bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engineering the conserved and noncatalytic residues of a thermostable β-1,4-endoglucanase to improve specific activity and thermostability
Authors: Chen Xiutao , Li Weiguang , Ji Peng , Zhao Yang , Hua Chengyao , Han Chao
Published: February 2018

Endoglucanases are increasingly applied in agricultural and industrial applications as a key biocatalyst for cellulose biodegradation. However, the low performance in extreme conditions seriously challenges the enzyme’s commercial utilization. To obtain endoglucanases with substantially improved activity and thermostability, structure-based rational design was carried out based on the Chaetomium thermophilum β-1,4-endoglucanase CTendo45. In this study, five mutant enzymes were constructed by substitution of conserved and noncatalytic residues using site-directed mutagenesis. Mutants were constitutively expressed in Pichia pastoris, purified, and ultimately tested for enzymatic characteristics. Two single mutants, Y30F and Y173F, increased the enzyme’s specific activity 1.35- and 1.87-fold using carboxymethylcellulose sodium (CMC-Na) as a substrate, respectively. Furthermore, CTendo45 and mutants exhibited higher activity towards β-D-glucan than that of CMC-Na, and activities of Y173F and Y30F were also increased obviously against β-D-glucan. In addition, Y173F significantly improved the enzyme’s heat resistance at 80 °C and 90 °C. More interestingly, the double mutant Y30F/Y173F obtained considerably higher stability at elevated temperatures but failed to inherit the increased catalytic efficiency of its single mutant counterparts. This work gives an initial insight into the biological function of conserved and noncatalytic residues of thermostable endoglucanases and proposes a feasible path for the improvement of enzyme redesign proposals.
Significant Volume Expansion as a Precursor to Ablation and Micropattern Formation in Phase Change Material Induced by Intense Terahertz Pulses
Authors: Makino Kotaro , Kato Kosaku , Takano Keisuke , Saito Yuta , Tominaga Junji , Nakano Takashi , Isoyama Goro , Nakajima Makoto
Published: February 2018

With rapid advances occurring in terahertz (THz) radiation generation techniques, the interaction between matter and intense THz fields has become an important research topic. Among different types of THz radiation sources, the free electron laser (FEL) is a promising experimental tool that is expected to pave the way for new forms of material processing, control of phase transitions, and serve as a test bench for extreme operating conditions in high-speed small-size electrical and magnetic devices through the exploitation of strong THz electrical and magnetic fields without the presence of interband electronic excitation. In the current work, we irradiated Ge2Sb2Te5 phase change memory material with intense THz pulse trains from an FEL and observed THz-induced surface changes due to damage as a precursor to ablation and the formation of fine surface undulations whose spatial period is comparable to or slightly smaller than the wavelength of the excitation THz pulses in the material. The formation of undulations as well as the fact that no significant thermal effect was observed below the volume expansion threshold suggests that THz-induced effects mainly contributed to the observed changes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first experimental observation of THz-induced undulations (so-called “LIPSS”), which are of potential importance for laser material processing.
Combination of nutritional polyphenols supplementation with exercise training counteracts insulin resistance and improves endurance in high-fat diet-induced obese rats
Authors: Lambert Karen , Hokayem Marie , Thomas Claire , Fabre Odile , Cassan Cécile , Bourret Annick , Bernex Florence , Feuillet-Coudray Christine , Notarnicola Cécile , Mercier Jacques , Avignon Antoine , Bisbal Catherine
Published: February 2018

Separately, polyphenols and exercise are known to prevent insulin resistance (IR) but their combined curative effects on established obesity and IR require further investigation. Therefore, we compared the metabolic effects of a combination of exercise and grape polyphenols supplementation in obese IR rats with high-fat diet (EXOPP) to the effect of high-fat diet alone (HF) or with a nutritional supplementation of grape polyphenols (PP) or with endurance exercise (EXO) during 8 wks. We observed an improvement of systemic and skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity in EXO and EXOPP rats. EXOPP rats compared to HF rats presented a lower insulinemia and HOMA-IR with higher liver and muscle glycogen contents. Interestingly, EXOPP rats had a 68% enhanced endurance capacity compared to EXO rats with also a higher activation of AMPK compared to sedentary and EXO rats with increased lipid oxidation. Together, our results suggest that grape polyphenols supplementation combined with exercise has a synergistic effect by increasing muscle lipid oxidation and sparing glycogen utilization which thus enhances endurance capacity. Our data highlight that in cases of established obesity and IR, the combination of nutritional grape polyphenols supplementation and exercise heighten and intensify their individual metabolic effects.
New strategies for producing defect free SiGe strained nanolayers
Authors: David Thomas , Aqua Jean-Noël , Liu Kailang , Favre Luc , Ronda Antoine , Abbarchi Marco , Claude Jean-Benoit , Berbezier Isabelle
Published: February 2018

