bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temperature-dependent phase evolution of copper-oxide thin-films on Au(111)
Authors: Möller Christoph , Fedderwitz Hanna , Noguera Claudine , Goniakowski Jacek , Nilius Niklas
Published: February 2018

STM and DFT calculations are employed to explore structural phase transitions in thin copper-oxide films grown on Au(111).
Enhancement of the selectivity of MXenes (M2C, M = Ti, V, Nb, Mo) via oxygen-functionalization: promising materials for gas-sensing and -separation
Authors: Junkaew A. , Arróyave R.
Published: February 2018

Mo2CO2 and V2CO2 reveal very good selectivity toward NO, while Nb2CO2 and Ti2CO2 show very good selectivity toward NH3.
Understanding structural adaptability: a reactant informatics approach to experiment design
Authors: Xu Rosalind J. , Olshansky Jacob H. , Adler Philip D. F. , Huang Yongjia , Smith Matthew D. , Zeller Matthias , Schrier Joshua , Norquist Alexander J.
Published: February 2018

The structural and electronic adaptability of a vanadium selenite framework is determined using cheminformatics data and machine learning algorithms.
Copper-catalyzed cascade reaction: synthesis of pyrimido[4,5-b]quinolinones from 2-chloroquinoline-3-carbonitriles with (aryl)methanamines
Authors: Singh Jay Bahadur , Mishra Kalpana , Gupta Tanu , Singh Radhey M.
Published: February 2018

Cu-catalyzed cascade reaction of 2-chloroquinoline-3-carbonitriles with benzyl amines using sodium hydroxide in aerobic atmosphere has been developed for the synthesis of pyrimido[4,5-b]quinoline-4-ones.
Oxidized Co–Sn nanoparticles as long-lasting anode materials for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Walter Marc , Doswald Simon , Krumeich Frank , He Meng , Widmer Roland , Stadie Nicholas P. , Kovalenko Maksym V.
Published: February 2018

Herein, we present the synthesis and systematic comparison of Sn- and Co–Sn-based nanoparticles (NPs) as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.
Atomistic and continuum scale modeling of functionalized graphyne membranes for water desalination
Authors: Raju Muralikrishna , Govindaraju Pavan B. , van Duin Adri C. T. , Ihme Matthias
Published: February 2018

Atomistic-scale simulations and upscale analysis are performed to examine permeability and desalination performance of functionalized graphyne membranes, characterizing the potential of energy savings and enhanced recovery rates in application to reverse osmosis desalination systems.
Organic field-effect transistors integrated with Ti2CTx electrodes
Authors: Lai Shen , Jang Sung Kyu , Cho Jeong Ho , Lee Sungjoo
Published: February 2018

Pentacene organic field-effect transistors integrated with MXene (Ti2CTx) electrodes are studied. Superior device performance with high mobility, high on/off ratio, and low contact resistance is achieved.
Nano-graphene oxide-manganese dioxide nanocomposites for overcoming tumor hypoxia and enhancing cancer radioisotope therapy
Authors: Tao Yugui , Zhu Longlong , Zhao Yunayuan , Yi Xuan , Zhu Longbao , Ge Fei , Mou Xiaozhou , Chen Lei , Sun Liang , Yang Kai
Published: February 2018

In this work, we developed 131I labeled rGO-MnO2-PEG nanocomposites as therapeutic agents for in vivo tumor radioisotope therapy (RIT), achieving excellent tumor killing.
Methods for the synthesis of annulated pyrroles via cyclisation strategies
Authors: Olivier Wesley J. , Smith Jason A. , Bissember Alex C.
Published: February 2018

In this report, we review the methods that have been employed to synthesise annulated pyrroles.
Quantitative SPECT imaging and biodistribution point to molecular weight independent tumor uptake for some long-circulating polymer nanocarriers
Authors: Schmitt V. , Rodríguez-Rodríguez C. , Hamilton J. L. , Shenoi R. A. , Schaffer P. , Sossi V. , Kizhakkedathu J. N. , Saatchi K. , Häfeli U. O.
Published: February 2018

Polymeric nanocarriers are promising entities for cancer diagnosis and therapy.
Effect of hydrogen diffusion in an In–Ga–Zn–O thin film transistor with an aluminum oxide gate insulator on its electrical properties
Authors: Nam Yunyong , Kim Hee-Ok , Cho Sung Haeng , Ko Park Sang-Hee
Published: February 2018

We fabricated amorphous InGaZnO thin film transistors (a-IGZO TFTs) with aluminum oxide (Al2O3) as a gate insulator grown through atomic layer deposition (ALD) method at different deposition temperatures (Tdep).
Metal–organic framework composites with luminescent pincer platinum(ii) complexes:3MMLCT emission and photoinduced dehydrogenation catalysis
Authors: Sun Chun-Yi , To Wai-Pong , Hung Faan-Fung , Wang Xin-Long , Su Zhong-Min , Che Chi-Ming
Published: February 2018

Metal–organic framework materials are introduced to provide a “solid solution” environment for easy access to metal–metal-to-ligand charge transfer excited states of pincer platinum(ii) complexes and act as photocatalysts.
High-efficiency bulk heterojunction perovskite solar cell fabricated by one-step solution process using single solvent: synthesis and characterization of material and film formation mechanism
Authors: Chang Chun-Yu , Wang Chieh-Ping , Raja Rathinam , Wang Leeyih , Tsao Cheng-Si , Su Wei-Fang
Published: February 2018

Fluorinated PC61BM can be used to fabricate BHJ perovskite films in one step using one solvent in a BHJ precursor solution system.
Further Correction: Hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) as a model for studying inhibition of protein–protein interactions
Authors: Burslem George M. , Kyle Hannah F. , Nelson Adam , Edwards Thomas A. , Wilson Andrew J.
Published: February 2018

Correction for ‘Hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) as a model for studying inhibition of protein–protein interactions’ by George M. Burslem et al., Chem. Sci., 2017, 8, 4188–4202.
Voice, Articulation, and Prosody Contribute to Listener Perceptions of Speaker Gender: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Leung Yeptain , Oates Jennifer , Chan Siew Pang
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The aim of this study was to provide a systematic review of the aspects of verbal communication contributing to listener perceptions of speaker gender with a view to providing clinicians with guidance for the selection of the training goals when working with transsexual individuals.

