bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Familial Associations in Testicular Cancer with Other Cancers
Authors: Zhang Luyao , Yu Hongyao , Hemminki Otto , Försti Asta , Sundquist Kristina , Hemminki Kari
Published: July 2018

Familial risks for testicular cancer (TC) are among the highest of all cancers. However, data are limited for histological types of TC and for possible familial associations of TC with other cancers. We used the nationwide Swedish Family-Cancer Database for years 1958 to 2015 to analyse familial relative risks (RR) for 11,138 TC patients when first-degree relatives were diagnosed with TC or other cancer in reference to those without a family history. A total of 191 familial TCs were found, which accounted for 2.0% of all TC. The RR was 5.06 when one family member was diagnosed with TC with no significant difference between seminoma and nonseminoma. However, the risk for nonseminoma was 33.59 when two family members were affected. Internally consistent familial associations of TC, particularly of seminoma, were found with breast and nervous system cancers and melanoma. Individual significant associations were found for a number of sites, including ovarian, endometrial and prostate cancers. Our results suggest that nonseminoma may have a stronger genetic background than seminoma but seminoma shares more familial associations with discordant cancers. Clustering of TC with hormone-dependent cancers of the breast, ovary, endometrium and prostate may suggest mechanistic links and possibly gene-environment interactions.
Trichromatic perception of flower colour improves resource detection among New World monkeys
Authors: Hogan J. D. , Fedigan L. M. , Hiramatsu C. , Kawamura S. , Melin A. D.
Published: July 2018

Many plants use colour to attract pollinators, which often possess colour vision systems well-suited for detecting flowers. Yet, to isolate the role of colour is difficult, as flowers also produce other cues. The study of florivory by Neotropical primates possessing polymorphic colour vision provides an opportunity to investigate the importance of colour directly. Here we determine whether differences in colour vision within a mixed population of wild dichromatic and trichromatic white-faced capuchins (Cebus capucinus imitator) affect flower foraging behaviours. We collected reflectance data for flower foods and modelled their chromatic properties to capuchin colour vision phenotypes. We collected behavioural data over 22 months spanning four years, determined the colour vision phenotype of each monkey based on amino acid variation of the L/M opsin gene from fecal DNA, and compared foraging behaviours of dichromats and trichromats. Most flowers were more conspicuous to trichromats, and trichromats foraged in small flower patches significantly more often. These data demonstrate a difference in wild primate foraging patterns based on colour vision differences, supporting the hypothesis that trichromacy enhances detection of small, ephemeral resources. This advantage, which may also extend to other foods, likely contributes to the maintenance of colour vision polymorphism in Neotropical monkeys.
Non-canonicaly recruited TCRαβCD8αα IELs recognize microbial antigens
Authors: Wojciech Lukasz , Szurek Edyta , Kuczma Michal , Cebula Anna , Elhefnawy Wessam R. , Pietrzak Maciej , Rempala Grzegorz , Ignatowicz Leszek
Published: July 2018

In the gut, various subsets of intraepithelial T cells (IELs) respond to self or non-self-antigens derived from the body, diet, commensal and pathogenic microbiota. Dominant subset of IELs in the small intestine are TCRαβCD8αα+cells, which are derived from immature thymocytes that express self-reactive TCRs. Although most of TCRαβCD8αα+IELs are thymus-derived, their repertoire adapts to microbial flora. Here, using high throughput TCR sequencing we examined how clonal diversity of TCRαβCD8αα+IELs changes upon exposure to commensal-derived antigens. We found that fraction of CD8αα+IELs and CD4+T cells express identical αβTCRs and this overlap raised parallel to a surge in the diversity of microbial flora. We also found that an opportunistic pathogen (Staphylococcus aureus) isolated from mouse small intestine specifically activated CD8αα+IELs and CD4+derived T cell hybridomas suggesting that some of TCRαβCD8αα+clones with microbial specificities have extrathymic origin. We also report that CD8ααCD4+IELs and Foxp3CD4+T cells from the small intestine shared many αβTCRs, regardless whether the later subset was isolated from Foxp3CNS1sufficient or Foxp3CNS1deficient mice that lacks peripherally-derived Tregs. Overall, our results imply that repertoire of TCRαβCD8αα+in small intestine expendsin situin response to changes in microbial flora.
Scalable photonic reinforcement learning by time-division multiplexing of laser chaos
Authors: Naruse Makoto , Mihana Takatomo , Hori Hirokazu , Saigo Hayato , Okamura Kazuya , Hasegawa Mikio , Uchida Atsushi
Published: July 2018

Reinforcement learning involves decision-making in dynamic and uncertain environments and constitutes a crucial element of artificial intelligence. In our previous work, we experimentally demonstrated that the ultrafast chaotic oscillatory dynamics of lasers can be used to efficiently solve the two-armed bandit problem, which requires decision-making concerning a class of difficult trade-offs called the exploration–exploitation dilemma. However, only two selections were employed in that research; hence, the scalability of the laser-chaos-based reinforcement learning should be clarified. In this study, we demonstrated a scalable, pipelined principle of resolving the multi-armed bandit problem by introducing time-division multiplexing of chaotically oscillated ultrafast time series. The experimental demonstrations in which bandit problems with up to 64 arms were successfully solved are presented where laser chaos time series significantly outperforms quasiperiodic signals, computer-generated pseudorandom numbers, and coloured noise. Detailed analyses are also provided that include performance comparisons among laser chaos signals generated in different physical conditions, which coincide with the diffusivity inherent in the time series. This study paves the way for ultrafast reinforcement learning by taking advantage of the ultrahigh bandwidths of light wave and practical enabling technologies.
Inactivation of TCA cycle enhances Staphylococcus aureus persister cell formation in stationary phase
Authors: Wang Ying , Bojer Martin Saxtorph , George Shilpa Elizabeth , Wang Zhihao , Jensen Peter Ruhdal , Wolz Christiane , Ingmer Hanne
Published: July 2018

