bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristic radiological findings for revision surgery after balloon kyphoplasty
Authors: Takahashi Shinji , Hoshino Masatoshi , Yasuda Hiroyuki , Hori Yusuke , Ohyama Shoichiro , Terai Hidetomi , Hayashi Kazunori , Tsujio Tadao , Kono Hiroshi , Suzuki Akinobu , Tamai Koji , Toyoda Hiromitsu , Dohzono Sho , Sasaoka Ryuichi , Kanematsu Fumiaki , Terakawa Masaki , Nakamura Hiroaki
Published: December 2019

Balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) sometimes fails to improve patients’ outcomes, with revision surgery, using anterior or posterior reconstruction, being required. The purpose of this study was to investigate the radiological risk factors of failure after BKP in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs). This case-control study included 105 patients treated with single BKP and 14 patients  who required revision BKP. We evaluated radiological findings differentiating both groups, using plain radiography and computed tomography, before BKP. Angular flexion-extension motion was significantly greater in the revision than BKP group. While the frequency of pedicle fracture and posterior wall injury was not different between the groups, a split type fracture was more frequent in the revision group. Split type fracture had the highest adjusted odds ratio (OR) for revision (16.5, p = 0.018). Angular motion ≥14° increased the risk for revision surgery by 6-fold (p = 0.013), with endplate deficit having an OR of revision of 5.0 (p = 0.032). The revision rate after BKP was 3.8%, with split type fracture, greater angular motion and large endplate deficit being risk factors for revision. Treatment strategies for patients with these risk factors should be carefully evaluated, considering the inherent difficulties in performing revision surgery after BKP.
Adolescent dental arch development among Southern Chinese in Hong Kong: a geometric morphometric approach
Authors: Wen Yi Feng , Wong Hai Ming , Pei Tao , McGrath Colman
Published: December 2019

This study aimed to investigate changes in types of dental arch form during adolescence and explore adolescent changes in size and form of dental arch. Hong Kong Chinese were recruited and digital dental arch models were obtained at ages 12, 15, and 18 years. Geometric morphometrics was used to investigate adolescent changes of dental arch form. There were 225 participants from whom digital models at all three age periods were available. Three types of dental arch form were identified through clustering. Significant changes (p < 0.001) in types of dental arch form were noted during age 12–18 years. During age 12–18 years, significant changes in centroid size and form of dental arch were observed (p < 0.001). No significant changes were observed during 15–18 years. Adolescent changes of dental arch form occur primarily during age 12–15 years, whereas dental arch form was relatively stable during age 15–18 years.
Association of multiple glycemic parameters at intensive care unit admission with mortality and clinical outcomes in critically ill patients
Authors: Bellaver Priscila , Schaeffer Ariell F. , Dullius Diego P. , Viana Marina V. , Leitão Cristiane B. , Rech Tatiana H.
Published: December 2019

The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of multiple glycemic parameters at intensive care unit (ICU) admission with outcomes in critically ill patients. Critically ill adults admitted to ICU were included prospectively in the study and followed for 180 days until hospital discharge or death. Patients were assessed for glycemic gap, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, glycemic variability, and stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR). A total of 542 patients were enrolled (30% with preexisting diabetes). Patients with glycemic gap >80 mg/dL had increased need for renal replacement therapy (RRT; 37.7% vs. 23.7%, p = 0.025) and shock incidence (54.7% vs. 37.4%, p = 0.014). Hypoglycemia was associated with increased mortality (54.8% vs. 35.8%, p = 0.004), need for RRT (45.1% vs. 22.3%, p < 0.001), mechanical ventilation (MV; 72.6% vs. 57.5%, p = 0.024), and shock incidence (62.9% vs. 35.8%, p < 0.001). Hyperglycemia increased mortality (44.3% vs. 34.9%, p = 0.031). Glycemic variability >40 mg/dL was associated with increased need for RRT (28.3% vs. 14.4%, p = 0.002) and shock incidence (41.4% vs.31.2%, p = 0.039). In this mixed sample of critically ill subjects, including patients with and without preexisting diabetes, glycemic gap, glycemic variability, and SHR were associated with worse outcomes, but not with mortality. Hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia were independently associated with increased mortality.
A novel panel of differentially-expressed microRNAs in breast cancer brain metastasis may predict patient survival
Authors: Giannoudis Athina , Clarke Kim , Zakaria Rasheed , Varešlija Damir , Farahani Mosavar , Rainbow Lucille , Platt-Higgins Angela , Ruthven Stuart , Brougham Katherine A. , Rudland Philip S. , Jenkinson Michael D. , Young Leonie S. , Falciani Francesco , Palmieri Carlo
Published: December 2019

Breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM) is an area of unmet clinical need. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been linked to the metastatic process in breast cancer (BC). In this study, we aim to determine differentially-expressed miRNAs utilising primary BCs that did not relapse (BCNR, n = 12), primaries that relapsed (BCR) and their paired (n = 40 pairs) brain metastases (BM) using the NanoString™ nCounter™ miRNA Expression Assays. Significance analysis of microarrays identified 58 and 11 differentially-expressed miRNAs between BCNR vs BCR and BCR vs BM respectively and pathway analysis revealed enrichment for genes involved in invasion and metastasis. Four miRNAs, miR-132-3p, miR-199a-5p, miR-150-5p and miR-155-5p, were differentially-expressed within both cohorts (BCNR-BCR, BCR-BM) and receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis (p = 0.00137) and Kaplan-Meier survival method (p = 0.0029, brain metastasis-free survival; p = 0.0007, overall survival) demonstrated their potential use as prognostic markers. Ingenuity pathway enrichment linked them to the MET oncogene, and the cMET protein was overexpressed in the BCR (p < 0.0001) and BM (p = 0.0008) cases, compared to the BCNRs. The 4-miRNAs panel identified in this study could be potentially used to distinguish BC patients with an increased risk of developing BCBM and provide potential novel therapeutic targets, whereas cMET-targeting warrants further investigation in the treatment of BCBM.
Unusual features of the c-ring of F1FO ATP synthases
Authors: Vlasov A. V. , Kovalev K. V. , Marx S.-H. , Round E. S. , Gushchin I. Yu. , Polovinkin V. A. , Tsoy N. M. , Okhrimenko I. S. , Borshchevskiy V. I. , Büldt G. D. , Ryzhykau Yu. L. , Rogachev A. V. , Chupin V. V. , Kuklin A. I. , Dencher N. A. , Gordeliy V. I.
Published: December 2019

Membrane integral ATP synthases produce adenosine triphosphate, the universal “energy currency” of most organisms. However, important details of proton driven energy conversion are still unknown. We present the first high-resolution structure (2.3 Å) of the in meso crystallized c-ring of 14 subunits from spinach chloroplasts. The structure reveals molecular mechanisms of intersubunit contacts in the c14-ring, and it shows additional electron densities inside the c-ring which form circles parallel to the membrane plane. Similar densities were found in all known high-resolution structures of c-rings of F1FO ATP synthases from archaea and bacteria to eukaryotes. The densities might originate from isoprenoid quinones (such as coenzyme Q in mitochondria and plastoquinone in chloroplasts) that is consistent with differential UV-Vis spectroscopy of the c-ring samples, unusually large distance between polar/apolar interfaces inside the c-ring and universality among different species. Although additional experiments are required to verify this hypothesis, coenzyme Q and its analogues known as electron carriers of bioenergetic chains may be universal cofactors of ATP synthases, stabilizing c-ring and prevent ion leakage through it.
Low diagnostic accuracy of Xpert MTB/RIF assay for extrapulmonary tuberculosis: A multicenter surveillance
Authors: Allahyartorkaman Mohammadreza , Mirsaeidi Mehdi , Hamzehloo Gholamreza , Amini Sirus , Zakiloo Mona , Nasiri Mohammad Javad
Published: December 2019

Diagnostic accuracy of Xpert MTB/RIF assay for pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and extrapulmonary TB (EPTB) has not been investigated in Iran. This study was aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of Xpert MTB/RIF assay for both PTB and EPTB. A total of 2111 clinical samples (1218 pulmonary and 838 extra-pulmonary) were collected from 16 medical centers during the study period and were analyzed for detection of PTB and EPTB by both Xpert MTB/RIF assay and standard conventional methods (culture and direct smear microscopy). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of Xpert MTB/RIF assay for PTB were found to be 95.5%, 96.7%, 83.8%, and 99.1% respectively. For EPTB, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of Xpert MTB/RIF assay counted for 76.5%, 95.9%, 62%, and 97.9% respectively. Xpert MTB/RIF assay found to be highly sensitive, specific and comparable to standard conventional methods for the diagnosis of PTB. However, the sensitivity and specificity of Xpert MTB/RIF for EPTB specimens were highly variable; thus, Xpert MTB/RIF cannot be recommended to replace standard conventional tests for diagnosis of EPTB.
Aesthetic appreciation of musical intervals enhances behavioural and neurophysiological indexes of attentional engagement and motor inhibition
Authors: Sarasso P. , Ronga I. , Pistis A. , Forte E. , Garbarini F. , Ricci R. , Neppi-Modona M.
Published: December 2019

From Kant to current perspectives in neuroaesthetics, the experience of beauty has been described asdisinterested, i.e. focusing on the stimulus perceptual features while neglecting self-referred concerns. At a neurophysiological level, some indirect evidence suggests thatdisinterested aesthetic appreciationmight be associated with attentional enhancement and inhibition of motor behaviour. To test this hypothesis, we performed three auditory-evoked potential experiments, employing consonant and dissonant two-note musical intervals. Twenty-two volunteers judged the beauty of intervals (Aesthetic Judgement task) or responded to them as fast as possible (Detection task). In a third Go-NoGo task, a different group of twenty-two participants had to refrain from responding when hearing intervals. Individual aesthetic judgements positively correlated with response times in the Detection task, with slower motor responses for more appreciated intervals. Electrophysiological indexes of attentional engagement (N1/P2) and motor inhibition (N2/P3) were enhanced for more appreciated intervals. These findings represent the first experimental evidence confirming thedisinterested interest hypothesisand may have important applications in research areas studying the effects of stimulus features on learning and motor behaviour.
Validation of antibodies for the specific detection of human TRPA1
Authors: Virk H. S. , Rekas M. Z. , Biddle M. S. , Wright A. K. A. , Sousa J. , Weston C. A. , Chachi L. , Roach K. M. , Bradding P.
Published: December 2019

