bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stochastic resonance improves vision in the severely impaired
Authors: Itzcovich Elena , Riani Massimo , Sannita Walter G.
Published: October 2017

We verified whether a stochastic resonance paradigm (SR), with random interference (“noise”) added in optimal amounts, improves the detection of sub-threshold visual information by subjects with retinal disorder and impaired vision as it does in the normally sighted. Six levels of dynamic, zero-mean Gaussian noise were added to each pixel of images (13 contrast levels) in which alphabet characters were displayed against a uniform gray background. Images were presented with contrast below the subjective threshold to 14 visually impaired subjects (age: 22–53 yrs.). The fraction of recognized letters varied between 0 and 0.3 at baseline and increased in all subjects when noise was added in optimal amounts; peak recognition ranged between 0.2 and 0.8 at noise sigmas between 6 and 30 grey scale values (GSV) and decreased in all subjects at noise levels with sigma above 30 GSV. The results replicate in the visually impaired the facilitation of visual information processing with images presented in SR paradigms that has been documented in sighted subjects. The effect was obtained with low-level image manipulation and application appears readily possible: it would enhance the efficiency of today vision-improving aids and help in the development of the visual prostheses hopefully available in the future.
MDSCs are induced after experimental blunt chest trauma and subsequently alter antigen-specific T cell responses
Authors: Hüsecken Yvonne , Muche Sylvia , Kustermann Monika , Klingspor Malena , Palmer Annette , Braumüller Sonja , Huber-Lang Markus , Debatin Klaus-Michael , Strauss Gudrun
Published: October 2017

Severe blunt chest trauma (TxT) induces a strong inflammatory response with posttraumatic immune suppression pointing to an impaired adaptive immune response. Since CD11b+Gr-1+-expressing myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are induced after inflammation and suppress T cell responses, MDSC induction and their impact on T cell functions was analysed in an experimental TxT model. MDSCs were induced preferentially in the lung until 24 hours after TxT. Although MDSC numbers were only faintly increased in the spleen, splenic MDSCs isolated after TxT strongly inhibited alloantigen-induced T cell proliferation in vitro. Suppressive activity correlated with increased expression of arginase-1 and iNOS. MDSCs also prevented antigen-induced T cell expansion in vivo, since staphylococcus enterotoxin B (SEB)-induced proliferation of vβ8+ T cells was impaired in TxT mice in the presence of CD11b+Gr-1+ cells. Surprisingly, MDSCs were not involved in shifting T cells into Th2 cells, characterized by the secretion of cytokines impairing cell-mediated immunity and promoting immunosuppression. Instead, the presence of CD11b+Gr-1+ cells was required for efficient IL-2, IFN-γ and TNFα production after antigenic stimulation, indicating, that elevation of MDSCs early after traumatic injuries might contribute to restrict the initial inflammatory response by alleviating T cell expansion, however, without impeding Th1 functions.
Improving extinction projections across scales and habitats using the countryside species-area relationship
Authors: Martins Inês Santos , Pereira Henrique Miguel
Published: October 2017

The species-area relationship (SAR) has been often used to project species extinctions as a consequence of habitat loss. However, recent studies have suggested that the SAR may overestimate species extinctions, at least in the short-term. We argue that the main reason for this overestimation is that the classic SAR ignores the persistence of species in human-modified habitats. We use data collected worldwide to analyse what is the fraction of bird and plant species that remain in different human-modified habitats at the local scale after full habitat conversion. We observe that both taxa have consistent responses to the different land-use types, with strongest reductions in species richness in cropland across the globe, and in pasture in the tropics. We show that the results from these studies cannot be linearly scaled from plots to large regions, as this again overestimates the impacts of land-use change on biodiversity. The countryside SAR provides a unifying framework to incorporate both the effect of species persistence in the landscape matrix and the non-linear response of the proportion of species extinctions to sampling area, generating more realistic projections of biodiversity loss.
Variabilities in retinal function and structure in a canine model of cone-rod dystrophy associated with RPGRIP1 support multigenic etiology
Authors: Das Rueben G. , Marinho Felipe Pompeo , Iwabe Simone , Santana Evelyn , McDaid Kendra Sierra , Aguirre Gustavo D. , Miyadera Keiko
Published: October 2017

Defects in the cilia gene RPGRIP1 cause Leber congenital amaurosis and cone-rod dystrophy in humans. A form of canine cone-rod dystrophy (cord1) was originally associated with a homozygous insertion in RPGRIP1 (RPGRIP1ins/ins) as the primary disease locus while a homozygous deletion in MAP9 (MAP9del/del) was later identified as a modifier associated with the early onset form. However, we find further variability in cone electroretinograms (ERGs) ranging from normal to absent in an extended RPGRIP1ins/ins canine colony, irrespective of the MAP9 genotype. Ophthalmoscopically, cone ERGabsentRPGRIP1ins/ins eyes show discolouration of the tapetal fundus with varying onset and disease progression, while sd-OCT reveals atrophic changes. Despite marked changes in cone ERG and retinal morphology, photopic vision-guided behaviour is comparable between normal and cone ERGabsentRPGRIP1ins/ins littermates. Cone morphology of the dogs lacking cone ERG are truncated with shortened outer and inner segments. Immunohistochemically, cone ERGabsentRPGRIP1ins/ins retinas have extensive L/M-opsin mislocalization, lack CNGB3 labelling in the L/M-cones, and lack GC1 in all cones. Our results indicate that cord1 is a multigenic disease in which mutations in neither RPGRIP1 nor MAP9 alone lead to visual deficits, and additional gene(s) contribute to cone-specific functional and morphologic defects.
N-terminal gelsolin fragment potentiates TRAIL mediated death in resistant hepatoma cells
Authors: Meyer Keith , Kwon Young-Chan , Ray Ratna B. , Ray Ranjit
Published: October 2017

