bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Methods for the Analysis of Heterogeneous Polysaccharides – Lessons Learned from the Heparin Crisis
Authors: Rudd Timothy R. , Yates Edwin A. , Guerrini Marco
Published: May 2017

Analysis of heterogeneous polymers, varying in size and substitution pattern, presents a challenge that cannot be met by direct comparisons with a single standard sample. A series of related approaches have been developed to meet this challenge, based on considering the polymers as a population, and applying methods to ascertain degrees of similarity employing first, multivariate analysis, and then two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy formed from their 1-dimensional 1H NMR spectra. Developments of this approach allow the sensitive detection of structural variation in test samples, the detection of alien materials, as well as identification of both native and aberrant structures with unprecedented sensitivity. The techniques are suitable for any situation in which the quality control of heterogeneous products needs to be analysed, including biosimilar and generic materials as well as other pharmaceutical products.
NMR Chemical Shift Predictions and Structural Elucidation of Oligo- and Polysaccharides by the Computer Program CASPER
Authors: Ståhle Jonas , Widmalm Göran
Published: May 2017

Glycans are often linked to proteins or lipids in the form of glycoconjugates but these highly complex molecules also have biological functions as oligosaccharides per se. The limited dispersion in NMR spectra of carbohydrates makes their analysis and interpretation very cumbersome. The computer program CASPER, which is a web-based tool, facilitates prediction 1H and 13C NMR chemical shifts of oligo- or polysaccharide structures defined by the user, makes it possible to carry out an NMR-based sugar analysis including determination of absolute configuration and to perform structure elucidation of unknown glycans using unassigned NMR spectra as input to the program. The output from the program contains, inter alia, tentatively assigned NMR resonances, proposed sugar components, structural suggestions ranked according to the similarity between their predicted chemical shifts and the experimental data as well as 3D structures in pdb-format generated seamlessly by the CarbBuilder program as a part of the CASPER-GUI.
NMR Databases for Plant Cell Wall Biopolymers
Authors: York William S. , Allahyari Mehdi , Hogan John D.
Published: May 2017

Two databases providing access to NMR data for plant cell wall biopolymers are described. XGOA-DB is a highly focused database designed to provide insight into the structures of xyloglucan oligoglycosyl alditols using chemical shift data extracted from their 1H NMR spectra. XGOA-DB leverages the commonly used nomenclature for xyloglucan structure to generate queries and tabular results that are readily interpreted by the analyst to identify correlations between chemical shifts and specific structural motifs. CeWaN is being developed as a much more flexible database designed to reveal such correlations for the diverse biopolymers found in the plant cell wall. CeWaN uses the GLYDE-II format to represent biopolymer structure and takes advantage of its ability to specify atom connection tables to infer scalar coupling of nuclei within each molecule it describes. This makes it possible for CeWaN to provide information about crosspeaks observed by NMR correlation spectroscopy, thereby establishing them as two-dimensional structure reporters.
Polysaccharides as Major Carbon Sources in Environmental Biodiversity
Authors: Kikuchi Jun , Komatsu Takanori
Published: May 2017

Natural ecosystems can be conceptually thought of as interconnected environmental and metabolic systems. Humans and their activities affect and are a part of these ecosystems. Considering a more applied perspective of human activities within ecosystems, it is important to gain an understanding of natural ecology and its metabolic processes in various environments. From this perspective, biomass production is at the forefront of current research. Here we show, our challenges of solution/solid-state NMR analysis for molecular complexity toward biomass. The first challenge is macromolecular complexity to analyze structure and composition of polysaccharides. The second challenge is biomass degrading microbial complexity, namely concerning their metabolic activity. The third challenge is integrating molecular and microbial complexity, by using heterogeneous analytical approach. Our approach provides a foundation for evaluation of systemic effects of input polysaccharides toward output digested–catabolized metabolites by environmental microbiota, including animal symbionts.
A rapidly-prototyped microfluidic device for size-based nucleic acid fractionation using isotachophoresis
Authors: Eid C. , Branda S. S. , Meagher R. J.
Published: May 2017

We present a novel microfluidic device for size-based nucleic acid (NA) fractionation using isotachophoresis (ITP) and an ionic spacer.
One label-based fluorescence detection of a protease that cleaves the peptide bond between two specific amino acids
Authors: Kim Eunyoung , Park Seonhwa , Yang Haesik
Published: May 2017

It is difficult to detect a protease that cleaves the peptide bond between two specific amino acidsviafluorescence. In this study, we report a simple method for fluorescence protease detection using a readily prepared, one label based peptide.
A simple design atomic emission spectrometer combined with multivariate image analysis for the determination of sodium content in urine
Authors: Debus Bruno , Kirsanov Dmitry , Yaroshenko Irina , Legin Andrey
Published: May 2017

A simple atomic flame emission platform based on multivariate image analysis is introduced for sodium quantification in urine.
Antimicrobial nitric oxide releasing surfaces based on S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine impregnated polymers combined with submicron-textured surface topography
Authors: Wo Yaqi , Xu Li-Chong , Li Zi , Matzger Adam J. , Meyerhoff Mark E. , Siedlecki Christopher A.
Published: May 2017

SNAP-impregnated textured polymer films having up to 38 day NO-release were shown to have synergistic effects in inhibiting bacterial adhesion.
Polyamides and their functionalization: recent concepts for their applications as biomaterials
Authors: Winnacker Malte
Published: May 2017

Recent strategies for the applications of nylon composites, pristine nylons and chemically modified nylon polymers as biomaterials are elucidated.
Room temperature solvent-free reduction of SiCl4 to nano-Si for high-performance Li-ion batteries
Authors: Liu Zhiliang , Chang Xinghua , Sun Bingxue , Yang Sungjin , Zheng Jie , Li Xingguo
Published: May 2017

