bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postpolymerization modification based on dynamic imine chemistry for the synthesis of functional polyacetylenes
Authors: Ren Juntao , Ni Baojian , Liu Heng , Hu Yanming , Zhang Xuequan , Masuda Toshio
Published: January 2019

This study established a postpolymerization modification method for the preparation of functional polyacetylenes based on dynamic imine chemistry.
The efficient immobilization of uranium(vi) by modified dendritic fibrous nanosilica (DFNS) using mussel bioglue
Authors: Yang Peipei , Chen Rongrong , Liu Qi , Zhang Hongsen , Liu Jingyuan , Yu Jing , Liu Peili , Bai Xuefeng , Wang Jun
Published: January 2019

Herein, a dendritic fibrous nanosilica (DFNS)-based adsorbent was constructed through bio-inspired bifunctional stimulation as a rapid and efficient trap for uranium(vi).
Trisannulation of benzamides and cyclohexadienone-tethered 1,1-disubstituted allenes initiated by Cp*Rh(iii)-catalyzed C–H activation
Authors: Kong De-Shen , Wang Yi-Fan , Tan Yun-Xuan , Zhang Jun-Li , Zhang Jian-Ge , Tian Ping , Lin Guo-Qiang
Published: January 2019

A trisannulation of benzamides and cyclohexadienone-tethered 1,1-disubstituted allenes was achievedviathe initiation of Cp*Rh(iii)-catalyzed C–H bond activation.
LSA: a local-weighted structural alignment tool for pharmaceutical virtual screening
Authors: Li Xiuming , Yan Xin , Yang Yuedong , Gu Qiong , Zhou Huihao , Du Yunfei , Lu Yutong , Liao Jielou , Xu Jun
Published: January 2019

A local-weighted structural alignment tool by considering the contributions of both overall similarity and local substructure match.
Insight into the effect of quinic acid on biofilm formed byStaphylococcus aureus
Authors: Bai Jin-Rong , Wu Yan-Ping , Elena Grosu , Zhong Kai , Gao Hong
Published: January 2019

QA effectively inhibitedS. aureusbiofilm formation. The key genes of biofilm inhibition induced by QA wereagrAandsarA.
Co-amorphous palbociclib–organic acid systems with increased dissolution rate, enhanced physical stability and equivalent biosafety
Authors: Zhang Man , Xiong Xinnuo , Suo Zili , Hou Quan , Gan Na , Tang Peixiao , Ding Xiaohui , Li Hui
Published: January 2019

The study of co-amorphous systems presented a safe and effective formulation technology for the development of new palbociclib solid forms with great dissolution rates, good physical stability, and high bioavailability.
A general route to modify diatomite with niobates for versatile applications of heavy metal removal
Authors: Wang Tianning , Yang Yunfei , Wang Jinshu , Wu Junshu , Sun Lingmin , Du Yucheng , Li Yongli , Li Hongyi
Published: January 2019

Nanostructured niobates are crystallized on natural diatomite for cleaning polluted water with heavy metal ions.
A TiO2/C catalyst having biomimetic channels and extremely low Pt loading for formaldehyde oxidation
Authors: Liu Wei , Gong Yutao , Li Xueping , Luo Cai-wu , Liu Congmin , Chao Zi-sheng
Published: January 2019

This study presents a TiO2/C hybrid material with biomimetic channels fabricated using a wood template.
Study of the perpendicular self-assembly of a novel high-χ block copolymer without any neutral layer on a silicon substrate
Authors: Zhang Baolin , Liu Weichen , Meng Lingkuan , Zhang Zhengping , Zhang Libin , Wu Xing , Dai Junyan , Mao Guoping , Wei Yayi
Published: January 2019

A novel type of high-χ block copolymer, polystyrene-block-polycarbonate (PS-b-PC), which contains an active –NH– group on the polymer backbone between the PS block and the PC block, has been successfully synthesized.
Effects of Ga substitution on electronic and thermoelectric properties of gapless semiconductor V3Al
Authors: Chen Xiaorui , Huang Yuhong , Liu Jing , Yuan Hongkuan , Chen Hong
Published: January 2019

Reduced thermal conductivity and enhanced thermoelectric efficiency was demonstrated by Ga substitution for Al at room temperature in p-type V3Al1−xGax.
Perspective on SCR NOx control for diesel vehicles
Authors: Lambert Christine K.
Published: January 2019

The selective catalytic reduction of NOx with aqueous urea (“urea SCR”) is originally a steady-state technology that has been successfully applied to diesel vehicles worldwide. This Perspective summarizes 20+ years of SCR system research, design, and future improvements.
Synthesis of 18F-difluoromethylarenes using aryl boronic acids, ethyl bromofluoroacetate and [18F]fluoride
Authors: Sap Jeroen B. I. , Wilson Thomas C. , Kee Choon Wee , Straathof Natan J. W. , Ende Christopher W. am , Mukherjee Paramita , Zhang Lei , Genicot Christophe , Gouverneur Véronique
Published: January 2019

Herein, we report the radiosynthesis of 18F-difluoromethylarenes via the assembly of three components, a boron reagent, ethyl bromofluoroacetate, and cyclotron-produced non-carrier added [18F]fluoride.
Dinuclear manganese alkoxide complexes as catalysts for C–N bond cleavage of simple tertiary N,N-dialkylamides to give esters
Authors: Nagae Haruki , Hirai Takahiro , Kato Daiki , Soma Shusei , Akebi Shin-ya , Mashima Kazushi
Published: January 2019

