bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PD-1 alters T-cell metabolic reprogramming by inhibiting glycolysis and promoting lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation
Authors: Patsoukis Nikolaos , Bardhan Kankana , Chatterjee Pranam , Sari Duygu , Liu Bianling , Bell Lauren N. , Karoly Edward D. , Freeman Gordon J. , Petkova Victoria , Seth Pankaj , Li Lequn , Boussiotis Vassiliki A.
Published: March 2015

During activation, T cells undergo metabolic reprogramming, which imprints distinct functional fates. We determined that on PD-1 ligation, activated T cells are unable to engage in glycolysis or amino acid metabolism but have an increased rate of fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO). PD-1 promotes FAO of endogenous lipids by increasing expression of CPT1A, and inducing lipolysis as indicated by elevation of the lipase ATGL, the lipolysis marker glycerol and release of fatty acids. Conversely, CTLA-4 inhibits glycolysis without augmenting FAO, suggesting that CTLA-4 sustains the metabolic profile of non-activated cells. Because T cells utilize glycolysis during differentiation to effectors, our findings reveal a metabolic mechanism responsible for PD-1-mediated blockade of T-effector cell differentiation. The enhancement of FAO provides a mechanistic explanation for the longevity of T cells receiving PD-1 signals in patients with chronic infections and cancer, and for their capacity to be reinvigorated by PD-1 blockade.
Annual costs of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Finland during 1996–2006 and a prediction model for 2007–2030
Authors: Herse Fredrik , Kiljander Toni , Lehtimäki Lauri
Published: March 2015

Background:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major burden for the health care system, but the exact costs are difficult to estimate and there are insufficient data available on past and future time trends of COPD-related costs.

Aims:

The aim of the study was to calculate COPD-related costs in Finland during the years 1996–2006 and estimate future costs for the years 2007–2030.

Methods:

COPD-related direct and indirect costs in the public health care sector of the whole of Finland during the years 1996–2006 were retrieved from national registers. In addition, we made a mathematical prediction model on COPD costs for the years 2007–2030 on the basis of population projection and changes in smoking habits.

Results:

The total annual COPD-related costs amounted to about 100–110 million Euros in 1996–2006, with no obvious change, but there was a slight decrease in direct costs and an increase in indirect costs during these years. The estimation model predicted a 60% increase up to 166 million Euros in COPD-related annual costs by the year 2030. This is caused almost entirely by an increase in direct health care costs that reflect the predicted ageing of the Finnish population, as older age is a significant factor that increases the need for hospitalisation.

Conclusions:

The total annual COPD-related costs in Finland have been stable during the years 1996–2006, but if management strategies are not changed a significant increase in direct costs is expected by the year 2030 due to ageing of the population.
The modulation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on the neuronal network oscillations in rat hippocampal CA3 area
Authors: Wang Yang , Wang Zhan , Wang Jiangang , Wang Yali , Henderson Zaineb , Wang Xiaofang , Zhang Xi , Song Jinggui , Lu Chengbiao
Published: March 2015

γ oscillations are associated with higher brain functions such as memory, perception and consciousness. Disruption of γ oscillations occur in various neuro-psychological disorders such as schizophrenia. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) are highly expressed in the hippocampus, however, little is known about the role on hippocampal persistent γ oscillation. This study examined the effects of nicotine and selective nAChR agonists and antagonists on kainate-induced persistent γ oscillation in rat hippocampal slices. Nicotine enhanced γ oscillation at concentrations of 0.1–10 μM, but reduced it at a higher concentration of 100 μM. The enhancement on γ oscillation can be best mimicked by co-application of α4β2- and α7- nAChR agonist and reduced by a combination of nAChR antagonists, DhβE and MLA. However, these nAChR antagonists failed to block the suppressing role of nicotine on γ. Furthermore, we found that the NMDA receptor antagonist D-AP5 completely blocked the effect of nicotine. These results demonstrate that nicotine modulates γ oscillations via α7 and α4β2 nAChR as well as NMDA activation, suggesting that nAChR activation may have a therapeutic role for the clinical disorder such as schizophrenia, which is known to have impaired γ oscillation and hypo-NMDA receptor function.
Li adsorption on a graphene–fullerene nanobud system: density functional theory approach
Authors: Koh Wonsang , Lee Ji Hye , Lee Seung Geol , Choi Ji Il , Jang Seung Soon
Published: March 2015

The adsorption mechanism of Li onto the graphene–C60 nanobud structure.
The effect of quantum dot labeling on virus activity
Authors: Wang Jie , Huang Xiaoxiao , Zhu Rui , Long Yijuan , Zheng Huzhi
Published: March 2015

A QD labeled virus enhanced the virus toxicity to host cells and caused more increased release of cytokines.
Remarkably stable chelating bis-N-heterocyclic carbene adducts of phosphorus(i) cations
Authors: Binder Justin F. , Swidan Ala'aeddeen , Tang Martin , Nguyen Jennifer H. , Macdonald Charles L. B.
Published: March 2015

Treatment of triphosphenium precursors with bidentate bis-N-heterocyclic carbenes generates remarkably stable phosphamethine cyanine dyes with useful chemical and physical properties.
A facile and efficient synthesis of polystyrene/gold–platinum composite particles and their application for aerobic oxidation of alcohols in water
Authors: Li Yunxing , Gao Yan , Yang Cheng
Published: March 2015

Herein a facile and effective synthesis of the polystyrene/gold–platinum composite particles with high catalytic activity and good recyclability for aerobic oxidation of 1-phenylethanol under mild conditions is reported.
Site-selective recognition of peptide phosphorylation by a terbium(iii) complex in aqueous solution
Authors: Wang Xiaohui , Yang Tao , Luo Jian , Yang Liu , Yao Cheng
Published: March 2015

