bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly transparent tetraaminophthalocyanine polymer films for DSSC cathodes
Authors: Klunder Kevin J. , Elliott C. Michael , Henry Charles S.
Published: January 2018

Phthalocyanines are proposed as catalytic, transparent, promisingly stable cathode coatings for cobalt mediated DSSCs, representing a nearly ideal cathode material.
Highly packed graphene–CNT films as electrodes for aqueous supercapacitors with high volumetric performance
Authors: Díez Noel , Botas Cristina , Mysyk Roman , Goikolea Eider , Rojo Teófilo , Carriazo Daniel
Published: January 2018

Aqueous supercapacitors with high volumetric energy density are prepared using high mass, high density (1.5 g cm−3) electrodes of graphene–CNT composites.
Superior electrical conduction of a water repelling 3D interconnected nano-network
Authors: Dhal Satyanarayan , Das Pritam , Rajbhar Manoj K. , Möller Wolfhard , Chatterjee Sriparna , Ramgir Niranjan , Chatterjee Shyamal
Published: January 2018

3D ceramic nanowelded porous network.
Room temperature columnar liquid crystalline self-assembly of acidochromic, luminescent, star-shaped molecules with cyanovinylene chromophores
Authors: Gupta Ravindra Kumar , Pathak Suraj Kumar , De Joydip , Pal Santanu Kumar , Achalkumar Ammathnadu S.
Published: January 2018

Effect of cyanovinylene group on the thermal and photophysical behavior of tris(N-salicylideneanilines).
Imido-P(v) trianion supported enantiopure neutral tetrahedral Pd(ii) cages
Authors: Rajasekar Prabhakaran , Pandey Swechchha , Paithankar Harshad , Chugh Jeetender , Steiner Alexander , Boomishankar Ramamoorthy
Published: January 2018

An enantiomeric pair of chiral tetrahedral cages (1-R and 1-S) were synthesized which show chiral separation of small racemic organic molecules such as epichlorohydrin, beta-butyrolactone, 3-methyl cyclopentanone, and 3-ethyl cyclopentanone.
Construction of semi-fluorinated polyimides with perfluorocyclobutyl aryl ether-based side chains
Authors: Jia Mingchen , Zhou Mingtao , Li Yongjun , Lu Guolin , Huang Xiaoyu
Published: January 2018

This article reports the construction of PFCB aryl ether-based polyimides with precisely controlled topology via side-chain chemistry.
Topological engineering of amphiphilic copolymers via RAFT dispersion copolymerization of benzyl methacrylate and 2-(perfluorooctyl)ethyl methacrylate for polymeric assemblies with tunable nanostructures
Authors: Huo Meng , Zeng Min , Wu Decheng , Wei Yen , Yuan Jinying
Published: January 2018

RAFT dispersion copolymerization of benzyl methacrylate and 2-(perfluorooctyl)ethyl methacrylate enables the regulation of the nanostructure of polymer assemblies.
HIS‐based bandpass filter with improved upper‐stopband performance
Authors: Qiao Haidong , Guo Dalu , Mou Jinchao , Li Mingxun , Ma Zhaohui , Lv Xin
Published: January 2018

A bandpass filter (BPF) with improved upper‐stopband performance has been studied and implemented with the aid of a ground plane based on high impedance structures (HIS). The microstrip structure of the filter on the top layer consists of three‐order cascaded cross‐shaped resonators loaded by folded split ring slots. The ground plane contains two groups of 2 × 5 lattice metallic mushroom array, showing high impedance at the spurious band so that the upper‐stopband bandwidth of the BPF can be effectively broadened. The HIS‐based ground can independently control the stopband without affecting passband performance. Experimental results demonstrate that the BPF exhibits an extremely broad stopband region from 15.5 to 49.2 GHz with a rejection level above 20 dB.
Pulse‐preserving characteristics and effective isotropically radiated power spectra of a new ultrawideband dielectric resonator antenna
Authors: Shahzad Iqbal Mian , Esselle Karu P.
Published: January 2018

A dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) with a full ground plane and an ultrawideband (UWB) operating bandwidth of 3.1–11.6 GHz is presented. Good return loss over a wide bandwidth is achieved, while the full ground plane directs most of the radiation into the upper hemisphere, significantly reducing undesirable radiation to the lower hemisphere. The measured results confirm a 10‐dB return‐loss bandwidth of 115%. Time‐domain characteristics and effective isotropically radiated power (EIRP) spectra of the antenna are investigated for several types of UWB input pulses. The correlations between the input pulses and the radiated pulses in many directions were found to be excellent when the antenna is excited by a linearly chirped Gaussian pulse or a fifth‐order Gaussian pulse. Nevertheless, EIRP spectrum calculations indicate that none of those pulses efficiently fill the Federal Communication Commission UWB mask when applied to this DRA. Hence, a third‐order Rayleigh pulse is introduced and tuned to make efficient use of the allowed spectrum limits. Further improvement of pulse performance is investigated by varying antenna design parameters. This DRA is suitable for both impulse radio UWB systems and carrier‐based UWB systems.
Miniaturisation design of patch antenna using a low‐profile mushroom type meta‐substrate tailored with high permittivity
Authors: Xu Xiaofei , Wei Juzheng
Published: January 2018

