bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autoimmune antibodies to collagen XIII in myasthenia gravis patients
Authors: Tu Hongmin , Pirskanen‐Matell Ritva , Heikkinen Anne , Oikarainen Tuomo , Risteli Juha , Pihlajaniemi Taina
Published: September 2017

Introduction: Evaluation of the nerve fascicular structure can be useful in diagnosing nerve damage, but it is a very challenging task with 3T MRI because of limited resolution. In this pilot study, we present the feasibility of high‐resolution 7T MRI for examining the nerve fascicular structure. Methods: A 3‐dimensional (3D) gradient‐spoiled sequence was used for imaging peripheral nerves in extremities. Images acquired with different in‐plane resolutions (0.42 × 0.42 mm vs. 0.12 × 0.12 mm), and different main field strengths (7T vs. 3T) were compared. Results: The individual nerve fascicles were identified at 0.12 × 0.12 mm resolution in both field strengths but not at 0.42 × 0.42 mm resolution. The fascicular structure was more sharply depicted in 7T images than in 3T images. Discussion: High‐resolution 3D imaging with 7T MRI demonstrated feasibility for imaging nerve fascicular structures. Muscle Nerve 57: 506–510, 2018
Contributing to making the school a safe place for the child: School nurses’ perceptions of their assignment when caring for children having parents with serious physical illness
Authors: Golsäter Marie , Enskär Karin , Knutsson Susanne
Published: September 2017

Aim

To explore how school nurses perceive their assignment when caring for children having parents with serious physical illness.

Design

An explorative inductive qualitative design.

Method

The study is based on interviews with 16 school nurses. The interviews were subjected to qualitative content analysis.

Results

The main category, “Contribute in making the school a safe place for the child”, reveals how the school nurses try to contribute to making the school a safe place for a child when his/her parent has a serious physical illness. They support children through individual support, as well as at an overall level in the school health team to make the school, as an organization, a safe place. Routines and collaboration to recognize the child when his/her parent has become ill is described as crucial to accomplishing this assignment.
The New York 911 Good Samaritan Law and Opioid Overdose Prevention Among People Who Inject Drugs
Authors: Zadoretzky Cathy , McKnight Courtney , Bramson Heidi , Des Jarlais Don , Phillips Maxine , Hammer Mark , Cala Mary Ellen
Published: September 2017

This study examines how people who inject drugs (PWIDs) applied and experienced New York's Opioid Overdose Prevention Programs (OOPPs) and 911 Good Samaritan Law. Mixed‐methods interviews were conducted with a community sample of New York syringe exchange participants (N = 225) and new admissions to methadone treatment (N = 75) in 2013 and 2014. Most participants were unaware of explicit protections provided by New York law to witnesses (85 percent) or overdose victims (83 percent) who called 911 for assistance. However, 75 percent called 911 upon last witnessing an overdose and 85 percent were very likely to call 911 for future victims. Calling 911 was associated with knowing relatives or friends who died of overdose (AOR = 2.57; 95%CI: 1.28, 5.19), OOPP training since implementation of the 911 Good Samaritan Law (AOR = 1.55; 95%CI: 1.07, 2.24), and perceived importance of calling 911 (AOR = 2.12; 95%CI: 1.02, 4.40). Thematic patterns in qualitative data revealed that participants fearing criminal penalties delayed calling 911 or abandoned overdose victims after calling 911, risking victim morbidity and fatality. Misunderstanding of New York law and fear of criminal penalties undermined participants’ efforts to save lives, even when 911 was called. Public health outcomes may benefit by investigating how PWIDs misunderstand the 911 Good Samaritan Law.
The Ternary Post‐transition Metal Carbodiimide SrZn(NCN)2
Authors: Corkett Alex J. , Konze Philipp M. , Dronskowski Richard
Published: September 2017

SrZn(NCN)2, the first example of a ternary post‐transition metal carbodiimide, was prepared by a solid‐state metathesis reaction. The crystal structure was solved from PXRD data and found to adopt the orthorhombic (Cmcm) BaZnSO structure, a high symmetry modification of that expressed by the oxide analogue SrZnO2. Locally, SrZn(NCN)2 features ZnN4 tetrahedra and SrN6 trigonal prisms similar to those in quarternary LiSr2M(NCN)4 (M = Al3+ and Ga3+) phases, however, the overall topologies are distinct with single chains in the former and double chains in the latter. Electronic structure calculations indicate an indirect bandgap of about 2.95 eV in SrZn(NCN)2, slightly lower than the experimentally observed bandgap of 3.4 eV in SrZnO2 and consistent with a greater degree of covalency. The structural similarities between SrZn(NCN)2 and oxychalcogenide analogues highlight the pseudochalcogenide character of NCN2– and suggest that the title compound may serve as a template for accessing novel ternary carbodiimides featuring tetrahedrally coordinated transition metals.
The clinical characteristics of adult bacterial meningitis caused by non‐Pseudomonas(Ps.)aeruginosa Pseudomonasspecies: A clinical comparison withPs. aeruginosameningitis
Authors: Huang Chi‐Ren , Lien Chia‐Yi , Tsai Wan‐Chen , Lai Wei‐An , Hsu Che‐Wei , Tsai Nai‐Wen , Chang Chiung‐Chih , Lu Cheng‐Hsien , Chien Chun‐Chih , Chang Wen‐Neng
Published: September 2017

