bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using non-empirically tuned range-separated functionals with simulated emission bands to model fluorescence lifetimes
Authors: Wong Z. C. , Fan W. Y. , Chwee T. S. , Sullivan Michael B.
Published: July 2017

Fluorescence lifetimes were evaluated using TD-DFT under different approximations for the emitting molecule. Non-empirically tuned functionals returned the most accurate results with absolute errors within 1.5 ns of experiment.
A structural signature of the breakdown of the Stokes–Einstein relation in metallic liquids
Authors: Pan Shao-Peng , Feng Shi-Dong , Qiao Jun-Wei , Niu Xiao-Feng , Wang Wei-Min , Qin Jing-Yu
Published: July 2017

The study provides a possible structural origin for the breakdown of the Stokes–Einstein relation in metallic liquids.
Electron transport properties in dye-sensitized solar cells with {001} facet-dominant TiO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Maitani M. M. , Tanaka K. , Shen Q. , Toyoda T. , Wada Y.
Published: July 2017

The carrier transport properties and energetics of {001} and {101} facet-exposed anatase TiO2 in DSSCs are elucidated and implemented for higher performances.
Computational prediction of high methane storage capacity in V-MOF-74
Authors: Hyeon Seokwon , Kim Young-Chul , Kim Jihan
Published: July 2017

The methane adsorption properties in M-MOF-74 (M = Mg, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn) were investigated for potential adsorbed natural gas (ANG) vehicle applications.
Silica nanoparticle monolayers on a macroion modified surface: formation mechanism and stability
Authors: Morga M. , Adamczyk Z. , Kosior D.
Published: July 2017

Even though silica nanoparticles and their monolayers find a broad field of applications, only a few studies providing a quantitative description of silica nanoparticle deposition at solid/liquid interfaces have been reported in the literature.
Rotationally resolved electronic spectroscopy of the rotamers of 1,3-dimethoxybenzene
Authors: Schneider Michael , Wilke Martin , Hebestreit Marie-Luise , Ruiz-Santoyo José Arturo , Álvarez-Valtierra Leonardo , Yi John T. , Meerts W. Leo , Pratt David W. , Schmitt Michael
Published: July 2017

Only two of three different rotamers of 1,3-dimethoxybenzene can be observed in molecular beam experiments. The missing rotamer adopts a non-planar structure upon electronic excitation and is absent due to small Franck–Condon factors.
Charging assisted structural phase transitions in monolayer InSe
Authors: Kou Liangzhi , Du Aijun , Ma Yandong , Liao Ting , Chen Changfeng
Published: July 2017

Two new phases of InSe with novel electronic properties have been identified by first-principles calculations; charge doping and substrates are suggested as feasible methods to stabilize these structures.
Tuning the copper(ii) coordination properties of cyclam by subtle chemical modifications
Authors: Camus Nathalie , Le Bris Nathalie , Nuryyeva Selbi , Chessé Matthieu , Esteban-Gómez David , Platas-Iglesias Carlos , Tripier Raphaël , Elhabiri Mourad
Published: July 2017

A copper(ii) coordination investigation of modified cyclams bearing “oxo” and/or “N-benzyl” and/or “C-hydroxyethyl” units was performed by potentiometry, ESI-MS, UV-Vis, electrochemistry and DFT.
Low-spin [MII(L)2] and [MIII(L)2]+ (M = Fe and Co) complexes of tridentate azo-containing pyridine/pyrazine amide ligands: structures, properties and redox potential correlations
Authors: Sengupta Arunava , Rajput Amit , Barman Suman K. , Mukherjee Rabindranath
Published: July 2017

Comparative molecular (X-ray) and electronic (DFT, TD-DFT) structural studies have been done; the E1/2 values (MIII/MII couple) for Fe, Co and Ni complexes linearly correlate with other low-spin complexes.
Facile fabrication of γ-Fe2O3-nanoparticle modified N-doped porous carbon materials for the efficient hydrogenation of nitroaromatic compounds
Authors: Cui Xueliang , Zhang Qiaolan , Tian Meng , Dong Zhengping
Published: July 2017

Novel γ-Fe2O3-nanoparticle modified N-doped porous carbon materials were facilely prepared and used for efficient catalytic hydrogenation of nitroaromatic compounds.
Giant magnetoresistance and perfect spin filter effects in manganese phthalocyanine based molecular junctions
Authors: Tao L. L. , Wang J.
Published: July 2017

The spin-filter transport and magnetoresistance effect in the manganese phthalocyanine based molecular junction are investigated by first-principles calculations.
High capacity oil adsorption by graphene capsules
Authors: Ning Guoqing , Ma Xinlong , Wang Mengyao , Li Yongfeng
Published: July 2017

Compared to the space between graphene sheets, the entrance to the graphene capsule inner space is very limited, which can lead to stable oil adsorption with a larger capacity.
Antimicrobial carbon nanospheres
Authors: Jiang Yao-Wen , Gao Ge , Zhang Xiaodong , Jia Hao-Ran , Wu Fu-Gen
Published: July 2017

Quaternized carbon nanospheres with superior bactericidal activity are preparedviaa one-pot hydrothermal treatment of chitosan and hexadecylbetaine.
Synthesis of dibenzo[a,c]carbazoles from 2-(2-halophenyl)-indoles and iodobenzenes via palladium-catalyzed dual C–H functionalization
Authors: Wu Lijun , Deng Guobo , Liang Yun
Published: July 2017

We report an efficient approach to synthesize dibenzo[a,c]carbazoles via a palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling tandem reaction.
Palladium catalyzed C(sp3)–H acetoxylation of aliphatic primary amines to γ-amino alcohol derivatives
Authors: Chen Kang , Wang Ding , Li Zhao-Wei , Liu Zheng , Pan Fei , Zhang Yun-Fei , Shi Zhang-Jie
Published: July 2017

