bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient conversion of fructose into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural over WO3/reduced graphene oxide catalysts
Authors: Han Huatao , Zhao Hongyan , Liu Yang , Li Zhuofei , Song Jinyi , Chu Wenyi , Sun Zhizhong
Published: January 2017

A sustainable and efficient catalyst for converting carbohydrates to a renewable platform chemical 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is the goal in the study of biomass recycling.
Surfactant-assisted preparation of Y2O3-stabilized ZrO2 nanoparticles and their tribological performance in mineral and commercial lubricating oils
Authors: Li Dandan , Xie Yuchen , Yong Huaisong , Sun Dazhi
Published: January 2017

Y2O3-stabilized ZrO2 nanoparticles are prepared through a modified precipitation–calcination method by using surfactants and their tribological performances have been investigated in base mineral oil and commercial formulated lubricating oils.
Synthesis of benzyl esters from the commercially available alcohols catalyzed by TBAI via C(sp3)–H bond functionalization
Authors: Dong Dao-Qing , Zhang Hui , Wang Zu-Li
Published: January 2017

The direct esterification of alcohol catalyzed by TBAI via C(sp3)–H bond functionalization was achieved under mild and clean conditions with good to excellent yields.
The dripping-to-jetting transition in a co-axial flow of aqueous two-phase systems with low interfacial tension
Authors: Mak Sze Yi , Chao Youchuang , Shum Ho Cheung
Published: January 2017

The dripping-to-jetting transition of co-axial flow with high interfacial tension has been extensively studied; however, little is known about this with low interfacial tension.
Two rare meroterpenoidal rotamers from Ganoderma applanatum
Authors: Luo Qi , Tu Zheng-Chao , Cheng Yong-Xian
Published: January 2017

Applanatumols Z3 (1) and Z4 (2), two novel natural product hybrids consisting of a meroterpenoid and a glycerol and three known compounds (3–5) were isolated from the fruiting bodies of the fungus Ganoderma applanatum.
Solvent-free synthesis of polyhydroquinoline derivatives employing mesoporous vanadium ion doped titania nanoparticles as a robust heterogeneous catalyst via the Hantzsch reaction
Authors: Dharma Rao G. B. , Nagakalyan S. , Prasad G. K.
Published: January 2017

Mesoporous vanadium ion doped titania nanoparticles were used as reusable catalyst for the synthesis of PHQ derivativesviaHantzsch reaction at 80 °C under greener conditions. The catalyst could easily be recycled and reused without decrease in catalytic activity.
Cost effective surface functionalization of gold nanoparticles with a mixed DNA and PEG monolayer for nanotechnology applications
Authors: Wang Risheng , Bowling Isabella , Liu Wenyan
Published: January 2017

We report a cost effective and generally applicable method for co-functionalization of gold nanoparticles with a mixed DNA and PEG polymer layer.
Synthesis of Pd/SBA-15 catalyst employing surface-bonded vinyl as a reductant and its application in the hydrogenation of nitroarenes
Authors: Duan Ying , Zheng Min , Li Dongmi , Deng Dongsheng , Wu Cuicui , Yang Yanliang
Published: January 2017

Pd/SBA-15 was synthesised through the reduction of PdCl2 by surface bonded vinyl. The catalyst was effective for the hydrogenation of aromatic nitro compounds under mild conditions.
A high-performance transparent graphene/vertically aligned carbon nanotube (VACNT) hybrid electrode for neural interfacing
Authors: Jeong Du Won , Kim Gook Hwa , Kim Na Yeon , Lee Zonghoon , Jung Sang Don , Lee Jeong-O.
Published: January 2017

Transparent graphene-vertically aligned carbon nanotube (VACNT) electrodes enable the dual function of optical cell monitoring and cell electrical signal measurements with exceptionally high signal amplitude.
Novel anti-cancer agents based on germacrone: design, synthesis, biological activity, docking studies and MD simulations
Authors: Ye Lianbao , Wu Jie , Chen Weiqiang , Feng Yu , Shen Zhibing
Published: January 2017

Germacrone is a major activity component found in Curcuma zedoaria oil product, which is extracted from Curcuma zedoaria.
The formation of cerium(iii) hydroxide nanoparticles by a radiation mediated increase in local pH
Authors: Abellan P. , Moser T. H. , Lucas I. T. , Grate J. W. , Evans J. E. , Browning N. D.
Published: January 2017

High energy electrons are used to generate homogeneously distributed nanometric Ce(iii) particlesin situavoiding large excesses of chemical reagents.
Catalytic glycerol hydrogenolysis to 1,3-propanediol in a gas–solid fluidized bed
Authors: Edake Mahesh , Dalil Marjan , Darabi Mahboub Mohammad Jaber , Dubois Jean-Luc , Patience Gregory S.
Published: January 2017

We report the gas-phase hydrogenolysis of glycerol to 1,3-propanediol over Pt/WO3/Al2O3in a fluidized bed operating above 240 °C and at ambient pressure.
Efficient two-step synthesis of water soluble BODIPY–TREN chemosensors for copper(ii) ions
Authors: Verbelen Bram , Valckenborgh Marlon , Inclán Mario , Nebot Aida , Dehaen Wim , García-España Enrique
Published: January 2017

Two promising, highly selective, water soluble, Cu(ii) sensors were synthesized in two reaction steps, using C–H functionalization reactions.
Enhanced charge carrier transport in spray-cast organic solar cells using solution processed MoO3 micro arrays
Authors: Ji Ran , Cheng Jiang , Yang Xin , Yu Junsheng , Li Lu
Published: January 2017