Adult bacterial meningitis (ABM) caused by non‐Pseudomonas(Ps.)aeruginosa Pseudomonas(NPAP) species infection has rarely been reported. The clinical characteristics of 52 cases ofPseudomonasABM (11 NPAP‐ and 41Ps. aeruginosa‐related meningitis) collected during a 30‐year study period (1986–2015) were included. Eleven cases of NPAP ABM were identified in the literature, and their clinical data were also collected. Therefore, a total of 22 NPAP ABM cases were enrolled. The clinical characteristics of the NPAP ABM andPs. aeruginosaABM groups were compared. Of the implicated NPAP strains,Ps. putidaandPs. stutzeriwere the most common (7 cases each), followed byPs. mendocinain 4,Ps. fluorescensin 1,Ps. fulvain 1,Ps. alcaligenesin 1, andPs. mosseliiin 1. Of the 22 cases, 50% (11/22) had an underlying postneurosurgical state. Fever (77.3%, 17/22) and altered consciousness (45.5%, 10/22) were the most common clinical presentations. Antibiotic non‐susceptibility was found in 3 strains ofPs. putidaand 1Ps. mosseliistrain. Compared to the patients withPs. aeruginosaABM, those with NPAP ABM had a higher incidence of spontaneous infections and a better survival rate. In conclusion, althoughPs. putida,Ps. stutzeriandPs. mendocinawere the major implicated strains of NPAP ABM, the clinical characteristics of this specific group of ABM demonstrated marked heterogeneity. Even though the cases with NPAP ABM had better therapeutic results than those withPs. aeruginosaABM, further large‐scale studies are needed to better delineate this specific group of ABM.
A spectral method for community detection in moderately sparse degree-corrected stochastic block models
Authors: Gulikers Lennart , Lelarge Marc , Massoulié Laurent
Published: September 2017

We consider community detection in degree-corrected stochastic block models. We propose a spectral clustering algorithm based on a suitably normalized adjacency matrix. We show that this algorithm consistently recovers the block membership of all but a vanishing fraction of nodes, in the regime where the lowest degree is of order log(n) or higher. Recovery succeeds even for very heterogeneous degree distributions. The algorithm does not rely on parameters as input. In particular, it does not need to know the number of communities.
Computing absorbing times via fluid approximations
Authors: Gast Nicolas , Gaujal Bruno
Published: September 2017

In this paper we compute the absorbing timeTnof ann-dimensional discrete-time Markov chain comprisingncomponents, each with an absorbing state and evolving in mutual exclusion. We show that the random absorbing timeTnis well approximated by a deterministic timetnthat is the first time when a fluid approximation of the chain approaches the absorbing state at a distance 1 /n. We provide an asymptotic expansion oftnthat uses the spectral decomposition of the kernel of the chain as well as the asymptotic distribution ofTn, relying on extreme values theory. We show the applicability of this approach with three different problems: the coupon collector, the erasure channel lifetime, and the coupling times of random walks in high-dimensional spaces.
Limit theorems for the zig-zag process
Authors: Bierkens Joris , Duncan Andrew
Published: September 2017

Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods provide an essential tool in statistics for sampling from complex probability distributions. While the standard approach to MCMC involves constructing discrete-time reversible Markov chains whose transition kernel is obtained via the Metropolis–Hastings algorithm, there has been recent interest in alternative schemes based on piecewise deterministic Markov processes (PDMPs). One such approach is based on the zig-zag process, introduced in Bierkens and Roberts (2016), which proved to provide a highly scalable sampling scheme for sampling in the big data regime; see Bierkenset al.(2016). In this paper we study the performance of the zig-zag sampler, focusing on the one-dimensional case. In particular, we identify conditions under which a central limit theorem holds and characterise the asymptotic variance. Moreover, we study the influence of the switching rate on the diffusivity of the zig-zag process by identifying a diffusion limit as the switching rate tends to ∞. Based on our results we compare the performance of the zig-zag sampler to existing Monte Carlo methods, both analytically and through simulations.
The family Carditidae (Bivalvia) in the early Danian of Patagonia (Argentina)
Authors: Pérez Damián E. , del Río Claudia J.
Published: September 2017

The first systematic analysis of the Danian carditids of Patagonia is presented, which includes four genera—one new genus and the first records of three other genera in South America. They consist ofClaibornicardia paleopatagonica(Ihering, 1903), a widely distributed species occuring in the Jagüel, Roca and Salamanca formations (Neuquén, Río Negro and Chubut Provinces);RotundicardiaHeaslip, 1968, represented by the new speciesR.mariobrosorumn. sp., which is restricted to the Roca Formation (Río Negro Province);Cardites feruglioi(Petersen, 1846) (Roca and Lefipán formations, Río Negro and Chubut Provinces); and byKalelianew genus, which includesK.burmeisteri(Böhm, 1903) from the Salamanca and Roca formations (Río Negro and Chubut Provinces), which is related to the Paris Basin speciesK.multicostata(Lamarck, 1806) n. comb. andK.pectuncularis(Lamarck, 1806) n. comb. ‘Venericardia’ iheringi(Böhm, 1903), a species known only from internal molds, is described and regarded as a carditid with uncertain affinities. The presence ofClaibornicardia,Rotundicardia, andCarditesin Patagonia constitutes the most ancient record of these genera and confirms biogeographical connections previously established between the Danian Argentinian and North American/European fossil faunas.
PREDICATIVITY THROUGH TRANSFINITE REFLECTION
Authors: CORDÓN-FRANCO ANDRÉS , FERNÁNDEZ-DUQUE DAVID , JOOSTEN JOOST J. , LARA-MARTÍN FRANCISCO FÉLIX
Published: September 2017

Let T be a second-order arithmetical theory, Λ a well-order, λ < Λ and X ⊆ ℕ. We use $[\lambda |X]_T^{\rm{\Lambda }}\varphi$ as a formalization of “φ is provable from T and an oracle for the set X, using ω-rules of nesting depth at most λ”.