Persister cells constitute a small subpopulation of bacteria that display remarkably high antibiotic tolerance and for pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus are suspected as culprits of chronic and recurrent infections. Persisters formed during exponential growth are characterized by low ATP levels but less is known of cells in stationary phase. By enrichment from a transposon mutant library in S. aureus we identified mutants that in this growth phase displayed enhanced persister cell formation. We found that inactivation of either sucA or sucB, encoding the subunits of the α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase of the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle), increased survival to lethal concentrations of ciprofloxacin by 10–100 fold as did inactivation of other TCA cycle genes or atpA encoding a subunit of the F1F0 ATPase. In S. aureus, TCA cycle activity and gene expression are de-repressed in stationary phase but single cells with low expression may be prone to form persisters. While ATP levels were not consistently affected in high persister mutants they commonly displayed reduced membrane potential, and persistence was enhanced by a protein motive force inhibitor. Our results show that persister cell formation in stationary phase does not correlate with ATP levels but is associated with low membrane potential.
A micron-scale surface topography design reducing cell adhesion to implanted materials
Authors: Robotti Francesco , Bottan Simone , Fraschetti Federica , Mallone Anna , Pellegrini Giovanni , Lindenblatt Nicole , Starck Christoph , Falk Volkmar , Poulikakos Dimos , Ferrari Aldo
Published: July 2018

The micron-scale surface topography of implanted materials represents a complementary pathway, independent of the material biochemical properties, regulating the process of biological recognition by cells which mediate the inflammatory response to foreign bodies. Here we explore a rational design of surface modifications in micron range to optimize a topography comprised of a symmetrical array of hexagonal pits interfering with focal adhesion establishment and maturation. When implemented on silicones and hydrogels in vitro, the anti-adhesive topography significantly reduces the adhesion of macrophages and fibroblasts and their activation toward effectors of fibrosis. In addition, long-term interaction of the cells with anti-adhesive topographies markedly hampers cell proliferation, correlating the physical inhibition of adhesion and complete spreading with the natural progress of the cell cycle. This solution for reduction in cell adhesion can be directly integrated on the outer surface of silicone implants, as well as an additive protective conformal microstructured biocellulose layer for materials that cannot be directly microstructured. Moreover, the original geometry imposed during manufacturing of the microstructured biocellulose membranes are fully retained upon in vivo exposure, suggesting a long lasting performance of these topographical features after implantation.
Cord Blood IL-12 Confers Protection to Clinical Malaria in Early Childhood Life
Authors: Song Yong , Aguilar Ruth , Guo Jing , Manaca Maria Nelia , Nhabomba Augusto , Berthoud Tamara Katherine , Khoo Siew-Kim , Wiertsema Selma , Barbosa Arnoldo , Quintó Llorenç , Laing Ingrid A , Mayor Alfredo , Guinovart Caterina , Alonso Pedro L. , LeSouëf Peter N. , Dobaño Carlota , Zhang Guicheng
Published: July 2018

Using a well-designed longitudinal cohort, we aimed to identify cytokines that were protective against malaria and to explore how they were influenced by genetic and immunological factors. 349 Mozambican pregnant women and their newborn babies were recruited and followed up for malaria outcomes until 24 months of age. Six Th1 cytokines in cord blood were screened for correlation with malaria incidence, of which IL-12 was selected for further analyses. We genotypedIL-12polymorphisms in children/mothers and evaluated the genotype-phenotype associations and genetic effects on IL-12 levels. Maternal IL-12 concentrations were also investigated in relation toPlasmodiuminfections and cord blood IL-12 levels. Our data showed that high background IL-12 levels were prospectively associated with a low incidence of clinical malaria, while IL-12 production after parasite stimulation had the opposite effect on malaria incidence.IL-12genotypes (IL-12brs2288831/rs17860508) and the haplotype CGTTAGAG distribution were related to malaria susceptibility and background IL-12 levels. Maternal genotypes also exhibited an evident impact on host genotype-phenotype associations. Finally, a positive correlation in background IL-12 levels between maternal and cord blood was identified. Thus, cord blood background IL-12 concentrations are important for protecting children from clinical malaria, likely mediated by both genotypes (children&mothers) and maternal immunity.
Nuclear Norm Clustering: a promising alternative method for clustering tasks
Authors: Wang Yi , Li Yi , Qiao Chunhong , Liu Xiaoyu , Hao Meng , Shugart Yin Yao , Xiong Momiao , Jin Li
Published: July 2018

Clustering techniques are widely used in many applications. The goal of clustering is to identify patterns or groups of similar objects within a dataset of interest. However, many cluster methods are neither robust nor sensitive to noises and outliers in real data. In this paper, we present Nuclear Norm Clustering (NNC, available at https://sourceforge.net/projects/nnc/), an algorithm that can be used in various fields as a promising alternative to the k-means clustering method. The NNC algorithm requires users to provide a data matrix M and a desired number of cluster K. We employed simulated annealing techniques to choose an optimal label vector that minimizes nuclear norm of the pooled within cluster residual matrix. To evaluate the performance of the NNC algorithm, we compared the performance of both 15 public datasets and 2 genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on psoriasis, comparing our method with other classic methods. The results indicate that NNC method has a competitive performance in terms of F-score on 15 benchmarked public datasets and 2 psoriasis GWAS datasets. So NNC is a promising alternative method for clustering tasks.
Evolution of rough-surface geometry and crystalline structures of aligned TiO2 nanotubes for photoelectrochemical water splitting
Authors: Zare Maryam , Solaymani Shahram , Shafiekhani Azizollah , Kulesza Slawomir , Ţălu Ştefan , Bramowicz Miroslaw
Published: July 2018

