bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Vivo Characterization of ARN14140, a Memantine/Galantamine-Based Multi-Target Compound for Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Reggiani Angelo M. , Simoni Elena , Caporaso Roberta , Meunier Johann , Keller Emeline , Maurice Tangui , Minarini Anna , Rosini Michela , Cavalli Andrea
Published: September 2016

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronic pathological condition that leads to neurodegeneration, loss of intellectual abilities, including cognition and memory, and ultimately to death. It is widely recognized that AD is a multifactorial disease, where different pathological cascades (mainly amyloid and tau) contribute to neural death and to the clinical outcome related to the disease. The currently available drugs for AD were developed according to the one-target, one-drug paradigm. In recent times, multi-target strategies have begun to play an increasingly central role in the discovery of more efficacious candidates for complex neurological conditions, including AD. In this study, we report on the in vivo pharmacological characterization of ARN14140, a new chemical entity, which was obtained through a multi-target structure-activity relationship campaign, and which showed a balanced inhibiting profile against the acetylcholinesterase enzyme and the NMDA receptor. Based on the initial promising biochemical data, ARN14140 is here studied in mice treated with the amyloidogenic fragment 25–35 of the amyloid-β peptide, a consolidated non-transgenic AD model. Sub-chronically treating animals with ARN14140 leads to a prevention of the cognitive impairment and of biomarker levels connected to neurodegeneration, demonstrating its neuroprotective potential as new AD agent.
Simultaneous determination of urea herbicides in water and soil samples based on second-order photoinduced fluorescence data
Authors: Lozano Valeria A. , Escandar Graciela M.
Published: September 2016

An eco-friendly method is developed for the simultaneous quantification of four urea-derivative herbicides in water and soil samples.
A novel membrane with heterogeneously functionalized nanocrystal layers performing blood separation and sensing synchronously
Authors: Chu Zhenyu , Li Linlin , Liu Gongping , Jin Wanqin
Published: September 2016

A novel membrane can synchronously perform blood separation and sensing for serum extraction and analysis of various physiological indexes.
Palladium-catalyzed Sonogashira coupling of amides: access to ynones via C–N bond cleavage
Authors: Cui Ming , Wu Hongxiang , Jian Junsheng , Wang Hui , Liu Chao , Daniel Stelck , Zeng Zhuo
Published: September 2016

The first palladium-catalyzed Sonogashira coupling of amides has been developed, which proceeds via a selective cleavage of the N-acylsaccharin C–N bond. The protocol is mild, highly functional group tolerant and can be efficiently employed in the synthesis of a broad array of ynones in 48–98% yields under low catalyst loading and Cu-free conditions.
Zinc-substituted ZIF-67 nanocrystals and polycrystalline membranes for propylene/propane separation
Authors: Wang Chongqing , Yang Fan , Sheng Luqian , Yu Jian , Yao Kexin , Zhang Lixiong , Pan Yichang
Published: September 2016

Continuous ZIF-67 polycrystalline membranes prepared using the zinc-substitution method exhibit excellent separation performances for propylene/propane mixtures.
Processing, characterization and hemostatic mechanism of a ultraporous collagen/ORC biodegradable composite with excellent biological effectiveness
Authors: Cheng Weilu , Li Hui , Zheng Xiongfei , Chen Lei , Cheng Feng , He Jinmei , Liu Ke , Cai Panpan , Wang Xiaofeng , Huang Yudong
Published: September 2016

To overcome the hemostatic limitations, ultraporous Col/ORC composites were prepared in this paper.
Density functional simulation of resonant inelastic X-ray scattering experiments in liquids: acetonitrile
Authors: Niskanen Johannes , Kooser Kuno , Koskelo Jaakko , Käämbre Tanel , Kunnus Kristjan , Pietzsch Annette , Quevedo Wilson , Hakala Mikko , Föhlisch Alexander , Huotari Simo , Kukk Edwin
Published: September 2016

Density functional theory simulations were used to study resonant inelastic X-ray scattering from liquid acetonitrile.
The underlying mechanisms for self-healing of poly(disulfide)s
Authors: Nevejans Sil , Ballard Nicholas , Miranda José I. , Reck Bernd , Asua José M.
Published: September 2016

Spectroscopic techniques showed that the process of disulfide exchange is radical-mediated and that catalysts enhanced the exchange by forming S-based anions.
Excited-state relaxation of the solar cell dye D49 in organic solvents and on mesoporous Al2O3 and TiO2 thin films
Authors: Flender Oliver , Scholz Mirko , Klein Johannes R. , Oum Kawon , Lenzer Thomas
Published: September 2016

The solar cell dye D49 shows no charge separation on Al2O3, but efficient electron injection into TiO2.
Temperature- and pressure-dependent studies of niccolite-type formate frameworks of [NH3(CH2)4NH3][M2(HCOO)6] (M = Zn, Co, Fe)
Authors: Mączka Mirosław , Ptak Maciej , Pawlus Sebastian , Paraguassu Waldeci , Sieradzki Adam , Balciunas Sergejus , Simenas Mantas , Banys Juras
Published: September 2016

Structural changes occurring in [H3N(CH2)4NH3][M2(HCOO)6] (M = Zn, Co, Fe) niccolites due to temperature- and pressure-induced transitions were monitored by dielectric, IR and Raman spectroscopy.
Polypeptide self-assemblies: nanostructures and bioapplications
Authors: Cai Chunhua , Lin Jiaping , Lu Yingqing , Zhang Qian , Wang Liquan
Published: September 2016