TNF-α related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) selectively kills tumor cells, without damaging normal cells. TRAIL receptors facilitate induction of apoptosis for selective elimination of malignant cells. However, some cancer cells have developed resistances to TRAIL which limits anticancer potential. Gelsolin, a multifunctional actin-binding protein, mediates cell death involving the TRAIL receptors in the hepatic stellate cell line, LX2. Here, we have shown that conditioned medium (CM) containing gelsolin fragments or an N-terminal gelsolin fragment (amino acid residues 1–70) in the presence of TRAIL impairs cell viability of TRAIL resistant transformed human hepatocytes (HepG2). Cell growth regulation by CM and TRAIL was associated with the modulation of p53/Mdm2, Erk and Akt phosphorylation status. The use of N-terminal gelsolin peptide1–70 alone or in combination with TRAIL, induced inhibition of Akt phosphorylation and key survival factors, Mdm2 and Survivin. Treatment of cells with an Akt activator SC79 or p53 siRNA reduced the effects of the N-terminal gelsolin fragment and TRAIL. Together, our study suggests that the N-terminal gelsolin fragment enhances TRAIL-induced loss of cell viability by inhibiting phosphorylation of Akt and promoting p53 function, effecting cell survival.
Future soil moisture and temperature extremes imply expanding suitability for rainfed agriculture in temperate drylands
Authors: Bradford John B. , Schlaepfer Daniel R. , Lauenroth William K. , Yackulic Charles B. , Duniway Michael , Hall Sonia , Jia Gensuo , Jamiyansharav Khishigbayar , Munson Seth M. , Wilson Scott D. , Tietjen Britta
Published: October 2017

The distribution of rainfed agriculture, which accounts for approximately ¾ of global croplands, is expected to respond to climate change and human population growth and these responses may be especially pronounced in water limited areas. Because the environmental conditions that support rainfed agriculture are determined by climate, weather, and soil conditions that affect overall and transient water availability, predicting this response has proven difficult, especially in temperate regions that support much of the world’s agriculture. Here, we show that suitability to support rainfed agriculture in temperate dryland climates can be effectively represented by just two daily environmental variables: moist soils with warm conditions increase suitability while extreme high temperatures decrease suitability. 21st century projections based on daily ecohydrological modeling of downscaled climate forecasts indicate overall increases in the area suitable for rainfed agriculture in temperate dryland regions, especially at high latitudes. The regional exception to this trend was Europe, where suitability in temperate dryland portions will decline substantially. These results clarify how rising temperatures interact with other key drivers of moisture availability to determine the sustainability of rainfed agriculture and help policymakers, resource managers, and the agriculture industry anticipate shifts in areas suitable for rainfed cultivation.
Oxygen vacancy clusters essential for the catalytic activity of CeO2 nanocubes for o-xylene oxidation
Authors: Wang Lian , Yu Yunbo , He Hong , Zhang Yan , Qin Xiubo , Wang Baoyi
Published: October 2017

Catalytic oxidation of o-xylene was investigated on CeO2 nanocubes calcined at 350, 450, 550, and 650 °C, among which the samples calcined at 550 °C exhibited the highest activity and long durability. Positron annihilation spectroscopy measurements revealed that the size and distribution of oxygen vacancies for CeO2 nanocubes could be tuned by carefully controlling the calcination temperature. An excellent linear correlation between a factor related to size and density of oxygen vacancy clusters and reaction rate of o-xylene oxidation was revealed on ceria nanocubes. This means that oxygen vacancy clusters with suitable size and distribution are responsible for catalytic reaction via simultaneous adsorption and activation of oxygen and o-xylene. Electron spin resonance spectra revealed that over the CeO2 cubes, water vapor significantly promoted the formation of ∙OH radicals with a sharp decrease in the signals relating to oxygen vacancies, accelerating the transformation of o-xylene to the intermediate benzoate species, resulting in an enhancement of catalytic activity. Water thus serves as a “smart” molecule; its introduction into the feed mixture further confirmed the key role of oxygen vacancies in the catalytic performance of CeO2 nanocubes. A possible mechanism of oxygen vacancy formation during the calcination process was also proposed.
Structural evolution of tunneling oxide passivating contact upon thermal annealing
Authors: Choi Sungjin , Min Kwan Hong , Jeong Myeong Sang , Lee Jeong In , Kang Min Gu , Song Hee-Eun , Kang Yoonmook , Lee Hae-Seok , Kim Donghwan , Kim Ka-Hyun
Published: October 2017

We report on the structural evolution of tunneling oxide passivating contact (TOPCon) for high efficient solar cells upon thermal annealing. The evolution of doped hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) into polycrystalline-silicon (poly-Si) by thermal annealing was accompanied with significant structural changes. Annealing at 600 °C for one minute introduced an increase in the implied open circuit voltage (Voc) due to the hydrogen motion, but the implied Voc decreased again at 600 °C for five minutes. At annealing temperature above 800 °C, a-Si:H crystallized and formed poly-Si and thickness of tunneling oxide slightly decreased. The thickness of the interface tunneling oxide gradually decreased and the pinholes are formed through the tunneling oxide at a higher annealing temperature up to 1000 °C, which introduced the deteriorated carrier selectivity of the TOPCon structure. Our results indicate a correlation between the structural evolution of the TOPCon passivating contact and its passivation property at different stages of structural transition from the a-Si:H to the poly-Si as well as changes in the thickness profile of the tunneling oxide upon thermal annealing. Our result suggests that there is an optimum thickness of the tunneling oxide for passivating electron contact, in a range between 1.2 to 1.5 nm.
Optical Manipulation of nanoparticles by simultaneous electric and magnetic field enhancement within diabolo nanoantenna
Authors: Hameed Nyha , Nouho Ali Ali , Baida Fadi I.
Published: October 2017

