bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioinformatics analysis of microRNAs related to blood stasis syndrome in diabetes mellitus patients
Authors: Chen Ruixue , Chen Minghao , Xiao Ya , Liang Qiuer , Cai Yunfei , Chen Liguo , Fang Meixia
Published: February 2018

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), blood stasis syndrome (BSS) is mainly manifested by the increase of blood viscosity, platelet adhesion rate and aggregation, and the change of microcirculation, resulting in vascular endothelial injury. It is an important factor in the development of diabetes mellitus (DM). The aim of the present study was to screen out the potential candidate microRNAs (miRNAs) in DM patients with BSS by high-throughput sequencing (HTS) and bioinformatics analysis. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were incubated with 10% human serum to establish models of DM with BSS, DM without BSS (NBS), and normal control (NC). Total RNA of each sample was extracted and sequenced by the Hiseq2000 platform. Differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) were screened between samples and compared with known changes in mRNA abundance. Target genes of miRNAs were predicted by softwares. Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analysis of the target genes were conducted. According to the significantly enriched GO annotations and pathways (P-value ≤ 0.001), we selected the key miRNAs of DM with BSS. It showed that the number of DE-miRNAs in BSS was 32 compared with non-blood stasis syndrome (NBS) and NC. The potential candidate miRNAs were chosen from GO annotations in which target genes were significantly enriched (−log10 (P-value) > 5), which included miR-140-5p, miR-210, miR-362-5p, miR-590-3p, and miR-671-3p. The present study screened out the potential candidate miRNAs in DM patients with BSS by HTS and bioinformatics analysis. The miRNAs will be helpful to provide valuable suggestions on clinical studies of DM with BSS at the gene level.
Identification of a novel mutation in the ABCA4 gene in a Chinese family with retinitis pigmentosa using exome sequencing
Authors: Huang Xiangjun , Yuan Lamei , Xu Hongbo , Zheng Wen , Cao Yanna , Yi Junhui , Guo Yi , Yang Zhijian , Li Yu , Deng Hao
Published: February 2018

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of hereditary, degenerative retinal disorders characterized by progressive retinal dysfunction, outer retina cell loss, and retinal tissue atrophy. It eventually leads to tunnel vision and legal or total blindness. Here, we aimed to reveal the causal gene and mutation contributing to the development of autosomal recessive RP (arRP) in a consanguineous family. A novel homozygous mutation, c.4845delT (p.K1616Rfs*46), in the ATP-binding cassette subfamily A member 4 gene (ABCA4) was identified. It may reduce ABCA4 protein activity, leading to progressive degeneration of both rod and cone photoreceptors. The study extends the arRP genotypic spectrum and confirms a genotype–phenotype relationship. The present study may also disclose some new clues for RP genetic causes and pathogenesis, as well as clinical and genetic diagnosis. The research findings may contribute to improvement in clinical care, therapy, genetic screening, and counseling.
Comparative analysis of plant isochorismate synthases reveals structural mechanisms underlying their distinct biochemical properties
Authors: Yokoo Shohei , Inoue Seiya , Suzuki Nana , Amakawa Naho , Matsui Hidenori , Nakagami Hirofumi , Takahashi Akira , Arai Ryoichi , Katou Shinpei
Published: February 2018

Isochorismate synthase (ICS) converts chorismate into isochorismate, a precursor of primary and secondary metabolites including salicylic acid (SA). SA plays important roles in responses to stress conditions in plants. Many studies have suggested that the function of plant ICSs is regulated at the transcriptional level. In Arabidopsis thaliana, the expression of AtICS1 is induced by stress conditions in parallel with SA synthesis, and AtICS1 is required for SA synthesis. In contrast, the expression of NtICS is not induced when SA synthesis is activated in tobacco, and it is unlikely to be involved in SA synthesis. Studies on the biochemical properties of plant ICSs are limited, compared with those on transcriptional regulation. We analyzed the biochemical properties of four plant ICSs: AtICS1, NtICS, NbICS from Nicotiana benthamiana, and OsICS from rice. Multiple sequence alignment analysis revealed that their primary structures were well conserved, and predicted key residues for ICS activity were almost completely conserved. However, AtICS1 showed much higher activity than the other ICSs when expressed in Escherichia coli and N. benthamiana leaves. Moreover, the levels of AtICS1 protein expression in N. benthamiana leaves were higher than the other ICSs. Construction and analysis of chimeras between AtICS1 and OsICS revealed that the putative chloroplast transit peptides (TPs) significantly affected the levels of protein accumulation in N. benthamiana leaves. Chimeric and point-mutation analyses revealed that Thr531, Ser537, and Ile550 of AtICS1 are essential for its high activity. These distinct biochemical properties of plant ICSs may suggest different roles in their respective plant species.
Vitamin D deficiency in relation to the poor functional outcomes in nondiabetic patients with ischemic stroke
Authors: Wei Zhao-Nan , Kuang Jian-Guo
Published: February 2018

