bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The crystal structure of the regulatory domain of the human sodium-driven chloride/bicarbonate exchanger
Authors: Alvadia Carolina M. , Sommer Theis , Bjerregaard-Andersen Kaare , Damkier Helle Hasager , Montrasio Michele , Aalkjaer Christian , Morth J. Preben
Published: September 2017

The sodium-driven chloride/bicarbonate exchanger (NDCBE) is essential for maintaining homeostatic pH in neurons. The crystal structure at 2.8 Å resolution of the regulatory N-terminal domain of human NDCBE represents the first crystal structure of an electroneutral sodium-bicarbonate cotransporter. The crystal structure forms an equivalent dimeric interface as observed for the cytoplasmic domain of Band 3, and thus establishes that the consensus motif VTVLP is the key minimal dimerization motif. The VTVLP motif is highly conserved and likely to be the physiologically relevant interface for all other members of the SLC4 family. A novel conserved Zn2+-binding motif present in the N-terminal domain of NDCBE is identified and characterized in vitro. Cellular studies confirm the Zn2+ dependent transport of two electroneutral bicarbonate transporters, NCBE and NBCn1. The Zn2+ site is mapped to a cluster of histidines close to the conserved ETARWLKFEE motif and likely plays a role in the regulation of this important motif. The combined structural and bioinformatics analysis provides a model that predicts with additional confidence the physiologically relevant interface between the cytoplasmic domain and the transmembrane domain.
Differential gene expression and SNP association between fast- and slow-growing turbot (Scophthalmus maximus)
Authors: Robledo Diego , Rubiolo Juan A. , Cabaleiro Santiago , Martínez Paulino , Bouza Carmen
Published: September 2017

Growth is among the most important traits for animal breeding. Understanding the mechanisms underlying growth differences between individuals can contribute to improving growth rates through more efficient breeding schemes. Here, we report a transcriptomic study in muscle and brain of fast- and slow-growing turbot (Scophthalmus maximus), a relevant flatfish in European and Asian aquaculture. Gene expression and allelic association between the two groups were explored. Up-regulation of the anaerobic glycolytic pathway in the muscle of fast-growing fish was observed, indicating a higher metabolic rate of white muscle. Brain expression differences were smaller and not associated with major growth-related genes, but with regulation of feeding-related sensory pathways. Further, SNP variants showing frequency differences between fast- and slow-growing fish pointed to genomic regions likely involved in growth regulation, and three of them were individually validated through SNP typing. Although different mechanisms appear to explain growth differences among families, general mechanisms seem also to be involved, and thus, results provide a set of useful candidate genes and markers to be evaluated for more efficient growth breeding programs and to perform comparative genomic studies of growth in fish and vertebrates.
Correction: Corrigendum: Obstructive Sleep Apnea and the Subsequent Risk of Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Kao Li-Ting , Hung Shih-Han , Lin Herng-Ching , Liu Chih-Kuang , Huang Hung-Meng , Wu Chuan-Song
Published: September 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 20786; published online: 10 February 2016; updated: 15 September 2017. In this Article, Affiliation 3 is incorrectly listed as ‘Department of Otolaryngology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan’. The correct affiliation is listed below: Departmentof Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
Correction: Corrigendum: Detecting sulphate aerosol geoengineering with different methods
Authors: Lo Y. T. Eunice , Charlton-Perez Andrew J. , Lott Fraser C. , Highwood Eleanor J.
Published: September 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 39169; published online: 15 December 2016; updated: 15 September 2017. This Article contains errors. In Equation 1, should read: In the Results section, the subheading ‘Detection using the multi-variate method and no filter (TfC0)’ should read: ‘Detection using the multi-variate method and no filter (TfNo)’.
Addressing the distribution of proteins spotted on μPADs
Authors: McCann Laura , Benavidez Tomás E. , Holtsclaw Sarah , Garcia Carlos D.
Published: September 2017

Adsorption is the most common approach to immobilize biorecognition elements on the surface of paper-based devices.
Acetylene hydrochlorination using Au/carbon: a journey towards single site catalysis
Authors: Malta Grazia , Freakley Simon J. , Kondrat Simon A. , Hutchings Graham J.
Published: September 2017

The replacement of mercuric chloride in the production of vinyl chloride monomer, a precursor to PVC, would greatly reduce the environmental impact of this large scale industrial process.
Self-assembly of molecular ions via like-charge ion interactions and through-space defined organic domains
Authors: McNally J. S. , Wang X. P. , Hoffmann C. , Wilson A. D.
Published: September 2017

Select tertiary ammonium bicarbonates self-assemble assisted by the first bicarbonate like-charge hydrogen-bonded ion pairs documented in an aqueous solution.
Growth of a void-free Cu2SnS3thin film using a Cu/SnS2precursor through an intermediate-temperature pre-annealing and sulfurization process
Authors: Ko Young Min , Chalapathy R. B. V. , Larina Liudmila , Ahn Byung Tae
Published: September 2017

The new developed two-step annealing process for a Cu/SnS2stacked precursor yields a void-free Cu2SnS3absorber required for low-cost PV application.
In situ observation of Pt oxides on the low index planes of Pt using surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Sugimura Fumiya , Sakai Nanami , Nakamura Tetsuya , Nakamura Masashi , Ikeda Katsuyoshi , Sakai Toshio , Hoshi Nagahiro
Published: September 2017

In situ vibrational spectra of Pt oxides that cannot be measured with IR spectroscopy have been studied on the low index planes of Pt using surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy with bare Au nanoparticles (NPSERS).
Spreading dynamics of a precursor film of nanodrops on total wetting surfaces
Authors: Weng Yu-Hsuan , Wu Cyuan-Jhang , Tsao Heng-Kwong , Sheng Yu-Jane
Published: September 2017

