bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Magnetic Property and Photo-Induced Coloration of a One-Dimensional Chain Complex
Authors: Meng Qingguo , Wang Suqing , Zhang Junhao , Xun Rui , Chen Mingchao , Lu Jitao
Published: March 2017

A novel photoactive complex was constructed from two non-photoactive ligands and cobalt (II) ions. Upon ultra violet (UV) irradiation (365 nm), the color of complex 1 changes from orange to violet. The ESR spectrum indicates that the photoactive phenomenon of complex 1 originates from an intermolecular energy transfer between the H5DDCPBA ligand and phenanthroline ligand. This photoactive complex shows high thermal stability according to the investigation of thermogravimetric analyses. In addition, the temperature dependence of magnetic susceptibilities for the orange complex 1 was also investigated systematically.
Avoiding the Health Hazard of People from Construction Vehicles: A Strategy for Controlling the Vibration of a Wheel Loader
Authors: Chi Feng , Zhou Jun , Zhang Qi , Wang Yong , Huang Panling
Published: March 2017

The vibration control of a construction vehicle must be carried out in order to meet the aims of sustainable environmental development and to avoid the potential human health hazards. In this paper, based on market feedback, the driver seat vibration of a type of wheel loader in the left and right direction, is found to be significant over a certain speed range. In order to find abnormal vibration components, the order tracking technique (OTT) and transmission path analysis (TPA) were used to analyze the vibration sources of the wheel loader. Through this analysis, it can be seen that the abnormal vibration comes from the interaction between the tire tread and the road, and this is because the vibration was amplified by the cab mount, which was eventually transmitted to the cab seat. Finally, the seat vibration amplitudes were decreased by up to 50.8%, after implementing the vibration reduction strategy.
Synthesis of Five Known Brassinosteroid Analogs from Hyodeoxycholic Acid and Their Activities as Plant-Growth Regulators
Authors: Duran María , González Cesar , Acosta Alison , Olea Andrés , Díaz Katy , Espinoza Luis
Published: March 2017

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are plant hormones that promote growth in different plant organs and tissues. The structural requirements that these compounds should possess to exhibit this biological activity have been studied. In this work, a series of known BR analogs 5–15, were synthesized starting from hyodeoxycholic acid 4, and maintaining the alkyl side chain as cholic acid or its methyl ester. The growth-promoting effects of brassinolide (1) and synthesized analogs were evaluated by using the rice lamina inclination assay at concentrations ranging from 1 × 10−8–1 × 10−6 M. Our results indicate that in this concentration range the induced bending angle of rice seedlings increases with increasing concentration of BRs. Analysis of the activities, determined at the lowest tested concentration, in terms of BR structures shows that the 2α,3α-dihydroxy-7-oxa-6-ketone moiety existing in brassinolide is required for the plant growing activity of these compounds, as it has been proposed by some structure-activity relationship studies. The effect of compound 8 on cell elongation was assessed by microscopy analysis, and the results indicate that the growth-promoting effect of analog 8 is mainly due to cell elongation of the adaxial sides, instead of an increase on cell number.
A Pronounced Inflammatory Activity Characterizes the Early Fracture Healing Phase in Immunologically Restricted Patients
Authors: Hoff Paula , Gaber Timo , Strehl Cindy , Jakstadt Manuela , Hoff Holger , Schmidt-Bleek Katharina , Lang Annemarie , Röhner Eric , Huscher Dörte , Matziolis Georg , Burmester Gerd-Rüdiger , Schmidmaier Gerhard , Perka Carsten , Duda Georg , Buttgereit Frank
Published: March 2017

Immunologically restricted patients such as those with autoimmune diseases or malignancies often suffer from delayed or insufficient fracture healing. In human fracture hematomas and the surrounding bone marrow obtained from immunologically restricted patients, we analyzed the initial inflammatory phase on cellular and humoral level via flow cytometry and multiplex suspension array. Compared with controls, we demonstrated higher numbers of immune cells like monocytes/macrophages, natural killer T (NKT) cells, and activated T helper cells within the fracture hematomas and/or the surrounding bone marrow. Also, several pro-inflammatory cytokines such as Interleukin (IL)-6 and Tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), chemokines (e.g., Eotaxin and RANTES), pro-angiogenic factors (e.g., IL-8 and Macrophage migration inhibitory factor: MIF), and regulatory cytokines (e.g., IL-10) were found at higher levels within the fracture hematomas and/or the surrounding bone marrow of immunologically restricted patients when compared to controls. We conclude here that the inflammatory activity on cellular and humoral levels at fracture sites of immunologically restricted patients considerably exceeds that of control patients. The initial inflammatory phase profoundly differs between these patient groups and is probably one of the reasons for prolonged or insufficient fracture healing often occurring within immunologically restricted patients.
Strategies for Overcoming Resistance in Tumours Harboring BRAF Mutations
Authors: Obaid Nourah , Bedard Karen , Huang Weei-Yuarn
Published: March 2017

