bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated optical reflective amplified modulator for indoor millimetre wave radio‐over‐fibre applications
Authors: Mekonnen K.A. , van Zantvoort J.H.C. , Tessema N.M. , Cao Z. , Tangdiongga E. , Koonen A.M.J.
Published: January 2017

The use of a 35 GHz reflective electroabsorption modulator (REAM) monolithically integrated with a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) for indoor wideband analogue applications is demonstrated. Unlike REAMs, good performances over a wide range of input optical power and wavelength are observed, which mitigates the need for accurate control of the input signal, especially at remote sites where simplicity is strictly required. In addition, it provides amplification functions to compensate for the modulator insertion losses. The device exhibits an RF gain in excess of −22 dB and spurious‐free dynamic range of >103 dB Hz4/5. Implementing the rate‐adaptive discrete‐multitone modulation, 35 Gbit/s aggregate transmission speed is demonstrated for a short‐range wideband subcarrier multiplexed radio‐over‐fibre system.
Performance analysis of reliability in wireless body area networks
Authors: Hu Fengye , Liu Xiaolan , Sui Dan , Shao Meiqi , Wang Liheng
Published: January 2017

Reliability is a critical design parameter in wireless body area networks (WBANs). In this study, the authors quantify the reliability of WBAN based on the network lifetime, and derive a general formula of the reliability in terms of the number of sensors and group characteristic parameter (GCP). Upper and lower bounds of the reliability are derived for an arbitrary WBAN. Based on the monotonicity property of reliability, an algorithm by using average GCP is presented to calculate the minimum and maximum number of sensors for a given network lifetime, and the optimal number of sensors for a given reliability. The performance of reliability is evaluated through numerical results.
Salient object detection via sparse representation and multi‐layer contour zooming
Authors: Hu Zhengping , Zhang Zhenbin , Sun Zhe , Zhao Shuhuan
Published: January 2017

Since image background is normally composed of congenial regions, it can be represented by a feature dictionary via sparse representation. Based on this theory, the authors propose a novel bottom‐up saliency detection method that unites the syncretic merits of sparse representation and multi‐hierarchical layers. In contrast to most pre‐existing sparse‐based approaches that only highlight the boundaries of a target, the proposed method highlights the entire object even if it is large. Given a source image, a multi‐scale background dictionary is structured with the features form different layers. Each region of the image is then reconstructed by the dictionary to compute its reconstruction error as a saliency score. Although a reconstruction map can be generated by the saliency scores, it is not good enough to be the final result because of low resolution and high error detection rates. Therefore, in middle cue, they propose a multi‐scale contour zooming approach to address the error detection across the hierarchical layers. To improve the resolution of the final detection, a pixel‐level rectification based on the Bayesian observation likelihood is calculated as the bottom cue. Combining sparse representation and multi‐scale correction, the precision of the final saliency map is significantly improved for the detection results.
Smart road that warns its network manager when it begins cracking
Authors: Lenglet Céline , Blanc Juliette , Dubroca Stéphane
Published: January 2017

One of the components of the fifth generation road is its capacity to communicate with its network manager in order to improve maintenance. The aim of the experimental instrumentation presented in this study is to monitor the evolution of characteristic damage in mixed structures: nonvisible cracks rising from the hydraulic base towards the coated pavement surface. The objective of the sensors is to be able to anticipate damage before it reaches the surface. As temperature is also being measured, it is possible to use this data to communicate with users concerning the potential risk of ice forming on the road. The first measurements have been compared with a theoretical model of the structure, and the continuous acquisition of signals will enable the network manager to monitor the behaviour of the road.
Abundances of the light elements from UV (HST) and red (ESO) spectra in the very old star HD 84937
Authors: Spite M. , Peterson R. C. , Gallagher A. J. , Barbuy B. , Spite F.
Published: January 2017

Aims. In order to provide a better basis for the study of mechanisms of nucleosynthesis of the light elements beyond hydrogen and helium in the oldest stars, the abundances of C, O, Mg, Si, P, S, K, and Ca have been derived from UV-HST and visible-ESO high resolution spectra in the old, very metal-poor star HD 84937, at a metallicity that is 1/200 that of the Sun’s. For this halo main-sequence turnoff star, the abundance determination of P and S are the first published determinations.

Methods. The LTE profiles of the lines were computed and fitted to the observed spectra. Wherever possible, we compared the abundances derived from the UV spectrum to abundances derived from the visible or near-infrared spectra, and also corrected the derived abundances for non-LTE effects. Three-dimensional (3D) CO5BOLD model atmospheres have been used to determine the abundances of C and O from molecular CH and OH bands.

Results. The abundances of these light elements relative to iron in HD 84937 are found to agree well with the abundances of these elements in classical metal-poor stars. Our HD 84937 carbon abundance determination points toward a solar (or mildly enhanced above solar) value of [C/Fe]. The modest overabundance of the α elements of even atomic number Z, typical of halo turnoff stars, is confirmed in this example. The odd-Z element P is found to be somewhat deficient in HD 84937, at [P/Fe] = −0.32, which is again consistent with the handful of existing determinations for turnoff stars of such low metallicity. We show that the abundance of oxygen, deduced from the OH band from 3D computations, is not compatible with the abundance deduced from the red oxygen triplet. This incompatibility is explained by the existence of a chromosphere heating the shallow layers of the atmosphere where the OH band, in 3D computations, is mainly formed.

