bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting effects on oxaliplatin clearance: in vitro, kinetic and clinical studies of calcium- and magnesium-mediated oxaliplatin degradation
Authors: Han Catherine H. , Khwaounjoo Prashannata , Hill Andrew G. , Miskelly Gordon M. , McKeage Mark J.
Published: June 2017

This study evaluated the impact of calcium and magnesium on the in vitro degradation and in vivo clearance of oxaliplatin. Intact oxaliplatin and Pt(DACH)Cl2 were measured in incubation solutions by HPLC-UV. A clinical study determined changes in plasma concentrations of calcium and magnesium in cancer patients and their impact on oxaliplatin clearance. Kinetic analyses modelled oxaliplatin degradation reactions in vitro and contributions to oxaliplatin clearance in vivo. Calcium and magnesium accelerated oxaliplatin degradation to Pt(DACH)Cl2 in chloride-containing solutions in vitro. Kinetic models based on calcium and magnesium binding to a monochloro-monooxalato ring-opened anionic oxaliplatin intermediate fitted the in vitro degradation time-course data. In cancer patients, calcium and magnesium plasma concentrations varied and were increased by giving calcium gluconate and magnesium sulfate infusions, but did not alter or correlate with oxaliplatin clearance. The intrinsic in vitro clearance of oxaliplatin attributed to chloride-, calcium- and magnesium-mediated degradation predicted contributions of <2.5% to the total in vivo clearance of oxaliplatin. In conclusion, calcium and magnesium accelerate the in vitro degradation of oxaliplatin by binding to a monochloro-monooxalato ring-opened anionic intermediate. Kinetic analysis of in vitro oxaliplatin stability data can be used for in vitro prediction of potential effects on oxaliplatin clearance in vivo.
The structure and hardness of the highest boride of tungsten, a borophene-based compound
Authors: Gonzalez Szwacki Nevill
Published: June 2017

Two-dimensional systems have strengthened their position as a key materials for novel applications. Very recently, boron joined the distinguished group of elements confirmed to possess 2D allotropes, named borophenes. In this work, we explore the stability and hardness of the highest borides of tungsten, which are built of borophenes separated by metal atoms. We show that the WB3+x
compounds have Vickers hardnesses approaching 40 GPa only for small values of x. The insertion of extra boron atoms is, in general, detrimental to the hardness of WB3 because it leads to the formation of quasi-planar boron sheets that are less tightly connected with the adjacent tungsten layers. Very high concentrations of boron (x ≈ 1), give rise to a soft (Vickers hardness of ~8 GPa) and unstable hP20-WB4 structure that can be considered to be built of quasi-planar boron α-sheets separated by graphitic tungsten layers. By contrast, we show that the formation of tungsten vacancies leads to structures, e.g. W0.75B3+x
, with Vickers hardnesses that are not only similar in value to the experimentally reported load-independent hardnesses greater than 20 GPa, but are also less sensitive to variations in the boron content.
Uptake and metabolism of arginine impact Plasmodium development in the liver
Authors: Meireles Patrícia , Mendes António M. , Aroeira Rita I. , Mounce Bryan C. , Vignuzzi Marco , Staines Henry M. , Prudêncio Miguel
Published: June 2017

Prior to infecting erythrocytes and causing malaria symptoms, Plasmodium parasites undergo an obligatory phase of invasion and extensive replication inside their mammalian host’s liver cells that depends on the parasite’s ability to obtain the nutrients it requires for its intra-hepatic growth and multiplication. Here, we show that L-arginine (Arg) uptake through the host cell’s SLC7A2-encoded transporters is essential for the parasite’s development and maturation in the liver. Our data suggest that the Arg that is taken up is primarily metabolized by the arginase pathway to produce the polyamines required for Plasmodium growth. Although the parasite may hijack the host’s biosynthesis pathway, it relies mainly upon its own arginase-AdoMetDC/ODC pathway to acquire the polyamines it needs to develop. These results identify for the first time a pivotal role for Arg-dependent polyamine production during Plasmodium’s hepatic development and pave the way to the exploitation of strategies to impact liver infection by the malaria parasite through the modulation of Arg uptake and polyamine synthesis.
Whole Exome Sequencing to Identify Genetic Variants Associated with Raised Atherosclerotic Lesions in Young Persons
Authors: Hixson James E. , Jun Goo , Shimmin Lawrence C. , Wang Yizhi , Yu Guoqiang , Mao Chunhong , Warren Andrew S. , Howard Timothy D. , Heide Richard S. Vander , Van Eyk Jennifer , Wang Yue , Herrington David M.
Published: June 2017

We investigated the influence of genetic variants on atherosclerosis using whole exome sequencing in cases and controls from the autopsy study “Pathobiological Determinants of Atherosclerosis in Youth (PDAY)”. We identified a PDAY case group with the highest total amounts of raised lesions (n = 359) for comparisons with a control group with no detectable raised lesions (n = 626). In addition to the standard exome capture, we included genome-wide proximal promoter regions that contain sequences that regulate gene expression. Our statistical analyses included single variant analysis for common variants (MAF > 0.01) and rare variant analysis for low frequency and rare variants (MAF < 0.05). In addition, we investigated known CAD genes previously identified by meta-analysis of GWAS studies. We did not identify individual common variants that reached exome-wide significance using single variant analysis. In analysis limited to 60 CAD genes, we detected strong associations with COL4A2/COL4A1 that also previously showed associations with myocardial infarction and arterial stiffness, as well as coronary artery calcification. Likewise, rare variant analysis did not identify genes that reached exome-wide significance. Among the 60 CAD genes, the strongest association was with NBEAL1 that was also identified in gene-based analysis of whole exome sequencing for early onset myocardial infarction.
Rapid response to climate change in a marginal sea
Authors: Schroeder K. , Chiggiato J. , Josey S. A. , Borghini M. , Aracri S. , Sparnocchia S.
Published: June 2017