Nowadays, increasing awareness of environment and fossil fuels protection stimulates intensive research on clean and renewable sources of energy. Production of hydrogen from water through solar-driven splitting reactions is one of the most promising approaches in the field of photoelectrochemistry (PEC). In this work we have fabricated well-aligned, highly-ordered, smooth-mouth TiO2 nanotube arrays (TNAs) in a two-step anodization process of titanium foil, which were then used as photoelectrodes for PEC water splitting. It demonstrates for the first time correspondence between non-linear component characteristics of multiscale rough surface and crystalline structure of annealed TNAs measured at various fabrication stages and their photoelectrochemical response. The as-anodized TNAs with isotropic surface (deduced from AFM and SEM images) and largest figure of merit (according to their PEC performance) were annealed at 450 °C in air. Scale-invariant descriptors of the surface structure of the deposits involved: fractal dimension, corner frequency, roughness, size of nanostructures and their dominant habits. Moreover, X-ray diffraction data processed using the Rietveld method confirmed co-existence of various oxides, for example: TiO2 in the form of anatase, TiO and Ti3O5 phases in the TNAs under study pointing that previous well-established mechanisms of the TNA growth were to certain degree incomplete.
Using photoplethysmography data to estimate heart rate variability and its association with organ dysfunction in pediatric oncology patients
Authors: Mayampurath Anoop , Volchenboum Samuel L , Sanchez-Pinto L. Nelson
Published: July 2018

Pediatric oncology patients are at high risk of developing clinical deterioration and organ dysfunction during their illness. Heart rate variability (HRV) measured using electrocardiography waveforms is associated with increased organ dysfunction and clinical deterioration in adult and pediatric patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Here, we explore the feasibility of using photoplethysmography (PPG)-derived integer pulse rate variability (PRVi) to estimate HRV and determine its association with organ dysfunction in pediatric oncology patients in the ward and pediatric ICU. The advantage of using PPG sensor data over electrocardiography is its higher availability in most healthcare settings and in wearable technology. In a cohort of 38 patients, reduced median daily PRVi was significantly associated with increase in two pediatric organ dysfunction scores after adjusting for confounders (p < 0.001). PRVi shows promise as a real-time physiologic marker of clinical deterioration using highly-available PPG data, but further research is warranted.
Straightforward access to linear and cyclic polypeptides
Authors: Zhang Yu , Liu Renjie , Jin Hua , Song Wenliang , Augustine Rimesh , Kim Il
Published: July 2018

Ring-opening polymerization of α-amino acid N-carboxyanhydrides (NCAs) is a powerful synthetic methodology for generating well-defined functional polypeptides. However, conventional procedures require a compromise between obtaining controlled microstructures and employing the optimized polymerization conditions. Specifically, a versatile method to access sequenced cyclic polypeptides remains challenging due to the difficulty in site-specific cyclization. Here we describe a general and straightforward method for the synthesis of both linear and cyclic polypeptides using organocatalytic living polymerization of NCAs. The use of an air-stable organocatalyst, imidazolium hydrogen carbonate, allows for the rapid and controlled polymerization of a variety of NCAs, leading to high conversion within a few minutes under mild conditions. Linear and cyclic block copolypeptides are also accessible simply by controlling the type of initiators and the order of addition of NCA monomers.
Capillary Electrophoresis–Mass Spectrometry Using Non-covalently Coated Capillaries for Metabolic Profiling of Biological Samples
Authors: Ramautar Rawi
Published: July 2018

Metabolic profiling has become a key approach in contemporary biomedical sciences, aiming to provide an answer to a well-defined biomedical/clinical question. The main analytical techniques currently used in the field of metabolomics encounter difficulties when in-depth analysis of highly polar and charged metabolites is required, and/or when the amount of biological sample becomes a limiting factor for the analytical workflow. In this context, capillary electrophoresis–mass spectrometry (CE-MS) can be considered a very useful analytical tool for the profiling of polar and charged metabolites in volume-limited samples. However, variability of migration time is still an important issue in CE. An effective way to minimize this problem is the use of non-covalently coated capillaries, that is dynamic coating of the bare fused-silica capillary with solutions of charged polymers. In this chapter, a few strategies are described for metabolic profiling of biological samples by CE-MS using multi-layered non-covalent capillary coatings. Capillaries are coated with a bilayer of polybrene (PB) and poly(vinyl sulfonate) (PVS), or with a triple layer of PB, dextran sulfate (DS) and PB. The bilayer and triple-layer coated capillaries have a negative and positive outside layer, respectively. It is shown that the use of such capillaries provides very repeatable migration times.
CE-MS for Anionic and Cationic Metabolic Profiling: System Optimization and Applications
Authors: Hirayama Akiyoshi , Soga Tomoyoshi
Published: July 2018