The development of resistance to previously effective treatments has been a challenge for health care providers and a fear for patients undergoing cancer therapy. This is an unfortunately frequent occurrence for patients undergoing targeted therapy for tumours harboring the activating V600E mutation of the BRAF gene. Since the initial identification of the BRAF mutation in 2002, a series of small molecular inhibitors that target the BRAFV600E have been developed, but intrinsic and acquired resistance to these drugs has presented an ongoing challenge. More recently, improvements in therapy have been achieved by combining the use of BRAF inhibitors with other drugs, such as inhibitors of the downstream effector mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK) kinase (MEK). Despite improved success in response rates and in delaying resistance using combination therapy, ultimately, the acquisition of resistance remains a concern. Recent research articles have shed light on some of the underlying mechanisms of this resistance and have proposed numerous strategies that might be employed to overcome or avoid resistance to targeted therapies. This review will explore some of the resistance mechanisms, compare what is known in melanoma cancer to colorectal cancer, and discuss strategies under development to manage the development of resistance.
Hepatic Transcriptome Profiles of Mice with Diet-Induced Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Treated with Astaxanthin and Vitamin E
Authors: Kobori Masuko , Takahashi Yumiko , Sakurai Mutsumi , Ni Yinhua , Chen Guanliang , Nagashimada Mayumi , Kaneko Shuichi , Ota Tsuguhito
Published: March 2017

Astaxanthin alleviates hepatic lipid accumulation and peroxidation, inflammation, and fibrosis in mice with high-cholesterol, high-cholate, and high-fat (CL) diet-induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) [...]
Multicomponent, Tumor-Homing Chitosan Nanoparticles for Cancer Imaging and Therapy
Authors: Key Jaehong , Park Kyeongsoon
Published: March 2017

Current clinical methods for cancer diagnosis and therapy have limitations, although survival periods are increasing as medical technologies develop. In most cancer cases, patient survival is closely related to cancer stage. Late-stage cancer after metastasis is very challenging to cure because current surgical removal of cancer is not precise enough and significantly affects bystander normal tissues. Moreover, the subsequent chemotherapy and radiation therapy affect not only malignant tumors, but also healthy tissues. Nanotechnologies for cancer treatment have the clear objective of solving these issues. Nanoparticles have been developed to more accurately differentiate early-stage malignant tumors and to treat only the tumors while dramatically minimizing side effects. In this review, we focus on recent chitosan-based nanoparticles developed with the goal of accurate cancer imaging and effective treatment. Regarding imaging applications, we review optical and magnetic resonance cancer imaging in particular. Regarding cancer treatments, we review various therapeutic methods that use chitosan-based nanoparticles, including chemo-, gene, photothermal, photodynamic and magnetic therapies.
Long-Term Vaptan Treatment of Idiopathic SIADH in an Octogenarian
Authors: Büttner Stefan , Bachmann Jürgen , Geiger Helmut , Obermüller Nicholas
Published: March 2017

Hyponatremia is the most common and by far underestimated electrolyte disorder in clinical practice. Especially in elderly patients, treatment of symptomatic hyponatremia is challenging. Herein we describe the case of an octogenarian with recurrent symptomatic hyponatremia due to idiopathic syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone release (SIADH). Fluid restriction was insufficient to prevent repeated episodes of hyponatremia complicated by falls and coma. After introduction of a low-dose therapy with tolvaptan, serum sodium levels as well as the clinical condition were stable under vaptan therapy, without any relapse for more than six years now. This case demonstrates that long-term tolvaptan treatment for hyponatremia caused by SIADH is safe and well tolerated, even in the elderly.
Direct Uncertainty Minimization Framework for System Performance Improvement in Model Reference Adaptive Control
Authors: Gruenwald Benjamin , Yucelen Tansel , Muse Jonathan
Published: March 2017

Inthispaper, adirectuncertaintyminimizationframeworkisdevelopedanddemonstrated for model reference adaptive control laws. The proposed framework consists of a novel architecture involvingmodiﬁcationtermsintheadaptivecontrollawandtheupdatelaw. Inparticular,theseterms areconstructedthroughagradientminimizationprocedureinordertoachieveimprovedclosed-loop system performance with adaptive control laws. The proposed framework is ﬁrst developed for adaptive control laws with linear reference models and then generalized to adaptive control laws with nonlinear reference models. Two illustrative numerical examples are included to demonstrate the efﬁcacy of the proposed framework.
Mechanical Properties Improvement of Laser Tailor Welded Blanks of DP600 Steel by Magnetic Treatment
Authors: Song Yanli , Yu Cheng , Yu Hailong , Zhao Chenyu
Published: March 2017

The influence of magnetic treatment on the yield strength, the ultimate tensile strength and the elongation of laser tailor welded blanks (TWBs) of DP600 steel was investigated by uniaxial tensile tests. The experimental results showed that the yield strength and the ultimate tensile strength of the TWBs had only a slight change, but the elongation increased by 13.90%–36.23% after the magnetic treatment. The dislocation distributions in the fusion zone (FZ) and the heat-affected zone (HAZ) were observed respectively by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was found that after magnetic treatment, the dislocations in both the FZ and the HAZ of the TWBs increased and showed a relatively uniform distribution. The mechanism of the mechanical property improvement of the TWBs by the magnetic treatment was then revealed on the basis of the relationship model between the dislocation and shear strain, considering the evolution of magnetic domains and Frank-Read dislocation multiplication in a magnetic field.
New Insights in Thrombin Inhibition Structure–Activity Relationships by Characterization of Octadecasaccharides from Low Molecular Weight Heparin
Authors: Mourier Pierre , Guichard Olivier , Herman Fréderic , Sizun Philippe , Viskov Christian
Published: March 2017