The Mediterranean Sea is a mid-latitude marginal sea, particularly responsive to climate change as reported by recent studies. The Sicily Channel is a choke point separating the sea in two main basins, the Eastern Mediterranean Sea and the Western Mediterranean Sea. Here, we report and analyse a long-term record (1993–2016) of the thermohaline properties of the Intermediate Water that crosses the Sicily Channel, showing increasing temperature and salinity trends much stronger than those observed at intermediate depths in the global ocean. We investigate the causes of the observed trends and in particular determine the role of a changing climate over the Eastern Mediterranean, where the Intermediate Water is formed. The long-term Sicily record reveals how fast the response to climate change can be in a marginal sea like the Mediterranean Sea compared to the global ocean, and demonstrates the essential role of long time series in the ocean.
From ice-binding proteins to bio-inspired antifreeze materials
Authors: Voets I. K.
Published: June 2017

Ice-binding proteins (IBP) facilitate survival under extreme conditions in diverse life forms. Successful translation of this natural cryoprotective ability into man-made materials would open up new avenues in biomedicine, agrifood and materials science. This review covers recent advances in the field of IBPs and their synthetic analogues, focusing on fundamental insights of biological and technological relevance.
A spin column-free approach to sodium hydroxide-based glycan permethylation
Authors: Hu Yueming , Borges Chad R.
Published: June 2017

A NaOH-based glycan permethylation approach was developed that obviates the need for spin columns, simplifying the procedure and reducing costs.
Mass, mobility and MSn measurements of single ions using charge detection mass spectrometry
Authors: Elliott Andrew G. , Harper Conner C. , Lin Haw-Wei , Williams Evan R.
Published: June 2017

Charge detection mass spectrometry is used to measure the mass, charge, MSn and mobility of an individual ion produced by electrospray ionization of a 8 MDa polyethylene glycol sample.
Carbon dots promoted vanadium flow batteries for all-climate energy storage
Authors: Zhou Ying , Liu Le , Shen Yi , Wu Lantao , Yu Lihong , Liang Feng , Xi Jingyu
Published: June 2017

VFB with a CDs@GF electrode exhibits outstanding rate performance, superior cycling stability, and broad temperature adaptability from −20 to 60 °C.
Positional immobilization of Pd nanoparticles and enzymes in hierarchical yolk–shell@shell nanoreactors for tandem catalysis
Authors: Zhang Xiaoming , Jing Lingyan , Chang Fangfang , Chen Shuai , Yang Hengquan , Yang Qihua
Published: June 2017

A hierarchical yolk–shell@shell nanoreactor that spatially positioned Pd nanoparticles and the CALB enzyme in separated domains is constructed, and served as an efficient bifunctional catalyst for the one-pot dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) reaction of 1-phenylethylamine with excellent activity and selectivity.
Enhanced C3H6/C3H8 separation performance on MOF membranes through blocking defects and hindering framework flexibility by silicone rubber coating
Authors: Sheng Luqian , Wang Chongqing , Yang Fan , Xiang Long , Huang Xiaojian , Yu Jian , Zhang Lixiong , Pan Yichang , Li Yanshuo
Published: June 2017

An unusual but highly desired increase in the separation selectivity of C3H6/C3H8 under high pressures was found on the PDMS-coated ZIF-8 polycrystalline membrane.
Reducing a cocrystal to nanoscale dimensions enables retention of physical crystal integrity upon dehydration
Authors: Peterson Katherine E. , Henry Rodger F. , Zhang Geoff G. Z. , MacGillivray Leonard R.
Published: June 2017

We report the preparation and dehydration of a cocrystal of caffeine and 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid.
Experimental and theoretical studies on fluvastatin primary photoproduct formation
Authors: Jarmużek Dorota , Pedzinski Tomasz , Hoffmann Marcin , Siodła Tomasz , Salus Kinga , Pluskota-Karwatka Donata
Published: June 2017

On the basis of transient absorption spectroscopy and DFT calculations, mechanisms of fluvastatin primary photoproduct (FP1 and FP2) formation were proposed.
Mechanisms of H and CO loss from the uracil nucleobase following low energy electron irradiation
Authors: Fennimore Mark A. , Karsili Tolga N. V. , Matsika Spiridoula
Published: June 2017

Uracil anion fragments into 1-IM-, H and CO when an electron is attached to the D2 anionic state in a concerted mechanism.
Anomalous lattice behavior of vanadium pentaoxide (V2O5): X-ray diffraction, inelastic neutron scattering and ab initio lattice dynamics
Authors: Singh Baltej , Gupta Mayanak Kumar , Mishra Sanjay Kumar , Mittal Ranjan , Sastry P. U. , Rols Stephane , Chaplot Samrath Lal
Published: June 2017

van der Waals and Hubbard interactions are found to play an important role in the structure and dynamics of α-V2O5.
Role of ligands in the stability of BnXn and CBn−1Xn (n = 5–10; X = H, F, CN) and their potential as building blocks of electrolytes in lithium ion batteries
Authors: Zhong MingMin , Zhou Jian , Fang Hong , Jena Puru
Published: June 2017