A new and simple method is proposed for the miniaturisation design of patch antenna utilising a low‐profile mushroom type meta‐substrate. The functional mushroom element is analytically studied. A simple designing rule is obtained to tailor the effective high permittivity for the element as one desires. In validation, one proof of the conceptual patch antenna is presented experimentally loaded with the mushroom meta‐substrate. The antenna size is 0.18λ0 × 0.18λ0 × 0.029λ0. Numerical and measured antenna characteristics are in good agreement. The impedance is well matched in bandwidth of 2.1%. The measured cross‐polar levels are all below −23 dB. The measured antenna gain is 5.7 dBi and the radiation efficiency is 85%. The authors remark that the meta‐substrate is intrinsically compatible with printed planar fabrication technology and can be easily made using common dielectrics and metals of low cost. The designing method in this work is simple and yet promising. With the intuitive analytical rule, any other desirable high index permittivity can be further obtained for future potential compact patch antenna designs.
Circumstellar environment of the M-type AGB star R Doradus
Authors: De Beck E. , Olofsson H.
Published: January 2018

Context. Our current insights into the circumstellar chemistry of asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars are largely based on studies of carbon-rich stars and stars with high mass-loss rates.

Aims. In order to expand the current molecular inventory of evolved stars we present a spectral scan of the nearby, oxygen-rich star R Dor, a star with a low mass-loss rate (~2 × 10−7 M⊙ yr−1).

Methods. We carried out a spectral scan in the frequency ranges 159.0–321.5 GHz and 338.5–368.5 GHz (wavelength range 0.8–1.9 mm) using the SEPIA/Band-5 and SHeFI instruments on the APEX telescope and we compare it to previous surveys, including one of the oxygen-rich AGB star IK Tau, which has a high mass-loss rate (~5 ×10−6 M⊙ yr−1).

Results. The spectrum of R Dor is dominated by emission lines of SO2 and the different isotopologues of SiO. We also detect CO, H2O, HCN, CN, PO, PN, SO, and tentatively TiO2, AlO, and NaCl. Sixteen out of approximately 320 spectral features remain unidentified. Among these is a strong but previously unknown maser at 354.2 GHz, which we suggest could pertain to H2SiO, silanone. With the exception of one, none of these unidentified lines are found in a similarly sensitive survey of IK Tau performed with the IRAM 30 m telescope. We present radiative transfer models for five isotopologues of SiO (28SiO, 29SiO, 30SiO, Si17O, Si18O), providing constraints on their fractional abundance and radial extent. We derive isotopic ratios for C, O, Si, and S and estimate that, based on our results for 17O/18O, R Dor likely had an initial mass in the range 1.3–1.6 M⊙, in agreement with earlier findings based on models of H2O line emission. From the presence of spectral features recurring in many of the measured thermal and maser emission lines we tentatively identify up to five kinematical components in the outflow of R Dor, indicating deviations from a smooth, spherical wind.
A facile route to obtain binary micro-nano roughness on composite coating surface
Authors: Feng Yefeng , Xu Zhichao , Peng Cheng , Huang Hongpu , Hu Jianbing
Published: January 2018

Binary micro-nano rough morphology or structure shows a significant influence on hydrophobicity and icing-resistivity of the surface of coating materials. The leading cause for the classic Cassie state superhydrophobicity is the high area fraction of micro/nano air mattresses being in direct contact with a measured droplet. In this work, the dependence of static hydrophobicity on weight content of commercial surface-hydrophobicity-modified nano-silica in fluoropolymer based composite coatings has been investigated in detail via detecting static water contact angle (CA). It was found that elevating the weight content of hydrophobic nano-silica could contribute to a higher surface roughness, a more compact binary micro-nano morphology and a larger area ratio of air mattresses due to a stronger hypothesized phase separation. As a result, the remarkably improved water CA of composite coatings far higher than the neat polymer coating was observed relying on coating composition. Fortunately, the maximum static water CA of 167° was obtained in composite coating loaded with 50 wt% of hydrophobic nano-silica. For gaining the desired high comprehensive performances, it was advised to introduce 30 wt% of nano-filler into polymer. This work might open a facile route to achieve the promising superhydrophobic and anti-icing materials.
Optimisation d’un protocole rochers au scanner
Authors: Miloudi H. , Bui T. , Fayolle S. , Gonzalez L. , Royer B. , Noel A. , Dufay F. , Amir S.
Published: January 2018

Cette étude vise à optimiser le protocole des rochers d’un scanner Siemens Somatom Sensation 40. Ainsi, plusieurs acquisitions du fantôme Catphan 600 sont réalisées pour évaluer quantitativement la qualité d’image. Pour cela, l’écart type du nombre CT et la fonction de transfert de modulation (FTM) sont mesurés à partir des images acquises. La qualité d’image est également évaluée visuellement par le radiologue, à partir d’images issues de patients. Trois critères sont considérés : la visualisation du tympan, la visualisation des osselets et la texture du bruit. L’utilisation de la table plutôt que de la têtière comme support conduit à une augmentation moyenne du bruit de 10 %. L’évaluation qualitative des images issues de patients a permis quant à elle de réduire les mAs effectifs de 28 % et donc l’IDSV de 150,8 mGy à 109,1 mGy. De plus, l’utilisation d’un filtre plus dur a conduit à une amélioration de la visualisation des plus petites structures de l’oreille interne. Ainsi, cette étude a permis d’assurer une qualité d’image satisfaisante pour le diagnostic tout en réduisant la dose délivrée au patient de 28 %.
Enantioselective Construction of Bridgehead Quaternary Carbon Containing Bicyclo[3.3.1]nonanes by Palladium-Catalyzed ­Desymmetric Arylation
Authors: Liu Wen-Bo , Cai Jinhui , Wei Qiang , Hu Xu-Dong , Zhang Yan , Li Weishuang , Cong Hengjiang , Liu Wei
Published: January 2018

