bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of porcine milk oligosaccharides over lactation between primiparous and multiparous female pigs
Authors: Wei Jinhua , Wang Zhuo A. , Wang Bing , Jahan Marefa , Wang Zhongfu , Wynn Peter C. , Du Yuguang
Published: March 2018

Milk oligosaccharides (MOs) are complex carbohydrates with multifunctional health benefits for the neonate. Poor reproductive performance in primiparous gilts limits their productivity. Changes in the structure and abundance of porcine MO (PMOs) through lactation with parity remains unknown and may explain superior new-born growth in litters from multiparous sows relative to gilts. We report 55 PMOs structures, of which 25 are new (17 sialylated and 8 neutral). Their incidence in gilt and sow colostrum was almost identical (53 vs. 54), but not in transitional milk (48 vs. 53) nor mature milk (41 vs. 47). These PMOs including neutral-, sialyl- and fucosyl- MOs in colostrum were more abundant in the gilt than the sow, but always decreased during lactation. Structural diversity decreased, although fucosylated MO were conserved. In conclusion, high diversity and levels of MO in porcine milk is parity dependent. Given the similarity between porcine and human MO profiles, our findings may help define key roles for MOs as potential dietary additives to improve growth of neonates from first pregnancies in both human and sows.
PIBF+ extracellular vesicles from mouse embryos affect IL-10 production by CD8+ cells
Authors: Pallinger Eva , Bognar Zoltan , Bogdan Agnes , Csabai Timea , Abraham Hajnalka , Szekeres-Bartho Julia
Published: March 2018

Earlier evidence suggests, that the embryo signals to the maternal immune system. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are produced by all types of cells, and because they transport different kinds of molecules from one cell to the other, they can be considered as means of intercellular communication. The aim of this work was to test, whether the embryo is able to produce sufficient amounts of EVs to alter the function of peripheral lymphocytes. Embryo-derived EVs were identified by their Annexin V biding capacity, and sensitivity to Triton X dependent lysis, using flow cytometry. Transmission electron microscopy was used to detect EVs at the implantation site. Progesterone-induced blocking factor (PIBF) expression in embryo-derived EVs was demonstrated with immuno-electron microscopy. The % of IL-10 + murine lymphocytes was determined by flow cytometry. EVs were present in embryo culture media, but not in empty media. Mouse embryo-derived EVs adhere to the surface of both CD4+ and CD8+ murine peripheral T lymphocytes, partly, via phosphatidylserine binding. The number of IL-10+ murine peripheral CD8+ cells increases in the presence of embryo-derived EVS, and this effect is counteracted by pre-treatment of EVs with an anti-PIBF antibody, suggesting that the embryo communicates with the maternal immune system via EVs.
Association between localized geohazards in West Texas and human activities, recognized by Sentinel-1A/B satellite radar imagery
Authors: Kim Jin-Woo , Lu Zhong
Published: March 2018

West Texas’ Permian Basin, consisting of ancient marine rocks, is underlain by water-soluble rocks and multiple oil-rich formations. In the region that is densely populated with oil producing facilities, many localized geohazards, such as ground subsidence and micro-earthquakes, have gone unnoticed. Here we identify the localized geohazards in West Texas, using the satellite radar interferometry from newly launched radar satellites that provide radar images freely to public for the first time, and probe the causal mechanisms of ground deformation, encompassing oil/gas production activities and subsurface geological characteristics. Based on our observations and analyses, human activities of fluid (saltwater, CO2) injection for stimulation of hydrocarbon production, salt dissolution in abandoned oil facilities, and hydrocarbon extraction each have negative impacts on the ground surface and infrastructures, including possible induced seismicity. Proactive continuous and detailed monitoring of ground deformation from space over the currently operating and the previously operated oil/gas production facilities, as demonstrated by this research, is essential to securing the safety of humanity, preserving property, and sustaining the growth of the hydrocarbon production industry.
Species Level Description of the Human Ileal Bacterial Microbiota
Authors: Villmones Heidi Cecilie , Haug Erik Skaaheim , Ulvestad Elling , Grude Nils , Stenstad Tore , Halland Adrian , Kommedal Øyvind
Published: March 2018

The small bowel is responsible for most of the body’s nutritional uptake and for the development of intestinal and systemic tolerance towards microbes. Nevertheless, the human small bowel microbiota has remained poorly characterized, mainly owing to sampling difficulties. Sample collection directly from the distal ileum was performed during radical cystectomy with urinary diversion. Material from the ileal mucosa were analysed using massive parallel sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Samples from 27 Caucasian patients were included. In total 280 unique Operational Taxonomic Units were identified, whereof 229 could be assigned to a species or a species group. The most frequently detected bacteria belonged to the genera Streptococcus, Granulicatella, Actinomyces, Solobacterium, Rothia, Gemella and TM7(G-1). Among these, the most abundant species were typically streptococci within the mitis and sanguinis groups, Streptococcus salivarius, Rothia mucilaginosa and Actinomyces from the A. meyeri/odontolyticus group. The amounts of Proteobacteria and strict anaerobes were low. The microbiota of the distal part of the human ileum is oral-like and strikingly different from the colonic microbiota. Although our patient population is elderly and hospitalized with a high prevalence of chronic conditions, our results provide new and valuable insights into a lesser explored part of the human intestinal ecosystem.
Cell density overrides the effect of substrate stiffness on human mesenchymal stem cells’ morphology and proliferation
Authors: Venugopal Balu , Mogha Pankaj , Dhawan Jyotsna , Majumder Abhijit
Published: March 2018

