bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Urinary Biomarkers For Improved Prediction Of Progressive eGFR Loss In Early Chronic Kidney Disease Stages And In High Risk Individuals Without Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Rodríguez-Ortiz María E. , Pontillo Claudia , Rodríguez Mariano , Zürbig Petra , Mischak Harald , Ortiz Alberto
Published: October 2018

Chronic kidney disease is associated with increased risk of CKD progression and death. Therapeutic approaches to limit progression are limited. Developing tools for the early identification of those individuals most likely to progress will allow enriching clinical trials in high risk early CKD patients. The CKD273 classifier is a panel of 273 urinary peptides that enables early detection of CKD and prognosis of progression. We have generated urine capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry-based peptidomics CKD273 subclassifiers specific for CKD stages to allow the early identification of patients at high risk of CKD progression. In the validation cohort, the CKD273 subclassifiers outperformed albuminuria and CKD273 classifier for predicting rapid loss of eGFR in individuals with baseline eGFR > 60 ml/min/1.73 m2. In individuals with eGFR > 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and albuminuria <30 mg/day, the CKD273 subclassifiers predicted rapid eGFR loss with AUC ranging from 0.797 (0.743–0.844) to 0.736 (0.689–0.780). The association between CKD273 subclassifiers and rapid progression remained significant after adjustment for age, sex, albuminuria, DM, baseline eGFR, and systolic blood pressure. Urinary peptidomics CKD273 subclassifiers outperformed albuminuria and CKD273 classifier for predicting the risk of rapid CKD progression in individuals with eGFR > 60 ml/min/1.73 m2. These CKD273 subclassifiers represented the earliest evidence of rapidly progressive CKD in non-albuminuric individuals with preserved renal function.
Pelvic orthosis effects on posterior pelvis kinematics An in-vitro biomechanical study
Authors: Klima Stefan , Grunert Ronny , Ondruschka Benjamin , Scholze Mario , Seidel Thomas , Werner Michael , Hammer Niels
Published: October 2018

The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is a well-known source of low back pain, with increasing interest for both conservative and surgical treatment. Alterations in pelvis kinematics are hypothesized as a contributor to SIJ pain and pelvic orthoses one treatment option, but their effects on the pelvis are poorly understood. Alterations in movement patterns induced by the application of pelvic orthoses were determined in five human cadaveric pelvises. Deformations were obtained from the lumbosacral transition and the bilateral SIJ, using digital image correlation and a customized routine to compute the movements within the pelvis. Significant alterations were found for the movements at the SIJ, in particular a vast increase in axial (x-axis) rotation, accompanied by increased inferior (y-) translation of the sacrum relative to the ilium. Movement patterns at the lumbosacral transition changed, causing increases in axial rotation and decreased inferior translation of L5 relative to S1. Using a physiologic mode of load application gives novel insights into the potential effects of pelvic orthoses. The results of these in-vitro experiments vary markedly from previous experiments with loading limited to two or less axes. Furthermore, the influence of pelvic orthoses on the lumbosacral transition warrants further investigation.
The Effects of Non-Thermal Atmospheric Pressure Plasma treated Titanium Surface on Behaviors of Oral Soft Tissue Cells
Authors: Jeong Won-Seok , Kwon Jae-Sung , Choi Eun-Ha , Kim Kwang-Mahn
Published: October 2018

Here, we investigated the possible use of the technology known as non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma on integration and control of cytokine release of soft tissue on titanium surface. After NTAPP was applied to titanium samples, changes of surface characteristics were measured as topographical features, contact angle, surface tension, and with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Protein absorption was evaluated using a bovine serum albumin absorption assay. The attachment, viability, morphology, proliferation, and cytokine release of soft tissue on titanium were assessed. No change in topographical features was observed between control and NTAPP-treated groups. However, NTAPP treatment resulted in significant lowering of the contact angle for polar and non-polar liquids and increase of surface tension. Protein absorption was significantly enhanced on the NTAPP-treated samples. Normal soft tissue attachment was improved on the NTAPP-treated groups with good viability. Cellular morphology was improved in NTAPP-treated groups whereas cellular proliferation was not enhanced. There was a significant reduction in the amounts of cytokine release for inflamed IHOK and hTERT-hNOF on the NTAPP-treated groups; except for IL-8 for IHOKs. This study demonstrates that surface functional consequences by NTAPP exposure enhanced behavior of oral soft tissue cells without topographical change.
Forces acting on codon bias in malaria parasites
Authors: Sinha I. , Woodrow C. J.
Published: October 2018

Malaria parasite genomes have a range of codon biases, with Plasmodium falciparum one of the most AT-biased genomes known. We examined the make up of synonymous coding sites and stop codons in the core genomes of representative malaria parasites, showing first that local DNA context influences codon bias similarly across P. falciparum, P. vivax and P. berghei, with suppression of CpG dinucleotides and enhancement of CpC dinucleotides, both within and aross codons. Intense asexual phase gene expression in P. falciparum and P. berghei is associated with increased A3:G3 bias but reduced T3:C3 bias at 2-fold sites, consistent with adaptation of codons to tRNA pools and avoidance of wobble tRNA interactions that potentially slow down translation. In highly expressed genes, the A3:G3 ratio can exceed 30-fold while the T3:C3 ratio can be less than 1, according to the encoded amino acid and subsequent base. Lysine codons (AAA/G) show distinctive behaviour with substantially reduced A3:G3 bias in highly expressed genes, perhaps because of selection against frameshifting when the AAA codon is followed by another adenine. Intense expression is also associated with a strong bias towards TAA stop codons (found in 94% and 89% of highly expressed P. falciparum and P. berghei genes respectively) and a proportional rise in the TAAA stop ‘tetranucleotide’. The presence of these expression-linked effects in the relatively AT-rich malaria parasite species adds weight to the suggestion that AT-richness in the Plasmodium genus might be a fitness adaptation. Potential explanations for the relative lack of codon bias in P. vivax include the distinct features of its lifecycle and its effective population size over evolutionary time.
Reliable detection of low visual acuity in mice with pattern visually evoked potentials
Authors: Tokashiki Naoyuki , Nishiguchi Koji M , Fujita Kosuke , Sato Kota , Nakagawa Yurika , Nakazawa Toru
Published: October 2018

