bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Response inhibition on the stop signal task improves during cardiac contraction
Authors: Rae Charlotte L. , Botan Vanessa E. , Gould van Praag Cassandra D. , Herman Aleksandra M. , Nyyssönen Jasmina A. K. , Watson David R. , Duka Theodora , Garfinkel Sarah N. , Critchley Hugo D.
Published: June 2018

Motor actions can be facilitated or hindered by psychophysiological states of readiness, to guide rapid adaptive action. Cardiovascular arousal is communicated by cardiac signals conveying the timing and strength of individual heartbeats. Here, we tested how these interoceptive signals facilitate control of motor impulsivity. Participants performed a stop signal task, in which stop cues were delivered at different time points within the cardiac cycle: at systole when the heart contracts (T-wave peak, approximately 300 ms following the R-wave), or at diastole between heartbeats (R-wave peak). Response inhibition was better at systole, indexed by a shorter stop signal reaction time (SSRT), and longer stop signal delay (SSD). Furthermore, parasympathetic control of cardiovascular tone, and subjective sensitivity to interoceptive states, predicted response inhibition efficiency, although these cardiovascular and interoceptive correlations did not survive correction for multiple comparisons. This suggests that response inhibition capacity is influenced by interoceptive physiological cues, such that people are more likely to express impulsive actions during putative states of lower cardiovascular arousal, when frequency and strength of cardiac afferent signalling is reduced.
Conic shapes have higher sensitivity than cylindrical ones in nanopore DNA sequencing
Authors: Tu Bin , Bai Shiyang , Lu Benzhuo , Fang Qiaojun
Published: June 2018

Nanopores have emerged as helpful research tools for single molecule detection. Through continuum modeling, we investigated the effects of membrane thickness, nanopore size, and pore shape on current signal characteristics of DNA. The simulation results showed that, when reducing the pore diameter, the amplitudes of current signals of DNA increase. Moreover, we found that, compared to cylindrically shaped nanopores, conical-shaped nanopores produce greater signal amplitudes from biomolecules translocation. Finally, we demonstrated that continuum model simulations for the discrimination of DNA and RNA yield current characteristics approximately consistent with experimental measurements and that A-T and G-C base pairs can be distinguished using thin conical solid-state nanopores. Our study not only suggests that computational approaches in this work can be used to guide the designs of nanopore for single molecule detection, but it also provides several possible ways to improve the current amplitudes of nanopores for better resolution.
Evaluating the impact of transmission mode, calibration level and farmer compliance in simulation models of paratuberculosis in dairy herds
Authors: Kirkeby Carsten , Græsbøll Kaare , Halasa Tariq
Published: June 2018

Simulation models can predict the outcome of different strategies for the control and eradication of paratuberculosis (PTB) in dairy herds. Two main transmission modes have previously been used to simulate the spread of PTB: direct (contact between animals) and indirect (through the environment). In addition, previous models were calibrated to either low or high within-herd prevalence levels, which we refer to as normal and low hygiene levels, respectively. We simulated both direct and indirect transmission with the same model in both normal and low hygiene level scenarios. The effectiveness of a test-and-cull strategy was dependent on the calibration level of the simulation model, and eradication occurred less frequently with the more biologically plausible indirect transmission mode. The results were compared to within-herd prevalence records from 314 dairy herds. The prevalence in 50% of the herds varied less than 0.9% per year on average, and less than 4% in 90% of the herds. We therefore conclude that the normal-hygiene scenario best describes most dairy herds in Denmark. Finally, we simulated different levels of farmer compliance with a test-and-cull strategy and found that a 60% compliance level was not sufficient to reach eradication within 10 years.
Training for our digital future: a human-centered design approach to graduate medical education for aspiring clinician-innovators
Authors: Carter Jocelyn , Bababekov Yanik J. , Majmudar Maulik D.
Published: June 2018

In the current era of value-based healthcare with increasing emphasis on delivering higher quality care at lower costs, US healthcare innovation as a metric is at a premium. However, an implementation gap exists between technology-enabled innovations and patient-centered care secondary to a lack of formal training rooted in implementation science, healthcare operations, and clinical informatics for healthcare providers. We illustrate the application of human-centered design principles with focus on medical trainees as the end-user in a unique approach to developing clinician-innovators best suited to bridge the implementation gap.
Construction of arbitrarily strong amplifiers of natural selection using evolutionary graph theory
Authors: Pavlogiannis Andreas , Tkadlec Josef , Chatterjee Krishnendu , Nowak Martin A.
Published: June 2018

Because of the intrinsic randomness of the evolutionary process, a mutant with a fitness advantage has some chance to be selected but no certainty. Any experiment that searches for advantageous mutants will lose many of them due to random drift. It is therefore of great interest to find population structures that improve the odds of advantageous mutants. Such structures are called amplifiers of natural selection: they increase the probability that advantageous mutants are selected. Arbitrarily strong amplifiers guarantee the selection of advantageous mutants, even for very small fitness advantage. Despite intensive research over the past decade, arbitrarily strong amplifiers have remained rare. Here we show how to construct a large variety of them. Our amplifiers are so simple that they could be useful in biotechnology, when optimizing biological molecules, or as a diagnostic tool, when searching for faster dividing cells or viruses. They could also occur in natural population structures.
Synthesis and characterization of a flexible metal organic framework generated from MnIII and the 4,4′-bipyrazolate-ligand
Authors: Spirkl S. , Grzywa M. , Volkmer D.
Published: June 2018