Polypeptide copolymers can self-assemble into diverse aggregates in solution, which can serve as drug delivery vehicles and biomineralization additives.
Cleavage of a C–C σ bond between two phenyl groups under mild conditions during the construction of Zn(ii) organic frameworks
Authors: Liu Bo , Zhou Hui-Fang , Guan Zheng-Hui , Hou Lei , Cui Bin , Wang Yao-Yu
Published: September 2016

In this paper, we present a simple and effective strategy to cleave the C(sp2)–C(sp2) σ bond between two phenyl groups under mild conditions during the construction of Zn(ii) organic frameworks.
CO2-Catalysed conversion of carbohydrates to 5-hydroxymethyl furfural
Authors: Lee Roland , Harris Jesse , Champagne Pascale , Jessop Philip G.
Published: September 2016

CO2 in water catalyzes the conversion of cellulose, starch, xylan, or glucose to HMF.
Flux-free fusion technique using a boron nitride vessel and rapid acid digestion for determination of trace elements by ICP-MS
Authors: Bao Zhian , Zhang Hongfu , Yuan Honglin , Liu Ye , Chen Kaiyun , Zong Chunlei
Published: September 2016

A flux-free fusion technique using a boron nitride vessel and rapid acid digestion is presented for the determination of trace elements by ICP-MS.
Highly stable electrochromic and electrofluorescent dual-switching polyamide containing bis(diphenylamino)-fluorene moieties
Authors: Sun Ningwei , Meng Shiyao , Chao Danming , Zhou Ziwei , Du Yinlong , Wang Daming , Zhao Xiaogang , Zhou Hongwei , Chen Chunhai
Published: September 2016

A novel semi-aromatic polyamide with bis(diphenylamino)-fluorene moieties was designed and synthesized, which exhibited highly stable electrochromic/electrofluorescent dual-switching properties.
White electroluminescence from a single polymer system: phenothiazine derivatives as a red emissive dopant and polyfluorene as a blue host
Authors: Nagaraju Sandu , Ravindran Ezhakudiyan , Varathan Elumalai , Subramanian Venkatesan , Somanathan Narayanasastri
Published: September 2016

Photo physical studies of organic light emitting copolymers and their ordered supramolecular self-assembly: tuning the electroluminescence properties with high efficient white light.
Twisted coumarin dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells with high photovoltage: adjustment of optical, electrochemical, and photovoltaic properties by the molecular structure
Authors: Chen Qinghua , Wu Nan , Liu Yanyan , Li Xiaoyan , Liu Bo
Published: September 2016

A rational twisted and curved structure is greatly preferred for obtaining high photovoltage even without co-adsorbent, providing a powerful strategy for the future development of organic sensitizers with high photovoltage.
In situ formation of benzoxazines in polyoxymethylene: a simple approach for retarding formaldehyde generation and tuning mechanical properties under a semi-interpenetrating network
Authors: Mantaranon Nantinee , Kotaki Masaya , Lim Chwee Teck , Chirachanchai Suwabun
Published: September 2016

The thermal stability of polyoxymethylene (POM) significantly increases after blending with bisphenol-A and amine leading to polybenzoxazine formation in POM matrices.
X-ray crystallographic evidence for the simultaneous presence of axial and rhombic sites in cupredoxins: atomic resolution X-ray crystal structure analysis of pseudoazurin and DFT modelling
Authors: Yamaguchi T. , Akao K. , Takashina A. , Asamura S. , Unno M. , Szilagyi R. K. , Kohzuma T.
Published: September 2016

The simultaneous presence of axial (blue) and rhombic (green) Cu sites in pseudoazurin is described from experiments and computational modelling.
Highly planar cross-conjugated alternating polymers with multiple conformational locks: synthesis, characterization and their field-effect properties
Authors: Zhang Weifeng , Mao Zupan , Zheng Naihang , Zou Jiabin , Wang Liping , Wei Congyuan , Huang Jianyao , Gao Dong , Yu Gui
Published: September 2016

Two highly planar cross-conjugated polymers with multiple conformational locks were designed and synthesized, and their charge transport properties were investigated.
Ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction enhances delayed BMC delivery and attenuates post-infarction cardiac remodelling by inducing engraftment signals
Authors: Chen Yanmei , Zhang Chuanxi , Shen Shuxin , Guo Shengcun , Zhong Lintao , Li Xinzhong , Chen Guojun , Chen Gangbin , He Xiang , Huang Chixiong , He Nvqin , Liao Wangjun , Liao Yulin , Bin Jianping
Published: September 2016

