bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between Contact Pressure and Motion Artifacts in ECG Measurement with Electrostatic Flocked Electrodes Fabricated on Textile
Authors: Takeshita Toshihiro , Yoshida Manabu , Takei Yusuke , Ouchi Atsushi , Hinoki Akinari , Uchida Hiroo , Kobayashi Takeshi
Published: April 2019

To develop a wearable multi-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) measuring system, we fabricated the electrodes and wires by using electrostatic flocking technology on a textile. By using this technology, it was possible to fabricate many electrodes and wires, simultaneously. Also the flocked electrodes and wires had stretchability and washing resistance properties. To use dry electrodes, it is important to reduce the influence of motion artifacts (MAs). The results of the experiment with the skin phantom revealed that the contact pressure between the skin and the electrode is an important factor in MA reduction. Then, we conducted experiments with a human body to determine the relationship between the contact pressure and the MAs. Under the pressures of 200 Pa and 500 Pa, MAs were observed. Meanwhile, under the pressures of 1000 Pa, 2000Pa and 4000 Pa, the ECG signals under rest and deep breathing conditions were able to be measured without MAs. Considering the comfortability, the contact pressure from 1000 Pa to 2000 is preferable. Finally, we fabricated the wearable ECG measuring system and succeeded in measuring 18-lead ECG signals. The measured ECG waveform is in good agreement with the ECG waveform measured by a commercial system.
Trends of polyphenolics and anthocyanins accumulation along ripening stages of wild edible fruits of Indian Himalayan region
Authors: Belwal Tarun , Pandey Aseesh , Bhatt Indra D. , Rawal Ranbeer S. , Luo Zisheng
Published: April 2019

Wild fruits are important food resources that provide health promoting nutraceutical components, which vary with ripening stages. In present study, five wild edible fruits of Indian Himalayan Region i.e.,Myrica esculenta,Berberis asiatica,Rubus ellipticus,Pyracantha crenulataandMorus albawere examined for their nutraceutical potential at different ripening stages. The results of present study showed that polyphenolic concentration decreased whereas anthocyanin level increased with fruit ripening, however few species and compounds showed different trends. Among the tested fruit species, unripe fruits ofB. asiaticafollowed byM. esculentawere found to be the best for harvesting polyphenolics (especially catechin), while ripen fruits ofM. esculentafollowed byB. asiaticawere found the best for anthocyanin (cyanin and delphinidin) extraction. The results from this study can be effectively used by the harvesters, consumers, traders and food and nutraceutical industries to harness maximum nutraceutical potential depending on the preferred compounds and ripening stages of these species.
Contrast Agent Enhanced Multimodal Photoacoustic Microscopy and Optical Coherence Tomography for Imaging of Rabbit Choroidal and Retinal Vessels in vivo
Authors: Nguyen Van Phuc , Li Yanxiu , Qian Wei , Liu Bing , Tian Chao , Zhang Wei , Huang Ziyi , Ponduri Arjun , Tarnowski Madison , Wang Xueding , Paulus Yannis M.
Published: April 2019

Multimodal imaging with photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) can be an effective method to evaluate the choroidal and retinal microvasculature. To improve the efficiency for visualizing capillaries, colloidal gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been applied as a multimodal contrast agent for both OCT and PAM imaging by taking advantage of the strong optical scattering and the strong optical absorption of AuNPs due to their surface plasmon resonance. Ultra-pure AuNPs were fabricated by femtosecond laser ablation, capped with polyethylene glycol (PEG), and administered to 13 New Zealand white rabbits and 3 Dutch Belted pigmented rabbits. The synthesized PEG-AuNPs (20.0 ± 1.5 nm) were demonstrated to be excellent contrast agents for PAM and OCT, and do not demonstrate cytotoxicity to bovine retinal endothelial cells in cell studies. The image signal from the retinal and choroidal vessels in living rabbits was enhanced by up to 82% for PAM and up to 45% for OCT, respectively, by the administered PEG-AuNPs, which enables detection of individual blood vessels by both imaging modalities. The biodistribution study demonstrated the AuNP accumulated primarily in the liver and spleen. Histology and TUNEL staining did not indicate cell injury or death in the lung, liver, kidney, spleen, heart, or eyes up to seven days after AuNP administration. PEG-AuNPs offer an efficient and safe contrast agent for multimodal ocular imaging to achieve improved characterization of microvasculature.
Impact of Fluorosis on the Tensile Bond Strength of Metal Brackets and the Prevalence of Enamel Microcracks
Authors: Trakinienė Giedrė , Petravičiūtė Gabrielė , Smailienė Dalia , Narbutaitė Julija , Armalaitė Justė , Lopatienė Kristina , Šidlauskas Antanas , Trakinis Tomas
Published: April 2019

The objective of this in vitro study was to determine the effects of dental fluorosis on the tensile bond strength of metal brackets bonded to human teeth and to evaluate the changes in the tooth enamel surface after debonding. The study sample consisted of 68 recently extracted human upper premolars, which were divided into 2 groups: the fluorosis group (34 fluorosed teeth) and the control group (34 healthy teeth). Identical premolar metal brackets were bonded on the buccal surfaces of the teeth. Both groups were submitted to a tension test using a universal testing machine. The number and length of the enamel microcracks in the buccal surface of each tooth were determined before bracket bonding and after debonding using a stereomicroscope. The percentage adhesive remnant index (PARI) was calculated after debonding. The results showed that the tensile bond strength (TBS) of brackets bonded to fluorosed teeth was 21.08% lower than that of brackets bonded to healthy teeth (p < 0.0001). The length of the enamel microcracks on fluorosed teeth increased by 47.4% after debonding, whereas the control group showed an increase of only 12.6%. The PARI showed lower values for fluorosed teeth in comparison to the control group (p = 0.047). In conclusion, dental fluorosis has a negative impact on tensile bond strength and the length of microcracks formed after bracket debonding.
Association between serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels and erectile dysfunction: a cross-sectional study of Chinese male population
Authors: Li Wenying , Chen Kai , Zhang Jinping , Wang Xiaohong , Xu Guangyu , Zhu Yinghong , Lv Yan
Published: April 2019

