bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of Functional Polysaccharides and Related Materials Combined with Ionic Liquids
Authors: Kadokawa J.
Published: September 2017

This chapter mainly focuses on the efficient use of ionic liquids for functionalization and materialization of natural polysaccharides. As ionic liquids are known to exhibit good affinity for polysaccharides, they have been employed in a variety of polysaccharide research studies. Although natural polysaccharides such as cellulose and chitin often show poor solubility in water and common organic solvents, ionic liquids have been found to act as good solvents for them. Accordingly, ionic liquids form ion gels with various polysaccharides via appropriate procedures from solutions. These ion gels can be further converted into value-added materials such as hydrogels, nanofibers, and films. Furthermore, a cellulose/chitin binary ion gel has been used as an electrolyte for an electric double layer capacitor. Because polymerizable ionic liquids also show good affinity for polysaccharides, in situ polymerization in the presence of polysaccharides has efficiently produced composite materials with polymeric ionic liquids. The resulting polysaccharide materials combined with ionic liquids show unique and high performance properties, e.g., shape memory, specific fluorescence emission, and high electrical conductivity.
Independent macroscopic chemical mappings of cultural heritage materials with reflectance imaging spectroscopy: case study of a 16th century Aztec manuscript
Authors: Pottier Fabien , Kwimang Salomon , Michelin Anne , Andraud Christine , Goubard Fabrice , Lavédrine Bertrand
Published: September 2017

Hyperspectral image data processing based on specific spectral feature extraction protocols allows mapping of historical painting materials independently.
Metallosupramolecular 3D assembly of dimetallic Zn4[RuL2]2 and trimetallic Fe2Zn2[RuL2]2
Authors: Chen Mingzhao , Wang Jun , Chakraborty Sourav , Liu Die , Jiang Zhilong , Liu Qianqian , Yan Jun , Zhong Hong , Newkome George R. , Wang Pingshan
Published: September 2017

A 3D trismetallo-macromolecule was assembled with a stepwise synthesized key metallo-organic ligand, which was created by a reaction on complex strategy.
Hollow Ag2S nanosphere formation via electron beam-assisted oxidative etching of Ag nanoparticles
Authors: Joo Kim Sung , Seong Dae Kyun , Yeol Park Jae , Yong Lee Jeong , Min Yuk Jong
Published: September 2017

Hollow Ag2S nanosphere formation in an ionic liquid is a stepwise process involving shell formation and hollowing of the Ag nanoparticle.
Using weak interactions to control C–H mono-nitration of indolines
Authors: Bose Anima , Mal Prasenjit
Published: September 2017

By utilising simultaneous cooperative multiple weak interactions (soft forces), mild and selective C5–H or C7–H mono-nitration of indoline was demonstrated.
Assembly of the active center of organophosphorus hydrolase in metal–organic frameworks via rational combination of functional ligands
Authors: Xia Mengfan , Zhuo Caixia , Ma Xuejuan , Zhang Xiaohong , Sun Huaming , Zhai Quanguo , Zhang Yaodong
Published: September 2017

Mimicking the total coordination sphere of the active center of organophosphorus hydrolase in MOFs to destruct nerve agents without co-catalysts.
S-Nitrosothiols: chemistry and reactions
Authors: Zhang Caihong , Biggs Tyler D. , Devarie-Baez Nelmi O. , Shuang Shaomin , Dong Chuan , Xian Ming
Published: September 2017

This Feature Article provides an overview about known chemistry and reactions of S-nitrosothiols.
Correction: Visible-light-enhanced power generation in microbial fuel cells coupling with 3D nitrogen-doped graphene
Authors: Guo Dan , Song Rong-Bin , Shao Hao-Hua , Zhang Jian-Rong , Zhu Jun-Jie
Published: September 2017

Correction for ‘Visible-light-enhanced power generation in microbial fuel cells coupling with 3D nitrogen-doped graphene’ by Dan Guo et al., Chem. Commun., 2017, DOI: 10.1039/c7cc04666a.
The impact of N,N′-ditopic ligand length and geometry on the structures of zinc-based mixed-linker metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Burrows Andrew D. , Chan Siobhan , Gee William J. , Mahon Mary F. , Richardson Christopher , Sebestyen Viorica M. , Turski Domenyk , Warren Mark R.
Published: September 2017

A series of MOFs containing di(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazole linkers have been prepared and characterised.
Delocalized triplet state in porphyrin J-aggregates revealed by EPR spectroscopy
Authors: Bolzonello Luca , Albertini Marco , Collini Elisabetta , Di Valentin Marilena
Published: September 2017

In this work, the electronic structure of the triplet state of self-assembled J-aggregates of tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin (TPPS) has been characterized by means of time-resolved electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy.
The influence of an adsorbate and edge covalent bonds on topological zero modes in few-layer nanographenes
Authors: Ziatdinov Albert M. , Skrylnik Peter G. , Saenko Nikita S.
Published: September 2017

We have established that zero-energy edge π-electronic states (zero modes) in turbostratic few-layer nanographenes are robust against edge functionalization and undergo reversible spin-splitting under the influence of an adsorbate.
Dynamics of π*-resonances in anionic clusters of para-toluquinone
Authors: Bull James N. , Verlet Jan R. R.
Published: September 2017

Frequency-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy applied to mass-selected cluster anions is an insightful approach to characterise the dynamics of π*-resonances with microsolvation.
Modeling the impedance spectra of mixed conducting thin films with exposed and embedded current collectors
Authors: Liu Jiapeng , Ciucci Francesco
Published: September 2017