The spreading dynamics of a nanodrop on a total wetting surface is explored by many-body dissipative particle dynamics.
Dynamic evolution of a vesicle formed by comb-like block copolymer-tethered nanoparticles: a dissipative particle dynamics simulation study
Authors: Liu Ying-Tao , Li Yan-Rong , Wang Xin
Published: September 2017

Vesicles are well-sealed capsules that can store or transport substances.
Explicit description of complexation between oppositely charged polyelectrolytes as an advantage of the random phase approximation over the scaling approach
Authors: Rumyantsev Artem M. , Potemkin Igor I.
Published: September 2017

Formation of single globules via 1 : 1 complexation of oppositely charged linear chains occurs prior to coacervation. Fcorr is proved to be negative which is the difference between the random phase approximation (RPA) correction term and the self-energy of the chains.
Multiscale methods framework: self-consistent coupling of molecular theory of solvation with quantum chemistry, molecular simulations, and dissipative particle dynamics
Authors: Kovalenko Andriy , Gusarov Sergey
Published: September 2017

In this work, we will address different aspects of self-consistent field coupling of computational chemistry methods at different time and length scales in modern materials and biomolecular science.
Atomistic observation of the collision and migration of Li on MoSe2 and WS2 surfaces through ab initio molecular dynamics
Authors: Ho Thi H. , Bui Viet Q. , Bach Phan Thang , Kawazoe Yoshiyuki , Le Hung M.
Published: September 2017

We present in this study a theoretical investigation of the collision of Li with the MX2 surface (MoSe2 or WS2) by employing the Born–Oppenheimer molecular dynamics (MD) approach.
Recent advances of the nano-hierarchical SAPO-34 in the methanol-to-olefin (MTO) reaction and other applications
Authors: Zhong Jiawei , Han Jingfeng , Wei Yingxu , Tian Peng , Guo Xinwen , Song Chunshan , Liu Zhongmin
Published: September 2017

The synthesis and catalytic applications of nano-hierarchical SAPO-34 for MTO conversion have received great significance.
Direct synthesis of hierarchical ZSM-5 zeolite using cetyltrimethylammonium as structure directing agent for methanol-to-hydrocarbons conversion
Authors: Meng Lingqian , Mezari Brahim , Goesten Maarten G. , Wannapakdee Wannaruedee , Pestman Robert , Gao Lu , Wiesfeld Jan , Hensen Emiel J. M.
Published: September 2017

KOH and RbOH are suitable bases to crystallize hierarchical ZSM-5 in one step using cetyltrimethylammonium as the only structure-directing agent.
Grafting of a Eu3+-tfac complex on to a Tb3+-metal organic framework for use as a ratiometric thermometer
Authors: Kaczmarek Anna M. , Liu Ying-Ya , Wang Chunhua , Laforce Brecht , Vincze Laszlo , Van Der Voort Pascal , Van Deun Rik
Published: September 2017

Two novel optical ratiometric thermometers based on a Eu-tfac complex grafted onto a TbMOF are proposed.
Mid-chain carboxylic acids by catalytic refining of microalgae oil
Authors: Zimmerer Julia , Williams Lara , Pingen Dennis , Mecking Stefan
Published: September 2017

Microalgae oil serves as a feedstock for a biorefinery approach to mid-chain (di-) carboxylic acid estersviacross-metathesis and isomerizing alkoxycarbonylation.
Bio-based N-alkyl-2-pyrrolidones by Pd-catalyzed reductive N-alkylation and decarboxylation of glutamic acid
Authors: De Schouwer Free , Adriaansen Sander , Claes Laurens , De Vos Dirk E.
Published: September 2017

Bio-based N-alkyl-2-pyrrolidones were successfully synthesized, starting from glutamic acid and simple carbonyl compounds, by Pd-catalyzed reductive N-alkylation and decarboxylation.
Isotope pattern deconvolution of different sources of stable strontium isotopes in natural systems
Authors: Tchaikovsky A. , Irrgeher J. , Zitek A. , Prohaska T.
Published: September 2017

Isotope pattern deconvolution (IPD) allows for the determination of the fraction to which natural sources form the isotopic composition of a samples from the corresponding isotope pattern.
Microfluidic isolation of platelet-covered circulating tumor cells
Authors: Jiang Xiaocheng , Wong Keith H. K. , Khankhel Aimal H. , Zeinali Mahnaz , Reategui Eduardo , Phillips Matthew J. , Luo Xi , Aceto Nicola , Fachin Fabio , Hoang Anh N. , Kim Wooseok , Jensen Annie E. , Sequist Lecia V. , Maheswaran Shyamala , Haber Daniel A. , Stott Shannon L. , Toner Mehmet
Published: September 2017

A new CTC isolation approach uncovers special populations of platelet-coated CTCs and CTC-leukocyte clusters in cancer patients.
Modeling angiogenesis with micro- and nanotechnology
Authors: Chen Li-Jiun , Kaji Hirokazu
Published: September 2017

Application of micro- and nano-technology in pathological angiogenesis and revascularization strategies towards better clinical outcomes.
Introduction of Fe3O4@SiO2–ZrCl2-MNPs for the efficient promotion of some multi-component reactions under solvent-free conditions
Authors: Kamali Fatemeh , Shirini Farhad
Published: September 2017

