bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Night Sleep Duration and Risk of Incident Anemia in a Chinese Population: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Liu Xiaoxue , Song Qiaofeng , Hu Wanning , Han Xiaochen , Gan Jianhui , Zheng Xiang , Wang Xizhu , Wu Shouling
Published: February 2018

The purpose was to study the association between sleep duration and the prevalence of anemia in Chinese people. There were 84,791 participants (men: 79.1%; women: 20.9%) aged 18–98 years in the prospective study. We divided the participants into five categories based on the individual sleep duration: ≤5 h, 6 h, 7 h(reference), 8 h, and ≥9 h. Anemia was defined based on hemoglobin <12 g/dL for men and <11 g/dL for women. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess the association between sleep duration and anemia. During median follow-up of 7.9 years, 2698 cases of anemia had occurred. The HRand (95% CI) of anemia (7 h as the reference group) for individuals reporting ≤5 h, 6 h, 8 h, and ≥9 h were 1.23(1.04–1.45), 1.26(1.11–1.44), 1.04(0.92–1.16) and 1.42(1.08–1.86), respectively. It showed that there was a significant interaction on the risk of anemia between sleep duration and sex in the secondary analysis (p < 0.001).The significant association between long sleepduration and anemia was found in women (HR, 2.29; 95% CI, 1.56–3.37), not in men(HR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.60–1.34). Both short and long night sleep duration were associated with increased risk of anemia.
Use of Ultrasonic Device in Cervical and Thoracic Laminectomy: a Retrospective Comparative Study and Technical Note
Authors: Chen Yu , Chang Zhengqi , Yu Xiuchun , Song Ruoxian , Huang Weimin
Published: February 2018

Multilevel severe compressive myelopathy is a challenging disorder for the surgeons, the aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of a newly designed ultrasonic burr as an assistant tool to the ultrasonic scalpel in laminectomy for this disease. This is a retrospective comparative study, the included subjects were patients who received cervical and thoracic laminectomy using ultrasonic device (LUD, n = 9, 10 surgeries) and controls with the high-speed burr (LHB, n = 16). Fifteen patients (60.0%) showed severe cord occupancy and the average number of laminae operated was 3.5. Ultrasonic devices caused less blood loss (P = 0.02) and quicker operative time per level (P < 0.001) than LHB, and was associated with more operated laminae (P = 0.04). Preoperative JOA scores (P = 0.51), improvement rate (P = 0.47), and dural injury (P = 0.51) were not related to LUD. Our experience indicates ultrasonic devices are safe and effective for laminectomy treating multilevel and severe compressive myelopathy, the instrument could be used with ease especially for cases with ossified posterior longitudinal ligament and ossification of the ligamentum flavum, proper utility of the instrument is crucial to prevent complications.
Association between sea lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) infestation on Atlantic salmon farms and wild Pacific salmon in Muchalat Inlet, Canada
Authors: Nekouei Omid , Vanderstichel Raphael , Thakur Krishna , Arriagada Gabriel , Patanasatienkul Thitiwan , Whittaker Patrick , Milligan Barry , Stewardson Lance , Revie Crawford W.
Published: February 2018

Growth in salmon aquaculture over the past two decades has raised concerns regarding the potential impacts of the industry on neighboring ecosystems and wild fish productivity. Despite limited evidence, sea lice have been identified as a major cause for the decline in some wild Pacific salmon populations on the west coast of Canada. We used sea lice count and management data from farmed and wild salmon, collected over 10 years (2007–2016) in the Muchalat Inlet region of Canada, to evaluate the association between sea lice recorded on salmon farms with the infestation levels on wild out-migrating Chum salmon. Our analyses indicated a significant positive association between the sea lice abundance on farms and the likelihood that wild fish would be infested. However, increased abundance of lice on farms was not significantly associated with the levels of infestation observed on the wild salmon. Our results suggest that Atlantic salmon farms may be an important source for the introduction of sea lice to wild Pacific salmon populations, but that the absence of a dose response relationship indicates that any estimate of farm impact requires more careful evaluation of causal inference than is typically seen in the extant scientific literature.
Identification of microRNAs involved in lipid biosynthesis and seed size in developing sea buckthorn seeds using high-throughput sequencing
Authors: Ding Jian , Ruan Chengjiang , Guan Ying , Krishna Priti
Published: February 2018

Sea buckthorn is a plant of medicinal and nutritional importance owing in part to the high levels of essential fatty acids, linoleic (up to 42%) and α-linolenic (up to 39%) acids in the seed oil. Sea buckthorn can produce seeds either via the sexual pathway or by apomixis. The seed development and maturation programs are critically dependent on miRNAs. To understand miRNA-mediated regulation of sea buckthorn seed development, eight small RNA libraries were constructed for deep sequencing from developing seeds of a low oil content line ‘SJ1’ and a high oil content line ‘XE3’. High-throughput sequencing identified 137 known miRNA from 27 families and 264 novel miRNAs. The potential targets of the identified miRNAs were predicted based on sequence homology. Nineteen (four known and 15 novel) and 22 (six known and 16 novel) miRNAs were found to be involved in lipid biosynthesis and seed size, respectively. An integrated analysis of mRNA and miRNA transcriptome and qRT-PCR identified some key miRNAs and their targets (miR164d-ARF2, miR168b-Δ9D, novelmiRNA-108-ACC, novelmiRNA-23-GPD1, novelmiRNA-58-DGAT1, and novelmiRNA-191-DGAT2) potentially involved in seed size and lipid biosynthesis of sea buckthorn seed. These results indicate the potential importance of miRNAs in regulating lipid biosynthesis and seed size in sea buckthorn.
Holocene geochemical footprint from Semi-arid alpine wetlands in southern Spain
Authors: García-Alix Antonio , Jiménez-Espejo Francisco J. , Jiménez-Moreno Gonzalo , Toney Jaime L. , Ramos-Román María J. , Camuera Jon , Anderson R. Scott , Delgado-Huertas Antonio , Martínez-Ruiz Francisca , Queralt Ignasi
Published: February 2018

