bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exceptional fracture resistance of ultrathin metallic glass films due to an intrinsic size effect
Authors: Glushko Oleksandr , Mühlbacher Marlene , Gammer Christoph , Cordill Megan J. , Mitterer Christian , Eckert Jürgen
Published: June 2019

Metallic glasses typically fail in a brittle manner through shear band propagation but can exhibit significant ductility when the sample size is reduced below a few hundreds of nanometers. To date the size effect was mainly demonstrated for free-standing samples and the role of extrinsic setup parameters on the observed behavior is still under debate. Therefore, in the present work we investigated the mechanical properties of polymer-supported sputtered amorphous Pd82Si18 thin films with various thicknesses. We show that the films exhibit brittle fracture for thicknesses far below 100 nm. A pronounced size effect resulting in extended crack-free deformation up to 6% strain was observed only in films as thin as 7 nm – a thickness which is lower than the typical shear band thickness. This size effect results in exceptional cyclic reliability of ultrathin metallic glass films which can sustain cyclic strains of 3% up to at least 30,000 cycles without any indication of fatigue damage or electrical conductivity degradation. Since the enhancement of mechanical properties is observed at ambient conditions using inexpensive substrates and an industrially scalable sputter deposition technique, a new research avenue for utilization of ultrathin metallic glasses in microelectronics, flexible electronics or nanoelectromechanical devices is opened up.
An analysis of large structural variation in global Plasmodium falciparum isolates identifies a novel duplication of the chloroquine resistance associated gene
Authors: Ravenhall Matt , Benavente Ernest Diez , Sutherland Colin J. , Baker David A. , Campino Susana , Clark Taane G.
Published: June 2019

The evolution of genetic mechanisms for host immune evasion and anti-malarial resistance has enabled the Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasite to inflict high morbidity and mortality on human populations. Most studies of P. falciparum genetic diversity have focused on single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), assisting the identification of drug resistance-associated loci such as the chloroquine related crt and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine related dhfr. Whilst larger structural variants are known to impact adaptation, for example, mdr1 duplications with anti-malarial resistance, no large-scale, genome-wide study on clinical isolates has been undertaken using whole genome sequencing data. By applying a structural variant detection pipeline across whole genome sequence data from 2,855 clinical isolates in 21 malaria-endemic countries, we identified >70,000 specific deletions and >600 duplications. Most structural variants are rare (48.5% of deletions and 94.7% of duplications are found in single isolates) with 2.4% of deletions and 0.2% of duplications found in >5% of global isolates. A subset of variants was present at high frequency in drug-resistance related genes including mdr1, the gch1 promoter region, and a putative novel duplication of crt. Regional-specific variants were identified, and a companion visualisation tool has been developed to assist web-based investigation of these polymorphisms by the wider scientific community.
Air pollution increases the risk of SSNHL: A nested case-control study using meteorological data and national sample cohort data
Authors: Choi Hyo Geun , Min Chanyang , Kim So Young
Published: June 2019

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of weather conditions and air pollution on the onset of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). The Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service - National Sample Cohort (HIRA-NSC) from 2002 through 2013 was used. A total of 5,200 participants with SSNHL were matched 1:4 for age, sex, income, region of residence, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia with 20,800 control participants. Meteorological data included daily mean temperature (°C), daily highest temperature (°C), daily lowest temperature (°C), daily temperature difference (°C), relative humidity (%), ambient atmospheric pressure (hPa), pressure, SO2 (ppm), NO2 (ppm), O3 (ppm), CO (ppm), and PM10 (μg/m3) of a mean of 60 days, 30 days, 14 days, 7 days, and 3 days before SSNHL were analyzed. Hourly measurements were taken from 94 places to assess the temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure and from 273 places to determine SO2, NO2, O3, CO, and PM10. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of meteorological data for SSNHL were analyzed using unconditional logistic regression analyses. Subgroup analyses were conducted by age and sex. The mean NO2 and O3 concentrations 14 days before the index date were different in the SSNHL group compared to those in the control group (P < 0.001 for NO2 and P = 0.021 for O3). The adjusted 14-day OR for NO2 (0.1 ppm) exposure was 3.12 in the SSNHL group compared to that in the control group (95% CI = 2.16–4.49, P < 0.001). The increased odds of NO2 exposure for 14 days in the SSNHL group persisted in the age group older than 30 years for both sexes. Other meteorological conditions did not show differences between the SSNHL and control groups. SSNHL was associated with high concentrations of NO2.
Unraveling the identity of FoxP3+ regulatory T cells in Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis patients
Authors: Reijnders Tom D. Y. , Stegeman Coen A. , Huitema M. G. , Rutgers Abraham , Heeringa Peter , Abdulahad Wayel H.
Published: June 2019