The transient receptor potential cation channel family member ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) is a potential target for several diseases, but detection of human TRPA1 (hTRPA1) protein in cells and tissues is problematic as rigorous antibody validation is lacking. We expressed hTRPA1 in a TRPA1-negative cell line to evaluate 5 commercially available antibodies by western blotting, immunofluorescence, immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry. The three most cited anti-TRPA1 antibodies lacked sensitivity and/or specificity, but two mouse monoclonal anti-TRPA1 antibodies detected hTRPA1 specifically in the above assays. This enabled the development of a flow cytometry assay, which demonstrated strong expression of TRPA1 in human lung myofibroblasts, human airway smooth muscle cells but not lung mast cells. The most cited anti-TRPA1 antibodies lack sensitivity and/or specificity for hTRPA1. We have identified two anti-TRPA1 antibodies which detect hTRPA1 specifically. Previously published data regarding human TRPA1 protein expression may need revisiting.
CytA, a reductase in the cytorhodin biosynthesis pathway, inactivates anthracycline drugs in Streptomyces
Authors: Gui Chun , Chen Jiang , Xie Qing , Mo Xuhua , Zhang Shanwen , Zhang Hua , Ma Junying , Li Qinglian , Gu Yu-Cheng , Ju Jianhua
Published: December 2019

Antibiotic-producing microorganism can develop strategies to deal with self-toxicity. Cytorhodins X and Y, cosmomycins A and B, and iremycin, are produced as final products from a marine-derived Streptomyces sp. SCSIO 1666. These C-7 reduced metabolites show reduced antimicrobial and comparable cytotoxic activities relative to their C-7 glycosylated counterparts. However, the biosynthetic mechanisms and relevant enzymes that drive C-7 reduction in cytorhodin biosynthesis have not yet been characterized. Here we report the discovery and characterization of a reductase, CytA, that mediates C-7 reduction of this anthracycline scaffold; CytA endows the producer Streptomyces sp. SCSIO 1666 with a means of protecting itself from the effects of its anthracycline products. Additionally, we identified cosmomycins C and D as two intermediates involved in cytorhodin biosynthesis and we also broadened the substrate specificity of CytA to clinically used anthracycline drugs.
Young fishes persist despite coral loss on the Great Barrier Reef
Authors: Wismer Sharon , Tebbett Sterling B. , Streit Robert P. , Bellwood David R.
Published: December 2019

Unprecedented global bleaching events have led to extensive loss of corals. This is expected to lead to extensive losses of obligate coral-dependent fishes. Here, we use a novel, spatially-matched census approach to examine the nature of fish-coral dependency across two mass coral bleaching events. Despite a >40% loss of coral cover, and the ecological extinction of functionally important habitat-providing Acropora corals, we show that populations of obligate coral-dependent fishes, including Pomacentrus moluccensis, persisted and – critically – recruitment was maintained. Fishes used a wide range of alternate reef habitats, including other coral genera and dead coral substrata. Labile habitat associations of ‘obligate’ coral-dependent fishes suggest that recruitment may be sustained on future reefs that lack Acropora, following devastating climatic disturbances. This persistence without Acropora corals offers grounds for cautious optimism; for coral-dwelling fishes, corals may be a preferred habitat, not an obligate requirement.
An enzyme-initiated DNAzyme motor for RNase H activity imaging in living cell
Authors: Hu Namin , Wang Yafang , Liu Chang , He Manman , Nie Cunpeng , Zhang Juan , Yu Qiaoqin , Zhao Chuan , Chen Tingting , Chu Xia
Published: December 2019

A signal amplification strategy based on an enzyme-initiated DNAzyme motor for sensitive imaging of RNase H activity in living cell.
Deactivation of Co-Schiff base catalysts in the oxidation of para-substituted lignin models for the production of benzoquinones
Authors: Zuleta Ernesto C. , Goenaga Gabriel A. , Zawodzinski Thomas A. , Elder Thomas , Bozell Joseph J.
Published: December 2019

Those features which enhance the reactivity of Co-Schiff base oxidation catalysts can also contribute to their demise.
Bi-functional Ag-CuxO/g-C3N4 hybrid catalysts for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol and the electrochemical detection of dopamine
Authors: Verma Atul , Kumar Sanath , Chang Wen-Ku , Fu Yen-Pei
Published: December 2019

Dual application of Ag-CuxO/g-C3N4 catalyst for catalytic reduction of toxic 4-nitrophenol and electrochemical detection of dopamine.
Evolution of important glucosinolates in three common Brassica vegetables during their processing into vegetable powder and in vitro gastric digestion
Authors: Kuljarachanan Thitima , Fu Nan , Chiewchan Naphaporn , Devahastin Sakamon , Chen Xiao Dong
Published: December 2019

Evolution of sinigrin, glucoraphanin, glucoerucin and glucobrassicin in Brassica vegetables during processing and in vitro gastric digestion was investigated.
Green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate improves the antioxidant capacity of eggs
Authors: Wang Jianping , Jia Ru , Celi Pietro , Ding Xuemei , Bai Shiping , Zeng Qiufeng , Mao Xiangbing , Xu Shengyu , Zhang Keying
Published: December 2019

Dietary supplementation with EGCG led to an increase in egg antioxidant activity and antioxidant chemical substances, tryptophan and carotenoid. This may be associated with its increasing effect on the oxidative stress related regulators expression (P38MAPK, Nrf2 and HO-1).
Degradable dual superlyophobic lignocellulosic fibers for high-efficiency oil/water separation
Authors: Kang Lei , Wang Bin , Zeng Jinsong , Cheng Zheng , Li Jinpeng , Xu Jun , Gao Wenhua , Chen Kefu
Published: December 2019

A degradable dual lignocellulosic fiber with superwetting characteristics was successfully fabricated by a strategically adjusted condensation reaction of melamine and formaldehyde, maintaining high efficiency for oil/water mixture separation.
Efficient electrocatalytic conversion of N2 to NH3 on NiWO4 under ambient conditions
Authors: Wang Jia , Jang Haeseong , Li Guangkai , Kim Min Gyu , Wu Zexing , Liu Xien , Cho Jaephil
Published: December 2019