The synthesis and crystal structure of a novel metal organic framework, constructed from MnIII, the 4,4′-Bipyrazolate (BPZ) ligand and bridging hydroxyl groups is presented in this work.
Administration of Lactobacillus paracasei ameliorates type 2 diabetes in mice
Authors: Dang Fangfang , Jiang Yujun , Pan Ruili , Zhou Yanhong , Wu Shuang , Wang Rui , Zhuang Kejin , Zhang Wei , Li Tiejing , Man Chaoxin
Published: June 2018

Lactobacillus paracasei TD062 with high inhibitory activity ameliorated lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, glucose metabolism and the PI3K/Akt pathway in diabetic mice, and the effects were dose-dependent to some extent.
Synthesis and evaluation of 6-heteroarylamino-2,4,5-trimethylpyridin-3-ols as inhibitors of TNF-α-induced cell adhesion and inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Park Sang Won , Banskota Suhrid , Gurung Pallavi , Jin You Jin , Kang Han-eol , Chaudhary Chhabi Lal , Lee Sang Yeul , Jeong Byeong-Seon , Kim Jung-Ae , Nam Tae-gyu
Published: June 2018

Novel series of anti-inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) agent was identified through TNF-α-induced cell adhesion.
Electrophilic radical coupling at the edge of graphene
Authors: Bellunato Amedeo , Schneider Grégory F.
Published: June 2018

We report the selective functionalization of an edge of graphene via the electrografting of 4-nitrobenzene diazonium tetrafluoroborate.
N-Tosylhydrazone directed annulation via C–H/N–N bond activation in Ru(ii)/PEG-400 as homogeneous recyclable catalytic system: a green synthesis of isoquinolines
Authors: Deshmukh Dewal S. , Bhanage Bhalchandra M.
Published: June 2018

A green and sustainable methodology for the synthesis of isoquinolines using Ru(ii)/PEG-400 as homogeneous recyclable catalytic system and N-tosylhydrazone, a rarely explored directing group has been reported.
Numerical study of a wide-angle polarization-independent ultra-broadband efficient selective metamaterial absorber for near-ideal solar thermal energy conversion
Authors: Wu Dong , Liu Chang , Liu Yumin , Xu Zenghui , Yu Zhongyuan , Yu Li , Chen Lei , Ma Rui , Zhang Jinqiannan , Ye Han
Published: June 2018

A selective solar absorber based on a nanoporous HMM structure is numerically demonstrated to achieve near-ideal solar-thermal conversion.
Roles of membrane protein damage and intracellular protein damage in death of bacteria induced by atmospheric-pressure air discharge plasmas
Authors: Zhang Hao , Ma Jie , Shen Jie , Lan Yan , Ding Lili , Qian Shulou , Xia Weidong , Cheng Cheng , Chu Paul K.
Published: June 2018

Although plasma sterilization has attracted much attention, the underlying mechanisms and biochemical pathways are still not fully understood.
Schweinfurthins A–Q: isolation, synthesis, and biochemical properties
Authors: Harmalkar Dipesh S. , Mali Jyotirling R. , Sivaraman Aneesh , Choi Yongseok , Lee Kyeong
Published: June 2018

An overview of the isolation, synthesis, and biochemical properties of the stilbene-based natural products schweinfurthins A–Q (1999–2017).
Theoretical insights into the reaction mechanisms between 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran and the methylidyne radical
Authors: Wei Wenjing , Wang Weihua , Xu Kaining , Feng Wenling , Li Xiaoping , Li Ping
Published: June 2018

The reaction mechanisms between 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran and the methylidyne radical have been investigated theoretically.
Scalable, hydrophobic and highly-stretchable poly(isocyanurate–urethane) aerogels
Authors: Malakooti Sadeq , Rostami Saman , Churu Habel Gitogo , Luo Huiyang , Clark Jenna , Casarez Fabiola , Rettenmaier Owen , Daryadel Soheil , Minary-Jolandan Majid , Sotiriou-Leventis Chariklia , Leventis Nicholas , Lu Hongbing
Published: June 2018

Scalable, low-density and flexible aerogels offer a unique combination of excellent mechanical properties and scalable manufacturability.
Application of hydrotalcite in soil immobilization of iodate (IO3−)
Authors: Zhang D. , Liu X. Y. , Zhao H. T. , Yang L. , Lü T. , Jin M. Q.
Published: June 2018

Addition of Mg2–Al–NO3 LDH at a very low dosage significantly retarded iodate in soil.
Elastic capsules at liquid–liquid interfaces
Authors: Hegemann Jonas , Boltz Horst-Holger , Kierfeld Jan
Published: June 2018

We investigate the deformation of elastic microcapsules adsorbed at liquid–liquid interfaces.
Highly efficient and ultra-stable boron-doped graphite felt electrodes for vanadium redox flow batteries
Authors: Jiang H. R. , Shyy W. , Zeng L. , Zhang R. H. , Zhao T. S.
Published: June 2018

Highly efficient and ultra-stable boron-doped graphite felt electrodes are designed, fabricated and tested for vanadium redox flow batteries.
Intracrystalline incorporation of nacre protein hydrogels modifies the mechanical properties of calcite crystals: a microcompression study
Authors: Risan Jared , Jain Gaurav , Pendola Martin , Evans John Spencer
Published: June 2018

The fracture toughness of mollusk shell nacre has been attributed to many factors, one of which is the intracrystalline incorporation of nacre-specific proteins.
Electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) properties of Teflon-coated electrosprayed silica layers in air and oil media and the influence of electric leakage
Authors: Kim Jae-Hun , Lee Jae-Hyoung , Kim Jin-Young , Mirzaei Ali , Wu Ping , Kim Hyoun Woo , Kim Sang Sub
Published: June 2018

