bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Encapsulation of Isoniazid-conjugated Phthalocyanine-In-Cyclodextrin-In-Liposomes Using Heating Method
Authors: Nkanga Christian Isalomboto , Krause Rui Werner Maçedo
Published: August 2019

Liposomes are reputed colloidal vehicles that hold the promise for targeted delivery of anti-tubercular drugs (ATBDs) to alveolar macrophages that host Mycobacterium tuberculosis. However, the costly status of liposome technology, particularly due to the use of special manufacture equipment and expensive lipid materials, may preclude wider developments of therapeutic liposomes. In this study, we report efficient encapsulation of a complex system, consisting of isoniazid-hydrazone-phthalocyanine conjugate (Pc-INH) in gamma-cyclodextrin (γ-CD), in liposomes using crude soybean lecithin by means of a simple organic solvent-free method, heating method (HM). Inclusion complexation was performed in solution and solid-state, and evaluated using UV-Vis, magnetic circular dichroism, 1H NMR, diffusion ordered spectroscopy and FT-IR. The HM-liposomes afforded good encapsulation efficiency (71%) for such a large Pc-INH/γ-CD complex (PCD) system. The stability and properties of the PCD-HM-liposomes look encouraging; with particle size 240 nm and Zeta potential −57 mV that remained unchanged upon storage at 4 °C for 5 weeks. The release study performed in different pH media revealed controlled release profiles that went up to 100% at pH 4.4, from about 40% at pH 7.4. This makes PCD-liposomes a promising system for site-specific ATBD delivery, and a good example of simple liposomal encapsulation of large hydrophobic compounds.
A Novel Decision Making Procedure during Wakefulness for Screening Obstructive Sleep Apnea using Anthropometric Information and Tracheal Breathing Sounds
Authors: Elwali Ahmed , Moussavi Zahra
Published: August 2019

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an underdiagnosed common disorder. Undiagnosed OSA, in particular, increases the perioperative morbidity and mortality risks for OSA patients undergoing surgery requiring full anesthesia. OSA screening using the gold standard, Polysomnography (PSG), is expensive and time-consuming. This study offers an objective and accurate tool for screening OSA during wakefulness by a few minutes of breathing sounds recording. Our proposed algorithm (AWakeOSA) extracts an optimized set (3–4) of breathing sound features specific to each anthropometric feature (i.e. age, sex, etc.) for each subject. These personalized group (e.g. age) classification features are then used to determine OSA severity in the test subject for that anthropomorphic parameter. Each of the anthropomorphic parameter classifications is weighted and summed to produce a final OSA severity classification. The tracheal breathing sounds of 199 individuals (109 with apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) < 15 as non-OSA and 90 with AHI ≥ 15 as moderate/severe-OSA) were recorded during wakefulness in the supine position. The sound features sensitive to OSA were extracted from a training set (n = 100). The rest were used as a blind test dataset. Using Random-Forest classification, the training dataset was shuffled 1200–6000 times to avoid any training bias. This routine resulted in 81.4%, 80.9%, and 82.1% classification accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity, respectively, on the blind-test dataset which was similar to the results for the out-of-bag-validation applied to the training dataset. These results provide a proof of concept for AWakeOSA algorithm as an accurate, reliable and quick OSA screening tool that can be done in less than 10 minutes during wakefulness.
Up-regulation of heat shock protein 27 inhibits apoptosis in lumbosacral nerve root avulsion-induced neurons
Authors: Zhou Zhi-bin , Huang Gao-xiang , Lu Jia-jia , Ma Jun , Yuan Qi-jun , Cao Yan , Zhu Lei
Published: August 2019

Lumbosacral nerve root avulsion leads to widespread death of neurons in the anterior horn area of the injured spinal cord, which results in dysfunction in the lower extremities. Heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27) has been found to play cytoprotective roles under adverse conditions. However, the role of Hsp27 in neurons after lumbosacral nerve root avulsion is unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects and mechanism of action of Hsp27 on neurons after lumbosacral nerve root avulsion. It was found that Hsp27 expression was elevated in the anterior horn area of the injured spinal cord and the up-regulation of Hsp27 protected neurons against apoptosis after lumbosacral nerve root avulsion. In addition, Hsp27 plays an anti-apoptotic role by suppressing oxidative stress reactions. These findings indicated that Hsp27 may play a key role in resistance to lumbosacral nerve root avulsion-induced neuron apoptosis and may prove to be a potential strategy for improving prognosis after lumbosacral nerve root avulsion.
Glycerylphytate compounds with tunable ion affinity and osteogenic properties
Authors: Mora-Boza Ana , López-Donaire María Luisa , Saldaña Laura , Vilaboa Nuria , Vázquez-Lasa Blanca , San Román Julio
Published: August 2019

Phytic acid (PA) is a natural-occurring antioxidant, which plays an important role in many biological processes. PA is recognized as a potent inhibitor of lipid peroxidation because of its high affinity to multivalent cations, and it can play a role in osteogenic processes. However, its powerful chelating capacity is controversial because it can lead to a severe reduction of mineral availability in the organism. For this reason, compounds with beneficial biological properties of PA, but a modular ion binding capacity, are of high interest. In this work, we report the synthesis and physicochemical characterization of two hydroxylic derivatives of PA, named glycerylphytates (GPhy), through a condensation reaction of PA with glycerol (G). Both derivatives present antioxidant properties, measured by ferrozine/FeCl2 method and chelating activity with calcium ions depending on the content of glyceryl groups incorporated. Besides, the hydroxylic modification not only modulates the ion binding affinity of derivatives but also improves their cytocompatibility in human bone marrow mesenchymal cells (MSCs). Furthermore, GPhy derivatives display osteogenic properties, confirmed by COL1A and ALPL expression depending on composition. These positive features convert GPhy compounds into potent alternatives for those skeletal diseases treatments where PA is tentatively applied.
Exit tunnel modulation as resistance mechanism of S. aureus erythromycin resistant mutant
Authors: Halfon Yehuda , Matzov Donna , Eyal Zohar , Bashan Anat , Zimmerman Ella , Kjeldgaard Jette , Ingmer Hanne , Yonath Ada
Published: August 2019

