bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Introduction to Surface Plasmon Resonance
Authors: Schasfoort Richard B. M.
Published: May 2017

This tutorial chapter is written for students, laboratory technicians, and scientists who are new to the field of applying surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technology to biomolecular interaction analysis. It describes the basis of how to apply SPR technology for measuring biomolecular interactions label free and in real time. Not only are the general aspects of constructing an SPR assay outlined but also the general kinetic and affinity aspects of biomolecular interactions are explained briefly.
Surface Plasmon Resonance Instruments
Authors: Schasfoort Richard B. M.
Published: May 2017

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) instruments comprise three essential units integrated in one system: optics, liquid handling unit, and the sensor chip. The quality of each of these components reflects the overall performance of the SPR instrument. In this chapter, a short description is given of SPR and SPR-like products from 27 companies. General features of commercial SPR instruments and their typical performances are described, providing insight into the development of SPR technology to its current state in 2016.
Surface Chemistry in SPR Technology
Authors: Gedig Erk T.
Published: May 2017

The quality of the sensor surface has a tremendous influence on the performance of the biosensor and the quality of the acquired data. This chapter invokes the treatment of the substrate, the adhesion linking layer, and the immobilization matrix, including chemistries to couple the ligands to the matrix. Furthermore, the structural features of chip surfaces for different applications are covered and an overview is provided that should be helpful in selecting the optimal surface for a given experiment.
Biolayer Interferometry (Octet) for Label-free Biomolecular Interaction Sensing
Authors: Apiyo David O.
Published: May 2017

Biolayer interferometry (BLI) is a rapidly growing analytical technique that utilizes changing light interference patterns to monitor the binding of biological molecules to ligands attached to a sensing surface. Although the physical principle does not apply the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) phenomenon, in practice it is applied similarly to an SPR device: detecting label-free and in real time the biomolecular interaction between ligand and analyte molecules. This chapter considers the general principles of BLI technology, including examples of BLI's basic kinetics and quantitation assays, and emerging applications such as epitope binning, virus-like particles titer and FcRn–IgG binding assays.
Future Trends in SPR Technology
Authors: Schasfoort Richard B. M.
Published: May 2017

In this chapter, a personal view of recognized trends since the publication of the first edition of this book in 2008 is described. High-throughput screening without compromising data quality is now state-of-the-art and in the next decade the need for more screening power is becoming evident in a fast-paced field of research. Sensor surface chemistries are mostly hydrogel based and SPR point-of-care devices have not yet entered the market, although it was foreseen a decade ago. Advanced multiplex kinetic evaluation using distribution analysis methods will become more widespread. New technologies as presented in this chapter such as SPR imaging cytometry, which is still in its infancy, and definitely in the next 5 years some of these new applications will appear in the market. For example, advanced quality of excretion product screening from a huge number of single cells, as shown with the McSPRinter technology, is an appealing unique SPR application and fits the demands of the pharmaceutical and biotech industries.
A novel label-free strategy for pathogenic DNA detection based on metal ion binding-induced fluorescence quenching of graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets
Authors: Xiao Yan , Sheng Yuhao , Zhou Jie , Chen Miaomiao , Wen Wei , Zhang Xiuhua , Wang Shengfu
Published: May 2017

A novel label-free fluorescence sensing strategy based on g-C3N4 nanosheets and metal ions is designed for pathogenic DNA detection.
A rational catalyst design of CO oxidation using the bonding contribution equation
Authors: Wang Ziyun , Hu P.
Published: May 2017

A rational design of heterogeneous catalysts is an important yet challenging task.
One-pot preparation of a novel CO-releasing material based on a CO-releasing molecule@metal–organic framework system
Authors: Carmona F. J. , Rojas S. , Romão C. C. , Navarro J. A. R. , Barea E. , Maldonado C. R.
Published: May 2017

A hierarchical micro-mesoporous metal–organic framework has been used as a platform of a photoactivable CO-prodrug to prepare a novel CO-releasing material.
Transition metal-catalyzed site- and regio-divergent C–H bond functionalization
Authors: Ping Lucy , Chung Da Sol , Bouffard Jean , Lee Sang-gi
Published: May 2017

The regioselectivity of C–H functionalization reactions can be redirected to obtain regioisomeric products form the same starting materials.
Low-temperature and high-pressure phases of a room-temperature ionic liquid and polyiodides: 1-methyl-3-propylimidazolium iodide
Authors: Abe Hiroshi , Kishimura Hiroaki , Takaku Mayumi , Watanabe Mai , Hamaya Nozomu
Published: May 2017

Experimental results are summarized on the P–T–m diagram. In pure [C3mim][I], amorphous phase appeared both at low-temperature and high-pressure. Stoichiometric [C3mim][I3] promotes crystallization, while non-stoichiometric [C3mim][I3.66] indicates anomalies.
Healthy properties of green and white teas: an update
Authors: Pastoriza S. , Mesías M. , Cabrera C. , Rufián-Henares J. A.
Published: May 2017

Green tea has been consumed for centuries in Japan, China and Morocco.
Highly efficient noble metal free copper nickel oxysulfide nanoparticles for catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol, methyl blue, and rhodamine-B organic pollutants
Authors: Abay Angaw Kelemework , Chen Xiaoyun , Kuo Dong-Hau
Published: May 2017

Novel and noble metal-free copper nickel oxysulfide nanoparticles have been successfully fabricated by using a simple, cost-effective, and eco-friendly solution-based approach, with copper oxysulfide as a comparative.
New insight into strong correlated states realised in a ferroelectric and paraelectric chalcogenide Sn2P2S6crystal
Authors: Babuka T. , Glukhov K. , Vysochanskii Y. , Makowska-Janusik M.
Published: May 2017