Conclusions. The abundance ratios are compared to the predictions of models of galactic nucleosynthesis and evolution.
Sicherstellungszuschlag: Unsichere Geldspritze
Authors: Mau Jens
Published: January 2017

Der Sicherstellungszuschlag soll zusätzliches Geld ins System bringen – bis zu 90 Millionen Euro im Jahr. Doch die Regeln, die der G-BA jetzt für den Zuschlag aufgestellt hat, sind hart. Die Ernüchterung bei den Kliniken ist spürbar.
Ältere Patienten: Delir nach OP – das lässt sich managen
Authors: Kratz Torsten , Diefenbacher Alfred
Published: January 2017

Die Hälfte aller über 70-jährigen Patienten in der Chirurgie ist postoperativ verwirrt – mit Folgen wie längere Liegezeiten und Ausgaben für Sitzwachen. Doch moderne Programme mit Screening, Ansprechpartner für Patienten und intensiver pflegerischer Betreuung können nachweislich Abhilfe schaffen.
Externe Dienstleister: „Eine starke Tendenz zu dezentralen Versorgungslösungen“
Authors: Mewis Dirk
Published: January 2017

Ernst Sandmann, Geschäftsführer der Schubert Speisenversorgung, über Outsourcing, Transparenz und die Komplettvergabe von Dienstleistungspaketen an externe Dienstleister.
Bundesfachtagung 2017 auf der FKT-Messe: Praxisorientiertes Programm
Authors: Thalmayr Maria
Published: January 2017

Die Bundesfachtagung (BuFaTa) der Fachvereinigung Krankenhaustechnik 2017 findet am 28. und 29. Juni auf der ebenfalls von der FKT veranstalteten 2. Fachmesse Krankenhaus Technologie in Gelsenkirchen statt.
Optimierte Beschaffung in der Medizintechnik: Schnittstellen berücksichtigen
Authors: Thalmayr Maria
Published: January 2017

Die banale, aber dennoch oft nicht gelebte Erkenntnis, dass optimale Ergebnisse nur durch das Zusammenwirken aller involvierten Wissensträger erzielt werden, mündete in einer Masterthesis zur optimierten Beschaffung von Medizinprodukten. Die praxisorientierte Arbeit wurde im Rahmen des Universitätslehrgangs Management für Technik im Gesundheitswesen verfasst.
Approach to Total Knee Replacement: A Randomized Double Blind Study between Medial Parapatellar and Midvastus Approach in the Early Postoperative Period in Asian Population
Authors: Aslam Mohammed , Sabir Aamir , Abbas Sohail , Tiwari Anurag , Singh Pritish , Tiwari Vivek
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this randomized study was to compare clinical and surgical outcomes of total knee replacements (TKRs) in the early postoperative period using midvastus approach versus medial parapatellar approach in Asian population in a double blind manner. Forty-two knees each were operated using midvastus approach and the medial parapatellar approach. Clinical parameters that were evaluated included Knee Society score (KSS); knee pain using visual analogue scale (VAS) on day 1, 1 week, and 1 month; time required to straight leg raise (SLR); patellar tracking; mean extensor lag at 1 week and 1 month; and time of discharge from the hospital. Surgical parameters that were evaluated included tourniquet time, incidence of lateral retinacular release, estimated blood loss, and any complications during the surgery. KSS at 1 week and 1 month postoperatively were significantly higher in the midvastus group as compared with medial parapatellar group; though similar at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. The patients in midvastus group required fewer number of lateral retinacular releases; achieved SLR earlier; had less mean extensor lag at 1 week; had less mean VAS score at day 1, 1 week, and 1 month; and had shorter hospital stay. There was no significant difference in the mean tourniquet time and estimated blood loss. One patient had patellar maltracking in the medial parapatellar group as compared with none in midvastus group. Midvastus approach to TKR results in quicker functional recovery with early discharge and rehabilitation in the Asian population as compared with medial parapatellar approach.
Buckelchirurgie: Old Fashion oder Cutting Edge?
Authors: Feltgen N. , Hoerauf H.
Published: January 2017

Eindellende Operationen waren über Jahrzehnte die einzige Behandlungsmöglichkeit bei der Versorgung der Ablatio retinae. In den vergangenen Jahren werden sie aber immer mehr von der Vitrektomie verdrängt, obwohl auch die zahlreichen vergleichenden klinischen Studien keine Evidenz für diesen Trend erkennen lassen. In diesem Beitrag sollen die relevanten Daten vorgestellt und die Indikationen für eine eindellende Operation dargestellt werden.
Incorporation of Sb and As in MBE grown GaAsxSb1−x layers
Authors: Zederbauer Tobias , Andrews Aaron Maxwell , MacFarland Don , Detz Hermann , Schrenk Werner , Strasser Gottfried
Published: January 2017

