bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
International consensus on antinuclear antibody patterns: definition of the AC-29 pattern associated with antibodies to DNA topoisomerase I
Authors: Andrade Luis E.C. , Klotz Werner , Herold Manfred , Conrad Karsten , Rönnelid Johan , Fritzler Marvin J. , von Mühlen Carlos A. , Satoh Minoru , Damoiseaux Jan , de Melo Cruvinel Wilson , Chan Edward K.L.
Published: May 2018

The indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) on HEp-2 cells is the reference method for autoantibody screening. The HEp-2 IFA pattern provides useful information on the possible autoantibodies in the sample. The International Consensus on Antinuclear Antibody Patterns (ICAP) initiative seeks to define and harmonize the nomenclature of HEp-2 IFA patterns. The most relevant and usual patterns have been assigned an alphanumeric code from anti-cell (AC)-1 to AC-28 and were organized into a classification algorithm (www.ANApatterns.org). The systemic sclerosis-associated autoantibodies to DNA topoisomerase I (Topo I) produce a peculiar composite 5-element HEp-2 IFA pattern (Topo I-like pattern) comprising the staining of the nucleus, metaphase chromatin plate, nucleolar organizing region, cytoplasm and nucleolus. In a recent assessment of the European Consensus Finding Study Group on autoantibodies, a well-defined anti-Topo I sample was blindly analyzed and classified according to ICAP AC patterns by 43 participant laboratories across Europe. There were wide variations among these laboratories in reporting nuclear, nucleolar and cytoplasmic patterns, indicating the inadequacy of the existing AC patterns to report the Topo I-like pattern. Several ICAP member laboratories independently demonstrated the overall consistency of the HEp-2 IFA Topo I-like pattern using HEp-2 slides from different manufacturers. The ICAP committee reviewed 24 candidate images and selected the four most representative images to be available on the ICAP website. The proper recognition of the AC-29 pattern should trigger suspicion of the presence of anti-Topo I antibodies, which may engender appropriate analyte-specific reflex tests to confirm the autoantibody specificity.
Circular RNAs: a new class of biomarkers as a rising interest in laboratory medicine
Authors: Franz Antonia , Rabien Anja , Stephan Carsten , Ralla Bernhard , Fuchs Steffen , Jung Klaus , Fendler Annika
Published: May 2018

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a distinct family of RNAs derived from the non-regular process of alternative splicing. CircRNAs have recently gained interest in transcriptome research due to their potential regulatory functions during gene expression. CircRNAs can act as microRNA sponges and affect transcription through their complex involvement in regular transcriptional processes. Some early studies also suggested significant roles for circRNAs in human diseases, especially cancer, as biomarkers and potential clinical targets. Therefore, there is a great need for laboratory scientists to translate these findings into clinical tools to advance testing for human diseases. To facilitate a better understanding of the promise of circRNAs, we focus this review on selected basic aspects of circRNA research, specifically biogenesis, function, analytical issues regarding identification and validation and examples of expression data in relation to human diseases. We further emphasize the unique challenges facing laboratory medicine with regard to circRNA research, particularly in the development of robust assays for circRNA detection in different body fluids and the need to collaborate with clinicians in the design of clinical studies.
Antiulcer Activity of Different Extracts of Anvillea garcinii and Isolation of Two New Secondary Metabolites
Authors: Perveen Shagufta , Fawzy Ghada Ahmed , Al-Taweel Areej Mohammad , Orfali Raha Saud , Yusufoglu Hasan Soliman , Abdel-Kader Maged Saad , Al-Sabbagh Ruba Mahmoud
Published: May 2018

Anvillea garcinii (AG, Asteraceae) commonly called “nougd” in Arabic is traditionally used for the treatment of different gastrointestinal disorders. This study evaluates the effects of ethanol, chloroform and n-butanol extracts of AG on ulcerative colitis induced by various ulcerogens in rats and the isolation of new secondary metabolites. Ethanol extracts of the leaf of the AG demonstrated a powerful anti-ulcer activity which could be attributed to the synergistic effect of its constituents. Therefore, our results would be the first proof of traditional use of AG as an antiulcer ailment.
Validated thin-layer chromatographic method for alternative and simultaneous determination of two anti-gout agents in their fixed dose combinations
Authors: Mohamed Abdel-Maaboud I. , Omar Mahmoud A. , Derayea Sayed M. , Hammad Mohamed A. , Mohamed Abobakr A.
Published: May 2018

A rapid, simple and sensitive thin-layer chromatography (TLC) spectrodensitometric method was developed for the simultaneous determination of colchicine and probenecid in their binary mixtures. The two drugs were quantitatively separated using silica gel 60 F254 as stationary phase and toluene–ethyl acetate–methanol–ammonia (30:20:20:0.1, v/v/v/v) as mobile phase with UV detection at 248 nm for both drugs and at 354 nm for colchicine alone. Both drugs were efficiently separated with Rf values of 0.33±0.03 and 0.60±0.03 for probenecid and colchicine, respectively. The linearity was found to be 16–320 and 120–2400 (ng/band) with quantitation limits of 17.59 and 225.82 ng/band for colchicine and probenecid, respectively, at 248 nm. At 354 nm, the linearity range of colchicine was found 16–240 ng/band with a quantitation limit of 54.03 ng/band. The experimental determination ranges were greatly extended with lower quantitation limits (15.60 and 116.13 ng/band for colchicine and probenecid, respectively at 248 nm, and 13.20 for colchicine at 354 nm) and correlation coefficients were improved when polynomial regression analysis was used. The quadratic model was found to be the best fit for all responses. The method has been validated according to the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines providing good correlation coefficients (0.9997-0.9999) for both drugs, and it has been successfully applied in the determination of both drugs in their commercial dosage form without interference from excipients.
Free vibration of functionally graded carbon nanotube reinforced composite cylindrical panels with general elastic supports
Authors: Xie Fei , Tang Jinyuan , Wang Ailun , Shuai Cijun , Wang Qingshan
Published: May 2018

