2019

Comparison of two methodologies tuning the connectivity of AB-type polymerization shows the applicability of mean-field approximation.
A wide-bandgap D–A copolymer donor based on a chlorine substituted acceptor unit for high performance polymer solar cells
Authors: Wang Tao , Sun Rui , Xu Shengjie , Guo Jie , Wang Wei , Guo Jing , Jiao Xuechen , Wang Jianbo , Jia Shuangfeng , Zhu Xiaozhang , Li Yongfang , Min Jie
Published: May 2019

A new wide-bandgap chlorinated polymer, J101, was synthesized and successfully used as the donor polymer for application in non-fullerene PSCs, and the PSCs fabricated by combining the J101 donor with the electron acceptor ZITI demonstrated a remarkable PCE of 14.43%.
3D self-supported Ni nanoparticle@N-doped carbon nanotubes anchored on NiMoN pillars for the hydrogen evolution reaction with high activity and anti-oxidation ability
Authors: Gong Yi , Wang Linan , Xiong Hailang , Shao Mingfei , Xu Lidong , Xie Ao , Zhuang Shuxian , Tang Yang , Yang Xiaojin , Chen Yongmei , Wan Pingyu
Published: May 2019

3D self-supported hierarchical Ni@NCNT/NiMoN shows remarkable activity, durability and anti-oxidation ability as the promising HER&OER electrode for storing electricity.
Stable high current density operation of La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3−δ oxygen electrodes
Authors: Lu Matthew Y. , Railsback Justin G. , Wang Hongqian , Liu Qinyuan , Chart Yvonne A. , Zhang Shan-Lin , Barnett Scott A.
Published: May 2019

Stable operation of LSCF oxygen electrodes with high current densities at high temperatures for solid oxide electrochemical cells.
Intracellular Fenton reaction based on mitochondria-targeted copper(ii)–peptide complex for induced apoptosis
Authors: Li Xia , Hao Sijia , Han Ailing , Yang Yayu , Fang Guozhen , Liu Jifeng , Wang Shuo
Published: May 2019

Intracellular Fenton reaction-based mitochondria-targeted copper(ii)–peptide complex and Asc is developed for cancer cell treatment.
Reversible switching of the Au(111) work function by near infrared irradiation with a bistable SAM based on a radical donor–acceptor dyad
Authors: Diez-Cabanes Valentin , Gómez Andrés , Souto Manuel , González-Pato Nerea , Cornil Jérôme , Veciana Jaume , Ratera Imma
Published: May 2019

We describe the reversible modification of the Au(111) work function by near infrared irradiation with a bistable SAM.
Characterization of the structural, optical, photocatalytic and in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory properties of Mn2+ doped Zn2GeO4 nanorods
Authors: Suzuki V. Y. , Amorin L. H. C. , Lima N. M. , Machado E. G. , Carvalho P. E. , Castro S. B. R. , Alves C. C. Souza , Carli A. P. , Li Maximo Siu , Longo Elson , La Porta Felipe A.
Published: May 2019

The effect of Mn incorporation on the structural, optical, and photocatalytic properties of Zn2GeO4 (ZGO) host matrices was investigated.
Synthesis of CuFeS2−xSex – alloyed nanocrystals with localized surface plasmon resonance in the visible spectral range
Authors: Kowalik Patrycja , Bujak Piotr , Penkala Mateusz , Kotwica Kamil , Kmita Angelika , Gajewska Marta , Ostrowski Andrzej , Pron Adam
Published: May 2019

When going from Cu1.00Fe1.00S1.80 nanocrystals to alloyed Cu1.00Fe1.08S0.56Se1.42 nanocrystals a shift of the plasmonic peak is observed from 486 nm to 408 nm.
Identification of key genes involved in type 2 diabetic islet dysfunction: a bioinformatics study
Authors: Zhong Ming , Wu Yilong , Ou Weijie , Huang Linjing , Yang Liyong
Published: May 2019

Aims: To identify the key differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in islet and investigate their potential pathway in the molecular process of type 2 diabetes.

Methods: Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets (GSE20966, GSE25724, GSE38642) of type 2 diabetes patients and normal controls were downloaded from GEO database. DEGs were further assessed by enrichment analysis based on the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) 6.8. Then, by using Search Tool for the Retrieval Interacting Genes (STRING) 10.0 and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), we identified hub gene and associated pathway. At last, we performed quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) to validate the expression of hub gene.

Results: Forty-five DEGs were co-expressed in the three datasets, most of which were down-regulated. DEGs are mostly involved in cell pathway, response to hormone and binding. In protein–protein interaction (PPI) network, we identified ATP-citrate lyase (ACLY) as hub gene. GSEA analysis suggests low expression of ACLY is enriched in glycine serine and threonine metabolism, drug metabolism cytochrome P450 (CYP) and NOD-like receptor (NLR) signaling pathway. qPCR showed the same expression trend of hub gene ACLY as in our bioinformatics analysis.

