bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TAK1 inhibitor NG25 enhances doxorubicin-mediated apoptosis in breast cancer cells
Authors: Wang Zhenyu , Zhang Huiyuan , Shi Minghao , Yu Yang , Wang Hao , Cao Wen-Ming , Zhao Yanling , Zhang Hong
Published: September 2016

Doxorubicin (Dox, Adriamycin) has been widely used in breast cancer treatment. But its severe cardio-toxic side effects limited the clinical use. Dox treatment can induce DNA damage and other accompanying effects in cancer cells, and subsequently activates nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathway which has a strong pro-survival role in different types of malignancy. We hypothesize that blocking NF-κB pathway may sensitize breast cancer cells to Dox chemotherapy. TGFβ-activated kinase-1 (TAK1) is a key intracellular molecule participating in genotoxic stresses-induced NF-κB activation. Targeting TAK1 as a strategy to enhance cancer treatment efficacy has been studied in several malignancies. We showed that NG25, a synthesized TAK1 inhibitor, greatly enhanced Dox treatment efficacy in a panel of breast cancer cell lines. In this pre-clinical study, we found that NG25 partially blocked Dox-induced p38 phosphorylation and IκBα degradation and enhanced Dox-induced cytotoxic effects and apoptosis in all breast cancer cell lines tested. Taken together, we provided clear evidence that NG25 sensitizes the breast cancer cells to Dox treatment in vitro. This combination may be an effective and feasible therapeutic option maximizing Dox efficacy and meanwhile minimizing Dox side effects in treating breast cancer.
Across intra-mammalian stages of the liver f luke Fasciola hepatica: a proteomic study
Authors: Di Maggio Lucía Sánchez , Tirloni Lucas , Pinto Antonio F. M. , Diedrich Jolene K. , Yates III John R. , Benavides Uruguaysito , Carmona Carlos , da Silva Vaz Itabajara , Berasain Patricia
Published: September 2016

Fasciola hepatica is the agent of fasciolosis, a foodborne zoonosis that affects livestock production and human health. Although flukicidal drugs are available, re-infection and expanding resistance to triclabendazole demand new control strategies. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the complex interaction with the mammalian host could provide relevant clues, aiding the search for novel targets in diagnosis and control of fasciolosis. Parasite survival in the mammalian host is mediated by parasite compounds released during infection, known as excretory/secretory (E/S) products. E/S products are thought to protect parasites from host responses, allowing them to survive for a long period in the vertebrate host. This work provides in-depth proteomic analysis of F. hepatica intra-mammalian stages, and represents the largest number of proteins identified to date for this species. Functional classification revealed the presence of proteins involved in different biological processes, many of which represent original findings for this organism and are important for parasite survival within the host. These results could lead to a better comprehension of host-parasite relationships, and contribute to the development of drugs or vaccines against this parasite.
Experimental Infection of Calves with Escherichia coli O104:H4 outbreak strain
Authors: Hamm K. , Barth S. A. , Stalb S. , Geue L. , Liebler-Tenorio E. , Teifke J. P. , Lange E. , Tauscher K. , Kotterba G. , Bielaszewska M. , Karch H. , Menge C.
Published: September 2016

In 2011, a severe outbreak of hemolytic-uremic syndrome was caused by an unusual, highly virulent enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) O104:H4 strain, which possessed EHEC virulence traits in the genetic background of human-adapted enteroaggregative E. coli. To determine magnitude of fecal shedding and site of colonization of EHEC O104:H4 in a livestock host, 30 (ten/strain) weaned calves were inoculated with 1010 CFU of EHEC O104:H4, EHEC O157:H7 (positive control) or E. coli strain 123 (negative control) and necropsied (4 or 28 d.p.i.). E. coli O157:H7 was recovered until 28 d.p.i. and O104:H4 until 24 d.p.i. At 4 d.p.i., EHEC O104:H4 was isolated from intestinal content and detected associated with the intestinal mucosa. These results are the first evidence that cattle, the most important EHEC reservoir, can also carry unusual EHEC strains at least transiently, questioning our current understanding of the molecular basis of host adaptation of this important E. coli pathovar.
Early outcomes after small incision lenticule extraction and photorefractive keratectomy for correction of high myopia
Authors: Chan Tommy C. Y. , Yu Marco C. Y. , Ng Alex , Wang Zheng , Cheng George P. M. , Jhanji Vishal
Published: September 2016

We prospectively compared visual and refractive outcomes in patients with high myopia and myopic astigmatism after small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and photorefractive keratetctomy (PRK) with mitomycin C. Sixty-six eyes of 33 patients (mean age, 29.7 ± 5.6 years) were included (SMILE: 34 eyes, PRK 32 eyes). Preoperatively, no significant difference was noted in manifest spherical equivalent (p = 0.326), manifest sphere (p = 0.277), and manifest cylinder (p = 0.625) between both groups. At 1 month, there were significant differences in logMAR uncorrected distance visual acuity, efficacy index and manifest refraction spherical equivalent between SMILE and PRK (p ≤ 0.029). At 6 months, the logMAR corrected distance visual acuity (p = 0.594), logMAR uncorrected visual acuity (p = 0.452), efficacy index (p = 0.215) and safety index was (p = 0.537) was comparable between SMILE and PRK. Significant differences were observed in postoperative manifest spherical equivalent (p = 0.044) and manifest cylinder (p = 0.014) between both groups. At the end of 6 months, 100% of the eyes in SMILE group and 69% of the eyes in PRK group were within ±0.50 D of the attempted cylindrical correction. The postoperative difference vector, magnitude of error and absolute angle of error were significantly smaller after SMILE compared to PRK (p ≤ 0.040) implying a trend towards overcorrection of cylindrical correction following PRK.
Manipulating and assembling metallic beads with Optoelectronic Tweezers
Authors: Zhang Shuailong , Juvert Joan , Cooper Jonathan M. , Neale Steven L.
Published: September 2016