In this paper, we propose and numerically simulate a novel optical trapping process based on the enhancement and the confinement of both magnetic and electric near-fields by using gold Diabolo Antenna (DA). The later was recently proposed to generate huge magnetic near-field when illuminated by linearly polarized wave along its axis. Numerical 3D – FDTD simulation results demonstrate the high confinement of the electromagnetic field in the vicinity of the DA. This enhancement is then exploited for the trapping of nano-particles (NP) as small as 30 nm radius. Results show that the trapping process greatly depends on the particle dimensions and that three different regimes of, trapping at contact, trapping without contact, or pushing can be achieved within the same DA. This doubly resonant structure opens the way to the design of a novel generation of efficient optical nano-tweezers that allow manipulation of nano-particles by simply changing the operation wavelength.
Macropinocytic entry of isolated mitochondria in epidermal growth factor-activated human osteosarcoma cells
Authors: Patel Dipali , Rorbach Joanna , Downes Kate , Szukszto Maciej J. , Pekalski Marcin L. , Minczuk Michal
Published: October 2017

Mammalian mitochondria can be transferred between cells both in culture and in vivo. There is evidence that isolated mitochondria enter cells by endocytosis, but the mechanism has not been fully characterised. We investigated the entry mechanism of isolated mitochondria into human osteosarcoma (HOS) cells. Initially we confirmed that respiratory-competent cells can be produced following incubation of HOS cells lacking mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) with functional exogenous mitochondria and selection in a restrictive medium. Treatment of HOS cells with inhibitors of different endocytic pathways suggest that uptake of EGFP-labelled mitochondria occurs via an actin-dependent endocytic pathway which is consistent with macropinocytosis. We later utilised time-lapse microscopy to show that internalised mitochondria were found in large, motile cellular vesicles. Finally, we used confocal imaging to show that EGFP-labelled mitochondria colocalise with a macropinocytic cargo molecule during internalisation, HOS cells produce membrane ruffles interacting with external mitochondria during uptake and EGFP-labelled mitochondria are found within early macropinosomes inside cells. In conclusion our results are consistent with isolated mitochondria being internalised by macropinocytosis in HOS cells.
Unveiling some FDA-approved drugs as inhibitors of the store-operated Ca2+ entry pathway
Authors: Rahman Saifur , Rahman Taufiq
Published: October 2017

The store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) pathway is an important route for generating cytosolic Ca2+ signals that regulate a diverse array of biological processes. Abnormal SOCE seem to underlie several diseases that notably include allergy, inflammation and cancer. Therefore, any modulator of this pathway is likely to have significant impact in cell biology under both normal and abnormal conditions. In this study, we screened the FDA-approved drug library for agents that share significant similarity in 3D shape and surface electrostatics with few, hitherto best known inhibitors of SOCE. This has led to the identification of five drugs that showed dose-dependent inhibition of SOCE in cell-based assay, probably through interacting with the Orai1 protein which effectively mediates SOCE. Of these drugs, leflunomide and teriflunomide could suppress SOCE significantly at clinically-relevant doses and this provides for an additional mechanism towards the therapeutic utility of these drugs as immunosuppressants. The other three drugs namely lansoprazole, tolvaptan and roflumilast, were less potent in suppressing SOCE but were more selective and thus they may serve as novel scaffolds for future development of new, more efficacious SOCE inhibitors.
Altered neurovascular coupling as measured by optical imaging: a biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Kotliar Konstantin , Hauser Christine , Ortner Marion , Muggenthaler Claudia , Diehl-Schmid Janine , Angermann Susanne , Hapfelmeier Alexander , Schmaderer Christoph , Grimmer Timo
Published: October 2017

Neurovascular coupling can be directly assessed by retinal vessel response to flickering light using optical imaging methods. The response is altered in a number of ocular and cardiovascular diseases. Whether it is altered in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is investigated. Retinal vessel reaction to monochromatic flicker stimulation was examined by Dynamic Vessel Analyzer independent of the commercial software in elderly subjects: 15 patients with mild-to-moderate dementia due to AD (ADD); 24 patients with mild cognitive impairment due to AD (MCI); 15 cognitively healthy controls (HC). Retinal vessels in ADD showed a more emphasized and delayed reactive dilation as compared to HC. In MCI, these aspects still differed from those seen in ADD. Maximal arterial reaction was increased and dilation was delayed in ADD as compared to HC (p = 0.004 and p < 0.001) and to MCI (p = 0.058 and p = 0.004), respectively. Maximal venous reaction was increased in ADD as compared to HC (p = 0.001) and to MCI (p = 0.007), respectively. This finding suggests that retinal neuronal activity is either increased or feed-back loop of neurovascular coupling is damaged with differentiating alterations across the spectrum of AD. Thus, retinal vessel reaction to flicker stimulation is considered a promising non-invasive, widely available and easy-to-administer future biomarker for the diagnosis and monitoring of AD.
Sodium fluorocitrate having protective effect on palmitate-induced beta cell death improves hyperglycemia in diabetic db/db mice
Authors: Jung Ik-Rak , Choi Sung-E. , Hong Seung A. , Hwang Yoonjung , Kang Yup
Published: October 2017