Strain engineering is seen as a cost-effective way to improve the properties of electronic devices. However, this technique is limited by the development of the Asarro Tiller Grinfeld growth instability and nucleation of dislocations. Two strain engineering processes have been developed, fabrication of stretchable nanomembranes by deposition of SiGe on a sacrificial compliant substrate and use of lateral stressors to strain SiGe on Silicon On Insulator. Here, we investigate the influence of substrate softness and pre-strain on growth instability and nucleation of dislocations. We show that while a soft pseudo-substrate could significantly enhance the growth rate of the instability in specific conditions, no effet is seen for SiGe heteroepitaxy, because of the normalized thickness of the layers. Such results were obtained for substrates up to 10 times softer than bulk silicon. The theoretical predictions are supported by experimental results obtained first on moderately soft Silicon On Insulator and second on highly soft porous silicon. On the contrary, the use of a tensily pre-strained substrate is far more efficient to inhibit both the development of the instability and the nucleation of misfit dislocations. Such inhibitions are nicely observed during the heteroepitaxy of SiGe on pre-strained porous silicon.
The Primodos components Norethisterone acetate and Ethinyl estradiol induce developmental abnormalities in zebrafish embryos
Authors: Brown Samantha , Fraga Lucas Rosa , Cameron Gary , Erskine Lynda , Vargesson Neil
Published: February 2018

Primodos was a hormone pregnancy test used between 1958–1978 that has been implicated with causing a range of birth defects ever since. Though Primodos is no longer used, it’s components, Norethisterone acetate and Ethinyl estradiol, are used in other medications today including treatments for endometriosis and contraceptives. However, whether Primodos caused birth defects or not remains controversial, and has been little investigated. Here we used the developing zebrafish embryo, a human cell-line and mouse retinal explants to investigate the actions of the components of Primodos upon embryonic and tissue development. We show that Norethisterone acetate and Ethinyl estradiol cause embryonic damage in a dose and time responsive manner. The damage occurs rapidly after drug exposure, affecting multiple organ systems. Moreover, we found that the Norethisterone acetate and Ethinyl estradiol mixture can affect nerve outgrowth and blood vessel patterning directly and accumulates in the forming embryo for at least 24 hrs. These data demonstrate that Norethisterone acetate and Ethinyl estradiol are potentially teratogenic, depending on dose and embryonic stage of development in the zebrafish. Further work in mammalian model species are now required to build on these findings and determine if placental embryos also are affected by synthetic sex hormones and their mechanisms of action.
The Fate of a Hapten - From the Skin to Modification of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) in Lymph Nodes
Authors: Karlsson Isabella , Samuelsson Kristin , Simonsson Carl , Stenfeldt Anna-Lena , Nilsson Ulrika , Ilag Leopold L. , Jonsson Charlotte , Karlberg Ann-Therese
Published: February 2018

Skin (contact) allergy, the most prevalent form of immunotoxicity in humans, is caused by low molecular weight chemicals (haptens) that penetrate stratum corneum and modify endogenous proteins. The fate of haptens after cutaneous absorption, especially what protein(s) they react with, is largely unknown. In this study the fluorescent hapten tetramethylrhodamine isothiocyanate (TRITC) was used to identify hapten-protein conjugates in the local lymph nodes after topical application, as they play a key role in activation of the adaptive immune system. TRITC interacted with dendritic cells but also with T and B cells in the lymph nodes as shown by flow cytometry. Identification of the most abundant TRITC-modified protein in lymph nodes by tandem mass spectrometry revealed TRITC-modification of the N-terminal proline of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) – an evolutionary well-conserved protein involved in cell-mediated immunity and inflammation. This is the first time a hapten-modified protein has been identified in lymph nodes after topical administration of the hapten. Most haptens are electrophiles and can therefore modify the N-terminal proline of MIF, which has an unusually reactive amino group under physiological conditions; thus, modification of MIF by haptens may have an immunomodulating role in contact allergy as well as in other immunotoxicity reactions.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Gold Nanoparticles-enabled Efficient Dual Delivery of Anticancer Therapeutics to HeLa Cells
Authors: Farooq Muhammad U. , Novosad Valentyn , Rozhkova Elena A. , Wali Hussain , Ali Asghar , Fateh Ahmed A. , Neogi Purnima B. , Neogi Arup , Wang Zhiming
Published: February 2018

Colloidal gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are of interest as non-toxic carriers for drug delivery owing to their advanced properties, such as extensive surface-to-volume ratio and possibilities for tailoring their charge, hydrophilicity and functionality through surface chemistries. To date, various biocompatible polymers have been used for surface decoration of AuNPs to enhance their stability, payloads capacity and cellular uptake. This study describes a facile one-step method to synthesize stable AuNPs loaded with combination of two anticancer therapeutics, -bleomycin and doxorubicin. Anticancer activities, cytotoxicity, uptake and intracellular localization of the AuNPs were demonstrated in HeLa cells. We show that the therapeutic efficacy of the nanohybrid drug was strongly enhanced by the active targeting by the nanoscale delivery system to HeLa cells with a significant decrease of the half-maximal effective drug concentration, through blockage of HeLa cancer cell cycle. These results provide rationale for further progress of AuNPs-assisted combination chemotherapy using two drugs at optimized effective concentrations which act via different mechanisms thus decreasing possibilities of development of the cancer drug resistance, reduction of systemic drug toxicity and improvement of outcomes of chemotherapy.
Minute hands of clocks indicating the same time are not perceived as haptically parallel
Authors: Kappers Astrid M. L.
Published: February 2018