Delayed administration of bone marrow cells (BMCs) at 2–4 weeks after successful reperfusion in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) does not improve cardiac function. The reduction in engraftment signals observed following this time interval might impair the effects of delayed BMC treatment. In the present study, we aimed to determine whether ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) treatment could increase engraftment signals, enhance the delivery of delayed BMCs and subsequently attenuate post-infarction cardiac remodelling. A myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) model was induced in Wistar rats via left coronary ligation for 45 min followed by reperfusion. Western blotting revealed that engraftment signals peaked at 7 days post-I/R and were dramatically lower at 14 days post-I/R. The lower engraftment signals at 14 days post-I/R could be triggered by UTMD treatment at a mechanical index of 1.0–1.9. The troponin I levels in the 1.9 mechanical index group were higher than in the other groups. Simultaneous haematoxylin and eosin staining and fluorescence revealed that the number of engrafted BMCs in the ischaemic zone was greater in the group treated with both UTMD and delayed BMC transplantation than in the control groups (P<0.05). Both UTMD and delayed BMC transplantation improved cardiac function and decreased cardiac fibrosis at 4 weeks after treatment, as compared with control groups (both P<0.05). Histopathology demonstrated that UTMD combined with delayed BMC transplantation increased capillary density, myocardial cell proliferation and c-kit+ cell proliferation. These findings indicated that UTMD treatment could induce engraftment signals and enhance homing of delayed BMCs to ischaemic myocardium, attenuating post-infarction cardiac remodelling by promoting neovascularization, cardiomyogenesis and expansion of cardiac c-kit+ cells.
Removing ring artefacts in CT images via unidirectional relative variation model
Authors: Huo Qirun , Li Jianwu , Lu Yao
Published: September 2016

CT images often have some ring artefacts caused by the inconsistent response of detector pixels and other factors. Removing ring artefacts effectively without impairing the image quality is still a hard problem although some methods have been proposed. Given that total variation minimisation is widely used for image denoising, a unidirectional relative variation model is proposed and performs it on the reconstructed images transformed into polar coordinates to reduce the artefacts. The proposed method is tested on both simulated data and real CT images, and the qualitative and quantitative results show that it is effective.
H∞ filtering for switched linear parameter‐varying systems and its application to aero‐engines
Authors: Zhu Kongwei , Zhao Jun , Liu Yanyan
Published: September 2016

This study deals with the H ∞ filtering problem for switched linear parameter‐varying (LPV) systems using the multiple parameter‐dependent Lyapunov function technique. The parameter and mode‐dependent switching law and the filter state‐relied controllers are designed to ensure the H ∞ performance without requiring the stability of each individual subsystem. An H ∞ filtering synthesis condition is obtained by a matrix optimisation iterating algorithm. Simulation result on a switched LPV aero‐engine model shows the feasibility and the validity of the H ∞ filtering scheme.
Robust consensus of linear systems on directed graph with non‐uniform delay
Authors: Lee Dongjun
Published: September 2016

The authors propose a consensus control framework for multiple heterogeneous general single‐input single‐output linear systems with no zeros at s = 0 on a directed information graph with constant, yet, non‐uniform and unknown delays. The proposed consensus control is easy to design via loop‐shaping like graphical approach, robust against plant uncertainty and constant delay, and completely decentralisable (i.e. locally synthesisable without consulting other agents). Consensus proof using multi‐input multi‐output Nyquist theorem and algebraic graph theory is given, with a numerical example to illustrate the theory.
Splicing image forgery detection using textural features based on the grey level co‐occurrence matrices
Authors: Shen Xuanjing , Shi Zenan , Chen Haipeng
Published: September 2016

To further improve the detection rate with relatively low dimension feature vector, a novel passive splicing detection method using textural features based on the grey level co‐occurrence matrices, namely TF‐GLCM, is proposed in this study. In the TF‐GLCM, the GLCM are calculated based on the difference block discrete cosine transform arrays to capture the textural information and the spatial relationship between image pixels sufficiently. The discriminable properties contained in the GLCM are described by six textural features, which include two new introduced ones and four independent ones. In addition, the statistical moments mean Me and standard deviation SD of textural features are used instead of themselves as elements in feature vector to reduce the dimensionality of feature vector and computational complexity. A support vector machine is employed for classification purpose. Experimental results show that the TF‐GLCM achieves the detection rates of 98% on CASIA v1.0, and 97% on CASIA v2.0 with 96‐D feature vector. The detection rates benefit from the two new textural features. Meanwhile, the TF‐GLCM is superior to some state‐of‐the‐art methods with lower dimension feature vector.
Fast two‐dimensional subset censored CFAR method for multiple objects detection from acoustic image
Authors: Gao Jue , Li Haisen , Chen Baowei , Zhou Tian , Xu Chao , Du Weidong
Published: September 2016

This study addresses the detection of multiple objects in acoustic image. A fast two‐dimensional (2D) subset censored constant false alarm rate (CFAR) method is proposed. The proposed method uses a multi‐subset sliding window with reference cells and guard cells in 2D, and excludes the potential interference object by subset censoring. Specifically, the reference cells are equally divided into four subsets, the subset with the largest summation is censored, and the remaining subsets are used to calculate the local threshold. A fast algorithm based on integral image is employed for lowering computational load. It requires only 32 operations for a single test cell averagely, despite the total number of reference cells. The proposed method is assessed on real multi‐beam acoustic image sequences, of which the background follows a distribution of Weibull. Experimental results are compared with the results acquired from the method including cell averaging CFAR and censored mean‐level detector CFAR in 2D. The proposed method has been proved to be efficient and robust in multi‐object environment, especially as multiple objects placed closely.
Accurate assembly of ZnO nanoclusters at the ends of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes in a microemulsion system
Authors: Jiang Linqin , Qiu Yu , Luo Peihui , Zhang Weilong
Published: September 2016

