bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of silymarin on metabolic syndrome: a review
Authors: Vahabzadeh Maryam , Amiri Nafise , Karimi Gholamreza
Published: May 2018

Metabolic syndrome is one of the rising global health problems and medical challenges due to several clinical complications it may cause, for example increasing the risk of myocardial infarction and hypertension. However, great attention has been directed toward determining the worthiness of herbal medicines. There are emerging studies on preventive and therapeutic effects of silymarin on different components of metabolic syndrome. Extracted from the dried seeds of milk thistle plant (Silybum marianum L.), silymarin has been used in the treatment of different diseases for many years. Several protective effects have been identified for this herb such as decreasing insulin resistance, regulating blood pressure and lipid profile, as well as antioxidant and cytoprotective effects. This review aims to discuss available human and experimental researches into the promising effects of silymarin on different elements of metabolic syndrome. All related human and experimental papers published from 2012 to date were included in this review. Reviewing different human and experimental studies into the effects of silymarin on metabolic syndrome, we deduced that silymarin possesses promising effects on different components of this syndrome. Although the complete mechanism of action and target organs for silymarin require further verification and investigation, high‐risk individuals may benefit from supplementation with this herbal medicine. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound in Pulmonary Lymphoma: A Small Pilot Study
Authors: Trenker Corinna , Wilhelm Christian , Neesse Albrecht , Rexin Peter , Görg Christian
Published: May 2018

Here, we describe the appearance and pattern of pulmonary lymphoma on B‐mode imaging and with contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). From July 2009 to December 2015, 6 patients with histologically or cytologically confirmed lymphoma of the lung were examined by B‐mode imaging, followed by CEUS. A retrospective analysis of the imaging data was performed with respect to the time to enhancement, pulmonary artery (PA) and bronchial artery, echogenicity (hypoechoic, isoechoic, or hyperechoic), and homogeneity (homogeneous or inhomogeneous) of the contrast enhancement. On B‐mode imaging, all 6 pulmonary lymphoma lesions were hypoechoic. Five cases had PA enhancement, and 1 case had bronchial artery enhancement on CEUS imaging. Strikingly, all 6 patients had isoechoic arterial contrast enhancement. In the parenchymal phase, 3 of the lymphoma lesions showed hypoechoic contrast enhancement, and 3 showed isoechoic enhancement. Pulmonary lymphomas are hypoechoic on B‐mode imaging. With CEUS, all patients had predominant PA contrast enhancement in the arterial phase with variable parenchymal contrast enhancement. Thus, definite differentiation from other malignant or benign pulmonary lesions cannot be achieved by CEUS.
Diagnostic Performance of Transvaginal Ultrasound for Detecting Cervical Invasion In Women With Endometrial Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Alcázar Juan Luis , Pérez Lidia , Güell Olga , Haro Núria , Manzour Nabil , Chacon Enrique , Jurado Matías
Published: May 2018

Objectives

To evaluate the role of transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) for diagnosing cervical invasion in the preoperative assessment of endometrial carcinoma.

Methods

A search for studies evaluating the role of TVUS for assessing cervical invasion in endometrial carcinoma from January 1990 to December 2016 was performed in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, www.ClinicalTrials.gov, and www.who.int/trialsearchdatabases. The quality of the studies was evaluated by the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2.

Results

We identified 211 citations. Ultimately, 17 studies comprising 1751 women were included. The mean prevalence of cervical invasion was 16.3%. The risk of bias was high in 7 studies for the domains “patient selection” and “index test,” whereas it was considered low for the “reference test” domain. Overall, the pooled estimated sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio of TVUS for detecting cervical invasion were 63% (95% confidence interval [CI], 51%–74%), 91% (95% CI, 87%–94%), 10.2 (95% CI, 5.7–18.3), and 0.38 (95% CI, 0.28–0.53), respectively. Heterogeneity was high for both sensitivity and specificity.

Conclusions

Transvaginal ultrasound has acceptable diagnostic performance for detecting cervical invasion in women with endometrial carcinoma.
Southern Kalahari piospheres: Looking beyond the sacrifice zone
Authors: Perkins Jeremy S.
Published: May 2018

Vegetation data collected around 8 piospheres in the southern Kalahari of Botswana show livestock impacts on vegetation cover and composition to be of limited spatial extent around the watering point. Dune crests can become active up to a distance of 1.2 km from the borehole with the latter sitting within an area of bare ground and a spectacular cauldron of active dunes some 50–200 m out. Data from an abandoned borehole show that the bare ground zone or “sacrifice zone” does recover, albeit with forbs and annuals, which serve to stabilise the formerly active dunes. Greater concern over the impact of piospheres lies beyond the sacrifice zone to the effects livestock keeping has had upon the resilience of the Kalahari ecosystem and the creation of large tracts of “empty Savannah”. Livestock expansion has acted to block migratory corridors that link the protected areas and in turn trigger largely reactive wildlife management measures. These include fencing and Artificial Waterpoint Provision in an attempt to redress spiralling human wildlife conflict and the isolation of wild ungulates from historical sources of surface water, particularly in a drought. Successive aerial surveys of Kalahari ungulates show the failure of migratory ungulates such as blue wildebeest and red hartebeest to recover from the drastic die‐offs that occurred in the 1980s drought. The need to manage the Kalahari ecosystem as a whole to ensure coexistence between domestic and wild ungulate populations and a greater diversity of livelihood opportunities to the benefit of impoverished rural communities is emphasised.
Whole body and local hyperthermia enhances the photosensitizing efficacy of 3‐[(1′‐hexyloxy)ethyl]‐3‐Devinylpyropheophorbide‐a (HPPH)
Authors: Srivatsan Avinash , Sen Arindam , Cheruku Ravindra R. , Missert Joseph R. , Durrani Farukh A. , Guru Khurshid , Pandey Ravindra K.
Published: May 2018