The electronic properties of both the ferro and paraelectric phases of the Sn2P2S6chalcogenide crystal were investigated using first principles methods. The Hubbard correction of the Hamiltonian was applied for this material for the first time.
Synthesis and magnetic properties of nanostructured metallic Co, Mn and Ni oxide materials obtained from solid-state metal-macromolecular complex precursors
Authors: Díaz C. , Valenzuela M. L. , Laguna-Bercero M. A. , Orera A. , Bobadilla D. , Abarca S. , Peña O.
Published: May 2017

Reaction of chitosan with metallic salts gives nanostructured Mn2O3, Co3O4 and NiO. Graphitic carbon is formed over the nanostructured oxides.
Energy and chemical conversion of five Australian lignocellulosic feedstocks into bio-crude through liquefaction
Authors: Kosinkova Jana , Ramirez Jerome A. , Jablonský Michal , Ristovski Zoran D. , Brown Richard , Rainey Thomas J.
Published: May 2017

Thermal liquefaction of five potential feedstocks namely, banana bunch stems (BBS), pineapple tops (PT), Forage sorghum (FS), bagasse (Ba) and Arundo donax (AD) were examined from an energy perspective at a large laboratory scale.
Glibenclamide–sulfonylurea receptor 1 antagonist alleviates LPS-induced BV2 cell activation through the p38/MAPK pathway
Authors: Xu Zhiming , Liu Yingliang , Yang Dianxu , Yuan Fang , Ding Jun , Wang Liping , Qu Meijie , Yang Guoyuan , Tian Hengli
Published: May 2017

We investigated the anti-neuroinflammatory activity and mechanism of glibenclamide, sulfonylurea receptor 1 (Sur1) antagonist, against LPS-induced microglial activationin vitro.
p-Hydroxybenzenesulfonic acid–formaldehyde solid acid resin for the conversion of fructose and glucose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural
Authors: Li Wenzhi , Zhang Tingwei , Xin Haosheng , Su Mingxue , Ma Longlong , Jameel Hason , Chang Hou-min , Pei Gang
Published: May 2017

SPFR solid acids. Novel solid acid resins were synthesized by an energy and time efficient hydrothermal method.
First-principles study on intrinsic defects of SnSe
Authors: Huang Yucheng , Wang Chan , Chen Xi , Zhou Danmei , Du Jinyan , Wang Sufan , Ning Lixing
Published: May 2017

Sn vacancies can work as an effective source for p-type conduction under both Sn- and Se-rich conditions while n-type conduction is unlikely to be realized due to the absence of the effective intrinsic source.
High-quality conjugated polymers via one-pot Suzuki–Miyaura homopolymerization
Authors: Zhou Difei , Doumon Nutifafa Y. , Abdu-Aguye Mustapha , Bartesaghi Davide , Loi Maria A. , Anton Koster L. Jan , Chiechi Ryan C. , Hummelen Jan C.
Published: May 2017

Improving chemical integrity of polymers via one-pot Suzuki–Miyaura (SM) homopolymerization.
Understanding the lithiation/delithiation mechanism of Si1−xGex alloys
Authors: Loaiza Laura C. , Salager Elodie , Louvain Nicolas , Boulaoued Athmane , Iadecola Antonella , Johansson Patrik , Stievano Lorenzo , Seznec Vincent , Monconduit Laure
Published: May 2017

GexSi1−x alloys have demonstrated synergetic effects as lithium-ion battery (LIB) anodes because silicon brings its high lithium storage capacity and germanium its better electronic and Li ion conductivity.
Novel porous tungsten carbide hybrid nanowires on carbon cloth for high-performance hydrogen evolution
Authors: Ren Bowen , Li Dongqi , Jin Qiuyan , Cui Hao , Wang Chengxin
Published: May 2017

Novel 3D porous tungsten carbide hybrid nanowires (p-WCxNWs) are prepared on carbon cloth as a binder-free efficient electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution. It shows a high activity and outstanding stability in both acidic and alkaline solutions.
Bioinspired interfacial reinforcement of polymer-based energetic composites with a high loading of solid explosive crystals
Authors: He Guansong , Yang Zhijian , Pan Liping , Zhang Jianhu , Liu Shijun , Yan Qi-Long
Published: May 2017

In this work, inspired by the strong chemical adhesion of mussels, a facile and noncovalentin situpolymerization of dopamine approach has been employed to coat 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene (TATB) crystals.
Fusion peptide functionalized hybrid nanoparticles for synergistic drug delivery to reverse cancer drug resistance
Authors: Wu Jin-Long , He Xiao-Yan , Liu Bo-Ya , Gong Meng-Qing , Zhuo Ren-Xi , Cheng Si-Xue
Published: May 2017

A facile self-assembly strategy was developed to decorate polymer/inorganic hybrid nano-sized drug delivery systems with functional peptides.
In situ gold nanoparticle-decorated three-dimensional tin dioxide nanostructures for sensitive and selective gas-sensing detection of volatile organic compounds
Authors: Han Tian-Li , Wan Yu-Teng , Li Jin-Jin , Zhang Hui-Gang , Liu Jin-Huai , Huang Xing-Jiu , Liu Jin-Yun
Published: May 2017