Here we provide the geochemical dataset that our research group has collected after 10 years of investigation in the Sierra Nevada National Park in southern Spain. These data come from Holocene sedimentary records from four alpine sites (ranging from ∼2500 to ∼3000 masl): two peatlands and two shallow lakes. Different kinds of organic and inorganic analyses have been conducted. The organic matter in the bulk sediment was characterised using elemental measurements and isotope-ratio mass spectrometry (EA-IRMS). Leaf waxes in the sediment were investigated by means of chromatography with flame-ionization detection and mass spectrometry (GC-FID, GC-MS). Major, minor and trace elements of the sediments were analysed with atomic absorption (AAS), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), as well as X-ray scanning fluorescence. These data can be reused by environmental researchers and soil and land managers of the Sierra Nevada National Park and similar regions to identify the effect of natural climate change, overprinted by human impact, as well as to project new management policies in similar protected areas.
An open repository for single-cell reconstructions of the brain forest
Authors: Akram Masood A. , Nanda Sumit , Maraver Patricia , Armañanzas Rubén , Ascoli Giorgio A.
Published: February 2018

NeuroMorpho.Org was launched in 2006 to provide unhindered access to any and all digital tracings of neuronal morphology that researchers were willing to share freely upon request. Today this database is the largest public inventory of cellular reconstructions in neuroscience with a content of over 80,000 neurons and glia from a representative diversity of animal species, anatomical regions, and experimental methods. Datasets continuously contributed by hundreds of laboratories worldwide are centrally curated, converted into a common non-proprietary format, morphometrically quantified, and annotated with comprehensive metadata. Users download digital reconstructions for a variety of scientific applications including visualization, classification, analysis, and simulations. With more than 1,000 peer-reviewed publications describing data stored in or utilizing data retrieved from NeuroMorpho.Org, this ever-growing repository can already be considered a mature resource for neuroscience.
The osteoimmunomodulatory property of a barrier collagen membrane and its manipulation via coating nanometer-sized bioactive glass to improve guided bone regeneration
Authors: Chen Zetao , Chen Lingling , Liu Runheng , Lin Yixiong , Chen Shoucheng , Lu Shifeier , Lin Zhengmei , Chen Zhuofan , Wu Chengtie , Xiao Yin
Published: February 2018

Barrier membranes with nano-sized bioceramic coating can modulate the osteoimmune responses to stimulate osteogenesis.
Lipopeptidomimetics derived from teixobactin have potent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Girt Georgina C. , Mahindra Amit , Al Jabri Zaaima J. H. , De Ste Croix Megan , Oggioni Marco R. , Jamieson Andrew G.
Published: February 2018

A series of lipopeptidomimetics derived from teixobactin have been developed with antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus.
Unraveling the effects of amino acid substitutions enhancing lipase resistance to an ionic liquid: a molecular dynamics study
Authors: Zhao Jing , Frauenkron-Machedjou Victorine Josiane , Fulton Alexander , Zhu Leilei , Davari Mehdi D. , Jaeger Karl-Erich , Schwaneberg Ulrich , Bocola Marco
Published: February 2018

The key properties affecting lipase resistance towards an ionic liquid are uncovered through a molecular dynamics study.
Gut : liver : brain axis: the microbial challenge in the hepatic encephalopathy
Authors: Mancini Andrea , Campagna Francesca , Amodio Piero , Tuohy Kieran M.
Published: February 2018

Gut microbiota modulation to restore proper gut : brain axis communications and reduce cirrhosis associated symptoms and HE progression.
Electrochemical synthesis of 1,2,4-triazole-fused heterocycles
Authors: Ye Zenghui , Ding Mingruo , Wu Yanqi , Li Yong , Hua Wenkai , Zhang Fengzhi
Published: February 2018

A reagent-free electrochemical synthesis of valuable 1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-a]pyridines and related heterocycles was developed.
Biofabrication of multifunctional nanocellulosic 3D structures: a facile and customizable route
Authors: Greca Luiz G. , Lehtonen Janika , Tardy Blaise L. , Guo Jiaqi , Rojas Orlando J.
Published: February 2018

We demonstrate a facile route for bacteria-based fabrication of 3D-shaped, hollow nanocellulosic objects and the new horizons enabled are also explored.
Safer cables based on advanced materials with a self-healing technique that can be directly powered off and restored easily at any time
Authors: Xu Tingting , Chu Meilin , Wu Yinben , Liu Jiahuan , Chi Bo , Xu Hong , Wan Mimi , Mao Chun
Published: February 2018

A self-healing conductive hydrogel can be used as part of a cable in order for it to be powered off or restored at any time.
Building expanded structures from tetrahedral DNA branching elements, RNA and TMV protein
Authors: Wenz Nana L. , Piasecka Sylwia , Kalinowski Matthäus , Schneider Angela , Richert Clemens , Wege Christina
Published: February 2018

A combination of chemical and enzymatic ligations plus self-assembly of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV)-like particles leads to novel nucleoprotein structures.
Fine structure of excitons and electron–hole exchange energy in polymorphic CsPbBr3single nanocrystals
Authors: Ramade Julien , Andriambariarijaona Léon Marcel , Steinmetz Violette , Goubet Nicolas , Legrand Laurent , Barisien Thierry , Bernardot Frédérick , Testelin Christophe , Lhuillier Emmanuel , Bramati Alberto , Chamarro Maria
Published: February 2018

