bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Benzene Triimides: Facile Synthesis and Self‐Assembly Study
Authors: Tuo De‐Hui , He Qing , Wang Qi‐Qiang , Ao Yu‐Fei , Wang De‐Xian
Published: May 2019

Summary of main observation and conclusion

Herein, we report an efficient one‐pot condensation of maleimide derivatives in the presence of acetic acid and water to afford a series of benzene triimides (BTIs). The structure, physicochemical properties and electrochemistry behavior of BTIs were studied by means of X‐ray crystallography, UV‐Vis spectra, cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry. Owing to the planar structure and unique electron‐deficient nature, BTIs can self‐assemble into different motifs including nanorod, nanotube, nanobrick and cross‐linked structure depending on different N‐substituents. The origin for different self‐assemblies was ascribed to the intermolecular lone pair‐π interaction or a balance of lone pair‐π and π‐π stacking.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Nifurtimox–Adamantane Adducts with Trypanocidal Activity
Authors: Foscolos Angeliki‐Sofia , Papanastasiou Ioannis , Tsotinis Andrew , Taylor Martin C. , Kelly John M.
Published: May 2019

The synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of C1‐substituted adamantane hydrazones, their C2‐substituted isomers, and C1‐substituted adamantane furanoic carboxamides is described. These new adamantane derivatives exhibited an interesting pharmacological profile in terms of trypanocidal activity and selectivity. The most active adduct with the best selectivity in this study was found to be the phenylacetoxy hydrazone 1 b (2‐[4‐(tricyclo[3.3.1.13,7]dec‐1‐yl)phenyl]‐N′‐[(5‐nitrofuran‐2‐yl)methylene]acetohydrazide; EC50=11±0.9 nm, SITb=770).
Risk‐based treatment for patients with first relapse or progression of rhabdomyosarcoma: A report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Mascarenhas Leo , Lyden Elizabeth R. , Breitfeld Philip P. , Walterhouse David O. , Donaldson Sarah S. , Rodeberg David A. , Parham David M. , Anderson James R. , Meyer William H. , Hawkins Douglas S.
Published: May 2019

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate risk and response–based multi‐agent therapy for patients with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) at first relapse.

Methods

Patients with RMS and measurable disease at first relapse with unfavorable‐risk (UR) features were randomized to a 6‐week phase 2 window with 1 of 2 treatment schedules of irinotecan with vincristine (VI) (previously reported). Those with at least a partial response to VI continued to receive 44 weeks of multi‐agent chemotherapy including the assigned VI regimen. UR patients who did not have measurable disease at study entry, did not have a radiographic response after the VI window, or declined VI window therapy received 31 weeks of multi‐agent chemotherapy including tirapazamine (TPZ) at weeks 1, 4, 10, 19, and 28. Favorable‐risk (FR) patients received 31 weeks of the same multi‐agent chemotherapy without VI and TPZ.

Results

One hundred thirty‐six eligible patients were enrolled. For 61 patients not responding to VI, the 3‐year failure‐free survival (FFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 17% (95% confidence interval [CI], 8%‐29%) and 24% (13%‐37%), respectively. For 30 UR patients not treated with VI, the 3‐year FFS and OS rates were 21% (8%‐37%) and 39% (20%‐57%), respectively. FR patients had 3‐year FFS and OS rates of 79% (47%‐93%) and 84% (50%‐96%), respectively. There were no unexpected toxicities.

Conclusions

Patients with UR RMS at first relapse or disease progression have a poor prognosis when they are treated with this multi‐agent therapy, whereas FR patients have a higher chance of being cured with second‐line therapy.
Existence and Uniqueness of Solutions for a Quasilinear KdV Equation with Degenerate Dispersion
Authors: Germain Pierre , Harrop‐Griffiths Benjamin , Marzuola Jeremy L.
Published: May 2019

We consider a quasilinear KdV equation that admits compactly supported traveling wave solutions (compactons). This model is one of the most straightforward instances of degenerate dispersion, a phenomenon that appears in a variety of physical settings as diverse as sedimentation, magma dynamics and shallow water waves. We prove the existence and uniqueness of solutions with sufficiently smooth, spatially localized initial data. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis of ZnS/C Composites by Metal‐Organic Framework as High‐Performance Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wu Hongda , Li Guang , Li Yue , Geng Zhongxing , Ren Tieqiang , Cai Tianfeng , Yang Zhanxu
Published: May 2019

Plate‐like ZnS/C composite with the uniform combination of ZnS and carbon is obtained by pyrolyzing the metal–organic framework precursors which consist of Zn2+ and sulfur‐containing organic ligand and is used for high‐performance anode materials in Li‐ion batteries. The carbon in the composite synthesized cannot only improve the conductivity, but also efficiently buffer the large volume change of ZnS during the charge/discharge process, meanwhile the ZnS in composite mainly provides the specific capacity. Typically, after 80 cycles, the reversible capacity of the composite can maintain at 624 mAh g−1 under 0.3 A g−1 current density.
Capacitor voltage balancing in cascaded H‐bridge multilevel inverter and its modelling analysis for grid integrated wind energy conversion system application
Authors: Sharma Bhupender , Dahiya Ratna , Nakka Jayaram
Published: May 2019