For a set of formulas Γ, define predicative oracle reflection for T over Γ (Pred–O–RFNΓ(T)) to be the schema that asserts that, if X ⊆ ℕ, Λ is a well-order and φ ∈ Γ, then

$$\forall \,\lambda < {\rm{\Lambda }}\,([\lambda |X]_T^{\rm{\Lambda }}\varphi \to \varphi ).$$

In particular, define predicative oracle consistency (Pred–O–Cons(T)) as Pred–O–RFN{0=1}(T).

Our main result is as follows. Let ATR0 be the second-order theory of Arithmetical Transfinite Recursion, ${\rm{RCA}}_0^{\rm{*}}$ be Weakened Recursive Comprehension and ACA be Arithmetical Comprehension with Full Induction. Then,

$${\rm{ATR}}_0 \equiv {\rm{RCA}}_0^{\rm{*}} + {\rm{Pred - O - Cons\ }}\left( {{\rm{RCA}}_0^{\rm{*}} } \right) \equiv {\rm{RCA}}_0^{\rm{*}} + \,{\rm{Pred - O - Cons\ }}\left( {{\rm{RCA}}_0^{\rm{*}} } \right) \equiv {\rm{RCA}}_0^{\rm{*}} + \,{\rm{Pred - O - RFN}}\,_{{\bf{\Pi }}_2^1 } \left( {{\rm{ACA}}} \right).$$

We may even replace ${\rm{RCA}}_0^{\rm{*}}$ by the weaker ECA0, the second-order analogue of Elementary Arithmetic.

Thus we characterize ATR0, a theory often considered to embody Predicative Reductionism, in terms of strong reflection and consistency principles.
A critical-sympathetic introduction to Linklater’s odyssey: Bridge over troubled (Eurocentric?) water
Authors: Hobson John M.
Published: September 2017

This article provides an ‘engaged’ introduction to this forum on Andrew Linklater’s recently published book,Violence and Civilization in the Western States-Systems. I call this ‘engaged’ because I seek to adjudicate between the critics and Linklater’s book in the hope of building a bridge over troubled water. Given that the key word that underpins many of this forum’s contributions is Eurocentrism, I explore whether, and if so to what extent, Linklater’s book is Eurocentric. While I too identify various Eurocentric cues, I also provide various defences for Linklater. In particular, the final section advances two definitions of Eurocentrism and anti-Eurocentrism. Although I identify elements of ‘Eurocentrism I’ (the elision of non-Western agency and reification of the West) in his book, Linklater might respond to the principal forum complaint that he accords little or no role to non-Western actors and processes in the Western or global civilizing process by appealing to an alternative anti-Eurocentric approach: ‘anti-Eurocentrism II’ (which focuses squarely on Western imperial power and ignores or heavily downplays non-Western agency). I close by critiquing his left-liberal cosmopolitan politics, arguing that his Eurocentric-universalist normative posture cannot create the kind of peaceful and harmonious world that he (and Kant) so desires.
“Utopian in the Right Sense”: The Responsibility to Protect and the Logical Necessity of Reform
Authors: Hehir Aidan
Published: September 2017

In this article I argue that the claims made about the efficacy of the Responsibility to Protect (RtoP) echo the pejorative conceptions of “utopianism” as advanced by E. H. Carr and Ken Booth in two ways: through the determination of RtoP supporters to claim “progress” in spite of countervailing empirical evidence; and through the exaggerated importance that supporters ascribe to institutionalization, which mistakenly conflates state support with a change in state behavior and interests. I argue that RtoP's impact on the behavior of states has been and will continue to be limited. Moreover, while RtoP has garnered widespread support among states, this is due to it having been rendered largely impotent through a process of norm cooptation. While both Carr and Booth criticized a particularformof utopianism, they both also defended the articulation of normative prescriptions that arenot immediatelyfeasible. To this end, I conclude by suggesting a potential reform of the existing international legal order that meets Carr's preference for normative thinking that is “utopian in the right sense.”
Percutaneous closure of aorta–right atrial tunnel in a newborn
Authors: Narin Nazmi , Pamukcu Ozge
Published: September 2017

A tunnel between the aorta and right atrium in a newborn was occluded with 5×6 Amplatzer Duct Occluder II-Additional Size. Our case is different because of enlarged right atrium and atypical location of tunnel orifice.
Human Thriving
Authors: Brown Daniel J. , Arnold Rachel , Fletcher David , Standage Martyn
Published: September 2017

Abstract. Human beings have an inherent drive for self-improvement and growth ( Maslow, 1965 ; Ryan & Deci, 2002 ). In a quest to understand how human beings achieve fulfillment, researchers have sought to explain why some individuals thrive in certain situations, whereas others merely survive or succumb. The topic of thriving has become popular with scholars, resulting in a divergent body of literature and a lack of consensus on the key processes that underpin the construct. In view of such differences, the purpose of this paper is threefold: (i) to review a number of existing theoretical and conceptual debates, and to propose a conceptualization of thriving applicable across different populations and domains; (ii) to consolidate pertinent bodies of extant thriving research and identify key personal and contextual enablers to inform applied practice; and (iii) to identify noteworthy gaps within existing literature so as to make recommendations for future research and, ultimately, support the development of effective psychosocial interventions for thriving.
Ontologies About Human Behavior
Authors: Blanch Angel , García Roberto , Planes Jordi , Gil Rosa , Balada Ferran , Blanco Eduardo , Aluja Anton
Published: September 2017