Conclusion: Bioinformatics analysis revealed that ACLY and the pathways involved are possible target in the molecular mechanism of type 2 diabetes.
Correlation between miRNA target site polymorphisms in the 3′ UTR of AVPR1A and the risk of hypertension in the Chinese Han population
Authors: Zhang Liuping , Liu Jinwei , Cheng Peng , Lv Fangchao
Published: May 2019

We aimed to study the relationship between rs11174811 and rs3803107 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in miRNA target sites of the 3′ UTR in the arginine vasopressin receptor 1a gene (AVPR1A) and the risk of hypertension in the Chinese Han population. The genotypes at rs11174811 and rs3803107 were analyzed by direct sequencing in 425 Chinese Han patients with hypertension and 425 healthy subjects. AVPR1A expression was investigated by transfecting miR-526b, miR-375, and miR-186 mimics into human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) containing AVPR1A rs11174811 CC, CA/AA and AVPR1A rs3803107 GG, GA/AA genotypes. The A alleles of rs11174811 (adjusted OR = 1.424, 95% CI: 1.231–1.599, P<0.001) and rs3803107 (adjusted OR = 1.222, 95% CI: 1.092–1.355; P=0.001) were high risk factors for hypertension. Plasma levels of miR-526b, miR-375, and miR-186 were higher in the study group than in the control group (P<0.001). The expression levels of AVPR1A mRNA in AVPR1A rs11174811 and rs3803107 mutant HUVECs were higher than those in wild-type cells (t = 8.811, 4.068 and P=0.001, 0.015, respectively). The single nucleotide polymorphisms rs11174811 and rs3803107 in the AVPR1A gene are associated with an increased risk of hypertension in the Chinese Han population. This may be related to the effect of these variants on the regulation of AVPR1A expression by miRNAs.
Vowel Formants in Normal and Loud Speech
Authors: Koenig Laura L. , Fuchs Susanne
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This study evaluated how 1st and 2nd vowel formant frequencies (F1, F2) differ between normal and loud speech in multiple speaking tasks to assess claims that loudness leads to exaggerated vowel articulation.

Method

Eleven healthy German-speaking women produced normal and loud speech in 3 tasks that varied in the degree of spontaneity: reading sentences that contained isolated /i: a: u:/, responding to questions that included target words with controlled consonantal contexts but varying vowel qualities, and a recipe recall task. Loudness variation was elicited naturalistically by changing interlocutor distance. First and 2nd formant frequencies and average sound pressure level were obtained from the stressed vowels in the target words, and vowel space area was calculated from /i: a: u:/.

Results

Comparisons across many vowels indicated that high, tense vowels showed limited formant variation as a function of loudness. Analysis of /i: a: u:/ across speech tasks revealed vowel space reduction in the recipe retell task compared to the other 2. Loudness changes for F1 were consistent in direction but variable in extent, with few significant results for high tense vowels. Results for F2 were quite varied and frequently not significant. Speakers differed in how loudness and task affected formant values. Finally, correlations between sound pressure level and F1 were generally positive but varied in magnitude across vowels, with the high tense vowels showing very flat slopes.

Discussion

These data indicate that naturalistically elicited loud speech in typical speakers does not always lead to changes in vowel formant frequencies and call into question the notion that increasing loudness is necessarily an automatic method of expanding the vowel space.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.8061740
Recovery From Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss May Be Linked to Chronic Stress Levels and Steroid Treatment Resistance
Authors: Ajduk Jakov , Košec Andro , Kelava Iva , Ries Mihael , Gregurić Tomislav , Kalogjera Livije
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This article investigates the possible connections between the level of chronic stress and success of steroid therapy in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL).

Method

A single-center, retrospective, longitudinal cohort study on 55 patients in a tertiary referral otology center was examined. Patients diagnosed with SSNHL between 2014 and 2017 were asked to complete a Measure of Perceived Stress (Brajac, Tkalcic, Dragojević, & Gruber,
2003
) questionnaire. Inclusion criteria were patients > 18 years of age, SSNHL diagnosed within 4 previous weeks, completed steroid treatment, and complete documentation.

Results

There were 30 patients (55%) that showed significant improvement in their pure-tone audiogram (PTA) hearing threshold average (≥ 15 dB) after steroid treatment. Two-step cluster analysis identified 3 clusters based on average PTA hearing threshold recovery and average Measure of Perceived Stress scores. The difference between pretreatment and posttreatment hearing levels was significantly higher in the cluster with moderate stress compared to clusters with mild and high stress levels (Kruskal–Wallis test, Friedman test,
p
< .001). There were no significant differences in average PTA hearing threshold recovery after steroid therapy between groups of patients with mild and severe stress.