Low Molecular Weight Heparins (LMWH) are complex anticoagulant drugs that mainly inhibit the blood coagulation cascade through indirect interaction with antithrombin. While inhibition of the factor Xa is well described, little is known about the polysaccharide structure inhibiting thrombin. In fact, a minimal chain length of 18 saccharides units, including an antithrombin (AT) binding pentasaccharide, is mandatory to form the active ternary complex for LMWH obtained by alkaline β-elimination (e.g., enoxaparin). However, the relationship between structure of octadecasaccharides and their thrombin inhibition has not been yet assessed on natural compounds due to technical hurdles to isolate sufficiently pure material. We report the preparation of five octadecasaccharides by using orthogonal separation methods including size exclusion, AT affinity, ion pairing and strong anion exchange chromatography. Each of these octadecasaccharides possesses two AT binding pentasaccharide sequences located at various positions. After structural elucidation using enzymatic sequencing and NMR, in vitro aFXa and aFIIa were determined. The biological activities reveal the critical role of each pentasaccharide sequence position within the octadecasaccharides and structural requirements to inhibit thrombin. Significant differences in potency, such as the twenty-fold magnitude difference observed between two regioisomers, further highlights the importance of depolymerisation process conditions on LMWH biological activity.
A Direct Method for β-Selective Glycosylation with an N-Acetylglucosamine Donor Armed by a 4-O-TBDMS Protecting Group
Authors: Tanaka Hidenori , Hamaya Yu , Kotsuki Hiyoshizo
Published: March 2017

A new direct method for β-selective glycosylation with an N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) donor was developed. This substrate, which can be readily prepared from commercially available GlcNAc in two steps, contains a 4-O-tert-butyldimethylsilyl (TBDMS) protecting group as a key component. We found that this functionality could have a favorable effect on the reactivity of the GlcNAc donor. Glycosylation with the armed donor using primary alcohols in the presence of a catalytic amount of trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate (TMSOTf) in 1,2-dichloroethane smoothly gave the desired coupling products in good yields with complete β-selectivity, while sterically hindered acceptors were less efficient.
Chitosan-Functionalized Graphene Oxide as a Potential Immunoadjuvant
Authors: Yan Ting , Zhang Huijie , Huang Dandi , Feng Shini , Fujita Morihisa , Gao Xiao-Dong
Published: March 2017

The application of graphene oxide (GO) as a potential vaccine adjuvant has recently attracted considerable attention. However, appropriate surface functionalization of GO is crucial to improve its biocompatibility and enhance its adjuvant activity. In this study, we developed a simple method to prepare chitosan (CS)-functionalized GO (GO-CS) and further investigated its potential as a nanoadjuvant. Compared with GO, GO-CS possessed considerably smaller size, positive surface charge, and better thermal stability. The functionalization of GO with CS was effective in decreasing the non-specific protein adsorption and improving its biocompatibility. Furthermore, GO-CS significantly activated RAW264.7 cells and stimulated more cytokines for mediating cellular immune response, which was mainly due to the synergistic immunostimulatory effect of both GO and CS. GO-CS exhibits strong potential as a safe nanoadjuvant for vaccines and immunotherapy.
Genetic Variations Associated with Vitamin A Status and Vitamin A Bioavailability
Authors: Borel Patrick , Desmarchelier Charles
Published: March 2017

Blood concentration of vitamin A (VA), which is present as different molecules, i.e., mainly retinol and provitamin A carotenoids, plus retinyl esters in the postprandial period after a VA-containing meal, is affected by numerous factors: dietary VA intake, VA absorption efficiency, efficiency of provitamin A carotenoid conversion to VA, VA tissue uptake, etc. Most of these factors are in turn modulated by genetic variations in genes encoding proteins involved in VA metabolism. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and candidate gene association studies have identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with blood concentrations of retinol and β-carotene, as well as with β-carotene bioavailability. These genetic variations likely explain, at least in part, interindividual variability in VA status and in VA bioavailability. However, much work remains to be done to identify all of the SNPs involved in VA status and bioavailability and to assess the possible involvement of other kinds of genetic variations, e.g., copy number variants and insertions/deletions, in these phenotypes. Yet, the potential usefulness of this area of research is exciting regarding the proposition of more personalized dietary recommendations in VA, particularly in populations at risk of VA deficiency.
Inhibition of VEGF-Induced VEGFR-2 Activation and HUVEC Migration by Melatonin and Other Bioactive Indolic Compounds
Authors: Cerezo Ana , Hornedo-Ortega Ruth , Álvarez-Fernández M. , Troncoso Ana , García-Parrilla M.
Published: March 2017