NiWO4 was prepared through a facile and large-scale strategy, and exhibited superior electrocatalytic performance, relative to NiO and WO3, for the nitrogen reduction reaction in both acidic and alkaline media at room temperature.
A one-pot “shielding-to-etching” strategy to synthesize amorphous MoS2 modified CoS/Co0.85Se heterostructured nanotube arrays for boosted energy-saving H2 generation
Authors: Sun Yulin , Wang Saijun , Ning Jiqiang , Zhang Ziyang , Zhong Yijun , Hu Yong
Published: December 2019

A one-pot “shielding-to-etching” strategy is presented to construct amorphous MoS2 modified CoS/Co0.85Se heterostructured nanotube arrays for high-efficiency energy-saving H2 generation.
Iodine-mediated photoATRP in aqueous media with oxygen tolerance
Authors: Dadashi-Silab Sajjad , Szczepaniak Grzegorz , Lathwal Sushil , Matyjaszewski Krzysztof
Published: December 2019

Iodine-mediated photoATRP was conducted in aqueous media enabling fast and well-controlled polymerizations under visible light without deoxygenation.
Label-free diagnostics and cancer surgery Raman spectra guidance for the human colon at different excitation wavelengths
Authors: Brozek-Pluska Beata , Miazek Krystian , Musiał Jacek , Kordek Radzislaw
Published: December 2019

Raman spectroscopy and imaging are highly structure-sensitive methods that allow the characterization of biological samples with minimal impact.
Ultrahigh permeance of a chemical cross-linked graphene oxide nanofiltration membrane enhanced by cation–π interaction
Authors: Yi Ruobing , Yang Rujie , Yu Risheng , Lan Jian , Chen Junlang , Wang Zhikun , Chen Liang , Wu Minghong
Published: December 2019

Chemical cross-linking together with magnesium ions, potentially promoting reasonable cross-linking and improving the water channels of membrane in terms of flatness and surface with low mass transfer resistance.
Computational study on the mechanism and kinetics for the reaction between HO2 and n-propyl peroxy radical
Authors: Yang Zhenli , Lin Xiaoxiao , Zhou Jiacheng , Hu Mingfeng , Gai Yanbo , Zhao Weixiong , long Bo , Zhang Weijun
Published: December 2019

The negative temperature dependence for the HO2 + n-C3H7O2 reaction in lower temperature regime.
Synthesis of Fe3O4@PVBC–TMT nanoparticles for the efficient removal of heavy metals ions
Authors: Chen Zhiming , Song Jiaojiao , Zhu Qingpeng , Li Zhiguo , Yang Renchun
Published: December 2019

Core–shell Fe3O4@PVBC–TMT nanoparticles were fabricated and served as a valid magnetic adsorbent for the removal of heavy metals ions.
Stabilizing cathode structure via the binder material with high resilience for lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Liu Fengquan , Hu Zhiyu , Xue Jinxin , Huo Hong , Zhou Jianjun , Li Lin
Published: December 2019

A self-crosslinking polyacrylate binder with fine elasticity stabilizing the sulfur cathode and endowing Li–S batteries with excellent performance.
Nanoparticle modification in biological media: implications for oral nanomedicines
Authors: Muraleetharan Vishnaka , Mantaj Julia , Swedrowska Magda , Vllasaliu Driton
Published: December 2019

Nanomedicines undergo transformation in biological media, which impacts biological effects. Such transformation in the gut environment has implications in use of nanomedicines for oral administration.
Electrocatalytic water oxidation by a Ni(ii) salophen-type complex
Authors: Aligholivand Mehri , Shaghaghi Zohreh , Bikas Rahman , Kozakiewicz Anna
Published: December 2019

One new Ni-salophen type complex was designed as a water oxidation electrocatalyst in neutral and basic solutions.
A study of TiO2 nanocrystal growth and environmental remediation capability of TiO2/CNC nanocomposites
Authors: Zhan Chengbo , Li Yanxiang , Sharma Priyanka R. , He Hongrui , Sharma Sunil K. , Wang Ruifu , Hsiao Benjamin S.
Published: December 2019

Green and sustainable cellulose nanocrystals-TiO2 nanocomposite was prepared for environmental applications using a facile method comprised of thermal degradation of aqueous titanium precursors.
Isothermal kinase-triggered supramolecular assemblies as drug sensitizers
Authors: Liu Dongdong , Miao Zhe , Wu Chengling , He Fangfei , Ren Peng , Bai Shuo , Jiang Xingyu , Gao Yuan
Published: December 2019

A nonapeptide grafted LCST polymer undergoes enzymatic phosphorylation to assemble, which selectively disrupts PKA overexpressing cancer cells via kinetics targeting.
Catalytic asymmetric multiple dearomatizations of phenols enabled by a cascade 1,8-addition and Diels–Alder reaction
Authors: Liu Xihong , Zhang Jingying , Bai Lutao , Wang Linqing , Yang Dongxu , Wang Rui
Published: December 2019

The first chiral phosphoric acid catalyzed asymmetric multiple dearomatizations of phenols for the synthesis of bridged polycyclic compounds are reported.
A new hypervalent iodine(iii/v) oxidant and its application to the synthesis of 2H-azirines
Authors: Zhang Guangtao , Wang Yuanxun , Xu Jun , Sun Jiyun , Sun Fengxia , Zhang Yilin , Zhang Chenglin , Du Yunfei
Published: December 2019

