bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fully Printed Wearable Vital Sensor for Human Pulse Rate Monitoring using Ferroelectric Polymer
Authors: Sekine Tomohito , Sugano Ryo , Tashiro Tomoya , Sato Jun , Takeda Yasunori , Matsui Hiroyuki , Kumaki Daisuke , Domingues Dos Santos Fabrice , Miyabo Atsushi , Tokito Shizuo
Published: March 2018

The ability to monitor subtle changes in vital and arterial signals using flexible devices attached to the human skin can be valuable for the detection of various health conditions such as cardiovascular disease. Conventional Si device technologies are being utilised in traditional clinical systems; however, its fabrication is not easy owing to the difficulties in adapting to conventional processes. Here, we present the development of a fully printed, wearable, ferroelectric-polymer vital sensor for monitoring the human pulse wave/rate on the skin. This vital sensor is compact, thin, sufficiently flexible, and conforms to the skin while providing high pressure sensitivity, fast response time, superior operational stability, and excellent mechanical fatigue properties. Moreover, the vital sensor is connected to a communication amplifier circuit for monitoring the pulse waves with a wireless sensing system. This sensor system can realise the development of new healthcare devices for wearable sensor applications.
Novel 2-pheynlbenzofuran derivatives as selective butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Kumar Amit , Pintus Francesca , Di Petrillo Amalia , Medda Rosaria , Caria Paola , Matos Maria João , Viña Dolores , Pieroni Enrico , Delogu Francesco , Era Benedetta , Delogu Giovanna L. , Fais Antonella
Published: March 2018

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder representing the leading cause of dementia and is affecting nearly 44 million people worldwide. AD is characterized by a progressive decline in acetylcholine levels in the cholinergic systems, which results in severe memory loss and cognitive impairments. Expression levels and activity of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzyme has been noted to increase significantly in the late stages of AD, thus making it a viable drug target. A series of hydroxylated 2-phenylbenzofurans compounds were designed, synthesized and their inhibitory activities toward acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and BChE enzymes were evaluated. Two compounds (15 and 17) displayed higher inhibitory activity towards BChE with IC50 values of 6.23 μM and 3.57 μM, and a good antioxidant activity with EC50 values 14.9 μM and 16.7 μM, respectively. The same compounds further exhibited selective inhibitory activity against BChE over AChE. Computational studies were used to compare protein-binding pockets and evaluate the interaction fingerprints of the compound. Molecular simulations showed a conserved protein residue interaction network between the compounds, resulting in similar interaction energy values. Thus, combination of biochemical and computational approaches could represent rational guidelines for further structural modification of these hydroxy-benzofuran derivatives as future drugs for treatment of AD.
Recovery from supercooling, freezing, and cryopreservation stress in larvae of the drosophilid fly, Chymomyza costata
Authors: Štětina Tomáš , Hůla Petr , Moos Martin , Šimek Petr , Šmilauer Petr , Koštál Vladimír
Published: March 2018

Physiological adjustments accompanying insect cold acclimation prior to cold stress have been relatively well explored. In contrast, recovery from cold stress received much less attention. Here we report on recovery of drosophilid fly larvae (Chymomyza costata) from three different levels of cold stress: supercooling to −10 °C, freezing at −30 °C, and cryopreservation at −196 °C. Analysis of larval CO2 production suggested that recovery from all three cold stresses requires access to additional energy reserves to support cold-injury repair processes. Metabolomic profiling (targeting 41 metabolites using mass spectrometry) and custom microarray analysis (targeting 1,124 candidate mRNA sequences) indicated that additional energy was needed to: clear by-products of anaerobic metabolism, deal with oxidative stress, re-fold partially denatured proteins, and remove damaged proteins, complexes and/or organelles. Metabolomic and transcriptomic recovery profiles were closely similar in supercooled and frozen larvae, most of which successfully repaired the cold injury and metamorphosed into adults. In contrast, the majority of cryopreseved larvae failed to proceed in ontogenesis, showed specific metabolic perturbations suggesting impaired mitochondrial function, and failed to up-regulate a set of 116 specific genes potentially linked to repair of cold injury.
Azolla along a phosphorus gradient: biphasic growth response linked to diazotroph traits and phosphorus-induced iron chlorosis
Authors: Temmink Ralph J. M. , Harpenslager Sarah F. , Smolders Alfons J. P. , van Dijk Gijs , Peters Roy C. J. H. , Lamers Leon P. M. , van Kempen Monique M. L.
Published: March 2018

Azolla spp., a water fern often used for phytoremediation, is a strong phosphorus (P) accumulator due to its high growth rate and N2 fixing symbionts (diazotrophs). It is known that plant growth is stimulated by P, but the nature of the interactive response of both symbionts along a P gradient, and related changes in growth-limiting factors, are unclear. We determined growth, and N and P sequestration rates of Azolla filiculoides in N-free water at different P concentrations. The growth response appeared to be biphasic and highest at levels ≥10 P µmol l−1. Diazotrophic N sequestration increased upon P addition, and rates were three times higher at high P than at low P. At 10 µmol P l−1, N sequestration rates reached its maximum and A. filiculoides growth became saturated. Due to luxury consumption, P sequestration rates increased until 50 µmol P l−1. At higher P concentrations (≥50 µmol l−1), however, chlorosis occurred that seems to be caused by iron- (Fe-), and not by N-deficiency. We demonstrate that traits of the complete symbiosis in relation to P and Fe availability determine plant performance, stressing the role of nutrient stoichiometry. The results are discussed regarding Azolla’s potential use in a bio-based economy.
Seasonally varying footprint of climate change on precipitation in the Middle East
Authors: Tabari Hossein , Willems Patrick
Published: March 2018