Beta cell loss and insulin resistance play roles in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. Elevated levels of free fatty acids in plasma might contribute to the loss of beta cells. The objective of this study was to find a chemical that could protect against palmitate-induced beta cell death and investigate whether such chemical could improve hyperglycemia in mouse model of type 2 diabetes. Sodium fluorocitrate (SFC), an aconitase inhibitor, was found to be strongly and specifically protective against palmitate-induced INS-1 beta cell death. However, the protective effect of SFC on palmitate-induced cell death was not likely to be due to its inhibitory activity for aconitase since inhibition or knockdown of aconitase failed to protect against palmitate-induced cell death. Since SFC inhibited the uptake of palmitate into INS-1 cells, reduced metabolism of fatty acids was thought to be involved in SFC’s protective effect. Ten weeks of treatment with SFC in db/db diabetic mice reduced glucose level but remarkably increased insulin level in the plasma. SFC improved impairment of glucose-stimulated insulin release and also reduced the loss of beta cells in db/db mice. Conclusively, SFC possessed protective effect against palmitate-induced lipotoxicity and improved hyperglycemia in mouse model of type 2 diabetes.
Phyllomeroterpenoids A-C, Multi-biosynthetic Pathway Derived Meroterpenoids from the TCM Endophytic Fungus Phyllosticta sp. and their Antimicrobial Activities
Authors: Yang Heng-Gang , Zhao Huan , Li Jiao-Jiao , Chen Shao-Meng , Mou Lang-Ming , Zou Jian , Chen Guo-Dong , Qin Sheng-Ying , Wang Chuan-Xi , Hu Dan , Yao Xin-Sheng , Gao Hao
Published: October 2017

Phyllomeroterpenoids A−C (1−3), multi-biosynthetic pathway derived meroterpenoids from amino acid/pentose phosphate/terpenoid pathways, were isolated from the TCM endophytic fungus Phyllosticta sp. J13-2-12Y, together with six biosynthetically related compounds (4−9). All structures were determined by extensive spectroscopic analysis, chemical derivatization, and ECD experiments. A plausible biosynthetic pathway of 1−3 was proposed. In addition, the antimicrobial activities of all isolated compounds were evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus 209P (bacterium) and Candida albicans FIM709 (fungus).
Formation of ordered mesostructured TiO2 thin films: a soft coarse-grained simulation study
Authors: Tang Qiyun , Angelomé Paula C. , Soler-Illia Galo J. A. A. , Müller Marcus
Published: October 2017

Variation of the dispersity index D as water and HCl evaporate distinctly. Right panels show the snapshots of formed mesopores.
High-throughput evaluation of in situ-generated cobalt(iii) catalysts for acyl fluoride synthesis
Authors: Lee Graham M. , Clément Roxanne , Tom Baker R.
Published: October 2017

Using a high-throughput experimental procedure, a series of cobalt(iii) complexes of the general formula CpRCo(I)(X)(L) were prepared and screened for their activity towards the catalytic nucleophilic fluorination of benzoyl chloride.
Chemoselective guest-triggered shaping of a polynuclear CuIIcalix[6]complex into a molecular host
Authors: Richard Sarah , Le Duc Gaëtan , Le Poul Nicolas , Le Mest Yves , Reinaud Olivia , Rebilly Jean-Noël
Published: October 2017

A molecular host is selectively shaped by amines to yield a tetranuclear system where the guest faces three CuIIcomplexes.
Cerium(iv) oxide nanoparticles induce sublethal changes in honeybees after chronic exposure
Authors: Kos Monika , Jemec Kokalj Anita , Glavan Gordana , Marolt Gregor , Zidar Primož , Božič Janko , Novak Sara , Drobne Damjana
Published: October 2017

Oral exposure to up to 500 mg L−1nCeO2was sublethal for honeybees but altered the cholinergic system and induced other physiological responses.
Competition between the donor and acceptor hydrogen bonds of the threads in the formation of [2]rotaxanes by clipping reaction
Authors: Martins Marcos A. P. , Zimmer Geórgia C. , Rodrigues Leticia V. , Orlando Tainára , Buriol Lilian , Alajarin Mateo , Berna Jose , Frizzo Clarissa P. , Bonacorso Helio G. , Zanatta Nilo
Published: October 2017

The steric effect of thet-butyl group of 1′5′-thread prevents the formation of [2]rotaxane. On the other hand, the 1′3′-thread acts a template to obtain [2]rotaxanes.
Synthesis of hollow Pt–Ag nanoparticles by oxygen-assisted acid etching as electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Chen Shutang , Thota Sravan , Singh Gurpreet , Aímola Túlio J. , Koenigsmann Christopher , Zhao Jing
Published: October 2017

Hollow Pt–Ag nanoparticles synthesized by oxygen assisted acid etching exhibited high specific activity and durability as electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction.
Preparation and evaluation of surface-grafted block copolymers and random copolymers via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization for hydrophilic/ion-exchange stationary phases
Authors: Bo Chunmiao , Wei Yinmao
Published: October 2017

Mixed-mode chromatographic (MMC) stationary phases must be functionalized with at least two functional groups to yield multiple interactions.
First assessment on degradability of sodium p-perfluorous nonenoxybenzene sulfonate (OBS), a high volume alternative to perfluorooctane sulfonate in fire-fighting foams and oil production agents in China
Authors: Bao Yixiang , Qu Yingxi , Huang Jun , Cagnetta Giovanni , Yu Gang , Weber Roland
Published: October 2017