Background and Objectives

In this study, we evaluated the impact of hyperthermia in photosensitizing efficacy of 3‐[(1′‐hexyloxy)ethyl‐3‐devinylpyropheophorbide‐a (HPPH or Photochlor) for the treatment of cancer by photodynamic therapy (PDT).

Study Design/Materials and Methods

The outcome of both whole body hyperthermia (WBH) and local hyperthermia (LH) in combination with HPPH‐PDT was determined in BALB/c and nude mice bearing Colon26 and U87 tumors, respectively. LH was performed by using an indigenously designed heating device, that was heated to the required temperature using a circulating water bath. The device which has flexible membrane on one side was placed on skin above the tumor. The temperature of the tumor was monitored using a thermocouple sensor placed on the surface of the tumor capable of measuring the temperature within 0.1°C. Uptake of the photosensitizer in tumors was determined by fluorescence using an IVIS or a Nuance Imaging System. The PDT was performed by exposing the tumors to 665 nm laser loght, (135 J/cm2, 75 mW/cm2) at the maximal uptake time of HPPH. Tumor size was measured daily using vernier calipers.

Results

The improved PDT efficacy (long‐term percentage tumor cure) in combination with hyperthermia is possible due to an increase in tumor‐uptake of the photosensitizer (PS), confirmed by in vivo fluorescence imaging and also by increased tumor perfusion and decreased hypoxia as have been reported previously (Sen et al. [2011] Cancer Res. 71:3872‐3880 In Vivo. 20:689‐695). Interestingly, compared to whole body hyperthermia, the 14C‐ HPPH biodistribution data under local hyperthermia showed similar tumor‐uptake in BALB/c mice bearing Colon26 tumors, but significantly lower uptake in other organs and in the blood.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that both, fever range whole body and local hyperthermia in combination with HPPH‐PDT enhances the long‐term tumor cure of BALB/c and nude mice implanted with Colon26 and U87 tumors respectively. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:506–512, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
5‐ALA in the management of malignant glioma
Authors: Stepp Herbert , Stummer Walter
Published: May 2018

Background

Patients suffering from malignant gliomas have a poor prognosis. For the surgical treatment of these tumors, 5‐aminolevulinic acid (5‐ALA) has become a new standard.

Aims

This review intends to provide an overview over current status, significance, limitations, and future perspectives of 5‐ALA based fluorescence guided surgery and photodynamic therapy for brain tumor patients.

Materials and Methods

From peer reviewed publications on the many aspects connected with this topic, those with potential clinical relevance were selected and put in the context of our own experience.

Results and Discussion

The high tumor selectivity of accumulation of fluorescent protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) after systemic administration of 5‐ALA enables intra‐operative fluorescence guidance, which is unimpaired by brainshift and does not require expensive equipment. The neurosurgical aim of complete resection of enhancing tumor can now more easily be achieved, which improves prognosis in these patients. Nevertheless, despite better surgery tumors will inevitably recur. In order to further prolong survival, the phototoxic properties of PpIX are presently being exploited in clinical trials of post‐operative or interstitial photodynamic therapy (PDT).

Conclusion

5‐ALA based fluorescence guidance and PDT offer an intriguing new option for the management of malignant gliomas. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:399–419, 2018. © 2018 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC
An Extracellular Matrix‐Mimicking Hydrogel for Full Thickness Wound Healing in Diabetic Mice
Authors: Qin Xianyan , Qiao Weizhen , Wang Yuejing , Li Tingyu , Li Xiang , Gong Tao , Zhang Zhi‐Rong , Fu Yao
Published: May 2018

An extracellular matrix‐mimicking hydrogel is developed consisting of a hyaluronan‐derived component with anti‐inflammatory activity, and a gelatin‐derived component offering adhesion sites for cell anchorage. The in situ‐forming hyaluronan‐gelatin (HA‐GEL) hydrogel displays a sponge‐like microporous morphology. Also, HA‐GEL shows a rapid swelling pattern reaching maximum weight swelling ratio within 10 min, while at the equilibrium state, fully swollen hydrogels display an exceedingly high water content with ≈2000% of the dry gel weight. Under typical 2D cell culture conditions, murine 3T3 fibroblasts adhere to, and proliferate on top of the HA‐GEL substrates, which demonstrate that HA‐GEL provides a favorable microenvironment for cell survival, adhesion, and proliferation. In vivo healing study further demonstrates HA‐GEL as a viable and effective treatment option to improve the healing outcome of full thickness wounds in diabetic mice by effectively depleting the inflammatory chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 in the wound bed.
Can beneficial antecedents to self‐employment be detrimental to entrepreneurial performance?
Authors: Hopp Christian , Martin Johannes
Published: May 2018