Climate change is expected to alter precipitation patterns; however, the amplitude of the change may broadly differ across seasons. Combining different seasons may mask contrasting climate change signals in individual seasons, leading to weakened signals and misleading impact results. A realistic assessment of future climate change is of great importance for arid regions, which are more vulnerable to any change in extreme events as their infrastructure is less experienced or not well adapted for extreme conditions. Our results show that climate change signals and associated uncertainties over the Middle East region remarkably vary with seasons. The region is identified as a climate change hotspot where rare extreme precipitation events are expected to intensify for all seasons, with a “highest increase in autumn, lowest increase in spring” pattern which switches to the “increase in autumn, decrease in spring” pattern for less extreme precipitation. This pattern is also held for mean precipitation, violating the “wet gets wetter, dry gets drier” paradigm.
Transcriptomic analysis of transgressive segregants revealed the central role of photosynthetic capacity and efficiency in biomass accumulation in sugarcane
Authors: Singh Ratnesh , Jones Tyler , Wai Ching Man , Jifon John , Nagai Chifumi , Ming Ray , Yu Qingyi
Published: March 2018

Sugarcane is among the most efficient crops in converting solar energy into chemical energy. However, due to its complex genome structure and inheritance, the genetic and molecular basis of biomass yield in sugarcane is still largely unknown. We created an F2 segregating population by crossing S. officinarum and S. spontaneum and evaluated the biomass yield of the F2 individuals. The F2 individuals exhibited clear transgressive segregation in biomass yield. We sequenced transcriptomes of source and sink tissues from 12 selected extreme segregants to explore the molecular basis of high biomass yield for future breeding of high-yielding energy canes. Among the 103,664 assembled unigenes, 10,115 and 728 showed significant differential expression patterns between the two extreme segregating groups in the top visible dewlap leaf and the 9th culm internode, respectively. The most enriched functional categories were photosynthesis and fermentation in the high-biomass and the low-biomass groups, respectively. Our results revealed that high-biomass yield was mainly determined by assimilation of carbon in source tissues. The high-level expression of fermentative genes in the low-biomass group was likely induced by their low-energy status. Group-specific expression alleles which can be applied in the development of new high-yielding energy cane varieties via molecular breeding were identified.
Unveiling new interdependencies between significant DNA methylation sites, gene expression profiles and glioma patients survival
Authors: Dabrowski Michal J. , Draminski Michal , Diamanti Klev , Stepniak Karolina , Mozolewska Magdalena A. , Teisseyre Paweł , Koronacki Jacek , Komorowski Jan , Kaminska Bozena , Wojtas Bartosz
Published: March 2018

In order to find clinically useful prognostic markers for glioma patients’ survival, we employed Monte Carlo Feature Selection and Interdependencies Discovery (MCFS-ID) algorithm on DNA methylation (HumanMethylation450 platform) and RNA-seq datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) for 88 patients observed until death. The input features were ranked according to their importance in predicting patients’ longer (400+ days) or shorter (≤400 days) survival without prior classification of the patients. Interestingly, out of the 65 most important features found, 63 are methylation sites, and only two mRNAs. Moreover, 61 out of the 63 methylation sites are among those detected by the 450 k array technology, while being absent in the HumanMethylation27. The most important methylation feature (cg15072976) overlaps with the RE1 Silencing Transcription Factor (REST) binding site, and was confirmed to intersect with the REST binding motif in human U87 glioma cells. Six additional methylation sites from the top 63 overlap with REST sites. We found that the methylation status of the cg15072976 site affects transcription factor binding in U87 cells in gel shift assay. The cg15072976 methylation status discriminates ≤400 and 400+ patients in an independent dataset from TCGA and shows positive association with survival time as evidenced by Kaplan-Meier plots.
High planktonic diversity in mountain lakes contains similar contributions of autotrophic, heterotrophic and parasitic eukaryotic life forms
Authors: Ortiz-Álvarez Rüdiger , Triadó-Margarit Xavier , Camarero Lluís , Casamayor Emilio O. , Catalan Jordi
Published: March 2018

A rich eukaryotic planktonic community exists in high-mountain lakes despite the diluted, oligotrophic and cold, harsh prevailing conditions. Attempts of an overarching appraisal have been traditionally hampered by observational limitations of small, colorless, and soft eukaryotes. We aimed to uncover the regional eukaryotic biodiversity of a mountain lakes district to obtain general conclusions on diversity patterns, dominance, geographic diversification, and food-web players common to oligotrophic worldwide distributed freshwater systems. An unprecedented survey of 227 high-altitude lakes comprising large environmental gradients was carried out using Illumina massive tag sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene. We observed a large Chrysophyceae dominance in richness, abundance and novelty, and unveiled an unexpected richness in heterotrophic phagotrophs and parasites. In particular, Cercozoa and Chytridiomycota showed diversity features similar to the dominant autotrophic groups. The prominent beta-dispersion shown by parasites suggests highly specific interactions and a relevant role in food webs. Interestingly, the freshwater Pyrenean metacommunity contained more diverse specific populations than its closest marine oligotrophic equivalent, with consistently higher beta-diversity. The relevance of unseen groups opens new perspectives for the better understanding of planktonic food webs. Mountain lakes, with remarkable environmental idiosyncrasies, may be suitable environments for the genetic diversification of microscopic eukaryotic life forms.
The influence of dietary fat and intestinal pH on calcium bioaccessibility: anin vitrostudy
Authors: Bandali E. , Wang Y. , Lan Y. , Rogers M. A. , Shapses S. A.
Published: March 2018