A highly efficient method to prepare Si nanoparticles for high-performance lithium ion batteries: direct reduction of SiCl4 using Na metal by mechanical milling at room temperature without using any organic solvents.
Band gap modulation of SrTiO3 upon CO2 adsorption
Authors: Sopiha Kostiantyn V. , Malyi Oleksandr I. , Persson Clas , Wu Ping
Published: May 2017

In this study, we demonstrate that surface states at the SrTiO3(001) surfaces can be suppressed by CO2 adsorption, opening new perspectives for sensing applications.
Identification of the protonation site of gaseous triglycine: the cis-peptide bond conformation as the global minimum
Authors: Li Hongbao , Jiang Jun , Luo Yi
Published: May 2017

Extensive ab initio investigations have been performed to characterize stable conformers of protonated triglycine (GGGH) in the gas phase.
On the local order of amorphous La2Mo2O6.7
Authors: Vega-Castillo Jesús , Buvat Gaëtan , Corbel Gwenaël , Kassiba Abdelhadi , Lacorre Philippe , Caneiro Alberto
Published: May 2017

Extended X-ray absorption fine structure analysis has been carried out and complemented with electronic paramagnetic resonance to model the local arrangement around Mo in this amorphous material.
Experimental and computational study of the magnetic properties of ZrMn2−xCoxGe4O12
Authors: Xu Diming , Sale Matthew , Avdeev Maxim , Ling Chris D. , Battle Peter D.
Published: May 2017

Polycrystalline samples in the solid solution ZrMn2−xCoxGe4O12 (x = 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0) have been prepared using the ceramic method and characterised by a combination of magnetometry, X-ray diffraction and neutron diffraction.
Energetic π-conjugated vinyl bridged triazoles: a thermally stable and insensitive heterocyclic cation
Authors: Ma Qing , chen Ya , Liao Longyu , Lu Huanchang , Fan Guijuan , Huang Jinglun
Published: May 2017

A new family of vinyl bridged energetic nitrogen-rich salts with diversiform crystal-packing, good thermal stabilities, detonation performance and insensitive properties were synthesized and fully characterized.
A dual-signal sensing system based on organic dyes-LDHs film for fluorescence detection of cysteine
Authors: Li Mingzhe , Fu Yanyan , Jin Lan
Published: May 2017

It is of great significance to sense cysteine (Cys) in a simple and fast way because of its potential applications in biological processes.
Hierarchically porous Sn-β zeolites via an OSDA-free synthesis
Authors: Yao Ji-Kang , Fu Kai-Rui , Wang Yi-Chen , Li Tian-Duo , Liu Hai-Xia , Wang Jin-Gui
Published: May 2017

Hierarchical Sn-β zeolites were synthesized for the first time without using an organic structure directing agent.
Synthesis of rGO–Zn0.8Cd0.2S via in situ reduction of GO for the realization of a Schottky diode with low barrier height and highly enhanced photoresponsivity
Authors: Das Mrinmay , Datta Joydeep , Jana Rajkumar , Sil Sayantan , Halder Soumi , Ray Partha P.
Published: May 2017

Application of rGO–Zn0.8Cd0.2S in Schottky barrier diode with low barrier height and highly enhanced photoresponse.
One-step extraction of highly fluorescent carbon quantum dots by a physical method from carbon black
Authors: Han Bingyan , Yu Mingbo , Pen Tingting , Li Ying , Hu Xixi , Xiang Rongchao , Hou Xufen , He Gaohong
Published: May 2017

Herein, we introduced a kind of physical method using acetone to directly extract fluorescent carbon quantum dots from ordinary carbon black in one step.
Biosynthetically-inspired oxidations of capillobenzopyranol
Authors: Pepper Henry P. , Lam Hiu C. , George Jonathan H.
Published: May 2017

The marine sponge meroterpenoid capillobenzopyranol has been converted into the co-isolated verrubenzospirolactone using simple and selective chemical transformations.
Amphipathic metal-containing macromolecules with photothermal properties
Authors: He Xumin , He Xiehua , Li Shenyan , Zhuo Kaiyue , Qin Weixiang , Dong Shuyu , Chen Jiangxi , Ren Lei , Liu Gang , Xia Haiping
Published: May 2017

Metal-containing macromolecules with extraordinary properties have attracted a great deal of interest owing to their potential application in the development of functional materials.
Improvements of thermoelectric properties for p-type Cu1.8S bulk materials via optimizing the mechanical alloying process
Authors: Qin Peng , Qian Xin , Ge Zhen-Hua , Zheng Lei , Feng Jing , Zhao Li-Dong
Published: May 2017

Polycrystalline bulk Cu1.8S materials were fabricated using mechanical alloying (MA) and spark plasma sintering (SPS).
Thiophene–pyrrole containing S,N-heteroheptacenes: synthesis, and optical and electrochemical characterisation
Authors: Wetzel Christoph , Vogt Astrid , Rudnick Alexander , Mena-Osteritz Elena , Köhler Anna , Bäuerle Peter
Published: May 2017

Novel S,N-heteroheptacenes SN7a–d with a variable thiophene–pyrrole ratio and a heteroring fusion sequence were synthesized and the electronic properties were characterized.
Nanoscale Pd supported on 3D porous carbon for enhanced selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol
Authors: Niu Shuo , Guo Wenyao , Lin Tsung-Wu , Yu Weizhen , Wu Yifei , Ji Xiaobo , Shao Lidong
Published: May 2017