Cell–cell interactionviasubstrate deformation in turn modifies cellular response to substrate rigidity.
Small molecule activation of nitriles coordinated to the [Re6Se8]2+ core: formation of oxazine, oxazoline and carboxamide complexes
Authors: Chin Colleen P. , Ren YiXin , Berry Joan , Knott Stanley A. , McLauchlan Craig C. , Szczepura Lisa F.
Published: March 2018

Lewis acidic properties of the rhenium selenide core lead to the formation of cluster complexes containing novel heterocyclic rings.
Top-gated black phosphorus phototransistor for sensitive broadband detection
Authors: Liu Changlong , Wang Lin , Chen Xiaoshuang , Zhou Jing , Tang Weiwei , Guo Wanlong , Wang Jin , Lu Wei
Published: March 2018

This work developed a novel detection technique that provides enhanced performance across the infrared and terahertz bands by using an antenna-assisted top-gated black phosphorus phototransistor. The antenna-assisted near-field and dark current can be further tailored electromagnetically and electrostatically by employing a gate finger, thus resulting in improved detection efficiency.
Facile synthesis of highly disperse Ni–Co nanoparticles over mesoporous silica for enhanced methane dry reforming
Authors: Das Subhasis , Sengupta Manideepa , Bag Arijit , Shah Mumtaj , Bordoloi Ankur
Published: March 2018

A synergistic approach was made to develop a highly stable and carbon resistant catalyst system based on cobalt and nickel supported over modified mesoporous silica for the dry reforming of methane (DRM).
Facile and cost-effective growth of a highly efficient MgCo2O4 electrocatalyst for methanol oxidation
Authors: Jadhav Harsharaj S. , Roy Animesh , Thorat Gaurav M. , Seo Jeong Gil
Published: March 2018

MgCo2O4 nanorods show superior electrochemical performance when used as an electrocatalyst for methanol electrooxidation.
Protective effects of a nanoemulsion adjuvant vaccine (2C-Staph/NE) administered intranasally against invasiveStaphylococcus aureuspneumonia
Authors: Yang Liu-yang , Zhou Heng , Yang Yun , Tong Ya-nan , Peng Liu-sheng , Zhu Bao-hang , Diao Wei-bo , Zeng Hao , Sun Hong-wu , Zou Quan-ming
Published: March 2018

Intranasal administration with 2C-Staph/NE yielded strong mucosal response than that induced by the intramuscular vaccination route.
Molecular shape as a means to control the incidence of the nanostructured twist bend phase
Authors: Pocock Emily E. , Mandle Richard J. , Goodby John W.
Published: March 2018

The synthesis of a family of unsymmetrical liquid crystalline bimesogens reveals the influence of molecular shape in the formation twist-bend modulated phases.
Effects of ammonolysis and of sol–gel titanium oxide nitride coating on carbon fibres for use in flexible supercapacitors
Authors: Zhang Junxian , Hector Andrew L. , Soulé Samantha , Zhang Qinghua , Zhao Xin
Published: March 2018

Smooth titanium oxide nitride coatings have been deposited on carbon fibres using a non-oxide sol–gel method based on self-condensation of titanium alkylamide species. Flexible supercapacitors made from the fibres had competitive energy and power densities.
Tunable cathodoluminescence over the entire visible window from all-inorganic perovskite CsPbX3 1D architecture
Authors: Paul T. , Chatterjee B. K. , Maiti S. , Sarkar S. , Besra N. , Das B. K. , Panigrahi K. J. , Thakur S. , Ghorai U. K. , Chattopadhyay K. K.
Published: March 2018

By adopting a facile, environmentally benign, solution phase method under ambient conditions, we have successfully synthesized all-inorganic cesium lead halide perovskite 1D rods.
A computational mechanistic study of Pd(ii)-catalyzed γ-C(sp3)–H olefination/cyclization of amines: the roles of bicarbonate and ligand effect
Authors: Liu Jian-Biao , Tian Ying-Ying , Zhang Xin , Wang Lu-Lin , Chen De-Zhan
Published: March 2018

The bicarbonate aids the C–H activation and abstracts the β-proton in the reductive eliminationviaa PCET mechanism.
Hierarchical nanosheet-based Bi2MoO6 microboxes for efficient photocatalytic performance
Authors: Jia Yulong , Ma Ying , Tang Jinzhu , Shi Wenbin
Published: March 2018

Hierarchical nanosheet-based Bi2MoO6 microboxes are synthesized by a facile template-assisted strategy.
Macrocycles containing 1,1′-ferrocenyldiselenolato ligands on group 4 metallocenes
Authors: Sanchez-Perez Clara , Knapp Caroline E. , Karjalainen Minna M. , Oilunkaniemi Raija , Carmalt Claire J. , Laitinen Risto S.
Published: March 2018

Macrocyclic [Fe(η5-C5H4Se)2M(η5-C5H4R)2]2 [M = Ti (1), Zr (2), Hf (3), R = H; and M = Zr (4), Hf (5), R = tBu] were prepared and characterized by 77Se NMR spectroscopy and the crystal structures of 1–3 and 5 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.
Coordination chemistry of flexible benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxamide derived carboxylates; notable structural resilience and vaguely familiar packing motifs
Authors: Lynes Amy D. , Hawes Chris S. , Byrne Kevin , Schmitt Wolfgang , Gunnlaugsson Thorfinnur
Published: March 2018

