bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perovskite templating via a bathophenanthroline additive for efficient light-emitting devices
Authors: Jamaludin Nur Fadilah , Yantara Natalia , Ng Yan Fong , Bruno Annalisa , Chandran Bevita K. , Chin Xin Yu , Thirumal Krishnamoorthy , Mathews Nripan , Soci Cesare , Mhaisalkar Subodh
Published: February 2018

Improving the Pe-LED performance using a graded device architecture achieved via bathophenanthroline incorporation in the perovskite emitter.
Versatile synthesis of functionalized β- and γ-carbolines via Pd-catalyzed C–H addition to nitriles/cyclization sequences
Authors: Wang Ting-Ting , Zhang Di , Liao Wei-Wei
Published: February 2018

A diverse synthesis of functionalized β-carbolines and γ-carbolines via Pd-catalyzed C–H addition of indole to nitrile/cyclization sequences is described.
Gold-catalyzed N,O-functionalization of 1,4-diyn-3-ols with N-hydroxyanilines to form highly functionalized pyrrole derivatives
Authors: Hsu Yu-Chen , Hsieh Shu-An , Li Po-Hsuan , Liu Rai-Shung
Published: February 2018

This work describes new N,O-functionalization of 1,4-diyn-3-ols with N-hydroxyanilines to yield highly functionalized pyrrole derivatives.
Near infrared two-photon-excited and -emissive dyes based on a strapped excited-state intramolecular proton-transfer (ESIPT) scaffold
Authors: Suzuki Naoya , Suda Kayo , Yokogawa Daisuke , Kitoh-Nishioka Hirotaka , Irle Stephan , Ando Akihiro , Abegão Luis M. G. , Kamada Kenji , Fukazawa Aiko , Yamaguchi Shigehiro
Published: February 2018

Strapped acceptor–π–donor–π–acceptor type fluorophores exhibit intense near infrared emission, together with near infrared two-photon absorption.
Molecular control of stomatal development
Authors: Zoulias Nicholas , Harrison Emily L. , Casson Stuart A. , Gray Julie E.
Published: February 2018

Plants have evolved developmental plasticity which allows the up- or down-regulation of photosynthetic and water loss capacities as new leaves emerge. This developmental plasticity enables plants to maximise fitness and to survive under differing environments. Stomata play a pivotal role in this adaptive process. These microscopic pores in the epidermis of leaves control gas exchange between the plant and its surrounding environment. Stomatal development involves regulated cell fate decisions that ensure optimal stomatal density and spacing, enabling efficient gas exchange. The cellular patterning process is regulated by a complex signalling pathway involving extracellular ligand–receptor interactions, which, in turn, modulate the activity of three master transcription factors essential for the formation of stomata. Here, we review the current understanding of the biochemical interactions between the epidermal patterning factor ligands and the ERECTA family of leucine-rich repeat receptor kinases. We discuss how this leads to activation of a kinase cascade, regulation of the bHLH transcription factor SPEECHLESS and its relatives, and ultimately alters stomatal production.
Eliciting the Language Sample for Developmental Sentence Scoring: A Comparison of Play With Toys and Elicited Picture Description
Authors: Eisenberg Sarita L. , Guo Ling-Yu , Mucchetti Emily
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This study investigated whether language samples elicited during play and description of pictured events would yield the same results for developmental sentence scoring (DSS).

Method

Two language samples were elicited from 58 three-year-olds. One sample was elicited during play with a parent, and the other sample was elicited by an examiner asking children to talk about pictured events in response to elicitation questions.

Results

DSS scores were not significantly different between the play and event description samples. However, sentence points were significantly higher for the play sample than for the event description sample. Although there was a correlation between sample types for both DSS and sentence points, the correlation for DSS (
r
= .52) was below an acceptable level, and the correlation for sentence points (
r
= .71) was at a minimally acceptable level. Agreement between sample types for pass–fail decisions on the DSS scores using the 10th percentile cutoff recommended by Lee (1974) was only moderate (78%).

Conclusion

The current study shows that type of language samples could affect DSS and sentence point scores of 3-year-olds and, hence, the passing and failing decisions for their performance on DSS.
Mechanisms of Vowel Variation in African American English
Authors: Holt Yolanda Feimster
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This research explored mechanisms of vowel variation in African American English by comparing 2 geographically distant groups of African American and White American English speakers for participation in the African American Shift and the Southern Vowel Shift.

Method

Thirty-two male (African American:
n
= 16, White American controls:
n
= 16) lifelong residents of cities in eastern and western North Carolina produced
heed,
hid,
heyd,
head,
had,
hod,
hawed,
whod,
hood,
hoed,
hide,
howed,
hoyd,
and
heard
3 times each in random order. Formant frequency, duration, and acoustic analyses were completed for the vowels /i, ɪ, e, ɛ, æ, ɑ, ɔ, u, ʊ, o, aɪ, aʊ, oɪ, ɝ/ produced in the listed words.

Results

African American English speakers show vowel variation. In the west, the African American English speakers are participating in the Southern Vowel Shift and
hod
fronting of the African American Shift. In the east, neither the African American English speakers nor their White peers are participating in the Southern Vowel Shift. The African American English speakers show limited participation in the African American Shift.

