bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Micro and Nanofabrication of Molecularly Imprinted Polymers
Authors: Bokeloh Frank , Ayela Cédric , Haupt Karsten
Published: April 2018

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are artificial antibody mimics that offer a sophisticated tool for the selective and sensitive recognition of target molecules. These tailor-made polymers have, compared to their natural biological counterparts, a superior chemical and physical stability, and can more easily be engineered and integrated into standard industrial processes. They are therefore excellent candidates for integration into chemical sensors, biosensors and biochips. For interfacing MIPs with a transducer, modern micro- and nanofabrication methods are of great interest, since they allow a target-oriented deposition of the functional polymer. Recent developments in the field of nanostructured MIPs and nanocomposites allow not only improved highly selective target recognition but also the implementation of additional features, such as amplification of electromagnetic waves by metal nanoparticles, magnetic susceptibility or structural colours in photonic crystals. Therefore, it is not surprising that the development of MIPs increased considerable interest. The present review targets recent advances in the micro- and nanofabrication of MIPs.
What does it take to induce equilibrium in bidirectional energy transfers?
Authors: Gao Di , Aly Shawkat M. , Karsenti Paul-Ludovic , Harvey Pierre D.
Published: April 2018

Two dyads built with a co-facial slipped bis(zinc(ii)porphyrin), a free base and a bridge, [Zn2]–bridge–[Fb] (bridge = C6H4CC, 1 and C6H4CCC6H4, 2), exhibit S1 energy equilibrium [Zn2]* ↔ [Fb]* at 298 K, an extremely rare situation, which depends on the degree of MO coupling between the units.
Co-delivery of doxorubicin and pheophorbide A by pluronic F127 micelles for chemo-photodynamic combination therapy of melanoma
Authors: Zhang Chuangnian , Zhang Jimin , Qin Yibo , Song Huijuan , Huang Pingsheng , Wang Weiwei , Wang Chun , Li Chen , Wang Yanming , Kong Deling
Published: April 2018

In this work, doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded pheophorbide A (PheoA) modified Pluronic F127 (F127) micelles (DOX/F127-PheoA micelles) were developed for combined chemo-photodynamic therapy of melanoma.
Smartphone-based rapid quantification of viable bacteria by single-cell microdroplet turbidity imaging
Authors: Cui Xiaonan , Ren Lihui , Shan Yufei , Wang Xixian , Yang Zhenlong , Li Chunyu , Xu Jian , Ma Bo
Published: April 2018

Smartphone-based rapid quantification of viable bacteria by single-cell microdroplet turbidity imaging.
Highly selective preconcentration of ultra-trace amounts of lead ions in real water and food samples by dispersive solid phase extraction using modified magnetic graphene oxide as a novel sorbent
Authors: Akbarzade S. , Chamsaz M. , Rounaghi G. H.
Published: April 2018

A simple dispersive solid-phase extraction method coupled with atomic absorption spectrometry detection was developed for selective separation of ultra-trace of lead ion using graphene oxide modified such as the pseudo imprinted polymer sorbent in real samples.
Oxidative C–N fusion of pyridinyl-substituted porphyrins
Authors: Berthelot Mathieu , Hoffmann Guillaume , Bousfiha Asmae , Echaubard Julie , Roger Julien , Cattey Hélène , Romieu Anthony , Lucas Dominique , Fleurat-Lessard Paul , Devillers Charles H.
Published: April 2018

New cationic C–N fused porphyrins are synthesized under very mild conditions via chemical and electrochemical oxidation of their pyridinyl-based-porphyrin precursors.
Synthesis and luminescence of Mn-doped Cs2AgInCl6 double perovskites
Authors: K. Nila Nandha , Nag Angshuman
Published: April 2018

Mn2+ has been doped in a wide bandgap Cs2AgInCl6 double perovskite to emit light in the visible region.
Dandelion-like Co3O4 mesoporous nanostructures supported by a Cu foam for efficient oxygen evolution and lithium storage
Authors: Wang Fang , Liu Zhi-Bo , Wang Ke-Xin , Zhu Xiao-Dong , Fan Xiu-Hua , Gao Jian , Feng Yu-Jie , Sun Ke-Ning , Liu Yi-Tao
Published: April 2018

Novel dandelion-like Co3O4 mesoporous nanostructures, supported by a Cu foam, are prepared which hold great promise in the fields of energy storage and conversion.
On the measurement of intermolecular heteronuclear cross relaxation rates in ionic liquids
Authors: Martin Pierre-Alexandre , Salager Elodie , Forsyth Maria , O’Dell Luke A. , Deschamps Michaël
Published: April 2018

Intermolecular cross relaxation rates are measured in an ionic liquid electrolyte and interpreted in terms of closest distances between cations.
Origin of ligand effects on reactivities of pincer-Pd catalyzed hydrocarboxylation of allenes and alkenes with formate salts: a computational study
Authors: Lv Xiangying , Huang Fang , Wu Yan-Bo , Lu Gang
Published: April 2018

Distortion induced by R substituents on PGeP-pincer ligands is the key factor affecting the reactivity of CO2 insertion into allylpalladium and benzylpalladium intermediates.
Formation and selection of the macrocycle [{(tBuN)P(μ-NtBu)}2(μ-Se)2{P(μ-NtBu)}2]3
Authors: Plajer Alex J. , Niu Hao-Che , Rizzuto Felix J. , Wright Dominic S.
Published: April 2018