Human CD4+FoxP3+T-cells are heterogeneous in function and include not only suppressive cells (Tregs), but also effector cells that transiently expressFoxP3upon activation. Previous studies in Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA-)patients have demonstrated an increase inFoxP3+T-cells with impaired suppressive capacity and an increase in Th17 cells. We hypothesized that the increase inFoxP3+T-cells results from an increase in non-suppressive effector-like cells. The frequency of circulating CD4+FoxP3+T-cell subsets were determined by flow cytometry in 46 GPA-patients in remission and 22 matched healthy controls (HCs). Expression levels ofFoxP3and CD45RO were used to distinguish between CD45RO−FoxP3lowresting Tregs (rTreg), CD45RO+FoxP3highactivated Tregs (aTreg) and CD45RO+FoxP3lowproinflammatory non-suppressive T-cells (nonTreg). Intracellular expression of IFNγ, IL-17, and IL-21 was compared within these subsets. We found a significant increase in the frequency of nonTreg cells in GPA-patients as compared with HCs. Importantly, within the nonTreg subset, antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA-)positive patients demonstrated a significantly higher percentage of IL-17+ and IL-21+ cells when compared with ANCA-negative patients and HCs. Moreover, expanded nonTregs from ANCA-positive patients induced excessive proliferation of responder cellsin vitroand exhibited higher IL-21 production. Production of IL-17 and IL-21 in non-suppressiveFoxP3+T-cells may point toward a pathogenic role in ANCA formation.
Quality of life after photo-selective vaporization and holmium-laser enucleation of the prostate: 5-year outcomes
Authors: Sun Inyoung , Yoo Sangjun , Park Juhyun , Cho Sung Yong , Jeong Hyeon , Son Hwancheol , Oh Seung-June , Paick Jae-Seung , Cho Min Chul
Published: June 2019

This study was aimed to compare serial long-term postoperative changes in quality-of-life (QoL) between photoselective-vaporization (PVP) using 120W-High-Performance-System and holmium-laser-enucleation (HoLEP) in benign-prostatic-hyperplasia (BPH) patients and to identify factors influencing the QoL improvement at the short-term, mid-term and long-term follow-up visits after surgery. We analyzed 1,193 patients with a baseline QoL-index ≥2 who underwent PVP (n = 439) or HoLEP (n = 754). Surgical outcomes were serially compared between the two groups at up to 60-months using the International-Prostatic-Symptom-Score (I-PSS), uroflowmetry, and serum PSA. We used logistic regression analysis to identify predictors of QoL improvement (a reduction in the QoL-index ≥50% compared with baseline) at the short-term (12-months), mid-term (36-months), and long term (60-months) follow-up after surgery. In both groups, the QoL-index was decreased throughout the entire follow-up period compared with that at baseline. There were no significant differences in postoperative changes from the baseline QoL-index between the two groups during the 48-month follow-up, except at 60-months. The degree of improvement in QoL at 60-months after HoLEP was greater than that after PVP. A lower baseline storage-symptom-subscore and a higher bladder-outlet-obstruction-index (BOOI) were independent factors influencing QoL improvement at the short-term. No independent factor influences QoL improvement at the mid- or long-term.
Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation requires the trithorax protein Ash2l
Authors: Lüscher-Firzlaff Juliane , Chatain Nicolas , Kuo Chao-Chung , Braunschweig Till , Bochyńska Agnieszka , Ullius Andrea , Denecke Bernd , Costa Ivan G. , Koschmieder Steffen , Lüscher Bernhard
Published: June 2019

Post-translational modifications of core histones participate in controlling the expression of genes. Methylation of lysine 4 of histone H3 (H3K4), together with acetylation of H3K27, is closely associated with open chromatin and gene transcription. H3K4 methylation is catalyzed by KMT2 lysine methyltransferases that include the mixed-lineage leukemia 1–4 (MLL1-4) and SET1A and B enzymes. For efficient catalysis, all six require a core complex of four proteins, WDR5, RBBP5, ASH2L, and DPY30. We report that targeted disruption of Ash2l in the murine hematopoietic system results in the death of the mice due to a rapid loss of mature hematopoietic cells. However, lin−Sca1+Kit+ (LSK) cells, which are highly enriched in hematopoietic stem and multi-potent progenitor cells, accumulated in the bone marrow. The loss of Ash2l resulted in global reduction of H3K4 methylation and deregulated gene expression, including down-regulation of many mitosis-associated genes. As a consequence, LSK cells accumulated in the G2-phase of the cell cycle and were unable to proliferate and differentiate. In conclusion, Ash2l is essential for balanced gene expression and for hematopoietic stem and multi-potent progenitor cell physiology.
Multinuclear Ru(ii) and Ir(iii) decorated tetraphenylporphyrins as efficient PDT agents
Authors: Cabrera-González Justo , Soriano Jorge , Conway-Kenny Robert , Wang Junsi , Lu Yue , Zhao Jianzhang , Nogués Carme , Draper Sylvia M.
Published: June 2019

Two novel multi-metallic porphyrin complexes were synthesised and evaluated as effective PDT agents against human breast epithelial cells (SKBR-3).
Phosphaisonitrile umpolung – synthesis and reactivity of chloro aminophosphino carbynes
Authors: Colebatch Annie L. , Frogley Benjamin J. , Hill Anthony F.
Published: June 2019

The synthesis of the first P-halo-aminophosphinocarbyne complex is described in addition to exploration of its ligand-based reactivity towards nucleophilic substitution and P-halide abstraction processes as a possible route to cationic aminophosphaisonitrile derivatives.
Realizing emission color tuning, ratiometric optical thermometry and temperature-induced redshift investigation in novel Eu3+-doped Ba3La(VO4)3 phosphors
Authors: Yang Peixin , Li Li , Deng Yongsen , Wang Yongjie , Jiang Sha , Luo Xiaobing , Xiang Guotao , Lu Yi , Zhou Xianju
Published: June 2019

Eu3+ doped Ba3La(VO4)3 phosphors with tunable emitting colors were firstly explored and their photoluminescence properties were investigated.
Rapid synthesis of ultrasmall platinum nanoparticles supported on macroporous cellulose fibers for catalysis
Authors: Islam Md. Tariqul , Rosales Jose A. , Saenz-Arana Ricardo , Ghadimi Shahrouz J. , Noveron Juan C.
Published: June 2019