We predict a series of boron-cage-based stable (di-)anions, and demonstrate them to be high-performance electrolytes in Li-ion batteries.
Elasticity-based polymer sorting in active fluids: a Brownian dynamics study
Authors: Shin Jaeoh , Cherstvy Andrey G. , Kim Won Kyu , Zaburdaev Vasily
Published: June 2017

While the dynamics of polymer chains in equilibrium media is well understood by now, the polymer dynamics in active non-equilibrium environments can be very different.
Current and future directions in electron transfer chemistry of graphene
Authors: Kaplan Amir , Yuan Zhe , Benck Jesse D. , Govind Rajan Ananth , Chu Ximo S. , Wang Qing Hua , Strano Michael S.
Published: June 2017

The participation of graphene in electron transfer chemistry, where an electron is transferred between graphene and other species, encompasses many important processes that have shown versatility and potential for use in important applications.
Smart photocatalytic removal of ammonia through molecular recognition of zinc ferrite/reduced graphene oxide hybrid catalyst under visible-light irradiation
Authors: Liu Shou-Qing , Zhu Xiao-Lei , Zhou Yang , Meng Ze-Da , Chen Zhi-Gang , Liu Cheng-Bao , Chen Feng , Wu Zheng-Ying , Qian Jun-Chao
Published: June 2017

The ZnFe2O4/rGO catalysts recognizes NH3from RHB and degrades it to N2under visible light irradiation.
A synthesis of novel expanded porphyrinoids: NiII-induced nitrile cyclization of dicyanovinylene-bis(meso-aryl)dipyrrin
Authors: Faialaga Nathan H. , Ito Satoru , Shinokubo Hiroshi , Kim Younghoon , Kim Kimoon , Shin Ji-Young
Published: June 2017

NiII-Metallation of dicyanovinylene-bis(meso-aryl)dipyrrin 1 under refluxed toulene conditions resulted in the formation of a bicyclic pyrrolizine ring to afford two isomeric bisNiII expanded porphyrinoid complexes 2a and 2b, which exhibited typical features of aromatic porphyrinoids.
BRUTUS and its paralogs, BTS LIKE1 and BTS LIKE2, encode important negative regulators of the iron deficiency response in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Hindt Maria N. , Akmakjian Garo Z. , Pivarski Kara L. , Punshon Tracy , Baxter Ivan , Salt David E. , Guerinot Mary Lou
Published: June 2017

BTS family members negatively regulate the Fe deficiency response; mutants have increased Fe levels and tolerance to Fe deficiency.
A simple and facile NMR method for the determination of hydrogen bonding by amide N–H protons in protein models and other compounds
Authors: Abraham Michael H. , Abraham Raymond J.
Published: June 2017

It is shown that measurements of the 1H chemical shifts of amide N–H protons in chloroform and in DMSO solvents are sufficient to determine the extent of hydrogen bonding of the N–H protons in a variety of compounds containing the amide group.
Novel impacts of functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes in plants: promotion of nodulation and nitrogenase activity in the rhizobium-legume system
Authors: Yuan Zhaodong , Zhang Zhongming , Wang Xiuping , Li Li , Cai Kai , Han Heyou
Published: June 2017

This paper demonstrates that MWCNTs can effectively increase the number of nodules and promote the activity of nitrogenase by the regulation of genes involved in the symbiotic nitrogen fixation system of legumes.
Origin of highly efficient photoluminescence in AgIn5S8 nanoparticles
Authors: Han Noh Soo , Yoon Hee Chang , Jeong Seonghyun , Oh Ji Hye , Park Seung Min , Do Young Rag , Song Jae Kyu
Published: June 2017

The unusually high quantum yield of AgIn5S8 nanoparticles is attributed to bright surface defect emission.
Density-tunable lightweight polymer composites with dual-functional ability of efficient EMI shielding and heat dissipation
Authors: Lee Seung Hwan , Yu Seunggun , Shahzad Faisal , Kim Woo Nyon , Park Cheolmin , Hong Soon Man , Koo Chong Min
Published: June 2017

We report a simple and effective way to fabricate the lightweight metal-based polymer composites with dual-functional performance of excellent EMI shielding and thermal conductivity.
Long-pulse laser launch and ionization of tailored large neutral silver nanoparticles with atomic mass assignment
Authors: Gallego A. , Sezer U. , Arndt M. , Mayor M.
Published: June 2017

We explore the synthesis, characterization, neutral launch and vacuum ultraviolet ionization of massive perfluorinated-alkyl-capped nanoparticles.
Synthesis of 3-(2-thiopyridyl)indoles via the ruthenium catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition of diynes and 3-thiocyanatoindoles
Authors: Chowdhury Hrishikesh , Goswami Avijit
Published: June 2017

A highly efficient protocol for the synthesis of 3-(2-thiopyridyl)indoles via the ruthenium(ii) catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of α,ω-diynes with 3-thiocyanatoindoles under mild reaction conditions has been developed.
Governing effects in the mechanism of the gold-catalyzed cycloisomerization of allenic hydroxylamine derivatives
Authors: Kiriakidi Sofia , Nieto Faza Olalla , Kolocouris Antonios , López Carlos Silva
Published: June 2017

The formation of chiral heterocycles via cycloisomerization reactions of allene derivatives has gained relevance due to their associated efficiency and atom-economy.
Synthesis of selectively 4-substituted 9,9′-spirobifluorenes and modulation of their photophysical properties
Authors: Kaiser Reinhard P. , Mosinger Jiří , Císařová Ivana , Kotora Martin
Published: June 2017