The Se-bridged PIII/PV phosphazane macrocycle [{(tBuN)PV(μ-NtBu)}2(μ-Se)2{PIII(μ-NtBu)}2]3 is obtained selectively using [Se(tBuN)P(μ-NtBu)]22− as a nucleophilic component.
Manta ray gill inspired radially distributed nanofibrous membrane for efficient and continuous oil–water separation
Authors: Li Zhengtao , Tan Carl M. , Tio Wee , Ang Jeremy , Sun Darren D.
Published: April 2018

Manta ray gill inspired super-hydrophilic membrane for efficient and continuous oil–water separation.
Aqueous phase corona discharge for the reduction of nitrate in solution
Authors: Lakhian V. , Dickson-Anderson S. E.
Published: April 2018

The capability of aqueous plasma discharge capabilities are beyond oxidative treatment to reduce nitrate ions with the addition of methanol.
C-Phycocyanin inhibits hepatic gluconeogenesis and increases glycogen synthesis via activating Akt and AMPK in insulin resistance hepatocytes
Authors: Ren Zhiheng , Xie Zhifei , Cao Danni , Gong Mufeng , Yang Lei , Zhou Zhu , Ou Yu
Published: April 2018

The mechanism of C-PC in improving glucose homoeostasis is to activate the IRS/PI3 K/Akt and SIRT1/LKB1/AMPK signaling pathway in insulin resistant hepatocytes.
Coupling organosolv fractionation and reductive depolymerization of woody biomass in a two-step catalytic process
Authors: Ouyang Xianhong , Huang Xiaoming , Hendriks Bart M. S. , Boot Michael D. , Hensen Emiel J. M.
Published: April 2018

A two-step catalytic process for woody biomass fractionation and valorization is presented.
Alumina-mediated mechanochemical method for simultaneously degrading perfluorooctanoic acid and synthesizing a polyfluoroalkene
Authors: Lv Hanqing , Wang Nan , Zhu Lihua , Zhou Yuqi , Li Wenjing , Tang Heqing
Published: April 2018

An alumina-mediated MC method to simultaneously degrade PFOA (99.4% removal) and synthesize 1-H-1-PFHp (92.5% yield) within 2.5 h.
Machine learning and data science in materials design: a themed collection
Authors: Ferguson Andrew , Hachmann Johannes
Published: April 2018

Guest Editors Andrew Ferguson and Johannes Hachmann introduce this themed collection of papers.
Lanthanide Yb/Er co-doped semiconductor layered WSe2 nanosheets with near-infrared luminescence at telecommunication wavelengths
Authors: Bai Gongxun , Yang Zhibin , Lin Huihong , Jie Wenjing , Hao Jianhua
Published: April 2018

In this work, we develop the fast deposition of centimeter-scale layered lanthanide ion Yb/Er co-doped WSe2 using pulsed laser deposition.
Anionic polymerization of activated oxetane and its copolymerization with ethylene oxide for the synthesis of amphiphilic block copolymers
Authors: Gervais Matthieu , Forens Antoine , Ibarboure Emmanuel , Carlotti Stephane
Published: April 2018

The anionic polymerization of oxetane in toluene was achieved using a combination of tetraoctylammonium bromide and simple triisobutylaluminum. By its copolymerization with ethylene oxide, di- and triblock copolymers were prepared in one and two steps respectively.
Self-assembled Mn-doped MoS2 hollow nanotubes with significantly enhanced sodium storage for high-performance sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Zheng Tian , Li Guangda , Dong Jianhong , Sun Qiaoqiao , Meng Xiangeng
Published: April 2018

Mn-Doped MoS2 hollow nanotubes as an anode exhibit an enhanced fast sodium ion transport capability and superb electrochemical properties in sodium-ion batteries.
A size-matched POM@MOF composite catalyst for highly efficient and recyclable ultra-deep oxidative fuel desulfurization
Authors: Peng Yun-Lei , Liu Jingyi , Zhang Hai-Feng , Luo Dong , Li Dan
Published: April 2018

A composite of Keggin-type phosphotungstic acid (H3PW12O40) encapsulated in sized-matched metal–organic framework UiO-67 (PW12@UiO-67) was prepared as a heterogeneous catalyst for extractive and catalytic oxidative desulfurization systems (ECODS).
Sulfur vacancy-rich CdS loaded on filter paper-derived 3D nitrogen-doped mesoporous carbon carrier for photocatalytic VOC removal
Authors: Wang Lusha , Xu Xinxin , Wang Yun , Wang Xinjiao , Shi Fa-nian
Published: April 2018

A new strategy is explored to fabricate a sulfur vacancy-rich CdS composite photocatalyst with a nitrogen-doped 3D porous carbon matrix for VOC removal.
Intrinsic quantum efficiency enhancement in well-known Ir(iii) complexes by virtue of a simple and controllable deuteriation strategy
Authors: Wang Yu , Bai Fu-Quan , Zhang Hong-Xing
Published: April 2018

A series of well-known iridium(iii) complex molecular materials are selected for a comprehensive theoretical investigation into their complete or partial ligand deuteriation products.
Theoretical studies on bridged frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) mediated H2 activation and CO2 hydrogenation
Authors: Jiang Beilei , Zhang Qi , Dang Li
Published: April 2018

DFT calculations show that H2 and CO2 activation by bridged phosphane/borane frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) experiences a one-step concerted mechanism with small reaction barriers.
Cobalt and manganese carboxylates for metal oxide thin film deposition by applying the atmospheric pressure combustion chemical vapour deposition process
Authors: Kretzschmar B. S. M. , Assim K. , Preuß A. , Heft A. , Korb M. , Pügner M. , Lampke T. , Grünler B. , Lang H.
Published: April 2018

