bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of tissue deterioration of ripening banana fruit (Musa spp., AAA group, Cavendish subgroup) under chilling and non‐chilling temperatures
Authors: Ramírez‐Sánchez Maricruz , Huber Donald J , Vallejos Carlos E 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn fleshy fruits, induced programmed cell death (PCD) has been observed in heat‐treated tomato, and in ethylene‐treated and low‐temperature exposure in immature cucumber. No other fleshy fruit has been evaluated for chilling‐injury‐induced PCD, especially mature fruit with full ripening capacity. The purpose of this research was to identify and evaluate the presence of PCD processes during the development of low‐temperature‐induced physiopathy of banana fruit.RESULTSExposure of fruit to 5 °C for 4 days induced degradative processes similar to those occurring during ripening and overripening of non‐chilled fruit. Nuclease from banana peel showed activity in both DNA substrates and RNA substrates. No exclusive low‐temperature‐induced proteases and nucleases were observed. DNA of chilled peel showed earlier signs of degradation and higher levels of DNA tailing during overripening.CONCLUSIONThis study shows that exposure to low temperatures did not induce a pattern of degradative processes that differed from that occurring during ripening and overripening of non‐chilled fruit. DNA showed earlier signs of degradation and higher levels of DNA tailing. Nuclease activity analysis showed bifunctionality in both chilled and non‐chilled tissue and no chilling‐exclusive protease and nuclease. Fleshy fruit might use their available resources on degradative processes and adjust them depending on environmental conditions. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Predictors of complications in heat‐treated autograft reconstruction after intercalary resection for malignant musculoskeletal tumors of the extremity
Authors: Ikuta Kunihiro , Nishida Yoshihiro , Sugiura Hideshi , Tsukushi Satoshi , Yamada Kenji , Urakawa Hiroshi , Arai Eisuke , Hamada Shunsuke , Ishiguro Naoki 
Published: March 2018

BackgroundBiological reconstruction with recycled heat‐treated autografts has been an option for a segmental skeletal defect after intercalary resection for malignant musculoskeletal tumors in the extremity. This study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical outcomes in patients treated with this procedure and identify factors affecting the incidence of complications.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 24 patients treated with heat‐treated autografts after intercalary resection at our institution between 1992 and 2015.ResultsThe survival rate of the heat‐treated autografts was 70.1% at 10 years. Of the 48 host‐graft junctions in the 24 patients, nonunion occurred in 18 junctions (38%). In the univariate analysis, location in the upper extremity, intercalary grafts without vascularized fibula autografts (VFG), and junction at the diaphysis significantly increased the rate of nonunion (P = 0.003, P = 0.003, and P = 0.031, respectively). Location in the upper extremity was an independent factor associated with nonunion in the multivariate analysis (P = 0.006). Upper extremity location and intercalary grafts without VFG were also significant factors for bone absorption (P = 0.042 and P < 0.001, respectively).ConclusionsOur results can provide useful information to devise possibly novel clinical approaches to patients requiring intercalary reconstruction of the extremity.
Double vascularized omentum lymphatic transplant (VOLT) for the treatment of lymphedema
Authors: Kenworthy Elizabeth O. , Nelson Jonas A. , Verma Richa , Mbabuike JeanJacques , Mehrara Babak J. , Dayan Joseph H. 