Schematic of the EWOD set-up in air; changes of the WCAs in air upon the application of different voltages.
K4CaGe3O9:Mn2+,Yb3+: a novel orange-emitting long persistent luminescent phosphor with a special nanostructure
Authors: Zhou Xufeng , Geng Wanying , Guo Haijie , Ding Jianyan , Wang Yuhua
Published: June 2018

A novel orange-emitting long persistent luminescent phosphor, K4CaGe3O9:Mn2+,Yb3+, with a special nanostructure, has been successfully designed and synthesized.
Tuning the optical properties of graphene quantum dots by selective oxidation: a theoretical perspective
Authors: Chen Shunwei , Ullah Naeem , Wang Tianqiang , Zhang Ruiqin
Published: June 2018

Functionalization dependence of the optical properties of graphene quantum dots.
Pair of grounded L strips loaded broadband circularly polarised square slot antenna with enhanced axial ratio bandwidth
Authors: Midya M. , Bhattacharjee S. , Mitra M.
Published: June 2018

Broadband circularly polarised square slot antenna excited by a coplanar waveguide feed with enhanced axial ratio bandwidth (ARBW) is proposed, designed and experimentally studied. Larger than 21% 3 dB ARBW can be attained by using asymmetric feed and implementing a T‐shaped grounded stub from the left side of the square slot in orthogonal direction towards the slot centre. To further enhance the 3 dB ARBW of the proposed slot antenna, a pair of equal grounded L‐shaped strips with different sizes is embedded at the top right corner of the square slot. Small L‐shaped grounded strip plays an important role for merging two closely spaced multi‐resonant modes, generated by the combined effect of asymmetric feed with T‐shaped grounded stub and with large L‐shaped strip. Overall size of the proposed antenna is 40 × 40 × 1.6 mm3. Measured value shows that the impedance bandwidth and 3 dB ARBW of the designed antenna are 73.39% (5.02–10.84 GHz) and 58.08% (5.07–9.22 GHz), respectively. Good agreement is achieved between simulated and measured results.
Role playing learning for socially concomitant mobile robot navigation
Authors: Li Mingming , Jiang Rui , Ge Shuzhi Sam , Lee Tong Heng
Published: June 2018

In this study, the authors present the role playing learning scheme for a mobile robot to navigate socially with its human companion in populated environments. Neural networks (NNs) are constructed to parameterise a stochastic policy that directly maps sensory data collected by the robot to its velocity outputs, while respecting a set of social norms. An efficient simulative learning environment is built with maps and pedestrians trajectories collected from a number of real‐world crowd data sets. In each learning iteration, a robot equipped with the NN policy is created virtually in the learning environment to play itself as a companied pedestrian and navigate towards a goal in a socially concomitant manner. Thus, this process is called role playing learning, which is formulated under a reinforcement learning framework. The NN policy is optimised end‐to‐end using trust region policy optimisation, with consideration of the imperfectness of robot's sensor measurements. Simulative and experimental results are provided to demonstrate the efficacy and superiority of the proposed method.
Long-term variations in the X-ray activity of HR 1099
Authors: Perdelwitz V. , Navarrete F. H. , Zamponi J. , Mennickent R. E. , Völschow M. , Robrade J. , Schneider P. C. , Schleicher D. R. G. , Schmitt J. H. M. M.
Published: June 2018

Context. Although timing variations in close binary systems have been studied for a long time, their underlying causes are still unclear. A possible explanation is the so-called Applegate mechanism, where a strong, variable magnetic field can periodically change the gravitational quadrupole moment of a stellar component, thus causing observable period changes. One of the systems exhibiting such strong orbital variations is the RS CVn binary HR 1099, whose activity cycle has been studied by various authors via photospheric and chromospheric activity indicators, resulting in contradicting periods.

Aims. We aim at independently determining the magnetic activity cycle of HR 1099 using archival X-ray data to allow for a comparison to orbital period variations.

Methods. Archival X-ray data from 80 different observations of HR 1099 acquired with 12 different X-ray facilities and covering almost four decades were used to determine X-ray fluxes in the energy range of 2−10 keV via spectral fitting and flux conversion. Via the Lomb-Scargle periodogram we analyze the resulting long-term X-ray light curve to search for periodicities.

Results. We do not detect any statistically significant periodicities within the X-ray data. An analysis of optical data of HR 1099 shows that the derivation of such periods is strongly dependent on the time coverage of available data, since the observed optical variations strongly deviate from a pure sine wave. We argue that this offers an explanation as to why other authors derive such a wide range of activity cycle periods based on optical data. We furthermore show that X-ray and optical variations are correlated in the sense that the star tends to be optically fainter when it is X-ray bright.

Conclusions. We conclude that our analysis constitutes, to our knowledge, the longest stellar X-ray activity light curve acquired to date, yet the still rather sparse sampling of the X-ray data, along with stochastic flaring activity, does not allow for the independent determination of an X-ray activity cycle.
Theoretical considerations on charged graphene as active gamma radiation shields
Authors: Fornalski Krzysztof Wojciech
Published: June 2018

The theoretical investigations on the concept of new active radiation shields based on graphene are discussed. The cross section of the gamma and X radiation interaction with a charged graphene layer is presented and used to calculate the linear attenuation coefficient of the proposed shield. Finally, the technical concept and potential applications of the graphene shield, as well as some potential difficulties, are discussed.
Experimental investigation on On–Off current ratio behavior near onset voltage for a pentacene based organic thin film transistor
Authors: El Amrani Aumeur , Es-saghiri Abdeljabbar , Boufounas El-Mahjoub , Lucas Bruno
Published: June 2018

