bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A facile and general approach for production of nanoscrolls with high-yield from two-dimensional nanosheets
Authors: Wang Wucong , Gai Yanzhe , Xiao Ding , Zhao Yaping
Published: October 2018

Nanoscrolls (NSs) assembled from two-dimensional nanosheets have emerged as a novel type of one-dimensional nanomaterials because of their unique topological features and properties. The scale-up preparation of the NSs is crucial for their foundational and applied research. Herein, we report a general and straightforward approach for efficiently converting two-dimensional nanosheets into the NSs with high yield. We demonstrated the converting process by illustrating the formation of the graphene nanoscrolls through characterizing their morphology and structure using a scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, Raman spectra, and X-ray diffraction spectra. The graphene sheets with a few-lay number were converted immediately and entirely into the graphene nanoscrolls when they mixed with an ethanol solution of silver nitrate at room temperature. The as-prepared graphene nanoscrolls were confirmed to be formed via the layer-by-layer assembly of graphene triggered by silver cyanide formed in site. Also, we extended this approach to construct the nanoscrolls of the hexagonal boron nitride, molybdenum disulfide, and tungsten disulfide, respectively, from their corresponding two-dimensional nanomaterials. In a broader context, this approach paves a significant new way for the large production of the NSs with cost-efficiency.
Graphene-based biosensors for on-site detection of contaminants in food
Authors: Bobrinetskiy Ivan I. , Knezevic Nikola Z.
Published: October 2018

This review highlights the developments, challenges and perspectives in graphene-based sensor for in-field food analysis.
An E-selectin targeting and MMP-2-responsive dextran–curcumin polymeric prodrug for targeted therapy of acute kidney injury
Authors: Hu Jing-Bo , Liu Di , Qi Jing , Lu Kong-jun , Jin Fei-yang , Ying Xiao-Ying , You Jian , Du Yong-Zhong
Published: October 2018

Based on the overproduction of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in renal tissue during acute kidney injury (AKI) occurrence, we developed a MMP-2 enzyme-triggered polymeric prodrug with sialic acid (SA) as the targeting group to the inflamed vascular endothelial cells for enhanced therapeutic outcomes.
CoOx(OH)y/C nanocomposites in situ derived from Na4Co3(PO4)2P2O7 as sustainable electrocatalysts for water splitting
Authors: Odynets Ievgen V. , Strutynska Nataliia Yu. , Li Junzhi , Han Wei , Zatovsky Igor V. , Klyui N. I.
Published: October 2018

An original electrode design strategy for water splitting was considered. Electrodes covered by CoOx(OH)y/C nanocomposites were in situ fabricated. Assembled CoO(OH)/C∥Co(OH)2/C system reveals excellent long-time stability (more than 50 hours at 10 mA cm−2) with the total overpotential of 0.6 V.
A self-powered brain-linked biosensing electronic-skin for actively tasting beverage and its potential application in artificial gustation
Authors: Zeng Hui , He Haoxuan , Fu Yongming , Zhao Tianming , Han Wuxiao , Xing Lili , Zhang Yan , Zhan Yang , Xue Xinyu
Published: October 2018

A self-powered brain-linked biosensing electronic-skin has been fabricated for pH value and alcoholicity detection.
Structure and properties of intrinsic and extrinsic defects in black phosphorus
Authors: Gaberle Julian , Shluger Alexander L.
Published: October 2018

The electronic and geometric structures of a range of intrinsic and extrinsic defects in black phosphorus (BP) are calculated using Density Functional Theory (DFT) and a hybrid density functional.
Recognition of trace organic pollutant and toxic metal ions via a tailored fluorescent metal–organic coordination polymer in water environment
Authors: He Danfeng , Liu Shumei , Zhou Fujiang , Zhao Xianjun , Liu Yiwei , Luo Fang , Liu Shuxia
Published: October 2018

Complexes with strong fluorescence can conveniently detect the trace organic pollutant amitrole and repeatedly recognize toxic Cd2+with a low detection limit.
Candle soot-templated silica nanobiointerface chip for detecting circulating tumour cells from patients with urologic malignancies
Authors: Xing Tianying , Wang Binshuai , Song Yimeng , Zhang Shudong , Ma Lulin
Published: October 2018

Low-cost and easily prepared efficient nanochips for detecting circulating tumour cells with great clinical potential.
Design and production of hybrid nanoparticles with polymeric-lipid shell–core structures: conventional and next-generation approaches
Authors: Bochicchio Sabrina , Dalmoro Annalisa , Bertoncin Paolo , Lamberti Gaetano , Moustafine Rouslan I. , Barba Anna Angela
Published: October 2018

An innovative, simil-microfluidic, nanoliposome-covering method operating continuously with massive production yield overcoming the disadvantages of conventional methods is proposed.
Thermal stability of PMMA–LDH nanocomposites: decoupling the physical barrier, radical trapping, and charring contributions using XAS/WAXS/Raman time-resolved experiments
Authors: Carvalho H. W. P. , Leroux F. , Briois V. , Santilli C. V. , Pulcinelli S. H.
Published: October 2018

Thermal stability of polymer-double layered hydroxides nanocomposites: concurrent contributions from physical barrier, char formation and radical trapping.
Aminopropyltrimethoxysilane-functionalized boron nitride nanotube based epoxy nanocomposites with simultaneous high thermal conductivity and excellent electrical insulation
Authors: Zhang Chi , Huang Rongjin , Wang Yongguang , Wu Zhixiong , Guo Shibin , Zhang Hua , Li Jian , Huang Chuanjun , Wang Wei , Li Laifeng
Published: October 2018