Measuring the optokinetic response (OKR) to rotating sinusoidal gratings is becoming an increasingly common method to determine visual function thresholds in mice. This is possible also through direct electrophysiological recording of the response of the neurons in the visual cortex to the presentation of reversing patterned stimuli, i.e. the pattern visually evoked potential (pVEP). Herein, we optimized the conditions for recording pVEPs in wild-type mice: we investigated the optimal depth (1, 2, or 3 mm) of the inserted electrode and the optimal stimulus pattern (vertical, horizontal, or oblique black and white stripes, or a checkerboard pattern). Visual acuity was higher when measured with the optimal pVEP recording conditions, i.e., with the electrode at 2 mm and a vertical-stripe stimulus (0.530 ± 0.021 cycle/degree), than with OKR (0.455 ± 0.006 cycle/degree). Moreover, in murine eyes with optic nerve crush-induced low vision, OKR could not measure any visual acuity, while pVEPs allowed the reliable quantification of residual vision (0.064 ± 0.004 cycle/degree). Our results show that pVEPs allow more sensitive measurement of visual function than the OKR-based method. This technique should be particularly useful in mouse models of ocular disease and low vision.
Evaluating the origin and virulence of a Helicobacter pylori cagA-positive strain isolated from a non-human primate
Authors: Hashi Kana , Imai Chihiro , Yahara Koji , Tahmina Kamrunnesa , Hayashi Takeru , Azuma Takeshi , Miyabe-Nishiwaki Takako , Sato Hideyuki , Matsuoka Masao , Niimi Sachi , Okamoto Munehiro , Hatakeyama Masanori
Published: October 2018

Helicobacter pylori cagA-positive strains are critically involved in the development of gastric cancer. Upon delivery into gastric epithelial cells via type IV secretion, the cagA-encoded CagA interacts with and thereby perturbs the pro-oncogenic phosphatase SHP2 and the polarity-regulating kinase PAR1b via the tyrosine-phosphorylated EPIYA-C/D segment and the CM sequence, respectively. Importantly, sequences spanning these binding regions exhibit variations among CagA proteins, which influence the pathobiological/oncogenic potential of individual CagA. Here we isolated an H. pylori strain (Hp_TH2099) naturally infecting the stomach of a housed macaque, indicating a zoonotic feature of H. pylori infection. Whole genome sequence analysis revealed that Hp_TH2099 belongs to the hpAsia2 cluster and possesses ABC-type Western CagA, which contains hitherto unreported variations in both EPIYA-C and CM sequences. The CM variations almost totally abolished PAR1b binding. Whereas pTyr + 5 variation in the EPIYA-C segment potentiated SHP2-binding affinity, pTyr-2 variation dampened CagA tyrosine phosphorylation and thus impeded CagA-SHP2 complex formation. As opposed to the H. pylori standard strain, infection of mouse ES cell-derived gastric organoids with Hp_TH2099 failed to elicit CagA-dependent epithelial destruction. Thus, the macaque-isolated H. pylori showed low virulence due to attenuated CagA activity through multiple substitutions in the sequences involved in binding with SHP2 and PAR1b.
Fast, cheap and easy routine quantification method for atrazine and its transformation products in water matrixes using a DLLME-GC/MS method
Authors: Della-Flora Alexandre , Becker Raquel W. , Ferrão Marco F. , Toci Aline T. , Cordeiro Gilcélia A. , Boroski Marcela , Sirtori Carla
Published: October 2018

In recent years, Brazil has been one of the largest consumers of pesticides in the world, with atrazine (ATZ) being an active principle often used in Brazilian agriculture.
Ab initioinvestigation of O2adsorption on Ca-doped LaMnO3cathodes in solid oxide fuel cells
Authors: Aniagyei Albert , Dzade Nelson Y. , Tia Richard , Adei Evans , Catlow C. R. A. , de Leeuw Nora H.
Published: October 2018

We present a Hubbard-corrected density functional theory (DFT+U) study of the adsorption and reduction reactions of oxygen on the pure and 25% Ca-doped LaMnO3(LCM25) {100} and {110} surfaces.
Synergistic oxygen reduction of dual redox catalysts boosting the power of lithium–air battery
Authors: Zhu Yun Guang , Goh F. W. Thomas , Yan Ruiting , Wu Sisi , Adams Stefan , Wang Qing
Published: October 2018

The mechanism of redox-mediated oxygen reduction reaction is unequivocally revealed by in situ spectroelectrochemical studies. With judiciously selected redox mediators, the cell operates at near unity utilization of Li metal and presents an unprecedented power density in O2 and dry air.
Effects of biaxial tensile strain on the first-principles-driven thermal conductivity of buckled arsenene and phosphorene
Authors: Taheri Armin , Da Silva Carlos , Amon Cristina H.
Published: October 2018