Optoelectronic tweezers (OET) or light-patterned dielectrophoresis (DEP) has been developed as a micromanipulation technology for controlling micro- and nano-particles with applications such as cell sorting and studying cell communications. Additionally, the capability of moving small objects accurately and assembling them into arbitrary 2D patterns also makes OET an attractive technology for microfabrication applications. In this work, we demonstrated the use of OET to manipulate conductive silver-coated Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) microspheres (50 μm diameter) into tailored patterns. It was found that the microspheres could be moved at a max velocity of 3200 μm/s, corresponding to 4.2 nano-newton (10−9 N) DEP force, and also could be positioned with high accuracy via this DEP force. The underlying mechanism for this strong DEP force is shown by our simulations to be caused by a significant increase of the electric field close to the particles, due to the interaction between the field and the silver shells coating the microspheres. The associated increase in electrical gradient causes DEP forces that are much stronger than any previously reported for an OET device, which facilitates manipulation of the metallic microspheres efficiently without compromise in positioning accuracy and is important for applications on electronic component assembling and circuit construction.
Compact inline substrate integrated waveguide filter with enhanced selectivity using new non‐resonating node
Authors: He Zhaosheng , You Chang Jiang , Leng Supeng , Li Xiang
Published: September 2016

A high selective inline substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) filter based on novel stepped‐impedance non‐resonating node (NRN) is presented. The stepped‐impedance NRN is realised by inserting a stepped‐impedance substrate integrated coaxial line resonator into the volume of a third‐order SIW filter. It introduces extra signal transmission path between source and load. Thus, one more transmission zero (TZ) is produced compared with conventional NRN that further improves the selectivity of the filter. Also, the proposed filter achieves a compact circuit size as the stepped‐impedance NRN is embedded in the SIW cavity without occupying extra layout. To validate the proposed concept, a prototype filter with two TZs locating at both the lower and upper stop‐bands, is designed, fabricated and measured. The measured results are well consistent with the simulation ones.
Low‐noise inducing Rx for human body communication
Authors: Oh K.‐I. , Kang T.W. , Kim S.E. , Park H.‐I. , Lim I.G. , Kang S.W.
Published: September 2016

A low‐noise inducing receiver (Rx) for human body communication is proposed. By minimising switching noise from the digital circuit of the Rx and coupling of the signal to the Rx ground, stable and reliable communication was accomplished even when the transmitter (Tx) and the Rx were attached to the human body. A prototype Tx and Rx were implemented with a PCB size of 5 × 6 cm. They were tested with this low‐noise inducing Rx design and accomplished a data rate of 1 Mbits/s without any cyclic redundancy check (CRC) error.
Efficient shadowing determination at grazing incidence, for mesh‐based physical optics scattering analysis
Authors: Xiang D.P. , Botha M.M.
Published: September 2016

Shadowing determination is a crucial step in methods based on the physical optics approximation, which are widely used for electromagnetic scattering analysis of electrically large, conducting bodies. When the surface current is represented by basis functions on a mesh of triangle elements, this involves determining for each mesh edge and/or elemental face whether it is visible to the source or obscured by another mesh element. A field‐of‐view buffer‐based shadowing determination algorithm for plane wave illumination of triangle‐element meshes is presented, with special provision to maintain efficiency in case of grazing incidence. For homogeneous meshes, the computational costs in runtime and memory are both directly proportional to the number of mesh elements.
Assistive technology using integrated flexible sensor and virtual alarm unit for blood leakage detection during dialysis therapy
Authors: Lin Chia‐Hung , Chen Wei‐Ling , Li Chien‐Ming , Wu Ming‐Jui , Huang Ping‐Tzan , Chen Ying‐Shin
Published: September 2016

Blood leakages and blood loss are both serious complications during dialysis therapies. According to dialysis survey reports, these events are life‐threatening issues for nephrology nurses, medical staff, and patients. When venous needle dislodgement occurs, it takes only <2.5 min of reaction time for blood loss in an adult patient, resulting in mortality. As an early‐warning design, a wireless assistive technology using an integrated flexible sensor and virtual alarm unit was developed to detect blood leakage during dialysis therapies. The flexible sensor was designed using a screen print technique with printing electronic circuits on a plastic substrate. A self‐organising algorithm was used to design a virtual alarm unit, consisting of a virtual direct current grid and a virtual alarm driver. In other words, this warning device was employed to identify the blood leakage levels via wireless fidelity wireless network in cloud computing. The feasibility was verified, and commercialisation designs can also be implemented in an embedded system.
Framework model for time‐variant propagation speed and congestion boundary by incident on expressways
Authors: Fei Wenpeng , Song Guohua , Zang Jinrui , Gao Yong , Sun Jianping , Yu Lei
Published: September 2016