Inflammation has been known to affect endothelial function and is involved in the progression of erectile dysfunction (ED). Thus, our present study was conducted to investigate the association between inflammatory marker high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and ED in a Chinese male population. A total of 1515 participants with anthropometric measurements, serum analyses and hs-CRP values available were included in our cross-sectional study. Data involving socioeconomic and lifestyle factors were also collected. ED was assessed by the 5-item International Index Erectile Function (IIEF-5), and hs-CRP levels were measured by the immunoturbidimetric assay. Logistic regression was applied to estimate the association between the serum hs-CRP and the risk of ED, and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was performed to identify the predictive value of hs-CRP. Serum hs-CRP levels were significantly higher in ED patients, and increased progressively with the incremental severity of ED (P < 0.001 for trend). In the multivariate-adjusted model, men in the highest quartile of hs-CRP level versus those in the lowest quartile had a 50% increased likelihood for ED (OR = 1.50; 95% CI = 1.08–2.08). When subjects were stratified by age, the risk of ED was more prominently in the middle-aged and elderly men. Based on the ROC analysis, serum hs-CRP has a poor diagnostic value for ED with an AUC of 0.58 (95% CI: 0.56–0.61) but has a good diagnostic performance for differentiating severe ED (AUC: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.77–0.81). Our study indicates that increased serum hs-CRP levels are associated with the severity of ED and an increased ED risk in a Chinese male population. These findings suggest that hs-CRP may be of value as an inflammatory marker for the assessment of ED risk and may play an important role in the etiology of ED.
Usefulness of serum microRNA as a predictive marker of recurrence and prognosis in biliary tract cancer after radical surgery
Authors: Akazawa Yu , Mizuno Shoichi , Fujinami Norihiro , Suzuki Toshihiro , Yoshioka Yusuke , Ochiya Takahiro , Nakamoto Yasunari , Nakatsura Tetsuya
Published: April 2019

Biliary tract cancer (BTC) is an aggressive type of malignant tumour. Even after radical resection, the risk of recurrence is still high, resulting in a poor prognosis. Here, we investigated the usefulness of serum miRNAs as predictive markers of recurrence and prognosis for patients with BTC after radical surgery using 66 serum samples that were collected at three time points from 22 patients with BTC who underwent radical surgery. Using microarray analysis, we successfully identified six specific miRNAs (miR-1225-3p, miR-1234-3p, miR1260b, miR-1470, miR-6834-3p, and miR-6875-5p) associated with recurrence and prognosis of BTC after radical surgery. In addition, using a combination of these miRNAs, we developed a recurrence predictive index to predict recurrence in patients with BTC after operation with high accuracy. Patients having higher index scores (≥ cut-off) had significantly worse recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) than those with lower index scores (<cut-off). Furthermore, the index was an independent factor related to RFS and OS by univariate and multivariate analyses using a Cox hazard proportional model. Overall, our results provided compelling evidence for the potential usefulness of specific serum miRNAs as effective predictive tools for recurrence and prognosis in patients with BTC who underwent radical surgery.
Mediatory roles of leukotriene B4 receptors in LPS-induced endotoxic shock
Authors: Kwon Sun-Young , Ro MyungJa , Kim Jae-Hong
Published: April 2019

Sepsis, a systemic inflammatory response syndrome caused by infection, is the most common disease in patients treated in intensive care units. Endotoxic shock, the most critical form of sepsis, is caused by gram-negative bacterial infection. However, the detailed mechanism of endotoxic shock remains unclear. In the present study, we observed that the production of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and 12(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE), inflammatory lipid mediators acting on LTB4 receptors (BLT1 and BLT2), was significantly upregulated in peritoneal lavage fluid (PF) and serum from an LPS-induced endotoxic shock mouse model. Furthermore, BLT1/2-dependent signaling pathways mediated the expression of IL-17, IL-6, and IL-1β, key cytokines for the development of endotoxic shock, via NF-κB activation in the LPS-induced endotoxic shock mouse model. Additionally, inhibition of BLT1/2 significantly attenuated inflammation and tissue damage associated with endotoxic shock and enhanced the survival rate of mice with this inflammatory complication. Together, these results suggest that LTB4 receptors play critical mediatory roles in the development of endotoxic shock. Our findings point to LTB4 receptors as potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of endotoxic shock.
Increasing plasma ADAMTS13 activity is associated with HBeAg seroconversion in chronic hepatitis B patients during 5 years of entecavir treatment
Authors: Guo Renyong , Xie Yirui , Yang Jiezuan , Lu Haifeng , Ye Ping , Jin Linfeng , Lin Wenqin
Published: April 2019