It still remains a major challenge to apply free primary amino groups as the directing group for aliphatic C–H functionalization.
Cobalt(ii)-8-hydroxyquinoline-5-sulfonic acid complex/N-(4-aminobutyl)-N-ethylisoluminol/reduced graphene hybrids as nanocatalytic reaction platforms for chemiluminescence
Authors: Li Qi , Liu Xiangyang , Zhuang Meng , Wang Xu , Cui Hua
Published: July 2017

The as-prepared CoII(HQS)2/ABEI/rGO hybrids exhibited excellent CL activity when reacted with hydrogen peroxide, the dissolved oxygen and periodate in alkaline solution.
Preparation of poly(styrenesulfonic acid) grafted Nafion with a Nafion-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization for proton exchange membranes
Authors: Peng Kang-Jen , Lai Juin-Yih , Liu Ying-Ling
Published: July 2017

Nafion-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization to prepare graft copolymers of Nafion for proton exchange membranes.
Highly efficient removal of methylene blue by a synthesized TiO2/montmorillonite-albumin nanocomposite: kinetic and isothermal analysis in water
Authors: Varmazyar A. , Sedaghat S. , Khalaj M.
Published: July 2017

Color removal from industrial effluents, especially in the textile and dyeing industries, is of great interest nowadays.
Inertio-elastic flow instabilities in a 90° bent microchannel
Authors: Kim Junghee , Hong Sun Ok , Shim Tae Soup , Kim Ju Min
Published: July 2017

We report the novel inertio-elastic flow instability in dilute polymer solutions for a microchannel having a 90° bent geometry.
Versatility of polyethylene glycol (PEG) in designing solid–solid phase change materials (PCMs) for thermal management and their application to innovative technologies
Authors: Sundararajan Swati , Samui Asit B. , Kulkarni Prashant S.
Published: July 2017

A review focussed on the preparation methods and applications of polyethylene glycol (PEG) based solid–solid phase change materials (PCMs).
A self-supported NiMoS4 nanoarray as an efficient 3D cathode for the alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Wang Weiyi , Yang Lin , Qu Fengli , Liu Zhiang , Du Gu , Asiri Abdullah M. , Yao Yadong , Chen Liang , Sun Xuping
Published: July 2017

A NiMoS4 nanoarray on Ti mesh (NiMoS4/Ti), developed via topotactic hydrothermal conversion from its Ni(OH)2 nanoarray (Ni(OH)2/Ti), drives hydrogen-evolution current densities of 10 and 50 mA cm−2 at overpotentials of 194 and 263 mV in 0.1 M KOH, respectively.
Flexible electronics based on magnetic printing and the volume additive principle
Authors: Hu Dongdong , Zheng Kaijing , Yang Feng , Nie Jun , Zhu Xiaoqun
Published: July 2017

Conductive silver patterns on flexible materials were prepared by using non-contact magnetic printing and a volume additive substitution reaction.
A bright and moisture-resistant red-emitting Lu3Al5O12:Mn4+,Mg2+ garnet phosphor for high-quality phosphor-converted white LEDs
Authors: Chen Yibo , Wu Kuanglun , He Jin , Tang Zhengbin , Shi Jianxin , Xu Yiqin , Liu Zhao-Qing
Published: July 2017

MgF2 assisted delicate synthesis and application of a bright and moisture-resistant LAG:Mn4+,Mg2+ phosphor.
Explorations of new UV nonlinear optical materials in the Na2CO3–CaCO3system
Authors: Song Yunxia , Luo Min , Zhao Dan , Peng Guang , Lin Chensheng , Ye Ning
Published: July 2017

Introducing sodium and calcium into the carbonate generates two novel UV nonlinear optical materials, Na6Ca5(CO3)8and Na2Ca2(CO3)3.
Electrophysiological Evidence for the Sources of the Masking Level Difference
Authors: Fowler Cynthia G.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this review article is to review evidence from auditory evoked potential studies to describe the contributions of the auditory brainstem and cortex to the generation of the masking level difference (MLD).

Method

A literature review was performed, focusing on the auditory brainstem, middle, and late latency responses used in protocols similar to those used to generate the behavioral MLD.

Results

Temporal coding of the signals necessary for generating the MLD occurs in the auditory periphery and brainstem. Brainstem disorders up to wave III of the auditory brainstem response (ABR) can disrupt the MLD. The full MLD requires input to the generators of the auditory late latency potentials to produce all characteristics of the MLD; these characteristics include threshold differences for various binaural signal and noise conditions. Studies using central auditory lesions are beginning to identify the cortical effects on the MLD.

Conclusions

The MLD requires auditory processing from the periphery to cortical areas. A healthy auditory periphery and brainstem codes temporal synchrony, which is essential for the ABR. Threshold differences require engaging cortical function beyond the primary auditory cortex. More studies using cortical lesions and evoked potentials or imaging should clarify the specific cortical areas involved in the MLD.
Load detection method for multiple‐receiver wireless power transfer systems
Authors: Tan Linlin , Pan Shulei , Liu Han , Xu Changfu , Guo Jinpeng , Huang Xueliang
Published: July 2017