In this study, a comprehensive control scheme for cascaded H‐bridge multilevel inverter (CHBMLI)‐based grid integrated bulk wind energy conversion system (WECS) addressing the problem of deviation of wind speeds among windmills like a partial shading condition of PV system is presented. The proposed control scheme uses independent dc links with reduced voltages that makes such a topology an ideal candidate for high and medium power WECS with improved reliability. Inconsistency of wind speeds at each turbine causes distinct voltage conditions among the isolated dc links of the CHBMLI H‐bridge cells (HBC) leading to unstable power generation. The projected scheme along with maximum and efficient energy conversion has the ability of dc link capacitor voltage balancing in each HBC of CHBMLI during the above said power generation mismatch conditions and also maintains power quality in the grid side voltage and injected currents as per standards. Moreover, the modelling analysis of the adopted CHBMLI for the grid integrated WECS application has also been derived. The system performance under inconsistent wind speed environment has been tested and analysed by using MATLAB simulation and validated by using FPGA‐based real‐time simulator (Opal‐RT‐OP5700).
Stabilizing Antibody Cocktails for Mass Cytometry
Authors: Schulz Axel R. , Baumgart Sabine , Schulze Julia , Urbicht Marie , Grützkau Andreas , Mei Henrik E.
Published: May 2019

Mass cytometry is increasingly employed in larger immune profiling studies involving data acquisitions across several days and multiple sites. For gaining a maximum of information from respective data by computational analyses, several techniques have been developed to minimize noise in mass cytometric data sets, such as sample banking, standardized instrument setup, sample barcoding, and signal normalization. However, the repeated preparation of cocktails composed of isotope‐tagged antibodies remained a significant source of error.

We here show that premixed antibody cocktails fail to deliver expected staining patterns when stored at 4°C for 4 weeks. As a solution, we developed and tested a cryopreservation method for highly multiplexed antibody cocktails for mass cytometry including lanthanide, palladium, and platinum conjugates that yielded stable staining patterns for at least 9 months when stored at temperatures below −80°C. Using frozen aliquots of antibody cocktails is an economic and flexible approach to significantly improve data consistency in large mass cytometry studies with repetitive staining/measurement cycles spanning several days or involving multiple data acquisition sites. © 2019 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia: A new risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Perea Verónica , Bertran Berta , Bellart Jordi , Orois Aida , Giménez Marga , Conget Ignacio , Vinagre Irene
Published: May 2019

Aim

The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia (IAH) on metabolic control and pregnancy outcomes in women with type 1 diabetes.

Material and Methods

This was a single‐centre prospective cohort study of singleton pregnant women with type 1 diabetes. IAH was assessed at the first antenatal visit using Clarke's test (score ≥ 3). Data on metabolic control, hypoglycaemic events, and the lipid profile were collected from prior to pregnancy and in each trimester of gestation. Pregnancy outcomes were also recorded.

Results

A total of 77 patients with type 1 diabetes were included; 24 (31.2%) were classified as having IAH. Compared with the normal awareness of hypoglycaemia (NAH) group, the IAH group did not show differences in HbA1c, weight gain, insulin doses, or severe and nonsevere hypoglycaemia events throughout pregnancy. IAH was associated with higher triglyceride concentrations in the second trimester (IAH: 154.8 ± 61.1 mg/dL, NAH: 128.6 ± 31.2 mg/dL, P = .034) and an increased risk of neonatal respiratory distress (odds ratio [OR] 11.24; 95% CI, 1.01‐124.9, P = .041) in adjusted models. Increased risk of pre‐eclampsia was related to higher second trimester triglyceride concentrations (OR 1.028; 95% CI, 1.004‐1.053, P = .023) adjusted for confounders.

Conclusions

The IAH was associated with increased risk of neonatal respiratory distress and pre‐eclampsia, despite showing no differences in metabolic control. Hypoglycaemia awareness in the first antenatal visit should be assessed to identify the subgroup of pregnant women with increased risk of complications.
Disentangling monitoring programs: design, analysis, and application considerations
Authors: Janousek William M. , Hahn Beth A. , Dreitz Victoria J.
Published: May 2019

Monitoring programs are an essential tool for assessing and informing conservation efforts but the methods used to gather monitoring data directly influence results. This presents a challenge to conservation professionals when deciding on existing data to inform a given question. We illustrate the challenges of using monitoring data by comparing population trends from two large‐scale avian monitoring programs in the western United States: the Breeding Bird Survey and Integrated Monitoring in Bird Conservation Regions programs. We used publicly available data to compare trend trajectory between 2008 and 2015 for 148 species across Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming. Trends were inconsistent for 62% of the comparisons, with species having opposite trends in 21 cases. The inconsistencies found within our species comparisons reflect the inherent differences between program sampling design and analytical approach. Periodically revisiting how and why we monitor natural resources is necessary to advance conservation and management as the lessons learned from long‐standing programs guide the development of more recent efforts. Our results emphasize that prior to management actions and policy decisions, managers must be aware of both the sampling design and appropriate ecological inference of any monitoring program.
Understanding the margin squeeze: Differentiation in fitness‐related traits between central and trailing edge populations of Corallina officinalis
Authors: Kolzenburg Regina , Nicastro Katy R. , McCoy Sophie J. , Ford Alex T. , Zardi Gerardo I. , Ragazzola Federica
Published: May 2019