Synthesis of ultrasmall platinum nanoparticles supported on macroporous cellulose fibers for hydrogen gas and formic acid induced catalytic reduction of organic compounds in water.
Bis-aminocyclopropenylidene carbene borane catalyzed imine hydrogenation
Authors: Huchenski Blake S. N. , Christopherson Cheyenne J. , Robertson Katherine N. , Speed Alexander W. H.
Published: June 2019

Borenium-catalyzed hydrogenations of an imine made from a benzylamine are enabled by a steric interplay between cyclohexylborane and a BAC carbene: both are necessary for efficient reactivity.
A versatile ethanolic approach to metal aerogels (Pt, Pd, Au, Ag, Cu and Co)
Authors: Georgi Maximilian , Klemmed Benjamin , Benad Albrecht , Eychmüller Alexander
Published: June 2019

We present a universal ethanolic one-step approach to noble/less noble metal aerogels at room temperature and −70 °C.
SiBaoChongCao exhibited anti-fatigue activities and ameliorated cancer cachexia in mice
Authors: Shen Qiang , Miao Chun-Xiao , Zhang Wan-Li , Li Yi-Wei , Chen Qiao-Qiao , Li Xiao-Xiang , Liu Xuan , Zhang Xiong-Wen
Published: June 2019

SBCC exhibits anti-fatigue activity by improving muscle endurance and ameliorates cancer cachexia by alleviating loss of fat and body temperature.
Using high-throughput metabolomics to discover perturbed metabolic pathways and biomarkers of allergic rhinitis as potential targets to reveal the effects and mechanism of geniposide
Authors: Zhang Yan-Li , Yu Peng-Cheng , Liu Peng
Published: June 2019

In this study, we probed the molecular mechanisms of metabolic biomarkers and pathways affected by the bioactive ingredient geniposide (GP), which was shown to protect against experimental allergic rhinitis in mice.
Biocementation of soil by calcite/aragonite precipitation usingPseudomonas azotoformansandCitrobacter freundiiderived enzymes
Authors: Abdel-Aleem Heba , Dishisha Tarek , Saafan Amal , AbouKhadra Abduallah A. , Gaber Yasser
Published: June 2019

Microbial geotechnology is the use of microorganisms and/or their derivatives to alter engineering properties of soil for improving its stability, strength and stiffness.
Self-assembly of iron oxide precursor micelles driven by magnetic stirring time in sol–gel coatings
Authors: López-Sánchez J. , Serrano A. , Campo A. del , Abuín M. , Salas-Colera E. , Muñoz-Noval A. , Castro G. R. , Figuera J. de la , Marco J. F. , Marín P. , Carmona N. , Rodríguez de la Fuente O.
Published: June 2019

Sol–gel synthesis of self-assembled iron oxide precursor micelles.
Rational design and implementation of a cucurbit[8]uril-based indicator-displacement assay for application in blood serum
Authors: Sinn Stephan , Spuling Eduard , Bräse Stefan , Biedermann Frank
Published: June 2019

In this study, we report the first supramolecular indicator displacement assay (IDA) based on cucurbit[n]uril (CBn) host and a [2.2]paracyclophane derivative as indicator that is operational in blood serum.
Network video quality assessment method using fuzzy decision tree
Authors: Shi Zhiming , Huang Chengti
Published: June 2019

At present the service of network video is increasing rapidly. The video quality of experience is usually defined as user experience. However, the objective quality assessment for network video is unsure but is an urgent need. To improve the objective method, this study proposes an assessment method using a fuzzy decision tree. This work has two parts: (i) It considers different impair factors. Next, the decision tree is built by the set of measured factors from the different network environments. This tree can define the quality of network video, but cannot give the concrete objective scores. (ii) In order to give the accuracy objective scores, all the impair factors of leaf nodes are divided into two groups and inputted to fuzzy logic systems. The outputs are used as the next inputs and inputted into another fuzzy logic system to give the objective score. At last, the performance of the proposed method is tested on network videos with different network environments. At the same time, other methods are compared with it. The experimental results show that this method can get more accurate objective scores. This means the proposed method can improve the objective assessment model.
High coupling efficiency 2D metasurface integrated with strip waveguide in SOI for mid‐IR wavelengths
Authors: Bilal Asif , Younis Usman
Published: June 2019

Two‐dimensional (2D) metasurface integrated with strip waveguide in silicon‐on‐insulator (SOI) has been designed to achieve high coupling efficiency for 3.8 μm wavelength. The optimisation in period and radius has been achieved using 3D finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD). The calculated coupling efficiency in the in‐plane waveguide for the out‐of‐plane surface illumination is over 90% with a bandwidth of 1 μm. The design is consistent with the available lithography using 400 nm thick SOI for mid‐IR applications. Finally, monolithic integration can be achieved using standard multi‐project wafer run.
Reliable LPS features of multiple airborne radars against PRS
Authors: Wang Fei , Zhang Yangquan , Wang Yatao
Published: June 2019