A 3D porous carbon framework (PCF) supporting palladium nanoparticles (Pd/PCF) was synthesized by a simple and economical method and used for catalyzing benzyl alcohol oxidation.
Mechanical properties of a gallium fumarate metal–organic framework: a joint experimental-modelling exploration
Authors: Ramaswamy Padmini , Wieme Jelle , Alvarez Elsa , Vanduyfhuys Louis , Itié Jean-Paul , Fabry Paul , Van Speybroeck Veronique , Serre Christian , Yot Pascal. G. , Maurin Guillaume
Published: May 2017

A gallium analogue of the commercially available Al-fumarate MOF A520 – recently identified as isotypic to MIL-53(Al)-BDC – has been synthesized for the first time and further characterized in its hydrated and dehydrated forms.
Biomass to porous carbon in one step: directly activated biomass for high performance CO2 storage
Authors: Balahmar Norah , Al-Jumialy Abdul Salam , Mokaya Robert
Published: May 2017

The direct conversion of biomass to activated carbons in a simple and lower cost one step process, which negates the need for hydrothermal carbonisation or pyrolysis, generates activated carbons with properties and CO2 uptake comparable or superior to those of conventionally prepared activated carbons.
Phosphate tuned copper electrodeposition and promoted formic acid selectivity for carbon dioxide reduction
Authors: Zhao Jian , Sun Libo , Canepa Silvia , Sun Hongyu , Yesibolati Murat Nulati , Sherburne Matthew , Xu Rong , Sritharan Thirumany , Loo Joachim S. C. , Ager III Joel W. , Barber James , Mølhave Kristian , Xu Zhichuan J.
Published: May 2017

Cu electrodeposition was tuned by phosphate anions and the so-prepared electrodes exhibited outstanding selectivity for CO2conversion to HCOOH.
A 3D-composite structure of FeP nanorods supported by vertically aligned graphene for the high-performance hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Li Dongqi , Liao Qingyu , Ren Bowen , Jin Qiuyan , Cui Hao , Wang Chengxin
Published: May 2017

A 3D-composite structure of FeP nanorods on vertically aligned graphene nanosheets has been fabricated for the high-performance hydrogen evolution reaction.
3D printing of a mechanically durable superhydrophobic porous membrane for oil–water separation
Authors: Lv Juan , Gong Zhengjun , He Zhoukun , Yang Jian , Chen Yanqiu , Tang Changyu , Liu Yu , Fan Meikun , Lau Woon-Ming
Published: May 2017

Through structure design, 3D printing enables the fabrication of mechanically durable superhydrophobic membranes with an ordered porous structure for oil–water separation.
High efficiency and stable tungsten phosphide cocatalysts for photocatalytic hydrogen production
Authors: Zhang Jinxing , Yao Weifeng , Huang Cunping , Shi Penghui , Xu Qunjie
Published: May 2017

Low-cost and abundant tungsten phosphide (WP) is observed as an active cocatalyst for photocatalytic H2 production from water.
Ultra-small and highly crystallized ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles within double graphene networks for super-long life lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Longhai , Wei Tong , Yue Jingming , Sheng Lizhi , Jiang Zimu , Yang Deren , Yuan Libo , Fan Zhuangjun
Published: May 2017

We report a novel strategy for spatial confinement of ultra-small and highly crystallized ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles within double graphene networks constructed by ultra-small and large graphene sheets. The ZnFe2O4/graphene hybrid exhibits a large reversible capacity, excellent rate capability, and superior cycling stability.
Breath figure lithography for the construction of a hierarchical structure in sponges and their applications to oil/water separation
Authors: Zhang Jing , Meng Zhijun , Liu Ji , Schlaich Christoph , Yu Ziyi , Deng Xu
Published: May 2017

Using breath figure lithography, we demonstrate the ability to coat commercial polyurethane sponges with hierarchical structures for quick oil/water separation.
Poly(p-phenylene)-based membrane materials with excellent cell efficiencies and durability for use in vanadium redox flow batteries
Authors: Shin Hee Young , Cha Min Suc , Hong Soo Hyun , Kim Tae-Ho , Yang Dae-Soo , Oh Seong-Geun , Lee Jang Yong , Hong Young Taik
Published: May 2017

sPBPSP-z ionomers exhibit excellent cell performance in VRFBs as well as remarkable chemical stability.
Iodine-doped ZnO nanopillar arrays for perovskite solar cells with high efficiency up to 18.24%
Authors: Zheng Yan-Zhen , Zhao Er-Fei , Meng Fan-Li , Lai Xue-Sen , Dong Xue-Mei , Wu Jiao-Jiao , Tao Xia
Published: May 2017

A compact and even ZnO:I nanopillar planar electron transport layer (ETL) is prepared to enable deposition of a fully covering and highly uniform perovskite layer by a facile one-step spin-coating process method. Such a ZnO:I nanopillar ETL film exhibits high optical transparency, favorable work function and superior electron extraction ability, leading to the opt-electrical conversion efficiency as high as 18.24%.
Se & N co-doped carbon dots for high-performance fluorescence imaging agent of angiography
Authors: Qu Dan , Miao Xiang , Wang Xintong , Nie Chuang , Li Yuxin , Luo Ling , Sun Zaicheng
Published: May 2017

Both long wavelength excitation and emission are highly desired for fluorescent carbon dots in bio-related applications.
Resistive switching phenomena induced by the heterostructure composite of ZnSnO3 nanocubes interspersed ZnO nanowires
Authors: Siddiqui Ghayas Uddin , Rehman Muhammad Muqeet , Choi Kyung Hyun
Published: May 2017

