bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complete genome sequencing of the luminescent bacterium, Vibrio qinghaiensis sp. Q67 using PacBio technology
Authors: Gong Liang , Wu Yu , Jian Qijie , Yin Chunxiao , Li Taotao , Gupta Vijai Kumar , Duan Xuewu , Jiang Yueming
Published: January 2018

Vibrio qinghaiensis sp.-Q67 (Vqin-Q67) is a freshwater luminescent bacterium that continuously emits blue-green light (485 nm). The bacterium has been widely used for detecting toxic contaminants. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of Vqin-Q67, obtained using third-generation PacBio sequencing technology. Continuous long reads were attained from three PacBio sequencing runs and reads >500 bp with a quality value of >0.75 were merged together into a single dataset. This resultant highly-contiguous de novo assembly has no genome gaps, and comprises two chromosomes with substantial genetic information, including protein-coding genes, non-coding RNA, transposon and gene islands. Our dataset can be useful as a comparative genome for evolution and speciation studies, as well as for the analysis of protein-coding gene families, the pathogenicity of different Vibrio species in fish, the evolution of non-coding RNA and transposon, and the regulation of gene expression in relation to the bioluminescence of Vqin-Q67.
Antimicrobial graphene materials: the interplay of complex materials characteristics and competing mechanisms
Authors: Karahan H. Enis , Wang Yilei , Li Wei , Liu Fei , Wang Liang , Sui Xiao , Riaz Muhammad Adil , Chen Yuan
Published: January 2018

This minireview attempts to correlate the complex structure–property relationship with the antimicrobial mechanisms of graphene materials.
The Seventh Biennial Berry Health Benefits Symposium
Authors: Seeram Navindra P. , Burton-Freeman Britt
Published: January 2018

Guest Editors Navindra Seeram and Britt Burton-Freeman introduce the themed issue on work presented at the Seventh Biennial Berry Health Benefits Symposium, held in California, US.
A chemical sensor for CBr4 based on quasi-2D and 3D hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites immobilized on TiO2 films
Authors: Nikolaou Pavlos , Vassilakopoulou Anastasia , Papadatos Dionysios , Topoglidis Emmanuel , Koutselas Ioannis
Published: January 2018

It is possible that methylamine by being reduced could escape to the environment, thus, forcing the remaining perovskite to form other perovskite-like chemical moieties based on low dimensional arrangement of PbBr6 octahedra, rather than PbBr2.
A new triazine bearing a pyrazolone group capable of copper, nickel, and zinc chelation
Authors: Yepremyan Akop , Mehmood Arshad , Brewer Samantha M. , Barnett Madalyn M. , Janesko Benjamin G. , Akkaraju Giridhar , Simanek Eric E. , Green Kayla N.
Published: January 2018

A new triazine bearing a pyrazolone moiety and metalation with first row transition metals, copper(ii), nickel(ii), and zinc(ii) is explored.
An alternative approach to kinetic analysis of temperature-programmed reaction data
Authors: Portnyagin A. S. , Golikov A. P. , Drozd V. A. , Avramenko V. A.
Published: January 2018

Presented method of kinetic analysis of non-isothermal reaction data provides precise kinetic parameters for different materials with different morphology and particle size.
Porous TiO2with large surface area is an efficient catalyst carrier for the recovery of wastewater containing an ultrahigh concentration of dye
Authors: Zhou Yumeng , Zhang Lijing , Tao Shengyang
Published: January 2018

Preparation of porous TiO2as an excellent catalyst carrier to load iron and degrade ultrahigh concentration of dye in wastewater over 95% in 30 min.
Auxiliary-directed etherification of sp2 C–H bonds under heterogeneous metal–organic framework catalysis: synthesis of ethenzamide
Authors: Tran Chau B. , Duong Xuan N. T. , Lu Huy D. , Cao Thu T. V. , Truong Thanh
Published: January 2018

An efficient protocol for 8-aminoquinoline assisted alkoxylation and phenoxylation of sp2 C–H bonds under heterogeneous catalysis was developed.
Hydration of the methanesulfonate–ammonia/amine complex and its atmospheric implications
Authors: Miao Shou-Kui , Jiang Shuai , Peng Xiu-Qiu , Liu Yi-Rong , Feng Ya-Juan , Wang Yan-Bing , Zhao Feng , Huang Teng , Huang Wei
Published: January 2018

Methanesulfonate (MSA−), found in substantial concentrations in the atmosphere, is expected to enhance aerosol nucleation and the growth of nanoparticles, but the details of methanesulfonate clusters are poorly understood.
Disodium citrate-assisted hydrothermal synthesis of V2O5 nanowires for high performance supercapacitors
Authors: Pan Shanshan , Chen Ling , Li Yahao , Han Shuolin , Wang Lin , Shao Guangjie
Published: January 2018

Orthorhombic vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) nanowires with uniform morphology were successfully fabricated via a facile hydrothermal process.
Paclitaxel-loaded PLGA microspheres with a novel morphology to facilitate drug delivery and antitumor efficiency
Authors: Zhang Zongrui , Wang Xinyu , Li Binbin , Hou Yuanjing , Cai Zhengwei , Yang Jing , Li Yi
Published: January 2018

A novel morphological PTX-PLGA-MS with microporous surface and porous internal structures to enhance drug loading, delivery and antitumor efficiency.
The feasibility of enhanced biological phosphorus removal in the novel oxic/extended idle process using fermentation liquid from sludge fermentation
Authors: Liu Yang , Li Xiaoming , Zhao Jianwei , Wang Dongbo , Yang Qi , Zeng Guangming
Published: January 2018