A first-principles study is conducted to investigate the effect of biaxial tensile strain on phonon properties and thermal conductivity of buckled phosphorene and arsenene, novel two-dimensional (2D) materials of group-VA.
Impact of surface wettability on dynamics of supercooled water confined in nitrogen-doped ordered mesoporous carbon
Authors: Wiener Clinton G. , Qiang Zhe , Xia Yanfeng , Tyagi Madhusudan , Vogt Bryan D.
Published: October 2018

Confinement of water to nanoscale dimensions enables substantial supercooling that depends weakly on the pore wall wettability.
Cobalt-catalyzed C–H activation: recent progress in heterocyclic chemistry
Authors: Ujwaldev Sankuviruthiyil M. , Harry Nissy Ann , Divakar Mathiyazhagan Arun , Anilkumar Gopinathan
Published: October 2018

Cobalt-catalyzed C–H activation has gone through some major advancements in the past couple of decades.
Photocatalytic Ullmann coupling of aryl halides by a novel blended catalyst consisting of a TiO2 photocatalyst and an Al2O3 supported Pd–Au bimetallic catalyst
Authors: Tyagi Akanksha , Yamamoto Akira , Yoshida Hisao
Published: October 2018

Synergy of TiO2 photocatalyst and Pd–Au bimetallic nanoparticles is essential for the efficient photocatalytic Ullmann coupling of aryl halides.
Improving the phase stability and cycling performance of Ce2Ni7-type RE–Mg–Ni alloy electrodes by high electronegativity element substitution
Authors: Gao Zhijie , Yang Zhongnian , Li Yongtao , Deng Anqiang , Luo Yongchun , Li Hai-Wen
Published: October 2018

In this work, La0.83−xYxMg0.17Ni3.1Co0.3Al0.1(x= 0.0–0.6) alloys with a high capacity and long cycling lifetime are designed and characterized by combining the theoretical framework of the electronegativity of rare earth elements and anti-oxidation ability analysis.
Aerobic microbial electrochemical technology based on the coexistence and interactions of aerobes and exoelectrogens for synergistic pollutant removal from wastewater
Authors: Chen Shuiliang , Brown Robert Keith , Patil Sunil A. , Huber Katharina J. , Overmann Jörg , Schröder Uwe
Published: October 2018

A new concept of aerobic microbial electrochemical technology allowed combining the merits of both aerobes and exoelectrogens at the same solid–liquid interface for efficient and synergistic pollutants removal from wastewater.
1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tartrate chiral ionic liquids: preparation, characterization and opportunities thereof
Authors: Castellan Tessa , Cuyamendous Claire , Fitremann Juliette , Galano Jean-Marie , Oger Camille , Durand Thierry , Guillen Frédéric , Génisson Yves
Published: October 2018

Eight tartrate-based imidazolium salts were obtained as synthetically useful chiral ionic liquids with chirality-dependent physico-chemical properties.
Encapsulation and solubilization of ultrastable quantum dots with multidentate bilayer ligands and rheological behaviour
Authors: Liang Xiao , Yuan Ye , Han Ting , Cheng Yunyun , Xiong Chuanxi , Dong Lijie
Published: October 2018

Quantum dots with unique optical and chemical properties show great potential applications in biology and chemical and medical science.
High selectivity of sulfur-doped SnO2 in NO2 detection at lower operating temperatures
Authors: Xu Keng , Tian Shouqin , Zhu Jia , Yang Yong , Shi Jing , Yu Ting , Yuan Cailei
Published: October 2018

Resistive gas sensors based on metal oxides have aroused great interest in the sensing of NO2 gas due to their low cost, good stability, and easy fabrication.
Rattle-type porous Sn/C composite fibers with uniformly distributed nanovoids containing metallic Sn nanoparticles for high-performance anode materials in lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Lee Ju Ho , Oh Se Hwan , Jeong Sun Young , Kang Yun Chan , Cho Jung Sang
Published: October 2018

Rattle-type porous Sn/C composite fibers for lithium-ion batteries was introduced. The unique structure results in the excellent long-term cycling and rate performances.
Two-dimensional black phosphorus: its fabrication, functionalization and applications
Authors: Hu Zehua , Niu Tianchao , Guo Rui , Zhang Jialin , Lai Min , He Jun , Wang Li , Chen Wei
Published: October 2018

Phosphorus, one of the most abundant elements in the Earth (∼0.1%), has attracted much attention in the last five years since the rediscovery of two-dimensional (2D) black phosphorus (BP) in 2014.
The adsorption and aggregation properties of dendritic cationic tetrameric surfactants
Authors: Xie Yangchun , Li Jie , Li Zuofeng , Sun Tong , Wang Yipeng , Qu Guangmiao
Published: October 2018

A series of dendritic cationic tetrameric surfactants (4CntetraQ, n = 12, 14, 16) were synthesized with raw materials that are commercially available.
Counting bubbles: precision process control of gas–liquid reactions in flow with an optical inline sensor
Authors: Cherkasov Nikolay , Expósito Antonio José , Bai Yang , Rebrov Evgeny V.
Published: October 2018

A 10$ optical liquid sensor allows precise control of reaction conversion in gas-consuming reactions for high selectivity and catalyst utilization.
Understanding the desulphurization process in an ionic porous aromatic framework
Authors: Tian Yuyang , Song Jian , Zhu Youliang , Zhao Huanyu , Muhammad Faheem , Ma Tingting , Chen Mo , Zhu Guangshan
Published: October 2018

