bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Handgrip strength cutoff for cardiometabolic risk index among Colombian children and adolescents: The FUPRECOL Study
Authors: Ramírez-Vélez Robinson , Peña-Ibagon Jhonatan Camilo , Martínez-Torres Javier , Tordecilla-Sanders Alejandra , Correa-Bautista Jorge Enrique , Lobelo Felipe , García-Hermoso Antonio
Published: February 2017

Evidence shows an association between muscular strength (MS) and health among young people, however low muscular strength cut points for the detection of high metabolic risk in Latin-American populations are scarce. The aim of this study was twofold: to explore potential age- and sex-specific thresholds of MS, for optimal cardiometabolic risk categorization among Colombian children and adolescents; and to investigate whether cardiometabolic risk differed by MS group by applying the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) cut point. MS was estimated by using a handle dynamometer on 1,950 children and adolescents from Colombia, using MS relative to weight (handgrip strength/body mass). A metabolic risk score was computed from the following components: waist circumference, triglycerides, HDL-c, glucose, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. ROC analysis showed a significant discriminatory accuracy of MS in identifying the low/high metabolic risk in children and adolescents and in both genders. In children, the handgrip strength/body mass levels for a low metabolic risk were 0.359 and 0.376 in girls and boys, respectively. In adolescents, these points were 0.440 and 0.447 in girls and boys, respectively. In conclusion, the results suggest an MS level relative to weight for having a low metabolic risk, which could be used to identify youths at risk.
Outcome of Sentinel Hospital-based and CDC-based ART Service Delivery: A Prospective Open Cohort of People Living with HIV in China
Authors: Ning Chuanyi , Smith Kumi M. , McCann Chase D. , Hu Fengyu , Lan Yun , Zhang Fuchun , Liang Hao , Zhao Jinmin , Tucker Joseph D. , Cai Weiping
Published: February 2017

The primary objective of this study was to obtain insights into the outcomes of people living with HIV who accessed services through HIV/AIDS sentinel hospital-based and ART service delivery in China. Post-hoc analyses of an open cohort from an observational database of 22 qualified HIV/AIDS sentinel hospital-based and two CDC-based drug delivery facilities (DDFs) in Guangdong Province was completed. Linkage to care, mortality and survival rates were calculated according to WHO criteria. 12,966 individuals received ART from HIV/AIDS sentinel hospitals and 1,919 from DDFs, with linkage to care rates of 80.7% and 79.9%, respectively (P > 0.05). Retention rates were 94.1% and 84.0% in sentinel hospitals and DDFs, respectively (P < 0.01). Excess mortality was 1.4 deaths/100 person-years (95% CI: 1.1, 1.8) in DDFs compared to 0.4 deaths/100 person-years (95% CI: 0.3, 0.5) in hospitals (P < 0.01). A Cox-regression analysis revealed that mortality was much higher in patients receiving ART from the DDFs than sentinel hospitals, with an adjusted HR of 3.3 (95% CI: 2.3, 4.6). A crude HR of treatment termination in DDFs was 7.5 fold higher (95% CI: 6.3, 9.0) compared to sentinel hospitals. HIV/AIDS sentinel hospital had better retention, and substantially lower mortality compared to DDFs.
Reproductive strategies of the coral Turbinaria reniformis in the northern Gulf of Aqaba (Red Sea)
Authors: Rapuano Hanna , Brickner Itzchak , Shlesinger Tom , Meroz-Fine Efrat , Tamir Raz , Loya Yossi
Published: February 2017

Here we describe for the first time the reproductive biology of the scleractinian coralTurbinaria reniformisstudied during three years at the coral reefs of Eilat and Aqaba. We also investigated the possibility of sex change in individually tagged colonies followed over a period of 12 years.T. reniformiswas found to be a stable gonochorist (no detected sex change) that reproduces by broadcast spawning 5–6 nights after the full moon of June and July. Spawning was highly synchronized between individuals in the field and in the lab. Reproduction ofT. reniformisis temporally isolated from the times at which most other corals reproduce in Eilat. Its relatively long reproductive cycle compared to other hermaphroditic corals may be due to the high reproductive effort associated with the production of eggs by gonochoristic females. Sex ratio in both the Aqaba and Eilat coral populations deviated significantly from a 1:1 ratio. The larger number of males than of females may provide a compensation for sperm limitation due to its dilution in the water column. We posit that such sex allocation would facilitate adaptation within gonochoristic species by increasing fertilization success in low density populations, constituting a phenomenon possibly regulated by chemical communication.
Eda haplotypes in three-spined stickleback are associated with variation in immune gene expression
Authors: Robertson Shaun , Bradley Janette E. , MacColl Andrew D. C.
Published: February 2017