The influence of the changes in load quantity on a multiple‐receiver wireless power transfer (WPT) system should be minimised, so that the stability of received power for each load can be guaranteed. Here, a multiple‐receiver WPT system with an series–series topology is compared with that with an inductance‐capacitance‐inductance‐parallel (LCL‐P) topology, and a WPT system with an LCL‐P topology is selected to maintain the stability of load power. Then, the concept of effective working area is proposed. If the receivers are placed within the effective working area, the mutual inductances between receivers and transmitter are almost the same. Additionally, to realise the load detection method, which is convenient for system control purposes, reflection impedance theory is applied to detect the quantity of loads. Finally, the proposed circuit topology and detection method are practically verified in an experimental prototype.
Concise Synthesis of a Cyclopentane Intermediate Possessing All Nitrogen Functionalities for Pactamycin
Authors: Nishikawa Toshio , Matsumoto Nobuyuki , Nakazaki Atsuo
Published: July 2017

Pactamycin, a potent antitumor and antimicrobial antibiotic, possesses a densely functionalized cyclopentane core structure. This paper describes the concise synthesis of an advanced intermediate for synthesizing the enantiomer of pactamycin that contains the cyclopentane skeleton bearing all the necessary amino functions with correct stereochemistries.
Heterocycles as Moderators of Allyl Cation Cycloaddition Reactivity
Authors: Winne Johan , Hullaert Jan , Denoo Bram , Christiaens Mien , Callebaut Brenda
Published: July 2017

For the rapid elaboration of polycarbocyclic scaffolds, prevalent in many important families of terpenoid natural products, allyl cations derived from simple heterocyclic alcohols can be used as versatile reaction partners in both (4+3) and (3+2) cycloaddition pathways. Our recent progress in this area is outlined, pointing towards the untapped potential of heterocycles to act as reagents in novel or known but challenging organic transformations.

1 Heterocyclic Reagents

2 Cycloadditions and Allyl Cations

3 Furfuryl Cations in Cycloadditions

4 Heterocycle-Substituted Cations in Cycloadditions

5 Mechanistic Considerations

6 Conclusions and Outlook
Scalable Synthesis of 2,2′-Anhydro-arabinofuranosyl Imidazoles
Authors: Powner Matthew , Stairs Shaun
Published: July 2017

We report the efficient and scalable synthesis of 2,2′-anhydro-5-amino-1-β-arabinofuranosylimidazole-4-carboxamide and 2,2′-anhydro-5-amino-1-β-arabinofuranosylimidazole-4-carbonitrile from commercial arabino-adenosine. 2,2′-Anhydro-5-amino-1-β-arabinofuranosylimidazole-4-carboxamide is synthesised in only five steps with a single chromatographic purification. Additionally, we report a high-yielding, three-step conversion of 2,2′-anhydro-5-amino-1-β-arabinofuranosylimidazole-4-carboxamide into 2,2′-anhydro-5-amino-1-β-arabinofuranosylimidazole-4-carbonitrile. They are proposed key intermediates of the divergent prebiotic synthesis of ribonucleotides and this facile synthesis is anticipated to be instrumental in continued investigation of the origins of nucleotides.
Solid Organ Transplantation in Sarcoidosis
Authors: Yserbyt J. , Wuyts W. , Verleden S. , Verleden G. , Van Raemdonck D. , Verbeken E. , Vanaudenaerde B. , Vos R.
Published: July 2017

Sarcoidosis is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease which is histopathologically characterized by the presence of noncaseating granulomas. When the extent of the disease is limited, without endangering the function of affected organs, clinical observation can be sufficient given that in a majority of cases, inflammation will subside with time. In more advanced sarcoidosis, especially when one or more specific organs are threatened, immunomodulatory treatment, of which steroids are the key element, over a prolonged period of time, in general, may attenuate disease activity. Treatment-refractory sarcoidosis (due to the lack of efficacy, drug toxicity or intolerability) may be progressive and, although infrequent, can result in end-stage organ failure. In these selected cases, solid organ transplantation (SOT) should be considered. In this article, SOT is positioned within the organ-specific treatment of systemic sarcoidosis and data on outcome after transplantation are discussed.
Sarcoidosis around the Globe
Authors: Thomeer Michiel , Mateyo Kondwelani
Published: July 2017

Despite sarcoidosis having a worldwide occurrence, the epidemiological map still has gaps. Prevalence and incidence rates-inconsistences have been mainly due to a lack of uniformity in study definitions as well as data collection methods. Nonetheless, studies have been consistent in showing high prevalence and incidence in Scandinavian and African American populations. Data from racially diverse populations have consistently revealed highest incidence in people of African descent. Within populations, geographical (north-to-south gradient) and time clusters have also been demonstrated from place to place. Of great interest but still elusive to researchers is the cause of sarcoidosis. The most recent focus has mostly been on Mycobacteria species and Propionibacterium acnes, but results of research thus far have been less than outright and in some cases conflicting. Environmental exposures to such substances as mold and mildew and occupations such as agricultural employment, health care work, and firefighting have been widely cited as risk factors for diseases. Certain genotypes have been linked to sarcoidosis with familial and racial clusters apparent. Some disease phenotypes have also been linked to particular genes, leaving room for further genetic research. Sarcoidosis causes multisystemic morbidity, with pulmonary, cardiac, and neurological involvement carrying the worst prognosis. Disease phenotypes vary with ethnicity, suggesting a genetic predisposition; erythema nodosum is more common in Caucasian patients, cardiac manifestations in Japanese patients, and other extrathoracic disease in black patients.
Imaging for Sarcoidosis
Authors: Calandriello Lucio , Walsh Simon
Published: July 2017