The clinical use of the antibiotic erythromycin (ery) is hampered owing to the spread of resistance genes that are mostly mutating rRNA around the ery binding site at the entrance to the protein exit tunnel. Additional effective resistance mechanisms include deletion or insertion mutations in ribosomal protein uL22, which lead to alterations of the exit tunnel shape, located 16 Å away from the drug’s binding site. We determined the cryo-EM structures of the Staphylococcus aureus 70S ribosome, and its ery bound complex with a two amino acid deletion mutation in its ß hairpin loop, which grants the bacteria resistance to ery. The structures reveal that, although the binding of ery is stable, the movement of the flexible shorter uL22 loop towards the tunnel wall creates a wider path for nascent proteins, thus enabling bypass of the barrier formed by the drug. Moreover, upon drug binding, the tunnel widens further.
Entropic uncertainty relations for quantum information scrambling
Authors: Yunger Halpern Nicole , Bartolotta Anthony , Pollack Jason
Published: August 2019

Different fields of physics characterize differently how much two quantum operations disagree: quantum information theory features uncertainty relations cast in terms of entropies. The higher an uncertainty bound, the less compatible the operations. In condensed matter and high-energy physics, initially localized, far-apart operators come to disagree as entanglement spreads through a quantum many-body system. This spread, called “scrambling,” is quantified with the out-of-time-ordered correlator (OTOC). We unite these two measures of operation disagreement by proving entropic uncertainty relations for scrambling. The uncertainty bound depends on the quasiprobability (the nonclassical generalization of a probability) known to average to the OTOC. The quasiprobability strengthens the uncertainty bound, we find, when a spin chain scrambles in numerical simulations. Hence our entropic uncertainty relations reflect the same incompatibility as scrambling, uniting two fields’ notions of quantum-operation disagreement.
A dual-site controlled ratiometric probe revealing the simultaneous down-regulation of pH in lysosomes and cytoplasm during autophagy
Authors: Tian Minggang , Liu Chuang , Dong Baoli , Zuo Yujing , Lin Weiying
Published: August 2019

A unique dual-site fluorescent probe for pH has been constructed for simultaneous observation of pH in cytoplasm and lysosomes. The down-regulation of pH in lysosomes and cytoplasm during autophagy has been successfully revealed.
Bio-orthogonal chemistry-based method for fluorescent labelling of ribosomal RNA in live mammalian cells
Authors: Wu K. , He M. , Khan I. , Asare Okai P. N. , Lin Q. , Fuchs G. , Royzen M.
Published: August 2019

A bio-orthogonal chemistry-based approach for fluorescent labelling of ribosomal RNA is described.
Theoretical study on the gas phase reaction of CH2O + NH3: the formation of CH2O⋯NH3, NH2CH2OH, or CH2NH + H2O
Authors: Ali Mohamad Akbar
Published: August 2019

The gas phase reaction between CH2O and NH3is an important reaction in cold interstellar clouds, combustion chemistry and organic chemistry.
Tailoring the mechanical properties of polymer nanocomposites via interfacial engineering
Authors: Gao Naishen , Hou Guanyi , Liu Jun , Shen Jianxiang , Gao Yangyang , Lyulin Alexey V. , Zhang Liqun
Published: August 2019

Using coarse-grained molecular-dynamics simulations, we have successfully fabricated ideal, mechanically-interlocked polymer nanocomposites exhibiting a significant mechanical enhancement effect.
Influence of shape on the carrier relaxation dynamics of CsPbBr3 perovskite nanocrystals
Authors: Ghosh Goutam , Jana Bikash , Sain Sumanta , Ghosh Arnab , Patra Amitava
Published: August 2019

Shape dependent carrier relaxation dynamics of lead halide perovskite nanocrystal (NCs) is an important issue for efficient light harvesting system.
Ionic liquid based battery electrolytes using lithium and sodium pseudo-delocalized pyridinium anion salts
Authors: Hosseini-Bab-Anari Elham , Navarro-Suárez Adriana M. , Moth-Poulsen Kasper , Johansson Patrik
Published: August 2019

Ionic liquid based electrolytes using a novel pseudo-delocalized anion – 1-methylpyridinum 2,6-dicarboxylate (MM26py) – are presented and tested for modern battery usage.
Indoor air: sources, chemistry and health effects
Authors: Farmer Delphine K. , Vance Marina E.
Published: August 2019

Guest editors Delphine Farmer and Marina Vance introduce the “Indoor air: sources, chemistry and health effects” themed issue of Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts.
β-Glucosidase from tartary buckwheat immobilization on bifunctionalized nano-magnetic iron oxide and its application in tea soup for aroma and flavonoid aglycone enhancement
Authors: Yang Xilian , Ma Yanli , Li Lirong
Published: August 2019

β-Glucosidase (BG) was immobilized on the surface of bifunctionalized nano-magnetic iron oxide with silica and amine groups (Fe3O4@SiO2-NH2).
Characterization of the binding mechanism and conformational changes of bovine serum albumin upon interaction with aluminum-maltol: a spectroscopic and molecular docking study
Authors: Cheng Dai , Wang Xuerui , Tang Jinlei , Zhang Xinyu , Wang Chunling , Li He
Published: August 2019