Abstract. The development of information and communication technologies has stimulated a variety of data and informational resources about human behavior. This is contributing toward collaborative efforts in the formalization and systematization of an overwhelming volume of scientific information. Several tools are helpful for this endeavor, among which the ontology is growing in popularity. Most of the available informational resources adopt the ontology to organize a shared conceptualization of a given body of knowledge. In the present study, we reviewed ontology resources (n = 17) that can be of interest to researchers and scholars involved in human behavior and psychological research. The selected ontologies were contrasted on the three main components of ontologies, classes, individuals, and properties, and on scheme and knowledge metrics. Moreover, we recorded the associations of the terms within a given ontology with terms of other ontologies (mappings), the number of projects using a particular ontology, and whether an ontology was available within the Bioportal, an extensive repository about biomedical ontologies. A few working examples were also provided to clarify how these resources might contribute to improve the analysis, understanding, and research cooperation about human behavior and psychological research.
A Diary of a Storm
Authors: Kumar Mohi
Published: September 2017

When Hurricane Harvey struck Texas more than a week ago, an Eos staff editor based in Houston hunkered down. Here’s her day-by-day account of the storm and its aftermath.
Hurricane Irma Tears Across Caribbean, Heads to South Florida
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: September 2017

Florida residents prepare for potentially catastrophic winds and flooding.
Peri-implant health, clinical outcome and patient-centred outcomes of implant-supported overdentures in the mandible and the maxilla
Authors: Offord David , Mathieson Grant , Kingsford Nicola , Matthys Carine , Glibert Maarten , De Bruyn Hugo
Published: September 2017

Objectives/Aims:

The primary aim of this retrospective pilot study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of overdentures on four non-splinted maxillary implants compared to the mandible using locator attachments and secondly to assess patient's opinion of the treatment.

Materials and Methods:

The treatment protocol used here is summarised as a single-stage surgical approach followed by immediate loading (same day in 12 of 17 patients) of a removable prosthesis in the maxilla and mandible. Most of the implants were installed into fresh extraction sockets. Clinical outcomes were evaluated in 68 southern implants, straight (non co-axis) or angulated (co-axis) in 17 patients. Patients were examined by independent examiners at an average follow-up of 14.5 months after implant placement.

Results:

Outcomes measured were implant survival, bone loss, bleeding on probing, probing pocket depths and plaque score in addition to quality of life measured with OHIP-14 questionnaires. An overall implant survival of 100% was achieved. The mean marginal bone level (mm) over the entire cohort of 66 measured implants was (1.4 mm; range, 0–5.5). A significant difference (P=0.01) was found between bone level, from implant head to bone contact in the maxilla (M, 0.9 mm; s.d., 1.1; range, 0–4) and the mandible (M, 1.7; s.d., 1.0; range, 0–5.5). The marginal bone-to-implant head distance with the angulated co-axis implants was 1.9 mm (s.d., 1.5; range, 0–5.5) compared to non co-axis, mean 1.2 mm (s.d., 1.1; range, 0–4) (P=0.01). The OHIP-14 overall mean was 3.3 (out of a maximum of 56).

Conclusion:

The implant survival was 100% and the patients benefited from the overdenture treatment on four non-connected implants. The extremely low OHIP-14 indicated a very high level of patient satisfaction following treatment. The results of this study merit further long-term investigation to fully investigate the success of immediately loading implants in the maxilla as well as cost-benefit.
Pre-treatment microbial Prevotella-to-Bacteroides ratio, determines body fat loss success during a 6-month randomized controlled diet intervention
Authors: Hjorth M F , Roager H M , Larsen T M , Poulsen S K , Licht T R , Bahl M I , Zohar Y , Astrup A
Published: September 2017

On the basis of the abundance of specific bacterial genera, the human gut microbiota can be divided into two relatively stable groups that might have a role in personalized nutrition. We studied these simplified enterotypes as prognostic markers for successful body fat loss on two different diets. A total of 62 participants with increased waist circumference were randomly assigned to receive an ad libitum New Nordic Diet (NND) high in fiber/whole grain or an Average Danish Diet for 26 weeks. Participants were grouped into two discrete enterotypes by their relative abundance of Prevotella spp. divided by Bacteroides spp. (P/B ratio) obtained by quantitative PCR analysis. Modifications of dietary effects of pre-treatment P/B group were examined by linear mixed models. Among individuals with high P/B the NND resulted in a 3.15 kg (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.55; 4.76, P<0.001) larger body fat loss compared with ADD, whereas no differences was observed among individuals with low P/B (0.88 kg (95% CI: −0.61; 2.37, P=0.25)). Consequently, a 2.27 kg (95% CI: 0.09; 4.45, P=0.041) difference in responsiveness to the diets were found between the two groups. In summary, subjects with high P/B ratio appeared more susceptible to lose body fat on diets high in fiber and whole grain than subjects with a low P/B ratio.
Lightweight porous Co3O4 and Co/CoO nanofibers with tunable impedance match and configuration-dependent microwave absorption properties
Authors: Zhao Biao , Deng Jiushuai , Liang Luyang , Zuo Chenyinxia , Bai Zhongyi , Guo Xiaoqin , Zhang Rui
Published: September 2017

In this study, we fabricated one-dimensional porous Co3O4 and Co/CoO nanofibers by calcination of cobalt(ii) oxalate dehydrate precursors in an environment filled with air and N2, respectively.
Full dimensional potential energy surface and low temperature dynamics of the H2CO + OH → HCO + H2O reaction
Authors: Zanchet Alexandre , del Mazo Pablo , Aguado Alfredo , Roncero Octavio , Jiménez Elena , Canosa André , Agúndez Marcelino , Cernicharo José
Published: September 2017

A method is proposed to represent the potential energy surface of reactions involving polyatomic molecules, describing accurately long range interactions and saddle points, to describe low temperature collisions.
Theoretical study on geometric, electronic and catalytic performances of Fe dopant pairs in graphene
Authors: Tang Yanan , Chai Huadou , Chen Weiguang , Cui Xiao , Ma Yaqiang , Zhao Mingyu , Dai Xianqi
Published: September 2017

