bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, characterization, and luminescent properties of two new Zr(IV) metal–organic frameworks based on anthracene derivatives
Authors: Rowe Jennifer M. , Soderstrom Erin M. , Zhu Jie , Usov Pavel M. , Morris Amanda J.
Published: November 2017

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are crystalline materials constructed from metal ions or clusters, connected by multidentate organic ligands. Herein, we describe the synthesis and photophysical properties of two Zr-based, anthracene-containing MOFs, assembled from 2,6-anthracenedicarboxylic acid (2,6-ADCA and 2,6-MOF) and 1,4-anthracenedicarboxylic acid (1,4-ADCA and 1,4-MOF). The 2,6-ADCA analogue formed a highly crystalline octahedral structure that is isostructural with the well-known UiO-67 frameworks. Incorporation of the 1,4-ADCA ligand, on the other hand, resulted in large rod-shaped crystals. Both MOFs exhibit linker-based luminescence. The excited-state properties of the 2,6-MOF and 1,4-MOF were examined using stead-state diffuse reflectance and emission spectroscopies and time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) spectroscopy. The photophysical properties of the MOFs are compared with those of the corresponding ligand in solution.
Ruthenium(II) complexes bearing (NNN) ligand: catalytic evaluation of different solvent-mediated coordination modes
Authors: Pellegrino Sara , Facchetti Giorgio , Gandolfi Raffella , Fusè Marco , Erba Emanuela , Rimoldi Isabella
Published: November 2017

A new (NNN) tridentate ligand was prepared, and its ability to coordinate ruthenium(II) was evaluated. The presence of different functional groups on the ligand allows bi- or tri-coordinated complexes to be obtained depending on complexation conditions. The catalytic activity of both bidentate and tridentate complexes was studied in asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of different aryl ketones, showing a comparable behavior of the two complexes in terms of efficiency and stereoselectivity.
The Influence of Negative Emotions on Customer Innovation Activities
Authors: Lee Hanjun , Jeong Suyeon , Suh Yongmoo
Published: November 2017

With the advent of Web 2.0, increased user participation in diverse e-communities resulted in an abundance of information, including emotional information. We examined the influence of negative emotion in an online brand community, MyStarbuckIdea.com, developed to collect diverse customer ideas for the firm?s innovation, with the purpose of investigating how such emotion affects customer activities for innovation in the community. We first established several hypotheses on the relationships between discrete negative emotions and innovation activities. Then, having collected 84,918 customer ideas, we conducted POS tagging and term-based matching to calculate the inclusion and intensity of negative emotion using the negative emotion lexicon which we developed. As a result of testing our hypotheses with regression models, we show that 1) negative emotion significantly affects innovation activities in the brand community, and frustration is the most influential among the discrete negative emotions; and 2) as the intensity level of negative emotions increases, so does their influence.
Change-Related Communication and Employees' Responses During the Anticipation Stage of IT-Enabled Organizational Transformation
Authors: Tsai HsingYi (Phoebe) , Compeau Deborah
Published: November 2017

This study focuses on a medium-sized, nonprofit healthcare service management organization which was undergoing a major transformation enabled by information technology. We examined how uncertainty during the anticipation stage affected the staff's emotional responses to the new technology. We categorized employees' understandings of the new technology into four domains: (1) why the technology was adopted, (2) what the functionality of the technology would be, (3) how the technology might affect their work life, and (4) when such an effect would materialize. Due to uncertainty during the anticipation stage, participants were not able to fully appraise the situation. Based on their hypothetical expectations, participants experienced both hope and fear (i.e., suspense). In order to manage the psychological discomfort created by this emotional ambivalence, participants actively sought social interaction with colleagues in order to gain information about the new technology, to build camaraderie, or both. The former directly decreased the level of perceived uncertainty by closing information gaps, and the latter reduced anxiety by creating a sense of community. Our study illustrates how seeking social support during the pre-implementation time frame has the capacity to help employees prepare themselves, both cognitively and emotionally, for adopting a new technology before they have any tangible interaction with it.
Involvement of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors in plasticity induced by paired corticospinal-motoneuronal stimulation in humans
Authors: Dongés Siobhan C. , D’Amico Jessica M. , Butler Jane E. , Taylor Janet L.
Published: November 2017