The widespread use of aluminum in the treatment of drinking water, food, agriculture and pharmaceuticals has greatly increased the risk of human exposure to excess aluminum, which is a serious health hazard to human beings. In our previous work, serum albumin was reported to have a specific affinity for aluminum. However, the mechanism of binding of aluminum to serum albumin was unclear. In this work, the interaction between bovine serum albumin (BSA) and aluminum-maltol (Al-Mal) was studied by molecular docking and spectroscopic analysis. The results show that the combination of Al-Mal and BSA is a spontaneous endothermic reaction. The binding force is mainly related to the hydrophobic force and hydrogen bonding; when the ratio of BSA to Al-Mal was 1 : 10, the random coils of BSA increased by 47.6%. In addition, the hydrophobicity of BSA was enhanced after combining with Al-Mal. This study can provide a theoretical evidence for the binding mechanism of food-borne aluminum and serum albumin.
Theoretical study of CO2 adsorption on Pt
Authors: Matsuda Shofu , Mukai Tsuyoshi , Sakurada Seishiro , Uchida Nozomu , Umeda Minoru
Published: August 2019

Computational chemistry reveals that CO2 is spontaneously adsorbed on a Pt(110) crystal in the presence of H2Oads and Hads.
Quantum capacitance-limited MoS2biosensors enable remote label-free enzyme measurements
Authors: Le Son T. , Guros Nicholas B. , Bruce Robert C. , Cardone Antonio , Amin Niranjana D. , Zhang Siyuan , Klauda Jeffery B. , Pant Harish C. , Richter Curt A. , Balijepalli Arvind
Published: August 2019

Atomically thin, quantum capacitance limited, field-effect transistors, enable measurements of biological enzymes implicated in Alzheimer's disease with unprecedented resolution.
Modulation of lanthanide luminescence via an electric field
Authors: Wang Yangbo , Gao Jiaxin , Gao Chao , Ma Hui , Yang Bingxiao , Han Yingdong , Zhou Enlong , Cheng Qianya , Jing Su , Huang Ling
Published: August 2019

In situ, real-time, and reversible modulation of the luminescence of lanthanide doped in semiconductors was realized by adjusting the photo-generated charge carrier mobilities via an externally applied electric field.
Single molecule vs. large area design of molecular electronic devices incorporating an efficient 2-aminepyridine double anchoring group
Authors: Herrer L. , Ismael A. , Martín S. , Milan D. C. , Serrano J. L. , Nichols R. J. , Lambert C. , Cea P.
Published: August 2019

The electrical properties of a bidentate molecule in both large area devices and at the single molecule level have been explored and exhibit a conductance one order of magnitude higher than that of monodentate materials with same molecular skeleton.
Co/Co9S8 nanoparticles coupled with N,S-doped graphene-based mixed-dimensional heterostructures as bifunctional electrocatalysts for the overall oxygen electrode
Authors: Wang Zhi-Da , Bai Cheng-Kun , Chen Xin-Yu , Wang Bing-Di , Lu Guo-Long , Sun Hang , Liu Zhen-Ning , Huang Hui , Liang Song , Zang Hong-Ying
Published: August 2019

A Co/Co9S8/rGO/MWCNT composite catalyst was designed and fabricated via a combined hydrothermal reaction with a calcination method for the ORR/OER.
ZnO nanorod arrays grown on g-C3N4 micro-sheets for enhanced visible light photocatalytic H2 evolution
Authors: Qin Hengfei , Zuo Yuanhui , Jin Jutao , Wang Wenlong , Xu Youlong , Cui Lifeng , Dang Haifeng
Published: August 2019

The designed synthesis of photocatalysts with hierarchical heteroassemblies in a facile, mild and eco-friendly way becomes more and more important, since we can explore the novel properties and applications of novel heterostructures via this method.
The size of micro-crystalline tyrosine (MCT®) influences its recognition and uptake by THP-1 macrophagesin vitro
Authors: Shardlow Emma , Exley Christopher
Published: August 2019

The large size of MCT® crystallites partially stymies their recognition and uptake by THP-1 macrophagesin vitro.
Optimisation of compatibility for improving elongation at break of chitosan/starch films
Authors: Sun Kai-qiang , Li Fang-yi , Li Jian-yong , Li Jian-feng , Zhang Chuan-wei , Chen Shuai , Sun Xu , Cui Jin-feng
Published: August 2019

Three methods were used to improve the elongation at break of chitosan/starch films to obtain the optimal compatibility.
Nanoporous MIL-101(Cr) as a sensing layer coated on a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) nanosensor to detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Authors: Haghighi Elahe , Zeinali Sedigheh
Published: August 2019

Metal–organic frameworks can be used as sensing layer in QCM fabrication because of their huge surface area.
Astragali radix total flavonoid synergizes cisplatin to inhibit proliferation and enhances the chemosensitivity of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Cui Jiajia , Zheng Xiwang , Yang Dongli , Hu Yinghuan , An Changming , Bo Yunfeng , Li Huizheng , Zhang Yuliang , Niu Min , Xue Xuting , Lu Yan , Tang Yemei , Yin Hongyu , Li Zhenyu , Gao Wei , Wu Yongyan
Published: August 2019

Astragali radix total flavonoid synergizes with cisplatin to inhibit tumorigenesis of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.
Novel porous organocatalysts for cycloaddition of CO2and epoxides
Authors: Kolle Joel M. , Sayari Abdelhamid
Published: August 2019