Conclusion

Patients with moderate stress levels show significantly better results after steroid treatment for SSNHL than patients with low or high stress levels.
Characteristics of Adults With Unrecognized Hearing Loss
Authors: De Iorio Monica L. , Rapport Lisa J. , Wong Christina G. , Stach Brad A.
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Early detection of hearing loss is important for providing support and intervention for adults with age-related hearing loss. However, many older adults have hearing loss that is unidentified. Because they do not present the problem at health care settings, there is a dearth of research on people with unrecognized hearing loss (URHL). This study elucidates differences between older adults with normal hearing, adults with recognized hearing loss (RHL), and adults with URHL.

Method

Participants included 130 adults, ages 55–85 years. Of these, 39 had hearing in the normal range (HNR), 61 had RHL, and 30 reported HNR but failed a hearing screen (i.e., URHL). Participants completed the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS;
Watson, Clark, & Tellegen, 1988
) and a battery of neuropsychological tests.

Results

The URHL group reported more positive affectivity than the HNR and RHL groups on the PANAS. In addition, the URHL group was significantly older and more likely to be male compared to the HNR group. Importantly, age was not significantly correlated with PANAS. Positive affectivity accounted for unique variance in group membership even after accounting for age, gender, physical health, and cognitive health.

Conclusions

Older adults with URHL have more positive affectivity than older adults with HNR or RHL. This group may be prone to downplaying their difficulties; consequently, they may need to experience larger hearing deficits before seeking help. The findings highlight the need for research investigating the effectiveness of psychoeducation on the importance of formal hearing assessment versus relying on self-assessment in facilitating early and effective intervention among people with URHL.
Computationally efficient mutual authentication protocol for remote infant incubator monitoring system
Authors: Jegadeesan Subramani , Dhamodaran Muneeswaran , Azees Maria , Shanmugapriya Swaminathan Sri
Published: May 2019

Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing and wireless medical sensor networks have significantly improved remote healthcare monitoring. In a healthcare monitoring system, many resource‐limited sensors are deployed to sense, process and communicate the information. However, continuous and accurate operations of these devices are very important, especially in the infant incubator monitoring system. Because important decisions are made on the received information. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure the authenticity between the incubator monitoring system and doctors. In this work, a public key encryption based computationally efficient mutual authentication protocol is proposed for secure data transmission between incubator monitoring systems and doctors or administrators. The proposed protocol improves performance and reduces the computational cost without compromising the security. The security analysis part shows the strength of the proposed protocol against various attacks, performance analysis part shows that the proposed protocol performs better than other existing protocol based on Rivest–Shamir–Adleman and elliptic‐curve cryptography schemes.
Carrier frequency harmonic suppression in dual three‐phase permanent magnet synchronous motor system
Authors: Zheng Boyuan , Xu Yongxiang , Wang Guan , Yu Guodong , Yan Hao , Wang Minghui , Zou Jibin
Published: May 2019

Dual three‐phase permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) is a major area of interest within the field of motors since it inherits the advantages of both the PMSM and multiphase machines. While dual three‐phase PMSM (DTP‐PMSM) system has a more severe carrier frequency harmonic problem due to the low impedance in the harmonic subspace, which will not only decrease the efficiency but also produce the high‐frequency audible noise. This study proposes an improved space vector pulse‐width modulation (SVPWM) strategy by changing the sequence of the pulse‐width modulation wave. The improved SVPWM strategy with a 10 kHz carrier frequency has the same effect as the conventional SVPWM with a 20 kHz carrier frequency, which will significantly decrease the switching loss, lead to lower size of inductance, capacitance and eliminate the high‐frequency audible noise. Three existing mainstream SVPWM strategies in DTP‐PMSM system are introduced and the proposed strategy can be used in them without affecting their original advantages. The switching times are also minimised to reduce the switching loss. The theoretical derivation is proposed to prove the harmonic suppression ability of the proposed SVPWM and the implementation procedure is given then. The simulation and experimental results proved the effectiveness of the strategy.
Effective temperature – radius relationship of M dwarfs
Authors: Cassisi S. , Salaris M.
Published: May 2019

M-dwarf stars provide very favourable conditions for finding habitable worlds beyond our solar system. The estimation of the fundamental parameters of the transiting exoplanets relies on the accuracy of the theoretical predictions for radius and effective temperature of the host M dwarf, therefore it is important to conduct multiple empirical tests of very low-mass star (VLM) models. These stars are the theoretical counterpart of M dwarfs. Recent determinations of mass, radius, and effective temperature of a sample of M dwarfs of known metallicity have disclosed an apparent discontinuity in the effective temperature-radius diagram that corresponds to a stellar mass of about 0.2 M⊙. This discontinuity has been ascribed to the transition from partially convective to fully convective stars. In this paper we compare existing VLM models to these observations, and find that theory does not predict any discontinuity at around 0.2 M⊙, but a smooth change in slope of the effective temperature-radius relationship around this mass value. The appearance of a discontinuity is due to naively fitting the empirical data with linear segments. Moreover, its origin is not related to the transition to fully convective structures. We find that this feature is instead an empirical signature for the transition to a regime where electron degeneracy provides an important contribution to the stellar equation of state, and it constitutes an additional test of the consistency of the theoretical framework for VLM models.
Finite element analysis and experiment on induction heating process of slab continuous casting-direct rolling
Authors: Yu Chao , Xiao Hong , Qi Zi-chen , Zhao Yun-peng
Published: May 2019