Assessing population responses to climate‐related environmental change is key to understanding the adaptive potential of the species as a whole. Coralline algae are critical components of marine shallow water ecosystems where they function as important ecosystem engineers. Populations of the calcifying algae Corallina officinalis from the center (southern UK) and periphery (northern Spain) of the North Atlantic species natural distribution were selected to test for functional differentiation in thermal stress response. Physiological measurements of calcification, photosynthesis, respiration, growth rates, oxygen, and calcification evolution curves were performed using closed cell respirometry methods. Species identity was genetically confirmed via DNA barcoding. Through a common garden approach, we identified distinct vulnerability to thermal stress of central and peripheral populations. Southern populations showed a decrease in photosynthetic rate under environmental conditions of central locations, and central populations showed a decline in calcification rates under southern conditions. This shows that the two processes of calcification and photosynthesis are not as tightly coupled as previously assumed. How the species as whole will react to future climatic changes will be determined by the interplay of local environmental conditions and these distinct population adaptive traits.

OPEN RESEARCH BADGES

This article has earned an Open Materials Badge for making publicly available the components of the research methodology needed to reproduce the reported procedure and analysis. All materials are available at https://doi.pangaea.de/10.1594/PANGAEA.899568.
Connectivity for species on the move: supporting climate‐driven range shifts
Authors: Littlefield Caitlin E , Krosby Meade , Michalak Julia L , Lawler Joshua J
Published: May 2019

Many species are already responding to global climate change by shifting their ranges to track suitable climatic conditions. However, habitat loss and fragmentation, coupled with the rapidity of climate change, make it difficult for species to keep pace. It is therefore unsurprising that enhancing landscape connectivity is the most frequently cited climate‐adaptation strategy for conserving biodiversity. Yet most connectivity planning, even if intended to address climate change, does not directly take climate change and climate‐driven range shifts into account. Nonetheless, several approaches that do explicitly address the unique challenges posed by climate change have recently emerged. We review these connectivity modeling approaches: specifically, how they incorporate species' responses, identify movement routes, and address uncertainties. Despite this proliferation of approaches, conceptual and analytical hurdles remain, and meeting these challenges will be critical to achieving effective landscape connectivity for species in the face of climate change.
Genetic profiling of a chondroblastoma‐like osteosarcoma/malignant phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor of bone reveals a homozygous deletion of CDKN2A, intragenic deletion of DMD, and a targetable FN1‐FGFR1 gene fusion
Authors: Saba Karim H. , Cornmark Louise , Rissler Marianne , Fioretos Thoas , Åström Kristina , Haglund Felix , Rosenberg Andrew E. , Brosjö Otte , Nord Karolin H.
Published: May 2019

Conventional osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignancy of bone. This group of neoplasms is subclassified according to specific histological features, but hitherto there has been no correlation between subtype, treatment, and prognosis. By in‐depth genetic analyses of a chondroblastoma‐like osteosarcoma, we detect a genetic profile that is distinct from those previously reported in benign and malignant bone tumors. The overall genomic copy number profile was less complex than that typically associated with conventional osteosarcoma, and there was no activating point mutation in any of H3F3A, H3F3B, IDH1, IDH2, BRAF, or GNAS. Instead, we found a homozygous CDKN2A deletion, a DMD microdeletion and an FN1‐FGFR1 gene fusion. The latter alteration has been described in phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor. This tumor type shares some morphological features with chondroblastoma‐like osteosarcoma and we cannot rule out that the present case actually represents an FN1‐FGFR1 positive malignant phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor of bone without osteomalacia.
Mixed convective flow in a bottom heated lid‐driven cubical cavity: Energy streamlines and field synergy
Authors: Rani Hari Ponnamma , Narayana Vekamulla , Rameshwar Yadagiri
Published: May 2019

Analysis of three dimensional natural convective lid‐driven cavity flow is carried out numerically. The top wall is assumed to slide in its own plane at a constant speed. Isothermal temperature is maintained at horizontal walls in which the bottom wall is assumed to be at a higher temperature than the top wall. Governing equations of this problem, expressed in dimensionless form are solved by using the finite volume method. Numerical results are computed for the control parameters arising in the system, namely, the Reynolds number (Re) and Richardson number (Ri) in the range of 100 ≤ Re ≤ 1000 and 0.001 ≤ Ri ≤ 10. The contours of isotherms, streamlines, Vortex corelines, energy pathlines, and field synergy are used to visualize the flow and thermal characteristics. The simulated results are corroborated with those available in the literature. When Re = 100 and 400 with growth of Ri there are "free" energy streamlines and they exhibited symmetric nature near the boundaries. The participation of convective thermal energy and kinetic energy is insignificant compared to conductive thermal energy, where the velocity components are modest. When Re = 1000 with increase of Ri, "trapped" energy streamlines are detected. Energy streamlines occupy substantial part. This is due to the result of high Re, with increasing Ri, kinetic energy and convective thermal energy get dominated and hence "trapped" streamlines formed. As Re increases, synergy angle increases for distinct Ri values. So the synergy between temperature and velocity gets worse. The synergy angle of buoyant‐aiding flow is high while the buoyant‐opposing flow is significantly less than that of forced convection flow when Ri = 1. This gives the relation between temperature field and velocity at buoyant‐aiding flow, which is at the worst situation leading to increasing average Nusselt number.
Ice processes on medium‐sized north‐temperate lakes
Authors: Ariano Sarah S. , Brown Laura C.
Published: May 2019