Haplotypes underlying local adaptation and speciation are predicted to have numerous phenotypic effects, but few genes involved have been identified, with much work to date concentrating on visible, morphological, phenotypes. The link between genes controlling these adaptive morphological phenotypes and the immune system has seldom been investigated, even though changes in the immune system could have profound adaptive consequences. TheEdagene in three-spined stickleback is one of the best studied major adaptation genes; it directly controls bony plate architecture and has been associated with additional aspects of adaptation to freshwater. Here, we exposed F2 hybrids, used to separateEdagenotype from genetic background, to contrasting conditions in semi-natural enclosures. We demonstrate an association between theEdahaplotype block and the expression pattern of key immune system genes. Furthermore, low plated fish grew less and experienced higher burdens of a common ectoparasite with fitness consequences. Little is currently known about the role of the immune system in facilitating adaptation to novel environments, but this study provides an indication of its potential importance.
A Mendelian randomization study of the effect of calcium on coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction and their risk factors
Authors: Xu Lin , Lin Shi Lin , Schooling C. Mary
Published: February 2017

Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) suggest calcium could have adverse effects on cardiovascular disease, although these findings are controversial. To clarify, we assessed whether people with genetically higher calcium had a higher risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), myocardial infarction (MI) and their risk factors. We used a two-sample Mendelian randomization study. We identified genetic variants (single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)) that independently contributed to serum calcium at genome-wide significance which we applied to large extensively genotyped studies of CAD, MI, diabetes, lipids, glycaemic traits and adiposity to obtain unconfounded estimates, with body mass index (BMI) as a control outcome. Based on 4 SNPs each 1 mg/dl increase in calcium was positively associated with CAD (odds ratio (OR) 1.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02–2.17), MI (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.06–2.35), LDL-cholesterol (0.21 standard deviations, 95% CI 0.01–0.4), total cholesterol (0.21 standard deviations, 95% CI 0.03-0.38) and possibly triglycerides (0.19 standard deviations, 95% CI −0.1–0.48), but was unlikely related to BMI although the estimate lacked precision. Sensitivity analysis using 13 SNPs showed a higher risk for CAD (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.14–3.08). Our findings, largely consistent with the experimental evidence, suggest higher serum calcium may increase the risk of CAD.
Modeling of amorphous SiCxO6/5 by classical molecular dynamics and first principles calculations
Authors: Liao Ningbo , Zhang Miao , Zhou Hongming , Xue Wei
Published: February 2017

Polymer-derived silicon oxycarbide (SiCO) presents excellent performance for high temperature and lithium-ion battery applications. Current experiments have provided some information on nano-structure of SiCO, while it is very challenging for experiments to take further insight into the molecular structure and its relationship with properties of materials. In this work, molecular dynamics (MD) based on empirical potential and first principle calculation were combined to investigate amorphous SiCxO6/5ceramics. The amorphous structures of SiCO containing silicon-centered mix bond tetrahedrons and free carbon were successfully reproduced. The calculated radial distribution, angular distribution and Young’s modulus were validated by current experimental data, and more details on molecular structure were discussed. The change in the slope of Young’s modulus is related to the glass transition temperature of the material. The proposed modeling approach can be used to predict the properties of SiCO with different compositions.
Grayscale image recording on Ge2Sb2Te5 thin films through laser-induced structural evolution
Authors: Wei Tao , Wei Jingsong , Zhang Kui , Zhao Hongxia , Zhang Long
Published: February 2017

Chalcogenide Ge2Sb2Te5 thin films have been widely exploited as binary bit recording materials in optical and non-volatile electronic information storage, where the crystalline and amorphous states are marked as the information bits “0” and “1”, respectively. In this work, we demonstrate the use of Ge2Sb2Te5 thin films as multi-level grayscale image recording materials. High-resolution grayscale images are recorded on Ge2Sb2Te5 thin films through taking advantage of laser-induced structural evolution characteristic. Experimental results indicate that the change of laser energy results in the structural evolution of Ge2Sb2Te5 thin films. The structural evolution induces the difference of electronic polarizability and reflectivity, and high-resolution grayscale images are recorded on Ge2Sb2Te5 thin films through direct laser writing method, accordingly.
Military deployment correlates with smaller prefrontal gray matter volume and psychological symptoms in a subclinical population
Authors: Butler O , Adolf J , Gleich T , Willmund G , Zimmermann P , Lindenberger U , Gallinat J , Kühn S
Published: February 2017

Research investigating the effects of trauma exposure on brain structure and function in adults has mainly focused on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), whereas trauma-exposed individuals without a clinical diagnoses often serve as controls. However, this assumes a dichotomy between clinical and subclinical populations that may not be supported at the neural level. In the current study we investigate whether the effects of repeated or long-term stress exposure on brain structure in a subclinical sample are similar to previous PTSD neuroimaging findings. We assessed 27 combat trauma-exposed individuals by means of whole-brain voxel-based morphometry on 3 T magnetic resonance imaging scans and identified a negative association between duration of military deployment and gray matter volumes in ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). We also found a negative relationship between deployment-related gray matter volumes and psychological symptoms, but not between military deployment and psychological symptoms. To our knowledge, this is the first whole-brain analysis showing that longer military deployment is associated with smaller regional brain volumes in combat-exposed individuals without PTSD. Notably, the observed gray matter associations resemble those previously identified in PTSD populations, and concern regions involved in emotional regulation and fear extinction. These findings question the current dichotomy between clinical and subclinical populations in PTSD neuroimaging research. Instead, neural correlates of both stress exposure and PTSD symptomatology may be more meaningfully investigated at a continuous level.
Rare damaging variants in DNA repair and cell cycle pathways are associated with hippocampal and cognitive dysfunction: a combined genetic imaging study in first-episode treatment-naive patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Yang Z , Li M , Hu X , Xiang B , Deng W , Wang Q , Wang Y , Zhao L , Ma X , Sham P C , Northoff G , Li T
Published: February 2017