The resistive switching effect of various materials has been investigated because of their promising advantages such as high scalability, low cost, simple structure and less power consumption of such memory devices.
Carbon nanotube fibers with martensite and austenite Fe residual catalyst: room temperature ferromagnetism and implications for CVD growth
Authors: Alemán B. , Ranchal R. , Reguero V. , Mas B. , Vilatela J. J.
Published: May 2017

We report on carbon nanotube fibers with stabilized room temperature ferromagnetic martensite and austenite residual Fe catalyst.
High-temperature annealing of an iron microplate with excellent microwave absorption performance and its direct micromagnetic analysis by electron holography and Lorentz microscopy
Authors: You Wenbin , She Wen , Liu Zhengwang , Bi Han , Che Renchao
Published: May 2017

Microplate iron exhibits excellent microwave absorption performance because of its special morphology and optimization of its magnetic property.
Direct ink writing of zirconia three-dimensional structures
Authors: Liao Jingjing , Chen Hehao , Luo Hang , Wang Xiaofeng , Zhou Kechao , Zhang Dou
Published: May 2017

Fabrication of 3D structures by DIW using ZrO2 ink with optimized NH4PAA concentration.
Muscle Bioenergetic Considerations for Intrinsic Laryngeal Skeletal Muscle Physiology
Authors: Sandage Mary J. , Smith Audrey G.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Intrinsic laryngeal skeletal muscle bioenergetics, the means by which muscles produce fuel for muscle metabolism, is an understudied aspect of laryngeal physiology with direct implications for voice habilitation and rehabilitation. The purpose of this review is to describe bioenergetic pathways identified in limb skeletal muscle and introduce bioenergetic physiology as a necessary parameter for theoretical models of laryngeal skeletal muscle function.

Method

A comprehensive review of the human intrinsic laryngeal skeletal muscle physiology literature was conducted. Findings regarding intrinsic laryngeal muscle fiber complement and muscle metabolism in human models are summarized and exercise physiology methodology is applied to identify probable bioenergetic pathways used for voice function.

Results

Intrinsic laryngeal skeletal muscle fibers described in human models support the fast, high-intensity physiological requirements of these muscles for biological functions of airway protection. Inclusion of muscle bioenergetic constructs in theoretical modeling of voice training, detraining, fatigue, and voice loading have been limited.

Conclusions

Muscle bioenergetics, a key component for muscle training, detraining, and fatigue models in exercise science, is a little-considered aspect of intrinsic laryngeal skeletal muscle physiology. Partnered with knowledge of occupation-specific voice requirements, application of bioenergetics may inform novel considerations for voice habilitation and rehabilitation.
Palladium- and/or Copper-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling Reactions of Paramagnetic Vinyl Bromides and Iodides
Authors: Kálai Tamás , Úr Györgyi , Fekete Gergely , Jekő József , Hideg Kálmán
Published: May 2017

A series of new 3-substituted-4-iodo-(2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-2,5-dihydro-1H-pyrrol-1-yl)oxidanyl compounds is synthesized to achieve NH2- and SH-specific spin labels. The new vinyl iodides are tested in Sonogashira and Buchwald–Hartwig cross-coupling reactions to produce a paramagnetic β-amino acid ester, pyrroline nitroxide-condensed­ heterocycles, including a paramagnetic α,α′-dipyridyl ligand and a spin-labeled sulfonamide.
The Status of Junior Pediatric Surgeons in Europe: Old Challenges, New Opportunities
Authors: Zani Augusto
Published: May 2017

Despite the efforts to unite Europe under the same rules and regulations, for the medical profession, there are still big differences between the European countries in terms of type of postgraduate training, posttraining job opportunities, and the role that junior doctors have in the different health care systems. Junior pediatric surgeons face similar challenges to those of other junior doctors, especially those of junior surgeons in other specialties. The introduction of the European working time directive in 2003 has greatly reduced training hours and imposed a necessary change in the type of training that surgical trainees now receive: competency-based education, clinical teaching away from the patient, self-learning, on line tutorials, and simulation. There are many diverse training systems in pediatric surgery across Europe, with differences that include the duration of training, the existence of an exit exam at the end of training, and the exposure to adult and/or pediatric orthopaedic trauma. The European Board of Pediatric Surgery is not mandatory to practice pediatric surgery in Europe but would be a good tool to standardize training and practice across the continent. Despite the differences of training systems and regulations between the European countries, medical mobility of junior pediatric surgeons seeking better educational opportunities or careers is common. The European Pediatric Surgeons' Association has recently created the Group of Young Pediatric Surgeons of Europe, a platform for young pediatric surgeons younger than the age of 35 years. This platform will be helpful in addressing the challenges that European junior pediatric surgeons face.
Acute Idiopathic Scrotal Edema: Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Santi Maristella , Lava Sebastiano , Simonetti Giacomo , Milani Gregorio , Bianchetti Mario
Published: May 2017

Introduction Existing information on acute idiopathic scrotal edema relies on small case series and textbooks.

Methods We searched reports with no date limits on acute idiopathic scrotal edema.

Results Thirty-seven studies were included. Sixteen case series addressed the prevalence of acute idiopathic scrotal edema among males with acute scrotum: among 3,403 cases, the diagnosis of acute idiopathic scrotal edema was made in 413 cases (12%). Twenty-four reports addressed history, findings, management, and course of acute idiopathic scrotal edema in 311 patients. The patients mostly ranged in age from 5 to 8 years, presented with acute scrotal redness and swelling, associated or not with mild pain. Ninety percent or more of the cases developed in patients without atopic diathesis and were not preceded by inguinoscrotal surgery, acute febrile illnesses, or trauma. They were afebrile; in good general condition; and presented without pruritus, nausea or vomiting, or abdominal pain. The lesions were bilateral in two-thirds and unilateral in one-third of the cases. The condition resolved spontaneously within 2 to 3 days without sequelae. Approximately 10% of the cases experienced a recurrence.