Plasticity can be induced at human corticospinal-motoneuronal synapses by delivery of repeated, paired stimuli to corticospinal axons and motoneurons in a technique called paired corticospinal-motoneuronal stimulation (PCMS). To date, the mechanisms of the induced plasticity are unknown. To determine whether PCMS-induced plasticity is dependent on N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs), the effect of the noncompetitive NMDAR antagonist dextromethorphan on PCMS-induced facilitation was assessed in a 2-day, double-blind, placebo-controlled experiment. PCMS consisted of 100 pairs of stimuli, delivered at an interstimulus interval that produces facilitation at corticospinal-motoneuronal synapses that excite biceps brachii motoneurons. Transcranial magnetic stimulation elicited corticospinal volleys, which were timed to arrive at corticospinal-motoneuronal synapses just before antidromic potentials elicited in motoneurons with electrical brachial plexus stimulation. To measure changes in the corticospinal pathway at a spinal level, biceps responses to cervicomedullary stimulation (cervicomedullary motor evoked potentials, CMEPs) were measured before and for 30 min after PCMS. Individuals who displayed a ≥10% increase in CMEP size after PCMS on screening were eligible to take part in the 2-day experiment. After PCMS, there was a significant difference in CMEP area between placebo and dextromethorphan days ( P = 0.014). On the placebo day PCMS increased average CMEP areas to 127 ± 46% of baseline, whereas on the dextromethorphan day CMEP area was decreased to 86 ± 33% of baseline (mean ± SD; placebo: n = 11, dextromethorphan: n = 10). Therefore, dextromethorphan suppressed the facilitation of CMEPs after PCMS. This indicates that plasticity induced at synapses in the human spinal cord by PCMS may be dependent on NMDARs.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Paired corticospinal-motoneuronal stimulation can strengthen the synaptic connections between corticospinal axons and motoneurons at a spinal level in humans. The mechanism of the induced plasticity is unknown. In our 2-day, double-blind, placebo-controlled study we show that the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist dextromethorphan suppressed plasticity induced by paired corticospinal-motoneuronal stimulation, suggesting that an NMDAR-dependent mechanism is involved.
Rapid feedback responses are flexibly coordinated across arm muscles to support goal-directed reaching
Authors: Weiler Jeffrey , Gribble Paul L. , Pruszynski J. Andrew
Published: November 2017

A transcortical pathway helps support goal-directed reaching by processing somatosensory information to produce rapid feedback responses across multiple joints and muscles. Here, we tested whether such feedback responses can account for changes in arm configuration and for arbitrary visuomotor transformations—two manipulations that alter how muscles at the elbow and wrist need to be coordinated to achieve task success. Participants used a planar three degree-of-freedom exoskeleton robot to move a cursor to a target following a mechanical perturbation that flexed the elbow. In our first experiment, the cursor was mapped to the veridical position of the robot handle, but participants grasped the handle with two different hand orientations (thumb pointing upward or thumb pointing downward). We found that large rapid feedback responses were evoked in wrist extensor muscles when wrist extension helped move the cursor to the target (i.e., thumb upward), and in wrist flexor muscles when wrist flexion helped move the cursor to the target (i.e., thumb downward). In our second experiment, participants grasped the robot handle with their thumb pointing upward, but the cursor’s movement was either veridical or was mirrored such that flexing the wrist moved the cursor as if the participant extended their wrist, and vice versa. After extensive practice, we found that rapid feedback responses were appropriately tuned to the wrist muscles that supported moving the cursor to the target when the cursor was mapped to the mirrored movement of the wrist, but were not tuned to the appropriate wrist muscles when the cursor was remapped to the wrist’s veridical movement.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We show that rapid feedback responses were evoked in different wrist muscles depending on the arm’s orientation, and this muscle activity was appropriate to generate the wrist motion that supported a reaching action. Notably, we also show that these rapid feedback responses can be evoked in wrist muscles that are detrimental to a reaching action if a nonveridical mapping between wrist and hand motion is extensively learned.
Inflow of oxygen and glucose in brain tissue induced by intravenous norepinephrine: relationships with central metabolic and peripheral vascular responses
Authors: Bola R. Aaron , Kiyatkin Eugene A.
Published: November 2017

As an essential part of sympathetic activation that prepares the organism for “fight or flight,” peripheral norepinephrine (NE) plays an important role in regulating cardiac activity and the tone of blood vessels, increasing blood flow to the heart and the brain and decreasing blood flow to the organs not as necessary for immediate survival. To assess whether this effect is applicable to the brain, we used high-speed amperometry to measure the changes in nucleus accumbens (NAc) levels of oxygen and glucose induced by intravenous injections of NE in awake freely moving rats. We found that NE at low doses (2–18 μg/kg) induces correlative increases in NAc oxygen and glucose, suggesting local vasodilation and enhanced entry of these substances in brain tissue from the arterial blood. By using temperature recordings from the NAc, temporal muscle, and skin, we show that this central effect is associated with strong skin vasoconstriction and phasic increases in intrabrain heat production, indicative of metabolic neural activation. A tight direct correlation between NE-induced changes in metabolic activity and NAc levels of oxygen and glucose levels suggests that local cerebral vasodilation is triggered via a neurovascular coupling mechanism. Our data suggest that NE, by changing vascular tone and cardiac activity, triggers a visceral sensory signal that rapidly reaches the central nervous system via sensory nerves and induces neural activation. This neural activation leads to a chain of neurovascular events that promote entry of oxygen and glucose in brain tissue, thus preventing any possible metabolic deficit during functional activation.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Using high-speed amperometry and thermorecording in freely moving rats, we demonstrate that intravenous norepinephrine at physiological doses induces rapid correlative increases in nucleus accumbens oxygen and glucose levels coupled with increased intrabrain heat production. Although norepinephrine cannot cross the blood-brain barrier, by changing cardiac activity and vascular tone, it creates a sensory signal that reaches the central nervous system via sensory nerves, induces neural activation, and triggers a chain of neurovascular events that promotes intrabrain entry of oxygen and glucose.
Bayesian optimal adaptation explains age-related human sensorimotor changes
Authors: Karmali Faisal , Whitman Gregory T. , Lewis Richard F.
Published: November 2017