The relationship between hemostatic system and HBeAg seroconversion (SC) of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients is ill-defined. We therefore evaluate the predictive value of plasma ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin motif repeats 13) and VWF (von Willebrand factor) for CHB patients during 5-year entecavir (ETV) treatment. One hundred and fourteen HBeAg positive CHB patients on continuous ETV treatment were recruited. Liver biopsies were evaluated using the METAVIR scoring system, and plasma ADAMTS13 activity (ADAMTS13: AC) and VWF antigen (VWF: Ag) were determined at baseline, 3, 12, 24, 36, and 60 months, respectively. ETV treatment resulted in an increased ADAMTS13: AC and decreased VWF: Ag (both P < 0.001) in CHB patients. Cox multivariate analysis demonstrated that the change of ADAMTS13: AC after 1-year ETV treatment was an independent predictor for HBeAg SC at year 5. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the change of ADAMTS13: AC after 1-year ETV treatment plus baseline HBV DNA was 0.873 (P < 0.001) to predict SC at year 5. The results suggested that increased ADAMTS13: AC after 1 year ETV treatment was associated with a higher seroconversion, and could be used surrogate of HBeAg SC in CHB patients during 5-year ETV treatment.
Novel multilayer TiO2 heterojunction decorated by low g-C3N4 content and its enhanced photocatalytic activity under UV, visible and solar light irradiation
Authors: Wang Yizheng , Yu Jiang , Peng Weidong , Tian Jing , Yang Chun
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we used a facile ball milling, microwave radiation and heating treatment method to achieve the surface modification of TiO2 with low g-C3N4 concentration, and a multilayer heterojunction composite with TiO2 as the main part and g-C3N4 as the modification agent was obtained. The obtained materials were analyzed by several characterizations to get information on their chemical composition, crystalline structure, vibrational features and optical properties. The photocatalytic performance was evaluated by degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) and methylene blue (MB) under UV, visible and direct solar light irradiation. Its photocatalytic activity was enhanced depended on the novel structure of g-C3N4/TiO2 hybrid and the special Z-scheme electron-hole transfer model of multilayer heterointerfaces. The material preparation and structural features could be useful for the design and development of other photocatalysts with high photocatalytic activity.
Extent of Resection in Meningioma: Predictive Factors and Clinical Implications
Authors: Lemée Jean-Michel , Corniola Marco V. , Da Broi Michele , Joswig Holger , Scheie David , Schaller Karl , Helseth Eirik , Meling Torstein R.
Published: April 2019

Meningiomas present as intracranial extra-axial lesions with dural attachment, which are primarily managed surgically. The extent of resection (EOR) may vary depending on patient- and tumor-related factors. The aim of this study is to identify preoperative predictive factors of EOR and to propose an estimation of the predicted gross total resection (GTR) based of patient- and tumor-characteristics. 1469 patients from a retrospectively (1990 to 2002) and prospectively managed (2003 to 2010) databank of Oslo University Hospital, Norway, totalling 11,414 patient-years of follow-up were included. Patients had a mean age at surgery of 64 ± 20.1 years with a female-to-male ratio was 2.4:1 and a mean KPS of 81.2 ± 12.1. Skull-base meningiomas represented 47% of all cases. WHO grades were I in 92.3%, II in 5.2%, and III in 2.2%. Bone infiltration was described in 18.7% of cases. 39.3% of patients had Simpson I resection, 34.3% had Simpson II, 5.4% had Simpson III, 20.6% had Simpson IV, and 0.5% had Simpson V. The risk factors for incomplete resection were: symptomatic presentation (OR 0.56 [0.43–0.72]), skull-base location (OR 0.79 [0.70–0.88]), and bone invasion (OR 0.85 [0.73–0.99]). Using a recursive partitioning analysis, we propose a classification-tree for the prediction of GTR rate based on preoperatively determinable patient- and tumor characteristics. The identification of preoperative predictors of poor GTR rate may aid clinicians managing meningioma patients. In selected cases were the predicted GTR rate is low, staged treatment with surgical debulking followed by adjuvant therapy may be favored in order to minimize postoperative morbidity and mortality.
The food additive E171 and titanium dioxide nanoparticles indirectly alter the homeostasis of human intestinal epithelial cells in vitro
Authors: Dorier Marie , Béal David , Tisseyre Céline , Marie-Desvergne Caroline , Dubosson Muriel , Barreau Frédérick , Houdeau Eric , Herlin-Boime Nathalie , Rabilloud Thierry , Carriere Marie
Published: April 2019

Repeated exposure to E171 or TiO2-NPs, in vitro, induce moderate inflammation and mucus secretion in intestinal cells.
Crystallization kinetics of amorphous calcium carbonate in confinement
Authors: Cavanaugh Jack , Whittaker Michael L. , Joester Derk
Published: April 2019

In situ observation of amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) confined in ∼500 pL emulsion droplets allows determination of the timing of individual crystal nucleation events. Statistical analysis of events in hundreds of droplets establishes an upper limit for the steady-state nucleation rate of 1.2 cm−3 s−1 for the crystallization from ACC.
A nucleic acid cleavage-based fluorescent probe for the detection of copper ions in pure aqueous solution
Authors: Deng Qirong , Wang Nan , Su Jianke , Liu Aijuan , Zhang Jin , Long Liping , Qi Fengpei , Tang Ruiren , Liu Changhui
Published: April 2019

Herein, a novel carbazole derivative of BEVC was designed with an enhanced fluorescence signal by a G-quadruplex, and thus a fluorescent probe of G-quadruplex/BEVC was obtained by aggregation-induced emission, which could exhibit a decreased fluorescence signal in the presence of Cu2+via the Fenton reaction, demonstrating great potential for Cu2+ assay in pure aqueous solution.
The visualization of hERG channels in living cells via a fluorescent probe regulated by the synergy between solvatochromism and molecular rotation based on simple targeting of the group 4-benzylaniline
Authors: Qiao Zhen , Zhou Qiqi , Zhang Hongyi , Wei Ningning , Zhang Yanru , Wang KeWei
Published: April 2019

A fluorescent probe CBH based on a specific targeting group 4-benzylaniline has the potential of monitoring hERG protein in cells.
Metal–organic layer derived metal hydroxide nanosheets for highly efficient oxygen evolution
Authors: Zhang Wen-Da , Yan Xiaodong , Li Tao , Liu Yong , Fu Qiu-Ting , Gu Zhi-Guo
Published: April 2019