Synthesis of selectively 4-substituted 9,9′-spirobifluorenes was accomplished by using catalytic [2 + 2 + 2]-cyclotrimerization of specifically substituted diynols with alkynes to the corresponding fluorenols.
Development of Mg–Al–La tri-metal mixed oxide entrapped in alginate for removal of fluoride from wastewater
Authors: Wang Aihe , Zhou Kanggen , Liu Xing , Liu Fang , Chen Quanzhou
Published: June 2017

New biopolymer beads, composite of Mg–AL–La tri-metal oxides and alginate, were synthesized, characterized and tested for their fluoride removal efficiency from wastewater. The maximum adsorption capacity of the adsorbent was 30.9 mg g−1.
One-pot synthesis of an AgBr/ZnO hierarchical structure with enhanced photocatalytic capacity
Authors: Liu Shengnan , Zheng Min , Chen Rui , Wang Zuoshan
Published: June 2017

Hydrangea-like AgBr/ZnO photocatalysts with hierarchical structures and improved photocatalytic activity have been synthesized for the first time.
Enhanced fuel ethanol production from rice straw hydrolysate by an inhibitor-tolerant mutant strain of Scheffersomyces stipitis
Authors: Ma Kedong , He Mingxiong , You Huiyan , Pan Liwei , Hu Guoquan , Cui Yubo , Maeda Toshinari
Published: June 2017

A novel process for bioethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass using an inhibitor-tolerant mutant strain of Scheffersomyces stipitis and cell-recycling continuous fermentation.
Universal sensor array for highly selective system identification using two-dimensional nanoparticles
Authors: Hizir Mustafa Salih , Robertson Neil M. , Balcioglu Mustafa , Alp Esma , Rana Muhit , Yigit Mehmet V.
Published: June 2017

The universal sensor array is composed of 12 fluorescently silent non-specific artificial nanoreceptors (2D-nps) for the identification and classification of five proteins, three types of breast cancer cells and a structure-switching event of a macromolecule.
Correction: Variation of the Fermi level and the electrostatic force of a metallic nanoparticle upon colliding with an electrode
Authors: Peljo Pekka , Manzanares José A. , Girault Hubert H.
Published: June 2017

Correction for ‘Variation of the Fermi level and the electrostatic force of a metallic nanoparticle upon colliding with an electrode’ by Pekka Peljo et al., Chem. Sci., 2017, DOI: 10.1039/c7sc00848a.
All-sputtered, flexible, bottom-gate IGZO/Al2O3 bi-layer thin film transistors on PEN fabricated by a fully room temperature process
Authors: Zheng Zeke , Zeng Yong , Yao Rihui , Fang Zhiqiang , Zhang Hongke , Hu Shiben , Li Xiaoqing , Ning Honglong , Peng Junbiao , Xie Weiguang , Lu Xubing
Published: June 2017

In this work, an innovative all-sputtered bottom-gate thin film transistor (TFT) using an amorphous InGaZnO (IGZO)/Al2O3 bi-layer channel was fabricated by fully room temperature processes on a flexible PEN substrate.
Elementary School Teachers' Vocal Dose: Muscle Bioenergetics and Training Implications
Authors: Smith Audrey G. , Sandage Mary J. , Pascoe David D. , Plexico Laura W. , Lima Italo R. , Cao Guanqun
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Translating exercise-science methodology for determination of muscle bioenergetics, we hypothesized that the temporal voice-use patterns for classroom and music teachers would indicate a reliance on the immediate energy system for laryngeal skeletal-muscle metabolism. It was hypothesized that the music-teacher group would produce longer voiced segments than the classroom teachers.

Method

Using a between- and within-group multivariate analysis-of-variance design (5 classroom teachers; 7 music teachers), we analyzed fundamental-frequency data—collected via an ambulatory phonation monitor—for length (seconds) of voiced and nonvoiced intervals. Data were collected for 7.5 hr during the workday, over the course of several workdays for each teacher.

Results

Descriptive analyses of voiced and nonvoiced intervals indicated that over 99% of voiced segments for both groups were no longer than 3.15 s, supporting the hypothesis of reliance on the immediate energy system for muscle bioenergetics. Significant differences were identified between and within the classroom- and music-teacher groups, with the music-teacher group producing longer voiced segments overall.

Conclusions

Knowledge of probable intrinsic laryngeal skeletal-muscle bioenergetics requirements could inform new interdisciplinary considerations for voice habilitation and rehabilitation.
Magnetic properties evolution of a high permeability nanocrystalline FeCuNbSiB during thermal ageing
Authors: Lekdim Atef , Morel Laurent , Raulet Marie-Ange
Published: June 2017

It is found to be one of the major issues while designing an aircraft, mass and volume have to be reduced in order to achieve energy efficiency. This leads to a high compactness of the electrical components which enables them to withstand at high temperatures. The magnetic components which are responsible for the electrical energy conversion, therefore exposed to high temperatures in working conditions. Their thermal ageing becomes a serious problem and deserves a particular attention. The FeCuNbSiB nanocrystalline materials have been selected for this ageing study because they are used in power electronic systems very frequently. The objective of the study is based on monitoring the magnetic characteristics under the condition of several continuous thermal ageing (100, 150, 200 and 240 °C). An important, experimental work of magnetic characterization is being done through a specific monitoring protocol and X-ray diffraction (XRD) along with magnetostriction measurements was carried out to support the study of the evolution of the anisotropy energies with aging. The latter is discussed in this paper to explain and give the hypothesis about the aging phenomena.
Hearing Loss in Acromegaly - A Review
Authors: Teixeira Liane , Silva Isabelle , Sampaio Andre , Oliveira Carlos , Bahamad Júnior Fayez
Published: June 2017

Introduction Acromegaly is a chronic disease caused by growth hormone (GH) excess due to a GH-secreting pituitary adenoma in most cases. There is reasonable data to presume the possible influence of chronic GH and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) hyperproduction on the anatomical structures involved in normal sound perception, and on its conductive and/or sensorineural part.