Lake ice supports a range of socio‐economic and cultural activities including transportation and winter recreational actives. The influence of weather patterns on ice‐cover dynamics of temperate lakes requires further understanding for determining how changes in ice composition will impact ice safety and the range of ecosystem services provided by seasonal ice cover. An investigation of lake ice formation and decay for three lakes in Central Ontario, Canada, took place over the course of two winters, 2015–2016 and 2016–2017, through the use of outdoor digital cameras, a Shallow Water Ice Profiler (upward‐looking sonar), and weekly field measurements. Temperature fluctuations across 0°C promoted substantial early season white ice growth, with lesser amounts of black ice forming later in the season. Ice thickening processes observed were mainly through meltwater, or midwinter rain, refreezing on the ice surface. Snow redistribution was limited, with frequent melt events limiting the duration of fresh snow on the ice, leading to a fairly uniform distribution of white ice across the lakes in 2015–2016 (standard deviations week to week ranging from 3 to 5 cm), but with slightly more variability in 2016–2017 when more snow accumulated over the season (5 to 11 cm). White ice dominated the end‐of‐season ice composition for both seasons representing more than 70% of the total ice thickness, which is a stark contrast to Arctic lake ice that is composed mainly of black ice. This research has provided the first detailed lake ice processes and conditions from medium‐sized north‐temperate lakes and provided important information on temperate region lake ice characteristics that will enhance the understanding of the response of temperate lake ice to climate and provide insight on potential changes to more northern ice regimes under continued climate warming.
Involvement of PIN‐like domain nucleases in tRNA processing and translation regulation
Authors: Gobert Anthony , Bruggeman Mathieu , Giegé Philippe
Published: May 2019

Transfer RNAs require essential maturation steps to become functional. Among them, RNase P removes 5′ leader sequences of pre‐tRNAs. Although RNase P was long thought to occur universally as ribonucleoproteins, different types of protein‐only RNase P enzymes were discovered in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Interestingly, all these enzymes belong to the super‐group of PilT N‐terminal‐like nucleases (PIN)‐like ribonucleases. This wide family of enzymes can be subdivided into major subgroups. Here, we review recent studies at both functional and mechanistic levels on three PIN‐like ribonucleases groups containing enzymes connected to tRNA maturation and/or translation regulation. The evolutive distribution of these proteins containing PIN‐like domains as well as their organization and fusion with various functional domains is discussed and put in perspective with the diversity of functions they acquired during evolution, for the maturation and homeostasis of tRNA and a wider array of RNA substrates. © 2019 IUBMB Life, 2019 © 2019 IUBMB Life, 71(8):1117–1125, 2019
Light‐emitting diode irradiation using 660 nm promotes human fibroblast HSP90 expression and changes cellular activity and morphology
Authors: Choi Sun‐Hyang , Chang So‐Young , Biswas Raktim , Chung Phil‐Sang , Mo Sangjoon , Lee Min Young , Ahn Jin Chul
Published: May 2019

We evaluated changes in cell viability and morphology in response to low‐level light irradiation and underlying variations in the levels of heat shock proteins (HSPs). Human fibroblasts were irradiated with a light‐emitting diode (LED) array at 660 nm (50 mW for 15, 30, and 60 minutes). Cell viability and morphological changes were evaluated via epifluorescence analysis; we also assessed cell viability and length changes. The expression levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and various HSPs (HSP27, 60, 70, and 90) were analyzed by immunohistochemical staining, Western blotting and microarray analysis. After LED irradiation, cellular viability and morphology changed. Of the several HSPs analyzed, the HSP90 level increased significantly, suggesting that this protein played roles in the morphological and cellular changes. Thus, low‐level irradiation triggered cellular changes mediated by increased HSP90 expression; this may explain why skin irradiation enhances wound‐healing.
Bioadhesive and biodissolvable hydrogels consisting of water‐swellable poly(acrylic acid)/poly(vinylpyrrolidone) complexes
Authors: Ito Tomoko , Otani Naoki , Fujii Kazuya , Mori Kentaro , Eriguchi Masazumi , Koyama Yoshiyuki
Published: May 2019

Films that can form bioadhesive hydrogels on wet biotissues absorbing blood or body fluids are useful for medical devices such as hemostats, adhesion barriers, wound dressings, and drug release devices. We focused on a hydrogen‐bonding polymer complex consisting of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP). PAA is known as a tissue‐adhesive polymer. However, simple mixing of aqueous PAA and PVP solutions resulted in the formation of an insoluble nonadhesive precipitate. We developed a novel solid/solution interface complexation method to afford a PAA/PVP complex that forms a strongly bioadhesive hydrogel with low cytotoxicity. The complex hydrogel can be slowly dissociated and dissolved in the body. The formation of the complexes as well as their swelling and degradation behavior depended strongly on the molecular weights and cross‐linking densities of the component polymers. When the complex film was applied to a clipped incised jugular vein of a rat, it immediately formed a hydrogel and closed the incision. After removal of the clip, blood flowed through the vessel without any leakage. Application of the complex film to the surface of an incised mouse liver resulted in firm adhesion and the hemorrhage was effectively stopped. Such bioadhesive and biodissolvable materials consisting of low‐toxicity synthetic polymers have high potential for implantable medical devices.
The Prevalence of Osteoporosis in China, a Nationwide, Multicenter DXA Survey
Authors: Zeng Qiang , Li Na , Wang Qianqian , Feng Jian , Sun Dongmao , Zhang Qiu , Huang Jiyuan , Wen Qingxiang , Hu Rong , Wang Liang , Ma Yuanzheng , Fu Xiaoxia , Dong Shengyong , Cheng Xiaoguang
Published: May 2019