Conclusion

The results provide evidence of regional and socio-ethnic variation in African American English in North Carolina.
High‐gain broadside dipole planar AMC antenna for 60 GHz applications
Authors: Su Rong , Gao Peng , Wang Rongda , Wang Peng
Published: February 2018

A novel 60 GHz high‐gain planar artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) antenna is proposed. The prototype of the antenna is a dipole structure with a broadband input impedance match. Parasitic patches and a novel AMC plane are successively used to enhance its broadside gain. The antenna has a compact size of 7.5 mm × 8 mm, including the modified AMC plane. Simulated and measured results both show the antenna has good properties of return losses better than 10 dB, stable peak gains up to 10.9 dBi and favourable radiation patterns from 57 to 64 GHz, which all denote that it is fit for 60 GHz wireless portable communication systems.
Multiplicative PIC detection for OCDMA systems with non‐negativity constraints
Authors: Bentrcia Abdelouahab , Seleem Hussein , Fathallah Habib
Published: February 2018

Non‐negativity constraints arise naturally in many applications such as medical and astronomical imaging. These constraints have been recently exploited in the optical communication field where a projected parallel interference cancelation detector has been developed within the context of cancelling multi‐access interference in upstream on‐off‐keying optical code division multiple access passive optical networks; the latter possess the property that the transmitted data symbols are non‐negative. The authors build upon these results and propose a new parallel interference cancellation structure with better features and improved performance. This detector is characterised by a multiplicative update equation and it exhibits a number of unique and desirable features such as stability and smooth convergence behaviour even for highly loaded systems. Up to our knowledge, this structure has not been proposed before either in optical or in wireless communication field. Simulation results are promising and further improvements are possible.
Modified majority logic decoding of Reed–Muller codes using factor graphs
Authors: Yang Ting‐Ya , Chen Houshou
Published: February 2018

This study investigates the decoding algorithms of binary Reed–Muller (RM) codes. The main goal of the study is to modify majority‐logic decoding using sum‐product or min‐sum decoding algorithms at the highest‐order information bits in RM codes. Numerical results show that compared with the traditional majority‐logic decoding algorithm, the modified majority‐logic decoding method proposed in this study can reduce the bit error rate by a large margin. This is achieved without incurring a significant increase in decoding complexity because soft‐decision decoding is only used in the highest information bits in RM codes whereas majority‐logic decoding is still applied at the other orders of information bits in RM codes.
Outage behaviour and SCK‐based power allocation for analogue network coding protocol in cooperative networks
Authors: Zhan Ao , Ren Zhu , Wu Chengyu , Shi Qingjiang , Xu Weiqiang , Shi Qiming
Published: February 2018

In this study, the authors consider the communication scenario where two sources communicate with the help of a single relay, modelled as a half‐duplex butterfly network. Closed‐form expressions of the outage probabilities are derived in the high signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) regime for the orthogonal amplify‐and‐forward and non‐orthogonal amplify‐and‐forward protocols. Then the expressions are approximated to enable power allocation. Closed‐form power allocation schemes are proposed for each protocol, where only statistical channel knowledge is required. It is shown that the authors analyses match well with simulation results and the approximated versions are very close to the simulation results. The proposed power allocation schemes achieve a large SNR gain over the equal‐power strategies and approach the optimal power allocation schemes.
Detailed analysis of energy detection‐based millimetre‐wave time‐of‐arrival measurement system
Authors: Liang Xiaolin , Lyu Tingting , Li Guigeng , Xiao Han , Zhang Hao , Gulliver Thomas Aaron
Published: February 2018

Millimetre‐wave (MMW) in 60 GHz extremely high‐frequency band is deemed as a promising technique in indoor localisation based on its high multipath resolution, which can achieve higher measurement precision than ultra‐wideband system. To reduce the positioning errors, this study presents a new threshold determination scheme based on the extreme learning machine by analysing the characteristics of the received MMW pulses from the energy detector receiver. For each given signal‐to‐noise ratio, the thresholds are examined. The impacts on ranging accuracy are analysed due to the integration periods and propagation models. Results show the developed method can extensively improve the ranging precision.
Mixed integer linear formulation for undervoltage load shedding to provide voltage stability
Authors: Javadi Masoud , Amraee Turaj
Published: February 2018

Undervoltage load shedding (UVLS) is the last resort against voltage instability in critical situations. Here, the UVLS scheme is formulated as a mixed integer programming (MIP) model. The aim of the proposed UVLS model is to provide a predetermined value of loading margin with minimum amount of load shed. The full non‐linear AC power flow equations are linearised using a piecewise linear technique. The proposed linear AC power flow is then integrated into the UVLS problem. A ZIP load model is utilised to demonstrate the fulfilment of the MIP‐based UVLS model under non‐linear static loads. The efficacy of the developed linear AC power flow is verified under different operational conditions and contingencies. The results of the proposed MIP‐based UVLS model are compared with the original non‐linear programming UVLS formulation. To verify the performance of the developed load shedding strategy, the proposed MIP‐based UVLS model is implemented in IEEE 14‐bus and IEEE 118‐bus test systems.
Performance validation of battery management system under prediction error for photovoltaic based distribution system
Authors: Satapathy Prachitara , Dhar Snehamoy , Dash Pradipta Kishore
Published: February 2018

An effective reduction in power prediction error profile and an improved battery management system design for photovoltaic (PV) based microgrid application are presented in this study, where battery life and power loss are considered to be effectiveness measures. For local energy management the prediction error has a direct influence on distributed generator (DG) control reference calculation and thus in system stability. The silent effect of prediction error in battery energy storage life deterioration is highlighted in terms of battery temperature and power losses. The PV power prediction challenge (null versus positive volatility nature) is addressed with effective error reduction by kernel‐based feature mapping function. To obtain fast prediction (operational references to DG primary control) in an online manner, a new fast reduced Morlet kernel‐based online sequential extreme learning machine is proposed in this study. The battery (lithium‐ion) temperature effect is addressed by introducing a new secondary controller, which comprises battery temperature reference model (model reference) along with rule‐based temperature tolerance switching of stacks. The effectiveness of the proposed design is presented by rigorous case studies (MATLAB and TMS320 C6713), where extreme performance is achieved by simultaneous prediction error and local uncertainty.
Towards robust OPF solution strategy for the future AC/DC grids: case of VSC‐HVDC‐connected offshore wind farms
Authors: Nikoobakht Ahmad , Aghaei Jamshid , Niknam Taher , Vahidinasab Vahid , Farahmand Hossein , Korpås Magnus
Published: February 2018