In this paper, a unified solution for vibration analysis of the functionally graded carbon nanotube reinforced composite (FG-CNTRC) cylindrical panels with general elastic supports is carried out via using the Ritz method. The excellent accuracy and reliability of the present method are compared with the results of the classical boundary cases found in the literature. New results are given for vibration characteristics of FG-CNTRC cylindrical panels with various boundary conditions. The effects of the elastic restraint parameters, thickness, subtended angle and volume fraction of carbon nanotubes on the free vibration characteristic of the cylindrical panels are also reported.
Iteration of Composition Operators on small Bergman spaces of Dirichlet series
Authors: Zhao Jing
Published: May 2018

The Hilbert spaces ℋw consisiting of Dirichlet series $F(s) = \sum\nolimits_{n = 1}^\infty {{a_n}{n^{ - s}}}$ that satisfty ${\sum\nolimits_{n = 1}^\infty {\left| {{a_n}} \right|} ^2}/{w_n} < \infty $ with {wn}n of average order logj n (the j-fold logarithm of n), can be embedded into certain small Bergman spaces. Using this embedding, we study the Gordon–Hedenmalm theorem on such ℋw from an iterative point of view. By that theorem, the composition operators are generated by functions of the form Φ (s) = c0s +ϕ(s), where c0 is a nonnegative integer and ϕ is a Dirichlet series with certain convergence and mapping properties. The iterative phenomenon takes place when c0 = 0. It is verified for every integer j ⩾ 1, real α > 0 and {wn}n having average order ${(\log _j^ + n)^\alpha }$, that the composition operators map ℋw into a scale of ℋw’ with w’n having average order ${(\log _{j + 1}^ + n)^\alpha }$. The case j = 1 can be deduced from the proof of the main theorem of a recent paper of Bailleul and Brevig, and we adopt the same method to study the general iterative step.
Eveningness and its possibility of predicting burnout symptoms among physicians and nurses – preliminary results
Authors: Mokros Łukasz , Koprowicz Jacek , Nowakowska-Domagała Katarzyna , Rodak Juliusz , Pietras Tadeusz
Published: May 2018

Introduction.

A sense of burnout may seriously impair one’s functioning and well-being. It may also hamper the quality of care over a patient. The present study therefore assesses sleep quality and chronotype as predictors of a sense of burnout in physicians and nurses of a district hospital.

Material and methods.

The study group comprised 16 physicians and 31 nurses of a district hospital in Central Poland. The participants completed the Link Burnout Questionnaire (LBQ), Chronotype Questionnaire, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory. A linear regression model was constructed for each LBQ dimension by means of stepwise elimination. Each model was adjusted to empirical data (p<0.05).

Results.

A rise in Psychophysical exhaustion was predicted by greater scores for Morningness-Eveningness (ME) and Distinctness (DI) of the rhythm. A higher ME score was associated with higher scores in Relationship deterioration and Sense of professional ineffectiveness, with the latter also associated with presence in the nurses group. The nurses group also demonstrated higher Disillusionment and Psychophysical exhaustion scores than the physicians group.

Conclusions.

Eveningness predicted greater burnout in the studied sample. Thus, chronotype should be considered an important burnout risk factor and it can act as a starting point for devising behavioural interventions.
Executive functions and memory in patients at risk of vascular brain pathology
Authors: Zawadzka Ewa , Domańska Łucja
Published: May 2018

Hypertension is a common problem in the elderly population. It is one of the factors determining the pattern of cognitive functioning of the patients, however the nature and severity of neuropsychological deficits are unclear. The main aim of the study was to assess effectiveness of cognitive task performance and the strategies of verbal material organization in patients with varying levels of productivity and control. The outpatients treated for hypertension (n = 46) were tested with the following neuropsychological tests and the experimental task: Ruff Figural Fluency Test (RFFT), California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT), Semantic Verbal Fluency Task (VF). The level of productivity and control in older hypertensive patients appeared to be important variables differentiating the effectiveness of structured task performance involving the memory and learning of verbal material. Patients with weaker productivity and control show less efficiency in formulating and sustaining a learning plan expressed by the compatibility of responses in subsequent attempts. Weaker productivity and control are associated with high risk of memory problems, especially in situations characterized by a high degree of structure. It is advisable to include an evaluation of certain aspects of executive functions at the initial stage of assessment of patients at risk of brain dysfunction.
Approximations by multivariate sublinear and Max-product operators under convexity
Authors: Anastassiou George A.
Published: May 2018