An ideal dielectric epoxy nanocomposite with high thermal conductivity is successfully fabricated utilizing aminopropyltrimethoxysilane-functionalized BNNTs.
Highly thermally conductive flame retardant epoxy nanocomposites with multifunctional ionic liquid flame retardant-functionalized boron nitride nanosheets
Authors: Li Xiongwei , Feng Yuezhan , Chen Chao , Ye Yunsheng , Zeng Hongxia , Qu Hao , Liu Jingwei , Zhou Xingping , Long Shijun , Xie Xiaolin
Published: October 2018

Multifunctionality of ILFR-fBNNS, i.e. curing, thermal conduction and flame retardation.
Charge storage mechanism and degradation of P2-type sodium transition metal oxides in aqueous electrolytes
Authors: Boyd Shelby , Dhall Rohan , LeBeau James M. , Augustyn Veronica
Published: October 2018

P2-type sodium transition metal oxides undergo water-driven structural changes that strongly affect electrochemical charge storage in aqueous electrolytes.
Vitamin C and immune cell function in inflammation and cancer
Authors: Ang Abel , Pullar Juliet M. , Currie Margaret J. , Vissers Margreet C.M.
Published: October 2018

Vitamin C (ascorbate) is maintained at high levels in most immune cells and can affect many aspects of the immune response. Intracellular levels generally respond to variations in plasma ascorbate availability, and a combination of inadequate intake and increased turnover during severe stress can result in low plasma ascorbate status. Intracellular ascorbate supports essential functions and, in particular, acts as an enzyme cofactor for Fe- or Cu-containing oxygenases. Newly discovered enzymes in this family regulate cell metabolism and epigenetics, and dysregulation of their activity can affect cell phenotype, growth and survival pathways, and stem cell phenotype. This brief overview details some of the recent advances in our understanding of how ascorbate availability can affect the hydroxylases controlling the hypoxic response and the DNA and histone demethylases. These processes play important roles in the regulation of the immune system, altering cell survival pathways, metabolism and functions.
Probing the mechanisms of extracellular vesicle biogenesis and function in cancer
Authors: Latifkar Arash , Cerione Richard A. , Antonyak Marc A.
Published: October 2018

Tumor cells interact with each other, and their surroundings, using a variety of mechanisms to promote virtually all aspects of cancer progression. One such form of intercellular communication that has been attracting considerable attention from the cancer community and the pharmaceutical industry in recent years involves the ability of cancer cells to generate multiple distinct types of non-classical secretory vesicles, generally referred to as extracellular vesicles (EVs). Microvesicles (MVs) represent one of the major classes of EVs and are formed as a result of the outward budding and fission of the plasma membrane. The other main class of EVs is exosomes, which are generated when multivesicular bodies fuse with the cell surface and release their contents into the extracellular space. Both MVs and exosomes have been shown to contain bioactive cargo, including proteins, metabolites, RNA transcripts, microRNAs, and DNA that can be transferred to other cancer cells and stimulate their growth, survival, and migration. However, cancer cell-derived EVs also play important roles in helping re-shape the tumor microenvironment to support tumor expansion and invasive activity, dampen immune responses, as well as enter the circulation to help promote metastatic spread. Here, we provide an overview of what is currently known regarding how the different classes of EVs are generated and contribute to various cancer cell phenotypes. Moreover, we highlight how some of the unique properties of EVs are being used for the development of novel diagnostic and clinical applications.
Editorial
Authors: Nüßlein Hubert , Rehart St.
Published: October 2018

Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen,

ja, wie lebt es sich denn eigentlich mit „Rheuma“? Geht es Ihnen auch so?: Meist nehmen wir Kenntnis von diagnostischen oder therapeutischen Möglichkeiten und Neuerungen und freuen uns über gut wirkende Innovationen. Dabei gehen den rheumatologischen Ärzten vielfach Aspekte verloren, die für die Betroffenen eine erhebliche Bedeutung aufweisen. In dem vorliegenden Themenheft haben wir uns gezielt vorgenommen, gerade die Facetten zu adressieren, die bei den verschiedenen rheumatisch-entzündlichen Systemerkrankungen kaum beleuchtet werden, nämlich die vielfältigen Auswirkungen der Erkrankung auf nahezu alle Aspekte des täglichen Lebens. Neben der medikamentösen Behandlung, die als Basis sozusagen gesetzt ist, bedeutet es für die „Rheumapatienten“ immer auch noch, sich mit einer das weitere Leben beeinflußenden chronischen Erkrankung auseinanderzusetzen und diese zunächst überhaupt erst einmal zu akzeptieren.
Keramikimplantate: Was wissen wir?
Authors: Pieralli Stefano , Kohal Ralf , Bruhnke Maria , Spies Benedikt
Published: October 2018