Amide bonds are stable due to the resonance between the nitrogen lone pair and the carbonyl moiety, and therefore the chemical transformation of amides, especially tertiary amides, involving C–N bond fission is considered one of the most difficult organic reactions, unavoidably requiring harsh reaction conditions and strong acids or bases.
Desorption reaction in MgH2 studied with in situ μ+SR
Authors: Sugiyama Jun , Umegaki Izumi , Matsumoto Mitsuru , Miwa Kazutoshi , Nozaki Hiroshi , Higuchi Yuki , Noritake Tatsuo , Forslund Ola K. , Månsson Martin , Cottrell Stephen P. , Koda Akihiro , Ansaldo Eduardo J. , Brewer Jess H.
Published: January 2019

To study the mechanism determining the desorption temperature of hydrogen storage materials, we have measured muon spin rotation and relaxation (μ+SR) in MgH2 together with the pressure in the sample space.
Ultra-small Mo2C nanodots encapsulated in nitrogen-doped porous carbon for pH-universal hydrogen evolution: insights into the synergistic enhancement of HER activity by nitrogen doping and structural defects
Authors: Han Weiwei , Chen Lulu , Ma Biao , Wang Jun , Song Weiyu , Fan Xiaobin , Li Yang , Zhang Fengbao , Peng Wenchao
Published: January 2019

A facile one-pot synthesis method was used. The synergistic effect of nitrogen doping and structure defects on the carbon layer leaded to the high HER activity.
Recent progress in electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction
Authors: Guo Xiaoxi , Du Huitong , Qu Fengli , Li Jinghong
Published: January 2019

Ammonia (NH3) is an activated nitrogen building block for the manufacture of modern fertilizers, plastics, fibers, explosives, etc.; however, its production is limited to the traditional Haber–Bosch process.
Vertically aligned carbon fibers as supporting scaffolds for phase change composites with anisotropic thermal conductivity and good shape stability
Authors: Sheng Nan , Zhu Ruijie , Dong Kaixin , Nomura Takahiro , Zhu Chunyu , Aoki Yoshitaka , Habazaki Hiroki , Akiyama Tomohiro
Published: January 2019

Anisotropic thermally conductive and shape-stabilized phase change composites were prepared with vertically aligned carbon fibers as supporting scaffolds.
DNA-directed amphiphilic self-assembly as a chemifunctional/multiscale-structuring strategy for high-performance Li–S batteries
Authors: Cho Seok-Kyu , Cho Sung-Ju , Lee Seong-Sun , Choi Keun-Ho , Lee Sang-Young
Published: January 2019

DNA-directed amphiphilic self-assembly is presented as a new class of a chemifunctional/multiscale-structuring strategy and its potential application to Li–S cathode was explored.
CoII-catalyzed room-temperature growth of MnO2 on the skeleton of carbonized zeolitic imidazolate framework-67 crystals for boosting oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Zhang Jing-Xuan , Zhou Lin-Nan , Cheng Jing , Yin Xia , Kuang Wen-Tao , Li Yong-Jun
Published: January 2019

At room temperature, MnO2 nanosheets were successfully planted over carbon surface, and exhibit satisfactory electrocatalytic performance in oxygen reduction reaction, comparable to state-of-the-art Pt/C catalyst.
Record high cationic dye separation performance for water sanitation using a neutral coordination framework
Authors: Wang Zheng , Zhu Cheng-Yi , Zhao Heng-Shun , Yin Shao-Yun , Wang Su-Juan , Zhang Jian-Hua , Jiang Ji-Jun , Pan Mei , Su Cheng-Yong
Published: January 2019

It is of significant importance to capture and separate organic pollutants from water sources to combat the growing environmental problems.
Gel-based soft actuators driven by light
Authors: Mauro Matteo
Published: January 2019

Gels that display light-induced motile, life-like actions are reviewed and their potential applications as light-driven soft actuators are also discussed.
Fluorescent nitric oxide donor for the detection and killing ofPseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Hibbard Hailey A. J. , Reynolds Melissa M.
Published: January 2019

This paper reports a novel fluorescent nitric oxide donor for the simultaneous detection and killing ofPseudomonas aeruginosa.
Peptide-based gene delivery vectors
Authors: Kang Ziyao , Meng Qingbin , Liu Keliang
Published: January 2019

Gene therapy as a strategy for disease treatment requires safe and efficient gene delivery systems that encapsulate nucleic acids and deliver them to effective sites in the cell.
An arylphosphine oxide and phosphonate combination as a solution processable electron injection layer for power-efficient PLEDs
Authors: Li Xuefei , Bai Keyan , Wang Shumeng , Ding Junqiao , Wang Lixiang
Published: January 2019

An all organic mixed electron injection layer composed of SPPO13:TPPO has been newly developed to construct fully solution-processed PLEDs with high power efficiency.
Analytical determination of heroin, fentanyl and fentalogues using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array and amperometric detection
Authors: Elbardisy Hadil M. , Foster Christopher W. , Cumba Loanda , Antonides Lysbeth H. , Gilbert Nicolas , Schofield Christopher J. , Belal Tarek S. , Talaat Wael , Sutcliffe Oliver B. , Daabees Hoda G. , Banks Craig E.
Published: January 2019

We report a combination of HPLC and electrochemistry towards the detection of heroin, fentanyl and ten fentalogues.
Enantioselective intramolecular C–H amination of aliphatic azides by dual ruthenium and phosphine catalysis
Authors: Qin Jie , Zhou Zijun , Cui Tianjiao , Hemming Marcel , Meggers Eric
Published: January 2019

