bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aerobic exercise and a BDNF-mimetic therapy rescue learning and memory in a mouse model of Down syndrome
Authors: Parrini Martina , Ghezzi Diego , Deidda Gabriele , Medrihan Lucian , Castroflorio Enrico , Alberti Micol , Baldelli Pietro , Cancedda Laura , Contestabile Andrea
Published: November 2017

Down syndrome (DS) is caused by the triplication of human chromosome 21 and represents the most frequent genetic cause of intellectual disability. The trisomic Ts65Dn mouse model of DS shows synaptic deficits and reproduces the essential cognitive disabilities of the human syndrome. Aerobic exercise improved various neurophysiological dysfunctions in Ts65Dn mice, including hippocampal synaptic deficits, by promoting synaptogenesis and neurotransmission at glutamatergic terminals. Most importantly, the same intervention also prompted the recovery of hippocampal adult neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity and restored cognitive performance in trisomic mice. Additionally, the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was markedly decreased in the hippocampus of patients with DS. Since the positive effect of exercise was paralleled by increased BDNF expression in trisomic mice, we investigated the effectiveness of a BDNF-mimetic treatment with 7,8-dihydroxyflavone at alleviating intellectual disabilities in the DS model. Pharmacological stimulation of BDNF signaling rescued synaptic plasticity and memory deficits in Ts65Dn mice. Based on our findings, Ts65Dn mice benefit from interventions aimed at promoting brain plasticity, and we provide evidence that BDNF signaling represents a potentially new pharmacological target for treatments aimed at rescuing cognitive disabilities in patients with DS.
Effect of consolidation chemotherapy following definitive chemoradiotherapy in patients with esophageal squamous cell cancer
Authors: Wu Sheng-Xi , Li Xu-Yuan , Xu Hong-Yao , Xu Qi-Ni , Luo He-San , Du Ze-Sen , Huang He-Cheng , Wu Zhi-Yong
Published: November 2017

Definitive chemoradiotherapy (dCRT) is a treatment option for patients with localized esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). We investigated consolidation chemotherapy (CCT) in patients with ESCC who attained clinical complete response after dCRT. Between January 2009 and December 2012, medical records of ESCC patients treated with dCRT were retrospectively reviewed, and those who attained CCR were identified. Progression-free survival and overall survival rates were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. The Cox regression model was used to determine prognostic factors. Of the 522 patients treated with dCRT, 209 patients achieved CCR, with 67 receiving consolidation chemotherapy (the CCT group) and 142 receiving dCRT alone (the control group). CCT did not prolong progression-free survival (33.0 vs 18.0 months, P = 0.07, HR = 0.70, 95% CI, 0.48–1.04); however, CCT improved the median overall survival (53.4 vs 27.0 months, P = 0.04, HR = 0.67, 95% CI, 0.44–0.99) compared with dCRT alone. CCT remained a favorable prognostic factor for overall survival in a multivariate analysis (HR = 0.59, P = 0.02); however, a propensity score analysis failed to show an additional overall survival benefit with CCT. In the present analysis, CCT did not improve progression-free survival but may have extended overall survival in ESCC patients who achieved complete clinical response after dCRT.
Reduced cell size, chromosomal aberration and altered proliferation rates are characteristics and confounding factors in the STHdh cell model of Huntington disease
Authors: Singer Elisabeth , Walter Carolin , Weber Jonasz J. , Krahl Ann-Christin , Mau-Holzmann Ulrike A. , Rischert Nadine , Riess Olaf , Clemensson Laura E. , Nguyen Huu P.
Published: November 2017

Huntington disease is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the gene encoding the huntingtin protein. Expression of the mutant protein disrupts various intracellular pathways and impairs overall cell function. In particular striatal neurons seem to be most vulnerable to mutant huntingtin-related changes. A well-known and commonly used model to study molecular aspects of Huntington disease are the striatum-derived STHdh cell lines generated from wild type and huntingtin knock-in mouse embryos. However, obvious morphological differences between wild type and mutant cell lines exist, which have rarely been described and might not have always been considered when designing experiments or interpreting results. Here, we demonstrate that STHdh cell lines display differences in cell size, proliferation rate and chromosomal content. While the chromosomal divergence is considered to be a result of the cells’ tumour characteristics, differences in size and proliferation, however, were confirmed in a second non-immortalized Huntington disease cell model. Importantly, our results further suggest that the reported phenotypes can confound other study outcomes and lead to false conclusions. Thus, careful experimental design and data analysis are advised when using these cell models.
Hydrogen and the Light-Induced Bias Instability Mechanism in Amorphous Oxide Semiconductors
Authors: Li Hongfei , Guo Yuzheng , Robertson John
Published: November 2017

Hydrogen is known to be present as an impurity in amorphous oxide semiconductors at the 0.1% level. Using amorphous ZnO as a simplified model system, we show that the hydrogens pair up at oxygen vacancies in the amorphous network, where they form metal-H-metal bridge bonds. These bonds are shown to create filled defect gap states lying just above the valence band edge and they are shown to give a consistent mechanism to explain the negative bias illumination stress instability found in oxide semiconductors like In-Ga-Zn-O (IGZO).
Fluorescence brightness and photostability of individual copper (I) oxide nanocubes
Authors: Zohora Nafisa , Kandjani Ahmad Esmaielzadeh , Orth Antony , Brown Hannah M. , Hutchinson Mark R. , Gibson Brant C.
Published: November 2017