Excessive concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) trigger angiogenesis, which causes complications such as the destabilization of atherosclerotic plaques and increased growth of tumors. This work focuses on the determination of the inhibitory activity of melatonin and other indolic related compounds on VEGF-induced VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) activation and an approximation to the molecular mechanism underlying the inhibition. Quantification of phosphorylated VEGFR-2 was measured by ELISA. Migration wound-healing assay was used to determine cell migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). This is the first time that melatonin, 3-indolacetic acid, 5-hydroxytryptophol, and serotonin are proved to significantly inhibit VEGF-induced VEGFR-2 activation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and subsequent angiogenesis. 3-Indolacetic acid showed the highest inhibitory effect (IC50 value of 0.9704 mM), followed by 5-hydroxytryptophol (35% of inhibition at 0.1 mM), melatonin (30% of inhibition at 1 mM), and serotonin (24% of inhibition at 1 mM). An approximation to the molecular mechanism of the inhibition has been proposed, suggesting that indolic compounds might interact with the cell surface components of the endothelial membrane in a way that prevents VEGF from activating the receptor. Additionally, wound-healing assay revealed that exposure of HUVECs to melatonin and 3-indolacetic acid in the presence of VEGF significantly inhibited cell migration by 87% and 99%, respectively, after 24 h. These data demonstrate that melatonin, 3-indolacetic acid, 5-hydroxytryptophol, and serotonin would be good molecules for future exploitation as anti-VEGF signaling agents.
Maternal Consumption of Hesperidin and Naringin Flavanones Exerts Transient Effects to Tibia Bone Structure in Female CD‐1 Offspring
Authors: Sacco Sandra , Saint Caitlin , LeBlanc Paul , Ward Wendy
Published: March 2017

Hesperidin (HSP) and naringin (NAR), flavanones rich in citrus fruits, support skeletal integrity in adult and aging rodent models. This study determined whether maternal consumption of HSP and NAR favorably programs bone development, resulting in higher bone mineral density (BMD) and greater structure and biomechanical strength (i.e., peak load) in female offspring. Female CD‐1 mice were fed a control diet or a HSP + NAR diet five weeks before pregnancy and throughout pregnancy and lactation. At weaning, female offspring were fed a control diet until six months of age. The structure and BMD of the proximal tibia were measured longitudinally using in vivo microcomputed tomography at 2, 4, and 6 months of age. The trabecular bone structure at two and four months and the trabecular BMD at four months were compromised at the proximal tibia in mice exposed to HSP and NAR compared to the control diet (p < 0.001). At six months of age, these differences in trabecular structure and BMD at the proximal tibia had disappeared. At 6 months of age, the tibia midpoint peak load, BMD, structure, and the peak load of lumbar vertebrae and femurs were similar (p > 0.05) between the HSP + NAR and control groups. In conclusion, maternal consumption of HSP and NAR does not enhance bone development in female CD‐1 offspring.
Experimental Evaluation of Impairments in Unrepeatered DP-16QAM Link with Distributed Raman Amplification
Authors: Pang Xiaodan , Ozolins Oskars , El-Taher Atalla , Schatz Richard , Jacobsen Gunnar , Sergeyev Sergey , Popov Sergei
Published: March 2017

The transmission impairments of a Raman amplified link using dual-polarization 16-quadrature amplitude modulation (DP-16QAM) are experimentally characterized. The impact of amplitude and phase noise on the signal due to relative intensity noise (RIN) transfer from the pump are compared for two pumping configurations: first-order backward pumping and bi-directional pumping. Experimental results indicate that with increased Raman backward pump power, though the optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) is increased, so is the pump-induced amplitude and phase noise. The transmission performance is firstly improved by the enhanced OSNR at a low pump power until an optimum point is reached, and then the impairments due to pump-induced noise start to dominate. However, the introduction of a low pump power in the forward direction can further improve the system’s performance.
Fully Printed Flexible Single-Chip RFID Tag with Light Detection Capabilities
Authors: Falco Aniello , Salmerón Jose , Loghin Florin , Lugli Paolo , Rivadeneyra Almudena
Published: March 2017

A printed passive radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag in the ultra-high frequency band for light and temperature monitoring is presented. The whole tag has been manufactured by printing techniques on a flexible substrate. Antenna and interconnects are realized with silver nanoparticles via inkjet printing. A sprayed photodetector performs the light monitoring, whereas temperature measurement comes from an in-built sensor in the silicon RFID chip. One of the advantages of this system is the digital read-out and transmission of the sensors information on the RFID tag that ensures reliability. Furthermore, the use of printing techniques allows large-scale manufacturing and the direct fabrication of the tag on the desired surface. This work proves for the first time the feasibility of the embedment of large-scale organic photodetectors onto inkjet printed RFID tags. Here, we solve the problem of integration of different manufacturing techniques to develop an optimal final sensor system.
Twenty-Four-Hour Real-Time Continuous Monitoring of Cerebral Edema in Rabbits Based on a Noninvasive and Noncontact System of Magnetic Induction
Authors: Li Gen , Ma Ke , Sun Jian , Jin Gui , Qin Mingxin , Feng Hua
Published: March 2017

Cerebral edema is a common disease, secondary to craniocerebral injury, and real-time continuous monitoring of cerebral edema is crucial for treating patients after traumatic brain injury. This work established a noninvasive and noncontact system by monitoring the magnetic induction phase shift (MIPS) which is associated with brain tissue conductivity. Sixteen rabbits (experimental group n = 10, control group, n = 6) were used to perform a 24 h MIPS and intracranial pressure (ICP) simultaneously monitored experimental study. For the experimental group, after the establishment of epidural freeze-induced cerebral edema models, the MIPS presented a downward trend within 24 h, with a change magnitude of −13.1121 ± 2.3953°; the ICP presented an upward trend within 24 h, with a change magnitude of 12–41 mmHg. The ICP was negatively correlated with the MIPS. In the control group, the MIPS change amplitude was −0.87795 ± 1.5146 without obvious changes; the ICP fluctuated only slightly at the initial value of 12 mmHg. MIPS had a more sensitive performance than ICP in the early stage of cerebral edema. These results showed that this system is basically capable of monitoring gradual increases in the cerebral edema solution volume. To some extent, the MIPS has the potential to reflect the ICP changes.
Non-Destructive Evaluation of the Leaf Nitrogen Concentration by In-Field Visible/Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Pear Orchards
Authors: Wang Jie , Shen Changwei , Liu Na , Jin Xin , Fan Xueshan , Dong Caixia , Xu Yangchun
Published: March 2017