In der modernen Zahnmedizin bieten sich Keramikimplantate als Pfeiler für implantatgetragene Restaurationen an. Auch Patienten interessieren sich immer häufiger für metallfreie Versorgungen – sowohl bei der prothetischen Restauration („Was kommt auf mein Implantat?“) als auch bei der Wahl des Materials („Woraus besteht mein Implantat?“). Für den Behandler stellt sich daher die Frage: „Kann ich keramische Implantate bedenkenlos anbieten?“
Icariin Improves Functional Behavior in a Mouse Model of Traumatic Brain Injury and Promotes Synaptic Plasticity Markers
Authors: Joo Hyejin , Bae Jinhyun , Lee Jun-Seon , Bang Yumi , Lee Beom-Joon , Park Jae-Woo , Lee Kyungjin , Cho Jae-Heung , Bu Youngmin
Published: October 2018

Epimedii Herba (EH) has been used in traditional Asian medicine to treat hemiplegia following stroke. Icariin, its major active component, is used as a quality-control marker and for its various pharmacological effects. We hypothesized that icariin would show protective effects following traumatic brain injury (TBI). The TBI mouse model was induced using a controlled cortical impact method. Body weight, brain damage, motor function, and cognitive function were evaluated. Synaptogenesis markers were analyzed to investigate potential mechanisms of action. The animals were divided into six groups: sham, control, minocycline-treated group, and icariin-treated (3, 10, and 30 mg/kg, p. o.) groups. The icariin 30 mg/kg-treated group regained body weight at 7 and 8 d post TBI. Icariin 30 mg/kg- and 10 mg/kg-treated groups showed enhanced sensory-motor function at 8 d post TBI in rotarod and balance beam tests. Icariin-treated groups showed increased recognition index in the novel object recognition test at all doses and increased spontaneous alternation in the Y-maze test at 30 mg/kg. Icariin upregulated brain-derived neurotrophic factor, synaptophysin and postsynaptic density protein 95 expressions. However, no protective effects against brain damage or neuronal death were observed. The current results provide a basis for using icariin following TBI and suggest that it could be a candidate for the development of therapeutic agents for functional recovery after TBI.
Diebstahlschutz: Gut gewappnet gegen Langfinger
Authors: Sepp Anke
Published: October 2018

Krankenhäuser sind ein beliebtes Ziel von Dieben, die es oft auf die Wertsachen von Patienten abgesehen haben. Auch mobile Computer und Medizingeräte werden gerne entwendet. Mit geeigneten Sicherheitsmaßnahmen können medizinische Einrichtungen das Risiko eines Diebstahls oder Einbruchs senken.
Verteilte Alarmsysteme: Auf die Einstellung kommt es an
Authors: Jendrysiak Udo
Published: October 2018

Der erfolgreiche Einsatz von Mobiltelefonen für die Alarmierung erfolgt unter anderen Randbedingungen als der von Patientenmonitoren und weiteren Medizingeräten am Medizingerät selbst oder an einer Stationszentrale. Erfolgskriterien sind die Begrenzung der Anzahl von Alarmen pro Person und Stunde sowie funktionierende Alarmketten.
Semantische Interoperabilität: Unkodierte Verständigungsprobleme
Authors: Henkel Andreas , Specht Martin , Ammon Danny
Published: October 2018

Weder für die Telematikinfrastruktur noch für aktuelle elektronische Patientenakten wurden bislang semantische Standards als zwingender Bestandteil umgesetzt. Erst medizinische Terminologien sortieren im Gesundheitswesen die Informationsflut und eröffnen Potenziale der Digitalisierung.
Neuer Mobilfunkstandard 5G: Krankenhäuser werden zu Netzbetreibern
Authors: Lang Michael
Published: October 2018

Ab 2020 soll in Europa der Aufbau der neuen 5G-Mobilfunknetze beginnen. Prof. Dr. Christoph Thümmler erklärt im Gespräch, welche Auswirkungen die neue Technologie auf die deutschen Krankenhäuser hat.
Suboccipital Lateral Approach for Resection of Cerebellopontine Angle Meningioma: Operative Video and Technical Nuances
Authors: Reghin Neto Mateus , Melo Almeida Heros , Almeida João , Alexim Ygor , de Almeida Matheus , Tavares Rodrigo , Corrêa Antonio , de Oliveira Evandro
Published: October 2018

We present the case of a 34-year-old woman, who presented to our department with a 4 months history of dizziness, hearing loss, and tinnitus on the right side. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan demonstrated a large extra-axial lesion, suggestive of a meningioma, with dural attachments to the petrosal bone surface and tentorium, closely related with the trigeminal, abducens, facial, vestibulocochlear, and lower cranial nerves in the right side. Treatment options were discussed with the patient, and surgical resection was selected to remove the lesion, and decompress the cranial nerves and brainstem. The surgery was performed with a patient in a semi-seated position with head placed in a flexed, nonrotated position. A right lateral suboccipital approach was performed, exposing the right transverse and sigmoid sinuses. After dura opening, microsurgical dissection was used to open the cisterna magna, and obtain cerebellum relaxation. That was followed by identification of cranial nerves VII–XII and then identification of the tumor itself. Tumor debulking was then performed with use of suction and ultrasonic aspirator. After extensive resection, the tumor margins were dissected away from brainstem, cerebellum, and cranial nerves. Finally, the tumor attachment to the tentorium was coagulated and cut and the tumor was completely removed. Postoperative MRI confirmed complete resection of the tumor. The patient was discharged on the 1st week after surgery, with no additional postoperative deficits or complications.

