bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of agonistic autoantibodies against type-1 angiotensin II receptor in the pathogenesis of retinopathy in preeclampsia
Authors: Liu Fang , Wang Yuxian , Wang Xiaofang , Zheng Yanqian , Jin Zhu , Zhi Jianming
Published: July 2016

To investigate the mechanism underlying AT1-AA-induced retinopathy in severe preeclampsia by measuring the positive rate and titer of AT1-AA in plasma from women with severe preeclampsia and normal pregnant women to see whether AT1-AA titer was correlated with the grade of retinopathy. A preeclampsia rat model was also established by intravenous injection of AT1-AA extracted from the plasma of patient suffering from severe preeclampsia. The results showed that the plasma titer and positive rate of AT1-AA were significantly higher in women with severe preeclampsia than normal pregnant women. The antibody titer in cases of severe preeclampsia was associated with the grade of retinopathy, and positively correlated with the level of TNF-α and VEGF. The animal experiment results showed that the modeled rats presented symptoms very similar to symptoms of human preeclampsia, including retinopathy. Ocular fundus examination showed retinal microvascular abnormalities, hemorrhaging and leakage in the severe preeclampsia. Morphological changes included edema, thickening of the INL and ONL, and pigment atrophy. TNF-α and VEGF levels were increased in the vitreous humor and retina of the model rats. Our studies results suggest that abnormal expression of AT1-AA could induce damage to retinal capillary endothelial cells and increase vascular permeability, resulting in retinopathy.
Elevated monocyte phosphorylated p38 in nearby employees after a chemical explosion
Authors: Sulen André , Lygre Stein H. L. , Hjelle Sigrun M. , Hollund Bjørg E. , Gjertsen Bjørn T.
Published: July 2016

Personalised health surveillance is infrequent or absent in occupational and environmental medicine. The shortage of functional tests in relevant cells and tissues greatly limits our understanding of environmental exposures and associated disease risk. We evaluated single cell signalling in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 301 individuals in a cross sectional health survey 18 months after a chemical explosion of sulphorous coker gasoline. The accident created a malodourous environment leading to long-term health complaints. Multiple regression analysis revealed T-cell specific elevated phosphorylation of the stress kinase p-p38 (T180/Y182) among tobacco smokers and monocyte-specific elevated phosphorylation in employees at the explosion site. Other studies of the accident reported reduced tear film stability, and more airway obstruction and subjective health complaints among the employees at the accident site. Elevated monocyte p-p38 in the employee group was independent of such health effects, and could therefore be dependent on the sulphuric malodorous environment. The present study proposes signalling status in leukocytes as a scalable biomarker providing information about environmental exposures.
Microbial biotransformation of DON: molecular basis for reduced toxicity
Authors: Pierron Alix , Mimoun Sabria , Murate Leticia S. , Loiseau Nicolas , Lippi Yannick , Bracarense Ana-Paula F. L. , Schatzmayr Gerd , He Jian Wei , Zhou Ting , Moll Wulf-Dieter , Oswald Isabelle P.
Published: July 2016

Bacteria are able to de-epoxidize or epimerize deoxynivalenol (DON), a mycotoxin, to deepoxy-deoxynivalenol (deepoxy-DON or DOM-1) or 3-epi-deoxynivalenol (3-epi-DON), respectively. Using different approaches, the intestinal toxicity of 3 molecules was compared and the molecular basis for the reduced toxicity investigated. In human intestinal epithelial cells, deepoxy-DON and 3-epi-DON were not cytotoxic, did not change the oxygen consumption or impair the barrier function. In intestinal explants, exposure for 4 hours to 10 μM DON induced intestinal lesions not seen in explants treated with deepoxy-DON and 3-epi-DON. A pan-genomic transcriptomic analysis was performed on intestinal explants. 747 probes, representing 323 genes, were differentially expressed, between DON-treated and control explants. By contrast, no differentially expressed genes were observed between control, deepoxy-DON and 3-epi-DON treated explants. Both DON and its biotransformation products were able to fit into the pockets of the A-site of the ribosome peptidyl transferase center. DON forms three hydrogen bonds with the A site and activates MAPKinases (mitogen-activated protein kinases). By contrast deepoxy-DON and 3-epi-DON only form two hydrogen bonds and do not activate MAPKinases. Our data demonstrate that bacterial de-epoxidation or epimerization of DON altered their interaction with the ribosome, leading to an absence of MAPKinase activation and a reduced toxicity.
How vision and self-motion combine or compete during path reproduction changes with age
Authors: Petrini Karin , Caradonna Andrea , Foster Celia , Burgess Neil , Nardini Marko
Published: July 2016

Human adults can optimally integrate visual and non-visual self-motion cues when navigating, while children up to 8 years old cannot. Whether older children can is unknown, limiting our understanding of how our internal multisensory representation of space develops. Eighteen adults and fifteen 10- to 11-year-old children were guided along a two-legged path in darkness (self-motion only), in a virtual room (visual + self-motion), or were shown a pre-recorded walk in the virtual room while standing still (visual only). Participants then reproduced the path in darkness. We obtained a measure of the dispersion of the end-points (variable error) and of their distances from the correct end point (constant error). Only children reduced their variable error when recalling the path in the visual + self-motion condition, indicating combination of these cues. Adults showed a constant error for the combined condition intermediate to those for single cues, indicative of cue competition, which may explain the lack of near-optimal integration in this group. This suggests that later in childhood humans can gain from optimally integrating spatial cues even when in the same situation these are kept separate in adulthood.
High Level of Anaphylatoxin C5a Predicts Poor Clinical Outcome in Patients with Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Xi Wei , Liu Li , Wang Jiajun , Xia Yu , Bai Qi , Long Qilai , Wang Yiwei , Xu Jiejie , Guo Jianming
Published: July 2016