To assess the hypothesis that vitamin D, reflected by 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH) D) would be associated with higher risk of poor functional outcomes amongst nondiabetic stroke patients. The present study was conducted in Nanchang, China. Serum concentration of 25(OH) D and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) were measured at the time of admission. Functional outcome was measured by modified Rankin scale (mRS) at 1 year after admission. Multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression models. The cut point of 25(OH) D level for vitamin D deficiency was 20 ng/ml. In the present study, 266 nondiabetic subjects with stroke were included; 149 out of the 266 patients were defined as vitamin D deficiency (56%). The poor outcome distribution across the 25(OH) D quartiles ranged between 64% (first quartile) and 13% (fourth quartile). In those 149 patients with vitamin D deficiency, 75 patients were defined as poor functional outcomes, giving a prevalence rate of 50% (95% confidence interval (CI): 42–58%). In multivariate analysis models, for vitamin D deficiency, the adjusted risk of poor functional outcomes and mortality increased by 220% (odds ratio (OR): 3.2; 95% CI: 1.7–4.2, P<0.001) and 290% (OR: 3.9; 95% CI: 2.1–5.8, P<0.001), respectively. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of poor functional outcome events in Chinese nondiabetic stroke individuals.
Co-translational control of protein complex formation: a fundamental pathway of cellular organization?
Authors: Williams Neal K. , Dichtl Bernhard
Published: February 2018

Analyses of proteomes from a large number of organisms throughout the domains of life highlight the key role played by multiprotein complexes for the implementation of cellular function. While the occurrence of multiprotein assemblies is ubiquitous, the understanding of pathways that dictate the formation of quaternary structure remains enigmatic. Interestingly, there are now well-established examples of protein complexes that are assembled co-translationally in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, and indications are that the phenomenon is widespread in cells. Here, we review complex assembly with an emphasis on co-translational pathways, which involve interactions of nascent chains with other nascent or mature partner proteins, respectively. In prokaryotes, such interactions are promoted by the polycistronic arrangement of mRNA and the associated co-translation of functionally related cell constituents in order to enhance otherwise diffusion-dependent processes. Beyond merely stochastic events, however, co-translational complex formation may be sensitive to subunit availability and allow for overall regulation of the assembly process. We speculate how co-translational pathways may constitute integral components of quality control systems to ensure the correct and complete formation of hundreds of heterogeneous assemblies in a single cell. Coupling of folding of intrinsically disordered domains with co-translational interaction of binding partners may furthermore enhance the efficiency and fidelity with which correct conformation is attained. Co-translational complex formation may constitute a fundamental pathway of cellular organization, with profound importance for health and disease.
The angiotensin type 2 receptor in the human adrenocortical zona glomerulosa and in aldosterone-producing adenoma: low expression and no functional role
Authors: Vanderriele Paul-Emmanuel , Caroccia Brasilina , Seccia Teresa Maria , Piazza Maria , Lenzini Livia , Torresan Francesca , Iacobone Maurizio , Unger Thomas , Rossi Gian Paolo
Published: February 2018

The angiotensin II (Ang II) type 2 receptor (AT2R) and the angiotensin-(1–7) (Ang-(1–7)) receptor (MasR) play a cardiovascular protective role by counter-regulating Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R)-mediated effects, but whether this involves blunting of adrenocortical hormone secretion is unknown. We investigated the presence of AT1R, AT2R, and MasR in aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA), a condition featuring hyperaldosteronism, and in APA-adjacent tissue. The effect of Compound 21 (C21), an AT2R agonist, on CYP11B1 (cortisol synthase) and CYP11B2 (aldosterone synthase) gene expression in NCI-H295R and HAC15 cell lines, and in APA and APA-adjacent tissue, was also assessed using the AT1R antagonist irbesartan to ascertain the specificity of C21 effect. We found that the AT1R, AT2R, and MasR were expressed in APA and APA-adjacent tissue, albeit heterogeneously. The gene expression of AT1R and AT2R was lower, and that of the MasR higher in APAs than in APA-adjacent tissue. In steroid-producing NCI-H295R and HAC15 cell lines, and in APA and APA-adjacent tissue, C21 was ineffective at nanomolar concentrations, but increased CYP11B1 and CYP11B2 gene expression at micromolar concentrations through AT1R, as this effect was blunted by irbesartan. The scant expression of the AT2R, along with the lack of any effect of C21 at low concentrations on CYP11B2, do not support the contention that the protective arm of renin–angiotensin system (RAS) blunts aldosterone synthase in the normal adrenal cortex and primary aldosteronism.
New structural and functional insights from in-cell NMR
Authors: Luchinat Enrico , Banci Lucia
Published: February 2018

In recent years, it has become evident that structural characterization would gain significantly in terms of biological relevance if framed within a cellular context, while still maintaining the atomic resolution. Therefore, major efforts have been devoted to developing Cellular Structural Biology approaches. In this respect, in-cell NMR can provide and has provided relevant contributions to the field, not only to investigate the structural and dynamical properties of macromolecules in solution but, even more relevant, to understand functional processes directly in living cells and the factors that modulate them, such as exogenous molecules, partner proteins, and oxidative stress. In this commentary, we review and discuss some of the main contributions to the understanding of protein structural and functional properties achieved by in-cell NMR.
Outage performance of DF relay selection schemes with outdated CSI over Rayleigh fading channels
Authors: Li Enyu , Wang Xuhu , Wu Zeju , Yang Guang
Published: February 2018