The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/aZ3jhZTAeAA.
Anatomical Step-by-Step Dissection of Complex Skull Base Approaches for Trainees: Surgical Anatomy of the Posterior Petrosal Approach
Authors: Graffeo Christopher S. , Peris-Celda Maria , Perry Avital , Carlstrom Lucas P. , Driscoll Colin L.W. , Link Michael J.
Published: October 2018

Introduction Although numerous anatomical and operative atlases have been published, those that have focused on the skull base either have provided views that are quite difficult to achieve in the operating room to better depict surgical anatomy or are written at the level of an audience with considerable knowledge and experience.

Methods Five sides of three formalin-fixed latex-injected specimens were dissected under microscopic magnification. A posterior petrosectomy approach was performed by three neurosurgical residents at different training levels with limited previous experience in anatomical dissection mentored by the senior authors (C. L. W. D. and M. J. L.) and a clinical skull base fellow with additional anatomical dissection experience (M. P. C.). Anatomical dissections were performed until the expected level of dissection quality was achieved to demonstrate each important step of the surgical approach that would be understandable to all trainees of all levels. Following dissection education, representative case applications were reviewed.

Results The posterior petrosectomy (also known as presigmoid retrolabyrinthine approach) affords excellent access to cranial nerves III to XI and a diverse array of pathologies. Key steps include positioning and skin incision, scalp and muscle flaps, burr holes, craniotomy flap elevation, superficial mastoidectomy, otic capsule exposure and presigmoid dura decompression, primary presigmoid durotomy, inferior temporal durotomy, superior petrosal sinus ligation, tentorium sectioning, and final exposure.

Conclusion The posterior petrosectomy is a challenging approach; thorough operative-style laboratory dissection is essential to provide trainees with a suitable guide. We describe a comprehensive approach to learning this technique, intended to be understandable and usable by a resident audience.
Prävention von Adipositas und Diabetes mellitus als gesundheitspolitische Herausforderung
Authors: Effertz T. , Laxy M. , Schwettmann L. , Stratil J. M. , von Philipsborn P.
Published: October 2018

Die Prävention von Adipositas und Diabetes mellitus ist eine der zentralen gesundheitspolitischen Herausforderungen der Gegenwart. Bezüglich beider Krankheiten ist in Deutschland noch keine Trendwende in der Prävalenzentwicklung gelungen. Zu diversen Präventionsmaßnahmen liegt mittlerweile hinreichende Evidenz vor, so dass die entscheidenden Hemmnisse für bessere Prävention im Bereich der Durch- und Umsetzung zu sehen sind. Erforderlich ist insbesondere eine stärkere Nutzung verhältnispräventiver Ansätze, die ein besonders großes Potenzial bieten, auf Bevölkerungsebene wirksam und wirtschaftlich zu sein. In Deutschland hat das Thema zuletzt vermehrt politische Aufmerksamkeit erfahren, was sich auch in den Inhalten des im März 2018 beschlossenen Koalitionsvertrags zwischen CDU, CSU und SPD zeigt. Insgesamt besteht in Deutschland jedoch auch im internationalen Vergleich weiterhin großer Nachholbedarf. Fortgesetztes Engagement auf kommunaler, Landes- und Bundesebene ist nötig, um evidenzbasierten Ansätzen zur Umsetzung zu verhelfen.
Verhaltenstherapie der Insomnie
Authors: Richter Kneginja
Published: October 2018

Die kognitive Verhaltenstherapie für Insomnien (KVT-I) ist neben der pharmakologischen Intervention der wichtigste Bestandteil des Kapitels „Insomnie bei Erwachsenen” innerhalb der S3-Leitlinie „Nicht erholsamer Schlaf”. Kognitive Verhaltenstherapie stellt eine effektive Behandlungsoption der Insomnie bei Erwachsenen, unabhängig vom Alter, dar. Die American Academy of Sleep Medicine empfiehlt die Behandlung mit KVT-I bei allen Formen der Insomnie (1, 19).
DGSM-Aktionstag 2018 „Erholsamer Schlaf”: Schichtarbeit bleibt ein Problem
Authors: Schürg Andrea
Published: October 2018

Anlässlich des diesjährigen Aktionstages „Erholsamer Schlaf” erinnerte die DGSM, passend zum Thema unter dem Nachthimmel im Mannheimer Planetarium, erneut an die gesamtgesellschaftliche Bedeutung eines gesunden Schlafes. Durch den frühen Arbeitsbeginn in Deutschland leiden viele Beschäftigte unter Schlafmangel und verminderter Leistungsfähigkeit. 80 % der Beschäftigten klagen über Schlafprobleme. Man schätzt den durch Fehlzeiten verursachten Produktivitätsausfall auf 1,6 % des Bruttosozialprodukts oder 60 Mrd. Euro. Wie Dr. Alfred Wiater, Präsident der DGSM, betonte, müsse allerdings klar zwischen behandlungsbedürftigen Schlafstörungen und reinen Befindlichkeitsstörungen unterschieden werden. Immerhin 6 % der Deutschen leiden jedoch an Schlafstörungen, die dringend therapiert werden müssten. Und genau hier sieht Dr. Wiater aktuell einen großen Handlungsbedarf, da die meisten Krankenkassen sich weigern, adäquate Therapien für Patienten mit Schlafstörungen zu bezahlen.
Numerical simulation of heat transfer features in oblique stagnation-point flow of Jeffrey fluid
Authors: Arshad Ambreen , Sajid M. , Rana M. A. , Mahmood K.
Published: October 2018