The formation geometries, electronic structures and catalytic properties of monovacancy and divacancy graphene sheets with two embedded Fe dopants (2Fe-MG and 2Fe-DG) have been systematically investigated using the first-principles calculations.
Highly efficient visible-light-induced photoactivity of Z-scheme Ag2CO3/Ag/WO3 photocatalysts for organic pollutant degradation
Authors: Yuan Xingzhong , Jiang Longbo , Chen Xiaohong , Leng Lijian , Wang Hou , Wu Zhibin , Xiong Ting , Liang Jie , Zeng Guangming
Published: September 2017

Z-scheme photocatalytic systems combined with a metallic Ag SPR effect are applied to improve the photocatalytic activity.
Efficient eco-clean upgrading of isolated cellulose fibers by polyoxometalate (POM) catalyzed ozonation boosted by enzymes
Authors: Shatalov Anatoly A.
Published: September 2017

An extremely selective and effective delignification approach using enzymatically driven ozonation catalyzed by α-Keggin-type heteropolyoxometalates in solvent medium was developed.
“Open-top” microfluidic device for in vitro three-dimensional capillary beds
Authors: Oh Soojung , Ryu Hyunryul , Tahk Dongha , Ko Jihoon , Chung Yoojin , Lee Hae Kwang , Lee Tae Ryong , Jeon Noo Li
Published: September 2017

We introduce a novel microfluidic device to co-culture a blood vessel network and cell tissues in an in vivo-like niche.
Recent advances in black phosphorus-based photonics, electronics, sensors and energy devices
Authors: Zhou Ye , Zhang Maoxian , Guo Zhinan , Miao Lili , Han Su-Ting , Wang Ziya , Zhang Xiuwen , Zhang Han , Peng Zhengchun
Published: September 2017

Recent progress in black phosphorus-based photonics, electronics, sensors and energy devices has been reviewed.
Thiourea functionalized β-cyclodextrin as green reducing and stabilizing agent for silver nanocomposites with enhanced antimicrobial and antioxidant properties
Authors: Sharma Rahul , Singh Prem , Dharela Rohini , Chauhan Ghanshyam Singh , Chauhan Kalpana
Published: September 2017

Rapid development of microbial resistance against traditional antibiotics has generated a need for the synthesis of new more potent, less toxic, target specific, cost effective and biodegradable antimicrobial agents.
Nanoelectromagnetic of the N-doped single wall carbon nanotube in the extremely high frequency band
Authors: Aïssa B. , Nedil M. , Kroeger J. , Hossain M. I. , Mahmoud K. , Rosei F.
Published: September 2017

Materials offering excellent mechanical flexibility, high electrical conductivity and electromagnetic interference (EMI) attenuation with minimal thickness are in high demand, particularly if they can be easily processed into films.
A low-cost, large field-of-view scanning ion conductance microscope for studying nanoparticle–cell membrane interactions
Authors: Gesper Astrid , Hagemann Philipp , Happel Patrick
Published: September 2017

We present an improved Scanning Ion Conductance Microscope that allows high-resolution studies of the interaction of nanoparticles and the cell membrane.
Pt–Ag cubic nanocages with wall thickness less than 2 nm and their enhanced catalytic activity toward oxygen reduction
Authors: Sun Xiaojun , Yang Xuan , Zhang Yun , Ding Yong , Su Dong , Qin Dong
Published: September 2017

We report a facile synthesis of Pt–Ag nanocages with walls thinner than 2 nm by depositing a few atomic layers of Pt as conformal shells on Ag nanocubes and then selectively removing the Ag template via wet etching.
Layered SnSe nano-plates with excellent in-plane anisotropic properties of Raman spectrum and photo-response
Authors: Li Xuan-Ze , Xia Jing , Wang Lei , Gu Yi-Yi , Cheng Hua-Qiu , Meng Xiang-Min
Published: September 2017

Orthorhombic SnSe nano-plates possess strong angle-resolved Raman property and obvious in-plane anisotropic photo-response, which could be used in creation of new-type devices and to supplement experimental results in study of anisotropic properties.
Effects of stereo-regularity on the single-chain mechanics of polylactic acid and its implications on the physical properties of bulk materials
Authors: Cheng Bo , Qian Lu , Qian Hu-jun , Lu Zhong-yuan , Cui Shuxun
Published: September 2017

The material properties of polylactic acid (PLA) are largely determined by its stereo-regularity (tacticity).
Singlet oxygen-mediated one-pot chemoselective peptide–peptide ligation
Authors: Antonatou Eirini , Verleysen Yentl , Madder Annemieke
Published: September 2017

We here describe a furan oxidation based site-specific chemical ligation approach using unprotected peptide segments.
Drop friction on liquid-infused materials
Authors: Keiser Armelle , Keiser Ludovic , Clanet Christophe , Quéré David
Published: September 2017

We discuss the special laws of friction observed as a drop glides on a liquid-infused material.
Neupogen and mesenchymal stem cells are the novel therapeutic agents in regeneration of induced endometrial fibrosis in experimental rats
Authors: Sabry Dina , Mostafa Abeer , Marzouk Samar , Ibrahim Walaa , Ali Hanan H.M. , Hassan Aymen , Shamaa Ashraf
Published: September 2017