By combining a chiral-at-metal ruthenium catalyst with catalytic amounts of tris(p-fluorophenyl)phosphine (both 1 mol%), the challenging catalytic enantioselective ring-closing C(sp3)-H amination of unactivated aliphatic azides has been achieved with high enantioselectivities.
Efficient electrocatalytic N2 reduction on CoO quantum dots
Authors: Chu Ke , Liu Ya-ping , Li Yu-biao , Zhang Hu , Tian Ye
Published: January 2019

Density functional theory calculations revealed that CoO possessed poor HER activity but favorable NRR activity. CoO quantum dots (2–5 nm) supported on graphene exhibited a high NH3 yield of 21.5 μg h−1 mg−1 and a faradaic efficiency of 8.3% at −0.6 V vs. RHE under ambient conditions, superior to most of the reported NRR catalysts.
Representation of Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids in the U.S. Newspaper Media: Cross-Sectional Analysis of Secondary Data
Authors: Manchaiah Vinaya , Ratinaud Pierre , Beukes Eldré W.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

News media plays an important role in formulating people's knowledge and opinions about various aspects of life, including health. The current study explored how hearing loss and hearing aids are represented in the U.S. newspaper media.

Method

A cross-sectional study design was selected to analyze publicly available newspaper media data. The data sets were generated from the database, the U.S. Major Dailies by ProQuest, by searching key words for newspapers published during 1990–2017. Cluster analysis (i.e., text pattern analysis) and chi-square tests were performed using Iramuteq software.

Results

The hearing loss data set had 1,527 texts (i.e., articles). The cluster analysis resulted in 7 clusters, which were named as (1)
causes and consequences
(26.1%), (2)
early identification and diagnosis
(9%), (3)
health promotion and prevention
(22.1%), (4)
recreational noise exposure
(10.4%), (5)
prevalence
(14.3%), (6)
research and development
(12.4%), and (7)
cognitive hearing science
(5.6%). The hearing aids data set had 2,667 texts. The cluster analysis resulted in 8 clusters, which were named as (1)
signal processing
(20.2%), (2)
insurance
(8.9%), (3)
prevalence
(12.4%), (4)
research and development
(5.4%), (5)
activities and relation
(16.2%), (6)
features to address background noise
(13.8%), (7)
innovation
(12%), and (8)
wireless and connectivity
(11.1%). Time series analysis of clusters in both “hearing loss” and “hearing aids” data sets indicated changes in the pattern of information presented in the newspaper media during 1990–2016 (e.g., Cluster 7 focuses on cognitive hearing science in a hearing loss data set emerging only since the year 2012 and growing rapidly).

Conclusions

The text pattern analysis showed that the U.S. newspaper media focuses on a range of issues when considering hearing loss and hearing aids and that patterns or trends change over time. The study results can be helpful for hearing health care professionals to understand what presuppositions society in general may have as the media has the ability to influence societal perception and opinions.
Gaia GraL: Gaia DR2 Gravitational Lens Systems
Authors: Delchambre L. , Krone-Martins A. , Wertz O. , Ducourant C. , Galluccio L. , Klüter J. , Mignard F. , Teixeira R. , Djorgovski S. G. , Stern D. , Graham M. J. , Surdej J. , Bastian U. , Wambsganss J. , Le Campion J.-F. , Slezak E.
Published: January 2019

Aims. In this work, we aim to provide a reliable list of gravitational lens candidates based on a search performed over the entire Gaia Data Release 2 (Gaia DR2). We also aim to show that the astrometric and photometric information coming from the Gaia satellite yield sufficient insights for supervised learning methods to automatically identify strong gravitational lens candidates with an efficiency that is comparable to methods based on image processing.

Methods. We simulated 106 623 188 lens systems composed of more than two images, based on a regular grid of parameters characterizing a non-singular isothermal ellipsoid lens model in the presence of an external shear. These simulations are used as an input for training and testing our supervised learning models consisting of extremely randomized trees (ERTs). These trees are finally used to assign to each of the 2 129 659 clusters of celestial objects extracted from the Gaia DR2 a discriminant value that reflects the ability of our simulations to match the observed relative positions and fluxes from each cluster. Once complemented with additional constraints, these discriminant values allow us to identify strong gravitational lens candidates out of the list of clusters.

Results. We report the discovery of 15 new quadruply-imaged lens candidates with angular separations of less than 6″ and assess the performance of our approach by recovering 12 of the 13 known quadruply-imaged systems with all their components detected in Gaia DR2 with a misclassification rate of fortuitous clusters of stars as lens systems that is below 1%. Similarly, the identification capability of our method regarding quadruply-imaged systems where three images are detected in Gaia DR2 is assessed by recovering 10 of the 13 known quadruply-imaged systems having one of their constituting images discarded. The associated misclassification rate varies between 5.83% and 20%, depending on the image we decided to remove.
Comparative study of nitrogen implantation effect on mechanical and tribological properties of Ti-6Al-4V and Ti-10Zr-10Nb-5Ta alloys
Authors: Carquigny Stéphanie , Takadoum Jamal , Ivanescu Steliana
Published: January 2019