With the increasing interest in low effective mass materials for intersubband devices, mixed As-Sb compounds, like GaAsxSb1−x or AlxIn1−xAsySb1−y, gain more and more attention. The growth of these materials, however, still provides significant challenges due to the complex interaction between As and Sb. In this work, we provide an in-depth study on the incorporation of Sb into the GaAsxSb1−x layers and compare our findings to the present literature on this topic. It is found that both the composition and the crystal quality of GaAsxSb1−x layers are strongly influenced by the growth rate due to the As-for-Sb exchange reaction which takes place at the growing surface, and that high crystal quality can be achieved when the growth is performed under Sb limited conditions.
Implication of the polarization force on the self-similar expansion of a dusty plasma into vacuum
Authors: Bentabet Karima , Tribeche Mouloud
Published: January 2017

The effects of the polarization force on the self-similar expansion into vacuum of an unmagnetized, collisionless dusty plasma are addressed. It is found that the polarization force may drastically influence the general trends of the self-similar expansion. It is noticed that when the polarization force dominates over the electrical one, the self-similar expansion of the dusty plasma cannot set in because the net force experienced by the dust grains is not a restoring force. Dust wave breaking and inherent dust bunching then occur preventing therefore the expansion of the dust grains. For any value of the polarization parameter R ranging from zero to a critical value Rcr, the sound-speed increases as the dust number density increases. As R increases, the values of the plasma sound-speed are shifted towards higher values before decreasing beyond the critical value Rcr. As R increases from zero to Rc, the plasma expansion becomes faster compared to those of the other cases, and larger velocities are communicated to the dust grains. This is attributed to the fact that as R increases from 0 to Rcr, the electrostatic potential and thus the electric field are sustained over a larger distance allowing therefore the dust particles to expand over a much farther distance.
Radiation pressure excitation of a low temperature atomic force/magnetic force microscope for imaging in 4-300 K temperature range
Authors: Çelik Ümit , Karcı Özgür , Uysallı Yiğit , Özer H. Özgür , Oral Ahmet
Published: January 2017

We describe a novel radiation pressure based cantilever excitation method for imaging in dynamic mode atomic force microscopy (AFM) for the first time. Piezo-excitation is the most common method for cantilever excitation, however it may cause spurious resonance peaks. Therefore, the direct excitation of the cantilever plays a crucial role in AFM imaging. A fiber optic interferometer with a 1310 nm laser was used both for the excitation of the cantilever at the resonance and the deflection measurement of the cantilever in a commercial low temperature atomic force microscope/magnetic force microscope (AFM/MFM) from NanoMagnetics Instruments. The laser power was modulated at the cantilever’s resonance frequency by a digital Phase Locked Loop (PLL). The laser beam is typically modulated by ∼500 μW, and ∼141.8 nmpp oscillation amplitude is obtained in moderate vacuum levels between 4 and 300 K. We have demonstrated the performance of the radiation pressure excitation in AFM/MFM by imaging atomic steps in graphite, magnetic domains in CoPt multilayers between 4 and 300 K and Abrikosov vortex lattice in BSCCO(2212) single crystal at 4 K for the first time.
A microfluidic device for isolation and characterization of transendothelial migrating cancer cells
Authors: Cui Xin , Guo Weijin , Sun Yubing , Sun Baoce , Hu Shuhuan , Sun Dong , Lam Raymond H. W.
Published: January 2017

Transendothelial migration of cancer cells is a critical stage in cancer, including breast cancer, as the migrating cells are generally believed to be highly metastatic. However, it is still challenging for many existing platforms to achieve a fully covering endothelium and to ensure transendothelial migration capability of the extracted cancer cells for analyses with high specificity. Here, we report a microfluidic device containing multiple independent cell collection microchambers underneath an embedded endothelium such that the transendothelial-migrated cells can be selectively collected from only the microchambers with full coverage of an endothelial layer. In this work, we first optimize the pore size of a microfabricated supporting membrane for the endothelium formation. We quantify transendothelial migration rates of a malignant human breast cell type (MDA-MB-231) under different shear stress levels. We investigate characteristics of the migrating cells including morphology, cytoskeletal structures, and migration (speed and persistence). Further implementation of this endothelium-embedded microfluidic device can provide important insights into migration and intracellular characteristics related to cancer metastasis and strategies for effective cancer therapy.
Heavy hole effect on the thermoelectric properties of highly doped p-type lead telluride
Authors: Babenko N. I. , Dmitriev A. V.
Published: January 2017

We study theoretically the thermoelectric properties of heavily doped p-type PbTe in the temperature interval of 300 to 900 K. In our calculations, we use the three-band model of PbTe electron energy spectrum that takes into account the heavy-hole Σ-band. On the base of the Boltzmann kinetic equation, the full set of the relevant kinetic characteristics is calculated including the electrical and thermal conductivities, the Seebeck coefficient, and the thermoelectric figure-of-merit. The thermoelectric characteristics appear to be very sensitive to parameters of the heavy hole band. The best fit with experiment was obtained at mhh=5m0 and EgΣ=0.5 eV. All calculated thermoelectric quantities then agree very well with the available experimental data. In particular, we were able to reproduce the significant increase of the figure-of-merit up to ZT≈1.2 that was experimentally observed recently in heavily p-doped PbTe. Our results show that ZT maximum corresponds to the temperature wherein the light hole and heavy hole band edges coincide so that a prominent density-of-states singularity is formed in the valence band.
A dielectrophoresis-impedance method for protein detection and analysis
Authors: Mohamad Ahmad Sabry , Hamzah Roszymah , Hoettges Kai F. , Hughes Michael Pycraft
Published: January 2017