Electron–hole exchange energy,J, rules the exciton fine structure splittings in CsPbBr3single nanocrystals.
Photoconductivity enhancement and charge transport properties in ruthenium-containing block copolymer/carbon nanotube hybrids
Authors: Lo Kin Cheung , Hau King In , Chan Wai Kin
Published: February 2018

The charge transport properties of block polymer/carbon nanotube hybrids were studied by experimental/theoretical approaches and application of vigorous statistical models.
The nano heat effect of replacing macro-particles by nano-particles in drop calorimetry: the case of core/shell metal/oxide nano-particles
Authors: Yakymovych A. , Kaptay G. , Flandorfer H. , Bernardi J. , Schwarz S. , Ipser H.
Published: February 2018

Difference in the enthalpy effect by replacing micro- by nano-sized particles in drop calorimetry.
Photobleaching dynamics in small molecule vs. polymer organic photovoltaic blends with 1,7-bis-trifluoromethylfullerene
Authors: Garner Logan E. , Nellissery Viswanathan Vinila , Arias Dylan H. , Brook Colin P. , Christensen Steven T. , Ferguson Andrew J. , Kopidakis Nikos , Larson Bryon W. , Owczarczyk Zbyslaw R. , Pfeilsticker Jason R. , Ramamurthy Praveen C. , Strauss Steven H. , Boltalina Olga V. , Braunecker Wade A.
Published: February 2018

C60(CF3)2 stabilizes OPV donors toward photodegradation.
α,β-Unsubstitutedmeso-positioning thienyl BODIPY: a promising electron deficient building block for the development of near infrared (NIR) p-type donor–acceptor (D–A) conjugated polymers
Authors: Squeo Benedetta M. , Gregoriou Vasilis G. , Han Yang , Palma-Cando Alex , Allard Sybille , Serpetzoglou Efthymis , Konidakis Ioannis , Stratakis Emmanuel , Avgeropoulos Apostolos , Anthopoulos Thomas D. , Heeney Martin , Scherf Ullrich , Chochos Christos L.
Published: February 2018

Development of new ultra low bandgap (Eoptg < 1 eV) π-conjugated D–A polymers consisting of α,β-unsubstitutedmeso-positioning thienyl BODIPY.
Target-guided screening of fragments (TGSOF) in the discovery of inhibitors against EV-A71 3C protease
Authors: Fu Shengjun , Nie Quandeng , Ma Yuying , Song Ping , Ren Xuejiao , Luo Cheng , Shang Luqing , Yin Zheng
Published: February 2018

Target-guided screening of fragments (TGSOF) was developed and employed in the identification of EV-A71 3C protease (3Cpro) inhibitors.
Reactive force-field molecular dynamics study on graphene oxide reinforced cement composite: functional group de-protonation, interfacial bonding and strengthening mechanism
Authors: Hou Dongshuai , Yang Tiejun , Tang Jinhui , Li Shaochun
Published: February 2018

Carboxyl deprotonation contributes to COO–Ca connection, which reinforces the interfacial cohesive strength between GO and C–S–H.
Crystallomycin revisited after 60 years: aspartocins B and C
Authors: Tyurin Anton P. , Alferova Vera A. , Paramonov Alexander S. , Shuvalov Maxim V. , Malanicheva Irina A. , Grammatikova Natalia E. , Solyev Pavel N. , Liu Shaowei , Sun Chenghang , Prokhorenko Igor A. , Efimenko Tatyana A. , Terekhova Larisa P. , Efremenkova Olga V. , Shenkarev Zakhar O. , Korshun Vladimir A.
Published: February 2018

Archived sample contains Ca2+-dependent lipopeptides active against Gram-positive bacteria; conformers of aspartocin B in DMSO solution were studied by 2D NMR.
Catalytic degradation of phenols by recyclable CVD graphene films
Authors: Yoo Je Min , Park Baekwon , Kim Sang Jin , Choi Yong Seok , Park Sungmin , Jeong Eun Hye , Lee Hyukjin , Hong Byung Hee
Published: February 2018

This communication proposes the use of monolayer CVD graphene as a novel metal-free catalyst for degradation of phenols.
Facile synthesis of polyamide 6 (PA6)-based thermoplastic elastomers with a well-defined microphase separation structure by melt polymerization
Authors: Yuan Ruchao , Fan Shuo , Wu Dequn , Wang Xueli , Yu Jianyong , Chen Lijun , Li Faxue
Published: February 2018

A facile melt polymerization method for polyamide-6 based thermoplastic elastomers with a well-defined microphase separation structure is proposed.
The effect of the embedded o-carborane ligand on the photophysical properties of a cyclometalated Pt(ii) complex: a theoretical investigation
Authors: Zhang Yu , Zhang Zhi-Xiang , Wang Yu , Li Hui , Bai Fu-Quan , Zhang Hong-Xing
Published: February 2018

The embedded o-carborane ligands will have an impact on the photophysical properties and quantum efficiency of these highly efficient blue phosphorescent materials.
Synthesis of trans-disubstituted-2,3-dihydrobenzofurans by a formal [4 + 1] annulation between para-quinone methides and sulfonium salts
Authors: Zhi Ying , Zhao Kun , von Essen Carolina , Rissanen Kari , Enders Dieter
Published: February 2018

An efficient protocol for the synthesis of trans-disubstituted-2,3-dihydrobenzofurans through [4 + 1] annulation of para-quinone methides with sulfonium salts has been developed.
Sorption of cationic malachite green dye on phytogenic magnetic nanoparticles functionalized by 3-marcaptopropanic acid
Authors: Ali Imran , Peng Changsheng , Ye Tong , Naz Iffat
Published: February 2018