An enantioselective and catalytic method for the synthesis of bridgehead quaternary carbon containing bicyclo[3.3.1]nonanes is described. The intramolecular desymmetric arylation of α-disubstituted 1,3-diketones was achieved using a chiral Pd/PHOX complex. A variety of bridged cyclic molecules, common skeleton for polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols, were obtained in up to 84% yield with 86% ee.
Perspective on FTY720, an Immunosuppressant
Authors: Balasubramaniam Sivaraman , Sankaran Ganapathy , Badle Sneh
Published: January 2018

FTY720 {fingolimod hydrochloride, 2-amino-2-[2-(4-octylphenyl)ethyl]propane-1,3-diol hydrochloride}, a novel immunosuppressant, was discovered by chemical modification based on the structure activity relationships of ISP-I (myriocin), a metabolite of the fungus Isaria­ sinclairii. This short perspective provides insights to the various strategies available in the literature for the synthesis of FTY720 and its analogues.

1 Introduction

2 Classification of Immunosuppressive Drugs

3 The Rise of FTY720

4 Different Synthetic Strategies for FTY720

5 Analogues of FTY720

6 Binding Studies of FTY720

7 Mode of Action

8 Conclusion
Improving the Accuracy of a Clinical Decision Support System for Cervical Cancer Screening and Surveillance
Authors: Ravikumar K.E. , MacLaughlin Kathy , Scheitel Marianne , Kessler Maya , Wagholikar Kavishwar , Liu Hongfang , Chaudhry Rajeev
Published: January 2018

Background Clinical decision support systems (CDSS) for cervical cancer prevention are generally limited to identifying patients who are overdue for their next routine/next screening, and they do not provide recommendations for follow-up of abnormal results. We previously developed a CDSS to automatically provide follow-up recommendations based on the American Society of Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP) guidelines for women with both previously normal and abnormal test results leveraging information available in the electronic medical record (EMR).

Objective Enhance the CDSS by improving its accuracy and incorporating changes to reflect the latest revision of the guidelines.

Methods After making enhancements to the CDSS, we evaluated the performance of the clinical recommendations on 393 patients selected through stratified sampling from a set of 3,704 patients in a nonclinical setting. We performed chart review of individual patient's record to evaluate the performance of the system. An expert clinician assisted by a resident manually reviewed the recommendation made by the system and verified whether the recommendations were as per the ASCCP guidelines.

Results The recommendation accuracy of the enhanced CDSS improved to 93%, which is a substantial improvement over the 84% reported previously. A detailed analysis of errors is presented in this article. We fixed the errors identified in this evaluation that were amenable to correction to further improve the accuracy of the system. The source code of the updated CDSS is available at https://github.com/ohnlp/MayoNlpPapCdss.

Conclusion We made substantial enhancements to our earlier prototype CDSS with the updated ASCCP guidelines and performed a thorough evaluation in a nonclinical setting to improve the accuracy of the CDSS. The CDSS will be further refined as it is utilized in the practice.
The Relationship between Body Mass Index in Pregnancy and Adverse Maternal, Perinatal, and Neonatal Outcomes in Rural India and Pakistan
Authors: Geller Stacie , Moore Janet , McClure Elizabeth , Goudar Shivaprasad , Dhaded Sangappa , Kodkany Bhalachandra , Saleem Sarah , Naqvi Farnaz , Pasha Omrana , Goldenberg Robert , Patel Archana , Hibberd Patricia , Garces Ana , Koso-Thomas Marion , Miodovnik Menachem , Wallace Dennis , Derman Richard , Short Vanessa
Published: January 2018

Objective The objective of this study was to describe the relationship between early pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and maternal, perinatal, and neonatal outcomes in rural India and Pakistan.

Study Design In a prospective, population-based pregnancy registry implemented in communities in Thatta, Pakistan and Nagpur and Belagavi, India, we obtained women's BMI prior to 12 weeks' gestation (categorized as underweight, normal, overweight, and obese following World Health Organization criteria). Outcomes were assessed 42 days postpartum.

Results The proportion of women with an adverse maternal outcome increased with increasing maternal BMI. Less than one-third of nonoverweight/nonobese women, 47.2% of overweight women, and 56.0% of obese women experienced an adverse maternal outcome. After controlling for site, maternal age and parity, risks of hypertensive disease/severe preeclampsia/eclampsia, cesarean/assisted delivery, and antibiotic use were higher among women with higher BMIs. Overweight women also had significantly higher risk of perinatal and early neonatal mortality compared with underweight/normal BMI women. Overweight women had a significantly higher perinatal mortality rate.

Conclusion High BMI in early pregnancy was associated with increased risk of adverse maternal, perinatal, and neonatal outcomes in rural India and Pakistan. These findings present an opportunity to inform efforts for women to optimize weight prior to conception to improve pregnancy outcomes.
Is Uterocervical Angle Associated with Gestational Latency after Physical Exam Indicated Cerclage?
Authors: Grobman William , Miller Emily , Swanson Kate
Published: January 2018

Objective Prediction of gestational latency after placement of physical exam indicated cerclage (PEIC) is limited. Uterocervical angle (UCA) has been associated with spontaneous preterm delivery in the general population. Our objective was to examine whether UCA is associated with gestational latency in women with PEIC.