Long-term effect of fermented liquid as carbon source on effluent COD and SOP in O/EI reactor.
Efficient conversion of glucosamine to levulinic acid in a sulfamic acid-catalyzed hydrothermal reaction
Authors: Kim Hyo Seon , Kim Sung-Koo , Jeong Gwi-Taek
Published: January 2018

Glucosamine, which is a monomer of chitosan, and sulfamic acid, which has dual active sites, were employed as substrate and catalyst, respectively, to produce the bio-based platform chemicals LA and 5-HMF.
Application of a coupled smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) and coarse-grained (CG) numerical modelling approach to study three-dimensional (3-D) deformations of single cells of different food-plant materials during drying
Authors: Rathnayaka C. M. , Karunasena H. C. P. , Senadeera W. , Gu Y. T.
Published: January 2018

A meshfree-based 3-D computational model to study the morphological behaviour of plant cells.
The effect of shape on the fracture of a soft elastic gel subjected to shear load
Authors: Kundan Krishna Kant , Ghatak Animangsu
Published: January 2018

The planar shape of a joint determines the energy released due to cohesive fracture of a soft gel under shear loading.
Template-directed synthesis of sulphur doped NiCoFe layered double hydroxide porous nanosheets with enhanced electrocatalytic activity for the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Cao Li-Ming , Wang Jia-Wei , Zhong Di-Chang , Lu Tong-Bu
Published: January 2018

The development of readily available, highly efficient and stable electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is extremely significant to facilitate water splitting for the generation of clean hydrogen energy.
Crystalline core/amorphous shell structured silicon nanowires offer size and structure dependent reversible Na-storage
Authors: Jangid Manoj K. , Lakhnot Aniruddha S. , Vemulapally Aditya , Sonia Farjana J. , Sinha Somika , Dusane Rajiv O. , Mukhopadhyay Amartya
Published: January 2018

Crystalline core/amorphous shell structured silicon nanowires show the feasibility of reversible Na-storage, as influenced by the dimensional scale and structure.
Energy level modulation of non-fullerene acceptors enables efficient organic solar cells with small energy loss
Authors: An Qiaoshi , Gao Wei , Zhang Fujun , Wang Jian , Zhang Miao , Wu Kailong , Ma Xiaoling , Hu Zhenghao , Jiao Chaoqun , Yang Chuluo
Published: January 2018

BDTThIT-M based OSCs achieved a high PCE of 12.12% with a small energy loss of ∼0.588 eV.
An innovative Au-CdS/ZnS-RGO architecture for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Kai Shuangshuang , Xi Baojuan , Liu Xiaolei , Ju Lin , Wang Peng , Feng Zhenyu , Ma Xiaojian , Xiong Shenglin
Published: January 2018

An innovative CdS/ZnS-RGO hybrid is synthesizedviaan one-pot hydrothermal method. The further introduction of Au nanoparticles enables the composite with the merits of heterostructured semiconductor/semiconductor junction benefiting the hole transfer, as well as graphene and noble metal favorable for electron transportation.
Chondroinductive factor-free chondrogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells in graphene oxide-incorporated hydrogels
Authors: Shen He , Lin Hang , Sun Aaron X. , Song Saijie , Zhang Zhijun , Dai Jianwu , Tuan Rocky S.
Published: January 2018

Graphene oxide improves mechanical properties and chondrogenic differentiation state of mesenchymal stem cell-laden, engineered hydrogel constructs, without exogenous chondro-inductive factors.
One-step green hydrothermal synthesis of biocompatible graphene/TiO2 nanocomposites for non-enzymatic H2O2 detection and their cytotoxicity effects on human keratinocyte and lung fibroblast cells
Authors: Siew Qi Yan , Tham Shiau Ying , Loh Hwei-San , Khiew Poi Sim , Chiu Wee Siong , Tan Michelle T. T.
Published: January 2018

A simple, safe, and efficient approach to synthesise graphene/titanium dioxide (G/TiO2) nanocomposites with potential in electrochemical sensing application and relatively good biocompatibility to human cells.
Influence of topography of nanofibrous scaffolds on functionality of engineered neural tissue
Authors: Hajiali H. , Contestabile A. , Mele E. , Athanassiou A.
Published: January 2018

Properly engineered scaffolds combined with functional neurons can be instrumental for the effective repair of the neural tissue.
Correction: One-step coelectrodeposition-assisted layer-by-layer assembly of gold nanoparticles and reduced graphene oxide and its self-healing three-dimensional nanohybrid for an ultrasensitive DNA sensor
Authors: Jayakumar Kumarasamy , Camarada María Belén , Dharuman Venkataraman , Ju Huangxian , Dey Ramendra Sundar , Wen Yangping
Published: January 2018

Correction for ‘One-step coelectrodeposition-assisted layer-by-layer assembly of gold nanoparticles and reduced graphene oxide and its self-healing three-dimensional nanohybrid for an ultrasensitive DNA sensor’ by Jayakumar Kumarasamy, et al., Nanoscale, 2018, DOI: 10.1039/c7nr06952a.
Adaptive digital temperature compensation of inductor DCR current measurement
Authors: Tschirhart D.J. , Babazadeh A.
Published: January 2018

Inductor DC resistance (DCR) measurement is the standard technique used to measure the current in a single‐ or multi‐phase voltage regulators in computing applications. It is well noted that variations in operating conditions such as temperature cause a mismatch of time constants of the inductor and its DCR, and the RC sensing network. This mismatch affects everything from transient response to safety by affecting the performance of peak current protection features. A digital filter with temperature‐adaptive coefficients is presented to correct the DCR measurement across the operating temperature range. Experimental results of a 12 V/1.8 V converter validate the analysis and prove the feasibility of the approach.
Early gray dust formation in the type IIn SN 2005ip
Authors: Nielsen Ann-Sofie Bak , Hjorth Jens , Gall Christa
Published: January 2018