In this study, the authors first propose two protocols, namely the opportunistic relay (OR) priority and the direct retransmission (DR) priority, based on the reactive and proactive OR selection schemes, respectively. Then, they investigate the outage performance of these protocols with outdated channel state information (CSI) and derive the exact closed‐form expressions of the outage probabilities of all the considered scenarios based on the decode‐and‐forward (DF) protocol. In the high signal‐to‐noise ratio regime, the authors analyse the asymptotic outage behaviour. In addition, based on the asymptotic analysis, the diversity orders of all the schemes mentioned above are derived. Theoretical analysis and simulation results show that (i) the outage performance of the DR priority is better than that of the OR priority; (ii) the outage performance of the reactive OR selection is better than that of the proactive OR selection in the same scenario; (iii) the diversity orders of all the considered schemes will be reduced to 2 when the CSI is outdated; (iv) the outage performance will be decreased substantially in the case that the channel correlation coefficient has only a little reduction.
Detection performances and effective capacity of cognitive radio with primary user emulators
Authors: Yang Yijie , Zhang Luyong , Li Xuan , Zhao Chenglin
Published: February 2018

The performances of cognitive radio system have been studied with primary user emulators existing. In this study, the authors use the theory of effective capacity to study the performances under quality‐of‐service (QoS) constraints in the link layer. New decision rules are proposed to decide the channel states. For a cognitive radio channel, the secondary users send data at two different rates regarding the channel states of being idle or occupied by primary users. When the channel is sensed as being occupied by a primary user emulator, which is performed by a secondary user, the secondary user stops the data transmission. To model the transmission channel, an 18‐state model of transition is constructed. The effective capacity expression of such cognitive system is also derived and analysed with different transmission rates. Besides, the impact on the effective capacity from the system parameters is investigated. It is shown from the numerical results that under the proposed decision rules, sensing durations and thresholds affect the detection probabilities greatly. For the effective capacity, it is shown that QoS imposes the most effect on the effective capacity, sensing durations and transmission rates can impact the effective capacity in certain regions.
Performance analysis of physical layer security over shadowed fading channels
Authors: Sun Jiangfeng , Li Xingwang , Huang Mengyan , Ding Yuan , Jin Jin , Pan Gaofeng
Published: February 2018

In this study, the secrecy performance of the classic Wyner's wiretap model over shadowed fading channels is studied. More specifically, the authors derive two analytical expressions for the lower bound of secure outage probability at high signal‐to‐noise ratio regime and the probability of strictly positive secrecy capacity over shadowed fading channels, respectively. As there exist infinite series in the two derived expressions, they further obtain two simple and explicit approximate expressions for the lower bound of secure outage probability and the probability of strictly positive secrecy capacity with the aid of the moment matching method. It is shown that the match between the analytical results and simulations is very excellent for all parameters under considerations.
CT image denoising using NLM and correlation‐based wavelet packet thresholding
Authors: Diwakar Manoj , Kumar Manoj
Published: February 2018

The impact of radiation dose is directly related to the quality of computed tomography (CT) images. Low‐dose CT images are degraded with the noise and other factors. Noise reduction methods are very helpful to enhance the noisy CT images with a possibility to increase the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and have a scope for further reduction of radiation dose. In this study, a denoising scheme is proposed which is applicable only for two identical images with uncorrelated noise. In the proposed scheme, a non‐local means (NLM) filter is used to denoise the first input image and a wavelet packet thresholding to denoise the second input image. Results of NLM filter are analysed and found excellent for noise suppression but missing the small structures of the input image. To recover that, the proposed scheme is using correlation‐based wavelet packet thresholding. The final outcomes of the proposed scheme are excellent in terms of noise suppression and structure preservation. The proposed scheme is compared with existing methods and it is observed that performance of the proposed method is superior to existing methods in terms of visual quality, image quality index, peak SNR and entropy difference.
Lane detection method based on lane structural analysis and CNNs
Authors: Ye Yang Yang , Hao Xiao Li , Chen Hou Jin
Published: February 2018

Advanced driving assistance systems (ADASs) play a vital role in the safety of transportation. The detection of lane markings is a very important part of ADASs. For the safety of autonomous vehicles and vehicles driven by human drivers, accurate detection results are necessary. In this study, the authors propose a novel algorithm based on lane structural analysis and convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for lane marking detection. First, a pre‐processing stage is used to remove the pavement that constitutes the background of the lane markings. Next, a set of local waveforms from local images is used to generate a region of interest and a CNN classifier is employed to detect lane marking candidates. Finally, a lane geometry analysis stage determines whether or not the candidate is a part of a lane marking. The major contributions of this study can be summarised as follows. First, they propose a novel method to describe a road using waveforms. Second, they analyse the local and global characteristics of the road geometry to detect the lane markings. Third, they provide an effective method to obtain training data for the proposed machine learning method. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms conventional methods.
Design of miniaturised on‐chip slot antenna for THz detector in CMOS
Authors: Xu Lei‐Jun , Tong Fu‐Cheng , Bai Xue , Li Qin
Published: February 2018

For the miniaturisation of the terahertz detector with on‐chip antenna, the slotted patch antennas in different shape are studied. Through analysing and comparing of the antennas in rectangle, circular and diamond shape, with and without slot, the double arc slots and diagonal slots are proposed for the circular patch antenna and the diamond patch antenna, respectively, which can increase the current path to reduce the size of the patch antenna effectively. The optimised radius of the circular patch antenna is 130 μm and the diagonal of the diamond patch antenna is 207.2 μm, whose size is reduced about 12 and 40%, respectively. Fabricated in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) 0.18 μm standard complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) process, the N Metal Oxide Semiconductor (NMOS) detector with proposed antenna has the response frequency ranging from 270 to 320 GHz. For the detector 1 with circular antenna and detector 2 with diamond antenna, the maximum response voltage is 419 and 110 μV at the frequency of 290 and 280 GHz, respectively.
Determination of droop control coefficient of multi‐terminal VSC‐HVDC with system stability consideration
Authors: Peng Qiao , Liu Tianqi , Wang Shunliang , Qiu Yufeng , Li Xingyuan , Li Baohong
Published: February 2018