In vivostudies measuring true fractional calcium (Ca) absorption have shown that dietary fat is a significant predictor of absorption and is influenced by luminal pH levels.
Application of pulsed electric fields to tomato fruit for enhancing the bioaccessibility of carotenoids in derived products
Authors: González-Casado Sandra , Martín-Belloso Olga , Elez-Martínez Pedro , Soliva-Fortuny Robert
Published: March 2018

The application of pulsed electric fields (PEFs) to whole tomatoes is proposed as a pre-processing treatment to obtain purees with high health-related properties.
Unique chemistry of non-heme iron enzymes in fungal biosynthetic pathways
Authors: Nakamura Hitomi , Matsuda Yudai , Abe Ikuro
Published: March 2018

Reactions by non-heme iron enzymes in structurally intriguing fungal natural products pathways are summarized and discussed.
A 3D interconnected NH4Fe0.6V2.4O7.4@C nanocomposite with superior sodium storage properties
Authors: Xiong Zhenmin , Chen Lei , Zhao Long , Zhao Yanming , Feng Jingjie , Huang Chun mao , Dong Youzhong , Zhang Hui , Wang Yang , Kuang Quan , Fan Qinghua , Liu Shenghong , Chen Siyuan
Published: March 2018

A novel 3D interconnected NH4Fe0.6V2.4O7.4@C nanocomposite wasin situsynthesized through a facile hydrothermal reaction at low temperature (98 °C), and its electrochemical performance as a cathode for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) was investigated for the first time.
Insights into the isothiourea-catalyzed asymmetric [4 + 2] annulation of phenylacetic acid with alkylidene pyrazolone
Authors: Shi Qianqian , Zhang Wei , Wang Yang , Qu Lingbo , Wei Donghui
Published: March 2018

A computational study on the isothiourea-catalyzed asymmetric [4 + 2] annulation of phenylacetic acid with alkylidene pyrazolone was performed using the DFT method.
Insights into the mechanism of concomitant nucleation of form II and ethanol solvate of spironolactone in cooling crystallization
Authors: Jia Lihong , Yin Qiuxiang , Zhou Lina , Zhang Xia , Wang Chang , Du Wei , Zhou Ling
Published: March 2018

Kinetic and thermodynamic factors were studied to understand the concomitant nucleation of form II and ethanol solvate of spironolactone.
Self-standing and shape-memorable UV-curing epoxy polymers for three-dimensional (3D) continuous-filament printing
Authors: Sun H. , Kim Y. , Kim Y. C. , Park I. K. , Suhr J. , Byun D. , Choi H. R. , Kuk K. , Baek O. H. , Jung Y. K. , Choi H. J. , Kim K. J. , Nam J. D.
Published: March 2018

Hydrogen-bond networks with adjacent molecules were formed to provide a developed material, which has self-standing solid-like characteristics enabling its implementation in 3D continuous-filament printing.
Interplay between single-ion magnetism, single-chain magnetism and long-range ordering in the spin chain oxides Sr4−xCaxMn2CoO9
Authors: Seikh Md. Motin , Caignaert Vincent , Perez Olivier , Raveau Bernard , Hardy Vincent
Published: March 2018

Differently from Ca3CoMnO6 the triangular spin chain oxides Sr4−xCaxMn2CoO9 have been synthesized for a large compositional range, 0 ≤ x ≤ 2.7, allowing the study of the impact of chemical pressure on their magnetic properties.
Identification of phenolic compounds inEugenia unifloraleaves by FTICR MS in association with different ionization sources
Authors: de Oliveira Fernanda. M. G. , Romão Wanderson , Kuster Ricardo. M.
Published: March 2018

Eugenia unifloraleaves are a rich source of phenolic compounds with biological activities.
Enzyme/pH-sensitive polyHPMA–DOX conjugate as a biocompatible and efficient anticancer agent
Authors: Ou Yuan , Chen Kai , Cai Hao , Zhang Hu , Gong Qiyong , Wang Jian , Chen Wei , Luo Kui
Published: March 2018

An enzyme-responsive biodegradableN-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide (HPMA) polymer–DOX conjugate with high molecular weight has been prepared as a pH-sensitive anticancer agent, demonstrating excellent biosafety, high accumulation in tumors and significantly enhanced anticancer efficacy.
The influence of manganese concentration on the sensitivity of bandshape and lifetime luminescent thermometers based on Y3Al5O12:Mn3+,Mn4+,Nd3+ nanocrystals
Authors: Trejgis K. , Marciniak L.
Published: March 2018

Luminescent thermometers based on transition metal and lanthanide ion codoped nanocrystals have become a group of non-contact thermometers which are gaining importance due to their high sensitivity upon temperature changes.
Multi-Ni@Ni phyllosilicate hollow sphere for CO2 reforming of CH4: influence of Ni precursors on structure, sintering, and carbon resistance
Authors: Li Ziwei , Kawi Sibudjing
Published: March 2018

Multi-Ni@Ni phyllosilicate hollow spheres synthesized with Ni(acac)2 precursor via hydrothermal and H2 reduction method have unique pore structure and strong interaction between Ni and Ni phyllosilicate which help prevent Ni sintering and carbon deposition, yielding excellent catalytic performance for CO2 reforming of CH4 reaction.
Four-coordinated see-sawN-(aryl)-2-(propan-2-ylidene)hydrazinecarbothioamide complexes of nickel(ii), copper(ii) and zinc(ii) and their propensity for catalytic cyclisation
Authors: Tarai Arup , Baruah Jubaraj B.
Published: March 2018

Four-coordinated metal complexes of two hydrazinecarbothioamide-derived ligands with divalent nickel, copper and zinc are described and the selective reactivity difference of copper(ii) to cyclise the ligand or to form a complex is described.
Nano-QSAR modeling for ecosafe design of heterogeneous TiO2-based nano-photocatalysts
Authors: Mikolajczyk Alicja , Gajewicz Agnieszka , Mulkiewicz Ewa , Rasulev Bakhtiyor , Marchelek Martyna , Diak Magdalena , Hirano Seishiro , Zaleska-Medynska Adriana , Puzyn Tomasz
Published: March 2018