Capillary electrophoresis–mass spectrometry (CE-MS) has proven to be an important technology for metabolomics studies. Most primary metabolite intermediates contain hydroxyl, amino, carboxyl and phosphate groups and, therefore, are charged, which makes them suitable for CE-MS analysis. The major advantages of CE-MS are its high resolution and the fact that almost any charged metabolite (both cationic and anionic) can be analyzed by only two analytical modes. CE-MS can be readily applied to various kinds of biological samples. This chapter highlights the general CE-MS conditions specifically developed for profiling cationic and anionic metabolites, and also focuses on several biological samples frequently used in medical and biochemical metabolomics, including blood (serum and plasma), urine, tissue, cultured cells and other related samples.
Fluorescence hyperspectral imaging for live monitoring of multiple spheroids in microfluidic chips
Authors: St-Georges-Robillard Amélie , Masse Mathieu , Cahuzac Maxime , Strupler Mathias , Patra Bishnubrata , Orimoto Adriana Mari , Kendall-Dupont Jennifer , Péant Benjamin , Mes-Masson Anne-Marie , Leblond Frédéric , Gervais Thomas
Published: July 2018

Wide-field hyperspectral imaging to follow cell populations in co-culture tumor spheroids on chip.
Pt catalyzed formation of a Ni@Pt/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite: preparation and electrochemical sensing application for glucose detection
Authors: Ma Lian , Wang Xiaoyan , Zhang Qiaran , Tong Xinli , Zhang Yue , Li Zhuang
Published: July 2018

In this work, a Ni@Pt/rGO nanocomposite was prepared for the first time by a two-step reduction method.
Near-infrared and lysosome-targetable fluorescent probe based on phenoxazinium for hydrogen peroxide detection
Authors: Chen Yuan , Zhu Wei-Jin , Wei Xue-Rui , Xu Yu-Jie , Sun Ru , Ge Jian-Feng
Published: July 2018

A phenoxazinium-based near-infrared fluorescent probe was designed and synthesized for rapid and selective detection of H2O2 in lysosomes.
Synthesis of homometallic divalent lanthanide organoimides from benzyl complexes
Authors: Wolf Benjamin M. , Stuhl Christoph , Anwander Reiner
Published: July 2018

Double protonolysis of [Ln(CH2Ph)2]n (Ln = Eu and Yb) with 2,6-diisopropylaniline gives efficient access to [(thf)Ln(μ3-NDipp)]4 featuring a heterocubane structure.
Novel D–A–D based near-infrared probes for the detection of β-amyloid and Tau fibrils in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Li Yuying , Wang Kan , Zhou Kaixiang , Guo Wentao , Dai Bin , Liang Yi , Dai Jiapei , Cui Mengchao
Published: July 2018

Novel D–π–A–π–D probes were investigated for the detection of Aβ plaques and NFTs.
Atomistic insights into the exothermic self-sustained alloying of Al-shell/Ni-core nanoparticle triggered by laser irradiation
Authors: Rong Yiming , Ji Pengfei , He Mengzhe , Zhang Yuwen , Tang Yong
Published: July 2018

Ni atoms are seen to diffuse into the Al region during laser-triggered exothermic self-sustained alloying at 8.2 ns.
Imaging the confined surface oxidation of Ni3Al(111) by in situ high temperature scanning tunneling microscopy
Authors: Ma Xinzhou , Günther Sebastian
Published: July 2018

Surface oxide growth ontop of Ni3Al(111) upon O2 exposure at 735 K leads to both, overgrowth of steps and terrace retraction (blue lines indicate the initial step edge positions). The material transport during surface oxide formation appears when subtracting high temperature scanning tunneling microscopy images one from another.
On the importance of non-covalent interactions for porous membranes: unraveling the role of pore size
Authors: A. Cunha Leonardo , Ferrão Luiz F. A. , Machado Francisco B. C. , Pinheiro Max
Published: July 2018

Unfolding the diffusion barrier into its physical energy components is of paramount importance to understand and quantify the balance between the pore size and chemical affinity of a porous structure.
Nickel foam derived nitrogen doped nickel sulfide nanowires as an efficient electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Yu Furong , Yao Huiling , Wang Bo , Zhang Kewei , Zhang Zhengyuan , Xie Li , Hao Jinhui , Mao Baodong , Shen Hao , Shi Weidong
Published: July 2018

A one-step annealing strategy for the synthesis of Ni3S2 nanowires through N doping towards vigorous HER performance both in acidic and alkaline solution.
Flexible and active self-powered pressure, shear sensors based on freeze casting ceramic–polymer composites
Authors: Xie Mengying , Zhang Yan , Kraśny Marcin J. , Bowen Chris , Khanbareh Hamideh , Gathercole Nicholas
Published: July 2018

Self-powered flexible and highly active piezoelectric composite sensors that operate in various sensing modes are manufactured using freeze casting.
Li2S–Embedded copper metal–organic framework cathode with superior electrochemical performance for Li–S batteries
Authors: Feng Yan , Zhang Yuliang , Du Guixiang , Zhang Jingbo , Liu Miao , Qu Xiaohui
Published: July 2018

A Cu metal–organic framework with sulfur species confined in nano-sized pores of the crystal matrix has been successfully fabricated.
Modified hierarchical birnessite-type manganese oxide nanomaterials for CO catalytic oxidation
Authors: Wang Xiao , Huo Wenting , Xu Yongzheng , Guo Yunli , Jia Yuxi
Published: July 2018

Hierarchical birnessite-type manganese oxide catalysts modified by transition metal (cobalt, cerium, copper, and nickel) cations were synthesized via a facile hydrothermal reaction.
Structurally colored polymer films with narrow stop band, high angle-dependence and good mechanical robustness for trademark anti-counterfeiting
Authors: Meng Zhipeng , Wu Suli , Tang Bingtao , Ma Wei , Zhang Shufen
Published: July 2018