In the work, the preparation, characterization and use of Fe3O4@SiO2–ZrCl2-MNPs as nano magnetic reagents in the promotion of some multi-component reactions is reported.
Functionalized calix[4]arene as a colorimetric dual sensor for Cu(ii) and cysteine in aqueous media: experimental and computational study
Authors: Bhatt Madhuri , Maity Debdeep , Hingu Vinayak , Suresh Eringathodi , Ganguly Bishwajit , Paul Parimal
Published: September 2017

The sensors developed detect Cu2+and the metal complex recognizes cysteine, detectable by the naked eye, and DFT calculations corroborate the experimental results.
Triphenylamine–benzimidazole based switch offers reliable detection of organophosphorus nerve agent (DCP) both in solution and gaseous state
Authors: Aich Krishnendu , Das Sangita , Gharami Saswati , Patra Lakshman , Kumar Mondal Tapan
Published: September 2017

Triphenylamine-conjugated imidazole dye acts as a potential sensor for the liquid and vapour phase detection of nerve agent simulantDCP.
Electrochemically exfoliated graphene as a novel microwave susceptor: the ultrafast microwave-assisted synthesis of carbon-coated silicon−graphene film as a lithium-ion battery anode
Authors: Kim Jong Min , Ko Dongjin , Oh Jiseop , Lee Jeongyeon , Hwang Taejin , Jeon Youngmoo , Hooch Antink Wytse , Piao Yuanzhe
Published: September 2017

Graphene nanocomposites have attracted much attention in many applications due to their superior properties.
CdS–MoS2 heterostructures on Mo substrates via in situ sulfurization for efficient photoelectrochemical hydrogen generation
Authors: Zhu Xianglin , Wang Peng , Zhang Qianqian , Wang Zeyan , Liu Yuanyuan , Qin Xiaoyan , Zhang Xiaoyang , Dai Ying , Huang Baibiao
Published: September 2017

CdS–MoS2 photoelectrode with a double layers core shell structure was prepared on Mo substrate through using a simple electrodeposition and– in situ sulfurization method on Mo substrate.
Computational insights on the role of film thickness on the physical properties of ultrathin polysulfone membranes
Authors: Lock S. S. M. , Lau K. K. , Shariff A. M. , Yeong Y. F. , Bustam M. A.
Published: September 2017

A pioneering work to elucidate physical properties of ultrathin membrane films from atomistic point of view in Materials Studio.
The stability, characteristics and magnetic properties of iron carbide from an oolitic hematite
Authors: Wang H. H. , Li G. Q. , Ma J. H. , Zhao D.
Published: September 2017

Iron carbide (Fe3C) is a magnetic material but it is not stable when it is prepared.
Growth phase diagram and upconversion luminescence properties of NaLuF4:Yb3+/Tm3+/Gd3+ nanocrystals
Authors: Li Yangyang , Dong Yanhui , Tuerxun·Aidilibike Tuerxun·Aidilibike , Liu Xiaohui , Guo Junjie , Qin Weiping
Published: September 2017

Relationships between the phase, reaction time, and UCL intensity of NaLuF4 nanocrystals are investigated.
Effect of borrelidin on hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Gao Xiaoxiao , Jiang Yi , Han Li , Chen Xiu , Hu Caijuan , Su Hao , Mu Yu , Guan Peipei , Huang Xueshi
Published: September 2017

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer with high prevalence and mortality.
A water-soluble fluorescent hybrid material based on aminoclay and its bioimaging application
Authors: Li Qing-Feng , Liu Zengchen , Jin Lin , Yang Piaoping , Wang Zhenling
Published: September 2017

A water soluble fluorescent hybrid material by functionalization of aminoclay as an efficient biological stain for bio-imaging.
An in situ recovery method to prepare carbon-coated Zn–Al–hydrotalcite as the anode material for nickel–zinc secondary batteries
Authors: Zeng Xiao , Yang Zhanhong , Liu Fengliang , Long Jun , Feng Zhaobin , Fan Maokui
Published: September 2017

Carbon-coated Zn–Al–hydrotalcite (Zn–Al–LDH) is firstly synthesized by an in situ recovery method and applied as a novel anode material for Ni/Zn secondary batteries.
Direct catalytic effect of nitrogen functional groups exposed on graphenic materials when acting cooperatively with Ru nanoparticles
Authors: Ramirez-Barria Carolina , López-Olmos Cristina , Guerrero-Ruiz Antonio , Rodríguez-Ramos Inmaculada
Published: September 2017

Various carbon materials (including doped graphenic materials) have been used as supports of Ru nanoparticles to determine their catalytic effects in the base-free aqueous-phase oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid.
Synthesis of 1,2-disubstituted benzimidazoles using an aza-Wittig-equivalent process
Authors: Chen Yuan , Xu Fanghui , Sun Zhihua
Published: September 2017

Based on an aza-Wittig-equivalent process, a novel synthetic approach for 1,2-disubstituted benzimidazoles has been successfully designed, which provides mild reaction conditions and excellent yields.
Anisotropic thermophoresis
Authors: Tan Zihan , Yang Mingcheng , Ripoll Marisol
Published: September 2017

The thermophoretic force on an elongated colloid oriented with the temperature gradient can be larger or smaller than when oriented perpendicular to it. This anisotropy can translate into a non-vanishing thermophoretic force in the direction perpendicular to the temperature gradient.
Effects of pH on the structure and mechanical properties of dried pH-responsive latex particles
Authors: Sekido T. , Kappl M. , Butt H.-J. , Yusa S. , Nakamura Y. , Fujii S.
Published: September 2017