The human health and environmental risk assessment of engineered nanomaterials (NPs) is nowadays of high interest.
Hierarchically structured iron-doped silver (Ag–Fe) lotus flowers for an efficient oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: El-Nagar Gumaa A. , Lauermann Iver , Sarhan Radwan M. , Roth Christina
Published: March 2018

Iron-doped silver with lotus-like flower structures as efficient ORR electrocatalysts with outstanding stability and tolerance against various hydrocarbon impurities.
Improving Luttinger-liquid plasmons in carbon nanotubes by chemical doping
Authors: Tian Xiaoling , Gu Qingyuan , Duan Jiahua , Chen Runkun , Liu Huaping , Hou Yanxue , Chen Jianing
Published: March 2018

We increased the charge carrier density in semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (s-SWCNTs) by HNO3 doping and achieved real-space imaging of plasmons in s-SWCNTs.
Nanoscale mapping of catalytic hotspots on Fe, N-modified HOPG by scanning electrochemical microscopy-atomic force microscopy
Authors: Kolagatla Srikanth , Subramanian Palaniappan , Schechter Alex
Published: March 2018

The scanning electrochemical microscopy-atomic force microscopy (SECM-AFM) technique is used to map catalytic currents post Fe and N surface modification of graphitic carbon with an ultra-high resolution of 50 nm.
Synthesis and application of a new hexamethyl-1,1′-spirobiindane-based chiral bisphosphine (HMSI-PHOS) ligand in asymmetric allylic alkylation
Authors: Chang Shirui , Wang Lei , Lin Xufeng
Published: March 2018

A new class of hexamethyl-1,1′-spirobiindane-based chiral bisphosphine ligand was synthesized and used in Pd-catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylation reactions.
Computed thermodynamic stabilities of silylium Lewis base adducts
Authors: Roselli Christina A. , Gagné Michel R.
Published: March 2018

We report a computational study of the transfer of silylium from phosphine to heteroatom containing Lewis bases including ethers, phosphines, and amines.
First characterisation of two important postulated intermediates in the formation of a HydT DNA lesion, a thymidine oxidation product
Authors: Psykarakis Emmanuel E. , Chatzopoulou Elli , Gimisis Thanasis
Published: March 2018

Two postulated intermediates in the formation of the DNA lesion HydT, the N1-formyl-N3-pyruvoylurea II and the long sought, open-chain pyruvoyl-urea I, have been characterised for the first time.
Cu(0)-RDRP of acrylates based on p-type organic semiconductors
Authors: Sauvé Ethan R. , Tonge Christopher M. , Paisley Nathan R. , Cheng Susan , Hudson Zachary M.
Published: March 2018

A series of four acrylic monomers were synthesized based on p-type organic semiconductor motifs found commonly in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) and organic photovoltaics (OPVs).
Anisotropy of CoII transferred to the Cr7Co polymetallic cluster via strong exchange interactions
Authors: Garlatti Elena , Guidi Tatiana , Chiesa Alessandro , Ansbro Simon , Baker Michael L. , Ollivier Jacques , Mutka Hannu , Timco Grigore A. , Vitorica-Yrezabal Inigo , Pavarini Eva , Santini Paolo , Amoretti Giuseppe , Winpenny Richard E. P. , Carretta Stefano
Published: March 2018

In the Cr7Co model-system the anisotropy of CoII is effectively transferred to the whole cluster through strong and anisotropic exchange interactions.
Oxygen vacancy-rich, Ru-doped In2O3ultrathin nanosheets for efficient detection of xylene at low temperature
Authors: Wang Jin , Su Juan , Chen Hui , Zou Xiaoxin , Li Guo-Dong
Published: March 2018

The xylene sensing performance of In2O3has been enhanced greatly by doping ruthenium into In2O3nanosheets at low working temperature.
Phase-transition-induced giant enhancement of red emission in Mn4+-doped fluoride elpasolite phosphors
Authors: Zhu Yiwen , Chen Daqin , Huang Lin , Liu Yong , Brik Mikhail G. , Zhong Jiasong , Wang Jing
Published: March 2018

Mn4+-Doped red fluoride phosphors have attracted significant interest of researchers because of their excellent luminescence properties that can address the issue of the lack of red light components in commercial white light-emitting-diodes (WLEDs).
Individual heavy metal exposure and birth outcomes in Shenqiu county along the Huai River Basin in China
Authors: Lin Zhiqing , Chen Xi , Xi Zhuge , Lin Shaobin , Sun Xin , Jiang Xiao , Tian Haoyuan
Published: March 2018

Exposure to heavy metals during pregnancy is an important risk factor for adverse birth outcomes.
Comparison of ambiguity function of eigenwaveform to wideband and pulsed radar waveforms: a comprehensive tutorial
Authors: Nieh Jo‐Yen , Romero Ric A.
Published: March 2018