A novel method is reported here to attach ZnO nanoclusters accurately at the end of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in a hydrothermal system. The ends of MWCNTs were selectively functionalised using gas‐phase functionalisation in ammonia. ZnO/MWCNT heterojunctions are formed accurately at the nanotube‐ends through hydrothermal microemulsion synthesis. The reverse micelle of sodium dodecyl sulphate combines with the positive nitrogen‐containing basic groups at the MWCNT end and act as the microreactors for ZnO nanoclusters. The sidewalls of the MWCNTs remain intact without any ZnO particles functionalisation. The results represent a versatile approach that is highly scalable and could pave the way toward versatile heterojunction devices fabrication.
X-ray self-emission imaging used to diagnose 3-D nonuniformities in direct-drive ICF implosions
Authors: Davis A. K. , Michel D. T. , Craxton R. S. , Epstein R. , Hohenberger M. , Mo T. , Froula D. H.
Published: September 2016

As hydrodynamics codes develop to increase understanding of three-dimensional (3-D) effects in inertial confinement fusion implosions, diagnostics must adapt to evaluate their predictive accuracy. A 3-D radiation postprocessor was developed to investigate the use of soft x-ray self-emission images of an imploding target to measure the size of nonuniformities on the target surface. Synthetic self-emission images calculated from 3-D simulations showed a narrow ring of emission outside the ablation surface of the target. Nonuniformities growing in directions perpendicular to the diagnostic axis were measured through angular variations in the radius of the steepest intensity gradient on the inside of the ring and through changes in the peak x-ray intensity in the ring as a function of angle. The technique was applied to an implosion to measure large 3-D nonuniformities resulting from two dropped laser beam quads at the National Ignition Facility.
Wafer scale integration of reduced graphene oxide by novel laser processing at room temperature in air
Authors: Bhaumik Anagh , Narayan Jagdish
Published: September 2016

Physical properties of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) strongly depend on the ratio of sp2 to sp3 hybridized carbon atoms, the presence of different functional groups, and the characteristics of the substrates. This research for the very first time illustrates successful wafer scale integration of 2D rGO with Cu/TiN/Si, employing pulsed laser deposition followed by laser annealing of carbon-doped copper layers using nanosecond excimer lasers. The XRD, SEM, and Raman spectroscopy measurements indicate the presence of large area rGO onto Si having Raman active vibrational modes: D, G, and 2D. A high resolution SEM depicts the morphology and formation of rGO from zone-refined carbon formed after nanosecond laser annealing. Temperature-dependent resistance data of rGO thin films follow the Efros-Shklovskii variable range hopping (VRH) model in the low-temperature region and Arrhenius conduction in the high-temperature regime. The photoluminescence spectra also reveal a less intense and broader blue fluorescence spectra, indicating the presence of miniature sized sp2 domains in the near vicinity of π* electronic states which favor the VRH transport phenomena. This wafer scale integration of rGO with Si employing a laser annealing technique will be useful for multifunctional integrated electronic devices and will open a new frontier for further extensive research in these functionalized 2D materials.
Nile blue shows its true colors in gas-phase absorption and luminescence ion spectroscopy
Authors: Stockett M. H. , Houmøller J. , Brøndsted Nielsen S.
Published: September 2016

Nile blue is used extensively in biology as a histological stain and fluorescent probe. Its absorption and emission spectra are strongly solvent dependent, with variations larger than 100 nm. The molecule is charged due to an iminium group, and it is therefore an obvious target for gas-phase ion spectroscopy. Here we report the absorption and emission spectra of the mass-selected bare ions isolated in vacuo, and based on our results we revisit the interpretation of solution-phase spectra. An accelerator mass spectrometer was used for absorption spectroscopy where the absorption is represented by the yield of photofragment ions versus excitation wavelength (action spectroscopy). The luminescence experiments were done with a newly built ion trap setup equipped with an electrospray ion source, and some details on the mass selection technique will be given which have not been described before. In vacuo, the absorption and emission maxima are at 580 ± 10 nm and 628 ± 1 nm. These values are somewhat blue-shifted relative to those obtained in most solvents; however, they are much further to the red than those in some of the most non-polar solvents. Furthermore, the Stokes shift in the gas phase (1300 cm−1) is much smaller than that in these non-polar solvents but similar to that in polar ones. An explanation based on charge localization by solvent dipoles, or by counterions in some non-polar solvents, can fully account for these findings. Hence in the case of ions, it is nontrivial to establish intrinsic electronic transition energies from solvatochromic shifts alone.
Effect of structural in-depth heterogeneities on electrical properties of Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48) O3 thin films as revealed by nano-beam X-ray diffraction
Authors: Vaxelaire N. , Kovacova V. , Bernasconi A. , Le Rhun G. , Alvarez-Murga M. , Vaughan G. B. M. , Defay E. , Gergaud P.
Published: September 2016