A freestanding structural colored film with a narrow bandgap, high angle dependence and good mechanical properties is demonstrated.
Tunable WSe2–CdS mixed-dimensional van der Waals heterojunction with a piezo-phototronic effect for an enhanced flexible photodetector
Authors: Lin Pei , Zhu Laipan , Li Ding , Xu Liang , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: July 2018

A strain-tunable WSe2–CdS mixed-dimensional vdWs heterointerface is demonstrated and the photoresponse is dramatically enhanced with the piezo-phototronic effect.
Plasmonic circular dichroism of vesicle-like nanostructures by the template-less self-assembly of achiral Janus nanoparticles
Authors: Lu Jia En , Yang Chou-Hsun , Wang Haobin , Yam ChiYung , Yu Zhi-Gang , Chen Shaowei
Published: July 2018

Janus nanoparticles self-assemble into chiral vesicle-like hollow nanostructures due to the formation of a dipole vertex.
Correction: Metabolomic profiles delineate the potential role of glycine in gold nanorod-induced disruption of mitochondria and blood–testis barrier factors in TM-4 cells
Authors: Xu Bo , Chen Minjian , Ji Xiaoli , Mao Zhilei , Zhang Xuemei , Wang Xinru , Xia Yankai
Published: July 2018

Correction for ‘Metabolomic profiles delineate the potential role of glycine in gold nanorod-induced disruption of mitochondria and blood–testis barrier factors in TM-4 cells’ by Bo Xu et al., Nanoscale, 2014, 6, 8265–8273.
Pd(ii)-Catalyzed aerobic 1,2-difunctionalization of conjugated dienes: efficient synthesis of morpholines and 2-morpholones
Authors: Wen Ke , Wu Zhengxing , Chen Buyun , Chen Jianzhong , Zhang Wanbin
Published: July 2018

An efficient Pd(ii)-catalyzed aerobic intermolecular 1,2-difunctionalization of conjugated dienes was developed for the synthesis of functionalized morpholines and 2-morpholones.
Oxidative strong metal–support interactions (OMSI) of supported platinum-group metal catalysts
Authors: Tang Hailian , Su Yang , Guo Yalin , Zhang Leilei , Li Tianbo , Zang Ketao , Liu Fei , Li Lin , Luo Jun , Qiao Botao , Wang Junhu
Published: July 2018

Oxidative strong metal–support interactions of supported platinum-group metal catalysts accompanied by the encapsulation of metal nanoparticles by the support was discovered.
Dynamics of force generation by spreading platelets
Authors: Hanke Jana , Probst Dimitri , Zemel Assaf , Schwarz Ulrich S. , Köster Sarah
Published: July 2018

Using time-resolved traction force microscopy on soft elastic substrates of variable stiffness, here we show that human platelets generate highly dynamic force patterns and an exceptionally high level of internal stress.
Approach to localisation of Lee model in mountainous areas
Authors: Lee C.
Published: July 2018

For the path loss prediction in mountainous areas, a method is proposed to adjust the Lee model with diffraction methods using a variable step‐size least mean square algorithm. Measurements were conducted in mountain areas to compare the prediction performances. The prediction performances were improved by up to 2.76 dB in the average error and 0.96 dB in the standard deviation of errors by the proposed method when compared to non‐tuned Lee and Joint Radio Company (JRC) models with diffraction methods.
Bidirectional soft‐switching dc–dc converter for battery energy storage systems
Authors: Blinov Andrei , Kosenko Roman , Chub Andrii , Vinnikov Dmitri
Published: July 2018

The study introduces a bidirectional dc–dc converter with current‐ and voltage‐fed (VF) ports that features soft switching in both buck and boost operating modes. The converter can be used for integration of low‐voltage DC sources, such as batteries into a dc bus of considerably higher voltage or a dc link of a grid side inverter. Zero current switching, assisted with the leakage inductance of the isolation transformer, can be achieved at the current‐fed side along with zero voltage switching of the VF side, assisted by snubber or intrinsic capacitances of the transistors. Soft switching can be maintained over a wide range of voltage and power levels, regardless of the energy transfer direction. Converter operation is described and theoretical findings were verified with experimental results obtained by means of a 300 W prototype operating at a switching frequency of 100 kHz and designed for integration of a 24 V battery into 400 V dc bus. The converter proposed is compared in terms of efficiency to other competing soft‐switching full‐bridge topologies implemented with the same components.
Novel product ANFIS‐PID hybrid controller for buck converters
Authors: Shaikh Umair A. , AlGhamdi Mohammad K. , AlZaher Hussain A.
Published: July 2018

This study introduces the use of arithmetic and logical hybrid controllers between proportional–integrative–derivative (PID) controllers and adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) for voltage regulation with buck‐type DC–DC converters and proposes the novel product hybrid controller. The product hybrid controller combines the advantages of a PID controller and ANFIS controller to obtain an improved response and light and heavy load efficiency for the buck converter. PIDs are known for their good response and robustness but suffer due to non‐optimal tuning for non‐linear systems. ANFISs, on the other hand, excel in varying and abnormal conditions. ANFIS controllers also can improve and adapt their response to the current load or inputs with time. Simulation results are presented and analysed for all the controllers to validate the controller designs. The controllers are also verified experimentally. It is observed that the hybrid controllers provide enhanced tracking and response capabilities in comparison to classical PID controllers, with the novel product hybrid improving on the steady‐state error, peak efficiency, and overall light and load operation.
Les interférences occlusales sont-elles pathogènes ?
Authors: FLEITER Bernard
Published: July 2018

Les interférences occlusales ont été longtemps
considérées comme un facteur étiologique
des troubles temporo- mandibulaires. Il est
actuellement établi que celles-ci ne prennent
qu’une très faible part dans l’apparition
de ces dysfonctionnements musculosquelettiques.
Ainsi les interférences occlusales
sont considérées comme une adaptation
de l’appareil manducateur et non responsables
des troubles temporo-mandibulaires.