An ionic porous aromatic framework (iPAF-1) that exhibits high dibenzothiophene uptake from model gasoline has been synthesized. Computational simulation reveals that the desulphurization is primarily controlled by the diffusion process.
Fabrication of fully non-vacuum processed perovskite solar cells using an inorganic CuSCN hole-transporting material and carbon-back contact
Authors: Baranwal Ajay K. , Kanda Hiroyuki , Shibayama Naoyuki , Ito Seigo
Published: October 2018

CuSCN and carbon pastes were printed on perovskite layer.
Study on characteristics of slow‐front overvoltage of ±1100 kV UHVDC transmission lines
Authors: Zhong Jiqun , Qi Qinya , He Hengxin , He Huiwen , Ding Ting , He Junjia
Published: October 2018

The ±1100 kV Zhundong–Wannan ultra high‐voltage direct current (UHVDC) transmission project is under construction in China, which has the highest operating voltage in the world. The length of the UHVDC overhead transmission line is greater than 3000 km. The electromagnetic transient process caused by grounding faults might have significantly impact on the overvoltage level of DC transmission line, which is crucial for the external insulation configuration of the overhead transmission line. This paper presents a detailed electromagnetic transient simulation model for the UHVDC transmission system using an open‐loop extinction angle control principle. The simulation results demonstrate that the single pole grounding fault into a bipolar system causes the most serious damage. The maximum overvoltage is 1.628 p.u. and the 2% statistic overvoltage is 1.635 p.u., while the reference value is 1122 kV. The influence of DC filters for line overvoltage is also analysed here. Furthermore, results show that adding a no gap line arrester at the midpoint of transmission line can suppress line overvoltage, while the maximum overvoltage reduces by 0.138 p.u. The results obtained provides a reference for the optimisation of the external insulation configuration.
Research on protection block strategy of grounding faults in HVDC converter station
Authors: Liu Yichen , Zhu Xiaoguang , Deng Junbo , Guo Jie , Yu Fang , Li Jiangtao
Published: October 2018

DC grounding fault is a typical fault for HVDC system. In order to obtain smoother, faster, and more secure transient process, the DC protection block strategy is used to remove and isolate the converter to prevent the accident enlargement and reduce the impact on devices and power grid when the grounding fault is detected. Two main strategies are commonly taken in this situation: the X block for not >±500 kV and the S block for ±800 kV. There is no specific principle on the strategy choosing for ±1100 kV UHVDC system with hierarchical connection mode. Changji–Guquan ±1100 kV UHVDC transmission project adopting hierarchical connection mode at receiving end. In this study, the effects of different DC block strategies when grounding faults occurred in both converter stations are compared based on PSCAD simulation. The simulation results indicate that the overvoltage at rectifier side has two stages while the overvoltage at inverter side has only one. Taking S block strategy can cause lower overvoltage but longer oscillation duration on grounding current. The proper block strategy for ±1100 kV UHVDC grounding faults is adopting S block at rectifier side and X block at inverter side.
Real‐time price responding method in distribution network based on smart loads
Authors: Chen Yixi , Ma Gang , Wang Ying
Published: October 2018

In order to deal with the real‐time power imbalance problem as the integration of renewable energy, and guide users to optimise power consumption, the real‐time price technology has been gradually introduced into the demand management of distribution network. However, the response to real‐time price is still highly dependent on the artificial switching on/off loads, the intelligent level of which needs to be improved urgently. To solve this problem, improve the response speed and response degree of loads, an intelligent real‐time price responding method based on smart loads is proposed. First, the basic principles of smart loads are analysed. After that, the control strategy and control loop which can make smart loads realise the automatic response of real‐time price are designed. At last, verified by the simulations conducted in MATLAB/Simulink, the real‐time price responding method proposed here is reliable and effective, and the real‐time price responding speed and responding degree of loads can be greatly improved.
Ion flow characteristic under UHVDC transmission line at high altitude
Authors: Ya Mou , Yu Zhanqing , Li Min , Wang Xiaorui , Yang Xi , Li Guohua
Published: October 2018

Among the electromagnetic environment parameters, corona current is of great significance to the evaluation of the state of the power system. However, there are few studies on the corona characteristics of high altitude transmission lines at home and abroad. Based on the ultra high‐voltage direct current (UHVDC) test line in Kunming, china, this paper studies the influence of operation voltage and environmental factors on the ionic current in UHVDC transmission lines at high altitudes, and studies the long‐term statistics of the lateral distribution of ion flow density.
Teeth profile parameter design and transmission property analysis of external generating wave movable teeth transmission
Authors: Yi Yali , Gao Yunfei , Wei Rui , Jin Herong
Published: October 2018

A highly efficient integrated transmission unit – external generating wave movable teeth transmission − was proposed and two kinds of typical transmission types were researched. Fixed and moving coordinate systems were established based on movable teeth transmission theory. On the basis of the profile of a wave generator, the teeth profile equations of ring gear were deduced by using the transform matrix and profile enveloping principle. The effects of the teeth number of the ring gear, generating wave coefficient, and tooth profile coefficient on the profile of the ring gear were investigated. The formula for calculating curvature radius of the ring gear was given. The pressure angle formulas were deduced, and the change rule of the pressure angle extremum was researched to obtain a continuous transmission condition. The relationship between design parameters and performance effect was analysed based on the analysis of the curvature and pressure angle. The results show that the transmission precision reached 97.67%, and the proper design parameters could guarantee transmission performance. Those researches lay a theoretical foundation for the design and application of an external generating wave movable teeth title.
Design and analysis on the flow fluctuation of a new horizontal space multiphase crankshaft pump
Authors: Wu Mengli , Yue Xianqu , Li Yunpeng , Chen Weibin , Nie Qi , Chen Fei , Wang Liwen
Published: October 2018