Schizophrenia is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder where changes in both hippocampus and memory-related cognitive functions are central. However, the exact relationship between neurodevelopmental-genetic factors and hippocampal-cognitive dysfunction remains unclear. The general aim of our study is to link the occurrence of rare damaging mutations involved in susceptibility gene pathways to the structure and function of hippocampus in order to define genetically and phenotypically based subgroups in schizophrenia. In the present study, by analyzing the exome sequencing and magnetic resonance imaging data in 94 first-episode treatment-naive schizophrenia patients and 134 normal controls, we identified that a cluster of rare damaging variants (RDVs) enriched in DNA repair and cell cycle pathways was present only in a subgroup including 39 schizophrenic patients. Furthermore, we found that schizophrenic patients with this RDVs show increased resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) between left hippocampus (especially for left dentate gyrus) and left inferior parietal cortex, as well as decreased rsFC between left hippocampus and cerebellum. Moreover, abnormal rsFC was related to the deficits of spatial working memory (SWM; that is known to recruit the hippocampus) in patients with the RDVs. Taken together, our data demonstrate for the first time, to our knowledge, that damaging rare variants of genes in DNA repair and cell cycle pathways are associated with aberrant hippocampal rsFC, which was further relative to cognitive deficits in first-episode treatment-naive schizophrenia. Therefore, our data provide some evidence for the occurrence of phenotypic alterations in hippocampal and SWM function in a genetically defined subgroup of schizophrenia.
BDNF val66met association with serotonin transporter binding in healthy humans
Authors: Fisher P M , Ozenne B , Svarer C , Adamsen D , Lehel S , Baaré W F C , Jensen P S , Knudsen G M
Published: February 2017

The serotonin transporter (5-HTT) is a key feature of the serotonin system, which is involved in behavior, cognition and personality and implicated in neuropsychiatric illnesses including depression. The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) val66met and 5-HTTLPR polymorphisms have predicted differences in 5-HTT levels in humans but with equivocal results, possibly due to limited sample sizes. Within the current study we evaluated these genetic predictors of 5-HTT binding with [11C]DASB positron emission tomography (PET) in a comparatively large cohort of 144 healthy individuals. We used a latent variable model to determine genetic effects on a latent variable (5-HTTLV), reflecting shared correlation across regional 5-HTT binding (amygdala, caudate, hippocampus, midbrain, neocortex, putamen and thalamus). Our data supported a significant BDNF val66met effect on 5-HTTLV such that met-carriers showed 2–7% higher subcortical 5-HTT binding compared with val/val individuals (P=0.042). Our data did not support a BDNF val66met effect in neocortex and 5-HTTLPR did not significantly predict 5-HTTLV. We did not observe evidence for an interaction between genotypes. Our findings indicate that met-carriers have increased subcortical 5-HTT binding. The small difference suggests limited statistical power may explain previously reported null effects. Our finding adds to emerging evidence that BDNF val66met contributes to differences in the human brain serotonin system, informing how variability in the 5-HTT level emerges and may represent an important molecular mediator of BDNF val66met effects on behavior and related risk for neuropsychiatric illness.
Electrical stimulation of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis reduces anxiety in a rat model
Authors: Luyck K , Tambuyzer T , Deprez M , Rangarajan J , Nuttin B , Luyten L
Published: February 2017

We recently showed that deep brain stimulation (DBS) in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST) reduces obsessions, compulsions and associated anxiety in patients suffering from severe, treatment-refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder. Here, we investigated the anxiolytic effects of electrical BST stimulation in a rat model of conditioned anxiety, unrelated to obsessions or compulsions. Two sets of stimulation parameters were evaluated. Using fixed settings at 100 Hz, 40 μs and 300 μA (Set A), we observed elevated freezing and startle levels, whereas stimulation at 130 Hz, 220 μs and individually tailored amplitudes (Set B) appeared to reduce freezing. In a follow-up experiment, we evaluated the anxiolytic potential of Set B more extensively, by adding a lesion group and an additional day of stimulation. We found that electrical stimulation significantly reduced freezing, but not to the same extent as lesions. Neither lesions nor stimulation of the BST affected motor behavior or unconditioned anxiety in an open-field test. In summary, electrical stimulation of the BST was successful in reducing contextual anxiety in a rat model, without eliciting unwanted motor effects. Our findings underline the therapeutic potential of DBS in the BST for disorders that are hallmarked by pathological anxiety. Further research will be necessary to assess the translatability of these findings to the clinic.
σ-Complexation as a strategy for designing copper-based light emitters
Authors: Kim Yeong-Eun , Kim Jin , Park Joon Woo , Park Kiyoung , Lee Yunho
Published: February 2017