Low probability of sorting (LPS) is an important step of the low probability of interception. This study proposes a way to keep reliable LPS features of signals based on the information–theoretical framework. First, the LPS process is mapped as features estimation and classification processes by the passive reconnaissance system (PRS). Second, with the Markov chain and the strict Fano's inequality, this study suggests that the misclassification performance of the PRS depends on the number of signals received by the PRS simultaneously. Third, this study establishes a single LPS feature model which is convenient to be extended to multiple features. For multiple LPS features under the misclassification constraint, this study provides a relatively reasonable model and suggests that the suitable model depends on the experience. Finally, with conditional entropy, this study illustrates that the classification performance of the PRS is proportional to the repeat number of the same signal, and suggests that the features of multiple airborne radars should be changed rapidly. With several clustering algorithms, simulations show that the misclassification performance of the PRS is guaranteed based on LPS features, the knowledge of the PRS and the multiple LPS features solution model.
Efficient human activity classification via sparsity‐driven transfer learning
Authors: Du Hao , Jin Tian , Song Yongping , Dai Yongpeng , Li Meng
Published: June 2019

The deployment of deep neural networks in real‐world radar‐based human activity classification is largely hindered by both the high computational cost and the large amount of training samples. In this study, the authors propose a method to simultaneously reduce the computational burden and the number of labelled training samples. Different from previous transfer learning methods that simply prune fully‐connected layers and modify the weights of the convolutional layers, they enforce filter‐level sparsity in the transfer learning from ImageNet to the micro‐Doppler measurements. Through the sparsity‐driven transfer learning, unimportant convolutional filters can be identified and then be pruned. Therefore, a light but effective transfer learned net can be obtained. The experiments demonstrate the sparsity‐driven transfer learned VGG‐19 Net not only outperforms convolutional neural networks trained from scratch by nearly 10% accuracy but also gives an 11 reduction in the number of parameters and a 10 reduction in computing operations compared with the original VGG‐19 Net.
Physical and mechanical studies on binary blended Portland cements containing mordenite-rich tuff and limestone filler
Authors: Meziani Meriem , Leklou Nordine , Amiri Ouali , Chelouah Nasser
Published: June 2019

In this research, we made physical and mechanical analyses thanks to which we deduced that the potential of replacing the Portland cement up to 20% by modernite-rich tuff (TM) and limestone filler (LF). The experimental procedure was done in two main stages. The first stage was dedicated to the pastes, including water requirement, setting time, hydration heat and free Ca(OH)2 content. In the second stage, mechanical and physical properties of mortars, water porosity and pore size distribution were studied. The final results show that LF mixtures closest to the control mixtures unlike the MT mixtures which exhibited a high water demand, less free Ca(OH)2, rapid appearance of the maximum thermal effect, an increase in the total and water accessible porosity, there is also a delay in improving of strength.
Tumor-Surveillance bei chronisch entzündlichen Darmerkrankungen
Authors: Lissner Donata , Siegmund Britta
Published: June 2019

Was ist neu?

Empfehlungen zur Surveillance-Koloskopie Aufgrund des erhöhten Kolonkarzinomrisikos bei Patienten mit Colitis ulcerosa (CU) sowie Patienten mit Colitis bei Morbus Crohn wird die Durchführung der ersten Überwachungskoloskopie nun zwischen dem 6. und 8. Krankheitsjahr empfohlen. Danach wird durch Evaluation der individuellen Risikofaktoren eine Risikostratifizierung vorgenommen und das individuelle Surveillance-Intervall festgelegt. Bei Patienten mit einer gleichzeitig vorliegenden primär sklerosierenden Cholangitis (PSC) wird eine jährliche Kontrollkoloskopie beginnend mit Diagnosestellung empfohlen. Bei Patienten mit Pouch wird eine Pouchoskopie alle 1 bis 2 Jahre empfohlen.

Tumor-Surveillance unter Immunsuppression Immunsuppressiva und Biologika senken zwar aufgrund ihrer anti-inflammatorischen Wirkung das Risiko eines Kolonkarzinoms. Gleichzeitig können extraintestinale Malignome begünstigt werden: Gesichert ist die Risikoerhöhung für die Entstehung von Basaliomen und bestimmten EBV-assoziierten Lymphomen unter Thiopurinen. Daher wird die Bestimmung des EBV-Status insbesondere bei Männern < 35 Jahren vor Einleitung einer Immunsuppression empfohlen. Anti-TNF-Antikörper hingegen erhöhen das Risiko für Melanome, die damit eine Kontraindikation für diese Therapie darstellen. Patienten unter Immunsuppression sollten jährliche Hautkrebs-Screeninguntersuchungen wahrnehmen; für Frauen ist die regelmäßige gynäkologische Vorsorge obligat.
Diabetes mellitus Typ 2: Wie schützen wir die Nieren am besten?
Authors: Brenner Susanne , Wanner Christoph
Published: June 2019

Was ist neu?

Neue Antidiabetika Unter den neueren blutzuckersenkenden Therapien haben Glucagon-like Peptid-1-Rezeptoragonisten und Gliflozine ihre protektiven Eigenschaften in der Vermeidung kardiovaskulärer Komplikationen und von Nierenschädigung bei Diabetes mellitus bewiesen. Dabei scheinen die kombinierten Effektstärken von Empagliflozin und anderen SGLT-2-Hemmern größer zu sein als die der GLP-1-Rezeptorantagonisten.

Glukosurika In der ersten Studie mit einem SGLT-2-Inhibitor zur kardiorenalen Protektion bei Patienten mit eingeschränkter Nierenfunktion und Albuminurie (CREDENCE) reduzierte Canagliflozin das Gesamtrisiko aus kardiorenaler Sterblichkeit und Fortschreiten der Nierenerkrankung deutlich. Die kardiorenalen Wirkungen anderer SGLT-2-Inhibitoren (Dapagliflozin und Empagliflozin) werden zurzeit in zwei weiteren großen klinischen Studien bei Patienten mit fortgeschrittener diabetischer und nicht-diabetischer Nierenerkrankung untersucht (DAPA-CKD, EMPA-KIDNEY).