For the purpose of accurately capturing the evolution characteristics of the congestion on urban expressways under traffic incidents, this study developed a framework model for the time‐variant propagation speed and congestion boundary based on shockwave model. An initial analysis demonstrated that the traffic demand and facility supply determine the propagation speed and boundary. The outflow at the incident section was considered, which is affected by the number of closed lanes, the proportion of buses, and the number of lane‐changing vehicles. Additionally, the background demand varies with the time of day and the location due to a high density of ramps. The entry and exit flows of on‐ramps and off‐ramps under the traffic incident were shown to have a considerable impact on the congestion propagation. Consequently, the framework model was developed and parameters were estimated based on the field data of ring‐road expressways in Beijing. For practical purpose, the data inputs were provided by the floating car system and remote traffic microwave sensor system. Three incidents on expressways were adopted to evaluate the capability of the model. Results showed that the proposed model is able to practically model the time‐variant characteristics of the propagation speed and congestion boundary of traffic incidents.
Full‐Capacity Wind Turbine with Inertial Support by Adjusting Phase‐Locked Loop Response
Authors: Hu Jiabing , Wang Shuo , Tang Wenming , Xiong Xuejun
Published: September 2016

This study presents a new concept for full‐capacity wind turbines (WTs) to emulate inertial response behaviour by optimising phase‐locked loop (OPLL). The proposed OPLL‐based concept can make full‐capacity WT spontaneously respond to frequency events in grid with no more need for frequency measurement and calculations of its variation or differential, which are usually required to calculate the desired extra support power or chosen to trigger a predetermined active power shape etc., in common methods. Comprehensive analysis and comparisons are presented for full‐capacity WT with two different generic control structures by establishing corresponding motion equations with regard to the active current dynamics. The established motion equations theoretically indicate that PLL dynamics and the related active power controls are in the equally important positions and greatly influence the frequency response behaviours of full‐capacity WT, which constitutes the theoretical basis of the proposed OPLL‐based methodologies. Simulated results demonstrate the feasibility and correctness of the OPLL‐based methodologies. The influences of key parameters concerned corresponding to each proposed OPLL‐based methodology are studied. Finally, the proposed methodologies for two generic control structures are also briefly compared and evaluated.
Comparative analysis of design criteria for hybrid photovoltaic/wind/battery systems
Authors: Vergara Pedro Pablo , Rey Juan M. , da Silva Luiz C. Pereira , Ordóñez Gabriel
Published: September 2016

Reliability analyses are essential for the design of hybrid photovoltaic/wind/battery systems. The selection of design criteria is an important task and has to ensure proper reliability and optimal configuration. In the literature, loss of power supply probability (LPSP) and loss of load hours (LOLH) are the most common reliability criteria used for this matter. This study presents a comparative analysis on LPSP and LOLH design criteria based on a Monte Carlo simulation, taking into consideration uncertainties in the variables involved in the design process. Moreover, two new statistical design criteria are proposed, aiming to avoid over‐sizing of the optimal configuration. According to the obtained results, LOLH is a stricter design criterion compared with LPSP, leading to a more reliable energy system. In addition, the optimal configuration selected by using the proposed statistical design criteria showed better performance when compared with the solution based on LPSP or LOLH.
Simulation and measurement for shielding effectiveness of small size metal enclosure
Authors: Zhou Cong , Gui Liangqi , Liu Dandan , Lv Lang , Lu Dandan , Lang Liang
Published: September 2016

The shielding effectiveness (SE) of a small size perforated shielding enclosure is analysed in this study. For an ideal model, the numerical results by modal method of moment (MoM) match well with the simulation results by a finite integration technique simulator CST‐MWS. When adding some detailed structures such as reinforcing rib structures to the ideal model, the modal MoM is not suitable. To verify whether the simulation results by CST on the detailed model are correct or not, the physical enclosure is tested in a microwave anechoic chamber. To measure the SE under the height limitation of the enclosure, an L‐shaped antenna is designed and used as the receiving antenna. The measurement results and the simulation results by CST on SE are pretty close.
Mitigation of erroneous oscillations in electromagnetic transient simulations using analogue filter theory
Authors: Araújo Anderson R. J. , Kurokawa Sérgio , Shinoda Ailton A. , Costa Eduardo C. M.
Published: September 2016

An efficient and simplified procedure is proposed for the reduction of high‐frequency oscillations and erroneous magnitude peaks in electromagnetic transient simulations in power transmission systems modelled by the lumped electric parameters approach. This procedure consists of the inclusion of analogue filters in the equivalent representation of multiconductor transmission lines without modifying its electromagnetic propagation characteristics. The analogue filter modelling is conducted as a function of the line length and line parameters. The proposed simulation methodology is applied directly in the line modelling, which means that the filtering/correction process represents a real‐time process during simulations, without post‐processing filtering techniques using digital filters or variations in the solution methods. The results obtained directly in the time domain by the proposed modelling/simulation methodology are compared with simulations obtained from well‐established line models using the numerical Laplace transform and the Bergeron method.
Graphical modelling of pinched hysteresis loops of memristors
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Meng , Hui Shu‐Yuen Ron
Published: September 2016