In multi‐terminal voltage source converter based high‐voltage direct‐current (VSC‐HVDC) systems, droop controllers are commonly adopted to regulate the active power and voltage. Thus, the droop controller coefficients inevitably affect the system stability. In this study, a method to design droop control coefficient is proposed considering the system stability. The state‐space model of the multi‐terminal VSC‐HVDC system with droop controllers is established in which the droop controllers are considered as feedback controllers to reflect the control characteristics. Based on the model, the determination of droop control coefficients can be equivalent to an optimisation problem. The objective is to minimise the Frobenius‐Hankel norm of the system S/T mixed sensitivity. The constraint conditions include closed‐loop system eigenvalues constraint and steady‐state errors constraint. By doing so, the optimal system stability and robustness are achieved. To verify the proposal, simulations on a four‐terminal VSC‐HVDC system are performed with two another sets of droop control coefficients for comparison. Simulation results show that the proposed droop controller can ensure system stability and robustness under various disturbances and faulty conditions.
Joint parameter estimation method for multiple manoeuvring targets with high speed
Authors: Cui Wei , Xiang Jinzhi , Tian Jing
Published: February 2018

In this study, a joint parameter estimation method is proposed to realise the long‐time coherent integration and estimate the motion parameters for multiple weak manoeuvring targets with high speed and acceleration, involving the first‐order range migration (FRM), second‐order RM (SRM) and Doppler frequency migration. In the proposed method, the effect of the target's Doppler spectrum spanning over two neighbouring pulse repetition frequency bounds on first‐order keystone transform (FKT) is first analysed and a Doppler shifting function is constructed to solve this problem. Then, FKT and the velocity ambiguity factor searching are performed to eliminate the FRM. After that, SRM is removed through the phase compensation function related to acceleration. Finally, the Lv's distribution is applied to realise the coherent integration and obtain the estimates of velocity and acceleration. The numerical experiments using both simulated and real data demonstrate that the proposed method can achieve close detection and estimation performance with much lower computational complexity, compared with the generalised radon‐Fourier transform. Moreover, it can estimate the motion parameters of the targets without knowing any prior knowledge of targets and obtain good coherent integration performance in low signal‐to‐noise ratio scenarios.
4‐aminobenzensulphonate‐assisted enhanced hydrophily of carbon nanotubes and simultaneous uniform dispersion of PtRu nanoparticles
Authors: Wu Bohua , Zhu Jiajin , Yin Siyuan , Li Xue , Chu Jia , Xiong Shanxin
Published: February 2018

A 4‐aminobenzensulphonate (p‐ABS)‐assisted strategy has been proposed to separate the aggregations of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and deposit PtRu nanoparticles on them with holonomic graphitic structures. In this work, as an efficient dispersing agent, 0.5 wt% of p‐ABS in isopropanol/water solution can drastically separate CNTs aggregations. Meanwhile, under the help of p‐ABS, high dispersion of PtRu nanoparticles is anchored on CNTs surface with small average diameter (3.0 ± 0.5 nm). It is clear that p‐ABS acts as dispersant, stabiliser and linker in the proposed strategy. The obtained PtRu/p‐ABS‐CNTs nanohybrids were applied as electrocatalysts for methanol oxidation and showed enhanced catalytic activity and stability. Due to the introduction of the amino (−NH2) and sulphonic acid (−SO3 H) groups onto CNTs by non‐covalent method, it ensures PtRu nanoparticles with the advantages of high dispersion, small particle size, locating in triple‐phase zones to increase Pt utilisation and reduces the electrochemical corrosion of p‐ABS‐CNTs, which result in the improved catalytic performance. This work demonstrates an alternative approach to fabricate CNTs supported superior noble metal catalysts for broad applications in fuel cells and chemo/biosensors.
Synergistic effect of surface phase junction and surface defects on enhancing the photocatalytic performance of BiPO4
Authors: Feng Xianyong , Wang Peifang , Qian Jin , Ao Yanhui , Wang Chao , Hou Jun
Published: February 2018

In this work, defective BiPO4 with surface phase junction (BPJ) was synthesised using a facile ball‐milling method. The phase composition of BPJ was found to include monazite monoclinic BiPO4 and monoclinic BiPO4. Surface defects on BPJ could be controlled by changing ball‐milling conditions. The optimal sample exhibited significantly enhanced photocatalytic performance compared with BiPO4 and BPJ under ultraviolet light irradiation. The enhancement of photocatalytic performance was due to the synergistic effect of the surface phase junction and surface defects, which significantly improved the separation and transfer efficiency of photogenerated charges.
Low Subfrontal Dural Opening for Anterior Clinoid Meningioma
Authors: Chicoine Michael
Published: February 2018

Introduction A variety of dural openings are described for frontal–temporal and cranio-orbital craniotomies. As with any surgical technique, the goal is to optimally and safely address the pathology, minimize normal anatomy disruption, and optimize postoperative recovery. This study reports a modified dural opening for frontal–temporal approaches which minimizes brain exposure while facilitating visualization for neoplastic and vascular lesions of the anterior clinoid, supra- and parasellar and adjacent regions.