The authors present a comprehensive research tutorial on the ambiguity function (AF) of eigenwaveform for extended targets compared to AFs of common radar waveforms (e.g. wideband and pulsed waveforms). They present new findings of AF properties that contradict classical AF results for the point target assumption. It is shown that the AF properties (peak and volume) for an extended target are not constant thereby contradicting AF properties of waveforms for a point target. They investigate corresponding AFs and note many advantages (or few disadvantages) of using eigenwaveform compared to classical wideband and rectangular‐pulsed waveforms. They investigate unambiguous range, range resolution, Doppler resolution, and detection probability of various waveforms for insightful engineering trade‐offs. For illustration, they utilise two extended target models to show that these parameters are not only functions of the transmit waveform but also of the nature of the target. They use both single‐pulse and pulse‐train waveforms to produce AFs to illustrate the effect on Doppler and range ambiguities and resolutions. Finally, they investigate range‐Doppler map (RDM) applications of the traditional waveforms and compared them with eigenwaveform RDM. They conclude that the eigenwaveform is superior in probability of detection and Doppler considerations compared to wideband and rectangular waveforms.
Speed‐sensorless direct torque control scheme for matrix converter driven induction motor
Authors: Guo Yu , Wang Xiao , Guo Yougui , Deng Wenlang
Published: March 2018

A speed‐sensorless direct torque control (DTC) system and control means of AC motor based on matrix converter (MC) fed was proposed, for reducing harmonic pollution and advancing control accuracy. At the base of expounding MC and speed‐sensorless DTC means, both the fusion technology and model reference of rotational speed are discussed with emphasis, and the latter has adaptive parameters. Experimental results show that accuracy of parameter identification is higher than the measurable accuracy of measure module, and dynamic response is also fast, the predominance of MC and DTC are exerted at the same time. The system not only can realise the control request of torque and flux linkage as speed accelerates or loaded torque of AC motor changes, but also can run steadily, furthermore actualise energy bi‐directional flow and input unity power factor.
Oxygen and zinc abundances in 417 Galactic bulge red giants
Authors: da Silveira C. R. , Barbuy B. , Friaça A. C. S. , Hill V. , Zoccali M. , Rafelski M. , Gonzalez O. A. , Minniti D. , Renzini A. , Ortolani S.
Published: March 2018

Context. Oxygen and zinc in the Galactic bulge are key elements for the understanding of the bulge chemical evolution. Oxygen-to-iron abundance ratios provide a most robust indicator of the star formation rate and chemical evolution of the bulge. Zinc is enhanced in metal-poor stars, behaving as an α-element, and its production may require nucleosynthesis in hypernovae. Most of the neutral gas at high redshift is in damped Lyman-alpha systems (DLAs), where Zn is also observed to behave as an α-element.

Aims. The aim of this work is the derivation of the α-element oxygen, together with nitrogen, and the iron-peak element zinc abundances in 417 bulge giants, from moderate resolution (R ~ 22 000) FLAMES-GIRAFFE spectra. For stars in common with a set of UVES spectra with higher resolution (R ~ 45 000), the data are intercompared. The results are compared with literature data and chemodynamical models.

Methods. We studied the spectra obtained for a large sample of red giant stars, chosen to be one magnitude above the horizontal branch, using FLAMES-GIRAFFE on the Very Large Telescope. We computed the O abundances using the forbidden [OI] 6300.3 Å and Zn abundances using the Zn I 6362.34 Å lines. Stellar parameters for these stars were established in a previous work from our group.

Results. We present oxygen abundances for 358 stars, nitrogen abundances for 403 stars and zinc abundances were derived for 333 stars. Having oxygen abundances for this large sample adds information in particular at the moderate metallicities of −1.6 < [Fe/H] < −0.8. Zn behaves as an α-element, very similarly to O, Si, and Ca. It shows the same trend as a function of metallicity as the α-elements, i.e., a turnover around [Fe/H] ~ − 0.6, and then decreasing with increasing metallicity. The results are compared with chemodynamical evolution models of O and Zn enrichment for a classical bulge. DLAs also show an enhanced zinc-to-iron ratio, suggesting they may be enriched by hypernovae.
Der Hintergrund: Mit Schwung in eine neue Kultur
Authors: Hofmann Josefine
Published: March 2018

Dieser Artikel ist nur als PDF-Dokument verfügbar.
XPOMET – Klinische Studien: Neue Technologien revolutionieren die Welt der klinischen Studien
Authors: Reiter Michael
Published: March 2018

XPOMET hat João Bocas eingeladen, um über die sich verändernde Welt klinischer Studien zu sprechen. Der Digital-Health-Experte plädiert dafür, herkömmliche Vorstellungen über Bord zu werfen und althergebrachte Verfahren und Beziehungen neu zu denken.
Eroberungsfeldzug: IT-Giganten auf dem Vormarsch im Gesundheitsmarkt?
Authors: Bauer Mirjam , Reiter Michael
Published: March 2018

Die großen IT-Player wie Microsoft, Google, Apple und IBM haben das Gesundheitswesen längst entdeckt. Ihre Aktivitäten und Investitionen in Milliardenhöhe – in vielversprechende Projekte im Rahmen künstlicher Intelligenz, Robotik, 3D Druck etc. – sprechen für sich. Der Markt verändert sich … welche Auswirkungen hat dies auf die heutigen Akteure?
Medizin 4.0: Optimierung durch Künstliche Intelligenz?
Authors: Bauer Mirjam , Reiter Michael
Published: March 2018

Die Künstliche Intelligenz (KI) zielt darauf ab, die enormen Potenziale auszuschöpfen, die Computer uns heutzutage bieten. In der Medizin hat der Siegeszug der KI inzwischen begonnen – sie ist der prägende Trend der Disziplin. Während Patienten davon profitieren, befürchten jedoch manche Mediziner, dass die Technologie sie künftig ersetzen wird.
Regioexhaustive Functionalization of the Carbocyclic Core of Isoquinoline: Concise Synthesis of Oxoaporphine Core and Ellipticine
Authors: Soós Tibor , Horváth Dániel , Domonyi Frigyes , Palkó Roberta , Lomoschitz Andrea
Published: March 2018

A general and versatile strategy has been developed for the functionalization of the carbocyclic core of the isoquinoline. This regioexhaustive approach employs electrophilic halogenation as a toolbox methodology and delivers highly decorated intermediates that can be further elaborated toward medicinally relevant building blocks or natural products.
Continuous Cardiac Output Measurement during Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Radial Arterial Pulse Wave versus Femoral Arterial Pulse Wave
Authors: Kanchi Muralidhar , Rudresh Manjunath , Das Sucharita
Published: March 2018

Background and Objectives Measurement of cardiac output (CO) during off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OP-CABG) is useful to assess the impact of displacement of heart during surgery. FloTrac uses the pulse-contour analysis algorithm to derive stroke volume (SV) and CO. This study was aimed to determine whether the site of monitoring of arterial pressure influences the CO measurement using Flotrac/Vigileo.