Sarcoidosis is a systemic disease characterized by widespread development of noncaseating epithelioid granulomas. Based on a joint statement by the American Thoracic Society (ATS), European Thoracic Society (ERS), and the World Association for Sarcoidosis and other Granulomatous Disorders (WASOG), the diagnosis of sarcoidosis requires a compatible clinical picture, histologic demonstration of noncaseating granulomas, and exclusion of other diseases that may give a similar histologic or clinical picture. Although to a casual reader these recommendations suggest that making a diagnosis of sarcoidosis is straightforward, a consensus on the diagnostic role of imaging in sarcoidosis remains unclear. First, despite the primacy of chest computed tomography (CT) for evaluating diffuse lung disease, a guideline-based diagnosis of sarcoidosis without biopsy requires specific appearances on chest radiography (Löfgren's syndrome) or 67Ga Scintigraphy (Heerfordt's syndrome). Second, although the literature on CT as a prognostic tool in interstitial lung disease is relatively extensive, very little of this focuses specifically on sarcoidosis. Third, staging of sarcoidosis relies on radiographic appearances at presentation using a system devised by Scadding more than 40 years ago. This is in stark contrast to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis where significant advances have been made in imaging-based staging and computer-assisted quantification of disease in the past 10 years. In this article, in addition to describing the myriad of imaging patterns seen in sarcoidosis, the impact imaging has on diagnosis, staging, and prediction of outcome will also be discussed. Cardiac-related sarcoidosis and neurosarcoidosis will be discussed in separate articles.
Current Medical Therapy for Sarcoidosis
Authors: Jeny Florence , Nunes Hilario , Valeyre Dominique
Published: July 2017

Most cases of sarcoidosis are mild and self-limited, with a spontaneous cure. However, in some patients, this disease may also be life-threatening, particularly when severe manifestations induce vital organ dysfunction. Sarcoidosis may also severely impair the quality of life through diverse, persistent disabling symptoms. To date, there is no curative treatment for sarcoidosis, but only anti-inflammatory drugs limiting the pathologic impact of sarcoidosis in reducing enhanced immunity reactions, granulomatous formation, and their consequences. Current anti-inflammatory treatments for sarcoidosis include corticosteroids as the first-line treatment; disease-modifying antisarcoid drugs, mainly immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory drugs, as second-line treatment; and finally tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, as third-line treatment. Corticosteroids are most effective; they give rapid results, sometimes with serious, incremental adverse effects. A second-line treatment, mainly low-dose methotrexate and azathioprine, is indicated in case of corticosteroid resistance, intolerance, or contraindication or more often as a corticosteroid-sparing agent when a prolonged treatment of more than 10 mg/d equivalent prednisone is expected. TNF inhibitors are considered in severe refractory sarcoidosis. Infliximab has been proven effective. Usually, treatment for sarcoidosis lasts up to 1 year or longer. The usual drug regimen is made of an induction and then a maintenance protocol before a step-by-step decrease and eventual withdrawal. Contraindications may exist. Each therapeutic decision must follow a rigorous diagnostic evaluation to determine the disease impact, its outcome (progression or not), and its response to treatment in the long run. Pharmacogenetics is still in its infancy, but could help develop a more personalized therapy. Non anti-inflammatory treatments, such as implantable cardiac devices, are also useful, particularly for some organs. In the end, persistent disabling symptoms are very frequent and call for an accurate diagnosis, which may be difficult to treat.
Neurosarcoidosis
Authors: Ribeiro Neto Manuel , Moss Brandon , Willis Mary , Culver Daniel
Published: July 2017

Neurosarcoidosis is an uncommon but clinically significant manifestation that will be routinely encountered in sarcoidosis specialty clinics. Overall, neurologic involvement is recognized in 5 to 10% of individuals with sarcoidosis. Neurologic symptoms will be the presenting manifestation of sarcoidosis in approximately one-half of those with neurosarcoidosis. The clinical and imaging features of neurosarcoidosis vary widely, largely depending on the anatomic distribution of the disease. The likelihood of spontaneous resolution is lower than for sarcoidosis in general, and residual functional deficits are not uncommon. Therefore, most patients with neurosarcoidosis require immunosuppressive therapy. Small fiber neuropathy, a recently recognized nongranulomatous parasarcoidosis syndrome, is prevalent in chronic sarcoidosis. The variety of neurologic manifestations, broad differential diagnosis, and complexity of management render neurosarcoidosis an area best served by multidisciplinary teams. Sarcoidologists, neurologists, radiologists, neurosurgeons, endocrinologists, urologists, physiatrists, and physical/occupational therapists all potentially have important roles.
Two- versus Three-Point Internal Fixation of Displaced Zygomaticomaxillary Complex Fractures
Authors: Nasr Wail Fayez , ElSheikh Ezzeddin , El-Anwar Mohammad Waheed , Sweed Ahmed Hassan , Bessar Awad , Ezzeldin Nillie
Published: July 2017

Despite the high frequency of the zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fractures, there is no consensus among facial reconstructive surgeons regarding the best surgical management; thus, surgical choice for ZMC fractures is still challenging. This study included 40 patients with displaced ZMC fracture. Twenty patients were treated with open reduction and internal fixation (OR/IF) using two-point fixation technique (at infraorbital margin and zygomaticofrontal buttress region) and the remaining 20 patients were treated with OR/IF using three-point fixation technique (at frontozygomatic suture, infraorbital margin, and zygomatico maxillary buttress). The results of both types of ZMC fractures repair were then statistically compared. No statistical differences between the two types regarding malar eminence asymmetry; projection (forward displacement) and width (medial displacement) in axial CT; inferior displacement; superior displacement and width (medial displacement) in coronal CT; angle of displacement (outward displacement) in 3D CT; masseter and temporalis muscles power electromyography; actual duration of surgery; and patient satisfaction. On the other hand, the total cost of the used plates and screws was significantly higher with three-point repair than two-point repair ( p = 0.003). Moreover, postoperative CT lateral zygoma displacement was statistically significantly better in three-point fixation. Two-point fixation modality for displaced ZMC fractures is as effective as three-point method in fixation and prevents postreduction rotation or clinical displacement with significantly lower cost.
Mathematical Equation for Precise Burr Hole Placement in Stereotactic Deep Brain Stimulation Lead Placement
Authors: Jagid Jonathan , Urakov Timur
Published: July 2017