Modulation der neurohumoralen Aktivierung Die Progressionsverzögerung der diabetischen Nierenerkrankung mit einem neuen Mineralokortikoid-Rezeptorantagonisten (Finrenone) wird derzeit in klinischen Studien (FIGARO/FIDELIO) geprüft.

Vasoregulatoren Der Endothelin-1 Rezeptorblocker Atrasentan reduzierte die renale Ereignisrate in einer großen Studie zur Progressionsverzögerung der diabetischen Nierenerkrankung (SONAR) deutlich.

Perspektiven Bei der absehbaren Verfügbarkeit von mehreren neuen Therapiekonzepten unterschiedlichen Potenzials ist die künftige Herausforderung, die jeweils optimale Kombination für einzelne Patientengruppen und auch individuelle Patienten zu finden.
Strahlenschutz durch Spritzenabschirmungen und geeignetes Applikationsvolumen
Authors: Nagyiván Pál , Razlaw Natalia
Published: June 2019

Beim Umgang mit Betastrahlern in der Nuklearmedizin kann es zu einer hohen Strahlenexposition der Hände kommen. Dies erfolgt u. a. durch begleitende Bremsstrahlung und durch Annihilationsstrahlung (Wechselwirkungsprozesse von Strahlung mit Materie). Wie gut können Abschirmungen und ein richtig gewähltes Volumen, beim Aufziehen von Aktivitäten, diese Strahlenexposition senken?
Russische Psychiater und Neurologen im 19. Jahrhundert an deutschen Universitäten
Authors: Engmann Birk
Published: June 2019

Bislang liegt nur eine kleine Anzahl von Publikationen vor, die überblicksartig den deutsch-russischen Wissenschaftsaustausch im 19. Jahrhundert beleuchten. Im Rahmen der Auswertung eines biobibliographischen Lexikons, das innerhalb des Projektes der Sächsischen Akademie der Wissenschaften „Wissenschaftsbeziehungen im 19. Jahrhundert zwischen Deutschland und Russland auf den Gebieten Chemie, Pharmazie und Medizin“ erstellt wurde, konnte nun erstmals anhand von 357 Psychiatern und Neurologen des 19. Jahrhunderts jener Wissenschaftsaustausch detailliert untersucht werden. Der vorliegende Artikel stellt gewissenmaßen ein Exzerpt dieser Arbeit dar. Es zeigt sich, dass die russischen Vertreter beider Fachgebiete zwar sehr häufig an deutschen Kliniken hospitierten, diese Aufenthalte aber den Auftakt für eine eigenständig russische Entwicklung der beiden Fachgebiete lieferten, die die Wissenschaft mit eigenen Innovationen sowohl fachlich als auch organisatorisch bereicherte.
Endoscopic entero-enteral bypass: an effective new approach to the treatment of postsurgical complications of hepaticojejunostomy
Authors: Mutignani Massimiliano , Forti Edoardo , Larghi Alberto , Pugliese Francesco , Cintolo Marcello , Massad Mutaz , Italia Angelo , Tringali Alberto , Ferrari Giovanni Carlo , De Gasperi Andrea , Rampoldi Antonio , De Carlis Luciano , Chiara Osvaldo , Paparozzi Carlo , Dioscoridi Lorenzo
Published: June 2019

Background Management of biliary adverse events (BAEs) after biliodigestive anastomosis is challenging. We propose a new endoscopic approach to improve BAEs in this clinical setting.

Methods Patients who had BAEs after a hepaticojejunostomy with Roux-en-Y loop or a Whipple procedure underwent creation of an entero-enteral endoscopic bypass (EEEB) between the duodenal/gastric wall and the biliary jejunal loop under endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and fluoroscopic guidance using specifically designed fully covered self-expandable metal stents.

Results 32 consecutive patients underwent EEEB, which was successful in all but one patient. One procedural and five long-term mild adverse events occurred. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) through the EEEB successfully treated all types of BAEs in these patients. Disease recurred in two patients who were successfully re-treated through the EEEB.

Conclusions Our retrospective study showed that in patients with BAEs after biliodigestive anastomosis, EEEB is safe, feasible, and allows a successful long-term treatment of different BAEs in a tertiary referral center with high-level experience in both endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and EUS.
Metal About the Hip and Artifact Reduction Techniques: From Basic Concepts to Advanced Imaging
Authors: Khodarahmi Iman , Isaac Amanda , Fishman Elliot K. , Dalili Danoob , Fritz Jan
Published: June 2019

Promising outcomes of hip replacement interventions in this era of aging populations have led to higher demands for hip arthroplasty procedures. These require effective methods and techniques for the detection of postoperative outcomes and complications. Based on the presence or absence of radiographic findings, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) may be required to detect and further characterize different causes of failing implants. Yet metal-related artifacts degrade image quality and pose significant challenges for adequate image quality. To mitigate such artifacts in MRI, a set of techniques, collectively known as metal artifact reduction sequence (MARS) MRI, were developed that optimize the framework of the conventional pulse sequences and exploit novel multispectral and multispatial imaging methods such as Slice Encoding for Metal Artifact Correction (SEMAC) and Multi-Acquisition Variable-Resonance Image Combination (MAVRIC). Metal-induced artifacts on CT can be effectively reduced with virtual monochromatic reconstruction of dual-energy CT data sets, metal artifact reduction reconstruction algorithms, and postprocessing image visualization techniques.
Limb Salvage for Primary Malignant Bone Tumors of the Distal Leg in Skeletally Immature Patients: Ankle Arthrodesis Using Vascularized Ipsilateral or Contralateral Fibular Flap
Authors: El Ghoneimy Ahmed Mohamed , Sokar Mohamed , Kamal Nehal
Published: June 2019

Background Malignant bone tumors of the distal tibia or fibula in children are rare. Quality of functional outcome following limb salvage surgery is still controversial. This is a retrospective review of the functional outcome of ankle arthrodesis using vascularized fibular flap.