This study jointly addresses two major challenges in power system operations: (i) sustained growth of intermittent offshore wind farms (OWFs) connected to AC grid via multi‐terminal voltage source converter (VSC)‐based high‐voltage DC (HVDC) grid that brings new challenges to the power system operation, and (ii) dealing with non‐linearity of the AC power flow equations with the multi‐terminal VSC‐based HVDC grid model. To overcome these challenges, firstly, to deal with the uncertainties caused by the high penetration of the intermittent OWFs, this study introduces a robust optimisation approach. The proposed framework is computationally efficient and does not require the probability density function of the wind speed. The proposed decision‐making framework finds the optimal decision variables in a way that they remain robust against the set of uncertainties. Secondly, the mathematical representation of the full AC optimal power flow (OPF) problem, with the added modelling of multi‐terminal VSC‐based HVDC grid in a day‐ahead scheduling problem, is a mixed‐integer non‐linear programming (MINLP) optimisation problem, which is computationally burdensome for large‐scale systems. Accordingly, this paper proposes a computationally efficient method for adjustment of solutions set points, which is also compatible with existing customary solvers with minimal modification efforts.
Security DV‐hop localisation algorithm against wormhole attack in wireless sensor network
Authors: Li Jianpo , Wang Dong , Wang Yanjiao
Published: February 2018

Distance vector‐hop (DV‐hop) is a localisation algorithm based on distance vector routing, which often suffers the wormhole attack. To solve this problem, a security DV‐hop localisation algorithm against wormhole attack (AWDV‐hop) is proposed. First, the algorithm establishes the neighbour node relationship list (NNRL) by broadcast flooding. All the nodes get the ID numbers of their neighbour nodes through NNRL. The suspect beacon nodes can be found by comparing the theoretical and actual number of neighbour nodes. Then, the suspect beacon nodes calculate the distances to other beacon nodes in their NNRL to find the actual attacked beacon nodes. The attacked beacon nodes in the different areas of wormhole attack are marked with 1 or 2. Finally, the unknown nodes mark themselves with 1 or 2 according to the beacon nodes marked before. In the next round of localisation, the nodes marked with 1 and the nodes marked with 2 disconnected from each other. The simulation results show that the localisation error of the proposed AWDV‐hop algorithm is reduced by about 80% than that of DV‐hop algorithm suffering from the wormhole attack. Compared to label‐based DV‐HOP (LBDV‐hop) and secure neighbour discovery based DV‐HOP (NDDV‐hop) algorithm, the localisation error is reduced by about 7 and 34%, respectively.
Astrometry and exoplanets in theGaiaera: a Bayesian approach to detection and parameter recovery
Authors: Ranalli P. , Hobbs D. , Lindegren L.
Published: February 2018

TheGaiamission is expected to make a significant contribution to the knowledge of exoplanet systems, both in terms of their number and of their physical properties. We develop Bayesian methods and detection criteria for orbital fitting, and revise the detectability of exoplanets in light of the in-flight properties ofGaia. Limiting ourselves to one-planet systems as a first step of the development, we simulateGaiadata for exoplanet systems over a grid of S/N, orbital period, and eccentricity. The simulations are then fit using Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. We investigate the detection rate according to three information criteria and the Δχ2. For the Δχ2, the effective number of degrees of freedom depends on the mission length. We find that the choice of the Markov chain starting point can affect the quality of the results; we therefore consider two limit possibilities: an ideal case, and a very simple method that finds the starting point assuming circular orbits. We use 6644 and 4402 simulations to assess the fraction of false positive detections in a 5 yr and in a 10 yr mission, respectively; and 4968 and 4706 simulations to assess the detection rate and how the parameters are recovered. Using Jeffreys’ scale of evidence, the fraction of false positives passing a strong evidence criterion is ≲0.2% (0.6%) when considering a 5 yr (10 yr) mission and using the Akaike information criterion or the Watanabe–Akaike information criterion, and <0.02% (<0.06%) when using the Bayesian information criterion. We find that there is a 50% chance of detecting a planet with a minimumS∕N= 2.3 (1.7). This sets the maximum distance to which a planet is detectable to ~70 pc and ~3.5 pc for a Jupiter-mass and Neptune-mass planets, respectively, assuming a 10 yr mission, a 4 au semi-major axis, and a 1M⊙star. We show the distribution of the accuracy and precision with which orbital parameters are recovered. The period is the orbital parameter that can be determined with the best accuracy, with a median relative difference between input and output periods of 4.2% (2.9%) assuming a 5 yr (10 yr) mission. The median accuracy of the semi-major axis of the orbit can be recovered with a median relative error of 7% (6%). The eccentricity can also be recovered with a median absolute accuracy of 0.07 (0.06).
Acyl Azides: Versatile Compounds in the Synthesis of Various Heterocycles­
Authors: Balci Metin
Published: February 2018

Carbon–nitrogen bond formation is one of the most important reactions in organic chemistry. Various synthetic strategies for the generation of C–N bonds are described in the literature. For example, primary amines can be easily synthesized by the thermal decomposition of an acyl azide to an isocyanate, i.e. the Curtis rearrangement, followed by hydrolysis; the Curtius rearrangement has been used extensively. Furthermore, the advantage of the Curtius rearrangement is the isolation of acyl azides as well as the corresponding isocyanates. The isocyanates can be converted into various nitrogen-containing compounds upon reaction with various nucleophiles that can be used as important synthons for cyclization, in other words, for the synthesis of heterocycles. Therefore, this review demonstrates the importance of acyl azides not only in the synthesis acyclic systems, but also in the synthesis of various nitrogen-containing heterocycles.