Anaphylatoxin C5a, a potent pro-inflammatory peptide produced in the process of complement activation, was proved to have a vital role in tumor initiation and progession by previous investigations. However whether it could act as a prognostic marker remains unknown. Here we retrospectively enrolled 272 ccRCC patients undergoing nephrectomy in Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai between 2005 and 2007. C5a level was assessed by immunohistochemistry and its association with clinicopathologic features and prognosis were evaluated. Our results indicated that high tumoral C5a level was associated with poor overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio = 1.753, 95% CI 1.068–2.878, P = 0.026). In addition, tumoral C5a could significantly stratify patients’ prognosis both in advanced stage (TNM III + IV) and intermediate/high risk group (SSIGN score ≥4) (P < 0.001 and = 0.008, respectively). Furthermore, incorporating tumoral C5a with other parameters could improve the predicting accuracy, compared with TNM and SSIGN system (c-index = 0.789, 0.713 and 0.727, respectively). In conclusion, tumoral C5a is an independent adverse prognostic biomarker for clinical outcome of ccRCC patients after nephectomy.
Modelling survival: exposure pattern, species sensitivity and uncertainty
Authors: Ashauer Roman , Albert Carlo , Augustine Starrlight , Cedergreen Nina , Charles Sandrine , Ducrot Virginie , Focks Andreas , Gabsi Faten , Gergs André , Goussen Benoit , Jager Tjalling , Kramer Nynke I. , Nyman Anna-Maija , Poulsen Veronique , Reichenberger Stefan , Schäfer Ralf B. , Van den Brink Paul J. , Veltman Karin , Vogel Sören , Zimmer Elke I. , Preuss Thomas G.
Published: July 2016

The General Unified Threshold model for Survival (GUTS) integrates previously published toxicokinetic-toxicodynamic models and estimates survival with explicitly defined assumptions. Importantly, GUTS accounts for time-variable exposure to the stressor. We performed three studies to test the ability of GUTS to predict survival of aquatic organisms across different pesticide exposure patterns, time scales and species. Firstly, using synthetic data, we identified experimental data requirements which allow for the estimation of all parameters of the GUTS proper model. Secondly, we assessed how well GUTS, calibrated with short-term survival data ofGammarus pulexexposed to four pesticides, can forecast effects of longer-term pulsed exposures. Thirdly, we tested the ability of GUTS to estimate 14-day median effect concentrations of malathion for a range of species and use these estimates to build species sensitivity distributions for different exposure patterns. We find that GUTS adequately predicts survival across exposure patterns that vary over time. When toxicity is assessed for time-variable concentrations species may differ in their responses depending on the exposure profile. This can result in different species sensitivity rankings and safe levels. The interplay of exposure pattern and species sensitivity deserves systematic investigation in order to better understand how organisms respond to stress, including humans.
Perfluorodecyltrichlorosilane-based seed-layer for improved chemical vapour deposition of ultrathin hafnium dioxide films on graphene
Authors: Kitzmann Julia , Göritz Alexander , Fraschke Mirko , Lukosius Mindaugas , Wenger Christian , Wolff Andre , Lupina Grzegorz
Published: July 2016

We investigate the use of perfluorodecyltrichlorosilane-based self-assembled monolayer as seeding layer for chemical vapour deposition of HfO2 on large area CVD graphene. The deposition and evolution of the FDTS-based seed layer is investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Crystalline quality of graphene transferred from Cu is monitored during formation of the seed layer as well as the HfO2 growth using Raman spectroscopy. We demonstrate that FDTS-based seed layer significantly improves nucleation of HfO2 layers so that graphene can be coated in a conformal way with HfO2 layers as thin as 10 nm. Proof-of-concept experiments on 200 mm wafers presented here validate applicability of the proposed approach to wafer scale graphene device fabrication.
Bilirubin is an Endogenous Antioxidant in Human Vascular Endothelial Cells
Authors: Ziberna Lovro , Martelanc Mitja , Franko Mladen , Passamonti Sabina
Published: July 2016

Bilirubin is a standard serum biomarker of liver function. Inexplicably, it is inversely correlated with cardiovascular disease risk. Given the role of endothelial dysfunction in originating cardiovascular diseases, direct analysis of bilirubin in the vascular endothelium would shed light on these relationships. Hence, we used high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with thermal lens spectrometric detection and diode array detection for the determination of endogenous cellular IXα-bilirubin. To confirm the isomer IXα-bilirubin, we used ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a high-resolution mass spectrometer using an electrospray ionization source, as well as tandem mass spectrometric detection. We measured bilirubin in both arterial and venous rat endothelium (0.9–1.5 pmol mg−1 protein). In the human endothelial Ea.hy926 cell line, we demonstrated that intracellular bilirubin (3–5 pmol mg−1 protein) could be modulated by either extracellular bilirubin uptake, or by up-regulation of heme oxygenase-1, a cellular enzyme related to endogenous bilirubin synthesis. Moreover, we determined intracellular antioxidant activity by bilirubin, with EC50 = 11.4 ± 0.2 nM, in the range of reported values of free serum bilirubin (8.5–13.1 nM). Biliverdin showed similar antioxidant properties as bilirubin. We infer from these observations that intra-endothelial bilirubin oscillates and may thus be a dynamic factor of the endothelial function.
Rescue of endemic states in interconnected networks with adaptive coupling
Authors: Vazquez F. , Serrano M. Ángeles , Miguel M. San
Published: July 2016