Endometrial fibrosis is the presence of intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) after any uterine surgery or curettage and it results in infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss. We evaluated the role of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) as a therapeutic agent of endometrial fibrosis. We also compared the effect of MSCs with the effect of estrogen and neupogen either each alone or as a combined therapy with MSCs. This experimental study was performed on 84 albino rats which were divided into seven groups (n=12 rats/group) as follows, group1: normal control rats, group 2: induced fibrosis, group 3: induced fibrosis that received oral estrogen, group 4: induced fibrosis that received hMSCs, group 5: induced fibrosis that received hMSCs and estrogen, group 6: induced fibrosis that received neupogen, and group 7: induced fibrosis that received hMSCs and neupogen. The extent of fibrosis, vascularization, and inflammation were evaluated by; qRT-PCR for interleukin 1 (IL-1), interleukin 6 (IL-6), TNF, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and RUNX; ELISA for connective tissue growth factor (CTGF); Western blotting for collagen-I; immunohistochemistry examination for VEGF and RUNX-2; and histopathological assessment. In therapeutic groups either by hMSCs alone or combined with estrogen or neupogen; fibrosis and inflammation (IL-1, IL-6, TNF, TGF-β, RUNX, CTGF, and collagen-I) were significantly decreased but vascularization (VEGF) was significantly increased (P<0.05) compared with induced fibrosis group. The most significant result was obtained in fibrosis that received combined therapy of hMSCs and neupogen (P=0.000). Stem cells and neupogen are a highly effective alternative regenerative agents in endometrial fibrosis.
The clinical and prognostic value of CXCL8 in cervical carcinoma patients: immunohistochemical analysis
Authors: Yan Ruiling , Shuai Hanlin , Luo Xin , Wang Xueqin , Guan Baozhang
Published: September 2017

Cysteine-X-cysteine ligand 8 (CXCL8) was originally discovered as a proinflammatory chemokine. Recently, CXCL8 has been shown to act as an oncogene in several types of human cancers. However, the clinical and prognostic significance of CXCL8 in cervical cancer is poorly understood. In our study, we found that CXCL8 was highly expressed in cervical cancer tissues compared with normal cervical tissues in microarray datasets (GSE9750 and GSE7803). CXCL8 mRNA and protein expressions were increased in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines compared with normal cervical tissues and cervical epithelial cell lines. CXCL8 protein expression was significantly correlated with clinical stage, distant metastasis, histological type, and histological grade. CXCL8 high expression was a poor independent prognostic parameter for cervical cancer patients. In conclusion, CXCL8 is highly expressed in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines, and correlated with malignant status and prognosis in cervical cancer patients.
Speech Recognition and Cognitive Skills in Bimodal Cochlear Implant Users
Authors: Hua Håkan , Johansson Björn , Magnusson Lennart , Lyxell Björn , Ellis Rachel J.
Published: September 2017

Purpose

To examine the relation between speech recognition and cognitive skills in bimodal cochlear implant (CI) and hearing aid users.

Method

Seventeen bimodal CI users (28–74 years) were recruited to the study. Speech recognition tests were carried out in quiet and in noise. The cognitive tests employed included the Reading Span Test and the Trail Making Test (Daneman & Carpenter, 1980; Reitan, 1958, 1992), measuring working memory capacity and processing speed and executive functioning, respectively. Data were analyzed using paired-sample
t
tests, Pearson correlations, and partial correlations controlling for age.

Results

The results indicate that performance on some cognitive tests predicts speech recognition and that bimodal listening generates a significant improvement in speech in quiet compared to unilateral CI listening. However, the current results also suggest that bimodal listening requires different cognitive skills than does unimodal CI listening. This is likely to relate to the relative difficulty of having to integrate 2 different signals and then map the integrated signal to representations stored in the long-term memory.

Conclusions

Even though participants obtained speech recognition benefit from bimodal listening, the results suggest that processing bimodal stimuli involves different cognitive skills than does unimodal conditions in quiet. Thus, clinically, it is important to consider this when assessing treatment outcomes.
Solving the conundrum of intervening strong Mg II absorbers towards gamma-ray bursts and quasars
Authors: Christensen L. , Vergani S. D. , Schulze S. , Annau N. , Selsing J. , Fynbo J. P. U. , de Ugarte Postigo A. , Cañameras R. , Lopez S. , Passi D. , Cortés-Zuleta P. , Ellison S. L. , D’Odorico V. , Becker G. , Berg T. A. M. , Cano Z. , Covino S. , Cupani G. , D’Elia V. , Goldoni P. , Gomboc A. , Hammer F. , Heintz K. E. , Jakobsson P. , Japelj J. , Kaper L. , Malesani D. , Møller P. , Petitjean P. , Pugliese V. , Sánchez-Ramírez R. , Tanvir N. R. , Thöne C. C. , Vestergaard M. , Wiersema K. , Worseck G.
Published: September 2017

Previous studies have shown that the incidence rate of intervening strong Mg ii absorbers towards gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) were a factor of 2–4 higher than towards quasars. Exploring the similar sized and uniformly selected legacy data sets XQ-100 and XSGRB, each consisting of 100 quasar and 81 GRB afterglow spectra obtained with a single instrument (VLT/X-shooter), we demonstrate that there is no disagreement in the number density of strong Mg ii absorbers with rest-frame equivalent widths \hbox{$W_{\rm r}^{\lambda2796}>1$} Å towardsGRBs and quasars in the redshift range 0.1 ≲ z ≲ 5. With large and similar sample sizes, and path length coverages of Δz = 57.8 and 254.4 for GRBs and quasars, respectively, the incidences of intervening absorbers are consistent within 1σ uncertainty levels at all redshifts. For absorbers at z < 2.3, the incidence towards GRBs is a factor of 1.5 ± 0.4 higher than the expected number of strong Mg ii absorbers in Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) quasar spectra, while for quasar absorbers observed with X-shooter we find an excess factor of 1.4 ± 0.2 relative to SDSS quasars. Conversely, the incidence rates agree at all redshifts with reported high-spectral-resolution quasar data, and no excess is found. The only remaining discrepancy in incidences is between SDSS Mg ii catalogues and high-spectral-resolution studies. The rest-frame equivalent-width distribution also agrees to within 1σ uncertainty levels between the GRB and quasar samples. Intervening strong Mg ii absorbers towards GRBs are therefore neither unusually frequent, nor unusually strong.
The reports of thick discs’ deaths are greatly exaggerated
Authors: Comerón S. , Salo H. , Knapen J. H.
Published: September 2017