Methods A total of seven patients were reviewed. The diagnosis was osteosarcoma in five and Ewing's sarcoma in two patients. The primary tumor site was the distal tibia in six patients and the distal fibula in one patient. The average age at presentation was 10.6 years (range, 6.7–14 years). The average follow-up period was 24.5 months (range, 13–69 years). A pedicled fibular graft was harvested from the ipsilateral leg in two patients and a free vascularized osteocutaneous fibular flap from the contralateral leg in five patients. External fixation was used in five and internal fixation in two patients. Patients were allowed full weight bearing following radiographic evidence of complete bone union.

Results The mean time to complete bone union and full weight bearing was 7.1 months (range, 4–13 months). One patient developed nonunion at graft-host junction and one patient had stress fracture of the fibular graft. The mean limb length inequality was 0.57 cm (range, 0–3 cm). The average Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score was 84.5% (range, 73–100%).

Conclusion Skeletally immature patients treated by ankle arthrodesis using vascularized fibular flap can return to full weight bearing within the first year following surgery. A contralateral fibular flap has the advantage of preserving the contour of the ankle and reserving the ipsilateral fibula for initial stability at the fusion site. This study is of level IV evidence.
Psychosocial Background History of Pregnant Women with Opioid Use Disorder: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Towers Craig V. , Katz Emily , Liske Emily , Hennessy Mark , Wolfe Lynlee , Visconti Kevin
Published: June 2019

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the psychosocial background history and confounding social factors in pregnant women with opioid use disorder (OUD).

Study Design We performed a prospective observational cohort study of pregnant women from a dedicated obstetrical OUD clinic. Data collection came from extensive interview sessions regarding psychosocial background events and other social factors that might impact prenatal care.

Results From February 1, 2017, through September 30, 2018, 411 pregnant women were evaluated and 294 (72%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 67–76%) reported abuse of which 217 (53%, 95% CI: 48–58%) involved sexual abuse (prior to the age of 13 years in 54% of cases) and 209 (51%, 95% CI: 46–56%) involved cases of other physical abuse. Only 10% reported habitual opioid use for managing chronic pain. Only 9% had a valid driver's license with access to a car making transportation to office visits difficult.

Conclusion A history of abuse (mainly sexual and/or physical) appears to be the main precipitating event leading to OUD in our pregnant population. Transportation was the primary social factor limiting access to prenatal care. For primary prevention to be successful in our region, early identification of young women who have experienced abuse needs to occur followed by psychotherapy health care intervention before opioid drugs are used.
Lag Screw Fixation for Treatment of an Ulnar Styloid Process Fracture with Antebrachiocarpal Joint Luxation in a Cat
Authors: Parker Lindsay A. , Kapatkin Amy S. , Fuller Mark C.
Published: June 2019

Fracture of the ulnar styloid process can result in clinically debilitating antebrachiocarpal instability. Previously described repair methods include Kirschner wire and figure of eight tension band wire and/or intramedullary pinning. This case report describes surgical repair of a short oblique ulnar styloid process fracture in a cat using two cortical screws placed in lag fashion. Recheck evaluation confirmed lameness-free full return to function with anatomical fracture healing.
Advances in 3D single particle localization microscopy
Authors: Zhou Yongzhuang , Handley Michael , Carles Guillem , Harvey Andrew R.
Published: June 2019

The spatial resolution of conventional optical microscopy is limited by diffraction to transverse and axial resolutions of about 250 nm, but localization of point sources, such as single molecules or fluorescent beads, can be achieved with a precision of 10 nm or better in each direction. Traditional approaches to localization microscopy in two dimensions enable high precision only for a thin in-focus layer that is typically much less than the depth of a cell. This precludes, for example, super-resolution microscopy of extended three-dimensional biological structures or mapping of blood velocity throughout a useful depth of vasculature. Several techniques have been reported recently for localization microscopy in three dimensions over an extended depth range. We describe the principles of operation and typical applications of the most promising 3D localization microscopy techniques and provide a comparison of the attainable precision for each technique in terms of the Cramér-Rao lower bound for high-resolution imaging.
Adaptive sliding mode control for a class of uncertain nonlinear fractional-order Hopfield neural networks
Authors: Meng Bo , Wang Zhicheng , Wang Zhen
Published: June 2019

The stabilization problem for a class of uncertain nonlinear fractional-order Hopfield neural networks (FOHNNs) is solved by adaptive sliding mode control (ASMC). The uncertain internal parameters and the unknown external nonlinear perturbations are estimated by adaptive techniques. Firstly, a switched sliding mode surface (SMS) of uncertain nonlinear FOHNNs is presented. Secondly, in order to guarantee the stability of uncertain nonlinear FOHNNs, an effective sliding mode controller (SMC) is designed. According to the fractional-order Lyapunov theory, the sliding mode asymptotically converges to the origin in finite time. Finally, a numerical example of a three-dimensional uncertain nonlinear FOHNNs is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Intraarticular injection of relaxin-2 alleviates shoulder arthrofibrosis
Authors: Blessing William A. , Okajima Stephen M. , Cubria M. Belen , Villa-Camacho Juan C. , Perez-Viloria Miguel , Williamson Patrick M. , Sabogal Angie N. , Suarez Sebastian , Ang Lay-Hong , White Suzanne , Flynn Evelyn , Rodriguez Edward K. , Grinstaff Mark W. , Nazarian Ara
Published: June 2019