Methods The authors recorded 75 sets of observations in 15 patients who underwent elective OP-CABG. Each patient had the radial and femoral artery cannulated and connected to FloTrac/Vigileo. The hemodynamic parameters were monitored at specified points of time intraoperatively.

Results The CO, cardiac index, SV, stroke volume index, and stroke volume variation measured from radial artery did not differ from those of femoral artery at all points of measurement.

Conclusion Either of the sites of monitoring of arterial pressure (namely radial and femoral artery) is acceptable for monitoring CO during OP-CABG.
Interhemispheric, Translamina Terminalis Approach for the Resection of Suprasellar Cavernous Malformation
Authors: Zenonos Georgios , Gardner Paul
Published: March 2018

Objectives The current video presents the nuances of an interhemispheric, translamina terminalis approach for the resection of suprasellar cavernous malformation.

Design The video analyzes the presentation, preoperative workup and imaging, surgical steps and technical nuances of the surgery, the clinical outcome, and follow-up imaging.

Setting The patient was treated by a skull base team at a teaching academic institution.

Participants The case refers to a 64-year-old female who presented with vision loss and confusion, and was found to have a suprasellar mass, with imaging characteristics consistent with a cavernous malformation of the third ventricle.

Main Outcome Measures The main outcome measures consist of the reversal of the patient symptoms (vision loss and confusion), the recurrence-free survival based on imaging, as well as the absence of any complications.

Results The patient's mental status improved slightly after surgery. There was no evidence of recurrence.

Conclusions The interhemispheric, translamina terminalis approach is safe and effective for the resection of suprasellar cavernous malformations.

The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/z6RSAM_GnBA.
ECMO in Poisoning
Authors: Gupta Vivek , Wander Gurpreet S.
Published: March 2018

Severe poisoning may lead to life-threatening situation or death due to cardiovascular dysfunction, arrhythmia, or cardiogenic shock. The poisoning substance varies in different parts of world; in the Western world, the drugs with cardiotoxic potential are more common, while pesticides and other household toxins are common in the rest of the world. However, most of these patients are relatively young and otherwise healthy irrespective of poisoning substances. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has regained interest in recent past and now its use is being explored for newer indications. The use of ECMO in poisoning has shown promising results as salvage therapy and can be used as bridge to recovery, antidote, and toxin removal with renal replacement therapy or transplant. The ECMO has been used in those poisoned patients who have persistent cardiogenic shock or refractory hypoxemia despite adequate supportive therapy. ECMO may be useful in providing adequate cardiac output and maintain tissue perfusion which helps in the redistribution of toxins from central circulation and facilitate the metabolism and excretion. However, the available literature is not sufficient and is based on case reports, case series, and retrospective cohort study. In spite of high mortality with severe poisoning and encouraging outcome with use of ECMO, it is an underutilized modality across the world. Though evidences suggest that early consideration of ECMO in severely poisoned patients with refractory cardiac arrest or hemodynamic compromise refractory to standard therapies may be beneficial, the right time to start ECMO in poisoned patients, criteria to start ECMO, and prognostication prior to initiation of ECMO is yet to be answered. Future studies and publications may address these issues, whereas the ELSO (Extracorporeal Life Support Organization) data registry may help in collecting global data on poisoning more effectively.
Multiple Hereditary Exostoses: Report of an EXT2 Gene Mutation in a Colombian Family
Authors: Camacho-Cruz Jhon , Gutierrez Luz Dary , Rubio Cladelis , Suárez Alfonso , Amaya Angie
Published: March 2018

Multiple hereditary exostoses (MHE) is a rare disease with autosomal dominant inheritance, caused by heterozygous germline mutations in the EXT1 or EXT2 genes. This disorder is characterized by the growth of prominences surrounded by cartilage in the growth plates and the long bones. Here, we report a family affected by MHE. In this family, a pathogenic variant c.544C > T (p. Arg182Ter) was identified in the EXT2 gene. This variant has been previously described in the literature, and here we are reporting the relationship with clinical findings. MHE is suspected according to the clinical manifestations; molecular research should be performed to establish the most frequent mutations. A support, diagnosis, and follow-up group should be created, and genetic counseling should be available for patients and families.
Abirateron, gefolgt von Enzalutamid oder umgekehrt?
Authors: Koczorek Michael
Published: March 2018

Mit Abirateronacetat und Enzalutamid stehen für die Erstlinientherapie des nicht oder mild symptomatischen, metastasierten kastrationsresistenten Prostatakarzinoms (mCRPC) zwei antihormonelle Substanzen zur Verfügung. Eine aktuelle Post-hoc- Analyse der zulassungsrelevanten Studie COU-AA-302 bei chemotherapienaiven Patienten zeigte nun, dass ein früher Beginn der Therapie vorteilhaft sein kann.
Für den Notfall gerüstet
Authors: Weisner Thomas
Published: March 2018