Here we search quantitatively under convexity the approximation of multivariate function by general multivariate positive sublinear operators with applications to multivariate Max-product operators. These are of Bernstein type, of Favard-Szász-Mirakjan type, of Baskakov type, of sampling type, of Lagrange interpolation type and of Hermite-Fejér interpolation type. Our results are both: under the presence of smoothness and without any smoothness assumption on the function to be approximated which fulfills a convexity assumption.
On existence of the support of a Borel measure
Authors: Kozarzewski Piotr A.
Published: May 2018

We present arguments showing that the standard notion of the support of a probabilistic Borel measure is not well defined in every topological space. Our goal is to create a “very inseparable” space and to show the existence of a family of closed sets such that each of them is of full measure, but their intersection is empty. The presented classic construction is credited to Jean Dieudonné and dates back to 1939. We also propose certain, up to our best knowledge, new simplifications.
Portfolio selection based on graphs: Does it align with Markowitz-optimal portfolios?
Authors: Hüttner Amelie , Mai Jan-Frederik , Mineo Stefano
Published: May 2018

Some empirical studies suggest that the computation of certain graph structures from a (large) historical correlation matrix can be helpful in portfolio selection. In particular, a repeated finding is that information about the portfolio weights in the minimum variance portfolio (MVP) from classical Markowitz theory can be inferred from measurements of centrality in such graph structures. The present article compares the two concepts from a purely algebraic perspective. It is demonstrated that this heuristic relationship between graph centrality and the MVP does not originate from a structural similarity between the two portfolio selection mechanisms, but instead is due to specific features of observed correlation matrices. This means that empirically found relations between both concepts depend critically on the underlying historical data. Repeated empirical evidence for a strong relationship is hence shown to constitute a stylized fact of financial return time series.
Clinical laboratory: bigger is not always better
Authors: Plebani Mario
Published: May 2018

Laboratory services around the world are undergoing substantial consolidation and changes through mechanisms ranging from mergers, acquisitions and outsourcing, primarily based on expectations to improve efficiency, increasing volumes and reducing the cost per test. However, the relationship between volume and costs is not linear and numerous variables influence the end cost per test. In particular, the relationship between volumes and costs does not span the entire platter of clinical laboratories: high costs are associated with low volumes up to a threshold of 1 million test per year. Over this threshold, there is no linear association between volumes and costs, as laboratory organization rather than test volume more significantly affects the final costs. Currently, data on laboratory errors and associated diagnostic errors and risk for patient harm emphasize the need for a paradigmatic shift: from a focus on volumes and efficiency to a patient-centered vision restoring the nature of laboratory services as an integral part of the diagnostic and therapy process. Process and outcome quality indicators are effective tools to measure and improve laboratory services, by stimulating a competition based on intra- and extra-analytical performance specifications, intermediate outcomes and customer satisfaction. Rather than competing with economic value, clinical laboratories should adopt a strategy based on a set of harmonized quality indicators and performance specifications, active laboratory stewardship, and improved patient safety.
A Compact and Vialess Vertical Microstrip-to-Microstrip Differential Transition
Authors: Cheng Wei , Li Lin , Du Jingjing , Yang Junxiu , Gu Xiaowei
Published: May 2018

In this paper, a new compact, vialess and vertical microstrip-to-microstrip differential transition is presented based on half-wavelength slotline structure. The equivalent-circuit model is constructed, and theoretical analyses based on equivalent circuit model reveal that good differential mode (DM) signal transmission between the top- and bottom-layer differential microstrip lines can be achieved over a wide frequency range determined while the common mode (CM) signal is rejected. Moreover, the systematic design method is presented to extract the values of electrical parameters from prescribed performance in terms of its operating bandwidth and ripple levels. In addition, owing to the employment of half-wavelength slot, the proposed differential transition has a compact size. Finally, the proposed differential transition and design theories are well vindicated by an exemplary circuit centered at 2.45 GHz with the measured relative frequency bandwidth (FBW) of 114 %.
A ‘turn-on’ fluorescent chemosensor for the detection of Zn2+ ion based on 2-(quinolin-2-yl)quinazolin-4(3H)-one
Authors: Bai Xue-Jiao , Ren Jing , Zhou Jia , Song Zhi-Bin
Published: May 2018

2-(Quinolin-2-yl)quinazolin-4(3H)-one (Q) was synthesized via the Brønsted acid-promoted tandem cyclization/dehydrogenation reaction with a good yield. Compound Q is a selective ‘turn-on’ fluorescent sensor for Zn2+ ion without interference by Cd2+. The 1:1 binding model of Q to Zn2+ was confirmed by the Benesi-Hildebrand analysis, Job’s plot analysis and a ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) titration experiment. Furthermore, the light-on fluorescent response can be observed by the naked eye under UV-lamp irradiation (365 nm).
Melatonin and cryptochrome 2 in metabolic syndrome patients with or without diabetes: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Al-Sarraf Ibrahim Abdul Kareem , Kasabri Violet , Akour Amal , Naffa Randa
Published: May 2018

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of metabolic risk factors which increases the chances for future cardiovascular diseases, as well as diabetes. The underlying causes of MetS include overweight and obesity, physical inactivity and genetic factors. Our intension here was to focus in this study on the importance of the chronobiology, represented by melatonin (MT) and cryptochrome 2 (CRY2), in developing MetS and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Thus, we aimed to compare MT and CRY2 plasma levels and correlate both biomarkers with adiposity, atherogenicity and hematological indices in MetS and T2DM cohorts.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study, 28 normoglycemic lean subjects (controls), 29 normoglycemic MetS subjects and 30 MetS (pre-diabetic/diabetic) were recruited.