The physical characteristics of dust formed in supernovae is poorly known. In this paper, we investigate the extinction properties of dust formed in the type IIn SN 2005ip. The observed light curves of SN 2005ip all exhibit a sudden drop around 50 days after discovery. This has been attributed to dust formation in the dense circumstellar medium. We modeled the intrinsic light curves in six optical bands, adopting a theoretical model for the luminosity evolution of supernovae interacting with their circumstellar material. From the difference between the observed and intrinsic light curves, we calculated extinction curves as a function of time. The total-to-selective extinction ratio, RV, was determined from the extinction in the B and V bands. The resulting extinction, AV , increases monotonically up to about 1 mag, 150 days after discovery. The inferred RV value also increases slightly with time, but appears constant in the range 4.5–8, beyond 100 days after discovery. The analysis confirms that dust is likely formed in SN 2005ip, starting about two months after explosion. The high value of RV, that is, gray dust, suggests dust properties different from the Milky Way. While this result hinges on the assumed theoretical intrinsic light curve evolution, it is encouraging that the fitted light curves are as expected for standard ejecta and circumstellar medium density structures.
Detailed abundance analysis of globular clusters in the Local Group
Authors: Larsen S. S. , Brodie J. P. , Wasserman A. , Strader J.
Published: January 2018

Context. Globular clusters (GCs) are emerging as powerful tracers of the chemical composition of extragalactic stellar populations.

Aims. We present new abundance measurements for 11 GCs in the Local Group galaxies NGC 147, NGC 6822, and Messier 33. These are combined with previously published observations of four GCs in the Fornax and Wolf–Lundmark–Melotte (WLM) galaxies.

Methods. The abundances were determined from analyses of integrated-light spectra obtained with the HIRES spectrograph on the Keck I telescope and with UVES on the Very Large Telescope (VLT). We used our analysis technique that was developed for this purpose and tested on Milky Way GCs.

Results. We find that the clusters with [Fe∕H] < −1.5 are all α-enhanced at about the same level as Milky Way GCs. Their Na abundances are also generally enhanced relative to Milky Way halo stars, suggesting that these extragalactic GCs resemble their Milky Way counterparts in containing large numbers of Na-rich stars. For [Fe∕H] > −1.5, the GCs in M33 are also α-enhanced, while the GCs that belong to dwarfs (NGC 6822 SC7 and Fornax 4) have closer to solar-scaled α-element abundances. The abundance patterns in SC7 are remarkably similar to those in the Galactic GC Ruprecht 106, including significantly subsolar [Na∕Fe] and [Ni∕Fe] ratios. In NGC 147, the GCs with [Fe∕H] < −2.0 account for about 6% of the total luminosity of stars in the same metallicity range, a lower fraction than those previously found in the Fornax and WLM galaxies, but substantially higher than in the Milky Way halo.

Conclusions. At low metallicities, the abundance patterns suggest that GCs in the Milky Way, dwarf galaxies, and M33 experienced similar enrichment histories and/or processes. At higher metallicities, the lower levels of α-enhancement in the GCs found in dwarf galaxies resemble the abundance patterns observed in field stars in nearby dwarfs. Constraining the presence of multiple populations in these GCs is complicated by lack of information about detailed abundances in field stars of the corresponding metallicities. We suggest that correlations such as [Na∕Fe] versus [Ni∕Fe] may prove useful for this purpose if an accuracy of ~ 0.1 dex or better can be reached for integrated-light measurements.
Duality of variational problems with a new approach
Authors: Padhan S.K.
Published: January 2018

The present investigation introduces the third order duality in variational problems, as because, in certain situations, first and second order duality do not yield solutions but it succeeds in finding the desired results. The duality results for the pair of variational primal problems and their corresponding third order dual problems are demonstrated. Counterexamples are provided to justify the importance of the current research work. It is found that many reported results of the literature are particular cases of this paper.
On an M/G/1 queue in random environment with Min(N, V) policy
Authors: Li Jianjun , Liu Liwei
Published: January 2018

In this paper, we analyze an M∕G∕1 queue operating in multi-phase random environment with Min(N, V) vacation policy. In operative phase i, i = 1, 2, …, n, customers are served according to the discipline of First Come First Served (FCFS). When the system becomes empty, the server takes a vacation under the Min(N, V) policy, causing the system to move to vacation phase 0. At the end of a vacation, if the server finds no customer waiting, another vacation begins. Otherwise, the system jumps from the phase 0 to some operative phase i with probability qi, i = 1, 2, …, n. And whenever the number of the waiting customers in the system reaches N, the server interrupts its vacation immediately and the system jumps from the phase 0 to some operative phase i with probability qi, i = 1, 2, …, n, too. Using the method of supplementary variable, we derive the distribution for the stationary system size at arbitrary epoch. We also obtain mean system size, the results of the cycle analysis and the sojourn time distribution. In addition, some special cases and numerical examples are presented.
Extended Endoscopic Approach for Resection of Craniopharyngiomas
Authors: Almeida João , Suppiah Suganth , Karekezi Claire , Marigil-Sanchez Miguel , Wong Jay , Vescan Allan , Gentili Fred , Zadeh Gelareh
Published: January 2018

Objectives Extended endoscopic approaches are useful for resection of selected craniopharyngiomas. Midline, extraventricular, and predominantly cystic lesions are good candidates for endoscopic resection. In this video, we demonstrate the endoscopic endonasal resection of a large suprasellar craniopharyngioma and discuss the nuances of the surgical technique.

Design/Setting Surgical video of an extended endoscopic approach for resection of a suprasellar craniopharyngioma.