Introduction of weak σ-SiH coordination to a copper(i) center leads to a highly emissive copper complex to minimize geometry relaxation in MLCT excited states.
Controllable deposition of Pt nanoparticles into a KL zeolite by atomic layer deposition for highly efficient reforming of n-heptane to aromatics
Authors: Xu Dan , Wu Baoshan , Ren Pengju , Wang Shuyuan , Huo Chunfang , Zhang Bin , Guo Wenping , Huang Lihua , Wen Xiaodong , Qin Yong , Yang Yong , Li Yongwang
Published: February 2017

Small-sized Pt particles inside KL zeolite channels are supposed to facilitate the dehydrogenation and cyclization of n-heptane.
W2C nanorods with various amounts of vacancy defects: determination of catalytic active sites in the hydrodeoxygenation of benzofuran
Authors: Liu Rong , Pang Min , Chen Xiaozhen , Li Chuang , Xu Chunjian , Liang Changhai
Published: February 2017

Phase-pure W2C nanorods were prepared by pyrolysis of a metatungstate and melamine hybrid, and showed excellent performance in the hydrodeoxygenation of benzofuran.
Synthesis and characterization of a series of novel perovskite-type LaMnO3/Keggin-type polyoxometalate hybrid nanomaterials for fast and selective removal of cationic dyes from aqueous solutions
Authors: Farhadi Saeed , Mahmoudi Farzaneh , Amini Mostafa M. , Dusek Michal , Jarosova Marketa
Published: February 2017

Keggin-type polyoxometalates (H3PMo12O40, H3PW12O40 and H4SiW12O40) were supported chemically on silicacoated perovskite-type LaMnO3 nanoparticles for the removal of organic pollutants in water.
5-(2-Pyridil)-1H-tetrazole complexes with Mo(iv) and W(iv) cyanides
Authors: Mrowiec A. , Jurowska A. , Hodorowicz M. , Szklarzewicz J.
Published: February 2017

The reactions of tetrazole ligand derived from 2-cyanopyridine with K3Na[Mo(CN)4O2]·6H2O and K3Na[W(CN)4O2]·6H2O in water–ethanol solution result in isolation of two new complexes with the following formulae: (PPh4)2[Mo(CN)3O(pdt)]·2H2O (1) (Hpdt = 5-(2-pyridil)-1H-tetrazole) and (PPh4)2[W(CN)3O(pdt)]·3H2O (2).
Nanoscale adhesion and sliding on biased semiconductors
Authors: Mukherjee A. , Craciun A. D. , Gallani J. L. , Rastei M. V.
Published: February 2017

We present experimental and theoretical results on controlling nanoscale sliding friction and adhesion by electric fields on model contacts realized by bringing a conductive atomic force microscope tip into contact with the surface of a silicon-oxide/silicon wafer. We find that applying a bias voltage on silicon (or on the conductive tip) enables a noticeable control of the sliding forces. Two electrostatic interactions are identified as being relevant for the friction variation as a function of applied voltage. The first is a short-range electrostatic interaction between opposite charges localized at oxide–silicon/silicon and tip/silicon-oxide interfaces. This attractive interaction results from the high capacity of the oxide–semiconductor interface to change its charge density in response to a bias voltage. Various regimes of charging resulting from silicon electronic bands’ alignment and deformation are evidenced. We mainly focused here on the strong charge accumulation and inversion domains. The second longer-range electrostatic interaction is between the voltage-induced bulk and surface charges of both tip and sample. This interaction decreases very slowly with the distance between tip and silicon surface, i.e. oxide thickness, and can be attractive or repulsive depending on voltage polarity. Our results demonstrate the possibility of controlling nanoscale friction/adhesion in nanoscale contacts involving semiconductors. These results are relevant for the operation of nanoscale devices or for on-surface nanomanipulation of metallic nanoparticles. We model the experimental results by adding an electrostatic energy contribution to the tip–surface binding energy, which translates into an increase or decrease of the normal force and ultimately of the sliding friction.
Metal-catalyzed reductive deamination of glutamic acid to bio-based dimethyl glutarate and methylamines
Authors: De Schouwer Free , Cuypers Thomas , Claes Laurens , De Vos Dirk E.
Published: February 2017

Glutamic acid was successfully converted into dimethyl glutarate and trimethylamine by a Pt based reductive deamination at 225 °C in methanol.
Ultra-high throughput detection (1 million droplets per second) of fluorescent droplets using a cell phone camera and time domain encoded optofluidics
Authors: Yelleswarapu Venkata R. , Jeong Heon-Ho , Yadavali Sagar , Issadore David
Published: February 2017

The microdroplet megascale detector (μMD) generates and detects the fluorescence of millions of droplets per second using a cellphone camera.
TEOS-based consolidants for carbonate stones: the role of N1-(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)diethylenetriamine
Authors: Sena da Fonseca B. , Piçarra S. , Ferreira Pinto A. P. , Ferreira Maria João , Montemor M. F.
Published: February 2017

The modification of TEOS-based consolidants with SiDETA changes the growth pathway of a silica network in a way that depends on the original reaction parameters.
Direct synthesis of tetraalkoxysilanes from silica and alcohols
Authors: Fukaya Norihisa , Choi Seong Jib , Horikoshi Toshio , Kataoka Sho , Endo Akira , Kumai Hiroshi , Hasegawa Minoru , Sato Kazuhiko , Choi Jun-Chul
Published: February 2017