Frame-based stereotactic lead placement for deep brain stimulation requires a carefully planned trajectory and approach. Point of entry at the cortex is usually selected to be over a gyrus avoiding veins. The angle of lead entry into the skull is different from the perpendicular direction of the burr drill. If the burr hole is not placed properly, the inner plate of the skull may be in the way of the lead, which creates a snowball effect of complications from trajectory readjustment to improperly fitting hardware. Using trigonometric principles, we elucidated a mathematical equation that predicts the precise position of the burr hole in order for the lead to enter exactly in the middle of the opening.
A New Patient with Potocki–Lupski Syndrome: A Literature Review
Authors: Falsaperla Raffaele , Rizzo Renata , Ruggieri Martino , Verrotti Alberto , Pavone Piero , Praticò Andrea
Published: July 2017

Speech delay, intellectual disability, and behavioral disturbances are the main clinical manifestations of Potocki–Lupski syndrome. Other features include infantile hypotonia, the absence of major dysmorphism, sleep disorders, and congenital anomalies, particularly of the cardiovascular system. A male patient with Potocki–Lupski syndrome is reported herein. He showed speech and borderline cognitive delay, behavioral troubles with no signs suggestive of autism, in the absence of major dysmorphism. A de novo 17p12-p11.2 duplication spanning 3.6 Mb was detected, with boundaries from 15,284,052 to 18,647,233 (hg19 assembly). At the age of 5 years, the child showed a noticeable improvement of speech skills and a moderate scholastic performance was reached. Upon analysis of the clinical manifestations of the present patient and those reported in existing literature, we found that the syndrome may present in various degrees of clinical expressivity. Affected patients may manifest symptoms ranging from mild behavioral disturbances to severe degrees of autism.
Retinale Gefäßverschlüsse: Moderne Therapieansätze
Authors: Pettenkofer Moritz , Feltgen Nicolas , Feucht Nikolaus , Lohmann Chris , Maier Mathias
Published: July 2017

Arterielle Gefäßverschlüsse sollten als Notfall bewertet werden und sind als okuläres Analogon zum zerebralen Apoplex zu sehen. Sie besitzen dieselben arteriosklerotischen Risikofaktoren, die auch bei Herz-, Kreislauf- und zerebrovaskulären Erkrankungen ursächlich sind, weshalb eine intensive interdisziplinäre Abklärung erforderlich ist, um mögliche Komorbiditäten rechtzeitig zu erkennen und gegebenenfalls zu behandeln. Die derzeitigen Therapiemöglichkeiten eines akuten arteriellen Gefäßverschlusses sind in ihrer Effizienz hinsichtlich Visusverbesserung sehr limitiert. Verfahren zur systemischen Lyse können in der Routineversorgung aufgrund ihres deutlich erhöhten Nebenwirkungsprofils nicht empfohlen werden. Hinzu kommt ein begrenztes Zeitfenster von bis zu 6 Stunden nach Symptombeginn (Retinatoleranzzeit), in dem nach Studienlage eine Intervention überhaupt nur sinnvoll zu sein scheint. Dagegen haben die neuen Therapiemöglichkeiten retinaler Venenverschlüsse, insbesondere durch die intravitreale operative Medikamentenapplikation, zu deutlichen Visusverbesserungen geführt. Die Wirksamkeit und Effizienz der einzelnen Anti-VEGF-Medikamente ist nach aktueller Studienlage vergleichbar. Alternativ kann auch der Einsatz von Steroiden erwogen werden, wobei hierbei das Nebenwirkungsprofil sorgfältig abgewogen werden sollte. Des Weiteren kann ergänzend und gerade beim Vorliegen von retinalen Ischämien die periphere Photolaserkoagulation einen visusstabilisierenden Effekt haben und die Ausbildung von Neovaskularisationen verhindern. Es wird angenommen, dass die Kombination aus IVOM- und Lasertherapie einen symbiotischen Effekt haben könnte.
Nitric Oxide Plasma Level as a Barometer of Endothelial Dysfunction in Factory Workers
Authors: Miyata Seiko , Noda Akiko , Hara Yuki , Ueyama Jun , Kitaichi Kiyoyuki , Kondo Takaaki , Koike Yasuo
Published: July 2017

Objective Nitric oxide (NO) plays a key role in the regulation of vascular tone and is known as one of the key markers of endothelial dysfunction. We investigated the relationship between NO and risk factors of lifestyle-related disease in factory workers.

Methods Our study included 877 factory workers presenting hypertension, dyslipidemia and type 2 diabetes. Oxidated forms of NO, NO2-/NO3- (NOx) plasma concentrations were measured using a colorimetric method.

Results NOx plasma levels in patients with lifestyle-related disease were significantly lower than those in the controls. The brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) measured in those patients was significantly greater than that of the controls. Multiple regression analysis revealed that LDL cholesterol was an independent risk factor for reducing NOx plasma concentrations. Interestingly, individuals with low NOx plasma concentrations were more likely to present type 2 diabetes compared to those with the highest plasma levels of NOx (odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval; CI]=3.65 [1.61–8.28], P=0.002, 2.67 [1.15–6.20], P=0.022, and 3.27 [1.43–7.48], P=0.005). Subjects with the lowest levels of plasma NOx were more likely to present dyslipidemia (OR [95% CI]=1.69 [1.13–2.53], P=0.01).