Dielectrophoresis (DEP) has increasingly been used for the assessment of the electrical properties of molecular scale objects including proteins, DNA, nanotubes and nanowires. However, whilst techniques have been developed for the electrical characterisation of frequency-dependent DEP response, biomolecular study is usually limited to observation using fluorescent markers, limiting its applicability as a characterisation tool. In this paper we present a label-free, impedance-based method of characterisation applied to the determination of the electrical properties of colloidal protein molecules, specifically Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA). By monitoring the impedance between electrodes as proteins collect, it is shown to be possible to observe multi-dispersion behaviour. A DEP dispersion exhibited at 400 kHz is attributable to the orientational dispersion of the molecule, whilst a second, higher-frequency dispersion is attributed to a Maxwell-Wagner type dispersion; changes in behaviour with medium conductivity suggest that this is strongly influenced by the electrical double layer surrounding the molecule.
Auxetic piezoelectric energy harvesters for increased electric power output
Authors: Li Qiang , Kuang Yang , Zhu Meiling
Published: January 2017

This letter presents a piezoelectric bimorph with auxetic (negative Poisson’s ratio) behaviors for increased power output in vibration energy harvesting. The piezoelectric bimorph comprises a 2D auxetic substrate sandwiched between two piezoelectric layers. The auxetic substrate is capable of introducing auxetic behaviors and thus increasing the transverse stress in the piezoelectric layers when the bimorph is subjected to a longitudinal stretching load. As a result, both 31- and 32-modes are simultaneously exploited to generate electric power, leading to an increased power output. The increasing power output principle was theoretically analyzed and verified by finite element (FE) modelling. The FE modelling results showed that the auxetic substrate can increase the transverse stress of a bimorph by 16.7 times. The average power generated by the auxetic bimorph is 2.76 times of that generated by a conventional bimorph.
RETINAL PIGMENT EPITHELIAL ATROPHY AFTER ANTI–VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR INJECTIONS FOR RETINAL ANGIOMATOUS PROLIFERATION
Authors: Hata Masayuki , Yamashiro Kenji , Oishi Akio , Ooto Sotaro , Tamura Hiroshi , Miyata Manabu , Ueda-Arakawa Naoko , Kuroda Yoshimasa , Takahashi Ayako , Tsujikawa Akitaka , Yoshimura Nagahisa
Published: January 2017

Purpose:

To investigate the incidence rate and risk factors for development of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) atrophy during anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment for retinal angiomatous proliferation.

Methods:

This study included 46 eyes with treatment-naive retinal angiomatous proliferation. All patients were treated with ranibizumab or aflibercept injections. Color fundus photography, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, and fundus autofluorescence were evaluated for RPE atrophy diagnosis. Baseline characteristics and gene polymorphisms of ARMS2 A69S, and CFH I62V were analyzed for association with development and progression of RPE atrophy.

Results:

Among 21 eyes treated with ranibizumab without preexisting RPE atrophy at baseline, 5 eyes (23.8%) developed RPE atrophy at 12 months. Among 20 eyes treated with aflibercept without preexisting RPE atrophy at baseline, 10 eyes (50.0%) developed RPE atrophy at 12 months. Refractile drusen at baseline was associated with RPE atrophy development at 12 months (P = 0.014), and the progression rate of RPE atrophy area was negatively correlated with subfoveal choroidal thickness at baseline (R = −0.595, P = 0.019). Gene polymorphisms were not associated with RPE atrophy.

Conclusion:

Retinal pigment epithelial atrophy developed in 36.6% during 12 months after anti-VEGF treatment for retinal angiomatous proliferation. The presence of refractile drusen at baseline was identified as a novel significant risk factor for RPE atrophy development.
CHORIOCAPILLARIS SIGNAL VOIDS IN MATERNALLY INHERITED DIABETES AND DEAFNESS AND IN PSEUDOXANTHOMA ELASTICUM
Authors: Spaide Richard F.
Published: January 2017

Purpose:

To evaluate the pattern of choriocapillaris signal voids in maternally inherited diabetes and deafness and in pseudoxanthoma elasticum in eyes before the development of any geographic atrophy.

Methods:

The choriocapillaris under the central macula was imaged with the Optovue RTVue XR Avanti using a 10 μm slab thickness. Automatic local thresholding of the resultant raw data extracted areas of absent flow signal, called signal voids, and these were counted and logarithmically binned. The signal void patterns were analyzed in four eyes of two patients with maternally inherited diabetes and deafness and four eyes of three patients with pseudoxanthoma elasticum. None of the patients had geographic atrophy. These data were compared with 55 eyes of 38 healthy control subjects and analyzed with generalized estimating equations.

Results:

The choriocapillaris images in maternally inherited diabetes and deafness and pseudoxanthoma elasticum show that the model of signal voids followed a power law distribution, but with a slope and offset much lower than the normal control group, adjusted for age (P < 0.001). The eyes in the disease group were much more likely to have signal voids greater than 40,000 μm2.