1 Introduction

2 Synthesis of Acyl Azides

2.1 Acyl Azides from Carboxylic Acid Derivatives

2.2 Acyl Azides by Direct Transformation of Carboxylic Acids

2.3 Acyl Azides from Aldehydes

2.4 Carbamoyl Azides from Haloarenes, Sodium Azide, and N-Formylsaccharin

3 Mechanism of Formation of Isocyanates

4 Synthesis of Diacyl Azides

5 Synthetic Applications

5.1 Synthesis of Pyrimidinone Derivatives

5.2 Dihydropyrimidinone and Isoquinolinone Derivatives

5.3 Synthesis of Tetrahydroisoquinoline Skeleton

5.4 Synthesis of Five-Membered Heterocycles

5.5 Heterocycles Synthesized Starting from Homophthalic acid

5.6 Heterocycles Synthesized from 2-(Ethoxycarbonyl)nicotinic Acid

5.7 Formation of Aza-spiro Compounds

5.8 Parham-Type Cyclization

5.9 Diazepinone Derivatives

5.10 Synthesis of Pyridine Derivatives

5.11 Synthesis of Indole Derivatives

6 Miscellaneous

7 Conclusion
Transition-Metal-Free Catalysis for the Reductive ­Functionalization of CO2 with Amines
Authors: He Liang-Nian , Liu Xiao-Fang , Li Xiao-Ya , Qiao Chang
Published: February 2018

Reductive functionalization of CO2 with amines and a reductant, which combines both reduction of CO2 and C–N bond formation in one pot to produce versatile chemicals and energy-storage materials such as formamides, aminals, and methylamines that are usually derived from petroleum feedstock, would be appealing and promising. Herein, we give a brief review on recent developments in the titled CO2 chemistry by employing transition-metal-free catalysis, which can be catalogued as below according to the diversified energy content of the products, that is formamides, aminals, and methylamines being consistent with 2-, 4-, and 6-electron reduction of CO2, respectively. Notably, hierarchical reduction of CO2 with amines to afford at least two products, for example, formamides and methylamines, could be realized with the same catalyst through tuning the hydrosilane type, reaction temperature, or CO2 pressure. Finally, the opportunities and challenges of the reductive functionalization of CO2 with amines are also highlighted.

1 Introduction

2 2-Electron Reduction of CO2 to Formamide

3 6-Electron Reduction of CO2 to Methylamine

4 4-Electron Reduction of CO2 to Aminal

5 Hierarchical Reduction of CO2 with Amines

6 Conclusion
A Continuous-Flow, Two-Step, Metal-Free Process for the Synthesis of Differently Substituted Chiral 1,2-Diamino Derivatives
Authors: Benaglia Maurizio , Pirola Margherita , Compostella Maria , Raimondi Laura , Puglisi Alessandra
Published: February 2018

The enantioselective organocatalytic reduction of aryl-substituted nitroenamines was successfully performed under continuous-flow conditions. After a preliminary screening with a 10-μL microreactor, to establish the best reaction conditions, the reduction was scaled up in a 0.5-mL mesoreactor, without appreciable loss of enantioselectivity, that remained constantly higher than 90%. The in-flow nitro reduction was also accomplished, either by Raney nickel catalyzed hydrogenation or by a metal-free methodology based on the use of the very inexpensive and readily available reducing agent trichlorosilane. The final aim is to develop a two-step, continuous-flow process for the stereo­selective, metal-free, catalytic synthesis of differently functionalized chiral 1,2-diamines.
Iodine as a New Catalyst for the Condensation of 2-Hydroxy-2,2′-bisindan-1,1′,3,3′-tetrone with Cyclic Enaminones: Synthesis of Spiro-dihydropyridine Derivatives under Acid-Free Conditions
Authors: Matloubi Moghaddam Firouz , Saberi Vahid , Keshavarz Seyedmahmoudreza
Published: February 2018

Iodine has been used as a new catalyst for the synthesis of spiro-dihydropyridine derivatives by the condensation of cyclic enaminones and 2-hydroxy-2,2′-bisindan-1,1′,3,3′-tetrone.
A Novel Method for the Direct Synthesis of Symmetrical and Unsymmetrical Sulfides and Disulfides from Aryl Halides and Ethyl Potassium Xanthogenate
Authors: Soleiman-Beigi M. , Arzehgar Z.
Published: February 2018

An efficient and new method for the synthesis of disulfides and sulfides via the reaction of aryl halides with ethyl potassium xanthogenate in the presence of MOF-199 is described. O-Ethyl-S-aryl ­carbonodithioate has a key role as an intermediate in this procedure; it was converted into symmetrical diaryl disulfides in DMF. Additionally, this could be applied to the synthesis of unsymmetrical aryl alkyl(aryl′) disulfides by the reaction with S-alkyl(aryl) sulfurothioates (Bunte salts) as well as unsymmetrical aryl alkyl(aryl′) sulfides in DMSO.
Cyclization Reactions for the Synthesis of Phthalans and Isoindolines­
Authors: Aronica Laura , Albano Gianluigi
Published: February 2018

Oxygen and nitrogen heterocycles are present in a vast number of natural substrates and biologically active molecules. In particular, phthalan and isoindoline subunits are found in many classes of products such as antibiotics, antioxidants, antimycotics, pigments, and fluorophores. Therefore several procedures dedicated to the construction of these heterocycles have been developed. In this review, a detailed analysis of the literature data regarding the synthesis of these nuclei via cyclization reactions is reported.