First report on biotic and abiotic degradability assessment of the fluorinated surfactants OBS.
En route to a unified model for photo-electrochemical reactor optimisation. I - Photocurrent and H2 yield predictions
Authors: Bedoya-Lora Franky E. , Hankin Anna , Kelsall Geoff H.
Published: October 2017

A photo-electrochemical cell model was developed accounting for photon flux, electron–hole recombination rates, gas desorption, bubble formation and cross-over losses.
Wearable and visual pressure sensors based on Zn2GeO4@polypyrrole nanowire aerogels
Authors: Xue Jie , Chen Jiawei , Song Jizhong , Xu Leimeng , Zeng Haibo
Published: October 2017

A high-performance and tailorable pressure sensor based on the Zn2GeO4@PPy nanowire aerogel for applications in visual and wearable fields has been developed and show high sensitivity of the pressure sensor (0.38 kPa−1at pressure regions less than 1.5 kPa). We also combined the aerogels with Light Emitting Diode which make a visible sensor come true.
BamA β16C strand and periplasmic turns are critical for outer membrane protein insertion and assembly
Authors: Gu Yinghong , Zeng Yi , Wang Zhongshan , Dong Changjiang
Published: October 2017

Outer membrane (OM) β-barrel proteins play important roles in importing nutrients, exporting wastes and conducting signals in Gram-negative bacteria, mitochondria and chloroplasts. The outer membrane proteins (OMPs) are inserted and assembled into the OM by OMP85 family proteins. In Escherichia coli, the β-barrel assembly machinery (BAM) contains four lipoproteins such as BamB, BamC, BamD and BamE, and one OMP BamA, forming a ‘top hat’-like structure. Structural and functional studies of the E. coli BAM machinery have revealed that the rotation of periplasmic ring may trigger the barrel β1C–β6C scissor-like movement that promote the unfolded OMP insertion without using ATP. Here, we report the BamA C-terminal barrel structure of Salmonella enterica Typhimurium str. LT2 and functional assays, which reveal that the BamA's C-terminal residue Trp, the β16C strand of the barrel and the periplasmic turns are critical for the functionality of BamA. These findings indicate that the unique β16C strand and the periplasmic turns of BamA are important for the outer membrane insertion and assembly. The periplasmic turns might mediate the rotation of the periplasmic ring to the scissor-like movement of BamA β1C–β6C, triggering the OMP insertion. These results are important for understanding the OMP insertion in Gram-negative bacteria, as well as in mitochondria and chloroplasts.
Half‐bridge flyback converter with lossless passive snubber and interleaved technique
Authors: Mohammadian Navid , Yazdani Mohammad Rouhollah
Published: October 2017

Hard‐switching flyback converters are widely used in the low power application but suffer from high electromagnetic emissions, current ripples, and low efficiency. To overcome these problems, a half‐bridge flyback converter with a new lossless passive snubber is proposed using an interleaved structure. All switches of the proposed converter turn on under zero current switching and turn off under zero voltage switching which decreases the switching losses and electromagnetic interference (EMI). Theoretical analysis of the proposed converter is presented and verified by the experimental results of a 200 W prototype. In addition to the 7% efficiency improvement, the proposed converter has lower EMI in comparison with its hard‐switching converter.
Design of an HV capacitor using the inherent advantage of charge simulation method and experimentations
Authors: Devarajan Harimurugan , Punekar Gururaj S. , Kishore Nudurupati Krishna
Published: October 2017

Standard capacitors form an important component of the measurement and instrumentation in the electrical laboratory. A high‐voltage (HV) standard capacitor of 100 pF, 12 kV (rms) is designed using the charge simulation method (CSM). CSM is a semi‐analytical method and it provides inherent advantage in designing a capacitor from the first principle. The capacitance is obtained from the magnitude of the simulating charges of the CSM‐based model and the corresponding potential. The design details of HV standard capacitor are discussed along with the analysis of the potential and the electric stress distribution. The electric stress everywhere in the capacitor, which is designed, is assured to be <5 kV/cm, which was set as the limiting (maximum permissible) stress. The capacitance of the fabricated unit is measured in the HV laboratory. The CSM‐based result of the capacitance of the designed HV capacitor agree well with the results of the laboratory experimental measurement. The inherent advantage of CSM in designing a capacitor is confirmed by comparing with the results of method of moments (MoM).
Estimation of a coronal mass ejection magnetic field strength using radio observations of gyrosynchrotron radiation
Authors: Carley Eoin P. , Vilmer Nicole , Simões Paulo J. A. , Ó Fearraigh Brían
Published: October 2017

Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are large eruptions of plasma and magnetic field from the low solar corona into interplanetary space. These eruptions are often associated with the acceleration of energetic electrons which produce various sources of high intensity plasma emission. In relatively rare cases, the energetic electrons may also produce gyrosynchrotron emission from within the CME itself, allowing for a diagnostic of the CME magnetic field strength. Such a magnetic field diagnostic is important for evaluating the total magnetic energy content of the CME, which is ultimately what drives the eruption. Here, we report on an unusually large source of gyrosynchrotron radiation in the form of a type IV radio burst associated with a CME occurring on 2014-September-01, observed using instrumentation from the Nançay Radio Astronomy Facility. A combination of spectral flux density measurements from the Nançay instruments and the Radio Solar Telescope Network (RSTN) from 300 MHz to 5 GHz reveals a gyrosynchrotron spectrum with a peak flux density at ~1 GHz. Using this radio analysis, a model for gyrosynchrotron radiation, a non-thermal electron density diagnostic using the Fermi Gamma Ray Burst Monitor (GBM) and images of the eruption from the GOES Soft X-ray Imager (SXI), we were able to calculate both the magnetic field strength and the properties of the X-ray and radio emitting energetic electrons within the CME. We find the radio emission is produced by non-thermal electrons of energies >1 MeV with a spectral index of δ ~ 3 in a CME magnetic field of 4.4 G at a height of 1.3 R⊙, while the X-ray emission is produced from a similar distribution of electrons but with much lower energies on the order of 10 keV. We conclude by comparing the electron distribution characteristics derived from both X-ray and radio and show how such an analysis can be used to define the plasma and bulk properties of a CME.
Organocatalytic Enantioselective Vinylogous Henry Reaction of 3,5-Dimethyl-4-nitroisoxazole with Trifluoromethyl Ketones
Authors: Enders Dieter , Jafari Ehsan , Kundu Dipti , Chauhan Pankaj , Gajulapalli V. , von Essen Carolina , Rissanen Kari
Published: October 2017

The enantioselective vinylogous Henry reaction of 3,5-dimethyl-4-nitroisoxazole with trifluoromethyl ketones employing a bifunctional squaramide organocatalyst has been developed. A series of isoxazole bearing trifluoromethyl-substituted tertiary alcohols, 2-substituted (R)-1,1,1-trifluoro-3-(3-methyl-4-nitroisoxazol-5-yl)propan-2-ols, were obtained under these mild reaction conditions in good yields and moderate to good enantioselectivities
Usefulness of a Nonsuture Closure Device in Patients Undergoing Diagnostic Coronary and Peripheral Angiography
Authors: Owens John , Bhatty Shaun , Donovan Robert , Tordini Andrea , Danyi Peter , Patel Kalpesh , Wegelin Jacob , Jovin Ion
Published: October 2017

Vascular access site complications can follow diagnostic coronary and peripheral angiography. We compared the complication rates of the Catalyst vascular closure device, with the complication rates after manual compression in patients undergoing diagnostic angiographic procedures via femoral access. We studied 1,470 predominantly male patients undergoing diagnostic coronary and peripheral angiography. Catalyst closure devices were used in 436 (29.7%) patients and manual compression was used in 1,034 (70.3%) patients. The former were allowed to ambulate after 2 hours, while the latter were allowed to ambulate after 6 hours. Major complications occurred in 4 (0.9%) patients who had a Catalyst device and in 14 (1.4%) patients who had manual compression (odds ratio [OR]: 0.67, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.22–2.1, p = 0.49). Any complications occurred in 51 (11.7%) patients who had a Catalyst closure device and in 64 (6.2%) patients who had manual compression (OR: 2, CI: 1.4–3, p < 0.01). After adjustment for other variables and for a propensity score reflecting the probability to receive the closure device, the association of major complications with the use of the closure device remained not significant (OR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.17–1.7, p = 0.29), while the association of any complications with the use of the Catalyst device remained significant (OR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.3–2.9, p < 0.01). The Catalyst device was not associated with an increased risk of major groin complications but was associated with an increased risk of any complications compared with manual compression. Patients receiving the closure device ambulated sooner.
Early Changes in Platelet Size and Number in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Lozo Mislav , Pintarić Irena , Dujić Željko , Sušilović Grabovac Zora , Baković Darija
Published: October 2017

A strong relationship exists between acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and platelets (PLTs) volume. Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a parameter of PLT functions and a marker for increased PLT activation. The aim of this study was to determine early changes in number of total PLT and MPV in different manifestation of ACS and to find out predictive value of MPV in the spectrum of ACS. This was a prospective study. One hundred thirty-four ACS patients were enrolled, 76 of them finished the study. PLT and MPV in patients with unstable angina, non-ST elevation, and ST elevation myocardial infarctions were determined on arrival and 1, 3, 72 hours, and 7 days after the admission to hospital. There was decrease in PLT and MPV in all three groups after 3 hours of arrival in hospital in comparison with admission values. In the later time period (72 hours and 7 days), there was an increase in PLT and MPV only in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We have revealed completely new dynamics in early changes in MPV and PLT count in patients with AMI. Biphasic changes were found in early phase after admission to the hospital. Fast response in these parameters raises new questions about their origin.
Correlation between Osteoprotegerin Serum Level and Coronary Calcification Using Coronary Artery Calcium Score in Patient with Moderate–Severe Cardiovascular Risk Factor
Authors: Widorini Widorini , Nugroho J.
Published: October 2017

Coronary artery calcification is a part of atherosclerosis process associated with coronary heart disease. Recently, coronary artery calcification assessment using computed tomography (CT) is still the best noninvasive imaging with high sensitivity and specificity. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is one of vascular calcification marker that through its role to bind receptor activator of nuclear factor-κβ ligand and inhibit osteoclastogenesis is suspected of playing a role for coronary calcification in atherosclerosis process. The objective of this study was to prove a positive correlation between OPG serum level and coronary calcification using coronary artery calcium (CAC) score in patient with moderate–severe cardiovascular (CV) risk factor. This is a cross-sectional study with purposive sampling technique. Thirty-three subjects participate in this research and each subject underwent a multislice computed tomography (MSCT) examination to assess coronary calcification and their blood samples were collected for OPG measurement. This study is analyzed with Spearman's correlation test. The mean of OPG serum level in this study was 5.89 ± 2.1 pmol/L for moderate-risk Framingham risk score (FRS) and the mean of OPG serum level for high-risk FRS was 7.27 ± 3.4. There was a positive, moderate, and significant correlation between OPG serum level and coronary calcification using CAC score in patient with moderate–severe CV risk factor (r = 0.694; p < 0.001).
Quantitative Evaluation of Joint Space Width in the Lateral Compartment after Medial Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty: Comparison of Three Radiographic Views
Authors: Yue Ju'an , Guo Wanshou , Wan Fuyin , Wen Pengfei , Liu Zhaohui , Cheng Liming , Zhang Qidong , Chen Yan
Published: October 2017