Methods A sample case is presented for which a low subfrontal dural exposure was utilized for tumor resection. The clinical presentation, surgical procedure, and outcome are summarized including a video detailing the surgical technique.

Results A 63-year-old female with gradual left eye vision loss and tumor enlargement on serial imaging. The small dural-based tumor arose from the left anterior clinoid and optic canal region compressing the optic nerve. The video shows a left frontal–temporal craniotomy used to perform extradural anterior clinoidectomy and optic canal decompression. The novel low subfrontal dural opening without fixed brain retraction allowed dural opening around the optic canal and clinoidectomy region to resect tumor and complete optic nerve decompression. Postoperatively, the patient did well with significant recovery of vision and follow-up at 2.5 years shows no evidence of tumor recurrence.

Conclusion The novel low subfrontal dural opening provides access to lesions of the supra-and para-sellar and adjacent regions, and preservation of much of the dura avoids some of the risks of intradural dissection including Sylvian fissure dissection and brain retraction

The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/Jc7wvR4PTFk.
Amplitude-Integrated EEG and Cerebral Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Cooled, Asphyxiated Infants
Authors: Niezen C. K. , Bos A. F. , Sival D. A. , Meiners L. C. , ter Horst H. J.
Published: February 2018

Objective To assess the predictive value of amplitude-integrated electroencephalography EEG (aEEG) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) during therapeutic hypothermia.

Patients and Methods We studied 39 cooled, asphyxiated infants. We assessed aEEG and calculated mean regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rcSO2) during and after treatment. At 30 months, we performed a neurological examination and administered the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, 3rd edition. We calculated the odds ratios (ORs) of abnormal aEEG and rcSO2 for severely abnormal outcome.

Results At 6 and 12 hours, severely abnormal aEEGs predicted severely abnormal outcomes (OR, 7.7 [95% confidence interval, CI, 1.39–42.6] and 24.4 [95% CI 4.2–143] respectively), as did epileptic activity (OR 28.9, 4.6–183). During the first 48 hours, rcSO2 was not associated with outcome, but at 72 hours after birth and after rewarming it was, with ORs for severely abnormal outcomes of 12.8 (1.31–124) and 21.6 (1.05–189), respectively. In multivariate analyses, aEEG and rcSO2 remained independently predictive in the model at 48 hours and significantly from 72 hours after birth onward.

Conclusion aEEG was a strong predictor of adverse outcome. After 48 hours of cooling, a higher rcSO2 was associated with a severely abnormal outcome, adding to the predictive value of aEEG in cooled, asphyxiated infants.
Association of Resident Duty Hour Restrictions, Level of Trainee, and Number of Available Residents with Mortality in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Clement Karin , Lacroix Guy , Bélanger Sylvie , Julien Anne-Sophie , Piedboeuf Bruno , Beltempo Marc
Published: February 2018

Objective This article assesses the effect of reducing consecutive hours worked by residents from 24 to 16 hours on yearly total hours worked per resident in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and evaluates the association of resident duty hour reform, level of trainee, and the number of residents present at admission with mortality in the NICU.

Study Design This is a 6-year retrospective cohort study including all pediatric residents working in a Level 3 NICU (N = 185) and infants admitted to the NICU (N = 8,159). Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) were estimated for mortality with respect to Epoch (2008–2011 [24-hour shifts] versus 2011–2014 [16-hour shifts]), level of trainee, and the number of residents present at admission.

Results The reduction in maximum consecutive hours worked was associated with a significant reduction of the median yearly total hours worked per resident in the NICU (381 hour vs. 276 hour, p < 0.01). Early mortality rate was 1.2% (50/4,107) before the resident duty hour reform and 0.8% (33/4,052) after the reform (aOR, 0.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.33–0.98). Neither level of trainee (aOR, 1.22; 95% CI, 0.71–2.10; junior vs. senior) nor the number of residents present at admission (aOR, 2.08; 95% CI, 0.43–10.02, 5–8 residents vs. 0–2 residents) were associated with early mortality. Resident duty hour reform was not associated with hospital mortality (aOR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.50–1.07; after vs. before resident duty hour reform).

Conclusion Resident duty hour restrictions were associated with a reduction in the number of yearly hours worked by residents in the NICU as well as a significant decrease in adjusted odds of early mortality but not of hospital mortality in admitted neonates.
Effects of the Reactive Metabolite Methylglyoxal on Cellular Signalling, Insulin Action and Metabolism – What We Know in Mammals and What We Can Learn From Yeast
Authors: Zemva Johanna , Pfaff Daniel , Groener Jan , Fleming Thomas , Herzig Stephan , Teleman Aurelio , Nawroth Peter , Tyedmers Jens
Published: February 2018

Levels of reactive metabolites such as reactive carbonyl and oxygen species are increased in patients with diabetes mellitus. The most important reactive dicarbonyl species, methylglyoxal (MG), formed as by-product during glucose metabolism, is more and more recognized as a trigger for the development and progression of diabetic complications. Although it is clear that MG provokes toxic effects, it is currently not well understood what cellular changes MG induces on a molecular level that may lead to pathophysiological conditions found in long-term diabetic complications. Here we review the current knowledge about the molecular effects that MG can induce in a cell. Within the mammalian system, we will focus mostly on the metabolic effects MG exerts when applied systemically to rodents or when applied in vitro to pancreatic β-cells and adipocytes. Due to the common limitations associated with complex model organisms, we then summarize how yeast as a very simple model organism can help to gain valuable comprehensive information on general defence pathways cells exert in response to MG stress. Pioneering studies in additional rather simple eukaryotic model organisms suggest that many cellular reactions in response to MG are highly conserved throughout evolution.
Was wissen wir über die Osteitis pubis bei Sporttreibenden?
Authors: Kelm Jens , Ludwig Oliver , André Jan , Maas Stefan , Hopp Sascha
Published: February 2018