Method

Preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines were adopted in this systematic review. Studies evaluating the contribution of aspects of verbal communication to listener perceptions of speaker gender were rated against a new risk of bias assessment tool. Relevant data were extracted, and narrative synthesis was then conducted. Meta-analyses were conducted when appropriate data were available.

Results

Thirty-eight articles met the eligibility criteria. Meta-analysis showed speaking fundamental frequency contributing to 41.6% of the variance in gender perception. Auditory-perceptual and acoustic measures of pitch, resonance, loudness, articulation, and intonation were found to be associated with listeners' perceptions of speaker gender. Tempo and stress were not significantly associated. Mixed findings were found as to the contribution of a breathy voice quality to gender perception. Nonetheless, there exists significant risk of bias in this body of research.

Conclusions

Speech and language clinicians working with transsexual individuals may use the results of this review for goal setting. Further research is required to redress the significant risk of bias.
Expanding window fountain codes with intermediate feedback over BIAWGN channels
Authors: Deng Keyan , Yuan Lei , Wan Yi , Pan Jie
Published: February 2018

Expanding window fountain (EWF) codes use a windowing technique to achieve unequal error protection (UEP) and unequal recovery time. UEP affords significant performance improvement of the more important bits (MIB), but at the cost of performance deterioration of the less important bits (LIB), resulting in poor intermediate performance of the EWF coding. In this study, the authors propose the utilisation of intermediate feedback in EWF coding to terminate the encoding of the MIB after their recovery, with the purpose of enhancing the intermediate performance of EWF codes over binary input additive white Gaussian noise (BIAWGN) channels. The effectiveness of the proposed coding scheme is analysed and evaluated by using extrinsic information transfer functions to investigate the theoretical performance and obtain the closed‐form formula of the bit error rate (BER) of the LIB after the intermediate feedback. The results of the theoretical analysis and simulation of the scheme using additive white Gaussian noises with different signal‐to‐noise ratios reveal an improvement in the BER performance of the LIB compared to the case of conventional EWF coding, and also show that the scheme significantly enhances the intermediate performance of the EWF codes and improves the transmission efficiency.
Optimal coordination of directional overcurrent relays using improved mathematical formulation
Authors: Rajput Vipul N. , Adelnia Farhad , Pandya Kartik S.
Published: February 2018

Achieving optimum coordination of directional overcurrent relays is a very complicated task in the large interconnected system including huge numbers of relays. In the literature, various objective functions (OFs) are reported to obtain minimum operating time of relays and minimum prescribed discrimination time between the operations of primary and backup (P/B) relays. In this paper, the performance of five well‐established OFs is examined, and in addition, a new OF is proposed to improve the previously proposed OFs. The proposed OF (POF) minimises operating time of P/B relays together with discrimination time between their operations. Also, the coordination problem is formulated considering near and far‐end faults and solved by using a genetic algorithm. In order to evaluate the effectiveness, the POF is implemented over the IEEE 14‐bus and IEEE 30‐bus distribution networks, and obtained results are compared with those obtained by using previously proposed OFs presented in the literature.
Bluetooth portal‐based system to measure the performance of building emergency evacuation plans and drills
Authors: Astarita Vittorio , Festa Demetrio Carmine , Giofrè Vincenzo Pasquale , Vitale Alessandro
Published: February 2018

The safety of a building can be explicated in two different ways: the ability to withstand a critical event that affects the structure and the ability to safely allow people to leave the building. This article present a new methodology that can allow engineers to detect people trajectories in evacuation drills and provide a measure of effectiveness for buildings evacuation plans. In the proposed system Bluetooth beacon passive emitters are positioned as reference points and the sensing device is made up by the smartphones of people evacuating a building. The proposed methodology is thus based on using beacons that are capable of emitting a radio signal. The radio signal can be picked up by the sensors present in smartphones. The signal is then processed by a dedicated application on the device. Information is transferred to a computer and elaborated obtaining a measure of people positions. In the system people movements in emergency evacuation drills can practically be traced with very simple and affordable equipment. Once all data from mobile phones are gathered the system is able to reconstruct the trajectories of smartphones, in indoor (or outdoor) environments, and therefore to assess the overall performance of the building evacuation plan.
Potential safety effects of a frontal brake light for motor vehicles
Authors: Petzoldt Tibor , Schleinitz Katja , Banse Rainer
Published: February 2018