We hypothesize that risk aversion, plasticity, stability, and locus of control have different effects on a person's decision to enter entrepreneurship and the person's entrepreneurial performance. Empirical results reveal that plasticity and risk tolerance have positive effects on selection but negative effects on income derived in entrepreneurship. Stability, on the other hand, deters entry but has an inversely u‐shaped relation with income. Locus of control has a positive impact on the decision but an insignificant effect on entrepreneurial income. These new insights may guide policy makers on how to help aspiring entrepreneurs overcome the negative effects of their personality traits.
Phosphorylated α‐synuclein in the retina is a biomarker of Parkinson's disease pathology severity
Authors: Ortuño‐Lizarán Isabel , Beach Thomas G. , Serrano Geidy E. , Walker Douglas G. , Adler Charles H. , Cuenca Nicolás
Published: May 2018

Background: PD patients often have visual alterations, for example, loss of visual acuity, contrast sensitivity or motion perception, and diminished electroretinogram responses. PD pathology is mainly characterized by the accumulation of pathological α‐synuclein deposits in the brain, but little is known about how synucleinopathy affects the retina.

Objective: To study the correlation between α‐synuclein deposits in the retina and brain of autopsied subjects with PD and incidental Lewy body disease.

Methods: We evaluated the presence of phosphorylated α‐synuclein in the retina of autopsied subjects with PD (9 subjects), incidental Lewy body disease (4 subjects), and controls (6 subjects) by immunohistochemistry and compared the retinal synucleinopathy with brain disease severity indicators.

Results: Whereas controls did not show any phosphorylated α‐synuclein immunoreactivity in their retina, all PD subjects and 3 of 4 incidental Lewy body disease subjects had phosphorylated α‐synuclein deposits in ganglion cell perikarya, dendrites, and axons, some of them resembling brain Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites. The Lewy‐type synucleinopathy density in the retina significantly correlated with Lewy‐type synucleinopathy density in the brain, with the Unified Parkinson's disease pathology stage and with the motor UPDRS.

Conclusion: These data suggest that phosphorylated α‐synuclein accumulates in the retina in parallel with that in the brain, including in early stages preceding development of clinical signs of parkinsonism or dementia. Therefore, the retina may provide an in vivo indicator of brain pathology severity, and its detection could help in the diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Reconstruction of complex tissue defect of forearm with a chimeric flap composed of a sural neurocutaneous flap and a vascularized fibular graft: A case report
Authors: Wang Chunyang , Xu Jia , Wen Gen , Chai Yimin
Published: May 2018

One‐stage reconstruction of composite bone and soft‐tissue defects in the forearm remains a tough challenge. Here, we present a case of reconstruction of complex tissue defect at forearm with a chimeric flap consisting of a sural neurocutaneous flap and a fibular graft. A 61‐year‐old man suffered from a machine crush injury in his left forearm, resulting in a complex tissue defect including extensive dorsomedial soft‐tissue, digit extensor muscles of 2–4 fingers, the muscle flexor carpi ulnaris, the ulna bone with 5.5 cm in length, segmental injuries of ulna nerve and vessels, and the radius fracture. The defects were reconstructed by a modified chimeric flap, in which the sural neurocutaneous flap supplied by a peroneal perforator was used to repair the soft‐tissue defect and the vascularized fibular graft was used to repair the ulna defect. The two components were supplied by the peroneal vessels. The ulnar nerve defect was bridged by a sural nerve graft. The venous congestion caused by thrombosis was observed at 24 hours postoperatively. After the venous anastomosis was reperformed, the flap survived completely without other complications. Bone healing was achieved at the 7‐month follow‐up. The index and middle fingers reached nearly full range of motion, while the ranges of motion of metacarpophalangeal joint of the ring and little fingers were less than 60 degrees. The results showed that the modified chimeric flap may be an option for reconstruction of complex tissue defect in the forearm.
Differential quotients in elliptic scator algebra
Authors: Fernández‐Guasti M.
Published: May 2018

The quotient of the function difference over the variable increment is evaluated in 1+n finite dimensional imaginary scator algebra. A distinctive property of the scator product is that it is commutative albeit not distributive over addition. In
, a subset of
where the product is defined, all the elements have inverse provided that zero is excluded. The quotient of scators and their differential limit can thus be defined in this subset, establishing the notion of scator differentiability. The necessary conditions that a scator holomorphic function must satisfy are then derived in terms of an extended set of partial differential equations. It is shown that affine transformations involving a scaling and a translation are scator holomorphic. These results are compared with holomorphy in quaternion and Cℓ0,n Clifford algebras. Functions, such as the quadratic mapping, are shown not to satisfy the scator holomorphic conditions.
Learning formation control for fractional‐order multiagent systems
Authors: Luo Dahui , Wang JinRong , Shen Dong
Published: May 2018

In this paper, we use 2 iterative learning control schemes (P‐type and PI‐type) with an initial learning rule to achieve the formation control of linear fractional‐order multiagent systems. To realize the finite‐time consensus, we assume repeatable operation environments as well as a fixed but directed communication topology for the fractional‐order multiagent systems. Both P‐type and PI‐type update laws are applied to generate the control commands for each agent. It is strictly proved that all agents are driven to achieve an asymptotical consensus as the iteration number increases. Two examples are simulated to verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.
Three‐layered balanced circularly polarized slot antenna with high common‐mode suppression
Authors: Wu Jhe‐Han , Hsu Chung‐I. G. , Lee Ching‐Her
Published: May 2018