Ultrathin metal hydroxide nanosheets derived from metal–organic layers serving as electrocatalysts displayed highly efficient oxygen evolution even better than commercial IrO2.
Mapping aldehydic loadin vivoby positron emission tomography with [18F]NA3BF3
Authors: Kirby Alexia , Suchý Mojmír , Brouwer Andrea , Shuhendler Adam
Published: April 2019

A radiotracer, [18F]–NA3BF3, capable of the mapping of aldehydic load by positron emission tomography is developed, based on the rapid, catalyst-free conjugation of aldehydes byN-aminoanthranilic acid.
Open-shell jellium aromaticity in metal clusters
Authors: Poater Jordi , Solà Miquel
Published: April 2019

The jellium model with its magic numbers can be extended to open-shell half-filled metallic clusters.
Artificial inflation of apparent photocatalytic activity induced by catalyst-mass-normalization and a method to fairly compare heterojunction systems
Authors: Kunz Larissa Y. , Diroll Benjamin T. , Wrasman Cody J. , Riscoe Andrew R. , Majumdar Arun , Cargnello Matteo
Published: April 2019

Normalizing photocatalytic rates by catalyst mass in heterojunction systems can artificially inflate performance; we outline a method that can be used to correctly understand photocatalytic performance.
A numbering-up strategy of hydrodynamic microfluidic filters for continuous-flow high-throughput cell sorting
Authors: Ozawa Ryoken , Iwadate Hideki , Toyoda Hajime , Yamada Masumi , Seki Minoru
Published: April 2019

A numbering-up strategy of hydrodynamic filters was presented to dramatically increase the throughput of cell/particle sorting up to ∼15 mL min−1.
Computational discovery of a large-imine-cage-based porous molecular material and its application in water desalination
Authors: Bernabei Marco , Pérez Soto Raul , Gómez García Ismael , Haranczyk Maciej
Published: April 2019

Design of both crystalline and amorphous porous molecular solids based on a large imine cage molecule.
Electrochemical aptasensor based on a potassium ion-triggered DNA conformation transition and self-assembly on an electrode
Authors: Chai Hua , Ma Xiaoyi , Meng Fanyu , Mei Qian , Tang Yuguo , Miao Peng
Published: April 2019

A sensitive and selective electrochemical aptasensor was developed for the detection of potassium ions based on a simple sensing principle and straightforward operation.
NiCo2S4@Ni3S2 hybrid nanoarray on Ni foam for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Chen Chen , Zhou Jiao-Jiao , Li Yan-Li , Li Qin , Chen Hong-Mei , Tao Kai , Han Lei
Published: April 2019

Integrated hybrid nanoarrays with hierarchical porous structures have attracted much attention as energy materials for their excellent synergistic effects.
A highly luminescent quantum dot/mesoporous TiO2 nanocomplex film under controlled energy transfer
Authors: Choi Wonseok , Kim Dodam , Cho Hyunjin , Kim Moohyun , Choi Jinyoung , Jeon Duk Young
Published: April 2019

We have prepared a highly luminescent quantum dot (QD)-TiO2 nanocomplex film by the dip coating method.
Heating and cooling of ligand-coated colloidal nanocrystals in solid films and solvent matrices
Authors: Diroll Benjamin T. , Schaller Richard D.
Published: April 2019

Infrared pump, electronic probe (IPEP) spectroscopy is used to study matrix-dependent heat transfer processes of colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals.
A BN analog of two-dimensional triphenylene-graphdiyne: stability and properties
Authors: Muhammad Imran , Xie Huanhuan , Younis Umer , Qie Yu , Aftab Waseem , Sun Qiang
Published: April 2019

Motivated by the feasibility of hybridizing C- and BN-units as well as the recent synthesis of a triphenylene-graphdiyne (TpG) monolayer, for the first time we explore the stability and electronic band structure of a Tp-BNyne monolayer composed of C-chains and the BN analog of triphenylene (Tp-BNyne) by using density functional theory.
Temperature controlled diffusion of hydroxide ions in 1D channels of Ni-MOF-74 for its complete conformal hydrolysis to hierarchical Ni(OH)2 supercapacitor electrodes
Authors: Zhang Shiyu , Yang Zhendong , Gong Ke , Xu Ben , Mei Hao , Zhang Haobing , Zhang Jiaxin , Kang Zixi , Yan Youguo , Sun Daofeng
Published: April 2019

Complete conformal hydrolysis of MOF precursors is a promising strategy to obtain remarkable metal-hydroxide based supercapacitor electrode materials.
Elastic and mechanofluorochromic hybrid films with POSS-capped polyurethane and polyfluorene
Authors: Gon Masayuki , Kato Keigo , Tanaka Kazuo , Chujo Yoshiki
Published: April 2019

We designed and manufactured elastic hybrid materials consisting of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS)-capped polyurethane (PUPOSS) and polyfluorene (PF).
Photoredox-catalyzed sulfonylation of alkenylcyclobutanols with the insertion of sulfur dioxide through semipinacol rearrangement
Authors: He Fu-Sheng , Wu Youqian , Li Xiaofang , Xia Hongguang , Wu Jie
Published: April 2019

A photoredox-catalyzed sulfonylation of alkenylcyclobutanols with the insertion of sulfur dioxide through semipinacol rearrangement under visible light irradiation is developed.
Novel sulfonamidospirobifluorenes as fluorescent sensors for mercury(ii) ion and glutathione
Authors: Silpcharu Komthep , Sukwattanasinitt Mongkol , Rashatasakhon Paitoon
Published: April 2019

Two sulfonamide derivatives of spirobifluorene are synthesized and used as turn-off sensors for Hg(ii) ion. The signal restoration of the sensors by l-glutathione leads to a quantitative analysis of three supplement drinks.
Construction of a water-soluble and photostable rubropunctatin/β-cyclodextrin drug carrier
Authors: Ren Zhenzhen , Xu Yanan , Lu Zhenxin , Wang Zhenzhen , Chen Chengqun , Guo Yanghao , Shi Xianai , Li Feng , Yang Jianmin , Zheng Yunquan
Published: April 2019