A simple and efficient process for synthesizing tetraalkoxysilanes from silica and alcohols was developed using molecular sieves as dehydrating agents.
One-step preparation of surface modified electrospun microfibers as suitable supports for protein immobilization
Authors: Martrou Guillaume , Léonetti Marc , Gigmes Didier , Trimaille Thomas
Published: February 2017

Surface modified microfibers were prepared in a one-step process, and were prone to retain the activity and improve the stability of immobilized enzymes.
Homogeneous capture and heterogeneous separation of proteins by PEG-functionalized ionic liquid–water systems
Authors: Yao Wenhui , Wang Huiyong , Pei Yuanchao , Chen Yuehua , Li Zhiyong , Wang Jianji
Published: February 2017

An efficient homogeneous capture and heterogeneous separation strategy for proteins is reported using PEG-functionalized ionic liquids with LCST phase behavior in water.
Visualising the membrane viscosity of porcine eye lens cells using molecular rotors
Authors: Sherin Peter S. , López-Duarte Ismael , Dent Michael R. , Kubánková Markéta , Vyšniauskas Aurimas , Bull James A. , Reshetnikova Evdokiya S. , Klymchenko Andrey S. , Tsentalovich Yuri P. , Kuimova Marina K.
Published: February 2017

Using fluorescent probes, we demonstrate that the plasma membrane of porcine eye lens fiber cells displays an unprecedentedly high degree of lipid ordering.
Large scale energy storage using multistage osmotic processes: approaching high efficiency and energy density
Authors: Bharadwaj Devesh , Struchtrup Henning
Published: February 2017

A large-scale energy storage system using multistage osmotic processes is analysed, wherein, the process designed shows promising round trip efficiency and energy density, relative to single stage processes.
Mapping the electrocatalytic activity of MoS2 across its amorphous to crystalline transition
Authors: Choi Yun-Hyuk , Cho Junsang , Lunsford Allen M. , Al-Hashimi Mohammed , Fang Lei , Banerjee Sarbajit
Published: February 2017

A systematic mapping of the electrocatalytic activity of MoS2 across a structural transformation allows for correlation of structure to function.
The rise of organic magnetoresistance: materials and challenges
Authors: Gobbi Marco , Orgiu Emanuele
Published: February 2017

This paper provides a brief review of recent progress regarding the magnetoresistive effect observed in organic semiconductors.
A supra-molecular switchable dielectric material with non-linear optical properties
Authors: Khan Tariq , Asghar Muhammad Adnan , Sun Zhihua , Zeb Aurang , Ji Chengmin , Luo Junhua
Published: February 2017

A supra-molecular crystal, 1-[C6H13NH][18-crown-6][ClO4] monohydrate, has been reported to show reversible dielectric anomalies and nonlinear optical properties, which suggests that it could be conceived as the potential switchable dielectric and non-linear optical material.
An electrochemical algal biosensor based on silica coated ZnO quantum dots for selective determination of acephate
Authors: Pabbi Manisha , Mittal Susheel K.
Published: February 2017

An electrochemical biosensor for the determination of the acephate pesticide was developed based on algal modified silica coated ZnO quantum dots (QDs).
Copolymerisation of ethylene with polar monomers by using palladium catalysts bearing an N-heterocyclic carbene–phosphine oxide bidentate ligand
Authors: Tao W. , Akita S. , Nakano R. , Ito S. , Hoshimoto Y. , Ogoshi S. , Nozaki K.
Published: February 2017

We report the synthesis and characterisation of palladium complexes bearing an N-heterocyclic carbene–phosphine oxide bidentate ligand and their use as catalysts for ethylene polymerisation and ethylene/polar monomer copolymerisation.
Confining a bi-enzyme inside the nanochannels of a porous aluminum oxide membrane for accelerating the enzymatic reactions
Authors: Shangguan Li , Wei Yuanqing , Liu Xu , Yu Jiachao , Liu Songqin
Published: February 2017

An artificial metabolon with high conversion efficiency was constructed by confining a bi-enzyme into porous aluminum oxide nanochannels, which accelerated enzymatic reactions by minimizing the diffusion loss of intermediate species.
Ring opening of a sterically crowded 1,2-oxaphosphetane complex
Authors: Kyri A. W. , Brehm P. , Schnakenburg G. , Streubel R.
Published: February 2017

The first example of a ring opening reaction of a 1,2-oxaphosphetane complex is reported, i.e., water in the presence of [Li(12-crown-4)]Cl furnished a C–OH functional phosphinito complex. Employment of the latter in ring forming reactions with Me2ECl2 (E = Si, Ge) using different nitrogen bases is also described.
Tuning the carrier scattering mechanism to effectively improve the thermoelectric properties
Authors: Shuai Jing , Mao Jun , Song Shaowei , Zhu Qing , Sun Jifeng , Wang Yumei , He Ran , Zhou Jiawei , Chen Gang , Singh David J. , Ren Zhifeng
Published: February 2017

A high thermoelectric power factor not only enables a potentially high figure of merit ZT but also leads to a large output power density, and hence it is pivotal to find an effective route to improve the power factor.
Liquid metal enabled microfluidics
Authors: Khoshmanesh Khashayar , Tang Shi-Yang , Zhu Jiu Yang , Schaefer Samira , Mitchell Arnan , Kalantar-zadeh Kourosh , Dickey Michael D.
Published: February 2017