Study Design This retrospective cohort included women with a singleton gestation who had PEIC placed at a single tertiary care center between January 2010 and September 2015. Ultrasound images of the cervix obtained prior to placement of PEIC were reviewed. Spearman's correlation coefficient for the relationship between UCA and gestational latency was estimated. UCA was dichotomized at 95° and 105°. Survival analyses were performed and Cox proportional hazard ratios were calculated.

Results Sixty women met the inclusion criteria. Median gestational latency was 93 days (IQR 39–121 d). There was no significant correlation between UCA and gestational latency (Spearman's rho 0.08, p = 0.54). Survival analyses demonstrated no significant difference in gestational latency stratified by UCA ≥ 95° (HR 1.19, 95% CI 0.70–2.04) or UCA ≥ 105° (HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.56–1.63). Findings persisted after adjusting for potential confounders (aHR 1.29, 95% CI 0.74–2.23 for UCA ≥ 95° and aHR 1.04, 95% CI 0.60–1.82).

Conclusion UCA is not associated with gestational latency in women with PEIC.
Muscle Oxygenation Responses to Low-intensity Steady Rate Concentric and Eccentric Cycling
Authors: Rakobowchuk Mark , Isacco Laurie , Ritter Ophélie , Represas Alicia , Bouhaddi Malika , Degano Bruno , Tordi Nicolas , Mourot Laurent
Published: January 2018

Muscle deoxygenation responses provide information about the training impulse of an exercise session enabling adaptation to be predicted. Our aim was to investigate muscle oxygenation profiles during prolonged low-intensity eccentric and concentric cycling. Twelve healthy men performed two 45-min exercise sessions of concentric (CON) and eccentric (ECC) cycling, matched for the same heart rate at the start of each session. Mechanical power output during ECC was ~2.5 times that of CON (210±40 W vs. 82±16 W). Oxygen uptake, blood lactate, cardiac output and systolic arterial pressure responses did not differ between exercises. Heart rate was similar at 5 min of each exercise bout but progressively increased during ECC and was higher at 15, 30 and 45 min of ECC compared to CON (+10 bpm), with a trend for a lower stroke volume. Diastolic and mean blood pressures were higher during ECC. No significant differences were observed in muscle oxygenation profiles. Muscle oxygenation responses during prolonged low-intensity exercise were not affected by the type of muscle action at the same metabolic demand and cardiac output.
Ihr seht meine Trauer nicht
Authors: Schmidt Annabell
Published: January 2018

Protokoll systemische Fallbesprechung Im vierten Teil unserer Serie geht es um eine demenzerkrankte Patientin, die um den Verlust
ihrer kognitiven Fähigkeiten und ihrer Tiere trauert. Lesen Sie, wie das Pflegeteam es schafft, mithilfe der systemischen Fallbesprechung
neue Perspektiven für den Umgang mit der Patientin zu entwickeln. Auch hier möchten wir Sie wieder einladen, sich selbst in die
verschiedenen Rollen hineinzuversetzen. Fallen Ihnen weitere Lösungswege ein? Dann schreiben Sie uns an psych.pflegeheute@thieme.de.
Fachliche Kompetenz und Feingefühl
Authors: Melzer Ruth
Published: January 2018

Zwangsmaßnahmen im stationären Setting Zwangsmaßnahmen erfordern von Pflegenden ein hohes Maß an fachlicher Kompetenz und Feingefühl.
Unsere Autorin beschreibt, wie Pflegende mit freiheitsentziehenden Maßnahmen umgehen sollten und welche Auswirkungen ihr Verhalten auf die
Patienten hat.
Ein Baum, der Mut macht
Authors: Pfennig Ralf
Published: January 2018

Praxisprojekt zum Thema Hoffnung Wie lässt sich Recovery im Stationsalltag umsetzen? Unser Autor hat dazu auf seiner psychiatrischen
Station einen Mut-mach-Baum gepflanzt und schildert, welche Früchte er trägt.
Effects of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Serum Values of Gamma-glutamyl transferase, Pseudocholinesterase, Bilirubin, Ferritin, and High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein in Women with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Gholami Mahsa , Rezvanfar Mohammad , Delavar Mostafa , Abdollahi Mahdi , Khosrowbeygi Ali
Published: January 2018

Background Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a disease associated with increased oxidative stress which results from mitochondrial dysfunction. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an essential antioxidant for energy production in mitochondria. The purpose of this randomized double-blind clinical trial study was to evaluate the effects of CoQ10 supplementation on serum values of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), pseudocholinesterase (PchE), bilirubin, ferritin, and high-sensitivity c-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and metabolic syndrome biomarkers in women with T2DM.

Material & Methods Eighty women with T2DM enrolled in this study. Thirty six of them were randomized in the drug group (receiving 100 mg/day of CoQ10) and 44 women were randomized in placebo group. Intervention was continued for 12 weeks. In both groups 35 subjects finished the study and were included in the analysis. Serum levels of the variables were measured before and after supplementation.

Results Serum values of FBS (P=0.039), HOMA-IR (P=0.01), ferritin (P<0.001), total cholesterol (TC) (P=0.006), LDL-C (P=0.007) decreased and HDL-C (P=0.02) increased significantly in the drug group after intervention. Serum levels of triglyceride (P=0.09) decreased marginally in CoQ10 group.