Hintergrund Die Osteitis pubis ist eine häufige Ursache chronischer Leistenbeschwerden. Aufgrund hoher klinischer Unsicherheit sowie dem unterschiedlichen Verlauf der Erkrankung wird die Diagnose nicht selten erst spät gestellt. Das Krankheitsbild betrifft insbesondere Sportlerinnen und Sportler, wobei auch Patienten aus den Bereichen Orthopädie, Traumatologie, Neurologie, Urologie, Gynäkologie sowie der Rheumatologie betroffen sein können. Therapeutisch kommen sowohl konservative als auch operative Verfahren zum Einsatz.

Material und Methoden Systematische Literaturrecherche, deskriptive Darstellung der Studienlage und Interpretation der Ergebnisse im Sinne der evidenzbasierten Medizin.

Ergebnisse Das wissenschaftliche Niveau der Studien über die Osteitis pubis ist, wie die Anzahl der in Studien inkludierten Sporttreibenden, insgesamt niedrig. Aufgrund der Heterogenität der Publikationen ist ihr statistischer Vergleich methodisch schwierig. Klinisch führendes Symptom der Osteitis pubis ist die schmerzhafte Symphysis pubica, wobei ein klassisches pathognomonisches Zeichen fehlt. Die Diagnose basiert nach Ausschluss zahlreicher Differentialdiagnosen (z. B. „Sportlerleiste“, FA-Impingement, Adduktorenläsion) auf der Zusammenschau von Anamnese, klinischer Untersuchung sowie bildgebender Verfahren. Die Osteitis pubis ist eine durch Sportkarenz oftmals selbstlimitierende Erkrankung, die initial konservativ behandelt wird. Bei frustranem Verlauf sind operative Verfahren, in Abhängigkeit der Begleitpathologien, in Betracht zu ziehen.

Schlussfolgerung Es existieren bis dato keine Leitlinien hinsichtlich Diagnostik und Therapie der Osteitis pubis, allerdings ein Konsens darüber, dass der operativen Behandlung eine konservative vorangehen muss. Das Evidenzniveau der Studien ist niedrig. Eine metaanalytische Auswertung ist mit den derzeitig vorhandenen Publikationen nicht möglich. Die Anzahl der untersuchten Sporttreibenden ist in Relation zu den sozioökonomischen Folgen der Erkrankung, insbesondere im Profisport, niedrig.
Association of Low Urine pH with Insulin Resistance in Non-Diabetic Japanese Subjects
Authors: Shimodaira Masanori , Okaniwa Shinji , Nakayama Tomohiro
Published: February 2018

Background Epidemiology studies have revealed that patients with obesity, hyperglycemia, or hypertension are associated with a decreased urine pH. These metabolic disorders are related to insulin resistance; however, the association between urine pH and insulin resistance remains unclear.

Methods To evaluate this association while controlling for covariates, the present study was conducted in 1084 non-diabetic Japanese subjects undergoing health examination. Fasting urine pH was analyzed using an automated urine dipstick analyzer. The subjects were divided into five groups according to urine pH: those with pH <5.5, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, and >6.5. Insulin resistance was determined using the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and divided into three categories: lower, middle, and higher tertiles of HOMA-IR. Analysis of covariance and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to control confounding factors including serum uric acid.

Results Analysis of covariance showed an increase in the mean HOMA-IR from 1.26, 1.46, 1.69, and 1.75 to 1.89 with a decrease in urine pH (p<0.001). Subjects with urine pH ≤5.5 had a significantly higher HOMA-IR than those with urine pH>6.5. Furthermore, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that urine pH had an inverse and independent association with HOMA-IR. In subjects with urine pH 5.5 and <5.5, adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for the incidence of higher tertile of HOMA-IR was 1.34 (1.04–1.73) and 1.52 (1.09–2.13), respectively (reference, subjects with a urine pH>6.5).

Conclusion Insulin resistance is independently associated with a lower urine pH, possibly via lower formation of ammonium in the kidneys.
Serum CTRP3 Level is Associated with Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Xu Zhong-Hua , Zhang Xing , Xie Hua , He Jin , Zhang Wen-Chao , Jing Dan-Feng , Luo Xiang
Published: February 2018

Background As a novel adipokine, CTRP3 involves in various functions of energy metabolism. Recent advance reveals a complex interaction between bone and adipose tissue via the secretion of adipokines.

Aims A hospital-based case-control study was conducted to investigate the role of serum CTRP3 in osteoporosis among postmenopausal women.

Methods Serum levels of CTRP3 and osteocalcin were measured. Bone mineral density (BMD) was obtained on femoral neck and lumbar spines by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry.

Results Serum CTRP3 level was lower in subjects with osteoporosis (76.7±22.1 ng/ml) than it in controls (89.4±22.5 ng/ml) (P<0.001). Meanwhile, the frequency of osteoporosis presented a significant decrease (66.4%, 53.9% and 35.9%, P<0.001), in the tertiles of serum CTRP3. Furthermore, serum CTRP3 witnessed an association with a lower risk of osteoporosis (adjusted odds ratio=0.973, 95% confidence interval [0.963–0.983], P<0.001). Lastly, serum CTRP3 level was positively correlated with femoral BMD (r=0.403, P<0.001), lumbar BMD (r=0.368, P<0.001), and HDL-C (r=0.118, P=0.022), among all participants after adjustment. Meanwhile, CTRP3 presented negative correlations with HOMA-IR (r=−0.136, P=0.008) and insulin (r=−0.192, P <0.001).