This review discusses the opportunities provided by gallium liquid metal alloys for making various microfluidic components.
Atomically-resolved edge states on surface-nanotemplated graphene explored at room temperature
Authors: Merino Pablo , Santos Hernán , Pinardi Anna L. , Chico Leonor , Martin-Gago José A.
Published: February 2017

Graphene edges present localized electronic states strongly depending on their shape, size and border configuration.
Facile fabrication of durable superhydrophobic SiO2/polyurethane composite sponge for continuous separation of oil from water
Authors: Zhang Xia , Zhi Danfeng , Zhu Wenzhong , Sathasivam Sanjayan , Parkin Ivan P.
Published: February 2017

A simple one-step solution immersion method was employed to fabricate a robust superhydrophobic SiO2/polyurethane composite sponge for continuous separation of oil pollutants from water surfaces.
Ultra-high aspect ratio functional nanoporous silicon via nucleated catalysts
Authors: Patil Jatin J. , Smith Brendan D. , Grossman Jeffrey C.
Published: February 2017

Large scale, sub-10 nm high aspect ratio nanoporous silicon is fabricatedviascalable sputtering and a solution-based process.
Donor–acceptor stacking arrangements in bulk and thin-film high-mobility conjugated polymers characterized using molecular modelling and MAS and surface-enhanced solid-state NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Chaudhari Sachin R. , Griffin John M. , Broch Katharina , Lesage Anne , Lemaur Vincent , Dudenko Dmytro , Olivier Yoann , Sirringhaus Henning , Emsley Lyndon , Grey Clare P.
Published: February 2017

DPP-DTT adopts a donor-on-acceptor stacking arrangement which is preserved in thin films.
Autism and Bilingualism: A Qualitative Interview Study of Parents' Perspectives and Experiences
Authors: Hampton Sarah , Rabagliati Hugh , Sorace Antonella , Fletcher-Watson Sue
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Research into how bilingual parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) make choices about their children's language environment is scarce. This study aimed to explore this issue, focusing on understanding how bilingual parents of children with ASD may make different language exposure choices compared with bilingual parents of children without ASD.

Method

Semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted with 17 bilingual parents with a child with ASD and 18 bilingual parents with a typically developing (TD) child.

Results

Thematic analysis revealed that, in contrast to parents of TD children, parents with a child with ASD expressed concerns that a bilingual environment would cause confusion for their child and exacerbate language delays. This was particularly common for parents of children with lower verbal ability. Parents also identified potential benefits of bilingualism, particularly in terms of maintaining a close and affectionate bond with their child.

Conclusions

Parents of children with ASD have concerns about bilingualism not present for parents of TD children, and these concerns are greater for parents of children with lower verbal ability. Future research in this area should take into account factors such as parent–child bonds as well as communication and language development.
Direct Oral Anticoagulants for Thromboprophylaxis in Patients with Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Authors: Efthymiou Maria , Gates Carolyn , Isenberg David , Cohen Hannah
Published: February 2017

The current mainstay of the treatment and secondary thromboprophylaxis of thrombotic antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is anticoagulation with warfarin or other vitamin K antagonists (VKAs). In addition to their well-known limitations, VKAs are often problematic in APS patients because of the variable sensitivity of thromboplastins to lupus anticoagulant. As a result, the international normalized ratio may not accurately reflect the intensity of anticoagulation. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are established as therapeutic alternatives to VKAs for a wide range of indications, including the treatment and secondary prevention of venous thromboembolism. Definition of the role of DOACs in the treatment of thrombotic APS is emerging with the results of recent and ongoing clinical studies. This review focuses on the current situation with regard to DOACs for secondary thromboprophylaxis in APS and issues pertinent to DOAC use in APS patients, as well as potential future directions.
Does Manipulation under Anesthesia Increase the Risk of Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty? A Matched Case Control Study
Authors: Pierce Todd , Issa Kimona , Festa Anthony , Scillia Anthony , McInerney Vincent , Mont Michael
Published: February 2017

Manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) can help patients regain an adequate range of motion (ROM) following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Although there are studies reporting that MUA can assist in improving ROM, there is a paucity of studies regarding whether requiring an MUA is associated with an increased risk of revision. The purpose of this study was to assess the: (1) incidence of revision TKA and (2) outcomes of those undergoing MUA and compare it with a matched cohort who did not require MUA. A prospectively collected database of two high-volume institutions was assessed for patients who required a single MUA following TKA between 2005 and 2011. We found a total of 138 knees with a mean 8.5-year follow-up post-MUA. We compared this with a matched cohort (1:1) who underwent TKA during this same time period but did not require an MUA. Incidence of revision surgery and clinical outcomes were compared between the two cohorts. Within the MUA cohort, nine knees underwent revision, which was similar to the matched cohort that had seven revisions (93 vs. 95%; p = 0.6). The mean KSS-functional (88 vs. 90 points; p = 0.15) and clinical scores (87 vs. 89 points; p = 0.1) were similar between the two cohorts. Undergoing an MUA was not associated with an increased risk of revision TKA. If patients require MUA, they may still achieve satisfactory outcomes. This information can be used in educating patients so they may be able to formulate their expectations following their MUA.
Pentoxifylline Treatment of Very Low Birth Weight Neonates with Nosocomial Sepsis
Authors: Hamilçıkan Şahin , Can Emrah , Büke Övgü , Erol Meltem , Gayret Özlem
Published: February 2017

Objective The objective of this study was to assess the result of intravenous pentoxifylline as an adjunct to antibiotic therapy on mortality and morbidity in very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm neonates with nosocomial sepsis.