Complexes [M(O2CCH2OC2H4OMe)2] (M = Co, Mn) were synthesized characterised regarding their thermal behaviour. They were used as precursors for deposition of rough Co3O4and smooth Mn2O3/Mn3O4thin filmsviathe CCVD process.
Accurate potential energy surfaces for the first two lowest electronic states of the Li (2p) + H2 reaction
Authors: Fu Liwei , Wang Dequan , Huang Xuri
Published: April 2018

Accurate diabatic potential energy surfaces for the Li (2p) + H2 → LiH (X) + H reaction are produced.
Detection and identification of designer drugs by nanoparticle-based NMR chemosensing
Authors: Gabrielli Luca , Rosa-Gastaldo Daniele , Salvia Marie-Virginie , Springhetti Sara , Rastrelli Federico , Mancin Fabrizio
Published: April 2018

Unknown designer drugs can be recognized by self-organized nanoparticle receptors and identified by magnetization transfer NMR.
Black phosphorus quantum dots as dual-functional electron-selective materials for efficient plastic perovskite solar cells
Authors: Fu Nianqing , Huang Chun , Lin Peng , Zhu Mingshan , Li Tao , Ye Mao , Lin Shenghuang , Zhang Guoge , Du Jun , Liu Chang , Xu Baomin , Wang Danyang , Ke Shanming
Published: April 2018

Dual-functional black phosphorus quantum dot electron selective layer was designed for plastic perovskite solar cells. The efficient electron extraction and improved perovskite film quality contributed to the reasonably high efficiency.
Hierarchical 1D nanofiber-2D nanosheet-shaped self-standing membranes for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Xiao Yingbo , Huang Jun , Xu Yazhou , Zhu Hui , Yuan Kai , Chen Yiwang
Published: April 2018

A self-standing 1D double capillary carbon nanofiber-2D NiCo2S4 nanosheet-shaped hierarchical electrode (NiCo2S4@DCCNF) is fabricated for high-performance flexible all-solid-state supercapacitors.
Graphene anchored on Cu foam as a lithiophilic 3D current collector for a stable and dendrite-free lithium metal anode
Authors: Yang Guanhui , Chen Jiadong , Xiao Peitao , Agboola Phillips O. , Shakir Imran , Xu Yuxi
Published: April 2018

GN@Cu foam serves as a lithiophilic host material for Li anode, showing dendrite-free morphology and stable performance over a wide current density range.
Environmentally friendly synthesis of flexible MOFs M(NA)2(M = Zn, Co, Cu, Cd) with large and regenerable ammonia capacity
Authors: Chen Yang , Shan Bohan , Yang Chengyin , Yang Jiangfeng , Li Jinping , Mu Bin
Published: April 2018

Two environmentally friendly and efficient synthesis methods, NH3-assisted synthesis and solvent-evaporated conversion, have been developed for the synthesis of M(NA)2(M = Zn, Co, Cu, Cd) flexible MOFs with recyclable NH3adsorption.
Dual-emission MOF⊃dye sensor for ratiometric fluorescence recognition of RDX and detection of a broad class of nitro-compounds
Authors: Fu Hong-Ru , Yan Li-Bing , Wu Nai-Teng , Ma Lu-Fang , Zang Shuang-Quan
Published: April 2018

A dual-emitting MOF-based sensor 1⊃HPTS was prepared through encapsulating the dye HPTS via an ion-exchange approach. 1⊃HPTS exhibits a broad response to nitro compounds including nitroaromatic explosives, aliphatic nitro-explosives and nitro-containing antibiotics.
MoS2–ZnO nanocomposites as highly functional agents for anti-angiogenic and anti-cancer theranostics
Authors: Chacko Levna , Poyyakkara Aswini , Kumar V. B. Sameer , Aneesh P. M.
Published: April 2018

Unlike the parent compounds, MoS2–ZnO nanocomposites exhibit anti-tumor and anti-angiogenesis properties.
A perylene diimide zwitterionic polymer for photoacoustic imaging guided photothermal/photodynamic synergistic therapy with single near-infrared irradiation
Authors: Sun Pengfei , Wang Xiaoxiao , Wang Gaina , Deng Weixing , Shen Qingming , Jiang Rongcui , Wang Wenjun , Fan Quli , Huang Wei
Published: April 2018

A biocompatible zwitterionic polymer (PDS-PDI) was designed for PAI guided synergistic PDT and PTT with single NIR light irradiation.
Location tracking for indoor VLC systems using intelligent photodiode receiver
Authors: Sheoran Shashikant , Garg Parul , Sharma Prabhat Kumar
Published: April 2018

In this study, the authors consider an indoor visible light communication (VLC) system with multiple light emitting diodes (LEDs) placed on the roof of a room. The location tracking algorithm for intelligent photo‐diode receiver (IPR) is proposed for the considered system which can rotate in both horizontal and vertical directions. The IPR can track its motion relative to its previous location and is able to calculate distance and angle at very high speed. Using IPR, the field of view (FOV) of the receiver is always made to face the LED and receive the signal normally. The algorithm for location tracking and rotation with accuracy has been analysed mathematically. Further, the switching/handoff criteria are also presented when the receiver crosses the coverage region of one LED and enters the coverage region of another LED. The authors also present the impact of FOV and rotation of receiver on the channel gain of the VLC link. Moreover, the effect of imperfect rotation of the receiver plane on the performance of the VLC system according to the location in the cell is also illustrated.
Circular configuration of perforated dielectrics for ultra‐broadband, wide‐angle, and polarisation‐insensitive monostatic/bistatic RCS reduction
Authors: Rajabalipanah Hamid , Hemmati Hossein , Abdolali Ali , Amirhosseini Mohammad Khalaj
Published: April 2018