The reaction ofo-nitroiodobenzene andmCPBA in AcOH was found to afford a novel hypervalent iodine compound which both iodine(iii) and iodine(v) moieties coexist. This new reagent is proved to be effective in realizing the synthesis of 2H-azirines.
Hollow polymer microrods of tunable flexibility from dense amphiphilic block copolymer brushes
Authors: Chambon Lucille , Vamvakaki Maria
Published: December 2019

Synthesis of self-standing hollow polymer microrods from amphiphilic block copolymer brushes with tunable flexibility, without cross-linking.
Self-assembly of amphiphilic polymers of varying architectures near attractive surfaces
Authors: Wessels Michiel G. , Jayaraman Arthi
Published: December 2019

We use coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the assembly of A–B amphiphilic polymers near/on surfaces as a function of polymer architecture and surface attraction to the solvophobic B-block in the polymer.
Combined treatment of phonon scattering by electrons and point defects explains the thermal conductivity reduction in highly-doped Si
Authors: Dongre Bonny , Carrete Jesús , Wen Shihao , Ma Jinlong , Li Wu , Mingo Natalio , Madsen Georg K. H.
Published: December 2019

Successful prediction of thermal conductivity of highly-doped Si, revealing the importance of phonon scattering by electrons as well as point defects.
Estimation and control using sampling‐based Bayesian reinforcement learning
Authors: Slade Patrick , Sunberg Zachary N. , Kochenderfer Mykel J.
Published: December 2019

Real‐world autonomous systems operate under uncertainty about both their pose and dynamics. Autonomous control systems must simultaneously perform estimation and control tasks to maintain robustness to changing dynamics or modelling errors. However, information gathering actions often conflict with optimal actions for reaching control objectives, requiring a trade‐off between exploration and exploitation. The specific problem setting considered here is for discrete‐time non‐linear systems, with process noise, input‐constraints, and parameter uncertainty. This study frames this problem as a Bayes‐adaptive Markov decision process and solves it online using Monte Carlo tree search with an unscented Kalman filter to account for process noise and parameter uncertainty. This method is compared with certainty equivalent model predictive control and a tree search method that approximates the QMDP solution, providing insight into when information gathering is useful. Discrete time simulations characterise performance over a range of process noise and bounds on unknown parameters. An offline optimisation method is used to select the Monte Carlo tree search parameters without hand‐tuning. In lieu of recursive feasibility guarantees, a probabilistic bounding heuristic is offered that increases the probability of keeping the state within a desired region.
Predictor‐based adaptive feedback control for a class of systems with time delay and its application to an aircraft skin inspection robot
Authors: Wu Xuewei , Wang Congqing , Hua Shaoyang
Published: December 2019

This study presents a predictor‐based adaptive feedback control for a class of systems with a known input time delay, an arbitrary large unknown output time delay, unmeasurable states, unmodelled dynamics and disturbances. First, a predictor is employed to cope with the input time delay, and an input delay‐free system was established. Then, to overcome the arbitrarily large unknown output time delay and unmeasurable states, an augmented descriptor observer is developed for the new delay‐free system. Finally, an adaptive neural network is constructed to estimate the lumped unknown term by backstepping control and obtain the preliminary estimated model, which can compensate the unknown dynamic disturbances and the unmodelled dynamics in the backstepping iteration to achieve the desired tracking performance. In addition, to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed scheme, the control of pressure difference is also implemented in the adsorption system of an aircraft skin inspection robot, and the simulation results verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
A set‐theoretic model predictive control approach for transient stability in smart grid
Authors: Bagherzadeh Maryam , Lucia Walter
Published: December 2019

In this study, the authors deal with the transient stability control problem in smart grids. They consider an operative scenario where a physical fault or a cyber‐attack produces an impulsive perturbation in the state of the system, and a controller must be designed to robustly recover, in a finite‐time, transient stability despite initial perturbation and uncertainties. The authors propose a solution that is based on a low‐demanding model predictive control (MPC) idea that is known as set‐theoretic MPC. They show that such a controller can be used as an emergency controller to deal with the considered scenario. A peculiar capability of the proposed solution is that the worst‐case time to transient stability can be apriori established. Moreover, most of the required computations are moved into an off‐line phase leaving into the on‐line phase a simple and computationally affordable convex optimisation problem. Finally, the authors have conducted an extensive simulation campaign to testify the validity of the proposed solution experimentally and to investigate its performance when contrasted with a competitor scheme.
Robust model‐free adaptive iterative learning formation for unknown heterogeneous non‐linear multi‐agent systems
Authors: Ren Ye , Hou Zhongsheng
Published: December 2019

The formation problem for a class of non‐linear multi‐agent systems (MASs) is considered under bounded disturbance and repetitive environment. The agent dynamics here is unknown and heterogeneous, and the disturbances are both time‐varying and iteration‐varying. Based on a novel disturbance‐related dynamic linearisation technique, the agent dynamics is first transformed into an equivalent dynamic linearisation data model along the iteration axis. Then, distributed robust model‐free adaptive iterative learning protocols are designed to drive the agents to the desired formation pattern. By theoretic analysis, the formation tracking error of the MASs is ultimately bounded and the result is further extended to an iteration‐varying topology and pattern case. As a data‐driven method, the protocol design has the feature that only the input and output data of neighbouring agents are used. Finally, numerical examples are presented to show the effectiveness and robustness of this method.
Optimal peak flux density model (OPFDM) for non‐iterative design of high‐frequency gapped transformer (HFGT) in LLC resonant converters
Authors: Ahmed Daniyal , Wang Li
Published: December 2019