A number of studies investigated the distribution of BMD values and the prevalence of osteoporosis in China, but their findings varied. Until now, a BMD reference database based on uniform measurements in a large-scale Chinese population has been lacking. A total of 75,321 Chinese adults aged 20 years and older were recruited from seven centers between 2008 and 2018. BMD values at the lumbar spine (L1–L4), femoral neck, and total femur were measured by GE Lunar dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry systems. BMD values measured in each center were cross-calibrated by regression equations that were generated by scanning the same European spine phantom 10 times at every center. Cubic and multivariate linear regression were performed to assess associations between BMD values and demographic variables. Sex-specific prevalence of osteoporosis was age-standardized based on the year 2010 national census data for the Chinese population. The sex-specific BMD values at each site were negatively associated with age, positively associated with body mass index levels, and lower in the participants from southwest China than in those from other geographic regions after multivariate adjustment. Furthermore, BMD values at the femoral neck and total femur decreased with the year of BMD measurement. The peak BMD values at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total femur were 1.088 g/cm2, 0.966 g/cm2, and 0.973 g/cm2, respectively, for men, and 1.114 g/cm2, 0.843 g/cm2, and 0.884 g/cm2, respectively, for women. The age-standardized prevalence of osteoporosis at the spine or hip was 6.46% and 29.13% for men and women aged 50 years and older, respectively. Currently a total of 10.9 million men and 49.3 million women in China are estimated to have osteoporosis. In our national examination of BMD, we found that BMD values differed by demographic characteristics. We estimated the age-standardize prevalence of osteoporosis in China to be 6.46% and 29.13% respectively, for men and women aged 50 years and older.
The Combined Effect of Ethical Leadership, Moral Identity, and Organizational Identification on Workplace Behavior
Authors: O'Keefe Damian F. , Peach Jennifer M. , Messervey Deanna L.
Published: May 2019

Ethical leadership encompasses the personal conduct of leaders and leaders’ expectations that followers behave ethically. The two studies presented here draw on moral identity and social identity theories to investigate whether moral identity and organizational identification had an indirect effect on the relation between ethical leadership and organizational outcomes. Study 1 examined how ethical leadership and moral identity interact to influence self‐reported ethical behavior using a sample of 3,363 defense personnel. Study 2 examined the mediating role of organizational identification in the relation between ethical leadership and organizational outcomes, such as morale, job satisfaction, and career intentions using a sample of 3,390 military personnel. Consistent with moral identity research, personnel who reported stronger moral identity and who perceived their leaders as higher in ethical leadership were less likely to engage in unethical behavior. Consistent with organizational identification research, higher levels of perceived ethical leadership led to greater organizational identification, which then predicted organizational outcomes (i.e., morale, job satisfaction, and turnover intentions). The findings show the importance of ethical leadership and identity for organizational outcomes.
PSO‐based SMC variable step size P&O MPPT controller for PV systems under fast changing atmospheric conditions
Authors: Harrag Abdelghani , Messalti Sabir
Published: May 2019

This paper proposes an innovative technique for designing sliding mode maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controller for photovoltaic (PV) systems under fast changing atmospheric conditions. The particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is used to find the optimal sliding mode controller (SMC) gains used to drive the variable step of the conventional perturb and observe (P&O) algorithm. The system operates in two modes: offline mode required for testing different set of SMC gains leading to optimum values; and online mode where the SMC optimum gains were used to drive the variable step of the P&O MPPT. The effectiveness of the proposed MPPT has been studied successfully using a Solarex MSX‐60 module connected to a boost DC‐DC converter powering a resistive load. Comparison study of the proposed MPPT with the classical fixed step P&O is presented showing a good efficiency and improvements of the proposed algorithm in transient, steady‐state, and dynamic responses, especially under fast changing atmospheric conditions. Besides using PSO to tune the SMC parameters, our main contribution consists of improving the performance of proposed algorithm to track effectively the maximum power point (MPP) with low oscillation, low ripple, low overshoot, and good rapidity in slow and fast changing atmospheric conditions compared with conventional P&O.
Chaos control and circuit implementation of a class of double‐wing chaotic system
Authors: Fan Tao , Tuo Xianguo , Li Heng , He Ping
Published: May 2019

