bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Actuator and sensor fault detection and isolation for nonlinear systems subject to uncertainty
Authors: Shahnazari Hadi , Mhaskar Prashant
Published: December 2017

This work addresses the problem of simultaneous actuator and sensor fault detection and isolation (FDI) for control affine nonlinear uncertain systems in the absence of measurement noise. The FDI is achieved by using a bank of filters, which utilize a subset of the measurements along with prescribed values of the control actuators to estimate states and compute expected process behavior. Residuals are next defined as the difference between the observed and expected behavior. Detectability conditions are developed, which, upon satisfaction, ensure that each residual remains sensitive to a subset of fault scenarios in the presence of uncertainty. To this end, first the ability of observers in providing bounded estimation error for a generalized class of nonlinear uncertain systems is rigorously established. These bounds allow determining thresholds that account for the impact of uncertainty on each residual. Finally, the ability of the proposed framework to achieve FDI by ensuring a unique residual breaching pattern for each fault scenario is established. The efficacy of the FDI framework subject to uncertainty and measurement noise is illustrated using a chemical reactor example.
Multirate sampled‐data stabilization for a class of low‐order lower‐triangular nonlinear systems
Authors: Jia Jinping , Chen Weisheng , Dai Hao
Published: December 2017

This paper investigates the problem of sampled‐data controller design for a class of lower‐triangular systems in the p‐normal form (0<p<1). A multirate digital feedback control scheme is proposed to achieve the global strong stabilization of the sampled‐data closed‐loop system under some assumptions. In the design of the controller, the input‐Lyapunov matching strategy and multirate control approach are combined to obtain better stabilizing performance. Unlike the design method based on the approximate discrete‐time model, our controller is obtained from the exact discrete‐time equivalent model, which does not need to be computed completely. The approximate multirate digital controllers are proved to be effective in the practical implementation. It is shown that, compared with the emulated control scheme, our controller may provide faster decrease of Lyapunov function for each subsystem. This will lead to allow large sampling periods. An illustrative example is provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
The pursuit of a “better” explanation as an organizing framework for science teaching and learning
Authors: Papadouris Nicos , Vokos Stamatis , Constantinou Constantinos P.
Published: December 2017

This article seeks to make the case for the pursuit of a “better” explanation being a productive organizing framework for science teaching and learning. Underlying this position is the idea that this framework allows promoting, in a unified manner, facility with the scientific practice of constructing explanations, appreciation of its epistemic underpinnings and understanding of its outcome (i.e., conceptual understanding). The effective enactment of this framework in the classroom needs to be guided by a theoretically sound perspective into what counts as a “good” explanation. This is currently an underdeveloped area within science education, toward which we seek to contribute by elaborating a theoretical account. This account capitalizes on three key epistemological features of explanation for the purposes of science teaching and learning, namely empirical validity, interpretive power, and generalizability. Drawing on these features, we then set out to identify certain epistemological orientations, which could be usefully promoted among the students to support productive engagement with the pursuit of a “better” explanation. The ideas addressed in this article could serve to inform attempts to develop teaching innovations centered on the notion of explanation but also educational materials for teacher professional education and development.
Insights Into the Microscopic and Degradation Processes in Hybrid Perovskite Solar Cells Using Noise Spectroscopy
Authors: Singh Apoorva , Nayak Pabitra K. , Banerjee Suman , Wang Zhiping , Wang Jacob Tse‐Wei , Snaith Henry J. , Narayan K.S.
Published: December 2017

We report a clear correlation of the features observed in photocurrent noise‐fluctuations to the performance parameters of hybrid perovskite solar cells. The general trend of increasing noise amplitude which spreads over a wider range of frequency as a function of aging is established. High‐resolution spatial mapping of the photocurrent in typical devices and the associated variation of the noise spectrum confirms the underlying trend.
An open‐label positron emission tomography study to evaluate serotonin transporter occupancy following escalating dosing regimens of (R)‐(–)‐O‐desmethylvenlafaxine and racemic O‐desmethylvenlafaxine
Authors: Frankle W. Gordon , Robertson Brigitte , Maier Gary , Paris Jennifer , Asmonga Deanna , May Maureen , Himes Michael L. , Mason N. Scott , Mathis Chester A. , Narendran Rajesh
Published: December 2017