In LLC resonant converters, litz‐wire high‐frequency gapped transformer (HFGT) is one of the most critical components, responsible for efficient operation. However, it is also a major contributor to overall weight and volume. Therefore, designers perform multi‐objective optimisation for minimising its losses and size, which is itself complex and cumbersome. This usually requires many iterations because the losses vary non‐linearly with the decrease in size. The selection of initial‐setup parameter (ISP) values, plays a vital role in overall performance improvement of the optimisation. The closer the ISPs to optimal values, the smaller are the iterations required for convergence. Therefore, this study proposes an optimal peak flux density model (OPFDM), considering the voltage excitation waveform, duty cycle, core material parameters, and the response of litz‐wire to high‐frequency. The aim is to obtain an optimised HFGT design through a non‐iterative approach by directly estimating optimal values of ISPs through OPFDM. The designed HFGT results in minimised losses and size, while keeping the thermal constraints within limits. Moreover, the impact of frequency and duty cycle on OPFDM is also presented. The proposed model is implemented to design HFGT for 380 VDC/12 VDC LLC converter. Comparison‐based analytical, finite‐elements method and experimental results validate the model.
Integrated system for power flow control between electric vehicle, utility grid and residence
Authors: Stefano de Souza Pelegrino Lucas , Heldwein Marcelo Lobo , Waltrich Gierri
Published: December 2019

This work proposes a device, external to an electric vehicle (EV), capable of adding vehicle‐to‐home and vehicle‐to‐grid functionality by using the available battery terminals in a combo connector. This configuration eliminates the need of onboard EV bidirectional inverters, reducing weight, cost and complexity while adding the possibility of integrating local renewable energy generation. In order to validate the concept of the system, design and simulations of the proposed system were carried out in a 2 kW prototype.
Adaptive indoor positioning method based on direction discrimination and device conversion
Authors: Li Shirong , Fu Maosheng , Zhu Xuemei , Zhang Fenghui , He Fugui
Published: December 2019

Received signal strength (RSS) greatly differs due to the different occlusion directions and receiving device heterogeneity. It greatly affects the positioning accuracy. In this study, an adaptive indoor positioning method based on the direction discrimination and device conversion is proposed to solve these problems. This method is mainly composed of three parts: direction discrimination, device conversion and positioning models. First, the direction discrimination model can reduce the impact of a user's body occlusion. Best access points can be selected by principal component analysis to adapt to different directions and areas. Secondly, a device conversion model is used to reduce high offline work due to device heterogeneity. RSS of other devices can be converted to the value of one fixed device by least squares piecewise polynomial algorithm, without increasing the offline data collection workload. Finally, the results can be obtained by the positioning model. The problems of high dimensionality and non‐linearity can be solved by the least squares support vector regression algorithm. Experimental results show that the proposed method can solve the problems of occlusion direction and device heterogeneity. The engineering applicability of positioning system can also be greatly improved.
Coupled lattice Boltzmann simulation method for bidomain type models in cardiac electrophysiology with multiple time-delays
Authors: Corre S. , Belmiloudi A.
Published: December 2019

In this work, we propose a mathematical model of the cardiac electrophysiology which take into account time delays in signal transmission, in order to capture the whole activities of macro- to micro-scale transport processes, and use this model to analyze the propagation of electrophysiological waves in the heart by using a developed coupling Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM). The propagation of electrical activity in the heart is mathematically modeled by a modified bidomain system. As transmembrane potential evolves, the domain has anisotropical properties which are transposed into intracellular and extracellular conductivity. The new bidomain system is a multi-scale, stiff and strongly nonlinear coupled reaction-diffusion model in the shape of a set of ordinary differential equations coupled with a set of partial differential equations with multiple time delays. Due to delays, dynamic and geometry complexity, numerical simulation and implementation of this type of coupled systems are very ambitious mathematical and computational problems but are crucial in several biomedical applications. We introduce a modified LBM scheme, reliable, efficient, stable and easy to implement in the context of such bidomain systems with multiple time delays. Numerical tests to confirm effectiveness and accuracy of our approach are provided and, the influence and impact of delays to restore normal heart rhythm are analyzed.
Schilddrüsen-OP: Allgemeinchirurgen und Kopf-Hals-Chirurgen im Vergleich
Authors: Minovi Amir
Published: December 2019

Kohnen B et al. Surgery of benign thyroid disease by ENT/head and neck surgeons and general surgeons: 233 cases of vocal fold paralysis in 3509 patients. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2018;275:2397–2402

In der Regel erfolgen Schilddrüsenoperationen durch Allgemeinchirurgen. In einer Untersuchung der Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Klinik des Klinikum Mutterhaus der Borromäerinnen wurden Sicherheit und Effizienz einer durch HNO- Kopf- und Hals-Chirurgen ausgeführten Schilddrüsenoperation analysiert, insbesondere im Hinblick auf das Auftreten von Stimmlippenlähmung (VFP).
Pseudogravidität bei niederländischen Milchziegen
Authors: Hampe Marian
Published: December 2019

Van den Brom R, Klerx R, Vellema P et al. Incidence, possible risk factors and therapies for pseudopregnancy on Dutch
dairy goat farms: a cross-sectional study. Vet Rec 2019; doi: 10.1136/vr.105346