To reduce the energy consumption of reheating billets between the continuous casting and hot rolling processes, the continuous casting-direct rolling (CC-DR) process is developed, of which one of the key technologies in CC-DR is compensative heating between the processes. Considering the compensative heating technology requirements in the actual production of slab CC-DR, the finite element models of longitudinal flux induction heating (LFIH) and transverse flux induction heating (TFIH) are established to analyse the slab heating process. The results show that LFIH is good for heating surfaces of the slab, but cannot solve the problem of low temperature on the edges, which can effectively be heated with TFIH. The temperature distribution of the slab can be made more uniform by choosing the appropriate current and moving speed. Besides, induction-heating prototypes are developed to inspect the effect of induction heating. The measured results are consistent with the simulated ones. The results of the analysis have direct significance on the induction heating process in the actual production of slab CC-DRs.
Ceramic Bone Graft Substitutes do not reduce donor-site morbidity in ACL reconstruction surgeries: a pilot study
Authors: Dhanakodi Naresh , Thilak Jai , Varghese Jacob , Menon Krishnankutty Venugopal , Varma Harikrishna , Tripathy Sujit Kumar
Published: May 2019

Introduction:Anterior knee pain is a major problem following Bone-patellar-tendon-bone graft (BPTB) use in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. We hypothesized that filling the donor defect sites with bone-graft substitute would reduce the anterior knee symptoms in ACL reconstruction surgeries.

Material and Methods: Patients operated for ACL-deficient knee between March 2012 and August 2013 using BPTB graft were divided into two treatment groups. The patellar and tibial donor-site bony defects were filled-up with Hydroxyapatite–Bioglass (HAP:BG) blocks in the study group (n = 15) and no filler was used in the control group (n = 16). At 2 years, the clinical improvement was assessed using International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score and donor-site morbidity was assessed by questionnaires and specific tests related to anterior knee pain symptoms.

Results: Donor-site tenderness was present in 40% patients in the study group and 37.5% patients in the control group (p = 0.59). Pain upon kneeling was present in 33.3% patients in the study group and 37.5% patients in the control group (p = 0.55). Walking in kneeling position elicited pain in 40% patients in the study group and 43.8% in the control group (p = 0.56). The mean visual analogue score for knee pain was 3.0 in the study group and 3.13 in the control group, with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.68). Unlike control group, where a persistent bony depression defect was observed at donor sites, no such defects were observed in the study group.

Conclusion:Filling the defects of donor sites with HAP:BG blocks do not reduce the anterior knee symptoms in patients with ACL reconstruction using autogenous BPTB graft.
Palladium-Catalyzed Asymmetric Heck–Matsuda Reaction of 1,4-Dihydroquinolines with Aryl Diazonium Salts
Authors: Jiang Ze-Zhen , Jiang Yang-Jie , Du Juan , Chen Di , Ding Chang-Hua , Xu Bin , Hou Xue-Long
Published: May 2019

A palladium-catalyzed asymmetric Heck–Matsuda reaction of N-Boc-1,4-dihydroquinolines and aryl diazonium tetrafluoroborates is realized in moderate to high yields and with high enantioselectivities. The method provides an efficient route to access optically active 2-arylhydroquinolines.
Linear and Convergent Syntheses of Bifunctional Hydroxy-Bisphosphonic Compounds as Potential Bone-Targeting Prodrugs
Authors: Aoun Sameh , Sierocki Pierre , Lebreton Jacques , Mathé-Allainmat Monique
Published: May 2019

The synthesis of two bifunctional compounds bearing a terminal hydroxy-bisphosphonic function (HBP) was achieved following a linear and a convergent strategy. In the linear approach, the free hydroxy-bisphosphonic function was introduced in the last step of the synthesis, under neutral conditions using an Arbuzov reaction with tris(trimethylsilyl) phosphite and a carboxylic acid precursor activated in situ with catecholborane. In the convergent approach, Huisgen type cycloaddition was studied starting from an HBP-functionalized alkyne partner to obtain the targeted bifunctional molecule. These complementary approaches allow for the preparation of complex bone-targeting molecules as potential prodrug candidates.
Dibenzo[b,e]azepin-6-ones and Seven-Membered Sultam Derivatives: Convenient Synthesis via Palladium-Catalyzed Regioselective Intra­molecular Heck Reaction and Application towards Drug-Like Small Molecules
Authors: Das Arijit , Maiti Arup , Kundu Mrinalkanti , Roy Kuldeep K. , Ansary Inul
Published: May 2019

A new, convenient synthesis of dibenzo[b,e]azepin-6-ones and seven-membered sultam derivatives have been envisaged via Pd-catalyzed regioselective intramolecular Heck reaction of the corresponding easily accessible precursors. This protocol has been successfully implemented to synthesize N-methyldarenzepine in four steps and in good yield. Moreover, one of the intermediates has been utilized for the synthesis of a new analogue of darenzepine. Preliminary modeling studies were performed to investigate the binding potential to muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M4).
Why Is the Healing of Emotional Problems So Difficult?
Authors: Friesel Hillel Zvi
Published: May 2019

Background This article deals with the difficulties involved in the healing of emotional problems. It focuses on the homeopathic treatment combined with other therapeutic approaches.