A terbium(iii) complex performs, in a Zn(ii)-driven mode, site-selective recognition for proximal diphosphorylation of peptides in both buffer and protein extraction solutions.
Acceleration of thiol additive-free native chemical ligation by intramolecular S → S acyl transfer
Authors: Schmalisch J. , Seitz O.
Published: March 2015

The old dog and a new trick; mercaptopropionylcysteine (MPA–Cys) peptide thioesters show a surprisingly high reactivity in native chemical ligation (NCL) and allow thiol-additive free reactions. This facilitates sequential NCL reactions and ligation–desulfurization reactions in one-pot formats. The synthetic utility is demonstrated by the synthesis of a SH3 domain.
Quantum confinement-tunable intersystem crossing and the triplet state lifetime of cationic porphyrin–CdTe quantum dot nano-assemblies
Authors: Ahmed Ghada H. , Aly Shawkat M. , Usman Anwar , Eita Mohamed S. , Melnikov Vasily A. , Mohammed Omar F.
Published: March 2015

We show the possibility of modulating the triplet-state lifetime of cationic porphyrins on the surface of CdTe quantum dots.
Solid-state investigation on a new dimorphic substituted N-salicylidene compound: insights into its thermochromic behaviour
Authors: Carletta A. , Dubois J. , Tilborg A. , Wouters J.
Published: March 2015

The solid-state polymorphism behaviour of a new thermochromic mechanosynthesized compound derived fromortho-vanillin is investigated through SCXRD andab initioprediction methods.
Efficient size control of copper nanoparticles generated in irradiated aqueous solutions of star-shaped polyelectrolyte containers
Authors: Zezin Alexey A. , Feldman Vladimir I. , Abramchuk Sergei S. , Danelyan Gurgen V. , Dyo Victor V. , Plamper Felix A. , Müller Axel H. E. , Pergushov Dmitry V.
Published: March 2015

Star-shaped poly(acrylic acid) macromolecules act as nanoreactors for the preparation of narrow-dispersed copper nanoparticles by radiation-induced reduction of copper(ii) ions.
Optimized multi-site local orbitals in the large-scale DFT program CONQUEST
Authors: Nakata Ayako , Bowler David R. , Miyazaki Tsuyoshi
Published: March 2015

Newly introduced numerical optimization of multi-site support functions in the linear-scaling DFT code CONQUEST improves the accuracy and stability of the support functions with small cutoffs.
Electrochemical reduction of an Ag2VO2PO4particle: dramatic increase of local electronic conductivity
Authors: Kirshenbaum Kevin C. , Bock David C. , Brady Alexander B. , Marschilok Amy C. , Takeuchi Kenneth J. , Takeuchi Esther S.
Published: March 2015

This work demonstrates that at the initial stages of reduction, individual particles of Ag2VO2PO4show a drastic change in local resistance coincident with formation of Ag0, indicating that decreased battery resistance is related to both intra- and interparticle conductivity.
Two alternative approaches to access mixed hydride-amido zinc complexes: synthetic, structural and solution implications
Authors: Roberts Andrew J. , Clegg William , Kennedy Alan R. , Probert Michael R. , Robertson Stuart D. , Hevia Eva
Published: March 2015

In the presence of a bulky N-heterocyclic carbene, Zn(HMDS)2can be converted in to either a mononuclear amido/hydride complex or a tetranuclear hydride rich cluster depending on the hydride source and reaction conditions employed.
Correlation between the molecular structure and the kinetics of decomposition of azamacrocyclic copper(ii) complexes
Authors: Acosta-Rueda Laura , Delgado-Pinar Estefanía , Pitarch-Jarque Javier , Rodríguez Alexis , Blasco Salvador , González Jorge , Basallote Manuel G. , García-España Enrique
Published: March 2015

Kinetic studies reveal a correlation between the structure of the Cu(ii) complexes and their kinetics of decomposition as well as structural changes between the different species.
Iridium-mediated C–S bond activation and transformation: organoiridium(iii) thioether, thiolato, sulfinato and thiyl radical compounds. Synthesis, mechanistic, spectral, electrochemical and theoretical aspects
Authors: Das Ujjwal , Ghorui Tapas , Adhikari Basab , Roy Sima , Pramanik Shuvam , Pramanik Kausikisankar
Published: March 2015

The iridium-mediated C–S bond scission by an uncommon SET reductive process: exploration of S-centered reactivity of iridium(iii) thiolato complex.
The first example of a mixed valence ternary compound of silver with random distribution of Ag(i) and Ag(ii) cations
Authors: Mazej Zoran , Michałowski Tomasz , Goreshnik Evgeny A. , Jagličić Zvonko , Arčon Iztok , Szydłowska Jadwiga , Grochala Wojciech
Published: March 2015

Ag3(SbF6)4is a mixed valence ternary compound of silver with random distribution of Ag(i) and Ag(ii) cations, the first of its kind.
Oxygen deficient layered double perovskite as an active cathode for CO2 electrolysis using a solid oxide conductor
Authors: Shin Tae Ho , Myung Jae-Ha , Verbraeken Maarten , Kim Guntae , Irvine John T. S.
Published: March 2015