Lateral compartment cartilage deterioration is the most common complication affecting medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) survivorship. The purpose of this study was to determine the best method of judging the degeneration of cartilage in the lateral compartment after medial UKA through analysis of different radiographic views. Forty-two participants were divided into two groups. Patients in Group A were followed for at least 10 months after undergoing a medial UKA (mean: 17.67 ± 7.65 months, range: 10–24 months), whereas those in Group B were evaluated 3 days after surgery. Joint space width in the lateral compartment of all patients was evaluated using three types of knee radiographs: weight-bearing anterior posterior (AP), supine AP, and supine valgus stress. No difference in joint space width in the lateral compartment after medial UKA was found for the three kinds of radiographs in Group A (F = 0.97, p = 0.39) and Group B (F = 1.499, p = 0.233). After evaluating the patients 3 days after surgery or following them for approximately 18 months after medial UKA, we determined that weight-bearing AP, supine AP, and supine valgus stress knee radiographs were comparable when used to assess residual cartilage thickness of the lateral compartment.
Botulinumtoxin A – was gibt es Neues?
Authors: Rzany B.
Published: October 2017

Nach über 20 Jahren Anwendung von Botulinumtoxin A in der Ästhetischen Medizin gibt es wenig neue Herausforderungen. Die Standardindikationen, die Standardinjektionspunkte und die Dosierungen sind klar und ermöglichen eine wirksame und sichere Behandlung unserer Patienten. Um die Behandlungszufriedenheit kontinuierlich zu verbessern, müssen individuelle Wünsche und die jeweilige anatomische Konstellation im Injektionsplan berücksichtig werden. Mit jedem neuen Patienten wachsen unsere Erfahrungen. Wir sehen mehr, verstehen mehr und lernen unsere Patienten besser zu behandeln. Mit den neuen Toxinen aus Asien und den vorverdünnten Toxinen wird sich der Markt für Botulinumtoxine in den nächsten Jahren beleben. Die Behandlungen mit Botulinumtoxin werden mit großer Wahrscheinlichkeit durch das vermehrte Angebot der Botulinumtoxine günstiger für unsere Patienten werden.
Das Ganze ist mehr als die Summe seiner
Teile
Authors: Weiler-Wichtl Liesa J. , Schwarzinger Agathe , Schepper Florian , Leiss Ulrike ,   PSAPOH – Psychosoziale Arbeitsgemeinschaft in der pädiatrischen
                        Onkologie und Hämatologie
Published: October 2017

Interdisziplinäre Kooperation aus psychosozialer Sicht Die professionelle
Betreuung von jungen Krebspatienten beeinflusst ihr Wohlbefinden und ihre
psychische Gesundheit während und nach der onkologischen Erkrankung
entscheidend. Diese Betreuung gelingt am besten, wenn alle beteiligten
Disziplinen als Team eng zusammenarbeiten.
Videolaryngoskopie im Notfall sinnvoll einsetzen
Authors: Hossfeld Björn , Bernhard Michael , Knapp Jürgen , Helm Matthias , Kulla Martin
Published: October 2017

Die Bedeutung eines erfolgreichen ersten Intubationsversuchs in der Atemwegssicherung ist in mehreren Studien belegt. Zum Gelingen können neben einer guten Ausbildung und regelmäßigem Training vor allem ein standardisiertes Vorgehen im Team mit ausgiebiger Präoxygenierung und optimaler Lagerung des Patienten sowie eine ausreichend tiefe Narkose mit Verwendung von Muskelrelaxanzien und schließlich der Einsatz eines Videolaryngoskops bereits mit dem ersten Intubationsversuch beitragen. Dieser Artikel beschreibt die Möglichkeiten der Videolaryngoskopie in der prähospitalen Notfallmedizin.
Renin Inhibition by Aliskiren Protects Rats Against Isoproterenol Induced Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Khan Vasim , Hassan Md. , Akhtar Mohd. , Najmi Abul
Published: October 2017

Objective Cardioprotective potential of aliskiren against isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction was evaluated in this study.

Methods Wistar albino rats (n=36) were randomly divided into six groups. Normal control rats received 1 ml saline, orally for 14 days and 0.1 ml saline, subcutaneously on 13th and 14th treatment day while the toxic group animals were administered with saline orally for 14 days and isoproterenol (85 mg/kg, subcutaneously) on 13th and 14th day. In different pre-treatment groups, aliskiren (30, 50 & 100 mg/kg, orally) was administered for 14 days along with isoproterenol (85 mg/kg, subcutaneously) on the last two days. Per se group animals were given aliskiren (100 mg/kg orally) for 14 days. Twenty-four hours after the last drug treatment, cardiac marker enzymes (creatine kinase-MB and lactate dehydrogenase), apoptotic marker enzyme (caspase-3) and antioxidative enzymes (malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase) were estimated, along with histopathological analysis of myocardium.

Results Isoproterenol treatment caused a significant increase in cardiac markers, malondialdehyde, and caspase-3 levels with a considerable decrease in reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase enzyme levels. Aliskiren at 50 and 100 mg/kg doses significantly alleviated the increase of caspase-3 and cardiac marker enzymes as well as the changes in antioxidant enzymes, which was confirmed by histopathological analysis. Aliskiren (100 mg/kg) produced more pronounced protective effects than its other two doses. Moreover, the changes in per se group were insignificant as compared to normal control group.