Conclusions The results of the current study had shown that after supplementation with 100 mg/day of CoQ10 for 12 weeks, serum values of FBS, HOMA-IR, TC, LDL-C and ferritin were decreased and values of HDL-C were increased in women with T2DM.
Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Acromegaly: What's the Impact of Disease Control?
Authors: Amado Ana , Araújo Fernando , Carvalho Davide
Published: January 2018

Objective Cardiovascular disease is one of the most important causes of death in acromegalic patients. The aim of this study is to compare the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among acromegalic patients and to evaluate the impact of disease control on these factors.

Material and Methods 11 acromegalic patients with active disease and 12 controlled patients were evaluated for blood pressure, body mass index, glucose, coagulation status, and lipid profile. A group of 11 patients with non-functioning pituitary adenomas was used as control population.

Results Significant differences were found in lipid profile, glucose and coagulation status in both active and controlled patients. Higher levels of fasting glucose (151.2±102.5 mg/dL, p=0.05 and 108.3±23.4 mg/dL, p=0.02 for active and controlled patients respectively) and fibrinogen (427.1±61.9 mg/dL, p=0.02 and 437.3±106.6 mg/dL, p=0.04 for active and controlled patients respectively) were present in both acromegalic groups. Active patients had higher levels of antithrombin III (1.1±0.1 U/mL, p=0.005) and the controlled ones had higher levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (56.1±12.5 mg/dL, p=0.05), compared with the non-functioning group. The differences between active and controlled acromegalic patients are that the latter have reduced total cholesterol (170.4±31.7 vs 201.7±34.6 mg/dL, p=0.02), lower density lipoprotein cholesterol (96,8±25,2 vs 130.8±31.5 mg/dL, p=0.01) and antithrombin III (1.0±0.2 vs 1.1±0.1 U/mL, p=0.05).

Conclusion There is some reduction in cardiovascular risk factors with control of the disease, but possibly without the return to basal levels.
Ground states for exponential random graphs
Authors: Mavi Rajinder , Yin Mei
Published: January 2018

We propose a perturbative method to estimate the normalization constant in exponential random graph models as the weighting parameters approach infinity. As an application, we give evidence of discontinuity in natural parametrization along the critical directions of the edge-triangle model.
Wigner functions on non-standard symplectic vector spaces
Authors: Dias Nuno Costa , Prata João Nuno
Published: January 2018

We consider the Weyl quantization on a flat non-standard symplectic vector space. We focus mainly on the properties of the Wigner functions defined therein. In particular we show that the sets of Wigner functions on distinct symplectic spaces are different but have non-empty intersections. This extends previous results to arbitrary dimension and arbitrary (constant) symplectic structure. As a by-product we introduce and prove several concepts and results on non-standard symplectic spaces which generalize those on the standard symplectic space, namely, the symplectic spectrum, Williamson’s theorem, and Narcowich-Wigner spectra. We also show how Wigner functions on non-standard symplectic spaces behave under the action of an arbitrary linear coordinate transformation.
Improving the magnetic field homogeneity by varying magnetic field structure in a geophone
Authors: Hong Li , Wang Wentao , Yao Zhenjing , Gao Qiang , Han Zhiming
Published: January 2018

The magnetic field structure is a key factor that affects performance of the magneto-electric geophone. In order to enhance the magnetic field homogeneity and magnetic induction intensity of the magnetic field structure, this paper proposes a new magnetic field structure. It consists of two cylindrical permanent magnets: an H-type magnetic boot and an external magnetic yoke. The proposed magnetic field structure can broaden the range of a uniform magnetic field and increase the magnetic field intensity of working air-gap. To confirm the validity of the design, the finite element analysis and real measurement experiments were conducted. The finite element simulations using the ANASYS Electromagnetics Suite 17.2.0 showed that the air-gap magnetic induction intensity is increased and the work space with a uniform magnetic field is broadened. Meanwhile, the output voltage of the coil is increased, and the harmonic distortion rate of output voltage is reduced. According to the real measurement experimental results, compared with the traditional magnetic field structure, the uniform range of the magnetic field is improved 23% in the entire air-gap path, and the magnetic induction intensity enhances 24% over the proposed new magnetic field structure.
Influence of external extrusion on stability of hydrogen molecule and its chaotic behavior
Authors: Jarosik M. W. , Szczȩśniak R. , Durajski A. P. , Kalaga J. K. , Leoński W.
Published: January 2018

We have determined the stability conditions of the hydrogen molecule under the influence of an external force of harmonic-type explicitly dependent on the amplitude (A) and frequency (Ω). The ground state of the molecule has been determined in the framework of the Born-Oppenheimer approximation, whereas the energy of the electronic subsystem has been calculated using the Hubbard model including all two-site electron interactions. The diagram of RT0(A,Ω), where RT0 denotes the distance between protons after the fixed initial time T0, allowed us to visualize the area of the instability with the complicated structure. We have shown that the vibrations of the hydrogen molecule have a chaotic nature for some points of the instability region. In addition to the amplitude and frequency of the extrusion, the control parameter of the stability of the molecule is the external force associated with pressure. The increase in its value causes the disappearance of the area of the instability and chaotic vibrations.
Self-referenced directional enhanced Raman scattering using plasmon waveguide resonance for surface and bulk sensing
Authors: Wan Xiu-mei , Gao Ran , Lu Dan-feng , Qi Zhi-mei
Published: January 2018