A-site ordered PrBaMn2O5+δ was investigated as a potential cathode for CO2 electrolysis using a La0.9Sr0.1Ga0.8Mg0.2O3 (LSGM) electrolyte. The A-site ordered layered double perovskite, PrBaMn2O5+δ, was found to enhance electrocatalytic activity for CO2 reduction on the cathode side since it supports mixed valent transition metal cations such as Mn, which could provide high electrical conductivity and maintain a large oxygen vacancy content, contributing to fast oxygen ion diffusion. It was found that during the oxidation of the reduced PrBaMn2O5+δ (O5 phase) to PrBaMn2O6−δ (O6 phase), a reversible oxygen switchover in the lattice takes place. In addition, here the successful CO2 electrolysis was measured in LSGM electrolyte with this novel oxide electrode. It was found that this PrBaMn2O5+δ, layered perovskite cathode exhibits a performance with a current density of 0.85 A cm−2 at 1.5 V and 850 °C and the electrochemical properties were also evaluated by impedance spectroscopy.
Speciation of 2′-deoxymugineic acid–metal complexes in top soil extracts by multi-modal stationary phase LC-ICP-MS
Authors: Schindlegger Y. , Oburger E. , Puschenreiter M. , Stingeder G. , Koellensperger G. , Hann S.
Published: March 2015

For the first time a mixed mode stationary phase was implemented for the speciation of 2′-deoxymugineic acid–metal complexes in soil related samples.
Palladium-catalyzed carbonylative Sonogashira coupling between aryl triazenes and alkynes
Authors: Li Wanfang , Wu Xiao-Feng
Published: March 2015

We developed an interesting palladium-catalyzed carbonylative Sonogashira reaction with aryl triazenes and alkynes as substrates and methanesulfonic acid as the additive. A series of α,β-ynones were synthesized by this alternative procedure. Notably, bromides, iodides and hydroxyl groups could be well-tolerated under these reaction conditions.
Ba2GeS4and Mg2SnS4: synthesis, structures, optical properties and electronic structures
Authors: Wu Kui , Pan Shilie , Yang Zhihua
Published: March 2015

Structure of Ba2GeS4was determined first using single crystal analysis, and structure and properties of new compound Mg2SnS4is also reported.
A triazine-based porous organic polymer: a novel heterogeneous basic organocatalyst for facile one-pot synthesis of 2-amino-4H-chromenes
Authors: Kundu Sudipta K. , Bhaumik Asim
Published: March 2015

A new triazine-based porous organic polymer has been synthesized through the polycondensation of cyanuric chloride and tris(2-aminoethyl)amine and it is employed as a basic organocatalyst for one-pot three-component coupling reaction.
Controlled evaporative self-assembly of Fe3O4 nanoparticles assisted by an external magnetic field
Authors: Men Yonghong , Wang Wenqin , Xiao Peng , Gu Jincui , Sun Aihua , Huang Youju , Zhang Jiawei , Chen Tao
Published: March 2015

A simple yet robust approach of magnetic field assisted controlled evaporative self-assembly (CESA) is developed to achieve Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) micro- and nano-patterns in two dimensional (2D) direction.
Novel carbon dots/BiOBr nanocomposites with enhanced UV and visible light driven photocatalytic activity
Authors: Du Qingqing , Wang Wenpeng , Wu Yongzhong , Zhao Gang , Ma Fukun , Hao Xiaopeng
Published: March 2015

Novel CD/BiOBr nanocomposites were prepared and both UV and visible light photocatalytic activities were enhanced.
Constitutive modeling of the viscoelastic mechanical response of foam rubber-like materials
Authors: Guo Hui , Hu Wenjun , Guo Weiguo , Zou Ruilu
Published: March 2015

The viscoelastic mechanical behavior of foam rubber-like materials under large deformation is studied using thermodynamic methods.
Facile and universal photo-induced living radical polymerization system mediated by iniferter agent and copper(ii) acetate at ambient temperature
Authors: Fan Liangfang , Jiang Hongjuan , Zhang Lifen , Cheng Zhenping , Zhu Xiulin
Published: March 2015

A facile and universal photo-induced living radical polymerization with a wide range of monomers was developed in the presence of iniferter agent MANDC and organic catalyst copper(ii) acetate under UV irradiation at ambient temperature.
SNAr reaction in aqueous medium in the presence of mixed organic and inorganic bases
Authors: Shelke Nilesh B. , Ghorpade Ramrao , Pratap Ajay , Tak Vijay , Acharya B. N.
Published: March 2015

N-Arylation of amines with fluorobenzonitriles in aqueous medium is described. A mixture of N,N-diisopropylethyl amine and Na2CO3 (1 : 1) is found to achieve maximum conversion by refluxing for 3 hours in water.
Model peptides containing the 3-sulfanyl-norbornene amino acid, a conformationally constrained cysteine analogue effective inducer of 310-helix secondary structures
Authors: Ruffoni Alessandro , Contini Alessandro , Soave Raffaella , Lo Presti Leonardo , Esposto Irene , Maffucci Irene , Nava Donatella , Pellegrino Sara , Gelmi Maria Luisa , Clerici Francesca
Published: March 2015

Two model peptides containing the 3-benzylsulfanylnorbornene amino acid (NRB) was prepared. Theoretical calculations, spectroscopic and X-ray analyses confirmed that both NRB enantiomers possess a strong right-handed helicogenic effect.
Correction: Microwave-assisted palladium-catalysed isonitrile insertion in 2-bromophenylureas for efficient synthesis of 4-substituted imino 4H-benzo[d][1,3]oxazin-2-amines
Authors: Pandey Garima , Batra Sanjay
Published: March 2015

Correction for ‘Microwave-assisted palladium-catalysed isonitrile insertion in 2-bromophenylureas for efficient synthesis of 4-substituted imino 4H-benzo[d][1,3]oxazin-2-amines’ by Garima Pandey et al., RSC Adv., 2015, 5, 28875–28878.
Significant advantages of low-oxygen graphene nanosheets
Authors: Dong Ying , Li Jing , Shi Lei , Wang Xiaobo , Guo Zhiguang , Liu Weimin
Published: March 2015

The introduction of low-content oxygen endows graphene nanosheets with significant advantages, such as high conductivity, good dispersibility in most polar solvents, outstanding stability, the opening of the bandgap, and excellent electrochemical capacitance.
Relationship Between Speech Intelligibility and Speech Comprehension in Babble Noise
Authors: Fontan Lionel , Tardieu Julien , Gaillard Pascal , Woisard Virginie , Ruiz Robert
Published: March 2015

Purpose

The authors investigated the relationship between the intelligibility and comprehension of speech presented in babble noise.