The performance of a pentacene based organic thin film transistor (OTFT) with polymethylmethacrylate as a dielectric insulator and indium tin oxide based electrical gate is investigated.  On the one hand, we showed that the threshold voltage increases with gate voltage, and on the other hand that it decreases with drain voltage. Thus, we noticed that the onset voltage shifts toward positive voltage values with the drain voltage increase. In addition, threshold-onset differential voltage (TODV) is proposed as an original approach to estimate an averaged carrier density in pentacene. Indeed, a value of about 4.5 × 1016 cm−3 is reached at relatively high gate voltage of −50 V; this value is in good agreement with that reported in literature with other technique measurements. However, at a low applied gate voltage, the averaged pentacene carrier density remains two orders of magnitude lower; it is of about 2.8 × 1014 cm−3 and remains similar to that obtained from space charge limited current approach for low applied bias voltage of about 2.2 × 1014 cm−3. Furthermore, high IOn/IOff and IOn/IOnset current ratios of 5 × 106 and 7.5 × 107 are reported for lower drain voltage, respectively. The investigated OTFTs also showed good electrical performance including carrier mobility increasing with gate voltage; mobility values of 4.5 × 10−2 cm2 V−1 s−1 and of 4.25 × 10−2 cm2 V−1 s−1 are reached for linear and saturation regimes, respectively. These results remain enough interesting since current modulation ratio exceeds a value of 107 that is a quite important requirement than high mobility for some particular logic gate applications.
Le questionnaire heiQ : un outil d’intelligibilité de l’impact de l’éducation thérapeutique dans les maladies chroniques
Authors: Debussche Xavier
Published: June 2018

Introduction :  L’évaluation de l’impact des programmes d’éducation thérapeutique du patient (ETP) dans les maladies chroniques est complexe, et manque d’indicateurs de résultats intermédiaires pertinents et fiables en dehors des indicateurs médicaux spécifiques à chaque maladie.Objectifs :Questionner de façon multidimensionnelleviale heiQ (health education impact questionnaire) 8 domaines d’impact de l’ETP dans la gestion et le parcours de la maladie chronique.Méthodes :Le questionnaire heiQ, traduit et validé en Français, a été administré à 53 patients diabétiques avant et 6 mois après (4 à 9 mois) un programme d’éducation thérapeutique. Les scores moyens et la taille d’effet ont été calculés pour chacun des 8 domaines du questionnaire.Résultats :À 6 mois, les scores étaient nettement améliorés pour 2 domaines, de façon modérée pour 5 autres domaines avec des évolutions individuelles différenciées.Discussion :Le questionnaire heiQ s’est révélé sensible, d’utilisation simple, permettant d’aborder « en vraie vie » l’impact de l’ETP sur des indicateurs intermédiaires correspondant à des objectifs pertinents dans le cadre du parcours de la maladie chronique.Conclusion :Le questionnaire heiQ permet une analyse fine de l’impact d’un programme d’éducation de façon globale, mais aussi individuelle. Au niveau institutionnel, il permet une évaluation objective de différents programmes.
Meine Doktoranden – Erinnerungen eines Doktorvaters
Authors: Jung E.
Published: June 2018

Während meiner 35 Jahre an der Universität Heidelberg habe ich 77 Doktoranden angeleitet und zur Promotion geführt. 28 junge Kollegen waren es in den 10 Jahren als leitender Oberarzt an der Heidelberger Dermatologie und nochmals 49 als Direktor der Dermatologischen Klinik an der Medizinischen Fakultät Mannheim der Universität Heidelberg. Die spezielle Situation der Doktoranden wird geschildert, die Inhalte der Arbeiten werden angesprochen und die Ausbeute, die Ernte also, sowie die Publikation ausgelesener Resultate.
Auslandspraktikum in Seinäjoki – Ergotherapie auf Finnisch
Authors: Kluthe Daniela
Published: June 2018

Die praktische Ausbildung ist für Ergotherapieschüler eine spannende Zeit. Noch ein bisschen aufregender wird es, wenn der Einsatz im Ausland stattfindet. Daniela Kluthe, Ergotherapieschülerin der Johannesbad Medfachschule in Bad Elster, berichtet von ihrem dreimonatigen Auslandspraktikum in Finnland.
Medical Flossing – Gib Gummi!
Authors: Wittek Svenja
Published: June 2018

Beim Flossing werden Muskeln oder Gelenke mit einem Latexband abgebunden. Das lindert Schmerzen und verbessert die Beweglichkeit. Ergotherapeutin Svenja Wittek stellt das Prinzip vor und zeigt, wie sie es in der Narbenbehandlung nach einer Beugesehnennaht einsetzt.
PD-1-Blockade bei einem HIV-Patienten mit metastasiertem Merkelzellkarzinom
Authors: Gellrich F. , Garzarolli M. , Blum S. , Beissert S. , Spornraft-Ragaller P. , Boashie U. , Meier F. , Rauschenberg R.
Published: June 2018

Aufgrund der modernen antiretroviralen Therapie (ART) haben HIV-positive Patienten eine kaum eingeschränkte Lebenserwartung. Die Folge ist eine Zunahme nicht HIV-assoziierter Krebserkrankungen unter den Infizierten. Die Wirkungen und Nebenwirkungen der neuen Checkpoint-Inhibitoren, z. B. Anti-PD-1-Antikörper (PD1 AK) im Zusammenhang mit einem gestörten Immunsystem bei HIV-Infektion sind bisher nicht hinreichend untersucht.