A three-dimensional tin dioxide nanostructure in situ-decorated with gold nanoparticles was presented, which exhibited high response and selectivity towards volatile organic compounds.
Round‐robin access for G/G/1 queue modelling machine‐type communication gateways in long‐time evolution networks
Authors: Feng Zebing , Feng Zhiyong , Li Jianwu
Published: May 2017

A round‐robin transmission model is proposed for machine‐type communication gateways (MTCGs) served by long‐time evolution e‐NodeBs (eNBs). The function of the MTCGs is to collect and buffer data from their subscribed MTC devices (MTCDs) until they are served by an eNB. The service of each MTCG follows an independent and identically distributed G/G/1 queue model, which can be employed with any distribution according to the MTCD traffic characteristics. The system performance is analysed based on queuing theory.
Suppression strategy for output unbalance of eight‐switch three‐phase inverter
Authors: Zhang Ming , Guo Yuan‐bo , Li Ze , Zhang Xiao‐hua
Published: May 2017

The fluctuation of neutral‐point potential (NPP) is an internal problem of three‐level inverter. The fluctuation of NPP is investigated when the inverter, eight‐switch three‐phase inverter is working in fault tolerant mode. It is proved that the NPP fluctuation will cause output unbalance if the inverter is still controlled by the conventional space vector pulse‐width modulation (SVPWM) strategy. Thus, a novel SVPWM considering NPP fluctuation is proposed to suppress the output unbalance. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated by the experimental results.
Blood glucose concentration control for type 1 diabetic patients: a non‐linear suboptimal approach
Authors: Batmani Yazdan
Published: May 2017

In this study, a closed‐loop treatment strategy is proposed for the control of blood glucose levels in type 1 diabetic patients. Toward this end, a non‐linear technique for designing suboptimal tracking controllers, called the state‐dependent Riccati equation tracker, is used based on a mathematical model of the glucose–insulin regulatory system. Since two state variables of the utilised model are not available to the controller, a non‐linear filter is also designed to estimate these variables using the measured blood glucose concentration. Effects of unannounced meals and regular exercise are investigated for a nominal patient and nine diabetic patients with unknown parameters. Numerical simulations are given to show the effectiveness of the proposed treatment strategy even in the presence of parametric uncertainties and the observation noise.
Contingent derivatives and necessary efficiency conditions for vector equilibrium problems with constraints
Authors: Luu Do Van , Su Tran Van
Published: May 2017

We establish Fritz John necessary conditions for local weak efficient solutions of vector equilibrium problems with constraints in terms of contingent derivatives. Under suitable constraint qualifications, Karush–Kuhn–Tucker necessary conditions for those solutions are investigated.
Eschenmoser Coupling Reaction and Reactivity of Hydrazinecarbo­thioamides in the Synthesis of Benzindazole and Naphthothiazole Derivatives
Authors: Hassan Alaa , Mohamed Nasr , El-Shaieb Kamal , Tawfeek Hendawy , Bräse Stefan , Nieger Martin
Published: May 2017

N-Unsubstituted and N-substituted 2-phenylhydrazinecarbothioamides react with 2,3-dichloro-1,4-naphthoquinone to give a series of unprecedented 3-amino- and 3-(alkylamino)-1-phenyl-1H-benzo[f]indazole-4,9-diones in good yields. On the other hand, the reaction of N-substituted 2-tosylhydrazinecarbothioamides with 2,3-dichloro-1,4-naphthoquinone afforded (Z)-N-[3-(tosylamino)-4,9-dioxo-4,9-dihydronaphtho[2,3-d]thiazol-2(3H)-ylidene]-substituted aminium chlorides and (Z)-N-[(2-substituted imino)-4,9-dioxo-4,9-dihydronaphtho[2,3-d]thiazol-3(2H)-yl]-4-toluenesulfonamide hydrates.
Klinik Unternehmen: Auf-/Absteiger des Monats
Authors: Schmidt Hartmut
Published: June 2017

Börsenexperte Hartmut Schmidt analysiert für kma die Jahresabschlüsse* ausgewählter Kliniken
Compressive Myelopathy Due to Ossification of the Ligamentum Flavum: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Teles Alisson , Farias Frederico , Roxo Marcelo , Brasil Albert
Published: May 2017

Ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) is a rare condition in which the ligamentum flavum, due to mechanical, biological and genetic factors, becomes ossified. Due to its nature and anatomic location, OLF produces symptoms characteristic of spinal cord compression. The diagnostic confirmation is based primarily on imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Ossification of the ligamentum flavum most often affects Asian populations, rarely occurring in black people. The authors report a case of a 61-year-old black man with progressive paraparesis due to OLF, and review the literature regarding the pathology's prevalence, pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.
Sekundäre Korrektur einer großflächigen Verbrennungsnarbe im Bereich des Handrückens mit einem Collagen-Elastin-Dermisersatz und Spalthaut
Authors: Lebo Patricia , Grohmann Martin , Kamolz Lars
Published: May 2017

Im Fall von schweren (IIb-III gradigen) Verbrennungen sind die Hände in über 80% mitbeteiligt. Auch die schnellstmögliche und richtige initiale chirurgische Versorgung sichert nicht zwingend ein funktionell und ästhetisch zufriedenstellendes Ergebnis, wenn die interdisziplinäre Nachsorge und Patientencompliance mangelhaft sind. In dem vorliegenden Fall führte dies bei einer IIb-III gradigen Verbrennung beider Hände zu instabilen Narbenverhältnisse im Bereich beider Handrücken sowie einer Intrinsic-minus-Handstellung beidseits. Wir zeigen, dass auch eine sekundäre Versorgung einer Verbrennungsnarbe im Bereich der Hände mit einem Collagen-Elastin-basierten Dermisersatz und nochmaliger Spalthauttransplantation mit dem richtigen interdisziplinären postoperativen Regime zu einem Ergebnis führen kann, das funktionell und ästhetisch einer gesunden Hand entspricht, jedoch mit einem deutlich erhöhtem Aufwand.
Gezielte Antibiotika-Prophylaxe und Therapie periprothetischer Infektionen der Brust – Erfahrungen aus 468 konsekutiven Implantatentfernungen
Authors: Lohmeyer Jörn , Alawadi Mai , Bergmann Philipp , Schmauss Daniel , Wittig Klaus
Published: May 2017

