bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A two-miRNA signature (miR-33a-5p and miR-128-3p) in whole blood as potential biomarker for early diagnosis of lung cancer
Authors: Pan Jinchang , Zhou Chengwei , Zhao Xiaodong , He Jinxian , Tian Hui , Shen Weiyu , Han Ying , Chen Jun , Fang Shuai , Meng Xiaodan , Jin Xiaofeng , Gong Zhaohui
Published: November 2018

MicroRNAs (MiRNAs) have been found to be dysregulated in lung cancer tissues compared to their matched paracancerous tissues. However, the roles of miRNAs in peripheral blood as potential biomarkers for early diagnosis of lung cancer remain poorly understood. Here we found that miR-33a-5p and miR-128-3p were down-regulated in lung cancer tissues and cell lines. The expression levels of miR-33a-5p and miR-128-3p in lung cancer tissues were significantly correlated to TNM stages. MiR-128-3p in lung cancer tissues was also remarkably related to smoking and tumor size. The relative expression levels of miR-33a-5p and miR-128-3p were positively correlated in lung cancer tissues. Notably, miR-33a-5p and miR-128-3p in whole blood of lung cancer patients or early-stage lung cancer patients (TNM stage I-II) were lowly expressed as compared with that in healthy controls. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analyses revealed higher area under the ROC curve (AUC) values and higher sensitivity/specificity of miR-33a-5p and miR-128-3p alone and in combination were superior to that of traditional tumor markers (CYFR21-1, NSE and CA72-4). Importantly, both miR-33a-5p and miR-128-3p in whole blood were highly stable even under different harsh conditions. The results demonstrate that tumor suppressor miR-33a-5p/miR-128-3p in whole blood can serve as novel biomarkers for the early detection of lung cancer.
A global dataset of air temperature derived from satellite remote sensing and weather stations
Authors: Hooker Josh , Duveiller Gregory , Cescatti Alessandro
Published: November 2018

Air temperature at 2 m above the land surface is a key variable used to assess climate change. However, observations of air temperature are typically only available from a limited number of weather stations distributed mainly in developed countries, which in turn may often report time series with missing values. As a consequence, the record of air temperature observations is patchy in both space and time. Satellites, on the other hand, measure land surface temperature continuously in both space and time. In order to combine the relative strengths of surface and satellite temperature records, we develop a dataset in which monthly air temperature is predicted from monthly land surface temperature for the years 2003 to 2016, using a statistical model that incorporates information on geographic and climatic similarity. We expect this dataset to be useful for various applications involving climate monitoring and land-climate interactions.
Synthesis of nanoporous poly-melamine-formaldehyde (PMF) based on Schiff base chemistry as a highly efficient adsorbent
Authors: Zhang Shuaihua , Yang Qian , Zhou Xin , Li Zhi , Wang Wenjin , Zang Xiaohuan , Wang Chun , Shiddiky Muhammad J. A. , Murugulla Adharvana Chari , Nguyen Nam-Trung , Wang Zhi , Yamauchi Yusuke
Published: November 2018

This study proposes the construction of nanoporous poly-melamine-formaldehyde through the Schiff base condensation of paraformaldehyde and melamine.
Preparation of Ag@zeolitic imidazolate framework-67 at room temperature for electrochemical sensing of hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Dong Yuhua , Duan Chengqian , Sheng Qinglin , Zheng Jianbin
Published: November 2018

In this work, a novel non-enzymatic hydrogen peroxide sensor, Ag@zeolitic imidazolate framework-67 (Ag@ZIF-67)/glassy carbon electrode (GCE), was fabricated by a simple method at room temperature.
A new electrochemiluminescence biosensor for the detection of glucose based on polypyrrole/polyluminol/Ni(OH)2–C3N4/glucose oxidase-modified graphite electrode
Authors: Hamtak Maryam , Hosseini Morteza , Fotouhi Lida , Aghazadeh Mustafa
Published: November 2018

A new electrochemiluminescence (ECL) glucose biosensor based on polypyrrole/polyluminol/C3N4–Ni(OH)2/glucose oxidase (Ppy/Plu/C3N4–Ni(OH)2/GOx) was fabricated by the electropolymerization of pyrrole and luminol in acidic medium for glucose detection.
On-surface nickel porphyrin mimics the reactive center of an enzyme cofactor
Authors: Zamborlini Giovanni , Jugovac Matteo , Cossaro Albano , Verdini Alberto , Floreano Luca , Lüftner Daniel , Puschnig Peter , Feyer Vitaliy , Schneider Claus M.
Published: November 2018

Nickel tetraphenyl molecules deposited on a copper surface mimic the reactive center of the F430 enzyme cofactor.
A DR4 capturer with AKT siRNA for the synergetic enhancement of death receptor-mediated apoptosis
Authors: Pan Wei , Gong Shaohua , Li Yanhua , Zhang Huiwen , Li Na , Tang Bo
Published: November 2018

A DR4 capturer with AKT siRNA was developed for the synergetic enhancement of death receptor-mediated apoptosis.
A fluorescence assay for the detection of hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals generated by metallonucleases
Authors: Leichnitz S. , Heinrich J. , Kulak N.
Published: November 2018

ROS quench assays for metal-based DNA cleavage show low selectivity and reliability – a fluorogenic assay was thus developed to reliably, selectively and sensitively detect H2O2and HO˙.
Photohealable ion gels based on the reversible dimerisation of anthracene
Authors: Saruwatari Aya , Tamate Ryota , Kokubo Hisashi , Watanabe Masayoshi
Published: November 2018