A direct quantification of a structural in-depth composition in the lead zirconate titanate Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 thin films of morphotropic composition has been conducted using the newly available X-ray nano-pencil beam (i.e., beam size of 100 nm × 1 μm) diffraction approach. We tested two samples with different Zr/Ti chemical gradients. Here, we demonstrate the presence of a significant microstructural gradient between the rhombohedral and tetragonal phases through PbZrxTi1−xO3 (PZT) films with a 100 nm in-depth resolution. The phase gradient extends over around 350 nm, and it is repeated through the PZT film three times, which corresponds to the number of thermal annealings. Moreover, this microstructural gradient is in agreement with the Zr/Ti chemical gradient observed by the secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS). Indeed, the quantity of tetragonal phases rises in the Ti-rich zones as revealed by SIMS, and the quantity of rhombohedral phases rises in the Zr-rich zones. We also demonstrated a huge difference in the in-depth phase variation between the two tested samples. The gradient free sample still contains 4.7% of phase variation through the film and the amplified gradient contains 9.6% of phase variation through the film. Knowing that the gradient free sample shows better electric and piezoelectric coefficients, one can draw a correlation between the chemical composition, crystallographic homogeneity, and electro-mechanical properties of the film. The more close the film is to the morphotropic composition and the more it is crystallographically homogeneous, the higher the piezoelectric coefficients of the PZT are. Finally, the adequate knowledge of phase variation and its relation to the fabrication technique are crucial for the enhancement of the PZT electro-mechanical properties. Our methodology and findings open up new perspectives in establishing a relevant quantitative feedback to reach an ultimate electro-mechanical coupling in the sol-gel PZT thin films.
Vertical vibration dynamics of acoustically levitated drop containing two immiscible liquids
Authors: Zang Duyang , Zhai Zhicong , Li Lin , Lin Kejun , Li Xiaoguang , Geng Xingguo
Published: September 2016

We have studied the levitation and oscillation dynamics of complex drops containing two immiscible liquids. Two types of drops, core-shell drop and abnormal-shaped drop, have been obtained depending on the levitation procedures. The oscillation dynamics of the drops have been studied using a high speed camera. It has been found that the oscillation of the abnormal-shaped drop has a longer oscillation period and decays much faster than that of the core-shell drop, which cannot be accounted for by the air resistance itself. The acoustic streaming induced by ultrasound may bring an additional force against the motion of the drop due to the Bernoulli effect. This is responsible for the enhanced damping during the oscillation in acoustic levitation.
Toward controlling the carrier density of Si doped Ga2O3 films by pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Zhang Fabi , Arita Makoto , Wang Xu , Chen Zhengwei , Saito Katsuhiko , Tanaka Tooru , Nishio Mitsuhiro , Motooka Teruaki , Guo Qixin
Published: September 2016

Precise control of dopant composition is critical for the production of semiconductor films with desired properties. Here, we present results on the electrical properties for Si doped Ga2O3 films grown by pulsed laser deposition technique (PLD). The Si composition in the films can be controlled by changing the target composition as observed from the secondary ion mass spectroscopy measurement. The carrier density of the films is varied from the order of 1015 to 1020 cm−3 while the conductivity from 10−4 to 1 S cm−1 as measured by Hall equipment. The carrier density of the films has been verified by Kelvin force microscopy, which shows an increased surface work function with the increase of carrier density. The results suggest that the carrier density of β-Ga2O3 films is controllable by Si doping by PLD, paving a way to develop the Ga2O3 film-based electronic devices.
Illusion thermal device based on material with constant anisotropic thermal conductivity for location camouflage
Authors: Hou Quanwen , Zhao Xiaopeng , Meng Tong , Liu Cunliang
Published: September 2016

Thermal metamaterials and devices based on transformation thermodynamics often require materials with anisotropic and inhomogeneous thermal conductivities. In this study, still based on the concept of transformation thermodynamics, we designed a planar illusion thermal device, which can delocalize a heat source in the device such that the temperature profile outside the device appears to be produced by a virtual source at another position. This device can be constructed by only one kind of material with constant anisotropic thermal conductivity. The condition which should be satisfied by the device is provided, and the required anisotropic thermal conductivity is then deduced theoretically. This study may be useful for the designs of metamaterials or devices since materials with constant anisotropic parameters have great facility in fabrication. A prototype device has been fabricated based on a composite composed by two naturally occurring materials. The experimental results validate the effectiveness of the device.
Transparent electromagnetic shielding enclosure with CVD graphene
Authors: Zhao Yu-Tong , Wu Bian , Zhang Yu , Hao Yang
Published: September 2016

Cavity resonant modes of shielding enclosure for housing electronic circuits may cause electromagnetic interference (EMI). Here, we present an effective approach by using graphene to suppress unwanted resonant modes while maintaining good transparency to visible light. The structure consists of graphene sheet on quartz substrate attached to the shielding enclosure made from indium tin oxide. We experimentally demonstrate that the proposed approach can lead to good absorption of microwave waves at a wide frequency range from 5 to 12 GHz and high attenuation of cavity modes up to 20–30 dB. Its effectiveness of EMI shielding averaged 20 dB is proven to be comparable with conventional metallic enclosures.
Electromechanical decoupled model for cantilever-beam piezoelectric energy harvesters
Authors: Tan T. , Yan Z. , Hajj M.
Published: September 2016

Analysis of cantilever-based piezoelectric energy harvesting systems is usually performed using coupled equations that represent the mechanical displacement and the voltage output. These equations are then solved simultaneously. In contrast to this representation, we use analytical solutions of the governing equation to derive an algebraic equation of the power as a function of the beam displacement, electromechanical coefficients, and the load resistance. Such an equation can be more useful in the design of such harvesters. Particularly, the mechanical displacement is computed from a mechanical governing equation with modified natural frequency and damping ratio that account for the electromechanical coupling. The voltage and the harvested power are then obtained by relating them directly to the mechanical displacement. We validate the proposed analysis by comparing its solution including the tip displacement and harvested power with those of numerical simulations of the governing equations. To demonstrate the generality of the proposed approach, we consider the cases of base excitation, galloping, and autoparametric vibration. The model proposed in this study simplifies the electromechanical coupling problem for practical applications of cantilever-beam piezoelectric energy harvesting systems.
Multienergy gold ion implantation for enhancing the field electron emission characteristics of heterogranular structured diamond films grown on Au-coated Si substrates
Authors: Sankaran K. J. , Manoharan D. , Sundaravel B. , Lin I. N.
Published: September 2016