Surface plasmon-coupled emission has been widely used in fluorescence imaging, biochemical sensing, and enhanced Raman spectroscopy. A self-referenced directional enhanced Raman scattering for simultaneous detection of surface and bulk effects by using plasmon waveguide resonance (PWR) based surface plasmon-coupled emission has been proposed and experimentally demonstrated. Raman scattering was captured on the prism side in Kretschmann-surface plasmon-coupled emission. The distinct penetration depths (δ) of the evanescent field for the transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) modes result in different detected distances of the Raman signal. The experimental results demonstrate that the self-referenced directional enhanced Raman scattering of the TE and TM modes based on the PWR can detect and distinguish the surface and bulk effects simultaneously, which appears to have potential applications in researches of chemistry, medicine, and biology.
Effective in-field thermal conductivity of ferrofluids
Authors: Mousavi N. S. Susan , Kumar Sunil
Published: January 2018

A structural model to predict in-field thermal conductivity of ferrofluids is proposed in this study and is validated by the experimental data from the literature. The model is able to capture the aggregation development of the magnetic particles with increasing magnetic field strength. Introducing a compression function that can be found empirically, the model can accurately predict the thermal conductivity, especially the plateauing at low and high magnetic fields.
Temperature of shocked plastic bonded explosive PBX 9502 measured with spontaneous Stokes/anti-Stokes Raman
Authors: McGrane Shawn D. , Aslam Tariq D. , Pierce Timothy H. , Hare Steven J. , Byers Mark E.
Published: January 2018

Raman spectra and velocimetry of shocked PBX 9502 (plastic bonded explosive composed of 95% triaminotrinitrobenzene (TATB) and 5% 3M Company Kel F-800 polymer binder) are reported with the Stokes/anti-Stokes ratio used to determine temperature after the shock reflects from a lithium fluoride window. Final pressures up to 14.5 GPa were tested, but the pressure induced absorption of TATB caused the Raman signal to decrease exponentially with pressure. The reflected shock temperature could be determined to 7 GPa, with an average increase of 14.9 K/GPa. Suggestions to adapt the technique to permit thermometry at higher temperatures are discussed, as are comparisons to a recently proposed equation of state for PBX 9502.
Functional determinants for Laplacians on annuli and elliptical regions
Authors: Graham Curtis , Kirsten Klaus , Morales-Almazan Pedro , Streit Brian Quantz
Published: January 2018

In this article, we consider the functional determinant on an annulus and elliptic regions with a variety of boundary conditions. Known results for the annulus are rederived and extended using contour integration techniques. Conformal transformations are then used to relate these results to ellipsoidal annuli, providing very explicit answers. Similarly, for the ellipse, answers are related to those for a disc, but explicit results can only be found for small eccentricity.
Modeled airfoil aerodynamics predicts optimal vertical-axis wind turbine performance
Authors: Patrick Chris
Published: January 2018

Researchers modeled aerodynamic performance of airfoils in geosphere wind turbine design over a full 360 degrees, outperforming previous models and predicting optimal thrust configurations.
Infrared Spectra and Theoretical Calculations of BS2 and BS2−: Strong Pseudo Jahn-Teller Effect
Authors: Zhao Jie , Yu Wen-jie , Huang Teng-fei , Wang Xue-feng
Published: January 2018

Laser ablated boron atoms have been reacted with hydrogen sulfide and the reaction products condensed with argon at 4 K, which gave BS2, BS2−, HSBS, and HBS molecules. Reagent isotopic substitution (H2S, H234S, D2S, 10B, 11B) and variation of boron and hydrogen sulfide concentrations have been used to identify the major products. Both BS2− and BS2 were identified as linear molecules with no significant difference in the structure parameters, but the B–S anti-symmetric stretching vibration of BS2 is significantly lower than that of BS2−, which is ascribed to pseudo Jahn-Teller effect. Theoretical calculation was employed to have an insight into the interaction nature of the bonds in the corresponding products.
Salting-in/Salting-out Mechanism of Carbon Dioxide in Aqueous Electrolyte Solutions
Authors: Zhang Xia , Zhang Lu , Jin Tan , Pan Zhi-jun , Chen Zhe-ning , Zhang Qiang , Zhuang Wei
Published: January 2018

The solvation of carbon dioxide in sea water plays an important role in the carbon circle and the world climate. The salting-out/salting-in mechanism of CO2 in electrolyte solutions still remains elusive at molecule level. The ability of ion salting-out/salting-in CO2 in electrolyte solution follows Hofmeister Series and the change of water mobility induced by salts can be predicted by the viscosity B-coefficients. In this work, the chemical potential of carbon dioxide and the dynamic properties of water in aqueous NaCl, KF and NaClO4 solutions are calculated and analyzed. According to the viscosity B-coefficients, NaClO4 (0.012) should salt out the carbon dioxide relative to in pure water, but the opposite effect is observed for it. Our simulation results suggest that the salting-in effect of NaClO4 is due to the strongly direct anion-CO2 interaction. The inconsistency between Hofmeister Series and the viscosity B-coefficient suggests that it is not always right to indicate whether a salt belongs to salting-in or salting-out just from these properties of the salt solution in the absence of solute.
Mechanism for Three-Component Ni-Catalyzed Carbonyl–Ene Reaction for CO2 Transformation: What Practical Lessons Do We Learn from DFT Modelling?
Authors: Chan Bun , Luo Ying , Kimura Masanari
Published: January 2018