Phytogenic magnetic nanoparticles (PMNPs) fabricated fromFraxinus chinensisRoxb. leaves extract were functionalized by 3-mercaptopropionic acid (3-MPA) for the removal of toxic dye malachite green (MG) from aqueous solutions.
Organic/inorganic self-doping controlled crystallization and electronic properties of mixed perovskite solar cells
Authors: Bu Tongle , Liu Xueping , Chen Rui , Liu Ziwen , Li Kunpeng , Li Wangnan , Peng Yong , Ku Zhiliang , Huang Fuzhi , Cheng Yi-Bing , Zhong Jie
Published: February 2018

Self-doping of organic/inorganic species of a mixed perovskite and its effect on crystallization and electrical properties are discussed, and an optimized PCE over 19% is realized.
High-performance solution-processable flexible and transparent conducting electrodes with embedded Cu mesh
Authors: Han Seolhee , Chae Yoonjeong , Kim Ju Young , Jo Yejin , Lee Sang Seok , Kim Shin-Hyun , Woo Kyoohee , Jeong Sunho , Choi Youngmin , Lee Su Yeon
Published: February 2018

Well-defined and highly conductive Cu mesh transparent electrodes are prepared by a vacuum-free solution process.
Selective Synthesis of [60]Fullerene Multiadducts through Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) Mediated Reactions
Authors: Zhang Hao , Li Yanbang , Gan Liangbing
Published: February 2018

4-Methylpiperidine (MePi) reacts with C60 in the presence of DCC to form C60(MePi)4(DCC). The DCC moiety in the C60 derivative facilitates facile replacement reactions with thiols and phenols to form pentathiolyl derivatives C60(RS)5(H) and benzofuran-containing C60 derivatives such as C60(MePi)2(OC6H4), respectively.
A Convenient Synthesis of Tetrasubstituted Pyrazoles from Nitrile Imines and 2-(Thioxothiazolidin-5-ylidene)acetates
Authors: Yavari Issa , Taheri Zohreh , Naeimabadi Maryam , Bahemmat Samira , Halvagar Mohammad
Published: February 2018

Alkyl 2-(3-alkyl-4-oxo-2-thioxothiazolidin-5-ylidene)acetates react with hydrazonoyl chlorides in the presence of triethylamine to ­afford tetrasubstituted pyrazole derivatives. Formally, this transformation is regarded as a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of the exocyclic carbon–carbon double bond of the thioxothiazolidine derivatives with nitrile imines generated in situ. This efficient method provides fast access to a range of structurally diverse pyrazoles. The structure of a typical product is confirmed by X-ray crystallography.
Visible Light Promotes Decyanation Esterification Reaction of β-Ketonitriles with Dioxygen and Alcohols to α-Ketoesters
Authors: Guo Cheng , Xu Chen , Zhang Nan-Nan , Li Xiao-ji , Ge Yan-qin , Diao Pin-hui
Published: February 2018

A green and mild method has been developed for the conversion of β-ketonitriles into α-ketoesters under catalyst-free conditions. A plausible mechanism is that visible light promotes singlet oxygen generation to form the products through oxidative C–H bond functionalization and C–C σ-bond cleavage.
Socioeconomic Factors Affecting Discharge Status of Patients with Uncomplicated Transsphenoidal Adenohypophysectomy
Authors: Villwock Jennifer , Sykes Kevin , Chamoun Roukoz , Beahm D. , Hamill Chelsea
Published: February 2018

Objectives The number of transsphenoidal adenohypophysectomies (TSAs) surgeries has grown significantly since 1993. While there has been an overall decreasing trend in length of stay (LOS), socioeconomic factors may impact hospitalization. This study explores the impact of socioeconomic factors on LOS and total charges in uncomplicated patients undergoing TSA.

Design Retrospective cohort.

Setting 2009 to 2013 Nationwide Inpatient Sample.

Participants Patients undergoing TSA without medical complications.

Main Outcomes Measures LOS and total charges.

Results A total of 6,457 patients were identified, of which 17.2% had secreting tumors. Patients with secreting tumors stayed 2.95 days versus those with nonsecreting tumors stayed 3.26 days (p < 0.001). Discharge to other than self-care was the largest contributing variable for both subsets, increasing both LOS and total charges. Patient factors that drove longer LOS and increased total charges for both subsets included metropolitan domicile, having a lower median income, Hispanic ethnicity, and having an increased amount of Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) comorbidity indices. Having private insurance predicted a shorter LOS and lower total charges.

Conclusions These results demonstrate that, even without complications, patients can be delayed in their discharge. While several socioeconomic factors significantly predict LOS and charges, the discharge disposition ultimately has the greatest effect. This suggests that efforts should focus on improving organizational factors such as coordination with social work and outside facilities to decrease LOS and charges for this patient population.
Nudging-Maßnahmen im Bereich Ernährung zur Prävention von Übergewicht und Adipositas bei Kindern und Jugendlichen
Authors: Holzmann S. L. , Bieringer A. , Hauner H. , Holzapfel C.
Published: February 2018