The purpose of the current study was to construct a β-cyclodextrin drug carrier for rubropunctatin to improve its water solubility and light stability for future cytotoxicity studies.
Deposition of platinum on boron-doped TiO2/Ti nanotube arrays as an efficient and stable photocatalyst for hydrogen generation from water splitting
Authors: Sun Mengjia , Jiang Yanli , Tian Mei , Yan Huijun , Liu Ran , Yang Lijuan
Published: April 2019

Pt–B/TiO2/Ti NTs, prepared by anodic oxidation and photo-deposition methods, showed excellent photocatalytic activity.
Different diameters of titanium dioxide nanotubes modulate Saos-2 osteoblast-like cell adhesion and osteogenic differentiation and nanomechanical properties of the surface
Authors: Voltrova Barbora , Hybasek Vojtech , Blahnova Veronika , Sepitka Josef , Lukasova Vera , Vocetkova Karolina , Sovkova Vera , Matejka Roman , Fojt Jaroslav , Joska Ludek , Daniel Matej , Filova Eva
Published: April 2019

Nanostructured cpTi surfaces affected Saos-2 cell adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation as well as the nanomechanical properties of the surface.
Preparation of fluoropolymer materials with different porous morphologies by an emulsion template method using supercritical carbon dioxide as a medium
Authors: Chen Jian , Azhar Umair , Wang Yongkang , Liang Jihong , Geng Bing
Published: April 2019

Effect of the length of the block polymer mPEG45-b-(TFEMA)n, fluorine-containing chain end on final polymer morphology.
Understanding charge transfer, defects and surface states at hematite photoanodes
Authors: Zhang Jifang , Eslava Salvador
Published: April 2019

Two types of holes that contribute to photocurrent are influenced differently by cation doping and surface states in hematite photoanodes based on X-ray absorption, transient spectroscopy and photoelectrochemical findings.
Hybrid Telecoaching for Corporate Speech Training and Potential Applications to Clinical Practice
Authors: Burke Thomas F.
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this article was to describe a model for “hybrid speech telecoaching” developed for a Fortune 100 organization and offer a “thought starter” on how clinicians might think of applying these corporate strategies within future clinical practice.

Conclusion

The author contends in this article that corporate telecommunications and best practices gleaned from software development engineering teams can lend credibility to e-mail, messaging apps, phone calls, or other emerging technology as viable means of hybrid telepractice delivery models and offer ideas about the future of more scalable speech-language pathology services.
Development and verification of cooperative adaptive cruise control via LTE‐V
Authors: Wang Ping , Chen Yuqi , Wang Chao , Liu Fuqiang , Hu Jia , Van Nguyen Ngoc
Published: April 2019

In this study, the authors present a testbed platform for realising cooperative adaptive cruise control enabled by LTE‐V (LTE‐vehicle). The platform is developed on a platoon of vehicles, each of which is equipped with a suite of on‐board sensing and computing devices for environment perception, as well as an LTE‐V transceiver for high‐performance vehicle‐to‐vehicle (V2V) communication. The hardware architecture and software architecture, especially the perception and control methods, of the platform are described. Field experiments in different road conditions are conducted to verify the feasibility of the authors’ platform. The results also show the potential of V2V communications via LTE‐V in terms of improving the sensing capability of individual vehicle's on‐board sensors.
Les moustiques vecteurs d’arbovirus : une histoire sans fin
Authors: Failloux Anna-Bella
Published: April 2019

L’émergence ou la ré-émergence récente des maladies à transmission vectorielle et plus précisément, celle associée aux arbovirus tels que la dengue, le chikungunya, le Zika ou encore la fièvre jaune ne sont pas des phénomènes nouveaux. Aujourd’hui, la mondialisation des échanges commerciaux, des déplacements des voyageurs ainsi que l’urbanisation anarchique de nombreuses villes tropicales et subtropicales créent les conditions propices à l’installation durable des moustiques vecteurs et par conséquent, à l’introduction des arbovirus. Cette revue décrit les principaux arbovirus importants en santé humaine et leurs vecteurs épidémiques, ainsi que les conditions facilitant leur émergence.
Rôle immunomodulateur de la salive de tique dans la transmission d’agents infectieux
Authors: Boulanger Nathalie
Published: April 2019

Les tiques sont les vecteurs les plus importants de pathologies en médecine humaine et vétérinaire. Acariens strictement hématophages, ils produisent une salive riche en molécules bioactives qui ciblent la pharmacologie et l’immunité de l’hôte. Ce processus est absolument vital pour elles, car les tiques dures prennent des repas sanguins de plusieurs jours et doivent éviter leur rejet par l’hôte. Tous les acteurs de l’immunité sont ciblés par cette salive : l’immunité innée en lien avec les cellules résidentes de la peau et les cellules immunitaires et l’immunité adaptative liée aux lymphocytes T et B. La peau constitue donc un site particulier dans les maladies à transmission vectorielle. Au cours de leur longue co-évolution avec les tiques, les agents infectieux prennent avantage de cet environnement favorable pour être transmis efficacement dans la peau et se multiplier, pour ensuite se développer chez les hôtes vertébrés. La salive constitue pour ces microorganismes un véritable facteur de virulence qui augmente fortement leur pathogénicité.
La lutte contre les vecteurs : quel avenir ?
Authors: Simard Frédéric
Published: April 2019