Three classes of organosilicas (DMO, OMOs and PMOs) containing multi-hydroxyl bis-quaternary ammonium iodide were tested in the cycloaddition of CO2and epoxides. OMO with two hydroxyl groups was the most active, with good stable and reusability.
Tracking the rearrangement of atomic configurations during the conversion of FAU zeolite to CHA zeolite
Authors: Muraoka Koki , Sada Yuki , Shimojima Atsushi , Chaikittisilp Watcharop , Okubo Tatsuya
Published: August 2019

Interzeolite conversion from FAU to CHA results in massive atomic rearrangements in their common structural motif to form a stable atomic configuration.
Controlled chemoselective defluorination and non-defluorination for [5 + 1] aromatic annulation via Meisenheimer-type nitrogen anion and radical intermediates
Authors: Qian Jinlong , Zhang Jinlong , Yang Huameng , Kang Lei , Jiang Gaoxi
Published: August 2019

A unique chemoselectivity to base-promoted defluorinative and Cu-catalyzed aerobic oxidative non-defluorinative [5 + 1] cycloaddition of fluoride unsaturated ketones with ammonium salts was demonstrated.
Pd-catalyzed site-selective C(sp2)–H radical acylation of phenylalanine containing peptides with aldehydes
Authors: San Segundo Marcos , Correa Arkaitz
Published: August 2019

A novel Pd-catalyzed δ-C(sp2)–H functionalization reaction with readily available aldehydes towards the assembly of non-proteogenic acylated Phe-containing oligopeptides is presented.
Distribution of active forces in the cell cortex
Authors: Bohec P. , Tailleur J. , van Wijland F. , Richert A. , Gallet F.
Published: August 2019

We study the out-of-equilibrium distribution of stochastic forces generated by molecular motors activity, exerted on a probe attached to the actin cortex of premuscular cells, as a function of ligand density, temperature and biological inhibitors.
A novel fabrication strategy for doped hierarchical porous biomass-derived carbon with high microporosity for ultrahigh-capacitance supercapacitors
Authors: Chang Chengshuai , Li Miao , Wang He , Wang Shulan , Liu Xuan , Liu Huakun , Li Li
Published: August 2019

Nitrogen doped biomass derived carbons with high microporosity were prepared through micromolecular template method and showed ultrahigh capacitance as the supercapacitor electrodes.
UV-vis-IR irradiation driven CO2 reduction with high light-to-fuel efficiency on a unique nanocomposite of Ni nanoparticles loaded on Ni doped Al2O3 nanosheets
Authors: Zhang Qian , Li Yuanzhi , Wu Shaowen , Wu Jichun , Jiang Zhongkai , Yang Yi , Ren Lu , Zhao Xiujian
Published: August 2019

A nanocomposite of Ni/Ni-Al2O3 nanosheets exhibits a high fuel production rate and light-to-fuel efficiency for photothermocatalytic CO2 reduction with CH4.
Morphology evolution of Eu3+-activated NaTbF4 nanorods: a highly-efficient near-ultraviolet light-triggered red-emitting platform towards application in white light-emitting diodes
Authors: Du Peng , Ran Weiguang , Li Weiping , Luo Laihui , Huang Xiaoyong
Published: August 2019

A series of NaTbF4 and Eu3+-activated NaTbF4 nanorods with high luminescent efficiency were designed by using an ingenious reaction technique at room temperature.
Ultrathin yttrium fluoride nanostructures: controlled synthesis and polarized up-conversion emission property
Authors: Murali G. , Kaur Sandeep , Kim Jongwoo , Nam Sang Hwan , Lee Joong Hee , Suh Yung Doug , In Insik , Lee Seung Hee
Published: August 2019

Ultrathin nanomaterials are very significant members of the nanocrystalline material family because of their unique properties of broad significance.
Infrared transmitting polyimides based on chalcogenide element-blocks with tunable high-refractive indices and broad optical windows
Authors: Nam Ki-Ho , Lee Aram , Lee Seoung-Ki , Hur Kahyun , Han Haksoo
Published: August 2019

We report herein on thermally stable polyimide (PI) hybrid optical imaging sensors based on chalcogenide element-blocks that can be advantageously used in light-weight optical materials, especially in infrared (IR) applications.
Integrated network pharmacology and targeted metabolomics to reveal the mechanism of nephrotoxicity of triptolide
Authors: Huang Wei , Liu Chuanxin , Xie Lijuan , Wang Yuming , Xu Yanyan , Li Yubo
Published: August 2019

Triptolide (TP) is one of the important active components in Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. F., which shows strong anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. However, a large number of literature studies have reported that TP is the main component causing nephrotoxicity, and the mechanism of nephrotoxicity has not yet been revealed. Therefore, it is of great practical significance to clarify the toxicity mechanism of TP. This study integrated network pharmacology and targeted metabolomics to reveal the nephrotoxicity mechanism of TP. Firstly, network pharmacology screening of 61 action targets related to TP induced nephrotoxicity, with 39 direct targets and 22 indirect targets, was performed. Subsequently, based on a large-scale protein–protein interaction (PPI) and molecular docking validation, the core targets were identified. Based on the above targets and enrichment analysis, the purine metabolism, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway and NF-κB signaling pathway were found play a pivotal role in TP-induced nephrotoxicity. Literature investigation showed that purine and pyrimidine metabolism pathways were closely related to kidney diseases. Therefore, by using the quantitative method of determining endogenous purine and pyrimidine previously established in the laboratory, a targeted metabolomic analysis of TP was carried out. Finally, six nephrotoxicity biomarkers, dihydroorotate, thymidine, 2-deoxyinosine, uric acid, adenosine and xanthine, were found. Combining the above results, the mechanisms underlying the nephrotoxicity of TP were speculated to be due to the over-consumption of xanthine and uric acid, which would result in enormous ROS being released in response to oxidative stress in the body. Furthermore, activation of the Toll-like receptor signalling pathway can promotes the phosphorylation of the downstream protein NF-κB and causes an inflammatory response that ultimately leads to nephrotoxicity.
Treatment for Word Retrieval in Semantic and Logopenic Variants of Primary Progressive Aphasia: Immediate and Long-Term Outcomes
Authors: Henry Maya L. , Hubbard H. Isabel , Grasso Stephanie M. , Dial Heather R. , Beeson Pélagie M. , Miller Bruce L. , Gorno-Tempini Maria Luisa
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Recent studies confirm the utility of speech-language intervention in primary progressive aphasia (PPA); however, long-term outcomes, ideal dosage parameters, and relative benefits of intervention across clinical variants warrant additional investigation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether naming treatment affords significant, lasting, and generalized improvement for individuals with semantic and logopenic PPA and whether dosage manipulations significantly affect treatment outcomes.