Conventional organic fluorophores lose their ability to fluoresce after repeated exposure to excitation light due to photobleaching. Therefore, research into emerging bright and photostable nanomaterials has become of great interest for a range of applications such as bio-imaging and tracking. Among these emerging fluorophores, metal oxide-based nanomaterials have attracted significant attention as a potential multifunctional material with photocatalytic and angeogenisis abilities in addition to fluorescnce applications. However, most of these applications are highly dependent on size, morphology, and chemo-physical properties of individual particles. In this manuscript, we present a method to study the intrinsic optical characteristics of individual copper (I) oxide (Cu2O) nanocubes. When excited at 520 nm using only 11 µW excitation power (1.7 W/cm2), individual nanocubes were observed to emit light with peak wavelengths ~760 nm which is conveniently within the near-infrared 1 (NIR1) biological window where tissue autofluorescence is minimal. Bright and photostable fluorescence was observed with intensities up to 487 K counts/s under constant illumination for at least 2 minutes with a brightness approximately four times higher than the autofluorescence from a fixed cumulus-oocyte complex. With near-IR emission, high fluorescence brightness, and outstanding photostability, Cu2O nanocubes are attractive candidates for long-term fluorescent bioimaging applications.
Femtosecond-Resolved Excited State Relaxation Dynamics of Copper (II) Tetraphenylporphyrin (CuTPP) After Soret Band Excitation
Authors: Jeong Dahyi , Kang Dong-gu , Joo Taiha , Kim Sang Kyu
Published: November 2017

Excited state relaxation dynamics of Copper (II) tetraphenylporphyrin (CuTPP) after Soret band excitation have been investigated in various solvents by femtosecond broadband transient absorption spectroscopy. Significant role of charge transfer state has been confirmed from fast relaxation of triplet CuTPP in pyridine, giving τ ~ 26.5 ps. In piperidine, the transient measured at 480 nm shows biexponential behavior with distinct time constants of 300 fs and 27.4 ps. The fast component with τ ~ 300 fs is attributed to relaxation of the CuTPP-piperidine adduct populated in the ground state, giving the intrinsic relaxation rate of the CuTPP exciplex for the first time. For CuTPP in O-coordinating solvents of 1,4-dioxane and tetrahydrofuran (THF), a completely new relaxation channel via the 2[dz2, dx2−y2] state is opened. As the exciplex formation is diffusion controlled, triplet CuTPP lifetimes in pure solvents employed here are all measured to be more or less same to give ~30 ps, whereas the 2[dz2, dx2−y2] exciplex formed by the ligation with O-coordinating solvents is found to relax much slowly to the ground state, giving lifetimes of ~360 and ~270 ps in 1,4-dioxane and THF, respectively.
High expression of β-catenin contributes to the crizotinib resistant phenotype in the stem-like cell population in neuroblastoma
Authors: Alshareef Abdulraheem , Gupta Nidhi , Zhang Hai-Feng , Wu Chengsheng , Haque Moinul , Lai Raymond
Published: November 2017

ALK has been identified as a novel therapeutic target in neuroblastoma (NB), but resistance to ALK inhibitors (such as crizotinib) is well recognized. We recently published that the crizotinib sensitivity in NB cells strongly correlates with the crizotinib—ALK binding, and β-catenin effectively hinders this interaction and confers crizotinib resistance. Here, we asked if these observations hold true for the stem-like cells in NB cells, which were purified based on their responsiveness to a Sox2 reporter. Compared to bulk, reporter unresponsive (RU) cells, reporter responsive (RR) cells had significantly higher neurosphere formation ability, expression of CD133/nestin and chemo-resistance. Using the cellular thermal shift assay, we found that RR cells exhibited significantly weaker crizotinib—ALK binding and higher crizotinib resistance than RU cells. The suboptimal crizotinib—ALK binding in RR cells can be attributed to their high β-catenin expression, since siRNA knockdown of β-catenin restored the crizotinib—ALK binding and lowered the crizotinib resistance to the level of RU cells. Enforced expression of β-catenin in RU cells resulted in the opposite effects. To conclude, high expression of β-catenin in the stem-like NB cells contributes to their crizotinib resistance. Combining β-catenin inhibitors and ALK inhibitors may be useful in treating NB patients.
Transcriptomic profiling of the human brain reveals that altered synaptic gene expression is associated with chronological aging
Authors: Dillman Allissa A. , Majounie Elisa , Ding Jinhui , Gibbs J. Raphael , Hernandez Dena , Arepalli Sampath , Traynor Bryan J. , Singleton Andrew B. , Galter Dagmar , Cookson Mark R.
Published: November 2017

Aging is a biologically universal event, and yet the key events that drive aging are still poorly understood. One approach to generate new hypotheses about aging is to use unbiased methods to look at change across lifespan. Here, we have examined gene expression in the human dorsolateral frontal cortex using RNA- Seq to populate a whole gene co-expression network analysis. We show that modules of co-expressed genes enriched for those encoding synaptic proteins are liable to change with age. We extensively validate these age-dependent changes in gene expression across several datasets including the publically available GTEx resource which demonstrated that gene expression associations with aging vary between brain regions. We also estimated the extent to which changes in cellular composition account for age associations and find that there are independent signals for cellularity and aging. Overall, these results demonstrate that there are robust age-related alterations in gene expression in the human brain and that genes encoding for neuronal synaptic function may be particularly sensitive to the aging process.
Novel double layer lanthanide metal–organic networks for sensing applications
Authors: Wang Jun , Zhang Qiang-Sheng , Dou Wei , Kirillov Alexander M. , Liu Wei-Sheng , Xu Cong , Xu Cai-Ling , Fang Ran , Yang Li-Zi
Published: November 2017