Conclusion:

Before the development of any overt geographic atrophy, patients with maternally inherited diabetes and deafness and pseudoxanthoma elasticum show pronounced abnormalities of choriocapillaris flow. Current clinical measures of retinal pigment epithelial health only look for areas of cell death, as in geographic atrophy. It is not possible to determine from current imaging if the choriocapillaris loss precedes potential loss of function of the retinal pigment epithelium, such as secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor.
SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF RETINAL DETACHMENT IN OSTEOGENESIS IMPERFECTA: CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE
Authors: Fleissig Efrat , Barak Adiel
Published: January 2017

Purpose:

To describe a case of scleral buckling in a patient with severe (Type III) osteogenesis imperfecta.

Methods:

Single interventional case report of a 37-year-old woman, with clinically diagnosed osteogenesis imperfecta Type III, presenting with an inferior retinal detachment of the right eye. The patient was promptly treated with scleral buckling.

Results:

Long-term follow-up has shown a good clinical outcome, with no recurrence of the retinal detachment. Eighteen months postsurgery, an ischemic branch retinal vein obstruction has developed in the right eye, complicated by macular edema. The patient was treated successfully with bevacizumab injections, with restoration of visual acuity to 20/25.

Conclusion:

Scleral buckle may provide a good surgical option in selected patients with osteogenesis imperfecta, yielding excellent anatomical and functional results.
SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF TRACTIONAL RETINOSCHISIS ASSOCIATED WITH VITREOUS HEMORRHAGE IN RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY
Authors: Todorich Bozho , Thanos Aristomenis , Yonekawa Yoshihiro , Korot Edward , Trese Michael T. , Drenser Kimberly A. , Capone Antonio
Published: January 2017

Purpose:

The tractional retinoschisis is a poorly understood, rare, and likely underappreciated entity in retinopathy of prematurity. The purpose of this article is to describe clinical findings and surgical management of tractional retinoschisis in retinopathy of prematurity, masquerading as Stage 4 retinopathy of prematurity retinal detachment.

Methods:

A retrospective review of a single case with literature review and case discussion.

Results:

In this report, we describe a child with retinopathy of prematurity and tractional schisis, who initially presented with vitreous hemorrhage and was effectively managed by vitrectomy and inner wall retinectomy. At 5 months after vitrectomy, the child demonstrated complete collapse of the retinoschisis with intact posterior pole and brisk light perception.

Conclusion:

Vitrectomy with or without inner wall retinectomy is effective in the management of tractional retinoschisis.
CHOROIDAL BLOOD VESSELS IN RETINAL PIGMENT EPITHELIAL ATROPHY USING OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY
Authors: Maruko Ichiro , Koizumi Hideki , Sawaguchi Shota , Hasegawa Taiji , Arakawa Hisaya , Iida Tomohiro
Published: January 2017

Purpose:

To observe choroidal blood vessels in cases sharply demarcated with retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) atrophy at the macular area using en-face optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and standard en-face optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Methods:

The retrospective study included 12 eyes (8 patients; 5 men, 3 women; average age, 64.3 years) with RPE atrophy seen by ophthalmoscopy. The macular areas with normal and atrophic RPE sections were examined using en-face OCTA with an 840-nm light source (RTVue XR Avanti; Optovue Inc), which system can obtain standard en-face OCT images at identical areas. Images on en-face OCTA and standard en-face OCT were compared with each other when the segmentation range was being set as the full thickness of the choroid by the attached software.

Results:

Choroidal blood vessels were seen as black on standard en-face OCT images in all cases. However, the choroidal vessels on OCTA were depicted as white in the RPE atrophic area and black in the normal areas.

Conclusion:

Choroidal blood vessels in the normal sections of RPE were visualized in black on standard en-face OCT and OCTA with an 840-nm light source; however, those in the atrophic parts were observed as white, or with bloodstream, on OCTA images. Choroidal blood vessels cannot be evaluated accurately in commercially available OCTA systems because of blockage of light by the RPE.
Anxiety and the Quality of Life of Children Living With Parental Cancer
Authors: Hauken May Aasebø , Senneseth Mette , Dyregrov Atle , Dyregrov Kari
Published: January 2017

Background:

Previous research on children living with parental cancer has mainly focused on the psychosocial challenges, but few studies have explored their health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This is important to promote well-being and discover areas of distress, as well as positive aspects of the children’s life.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to study how children’s HRQOL is influenced by anxiety and whether age and gender act as moderators for this relationship.

Methods:

This study used a survey with a cross-sectional design, including 35 children between 8 and 18 years old (mean, 13.3 years old) living with parental cancer. Questionnaires of HRQOL (Kinder Lebensqualität) and anxiety (Revised Child Manifest Anxiety Scale) were used.

Results:

The children reported higher anxiety and lower HRQOL than the controls. The children’s physiological (P = .03), emotional (P = .04), and school (P = .00) functions were significantly impaired, whereas they scored in line with the controls on self-esteem, family, friends, and overall HRQOL. A negative correlation (r = −0.707, P < .01) between anxiety and HRQOL was found. Neither age nor gender acted as a moderator between anxiety and HRQOL.