Conclusion Acute idiopathic scrotal edema is a self-limiting condition that accounts for ≥ 10% of cases of acute scrotum in children and adolescents.
Incidence of Low-Grade Testicular Injury in Orchidectomy Specimens Post-testicular Torsion
Authors: Hajduk Piotr , Devaney Deirdre , Quinn Feargal , Awadalla Sami , Aworanti Olugbenga
Published: May 2017

Introduction Following detorsion and orchidopexy for testicular torsion, predominantly animal studies have reported a risk of autoimmune and reperfusion injury to the contralateral testis. As a result, when testicular viability is compromised, orchidectomy is readily performed. This practice increases the likelihood of testes with potentially reversible injury being excised. We aim to determine the incidence of such occurrences and review the available evidence for and against early orchidectomy when testicular viability is doubtful.

Materials and Methods Data for a 15-year period from two pediatric institutions on testicular torsion in children younger than 16 years were reviewed. Using a previously published grading system, the orchidectomy specimens in this cohort with early low-grade injury were analyzed. Low-grade injury suggests the possibility of restitutio ad integrum implying restoration of exocrine and endocrine function of the affected testes.

Results Between both institutions, 222 scrotal explorations were performed for testicular torsion; 20 neonatal and 202 outside the neonatal period (age range [median]: 1–28 days [3 days] and 3 months–16 years [13 years], respectively). Of these scrotal explorations, 17 neonatal and 66 nonneonatal orchidectomies were required (85 vs. 33%, respectively; p < 0.0001). From these orchidectomy specimens, 5 (6%) were found to have low-grade injury. The ages of these five children ranged from 9 to 16 years (median 15, mean 13.6 years). Their symptom duration ranged from 8 to 37 hours (median 14, mean 18 hours) and two of these children had a preoperative ultrasound documenting no flow to the testis.

Conclusion The finding of histopathological features that may represent salvageability of a torted testis occurs relatively rarely. Because of this possibility, appropriate intraoperative steps to check for reperfusion must be undertaken prior to orchidectomy. More evidence for the use of antioxidants and tunica albuginea decompression to improve testes salvage rates is required. The potential for exocrine and endocrine function if partial testicular atrophy occurs and the evidence for contralateral autoimmune testicular damage in pre- and postpubertal males require further investigation.
Does Gender Influence How Patients Rate Their Patient Experience after Total Knee Arthroplasty?
Authors: Siqueira Marcelo , Chughtai Morad , Khlopas Anton , Gwam Chukwuweike , Mistry Jaydev , Yakubek George , Delanois Ronald , Mont Michael
Published: May 2017

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has implemented the Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) score as a pay-for-performance reimbursement model. Patient experience, as measured by the Press Ganey (PG) survey, currently comprises 20% of total VBP score. It is therefore beneficial for the orthopaedist to become familiar with these changes to maximize profits. Currently, a paucity of data exists that elucidates which factors influence PG scores between men and women following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Therefore, we asked: (1) which PG survey factors most influences hospital ratings among men and women patients post-TKA and (2) is there a significant difference in overall hospital ratings among men and women cohorts post-TKA? We queried the PG database for patients who received a TKA between November 2009 and January 2015, yielding 224 men (mean age 64 years, range: 39–88) and 519 women (mean age 65 years; range, 25–92). A multiple regression analysis was performed for each cohort with overall hospital satisfaction as the dependent variable to assess the influence (β-weight) each PG domain imparted on overall hospital rating. A chi-square analysis and t-test were performed to assess categorical and continuous variables, respectively. For men, communication with nurses (β = 0.408, p = 0.016), followed by communication about medications (β = 0.261, p = 0.032), most influenced overall hospital rating. For women, communication with nurses (β = 0.479, p < 0.001) most influenced overall hospital rating. This was followed by staff responsiveness (β = 0.201, p = 0.046), pain management (β = 0.263, p = 0.015), and communication about medications (β = − 0.152, p = 0.029). It is of great advantage for the orthopaedist to focus on the PG domains most pertinent to each patient gender post-TKA. For both genders, overall hospital rating was significantly influenced by communication with nurses and information about medication. However, staff responsiveness and pain control were of significant importance in determining overall hospital rating for women. Therefore, orthopaedists should consider focusing on these factors depending on the gender of the patient to optimize satisfaction.
Prenatal Care Adherence and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Admission or Stillbirth among Women with Gestational and Preexisting Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Sperling Jeffrey , Maggio Lindsay , Has Phinnara , Daley Julie , Khander Amrin , Coustan Donald
Published: May 2017

Objective To determine if there was an association between prenatal care adherence and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission or stillbirth, and adverse perinatal outcomes in women with preexisting diabetes mellitus (DM) and gestational DM (GDM).

Materials and Methods This is a retrospective cohort study among women with DM and GDM at a Diabetes in Pregnancy Program at an academic institution between 2006 and 2014. Adherence with prenatal care was the percentage of prenatal appointments attended divided by those scheduled. Adherence was divided into quartiles, with the first quartile defined as lower adherence and compared with the other quartiles.