The effect of nitrogen implantation on mechanical and tribological properties of Ti-6Al-4V and Ti-10Zr-10Nb-5Ta alloys was studied. Increasing implantation dose from 1 × 1016N+/cm2to 2 × 1017N+/cm2leads to increase gradually both hardness and Young's modulus. The results show that implantation of 2 × 1017N+/cm2allowed to double the value of Young's modulus and to triple the value of hardness. Friction tests that have been conducted against 100Cr6 steel and alumina balls showed that tribological behavior of the two alloys depend on the nature of the counterpart material and is strongly affected by the implanted dose of nitrogen.
Randomized generation of error control codes with automata and transducers
Authors: Konstantinidis Stavros , Moreira Nelma , Reis Rogério
Published: January 2019

We introduce the concept of an -maximal error-detecting block code, for some parameter in (0,1), in order to formalize the situation where a block code is close to maximal with respect to being error-detecting. Our motivation for this is that it is computationally hard to decide whether an error-detecting block code is maximal. We present an output-polynomial time randomized algorithm that takes as input two positive integers N, ℓ and a specification of the errors permitted in some application, and generates an error-detecting, or error-correcting, block code of length ℓ that is 99%-maximal, or contains N words with a high likelihood. We model error specifications as (nondeterministic) transducers, which allow one to represent any rational combination of substitution and synchronization errors. We also present some elements of our implementation of various error-detecting properties and their associated methods. Then, we show several tests of the implemented randomized algorithm on various error specifications. A methodological contribution is the presentation of how various desirable error combinations can be expressed formally and processed algorithmically.
Design and optimization of the concept of a passenger train storage system
Authors: Cucu Lucian , Stoica Marilena , Simion Ionel , Stoica Gina Florica
Published: January 2019

The aim of this paper is to design a passenger train storage system. It concerns with the idea of safe storage in public transportation. The design consists of developing a new type of storage system complying with the standards of the European Union (EU) that can improve the railroad transportation system.
Intensification des échanges de chaleur dans les dissipateurs de microordinateurs
Authors: Aris Abdelkader , Guessab Ahmed , Meddah Medjahed Driss
Published: January 2019

Nous proposons dans cet article, l’étude de l’effet de variation de la géométrie de l’ailette sur le refroidissement d’un microprocesseur. Plusieurs paramètres géométriques ont été variés : nombre d’ailettes, largeur et hauteur du canal, épaisseur de la base du dissipateur et le débit d’écoulements. La modélisation 3D est effectuée sous le logiciel floworks et la technique de mesure par caméra infrarouge est utilisée.
Etude d’un jet de ferrofluide confiné en présence de deux sources magnétiques
Authors: Nessab Walid , Fersadou Brahim , Kahalerras Henda
Published: January 2019

La présente étude est une analyse numérique du transfert de chaleur et de l’écoulement d’un jet de ferrofluide confiné dans un canal plan en présence de deux sources magnétiques. Le modèle de Buongiorno est utilisé pour décrire l’écoulement du ferrofluide avec la prise en compte de l’effet ferrohydrodynamique. Les équations gouvernantes avec les conditions aux limites associées sont résolues par la méthode des volumes finis. Les résultats révèlent une amélioration du transfert de chaleur avec l’augmentation du nombre magnétique (Mn) et la réduction du rapport d’ouverture (R).
Effet de l’érosion par des particules de sable sur la performance des pales d’éoliennes dans les zones arides et semi-arides
Authors: Rezig Ahmida , Yousfi Ahmed , Fréour Sylvain , Jacquemin Frédéric
Published: January 2019

Cet article présente les résultats d’une recherche expérimentale visant à étudier la dégradation de la surface des pales d’éoliennes situées dans des zones arides causée par les impacts de particules de sable et l’influence qui en résulte sur leur performance énergétique. Les essais sont effectués dans une sableuse à érosion puis dans la soufflerie pour la pale en fibre de verre / polyester non revêtue sous différents angles et durées d’impact. Les forces aérodynamiques sur les profiles NACA 4412 sont déterminées expérimentalement. Tous les profiles (AR = 0,571) sont testés dans une soufflerie à une vitesse de l’air de 10 m/s au nombre de Reynolds 6.5×105. Les résultats montrent les différences de comportement détectées pour les échantillons avec T = 160s, T = 240s et T = 340s (quand Ra augmente) en les comparant avec l’échantillon lisse (T = 0s, Ra = 0,94). Les coefficients de force (CL et CD) montrent des changements significatifs qui conduisent à une diminution du rapport portance-traînée et donc une perte de performance notable.
Adaptive sliding mode control with gravity compensation: Application to an upper-limb exoskeleton system
Authors: Bembli Sana , Khraief Haddad Nahla , Belghith Safya
Published: January 2019

This paper presents a robust control algorithm with gravity compensation in presence of parametric uncertainties. The application deals with an upper limb exoskeleton system, aimed for a rehabilitation application. The treated system is an robot with two degrees of freedom acting on the flexion / extension movement of the shoulder and elbow. An adaptive sliding mode algorithm with gravity compensation has been developed to control the upper limb exoskeleton system. A Stability study is realized. Then, a robustness analysis in the presence of parametric uncertainties using Monte Carlo simulation is developed. To prove the performance of the gravity compensation approach, a comparison study is done. Simulation results are presented to highlight the performances and the effectiveness of the proposed controller using gravity compensation.
Investigation of skin reactions in complex interventional radiology procedures
Authors: Kulkarni A.R. , Akhilesh P. , Mahalakshmi S. , Sharma S.D.
Published: January 2019