SEP‐227162 [R(–)‐O‐desmethylvenlafaxine] is an enantiomer of the venlafaxine metabolite O‐desmethylvenlafaxine (ODV, Pristiq™, Wyeth). This study compared the serotonin transporter (SERT) occupancy achieved by SEP‐227162 and ODV, at daily doses of 25, 50, 100, and 150 mg using [11C]DASB positron emission tomography (PET). Sixteen healthy male subjects participated in one of four dose groups (N = 4 per group) during which they were administered two doses of the study drug (SEP‐227162 or ODV). For each study drug, total daily doses of 25, 50, 100, and150 mg were studied. Subjects underwent three PET scans with [11C]DASB. A baseline, off‐medication, scan was performed prior to dosing and a [11C]DASB PET scan was performed after 72 hr at each dose level. [11C]DASB binding potential (BPND) was calculated using the simplified reference tissue method. SERT occupancy was calculated as the change in BPND (ΔBPND) from baseline scan to the on‐medication scan relative to the baseline BPND value. SEP‐227162 and ODV significantly reduced regional distribution volumes and region BPND values in a dose‐dependent manner. Across all doses ODV produced significantly greater SERT occupancy than SEP‐227162 (ANOVA F = 21.8, df = 1,23, p < .001). The total daily dose required to provide 50% SERT occupancy was 24.8 mg for SEP‐227162 and 14.4 mg for ODV. In vitro data suggests a ratio of 3.3:1 for binding at human SERT for SEP‐227162 relative to ODV. Our study suggests a ratio of 1.7:1, highlighting the value of in vivo imaging in the drug development process.
Bisphenol A is an exogenous toxin that promotes mitochondrial injury and death in tubular cells
Authors: Bosch‐Panadero Enrique , Mas Sebastian , Civantos Esther , Abaigar Pedro , Camarero Vanesa , Ruiz‐Priego Alberto , Ortiz Alberto , Egido Jesus , González‐Parra Emilio
Published: December 2017

Background

Uremic toxins that accumulate in chronic kidney disease (CKD) contribute to CKD complications, such as CKD progression. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a ubiquitous environmental toxin, structurally related with p‐cresol, that accumulates in CKD. Our aim was to characterize the nephrotoxic potential of BPA. Specifically, we addressed BPA toxicity over energy‐demanding proximal tubular cells.

Methods

Cell death and oxidative stress were evaluated by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy in HK‐2 human proximal tubular epithelial cells. Functional assays tested ATP, intracellular Ca2+, mitochondrial function (tetramethylrhodamine methyl [TMRM]), oxygen consumption, Nrf2‐binding, MitoSOX, and NADPH oxidase activity. Gene expression was assessed by qRT‐PCR.

Results

Following acute exposure (24 hours), proximal tubular cell viability was decreased by BPA concentrations ≥50 μM while a seven‐day exposure resulted in a progressive loss of cell viability at a nanomolar range. Within 24 hours, BPA promoted mitochondrial dysfunction leading to energy depletion and increased mitochondrial and cytoplasmic oxidative stress and apoptosis in a concentration‐dependent manner. An antioxidant response was observed manifested by nuclear Nrf2 translocation and increased expression of the Nrf2 target genes Heme oxygenase 1 (HO‐1) and NAD(P)H dehydrogenase [quinone] 1 (NQO‐1).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates for the first time that BPA causes mitochondrial injury, oxidative stress and apoptotic death in tubular cells. These results characterize BPA as an exogenous toxin that, similar to uremic toxins, may contribute to CKD progression.
A Preliminary Comparison Suggests Poor Performance of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Versus Titanium Plates in Distal Femoral Osteotomy
Authors: Fragomen Austin T. , McCoy Thomas H. , Fragomen Fiona R.
Published: December 2017

Background

Carbon fiber-reinforced (CFR) polymer implants have theoretical advantages over titanium plates.

Questions/Purposes

The aim of the present study was to assess our early outcomes with CFR plates in lateral opening-wedge distal femoral osteotomy to correct valgus lower limb malalignment. We asked the following: (1) Did the CFR polymer implant change time to union when compared with the titanium implant? (2) Did the incidence of displacement of medial cortical fractures differ between the implants? (3) Did the incidence of complications differ between the two techniques, and did other factors, such as bone graft material used, affect healing?

Methods

A retrospective review of 16 limbs treated with an opening-wedge distal femoral osteotomy for genu valgum using either titanium ( n = 10) or CFR plates ( n = 6) was performed. Patient and clinical covariates as well as the primary outcome of time to union and secondary outcome of fracture displacement were collected and analyzed.

Results

Those treated with CFR plates had longer times to union than did those in the titanium-treated group (median, 121.5 vs 81.5 days, respectively). The incidence of fracture displacement was higher in the CFR plate-treated group (CFR, n = 5/6; titanium, n = 1/10). Although the CFR plate-treated group had a 33% nonunion incidence while the titanium group had no nonunions, the study lacked the power to show significance. Bone graft material used did not affect outcome. Complication rates were higher in the CFR plate-treated patients.

Conclusion

The CFR plate was associated with a longer time to unite and higher fracture displacement rate than the titanium plate. As this is a retrospective case series, further research is required to confirm these results and clarify best practices in plating of distal femoral osteotomy for deformity correction.
Forecasting the prevalence of preclinical and clinical Alzheimer's disease in the United States
Authors: Brookmeyer Ron , Abdalla Nada , Kawas Claudia H. , Corrada María M.
Published: December 2017

Introduction

We forecast the prevalence of preclinical and clinical Alzheimer's disease (AD) and evaluated potential impacts of primary and secondary preventions in the United States.

Methods

We used a multistate model incorporating biomarkers for preclinical AD with US population projections.

Results

Approximately 6.08 million Americans had either clinical AD or mild cognitive impairment due to AD in 2017 and that will grow to 15.0 million by 2060. In 2017, 46.7 million Americans had preclinical AD (amyloidosis, neurodegeneration, or both), although many may not progress to clinical disease during their lifetimes. Primary and secondary preventions have differential impact on future disease burden.