Conclusions It shows that a decreased serum level of CTRP3 was independently associated with osteoporosis.
Wie ist Qualität im deutschen Gesundheitssystem definiert? Eine systematische Analyse
deutscher Gesetzestexte und Richtlinien.
Authors: Petzold Thomas , Walther Felix , Schmitt Jochen
Published: February 2018

Zielsetzung Die Nutzung von Qualitätsdaten zur Beschreibung, Steuerung und Planung der
Gesundheitsversorgung wird immer häufiger durch den Gesetzgeber angestrebt. Dabei werden Maßnahmen und
Instrumente beschrieben, mit deren Hilfe eine hohe Versorgungsqualität sichergestellt werden soll. Jedoch
bleibt unklar, von welcher Definition von Qualität ausgegangen wird. Ziel der Studie ist die Analyse von
Definitionen und Ausprägungen des Qualitätsbegriffs im deutschen Gesundheitswesen.

Methodik Es erfolgte eine systematische Analyse deutscher Gesetzestexte und Richtlinien mit Relevanz für
die Gesundheitsversorgung (bis 30.04.2016). Darüber hinaus erfolgte eine Recherche auf Webseiten von
Institutionen und Verbänden, die von übergeordneter Relevanz für das deutsche Gesundheitswesen sind. Die
Definitionen, Ausprägungen sowie Maß nahmen und Instrumente des Qualitätsmanagements wurden extrahiert. Das
Studienprotokoll wurde vorab in der Datenbank Versorgungsforschung veröffentlicht (VfD_16_003708).

Ergebnisse Es konnten 544 Dokumente mit Bezug zur Definition oder Ausprägung von Qualität identifiziert
werden. Die häufigsten Nennungen (n = 216) erfolgten in bundesweit gültigen Gesetzestexten, wie dem
Sozialgesetzbuch V (n = 87). Insgesamt konnten 14 konkrete Qualitätsdefinitionen identifiziert werden. Als
Qualitätsausprägung erfolgte die Einteilung nach Donabedian in Struktur-, Prozess- und Ergebnisqualität. Als
häufigste Maßnahmen wurden Qualitätszirkel, Prozessmanagement oder Befragungen genannt.

Schlussfolgerung Je nach Gesetzeszweck unterscheiden sich die Qualitätsdefinitionen teilweise deutlich.
Es existieren unterschiedliche Sichtweisen, die vor allem auf Prozess- oder Ergebnisqualität fokussieren. Um
Qualität als Steuerungskriterium fest in der Gesundheitsversorgung zu verankern, ist eine einheitliche,
belastbare und nachvollziehbare Qualitätsdefinition erforderlich, die auch Sektorengrenzen überschreitet.
A novel algorithm for fast grasping of unknown objects using C-shape configuration
Authors: Lei Qujiang , Chen Guangming , Meijer Jonathan , Wisse Martijn
Published: February 2018

Increasing grasping efficiency is very important for the robots to grasp unknown objects especially subjected to unfamiliar environments. To achieve this, a new algorithm is proposed based on the C-shape configuration. Specifically, the geometric model of the used under-actuated gripper is approximated as a C-shape. To obtain an appropriate graspable position, this C-shape configuration is applied to fit geometric model of an unknown object. The geometric model of unknown object is constructed by using a single-view partial point cloud. To examine the algorithm using simulations, a comparison of the commonly used motion planners is made. The motion planner with the highest number of solved runs, lowest computing time and the shortest path length is chosen to execute grasps found by this grasping algorithm. The simulation results demonstrate that excellent grasping efficiency is achieved by adopting our algorithm. To validate this algorithm, experiment tests are carried out using a UR5 robot arm and an under-actuated gripper. The experimental results show that steady grasping actions are obtained. Hence, this research provides a novel algorithm for fast grasping of unknown objects.
Effects of nanoparticle types and size on boiling feat transfer performance under different pressures
Authors: Yao Shouguang , Huang Xiaogan , Song Yindong , Shen Yan , Zhang Shili
Published: February 2018

The experimental study on the boiling heat transfer performance and visualization of Al2O3-H2O, SiO2-H2O and Al2O3-SiO2-H2O nanofluids with 0.01% mass concentration were carried out. Alumina and silica nanoparticles with average particle diameters of 30 nm and 50 nm were selected. Al2O3-SiO2-H2O was the mixed aqueous nanofluids with a mass ratio of Al2O3 to SiO2 of 1: 1. The results show that the effect of particle size on the boiling heat transfer performance is small. For nanofluids with a particle size of 30 nm, the boiling heat transfer performance of Al2O3-H2O nanofluids is better than that of Al2O3-SiO2-H2O and SiO2-H2O nanofluids under the working pressure of 101 kPa. The critical heat fluxes increased by 7.9% and 22.1% respectively, and the maximum heat transfer coefficients increased by 18.3% and 32.6% respectively. The critical heat flux and the maximum heat transfer coefficient are 162.1 W/cm2 and 7.01W/(m2·K). The working pressure has an important effect on the boiling heat transfer performance of nanofluids. Compared with the boiling heat transfer performance under high pressure conditions, the boiling heat transfer performance of nanofluids is better under low pressure.
Modeling shape selection of buckled dielectric elastomers
Authors: Langham Jacob , Bense Hadrien , Barkley Dwight
Published: February 2018