Method

Forty participants listened to French imperative sentences (commands for moving objects) in a multitalker babble background for which intensity was experimentally controlled. Participants were instructed to transcribe what they heard and obey the commands in an interactive environment set up for this purpose. The former test provided intelligibility scores and the latter provided comprehension scores.

Results

Collected data revealed a globally weak correlation between intelligibility and comprehension scores (r= .35,p< .001). The discrepancy tended to grow as noise level increased. An analysis of standard deviations showed that variability in comprehension scores increased linearly with noise level, whereas higher variability in intelligibility scores was found for moderate noise level conditions.

Conclusion

These results support the hypothesis that intelligibility scores are poor predictors of listeners' comprehension in real communication situations. Intelligibility and comprehension scores appear to provide different insights, the first measure being centered on speech signal transfer and the second on communicative performance. Both theoretical and practical implications for the use of speech intelligibility tests as indicators of speakers' performances are discussed.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.6170321
A Randomized Controlled Trial for Children With Childhood Apraxia of Speech Comparing Rapid Syllable Transition Treatment and the Nuffield Dyspraxia Programme–Third Edition
Authors: Murray Elizabeth , McCabe Patricia , Ballard Kirrie J.
Published: March 2015

Purpose

This randomized controlled trial compared the experimental Rapid Syllable Transition (ReST) treatment to the Nuffield Dyspraxia Programme–Third Edition (NDP3; Williams & Stephens, 2004), used widely in clinical practice in Australia and the United Kingdom. Both programs aim to improve speech motor planning/programming for children with apraxia of speech (CAS), but they differ in types of stimuli used, level of stimulus complexity at initiation of treatment, and the principles of motor learning that they apply.

Method

Treatment was delivered to 26 children with mild to severe CAS aged 4–12 years through trained and supervised speech-language pathology students in 1-hr sessions, 4 days a week for 3 weeks at a university clinic. Articulation and prosodic accuracy were assessed at pretreatment, 1 week, 1 month, and 4 months posttreatment using blinded independent assessors to compare treatment, maintenance, and generalization effects.

Results

The ReST and NDP3 treatments demonstrated large treatment effects. ReST maintained treatment gains from 1-week to 4-months posttreatment more effectively than the NDP3. Significant generalization to untreated stimuli was observed for both ReST and NDP3.

Conclusions

ReST and NDP3 have strong evidence of treatment and generalization gains in children with CAS when delivered intensively. Overall, ReST has greater external evidence from multiple sources but both treatments have support for clinical use.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.6170300
Proficiency and Linguistic Complexity Influence Speech Motor Control and Performance in Spanish Language Learners
Authors: Nip Ignatius S. B. , Blumenfeld Henrike K.
Published: March 2015

Purpose

Second-language (L2) production requires greater cognitive resources to inhibit the native language and to retrieve less robust lexical representations. The current investigation identifies how proficiency and linguistic complexity, specifically syntactic and lexical factors, influence speech motor control and performance.

Method

Speech movements of 29 native English speakers with low or high proficiency in Spanish were recorded while producing simple and syntactically complex sentences in English and Spanish. Sentences were loaded with cognate (e.g.,
baby–bebé
) or noncognate (e.g.,
dog–perro
) words. Effects of proficiency, lexicality (cognate vs. noncognate), and syntactic complexity on maximum speed, range of movement, duration, and speech movement variability were examined.

Results

In general, speakers with lower L2 proficiency differed in their speech motor control and performance from speakers with higher L2 proficiency. Speakers with higher L2 proficiency generally had less speech movement variability, shorter phrase durations, greater maximum speeds, and greater ranges of movement. In addition, lexicality and syntactic complexity affected speech motor control and performance.

Conclusions

L2 proficiency, lexicality, and syntactic complexity influence speech motor control and performance in adult L2 learners. Information about relationships between speech motor control, language proficiency, and cognitive–linguistic demands may be used to assess and treat bilingual clients and language learners.
Vocabulary Instruction onSesame Street: A Content Analysis of the Word on the Street Initiative
Authors: Larson Anne L. , Rahn Naomi L.
Published: March 2015

Purpose

Authors of this content analysis examined howSesame Street's Word on the Street initiative aligns with research-based practices for selecting and teaching vocabulary to young children and considered how speech-language pathologists can use educational media to supplement traditional vocabulary instruction.

Method

Study authors used a well-established vocabulary selection hierarchy to analyze 170 target words across 7 seasons of Word on the Street to judge appropriateness for preschool vocabulary instruction. The authors then coded vocabulary instruction across 96 episodes to determine frequency and types of teaching strategies used within this educational program.

Results

Target word selection was appropriate in 77% of episodes. Some instructional strategies were used frequently (e.g., exposure to a word, examples, and nonexamples), whereas others were used rarely (e.g., definitions, active learning). Across episodes, there was substantial variability in how many opportunities children had to learn words.