The number of pedestrian casualties in crashes with motorised vehicles is still alarming. Misunderstandings about the other road users’ intentions are certainly one contributory factor. Especially given recent developments in vehicle automation, informing about ‘vehicle behaviour’ and ‘vehicle intentions’ in the absence of any direct interaction between the driver and the outside world is becoming increasingly relevant. A frontal brake light which communicates that a vehicle is decelerating could be a simple approach to support pedestrians and other road users in the interaction with (potentially automated) motorised vehicles. To assess the effect of a frontal brake light on the identification of vehicle deceleration, the authors conducted a video based lab experiment. The brake light facilitated the identification of decelerations considerably. At the same time, the fact that only half of the decelerations were accompanied by the brake light resulted in increased identification times for decelerations in which the frontal brake light was absent compared to a control condition in which none of the decelerations was indicated by such a light. This finding points towards an increasingly conservative approach in the participants’ assessment of deceleration, which could be interpreted as an indicator of a potential safety effect of the frontal brake light.
Composite differential evolution algorithm for SHM with low carrier ratio
Authors: Yu Yanjun , Zhang Pengfei , Song Zaixin , Chai Feng
Published: February 2018

This study presents a new method of switching angle solution based on composite differential evolutions (CoDE) in selective harmonic mitigation pulse width modulation (SHMPWM). The method can effectively improve the global searching ability and convergence rate of the solution by the combination of multiple composite trial vectors and control parameter settings. Its great generality makes itself applicable to selective harmonic elimination PWM and synchronous harmonic optimum PWM as well. This study introduces the basic principles of SHMPWM and CoDE, constructs the constraint and objective functions by means of penalty, and gives detailed solution steps. After getting the switching angle solutions from comparative studies including different switching angle numbers, different modulation degrees, or different optimised PWM methods, the experimental platform finally has been designed and carried out to verify the accuracy and generality of the proposed method.
Automatic antenna scan type classification for next‐generation electronic warfare receivers
Authors: Ayazgok Suleyman , Erdem Cihangir , Ozturk Mustafa Talha , Orduyilmaz Adnan , Serin Mahmut
Published: February 2018

Cognitive electronic warfare (EW) is the key feature for next‐generation EW systems. The deinterleaving and classification of received radar pulses and selection of the proper electronic attack technique are the common issues for non‐preprogrammed cognitive jamming systems. Antenna scan type (AST) is a dominant parameter to discriminate and solve the ambiguities for the classification of the radar threats. In the literature, there are solutions for the classification of conical, helical, raster, and bidirectional scan types. In this study, spiral and electronic scan types are introduced in the AST analysis algorithm. Moreover, a new method based on correlation is proposed to determine the main beam signal. The proposed method gives better performance than amplitude thresholding‐based algorithms for not only newly added but also other scan types. Also, main beam flatness ratio is proposed as a new feature to separate electronic scan types from the other scan types. Intensive simulations are executed to evaluate the performance of the proposed new method and feature. The classification of the conical, spiral, helical, circular, raster, and sector scan types at ∼15 dB signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) is completed with 98% success. For electronic scan types, at least 94% classification accuracy is observed for SNR values above 20 dB.
Pulsational instabilities driven by the ∈ mechanism in hot pre-horizontal branch stars
Authors: Battich Tiara , Miller Bertolami Marcelo M. , Córsico Alejandro H. , Althaus Leandro G.
Published: February 2018

Context. The ∈ mechanism is a self-excitation mechanism of stellar pulsations that acts in regions inside the star where nuclear burning takes place. It has been shown that the ∈ mechanism can excite pulsations in models of hot pre-horizontal branch stars before they settle into the stable helium core-burning phase. Moreover, it has been shown that this mechanism could explain the shortest periods of LS IV-14°116, a mild He-sdBV star.

Aims. We aim to study the ∈ mechanism in stellar models appropriate for hot pre-horizontal branch stars to predict their pulsational properties and the instability domain in the log g − log Teff plane.

Methods. We performed detailed computations of non-adiabatic non-radial pulsations on stellar models during the helium subflashes just before the helium-core burning phase. Computations were carried out for different values of initial helium composition, metallicity, and envelope mass at the moment of helium flash.

Results. We find an instability domain of long-period gravity modes due to the ∈ mechanism in the log g − log Teff plane at roughly 22 000 K ≲ Teff ≲ 50 000 K and 4.67 ≲ log g ≲ 6.15. Consequently, we find instabilities due to the ∈ mechanism on pre-extreme horizontal branch stellar models (Teff ≳ 22 000 K), but not on pre-blue horizontal branch stellar models (Teff ≲ 21 000 K). The periods of excited modes range between ~200 and ~2000 s. Comparison with the three known pulsating He-rich subdwarfs shows that ∈ mechanism can excite gravity modes in stars with similar surface properties (He abundances, log g, log Teff), but in our models it is only able to excite modes in the range of the shortest observed periods.

Conclusions. We predict a new instability strip for hot-subdwarf stars of which LS IV-14°116 could be the first inhabitant. Based on simple estimates we expect 1 to 10 stars in the current samples of hot-subdwarf stars to be pulsating by the ∈ mechanism. Our results could constitute a theoretical basis for future searches of pulsators in the Galactic field.
Klinische Studie: Regenerationspotential der Hautsensibilität nach thermischen
Hautschädigungen im Kindesalter
Authors: Fuchs Stephan , Klohs Gunter , Kornhuber Malte , Finke Rainer
Published: February 2018

Hintergrund Die Hautsensibilität ist meist zerstört nach tiefgradigen thermischen Hautschädigungen. Die
Regeneration der Sinnesempfindung scheint bisher nicht möglich.

Methode 31 Kinder mit 338 Hautarealen wurden untersucht und entsprechend ihrer Therapie eingeteilt:
Gruppe 1: Nekrosektomie + Spalthauttransplantation, Gruppe 2: epifasziale
Nekrosektomie + Spalthauttransplantation, Gruppe 3: epifasziale
Nekrosektomie + Integra® + palthauttransplantation. Zur Hauttestung wurden klinisch gebräuchliche
Verfahren eingesetzt.