Porous cadmium coordination polymers are prepared from structurally related benzenetricarboxamide ligands, and the functional influence of these scaffolds is examined.
Preparation of electrocatalysts using a thiol–amine solution processing method
Authors: McCarthy Carrie L. , Brutchey Richard L.
Published: March 2018

A thiol–amine solvent mixture was successfully utilized for the dissolution of bulk materials toward the solution deposition of chalcogenide electrocatalysts.
Functionalization of MOFs via a mixed-ligand strategy: enhanced CO2 uptake by pore surface modification
Authors: Liu Bo , Zhou Hui-Fang , Hou Lei , Wang Yao-Yu
Published: March 2018

Two isostructural MOFs based on rare quaternary SBUs with a new (3,3,4,6)-connected topology have been assembled, which possess high porosity with highly polar pore systems, and also exhibit high uptake for CO2 and significant selectivity for CO2 over CH4.
Construction of hierarchical Ni–Co–P hollow nanobricks with oriented nanosheets for efficient overall water splitting
Authors: Hu Enlai , Feng Yafei , Nai Jianwei , Zhao Dian , Hu Yong , Lou Xiong Wen (David)
Published: March 2018

Novel Ni–Co–P hollow nanobricks are constructed with oriented nanosheets and manifest as an excellent bifunctional electrocatalyst for overall water splitting.
Electron transfer and exciplex chemistry of functionalized nanocarbons: effects of electronic coupling and donor dimerization
Authors: Umeyama Tomokazu , Imahori Hiroshi
Published: March 2018

In the past few decades, research on the construction of donor–bridge–acceptor linked systems capable of efficient photoinduced charge separation has fundamentally contributed to the fields of artificial photosynthesis and solar energy conversion.
Boosting photocatalytic overall water splitting by Co doping into Mn3O4 nanoparticles as oxygen evolution cocatalysts
Authors: Yoshinaga Taizo , Saruyama Masaki , Xiong Anke , Ham Yeilin , Kuang Yongbo , Niishiro Ryo , Akiyama Seiji , Sakamoto Masanori , Hisatomi Takashi , Domen Kazunari , Teranishi Toshiharu
Published: March 2018

Cobalt doping into a Mn3O4 nanoparticle cocatalyst enhanced photocatalytic water splitting activity of a Mn3O4 cocatalyst/photocatalyst system.
Precise tuning of single molecule conductance in an electrochemical environment
Authors: Peng L.-L. , Chen F. , Hong Z.-W. , Zheng J.-F. , Fillaud L. , Yuan Y. , Huang M.-L. , Shao Y. , Zhou X.-S. , Chen J.-Z. , Maisonhaute E.
Published: March 2018

Cu2+ concentration modulates Fermi level energies and hence molecular conductance.
Bottom-up meets top-down: tailored raspberry-like Fe3O4–Pt nanocrystal superlattices
Authors: Qiu Fen , Vervuurt René H. J. , Verheijen Marcel A. , Zaia Edmond W. , Creel Erin B. , Kim Youngsang , Urban Jeffrey J. , Bol Ageeth A.
Published: March 2018

Bottom up colloidal synthesis is combined with top down atomic layer deposition to achieve raspberry-like Pt-decorated Fe3O4 nanoparticle superlattices with good metal–oxide–metal contact for photoelectrocatalysis.
Structural coloration of transmission light through self-aligned and complementary plasmonic nanostructures
Authors: Ahn Myeong-Su , Chung Taerin , Jeong Ki-Hun
Published: March 2018

Self-aligned and complementary plasmonic structures for monotonic spectral shifts of a single transmission peak depending on incident angles.
Lifetime and linewidth of individual quantum dots interfaced with graphene
Authors: Miao Xin , Gosztola David J. , Sumant Anirudha V. , Grebel Haim
Published: March 2018

We report on luminescence lifetimes and linewidths from an array of individual quantum dots (QDs) that were either interfaced with graphene surface guides or dispersed on aluminum electrodes.
(Super)gelators derived from push–pull chromophores: synthesis, gelling properties and second harmonic generation
Authors: Belén Marco A. , Gindre Denis , Iliopoulos Konstantinos , Franco Santiago , Andreu Raquel , Canevet David , Sallé Marc
Published: March 2018

New organogelators including push–pull chromophores are described and show that second harmonic generation active materials can be prepared without sophisticated processes.
Facile one-pot synthesis of MOF supported gold pseudo-single-atom catalysts for hydrogenation reactions
Authors: Wang Zumin , Gu Lin , Song Li , Wang Hao , Yu Ranbo
Published: March 2018

Pseudo single atom Au/MOF catalysts are synthesized using a facile wet-chemistry approach on a large scale and show excellent performance in p-nitrophenol hydrogenation.
Clustering and assembly dynamics of a one-dimensional microphase former
Authors: Hu Yi , Charbonneau Patrick
Published: March 2018

We consider a one-dimensional model of short range attraction and long range repulsion interactions whose simplicity enables detailed analysis.
Design of pomegranate-like clusters with NiS2 nanoparticles anchored on nitrogen-doped porous carbon for improved sodium ion storage performance
Authors: Li Jiabao , Li Jinliang , Yan Dong , Hou Shujin , Xu Xingtao , Lu Ting , Yao Yefeng , Mai Wenjie , Pan Likun
Published: March 2018

Pomegranate-like NiS2/nitrogen-doped porous carbon hybrids were prepared from metal–organic frameworks and applied as anode materials for sodium-ion batteries.
Polymer assisted deposition of epitaxial oxide thin films
Authors: Vila-Fungueiriño José Manuel , Rivas-Murias Beatriz , Rubio-Zuazo Juan , Carretero-Genevrier Adrian , Lazzari Massimo , Rivadulla Francisco
Published: March 2018