Hintergrund Periprothetische Infektionen sind gefürchtete Komplikationen sowohl der ästhetischen, als auch der rekonstruktiven Brustchirurgie. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist die Aufarbeitung der in einem Referenzzentrum für primäre und sekundäre Brustchirurgie behandelten Implantatlagerinfektionen, um eine Empfehlung zur prophylaktischen, aber auch therapeutischen antibiotischen Therapie aussprechen zu können.

Patienten und Methoden Für den Zeitraum vom 01.01.2012 bis 31.12.2015 wurden retrospektiv alle Patientinnen erfasst, bei denen ein Wechsel oder die Entfernung von Brustimplantaten erfolgt war. Anhand der Patientenakten wurden die OP-Indikationen herausgearbeitet und speziell auf Infektzeichen und Angaben zu Kapselfibrosen analysiert. Zudem wurden alle mikrobiologischen Untersuchungen dieser Eingriffe erfasst und ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse In unserer Klinik wurden im betrachteten Zeitraum 468 Implantatwechsel bzw. -explantationen bei 360 Patientinnen durchgeführt. Bei insgesamt 169 Patientinnen wurden mikrobiologische Abstrichuntersuchungen aus 245 Implantatlagern durchgeführt. Aus 23 Implantatlagern (21 Patientinnen) erfolgte ein Erregernachweis. Bei 6 weiteren Implantaten (4 Patientinnen) lagen Zeichen eines periprothetischen Infektes vor, ohne dass jedoch ein Keimnachweis gelang. In den meisten Fällen ergab die fortgeschrittene Kapselfibrose die Indikation zum Implantatwechsel. In 17 Abstrichen erfolgte ein Keimnachweis trotz fehlendem klinischen Infektverdacht. Als Erreger wurden in 17 Fällen koagulasenegative Staphylokokken, in 4 Staphylococcus aureus, und jeweils in einem Fall E. coli, Morganella morganii und Proprionibacterium acnes nachgewiesen (eine Doppelinfektion). Alle Erreger waren gegenüber Piperacillin/Tazobactam und Vancomycin sensibel, gegenüber Cefuroxim und Amoxycillin/Clavulansäure lagen jeweils eine, gegenüber Gentamycin, Ciprofloxacin und Clindamycin je 2 Resistenzen vor.

Schlussfolgerung In der Mehrzahl der Fälle ergab sich ein Keimnachweis als Zufallsbefund, während die Kapselfibrose klinisch führend war. Erreger und Resistenzlage unterschieden sich von der Mehrzahl internationaler Publikationen. Cefuroxim und Amoxycillin/Clavulansäure haben sich mit jeweils einer Resistenz als Antibiotika zur empirischen Infektprophylaxe und -therapie bewährt. Als Reserveantibiotikum, insbesondere bei fulminanten Infekten, bietet sich unter anderem Piperacillin/Tazobactam an.
Risk of infection following colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy in symptomatic patients
Authors: Lin Jiun-Nong , Wang Chang-Bi , Yang Chih-Hui , Lai Chung-Hsu , Lin Hsi-Hsun
Published: May 2017

Background and study aims Previous studies describing the incidence of infection after colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy are limited. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of infection, and to propose a nomogram to predict the probability of infection following colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy in symptomatic patients.

Patients and methods A nationwide retrospective study was conducted by analyzing the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan. The incidence of infection within 30 days after colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy was assessed and compared with a control group matched at a ratio of 1:1 based on age, sex, and the date of examination.

Results  In all, 112 543 patients who underwent colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy and 112 543 matched patients who did not undergo these procedures were included. The overall incidence of infection within 30 days after colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy was 0.37 %, which was significantly higher than that of the control group (0.04 %; P < 0.001). Diverticulitis, peritonitis, and appendicitis were the most common infections. Patients who underwent colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy had a 9.38-fold risk of infection (95 % confidence interval, 6.81 – 12.93; P < 0.001) compared with the control group. The predicted infection-free rates of the nomogram were closely aligned with the actual infection-free rates, with a bootstrapping concordance index of 0.763.

Conclusions Colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy are associated with an increased risk of infection, which may occur after these procedures. Our nomogram may provide clinicians with an easy tool to evaluate the risk of infection after colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy in symptomatic patients.
C-Section Prevalence Among Obese Mothers and Neonatal Hypoglycemia: a Cohort Analysis of the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of the University of Lübeck
Authors: Neumann Kay , Indorf Ineke , Härtel Christoph , Cirkel Christoph , Rody Achim , Beyer Daniel
Published: May 2017

Introduction Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) demonstrates an increasing prevalence of obesity in Western countries. This study investigates the influence of obesity on the mode of delivery and the occurrence of hypoglycemia in newborns.

Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis of all deliveries at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of the University of Lübeck, Germany was conducted over a period of eleven years with the primary outcome as non-elective C-sections and hypoglycemia of newborns from obese mothers. Patients were divided into six subgroups according to WHO weight classifications as follows: control group body mass index (BMI) 18.5 – 24.9 kg/m2, n = 7712; general obesity BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, n = 4227; overweight BMI 25 – 29.9 kg/m2, n = 2628; obesity I° BMI 30 – 34.9 kg/m2, n = 1017; obesity II° BMI 35 – 39.9 kg/m2, n = 370; obesity III° BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2, n = 212.

Results Analysis of the primary outcome shows an increased incidence of non-elective C-sections with an elevated BMI (general obesity vs. control group: 20.5 vs. 15.9%, p < 0.001; OR 1.3; 95% CI 1.2 – 1.4) and elevated rates of neonatal hypoglycemia in newborns of obese mothers (general obesity vs. control group: 0.6 vs. 0.3%, p < 0.05; OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.0 – 3.0).

Conclusions Obesity is an essential obstetric risk factor. Obese women face an increased risk of non-elective C-sections, and newborns of obese mothers suffer from elevated rates of hypoglycemia.
Relationship Between Daily Dose, Serum Concentration, and Clinical Response to Quetiapine in Children and Adolescents with Psychotic and Mood Disorders
Authors: Albantakis Laura , Egberts Karin , Burger Rainer , Kulpok Christine , Mehler-Wex Claudia , Taurines Regina , Unterecker Stefan , Wewetzer Christoph , Romanos Marcel , Gerlach Manfred
Published: May 2017

Introduction In child and adolescent psychiatry, therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is strongly recommended. However, therapeutic ranges (TR) are defined only for adults. The objectives of this naturalistic study were to assess the relationships between serum quetiapine concentration, daily dose, and clinical outcomes as well as the determinants of pharmacokinetic variability. Furthermore, it was elucidated whether the recommended TR for adult patients with psychotic disorders is valid for children and adolescents.

Methods TDM was performed in 180 pediatric patients treated with quetiapine. Psychopathological changes were assessed by the Clinical Global Impression – Improvement scale (CGI-I). Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were assessed by using a short form of the Udvalg for Kliniske Undersogelser (UKU) side effect rating scale.

Results A weak positive linear relationship between daily dose (mean 349.9±248.9 mg/day) and serum concentration of quetiapine (rs=0.496, p<0.001) was found (mean age 15.6±1.9 years, 45.6% male, 31.1% monotherapy), but no relationship between serum concentration and clinical outcome was found. Dose variation accounted for only 12.5% (rs
2=0.125) of the variability of serum concentrations. No effects by gender, age, body weight, smoking habits, and co-medication were found. The majority of patients with psychotic (67.8%) and mood disorders (74.5%) showed a serum concentration below the suggested lower limit (100 ng/mL) of the TR for adults.

Discussion There are several limitations of this study because of the naturalistic design, and our results should therefore be interpreted with caution. Notwithstanding, our data suggest that the lower limit of the TR for quetiapine is lower than the limit in adult patients.
Large Intra-subject Variability in Caffeine Pharmacokinetics: Randomized Cross-over Study of Single Caffeine Product
Authors: Hammami Muhammad , Alvi Syed
Published: May 2017

Background Average bioequivalence has been criticized for not adequately addressing individual variations. Importance of subjects’ blinding in bioequivalence studies has not been well studied. We explored the extent of intra-subject pharmacokinetic variability and effect of drug-ingestion unawareness in subjects taking single caffeine product.

Methods A single-dose randomized cross-over design was used to compare pharmacokinetics of 200 mg caffeine, described as caffeine (overt) or as placebo (covert). Maximum concentration (Cmax), Cmax first time (Tmax), area-under-the-concentration-time-curve, to last measured concentration (AUCT), extrapolated to infinity (AUCI), or to Tmax of overt caffeine (AUCOverttmax), and Cmax/AUCI were calculated blindly using standard non-compartmental method. Percentages of individual covert/overt ratios that are outside the ±25% range were determined. Covert-vs-overt effect on caffeine pharmacokinetics was evaluated by 90% confidence interval (CI) and 80.00–125.00% bioequivalence range.

Results 32 healthy subjects (6% females, mean (SD) age 33.3 (7.2) year) participated in the study (28 analysed). Out of the 28 individual covert/overt ratios, 23% were outside the ±25% range for AUCT, 30% for AUCI, 20% for AUCOverttmax, 30% for Cmax, and 43% for Tmax. There was no significant covert-vs-overt difference in any of the pharmacokinetic parameters studied. Further, the 90% CIs for AUCT, AUCI, Cmax, AUCOverttmax, and Cmax/AUCI were all within the 80.00–125.00% bioequivalence range with mean absolute deviation of covert/overt ratios of 3.31%, 6.29%, 1.43%, 1.87%, and 5.19%, respectively.

Conclusions Large intra-subject variability in main caffeine pharmacokinetic parameters was noted when comparing an oral caffeine product to itself. Subjects’ blinding may not be important in average bioequivalence studies.
Endoscopic hand-suturing for defect closure after gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection: a pilot study in animals and in humans
Authors: Goto Osamu , Sasaki Motoki , Akimoto Teppei , Ochiai Yasutoshi , Kiguchi Yoshiyuki , Mitsunaga Yutaka , Fujimoto Ai , Maehata Tadateru , Nishizawa Toshihiro , Takeuchi Hiroya , Kitagawa Yuko , Yahagi Naohisa
Published: May 2017

Background and study aims Mucosal suturing enables reliable and optimal defect closure after endoscopic treatments. We developed and investigated the feasibility of endoscopic hand-suturing (EHS) after gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in porcine in vivo models and in human clinical cases.