A toward all spray fabrication routine was used to fabricate organic solar cells (OSCs), in which a molybdenum oxide (MoO3) micro array was deposited on the active layer. The influence of the hole transporting property on the OSC performance was studied.
Effective gene-silencing of siRNAs that contain functionalized spacer linkages within the central region
Authors: Desaulniers Jean-Paul , Hagen Gordon , Anderson Jocelyn , McKim Chris , Roberts Blake
Published: January 2017

Short-interfering RNAs containing a variety of functional groups at the central region of the sense strand were synthesized and evaluated.
Direct synthesis of phenol by novel [FeFe]-hydrogenase model complexes as catalysts of benzene hydroxylation with H2O2
Authors: Zhang Xia , Zhang Tianyong , Li Bin , Zhang Guanghui , Hai Li , Ma Xiaoyuan , Wu Wubin
Published: January 2017

Compared the catalytic performance of complexes 1–3, the complex 2 has the highest phenol yield (24.6%) and phenol selectivity (92%), which has the highest electron densities of the catalytically active sites.
Conversion of corn stover alkaline pre-treatment waste streams into biodiesel via Rhodococci
Authors: Le Rosemary K. , Wells Jr. Tyrone , Das Parthapratim , Meng Xianzhi , Stoklosa Ryan J. , Bhalla Aditya , Hodge David B. , Yuan Joshua S. , Ragauskas Arthur J.
Published: January 2017

The bioconversion of second-generation cellulosic ethanol waste streams into biodiesel via oleaginous bacteria, Rhodococcus, is a novel optimization strategy for biorefineries with substantial potential for rapid development.
The rise of lithium–selenium batteries
Authors: Eftekhari Ali
Published: January 2017

The lithium–selenium (Li–Se) battery is an alternative to its sulfur counterpart with some noticeable advantages, such as the significantly higher electrical conductivity of Se and better electrochemical performance.
Unlocking the potential of amorphous red phosphorus films as a long-term stable negative electrode for lithium batteries
Authors: Subramaniyam Chandrasekar M. , Tai Zhixin , Mahmood Nasir , Zhang Dan , Liu Hua Kun , Goodenough John B. , Dou Shi Xue
Published: January 2017

Amorphous red phosphorus films (NS-RP) synthesized by a high energy sonication technique delivered a reversible capacity of 2137 mA h g−1 when used as a sole active lithium battery anode.
Free-standing vertically-aligned nitrogen-doped carbon nanotube arrays/graphene as air-breathing electrodes for rechargeable zinc–air batteries
Authors: Cai Xiaoyi , Xia Bao Yu , Franklin Joseph , Li Baosheng , Wang Xin , Wang Zhan , Chen Luwei , Lin Jianyi , Lai Linfei , Shen Zexiang
Published: January 2017

A free-standing vertically aligned CNT array supported on graphene foam is used as an air-breathing electrode for rechargeable Zn–air batteries.
Zinc-modulated Fe–Co Prussian blue analogues with well-controlled morphologies for the efficient sorption of cesium
Authors: Liu Jiayi , Li Xuning , Rykov Alexandre I. , Fan Qiaohui , Xu Wei , Cong Weimin , Jin Changzi , Tang Hailian , Zhu Kaixin , Ganeshraja Ayyakannu Sundaram , Ge Rile , Wang Xiaodong , Wang Junhu
Published: January 2017

Morphology-controllable KFexZn1−x[Co(CN)6] with different cesium uptake capacities were synthesized, based on which a Zn2+-modulated model was proposed.
Thermal sensitivity of frequency upconversion in Al4B2O9:Yb3+/Nd3+nanoparticles
Authors: Silva Andrea F. , Elan Felipe , Falcão-Filho E. L. , Maia Lauro J. Q. , de Araújo Cid B.
Published: January 2017

We report measurements of frequency upconversion (UC) processes in ytterbium (Yb3+) and neodymium (Nd3+) doped Al4B2O9nanoparticles – labeled as Al4B2O9:Yb3+/Nd3+– prepared by a polymeric precursor method.
Low pump threshold CVD graphene based passively harmonic mode‐locked fibre laser
Authors: Chow Kin Kee
Published: January 2017

A low pump threshold passively harmonic mode‐locked fibre laser is demonstrated. The key component is a chemical vapour deposition grown graphene saturable absorber to enable higher order harmonic mode‐locking (HML) of the fibre laser with good output noise characteristics. With a relatively low pump power of 100 mW, the fibre laser generates ∼1 ps soliton pulses at the 21st order of HML with 40 dB of super‐mode noise suppression.
Klinikmarketing: „Wir brauchen einen ärztlichen Kommunikator“
Authors: Gaede Kirsten
Published: January 2017

Zusammen mit Berater Peter Brückner-Bozetti richtet der Marketing-Experte Michael Lingenfelder das Symposium zum Gesundheitsmanagement am 16. März in Marburg aus. Die Themen: Qualität und das KHSG. Was haben diese mit Marketing zu tun? Eine ganze Menge, meint der Lehrstuhlinhaber.
Kooperationsverträge: Gefährliche Großzügigkeit
Authors: Plaster Thomas , Beck Udo
Published: January 2017

Kliniken, Ärzte und andere Beteiligte im Gesundheitswesen müssen ihre Kooperationen neu bewerten. Das heißt: Verträge neu verhandeln und manche Zusammenarbeit beenden. Wer hier nicht konsequent ist, riskiert Gesetzesverstöße, die unter den neuen Bedingungen des Antikorruptionsgesetzes strafrechtlich relevant sind.
Udo Purwin im Interview: „Das IT-Know-how muss in die Geschäftsführung“
Authors: Mau Jens
Published: January 2017