In this study, a graphical modelling approach of the pinched hysteresis loops exhibited by memristors is presented. This method provides a tool to emulate the hysteresis loop pinched at the origin, with the lobe area varying with the excitation frequency. The direction of the pinched hysteresis loop can be controlled. This graphical modelling method provides an alternative to describe the behaviour of memristors without deriving the coupled non‐linear differential equations typically required for physical memristors. The method has been successfully applied to model the Hewlett–Packard memristor device.
Characterisation and optimisation of the d33 coefficient of cellular PP films
Authors: Ortega Braña Gustavo , Llovera‐Segovia Pedro , Rodrigo Mor Armando , Quijano Alfredo
Published: September 2016

Piezoelectric polymer cellular films have been studied since 1986. In recent years, they have improved the potential applications due to materials progress. Cellular polypropylene (PP) polymers are characterised by its high piezoelectric coefficient d33 in comparison with other piezoelectric materials such as ceramics. One of the advantages of these films is their elasticity and flexibility. This study is based on the optimisation of the activation process and characterisation results of polymer cellular films. Samples were made of a commercially available PP film which was modified by a thermal biaxial stretching. Coefficient d33 was measured by a quasi‐static method and the frequency characterisation was made for validating all characterisations and their relations. Transducer coefficients around 700 pC/N were obtained with polymer cellular PP films with silver coating electrodes, activated by corona discharge. An approximation of the surface charge density in the polymer voids was obtained with a mathematical model. Thermal stability was checked by thermally stimulated discharge currents (TSDCs) showing a relationship between the TSDC and the coefficient d33. Time stability was determined after 3000 h ageing, and finally was obtained a resonance frequency by interferometry measurement.
Portal Vein Thrombosis in a Preterm Newborn with Mutation of the MTHFR and PAI-1 Genes and Sepsis by Candida parapsilosis
Authors: Giuffrè Mario , Verso Clelia , Serra Gregorio , Moceri Giovanni , Cimador Marcello , Corsello Giovanni
Published: September 2016

Objective This report discusses the role of both congenital and acquired risk factors in the pathogenesis of portal vein thrombosis (PVT).

Study Design We describe the clinical management and treatment of PVT in a preterm newborn with a homozygous mutation of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) genes and sepsis by Candida parapsilosis.

Results Although literature data suggest a minor role of genetic factors in thrombophilia in the case of only one mutation, we hypothesize that combined thrombophilic genetic defects may have a cumulative effect and significantly increase the thrombotic risk.

Conclusion It could be appropriate to include more detailed analyses of procoagulant and fibrinolytic factors in the diagnostic workup of neonatal thrombosis, also through the investigation of genetic polymorphisms. The anticoagulant therapy and the removal of concurrent risk factors remain basic steps for the adequate management and prevention of complications.
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Monitoring, Superior Vena Cava Flow, and Neurodevelopmental Outcome at 2 years in a Cohort of Very Low-Birth-Weight Infants
Authors: Cerbo Rosa , Orcesi Simona , Scudeller Luigia , Borellini Martina , Croci Carolina , Ravelli Claudia , Masa Giulia , Paolillo Piermichele , Manzoni Paolo , Balottin Umberto , Stronati Mauro
Published: September 2016

Objective We aimed at assessing the association between superior vena cava flow (SVCf), regional (cerebral) tissue oxygen saturation (rSO2), and cerebral fractional oxygen extraction (CFOE) during the first 48 hours of life and 2-years neurodevelopmental outcome of very low-birth-weight infants (VLBW).

Methods We prospectively studied 60 VLBW infants admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit; rSO2 was continuously monitored with near-infrared spectroscopy during the first 48 hours of life, SVCf was measured at 4 to 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours, and CFOE was calculated. Neurodevelopmental outcome was assessed at 24 months corrected age.

Results The mean gestational age at birth was 27.9 weeks (standard deviation: 2.4); 8 infants died in the first 3 months of life, 6 were lost to follow-up, 46 survived and were followed up. At 24 months, 6 (13%) and 7 (15.2%) infants developed minor and major sequelae, respectively. Infants who died had higher CFOE (p < 0.001) and lower SVCf (p < 0.001) than infants surviving with sequelae. In turn, these had higher SVCf between 24 and 48 hours than those without sequelae (p < 0.001).

Conclusion SVCf, rSO2, and CFOE patterns in the first days of life suggest cerebral hyperperfusion, related to loss of autoregulation and/or use of inotropic drugs, as a potential mechanism of cerebral injury.
Neonatal Transfusion Practice: When do Neonates Need Red Blood Cells or Platelets?
Authors: Del Vecchio Antonio , Franco Caterina , Petrillo Flavia , D'Amato Gabriele
Published: September 2016