Many studies have already shown that a large idiosyncratic orientation difference is needed to perceive two bars that are far apart as haptically parallel. There exist also strong indications that if such bars are imagined to be minute hands of clocks, errors made in clock time estimates and clock time settings are much smaller. The current study investigated this seemingly discrepancy. Participants partook in three experiments: parallel setting, clock time estimate and clock time setting, in this order. As the individual parallel settings were used in the subsequent clock time estimate experiment, and the estimated clock times in the clock time setting experiment, the deviations could be compared directly. In all three experiments, the deviations were systematic and idiosyncratic, and consistent with a biasing influence of an egocentric reference frame. However, the deviations in the two clock time experiments were indeed much smaller than in the parallel setting experiment. Task instruction and strengthened focus on an allocentric reference frame are the most likely explanations. These findings provide fundamental insights in the processing of spatial information. Taking these findings into account when designing haptic devices may make these more intuitive.
Metathesis cleavage of an NN bond in benzo[c]cinnolines and azobenzenes by triply-bonded ditungsten complexes
Authors: Ikeda Hideaki , Nishi Kohei , Tsurugi Hayato , Mashima Kazushi
Published: February 2018

A metathesis reaction of a WW bond and an NN bond was observed by reacting a W–W triply-bonded W(iii)2 complex, (tBuO)3WW(OtBu)3 (1), with benzo[c]cinnoline derivatives to form biphenyl-linked dinuclear (imido)tungsten complexes 2–4.
Alleviating the energy & safety contradiction to construct new low sensitivity and highly energetic materials through crystal engineering
Authors: Jiao Fangbao , Xiong Ying , Li Hongzhen , Zhang Chaoyang
Published: February 2018

Alleviating the energy & safety contradiction of energetic materials through crystal engineering.
Predictive modeling of intrinsic strengths for several groups of chemically related monolayers by a reference model
Authors: Hess Peter
Published: February 2018

Using a reference model theoretical strengths for groups of chemically related monolayers were estimated from their Young's moduli.
Electric field analyses on monolayer semiconductors: the example of InSe
Authors: Wang Xue-Peng , Li Xian-Bin , Chen Nian-Ke , Zhao Ji-Hong , Chen Qi-Dai , Sun Hong-Bo
Published: February 2018

Properties of an InSe monolayer under external vertical electric fields.
Conversion of lactide to acrylic acid by a phosphonium ionic liquid and acid cocatalyst
Authors: Stalpaert M. , Peeters N. , De Vos D.
Published: February 2018

Combined gas and liquid phase analysis allows closing the mass balance in Bu4PBr catalyzed production of acrylic acid from lactide.
Pulsatile plasma filtration and cell-free DNA amplification using a water-head-driven point-of-care testing chip
Authors: Lee Yonghun , Kim Dong-Min , Li Zhenglin , Kim Dong-Eun , Kim Sung-Jin
Published: February 2018

This paper presents pulsatile blood-plasma filtration and on-chip amplification of cell-free DNA, which obviates the need for any dynamic external controllers for point-of-care testing.
Quantitative structure–property relationship modeling for the prediction of hydrophilic drug entrapment in liposomes for lung targeted delivery
Authors: Bhatia Neela M. , Gaikwad Vinod L. , Mane Rohan V. , Dhavale Rakesh P. , Bhatia Manish S.
Published: February 2018

A QSPR approach to the development of targeted formulation could save time and cost by early prediction of the most influential ingredient properties.
Probing the shear modulus of two-dimensional multiplanar nanostructures and heterostructures
Authors: Mukhopadhyay T. , Mahata A. , Adhikari S. , Asle Zaeem M.
Published: February 2018

Generalized high-fidelity closed-form formulae have been developed to predict the shear modulus of hexagonal graphene-like monolayer nanostructures and nano-heterostructures based on a physically insightful analytical approach.
Formation of a large gap quantum spin Hall phase in a 2D trigonal lattice with three p-orbitals
Authors: Li Chong , Jin Kyung-Hwan , Zhang Shuai , Wang Fei , Jia Yu , Liu Feng
Published: February 2018

The quantum spin Hall (QSH) phase in a trigonal lattice requires typically a minimal basis of three orbitals with one even parity s and two odd parity p orbitals.
pH-Responsive aggregation-induced emission of Au nanoclusters and crystallization of the Au(i)–thiolate shell
Authors: Wang Jianxing , Goswami Nirmal , Shu Tong , Su Lei , Zhang Xueji
Published: February 2018

The Au(i)–thiolate complexes inserted their chains into the shell of Au nanoclusters, forming a crystalline shell with enhanced emission.
SNHG5 promotes proliferation and induces apoptosis in melanoma by sponging miR-155
Authors: Yan Lu , Wang Suihai , Li Yue , Tognetti Linda , Tan Rui , Zeng Kang , Pianigiani Elisa , Mi Xiangbin , Li Hui , Fimiani Michele , Rubegni Pietro
Published: February 2018

Melanoma is the most common malignancy of skin cancer. Small nucleolar RNA host gene 5 (SNHG5), a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), has been demonstrated to be upregulated in tumor tissues and cells of melanoma.
A TPE–benzothiazole piezochromic and acidichromic molecular switch with high solid state luminescent efficiency
Authors: Ma Chunping , He Jiajun , Xu Bingjia , Xie Gaoyi , Xie Zongliang , Mao Zhu , Chi Zhenguo
Published: February 2018