In der vorgestellten Kasuistik wurde ein Patient mit metastasiertem Merkelzellkarzinom und einer neu diagnostizierten HIV-Infektion mittels einer antiretroviralen Therapie und Pembrolizumab therapiert. Unter der Therapie mit dem Anti-PD-1-Antikörper und der ART zeigten sich eine komplette Remission nach 6 Monaten und eine rasche Besserung des Immunstatus.

Die Therapie eines HIV-infizierten Patienten mit PD-1-Antikörpern scheint wirksam und verträglich zu sein und hat offenbar keinen negativen Effekt auf den Verlauf der HIV-Infektion. Somit stellen Anti-PD-1-Antikörper eine Therapieoption für HIV-positive Patienten mit metastasiertem Merkelzellkarzinom dar.
Peranal endoscopic myectomy (PAEM) for rectal lesions with severe fibrosis and exhibiting the muscle-retracting sign
Authors: Toyonaga Takashi , Ohara Yoshiko , Baba Shinichi , Takihara Hiroshi , Nakamoto Manabu , Orita Hitoshi , Okuda Junji
Published: June 2018

Background Although endoscopic submucosal dissection has enabled complete tumor resection and accurate pathological assessment in a manner that is less invasive than surgery, the complete resection of lesions with severe fibrosis in the submucosal layer and exhibiting the muscle-retracting sign is often difficult. We have devised a new method, peranal endoscopic myectomy (PAEM), for rectal lesions with severe fibrosis, in which dissection is performed between the inner circular and outer longitudinal muscles, and have examined the usefulness and safety of this new technique.

Methods All of the patients who underwent PAEM in our hospital and affiliated hospitals between July 2015 and June 2017 were retrospectively reviewed.

Results 10 rectal lesions were treated with PAEM. En bloc resection with a negative vertical margin was achieved in eight patients (80 %), whose lesions were mucosal (n = 2), shallow submucosal (n = 1), deep submucosal (n = 4), and muscle invasive (n = 1). The clinical course of all patients after PAEM was favorable. In patients who underwent additional surgery, anus preservation was achieved on the basis of the pathological results from PAEM.

Conclusions PAEM for lesions with severe fibrosis exhibiting the muscle-retracting sign appears to be both safe and useful.
Enzyme Immobilization in Polymerized Ionic Liquids-based Hydrogels for Active and Reusable Biocatalysts
Authors: Grollmisch A. , Kragl U. , Großeheilmann J.
Published: June 2018

Enzyme immobilization in polymerized ionic liquids (PILs) promises to be a versatile tool for simple recovery and reuse of catalysts. In this study, a raw extract of CalB was encapsulated in poly(VEImBr) and assessed with respect to solvent, temperature, amount of enzyme, leaching behavior, and reusability on the example of the kinetic resolution of rac-1-phenylethanol with vinyl acetate. This immobilization method increased the enzyme activity of the CalB raw extract in comparison to the non-immobilized enzyme. The desired product was synthesized with high enantiomeric excess (ee) and no leaching of active enzyme was observed in the experiments. The immobilization method was compared to Novozyme 435 and Lipozyme RM IM, as commercially available immobilisates. Nonpolar solvents, including n-heptane and n-dodecane, proved to be the best reaction solvents, showing nearly full conversion and high catalytic activities. The encapsulated ­lipase was easily recovered from the reaction mixture and reused for ten cycles.
Deterioration of AHG (Factor VIII) and Fibrinolysis
Authors: Brakman P , van Creveld S , Engelsman E , van’t Laar A , Mochtar I. A , Veder H. A
Published: June 2018

The possible relationship between antihemophilic globulin (Factor VIII) and fibrinolysis was investigated. No conclusive evidence about the role of fibrinolysis in the deterioration of AHF was obtained but the findings were more against than in favour of the role of fibrinolysis.
Some Aspects of Kinetics of the First Stages of Blood Thromboplastin Formation
Authors: Fisch U , Duckert F
Published: June 2018

The first stages of blood thromboplastin generation were investigated. Plasma Thromboplastin Antecedent, Prephase Accelerator, and Hageman factor are involved in the reactions taking place during the lag period. This phase is followed by the formation of intermediate product I. Studying the kinetics of this particular reaction it was possible to attribute to factors VIII and IX the rôle of substrates and to Stuart-Prower factor the rôle of an enzyme. It appears that in haemophilia B serum two distinct factors are lacking, the genuine factor IX, and the prephase accelerator (PPA). An hypothesis explaining tentatively the activation of a precursor to PPA and genuine factor IX is offered.
Acquired Hemorrhagic Diathesis of Unknown Nature
Authors: Borchgrevink C. F , Hellem A , Voss D , Waaler B. A
Published: June 2018

1) A case of a severe, acquired hemorrhagic diathesis, complicating a carcinoma of the stomach, is reported.

2) The only pathological hemostatic finding was a markedly prolonged bleeding time.

3) Platelets were normal; the capillaries seemed to be normal. There was no increased fibrinolysis, and no other defect in his clotting mechanism could be discovered.