Here, a new strategy of ultra‐broadband monostatic and bistatic radar cross‐section reduction (RCSR) was theoretically investigated. A circular configuration of perforated dielectrics, as the coating layer, was designed to have full control on the bistatic RCS signatures of flat metallic objects. Using the proposed phase cancellation method, a customised level of bistatic RCSR (BRR) as well as operating frequency bandwidth were interpretively achieved. The presented study offered a robust and straightforward RCSR technique which does not rely on conventional blind optimisations. The coating layer was capable of reducing the monostatic and BRR of >10 dB in a broad frequency range from 8.3 to 23.1 GHz (BW = 94%). The results were significantly improved compared to those of preceding researches. Besides, unlike the preceding researches, the performance of the designed coating layer was analytically justified under TE and TM polarisations of oblique incidences. A good agreement was observed between numerical simulations and theoretical predictions, confirming the polarisation‐independent feature of the designed stealth coating layer for incident angles up to . These superior performances and the flexibility of design guarantee the applicability of the proposed RCSR approach for various stealth applications.
Effect of PEI surface modification with PEG on cytotoxicity and transfection efficiency
Authors: Saqafi Batoul , Rahbarizadeh Fatemeh
Published: April 2018

Polyethylenimine (PEI) is a cationic polymer with high transfection efficiency as non‐viral gene delivery agent that exhibits promising features for gene therapy applications due to its cationic charge and thus favourable DNA‐condensing abilities; however, its high cytotoxicity restricts its application. The cellular toxicity of PEI molecules depends on their structure, molecular weight and surface charge density. To improve the properties of branched 25 kDa PEI as a non‐viral gene delivery agent, this polymer was conjugated to polyethylene glycol (PEG) molecules at three different molar ratios of 10, 20 and 30. The degree of PEG grafting was determined by 2, 4, 6‐trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid assay. The effects of various PEGylation degrees on cellular toxicity and transfection ability of PEI polymer were assessed on BT‐474 and MCF‐10A cell lines. Compared to unmodified PEI, PEG‐grafted PEI copolymers demonstrated reduced cytotoxicity, particularly at higher PEG grafting ratios. Among different PEG‐grafted PEIs, the PEG–PEI copolymer which grafted to PEG at a molar ratio of 10:1 had the highest transfection efficiency in both cell lines. The findings of this Letter showed that these PEG‐grafted PEI copolymers have desirable gene transfection efficiency and favourable biocompatibility for gene delivery.
Self‐assembled 3D NiCo2S4 nanotubes‐graphene aerogel composites as an excellent anode for Li‐ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Lixin , Wang Qi , Jiu Hongfang , Xie Chunmei , Zhang Shaomei
Published: April 2018

Three‐dimensional nickel cobalt sulphide (NiCo2S4) nanotubes‐graphene aerogel composites (NGAs) are firstly assembled by an electrostatic interaction between the diallyldimethylammonium chloride‐modified NiCo2S4 nanotubes and graphene oxide (GO) sheets, followed by a steerable hydrothermal and freeze‐drying process. The final samples are characterised by scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller. The results reveal that the NiCo2S4 nanotubes with a uniform diameter of about 200 nm tightly anchor onto the crumpled surface of graphene sheets and GO sheets self‐assemble into an interconnected porous structure. When the composites are evaluated as an anode for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), presenting an extremely admirable cycling stability (967.5 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g−1) and excellent rate capability (as high as 654.7 mAh g−1 at a large rate of at 2000 mA g−1). This work proved that the NGAs may have a great application in LIBs.
Search for trans-iron elements in hot, helium-rich white dwarfs with the HST Cosmic Origins Spectrograph
Authors: Hoyer D. , Rauch T. , Werner K. , Kruk J.W.
Published: April 2018

The metal abundances in the atmospheres of hot white dwarfs (WDs) entering the cooling sequence are determined by the preceding Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) evolutionary phase and, subsequently, by the onset of gravitational settling and radiative levitation. In this paper, we investigate three hot He-rich WDs, which are believed to result from a late He-shell flash. During such a flash, the He-rich intershell matter is dredged up and dominates the surface chemistry. Hence, in contrast to the usual H-rich WDs, their spectra allow direct access to s-process element abundances in the intershell that were synthesized during the AGB stage. In order to look for trans-iron group elements (atomic number Z > 29), we performed a non-local thermodynamic equilibrium model atmosphere analysis of new ultraviolet spectra taken with the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph aboard the Hubble Space Telescope. One of our program stars is of PG 1159 spectral type; this star, PG 1707+427, has effective temperature Teff = 85 000 K, and surface gravity logg = 7.5. The two other stars are DO white dwarfs: WD 0111+002 has Teff = 58 000 K and log g = 7.7, and PG 0109+111 has Teff = 70 000 K and log g = 8.0. These stars trace the onset of element diffusion during early WD evolution. While zinc is the only trans-iron element we could detect in the PG 1159 star, both DOs exhibit lines from Zn, Ga, Ge, Se; one additionally exhibits lines from Sr, Sn, Te, and I and the other from As. Generally, the trans-iron elements are very abundant in the DOs, meaning that radiative levitation must be acting. Most extreme is the almost six orders of magnitude oversolar abundance of tellurium in PG 0109+111. In terms of mass fraction, it is the most abundant metal in the atmosphere. The two DOs join the hitherto unique hot DO RE 0503−289, in which 14 trans-iron elements had even been identified.
Variability of the adiabatic parameter in monoatomic thermal and non-thermal plasmas
Authors: de Avillez Miguel A. , Anela Gervásio J. , Breitschwerdt Dieter
Published: April 2018

Context. Numerical models of the evolution of interstellar and integalactic plasmas often assume that the adiabatic parameter γ (the ratio of the specific heats) is constant (5/3 in monoatomic plasmas). However, γ is determined by the total internal energy of the plasma, which depends on the ionic and excitation state of the plasma. Hence, the adiabatic parameter may not be constant across the range of temperatures available in the interstellar medium.