We study the Susceptible-Infected-Susceptible model of epidemic spreading on two layers of networks interconnected by adaptive links, which are rewired at random to avoid contacts between infected and susceptible nodes at the interlayer. We find that the rewiring reduces the effective connectivity for the transmission of the disease between layers, and may even totally decouple the networks. Weak endemic states, in which the epidemics spreads when the two layers are interconnected but not in each layer separately, show a transition from the endemic to the healthy phase when the rewiring overcomes a threshold value that depends on the infection rate, the strength of the coupling and the mean connectivity of the networks. In the strong endemic scenario, in which the epidemics is able to spread on each separate network –and therefore on the interconnected system– the prevalence in each layer decreases when increasing the rewiring, arriving to single network values only in the limit of infinitely fast rewiring. We also find that rewiring amplifies finite-size effects, preventing the disease transmission between finite networks, as there is a non zero probability that the epidemics stays confined in only one network during its lifetime.
Rev-erbα in the brain is essential for circadian food entrainment
Authors: Delezie Julien , Dumont Stéphanie , Sandu Cristina , Reibel Sophie , Pevet Paul , Challet Etienne
Published: July 2016

Foraging is costly in terms of time and energy. An endogenous food-entrainable system allows anticipation of predictable changes of food resources in nature. Yet the molecular mechanism that controls food anticipation in mammals remains elusive. Here we report that deletion of the clock componentRev-erbαimpairs food entrainment in mice.Rev-erbαglobal knockout (GKO) mice subjected to restricted feeding showed reduced elevations of locomotor activity and body temperature prior to mealtime, regardless of the lighting conditions. The failure to properly anticipate food arrival was accompanied by a lack of phase-adjustment to mealtime of the clock protein PERIOD2 in the cerebellum, and by diminished expression of phosphorylated ERK 1/2 (p-ERK) during mealtime in the mediobasal hypothalamus and cerebellum. Furthermore, brain-specific knockout (BKO) mice forRev-erbαdisplay a defective suprachiasmatic clock, as evidenced by blunted daily activity under a light-dark cycle, altered free-running rhythm in constant darkness and impaired clock gene expression. Notably, brain deletion ofRev-erbαtotally prevented food-anticipatory behaviour and thermogenesis. In response to restricted feeding, brain deletion ofRev-erbαimpaired changes in clock gene expression in the hippocampus and cerebellum, but not in the liver. Our findings indicate thatRev-erbαis required for neural network-based prediction of food availability.
The genome and transcriptome of Trichormus sp. NMC-1: insights into adaptation to extreme environments on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Authors: Qiao Qin , Huang Yanyan , Qi Ji , Qu Mingzhi , Jiang Chen , Lin Pengcheng , Li Renhui , Song Lirong , Yonezawa Takahiro , Hasegawa Masami , Crabbe M. James C. , Chen Fan , Zhang Ticao , Zhong Yang
Published: July 2016

The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) has the highest biodiversity for an extreme environment worldwide, and provides an ideal natural laboratory to study adaptive evolution. In this study, we generated a draft genome sequence of cyanobacteria Trichormus sp. NMC-1 in the QTP and performed whole transcriptome sequencing under low temperature to investigate the genetic mechanism by which T. sp. NMC-1 adapted to the specific environment. Its genome sequence was 5.9 Mb with a G+C content of 39.2% and encompassed a total of 5362 CDS. A phylogenomic tree indicated that this strain belongs to the Trichormus and Anabaena cluster. Genome comparison between T. sp. NMC-1 and six relatives showed that functionally unknown genes occupied a much higher proportion (28.12%) of the T. sp. NMC-1 genome. In addition, functions of specific, significant positively selected, expanded orthogroups, and differentially expressed genes involved in signal transduction, cell wall/membrane biogenesis, secondary metabolite biosynthesis, and energy production and conversion were analyzed to elucidate specific adaptation traits. Further analyses showed that the CheY-like genes, extracellular polysaccharide and mycosporine-like amino acids might play major roles in adaptation to harsh environments. Our findings indicate that sophisticated genetic mechanisms are involved in cyanobacterial adaptation to the extreme environment of the QTP.
Surface-enhanced resonance Raman scattering of hemoproteins and those in complicated biological systems
Authors: Kitahama Yasutaka , Ozaki Yukihiro
Published: July 2016

The SERRS spectra of heme are influenced by structural changes, orientation, and selective adsorption on the Ag surface.
Plasmonic nanohalo optical probes for highly sensitive imaging of survivin mRNA in living cells
Authors: Qian Guang-Sheng , Kang Bin , Zhang Zhuo-Lei , Li Xiang-Ling , Zhao Wei , Xu Jing-Juan , Chen Hong-Yuan
Published: July 2016

A novel strategy for sensitive detection of survivin mRNA based on Rayleigh light scattering spectroscopy of AuNP nanohalo probes.
Synthesis of highly monodispersed Ga-soc-MOF hollow cubes, colloidosomes and nanocomposites
Authors: Cai Xuechao , Deng Xiaoran , Xie Zhongxi , Bao Shouxin , Shi Yanshu , Lin Jun , Pang Maolin , Eddaoudi Mohamed
Published: July 2016

Highly monodispersed Ga-soc-MOF hollow cubes, colloidosomes and nanocomposites were synthesized for the first time.
A versatile hard–soft N/S-ligand for metal coordination and cluster formation
Authors: Benson Callum G. M. , Plajer Alex J. , García-Rodríguez Raúl , Bond Andrew D. , Singh Sanjay , Gade Lutz H. , Wright Dominic S.
Published: July 2016