Ergebnisse 31 Kinder (3 bis 16 Jahre alt) wurden mit insgesamt 228 Hautarealen untersucht. Bei den 22
Jungen und 9 Mädchen waren durchschnittlich 17,6 % der Körperoberfläche geschädigt. Das durchschnittliche
Alter beim Trauma betrug 4,9 Jahre. Regeneration der Hautempfindung in Gruppe 3: Tastenempfinden mit spitzen
Reiz = 34/47 Hautarealen (n = 6 Kinder), Tastempfinden mit stumpfen Reiz = 47/57 Hautarealen (n = Kinder),
Berührungsempfinden mit Wattestab = 37/56 Hautarealen (n = 7 Kinder), Auslenkung der Hauthaare = 9/12
Hautarealen (n = 4 Kindern), Druckempfinden (Frey Haare) = 40/43 Hautareale (n = 7 Kinder). In der Gruppe 1
war bei 7/13 Kindern (70/94 Hautregionen) eine Reizdifferenzierung bei Berührung möglich. Die simultane
Raumschwelle lag bei 1,8 cm (SD 1,4) und in der Kontrollgruppe bei 1,2 cm (SD 1,1). Die sukzessive
Raumschwelle lag bei 1,6 (SD 0,9) und in der Kontrollgruppe bei 1,8 /SD 1,5). In der Gruppe 2 waren war bei 3
von 6 Kindern (27 von 52 Hautregion) eine Reizdifferenzierung bei Berührung möglich. Die simultane
Raumschwelle lag bei 3,4 cm (SD 1,3) und in der Kontrollgruppe bei 3,4 cm (SD 1,1). Die sukzessive
Raumschwelle lag bei 2,4 (SD 1,0) und in der Kontrollgruppe bei 1,7 (0,7). In der Gruppe 3 wurde ein Patient
untersucht. Hier war in 4 von 15 Hautarealen eine Reizdifferenzierung bei Berührung möglich. Die simultane
Raumschwelle lag bei 3,9 (SD 0,8) und in der Kontrollgruppe bei 2,9 (SD 1,1). Die sukzessive Raumschwelle lag
bei 2,7 (SD 1,4) und in der Kontrollgruppe bei 2,1 (SD 1,0). Unabhängig von der Messmethode war eine
Vibrationsempfindung nahezu identisch auslösbar. Die elektrophysiologische Ableitung erbrachte eine
signifikanten Unterschiede zwischen intakter und ehemals geschädigter Haut.

Schlussfolgerung Auch nach tiefgradigen thermischen Hautschädigung im Kindesalter ist die Regeneration
der Hautempfindung möglich.
Herausforderungen und Fallstricken zum Trotz: Wie die Ophthalmologie von Next-Generation Sequencing profitiert
Authors: Bolz Hanno
Published: February 2018

Innerhalb weniger Jahre ist die Anwendung von Hochdurchsatzsequenzierung (next-generation sequencing, NGS) in der genetischen Diagnostik zur Routine geworden und hat die konventionelle Sanger-Sequenzierung aus vielen Bereichen weitgehend verdrängt. Mit der Komplexität der Daten gehen besondere Anforderungen insbesondere an die Bioinformatik einher, da die Identifizierung der krankheitsauslösenden Varianten schwierig sein kann und falsche Schlussfolgerungen vermieden werden sollen. Man kann aber, wenn man exemplarisch für andere (Augen-)Erkrankungen die Retinopathien als Gruppe mit ausgeprägter genetischer Heterogenität betrachtet, schon heute sagen, dass die NGS-basierte Diagnostik den meisten Patienten und den betreuenden Ärzten wichtige Informationen liefert und unser Wissen maßgeblich erweitert hat. In der ophthalmogenetischen Forschung hat NGS zudem zur Identifizierung zahlreicher neuer Krankheitsgene geführt.
Initial experience with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy with T-fastener fixation in pediatric patients
Authors: Kvello Morten , Knatten Charlotte , Perminow Gøri , Skari Hans , Engebretsen Anders , Schistad Ole , Emblem Ragnhild , Bjørnland Kristin
Published: February 2018

Background and study aims Insertion of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) with push-through technique and T-fastener fixation (PEG-T) has recently been introduced in pediatric patients. The T-fasteners allow a primary insertion of a balloon gastrostomy. Due to limited data on the results of this technique in children, we have investigated peri- and postoperative outcomes after implementation of PEG-T in our department.

Patients and methods This retrospective chart review included all patients below 18 years who underwent PEG-T placement from 2010 to 2014. Main outcomes were 30-day postoperative complications and late gastrostomy-related complications.

Results In total, 87 patients were included, and median follow-up time was 2.4 years (1 month – 4.9 years). Median age and weight at PEG-T insertion were 1.9 years (9.4 months – 16.4 years) and 10.4 kg (5.4 – 33.0 kg), respectively. Median operation time was 28 minutes (10 – 65 minutes), and 6 surgeons and 3 endoscopists performed the procedures. During the first 30 days, 54 complications occurred in 41 patients (47 %). Most common were peristomal infections treated with either local antibiotics in 11 patients (13 %) or systemic antibiotics in 11 other patients (13 %). 9 patients (10 %) experienced tube dislodgment. Late gastrostomy-related complications occurred in 33 patients (38 %). The T-fasteners caused early and late complications in 9 (10 %) and 11 patients (13 %), respectively. Of these, 4 patients (5 %) had subcutaneously migrated T-fasteners which were removed under general anesthesia.