Conclusion The present study thus provides an evidence for the protective effects of aliskiren in isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction.
Spectral evolution of distributed feedback laser of gold nanoparticles doped solid-state dye laser medium
Authors: An N. T. M. , Lien N. T. H. , Hoang N. D. , Nghia N. T. , Hoa D. Q.
Published: October 2017

Characteristics of suppressed relaxation oscillation of a distributed feedback dye laser (DFDL) based on the energy transfer process in a mixture of spherical gold nanoparticles-doped solid-state polymethylmetacrylate dissolved 4-(Dicyanomethylene)-2-methyl-6-(4-dimethylaminostyryl)-4H-pyran dye was theoretically and experimentally studied. Single pulse generation regime of the DFDL can be obtained with a suitable gold nanoparticle concentration and ratio of pump power over lasing threshold. Numerical analysis and experimental approach showed that in this regime, the first-pulse laser pulsewidth is rather unchanged while varying the gold nanoparticles concentration in the range of 2.0 × 109–2.0 × 1010 par cm−3. The enhancement of first pulse and the suppression of the secondary pulses by bi-direction energy transfer of spherical gold nanoparticles were experimentally observed.
Size control and luminescence properties of Eu2+:LiCaAlF6 particles prepared by femtosecond pulsed laser ablation
Authors: Inoue Yusuke , Muramatsu Sotaro , Itoigawa Fumihiro , Ono Shingo , Sudo Masaaki , Fukuda Kentaro , Yanagida Takayuki
Published: October 2017

We have fabricated Eu2+:LiCaAlF6 (Eu:LiCAF) nanoparticles via a dry pulsed laser ablation process using femtosecond laser pulses. The particle size was controlled by adjusting the laser fluence. The crystallographic orientation and chemical composition were preserved in all particles. The typical luminescence peak of Eu:LiCAF crystals at approximately 370 nm was observed in both the PL and X-ray induced luminescence (XL) spectra. The temporal PL profiles of all deposited particles exhibited fast-decay components in addition to the slow-decay components observed in the profile of the bulk crystal. Smaller particles had shorter decay times than larger particles. The fast-decay component of particles with a mean diameter of less than 0.36 μm (∼40 ns) was at least one order of magnitude shorter than the decay time of the bulk crystal (∼1700 ns). Even in the temporal XL profile, all deposited particles showed shorter decay times than the bulk decay time. We attribute these fast-decay components to defects on the particle surface. To confirm the defect level, we investigated the thermally stimulated luminescence of the deposited particles. In addition to an emission peak at approximately 540 K, which was also observed in the spectrum of the bulk crystal, an emission peak corresponding to surface defects at approximately 700 K was observed in the spectrum of the particles.
Impact of charge carrier trapping on amorphous selenium direct conversion avalanche X-ray detectors
Authors: Arnab Salman M. , Kabir M. Z.
Published: October 2017

A cascaded linear system model is developed to determine the detective quantum efficiency (DQE) considering trapping of charge carriers in the absorption layer of an amorphous selenium multilayer direct conversion avalanche detector. This model considers the effects of charge carrier trapping and reabsorption of K-fluorescent X-rays on the frequency-dependent DQE(f). A 2-D simulation is performed to calculate the actual weighting potential in the absorption layer, which is used to calculate the amount of collected charge. It is observed that the DQE(f = 0) reduces from 0.38 to 0.19 due to charge carrier trapping in the absorption layer having a thickness of 1000 μm when the electronic noise is 1500 electrons per pixel. The avalanche gain enhances the signal strength and improves the frequency dependent DQE(f) by overcoming the effect of carrier trapping and as well as the effect of the electronic noise. The simulations suggest that avalanche gain of 35 and 20 are required to overcome the effect of the electronic noise of 1500 and 700 electrons per pixel, respectively.
Effects of thermal annealing on structural and electrical properties of surface-activated n-GaSb/n-GaInP direct wafer bonds
Authors: Predan Felix , Kovács András , Ohlmann Jens , Lackner David , Dunin-Borkowski Rafal E. , Dimroth Frank , Jäger Wolfgang
Published: October 2017

A study on the microstructure of argon-beam activated n-GaSb/n-Ga0.32In0.68P bond interfaces is presented, focusing on the behavior of the bond upon thermal annealing and the relationship with electrical bond properties. Structural investigations of annealed samples utilizing high-resolution transmission electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy are discussed and compared with electrical current-voltage measurements. An amorphous interlayer of ∼1.4 nm thickness between the n-GaSb and n-Ga0.32In0.68P originates from the argon sputtering process. This layer continuously recrystallizes upon thermal annealing, creating a mostly crystalline interface at an annealing temperature of 500 °C. Additionally at 400 °C, In enrichment is observed in the near-surface regions of GaSb and pores are generated at the interface. At 500 °C, larger pores are observed and the In enrichment continues, leading to the formation of crystalline In precipitates within the GaSb crystal. The observed changes in the interfacial microstructure upon annealing correlate with variations in the electrical bond resistances. All bonds show ohmic IV-characteristics with resistances in the range of few mΩcm2. However, the bond resistance decreases after annealing at temperatures up to 350 °C but increases after annealing at higher temperatures. This behaviour agrees with the observation of reduced amorphous layer thickness upon annealing and with the formation of new induced interfacial defects for annealing temperatures above 350 °C.