The new ligand [S-P(μ-NtBu)]22− has adaptable hard–soft character with respect to the coordinated metal centre and can be used to construct large cage architectures.
Dinuclear Au(i) N-heterocyclic carbene complexes derived from unsymmetrical azolium cyclophane salts: potential probes for live cell imaging applications
Authors: Wedlock Louise E. , Barnard Peter J. , Filipovska Aleksandra , Skelton Brian W. , Berners-Price Susan J. , Baker Murray V.
Published: July 2016

Dinuclear Au–NHC complexes engineered to have short Au⋯Au distances are strongly luminescent and can be used as probes for live cell imaging applications.
The drinking water exposome
Authors: Vikesland P. J. , Raskin L.
Published: July 2016

Guest editors Peter Vikesland and Lutgarde Raskin introduce the Drinking Water Exposome themed issue of Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology.
Vapochromic features of new luminogens based on julolidine-containing styrene copolymers
Authors: Iasilli Giuseppe , Martini Fabio , Minei Pierpaolo , Ruggeri Giacomo , Pucci Andrea
Published: July 2016

We report on vapochromic films suitable for detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs), based on new polystyrene copolymers containing julolidine fluorescent molecular rotors (JCAEM). Poly(styrene-co-hydroxyethylmethacrylate) copolymers functionalized with cyanovinyl-julolidine moieties of different compositions were prepared, (P(STY-co-JCAEM)(m) with m = 0.06–0.61). The sensing performance of the spin-coated copolymer films demonstrated significant vapochromism when exposed to VOCs characterized by high vapour pressure and a favourable interaction with the polymer matrix, such as Et2O and CH2Cl2. It is worth mentioning that the fluorescence decrease rate was 7 times faster than that of previously investigated julolidine-based fluorescent molecular rotors dispersed in PS films. This phenomenon was attributed to the better control of the JCAEM moiety distribution in the polymer matrix conferred by the covalent approach, combined with a minimal film thickness of 4 microns. These factors, in concert, strongly accelerate the deactivation pathways of the JCAEM units in the presence of VOCs which interact well. Overall, the present results support the use of julolidine-enriched styrene copolymers as effective chromogenic materials suitable for the fast detection of VOCs.
Correction: Synthetic ultra-long chain fatty acyl based amphiphilic lipids as a dual function excipient for the production of surfactant-free solid lipid nanoparticles (SF-SLNs): a physico-chemical study
Authors: Wei Wei , Lu Xiaonan , Wang Zegao , Dong Mingdong , Feng Fengqin , Guo Zheng
Published: July 2016

Correction for ‘Synthetic ultra-long chain fatty acyl based amphiphilic lipids as a dual function excipient for the production of surfactant-free solid lipid nanoparticles (SF-SLNs): a physico-chemical study’ by Wei Wei et al., Green Chem., 2016, DOI: 10.1039/c6gc00866f.
Assessment of DNA-binding affinity of cholinesterase reactivators and electrophoretic determination of their effect on topoisomerase I and II activity
Authors: Janockova J. , Zilecka E. , Kasparkova J. , Brabec V. , Soukup O. , Kuca K. , Kozurkova M.
Published: July 2016

In this paper, we describe the biochemical properties and biological activity of a series of cholinesterase reactivators (symmetrical bisquaternary xylene-linked compounds,K106–K114) with ctDNA.
The first catalytic asymmetric cycloadditions of imines with an enolisable anhydride
Authors: Cronin Sarah A. , Gutiérrez Collar Aarón , Gundala Sivaji , Cornaggia Claudio , Torrente Esther , Manoni Francesco , Botte Astrid , Twamley Brendan , Connon Stephen J.
Published: July 2016

The first asymmetric cycloaddition reactions between imines and enolisable anhydrides is described.
The study of the paranemic crossover (PX) motif in the context of self-assembly of DNA 2D crystals
Authors: Shen Weili , Liu Qing , Ding Baoquan , Shen Zhiyong , Zhu Changqing , Mao Chengde
Published: July 2016

The DNA paranemic crossover (PX) motif has been examined as building blocks for construction of DNA 2D arrays and the optimal design has been discovered.
Direct and metal-free oxidative amination of sp3 C–H bonds for the construction of 2-hetarylquinazolin-4(3H)-ones
Authors: Liu Huanhuan , Zhai Tianran , Ding Shiteng , Hou Yalei , Zhang Xiangyu , Feng Lei , Ma Chen
Published: July 2016

New method for synthesis of 2-hetarylquinazolin-4(3H)-ones from 2-aminobenzamides and (2-azaaryl)methanes under transition-metal free conditions, featuring a wide substrate scope with a broad range of functional group tolerance under mild conditions.
Engineering the surface of rutile TiO2 nanoparticles with quantum pits towards excellent lithium storage
Authors: Huang Jinglu , Fang Fang , Huang Guoyong , Sun Hongyu , Zhu Jing , Yu Rong
Published: July 2016

Unique rutile TiO2 nanoparticles with quantum pits have been successfully synthesized by a facile solution and subsequent thermal annealing method. The resultant rutile TiO2 nanoparticles exhibit excellent lithium storage properties.
Modification of Ni–P alloy coatings for better hydrogen production by electrochemical dissolution and TiO2nanoparticles
Authors: Elias Liju , Hegde A. Chitharanjan
Published: July 2016

This work reports the modification of Ni–P alloy coatings for better hydrogen production by electrochemical dissolution and TiO2nanoparticle incorporation.
One-step and large-scale preparation of TiO2/amorphous carbon composites with excellent visible light photocatalytic properties
Authors: Sha Dawei , Wang Jingjing , Wu Xiao , Zou Han , Dai Yu , Ren Jie , Chen Ming , Wu Yanze , Yan Xuehua
Published: July 2016