Conclusion We found a high rate of complications after PEG-T. In particular, problems with the T-fasteners and tube dislodgment occurred frequently after PEG-T insertion.
Barthel-Index
Authors: Hiller Berit , Kirschke Vivian
Published: February 2018

Um herauszufinden, ob der Barthel-Index ein geeignetes Assessment für die Erhebung des Pflegeaufwandes in einer
ambulanten Hämodialysepraxis ist, haben wir uns seit Dezember 2015 mit diesem Thema beschäftigt. Begonnen
haben wir mit einer Datenerhebung bei 105 Dialysepatienten in Bezug auf Pflegestufen bzw. -grade sowie mit der
Erhebung des Barthel-Index. Im Anschluss ermittelten wir relevante Leistungsparameter für den tatsächlichen
Pflegeaufwand in der Dialyse, ordneten ihnen jeweils einen Zeitfaktor zu und nutzten den Januar 2016, diese
mithilfe unserer Kollegen zu protokollieren. Die Auswertung des Barthel-Index im Vergleich zur Auswertung der
von uns erfassten Leistungsparameter ergab schnell, dass wir in der Dialysepraxis auf ganz andere pflegerische
Maßnahmen stoßen, die im Barthel-Index gar nicht berücksichtigt sind. Daraus schließen wir, dass der
Barthel-Index kein geeignetes Assessment für die ambulante Hämodialysepraxis ist.
Intramuscular Testosterone Supplementation Ameliorates Depression in Hypogonadal Men: A Retrospective Study in an Outpatient Department
Authors: Miclea Andrei , Miclea Marius , Pistor Maximilian , Stegmayer Katharina , Hoepner Robert
Published: February 2018

Introduction Substantial evidence has indicated an association between hypogonadism and depressive symptoms, which led to the conduction of studies that found an ameliorating effect of testosterone (T) supplementation (S) upon depression in men.

Methods Retrospective analysis of medical records identified 16 depressed, hypogonadal men who have not responded adequately to initial antidepressant therapy and subsequently received intramuscular T injections. Following the proposal of Button et al., a minimal clinically important difference was defined as an 18% reduction of the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) score.

Results After TS, the BDI-II score decreased by approximately 31% (p<0.01), from 27.2 (mean; standard deviation [SD] 11.8) to 18.8 (mean; SD 11.3). Patients with baseline BDI-II scores ranging from 29 to 63 (severe depression) showed a significantly higher absolute and relative reduction through TS. Also, men with a shorter depression duration (<2 years) demonstrated a greater benefit.

Conclusions The depressed, hypogonadal men generally benefited from TS given that the BDI-II score reduction was almost twice as much as needed for a minimal clinically important difference.
Effect of NiO substitution on the structural and dielectric behaviour of NaNbO3
Authors: George R. T. , Joshi D. C. , Nayak S. , Tiwari N. , Chauhan R. N. , Pramanik P. , Dar T. A. , Ghosh S. , Thota S.
Published: February 2018

The structural and dielectric properties of NiO substituted NaNbO3 ceramics are reported. The orthorhombic (Pmna) crystal structure of NaNbO3 transforms to a lower symmetry monoclinic phase (Pbma) after the dilute dispersion of NiO. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals pentavalent “Nb,” monovalent “Na,” and divalent “Ni” states along with the signatures of non-local screening effects. The antiferroelectric to paraelectric transition (TAFE) accompanied by a structural change from the orthorhombic to the tetragonal phase shifts by 55 °C toward the low-temperature side, whereas the morphotropic phase boundary (TO-M) moves toward a higher temperature by 28 °C for nominal substitutions (x≤0.10). The generalized Lyddane-Sachs-Teller expression (ε0−S′ε∞)=(ωlωt)2 and thermodynamic free energy models are employed to explain the anomalous behaviour of the temperature dependence of relative dielectric permittivity (εr(T)) across TAFE and TO-M. The frequency dependence of ac-conductivity σac(ω) follows the Jonscher power law (σac = σ(0) + Aωs), suggesting the dominance of the phonon-assisted hopping mechanism, whereas the frequency independent term (σ(0)) was explained by Funke's Jump-Relaxation Model.
Optimum design and measurement analysisof 0.34 THz extended interaction klystron
Authors: Li Shuang , Wang Jianguo , Xi Hongzhu , Wang Dongyang , Wang Bingbing , Wang Guangqiang , Teng Yan
Published: February 2018

In order to develop an extended interaction klystron (EIK) with high performance in the terahertz range, the staggered-tuned structure is numerically studied, manufactured, and measured. First, the circuit is optimized to get high interaction strength and avoid the mode overlapping in the output cavity, ensuring the efficiency and stability for the device. Then the clustered cavities are staggered tuned to improve its bandwidth. The particle-in-cell (PIC) code is employed to research the performances of the device under different conditions and accordingly the practicable and reliable conditions are confirmed. The device can effectively amplify the input terahertz signal and its gain reaches around 19.6 dB when the working current is 150 mA. The circuit and window are fabricated and tested, whose results demonstrate their usability. The experiment on the beam’s transmission is conducted and the results show that about 92% of the emitting current can successfully arrive at the collector, ensuring the validity and feasibility for the interaction process.
Determination of glycated albumin using boronic acid-derived agarose beads on paper-based devices
Authors: Ko Euna , Tran Van-Khue , Geng Yanfang , Kim Min Ki , Jin Ga Hyun , Son Seong Eun , Hur Won , Seong Gi Hun
Published: February 2018

