bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plant Phenotyping using Probabilistic Topic Models: Uncovering the Hyperspectral Language of Plants
Authors: Wahabzada Mirwaes , Mahlein Anne-Katrin , Bauckhage Christian , Steiner Ulrike , Oerke Erich-Christian , Kersting Kristian
Published: March 2016

Modern phenotyping and plant disease detection methods, based on optical sensors and information technology, provide promising approaches to plant research and precision farming. In particular, hyperspectral imaging have been found to reveal physiological and structural characteristics in plants and to allow for tracking physiological dynamics due to environmental effects. In this work, we present an approach to plant phenotyping that integrates non-invasive sensors, computer vision, as well as data mining techniques and allows for monitoring how plants respond to stress. To uncover latent hyperspectral characteristics of diseased plants reliably and in an easy-to-understand way, we “wordify” the hyperspectral images, i.e., we turn the images into a corpus of text documents. Then, we apply probabilistic topic models, a well-established natural language processing technique that identifies content and topics of documents. Based on recent regularized topic models, we demonstrate that one can track automatically the development of three foliar diseases of barley. We also present a visualization of the topics that provides plant scientists an intuitive tool for hyperspectral imaging. In short, our analysis and visualization of characteristic topics found during symptom development and disease progress reveal the hyperspectral language of plant diseases.
Element substitution by living organisms: the case of manganese in mollusc shell aragonite
Authors: Soldati Analia L. , Jacob Dorrit E. , Glatzel Pieter , Swarbrick Janine C. , Geck Jochen
Published: March 2016

Determining the manganese concentration in shells of freshwater bivalves provides a unique way to obtain information about climate and environmental changes during time-intervals that pre-date instrumental data records. This approach, however, relies on a thorough understanding of how manganese is incorporated into the shell material –a point that remained controversial so far. Here we clarify this issue, using state-of-the-art X-ray absorption and X-ray emission spectroscopy in combination with band structure calculations. We verify that in the shells of all studied species manganese is incorporated as high-spin Mn2+, i.e. manganese always has the same valence as calcium. More importantly, the unique chemical sensitivity of valence-to-core X-ray emission enables us to show that manganese is always coordinated by a CO3-octahedron. This, firstly, provides firm experimental evidence for manganese being primarily located in the inorganic carbonate. Secondly, it indicates that the structure of the aragonitic host is locally altered such that manganese attains an octahedral, calcitic coordination. This modification at the atomic level enables the bivalve to accommodate many orders of magnitude more manganese in its aragonitic shell than found in any non-biogenic aragonite. This outstanding feature is most likely facilitated through the non-classical crystallization pathway of bivalve shells.
Short range magnetic exchange interaction favors ferroelectricity
Authors: Wan Xiangang , Ding Hang-Chen , Savrasov Sergey Y. , Duan Chun-Gang
Published: March 2016

Multiferroics, where two or more ferroic order parameters coexist, is one of the hottest fields in condensed matter physics and materials science. To search multiferroics, currently most researches are focused on frustrated magnets, which usually have complicated magnetic structure and low magnetic ordering temperature. Here, we argue that actually simple interatomic magnetic exchange interaction already contains a driving force for ferroelectricity, thus providing a new microscopic mechanism for the coexistence and strong coupling between ferroelectricity and magnetism. We demonstrate this mechanism by showing that even the simplest antiferromagnetic insulator like MnO, could display a magnetically induced ferroelectricity under a biaxial strain. In addition, we show that such mechanism also exists in the most important single phase multiferroics, i.e. BiFeO3, suggesting that this mechanism is ubiquitous in systems with superexchange interaction.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Sepsis-induced elevation in plasma serotonin facilitates endothelial hyperpermeability
Authors: Li Yicong , Hadden Coedy , Cooper Anthonya , Ahmed Asli , Wu Hong , Lupashin Vladimir V. , Mayeux Philip R. , Kilic Fusun
Published: March 2016

Hyperpermeability of the endothelial barrier and resulting microvascular leakage are a hallmark of sepsis. Our studies describe the mechanism by which serotonin (5-HT) regulates the microvascular permeability during sepsis. The plasma 5-HT levels are significantly elevated in mice made septic by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). 5-HT-induced permeability of endothelial cells was associated with the phosphorylation of p21 activating kinase (PAK1), PAK1-dependent phosphorylation of vimentin (P-vimentin) filaments and a strong association between P-vimentin and ve-cadherin. These findings were in good agreement with the findings with the endothelial cells incubated in serum from CLP mice. In vivo, reducing the 5-HT uptake rates with the 5-HT transporter (SERT) inhibitor, paroxetine blocked renal microvascular leakage and the decline in microvascular perfusion. Importantly, mice that lack SERT showed significantly less microvascular dysfunction after CLP. Based on these data, we propose that the increased endothelial 5-HT uptake together with 5-HT signaling disrupts the endothelial barrier function in sepsis. Therefore, regulating intracellular 5-HT levels in endothelial cells represents a novel approach in improving sepsis-associated microvascular dysfunction and leakage. These new findings advance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying cellular responses to intracellular/extracellular 5-HT ratio in sepsis and refine current views of these signaling processes during sepsis.
A Facile Strategy to Prepare Dendrimer-stabilized Gold Nanorods with Sub-10-nm Size for Efficient Photothermal Cancer Therapy
Authors: Wang Xinyu , Wang Hanling , Wang Yitong , Yu Xiangtong , Zhang Sanjun , Zhang Qiang , Cheng Yiyun
Published: March 2016

Gold (Au) nanoparticles are promising photothermal agents with the potential of clinical translation. However, the safety concerns of Au photothermal agents including the potential toxic compositions such as silver and copper elements in their structures and the relative large size-caused retention and accumulation in the body post-treatment are still questionable. In this article, we successfully synthesized dendrimer-stabilized Au nanorods (DSAuNRs) with pure Au composition and a sub-10-nm size in length, which represented much higher photothermal effect compared with dendrimer-encapsulated Au nanoparticles due to their significantly enhanced absorption in the near-infrared region. Furthermore, glycidol-modified DSAuNRs exhibited the excellent biocompatibility and further showed the high photothermal efficiency of killing cancer cells in vitro and retarding tumor growth in vivo. The investigation depicted an optimal photothermal agent with the desirable size and safe composition.
Two overlapping two-component systems in Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae contribute to full fitness in rice by regulating virulence factors expression
Authors: Zheng Dehong , Yao Xiaoyan , Duan Meng , Luo Yufeng , Liu Biao , Qi Pengyuan , Sun Ming , Ruan Lifang
Published: March 2016