This article studies the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy response of mixed ionic-electronic conducting (MIEC) films with embedded current collectors (CCs). Even though the MIEC surface is fully exposed, the impact of the CCs can be significant.
Effects of TiCl4treatment on the structural and electrochemical properties of a porous TiO2layer in CH3NH3PbI3perovskite solar cells
Authors: Adli Hasyiya Karimah , Harada Takashi , Nakanishi Shuji , Ikeda Shigeru
Published: September 2017

TiCl4treatment with an appropriate concentration decreases adsorbed water and increases interconnectivity in apTiO2layer to improve electron transfer ability.
Electrolyte containing lithium cation in squaraine-sensitized solar cells: interactions and consequences for performance and charge transfer dynamics
Authors: Novelli Vittoria , Barbero Nadia , Barolo Claudia , Viscardi Guido , Sliwa Michel , Sauvage Frédéric
Published: September 2017

The role played by lithium in the electrolyte and its interplay in the charge transfer processes on squaraine dye solar cells.
Relativistic effects at the Cu2O2 core – a density functional theory study
Authors: Witte Matthias , Herres-Pawlis Sonja
Published: September 2017

Relativistic effects in real existing bis(μ-oxo) copper(iii) and side-on peroxo dicopper(ii) complexes are elucidated.
Giant anisotropic photogalvanic effect in a flexible AsSb monolayer with ultrahigh carrier mobility
Authors: Zhao Pei , Li Jianwei , Wei Wei , Sun Qilong , Jin Hao , Huang Baibiao , Dai Ying
Published: September 2017

The predicted AsSb monolayers show direct band gaps and giant anisotropic photogalvanic effect.
Dissociative iodomethane adsorption on Ag-MOR and the formation of AgI clusters: an ab initio molecular dynamics study
Authors: Bučko Tomáš , Chibani Siwar , Paul Jean-François , Cantrel Laurent , Badawi Michael
Published: September 2017

Usingab initioMD simulations, a full transformation path of iodomethane in Ag-MOR is explored: from adsorption to formation of AgI clusters.
Double salt ionic liquids based on 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate and hydroxyl-functionalized ammonium acetates: strong effects of weak interactions
Authors: Pereira Jorge F. B. , Barber Patrick S. , Kelley Steven P. , Berton Paula , Rogers Robin D.
Published: September 2017

The weaker N–H⋯O interactions between hydroxyl-functionalized ammonium acetates are more important than the stronger O–H⋯O interactions in determining solubility in the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate.
Theta-1 zeolite catalyst for increasing the yield of propene when cracking olefins and its potential integration with an olefin metathesis unit
Authors: Blay Vincent , Miguel Pablo J. , Corma Avelino
Published: September 2017

Theta-1 zeolite with secondary mesoporosity improves propene selectivity with respect to ZSM-5 for cracking of olefins.
Covalently immobilized ionic liquids on single layer nanosheets for heterogeneous catalysis applications
Authors: Zhou Yingjie , Liu Jingjing , Huang Rongcai , Zhang Meng , Xiao Min , Meng Yuezhong , Sun Luyi
Published: September 2017

Covalently immobilized ionic liquids on sinlge layer α-zirconium phosphate nanosheets can serve as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for various reactions, such as Knoevenagel condensation of benzaldehyde with ethyl cyanoacetate.
Thermal expansion and magnetic properties of benzoquinone-bridged dinuclear rare-earth complexes
Authors: Moilanen Jani O. , Mansikkamäki Akseli , Lahtinen Manu , Guo Fu-Sheng , Kalenius Elina , Layfield Richard A. , Chibotaru Liviu F.
Published: September 2017

The complexes [BQ(MCl2·THF3)2] (M = Y or Dy) possessing pentagonal bipyramidal environment around metal centers undergo significant thermal expansion as revealed by single-crystal X-ray and powder diffraction experiments.
A new glance on R2MGe6(R = rare earth metal, M = another metal) compounds. An experimental and theoretical study of R2PdGe6germanides
Authors: Freccero Riccardo , Solokha Pavlo , Proserpio Davide M. , Saccone Adriana , De Negri Serena
Published: September 2017

The R2PdGe6series (R = rare earth metal) was analyzed from structural and theoretical point of view.
Solid state structures and properties of free-base 5,10,15-triphenylcorrole (TPCor) anions obtained by deprotonation and reduction. Effective magnetic coupling of spins in (Cp*2Cr+)(H+)(H2TPCor˙2−)·C6H4Cl2
Authors: Konarev Dmitri V. , Karimov Dmitri R. , Khasanov Salavat S. , Shestakov Alexander F. , Otsuka Akihiro , Yamochi Hideki , Kitagawa Hiroshi , Lyubovskaya Rimma N.
Published: September 2017

The structures and properties of free-base triphenylcorrole radical H2TPCor˙2− dianions and diamagnetic deprotonated H2TPCor− anions have been studied. In both cases, deprotonation provides a planar shape of the corrole macrocycle. High-spin Cp*2Cr+ (S = 3/2) and H2TPCor˙2− with the S = 1/2 spin state alternate in the π-stacks providing effective antiferromagnetic coupling of spins.
Self-assembly of P-chiral supramolecular phosphines on rhodium and direct evidence for Rh-catalyst-substrate interactions
Authors: Koshti Vijay S. , Sen Anirban , Shinde Dinesh , Chikkali Samir H.
Published: September 2017

The self-assembly of p-chiral supramolecular phosphines on a rhodium metal has been established and direct evidence to demonstrate the existence of hydrogen bonding between the supramolecular catalyst and the substrate has been presented.
A series of anionic host coordination polymers based on azoxybenzene carboxylate: structures, luminescence and magnetic properties
Authors: Feng Xun , Guo Nan , Chen Haipeng , Wang Helin , Yue Lingyun , Chen Xin , Ng Seik Weng , Liu Xinfang , Ma Lufang , Wang Liya
Published: September 2017