Die Pseudogravidität gehört zu den wichtigen Fortpflanzungsstörungen der Milchziege. Hierbei kommt es bei
vorliegendem Corpus luteum zu einer Ansammlung aseptischer Flüssigkeit im Uteruslumen ohne Frucht- oder
Plazentaanteile und zu einer Azyklie. Die Menge der intrauterinen Flüssigkeit kann zwischen weniger als 100 ml bis
hin zu mehr als 8 l variieren. Die ätiologisch nicht vollständig geklärte Erkrankung tritt unabhängig von der
Zuchtsaison auf und lässt sich mittels Sonografie diagnostizieren. Ziel dieser Studie war, Daten zu Häufigkeit und
potenziellen Risikofaktoren der Pseudogravidität sowie angewendeten Therapien in der niederländischen
Milchziegenhaltung zu sammeln und auszuwerten.
Eröffnung in Singen
Authors: Schweizer Beate
Published: December 2019

Am 5. November 2019 eröffnete Takeda Pharma seine neu gebaute Impfstofffabrik in Singen für Dengueimpfstoffe. Am Standort Singen soll zukünftig der Impfstoffkandidat (TAK-003) hergestellt, abgefüllt und verpackt werden (Abb. 1, 2). Die offizielle Einweihung des Neubaus ist ein weiterer wichtiger Schritt des global tätigen Unternehmens auf dem Weg zur Zulassung des neuen Impfstoffs.
Sonographic characteristics of the placenta, uterine wall, and placentomes during pregnancy in
cows
Authors: Zoller Doreen , Peterson Susanne , Boos Alois , Hässig Michael , Bleul Ulrich
Published: December 2019

Objective In human medicine, contrary to bovine medicine, close monitoring of risk pregnancies is an integral part
of obstetrics. A prerequisite for this is the knowledge of the normal findings during pregnancy.

Material and methods For this purpose serial transrectal sonographic examination of the placentomes, uterine wall,
and fetal membranes were carried out in 24 healthy (mean age 8.1 ± 3.7 years, Brown Swiss [n = 21], Red Holstein [n =
2], Simmental [n = 1]) cows from week 6 to 43 of gestation. An 8-MHz linear transducer was used to assess the thickness
and appearance of the endometrium and myometrium, the height and width of placentomes, the thickness of the uterine wall
including the adjacent chorion laeve (combined thickness of uterus and placenta, CTUP), and the echogenicity of the
fetal fluids. The uterine wall and the placentomes were measured in 4 different zones of both uterine sides including a
zone near the cervix, at the corpus near to the bifurcation, at the middle, and near the tip of the uterine horn.

Results Placentome height and width were closely correlated with gestational age (height: r = 0.78; width: r =
0.83; both p < 0.0001). Placentome size increased progressively in all uterine zones until week 27, after which time
their growth slowed until week 31 and then plateaued until parturition. Placentomes in the fetus-bearing horn were
larger than in the non-fetus-bearing horn (p < 0.01) and were significantly smaller (height and width) near the tip
of the horn than in the other 3 zones (p < 0.001 to < 0.01). The mean thickness of endometrium and myometrium,
myometrium at the base of the placentome, and the mean CTUP did not change significantly during gestation. The
echogenicity of the allantoic fluid did not change, but the amniotic fluid became more echogenic during gestation (p
< 0.0001).

Conclusion and clinical relevance Sonographic examination of placentomes and amniotic fluid are a promising
diagnostic tool for the estimation of the duration of bovine pregnancies and for diagnosing possible complications.
Künstliche Intelligenz zur Entwicklung von Screening-Parametern im Bereich der kornealen Biomechanik
Authors: Reisdorf Sven
Published: December 2019

Machine Learning stellt insbesondere dann eine sinnvolle Alternative dar, wenn eine Datenanalyse mit wissensbasierten analytischen Methoden sehr aufwendig und schwierig ist. In solchen Fällen bietet sich auch eine Kombination aus analytischen Methoden und empirischen Methoden mittels künstlicher Intelligenz (KI) an. Die Entwicklung verschiedener Auswertefunktionen des Corvis ST ist hierfür ein konkretes Beispiel. In diesem Beitrag wird die Entwicklung dreier Screening-Parameter mittels KI beschrieben. Der Artikel zeigt, wie diese Entwicklungen im Bereich der Erkennung von klinischem und subklinischem Keratokonus sowie Glaukom-Screening klinisch hilfreich sind.
Überlebenszeit nach chirurgischer Resektion beim felinen gastrointestinalen Lymphom
Authors: Betz Daniela Simon
Published: December 2019

Tidd KS, Durham AC, Brown DC et al. Outcomes in 40 cats with discrete intermediate- or large-cell gastrointestinal
lymphoma masses treated with surgical mass resection (2005–2015). Vet Surg 2019; 48: 1218–1228

Das gastrointestinale Lymphom (GIL) ist die am häufigsten diagnostizierte anatomische Form dieser Neoplasie bei der
Katze. Systemische Chemotherapie stellt derzeit die Standardtherapie beim felinen intermediär- bzw. großzelligen GIL
dar, wobei die Prognose stark variiert und die mediane Überlebenszeit zwischen 3 und 6 Monaten schwankt. Eine
therapeutische chirurgische Intervention wurde bisher nur in Fällen mit lymphombedingter Obstruktion oder
Perforation eingesetzt, die darüber hinausgehende therapeutische Bedeutung der Chirurgie ist derzeit noch unklar.
Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war, den Verlauf von Katzen mit intermediär- bzw. großzelligem GIL nach chirurgischer
Resektion auszuwerten.
Erfassung der Oberflächentemperatur im Kopfbereich von Kälbern
Authors: Ganz Sebastian
Published: December 2019

Scherf L, Kretschmann J, Fischer ML et al. Thermographische Erfassung der Oberflächentemperatur im Kopfbereich von
Kälbern unter Stallbedingungen. Schweiz Arch Tierheilk 2019; 161 (10): 649–658