Non-destructive and timely determination of leaf nitrogen (N) concentration is urgently needed for N management in pear orchards. A two-year field experiment was conducted in a commercial pear orchard with five N application rates: 0 (N0), 165 (N1), 330 (N2), 660 (N3), and 990 (N4) kg·N·ha−1. The mid-portion leaves on the year’s shoot were selected for the spectral measurement first and then N concentration determination in the laboratory at 50 and 80 days after full bloom (DAB). Three methods of in-field spectral measurement (25° bare fibre under solar conditions, black background attached to plant probe, and white background attached to plant probe) were compared. We also investigated the modelling performances of four chemometric techniques (principal components regression, PCR; partial least squares regression, PLSR; stepwise multiple linear regression, SMLR; and back propagation neural network, BPNN) and three vegetation indices (difference spectral index, normalized difference spectral index, and ratio spectral index). Due to the low correlation of reflectance obtained by the 25° field of view method, all of the modelling was performed on two spectral datasets—both acquired by a plant probe. Results showed that the best modelling and prediction accuracy were found in the model established by PLSR and spectra measured with a black background. The randomly-separated subsets of calibration (n = 1000) and validation (n = 420) of this model resulted in high R2 values of 0.86 and 0.85, respectively, as well as a low mean relative error (<6%). Furthermore, a higher coefficient of determination between the leaf N concentration and fruit yield was found at 50 DAB samplings in both 2015 (R2 = 0.77) and 2014 (R2 = 0.59). Thus, the leaf N concentration was suggested to be determined at 50 DAB by visible/near-infrared spectroscopy and the threshold should be 24–27 g/kg.
LiDAR-IMU Time Delay Calibration Based on Iterative Closest Point and Iterated Sigma Point Kalman Filter
Authors: Liu Wanli
Published: March 2017

The time delay calibration between Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) is an essential prerequisite for its applications. However, the correspondences between LiDAR and IMU measurements are usually unknown, and thus cannot be computed directly for the time delay calibration. In order to solve the problem of LiDAR-IMU time delay calibration, this paper presents a fusion method based on iterative closest point (ICP) and iterated sigma point Kalman filter (ISPKF), which combines the advantages of ICP and ISPKF. The ICP algorithm can precisely determine the unknown transformation between LiDAR-IMU; and the ISPKF algorithm can optimally estimate the time delay calibration parameters. First of all, the coordinate transformation from the LiDAR frame to the IMU frame is realized. Second, the measurement model and time delay error model of LiDAR and IMU are established. Third, the methodology of the ICP and ISPKF procedure is presented for LiDAR-IMU time delay calibration. Experimental results are presented that validate the proposed method and demonstrate the time delay error can be accurately calibrated.
Detection of the Vibration Signal from Human Vocal Folds Using a 94-GHz Millimeter-Wave Radar
Authors: Chen Fuming , Li Sheng , Zhang Yang , Wang Jianqi
Published: March 2017

The detection of the vibration signal from human vocal folds provides essential information for studying human phonation and diagnosing voice disorders. Doppler radar technology has enabled the noncontact measurement of the human-vocal-fold vibration. However, existing systems must be placed in close proximity to the human throat and detailed information may be lost because of the low operating frequency. In this paper, a long-distance detection method, involving the use of a 94-GHz millimeter-wave radar sensor, is proposed for detecting the vibration signals from human vocal folds. An algorithm that combines empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and the auto-correlation function (ACF) method is proposed for detecting the signal. First, the EMD method is employed to suppress the noise of the radar-detected signal. Further, the ratio of the energy and entropy is used to detect voice activity in the radar-detected signal, following which, a short-time ACF is employed to extract the vibration signal of the human vocal folds from the processed signal. For validating the method and assessing the performance of the radar system, a vibration measurement sensor and microphone system are additionally employed for comparison. The experimental results obtained from the spectrograms, the vibration frequency of the vocal folds, and coherence analysis demonstrate that the proposed method can effectively detect the vibration of human vocal folds from a long detection distance.
A Zinc Oxide Nanoflower-Based Electrochemical Sensor for Trace Detection of Sunset Yellow
Authors: Ya Yu , Jiang Cuiwen , Li Tao , Liao Jie , Fan Yegeng , Wei Yuning , Yan Feiyan , Xie Liping
Published: March 2017