Self-monitoring of glycated albumin (GA), a useful glycemic marker, is an established method for preventing diabetes complications. Here, the paper-based lateral flow assay devices were developed for the sensitive detection of GA and the total human serum albumin (tHSA) in self-monitoring diabetes patients. Boronic acid-derived agarose beads were packed into a hole on a lateral flow channel. These well-coordinated agarose beads were used to capture GA through specific cis-diol interactions and to enhance the colorimetric signals by concentrating the target molecules. The devices exhibited large dynamic ranges (from 10 μg/ml to 10 mg/ml for GA and from 10 mg/ml to 50 mg/ml for tHSA) and low detection limits (7.1 μg/ml for GA and 4.7 mg/ml for tHSA), which cover the range of GA concentration in healthy plasma, which is 0.21–1.65 mg/ml (0.6%–3%). In determining the unknown GA concentrations in two commercial human plasma samples, the relative percentage difference between the values found by a standard ELISA kit and those found by our developed devices was 2.62% and 8.80%, which are within an acceptable range. The measurements of GA and tHSA were completed within 20 min for the total sample-to-answer diagnosis, fulfilling the demand for rapid analysis. Furthermore, the recovery values ranged from 99.4% to 110% in device accuracy tests. These results indicate that the developed paper-based device with boronic acid-derived agarose beads is a promising platform for GA and tHSA detection as applied to self-monitoring systems.
Microrod carrier dynamics map out potential ability to offset LED efficiency losses at high current
Authors: Majors J. H.
Published: February 2018

Time-resolved cathodoluminescence measurements reveal short radiative lifetimes of individual core-shell microrods, even at room temperatures, and their potential for improving LED efficiency.
Graph theory model sets new accuracy benchmark for protein flexibility analysis
Authors: Liebendorfer Adam
Published: February 2018

Multiscale weighted colored graph model promises a faster, simpler method for determining protein flexibility characteristics and achieves a significant increase in accuracy over widely used techniques.
Neologisms
Authors: Kathpalia Sujata S.
Published: February 2018

Studies in word-formation in English are common compared to the study of new words that are formed by combining the resources of two linguistic systems. Although new word formations within a language are considered to be highly creative, combining words from two different languages provides another level of creativity to bilinguals in different situations. The objective of this paper is to examine the main types of word creation processes employed in mass media texts, particularly in Hindi-English code-mixed words. The focus is on three main processes of word creation: affixation, blending and compounding (including reduplication) and they are discussed from the perspective of productivity/creativity, distribution and underlying motivations. These processes seem to be illustrative of the nativization of inner circle English in India, particularly in mass media where such lexical adaptations lend texts a distinct flavor through innovation in word-formation.
Accuracy, intra‐ and inter‐unit reliability, and comparison between GPS and UWB‐based position‐tracking systems used for time–motion analyses in soccer
Authors: Bastida Castillo Alejandro , Gómez Carmona Carlos D. , De la cruz sánchez Ernesto , Pino Ortega José
Published: February 2018

There is interest in the accuracy and inter‐unit reliability of position‐tracking systems to monitor players. Research into this technology, although relatively recent, has grown exponentially in the last years, and it is difficult to find professional team sport that does not use Global Positioning System (GPS) technology at least. The aim of this study is to know the accuracy of both GPS‐based and Ultra Wide Band (UWB)‐based systems on a soccer field and their inter‐ and intra‐unit reliability. A secondary aim is to compare them for practical applications in sport science. Following institutional ethical approval and familiarization, 10 healthy and well‐trained former soccer players (20 ± 1.6 years, 1.76 ± 0.08 cm, and 69.5 ± 9.8 kg) performed three course tests: (i) linear course, (ii) circular course, and (iii) a zig–zag course, all using UWB and GPS technologies. The average speed and distance covered were compared with timing gates and the real distance as references. The UWB technology showed better accuracy (bias: 0.57–5.85%), test–retest reliability (%TEM: 1.19), and inter‐unit reliability (bias: 0.18) in determining distance covered than the GPS technology (bias: 0.69–6.05%; %TEM: 1.47; bias: 0.25) overall. Also, UWB showed better results (bias: 0.09; ICC: 0.979; bias: 0.01) for mean velocity measurement than GPS (bias: 0.18; ICC: 0.951; bias: 0.03).
Silicon Oxycarbide Waveguides for Photonic Applications
Authors: Ahmed Memon Faisal , Morichetti Francesco , Melloni Andrea
Published: February 2018

Silicon oxycarbide thin films deposited with rf reactive magnetron sputtering a SiC target are exploited to demonstrate photonic waveguides with a high refractive index of 1.82 yielding an index contrast of 18% with silica glass. The propagation losses of the photonic waveguides are measured at the telecom wavelength of 1.55 μm by cut-back technique. The results demonstrate the potential of silicon oxycarbide for photonic applications.
Cerebral Osmolytes and Plasma Osmolality in Pregnancy and Preeclampsia: A Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Study
Authors: Nelander Maria , Wikström Anna-Karin , Weis Jan , Bergman Lina , Larsson Anders , Sundström-Poromaa Inger , Wikström Johan
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

Cerebral complications contribute substantially to mortality in preeclampsia. Pregnancy calls for extensive maternal adaptations, some associated with increased propensity for seizures, but the pathophysiology behind the eclamptic seizures is not fully understood. Plasma osmolality and sodium levels are lowered in pregnancy. This could result in extrusion of cerebral organic osmolytes, including the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate, but this remains to be determined. The hypothesis of this study was that cerebral levels of organic osmolytes are decreased during pregnancy, and that this decrease is even more pronounced in women with preeclampsia.

METHODS

We used proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy to compare levels of cerebral organic osmolytes, in women with preeclampsia (n = 30), normal pregnancy (n = 32), and nonpregnant controls (n = 16). Cerebral levels of organic osmolytes were further correlated to plasma osmolality and plasma levels of glutamate and sodium.