The brain uses information from different sensory systems to guide motor behavior, and aging is associated with simultaneous decline in the quality of sensory information provided to the brain and deterioration in motor control. Correlations between age-dependent decline in sensory anatomical structures and behavior have been demonstrated in many sensorimotor systems, and it has recently been suggested that a Bayesian framework could explain these relationships. Here we show that age-dependent changes in a human sensorimotor reflex, the vestibuloocular reflex, are explained by a Bayesian optimal adaptation in the brain occurring in response to death of motion-sensing hair cells. Specifically, we found that the temporal dynamics of the reflex as a function of age emerge from ( r = 0.93, P < 0.001) a Kalman filter model that determines the optimal behavioral output when the sensory signal-to-noise characteristics are degraded by death of the transducers. These findings demonstrate that the aging brain is capable of generating the ideal and statistically optimal behavioral response when provided with deteriorating sensory information. While the Bayesian framework has been shown to be a general neural principle for multimodal sensory integration and dynamic sensory estimation, these findings provide evidence of longitudinal Bayesian processing over the human life span. These results illuminate how the aging brain strives to optimize motor behavior when faced with deterioration in the peripheral and central nervous systems and have implications in the field of vestibular and balance disorders, as they will likely provide guidance for physical therapy and for prosthetic aids that aim to reduce falls in the elderly.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We showed that age-dependent changes in the vestibuloocular reflex are explained by a Bayesian optimal adaptation in the brain that occurs in response to age-dependent sensory anatomical changes. This demonstrates that the brain can longitudinally respond to age-related sensory loss in an ideal and statistically optimal way. This has implications for understanding and treating vestibular disorders caused by aging and provides insight into the structure-function relationship during aging.
Individual Channel Estimation in a Diamond Relay Network Using Relay-Assisted Training
Authors: He Xianwen , Dou Gaoqi , Gao Jun
Published: November 2017

We consider the training design and channel estimation in the amplify-and-forward (AF) diamond relay network. Our strategy is to transmit the source training in time-multiplexing (TM) mode while each relay node superimposes its own relay training over the amplified received data signal without bandwidth expansion. The principal challenge is to obtain accurate channel state information (CSI) of second-hop link due to the multiaccess interference (MAI) and cooperative data interference (CDI). To maintain the orthogonality between data and training, a modified relay-assisted training scheme is proposed to migrate the CDI, where some of the cooperative data at the relay are discarded to accommodate relay training. Meanwhile, a couple of optimal zero-correlation zone (ZCZ) relay-assisted sequences are designed to avoid MAI. At the destination node, the received signals from the two relay nodes are combined to achieve spatial diversity and enhanced data reliability. The simulation results are presented to validate the performance of the proposed schemes.
A Dynamically Reconfigurable Wireless Sensor Network Testbed for Multiple Routing Protocols
Authors: Jiang Wenxian , Gu Chenzhe , Wu Jingjing
Published: November 2017

Because wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are complex and difficult to deploy and manage, appropriate structures are required to make these networks more flexible. In this paper, a reconfigurable testbed is presented, which supports dynamic protocol switching by creating a novel architecture and experiments with several different protocols. The separation of the control and data planes in this testbed means that routing configuration and data transmission are independent. A programmable flow table provides the testbed with the ability to switch protocols dynamically. We experiment on various aspects of the testbed to analyze its functionality and performance. The results demonstrate that sensors in the testbed are easy to manage and can support multiple protocols. We then raise some important issues that should be investigated in future work concerning the testbed.
A High Throughput Anticollision Protocol to Decrease the Energy Consumption in a Passive RFID System
Authors: Landaluce Hugo , Arjona Laura , Perallos Asier , Bengtsson Lars , Cmiljanic Nikola
Published: November 2017

One of the main existing problems in Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology is the tag collision problem. When several tags try to respond to the reader under the coverage of the same reader antenna their messages collide, degrading bandwidth and increasing the number of transmitted bits. An anticollision protocol, based on the classical Binary Tree (BT) protocol, with the ability to decrease the number of bits transmitted by the reader and the tags, is proposed here. Simulations results show that the proposed protocol increases the throughput with respect to other recent state-of-the-art protocols while keeping a low energy consumption of a passive RFID system.
Analysis of Insulating Material of XLPE Cables considering Innovative Patterns of Partial Discharges
Authors: Figueroa Godoy Fernando , Jimenez Jacinto Torres , Vacio Rubén Jaramillo , Yáñez Mendiola Javier , Colin José Ángel
Published: November 2017

This paper aims to analyze the quality of insulation in high voltage underground cables XLPE using a prototype which classifies the following usual types of patterns of partial discharge (PD): (1) internal PD, (2) superficial PD, (3) corona discharge in air, and (4) corona discharge in oil, in addition to considering two new PD patterns: (1) false contact and (2) floating ground. The tests and measurements to obtain the patterns and study cases of partial discharges were performed at the Testing Laboratory Equipment and Materials (LEPEM) of the Federal Electricity Commission of Mexico (CFE) using a measuring equipment LDIC and norm IEC60270. To classify the six patterns of partial discharges mentioned above a Probabilistic Neural Network Bayesian Modified (PNNBM) method having the feature of using a large amount of data will be used and it is not saturated. In addition, PNN converges, always finding a solution in a short period of time with low computational cost. The insulation of two high voltage cables with different characteristics was analyzed. The test results allow us to conclude which wire has better insulation.
Relation of ABO Blood Groups to the Plaque Characteristic of Coronary Atherosclerosis
Authors: Huang Xingtao , Zou Yongpeng , Li Lulu , Chen Shuyuan , Hou Jingbo , Yu Bo
Published: November 2017