Conclusions

Vocabulary instruction during Word on the Street could be improved by targeting only high-utility words, maximizing learning opportunities during all segments, and increasing strategies that promote deep processing. Although research is needed to examine word learning during Word on the Street, speech-language pathologists may find selected segments targeting Tier 2 words useful for augmenting traditional intervention approaches.
Particle size control of detergents in mixed flow spray dryers
Authors: Crosby Mark Jonathan , Martin De Juan Luis , Martin Elaine , Montague Gary
Published: March 2015

Particle size is a key quality parameter of a powder detergent as it determines its performance, the bulk density and the look and feel of the product. Consequently, it is essential that particle size is controlled to ensure the consistency of performance when comparing new formulations. The majority of study reported in the literature relating to particle size control, focuses on the spray produced by the atomisation technique. One approach advocated to achieve particle size control is the manipulation of the ratio of the mass slurry rate and mass flow rate of gas used for atomisation. Within this study, ratio control was compared with an automatic cascade loop approach using online measurements of the powder particle size on a small‐scale pilot plant. It was concluded that cascade control of the mean particle size, based on manipulating the mass flow rate of gas, resulted in tighter, more responsive control. The effect of a ratio change varied with different formulations and different slurry rates. Furthermore, changes in slurry rate caused complications, as the impact on particle size growth in the dryer is non‐linear and difficult to predict. The cascade loop enables further study into the effect of particle size on detergent performance.
Impfpräventable Erkrankungen: Wissen, Einstellung und Impfstatus von Medizinstudierenden
Authors: Petersen S. , Roggendorf H. , Wicker S.
Published: March 2015

Ziel der Studie: Medizinisches Personal hat ein erhöhtes Infektionsrisiko und kann Infektionskrankheiten auf Patienten übertragen. Auch Medizinstudierende haben regelmäßigen Kontakt mit Patienten und sollten deswegen über den gleichen Immunschutz gegenüber impfpräventablen Infektionen wie medizinisches Personal verfügen. Ziel unserer Studie war das Wissen und die Einstellung zu arbeitsmedizinisch indizierten Impfungen sowie den Impfstaus der Medizinstudierenden zu erheben.

Methodik: Anonyme Fragebogenerhebung bei Medizinstudierenden des 4. vorklinischen Semesters der Goethe-Universität Frankfurt.

Ergebnisse und Schlussfolgerungen: Wenngleich eine hohe Akzeptanz der Medizinstudierenden hinsichtlich Impfungen festgestellt wurde, so ist das Wissen und der Impfstatus der Studierenden verbesserungswürdig. Bspw. wussten nur 46,4% der Medizinstudierenden, dass es eine generelle Influenzaimpfempfehlung für medizinisches Personal gibt und lediglich 76,8% der Studierenden gaben an, dass sie 2 Masernimpfungen erhalten hatten. Insgesamt 2/3 der Studierenden waren „sehr für Impfen“ bzw. „vollkommenen für Impfen“ und bewerteten die Wahrscheinlichkeit für ungeimpftes medizinisches Personal an einer arbeitsbedingten Infektion zu erkranken als „ziemlich groß“ bis „sehr groß“. Vor dem Hintergrund der positiven Grundeinstellung der Studierenden können – durch die Vermittlung von weiterem Wissen hinsichtlich impfpräventabler Infektionen und arbeitsbedingter Infektionsrisiken – mit einen konsequenten Impfangebot voraussichtlich hohe Impfquoten bei den Studierenden erreicht werden.
A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion and Uninstrumented Posterolateral Fusion in the Degenerative Lumbar Spine
Authors: Jalalpour Kourosh , Neumann Pavel , Johansson Christer , Hedlund Rune
Published: March 2015

Study Design

Randomized controlled trial.

Objective

Despite a large number of publications of outcomes after spinal fusion surgery, there is still no consensus on the efficacy of the several different fusion methods. The aim of this study was to determine whether transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) results in an improved clinical outcome compared with uninstrumented posterolateral fusion (PLF) in the surgical treatment for chronic low back pain.

Methods

This study included 135 patients with degenerative disk disease ( n = 96) or postdiskectomy syndrome ( n = 39). Inclusion criteria were at least 1 year of back pain with or without leg pain in patients aged 20 to 65 with one- or two-level disease. Exclusion criteria were sequestration of disk hernia, psychosocial instability, isthmic spondylolisthesis, drug abuse, and previous spine surgery other than diskectomy. Pain was assessed by visual analog scale (pain index). Functional disability was quantified by the disability rating index and Oswestry Disability Index. The global outcome was assessed by the patient and classified as much better, better, unchanged, or worse. The patients were randomized to conventional uninstrumented PLF ( n = 67) or TLIF ( n = 68). PLF was performed in a standardized fashion using autograft. TLIF was performed with pedicle titanium screw fixation and a porous tantalum interbody spacer with interbody and posterolateral autograft. The clinical outcome measurements were obtained preoperatively and at 12 and 24 months postoperatively. The 2-year follow-up rate was 98%.

Results

The two treatment groups improved significantly from preoperatively to 2 years’ follow-up. At final follow-up, the results in the TLIF group were significantly superior to those in the PLF group in pain index (2.0 versus 3.9, p = 0.007) and in disability rating index (22 versus 36, p = 0.003). The Oswestry Disability Index was better in the TLIF group (20 versus 28, p = 0.110, not significant). The global assessment was clearly superior in the TLIF group: 63% of patients scored “much better” in the TLIF group as compared with 48% in the PLF group ( p = 0.017).