A dielectric elastomer whose edges are held fixed will buckle, given a sufficiently applied voltage, resulting in a nontrivial out-of-plane deformation. We study this situation numerically using a nonlinear elastic model which decouples two of the principal electrostatic stresses acting on an elastomer: normal pressure due to the mutual attraction of oppositely charged electrodes and tangential shear (“fringing”) due to repulsion of like charges at the electrode edges. These enter via physically simplified boundary conditions that are applied in a fixed reference domain using a nondimensional approach. The method is valid for small to moderate strains and is straightforward to implement in a generic nonlinear elasticity code. We validate the model by directly comparing the simulated equilibrium shapes with the experiment. For circular electrodes which buckle axisymetrically, the shape of the deflection profile is captured. Annular electrodes of different widths produce azimuthal ripples with wavelengths that match our simulations. In this case, it is essential to compute multiple equilibria because the first model solution obtained by the nonlinear solver (Newton's method) is often not the energetically favored state. We address this using a numerical technique known as “deflation.” Finally, we observe the large number of different solutions that may be obtained for the case of a long rectangular strip.
Viscosity, surface tension, density and contact angle of selected PbI2, PbCl2 and methylammonium lead halide perovskite solutions used in perovskite solar cells
Authors: Ahmadian-Yazdi Mohammad-Reza , Rahimzadeh Amin , Chouqi Zineb , Miao Yihe , Eslamian Morteza
Published: February 2018

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are currently under vigorous research and development, owing to their compelling power conversion efficiencies. PSCs are solution-processed and, therefore, are fabricated using casting and printing methods, such as spin, spray and blade coating. The coating characteristics significantly depend on the physical and rheological properties of the solutions. Thus, due to the scarcity of such properties, in this work, we report the surface tension, viscosity, density, and contact angle of selected methylammonium lead halide perovskite solutions, in order to gain insight into the behavior of the perovskite solutions and the range of such physical properties. The contact angles were measured on PEDOT:PSS and compact TiO2 (c-TiO2) substrates, commonly used as the underneath layers of the perovskite film. In total, 12 solutions of CH3NH3PbI3 and CH3NH3PbI3-xClx dissolved in common solvents, as well as solutions of PbI2, PbCl2, and CH3NH3I were tested. Among the results, it is shown that the tested perovskite solutions are Newtonian, the apparent contact angles on the mesoporous TiO2 (m-TiO2) are close to zero, on the PEDOT:PSS are around 10°, and on the c-TiO2 are around 30°. Also, contact angle hysteresis is observed in the case of the c-TiO2 substrates. Representative impact dynamics and spreading of perovskite solution droplets are also studied, to demonstrate the importance of the solution properties and process parameters on the coating process.
Integrability of the one dimensional Schrödinger equation
Authors: Combot Thierry
Published: February 2018

We present a definition of integrability for the one-dimensional Schrödinger equation, which encompasses all known integrable systems, i.e., systems for which the spectrum can be explicitly computed. For this, we introduce the class of rigid functions, built as Liouvillian functions, but containing all solutions of rigid differential operators in the sense of Katz, and a notion of natural of boundary conditions. We then make a complete classification of rational integrable potentials. Many new integrable cases are found, some of them physically interesting.
HealthPathways improving access to care
Authors: Gill Stephen D. , Mansfield Sarah , McLeod Margie , von Treuer Kathryn , Dunn Matthew , Quirk Frances
Published: February 2018

Objective
HealthPathways (HPW) is an international web-based information portal that provides health practitioners with guidelines and referral pathways to specialists and services. The present study explored usage of HPW by general practitioners (GPs) in the Barwon region, south-west Victoria, and any benefits and barriers to its use.

Methods
Approximately 421 GPs provide services in 86 clinics across the Barwon region, south-west Victoria and Barwon Health is the public health service providing acute, subacute, residential aged care and community health services to approximately 350000 people. The present study was a mixed-methods analysis of all GPs in the region, who were invited to complete a survey in two waves (2014 and 2016) and participate in focus groups. Data were survey/questionnaire (fixed response and free text options, analysed with descriptive statistics and content analysis), and focus groups (interview and facilitated group discussion, analysed using the principles of thematic analysis).

Results
Most GPs surveyed used HPW and usage increased over time from 2014 to 2016 (67% vs 77% respectively). Junior GPs used HPW more often than the more experienced practitioners. GPs reported that HPW was easy to access and navigate, improved their knowledge of local services, improved their confidence, changed their clinical management and saved them time. Main barriers to use of HPW were: GPs did not think to look at HPW, or simply did not know about it.

Conclusions
HPW has the potential to improve patient management and health outcomes, and use of HPW is increasing over time.

What is known about the topic?
Initiatives such as HPW are viewed positively by clinicians and have the potential to address challenges at the primary–secondary care interface, specifically, referral to secondary specialists.

What does this paper add?
Proof of concept that the ongoing availability of localised HPW for common clinical conditions improves GP usage of HPW and has increased access to HPW as the first source of clinical information. Benefits and barriers to use have been identified.

What are the implications for practitioners?
HPW improves knowledge of local services and provides GPs with easy access to referral pathways.