Based on small studies and not on statistically valid clinical trials, guidelines for neonatal transfusions remain controversial and practices vary greatly. Premature infants and critically ill neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) often require blood transfusions and extremely preterm neonates receive at least one red blood cell transfusion during their hospital stay. Transfusions to neonates convey both benefits and risks and consequently it is imperative to establish specific guidelines to improve practice and avoid unnecessary transfusions. Appropriate and lifesaving platelet transfusion in thrombocytopenic bleeding neonates pertains to 2% of all neonates in NICUs. Inversely, 98% of platelet transfusions are given prophylactically, in the absence of bleeding, with the assumption that this reduces the risk of a serious hemorrhage. To date, no evidence base is available for assigning a platelet transfusion trigger to NICU patients. Each NICU should approve specific guidelines that best suit its local clinical practice. Therefore, whatever guidelines are chosen in deciding when to transfuse, what is most important is to adhere strictly to the guidelines adopted, thus limiting unnecessary transfusions that convey no benefits and carry both known and unknown risks.
Role of Insulinlike Growth Factor 1 in Fetal Development and in the Early Postnatal Life of Premature Infants
Authors: Hellström Ann , Ley David , Hansen-Pupp Ingrid , Hallberg Boubou , Ramenghi Luca , Löfqvist Chatarina , Smith Lois , Hård Anna-Lena
Published: September 2016

The neonatal period of very preterm infants is often characterized by a difficult adjustment to extrauterine life, with an inadequate nutrient supply and insufficient levels of growth factors, resulting in poor growth and a high morbidity rate. Long-term multisystem complications include cognitive, behavioral, and motor dysfunction as a result of brain damage as well as visual and hearing deficits and metabolic disorders that persist into adulthood. Insulinlike growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is a major regulator of fetal growth and development of most organs especially the central nervous system including the retina. Glucose metabolism in the developing brain is controlled by IGF-1 which also stimulates differentiation and prevents apoptosis. Serum concentrations of IGF-1 decrease to very low levels after very preterm birth and remain low for most of the perinatal development. Strong correlations have been found between low neonatal serum concentrations of IGF-1 and poor brain and retinal growth as well as poor general growth with multiorgan morbidities, such as intraventricular hemorrhage, retinopathy of prematurity, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and necrotizing enterocolitis. Experimental and clinical studies indicate that early supplementation with IGF-1 can improve growth in catabolic states and reduce brain injury after hypoxic/ischemic events. A multicenter phase II study is currently underway to determine whether intravenous replacement of human recombinant IGF-1 up to normal intrauterine serum concentrations can improve growth and development and reduce prematurity-associated morbidities.
Heated, Humidified High-Flow Nasal Cannulae as a Form of Noninvasive Respiratory Support for Preterm Infants and Children with Acute Respiratory Failure
Authors: Mardegan Veronica , Priante Elena , Lolli Elisabetta , Lago Paola , Baraldi Eugenio
Published: September 2016

Heated, humidified high-flow delivered by nasal cannulae (HHHFNC) is increasingly used for noninvasive respiratory support in preterm infants and critically ill children due to its perceived effectiveness and ease of use. Evidence from randomized controlled trials suggests that HHHFNC and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) are equally effective as postextubation support in preterm infants. HHHFNC is also used for weaning preterm infants from CPAP. Data on HHHFNC used as the primary support for treating respiratory distress syndrome are conflicting. HHHFNC use in preterm infants is associated with reduced nasal trauma. Inability to measure the pressure generated by HHHFNC systems is a concern because overexpansion can lead to an air leak and lung injury. Great caution is warranted when HHHFNC is used in extremely low-birth-weight infants (who were rarely included in these randomized controlled trials) because a recent retrospective study found its use is associated with a higher likelihood of bronchopulmonary dysplasia or death in this population. HHHFNC has also become popular in pediatric intensive care units and pediatric wards as a method for delivering oxygen and noninvasive respiratory support. Most published studies were conducted on infants and young children with bronchiolitis. The results of a few observational studies and two randomized trials suggest that HHHFNC therapy is effective in the treatment of bronchiolitis. This review discusses the proposed mechanisms of action behind HHHFNC, the results of observational studies, and the evidence emerging from clinical trials on the use of HHHFNC in preterm infants and children critically ill with bronchiolitis.
Patent Ductus Arteriosus and Short- and Long-Term Respiratory Outcomes
Authors: Bancalari Eduardo
Published: September 2016

The patency of the ductus arteriosus is very common in extremely premature infants. The increased pulmonary blood flow that results from left-to-right ductal shunting can produce an acute deterioration in lung function and some data suggest that it may increase the risk of chronic lung damage. However, there is no clear evidence that prophylactic or early closure of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) results in a clear reduction in bronchopulmonary dysplasia. For this reason, and because of the side effects of the available therapies to close the ductus, there is a wide variation in the approach to the PDA in this population and most clinicians will intervene to close the ductus only in cases of significant shunt with hemodynamic decompensation.
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment in Pediatric and Neonatal Patients and Disorders: Clinical Considerations and Updated Review of the Existing Literature
Authors: Bagagiolo Donatella , Didio Alessia , Sbarbaro Marco , Priolo Claudio , Borro Tiziana , Farina Daniele
Published: September 2016