Conclusions

The results of the current study support the use of TLIF rather than uninstrumented PLF in the surgical treatment of the degenerative lumbar spine. The less optimal outcome after uninstrumented PLF may be explained by the much higher reoperation rate.
Couplings between hierarchical conformational dynamics from multi-time correlation functions and two-dimensional lifetime spectra: Application to adenylate kinase
Authors: Ono Junichi , Takada Shoji , Saito Shinji
Published: March 2015

An analytical method based on a three-time correlation function and the corresponding two-dimensional (2D) lifetime spectrum is developed to elucidate the time-dependent couplings between the multi-timescale (i.e., hierarchical) conformational dynamics in heterogeneous systems such as proteins. In analogy with 2D NMR, IR, electronic, and fluorescence spectroscopies, the waiting-time dependence of the off-diagonal peaks in the 2D lifetime spectra can provide a quantitative description of the dynamical correlations between the conformational motions with different lifetimes. The present method is applied to intrinsic conformational changes of substrate-free adenylate kinase (AKE) using long-time coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations. It is found that the hierarchical conformational dynamics arise from the intra-domain structural transitions among conformational substates of AKE by analyzing the one-time correlation functions and one-dimensional lifetime spectra for the donor-acceptor distances corresponding to single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer experiments with the use of the principal component analysis. In addition, the complicated waiting-time dependence of the off-diagonal peaks in the 2D lifetime spectra for the donor-acceptor distances is attributed to the fact that the time evolution of the couplings between the conformational dynamics depends upon both the spatial and temporal characters of the system. The present method is expected to shed light on the biological relationship among the structure, dynamics, and function.
Layer thickness dependence of current induced effective fields in ferromagnetic multilayers
Authors: Kawaguchi M. , Moriyama T. , Koyama T. , Chiba D. , Ono T.
Published: March 2015

We report the relation between current induced effective fields and ferromagnetic layer thickness. Hall measurements with rotating magnetic field show that the transverse and perpendicular effective fields have linear relations to the inverse of the magnetic moment m per area S. The results imply that both of these effective fields may originate from spin angular momentum transferring. However, the non-zero intercept of the transverse field at m/S = 0 implies that magnetization independent effects, such as Rashba effect, may contribute to transverse field.
Contact line dynamics of electroosmotic flows of incompressible binary fluid system with density and viscosity contrasts
Authors: Mondal Pranab Kumar , DasGupta Debabrata , Bandopadhyay Aditya , Ghosh Uddipta , Chakraborty Suman
Published: March 2015

We consider electrically driven dynamics of an incompressible binary fluid, with contrasting densities and viscosities of the two phases, flowing through narrow fluidic channel with walls with predefined surface wettabilities. Through phase field formalism, we describe the interfacial kinetics in the presence of electro-hydrodynamic coupling and address the contact line dynamics of the two-fluid system. We unveil the interplay of the substrate wettability and the contrast in the fluid properties culminating in the forms of two distinct regimes—interface breakup regime and a stable interface regime. Through a parametric study, we demarcate the effect of the density and viscosity contrasts along with the electrokinetic parameters such as the surface charge and ionic concentration on the underlying contact-line-dynamics over interfacial scales.
High-Tc/high-coupling relaxed PZT-based single crystal thin films
Authors: Wasa K. , Matsushima T. , Adachi H. , Matsunaga T. , Yanagitani T. , Yamamoto T.
Published: March 2015

Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 (PZT)-based ferroelectric ceramics exhibit high piezoelectricity, however, their Curie temperature (Tc) values are not so high, i.e., Tc < 400 °C. PZT-based piezoelectric thin films with higher Tc would be beneficial for improved micro actuators, sensors, memories, and piezoelectric micro-electro mechanical systems. In-plane biaxial strained PZT thin films in a laminated composite structure are known to exhibit enhanced Tc; however, the thickness of PZT-based thin films is limited to below a critical thickness typically <50 nm. The Tc of relaxed PZT-based thin films with thicknesses greater than the critical thickness is the same as bulk Tc. However, a sort of relaxed PZT-based single-crystal thin films exhibit extraordinary high Tc, Tc = ∼600 °C. In addition, the films show extremely low dielectric constant, ɛ/ɛo ∼ 100 with high coupling factor, kt ∼ 0.7, and large remnant polarization, Pr ∼ 100 μC/cm2. These exotic properties would result from the single-domain/single-crystal structure. The enhanced Tc is possibly caused by the highly stable interface between the PZT-based thin films and substrates. Their ferroelectric performances are beyond those of conventional PZT. The high-Tc/high-coupling performances are demonstrated, and the possible mechanisms of the high Tc behavior in relaxed PZT-based single-crystal thin films are discussed.
Strain control magnetocrystalline anisotropy of Ta/FeCo/MgO heterostructures
Authors: Ong P. V. , Kioussis Nicholas , Amiri P. Khalili , Wang K. L. , Carman Gregory P.
Published: March 2015

Using ab initio electronic structure calculations, we have investigated the effect of epitaxial strain on magnetocrystalline anisotropy (MCA) of Ta/FeCo/MgO heterostructure. At small expansive strains on the FeCo layer, the system exhibits perpendicular MCA (PMA). Strain not only has a profound effect on the value of MCA but also induces a switching of magnetic easy axis. Analysis of the energy- and k-resolved distribution of orbital characters of the minority-spin band reveals that a significant contribution to PMA at zero strain arises from the spin-orbit coupling between occupied dx2−y2 and unoccupied dxy states, derived from Fe at the FeCo/MgO interface. The strain effect is attributed to strain-induced shifts of spin-orbit coupled d-states. Our work demonstrates that strain engineering can open a viable pathway towards tailoring magnetic properties for spintronic applications.
Vibrational state-selective autodetachment photoelectron spectroscopy from dipole-bound states of cold 2-hydroxyphenoxide: o − HO(C6H4)O−
Authors: Huang Dao-Ling , Liu Hong-Tao , Ning Chuan-Gang , Wang Lai-Sheng
Published: March 2015