Results We report the case of a 56-year-old woman who presented with bitemporal hemianopsia and visual acuity deterioration secondary to a large suprasellar solid–cystic lesion. The patient underwent an extended endoscopic transtuberculum approach for resection of the lesion, which was diagnosed as a papillary craniopharyngioma. This video discusses the anatomy and surgical technique applied for endoscopic resection of such lesions.

Conclusion Endoscopic endonasal surgery is a useful technique for management of craniopharyngiomas. It is associated with good clinical outcomes in selected cases. Complications, such as postoperative CSF leak, may occur and should be carefully managed.

The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/EneOCiQE7yo.
Microsurgical Resection of Tuberculum Sellae Meningioma via Pterional Craniotomy with Extradural Anterior Clinoidectomy and Optic Unroofing
Authors: Dogan Ihsan , Ucer Melih , Başkaya Mustafa
Published: January 2018

Microsurgical treatment of suprasellar tumors, in particular tuberculum sellae meningiomas, poses significant challenge. These tumors are surrounded by vital neurovascular structures, such as optic apparatus, pituitary stalk, internal carotid artery and its branches, and anterior cerebral arteries. In large and complex cases, early identification and decompression of these structures may facilitate safer dissection and resection. Therefore, extradural anterior clinoidectomy with optic unroofing facilitates the internal carotid artery exposure and optic nerve decompression. In this video, we describe a 37-year-old female patient who presented with new onset of severe headaches. On visual examination, she was found to have bitemporal visual defects. MRI scan of the head showed a large, approximately 3 cm suprasellar tumor consistent with tuberculum sellae meningioma. She underwent surgical resection via pterional craniotomy with extradural anterior clinoidectomy and optic unroofing. Microsurgical gross total resection was achieved and histopathology was WHO grade II meningioma. She had an uneventful postoperative course and visual field examination improved significantly. In this video, surgical technique in performing extradural anterior clinoidectomy and optic unroofing and steps of microsurgical resection are demonstrated.

The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/oPZ8NTyvxJc.
Intracranial Calcification after Probable Disseminated Bacillus Calmette–Guérin Infection in a Child with Severe Combined Immunodeficiency
Authors: Eser Isil , Uyan Zeynep Seda , Kilic Suar Caki , Uyur Emek , Arisoy Emin Sami , Tezcan Gulsun , Aydogan Metin
Published: January 2018

Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine is administered to infants in countries with a high prevalence of tuberculosis. Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is one of the most severe forms of primary immunodeficiency disease, rendering patients prone to disseminated BCG infection. Early intensive antimycobacterial treatment and bone marrow transplantation may be lifesaving in patients with BCG infection and SCID. The central nervous system is rarely involved in BCG infection. We report a case of disseminated BCG infection with diffuse intracranial calcification, including periventricular white matter, subcortical area, pons and cerebellar white matter after bone marrow transplantation.
Epidemiologie, Diagnostik und Therapie erwachsener Patienten mit nosokomialer Pneumonie – Update 2017
Authors: Dalhoff K. , Abele-Horn M. , Andreas S. , Deja M. , Ewig S. , Gastmeier P. , Gatermann S. , Gerlach H. , Grabein B. , Heußel C. , Höffken G. , Kolditz M. , Kramme E. , Kühl H. , Lange C. , Mayer K. , Nachtigall I. , Panning M. , Pletz M. , Rath P.-M. , Rohde G. , Rosseau S. , Schaaf B. , Schreiter D. , Schütte H. , Seifert H. , Spies C. , Welte T. ,   Unter Mitwirkung der folgenden Wissenschaftlichen Fachgesellschaften und Institutionen: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Chirurgie,   Deutsche Gesellschaft für Innere Medizin e. V.,   Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internistische Intensivmedizin und Notfallmedizin,   Deutsche Sepsis-Gesellschaft e. V.,   und Robert Koch-Institut
Published: January 2018

Die nosokomiale Pneumonie bleibt eine häufige Komplikation von Krankenhausaufenthalten. Die meisten Daten liegen zur beatmungsassoziierten Pneumonie vor, aber auch auf Normalstationen ist vermehrt mit dieser Erkrankung zu rechnen. Problematisch ist die Zunahme von Infektionen mit multiresistenten Erregern (MRE). Diese erschwert die adäquate Initialtherapie und kann zu unkritischem Einsatz von Breitspektrumantibiotika führen.

Das vorliegende Update der S3-Leitlinie von 2012 wurde von einer interdisziplinären Arbeitsgruppe auf der Basis einer systematischen Literaturrecherche erarbeitet. Die Empfehlungen zu Diagnostik und Therapie wurden nach dem GRADE-System abgefasst. Graduierung und Empfehlungsstärke entsprechen der Methodik der Nationalen Versorgungsleitlinien.

Die Leitlinie besteht aus zwei Teilen. Der allgemeine Teil vermittelt einen aktuellen Überblick zu Epidemiologie, Erregerspektrum und Therapieoptionen der nosokomialen Pneumonie. Handlungsorientierte Empfehlungen zu Diagnostik und Therapie werden im zweiten Teil abgegeben. Neu in diesem Update sind detailliertere Empfehlungen zur bildgebenden Diagnostik, zur Diagnostik nosokomialer Virusinfektionen sowie zur prolongierten Applikation von Antiinfektiva. Die Angaben zur Bedeutung von Risikofaktoren für Infektionen mit MRE und die Empfehlungen zum Einsatz einer antibakteriellen Kombinationstherapie bei derartigen Infektionen wurden angepasst. Strukturierte Deeskalationskonzepte und eine konsequente Begrenzung der Therapiedauer zur Verminderung des Selektionsdrucks werden besonders betont.
A novel method of endoscopic-assisted esophageal clearance in advanced achalasia
Authors: Tanaka Shinwa , Kawara Fumiaki , Toyonaga Takashi , Bechara Robert , Hoshi Namiko , Abe Hirofumi , Ohara Yoshiko , Ishida Tsukasa , Morita Yoshinori , Umegaki Eiji
Published: January 2018

Background and study aims In order to perform peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) safely, retained liquid and food debris must be removed before the procedure is started. We developed a novel technique using a super-slim gastroscope, and a gastric tube to remove retained food debris in achalasia patients. In this study, the safety and efficacy of this novel technique were investigated

Patients and methods Eleven patients with achalasia were enrolled in this study and underwent this novel method for esophageal clearance.