Two-component signal transduction systems (TCSs) are widely used by bacteria to adapt to the environment. In the present study, StoS (stress tolerance-related oxygen sensor) and SreKRS (salt response kinase, regulator, and sensor) were found to positively regulate extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) production and swarming in the rice pathogen Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo). Surprisingly, the absence of stoS or sreKRS did not attenuate virulence. To better understand the intrinsic functions of StoS and SreKRS, quantitative proteomics isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) was employed. Consistent with stoS and sreK mutants exhibiting a similar phenotype, the signalling circuits of StoS and SreKRS overlapped. Carbohydrate metabolism proteins and chemotaxis proteins, which could be responsible for EPS and swarming regulation, respectively, were reprogrammed in stoS and sreK mutants. Moreover, StoS and SreKRS demonstrated moderate expression of the major virulence factor, hypersensitive response and pathogenicity (Hrp) proteins through the HrpG-HrpX circuit. Most importantly, Xoo equipped with StoS and SreKRS outcompetes strains without StoS or SreKRS in co-infected rice and grows outside the host. Therefore, we propose that StoS and SreKRS adopt a novel strategy involving the moderation of Hrp protein expression and the promotion of EPS and motility to adapt to the environment.
Distinctive Pattern of Serum Elements During the Progression of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Paglia Giuseppe , Miedico Oto , Cristofano Adriana , Vitale Michela , Angiolillo Antonella , Chiaravalle Antonio Eugenio , Corso Gaetano , Di Costanzo Alfonso
Published: March 2016

Element profiling is an interesting approach for understanding neurodegenerative processes, considering that compelling evidences show that element toxicity might play a crucial role in the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Aim of this study was to profile 22 serum elements in subjects with or at risk of AD. Thirtyfour patients with probable AD, 20 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), 24 with subjective memory complaint (SMC) and 40 healthy subjects (HS) were included in the study. Manganese, iron, copper, zinc, selenium, thallium, antimony, mercury, vanadium and molybdenum changed significantly among the 4 groups. Several essential elements, such as manganese, selenium, zinc and iron tended to increase in SMC and then progressively to decrease in MCI and AD. Toxic elements show a variable behavior, since some elements tended to increase, while others tended to decrease in AD. A multivariate model, built using a panel of six essential elements (manganese, iron, copper, zinc, selenium and calcium) and their ratios, discriminated AD patients from HS with over 90% accuracy. These findings suggest that essential and toxic elements contribute to generate a distinctive signature during the progression of AD, and their monitoring in elderly might help to detect preclinical stages of AD.
Trans-Atlantic exchanges have shaped the population structure of the Lyme disease agent Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto
Authors: Castillo-Ramírez S. , Fingerle V. , Jungnick S. , Straubinger R. K. , Krebs S. , Blum H. , Meinel D. M. , Hofmann H. , Guertler P. , Sing A. , Margos G.
Published: March 2016

The origin and population structure of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.), the agent of Lyme disease, remain obscure. This tick-transmitted bacterial species occurs in both North America and Europe. We sequenced 17 European isolates (representing the most frequently found sequence types in Europe) and compared these with 17 North American strains. We show that trans-Atlantic exchanges have occurred in the evolutionary history of this species and that a European origin of B. burgdorferi s.s. is marginally more likely than a USA origin. The data further suggest that some European human patients may have acquired their infection in North America. We found three distinct genetically differentiated groups: i) the outgroup species Borrelia bissettii, ii) two divergent strains from Europe, and iii) a group composed of strains from both the USA and Europe. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that different genotypes were likely to have been introduced several times into the same area. Our results demonstrate that irrespective of whether B. burgdorferi s.s. originated in Europe or the USA, later trans-Atlantic exchange(s) have occurred and have shaped the population structure of this genospecies. This study clearly shows the utility of next generation sequencing to obtain a better understanding of the phylogeography of this bacterial species.
Response of Human Osteoblast to n-HA/PEEK—Quantitative Proteomic Study of Bio-effects of Nano-Hydroxyapatite Composite
Authors: Zhao Minzhi , Li Haiyun , Liu Xiaochen , Wei Jie , Ji Jianguo , Yang Shu , Hu Zhiyuan , Wei Shicheng
Published: March 2016

Nano-sized hydroxyapatite (n-HA) is considered as a bio-active material, which is often mixed into bone implant material, polyetheretherketone (PEEK). To reveal the global protein expression modulations of osteoblast in response to direct contact with the PEEK composite containing high level (40%) nano-sized hydroxyapatite (n-HA/PEEK) and explain its comprehensive bio-effects, quantitative proteomic analysis was conducted on human osteoblast-like cells MG-63 cultured on n-HA/PEEK in comparison with pure PEEK. Results from quantitative proteomic analysis showed that the most enriched categories in the up-regulated proteins were related to calcium ion processes and associated functions while the most enriched categories in the down-regulated proteins were related to RNA process. This enhanced our understanding to the molecular mechanism of the promotion of the cell adhesion and differentiation with the inhibition of the cell proliferation on n-HA/PEEK composite. It also exhibited that although the calcium ion level of incubate environment hadn’t increased, merely the calcium fixed on the surface of material had influence to intracellular calcium related processes, which was also reflect by the higher intracellular Ca2+ concentration of n-HA/PEEK. This study could lead to more comprehensive cognition to the versatile biocompatibility of composite materials. It further proves that proteomics is useful in new bio-effect discovery.
Recovery of Interdependent Networks
Authors: Di Muro M. A. , La Rocca C. E. , Stanley H. E. , Havlin S. , Braunstein L. A.
Published: March 2016