Udo Purwin war elf Jahre IT-Leiter einer großen Klinik. Seit vier Monaten ist er Geschäftsführer der kommunalen Rhein-Kreis Neuss Kliniken. Dieser Karriereweg ist eine Ausnahme – die vielleicht Schule machen könnte.
Serie Innovative IT-Projekte: Klinikum Fürth: Digital vom Rettungswagen bis ins KIS
Authors: Doelfs Guntram
Published: January 2017

Seit 2015 übermitteln in Bayern Rettungswagen digitale Daten von Patienten direkt in die Notaufnahme von Krankenhäusern. Das Klinikum Fürth geht noch einen Schritt weiter und transferiert die digitalen Daten medienbruchfrei direkt ins KIS. Damit können die Notaufnahmeärzte schneller und gezielter die Therapie einleiten.
Branche in Zahlen
Authors: Mewis Dirk
Published: January 2017

Dieser Artikel ist nur als PDF-Dokument verfügbar.
Derzeitiger Stand der elektronischen „kontinuierlichen“ Augendruckmessung
Authors: Faschinger C.
Published: January 2017

Der intraokulare Druck (IOD) wird üblicherweise punktuell und meist 1-mal, selten mehrmals, während der Ordinationszeiten im Sitzen mit unterschiedlichen Geräten gemessen. Für Diagnostik, Progressionsbeurteilung und Therapieentscheidung bei Glaukomen kann dies zu wenig sein, da der IOD kein statischer Messwert ist, sondern über kurze und lange Zeitabschnitte unterschiedlich hohen Schwankungen (Fluktuationen) unterliegt. Deshalb ist der Wunsch nach häufigerer oder sogar kontinuierlicher Messung gerechtfertigt. Dies kann mit Selbsttonometern erfolgen (wird in dieser Übersicht nicht diskutiert) oder mittels elektronischer Hilfsmittel wie Sensoren im Auge (invasiv; in Intraokularlinse, im Sulcus ciliaris, auf der Iris, in der Hinter- oder Vorderkammer, suprachorioidal oder subkonjuktival) bzw. auf dem Auge (nicht invasiv; Sensorkontaktlinse) verwirklicht werden. Trotz zahlreicher technischer Errungenschaften und Miniaturisierungen gibt es noch keine routinemäßig anwendbare kontinuierliche Messtechnik (weder invasiv noch nicht invasiv), die Entwicklung dahin ist jedoch bereits weit fortgeschritten.
Gonioskopie – wozu, weshalb, warum?
Authors: Unterlauft J.
Published: January 2017

Hintergrund Die Gonioskopie dient der Untersuchung des Kammerwinkels und der hier vorhandenen Strukturen. Die Gonioskopie kann mittels Kontaktglas an der Spaltlampe oder beim liegenden Patienten mithilfe einer Kontaktlinse durchgeführt werden. Wegen der totalen inneren Reflexion der Hornhaut wäre der Kammerwinkel ansonsten im gesunden Auge nicht einzusehen. Die Gonioskopie wird im klinischen Alltag aus Zeitgründen häufig vernachlässigt, kann aber in vielen Fällen zusätzliche Informationen liefern.

Material und Methoden Ziel ist es, einen Überblick über die diagnostischen Möglichkeiten der Gonioskopie zu geben und die Wichtigkeit dieser relativ einfachen Methode verständlich darzustellen.

Ergebnisse Neben den historischen Hintergründen zur Entwicklung der Gonioskopie werden die geeigneten Hilfsmittel, die korrekte Durchführung der Gonioskopie an der Spaltlampe und die am häufigsten eingesetzten Einteilungssysteme beschrieben. Darüber hinaus werden ein Überblick über sichtbare pathologische Veränderungen im Kammerwinkel sowie ein Ausblick über zukünftige Entwicklungen auf dem Gebiet der Gonioskopie gegeben.

Schlussfolgerungen Die Gonioskopie kann viele zusätzliche Informationen liefern, die mittels Spaltlampenuntersuchung und Ophthalmoskopie allein nicht erhoben werden könnten. Bisher konnte keine entwickelte apparative Untersuchung die Gonioskopie vollständig ersetzen. Die Gonioskopie bleibt daher ein wichtiger Teil der vollständigen ophthalmologischen Untersuchung und sollte von jedem Augenarzt erlernt, beherrscht und regelmäßig angewendet werden.
Characterization and prevention of humidity related degradation of atomic layer deposited Al2O3
Authors: Rückerl Andreas , Zeisel Roland , Mandl Martin , Costina Ioan , Schroeder Thomas , Zoellner Marvin H.
Published: January 2017

Atomic layer deposited aluminum oxide (ALD-Al2O3) is a dielectric material, which is widely used in organic light emitting diodes in order to prevent their organic layers from humidity related degradation. Unfortunately, there are strong hints that in some cases, ALD-Al2O3 itself is suffering from humidity related degradation. Especially, high temperature and high humidity seem to enhance ALD-Al2O3 degradation strongly. For this reason, the degradation behavior of ALD-Al2O3 films at high temperature and high humidity was investigated in detail and a way to prevent it from degradation was searched. The degradation behavior is analyzed in the first part of this paper. Using infrared absorbance measurements and X-ray diffraction, boehmite (γ-AlOOH) was identified as a degradation product. In the second part of the paper, it is shown that ALD-Al2O3 films can be effectively protected from degradation using a silicon oxide capping. The deposition of very small amounts of silicon in a molecular beam epitaxy system and an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy investigation of the chemical bonding between the silicon and the ALD-Al2O3 surface led to the conclusion that a silicon termination of the ALD-Al2O3 surface (Al*-O-SiOx) is able to stop humidity related degradation of the underlying ALD-Al2O3 films. The third part of the paper shows that the protection mechanism of the silicon termination is probably due to the strong tendency of silicic acid to resilificate exposed ALD-Al2O3 surfaces. The protective effect of a simple silicon source on an ALD-Al2O3 surface is shown exemplary and the related chemical reactions are presented.
High-response piezoelectricity modeled quantitatively near a phase boundary
Authors: Newns Dennis M. , Kuroda Marcelo A. , Cipcigan Flaviu S. , Crain Jason , Martyna Glenn J.
Published: January 2017