A photohealable ion gel based on the photodimerisation of anthracene as a dynamic covalent bond was developed.
Encapsulating [Mo3S13]2− clusters in cationic covalent organic frameworks: enhancing stability and recyclability by converting a homogeneous photocatalyst to a heterogeneous photocatalyst
Authors: Cheng Yuan-Jie , Wang Rui , Wang Shan , Xi Xiao-Juan , Ma Lu-Fang , Zang Shuang-Quan
Published: November 2018

The MS-c anion has been encapsulated in cationic EB-COF to obtain Mo3S13@EB-COF, an efficient, stable and recyclable photocatalytic material. This encapsulation also achieved the conversion of a homogeneous catalyst to a heterogeneous one.
Copper-catalyzed oxidative intermolecular 1,2-alkylarylation of styrenes with ethers and indoles
Authors: Su Rongkui , Li Yang , Min Man-Yi , Ouyang Xuan-Hui , Song Ren-Jie , Li Jin-Heng
Published: November 2018

A new copper-catalyzed oxidative three-component intermolecular 1,2-alkylarylation of styrenes with ethers and indoles is disclosed.
21st century developments in the understanding and control of molecular solids
Authors: Steed Jonathan W.
Published: November 2018

This highlight article surveys some of the key recent advances in crystallization techniques, polymorphism, co-crystals, amorphous materials and crystal engineering.
Cell membrane camouflaged magnetic nanoparticles as a biomimetic drug discovery platform
Authors: Bu Yusi , Hu Qi , Ke Ruifang , Sui Yue , Xie Xiaoyu , Wang Sicen
Published: November 2018

A novel biomimetic drug discovery platform was constructed using cell membrane camouflaged magnetic nanoparticles.
Flame-assisted spray pyrolysis to size-controlled LiyAlxMn2−xO4: a supervised machine learning approach
Authors: Saadatkhah Nooshin , Aghamiri Seyedfoad , Talaie Mohammad Reza , Patience Gregory S.
Published: November 2018

Flame assisted spray pyrolysis synthesizes Al-doped LiMn2O4 where Al promotes carbon formation and increases the specific surface area by 90%.
Four new MOFs based on an imidazole-containing ligand and multicarboxylates: syntheses, structures and sorption properties
Authors: Luo Li , Liu Shou-Qing , Xu Xiao-Wen , Xu Jing , Zhao Jiang-Lin
Published: November 2018

Four new coordination complexes based on M(ii)-L layer structures with different 3D frameworks and topologies have been successfully tuned by auxiliary dicarboxylates.
Structure and optical properties of sputter deposited pseudobrookite Fe2TiO5 thin films
Authors: Ngo Hai Dang , Ngo Thien Duc , Tamanai Akemi , Chen Kai , Cuong Nguyen Thanh , Handegard Orjan S. , Pucci Annemarie , Umezawa Naoto , Nabatame Toshihide , Nagao Tadaaki
Published: November 2018

Iron(iii) titanates are composed of earth-abundant elements and are attracting rapidly growing interest as highly promising candidates for solar-energy as well as optoelectronics applications.
Structural evolution and phase transition of uniaxially stretched poly(butylene adipate-co-butylene terephthalate) films as revealed by in situ synchrotron radiation small and wide angle X-ray scattering
Authors: Li Lifu , Ji Youxin , Zhang Qianlei , Zhao Haoyuan , Ali Sarmad , Chen Pinzhang , Xia Zhijie , Chen Wei
Published: November 2018

Structural evolution and phase transition of poly(butylene adipate-co-butylene terephthalate) during uniaxial stretching.
Trimeric coiled coils expand the range of strength, toughness and dynamics of coiled coil motifs under shear
Authors: Bergues-Pupo Ana E. , Blank Kerstin G. , Lipowsky Reinhard , Vila Verde Ana
Published: November 2018

Trimeric coiled coils under shear are stronger and tougher than dimers; trimers deform by helix unfolding whereas dimers by sliding.
The role of hydrophobic, aromatic and electrostatic interactions between amino acid residues and a titanium dioxide surface
Authors: Leader Avia , Mandler Daniel , Reches Meital
Published: November 2018

Understanding the nature of interactions between inorganic surfaces and biomolecules, such as amino acids and peptides, can enhance the development of new materials.
Transformation of amorphous carbon to graphene on low-index Ni surfaces during rapid thermal processing: a reactive molecular dynamics study
Authors: Li Xiaowei , Wang Aiying , Lee Kwang-Ryeol
Published: November 2018

Ni surfaces affected the diffusion behavior of C into Ni, dominating the formation and quality of graphene transformed from amorphous carbon.
Symmetrical and unsymmetrical diphosphanes with diversified alkyl, aryl, and amino substituents
Authors: Szynkiewicz Natalia , Ponikiewski Łukasz , Grubba Rafał
Published: November 2018

Synthesis, classification, and analysis of the structural, electronic and spectroscopic properties of a series of novel diphosphanes with diversified substituents.
From microbial upcycling to biology-oriented synthesis: combining whole-cell production and chemo-enzymatic functionalization for sustainable taxanoid delivery
Authors: Hirte M. , Mischko W. , Kemper K. , Röhrer S. , Huber C. , Fuchs M. , Eisenreich W. , Minceva M. , Brück T. B.
Published: November 2018