Patients and methods EHS involving continuous suturing of the mucosal layers using a through-the-scope needle-holder and absorbable barbed suture, was performed after gastric ESD in six live pigs and in eight consecutive patients. Success rates, adverse events, and suture maintenance were subsequently investigated.

Results EHS was successfully completed in all six pigs and eight patients (100 %) without severe adverse events. However, at 1 week postoperatively the suture closures had not been maintained in all six porcine cases and in the first four clinical cases. In the later four clinical cases, wider and tight suturing of the mucosal edges ensured that the defects remained closed until postoperative week 4.

Conclusion EHS is a feasible procedure that may facilitate secure and refined endoscopic surgeries. Mucosal closure in such cases can be maintained using firm suturing.

Clinical trial number: UMIN000017125
Infrared dielectric functions, phonon modes, and free-charge carrier properties of high-Al-content AlxGa1−xN alloys determined by mid infrared spectroscopic ellipsometry and optical Hall effect
Authors: Schöche S. , Hofmann T. , Nilsson D. , Kakanakova-Georgieva A. , Janzén E. , Kühne P. , Lorenz K. , Schubert M. , Darakchieva V.
Published: May 2017

We report on the analysis of a combined mid-infrared spectroscopic ellipsometry and mid-infrared optical Hall effect investigation of wurtzite structure c-plane oriented, crack-free, single crystalline, and high-Al-content AlxGa1−xN layers on 4H-SiC. For high-Al-content AlxGa1−xN, a two mode behavior is observed for both transverse and longitudinal branches of the infrared-active modes with E1 symmetry, while a single mode behavior is found for the longitudinal modes with A1(LO) symmetry. We report their mode dependencies on the Al content. We determine and discuss static and high frequency dielectric constants depending on x. From the analysis of the optical Hall effect data, we determine the effective mass parameter in high-Al-content AlxGa1−xN alloys and its composition dependence. Within the experimental uncertainty limits, the effective mass parameters are found isotropic, which depend linearly on the Al content. The combination of all data permits the quantification of the free electron density N and mobility parameters μ.
Modeling ferroelectric film properties and size effects from tetragonal interlayer in Hf1–xZrxO2 grains
Authors: Künneth Christopher , Materlik Robin , Kersch Alfred
Published: May 2017

Size effects from surface or interface energy play a pivotal role in stabilizing the ferroelectric phase in recently discovered thin film Zirconia-Hafnia. However, sufficient quantitative understanding has been lacking due to the interference with the stabilizing effect from dopants. For the important class of undoped Hf1–xZrxO2, a phase stability model based on free energy from Density functional theory (DFT) and surface energy values adapted to the sparse experimental and theoretical data has been successful to describe key properties of the available thin film data. Since surfaces and interfaces are prone to interference, the predictive capability of the model is surprising and directs to a hitherto undetected, underlying reason. New experimental data hint on the existence of an interlayer on the grain surface fixed in the tetragonal phase possibly shielding from external influence. To explore the consequences of such a mechanism, we develop an interface free energy model to include the fixed interlayer, generalize the grain model to include a grain radius distribution, calculate average polarization and permittivity, and compare the model with available experimental data. Since values for interface energies are sparse or uncertain, we obtain its values from minimizing the least square difference between predicted key parameters to experimental data in a global optimization. Since the detailed values for DFT energies depend on the chosen method, we repeat the search for different computed data sets and come out with quantitatively different but qualitatively consistent values for interface energies. The resulting values are physically very reasonable and the model is able to give qualitative prediction. On the other hand, the optimization reveals that the model is not able to fully capture the experimental data. We discuss possible physical effects and directions of research to possibly close this gap.
Elastic moduli and Poisson's ratio of 2-dimensional magnetic skyrmion lattice
Authors: Kang S. P. , Kwon H. Y. , Won C.
Published: May 2017

By analyzing the magnetic energy, we investigated the deformation of magnetic chiral structures and derived estimates of the skyrmion lattice (SkL) elastic moduli and SkL Poisson's ratio. We verified that the SkL system is close to an elastically isotropic system in which skyrmions display a particle behavior with only nearest-neighbor interactions. We found that with the applied external field, the SkL shear modulus decreases and SkL Poisson's ratio increases. We also obtained an estimate for the critical energy required for the crystal axis reorientation of the SkL, which like the SkL shear modulus also decreases with the external field. These trends indicate that the SkL becomes soft and less solid as the external field increases until the chiral structures disappear at the critical field.
Tuning and switching of band gap of the periodically undulated beam by the snap through buckling
Authors: Li Y. , Xu Y. L.
Published: May 2017

We propose highly tuning and switching band gaps of phononic crystals through the snap through buckling by investigating wave propagation in a designed tractable undulated beam with single material and periodically arched shape. A series of numerical analyses are conducted to offer a thorough understanding of the evolution of the band gaps as a function of the vertical applied load. We find out that the interesting snap through buckling induced by the vertical load can alter the width of the band gap of the undulated beam dramatically, even switch them on and off. Our researches show an effective strategy to tune the band gaps of phononic crystals through the snap through buckling behavior.
Designing a grazing-system experiment for variable native pastures and flexible lamb-production systems
Authors: Badgery W. B. , Mitchell D. , Millar G. D. , Broadfoot K. , Michalk D. L. , Cranney P. , Brown W.
Published: May 2017