Recent network research has focused on the cascading failures in a system of interdependent networks and the necessary preconditions for system collapse. An important question that has not been addressed is how to repair a failing system before it suffers total breakdown. Here we introduce a recovery strategy for nodes and develop an analytic and numerical framework for studying the concurrent failure and recovery of a system of interdependent networks based on an efficient and practically reasonable strategy. Our strategy consists of repairing a fraction of failed nodes, with probability of recovery γ, that are neighbors of the largest connected component of each constituent network. We find that, for a given initial failure of a fraction 1 − p of nodes, there is a critical probability of recovery above which the cascade is halted and the system fully restores to its initial state and below which the system abruptly collapses. As a consequence we find in the plane γ − p of the phase diagram three distinct phases. A phase in which the system never collapses without being restored, another phase in which the recovery strategy avoids the breakdown, and a phase in which even the repairing process cannot prevent system collapse.
Interleukin-31 expression and relation to disease severity in human asthma
Authors: Lai Tianwen , Wu Dong , Li Wen , Chen Min , Yi Zhennan , Huang Dan , Jing Zhiliang , Lü Yingying , Lv Quanchao , Li Dongming , Wu Bin
Published: March 2016

Interleukin 31 (IL-31) is a novel T helper type 2 effector cytokine that plays an important role in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases. However, its role in human asthma remains unclear. The aim of this study was to measure IL-31 levels in the serum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and bronchial tissue of asthmatics and healthy subjects and identify its possible correlation to disease severity. We quantified IL-31 levels in the serum of patients with asthma (n = 44), as well as in controls (n = 22). Of these subjects, 9 asthmatics and five controls underwent bronchoscopy with endobronchial biopsy and BALF collection. Our data showed that serum and BALF IL-31 levels were significantly elevated in patients with asthma compared with controls. Expressions of IL-31 and IL-31 receptor (IL-31RA and OSMR) were more prominent in the bronchial tissue in severe compared to mild asthma and controls. Serum IL-31 levels correlated positively with Th2 related cytokines (IL-5, IL-13 and TSLP), asthma severity or total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) and inversely with asthma control and the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1). The current data may provide insight into the underlying pathogenesis of asthma, in which IL-31 has an important pathogenic role.
The RecQ DNA helicase Rqh1 constrains Exonuclease 1-dependent recombination at stalled replication forks
Authors: Osman Fekret , Ahn Jong Sook , Lorenz Alexander , Whitby Matthew C.
Published: March 2016

DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair by homologous recombination (HR) involves resection of the break to expose a 3′ single-stranded DNA tail. In budding yeast, resection occurs in two steps: initial short-range resection, performed by Mre11-Rad50-Xrs2 and Sae2; and long-range resection catalysed by either Exo1 or Sgs1-Dna2. Here we use genetic assays to investigate the importance of Exo1 and the Sgs1 homologue Rqh1 for DNA repair and promotion of direct repeat recombination in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. We find that Exo1 and Rqh1 function in alternative redundant pathways for promoting survival following replication fork breakage. Exo1 promotes replication fork barrier-induced direct repeat recombination but intriguingly limits recombination induced by fork breakage. Direct repeat recombination induced by ultraviolet light depends on either Exo1 or Rqh1. Finally, we show that Rqh1 plays a major role in limiting Exo1-dependent direct repeat recombination induced by replication fork stalling but only a minor role in constraining recombination induced by fork breakage. The implications of our findings are discussed in the context of the benefits that long-range resection may bring to processing perturbed replication forks.
Correlation of p-doping in CVD Graphene with Substrate Surface Charges
Authors: Goniszewski S. , Adabi M. , Shaforost O. , Hanham S. M. , Hao L. , Klein N.
Published: March 2016

Correlations between the level of p-doping exhibited in large area chemical vapour deposition (CVD) graphene field effect transistor structures (gFETs) and residual charges created by a variety of surface treatments to the silicon dioxide (SiO2) substrates prior to CVD graphene transfer are measured. Beginning with graphene on untreated thermal oxidised silicon, a minimum conductivity (σmin) occurring at gate voltage Vg = 15 V (Dirac Point) is measured. It was found that more aggressive treatments (O2 plasma and UV Ozone treatments) further increase the gate voltage of the Dirac point up to 65 V, corresponding to a significant increase of the level of p-doping displayed in the graphene. An electrowetting model describing the measured relationship between the contact angle (θ) of a water droplet applied to the treated substrate/graphene surface and an effective gate voltage from a surface charge density is proposed to describe biasing of Vg at σmin and was found to fit the measurements with multiplication of a correction factor, allowing effective non-destructive approximation of substrate added charge carrier density using contact angle measurements.
E-selectin-targeting delivery of microRNAs by microparticles ameliorates endothelial inflammation and atherosclerosis
Authors: Ma Shuangtao , Tian Xiao Yu , Zhang Yunrong , Mu Chaofeng , Shen Haifa , Bismuth Jean , Pownall Henry J. , Huang Yu , Wong Wing Tak
Published: March 2016

E-selectin is a surface marker of endothelial cell (EC) inflammation, one of the hallmarks of atherogenesis. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that delivery of microRNA (miR)-146a and miR-181b with an E-selectin-targeting multistage vector (ESTA-MSV) to inflamed endothelium covering atherosclerotic plaques inhibits atherosclerosis. Cy5-conjugated miR-146a and miR-181b were packaged in polyethylene glycol-polyethyleneimine (PEG/PEI) nanoparticles and loaded into ESTA-MSV microparticles. Both miRs were downregulated in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-treated ECs. Transfection of TNF-α-treated mouse aortas and cultured ECs with miRs was more efficient with ESTA-MSV than with the PEG/PEI. Likewise, miR-146a/-181b packaged in ESTA-MSV efficiently suppressed the chemokines, CCL2, CCL5, CCL8 and CXCL9 and monocyte adhesion to ECs. Complementaryin vivotests were conducted in male apolipoprotein E-deficient mice fed a Western diet and injected intravenously with the particles prepared as above biweekly for 12 weeks. Treatment with miRs packaged in ESTA-MSV but not in PEG/PEI reduced atherosclerotic plaque size. Concurrently, vascular inflammation markers, including macrophages in aortic root lesions and chemokine expression in aortic tissues were reduced while the vascular smooth muscle cells and collagen increased in plaques from ESTA-MSV/miRs-treatedvs.vehicle-treated mice. Our data supported our hypothesis that ESTA-MSV microparticle-mediated delivery of miR-146a/-181b ameliorates endothelial inflammation and atherosclerosis.
Quantification of benzoic acid in beverages: the evaluation and validation of direct measurement techniques using mass spectrometry
Authors: Junqueira de Carvalho Lucas , Cristina Pires do Rego Eliane , Carius Garrido Bruno
Published: March 2016