Aims. We aim to carry out detailed simulations of the thermal evolution of plasmas with Maxwell–Boltzmann and non-thermal (κ and n) electron distributions in order to determine the temperature variability of the total internal energy and of the adiabatic parameter.

Methods. The plasma, composed of H, He, C, N, O, Ne, Mg, Si, S, and Fe atoms and ions, evolves under collisional ionization equilibrium conditions, from an initial temperature of 109 K. The calculations include electron impact ionization, radiative and dielectronic recombinations and line excitation. The ionization structure was calculated solving a system of 112 linear equations using the Gauss elimination method with scaled partial pivoting. Numerical integrations used in the calculation of ionization and excitation rates are carried out using the double-exponential over a semi-finite interval method. In both methods a precision of 10−15 is adopted.

Results. The total internal energy of the plasma is mainly dominated by the ionization energy for temperatures lower than 8 × 104 K with the excitation energy having a contribution of less than one percent. In thermal and non-thermal plasmas composed of H, He, and metals, the adiabatic parameter evolution is determined by the H and He ionizations leading to a profile in general having three transitions. However, for κ distributed plasmas these three transitions are not observed for κ < 15 and for κ < 5 there are no transitions. In general, γ varies from 1.01 to 5/3. Lookup tables of the γ parameter are presented as supplementary material.
The effect of the ionosphere on ultra-low-frequency radio-interferometric observations
Authors: de Gasperin F. , Mevius M. , Rafferty D. A. , Intema H. T. , Fallows R. A.
Published: April 2018

Context. The ionosphere is the main driver of a series of systematic effects that limit our ability to explore the low-frequency (<1 GHz) sky with radio interferometers. Its effects become increasingly important towards lower frequencies and are particularly hard to calibrate in the low signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) regime in which low-frequency telescopes operate.

Aims. In this paper we characterise and quantify the effect of ionospheric-induced systematic errors on astronomical interferometric radio observations at ultra-low frequencies (<100 MHz). We also provide guidelines for observations and data reduction at these frequencies with the LOw Frequency ARray (LOFAR) and future instruments such as the Square Kilometre Array (SKA).

Methods. We derive the expected systematic error induced by the ionosphere. We compare our predictions with data from the Low Band Antenna (LBA) system of LOFAR.

Results. We show that we can isolate the ionospheric effect in LOFAR LBA data and that our results are compatible with satellite measurements, providing an independent way to measure the ionospheric total electron content (TEC). We show how the ionosphere also corrupts the correlated amplitudes through scintillations. We report values of the ionospheric structure function in line with the literature.

Conclusions. The systematic errors on the phases of LOFAR LBA data can be accurately modelled as a sum of four effects (clock, ionosphere first, second, and third order). This greatly reduces the number of required calibration parameters, and therefore enables new efficient calibration strategies.
Portuguese vines and wines: heritage, quality symbol, tourism asset
Authors: Lavrador da Silva A. , João Fernão-Pires M. , Bianchi-de-Aguiar F.
Published: April 2018

This paper aims to showcase the value and uniqueness of Portuguese wines and wine regions. It has three independent but related parts. The first part focuses the millenary history of vines in Portugal and stresses their value for the regional and national economy. The second part focuses on the role of brands in the wine regions and wine marketing, highlighting the importance of the landscape in promotion. It is claimed that the use of landmarks can help create an identity image, useful for attracting tourism and wine advertising, being also a major asset for the Portuguese world trade of wines. Landmarks identification and promotional suggestions with landmarks related to Portuguese wine regions are presented. The third part presents a short revision of the panorama of wine tourism in Portugal and stresses the role of landscapes in its promotion. A literary route in the Douro Demarcated Region is presented by way of example.
Biocatalytic and chemical leaching of a low-grade nickel laterite ore
Authors: Ciftci Hasan , Atik Suleyman , Gurbuz Fatma
Published: April 2018

Nickel and cobalt recovery from a low-grade nickel laterite ore, supplied from Çaldağ deposit (Manisa, Turkey) were investigated by bio and chemical leaching processes. The fungus, Aspergillus niger was used for biocatalytic leaching experiments. The effects of parameters (solid ratio and sucrose concentration) on the biocatalytic leaching of the ore were initially tested in flasks to obtain the optimum conditions for the A. niger. Then chemical leaching was applied as a comparison to bioleaching, using organic acids (citric, oxalic, acetic and gluconic acids) as well as a mixture of acids. According the results, the maximum dissolution yield of nickel, cobalt and iron were detected respectively as 95.3%, 74.3% and 50.0% by biocatalytic processes which containing 25% (w/v) sucrose and 1% (w/v) solids. The increase in the solid ratio adversely influenced the biocatalytic activity of A. niger. Finally, further tests in reactors (v = 1 and 10 L) were performed using the optimum conditions from the flask tests. The difference in metals recovery between biocatalytic and chemical leaching was significantly important. Bioleaching produced higher Ni and Co extractions (34.3–75.6%) than chemical process.
Erster epileptischer Anfall im erwerbsfähigen Alter: Prognose-adaptiertes Management
Authors: Specht Ulrich , Bien Christian
Published: April 2018

Hintergrund Die Frage des angemessenen Managements nach einem ersten epileptischen Anfall verursacht nicht selten Unsicherheit. Dies betrifft vier Themenbereiche: die Diagnostik; die Einschätzung des Rezidivrisikos; die Beratung des Patienten bezüglich einer antiepileptischen Pharmakotherapie sowie deren weiterer ärztlicher Begleitung; und die sozialmedizinische Bewertung (Fahreignung, berufliche Eignung).