Reanimation von Kindern Der kindliche Atem-Kreislauf-Stillstand ist zwar
selten, aber wahrscheinlich gerade deshalb mit hohem emotionalem Stress
verbunden. Für ein möglichst gutes Outcome ist es unerlässlich, dass bei Kindern
vor allem auf die Basismaßnahmen der Reanimation größter Wert gelegt wird.
Anhand der im Oktober 2015 aktualisierten Fassung der Leitlinien zur
kardiopulmonalen Reanimation bei Kindern soll dieser Artikel einen Überblick
über dieses wichtige Thema und die dazugehörigen Handlungsabläufe geben. Zudem
soll der Leser motiviert werden, sich mit Kindernotfällen näher zu beschäftigen
und sich dazu regelmäßig fortzubilden.
Klinische Untersuchung zur Veränderung der kornealen Biomechanik bei Patienten mit systemischer Sklerodermie
Authors: Zimmermann Nicole , Brandt Svea , Brünner Jeanette , Erb Carl
Published: March 2018

Einleitung Die Studie vergleicht die biomechanischen Eigenschaften der Hornhaut bei Patienten mit einer seit mindestens 10 Jahren bestehenden systemischen Sklerodermie (SSc) mit einer gesunden Kontrollkohorte.

Material und Methoden Untersucht wurden 14 SSc-Patienten und 38 Kontrollprobanden. Ein randomisiertes Studienauge wurde auf die kornealen biomechanischen Eigenschaften zentrale Hornhautdicke (CCT), korneale Hysterese (CH) und kornealer Resistenzfaktor (CRF) untersucht. Die Bestimmung des Augeninnendrucks (IOP) erfolgte anhand der Goldmann-Applanationstonometrie (GAT) und der dynamischen Konturtonometrie (DCT) sowie mittels Non-Contact-Tonometrie (NCT) mit dem Ocular Response Analyzer® (ORA) als Goldmann-Applanationstonometrie-korreliertem IOP (IOPgat) und hornhautdickenkompensiertem IOP (IOPcc).

Ergebnisse Der IOP war mittels DCT- und ORA-basierter NCT-Messung bei SSc-Patienten signifikant geringer als bei der Kontrollgruppe (DCT IOP: p = 0,048, NCT IOPgat: p = 0,002, NCT IOPcc: p = 0,000). Die CCT war ebenfalls bei SSc-Patienten signifikant dünner (p = 0,001). Bezüglich der CH und des CRF ergaben sich keine statistisch signifikanten Unterschiede. Die Differenz der korrigierten Parameter (CHkorr – CRFkorr) zeigte in beiden Gruppen eine negative Differenz, die im Gegensatz zur Kontrollgruppe (− 0,66) bei den Sklerodermiepatienten (− 0,83) leicht erniedrigt war. Es bestanden deutliche signifikante negative Korrelationen der CH- und CRF-Werte bzw. CHkorr- und CRFkorr-Werte bei SSc-Patienten. Dagegen zeigte sich in der Kontrollgruppe eine nicht signifikante positive Korrelation von Lebensalter und den biomechanischen Parametern.

Schlussfolgerung Zwischen den untersuchten Gruppen konnte keine Veränderung der biomechanischen Parameter (CH, CRF) festgestellt werden. Eine deutlich vorhandene signifikante negative Korrelation von Lebensalter und CH bzw. CRF bei SSc könnte durch eine leichte Degression der viskösen Komponente und Verringerung der kornealen Dämpfungskapazität bedingt sein. Die dünnere CCT und der erniedrigte Differenzwert lassen auf veränderliche Prozesse in der Zusammensetzung der kornealen Extrazellulärmatrix bei SSc-Patienten schließen.
White light-emitting contrast image capsule endoscopy for visualization of small intestine lesions: a pilot study
Authors: Ogata Noriyuki , Ohtsuka Kazuo , Sasanuma Seiko , Ogawa Masataka , Maeda Yasuharu , Ichimasa Katsuro , Mori Yuichi , Misawa Masashi , Kudo Toyoki , Hisayuki Tomokazu , Hayashi Takemasa , Wakamura Kunihiko , Miyachi Hideyuki , Baba Toshiyuki , Ishida Fumio , Kudo Shin-ei
Published: March 2018

Background and study aims Capsule endoscopy (CE) has become a routine means of diagnosing obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) in the small intestine. Capsules using novel blue-enhanced white light-emitting diodes are expected to acquire clearer contrast images (CIs) of the small bowel vasculature. We conducted a pilot study to examine whether CIs facilitate visualization of small bowel erosions, ulcers, and areas of angioectasia compared with standard white light images (WLIs).

Patients and methods A total of 24 patients with OGIB were recruited in this study. The main outcome measure was visibility of lesions on CIs compared with WLIs. We also examined the color difference between lesions and normal mucosa (ΔE) with each imaging modality.

Results Three experienced physicians retrospectively evaluated 138 images of small bowel lesions (107 erosions, or ulcers, and 31 areas of angioectasia) obtained from 24 CE examinations. The endoscopists judged that compared with WLIs, CIs afforded easier identification of erosions or ulcers in 29 of 107 cases (27.1 %), were non-inferior in 68 of 107 cases (63.6 %), and were inferior in 10 of 107 cases (9.3 %). Identification of angioectasia was judged to be easier with CIs in 15 of 31 cases (48.4 %), non-inferior in 13 of 31 cases (41.9 %), and inferior in 3 of 31 cases (9.7 %). ΔE was significantly higher for CIs than WLIs, especially for angioectasia, potentially explaining why lesions were easier to visualize.