Two isostructural lanthanide-based 2D coordination polymers were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and fully characterized. The obtained compounds display notable sensing ability for p-phenylenediamine, benzidine, and acetone analytes.
Oxidoperoxidomolybdenum(vi) complexes with acylpyrazolonate ligands: synthesis, structure and catalytic properties
Authors: Begines Emilio , Carrasco Carlos J. , Montilla Francisco , Álvarez Eleuterio , Marchetti Fabio , Pettinari Riccardo , Pettinari Claudio , Galindo Agustín
Published: November 2017

Oxidoperoxido–molybdenum(vi) complexes Ph4P[Mo(O)(O2)2(QR)] and [Mo(O)(O2)(QR)2] (QR = acylpyrazolonate ligands) were synthesised and tested as catalysts in epoxidation, sulphoxidation and epoxide deoxygenation.
Enhanced photocatalytic degradation of psychoactive substances using amine-modified elongated titanate nanostructures
Authors: Barrocas B. , Neves M. C. , Conceição Oliveira M. , Monteiro O. C.
Published: November 2017

Novel titanate nanotubes sensitized with ethylenediamine demonstrated promising photocatalytic performances for the degradation of psychoactive substances, caffeine and theophylline, and phenol removal.
Graphene oxide interactions with co-existing heavy metal cations: adsorption, colloidal properties and joint toxicity
Authors: Gao Yang , Ren Xuemei , Wu Jianchun , Hayat Tasawar , Alsaedi Ahmed , Cheng Cheng , Chen Changlun
Published: November 2017

Schematic diagram of the combined toxicity of graphene oxide and heavy metal cations towards bacteria.
Reshaped fecal gut microbiota composition by the intake of high molecular weight persimmon tannin in normal and high-cholesterol diet-fed rats
Authors: Zhu Wei , Lin Kuan , Li Kaikai , Deng Xiangyi , Li Chunmei
Published: November 2017

It has been proposed that the gut microbiome may be related to obesity, and diet-induced obesity may alter the gut microbiota composition while persimmon tannin can improve it.
Quercetin inhibits renal cyst growth in vitro and via parenteral injection in a polycystic kidney disease mouse model
Authors: Zhu Yangyang , Teng Tian , Wang Hu , Guo Hao , Du Lei , Yang Baoxue , Yin Xiaoxing , Sun Ying
Published: November 2017

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a common monogenic disease characterized by massive enlargement of fluid-filled cysts in the kidney.
Lateral sorting of chiral nanoparticles using Fano-enhanced chiral force in visible region
Authors: Cao Tun , Qiu Yimei
Published: November 2017

A separation of sub-10 nm paired enantiomers using Fano-enhanced chiral gradient force through a hybrid plasmonic nanoaperture.
Dendrimer-encapsulated nanoparticle-core micelles as a modular strategy for particle-in-a-box-in-a-box nanostructures
Authors: ten Hove J. B. , Wang J. , van Leeuwen F. W. B. , Velders A. H.
Published: November 2017

We present a versatile strategy for constructing particle-in-a-box-in-a-box systems by assembling dendrimer-encapsulated gold nanoparticles into dendrimicelles.
Synthesis and characterization of amphiphilic miktoarm star polymers based on sydnone-maleimide double cycloaddition
Authors: Zhang Jing , Zhang Qingzhong , Zhou Shuaifeng , Liu Yuping , Huang Wei
Published: November 2017

The synthesis of miktoarm star polymers based on sydnone-maleimide double cycloaddition (SMDC) via three approaches.
Biosynthesis of amino acid functionalized silver nanoparticles for potential catalytic and oxygen sensing applications
Authors: Chandra Abhishek , Singh Man
Published: November 2017

A green approach to the biosynthesis of amino acid functionalized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Neem gum is reported herein.
Graphene oxide/β-cyclodextrin composite as fiber coating for high efficiency headspace solid phase microextraction of organophosphate ester flame retardants in environmental water
Authors: Deng Jiali , Zhang Pengcheng , Jin Tingting , Zhou Hongbin , Cheng Jing
Published: November 2017

The preparation of a GO/β-CD sol–gel stainless steel fiber coating and its application for HS-SPME of OPFR.
Synergistic effect of upconversion and plasmons in NaYF4:Yb3+, Er3+, Tm3+@TiO2–Ag composites for MO photodegradation
Authors: Gao Yu , Shi Cheng , Feng Jinzhao , Zhao Guiyan , Yu He , Bi Yanfeng , Ding Fu , Sun Yaguang , Xu Zhenhe
Published: November 2017

Structure-based rational design of photocatalysts to enable combination of nanocomponents of radically different properties for enhanced solar energy utilization is a very challenging task.
Active methylene compounds (AMCs) controlled facile synthesis of acridine and phenanthridine from morita Baylis–Hillman acetate
Authors: Gupta Tanu , Singh Jay Bahadur , Mishra Kalpana , Singh Radhey M.
Published: November 2017

We carried out simple and facile syntheses of acridines and phenanthridines from MBH acetates of 2-chloro-quinoline-3-carbaldehyde with active methylene compounds (AMCs).
Enhanced adsorption capacity and selectivity towards strontium ions in aqueous systems by sulfonation of CO2 derived porous carbon
Authors: Baik S. , Zhang H. , Kim Y. K. , Harbottle D. , Lee J. W.
Published: November 2017

Sulfonated porous carbon (PC-SO3H) shows enhanced Sr2+ adsorption performance in terms of removal capacity, kinetics, and selectivity.
A facile in situ approach to ion gel based polymer electrolytes for flexible lithium batteries
Authors: Huang Bingyu , Zhang Youdi , Que Mingming , Xiao Yingbo , Jiang Yaoquan , Yuan Kai , Chen Yiwang
Published: November 2017