In civil aviation ground deicing system, the traditional reciprocating pump is often used as the power supply device to ensure the physical and chemical properties of high viscosity deicing fluid. The traditional reciprocating pump exist the problem of flow fluctuation. A new horizontal space multiphase crankshaft pump is proposed to suppress the flow fluctuation. The new type of pump adopts segmented crankshaft: each crank pin on the crankshaft drives two connecting rods simultaneously. The connecting rod drives the pistons distributed on both sides of the crankshaft to achieve linear reciprocating motion. Three sections of the crank pin are arranged by 120° phase space circular, and this kind of crankshaft implements multiple phase coupling of piston movement. The hydraulic cylinder adopts the horizontal layout, so the machine structure presents spatial symmetry. A mathematical model of two connecting rods driven by crankpin is established for the new type of pump. The kinematics equation of the piston is solved by the analytical method and then the flow rate of the pump is calculated. In contrast with the experimental data, the new pump can effectively reduce the flow fluctuation.
Delayed Babcock-Leighton dynamos in the diffusion-dominated regime
Authors: Fournier Y. , Arlt R. , Elstner D.
Published: October 2018

Context. Solar dynamo models of Babcock-Leighton type typically assume the rise of magnetic flux tubes to be instantaneous. The periods of solutions with high magnetic diffusivity are too short, and their active belts do not migrate correctly. Only the low-diffusivity regime with advective meridional flows is usually considered.

Aims. We here discuss these assumptions and apply a time delay in the source term of the azimuthally averaged induction equation. This delay is set to be the rise time of magnetic flux tubes, which are assumed to form at the tachocline. We study the effect of the delay, which adds a nonlinear temporal to the spacial nonlocality in the advective but particularly in the diffusive regime.

Methods. We have previously obtained the rise time as a function of rotation and the magnetic field strength at the bottom of the convection zone. These results allowed us to constrain the delay in the mean-field model we used in a parameter study.

Results. We identify an unknown family of solutions. These solutions show self-quenching and exhibit longer periods than their nondelayed counterparts. Additionally, we demonstrate that the nonlinear delay is responsible for the recovery of the equatorward migration of the active belts at high turbulent diffusivities.

Conclusions. By introducing a nonlinear temporal nonlocality (the delay) in a Babcock-Leighton dynamo model, we were able to obtain solutions that are quantitatively comparable to the solar butterfly diagram in the diffusion-dominated regime.
Multiscale in modelling and validation for solar photovoltaics
Authors: Abu Hamed Tareq , Adamovic Nadja , Aeberhard Urs , Alonso-Alvarez Diego , Amin-Akhlaghi Zoe , Auf der Maur Matthias , Beattie Neil , Bednar Nikola , Berland Kristian , Birner Stefan , Califano Marco , Capan Ivana , Cerne Bostjan , Chilibon Irinela , Connolly James. P. , Cortes Juan Frederic , Coutinho Jose , David Christin , Deppert Knut , Donchev Vesselin , Drev Marija , Ehlen Boukje , Ekins-Daukes Nicholas , Even Jacky , Fara Laurentiu , Fuertes Marron David , Gagliardi Alessio , Garrido Blas , Gianneta Violetta , Gomes Maria , Guillemoles Jean-Francois , Guina Mircea , Halme Janne , Hocevar Mateja , Jacak Lucjan , Jacak Witold , Jaksic Zoran , Joseph Lejo k. , Kassavetis Spyridon , Kazukauskas Vaidotas , Kleider Jean-Paul , Kluczyk Katarzyna , Kopecek Radovan , Krasovec Ursa Opara , Lazzari Jean-Louis , Lifshitz Efrat , Loncaric Martin , Madsen Søren Peder , Vega Antonio Marti , Mencaraglia Denis , Messing Maria E. , Armando Felipe Murphy , Nassiopoulou Androula G. , Neijm Ahmed , Nemcsics Akos , Neto Victor , Pedesseau Laurent , Persson Clas , Petridis Konstantinos , Popescu Lacramioara , Pucker Georg , Radovanović Jelena , Rimada Julio C. , Ristova Mimoza , Savic Ivana , Savin Hele , Sendova-Vassileva Marushka , Sengul Abdurrahman , Silva José , Steiner Ullrich , Storch Jan , Stratakis Emmanuel , Tao Shuxia , Tomanek Pavel , Tomić Stanko , Tukiainen Antti , Turan Rasit , Ulloa Jose Maria , Wang Shengda , Yuksel Fatma , Zadny Jaroslav , Zarbakhsh Javad
Published: October 2018

Photovoltaics is amongst the most important technologies for renewable energy sources, and plays a key role in the development of a society with a smaller environmental footprint. Key parameters for solar cells are their energy conversion efficiency, their operating lifetime, and the cost of the energy obtained from a photovoltaic system compared to other sources. The optimization of these aspects involves the exploitation of new materials and development of novel solar cell concepts and designs. Both theoretical modeling and characterization of such devices require a comprehensive view including all scales from the atomic to the macroscopic and industrial scale. The different length scales of the electronic and optical degrees of freedoms specifically lead to an intrinsic need for multiscale simulation, which is accentuated in many advanced photovoltaics concepts including nanostructured regions. Therefore, multiscale modeling has found particular interest in the photovoltaics community, as a tool to advance the field beyond its current limits. In this article, we review the field of multiscale techniques applied to photovoltaics, and we discuss opportunities and remaining challenges.
A case of isolated aglossia
Authors: Elnaggar Alaa , Azab Noha A.
Published: October 2018