Objectives To review the literature about acromegaly and hearing loss.

Data Synthesis A systematic literature search was performed using the MEDLINE database, including hand-searching reference lists from original articles. The search was performed using the terms hearing loss and acromegaly, and only 5 studies were found.

Conclusion The results are not consistent, but led to different conclusions. Therefore, more studies with greater numbers of patients with acromegaly are needed.
Critical Congenital Heart Disease Screening in NICU: Need for Revision and Standardization
Authors: Short Billie , Manja Veena , Lakshminrusimha Satyan , Fernandes Nithi
Published: June 2017

Screening for critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) at 24 to 48 hours after birth or before discharge in newborn nurseries using pulse oximetry is effective and is mandated by most states. However, there is no established protocol for screening in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), a setting where neonates are continuously monitored by pulse oximetry, hypoxemia from noncardiac causes is common, and echocardiograms are frequently obtained. CCHDs with hypoxemia are suspected on admission and investigated with an echocardiogram before a formal screen in the NICU. The most common CCHD lesions missed in a NICU setting are secondary targets of the screen, such as aortic arch anomalies (coarctation or interrupted aortic arch). The sensitivity of the current pulse oximeter–based CCHD screen to diagnose aortic arch anomalies is low. Given that infants are monitored with continuous pulse oximetry and frequent examinations, novel revisions to the current screening methods are necessary to detect asymptomatic NICU infants with aortic arch anomalies before discharge. Exclusions (whom to screen), technique (how to screen), and timing (when to screen) for primary and secondary targets of CCHD in the NICU are not known and require further research.
Comparative Study Between Peristomal Patches in Patients with Definitive Tracheostomy
Authors: Lansaat Liset , Kleijn Bertram , Hilgers Frans , Laan Bernard , Brekel Michiel
Published: June 2017

Introduction To prevent or diminish pulmonary problems in laryngectomized patients, continuous use of a heat and moisture exchanger (HME) is recommended. Therefore, automatic speaking valves are also often combined with an HME to enable hands-free speech. In order to keep these devices in place, most commonly, peristomal patches are used.

Objective This prospective clinical 2 × 2 crossover study aims at assessing the added value of a new patch for HME application, the Provox StabiliBase OptiDerm (SBO). The device combines the stable and conical base of the Provox StabiliBase with the skin-friendlier hydrocolloid Provox OptiDerm (OD) patch.

Methods Thirty-two laryngectomized patients were included in this multicenter study. Participants were asked to compare SBO to OD, and to the patch they normally use. The primary outcome measure was patient preference.

Results Overall, 60% of the participants had preference for their normally used patch, 23% preferred the SBO and 17% indicated no preference. When comparing the SBO to the OD, 43% preferred the SBO, 40% the OD and 17% had no preference.

Conclusion Most patients preferred their normally used patch and SBO was favored by a subgroup. Provox StabiliBase OptiDerm seems to be a valuable addition to the existing patches and further increases patients' options for HME application.
Rekonstruktive Chirurgie der Harnblase
Authors: Schnürer Susanne , Amend Bastian , Stenzl Arnulf , Rausch Steffen
Published: June 2017

Funktionelle und anatomische Einschränkungen der Harnblasenfunktion können auf dem Boden vielzähliger pathophysiologischer Mechanismen entstehen. Die vorliegende Übersichtsarbeit fasst operative Prinzipien und chirurgische Techniken zu Harnblasenrekonstruktion und Funktionserhalt zusammen.
Equilibrium configurations of large nanostructures using the embedded saturated-fragments stochastic density functional theory
Authors: Arnon Eitam , Rabani Eran , Neuhauser Daniel , Baer Roi
Published: June 2017

An ab initio Langevin dynamics approach is developed based on stochastic density functional theory (sDFT) within a new embedded saturated fragment formalism, applicable to covalently bonded systems. The forces on the nuclei generated by sDFT contain a random component natural to Langevin dynamics, and its standard deviation is used to estimate the friction term on each atom by satisfying the fluctuation–dissipation relation. The overall approach scales linearly with the system size even if the density matrix is not local and is thus applicable to ordered as well as disordered extended systems. We implement the approach for a series of silicon nanocrystals (NCs) of varying size with a diameter of up to 3 nm corresponding to Ne = 3000 electrons and generate a set of configurations that are distributed canonically at a fixed temperature, ranging from cryogenic to room temperature. We also analyze the structure properties of the NCs and discuss the reconstruction of the surface geometry.
Interaction-component analysis of the effects of urea and its alkylated derivatives on the structure of T4-lysozyme
Authors: Yamamori Yu , Matubayasi Nobuyuki
Published: June 2017