Results There were 443 women with DM and 499 with GDM. Neonates of women with DM and lower adherence had higher rates of NICU admission or stillbirth (55 vs. 39%; p = 0.003). A multivariable logistic regression showed that the lower adherence group had higher likelihood of NICU admission (adjusted odds ratio: 1.61 [1.03–2.5]; p = 0.035). Those with lower adherence had worse glycemic monitoring and more hospitalizations. Among those with GDM, most outcomes were similar between groups including NICU admission or stillbirth.

Conclusion Women with DM with lower adherence had higher rates of NICU admission and worse glycemic control. Most outcomes among women with GDM with lower adherence were similar.
Nutzen und Nachhaltigkeit von Netzwerken zur betrieblichen Gesundheitsförderung in kleinen und mittleren Unternehmen – Am Beispiel der KMU-Netzwerke „Bewegte Unternehmen“ und „Vitale Unternehmen“
Authors: Müller Eva , Fischmann Wolfgang , Kötter Rudolf , Drexler Hans , Kiesel Johannes
Published: May 2017

Ziel der Studie Über Experteninterviews und qualitativer Inhaltsanalyse wird ermittelt, inwieweit 2 regionale Netzwerke kleiner und mittlerer Unternehmen (KMU) zur betrieblichen Gesundheitsförderung (BGF) in Bayern nachhaltig sind. Es wurde dabei untersucht, ob sich 10 bzw. 6 Jahre nach deren Gründung eine dauerhafte und stabile Kultur der Zusammenarbeit entwickelt hat. Zusätzlich wurde untersucht, welchen Nutzen die Unternehmen aus der Netzwerkzusammenarbeit ziehen und ermittelt, welche Verbesserungsbedarfe und -vorschläge die Mitglieder für die zukünftige Zusammenarbeit sehen.

Methodik Die vorliegende Querschnittsstudie untersucht 2 regionale KMU-Netzwerke zur BGF, die im Jahr 2005, bzw. 2009 gegründet wurden. Im Zeitraum September 2013 bis Januar 2014 wurden 42 standardisierte Telefoninterviews mit jeweils 6 offenen Fragen durchgeführt. Befragt wurden die Unternehmensleitungen und nach Möglichkeit auch die BGF-Beauftragten in den Unternehmen.

Ergebnisse Die Studienergebnisse zeigen, dass 88,1% (n=37) der Unternehmen des Netzwerkes vom Erfahrungsaustausch profitieren. 50% (n=21) ziehen einen Nutzen aus der Netzwerkarbeit durch die gemeinsamen Aktivitäten und 28,6% (n=12) durch das Knüpfen neuer Kontakte. 9,5% (n=4) der Befragten sehen die Gefahr einer Überbürokratisierung, im Zuge derer zu viel Arbeit für zu wenig Nutzen entstehen könnte und für 7,1% (n=3) fehlen auch strukturumfassende Maßnahmen. An Verbesserungsvorschlägen für die Netzwerkarbeit wurde mit 26,2% (n=11) der Vorschlag genannt, das praktische Arbeiten zu steigern, gefolgt von dem Wunsch nach einem verstärktem Engagement (11,9% n=5). 90,5% (n=38), sehen ihre Erwartungen bezüglich der Netzwerkarbeit als erfüllt an und 66,7% (n=28) beurteilen die momentane Arbeit als durchweg positiv.

Schlussfolgerung Die Netzwerke haben sich als nachhaltig erwiesen, was man daran erkennt, dass die Unternehmen 10 bzw. 6 Jahre nach der Gründung noch aktiv in den Netzwerken sind und mehrheitlich angeben, einen Nutzen aus der Mitarbeit zu ziehen. Netzwerkgründungen bieten somit eine gute Möglichkeit, dauerhaft BGF zu implementieren. Um die Wirkung der Netzwerkarbeit zu verbessern, wäre eine systematische und wissenschaftlich fundierte Form der betrieblichen Gesundheitsförderung in Form eines betrieblichen Gesundheitsmanagements in den Betrieben anzustreben – die Netzwerke könnten hierzu Anregungen und Hilfestellungen anbieten.
Lagrangian 3D tracking of fluorescent microscopic objects in motion
Authors: Darnige T. , Figueroa-Morales N. , Bohec P. , Lindner A. , Clément E.
Published: May 2017

We describe the development of a tracking device, mounted on an epi-fluorescent inverted microscope, suited to obtain time resolved 3D Lagrangian tracks of fluorescent passive or active micro-objects in microfluidic devices. The system is based on real-time image processing, determining the displacement of a x, y mechanical stage to keep the chosen object at a fixed position in the observation frame. The z displacement is based on the refocusing of the fluorescent object determining the displacement of a piezo mover keeping the moving object in focus. Track coordinates of the object with respect to the microfluidic device as well as images of the object are obtained at a frequency of several tenths of Hertz. This device is particularly well adapted to obtain trajectories of motile micro-organisms in microfluidic devices with or without flow.
Radar for tracer particles
Authors: Ott Felix , Herminghaus Stephan , Huang Kai
Published: May 2017

We introduce a radar system capable of tracking a 5 mm spherical target continuously in three dimensions. The 10 GHz (X-band) radar system has a transmission power of 1 W and operates in the near field of the horn antennae. By comparing the phase shift of the electromagnetic wave traveling through the free space with an IQ-mixer, we obtain the relative movement of the target with respect to the antennae. From the azimuth and inclination angles of the receiving antennae obtained in the calibration, we reconstruct the target trajectory in a three-dimensional Cartesian system. Finally, we test the tracking algorithm with target moving in circular as well as in pendulum motions and discuss the capability of the radar system.
Positron emission particle tracking and its application to granular media
Authors: Parker D. J.
Published: May 2017