1 Introduction

2 Phthalans

2.1 Oxa-Pictet–Spengler Reaction

2.2 Garratt–Braverman Cyclization

2.3 Diels–Alder and Related Reactions

2.4 [2+2+2] Cyclotrimerization of Alkynes

2.5 Cycloetherification of ortho-Substituted Aromatics

2.6 Tandem Carbonylative Sonogashira Coupling–Cyclization Reactions

3 Isoindolines

3.1 Amination of Dihalides

3.2 Intramolecular Hydroamination

3.3 Diels–Alder and Related Reactions

3.4 [2+2+2] Cycloaddition Reactions

3.5 Tandem Carbonylative Sonogashira Coupling–Cyclization Reactions

4 Conclusions
Pseudohyperkalemia in a Patient with T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and Hyperleukocytosis
Authors: Merritt Madison , Kline Hannah , Seigler Robert , Garimella Sudha
Published: February 2018

A 7-year-old girl presented with lymphadenopathy and bruising suggestive of leukemia. Complete blood count was significant for white blood cell count of 479,000/mm3. Basic metabolic panel sent via pneumatic tube system was significant for potassium > 10 mEq/L. The stat venous blood gas potassium level was 4.6 mEq/L. A 12-lead-ECG showed sinus tachycardia without peaked T-waves. It was determined that this was pseudohyperkalemia associated with significant hyperleukocytosis. This brief report discusses rare causes of pseudohyperkalemia that can be overlooked, and details the postulated mechanisms for pseudohyperkalemia in the setting of hyperleukocytosis.
High Dose of A Conjugated Linoleic Acid Mixture Increases Insulin Resistance in Rats Fed Either A Low Fat or A High Fat Diet
Authors: Bezan Priscila , Holland Héric , de Castro Gabriela , Cardoso João , Ovidio Paula , Calder Philip , Jordao Alceu
Published: February 2018

Obesity and related diseases are becoming more prevalent. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) might be a useful coadjutant treatment helping to decrease fat mass. However, the precise impact of CLA is unclear because the decreased body fat mass is followed by an increase in insulin resistance. This study aimed to evaluate some of the consequences of a high dose of CLA in rats fed a normal low fat or a high fat diet for 30 days. Male Wistar rats were separated into 4 groups (each n = 10): Control group receiving 7% fat (soybean oil); CLA group receiving 4% soybean oil and 3% CLA mixture; animal fat (AF) group, receiving 45% fat (lard); and animal fat plus CLA (AF+CLA) group, receiving 42% lard and 3% CLA mixture. The CLA mixture contained 39.32 mole% c9,t11-CLA and 40.50 mole% t10,c12-CLA. After 30 days, both CLA groups (CLA and AF+CLA groups) developed insulin resistance, with an increase in glucose in the fasting state and in an insulin tolerance test. The CLA group had increased liver weight and percentage of saturated fatty acids in liver and adipose tissue. Feeding the high fat diet resulted in increased hepatic triacylglycerol accumulation and this was exacerbated by dietary CLA. It is concluded that a high dose of CLA mixture increases insulin resistance and exacerbates hepatic steatosis when combined with a high fat diet.
Pathogenese, funktionelle und anatomische Aspekte der weiblichen Belastungsinkontinenz
Authors: Kohler Annette , Kirschner-Hermanns Ruth , Staat Manfred , Brehmer Bernhard
Published: February 2018

Der vorliegende Artikel fokussiert sich auf die weibliche Belastungsinkontinenz als Insuffizienz der Speicherfunktion der Blase, auch wenn im klinischen Alltag die Harninkontinenz der Frau häufig verschiedene Ursachen hat und insbesondere eine Belastungsinkontinenz im Alter und bei neurologischer Komorbidität nur selten isoliert vorkommt.

Das kleine Becken der Frau ist sowohl als Funktions- als auch als strukturelle Einheit zu betrachten. Dabei unterliegen bei der Frau Blase, Harnröhre, Gebärmutter und Enddarm sowie die muskulären und ligamentösen Strukturen des kleinen Beckens durch Fertilitätsphase, mögliche Schwangerschaften, Geburten und Menopausen-Phase, über das „normale Altern“ hinaus, gravierenden Veränderungen.
Histologische Vollremission nach neoadjuvanter Immuntherapie bei einem Patienten mit Lynch-Syndrom und primär inoperablem Rezidiv eines Rektumkarzinoms
Authors: Micheel Anita , Aigner Felix , Henke Oliver
Published: February 2018

Anamnese Bei dem 43-jährigen männlichen Patienten wurde ein Rektumkarzinom mit zugrundeliegendem Lynch-Syndrom im Stadium cT4N2M0 diagnostiziert. Nach leitliniengerechter neoadjuvanter Radiochemotherapie und Rektumexstirpation entwickelte sich innerhalb weniger Monate ein ausgedehntes lokoregionäres Rezidiv. Es erfolgte eine erneute Polychemotherapie nach dem FOLFOXIRI-Protokoll in Kombination mit Bevacizumab für sechs Zyklen, um erneute Resektabilität zu erreichen. Trotz dieser intensiven Therapie zeigte sich der Befund progredient.