Recent studies have made the community aware of the importance of accounting for scattered light when examining low-surface-brightness galaxy features such as thick discs. In our past studies of the thick discs of edge-on galaxies in the Spitzer Survey of Stellar Structure in Galaxies – the S4G – we modelled the point spread function as a Gaussian. In this paper we re-examine our results using a revised point spread function model that accounts for extended wings out to more than 2 .́ 5. We study the 3.6 μm images of 141 edge-on galaxies from the S4G and its early-type galaxy extension. Thus, we more than double the samples examined in our past studies. We decompose the surface-brightness profiles of the galaxies perpendicular to their mid-planes assuming that discs are made of two stellar discs in hydrostatic equilibrium. We decompose the axial surface-brightness profiles of galaxies to model the central mass concentration – described by a Sérsic function – and the disc – described by a broken exponential disc seen edge-on. Our improved treatment fully confirms the ubiquitous occurrence of thick discs. The main difference between our current fits and those presented in our previous papers is that now the scattered light from the thin disc dominates the surface brightness at levels below μ ~ 26 mag arcsec-2. We stress that those extended thin disc tails are not physical, but pure scattered light. This change, however, does not drastically affect any of our previously presented results: 1) Thick discs are nearly ubiquitous. They are not an artefact caused by scattered light as has been suggested elsewhere. 2) Thick discs have masses comparable to those of thin discs in low-mass galaxies – with circular velocities vc< 120 km s-1 – whereas they are typically less massive than the thin discs in high-mass galaxies. 3) Thick discs and central mass concentrations seem to have formed at the same epoch from a common material reservoir. 4) Approximately 50% of the up-bending breaks in face-on galaxies are caused by the superposition of a thin and a thick disc where the scale-length of the latter is the largest.
Observational calibration of the projection factor of Cepheids
Authors: Gallenne A. , Kervella P. , Mérand A. , Pietrzyński G. , Gieren W. , Nardetto N. , Trahin B.
Published: September 2017

Context. The Baade-Wesselink (BW) method, which combines linear and angular diameter variations, is the most common method to determine the distances to pulsating stars. However, the projection factor, p-factor, used to convert radial velocities into pulsation velocities, is still poorly calibrated. This parameter is critical on the use of this technique, and often leads to 5–10% uncertainties on the derived distances.

Aims. We focus on empirically measuring the p-factor of a homogeneous sample of 29 LMC and 10 SMC Cepheids for which an accurate average distances were estimated from eclipsing binary systems.

Methods. We used the SPIPS algorithm, which is an implementation of the BW technique. Unlike other conventional methods, SPIPS combines all observables, i.e. radial velocities, multi-band photometry and interferometry into a consistent physical modelling to estimate the parameters of the stars. The large number and their redundancy insure its robustness and improves the statistical precision.

Results. We successfully estimated the p-factor of several Magellanic Cloud Cepheids. Combined with our previous Galactic results, we find the following P−p relation: −0.08± 0.04(log P−1.18) + 1.24± 0.02. We find no evidence of a metallicity dependent p-factor. We also derive a new calibration of the period-radius relation, log R = 0.684± 0.007(log P−0.517) + 1.489± 0.002, with an intrinsic dispersion of 0.020. We detect an infrared excess for all stars at 3.6 μm and 4.5 μm, which might be the signature of circumstellar dust. We measure a mean offset of Δm3.6 = 0.057 ± 0.006 mag and Δm4.5 = 0.065 ± 0.008 mag.

Conclusions. We provide a new P−p relation based on a multi-wavelength fit that can be used for the distance scale calibration from the BW method. The dispersion is due to the LMC and SMC width we took into account because individual Cepheids distances are unknown. The new P−R relation has a small intrinsic dispersion: 4.5% in radius. This precision will allow us to accurately apply the BW method to nearby galaxies. Finally, the infrared excesses we detect again raise the issue of using mid-IR wavelengths to derive period-luminosity relation and to calibrate the Hubble constant. These IR excesses might be the signature of circumstellar dust, and are never taken into account when applying the BW method at those wavelengths. Our measured offsets may give an average bias of ~ 2.8% on the distances derived through mid-IR P−L relations.
Reanimationspflichtige akute Eisenhutintoxikation in suizidaler Absicht
Authors: Stetzenbach Michael , Schnorbus Boris , Sagoschen Ingo , Bleser Werner , Legner Dominik , Stürer Andreas
Published: September 2017

Wir berichten über eine akute Eisenhutintoxikation einer 56-jährigen Patientin mit Blauem Eisenhut (Aconitum napellus) in suizidaler Absicht. Der Blaue Eisenhut gilt als die giftigste Pflanze Europas. Alle Pflanzenteile enthalten das hochgiftige Alkaloid Aconitin. Die letale Dosis beim Erwachsenen beträgt 2 – 6 mg. Intoxikationen verlaufen häufig tödlich. Auch asymptomatische Patienten mit Verdacht auf Eisenhutintoxikation sollten auf einer Intensivstation überwacht werden. Erste Intoxikationszeichen sind Parästhesien im Mund- und Rachenbereich, Bauchkrämpfe, Übelkeit, Erbrechen und starke Schmerzen der Skelettmuskulatur. Betroffene Patienten versterben innerhalb weniger Stunden nach Ingestion aufgrund von Atemlähmung und/oder Herzrhythmusstörungen.