Two methods for the direct and rapid determination of benzoic acid in beverages were developed and compared.
Fluorescent glucose sensing using CdTe/CdS quantum dots–glucose oxidase complex
Authors: Ding Liyun , Zhang Bingyu , Xu Chuang , Huang Jun , Xia Zhilin
Published: March 2016

The core/shell quantum dots–glucose oxidase complex has been synthesized and proved as a potential fluorescence probe for glucose detection.
Roles of the scalar and vector components of the solvation effects on the vibrational properties of hydrogen- or halogen-bond accepting stretching modes
Authors: Torii Hajime , Noge Saori
Published: March 2016

Solvation-induced vibrational frequency shifts and IR intensity changes, especially their angular position dependence, are examined theoretically.
New perspectives in organolanthanide chemistry from redox to bond metathesis: insights from theory
Authors: Kefalidis Christos E. , Castro Ludovic , Perrin Lionel , Rosal Iker Del , Maron Laurent
Published: March 2016

A fifteen year contribution of computational studies carried out in close synergy with experiments is summarized.
A novel pH sensor which could respond to multi-scale pH changes via different fluorescence emissions
Authors: Zhu Xin , Lin Qi , Chen Pei , Fu Yong-Peng , Zhang You-Ming , Wei Tai-Bao
Published: March 2016

Sensor L6 exhibited two obvious pH jumps and could respond to multi-scale pH changes via different fluorescence emissions and colors.
Fabrication of perovskite films using an electrostatic assisted spray technique: the effect of the electric field on morphology, crystallinity and solar cell performance
Authors: Chandrasekhar P. S. , Kumar Neetesh , Swami Sanjay Kumar , Dutta V. , Komarala Vamsi K.
Published: March 2016

An electric field assisted spray deposition method improves the perovskite film morphology, crystallinity, surface coverage and device efficiency with reduced hysteresis.
Fully spray-coated organic solar cells on woven polyester cotton fabrics for wearable energy harvesting applications
Authors: Arumugam S. , Li Y. , Senthilarasu S. , Torah R. , Kanibolotsky A. L. , Inigo A. R. , Skabara P. J. , Beeby S. P.
Published: March 2016

A novel use of spray-coating technique to fabricate organic solar cells on textiles for wearable energy harvesting applications.
Graphene in perovskite solar cells: device design, characterization and implementation
Authors: Acik Muge , Darling Seth B.
Published: March 2016

We review the use of graphene and graphene-derived nanomaterials in perovskite solar cells, outlining design perspectives, device characterization, and performance.
Efficient polymer tandem modules and solar cells by doctor blading
Authors: Hanisch J. , Wahl T. , Wessendorf C. D. , Ahlswede E.
Published: March 2016

Doctor bladed polymer tandem modules are realised without loss in Voc by an efficient monolithical interconnection of the subcells.
Understanding and controlling water stability of MOF-74
Authors: Zuluaga Sebastian , Fuentes-Fernandez Erika M. A. , Tan Kui , Xu Feng , Li Jing , Chabal Yves J. , Thonhauser Timo
Published: March 2016

The H2O → OH + H reaction poisons the metal centers and starts the degradation of the crystal structure of MOF-74.
Grafting sulfonic and amine functional groups on 3D graphene for improved capacitive deionization
Authors: Liu Peiying , Wang Hui , Yan Tingting , Zhang Jianping , Shi Liyi , Zhang Dengsong
Published: March 2016

A novel ion-selective 3D graphene electrode was designed to overcome the co-ions expulsion effect and improve the CDI performance.
CeO2-based heterogeneous catalysts toward catalytic conversion of CO2
Authors: Wang Fei , Wei Min , Evans David G. , Duan Xue
Published: March 2016

The catalytic conversion of CO2, which has recently attracted considerable attention, would not only contribute to the alleviation of environmental problems but would also provide useful chemicals (e.g., methane and methanol).
Laser-induced electrochemical thinning of MoS2
Authors: Sunamura Kaito , Page Tamon R. , Yoshida Keisuke , Yano Taka-aki , Hayamizu Yuhei
Published: March 2016

This laser induced electrochemical thinning is active for multiple layers but not for single-layer MoS2.
Nickel-catalyzed ortho-halogenation of unactivated (hetero)aryl C–H bonds with lithium halides using a removable auxiliary
Authors: Zhan Bei-Bei , Liu Yan-Hua , Hu Fang , Shi Bing-Feng
Published: March 2016

The first example of Ni-catalyzed halogenation of (hetero)aryl C–H bonds with lithium halides using PIP as a removable directing group is described.
A gold(i)-catalyzed substituent-controlled cycloisomerization of propargyl vinyl ethers to multi-substituted furofuran and furopyran derivatives
Authors: Liu Yongxiang , Jin Shengfei , Wang Yanshi , Cui Shanshan , Peng Xiaoshi , Niu Yuanyuan , Du Chuan , Cheng Maosheng
Published: March 2016

A gold(i)-catalyzed substituent-controlled strategy for the stereoselective synthesis of bicyclic furan and pyran derivatives has been developed.
Surface hopping investigation of benzophenone excited state dynamics
Authors: Favero Lucilla , Granucci Giovanni , Persico Maurizio
Published: March 2016