Published: March 2018

Background and ObjectivesOrthotopic vascularized lymph node transplant has been successfully used to treat lymphedema. A second, heterotopic lymph node transplant in the distal extremity may provide further improvement. The vascularized omentum lymphatic transplant (VOLT) provides adequate tissue for two simultaneous flap transfers to one limb. The purpose of this study was to review our experience with this technique.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study of patients who underwent VOLT, with a subgroup analysis of patients who underwent double VOLT. Technical aspects of the procedure, complications, and early outcomes were reviewed.ResultsFrom May 2015 to August 2017, 54 VOLTs were performed in 38 patients, of whom 16 received double VOLT. Among patients in the double VOLT group with postoperative imaging at 1 year, uptake into the transplanted omentum was seen in three of six (50%) patients on lymphoscintigraphy and in one of five (20%) patients on indocyanine green lymphangiography. One patient (3.1%) in the double VOLT group required a return to the operating room. There were no donor site complications in the double VOLT group. The overall complication rate was 15.8%.ConclusionsDouble VOLT to the mid‐level and proximal extremity is a safe and viable option.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder 23 Years After the 1988 Spitak Earthquake in Armenia
Authors: Goenjian Armen K. , Khachadourian Vahe , Armenian Haroutune , Demirchyan Anahit , Steinberg Alan M. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThis population‐based longitudinal study examined the rates and predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among 725 differentially exposed survivors of the 1988 Spitak earthquake in Armenia, 23 years after the event. Participants had been previously evaluated in 1991. Evaluations included assessment of current PTSD (based on DSM‐5 criteria), and a variety of potential risk and protective factors. For the whole sample, the rate of PTSD attributed to the earthquake decreased from 48.7% in 1991 to 11.6% in 2012 (p < .001). A “dose of exposure” pattern persisted, and 15.7% of participants who were in Spitak (high exposure) and 6.6% of participants who were in Kirovagan (low exposure) during the earthquake met the criteria for PTSD (p = .003). Additionally, in 2012, another 9.9% of participants met PTSD criteria due to post‐earthquake traumas, which is a 5‐fold increase from pre‐ to postearthquake (p < . 001). Factors positively associated with PTSD included earthquake‐related job loss, exposure to post‐earthquake traumas, depression at baseline, and chronic illness since the earthquake. Factors inversely associated with PTSD included housing assistance within two years after the earthquake, support of family and/or friends, and to a lesser degree, higher education and high living standard. These variables accounted for 23.1% of the variance in current PTSD severity scores. These findings indicate that PTSD rates subside significantly after a catastrophic disaster, although earthquake‐related PTSD persists among a subgroup of exposed individuals. Predictors of PTSD identified in this study provide guidance for planning acute and longer‐term postdisaster public mental health recovery programs.
Telechelic, Antimicrobial Hydrophilic Polycations with Two Modes of Action
Authors: Richter Lena , Hijazi Montasser , Arfeen Fatima , Krumm Christian , Tiller Joerg C. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractTelechelic antimicrobial poly(2‐oxazoline)s with quaternary ammonium (quat) end groups are shown to be potent antimicrobial polymers against Gram‐positive bacterial strains. In this study, the activity against the Gram‐negative bacterium Escherichia coli is additionally implemented by hydrolyzing the poly(2‐methyl‐2‐oxazoline) with two quart end groups to poly(ethylene imine) (PEI). The resulting telechelic polycations are active against Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli. The contribution of the PEI backbone is determined by measuring the antimicrobial activity in the presence of calcium ions. The influence of PEI on the overall activity strongly depends on the molecular weight and increases with higher mass. The PEI dominates the activity against E. coli at lower masses than against S. aureus. The quart end groups require an alkyl substituent of dodecyl or longer to dominate the antimicrobial activity. Additionally, PEI and quart end groups act synergistically.
Rapid One‐Step Synthesis of Complex‐Architecture Block Polymers Using Inductively “Armed–Disarmed” Monomer Pairs
Authors: Chang Boyce S. , Oyola‐Reynoso Stephanie , Cutinho Joel , Thuo Martin M. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractA facile method is reported for rapid, room‐temperature synthesis of block copolymers (BCP) of complex morphology and hence nontraditional spherical assembly. The use of solvated electrons generates radical anions on olefinic monomers, and with a felicitous choice of monomer pairs, this species will propagate bimechanistically (via radical and the anion) to form BCPs. Molecular weight of the obtained BCP range from Mw = 97 000–404 000 g mol−1 (polydispersity index, PDI = 1.4–3.0) depending on monomer pairs. The composition of the blocks can be controlled by changing monomer ratio, with the caveat that yield is affected. Detailed characterization by 2D nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and analysis of the mechanisms involved indicate the structure of obtained block copolymers to be at least a triblock with a complex central unit. Evaluating trends in the Hammett parameter segregates monomer pairs into “armed and disarmed” groups with respect to radical or anionic polymerization akin to oligosaccharides synthesis.