Results All patients had complete clearance of the retained food debris using this method. The median procedure time (range) was 13 (6 – 30) minutes. There were no serious adverse events (AEs) and one minor AE of mucosal erythema due to mucosal suctioning.

Conclusion This novel method for esophageal clearance is safe and effective in achalasia patients with large amounts of retained food debris.
German Guideline for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis – Update on Pharmacological Therapies 2017
Authors: Behr Jürgen , Günther Andreas , Bonella Francesco , Geißler Klaus , Koschel Dirk , Kreuter Michael , Prasse Antje , Schönfeld Nicolas , Sitter Helmut , Müller-Quernheim Joachim , Costabel Ulrich
Published: January 2018

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a severe and often fatal disease with a median survival of 2 – 4 years after diagnosis. Since the publication of the German IPF guideline in 2013 new treatment trials have been published, necessitating an update of the pharmacological therapy of IPF. Different from the previous guideline, the GRADE system was discarded and replaced by the Oxford evidence classification system which allows a more differentiated judgement. The following pharmacological therapies were rated not suitable for the treatment of IPF patients (recommendation A; evidence 1-b): triple therapy with prednisolone, azathioprine and acetyl-cysteine; imatinib; ambrisentan; bosentan; macitentan. A less clear but still negative recommendation (B, 1-b) was attributed to the treatment of IPF with the phosphodiesterase-5-inhibitor sildenafil and acetyl-cysteine monotherapy. In contrast to the international guideline antacid therapy as a general treatment for IPF was rated negative, based on conflicting results of recent analyses (recommendation C; evidence 4). An unanimous positive recommendation was granted for the antifibrotic drugs nintedanib and pirfenidone for the treatment of IPF (A, 1-a). For some open questions in the management of IPF patients for which firm evidence is lacking the guideline also offers recommendations based on expert consensus.
Underwater endoscopic mucosal resection: a new endoscopic method for resection of rectal neuroendocrine tumor grade 1 (carcinoid) ≤ 10 mm in diameter
Authors: Yamashina Takeshi , Tumura Takehiko , Maruo Takanori , Matsumae Takayuki , Yoshida Hiroyuki , Tanke Gensho , Taki Mio , Fukuhara Manabu , Kimura Yoshito , Sakamoto Azusa , Henmi Shinichiro , Sawai Yugo , Saito Sumio , Nishijima Norihiro , Nasu Akihiro , Komekado Hideyuki , Asada Masanori , Kita Ryuichi , Kimura Toru , Osaki Yukio
Published: January 2018

Background and study aims Rectal neuroendocrine tumors grade 1 (NET G1; carcinoid) ≤ 10 mm in diameter often extend into the submucosa, making their complete histological resection difficult using endoscopic techniques. Endoscopic submucosal resection with a ligation device (ESMR-L) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) are commonly used to overcome these difficulties. We also previously reported that underwater endoscopic mucosal resection (UEMR) could facilitate resection of rectal NET G1. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of UEMR for removing rectal NET G1 ≤ 10 mm in diameter. 6 consecutive patients with rectal NET G1 ≤ 10 mm in diameter underwent UEMR at our hospital. The rate of en bloc resection was 100 %, and the rate of R0 resection was 83 %. The median procedure time was 8 min (range 5 – 12 min). No perforations or delayed bleeding occurred in this study. In conclusion, UEMR allows the safe and reliable resection of rectal NET G1 ≤ 10 mm in diameter with comparable results to ESMR-L or ESD, including high en bloc and R0 resection rates with no increase in significant adverse events. A multicenter trial is required to confirm the validity of the present results.
Covert hepatic encephalopathy leads to distinct alterations in the emotional state, independently of MELD-Score
Authors: Greinert Robin , Ripoll Cristina , Zipprich Alexander
Published: January 2018

Background and aims Covert hepatic encephalopathy impairs many aspects of quality of life, although its impact on the emotional state has not been evaluated. This study aims to evaluate the impact of covert hepatic encephalopathy on the emotional state and which factors are associated with changes in the emotional state in patients with cirrhosis.

Methods This single-center study included all patients with cirrhosis who underwent the portosystemic encephalopathy syndrome (PSE) test, critical flicker frequency, and emotional state assessment with the Eigenschaftswörterliste 60-S in 2011. Covert hepatic encephalopathy was defined by abnormal PSE. Parametric and non-parametric tests were used according to variable distribution.

Results One hundred seventeen patients with cirrhosis were included (median age: 59 [interquartile range: 48 – 67], 32 % female, 74 % alcohol-associated). Seventy patients had covert hepatic encephalopathy (60 %) with a higher MELD (16 [interquartile range: 13 – 21], p = 0.001) and a higher Child-Pugh score (p = 0.003) compared to patients without encephalopathy. Patients with covert encephalopathy felt reduced mental activity (p = 0.004), lower general well-being (p = 0.001), and reduced extraversion (p = 0.021). The scores in the negative domains such as general lethargy (p = 0.031) and anxiousness/depressiveness (p = 0.033) were higher in patients with covert hepatic encephalopathy. There was no correlation between MELD and the emotional state. Patients with 2 pathological tests (critical flicker frequency and PSE) showed the most distinct alterations in the emotional state in the group of patients with covert hepatic encephalopathy.