The ABO blood types related to morphological characteristics of atherosclerosis plaque are not clear. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between ABO blood groups and the coronary plaque characteristic. We retrospectively identified the target lesions in 392 acute coronary syndrome patients who underwent optical coherence tomography examination before stenting. Subjects were divided into different groups according to different blood types. The fibrous cap thickness was significantly thicker in O type compared with non-O type (0.075±0.033 mm versus0.061±0.024,p<0.001). Meanwhile, the incidence of thin-cap fibroatheroma was also significantly higher in O type compared with non-O type (51.0% versus 71.5%,p<0.001). The O type showed a significantly larger minimum lumen area[1.26 (0.82, 2.13) versus 1.05 (0.67, 1.82),p=0.020]and minimum lumen diameter[1.03 (0.74, 1.31) versus 0.95 (0.66, 1.25),p=0.039]compared with non-O type. There were no differences found in incidence of lipid plaque, plaque rupture, and thrombus between different blood type groups even between O type and non-O type group (p>0.05). The plaques of O type blood group were exhibited more stably compared with non-O type blood group. Moreover, the non-O type blood group have more serious coronary artery stenosis than O type blood group.
Estimating the Health Risk Associated with the Use of Ecological Sanitation Toilets in Malawi
Authors: Kumwenda Save , Msefula Chisomo , Kadewa Wilfred , Ngwira Bagrey , Morse Tracy
Published: November 2017

Use of Ecological Sanitation (EcoSan) sludge is becoming popular due to increasing price of organic fertilizers in Malawi; however, there is little evidence on the associated risks. Quantitative microbiological risk assessment (QMRA) was done to determine health risks associated with use of EcoSan. Pathogens considered includedEscherichia coli (E. coli),Salmonella,and soil transmitted helminths (STHs). Exponential and Beta Poisson models were used to estimate the risk from helminthic and bacterial pathogens, respectively. Main exposure pathways were through poor storage of sludge, contamination of foods during drying, walking barefoot on the ground contaminated with sludge, pit emptying without protection, and application of sludge in the fields. Estimated annual risk forAscaris lumbricoides, Taenia, andhookworms was approximately over 5.6 × 10−1for both Fossa Alternas (FAs) and Urine Diverting Dry Toilet (UDDTs). Risk fromE. coliandSalmonellawas 8.9 × 10−2and above. The risks were higher than WHO acceptable risk for use of faecal sludge in crops of 10−4infections per year. Promoters and users of EcoSan latrines need to consider advocating for strict guidelines to reduce the risk.
Delayed Intraventricular Hemorrhage following a Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Placement: Exploring the Surgical Anatomy of a Rare Complication
Authors: Mavridis Ioannis N. , Mitropoulos Athanassios , Mantas Constantinos , Karagianni Aikaterini , Vlachos Konstantinos
Published: November 2017

Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) placement is one of the commoner neurosurgical procedures worldwide. The purpose of this article is to report a case of delayed intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) following a VPS and to review the literature regarding anatomic factors that could potentially explain this rare complication. A 78-year-old man with normal pressure hydrocephalus, who underwent an uneventful right VPS placement, suffered from a catastrophic isolated IVH five days later. The reported cases of delayed intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) following VPS are rare and those with IVH are even rarer. Potential factors of surgical anatomy that could cause delayed ICH/IVH following a VPS procedure include erosion of vasculature by catheter cannulation, multiple attempts at perforation, puncture of the choroid plexus, improper placement of the tubing within the brain parenchyma, VPS system revision, venous infarction, vascular malformations, head trauma, and brain tumors. Other causes include generalized convulsion, VPS system malfunction, increased intracranial or blood pressure, sudden intracranial hypotension, and bleeding disorders. According to the current literature, our case is the first reported delayed isolated IVH after a VPS placement so far. Neurosurgeons should be aware of the delayed ICH/IVH as a rare, potentially fatal complication of VPS, as well as of its risk factors.
Research on Control Strategy of AC‐DC‐AC Substation Based on Modular Multilevel Converter
Authors: Chang Fei , Yang Zhongping , Lin Fei
Published: November 2017

Significant disadvantages in power quality especially the unbalance problem and neutral sections restrict the evolution of conventional traction power supply system. A new traction power supply system based on three‐phase to single‐phase converter is studied, which can transfer active power from three‐phase grid to single‐phase catenary. One catenary section could be utilized in the new traction power supply system instead of the multiple split sections in conventional system. Three‐phase to single‐phase converter is the core equipment of new traction power system. MMC (modular multilevel converter) structure of AC‐DC‐AC substation is proposed in this paper. To solve the problem of the capacitor voltage balancing in MMC, a parallel sorting algorithm based on field programmable gate array (FPGA) is studied. And the correctness and effectiveness of the algorithm are verified by experiments. In addition, it is inevitable that the AC grid voltage will be unbalanced caused by the fault in the new system. Therefore, this paper focuses on the analysis of the effect of the unbalanced grid voltage on the operating characteristics of the MMC system. Finally, the correctness of the theoretical analysis is verified by simulation.
A 3D Scan Model and Thermal Image Data Fusion Algorithms for 3D Thermography in Medicine
Authors: Chromy Adam , Klima Ondrej
Published: November 2017