Conversion of low-value, by-product streams into taxadiene in conjunction with new purification and processing options expanding the taxanoids’ chemical space.
Functional TCR T cell screening using single-cell droplet microfluidics
Authors: Segaliny Aude I. , Li Guideng , Kong Lingshun , Ren Ci , Chen Xiaoming , Wang Jessica K. , Baltimore David , Wu Guikai , Zhao Weian
Published: November 2018

Droplet-based single cell platform allows functional screening and sorting of desirable TCR T cells to accelerate development of adoptive T cell therapies.
Interfacial engineering of carbon dots with benzenediboronic acid for fluorescent biosensing
Authors: Pan Min , Xu Zhen , Jiang Qunying , Feng Jie , Sun Junlin , Wang Fuan , Liu Xiaoqing
Published: November 2018

Glucose assay is highly important in clinical diagnostics of diabetes.
1-Hydroxypyrene-based micelle-forming sensors for the visual detection of RDX/TNG/PETN-based bomb plots in water
Authors: Kovalev Igor S. , Taniya Olga S. , Kopchuk Dmitry S. , Giri Kousik , Mukherjee Anindita , Santra Sougata , Majee Adinath , Rahman Matiur , Zyryanov Grigory V. , Bakulev Vasily A. , Chupakhin Oleg N.
Published: November 2018

New micelle-forming fluorescence molecular sensors are reported based on 1-hydroxypyrene designed exclusively for the detection of nitro-aliphatic explosives/taggants.
Iron(iii) identification and proton conduction of a luminescent cadmium–organic framework
Authors: Xie Xiaoxin , Yu Shihang , Yang Chenglin , Zhang Jian , Li Zifeng , Li Gang
Published: November 2018

A luminescent metal–organic framework, [Cd(HDMPhIDC)(H2O)]n (1), has been successfully synthesized and structurally characterized. MOF 1 exhibits good recognition performance for Fe3+ ions. The recognition mechanism of Fe3+ was explored by UV-Vis and PXRD determinations. 1 was found to have a high proton conductivity value of 1.30 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 100 °C and 98% RH.
A simple route to tetracyclic oxazepine-fused pyrrolesviametal-free [3+2] annulation between dibenzo[b,f][1,4]oxazepines and aqueous succinaldehyde
Authors: Choudhary Sachin , Singh Anoop , Yadav Jyothi , Mir Nisar A. , Anthal Sumati , Kant Rajni , Kumar Indresh
Published: November 2018

A direct method for the synthesis of tetracyclic oxazepine-fused pyrroles has been developed through [3+2] annulation between aqueous succinaldehyde and dibenzo[b,f][1,4]oxazepines under metal-free conditions.
New stable isomorphous Ag34 and Ag33Au nanoclusters with an open shell electronic structure
Authors: Xi Xiao-Juan , Yang Jin-Sen , Wang Jia-Yin , Dong Xi-Yan , Zang Shuang-Quan
Published: November 2018

A novel stable 3-electron nanocluster Ag34 was assembled for the first time by the oxidation of a thiol, the central Ag atom of which was replaced with a Au atom, forming another alloyed nanocluster Ag33Au, causing a change in the optical absorbance and electrochemical energy gap.
Synthesis of well-defined PCL-b-PnBA-b-PMMA ABC-type triblock copolymers: toward the construction of nanostructures in epoxy thermosets
Authors: Huang Chih-Feng , Chen Wen-Hua , Aimi Junko , Huang Yi-Shen , Venkatesan Sathesh , Chiang Yeo-Wan , Huang Shih-Hung , Kuo Shiao-Wei , Chen Tao
Published: November 2018

A novel PCL-b-PnBA-b-PMMA was designed and applied to construct ordered nanostructures within epoxy thermosets.
Novel target NIR-fluorescent polymer for living tumor cell imaging
Authors: Zhao Yanjie , Wu Yan , Xue Bai , Jin Xin , Zhu Xinyuan
Published: November 2018

A novel NIR-diblock copolymer, PMMA-b-P(GATH-co-BOD), with efficient cancer targeting abilities and excellent biocompatibility was synthesized in this study.
1,2-Benzoxathiin-4(3H)-one 2,2-dioxide – new enol nucleophile in three-component interaction with benzaldehydes and active methylene nitriles
Authors: Grygoriv Galyna V. , Lega Dmitry A. , Chernykh Valentin P. , Zaprutko Lucjusz , Gzella Andrzej K. , Pawełczyk Anna , Shemchuk Leonid A.
Published: November 2018

Reactivity of 1,2-benzoxathiin-4(3H)-one 2,2-dioxide was for the first time studied in multicomponent type reactions involving active methylene nitriles and aromatic aldehydes.
Unpacking graduate students’ knowledge for teaching solution chemistry concepts
Authors: Lutter Jacob C. , Hale Lillian V. A. , Shultz Ginger V.
Published: November 2018

Graduate students play a critical role in undergraduate education at doctoral-granting institutions and yet their training is often brief and overgeneralized. Little is known about how they develop knowledge for teaching chemistry in this context. To further understand how graduate students develop knowledge for teaching, we used a questionnaire to measure pedagogical content knowledge of solution chemistry concepts. These concepts are revisited frequently in the undergraduate curriculum, particularly in laboratory courses where graduate students commonly teach. Questions were included to measure both the pedagogical content knowledge and content knowledge of graduate students with a range of teaching experience. Analysis revealed that graduate students’ content knowledge is stronger than their pedagogical content knowledge, which increases modestly with teaching experience. Interviews were performed with a subset of respondents to determine whether they interpreted the questions as intended and the source of knowledge they used in responding. The interviews revealed that graduate students relied heavily on their own experience as students rather than direct experience teaching solution chemistry concepts.
Interaction with complement proteins and dendritic cells implicates LCCL domain-containing proteins (CCps) of malaria parasites in immunomodulation
Authors: Sijwali Puran Singh
Published: November 2018