The objective of this paper is to investigate stabilization problem of a class of double‐wing chaotic system and its circuit implementation. On the basis of a skillful method, a single‐state controller is proposed and analyzed. Comparing with recent works, the control scheme and its circuit implementation presented in this work are very simple and skillful. The circuit realization of the chaotic system and the control scheme are provided in detail. In addition, the numerical simulation, electrical simulation, and physical experiment results are discussed and presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control method.
Why did I say sorry? Apology motives and transgressor perceptions of reconciliation
Authors: Mu Frank , Bobocel D. Ramona
Published: May 2019

Despite the importance of apology in reconciling interpersonal transgressions, little research has focused on the people engaging in the behavior. Why do transgressors apologize in the workplace, and do apology motives shape transgressor perceptions of reconciliation? We conducted three field studies using qualitative and quantitative methodologies to examine these questions. In Studies 1 and 2 (total N = 781), we identified four distinct apology motives—self‐blame, relational value, personal expedience, and fear of sanctions—and developed self‐report scales to measure the motives. In Study 3 (N = 420), we examined relations between apology motives and transgressor perceptions of victim forgiveness and relationship reconciliation through the lens of motivated cognition. We found that apologizing due to self‐blame, relational value, and personal expedience increases perceptions of victim forgiveness, whereas apologizing due to fear of sanctions decreases perceived forgiveness. Moreover, mediation analyses revealed that motives indirectly influence transgressor perceptions of relationship reconciliation through perceived forgiveness. Taken together, our research presents a novel multidimensional perspective on apology‐giving in the workplace, suggesting that why transgressors apologize can affect their perceptions of reconciliation. Overall, our research highlights the need to incorporate transgressor cognitive and motivational processes into reconciliation research.
Does Quantification of Carotid Plaque Surface Irregularities Better Detect Symptomatic Plaques Compared to the Subjective Classification?
Authors: Rafailidis Vasileios , Chryssogonidis Ioannis , Grisan Enrico , Xerras Chrysostomos , Cheimariotis Grigorios‐Aris , Tegos Thomas , Rafailidis Dimitrios , Sidhu Paul S. , Charitanti‐Kouridou Afroditi
Published: May 2019

Objectives

To evaluate the interobserver agreement of color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) and contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for quantification of carotid plaque surface irregularities and to correlate objective and subjective measures with stroke occurrence.

Methods

This work was an observational study involving 54 patients with 62 internal carotid artery or carotid bulb plaques (31 symptomatic) undergoing CDUS and CEUS between February 2016 and February 2018, with retrospective interpretation of prospectively acquired data. Plaques were included if causing moderate (50%–69%) or severe (70%–99%) stenosis based on velocity criteria, and their surface was classified as smooth, irregular, or ulcerated based on CEUS. The surface irregularities were quantified in the form of a surface irregularity index by 2 observers, based on CDUS and CEUS. The surface irregularity index was evaluated for interobserver agreement with CDUS and CEUS and correlated with the occurrence of stroke, as was the subjective characterization of the plaque surface.

Results

Color Doppler ultrasound and CEUS showed good interobserver agreement (intraclass correlation coefficients, 0.979 and 0.952, respectively). Plaques were characterized as smooth in 30.6% of cases, irregular in 50%, and ulcerated in 19.4%. The subjective classification of the plaque surface did not correlate with stroke occurrence (P > .05, χ2). Surface irregularity index values were significantly higher for symptomatic plaques with both CDUS and CEUS (P < .05).

Conclusions

Color Doppler ultrasound and CEUS can quantify carotid plaque surface irregularities with good interobserver agreement. The resulting quantitative measure was significantly higher in symptomatic plaques, whereas the subjective characterization of plaque surface failed to differ between symptomatic and asymptomatic plaques.
Surgical impact of a dedicated endocrine surgeon on an academic otolaryngology department
Authors: Iwata Ayaka J. , Chang Steven S. , Ghanem Tamer A. , Singer Michael C.
Published: May 2019

Objectives

Endocrine surgery is emerging as a dedicated subspecialty in otolaryngology. We assess the impact of an endocrine surgeon on an academic otolaryngology department's thyroid and parathyroid surgery volume.

Methods

A retrospective study of overall endocrine caseloads and resident case logs at a single academic center in the Midwest was performed. All thyroid and parathyroid cases performed by the otolaryngology department at an academic center from 2011 to 2017 were reviewed. In September 2012, an otolaryngologist who had completed an American Head and Neck Society endocrine surgery fellowship joined the faculty. The volume of endocrine surgery performed by the residents was also analyzed. Comparison of means and linear regression models were performed.

Results

From 2011 to 2012, the department performed a mean of 77 thyroid and 11.5 parathyroid surgeries annually. After the endocrine surgeon joined the department, this increased to an average of 212.8 thyroidectomies (P < 0.01) and 72.4 parathyroidectomies (P < 0.01) a year. The head and neck surgeons and generalists still performed an average of 42.4 thyroidectomies and 2.6 parathyroidectomies a year. For graduating residents, the average number of thyroid/parathyroid cases increased from 42.5 in 2012 to 151 in 2016.

Conclusion

The addition of a fellowship‐trained endocrine surgeon substantially increased the thyroid and parathyroid surgical volume of the otolaryngology department. Importantly, generalists and head and neck surgeons in the department continued to perform a significant number of these cases. Departments seeking similar surgical growth and expanded resident experience may consider the value of engaging a dedicated endocrine surgeon.