This article proposes the design of a three‐layered balanced circularly polarized (CP) antenna using two tightly stacked conventional single‐ended CP slot antennas. With a 180° delay line inserted into one of the two feeding microstrip lines that form the balanced feedline, differential‐mode (DM) input signals can excite CP radiation in the broadside directions with a measured (simulated) axial ratio of as low as 1.3 (0.86) dB. Common‐mode (CM) input signals can be well rejected with a measured (simulated) CM return loss of <0.4 (0.5) dB in the DM impedance band. In addition, only a very small proportion of the CM (DM) input signal is converted into a DM (CM) reflected one. These nice properties of the possibly first reported balanced CP antenna were all achieved without placing before the radiation element a CM‐suppression filter.
Antenna sensitivity enhancement using ground shorting pin
Authors: Lee Hongkoo , Qu Longyue , Kim Hyeongdong
Published: May 2018

This article proposes a design technique to increase the sensitivity of Bluetooth headset antennas. A planar inverted F antenna was designed on the top printed circuit board (PCB) of a two‐board PCB. Digital noise was designed as a loop‐type source on the bottom PCB, representing general noise derived from digital circuits and digital noise generated from the main cable line. The proposed antenna design was analyzed by means of simulation and verified by means of measurements of a fabricated antenna. The proposed technique increased the measured sensitivity by 2.23 dB.
Design of a tri‐band 180‐degree directional coupler with spurious suppression based on extended pi‐shaped microstrip line
Authors: Barik Rusan Kumar , Krishna Idury Satya , Karthikeyan S. S.
Published: May 2018

In this article, a tri‐band 180‐degree directional coupler with spurious suppression is proposed. This coupler is realized using the extended π‐shaped Microstrip operating at 3 different frequencies. The design equations of the extended π‐shaped structure are obtained through the ABCD matrix method. The designed coupler provides tri‐frequency response at 1.8, 3.5, and 5.2 GHz corresponding to Global System for Mobile communication, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, and wireless local area network applications, respectively. The fractional bandwidth variations of the isolation, matching, phase and amplitude imbalance at sum and difference ports are discussed in detail. In addition, the spurious bands beyond the operating frequencies are also suppressed. To validate the performances, the proposed tri‐band coupler is fabricated and tested.
An inward directed antenna for gastro‐intestinal radio pill tracking at 2.45 GHz
Authors: Fernández Marta , Thiel David V. , Arrinda Amaia , Espinosa Hugo G.
Published: May 2018

The accurate location of an ingested transmitter requires an array of surface electric field sensors worn on the body for more than 24 h. The small antenna (33 mm × 33 mm × 11 mm) consisting of a conductive box with a small slot (28 mm × 7 mm) pressed against the body with a centrally located feed probe was optimized to match the body impedance when located on the torso. The antenna properties when placed on different locations of the torso were calculated using computer modeling and verified using reflection measurements on 6 participants with body‐mass index between 17 and 27 kg/m2. Small center frequency shifts because of placing the antenna on different bodies and locations were within the 2.45 GHz bandwidth in all cases. The −10 dB bandwidth takes values between 0.75 and 0.97 GHz in simulations and between 0.51 and 1.15 GHz in measurements. The antenna design shows front‐to‐back isolation higher than 15 dB. The experimental results were not related to the body‐mass index of the participants.
Design of a triple‐band metamaterial absorber using equivalent circuit model and interference theory
Authors: Zeng Xianliang , Gao Meng , Zhang Linxi , Wan Guobin , Hu Bin
Published: May 2018

In this letter, an ultra‐thin triple‐band metamaterial absorber with high absorptivity in each band of operation is presented. The unit cell of the proposed structure consists of an outer circular metal ring and an inner Jerusalem cross on top of a thin dielectric substrate backed by metallic ground plate. Simulation responses exhibit that the proposed absorber is polarization insensitive and has a stable performance to the oblique incidence angles for both the TE and the TM polarizations. A simple equivalent circuit model and a multi‐reflection interference theory are also investigated to quantitatively explain the physical absorption mechanism. Finally, an experiment demonstration is conducted and the measurement response indicates the validity of the proposed design and the analysis methodologies.
RCS prediction at high frequency using Cauchy method
Authors: Jeon Jeonghwan
Published: May 2018

Numerical calculation of radar cross section (RCS) at high frequency is quite challenging. In this correspondence, we apply the Cauchy method and TLS theory to RCS data at a low‐frequency band and predict RCS data at a high‐frequency band. The numerical demonstration shows that the proposed approach generates an estimation that falls within the acceptable error range.
Compact microstrip low pass filter design using U‐shaped folded high‐impedance line
Authors: Rajput Anil , Patel Kamlesh , Birwal Amit
Published: May 2018

A microstrip low pass filter using a U‐shaped folded high impedance line is designed. Comparison with conventional filter has shown almost ripple free pass band and better stop band characteristics in the filter with folded line. Effective optimization of filter dimensions led to smoother and spurious free responses, which are desirable in the radio frequency and microwave systems. Size of overall filter is reduced by 7.5% and 9.02% for third order and fifth order filters, respectively. Both simulated and measured responses of fifth order filter are presented and found in agreement.
A coupled line type of Wilkinson power divider with flexible bandwidth and out‐of‐band rejection performance
Authors: Liu Fu‐Xing , Wang Yang , Lee Jong‐Chul
Published: May 2018