This article concentrates on the characteristics of heat transfer in oblique stagnation point flow of Jeffrey fluid deformed by a linear stretchable surface. The surface temperature is higher than that of the ambient fluid. Appropriate transformations are implemented to produce a system of dimensionless equations. Numerical solutions are computed via Keller-Box scheme. Graphical behaviors of numerous physical parameters are illustrated corresponding to velocity and temperature distributions. Numerical data is computed for skin friction coefficient and heat transfer rate corresponding to various pertinent parameters. Location of the stagnation point is also computed through graphical analysis. Velocity and temperature distributions decay for higher values of ratio parameter of relaxation to retardation times and Prandtl number respectively.
Plasma spatial distribution manipulation and electrical property enhancement through plasma coupling effect
Authors: Wang Yaogong , Liu Lingguang , Zhang Xiaoning , Jiang Ming , Liu Chunliang , Zhang Qiaogen
Published: October 2018

Plasma pattern transition in a symmetric hybrid structure cavity device at micrometer scale is researched through microplasma interaction in intervening microchannel between adjacent cavities while manipulating electric field strength. Plasma distribution reconfiguration in central (objective) cavity is observed when sidearm (donor) cavities are ignited. As long as coupling effect occurred by modulating the electric field strength in the sidearm cavities, stable plasma pattern transition in objective cavity is obtained, exhibiting plasma pattern split from one circular spot (initial pattern) to two small circular spots (transited pattern), along with plasma peak emission intensity displacement over 100 μm to its equilibrium position. The shape of transited plasma patterns are depending on the coupling effect from sidearm cavities. The two circular spots unsymmetrically distributed if either donor cavity is ignited, and the ratio of average emission intensity between the two plasma spots is over 30%, however, which is less than 4% if coupling symmetrically occurred. The electrical and optical properties of central microplasma are also modulated, that the breakthrough voltage is decreased by 22% and emission intensity is improved by ∼30%, by means of plasma coupling. The microplasma pattern formation at micrometre scale and manipulation of the electrical properties in microscale cavity implies significant value in the application of plasma transistor and signal processing.
Modeling and simulations of plasma and sheath edges in warm-ion collision-free discharges
Authors: Kos L. , Jelić N. , Gyergyek T. , Kuhn S. , Tskhakaya D. D.
Published: October 2018

It has been shown recently by Kos et al. [Phys. Plasmas 25, 043509 (2018)] that the common plasma-sheath boundary is characterized by three well defined characteristic points, namely the plasma edge (PE), the sheath edge (SE) and the sonic point. Moreover, it has been shown that the sheath profiles, when properly normalized at the SE, as well as the potential drop in the plasma–sheath transition region (PST), (region between between PE and SE) in collision-free (CF) discharges are rather independent of discharge parameters, such as the plasma source profile, ion temperature and plasma density, providing that the sheath thickness is kept well bellow the plasma length. While these findings were obtained by theoretical means under idealized discharge conditions, the question arises whether and to which extent they are relevant under more complex physical scenarios. As a first step toward answering this question the CF discharge with warm ions is examined in this work via kinetic simulation method in which some of the model assumptions, such as independence of time and the Boltzmann distribution of electrons can hardly be ensured. Special attention is payed to effects of ion creation inside the sheath. It is found that only with considerably increased sheath thickness the sonic point always shifts from SE towards the wall. Whether the absolute value of ion directional velocity at the sonic point will increase or decrease depends on the ion temperature and the source strength inside the sheath. In addition preliminary comparison of results obtained under CF assumption with the representative ones obtained with strongly enhanced Coulomb collisions (CC), indicate the relevancy of hypothesis that the VDF of B&J can be considered as a universal one in future reliable kinetic modeling and solving the plasma boundary and sheath problem in both collisional and collision-free plasmas.
Manipulating thermal and electronic transports in thermoelectric Bi2Te3 nanowires by porphyrin adsorption
Authors: Song Erdong , Baranovskiy Andrei , Xu Enzhi , Busani Tito , Swartzentruber Brian , Zhang Shixiong , Amouyal Yaron , Martinez Julio A.
Published: October 2018

Decoupling the electronic thermal and electrical conductivities is one of the limitations hindering a breakthrough in thermoelectric efficiency. After a conformal surface coating of bismuth telluride nanowires (Bi2Te3 NWs) by porphyrins, the thermal conductivity increases from 0.8 to 1.0 Wm-1K-1 at 300 K without any obvious change in electrical conductivity. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations assisted by Boltzmann Transport Equation (BTE) simulations of electronic transport properties indicate that the electronic thermal transport is enhanced by the depletion of surface charge carriers, which results in transition from metallic to semiconducting behavior. Thus, the adsorption of porphyrin onto the Bi2Te3 NWs layer suppresses the surface electronic conduction, resulting in thermal electronic conduction dictated by the bulk of the NW. The results mean that electronic thermal transport can be decoupled from the electrical conductivity by changing the density of surface states on Bi2Te3 NWs.
Effects of vibrationally excited N2 molecules on dielectric breakdown properties of SF6-N2 mixtures
Authors: Tang Nian , Guo Ze , Zhou Yongyan , Li Li
Published: October 2018