4) The prolonged bleeding time was probably caused by a hitherto undescribed mechanism.
Thrombin Formation in Purified Systems
Authors: Surgenor Douglas M , Steele Barbara B , Wallach Donald F. H
Published: June 2018

Study of the kinetic behavior of purified human clotting factors suggests that formation of prothrombin activator from platelets, plasma thromboplastin component (PTC), antihemophilic factor (AHF), Factor V and calcium proceeds by a sequence of reactions. The earliest detectable reaction is slow and involves platelets, PTC and calcium; an intermediate activated PTC is obtained which is free of platelet contamination and is characterized by its kinetic behavior. Platelets are also requisite at a later step in the sequence, possibly in an intermediate formed between activated PTC, AHF, platelets and calcium. Variations in platelets, AHF and PTC result in characteristic responses in the kinetics of thrombin formation.
Oral Anticoagulant Therapy and its Control: Marcumar (Phenprocoumon), a new highly active Anticoagulant and Konakion (Phytomenadione), as an Effective Regulator
Authors: Brambel Charles E , Lawrence Serra G
Published: June 2018

Data are presented to demonstrate the advantages of Marcumar in short-term and long-term treatment, over less active anticoagulants, and the effectiveness of Konakion as regulator of such therapy.
A Micro-Method for the Determination of the Combined Activity of Factor II and VII (Prothrombin and Proconvertin)
Authors: Yin E. T , Senn N. J
Published: June 2018

A Micro-method for the determination of the combined activity of factors II and VII (prothrombin-proconvertin) based on the techniques of Owren and Koller et al. using capillary blood plasma, is being described. 0.18 ml of the free flowing blood from either the ear lobe or the finger tip is sucked into a micro-pipette previously containing 0.02 ml of anticoagulant. 0.05 ml of the centrifuged plasma is used to make a 1 : 10 dilution with buffered saline for the test. The clotting times in seconds are converted to percentages from the standard dilution curve plotted on double log. paper. Results obtained on over 300 capillary blood samples from in-patients receiving long term anticoagulant therapy were compared with those done by both Owren’s technique and the described micro-method on venous blood plasmas. These results were closely identical with each other.
Clotting Compass
Authors: Quick Armand J
Published: June 2018

A diagram has been devised based on a battery of tests, the results of which are recorded as points on a compass. The tests employed are described. The clotting pattern of various hemorrhagic diseases are presented and discussed.
Zur Wirkung von Cortison und Roßkastanienextrakten auf eine experimentell ausgelöste Blutungsbereitschaft
Authors: Berneaud-Kötz G , Nover A
Published: June 2018

In Analogie zu entsprechenden klinischen Veränderungen bei Dys- und Para-proteinämien war es gelungen, im Tierversuch bei bestimmter Versuchsanordnung hämodynamische Störungen und vor allem auch regelmäßig Blutungen in Nick-und Bindehaut hervorzurufen. An dieser experimentell ausgelösten Blutungsbereitschaft wurde die Wirkung von Cortison und Roßkastanienextrakten auf Auftreten und Zahl der Blutungen geprüft und die Befunde mit Behandlungsergebnissen der klinischen Therapie verglichen.
A simple method for the preparation of labile factor deficient plasma
Authors: Katz Ricardo , Ducci Héctor
Published: June 2018

Summary and conclusions

A method is presented which permits the easy preparation of a stable reagent for labile factor determination.

The reagent is obtained in 48 hours by incubation of normal oxalated human plasma in definite amounts and specified containers and further storage in the refrigerator.

This labile factor-deficient plasma behaves similarly to the plasma stored at 4° C for 15 to 25 days.

This method simplifies the routine performance of labile factor determinations.
Micro Screw Fixation for Small Proximal Pole Scaphoid Fractures with Distal Radius Bone Graft
Authors: Schreiber Joseph , Kang Lana , Hearns Krystle , Pickar Tracy , Carlson Michelle
Published: June 2018

Background Achieving adequate fixation and healing of small proximal pole acute scaphoid fractures can be surgically challenging due to both fragment size and tenuous vascularity.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that this injury can be managed successfully with osteosynthesis using a “micro” small diameter compression screw with distal radius bone graft with leading and trailing screw threads less than 2.8 mm.

Patients and Methods Patients with proximal pole scaphoid fragments comprising less than 20% of the entire scaphoid were included. Fixation was accomplished from a dorsal approach with a micro headless compression screw and distal radius bone graft. Six patients were included. Average follow-up was 44 months (range, 11–92).

Results Mean proximal pole fragment size was 14% (range, 9–18%) of the entire scaphoid. The mean immobilization time was 6 weeks, time-to-union of 6 weeks, and final flexion/extension arc of 88°/87°. All patients had a successful union, and no patient had deterioration in range of motion, avascular necrosis, or fragmentation of the proximal pole.

Conclusion Small diameter screws with a maximal thread diameter of ≤ 2.8 mm can be used to fix the union of proximal pole acute scaphoid fractures comprising less than 20% of the total area with good success.

Level of Evidence Therapeutic case series, Level IV.
Oral Feeding Outcome after Analgesic and Sedative Exposure in VLBW Preterm Infant
Authors: Astoria Mark , Thacker Leroy , Hendricks-Muñoz Karen
Published: June 2018

Objective The objective of this study was to assess the association of analgesics and sedatives on oral feeding function and need for feeding tube at discharge in the very low birth weight (VLBW) (<1,500 g) preterm infant.

Study Design A retrospective review of surviving inborn infants < 1,500 g and < 32 weeks' gestation (n = 209), discharged between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2014, from the neonatal intensive care unit identified exposure to analgesic and sedative medications, demographics, medical course, and nasogastric or gastrostomy tube (GT) feeding at discharge. Predictive modeling with logistic regression to identify independent factors associated with discharge on tube feedings.

Results Out of 209, 45 (21.5%) infants received an analgesic/sedative with 23 out of 45 (51.1%) discharged with tube feedings. Infants discharged with tube feedings were born smaller, of younger gestation, with greater SNAPPE-II scores, periventricular leukomalacia, chronic lung disease, postnatal glucocorticoids, lansoprazole, and longer time intubated. After adjusting for covariates, exposure to analgesic/sedatives (fentanyl, midazolam, or morphine) was independently predictive of discharge on tube feedings.