Results

MT (pg/mL) was elevated significantly in MetS arm p-value < 0.05, whereas CRY2 levels (ng/mL) were markedly higher in both MetS groups (non-diabetic and pre-diabetic/diabetic) (all with p-value < 0.001). A reciprocal MT-CRY2 relationship was observed in the MetS (non-diabetic) group (p-value = 0.003). Of note in the total study population, both MT and CRY2 proportionally correlated with each of the following: atherogenicity index of plasma (AIP), waist circumference (WC) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (all with p-value < 0.05) for MT and CRY2, respectively). Whereas MT correlated inversely with high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) (p-value < 0.05). Additionally, CRY2 correlated directly with each of the following: diastolic blood pressure (DBP), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), hip circumference (HC), body adiposity index (BAI), weight-to-height (WHtR) ratio, mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) (p-value < 0.05).

Conclusion

These findings substantiate that both metabolic risk biomarkers can be prognostic tools and pharmacotherapeutic targets to slowdown the accelerated nature of T2DM.
Catalytic Gasification – A Critical Analysis of Carbon Dioxide Methanation on a Ru/Al2O3 Catalyst
Authors: Lange Eric M. , DeMattia Brianne , Gatica Jorge E.
Published: May 2018

This paper proposes a corrected kinetic model for the Sabatier (CO2 Methanation) reaction. Several other kinetic studies have been performed on the Sabatier reaction to date; however, many of these studies contain simplifications. Data available from one of the first studies (Lunde, P.J., and F.L. Kester. 1974. “Carbon Dioxide Methanation on a Ruthenium Catalyst.” Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Process Design and Development 13 (1): 27–33) was utilized to perform a new analysis of the kinetics of CO2 Methanation. This work examined two models for the Sabatier reaction, the Perfect Mixing assumption and the differential (conversion) reactor assumption. After available data was screened for the occurrence of the Reverse Water Gas Shift reaction, the differential (conversion) reactor assumption was validated. A critical comparison to similar models available in literature is also presented.
Investigation of the Influence of Direct Current Bias on Transformer Vibration
Authors: Wang Jun , Liu Hongshun , Niu Kaicheng , Wu Zemin
Published: May 2018

As a necessary electrical equipment for the construction of power grid, the safety and reliability of the transformer is the focus that people have always paid attention to. In recent years, the DC bias of the transformer has a serious impact on the safe operation of the power system, which has attracted wide attention of scholars at home and abroad. In view of this phenomenon, combined with the basic principle of transformer excitation, the simulation of the DC bias phenomenon is carried out by using Simulink software in this paper. According to the simulation results, the distortion characteristics of excitation current under DC bias are summarized. Then, based on the variation characteristics of excitation current under over excitation and DC bias, the law of transformer core vibration is deduced, and the cause of transformer abnormal vibration under DC bias is revealed. Finally, by analyzing the data of a transformer substation running under DC bias, it is found that the measured data are basically the same with our simulation results, which provides a basis and reference for further research on the phenomenon of transformer DC bias.
Fault Identification and Location for Distribution Network with Distributed Generations
Authors: Fan Wen , Liao Yuan
Published: May 2018

Power distribution networks with distributed generations may experience faults. It is essential to promptly locate the fault for fast repair and restoration. This paper presents a novel method for identifying the faulted section and accurate location of faults that occur on power distribution grid. Appropriate matrices are set up to represent meter locations on the grid and the topology of the grid. The voltage and current measurements obtained are utilized to decide the fault sections. Then fault location is determined by solving equations that link measurements and fault locations through bus impedance matrix. The method is applicable to both single and simultaneous, multiple faults that may occur on unbalanced, meshed distribution networks with distributed generations.
The effects of Sahaja Yoga meditation on mental health: a systematic review
Authors: Hendriks Tom
Published: May 2018

Objectives

To determine the efficacy of Sahaja Yoga (SY) meditation on mental health among clinical and healthy populations.

Methods

All publications on SY were eligible. Databases were searched up to November 2017, namely PubMed, MEDLINE (NLM), PsychINFO, and Scopus. An internet search (Google Scholar) was also conducted. The quality of the randomized controlled trails was assessed using the Cochrane Risk Assessment for Bias. The quality of cross-sectional studies, a non-randomized controlled trial and a cohort study was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale.

Results

We included a total of eleven studies; four randomized controlled trials, one non-randomized controlled trial, five cross-sectional studies, and one prospective cohort study. The studies included a total of 910 participants. Significant findings were reported in relation to the following outcomes: anxiety, depression, stress, subjective well-being, and psychological well-being. Two randomized studies were rated as high quality studies, two randomized studies as low quality studies. The quality of the non-randomized trial, the cross-sectional studies and the cohort study was high. Effect sizes could not be calculated in five studies due to unclear or incomplete reporting.