Chemical solution methods for thin-film deposition constitute an affordable alternative to high-vacuum physical technologies, like Sputtering, Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) or Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE).
Critical Thinking in Facilitating the Development of Cultural Competence in Speech Pathology: A Training Module Based on a Review of Resources on Arab Americans
Authors: Khamis-Dakwar Reem , DiLollo Anthony
Published: March 2018

The importance of critical thinking in training preservice and postservice speech-language pathologists (SLPs) is increasingly acknowledged in the collected works of communication sciences and disorders. Incorporation of critical thinking enhances the quality of clinical decision making, is important for interprofessional practice, and is an essential knowledge in educational services for SLPs at all levels (Finn, Brundage, & DiLollo, 2016). In this article, we propose the need to infuse critical thinking within cultural and linguistic diversity training and recommend the use of literature and instructional activities focused on guiding SLPs in working with Arab Americans to serve this mission. On the basis of existing resources in communication sciences and disorders literature on Arab Americans, we created a study module to target the 3 components of critical thinking: interpretation, evaluation, and metacognition. The first part of the module (Units 1 and 2) is designed to introduce students to critical thinking and facilitate their use of critical thinking in evaluating information presented within speech pathology resources on working with diverse population. The second part, Unit 3, assists learners in reflecting on the impact of their own preconceptions. The last part, Unit 4, facilitates students' understanding of best practices in servicing individuals from diverse populations.
Antiparasitic activity in Asteraceae with special attention to ethnobotanical use by the tribes of Odisha, India
Authors: Panda Sujogya Kumar , Luyten Walter
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this review is to survey the antiparasitic plants of the Asteraceae family and their applicability in the treatment of parasites. This review is divided into three major parts: (a) literature on traditional uses of Asteraceae plants for the treatment of parasites; (b) description of the major classes of chemical compounds from Asteraceae and their antiparasitic effects; and (c) antiparasitic activity with special reference to flavonoids and terpenoids. This review provides detailed information on the reported Asteraceae plant extracts found throughout the world and on isolated secondary metabolites that can inhibit protozoan parasites such asPlasmodium,Trypanosoma,Leishmania, and intestinal worms. Additionally, special attention is given to the Asteraceae plants of Odisha, used by the tribes of the area as antiparasitics. These plants are compared to the same plants used traditionally in other regions. Finally, we provide information on which plants identified in Odisha, India and related compounds show promise for the development of new drugs against parasitic diseases. For most of the plants discussed in this review, the active compounds still need to be isolated and tested further.
100 milliards de rayons cosmiques détectés dans l’expérience AMS-02
Authors: Aupetit Sandy , Maurin David , Poireau Vincent
Published: March 2018

Notre planète est bombardée en permanence par le rayonnement cosmique, un ensemble de particules en provenance de l’espace.

Orbitant à 400 km au-dessus de la Terre depuis la station spatiale internationale, l’expérience AMS-02 a déjà détecté plus de 100 milliards de particules depuis son installation, le 19 mai 2011.

Ces données, d’une précision inégalée, permettent aujourd’hui des avancées majeures en astrophysique, et apportent de précieux indices dans la recherche de la mystérieuse matière noire.
Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae Sensitivity/Resistance Pattern Towards Antimicrobial Agents in Primary and Simple Urinary Tract Infection Patients Visiting University Hospital of Jamia Hamdard New Delhi
Authors: Rizwan Mohd , Akhtar Mohd , Najmi Abul , Singh Kuldeep
Published: March 2018

Aim This study was carried out to record the sensitivity/resistance pattern of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae towards antimicrobial drugs prescribed to urinary tract infection (UTI) patients.

Materials and Methods A total of 68 bacteriologically proven simple UTI patients were included in the study, based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Subjects demographics, antibiotics prescribed, sensitivity pattern of antibiotics towards the urinary pathogens were recorded in drug utilization and documentation form.

Results The mean age of the patients was 29.32 years. The maximum number of patients fell under the age group 21–30 years. The maximum no of male and female patients belonged to the age group 21–30 years, 82.35% were females and 17.64% were males. E. coli found to be the most common uropathogens followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae. Nitrofurantoin was the most commonly prescribed drug followed by ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin and amoxicillin + clavulanic acid and amikacin. E. coli isolates showed high resistance for ampicillin followed by cotrimoxazole, norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, tetracycline and ceftazidime and least resistance to amikacin, nitrofurantoin. Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were highly resistant against ceftazidime, ampicilline, cotrimoxazole, nitrofurantoin, gentamicin, amoxicillin + sulbactam. Overall, the antibiotic against with high resistance found was ampicillin followed by cotrimoxazole, gentamicin, ceftazidime, norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, levofloxacin, cefepime and least resistance to amikacin, netilmicin and nitrofurantoin.

Conclusion Majority of UTIs in this study were caused by E. coli followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae. The high resistance was found with ampicillin (75%). Nitrofurantoin was the most commonly prescribed drug followed by other flouroquinolones.
Qualitätsmanagement und Qualitätssicherung im
Gesundheitswesen – Theorie und Status Quo gesetzlicher Regelungen in
Deutschland
Authors: Große Caroline , Radic Dubravko , Radic Marija
Published: March 2018

Zielsetzung Im Rahmen der vorliegenden Arbeit wird untersucht, inwieweit
die gesetzlichen Vorgaben für das Qualitätsmanagement und die Qualitätssicherung
in den einzelnen Sektoren des deutschen Gesundheitssystems mit den theoretischen
Anforderungen an Qualitätsmanagement übereinstimmen.