Discussion

Because large numbers of persons are living with preclinical AD, our results underscore the need for secondary preventions for persons with existing AD brain pathology who are likely to develop clinical disease during their lifetimes as well as primary preventions for persons without preclinical disease.
Sideritic ironstones as indicators of depositional environments in the Weald Basin (Early Cretaceous) SE England
Authors: AKINLOTAN OLADAPO
Published: December 2017

The Lower Cretaceous Wealden sideritic ironstones have a wide occurrence and great potential to aid the reconstruction of the depositional environments of the Weald Basin in SE England. However, mineralogical and geochemical datasets on the ironstones are scarce in the literature. Geochemical and mineralogical data on the sideritic ironstones are presented from the Wadhurst Clay Formation within the Weald Basin. The mineralogy of the ironstones was examined using a PANalytical X'Pert Pro X-ray diffractometer and PANalytical's HighScore Plus software. Elemental composition of the ironstones was measured using a PANalytical MiniPal2 ED-XRF (benchtop X-ray spectrometer). The examination of the mineralogy of the Wealden ironstones confirms the presence of early diagenetic siderites. The trace-element assemblage shows that the sideritic ironstones are chemically pure pointing to a freshwater origin. The sideritic ironstones reveal anoxic conditions and palaeo-salinity in the basin. More generally, it is suggested that the composition of the host rocks has significant controls on the composition of sideritic ironstones in sedimentary basins. This work reinforces the importance of the composition of sideritic ironstones as useful non-traditional data for understanding the depositional settings of sedimentary basins, especially when traditional datasets are not readily available or insufficient.
Fertilizer value and greenhouse gas emissions from solid fraction pig slurry compost pellets
Authors: PAMPURO N. , BERTORA C. , SACCO D. , DINUCCIO E. , GRIGNANI C. , BALSARI P. , CAVALLO E. , BERNAL M. P.
Published: December 2017

Conversion of pig slurry to pellets is a desirable fertilizer option for farmers who want to mitigate environmental pollution from slurry accumulation. The goals of the current investigation were to determine the fertilizer properties of pig slurry solid fraction (SF) pellets and to assess its potential to enhance soil properties in order to reduce ammonia (NH3) volatilization and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Various parameters influence SF-based pellet fertilizer effectiveness: bulking agent use during composting, pellet diameter sizing and soil application type (superficially or incorporated into the soil). Two composts from the same pig slurry SF obtained from a screw press separator were prepared: pig SF compost without a bulking agent (SSFC) and pig SF compost with wood chips as the bulking agent (wood chip compost (WCC)). For each compost type, pellets of two different diameters (6 and 8 mm) were produced. A mesocosm experiment, conducted with maize plants, was used to test the fertilizer value of the considered pellets. In total, three compost fertilizers – SSFC, WCC and nitrogen: phosphorus: potassium mineral fertilizer 15 : 15 : 15, plus one unfertilized control treatment – were applied at the same N rate (equivalent to 200 kg/ha) using two different methods (surface and soil incorporation). After 65 days, above-ground biomass, roots and soil samples were collected and analysed. Subsequently, a second mesocosm study was undertaken to measure NH3and GHG emissions released from pellet fertilization. Ammonia volatilization was determined immediately after pellet application, while carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions were monitored for 57 days. Study results indicated that both pellet types were effective slow-release fertilizers for maize. Additionally, three actions seemed to make the nutrients contained in pig SF compost pellets more available to plants: addition of a bulking agent before composting, use of small diameter pellets and soil incorporation of the fertilizer.
Juveniles recruitment and daily growth of the southern stock of Mugil liza (Actinopterygii; Fam. Mugilidae): new evidence for the current life-history model
Authors: Castellini Damián L. , Brown Daniel , Lajud Nicolás A. , Díaz De Astarloa Juan M. , González-Castro Mariano
Published: December 2017

Mugil liza is distributed along the western Atlantic coast. It is a commercially exploited species in Argentina, supporting a small-scale fishery conducted by an artisanal fleet. Age determination of fishes constitutes an important key issue for fishery management. The age, growth and recruitment of M. liza juveniles in Mar Chiquita coastal lagoon and Las Brusquitas creek (Buenos Aires, Argentina), were estimated by means of the analysis of the sagittal otoliths of fish collected during January to December of 2014. Ages were estimated by counting and measuring daily growth increments in otoliths under a light microscope. A total of 735 specimens ranging from 19 to 71.5 mm SL and from 67 to 212 days age was analysed. Lengths at previous ages were determined by back-calculation, a linear growth model was fitted to the back-calculated data: SL = 0.2468 + 2.0516; R2 = 0.9945. Two peaks of recruiters were observed from February to March, and from October to November in 2014. Mean ages in days of Querimana and juveniles at the recruitment time were 84.07 ± 14.43 days and 87.56 ± 19.51 days, respectively. The hatching dates of specimens showed two spawning seasons. One was from December 2013 to January 2014, and the second one from July to August 2014. The assessment carried on this work generated age determination values that support previous findings, contributing to make a more accurate description of the life-history model currently used. In addition, valuable information has been generated to give better advice for improving the management of the fishery resource.
Crosstalk between Entamoeba histolytica and the human intestinal tract during amoebiasis
Authors: Labruyère Elisabeth , Thibeaux Roman , Olivo-Marin Jean-Christophe , Guillén Nancy
Published: December 2017

The protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica is the microbial agent of amoebiasis – an infection that is endemic worldwide and is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. As the disease develops, virulent E. histolytica deplete the mucus layer, interact with the intestinal epithelium, and then degrade the colonic mucosa and disrupt the extracellular matrix (ECM). Our research demonstrated that virulent parasites with an invasive phenotype display rapid, highly specific changes in their transcriptome (notably for essential factors involved in carbohydrate metabolism and the processing of glycosylated residues). Moreover, combined activation of parasite and host lytic enzymes leads to the destruction of the intestinal parenchyma. Together, these enzymes degrade the mucus layer and the ECM, and trigger the inflammatory response essential to the development of amoebiasis.
The Reda Folkloric Dance Troupe and Egyptian State Support During the Nasser Period
Authors: Vermeyden Anne
Published: December 2017

In 1958, Mahmoud Reda founded the Reda Troupe and put his interpretation of Egyptian folkloric dance on stage. This article analyzes the historical factors that allowed for the Reda Troupe's success and popularity during the Nasser period (1954–1970). Although colonial influences and problematic representational politics are evident in Reda's choreographies, his dances also showcase agency, hybridity, and artistic collaboration. The agency of both Mahmoud Reda and his troupe during the Nasser period was central to the group's artistic success and longevity.
Decomposing environmental unpredictability in forecasting adolescent and young adult development: A two-sample study
Authors: Hartman Sarah , Sung Sooyeon , Simpson Jeffry A. , Schlomer Gabriel L. , Belsky Jay
Published: December 2017

To illuminate which features of an unpredictable environment early in life best forecast adolescent and adult functioning, data from two longitudinal studies were examined. After decomposing a composite unpredictability construct found to predict later development, results of both studies revealed that paternal transitions predicted outcomes more consistently and strongly than did residential or occupational changes across the first 5 years of a child's life. These results derive from analyses of the NICHD Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development, which included diverse families from 10 different sites in the United States, and from the Minnesota Longitudinal Study of Risk and Adaptation, whose participants came from one site, were disproportionately economically disadvantaged, and were enrolled 15 years earlier than the NICHD Study sample. The finding that results from both studies are consistent with evolutionary, life history thinking regarding the importance of males in children's lives makes this general, cross-study replication noteworthy.
My Path to Bioethics
Authors: BEAUCHAMP TOM L.
Published: December 2017

In this series of essays, The Road Less Traveled, noted bioethicists share their stories and the personal experiences that prompted them to pursue the field. These memoirs are less professional chronologies and more descriptions of the seminal touchstone events and turning points that led—often unexpectedly—to their career path.
Compulsory Organ Retrieval: Morally, But Not Socially, Justified
Authors: ROSOFF PHILIP M.
Published: December 2017

The number of patients with organ failure who could potentially benefit from transplantation continues to exceed the available supply of organs. Despite numerous efforts to increase the number of donors, there remains an enormous mismatch between demand and supply. Large numbers of people still die with potentially transplantable organs remaining in situ, most frequently as a result of family objections. I argue that there are no persuasive moral arguments against mandated organ retrieval from all dead individuals who meet clinical criteria. However, because of continuing endemic prejudice in United States society and its healthcare system and the distrust this engenders, I conclude that proceeding with a policy of compulsory organ retrieval, even if morally unobjectionable, would not be warranted.
First Come, First Served in the Intensive Care Unit: Always?
Authors: FLECK LEONARD M. , MURPHY TIMOTHY F.
Published: December 2017

Because the demand for intensive care unit (ICU) beds exceeds the supply in general, and because of the formidable costs of that level of care, clinicians face ethical issues when rationing this kind of care not only at the point of admission to the ICU, but also after the fact. Under what conditions—if any—may patients be denied admission to the ICU or removed after admission? One professional medical group has defended a rule of “first come, first served” in ICU admissions, and this approach has numerous moral considerations in its favor. We show, however, that admission to the ICU is not in and of itself guaranteed; we also show that as a matter of principle, it can be morally permissible to remove certain patients from the ICU, contrary to the idea that because they were admitted first, they are entitled to stay indefinitely through the point of recovery, death, or voluntary withdrawal. What remains necessary to help guide these kinds of decisions is the articulation of clear standards for discontinuing intensive care, and the articulation of these standards in a way consistent with not only fiduciary and legal duties that attach to clinical care but also with democratic decision making processes.
Microlevel Prioritizations and Incommensurability
Authors: HERLITZ ANDERS
Published: December 2017

This article addresses the prioritization questions that arise when people attempt to institutionalize reasonable ethical principles and create guidelines for microlevel decisions. I propose that this instantiates an incommensurability problem, and suggest two different kinds of practical solutions for dealing with this issue.
Some Useful Sources
Authors: Aucante Yohann , Baudot Pierre-Yves
Published: December 2017

The literature on disability rights intersects with different disciplines such as law, sociology, social policy, political science, and of course disability studies. For this reason, it is highly diverse in its methods and approaches, and the dialogue between these various strands is not always easy.
THE ETHOS OF DEMOCRACY
Authors: DE DIJN ANNELIEN
Published: December 2017