Method

Eighteen individuals with PPA (9 semantic and 9 logopenic variant) underwent lexical retrieval treatment designed to leverage spared cognitive–linguistic domains and develop self-cueing strategies to promote naming. One group (
n
= 10) underwent once-weekly treatment sessions, and the other group (
n
= 8) received the same treatment with 2 sessions per week and an additional “booster” treatment phase at 3 months post-treatment. Performance on trained and untrained targets/tasks was measured immediately after treatment and at 3, 6, and 12 months post-treatment.

Results

Outcomes from the full cohort of individuals with PPA showed significantly improved naming of trained items immediately post-treatment and at all follow-up assessments through 1 year. Generalized improvement on untrained items was significant up to 6 months post-treatment. The positive response to treatment was comparable regardless of session frequency or inclusion of a booster phase. Outcomes were comparable across PPA subtypes, as was maintenance of gains over the post-treatment period.

Conclusion

This study documents positive naming treatment outcomes for a group of individuals with PPA, demonstrating strong direct treatment effects, maintenance of gains up to 1 year post-treatment, and generalization to untrained items. Lexical retrieval treatment, in conjunction with daily home practice, had a strong positive effect that did not require more than 1 clinician-directed treatment session per week. Findings confirm that strategic training designed to capitalize on spared cognitive–linguistic abilities results in significant and lasting improvement, despite ongoing disease progression, in PPA.
The Simple Aphasia Stress Scale
Authors: Laures-Gore Jacqueline , Rice Kenneth G.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Clinically accessible and concise measures of acute stress in adults with aphasia are lacking. The current article evaluated some psychometric features of a single-item self-report measure of acute stress in adults with aphasia, the Simple Aphasia Stress Scale.

Method

Three archival data sets utilizing varying iterations of a stress scale developed for studies of stress in adults with aphasia were included in the present analysis.

Results

The single-item stress scale had good levels of absolute and relative stability. Scores were generally unaffected by aphasia severity, age, or sex. The scale was strongly correlated with emotional arousal.

Conclusion

The single-item scale performed reasonably well across different studies and psychometric indicators. A 7-point rather than a 5-point response version of the scale was recommended as a clinically accessible and concise measure of acute stress in adults with aphasia. Future research should examine whether the tendency for adults with aphasia to use a restricted range of lower stress responses was due to underreporting, not perceiving acute stress, or some other factor. The high correlation between stress and arousal in women suggests that there needs to be further investigation of discriminant validity. Future work should also expand the scope of variables to evaluate further evidence of convergent and criterion-related validity.
Improvement of power utilisation capability for a three‐phase seven‐level CHB inverter using an improved selective harmonic elimination–PWM scheme by sharing a desired proportion of power among the H‐bridge cells
Authors: Kundu Sourabh , Bhowmick Supratik , Banerjee Subrata
Published: August 2019

An improved selective harmonic elimination‐pulse width modulation (SHE‐PWM) scheme has been proposed for a three‐phase seven‐level cascaded H‐bridge (CHB) inverter that enhances the power utilisation capability of the inverter by sharing the desired amount of power among the H‐bridge cells and also eliminates both 5th‐ and 7th‐order harmonic components from the inverter output voltage maintaining the desired fundamental voltage component for a wide range of modulation index. Compared to conventional SHE‐PWM, this scheme introduces two additional switching in the first cell, while the second and the third cells are switched at advanced switching angles. The differential search algorithm (DSA) technique has been applied to solve the proposed SHE‐PWM scheme, and it exhibited comparatively better performance than the algorithm based on genetic algorithm, BEE algorithm and particle swarm optimisation. The effectiveness of the proposed scheme has been verified by both simulation and experimental study on a seven‐level CHB inverter. Finally, the proposed scheme has been applied to the closed‐loop constant V/f control of the induction motor drive application. It has been established that the proposed scheme is independent of the load power factor angle, and it improved the power conversion efficiency of the conventional SHE‐PWM scheme.
Model parameter calibration method of SiC power MOSFETs behavioural model
Authors: Wen Yang , Yang Yuan , Gao Yong
Published: August 2019

To accurately estimate the switching characteristics of silicon carbide (SiC) metal–oxide–semiconductor field effect transistor, simulating with the behavioural model is a common approach. However, due to different manufacture batches, processes and application conditions, the model parameters need to be calibrated after being extracted from the datasheet. To improve the transient precision of behavioural model for SiC power MOSFET and provide technicians with more realistic and accurate simulation results, in this study, a calibration method for the behavioural model parameter is proposed by analysing the sensitivity of the parameters on the switching characteristics. The analysis shows that the sensitivity of the parameters affecting the SiC MOSFET behaviour model in sequence are Cgd, Cgs, Vth, Rg,int, gf, Ld, LS, Cds and CDj. Using this sensitivity influence order, the corresponding model parameters can be corrected by observing the deviations between the experimental and simulation waveforms. Finally, double pulse tests were carried out and the comparison results indeed verify its accuracy under different working conditions. The proposed method is verified by Saber simulation software, and it can also be applied to other simulation software.
Characterisation of the continuum and kinematical properties of nearby NLS1
Authors: Oio Gabriel A. , Vega Luis R. , Schmidt Eduardo O. , Ferreiro Diego
Published: August 2019

Aims. In order to study the slope and strength of the non-stellar continuum, we analysed a sample from nearby Narrow Line Seyfert 1 (NLS1). Also, we re-examined the location of NLS1 galaxies on the MBH − σ⋆ relation, using the stellar velocity dispersion and the [OIII]λ5007 emission line as a surrogate of the former.