We report a photodetachment and high-resolution photoelectron imaging study of cold 2-hydroxyphenoxide anion, o − HO(C6H4)O−, cooled in a cryogenic ion trap. Photodetachment spectroscopy revealed a dipole-bound state (DBS) of the anion, 25 ± 5 cm−1, below the detachment threshold of 18ߙ784 ± 5 cm−1 (2.3289 ± 0.0006 eV ), i.e., the electron affinity of the 2-hydroxyphenoxy radical o − HO(C6H4)O⋅. Twenty-two vibrational levels of the DBS are observed as resonances in the photodetachment spectrum. By tuning the detachment laser to these DBS vibrational levels, we obtain 22 high-resolution resonant photoelectron spectra, which are highly non-Franck-Condon due to mode-selective autodetachment and the Δv = − 1 propensity rule. Numerous Franck-Condon inactive vibrational modes are observed in the resonant photoelectron spectra, significantly expanding the vibrational information that is available in traditional high-resolution photoelectron spectroscopy. A total of 15 fundamental vibrational frequencies are obtained for the o − HO(C6H4)O⋅  radical from both the photodetachment spectrum and the resonant photoelectron spectra, including six symmetry-forbidden out-of-plane modes as a result of resonant enhancement.
Investigation of a tubular dual-stator flux-switching permanent-magnet linear generator for free-piston energy converter
Authors: Sui Yi , Zheng Ping , Tong Chengde , Yu Bin , Zhu Shaohong , Zhu Jianguo
Published: March 2015

This paper describes a tubular dual-stator flux-switching permanent-magnet (PM) linear generator for free-piston energy converter. The operating principle, topology, and design considerations of the machine are investigated. Combining the motion characteristic of free-piston Stirling engine, a tubular dual-stator PM linear generator is designed by finite element method. Some major structural parameters, such as the outer and inner radii of the mover, PM thickness, mover tooth width, tooth width of the outer and inner stators, etc., are optimized to improve the machine performances like thrust capability and power density. In comparison with conventional single-stator PM machines like moving-magnet linear machine and flux-switching linear machine, the proposed dual-stator flux-switching PM machine shows advantages in higher mass power density, higher volume power density, and lighter mover.
Intrinsic magnetic properties of L1 FeNi obtained from meteorite NWA 6259
Authors: Poirier Eric , Pinkerton Frederick E. , Kubic Robert , Mishra Raja K. , Bordeaux Nina , Mubarok Arif , Lewis Laura H. , Goldstein Joseph I. , Skomski Ralph , Barmak Katayun
Published: March 2015

FeNi having the tetragonal L10 crystal structure is a promising new rare-earth-free permanent magnet material. Laboratory synthesis is challenging, however, tetragonal L10 FeNi—the mineral “tetrataenite”—has been characterized using specimens found in nickel-iron meteorites. Most notably, the meteorite NWA 6259 recovered from Northwest Africa is 95 vol. % tetrataenite with a composition of 43 at. % Ni. Hysteresis loops were measured as a function of sample orientation on a specimen cut from NWA 6259 in order to rigorously deduce the intrinsic hard magnetic properties of its L10 phase. Electron backscatter diffraction showed that NWA 6259 is strongly textured, containing L10 grains oriented along any one of the three equivalent cubic directions of the parent fcc structure. The magnetic structure was modeled as a superposition of the three orthonormal uniaxial variants. By simultaneously fitting first-quadrant magnetization data for 13 different orientations of the sample with respect to the applied field direction, the intrinsic magnetic properties were estimated to be saturation magnetization 4πMs = 14.7 kG and anisotropy field Ha = 14.4 kOe. The anisotropy constant K = 0.84 MJ/m3 is somewhat smaller than the value K = 1.3 MJ/m3 obtained by earlier researchers from nominally equiatomic FeNi prepared by neutron irradiation accompanied by annealing in a magnetic field, suggesting that higher Ni content (fewer Fe antisite defects) may improve the anisotropy. The fit also indicated that NWA 6259 contains one dominant variant (62% by volume), the remainder of the sample being a second variant, and the third variant being absent altogether.
Giant perpendicular magnetocrystalline anisotropy of 3d transition-metal thin films on MgO
Authors: Nakamura Kohji , Ikeura Yushi , Akiyama Toru , Ito Tomonori
Published: March 2015

Magnetocrystalline anisotropy (MCA) of the Fe-based transition-metal thin films was investigated by means of first principles full-potential linearized augmented plane wave method. A giant perpendicular MCA (PMCA), up to 3 meV, was confirmed in a 7-layer Fe-Ni film/MgO(001), where an Fe2/Ni/Fe/Ni/Fe2 atomic-layer alignment with a bcc-like-layer stacking and the Fe/MgO interfaces play key roles for leading to the large PMCA. Importantly, we find that the PMCA overcomes enough over the magnetic dipole-dipole anisotropy that favors the in-plane magnetization even when the film thickness increases.
Optical invisibility through metasurfaces made of plasmonic nanoparticles
Authors: Monti A. , Alù A. , Toscano A. , Bilotti F.
Published: March 2015