Arthrofibrosis is a prevalent condition affecting greater than 5% of the general population and leads to a painful decrease in joint range of motion (ROM) and loss of independence due to pathologic accumulation of periarticular scar tissue. Current treatment options are limited in effectiveness and do not address the underlying cause of the condition: accumulation of fibrotic collagenous tissue. Herein, the naturally occurring peptide hormone relaxin-2 is administered for the treatment of adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) and to restore glenohumeral ROM in shoulder arthrofibrosis. Recombinant human relaxin-2 down-regulates type I collagen and α smooth muscle actin production and increases intracellular cAMP concentration in human fibroblast-like synoviocytes, consistent with a mechanism of extracellular matrix degradation and remodeling. Pharmacokinetic profiling of a bolus administration into the glenohumeral joint space reveals the brief systemic and intraarticular (IA) half-lives of relaxin-2: 0.96 h and 0.62 h, respectively. Furthermore, using an established, immobilization murine model of shoulder arthrofibrosis, multiple IA injections of human relaxin-2 significantly improve ROM, returning it to baseline measurements collected before limb immobilization. This is in contrast to single IA (sIA) or multiple i.v. (mIV) injections of relaxin-2 with which the ROM remains constrained. The histological hallmarks of contracture (e.g., fibrotic adhesions and reduced joint space) are absent in the animals treated with multiple IA injections of relaxin-2 compared with the untreated control and the sIA- and mIV-treated animals. As these findings show, local delivery of relaxin-2 is an innovative treatment of shoulder arthrofibrosis.
Doing Power Threatening Acts (PTAs) in ancient China
Authors: Shen Xingchen , Chen Xinren
Published: June 2019

This study examines an unexplored type of speech act namedjian, which took place uniquely in the context of ancient China. Taking it as a Power Threatening Act rather than a commonly studied Face Threatening Act, this study examined remonstrators’ strategic modulation of theirjian, and the factors that might have influenced the choice of modulation strategies. The data come fromZizhi Tongjian. The major findings are as follows: first, the speech act ofjiancontained both ritualised and non-ritualised aspects; second, remonstrators would adopt different modulation strategies when performingjian, which can be generally divided into three modulation orientations of redress, aggravation, and a combination of redress and aggravation, with different degrees of rituality; third, the choices of modulation strategies reflected the game playing of the requirements of affiliational propriety and illocutionary effect within thejianact.
Purification and enzymatic characterization of trans-o-hydroxybenzylidenepyruvate hydratase-aldolase from Rhodococcus opacus and enzymatic formation of α, β-unsaturated ketones
Authors: Suzuki Toshihiro , Takizawa Noboru
Published: June 2019

Trans-o-hydroxybenzylidenepyruvate (tHBPA) hydratase-aldolase (RnoE) catalyzes the conversion of tHBPA to 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde and pyruvate. We purified RnoE from Rhodococcus opacus and characterized its enzymatic properties. It exhibited maximum enzyme activity at 60°C and catalyzed the reverse reaction, converting various aromatic benzaldehydes and pyruvate to benzylidenepyruvate, indicating that this enzyme can be adapted for the enzymatic synthesis of α, β-unsaturated ketones.
Influence of Sintering Temperature on Microhardness and Tribological Properties of Equi-Atomic Ti-Al- Mo-Si-W Multicomponent Alloy
Authors: Kanyane L. Rudolf. , Popoola A. Patricia , Malatji Nicholus
Published: June 2019

This work aim to investigate the effect of sintering temperature on microhardness and tribological properties of novel equi-atomic TiAlMoSiW HEA fabricated via spark plasma sintering. The influence of Spark plasma sintering temperature on morphological evolution and phase formation was also investigated. The microstructure and the phases formed for the developed HEA were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD) respectively. The microhardness and tribological properties were studied using a diamond base microhardness tester Rtec tribometer. It was noticed that sintering temperature has an effect on microhardness and tribological properties. Phase analysis of the samples displayed that the alloy exhibited a bcc matrix with secondary phase precipitate of ordered fcc TiSi2 phase. The developed HEA showed improved mechanical properties as the sintering temperature increases.
Research on High Efficiency and Low Destructive Manufacture Process of Complex Structure Honeycomb Core
Authors: Xiang Cao , Yujie Wang , Chao Sun , Xin Shen
Published: June 2019

With the development of modern aircraft, complex structure honeycomb core parts are widely used. As a kind of difficult machining material, it’s easy to destroy the surface quality of the parts during machining the honeycomb core parts because of the special structure. The article studies the technology to increase efficiency and reduce damage during the machining process of complex structure honeycomb core. The problem can be effectively solved by using proper clampings, proper cutting parameters and proper tool path interval.
The Effect of Annealing on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Selective Laser Melting AlSi10Mg
Authors: Zhang Changchun , Zhu Haihong , Qi Yang , Zeng Xiaoyan
Published: June 2019

The effect of annealing treatment on SLM AlSilOMg on microstructure and mechanical properties has been investigated. It is observed that, with the increase of the temperature, the melt pools gradually become blurred and completely disappear when the temperature rises to 320°C. The microhardness and strengths of as-built samples are the highest due to the solid solution strengthening together with grain refinement strengthening. After heat treatment, the microhardness and strengths all decrease due to the weakening of solid solution strengthening but the elongation increases.
Modeling and Analysis of Transverse Vibration of Traction Rope of High Speed Traction Elevator
Authors: Qi Xiujuan , Zhang Ruijun , He Qin
Published: June 2019