In this letter, a coupled line type of Wilkinson power divider (PD) composed of series transmission lines and coupled lines is proposed. By employing 2 pairs of transmission lines, the difference between the even‐/odd‐mode impedance of the utilized coupled line can be controlled; hence the performance of the bandwidth and out‐of‐band rejection can be changed simultaneously. Detailed design equations are derived and can be easily applied in future works. Due to the inherent bandpass characteristic of the coupled line, DC block is achieved simultaneously. For experimental purpose, a prototype PD with a center frequency of 2.5 GHz is simulated and fabricated, and the measured results show a good agreement with theoretical analysis.
A qualitative study exploring staff attitudes to maintaining hydration in neurosurgery patients
Authors: Litchfield Ian , Magill Lisa , Flint Graham
Published: May 2018

Aims

To explore staff perceptions of the processes and influences on maintaining patients’ hydration on a busy neurosurgery ward.

Background

Dehydration continues to be a major concern in the NHS where its avoidance is hindered by complications arising from clinical conditions, poor assessment and documentation of hydration and a lack of staff time to monitor fluid intake. Recent work has explored patient perceptions of hydration care but there has been little conducted recently that has explored those of staff.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with staff working on a neurosurgery ward during 2016. We used open‐ended questions to elicit experiences of hydration care and explore factors that influenced the maintenance of hydration in patients.

Results

We found that staff were aware of the importance of hydration and saw it as a central aspect of the care they provided. A range of staff are involved in the assessment of patients’ hydration requirements and their ability to meet them. Similarly all staff were expected to provide oral fluids for patients able to drink independently. Competing priorities inhibited the time staff could spend providing hydration care which had an impact on the timely and accurate completion of fluid balance charts and meant that relatives were relied on to support patients requiring assistance in drinking.
Synthesis, characterization, interfacial interactions, and properties of reduced graphene oxide/Fe3O4/polyaniline nanocomposites
Authors: Liu Rijie , Zhu Aiping
Published: May 2018

In this study, a ternary reduced graphene oxide/Fe3O4/polyaniline (PANI) (GMP) nanostructure is designed and synthesized via a facile two‐step approach, including synthesis of reduced graphene oxide/Fe3O4 (GM) using solvothermal method and in situ polymerization of PANI on the surface of GM. The structure and morphological of the as‐prepared samples was characterized by X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, UV–vis spectra and Transmission Electron Microscope. The results indicated the successful synthesis of GMP composite materials with the Fe3O4 (<30 nm) loaded on the rGO, whose surface covered with PANI. The magnetic properties, redox activity and microwave absorption properties were characterized by vibrating sample magnetometer, cyclic voltammetry, and vector network analyzer. The magnetic properties of GMP composite exhibit superparamagnetic property with a saturation magnetization of 22.88 emu/g. The redox activity of GMP expanding to neutral environment is caused by the interfacial electron transport interaction. The microwave absorption performance of GMP is up to −28.2 dB at 14.4 GHz and the absorption bandwidths below −10 dB are 5.4 GHz (from 12.6 to 18 GHz) with a thickness of 2 mm. This can be attributed to its well‐organized nanoscale morphology, which bringing the impedance matching of the individual components of GMP. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E1111–E1119, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
2017 pediatric pulmonology year in review part 2—neonatology
Authors: Auten Richard L.
Published: May 2018

The articles published in 2017 in topic areas relevant to neonatal pulmonology are reviewed in Part 2 of the Year‐in‐Review.
Cover Image, Volume 74, Issue 6
Authors: Kanapeckas Kimberly L , Tseng Te‐Ming , Vigueira Cynthia C , Ortiz Aida , Bridges William C , Burgos Nilda R , Fischer Albert J , Lawton‐Rauh Amy
Published: May 2018

The cover image, by Kimberly L Kanapeckas et al., is based on the Research Article Contrasting patterns of variation in weedy traits and unique crop features in divergent populations of US weedy rice (Oryza sativa sp.) in Arkansas and California, DOI: 10.1002/ps.4820. Photo Credit: Amy Lawton‐Rauh.

image
pVEC hydrophobic N‐terminus is critical for antibacterial activity
Authors: Alaybeyoglu Begum , Sariyar Akbulut Berna , Ozkirimli Elif
Published: May 2018