Methodik Zusammenfassung der relevanten Datenlage zu diesen Themenfeldern und daraus abgeleitete Empfehlungen zum praktischen Umgang mit ersten epileptischen Anfällen im erwerbsfähigen Alter.

Ergebnis Nach der Klärung, ob es sich um einen epileptischen Anfall gehandelt hat, dient die Diagnostik einerseits dazu, akut-symptomatische und potenziell behandlungsbedürftige Ursachen zu erkennen, andererseits zur Abschätzung des Rezidivrisikos. Dieses hängt weniger davon ab, ob eine Epilepsie diagnostiziert werden kann. Risikoerhöhend sind vielmehr – auch additiv – das Vorliegen folgender Merkmale: epilepsietypische Aktivität im EEG, bildgebender Nachweis einer Hirnläsion, zerebrale Vorerkrankung oder Auftreten des Anfalls aus dem Schlaf. Je höher das Rezidivrisiko, desto stärker scheint der rezidivprophylaktische Effekt einer antiepileptischen Pharmakotherapie zu sein und desto eher wird man dafür optieren. Die Entscheidung hierüber wird gemeinsam mit dem Patienten getroffen unter Berücksichtigung seiner Präferenzen und seiner sozialen Situation (z. B. Angewiesensein auf die Fahreignung, berufliche Besonderheiten). In der weiteren Begleitung kommt der Sicherung der Adhärenz eine entscheidende Rolle zu. Für die Frist bis zur Wiedererlangung der Fahreignung und der Eignung, bestimmte berufliche Tätigkeiten (wieder) auszuüben, gibt es verbindliche Regelungen.
Fallbericht einer steroidsensitiven, mit Mycoplasma pneumoniae assoziierten, schweren Autoimmunenzephalitis beim Erwachsenen
Authors: Hildebrand Jacob , Sliwka Ulrich
Published: April 2018

Ein 51-jähriger Patient wird uns mit rechtshemisphärisch betontem, enzephalitischem Syndrom mit Somnolenz, Apathie, Hemiparese links und Dysarthrie vorgestellt. Zuvor war der Patient stationär bis 2 Tage vorher wegen einer Mykoplasmenpneumonie behandelt worden, die zur Aufnahme bei uns klinisch wie laborchemisch ausbehandelt war. Im Voraufenthalt war ein durchgeführtes cMRT ohne pathologischen Befund. Das cMRT bei uns bildete eine enzephalitische Läsionslast im Marklager beidseits und links betont ab. Im Liquor war eine Eiweißerhöhung auf 78,8 mg/dl bei 13 Zellen/µl vorhanden. Im Verlauf trafen positive IgG-ASIs für Mycoplasma pneumoniae-Antikörper sowie schwach positiven Antikörpern für Borrelien IgM bei negativen Borrelien ASIs und sonst nicht pathologischer Antikörperserologie ein. Der Patient kam mit einer gerade abgeschlossenen Doxycyclintherapie. Eine dreitätige Cortisonstoßtherapie mit 1 g Methylprednisolon erbrachte eine deutliche Beschwerdebesserung, weshalb sie auf 6 Tage Gesamtdauer verlängert wurde. Eine anschließende, pragmatische Therapie mit Ceftriaxon brachte keine weitere Besserung. Leider wurden nicht ausreichend viele der zu dem Zeitpunkt bekannten Autoimmunenzephalitis-Antikörper bei diesem Patienten angefordert. Drei Monate nach Aufnahme bei uns zeigen sich nur noch minimale Läsionen im cMRT im Kern der vorher erheblichen betroffenen Areale. Der Patient wurde anschließend stationär rehabilitiert und ist jetzt wieder in seinem alten handwerklichen Beruf tätig. Die deutliche klinische Besserung unter Steroidgabe spricht für eine Autoimmunenzephalitis. Eine konkurrierende Diagnose ist eine akute, disseminierte Enzephalomyelitis (ADEM). Bemerkenswert ist die Assoziation mit einer Mykoplasmenpneumonie und entsprechender intrathekaler Antikörpersynthese gegen Mykoplasmen. Nach unserem Wissen wäre dies die erste beschriebene mit Mycoplasma pneumoniae assoziierte Autoimmunenzephalitis des Erwachsenen.
Respiratory Instability and Hypoxemia Episodes in Preterm Infants
Authors: Claure Nelson , Bancalari Eduardo
Published: April 2018