Zinc oxide nanoflower (ZnONF) was synthesized by a simple process and was used to construct a highly sensitive electrochemical sensor for the detection of sunset yellow (SY). Due to the large surface area and high accumulation efficiency of ZnONF, the ZnONF-modified carbon paste electrode (ZnONF/CPE) showed a strong enhancement effect on the electrochemical oxidation of SY. The electrochemical behaviors of SY were investigated using voltammetry with the ZnONF-based sensor. The optimized parameters included the amount of ZnONF, the accumulation time, and the pH value. Under optimal conditions, the oxidation peak current was linearly proportional to SY concentration in the range of 0.50–10 μg/L and 10–70 μg/L, while the detection limit was 0.10 μg/L (signal-to-noise ratio = 3). The proposed method was used to determine the amount of SY in soft drinks with recoveries of 97.5%–103%, and the results were in good agreement with the results obtained by high-performance liquid chromatography.
Eosinophilia and Quality of Life in Patients Receiving a Bioabsorbable Steroid-Eluting Implant during Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Pou Jason , Riley Charles , Tipirneni Kiranya , Bareiss Anna , McCoul Edward
Published: March 2017

Introduction: Bioabsorbable steroid-eluting implants are available as an adjunct for endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). It is unclear which patients are most likely to benefit from this technology. We sought to determine if the severity of preoperative sinonasal inflammation influences the postoperative changes in patient-reported quality of life (QOL) and endoscopic appearance following ESS with implant placement; Methods: Consecutive adult patients undergoing ESS for CRS with ethmoidectomy and placement of a steroid-eluting implant over an 18-month period were prospectively included for study. Pre-operative sinus computed tomography (CT) opacification was evaluated using the Lund-Mackay score (LMS). Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) scores and Lund-Kennedy endoscopic scores (LKES) for each patient were collected preoperatively and at three- and six-month intervals postoperatively. Serum eosinophilia (>6.0% on peripheral smear) and sinus tissue eosinophilia were recorded; Results: One hundred and thirty-six patients were included for analysis. Of these, 36.7% had polyposis, 15.4% had serum eosinophilia and 64.0% had tissue eosinophilia. The mean (standard deviation) SNOT-22 score was 45.5 (19.4) preoperatively, which improved postoperatively to 18.8 (14.1) at three months (p < 0.001) and 16.5 (14.0) at six months (p < 0.001). Similar results were found when stratified by the presence of polyposis, serum eosinophilia, tissue eosinophilia or high-grade CT findings (LMS > 6). Higher baseline LKES was observed for patients with eosinophilia or high-grade LMS, but these differences normalized at six months postoperatively; Conclusions: Patient-reported QOL and endoscopic appearance show improvement six months after placement of a steroid-eluting implant during ESS, irrespective of the presence of polyposis or eosinophilia.
Optimizing Existing Multistory Building Designs towards Net-Zero Energy
Authors: AbuGrain Mohammad , Alibaba Halil
Published: March 2017

Recent global developments in awareness and concerns about environmental problems have led to reconsidering built environment approaches and construction techniques. One of the alternatives is the principle of low/zero-energy buildings. This study investigates the potentials of energy savings in an existing multi-story building in the Mediterranean region in order to achieve net-zero energy as a solution to increasing fossil fuel prices. The Colored building at the Faculty of Architecture, Eastern Mediterranean University, Cyprus was chosen as a target of this study to be investigated and analyzed in order to know how energy efficiency strategies could be applied to the building to reduce annual energy consumption. Since this research objective is to develop a strategy to achieve net-zero energy in existing buildings, case study and problem solving methodologies were applied in this research in order to evaluate the building design in a qualitative manner through observations, in addition to a quantitative method through an energy modeling simulation to achieve desirable results which address the problems. After optimizing the building energy performance, an alternative energy simulation was made of the building in order to make an energy comparison analysis, which leads to reliable conclusions. These methodologies and the strategies used in this research can be applied to similar buildings in order to achieve net-zero energy goals.
Thermally Induced Effective Spacetimes in Self-Assembled Hyperbolic Metamaterials
Authors: Smolyaninov Igor
Published: March 2017

Recent developments in gravitation theory indicate that the classic general relativity is an effective macroscopic theory which will be eventually replaced with a more fundamental theory based on thermodynamics of yet unknown microscopic degrees of freedom. Here we consider thermodynamics of an effective spacetime which may be formed under the influence of an external magnetic field in a cobalt ferrofluid. It appears that the extraordinary photons propagating inside the ferrofluid perceive thermal gradients in the ferrofluid as an effective gravitational field, which obeys the Newton law. Moreover, the effective de Sitter spacetime behaviour near the metric signature transition may mimic various cosmological inflation scenarios, which may be visualized directly using an optical microscope. Thus, some features of the hypothetic microscopic theory of gravity are illustrated in the ferrofluid-based analogue models of inflation.
On Teaching International Courses on Health Information Systems
Authors: Ammenwerth Elske , Knaup Petra , Winter Alfred , Bauer Axel , Bott Oliver , Gietzelt Matthias , Haarbrandt Birger , Hackl Werner , Hellrung Nils , Hübner-Bloder Gudrun , Jahn Franziska , Jaspers Monique , Kutscha Ulrike , Machan Christoph , Oppermann Bianca , Pilz Jochen , Schwartze Jonas , Seidel Christoph , Slot Jan-Eric , Smers Stefan , Spitalewsky Katharina , Steckel Nathalie , Strübing Alexander , Haak Minne van der , Haux Reinhold , ter Burg Willem
Published: March 2017

Background: Health information systems (HIS) are one of the most important areas for biomedical and health informatics. In order to professionally deal with HIS well-educated informaticians are needed. Because of these reasons, in 2001 an international course has been established: The Frank - van Swieten Lectures on Strategic Information Management of Health Information Systems.