The effects of urea and its alkylated derivatives on the structure of T4-lysozyme were analyzed from the standpoint of energetics. Molecular dynamics simulations were conducted with explicit solvent, and the energy-representation method was employed to compute the free energy of transfer of the protein from pure-water solvent to the mixed solvents of water with urea, methylurea, 1,1-dimethylurea, and isopropylurea. Through the decomposition of the transfer free energy into the cosolvent and water contributions, it was observed that the former is partially cancelled by the latter and governs the total free energy of transfer. To determine the interaction component responsible for the transfer energetics, the correlations of the transfer free energy were also examined against the change in the solute-solvent interaction energy upon transfer and the corresponding changes in the electrostatic, van der Waals, and excluded-volume components. It was then found over the set of protein structures ranging from native to (partially) unfolded ones that the transfer free energy changes in parallel with the van der Waals component even when the cosolvent is alkylated. The electrostatic and excluded-volume components play minor roles in the structure modification of the protein, and the denaturing ability of alkylurea is brought by the van der Waals interaction.
Understanding the importance of the temperature dependence of viscosity on the crystallization dynamics in the Ge2Sb2Te5 phase-change material
Authors: Aladool A. , Aziz M. M. , Wright C. D.
Published: June 2017

The crystallization dynamics in the phase-change material Ge2Sb2Te5 is modelled using the more detailed Master equation method over a wide range of heating rates commensurate with published ultrafast calorimetry experiments. Through the attachment and detachment of monomers, the Master rate equation naturally traces nucleation and growth of crystallites with temperature history to calculate the transient distribution of cluster sizes in the material. Both the attachment and detachment rates in this theory are strong functions of viscosity, and thus, the value of viscosity and its dependence on temperature significantly affect the crystallization process. In this paper, we use the physically realistic Mauro−Yue−Ellison−Gupta−Allan viscosity model in the Master equation approach to study the role of the viscosity model parameters on the crystallization dynamics in Ge2Sb2Te5 under ramped annealing conditions with heating rates up to 4 × 104 K/s. Furthermore, due to the relatively low computational cost of the Master equation method compared to atomistic level computations, an iterative numerical approach was developed to fit theoretical Kissinger plots simulated with the Master equation system to experimental Kissinger plots from ultrafast calorimetry measurements at increasing heating rates. This provided a more rigorous method (incorporating both nucleation and growth processes) to extract the viscosity model parameters from the analysis of experimental data. The simulations and analysis revealed the strong coupling between the glass transition temperature and fragility index in the viscosity and crystallization models and highlighted the role of the dependence of the glass transition temperature on the heating rate for the accurate estimation of the fragility index of phase-change materials from the analysis of experimental measurements.
A new torsion pendulum for gravitational reference sensor technology development
Authors: Ciani Giacomo , Chilton Andrew , Apple Stephen , Olatunde Taiwo , Aitken Michael , Mueller Guido , Conklin John W.
Published: June 2017

We report on the design and sensitivity of a new torsion pendulum for measuring the performance of ultra-precise inertial sensors and for the development of associated technologies for space-based gravitational wave observatories and geodesy missions. The apparatus comprises a 1 m-long, 50 μm-diameter tungsten fiber that supports an inertial member inside a vacuum system. The inertial member is an aluminum crossbar with four hollow cubic test masses at each end. This structure converts the rotation of the torsion pendulum into translation of the test masses. Two test masses are enclosed in capacitive sensors which provide readout and actuation. These test masses are electrically insulated from the rest of the crossbar and their electrical charge is controlled by photoemission using fiber-coupled ultraviolet light emitting diodes. The capacitive readout measures the test mass displacement with a broadband sensitivity of 30 nm∕Hz and is complemented by a laser interferometer with a sensitivity of about 0.5 nm∕Hz. The performance of the pendulum, as determined by the measured residual torque noise and expressed in terms of equivalent force acting on a single test mass, is roughly 200 fN∕Hz around 2 mHz, which is about a factor of 20 above the thermal noise limit of the fiber.
High-precision, accurate optical frequency reference using a Fabry–Perót diode laser
Authors: Chang Hongrok , Myneni Krishna , Smith David D. , Liaghati-Mobarhan Hassan R.
Published: June 2017

We show that the optical output of a temperature and current-tuned Fabry–Perót diode laser system, with no external optical feedback and in which the frequency is locked to Doppler-free hyperfine resonances of the 87Rb D2 line, can achieve high frequency stability and accuracy. Experimental results are presented for the spectral linewidth, frequency stability, and frequency accuracy of the source. Although our optical source is limited by a short-term spectral linewidth greater than 2 MHz, beat signal measurements from two such sources demonstrate a frequency stability of 1.1 kHz, or minimum Allan deviation of 4×10−12, at an integration time τ=15 s and with a frequency accuracy of 60 kHz at τ=300 s. We demonstrate the use of the optical source for the precision measurement of hyperfine level frequency spacings in the 5P3∕2 excited state of 87Rb and provide an accurate frequency scale for optical spectroscopy.
Damped electrostatic structures in quantum plasmas
Authors: Hussain S. , Akhtar N.
Published: June 2017