Übergewicht und Adipositas im Kindes- und Jugendalter haben sich in den letzten Jahrzehnten zunehmend zu einer Herausforderung für das Gesundheitssystem und die Gesellschaft entwickelt. Der wachsende Außer- Haus-Verzehr von hoch prozessierten Lebensmitteln, bedingt durch deren Omnipräsenz, ist mit einer gesteigerten Energieaufnahme assoziiert. Es handelt sich um eine komplexe Ernährungsumwelt, in der Essensentscheidungen oft auf Gewohnheit und Intuition basieren, nicht aber bewusst und kontrolliert getroffen werden. Präventionsstrategien bei Übergewicht und Adipositas adressieren entweder das Verhalten des Individuums (=Verhaltensprävention) per se oder die Verhältnisse, in denen das Individuum lebt (=Verhältnisprävention). Im Bereich der Verhältnisprävention von Übergewicht und Adipositas gewann in den letzten Jahren der sogenannte “nudging”-Ansatz (“Verhaltensstupser”) an Bedeutung. Das Prinzip “Nudging” wird häufig in ernährungsassoziierten Kontexten eingesetzt. In Deutschland existieren bisher nur wenige Präventionsprogramme, die den verhältnispräventiven Ansatz gegen Übergewicht und Adipositas bei Kindern und Jugendlichen adressieren. Gerade in den Settings “Kindergarten” und “Schule” besteht die Möglichkeit, im Rahmen von einfachen Modifikationen der bestehenden Ernährungsumwelt durch sog. “Stupser” gesundheitsförderliche Auswahlroutinen zu etablieren. Für eine Evidenzbegründung von “Nudging”-Maßnahmen fehlen derzeit noch randomisiert-kontrollierte Studien.
Fruchtbarkeitserhalt nicht GKV-finanziert
Authors: Bubenzer Rainer
Published: February 2018

Eine Krebserkrankung junger Menschen verändert ihren Lebensweg zumeist mehr als in der hektischen Phase während der initialen Tumordiagnose und -therapieplanung angenommen wird. Eine der oft übersehenen Therapiefolgen ist die therapiebedingte ungewollte Kinderlosigkeit der jungen Menschen. Diese wird spätestens schmerzhaft deutlich, wenn die Betroffenen mit ihrer Familienplanung beginnen möchten, wie bei einer Pressekonferenz der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Hämatologie und Medizinische Onkologie (DGHO) deutlich wurde. Dabei gibt es, da waren sich alle anwesenden Experten aus Onkologie und Endokrinologie/Sterilitätsmedizin einig, gut etablierte und standardisierte Methoden zur Erhaltung der Fruchtbarkeit durch Konservierung und Einlagerung von Keimzellen oder Keimgewebe, in manchen Fällen auch durch spezielle Operationsverfahren. Diese Vorsorge würde es vielen medizinisch geheilten KrebspatientInnen ermöglichen, im Verlauf ihres späteren Lebens Kinder zu bekommen.
Werte schöpfen mit Lean Healthcare – Ein erfolgsträchtiger Ansatz in
Reha-Kliniken
Authors: Beyer Stefan
Published: February 2018

Trotz der gesellschaftlichen Bedeutung und der positiven Effekte der Rehabilitation stehen die
Rehabilitations-Kliniken vor verschiedenen – zum Teil existenziellen – Herausforderungen, auf die die
Klinikbetreiber zur Erhaltung ihrer Wettbewerbsfähigkeit reagieren müssen.

Der Artikel verfolgt die Fragestellung, ob die in der Industrie und im Dienstleistungsgewerbe etablierten
Ansätze des Lean Managements geeignet sind, um die Prozesse der Reha-Kliniken unter den wettbewerbsrelevanten
Kriterien Qualität und Wirtschaftlichkeit zu verbessern. Der Beitrag stellt die fünf wesentlichen Schritte des
Lean Managements dar und entwickelt auf dieser Grundlage ein strukturiertes Vorgehenskonzept für die
Reha-Branche. Dabei werden auch zentrale Werkzeuge wie die Modellierung von Behandlungspfaden, die Einführung
einer wertschöpfungsorientierten Prozesskostenrechnung und die Entwicklung eines am Kundenwert und der
Wirtschaftlichkeit ausgerichteten Prozesscontrollings erörtert. Der entwickelte methodische Ansatz
verdeutlicht, dass es sich beim Lean Management um ein geeignetes Werkzeug handelt, mit dem der
Leistungserbringungsprozess in Reha-Kliniken im Rahmen eines langfristigen Entwicklungsprozesses produktiv und
rentabel gestaltet werden kann. Dies setzt aber unabdingbar ein positives Zusammenwirken von
Prozessveränderung, Führung und Unternehmenskultur voraus.
Combination of Metformin and Lifestyle Intervention for Antipsychotic-Related Weight Gain: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Zheng Wei , Zhang Qing-E , Cai Dong-Bin , Yang Xin-Hu , Ungvari Gabor , Ng Chee , Wu Ren-Rong , Xiang Yu-Tao
Published: February 2018

Introduction Weight gain is a common antipsychotic (AP)-related adverse drug reaction (ADR) that can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and premature mortality. This meta-analysis examined the efficacy and tolerability of combining metformin and lifestyle intervention for AP-related weight gain in schizophrenia.

Methods Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with meta-analyzable data were searched and retrieved by 2 independent investigators. RevMan software (version 5.3) was used to synthesize data, and to calculate the standardized or weighted mean differences and risk ratio with their 95% confidence intervals.

Results Six RCTs (n=732) were included and meta-analyzed. The metformin and lifestyle combination (MLC) group had significant reduction in weight and body mass index compared with the metformin group, lifestyle group, and placebo group. There was less frequent weight gain of≥7% in the MLC group over placebo. No other group differences in ADRs, total psychopathology, and all-cause discontinuation were found. In terms of study quality, 5 RCTs were open-labelled, 1 RCT had low risk allocation concealment, and 3 RCTs specifically described randomization methods.

Conclusion Combining metformin and lifestyle intervention shows significant effect in reducing AP-related weight gain. Higher quality and larger RCTs are needed to confirm these findings.