Conclusion Analgesic and sedative exposure in VLBW infants is highly associated with poor oral feeding and need for tube feedings at discharge.
Image-guided Biopsy of Mesenteric, Omental, and Peritoneal Disease
Authors: Cornman-Homonoff Joshua , Madoff David
Published: June 2018

The peritoneum, omenta, and mesenteries can be affected by a myriad of disease processes, but many common pathologies cannot be definitively distinguished based on clinical history and imaging characteristics alone. Percutaneous image-guided biopsy is a safe, well-tolerated procedure with high diagnostic accuracy, which has supplanted more invasive means of obtaining tissue and is increasingly essential in directing patient care. An understanding of the indications, pre-procedural evaluation, technical considerations, and potential complications is essential for the radiologist who performs these procedures, and more broadly for any clinician who may request them.
Electrical, optical and structural properties of transparent conducting Al doped ZnO (AZO) deposited by sol-gel spin coating
Authors: Tonny Kaniz Naila , Rafique Rosaleena , Sharmin Afrina , Bashar Muhammad Shahriar , Mahmood Zahid Hasan
Published: June 2018

Al doped ZnO (AZO) films are fabricated by using sol-gel spin coating method and changes in electrical, optical and structural properties due to variation in film thickness is studied. AZO films provide c-axis orientation along the (002) plane and peak sharpness increased with film thickness is evident from XRD analysis. Conductivity (σ) of AZO films has increased from 2.34 (Siemens/cm) to 20156.27 (Siemens/cm) whereas sheet resistance (Rsh) decreases from 606300 (ohms/sq.) to 2.08 (ohm/sq.) with increase of film thickness from 296 nm to 1030 nm. Optical transmittance (T%) of AZO films is decreased from around 82% to 62% in the visible region. And grain size (D) of AZO thin films has been found to increase from 19.59 nm to 25.25 nm with increase of film thickness. Figure of Merit is also calculated for prepared sample of AZO. Among these four sample of AZO thin films, L-15 sample (having thickness in 895 nm) has provided highest figure of merit which is 5.49*10^-4 (Ω-1).
Manipulation of micro-objects using acoustically oscillating bubbles based on the gas permeability of PDMS
Authors: Liu Bendong , Tian Baohua , Yang Xu , Li Mohan , Yang Jiahui , Li Desheng , Oh Kwang W.
Published: June 2018

This paper presents a novel manipulation method for micro-objects using acoustically oscillating bubbles with a controllable position based on the gas permeability of polydimethylsiloxane. The oscillating bubble trapped within the side channel attracts the neighboring micro-objects, and the position of the air-liquid interface is controlled by generating temporary pressure difference between the side channel and the air channel. To demonstrate the feasibility of the method in technological applications, polystyrene microparticles of 10 μm in diameter were successfully captured, transported, and released. The influence of pressure difference on the movement speed of the air-liquid interface was demonstrated in our experiments, and the manipulation performance was also characterized by varying the frequency of the acoustic excitation and the pressure difference. Since the bubble generation and the air-liquid interface movement in our manipulation method do not need any electrochemical reaction and any high temperature, this on-chip manipulation method provides a controllable, efficient, and noninvasive tool for handling micro-objects such as particles, cells, and other entities. The whole manipulation process, including capturing, transporting, and releasing of particles, spent less than 1 min. It can be used to select the cells and particles in the microfluidic device or change the cell culture medium.
Research Update: Focused ion beam direct writing of magnetic patterns with controlled structural and magnetic properties
Authors: Urbánek Michal , Flajšman Lukáš , Křižáková Viola , Gloss Jonáš , Horký Michal , Schmid Michael , Varga Peter
Published: June 2018

Focused ion beam irradiation of metastable Fe78Ni22 thin films grown on Cu(100) substrates is used to create ferromagnetic, body-centered cubic patterns embedded into paramagnetic, face-centered-cubic surrounding. The structural and magnetic phase transformation can be controlled by varying parameters of the transforming gallium ion beam. The focused ion beam parameters such as the ion dose, number of scans, and scanning direction can be used not only to control a degree of transformation but also to change the otherwise four-fold in-plane magnetic anisotropy into the uniaxial anisotropy along a specific crystallographic direction. This change is associated with a preferred growth of specific crystallographic domains. The possibility to create magnetic patterns with continuous magnetization transitions and at the same time to create patterns with periodical changes in magnetic anisotropy makes this system an ideal candidate for rapid prototyping of a large variety of nanostructured samples. Namely, spin-wave waveguides and magnonic crystals can be easily combined into complex devices in a single fabrication step.
Band gap temperature-dependence and exciton-like state in copper antimony sulphide, CuSbS2
Authors: Birkett Max , Savory Christopher N. , Rajpalke Mohana K. , Linhart Wojciech M. , Whittles Thomas J. , Gibbon James T. , Welch Adam W. , Mitrovic Ivona Z. , Zakutayev Andriy , Scanlon David O. , Veal Tim D.
Published: June 2018