The aim of this study was to compare the radiation induced skin reactions, if any, on patients who underwent complex interventional radiology (IR) procedures and received cumulative air kerma (Ka) above 5 Gy, and experimentally validate the onset of skin reaction and estimate probable causes of such reactions. Six patients who underwent complex IR procedures and received Ka exceeding 5 Gy were followed up for a period of 2 years after the procedure to check for occurrence of skin reactions. Out of six patients, one patient reported with severe skin injury after a period of one month of IR procedure while another patient reported skin injury within 24 h after the IR procedure. The remaining 4 patients did not show any visible skin injury/reactions followed up for a period of two years after IR procedure. Reddening and peeling of patient skin reported within 24 h of the IR procedure were not concurring with exposed skin areas and this was validated by the phantom study. The follow up study of patients who received doses exceeding the threshold for skin reactions suggests that factors other than radiation dose may play a significant role in manifestation of radiation induced skin reactions. An intensive assessment and analysis of intrinsic and extrinsic factors related to radiation sensitivity of patients prior to complex IR procedures may help in preventing radiation induced skin reactions.
La technologie électronucléaire en France aujourd’hui
Authors: Safa Henri
Published: January 2019

L’actuel parc nucléaire français est constitué de réacteurs à eau pressurisée. Avant d’être mise en réacteur, la matière combustible, constituée d’uranium, résulte d’un long processus qui démarre à la mine et passe par des phases d’enrichissement et de préparation des crayons combustibles. Après irradiation en réacteur, les combustibles usés sont séparés et conditionnés pour être mis aux déchets. En France, une partie de ces combustibles fait l’objet d’un retraitement qui permet l’utilisation du plutonium, ce qui ajoute des étapes cruciales et stratégiques pour l’ensemble de la filière.
Gestion des déchets radioactifs
Authors: Le Déaut Jean-Yves
Published: January 2019

La gestion à long terme des déchets radioactifs produits dans les centrales nucléaires françaises relève d’un choix politique qui a suscité de nombreuses années de débats. Le Parlement a voté, depuis la fin des années 1980, trois lois permettant de fixer une stratégie nationale.
Les choix techniques du nucléaire français : le lien historique civil-militaire
Authors: Bercegol Hervé
Published: January 2019

Durant le second conflit mondial, un effort de guerre intense conduit la recherche scientifique à conquérir une nouvelle forme d’énergie, démontrée de façon radicale et cataclysmique par les bombardements nucléaires américains. L’énergie de l’atome vient au monde marquée du sceau de la géopolitique, du militaire et de la science. Le développement de l’énergie nucléaire qui s’ensuit en France n’échappera pas à ces trois déterminants : tout au long des années 1945 à 1970, le lien civil-militaire est manifeste dans les technologies de réacteurs développées par les deux grandes institutions françaises en charge de cette énergie, le CEA en premier lieu et EDF dès le milieu des années 1950.
Envisager le futur énergétique : des aspirations sociétales aux enjeux techniques
Authors: Maïzi Nadia , Briens François
Published: January 2019

Arbitrant entre plusieurs stratégies, voire choix de société, les modèles permettent l’exploration de différents scénarios pour aider à prendre des décisions. Une famille de modèles permet de comparer en détail trois scénarios, respectivement basés sur une croissance dite « verte » de la consommation d’énergie, avec augmentation ou suppression progressive du nucléaire, et sur une décroissance de la consommation d’énergie.
Preoperative Angiography for Free Fibula Flap Harvest: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Alolabi Noor , Dickson Lisa , Coroneos Christopher , Farrokhyar Forough , Levis Carolyn
Published: January 2019

Background The necessity for routine preoperative imaging for free fibula harvest is controversial. The primary objective of this meta-analysis is to determine if lower extremity angiography is necessary to detect abnormalities that may alter flap selection. The secondary objective is to determine if physical examination alone is sufficient to predict these abnormalities.

Methods A literature search was performed using Cochrane, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and EMBASE. Studies were selected for inclusion if they included patients undergoing free fibula flap harvest with preoperative imaging, with or without physical examination findings. Data extraction was performed independently and in duplicate, including a change in flap selection and the level of agreement between physical examination and imaging. Pooled proportions were calculated using a random-effects model and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results Sixteen studies were included for analysis. Mean sample size was 42 patients (range: 5–123). Included studies were of low methodologic quality. Pooled proportion of patients who had flap selection change secondary to abnormalities identified on preoperative angiography was 20.1% (95% CI: 9.6–33.2%). A pooled proportion of 71.5% (95% CI: 5–88.7%) of cases requiring change in flap selection was missed by physical examination findings alone.

Conclusion There is low-quality evidence suggesting a necessity for routine preoperative angiography for all patients undergoing free fibula flap harvest. Physical examination alone is insufficient in detecting vascular abnormalities that may result in limb compromise or an inability to successfully harvest a free fibula. Further investigation is warranted for cost-effectiveness of preoperative imaging protocols.
Antibodies in the Treatment of Haemophilia A—A Biochemical Perspective
Authors: Ferrière Stephen , Lenting Peter
Published: January 2019

Replacement therapy has been proven effective in the management of bleedings in haemophilia A. Nevertheless, this approach comes with several shortcomings, like the need for frequent intravenous infusions and the development of neutralizing antibodies in 20 to 30% of the patients with severe haemophilia A replacement. This has led to the development of novel strategies to expand the spectrum of treatment options, some of which are based on antibody technology. These include a bispecific antibody that bridges enzyme factor IXa and substrate factor X, monoclonal antibodies that block the function of tissue factor pathway inhibitor, and a factor VIII–nanobody fusion protein with strongly enhanced von Willebrand factor binding. In this review, functional and mechanistic considerations on the use of these antibody variants will be discussed.
High temperature, experimental thermal memory based on optical resonances in photonic crystal slabs
Authors: Morsy Ahmed M. , Biswas Roshni , Povinelli Michelle L.
Published: January 2019