Positron emission particle tracking (PEPT) is a technique for tracking a single radioactively labelled particle. Accurate 3D tracking is possible even when the particle is moving at high speed inside a dense opaque system. In many cases, tracking a single particle within a granular system provides sufficient information to determine the time-averaged behaviour of the entire granular system. After a general introduction, this paper describes the detector systems (PET scanners and positron cameras) used to record PEPT data, the techniques used to label particles, and the algorithms used to process the data. This paper concentrates on the use of PEPT for studying granular systems: the focus is mainly on work at Birmingham, but reference is also made to work from other centres, and options for wider diversification are suggested.
Detection of particle motion using image processing with particular emphasis on rolling motion
Authors: Agudo J. R. , Luzi G. , Han J. , Hwang M. , Lee J. , Wierschem A.
Published: May 2017

Image-processing has been used in granular systems for detecting particle positions and motion near optically accessible surfaces like sediment flow and bedload transport. We review the image-processing techniques used for single and multiple particles. To enhance reliability in particle recognition, tools like Canny edge and Hough transform are intensively used. We show exemplarily how they can be applied to detect not only particle positions but also rotatory motion. The different steps are described in detail and the algorithm is applied to different examples, which are discussed in view of the obtained accuracy.
A manipulative instrument with simultaneous gesture and end-effector trajectory planning and controlling
Authors: Lin Hsien-I , Nguyen Xuan-Anh
Published: May 2017

To operate a redundant manipulator to accomplish the end-effector trajectory planning and simultaneously control its gesture in online programming, incorporating the human motion is a useful and flexible option. This paper focuses on a manipulative instrument that can simultaneously control its arm gesture and end-effector trajectory via human teleoperation. The instrument can be classified by two parts; first, for the human motion capture and data processing, marker systems are proposed to capture human gesture. Second, the manipulator kinematics control is implemented by an augmented multi-tasking method, and forward and backward reaching inverse kinematics, respectively. Especially, the local-solution and divergence problems of a multi-tasking method are resolved by the proposed augmented multi-tasking method. Computer simulations and experiments with a 7-DOF (degree of freedom) redundant manipulator were used to validate the proposed method. Comparison among the single-tasking, original multi-tasking, and augmented multi-tasking algorithms were performed and the result showed that the proposed augmented method had a good end-effector position accuracy and the most similar gesture to the human gesture. Additionally, the experimental results showed that the proposed instrument was realized online.
Enhanced annealing stability and perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in perpendicular magnetic tunnel junctions using W layer
Authors: Chatterjee Jyotirmoy , Sousa Ricardo C. , Perrissin Nicolas , Auffret Stéphane , Ducruet Clarisse , Dieny Bernard
Published: May 2017

The magnetic properties of the perpendicular storage electrode (buffer/MgO/FeCoB/Cap) were studied as a function of annealing temperature by replacing Ta with W and W/Ta cap layers with variable thicknesses. W in the cap boosts up the annealing stability and increases the effective perpendicular anisotropy by 30% compared to the Ta cap. Correspondingly, an increase in the FeCoB critical thickness characterizing the transition from perpendicular to in-plane anisotropy was observed. Thicker W layer in the W(t)/Ta 1 nm cap layer makes the storage electrode highly robust against annealing up to 570 °C. The stiffening of the overall stack resulting from the W insertion due to its very high melting temperature seems to be the key mechanism behind the extremely high thermal robustness. The Gilbert damping constant of FeCoB with the W/Ta cap was found to be lower when compared with the Ta cap and stable with annealing. The evolution of the magnetic properties of bottom pinned perpendicular magnetic tunnel junctions (p-MTJ) stack with the W2/Ta1 nm cap layer shows back-end-of-line compatibility with increasing tunnel magnetoresistance up to the annealing temperature of 425 °C. The pMTJ thermal budget is limited by the synthetic antiferromagnetic hard layer which is stable up to 425 °C annealing temperature while the storage layer is stable up to 455 °C.
Chemical etching of silicon carbide in pure water by using platinum catalyst
Authors: Isohashi Ai , Bui P. V. , Toh D. , Matsuyama S. , Sano Y. , Inagaki K. , Morikawa Y. , Yamauchi K.
Published: May 2017

Chemical etching of SiC was found to proceed in pure water with the assistance of a Pt catalyst. A 4H-SiC (0001) wafer was placed and slid on a polishing pad in pure water, on which a thin Pt film was deposited to give a catalytic nature. Etching of the wafer surface was observed to remove protrusions preferentially by interacting with the Pt film more frequently, thus flattening the surface. In the case of an on-axis wafer, a crystallographically ordered surface was obtained with a straight step-and-terrace structure, the height of which corresponds to that of an atomic bilayer of Si and C. The etching rate depended upon the electrochemical potential of Pt. The vicinal surface was observed at the potential at which the Pt surface was bare. The primary etching mechanism was hydrolysis with the assistance of a Pt catalyst. This method can, therefore, be used as an environmentally friendly and sustainable technology.
Competition between weak OH⋯π and CH⋯O hydrogen bonds: THz spectroscopy of the C2H2—H2O and C2H4—H2O complexes
Authors: Andersen J. , Heimdal J. , Nelander B. , Wugt Larsen R.
Published: May 2017