Series of luminescent or magnetic coordination polymers based on azoxybenzene tetracarboxylic acid and bipyridine have been afforded, and characterized systematically.
Syntheses, structures and properties of metal phosphates Pb2Mg(PO4)2, Pb4Zn8(PO4)8and α-BaZn2(PO4)2
Authors: Pan Xiaobo , Wen Ming , He Guijie , Li Hongyi , Jia Dianzeng
Published: September 2017

Pb2Mg(PO4)2, Pb4Zn8(PO4)8and α-BaZn2(PO4)2have been synthesized by the standard solid-state reaction and their structures were reported for the first time.
Fabrication of a mesoporous Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3−δ perovskite as a low-cost and efficient catalyst for oxygen reduction
Authors: Cui Xiangzhi , O'Hayre Ryan , Pylypenko Svitlana , Zhang Linlin , Zeng Liming , Zhang Xiaohua , Hua Zile , Chen Hangrong , Shi Jianlin
Published: September 2017

The redox couples Co4+/Co3+ and Fe3+/Fe2+, and oxygen vacancies in mesoporous Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3−δ endow the precious metal-free cathode catalyst with high ORR catalytic activity, and more importantly excellent methanol tolerance and electro-catalytic stability.
Comparison of the Ca2+complexing properties of isosaccharinate and gluconate – is gluconate a reliable structural and functional model of isosaccharinate?
Authors: Dudás C. , Kutus B. , Böszörményi É. , Peintler G. , Kele Z. , Pálinkó I. , Sipos P.
Published: September 2017

During the interactions of α-d-isosaccharinate andd-gluconate with Ca2+in aqueous solution, differences rather than similarities prevail.
Trackable galvanostatic history in phase separation based electrodes for lithium-ion batteries: a mosaic sub-grouping intercalation model
Authors: Park Kyu-Young , Hong Jihyun , Seong Won-Mo , Kim Jung-Joon , Ku Kyojin , Lee Byungju , Kang Kisuk
Published: September 2017

Here, we demonstrated for the first time the transient voltage variation occurring dependent on the history of current density induced.
Mechanistic insights into photoinduced damage of DNA and RNA nucleobases in the gas phase and in bulk solution
Authors: Chakraborty Pratip , Karsili Tolga N. V. , Marchetti Barbara , Matsika Spiridoula
Published: September 2017

The mechanistic details of well-known photohydrate lesions are explored using state-of-the-art computational methods.
Freeze-dried strawberry and blueberry attenuates diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance in rats by inhibiting adipogenesis and lipogenesis
Authors: Aranaz Paula , Romo-Hualde Ana , Zabala María , Navarro-Herrera David , Ruiz de Galarreta Marina , Gil Ana Gloria , Martinez J. Alfredo , Milagro Fermín I. , González-Navarro Carlos J.
Published: September 2017

Freeze-dried strawberry/blueberry powder might be useful for treatment/prevention of obesity-related diseases as it improves weight, fat and glucose-related biomarkers.
Advances in discharge-based microplasmas for the analysis of trace species by atomic spectrometry
Authors: Liu Shuang , Yu Yong-Liang , Wang Jian-Hua
Published: September 2017

Discharge-based microplasmas for the analysis of trace species by atomic spectrometry are described, with emphasis on four typical applications.
Synthesis and photophysical studies of asymmetric zinc phthalocyanine–magnetic nanoparticle conjugates
Authors: Gold Matlou Gauta , Kobayashi Nagao , Kimura Mutsumi , Nyokong Tebello
Published: September 2017

This work reports on the synthesis and amide bond linkage of carboxylic acid functionalized asymmetric zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) complexes to amino magnetic nanoparticles (AMNPs).
Fluorophore-functionalized graphene oxide with application in cell imaging
Authors: Lei Lei , Ma Hengchang , Yang Manyi , Qin Yanfang , Ma Yucheng , Wang Tao , Yang Yuan , Lei Ziqiang , Lu Dedai , Guan Xiaolin
Published: September 2017

A fluorescent carbon material with excellent fluorescence performances and a nearly nucleus-staining was prepared by a simple method.
Synthesis and electrochemical performance of nano TiO2(B)-coated Li[Li0.2Mn0.54Co0.13Ni0.13]O2 cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Gan Yongping , Wang Yishun , Han Jianfeng , Zhang Liyuan , Sun Wei , Xia Yang , Huang Hui , Zhang Jun , Liang Chu , Zhang Wenkui
Published: September 2017

Much improved electrochemical properties of LMCNO composites were achieved by hydrothermal coating of TiO2(B) nano particles.
Study on the synthesis of 2-fluoro-2,2-dinitroethyl esters as a potential melt cast matrix in explosive charges
Authors: Ma Jinchao , Yang Hongwei , Cheng Guangbin
Published: September 2017

Polynitro energetic compounds with low melting points, high thermal stabilities, good detonation properties, and considerably mechanical insensitivities are reported; some of these compounds are promising potential replacements of TNT used in melt cast explosives.
Ultrathin ZnSe nanowires: one-pot synthesis via a heat-triggered precursor slow releasing route, controllable Mn doping and application in UV and near-visible light detection
Authors: Li Dong , Xing Guanjie , Tang Shilin , Li Xiaohong , Fan Louzhen , Li Yunchao
Published: September 2017

One-pot synthesis and doping of high-quality ZnSe ultrathin nanowires are reported for fabricating high-performance photodetectors and photochromic cards.
Hot electron–hole plasma dynamics and amplified spontaneous emission in ZnTe nanowires
Authors: Peng Shaomin , Xing Guichuan , Tang Zikang
Published: September 2017

