bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Proteomics in the Diagnosis of Endometriosis: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Ferrero Simone 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe non‐surgical diagnosis of endometriosis is still challenging for the clinician. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging can be used to diagnose ovarian endometriotic cysts and deep infiltrating endometriosis; but their performance is poor in the diagnosis of initial stages of endometriosis. CA‐125 and other serum markers (such as CA 19‐9, serum protein PP14, interleukins, and angiogenetic factors) have been measured in women with endometriosis but they are not reliable for the diagnosis of the disease. Although several studies used proteomics technologies to identify plasmatic markers of endometriosis, the non‐invasive diagnosis of endometriosis is far from being achieved. In this issue, Manousopoulou et al. compare the integrated quantitative proteomic profile of eutopic endometrium and serum of women with endometriosis and controls. 1214 proteins are differentially expressed in the eutopic endometrium and 404 proteins in the serum of the two study groups. 21 proteins are aberrantly expressed in both eutopic endometrium and serum of women with endometriosis. More work is needed to assess if the differentially expressed proteins identified in this study can be used as clinical markers of endometriosis.
Developing a revised definition of the Bobath concept
Authors: Vaughan‐Graham Julie , Cott Cheryl , Holland Ann , Michielsen Marc , Magri Alba , Suzuki Mitsuo , Brooks Dina 
Published: December 2018

AbstractObjectiveThis study was developed as a consensus‐building exercise within the International Bobath Instructors Training Association (IBITA) to develop a revised definition of the Bobath concept.MethodsA three‐phase design utilizing (a) focus groups, (b) survey methods, and, (c) real‐time Delphi. This paper details Phase 1 and 2.ResultsForty IBITA members participated in five focus groups. Eight broad themes were developed from the focus groups from which the survey statements were developed. There was a high level of agreement on all nine survey statements identifying overarching constructs and on 12 of the 13 statements identifying unique aspects of Bobath clinical practice. Lower scores were attributed to lack of understanding of the term humanistic, Bobath clinical practice addressing multiple domains such as impairments, activities, and participation and limited agreement on the description of the term “placing.”ConclusionFocus groups and a web‐based survey were successful in soliciting the opinions of IBITA members on themes and statements of importance for the development of a revised Bobath definition. The results of Phase 1 and 2 will inform Phase 3, a real‐time Delphi, to gain consensus within IBITA on statements on which a revised Bobath definition is to be based.
Hepatoprotective and antioxidant potential of Pycnogenol® in acetaminophen‐induced hepatotoxicity in rats
Authors: Rašković Aleksandar , Bukumirović Nina , Paut Kusturica Milica , Milić Nataša , Čabarkapa Velibor , Borišev Ivana , Čapo Ivan , Miljković Dejan , Stilinović Nebojša , Mikov Momir 
Published: December 2018

Pycnogenol® (PYC) has already being used as a food supplement and herbal medicine due to its potent antioxidant properties. The aim of the present study was to examine the protective effect of PYC on acetaminophen‐induced acute liver injury in rats. The effect of PYC on acetaminophen‐induced hepatotoxicity in rats was examined by determining biochemical parameters, in vitro antioxidant activity, histological assessment, and oxidative status in liver homogenates. The best antioxidant properties were demonstrated in methanolic extracts. Seven‐day pretreatment with PYC suppressed elevation of CYP2E1 protein expression induced by administration of toxic dose of acetaminophen. PYC at 50 mg/kg showed the ability to significantly decrease malondialdehyde (MDA) level compared with the group received acetaminophen. Xanthine oxidase (XOD) enzyme activity was significantly elevated in acetaminophen‐treated group compared with control, whereas concomitant administration of PYC in a dose of 50 mg/kg significantly reduced activity of this enzyme. Significant decrease of glutathione (GSH) hepatic content in acetaminophen‐intoxicated rats compared with the control rats was improved by concomitant administration of PYC at 50 mg/kg. Protective effect of PYC on acetaminophen‐induced acute liver injury in rats has showed the best in vitro antioxidant potential expressed in methanolic extract and consequent histological assessment and oxidative status in liver homogenates.
Investigation of the chemical structure and formation mechanism of polydopamine from self‐assembly of dopamine by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry coupled with isotope‐labelling techniques
Authors: Chan Wan 
Published: December 2018