Level of Evidence

4

Laryngoscope, 130:832–835, 2020
Rising bubbles enhance the gelatinous nature of the air–sea interface
Authors: Robinson Tiera‐Brandy , Wurl Oliver , Bahlmann Enno , Jürgens Klaus , Stolle Christian
Published: May 2019

Bubbles rising through the water column are known to scavenge organic material and microorganisms, and transport them through the air–sea interface after bursting. This mechanism has important implications for air–sea exchange processes. However, little is known about how bubbles influence the chemical and biological properties of the sea‐surface microlayer (SML), a gelatinous film at the air–sea interface. We used floating mesocosms in the coastal Baltic Sea and a laboratory tank filled with seawater from the North Sea to study the effect of bubbling on the gelatinous nature of the SML. Bubbling was found to always increase concentrations of transparent exopolymer particles (TEP) in the SML. In the field, TEP in the SML already increased after 2 min (53% ± 63%) and 10 min (19% ± 12%) bubbling, respectively. During the tank experiment, TEP enriched in the SML by 312% (± 244%) after > 3 h of bubbling. Therefore, bubbling is a highly efficient mechanism for TEP enrichment in the SML. Bubbling caused enrichment and depletion of microbial abundances (prokaryotes, flagellates, eukaryotes) in the SML. However, the incorporation of 3H‐thymidine (i.e., bacterial carbon production) was consistently stimulated after 10 min of bubbling in the field experiment, indicating a bubble‐induced import of unstressed bacteria and fresh organic substrates into the SML. Overall, our results suggest that the gelatinous matrix of the SML is re‐formed within min after disruption by bursting bubbles, and, thus, highlights the importance of biogeochemical interactions within the air–sea interface.
A Free‐Space Orbital Angular Momentum Multiplexing Communication System Based on a Metasurface
Authors: Tan Heyun , Deng Junhong , Zhao Ruizhe , Wu Xiong , Li Guixin , Huang Lingling , Liu Jie , Cai Xinlun
Published: May 2019

Optical vortex beams carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) have received great attention since the 1990s. In particular, OAM offers an additional degree of freedom, thus, enabling boosting of data transmission capacity in communication systems. One of the major challenges of OAM‐based communication lies in multiplexing OAM via a kind of effective, compact, and flexible approach. Here, a novel approach to achieve the generation and combination of OAM beams by a pre‐engineered reflective metasurface chip is demonstrated. Compared to traditional methods of OAM generation, this approach shows superiorities of broadband operating wavelength, high mode purity, flexible design, and compact size. Moreover, a free‐space OAM multiplexing communication experiment based on the single metasurface is successfully carried out, performing 448 Gbit s−1 data transmission with four different topological charges of OAM and two polarizations by 28‐GBaud QPSK signals. This work experimentally demonstrates promising applications of the metasurface in high‐capacity optical communication systems.
Severe presentation and complex brain malformations in an individual carrying a CCND2 variant
Authors: Cappuccio Gerarda , Ugga Lorenzo , Parrini Elena , D’Amico Alessandra , Brunetti‐Pierri Nicola
Published: May 2019

Background

Megalencephaly‐polymicrogyria‐polydactyly‐hydrocephalus (MPPH) is a developmental brain disorder characterized by megalencephaly and bilateral perisylvian polymicrogyria due to defects in genes of the PI3K‐AKT pathway. Only a few patients with CCND2 mutations have been reported to date.

Methods

We describe an individual harboring a de novo variant in CCND2 undergoing neuroradiological evaluation including diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).

Results

The individual presented with a severe brain malformation extending to both brainstem and cerebellum with hypomyelination not previously reported in CCND2‐related disorder. Severe hypoplasia and white matter disorganization were confirmed by DTI.

Conclusion

This report expands the phenotypic spectrum of the disorder due to CCND2 variants.
Genetic variants in the ITPR2 gene are associated with Kashin‐Beck Disease in Tibetan
Authors: He Xue , Bai Mei , Liu Ming , Wang Li , He Yongjun , Rong Hao , Yuan Dongya , Jin Tianbo
Published: May 2019

Background

Kashin‐Beck Disease (KBD) is a chronic, endemic osteoarthropathy. Inositol 1,4,5‐triphosphate receptor type 2 (ITPR2) gene is involved in chondrocytes. We speculated that single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ITPR2 gene may have an association with KBD in Tibetan.

Methods

To prove this hypothesis, a total of eight SNPs (rs1049376, rs11048526, rs11048556, rs11048585, rs16931011, rs10842759, rs2230372, and rs7134213) were selected, and genotyped in 316 KBD patients and 320 controls. The association between ITPR2 variants and KBD risk was assessed by logistic regression analysis.

Results

The study identified significant association (p = 0.019) between KBD and a novel locus, ITPR2 SNP rs11048526 (OR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.07–2.08). The variant A/G genotype frequency in rs11048526 had a significantly increased risk of KBD in co‐dominant model (OR = 3.70, 95% CI = 1.26–10.89, p = 0.018), dominant model (OR = 3.56, 95% CI = 1.22–10.40, p = 0.020), log‐additive model (OR = 3.00, 95% CI = 1.12–8.00, p = 0.029) after adjusted for age and gender.