Electron–hole (e–h) plasma dynamics and electron–phonon interactions in high-quality ZnTe nanowires (NWs) are systematically investigated.
The ideal porous structure of EDLC carbon electrodes with extremely high capacitance
Authors: Urita K. , Urita C. , Fujita K. , Horio K. , Yoshida M. , Moriguchi I.
Published: September 2017

We propose an ideal porous structure of carbon electrodes for electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs).
Nanodiamonds as pH-switchable oxidation and reduction catalysts with enzyme-like activities for immunoassay and antioxidant applications
Authors: Chen T. M. , Tian X. M. , Huang L. , Xiao J. , Yang G. W.
Published: September 2017

We have demonstrated that nanodiamonds (NDs), as oxidation and reduction catalysts, possess intrinsic enzyme mimetic properties of oxidase, peroxidase and catalase, and these behaviors can be switched by modulating the pH value.
Nazarov reaction: current trends and recent advances in the synthesis of natural compounds and their analogs
Authors: Vinogradov Maxim G. , Turova Olga V. , Zlotin Sergei G.
Published: September 2017

Recent applications of the Nazarov reaction to stereoselective synthesis of pharmacology-relevant cyclopentenone scaffolds are summarized.
One-pot formation of monodisperse polymer@SiO2 core–shell nanoparticles via surfactant-free emulsion polymerization using an adaptive silica precursor polymer
Authors: Zhao Yongliang , Wang Haitao , Zhu Xiaomin , Möller Martin
Published: September 2017

Monodisperse PMMA@SiO2 core–shell nanoparticles are formed via a new type of surfactant-free emulsion polymerization using polyethoxysiloxane as a silica precursor.
Emission characteristics and relationships among PCDD/Fs, chlorobenzenes, chlorophenols and PAHs in the stack gas from two municipal solid waste incinerators in China
Authors: Wang Tianjiao , Chen Tong , Lin Binbin , Lin Xiaoqing , Zhan Mingxiu , Li Xiaodong
Published: September 2017

An investigation was conducted into polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and furan formation mechanisms and the relationships with chlorobenzenes, chlorophenols and PAHs in the stack gas from two fluidized bed municipal solid waste incinerators.
Improvement of structure and electrical conductivity of activated carbon by catalytic graphitization using N2plasma pretreatment and iron(iii) loading
Authors: Shi Shukai , Zhou Xiaoyan , Chen Weimin , Chen Minzhi , Nguyen Thiphuong , Wang Xin , Zhang Wei
Published: September 2017

In order to improve the amorphous structure and electrical conductivity of commercially activated carbon (AC), nitrogen radio-frequency plasma was firstly used to pretreat AC, followed by loading Fe3+to catalyze graphitization of AC.
Thermoelectric properties of DO3 V3Al using first principles calculations
Authors: Chen Xiaorui , Huang Yuhong , Chen Hong
Published: September 2017

The calculated thermoelectric figure of merit ZT as a function of temperature for n-type antiferromagnetic DO3 V3Al and p-type antiferromagnetic DO3 V3Al is investigated.
A short synthesis of 7-amino alkoxy homoisoflavonoides
Authors: Asadipour Ali , Pourshojaei Yaghoub , Eskandari Khalil , Foroumadi Alireza
Published: September 2017

The synthesis of novel derivatives of homoisoflavonoids as potentially interesting medicinally important heterocycles in an efficient catalytic alternative two-step route has been introduced.
Addressing the autofluorescence issue in deep tissue imaging by two-photon microscopy: the significance of far-red emitting dyes
Authors: Jun Yong Woong , Kim Hye Rim , Reo Ye Jin , Dai Mingchong , Ahn Kyo Han
Published: September 2017

We have developed a new class of two-photon absorbing dyes that are far-red emitting, water-soluble, and very bright inside cells as well as in tissue. The significant autofluorescence from yellow wavelength region in tissue imaging can be addressed by deep-red emitting dyes.
Effect of Linguistic and Musical Experience on Distributional Learning of Nonnative Lexical Tones
Authors: Ong Jia Hoong , Burnham Denis , Escudero Paola , Stevens Catherine J.
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Evidence suggests that extensive experience with lexical tones or musical training provides an advantage in perceiving nonnative lexical tones. This investigation concerns whether such an advantage is evident in learning nonnative lexical tones based on the distributional structure of the input.

Method

Using an established protocol, distributional learning of lexical tones was investigated with tone language (Mandarin) listeners with no musical training (Experiment 1) and nontone language (Australian English) listeners with musical training (Experiment 2). Within each experiment, participants were trained on a bimodal (2-peak) or a unimodal (single peak) distribution along a continuum spanning a Thai lexical tone minimal pair. Discrimination performance on the target minimal pair was assessed before and after training.

Results

Mandarin nonmusicians exhibited clear distributional learning (listeners in the bimodal, but not those in the unimodal condition, improved significantly as a function of training), whereas Australian English musicians did not (listeners in both the bimodal and unimodal conditions improved as a function of training).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that veridical perception of lexical tones is not sufficient for distributional learning of nonnative lexical tones to occur. Rather, distributional learning appears to be modulated by domain-specific pitch experience and is constrained possibly by top-down interference.
A Newly Developed mm-Wave Sensor for Detecting Plaques of Arterial Vessels
Authors: Detert Markus , Wagner David , Wessel Jan , Ramzan Rabia , Nimphius Wilhelm , Ramaswamy Anette , Guha Subhajit , Wenger Christian , Jamal Farabi , Eissa Mohammed , Schumann Ulrich , Schmidt Betram , Rose Georg , Dahl Christoph , Rolfes Ilona , Notzon Gordon , Baer Christoph , Musch Thomas , Vogt Sebastian
Published: September 2017

Background Microcalcifications within the fibrous cap of the arteriosclerotic plaques lead to the accrual of plaque-destabilizing mechanical stress. New techniques for plaque screening with small detectors and the ability to differentiate between the smooth and hard elements of plaque formation are necessary.