Methods. We studied spectra of a sample of 131 NLS1 galaxies taken from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) DR7. We approached determining the non-stellar continuum by employing the spectral synthesis technique, which uses the code STARLIGHT, and by adopting a power-law base to model the non-stellar continuum. Composite spectra of NLS1 galaxies were also obtained based on the sample. In addition, we obtained the stellar velocity dispersion from the code and by measuring Calcium II Triplet absorption lines and [OIII] emission lines. From Gaussian decomposition of the Hβ profile we calculated the black hole mass.

Results. We obtained a median slope of β = −1.6 with a median fraction of contribution of the non-stellar continuum to the total flux of 0.64. We determined black hole masses in the range of log(MBH/M⊙) = 5.6–7.5, which is in agreement with previous works. We found a correlation between the luminosity of the broad component of Hβ and black hole mass with the fraction of a power-law component. Finally, according to our results, NLS1 galaxies in our sample are located mostly underneath the MBH − σ⋆ relation, both considering the stellar velocity dispersion (σ⋆) and the core component of [OIII]λ5007.
The use of liquid-phase method from DMSO solutions for synthesis of CZTS thin film materials
Authors: Rakitin Vladimir V. , Varushkin Pavel E. , Xin Hao , Novikov Gennady F.
Published: August 2019

The possibility of synthesis of CZTS thin films on glass substrates from DMSO precursor solutions containing various quantity of copper ions was investigated. The dependence of composition of final CZTS compounds obtained from precursor solutions with different copper ion concentration in DMSO was shown. It was obtained that with the introduction of a low additive of copper ion concentration one can synthesize CZTS thin films with kesterite structure as well as with secondary phases (tin sulfides of SnS, Sn2S3). The increase of the concentration of copper ions in DMSO precursor solution promotes the formation of CZTS thin films with kesterite phase and the minimum content of impurities.
Des drones à la mine d’uranium : applications au sein du groupe Orano
Authors:   Directions d’Orano Mines et la direction de la communication Orano
Published: August 2019

Les drones sont devenus indispensables dans de nombreux metiers. Les activites minieres et de demantelement n’echappent pas a cette innovation de premier plan. Ils sont ainsi utilises dans les differentes etapes de la vie d’une mine, de l’exploration au suivi de travaux miniers, mais aussi a l’interieur des batiments d’un site nucleaire.

L’aventure de l’utilisation des drones au sein des activites minieres d’Orano a debute en 2012 a l’occasion de la conference organisee par l’EAGE (European Association Geoscientists & Engineers) sur le site de Saint-Quentin en Yvelines. Un atelier sur la teledetection anime par une societe exterieure a fait prendre conscience aux equipes de l’importance de l’enjeu : l’utilisation de drones permettrait de repondre a un certain nombre de besoins du groupe, et ceci a toutes les etapes de l’activite miniere.
Das neue ISUP 2014/WHO 2016 Prostatakarzinom-Grading – Status quo 5 Jahre nach seiner Einführung
Authors: Hupe Marie Christine , Offermann Anne , Sailer Verena , Merseburger Axel S. , Perner Sven
Published: August 2019

Hintergrund Im Jahr 2014 wurde durch die ISUP (International Society of Urological Pathology) eine Modifikation des Gradings für das Prostatakarzinom (PCa) eingeführt, welches 2016 von der Weltgesundheitsorganisation (WHO) anerkannt und übernommen wurde. Neben der Definition von 5 „Grade Groups“ wurden auch einige histomorphologische Kriterien angepasst. Unsere Übersichtsarbeit stellt die Ergebnisse aller aktuellen Studien und deren Bewertungen des neuen Gradings zusammen.

Material und Methoden Es erfolgte eine Literaturrecherche in der PubMed-Datenbank. Insgesamt sind aus dem Zeitraum 2016 – 2018 15 Studien identifiziert und in die Übersicht eingeschlossen worden.

Ergebnisse Die Hauptziele des neuen ISUP 2014/WHO 2016 PCa-Gradings sind ein (I) präziseres und vereinfachtes Grading, (II) eine verringerte Übertherapie indolenter PCa und (III) eine verbesserte Kommunikation mit den Patienten. Die Mehrzahl der Studien wählte das biochemische Rezidiv als Endpunkt und bescheinigte dem neuen Grading eine höhere prognostische Wertigkeit im Vergleich zum früheren Gleason Grading. Interessanterweise war es jedoch nur in wenigen Studien klar ersichtlich, dass die archivierten Proben tatsächlich auch nach den modifizierten histomorphologischen Kriterien reevaluiert („Re-Grading“) und nicht nur in die neuen „Grade Groups“ übersetzt wurden („Re-Grouping“).