A mechanism of S1decay in benzophenone: S1→ T1is the main pathway, although transitions to T2and higher triplets play a relevant role.
A pot-economical and diastereoselective synthesis involving catalyst-free click reaction for fused-triazolobenzodiazepines
Authors: Zhang Xiaofeng , Zhi Sanjun , Wang Wei , Liu Shuai , Jasinski Jerry P. , Zhang Wei
Published: March 2016

A pot-economical synthesis involving two [3 + 2] cycloadditions for diastereoselective synthesis of novel triazolobenzodiazepine-containing polycyclic compounds.
Assessment of colorimetric amplification methods in a paper-based immunoassay for diagnosis of malaria
Authors: Lathwal Shefali , Sikes Hadley D.
Published: March 2016

We have evaluated the impact of readout time and the ease-of-perception on accurate interpretation of colorimetric readouts in immunoassays.
[Ru(bpy)2(7-CH3-dppz)]2+ and [Ru(phen)2(7-CH3-dppz)]2+ as metallointercalators that affect third-strand stabilization of the poly(U)˙poly(A)*poly(U) triplex
Authors: Tang Wuzhi , Zhu Zhiyuan , Tan Lifeng
Published: March 2016

Ru1 and Ru2 not only can stabilize the triplex, but also can serve as molecular “light switches” for the triplex. In addition, the two complexes stabilizing third-strand is weaker, reflecting the binding of Ru1 and Ru2 with the triplex is favored by the Watson–Crick base-paired duplex.
Pyrimidine-based antimalarials: design strategies and antiplasmodial effects
Authors: Singh Kamaljit , Kaur Tavleen
Published: March 2016

The versatility in the design strategies of pyrimidine scaffold offer considerable opportunity for developing antimalarials capable of hitting different biological targets.
Ecologically friendly conversion coatings with special wetting behaviors for wax prevention
Authors: Liang Weitao , Zhu Liqun , Xu Chang , Li Weiping , Liu Huicong
Published: March 2016

(A) SEM image of the Zn coating; (B) SEM image of the conversion coating; (C) schematic diagram of the Zn coating in the wax deposition test; and (D) schematic diagram of the conversion coating in the wax deposition test.
Bismuth oxyhalides: synthesis, structure and photoelectrochemical activity
Authors: Bhachu Davinder S. , Moniz Savio J. A. , Sathasivam Sanjayan , Scanlon David O. , Walsh Aron , Bawaked Salem M. , Mokhtar Mohamed , Obaid Abdullah Y. , Parkin Ivan P. , Tang Junwang , Carmalt Claire J.
Published: March 2016

We report the synthesis and photoelectrochemical assessment of phase pure tetragonal matlockite structured BiOX (where X = Cl, Br, I) films.
Instabilities, defects, and defect ordering in an overdamped active nematic
Authors: Putzig Elias , Redner Gabriel S. , Baskaran Arvind , Baskaran Aparna
Published: March 2016

We consider a phenomenological continuum theory for an extensile, overdamped active nematic liquid crystal, applicable in the dense regime.
Use of organic solvent-assisted exfoliated MoS2 for optimizing the thermoelectric performance of flexible PEDOT:PSS thin films
Authors: Jiang Fengxing , Xiong Jinhua , Zhou Weiqiang , Liu Congcong , Wang Liangying , Zhao Feng , Liu Huixuan , Xu Jingkun
Published: March 2016

Organic solvent-exfoliated MoS2 nanosheets significantly improved the thermoelectric performance of flexible PEDOT:PSS thin films via the use of direct vacuum filtration.
Graphene-supported non-precious metal electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reactions: the active center and catalytic mechanism
Authors: Li Baosheng , Zhang Lili , Chen Luwei , Cai Xiaoyi , Lai Linfei , Wang Zhan , Shen Zexiang , Lin Jianyi
Published: March 2016

Metal nitrides (FeCoN) surrounded by pyridinic N were identified as the active center for the oxygen reduction reaction.
Nitric oxide release from a biodegradable cysteine-based polyphosphazene
Authors: Lutzke Alec , Neufeld Bella H. , Neufeld Megan J. , Reynolds Melissa M.
Published: March 2016

First report of nitric oxide (NO) release from a biodegradable polyphosphazene containing theS-nitrosothiol NO donor group.
Combinatorial protein engineering of proteolytically resistant mesotrypsin inhibitors as candidates for cancer therapy
Authors: Cohen Itay , Kayode Olumide , Hockla Alexandra , Sankaran Banumathi , Radisky Derek C. , Radisky Evette S. , Papo Niv
Published: March 2016

Engineered protein therapeutics offer advantages, including strong target affinity, selectivity and low toxicity, but like natural proteins can be susceptible to proteolytic degradation, thereby limiting their effectiveness. A compelling therapeutic target is mesotrypsin, a protease up-regulated with tumour progression, associated with poor prognosis, and implicated in tumour growth and progression of many cancers. However, with its unique capability for cleavage and inactivation of proteinaceous inhibitors, mesotrypsin presents a formidable challenge to the development of biological inhibitors. We used a powerful yeast display platform for directed evolution, employing a novel multi-modal library screening strategy, to engineer the human amyloid precursor protein Kunitz protease inhibitor domain (APPI) simultaneously for increased proteolytic stability, stronger binding affinity and improved selectivity for mesotrypsin inhibition. We identified a triple mutant APPIM17G/I18F/F34V, with a mesotrypsin inhibition constant (Ki) of 89 pM, as the strongest mesotrypsin inhibitor yet reported; this variant displays 1459-fold improved affinity, up to 350 000-fold greater specificity and 83-fold improved proteolytic stability compared with wild-type APPI. We demonstrated that APPIM17G/I18F/F34V acts as a functional inhibitor in cell-based models of mesotrypsin-dependent prostate cancer cellular invasiveness. Additionally, by solving the crystal structure of the APPIM17G/I18F/F34V–mesotrypsin complex, we obtained new insights into the structural and mechanistic basis for improved binding and proteolytic resistance. Our study identifies a promising mesotrypsin inhibitor as a starting point for development of anticancer protein therapeutics and establishes proof-of-principle for a novel library screening approach that will be widely applicable for simultaneously evolving proteolytic stability in tandem with desired functionality for diverse protein scaffolds.
Women and heart disease, the underrecognized burden: sex differences, biases, and unmet clinical and research challenges
Authors: Westerman Stacy , Wenger Nanette K.
Published: March 2016