Methodik Ausgangspunkt sind die theoretischen Grundlagen verschiedener
Qualitätsmanagement-Ansätze, deren Gemeinsamkeiten herausgearbeitet werden. In
der Folge werden die gesetzlichen Regelungen dargestellt, um sie dann mit der
Theorie zusammenzuführen. Der Fokus liegt dabei auf der externen
Qualitätssicherung.

Ergebnisse Es stellt sich heraus, dass die grundsätzlichen QM-Elemente in
den gesetzlichen Vorgaben der externen Qualitätssicherung der Rehabilitation am
weitesten berücksichtigt werden. Im stationären Sektor und bei der Pflege werden
die Elemente noch teilweise berücksichtigt, im ambulanten und zahnärztlichen
Bereich finden sie sich kaum in den gesetzlichen Vorgaben zur externen
Qualitätssicherung wieder.

Schlussfolgerung Der wichtige Aspekt der Kunden- und Patientenorientierung
wird bei der externen Qualitätssicherung nur im Reha-Sektor umfassend
berücksichtigt. Vor diesem Hintergrund besteht in den anderen Sektoren starker
Nachholbedarf bei der Ausrichtung der Qualitätssicherung an den Bedürfnissen und
Präferenzen der Patienten.
Levels of Nitric Oxide Metabolites and Myeloperoxidase in Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus on Metformin Therapy *
Authors: Jelić-Knezović Nevenka , Galijašević Semira , Lovrić Mila , Vasilj Marina , Selak Sanja , Mikulić Ivanka
Published: March 2018

Introduction Endothelial dysfunction is involved in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus type 2, diabetic complications and preceded clinical manifestation of cardiovascular complications. Increased myeloperoxidase activity has been linked to a number of pathologies with compelling evidence in initiation and progression of inflammatory events. The aim of this study was to compare concentrations of metabolite nitric oxide and myeloperoxidase in the plasma of diabetes mellitus type 2 patients on metformin therapy, without clinical signs of cardiovascular disease and healthy subjects, as well as evaluation of concentrations of analytes in association with glycemic control.

Materials and methods Forty four study subjects with diabetes mellitus type 2 and thirty healthy subjects were included in this study. The concentration of myeloperoxidase was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, the concentration of nitrate and nitrite with high performance liquid chromatography method. Student's t test, Mann-Whitney U test, Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used for statistical analysis.

Results The mean concentration of myeloperoxidase was significantly higher in the diabetic group compared to the control group (16.2±4.9 vs. 3.7±1.8; P<0.001).The nitrite concentration was comparable in both groups while the concentration of nitrate was significantly higher in the diabetic group (41.2 [42.9] vs 31.9 [23]; P=0.017). In this study, plasma myeloperoxidase (Spearman's rho=0.421; P=0.004) and nitrate concentration was significantly positively associated with the HbA1c levels while nitrate concentration (Spearman's rho=− 0.308; P=0.047) were was significantly positively negatively associated with the HbA1c levels.

Conclusion Concertation of MPO and nitric oxide were significantly increased in a T2DM subject even when on metformin therapy. However, increased concentration of NO strongly correlates with lower levels of HbA1c showing a postive effect of a gylcemic control on endothelial dysfuction. Increased concentrations of NO3- in T2DM subject compared to control, indicates the variety of NO pathways that should be taken into consideration win relation to endothelial function.
S2k-Leitlinie Meniskuserkrankung: konservative und operative Therapie
Authors: Siebert Christian , Becker Roland , Buchner Matthias , Förster Jürgen , Frosch Karl-Heinz , Losch Andreas , Niemeyer Philipp , Scheffler Sven
Published: March 2018

Die Diagnose „Meniskusverletzung“ darf auch heutzutage nicht automatisch zur Stellung einer Operationsindikation führen. Die konservative Therapie hat trotz aller Entwicklungen in der arthroskopischen Chirurgie weiterhin einen hohen Stellenwert. In diesem 2. Auszug aus der neuen Leitlinie sollen die Behandlungsmöglichkeiten dargestellt werden, um die Entscheidungsfindung für Behandler und Patienten zu erleichtern. Anhaltspunkte für den jeweiligen individuellen Therapiealgorithmus werden dargestellt. Im Auftrag der Fachgesellschaften haben sich Vertreter der verschiedenen deutschsprachigen Gruppierungen „rund um das Kniegelenk“ auf diese Leitlinie verständigt.
The Housing Sector in Africa: Setting the Scene
Authors: Bah El-hadj M. , Faye Issa , Geh Zekebweliwai F.
Published: March 2018

Owning a decent house is still an unattainable goal for many African households. The lack of affordable housing finance, high costs of urban land and weak tenure security, rising construction costs, and prevalence of slums are major challenges to efforts to alleviate the continent’s housing crisis. This chapter provides the reader with a comprehensive overview of the continent’s housing market dynamics. In particular, the chapter shows the importance of the housing sector in African economies. It identifies the key constraints to the sector’s development, and the outlook for the market, as well as opportunities and bottlenecks in terms of governance.
Housing Finance in Africa
Authors: Bah El-hadj M. , Faye Issa , Geh Zekebweliwai F.
Published: March 2018