Effects of pH on the structure and rigidity of dried bulk pH-responsive latex particles were investigated.
A new strategy to effectively alleviate volume expansion and enhance the conductivity of hierarchical MnO@C nanocomposites for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Cui Zhe , Liu Qian , Xu Chaoting , Zou Rujia , Zhang Jianhua , Zhang Wenlong , Guan Guoqiang , Hu Junqing , Sun Yangang
Published: September 2017

MnO@C microsphere are designed as anodes to alleviate volume changes and enhance conductivity, showing improved lithium ion battery performance.
Active site-engineered bifunctional electrocatalysts of ternary spinel oxides, M0.1Ni0.9Co2O4 (M: Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn) for the air electrode of rechargeable zinc–air batteries
Authors: Lu Yi-Ting , Chien Yu-Ju , Liu Ching-Fang , You Ting-Hsuan , Hu Chi-Chang
Published: September 2017

The active sites of M0.1Ni0.9Co2O4 for the OER and ORR are successfully engineered for its application in rechargeable Zn–air batteries.
Fabrication of complex-shaped hydrogels by diffusion controlled gelation of nanocellulose crystallites
Authors: Maestri C. A. , Bettotti P. , Scarpa M.
Published: September 2017

Ca2+induced external and inverse ionotropic gelation of crystallites of nanocellulose allows the fabrication of small hydrogels with various morphologies using a reaction-diffusion driven process.
Tailoring nucleation and grain growth by changing the precursor phase ratio for efficient organic lead halide perovskite optoelectronic devices
Authors: Venkatesan Swaminathan , Hasan Mehedhi , Kim Junyoung , Rady Nader R. , Sohal Sandeep , Neier Eric , Yao Yan , Zakhidov Alex
Published: September 2017

The nucleation and growth of organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite films induced by the molar ratio of precursor components and their role in optoelectronic performance are investigated.
Home and Community Language Proficiency in Spanish–English Early Bilingual University Students
Authors: Schmidtke Jens
Published: September 2017

Purpose

This study assessed home and community language proficiency in Spanish–English bilingual university students to investigate whether the vocabulary gap reported in studies of bilingual children persists into adulthood.

Method

Sixty-five early bilinguals (mean age = 21 years) were assessed in English and Spanish vocabulary and verbal reasoning ability using subtests of the Woodcock-Muñoz Language Survey–Revised (Schrank & Woodcock, 2009). Their English scores were compared to 74 monolinguals matched in age and level of education. Participants also completed a background questionnaire.

Results

Bilinguals scored below the monolingual control group on both subtests, and the difference was larger for vocabulary compared to verbal reasoning. However, bilinguals were close to the population mean for verbal reasoning. Spanish scores were on average lower than English scores, but participants differed widely in their degree of balance. Participants with an earlier age of acquisition of English and more current exposure to English tended to be more dominant in English.

Conclusions

Vocabulary tests in the home or community language may underestimate bilingual university students' true verbal ability and should be interpreted with caution in high-stakes situations. Verbal reasoning ability may be more indicative of a bilingual's verbal ability.
Wideband RCS reduction of slot‐coupled patch antenna by AMC structure
Authors: Xue Jingjing , Jiang Wen , Gong Shuxi
Published: September 2017

A novel approach to realise the wideband and polarisation‐independent radar cross‐section (RCS) reduction of a slot‐coupled patch antenna is proposed. The RCS reduction is based on the unique reflection phase properties of artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) and perfect electric conductor (PEC) cell. By using the quasi‐fractal structure in AMC design, 180° ± 37° reflection phase difference between AMC and PEC cells is obtained over 109% (6.4–21.7 GHz) frequency range. Then, the two different unit cells are applied properly to a slot‐coupled patch antenna for wideband RCS reduction. The simulated and measured results indicate that the proposed antenna realises a remarkable RCS reduction between 6.0 and 30.0 GHz for both phi‐ and theta‐polarised waves. Moreover, the radiation characteristics of the antenna are well kept simultaneously.
Reconfigurable diffractive antenna with three degrees of freedom
Authors: Ma Chao , Li Huan , Zhang Bin , Ye Dexin , Huangfu Jiangtao , Sun Yongzhi , Zhu Weiqiang , Li Changzhi , Ran Lixin
Published: September 2017

Diffractive antennas implement steerable beams based on reconfigurable diffractive devices such as Fresnel zone plates (FZPs). Compared with phased array systems, FZP antennas have concise architectures and simple beam‐steering mechanisms. In this Letter, the authors demonstrate an FZP‐based reconfigurable diffractive antenna with three degrees of freedom (3DoF), i.e. simultaneous reconfigurable steering angle, beamwidth and operating frequency. Such a highly reconfigurable antenna is implemented based on a single‐layer metasurface mounted with microwave varactors. The principle behind this 3DoF reconfiguration is the electrically induced transparency and opacity switched by different sets of binary voltages applied across the varactors. Experimental measurements validated the proposed approach.
Design of highly efficient broadband harmonic‐optimised GaN power amplifier via modified simplified real frequency technique
Authors: Hu Xingwei , Meng Xiangyu , Yu Cuiping , Liu Yuanan
Published: September 2017

A design of broadband power amplifier (PA) which uses harmonic‐optimised matching network (MN) is designed to maintain high efficiency. The load–pull data is used to construct the optimal impedance areas in fundamental and harmonic parts. Then, the modified simplified real frequency technique algorithm is employed to design output‐MN through constructing the defined harmonic‐error functions. A 10 W Cree gallium nitride high‐electron‐mobility transistor device CGH40010F is used to validate this method. The proposed PA has a 40% bandwidth (1.8–2.7 GHz) and a 64–81% drain efficiency. The digital pre‐distortion process shows the adjacent channel leakage ratio (ACLR) is <−52 dBc at 2.25 GHz.
Breakdown process experiments of cap‐and‐pin insulators and their EMT leader progression model implementation
Authors: Koehler Fabian , Swingler Jonathan , Peesapati Vidyadhar
Published: September 2017