Weiterer Verlauf Angesichts fehlender Fernmetastasierung wurde ein Off-label-Therapieversuch mit dem PD-1-Rezeptor Inhibitor Pembrolizumab begonnen. Klinisch profitierte der Patient rasch, auch die Bildgebung zeigte nach sechs Zyklen eine Regression des Tumors, die Nebenwirkungen der Therapie beschränkten sich auf eine subklinische Autoimmunthyreoiditis. Die histopathologische Aufarbeitung der anschließenden ausgedehnten operativen Beckenexenteration konnte keinen Malignitätsnachweis mehr erbringen. Mittlerweile ist der Patient wieder dienstfähig mit geringer Symptomenlast.

Folgerung Die Therapie mit Pembrolizumab eröffnet für Patienten mit einem DNA-repair-deficiency mismatch, wie z. B. dem Lynch-Syndrom, eine Therapiealternative, wie bereits eine Phase-II-Studie zeigen konnte. Bemerkenswert ist in dem vorliegenden Fall die komplette histopathologische Vollremission, die bislang in der Literatur nicht beschrieben wurde und ein besonderes Augenmerk auf die Verwendung des Antikörpers Pembrolizumab auf den neoadjuvanten Einsatz legt.
Outcomes of anterior myotomy versus posterior myotomy during POEM: a randomized pilot study
Authors: Ramchandani Mohan , Nabi Zaheer , Reddy D. , Talele Rahul , Darisetty Santosh , Kotla Rama , Chavan Radhika , Tandan Manu
Published: February 2018

Background and study aims Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) can be performed via an anterior or posterior approach, depending on the operator’s preference. Data are lacking on comparative outcomes of both approaches.

Patients and methods This is a pilot randomized study comparing endoscopic anterior and posterior myotomy during POEM in patients with Achalasia cardia (AC). Patients were randomized into 2 groups (n = 30 in each group); anterior myotomy group (AG) and posterior myotomy group (PG) and were followed at 1, 3 and 6 months after POEM.

Results Technical success was achieved in 100 % of cases in both groups and total operative time was comparable (AG – 65 ± 17.65 minutes versus PG – 61.2 ± 16.67; P = 0.38); Mucosotomies were more frequent in AG (20 % vs 3.3 %; P = 0.02). Difference in other perioperative adverse events (AE) including insufflation-related AE and bleeding in both groups were statistically insignificant. At 1-month follow-up Eckardt score AG 0.57 ± 0.56 vs PG 0.53 ± 0.71; (P = 0.81), mean LES pressure AG 11.93 ± 6.36 vs PG 11.77 ± 6.61; (P = 0.59) and esophageal emptying on timed barium swallow at 5 minutes AG 1.32 ± 1.08 cm vs PG 1.29 ± 0.79 cm; (P = 0.09) were comparable in both groups. At 3 months, Eckardt score (0.52 ± 0.59 vs 0.63 ± 0.62; P = 0.51) was similar in both groups. Incidence of esophagitis on EGD was comparable in both groups (24 % vs 33.3 %; P = 0.45), however, pH metry at 3 months showed significantly more esophageal acid exposure in posterior group (2.98 % ± 4.24 vs 13.99 % ± 14.48; P < 0.01). At 6 months clinical efficacy and LES pressures were comparable in both groups.

Conclusion Anterior and posterior approaches to POEM seem to have equal efficacy. However, the occurrence of mucosotomies was higher in the anterior myotomy group and acid exposure was higher with the posterior myotomy approach during POEM.
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy and antegrade clearance of biliary lithiasis in patients with surgically-altered anatomy
Authors: Hosmer Amy , Abdelfatah Mohamed , Law Ryan , Baron Todd
Published: February 2018

Background and study aims Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) in patients with complex surgically-altered anatomy (SAA) is technically demanding and has limitations. Developments in EUS-guided procedures allow alternative approaches for patients with altered gastrointestinal anatomy and biliary lithiasis.

Patients and methods Single-center, retrospective review of prospectively entered patients with SAA who underwent EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy (HGS) followed by an interval antegrade endoscopic clearance of biliary lithiasis.

Results 9 patients with Roux-en-Y anatomy underwent HGS to allow clearance of biliary lithiasis after a mean of 2.5 procedures. Technical success was achieved in 100 % of patients utilizing subsequent antegrade endoscopic techniques after HGS including: balloon sweep (9), transpapillary balloon dilation (8), cholangioscopy with electrohydraulic lithotripsy (4), and mechanical lithotripsy (1). HGS stents were removed in all patients. 1 adverse event (cholangitis) occurred after cholangioscopy and prolonged intraductal electrohydraulic lithotripsy.

Conclusion EUS-guided antegrade therapy for the management of biliary lithiasis in patients with altered gastrointestinal anatomy appears efficacious with a low risk of adverse events. These preliminary results suggest this approach should be considered at centers with available expertise.
Orale Proteinzufuhr an der Dialyse
Authors: Noack Elke , Krüger Eugenia
Published: February 2018