Conclusions CIs obtained by CE appear to facilitate identification of small bowel erosions, ulcers, and areas of angioectasia compared with WLIs.
Field-effect transistors as electrically controllable nonlinear rectifiers for the characterization of terahertz pulses
Authors: Lisauskas Alvydas , Ikamas Kęstutis , Massabeau Sylvain , Bauer Maris , Čibiraitė Dovilė , Matukas Jonas , Mangeney Juliette , Mittendorff Martin , Winnerl Stephan , Krozer Viktor , Roskos Hartmut G.
Published: March 2018

We propose to exploit rectification in field-effect transistors as an electrically controllable higher-order nonlinear phenomenon for the convenient monitoring of the temporal characteristics of THz pulses, for example, by autocorrelation measurements. This option arises because of the existence of a gate-bias-controlled super-linear response at sub-threshold operation conditions when the devices are subjected to THz radiation. We present measurements for different antenna-coupled transistor-based THz detectors (TeraFETs) employing (i) AlGaN/GaN high-electron-mobility and (ii) silicon CMOS field-effect transistors and show that the super-linear behavior in the sub-threshold bias regime is a universal phenomenon to be expected if the amplitude of the high-frequency voltage oscillations exceeds the thermal voltage. The effect is also employed as a tool for the direct determination of the speed of the intrinsic TeraFET response which allows us to avoid limitations set by the read-out circuitry. In particular, we show that the build-up time of the intrinsic rectification signal of a patch-antenna-coupled CMOS detector changes from 20 ps in the deep sub-threshold voltage regime to below 12 ps in the vicinity of the threshold voltage.
O2 adsorbed on Ptn clusters: Structure and optical absorption
Authors: Wang Ruiying , Zhao Liang , Jia Jianfeng , Wu Hai-Shun
Published: March 2018

The interaction of O2 with Ptn and the optical absorption properties of PtnO2 were explored under the framework of density functional theory. The Ptn (n= 2, 4, 6, 9, 10, 14, 18, 22, and 27) clusters were selected, which were reported as magnetic number Ptn clusters in reference (V. Kumar and Y. Kawazoe, Phys. Rev. B 77(20), 205418 (2008)). The single Pt atom was also considered. The longest O2 bonds were found for Pt27O2, Pt6O2 and Pt14O2, while PtO2 and Pt2O2 have the shortest O2 bonds. This result showed that the single Pt atom was not preferred for O2 activation. The O2 bond length was closely related to the electron transfer from Ptn to O2. The optical absorptions of PtnO2 were investigated with time-dependent density functional theory method. A new term of charge transfer strength was defined to estimate the further electron transfer from Ptn to O2 caused by the optical absorption in the visible light range. Our calculations showed that with the increasing n, the further electron transfer from Ptn to O2 caused by optical absorption will become very weak.
New experimental setup investigates plasma’s unusual behavior in strong magnetic fields
Authors: Leahy Rhys
Published: March 2018

Coupling a 50-terawatt laser with a pulsed power generator showed plasma’s previously unmeasured dynamics in strong magnetic fields.
Construction of a superhydrophobic coating using triethoxyvinylsilane-modified silica nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Zhansheng , Yang Weizhong , Sun Feng , Zhang Ping , He Yi , Wang Xuekai , Luo Daibing , Ma Wangjing , Sergio Gonzalez-Cortes
Published: March 2018

A novel superhydrophobic film simulating the structure of a lotus leaf was prepared using triethoxyvinylsilane-modified silica (SiO2) nanoparticles. The surface characteristics of this coating were studied by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy-dispersive spectrometry, atomic force microscope, and static contact angle (CA) measurements. Triethoxyvinylsilane reacted with the hydroxyl groups on the SiO2 surface forming vinyl hydrophobic terminations by ammonia-assisted catalysis. The resulting coating surface showed excellent superhydrophobicity since a CA of 156° could be achieved when the modified silica nanoparticles were coated on glass. This surface repelled aqueous liquids because of its hierarchical roughness and surface vinyl terminations. Its superhydrophobicity and self-cleaning properties were illustrated by the rolling movements of rhodamine-labelled water droplets with red colour on this coating.
Generators of reductions of ideals in a local Noetherian ring with finite residue field
Authors: Fouli Louiza , Olberding Bruce
Published: March 2018

Let

(
R
,

m

)

(R,\mathfrak {m})

be a local Noetherian ring with residue field

k
k

. While much is known about the generating sets of reductions of ideals of

R
R

if

k
k

is infinite, the case in which

k
k

is finite is less well understood. We investigate the existence (or lack thereof) of proper reductions of an ideal of

R
R

and the number of generators needed for a reduction in the case

k
k

is a finite field. When

R
R

is one-dimensional, we give a formula for the smallest integer

n
n

for which every ideal has an

n
n

-generated reduction. It follows that in a one-dimensional local Noetherian ring every ideal has a principal reduction if and only if the number of maximal ideals in the normalization of the reduced quotient of

R
R

is at most

|

k

|

|k|

. In higher dimensions, we show that for any positive integer, there exists an ideal of

R
R

that does not have an

n
n

-generated reduction and that if

n
≥
dim
⁡
R

n \geq \dim R

this ideal can be chosen to be

m

\mathfrak {m}

-primary. In the case where

R
R

is a two-dimensional regular local ring, we construct an example of an integrally closed

m

\mathfrak {m}

-primary ideal that does not have a

2
2

-generated reduction and thus answer in the negative a question raised by Heinzer and Shannon.
A metrizable topology on the contracting boundary of a group
Authors: Cashen Christopher , Mackay John
Published: March 2018

The ‘contracting boundary’ of a proper geodesic metric space consists of equivalence classes of geodesic rays that behave like rays in a hyperbolic space. We introduce a geometrically relevant, quasi-isometry invariant topology on the contracting boundary. When the space is the Cayley graph of a finitely generated group we show that our new topology is metrizable.