La lutte contre les vecteurs est un élément essentiel de la prévention contre les maladies infectieuses à transmission vectorielle qui constituent encore et toujours une menace sanitaire mondiale. La lutte contre les moustiques vecteurs, essentiellement basée sur l’utilisation d’insecticides chimiques, est emblématique des succès, des échecs et des enjeux auxquels est aujourd’hui confrontée la recherche pour préparer le futur de la lutte antivectorielle. Au travers d’exemples concrets de recherches en cours, cet article donne un aperçu des innovations scientifiques et technologiques qui sont mobilisées pour relever les défis multiples d’une gestion intégrée des vecteurs, adaptée aux contextes épidémiologiques variés et dynamiques d’un monde en évolution rapide.
Les insectes : un fantastique réservoir de virus et de gènes antiviraux
Authors: Martins Nelson Eduardo , Olmo Roenick Proveti , Aguiar Eric Roberto Guimarães Rocha , Marques João Trindade , Imler Jean-Luc
Published: April 2019

Les insectes forment le groupe d’animaux qui présente la plus grande diversité. Des travaux récents de métagénomique montrent qu’ils peuvent être infectés par une diversité extraordinaire de virus. Parmi eux, les arbovirus (arthropod-borne viruses) peuvent être transmis à l’Homme par les insectes hématophages, notamment les moustiques. Le séquençage à haut débit des petits ARN des insectes fournit des informations sur leur virome, un paramètre qui pourrait contribuer à expliquer la dynamique de la transmission des maladies infectieuses par des insectes vecteurs. D’autre part, la caractérisation des mécanismes qui restreignent les infections virales chez les insectes révèle des innovations génétiques qui pourraient à terme inspirer de nouvelles stratégies antivirales.
Current stocking program of the sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus, L.) can negatively shape its genetic variability in the Middle Danube
Authors: Pekárik Ladislav , Čiamporová-Zaťovičová Zuzana , Arendt Darina , Čiampor Fedor
Published: April 2019

The Danube River was originally inhabited by six native sturgeon species, but currently, the sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus L.) is the only native sturgeon species still occupying the Slovak–Hungarian stretch of the Middle Danube. All sturgeon species are facing extinction, suffering from overfishing, water pollution, illegal fishing, poaching or other negative impacts. Urgent and proper actions are needed to prevent their extinction, and evaluating its genetic diversity is one of the essential tools of conservation programs. Since the management actions are primarily local in nature, we first focused on comparing and analysing local sources of fish for population recovery and natural (wild) population in the adjacent stretch of the Danube River. We used 2 fragments of mitochondrial DNA and 12 microsatellites to analyse the genotype of the three groups of sterlets,i.e.wild, broodstock and stocked individuals from Slovak part of the Danube. Mitochondrial markers of all groups were diversified similarly to populations from other parts of the Danube. This confirmed that broodstock and stocked fish belong to the original Danube population. Microsatellites revealed very similar patterns among groups compared, but we detected possible negative trends reflected in losing polymorphism in a few loci in broodstock and stocked individuals.
Durabilité des bétons des réseaux d’assainissement urbain
Authors: Oualit Mehena , Melinge Yannick , Jauberthie Raoul , Abadlia M. Tahar
Published: April 2019

Technologiquement, le réseau d’assainissement à base cimentaire est de constitutions diverses et la mise en œuvre de matériaux de plus en plus performants contribue à une meilleure durabilité. Or, si aujourd’hui, il est aisé d’identifier des états de référence, quant aux propriétés des matériaux et des ouvrages tant sur le plan physique, chimique, mécanique…, la mise en évidence de ces états de références s’avère délicate pour les structures et formulations anciennes. L’objectif de cet article est d’étudier la durabilité des réseaux d’assainissement de la ville de Rennes (France) constitués de conduites à base cimentaire. Des données relatives aux caractéristiques des conduites ont été collectées (type du réseau, diamètre, épaisseur, date de mise en place…) pour chaque tronçon étudié. En plus de la qualité apparente des prélèvements, des essais de caractérisation ont été réalisés sur des éprouvettes cylindriques carottées tels que la masse volumique, la porosité et la résistance ultime en compression. Les résultats des analyses sont recensés et discutés et des corrélations sont établies pour expliquer l’évolution des propriétés des matériaux et évaluer la cinétique d’altération. Cette investigation est réalisée dans l’optique de pouvoir envisager les opérations de maintenance dans une logique de prévention et non consécutive à un accident.
Krebserkrankung und das letzte Lebensjahr: Palliative Leistungen, Krankenhausaufenthalte und Sterbeort
Authors: Blaschke Katja , Hermes-Moll Kerstin , Lappe Veronika , Ihle Peter , Baumann Walter , Schubert Ingrid
Published: April 2019

Einleitung Palliativ versorgte Patientinnen und Patienten haben zu einem hohen Anteil onkologische Diagnosen. Die spezialisierte ambulante Palliativversorgung (SAPV) richtet sich an Erkrankte mit komplexem Symptomgeschehen und intensivem Betreuungsbedarf und soll eine Betreuung im häuslichen Umfeld bis zum Lebensende ermöglichen. In Hessen wurden ab 2009 die ersten SAPV-Angebote geschaffen. Entsprechend untersucht diese Studie (i) die Inanspruchnahme von SAPV und spezialisierten stationären palliativen Leistungen im letzten Lebensjahr von Krebserkrankten, (ii) die SAPV verordnende Arztgruppe und (iii) den Sterbeort und Krankenhausaufenthalte in den letzten 91 Lebenstagen.

Methoden In der retrospektiven Sekundärdatenanalyse wurden Daten der AOK Hessen für 2009–2014 deskriptiv ausgewertet. Studienpopulation waren an Brust-, Prostata- oder Darmkrebs Erkrankte, die im jeweiligen Beobachtungsjahr (2010–2014) verstarben und 360 Tage vor ihrem Tod durchgängig versichert waren.