The evasion of host immune defense is critical for pathogens to invade, establish infection and perpetuate in the host. The complement system is one of the first lines of innate immune defense in humans that destroys pathogens in the blood circulation. Activation of the complement system through direct encounter with pathogens or some other agents leads to osmolysis of pathogens, clearance of soluble immune complexes and recruitment of lymphocytes at the site of activation. Although malaria parasites are not exposed to the complement system owing to their intracellular development for most part of their life cycle in the human host, the extracellular stages must face the complement system of human or mosquito or both. In a recent issue of the Biochemical Journal, Sharma et al. reported that Plasmodiumfalciparum LCCL domain-containing protein 1 (PfCCp1) inhibited activation of the classical complement pathway and down-regulated effector responses of dendritic cells, which implicate PfCCp1 and related proteins in immunomodulation of the host that likely benefits the parasite. PfCCp1 belongs to a multi-domain protein family that exists as multimeric protein complexes. It needs to be investigated whether PfCCp1 or its multimeric protein complexes have an immunomodulatory effect in vivo and on the mosquito complement system
Polyamines stimulate the CHSY1 synthesis through the unfolding of the RNA G-quadruplex at the 5′-untraslated region
Authors: Yamaguchi Katsutoshi , Asakura Kiryu , Imamura Masataka , Kawai Gota , Sakamoto Taiichi , Furihata Tomomi , Linhardt Robert J. , Igarashi Kazuei , Toida Toshihiko , Higashi Kyohei
Published: November 2018

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), a group of structurally related acidic polysaccharides, are primarily found as glycan moieties of proteoglycans (PGs). Among these, chondroitin sulfate (CS) and dermatan sulfate, side chains of PGs, are widely distributed in animal kingdom and show structural variations, such as sulfation patterns and degree of epimerization, which are responsible for their physiological functions through interactions with growth factors, chemokines and adhesion molecules. However, structural changes in CS, particularly the ratio of 4-O-sulfation to 6-O-sulfation (4S/6S) and CS chain length that occur during the aging process, are not fully understood. We found that 4S/6S ratio and molecular weight of CS were decreased in polyamine-depleted cells. In addition, decreased levels of chondroitin synthase 1 (CHSY1) and chondroitin 4-O-sulfotransferase 2 proteins were also observed on polyamine depletion. Interestingly, the translation initiation of CHSY1 was suppressed by a highly structured sequence (positions −202 to −117 relative to the initiation codon) containing RNA G-quadruplex (G4) structures in 5′-untranslated region. The formation of the G4s was influenced by the neighboring sequences to the G4s and polyamine stimulation of CHSY1 synthesis disappeared when the formation of the G4s was inhibited by site-directed mutagenesis. These results suggest that the destabilization of G4 structures by polyamines stimulates CHSY1 synthesis and, at least in part, contribute to the maturation of CS chains.
Commentary on Ivancic et al.: Enzyme kinetics from circular dichroism of insulin reveals mechanistic insights into the regulation of insulin-degrading enzyme
Authors: Grasso Giuseppe
Published: November 2018

Despite the enormous number of therapeutic advances in medicine, nowadays many diseases are still incurable, mainly due to the lack of knowledge of the pathological biochemical pathways triggering those diseases. For this reason, it is compulsory for the scientific community to investigate and unveil the biomolecular mechanisms responsible for the development of those diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes, which are widespread all over the world. In this scenario, it is of paramount importance to develop new analytical techniques and experimental procedures that are capable to make the above-mentioned investigations feasible. These new methods should allow easy performable analysis carried out in a label-free environment, in order to give reliable answers to specific biochemical questions. A recent paper published on Bioscience Reports by Ivancic et al. (https://doi.org/10.1042/BSR20181416) proposes a new analytical technique capable to reveal some mechanistic insights into the regulation of insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE), a protein involved in the above-mentioned diseases. IDE is a multifaceted enzyme having different and not well-defined roles in the cell, but it is primarily a proteolytic enzyme capable to degrade several different amyloidogenic substrates involved in different diseases. Moreover, many molecules are responsible for IDE activity modulation so that understanding how IDE activity is regulated represents a very challenging analytical task. The new analytical approach proposed by Ivancic et al. reports on the possibility to study IDE activity in an unbiased and label-free manner, representing a valid alternative assay for the investigation of any proteases degradative activity.
Time‐domain properties of dual‐band‐notched circle‐like slot antenna in indoor environments
Authors: Emadian S.R. , Ahmadi‐Shokouh J. , Raisi A. , Ghobadi C. , Nourinia J.
Published: November 2018

A previous investigation of a modified circle‐like slot antenna with dual‐band‐notched properties is extended. Frequency‐domain characteristics have proved that the proposed antenna has very wide impedance bandwidth and shows good radiation characteristics. In this Letter, time‐domain properties in terms of the antenna pulse response and power spectral density are investigated. Moreover, a study of indoor propagation channel characteristics when the proposed antenna is applied as transmitter and the receiver antenna is presented. A frequency‐domain measurement setup and a sub‐band divided ray tracing method are applied to measure and simulate the ultra‐wideband indoor channel characteristics. The results show that the proposed antenna has also good time‐domain characteristics and it is suitable for indoor and short range applications.
Practical stochastic synchronisation of coupled harmonic oscillators subjected to heterogeneous noises and its applications to electrical systems
Authors: Wang Guoqiang , Ji Jinchen , Zhou Jin
Published: November 2018