Method Vascular plaque formations are characterized as calcium phosphate containing structures organized as hydroxylapatite resembling the mineral whitlockite. In transmission and reflexion studies with a simple millimeter wave (mm-wave)–demonstrator, we found that there is a narrow window for plaque detection in arterial vessels because of the tissue water content, the differentiation to fatty tissue, and the dielectric property of air or water, respectively.

Result The new sensor is based on a sensing oscillator working around 27 GHz. The open-stub capacitance determines the operating frequency of the sensor oscillator. The capacitance depends on the dielectric properties of the surrounding material. The sensor components were completely built up in surface mount technique.

Conclusion Completed with a catheter, the sensor based on microwave technology appears as a robust tool ready for further clinical use.
MitraClip for High-Risk Patients with Significant Mitral Insufficiency: Shall We Unreservedly Recommend It?
Authors: Claus Thomas , Hartrumpf Martin , Kuehnel Ralf , Braun Christian , Butter Christian , Albes Johannes , Ostovar Roya
Published: September 2017

Background MitraClip (Abbott Inc.) is propagated as a palliative option for high-risk patients with mitral insufficiency considered not qualifying for surgical repair. A proportion of patients requires consecutive surgery because of technical failure or inappropriate clinical improvement. Furthermore, surgical reconstruction is impossible in almost all patients after MitraClip implantation. Consequently, these patients receive replacement although primary repair may have been possible. The outcome of those patients compared with patients receiving primary mitral valve replacement (MVR) or mitral valve repair (MVP) was analyzed.

Methods A total of 23 patients were retrospectively analyzed after MVR following MitraClip. Overall, 46 patients with corresponding demographic data and risk profile receiving primary MVR (23 patients) or MVP (23 patients) were retrieved for matched pair analysis.

Results Mean age was 70 years in all groups, log European system for cardiac operative risk evaluation (EuroSCORE) was 22.47% ± 16.30 in MVR after MitraClip (MC), 22.34% ± 16.23 in MVP, and 22.33% ± 16.14 in MVR group. Preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 44%, and postoperative LVEF was 48% in all groups. The 30-day mortality was 21.7% in the MitraClip group whereas it was 4.3% in the MVR and 13.0% in the MVP group. The 1-year survival was 56.5% in the MitraClip group while it was 95.6% in the MVR group and 82.6% in the MVP group (Wilcoxon test: p = 0.007; chi-square test: p = 0.001 MitraClip vs. MVR; p = 0.054 MitraClip vs. MVP).

Conclusions Patients requiring surgical MVR after the previous MitraClip fared worse than matched cohorts receiving primary MVR or MVP. Indication for MitraClip should, therefore, be made very cautiously given the excellent results gained with primary surgery.
Latent Class Analysis of Brain Injury Symptomatology among College Students
Authors: Hux Karen , Brown Jessica , Lambert Matthew
Published: September 2017

Background Incidents potentially causing mild brain injury (BI) are common, and most people recover rapidly; however, a subset experiences long-lasting challenges.

Objective This study used latent class analysis to identify a subset of college students presenting chronic symptomatology consistent with a mild BI diagnosis and pseudo-class mean equality tests to examine relations between latent classes and BI event and academic outcome variables.

Methods Participants were 118/423 undergraduates self-reporting possible mild BIs through a survey about general health, daily habits, academic performance, and potential BI events. Twenty-four cognitive, physiological, or socio-emotional sequelae served to identify symptomatology profiles.

Results A three-class model including 11% with high symptomatology, 49% with moderate symptomatology, and 40% with negligible symptomatology provided excellent fit and entropy. Symptoms best separating high and moderate classes were memory, thinking speed, new learning, and attention problems. Mean equality tests revealed no significant difference in number of BI events across classes, but high symptomatology respondents were significantly less likely to lose consciousness and significantly more likely to have lower grade point averages and to have failed courses than moderate symptomatology respondents.

Discussion Cognitive problems are paramount in distinguishing college students with chronic high symptomatology following BI from those with moderate and negligible symptomatology. Because high symptomatology class individuals differ academically from their counterparts, a functional consequence of mild BI appears to exist.

Conclusion About 1 in 10 undergraduate students self-reporting BI events experiences chronic symptomatology affecting general health and academic achievement. Because they may benefit from supportive services, accurate identification is critical.
Ultraschall peripherer Gelenke und des Achsenskeletts
Authors: Scheicht D. , Strunk J. , Hartung W.
Published: September 2017