Conclusions Patients with covert hepatic encephalopathy have an alteration of the emotional state, which is more marked in patients with 2 pathological tests. Interestingly, MELD had no impact on the emotional state.
Development of an external-to-internal convertible endoscopic biliary drainage device – a preliminary prospective feasibility study
Authors: Mori Akihiro , Ito Shun , Yumura Takayuki , Hachiya Hiroki , Sawada Masashi , Hayashi Shintaro , Ohashi Noritsugu
Published: January 2018

Background and study aims Endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD) for a malignant stricture in the bile duct has some advantages over endoscopic biliary stenting (EBS). However, ENBD may cause nasopharyngeal discomfort. We developed an external-to-internal convertible endoscopic biliary drainage (ETI-EBD) device that enables both internal and external drainage to occur during a single endoscopy.

Patients and methods This device consists of three parts, comprising a 5-Fr ENBD tube (250 cm) (ENBD-t), an 8.5-Fr EBS tube (7 cm) (EBS-t), and an 8-Fr pusher tube for EBS (230 cm) (P-t). The EBS-t is mounted over the ENBD-t at the distal end of the ENBD-t. The P-t is also placed over the ENBD-t. After an endoscopic sphincterotomy, the EBS-t of the device is inserted into the papilla, then the duodenal endoscope is withdrawn, leaving the device in place. After ENBD, only the ENBD-t was withdrawn from the P-t. At this point, the EBS-t was isolated and left without endoscopy or radiography.

Results ETI-EBD was successfully placed in all consecutive 21 patients (100 %). The release of EBS-t from ENBD-t wit was successfully completed in 19 patients (90.5 %). There were 4 patients with kink of P-t when exchanging this device from the mouth to the nose. It was difficult for 2 patients to withdraw the ENBD-t because of poor lubrication performance. There were no significant complications associated with the use of the device.

Conclusion This device allows for both external and internal biliary drainage with a single endoscopy.
Non-surgical management of Boerhaave’s syndrome: a case series study and review of the literature
Authors: Aloreidi Khalil , Patel Bhavesh , Ridgway Tim , Yeager Terry , Atiq Muslim
Published: January 2018

Background and study aims Boerhaave’s syndrome (BS) is a life-threatening condition with morbidity and mortality rates as high as 50 % in some reports. Until recently, surgical intervention has been the mainstay of management plans. With advances in therapeutic endoscopy, however, there has been increasing interest in non-surgical options including endoscopic esophageal stenting.

Patients and methods We reviewed the medical records of all patients diagnosed with BS and managed with endoscopic interventions between November 2011 and November 2016. The following variables were collected: patient demographics, clinical presentations, locations of esophageal perforation, primary interventions, complications, and outcomes.

Results Six patients were found to be diagnosed with BS during the study period. The median age at presentation was 55. There were 4 males and 2 females. The most common site of perforation was in the distal esophagus. The most common presenting symptom was chest pain (67 %) following an episode of vomiting or retching. Four patients (66.7 %) developed septic shock. Endoscopic treatment with a fully covered esophageal stent was the primary intervention in all patients (100 %). Interventional radiology was consulted in all cases for fluid drainage and chest tube placements. Clinical resolution of the BS was achieved in all patients (100 %) without any subsequent surgical interventions. There were no deaths within the study group, and the average follow-up duration was 2 years.

Conclusion Endoscopic treatment seems to be an effective management strategy in patients with BS. We also noted satisfactory results in patients presenting with sepsis, presumably due to urgent, interventional radiology-guided fluid drainage.
Use of anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents is not related to epistaxis in patients undergoing transnasal endoscopy
Authors: Kobayashi Yoshiya , Komazawa Yoshinori , Yuki Mika , Ishitobi Hitomi , Nagaoka Makoto , Takahashi Yoshiko , Nakashima Sayaka , Shizuku Toshihiro , Kinoshita Yoshikazu
Published: January 2018

Background and study aims Unsedated transnasal endoscopy (uTNE) has become accepted as a safe and tolerable method for upper gastrointestinal tact examinations. Epistaxis is 1 of the major complications of TNE, though its risk factors have not been elucidated. Generally, patients administered an anticoagulant or antiplatelet drug are considered to have an increased risk of epistaxis during TNE. Here, we investigated risk factors of epistaxis in patients undergoing uTNE, with focus on those who received antithrombotic agents.

Patients and methods We enrolled 6860 patients (average age 55.6 ± 12.97 years; 3405 males, 3455 females) who underwent uTNE and received the same preparations for the procedure. Epistaxis was evaluated using endoscopic images obtained while withdrawing the scope through the nostril. We also noted current use of medications including anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents prior to the endoscopic examination.

Results Epistaxis occurred in 3.6 % of the enrolled patients (245/6860), and that rate was significantly higher in younger patients (average age 49.31 ± 11.8 years for epistaxis group vs. 55.83 ± 13.0 years for no epistaxis group, P < 0.01) as well as females (4.78 % vs. 2.35 %, P < 0.01). The odds ratio for occurrence of epistaxis was 2.31 (95 %CI: 1.746 – 3.167) in the younger patients and 2.02 (95 % CI: 1.542 – 2.659) in females. In contrast, there was no significant difference for rate of epistaxis between patients with and without treatment with an antithrombotic agent (3.0 % vs. 3.6 %).