Interconversion of mechanical and electrical energy via the piezoelectric effect is fundamental to a wide range of technologies. The discovery in the 1990s of giant piezoelectric responses in certain materials has therefore opened new application spaces, but the origin of these properties remains a challenge to our understanding. A key role is played by the presence of a structural instability in these materials at compositions near the “morphotropic phase boundary” (MPB) where the crystal structure changes abruptly and the electromechanical responses are maximal. Here we formulate a simple, unified theoretical description which accounts for extreme piezoelectric response, its observation at compositions near the MPB, accompanied by ultrahigh dielectric constant and mechanical compliances with rather large anisotropies. The resulting model, based upon a Landau free energy expression, is capable of treating the important domain engineered materials and is found to be predictive while maintaining simplicity. It therefore offers a general and powerful means of accounting for the full set of signature characteristics in these functional materials including volume conserving sum rules and strong substrate clamping effects.
Aluminum-based hot carrier plasmonics
Authors: Gong Tao , Munday Jeremy N.
Published: January 2017

Aluminum has recently arisen as an excellent alternative plasmonic material due to its tunability, low optical loss, and CMOS compatibility. However, its use in optoelectronic applications has been limited due to Al oxidation. Herein, we report a semiconductor-free aluminum hot carrier device that exploits the self-terminating oxidation to create an interface barrier for high performance metal–insulator–transparent conducting oxide devices. We find a 300% enhancement of the responsivity compared to similarly reported Au-based devices, resulting in a responsivity up to ∼240 nA/W, and a clear dependence of the open-circuit voltage on incident photon energy. We show that further improvement can be obtained by coupling to plasmonic modes of a metal-insulator-metal structure composed of a nanowire array adjacent to a thin aluminum film, increasing light absorption by a factor of three and enabling tunability of the hot carrier response for improved device performance.
Exponential synchronization of generalized neural networks with mixed time-varying delays and reaction-diffusion terms via aperiodically intermittent control
Authors: Gan Qintao
Published: January 2017

In this paper, the exponential synchronization problem of generalized reaction-diffusion neural networks with mixed time-varying delays is investigated concerning Dirichlet boundary conditions in terms of p-norm. Under the framework of the Lyapunov stability method, stochastic theory, and mathematical analysis, some novel synchronization criteria are derived, and an aperiodically intermittent control strategy is proposed simultaneously. Moreover, the effects of diffusion coefficients, diffusion space, and stochastic perturbations on the synchronization process are explicitly expressed under the obtained conditions. Finally, some numerical simulations are performed to illustrate the feasibility of the proposed control strategy and show different synchronization dynamics under a periodically/aperiodically intermittent control.
Extensive Ca2+ leak through K4750Q cardiac ryanodine receptors caused by cytosolic and luminal Ca2+ hypersensitivity
Authors: Uehara Akira , Murayama Takashi , Yasukochi Midori , Fill Michael , Horie Minoru , Okamoto Toru , Matsuura Yoshiharu , Uehara Kiyoko , Fujimoto Takahiro , Sakurai Takashi , Kurebayashi Nagomi
Published: January 2017

Various ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2) point mutations cause catecholamine-induced polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT), a life-threatening arrhythmia evoked by diastolic intracellular Ca2+ release dysfunction. These mutations occur in essential regions of RyR2 that regulate Ca2+ release. The molecular dysfunction caused by CPVT-associated RyR2 mutations as well as the functional consequences remain unresolved. Here, we study the most severe CPVT-associated RyR2 mutation (K4750Q) known to date. We define the molecular and cellular dysfunction generated by this mutation and detail how it alters RyR2 function, using Ca2+ imaging, ryanodine binding, and single-channel recordings. HEK293 cells and cardiac HL-1 cells expressing RyR2-K4750Q show greatly enhanced spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations. An endoplasmic reticulum–targeted Ca2+ sensor, R-CEPIA1er, revealed that RyR2-K4750Q mediates excessive diastolic Ca2+ leak, which dramatically reduces luminal [Ca2+]. We further show that the K4750Q mutation causes three RyR2 defects: hypersensitization to activation by cytosolic Ca2+, loss of cytosolic Ca2+/Mg2+-mediated inactivation, and hypersensitization to luminal Ca2+ activation. These defects combine to kinetically stabilize RyR2-K4750Q openings, thus explaining the extensive diastolic Ca2+ leak from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, frequent Ca2+ waves, and severe CPVT phenotype. As the multiple concurrent defects are induced by a single point mutation, the K4750 residue likely resides at a critical structural point at which cytosolic and luminal RyR2 control input converge.
Epidemiology of Cryptococcosis and Cryptococcal Meningitis in a Large Retrospective Cohort of Patients After Solid Organ Transplantation
Authors: George Ige A. , Santos Carlos A. Q. , Olsen Margaret A. , Powderly William G.
Published: January 2017

Background

Cryptococcosis is the third most common invasive fungal infection in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. There are no nationally representative data describing the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of cryptococcosis after SOT.

Methods

We assembled a large cohort of adult SOT recipients using Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification billing data from Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State Inpatient Databases of Florida (2006–2012), New York (2006–2011), and California (2004–2010). Demographics, comorbidities, death, and cryptococcal infections coded during hospitalization were identified.