James Kloppenberg's Toward Democracy is a monumental achievement. To start with, Kloppenberg's breadth and depth of knowledge are awe-inspiring. He begins his story in the late sixteenth century, at the height of the religious wars in France, with the philosopher Michel de Montaigne, who rejected democracy because he did not believe ordinary people were capable of the self-restraint it required. Kloppenberg ends his narrative three hundred years later, with the poet Walt Whitman, lamenting the rise of unbridled individualism in the post-Civil War United States. Even though much attention is devoted to intellectual developments in northern America—Kloppenberg is, after all, specialized in American history—his book places these in a much broader context, highlighting how both in the colonial period and beyond Americans participated in transatlantic “communities of discourse” (2). In that sense, Toward Democracy contributes towards the recent transatlantic turn in American historiography.
Expression of Homeobox Gene HLX and its Downstream Target Genes are Altered in Placentae From Discordant Twin Pregnancies
Authors: Yuen Nicola , Brennecke Shaun P. , Umstad Mark P. , Yong Hannah E. J. , Borg Anthony J. , Rajaraman Gayathri , Kalionis Bill , Murthi Padma
Published: December 2017

A discordant twin gestation, in which one fetus is significantly growth restricted, compared to the other normal twin, is a unique model that can be used to elucidate the mechanism(s) by which the intrauterine environment affects fetal growth. In many model systems, placental transcription factor genes regulate fetal growth. Transcription factors regulate growth through their activation or repression of downstream target genes that mediate important cell functions. The objective of this study was to determine the expression of the placental HLX homeobox gene transcription factor and its downstream target genes in dizygotic twins with growth discordance. In this cross-sectional study, HLX and its downstream target genes’ retinoblastoma 1 (RB1) and cyclin kinase D (CDKN1C) expression levels were determined in placentae obtained from dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies (n = 23) where one of the twins was growth restricted. Fetal growth restriction (FGR) was defined as small for gestational age with abnormal umbilical artery Doppler indices when compared with the normal control co-twin. Homeobox gene HLX expression was significantly decreased at both the mRNA and protein levels in FGR twin placentae compared with the normal control co-twin placentae (p < .05). Downstream target genes CDKN1C and RB1 were also significantly decreased and increased, respectively, at both the mRNA and protein levels in FGR twin placentae compared with normal control co-twin placentae (p < .05). Together, these observations suggest an important association between HLX transcription factor expression and abnormal human placental development in discordant twin pregnancies.
Count Nouns and Mass Nouns: Crops, Produce, and the Plural of Seed
Authors: Mohler Charles L. , Heyne Linda A.
Published: December 2017

The distinction between count nouns and mass nouns affects thinking and writing about various types of crops and produce. Count nouns are words that indicate discrete, countable objects (e.g., forks, viewpoints), whereas mass nouns are words that indicate some relatively undifferentiated substance (e.g., water, energy). We explain the grammar of these two forms and point out some writing pitfalls to avoid. The word seed is one of the few English nouns that is both a count noun and a mass noun. An argument is presented for using seeds as the plural when several individuals are counted and for using seed as the singular when referring to seeds in the aggregate.
EEG Measurement of Emotion Processing in Children with Daytime Urinary Incontinence
Authors: Niemczyk Justine , Equit Monika , Rieck Katja , Rubly Mathias , Wagner Catharina , von Gontard Alexander
Published: December 2017

Abstract. Objective: Daytime urinary incontinence (DUI) is common in childhood. The aim of the study was to neurophysiologically analyse the central emotion processing in children with DUI. Method: In 20 children with DUI (mean age 8.1 years, 55 % male) and 20 controls (mean age 9.1 years, 75 % male) visual event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded after presenting emotionally valent (80 neutral, 40 positive, and 40 negative) pictures from the International Affective Picture System (IAPS) as an oddball-paradigm. All children received a full organic and psychiatric assessment. Results: Children with DUI did not differ significantly from controls regarding responses to emotional pictures in the frontal, central, and parietal regions and in the time intervals 250–450 ms, 450–650 ms, and 650–850 ms after stimulus onset. The patient group had more psychological symptoms and psychiatric comorbidities than the control group. Conclusions: EEG responses to emotional stimuli are not altered in children with DUI. Central emotion processing does not play a major role in DUI. Further research, including a larger sample size, a more homogeneous patient group (regarding subtype of DUI) or brain imaging techniques, could reveal more about the central processing in DUI.
Evaluierst du schon?
Authors: Hochmuth Alexander
Published: December 2017

Zusammenfassung. Veränderte Bildungsziele, komprimierte Lehrinhalte und verschulte Studiengänge erhöhen die Anforderungen an Studierende in der Pflege. Mit dem Einsatz von Tutoren in der Pflege kann der Fokus auf die Kompetenz- und Persönlichkeitsentwicklung Studierender gelegt werden. Doch wie kann die Qualität eines Tutoriums gewährleistet werden? Was bedeutet Selbstevaluation im Kontext von Tutorien? Um diese und weitere Fragen geht es in dem folgenden Artikel.
Molecular basis of differential 3′ splice site sensitivity to anti-tumor drugs targeting U2 snRNP
Authors: Vigevani Luisa , Gohr André , Webb Thomas , Irimia Manuel , Valcárcel Juan
Published: December 2017