Conclusions

After reviewing the articles and taking the quality of the studies into account, it appears that SY may reduce depression and possibly anxiety. In addition, the practice of SY is also associated with increased subjective wellbeing and psychological well-beng. However, due to the limited number of publications, definite conclusions on the effects of SY cannot be made and more high quality randomized studies are needed to justify any firm conclusions on the beneficial effects of SY on mental health.
Premature ovarian failure of autoimmune etiology in 46XX patients: is there a hope?
Authors: Dawood Ayman Shehata , El-Sharawy Mohamed Ahmed , Nada Doaa Waseem , El-Sheikh Mohamed Fadel
Published: May 2018

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of live bee stings at fertility points and acupuncture in treating symptoms and managing infertility in premature ovarian failure (POF) of autoimmune etiology.

Patients and methods: Patients with primary POF were allocated randomly into two groups: group I: subjected to acupuncture at specific fertility points and group II: subjected to live bee stings at sites of fertility points.

Results: A total of 24 cases show significant reduction of Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) level to normal range with gradual decline over the study duration: 13 cases in group I and 11 cases in group II. Eight cases got pregnant while the other 13 cases regained normal menses but still infertile.

Conclusions: Both bee sting therapy and acupuncture were effective in reduction of FSH levels with restoration of regular menstrual patterns and restoration of fertility. The bee sting therapy was superior in the pregnancy rate, while acupuncture was superior in alleviation of symptoms.
Chromosomal microarray findings in pregnancies with an isolated pelvic kidney
Authors: Sagi-Dain Lena , Singer Amihood , Frumkin Ayala , Shalata Adel , Koifman Arie , Segel Reeval , Benyamini Lilach , Rienstein Shlomit , Kahyat Morad , Sharony Reuven , Maya Idit , Ben Shachar Shay
Published: May 2018

Objective

To examine the risk for abnormal chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) results among fetuses with an apparently isolated pelvic kidney.

Methods

Data from all CMA analyses performed due to an isolated pelvic kidney reported to the Israeli Ministry of Health between January 2013 and September 2016 were retrospectively obtained. Risk estimation was performed comparing the rate of abnormal observed CMA findings to the general population risk, based on a systematic review encompassing 9272 cases and on local data of 5541 cases.

Results

Of 120 pregnancies with an isolated pelvic kidney, two gain-of-copy number variants suggesting microduplication syndromes were demonstrated (1.67%). In addition, three variants of unknown significance were detected (2.5%).

Conclusion

The risk for clinically significant CMA findings among pregnancies with an isolated single pelvic kidney was not significantly different compared to both control populations. The results of our study question the practice of routine CMA analysis in fetuses with an isolated pelvic kidney.
A soft cervix, categorized by shear-wave elastography, in women with short or with normal cervical length at 18–24 weeks is associated with a higher prevalence of spontaneous preterm delivery
Authors: Hernandez-Andrade Edgar , Maymon Eli , Luewan Suchaya , Bhatti Gaurav , Mehrmohammadi Mohammad , Erez Offer , Pacora Percy , Done Bogdan , Hassan Sonia S. , Romero Roberto
Published: May 2018

Objective:

To determine whether a soft cervix identified by shear-wave elastography between 18 and 24 weeks of gestation is associated with increased frequency of spontaneous preterm delivery (sPTD).

Materials and methods:

This prospective cohort study included 628 consecutive women with a singleton pregnancy. Cervical length (mm) and softness [shear-wave speed: (SWS) meters per second (m/s)] of the internal cervical os were measured at 18–24 weeks of gestation. Frequency of sPTD <37 (sPTD<37) and <34 (sPTD<34) weeks of gestation was compared among women with and without a short (≤25 mm) and/or a soft cervix (SWS <25th percentile).

Results:

There were 31/628 (4.9%) sPTD<37 and 12/628 (1.9%) sPTD<34 deliveries. The combination of a soft and a short cervix increased the risk of sPTD<37 by 18-fold [relative risk (RR) 18.0 (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.7–43.9); P<0.0001] and the risk of sPTD<34 by 120-fold [RR 120.0 (95% CI 12.3–1009.9); P<0.0001] compared to women with normal cervical length. A soft-only cervix increased the risk of sPTD<37 by 4.5-fold [RR 4.5 (95% CI 2.1–9.8); P=0.0002] and of sPTD<34 by 21-fold [RR 21.0 (95% CI 2.6–169.3); P=0.0003] compared to a non-soft cervix.

Conclusions:

A soft cervix at 18–24 weeks of gestation increases the risk of sPTD <37 and <34 weeks of gestation independently of cervical length.
Inflammatory biomarkers and risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
Authors: Yu En , Hsu Hsin-Yin , Huang Chun-Yuan , Hwang Lee-Ching
Published: May 2018

Background

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is an increasing health issue that associates with the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. This study correlates the association between fatty liver and inflammatory biomarkers with cardiovascular risk scores.

Methodology

This cross-sectional study enrolled 10,181 health examination participants from Northern Taiwan and administered a standardized questionnaire with important biochemical tests and abdominal sonography. To assess concentrations of inflammatory markers high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and fibrinogen were used.