Conclusions:

A one-dimensional focus on anxiety may not capture these children’s multidimensional challenges. In contrast, a focus on HRQOL may give important knowledge of the children’s challenges, as well as areas where they function well.

Implications for Practice:

Healthcare professionals need to work collaboratively across disciplines and have a multidimensional focus in caring for patients with cancer who have children. They must provide both the parents and children with adequate information and tools to handle their family health situation to promote the children’s HRQOL.
Increasing the time resolution of single-molecule experiments with Bayesian inference
Authors: Kinz-Thompson Colin D. , Gonzalez Ruben L.
Published: January 2017

Many time-resolved, single-molecule biophysics experiments seek to characterize the kinetics of biomolecular systems exhibiting dynamics that challenge the time resolution of the given technique. Here we present a general, computational approach to this problem that employs Bayesian inference to learn the underlying dynamics of such systems, even when they are much faster than the time resolution of the experimental technique being used. By accurately and precisely inferring rate constants, our Bayesian Inference for the Analysis of Sub-temporal-resolution Data (BIASD) approach effectively enables the experimenter to super-resolve the poorly resolved dynamics that are present in their data.
Dissecting limiting factors of the Protein synthesis Using Recombinant Elements (PURE) system
Authors: Li Jun , Zhang Chi , Huang Poyi , Kuru Erkin , Forster-Benson Eliot T. C. , Li Taibo , Church George M.
Published: January 2017

Reconstituted cell-free protein synthesis systems such as the Protein synthesis Using Recombinant Elements (PURE) system give high-throughput and controlled access toin vitroprotein synthesis. Here we show that compared to the commercial S30 crude extract based RTS 100E. coliHY system, the PURE system has less mRNA degradation and produces ~4-fold more total protein. However the majority of these polypeptides are partially translated or inactive since the signal from firefly luciferase (Fluc) translated in PURE is only ~2/3rdof that measured using the S30 crude extract system. Both of the two systems suffer from low ribosome recycling efficiency when translating proteins from 90 kD to 220 kD. A systematic fed-batch analysis of PURE shows replenishment of 6 small molecule substrates individually or in combination prior to energy depletion increased Fluc protein yield by ~1.5 to ~2-fold, while accumulation of inorganic phosphate contributes to reaction termination. Additionally, while adding EF-P to PURE reduced total protein translated, it also increased the fraction of active product and reduced partial translated product probably by slowing down the translation process. Finally, ArfA, rather than YaeJ or PrfH, helped reduce ribosome stalling when translating Fluc and improved system productivity in a template-dependent fashion.
Gene expression profiling reveals U1 snRNA regulates cancer gene expression
Authors: Cheng Zhi , Sun Yu , Niu Xiaoran , Shang YingChun , Wu Zhenfeng , Shi Jinsong , Gao Shan , Zhang Tao
Published: January 2017

U1 small nuclear RNA (U1 snRNA), as one of the most abundant noncoding RNA in eukaryotic cells plays an important role in splicing of pre-mRNAs. Compared to other studies which have focused on the primary function of U1 snRNA and the neurodegenerative diseases caused by the abnormalities of U1 snRNA, this study is to investigate how the U1 snRNA over-expression affects the expression of genes on a genome-wide scale. In this study, we built a model of U1 snRNA over-expression in a rat cell line. By comparing the gene expression profiles of U1 snRNA over-expressed cells with those of their controls using the microarray experiments, 916 genes or loci were identified significantly differentially expressed. These 595 up-regulated genes and 321 down-regulated genes were further analyzed using the annotations from the GO terms and the KEGG database. As a result, three of 12 enriched pathways are well-known cancer pathways, while nine of them were associated to cancers in previous studies. The further analysis of 73 genes involved in 12 pathways suggests that U1 snRNA regulates cancer gene expression. The microarray data with ID GSE84304 is available in the NCBI GEO database.
Caenorhabditis elegansas an emerging model for studying the basic biology of anorectic effects of nicotine
Authors: Sobkowiak Robert , Kaczmarek Piotr , Kowalski Mateusz , Kabaciński Rafał , Lesicki Andrzej
Published: January 2017

Nicotine decreases food intake, and smokers often report that they smoke to control their weight. To see whether similar phenomena could be observed in the model organismCaenorhabditis elegans, we challenged drug-naϊve nematodes with a chronic low (0.01 mM) and high (1 mM) nicotine concentration for 55 h (from hatching to adulthood). After that, we recorded changes in their behavior in a nicotine gradient, where they could choose a desired nicotine concentration. By using a combination of behavioral and morphometric methods, we found that both nicotine and food modulate worm behavior. In the presence of food the nematodes adapted to the low nicotine concentration, when placed in the gradient, chose a similar nicotine concentration likeC. elegansadapted to the high nicotine concentration. However, in the absence of food, the nematodes adapted to the low nicotine concentration, when placed in the gradient of this alkaloid, chose a similar nicotine concentration like naive worms. The nematodes growing up in the presence of high concentrations of nicotine had a statistically smaller body size, compared to the control condition, and the presence of food did not cause any enhanced slowing movement. These results provide a platform for more detailed molecular and cellular studies of nicotine addiction and food intake in this model organism.
Crystal structure of rubidium methyldiazotate
Authors: Grassl Tobias , Korber Nikolaus
Published: January 2017