This paper aims at studying the effects of the vibrationally excited N2 molecules on the dielectric breakdown properties of the SF6-N2 mixtures. The population of the vibrationally excited N2 molecules is determined from the Boltzmann distribution. For the cold SF6-N2 mixtures, the critical reduced electric field strength (E/N)cr decreases with the increasing vibrational temperature. For the hot SF6-N2 mixtures, the equilibrium compositions are calculated by the minimizing the Gibbs free energy before determining the vibrational distribution function by assuming the vibrational temperature equals to the gas temperature. The calculation results show that when the influence of the vibrationally excited N2 molecules is considered, the critical reduced electric field (E/N)cr of the SF6-N2 mixtures is reduced, and the deviation may be enhanced with a further increase in gas pressure and N2 concentration.
Time-resolved PIV measurement of influence of upstream roughness on separated and reattached turbulent flows over a forward-facing step
Authors: Nematollahi Ali , Tachie Mark F.
Published: October 2018

This study reports an experimental investigation of the effects of upstream roughness on a low Reynolds number turbulent boundary layer over a forward-facing step. Two types of upstream roughness were investigated, including a transitionally rough 16-grit sandpaper (ks+ ≈ 69) and fully rough staggered cubes (ks+ ≈ 500). A two-dimensional two-component time-resolved particle image velocimetry (2D-2C TR-PIV) method was used to measure the time-averaged mean velocities, Reynolds stresses, temporal auto-correlations and frequency spectra of the flow field to quantify the influence of upstream roughness on the downstream evolution of the turbulence over the step. The results indicate that upstream roughness decreased the vortex shedding frequency. Roughness also decreased the reattachment length by enhancing the streamwise turbulence intensity level, reducing the magnitude of backflow and suppressing the vortex shedding frequency in comparison to the smooth wall. In the recirculation region, upstream roughness reduced the mean streamwise velocity only in the outer layer. The Reynolds stresses remained relatively unchanged by the sandpaper roughness but were significantly modified by the cube roughness. Downstream of the leading edge, the staggered cubes increased the streamwise Reynolds stress both near the wall and outside the shear layer but decreased the wall-normal Reynolds stress and Reynolds shear stress within the shear layer. These modifications are inversely proportional to distance in the recirculation region. The life times of the streamwise and wall-normal velocity fluctuations increase with streamwise distance and are much longer in the redevelopment region than in the recirculation region. Quadrant decomposition and joint probability density functions of the velocity fluctuations were also measured to characterize upstream roughness effects on the downstream evolution of the dominant motions producing the Reynolds shear stress.
Facile Preparation of Highly Luminescent Nitrogen-Doped Carbonaceous Nanospheres and Potential Application in Intracellular Imaging of Quercetin
Authors: Gao Buhong , Sun Yu , Miao Yingchun , Min Huihua , Xu Li , Huang Chaobo
Published: October 2018

Highly luminescent nitrogen-doped carbonaceous nanospheres (LNCNs) were synthesized by a one-pot hydrothermal reaction of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and branched polyethylenimine (BPEI). Both the N-doping and amino-functionalisation of LNCNs were achieved simultaneously. The prepared LNCNs display excellent properties such as high physical and chemical stability, excitation wavelength-independent emission, and high photoluminescence quantum yields. Importantly, the LNCNs exhibit a quenching of photoluminescence in the presence of quercetin (Qc) based on the simple static quenching mechanism, making it possible to quantify concentrations from 0.5 to 80 μg mL−1 with a detection limit of 0.21 μg mL−1. Furthermore, the LNCNs probe was further used for imaging Qc in living cells.
Chemical ecology of
Authors: von Hertwig Bittencourt Henrique , Trezzi Michelangelo Muzell , Teixeira Sirlei Dias , da Silva Bonome Lisandro , Garcias de Vargas Aline , Souza Filho Antônio da Silva , Oldoni Tatiane Cadorin
Published: October 2018

South African lovegrass (Eragrostis plana Nees) is an aggressive and difficult-to-control species in grazing areas of the south of South America, whose invasion capacity is increased by its phytotoxic capability. The objectives of this work were to identify and quantify chemicals produced by the plant shoots, to evaluate the inhibitory capability of plant extracts on development of lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and to determine the spatial distribution of phenolics in rhizosphere soil in an infested field. Extracts were obtained by exhaustive extraction of dry shoot biomass, using solvents in increasing order of polarity. Soil samples contained in the rhizosphere were collected from an infested field. Bioassays for determination of phytotoxicity of extracts on lucerne and wheat seedlings were conducted in a completely randomised design with four replicates. The extracts showed suppressive, stimulating or neutral effects on the development of the radicle, shoots, and total lucerne and wheat seedlings, with greater phytotoxicity, generally, of ethyl acetate and methyl alcohol extracts. In the shoot extracts, nine phenolic compounds were identified and quantified: caffeic acid, coumaric acid, ferulic acid, gallic acid, vanillic acid, catechin, epicatechin, resveratrol, rutin. Of these, four were identified in the soil: catechin, epicatechin, coumaric acid, ferulic acid. Catechin, epicatechin and ferulic acid showed similar distribution patterns in the soil profile, with higher concentrations detected on the surface and on the side opposite the plant crown, which indicates release by the decomposition of tissues deposited on the soil surface. Coumaric acid showed higher concentrations on the surface and in the deeper layer of the soil next to the plant, indicating release both from decomposition of the shoots and from the root system. Future work may explore the phytotoxicity of the analytes identified, either isolated or in admixture, using dose curves and an inhibitory response to target plant species.
Stress indicators for Prochilodus lineatus (Characiformes: Prochilodontidae) breeders during passage through a fish ladder
Authors: Bido Adriane F. , Urbinati Elisabeth C. , Makrakis Maristela C. , Celestino Leandro F. , Serra Mônica , Makrakis Sergio
Published: October 2018