Conclusion Endothelial function evaluated with plasma NOx may be indicative of lifestyle-related diseases independently from the vascular function assessed using baPWV.
26 Jahre Erlanger Glaukomregister: demografische und perimetrische Charakteristika der Patienten im Wandel der Zeit
Authors: Hohberger Bettina , Monczak Edith , Mardin Christian Yahya
Published: July 2017

Hintergrund Das Erlanger Glaukomregister kann im Jahre 2017 auf sein nun 26-jähriges Bestehen zurückblicken. Wir möchten mit dieser Arbeit die demografischen sowie perimetrischen Daten der Patienten mit okulärer Hypertension (OHT), präperimetrischem (präPOWG) und perimetrischem primärem Offenwinkelglaukom (POWG), Normaldruckglaukom (NDG) sowie sekundärem Offenwinkelglaukom (SOWG) bei Erstvorstellung in dem Register beschreiben und mit den aktuellsten vorliegenden perimetrischen Werten vergleichen.

Material und Methoden 1406 Augen (754 Patienten) des Erlanger Glaukomregisters (EGR; NTC00494923) wurden zwischen 1991 und 2016 retrospektiv analysiert betreffend: demografische Daten (Alter, Visus, intraokularer Druck [IOD]), Diagnose sowie perimetrische Charakteristika (Mean Defekt [MD], Loss Variance [LV]) bei Erstvorstellung sowie die aktuellsten vorliegenden perimetrischen Befunde.

Ergebnisse (1) 558 Augen von Patienten mit OHT, 347 präPOWG, 236 POWG, 161 NDG und 104 SOWG wurden zwischen 1991 und 2007 in das Erlanger Glaukomregister eingeschlossen. (2) Bei der Erstuntersuchung lag das mittlere Alter für Patienten mit OHT (43,79 ± 13,64) signifikant niedriger als das der perimetrischen Offenwinkelglaukome (NDG: 54,46 ± 11,41, p < 0,001; POWG: 54,00 ± 11,27, p < 0,001; SOWG: 47,92 ± 12,37, p = 0,008). Patienten mit präPOWG (48,62 ± 11,98 Jahre) waren zudem signifikant jünger als Patienten mit POWG (p < 0,001) sowie NDG (p < 0,001). (3) Die bestkorrigierte Sehschärfe lag bei Patienten mit OHT (1,04 ± 0,14, p < 0,001) sowie präPOWG (1,05 ± 0,15, p < 0,001) signifikant höher als bei Patienten mit POWG (0,95 ± 0,16), SOWG (0,93 ± 0,23) und NDG (0,93 ± 0,18). (4) Der IOD war mit 19,08 ± 2,25 mmHg (OHT), 19,18 ± 3,90 mmHg (präPOWG), 18,29 ± 4,11 mmHg (POWG) und 18,57 ± 5,34 mmHg (SOWG) signifikant höher als bei den Patienten mit NDG (15,23 ± 2,83 mmHg, p < 0,001). (5) Seit dem Jahre 1991 wurde bei Erstvorstellung in dem Register zunehmend die Diagnose eines POWG oder SOWG gestellt. (6) MD- und LV-Verlauf zwischen 1991 und 2016: Ein ansteigender Trend für die MD-Werte bei Erstvorstellung war für Patienten mit präPOWG und POWG sowie ein abfallender Trend für Patienten mit OHT, NDG und SOWG zu beobachten. Eine perimetrische Progression war bei allen Patientengruppen zu beobachten.

Schlussfolgerung Seit der Gründung des Erlanger Glaukomregisters im Jahre 1991 zeigten alle Patientengruppen bis 2016 eine perimetrische Progression, obwohl eine Therapieoptimierung bei Nichteinhalten des individuellen Zieldrucks erfolgte.
Hyperthyroidism in Patients with Graves’ Ophthalmopathy, and Thyroidal, Skeletal and Eye Muscle Specific Type 2 Deiodinase Enzyme Activities
Authors: Molnár Ildikó , Szentmiklósi József , Somogyiné-Vári Éva
Published: July 2017

Graves’ ophthalmopathy is characterized by hyperthyroidism, which is associated with higher serum T3 levels than T4 due to deiodinase enzymes.

The effect of Graves’ patient’s sera (n=52) with elevated thyroid hormone and TSH receptor or thyroid peroxidase antibody (anti-TPO) levels was investigated on thyroidal, skeletal and eye muscle type 2 deiodinase enzyme (DII) activities. DII activities were measured with 125I-T4 substrate, while thyroid hormone and antibody levels with immunoassays.

In Graves’ ophthalmopathy, sera with elevated FT4 or FT3 levels reduced DII activites remarkably in all tissue fractions. Thyroidal DII activities were lower than those using eye muscle fraction (0.6±0.22 vs 1.14±0.43 pmol/mg/min, P<0.006). Effect of sera with increased FT3 levels demonstrated also reduced DII activities in patients with Graves’ ophthalmopathy after methimazole therapy compared to those who had no ophthalmopathy (2.88±2 vs 20.42±11.82 pmol/mg/min, P<0.006 for thyroidal fraction, 4.07±2.72 vs 29.22±15.46 pmol/mg/min, P<0.004 for skeletal muscle, 5.3±3.47 vs 37.87±18.82 pmol/mg/min, P<0.003 for eye muscle). Hyperthyroid sera with TSH receptor antibodies resulted in increased DII activities, while sera with anti-TPO antibodies were connected to lower DII activities in Graves’ ophthalmopathy.