Housing finance plays a vital role in the housing delivery value chain. This is due to the fact that finance is needed for both the demand and the supply of housing. On the demand side, the availability of and access to housing finance is a significant determinant in a household’s decision to acquire, build, or rent a house. Similarly, on the supply side, developers need financing to build the mass housing projects that are needed to address the continent’s housing deficit.
Zero Email Initiative: A Critical Review of Change Management during the Introduction of Enterprise Social Networks
Authors: Oettl Christian Albert , Beck Katharina , Raufer Franziska Marie , Priglmeir Anja Teresa , Böhm Markus , Krcmar Helmut
Published: March 2018

How can a company successfully improve collaboration and teamwork with the introduction of new IT tools? This case offers new solutions to this question by reviewing two Change Management processes which took place over a period of 6 years within Atos’ Zero Email initiative. The change processes of (1) replacing internal emails with an Enterprise Social Network (ESN) solution in 2012 and (2) replacing the introduced ESN solution by a second, enhanced ESN solution in 2016 are analyzed. By comparing them to established Change Management theories, important key factors of a change process can be highlighted and the evolution of Change Management within an innovative, multinational IT service provider is shown. The Teaching Case is accompanied by in-depth Teaching Notes where we craft a synthesized checklist for thorough Change Management that addresses IT adoption issues and mitigates the critic that theoretical models are too rigid for vivid organizations. In addition to this comprehensive “360°-analysis” consisting of personal interviews, inquiries on organizational communication and research on Change Management theory, the Innovation Diffusion Theory (including a reflection of recognized technology acceptance models) is used to find explanations for possible deviations from the expected outcomes.
Optimal speed of temperature change of a crystal in a pyroelectric X-ray radiation source
Authors: Kubankin A. S. , Chepurnov A. S. , Ivashchuk O. O. , Ionidi V. Yu. , Kishin I. A. , Klenin A. A. , Oleinik A. N. , Shchagin A. V.
Published: March 2018

In this work we present the results of the experimental studies of the dependence of the X-ray radiation on the temperature change speed of the lithium tantalate monocrystal in the pyroelectric source of the X-ray radiation. We have found an optimized linear temperature speed change pattern for the pyroelectric crystal designed for generation of the X-ray radiation with enhanced capabilities. The studies that were made open an opportunity to determine the most convenient conditions for generation of X-ray radiation with pyroelectric effect and for development of high-capacity pyroelectric X-ray radiation sources.
Control of the energy transfer between Tm3+ and Yb3+ ions in Tm,Yb-codoped ZnO grown by sputtering-assisted metalorganic chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Tatebayashi J. , Yoshii G. , Nakajima T. , Kamei H. , Takatsu J. , Lebrun D. M. , Fujiwara Y.
Published: March 2018

We report on the epitaxial growth and the optical properties of Tm,Yb-codoped ZnO (ZnO:Tm,Yb) thin films by sputtering-assisted metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. The characteristic light emission due to the intra-4f shell transitions of Tm3+ and Yb3+ ions in the ZnO host is observed at 4 K by using photoluminescence (PL) characterization. The time-resolved PL measurements on the Tm3+ and Yb3+ emission reveals that the carrier decay time of each ion can vary by changing the concentration of both Tm3+ and Yb3+ ions, which depends on a mixing ratio of Tm2O3 and Yb2O3 in a sputtering target. The energy transfer from Tm3+ to Yb3+ ions occurs in the sample with the high mixing ratio, and the reversed energy transfer process occurs with the lower mixing ratio. These results indicate that the concentration, and thus the carrier dynamics of Tm3+ and Yb3+ ions in the ZnO:Tm,Yb host, can be controlled by altering the mixing ratio of the sputter target and the frequency power.
Isotope and fast ions turbulence suppression effects: Consequences for high-β ITER plasmas
Authors: Garcia J. , Görler T. , Jenko F.
Published: March 2018

The impact of isotope effects and fast ions on microturbulence is analyzed by means of non-linear gyrokinetic simulations for an ITER hybrid scenario at high beta obtained from previous integrated modelling simulations with simplified assumptions. Simulations show that ITER might work very close to threshold, and in these conditions, significant turbulence suppression is found from DD to DT plasmas. Electromagnetic effects are shown to play an important role in the onset of this isotope effect. Additionally, even external ExB flow shear, which is expected to be low in ITER, has a stronger impact on DT than on DD. The fast ions generated by fusion reactions can additionally reduce turbulence even more although the impact in ITER seems weaker than in present-day tokamaks.
Cyclable and non-volatile electric field control of magnetism in BiFeO3 based magnetoelectric heterostructures
Authors: Daumont C. , Wolfman J. , Autret-Lambert C. , Andreazza P. , Negulescu B.
Published: March 2018

Room temperature manipulation of the ferromagnetic state via an electric field is investigated in Ni/BiFe0.95Mn0.05O3 thin film heterostructures. A 600% increase in the magnetic coercive field of the Ni layer is observed at the initial DC electrical poling of the ferroelectric BiFe0.95Mn0.05O3 layer. The magnetoelectric effect is remanent, and the magnetic coercive field can be modulated between a low value and a high value by successively switching the ferroelectric polarization. After the initial poling, the coercive field difference is decreased by subsequent back and forth switching. However, the magnetic bi-stability is preserved at least up to 250 cycles, which is promising for spintronic applications.
Approximate analytical description of the elastic strain field due to an inclusion in a continuous medium with cubic anisotropy
Authors: Nenashev A. V. , Koshkarev A. A. , Dvurechenskii A. V.
Published: March 2018