For many years the significance of heart disease in women was vastly underappreciated, and women were significantly underrepresented in cardiovascular clinical research. We now know that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for women. Women and men share many similarities in the pathophysiology and manifestations of heart disease. However, as research advances with the continued inclusion of more women, knowledge about gender differences between the female and male heart, both on a physiological and pathophysiological basis, grows. These differences can be found in all domains of cardiovascular health and disease, including heart rhythm, heart failure, coronary disease and valvular disease. Further understanding of gender differences in the heart is crucial for advancing our ability to maintain a healthy population and identify and treat heart disease in both women and men. Specific examples within the spectrum of heart disease will be discussed in this review paper, and areas for further research will be proposed.
Efficient rotation‐invariant histogram of oriented gradient descriptors for car detection in satellite images
Authors: Su Ang , Sun Xiaoliang , Zhang Yueqiang , Yu Qifeng
Published: March 2016

Cars can appear at any orientations in satellite images, but the widely used traditional histogram of oriented gradient (HOG) features is not rotation‐invariant. Recently, a rotation‐invariant HOG descriptor using Fourier analysis in polar coordinators has been proposed and has shown good performance; however, it is time and memory consuming. In this study, the authors improve this method to present an efficient rotation‐invariant HOG descriptor for car detection in satellite images. The authors first convert spatial convolutions to multiplications in the frequency domain based on fast Fourier transform to speed up the descriptor computation. Then, they employ a backward search feature selection method based on support vector machine to reduce the descriptor dimensionality. This allows them to build the proposed efficient rotation‐invariant HOG descriptor at low time and memory cost. The authors demonstrate that their method is more efficient and yields better detection performance in a public dataset for car detection task in satellite images.
Wer suchet, der findet
Authors: Mühlnikel Ingrid
Published: March 2016

Die gemütlichen Zeiten für die Kassen sind vorbei. Zeiten, in denen entweder das Bundesversicherungssamt oder die Länderaufsicht – mal mehr, mal weniger streng – die Haushalte der Kassen kontrollierte.
Wir rechnen mit einem erfolgreichen Jahr
Authors: Mau Jens
Published: March 2016

Siegfried Bialojan ist Leiter der Sparte Biotechnologie bei Ernst & Young und verantwortet unter anderem den jährlichen Biotech-Report der Unternehmensberatung. Mit kma sprach er über die Strategie der Pharmariesen, die Clusterpolitik in Deutschland und die Rolle der Biotechnologie im Gesundheitswesen der Zukunft.
Getrübtes Glück
Authors: Schmidt Hartmut
Published: March 2016

Die Finanzinvestoren haben mit einem Anteil von 77 Prozent bei Curanum momentan eindeutig das Sagen. Durch die neuen Aktienbesitzer ist der Aktienkurs in die Höhe geschossen. Doch das Glück ist nicht ungetrübt: Der Druck auf das Management wird sich erhöhen. Das könnte erhebliche Gefahren für den deutschen Markt bedeuten.
Kosten sparen 3.0
Authors: Dirks Claudia
Published: March 2016

Keine Frage, dass der Kostendruck auf die Krankenhäuser immer weiter zunimmt, während die Möglichkeiten der Einsparungen begrenzt bleiben. Nach den Personalkosten geht es nun daran, die laufenden Betriebskosten unter die Lupe zu nehmen.
Zu neuen Ufern
Authors: Glatzer Ulrich
Published: March 2016

Nach zahlreichen schnellen Wechseln an der Spitze von Agfa Healthcare IT soll nun der Siemens-Manager Volker Wetekam für Ruhe und Motivation bei den Mitarbeitern sorgen und für das Unternehmen eine strategische Neuausrichtung entwickeln.
Darmkrebs nimmt zu
Authors: Mau Jens
Published: March 2016

Die Krebsraten in Nord- und Westeuropa sinken bei fast allen Tumorarten. Einer der wesentlichen Gründe dafür ist der Rückgang des Rauchens bei Männern. Auch Vorsorgeuntersuchungen zahlen sich aus.
Arzt am Gängelband
Authors: Kolbeck Cornelia
Published: March 2016

Ein Zweitmeinungsverfahren soll die Verordnung besonders teurer und neben­wirkungsreicher Arzneimittel in Grenzen halten. Doch der Richtlinienentwurf des Gemeinsamen Bundesausschusses geht zu weit, kritisieren Krankenhausgesellschaft, Juristen und Pharmaindustrie: Der behandelnde Arzt gerate in absolute Abhängigkeit vom Zweitmeinungsarzt.
Alles Inklusive
Authors: Ulrich Melanie
Published: March 2016

Während Bund und Länder noch über die zukünftige Krankenhausfinanzierung streiten, beschaffen immer mehr Kliniken fehlende Investitionsmittel aus anderen Quellen. Nach Public-Private-Partnership-Modellen sind es nun Partnerschaften mit Medizintechnikherstellern, die bei der Existenzsicherung helfen sollen.
Der Preis ist nicht alles
Authors: Wiedemann Doris
Published: March 2016

Leihgeräte, Übungsdummys, Mitarbeitertrainings: Krankenhausausrüster bieten um das bloße Produkt herum Service­optionen an. Ob Geräte oder Materialien unterm Strich güns­tiger oder teurer sind, ist nicht allein am Kaufpreis ablesbar.
Auf geht‘s, Frösche küssen
Authors: Zehnder Adalbert
Published: March 2016

Was für ein Segen, dass es den Kostendruck im Gesundheitswesen gibt! Niemals hätten sich die Deutschen sonst die Köpfe zermartert wegen solcher Sachen wie Prozessoptimierung, Workflow oder interdisziplinäre Arbeits­ansätze. Schon machen die ersten von ihnen aus der Not eine Tugend und aus der Tugend Geld. Deutsches Planungs-Know-how für Krankenhäuser ist international so stark gefragt wie nie zuvor.
Glücklos in Deutschland
Authors: Schmidt Hartmut
Published: March 2016