Schlussfolgerung Die Mehrheit der analysierten Studien bestätigt die prognostische Wertigkeit des neuen ISUP 2014/WHO 2016 Gradings und empfiehlt dessen weltweite Anwendung. Jedoch muss bei der Interpretation bisheriger Studien berücksichtigt werden, dass das notwendige „Re-Grading“ als korrekte Anwendung des neuen Gradings nicht immer klar ersichtlich war.
Uterus-preserving Laparoscopic Lateral Suspension with Mesh Operation in Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Initial Experience in a Single Tertiary Center with a Median 24-Month Follow-up
Authors: Yassa Murat , Tug Niyazi
Published: August 2019

Introduction Laparoscopic lateral suspension with mesh (LLSM) is an effective and less invasive technique for the correction of pelvic organ prolapse. We discuss the primary objectives, subjective success rate and pelvic floor ultrasound outcomes of uterus-preserving LLSM operations.

Patients and Methods Seventeen patients who underwent uterus-preserving LLSM (abdominocervicopexy) in a tertiary center were included in this prospective study. Anatomical cure was defined separately for the apical and anterior compartments as a Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) score of less than − 1 cm for each compartment. Subjective cure was defined as the absence of bulge symptoms. Patient satisfaction, sexual function, prolapse-related quality of life, voiding dysfunction, nocturia and constipation were assessed. Transperineal ultrasonography was used to measure anterior compartment mobility and hiatal anteroposterior diameter.

Results The anatomical cure rate was 100% for the apical and 88.2% for the anterior compartment, with one symptomatic stage-II cystorectocele and one asymptomatic stage-II cystocele. The subjective cure and patient satisfaction scores were 94.12 and 100%, respectively. Ba and C points were significantly improved, and vaginal lengthening was 10.14 ± 4.19 mm. Bp ascent was 5.72 ± 11.27 mm (p = 0.053). Proximal urethral rotation and retrovesical angles were reduced by 6.24 ± 11.95° and 27 ± 47.2°, respectively (p1 = 0.047; p2 = 0.032). The hiatal anteroposterior diameter was shortened by 4.36% (p = 0.039). A significant improvement was seen with regard to nocturia episodes but not for constipation. No mesh exposure was observed.

Conclusions Uterus-preserving LLSM (abdominocervicopexy) was found to be effective for the correction of apical and anterior prolapse with high levels of patient satisfaction. Significant improvements in urge symptoms and frequency of nocturia were observed. Pelvic floor ultrasound outcomes may be useful when comparing this procedure with other surgical techniques.
Alkoholkonsumstörungen und Suizidalität: Ein narratives Review
Authors: Preuss Ulrich W. , Wong Jessica Wei Mooi
Published: August 2019

Epidemiologisch ist die Häufigkeit von Suizidalität bei Personen mit einer Alkoholkonsumstörung hoch und in der Diagnostik und Behandlung der Betroffenen oftmals eine Herausforderung. Ziel dieser narrativen Übersicht ist es, nicht nur Risikofaktoren für suizidale Ideationen und Handlungen zu identifizieren, sondern auch Hinweise auf Diagnostik und Behandlung aufzuzeigen. Risikofaktoren beinhalten affektiven Störungen, impulsives und aggressives Verhalten, Drogenkonsumstörungen sowie die Schwere der Alkoholabhängigkeit. Veränderungen in der Neurotransmission des serotonergen und noradrenergen Systems und eine Dysfunktion des präfrontalen Kortex sind von biologischer Seite beteiligt. Behandlungssuchende Alkoholkranke weisen oftmals multiple Risikofaktoren auf. Für die Diagnostik weist eine Vorgeschichte von Suizidversuchen auf eine höhere Krankheitslast komorbider psychischer Störungen hin. In der Behandlung wurden psychotherapeutische Strategien wie die kognitive Therapie, die DBT (dialektisch behaviorale Therapie) und die Behandlung der affektiven Störungen mit Antidepressiva als mögliche Behandlungsansätze vorgestellt. Zukünftige Studien sollten die Wirksamkeit dieser Ansätze bestätigen und neue Strategien entwickeln und erproben.
Capsule Endoscopy: What We Know and What Is New in the Horizon
Authors: Chauhan Virender , Tanwar Amit , Nijhawan Sandeep
Published: August 2019

Capsule endoscopy (CE) is an advancing noninvasive technology primarily meant for small-bowel visualization, which has expanded its scope and has become a game changer in evaluation and management of various gastrointestinal (GI) diseases with special emphasis on obscure GI bleeding. The aim of this review is to know the basic aspects of CE and recent advances with clinical evidence.
A Baby Feeding Nipple: Simple, Cost effective, and Safe Technique for Removal of Denture
Authors: Gupta Gaurav Kumar , Gawande Atul , Sharma Deepak , Nijhawan Sandeep
Published: August 2019

Introduction: Denture ingestion occurs commonly in the elderly and frequently impacted in the esophagus due to the sharp edges. This can lead to serious complications such as perforation. We are describing here a simple, cost effective and safe technique for removal of dentures.

Material and methods: We used a handmade hood protector made from baby feeding nipple with rat-toothed forceps to safely remove ingested denture in two middle aged patients. Both patients had subcutaneous emphysema.

Results: Dentures were removed successfully in both patients. Following denture removal, endoscopic examination of the esophagus did not show any sign of mucosal damage, ulceration, bleeding, or perforation.

Conclusion: We successfully and safely removed denture from the stomach using handmade hood designed from a baby feeding tube. It may be beneficial for wide visual field and safety. It is an easy, effective, and safe design for the removal of sharp foreign bodies like dentures.
Clinical, Imaging, and Endoscopic Profile of Patients with Abdominal Tuberculosis
Authors: Shafiq Syed
Published: August 2019

Aims: The aim is to study the clinical, imaging, and endoscopic profile of patients with abdominal tuberculosis (TB) in a tertiary care center.