This study investigated whether fish ladder transposition is a stressful event for the streaked prochilod, Prochilodus lineatus, in a dam on the Upper Paraná River, Brazil. Bodyweight, standard length and plasma concentrations of cortisol, glucose, lactate, chloride and haematocrit were measured in 48 adult fish (male and female) that were sampled downstream and upstream of the dam and on the fish ladder. The results showed that the intense physical exertion of the fish during ladder transposition demanded high metabolic requirements and activated anaerobic pathways, but was not stressful. We recommend that physiological indicators should be used for post-construing assessments, which would improve the management of migratory fish species.
The Biblical Book of Daniel
Authors: Ferrer Costa Joan , Feliu Francesc , Fullana Olga
Published: October 2018

Delcor (1919-1992) is responsible for a translation of the Book of Daniel, which is the only Catalan version of a book of the Bible produced by a North Catalan author to be included in Fundació Bíblica Catalana’s 1968 Bible. This unique circumstance was the inspiration to recover this translation and publish it in a scientific edition collated with the original texts from which Delcor worked. The introduction situates this singular work in the context of the long history of biblical translations in Catalan and offers an exegetical approach to this work that tradition has transmitted in three languages of the ancient world: Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek. English equivalents of all of the texts have been added as a further point of comparison.
Overall order versus local order in bilingual conversation
Authors: Gafaranga Joseph
Published: October 2018

Language alternation has been investigated from different perspectives. This chapter focuses on the conversation analytic perspective. This perspective divides into two models, namely the local order model and the overall order model. Formulating what appears to be opposite claims about the same object, these models may at first seem to be competing against each other. This chapter shows that, in CA, it is generally understood that the local order and the overall order need each other. Therefore, the chapter argues that the local order model and the overall order model of language alternation should not be seen as competing against each other. Instead the integration of the models is shown to be beneficial to the discipline as a whole.
Transitions with “Okay”
Authors: Reichert Tetyana , Liebscher Grit
Published: October 2018

This chapter discusses language alternation and the use of “okay” in peer interactions among German as a foreign language learners at a university in the English-speaking part of Canada. In these peer interactions, learners composed and rehearsed a role-play in German that was subsequently performed in class. A conversation analytic approach, together with positioning theory, is applied to examine learners’ use of these linguistic resources in the sequential organisation of the interaction and in the management of the learning task. We find that “okay” plays a specific role in marking transitions between languages as well as navigating the task and the students’ relationships.
Does changes in mismatch negativity after tinnitus retraining therapy using tinnitus pitch as deviant stimulus, reflect subjective improvement in tinnitus handicap?
Authors: El-Minawi Mohamed Sherif , Dabbous Abeir Osman , Hamdy Mona Mohamed , Sheta Sara Mohamed
Published: October 2018

Objective:

The objective of this research was to study the ability of Mismatch Negativity response parameters to assess the habituation after Tinnitus Retraining Therapy through comparing MMN parameters before and after TRT and comparing MMN in tinnitus patients to non-tinnitus patients, and correlating MMN parameters to subjective measures of tinnitus.

Methodology:

This research included two groups: a tinnitus group of 30 tinnitus patients who were compared with a control group that consisted of well-matched 10 normal adult subjects. All participants were subjected to full history taking, audiological examination, and MMN test. Tinnitus patients were further assessed for tinnitus severity using the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), tinnitus analyses including pitch and loudness matching, with the PMF as the deviant stimulus for the MMN test.

Results:

The MMN latencies were significantly shorter and the MMN amplitudes were significantly greater in the tinnitus group before TRT than the control group. The MMN amplitude after TRT has significantly decreased and the MMN latency has significantly been prolonged in both ears after TRT compared with before TRT. The MMN amplitude improvement matched the subjective improvement measured subjectively by the THI.

Conclusion:

Tinnitus patients showed abnormality in central auditory processing mechanisms involved in pre-attentive change detection of tinnitus-related neuronal activity. This MMN abnormality showed improvement after habituation using TRT. So, we recommend adding the MMN test in evaluating tinnitus patients objectively before and after TRT for monitoring the treatment progress, together with the usual subjective measures for assessment of the degree of tinnitus severity.
Frequent Door Openings During Cardiac Surgery Are Associated With Increased Risk for Surgical Site Infection: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Roth Jan A , Juchler Fabrice , Dangel Marc , Eckstein Friedrich S , Battegay Manuel , Widmer Andreas F
Published: October 2018

Background

Preliminary studies that analyzed surrogate markers have suggested that operating room (OR) door openings may be a risk factor for surgical site infection (SSI). We therefore aimed to estimate the effect of OR door openings on SSI risk in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Methods

This prospective, observational study involved consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery in 2 prespecified ORs equipped with automatic door-counting devices from June 2016 to October 2017. Occurrence of an SSI within 30 days after cardiac surgery was our primary outcome measure. Respective outcome data were obtained from a national SSI surveillance cohort. We analyzed the relationship between mean OR door opening frequencies and SSI risk by use of uni- and multivariable Cox regression models.