Oxygenation instability is a very common problem in the premature infant that manifests as intermittent hypoxemia episodes (HEs). These are particularly frequent in premature infants who are on mechanical ventilation beyond the first weeks after birth. However, they can also occur in spontaneously breathing infants. Some of these episodes are due to central apnea, but in ventilated infants, they are frequently due to contractions of the abdominal musculature that can splint the respiratory pump, resulting in periods of decreased lung volume and hypoventilation. HEs are often followed by periods of hyperoxemia that results from excessive oxygen supplementation given to correct the hypoxemia. These episodes increase in frequency with postnatal age and are more common in infants with chronic lung disease. Although the evidence is not conclusive, their detrimental effects on the infant's neurologic, ocular, and respiratory system may be significant. There is no specific treatment for HEs, but several interventions are available to ameliorate the severity and duration of the episodes. Further research is needed to define the impact of HEs on the preterm infant's developing central nervous system and other organ systems and to develop effective strategies to prevent these episodes.
New Ventilator Strategies: High-Frequency Oscillatory Ventilation Combined with Volume Guarantee
Authors: González-Pacheco N. , Belik J. , Santos M. , Tendillo F. , Sánchez-Luna M.
Published: April 2018

High-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) has been proposed as an alternative method of invasive ventilation in immature infants to prevent ventilator lung injury. To better control the size of the high-frequency tidal volume and to prevent large tidal volumes, a new strategy of controlling the tidal volume during HFOV (VThf) has been developed, HFOV–volume guarantee (VG). Data from preclinical, neonatal animal studies in normal and surfactant-depleted lungs have demonstrated the feasibility of this technique to directly control the VThf in the normal compliance and low compliance situations. Different I:E ratios also can modify the effect of CO2 washout during HFOV combined with VG in a different way as without the VG modality. Finally, clinical use of this technique in newborn infants has demonstrated the possibility of using very high frequency combined with constant very low VThf to decrease the risk of lung trauma related to the ventilator.
Respiratory Support in Bronchiolitis: Trial Evidence
Authors: Cunningham Steve
Published: April 2018

Acute viral lower respiratory tract infection is frequently associated with hypoxemia and respiratory distress, sometimes progressing to hypercarbia and respiratory failure. In recent years, trials have assessed the effects of oxygen supplementation and respiratory support with high-flow oxygen therapy. An oxygen saturation target of 90% is as safe and clinically effective as 94% in infants with bronchiolitis. Trials of high-flow humidified oxygen have demonstrated safety, but as yet poorly demarcated an appropriate place for use within the clinical course of the disease. Effective trials of continuous positive airway pressure are lacking and urgently required. The trials reported to date have highlighted the need for common outcomes in relation to treatment failure.
Surgery for Congenital Heart Disease: Improvements in Outcomes
Authors: Jonas Richard , Martin Gerard
Published: April 2018

Cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease has changed dramatically since the first surgery in 1938. During the early era, children underwent surgery at older ages often with palliative procedures before their corrective operation. Not surprisingly, in the early era, there was considerably higher early and late mortality, including the additive risks of having more than one procedure and a long period of living with an unphysiological palliated circulation. Over time with advances in noninvasive diagnosis, surgical approach, cardiopulmonary bypass techniques, and team-based care, outcomes have improved. Children now undergo corrective surgery at a younger age and have fewer palliative procedures. Short-term outcome as measured by the commonly used metric “procedural early mortality” (i.e., death before hospital discharge or less than 30 days following a surgical procedure) is now as low as 1 or 2% for many low-to-moderate complexity procedures. Late outcomes have also improved with long-term survival of hospital survivors for simple lesions being close to population controls. Late outcomes for more complex defects still show diminishing survival relative to a control population. Examination of the causes of death provides insights into areas in which clinical improvements may further improve the outlook for children with complex congenital heart disease.
Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Therapy for Respiratory Complications of Extreme Prematurity
Authors: Thébaud Bernard
Published: April 2018

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia remains the main complication of extreme preterm birth. Research over the past 10 years suggests the potential for stem cell-based therapies to prevent and/or restore organ damage in extreme preterm infants. Mesenchymal stromal cells, in particular, have advanced as the forerunner among various cell therapies based on very promising preclinical studies in animal models of neonatal lung injury. Early phase clinical trials are now underway to determine the safety and feasibility of this cell therapy in preterm infants at risk of developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia. This review will summarize the current rationale for testing mesenchymal stromal cells in this patient population and highlight the gaps in our knowledge to safely harness the full repair potential of cell-based therapies.
Patterns of Complex Carpal Injuries in the Hand from Fireworks
Authors: Ng Zhi , Shamrock Alan , Chen David , Dodds Seth , Chim Harvey
Published: April 2018

Purpose To describe the various patterns of complex carpal and metacarpal fracture dislocations observed in a consecutive series of firework injuries and the operative management performed.

Materials and Methods We performed a retrospective study of seven consecutive patients (six males; mean age = 22 ± 13, range, 8–39 years) who presented to a level I trauma center with firework injuries to the hand between July 2014 and January 2016.

Results All injuries were sustained while a lighted firework was held in the hand. The mean length of hospital stay was 13.9 ± 13.8 (range, 4–46) days with an average of 3 ± 2.6 (range, 1–7) surgeries required for both bony and soft tissue reconstruction. Three patterns of injury were seen: type I—no carpal involvement; type II—carpometacarpal joint (CMCJ) dislocations and isolated carpal dislocations; type III—CMCJ dislocations with axial carpal dissociation. One patient had a type I injury, three had a type II injury, and three had a type III injury. Of patients with a type III injury, two of the three had simultaneous axial-radial and axial-ulnar involvement as well as a midcarpal dissociation with divergent dissociation of the carpus and metacarpals.

Conclusion The severity of carpal injuries resulting from fireworks is highly variable but is likely to follow predictable patterns due to the position of the hand and the location of the firework prior to explosion. Surgical reconstruction can be challenging, but adequate outcomes with a functional hand can be achieved through a systematic approach.