Die Aktie von Sunrise befindet sich deutlich unter Druck. Die Gründe sind hohe Verluste und unsichere Perspektiven. Dies gilt insbesondere für die Aktivitäten in Deutschland. Sie haben das Unternehmen viel Geld gekostet und werden dies auch weiterhin tun.
Penetranz kuriert Phlegmatiker
Authors: Schiekiera Kirsten
Published: March 2016

”Abmahnen”, sagen die einen. ”Wir sind machtlos”, denken die anderen. Bei leistungsunwilligen Mitarbeitern neigen Führungskräfte zu Extremen. Doch Experten sind überzeugt: Vorgesetzte, die das Problem sachlich, aber beharrlich ansprechen, haben die besten Erfolgsaussichten.
Porträt Stefan Burkhart
Authors: Stern Sara
Published: March 2016

Die Zufriedenheit seiner Kunden, aber auch die seiner Mitarbeiter standen für Stefan Burkart stets ganz oben: Als Geschäftsführer des Familienunternehmens Zehnacker ebenso wie als Vorstand der Nexus AG. Für seine eigene Zufriedenheit sorgen der restaurierte Lancia Delta Integrale, Youngtimer-Rallyes und vor allem seine Familie.
Technik im Klinikzusammenschluss
Authors: Thalmayr Maria
Published: March 2016

Verbandsnachrichten der FKT - Fachvereinigung Krankenhaustechnik (e. V.). Diese Seiten sind nur als PDF-Dokument verfügbar.
Die Normen und ihre Umsetzung
Authors: Thalmayr Maria
Published: March 2016

Verbandsnachrichten der FKT - Fachvereinigung Krankenhaustechnik (e. V.). Diese Seiten sind nur als PDF-Dokument verfügbar.
kma neuer Leistungsträger in der Thieme Verlagsgruppe
Authors: Hauff Albrecht
Published: March 2016

Die Gesundheitswirtschaft boomt. Das geht manchmal in den Meldungen über Rationierung und Priorisierung im deutschen Gesundheitswesen unter.
Nicht leichtfertig
Authors: Mühlnikel Ingrid
Published: March 2016

Auch in deutschen Krankenhäusern werden Leistungen aus wirtschaftlichen Gründen nicht erbracht. Zum Tagesgeschäft gehört Rationierung aber nicht, hat eine Studie der Universität Tübingen und der Medizinischen Hochschule Hannover ergeben.
Kollektiv transparent
Authors: Zehnder Adalbert
Published: March 2016

In bundesweit einmaliger Weise haben die Hamburger Krankenhäuser die Arbeit ihres Beschwerdemanagements öffentlich gemacht.
Die Manager kommen
Authors: Lötzerich Uwe
Published: March 2016

Die IV-Anschubfinanzierung ist passé. Und damit auch das Praxisnetz? Das Gegenteil ist der Fall: Viele profilieren sich inzwischen als Unternehmen. Durch intelligente Zusammenarbeit steigern sie die Qualität und den Profit – für sich selbst und die Kassen.
Mehr Pro als Contra
Authors: Schiekiera Kirsten
Published: March 2016

Immer mehr Kliniken setzen bei der Talentjagd auf Online-Bewerbungen. Für den Erstkontakt zu potenziellen Mitarbeitern ist das ein durchaus geeigneter Weg. Doch die Technik hat auch ihre Tücken.
Sicherheit für 30 Cent
Authors: Gaede Kirsten
Published: March 2016

Immer mehr Kliniken führen Patientenarmbänder ein. Mit gutem Grund: Das Aktionsbündnis empfiehlt seit kurzem diese günstigen und zarten Instrumente zur sicheren Indentifikation. Außerdem sind die Armbänder fast notwendige Voraussetzung für die OP-Checkliste der WHO, die für Krankenhäuser einen sehr verbindlichen Charakter hat.
König Kunde
Authors: Träger Horst , Thalmayr Maria
Published: March 2016

Verbandsnachrichten der FKT - Fachvereinigung Krankenhaustechnik (e. V.). Diese Seiten sind nur als PDF-Dokument verfügbar.
Erste Clearingstelle in Bremen
Authors: Mau Jens
Published: March 2016

Als erstes Bundesland richtet Bremen eine Clearingstelle zur Bekämpfung von Korruption im Gesundheitswesen ein. Darauf haben sich die Ärztekammer Bremen, die Kassenärztliche Vereinigung Bremen und die Krankenhausgesellschaft Bremen verständigt.
„Jeden Tag müssen zwölf Menschen unters Messer”
Authors: Mau Jens
Published: March 2016

3,5 Prozent aller Hüft- und 3,8 Prozent aller Knieprothesen müssen schon innerhalb der ersten zwei Jahre ersetzt werden, bemängelt die Techniker Krankenkasse.
Einer für alle
Authors: Paquet Robert
Published: March 2016

Der Passus Gesundheit im Koalitionsvertrag spiegelt das Tempo wider, mit dem das Programm zustande gekommen ist. Widersprüchlich und unpräzise wimmelt es nur so von Prüfaufträgen, wichtige Entscheidungen werden vertagt, Kommissionen berufen – insgesamt Versprechen gemacht, ohne zu sagen, wer die Zeche bezahlen soll.
Verwaltungskosten unter einem Prozent
Authors: Mau Jens
Published: March 2016

Der Gesundheitsfonds hat viele Feinde, vor allem in der Regierungspartei FDP. Ein bürokratisches Monstrum nannte ihn FDP-Chef Guido Westerwelle im Wahlkampf. Josef Hecken, Präsident des Bundesversicherungsamts (BVA), das den Fonds verwaltet, argumentiert dagegen: „Die Verwaltungs­kosten des Gesundheitsfonds betrugen 2009 2,8 Millionen Euro.
Gesundheit neu gerechnet
Authors: Mau Jens
Published: March 2016