Linear nonuniform antenna array of planar elements fed by a dielectric waveguide
Authors: Kong Linghui , Yan Sen , Volski Vladimir , Vandenbosch Guy A. E. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractA nonuniform antenna array topology fed by a dielectric strip waveguide is proposed for in‐house X‐band radar and localization purposes. It can largely avoid the conductor losses from a traditional feeding network, and also provides a very simple topology that can be easily manufactured with cheap mass‐production Printed Circuit Board technology. The working mechanism is fully based on the electromagnetic coupling between the wave travelling in the dielectric waveguide and the nonuniform antenna elements positioned in series along the waveguide. The antenna elements are optimized in such a way that each element radiates the required power to provide a medium gain broadside beam. A bandwidth of about 160 MHz, a gain of 8.51 dB, and an efficiency of about 86% are obtained for the realized prototype.
A 2.1 GHz 30 dBm power amplifier in 0.18 μm SiGe BiCMOS process
Authors: Li Zhiqun , He Shidong , Zhu Bihui , Zhang Chi 
Published: March 2018

AbstractA cascode power amplifier (PA) fabricated in 0.18 μm SiGe BiCMOS technology is presented. The cascode structure is used to provide high voltage gain and high output power. To prevent the negative impact of bond wire, the pseudo‐differential structure is used to provide a virtual ground for signal. Adaptive bias circuit provides stable voltage bias to the base of common‐emitter. With the combination of two completely symmetrical PA units, the whole PA achieves its saturated output power of 30.62 dBm and PAE of 31.75% at 2.1 GHz, and the small signal gain is 26.19 dB.
Compact high‐speed envelope detector architecture for ultra‐wideband communications
Authors: Blanco Granja Angel , Cimoli Bruno , Rodríguez Sebastián , Jakoby Rolf , Jensen Jesper Bevensee , Penirschke Andreas , Tafur Monroy Idelfonso , Johansen Tom Keinicke 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThis article describes a Schottky diode based envelope detector architecture able to demodulate single‐ended signals adopting a single balanced configuration without the use of an external balun. The proposed architecture combines the functionality of a balun and, simultaneously, the rectification of the input signal. The dual functionality of the Schottky diodes applied, leads to a compact configuration that, according to the authors’ knowledge, has not been shown before. The manufactured prototype is able to demodulate error free a 2.5 Gbps amplitude shift keying signal at 8 GHz carrier frequency, achieving a bitrate to frequency carrier ratio (Δb) of 31.25%.
A fiber optic sensor based on Mach‐Zehnder interferometer structure for food composition detection
Authors: Razak Hanim Abdul , Sulaiman Nur Hidayah , Haroon Hazura , Mohd Zain Anis Suhaila 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIn this article, fiber optic sensor (FOS) has been employed for food composition detection by using a Mach–Zehnder Interferometer (MZI) structure. The Single Mode–Multimode–Single Mode configuration with varied length of the sensing region with 4 cm and 8 cm were designed and analyzed. The FOS has been developed by using a fusion arc splicing technique. The sensor device has been tested with the major components of food compositions such as water, 1.0 mol sucrose solution and oil with the refractive index (RI) of 1.333, 1.384, and 1.464, respectively. The sensor device experienced a wavelength redshift as the RI increases. Meanwhile, it is also observed that the sensitivity of FOS is linearly proportional to the length of the sensor region. The best sensitivity achieved is 4.413 nm/RIU for 8 cm length of sensor region. The findings of this article can serve as a reference for improved sensitivity by manipulating the sensor's length.
Planar miniaturized CP antenna with coaxial feeding
Authors: Inserra Daniele , Guang Jun Wen 
Published: March 2018

AbstractA planar and miniaturized circularly polarized antenna is presented in this article. The antenna configuration is a sequential rotated antenna array with four monopole antennas bended for miniaturization purpose. A meandered microstrip series power divider is used to feed the four antennas through a coaxial feeding. The antenna is fabricated on a single layer 0.4 mm thickness FR‐4 dielectric substrate to work in the ultrahigh frequency (UHF) bandwidth, and measurement results confirm the goodness of the proposed design method.