Die Sonografie von Gelenken und periartikulären Strukturen ist heute zu einem festen Bestandteil der rheumatologischen Diagnostik geworden. Besonders in der Diagnostik der frühen Arthritis und der Differenzialdiagnostik bei unklaren klinischen Befunden besteht aufgrund der hohen Sensitivität hinsichtlich entzündlicher Veränderungen an Knochen und Weichteilen eine wichtige Bedeutung. Weiterhin hat die Gelenkultraschalluntersuchung einen festen Stellenwert im Therapiemonitoring und der Prognoseabschätzung.
Combination Therapy of Intravenous Steroids and Orbital Irradiation is More Effective Than Intravenous Steroids Alone in Patients with Graves’ Orbitopathy
Authors: Oeverhaus Michael , Witteler Tobias , Lax Hildegard , Esser Joachim , Führer Dagmar , Eckstein Anja
Published: September 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of intravenous (iv) glucocorticoids (GCs) with and without orbital radiotherapy (ORT) in a retrospective analysis of patients with active, moderate-to-severe Graves’ orbitopathy (GO). Since diplopia has the strongest impact on quality of life, a careful work up of motility and binocular single vision (BSV) has been performed. The Essen-EUGOGO-Center database (n=3655) was screened for patients with untreated moderate-to-severe, active GO, onset ≤12 months. The inclusion criteria were met by 148 patients (n=76 ivGC, n=72 ivGC + ORT). We analyzed CAS (inactivation: ≤2), NOSPECS, lid-width, proptosis, motility, and field of BSV. To score the overall ophthalmic outcome, a severity-weighted-score (SOS) was compared with an established EUGOGO inflammation-weighted-score (IOS). Cumulative ivGCs dosages and duration of GO did not differ between the groups. Patients with combination therapy had a significantly more severe GO at baseline. Therefore, a subgroup with matched severity was additionally compared. In the IOS, both groups reached similar improvement rates (55.2 vs. 63.9%; p=0.31). However, in the SOS, the rates differed significantly (46.1 vs. 61.1%; p=0.03- unmatched and p=0.03 matched), despite similar rates of inactivation (65.8 vs. 63.8%). Impaired motility improved significantly more often after combination therapy (p=0.01 matched, p=0.004 unmatched). Treatment responders showed only partial improvement (proptosis: 2.5±0.5 mm; motility: 11.3±10.9°). In our retrospective analysis, combination therapy (ivGCs + ORT) was significantly more effective in reduction of severity and should therefore always be considered in moderate-to-severe GO stages, especially in the presence of motility disorders. However, the limited improvement in clinical parameters, despite the promising effect on inactivation of inflammation, has to be outlined to the patients.
A Critical Commentary on the 2017 AGNP Consensus Guidelines for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring in Neuropsychopharmacology
Authors: de Leon Jose
Published: September 2017

In 2004, 2011, and 2017, the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Neuropsychopharmakologie und Pharmakopsychiatrie (AGNP), a group of German-speaking psychiatric researchers and psychiatrists, published successive versions of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) expert group consensus guidelines. The 2017 version has as a major strength its encyclopedic nature, including 1358 references. The guideline has 3 major sections: 1) theoretical aspects of TDM, 2) drug concentration levels in blood to guide neuropsychopharmacotherapy, and 3) practical aspects of TDM in psychiatry and neurology. The writer hopes the time is right for a TDM guideline in psychiatry, which is indicated for: 1) psychiatric researchers ready to value how TDM can contribute to moving psychopharmacology forward, 2) flexible clinicians ready to improve their patient care by personalizing dosing, and 3) today’s psychiatry residents prepared as a new generation ready to be trained in TDM and willing to continue incorporating TDM as new psychiatric drugs are marketed.
Exercise Training Protects Cardiomyocytes from Deleterious Effects of Palmitate
Authors: Alves Marcia , Roman-Campos Danilo , Parreira Amanda , Almeida Pedro , Cruz Jader , Guatimosim Silvia , Dias-Peixoto Marco
Published: September 2017

We investigated the effects of palmitate, a high saturated fat, on Ca2+, action potential and reactive oxygen species dynamics in cardiomyocytes from untrained and trained mice. Male mice were subjected to moderate intensity exercise training on a treadmill. Cardiomyocytes of untrained and trained mice were isolated, treated for 30 min with palmitate and intracellular calcium transient and action potential duration were recorded. Additionally, we assessed reactive oxygen species generation. Treatment of cardiomyocytes from untrained mice with palmitate induced a significant decrease in Ca2+ transient magnitude by 34%. Exercise training did not change cardiomyocyte Ca2+ dynamics in the control group. However, trained cardiomyocytes were protected from deleterious effects of palmitate. Action potential duration was not altered by palmitate in either untrained or trained cardiomyocytes. Moreover, palmitate treatment increased reactive oxygen species generation in both untrained and trained cardiomyocytes. Nevertheless, the levels of reactive oxygen species in trained cardiomyocytes treated with palmitate were still 27% lower than those seen at basal conditions in untrained cardiomyocytes. Taken together, these findings indicate that exercise training protects cardiomyocytes from deleterious effects of palmitate possibly by inhibiting exacerbated ROS production.
Heavy ion-acoustic rogue waves in electron-positron multi-ion plasmas
Authors: Chowdhury N. A. , Mannan A. , Hasan M. M. , Mamun A. A.
Published: September 2017

The nonlinear propagation of heavy-ion-acoustic (HIA) waves (HIAWs) in a four-component multi-ion plasma (containing inertial heavy negative ions and light positive ions, as well as inertialess nonextensive electrons and positrons) has been theoretically investigated. The nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS) equation is derived by employing the reductive perturbation method. It is found that the NLS equation leads to the modulational instability (MI) of HIAWs, and to the formation of HIA rogue waves (HIARWs), which are due to the effects of nonlinearity and dispersion in the propagation of HIAWs. The conditions for the MI of HIAWs and the basic properties of the generated HIARWs are identified. It is observed that the striking features (viz., instability criteria, growth rate of MI, amplitude and width of HIARWs, etc.) of the HIAWs are significantly modified by the effects of nonextensivity of electrons and positrons, the ratio of light positive ion mass to heavy negative ion mass, the ratio of electron number density to light positive ion number density, the ratio of electron temperature to positron temperature, etc. The relevancy of our present investigation to the observations in space (viz., cometary comae and earth's ionosphere) and laboratory (viz., solid-high intense laser plasma interaction experiments) plasmas is pointed out.
Tunable frequency response of tunnel-type magneto-dielectric effect in Co−MgF2 granular films with different content of Co
Authors: Cao Y. , Umetsu A. , Kobayashi N. , Ohnuma S. , Masumoto H.
Published: September 2017