Objectives. At present, medical thermal imaging is still considered a mere qualitative tool enabling us to distinguish between but lacking the ability to quantify the physiological and nonphysiological states of the body. Such a capability would, however, facilitate solving the problem of medical quantification, whose presence currently manifests itself within the entire healthcare system. Methods. A generally applicable method to enhance captured 3D spatial data carrying temperature-related information is presented; in this context, all equations required for other data fusions are derived. The method can be utilized for high-density point clouds or detailed meshes at a high resolution but is conveniently usable in large objects with sparse points. Results. The benefits of the approach are experimentally demonstrated on 3D thermal scans of injured subjects. We obtained diagnostic information inaccessible via traditional methods. Conclusion. Using a 3D model and thermal image data fusion allows the quantification of inflammation, facilitating more precise injury and illness diagnostics or monitoring. The technique offers a wide application potential in medicine and multiple technological domains, including electrical and mechanical engineering.
Estimation of the Corneal Young’s ModulusIn VivoBased on a Fluid-Filled Spherical-Shell Model with Scheimpflug Imaging
Authors: Shih Po-Jen , Huang Chun-Ju , Huang Tzu-Han , Lin Hung-Chou , Yen Jia-Yush , Wang I-Jong , Cao Hui-Jyun , Shih Wen-Pin , Dai Chi-An
Published: November 2017

Current intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement using air puff could be erroneous without applying proper corrections. Although noncontact tonometry is not considered to be accurate, it is still popularly used by eye clinics. It is thus necessary to extract the correct information from their results. This study proposes a practical approach to correctly measure IOPin vivo. By embedding a new model-based correction to the Corvis® ST, we can extract the corneal Young’s modulus from the patient data. This Young’s modulus can be used to correct the IOP readings. The tests were applied to 536 right eyes of 536 healthy subjects (228 male and 308 female) between March of 2012 and April of 2016. The tests were applied to patients at the Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital and the Hung-Chuo Eye Clinics. The statistical analysis showed that the value for the Young’s modulus was independent of all the other parameters collected from the Corvis ST, including the corneal thickness and the intraocular pressure. Therefore, it is important to independently measure the Young’s modulus instead of depending on the correlation with the other parameters. This study adds the methodology of measuring corneal stiffnessin vivofor ophthalmologists’ reference in diagnosis.
Effect of Excess Iodide Intake on Salivary Glands in a Swiss Albino Mice Model
Authors: Ross Gloria Romina , Fabersani Emanuel , Russo Matías , Gómez Alba , Japaze Hugo , González Silvia Nelina , Gauffin Cano Paola
Published: November 2017

Iodine is an important micronutrient required for nutrition. Excess iodine has adverse effects on thyroid, but there is not enough information regarding its effect on salivary glands. In addition to food and iodized salt, skin disinfectants and maternal nutritional supplements contain iodide, so its intake could be excessive during pregnancy, lactation, and infancy. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of excess iodide ingestion on salivary glands during mating, gestation, lactation, and postweaning period in mouse. During assay, mice were allocated into groups: control and treatment groups (received distilled water with NaI 1 mg/mL). Water intake, glandular weight, and histology were analyzed. Treatment groups showed an increase in glandular weight and a significantly (p < 0.05) higher water intake than control groups. Lymphocyte infiltration was observed in animals of treatment groups, while there was no infiltration in glandular sections of control groups. Results demonstrated that a negative relationship could exist between iodide excess and salivary glands. This work is novel evidence that high levels of iodide intake could induce mononuclear infiltration in salivary glands. These results should be considered, especially in pregnant/lactating women, to whom a higher iodine intake is usually recommended.
Effect of Annealing Process on CH3NH3PbI3-XClX Film Morphology of Planar Heterojunction Perovskite Solar Cells with Optimal Compact TiO2 Layer
Authors: Chen Dan , Zou Xiaoping , Yang Hong , Zhang Ningning , Jin Wenbin , Bai Xiao , Yang Ying
Published: November 2017

The morphology of compact TiO2 film used as an electron-selective layer and perovskite film used as a light absorption layer in planar perovskite solar cells has a significant influence on the photovoltaic performance of the devices. In this paper, the spin coating speed of the compact TiO2 is investigated in order to get a high-quality film and the compact TiO2 film exhibits pinhole- and crack-free films treated by 2000 rpm for 60 s. Furthermore, the effect of annealing process, including annealing temperature and annealing program, on CH3NH3PbI3-XClX film morphology is studied. At the optimal annealing temperature of 100°C, the CH3NH3PbI3-XClX morphology fabricated by multistep slow annealing method has smaller grain boundaries and holes than that prepared by one-step direct annealing method, which results in the reduction of grain boundary recombination and the increase of Voc. With all optimal procedures, a planar fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate/compact TiO2/CH3NH3PbI3-XClX/Spiro-MeOTAD/Au cell is prepared for an active area of 0.1 cm2. It has achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 14.64%, which is 80.3% higher than the reference cell (8.12% PCE) without optimal perovskite layer. We anticipate that the annealing process with optimal compact TiO2 layer would possibly become a promising method for future industrialization of planar perovskite solar cells.
Contribution ofIn Vivoand Organotypic 3D Models to Understanding the Role of Macrophages and Neutrophils in the Pathogenesis of Psoriasis
Authors: Lorthois Isabelle , Asselineau Daniel , Seyler Nathalie , Pouliot Roxane
Published: November 2017