Osteopathic medicine is a form of complementary and alternative medicine. Osteopathic practitioners treat patients of all ages: according to the Osteopathic International Alliance's 2012 survey, about one-third of all treated patients are aged between 31 and 50 years and nearly a quarter (23.4%) are pediatric patients, with 8.7% of them being younger than 2 years. In 2013 a systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) in pediatric patients with different underlying disorders, but due to the paucity and low methodological quality of the primary studies the results were inconclusive. The aim of this review is therefore to update the evidence concerning OMT in perinatal and pediatric disorders and to assess its clinical impact. Most published studies favor OMT, but the generally small sample sizes in these studies cannot support ultimate conclusions about the efficacy of osteopathic therapy in pediatric age. In turn, clinical trials of OMT in premature infants might represent an important step in the osteopathic research because they can address both cost-effectiveness issues, and an innovative, multidisciplinary approach to the management of specific pediatric diseases cared for by the same, common health care system. The available studies in neonatal settings provide evidence that OMT is effective in reducing the hospital length of stay of the treated infants, therefore, suggesting that robust cost-effectiveness analyses should be included in the future clinical trials' design to establish new possible OMT-shared strategies within the health care services provided to newborns.
Physics design of the in-vessel collection optics for the ITER electron cyclotron emission diagnostic
Authors: Rowan W. L. , Houshmandyar S. , Phillips P. E. , Austin M. E. , Beno J. H. , Hubbard A. E. , Khodak A. , Ouroua A. , Taylor G.
Published: September 2016

Measurement of the electron cyclotron emission (ECE) is one of the primary diagnostics for electron temperature in ITER. In-vessel, in-vacuum, and quasi-optical antennas capture sufficient ECE to achieve large signal to noise with microsecond temporal resolution and high spatial resolution while maintaining polarization fidelity. Two similar systems are required. One views the plasma radially. The other is an oblique view. Both views can be used to measure the electron temperature, while the oblique is also sensitive to non-thermal distortion in the bulk electron distribution. The in-vacuum optics for both systems are subject to degradation as they have a direct view of the ITER plasma and will not be accessible for cleaning or replacement for extended periods. Blackbody radiation sources are provided for in situ calibration.
Improvement of density resolution in short-pulse hard x-ray radiographic imaging using detector stacks
Authors: Borm B. , Gärtner F. , Khaghani D. , Neumayer P.
Published: September 2016

We demonstrate that stacking several imaging plates (IPs) constitutes an easy method to increase hard x-ray detection efficiency. Used to record x-ray radiographic images produced by an intense-laser driven hard x-ray backlighter source, the IP stacks resulted in a significant improvement of the radiograph density resolution. We attribute this to the higher quantum efficiency of the combined detectors, leading to a reduced photon noise. Electron-photon transport simulations of the interaction processes in the detector reproduce the observed contrast improvement. Increasing the detection efficiency to enhance radiographic imaging capabilities is equally effective as increasing the x-ray source yield, e.g., by a larger drive laser energy.
Crazing of nanocomposites with polymer-tethered nanoparticles
Authors: Meng Dong , Kumar Sanat K. , Ge Ting , Robbins Mark O. , Grest Gary S.
Published: September 2016

The crazing behavior of polymer nanocomposites formed by blending polymer grafted nanoparticles with an entangled polymer melt is studied by molecular dynamics simulations. We focus on the three key differences in the crazing behavior of a composite relative to the pure homopolymer matrix, namely, a lower yield stress, a smaller extension ratio, and a grafted chain length dependent failure stress. The yield behavior is found to be mostly controlled by the local nanoparticle-grafted polymer interfacial energy, with the grafted polymer-polymer matrix interfacial structure being of little to no relevance. Increasing the attraction between nanoparticle core and the grafted polymer inhibits void nucleation and leads to a higher yield stress. In the craze growth regime, the presence of “grafted chain” sections of ≈100 monomers alters the mechanical response of composite samples, giving rise to smaller extension ratios and higher drawing stresses than for the homopolymer matrix. The dominant failure mechanism of composite samples depends strongly on the length of the grafted chains, with disentanglement being the dominant mechanism for short chains, while bond breaking is the failure mode for chain lengths >10Ne, where Ne is the entanglement length.
Research Update: Luminescence in lead halide perovskites
Authors: Srimath Kandada Ajay Ram , Petrozza Annamaria
Published: September 2016

Efficiency and dynamics of radiative recombination of carriers are crucial figures of merit for optoelectronic materials. Following the recent success of lead halide perovskites in efficient photovoltaic and light emitting technologies, here we review some of the noted literature on the luminescence of this emerging class of materials. After outlining the theoretical formalism that is currently used to explain the carrier recombination dynamics, we review a few significant works which use photoluminescence as a tool to understand and optimize the operation of perovskite based optoelectronic devices.
Electrical and optical properties of Ar/NH3 atmospheric pressure plasma jet
Authors: Chang Zheng-Shi , Yao Cong-Wei , Chen Si-Le , Zhang Guan-Jun
Published: September 2016

Inspired by the Penning effect, we obtain a glow-like plasma jet by mixing ammonia (NH3) into argon (Ar) gas under atmospheric pressure. The basic electrical and optical properties of an atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) are investigated. It can be seen that the discharge mode transforms from filamentary to glow-like when a little ammonia is added into the pure argon. The electrical and optical analyses contribute to the explanation of this phenomenon. The discharge mode, power, and current density are analyzed to understand the electrical behavior of the APPJ. Meanwhile, the discharge images, APPJ's length, and the components of plasma are also obtained to express its optical characteristics. Finally, we diagnose several parameters, such as gas temperature, electron temperature, and density, as well as the density number of metastable argon atoms of Ar/NH3 APPJ to help judge the usability in its applications.
Lattice energies of molecular solids from the random phase approximation with singles corrections
Authors: Klimeš Jiří
Published: September 2016