RationaleDopamine (Dp) is one of the neurotransmitters released by the brain, and it was recently observed to undergo “self‐polymerization” to form polydopamine (polyDp) functional materials, with a poorly understood polymerization mechanism. In this study, we investigated the chemical structure of polyDp as well as the mechanism of its formation using a combination of mass spectrometric techniques for both liquid and solid‐state samples.MethodsUsing the classical combustion analyses in combination with liquid chromatography coupled with spectrophotometric and mass spectrometric (MS) techniques and a ‘bottom up’ approach, we identified the major monomer units and a spectrum of oligomeric aggregates in the reaction mixtures of self‐assembling Dp. Furthermore, the effect of the reaction medium on the structure and composition of polyDp materials was also investigated using time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF‐SIMS) analysis.ResultsA study of the MS and MS/MS spectra revealed for the first time that polyDp is partially composed of non‐covalent supramolecular aggregates with unmodified Dp (3,4‐dihydroxyphenethylamine) and oxidized Dp (dopaminechrome) as the main building blocks. This finding was further validated via a heavy isotope labelling method and a ‘top‐down’ approach in which we detected Dp and dopaminechrome monomers in the synthesized polyDp material. To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the first direct evidence demonstrating the formation mechanism and chemical structure of polyDp.ConclusionsIt is anticipated that the knowledge generated from this study will provide insight into the structure–property relationship of polyDp and assist in developing polyDp‐based material with better performance.
Intensified 5‐Ethoxymethylfurfural Production from Biomass Components over Aluminum‐Based Mixed‐Acid Catalyst in Co‐Solvent Medium
Authors: Yu Xin , Gao Xueying , Peng Lincai , He Liang , Zhang Junhua 
Published: December 2018

AbstractPresently, very few strategies are available for directly converting glucose‐like compounds to 5‐ethoxymethylfurfural (EMF), a remarkable biofuel candidate. We report here on this conversion effectively using aluminum‐based mixed‐acid catalyst in co‐solvent medium. The combination of aluminum triflate and Amberlyst‐15 exhibited an admirable synergistic catalytic effect for the one‐pot cascade conversion of glucose. Importantly, the interfusion of dimethyl sulfoxide into ethanol as co‐solvent medium can significantly promote the formation of EMF reducing the extent of side reactions. Based on this protocol, the effects of key process variables on the conversion of glucose were investigated via response surface methodology, leading to EMF in up to a 48.1% yield. The catalytic system can be separated with the reaction products and demonstrates reusability. Also, the generality of developed catalytic strategy can extended to synthesize EMF directly from glucose‐based polysaccharides, such as sucrose and starch.
Photocatalytic Performance on Visible Light Induced ZnS QDs‐MgAl Layered Double Hydroxides Hybrids for Methylene Blue Dye Degradation
Authors: Bhuvaneswari Kandasamy , Palanisamy Govindasamy , Pazhanivel Thangavelu , Bharathi Ganapathi , Nataraj Devaraj 
Published: December 2018

AbstractSemiconductor hybrids based photocatalytic reaction is one of the prominent methods to treat wastewater, containing the organic pollutants. In the present work, we report the development of ZnS QDs‐LDH hybrid structure for the photocatalytic treatment of methylene blue (MB) dye. The as‐synthesized ZnS QDs‐LDH hybrid structure was characterized by XRD, FESEM, HRTEM, EDX, XPS, and FTIR to analyze the formation, morphology and chemical structure. The UV‐Vis DRS was used to investigate the optical absorption characteristics of the ZnS QDs‐LDH hybrid. The photocatalytic performance of the as‐prepared samples was investigated against the methylene blue dye molecule under UV‐Vis light irradiation. The scavenging experiments were carried out in order to probe the radical formation by using EDTA, benzoquinone, and 2‐proponal. The cycling experiments were performed to check the stability of the ZnS QDs‐LDH hybrid photocatalyst after repeated photodegradation experiments.
Growth and Fabrication of High‐Quality Single Nanowire Devices with Radial p‐i‐n Junctions
Authors: Zhang Yunyan , Sanchez Ana M. , Aagesen Martin , Huo Suguo , Fonseka H. Aruni , Gott James A. , Kim Dongyoung , Yu Xuezhe , Chen Xingyou , Xu Jia , Li Tianyi , Zeng Haotian , Boras Giorgos , Liu Huiyun 
Published: December 2018