Cell‐penetrating peptides (CPPs) are commonly defined by their shared ability to be internalized into eukaryotic cells, without inducing permanent membrane damage, and to improve cargo delivery. Many CPPs also possess antimicrobial action strong enough to selectively lyse microbes in infected mammalian cultures. pVEC, a CPP derived from cadherin, is able to translocate into mammalian cells, and it is also antimicrobial. Structure‐activity relationship and sequence alignment studies have suggested that the hydrophobic N‐terminus (LLIIL) of pVEC is essential for this peptide's uptake into eukaryotic cells. In this study, our aim was to examine the contribution of these residues to the antimicrobial action and the translocation mechanism of pVEC. We performed antimicrobial activity and microscopy experiments with pVEC and with del5 pVEC (N‐terminal truncated variant of pVEC) and showed that pVEC loses its antimicrobial effect upon deletion of the LLIIL residues, even though both peptides induce membrane permeability. We also calculated the free energy of the transport process using steered molecular dynamic simulations and replica exchange umbrella sampling simulations to compare the difference in uptake mechanism of the 2 peptides in atomistic detail. Despite the difference in experimentally observed antimicrobial activity, the simulations on the 2 peptides showed similar characteristics and the energetic cost of translocation of pVEC was higher than that of del5 pVEC, suggesting that pVEC uptake mechanism cannot be explained by simple passive transport. Our results suggest that LLIIL residues are key contributors to pVEC antibacterial activity because of irreversible membrane disruption.
7.6% CZGSe Solar Cells Thanks to Optimized CdS Chemical Bath Deposition
Authors: Choubrac Leo , Brammertz Guy , Barreau Nicolas , Arzel Ludovic , Harel Sylvie , Meuris Marc , Vermang Bart
Published: May 2018

In this study, CdS chemical bath deposition is investigated to improve the performance of thin film solar cell based on Cu2ZnGeSe4/CdS heterojunction. The influence of both the bath temperature and the dipping duration on the CdS thin film properties are explored thanks to the combination of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy, while the photovoltaic parameters of the resulting solar cells are discussed from current–voltage (I–V) and external quantum efficiency (EQE) measurements. The highest efficiency achieved herein (without antireflection coating) is 7.6%. Although it represents 35% relative improvement compared to previous best efficiency, this champion device is still limited by interface recombination. Different strategies are finally proposed to further increase the performance of these solar cells.
Analytic Theory of Wannier–Stark Quantization in Arbitrary‐Size Atomic Square Lattices
Authors: Onipko Alexander , Malysheva Lyuba
Published: May 2018

The theory of electron energy quantization in an atom long chain affected by a homogeneous electric field is extended to the 2D case of atom long and atom wide conductor with the lattice constant a. The conductor is modeled by the standard one‐parameter tight‐binding Hamiltonian (hopping integral t) of an atomic rectangular square lattice, where the change of electron site energy from atom to atom across the conductor equals (in units) to electric field parameter (efp). Each field‐provoked level (transverse μ‐mode energy) is shown giving rise to the μth subband of field‐independent levels of extended states due to the electron resonant transfer in the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the electric field. The level spacing and, hence, the width of μ subbands, is dictated by the conductor width and hopping integral t. The spectra of arbitrary‐size atomic square lattices are classified in terms of subband center spacing (SBCS) within the transverse‐mode bands of extended states, edge‐localized states, and Wannier–Stark states. We identified special cases of integer and fractional SBCS quantization in efp‐portions and found the exact and/or highly accurate explicit approximate expressions for the weighted number of states within these bands. The presented novel results clarify and correct their analogs reported previously.
Organic Soluble LaPO4:Eu3+ Nanorods: Sensitization of Surface Eu3+ Ions and Phase Transfer in Water
Authors: Vats Bal Govind , Shafeeq Muhammed , Singhal Pallavi , Neogy Suman
Published: May 2018

Chloroform soluble luminescent undoped and europium doped LaPO4 nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by oleic acid mediated solvothermal technique at low temperature (150 °C). These NPs have nanorod (NR) shape as confirmed by Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and monoclinic phase as confirmed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) measurement. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) studies shows that oleic acid is bound to the surface of NRs. The Photoluminscence (PL) spectroscopy suggests that the undoped LaPO4 emits violet blue light when excited by UV‐light due to the surface oleate groups. In the doped NRs, oleate group serves as a sensitizer for the surface Eu3+ ions. In order to increase the emission output of these NRs, 2‐theonoyltrifluoroacetonate (TTA) is used to sensitize the emission of surface Eu3+ ions. PL spectroscopy and lifetime measurements clearly show that sensitization takes place only on the surface of the NRs while the core Eu3+ ions remains unsenesitized. The emission output is increased 33 times as compared to the unsensitized NRs. Further, these NRs were transferred from organic to the aqueous phase by citric acid. The NPs thus obtained are redispersible in water with good colloidal stability. Here, also sensitization of surface europium ions occurs in aqueous solution by TTA ligand. These luminescent organic and water soluble NRs further strengthen the application in the fields of optical display, lighting and bioimaging.
Wet‐Chemical Synthesis of Pd‐Au Core‐Shell Nanoparticles (8 nm): From Nanostructure to Biological Properties
Authors: Rostek Alexander , Breisch Marina , Loza Kateryna , Garcia Paulo R. A. F. , Oliveira Cristiano L. P. , Prymak Oleg , Heggen Marc , Köller Manfred , Sengstock Christina , Epple Matthias
Published: May 2018