A simple, effective and low-cost in situ synthesis strategy was developed to produce cross-linked ion gel based polymer electrolyte for flexible lithium-based batteries with highly improved electrochemical performance and safety.
Ag–SnO2 nano-heterojunction–reduced graphene oxide by a stepwise photocatalyzed approach and its application in ractopamine determination
Authors: Xie Wenqiang , Tang Lele , Ying Meihui , Liu Junshao , Pan Haibo , Du Min
Published: November 2017

Stepwise reduction process for SnO2–AgNPs–reduced graphene oxide under UV irradiation and its energy-band structure.
Template-free synthesis of nitrogen doped carbon materials from an organic ionic dye (murexide) for supercapacitor application
Authors: Serwar Monazza , Rana Usman Ali , Siddiqi Humaira M. , Ud-Din Khan Salah , Ahmed Ali Fekri A. , Al-Fatesh Ahmed , Adomkevicius Arturas , Coca-Clemente Jose A. , Cabo-Fernandez Laura , Braga Filipe , Hardwick Laurence J.
Published: November 2017

The present study describes a template-free single step carbonization route to prepare hierarchically structured nitrogen-doped carbon materials (NCMs) by using an organic ionic dye (OID), ammonium purpurate (murexide).
Ultraviolet-responsive self-assembled metallomicelles for photocontrollable catalysis of asymmetric sulfoxidation in water
Authors: Gao Mengqiao , Tan Rong , Hao Pengbo , Zhang Yaoyao , Deng Jiang , Yin Donghong
Published: November 2017

Self-assembled metallomicelles with ultraviolet (UV)-controlled morphologies were constructed from a synthesized azobenzene-containing amphiphilic chiral salen TiIV catalyst.
Electron transportation path build for superior photoelectrochemical performance of Ag3PO4/TiO2
Authors: Yu Lianqing , He Jiandong , Huang Chengxing , Li Ming , Zhang Yaping , Zhou Xiaoyan , Zhu Haifeng
Published: November 2017

An efficient electron transportation path built through preparing Ag3PO4/TiO2 heterojunction by dipping method. It has a higher photocurrent density of 2.34 mA cm−2.
Preparation and flash memory performance based on fluorene–triphenylamine copolymer (PF–TPA)/MWCNTs
Authors: Yang Qun , Jiang Xiankai , Xin Ying , Zhao Xiaofeng , Huang Jiahe , Wang Shuhong , Zheng Rongrong , Ma Dongge , Wang Cheng
Published: November 2017

A conjugated alternating polymer based on fluorene and triphenylamine (PF–TPA) was devised and synthesized on the basis of the Suzuki coupling method, in which triphenylamine (TPA) as electron donor and hole transporting group.
Overcoming catalyst deactivation during the continuous conversion of sugars to chemicals: maximising the performance of Sn-Beta with a little drop of water
Authors: Padovan Daniele , Tolborg Søren , Botti Luca , Taarning Esben , Sádaba Irantzu , Hammond Ceri
Published: November 2017

The stability of Sn-beta for the continuous upgrading of sugars is enhanced dramatically by small amounts of water.
Excited state electron and energy relays in supramolecular dinuclear complexes revealed by ultrafast optical and X-ray transient absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Hayes Dugan , Kohler Lars , Hadt Ryan G. , Zhang Xiaoyi , Liu Cunming , Mulfort Karen L. , Chen Lin X.
Published: November 2017

Complementary ultrafast techniques provide clear observation of charge hopping between metals in dinuclear complexes.
Near-infrared triggered strand displacement amplification for MicroRNA quantitative detection in single living cells
Authors: Dai Wenhao , Dong Haifeng , Guo Keke , Zhang Xueji
Published: November 2017

Two hairpin functionalized AuNRs were designed for NIR-laser triggered strand displacement amplification for microRNA quantitative analysis in single living cells.
Tracking of group‐housed pigs using multi‐ellipsoid expectation maximisation
Authors: Mittek Mateusz , Psota Eric T. , Carlson Jay D. , Pérez Lance C. , Schmidt Ty , Mote Benny
Published: November 2017

Maintaining the health and well‐being of animals is critical to the efficiency and profitability of livestock operations. However, it can be difficult to monitor the health of animals in large group‐housed settings without the assistance of technology. This study presents a system that uses depth images to continuously track individual pigs in a group‐housed environment. It is an alternative to traditional manual observation used by both researchers and producers for the analysis of animal activities and behaviours. The tracking method used by the system exploits the consistent shape and fixed number of the targets in the environment by applying expectation maximisation as a policy for fitting an ellipsoid to each target. Results demonstrate that the system can maintain the correct positions and orientations of 15 group‐housed pigs for an average of 19.7 min between failure events.
Greedy refinement of object proposals via boundary‐aligned minimum bounding box search
Authors: Park Han‐Mu , Cho Dae‐Yong , Yoon Kuk‐Jin
Published: November 2017

Recently developed object detectors rely on automatically generated object proposals, instead of using a dense sliding window search scheme; generating good object proposals has therefore become crucial for improving the computational cost and accuracy of object detection performance. In particular, the shape and location errors of object proposals can be directly propagated to object detection unless some additional processes are adopted to refine the shape and location of bounding boxes. In this study, the authors demonstrate an object proposal refinement algorithm that improves the localisation accuracy and refines the shape of object proposals by searching a boundary‐aligned minimum bounding box. They assume that an object consists of several image regions, and that the optimal object proposal is well aligned with image region boundaries. Based on this assumption, they design novel boundary‐region alignment measures and then propose a greedy refinement method based on the proposed measures. Experiments on the PASCAL VOC 2007 dataset show that the proposed method produces highly well‐localised object proposals and truly improves the quality of object proposals.
Light emission characteristics during the initiation of the electric tree in insulating polymers
Authors: Zhang Shuai , He Jinliang
Published: November 2017