The temperature-dependence of the band gap of the proposed photovoltaic absorber copper antimony sulphide (CuSbS2) has been studied by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The direct gap rises from 1.608 to 1.694 eV between 300 and 4.2 K. Below 200 K an exciton-like feature develops above the absorption edge at 1.82 eV. First-principles calculations evaluate band structure, band symmetries, and dipole selection rules, suggesting distinctly enhanced absorption for certain excitonic optical transitions. Striking consistency is seen between predicted dielectric and absorption spectra and those determined by ellipsometry, which reveal rapidly strengthening absorption passing 105 cm−1 at 2.2 eV. These results suggest beneficial photovoltaic performance due to strong optical absorption arising from unusually strong electron–hole interactions in polycrystalline CuSbS2 material.
Nanoscale excitonic photovoltaic mechanism in ferroelectric BiFeO3 thin films
Authors: Li Yuelin , Adamo Carolina , Rowland Clare E. , Schaller Richard D. , Schlom Darrell G. , Walko Donald A.
Published: June 2018

We report an electrode-free photovoltaic experiment in epitaxial BiFeO3 thin films where the picosecond optical absorption arising from carrier dynamics and piezoelectric lattice distortion due to the photovoltaic field are correlated at nanoscale. The data strongly suggest that the photovoltaic effect in phase-pure BiFeO3 originates from diffusion of charge-neutral excitons and their subsequent dissociation localized at sample interfaces. This is in stark contrast to the belief that carrier separation is uniform within the sample due to the lack of center of symmetry in BiFeO3. This finding is important for formulating strategies in designing practical photovoltaic ferroelectric devices.
Wetland research and management in the Kakadu region of northern Australia
Authors: Finlayson C. Max
Published: June 2018

This paper provides an introduction to the ecological features that characterise the wetlands of the Kakadu region in northern Australia and places these in a wider context for other papers in a special issue that expands on these features. The special issue aims to (1) synthesise knowledge of the ecosystem process that underpins the management of the rivers and floodplains and (2) undertake an integrated assessment so as to evaluate alternative management responses in the face of an uncertain future. These aims are addressed in individual papers. The managerial and physical settings of the region are introduced before some of the previous wetland research is summarised and gaps in information considered. The gaps included an understanding of the relationship between the provision of ecosystem services and outcomes for water quality and biodiversity, and ecosystem and population dynamics of wetland biodiversity. In a conclusion, the occurrence and acceptance or management of invasive species is considered in terms of the emergence of novel ecosystems as a consequence of global change, in particular sea-level rise and anticipated transition of freshwater wetlands to saline conditions.
Do economic resources play a role in bargaining child care in couples? Parental investment in cases of matching and mismatching gender ideologies in Germany
Authors: Nitsche Natalie , Grunow Daniela
Published: June 2018

This paper examines the factors associated with a gendered division of childcare among parents in Germany. While much is known on the gender division of housework in families and the economic and sociological factors that may be driving it, we still know relatively little about whether and how these factors may affect the division of unpaid childcare in families. We first assess the relevance of partner’s combined gender ideologies and relative resources on the division of unpaid childcare. Second, we assess whether the effect of economic resources may be contingent on the partners’ agreement or disagreement on gender ideologies concerning maternal employment. We address these questions using data from the German Panel Analysis of Intimate Relationships and Family Dynamics (pairfam) and MLM Growth Curve Models. Our findings consistently show a significant positive effect of partners’ combined gender ideologies and her share of income on his share of childcare. These effects are strongest, and robust, among couples with matching ideologies supporting maternal employment, which we term ‘egalitarian island’ couples. Economically efficient divisions of childcare thus appear dependent upon the couples’ ideological pairing and on mothers’ ideologies towards maternal employment.
Beyond Liberal and Conservative
Authors: Robinson Rob , Swedlow Brendon
Published: June 2018

A significant undiscussed problem with the leading conceptualization of ideologically based judicial behavior, Jeffrey Segal and Harold Spaeth’s attitudinal model, is its lack of theory. This problem leads to circular reasoning, ad hoc coding adjustments, and inaccurate characterizations and explanations of case outcomes, judicial votes and ideologies, and trends in judicial behavior. A values-based theory of ideology, such as the cultural theory pioneered by Mary Douglas, Michael Thompson, Aaron Wildavsky, and others, can help remedy this problem. Applying this cultural theory to First Amendment cases, we find that political cultures valuing equality, order, and liberty provide a more accurate account of judicial decisions than labeling them liberal or conservative.
Introducing the art of modern China: trends in exhibiting modern Chinese painting in Britain, c.1930–1980
Authors: Ying-Ling Huang Michelle
Published: June 2018

By 1930, the British public took a stronger interest in early Chinese art than in works produced in the pre-modern and modern periods. However, China’s cultural diplomacy in Britain during war-time, as well as the interactions between collectors, scholars and artists of both countries, helped refresh Occidental understanding of the tradition and recent achievements of Chinese art. This article examines the ways in which modern Chinese painting was perceived, collected and displayed in Britain from 1930 to 1980 – the formative period for the collecting and connoisseurship of modern Chinese art in the West. It analyses exhibitions of twentieth-century Chinese painting held in museums and galleries in order to map trends and identify the major parties who introduced the British public to a new aspect of Chinese pictorial art. It also discusses prominent Chinese painters’ connections with British curators, scholars and dealers, who helped establish their reputation in Britain.
Capital Regulation and Bank Deposits*
Authors: Arping Stefan
Published: June 2018

Recent literature suggests that higher capital requirements for banks might lead to a socially costly crowding out of deposits by equity. This paper shows that additional equity in banks can help to crowd in deposits. Intuitively, as banks have more equity and become safer, the cost of deposit funding may decline; this, in turn, can encourage banks to expand their deposits. However, I also find that, for this effect to occur, capital requirements may have to be stringent enough: When bank capital is low, a small rise in capital requirements can cause banks to substitute equity for deposits. Overall, a non-monotonic relationship between the required amount of equity in banks and their level of deposit funding obtains.