A new design of microstrip antenna array for microwave power transmission
Authors: Zhong Yong‐Wei , Yang Guo‐Min , Liu Yi , Zheng Li‐Rong 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAn improved method used to design high transmission efficiency microwave power transmission (MPT) antenna array is proposed in this article. In this method, the constraint of the transmitting element arrangement is removed by defining the power transmission efficiency different from previous works, and the coupling between transmitting elements is included completely. Two 4 × 4 antenna arrays working at 5.8 GHz are designed and fabricated to verify it. These two arrays are used in two MPT systems, in each system the transmitting array and receiving array have the same geometry. The measured transmission efficiencies of antenna array 1 and array 2 are 65% and 58% when the transmission distances are 10 cm and 20 cm, respectively.
Triple‐band planar dipole antenna for omnidirectional radiation
Authors: Alibakhshikenari Mohammad , Virdee Bal S. , Limiti Ernesto 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThis letter presents a compact triple‐band dipole antenna that radiates omnidirectionally. The antenna is a T‐shaped structure that is excited through a vertical feedline. Located under the horizontal rectangular patch are two λ/2 long meander‐line stubs symmetrically interfaced to the feedline. On the bottom side of the substrate is a trident shaped ground‐plane structure located under the T‐shaped radiator. The proposed configuration is essentially composed of three radiating elements, which has a small footprint of 19 × 16 mm2 on a 0.8 mm thick substrate. Regions of enhanced impedance matching are realized between 0.5 and 2.69 GHz, 3.2–4.44 GHz and 4.82–6.6 GHz covering major portions of L, S, and C‐bands. It is shown by reducing the gap between the meander lines stub and rectangular patch reduces results in increased gain performance. Measured results confirm the antenna exhibits omnidirectional radiation with enhanced impedance match at 1.5, 4, and 5.4 GHz with corresponding average gain of 1.6 dBi, 3.4 dBi, and 3 dBi, respectively.
An array antenna based on coplanar parasitic patch structure
Authors: Kan Guojin , Lin Wenbin , Liu Chang , Zou Deyou 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThis article presents a 5 × 5 array antenna with the coplanar parasitic patch structure. The array consists of 25 patches and 24 resonance branches. Two center patches, which are fed by two high frequency SMA probes, serves as the driving elements, while the surrounding 23 patches are the parasitic elements. The resonance branches of the array antenna are used as a feed network to transmit the coupling energy. As a result, 25 patches on the substrate can be stimulated simultaneously. The array antenna has a simple feed structure and compact size. Compared with a standalone antenna, the coplanar parasitic patch array antenna has the advantages of wide bandwidth and high gain. Experimental results show that the proposed antenna operating band is 17.2–21.3 GHz; the impedance bandwidth is 20.5%; and the peak gain is 14.2 dBi.
Room temperature densified ceramics for weight optimized circular polarized GPS antenna design
Authors: Ramachandran Prasadh , Kähäri Hanna , Juuti Jari , Jantunen Heli 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThis article presents the use of ceramic composite composed of Li2MoO4 and 9 vol% of BaTiO3 to realize compact weight optimized circular polarized GPS antenna. The ceramic substrate for the antenna was fabricated with a room‐temperature densification method based on the use of a small amount of an aqueous phase of Li2MoO4 and subsequent recrystallization. A square patch (FT‐FB) was used as a reference patch antenna. This was then compared with a double curved patch antenna (CT‐CB) and a curved patch with a flat bottom (CT‐FB). It was observed that the axial ratio and radiation patterns of the different patch antennas were very similar. In simulations, the FT‐FB patch had peak total efficiency of −2.2 dB, followed by the CT‐CB patch with total efficiency of −2.5 dB and the CT‐FB patch with total efficiency of −2.7 dB. The mass of the FT‐FB and CT‐CB antennas were 12.66 g, while the mass of the CT‐FB antenna was only 9.44 g. Thus, a weight reduction of 25.4% was obtained. Ease of fabrication using Li2MoO4‐based composite ceramic helps in creating an optimal antenna design for size and weight‐constrained mobile devices such as drones.