Review registration: CRD42017059198
DNA Methylation Profiling in a Neuroblastoma Cell Line Exposed to the Antipsychotic Perospirone
Authors: Murata Yui , Bundo Miki , Sunaga Fumiko , Kasai Kiyoto , Iwamoto Kazuya
Published: February 2018

Introduction Accumulating evidence suggests the importance of epigenetic changes in the brain induced by antipsychotic drugs. However, due to the lack of systematic investigation, their effects on epigenetic status remain largely unclear. During the course of examining the epigenetic effects of antipsychotics, we here focused on perospirone, an atypical antipsychotic drug mainly used in Japan.

Methods Genomic DNA was obtained from human neuroblastoma cells exposed to 2 different doses of perospirone. Comprehensive DNA methylation analysis was performed using the Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip.

Results Of about 470,000 probes, perospirone exposure changed DNA methylation at 4098 probes. These probes were enriched to genes for neural development. Probes showing hypermethylation were mainly found at gene body and intergenic regions, whereas those that showed hypomethylation were located near promoter regions. Additionally, DNA methylation changes were found in the probes for dopamine receptor 2 and serotonin receptor (HTR) 2A and HTR1A, which are the pharmacological targets of atypical antipsychotics.

Discussion Our comprehensive DNA methylation analyses will contribute to a better understanding of detailed pharmacological actions of perospirone.
Mesoscopic study of miscible nanoflow instabilities
Authors: Zargartalebi Mohammad , Azaiez Jalel
Published: February 2018

Nanofluids have recently been introduced as a remedy to control flow instability. The complex behavior of nanoparticles under different hydrodynamic and thermodynamic conditions makes the modeling and predictions of the process complicated, and such an erratic nature entails the carefully scrutinized analysis of hydrodynamic movement and deposition of nanoparticles. In this study, the effects of nanoparticles on instability are examined using the lattice Boltzmann approach. The flow geometry is a porous medium consisting of regularly arranged disks, and the adopted mesoscopic model accounts for heat transfer effects as well as nanoparticle deposition. A new probabilistic model has been proposed for particle deposition to better predict the behavior of nanoparticles. It is shown that nanoparticles behave differently at various viscous regimes and the instability is controlled by physical and chemical properties of the nanoparticles. The study also reveals some interesting behavior of nanoparticles at different sizes and surface potentials which directly affect the instability. Furthermore, thermal induced instabilities show how nanoparticles behave differently at various temperatures.
Influence of organic composition of biomass waste on biochar yield, calorific value, and specific surface area
Authors: Cheng Xu , Wang Biao
Published: February 2018

The complexity of biomass waste makes it difficult to study the effects of individual constituents on the yield and properties of the pyrolysis product (biochar). In this work, rice husk, bamboo sawdust, coffee residue, and tea leaf were selected for biochar production by a two-step pyrolysis process. To assess the effects of organic composition, ash-free values were applied for comparison. The results showed that different organic compositions of biomass waste had distinct influences on the biochar yield, calorific value, and specific surface area. Extractives contributed little to the biochar yield and calorific value, but their distribution states in the biomass waste affected the specific surface area of the biochar. High lignin content favored a high biochar yield and calorific value, but it did not have a substantial influence on the specific surface area of the biochar. Cellulose was the main factor that determined the specific surface area of the biochar. These results suggest that a desired biochar can be obtained by pyrolysis of a suitable biomass waste. Biomass waste with higher lignin and lower extractive contents is recommended for biochar with higher yield or higher calorific value, while for the application as the absorbent, pyrolysis of biomass waste with a high cellulose content is preferred.
Algebraic motion of vertically displacing plasmas
Authors: Pfefferlé D. , Bhattacharjee A.
Published: February 2018

The vertical motion of a tokamak plasma is analytically modelled during its non-linear phase by a free-moving current-carrying rod inductively coupled to a set of fixed conducting wires or a cylindrical conducting shell. The solutions capture the leading term in a Taylor expansion of the Green's function for the interaction between the plasma column and the surrounding vacuum vessel. The plasma shape and profiles are assumed not to vary during the vertical drifting phase such that the plasma column behaves as a rigid body. In the limit of perfectly conducting structures, the plasma is prevented to come in contact with the wall due to steep effective potential barriers created by the induced Eddy currents. Resistivity in the wall allows the equilibrium point to drift towards the vessel on the slow timescale of flux penetration. The initial exponential motion of the plasma, understood as a resistive vertical instability, is succeeded by a non-linear “sinking” behaviour shown to be algebraic and decelerating. The acceleration of the plasma column often observed in experiments is thus concluded to originate from an early sharing of toroidal current between the core, the halo plasma, and the wall or from the thermal quench dynamics precipitating loss of plasma current.
Acceleration of ions and neutrals by a traveling electrostatic wave
Authors: Lee K. H. , Lee L. C. , Wong A. Y.
Published: February 2018

We propose a new scheme for accelerating a weakly ionized gas by externally imposing a sinusoidal electrostatic (ES) potential in a tubular system. The weakly ionized gas consists of three fluid components: neutral hydrogen fluid (H), positively charged fluid (H+), and negatively charged fluids (H− and/or e−), as an example. The sinusoidal ES potential is imposed on a series of conductive meshes in the tubular system, and its phase varies with time and space to mimic a traveling ES wave. The charged fluids are trapped and accelerated by the sinusoidal ES potential, while the neutral fluid is accelerated through neutral-ion collisions. The neutral fluid can be accelerated to the wave phase velocity in a few neutral-ion collision times. The whole device remains charge-neutral, and there is no build-up of space charge. The acceleration scheme can be applied to, for example, the propulsion of glider in the air, partially ionized plasma in a chamber, spacecraft, and wind tunnel.
Degenerate pressure driven self-gravito-acoustic solitary waves in a self-gravitating degenerate quantum plasma system
Authors: Mamun A. A.
Published: February 2018