Conclusions The rate of epistaxis was higher in younger and female patients. Importantly, that rate was not significantly increased in patients who were administered an antithrombotic agent.
Getting More Than You Paid For: Unauthorized “Natural” Substances in Herbal Food Supplements on EU Market
Authors: Zovko Končić Marijana
Published: January 2018

As the population in the industrialized world develops preference for what is perceived as a natural and holistic way of disease treatment, the popularity and the number of food supplements on the market, including herbal ones, is experiencing an unprecedented rise. However, unlike herbal medicinal products, intended for treating or preventing disease, current legislation classifies food supplements as products intended for achieving nutritional or physiological effect and to supplement the normal diet. Accordingly, most food supplements are not to be associated with specific health claims. However, either due to the subtle suggestions by the producers or the wishful thinking of the consumers, certain pharmacological effects from food supplements are often expected. Medicinal plants included in food supplements usually do not produce dramatic and instant pharmacological effects. Therefore, in order to meet the expectation of their customers, some producers have turned to the illicit and dangerous practice of adulterating their products with synthetic adulterants, including naturally occurring molecules, having the desired activity. Such practice is prevalent in, although not limited to, food supplements intended for use as weight-loss aids, as well as for sport performance and libido enhancement. The review is focusing on naturally occurring alkaloids, phenylethanolamines, and their semi-synthetic derivatives in food supplements in the European Union as reported by the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed. Their desired and undesired pharmacological effects, as well as the methods for their detection and quantification in food supplements, will be reviewed.
Efficient design and verification of diagnostics for impurity transport experiments
Authors: Chilenski M. A. , Greenwald M. J. , Marzouk Y. M. , Rice J. E. , White A. E.
Published: January 2018

Recent attempts to measure impurity transport in Alcator C-Mod using an x-ray imaging crystal spectrometer and laser blow-off impurity injector have failed to yield unique reconstructions of the transport coefficient profiles. This paper presents a fast, linearized model which was constructed to estimate diagnostic requirements for impurity transport experiments. The analysis shows that the spectroscopic diagnostics on Alcator C-Mod should be capable of inferring simple profiles of impurity diffusion DZ and convection VZ accurate to better than ±10% uncertainty, suggesting that the failure to infer unique DZ and VZ from experimental data is attributable to an inadequate analysis procedure rather than the result of insufficient diagnostics. Furthermore, the analysis reveals that even a modest spatial resolution can overcome a low time resolution. This approach can be adapted to design and verify diagnostics for transport experiments on any magnetic confinement device.
Markov-state model for CO2 binding with carbonic anhydrase under confinement
Authors: Chen Gong , Xu Weina , Lu Diannan , Wu Jianzhong , Liu Zheng
Published: January 2018

Enzyme immobilization with a nanostructure material can enhance its stability and facilitate reusability. However, the apparent activity is often compromised due to additional diffusion barriers and complex interactions with the substrates and solvent molecules. The present study elucidates the effects of the surface hydrophobicity of nano-confinement on CO2 diffusion to the active site of human carbonic anhydrase II (CA), an enzyme that is able to catalyze CO2 hydration at extremely high turnover rates. Using the Markov-state model in combination with coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations, we demonstrate that a hydrophobic cage increases CO2 local density but hinders its diffusion towards the active site of CA under confinement. By contrast, a hydrophilic cage hinders CO2 adsorption but promotes its binding with CA. An optimal surface hydrophobicity can be identified to maximize both the CO2 occupation probability and the diffusion rate. The simulation results offer insight into understanding enzyme performance under nano-confinement and help us to advance broader applications of CA for CO2 absorption and recovery.
Effects of titanium and zirconium addition on magnetic properties of Sm2Fe17 melt-spun ribbons
Authors: Saito Tetsuji , Nishio-Hamane Daisuke
Published: January 2018

The structures and magnetic properties of Sm2(Fe,Co)17 melt-spun ribbons with Ti and Zr added in the ratios of (Sm1-xZrx)2(Fe0.7Co0.3)17-yTiy (x=0–0.3, y=0–2.0) were investigated. The (Sm1-xZrx)2(Fe0.7Co0.3)17-yTiy (x=0–0.3, y=0–2.0) melt-spun ribbons showed low coercivity, but after annealing their coercivity differed according to the amounts of Zr and Ti contained. Structural studies revealed that the addition of Ti and Zr to the Sm2(Fe,Co)17 alloys resulted in a change from the Th2Zn17-type phase to the ThMn12-type phase. It was found that the specimens with a low coercivity retained the Th2Zn17-type phase (an average diameter of 100 nm), whereas the specimens with a high coercivity mainly consisted of the ThMn12-type phase (an average diameter of 30 nm). Among the specimens tested, (Sm0.7Zr0.3)2(Fe0.7Co0.3)15.5Ti1.5 melt-spun ribbon with the ThMn12-type phase exhibited a high coercivity of 4.0 kOe.
Giant room-temperature electrostrictive coefficients in lead-free relaxor ferroelectric ceramics by compositional tuning
Authors: Ullah Aman , Gul Hafiza Bushra , Ullah Amir , Sheeraz Muhammad , Bae Jong-Seong , Jo Wook , Ahn Chang Won , Kim Ill Won , Kim Tae Heon
Published: January 2018

A thermotropic phase boundary between non-ergodic and ergodic relaxor phases is tuned in lead-free Bi1/2Na1/2TiO3-based ceramics through a structural transition driven by compositional modification (usually named as “morphotropic approach”). The substitution of Bi(Ni1/2Ti1/2)O3 for Bi1/2(Na0.78K0.22)1/2TiO3 induces a transition from tetragonal to “metrically” cubic phase and thereby, the ergodic relaxor ferroelectric phase becomes predominant at room temperature. A shift of the transition temperature (denoted as TF-R) in the non-ergodic-to-ergodic phase transition is corroborated via temperature-dependent dielectric permittivity and loss measurements. By monitoring the chemical composition dependence of polarization-electric field and strain-electric field hysteresis loops, it is possible to track the critical concentration of Bi(Ni1/2Ti1/2)O3 where the (1 − x)Bi0.5(Na0.78K0.22)0.5TiO3-xBi(Ni0.5Ti0.5)O3 ceramic undergoes the phase transition around room temperature. At the Bi(Ni0.5Ti0.5)O3 content of x = 0.050, the highest room-temperature electrostrictive coefficient of 0.030 m4/C2 is achieved with no hysteretic characteristic, which can foster the realization of actual electrostrictive devices with high operational efficiency at room temperature.
The modulation of oxygen vacancies by the combined current effect and temperature cycling in La0.7Sr0.3CoO3 film
Authors: Li J. , Wang J. , Kuang H. , Zhao Y. Y. , Qiao K. M. , Liu Y. , Hu F. X. , Sun J. R. , Shen B. G.
Published: January 2018