Pd−Au core‐shell nanoparticles with a palladium core (diameter about 5.5 nm) and a gold shell (thickness about 1.7 nm) were wet‐chemically synthesized in an easy water‐based one‐pot synthesis by sequential reduction of Pd2+ and Au3+ with glucose in the presence of poly(N‐vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP). The metals are present in about equal amounts (molar ratio Pd:Au about 2:1) with a clear separation between core and shell. The reaction was monitored in‐situ by small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS), showing the initial growth of the palladium seeds, followed by the epitactic formation of the gold shell. The core‐shell character of the particles was confirmed by high‐resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX). However, X‐ray powder diffraction with Rietveld analysis indicated a partial alloying, i. e. a gradual border between the two metals. Cell culture experiments showed no adverse effects on human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) with a Pd−Au nanoparticle concentration (computed as total metal) up to 50 μg mL−1 after 24 h incubation, i. e. the particles can be considered as biologically harmless, even after unintended human exposure.
Electrochemical Water Oxidation Catalysed by CoO‐Co2O3‐Co(OH)2 Multiphase‐Nanoparticles Prepared by Femtosecond Laser Ablation in Water
Authors: Nishi Teppei. , Hayasaka Yuichiro. , Suzuki Tomiko. M. , Sato Shunsuke. , Isomura Noritake. , Takahashi Naoko. , Kosaka Satoru. , Nakamura Takahiro. , Sato Shunichi. , Morikawa Takeshi.
Published: May 2018

Nanoparticle formation via laser ablation in liquid is known to produce functional materials. However, there have been few applications of this technique to the synthesis of electrochemical catalysts for energy conversion. Herein, we report the detailed effects of femtosecond laser ablation in water on the structure and activity of a catalyst intended to promote the electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in association with water oxidation. The femtosecond laser ablation of submicron‐sized Co–CoO particles induced a drastic size reduction (from approximately 500 to 5 nm) to give highly dispersed CoO nanoparticles. X‐ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) data demonstrated that these particles also contained Co3O4 and CoO(OH) but not metallic Co. These 5 nm‐CoO nanoparticles showed higher mass‐based‐activity and lower over‐potential values than those of submicron‐sized Co–CoO during the OER in a nearly neutral solution. XANES data suggest that Co containing Co2O3 and Co(OH)2 formed during the OER functioned as the actual OER catalyst.
Losing by winning: The danger zone of adverse competitor replacement
Authors: Makadok Richard , Ross David Gaddis
Published: May 2018

Research Summary: We use a formal model, motivated by a case study from the airline industry, to consider an industry structure wherein a firm may find that improving its competitiveness hurts its performance. Specifically, we examine the possibility that a superior incumbent may, by getting stronger, drive a weak rival from the market, and thereby allow a stronger rival to enter in its place. Such “adverse competitor replacement” reduces the profit of the superior incumbent and may even, in an extreme case, cause the superior incumbent to be driven from the market as well. We show that adverse competitor replacement can arise under a rational equilibrium and may become more likely if a firm improves its capability for self‐improvement.

Managerial Summary: Managers are consistently advised to improve the competitiveness of their firms and beat the competition. We examine the possibility that beating out the competition may have adverse consequences. Specifically, a strong incumbent may, by getting stronger, outcompete a weaker rival to such an extent that the weaker rival exits the market, thereby creating an open market niche for a stronger rival to enter, in effect, a form of adverse competitor replacement. Competing with this stronger rival may in turn reduce the strong incumbent's profits below what they had been before driving the weak rival out. We illustrate adverse competitor replacement with a case study from the airline industry and discuss implications for a firm's investment in its own competitiveness.
A Transparent and Flexible Capacitive‐Force Touch Pad from High‐Aspect‐Ratio Copper Nanowires with Enhanced Oxidation Resistance for Applications in Wearable Electronics
Authors: Kim Dongkwan , Kwon Jinhyeong , Jung Jinwook , Kim Kyunkyu , Lee Habeom , Yeo Junyeob , Hong Sukjoon , Han Seungyong , Ko Seung Hwan
Published: May 2018

Copper nanowires are widely utilized for flexible electronics applications due to their excellent electrical conductivity, mechanical flexibility, and optical transparency with very low material cost. While many previous studies are dedicated to developing effective synthesis routes for copper nanowires, most of them have focused on the control of the morphology including length and diameter rather than synthesis yields. Although many postprocessing methods have been established to make use of the copper nanowires, there still remains crucial weakness in the nanowires against oxidation stability. In this study, a new synthesis method for the morphology control of copper nanowires as well as synthesis yields is introduced. After optimizing of the copper nanowire synthesis, a copper‐nanowire‐based flexible transparent conductor is fabricated as a highly robust electrode by using UV‐curable polyurethane acrylate resin. As a proof‐of‐concept, a flexible transparent capacitive‐force‐detection touch pad is demonstrated. The developed flexible transparent copper nanowire electrode with enhanced oxidation resistance is expected to be applied in various flexible and wearable electronics applications.
An audit of referral time frames for ultrasound screening of developmental hip dysplasia in neonates with a normal antenatal clinical examination
Authors: Burnett Madonna , Rawlings Emma Louise , Reddan Tristan
Published: May 2018

Introduction

Ultrasound has an established role in the detection of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Lack of uniformity in the appropriate age to perform studies in at‐risk children with a normal clinical examination at birth exists. Opening a new tertiary paediatric hospital saw a variety of referral time frames for initial screening ultrasound for DDH.

Methods

Literature review and retrospective clinical audit were undertaken. DDH ultrasounds of babies with the following criteria were reviewed: normal clinical examination and one or more risk factors. Patients were followed up via their electronic medical record.