AbstractNanowires (NWs) with radial p‐i‐n junction have advantages, such as large junction area and small influence from the surface states, which can lead to highly efficient material use and good device quantum efficiency. However, it is difficult to make high‐quality core–shell NW devices, especially single NW devices. Here, the key factors during the growth and fabrication process that influence the quality of single core–shell p‐i‐n NW devices are studied using GaAs(P) NW photovoltaics as an example. By p‐doping and annealing, good ohmic contact is achieved on NWs with a diameter as small as 50–60 nm. Single NW photovoltaics are subsequently developed and a record fill factor of 80.5% is shown. These results bring valuable information for making single NW devices, which can further benefit the development of high‐density integration circuits.
A new actinopterygian from the Late Devonian Gogo Formation, Western Australia
Authors: Choo Brian , Lu Jing , Giles Sam , Trinajstic Kate , Long John A. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe study of early actinopterygians (ray‐finned fishes) from the Devonian has been hampered by imperfect preservation in the majority of taxa. The Late Devonian (early Frasnian) Gogo Formation of north‐western Western Australia is notable in producing complete fossil actinopterygians with exceptional three‐dimensional preservation of both the dermal and endoskeletal anatomy. Four taxa have been described and have proved invaluable in understanding the anatomy of early representatives of this clade. Here, we present a fifth Gogo taxon, based on a single exceptionally preserved specimen and representing a new genus and species of early ray‐finned fish. The neurocranium was CT scanned, permitting a detailed examination of the endocast. The new taxon possesses unusual features including a greatly enlarged spiracular opening and extensive spinose ornamentation on the dermal skull bones, median ridge scutes and lepidotrichia. The endocast displays a mosaic of characters, some of which are similar to Mimipiscis and non‐actinopterygian outgroups, while other features are more akin to Raynerius from the Late Devonian of France as well as several stratigraphically younger taxa. A phylogenetic analysis resolves the new form as sister taxon to fishes from the Late Devonian of the northern hemisphere and all post‐Devonian actinopterygians, confirming that the assemblage of fossil ray fins from the Gogo Formation is part of the wider Devonian actinopterygian radiation.
Relevance of published blood concentrations of new psychoactive substance for rational case interpretation
Authors: Welter‐Luedeke Jessica , Maurer Hans H. 
Published: December 2018

New psychoactive substances (NPS), as substitutes for classic drugs of abuse, are still very popular although the number of newly detected compounds slightly decreased in the last 2 years. Nevertheless, the number of published fatality and poisoning cases showed that they are far from harmless. The most relevant drug classes by number are synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic cathinones/phenethylamines. Synthetic opioids are the most dangerous compounds due to their potency and life‐threatening effects, such as respiratory and central depression. In contrast to pharmaceutical drugs, no clinical studies were mandatory before entering the drug market thus no information is available on their toxicity, pharmacokinetic properties as well as their effective and/or toxic concentration ranges. Published case reports may therefore be very helpful to estimate the risk of a respective NPS but only if some requirements were fulfilled. Main demands on such case reports are analytical confirmation and quantitation of the ingested NPS, screening for other potentially relevant central acting drugs and quantification, if appropriate, as well as documentation of the clinical signs, and other circumstances, such as the time between the observations and blood sampling and existing diseases and/or genetic variations. Based on the given information of as much as possible cases with the same constellation, reliable statements on effective/toxic concentration ranges should be possible.This article is categorized under:

Toxicology > New Psychoactive Substances
Toxicology > Analytical Toxicology
Toxicology > Drug Analysis
Hair analysis in forensic toxicology
Authors: Kintz Pascal 
Published: December 2018