We suggest an approach to the analytical calculation of the strain distribution due to an inclusion in elastically anisotropic media for the case of cubic anisotropy. The idea consists in the approximate reduction of the anisotropic problem to a (simpler) isotropic problem. This gives, for typical semiconductors, an improvement in accuracy by an order of magnitude, compared to the isotropic approximation. Our method allows using, in the case of elastically anisotropic media, analytical solutions obtained for isotropic media only, such as analytical formulas for the strain due to polyhedral inclusions. The present work substantially extends the applicability of analytical results, making them more suitable for describing real systems, such as epitaxial quantum dots.
DFT calculations of strain and interface effects on electronic structures and magnetic properties of L1-FePt/Ag heterojunction of GMR applications
Authors: Pramchu Sittichain , Jaroenjittichai Atchara Punya , Laosiritaworn Yongyut
Published: March 2018

In this work, density functional theory (DFT) was employed to investigate the effect of strain and interface on electronic structures and magnetic properties of L10-FePt/Ag heterojunction. Two possible interface structures of L10-FePt(001)/Ag(001), that is, interface between Fe and Ag layers (Fe/Ag) and between Pt and Ag layers (Pt/Ag), were inspected. It was found that Pt/Ag interface is more stable than Fe/Ag interface due to its lower formation energy. Further, under the lattice mismatch induced tensile strain, the enhancement of magnetism for both Fe/Ag and Pt/Ag interface structures has been found to have progressed, though the magnetic moments of “interfacial” Fe and Pt atoms have been found to have decreased. To explain this further, the local density of states (LDOS) analysis suggests that interaction between Fe (Pt) and Ag near Fe/Ag (Pt/Ag) interface leads to spin symmetry breaking of the Ag atom and hence induces magnetism magnitude. In contrast, the magnetic moments of interfacial Fe and Pt atoms reduce because of the increase in the electronic states near the Fermi level of the minority-spin electrons. In addition, the significant enhancements of the LDOS near the Fermi levels of the minority-spin electrons signify the boosting of the transport properties of the minority-spin electrons and hence the spin-dependent electron transport at this ferromagnet/metal interface. From this work, it is expected that this clarification of the interfacial magnetism may inspire new innovation on how to improve spin-dependent electron transport for enhancing the giant magnetoresistance (GMR) ratio of potential GMR-based spintronic devices.
Trochoidal X-ray Vector Radiography: Directional dark-field without grating stepping
Authors: Sharma Y. , Bachche S. , Kageyama M. , Kuribayashi M. , Pfeiffer F. , Lasser T. , Momose A.
Published: March 2018

X-ray Vector Radiography (XVR) is an imaging technique that reveals the orientations of sub-pixel sized structures within a sample. Several dark-field radiographs are acquired by rotating the sample around the beam propagation direction and stepping one of the gratings to several positions for every pose of the sample in an X-ray grating interferometry setup. In this letter, we present a method of performing XVR of a continuously moving sample without the need of any grating motion. We reconstruct the orientations within a sample by analyzing the change in the background moire fringes caused by the sample moving and simultaneously rotating in plane (trochoidal trajectory) across the detector field-of-view. Avoiding the motion of gratings provides significant advantages in terms of stability and repeatability, while the continuous motion of the sample makes this kind of system adaptable for industrial applications such as the scanning of samples on a conveyor belt. Being the first step in the direction of utilizing advanced sample trajectories to replace grating motion, this work also lays the foundations for a full three dimensional reconstruction of scattering function without grating motion.
Imaging nanoscale spatial modulation of a relativistic electron beam with a MeV ultrafast electron microscope
Authors: Lu Chao , Jiang Tao , Liu Shengguang , Wang Rui , Zhao Lingrong , Zhu Pengfei , Liu Yaqi , Xu Jun , Yu Dapeng , Wan Weishi , Zhu Yimei , Xiang Dao , Zhang Jie
Published: March 2018

An accelerator-based MeV ultrafast electron microscope (MUEM) has been proposed as a promising tool to the study structural dynamics at the nanometer spatial scale and the picosecond temporal scale. Here, we report experimental tests of a prototype MUEM where high quality images with nanoscale fine structures were recorded with a pulsed ∼3 MeV picosecond electron beam. The temporal and spatial resolutions of the MUEM operating in the single-shot mode are about 4 ps (FWHM) and 100 nm (FWHM), corresponding to a temporal-spatial resolution of 4 × 10−19 s m, about 2 orders of magnitude higher than that achieved with state-of-the-art single-shot keV UEM. Using this instrument, we offer the demonstration of visualizing the nanoscale periodic spatial modulation of an electron beam, which may be converted into longitudinal density modulation through emittance exchange to enable production of high-power coherent radiation at short wavelengths. Our results mark a great step towards single-shot nanometer-resolution MUEMs and compact intense x-ray sources that may have widespread applications in many areas of science.
Communication: Systematic elimination of Stokes divergences emanating from complex phase space caustics
Authors: Koch Werner , Tannor David J.
Published: March 2018

Stokes phenomenon refers to the fact that an asymptotic expansion of complex functions can differ in different regions of the complex plane, and that beyond the so-called Stokes lines the expansion has an unphysical divergence. An important special case is when the Stokes lines emanate from phase space caustics of a complex trajectory manifold. In this case, symmetry determines that to second order there is a double coverage of the space, one portion of which is unphysical. Building on the seminal but laconic findings of Adachi, we show that the deviation from second order can be used to rigorously determine the Stokes lines and therefore the region of the space that should be removed. The method has applications to wavepacket reconstruction from complex valued classical trajectories. With a rigorous method in hand for removing unphysical divergences, we demonstrate excellent wavepacket reconstruction for the Morse, Quartic, Coulomb, and Eckart systems.
Standards for design and measurement would make clinical research reproducible and usable
Authors: Dickersin Kay , Mayo-Wilson Evan
Published: March 2018