A new organic compound, namely B-TPEAN, was constructed by using tetraphenylethylene, acrylonitrile and benzothiazole as building blocks.
Semi-rational screening of the inhibitors and β-lactam antibiotics against the New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase 1 (NDM-1) producing E. coli
Authors: Wang Juan , Li Yang , Yan Haizhong , Duan Juan , Luo Xihua , Feng Xueqin , Lu Lanfen , Wang Weijia
Published: February 2018

Bacteria containing blaNDM-1 gene are a growing threat to almost all clinically β-lactam antibiotics. A semi-rational screening of the inhibitors and antibiotics against the New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase 1 has been developed in this study.
Preparation of silica coatings with continuously adjustable refractive indices and wettability properties via sol–gel method
Authors: Xia Bibo , Yan Lianghong , Li Yuanyang , Zhang Shuming , He Meiying , Li Hao , Yan Hongwei , Jiang Bo
Published: February 2018

Silica coatings with continuously adjustable refractive indices and wettability properties were prepared through a sol–gel base-catalyzed process.
Synthesis of spiroindenopyridazine-4H-pyran derivatives using Cr-based catalyst complexes supported on KCC-1 in aqueous solution
Authors: Zhiani Rahele , Sadeghzadeh Seyed Mohsen , Emrani Shokufe
Published: February 2018

An efficient bis(2-dodecylsulfanyl-ethyl)-amine·CrCl3 complex supported on KCC-1 (KCC-1/SNS/Cr) has been developed for the synthesis of spiroindenopyridazine-4H-pyran.
Effect and mechanism of oyster hydrolytic peptides on spatial learning and memory in mice
Authors: Wang Xueqin , Yu Huahua , Xing Ronge , Liu Song , Chen Xiaolin , Li Pengcheng
Published: February 2018

Oyster protein hydrolysate could be a functional food candidate to improve learning and memory ability.
Deposition of Ag and Ag–Au nanocrystalline films with tunable conductivity at the water–toluene interface
Authors: Stansfield Gemma L. , Johnston Helena M. , Baxter Sean N. , Thomas P. John
Published: February 2018

Thin films of Au, Ag and Ag–Au alloy nanocrystals extending to areas of several square centimetres are obtained by deposition at the interface of water and toluene.
Nano-γ-Al2O3/SbCl5: an efficient catalyst for the synthesis of 2,3-dihydroperimidines
Authors: Bamoniri Abdolhamid , Fatemeh Mirjalili Bi Bi , Saleh Sepideh
Published: February 2018

Nano-γ-Al2O3/SbCl5as a new Lewis acid nano catalyst was synthesized and characterized by FTIR, XRD, FESEM, TEM, EDS, BET and TGA techniques.
The effect of teaching the entire academic year of high school chemistry utilizing abstract reasoning
Authors: Page Michael F. Z. , Escott Patrick , Silva Maritza , Barding Gregory A.
Published: February 2018

This case study demonstrates the ability of high school chemistry students, with varying levels of math preparation, to experience learning-gains on state and district assessments as it relates to chemical reactions, thermodynamics, and kinetics. These advances were predicated on the use of a teaching style rooted in abstract reasoning. The methodology was presented to students and modeled by the instructor over an entire school year to reinforce key proportional relationships featured in the balanced chemical equation and related topics such as acids and bases, reaction rates, equilibrium, and conservation of matter. Despite the small sample size, there was a general increase in student success, indicated by a statistically significant difference between students receiving instruction rooted in concrete reasoning and students receiving instruction rich in abstract reasoning.
XUV photodesorption of carbon cluster ions and ionic photofragments from a mixed methane–water ice
Authors: Suhasaria T. , Thrower J. D. , Frigge R. , Roling S. , Bertin M. , Michaut X. , Fillion J.-H. , Zacharias H.
Published: February 2018

The photochemical processing of a CH4 : D2O 1 : 3.3 ice mixture adsorbed on a HOPG surface in the XUV regime was investigated using pulses obtained from the Free-electron LASer in Hamburg (FLASH) facility.
Beyond catalysis and membranes: visualizing and solving the challenge of electrode water accumulation and flooding in AEMFCs
Authors: Omasta Travis J. , Park Andrew M. , LaManna Jacob M. , Zhang Yufeng , Peng Xiong , Wang Lianqin , Jacobson David L. , Varcoe John R. , Hussey Daniel S. , Pivovar Bryan S. , Mustain William E.
Published: February 2018

Systematically controlling AEMFC electrode structure and water leads to record 1.9 W cm−2 performance with ETFE membranes/ionomers and PtRu/Pt catalysts.
Prussian blue-derived synthesis of uniform nanoflakes-assembled NiS2 hierarchical microspheres as highly efficient electrocatalysts in dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Huang Shoushuang , Wang Haitao , Zhang Yang , Wang Shangdai , Chen Zhiwen , Hu Zhangjun , Qian Xuefeng
Published: February 2018

Hierarchical NiS2 microspheres constructed by nanoflakes were synthesized by sulfuration of nickel–cobalt Prussian blue analogous nanocubes and they exhibited excellent catalytic activity for the reduction of I3− ions in dye-sensitized solar cells.
Correction: Resolving the degradation pathways of the O3-type layered oxide cathode surface through the nano-scale aluminum oxide coating for high-energy density sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Hwang Jang-Yeon , Myung Seung-Taek , Choi Ji Ung , Yoon Chong Seung , Yashiro Hitoshi , Sun Yang-Kook
Published: February 2018