Psoriasis, a common chronic immune-mediated skin disease, is histologically characterized by a rapid keratinocyte turnover and differentiation defects. Key insights favor the idea that T cells are not the only key actors involved in the inflammatory process. Innate immune cells, more precisely neutrophils and macrophages, provide specific signals involved in the initiation and the maintenance of the pathogenesis. Current data from animal models and, to a lesser extent, three-dimensionalin vitromodels have confirmed the interest in leaning towards other immune cell types as a potential new cellular target for the treatment of the disease. Although these models do not mimic the complex phenotype nor all human features of psoriasis, their development is necessary and essential to better understand reciprocal interactions between skin cells and innate immune cells and to emphasize the crucial importance of the local lesional microenvironment. In this review, through the use ofin vivoand 3D organotypic models, we aim to shed light on the crosstalk between epithelial and immune components and to discuss the role of secreted inflammatory molecules in the development of this chronic skin disease.
Partner Selection in Supply Chain of Vietnam’s Textile and Apparel Industry: The Application of a Hybrid DEA and GM (1,1) Approach
Authors: Wang Chia-Nan , Nguyen Han-Khanh , Liao Ruei-Yuan
Published: November 2017

Vietnam is currently among the top‐five textile and apparel exporters, and the industry is considered quite attractive to foreign investors. Nevertheless, the global textile and garment industry is experiencing important changes. The three main producing regions in the world are China, Southwest Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Turkey), and ASEAN. In order to maintain its positioning and to establish stable and sustainable Vietnam textile and apparel development, there must be radical changes. Due to this necessity, the authors conducted this study by using grey forecasting to predict and reflect the condition of businesses in the period of 2017–2020, together with combining a DEA model to help businesses select the most appropriate strategic partner in the supply chain in order to achieve economic goals and promote the strength of the businesses partaking in the association. Besides, this helps businesses exploit market opportunities and take advantage of the capabilities of the textile and apparel industry.
Cardioprotective Effect of Danshensu against Ischemic/Reperfusion Injury via c‐Subunit of ATP Synthase Inhibition
Authors: Gao Qing , Zhao JingYi , Fan Zixuan , Bao Jiadi , Sun Dawei , Li Huhu , Sun Chun , Jiang Xijuan
Published: November 2017

Mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening is the main culprit of ischemic/reperfusion (IR) injury. It is reported that c‐subunit of ATP synthase is the core component of MPTP. Danshensu (DSS), a monomer isolated from the traditional Chinese herb Danshen, has showed cardioprotective effect against IR injury through unknown mechanism. In this study, rat hearts were suspended in Langendorff instrument and perfused with Krebs‐Henseleit (KH) buffer containing DSS for 60 minutes, followed by 30 minutes of global ischemia. Parameters including heart rate, left ventricular developed pressure, and the rate of left ventricle diastolic pressure change were recorded to assess their cardiac function. All these indexes were improved in DSS group. The rate of cardiomyocytes apoptosis and MPTP opening were both inhibited in DSS group. In addition, DSS administration leads to downregulation of c‐subunit of ATP synthase in both mRNA and protein levels. Consistently, when c‐subunit of ATP synthase was overexpressed in H9C2 cells through pcDNA3/5G1 plasmid transfection, MPTP opening was enhanced when the cardioprotective effect of DSS also tapers. In conclusion, DSS could alleviate cardiac IR injury via inhibiting c‐subunit of ATP synthase expression.
Chimerism in Myeloid Malignancies following Stem Cell Transplantation Using FluBu4 with and without Busulfan Pharmacokinetics versus BuCy
Authors: Farhan Shatha , Bazydlo Michael , Neme Klodiana , Mikulandric Nancy , Peres Edward , Janakiraman Nalini
Published: November 2017

In the era of precision medicine, the impact of personalized dosing of busulfan is not clear. We undertook a retrospective analysis of 78 patients with myeloid malignancies who received fludarabine and busulfan (FluBu4) with or without measuring Bu pharmacokinetics (Bu PK) and those who received busulfan with cyclophosphamide (BuCy). Fifty-five patients received FluBu4, of whom 21 had Bu PK measured, and 23 patients received BuCy. Total donor cell chimerism showed that the percentage of patients maintaining 100% donor chimerism on day 100 was 66.7%, 38.2%, and 73.9% in the FluBu4 with PK, FluBu4 with no PK, and BuCy, respectively (P = .001). Patients who had decreasing donor chimerism by day 100 were 23.8%, 52.9%, and 26.1% in the FluBu4 with PK, FluBu4 with no PK, and BuCy, respectively (P = .04). Bu PK group had fewer patients with less than 95% donor chimerism on day 30, which was not statistically significant, 5% (FluBu4 PK), 31% (FluBu4 with no PK), and 21% (BuCy) (P = .18). Survival distributions were not statistically significant (P = .11). Thus, personalized drug dosing can impact donor chimerism in myeloid malignancies. This will need to be examined in larger retrospective multicenter studies and prospective clinical trials.
Effect Study of Aperture Distribution on the Capillary Pressure-Saturation Relation for the Single Fracture
Authors: Wang Yuan , Wu Chenglong , Zhou Yuntian
Published: November 2017