Type of Study/Level of Evidence Therapeutic level IV.
Axilladissektion verliert weiter an Bedeutung
Authors: Krome Susanne
Published: April 2018

Die Sentinel-Node-Biopsie (SLNB) hat die vollständige axilläre Lymphknotenaus-räumung (ALND) in der risikoadaptierten Therapieplanung abgelöst. Die SLNB weist eine hohe Staginggenauigkeit und geringe interventionsassoziierte Morbidität auf. Unsicherheit besteht darüber, welche klinisch nodal negativen Patientinnen mit positiven SLN aus therapeutischer Indikation eine ALND erhalten sollten. Ein aktuelles Review stellt jetzt einen Algorithmus für das Therapiemanagement vor.
Posthoc-Analyse der ASSURE-Studie ohne Überlebensvorteil
Authors: Krome Susanne
Published: April 2018

Eine ASSURE-Substudie (Adjuvant Sorafenib or Sunitinib for Unfavourable Renal Carcinoma) untersuchte den Outcome von Hochrisiko-Patienten mit primär reseziertem klarzelligen Nierenzellkarzinom unter einer Therapie mit den VEGF-Tyrosinkinase-Inhibitoren (VEGF-TKI) Sunitinib oder Sorafenib im Vergleich zu Placebo. Eine Verlängerung des krankheitsfreien und Gesamtüberlebens nach fünf Jahren Follow-up wurde nicht erzielt. Die Rationale für eine adjuvante Therapie bei der Population bleibt damit unklar, so das Fazit der Autoren.
Extrakranielle Stereotaxie statt chirurgischer Resektion?
Authors: Alexander Kretzschmar
Published: April 2018

Ältere Patienten mit operablem nicht kleinzelligem Bronchialkarzinom (NSCLC) profitieren von einer extrakraniellen Stereotaxie (Stereotactic Body RadioTherapy; SBRT) mehr als von einer chirurgischen Resektion. In einem großen retrospektiven Propensity-gematchten und altersstratifizierten Vergleich von Patienten aus der US National Cancer Database (n = 27 200) verzeichneten die Patienten nach SBRT eine signifikant niedrigere Mortalität 30 und 90 Tage nach der Intervention (p < 0,001). Die Unterschiede waren am größten bei Patienten > 70 Jahre.
Size-asymmetrical Lennard-Jones solid solutions: Interstitials and substitutions
Authors: Guo Ziwei , Kindt James T.
Published: April 2018

We present simulation studies of solid solutions formed upon compression of mixtures of Lennard-Jones particles with diameter ratios 2:1 and 3:1. Grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) and Gibbs-Duhem integration were used to determine the compositions of coexisting solid and liquid phases at several pressures and fixed temperature. Concentrations of small particles dissolved in interstitial sites of the large-particle lattice, under liquid-solid coexistence conditions, were determined directly from GCMC simulations. Indirect methods were used to calculate levels of small particles dissolved substitutionally, either singly or in plural, with the average number of small solutes occupying a lattice site vacated by a large particle increasing with higher pressure. In the cases studied, the fraction of small solutes occupying these substitutional sites was found to be small (2% or lower, depending on the mixture and conditions), but to stay roughly constant with increasing pressure. Structural and dynamic characteristics of the solid solutions are described and compared with reported characteristics of the related interstitial solid solution formed by hard spheres.
Design of a patterned nanostructure array using a nanosecond pulsed laser
Authors: Yoshida Yutaka , Ohnishi Ko , Matsuo Yasutaka , Watanabe Seiichi
Published: April 2018

For design the patterned nanostructure array (PNSA) on material surface using a nanosecond pulsed laser, we investigated the influence of phase shift between scattered lights on silicon (Si) substrate using 30-nm-wide gold lines (GLs) spacings. At a spacing of 5,871 nm, ten nanodot (ND) arrays were formed at intervals of 533 nm by nanosecond pulsed laser. The results show that the formation of the PNSA was affected by the resonance of scattered light. We conclude that ND arrays were formed with a spacing of Λ = nλ. And we have designed PNSA comprising two ND arrays on the substrate. The PNSA with dimensions of 1,600 nm × 1,600 nm was prepared using GLs.
Diet of the critically endangered woylie (Bettongia penicillata ogilbyi) in south-western Australia
Authors: Zosky Kerry L. , Wayne Adrian F. , Bryant Kate A. , Calver Michael C. , Scarff Fiona R.
Published: April 2018

To assist the management of the critically endangered woylie (Bettongia penicillata ogilbyi), a quantitative study of its diet was conducted across five of the larger subpopulations in south-western Australia. There was a close match between dietary composition established from foregut contents and faecal pellets. Woylies were predominantly mycophagous in all subpopulations, but consumed a broad diet including invertebrates, seeds and other plant material. Individuals in a high-density, fenced subpopulation ate significantly less fungi than free-ranging animals from lower-density subpopulations. Dietary composition did not vary significantly amongst subpopulations in the Upper Warren region, where a range of population densities was observed. Altogether, 79 fungal spore classes were identified, including at least 15 genera from 14 families. Sampling across one year showed that fungi made up a larger fraction of the diet in autumn or winter, and greater diversities of fungi were consumed at these times than at other times of year. This information is essential to provide valuable ecological context for effective population management of woylies, as well as identification and conservation of important habitats.
Influences: Childhood, boyhood, and youth
Authors: Miller Christopher
Published: April 2018

Miller recounts the distinct influences that Gilbert Ling and Efraim Racker had on his early career.