The effects of a heating pad on anxiety, pain, and distress during urodynamic study in the female patients with stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Kim Jong Wook , Kim Hyun Ju , Park Young Joo , Kang Sung G. , Park Jae Y. , Bae Jae Hyun , Kang Seok Ho , Park Hong Seok , Moon Du Geon , Cheon Jun , Lee Jeong Gu , Kim Je Jong , Oh Mi Mi 
Published: March 2018

AimsAlthough generally well tolerated, a urodynamic study is an unpleasant and stressful procedure for some patients. This study evaluated the effects of a heating pad on anxiety, pain, and distress during urodynamic studies in female patients with stress urinary incontinence.MethodsA total of 74 female patients with stress urinary incontinence who underwent a urodynamic study between May 2015 and October 2015 were randomized to either the experimental group using a heating pad (n = 37) or control group (n = 37). In the experimental group, a heating pad was applied on the patient's sacrum during the urodynamic study. All patients completed the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (20‐80) before and after the procedure and assessed their degree of pain and distress after the procedure by the visual analog scale (0‐10). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure and pulse rate were also checked before and after the procedure.ResultsDemographic characteristics, mean age, procedure duration, pre and post‐procedural systolic, and diastolic blood pressures, and pulse rate were statistically similar between the experimental and control groups. The mean State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory was significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group (30.9 ± 7.5 vs 42.5 ± 10.1, P < 0.001). The experimental group showed significantly lower pain and distress scores (Visual Analog Scale, 2.7 ± 1.5, 3.0 ± 1.5) compared with the control group (4.0 ± 1.6, 4.7 ± 2.0, both P < 0.001).ConclusionsUsing a heating pad for female patients with stress urinary incontinence during a urodynamic study is a simple, economical, and effective therapy that enhances patient comfort and decreases anxiety, pain, and distress.
CNS progression during vinblastine or targeted therapies for high‐risk relapsed ALK‐positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma: A case series
Authors: Ruf Stephanie , Hebart Holger , Hjalgrim Lisa Lyngsie , Kabickova Edita , Lang Peter , Steinbach Daniel , Schwabe Georg C. , Woessmann Wilhelm 
Published: March 2018

AbstractVinblastine and targeted therapies induce remissions in patients with relapsed or progressive anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)‐positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). Central nervous system (CNS) prophylaxis often is not included during re‐induction in CNS‐negative relapse patients. We report on five patients with progressive or early relapsed ALK‐positive ALCL who developed CNS progression during re‐induction with vinblastine, crizotinib, or brentuximab vedotin given for bridging to allogeneic blood stem cell transplantation. These observations suggest that CNS prophylaxis should be considered in ALCL patients suffering progression during initial therapy who receive re‐induction using agents with limited CNS penetration.
Hydroxyurea (hydroxycarbamide) genotoxicity in pediatric patients with sickle cell disease
Authors: Rodriguez Anar , Duez Pierre , Dedeken Laurence , Cotton Frédéric , Ferster Alina 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundHydroxyurea (HU) reduces the severity of sickle cell disease (SCD) in children; nevertheless, its long‐term safety is an important concern. This paper evaluates HU genotoxicity at dose ≤ 30 mg/kg/day after over 2 years of treatment.ProcedureThe study included 76 children: 32 SCD patients treated with HU, 27 SCD patients not treated with HU, and 17 unaffected children. HU patients were classified as good or poor responders according to their clinical response. Comet assay allows the comparison of DNA damage between both groups of patients and unaffected children. Maximal concentration (Cmax) of HU in plasma was determined after drug administration.ResultsMean values of DNA in the comet tail were 5.13 ± 6.84 for unaffected children, 5.80 ± 7.78 for patients with SCD treated with HU, and 5.61 ± 6.91 for patients with SCD not treated with HU. Significant differences were observed between unaffected children and children with SCD. No difference was evident between comets from SCD patients treated and not treated with HU. In the case of HU, mean DNA in the comet tail was significantly lower in good responders than in poor responders: 5.54 ± 7.77 and 6.69 ± 8.43, respectively. Mean Cmax value on plasma was 39.08 ± 15.65 mg/l; N = 31.ConclusionsSCD increases, slightly but significantly, DNA damage in lymphocytes from patients with SCD. Patients with SCD treated with HU do not present more nucleoid damage than patients with SCD not treated with HU. Good responders to the HU treatment have significantly less nucleoid damage than poor responders. HU treatment at ≤30 mg/kg/day does not expose patients to a genotoxic plasma concentration.