Based on continuum mechanics theory and considering the influence of external excitation on high-speed traction elevator wire rope, Hamlition principle is applied to establish the transverse vibration control equation of variable-length lifting wire rope, and Galerkin method is used to discretize the solution. Finally, the model is simulated by Matlab software, and the transverse vibration law of the wire rope and the influence of damping on the transverse vibration of the wire rope are analyzed. The results show that the transverse vibration strength of the wire rope is basically the same as that of the wire rope when there is no damp effect. Increasing the damp can reduce the transverse vibration strength of the wire rope.
Numerical Study on Tone Noise of Different Thickness Airfoils
Authors: Huanhuan Feng , Yong Liu , Qi Wang , Sen Zou
Published: June 2019

Based on the Lattice Boltzmann Method(LBM)-Large Eddy Simulation(LES), a direct numerical calculation is presented of tone noise generated by flow past symmetric NACA airfoils with different thickness and at a Reynolds number based on chord of Re = 2.0 × 105. The computation results indicate that the acoustic source of the airfoil mainly at region of trailing edge and the flow separation. For NACA series airfoils with different thicknesses of the same curvature, the increase of thickness could enlarge pressure fluctuation and produce larger scale of vortices. Noise sources are identified in the region of trailing edge and the flow separation. The sound pressure level spectrum analysis shows that the tone noise gradually disappears and the noise spectrum displays broadband features with the increases of airfoil thickness. The noise directivity shows that the sound pressure radiation around the airfoil characteristic the dipole acoustic field. In addition, data analysis shows that the generation of tone noise is closely related to the vortex shedding of the trailing edge of the airfoil.
Joint Optimization of Level of Repair Analysis and Civil Aircraft Inventory System Based on PSO Algorithm
Authors: Liu Yuchang , Feng Yunwen , Xue Xiaofeng , Lu Cheng
Published: June 2019

The traditional optimization approach for the level of repair analysis (LORA) of civil aircraft and inventory system allocation is to optimize repair level and spare parts allocation separately. But the joint cost of maintenance and inventory allocation policy will not be the necessarily optimal, due to the fact that the direct effect on the inventory system is neglected in the LORA process. Thus, in this paper, a joint optimization model for LORA and civil aircraft inventory system is constructed with the system total cost as the objective function and the fleet availability as the constraint. Next, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is applied to solve the proposed multivariable nonlinear optimization model. Finally, some components of the landing gear system are selected as the examples, and through the comparison with the results from traditional sequence method and iterative algorithm, the proposed method is validated to be feasible and effective.
Effects of Riblet Shape of Non-smooth Surface on Aerodynamic Characteristics of Vehicle
Authors: Rong Liu , Yiwan Wu
Published: June 2019

To reduce the aerodynamic drag of the vehicle, three kinds of riblet shape non-smooth surfaces were arranged in the tail of the Motor Industry Research Association (MIRA) stepped-back vehicle mode. The shapes of the non-smooth riblet elements are triangular, circular and rectangular. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method was used for numerical analysis. To verify the effectiveness of the analysis method, the analysis result of the standard MIRA stepped-back vehicle mode was compared with wind tunnel test data. The tail-flow, pressure and turbulent kinetic energy of the MIRA stepped back vehicle modes, which were arranged with riblet elements, were analyzed. The effects of riblet shape of non-smooth surfaces on the reduction of vehicle’ aerodynamic drag were compared with each other. The simulation results show that the three kinds of non-smooth surfaces have a good effect on drag reduction by reducing the negative pressure in the tail zone of the model, reduce the turbulent kinetic energy and reduce energy dissipation. The circular non-smooth surface is better than the other, with drag reduction effect of 5.53%.
Influence of mouse defective zona pellucida in folliculogenesis on apoptosis of granulosa cells and developmental competence of oocytes†
Authors: Wang Yan , Lv Chao , Huang Hua-Lin , Zeng Ming-Hua , Yi Da-Jing , Tan Hang-Jing , Peng Tian-Liu , Yu Wen-Xian , Deng Hong-Wen , Xiao Hong-Mei
Published: June 2019

Zona pellucida (ZP), which enwraps the oocyte during folliculogenesis, initially forms in the primary follicle and plays an important role in female fertility. Here, we investigated a mouse strain (“mutant mice” for short) carrying two types of ZP defects in folliculogenesis, i.e., ZP thinned (but intact) and ZP cracked, caused by targeted mutation in the Zp1 gene. Using this mutant mouse strain and wild-type mouse as control, we studied the effects of the ZP defects on the development of oocytes and granulosa cells during folliculogenesis. For each ZP defect, we examined the morphology of transzonal projections and apoptosis of granulosa cells in the corresponding growing follicles, as well as the morphology of corresponding ovulated eggs and their abilities to develop into viable individuals. Our results suggested that ZP integrity rather than thickness or porosity is crucial for preventing the ectopia of granulosa cells, maintaining adequate routine bilateral signaling between oocyte and surrounding granulosa cells, and thus for ensuring the survival of granulosa cells and the establishment of the full developmental competence of oocytes. This is the first study to elucidate the effects of different degrees of ZP defects caused by the same gene mutation, on the apoptosis of granulosa cells and developmental competence of oocytes, and to explore the potential mechanisms underlying these effects.