Here, breakdown tests of cap‐and‐pin glass insulators with arcing horns, conducted at two different HV labs, are presented. Since only volt–time curves are measured, a curve‐fitting approach to determine leader progression model parameters is taken, which involves modelling of the impulse generator in detail and inclusion of the Motoyama model to simulate the breakdown. Furthermore, a comparison of the breakdown simulation results with LPM parameters for a pure air gap and the measurements is accomplished. Finally, a curve‐fitting procedure is developed to fit the resulting volt–time curves from simulations to the measurements.
Physical modelling and experimental characterisation of InAlAs/InGaAs avalanche photodiode for 10 Gb/s data rates and higher
Authors: Abdulwahid Omar S. , Sexton James , Kostakis Ioannis , Ian Kawa , Missous Mohamed
Published: September 2017

InAlAs/InGaAs avalanche photodiodes (APD) were simulated using physical device models, then designed and fabricated to detect light in the wavelength range from 1.3 to 1.55 µm. DC characterisation under dark and light conditions were performed at room temperature to measure and investigate the performance of the APD. High‐frequency characterisation was carried out on the device to extract the diode intrinsic and extrinsic parameters. The work reported here focuses on the dark and light physical device simulations (both under DC and AC conditions) which were accomplished using Atlas SILVACO tool. The effect of electron velocity overshoot was considered for accurate bandwidth modelling. All measured data are in excellent agreement with the modelled ones. The internal device gain of the APD is 45 at −23.5 V leading to a ∼220 GHz gain–bandwidth product. This successful APD model can be exploited to further improve the diode structure for higher data rate applications beyond 10 Gb/s.
Impact of Elevated Donor Troponin I as Predictor of Adverse Outcome in Adult Heart Transplantation: A Single-center Experience
Authors: Freundt Miriam , Philipp Alois , Kolat Philipp , Rupprecht Leopold , Friedrich Christine , Hirt Stephan , Haneya Assad
Published: September 2017

Background Due to globally increasing donor organ shortage, investigation of previously described risk factors for utilizing marginal donor hearts is needed. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of elevated donor serum troponin I (TnI) levels on outcome after heart transplantation (HTx).

Methods Between January 1996 and August 2013, 161 patients were reviewed for donor TnI serum levels (>0.3 ng/mL was considered elevated), postoperative outcome parameters, 30-day mortality, and 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival.

Results TnI levels were elevated in 45 (28.0%) donors. Recipients of hearts with elevated TnI had higher incidence of postoperative systolic dysfunction, prolonged inotropic support, prolonged mechanical ventilation, and longer intensive care unit (ICU) stay (p < 0.001). This group had higher 30-day mortality (22.2% vs 8.6%, p = 0.03) and lower 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival (56%, 53%, and 50% versus 82%, 76%, and 69%, p = 0.032). Elevated TnI was the only independent risk factor for 30-day mortality (odds ratio [OR] 3.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.28–10.27, p = 0.015).

Conclusions Elevated donor TnI serum concentration seems to be a marker for adverse outcome and increased short- and long-term mortality after HTx. Nevertheless, many other perioperative variables and parameters can be associated with outcome.
French Connection between Specialized and Routine Pediatric Surgical Care
Authors: Peycelon Matthieu , Faraj Sebastien , Leclair Marc , Bonnard Arnaud
Published: September 2017

Introduction The success of modern pediatric surgery (PS) management has led to the recommendation of regional organization and coordination of PS departments. Although small units may obtain excellent results, there is evidence that a concentration to larger units is advantageous. In France, the centralization of PS has been discussed for the past 15 years. A new organization was finally achieved in 2010. The intent was to assure children prompt access to the level of care appropriate to the degree of their pathologies to improve the outcomes and reduce morbidity and mortality.

Methods One of the first pertinent governmental measures was an attempt to centralize the PS departments and encourage the development of connection between specialized PS care and routine PS unit. In this review, we report this coordination through the analysis inside two regional French areas.

Results Paris is the first example that illustrates the network between four specialized PS departments and eight local hospitals. The aim of this connection was to improve the safety and quality of pediatric surgical management during the night for emergency issues and in the case of neonatology. The second example is the network that coexists in the west part of France through monthly video conferencing sessions and subspecialization (pediatric urology, pediatric oncology, and pediatric liver surgery). Moreover, a national program aimed at improving the management of patients with rare diseases since 2005. For instance, biliary atresia and anorectal malformation centers are located in two academic centers in Paris and the esophageal atresia center is in Lille. These expert centers allowed performing numerous studies along with international publications, thereby offering a better vision of the natural story of diseases to improve care. Finally, this network is emphasized during medical education from PS residency to the fellowship when trainees have to spend at least 1 year in a local hospital.

Conclusion The European legislation calls for multidisciplinary centers treating children with rare diseases and proposes clear and demanding quality criteria. The French experience illustrates some interesting and encouraging aspects of the current trends in PS care. Our results strongly suggest that centralization, specialization, and connections between specialized and routine PS departments can greatly improve management of and outcomes in children treated in our units.
Einfluss des Disease-Management-Programms auf den HbA1c-Wert bei Typ-2-Diabetes-mellitus-Patienten: Ein retrospektiver Vergleich zwischen Disease Management Programm und Regelversorgung
Authors: Wiefarn Stefan , Kostev Karel , Heumann Christian , Rettelbach Anja
Published: September 2017

Hintergrund Diese retrospektive Studie hat das Ziel, den Einfluss des Disease-Management-Programms (DMP) für Typ-2-Diabetes-mellitus-Patienten (T2DM) auf den HbA1c-Wert innerhalb Deutschlands zu messen.