Grazing-system experiments address complex interactions among animals, pastures, soils, climate and management. As part of the national EverGraze program, a grazing-system experiment was designed to determine how the intensity of grazing management, from continuous grazing (P01) to flexible 4- and 20-paddock rotational systems (P04 and P20), influences the profitability and sustainability of a Merino ewe, terminal sire, lamb production system grazed on heterogeneous native pastures. When implementing such an experiment, it is important to understand and characterise landscape variability, and include this in the design of the experiment. A second challenge for grazing-system research is to operate experimental systems with sufficient flexibility to adequately represent commercial production systems and maintain even utilisation across treatments. The present paper addresses the following two issues: (1) the process used to characterise the potential productivity of variable native pastures and the results of this characterisation; and (2) the development of flexible systems that adequately represent commercial production within an experiment. This was undertaken with input from a project-steering committee called the EverGraze Regional Group, comprising producers, extension staff and private consultants. Prior to the commencement, the site was mapped into three production zones, namely, high (HPZ), medium (MPZ) and low (LPZ), by visually estimating green herbage mass in late spring and marking boundaries between zones with a GPS. The production zones represented differences in soil properties (gravel, pH and available P) and pasture composition, and were used to balance potential production among plots within the same replication. Grazing-system options were evaluated using the sustainable grazing systems pasture model to help choose an appropriate starting stocking rate. The initial stocking rate chosen for the spring-lambing systems was 5.4 ewes/ha. The modelling predicted large variations in feed availability and quality over summer among years; flexible management criteria were therefore developed, including variable sale time for lambs, to utilise the greater feed supply in better seasons. Minimum-pasture benchmarks (>0.8 t DM/ha standing herbage mass and >80% ground cover) and variable green herbage-mass targets were designed to sustain high levels of livestock production and prevent pasture degradation. Criteria for adjusting ewe numbers were developed, but were constrained to pre-joining (March), scanning (July) and post-weaning (December), being consistent with commercial practices. The experiment incorporated flexible management rules as these were considered integral to the successful management of commercial grazing systems.
Feeding antioxidant vitamin and vegetable oils to broilers: vitamin E reduced negative effect of soybean oil on immune response and meat lipid oxidation
Authors: Mohiti-Asli M. , Ghanaatparast-Rashti M.
Published: May 2017

This study investigated the effect of feeding vitamin E, vitamin C, and two sources of vegetable oil on immune response and meat quality of broilers. A total of 320 one-day-old chicks were used in a completely randomised design with eight treatments arranged as a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial with two levels of vitamin E (0 and 200 mg/kg), two levels of vitamin C (0 and 1000 mg/kg), and two sources of vegetable oil (soybean and canola). Dietary supplementation of either vitamin E or C increased (P < 0.05) secondary humoral response, whereas oil sources had no significant effect. Broilers fed soybean oil had lower cellular response to the phytohemagglutinin skin test than those fed canola oil in diet, and supplementation of vitamin E increased cellular immune response. However, fat, cholesterol and pH of meat were not affected by source of oil or antioxidants, lipid oxidation was higher (P < 0.05) in thigh and breast meat of broilers fed soybean oil than canola oil. Dietary supplementation of vitamin E decreased (P < 0.05) lipid oxidation in thigh and breast of broilers fed diet containing soybean oil, without any effect on meat oxidation of those fed canola oil. Dietary supplementation of vitamin C increased lipid oxidation in thigh meat of broilers (P < 0.05). It can be concluded that inclusion of soybean oil to the diet, compared with canola oil, increased need for antioxidant. Vitamin E had beneficial effects on immune response and reduced meat lipid oxidation; nonetheless future studies should explore the antioxidant effect of vitamin C in stored meat.
Physicochemical changes of semimembranosus muscle during the processing of dry-cured ham from Celta pig. Effect of crossbreeding with Duroc and Landrace genotypes
Authors: Bermúdez Roberto , Domínguez Ruben , Pateiro Mirian , Franco Daniel , Carballo Javier , Lorenzo José M.
Published: May 2017

Physicochemical characteristics of dry-cured hams from three genetic types, Celta breed (C line), Celta × Duroc (C × D) and Celta × Landrace (C × L) were determined on the semimembranosus muscle during 551 days of aging. Hams were obtained from 60 pigs reared in extensive systems and finished with a commercial feeding. Physicochemical parameters (pH and water activity) and chemical composition, (moisture, intramuscular fat, ash, protein and total chlorides content), colour parameters (L*, a* and b*) and lipid oxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances value) were studied during the whole process after salting, post-salting, drying and bodega stages. Hams from crosses were characterised by higher intramuscular fat (12.78% and 10.48% for C × D and C × L lines, respectively) and moisture (46.86% and 46.63% for C × D and C × L genotypes, respectively), contents respect to Celta pure line that showed values of 5.96% and 35.83% for intramuscular fat and water content, respectively. Concerning colour parameters, hams from Celta line had lower values for all colour traits. The influence of crossbreeding on most physicochemical parameters observed was mainly due to the differences in moisture and intramuscular fat between hams obtained from pure breed and crosses. As a general conclusion, the crossbreeding of Celta pig (especially with the Duroc line) allows to improve the quality of dry-cured hams.
Corrigendum to: Novel Thymohydroquinone Derivatives as Potential Anticancer Agents: Design, Synthesis, and Biological Screening
Authors: Abdelazeem Ahmed H. , Mohamed Yasser M. A. , Gouda Ahmed M. , Omar Hany A. , Al Robaian Majed M.
Published: May 2017