We present an experimental thermal memory with direct optical control and readout. Information is stored in the internal temperature of the device, while laser illumination is used to read, write, and erase stored bits. Our design is based on an absorptive optical resonance in a silicon photonic crystal slab. When the slab is illuminated by a laser with a wavelength close to the resonance, the optical absorption is nonlinear with power, resulting in thermo-optic bistability. We experimentally demonstrate bistability in a fabricated device and show the reading, writing, and erasing of a single memory bit. A hybrid optothermal model shows good agreement with the experiment. Time dependent measurements show that the experimental write/erase times are less than 500 µs. We demonstrate that memory reliability is maintained over 106 cycles, with less than 3% change in the transmission values for the memory ON and OFF states. Our approach allows operation in high temperature and/or highly fluctuating temperature environment up to 100 °C or greater.
Generating novel waveguides for stimulated Brillouin scattering with genetic algorithms
Authors: Håkansson Jesper , Van Thourhout Dries
Published: January 2019

Over the last few years, there has been rapid development in demonstrating stimulated Brillouin scattering in chip-integrated optical waveguides. Most of the work has focused on finding good materials for achieving net gain, however, rather than on exploring novel waveguide designs. In this paper, we have used genetic algorithms to explore a wide range of possible waveguide shapes to achieve high gain in silicon and silicon oxide based integrated platforms. The result is a range of novel waveguide designs operating over a wide range of mechanical frequencies. Several of the waveguides found have a simulated gain in excess of 108 (Wm)−1, far above anything previously demonstrated.
Plasma instability of magnetically enhanced vacuum arc thruster
Authors: Chang L. , Zhang T. P. , Hu X. Y. , Wu X. M. , Sun X. F.
Published: January 2019

A two-fluid flowing plasma model is applied to describe the plasma rotation and resulted instability evolution in magnetically enhanced vacuum arc thruster (MEVAT). Typical experimental parameters are employed, including plasma density, equilibrium magnetic field, ion and electron temperatures, cathode materials, axial streaming velocity, and azimuthal rotation frequency. It is found that the growth rate of plasma instability increases with growing rotation frequency and field strength, and with descending electron temperature and atomic weight, for which the underlying physics are explained. The radial structure of density fluctuation is compared with that of equilibrium density gradient, and the radial locations of their peak magnitudes are very close, implying that the mode may be driven by density gradient. Temporal evolution of perturbed mass flow in the cross section of plasma column is also presented, which behaves in the form of clockwise rotation (direction of electron diamagnetic drift) at edge and anti-clockwise rotation (direction of ion diamagnetic drift) in the core, separated by a mode transition layer from n = 0 to n = 1. This work, to our best knowledge, is the first treatment of plasma instability caused by rotation and axial flow in MEVAT, and is also of great practical interest for other electric thrusters where rotating plasma is concerned for long-time stable operation and propulsion efficiency optimization.
Nanoindentation into a metastable austenite triggers the martensitic phase transformation—An atomistic study
Authors: Meiser Jerome , Alhafez Iyad Alabd , Beck Tilmann , Smaga Marek , Müller Ralf , Urbassek Herbert M.
Published: January 2019

Indentation into a metastable austenite may induce the phase transformation to the bcc phase. We study this process using atomistic simulation. At temperatures low compared to the equilibrium transformation temperature, the indentation triggers the transformation of the entire crystallite: after starting the transformation, it rapidly proceeds throughout the simulation crystallite. The microstructure of the transformed sample is characterized by twinned grains. At higher temperatures, around the equilibrium transformation temperature, the crystal transforms only locally, in the vicinity of the indent pit. In addition, the indenter produces dislocation plasticity in the remaining austenite. At intermediate temperatures, the crystal continuously transforms throughout the indentation process.
Ultrasonic spray coating as an approach for large-area polymer OLEDs: The influence of thin film processing and surface roughness on electrical performance
Authors: Routledge Thomas J. , Lidzey David G. , Buckley Alastair R.
Published: January 2019

In this article we present a detailed comparison of ultrasonic spray coating and spin coating for the fabrication of polymer organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). Single-carrier devices of hole-transporting polymer poly[(9,9-dioctylfluorenyl-2,7-diyl)-co-(4,4’(N-(4-sec-butylphenyl))) diphenylamine] (TFB) were fabricated by ultrasonic spray coating. Uniform reference devices using spin coating were also made. We have shown, across a range of device thicknesses from 37 nm to 138 nm, typical of those used in OLED hole-transport layers, that there is no statistical difference in the hole-injection efficiency between ultrasonic spray coating and spin coating. We have also demonstrated the importance of controlling the roughness of the films and we determine a threshold of 10 nm average roughness below which injection efficiency is not controlled by roughness. However, above 10 nm roughness we find a reduction in injection efficiency up to an 86 % loss in performance for roughnesses of the order of 40 % the thickness of the film. By optimising the deposition parameters, in order to allow the wet films to start to equilibrate, we find a wide processing window for smooth uniform films with excellent injection efficiency. This work reinforces the importance of ultrasonic spray coating as a potential route to high volume manufacturing of OLED based technology.
New model suggests source of spectral broadening in liquid water
Authors: Cesare Chris
Published: January 2019

Vibrations of short-lived and heterogeneous hydrogen bonds are the likely cause of unresolved spectral features.
ebGSEA: an improved Gene Set Enrichment Analysis method for Epigenome-Wide-Association Studies
Authors: Dong Danyue , Tian Yuan , Zheng Shijie C , Teschendorff Andrew E
Published: January 2019

Motivation

The biological interpretation of differentially methylated sites derived from Epigenome-Wide-Association Studies (EWAS) remains a significant challenge. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) is a general tool to aid biological interpretation, yet its correct and unbiased implementation in the EWAS context is difficult due to the differential probe representation of Illumina Infinium DNA methylation beadchips.