The TiO2/amorphous carbon composite, with narrower band gap caused by oxygen vacancy, doping carbon and bridging hydroxyls, has good visible light property. In the photodegradating RhB process, hole and superoxide radical are the main active species.
Investigation of oxygen vacancies on Pt- or Au-modified CeO2 materials for CO oxidation
Authors: Zhang Yanjie , Zhao Yanyan , Zhang Han , Zhang Liyuan , Ma Huipeng , Dong Peipei , Li Desheng , Yu Jingjie , Cao Guanying
Published: July 2016

Metal (Au or Pt)-modified CeO2 materials with excellent redox ability for the oxidation of CO to CO2 were prepared by a redox precipitation method and a certain amount (4.2%) of oxygen vacancies was necessary to improve the CO oxidation on Pt-CeO2.
High output power density nanogenerator based on lead-free 0.96(K0.48Na0.52)(Nb0.95Sb0.05)O3–0.04Bi0.5(Na0.82K0.18)0.5ZrO3 piezoelectric nanofibers
Authors: Zhu Ruijian , Jiang Jinyang , Wang Zengmei , Cheng Zhenxiang , Kimura Hideo
Published: July 2016

Piezoelectric nanogenerators that power micro/nano devices by converting surrounding tiny mechanical vibration into electrical energy and getting rid of batteries and power cables is attracting increasing attention in recent years.
Assessment on the antibacterial activity of nanosized silica derived from hypercoordinated silicon(iv) precursors
Authors: Janardan Sannapaneni , Suman Pothini , Ragul G. , Anjaneyulu U. , Shivendu R. , Dasgupta Nandita , Ramalingam Chidambaram , Swamiappan Sasikumar , Vijayakrishna Kari , Sivaramakrishna Akella
Published: July 2016

Silica nanoparticles were synthesized through a versatile sol–gel combustion method from hydrazide based hypercoordinated silicon complexes derived from the reaction of silicon tetrachloride with O-silylated hydrazide derivatives.
Fabrication of a novel bio-inspired collagen–polydopamine hydrogel and insights into the formation mechanism for biomedical applications
Authors: Zhu Shichen , Gu Zhipeng , Xiong Shanbai , An Yueqi , Liu Youming , Yin Tao , You Juan , Hu Yang
Published: July 2016

A novel bio-inspired hydrogel with good biological property and initiative adhesive ability to cells has been fabricated via collagen self-assembly and the incorporation of PDA, which provides a significant potential in biomedical applications.
A one step processed advanced interwoven architecture of Ni(OH)2 and Cu nanosheets with ultrahigh supercapacitor performance
Authors: Shi D. , Zhang L. , Yin X. , Huang T. J. , Gong H.
Published: July 2016

A facile and green one-step synthesis of an advanced interwoven architecture of Ni(OH)2 and Cu nanosheets with ultrahigh supercapacitor performance.
Label-free, resettable, and multi-readout logic gates based on chemically induced fluorescence switching of gold nanoclusters
Authors: Deng Hao-Hua , Wang Fei-Fei , Liu Yin-Huan , Peng Hua-Ping , Li Ke-Lin , Liu Ai-Lin , Xia Xing-Hua , Chen Wei
Published: July 2016

A label-free, resettable, multi-readout, and fluorescent logic system was designed based on BSA/MPA–AuNCs.
Increased calf and plantar muscle fibrotic contents in obese subjects may cause ankle instability
Authors: Zhu Junwei , Zhang Lei , Chen Yong , Zhao Jianning
Published: July 2016

Obesity is strongly associated with musculoskeletal disorders of the lower limb, including ankle instability and resulting gait problems. In the present study, we aimed to examine, using paired comparisons of subjects, whether moderate duration of obesity in patients with mild to moderate elevations of body mass index (BMI), changes the fibrous contents of muscles that support the ankle mortices, namely calf and plantar muscles. We attempted to examine these parameters because this shall provide direct evidence of whether obesity directly impacts myoarchitecture and support of the adjoining joints. MRI image segmentation and pixel correlations by grey level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) and entropy were used to analyse the changes. The differences in the means between groups (both GLCM and entropy) were significant from control lean populations (P<0.0001, ANOVA) for the parameters examined for both the calf and the plantar muscles. Reduction in weight should thus be a first-line approach in preventing these changes that may significantly affect quality of life due to gait disturbances.
Kreiskliniken Reutlingen: Abschied vom Gemischtwarenladen
Authors: Bonnet Jens
Published: July 2016

Um ihre Ultraschalldiagnostik auf den neusten Stand zu bringen und gleichzeitig die Kosten im Griff zu behalten, sind die Kreiskliniken Reutlingen eine zehnjährige strategische Partnerschaft mit Philips eingegangen. Solche Verträge sind bei Großgeräten gängige Praxis, in der Sonografie aber ein Novum.
Skill-Mix: Das ist erst der Anfang
Authors: Wenzel Kirsten
Published: July 2016

Das Prinzip Skill-Mix, in den letzten Jahren vor allem in der Pflege ein großer Trend, wird auch beim Europäischen Gesundheitskongress in München ein wichtiges Thema sein.
Erlebnisse eines Anzeigenkunden: Neuland Internet: Wer zu früh kommt …
Authors: Steudemann Holger
Published: July 2016