We find standards useful in everyday life and in science, although we do not always follow them. Adopting new standards can be expensive, so there may be a strong incentive to maintain the
status quo
rather than adopt new standards. The scientific community has many standards encompassing both doing clinical research and reporting it, including standards for design and measurement. Although existing research standards have improved both research and its reporting, we need to unify existing standards and to fill the gaps between steps throughout the research process. Existing gaps include implementation of standards and links between standards for study registration (to know about all studies undertaken), study protocols (to identify the preplanned study design and methods), data collection (to assess outcomes that are important and comparable across studies), dissemination of findings (to know the results of previous studies), data sharing (to make best use of existing data), and evidence synthesis (to draw appropriate conclusions from the body of evidence). The scientific community must work together to harmonize existing standards, to ensure that standards are kept up to date, to check that standards are followed, and to develop standards where they are still needed. A unified system of standards will make our work more reproducible.
Issues with data and analyses: Errors, underlying themes, and potential solutions
Authors: Brown Andrew W. , Kaiser Kathryn A. , Allison David B.
Published: March 2018

Some aspects of science, taken at the broadest level, are universal in empirical research. These include collecting, analyzing, and reporting data. In each of these aspects, errors can and do occur. In this work, we first discuss the importance of focusing on statistical and data errors to continually improve the practice of science. We then describe underlying themes of the types of errors and postulate contributing factors. To do so, we describe a case series of relatively severe data and statistical errors coupled with surveys of some types of errors to better characterize the magnitude, frequency, and trends. Having examined these errors, we then discuss the consequences of specific errors or classes of errors. Finally, given the extracted themes, we discuss methodological, cultural, and system-level approaches to reducing the frequency of commonly observed errors. These approaches will plausibly contribute to the self-critical, self-correcting, ever-evolving practice of science, and ultimately to furthering knowledge.
Occurrence, evolution, and functions of DNA phosphorothioate epigenetics in bacteria
Authors: Tong Tong , Chen Si , Wang Lianrong , Tang You , Ryu Jae Yong , Jiang Susu , Wu Xiaolin , Chen Chao , Luo Jie , Deng Zixin , Li Zhiqiang , Lee Sang Yup , Chen Shi
Published: March 2018

Significance

Phosphorothioate (PT) modification of the DNA sugar-phosphate backbone is an important microbial epigenetic modification governed by DndABCDE, which together with DndFGH, constitutes a restriction-modification system. We show that up to 45% of 1,349 identified bacterial
dnd
systems exhibit the form of solitary
dndABCDE
without the restriction counterparts of
dndFGH
. The combination of epigenomics, transcriptome analysis, and metabolomics suggests that in addition to providing a genetic barrier against invasive DNA, PT modification is a versatile player involved in the epigenetic control of gene expression and the maintenance of cellular redox homeostasis. This finding provides evolutionary and functional insights into this unusual epigenetic modification. Our results imply that PT systems might evolve similar to other epigenetic modification systems with multiple cellular functions.
A multiscale method for computing effective parameters of composite electromagnetic materials with memory effects
Authors: Bokil V. , Banks H. , Cioranescu D. , Griso G.
Published: March 2018

We consider the problem of computing (macroscopic) effective properties of composite materials that are mixtures of complex dispersive dielectrics described by polarization and magnetization laws. We assume that the micro-structure of the composite material is described by spatially periodic and deterministic parameters. Mathematically, the problem is tohomogenizeMaxwell’s equations along with constitutive laws that describe the material response of the micro-structure comprising the mixture, to obtain an equivalent effective model for the composite material with constant effective parameters. The novel contribution of this paper is the homogenization of a hybrid model consisting of the Maxwell partial differential equations along with ordinary (auxiliary) differential equations modeling the evolution of the polarization and magnetization, as a model for the complex dielectric material. This is in contrast to our previous work (2006) in which we employed a convolution in time of a susceptibility kernel with the electric field to model the delayed polarization effects in the dispersive material. In this paper, we describe the auxiliary differential equation approach to modeling material responses in the composite material and use the periodic unfolding method to construct a homogenized model.
NanoPack: visualizing and processing long-read sequencing data
Authors: De Coster Wouter , D’Hert Svenn , Schultz Darrin T , Cruts Marc , Van Broeckhoven Christine
Published: March 2018

Here we describe NanoPack, a set of tools developed for visualization and processing of long-read sequencing data from Oxford Nanopore Technologies and Pacific Biosciences.

Availability and implementation

The NanoPack tools are written in Python3 and released under the GNU GPL3.0 License. The source code can be found at https://github.com/wdecoster/nanopack, together with links to separate scripts and their documentation. The scripts are compatible with Linux, Mac OS and the MS Windows 10 subsystem for Linux and are available as a graphical user interface, a web service at http://nanoplot.bioinf.be and command line tools.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Real Representations of Finite Symplectic Groups over Fields of Characteristic Two
Authors: Vinroot C Ryan
Published: March 2018

We prove that when q is a power of 2 every complex irreducible representation of $\textrm{Sp}\big (2n, \mathbb{F}_{q}\big )$ may be defined over the real numbers, that is, all Frobenius–Schur indicators are 1. We also obtain a generating function for the sum of the degrees of the unipotent characters of $\textrm{Sp}\big(2n, \mathbb{F}_{q}\big )$, or of $\textrm{SO}\big(2n+1,\mathbb{F}_{q}\big )$, for any prime power q.