In the present study, we use computational quantum chemistry to examine the nickel-catalyzed three-component coupling for transforming CO2 into a homoallylic alcohol. We find that the reaction is limited by several Ni-assisted atom transfer reactions in the catalytic cycle, in which a new product formation pathway is found from our calculations. Our results also point towards several key factors for an efficient reaction. Thus, substrates that would lead to a stabilized alkene facilitate a key step in the catalytic cycle. The optimal phosphine ligand should provide a good balance between directing stereochemistry with its steric bulk and enabling the reaction without being excessively bulky. Our calculations also highlight the importance of carefully chosen substrates and ligands in order to avoid potential side reactions, and that knowing the conformational preference in the substrate alone may not be sufficient for predicting the stereochemistry.
Extracellular vesicle budding is inhibited by redundant regulators of TAT-5 flippase localization and phospholipid asymmetry
Authors: Beer Katharina B. , Rivas-Castillo Jennifer , Kuhn Kenneth , Fazeli Gholamreza , Karmann Birgit , Nance Jeremy F. , Stigloher Christian , Wehman Ann M.
Published: January 2018

Significance

Cells must interact with their environment to survive. The lipids and proteins of the plasma membrane send and receive signals at the cell surface to respond to stimuli. When the lipid bilayer of the plasma membrane is damaged, cells release membrane-bound extracellular vesicles to repair the membrane. Cells also release signals on extracellular vesicles to communicate at a distance. Here, we identify proteins that regulate the formation of extracellular vesicles from the plasma membrane, providing additional tools to control their release that can be used to test potential functions of extracellular vesicles. Furthermore, we reveal that proteins regulating the asymmetric localization of the lipid phosphatidylethanolamine are critical for extracellular vesicle release, implicating this abundant but understudied lipid.
Measured and perceived indices of fluid balance in professional athletes. The use and impact of hydration assessment strategies
Authors: Love T.D. , Baker D.F. , Healey P. , Black K.E.
Published: January 2018

Background: To determine athletes perceived and measured indices of fluid balance during training and the influence of hydration strategy use on these parameters. Methods: Thirty‐three professional rugby union players completed a 120 minute training session in hot conditions (35°C, 40% relative humidity). Pre‐training hydration status, sweat loss, fluid intake and changes in body mass (BM) were obtained. The use of hydration assessment techniques and players perceptions of fluid intake and sweat loss were obtained via a questionnaire. Results: The majority of players (78%) used urine colour to determine pre‐training hydration status but the use of hydration assessment techniques did not influence pre‐training hydration status (1.025 ± 0.005 vs. 1.023 ± 0.013 g.ml−1, P = .811). Players underestimated sweat loss (73 ± 17%) to a greater extent than fluid intake (37 ± 28%) which resulted in players perceiving they were in positive fluid balance (0.5 ± 0.8% BM) rather than the measured negative fluid balance (−1.0 ± 0.7% BM). Forty‐eight percent of players used hydration monitoring strategies during exercise but no player used changes in BM to help guide fluid replacement. Conclusion: Players have difficulty perceiving fluid intake and sweat loss during training. However, the use of hydration monitoring techniques did not affect fluid balance before or during training.
Differential equation methods for simulation of GFP kinetics in non–steady state experiments
Authors: Phair Robert D.
Published: January 2018

Genetically encoded fluorescent proteins, combined with fluorescence microscopy, are widely used in cell biology to collect kinetic data on intracellular trafficking. Methods for extraction of quantitative information from these data are based on the mathematics of diffusion and tracer kinetics. Current methods, although useful and powerful, depend on the assumption that the cellular system being studied is in a steady state, that is, the assumption that all the molecular concentrations and fluxes are constant for the duration of the experiment. Here, we derive new tracer kinetic analytical methods for non–steady state biological systems by constructing mechanistic nonlinear differential equation models of the underlying cell biological processes and linking them to a separate set of differential equations governing the kinetics of the fluorescent tracer. Linking the two sets of equations is based on a new application of the fundamental tracer principle of indistinguishability and, unlike current methods, supports correct dependence of tracer kinetics on cellular dynamics. This approach thus provides a general mathematical framework for applications of GFP fluorescence microscopy (including photobleaching [FRAP, FLIP] and photoactivation to frequently encountered experimental protocols involving physiological or pharmacological perturbations (e.g., growth factors, neurotransmitters, acute knockouts, inhibitors, hormones, cytokines, and metabolites) that initiate mechanistically informative intracellular transients. When a new steady state is achieved, these methods automatically reduce to classical steady state tracer kinetic analysis.
Interaction between theCaenorhabditis eleganscentriolar protein SAS-5 and microtubules facilitates organelle assembly
Authors: Bianchi Sarah , Rogala Kacper B. , Dynes Nicola J. , Hilbert Manuel , Leidel Sebastian A. , Steinmetz Michel O. , Gönczy Pierre , Vakonakis Ioannis
Published: January 2018