Es ist das Jahr 1995. Für einen Kongress mit dem damaligen Gesundheitsminister Horst Seehofer waren alle Klinikchefs Deutschlands anzuschreiben. Bei der Gelegenheit wurde erstmals das Internet zum Thema für uns.
Von Pedus bis Zehnacker: Die Fensterputzer-Connection
Authors: Burkart Stefan
Published: July 2016

Meine erste Begegnung mit Gunter Murzin? Grundschule, erste Klasse, nur wussten weder er noch ich davon. In der ersten Reihe saß Marion! Die allerschönste der Klasse – ach was, der ganzen Schule – war seine Nichte!
HSK und kma: Wir sind zusammen groß geworden
Authors: Fink Ulf
Published: July 2016

Die Zusammenarbeit zwischen der kma und dem Hauptstadtkongress ist eine beinahe 20-jährige – ja man kann sagen – Erfolgsgeschichte.
Bundesverband Pflegemanagement: Ein starker Pflegeverband für die kma
Authors: Bechtel Peter
Published: July 2016

Der Bundesverband Pflegemanagement hat die kma 15 Jahre begleitet und mit ihr zusammen sogar ein eigenes Pflegemagazin herausgegeben: zuerst die Balk-Info, später die kma pflege. Die Redaktion der kma schwärmt heute noch von der entspannten Zusammenarbeit.
Investitionsfinanzierung: Kliniken – attraktiv für Pensionskassen und Co.
Authors: Dorsch Gerald Christoph
Published: July 2016

Im Niedrigzinsumfeld stehen institutionelle Investoren unter hohem Druck: Sie müssen mit ihrem Kapital stabile Erträge generieren, ohne zu viel Risiko einzugehen. Schließlich müssen sie ihren Auszahlungsverpflichtungen nachkommen. Investitionen in Krankenhäuser werden deshalb für sie immer interessanter.
Point island models for nucleation and growth of supported nanoclusters during surface deposition
Authors: Han Yong , Gaudry Émilie , Oliveira Tiago J. , Evans James W.
Published: July 2016

Point island models (PIMs) are presented for the formation of supported nanoclusters (or islands) during deposition on flat crystalline substrates at lower submonolayer coverages. These models treat islands as occupying a single adsorption site, although carrying a label to track their size (i.e., they suppress island structure). However, they are particularly effective in describing the island size and spatial distributions. In fact, these PIMs provide fundamental insight into the key features for homogeneous nucleation and growth processes on surfaces. PIMs are also versatile being readily adapted to treat both diffusion-limited and attachment-limited growth and also a variety of other nucleation processes with modified mechanisms. Their behavior is readily and precisely assessed by kinetic Monte Carlo simulation.
Resolving the energy and temperature dependence of C6H6∗ collisional relaxation via time-dependent bath temperature measurements
Authors: West Niclas A. , Winner Joshua D. , Bowersox Rodney D. W. , North Simon W.
Published: July 2016

The relaxation of highly vibrationally excited benzene, generated by 193 nm laser excitation, was studied using the transient rotational-translational temperature rise of the N2 bath, which was measured by proxy using two-line laser induced fluorescence of seeded NO. The resulting experimentally measured time-dependent N2 temperature rises were modeled with MultiWell based simulations of Collisional Energy Transfer (CET) from benzene vibration to N2 rotation-translation. We find that the average energy transferred in benzene deactivating collisions depends linearly on the internal energy of the excited benzene molecules and depends approximately linearly on the N2 bath temperature between 300 K and 600 K. The results are consistent with experimental studies and classical trajectory calculations of CET in similar systems.
Wegner estimate for Landau-breather Hamiltonians
Authors: Täufer Matthias , Veselić Ivan
Published: July 2016

We consider Landau Hamiltonians with a weak coupling random electric potential of breather type. Under appropriate assumptions we prove a Wegner estimate. It implies the Hölder continuity of the integrated density of states. The main challenge is the problem how to deal with non-linear dependence on the random parameters.
Wavelet analysis methods for radiography of multidimensional growth of planar mixing layers
Authors: Merritt E. C. , Doss F. W.
Published: July 2016

The counter-propagating shear campaign is examining instability growth and its transition to turbulence in the high-energy-density physics regime using a laser-driven counter-propagating flow platform. In these experiments, we observe consistent complex break-up of and structure growth in a tracer layer placed at the shear flow interface during the instability growth phase. We present a wavelet-transform based analysis technique capable of characterizing the scale- and directionality-resolved average intensity perturbations in static radiographs of the experiment. This technique uses the complete spatial information available in each radiograph to describe the structure evolution. We designed this analysis technique to generate a two-dimensional power spectrum for each radiograph from which we can recover information about structure widths, amplitudes, and orientations. The evolution of the distribution of power in the spectra for an experimental series is a potential metric for quantifying the structure size evolution as well as a system’s evolution towards isotropy.
Electric-field-driven electron-transfer in mixed-valence molecules
Authors: Blair Enrique P. , Corcelli Steven A. , Lent Craig S.
Published: July 2016