The light emission during the growing of the electric tree has been studied before, but very little is known about it before the electric tree initiation. The aim of this work is to study the light emission before electric tree initiation in insulate materials under high AC stress. The ultra‐sensitive photomultiplier tube is used to detect the photons in a darkroom and a series of optical filters are used to investigate the spectrum of the photons. The existence of photons before tree initiation is proved and the pattern of them during an AC cycle is observed. The spectrums of the light emission in different dielectric materials are acquired and provide some evidence for the interaction between free charges and polymer molecules. Although the investigation of the light emission is far from being complete, it is found that the light emission under AC voltage starts with the recombination of opposite charges and the interaction process begins under a higher electric field. Based on the experimental results, a brief charge behaviour model is built up.
Marketing equilibria of integrated heating and power system considering locational marginal pricing in distribution networks
Authors: Fang Yujuan , Chen Laijun , Mei Shengwei , Huang Shaowei
Published: November 2017

The marketing equilibria investigation contributes to the economic operation of the district integrated heating and power system. The locational marginal price (LMP) of distribution generations interacts with the load. This study introduced game theory to investigate the Nash equilibria in the integrated heating and power system. The optimal operation strategy can be efficiently obtained by introducing the demand response of LMP. In this study, a distribution LMP (DLMP) model is formulated considering non‐linear power flow constrains. The heating system topology is specified to calculate the heat flow. The demand response of DLMP is defined with an influence coefficient to procure the convergence of the iterative process. The Nash equilibria are obtained. The simulation results are discussed to prove the feasibility and efficiency of the models and algorithms, and sensitivity analysis of the influence coefficient is illustrated.
Preparation and characterisation of silver nanoparticles in an aqueous suspension of TETA modified graphene oxide and their antibacterial activity
Authors: Luo Ran , Xu Zhiyao , Lin Xuemei
Published: November 2017

A simple method to prepare silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)/triethylenetetramine (TETA)‐functionalised graphene oxide (TGO) nanomaterial via electrostatic self‐assemble, exploring the structure and antimicrobial properties of the as‐prepared AgNPs/TGO composite is presented. This composite was characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectra, UV–Vis, X‐ray powder diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). TEM image suggested the formation of spherical AgNPs with a narrow size distribution at ∼ 30 nm. The nanocomposites showed high bactericidal activity against Escherichia coli bacteria and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. This work provides a simple, scalable and environmentally friendly approach to the preparation of AgNPs/TGO nanocomposite with promising antibacterial properties, which could be used as an artificial biomedical material or wound healing.
The NIKA2 large-field-of-view millimetre continuum camera for the 30 m IRAM telescope
Authors: Adam R. , Adane A. , Ade P. A. R. , André P. , Andrianasolo A. , Aussel H. , Beelen A. , Benoît A. , Bideaud A. , Billot N. , Bourrion O. , Bracco A. , Calvo M. , Catalano A. , Coiffard G. , Comis B. , De Petris M. , Désert F.-X. , Doyle S. , Driessen E. F. C. , Evans R. , Goupy J. , Kramer C. , Lagache G. , Leclercq S. , Leggeri J.-P. , Lestrade J.-F. , Macías-Pérez J. F. , Mauskopf P. , Mayet F. , Maury A. , Monfardini A. , Navarro S. , Pascale E. , Perotto L. , Pisano G. , Ponthieu N. , Revéret V. , Rigby A. , Ritacco A. , Romero C. , Roussel H. , Ruppin F. , Schuster K. , Sievers A. , Triqueneaux S. , Tucker C. , Zylka R.
Published: November 2017

Context. Millimetre-wave continuum astronomy is today an indispensable tool for both general astrophysics studies (e.g. star formation, nearby galaxies) and cosmology (e.g. cosmic microwave background and high-redshift galaxies). General purpose, large-field-of-view instruments are needed to map the sky at intermediate angular scales not accessible by the high-resolution interferometers (e.g. ALMA in Chile, NOEMA in the French Alps) and by the coarse angular resolution space-borne or ground-based surveys (e.g. Planck, ACT, SPT). These instruments have to be installed at the focal plane of the largest single-dish telescopes, which are placed at high altitude on selected dry observing sites. In this context, we have constructed and deployed a three-thousand-pixel dual-band (150 GHz and 260 GHz, respectively 2 mm and 1.15 mm wavelengths) camera to image an instantaneous circular field-of-view of 6.5 arcmin in diameter, and configurable to map the linear polarisation at 260 GHz.

Aims. First, we are providing a detailed description of this instrument, named NIKA2 (New IRAM KID Arrays 2), in particular focussing on the cryogenics, optics, focal plane arrays based on Kinetic Inductance Detectors, and the readout electronics. The focal planes and part of the optics are cooled down to the nominal 150 mK operating temperature by means of an adhoc dilution refrigerator. Secondly, we are presenting the performance measured on the sky during the commissioning runs that took place between October 2015 and April 2017 at the 30-m IRAM telescope at Pico Veleta, near Granada (Spain).

Methods. We have targeted a number of astronomical sources. Starting from beam-maps on primary and secondary calibrators we have then gone to extended sources and faint objects. Both internal (electronic) and on-the-sky calibrations are applied. The general methods are described in the present paper.