Objectives: Reporting about the Frank - van Swieten Lectures and about our students’ feedback on this course during the last 16 years. Summarizing our lessons learned and making recommendations for such international courses on HIS.

Methods: The basic concept of the Frank -van Swieten lectures is to teach the theoretical background in local lectures, to organize practical exercises on modelling sub-information systems of the respective local HIS and finally to conduct Joint Three Days as an international meeting were the resulting models are introduced and compared.

Results: During the last 16 years, the Universities of Amsterdam, Braunschweig, Heidelberg/Heilbronn, Leipzig as well as UMIT were involved in running this course. Overall, 517 students from these universities participated. Our students’ feedback was clearly positive. The Joint Three Days of the Frank - van Swieten Lectures, where at the end of the course all students can meet, turned out to be an important component of this course. Based on the last 16 years, we recommend common teaching materials, agreement on equivalent clinical areas for the exercises, support of group building of international student groups, motivation of using a collaboration platform, ensuring quality management of the course, addressing different levels of knowledge of the students, and ensuring sufficient funding for joint activities.

Conclusions: Although associated with considerable additional efforts, we can clearly recommend establishing such international courses on HIS, such as the Frank -van Swieten Lectures.
Analysis and modification of defective surface aggregates on PCDTBT:PCBM solar cell blends using combined Kelvin probe, conductive and bimodal atomic force microscopy
Authors: Noh Hanaul , Diaz Alfredo J , Solares Santiago D
Published: March 2017

Organic photovoltaic systems comprising donor polymers and acceptor fullerene derivatives are attractive for inexpensive energy harvesting. Extensive research on polymer solar cells has provided insight into the factors governing device-level efficiency and stability. However, the detailed investigation of nanoscale structures is still challenging. Here we demonstrate the analysis and modification of unidentified surface aggregates. The aggregates are characterized electrically by Kelvin probe force microscopy and conductive atomic force microscopy (C-AFM), whereby the correlation between local electrical potential and current confirms a defective charge transport. Bimodal AFM modification confirms that the aggregates exist on top of the solar cell structure, and is used to remove them and to reveal the underlying active layer. The systematic analysis of the surface aggregates suggests that the structure consists of PCBM molecules.
Biosynthetic origin of butyrolactol A, an antifungal polyketide produced by a marine-derived Streptomyces
Authors: Harunari Enjuro , Komaki Hisayuki , Igarashi Yasuhiro
Published: March 2017

Butyrolactol A is an antifungal polyketide of Streptomyces bearing an uncommon tert-butyl starter unit and a polyol system in which eight hydroxy/acyloxy carbons are contiguously connected. Except for its congener butyrolactol B, there exist no structurally related natural products to date. In this study, inspired by our previous genomic analysis, incorporation of 13C- and 2H-labeled precursors into butyrolactol A was investigated. Based on the labeling pattern and sequencing analytical data, we confirmed that the tert-butyl group is derived from valine and its C-methylation with methionine and the polyol carbons are derived from a glycolysis intermediate, possibly hydroxymalonyl-ACP.
Phylogenetic relationships of eight new Dacrymycetes collected from new Zealand
Authors: Shirouzu T. , Hosaka K. , Nam K.-O. , Weir B.S. , Johnston P.R. , Hosoya T.
Published: March 2017

Dacrymycetes, sister to Agaricomycetes, is a noteworthy lineage for studying the evolution of wooddecaying basidiomycetes; however, its species diversity and phylogeny are largely unknown. Species of Dacrymycetes previously used in molecular phylogenetic analyses
are mainly derived from the Northern Hemisphere, thus insufficient knowledge exists concerning the Southern Hemisphere lineages. In this study, we investigated the species diversity of Dacrymycetes in New Zealand. We found 11 previously described species, and eight new species which
were described here: Calocera pedicellata, Dacrymyces longistipitatus, D. pachysporus, D. stenosporus, D. parastenosporus, D. cylindricus, D. citrinus, and D. cyrtosporus. These eight newly described species and seven of the known
ones, namely, Calocera fusca, C. cf. guepinioides, C. lutea, Dacrymyces flabelliformis, D. intermedius, D. subantarcticensis, and Heterotextus miltinus, have rarely or never been recorded from the Northern Hemisphere. In
a molecular-based phylogeny, these New Zealand strains were scattered throughout the Dacrymycetaceae clade. Sequences obtained from specimens morphologically matching C. guepinioides were separated into three distant clades. Because no obvious morphological differences could
be discerned between the specimens in each clade and no sequence exists from the type specimen, a C. guepinioides s.str. clade could not be determined. This survey of dacrymycetous species in the Southern Hemisphere has increased taxon sampling for phylogenetic analyses that can serve
as a basis for the construction of a stable classification of Dacrymycetes.
AGN Luminosity and Stellar Age: Two Missing Ingredients for AGN Unification as Seen with iPTF Supernovae
Authors: Villarroel Beatriz , Nyholm Anders , Karlsson Torgny , Comerón Sébastien , Korn Andreas J. , Sollerman Jesper , Zackrisson Erik
Published: March 2017