Results

A total of 42634 adults with SOT were identified during the study period. Cryptococcal disease was identified in 0.37% (n = 158), 44% of which had meningitis (n = 69). Median time to diagnosis of cryptococcosis was 464 days (range, 4–2393). The median time to onset of cryptococcosis was earlier for lung (191 days; range, 7.5–1816), heart (195 days; range, 4–1061), and liver (200 days; range, 4–1581) compared with kidney transplant recipients (616 days; range, 12–2393; P < .001, log rank test). Very early-onset disease (<30 days after transplantation) more frequently occurred in liver and lung transplant recipients. Lung transplant recipients had the highest risk of cryptococcosis (hazard ratio [HR], 2.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21–3.60). Cryptococcosis was associated with death (HR, 2.29; 95% CI, 1.68–3.11), after adjusting for age, type of SOT, and other comorbidities.

Conclusions

Cryptococcosis is rare after SOT, but it is associated with significantly increased risk of death. Lung transplant recipients are at highest risk for cryptococcosis among SOTs. Nonkidney transplants have earlier onset of cryptococcosis and higher risk of death compared with kidney transplant recipients.
Does a Platelet Transfusion Independently Affect Bleeding and Adverse Outcomes in Cardiac Surgery?
Authors: van Hout Fabienne M. A. , Hogervorst Esther K. , Rosseel Peter M. J. , van der Bom Johanna G. , Bentala Mohamed , van Dorp Eveline L. A. , van Geloven Nan , Brand Anneke , van der Meer Nardo J. M. , van de Watering Leo M. G.
Published: January 2017

Background

Conflicting results have been reported concerning the effect of platelet transfusion on several outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess the independent effect of a single early intraoperative platelet transfusion on bleeding and adverse outcomes in cardiac surgery patients.

Methods

For this observational study, 23,860 cardiac surgery patients were analyzed. Patients who received one early (shortly after cardiopulmonary bypass while still in the operating room) platelet transfusion, and no other transfusions, were defined as the intervention group. By matching the intervention group 1:3 to patients who received no early transfusion with most comparable propensity scores, the reference group was identified.

Results

The intervention group comprised 169 patients and the reference group 507. No difference between the groups was observed concerning reinterventions, thromboembolic complications, infections, organ failure, and mortality. However, patients in the intervention group experienced less blood loss and required vasoactive medication 139 of 169 (82%) versus 370 of 507 (74%; odds ratio, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.05 to 2.58), prolonged mechanical ventilation 92 of 169 (54%) versus 226 of 507 (45%; odds ratio, 1.47; 94% CI, 1.03 to 2.11), prolonged intensive care 95 of 169 (56%) versus 240 of 507 (46%; odds ratio, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.04 to 2.12), erythrocytes 75 of 169 (44%) versus 145 of 507 (34%; odds ratio, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.08 to 2.23), plasma 29 of 169 (17%) versus 23 of 507 (7.3%; odds ratio, 2.63; 95% CI, 1.50–4.63), and platelets 72 of 169 (43%) versus 25 of 507 (4.3%; odds ratio, 16.4; 95% CI, 9.3–28.9) more often compared to the reference group.

Conclusions

In this retrospective analysis, cardiac surgery patients receiving platelet transfusion in the operating room experienced less blood loss and more often required vasoactive medication, prolonged ventilation, prolonged intensive care, and blood products postoperatively. However, early platelet transfusion was not associated with reinterventions, thromboembolic complications, infections, organ failure, or mortality.
Income, Family Context, and Self-Regulation in 5-Year-Old Children
Authors: Li Mengying , Riis Jenna L. , Ghazarian Sharon R. , Johnson Sara B.
Published: January 2017

Objective:

Self-regulation (SR) is a core aspect of child development with enduring effects on health and wellbeing across the lifespan. Early childhood poverty may shape SR development. This study examined the cross-sectional relationship among family income, family context, and SR in 5-year-old children.

Methods:

A total of 140 five-year-old children and their mothers participated in the study. Children completed a battery of SR tasks; mothers completed questionnaires. Cognitive and emotional SR composite scores were generated based on a principal component analysis of the SR tasks. The SR scores were first regressed on family income (in 10 levels ranging from <5000 to 150,000+) adjusting for age, sex, and race of the child; family context variables were subsequently added to the models.

Results:

Controlling for age, sex, and race, each level increase in family income was associated with 0.04 SD increase in emotional SR (p = .32) and 0.08 SD increase in cognitive SR (p = .01). In fully adjusted models, exposure to household instability and experiencing 10 or more negative life events was associated with worse emotional SR; exposure to mother's depressive symptoms was associated with worse cognitive SR. Higher income buffered children's SR from some contextual risk factors. Family contextual variables explained 62% of the correlation between higher income and better cognitive SR scores.

Conclusion:

Income-based cognitive SR disparities were associated with family contextual factors. Screening for family adversity in pediatric care and linking families to needed resources may protect children's developing SR capacities, with benefits to health and well-being.
PARACENTRAL ACUTE MIDDLE MACULOPATHY ASSOCIATED WITH POSTVIRAL PURTSCHER-LIKE RETINOPATHY
Authors: Shahlaee Abtin , Sridhar Jayanth , Rahimy Ehsan , Shieh Wendy S. , Ho Allen C.
Published: January 2017

Purpose:

To report the imaging findings of a single case of paracentral acute middle maculopathy associated with bilateral Purtscher-like retinopathy in the setting of recent viral illness.

Methods:

Case report, multimodal imaging.