Results. NIKA2 has been successfully deployed and commissioned, performing in-line with expectations. In particular, NIKA2 exhibits full width at half maximum angular resolutions of around 11 and 17.5 arcsec at respectively 260 and 150 GHz. The noise equivalent flux densities are, at these two respective frequencies, 33±2 and 8±1 mJy s1/2. A first successful science verification run was achieved in April 2017. The instrument is currently offered to the astronomy community and will remain available for at least the following ten years.
Search for quasi-periodic signals in magnetar giant flares
Authors: Pumpe Daniel , Gabler Michael , Steininger Theo , Enßlin Torsten A.
Published: November 2017

Quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) discovered in the decaying tails of giant flares of magnetars are believed to be torsional oscillations of neutron stars. These QPOs have a high potential to constrain properties of high-density matter. In search for quasi-periodic signals, we study the light curves of the giant flares of SGR 1806-20 and SGR 1900+14, with a non-parametric Bayesian signal inference method called D3PO. The D3PO algorithm models the raw photon counts as a continuous flux and takes the Poissonian shot noise as well as all instrument effects into account. It reconstructs the logarithmic flux and its power spectrum from the data. Using this fully noise-aware method, we do not confirm previously reported frequency lines at ν ≳ 17 Hz because they fall into the noise-dominated regime. However, we find two new potential candidates for oscillations at 9.2 Hz (SGR 1806-20) and 7.7 Hz (SGR 1900+14). If these are real and the fundamental magneto-elastic oscillations of the magnetars, current theoretical models would favour relatively weak magnetic fields B̅ ~ 6× 1013–3 × 1014 G (SGR 1806-20) and a relatively low shear velocity inside the crust compared to previous findings.
Small Bowel Volvulus due to Mesenteric Lymphatic Malformation: MDCT Demonstration of Counterclockwise Barber Pole Sign
Authors: Vinay V. , Bhat Venkatraman , Pramod G. , Rao Sanjay , Ramaiah Srinivas
Published: November 2017

Counterclockwise barber pole sign (also known as reverse barber pole sign) is an angiographic sign described in patients with small bowel volvulus due to counterclockwise twisting of mesenteric vessels around the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). The sign was first described in a catheter angiographic examination; however, the concept can be translated to the display methods of computed tomography (CT). This sign can be depicted clearly on multiplanar and three-dimensionally rendered images of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) examination. In the current report, the reverse barber pole sign is illustrated in a child with partial small bowel volvulus secondary to mesenteric lymphatic malformation. The clinical course, management, and imaging appearances are presented, highlighting the observation of counterclockwise barber pole sign on MDCT imaging. The importance of the sign in identification of volvulus and implications for patient management are emphasized.
Analysis of Fat Grafts for Stabilizing Microvascular Pedicle Geometry in Head and Neck Reconstruction
Authors: Yagi Shunjiro , Suyama Yoshiko , Fukuoka Kohei , Morita Maki , Kambe Miki , Toriyama Kazuhiro , Kamei Yuzuru
Published: November 2017

Background Even after careful microanastomosis, microsurgeons sometimes encounter unexpected twisting, kinking, and destabilizing mechanical forces. In these cases, a small fat graft is a useful technique for stabilizing the pedicle geometry in free flap transfer. However, few reports have provided the details with an analysis of fat graft use. The use of fat grafts for free flap transfer in head and neck reconstruction was reviewed.

Materials and Methods This was a retrospective review of 157 patients (116 men, 41 women; average ± SD age: 64 ± 13.1 years) who had undergone head and neck reconstruction with free flap transfer between 2010 and 2016. We used a fat graft to stabilize pedicle geometry to prevent kinking and other problems. Postoperative thrombosis formation and the use of a fat graft at the pedicle depending on recipient vessel selection and reconstructed site were examined.

Results In 23 patients (14.6%), fat grafting was performed to correct pedicle geometry. A fat graft was used at the arterial anastomosis in 13 patients and at the venous anastomosis in 10. There were no significant differences in postoperative thrombosis formation depending on the use of a fat graft. However, fat grafts were more likely to be performed with the superior thyroid artery as a recipient artery and in tongue and/or oral cavity reconstruction.

Conclusion A fat graft is a reliable and easy procedure to correct pedicle geometry. However, reconstructive surgeons should consider the use of a fat graft based on the selection of the recipient vessels and the recipient site.
The Independent Contribution of Uterine Blood Flow to Birth Weight and Body Composition in Smoking Mothers
Authors: Bernstein Ira , Skelly Joan , Heil Sarah , Higgins Stephen , Cooper Kylie
Published: November 2017

Objective This study aims to evaluate the relationship of maternal smoking to uterine artery hemodynamics and examine independent contributions to birth weight and fetal body composition.

Study Design Women were enrolled in a prospective randomized controlled study targeting smoking abstinence. Uterine artery Doppler ultrasound was performed and volumetric blood flow was calculated. Third trimester ultrasound estimates of fetal body composition were performed and birth weight was recorded.

Results Uterine artery volumetric flow and resistance index (RI) were significantly correlated with birth weight adjusted for gestational age (R = 0.35, p = 0.002; R = − 0.27, p = 0.02). Volumetric flow was significantly associated with fetal fat mass (R = 0.30, p = 0.018). Smoking status did not have significant effects on lean body mass (t [61] = 0.60, p = 0.55), fat mass (t [61] = 1.67, p = 0.10), or volumetric flow (t = 0.86, df = 87, p = 0.39). Stepwise regression identified volumetric flow (β = 0.81, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.35–1.27, p < 0.001), maternal prepregnancy body mass index (β = 16.04, 95% CI: 2.57–29.50, p = 0.02), and fetal sex (β = 346.28, 95% CI: −532.64 to 159.91, p < 0.001, where male = 0 and female = 1) as independent contributors to birth weight adjusted for gestational age.