This study focuses on the practical stochastic synchronisation of coupled harmonic oscillators subjected to heterogeneous noises, where the dissipative and restorative couplings are no longer required in the connected network topologies. By employing the variational approach in combination with Lyapunov‐like analysis, some simple yet generic practical synchronisation criteria are established in the sense of probability distribution and of mean square for coupled harmonic oscillator with directed network topology. Three main issues on stochastic synchronisation, including practical distribution synchronisation, stochastic distribution synchronisation, and practical mean square synchronisation, as well as their differences and relationships are fully addressed. The developed practical synchronisation criteria are then applied to a representative model of electrical systems which are composed of LC oscillators with linear time‐invariant (LTI) resistors and inductors. Finally, numerical simulations are provided to show the effectiveness of the developed methods.
Coordinated control for path following of two‐wheel independently actuated autonomous ground vehicle
Authors: Tang Zhao , Xu Xing , Wang Feng , Jiang Xinwei , Jiang Haobin
Published: November 2018

This study investigates the path following control problem about distributed‐drive self‐driving vehicle through coordinated control of the autonomous front‐wheel steering and the differential steering control, to improve the tracking performance. On the basis of the model predictive control algorithm and vehicle dynamic model, the preview time adaptive control of path following is proposed to realise path following with changing preview time in straight and turning conditions. Considering the characteristics of the distributed‐drive self‐driving vehicle, the differential torque control is utilised based on the reference heading angle to realise trajectory tracking under the condition of constant torque demands. To integrate the advantages of the two methods, coordinated control of trajectory tracking based on the autonomous steering and differential steering is performed by setting the weight coefficients method. MATLAB co‐simulation with Carsim and road testing validation are executed, and both demonstrate that the coordinated control strategy can not only effectively improve the response speed and flexibility of steering, but also improve the reliability and accuracy of trajectory tracking.
Predicting drivers' direction sign reading reaction time using an integrated cognitive architecture
Authors: Deng Chao , Cao Shi , Wu Chaozhong , Lyu Nengchao
Published: November 2018

Drivers' reaction time of reading signs on expressways is a fundamental component of sight distance design requirements, and reaction time is affected by many factors such as information volume and concurrent tasks. We built cognitive simulation models to predict drivers' direction sign reading reaction time. Models were built using the queueing network‐adaptive control of thought rational (QN‐ACTR) cognitive architecture. Drivers' task‐specific knowledge and skills were programmed as production rules. Two assumptions about drivers' strategies were proposed and tested. The models were connected to a driving simulator program to produce prediction of reaction time. Model results were compared to human results in sign reading single‐task and reading while driving dual‐task conditions. The models were built using existing modelling methods without adjusting any parameter to fit the human data. The models' prediction was similar to the human data and could capture the different reaction time in different task conditions with different numbers of road names on the direction signs. Root mean square error (RMSE) was 0.3 s, and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) was 12%. The results demonstrated the models' predictive power. The models provide a useful tool for the prediction of driver performance and the evaluation of direction sign design.
Large time‐delay decoupling and correction in synchronous complex‐vector frame
Authors: Xiao Qi , Tang Fen , Xin Zhen , Zhou Jiayu , Chen Pengfei , Loh Poh Chiang
Published: November 2018

This study presents an enhanced method for simultaneously achieving optimised disturbance damping and axis‐decoupling in high‐power converters operating in the synchronous rotating frame. High‐power converters are considered here because they are normally constrained to a low‐switching‐to‐fundamental pulse ratio, and hence experience a large control delay as a trade‐off. This trade‐off lowers bandwidth and phase margin, which in the synchronous frame, are further worsened by cross‐coupling between the d‐ and q‐axes. The proposed method, therefore, targets to remove axis‐cross‐coupling, so that the dynamics and stability of the high‐power converter can be significantly improved, even with a large control delay. A procedure for optimising its performances has then been proposed, after evaluating pole‐zero trajectories of three critical coefficients associated with filter decoupling, delay decoupling, and phase correction. Such coordinated evaluation using complex‐vector models in the synchronous frame has previously not been performed and is hence a major contribution of the study. Simulation and experimental results presented have verified this contribution, the proposed method and its improvement over other recent methods found in the literature.
Angular misalignment calibration method for ultra‐short baseline positioning system based on matrix decomposition
Authors: Sun Dajun , Ding Jie , Zheng Cuie , Huang Weimin
Published: November 2018

For an ultra‐short baseline (USBL) positioning system, the angular misalignment between the acoustic array and attitude sensor will introduce overwhelming positioning errors. In order to eliminate this type of errors, a method to calibrate angular misalignment is proposed here. In the method, individual angular misalignment is estimated through the decomposition of the related rotating matrix and overall angular misalignment is calculated using an iterative estimator. Not only does the method determine the angular misalignment more accurately but also it can be applicable to any arbitrary trajectory even the pre‐determined trajectory is distorted by the environmental forces (such as winds, currents). The estimation error of the method is analysed through a simulation with different types of trajectories. Its performance is also evaluated in a field experiment. The method is compared with an existing method using both simulated and field data. The simulation and field experiment results indicate that the method has better performance and does improve the positioning accuracy of a USBL system.
Akute Promyelozyten-Leukämie: Neue Behandlungsstrategien mit ATRA und ATO – AML-BFM-Empfehlungen
Authors: Creutzig Ursula , Dworzak Michael , von Neuhoff Nils , Rasche Mareike , Reinhardt Dirk
Published: November 2018