Findings In working with emotional problems, homeopathy focuses mainly on the action of the homeopathic medicine. Arguably, it over-relies on the healing power of the medicine and gives less attention to the importance of working dynamically with the patient's emotional problems. This article suggests a more balanced approach that combines between these two facets of the healing process, giving more weight to the role of potencies.

Conclusion Emotional healing becomes more plausible when the patient's inner strength attains the level of strength of the disturbance, represented by “level of potency”, which allows the patient to cope with his/her disturbance more successfully.
Findings in Stillbirths Associated with Placental Disease
Authors: Gibbins Karen J. , Pinar Halit , Reddy Uma M. , Saade George R. , Goldenberg Robert L. , Dudley Donald J. , Drews-Botsch Carolyn , Freedman Alexa Ann , Daniels Lauren M. , Parker Corette B. , Thorsten Vanessa , Bukowski Radek , Silver Robert M.
Published: May 2019

Objective Placental disease is a leading cause of stillbirth. Our purpose was to characterize stillbirths associated with placental disease.

Study Design The Stillbirth Collaborative Research Network conducted a prospective, case–control study of stillbirths and live births from 2006 to 2008. This analysis includes 512 stillbirths with cause of death assignment and a comparison group of live births. We compared exposures between women with stillbirth due to placental disease and those due to other causes as well as between women with term (≥ 37 weeks) stillbirth due to placental disease and term live births.

Results A total of 121 (23.6%) out of 512 stillbirths had a probable or possible cause of death due to placental disease by Initial Causes of Fetal Death. Characteristics were similar between stillbirths due to placental disease and other stillbirths. When comparing term live births to stillbirths due to placental disease, women with non-Hispanic black race, Hispanic ethnicity, lack of insurance, or who were born outside of the United States had higher odds of stillbirth due to placental disease. Nulliparity and antenatal bleeding also increased risk of stillbirth due to placental disease.

Conclusion Multiple discrete exposures were associated with stillbirth caused by placental disease. The relationship between these factors and utility of surveillance warrants further study.
Surgical Management of Lower Extremity Lymphedema: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Ciudad Pedro , Sabbagh M. Diya , Agko Mouchammed , Huang Tony C.T. , Manrique Oscar J. , L. Carmen Román , Reynaga Cesar , Delgado Ricardo , Maruccia Michele , Chen Hung-Chi
Published: May 2019

Lymphedema refers to the accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the interstitial spaces. This can occur secondary to congenital malformation of the lymphatic channels or nodes or as a result of an insult that damages appropriately formed channels and nodes. Stagnant, protein-rich lymph initiates an inflammatory response that leads to adipocyte proliferation, fibrous tissue deposition, and increased susceptibility to infections. The end result is permanent disfigurement and dermal changes. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential, since lymphedema is a chronic and progressive problem. When lymphedema affects the lower extremity, it is important to manage it in a way that preserves function and mobility. Early diagnosis also allows for a proactive rather than reactive approach to treatment and utilization of novel physiologic procedures, such as lymphovenous anastomosis and vascularized lymph node transfer. Such interventions slow down disease progression and reduce morbidity by allowing the surgeon to salvage the remaining functional lymphatic channels. When physiologic procedures fail or when faced with a delayed presentation, the addition of excisional procedures can provide a more comprehensive treatment of this debilitating disease. The aim of this article is to review the most current concepts in the surgical management of lower extremity lymphedema.
Autologous Breast Reconstruction Skin Paddle Designs: Classification and Aesthetic Outcomes
Authors: Pestana Ivo , Walker Nicholas
Published: May 2019

Objective Present study was conducted to identify common mastectomy patterns and autologous skin paddle designs, to identify patient characteristics that influence these patterns, and assess aesthetic outcomes associated with each pattern.

Methods Autologous breast reconstructions over 5 years were reviewed. Mastectomy type and resultant skin paddle were categorized into four mastectomy type/skin paddle design groups based on the amount of native “Skin Spared” after mastectomy and the resultant flap skin paddle designed. Groups were designated as skin-sparing mastectomy 1 (SS1)/large elliptical skin paddle, skin-sparing mastectomy 2 (SS2)/small elliptical skin paddle, skin-sparing mastectomy 3 (SS3)/areola skin paddle, and skin-sparing mastectomy 4 (nipple-sparing mastectomy, SS4)/no skin paddle. Surveys were performed to validate the classification system and critique aesthetic outcomes.