The safety and efficacy of naturally occurring anticancer agents and their derivatives such as thymoquinone (TQ) and thymohydroquinone (THQ) have gained a rapidly growing interest. In an attempt to develop novel anticancer agents with superior activity, TQ was allowed to react with hydrazine hydrate, producing hydrazino thymohydroquinone 3. This new intermediate was subsequently reacted with various isocyanates, isothiocyanates, and acyl halides, affording three series of semicarbazone, semithiocarbazone, and acyl hydrazone derivatives, respectively. Subsequently, the anticancer activity of all the newly synthesised compounds against a panel of cancer cell lines was evaluated. Initial screening of the ability of the test compounds to inhibit cancer cell viability using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay revealed that compounds 5d and 6 exerted better activity against breast cancer than TQ, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 9.6 and 10.0?M, respectively. MTT results were confirmed by the ability of these compounds to elicit apoptotic cell death through the activation of caspase 3/7 enzymes. Together, the present work provided a novel class of THQ-based derivatives with potent anticancer and apoptosis properties, thereby warranting further optimisation of these derivatives as novel members in cancer treatment protocols.
Animal detections vary among commonly used camera trap models
Authors: Driessen Michael M. , Jarman Peter J. , Troy Shannon , Callander Sophia
Published: May 2017

Context
Understanding how different camera trap models vary in their ability to detect animals is important to help identify which cameras to use to meet the objectives of a study.

Aims
To compare the efficacy of four camera trap models (representing two commonly used brands of camera, Reconyx and Scoutguard) to detect small- and medium-sized mammals and birds.

Methods
Four camera models were placed side by side, focused on a bait station, under field conditions, and the numbers of triggers and visits by mammals and birds were compared. Trigger=camera sensor is activated and records an image of an animal. Visit=one or a sequence of triggers containing one or more images of a species, with no interval between animal images greater than 5min.

Key results
The Scoutguard 530V camera recorded fewer than half of the triggers and visits by all animals that the Reconyx H600, Scoutguard 560K and Keepguard 680V cameras recorded. The latter three cameras recorded similar numbers of visits by mammals, but the Reconyx H600 recorded fewer triggers by medium-sized mammals than the Keepguard 680V. All camera models failed to detect a substantial proportion of the total known triggers and visits by animals, with a greater proportion of visits detected (14–88%) than triggers (5–83%). All camera models recorded images with no animals present (blanks), with Reconyx H600 recording the fewest blank images.

Conclusions
Camera trap models can vary in their ability to detect triggers and visits by small- and medium-sized mammals and birds. Some cheaper camera models can perform as well as or better than a more expensive model in detecting animals, but factors other than cost may need to be considered. Camera traps failed to detect a substantial proportion of known triggers and visits by animals. Number of visits is a more useful index of animal activity or abundance than number of triggers.

Implications
Variation in camera performance needs to be taken into consideration when designing or comparing camera surveys if multiple camera models are used, especially if the aim is to compare animal activity or abundance. If maximising the number of animal visits recorded at a site is important, then consideration should be given to using two or more cameras.
Modulation of sensory information processing by a neuroglobin in
Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Oda Shigekazu , Toyoshima Yu , de Bono Mario
Published: May 2017

Significance

Sensory neurons encode environmental stimuli in their electrical activity and alter behavior and physiology by transmitting this information to downstream circuits. Their response properties can be characterized by tuning curves that relate stimulus parameters to neural responses. Tuning curves identify the response threshold, the stimulus features at the tuning curve peak, and high-slope regions that give maximum stimulus discrimination. Here we show that two antagonistically acting molecular oxygen sensors, a neuroglobin and a soluble guanylate cyclase, sculpt a sharp sigmoidal tuning curve in the URX oxygen sensing neurons of
Caenorhabditis elegans
. By combining experiments with computational modelling, we show that these changes in stimulus-encoding properties broaden
C. elegans
’s O
2
preference.
Caffeine ingestion acutely enhances muscular strength and power but not muscular endurance in resistance‐trained men
Authors: Grgic Jozo , Mikulic Pavle
Published: May 2017

The goal of this randomized, double‐blind, cross‐over study was to assess the acute effects of caffeine ingestion on muscular strength and power, muscular endurance, rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and pain perception (PP) in resistance‐trained men. Seventeen volunteers (mean ± SD: age = 26 ± 6 years, stature = 182 ± 9 cm, body mass = 84 ± 9 kg, resistance training experience = 7 ± 3 years) consumed placebo or 6 mg kg−1 of anhydrous caffeine 1 h before testing. Muscular power was assessed with seated medicine ball throw and vertical jump exercises, muscular strength with one‐repetition maximum (1RM) barbell back squat and bench press exercises, and muscular endurance with repetitions of back squat and bench press exercises (load corresponding to 60% of 1RM) to momentary muscular failure. RPE and PP were assessed immediately after the completion of the back squat and bench press exercises. Compared to placebo, caffeine intake enhanced 1RM back squat performance (+2.8%; effect size [ES] = 0.19; p = .016), which was accompanied by a reduced RPE (+7%; ES = 0.53; p = .037), and seated medicine ball throw performance (+4.3%, ES = 0.32; p = .009). Improvements in 1RM bench press were not noted although there were significant (p = .029) decreases in PP related to this exercise when participants ingested caffeine. The results point to an acute benefit of caffeine intake in enhancing lower‐body strength, likely due to a decrease in RPE; upper‐, but not lower‐body power; and no effects on muscular endurance, in resistance‐trained men. Individuals competing in events in which strength and power are important performance‐related factors may consider taking 6 mg kg−1 of caffeine pre‐training/competition for performance enhancement.