Die Behandlung der Akuten Promyelozyten-Leukämie (APL) hat sich in den letzten Jahren deutlich geändert. Heute können APL Patienten mit Standardrisiko – (auch als Niedrigrisiko bezeichnet) ohne Chemotherapie nur mit all-trans-Retinsäure (ATRA) und Arsentrioxid (ATO) behandelt werden. Bei Hochrisikopatienten sollte eine Induktions-Chemotherapie hinzugefügt werden. Die kurativen Ergebnisse sind gut und vergleichbar mit jenen, die in der Vergangenheit mit Chemotherapie plus ATRA erzielt wurden. Toxizitäten, insbesondere infektiöse Komplikationen sind jedoch deutlich seltener. Das Hauptrisiko bleiben frühe letale Blutungen. Durch rechtzeitige Diagnose und frühe ATRA-Behandlung kann dieses Risiko reduziert werden. In der vorliegenden Übersicht werden die aktuellen Behandlungsstrategien und Empfehlungen für APL bei Kindern dargestellt und diskutiert.
Associations of Bone Mineral Density and Bone Metabolism Indices with Urine Albumin to Creatinine Ratio in Chinese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Zhao Xin , Zhang Xiao-Mei , Yuan Ning , Yu Xiao-Feng , Ji Li-Nong
Published: November 2018

Objective To identify correlations of bone mineral density (BMD) and bone metabolism indices with the urine albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) as an indicator of nephropathy in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods In this retrospective analysis, 297 patients with T2D were divided into 3 groups according to the urine ACR. Patients’ data were analyzed to identify associations of general conditions, blood glucose level, lipid levels, and uric acid level with BMD and bone metabolism indices.

Results BMD at every location tested (femoral neck, trochanter, inside hip, Ward’s triangle, total hip, and lumbar vertebrae) was negatively correlated with the urine ACR (all p<0.05). Osteocalcin, beta-C-terminal telopeptide (β-CTX), and procollagen type 1 N- peptide (P1NP) were positively correlated with urine ACR (all p<0.05). Finally, 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] was negatively correlated with urine ACR (p<0.05). Multiple regression analysis with adjustment for age, body mass index, disease duration, and other clinical measurements revealed no significant correlation between urine ACR and BMD measurements or β-CTX (p>0.05). However, significant correlations remained between urine ACR and osteocalcin, P1NP, and 25(OH)D (p<0.05). The same results were obtained for postmenopausal women specifically, with the exception of a significant correlation between the ACR and β-CTX (p<0.05).

Conclusion In the early stage of diabetic nephropathy, BMD changes and bone transformation acceleration may occur, and the acceleration of bone transformation may occur before the change in BMD. Therefore, it is important to monitor bone metabolism indices in the early stage of diabetic nephropathy in T2D patients.
Diastereoselective Synthesis of Spirobarbiturate-Cyclopropanes through Organobase-Mediated Spirocyclopropanation of Barbiturate-Based Olefins with Benzyl Chlorides
Authors: Song Xixi , Chang Junbiao , Zhu Yuanyuan , Zhao Shuang , Zhang Minli
Published: November 2018

The organobase-mediated diastereoselective spirocyclopropanation of barbiturate-based olefins with 2,4-disubstituted benzyl chlorides has been developed. The reactions were carried out efficiently to afford the desired spirobarbiturate-cyclopropanes in up to 95% yield with more than 20:1 dr in favor of anti-isomers. In order to extend synthetic utility of the spiro-products, a Lewis acid induced cyclopropane-ring-expansion isomerization was also demonstrated.
Efficacy of Caregivers’ Intervention on Recovery of Head Injury Cases in India
Authors: Verma Kirti , Tewari Manoj , Kaur Sukhpal , Ghai Sandhya ,   Shruti
Published: November 2018

Background Patients with head injury are discharged from hospitals in a dependent state. In the home care settings, the caregivers have to take care of the patients. In India, there is scarcity of data on interventions of family caregivers of persons with head injuries.

Objective To assess the efficacy of an instructional module for caregivers of patients with head injury on recovery of the patients.

Method The study was performed at the Neuro-Surgery Department of Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India. Total 82 patients with 41 each in experimental and control groups and their caregivers were included in the study. The caregivers of patients in experimental group were demonstrated procedures related to care of a dependent patient. An instructional module containing guidelines regarding personal hygiene, catheter care at home, prevention of bedsores, tracheostomy suctioning at home, range-of-motion exercises, care of surgical wound, and discharge instructions regarding medication and follow-up was given to the caregivers in experimental group. The efficacy of intervention was assessed on occurrence of fever, chest infection, eye infection, bedsores, wound infection, constipation, urinary tract infection, deep vein thrombosis, length of stay, and readmission in hospital in both the groups.

Results Occurrence of fever, constipation, and length of stay were reduced significantly in experimental group. A reduction in the rates of chest infection, bedsore development, wound infection, and urinary tract infection were also noted in experimental group.