A general (but realistic) self-gravitating degenerate quantum plasma system (SG-DQPS) containing inertialess degenerate electron species, inertial degenerate light, and heavy ion/nucleus species is considered to examine the possibility for the existence of degenerate pressure driven self-gravito-acoustic (DPD-SGA) solitary waves (SWs) formed in such a SG-DQPS. The pseudo-potential approach, which is valid for the arbitrary amplitude DPD-SGA SWs, is employed. It is found that depending on the value of the number density of heavy ion/nucleus species, the SG-DQPS under consideration supports the existence of positive or the coexistence of positive and negative DPD-SGA SWs. The basic features (polarity, amplitude, and width) of both positive and negative DPD-SGA SWs are found to be significantly modified by the dynamics of heavy ion/nucleus species. The theoretical investigation presented here is so general that it can be applied not only in astrophysical SG-DQPSs (such as white dwarf and neutron star SG-DQPSs), but also in laboratory SG-DQPSs (viz., solid density and laser-produced SG-DQPSs) to identify the salient features of the DPD-SGA SWs formed in them.
Vortex dynamics in superconducting transition edge sensors
Authors: Ezaki S. , Maehata K. , Iyomoto N. , Asano T. , Shinozaki B.
Published: February 2018

The temperature dependence of the electrical resistance (R-T) and the current-voltage (I-V) characteristics has been measured and analyzed in a 40 nm thick Ti thin film, which is used as a transition edge sensor (TES). The analyses of the I-V characteristics with the vortex-antivortex pair dissociation model indicate the possible existence of the Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless (BKT) transition in two-dimensional superconducting Ti thin films. We investigated the noise due to the vortices' flow in TESs. The values of the current noise spectral density in the TESs were estimated by employing the vortex dynamics caused by the BKT transition in the Ti thin films. The estimated values of the current noise spectral density induced by the vortices' flow were in respectable agreement with the values of excess noise experimentally observed in the TESs with Ti/Au bilayer.
Electronic band structure and carrier concentration of formamidinium–cesium mixed cation lead mixed halide hybrid perovskites
Authors: Prathapani Sateesh , Bhargava Parag , Mallick Sudhanshu
Published: February 2018

The electronic structure of hybrid perovskite compositions of FA0.83 Cs0.17 PbI3−xBrx (x = 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5) is determined using ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) and UV–Vis–NIR absorption spectroscopy. With the help of UPS, ionization potential and Fermi energy are determined, and using absorption measurements, bandgap values are obtained. It is observed that for FA0.83 Cs0.17 PbI3−xBrx, as the Br content increases, the bandgap increases. The UPS measurements confirm the n-type nature of all compositions. Additionally, the Hall measurements were carried out for the selected compositions and the n-type carrier concentrations were determined.
A new time of flight mass spectrometer for absolute dissociative electron attachment cross-section measurements in gas phase
Authors: Chakraborty Dipayan , Nag Pamir , Nandi Dhananjay
Published: February 2018

A new time of flight mass spectrometer (TOFMS) has been developed to study the absolute dissociative electron attachment (DEA) cross section using a relative flow technique of a wide variety of molecules in gas phase, ranging from simple diatomic to complex biomolecules. Unlike the Wiley-McLaren type TOFMS, here the total ion collection condition has been achieved without compromising the mass resolution by introducing a field free drift region after the lensing arrangement. The field free interaction region is provided for low energy electron molecule collision studies. The spectrometer can be used to study a wide range of masses (H− ion to few hundreds atomic mass unit). The mass resolution capability of the spectrometer has been checked experimentally by measuring the mass spectra of fragment anions arising from DEA to methanol. Overall performance of the spectrometer has been tested by measuring the absolute DEA cross section of the ground state SO2 molecule, and the results are satisfactory.
High improvement in trap level density and direct current breakdown strength of block polypropylene by doping with a β-nucleating agent
Authors: Zhang Chong , Zha Jun-Wei , Yan Hong-Da , Li Wei-Kang , Dang Zhi-Min
Published: February 2018

Polypropylene is one kind of eco-friendly insulating material, which has attracted more attention for use in high voltage direct current (HVDC) insulation due to the long-distance transmission, low loss, and recyclability. In this work, the morphology and thermal and electrical properties of the block polypropylene with various β-nucleating agent (β-NA) contents were investigated. The relative fraction of the β-crystal can reach 64.7% after adding 0.05 wt. % β-NA. The β-NA also greatly reduced the melting point and improved the crystallization temperature. The electrical property results showed that the alternating and direct current breakdown strength and conduction current were obviously improved. In addition, space charge accumulation was significantly suppressed by introducing the β-NA. This work provides an attractive strategy of design and fabrication of polypropylene for HVDC application.
Particle-in-cell modeling of the nanosecond field emission driven discharge in pressurized hydrogen
Authors: Levko Dmitry , Yatom Shurik , Krasik Yakov E.
Published: February 2018

The high-voltage field-emission driven nanosecond discharge in pressurized hydrogen is studied using the one-dimensional Particle-in-Cell Monte Carlo collision model. It is obtained that the main part of the field-emitted electrons becomes runaway in the thin cathode sheath. These runaway electrons propagate the entire cathode-anode gap, creating rather dense (∼1012 cm−3) seeding plasma electrons. In addition, these electrons initiate a streamer propagating through this background plasma with a speed ∼30% of the speed of light. Such a high streamer speed allows the self-acceleration mechanism of runaway electrons present between the streamer head and the anode to be realized. As a consequence, the energy of runaway electrons exceeds the cathode-anode gap voltage. In addition, the influence of the field emission switching-off time is analyzed. It is obtained that this time significantly influences the discharge dynamics.
Enhanced in-plane and out-of-plane photonic spin Hall effect via surface plasmon resonance
Authors: Qin Zirui , Liu Qinggang , Liu Chao , Yue Chong , Lang Yaopu
Published: February 2018