Die Thermografie kommt in der Veterinärmedizin in unterschiedlichen Bereichen zum Einsatz, beispielsweise bei der
Euter- und Klauendiagnostik oder der Früherkennung von Infektionskrankheiten. Dieses Diagnostikinstrument unterliegt
internen und externen Einflussfaktoren wie z. B. Stress, bestehenden Erkrankungen bzw. Alter der Tiere (intern) oder
Umweltfaktoren wie Haltungsbedingungen, Belüftung und Umgebungstemperatur (extern). Da Fellverschmutzungen an der
Messstelle die Ergebnisse verfälschen können, bieten sich haarlose Körperregionen wie Flotzmaul oder Mundschleimhaut
an. Bei Messungen in anderen Regionen sollte der Bereich zuvor geschoren werden, um diesen Einflussfaktor zu
minimieren. Ziel der Studie war, Einflussfaktoren auf die Thermografie an verschiedenen Körperregionen beim Kalb zu
erfassen, um dieses potenzielle Diagnostikum im Bereich Kälbergesundheit zu validieren.
Pedigreeanalyse zum Auftreten des Sehnenstelzfußes beim Kalb
Authors: Sickinger Marlene
Published: December 2019

Schoiswohl J, Eiter J, Schwarzenbacher H et al. Sehnenstelzfuß bei 93 Kälbern – Erscheinungsformen, Behandlungsmethoden
und Ergebnis einer Pedigreeanalyse. Schweiz Arch Tierheilk 2019; 161 (10): 677–688

Beim Sehnenstelzfuß (SSF), auch als Neuromyodysplasia congenita oder „congenital articular rigidity“ bezeichnet,
handelt es sich um eine unphysiologische Beugung der Gliedmaßengelenke aufgrund einer Muskelkontraktur der
Zehenbeuger. Diese Muskelkontraktur tritt in unterschiedlichen Schweregraden (Grad 1–3) auf und vermittelt dabei
eine scheinbare Verkürzung der Beugesehnen an der betroffenen Gliedmaße. Die weltweit vorkommende Erkrankung besteht
meist von Geburt an. Erworbene Formen kommen als Komplikation anderer Grunderkrankungen mit verlängerten
Liegephasen, in Verbindung mit Mangelzuständen (Mangan, Selen) oder nach intrauterinen Virusinfektionen vor. Die
Ursache des kongenitalen SSF ist nicht genau geklärt, eine genetische Komponente wird vermutet.
Mechanical Properties of the Every Second Matters for Mothers-Uterine Balloon Tamponade (ESM-UBT) Device: In Vitro Tests
Authors: Mollazadeh-Moghaddam Kamyar , Dundek Michelle , Bellare Anuj , Borovac-Pinheiro Anderson , Won Alice , Burke Thomas F.
Published: December 2019

Objective Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is the most common cause of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide, most of which occurs in resource-poor settings. Placement of a uterine balloon may be life-saving in uncontrolled PPH. The Every Second Matters for Mothers-Uterine Balloon Tamponade (ESM-UBT) device is an ultra-low-cost uterine balloon designed for global access. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mechanical properties of the ESM-UBT device.

Study design Intraluminal pressures, diameters, and burst volumes of condom uterine balloons and Foley catheter balloons of ESM-UBT devices were measured in open air and inside uterus models. Condom uterine balloons were tested with uterus model sizes of 100, 250, and 500mL. The condom-catheter O-ring attachment tensile strength was also evaluated.

Results All 28 samples of ESM-UBT condom uterine balloons maintained their integrity for at least 3 hours when subjected to pressures of 200 mm Hg or greater across each of the tested uterine volumes. No Foley catheter balloons burst after instillation of 30mL, O-rings withstood forces of 15.4 ± 2.1 N, and condom uterine balloons stretched to 35.8 ± 2.1 cm without loss of integrity.

Conclusion The mechanical properties of the ESM-UBT device make it attractive for scale across resource-poor settings.
Carcinoma of Penis with Metastasis to Right Breast
Authors: Goel Sajal , Mittal Deepak Kumar , Sharma Pankaj
Published: December 2019

Penile cancer is relatively frequent in developing world compared with developed countries. Majority of histologies are of squamous origin and spread through lymphatics or vascular channels. Metastases from penile carcinoma mainly involves lung, liver, bone, and rarely other sites. The patient reported here is a treated case of penile cancer who presented with lesion in right breast after treatment for primary disease. He responded well to the adjuvant therapy.
Role of Biomarkers in Guiding Cure of Viral Hepatitis B
Authors: Buti Maria , Riveiro-Barciela Mar , Rodríguez-Frías Francisco , Tabernero David , Esteban Rafael
Published: December 2019

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) virus infection is a global public health threat affecting approximately 257 million individuals worldwide. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss has been the classic endpoint to define functional cure and decrease the large pool of individuals with CHB. Current treatments with nucleos(t)ide analogues persistently suppress hepatitis B virus (HBV) deoxyribonucleic acid in most CHB patients, but rarely achieve functional cure. New viral biomarkers, such as quantitative HBsAg, hepatitis B core-related antigen, and HBV ribonucleic acid, and combinations of these markers have the potential role of guiding HBV cure by enabling selection of the best candidates for therapy, identifying individuals with a higher likelihood of achieving HBsAg loss, and helping in the design of studies with new drugs. However, some of the assays used to analyze these markers require standardization and improvements in the level of detection. Analysis of host biomarkers to assess the host immune response to HBV is also important, as the natural course of CHB is determined by the interplay between viral replication and the immune response. These biomarkers are, however, in an early phase of development.