Ergebnisse In die Studie konnten je nach Beobachtungsjahr 492–545 Personen mit Brust-, 546–625 mit Prostata- und 709–752 mit Darmkrebs eingeschlossen werden. In allen 3 Gruppen Krebserkrankter stieg zwischen 2010 und 2014 der Anteil mit Inanspruchnahme von mindestens einer Palliativleistung. Die Häufigkeit der Inanspruchnahme von SAPV-Leistungen lag bei den betrachteten Krebserkrankten meist höher im Vergleich zu Palliativstationen bzw. stationären Hospizen. SAPV wurde bei den 3 Krebsdiagnosen zu über 90% von Hausärztinnen bzw. -ärzten verordnet. Sowohl der Anteil von Personen mit einem Krankenhausaufenthalt in den letzten 91 Lebenstagen als auch der im Krankenhaus Verstorbenen ging von 2010 bis 2014 bei allen 3 Krebsarten zurück.

Schlussfolgerung Die Ergebnisse sind vor dem Hintergrund des Aufbaus der SAPV in Hessen zu bewerten. Die Zunahme an SAPV-Leistungen und der Rückgang an Krankenhauseinweisungen am Lebensende weist auf eine gelungene Etablierung der SAPV in Hessen hin.
Gesunde Städte
Authors: Knöll Martin
Published: April 2019

Menschen mit Diabetes wissen, dass für gute Blutzuckerwerte an manchen Tagen viele Faktoren zusammenkommen müssen: Ausgewogenes Essen, Broteinheiten richtig einschätzen, wenig Stress, keine Erkältung, und ausreichend Bewegung. Ein Faktor, der bisher wenig Beachtung findet, ist die gebaute Umwelt. Damit bezeichnet man die Gesamtheit der von Menschen gestalteten Umgebung wie Wohnungen, Büros, Universitäten, Parks, Plätze und Straßenräume. Experten schätzen den Anteil der Gesundheit, der durch die gebaute Umwelt erklärt werden kann, auf 20 bis 25 %. In der renommierten Zeitschrift „The Lancet“ haben Wissenschaftler kürzlich Beweise dafür zusammengetragen, wie Städte – jahrzehntelang für die Belange des Autos geplant – durch Lärm und Luftverschmutzung, inaktive Lebensstile, ungesunde Nahrungsgewohnheiten, Unfälle und soziale Isolation die Gesundheit ihrer Bewohner gefährden 1. In Kopenhagen oder Wien dagegen, Vorreiter einer neuen Welle von „menschengerechter Stadtplanung“, sind die Bewohner häufiger zu Fuß oder mit dem Fahrrad unterwegs. Dies wirkt sich positiv auf deren Gesundheit aus.
Umstellung auf Insulin bei Typ-2-Diabetes
Authors: Borchert Peter
Published: April 2019

Der Einstieg in die Insulintherapie ist alles andere als eine lineare, eindimensionale Herausforderung: Insulin löst beim Patienten nicht selten eine schwere Lebenskrise aus, mit ganz individuellen Sorgen und Anliegen. Eine Insulintherapie braucht die Motivation des Patienten zur eigenständigen Therapie(durch)führung. Die meiste Zeit entscheidet und handelt er in seinem Alltag allein. Erst, wenn dem Patienten seine Bedenken genommen werden können, ist eine bewusste und nachhaltige Entscheidung für die Insulintherapie möglich. Statt einem eindeutigen Ja oder Nein zur Therapie bewegen den Patienten ambivalente Überlegungen. Natürlich ist dem Menschen seine Gesundheit wichtig, aber er verwaltet immer auch seine Gesamtgesundheit. Im ärztlichen Gespräch sollten diese Ambivalenzen exploriert und verbalisiert werden. Das Gefühl der Autonomie motiviert. Entscheidungsspielräume stärken die Autonomie und unterstützen die patienteneigene Entscheidungsfindung. Schulung gibt Sicherheit und reduziert Angst. Ein Fertigkeitstraining stärkt die erlebte Selbstwirksamkeit und sichert die Therapieumsetzung wesentlich. Wir verfügen über gemeinsame, qualitätsgesicherte Leitfäden zum Fertigkeitstraining. Schulung und Anleitung sollten sofort, zum Zeitpunkt der Therapieentscheidung bereitstehen. Modulare Schulungskonzepte ermöglichen die dafür notwendige Flexibilität. Hier liegen die Schulungskonzepte der Zukunft.
Application of Al-Cu-W-Ta graded density impactors in dynamic ramp compression experiments
Authors: Kelly James P. , Nguyen Jeffrey H. , Lind Jonathan , Akin Minta C. , Fix Brian J. , Saw Cheng K. , White Elida R. , Greene Waldi O. , Asimow Paul D. , Haslam Jeffery J.
Published: April 2019

Graded density impactors (GDIs) are used to dynamically compress materials to extreme conditions. Two modifications to a previously developed Mg-Cu-W GDI are made in this work before using it in a dynamic compression experiment: Mg is replaced with Al and a Ta disk is glued to the back. The Mg phase is replaced by Al because FCC Al remains solid to higher pressure along its Hugoniot compared to Mg. The addition of the Ta disk creates a constant particle velocity regime and facilitates a definition of peak pressure states. Microstructure analysis, profilometry, and ultrasonic C-scans of the Al-Cu-W GDI all confirm excellent uniformity. We evaluated signal variation in the radial direction of a dynamically compressed Al-LiF bilayer target to evaluate the contribution of spatial nonuniformity to errors. Velocity traces from five photon Doppler velocimetry (PDV) probes located at different radial distances from the center of the target varied at most by 1.1% with a root mean square of 0.3% during the compression ramp, demonstrating low PDV measurement error over a relatively large experimental area. The experimental PDV data also agrees well with 1D simulations that use inputs from predictive characterization models developed for the material properties resulting from tape casting, laminating, and powder consolidation processes. Low measurement error during quasi-isentropic compression, leading to better precision, ensures a robust platform to reach extreme compression and low-temperature recovery states and facilitates discovery via synthesis, quenching, and preservation of new high-pressure phases.
Microsphere enhanced optical imaging and patterning: From physics to applications
Authors: Chen Lianwei , Zhou Yan , Li Yang , Hong Minghui
Published: April 2019