Subjects and Methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted at Meenakshi Medical College Hospital, Kancheepuram, over a 3-year period, from March 2011 to February 2014. A total of 76 patients were diagnosed with abdominal TB based on their clinical, pathological, endoscopic, and radiological features. A meticulous history and physical examination with complete blood count, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status, chest X-ray, ultrasound abdomen, upper endoscopy, and colonoscopy was performed. Barium study, ascitic fluid analysis, and contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis with peritoneal biopsies where need be were also obtained. All the patients received antituberculosis treatment (ATT) under close surveillance and monitoring.

Results: The total number of patients enrolled in our study was 76 with age ranging from 18 to 75 years; 40 were male and 36 were female. There was a significant overlap of symptoms, and most of the patients presented with a multitude of complaints. Abdominal pain was the most common complaint noted in 70 patients, followed by loss of appetite and weight loss in 52, fever in 48, constipation in 28, abdominal distention in 14, and diarrhea in 6 patients. Two patients presented with acute intestinal obstruction requiring emergency surgical intervention. Fever was the most common finding followed by anemia, ascites, abdominal tenderness, and a palpable abdominal mass. A history of pulmonary Koch's was elicited in 28 patients, and 17 had defaulted on treatment. All the patients enrolled in our study received ATT although six were lost to follow-up.

Conclusions: Abdominal TB can present with a myriad of signs and symptoms, and early diagnosis and treatment are the keys for an effective cure and for reducing the morbidity and mortality from this chronic granulomatous disease.
Accuracy of MRI Diagnosis of Meniscal Tears of the Knee: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Wang Wei , Li Zheng , Peng Hui-Ming , Bian Yan-Yan , Li Ye , Qian Wen-Wei , Weng Xi-Sheng , Jin Jin , Yang Xin-Yu , Lin Jin
Published: August 2019

This study aimed to evaluate the overall diagnostic value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with suspected meniscal tears. PubMed, Cochrane, Embase database updated to November 2017 were searched by the index words to identify qualified studies, including prospective cohort studies and cross-sectional studies. Literature was also identified by tracking using reference lists. Heterogeneity of the included studies was reviewed to select proper effects model for pooled weighted sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR). Summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) analyses were performed for meniscal tears. A total of 17 studies were involved in this meta-analysis to explore the diagnostic accuracy of MRI for meniscal tears. The global sensitivity and specificity of MRI of meniscal tears were 92.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 88.0–95.0%) and 90.0% (95% CI: 85.0–95.0%) in medial meniscal tears, and 80.0% (95% CI: 66.0–89.0%) and 95.0% (95% CI: 91.0–97.0%) in lateral meniscal tears, respectively. Moreover, the global positive and negative likelihood ratio of MRI of meniscal tears were 10.33 (95% CI: 6.04–17.67) and 0.09 (95% CI: 0.05–0.14) in medial meniscal tears; 16.48 (95% CI: 8.81–30.83) and 0.21 (95% CI: 0.12–0.37) in lateral meniscal tears, respectively. The global DOR was 81.69 (95% CI: 37.94–175.91) in medial meniscal tears and 56.59 (95% CI: 22.51–142.28) in lateral meniscal tears. The results of area under the SROC indicated high accuracy in medial meniscal tears (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.95–0.98) and lateral meniscal tears (AUC = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.94–0.97). This review presents a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of MRI of meniscal tears. Moderate-to-strong evidence suggests that MRI appears to be associated with higher diagnostic accuracy for detecting medial and lateral meniscal tears.
Whistler modes excited by magnetic antennas: A review
Authors: Stenzel R. L.
Published: August 2019

A review of a deceptively simple topic is presented, i.e., the excitation of whistler modes by antennas. It includes the knowledge of antennas and of the waves and their coupling. This review will show how the research in the last few decades has advanced and become a refined and complex topic which covers nonlinear effects, instabilities, nonuniform fields, whistler modes with orbital angular momentum, wave field topologies, etc. This review is mainly focused on experimental work in laboratory plasmas, but the findings will be related to research on whistler waves in space plasmas, helicon plasma sources in the laboratory, and significant findings of other research groups. This review starts with antenna properties such as radiation patterns, radiation efficiencies, and the topology of the emitted wave packets. Next, the propagation of whistler modes in highly nonuniform ambient magnetic fields will be presented. Even in the linear regime, new phenomena have been discovered such as the reflection of whistler modes from strong magnetic field gradients or the eigenmodes of waves on circular magnetic field lines. Important nonlinear effects of whistler modes are presented. Whistler instabilities will be briefly reviewed although this is a broad topic by itself. Examples of magnetic reconnection in the Hall parameter regime will be shown. This review will also discuss the advances of wave diagnostics in dedicated laboratory plasmas, the difficulties of diagnostics in high power laboratory plasmas, and the limiting multipoint diagnostics in space plasmas.
Electromechanics in vertically coupled nanomembranes
Authors: Naserbakht Sepideh , Naesby Andreas , Dantan Aurélien
Published: August 2019

We investigate the electromechanical actuation of a pair of suspended silicon nitride membranes forming a monolithic optomechanical array. By controlling the membrane resonators' tensile stress via a piezoelectrically controlled compressive force applied to the membrane chip, we demonstrate noninvasive tuning of their mechanical mode spectrum, as well as strong intermode electromechanical coupling. Piezoelectric actuation is also shown to enhance the nonlinear response of the membranes, which is evidenced either by parametric amplification of the fundamental mode thermal fluctuations or by resonant driving of these modes into high amplitude states. Such an electro-optomechanical membrane array represents an attractive tunable and versatile platform for sensing, photonics, and optomechanics applications.