Results:

A 21-year-old woman who awoke with sudden-onset bilateral finger count vision in the setting of a recent viral illness. Initial examination and imaging was consistent with a bilateral Purtscher-like retinopathy with evidence of paracentral acute middle maculopathy and ellipsoid zone thickening and hyperreflectivity on spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). Baseline fluorescein angiography and OCT angiography revealed normal perfusion and flow, respectively. All laboratory investigation was negative for possible causative etiology. The patient was followed for 6 months with steady visual improvement to 20/20 in both eyes. En face OCT demonstrated near-complete restoration of the ellipsoid layer. The patient still noted bilateral scotomas which were mapped out on microperimetry and found to correlate to en face OCT findings.

Conclusion:

Purtscher-like retinopathy in the setting of recent viral illness is a rare cause of vision loss that may be associated with the finding of paracentral acute middle maculopathy on spectral domain OCT. Despite poor presenting vision, in the presence of normal perfusion near total visual recovery is possible.
NOVEL TECHNIQUE FOR SUBRETINAL FLUID DRAINAGE WITH CHANDELIER-ASSISTED SCLERAL BUCKLE SURGERY: CANNULA-CONTROLLED DRAINAGE
Authors: Al-Abdullah Abdulelah A.
Published: January 2017

Purpose:

To report a novel technique for subretinal fluid drainage in scleral buckle surgery.

Methods:

A 26-gauge intravenous cannula with its needle was used to puncture the sclera; then, the needle (metallic part) was withdrawn to further introduce the cannula into the subretinal space. In addition, we describe using the 25-gauge microcannula of the chandelier light to inject the balanced salt solution to help restore the intraocular pressure and push the subretinal fluid through the intravenous cannula under direct visualization.

Results:

An 82-year-old gentleman with chronic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with subretinal bands who was at a high risk for intraoperative bleeding since he was on dual antiplatelet therapy. He underwent chandelier light–assisted scleral buckle with subretinal fluid drainage using cannula controlled drainage, which resulted in complete intraoperative subretinal fluid drainage with no complications and successful flattening of the retina in the postoperative follow-up.

Conclusion:

Subretinal fluid drainage using this technique with chandelier-assisted scleral buckle surgery is a new method which might improve the safety profile of subretinal fluid drainage during scleral buckle surgery.
Granulicatella adiacens Vertebral Osteomyelitis
Authors: Sandhu Rikinder , Gupta Nupur , Walsh Thomas L.
Published: January 2017

Nutritionally variant streptococci (NVS) are gram-positive cocci that are classified into 2 genera, Abiotrophia and Granulicatella. They are normal flora of the upper respiratory, urogenital, and gastrointestinal tracts of humans and are rare causes of infections. When NVS do lead to a disease in humans, they tend to cause bacteremia and infective endocarditis. We report the case of a patient who developed Granulicatella adiacens vertebral osteomyelitis. It is the eighth reported case of NVS vertebral osteomyelitis in the literature and represents the first case of Granulicatella vertebral osteomyelitis in a patient without concomitant bacteremia. We review the literature about reported cases of NVS vertebral osteomyelitis.
Mechanistic insights from combining genomics with metabolomics
Authors: Drenos Fotios
Published: January 2017

Purpose of review

Metabolomics directly measure substrates and products of biological processes and pathways. Based on instrumentation and throughput advances, the use of metabolomics has only recently become feasible at the population level. This has led to an intense interest in using the new information in combination with genomics, and other omics technologies, to give biological context to the rapidly accumulating associations between genes and diseases or their risk factors.

Recent findings

The use of metabolomics-genomic associations for the metabolic characterization of genes of interest has confirmed known pathways and permitted the identification of new ones. These include the unknown metabolite X12063 linking statins to myopathies, the role of glycerophospholipids in cholesterol metabolism, the structure of lipoprotein (a), the lipoprotein lipase-independent effect of Apolipoprotein C-III coding and the role of branched chain amino acids in the antagonistic coregulation of levels of HDLs and triglyceride.

The findings reviewed illustrate the importance of integrating metabolomics and genomics for the greater understanding of biological mechanisms. The limitations of the current approaches are also discussed together with approaches that will be required to make the most of the current multiomics data available.
Asialoglycoprotein receptors as important mediators of plasma lipids and atherosclerosis
Authors: Igdoura Suleiman A.
Published: January 2017

Purpose of review

This review seeks to describe the role of the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGR) in modulating non-HDL lipoprotein levels, platelet numbers and atherosclerosis.

Recent findings

Genetics studies have revealed that ASGR haplodeficiency provides protection from atherosclerosis. The potential interactions of ASGR with LDL receptor may regulate the rate of LDL uptake and as a result may lower plasma non-HDL cholesterol. ASGR clears senescent platelets and induces the expression of hepatic thrombopoietin. Platelet activity promotes plaque formation and atherosclerosis.

ASGR is a multifunctional receptor specializing in clearance of desialylated glycoproteins and platelets. The impact of ASGR on the levels of plasma non-HDL cholesterol makes it a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis.
Renal tubular acidosis
Authors: Santos Fernando , Gil-Peña Helena , Alvarez-Alvarez Silvia
Published: January 2017

Purpose of review

To facilitate the understanding and knowledge of renal tubular acidosis by providing a summarized information on the known clinical and biochemical characteristics of this group of diseases, by updating the genetic and molecular bases of the primary forms renal tubular acidosis and by examining some issues regarding the diagnosis of distal renal tubular acidosis (RTA) in the daily clinical practice.