Methoden Die Studie basiert auf retrospektiven Patientendaten aus dem Disease Analyzer Panel (IMS Health). Mittels 2:1 Propensity Score Matching wurde eine adäquate Kontrollgruppe gebildet. Nach dem Matching umfasste die Analyse 14 759 Patienten. Davon nahmen 5875 Patienten an einem DMP teil und 8884 erhielten die Regelversorgung. Auf Basis der gematchten Daten wurde der DMP-Effekt mittels unverbundenem t-Test geschätzt. Darüber hinaus erfolgte unter dem Gesichtspunkt der personalisierten Medizin die Betrachtung von Subgruppen.

Ergebnisse Die Senkung des HbA1c-Wertes in der DMP-Gruppe lag bei durchschnittlich 1,0 Prozentpunkten (Baseline HbA1c = 8,1 vs. HbA1c-Endwert = 7,1), wohingegen die RV-Gruppe den HbA1c-Wert im Mittel um 0,9 Prozentpunkte senken konnte (Baseline HbA1c = 8,1 vs. HbA1c-Endwert = 7,2). Somit konnte die DMP-Gruppe eine nur um 0,1 Prozentpunkte höhere Senkung des HbA1c-Wertes erreichen [95 %-KI: 0,04 – 0,16]. Deskriptiv zeigte sich zudem, dass Patienten aus der DMP-Gruppe durchschnittlich mehr Verordnungen und HbA1c-Messungen pro Jahr aufwiesen. In der Subgruppenanalyse konnten Gruppen von Patienten identifiziert werden, welche mehr von einem DMP profitieren als andere. So können junge Patienten oder Patienten in Behandlung bei einem Diabetologen den größten Nutzen aus einem DMP ziehen. Des Weiteren hat der Baseline-HbA1c-Wert einen Einfluss auf die Höhe des DMP-Effekts.

Folgerung T2DM-Patienten im DMP weisen zwar eine signifikant höhere Senkung des HbA1c-Wertes auf, jedoch ist fraglich, ob der Effekt als klinisch relevant anzusehen ist. Allerdings gibt es Gruppen von Patienten, welche mehr von einem DMP profitieren als andere. Um jedoch den Einfluss des DMPs und die Gründe für die vorhandenen Subgruppeneffekte besser zu verstehen, bedarf es weiterer Studien, welche in einem randomisierten kontrollierten Design durchgeführt werden sollten.
Alkoholabhängigkeit erkennen und handeln – Ein Glas zu viel
Authors: Rühle Hedda , Maxeiner Sandra
Published: September 2017

Alkohol am Arbeitsplatz ist ein Thema, mit dem sich zunehmend auch Inhaber von Physio- und Ergotherapiepraxen konfrontiert sehen. Laut der Deutschen Hauptstelle für Suchtfragen (DHS) sind derzeit circa fünf Prozent der Arbeitnehmer alkoholabhängig und etwa zehn Prozent haben einen problematischen Alkoholkonsum.
Mouthguard Use and Cardiopulmonary Capacity – A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Caneppele Taciana , Borges Alessandra , Pereira Daniele , Fagundes Alessandra , Fidalgo Tatiane , Maia Luciane
Published: September 2017

This study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature to determine the effects of the use of mouthguards (MGs) on cardiopulmonary capacity in athletes (oxygen uptake: VO2 max, and minute ventilation: VE max). Seven electronic databases and reference lists of relevant papers were searched for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that compared the cardiopulmonary capacity in athletes with and without the use of an MG. The risk of bias tool of the Cochrane Collaboration was used for quality assessment. Fourteen studies were included. For both the overall VO2 max and VE max analyses, significant differences were observed between the MG and no MG conditions, favoring no MG, which presented the highest VO2 max values (p=0.0001; 95% CI; –2.638 to –1.728) and the highest VE max values (p=0.0001; 95% CI; –4.103 to –1.354). When the results were analyzed separately for each subgroup (type of MG and place of use), the meta-analysis showed that the effect of the use of an MG on VO2 max and VE max was not significant when custom-made MGs were used. The use of an MG overall decreased VO2 max and VE max compared to the control. Nevertheless, custom-made MGs seem to have no effect on these parameters.
Verlet-like algorithms for Car-Parrinello molecular dynamics with unequal electronic occupations
Authors: Castañeda Medina Arcesio , Schmid Rochus
Published: September 2017

The ab initio molecular dynamics simulations of metallic, charged, and electrochemical systems require, in principle, the inclusion of unequally occupied electronic states. In this contribution, the general approach to work with fixed but arbitrary occupations within the Car-Parrinello molecular dynamics scheme is revisited, focusing on the procedure which is required to maintain the orthonormality constraints in the commonly used position-Verlet integrator. Expressions to constrain also the orbital velocities, as it is demanded by a velocity-Verlet integrator, are then derived. The generalized unequal-occupation SHAKE algorithm is compared with the standard procedure for damped dynamics (energy optimization) of systems including fully unoccupied electronic states. In turn, the proposed unequal-occupation RATTLE algorithm is validated by the corresponding microcanonical ensemble simulations. It is shown that only with the proper orthogonalization method, a correct ordering of states and energy conserving dynamics can be achieved.
Magnetic shielding structure optimization design for wireless power transmission coil
Authors: Dai Zhongyu , Wang Junhua , Long Mengjiao , Huang Hong , Sun Mingui
Published: September 2017