Conclusion No direct relationship of smoking to uterine artery hemodynamics was demonstrated. Volumetric flow was an independent contributor to birth weight and was associated with fetal fat deposition, while smoking was not independently associated with either outcome.
Epidemiological Features of Patients with Subdural Hygroma in a Prospective Case Series
Authors: Hamamoto Filho Pedro , Pereira Tamara , Zanini Marco
Published: November 2017

Subdural hygroma is an accumulation of a cerebrospinal fluid-like fluid in the subdural space. It is a common epiphenomenon after a traumatic brain injury (TBI), but it may also occur after brain surgeries. A total of 17 patients in a prospective case series with subdural hygromas were analyzed. A male predominance (82.4%) was found. The mean age was 58.6 years. Traumatic brain injury was the main mechanism (76.5%); however, other mechanisms, such as post-craniotomy (17.6%), post-chronic subdural hematoma drainage (5.9%), and post-ventricle shunt (5.9%), were also observed. Incidental findings were diagnosed in 11.8% of the cases (mainly in elderly patients). Four patients required subdural shunt (23.5%)—all of them had TBI. Small subdural effusions were present in 35.5% of the cases. The mean time from admission to diagnosis was 6.1 days. The majority of the cases must have involved lesions of the dura–arachnoid interface since TBIs were the main causes of hygroma. The findings of incidental hygroma in elderly patients and its development after a ventricle shunt suggest that brain atrophy also plays a significant role in subdural hygroma formation.
The Fifty Most Cited Articles on Extra-articular Hip Pathology
Authors: Swindell Hasani , Mayeux Sophie , Noticewala Manish , Ahmad Christopher , Lynch T. , Trofa David
Published: November 2017

The number of times an article has been cited is thought to correspond with its level of academic influence. Within the orthopaedic literature, several citation analyses have been performed, including a recent investigation on the most commonly cited articles on femoroacetabular impingement (FAI); however, no study has determined the most cited investigations on extracapsular hip pathologies, including osteitis pubis, athletic pubalgia, and muscle strains. Such pathologies constitute a significant proportion of lower extremity injuries among athletes. The purpose of this study was to determine the 50 most cited investigations on extra-articular hip injuries by performing a systematic query of the Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) Web of Science (Thomson Reuters, Philadelphia, PA). The following characteristics were determined for each article: number of citations, citation density, journal and publication year, country of origin, language, article type, article subtype, and level of evidence. The number of citations ranged from 46 to 202 (mean 84.4), and the citation densities ranged from 1.7 to 28.4 citations per year (mean: 7.9). Sixty-eight percent of the selected articles involved hamstring strains. The majority of articles were published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine (58%), followed by the Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy (12%). Most articles were published during the 2000s, originated from the United States, and 100% were written in English. Eighty percent were clinical studies; the majority of which had Level IV evidence. This collection of academic investigations on athletic extra-articular hip injuries can aid in the establishment of a reading curriculum for trainees participating in orthopaedic training programs.
Relation of Carotid Artery Plaque to Coronary Heart Disease and Stroke in Chinese Patients: Does Hyperglycemia Status Matter?
Authors: Zhou Huanhuan , Wang Xiaoyun , Zhu Junya , Fish Anne , Kong Weimin , Li Fan , Liu Lin , Yuan Xiaodan , Gao Xin , Lou Qingqing
Published: November 2017

Objective To examine the association of carotid artery plaque with the incident coronary heart disease and stroke events in Chinese patients and explore whether the association differs between patients with and without hyperglycemia.

Methods We evaluated plaque, and blood pressure, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting serum insulin, fasting plasma glucose, 2 h postprandial glucose and Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance in 253 Chinese patients. T-test and X2 test were used to compare the clinical characteristics and Binary logistic regression was applied to analyze the association of coronary heart disease and stroke between patients with and without hyperglycemia.

Results Among 253 patients, 162 patients had hyperglycemia (i. e., diabetes, impaired glucose regulation and stress induced hyperglycemia) and 155 (61.3%) patients had plaque. Fasting plasma glucose, 2 h postprandial glucose and Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, triglycerides, plaque were significantly higher in the hyperglycemia group than non-hyperglycemia. The incident coronary heart disease and stroke events in patients with plaque were 2.254 (95%CI,1.203–4.224) and 2.437 (95%CI,1.042–5.701) times higher than those without plaque, respectively. Among hyperglycemia subgroup, plaque was an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease (OR,3.075,95%CI,1.353–6.992) and stroke (OR,3.571,95%CI,1.460–8.737). The slopes (associations between coronary heart disease/stroke and plaque) were steeper in the hyperglycemia group than those in the non-hyperglycemia group (coronary heart disease OR,3.075 vs. 2.614; stroke OR,3.571 vs. 3.307).

Conclusions The incident coronary heart disease and stroke events in patients with plaque were higher than those without plaque, and this difference was more pronounced for patients with hyperglycemia vs. those without hyperglycemia.
Organspende bei Patienten nach nicht traumatischem außerklinischem Herzstillstand
Authors: Christ Martin , von Auenmüller Katharina , Brand Michael , Gessner Verena , Grett Martin , Zalloum Nedall , Dierschke Wolfgang , Trappe Hans-Joachim
Published: November 2017

Einleitung Der außerklinische Herzstillstand (out-of-hospital cardiac-arrest = OHCA) ist in der Kardiologie eine der häufigsten Todesursachen. Obwohl jedoch schon frühere Studien zeigen konnten, dass die Möglichkeit besteht, Organe auch von reanimierten Spendern zu transplantieren, bleiben Organspenden nach OHCA selten. Diese Studie wurde daher initiiert, um den Prozentsatz von Organspenden unter Patienten nach außerklinischem Herzstillstand in einem deutschen Universitätsklinikum zu ermitteln.