Ein erniedrigter Serum-Albumin-Spiegel stellt einen starken Prädiktor für eine erhöhte Mortalität bei
Dialysepatienten dar. In der vorliegenden Studie werden die Auswirkungen einer regelmäßigen oralen Gabe des
eiweißreichen isländischen Milchprodukts Skyr auf den Serum-Albumin-Wert bei 15 Dialysepatienten in den
Dialysepraxen Mühlacker/Vaihingen an der Enz mithilfe eines quantitativen Forschungsmodells untersucht. Zu
Beginn des Projekts wurden Diagnosekriterien der Malnutrition, wie der Serum-Albumin-Wert, der CRP-Wert, das
Gesamteiweiß, der BMI und ein SGA-Assessment angewendet, um eine bestehende C-DRM festzustellen. Über einen
Zeitraum von 8 Wochen erhielten 15 nach festgelegten Kriterien ausgewählte Hämodialysepatienten regelmäßig 150
g Skyr zusätzlich zur gereichten Zwischenmahlzeit an der Dialyse. Laborkontrollen erfolgten vor, während und
am Ende des Projekts. Nach Studienende wurde mittels eines selbst erstellten Fragebogens die Akzeptanz von
Skyr ermittelt. Nach Ablauf der Versuchsdauer konnte bei über 70 % der Patienten eine positive Entwicklung des
Serum-Albumin-Spiegels anhand der Auswertung der erhobenen Daten festgestellt werden. Nach der Auswertung
eines selbst entwickelten Fragebogens gaben 66 % der Teilnehmer eine subjektive Steigerung ihres Wohlbefindens
an und 100 % den Wunsch, weiterhin die Möglichkeit zu haben, Skyr an der Dialyse essen zu können. Die
Untersuchung zeigt, dass Skyr ein mögliches Angebot zur Verbesserung des Ernährungszustandes, gemäß des
Expertenstandards, durch orale Ernährung darstellen kann.
Determination of coal ash content by the combined x-ray fluorescence and scattering spectrum
Authors: Mikhailov I. F. , Baturin A. A. , Mikhailov A. I. , Borisova S. S. , Fomina L. P.
Published: February 2018

An alternative method is proposed for the determination of the inorganic constituent mass fraction (ash) in solid fuel by the ratio of Compton and Rayleigh X-ray scattering peaks IC/IR subject to the iron fluorescence intensity. An original X-ray optical scheme with a Ti/Mo (or Sc/Cu) double-layer secondary radiator allows registration of the combined fluorescence-and-scattering spectrum at the specified scattering angle. An algorithm for linear calibration of the Compton-to-Rayleigh IC/IR ratio is proposed which uses standard samples with two certified characteristics: mass fractions of ash (Ad) and iron oxide (WFe2O3). Ash mass fractions have been determined for coals of different deposits in the wide range of Ad from 9.4% to 52.7% mass and WFe2O3 from 0.3% to 4.95% mass. Due to the high penetrability of the probing radiation with energy E > 17 keV, the sample preparation procedure is rather simplified in comparison with the traditional method of Ad determination by the sum of fluorescence intensities of all constituent elements.
Structural and optical properties of semi-polar (11-22) InGaN/GaN green light-emitting diode structure
Authors: Zhao Guijuan , Wang Lianshan , Li Huijie , Meng Yulin , Li Fangzheng , Yang Shaoyan , Wang Zhanguo
Published: February 2018

Semi-polar (11-22) InGaN multiple quantum well (MQW) green light-emitting diode (LED) structures have been realized by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition on an m-plane sapphire substrate. By introducing double GaN buffer layers, we improve the crystal quality of semi-polar (11-22) GaN significantly. The vertical alignment of the diffraction peaks in the (11-22) X-ray reciprocal space mapping indicates the fully strained MQW on the GaN layer. The photoluminescence spectra of the LED structure show stronger emission intensity along the [1-100] InGaN/GaN direction. The electroluminescence emission of the LED structure is very broad with peaks around 550 nm and 510 nm at the 100 mA current injection for samples A and B, respectively, and exhibits a significant blue-shift with increasing drive current.
Complexity study on the Cournot–Bertrand mixed duopoly game model with market share preference
Authors: Ma Junhai , Sun Lijian , Hou Shunqi , Zhan Xueli
Published: February 2018

In this paper, a Cournot–Bertrand duopoly model with market share preference is established. Assume that there is a degree of product difference between the two firms, where one firm takes the price as a decision variable and the other takes the quantity. Both firms are bounded rational, with linear cost functions and demand functions. The stability of the equilibrium points is analyzed, and the effects of some parameters (α, β, d and v1) on the model stability are studied. Basins of attraction are investigated and the evolution process is shown with the increase in the output adjustment speed. The simulation results show that instability will lead to the increase in the average utility of the firm that determines the quantity and reduce the average utility of the firm that determines price.
A novel multiplex absorption spectrometer for time-resolved studies
Authors: Lewis Thomas , Heard Dwayne E. , Blitz Mark A.
Published: February 2018

A Time-Resolved Ultraviolet/Visible (UV/Vis) Absorption Spectrometer (TRUVAS) has been developed that can simultaneously monitor absorption at all wavelengths between 200 and 800 nm with millisecond time resolution. A pulsed photolysis laser (KrF 248 nm) is used to initiate chemical reactions that create the target species. The absorption signals from these species evolve as the composition of the gas in the photolysis region changes over time. The instrument can operate at pressures over the range ∼10–800 Torr and can measure time-resolved absorbances <10−4 in the UV (300 nm) and even lower in the visible (580 nm) 2.3 × 10−5, with the peak of sensitivity at ∼500 nm. The novelty of this setup lies in the arrangement of the multipass optics. Although appearing similar to other multipass optical systems (in particular the Herriott cell), there are fundamental differences, most notably the ability to adjust each mirror to maximise the overlap between the probe beam and the photolysis laser. Another feature which aids the sensitivity and versatility of the system is the use of 2 high-throughput spectrographs coupled with sensitive line-array CCDs, which can measure absorbance from ∼200 to 800 nm simultaneously. The capability of the instrument is demonstrated via measurements of the absorption spectrum of the peroxy radical, HOCH2CH2O2, and its self-reaction kinetics.
Two-dimensional water acoustic waveguide based on pressure compensation method
Authors: Zheng Mingye , Chen Yi , Liu Xiaoning , Hu Gengkai
Published: February 2018