Die Gesundheitswirtschaft wird in der Gesundheitsausgabenrechnung des Statistischen Bundesamts nur unzureichend erfasst, sagt das Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Technologie (BMWi) und hat deshalb vor knapp zwei Jahren die Berechnung eines sogenannten Gesundheitssatellitenkontos in Auftrag gegeben. Jetzt veröffentlicht das Ministerium erste Ergebnisse.
Fette Geschäfte
Authors: Mühlnikel Ingrid
Published: March 2016

Immer mehr Menschen erkranken an Diabetes Mellitus 2 – weltweit. Um diese Krankheit haben sich florierende Wirtschaftszweige entwickelt. Von der Deutschen Bank bis zu kleinen Beteiligungsgesellschaften wollen alle mitverdienen. Ein Ende des Booms ist nicht abzusehen.
Besser als der Dax
Authors: Schmidt Hartmut
Published: March 2016

Das Minus von 3 Prozent an den Börsen seit Ende September ist noch nicht beängstigend. Allerdings mehren sich die Zeichen, dass die Wirtschaft wieder einknickt. Den Börsianern bleibt zu hoffen, dass die Anleger nicht in Panik geraten und die Kurse auf Talfahrt schicken.
Aufbereitung vorprogrammiert
Authors: Dirks Claudia
Published: March 2016

Ob ein Medizinprodukt aufbereitbar ist, darüber entscheidet der Hersteller. Oft hat er kein Interesse, Forschungsarbeit zu investieren, wenn er mit dem Einmalprodukt gute Margen verdient. Die Pioneer Medical Devices geht jetzt mit einem mehrfach verwendbaren diag­nostischen Mapping-Katheter mit CE-Mark auf den Markt – und ärgert die Konkurrenz.
Streit um die zweite Schicht
Authors: Mau Jens
Published: March 2016

Operationen bringen Kliniken das meiste Geld. Mit Zentral-OPs wollen Krankenhäuser die Auslastung der teuren OP-Säle steigern. Doch nach 14 Uhr sind die OP-Tische häufig leer. OP-Manager drängen auf Doppelschichten.
Wachstum gefragt
Authors: Schmidt Hartmut
Published: March 2016

2009 war das Geschäft durch erhebliche einmalige Belastungen geprägt. Das Ergebnis brach deutlich ein und blieb nur noch knapp im positiven Bereich. In Zukunft muss vor allem die Wachstumsdynamik zunehmen.
Unschlagbar preiswert
Authors: Paulus Sebastian
Published: March 2016

Verbandsnachrichten der FKT - Fachvereinigung Krankenhaustechnik (e. V.). Diese Seiten sind nur als PDF-Dokument verfügbar.
Führung will gelernt sein
Authors: Mau Jens
Published: March 2016

„Wenn wir heute so führen würden, wie wir selbst geführt worden sind, hätten wir bald keine Mitarbeiter mehr“ - diesen Satz lässt Autor Jens Hollmann einen unbekannten Mediziner zu Anfang seines Buches „Führungskompetenz für Leitende Ärzte“ sagen.
Uni Bremen rückt Pflegekräfte ins Rampenlicht
Authors: Gaede Kirsten
Published: March 2016

Darfur, Haiti und jetzt Pakistan – immer, wenn es eine Katastrophe auf der Welt gibt, sind auch deutsche Pflegekräfte im Einsatz. „Doch anders als Ärzte werden sie in Medienberichten nie erwähnt“, meint Stefan Görres, Leiter des Instituts für Public Health und Pflegeforschung (IPP) an der Universität Bremen.
Noch Kooperation? Schon Korruption?
Authors: Zehnder Adalbert
Published: March 2016

In der freien Wirtschaft ist es üblich und gilt keineswegs als anstößig, sich bei einem Dritten für die Vermittlung von Dienstleis­tungen finanziell zu revanchieren.
Beinahe kaputt gespart
Authors: Ehrhardt Jana
Published: March 2016

Das Medizinstudium in Lübeck kommt bei Umfragen sehr gut weg, ist der Landesregierung jedoch zu teuer. Bundesforschungsministerin Annette Schavan konnte über eine „verdeckte Finanzierung“ des Bundes die geplante Schließung verhindern.
Auf der Überholspur
Authors: Schmidt Hartmut
Published: March 2016

Der Klinikkonzern Asklepios hat zu den Spitzenreitern in der Branche, Rhön und Helios, aufgeschlossen. Doch Spekulationen über einen Börsengang bestreitet das Unternehmen mit Verweis auf seine gute Eigenkapitalausstattung und das hohe interne Finanzierungssteigerungspotenzial.
Ein Problem, aber keine Katastrophe
Authors: Zehnder Adalbert
Published: March 2016

Zum Jahreswechsel beginnen die Kostendämpfungsmaßnahmen der schwarz-gelben Gesundheitsreform zu greifen. 2011 dürften sie die Kliniken weniger belasten als befürchtet, 2012 mehr.
Lauterbach holt Ex-IQWiG-Chef
Authors: Mau Jens
Published: March 2016

Peter Sawicki (53), der im August dieses Jahres als Leiter des Instituts für Qualität und Wirtschaftlichkeit im Gesundheitswesen (IQWIG) entlassen wurde, kommt am Kölner Institut für Gesundheitsökonomie und klinische Epidemiologie (IGKE) unter.
Protonenstrahl in Dresden
Authors: Mau Jens
Published: March 2016

Auf dem Campus der Dresdner Uniklinik ist das sogenannte Nationale Zentrum gegründet worden.
„Berlin braucht dich“
Authors: Mühlnikel Ingrid
Published: March 2016

Die berufliche und gesellschaftliche Integration von Migranten ist das Top-Thema der vergangenen Wochen gewesen.
Patient auf Sendung
Authors: Mau Jens
Published: March 2016

Telemonitoring steigert die Versorgungsqualität und vermeidet Klinikaufenthalte. Doch Teil der Regelversorgung ist die Fernüberwachung in Deutschland noch nicht.