Active galactic nuclei (AGNs) are extremely powerful cosmic objects, driven by accretion of hot gas upon super-massive black holes. The zoo of AGN classes is divided into two major groups, with Type-1 AGNs displaying broad Balmer emission lines and Type-2 narrow ones. For a long time it was believed that a Type-2 AGN is a Type-1 AGN viewed through a dusty kiloparsec-sized torus, but an emerging body of observations suggests more than just the viewing angle matters. Here we report significant differences in supernova (SN) counts and classes in the first study to date of SNe near Type-1 and Type-2 AGN host galaxies, using data from the intermediate Palomar Transient Factory, the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 7, and Galaxy Zoo. We detect many more SNe in Type-2 AGN hosts (size of effect ∼5.1σ) compared to Type-1 hosts, which shows that the two classes of AGN are located inside host galaxies with different properties. In addition, Type-1 and Type-2 AGNs that are dominated by star formation according to Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer colors

and are matched in 22 μm absolute magnitude differ by a factor of ten in L[O iii] λ5007 luminosity, suggesting that when residing in similar types of host galaxies Type-1 AGNs are much more luminous. Our results demonstrate two more factors that play an important role in completing the current picture: the age of stellar populations and the AGN luminosity. This has immediate consequences for understanding the many AGN classes and galaxy evolution.
Citoyens en principe, indigènes en pratique ? L’obligation scolaire et ses dilemmes à Tahiti sous la III e République
Authors: Salaün Marie
Published: March 2017

Les Établissements français de l’Océanie sont un cas empiriquement intéressant pour comprendre l’action de l’État français dans ses possessions ultramarines. En vertu d’un régime très particulier qui a vu la moitié des autochtones devenir des citoyens français quand les autres restaient des « sujets indigènes », cette possession lointaine échappe au traditionnel clivage citoyens versus sujets. Si la question de l’exercice effectif des droits politiques a déjà été partiellement analysée, ce n’est pas le cas d’un autre vecteur de la citoyenneté : l’école. Alors que les intérêts de la « mission civilisatrice », et en particulier l’impératif de francisation linguistique de ces nouveaux citoyens français, commandaient l’extension de l’obligation scolaire à Tahiti, elle ne sera adoptée localement qu’en 1897, au terme de deux décennies de débats qui éclairent d’un jour nouveau une tension impériale fondamentale entre la nécessité de considérer comme « égaux » ceux qui étaient, et devaient dans une certaine mesure rester, « différents ». Cet article propose de relire cette tension à l’aune des résistances à la loi métropolitaine, aussi bien du côté des colonisateurs que de celui des colonisés, en montrant d’un côté comment la logique racialiste, officiellement inopérante ici, ne cesse de refaire surface dans le texte public, et de l’autre comment le texte caché des Polynésiens ne cesse de compromettre, en pratique, l’application de la loi.
Françaises et Français de Mayotte. Un rapport inquiet à la nationalité
Authors: Hachimi-Alaoui Myriam
Published: March 2017

En avril 2011, Mayotte est devenue le 101 e département français. Dans cette île française de l’archipel des Comores, deux statuts civils coexistent : l’un de droit local qui s’inspire du droit musulman et des coutumes malgaches et africaines, l’autre de droit commun relevant du Code civil. Le processus de départementalisation a conduit à une redéfinition des cadres juridiques pour l’inclusion dans la nationalité française. C’est dans cette perspective qu’ont été lancées dans les années 2000, les réformes de l’état civil et celles du statut de droit local. Cet article s’intéresse à leur mise en œuvre et aux débats qui les ont accompagnées en les inscrivant dans une perspective historique. Plus précisément, à partir d’une enquête ethnographique on montrera que les Mahoraises et les Mahorais ont peiné à s’approprier ces changements peu débattus en dehors du cercle restreint des élites locales et des élus nationaux. Ce manque de concertation alimente chez beaucoup un rapport inquiet à la nationalité française s’exprimant parfois par un ressentiment à l’égard des Comoriens, que ceux-ci soient français ou étrangers.
Les conditions préalables au « tournant néo-libéral »
Authors: Lepont Ulrike
Published: March 2017

À partir du cas des politiques américaines de protection maladie, cet article propose un renouvellement de la compréhension du « tournant néo-libéral » des années 1970 en mettant au jour une dimension rarement prise en compte : celle des transformations intervenues dans les espaces de production des idées et des savoirs (espaces académique et d’expertise) au cours des années 1950 et 1960, soit bien en amont des crises économiques et budgétaires pourtant généralement considérées comme déclencheurs du changement de paradigme. Il invite ainsi à relativiser l’impact du contexte économique (le cadrage en termes de « crise » pouvant alors être lu comme l’indice d’une présence déjà forte des acteurs de l’expertise qui se proposeront d’y remédier) et souligne l’intérêt qu’il y a à introduire de manière plus systématique des éléments de sociologie des connaissances dans l’analyse des politiques publiques et de leurs transformations.
Antidepressant-Induced Sexual Side Effects: Incidence, Assessment, Clinical Implications, and Management
Authors: Francois Dimitry , Levin Ariana Mireille , Kutscher Eric J. , Asemota Babatunde
Published: March 2017

Antidepressant medications can cause numerous types of sexual dysfunction. It is important to screen for and treat antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction, which is often under-reported and may exacerbate mood symptoms and negatively affect relationships and medication adherence. Management strategies include watchful waiting, reducing the antidepressant dose, adding a different type of antidepressant or a medication for erectile dysfunction, switching to another antidepressant, drug holidays, and timing of sexual relations with respect to antidepressant dose.

[
Psychiatr Ann
. 2017;47(3):154–160.]