The title compound, Rb+·H3CN2O−, has been crystallized in liquid ammonia as a reaction product of the reductive ammonolysis of the natural compound streptozocin. Elemental rubidium was used as reduction agent as it is soluble in liquid ammonia, forming a blue solution. Reductive bond cleavage in biogenic materials under kinetically controlled conditions offers a new approach to gain access to sustainably produced raw materials. The anion is nearly planar [dihedral angle O—N—N—C = −0.4 (2)°]. The Rb+cation has a coordination number of seven, and coordinates to five anions. One anion is boundviaboth its N atoms, one by both O and N, two anions are bound by only their O atoms, and the last is boundviathe N atom adjacent to the methyl group. The diazotate anions are bridged by cations and do not exhibit any direct contacts with each other. The cations form corrugated layers that propagate in the (-101) plane.
Crystal structures of three 1-oxo-1,2-dihydronaphthalene derivatives: dimethyl 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-(4-methylphenyl)-1-oxo-1,2-dihydronaphthalene-2,3-dicarboxylate, dimethyl 1-oxo-2-(pyren-4-yl)-4-(thiophen-2-yl)-1,2-dihydronaphthalene-2,3-dicarboxylate and ethyl 1-oxo-2-phenyl-2,4-bis(thiophen-2-yl)-1,2-dihydronaphthalene-3-carboxylate
Authors: Gopinath S. , Narayanan P. , Sethusankar K. , Karunakaran Jeyachandran , Nandakumar Meganathan , Mohanakrishnan Arasambattu K.
Published: January 2017

In the title 1-oxo-1,2-dihydronaphthalene derivatives, C28H24O6, (I), C34H22O5S, (II), and C27H20O3S2, (III), the cyclohexa-1,3-diene rings of the 1,2-dihydronaphthalene ring systems adopt half-chair, boat and half-chair conformations, respectively. The carbonyl O atoms attached to the dihydronaphthalene ring systems are each significantly deviated from the mean plane of the 1,2-dihydronaphthalene ring system, by 0.6162 (12) Å in (I), 0.6016 (16) Å in (II) and 0.515 (3) Å in (III). The mean planes of the 1,2-dihydronaphthalene ring systems make dihedral angles of 85.83 (3), 88.19 (3) and 81.67 (8)°, respectively, with the methylphenyl ring in (I), the pyrene ring in (II) and the phenyl ring in (III). In (I), the molecular structure is stabilized by an intramolecular C—H...O hydrogen bond, generating anS(6) ring motif. In the crystal of (I), molecules are linked by an intermolecular C—H...O hydrogen bond, which generates aC(8) zigzag chain running along [100]. Adjacent chains are further connected by C—H...π and offset π–π interactions [centroid–centroid distance = 3.6572 (9) Å], forming a double-chain structure. In the crystals of (II) and (III), molecules are linked into chain structures by offset π–π interactions with centroid–centroid distances of 3.5349 (12) and 3.8845 (13) Å for (II) and 3.588 (2) Å for (III). In (II) and (III), the thiophene rings are orientationally disordered over two sites, with occupancy ratios of 0.69:0.31 for (II), and 0.528 (4):0.472 (4) and 0.632 (5):0.368 (5) for (III).
Bis(imidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-1-ium) tetrachloridocuprate(II) dihydrate
Authors: Mokaddem Sonia , Boughzala Habib
Published: January 2017

In the title salt, (C7H7N2)2[CuCl4]·2H2O, the Cu2+cation is coordinated by four Cl atoms and adopts a distorted tetrahedral geometry. Two molecules of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine are protonated ensuring electrical neutrality. O—H...Cl and N—H...O hydrogen bonds link the organic and the inorganic moieties, leading to a self-organized hydrated hybrid structure.
4-[Bis(2-chloroethyl)amino]benzaldehyde
Authors: Seethalakshmi P. , Palanivel C.
Published: January 2017

In the title compound, C11H13Cl2NO, the chloroethyl amino groups are twisted with respect to the amino group, with N—C—C—Cl torsion angles of −177.4 (4) and 179.2 (3)°. The carbonyl group lies in the plane of the benzene ring to which it is attached; torsion angles Car—Car—C=O are 0.1 (8) and −178.2 (5)°. In the crystal, C—H...Cl and C—H...O hydrogen bonds link the molecules, forming sheets parallel to (20-1). The sheets are linked by C—H...π interactions, forming a three-dimensional framework.
N-(4-Chlorophenylsulfonyl)-4-iodobenzamide
Authors: Naveen S. , Sudha A. G. , Suresha E. , Lokanath N. K. , Suchetan P. A. , Warad Ismail
Published: January 2017

In the title compound, C13H9ClINO3S, the benzene rings are inclined to one another by 81.6 (2)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked by pairs of N—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers with an R
2
2(8) ring motif. The dimers are linked by C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming sheets parallel to the bc plane. Neighbouring sheets are linked via offset π–π interactions involving inversion-related iodobenzene rings [intercentroid distance = 3.807 (3) Å], forming a three-dimensional supramolecular structure.
6-tert-Butyl-4-[(4-hydroxymethyl-2H-1,2,3-triazol-2-yl)methyl]-2H-chromen-2-one. Corrigendum
Authors: El-Khatatneh Nasseem , Chandra  , Shamala D. , Shivashankar K. , Mahendra M.
Published: January 2017