Recent findings

The manuscript presents recent findings on the potential of next-generation sequencing to disclose new pathogenic variants in patients with a clinical diagnosis of primary RTA and negative Sanger sequencing of known genes. The current review emphasizes the importance of measuring urinary ammonium for a correct clinical approach to the patients with metabolic acidosis and discusses the diagnosis of incomplete distal RTA.

We briefly update the current information on RTA, put forward the need of additional studies in children to validate urinary indexes used in the diagnosis of RTA and offer a perspective on diagnostic genetic tests.
Synchronous Presentation of Renal Cell Carcinoma and Hodgkin Lymphoma in an Adolescent
Authors: Elsaid Mohamed Y. , Gill Kara G. , Gosain Ankush , Nichol Peter F. , Leys Charles M. , Buehler Darya , Leith Catherine P. , Patel Neha J.
Published: January 2017

Background:

Coincidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and hematologic malignancies has been reported in adults but not in children.

Observation:

We report a case of a 16-year-old girl in whom RCC was incidentally discovered on the computed tomography scan that was performed to stage her underlying Hodgkin lymphoma. Analysis of constitutional cytogenetics for common genetic aberrations that predispose to RCC did not reveal any mutations or genetic variations. However, cytogenetics on the RCC tumor demonstrated a rare reciprocal translocation between chromosomes 6 and 11, t(6;11)(p21;q12). After undergoing partial nephrectomy with regional lymphadenectomy and treatment with multiagent chemotherapy, patient is cancer-free, now 33 months from end of therapy.

Conclusions:

This case highlights the importance for histologic confirmation of a renal mass when concurrently discovered during the diagnostic evaluation of other malignancies.
Pasteurella multocida urinary tract infection in a patient with cervical cancer
Authors: Singh Manmeet B. , Harrington Amanda T.
Published: January 2017

Introduction. Infections caused by Pasteurella species are commonly associated with contact with dogs and cats, typically involving bites and scratches, but casual contact with household pets can also be a risk factor. Urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by Pasteurella species is rare and a significant majority of cases have some known risk factor associated with an underlying chronic illness or structural and/or functional urological abnormality.

Case presentation. Here, we present a case of a UTI due to Pasteurella multocida in a patient with squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix who also had a household cat.

Conclusion. Providers and laboratorians should be aware of risk factors associated with UTIs caused by Pasteurella species.
Multidisciplinary field research in Kabwe, Zambia, towards better understanding of lead contamination of the city - A short report from a field survey
Authors: Uchida Yoshitaka , Banda Kawawa , Nyambe Imasiku , Hamamoto Toru , Yoshii Yui , Munthali Kabenuka , Mwansa Mukuka , Mukuka Moses , Mutale Mubanga , Yabe John , Toyomaki Haruya , Beyene Yohannes Yared , Nakayama Shouta M. M. , Naruse Nobuyasu , Ishizuka Mayumi , Takahashi Yukihiro
Published: January 2017

Heavy metal contamination is a serious issue in many post-mining regions around the world. Kabwe town, Zambia, is known as one of the most polluted cities in the world, where high lead (Pb) levels have been reported in soils, plants, animals and human blood. Multidisciplinary approaches are critically needed to understand the current situation and to remediate the polluted area. In the current research, a large-scale preliminary field survey was performed to understand the current situation in Kabwe and to plan future mitigation approaches. Three aspects were mainly observed; 1) plant communities during the dry season in Kabwe city, 2) spectral images of the land surfaces in various locations in Kabwe and 3) Pb concentrations in soils and water. Overall, >15 different plant species were observed and many of them maintained their green colour even during the dry season. Some tree species, for example,CaesalpiniaceaeandFabaceaefamilies may be utilised as phytostabilization approaches although their impacts on the soil Pb mobility should be further studied. For the spectral images, we used a handmade portable spectrometer, and our obtained spectral images showed typical curves observed from soils. These data may be used to understand the distribution of different soil types in this area, using aboveground images such as satellite images. For Pb concentrations in soils, extremely high total Pb levels (>1,000 ppm) was observed only within 2 km from the mining site. There was a weak but a positive correlation between the total and soluble Pb thus further study should also focus on the mobility of Pb from soils to plant ecosystems.
QuPath: Open source software for digital pathology image analysis
Authors: Bankhead Peter , Loughrey Maurice B , Fernández José A , Dombrowski Yvonne , McArt Darragh G , Dunne Philip D , McQuaid Stephen , Gray Ronan T , Murray Liam J , Coleman Helen G , James Jacqueline A , Salto-Tellez Manuel , Hamilton Peter W
Published: January 2017

QuPath is new bioimage analysis software designed to meet the growing need for a user-friendly, extensible, open-source solution for digital pathology and whole slide image analysis. In addition to offering a comprehensive panel of tumor identification and high-throughput biomarker evaluation tools, QuPath provides researchers with powerful batch-processing and scripting functionality, and an extensible platform with which to develop and share new algorithms to analyze complex tissue images. Furthermore, QuPath’s flexible design makes it suitable for a wide range of additional image analysis applications across biomedical research.
Deciphering the dynamical origin of mixed population during neural stem cell developmental lineage commitment
Authors: Sengupta Dola , Kar Sandip
Published: January 2017

Neural stem cells (NSC's) often give rise to mixed population of cells during differentiation. However, the dynamical origin of these mixed states is poorly understood. In this article, our mathematical modeling study demonstrates that the bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) driven differential differentiation dynamics of NSC's in central and peripheral nervous systems essentially function through two distinct bi-stable switches that are mutually interconnected. Stochastic simulations of the model reveal that the mixed population originates due to the existence of these bistable switching regulations while the maintenance of such mixed states depends on the level of stochastic fluctuations of the system. Importantly, the model predicts that by individually altering the expression level of key regulatory proteins, the NSC's can be converted entirely to a preferred phenotype for BMP2 doses that earlier resulted into mixed population. Our findings show that efficient neuronal regeneration can be achieved by systematically maneuvering the differentiation dynamics.