Multienergy Au-ion implantation enhanced the electrical conductivity of heterogranular structured diamond films grown on Au-coated Si substrates to a high level of 5076.0 (Ω cm)−1 and improved the field electron emission (FEE) characteristics of the films to low turn-on field of 1.6 V/μm, high current density of 5.4 mA/cm2 (@ 2.65 V/μm), and high lifetime stability of 1825 min. The catalytic induction of nanographitic phases in the films due to Au-ion implantation and the formation of diamond-to-Si eutectic interface layer due to Au-coating on Si together encouraged the efficient conducting channels for electron transport, thereby improved the FEE characteristics of the films.
Effect of bremsstrahlung radiation emission on fast electrons in plasmas
Authors: Embréus O , Stahl A , Fülöp T
Published: September 2016

Bremsstrahlung radiation emission is an important energy loss mechanism for energetic electrons in plasmas. In this paper we investigate the effect of spontaneous bremsstrahlung emission on the momentum−space structure of the electron distribution, fully accounting for the emission of finite−energy photons by modeling the bremsstrahlung interactions with a Boltzmann collision operator. We find that electrons accelerated by electric fields can reach significantly higher energies than predicted by the commonly used radiative stopping−power model. Furthermore, we show that the emission of soft photons can contribute significantly to the dynamics of electrons with an anisotropic distribution by causing pitch−angle scattering at a rate that increases with energy.
Efficiency of perfectly matched layers for seismic wave modeling in second-order viscoelastic equations
Authors: Ping Ping , Zhang Yu , Xu Yixian , Chu Risheng
Published: September 2016

In order to improve the perfectly matched layer (PML) efficiency in viscoelastic media, we first propose a split multi-axial PML (M-PML) and an unsplit convolutional PML (C-PML) in the second-order viscoelastic wave equations with the displacement as the only unknown. The advantage of these formulations is that it is easy and efficient to revise the existing codes of the second-order spectral element method (SEM) or finite-element method (FEM) with absorbing boundaries in a uniform equation, as well as more economical than the auxiliary differential equations PML. Three models which are easily suffered from late time instabilities are considered to validate our approaches. Through comparison the M-PML with C-PML efficiency of absorption and stability for long time simulation, it can be concluded that: (1) for an isotropic viscoelastic medium with high Poisson's ratio, the C-PML will be a sufficient choice for long time simulation because of its weak reflections and superior stability; (2) unlike the M-PML with high-order damping profile, the M-PML with second-order damping profile loses its stability in long time simulation for an isotropic viscoelastic medium; (3) in an anisotropic viscoelastic medium, the C-PML suffers from instabilities, while the M-PML with second-order damping profile can be a better choice for its superior stability and more acceptable weak reflections than the M-PML with high-order damping profile. The comparative analysis of the developed methods offers meaningful significance for long time seismic wave modeling in second-order viscoelastic wave equations.
The Japan Lung Cancer Society–Japanese Society for Radiation Oncology consensus-based computed tomographic atlas for defining regional lymph node stations in radiotherapy for lung cancer
Authors: Itazawa Tomoko , Tamaki Yukihisa , Komiyama Takafumi , Nishimura Yasumasa , Nakayama Yuko , Ito Hiroyuki , Ohde Yasuhisa , Kusumoto Masahiko , Sakai Shuji , Suzuki Kenji , Watanabe Hirokazu , Asamura Hisao
Published: September 2016

The purpose of this study was to develop a consensus-based computed tomographic (CT) atlas that defines lymph node stations in radiotherapy for lung cancer based on the lymph node map of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC). A project group in the Japanese Radiation Oncology Study Group (JROSG) initially prepared a draft of the atlas in which lymph node Stations 1–11 were illustrated on axial CT images. Subsequently, a joint committee of the Japan Lung Cancer Society (JLCS) and the Japanese Society for Radiation Oncology (JASTRO) was formulated to revise this draft. The committee consisted of four radiation oncologists, four thoracic surgeons and three thoracic radiologists. The draft prepared by the JROSG project group was intensively reviewed and discussed at four meetings of the committee over several months. Finally, we proposed definitions for the regional lymph node stations and the consensus-based CT atlas. This atlas was approved by the Board of Directors of JLCS and JASTRO. This resulted in the first official CT atlas for defining regional lymph node stations in radiotherapy for lung cancer authorized by the JLCS and JASTRO. In conclusion, the JLCS–JASTRO consensus-based CT atlas, which conforms to the IASLC lymph node map, was established.
Influence of Duration of Heroin Dependence on Humoral Immunologic Indicators
Authors: Simonovska Natasha , Zafirova-Ivanovska Beti , Babulovska Aleksandra , Pereska Zanina , Jurukov Irena , Trenchevska-Siljanovska Liljana
Published: September 2016

Objective:

The incidence of autoantibodies may be associated with the duration of drug use. In this study, we assessed the association between the duration of heroin dependence and various humoral immunologic indicators, including IgA, IgG, IgM, complement component 3, complement component 4, rheumatoid factor, anti-β2-glycoprotein 1 (IgA, IgG, IgM), antinuclear antibody, circulating immune complexes, and cryoglobulins.