Introduction: Aglossia is a rare condition of failure of development of the lateral lingual swellings during embryogenesis and is usually associated with other deformities especially the fingers and limbs. Isolated aglossia is extremely rare. Observation: This is a case report of a 21-year-old patient with isolated aglossia whose floor of the mouth compensated for the tongue's absence in speech, eating and swallowing. Thus the patient did not express any disability and refused reconstructive treatment. Commentaries: Aglossia may be accompanied by many deformities or as part of a syndrome, so other symptoms must be excluded. The floor of the mouth usually adapts to the role of the tongue leading to fulfillment of most of the functions of the tongue. Conclusion: Aglossia is a rare condition, however the adaptation of the surrounding tissues compensated for the absence of the tongue makes the condition tolerable to the patient, this however does not undermine the fact that a multidisciplinary approach is key in managing such a condition.
Thermodynamic assessment of Hafnium Iridium binary system
Authors: Idbenali Mohamed , Servant Colette , Feddaoui M’barek
Published: October 2018

The Hf–Ir system has been thermodynamically modeled by the CALPHAD approach. Hf2Ir, αHfIr, βHfIr, γHfIr (high temperature phase) and HfIr3 which have a homogeneity range, were treated as the formula (Hf,Ir)x:(Ir,Hf)1−x by a two-sublattice model with a mutual substitution of Hf and Ir in both sublattices.Hf5Ir3 has been treated as a stoichiometric compound while a solution model has been used for the description of the FCC (Ir) solid solution. Additionally, two different models describing the excess Gibbs energy for the liquid and for the solid solutions (BCC, FCC and HCP) were used and their predictions are compared. The calculations based on the thermodynamic modeling are in good agreement with the phase diagram data and experimental thermodynamic values available in the literature.
Des MEMS à l’optomécanique en cavité
Authors: Duraffourg L. , Taurel B. , Fedeli J.M. , Labeye P.
Published: October 2018

Les travaux sur les microsystèmes mécaniques ont abouti à de nombreux succès techniques. Les technologies relatives aux capteurs inertiels sont désormais transférées à l’industrie, démontrant leur maturité. Ce domaine se renouvelle en intégrant la photonique et en exploitant les interactions de modes optiques résonants avec des modes de résonances mécaniques. Cette nouvelle approche aboutit à des preuves de concept de capteurs optomécaniques ultra sensibles ou de fonctions optiques nouvelles.
Modélisation, représentation et cartographie des formes du décor architectural
Authors: Barbouche Rached
Published: October 2018

La production des formes en architecture est un acte dans lequel se construit le projet et se façonne l’espace. Elle est une action qui structure l’environnement humain. La conception architecturale est aussi une production spatiale de formes et exploration de potentialités de composition. Deux approches nous intéressent ici : formalisation du savoirfaire architectural et analyse des modes de composition en architecture. Il s’agit d’une part de comprendre la notion de composition, d’organisation et de configuration architecturale et d’autre part de décomposer, segmenter et caractériser morphologiquement un ensemble d’objets architecturaux (décors des fenêtres) en vue de mettre en évidence et d’expliquer les lois du système de formes qu’ils organisent. L’objectif est de développer des outils d’aide à la conception architecturale dans le cadre de la pédagogie du projet et de l’informatisation du savoir-faire architectural. La mise en place d’un environnement virtuel et d’un dispositif de matérialisation spatiale de formes apporte une aide opératoire dans la conception architecturale.
Modélisation par le flux
Authors: Yanatchkov Milovann
Published: October 2018

Nous présentons le principe de modélisation par le flux comme un paradigme de modélisation distribuée adaptée à la phase initiale de conception de l’architecture s’inspirant du principe de la programmation par le flux. Au moyen d’un serveur 3D, un nombre arbitraire de logiciels peuvent coopérer en temps réel à la création d’un « modèle collaborant » conçu comme la somme des opérations de modélisation rassemblées audelà des strictes limites de chacune des applications participantes.
Caractérisation et restitution vidéographique des ambiances urbaines
Authors: Giraldo Gabriel , Servières Myriam , Tourre Vincent , Signorelli Valerio , Bonnet Aurore
Published: October 2018

À la suite d'une immersion dans un espace public pour avoir notre propre perception du lieu et analyser les comportements des usagers, nous avons procédé à une simulation de phénomènes physiques pour mieux comprendre la nature des phénomènes remarqués par les usagers. Le ressenti des usagers a été ensuite restitué dans une vidéo descriptive dans le but de transmettre les éléments d’ambiance qui caractérisent l’espace étudié. Les réactions des spectateurs de la vidéo, usagers ou non-usagers de l’espace, montrent la pertinence des effets visuels choisis pour restituer les phénomènes physiques.
Solar cycle and seasonal variations of the GPS phase scintillation at high latitudes
Authors: Jin Yaqi , Miloch Wojciech J. , Moen Jøran I. , Clausen Lasse B.N.
Published: October 2018