We have demonstrated the frequency dependence of the tunnel-type magneto-dielectric (TMD) effect in superparamagnetic Cox−(MgF2)1–x granular nanostructures by precise variations of x from 0.06 to 0.2. The structures consist of the nanometer-sized Co granules embedded in a crystallized MgF2 dielectric matrix. We observed an increased peak dielectric change Δε′/ε′0 from 0.8% to 3% at a specific frequency fTMD, and tunable fTMD was achieved from 8 kHz to 6.6 MHz by increasing x. Theoretical fittings predict that the narrow distribution of relaxation time gave rise to an enhanced Δε′/ε′0 and the narrowing of fTMD; the position variation of fTMD was attributed to the change in the intergranular distance between a pair of two neighboring granules. This study may help understand the fundamental physics between the TMD effect and nanometric structure and indicate that the films may work at higher frequency for devices with tunable dielectrics.
The effect of crowder charge in a model polymer–colloid system for macromolecular crowding: Polymer structure and dynamics
Authors: Palit Swomitra , He Lilin , Hamilton William A. , Yethiraj Arun , Yethiraj Anand
Published: September 2017

We have examined the effect of crowder particle charge on macromolecular structure, studied via small-angle neutron scattering, and translational dynamics, studied via pulsed-field gradient NMR, in addition to bulk viscosity measurements, in a polymer macromolecule (polyethylene glycol)—nanoparticle crowder (polysucrose, Ficoll70) model system, in the case where polymer size and crowder size are comparable. While there are modest effects of crowder charge on polymer dynamics at relatively low packing fractions, there is only a tiny effect at the high packing fractions that represent the limit of molecular crowding. We find, via different measures of macromolecular mobility, that the mobility of the flexible polymer in the crowding limit is 10–100 times larger than that of the compact, spherical crowder in spite of their similar size, implying that the flexible polymer chain is able to squeeze through crowder interstices.
Bias sputtered NbN and superconducting nanowire devices
Authors: Dane Andrew E. , McCaughan Adam N. , Zhu Di , Zhao Qingyuan , Kim Chung-Soo , Calandri Niccolo , Agarwal Akshay , Bellei Francesco , Berggren Karl K.
Published: September 2017

Superconducting nanowire single photon detectors (SNSPDs) promise to combine near-unity quantum efficiency with >100 megacounts per second rates, picosecond timing jitter, and sensitivity ranging from x-ray to mid-infrared wavelengths. However, this promise is not yet fulfilled, as superior performance in all metrics is yet to be combined into one device. The highest single-pixel detection efficiency and the widest bias windows for saturated quantum efficiency have been achieved in SNSPDs based on amorphous materials, while the lowest timing jitter and highest counting rates were demonstrated in devices made from polycrystalline materials. Broadly speaking, the amorphous superconductors that have been used to make SNSPDs have higher resistivities and lower critical temperature (Tc) values than typical polycrystalline materials. Here, we demonstrate a method of preparing niobium nitride (NbN) that has lower-than-typical superconducting transition temperature and higher-than-typical resistivity. As we will show, NbN deposited onto unheated SiO2 has a low Tc and high resistivity but is too rough for fabricating unconstricted nanowires, and Tc is too low to yield SNSPDs that can operate well at liquid helium temperatures. By adding a 50 W RF bias to the substrate holder during sputtering, the Tc of the unheated NbN films was increased by up to 73%, and the roughness was substantially reduced. After optimizing the deposition for nitrogen flow rates, we obtained 5 nm thick NbN films with a Tc of 7.8 K and a resistivity of 253 μΩ cm. We used this bias sputtered room temperature NbN to fabricate SNSPDs. Measurements were performed at 2.5 K using 1550 nm light. Photon count rates appeared to saturate at bias currents approaching the critical current, indicating that the device's quantum efficiency was approaching unity. We measured a single-ended timing jitter of 38 ps. The optical coupling to these devices was not optimized; however, integration with front-side optical structures to improve absorption should be straightforward. This material preparation was further used to fabricate nanocryotrons and a large-area imager device, reported elsewhere. The simplicity of the preparation and promising device performance should enable future high-performance devices.
An enhanced rheometer inertia correction procedure (ERIC) for the study of gelling systems using combined motor-transducer rheometers
Authors: Hudson R. E. , Holder A. J. , Hawkins K. M. , Williams P. R. , Curtis D. J.
Published: September 2017

The rheological characterisation of viscoelastic materials undergoing a sol-gel transition at the Gel Point (GP) has important applications in a wide range of industrial, biological, and clinical environments and can provide information regarding both kinetic and microstructural aspects of gelation. The most rigorous basis for identifying the GP involves exploiting the frequency dependence of the real and imaginary parts of the complex shear modulus of the critical gel (the system at the GP) measured under small amplitude oscillatory shear conditions. This approach to GP identification requires that rheological data be obtained over a range of oscillatory shear frequencies. Such measurements are limited by sample mutation considerations (at low frequencies) and, when experiments are conducted using combined motor-transducer (CMT) rheometers, by instrument inertia considerations (at high frequencies). Together, sample mutation and inertia induced artefacts can lead to significant errors in the determination of the GP. Overcoming such artefacts is important, however, as the extension of the range of frequencies available to the experimentalist promises both more accurate GP determination and the ability to study rapidly gelling samples. Herein, we exploit the frequency independent viscoelastic properties of the critical gel to develop and evaluate an enhanced rheometer inertia correction procedure. The procedure allows acquisition of valid GP data at previously inaccessible frequencies (using CMT rheometers) and is applied in a study of the concentration dependence of bovine gelatin gelation GP parameters. A previously unreported concentration dependence of the stress relaxation exponent (α) for critical gelatin gels has been identified, which approaches a limiting value (α = 0.7) at low gelatin concentrations, this being in agreement with previous studies and theoretical predictions for percolating systems at the GP.
Direct infrared observation of hydrogen chloride anions in solid argon
Authors: Huang Tzu-Ping , Chen Hui-Fen , Liu Meng-Chen , Chin Chih-Hao , Durrant Marcus C. , Lee Yin-Yu , Wu Yu-Jong
Published: September 2017