Conclusion

The results indicate a potential association between ITPR2 and KBD risk in Tibetan. Further work is required to confirm these results and explore the mechanisms of these effects.
Unexpected behavior of the 3JCH coupling constant in unsaturated compounds
Authors: Couto Uenifer Rodrigues , Navarro‐Vázquez Armando , Tormena Cláudio Francisco
Published: May 2019

The experimental and theoretical behavior of the (OC)CCH 3JCH coupling constant is investigated for a series of α,β‐unsaturated compounds (1 to 8), and for some of them, the well‐known relationship (3JCHcis < 3JCHtrans) was observed. However, for some compounds, close values for 3JCHcis and 3JCHtrans couplings were observed, and for aldehydes group containing compounds (7 and 8E), an inversion order is observed (3JCHcis > 3JCHtrans). In all cases where the 3JCHcis < 3JCHtrans relationship it is not followed, a polar group or electronegative atom oriented in opposite direction (s‐trans) to the HCC hydrogen is present, suggesting that conformational preference of such polar group or atoms are important factor on the behavior of 3JCH couplings. Taking all of these in consideration, a new Karplus‐type equation was proposed for 3JCH couplings in α,β‐unsaturated compounds, which can be used for configurational and conformational assignment on trisubstituted double bond derivatives.
Supplementation of maturation medium with CoQ10 enhances developmental competence of ovine oocytes through improvement of mitochondrial function
Authors: Heydarnejad Alireza , Ostadhosseini Somayyeh , Varnosfaderani Shiva Rouhollahi , Jafarpour Farnoosh , Moghimi Ali , Nasr‐Esfahani Mohammad Hossein
Published: May 2019

In vitro maturation (IVM) can impair the balance between antioxidant capacity and oxidative stress, and jeopardize embryo development by increasing oxidative stress, reducing energy metabolism, and causing improper meiotic segregation. Balancing the energy production and reduction of oxidative stress can be achieved by supplementation with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), an electron transporter in the mitochondrial inner membrane. To improve the in vitro production of ovine embryos, we studied the effect of CoQ10 supplementation during the maturation of sheep oocytes. A minimum of 100 cumulus‐oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured in the presence of 15, 30, or 50 μM CoQ10 in three to five replicates; next, in vitro fertilization and culture in a subset of oocytes were done. Our data revealed that compared to control oocytes or other concentrations of CoQ10, supplementation with 30 µM CoQ10 resulted in a significant increase in blastocyst formation and hatching rates, improved the distribution, relative mass and potential membrane of mitochondria, decreased the levels of reactive oxygen species and glutathione and lessened the percentage of oocytes with misaligned chromosomes after spindle assembly. The relative expression levels of apoptosis markers CASPASE3 and BAX were significantly reduced in CoQ10‐treated oocytes and cumulus cells whereas the relative expression level of GDF9, an oocyte‐specific growth factor, significantly increased. In conclusion, supplementation with CoQ10 improves the quality of COCs and the subsequent developmental competence of the embryo.
A mutant MATR3 mouse model to explain multisystem proteinopathy
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Yamashita Satoshi , Hara Kentaro , Doki Tsukasa , Tawara Nozomu , Ikeda Tokunori , Misumi Yohei , Zhang Ziwei , Matsuo Yoshimasa , Nagai Makiko , Kurashige Takashi , Maruyama Hirofumi , Ando Yukio
Published: May 2019

Mutations in the Matrin 3 (MATR3) gene have been identified as a cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or vocal cord and pharyngeal weakness with distal myopathy (VCPDM). This study investigated the mechanism by which mutant MATR3 causes multisystem proteinopathy (MSP) including ALS and VCPDM. We first analyzed the muscle pathology of C57BL/6 mice injected with adeno‐associated viruses expressing human WT or mutant (S85C) MATR3. We next generated transgenic mice that overexpress mutant (S85C) MATR3, driven by the CMV early enhancer/chicken β‐actin promoter, and evaluated their clinicopathological features. Intramuscular injection of viruses expressing WT and mutant MATR3 induced similar myogenic changes, including smaller myofibers with internal nuclei, and upregulated p62 and LC3‐II. Mutant MATR3 transgenic mice showed decreased body weight and lower motor activity. Muscle histology demonstrated myopathic changes including fiber‐size variation, internal nuclei and rimmed vacuoles. Spinal cord histology showed a reduced number of motor neurons, and activation of microglia and astrocytes. Comprehensive proteomic analyses of muscle demonstrated upregulation of proteins related to chaperones, stress response, protein degradation, and nuclear function. Overexpression of WT and mutant MATR3 similarly caused myotoxicity, recapitulating the clinicopathological features of MSP. These models will be helpful for analyzing MSP pathogenesis and for understanding the function of MATR3. © 2019 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Modern Point of View on Anomalies
Authors: Monnier Samuel
Published: May 2019

We review the concept of anomaly field theory, namely the fact that the anomalies of a d‐dimensional field theory can be encoded in a ‐dimensional field theory functor. We give numerous examples of anomaly field theories, explain how classical facts about anomalies are recovered from the anomaly field theory, and review recent work on global anomaly cancellation in 6d supergravity where this concept was instrumental. We also sketch the status of global anomaly cancellation checks in string theory. This paper is based on a talk given at the Durham Symposium ‘Higher Structures in M‐theory’ in August 2018.