Methods:

A total of 363 patients with heroin dependence were enrolled in this cross-sectional and prospective study over a 3.5-year period. Depending on the duration of heroin use, participants were divided into 3 groups: up to 3 years, 4 to 7 years, and more than 7 years of heroin dependence. All patients were analyzed for the indicators.

Results:

There was a significant difference between the duration of heroin dependence and increased concentration of IgA (P = 0.0000), IgG (P = 0.0000), IgM (P = 0.0001), complement component 3 (P = 0.042), rheumatoid factor (P = 0.0001), anti-β2-glycoprotein 1 (IgA, P = 0.0098; IgG, P = 0.0000; IgM, P = 0.0000), the presence of antinuclear antibody (P = 0.01) and cryoglobulins (P = 0.0000), and decreased concentration of complement component 4 (P = 0.002). There was no significant difference in circulating immune complex concentration (P = 0.097).

Conclusions:

A longer duration of heroin dependence was associated with increased concentrations of IgA, IgG, IgM, complement component 3, rheumatoid factor, anti-β2-glycoprotein 1 (IgA, IgG, IgM), presence of antinuclear antibodies and cryoglobulins, and decreased concentrations of complement component 4, but there was no influence on circulating immune complex values.
Rural Patients With Severe Sepsis or Septic Shock Who Bypass Rural Hospitals Have Increased Mortality: An Instrumental Variables Approach*
Authors: Mohr Nicholas M. , Harland Karisa K. , Shane Dan M. , Ahmed Azeemuddin , Fuller Brian M. , Ward Marcia M. , Torner James C.
Published: September 2016

Objective:

To identify factors associated with rural sepsis patients’ bypassing rural emergency departments to seek emergency care in larger hospitals, and to measure the association between rural hospital bypass and sepsis survival.

Design:

Observational cohort study.

Setting:

Emergency departments of a rural Midwestern state.

Patients:

All adults treated with severe sepsis or septic shock between 2005 and 2014, using administrative claims data.

Interventions:

Patients bypassing local rural hospitals to seek care in larger hospitals.

Measurements and Main Results:

A total of 13,461 patients were included, and only 5.4% (n = 731) bypassed a rural hospital for their emergency department care. Patients who initially chose a top-decile sepsis volume hospital were younger (64.7 vs 72.7 yr; p < 0.001) and were more likely to have commercial insurance (19.6% vs 10.6%; p < 0.001) than those who were seen initially at a local rural hospital. They were also more likely to have significant medical comorbidities, such as liver failure (9.9% vs 4.2%; p < 0.001), metastatic cancer (5.9% vs 3.2%; p < 0.001), and diabetes with complications (25.2% vs 21.6%; p = 0.024). Using an instrumental variables approach, rural hospital bypass was associated with a 5.6% increase (95% CI, 2.2–8.9%) in mortality.

Conclusions:

Most rural patients with sepsis seek care in local emergency departments, but demographic and disease-oriented factors are associated with rural hospital bypass. Rural hospital bypass is independently associated with increased mortality.
Nursing in the Mercy Traditions
Authors: Kwasky Andrea , Corrigan Catherine
Published: September 2016

The Institute of Medicine and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing advise that professional nursing education include development of a high level of cultural competency. A 10-day learning experience to Ireland for nursing students at the University of Detroit Mercy, an independent Catholic university, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy and the Society of Jesus (Jesuit Fathers), helped them develop a philosophy of Mercy care and build cultural competence. Learning focused on the life of Catherine McAuley, Irish culture, spirituality, social justice, reflective thinking, and a value-centered professional education.
Tetrodotoxin-sensitive Ca2+ Currents, but No T-type Currents in Normal, Hypertrophied, and Failing Mouse Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Bodi Ilona , Nakayama Hiroyuki , Schwartz Arnold
Published: September 2016

Aims:

To obtain functional evidence that ICa,T is involved in the pathogenesis of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. We unexpectedly identified ICa(TTX) rather than ICa,T, therefore, we adjusted our aim to encompass these findings.

Methods and Results:

We investigated (1) Cav3.1 (α1G) transgenic (Tg) mice compared with nontransgenic (tTA-Ntg); (2) Cav3.1-deficient mice (Cav3.1−/−) compared with wild type (Wt) after chemically and surgically induced cardiac remodeling; and (3) spontaneous hypertensive rats and thoracic aortic constriction (TAC) rats. Whole-cell patch-clamp technique was used to measure ICa in ventricular myocytes. Cav3.1-Tg expressed ICa,T (−18.35 ± 1.02 pA/pF at −40 mV) without signs of compromised cardiac function. While we failed to detect ICa,T after hypertrophic stimuli, instead we demonstrated that both Wt and Cav3.1−/− mouse exhibit ICa(TTX). Using TAC rats, only 2 of 24 VMs showed ICa,T under our experimental conditions. Without TTX, ICa(TTX) occurred in VMs from Wt, spontaneous hypertensive rats, and TAC rats also.