Correction for ‘Resolving the degradation pathways of the O3-type layered oxide cathode surface through the nano-scale aluminum oxide coating for high-energy density sodium-ion batteries’ by Jang-Yeon Hwang et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2017, 5, 23671–23680.
Prognostic value and clinicopathological significance of serum- and tissue-based cytokeratin 18 express level in breast cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Jiangling , Gao Sicheng , Xu Jian , Zhu Junfeng
Published: February 2018

Cytokeratin 18 (CK18), a type I cytokeratin of the intermediate filament family, has been associated with the prognosis of cancer patients for decades. However, its exact role in predicting the clinical outcome of breast cancer remains controversial. To comprehensively investigated the prognostic value of CK18 in breast cancer, a systematically meta-analysis was conducted to explore the association between CK18 expression and overall survival. Literature collection was conducted by retrieving electronic databases Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EMBASE, and OVID completely (up to January 1, 2017). Nine relevant studies with 4857 cases assessing the relationship between CK18 high expression and the outcome of breast cancer patients were enrolled in our analysis. The results indicated that the high level of CK18 expression was significantly associated with overall survival of breast cancer patients via a specimen-depended manner. Reports which used serum to detect the expression of CK18 predicted a poor outcome of breast cancer (HR = 1.24, 95%CI: 1.11–1.38, P<0.0001), while studies which used tissue as specimen indicated a reverse result (HR = 0.71, 95%CI: 0.60–0.84, P<0.00001). Moreover, overexpression of CK18 was highly relevant to advanced clinicopathological parameters of breast cancer, such as progesterone receptor, human epidermal growth factor receptor-2, tumor size, tumor stage, nodal status, and tumor grade. Taken together, the present study demonstrated that CK18 might be served as a novel biomarker to predict clinicopathological features and the outcome of breast cancer.
Structure and function of the cytochrome P450 peroxygenase enzymes
Authors: Munro Andrew W. , McLean Kirsty J. , Grant Job L. , Makris Thomas M.
Published: February 2018

The cytochromes P450 (P450s or CYPs) constitute a large heme enzyme superfamily, members of which catalyze the oxidative transformation of a wide range of organic substrates, and whose functions are crucial to xenobiotic metabolism and steroid transformation in humans and other organisms. The P450 peroxygenases are a subgroup of the P450s that have evolved in microbes to catalyze the oxidative metabolism of fatty acids, using hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant rather than NAD(P)H-driven redox partner systems typical of the vast majority of other characterized P450 enzymes. Early members of the peroxygenase (CYP152) family were shown to catalyze hydroxylation at the α and β carbons of medium-to-long-chain fatty acids. However, more recent studies on other CYP152 family P450s revealed the ability to oxidatively decarboxylate fatty acids, generating terminal alkenes with potential applications as drop-in biofuels. Other research has revealed their capacity to decarboxylate and to desaturate hydroxylated fatty acids to form novel products. Structural data have revealed a common active site motif for the binding of the substrate carboxylate group in the peroxygenases, and mechanistic and transient kinetic analyses have demonstrated the formation of reactive iron-oxo species (compounds I and II) that are ultimately responsible for hydroxylation and decarboxylation of fatty acids, respectively. This short review will focus on the biochemical properties of the P450 peroxygenases and on their biotechnological applications with respect to production of volatile alkenes as biofuels, as well as other fine chemicals.
Manual Versus Automated Narrative Analysis of Agrammatic Production Patterns: The Northwestern Narrative Language Analysis and Computerized Language Analysis
Authors: Hsu Chien-Ju , Thompson Cynthia K.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to compare the outcomes of the manually coded Northwestern Narrative Language Analysis (NNLA) system, which was developed for characterizing agrammatic production patterns, and the automated Computerized Language Analysis (CLAN) system, which has recently been adopted to analyze speech samples of individuals with aphasia (a) for reliability purposes to ascertain whether they yield similar results and (b) to evaluate CLAN for its ability to automatically identify language variables important for detailing agrammatic production patterns.

Method

The same set of Cinderella narrative samples from 8 participants with a clinical diagnosis of agrammatic aphasia and 10 cognitively healthy control participants were transcribed and coded using NNLA and CLAN. Both coding systems were utilized to quantify and characterize speech production patterns across several microsyntactic levels: utterance, sentence, lexical, morphological, and verb argument structure levels. Agreement between the 2 coding systems was computed for variables coded by both.

Results

Comparison of the 2 systems revealed high agreement for most, but not all, lexical-level and morphological-level variables. However, NNLA elucidated utterance-level, sentence-level, and verb argument structure–level impairments, important for assessment and treatment of agrammatism, which are not automatically coded by CLAN.