Results A total of 89 autologous breast reconstructions were included. Radiotherapy was used in 45.6% of SS1 patients versus 29.2% in SS2 and 12.5% in SS3/SS4. Mean body mass index (BMI) was 30 in SS1/SS2 and 26 in SS3/SS4 mastectomy types (p = 0.045). Delayed reconstruction was performed in 96.5% SS1 versus 62.5% in SS2 and only 25% of SS3/SS4 (p < 0.0001). Physicians and Non-MD personnel correctly categorized 85.8 and 76.1% of skin paddle designs, respectively. Over 75% of those surveyed rated the reconstruction aesthetic outcome as “good-excellent” regardless of the pattern group.

Conclusions Patients in SS1/SS2 groups had a higher incidence of radiotherapy, delayed reconstruction, and higher BMI compared with the SS3/SS4 groups. The classification system is recognizable and may provide improved patient education and communication between healthcare providers. All mastectomy type/skin paddle designs received high aesthetic ratings.
Total Knee Arthroplasty: Fitness, Heart Disease Risk, and Quality of Life
Authors: Casazza Gretchen A. , Lum Zachary C. , Giordani Mauro , Meehan John P.
Published: May 2019

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) may decrease coronary heart disease (CHD) risk in patients with advanced osteoarthritis by reducing pain and allowing for a more active lifestyle. We examined cardiovascular fitness, CHD risk factors, and quality of life in patients for 1 year after TKA compared with matched controls who did not undergo surgery. A total of 14 patients, 7 surgery patients and 7 matched controls, were tested for measurements of body composition, knee range of motion, resting blood pressure, strength testing, a maximal exercise test, quality-of-life questionnaires (Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 and Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS]), and activity monitoring, fasting blood glucose, and lipids at 0, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery or baseline testing. Comparison between the two groups was analyzed. Twelve months after surgery, patients with TKA had significantly (p < 0.05) lower pain scores, increased fat free mass, lower resting mean arterial pressure, and improved scores on the KOOS for pain, symptoms, activities of daily living, and quality of life. Initially, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and body fat percentage were reduced in the TKA group but returned to baseline at 12 months. The results of this study indicate that there are immediate and long-term improvements in pain and quality of life in patients with TKA, but physical function, exercise capacity, leg strength, and some lipid profiles may take longer than 12 months to improve. This is a level II, prospective, Therapeutic study, comparative study.
Study of Gilbert's Syndrome-Associated UGT1A1 Polymorphism in Jaundiced Neonates of ABO Incompatibility Hemolysis Disease
Authors: Yu Yingfang , Du Lizhong , Chen An , Chen Lihua
Published: May 2019

Objective This study aimed to assess the probable relationship between icter in neonates with ABO incompatibility hemolysis and UGT1A1 gene polymorphism.

Study Design There were 65 ABO hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) neonates of full term in the study group and 82 non-ABO HDN neonates of full term in the compared group. We tested the UGT1A1 gene mutation of neonates of ABO HDN and non-ABO HDN. We compared the incidence of hyperbilirubinemia between neonates with and without UGT1A1 mutations in the ABO HDN and non-ABO HDN, to determine the relationship between icter in neonates with ABO HDN and UGT1A1 gene polymorphism. SPSS 13.0 were used to analyze those two groups' data.

Results There was statistically significant difference of the serum bilirubin level between the Gly71Arg homozygous and no mutation group in the ABO HDN patients (p < 0.05). When hyperbilirubinemia was defined as serum bilirubin concentration >342 μmol/L, the incidence of hyperbilirubinemia between patients of UGT1A1 and non-UGT1A1 mutations in the ABO HDN group was significantly different (p < 0.05). But in the non-ABO HDN group, no significant difference was found.

Conclusion Individuals with Gly71Arg homozygous contributed to their hyperbilirubinemia in ABO HDN patients.
Risk Factors for 30-Day Mortality in Neonatal Gram-Negative Bacilli Sepsis
Authors: Thatrimontrichai Anucha , Premprat Nutchana , Janjindamai Waricha , Dissaneevate Supaporn , Maneenil Gunlawadee
Published: May 2019

Objective Multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacilli (MDR-GNB) have emerged globally as a serious threat and with a high case fatality rate (CFR).

Study Design We performed a case–control study in a Thai neonatal intensive care unit to identify the risk factors for 30-day CFR of GNB sepsis between 1991 and 2017. The CFR was analyzed by Cox's proportional hazards model.

Results For 27 years, the percentage of MDR-GNB from GNB sepsis was 66% (169/257). The medians (interquartile ranges) of gestational age and birth weight of the neonates with GNB sepsis were 33 (29–38) weeks and 1,817 (1,100–2,800) grams, respectively. The 30-day CFRs of the neonates with MDR-GNB and non-MDR-GNB sepsis were 33% (56/169) and 20% (18/88), respectively, (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.74; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03–2.97; p = 0.04). Using Cox's proportional hazards model, nonsurvivors in GNB sepsis were more likely to have septic shock (adjusted HR [aHR] = 6.67; 95% CI: 3.28–13.57; p < 0.001) or no microbiological cure (aHR = 10.65; 95% CI: 4.98–22.76; p < 0.001) than survivors.