Conclusion The study shows that training the caregivers of head injury patients enhances the recovery and prevents complications in the patients.
Leveraging Technology to Improve Radiology Workflow
Authors: Flanders Adam , Zoga Adam , Desai Vishal
Published: November 2018

Although advancements in the last decade have automated much of the radiology workflow, there are several areas in the complex imaging process where standardization and innovation can be implemented. We discuss multiple tools and integrations that can help improve operational efficiency, quality, and safety.
Efficacy of Liposomal Bupivacaine Compared with Multimodal Periarticular Injections for Postoperative Pain Control following Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Britten Tyler , Hughes Jonathan D. , Munoz Maldonado Yolanda , Hitt Kirby D.
Published: November 2018

Single-dose long-acting periarticular anesthetics have been shown to be an effective method of postoperative analgesia in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study retrospectively compares the efficacy of multimodal periarticular injection consisting of a combination of ropivacaine, duramorph, epinephrine, and toradol (HC) with liposomal bupivacaine (LB) periarticular injection in TKA. This study was a retrospective matched comparative chart review of two cohorts of patients who underwent TKA within a single health care system and cared for by one provider. We compared 22 patients who were treated with LB intraoperatively (LBG) with 41 matched controls who were treated with HC periarticular injection (HCG). These cases were retrospectively reviewed at 0 to 6, 6 to 12, 12 to 24, 24 to 48, and 48 to 72 hours. We reviewed pain scores and opioid use per the preceding time period, total opioid use, length of stay (LOS), and wound complications between the two groups. The two groups showed no statistical difference in total opioids used. In both the 6- to 12-hour and 12- to 24-hour intervals, the LBG required significantly more opioids than the HCG, with p-values of 0.0039 and 0.0061, respectively. Pain scores were not significantly different for any time period. We found no difference in LOS. The LBG tended to have lower doses of antiemetics than the HCG. No significant difference was found in postoperative pain scores and total opioid use between LB and multimodal periarticular intraoperative injections in TKA. Our data demonstrated decreased opioid consumption in the HC group compared with the LB group in both the 6- to 12-hour and 12- to 24-hour time intervals postoperatively. At our institution, LB costs US$314.99, whereas HC costs US$95.
Histological Findings in Infected and Noninfected Second Stage Revision Knee Arthroplasties
Authors: Uchihara Yoshinobu , Inagaki Yusuke , Munemoto Mitsuru , Tanaka Yasuhito , Athanasou Nicholas
Published: November 2018

Tissues from a periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) of the knee contain a heavy neutrophil polymorph (NP) infiltrate (> 5 NPs per high-powered field [HPF] by Musculoskeletal Infection Society [MSIS] criteria). PJI of the knee can be treated by a two-stage procedure and our aim was to determine whether the MSIS histological criteria for PJI diagnosis are valid in a second-stage revision knee arthroplasty. Periprosthetic tissues from 45 second-stage revision knee cases were analyzed histologically by hematoxylin–eosin and chloroacetate esterase (CAE) staining for the identification of NPs. The number of NPs was determined semiquantitatively and results correlated with the microbiological and clinical findings. In 9 of the 45 cases, an organism was cultured in two or more samples, meeting MSIS microbiological criteria for a definite diagnosis of PJI; histologically, seven of these cases contained > 5 per NPs per HPF on average, with the remaining two cases containing 1 NP and 2 NPs per HPF. In noninfected second-stage revisions, NPs were not seen in 30 cases with 6 cases showing less than 1 NP per HPF on average. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive and negative predictive values of MSIS histological criteria (> 5 NPs per HPF) to diagnose PJI were 78%, 100%, 96%, 100%, and 95%, respectively. MSIS histological criteria for the diagnosis of PJI are valid for most but not all infected second-stage revision knee arthroplasties. Correlation of histology with clinical, microbiology and other laboratory findings is required to establish a diagnosis of PJI in second-stage revision knee arthroplasties.
Case Series about the Changed Antiplatelet Protocol for Carotid Endarterectomy in a Teaching Hospital: More Patients with Complications?
Authors: Marsman Martijn , Özdemir- van Brunschot Denise , Jahrome Abdelkarime , Veeger Nic , Schuiling Wouter , van Rooij Frank , Koning Giel
Published: November 2018

Introduction In the Netherlands, clopidogrel monotherapy increasingly replaces acetylsalicylic acid and extended release dipyridamole as the first-choice antiplatelet therapy after ischemic stroke. It is unknown whether the risk of peri- and postoperative hemorrhage in carotid artery surgery is higher in patients using clopidogrel monotherapy compared with acetylsalicylic acid and extended release dipyridamole. We therefore retrospectively compared occurrence of perioperative major and (clinical relevant) minor bleedings during and after carotid endarterectomy of two groups using different types of platelet aggregation inhibition after changing our daily practice protocol in our center.

Material and Methods A consecutive series of the most recent 80 carotid endarterectomy patients (November 2015–August 2017) treated with the new regime (clopidogrel monotherapy) were compared with the last 80 (January 2012–November 2015) consecutive patients treated according to the old protocol (acetylsalicylic acid and dipyridamole). The primary endpoint was any major bleeding during surgery or in the first 24 to 72 hours postoperatively. Secondary outcomes within 30 days after surgery included minor (re)bleeding postoperative stroke with persistent or transient neurological deficit, persisting or transient neuropraxia, asymptomatic restenosis or occlusion, (transient) headache. Reporting of this study is in line with the ‘Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology’ statement.

Results Although statistical differences were observed, from a clinical perspective both patients groups were comparable. Postoperative hemorrhage requiring reexploration for hemostasis occurred in none of the 80 patients in the group of the clopidogrel monotherapy (new protocol) and it occurred in one of the 80 patients (1%) who was using acetylsalicylic acid and dipyridamole (old protocol). In three patients (4%) in the clopidogrel monotherapy and one patient (1%) in the acetylsalicylic acid and extended release dipyridamole protocol an ipsilateral stroke was diagnosed.