In this work, we study the damped nonlinear solitary wave structures in electron ion dense collisional plasmas in the presence of exchange correlation potential. Due to high density and low temperature, these plasmas are considered as quantum plasmas. The quantum mechanical effects due to quantum statistical pressure, quantum tunnelling, and exchange correlation due to 1/2 spin of Fermions are included in a quantum hydrodynamic model. The collisions of plasmas particles with neutrals are taken into account to derive the Damped Korteweg-de Vries equation. A reductive perturbation technique is performed to study nonlinearities and dispersive effects in the plasma system. The comparative importance of the potential due to the degenerate pressure, exchange correlation potential, and the Bohm potential in the linear and nonlinear dispersion is presented. The effects of variations of different plasma parameters on propagation characteristics of damped oscillations in the context of astrophysical objects like neutron stars/pulsar are discussed.
Nonlinear drift solitary structures in degenerate electron-positron-ion plasma with Landau quantization
Authors: Shaukat Muzzamal Iqbal
Published: June 2017

In the present work, we have investigated the effect of trapping as a microscopic phenomenon on the propagation of 1 and 2D linear and nonlinear quantum drift ion acoustic waves in a spatially inhomogeneous degenerate electron-positron-ion plasma in the presence of quantizing magnetic field having degenerate electrons and positrons. We derive the linear dispersion relation and nonlinear Korteweg-deVries and Kadomtsev Petviashvili equation for drift ion acoustic waves. It is observed that the characteristics of the dispersion relation and nonlinear drift ion solitary structures have been modified significantly by the positron concentration and quantizing magnetic field. The work presented here may be beneficial to understand the propagation of drift solitary structures in dense astrophysical environments and in intense-laser plasma interactions.
A spin-based true random number generator exploiting the stochastic precessional switching of nanomagnets
Authors: Rangarajan Nikhil , Parthasarathy Arun , Rakheja Shaloo
Published: June 2017

In this paper, we propose a spin-based true random number generator (TRNG) that uses the inherent stochasticity in nanomagnets as the source of entropy. In contrast to previous works on spin-based TRNGs, we focus on the precessional switching strategy in nanomagnets to generate a truly random sequence. Using the NIST SP 800-22 test suite for randomness, we demonstrate that the output of the proposed TRNG circuit is statistically random with 99% confidence levels. The effects of process and temperature variability on the device are studied and shown to have no effect on the quality of randomness of the device. To benchmark the performance of the TRNG in terms of area, throughput, and power, we use SPICE (Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis)-based models of the nanomagnet and combine them with CMOS device models at the 45 nm technology node. The throughput, power, and area footprints of the proposed TRNG are shown to be better than those of existing state-of-the-art TRNGs. We identify the optimal material and geometrical parameters of the nanomagnet to minimize the energy per bit at a given throughput of the TRNG circuit. Our results provide insights into the device-level modifications that can yield significant system-level improvements. Overall, the proposed spin-based TRNG circuit shows significant robustness, reliability, and fidelity and, therefore, has a potential for on-chip implementation.
Platinum-functionalized black phosphorus hydrogen sensors
Authors: Lee Geonyeop , Jung Sunwoo , Jang Soohwan , Kim Jihyun
Published: June 2017

Black phosphorus (BP), especially in its two-dimensional (2D) form, is an intriguing material because it exhibits higher chemical sensing ability as compared to other thin-film and 2D materials. However, its implementation into hydrogen sensors has been limited due to its insensitivity toward hydrogen. We functionalized exfoliated BP flakes with Pt nanoparticles to improve their hydrogen sensing efficiency. Pt-functionalized BP sensors with back-gated field-effect transistor configuration exhibited a fast response/decay, excellent reproducibility, and high sensitivities (over 50%) at room temperature. Langmuir isotherm model was employed to analyze the Pt-catalyzed BP sensors. Furthermore, the activation energy of hydrogen adsorption on Pt-decorated BP was evaluated, which is equal to the change in work function resulting from hydrogen adsorption on the Pt(111) surface. These results demonstrate that Pt-catalyzed BP exhibits a great potential for next-generation hydrogen sensors.
Investigation of a large power water-cooled microwave resonance window for application with the ECR ion source
Authors: Guo Guo , Guo Junwei , Niu Xinjian , Liu Yinghui , Wang Hui , Wei Yanyu
Published: June 2017

A large power water-cooled microwave resonance window used for the electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) ion source is investigated in this paper. The microwave characteristic simulation, thermal analysis, and structure design are deeply and successively carried out before fabrication. After the machining and welding of the components, the window is cold and hot tested. The application results demonstrate that when the input power is 2000 W, the reflected power is only 5 W. The vacuum is below 10−10 Pa, and the high power microwave operation can last 30 h continuously and reliably, which indicates that the design and assembling can achieve the high efficiency of the microwave transmission. Finally, the performance of the ECR ion source is enhanced by the improvement of the injected microwave power to the ECR plasma.
Pulse temporal compression by two-stage stimulated Brillouin scattering and laser-induced breakdown
Authors: Liu Zhaohong , Wang Yulei , Wang Hongli , Bai Zhenxu , Li Sensen , Zhang Hengkang , Wang Yirui , He Weiming , Lin Dianyang , Lu Zhiwei
Published: June 2017

A laser pulse temporal compression technique combining stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) and laser-induced breakdown (LIB) is proposed in which the leading edge of the laser pulse is compressed using SBS, and the low intensity trailing edge of the laser pulse is truncated by LIB. The feasibility of the proposed scheme is demonstrated by experiments in which a pulse duration of 8 ns is compressed to 170 ps. Higher compression ratios and higher efficiency are expected under optimal experimental conditions.
Health and wellbeing outcomes of programs for Indigenous Australians that include strategies to enable the expression of cultural identities: a systematic review
Authors: MacLean Sarah , Ritte Rebecca , Thorpe Alister , Ewen Shaun , Arabena Kerry
Published: June 2017