Results

Inflammatory marker levels were significantly increased with increasing fatty liver. In multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for major confounding factors, the odds ratios of elevated hs-CRP and fibrinogen were significantly higher in participants with mild or moderate-to-severe fatty liver compared to healthy individuals. The cardiovascular risk scores, above cut-off level 10%, were associated with higher levels of inflammatory biomarkers and fatty liver; odds ratio, 3.52 (2.60-4.77) for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with hs-CRP, and 2.92 (2.12-4.00) for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with fibrinogen.

Conclusion

Inflammatory biomarkers (hs-CRP and fibrinogen) are significantly associated with augmentation of fatty liver. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease may be a predictor of future atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and the prediction value increases on adding inflammatory biomarkers levels.
Functional Nanofibers with Multiscale Structure by Electrospinning
Authors: Chen Ran , Liu Junfeng , Sun Zeyong , Chen Dong
Published: May 2018

Electrospinning can produce nanofibers with extremely high surface-to-volume ratio and well tunable properties. The technique has been widely used in different disciplines. To fabricate fibers with required properties, parameters of fabrication should be well controlled and adjusted according to specific applications. Modification of electrospinning devices to align fibers in highly ordered architectures could improve their functions. Enhanced efficiency have also been obtained through the upscaling modification of spinnerets. With the outstanding efficiency, electrospinning has exhibited huge potentials to construct various nanostructures, such as artificial vessel, membrane for desalination and so on.
Waveguide excitation and collection of surface-enhanced Raman scattering from a single plasmonic antenna
Authors: Peyskens Frédéric , Wuytens Pieter , Raza Ali , Van Dorpe Pol , Baets Roel
Published: May 2018

The integration of plasmonic antennas on single-mode silicon nitride waveguides offers great perspective for integrated surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). However, the few reported experimental demonstrations still require multiple plasmonic antennas to obtain a detectable SERS spectrum. Here, we show, for the first time, SERS signal detection by a single nanoplasmonic antenna integrated on a single-mode SiN waveguide. For this purpose, we investigated a backscattering detection scheme in combination with background noise reduction, which allowed an optimization of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of this platform. Furthermore, a comparison with the free-space SERS spectrum of the same antenna shows that the conversion efficiency from pump power to total radiated Stokes power is twice as efficient in the case of waveguide excitation. As such, we explored several important aspects in the optimization of on-chip SERS sensors and experimentally demonstrated the power of exciting nanoplasmonic antennas using the evanescent field of a waveguide. This observation not only is useful for Raman sensing but also could be beneficial for any process involving plasmonic enhancement.
Semiconductor nanostructures for flying q-bits and green photonics
Authors: Bimberg Dieter
Published: May 2018

Breakthroughs in nanomaterials and nanoscience enable the development of novel photonic devices and systems ranging from the automotive sector, quantum cryptography to metropolitan area and access networks. Geometrical architecture presents a design parameter of device properties. Self-organization at surfaces in strained heterostructures drives the formation of quantum dots (QDs). Embedding QDs in photonic and electronic devices enables novel functionalities, advanced energy efficient communication, cyber security, or lighting systems. The recombination of excitons shows twofold degeneracy and Lorentzian broadening. The superposition of millions of excitonic recombinations from QDs in real devices leads to a Gaussian envelope. The material gain of QDs in lasers is orders of magnitude larger than that of bulk material and decoupled from the index of refraction, controlled by the properties of the carrier reservoir, thus enabling independent gain and index modulation. The threshold current density of QD lasers is lowest of all injection lasers, is less sensitive to defect generation, and does not depend on temperature below 80°C. QD lasers are hardly sensitive to back reflections and exhibit no filamentation. The recombination from single QDs inserted in light emitting diodes with current confining oxide apertures shows polarized single photons. Emission of ps pulses and date rates of 1010+bit upon direct modulation benefits from gain recovery within femtoseconds. Repetition rates of several 100 GHz were demonstrated upon mode-locking. Passively mode-locked QD lasers generate hat-like frequency combs, enabling Terabit data transmission. QD-based semiconductor optical amplifiers enable multi-wavelength amplification and switching and support multiple modulation formats.
Online quality evaluation of tissue paper structure on new generation tissue machines
Authors: Raunio Jukka-Pekka , Löyttyniemi Tommi , Ritala Risto
Published: May 2018

At present, the tissue paper manufacturing is mostly based on the dry crepe technology. During the last decade, the manufacturers have introduced new tissue machines concepts that increase the softness, bulk, and absorption capacity. Such machines produce a strong regular three-dimensional (3D) structure to the sheet before the Yankee cylinder. At present, the quality of the 3D structure is not evaluated, or it is evaluated only subjectively at the mill. This is mostly because of the difficulties to separate reliably the regular 3D pattern from other variations. This paper introduces a frequency analysis based method which separates the surface profile variances in tissue paper to the creping, to the regular 3D pattern and to the residual variation. The 3D surface profiles and their variances were determined online with the photometric stereo method. We show that the introduced analysis method evaluates the variance portions reliably and the results are consistent with the visual perception of the 3D surfaces. In one particular product, the regular 3D pattern explains 74 % of total surface variance; the creping explains 10 % and residual variations 16 %. Furthermore, the creping and residual variances are quite stable over time whereas the variance of the regular 3D pattern fluctuates significantly.
Investigation of low consistency reject refining of mechanical pulp for energy savings
Authors: Fernandez Francisco J. , Martinez D. Mark , Olson James A.
Published: May 2018