Conclusions

CLAN automatically and reliably codes most lexical and morphological variables but does not automatically quantify variables important for detailing production deficits in agrammatic aphasia, although conventions for manually coding some of these variables in Codes for the Human Analysis of Transcripts are possible. Suggestions for combining automated programs and manual coding to capture these variables or revising CLAN to automate coding of these variables are discussed.
Quantised inverter amplifier
Authors: Musayev J. , Liscidini A.
Published: February 2018

The quantised inverter amplifier concept is introduced, where an input signal is sliced and amplified by an array of amplifiers. This strategy expands the dynamic range of the amplifier and relaxes the power demand of the following stages as the total output swing can virtually exceed the supply voltage. Moreover, using multiple amplifiers helps to linearise the input–output transfer characteristic. Simulations results confirm the presented theory.
Effect of sink location and redundancy on multi‐sink wireless sensor networks: a capacity and delay analysis
Authors: Barani Hajar , Jaradat Yousef , Huang Hong , Li Zhicheng , Misra Satyajayant
Published: February 2018

Wireless network applications such as intelligent buildings and disaster relief operations use large‐scale platforms. In these networks using multiple sinks reduce packet loss. However, finding the optimum locations for the sinks has not been fully studied yet. Therefore, the authors sought to investigate whether the location of sinks can affect network parameters, such as capacity and delay. In this study, two schemes named popular‐location scheme and random scheme are designed based on sink location. In the popular‐location scheme, the sinks (base stations) are located around the popular points (most visited locations) according to the location popularity rule. However, in the random scheme, sinks are distributed randomly. The authors considered a cell‐partitioned network to manage the signal interference between cells. The authors' results demonstrated that there is a trade‐off between capacity and delay in both schemes. Additionally, the effect of packet redundancy on capacity and delay was investigated. Furthermore, by utilising the popularity rule, the network capacity and average delay improved significantly. Moreover, the authors' results indicate that packet redundancy does not affect the capacity, but it improves the delay.
Identification of Hammerstein systems with time delay under load disturbance
Authors: Dong Shijian , Liu Tao , Wang Qing‐Guo
Published: February 2018

To cope with load disturbance often encountered when performing identification tests on non‐linear systems with input delay in industrial applications, a bias‐eliminated Hammerstein‐type output error (OE) model identification method is proposed in this study. By taking into account the load disturbance response as a time‐varying parameter for estimation, two recursive least‐squares (RLS) identification algorithms is established to estimate the Hammerstein‐type model parameters and the time‐varying disturbance response. A one‐dimensional searching approach is adopted to determine the integer‐type delay parameter by minimising the fitting error of output response. Moreover, an auxiliary OE model is constructed to ensure consistent estimation under stochastic noise. In addition, two adaptive forgetting factors are introduced into the proposed RLS algorithms to enhance the estimation convergence on the model parameters and the disturbance response. Asymptotic properties of parameter estimation are analysed along with a proof, in particular for unbiased estimation against a constant disturbance. Two illustrative examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed identification method.
Inductance and force calculations of circular coils with parallel axes shielded by a cuboid of high permeability
Authors: Luo Yao , Zhu Yuanzhe , Yu Yue , Zhang Lei
Published: February 2018

A detailed analysis is presented for a boundary value problem of circular coils with parallel axes shielded by a cuboid of high permeability. Field solutions are given by establishing a suitable ansatz of the magnetic scalar potential, which can satisfy the boundary conditions on six surfaces of the cuboid without difficulty. Analytic expressions are also given for the self and mutual inductance of shielded circular coils with rectangular cross section. By differentiating the self‐ and mutual magnetic energy with respect to the centre coordinates of the shielded coils, the total forces exerted on them are further obtained, which consist of self and mutual force components. Finally, the numerical results of the proposed method are compared with those of the finite‐element method simulations, and the proposed method proves to be accurate and efficient enough for practical applications.
High‐accurate estimation method of sub‐synchronous and super‐synchronous harmonic parameters on PMU
Authors: Tan Yong , Chen Rong , Wang Meng , Zhang Min , Hou Mingguo
Published: February 2018

With the rapid development of renewable energy power generations, AC/DC transmissions and static compensations etc., power electronic technology has been widely applied in power system. As traditional power equipment is replaced by a large number of power electronic devices, the disturbances such as harmonic interference and sub‐synchronous oscillation are more frequently. In order to detect the sub‐synchronous oscillation in power system in time, and take measures to ensure the safety and stability of power system, this article analyses the algorithm principle of the phasor measurement unit (PMU) and the communication architecture of wide area measurement system (WAMS)/PMU system. According to the IEEE Std C37.118‐2011 standard, it elaborates the problems and the limitations existing in the monitoring of sub‐synchronous and super‐synchronous harmonic parameters on WAMS. On the basis of the above, a method of online identification and alarm for the sub‐synchronous and super‐synchronous harmonic parameters on PMU device is proposed. Combined with the fast Fourier transform spectrum correction theory, the high‐accuracy identification method of distributed sub‐synchronous and super‐synchronous harmonic parameter is realised. The feasibility and accuracy of the method is verified by simulation experiments.
Use of 3-Hydroxy-4-(trifluoromethyl)azetidin-2-ones as Building Blocks for the Preparation of Trifluoromethyl-Containing Aminopropanes, 1,3-Oxazinan-2-ones, Aziridines, and 1,4-Dioxan-2-ones
Authors: Van Nguyen Tuyen , D’hooghe Matthias , Dao Thi Hang , Le Nhat Thuy Giang , Catak Saron , Van Speybroeck Veronique
Published: February 2018