Centrioles are microtubule-based organelles that organize the microtubule network and seed the formation of cilia and flagella. New centrioles assemble through a stepwise process dependent notably on the centriolar protein SAS-5 in Caenorhabditis elegans. SAS-5 and its functional homologues in other species form oligomers that bind the centriolar proteins SAS-6 and SAS-4, thereby forming an evolutionarily conserved structural core at the onset of organelle assembly. Here, we report a novel interaction of SAS-5 with microtubules. Microtubule binding requires SAS-5 oligomerization and a disordered protein segment that overlaps with the SAS-4 binding site. Combined in vitro and in vivo analysis of select mutants reveals that the SAS-5–microtubule interaction facilitates centriole assembly in C. elegans embryos. Our findings lead us to propose that the interdependence of SAS-5 oligomerization and microtubule binding reflects an avidity mechanism, which also strengthens SAS-5 associations with other centriole components and, thus, promotes organelle assembly.
Fitness Traits of Deoxynivalenol and Nivalenol-Producing Fusarium graminearum Species Complex Strains from Wheat
Authors: Nicolli Camila Primieri , Machado Franklin Jackson , Spolti Piérri , Del Ponte Emerson M.
Published: January 2018

Fusarium graminearum of the 15-acetyl-deoxynivalenol (15-ADON) chemotype is the main cause of Fusarium head blight (FHB) of wheat in southern Brazil. However, 3-ADON and nivalenol (NIV) chemotypes have been found in other members of the species complex causing FHB in wheat. To improve our understanding of the pathogen biology and ecology, we assessed a range of fitness-related traits in a sample of 30 strains representatives of 15-ADON (F. graminearum), 3-ADON (F. cortaderiae and F. austroamericanum), and NIV (F. meridionale and F. cortaderiae). These included perithecia formation on three cereal-based substrates, mycelial growth at two suboptimal temperatures, sporulation and germination, pathogenicity toward a susceptible and a moderately resistant cultivar, and sensitivity to tebuconazole. The most important trait favoring F. graminearum was a two times higher sexual fertility (>40% perithecial production index [PPI]) than the other species (<30% PPI); PPI varied among substrates (maize > rice > wheat). In addition, sensitivity to tebuconazole appeared lower in F. graminearum, which had the only strain with effective fungicide concentration to reduce 50% of mycelial growth >1 ppm. In the pathogenicity assays, the deoxynivalenol producers were generally more aggressive (1.5 to 2× higher final severity) toward the two cultivars, with 3-ADON or 15-ADON leading to higher area under the severity curve than the NIV strains in the susceptible and moderately resistant cultivars, respectively. There was significant variation among strains of the same species with regards asexual fertility (mycelial growth, macroconidia production, and germination), which suggested a strain- rather than a species-specific difference. These results contribute new knowledge to improve our understanding of the pathogen-related traits that may explain the dominance of certain members of the species complex in specific wheat agroecosystems.
An Examination of How Gender May Relate to Communication Styles of Introversion and Extroversion in Nursing Students
Authors: Hunter Elaine Hernandez
Published: January 2018

This research brief explores the relationship between introversion and extroversion communication styles and gender in nursing students. Although communication is integral for delivering safe patient care, teaching about individual communication styles is rare in nursing curricula. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) was administered to 47 nursing students. Chi-square was used to analyze relationships between introversion/extroversion and gender. The data reported no significance relationships between introverts and extroverts and gender. The findings contribute to nursing education by bringing awareness of communication preference tools like the MBTI.
Derotational Pronation-producing Osteotomy of the Radius and Biceps Tendon Rerouting for Supination Contractures in Neonatal Brachial Plexus Palsy Patients
Authors: DeDeugd Casey M. , Shin Alexander Y. , Shaughnessy William J.
Published: January 2018

Forearm supination contractures can occur as a result of neurological derangement of the upper extremity. Primarily, this is observed in patients with neonatal brachial plexus birth palsy. The contractures develop slowly over time and become problematic in childhood as the patients begin requiring forearm pronation for activities of daily living including typing on a keyboard and writing. Although supination contracture is a well-described sequelae of neonatal brachial plexus birth palsy, there is a paucity of literature describing techniques and outcomes for reconstruction and restoration of forearm pronation. The initially described technique included release of the interosseous membrane for flexibility combined with rerouting of part of the biceps tendon to change its biomechanical pull from supination to pronation. More recently, bone and soft tissue procedures have been combined with various forearm osteotomies. We present a combined derotational radial osteotomy and biceps rerouting to realign the forearm in resting pronation and convert the biceps from a supinator to a pronator. This novel surgical technique has not been described as a solution for supination contracture to restore pronation and provide biomechanical advantage of the biceps insertion.
Innovative Multimodal Training Program for Family Physicians Leads to Positive Outcomes Among Their HIV-Positive Patients
Authors: Kang Helen , Cui Zishan , Chia Jason (Tzu Nien) , Khorsandi Zardoshti Amanda , Barrios Rolando , Lima Viviane Dias , Guillemi Silvia
Published: January 2018

CME programs can increase physicians' uptake and adherence to clinical guidelines for chronic diseases. We developed an intensive multimodal training program for family physicians to increase their competency in the management and treatment of HIV, through group learning and via close interactions with expert clinicians in HIV. We trained 51 physicians from September 2010 to June 2015 and compared their adherence to clinical guidelines 1 year before and 1 year after the program. We observed significant increases in the physicians' HIV-related clinical competencies, in accordance with clinical guidelines, and an increase in the number of HIV-positive patients seen by these physicians and the number of combination antiretroviral therapies prescribed by these physicians. By combining various pedagogical approaches, as well as creating and encouraging communities of practice, we were able to make a durable impact on physician performance and patient-specific outcomes.