RESULTS

Compared to nonpregnant women, women with normal pregnancy and preeclampsia had lower levels of the cerebral osmolytes, myo-inositol, choline and creatine (P = 0.001 or less), and all these metabolites correlated with each other (P < 0.05). Women with normal pregnancies and preeclampsia had similar levels of osmolytes, except for glutamate, which was significantly lower in preeclampsia. Cerebral and plasma glutamate levels were negatively correlated with each other (P < 0.008), and myo-inositol, choline and creatine levels were all positively correlated with both plasma osmolality and sodium levels (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that pregnancy is associated with extrusion of cerebral organic osmolytes. This includes the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate, which may be involved in the pathophysiology of seizures in preeclampsia.
Longitudinal Associations of Autonomy, Relatedness, and Competence With the Well-being of Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Kloos Noortje , Trompetter Hester R , Bohlmeijer Ernst T , Westerhof Gerben J
Published: February 2018

Background and Objectives

As proposed by the self-determination theory, satisfying nursing home residents’ needs for autonomy, relatedness, and competence may improve their well-being. This is the first study to test the longitudinal relations of the satisfaction of these three basic psychological needs to the subjective well-being of nursing home residents and to determine whether a balance among the satisfaction of the three needs is important for well-being.

Research Design and Methods

Participants in this longitudinal survey study included 128 physically frail residents (mean age 85 years) at four Dutch nursing homes. Satisfaction of the three basic psychological needs was measured at baseline, and depressive feelings and life satisfaction 5–8 months later. Absolute differences between the three basic need satisfaction scores were summed to create a score of need satisfaction balance.

Results

All three needs were related to both well-being measures over time, although autonomy had the strongest relationships. Only autonomy and competence were uniquely associated with depressive feelings, and only autonomy was uniquely associated with life satisfaction. The need satisfaction balance score was related to well-being independent of the autonomy and relatedness scores.

Discussion and Implications

These results confirm that all three basic psychological needs are important for nursing home residents’ well-being, with autonomy having the strongest and most consistent relationship to their well-being. Additionally, high satisfaction of one need does not compensate for low satisfaction of another. Supporting residents’ needs for autonomy, relatedness, and competence should, therefore, have a central role in nursing home culture-change interventions.
Probing primordial gravitational waves: Ali CMB Polarization Telescope
Authors: Li Hong , Li Si-Yu , Liu Yang , Li Yong-Ping , Cai Yifu , Li Mingzhe , Zhao Gong-Bo , Liu Cong-Zhan , Li Zheng-Wei , Xu He , Wu Di , Zhang Yong-Jie , Fan Zu-Hui , Yao Yong-Qiang , Kuo Chao-Lin , Lu Fang-Jun , Zhang Xinmin
Published: February 2018

In this paper, we will give a general introduction to the Ali CMB Polarization Telescope (AliCPT) project, which is a Sino–US joint project led by the Institute of High Energy Physics and involves many different institutes in China. It is the first ground-based Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) polarization experiment in China and an integral part of China's Gravitational-wave Program. The main scientific goal of the AliCPT project is to probe the primordial gravitational waves (PGWs) originating from the very early Universe. The AliCPT project includes two stages. The first stage, referred to as AliCPT-1, is to build a telescope in the Ali region of Tibet at an altitude of 5250 meters. Once completed, it will be the highest ground-based CMB observatory in the world and will open a new window for probing PGWs in the northern hemisphere. The AliCPT-1 telescope is designed to have about 7000 transition-edge sensor detectors at 95 GHz and 150 GHz. The second stage is to have a more sensitive telescope (AliCPT-2) with more than 20 000 detectors. Our simulations show that AliCPT will improve the current constraint on the tensor-to-scalar ratio r by one order of magnitude with three years' observation. Besides the PGWs, AliCPT will also enable a precise measurement of the CMB rotation angle and provide a precise test of the CPT symmetry. We show that three years' observation will improve the current limit by two orders of magnitude.
Liver Cirrhosis as a Risk Factor for Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy Failure in Real-Life Hepatitis C Virus/Human Immunodeficiency Virus Coinfection
Authors: Boesecke Christoph , Ingiliz Patrick , Berger Florian , Lutz Thomas , Schewe Knud , Schulze zur Wiesch Julian , Baumgarten Axel , Christensen Stefan , Rockstroh Jürgen K , Mauss Stefan ,   for the GECCO Study Group
Published: February 2018

Current hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment guidelines recommend treating HCV/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-coinfected individuals similar to HCV-monoinfected individuals. Recently inferior response rates to direct acting antiviral (DAA) therapy in HCV/HIV coinfection have been reported. Our German hepatitis C cohort (GECCO) cohort data show that coinfected patients with liver cirrhosis are less likely to achieve viral eradication.
Results of an Adaptive Surgical Approach for Managing Late Onset Hypotony After Trabeculectomy With Mitomycin C
Authors: Prokosch-Willing Verena , Lamparter Julia , ul Hassan Shahzada Najam , Toshev Anani P. , Pfeiffer Norbert , Hoffmann Esther M.
Published: February 2018

Objectives:

The objective of this study is to investigate the results of an adaptive approach of bleb revision surgery for late onset hypotony after trabeculectomy with mitomycin C because of bleb leakage and/or scleral melting.