Conclusion In this retrospective consecutive series the incidence of postoperative ischemic complications and perioperative hemorrhage after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) seemed to be comparable in patients using clopidogrel monotherapy versus acetylsalicylic acid and extended release dipyridamole for secondary prevention after a cerebrovascular event. This study fuels the hypothesis that short- and midterm complications of clopidogrel and the combination acetylsalicylic acid and extended release dipyridamole are comparable.
A double-cusp type electrostatic analyzer for high-cadence solar-wind suprathermal ion observations
Authors: Ogasawara Keiichi , Allegrini Frédéric , Desai Mihir I. , Ebert Robert W. , Fuselier Stephen A. , Jahn Jörg-Micha , Livi Stefano A. , McComas David J.
Published: November 2018

This paper describes a novel electrostatic analyzer concept to measure suprathermal ions, a Double-Cusp Analyzer for SupraThermals (DCAST) that employs a double-shell cusp structure. Due to the necessity of measuring higher energy levels to cover the suprathermal range, existing ion instruments require greater size and mass. Moreover, observations of potentially low-flux suprathermal ions require a long integration time to fully characterize key ion properties in the plasmas (e.g., anisotropy and energy spectrum) with necessary counting statistics. DCAST covers the suprathermal energy range (2-300 keV/q) spanning heated solar wind and pickup ions; it enables a high cadence, high angular resolution, and wide angle coverage measurement while conserving resources such as mass and size. As a proof-of-concept study, the performance of a prototype DCAST was verified by laboratory measurements (geometric factor, K-factor, and energy resolution), which also involved investigating noise characteristics coming from cross-sector contamination and foreground extreme ultra-violet photons. To understand the specific characteristics of the double-shell type design, the inner and outer sector voltage ratio (RV) effects were examined in terms of the electro-static analyzer performance.
Optical saturation effects in intracavity Faraday modulation spectroscopy (INFAMOS)
Authors: Pinto Tomás H. P. , Gianella Michele , Ritchie Grant A. D.
Published: November 2018

We report on the observation of saturation effects in Intracavity Faraday Modulation Spectroscopy (INFAMOS). A quantum cascade laser operating at ∼5.3 μm is used to probe the 2Π3/2 and 2Π1/2 R(3.5) transitions in the fundamental band of nitric oxide. With average intracavity intensities up to 450 W cm−2, the saturation of these molecular transitions is observed up to a total pressure of ∼240 Torr. The experimental data are interpreted by incorporating saturation into a model for the INFAMOS line shape in the homogeneously broadened limit.
Investigation of Si/3C-SiC interface properties using classical molecular dynamics
Authors: Samanta Atanu , Grinberg Ilya
Published: November 2018

Molecular dynamics simulations were carried out for different structural models of the Si/3C-SiC interface using the Tersoff SiC potential that can model both Si and SiC. We find that the bonding at the Si/3C-SiC interface has a strong effect on the crystallization of the Si phase and that a degree of intermixing is present between the two materials with some C atoms migrating from the 3C-SiC (hereinafter referred to as SiC) into the Si region. The degree of intermixing is likely to exhibit a strong dependence on the temperature and most likely also increases with time, which would lead to changes in the Si/SiC interface during the life of the Si/SiC composite. The inter-mixing also creates disorder and defects of threefold and fivefold bonded atoms in the vicinity of the interfaces. In particular, {111}12⟨110⟩ misfit dislocations were formed at all three types of interfaces [(100), (110), and (111)] in order to relieve the local stress due to lattice mismatch. Additionally, the Si(110)/SiC(110) and Si(111)/SiC(111) interfaces prepared at higher temperatures show the formation of the {111}16⟨112⟩ partial dislocation which arises due to intrinsic stacking faults. We find that the bonding at the crystalline(c) c-Si/SiC interface is weaker than that in bulk crystalline Si, whereas bonding at the amorphous(a)-Si/SiC interface is stronger than that in amorphous Si. Therefore, the rupture in the yield stress occurs at the vicinity of the Si/SiC interface and in the Si region for the a-Si/SiC systems, respectively. Finally, for both bulk and Si/SiC interface systems, a strong variation of the yield strength with temperature was observed.
Large electric field modulation of magnetic anisotropy in MgO/CoFe/Ta structures with monolayer oxide insertion
Authors: Zeng Minggang , Lourembam James , Lim Sze Ter
Published: November 2018

Using first-principles calculations, we investigate electric-field-control of magnetic crystalline anisotropy (MCA) in MgO/MO/CoFe/Ta structures where monolayer oxide is inserted between MgO and CoFe. The studied materials include FeO, CoO, NiO, PdO, and ZnO. We find that the insertion layer changes the magnetic anisotropy due to the redistribution of d-electron near the Fermi level. Moreover, we find the enhancement on electric field efficiency (η) of MgO/CoFe/Ta structures by the insertion of a monolayer ZnO. An η value of −166 fJ/Vm is achieved with ZnO while maintaining a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy of 1.7 erg/cm2. The increase in electric field efficiency with ZnO insertion is attributed to the shift of dxz,yz states upon applying an external electric field. Our work suggests that oxide insertion can be exploited to tune MCA; ZnO is a promising candidature to create stack architectures with convenience of tuning both MCA and η for voltage-controlled magnetic random access memory.