In order to improve the performance of the wireless power transmission (WPT) system, a novel design scheme with magnetic shielding structure on the WPT coil is presented in this paper. This new type of shielding structure has great advantages on magnetic flux leakage reduction and magnetic field concentration. On the basis of theoretical calculation of coil magnetic flux linkage and characteristic analysis as well as practical application feasibility consideration, a complete magnetic shielding structure was designed and the whole design procedure was represented in detail. The simulation results show that the coil with the designed shielding structure has the maximum energy transmission efficiency. Compared with the traditional shielding structure, the weight of the new design is significantly decreased by about 41%. Finally, according to the designed shielding structure, the corresponding experiment platform is built to verify the correctness and superiority of the proposed scheme.
High-speed XYZ-nanopositioner for scanning ion conductance microscopy
Authors: Watanabe Shinji , Ando Toshio
Published: September 2017

We describe a tip-scan-type high-speed XYZ-nanopositioner designed for scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM), with a special care being devoted to the way of nanopipette holding. The nanopipette probe is mounted in the center of a hollow piezoactuator, both ends of which are attached to identical diaphragm flexures, for Z-positioning. This design minimizes the generation of undesirable mechanical vibrations. Mechanical amplification is used to increase the XY-travel range of the nanopositioner. The first resonance frequencies of the nanopositioner are measured as ∼100 kHz and ∼2.3 kHz for the Z- and XY-displacements, respectively. The travel ranges are ∼6 μm and ∼34 μm for Z and XY, respectively. When this nanopositioner is used for hopping mode imaging of SICM with a ∼10-nm radius tip, the vertical tip velocity can be increased to 400 nm/ms; hence, the one-pixel acquisition time can be minimized to ∼1 ms.
Highly transparent twist polarizer metasurface
Authors: Faniayeu Ihar , Khakhomov Sergei , Semchenko Igor , Mizeikis Vygantas
Published: September 2017

A twist polarizer metasurface for polarization rotation by an angle of 90° is proposed and realized at microwave frequencies. The metasurface consists of sub-wavelength metallic helices arranged periodically in a single layer and operates in transmission geometry with a nearly unity cross-polarization conversion coefficient at resonance. The structure exhibits low reflectivity R<0.06 within a decade-spanning frequency range of 0.1–5.5 GHz and is insensitive to the polarization orientation of the incident wave. Moreover, it can operate with high efficiency at oblique incidence angles of up to 35°. Such twist polarizer metasurfaces are potentially applicable as electromagnetic/optical isolators and frequency-selective polarization antennas.
Vertical alignment of stagnation points in pseudo-plane ideal flows
Authors: Sun Che
Published: September 2017

Recent studies of pseudo-plane ideal flow (PIF) reveal a ubiquitous presence of vortex alignment in both homogeneous and stratified fluids, and in both inertial and rotating reference frames as well. The exact solutions of a steady-state PIF model suggest that stagnation points tend to be vertically aligned and the concentric structure represents a fixed-point phenomenon of the Euler equations. Exception occurs in the rotating frame when a flow holds inertial period and skew center becomes possible. Properties of stagnation points based on Morse theory are obtained, leading to a topological explanation of vertical alignment via pressure Hessian. The study thus uncovers a new aspect of vortex behavior in ideal fluid that requires vortex center to align with the direction of gravity when vortex evolution reaches a laminar end state characterized by steady pseudo-plane velocities. Though the phenomenon arises from the constraint of the Euler equations, under specific conditions the topological theory is applicable to viscous fluid and explains the curvilinear tilting of von Kármán swirling vortex.
Transverse sensitivity suppression using multi-axis surface encoder with parasitic error compensation
Authors: Yu Haoyu , Liu Hongzhong , Ye Guoyong , Fan Shanjin , Shi Yongsheng , Yin Lei , Chen Bangdao , Jiang Weitao
Published: September 2017

Transverse sensitivity that is mainly resulted from parasitic error motions can introduce undesired motion components and remarkably lower the manipulation qualities of most inertial sensors. This problem becomes even more apparent for multi-axial sensors as additional demands for multi-degree-of-freedom detection become higher. In this letter, a method to minify the transverse sensitivity of an inertial sensor by multi-degree-of-freedom optical sensing and measurement has been reported and tested. A multi-axis-surface-encoder-based biaxial optical accelerometer is fabricated for scheme validation. The surface encoder adopts multi-reading-unit arrangement, and it can not only detect small changes in displacement to calculate the applied acceleration along X- and Y-axes but also quantify the parasitic error motion caused by Z-twist. A suitable compensation strategy is also developed to reveal the concerned outputs without parasitic errors. Experimental results show that the configuration combined with the parasitic error compensation algorithm remarkably diminishes the sensor's transverse sensitivity and measurement error to 1.76% and 2.24%, respectively. Compared with the simple structure optimizations, the technique we proposed is more straightforward and effective. It is also applicable for transverse sensitivity suppression of other inertial sensors, allowing for a similar configuration, such as vibration sensors and inclinometers.
Light-emitting-diode Lambertian light sources as low-radiant-flux standards applicable to quantitative luminescence-intensity imaging
Authors: Yoshita Masahiro , Kubota Hidehiro , Shimogawara Masahiro , Mori Kaneo , Ohmiya Yoshihiro , Akiyama Hidefumi
Published: September 2017