Several splicing-modulating compounds, including Sudemycins and Spliceostatin A, display anti-tumor properties. Combining transcriptome, bioinformatic and mutagenesis analyses, we delineate sequence determinants of the differential sensitivity of 3′ splice sites to these drugs. Sequences 5′ from the branch point (BP) region strongly influence drug sensitivity, with additional functional BPs reducing, and BP-like sequences allowing, drug responses. Drug-induced retained introns are typically shorter, displaying higher GC content and weaker polypyrimidine-tracts and BPs. Drug-induced exon skipping preferentially affects shorter alternatively spliced regions with weaker BPs. Remarkably, structurally similar drugs display both common and differential effects on splicing regulation, SSA generally displaying stronger effects on intron retention, and Sudemycins more acute effects on exon skipping. Collectively, our results illustrate how splicing modulation is exquisitely sensitive to the sequence context of 3′ splice sites and to small structural differences between drugs.
Serum Metabolic Profile Alteration Reveals Response to Platinum-Based Combination Chemotherapy for Lung Cancer: Sensitive Patients Distinguished from Insensitive ones
Authors: Xu Shan , Zhou Yanping , Geng Hui , Song Dandan , Tang Jing , Zhu Xianmin , Yu Di , Hu Sheng , Cui Yanfang
Published: December 2017

Most lung cancers are diagnosed at fairly advanced stages due to limited clinical symptoms. Platinum-based chemotherapy, either as single regimen or in combination with radiation, is one of the major recommendations for the patients. Earlier evaluation of the effectiveness of the chemotherapies is critical for developing better treatment plan given the toxicity of the chemotherapeutic reagents. Drug efficacy could be reflected in the systemic metabolism characteristics though knowledge about which remains scarce. In this study, serum metabolism influence of three types of commonly used platinum-based combination chemotherapy regimens, namely cisplatin with gemcitabine, vinorelbine or docetaxel, were studied using pattern recognition coupled with nuclear magnetic resonance techniques. The treated patients were divided into sensitive or insensitive subgroups according to their response to the treatments. We found that insensitive subjects can be identified from the sensitive ones with up-regulation of glucose and taurine but reduced alanine and lactate concentrations in serum. The combination chemotherapy of lung cancer is accompanied by disturbances of multiple metabolic pathways such as energy metabolism, phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis, so that the treated patients were marginally discriminated from the untreated. Serum metabolic profile of patients shows potential as an indicator of their response to platinum-based combination chemotherapy.
Computational exploration of the chemical structure space of possible reverse tricarboxylic acid cycle constituents
Authors: Meringer Markus , Cleaves H. James
Published: December 2017

The reverse tricarboxylic acid (rTCA) cycle has been explored from various standpoints as an idealized primordial metabolic cycle. Its simplicity and apparent ubiquity in diverse organisms across the tree of life have been used to argue for its antiquity and its optimality. In 2000 it was proposed that chemoinformatics approaches support some of these views. Specifically, defined queries of the Beilstein database showed that the molecules of the rTCA are heavily represented in such compound databases. We explore here the chemical structure “space,” e.g. the set of organic compounds which possesses some minimal set of defining characteristics, of the rTCA cycle’s intermediates using an exhaustive structure generation method. The rTCA’s chemical space as defined by the original criteria and explored by our method is some six to seven times larger than originally considered. Acknowledging that each assumption in what is a defining criterion making the rTCA cycle special limits possible generative outcomes, there are many unrealized compounds which fulfill these criteria. That these compounds are unrealized could be due to evolutionary frozen accidents or optimization, though this optimization may also be for systems-level reasons, e.g., the way the pathway and its elements interface with other aspects of metabolism.
Novel fabrication of a robust superhydrophobic PU@ZnO@Fe3O4@SA sponge and its application in oil-water separations
Authors: Tran Viet-Ha Thi , Lee Byeong-Kyu
Published: December 2017

We report a novel superhydrophobic material based on commercially available polyurethane (PU) sponge with high porosity, low density and good elasticity. The fabrication of a superhydrophobic sponge capable of efficiently separating oil from water was achieved by imitating or mimicking nature’s designs. The original PU sponge was coated with zinc oxide (ZnO), stearic acid (SA) and iron oxide particles (Fe3O4) via a facile and environmentally friendly method. After each treatment, the properties of the modified sponge were characterized, and the changes in wettability were examined. Water contact angle (WCA) measurements confirmed the excellent superhydrophobicity of the material withhigh static WCA of 161° andlow dynamic WCA (sliding WCA of 7° and shedding WCA of 8°). The fabricated sponge showed high efficiency in separation (over 99%) of different oils from water. Additionally, the fabricated PU@ZnO@Fe3O4@SA sponge could be magnetically guided to quickly absorb oil floating on the water surface. Moreover, the fabricated sponge showed excellent stability and reusability in terms of superhydrophobicity and oil absorption capacity. The durable, magnetic and superhydrophobic properties of the fabricated sponge render it applicable to the cleanup of marine oil spills and other oil-water separation issues, with eco-friendly recovery of the oil by simple squeezing process.
First-principle study of structural, electronic and magnetic properties of (FeC)n (n = 1–8) and (FeC)8TM (TM = V, Cr, Mn and Co) clusters
Authors: Li Cheng-Gang , Zhang Jie , Zhang Wu-Qin , Tang Ya-Nan , Ren Bao-Zeng , Hu Yan-Fei
Published: December 2017