A two-dimensional (2D) waveguide is a basic facility for experiment measurement due to a much more simplified wave field pattern than that in free space. A waveguide for airborne sound is easily achieved with almost any solid plates. However, the design of a 2D water acoustic waveguide is still challenging because of unavailable solids with a sufficient large impedance difference from water. In this work, a new method of constructing a 2D water acoustic waveguide is proposed based on pressure compensation and has been verified by numerical simulation. A prototype of the water acoustic waveguide is fabricated and complemented by an acoustic pressure scanning system; the measured scattered pressure fields by air and aluminum cylinders both agree quite well with numerical simulations. Most acoustic pressure fields within a frequency range 7 kHz–15 kHz can be measured in this waveguide when the required scanning region is smaller than the aluminum plate area (1800 mm × 800 mm).
Effects of Al addition on atomic structure of Cu-Zr metallic glass
Authors: Li Feng , Zhang Huajian , Liu Xiongjun , Dong Yuecheng , Yu Chunyan , Lu Zhaoping
Published: February 2018

The atomic structures of Cu52Zr48 and Cu45Zr48Al7 metallic glasses (MGs) have been studied by molecular dynamic simulations. The results reveal that the molar volume of the Cu45Zr48Al7 MG is smaller than that of the Cu52Zr48 MG, although the size of the Al atom is larger than that of the Cu atom, implying an enhanced atomic packing density achieved by introducing Al into the ternary MG. Bond shortening in unlike atomic pairs Zr-Al and Cu-Al is observed in the Cu45Zr48Al7 MG, which is attributed to strong interactions between Al and (Zr, Cu) atoms. Meanwhile, the atomic packing efficiency is enhanced by the minor addition of Al. Compared with the Cu52Zr48 binary MG, the potential energy of the ternary MG decreases and the glass transition temperature increases. Structural analyses indicate that more Cu- and Al-centered full icosahedral clusters emerge in the Cu45Zr48Al7 MG as some Cu atoms are substituted by Al. Furthermore, the addition of Al leads to more icosahedral medium-range orders in the ternary MG. The increase of full icosahedral clusters and the enhancement of the packing density are responsible for the improved glass-forming ability of Cu45Zr48Al7.
Effect of interfacial composition on Ag-based Ohmic contact of GaN-based vertical light emitting diodes
Authors: Wu Ning , Xiong Zhihua , Qin Zhenzhen
Published: February 2018

By investigating the effect of a defective interface structure on Ag-based Ohmic contact of GaN-based vertical light-emitting diodes, we found a direct relationship between the interfacial composition and the Schottky barrier height of the Ag(111)/GaN(0001) interface. It was demonstrated that the Schottky barrier height of a defect-free Ag(111)/GaN(0001) interface was 2.221 eV, and it would be dramatically decreased to 0.375 eV with the introduction of one Ni atom and one Ga vacancy at the interface structure. It was found that the tunability of the Schottky barrier height can be attributed to charge accumulations around the interfacial defective regions and an unpinning of the Fermi level, which explains the experimental phenomenon of Ni-assisted annealing improving the p-type Ohmic contact characteristic. Lastly, we propose a new method of using Cu as an assisted metal to realize a novel Ag-based Ohmic contact. These results provide a guideline for the fabrication of high-quality Ag-based Ohmic contact of GaN-based vertical light-emitting diodes.
Magnetic properties and bio-medical applications in hyperthermia of lithium zinc ferrite nanoparticles integrated with reduced graphene oxide
Authors: Mallick A. , Mahapatra A. S. , Mitra A. , Greneche J. M. , Ningthoujam R. S. , Chakrabarti P. K.
Published: February 2018

Nanoparticles of Zn substituted lithium ferrite (Li0.31Zn0.38Fe2.31O4, LZFO) synthesized by the sol-gel route are successfully dispersed in layers of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) during the course of preparation. The analysis of X-ray diffractograms confirms the desired crystallographic phase of the nanocomposite sample of LZFO-RGO. The results of field emission scanning electron microscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy are consistent with the presence of dispersed nanoparticles in different layers of graphene oxide. Structural information obtained from selected area electron diffraction and nanocrystalline fringe patterns agree well with those obtained from X-ray diffractogram analysis. Mössbauer spectra recorded at 300 and 77 K suggest the presence of a fraction of superparamagnetic particles together with ferrimagnetic particles. Static magnetic measurements include observation of hysteresis loops at 300 and 5 K, magnetization vs. temperature curves under zero field cooling and field cooling conditions. Saturation magnetizations, coercive field, and saturation to remanence ratio are also evaluated. To explore the suitability of this nanocomposite for hyperthermia application, inductive heating of LZFO and LZFO-RGO is measured at different concentrations of nanoparticles. Interestingly, the inductive heating rate of LZFO nanoparticles is enhanced in the nanocomposite phase of LZFO-RGO, suggesting their high potential for hyperthermia therapy in cancer treatment.
On the role of system size in Hall MHD magnetic reconnection
Authors: Bard C. , Dorelli J. C.
Published: February 2018

We study the effects of the Hall electric field on magnetic island coalescence in the large island limit and find evidence for both an elongated electron current sheet layer with a Sweet-Parker-like reconnection rate and a collapsed, Petschek-like electron sheet with a peak reconnection rate approaching the 0.1vAB0 Hall MHD rate. The state observed in our simulations appears to depend on the grid scale. Furthermore, even at the largest system sizes, we find that flux-pileup effects cause the islands to “bounce” despite the presence of a collapsed current sheet allowing fast instantaneous reconnection. The average reconnection rate in the large island limit is slow though the peak reconnection rate is fast.