Die wichtigste Maßnahme nach oraler Ingestion besteht in einer möglichst schnellen primären Giftelimination (bei bewusstseinsklaren Patienten Erbrechen auslösen, sonst Magenspülung unter Schutzintubation) und der anschließenden Kohlegabe. Ein spezifisches Antidot steht nicht zur Verfügung. Das Management einer Intoxikation besteht vor allem aus der Therapie der Rhythmusstörungen in Form von Magnesium und Amiodaron.

Auf die strikte Einhaltung von Eigenschutzmaßnahmen (Handschuhe, Mundschutz) muss unbedingt geachtet werden. Ein direkter Hautkontakt mit Pflanzenteilen ist ebenso zu vermeiden wie der potenzielle Kontakt mit Erbrochenem oder Aspirat.
Cathodoluminescence for the 21st century: Learning more from light
Authors: Coenen T. , Haegel N. M.
Published: September 2017

Cathodoluminescence (CL) is the emission of light from a material in response to excitation by incident electrons. The technique has had significant impact in the characterization of semiconductors, minerals, ceramics, and many nanostructured materials. Since 2010, there have been a number of innovative developments that have revolutionized and expanded the information that can be gained from CL and broadened the areas of application. While the primary historical application of CL was for spatial mapping of luminescence variations (e.g., imaging dark line defects in semiconductor lasers or providing high resolution imaging of compositional variations in geological materials), new ways to collect and analyze the emitted light have expanded the science impact of CL, particularly at the intersection of materials science and nanotechnology. These developments include (1) angular and polarized CL, (2) advances in time resolved CL, (3) far-field and near-field transport imaging that enable drift and diffusion information to be obtained through real space imaging, (4) increasing use of statistical analyses for the study of grain boundaries and interfaces, (5) 3D CL including tomography and combined work utilizing dual beam systems with CL, and (6) combined STEM/CL measurements that are reaching new levels of resolution and advancing single photon spectroscopy. This focused review will first summarize the fundamentals and then briefly describe the state-of-the-art in conventional CL imaging and spectroscopy. We then review these recent novel experimental approaches that enable added insight and information, providing a range of examples from nanophotonics, photovoltaics, plasmonics, and studies of individual defects and grain boundaries.
Coupled dynamics of vortex-induced vibration and stationary wall at low Reynolds number
Authors: Li Zhong , Jaiman Rajeev K. , Khoo Boo Cheong
Published: September 2017

The flow past an elastically mounted circular cylinder placed in proximity to a plane wall is numerically studied in both two dimensions (2D) and three dimensions (3D). This paper aims to explain the mechanism of the cylinder bottom shear layer roll-up suppression in the context of laminar vortex-induced vibration (VIV) of a cylinder placed in the vicinity of a plane stationary wall. In 2D simulations, VIV of a near-wall cylinder with structure-to-displaced fluid mass ratios of m* = 2 and 10 is investigated at the Reynolds number of Re = 100 at a representative gap ratio of e/D = 0.90, where e denotes the gap distance between the cylinder surface and the plane wall. First, the cylinder is placed at five different upstream distances, LU, to study the effects of the normalized wall boundary layer thickness, δ/D, on the hydrodynamic quantities involved in the VIV of a near-wall cylinder. It is found that the lock-in range shifts towards the direction of the higher reduced velocity Ur as δ/D increases and that the lock-in range widens as m* reduces. Second, via visualization of the vortex shedding patterns, four different modes are classified and the regime maps are provided for both m* = 2 and 10. Third, the proper orthogonal decomposition analysis is employed to assess the cylinder bottom shear layer roll-up suppression mechanism. For 3D simulations at Re = 200, the circular cylinder of a mass ratio of m* = 10 with a spanwise length of 4D is placed at a gap ratio of e/D = 0.90 and an upstream distance of LU = 10D. The 3D vortex patterns are investigated to re-affirm the vortex shedding suppression mechanism. The pressure distributions around the cylinder are identified within one oscillation cycle of VIV. The pressure and the shear stress distributions on the bottom wall are examined to demonstrate the effects of near-wall VIV on the force distributions along the plane wall. It is found that both the suction pressure and the shear stress right below the cylinder peak when the cylinder is located at its negative maximum transverse displacement. This study represents a step towards an improved understanding of the hydrodynamics involved in the subsea pipelines subject to ocean currents with different boundary layer flows.
Charge compensation at the interface between the polar NaCl(111) surface and a NaCl aqueous solution
Authors: Sayer Thomas , Zhang Chao , Sprik Michiel
Published: September 2017

Periodic supercell models of electric double layers formed at the interface between a charged surface and an electrolyte are subject to serious finite size errors and require certain adjustments in the treatment of the long-range electrostatic interactions. In a previous publication Zhang and Sprik [Phys. Rev. B 94, 245309 (2016)], we have shown how this can be achieved using finite field methods. The test system was the familiar simple point charge model of a NaCl aqueous solution confined between two oppositely charged walls. Here this method is extended to the interface between the (111) polar surface of a NaCl crystal and a high concentration NaCl aqueous solution. The crystal is kept completely rigid and the compensating charge screening the polarization can only be provided by the electrolyte. We verify that the excess electrolyte ionic charge at the interface conforms to the Tasker 1/2 rule for compensating charge in the theory of polar rock salt (111) surfaces. The interface can be viewed as an electric double layer with a net charge. We define a generalized Helmholtz capacitance CH which can be computed by varying the applied electric field. We find CH=8.23 μF cm−2, which should be compared to the 4.23 μF cm−2 for the (100) non-polar surface of the same NaCl crystal. This is rationalized by the observation that compensating ions shed their first solvation shell adsorbing as contact ions pairs on the polar surface.