We use the random phase approximation (RPA) method with the singles correlation energy contributions to calculate lattice energies of ten molecular solids. While RPA gives too weak binding, underestimating the reference data by 13.7% on average, much improved results are obtained when the singles are included at the GW singles excitations (GWSE) level, with average absolute difference to the reference data of only 3.7%. Consistently with previous results, we find a very good agreement with the reference data for hydrogen bonded systems, while the binding is too weak for systems where dispersion forces dominate. In fact, the overall accuracy of the RPA+GWSE method is similar to an estimated accuracy of the reference data.
Atomic physics modeling of transmission spectra of Sc-doped aerogel foams to support OMEGA experiments
Authors: Johns H. M. , Lanier N. E. , Kline J. L. , Fontes C. J. , Perry T. S. , Fryer C. L. , Brown C. R. D. , Morton J. W. , Hager J. D. , Sherrill M. E.
Published: September 2016

We present synthetic transmission spectra generated with PrismSPECT utilizing both the ATBASE model and the Los Alamos opacity library (OPLIB) to evaluate whether an alternative choice in atomic data will impact modeling of experimental data from radiation transport experiments using Sc-doped aerogel foams (ScSi6O12 at 75 mg/cm3 density). We have determined that in the 50-200 eV Te range there is a significant difference in the 1s-3p spectra, especially below 100 eV, and for Te = 200 eV above 5000 eV in photon energy. Examining synthetic spectra generated using OPLIB with 300 resolving power reveals spectral sensitivity to Te changes of ∼3 eV.
Systematic cavity design approach for a multi-frequency gyrotron for DEMO and study of its RF behavior
Authors: Kalaria P. C. , Avramidis K. A. , Franck J. , Gantenbein G. , Illy S. , Pagonakis I. Gr. , Thumm M. , Jelonnek J.
Published: September 2016

High frequency (>230 GHz) megawatt-class gyrotrons are planned as RF sources for electron cyclotron resonance heating and current drive in DEMOnstration fusion power plants (DEMOs). In this paper, for the first time, a feasibility study of a 236 GHz DEMO gyrotron is presented by considering all relevant design goals and the possible technical limitations. A mode-selection procedure is proposed in order to satisfy the multi-frequency and frequency-step tunability requirements. An effective systematic design approach for the optimal design of a gradually tapered cavity is presented. The RF-behavior of the proposed cavity is verified rigorously, supporting 920 kW of stable output power with an interaction efficiency of 36% including the considerations of realistic beam parameters.
Geometrical control of ionic current rectification in a configurable nanofluidic diode
Authors: Alibakhshi Mohammad Amin , Liu Binqi , Xu Zhiping , Duan Chuanhua
Published: September 2016

Control of ionic current in a nanofluidic system and development of the elements analogous to electrical circuits have been the subject of theoretical and experimental investigations over the past decade. Here, we theoretically and experimentally explore a new technique for rectification of ionic current using asymmetric 2D nanochannels. These nanochannels have a rectangular cross section and a stepped structure consisting of a shallow and a deep side. Control of height and length of each side enables us to obtain optimum rectification at each ionic strength. A 1D model based on the Poisson-Nernst-Planck equation is derived and validated against the full 2D numerical solution, and a nondimensional concentration is presented as a function of nanochannel dimensions, surface charge, and the electrolyte concentration that summarizes the rectification behavior of such geometries. The rectification factor reaches a maximum at certain electrolyte concentration predicted by this nondimensional number and decays away from it. This method of fabrication and control of a nanofluidic diode does not require modification of the surface charge and facilitates the integration with lab-on-a-chip fluidic circuits. Experimental results obtained from the stepped nanochannels are in good agreement with the 1D theoretical model.
Mapping growth windows in quaternary perovskite oxide systems by hybrid molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Brahlek Matthew , Zhang Lei , Zhang Hai-Tian , Lapano Jason , Dedon Liv R. , Martin Lane W. , Engel-Herbert Roman
Published: September 2016

Requisite to growing stoichiometric perovskite thin films of the solid-solution A′1-xAxBO3 by hybrid molecular beam epitaxy is understanding how the growth conditions interpolate between the end members A'BO3 and ABO3, which can be grown in a self-regulated fashion, but under different conditions. Using the example of La1-xSrxVO3, the two-dimensional growth parameter space that is spanned by the flux of the metal-organic precursor vanadium oxytriisopropoxide and composition, x, was mapped out. The evolution of the adsorption-controlled growth window was obtained using a combination of X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, reflection high-energy electron-diffraction (RHEED), and Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy. It is found that the stoichiometric growth conditions can be mapped out quickly with a single calibration sample using RHEED. Once stoichiometric conditions have been identified, the out-of-plane lattice parameter can be utilized to precisely determine the composition x. This strategy enables the identification of growth conditions that allow the deposition of stoichiometric perovskite oxide films with random A-site cation mixing, which is relevant to a large number of perovskite materials with interesting properties, e.g., high-temperature superconductivity and colossal magnetoresistance, that emerge in solid solution A′1-xAxBO3.
Mid-infrared dispersive waves generation in a birefringent fluorotellurite microstructured fiber
Authors: Yao Chuanfei , Zhao Zhipeng , Jia Zhixu , Li Qing , Hu Minglie , Qin Guanshi , Ohishi Yasutake , Qin Weiping
Published: September 2016