A systematic numerical method was presented to investigate the effect of aperture distribution on the relation of capillary pressure versus fluid saturation (P-S relation) for a single fracture. The fracture was conceptualized as a two-dimensional lattice-grid model and its aperture field was described by a probability distribution. Based on the invasion percolation theory, a program was developed to simulate the quasi-static displacement. The simulation was verified validly by comparisons of the experimental results. The effects of the statistical parameters were further quantified. The results show that the largest local aperture on the fracture boundary determines the AEV. The larger mean decreases the variation coefficient, which causes the more uniform aperture field, smoother air invasion front, and steeper capillary pressure-saturation curve (CPSC). The larger standard deviation increases not only the range but also the contrast degree of the apertures, thus providing a nondeterministic rule in the P-S relation. The larger correlation length causes a more homogeneous aperture field and a dual connectivity of the fracture. The increase of the difference and contrast degree between the small and large apertures results in dual-aperture fields. The dual-aperture field and dual connectivity of the fracture both contribute to the bimodal characteristic of the CPSC.
Venetoclax Is Effective in Small-Cell Lung Cancers with High BCL-2 Expression
Authors: Lochmann Timothy L. , Floros Konstantinos V. , Naseri Mitra , Powell Krista M. , Cook Wade , March Ryan J. , Stein Giovanna T. , Greninger Patricia , Maves Yuki Kato , Saunders Laura R. , Dylla Scott J. , Costa Carlotta , Boikos Sosipatros A. , Leverson Joel D. , Souers Andrew J. , Krystal Geoffrey W. , Harada Hisashi , Benes Cyril H. , Faber Anthony C.
Published: November 2017

Purpose: Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an often-fatal neuroendocrine carcinoma usually presenting as extensive disease, carrying a 3% 5-year survival. Despite notable advances in SCLC genomics, new therapies remain elusive, largely due to a lack of druggable targets.

Experimental Design: We used a high-throughput drug screen to identify a venetoclax-sensitive SCLC subpopulation and validated the findings with multiple patient-derived xenografts of SCLC.

Results: Our drug screen consisting of a very large collection of cell lines demonstrated that venetoclax, an FDA-approved BCL-2 inhibitor, was found to be active in a substantial fraction of SCLC cell lines. Venetoclax induced BIM-dependent apoptosis in vitro and blocked tumor growth and induced tumor regressions in mice bearing high BCL-2–expressing SCLC tumors in vivo. BCL-2 expression was a predictive biomarker for sensitivity in SCLC cell lines and was highly expressed in a subset of SCLC cell lines and tumors, suggesting that a substantial fraction of patients with SCLC could benefit from venetoclax. Mechanistically, we uncover a novel role for gene methylation that helped discriminate high BCL-2–expressing SCLCs.

Conclusions: Altogether, our findings identify venetoclax as a promising new therapy for high BCL-2–expressing SCLCs. Clin Cancer Res; 24(2); 360–9. ©2017 AACR.
Aktuelle Entwicklungen in der Diagnose und Therapie der okulären Toxoplasmose
Authors: Ozgonul Cem , Besirli Cagri Giray
Published: November 2017

Die okuläre Toxoplasmose, eine Infektion der Aderhaut und Netzhaut mit Toxoplasma gondii, ist in vielen Ländern der häufigste ätiologische Ursprung der Uveitis posterior. Die Diagnosestellung basiert maßgeblich auf den charakteristischen klinischen Merkmalen der Erkrankung, doch insbesondere bei immungeschwächten Patienten können auch atypische Manifestationsformen die Diagnose erschweren und zu Fehldiagnosen und falscher Behandlung führen. Molekularbiologische Methoden, die okuläre Toxoplasmose zu diagnostizieren, sind seit vielen Jahren verfügbar und zählen heute in vielen Ländern zum laboranalytischen Standard. Die Untersuchung von Kammerwasser oder Glaskörper auf parasitäre DNA mittels Polymerase-Kettenreaktion oder spezifischen Antikörpern kann eine schnelle Diagnosesicherung ermöglichen. Pyrimethamin und Sulfadiazin oral plus systemische Kortikosteroide sind eine wirksame Therapie für die okuläre Toxoplasmose. Aktuelle Daten sprechen für andere Behandlungsstrategien, einschließlich intravitrealer Antibiotika. Das Ziel der vorliegenden Übersichtsarbeit ist es, die neuen diagnostischen Instrumente und Behandlungsoptionen für die okuläre Toxoplasmose vorzustellen. Übersetzung aus Ophthalmic Res 2017;57:1-12 (DOI: 10.1159/000449169)
BMI Is a Better Body Proportionality Measure than the Ponderal Index and Weight-for-Length for Preterm Infants
Authors: Ferguson A. Nicole , Grabich Shannon C. , Olsen Irene E. , Cantrell Rebecca , Clark Reese H. , Ballew Wendy N. , Chou Jeffrey , Lawson M. Louise
Published: November 2017