To facilitate direct spectroscopic observation of hydrogen chloride anions (HCl−), electron bombardment of CH3Cl diluted in excess Ar during matrix deposition was used to generate this anion. Subsequent characterization were performed by IR spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations. Moreover the band intensity of HCl− decays slowly when the matrix sample is maintained in the dark for a prolonged time. High-level ab inito calculation suggested that HCl− is only weakly bound. Atom-in-molecule charge analysis indicated that both atoms of HCl− are negatively charged and the Cl atom is hypervalent.
Note: Sample holder with open area for increased deposition rate in plasma immersion ion implantation and deposition
Authors: Flege S. , Hatada R. , Derepa A. , Dietz C. , Ensinger W. , Baba K.
Published: September 2017

A sample holder with a large open area offers several benefits when used in the process of plasma immersion ion implantation and deposition in which the plasma is generated by a high voltage applied to the sample holder: The ignition voltage of the plasma is lower, and the deposition rate can be several times higher than in the case of a normal plate-like holder. There is a more pronounced edge effect regarding the film thickness. Other film properties are also affected; for diamond-like carbon films, the film structure exhibits more disorder. The hardness of the samples is similar, with the surfaces of the samples being very smooth.
Perspective: Differential dynamic microscopy extracts multi-scale activity in
complex fluids and biological systems
Authors: Cerbino Roberto , Cicuta Pietro
Published: September 2017

Differential dynamic microscopy (DDM) is a technique that exploits optical microscopy to obtain local, multi-scale quantitative information about dynamic samples, in most cases without user intervention. It is proving extremely useful in understanding dynamics in liquid suspensions, soft materials, cells, and tissues. In DDM, image sequences are analyzed via a combination of image differences and spatial Fourier transforms to obtain information equivalent to that obtained by means of light scattering techniques. Compared to light scattering, DDM offers obvious advantages, principally (a) simplicity of the setup; (b) possibility of removing static contributions along the optical path; (c) power of simultaneous different microscopy contrast mechanisms; and (d) flexibility of choosing an analysis region, analogous to a scattering volume. For many questions, DDM has also advantages compared to segmentation/tracking approaches and to correlation techniques like particle image velocimetry. The very straightforward DDM approach, originally demonstrated with bright field microscopy of aqueous colloids, has lately been used to probe a variety of other complex fluids and biological systems with many different imaging methods, including dark-field, differential interference contrast, wide-field, light-sheet, and confocal microscopy. The number of adopting groups is rapidly increasing and so are the applications. Here, we briefly recall the working principles of DDM, we highlight its advantages and limitations, we outline recent experimental breakthroughs, and we provide a perspective on future challenges and directions. DDM can become a standard primary tool in every laboratory equipped with a microscope, at the very least as a first bias-free automated evaluation of the dynamics in a system.
The effect of a crosslinking chemical reaction on pattern formation in viscous fingering of miscible fluids in a Hele–Shaw cell
Authors: Bunton Patrick H. , Tullier Michael P. , Meiburg Eckart , Pojman John A.
Published: September 2017

Viscous fingering can occur in fluid motion whenever a high mobility fluid displaces a low mobility fluid in a Darcy type flow. When the mobility difference is primarily attributable to viscosity (e.g., flow between the two horizontal plates of a Hele–Shaw cell), viscous fingering (VF) occurs, which is sometimes termed the Saffman–Taylor instability. Alternatively, in the presence of differences in density in a gravity field, buoyancy-driven convection can occur. These instabilities have been studied for decades, in part because of their many applications in pollutant dispersal, ocean currents, enhanced petroleum recovery, and so on. More recent interest has emerged regarding the effects of chemical reactions on fingering instabilities. As chemical reactions change the key flow parameters (densities, viscosities, and concentrations), they may have either a destabilizing or stabilizing effect on the flow. Hence, new flow patterns can emerge; moreover, one can then hope to gain some control over flow instabilities through reaction rates, flow rates, and reaction products. We report effects of chemical reactions on VF in a Hele–Shaw cell for a reactive step-growth cross-linking polymerization system. The cross-linked reaction product results in a non-monotonic viscosity profile at the interface, which affects flow stability. Furthermore, three-dimensional internal flows influence the long-term pattern that results.
Amplification through chaotic synchronization in spatially extended beam-plasma systems
Authors: Moskalenko Olga I. , Frolov Nikita S. , Koronovskii Alexey A. , Hramov Alexander E.
Published: September 2017

In this paper, we have studied the relationship between chaotic synchronization and microwave signal amplification in coupled beam-plasma systems. We have considered a 1D particle-in-cell numerical model of unidirectionally coupled beam-plasma oscillatory media being in the regime of electron pattern formation. We have shown the significant gain of microwave oscillation power in coupled beam-plasma media being in the different regimes of generation. The discovered effect has a close connection with the chaotic synchronization phenomenon, so we have observed that amplification appears after the onset of the complete time scale synchronization regime in the analyzed coupled spatially extended systems. We have also provided the numerical study of physical processes in the chain of beam-plasma systems leading to the chaotic synchronization and the amplification of microwave oscillations power, respectively.