En outre, les interférences occlusales
augmentent les difficultés d’accomplissement
des fonctions d’incision et de phonation.
La prise de décision d’aménagement occlusal
est très controversée et actuellement limitée
aux traitements de dentisterie restauratrice.
Diagnostik und Bewegungsförderung bei motorischen Entwicklungsstörungen
Authors: Dincher Andrea , Schwarz Markus , Wydra Georg
Published: July 2018

Bisher angewandte motorische Testverfahren, wie z.B. der Motoriktest für 4- bis 6-jährige Kinder (MOT 4-6), sind primär an den motorischen Fähigkeiten orientiert und meist mit einem recht hohen organisatorischen Aufwand verbunden. Der hier vorgestellte „Timed up and Go“-Test für 4- bis 6-jährige Kinder (TUG 4-6) basiert auf der Internationalen Klassifikation der Funktionsfähigkeit, Behinderung und Gesundheit (ICF) und wurde anhand von 465 Kindern validiert. Er erfüllt im Vergleich zu den bekannten Motoriktests in höherem Maße die Kriterien der Ökonomie und der diagnostischen Güte.
Körperliche Aktivität und deren Effekte auf das Burn-out-Syndrom
Authors: Dreher Matthias , Dößereck Nils , Lachtermann Ella
Published: July 2018

Das vorliegende Review legt dar, dass regelmäßige körperliche Aktivität einen positiven Einfluss auf die Burn-out-Symptomatik hat. Mittels einer systematischen Literaturrecherche wurden die möglichen Effekte untersucht und die Evidenz mithilfe des Standard Index of Convergence (SIC) bewertet. Der SIC lag in den Längsschnittstudien bei SIC (3) = -1, während er in den Interventionsstudien bei SIC (6) = -0,50 lag. Daher ist jeweils von einer moderat star ken Evidenz auszugehen, dass körperliche Aktivität einen positiven gesundheitlichen Effekt auf das Burn-out-Syndrom hat. Aufgrund der Heterogenität der Erhebungstools und der Studienlage ist es notwendig, weitere qualitativ hochwertige Studien zur Burn-out-Thematik durchzuführen, um repräsentative Aussagen zu gewährleisten. Unabhängig von den positiven präventiven und therapeutischen Effekten ist die regelmäßige körperliche Aktivität ein grundlegender, jedoch kein alleiniger Ansatzpunkt, um der Erschöpfungssymptomatik vorzubeugen und entgegenzuwirken. Eine ausgewogene Life-Balance (privates Umfeld, berufliches Umfeld und Hygiene der Grundbedürfnisse) ist daher unerlässlich.
DEGUM, ÖGUM, SGUM and FMF Germany Recommendations for the Implementation of First-Trimester Screening, Detailed Ultrasound, Cell-Free DNA Screening and Diagnostic Procedures
Authors: Kozlowski Peter , Burkhardt Tilo , Gembruch Ulrich , Gonser Markus , Kähler Christiane , Kagan Karl-Oliver , von Kaisenberg Constantin , Klaritsch Philipp , Merz Eberhard , Steiner Horst , Tercanli Sevgi , Vetter Klaus , Schramm Thomas
Published: July 2018

First-trimester screening between 11 + 0 and 13 + 6 weeks with qualified prenatal counseling, detailed ultrasound, biochemical markers and maternal factors has become the basis for decisions about further examinations. It detects numerous structural and genetic anomalies. The inclusion of uterine artery Doppler and PlGF screens for preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. Low-dose aspirin significantly reduces the prevalence of severe preterm eclampsia. Cut-off values define groups of high, intermediate and low probability. Prenatal counseling uses detection and false-positive rates to work out the individual need profile and the corresponding decision: no further diagnosis/screening – cell-free DNA screening – diagnostic procedure and genetic analysis. In pre-test counseling it must be recognized that the prevalence of trisomy 21, 18 or 13 is low in younger women, as in submicroscopic anomalies in every maternal age. Even with high specificities, the positive predictive values of screening tests for rare anomalies are low. In the general population trisomies and sex chromosome aneuploidies account for approximately 70 % of anomalies recognizable by conventional genetic analysis. Screen positive results of cfDNA tests have to be proven by diagnostic procedure and genetic diagnosis. In cases of inconclusive results a higher rate of genetic anomalies is detected. Procedure-related fetal loss rates after chorionic biopsy and amniocentesis performed by experts are lower than 1 to 2 in 1000. Counseling should include the possible detection of submicroscopic anomalies by comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH). At present, existing studies about screening for microdeletions and duplications do not provide reliable data to calculate sensitivities, false-positive rates and positive predictive values.
Increased Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator (u-PA) Levels in Graft Liver Perfusate and Decreased Single Chain u-PA Activation with Higher Levels of Aprotinin
Authors: Himmelreich G , Dooijewaard G , Neuhaus P , Kluft C , Bechstein W O , Riess H
Published: July 2018

In orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) the graft liver is perfused with arterial blood prior to the opening of the hepatocaval anastomosis. In the present investigation we focused on the reperfusion of the graft liver in order to study the hepatic influence in the regulation of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA levels). Two different aprotinin schedules were used in 43 patients. We measured u-PA levels in the perfusate and in the corresponding systemic circulation. u-PA levels were higher in the perfusate as compared to systemic blood samples despite the dilution of the perfusate sample by the preservation fluid. This suggests u-PA secretion by the graft liver. In the presence of lower aprotinin levels signs of single-chain n-PA (scu-PA) activation was in the perfusate more prominent than systemically – a difference which was not seen in the presence of higher aprotinin levels. This seems to be an argument for the effectiveness of higher dosed aprotinin application in preventing scu-PA activation.
Different Incidence of Venous Thrombosis in Patients with Inherited Deficiencies of Antithrombin III, Protein C and Protein S
Authors: Finazzi G , Barbui T
Published: July 2018

A cohort study was undertaken to compare the incidence of thrombosis in patients with inherited deficiency of Antithrombin III (n = 9), Protein C (n = 36) and Protein S (n = 36). The patients were stratified for schedule of antithrombotic prophylaxis and followed for a total period of 160 patient-years. Seven venous thrombosis were observed for a total incidence of 4.3% pts.-ys. The incidence of thrombosis was not significantly different in patients of different age, sex and schedule of prophylaxis, although there was a trend to a lower incidence in young individuals and in those receiving long-term oral anticoagulation. Patients with AT III deficiency had an higher incidence of thrombosis than patients with Protein C or Protein S deficiency (12 vs. 2.8 vs. 3.3% pts.-ys., p <0.05), despite the fact that they were, on average, younger and more prophylaxed. This study suggests that congenital Antithrombin III deficiency constitutes a greater risk of thrombosis than congenital deficiences of Protein C and Protein S.
Platelet Aggregation and In Vivo Shear Forces
Authors: Mazeaud Madeleine M , Levenson Jaime , Le Quan Sang Kim Hanh , Simon Alain , Devynck Marie-Aude
Published: July 2018

Haemodynamic shear forces have been reported to exert direct and indirect effects on platelet reactivity. In vitro, they activate platelets leading to spontaneous or facilitated aggregation. In vivo, they stimulate the production of endothelium-derived antiaggregatory agents. This study was designed to evaluate in hypertensive patients, before and after antihypertensive treatment, the possible role of these haemodynamic forces, determined at the brachial artery level on the ex vivo platelet aggregatory response to ADP and collagen. Platelet reactivity, evaluated by EC50 for ADP and collagen, was found to be related to blood velocity, shear rate and shear stress (p <0.01 for each). These inverse correlations of platelet aggregation with stress levels did not depend on age, body mass index, mean blood pressure, serum cholesterol and triglycerides or haematocrit. They were also independent of platelet cytosolic Ca2+ and cyclic AMP.

The changes in shear forces and in aggregatory responses to ADP and collagen induced by nitrendipine treatment for 6 months remained negatively correlated, confirming the relationships existing between haemodynamic shear forces and platelet reactivity.

These results indicate that the shear antiaggregant effects, likely mediated by tlow-dependent endothelium-derived factors, prevail over its direct platelet aggregating effects.
HN-11500 – a Novel Thromboxane A2 Receptor Antagonist With Antithrombotic Activity in Humans at Arterial Blood Flow Conditions
Authors: Roald Helge E , Marius Barstad R , Engen Anne , Kierulf Peter , Skjørten Fredrik , Sakariassen Kjell S
Published: July 2018

In the present study we have investigated the effect of a 100 mg single oral dose of a newly developed thromboxane A2 receptor antagonist on collagen-induced thrombogenesis in flowing human non-anticoagulated blood. Blood was drawn directly from an antecubital vein over immobilised collagen type III fibrils on a cover slip placed in a parallel-plate perfusion chamber. Shear rates at the collagen surface were characteristic for medium sized (650 s−1) and moderately stenosed (2,600 s−1) arteries. Blood-collagen interactions were morphologically quantified as platelet-collagen adhesion, fibrin deposition and thrombus volume. Activation peptides of coagulation, fibrinopeptide A (FPA), and of platelets, β-thromboglobulin (β-TG), were measured immediately distal to the perfusion chamber.

HN-11500 ingestion reduced significantly the thrombus volume by 32% at 2,600 s−1, but not at 650 s−1. However, transmission electron microscopy revealed loosely packed and less degranulated platelets at 650 s−1. The β-TG plasma levels were also reduced at both shear rates by the HN-11500 ingestion. The platelet-collagen adhesion was significantly enhanced at both shear rates. This was apparently a consequence of higher platelet concentrations at the collagen surface, because fewer platelets were consumed by the thrombi after the drug ingestion. In contrast, the coagulation, as measured by fibrin deposition and FPA plasma levels, was not significantly affected by HN-11500.

Thus, it appears that the thromboxane A2 receptor antagonist HN-11500 reduces the thrombotic response by primarily impairing the platelet function at arterial blood flow conditions, and particularly at high wall shear rates.
Effects of α2-Plasmin Inhibitor on Fibrin Clot Lysis. Its Comparison with α2-Macroglobulin
Authors: Aoki Nobuo , Moroi Masaaki , Tachiya Kazuko
Published: July 2018

The major plasmin inhibitors namely α2-plasmin inhibitor and α2-macroglobulin were compared for their effects on lysis of fibrin clot.