Methods For the 18 VLBW preterm neonates, as an adjunct therapy to antibiotics regimens, pentoxifylline (5 mg/kg/h for 6 hours) was administered to premature infants with sepsis on 3 successive days. Clinical and laboratory parameters were recorded before and after treatment.

Results Following pentoxifylline therapy, the immature-to-total neutrophil ratio and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were significantly decreased, while the blood pH and base excess were significantly increased (p < 0.05). The axillary temperature, noninvasive blood pressure, hemoglobin, leukocyte, and thrombocyte values did not significantly differ after treatment (p > 0.05). Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) (32%), Streptococcus hominis (7.3%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5.3%), and Candida parapsilosis (3.1%) were identified in the blood cultures. There were no short-term morbidities (intraventricular hemorrhages, necrotizing enterocolitis, periventricular leukomalacia, and patent ductus arteriosus), no adverse effects, and no mortalities during or after the pentoxifylline therapy in the preterm neonate participants.

Conclusion The CRP levels and heart rate both decreased, while the pH and base excess parameters of the blood gas analysis changed positively after pentoxifylline treatment in VLBW preterm neonates with nosocomial sepsis.
Conversion of external percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage to endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy after failed standard internal stenting for malignant biliary obstruction
Authors: Paik Woo , Lee Nah , Nakai Yousuke , Isayama Hiroyuki , Oh Dongwook , Song Tae , Lee Sang , Seo Dong-Wan , Lee Sung , Kim Myung-Hwan , Park Do
Published: February 2017

Background and study aim Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) is a rescue procedure after a failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. As PTBD causes patient discomfort, conversion of the PTBD to internal biliary stenting (PTBDS) may be required; however, PTBDS is sometimes difficult because of the tight stricture. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of conversion of external PTBD to endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) after failed PTBDS.

Patients and methods A total of 16 patients with malignant distal biliary obstruction who underwent conversion of external PTBD to EUS-HGS after failed PTBDS were enrolled from two institutions in Korea and Japan. Data were analyzed retrospectively.

Results The technical and clinical success rates were 100 % and 81 %, respectively. Early adverse events developed in two patients: proximal stent migration (n = 1), and cholecystitis (n = 1). Stents were occluded or migrated distally in five patients. The mean duration of stent patency was 402 days.

Conclusions Conversion of external PTBD to EUS-HGS may be a good rescue option after failed PTBDS.
Bromelain Loading and Release from a Hydrogel Formulated Using Alginate and Arabic Gum
Authors: Ataide Janaína , Cefali Letícia , Rebelo Marcia , Spir Lívia , Tambourgi Elias , Jozala Angela , Chaud Marco , Silveira Edgar , Gu Xiaochen , Gava Mazzola Priscila
Published: February 2017

An ideal wound dressing ensures a moist environment around the wound area and absorbs exudates from the wound surface. Topical application of bromelain to incised wounds has been shown to reprogram the wound microenvironment to promote effective tissue repair. Combining the characteristics of hydrogels and bromelain is therefore of great interest. Herein, we describe the development of a hydrogel, formulated using alginate and Arabic gum, for bromelain loading and release. The hydrogel formulation was evaluated using response surface methodology, considering the pH value and the concentration of alginate and Arabic gum. Bromelain loading and release were evaluated based on passive diffusion. Differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were performed to confirm bromelain immobilization in the hydrogel. The final hydrogel formulation had a swelling ratio of 227 % and incorporated 19 % of bromelain from a bromelain solution. Bromelain immobilization in the hydrogel was the result of hydrogen bond formation and was optimal at 4 °C after 4 h of contact. This evidence suggests that bromelain entrapment into a hydrogel is a promising strategy for the development of wound dressings that support the debridement of burns and wounds.
The impact agenda and the search for a good life
Authors: Frodeman Robert
Published: February 2017

Plato and Aristotle are plumbed for insights concerning the underlying assumptions of the impact agenda, and more generally for how philosophy can offer greater assistance on policy questions. Aristotle reveals the limitations of ‘impact’ as a way of framing discussions about the relevance of academic knowledge. Plato offers more general counsel on the challenges facing philosophers who seek to be relevant to the concerns of policymakers. Together, their work suggests that policy-sensitive philosophers can help decision makers be more self-conscious about the assumptions underlying their work. This article is published as part of a collection on the future of research assessment.
Symmetric periodic orbits for the collinear charged 3-body problem
Authors: Llibre Jaume , Tonon Durval J.
Published: February 2017

In this paper we study the existence of periodic symmetric orbits of the 3-body problem when each body possesses mass and an electric charge. The main technique applied in this study is the continuation method of Poincaré.
Uncovering hierarchical data structure in single molecule transport
Authors: Wu Ben H. , Ivie Jeffrey A. , Johnson Tyler K. , Monti Oliver L. A.
Published: February 2017