Material und Methode Es wurden die Daten aller Patienten nach außerklinischer Reanimation ermittelt, die zwischen dem 1. Januar 2008 und dem 31. Mai 2017 in unser Krankenhaus eingeliefert wurden.

Ergebnisse Insgesamt wurden 385 Patienten nach außerklinischem Herzstillstand in unsere Klinik eingeliefert. 126 Patienten (32,8 %) überlebten nach OHCA bis zur Krankenhausentlassung, 259 (67,2 %) starben innerklinisch, darunter 7 Patienten (1,8 %) mit nachgewiesenem Hirntod. 5 Patienten nach OHCA (1,5 %) spendeten ihre Organe und insgesamt konnten 14 Organe erfolgreich transplantiert werden.

Diskussion Die Organspende nach außerklinischem Herzstillstand ist selten. Die häufigere Durchführung einer Hirntoddiagnostik ist erstrebenswert, erhalten momentan doch noch nicht einmal all diejenigen Patienten eine Hirntoddiagnostik, bei denen in der Computertomografie eine nachgewiesene Hirnschädigung besteht.
Eine ICF-Checkliste als Instrument zur Beurteilung von Inklusion bei alten Menschen mit geistiger Behinderung – Pilotstudie zur psychometrischen Güte
Authors: Queri Silvia , Eggart Michael , Wendel Maren , Peter Ulrike
Published: November 2017

Hintergrund Zur Beurteilung, inwieweit Inklusionsbemühungen für alte geistig Behinderte erfolgreich sind, wurde ein Messinstrument entwickelt. Dazu wurden aus der ICF das Teilhabekonzept sowie die Umweltfaktoren verwendet. So können Teilhabefortschritte evaluiert und Umweltfaktoren identifiziert werden, die Barrieren für Teilhabe und Inklusion darstellen.

Methodik 138 Items der ICF wurden mit dem VINELAND-II verlinkt. Diese ICF-Checkliste wurde zu t1 retrospektiv und zu t2 aktuell durch Proxy-Befragungen (67 Mitarbeiter) ausgefüllt. 50 geistig Behinderte (F70/F71), durchschnittlich 68 Jahre alt, wurden zu ihrer subjektiv wahrgenommen Lebensqualität (IEM/LZF) direkt befragt. Zum Nachweis der psychometrischen Güte wurde die Inhaltsvalidität anhand von Faktorenanalysen geprüft. Die Kriteriumsvalidität wurde korrelativ mit den Kriterien wahrgenommener Lebensqualität (IEM/LZF) sowie notwendiger Hilfebedarf (SIS) und dem Ausmaß an Verhaltensauffälligkeiten (VFE) geprüft, die letzten beiden via Proxy-Befragungen erhoben. Die quantitativen Analysen wurden durch eine qualitative Inhaltsanalyse validiert.

Ergebnisse Variablencluster zeigen eine inhaltslogische Struktur. Die Checkliste ist reliabel und valide. Es zeigen sich alterskorrelierte Veränderungen und die qualitative Analyse korrespondiert mit den Ergebnissen.

Schlussfolgerung Die ICF-Checkliste kann für die anstehende Versorgungsplanung dieser Personengruppe und als Evaluationsinstrument eingesetzt werden.
Contactless and absolute linear displacement detection based upon 3D printed magnets combined with passive radio-frequency identification
Authors: Windl Roman , Abert Claas , Bruckner Florian , Huber Christian , Vogler Christoph , Weitensfelder Herbert , Suess Dieter
Published: November 2017

Within this work a passive and wireless magnetic sensor, to monitor linear displacements, is proposed. We exploit recent advances in 3D printing and fabricate a polymer bonded magnet with a spatially linear magnetic field component corresponding to the length of the magnet. Regulating the magnetic compound fraction during printing allows specific shaping of the magnetic field distribution. A giant magnetoresistance magnetic field sensor is combined with a radio-frequency identification tag in order to passively monitor the exerted magnetic field of the printed magnet. Due to the tailored magnetic field, a displacement of the magnet with respect to the sensor can be detected within the sub-mm regime. The sensor design provides good flexibility by controlling the 3D printing process according to application needs. Absolute displacement detection using low cost components and providing passive operation, long term stability, and longevity renders the proposed sensor system ideal for structural health monitoring applications.
Probing VCMA in MTJs with in-plane magnetization
Authors: Williamson M. , de Rozieres M. , Almasi H. , Chao X. , Wang W. , Wang J.-P. , Tsoi M.
Published: November 2017

Voltage controlled magnetic anisotropy (VCMA) is a novel method to switch magnetizations in low-power and ultra-fast applications based on magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs). Here we explore the ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) technique to probe VCMA in situations where other methods cannot be applied. We quantify VCMA in CoFeB/MgO/CoFeB MTJ nanopillars with in-plane magnetizations where our FMR method is unique in providing direct information about VCMA. We observe a quadratic shift of the FMR resonance field when a voltage bias is applied across the MTJ. The VCMA energy corresponding to the quadratic shift varies with an energy factor of 8.2μJ/m2 for 1 V2/nm2. These results are important for understanding magnetodynamics in MTJ-based applications with in-plane magnetizations.