3-Hydroxy-4-(trifluoromethyl)azetidin-2-ones were synthesized from the corresponding 3-benzyloxy-β-lactams and successfully transformed into new 3-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)azetidin-2-one building blocks. The latter chlorides were shown to be eligible precursors for the construction of CF3-containing aminopropanes, 1,3-oxazinanes, 1,3-oxazinan-2-ones, and aziridines. In addition, 3-hydroxy-4-(trifluoromethyl)azetidin-2-ones proved to be interesting substrates for the synthesis of novel 3-[2,2,2-trifluoro-1-(arylamino)ethyl]-1,4-dioxan-2-ones via intramolecular cyclization of 3-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-β-lactam intermediates.
I Have to/Get to Teach Counseling: Now What? A Personal Essay
Authors: Hale Sue
Published: February 2018

Faculty receiving the assignment to teach a course in counseling to Au.D. students often have limited background in teaching the requisite skills and knowledge associated with counseling. A period of self-reflection regarding transferable skills for counseling as well as guidance from colleagues may assist in developing core concepts for the content of the class. Theoretical underpinnings, understanding and respecting patient values, and listening and valuing are significant perspectives for students to develop as they approach the broad content of a counseling course.
What's in Your Teaching Toolbox?
Authors: Mormer Elaine
Published: February 2018

Educators are faced with an array of tools available to enhance learning outcomes in the classroom and clinic. These tools range from those that are very simple to those that are sufficiently complex to require an investment in learning time. This article summarizes a collection of teaching tools, ordered by the time involved in learning proficient use. Simple tools described include specific online blogs providing support for faculty and student writing and a simple method to capture and download videos from YouTube for classroom use. More complex tools described include a Web-based application for custom-created animated videos and an interactive audience polling system. Readers are encouraged to reflect on the tools most appropriate for use in their own teaching toolbox by considering the requisite time to proficiency and suitability to address desired learner outcomes.
All-Inside Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction—A Systematic Review of Techniques, Outcomes, and Complications
Authors: de SA Darren , Shanmugaraj Ajaykumar , Weidman Melissa , Peterson Devin , Simunovic Nicole , Musahl Volker , Ayeni Olufemi
Published: February 2018

The all-inside technique (AIT) for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is gaining popularity as a more anatomic, less invasive, technique with the potential for more rapid recovery. This systematic review aims to critically assess components of the technique, its safety profile, outcomes, and complications. PUBMED, EMBASE, and MEDLINE were searched for studies discussing primary ACLR using the AIT. Article screening, quality assessment, and data abstraction were completed in duplicate, and a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was used to frame the descriptive results in a clinically significant context. A total of 13 studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. Five-hundred twenty six patients (mean age 31.9 ± 5.9 years) underwent ACLR using the AIT. The mean follow-up was 18.2 ± 7.7 months. Graft choice included autograft (73.8%) and allograft (26.2%). Drilling techniques for femoral sockets were outside-in (53.4%) and through the anteromedial portal (35.4%), whereas tibial sockets were drilled outside-in (35.0%) and through the superomedial portal (3.8%). The rehabilitation protocol had an immediate focus on obtaining full knee extension, jogging permitted 2 to 4 months postoperatively in 61.5% of studies, and return to cutting and pivoting sports 6 to 9 months postoperatively in 69.2% of studies. A MCID was reached for subjective International Knee Documentation Committee scores at 6, 12, and 24 months follow-up and Lysholm knee score at 24 months follow-up. An improvement in outcomes was most notably between 6 and 12 months postoperatively. There was a total of 31 complications (5.89%) and included graft rerupture (2.47%), loss of extension of 1° to 10° (1.14%), and cartilage or meniscus injuries on the operated knee (0.760%). Complications related to the surgical technique were not reported. The AIT for ACLR shows potential as a minimally invasive approach given the low graft failure rates and short-term improvements in knee function and stability, pain and patient important outcomes from this approach. Comparative studies with large sample sizes and a long-term follow-up are required to assess the proposed advantages of this technique. This is a Level IV study.
A patient with lower gastrointestinal bleeding: common history, very uncommon cause, minimally invasive treatment
Authors: Lock Guntram , Daniels Thies , Kock Lars
Published: February 2018

An 81-year-old patient with significant cardiac comorbidities, a history of sigmoid resection 6 years ago, and iliac bypass surgery 19 years ago presented with mild hematochezia for the previous 3 days. While hemodynamically stable at first, he developed massive bleeding during preparation for colonoscopy and underwent a short course of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Colonoscopy revealed no active bleeding but a protuberance of the colonic wall and a coagulation clot. In ultrasonography immediately after endoscopy, a large aneurysm was diagnosed and diagnosis of an iliaco-colonic fistula was assumed. CT scan demonstrated a large pseudoaneurysm of the distal anastomosis after iliaco-iliac bypass. With endovascular treatment, the original lumen of the iliac artery could be recanalized, and 2 covered stents were placed to cover both anastomosis of the prosthetic bypass leading to a complete shutdown of bypass perfusion. A double-barreled transversostoma was established to minimize contamination of the aneurysmal sac. Seven months after these procedures, the patient is well and free of infection.