Results

There were 187 eligible patients: 124 (66.3%) had normal initial scans while 63 (33.7%) were recommended to have a follow‐up scan. Most subnormal results (Graf 2A or lower, laxity and/or less than 50% femoral head coverage) (n = 59, 93.7%) were scanned before 6 weeks of age, only four (6.3%) presented at 5 weeks after birth or later.

Discussion

This study identified a potential for reduction in follow‐up studies through delayed initial ultrasound, improving from 4 to 6 weeks of age, without adverse outcomes. Early screening ultrasounds may result in overdiagnosis of DDH during the maturation process of the neonatal acetabulum, potentially causing anxiety and unnecessary follow‐up.
Material descriptors for photocatalyst/catalyst design
Authors: Wang Xijun , Zhang Guozhen , Yang Li , Sharman Edward , Jiang Jun
Published: May 2018

Rational design of high‐performance photocatalysts/catalysts is crucial for sustainable development. To achieve this goal, a comprehensive understanding and precise description of structure–performance relationships of photocatalysts/catalysts are highly desirable. While photocatalysis/catalysis involves complex systems and processes, approximate descriptors have been proposed for sorting out simple pictures of complicated structure–performance relationships concerned. In this review, some important descriptors involved in photocatalyst/catalyst design including work function, dipole moment, d‐band center, and Fermi softness are reviewed first with special attention being paid to their working mechanisms and applications. Then strategies of tuning photocatalytic/catalytic performance on the basis of these descriptors are outlined. Finally, challenges and opportunities for photocatalyst/catalyst design based on descriptor control are discussed.

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Computational Materials Science

Structure and Mechanism > Reaction Mechanisms and Catalysis

Electronic Structure Theory > Density Functional Theory

Software > Quantum Chemistry
Compressible Navier‐Stokes system with general inflow‐outflow boundary data on piecewise regular domains
Authors: Choe H. J. , Novotný A. , Yang M.
Published: May 2018

We prove existence of weak solutions to the compressible Navier‐Stokes system in barotropic regime (adiabatic coefficient, in three dimensions,in two dimensions) with large velocity prescribed at the boundary and large density prescribed at the inflow boundary of a bounded Lipschitz piecewise regular domain, without any restriction neither on the shape of the inflow/outflow boundaries nor on the shape of the domain. The result applies also to pressure laws that are non‐monotone on a compact portion of the interval [0, ∞).
Changing Relationships through Interactions: Preliminary Accounts of Parent–Child Interactions after Undertaking Individual Parent Training
Authors: Parry Sarah L. , Simpson Jane , Weatherhead Ste
Published: May 2018

Parent and child interaction training has been increasingly investigated over recent years. However, the mechanisms of change within individual training programmes are not well understood. To explore the factors that can facilitate or inhibit meaningful changes in interactions and ultimately relationships, the current study employed semi-structured interviews to obtain first person accounts from parents who had undertaken an individualised parent-training programme. Three participants provided accounts of the training programme and their perceived impact upon interactions with their children were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. The analysis resulted in three themes, which illustrate how participants adjusted their interactional style with their child to varying degrees through enhanced personal awareness, increased understanding of their child’s emotional and interactional needs, and accepting the reciprocity of interactional accountability. Changes in interactional style enabled participants to alter their perceptions of their own behaviours, their child’s behaviours, and how they influenced one another through interactions. Recommendations for future research and therapeutic practice are discussed in the context of the findings and the existing evidence base.
BMTK: a toolkit for determining modules in biological bipartite networks
Authors: Wang Bei , Chen Jinyu , Zhang Shihua
Published: May 2018

Background

Module detection is widely used to analyze and visualize biological networks. A number of methods and tools have been developed to achieve it. Meanwhile, bipartite module detection is also very useful for mining and analyzing bipartite biological networks and a few methods have been developed for it. However, there is few user‐friendly toolkit for this task.

Methods

To this end, we develop an online web toolkit BMTK, which implements seven existing methods.

Results

BMTK provide
s a uniform operation platform and visualization function, standardizes input and output format, and improves algorithmic structure to enhance computing speed. We also apply this toolkit onto a drug‐target bipartite network to demonstrate its effectiveness.

Conclusions

BMTK will be a powerful tool for detecting bipartite modules in diverse bipartite biological networks.

Availability: The web application is freely accessible at the website of Zhang lab.
Intelligent decision-making with bird-strike risk assessment for airport bird repellent
Authors: Chen Weishi , Zhang Jie , Li Jing
Published: May 2018

An intelligent decision-making method was proposed for airport bird-repelling based on a Support Vector Machine (SVM) and bird-strike risk assessment. The bird-strike risk assessment model is established with two exponential functions to separate the risk levels, while the SVM method includes two steps of training and testing. After the risk assessment, the Bird-Repelling Strategy Classification Model (BRSCM) was trained based on the expert knowledge and large amount of historical bird information collected by the airport linkage system for bird detection, surveillance and repelling. Then, in the testing step, the BRSCM was continuously optimised according to the real-time intelligent bird-repelling strategy results. Through several bird-repelling examples of a certain airport, it is demonstrated that the decision accuracy of BRSCM is relatively high, and it could solve new problems by self-correction. The proposed method achieved the optimised operation of multiple bird-repelling devices against real-time bird information with great improvement of bird-repelling effects, overcoming the tolerance of birds to the bird-repelling devices due to their long-term repeated operation.