Methods:

A total of 29 eyes of 27 patients, aged 63.8±11.7 years with hypotony maculopathy [intraocular pressure (IOP), ≤6 mm Hg] because of late onset bleb leakage and/or scleral melting after trabeculectomy with mitomycin C in which minimally invasive transconjunctival suturing of the scleral flap was impossible were enrolled in this retrospective interventional case series. External bleb leakage was seen in 16 eyes, 11 eyes suffered from scleral melting. Because of the intraoperative findings regarding appearance of conjunctiva and sclera 4 different surgical approaches were used: (1) bleb excision (in case of external leakage) and conjunctival reapproximation, (2) bleb excision and free conjunctival autografting, (3) human donor scleral patch grafting (in case of scleral flap defect) with conjunctiva reapproximation and (4) combined conjunctival and scleral patch grafting. Outcome measures were IOP and visual acuity (VA) development over time. Data analysis comparing changes in the parameters (IOP and VA) before and after bleb revision surgery was carried out using the paired t test.

Results:

Changes in IOP and VA were analyzed over 9.3±8.3 months (range, 1.1 to 36.5 mo). IOP increased from 4.0±1.8 mm Hg, (P<0.001) before revision surgery to 13.1±4.1 mm Hg at 3 months after revision and 12.6±3.8 mm Hg at last follow-up visit, showing no significant difference in IOP between 3 months post revision and at the last documented patients’ follow-up visit (P=0.28). The VA before revision surgery (0.42±0.28 logMAR) significantly increased (P=0.05) 3 months after revision (0.32±0.23 logMAR) and remained stable (P=0.65) until the last follow-up visit (9.3±8.3 mo; range, 1.1 to 36.5) (0.35±0.32 logMAR).

Conclusions:

In patients with hypotony an adaptive approach of bleb management shows good results both in terms of IOP control and improvement in VA.
Visual Disability Among Juvenile Open-angle Glaucoma Patients
Authors: Gupta Viney , Ganesan Vaitheeswaran L. , Kumar Sandip , Chaurasia Abadh K. , Malhotra Sumit , Gupta Shikha
Published: February 2018

Aim:

Juvenile onset primary open-angle glaucoma (JOAG) unlike adult onset primary open-angle glaucoma presents with high intraocular pressure and diffuse visual field loss, which if left untreated leads to severe visual disability. The study aimed to evaluate the extent of visual disability among JOAG patients presenting to a tertiary eye care facility.

Methods:

Visual acuity and perimetry records of unrelated JOAG patients presenting to our Glaucoma facility were analyzed. Low vision and blindness was categorized by the WHO criteria and percentage impairment was calculated as per the guidelines provided by the American Medical Association (AMA).

Results:

Fifty-two (15%) of the 348 JOAG patients were bilaterally blind at presentation and 32 (9%) had low vision according to WHO criteria. Ninety JOAG patients (26%) had a visual impairment of 75% or more.

Conclusions:

Visual disability at presentation among JOAG patients is high. This entails a huge economic burden, given their young age and associated social responsibilities.
Structural and Functional Associations of Macular Microcirculation in the Ganglion Cell-Inner Plexiform Layer in Glaucoma Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
Authors: Richter Grace M. , Madi Ingy , Chu Zhongdi , Burkemper Bruce , Chang Ryuna , Zaman Arman , Sylvester Beau , Reznik Alena , Kashani Amir , Wang Ruikang K. , Varma Rohit
Published: February 2018

Purpose:

To quantify retinal microvasculature within the macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and normal eyes, determine association of vessel parameters with structural and functional measures, and report diagnostic accuracy of vessel parameters.

Methods:

POAG and normal patients underwent 6×6 mm macula scans [Angioplex optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA); Cirrus HD-OCT 5000]; and Humphrey Field Analyzer II-i 24-2 visual field (VF). Prototype software performed semiautomatic segmentation to create GCIPL en face images, and quantified vessel area density (VAD), vessel skeleton density (VSD), and vessel complexity index (VCI) for the macula (globally, hemifields, and 6 focal sectors). Linear regression assessed association of OCTA parameters with VF mean deviation (MD) and GCIPL thickness globally and focally.

Results:

A total of 34 POAG and 21 normal eyes were studied. VAD, VSD, and VCI were reduced in POAG versus normal (0.463 vs. 0.486, P=0.00029; 0.230 vs. 0.219, P=0.0014; 1.15 vs. 1.09, P=0.0044, respectively), with a trend of worsening with increased POAG severity. Reduced global VF MD was associated with reduced VAD and VCI, controlling for age and intereye correlation (P=0.0060, 0.0080; R
2=0.205, 0.211). Both superior and inferior hemifield MD were associated with corresponding VAD, VSD, and VCI (all P<0.007; R
2 ranged from 0.12 to 0.29). Global GCIPL thickness was not associated with global OCTA parameters, and only inferior sector GCIPL thickness was associated with corresponding VAD, VSD, and VCI (P<0.05; R
2 ranged from 0.15 to 0.16). Area under curves for VAD, VSD, and VCI were fair to good (0.83, 0.79, 0.82; respectively; P<0.0001).

Conclusions:

Glaucomatous eyes had reduced GCIPL microcirculation. OCTA parameters had stronger associations with functional rather than structural measures of glaucoma. This observation deserves further study.
Necrotizing Enterocolitis Cases Associated with Nosocomial Enterovirus Transmission in a Neonatal Unit
Authors: Alidjinou Enagnon Kazali , Lazrek Mouna , Schuffenecker Isabelle , Pindi Béatrice , Lapeyre Fabrice , Kacet Nadine , Dewilde Anny , Engelmann Ilka , Hober Didier
Published: February 2018

Infectious agents including viruses are thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis, a well-known gastrointestinal emergency in newborns. Enteroviruses are common pathogens in neonates and have been associated with outbreaks in neonatal units. Enterovirus-associated necrotizing enterocolitis has been described in 3 preterms. Spatiotemporal and molecular analyses have provided evidence of nosocomial transmission.