Though aorto- or iliaco-colonic fistula after aortic or iliac surgery are very rare, endoscopists should be aware of their possibility. A high index of clinical suspicion in patients with prior abdominal vascular bypass surgery should prompt rapid imaging studies, possibly before endoscopy. In critically ill patients, endovascular treatment may be a suitable alternative and result in a favorable outcome.
The Main Determinants of Serum Resistin Level in Type 2 Diabetic Patients are Renal Function and Inflammation not Presence of Microvascular Complication, Obesity and Insulin Resistance
Authors: Cebeci Egemen , Cakan Cengiz , Gursu Meltem , Uzun Sami , Karadag Serhat , Koldas Macit , Calhan Turan , Helvaci Serife , Ozturk Savas
Published: February 2018

Aim The association of increased resistin levels in chronic kidney disease with diabetic nephropathy has not yet been clarified. Our aim was to analyze the relationship between serum resistin levels and various diabetic microvascular complications in patients.

Methods A total of 83 patients were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. The subjects were divided into 3 groups: 27 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) having no diabetic retinopathy (DRP) or microalbuminuria and having normal renal function were included in Group-1, 28 patients with T2DM having DRP and normal renal function in Group-2, and 28 patients with T2DM with DRP and microalbuminuria and an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of<60 ml/min/1.73 m2 in Group-3. Serum resistin levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results The mean age of the patients [46 female (55.4%)] was 54.8±9.1 years. The resistin level in Group-3 was significantly higher than in Group-1 and Group-2 (p<0.001).However the resistin level was not different between Group-1 (without microvascular complications) and Group-2 (with microvascular complications). The resistin level was found to be correlated negatively with eGFR (r=−0.459; p<0.001) and albumin (r=−0.402; p<0.001), and positively with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (r=0.366; p=0.001). In multivariate analysis, it was observed that eGFR and hs-CRP were independent determinants of plasma resistin level.

Conclusion The main determinants of resistin level in patients with T2DM are the level of renal function and inflammation rather than presence of microvascular complications, obesity and insulin resistance.
Novel Demonstration of the Anterior Femoral Cutaneous Nerves using Ultrasound
Authors: Pivec Christopher , Bodner Gerd , Mayer Johannes , Brugger Peter , Paraszti Istvan , Moser Veith , Traxler Hannes , Riegler Georg
Published: February 2018

Purpose Neuropathy of the intermediate (IFCN) and medial femoral cutaneous nerve (MFCN) is a potential iatrogenic complication of thigh surgery and its diagnosis is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the possibility of the visualization and diagnostic assessment of the IFCN and MFCN with high-resolution ultrasound (HRUS).

Materials and Methods In this study, HRUS with high-frequency probes (15 – 22MHz) was used to locate the IFCN and the MFCN in 16 fresh cadaveric lower limbs. The correct identification of the nerves was verified by ink-marking and consecutive dissections at sites correlating to nerve positions (R1 – 3), namely, the origin, the mid portion, and the distal portion, respectively. 12 cases with suspected IFCN and MFCN lesions referred to our clinic for HRUS examinations were also assessed.

Results Anatomical dissection confirmed the correct identification of the IFCN in 16/16 branches at all of the different locations (100 %). MFCN was correctly identified at R1 + 3, in all cases (16/16; 100 %), and in 14/16 cases (88 %) at (R2). 12 cases of patients with IFCN and MFCN pathologies (all of iatrogenic origin) were identified. 9 instances of structural damage were visible on HRUS, and all pathologies were confirmed by almost complete resolution of symptoms after selective HRUS-guided blocks with 0.5 – 1 ml lidocaine 2 %.

Conclusion This study confirms that the IFCN and the MFCN can be reliably visualized with HRUS throughout the course of these nerves, both in anatomical specimens and in patients.
Velocity-Dependent Changes in Electrical Efficiency of the Leg Extensors during Eccentric Isokinetic Muscle Actions
Authors: Hill Ethan , Housh Terry , Camic Clayton , Smith Cory , Schmidt Richard , Johnson Glen
Published: February 2018

The mechanisms underlying velocity-specific decreases in torque production during eccentric muscle actions remain unclear. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to examine electrical efficiency at 60 and 180°·s
−1 during fatiguing, maximal eccentric isokinetic muscle actions of the leg extensors. Thirteen men visited the lab on two occasions and randomly performed 30 repeated maximal eccentric isokinetic muscle actions of the leg extensors at 60 and 180°·s
−
¹ through a 90° range of motion. Polynomial regression analyses and separate repeated measures ANOVAs were used to examine the composite patterns of responses for electromyographic amplitude, eccentric torque, and electrical efficiency across the 60 and 180°·s
−
¹ protocols. Eccentric torque remained unchanged across the 30 maximal eccentric muscle actions performed at 60 and 180°·s
−1. Electromyographic amplitude and electrical efficiency, however, increased linearly across the 180°·s
−1 protocol, but there were no changes for either electromyographic amplitude or electrical efficiency during the 60°·s
−1 fatiguing protocol. These findings indicated that performing eccentric muscle actions at a fast velocity (i. e., 180°·s
−1) was characterized by greater efficiency (i. e., decreased electrical efficiency) compared to eccentric muscle actions performed at a slow velocity (i. e., 60°·s
−1). Thus, it is possible that eccentric muscle actions performed at fast velocities are more robust to fatigue due, in part, to greater efficiency compared to slow-velocity eccentric muscle actions.