The structural, electronic and magnetic properties of the (FeC)n (n = 1–8) clusters are studied using the unbiased CALYPSO structure search method and density functional theory. A combination of the PBE functional and 6–311 + G* basis set is used for determining global minima on potential energy surfaces of (FeC)n clusters. Relatively stabilities are analyzed via computing their binding energies, second order difference and HOMO-LUMO gaps. In addition, the origin of magnetic properties, spin density and density of states are discussed in detail, respectively. At last, based on the same computational method, the structures, magnetic properties and density of states are systemically investigated for the 3d (V, Cr, Mn and Co) atom doped (FeC)8 cluster.
Preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and tumor-related factors to predict lymph node metastasis in nonfunctioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Zhou Bo , Deng Junfang , Chen Lifeng , Zheng Shusen
Published: December 2017

The lymph node (LN) status is very important for the survival in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs). Therefore, the investigation of factors related to LN metastases has a great clinical significance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of the preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and possible clinical parameters on the LN metastases in nonfunctional PNETs (NF-PNETs). A retrospective review of 101 NF-PNET patients following curative resection and lymphadenectomy was conducted. The associations between clinicopathological factors and LN metastases and prognosis were determined. Twenty-seven (26.7%) patients had LN metastases. LN metastases was independently associated with disease-free survival (P = 0.009). Ideal cutoff values for predicting LN metastases were 1.80 for NLR, 168.25 for PLR and 2.5 cm for tumor size according to the receiver operating characteristic curve. On multivariable analysis, NLR (P = 0.017), symptomatic diagnosis (P = 0.028) and tumor size (P = 0.020) were associated with LN metastases. These results indicate that preoperative NLR ≥ 1.80, tumor size ≥2.5 cm and symptomatic diagnosis are independently associated with LN metastases for patients undergoing resection of NF-PNETs. It is anticipated that these findings are useful for further planning of lymphadenectomy before surgery.
Enhanced Removal of Arsenic from Water by Synthetic Nanocrystalline Iowaite
Authors: Guo Qinghai , Cao Yaowu , Yin Zuowei , Yu Zhengyan , Zhao Qian , Shu Zhu
Published: December 2017

Nanocrystalline iowaite, a Mg/Fe-based layered double hydroxide (LDH) intercalated with chloride, was synthesized to evaluate its performance for arsenic removal from water and to investigate the contributing dearsenication mechanisms. It is characterized by fast arsenic sorption rates and has a much higher arsenic uptake capacity than other LDHs that are commonly used for water dearsenication. The surface adsorption of the solution arsenic onto the iowaite samples and the anion exchange of the arsenic in solution with chloride, which is originally in the iowaite interlayers, are the primary mechanisms for the uptake of arsenic by iowaite. In addition to the Coulombic attraction between arsenate/arsenite and positively charged layers of iowaite, the inner-sphere complexation of arsenic with Fe (instead of Mg) in the iowaite layers is responsible for the formation of more stable and stronger arsenic bonds, as indicated by both XPS and EXAFS analyses. Specifically, bidentate-binuclear and monodentate-mononuclear As-Fe complexes were detected in the arsenate removal experiments, whereas bidentate-mononuclear, bidentate-binuclear, and monodentate-mononuclear As-Fe complexes were present for the arsenite-treated iowaite samples. This study shows that nanocrystalline iowaite is a promising, low-cost material for arsenic removal from natural arsenic-rich waters or contaminated high-arsenic waters.
Defect engineering in metal–organic frameworks: a new strategy to develop applicable actinide sorbents
Authors: Yuan Liyong , Tian Ming , Lan Jianhui , Cao Xingzhong , Wang Xiaolin , Chai Zhifang , Gibson John K. , Shi Weiqun
Published: December 2017

A greatly enhanced U(vi) loading in MOFs was achieved by tuning the missing-linker defects of highly porous and stable UiO-66.
Donor–acceptor type blends composed of black phosphorus and C60 for solid-state optical limiters
Authors: Shi Makai , Huang Shutong , Dong Ningning , Liu Zhiwei , Gan Fan , Wang Jun , Chen Yu
Published: December 2017

Novel donor–acceptor blends composed of black phosphorus (BP) and C60 are embedded into a transparent poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) matrix to form a BP:C60/PMMA film. In contrast to C60, BP and BP:C60 blends, annealed BP:C60 blends show a significantly enhanced optical limiting response.
A novel ferrocenyl–naphthalimide as a multichannel probe for the detection of Cu(ii) and Hg(ii) in aqueous media and living cells
Authors: Dong Junyang , Hu Jianfeng , Baigude Huricha , Zhang Hao
Published: December 2017

The first reported probe that has been used for the bifunctional fluorescent monitoring Cu2+ and Hg2+ ions in living cells.
Solid-phase extraction of ultra-trace levels of lead using tannic acid-coated graphene oxide as an efficient adsorbent followed by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry; response surface methodology – central composite design
Authors: Eftekhari Mohammad , Gheibi Mohammad , Akrami Mehran , Iranzad Farzad
Published: December 2017