In summary, the actions of hyperthyroid sera derived from patients with Graves’ disease were tested on tissue-specific DII activities. Elevated FT4 level-induced DII inactivation is present in Graves’ ophthalmopathy, which seems to be also present at the beginning of methimazole therapy. Stimulating TSH receptor antibiodies increased DII activities via their nongenomic effects using sera of hyperthyroid Graves’ ophthalmopathy, but anti-TPO antibodies could influence DII activities via altering FT4 levels.
Significance of non-normality-induced patterns: Transient growth versus asymptotic stability
Authors: Klika Václav
Published: July 2017

Reaction-diffusion models following the original idea of Turing are widely applied to study the propensity of a system to develop a pattern. To this end, an asymptotic analysis is typically performed via the so-called dispersion relation that relates the spectral properties of a spatial operator (diffusion) to the temporal behaviour of the whole initial-boundary value reaction-diffusion problem. Here, we amend this approach by studying the transient growth due to non-normality that can also lead to a pattern development in non-linear systems. We conclude by identification of the significance of this transient growth and by assessing the plausibility of the standard spectral approach. Particularly, the non-normality-induced patterns are possible but require fine parameter tuning.
Dynamic mapping of conical intersection seams: A general method for incorporating the geometric phase in adiabatic dynamics in polyatomic systems
Authors: Xie Changjian , Malbon Christopher L. , Yarkony David R. , Guo Hua
Published: July 2017

The incorporation of the geometric phase in single-state adiabatic dynamics near a conical intersection (CI) seam has so far been restricted to molecular systems with high symmetry or simple model Hamiltonians. This is due to the fact that the ab initio determined derivative coupling (DC) in a multi-dimensional space is not curl-free, thus making its line integral path dependent. In a recent work [C. L. Malbon et al., J. Chem. Phys. 145, 234111 (2016)], we proposed a new and general approach based on an ab initio determined diabatic representation consisting of only two electronic states, in which the DC is completely removable, so that its line integral is path independent in the simply connected domains that exclude the CI seam. Then with the CIs included, the line integral of the single-valued DC can be used to construct the complex geometry-dependent phase needed to exactly eliminate the double-valued character of the real-valued adiabatic electronic wavefunction. This geometry-dependent phase gives rise to a vector potential which, when included in the adiabatic representation, rigorously accounts for the geometric phase in a system with an arbitrary locus of the CI seam and an arbitrary number of internal coordinates. In this work, we demonstrate this approach in a three-dimensional treatment of the tunneling facilitated dissociation of the S1 state of phenol, which is affected by a Cs symmetry allowed but otherwise accidental seam of CI. Here, since the space is three-dimensional rather than two-dimensional, the seam is a curve rather than a point. The nodal structure of the ground state vibronic wavefunction is shown to map out the seam of CI.
SO*(2N) coherent states for loop quantum gravity
Authors: Girelli Florian , Sellaroli Giuseppe
Published: July 2017

A SU(2) intertwiner with N legs can be interpreted as the quantum state of a convex polyhedron with N faces (when working in 3D). We show that the intertwiner Hilbert space carries a representation of the non-compact group SO*(2N). This group can be viewed as the subgroup of the symplectic group Sp(4N,R) which preserves the SU(2) invariance. We construct the associated Perelomov coherent states and discuss the notion of semi-classical limit, which is more subtle than we could expect. Our work completes the work by Freidel and Livine [J. Math. Phys. 51, 082502 (2010) and J. Math. Phys. 52, 052502 (2011)], which focused on the U(N) subgroup of SO*(2N).
Eulerian approach to bounce-transit and drift resonance with magnetic drifts in tokamaks
Authors: Shaing K. C. , Seol J. , Chu M. S. , Sabbagh S. A.
Published: July 2017

Bounce-transit and drift resonance can be important to plasma confinement in tokamaks with a broken symmetry. The resonance usually is either treated by integrating along the unperturbed orbits or calculated using an action-angle approach. An Eulerian approach has been developed to take into account the momentum conservation property of the Coulomb collision operator. The difference between the Eulerian approach and other approaches is in the thermodynamic forces of the transport fluxes, and the corresponding toroidal plasma viscosity. The mass and heat flows that are parallel to the equilibrium magnetic field B appear in the thermodynamic forces in the Eulerian approach. However, in the existing Eulerian approach, only the E × B drift is kept in the theory; the magnetic drifts, i.e., ∇B, and curvature drifts are neglected by adopting the large aspect ratio assumption, where E is the electric field and B = |B|. Here, the Eulerian approach is extended to include the magnetic drifts, which is important for energetic alpha particles as well, to calculate neoclassical toroidal plasma viscosity in finite aspect ratio tokamaks. The relation to the nonlinear plasma viscosity in the plateau regime will also be discussed.
Using strain to control molecule chemisorption on silicene
Authors: Marjaoui Adil , Stephan Régis , Hanf Marie-Christine , Diani Mustapha , Sonnet Philippe
Published: July 2017

The strain dependence of benzene chemisorption on a silicene freestanding layer has been studied by means of density functional theory calculations. It appears that the molecule, which is adsorbed via a [4+2] pseudo-cycloaddition on the substrate, is more stable when adsorbed on strained than on unstrained silicene since the adsorption energy increases (in absolute value) with tensile or compressive strain. These results, which were not easily predictable, are interpreted in terms of strain-induced reinforcement of the Si–C bonds, formation of a pz-like atomic orbital at the silicene atoms, which augments the silicene reactivity and, for compressive or large tensile strains, increasing of the sp3 character of the Si–Si bonds.
Anisotropic optical constants, birefringence, and dichroism of wurtzite GaN between 0.6 eV and 6 eV
Authors: Shokhovets S. , Kirste L. , Leach J. H. , Krischok S. , Himmerlich M.
Published: July 2017