We present the long-term statistics of the GPS phase scintillation in the polar region (70°–82° magnetic latitude) by using the GPS scintillation data from Ny-Ålesund for the period 2010–2017. Ny-Ålesund is ideally located to observe GPS scintillations modulated by the ionosphere cusp dynamics. The results show clear solar cycle and seasonal variations, with the GPS scintillation occurrence rate being much higher during solar maximum than during solar minimum. The seasonal variations show that scintillation occurrence rate is low during summer and high during winter. The highest scintillation occurrence rate is around magnetic noon except for December 2014 (solar maximum) when the nightside scintillation occurrence rate exceeds the dayside one. In summer, the dayside scintillation region is weak and there is a lack of scintillations in the nightside polar cap. The most intriguing features of the seasonal variations are local minima in the scintillation occurrence rate around winter solstices. They correspond to local minima in the F2 peak electron density. The dayside scintillation region migrates equatorward from summer to winter and retreats poleward from winter to summer repetitively in a magnetic latitude range of 74°–80°. This latitudinal movement is likely due to the motion of the cusp location due to the tilt of the Earth’s magnetic field and the impact of the sunlight.
Comparison of Different Treatment Schedules of Mitomycin C Intravesical Instillation in High-Risk Superficial Bladder Cancer Patients
Authors: Chen Hong-Ray , Kao Chien-Chang , Tsao Chih-Wei , Tang Shou-Hung , En Meng , Cha Tai-Lung , Sun Guang-Huan , Wu Seng-Tang , Yu Dah-Shyong
Published: October 2018

Objective This study was performed to compare the efficacy of intravesical mitomycin C (MMC) instillation for the prophylaxis of Ta or T1 high-risk nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) using different schedules.

Materials and methods This retrospective cohort study was conducted on 152 patients treated with intravesical MMC from April 2009 to September 2016. The mean follow-up time was 32.67 months. All patients underwent a complete transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) and postoperative instillation of MMC within 24 h. The patients were divided into 4 treatment groups: Group 1 was followed-up without any maintenance MMC dose treatment; Group 2 received an MMC instillation once per week for the first 8 weeks; Group 3 received an MMC instillation once per week for the first 8 weeks, and once per month for the following 6 months; and Group 4 received an MMC instillation once per week for the first 8 weeks, and once per month for the following 12 months.

Results The overall recurrence rate was 27.6 %. Group 1 had a significantly high (p < 0.05) recurrence rate of 50 %, while there was no difference in the recurrence rate between the last 3 schedules (Group 2:15 %; Group 3: 24.1 %; group 4: 27.2 %). Moreover, the recurrence rates of Ta or T1 tumors, and low-grade or high-grade tumors were not statistically different among these patient groups.

Conclusion Our comparison of the different schedules of intravesical MMC instillation revealed a significantly higher recurrence rate with one MMC instillation post-TURBT than in patients with a maintenance dose of 8 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months. The time of the MMC maintenance schedule exhibited no significant differences between 8 weeks and 12 months. Thus, we conclude that for T1 or Ta high-risk NMIBC, MMC instillation can be performed once after TURBT, followed by a maintenance treatment once per week for 8 weeks.
An Emergent Entity: Indolent Mucormycosis of the Paranasal Sinuses. A Multicenter Study
Authors: Celis-Aguilar Erika , Burgos-Páez Alan , Villanueva-Ramos Nadia , Solórzano-Barrón José , De La Mora-Fernández Alma , Manjarrez-Velázquez Juan , Verdiales-Lugo Sergio , Escobar-Aispuro Lucero , Becerril Perla , Valdez-Flores Ana , Merino-Ramírez Francisco , Caballero-Rodríguez Carmen
Published: October 2018

Introduction Indolent or chronic mucormycosis is a rare entity that affects both immunosuppressed and immunocompetent individuals. Additionally, its clinical evolution is nonspecific and there is no standardized treatment for this condition.

Objective To describe the clinical characteristics and management of patients with indolent mucormycosis.

Methods In the project of study with chart review in the Interinstitutional secondary care centers, patients with evidence of indolent mucormycosis, defined as pathological confirmation of nasal/paranasal sinus mucormycosis for more than 1 month, were included. All patients underwent complete laboratory workup, imaging studies, surgical treatment and adequate follow-up. No evidence of disease status was defined when patient had subsequent biopsies with no evidence of mucormycosis.

Results We included seven patients, three female and four male subjects. The mean age was 53.14 years. Four patients were immunosuppressed and three immunocompetent. Among the immunosuppressed patients three had diabetes and one had dermatomyositis. The symptoms were nonspecific: facial pain/headache, mucoid discharge and cacosmia were the ones most frequently reported. Maxillary sinus involvement was present in all patients. Two immunosuppressed subjects received amphotericin. Posaconazole was the only treatment in one immunosuppressed patient. All immunocompetent patients had single paranasal sinus disease and received only surgical treatment. All patients are alive and free of disease.

Conclusion Indolent mucormycosis is a new and emerging clinical entity in immunosuppressed and immunocompetent patients. Single paranasal sinus disease is a frequent presentation and should not be overlooked as a differential diagnosis in these patients. Immunocompetent patients should only be treated surgically.
Liver Transplantation for Neuroendocrine Tumors: What Have We Learned?
Authors: Lim Chetana , Lahat Eylon , Osseis Michael , Sotirov Dobromir , Salloum Chady , Azoulay Daniel
Published: October 2018

Neuroendocrine tumors are slow-growing tumors and associated with prolonged overall survival even in the presence of untreated liver metastases. The presence of liver metastases may be responsible for severe symptoms with impairment of quality of life. Liver resection has been proposed to achieve better symptom control and/or improve overall survival, but this concerns less than 20% of patients with liver metastases. In addition, the chance to be really cured after liver resection is around 40%, which prompts consideration of liver transplantation as the only potential curative treatment. Time has come to move beyond the traditional debate around the best candidates and prognostic factors for liver transplantation. This review gives the opportunity to discuss new insights: (1) outcome of liver transplantation for neuroendocrine liver metastases as compared with hepatocellular carcinoma, (2) outcome of salvage liver transplantation as a secondary procedure after surgical resection of neuroendocrine liver metastases, (3) outcome of palliative liver transplantation for neuroendocrine liver metastases, and (4) the chance to be cured after liver transplantation for neuroendocrine liver metastases.
Unfolded Protein Response Sensors in Hepatic Lipid Metabolism and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Henkel Anne
Published: October 2018