Molecular quantum-dot cellular automata is a computing paradigm in which digital information is encoded by the charge configuration of a mixed-valence molecule. General-purpose computing can be achieved by arranging these compounds on a substrate and exploiting intermolecular Coulombic coupling. The operation of such a device relies on nonequilibrium electron transfer (ET), whereby the time-varying electric field of one molecule induces an ET event in a neighboring molecule. The magnitude of the electric fields can be quite large because of close spatial proximity, and the induced ET rate is a measure of the nonequilibrium response of the molecule. We calculate the electric-field-driven ET rate for a model mixed-valence compound. The mixed-valence molecule is regarded as a two-state electronic system coupled to a molecular vibrational mode, which is, in turn, coupled to a thermal environment. Both the electronic and vibrational degrees-of-freedom are treated quantum mechanically, and the dissipative vibrational-bath interaction is modeled with the Lindblad equation. This approach captures both tunneling and nonadiabatic dynamics. Relationships between microscopic molecular properties and the driven ET rate are explored for two time-dependent applied fields: an abruptly switched field and a linearly ramped field. In both cases, the driven ET rate is only weakly temperature dependent. When the model is applied using parameters appropriate to a specific mixed-valence molecule, diferrocenylacetylene, terahertz-range ET transfer rates are predicted.
Phase control of Mn-based spinel films via pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Feng Zhenxing , Chen Xiao , Fister Timothy T. , Bedzyk Michael J. , Fenter Paul
Published: July 2016

Phase transformations in battery cathode materials during electrochemical-insertion reactions lead to capacity fading and low cycle life. One solution is to keep the same phase of cathode materials during cation insertion-extraction processes. Here, we demonstrate a novel strategy to control the phase and composition of Mn-based spinel oxides for magnesium-ion battery applications through the growth of thin films on lattice-matched substrates using pulsed laser deposition. Materials at two extreme conditions are considered: fully discharged cathode MgMn2O4 and fully charged cathode Mn2O4. The tetragonal MgMn2O4 (MMO) phase is obtained on MgAl2O4 substrates, while the cubic MMO phase is obtained on MgO substrates. Similarly, growth of the empty Mn2O4 spinel in the cubic phase is obtained on an MgO substrate. These results demonstrate the ability to control separately the phase of spinel thin films (e.g., tetragonal vs. cubic MMO) at nominally fixed composition, and to maintain a fixed (cubic) phase while varying its composition (MgxMn2O4, for x = 0, 1). This capability provides a novel route to gain insights into the operation of battery electrodes for energy storage applications.
Dielectric constant of water in the interface
Authors: Dinpajooh Mohammadhasan , Matyushov Dmitry V.
Published: July 2016

We define the dielectric constant (susceptibility) that should enter the Maxwell boundary value problem when applied to microscopic dielectric interfaces polarized by external fields. The dielectric constant (susceptibility) of the interface is defined by exact linear-response equations involving correlations of statistically fluctuating interface polarization and the Coulomb interaction energy of external charges with the dielectric. The theory is applied to the interface between water and spherical solutes of altering size studied by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The effective dielectric constant of interfacial water is found to be significantly lower than its bulk value, and it also depends on the solute size. For TIP3P water used in MD simulations, the interface dielectric constant changes from 9 to 4 when the solute radius is increased from ∼5 to 18 Å.
Size effects on the structural, electronic, and optical properties of (5,0) finite-length carbon nanotube: An ab-initio electronic structure study
Authors: Tarighi Ahmadpour Mahdi , Hashemifar S. Javad , Rostamnejadi Ali
Published: July 2016

We use density functional computations to study the zero temperature structural, electronic, magnetic, and optical properties of (5,0) finite carbon nanotubes (FCNT), with length in the range of 4–44 Å. It is found that the structural and electronic properties of (5,0) FCNTs, in the ground state, converge at a length of about 30 Å, while the excited state properties exhibit long-range edge effects. We discuss that curvature effects enhance energy gap of FCNTs, in contrast to the known trend in the periodic limit. It is seen that compensation of curvature effects in two special small sizes may give rise to spontaneous magnetization. The obtained cohesive energies provide some insights into the effects of environment on the growth of FCNTs. The second-order difference of the total energies reveals an important magic size of about 15 Å. The optical and dynamical magnetic responses of the FCNTs to polarized electromagnetic pulses are studied by time dependent density functional theory. The results show that the static and dynamic magnetic properties mainly come from the edge carbon atoms. The optical absorption properties are described in terms of local field effects and characterized by Casida linear response method.
A robust approach to the design of an electromagnetic shield based on pyrolitic carbon
Authors: Lamberti Patrizia , Kuzhir Polina , Tucci Vincenzo
Published: July 2016

A robust approach to the design of an electromagnetic shield based on ultra-thin pyrolytic carbon (PyC, 5 ÷ 110 nm) films is proposed. Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations and Monte Carlo based tolerance analysis are used to show that even a deviation of 15 ÷ 20% from the nominal values of the most important design parameters of the PyC film, i.e. its thickness and sheet resistance, does not significantly affect the wanted level of electromagnetic interference shielding efficiency (EMI SE). The ranges of the SE show that EMI shield based on PyC film is characterized by a robust behavior with respect to the variation of such parameters due to the production processes. Therefore, since the PyC can be produced on a scalable basis, is chemically inert, significantly transparent in the visible range and can be deposited onto both metal and dielectric substrates, including flexible polymers, it may be appropriate for the highly demanding technological needs associated to the graphene revolution and can be developed from laboratory to mass production applications.
Embedding continuous quality improvement processes in multidisciplinary teams in cancer care: exploring the boundaries between quality and implementation science
Authors: Robinson Tracy E. , Janssen Anna , Harnett Paul , Museth Kylie E. , Provan Pamela J. , Hills Danny J. , Shaw Tim
Published: July 2016

Objective
The aim of the present study was to identify key enabling factors for engaging multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) in cancer care across the spectrum of translational research and quality improvement (QI) projects.

Methods
The study was conducted in two large Sydney metropolitan hospitals. Qualitative methods, including structured observations of MDT meetings and semi-structured interviews with MDT leaders and champions, were used to identify how teams interact with and generate research and implementation initiatives. Enabling factors for and barriers to the engagement of MDTs in translational research and QI were identified.