We report the room-temperature anisotropic dielectric functions (DFs), refractive indices, and absorption coefficients as well as birefringence and dichroism of wurtzite GaN in the spectral range between 0.6 eV and 6 eV. They have been determined by combined spectroscopic ellipsometry, optical retardation, and transmission measurements on a series of m- and c-plane bulk substrates prepared from crystals grown by hydride vapor phase epitaxy. The accuracy of the derived DFs is estimated by investigation of the role of mosaicity-related crystal imperfections, self-consistency test based on a Kramers-Kronig analysis, and examination of the influence of kind of overlayer. We also briefly discuss optical properties of a highly defective near-surface layer of GaN crystals introduced by their mechanical polishing.
Spin wave generation by surface acoustic waves
Authors: Li Xu , Labanowski Dominic , Salahuddin Sayeef , Lynch Christopher S.
Published: July 2017

Surface acoustic waves (SAW) on piezoelectric substrates can excite spin wave resonance (SWR) in magnetostrictive films through magnetoelastic coupling. This acoustically driven SWR enables the excitation of a single spin wave mode with an in-plane wave vector k matched to the magnetoelastic wave vector. A 2D frequency domain finite element model is presented that fully couples elastodynamics, micromagnetics, and piezoelectricity with interface spin pumping effects taken into account. It is used to simulate SAW driven SWR on a ferromagnetic and piezoelectric heterostructure device with an interdigital transducer configuration. These results, for the first time, present the spatial distribution of magnetization components that, together with elastic wave, exponentially decays along the propagation direction due to magnetic damping. The results also show that the system transmission rate S21(dB) can be tuned by both an external bias field and the SAW wavevector. Acoustic spin pumping at magnetic film/normal metal interface leads to damping enhancement in magnetic films that decreases the energy absorption rate from elastic energy. This weakened interaction between the magnetic energy and elastic energy leads to a lower evanescence rate of the SAW that results in a longer distance propagation. With strong magnetoelastic coupling, the SAW driven spin wave is able to propagate up to 1200 μm. The results give a quantitative indication of the acoustic spin pumping contribution to linewidth broadening.
Dynamics of processes during the deposition of ZrO2 films by controlled reactive high-power impulse magnetron sputtering: A modelling study
Authors: Kozák Tomáš , Vlček Jaroslav
Published: July 2017

A time-dependent parametric model was applied to controlled reactive high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) depositions of stoichiometric ZrO2 films, carried out in our laboratories, (i) to clarify the complicated dynamics of the processes on the target and substrate surfaces during voltage pulses, and (ii) to corroborate the importance of the O2 inlet configuration (position and direction) which strongly affects the O2 dissociation in the discharge and the chemisorption flux of oxygen atoms and molecules onto the substrate. The repetition frequency was 500 Hz at the deposition-averaged target power densities of 25 Wcm−2, being close to a target power density applicable in industrial HiPIMS systems, and 50 Wcm−2 with a pulse-averaged target power density up to 2 kWcm−2. The pulse duration was 50 μs. For the experimental conditions with the to-substrate O2 inlets, the deposition-averaged target power density of 50 Wcm−2, and the oxygen partial pressure of 0.05 Pa (being close to the mean value during controlled depositions), our model predicts a low compound fraction, changing between 8% and 12%, in the target surface layer at an almost constant high compound fraction, changing between 92% and 93%, in the substrate surface layer during the pulse period (2000 μs). The calculated deposition rate of 89 nm/min for these films is in good agreement with the measured value of 80 nm/min achieved for optically transparent stoichiometric ZrO2 films prepared under these conditions.
Mode selection of magneto-Rayleigh-Taylor instability from the point of view of Landau phase transition theory
Authors: Dan Jia Kun , Huang Xian Bin , Ren Xiao Dong , Wei Bing
Published: July 2017

A theoretical model referring to mode selection of Z-pinch-driven magneto-Rayleigh-Taylor (MRT) instability, which explains the generation of fundamental instability mode and evolution of fundamental wavelength in experiments, is proposed on the basis of the Landau theory of phase transition. The basic idea of this phase transition model lies in that the appearance of MRT instability pattern can be considered as a consequence of the spontaneous generation of interfacial structure like the spontaneous magnetization in a ferromagnetic system. It is demonstrated that the amplitude of instability is responsible for the order parameter in the Landau theory of phase transition and the fundamental wavelength appears to play a role analogous to inverse temperature in thermodynamics. Further analysis indicates that the MRT instability is characterized by first order phase transition and the fundamental wavelength is proportional to the square root of energy entering into the system from the driving source. The theory predicts that the fundamental wavelength grows rapidly and saturates reaching a limiting wavelength of the order of the liner's final outer radius. The results given by this theory show qualitative agreement with the available experimental data of MRT instability of liner implosions conducted on the Sandia Z machine as well as Primary Test Stand facility at the Institute of Fluid Physics.
Turbulent current drive mechanisms
Authors: McDevitt Christopher J. , Tang Xian-Zhu , Guo Zehua
Published: July 2017

Mechanisms through which plasma microturbulence can drive a mean electron plasma current are derived. The efficiency through which these turbulent contributions can drive deviations from neoclassical predictions of the electron current profile is computed by employing a linearized Coulomb collision operator. It is found that a non-diffusive contribution to the electron momentum flux as well as an anomalous electron-ion momentum exchange term provide the most efficient means through which turbulence can modify the mean electron current for the cases considered. Such turbulent contributions appear as an effective EMF within Ohm's law and hence provide an ideal means for driving deviations from neoclassical predictions.