Interpretation of single molecule transport data is complicated by the fact that all such data are inherently highly stochastic in nature. Features are often broad, seemingly unstructured and distributed over more than an order of magnitude. However, the distribution contains information necessary for capturing the full variety of processes relevant in nanoscale transport, and a better understanding of its hierarchical structure is needed to gain deeper insight into the physics and chemistry of single molecule electronics. Here, we describe a novel data analysis approach based on hierarchical clustering to aid in the interpretation of single molecule conductance-displacement histograms. The primary purpose of statistically partitioning transport data is to provide avenues for unbiased hypothesis generation in single molecule break junction experiments by revealing otherwise potentially hidden aspects in the conductance data. Our approach is generalizable to the analysis of a wide variety of other single molecule experiments in molecular electronics, as well as in single molecule fluorescence spectroscopy, force microscopy, and ion-channel conductance measurements.
Coaxial atomic force microscope probes for dielectrophoresis of DNA under different buffer conditions
Authors: Tao Yinglei , Kumar Wickramasinghe H.
Published: February 2017

We demonstrate a coaxial AFM nanoprobe device for dielectrophoretic (DEP) trapping of DNA molecules in Tris-EDTA (TE) and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) buffers. The DEP properties of 20 nm polystyrene beads were studied with coaxial probes in media with different conductivities. Due to the special geometry of our DEP probe device, sufficiently high electric fields were generated at the probe end to focus DNA molecules with positive DEP. DEP trapping for both polystyrene beads and DNA molecules was quantitatively analyzed over the frequency range from 100 kHz to 50 MHz and compared with the Clausius–Mossotti theory. Finally, we discussed the negative effect of medium salinity during DEP trapping.
Interatomic inelastic current
Authors: Hansen Tim , Solomon Gemma C. , Hansen Thorsten
Published: February 2017

In order to identify the location of an inelastic event and to distinguish between situations that are before or after this event, we derive equations for the interatomic inelastic transmission as a perturbation series in the electron-phonon interaction. This series contains both even and odd ordered corrections, and while the even ordered corrections can be thought as a Dyson’s expansion of the interatomic elastic transmission in the electron-phonon self-energy, the odd ordered corrections represent something new. We explicitly derive expressions for the interatomic inelastic transmission up to second order and the 1st order correction represents the lowest order term of this new family of terms. We apply this to three model systems and are able to distinguish between situations before and after the inelastic event as steps in the 2nd order transmission. We also see that when the transmission is evaluated between atoms that are coupled by the electron-phonon interaction, the 1st and 2nd order terms must be added together to form a meaningful transmission. Within the limited scope of the models considered here, the 1st order term appears to be the signature of the inelastic event.
Development of X-ray CCD camera based X-ray micro-CT system
Authors: Sarkar Partha S. , Ray N. K. , Pal Manoj K. , Baribaddala Ravi , Agrawal Ashish , Kashyap Y. , Sinha A. , Gadkari S. C.
Published: February 2017

Availability of microfocus X-ray sources and high resolution X-ray area detectors has made it possible for high resolution microtomography studies to be performed outside the purview of synchrotron. In this paper, we present the work towards the use of an external shutter on a high resolution microtomography system using X-ray CCD camera as a detector. During micro computed tomography experiments, the X-ray source is continuously ON and owing to the readout mechanism of the CCD detector electronics, the detector registers photons reaching it during the read-out period too. This introduces a shadow like pattern in the image known as smear whose direction is defined by the vertical shift register. To resolve this issue, the developed system has been incorporated with a synchronized shutter just in front of the X-ray source. This is positioned in the X-ray beam path during the image readout period and out of the beam path during the image acquisition period. This technique has resulted in improved data quality and hence the same is reflected in the reconstructed images.
On the multi-layer multi-configurational time-dependent Hartree approach for bosons and fermions
Authors: Manthe Uwe , Weike Thomas
Published: February 2017

A multi-layer multi-configurational time-dependent Hartree (MCTDH) approach using a second quantization representation (SQR) based on optimized time-dependent orbitals is introduced. The approach combines elements of the multi-layer MCTDH-SQR approach of Wang and Thoss, which employs a preselected time-independent orbital basis, and the MCTDH for bosons and multi-configuration time-dependent Hartree-Fock approaches, which do not use multi-layering but employ time-dependent orbital bases. In contrast to existing MCTDH-type approaches, the results of the present approach for a given number of configurations are not invariant with respect to unitary transformations of the time-dependent orbital basis. Thus a natural orbital representation is chosen to achieve fast convergence with respect to the number of configurations employed. Equations of motion for the present ansatz, called (multi-layer) MCTDH in optimized second quantization representation, are derived. Furthermore, a scheme for the calculation of optimized unoccupied single-particle functions is given which can be used to avoid singularities in the equations of motion.
Remarks on generalized Lie algebroids and related concepts
Authors: Grabowska Katarzyna , Grabowski Janusz
Published: February 2017

We prove that “generalized Lie algebroid,” a geometric object which appeared recently in the literature, is a misconception.