Background: Clinicians have observed preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit growing disproportionally; however, the only growth charts that have been available were from preterm infants born in the 1950s which utilized the ponderal index. Prior to creating the recently published BMI curves, we found only 1 reference justifying the use of the ponderal index. Objectives: To determine the best measure of body proportionality for assessing growth in US preterm infants. Methods: Using a dataset of 391,681 infants, we determined the body proportionality measure that was most correlated with weight and least correlated with length. We examined the sex-specific overall correlations and then stratified further by gestational age (GA). We then plotted the body proportionality measures versus length to visualize apparent discrepancies in the appropriate measure. Results: The overall correlations showed weight/length3 (ponderal index) was the best measure but stratification by GA indicated that BMI (weight/length2) was the best measure. This seeming inconsistency was due to negative correlations between ponderal index and length at each GA. BMI, on the other hand, had a correlation with length across GAs, but was uncorrelated with length within GAs. Both ponderal index and BMI were positively correlated with weight. Conclusions: BMI is the appropriate measure of body proportionality for preterm infants, contrary to current practice.
Okuläre Tuberkulose - Der fremde Gast
Authors: Göbel Katja
Published: November 2017

Primäre Tuberkulose der Konjunktiva kommt in den entwickelten Ländern sehr selten vor. In einem endemischen Land wie Indien sollte sie bei der Differentialdiagnose jeder ungewöhnlichen Konjunktiva-Läsion mit Unilateralität, Chronizität und nach Steroideinsatz nicht nachlassenden Symptomen in Betracht gezogen werden. Wir präsentieren den Fall einer 52-jährigen Frau, die sich mit einseitigem Juckreiz und verschwommener Sicht vorstellte, die seit 20 Tagen andauerten. Es lagen unregelmäßige noduläre erhöhte Bereiche mit Schrumpfung der unteren palpebralen Konjunktiva vor. Eine Biopsie der Läsion zeigte nekrotisierende ephiteloidzellige Granulome zusammen mit Riesenzellen vom Langhans-Typ. In der Ziehl-Neelsen-Färbung waren jedoch keine säurefesten Bakterien zu beobachten. Die systemische Untersuchung der Patientin war unauffällig und es gab keine Hinweise auf pulmonale Tuberkulose. Die mit Abschabeproben der Konjunktiva durchgeführte Polymerasekettenreaktion war positiv auf Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Es wurde eine Behandlung der Patientin mit Tuberkulose-Medikamenten eingeleitet. Wir stellen diesen sehr seltenen Fall einer primären Tuberkulose der Konjunktiva vor, die sich als trockenes Auges darstellt.
Advanced Midzonal Iris Pigment Epithelial Cyst Managed by Aspiration Deflation
Authors: Shields Jerry A. , Fallon Samuel J. , Shields Charlotte Nelle , Lally Sara E. , Shields Carol L.
Published: November 2017

Background: There are several cysts that can occur in the iris. The midzonal (retroiridic) iris pigment epithelial (IPE) cyst is important because it can simulate melanoma of the ciliary body. However, it is frequently asymptomatic and requires no treatment. Methods: A 37-year-old asymptomatic woman with visual acuity of 20/20 in each eye was found to have an elevated mass behind the left iris, presumed to be melanoma, and was referred for management. On our examination, there was a typical midzonal IPE cyst in the left eye (OS), requiring observation without intervention. After 4 years, she developed progressive visual loss to 20/40 OS and cyst enlargement was noted, obstructing most of the visual axis and causing partial lens subluxation. Translimbal fine needle aspiration deflation with a 30-G needle was performed. Results: Immediately at aspiration, the cyst demonstrated collapse, disappearing behind the iris stroma, and the lens subluxation resolved. Visual acuity returned to 20/20 OS and has remained stable without recurrence for 3 years. Conclusion: Although most midzonal IPE cysts are asymptomatic, this case showed progressive enlargement with visual loss and was managed with translimbal aspiration. Symptomatic midzonal IPE cysts can be deflated with translimbal aspiration rather than more aggressive surgical excision.
Longitudinal Changes in Performance on Cognitive Screening Tests in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Li Fangzhou , Takechi Hajime , Kokuryu Atsuko , Takahashi Ryosuke
Published: November 2017

Background: Neuropsychological tests that can track changes in cognitive functions after diagnosis of Alzheimer disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), including episodic memory, should be further developed. Methods: The participants of our study consisted of 22 mild AD patients and 11 MCI patients. They were followed up for 2 years. Brief cognitive screening tests were administered to the participants. Longitudinal changes in test performance were evaluated and analyzed. Results: In this longitudinal study, the Scenery Picture Memory Test (SPMT) showed significant changes over 2 years in both MCI and AD participants. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Word Fluency Test-vegetable showed significant changes only in AD participants. Other tests all showed little or no decline in results. Conclusions: The SPMT can be a useful tool for effectively observing changes during follow-up of MCI and AD patients.
Os caminhos da bola pelas estradas de São Paulo
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Escola de Artes, Ciências e Humanidades, Almeida Marco Bettine de
Published: November 2017

O livro convida o leitor para caminhar por um período específico da história de São Paulo, buscando jogos de futebol na intenção de observar sua construção, os agentes envolvidos e a evolução do esporte no tempo. Este trabalho tem como objetivo analisar o desenvolvimento dos clubes de futebol no Estado de São Paulo no final do século XIX até meados do século XX. A obra discute os contornos históricos do surgimento dos clubes de futebol e o processo de disseminação da modalidade pelos meios de transporte. Trata-se, segundo leitura de Boris Fausto, de buscar interpretar esse fascínio, excitação, obsessão, ilusão que o futebol ritualiza, por meio das palavras.