Conclusion Neonates suspected of sepsis with septic shock need broad-spectrum empirical antimicrobial therapy until the second successive negative culture, especially in high MDR areas.
Useful Platelet Indices for the Diagnosis and Follow-Up of Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Authors: Guler Kazanci Elif , Buyuktiryaki Mehmet , Unsal Handan , Tayman Cuneyt
Published: May 2019

Objective The aim of this study was to assess the utility of early postnatal platelet indices in the prediction of hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA) and its response to pharmacological treatment in preterm infants.

Study Design The medical records of 971 infants with gestational age < 30 weeks and birth weight < 1,500 g were analyzed retrospectively. Infants with hsPDA comprised the study group and those without hsPDA comprised the control group. Complete blood count results were recorded, and red cell distribution width-to-platelet ratio (RPR) and platelet mass were calculated.

Results A total of 481 infants, 169 in the hsPDA group and 312 in the control group, were included. In terms of platelet indices, the hsPDA group showed significantly lower mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet mass, whereas RPR was significantly higher (p < 0.05, respectively). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that RDS (relative ratio [RR]: 2.39; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.45–3.93; p < 0.001), MPV < 7.85 (RR: 3.71; 95% CI: 2.29–6.01; p < 0.001), and RPR > 0.070 (RR: 5.33; 95% CI: 3.28–8.65; p < 0.001) were independent risk factors for hsPDA.

Conclusion Low MPV and platelet mass and high RPR in the first hours of life are risk factors for hsPDA and hsPDA refractive to pharmacological treatment with ibuprofen in preterm infants.
Low voltage ride-through capability improvement of microgrid using a hybrid coordination control strategy
Authors: Zheng Feng , Chen Yiqiang , Zhang Yachao , Lın Yanzhen , Guo Moufa
Published: May 2019

This paper proposes a hybrid coordination control strategy to improve the low voltage ride-through (LVRT) capability of microgrids. During microgrid external failure, the overcurrent and the voltage sag of the microgrid can be effectively suppressed. Compared with traditional control strategies, the microgrid transient performance can also be enhanced by adopting a generalized control algorithm, performing the active switching of the energy storage (ES) operation mode and triggering the inductance-type flux coupling fault current limiters (FCLs). Among them, according to the hierarchical control structure of the grid-connected inverter, the generalized control algorithm is applied to ES. Through the two degrees of freedom's control principle and inverse plant modeling techniques, the generalized control algorithm can make the control layer of the ES inverter operate in all control targets (i.e., PQ control, droop control and Vf control), with a single control structure. Also, it eliminates the effects of microgrid distortion voltage and ES surge current on the control system of the ES inverter. For the inverter application layer, by introducing microgrid voltage and angular frequency feedforward compensation, the voltage and frequency fluctuation of the microgrid can be suppressed efficiently under the fault conditions. Therefore, with the help of the generalized control algorithm, the active switching function of ES can be carried out successfully, which is the key technology for microgrids to realize their operational mode smooth switching. Meanwhile, the voltage sag and overcurrent of microgrids can be significantly mitigated through generating reactive power from microgrids and injecting it into inductance-type FCLs with lower cost. The related theoretical derivation and simulation analysis under various scenarios (including asymmetric faults) confirm that the proposed control strategy can not only enhance the LVRT capability, but also strengthen the microgrid transient performance.
Resonant tunneling in a system with correlated pure point spectrum
Authors: Mavi Rajinder , Schenker Jeffrey
Published: May 2019

We consider resonant tunneling between disorder localized states in a potential energy displaying perfect correlations over large distances. The phenomenon described here may be of relevance to models exhibiting many-body localization. Furthermore, in the context of single particle operators, our examples demonstrate that exponential resolvent localization does not imply exponential dynamical localization for random Schrödinger operators with correlated potentials.
Experimental evidence for the separation of thermally excited bipolar charge carries within a p-n junction: A new approach to thermoelectric materials and generators
Authors: Maculewicz F. , Wagner T. , Arzi K. , Hartmann N. , Weimann N. , Schmechel R.
Published: May 2019