In this paper, we investigate the application of the mantle cloaking technique to near-infrared and visible frequencies, analyzing and designing thin covers consisting of 2D arrays of plasmonic nanoparticles. First, we validate and generalize an analytical model recently appeared in the literature to describe a 2D array of plasmonic nanoparticles as a metasurface characterized by its homogenized surface reactance. We prove that the proposed model allows to efficiently design 2D mantle cloaks with an assigned surface reactance, enabling, thus, the extension of the mantle cloaking technique to optical frequencies. Then, we design realistic optical mantle cloaks made of 2D arrays of spheroidal plasmonic nanoparticles with a high eccentricity. We show that the proposed cloaks allow significant, moderately broadband cloaking effects at visible frequencies. In our designs, we consider realistic losses and non-critical nanoparticle dimensions to envision a practical realization of the proposed cloaks.
Dirac cones in transition metal doped boron nitride
Authors: Feng Min , Shao Bin , Cao Xuewei , Zuo Xu
Published: March 2015

The transition metal (TM) doped zinc blende boron nitride (c-BN) is studied by using the first principle calculation. TM atoms fill in the interstitials in c-BN and form two-dimensional honeycomb lattice. The generalized gradient approximation and projector augmented wave method are used. The calculated density of states and band structures show that d electrons of TM atoms form impurity bands in the gap of c-BN. When the TM-BN system is in ferromagnetic or non-magnetic state, Dirac cones emerge at the K point in Brillouin zone. When TM is Ti and Co, the Dirac cones are spin polarized and very close to the Fermi level, which makes them promising candidates of Dirac half-metal [H. Ishizuka and Y. Motome, Phys. Rev. Lett. 109, 237207 (2012)]. While TM is Ni and Cu, the system is non-magnetic and Dirac cones located above the Fermi level.
Modifying the chemistry of graphene with substrate selection: A study of gold nanoparticle formation
Authors: Zaniewski Anna M. , Trimble Christie J. , Nemanich Robert J.
Published: March 2015

Graphene and metal nanoparticle composites are a promising class of materials with unique electronic, optical, and chemical properties. In this work, graphene is used as a reducing surface to grow gold nanoparticles out of solution-based metal precursors. The nanoparticle formation is found to strongly depend upon the graphene substrate selection. The studied substrates include diamond, p-type silicon, aluminum oxide, lithium niobate, and copper. Our results indicate that the chemical properties of graphene depend upon this selection. For example, for the same reaction times and concentration, the reduction of gold chloride to gold nanoparticles on graphene/lithium niobate results in 3% nanoparticle coverage compared to 20% coverage on graphene/silicon and 60% on graphene/copper. On insulators, nanoparticles preferentially form on folds and edges. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis is used to confirm the nanoparticle elemental makeup.
The impact of sodium on the sub-bandgap states in CZTSe and CZTS
Authors: Gershon By Talia , Lee Yun Seog , Mankad Ravin , Gunawan Oki , Gokmen Tayfun , Bishop Doug , McCandless Brian , Guha Supratik
Published: March 2015

We compare the optically active sub-bandgap states in polycrystalline Cu2ZnSnSe4 (CZTSe) and Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) thin films as a function of sodium content. In all samples studied, we find that CZTSe has a lower concentration of radiative defect-derived states compared to CZTS and that the states are also shallower in CZTSe compared to CZTS. Further, we find that sodium impacts the relative ratios of two sub-bandgap peaks in the 4 K photoluminescence (PL) spectra of CZTSe (one at ∼0.85 eV and another at ∼0.92 eV). We propose that both of these sub-bandgap peaks stem from intrinsic point defects in CZTSe rather than from electronic states introduced by sodium; this is supported by a measurement on a sodium-free single-crystal of CZTSe. We also show that films with stronger emission through the shallower sub-bandgap states at 4 K display room-temperature PL closer to the bandgap energy. For all sodium quantities studied, one broad PL peak is observed in the 4 K PL spectrum of CZTS which also shifts towards the band edge with increasing sodium. A reduced overall defect density and the fact that the states that are present are shallower together may help account for the lower VOC deficits in CZTSe and the empirical observations that sodium improves device performance.
Cryptic invasion by Capsella rubella in Chile detected by ARMS–PCR
Authors: Castro Sergio A. , Ovalle Roberto
Published: March 2015

Cryptic species are morphologically similar species that tend to be recognised as a single taxon. The genus Capsella contains two cryptic species, C. bursa-pastoris and C. rubella, which are sympatrically distributed on the Iberian Peninsula, but only one of them (C. bursa-pastoris) has been recognised as an introduced species in South America. In continental Chile, two specimens of C. rubella were collected from two distant sites, but it is unclear whether this indicates only local presence or a wider distribution. After extensive sampling throughout continental Chile, we analysed the diversity of collected Capsella specimens using molecular markers. Our aim was to establish the presence of C. bursa-pastoris and/or C. rubella in continental Chile. To this end, we used an amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) to detect the trnD–trnY fragment of cpDNA, which allowed the differential amplification of polymorphic sites for both species. A subsample of these amplification products (n = 8 fragments) was sequenced and compared with previously documented sequences for C. bursa-pastoris and C. rubella. Of 188 plants, 96.8% were identified as C. bursa-pastoris and 3.2% as C. rubella. C. bursa-pastoris was collected at all localities (28°34ʹS–53°09ʹS), whereas C. rubella was collected only in central-south Chile (34°59ʹS–41°28ʹS). This confirms that both C. bursa-pastoris and C. rubella are present in continental Chile, although they apparently exhibit different abundances and ranges. Our results suggest efforts to elucidate distribution of both Capsella species in South America.