Testing for drugs is important for most clinical and forensic toxicological situations, both for assessing the reality of the exposure/intoxication and for evaluation of the level of drug circulating in the body over a determined period of time. This review will focus on the evolution over the last three decades and the perspectives of hair analysis science. The presence of a drug analytes in a biological specimen can be used to document exposure. The standard in drug testing is the immunoassay screen, followed by chromatographic‐mass spectrometric confirmation conducted on a blood or a urine sample. In recent years, remarkable advances in sensitive analytical techniques have enabled the analysis of drugs in unconventional biological specimens such as hair. The advantages of this sample over traditional media, such as urine and blood, are obvious: collection is noninvasive, relatively easy to perform, and in forensic situations it may be achieved under close supervision of law enforcement officers to prevent adulteration or substitution. The window of drug detection is dramatically extended to weeks, months, or even years when testing hair. It appears that the value of alternative specimens analysis for the identification of drug users is steadily gaining recognition. This can be seen from its growing use in pre‐employment screening, in forensic sciences, in clinical applications and for doping control. The aim of this review is to document toxicological applications of hair analysis in various situations over the last years, focusing on major improvements, including screening of drug addicts (for ethanol, pharmaceuticals and drugs of abuse), child abuse, drug‐facilitated crimes, including sexual assaults under the influence of drug(s), doping control in sport and workplace drug testing for safety reasons. The detection of a single drug exposure in hair (doping offense, drug‐facilitated crime) will also be addressed by the author, who has more than 25 years of experience in the field. Despite late sampling or even lack of collection of traditional biological fluids, such as blood and/or urine, results for hair testing allow to document exposure to a drug.This article is categorized under:

Toxicology > Hair Toxicology
Toxicology > Toxicology in Sport
Toxicology > Post‐Mortem Toxicology
Zivilgesellschaftliches Engagement
Authors: Kausmann Corinna , Burkhardt Luise , Rump Boris , Kelle Nadiya , Simonson Julia , Tesch-Römer Clemens 
Published: December 2018

ZusammenfassungWer sind die Menschen, die innerhalb und außerhalb zivilgesellschaftlicher Organisationen engagiert sind ? Wie hoch ist der Anteil dieser Personen an der Bevölkerung ? In welchen gesellschaftlichen Bereichen sind engagierte Menschen tätig ? Im vorliegenden Kapitel werden die vorangehenden Darstellungen zivilgesellschaftlicher Organisationen (siehe Kapitel 3) um die Akteure ergänzt, die in diesen Organisationen tätig sind. So sollen zum einen die Engagementquoten im Daten- und Zeitvergleich betrachtet und zum anderen dargestellt werden, in welchen gesellschaftlichen Bereichen sich Menschen engagieren, welche regionalen Unterschiede (Bundesländer) es gibt und wie sich das Engagement zwischen Bevölkerungsgruppen (nach Altersgruppen, Geschlecht, Migrationshintergrund, Bildung und Erwerbsstatus) unterscheidet. Als spezifische Formen des Engagements sollen organisationsgebundenes und informelles Engagement, zeitintensives Engagement sowie Freiwilligendienste betrachtet werden.
Zivilgesellschaft als Arbeitsmarkt
Authors: Hohendanner Christian , Priemer Jana , Rump Boris , Schmitt Wolfgang 
Published: December 2018

ZusammenfassungIm folgenden Kapitel werden zivilgesellschaftliche Organisationen und ihr Beitrag für den Arbeitsmarkt behandelt. Neben allgemeinen Strukturen werden Entwicklungstendenzen vorgestellt. Die Ergebnisse beruhen auf den Daten des statistischen Unternehmensregisters des Statistischen Bundesamtes, dem IAB-Betriebspanel, den Erhebungen der Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft der Freien Wohlfahrtspflege, dem ZiviZ-Survey sowie auf Daten des Sportentwicklungsberichts (vgl. Kapitel 8.1).
Finanzierung der Zivilgesellschaft
Authors: Priemer Jana , Corcoran-Schliemann Bianca , Geue Daniela , Krimmer Holger , Schulz-Sandhof Karsten 
Published: December 2018