Results

A total of 301 594 OR door openings were recorded during the study period, with 87 676 eligible door openings being logged between incision and skin closure. There were 688 patients included in the study, of whom 24 (3.5%) developed an SSI within 30 days after surgery. In uni- and multivariable analysis, an increased mean door opening frequency during cardiac surgery was associated with higher risk for consecutive SSI (adjusted hazard ratio per 5-unit increment, 1.49; 95% confidence interval, 1.11–2.00; P = .008). The observed effect was driven by internal OR door openings toward the clean instrument preparation room.

Conclusions

Frequent door openings during cardiac surgery were independently associated with an increased risk for SSI. This finding warrants further study to establish a potentially causal relationship between OR door openings and the occurrence of SSI.
A review of the influence of marine habitat classification schemes on mapping studies: inherent assumptions, influence on end products, and suggestions for future developments
Authors: Strong James Asa , Clements Annika , Lillis Helen , Galparsoro Ibon , Bildstein Tim , Pesch Roland
Published: October 2018

The production of marine habitat maps typically relies on the use of habitat classification schemes (HCSs). The choice of which HCS to use for a mapping study is often related to familiarity, established practice, and national desires. Despite a superficial similarity, HCSs differ greatly across six key properties, namely, purpose, environmental and ecological scope, spatial scale, thematic resolution, structure, and compatibility with mapping techniques. These properties impart specific strengths and weaknesses for each HCS, which are subsequently transferred to the habitat maps applying these schemes. This review has examined seven HCSs (that are commonly used and widely adopted for national and international mapping programmes), over the six properties, to understand their influence on marine habitat mapping. In addition, variation in how mappers interpret and apply HCSs introduces additional uncertainties and biases into the final maps. Recommendations are provided for improving HCSs for marine habitat mapping as well as for enhancing the working practices of mappers using habitat classification. It is hoped that implementation of these recommendations will lead to greater certainty and usage within mapping studies and more consistency between studies and adjoining maps.
Prejudice-relevant Correlates of Attitudes towards Refugees: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Cowling Misha Mei , Anderson Joel R , Ferguson Rose
Published: October 2018

This article meta-analyses the available data on attitudes towards refugees and asylum seekers, with the aim of estimating effect sizes for the relationships between these attitudes and prejudice-relevant correlates. Seventy studies (Ntotal = 13,720) were located using systematic database searches and calls for unpublished data. In the case of demographic factors, being male, religious, nationally identified, politically conservative, and less educated were associated with negative attitudes (Fisher’s zs = 0.11, 0.17, 0.18, 0.21, and –0.16, respectively). For ideological factors, increases in right-wing authoritarianism and social-dominance orientations correlated with negative attitudes, while the endorsement of macro (but not micro) justice principles were associated with positive attitudes (Fisher’s zs = 0.50, 0.50, –0.29, and 0.00, respectively). Perceptions of refugees as symbolic and realistic threats were the strongest correlates of negative attitudes (Fisher’s zs = 0.98 and 1.11, respectively). These findings have contributed to the growing body of knowledge that endeavors to understand the antecedents of refugee-specific prejudice, and are discussed in light of the global refugee crisis.
Accommodation as Displacement: Notes from Refugee Camps in Greece in 2016
Authors: Kandylis George
Published: October 2018

Since 2015, Greece has been in the midst of the so-called refugee crisis. State authorities and organisations of the national and international humanitarian system responded by providing refugees with accommodation in organised refugee camps that produce spatially isolated and socially marginal living spaces. Based on official data about the expansion and the characteristics of the camp system and on field observations in certain camps, I argue that camps prolong and expand displacement and thus place human suffering at a distance from which suffering tends to appear as normal.
Relationships Between Opioid Dosing, Pain Severity, and Disability in a Community-Based Chronic Pain Population: An Exploratory Retrospective Analysis
Authors: DiBenedetto David J , Wawrzyniak Kelly M , Finkelman Matthew , Kulich Ronald J , Chen Lucy , Schatman Michael E , Stone Melissa T , Mao Jianren
Published: October 2018

Objective. To determine the relationship between opioid dose change, pain severity, and function in patients with chronic pain. Design. Retrospective cohort study. Setting. Community interdisciplinary pain management practice. Subjects. A total of 778 patients with chronic pain prescribed opioids for three or more consecutive months between April 1, 2013, and March 1, 2015. Methods. Changes in opioid dose, pain severity rating, modified Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire score, and opioid risk data were extracted from medical records and analyzed for associations. Results. Two hundred forty-three subjects (31.2%) had an overall dose decrease, 223 (28.7%) had a dose increase, and 312 (40.1%) had no significant change in dose (<20% change). There was a weak negative correlation between change in opioid dose and change in pain severity (r = –0.08, P = 0.04) but no association between change in disability scores and dose change (N = 526, P = 0.13). There was a weak positive correlation between change in pain severity rating and change in disability scores (r = 0.16, P < 0.001). Conclusions. The results suggest that escalating opioid doses may not necessarily result in clinically significant improvement of pain or disability. Similarly, significant opioid dose reductions may not necessarily result in worsened pain or disability. This exploratory investigation raised questions of possible subgroups of patients who might demonstrate improvement of pain and disability with opioid dose adjustments, and further research should prospectively explore this potential, given the limitations inherent in retrospective analyses. Prescribers should still consider reduction of opioid doses as recommended by current guidelines, in an effort to mitigate the potential risks associated with high-dose treatment.