In this study, the effects of low consistency refining (LCR) energy and intensity on mechanical pulp properties have been studied for three different types of reject pulps (softwood TMP, softwood CTMP and hardwood CTMP), which were refined at varying intensity. Resulting pulp properties have been compared with high consistency refining (HCR) of the same reject pulps. For all furnish types, it was shown that LCR can develop pulp properties matching those developed through HCR with significantly less energy. The resulting pulp properties were found to be affected not only by refining intensity and energy, but also by initial fibre morphology. Pilot LCR trials demonstrated that high freeness reject pulp is initially insensitive to refining intensity as specific energy is applied. This enables the first stage of LCR to be carried out at a higher specific energy and intensity, which can reduce the number of stages of LCR required to reach a target quality. This work shows that low intensity LCR is capable of achieving the same tensile index as HCR pulp at a target freeness of 200 ml CSF.
Strong paper from spruce CTMP – Part II: Effect of pressing at nip press temperatures above the lignin softening temperature
Authors: Norgren Sven , Pettersson Gunilla , Höglund Hans
Published: May 2018

The main objective of the current study was to demonstrate that it is possible to enhance strength properties of sheets from spruce HT-CTMP and CTMP furnishes up to the same level as is common on sheets from softwood kraft pulps by changing conditions in papermaking. To achieve that, sheets of spruce HT-CTMP and CTMP were consolidated at densities close to that of the reference bleach kraft pulp by pressing at press nip temperatures well above the tack and softening temperatures of lignin. On sheets from spruce CTMP (CSF 420 ml), where the fibers were surface treated with cationic starch, it was possible to reach tensile index at the same level as on sheets from the untreated reference kraft pulp. The compression strength (SCT) of CTMP and HT-CTMP sheets, which were achieved at the highest press nip temperature (200 °C) in the study, was equal to or higher than that of the reference kraft pulp sheets. The results show that there is a great yet unexploited potential in papermaking from spruce HT-CTMP and CTMP furnishes, which could be utilized in manufacturing of products where very high requirements upon strength is demanded.
Deinkability of different secondary fibers by enzymes
Authors: Gao Shipeng , Li Ling , Lin Ying , Han Shuangyan
Published: May 2018

The efficiency and effects of enzymatic deinking using xylanase and lipase mixed with amylase (XLA) for deinking secondary fibers were investigated for mixed office waste (MOW), photocopy prints (PHOT) and old newspapers (ONP). The optical and physical properties of deinked pulps were evaluated. Changes in fiber morphology, crystallinity index and functional groups were also monitored. The results show that for non-impact prints (MOW and PHOT), a maximum deinking efficiency of 19.9 % and 13.9 % were obtained with enzymatic deinking (XLA), respectively. For ONP, conventional alkaline demonstrated the highest efficiency of 12.20 %. XLA treatment significantly improved the tensile index and tear index of MOW and PHOT but caused a slightly reduction for ONP, relative to respective blank. It was found that kink index and curl index were significantly decreased, caused a 55.6 % reduction in the kink index for PHOT and a 35.8 % reduction in the curl index for ONP. FT-IR observation show that the relative intensity of the alkaline/enzymatic-deinked pulp has changed differently according to the type of wastepaper. These results indicate the synergistic effects of xylanase, lipase and amylase making enzymatic treatment a promising method that can substitute alkaline deinking for non-impact prints.
Adapting sweetpotato production to changing climate in Mozambique
Authors: Makunde Godwill S. , Andrade Maria I. , Menomussanga Joana , Grüneberg Wolfgang
Published: May 2018

Vines are the major source of planting material in sweetpotato. Extended dry spells hinder conservation of vines and in turn affect the availability of planting material at the onset of rains in southern Africa. In some cases, improved sweetpotato germplasm has been lost by smallholder farmers in Mozambique due to prolonged dry spells. Small to medium roots provide an opportunity to conserve germplasm and get planting material at the beginning of the rainy season. The objectives of the study were to (i) measure sprouting ability of diverse germplasm of sweetpotato - farmer varieties, improved clones and released varieties and (ii) estimate their ability to provide planting material for the next crop in southern Mozambique. Trials with 29 genotypes were established in a randomized complete block design with two replications at Umbeluzi Research Station and Nwalate Farm in 2015, 2016 and 2017. At harvest, 14 small to medium roots were selected and stored in small plastic dishes filled with dry sand at Nwalate Farm. After four months in storage, 10 similar roots were taken and planted in 1 m row plots arranged in a randomized complete block design with two replications. The trials were irrigated to initiate sprouting and support plant growth during the first four weeks. Data collected were analysed using SAS 1996. All the tested genotypes sprouted after sowing. The number of sprouts per root were significantly affected by the genotype, location and genotype x location x year interactions. Caelan had the most sprouts per root. Sprout length measured at six weeks after sprouting was also significantly affected by genotype, location, year and genotype x location x year interactions. Caelan had vines each long enough to provide 10 cuttings of 10 cm length for rapid multiplication. The number of cuttings depended on the growth habit of the variety. Irene, a popular variety in Mozambique, is erect and bushy and could only provide four cuttings over the same period. Growth habit especially under a changing climate should be considered in breeding programs as an option of facilitating a sustainable and easy seed system.
Properties and units in the clinical laboratory sciences part XXIV. Properties and units in clinical molecular genetics (IUPAC Technical Report)
Authors: Petersen Ulla M. , Padró-Miquel Ariadna , Taylor Graham , Hertz Jens Michael , Ceder Rebecca , Fuentes-Arderiu Xavier , den Dunnen Johan T.
Published: May 2018