Planar-type Lambertian light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with a circular aperture of several tens of μm to a few mm in diameter were developed for use as radiant-flux standard light sources, which have been in strong demand for applications such as quantitative or absolute intensity measurements of weak luminescence from solid-state materials and devices. Via pulse-width modulation, time-averaged emission intensity of the LED devices was controlled linearly to cover a wide dynamic range of about nine orders of magnitude, from 10 μW down to 10 fW. The developed planar LED devices were applied as the radiant-flux standards to quantitative measurements and analyses of photoluminescence (PL) intensity and PL quantum efficiency of a GaAs quantum-well sample. The results demonstrated the utility and applicability of the LED standards in quantitative luminescence-intensity measurements in Lambertian-type low radiant-flux level sources.
Finite element and analytical solutions for van der Pauw and four-point probe correction factors when multiple non-ideal measurement conditions coexist
Authors: Reveil Mardochee , Sorg Victoria C. , Cheng Emily R. , Ezzyat Taha , Clancy Paulette , Thompson Michael O.
Published: September 2017

This paper presents an extensive collection of calculated correction factors that account for the combined effects of a wide range of non-ideal conditions often encountered in realistic four-point probe and van der Pauw experiments. In this context, “non-ideal conditions” refer to conditions that deviate from the assumptions on sample and probe characteristics made in the development of these two techniques. We examine the combined effects of contact size and sample thickness on van der Pauw measurements. In the four-point probe configuration, we examine the combined effects of varying the sample’s lateral dimensions, probe placement, and sample thickness. We derive an analytical expression to calculate correction factors that account, simultaneously, for finite sample size and asymmetric probe placement in four-point probe experiments. We provide experimental validation of the analytical solution via four-point probe measurements on a thin film rectangular sample with arbitrary probe placement. The finite sample size effect is very significant in four-point probe measurements (especially for a narrow sample) and asymmetric probe placement only worsens such effects. The contribution of conduction in multilayer samples is also studied and found to be substantial; hence, we provide a map of the necessary correction factors. This library of correction factors will enable the design of resistivity measurements with improved accuracy and reproducibility over a wide range of experimental conditions.
Effect of Sr doping on the electronic band structure and optical properties of ZnO: A first principle calculation
Authors: Mahmood Asad , Tezcan Fatih , Kardaş Gülfeza , Karadağ Faruk
Published: September 2017

Incorporating impurities in ZnO provide opportunities to manipulate its electronic and optical properties, which can be exploited for optoelectronic device applications. Among various elements doped in ZnO crystal structure, limited attempts have been accounted for the Sr–doped ZnO system. Further, no theoretical evidence has been reported so far to explore the Sr–doped ZnO frameworks. Here, we report first principle study for the pure and Sr-doped ZnO (Zn1-xSrxO) structure. We employed the Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof exchange–correlation function parameters in generalized gradient approximations. In light of these estimations, we calculated the electronic band gap, density of states, and optical parameters, for example, absorption, dielectric functions, reflectivity, refractive index, and energy-loss. The studies suggested that Sr incorporation expanded the optical band gap of ZnO. In addition, the energy-loss significantly increased with Sr content which might be associated with an increase in the degree of disorder in the crystal lattice with Sr incorporation. Also, significant changes were seen in the optical properties of ZnO with Sr content in the low energy region. The theoretical results were likewise compared with the previously reported experimental data.
On the influence of the shape of kappa distributions of ions and electrons on the ion-cyclotron instability
Authors: Ziebell L. F. , Gaelzer R.
Published: September 2017

The dispersion relation for ion-cyclotron waves propagating along the direction of the ambient magnetic field is investigated numerically by considering different forms of kappa functions as velocity distributions of ions and electrons. General forms of kappa distributions, isotropic and anisotropic, are defined and used to obtain the dispersion relations for ion-cyclotron waves. With suitable choice of parameters, the general forms reduce to anisotropic versions of the kappa distributions most frequently employed in the literature. The analysis is focused in cases with a small value of the kappa index, for which the non thermal character of the kappa distributions is enhanced. The results show the effects of the superthermal tails of the velocity distributions of both particle species (ions and electrons) on the growth rate of the ion-cyclotron instability. It is seen that different forms of anisotropic kappa distributions, which are used in the current literature, can have a significantly different effect on the growth rates of the instability.
Effect of dielectric discontinuity on a spherical polyelectrolyte brush
Authors: Tergolina Vinicius B. , dos Santos Alexandre P.
Published: September 2017

In this paper we perform molecular dynamics simulations of a spherical polyelectrolyte brush and counterions in a salt-free medium. The dielectric discontinuity on the grafted nanoparticle surface is taken into account by the method of image charges. Properties of the polyelectrolyte brush are obtained for different parameters, including valency of the counterions, radius of the nanoparticle, and the brush total charge. The monovalent counterions density profiles are obtained and compared with a simple mean-field theoretical approach. The theory allows us to obtain osmotic properties of the system.
Comparative Monte-Carlo simulations of charge carrier transport in amorphous molecular solids as given by three most common models of disorder: The dipolar glass, the Gaussian disorder, and their mix
Authors: Tyutnev A. P. , Novikov S. V. , Saenko V. S. , Pozhidaev E. D.
Published: September 2017

We have performed Monte-Carlo simulations of the charge carrier transport in a model molecularly doped polymer using three most popular hopping theories (the dipolar glass model, the Gaussian disorder model, and an intermediate between them) in a wide range of applied electric fields and temperatures. Time of flight transients have been computed and analyzed in logarithmic coordinates to study the Poole-Frenkel field dependence, the non-Arrhenius mobility temperature dependence, and the nondispersive versus dispersive current shapes. We also have made an attempt to estimate the total disorder energy directly from simulation data at the lowest electric field thus checking the consistency of the model fitting. Computational results have been compared with the analytical and experimental information available in the literature.