ZusammenfassungEngagierte Arbeit und Geld sind die beiden zentralen Ressourcen zivilgesellschaftlicher Organisationen. Der Faktor Arbeit lässt sich – wie in den vorangegangenen Kapiteln vorgenommen – differenzieren in bezahlte und unbezahlte, also ehrenamtlich geleistete, Arbeit. Der Faktor Geld lässt sich analog nach unterschiedlichen Finanzierungsquellen in vier Hauptgruppen differenzieren: Mitgliedsbeiträge, Spenden, selbsterwirtschaftete Mittel und Zuwendungen sowie Förderungen aus öffentlichen Quellen(vgl. Darstellung im Kasten, ZiviZ-Survey 2017, Kapitel 6.2). Letztere können insbesondere nach den föderalen Ebenen Kommune, Land und Bund weiter differenziert werden. Aber auch Mittel von der europäischen Ebene, unter anderem aus dem Europäischen Sozialfonds (ESF), und von anderen internationalen Akteuren müssen berücksichtigt werden.
Voting Theory for Two Parties Under Approval Rule
Authors: Zheng Jeffrey 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe Simple Ballot Model (SBM) and the Component Ballot Model (CBM)—are proposed for solving uncertainty in an election when two candidates gain the same number of votes under the approval rule. The SBM establishes a framework to support counting. In separating the two candidates, it is essential to extract additional information from dominantly valid votes. The CBM uses probability matrices, vectors and permutation group as components. A stable-voting mechanism under permutation invariant can be created to distinguish candidates. The result of the chapter establishes a voting authority to resolve uncertainty of two candidates under the approval rule.
Biometrics and Knowledge Management Information Systems
Authors: Zheng Jeffrey , Zheng Chris 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBiometrics and knowledge management information systems are two important fields in recent years to attract wider attentions from different social groups. This chapter explores the use of hierarchical construction linking with biometrics applications and knowledge management information systems. The key issues are discussed and a sample case of information acquisition in content-based image retrieval system has been illustrated.
Permutation and Complementary Algorithm to Generate Random Sequences for Binary Logic
Authors: Wan Jie , Zheng Jeffrey 
Published: December 2018

AbstractRandomness number generation plays a key role in network, information security, and IT applications. In this chapter, a permutation and complementary algorithm is proposed to use vector complementary and permutation operations to extend n-variable logic function space from $$ 2^{{2^{n} }} $$

2

2
n

functions to $$ 2^{{2^{n} }} \times 2^{n} ! $$

2

2
n

×

2
n

!

configurations for variant logic framework. Each configuration contains $$ 2^{{2^{n} }} $$

2

2
n

functions that can be shown in a $$ 2^{{2^{n - 1} }} \times 2^{{2^{n - 1} }} $$

2

2

n
-
1

×

2

2

n
-
1

matrix. A set of visual results can be represented by their symmetric properties in W, F, and C codes, respectively, to provide the essential support on the variant logic framework.
3D Visual Method of Variant Logic Construction for Random Sequence
Authors: Wang Huan , Zheng Jeffrey 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAs Internet security threats continue to evolve, in order to ensure information transmission security, various encrypts and decrypts have been used in channel coding and decoding of data communication. While cryptography requires a very high degree of apparent randomness, random sequences play an important role in cryptography. Both Cellular Automata (CA) and RC4 contain pseudorandom number generators and may have intrinsic properties, respectively. In this chapter, a 3D visualization model 3DVM is proposed to display spatial characteristics of the random sequences from CA or RC4 keystream. Key components of this model and core mechanism are described. Every module and their I/O parameters are discussed, respectively. A serial of logic function of CA is selected as examples to compare with some RC4 keystreams to show their intrinsic properties in three-dimensional space. Visual results are briefly analyzed to explore their intrinsic properties including similarity and difference. The results provide support to explore the RC4 algorithm by using 3D dimensional visualization tools to organize its interactive properties as visual maps.
Synchronous Property—Key Fact on Quantum Interferences
Authors: Zheng Jeffrey 
Published: December 2018

AbstractDouble-slit experiment plays a key role in Quantum Theory to distinct particle and wave interactions according to Feynman’s claims. In this chapter, double path model and variant logic principle are applied to establish a simulation system for exhaustive testing targets. Using Einstein quanta interaction, different measure quaternion structures are investigated. Under Symmetry/Anti-symmetry and Synchronous/Asynchronous interaction conditions, eight groups of statistical results are generated as eight histograms to show their distributions. From this set of simulation results, it can be recognized that the synchronous condition is the key fact to generate quantum wave interference patterns and, in addition, the asynchronous condition is the key fact to make classic particle distributions. Sample results are illustrated and explanations are discussed.
RC4 Cryptographic Sequence on Variant Maps
Authors: Yang Zhonghao , Zheng Jeffrey 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIn modern cyberspace environment, big data streams are the most important issue in people’s daily lives, each person produces a larger number of data streams every day from personal computer, cell phone, and kinds of wearable smart device. Security risks of storage and transmission of data streams may lead to personal privacy disclosure, it is important for network security to have useful tools facing challenges. Randomness testing provides useful tools to secure results of stream ciphers. Based on multiple statistical probability distributions, this chapter presents a visual scheme, variant maps, to measure a whole cryptographic sequence into multiple 1D and 2D maps. Mapping mechanism and sample cases are provided.