This document describes the application of the syntax, semantic rules, and format of the Nomenclature for Properties and Units (NPU) terminology for coded dedicated kinds-of-property in the subject field of clinical molecular genetics. A vocabulary for NPU definitions in this field, based on international terminology and nomenclature, is introduced and examples of actual NPU definitions for different types of investigations are given and explained.
Optical oxygen sensing with quantum dot conjugates
Authors: Lemon Christopher M.
Published: May 2018

The ability to track and quantify changes in oxygen concentration as a function of disease progression or therapy is crucial to advance targeted chemotherapeutics. New non-invasive sensors must be developed that are small enough to penetrate into tissue and monitor dynamic changes with high resolution in real time. One way to address this challenge is with the use of nanoparticle-based sensors. This review details the design, synthesis, and characterization of optical oxygen sensors that combine a fluorescent semiconductor quantum dot (QD) with an oxygen-responsive phosphorescent molecule. The QD may have multifaceted roles in these constructs, serving as an internal standard for ratiometric sensing, as an antenna for multiphoton absorption, and as an energy transfer donor for the attendant phosphorescent molecule. Solid-state devices may be prepared by embedding the two components in a polymer matrix. Alternatively, solution-phase sensors can be synthesized by covalent conjugation, self-assembly in organic solvents, or micelle encapsulation in aqueous media. Several sensors have been used for biological imaging and oxygen sensing, demonstrating that these constructs can quantify oxygen in biological systems.
Redox sorption of Ce(III)/Ce(IV) on potassium bismuthate
Authors: Hassan R. S. , Hassan H. S. , Elmaghraby Elsayed K. , Borai E. H.
Published: May 2018

Potassium bismuthate rods was synthesized in a form of elongated rods in non-aqueous methanol medium. The material morphology and structure were investigated using energy dispersive spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The effects of annealing temperature on the material morphology and structure were investigated. Sorption kinetic study and ionic selectivity was investigated using batch technique. The sorption of Ce3+ on potassium bismuthate was found to be Ce3+ cation’s ionic state selective process. Results showed that the chemical sorption of Ce3+ ionic state in KBiO3 follows the reduction of Bi5+ to Bi2− as a result of the formation of cerium bismuthide

(

Ce

2

3
+

Bi

2
−

O
2

)
.

$({\rm{Ce}}_2^{3 + }{\rm{B}}{{\rm{i}}^{2 - }}{{\rm{O}}_2}).$

The suggested chemo-sorption mechanism includes equilibration parallel processes of the released K+ to form K2CeO2 and Bi2O3 that consumes the original material. The sorption kinetic has two different orders depending on contact time, isotherms fits adequately with Freundlich model and Dubinin-Radushkevich model. The material is considered a candidate for lanthanides radioactivity removal from aqueous media for radioactive waste disposal processes.
Synthesis of isotope – labeled selective PDE5 inhibitor sildenafil (UK 92480-10)
Authors: Bolla R. Sekhar , Gulipalli Kali Charan , Gandikota N. Murthy , Bodige Srinu , Viswanath I. V. Kasi
Published: May 2018

Sildenfil a vasodilating agent is a selective inhibitor of cyclic guanosine monophosphate – specific phosphodiesterase type 5 which is used for the treatment of male erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension. We presented a detailed approach for the synthesis of [2H3]sildenafil, [2H8]sildenafil and N-desmethyl [2H8]sildenafil. By using the approach we successfully synthesized [2H3]sildenafil, [2H8]sildenafil and N-desmethyl [2H8]sildenafil with good isotopic abundance.
Evaluation of gamma-ray attenuation properties of lithium borate glasses doped with barite, limonite and serpentine
Authors: Yıldız Yorgun Nergiz , Kavaz Esra , Oto Berna , Akdemir Fatma
Published: May 2018

The values of mass attenuation coefficient, the effective atomic number and the electron density of barite-doped, limonite-doped, serpentine-doped and undoped lithium borate glasses were obtained not only from experimental study using the narrow beam transmission method for 81, 121, 244, 276, 344, 383, 444 and 778 keV gamma energies with Hp-Ge detector, but also therotical work by WinXCom software (1 keV–105 MeV). From the obtained results, all glasses type mass attenuation coefficient values tend to decrease under the condition of increasing energy by means of varied interaction mechanism in different energy regions. In addition, the effect of chemical composition on shielding properties was also investigated. It is inferred that doping element with high atomic number improves the gamma rays shielding properties of system. Among the investigated samples, barite-doped lithium borate glasses have highest value of mass attenuation, which makes barite-doped samples good candidates for artificial radiation application where visual detection is especially required.