Results

We present a novel GSEA method, called ebGSEA, which ranks genes, not CpGs, according to the overall level of differential methylation, as assessed using all the probes mapping to the given gene. Applied on simulated and real EWAS data, we show how ebGSEA may exhibit higher sensitivity and specificity than the current state-of-the-art, whilst also avoiding differential probe representation bias. Thus, ebGSEA will be a useful additional tool to aid the interpretation of EWAS data.

Availability and implementation

ebGSEA is available from https://github.com/aet21/ebGSEA, and has been incorporated into the ChAMP Bioconductor package (https://www.bioconductor.org).

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Hearing Loss and Depression in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Lawrence Blake J , Jayakody Dona M P , Bennett Rebecca J , Eikelboom Robert H , Gasson Natalie , Friedland Peter L
Published: January 2019

Background and Objectives

Studies reporting an association between hearing loss and depression in older adults are conflicting and warrant a systematic review and meta-analysis of the evidence.

Research Design and Methods

A search of academic databases (e.g., MEDLINE) and gray literature (e.g., OpenGrey) identified relevant articles published up to July 17, 2018. Cross-sectional or cohort designs were included. Outcome effects were computed as odds ratios (ORs) and pooled using random-effects meta-analysis (PROSPERO: CRD42018084494).

Results

A total of 147,148 participants from 35 studies met inclusion criteria. Twenty-four studies were cross-sectional and 11 were cohort designs. Overall, hearing loss was associated with statistically significantly greater odds of depression in older adults (OR = 1.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.31−1.65). When studies were stratified by design, hearing loss was associated with greater odds of depression in cross-sectional studies (OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.31−1.80) and cohort studies (OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.16 − 1.67), and there was no difference between cross-sectional or cohort effect estimates (Q = 0.64, p = .42). There was no effect of moderator variables (i.e., hearing aid use) on the association between hearing loss and depression, but these findings must be interpreted with caution. There was no presence of publication bias but certainty in the estimation of the overall effect was classified as “low.”

Discussion and Implications

Older adults may experience increased odds of depression associated with hearing loss, and this association may not be influenced by study or participant characteristics.
Effects of Meditation and Mind–Body Exercises on Older Adults’ Cognitive Performance: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Chan John S Y , Deng Kanfeng , Wu Jiamin , Yan Jin H
Published: January 2019

Background and Objectives

Meditation and mind–body exercises are suggested to delay decline or enhance cognitive capabilities in older adults. However, their effectiveness remains uncertain. This study assessed the effectiveness of meditation and mind–body exercises to improve cognition in elderly people aged 60 years or above. Moderator variables were also explored.

Research Design and Methods

A databases search (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wangfang) was conducted from the first available date to January 10, 2018. Inclusion criteria include (a) human older adults aged 60 years or above, (b) meditation, Tai Chi, Qigong, or yoga intervention, (c) intervention should be structured, (d) inclusion of a control group, (e) at least one outcome measure of cognition was measured at baseline and post-training, and (f) peer-reviewed journal articles in English or Chinese.

Results

Forty-one studies (N = 3,551) were included in the meta-analysis. In general, meditation and mind–body exercises improve cognition in the elderly people (SMD = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.19 to 0.48), but the cognition-enhancing effects depend on the type of exercise. In addition, cognitive performance is only improved when the length of intervention is longer than 12 weeks, exercise frequency is 3–7 times/week, or duration of an exercise session is 45–60 min/session.

Discussion and Implications

This study suggests that meditation and mind–body exercises are effective to improve cognition of older adults aged 60 years or above, and exercise parameters should be considered for intervention planning.
Time-series metabarcoding analysis of zooplankton diversity of the NW Atlantic continental shelf
Authors: Bucklin Ann , Yeh Heidi D , Questel Jennifer M , Richardson David E , Reese Bo , Copley Nancy J , Wiebe Peter H
Published: January 2019

Biodiversity of zooplankton is central to the functioning of ocean ecosystems, yet morphological taxonomic analysis requires teams of experts and detailed examination of many samples. Metabarcoding (DNA sequencing of short amplified regions of one or a few genes from environmental samples) is a powerful tool for analysis of the composition and diversity of natural communities. The 18S rRNA V9 hypervariable region was sequenced for 26 zooplankton samples collected from the Gulf of Maine, Georges Bank, and Mid-Atlantic Bight during ecosystem monitoring surveys by the U.S. Northeast Fisheries Science Center during 2002–2012. A total of 7 648 033 sequences and 22 072 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified and classified into 28 taxonomic groups of plankton. Comparative analysis of molecular (V9 sequence numbers) and morphological (abundance counts) focused on seven taxonomic groups and revealed similar patterns of variation among years and regions. Sequence numbers and abundance counts showed positive correlation for all groups, with significant correlations (p < 0.05) for Calanoida, Gastropoda, and Chaetognatha. Shannon diversity index values calculated using sequence numbers and abundance counts showed highly significant correlation (r = 0.625; p < 0.001) across all regions during 2002–2012. This study demonstrates the potential of metabarcoding for time-series analysis of zooplankton biodiversity, ocean ecosystem assessment, and fisheries management.
Morphine induces dysfunction of PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy in spinal cord neurons implying involvement in antinociceptive tolerance
Authors: Kong Hong , Jiang Chun-Yi , Hu Liang , Teng Peng , Zhang Yan , Pan Xiu-Xiu , Sun Xiao-Di , Liu Wen-Tao
Published: January 2019