Modulating the oxygen defect concentration has been accepted as an effective method to obtain high catalytic activity in perovskite cobaltites. However, controllably modifying the oxygen vacancy is still a challenge in this type of materials, which strongly obstructs their application. Here, we report a successful oxygen vacancies modulation in the La0.7Sr0.3CoO3 (LSCO) film by using combined current effect and temperature cycling. The temperature dependent transport properties of the LSCO/LAO film were investigated. The results revealed that the resistance of the film keeps increasing under the repeated measurements. It was found that the accumulation of the oxygen vacancy by current effect transforms the Co4+ ion into Co3+ ion, which results in the enhancement of the resistance and thus the transport switching behavior. Moreover, the resistance in the cooling process was found to be much higher than that in previous cooling and heating processes, which indicates that the oxygen escapes more quickly in the high temperature region. On the other hand, our analysis indicates that the CoO6 distortion may contribute to the switching of transport behaviors in the low temperature region. Our work provides an effective and controllable way to modulate oxygen defect in the perovskite-type oxides.
High performance ultraviolet photodetectors with atomic-layer-deposited ZnO films via low-temperature post-annealing in air
Authors: Gao Jian , Liu Wen-Jun , Ding Shi-Jin , Lu Hong-Liang , Zhang David Wei
Published: January 2018

In this work, we have investigated the effect of low temperature post-annealing in air on atomic-layer-deposited ZnO metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) ultraviolet photodetectors (UV PDs). The results indicate that the post-annealing could reduce the dark-current of the MSM device by ten orders of magnitude; however, it also decreased the photo-current of the UV PD by one order of magnitude. The former could be related to the reduction of oxygen vacancies and the crystallization enhancement of the ZnO film; the latter should be attributed to the reduction of defects in the ZnO film, thus resulting in a smaller decrease in thermionic-field emission tunneling barrier because of reduced holes trapped near the interface. For the post-annealing at 250 oC for 30 min, the dark-current was equal to 5.16×10-11 A, and the ultraviolet-visible rejection ratio approached 1.4×106, and the responsivity was as high as 1.78×103 A/W at 5V. Further, prolonging annealing time at a lower temperature (200 oC) also could greatly improve the performance of the UV PD, i.e., 90 min annealing produced a quite large responsivity of 1.30×104 A/W at 5 V while maintaining a very low dark-current (1.42×10-10 A) and a large ultraviolet-visible rejection ratio (4.06×105).
Characterization of the inhomogeneous barrier distribution in a Pt/(100)β-Ga2O3 Schottky diode via its temperature-dependent electrical properties
Authors: Jian Guangzhong , He Qiming , Mu Wenxiang , Fu Bo , Dong Hang , Qin Yuan , Zhang Ying , Xue Huiwen , Long Shibing , Jia Zhitai , Lv Hangbing , Liu Qi , Tao Xutang , Liu Ming
Published: January 2018

β-Ga2O3 is an ultra-wide bandgap semiconductor with applications in power electronic devices. Revealing the transport characteristics of β-Ga2O3 devices at various temperatures is important for improving device performance and reliability. In this study, we fabricated a Pt/β-Ga2O3 Schottky barrier diode with good performance characteristics, such as a low ON-resistance, high forward current, and a large rectification ratio. Its temperature-dependent current–voltage and capacitance–voltage characteristics were measured at various temperatures. The characteristic diode parameters were derived using thermionic emission theory. The ideality factor n was found to decrease from 2.57 to 1.16 while the zero-bias barrier height Φb0 increased from 0.47 V to 1.00 V when the temperature was increased from 125 K to 350 K. This was explained by the Gaussian distribution of barrier height inhomogeneity. The mean barrier height Φ¯b0 = 1.27 V and zero-bias standard deviation σ0 = 0.13 V were obtained. A modified Richardson plot gave a Richardson constant A* of 36.02 A·cm−2·K−2, which is close to the theoretical value of 41.11 A·cm−2·K−2. The differences between the barrier heights determined using the capacitance–voltage and current–voltage curves were also in line with the Gaussian distribution of barrier height inhomogeneity.
Investigation of coercivity for electroplated Fe-Ni thick films
Authors: Yanai T. , Eguchi K. , Koda K. , Kaji J. , Aramaki H. , Takashima K. , Nakano M. , Fukunaga H.
Published: January 2018

We have already reported Fe-Ni firms with good soft magnetic properties prepared by using an electroplating method. In our previous studies, we prepared the Fe-Ni films from citric-acid-based baths (CA-baths) and ammonium-chloride-based ones (AC-baths), and confirmed that the coercivity for the AC-baths was lower than that for the CA-baths. In the present study, we investigated reasons for the lower coercivity for the AC-baths to further improve the soft magnetic properties. From an observation of magnetic domains of the Fe22Ni78 films, we found that Fe22Ni78 film for AC-bath had a magnetic anisotropy in the width direction, and also found that the coercivity in the width direction was lower than the longitudinal one for the AC-bath. As an annealing for a stress relaxation in the films reduced the difference in the coercivity, we considered that the anisotropy is attributed to the magneto-elastic effect.