Plasmin fibrinolytic activity was immediately inhibited by α2-plasmin inhibitor, whereas α2-macroglobulin inhibited plasmin progressively. Urokinase(plasminogen activator)-induced clot lysis was inhibited efficiently by α2-plasmin inhibitor present in the clot. Inhibition of urokinase-induced clot lysis by α2-macroglobulin was weak and the molar concentration necessary for α2-macroglobulin to achieve the same degree of inhibition as that achieved with α2-plasmin inhibitor was about 10 times higher than that of α2-plasmin inhibitor.

Binding of Lys-plasminogen to fibrin was inhibited by α2-plasmin inhibitor but not by α2-macroglobulin. Molar concentrations of α2-plasmin inhibitor which were effective in inhibiting the binding were 30 times less than that of 6-aminohexanoic acid. α2-Plasmin inhibitor was found to interact with Lys-plasminogen to form a weakly-bound complex which is dissociable in the presence of 6-aminohexanoic acid, suggesting that inhibition of binding of Lys-plasminogen to fibrin by α2-plasmin inhibitor may be due to interaction of α2-plasmin inhibitor with a specific site of the plasminogen molecule and that the site may be 6-aminohexanoic acid-binding site.

It is suggested that α2-plasmin inhibitor is more reactive and efficient inhibitor of fibrinolysis than α2-macroglobulin.
Catabolism of Fibrinogen in Pregnant Rabbits before and after Delivery
Authors: Mahn Ingo , Moeller Richard-Mathias , Müller-Berghaus Gert
Published: July 2018

16 nón-pregnant female and 19 pregnant rabbits were injected with purified rabbit 125I-fibrinogen in order to study the catabolism of fibrinogen before and after delivery. The half-life time (T ½) of the clottable 125I-radioactivity in pregnant rabbits during the last third of gestation was 27.3 ± 5.3 hr in comparison to 54.4 ± 3.7 hr in non-pregnant rabbits. After delivery, T ½ returned to normal values of 47.9 ± 10.9 hr. The fractional catabolic rate (FCR) of the clottable 125I-radioactivity was 67.1% × d−1 ± 8.6 before and 41.6% × d−1 after delivery whereas FCR in non-pregnant rabbits amounted to 44.7% × d−1 ± 4.8. These figures demonstrate a pronounced increase in fibrinogen catabolism during the last third of gestation in pregnant rabbits and a normalization immediately after delivery. Although in pregnant rabbits the elimination of fibrinogen from the circulating blood was pronouncedly increased, the plasma fibrinogen concentration did not change. Only after delivery did the fibrinogen concentration increase when the fibrinogen catabolism had already normalized.
Effect of 1-Methyl-2-Mercapto-5-(3-Pyridyl)-Imidazole (KC-6141), an Anti-Aggregating Compound, on Experimental Thrombosis in Rats
Authors: Umetsu Teruhiko , Sanai Kazuko
Published: July 2018

In order to evaluate 1-methyl-2-mercapto-5-(3-pyridyl)-imidazole (KC-6141) as a possible antithrombotic compound, a simple and reproducible method for experimental thrombosis in rats was devised. A silken thread was inserted in the extracorporeal shunt between the carotid artery and the jugular vein. 15 min after the circulation of blood, wet weight of thrombus which developed on the thread was measured to determine the degree and rate of thrombus formation. Equalization of average body weight of rats for each group provided good reproducibility. Microscopic examination demonstrated that the thrombus was primarily composed of platelets.

By use of the technique, the activities of KC-6141 and two known inhibitors, aspirin and dipyridamole, were determined. Of the three compounds, KC-6141 was the most potent inhibitor for the thrombosis. Its ED50 was 60 mg/kg when given orally and the compound was active for about 40 hr. Aspirin was about twice as less active than KC-6141 and dipyridamole showed no effect on the thrombosis.

The ranking order of potency against the experimental thrombosis for the three compounds was the same as that for inhibition of platelet aggregation in vitro and platelet retention in rats, as reported previously by us. Therefore the method seems to be associated with platelet aggregation and retention.

The above result suggests that KC-6141 is of value as antithrombotic drug in vivo.
Enhancement of Fibrinolysis in Rabbits Exposed to Low and Moderate Levels of Carbon Monoxide Inhibited by Epsilon Amino Caproic Acid
Authors: Kalmaz Ekrem V , Canter Larry W , Coleman Robert L , Hampton James W
Published: July 2018

The first (control) group of rabbits breathed ambient air whereas the second was exposed to low level carbon monoxide (CO, 50 ppm by volume) for 24 hr continuously for 8 weeks. The third group was exposed to 300 ppm CO for 4 weeks. The fourth group was exposed to 300 ppm CO for the same period of time as the third group but in addition they were also given epsilon amino caproic acid (EACA) orally, and the results compared to Group III. Per cent oxyhemoglobin (HbO2), per cent hemoglobin (Hb) and per cent carboxyhemoglobin (HbCO) were monitored in all groups. Tests of fibrinolysis were monitored and showed acceleration of the whole blood clot lysis and euglobulin lysis times (ELT). A fibrin plate test confirmed the increased lysis and serum fibrin and/or fibrinogen degradation products (FDP) were elevated in the CO exposed animals. No changes were observed in the same tests in the rabbits exposed to ambient air. The fourth group of animals receiving EACA showed inhibition of lysis and decrease in serum FDP. Alpha-1-antitrypsin and alpha-2-macroglobulin assays in all groups showed no change. Microscopic examination of the large vessels in these test groups showed endothelial damage which indicates a possible source for a plasminogen activator release, or lead to activation of Hageman factor and activated plasma plasminogen proactivator.