In the paper by El-Khatatneh et al. [IUCrData (2016), 1, x161618], the scheme and chemical name in the title are corrected.
Precision navigation system design for Moon penetrator
Authors: Wang Xiaogang , Qin Wutao , Bai Yuliang , Cui Naigang
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Penetrator plays an important role in the exploration of Moon and Mars. The navigation method is a key technology during the development of penetrator. To meet the high accuracy requirements of Moon penetrator, this paper aims to propose two kinds of navigation systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The line of sight of vision sensor between the penetrator and Moon orbiter could be utilized as the measurement during the navigation system design. However, the analysis of observability shows that the navigation system cannot estimate the position and velocity of penetrator, when the line of sight measurement is the only resource of information. Therefore, the Doppler measurement due to the relative motion between penetrator and the orbiter is used as the supplement. The other option is the relative range measurement between penetrator and the orbiter. The sigma-point Kalman Filtering is implemented to fuse the information from the vision sensor and Doppler or rangefinder. The observability of two navigation system is analyzed.

Findings

The sigma-point Kalman filtering could be used based on vision sensor and Doppler radar or laser rangefinder to give an accurate estimation of Moon penetrator position and velocity without increasing the payload of Moon penetrator or decreasing the estimation accuracy. However, the simulation result shows that the last method is better. The observability analysis also proves this conclusion.

Practical implications

Two navigation systems are proposed, and the simulations show that both systems can provide accurate estimation of states of penetrator.

Originality/value

Two navigation methods are proposed, and the observability of these navigation systems is analyzed. The sigma-point Kalman filtering is first introduced to the vision-based navigation system for Moon penetrator to provide precision navigation during the descent phase of Moon penetrator.
Unlimited and protected memory for flight data recorders
Authors: Wiseman Yair
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study extensive enlargement and safety of flight data recorder memory.

Design/methodology/approach

The study involves the moving the memory of flight data recorders from an internal embedded device to a cloud.

Findings

The implementation has made the embedded memory device of flight data recorder effectively unlimited, and, hence, much more information can be stored.

Research limitations/implications

The possibility of a flight data recorder to be damaged or lost in a crash is not so high, but the implementation can be very helpful in cases such as aerial disappearances.

Practical implications

The implication is larger and protected memory for flight data recorders.

Social implications

Finding reasons for crashes is faster, and immediate actions can be taken to find remedy to the failures.

Originality/value

The use of internet and cellphones in airplanes is nothing special at present. It is suggested to take this technology for flight data recorders as well.
Risk aversion in crop insurance program purchase decisions
Authors: Lyu Kaiyu , Barré Thomas J.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the aforementioned literature on the linkage between economic activity and human preference by estimating the cross-sectional determinants of farmers’ participation in participation in crop insurance programs (CIPs) and identifying the impediments preventing the remaining farmers from participating.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the unique data sets of risk preference experiments and maize producer surveys pertaining to the maize production areas of China, this paper explores the determinants of farmers’ CIPs and scrutinizes the role of risk aversion in farmers’ CIP purchase decisions under the expected utility maximization framework. And a “non-zero threshold probit model” is used for the analysis.

Findings

The results show that risk aversion plays an important role in CIP purchase decision-making, not only in the form of its direct effect but also with regard to the interaction term and expected loss. Furthermore, if the insured amount is high enough, then risk aversion will no longer affect insurance purchase. Additionally, purchase experience, CIP environment (village purchase ratio), and contract items (insured amounts) are significant determinates in these decisions. There is no significant evidence to suggest that serious adverse selection exists in the sampling areas.

Originality/value

One theoretical model is established which considered not only general variables like farmers’ production and household information, but also conditions and terms in the insurance policies. The unique experimental method is used to measure farmers’ risk aversion. Both the role of risk aversion and its’ interaction terms with others in CIP participation are scrutinized to identify complicated influences under the context of real society.
The impact of Wal-Mart Supercenters’ entry on incumbent supermarkets’ profit margins
Authors: Di Yuan , Lopez Rigoberto , Liu Xiaoou
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to quantify the impact of Wal-Mart Supercenters (WMSs) on supermarkets’ profit margins using fluid milk in the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area in the USA as a case study.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors develop a two-stage dynamic entry game to model market competition in the pre- and post-WMS stages, and test the theoretical model using the method of simulated moments and milk scanner data from Dallas/Fort Worth supermarkets.

Findings

The empirical findings show that the entry of WMSs accounts for an average of about 16.29-25.69 percent decline in milk profit margins of nearby, or incumbent, supermarkets. Economies of scale and chain synergies are found to be five times more significant for WMSs than for incumbent supermarkets, granting Wal-Mart a significant competitive edge.

Originality/value

This paper quantifies the impact of WMS’s entry on incumbent supermarkets’ profit margins through a structural model of entry. In addition, this paper assesses the effect economies of scale stemming from the ability to provide shopping convenience to consumers as well as chain economies from operating stores near each other.