One-sentence summary

Unraveling the differential dynamical origin, maintenance and escape route of mixed population in the midst of developmental fate commitment in central and peripheral nervous systems
DLG5 connects cell polarity and Hippo signaling protein networks by linking PAR-1 with MST1/2
Authors: Kwan Julian , Sczaniecka Anna , Heidary Arash Emad , Nguyen Liem , Chen Chia-Chun , Ratkovic Srdjana , Klezovitch Olga , Attisano Liliana , McNeill Helen , Emili Andrew , Vasioukhin Valeri
Published: January 2017

Disruption of apical–basal polarity is implicated in developmental disorders and cancer; however, the mechanisms connecting cell polarity proteins with intracellular signaling pathways are largely unknown. We determined previously that membrane-associated guanylate kinase (MAGUK) protein discs large homolog 5 (DLG5) functions in cell polarity and regulates cellular proliferation and differentiation via undefined mechanisms. We report here that DLG5 functions as an evolutionarily conserved scaffold and negative regulator of Hippo signaling, which controls organ size through the modulation of cell proliferation and differentiation. Affinity purification/mass spectrometry revealed a critical role of DLG5 in the formation of protein assemblies containing core Hippo kinases mammalian ste20 homologs 1/2 (MST1/2) and Par-1 polarity proteins microtubule affinity-regulating kinases 1/2/3 (MARK1/2/3). Consistent with this finding, Hippo signaling is markedly hyperactive in mammalian Dlg5−/− tissues and cells in vivo and ex vivo and in Drosophila upon dlg5 knockdown. Conditional deletion of Mst1/2 fully rescued the phenotypes of brain-specific Dlg5 knockout mice. Dlg5 also interacts genetically with Hippo effectors Yap1/Taz. Mechanistically, we show that DLG5 inhibits the association between MST1/2 and large tumor suppressor homologs 1/2 (LATS1/2), uses its scaffolding function to link MST1/2 with MARK3, and inhibits MST1/2 kinase activity. These data reveal a direct connection between cell polarity proteins and Hippo, which is essential for proper development of multicellular organisms.
CTCF-mediated topological boundaries during development foster appropriate gene regulation
Authors: Narendra Varun , Bulajić Milica , Dekker Job , Mazzoni Esteban O. , Reinberg Danny
Published: January 2017

The genome is organized into repeating topologically associated domains (TADs), each of which is spatially isolated from its neighbor by poorly understood boundary elements thought to be conserved across cell types. Here, we show that deletion of CTCF (CCCTC-binding factor)-binding sites at TAD and sub-TAD topological boundaries that form within the HoxA and HoxC clusters during differentiation not only disturbs local chromatin domain organization and regulatory interactions but also results in homeotic transformations typical of Hox gene misregulation. Moreover, our data suggest that CTCF-dependent boundary function can be modulated by competing forces, such as the self-assembly of polycomb domains within the nucleus. Therefore, CTCF boundaries are not merely static structural components of the genome but instead are locally dynamic regulatory structures that control gene expression during development.
Simultaneous small UAV and autopilot system design
Authors: Oktay Turgul , Konar Mehmet , Onay Murat , Aydin Murat , Mohamed Mohamed Abdallah
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to increase flight performance of small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) using simultaneous UAV and autopilot system design.

Design/methodology/approach

A small UAV is manufactured in Erciyes University, College of Aviation, Model Aircraft Laboratory. Its wing and tail is able to move forward and backward in the nose-to-tail direction in prescribed interval. Autopilot parameters and assembly position of wing and tail to fuselage are simultaneously designed to maximize flight performance using a stochastic optimization method. Results are obtained are used for simulations.

Findings

Using simultaneous UAV and autopilot system design idea, flight performance is maximized.

Research limitations/implications

Permission of Directorate General of Civil Aviation in Turkey is required for testing UAVs in long range.

Practical implications

Simultaneous design idea is very beneficial for improving UAV flight performance.

Originality/value

Creating a novel method to improve flight performance of UAV and developing an algorithm performing simultaneous design idea.
Immunity-based aircraft actuator failure evaluation
Authors: Perhinschi Mario , Al Azzawi Dia , Moncayo Hever , Perez Andres , Togayev Adil
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to present the development of prediction models for aircraft actuator failure impact on flight envelope within the artificial immune system (AIS) paradigm.

Design/methodology/approach

Simplified algorithms are developed for estimating ranges of flight envelope-relevant variables using an AIS in conjunction with the hierarchical multi-self strategy. The AIS is a new computational paradigm mimicking mechanisms of its biological counterpart for health management of complex systems. The hierarchical multi-self strategy consists of building the AIS as a collection of low-dimensional projections replacing the hyperspace of the self to avoid numerical and conceptual issues related to the high dimensionality of the problem.

Findings

The proposed methodology demonstrates the capability of the AIS to not only detect and identify abnormal conditions (ACs) of the aircraft subsystem but also evaluate their impact and consequences.

Research limitations/implications

The prediction of altered ranges of relevant variables at post-failure conditions requires failure-specific algorithms to correlate with the characteristics and dimensionality of self-projections. Future investigations are expected to expand the types of subsystems that are affected and the nature of the ACs targeted.

Practical implications

It is expected that the proposed methodology will facilitate the design of on-board augmentation systems to increase aircraft survivability and improve operation safety.

Originality/value

The AIS paradigm is extended to AC evaluation as part of an integrated and comprehensive health management process system, also including AC detection, identification and accommodation.