The development of opioid-induced analgesic tolerance is a clinical challenge in long-term use for managing chronic pain. The mechanisms of morphine tolerance are poorly understood. Mitochondria-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a crucial signal inducing analgesic tolerance and pain. Chronic administration of morphine leads to robust ROS production and accumulation of damaged mitochondria, which are immediately removed by mitophagy. Here, we show that morphine inhibits mitochondria damage-induced accumulation of PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1) in neurons. It interrupts the recruitment of Parkin to the impaired mitochondria and inhibits the ubiquitination of mitochondrial proteins catalyzed by Parkin. Consequently, morphine suppresses the recognition of autophagosomes to the damaged mitochondria mediated by LC3 and sequestosome-1 (SQSTM1/p62). Thus, morphine inhibits autophagy flux and leads to the accumulation of SQSTM1/p62. Finally, the impaired mitochondria cannot be delivered to lysosomes for degradation and ultimately induces robust ROS production and morphine tolerance. Our findings suggest that the dysfunction of mitophagy is involved in morphine tolerance. The deficiency of PINK1/Parkin-mediated clearance of damaged mitochondria is crucial for the generation of excessive ROS and important to the development of analgesic tolerance. These findings suggest that the compounds capable of stabilizing PINK1 or restoring mitophagy may be utilized to prevent or reduce opioid tolerance during chronic pain management.
Defining the Role of Novel β-Lactam Agents That Target Carbapenem-Resistant Gram-Negative Organisms
Authors: Tamma Pranita D , Hsu Alice J
Published: January 2019

With the current carbapenem-resistant organism crisis, conventional approaches to optimizing pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic parameters are frequently inadequate, and traditional salvage agents (eg, colistin, tigecycline, etc) confer high toxicity and/or have low efficacy. However, several β-lactam agents with activity against carbapenem-resistant organisms were approved recently by the US Food and Drug Administration, and more are anticipated to be approved in the near future. The primary goal of this review is to assist infectious disease practitioners with preferentially selecting 1 agent over another when treating patients infected with a carbapenem-resistant organism. However, resistance to some of these antibiotics has already developed. Antibiotic stewardship programs can ensure that they are reserved for situations in which other options are lacking and are paramount for the survival of these agents.
Drug Use Disorder
Authors: North Carol S. , Yutzy Sean H.
Published: January 2019

Drug use disorder refers to the presence of any of a collection of drug-specific diagnoses that are characterized by cognitive, behavioral, and physiological symptoms accompanying repeated use of a drug despite significant substance-related problems causing harm to the user or to others. Common drugs of abuse in contemporary American society include cannabinoids, opioids, amphetamines, cocaine, and many other drugs. The popularity of specific drugs has varied over time in relation to drug availability and cost. The most recent trend has been an influx of “designer drugs,” substances developed synthetically by manipulating the molecular structure to avoid classification as illicit drugs (hence circumventing prosecution) while retaining the psychoactive properties of illicit drugs.
Disorders with Defective Joint Formation
Authors: Spranger Jürgen W. , Brill Paula W. , Hall Christine , Nishimura Gen , Superti-Furga Andrea , Unger Sheila
Published: January 2019

This chapter disorders with defective joint formation and includes discussion on multiple synostoses syndrome and Liebenberg syndrome. Each discussion includes major radiographic features, major clinical findings, genetics, major differential diagnoses, and a bibliography.
A Sad End
Authors: Walusinski Olivier
Published: January 2019

Georges Gilles de la Tourette died on May 22, 1904, following a slow mental deterioration associated with general paralysis. After a brief history of the disease and its description, the author examines how Gilles de la Tourette’s illness came to light, why he was committed in Switzerland, and the details of his hospitalization, based on unpublished documents from the Loudun archives. His wife played an essential role, attending to her husband during the three years that preceded his death. Her devotion is evident in the many letters she wrote and received, including her correspondence with a number of medical celebrities.
Pediatric Sedation
Authors: Lowrie Lia H.
Published: January 2019

The processes of care involved in providing sedation and analgesia for children undergoing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures have evolved from an afterthought necessary to accomplish a procedure humanely to almost a medical discipline of its own centering around patient physical and psychological comfort and safety. Many of the tests and procedures common to modern medical care are easily accomplished for a competent adult who is able to understand the advantages of holding still, the timeframe of brief painful injections, and the future benefits represented by accomplishing the unpleasant test. Infants and children developmentally cannot project such abstract thinking to rationalize an unpleasant experience and may experience potentially long-lasting psychological consequences unless healthcare professionals provide supportive and preventive care. In this sense, procedural sedation is a uniquely pediatric field. This chapter should serve to place the rapidly emerging arena of pediatric procedural sedation into an appropriate historical context from which the reader may better understand the current state of the art of pediatric sedation and recognize the gaps in understanding of best practice in the complex care required.