THz absorption spectra have been recorded for the weakly bound molecular complexes of H2O with C2H4 and C2H2 embedded in cryogenic neon matrices at 2.8 K. The observation and assignment of a large-amplitude acceptor OH librational mode of the C2H2—H2O complex at 145.5 cm−1 confirms an intermolecular CH⋯O hydrogen-bonded configuration of C2v symmetry with the H2O subunit acting as the hydrogen bond acceptor. The observation and assignment of two large-amplitude donor OH librational modes of the C2H4—H2O complex at 255.0 and 187.5 cm−1, respectively, confirms an intermolecular OH⋯π hydrogen-bonded configuration with the H2O subunit acting as the hydrogen bond donor to the π-cloud of C2H4. A (semi)-empirical value for the change of vibrational zero-point energy of 4.0–4.1 kJ mol−1 is proposed and the combination with quantum chemical calculations at the CCSD(T)-F12b/aug-cc-pVQZ level provides a reliable estimate of 7.1 ± 0.3 kJ mol−1 for the dissociation energy D0 of the C2H4—H2O complex. In addition, tentative assignments for the two strongly infrared active OH librational modes of the ternary C2H4—HOH—C2H4 complex having H2O as a doubly OH⋯π hydrogen bond donor are proposed at 213.6 and 222.3 cm−1. The present findings demonstrate that the relative stability of the weak hydrogen bond motifs is not entirely rooted in differences of electronic energy but also to a large extent by differences in the vibrational zero-point energy contributions arising from the class of large-amplitude intermolecular modes.
An interferometric system for measuring thickness of parallel glass plates without 2π ambiguity using phase analysis of quadrature Haidinger fringes
Authors: Kim Jong-Ahn , Kim Jae Wan , Kang Chu-Shik , Jin Jonghan , Lee Jae Yong
Published: May 2017

An interferometric system is proposed for measuring the thickness of parallel glass plates by analyzing Haidinger fringes. Although a conventional Haidinger interferometer can measure thickness without 2π ambiguity using positions of peak and valley points in the interferogram, measurement accuracy is directly affected by the number of these points involved in the calculation. The proposed method obtains phase values over the entire interferogram by analyzing the quadrature Haidinger fringes generated by a current modulated laser diode. Therefore, it can achieve high speed measurement and nanometric resolution without mechanical rotation and thickness limitation of specimens. In the experiments, the standard deviation of repeated thickness measurement was evaluated as less than 0.3 nm, and the measured thickness profile of the proposed system agreed with that of a conventional thickness interferometer within ±15 nm. We also discussed the required accuracy of refractive index of specimens to implement the proposed method successfully and presented an exemplary measurement result of a multi-layer coated sample having a discontinuous thickness profile.
Highly integrated VO2-based tunable antenna for millimeter-wave applications
Authors: Huitema L. , Crunteanu A. , Wong H. , Arnaud E.
Published: May 2017

We report the concept of a frequency tunable antenna device operating in the millimeter wave frequency domain. The ability of the antenna to switch between two frequency states is achieved by the monolithic integration of a metal-insulator transition material (vanadium dioxide, VO2). The VO2 material is an insulator at room temperature but can be driven in a high conductivity metallic state when it is electrically activated using a continuous (DC) voltage. The antenna design is based on a slot antenna excited by a microstrip line having a length that can be conveniently varied using a VO2-based switch. Following the high-frequency VO2 material characterization, we present its monolithic integration in the device prototype along with the comparison between the measured and the simulated performances of the agile antenna. Thus, depending on the VO2 material state, the antenna device can be conveniently switched between 33 and 37 GHz operating frequency bands presenting stable radiation patterns with 5.28 dBi and 5.41 dBi maximum gains, respectively.
A first-principles study of carbon-related energy levels in GaN. I. Complexes formed by substitutional/interstitial carbons and gallium/nitrogen vacancies
Authors: Matsubara Masahiko , Bellotti Enrico
Published: May 2017

Various forms of carbon based complexes in GaN are studied with first-principles calculations employing Heyd-Scuseria-Ernzerhof hybrid functionals within the framework of the density functional theory. We consider carbon complexes made of the combinations of single impurities, i.e., CN−CGa, CI−CN, and CI−CGa, where CN, CGa, and CI denote C substituting nitrogen, C substituting gallium, and interstitial C, respectively, and of neighboring gallium/nitrogen vacancies (VGa/VN), i.e., CN−VGa and CGa−VN. Formation energies are computed for all these configurations with different charge states after full geometry optimizations. From our calculated formation energies, thermodynamic transition levels are evaluated, which are related to the thermal activation energies observed in experimental techniques such as deep level transient spectroscopy. Furthermore, the lattice relaxation energies (Franck-Condon shift) are computed to obtain optical activation energies, which are observed in experimental techniques such as deep level optical spectroscopy. We compare our calculated values of activation energies with the energies of experimentally observed C-related trap levels and identify the physical origins of these traps, which were unknown before.
Improved efficiency of organic light-emitting diodes with self-assembled molybdenum oxide hole injection layers
Authors: Liu Chia-Wei , Tsai Ming-Chih , Cheng Tsung-Chin , Ho Yu-Hsuan , You Huang-kuo , Li Chia-Shuo , Chen Chin-Ti , Wu Chih-I
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we demonstrate the use of self-assembly to fabricate solution-processed molybdenum oxide (MoO3) films by simply casting a metal oxide solution onto an indium tin oxide substrate. The self-assembled MoO3 (SA-MoO3) films were used as hole injection layers (HILs) in green phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes. The devices with SA-MoO3 HILs exhibited nearly double the efficiency of the one made with commonly used evaporated MoO3 (e-MoO3) HILs. This improvement was attributed to the much smoother surface and smaller grains of the SA-MoO3 films to reduce the leakage currents, as shown by monitoring the surface morphology via atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The work function and Mo 3d core level characteristics were determined via ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The e-MoO3 film offered better conductivity and hole injection ability; however, the increased device current may not enhance electroluminance proportionally. As a result, the efficiencies of SA-MoO3 devices were better than those of e-MoO3 devices.