Conclusions:

These findings demonstrate for the first time that mouse VMs express ICa(TTX). We suggest that future studies should take into consideration the measuring conditions when interpreting ICa,T reappearance in ventricular myocytes in response to hypertrophic stress. Contamination with ICa(TTX) could possibly confuse the relevance of the data.
Avoiding a Systematic Error in Assessing Fat Graft Survival in the Breast with Repeated Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Glovinski Peter V. , Herly Mikkel , Müller Felix C. , Elberg Jens J. , Kølle Stig-Frederik T. , Fischer-Nielsen Anne , Thomsen Carsten , Drzewiecki Krzysztof T.
Published: September 2016

Several techniques for measuring breast volume (BV) are based on examining the breast on magnetic resonance imaging. However, when techniques designed to measure total BV are used to quantify BV changes, for example, after fat grafting, a systematic error is introduced because BV changes lead to contour alterations of the breast. The volume of the altered breast includes not only the injected volume but also tissue previously surrounding the breast. Therefore, the quantitative difference in BV before and after augmentation will differ from the injected volume. Here, we present a new technique to measure BV changes that compensates for this systematic error by defining the boundaries of the breast to immovable osseous pointers. This approach avoids the misinterpretation of tissue included within the expanded boundaries as graft tissue. This new method of analysis may be a reliable tool for assessing BV changes to determine fat graft retention and may be useful for evaluating and comparing available surgical techniques for breast augmentation and reconstruction using fat grafting.
Anterior Mitral Leaflet Augmentation for Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation Performed via a Right Thoracotomy Approach
Authors: Mihos Christos G. , Pineda Andrés M. , Horvath Sofia A. , Santana Orlando
Published: September 2016

Ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR) after myocardial infarction is associated with poor long-term survival, and the optimal treatment strategy remains debated. The most common repair technique used is a restrictive annuloplasty. However, up to 15% to 30% of patients experience recurrent MR owing to progressive left ventricular remodeling and geometric distortion of the mitral valve apparatus. Anterior mitral leaflet augmentation using a pericardial patch, in combination with a true-sized mitral annuloplasty, has been proposed as an adjunctive technique to increase the durability of valve repair for ischemic MR. Herein, we describe 2 cases of anterior mitral leaflet augmentation with annuloplasty repair for severe ischemic MR via a minimally invasive right thoracotomy, and review the literature regarding patient selection and clinical outcomes of this technique.
Impact of Altered Medication Administration Time on Interdisciplinary Bedside Rounds on Academic Medical Ward
Authors: Young Eric , Paulk Jaime , Beck James , Anderson Mel , Burck McKenna , Jobman Luke , Stickrath Chad
Published: September 2016

Interdisciplinary rounds provide a valuable venue for delivering patient-centered care but are difficult to implement due to time constraints and coordination challenges. In this article, we describe a unique model for fostering a culture of bedside interdisciplinary rounds through adjustment of the morning medication administration time, auditing physician communication with nurses, and displaying physician performance in public areas. Implementation of this model led to measurable improvements in physician-to-nurse communication on rounds, teamwork climate, and provider job satisfaction.
The potent, indirect adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase activator R419 attenuates mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling, inhibits nociceptor excitability, and reduces pain hypersensitivity in mice
Authors: Mejia Galo L. , Asiedu Marina N. , Hitoshi Yasumichi , Dussor Gregory , Price Theodore J.
Published: September 2016

There is a great need for new therapeutics for the treatment of pain. A possible avenue to development of such therapeutics is to interfere with signaling pathways engaged in peripheral nociceptors that cause these neurons to become hyperexcitable. There is strong evidence that mitogen-activated protein kinases and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/mechanistic target of rapamycin signaling pathways are key modulators of nociceptor excitability in vitro and in vivo. Activation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) can inhibit signaling in both of these pathways, and AMPK activators have been shown to inhibit nociceptor excitability and pain hypersensitivity in rodents. R419 is one of, if not the most potent AMPK activator described to date. We tested whether R419 activates AMPK in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and if this leads to decreased pain hypersensitivity in mice. We find that R419 activates AMPK in DRG neurons resulting in decreased mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling, decreased nascent protein synthesis, and enhanced P body formation. R419 attenuates nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced changes in excitability in DRG neurons and blocks NGF-induced mechanical pain amplification in vivo. Moreover, locally applied R419 attenuates pain hypersensitivity in a model of postsurgical pain and blocks the development of hyperalgesic priming in response to both NGF and incision. We conclude that R419 is a promising lead candidate compound for the development of potent and specific AMPK activation to inhibit pain hypersensitivity as a result of injury.
Catastrophizing and pain-related fear predict failure to maintain treatment gains following participation in a pain rehabilitation program
Authors: Moore Emily , Thibault Pascal , Adams Heather , Sullivan Michael J.L.
Published: September 2016

The present study explored whether pain-related psychosocial risk factors played a role in determining whether treatment gains were maintained following participation in a rehabilitation intervention for musculoskeletal injury. The study sample consisted of 310 individuals (163 women, 147 men) with work-related musculoskeletal conditions who were enrolled in a physical rehabilitation program. Measures of pain severity, pain catastrophizing and pain-related fear were completed at the time of admission and at the time of discharge. Pain severity was assessed again at 1-year postdischarge. Participants were classified as “recovered” if they showed a decrease in pain of at least 2 points and rated their pain at discharge as less than 4/10. Recovered participants were considered to have failed to maintain treatment gains if their pain ratings increased by at least 2 points from discharge assessment to 1-year follow-up, and they rated their pain as 4/10 or greater at 1-year follow-up. The results of a logistic regression revealed that participants with high posttreatment scores on measures of catastrophizing and fear of pain were at increased risk of failing to maintain treatment gains. The findings suggest that unless end-of-treatment scores on catastrophizing and fear of pain fall below the risk range, treatment-related reductions in pain severity may not be maintained in the long term. The clinical and theoretical implications of the findings are discussed.