Results
Four key enabling factors emerged from the analysis of data generated from observing 43 MDT meetings and 18 semi-structured interviews: (1) access to high-quality data around individual and team performance; (2) research-active team leaders; (3) having experts, such as implementation scientists, embedded into teams; and (4) having dedicated research or QI-focused meetings. Barriers included a lack of time, administrative support, research expertise and access to real-time data.

Conclusions
The identification of enabling factors for and barriers to translational research and QI provides evidence for how multidisciplinary cancer care teams may best be engaged in research and QI that aims to improve service and care outcomes.

What is known about the topic?
MDTs are key to the delivery of cancer care in Australia, but there is scant research into how teams can best be engaged in translating research from basic science through to implementation science and QI.

What does this paper add?
This paper provides new evidence from an immersive study of cancer care MDTs in two large metropolitan hospitals in Sydney (NSW, Australia), regarding the key enabling factors for and barriers to successful engagement in translational research and QI in cancer care.

What are the implications for practitioners?
Cancer care professionals in MDTs are presented with an opportunity to embed translational research and QI into cancer care. MDTs can operate as an ideal vehicle to look beyond individual patient outcomes to broader trends and population health outcomes.
Carcass and meat properties of six genotypes of young bulls finished under feedlot tropical conditions of Mexico
Authors: Vazquez-Mendoza O. V. , Aranda-Osorio G. , Huerta-Bravo M. , Kholif A. E. , Elghandour M. M. Y. , Salem A. Z. M. , Maldonado-Simán E.
Published: July 2016

The effect of six genotypes (Zebu = Z, European Brown Swiss = EBS, Holstein = H, Z × EBS, Zebu × American Brown Swiss = ABS, Z × ABS, Z × H) on carcass and meat characteristics of young bullocks finished under feedlot conditions was tested. The Z × ABS bullocks had the highest (P = 0.001) average daily gain. The highest (P = 0.017) final liveweight was observed with Z × ABS > EBS > H genotypes. The ribeye area was larger (P = 0.012) for EBS bullocks. Both H and EBS bullocks had lowest (P = 0.001) physiological maturity; although the H bullocks had higher (P = 0.006) pelvis and heart fat values. The best (P = 0.014) conformation was obtained with the Z × ABS and Z × EBS genotypes. The greatest amount of marbling (P = 0.001) was obtained with the H genotype. In general, the crossbred genotypes showed better feedlot performance and carcass characteristics, and it seems that Holstein breed could have a an advantage from the marbling score point of view.
35th Australasian Polymer Symposium (APS) Research Highlights
Authors: Ellis Amanda V. , Qiao Greg G.
Published: July 2016

This introduction sets the background to this special issue containing papers collected from the 35th Australasian Polymer Symposium (35APS) which was held on the Gold Coast, Queensland, from 12 to 15 July 2015. These works illustrate both the multidisciplinary nature and the breadth and depth of contemporary polymer science and engineering that was discussed at this meeting.
Identifying High Value Arboreal Habitat in forested areas using high-resolution digital imagery
Authors: Cotsell Nigel , Fisher Mark , Scotts David , Cameron Mark
Published: July 2016

Old-growth forest is recognised as a high-value habitat in conservation assessment programs because of its importance to hollow-dependent species. Previous mapping undertaken at regional scales does not map patches of old forest smaller than 5 ha. While small patches of old forest may not be as ecologically important as large areas they provide opportunities for connectivity and specific habitat resources for arboreal wildlife within a broader landscape matrix. Previously, smaller patches of old forest have been overlooked because the tools have not been available to map at finer scales. This study incorporates a methodology using recent advances in technology, including aerial photography, to map old forest at a fine scale for the purposes of land-use assessment and planning. The term ‘High Value Arboreal Habitat’ is introduced to convey the ecological importance of hollow-bearing trees as part of a wider identification and mapping of high-value habitats across the landscape. The assessment was undertaken across the forested areas of the Coffs Harbour Local Government Area using high-resolution digital imagery. It is anticipated that the High Value Arboreal Habitat mapping process will be adopted by a range of stakeholders and natural resource managers to better manage and conserve these old forests across the landscape whatever their size.
Resolving the taxonomy, range and ecology of biogeographically isolated and critically endangered populations of an Australian freshwater galaxiid, Galaxias truttaceus
Authors: Morgan David L. , Beatty Stephen J. , Close Paul G. , Allen Mark G. , Unmack Peter J. , Hammer Michael P. , Adams Mark
Published: July 2016

The spotted galaxias (or trout minnow), Galaxias truttaceus, is a species that is restricted to south-western and south-eastern Australia, but there has long been conjecture as to whether the geographically and Critically Endangered Western Australian populations represent a subspecies (Galaxias truttaceus hesperius). We provide evidence that Western Australian populations, on the basis of a combination of genetic, geographic and ecological criteria, should be considered an evolutionary significant unit, which merits management as a high conservation priority. Substructure at nuclear and matrilineal genetic markers is not suggestive of species-level divergence, but rather of discrete western and eastern Australian subpopulations with limited contemporary gene flow. In contrast to many eastern populations that are diadromous, all western populations are potamodromous. Adults live and spawn in riverine habitats and larvae drift downstream to coastal lakes, where they spend several months, before undertaking a distinct upstream recruitment migration as juveniles to colonise riverine habitats. Instream barriers that disconnect riverine and lentic habitats restrict distributional range and presumably affect reproductive success of Western Australian populations. Conserving the remaining populations in Western Australia will require ongoing efforts to reduce the impact of emerging threats, particularly those related to instream barriers, introduced species and reductions in water quantity and quality.