The diffraction limit is a fundamental barrier in optical science and engineering. It limits the minimum feature size in surface patterning technologies, such as lithography and laser direct writing. It also restricts the resolution for optical imaging, which includes different kinds of microscopes. Microspheres have been demonstrated as a powerful platform to challenge the diffraction limit. Microspheres can manipulate the light in a novel way that conventional optical components cannot achieve. In this review, we summarize the fundamental physical mechanisms and the related applications of microspheres in two primary research directions: first, to focus light energy on the sample surface, which leads to nano-patterning and achieves a sub-100 nm feature size and second, to manipulate light reflected back from the sample surface, which forms the foundation of super-resolution optical imaging to observe nano-structures. We also analyze key features, development, limitation, and opportunities of the nano-patterning and nano-imaging systems based on the microsphere.
Adaptive multilevel splitting: Historical perspective and recent results
Authors: Cérou Frédéric , Guyader Arnaud , Rousset Mathias
Published: April 2019

This article first presents a short historical perpective of the importance splitting approach to simulate and estimate rare events, with a detailed description of several variants. We then give an account of recent theoretical results on these algorithms, including a central limit theorem for Adaptive Multilevel Splitting (AMS). Considering the asymptotic variance in the latter, the choice of the importance function, called the reaction coordinate in molecular dynamics, is also discussed. Finally, we briefly mention some worthwhile applications of AMS in various domains.
Photocatalytic activity and two-magnon behavior in nickel oxide nanoparticles with different silica concentration
Authors: Abbas Hur , Nadeem K. , Saeed N. , Hassan A. , Rahman S. , Krenn H. , Letofsky-Papst I.
Published: April 2019

The structural, optical, magnetic, and photocatalytic properties of NiO/SiO2(x) nanoparticles with different SiO2 concentration (x) = 0%, 30%, 50%, 60%, and 70% have been investigated. XRD confirmed that the phase formation of NiO nanoparticles and the average crystallite size decreased with increasing SiO2 concentration. FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of Ni—O and Si—O—Si symmetric and asymmetric bands at 440, 800, and 1050 cm−1, respectively. The one-phonon (1P) optical mode in Raman spectra revealed the presence of interstitial oxygen defects, whereas the two-magnon (2M) peak indicates antiferromagnetic (AFM) ordering in x = 0% and 30% nanoparticles due to the large average crystallite size. The 2M peak at 1472 cm−1 diminished for x = 50%, 60%, and 70% nanoparticles, which confirmed the magnetic transition from AFM to a superparamagnetic (SPM) state. The magnetic data also confirmed the AFM to SPM transition in these nanoparticles. It is clear from diffuse reflectance spectra that x = 70% nanoparticles showed higher and wide absorbance spectra due to the presence of a large amount of fused SiO2. The HRTEM images showed that the crystalline NiO nanoparticles are well dispersed in a fused amorphous SiO2 matrix, which served as the UV wave guiding medium to activate NiO nanoparticles as a photocatalyst. The photocatalytic activity of x = 70% nanoparticles was found maximum due to their ability to absorb a wide range of UV/Vis light, and this is attributed to a higher concentration of SiO2 and oxygen defects at the surface of the nanoparticles. Therefore, a higher SiO2 concentration is beneficial for enhancing the photocatalytic performance and achieving SPM in NiO nanoparticles.
Spatio-temporal evolution of electric field inside a microwave discharge plasma during initial phase of ignition and its effect on power coupling
Authors: Mallick C. , Bandyopadhyay M. , Kumar R.
Published: April 2019

During the initial phase of microwave (MW) power launch inside a MW discharge ion source (MDIS), plasma and the total electric field (MW and ambipolar) are evolved with time together in the volume. In the presence of a plasma gradient, an ambipolar electric field is generated which interacts with the MW electric field forming a resultant total electric field which continuously varies during this evolution period. The spatio-temporal evolution pattern inside the MDIS volume is reported here, highlighting the role of the total electric field in power coupling processes. The Finite Element Method (FEM) is used to calculate the evolutions of the electric field and power coupling processes. Unlike a Particle-in-cell/Monte Carlo collision or a hybrid fluid, here, the FEM model uses time dependent Poisson solver through the drift-diffusion approach. It is observed that the main power coupling mechanism is the electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) method; however with the evolution of plasma, the mode shifts from ECR to off-ECR type heating with time. Off-ECR heating in the form of the upper-hybrid resonance method and the electrostatic ion acoustic wave heating method are two important heating mechanisms during the over-dense plasma condition, when the plasma density is above the critical density for a launched MW frequency, 2.45 GHz. In addition, the shifting of heating mechanisms from ECR to off-ECR methods is discussed based on the 3D maps of spatio-temporal evolution of plasma density and hot electron temperature. Furthermore, simulated temporal hot electron temperature and plasma density values are validated with the experiment under a similar configuration and an operating environment.
In-situ creation and control of Josephson junctions with a laser beam
Authors: Magrini W. , Mironov S. V. , Rochet A. , Tamarat P. , Buzdin A. I. , Lounis B.
Published: April 2019

We propose the use of a laser beam tightly focused on a superconducting strip to create a Josephson junction by the photothermal effect. The critical current of this junction can be easily controlled by the laser intensity. We show that a periodic modulation of the intensity substantially changes the dynamic properties of the junction and results in the appearance of Shapiro steps without microwave radiation. The experimental realization of optically driven Josephson junctions may open a way for the ultrafast creation and switching of complex patterns of superconducting devices with tunable geometry and current-phase relations.