Common thermoelectric generators are based on the Seebeck effect, which describes the thermal diffusion of majority charge carriers within a temperature gradient in a solid. It is a unipolar transport phenomenon that gets suppressed if bipolar charge carriers occur. Here, we demonstrate by experiments that thermally excited bipolar charge carriers can be separated by the built-in field without external bias within a p-n junction. Such a phenomenon has been predicted theoretically before but was never proven experimentally. In the experiment, a nominal intrinsic silicon wafer (doping concentration less than 1013 cm−3) was inserted in a p-i-n structure. It could be shown that electric power can be extracted from the space charge region (i-region), while the conventional thermoelectric contribution from the p- and n-regions is suppressed by short-circuiting. While the measured and simulated overall Seebeck effect of intrinsic silicon predicts a zero crossing of output power with increasing hot-side temperature due to a transition from p-type to n-type transport, the measured and simulated output power of the p-i-n structure increases monotonically with increasing hot-side temperature, indicating clearly the different nature of both mechanisms.
Probing the interplay between geometric and electronic-structure features via high-harmonic spectroscopy
Authors: Gorman T. T. , Scarborough T. D. , Abanador P. M. , Mauger F. , Kiesewetter D. , Sándor P. , Khatri S. , Lopata K. , Schafer K. J. , Agostini P. , Gaarde M. B. , DiMauro L. F.
Published: May 2019

We present molecular-frame measurements of the recombination dipole matrix element (RDME) in CO2, N2O, and carbonyl sulfide (OCS) molecules using high-harmonic spectroscopy. Both the amplitudes and phases of the RDMEs exhibit clear imprints of a two-center interference minimum, which moves in energy with the molecular alignment angle relative to the laser polarization. We find that whereas the angle dependence of this minimum is consistent with the molecular geometry in CO2 and N2O, it behaves very differently in OCS; in particular, the phase shift which accompanies the two-center minimum changes sign for different alignment angles. Our results suggest that two interfering structural features contribute to the OCS RDME, namely, (i) the geometrical two-center minimum and (ii) a Cooper-like, electronic-structure minimum associated with the sulfur end of the molecule. We compare our results to ab initio calculations using time-dependent density functional theory and present an empirical model that captures both the two-center and the Cooper-like interferences. We also show that the yield from unaligned samples of two-center molecules is, in general, reduced at high photon energies compared to aligned samples, due to the destructive interference between molecules with different alignments.
Interplay between fluctuation driven toroidal axisymmetric flows and resistive ballooning mode turbulence
Authors: Seto H. , Xu X. Q. , Dudson B. D. , Yagi M.
Published: May 2019

An interplay between fluctuation driven toroidal axisymmetric flows (convective cell modes) and resistive ballooning mode turbulence after the pedestal collapse is numerically studied by a four-field reduced MHD model in the BOUT++ framework. The strong flow shear suppresses the radial transport of pressure filaments, and the pressure profile in the pedestal region is partially recovered. As a result, a secondary instability is quasilinearly excited, which yields a secondary collapse. The subsequent damped oscillation is also analyzed by phase diagram analysis.
Force characterization and analysis of thin film actuators for untethered microdevices
Authors: Ongaro Federico , Jin Qianru , Siciliani de Cumis Ugo , Ghosh Arijit , Denasi Alper , Gracias David H. , Misra Sarthak
Published: May 2019

In recent years, untethered microdevices have drawn significant attention due to their small size, weight and their ability to exert forces without the need for wires or tethers. Such microdevices are relevant to implantable biomedical devices, miniature robotics, minimally invasive surgery, and microelectromechanical systems. While devices using these actuators have been widely utilized in pick-and-place and biopsy applications, the forces exerted by these actuators have yet to be characterized and analyzed. Lack of precise force measurements and validated models impedes the clinical applicability and safety of such thin film microsurgical devices. Furthermore, present-day design of thin film microdevices for targeted applications requires an iterative trial-and-error process. In order to address these issues, we present a novel technique to measure the force output of thin film microactuators. Also, we develop and fabricate three designs of residual stress microactuators and use them to validate this technique, and establish a relationship between performance and design parameters. In particular, we find an inverse dependence of the thickness of the actuator and its force output, with 70 nm, 115 nm and 200 nm actuators exerting 7.8 μN, 4.7 μN, and 2.7 μN, respectively. Besides these findings, we anticipate that this microsystem measurement approach could be used for force measurements on alternate microactuators including shape memory, piezo and electromagnetic actuators.
Observation of large electrocaloric properties in lead-free Ba0.98Ca0.02Ti0.98Sn0.02O3 ceramics
Authors: Ramovatar  , Coondoo Indrani , Kumar Pradip , Khan Azam A. , Satapathy S. , Panwar Neeraj
Published: May 2019

Tetragonal lead-free Ba0.98Ca0.02Ti0.98Sn0.02O3 (BCST) compound sintered at 1400 °C was investigated for its electrocaloric properties. The large adiabatic temperature variation, ΔT ∼ 0.476 K and isothermal entropy change, ΔS ∼ 1.90 J/kg.K were obtained at ∼ 373 K at an electric field of 20 kV/cm. Further, higher electrocaloric coefficients (ΔT/ΔE ∼ 0.238 K.mm/kV and ΔS/ΔE ∼ 0.952 J.mm/K.kg.kV) with better refrigeration capacity (RC ∼ 152 J/kg) were achieved at the same temperature and electric field. The ΔS/ΔE and RC values for this compound are better than that observed in various other lead-free ferroelectric ceramics.