Tunable mid-infrared dispersive waves are generated in a birefringent fluorotellurite microstructured fiber (FTMF) pumped by a 1560 nm femtosecond fiber laser. The FTMF have two zero-dispersion wavelengths (ZDWs) for each polarization axis. The second ZDWs for the fast and slow axes of the FTMF are 2224 and 2042 nm, respectively. As the pump laser is polarized along the fast (or slow) axis of the FTMF, tunable mid-infrared dispersive waves from 2680 to 2725 nm (or from 2260 to 2400 nm) are generated in the FTMF when the Raman soliton meets the second zero-dispersion wavelength of the fast (or slow) axis with increasing the pump power. Our results show that the designed FTMFs are promising nonlinear media for generating tunable mid-infrared light sources.
Breaking the efficiency limit for high-frequency blazed multilayer soft x-ray gratings: Conical vs classical diffraction
Authors: Goray L. I. , Egorov A. Yu.
Published: September 2016

High-frequency multilayer-coated blazed diffraction gratings (HFMBGs) are most promising elements for ultrahigh resolution soft x-ray spectroscopy. As it has been demonstrated recently [Voronov et al., Opt. Express 23, 4771 (2015)], the efficiency limit for in-plane diffraction can exceed 2–3 times, in higher orders too, when the period of a HFMBG is shorter than an attenuation length for soft x-rays and a bilayer asymmetry is designed. In this letter, using numerical experiments based on the rigorous electromagnetic theory, a possibility of off-plane diffraction and symmetrical multilayer coatings to enhance the efficiency of soft-x-ray high-order HFMBGs very closely to the absolute limit, i.e., 0.92–0.98 of the reflectance of the respective W/B4C multilayer, has been demonstrated.
First principles study and empirical parametrization of twisted bilayer MoS2 based on band-unfolding
Authors: Tan Yaohua , Chen Fan W. , Ghosh Avik W.
Published: September 2016

We explore the band structure and ballistic electron transport in twisted bilayer MoS2 using the density functional theory. The sphagetti like bands are unfolded to generate band structures in the primitive unit cell of the original 2H MoS2 bilayer and projected onto the original bands of an individual layer. The corresponding twist angle dependent bandedges are extracted from the unfolded band structures. Based on a comparison within the same primitive unit cell, an efficient two band effective mass model for indirect ΓV and ΛC valleys is created and parametrized by fitting to the unfolded band structures. With the two band effective mass model, we calculate transport properties—specifically, the ballistic transmission in arbitrarily twisted bilayer MoS2.
Mechanism of polarization switching in wurtzite-structured zinc oxide thin films
Authors: Konishi Ayako , Ogawa Takafumi , Fisher Craig A. J. , Kuwabara Akihide , Shimizu Takao , Yasui Shintaro , Itoh Mitsuru , Moriwake Hiroki
Published: September 2016

The properties of a potentially new class of ferroelectric materials based on wurtzite-structured ZnO thin films are examined using the first-principles calculations. Theoretical P-E hysteresis loops were calculated using the fixed-D method for both unstrained and (biaxially) strained single crystals. Ferroelectric polarization switching in ZnO (S.G. P63mc) is shown to occur via an intermediate non-polar structure with centrosymmetric P63/mmc symmetry by displacement of cations relative to anions in the long-axis direction. The calculated coercive electric field (Ec) for polarization switching was estimated to be 7.2 MV/cm for defect-free monocrystalline ZnO. During switching, the short- and long-axis lattice parameters expand and contract, respectively. The large structural distortion required for switching may explain why ferroelectricity in this compound has not been reported experimentally for pure ZnO. Applying an epitaxial tensile strain parallel to the basal plane is shown to be effective in lowering Ec during polarization, with a 5% biaxial expansion resulting in a decrease of Ec to 3.5 MV/cm. Comparison with calculated values for conventional ferroelectric materials suggests that the ferroelectric polarization switching of wurtzite-structured ZnO may be achievable by preparing high-quality ZnO thin films with suitable strain levels and low defect concentrations.
Micro-effects of surface polishing treatment on microscopic field enhancement and long vacuum gap breakdown
Authors: Zhang Yu , Su Jiancang , Qiu Xudong , Li Rui , Zhao Liang , Cheng Jie , Zeng Bo
Published: September 2016

In this paper, three surface polishing treatments were employed to treat plate titanium electrodes, and microscopic surfaces of the electrodes after polishing were presented. Through comparing the breakdown strength of the 2.5 cm vacuum gap formed by plate titanium electrodes after the three treatments, experimental results showed that the breakdown strength was enhanced by 35% while the micro-surface roughness dropped from 3.5μm to 0.35μm. In view of that, effects of microstructural parameters after polishing on the microscopic field enhancement factor were investigated. The field-uniformity mechanism and the shield effect between micro-protrusions on the rough electrode surface were put forward and demonstrated. Based on the idea that electric field can be shield in a pit, a theoretical model was established to evaluate the maximum field enhancement factor βEmax on the micro-surface. It revealed that 1 ≤ βEmax ≤ 3.96, and βEmax had the maximum decrements of 1.96 and 2.1 both from 3.96 after the mirror polishing and the chemical polishing, respectively. When the surface roughness decreased to the scale from nm to μm, the effort on βEmax reduction through surface polishing was not effective to enhance the vacuum gap breakdown strength any more.