In this paper, the impacts of surface plasmon resonance on the photonic spin Hall effect (PSHE), both in-plane (parallel to the plane of incidence) and out-of-plane (perpendicular to the plane of incidence), are investigated theoretically. The expressions of the spatial and angular shifts of the in-plane and out-of-plane spin splitting for the p-polarized Gaussian beam reflected from dielectric-metal film interface are derived. These shifts under different metal film thicknesses are calculated as a function of the angle of incidence. The simulation results reveal that both of the in-plane and out-of-plane PSHE are significantly enhanced when surface plasmons are strongly excited. The largest spatial in-plane photonic spin splitting (IPPSS) shift can reach 13.499 μm under the optimal parameter conditions. It is almost up to its upper limitation (half of the waist of the incident beam) and larger than the values reported previously. The largest angular IPPSS shift can be up to 2.462 × 10−3 rad that is almost equal to half of the divergence angle of the incident beam in our system. It is also found that the directions of spin accumulation and spatial propagation of photons in both in-plane and out-of-plane can be switched by slightly adjusting the angle of incidence or film thickness under certain conditions. The findings may provide a new way for photon manipulation and open another possibility for the development of new nanophotonic devices.
Swimming in the sea: chemotaxis by marine bacteria
Authors: Seymour Justin R , Raina Jean-Baptiste
Published: February 2018

Like many organisms, bacteria regularly inhabit environments characterised by spatiotemporal heterogeneity in the availability of resources required for growth and energy generation, meaning they must either tune their metabolism to prevailing conditions or have the capacity to migrate to favourable microenvironments1. To achieve the latter, bacteria measure their resource landscape and suitably direct their locomotion using a behaviour called chemotaxis, which is the ability to guide movement up or down chemical gradients. The capacity to perform chemotaxis is widespread across the bacterial domain, although most of our understanding of this phenotype is derived from enteric bacteria2,3. In the ocean, marine bacteria are often motile4, and in fact capable of much higher swimming speeds5 and chemotactic precision6 than these enteric models for chemotaxis2. Here we discuss the underlying motives and purposes for bacterial chemotaxis in the ocean, by noting that marine bacteria experience a surprisingly heterogeneous chemical seascape7,8, whereby chemotaxis can provide substantial fitness advantages and even influence large-scale processes including marine ecosystem productivity, biogeochemical cycling and disease.
Knowing and telling: how African-Australians living with chronic hepatitis B understand hepatocellular carcinoma risk and surveillance
Authors: Allard Nicole , Emery Jon , Cowie Benjamin , Furler John
Published: February 2018

African-Australians have a high prevalence of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and an increased risk of liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma, HCC) at a younger age than other affected groups living with CHB. The prevention of HCC-related mortality is possible with timely diagnosis of CHB, regular monitoring including liver cancer surveillance and appropriate treatment with antiviral therapy. Currently, little is known about how African-Australians living with CHB understand their condition, their risk of liver cancer and the need for regular monitoring. There were 19 semi-structured interviews conducted with African-Australians who have CHB. The interviews explored the participants’ knowledge of CHB, their perceptions of future health risks and experiences and understanding of healthcare. The three major themes identified in the analysis were (i) the risks to physical health including liver cancer, (ii) risks to social and emotional wellbeing from diagnosis and disclosure and (iii) the fear and worry associated with being infectious. The understanding of risk and mitigation of that risk was framed by their understanding of health, ageing, as well as participants’ educational background and faith. Our findings show the importance of engagement with the broader social and emotional effects of CHB by clinicians and services, and can assist in developing interventions to increase participation in healthcare, including liver cancer surveillance.
Sleep and stress hormone responses to training and competition in elite female athletes
Authors: O'Donnell Shannon , Bird Steve , Jacobson Gregory , Driller Matthew
Published: February 2018

Stress hormone and sleep differences in a competition versus training setting are yet to be evaluated in elite female team‐sport athletes. The aim of the current study was to evaluate salivary cortisol and perceptual stress markers during competition and training and to determine the subsequent effects on sleep indices in elite female athletes. Ten elite female netball athletes (mean ± SD; age: 23 ± 6 years) had their sleep monitored on three occasions; following one netball competition match (MATCH), one netball match simulation session (TRAIN), and one rest day (CONTROL). Perceived stress values and salivary cortisol were collected immediately pre‐ (17:15 pm) and post‐session (19:30 pm), and at 22:00 pm. Sleep monitoring was performed using wrist actigraphy assessing total time in bed, total sleep time (TST), efficiency (SE%), latency, sleep onset time and wake time. Cortisol levels were significantly higher (p < .01) immediately post MATCH compared with TRAIN and CONTROL (mean ± SD; 0.700 ± 0.165, 0.178 ± 0.127 and 0.157 ± 0.178 μg/dL, respectively) and at 22:00 pm (0.155 ± 0.062, 0.077 ± 0.063, and 0.089 ± 0.083 μg/dL, respectively). There was a significant reduction in TST (−118 ± 112 min, p < .01) and SE (−7.7 ± 8.5%, p < .05) following MATCH vs. TRAIN. Salivary cortisol levels were significantly higher, and sleep quantity and quality were significantly reduced, following competition when compared to training and rest days.