Tannic acid-coated graphene oxide as a novel and powerful adsorbent for the removal of lead.
A Brønsted acid-promoted asymmetric intramolecular allylic amination of alcohols
Authors: Zhou Jianqiao , Xie Hexin
Published: December 2017

An asymmetric intramolecular allylic amination reaction catalyzed by a chiral Brønsted acid is disclosed, affording biologically intriguing chiral 2-substituted hydroquinolines in up to 90% yield and with up to 93% ee.
Polarisation experimental research of passive radar based on digital television signal
Authors: Yi Yucheng , Wan Xianrong , Yi Jianxin , Cao Xiaomao
Published: December 2017

The Letter aims to investigate the polarisation diversity for passive radar system. Digital television signal is used as the illuminator of opportunity in this experiment. Dual‐polarised Yagi‐Uda antennas have been independently designed as surveillance array antennas, which can receive horizontal (H) and vertical (V) polarisation simultaneously. The experimental results showed that the detection performance after polarisation processing depends on the difference between target polarisation state and interference polarisation state. The target detection performance will be improved if the technology of polarisation diversity is used.
Prescribed consensus and formation error constrained finite‐time sliding mode control for multi‐agent mobile robot systems
Authors: Han Seong Ik
Published: December 2017

This study addresses a predefined performance constraint control scheme by applying the concept of graph theory to a distributed wheeled mobile robot (WMR) system. The kinematic and dynamic models of the WMR systems are considered simultaneously to design a finite‐time sliding mode controller with a novel constraint control term that assures the prescribed performances such as overshoot, rising time, and steady‐state error size, for the consensus and formation errors among the distributed WMR systems. Compared with a conventional prescribed controller, the structure of the proposed constraint controller is more compact and can be conveniently implemented in actual systems. The stability conditions and finite convergence time are discussed using the Lyapunov function with the adaptive law to describe the uncertainty. Numerical simulation results of formation control for the WMR systems support the validity of the proposed control method and demonstrate its potential performance.
Robust adaptive FTC allocation for over‐actuated systems with uncertainties and unknown actuator non‐linearity
Authors: Zhi Jianhui , Chen Yong , Dong Xinmin , Liu Zongcheng , Shi Chao
Published: December 2017

In this study, a robust adaptive fault‐tolerant control (FTC) allocation method is proposed to address the FTC problem of over‐actuated systems in the presence of matched disturbance, unmodelled dynamics and unknown actuator non‐linearity simultaneously. The main idea is to design the virtual control law via robust adaptive control and then distribute the virtual control among individual actuators by weighted pseudo‐inverse control allocation whether the actuators are faulty or not. The virtual control consists of three terms: a linear term is designed through adaptive control to maintain stability, a non‐linear term constructed by radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) is used to approximate the unmodelled dynamics, and a robust term is added to eliminate the approximation error introduced by RBFNN as well as matched disturbance and unknown actuator non‐linearity. With the aid of the Lyapunov stability theorem, the convergence of the closed‐loop system is proven. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness, fault‐tolerant capability and robustness of the proposed method.
Real‐time implementation of optimal operation of single‐stage grid interfaced PV system under weak grid conditions
Authors: Shah Priyank , Hussain Ikhlaq , Singh Bhim
Published: December 2017

This study presents a real‐time implementation of the optimal operation of a single‐stage three‐phase grid interfaced solar photovoltaic (PV) system with active shunt filter capabilities. The control approach is based on the least logarithmic absolute difference with an adaptive filtering technique. It serves manifold objectives of power quality improvements in the distribution network as well as grid side abnormalities such as voltage distortions, voltage sag and voltage swell. The proposed control algorithm has advantages of better steady state as well as dynamic performances as compared to conventional algorithms. The perturb and observe‐based maximum power point tracking algorithm is used to harness crest power from the PV array. The proposed system is simulated in MATLAB/Simulink platform using Simscape power systems toolbox and its performance is compared with conventional algorithms. A prototype of the proposed system is developed in the laboratory and its responses are found satisfactory under various operating conditions such as load unbalancing, reactive power compensation, variable solar insolation, voltages distortion, voltage sag and voltage swell. The total harmonic distortions of grid currents and grid voltages are found within limits of an IEEE‐519 standard.
Specifying angular reference for three‐phase distribution system state estimators
Authors: Schincariol da Silva Rafael , Fernandes Thiago Ramos , de Almeida Madson Cortes
Published: December 2017

In power system state estimation, similar to power flow, an angular reference is required in order to solve the problem providing the most likely state of the system. For single‐phase state estimators (SEs), the usual practice is to specify the angular reference at the substation bus, usually at 0°. This study discusses and presents how to specify the angular reference for three‐phase distribution systems SEs (DSSEs). As the main contributions, two different approaches for specifying the reference are presented and assessed. Additionally, the more general proposed approach is improved and a robust version, based on a reduced number of state variables, is presented. The proposed approaches are applied to three SEs commonly recommended for distribution systems. The results show that the approach based on a reduced number of state variables is a proper and general solution to specify the reference angles for three‐phase DSSEs.