Indigenous people have long maintained that strong cultural identities are critical to health and wellbeing. The purpose of this systematic review is to examine whether interventions that entail strategies to enable expression of cultural identities for Australian Indigenous peoples are associated with measurable improvements in health and wellbeing. Peer-reviewed articles that reported quantitatively expressed health and wellbeing outcomes involving Indigenous Australian participants only were included. The cultural intervention component was defined and assessed by Indigenous researchers on the team. A narrative analysis was conducted. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42015027387). Thirteen articles describing eleven studies were identified, including one randomised control trial (RCT), one cluster RCT and two studies with non-randomised controls. Other studies reported on case series or cross-sectional studies. All except two studies described multiple intervention strategies. Eight studies showed significant improvement in at least one psychosocial, behavioural or clinical measure, with two showing a positive direction of effect and one showing no improvement. Publication bias may discourage researchers to report negative findings of these interventions. Although studies vary in quality, this review provides evidence that interventions that include opportunities for expression of cultural identities can have beneficial effects for Australian Indigenous peoples.
Spacer capture and integration by a type I-F Cas1–Cas2-3 CRISPR adaptation complex
Authors: Fagerlund Robert D. , Wilkinson Max E. , Klykov Oleg , Barendregt Arjan , Pearce F. Grant , Kieper Sebastian N. , Maxwell Howard W. R. , Capolupo Angela , Heck Albert J. R. , Krause Kurt L. , Bostina Mihnea , Scheltema Richard A. , Staals Raymond H. J. , Fineran Peter C.
Published: June 2017

Significance

CRISPR-Cas systems provide prokaryotic adaptive immunity against invading genetic elements. For immunity, fragments of invader DNA are integrated into CRISPR arrays by Cas1 and Cas2 proteins. Type I-F systems contain a unique fusion of Cas2 to Cas3, the enzyme responsible for destruction of invading DNA. Structural, biophysical, and biochemical analyses of Cas1 and Cas2-3 from
Pectobacterium atrosepticum
demonstrated that they form a 400-kDa complex with a Cas1
4
:Cas2-3
2
stoichiometry. Cas1–Cas2-3 binds, processes, and catalyzes the integration of DNA into CRISPR arrays independent of Cas3 activity. The arrangement of Cas3 in the complex, together with its redundant role in processing and integration, supports a scenario where Cas3 couples invader destruction with immunization—a process recently demonstrated in vivo.
Random subsets of structured deterministic frames have MANOVA spectra
Authors: Haikin Marina , Zamir Ram , Gavish Matan
Published: June 2017

Significance

A frame (overcomplete set of vectors) represents an analog coding scheme. Deterministic frame constructions offer useful codes for communication and signal processing tasks. When the coded signal only uses a random subset of the frame vectors (for example, in compressed sensing), the coding quality is determined by the typical covariances within subsets of frame vectors. We provide a method to calculate functions of these typical covariances, which predict specific performance measures of the corresponding coding scheme. Our method uses a universality property: for many well-known deterministic and random frames, typical covariances within subsets of frame vectors do not depend on the frame and are described by the MANOVA (multivariate ANOVA) ensemble, a classical object in statistics and random matrix theory.
Deliberating in the presence of manipulation
Authors: Cohen Yishai
Published: June 2017

According to deliberation compatibilism, rational deliberation is compatible with the belief that one’s actions are causally determined by factors beyond one’s control. This paper offers a counterexample to recent accounts of rational deliberation that entail deliberation compatibilism. The counterexample involves a deliberator who believes that whichever action she performs will be the result of deterministic manipulation. It is further argued that there is no relevant difference between the purported counterexample and ordinary doxastic circumstances in which a determinist deliberates.
Caffeine adsorption of montmorillonite in coffee extracts
Authors: Shiono Takashi , Yamamoto Kenichiro , Yotsumoto Yuko , Yoshida Aruto
Published: June 2017

The growth in health-conscious consumers continues to drive the demand for a wide variety of decaffeinated beverages. We previously developed a new technology using montmorillonite (MMT) in selective decaffeination of tea extract. This study evaluated and compared decaffeination of coffee extract using MMT and activated carbon (AC). MMT adsorbed caffeine without significant adsorption of caffeoylquinic acids (CQAs), feruloylquinic acids (FQAs), dicaffeoylquinic acids (di-CQAs), or caffeoylquinic lactones (CQLs). AC adsorbed caffeine, chlorogenic acids (CGAs) and CQLs simultaneously. The results suggested that the adsorption selectivity for caffeine in coffee extract is higher in MMT than AC. The caffeine adsorption isotherms of MMT in coffee extract fitted well to the Langmuir adsorption model. The adsorption properties in coffee extracts from the same species were comparable, regardless of roasting level and locality of growth. Our findings suggest that MMT is a useful adsorbent in the decaffeination of a wide range of coffee extracts.
The Fine-Tuning Argument and the Requirement of Total Evidence
Authors: Epstein Peter Fisher
Published: June 2017

According to the Fine-Tuning Argument (FTA), the existence of life in our universe confirms the Multiverse Hypothesis (HM). A standard objection to FTA is that it violates the Requirement of Total Evidence (RTE). I argue that RTE should be rejected in favor of the Predesignation Requirement, according to which, in assessing the outcome of a probabilistic process, we should only use evidence characterizable in a manner available before observing the outcome. This produces the right verdicts in some simple cases in which RTE leads us astray, and, when applied to FTA, it shows that our evidence does confirm HM.