Activation of the hepatic unfolded protein response (UPR), a highly conserved cellular response to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, is a firmly established feature of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). ER stress is now widely accepted as both a cause and a consequence of hepatic steatosis. Moreover, the accumulation of hepatic lipids induces ER stress, which, in turn, disrupts hepatic lipid metabolism thus creating a vicious cycle that potentiates hepatic lipid accumulation. Additionally, there is interplay between the UPR and the inflammatory cascades associated with progressive nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Understanding the molecular mechanisms by which the UPR regulates hepatic lipid metabolism and lipotoxic liver injury may lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of NAFLD.
Association of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Insertion/Deletion Polymorphism with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: a Meta-Analysis of 26 Case-Control Studies
Authors: Aslbahar Fereshteh , Neamatzadeh Hossein , Tabatabaiee Razieh Sadat , Karimi-Zarchi Mojgan , Javaheri Atiyeh , Mazaheri Mahta , Foroughi Elnaz , Nasiri Rezvan
Published: October 2018

Objective Previous studies investigating the association between angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) risk has provided inconsistent results. The aim of our study was to assess the association between the ACE I/D polymorphism and risk of RPL.

Methods All studies published up to January 30, 2018 on the association of ACE I/D polymorphism with RPL were identified by searching the PubMed, Web of Knowledge, and Google scholar databases.

Results A total of 26 case-control studies with 3,140 RPL cases and 3,370 controls were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, there was a significant association between ACE I/D polymorphism and RPL risk under the allele model (I versus D: odds ratio [OR] = 0.538, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.451–0.643, p ≤ 0.001), the homozygote model (II versus DD: OR = 0.766, 95% CI = 0.598–0.981, p = 0.035) and the recessive model (II versus ID + DD: OR = 0.809, 95% CI = 0.658–0.994, p = 0.044). Subgroup analysis by ethnicity showed that there was a significant association between ACE I/D polymorphism and increased risk of RPL in Caucasian and West-Asian populations, but not in East-Asians. When stratified by number of recurrent miscarriages (RMs), a significant association between ACE I/D polymorphism and increased risk of RPL was detected in the group of studies with ≥ 2 RMs, but not in studies with ≥ 3 RMs.

Conclusion The meta-analysis suggests that ACE I/D polymorphism is associated with increased risk of RPL. The ACE I/D polymorphism may be a risk factor for RPL in Caucasian and West-Asian populations, but not in East-Asians.
Radiological Evaluation of TATE Elbow Cartridge Position in Dogs
Authors: Shaw Thomas , Knowles Toby , Burton Neil , Nutt Anna
Published: October 2018

Objective The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of varying elbow flexion angle and elbow orientation on the radiological measurement of component position for first (1G) and second-generation (2G) TATE elbow cartridges, and to test intra/inter-observer variability of measurements.

Materials and Methods A cadaveric thoracic limb was implanted with a 1G then 2G cartridge, and mounted in lateral recumbency on an acrylic platform. The platform was tilted by set increments up to 10° in both planes, and radiographs were performed at each angle before repeating with the limb in caudocranial positioning. A deterministic trigonometric model was used to show how component angles should vary with changes in orientation, and these were compared with those measured by two observers. Humeral component angle (HCA), radioulnar component angle, varus/valgus cartridge alignment angle and the cartridge height:isthmus width ratio (CIR) were evaluated. Angles within 5° of the zero degrees inclination angle and ratios within 0.2 of the zero degrees inclination ratio were defined as acceptable.

Results Observer component angles for both cartridges were accurate and precise for inclinations up to 10° except for HCA during adduction/abduction. The CIR values were within the acceptable limit for inclinations up to 7.5° in both planes.

Clinical Significance Acceptable limits of limb inclination during positioning for TATE elbow replacement cartridge assessment were defined. All component measurements were sufficiently accurate and precise to be considered for evaluation of component position in clinical cases.
Reduction of Transplant Vasculopathy by Intraoperative Nucleic Acid-based Therapy in a Mouse Aortic Allograft Model
Authors: Arif Rawa , Franz Maximilian , Remes Anca , Zaradzki Marcin , Hecker Markus , Karck Matthias , Müller Oliver J. , Kallenbach Klaus , Wagner Andreas H.
Published: October 2018

Background Transplant vasculopathy (TV) is the main limiting factor for long-term graft survival characterized by fibrosis, myofibroblast, and smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation. Decoy oligodeoxynucleotide (dODN) against the transcription factor activator protein-1 (AP-1) might interfere with the expression of AV-related genes that govern neointima formation.

Methods Aortic allografts from DBA/2 mice were incubated with control buffer, consensus, or mutated control AP-1 dODN and were transplanted into the infrarenal aorta of C57BL/6 mice. Cyclosporine A (10 mg/kg body weight [BW]) was administered daily. Explantation and histomorphometric and immunohistochemical evaluation was performed after 30 days. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity was visualized by gelatin in situ zymography.

Results Intima-to-media (I/M) ratio and neointima formation were significantly reduced in the consensus AP-1 dODN treatment group by 37% (p < 0.05) and 67% (p < 0.01), respectively. SMC α-actin-2 staining and macrophage marker expression revealed a marked reduction in the neointima. I/M ratio was found to correlate with the number of tissue macrophages (p < 0.05). MMP and fibrosis marker expression were not significantly altered.

Conclusion Intraoperative AP-1dODN utilization might be a strategy to preserve graft function after transplantation.