bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Band gap opening of graphene by forming a graphene/PtSe2 van der Waals heterojunction
Authors: Guan Zhaoyong , Ni Shuang , Hu Shuanglin
Published: September 2017

As a promising high performance FET, the graphene/PtSe2 vdW heterojunction has a band gap of 0.264 eV.
Green approach towards corrosion inhibition of carbon steel in produced oilfield water using lemongrass extract
Authors: Deyab M. A. , Osman M. M. , Elkholy A. E. , El-Taib Heakal F.
Published: September 2017

The anti-corrosion action of lemongrass (cymbopogon citratus) extract (LGE) was evaluated for carbon steel in produced oilfield water using weight loss method and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).
Design and preparation of porous polymer particles with polydopamine coating and selective enrichment for biomolecules
Authors: Wang Hao , Qin Zihao , Liu Yi , Li Xiaoting , Liu Jianfei , Liu Yongfeng , Huang Dongdong , Di Duolong
Published: September 2017

Pore size distribution of novel gigaporous polymer particles were visualized characterization by laser scanning confocal microscopy, and this gigaporous materials had preferable selective enrichment performance for biomolecules.
Bionic anti-adhesive electrode coupled with maize leaf microstructures and TiO2 coating
Authors: Han Zhiwu , Fu Jia , Feng Xiaoming , Niu Shichao , Zhang Junqiu , Ren Luquan
Published: September 2017

Designing and fabricating a type of effectively anti-adhesive electrode via coupling the bionic microstructures and TiO2 coating.
Synthesis of carbon nanofibers by thermal conversion of the molecular precursor 5,6;11,12-di-o-phenylenetetracene and its application in a chemiresistive gas sensor
Authors: Krauß P. , Wombacher T. , Schneider J. J.
Published: September 2017

Carbon nanofibers with an amorphous solid structure have been synthesized by thermal conversion of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon 5,6;11,12-di-o-phenylenetetracene (DOPT) at 1000 °C on various substrates.
Nitroimidazolic radiosensitizers investigated by electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and density functional theory
Authors: Pandeti S. , Feketeová L. , Reddy T. J. , Abdoul-Carime H. , Farizon B. , Farizon M. , Märk T. D.
Published: September 2017

Formation of positive and negative ions and radical anions of 5-nitroimidazolic radiosensitizers and their ability to form these ions.
High efficiency and stability of Au–Cu/hydroxyapatite catalyst for the oxidation of carbon monoxide
Authors: Guo Jiuli , Yu Huanhuan , Dong Feng , Zhu Baolin , Huang Weiping , Zhang Shoumin
Published: September 2017

Synergistic effect between gold and CuOx phase for high efficiency and stability.
Temperature-dependent evolution of interfacial zones in SiCf/C/Ti17 composites
Authors: Wu Ming , Zhang Kan , Huang Hao , Li Hu , Wang Minjuan , Zhang Shuming , Chen Jianhong , Wen Mao
Published: September 2017

Schematic representation of the fabrication process for SiCf/C/Ti17 by MCF method.
Three-dimensional titanium oxide nanoarrays for perovskite photovoltaics: surface engineering for cascade charge extraction and beneficial surface passivation
Authors: Wu Wu-Qiang , Chen Dehong , Cheng Yi-Bing , Caruso Rachel A.
Published: September 2017

Arrays consisting of rutile titania nanorod trunks and rutile/anatase/amorphous nano-branches were synthesized and used as the electron transport layers in perovskite solar cells attaining power conversion efficiencies up to 16%.
A flexible and highly sensitive capacitive pressure sensor based on conductive fibers with a microporous dielectric for wearable electronics
Authors: Chhetry Ashok , Yoon Hyosang , Park Jae Yeong
Published: September 2017

In this study, a flexible and highly sensitive capacitive pressure sensor has been fabricated by coating a microporous polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomeric dielectric onto conductive fibers.
Photovoltaic enhancement by Au surface-plasmon effect for La doped BiFeO3 films
Authors: Li F. Z. , Zheng H. W. , Zhu M. S. , Zhang X. A. , Yuan G. L. , Xie Z. S. , Li X. H. , Yue G. T. , Zhang W. F.
Published: September 2017

Herein, the photovoltaic (PV) effect of ferroelectric Bi0.85La0.15FeO3 (BLFO) films fabricated through a sol–gel method is investigated.
Suppression of store-operated Ca2+ entry by activation of GPER: contribution to a clamping effect on endothelial Ca2+ signaling
Authors: Terry Lara E. , VerMeer Mark , Giles Jennifer , Tran Quang-Kim
Published: September 2017

The G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER, formerly also known as GPR30) modulates many Ca2+-dependent activities in endothelial cells. However, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. We recently reported that GPER acts to prolong cytoplasmic Ca2+ signals by interacting with and promoting inhibitory phosphorylation of the plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase. In the present study, we examined the role of GPER activation in modulating store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) via effects on the stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1). GPER activation by agonist G-1 reduces the peak but prolongs the plateau of bradykinin-induced Ca2+ signals in primary endothelial cells. G-1 dose-dependently inhibits thapsigargin-induced SOCE measured by the Mn2+ quenching method. GPER heterologous expression reduces SOCE, which is further pronounced by G-1 treatment. Consistently, GPER gene silencing in endothelial cells is associated with an increase in SOCE. Treatment with G-1 reduces puncta formation by STIM1 triggered by the activation of SOCE. The effect of GPER activation to inhibit SOCE is not affected by combined nonphosphorylatable substitutions at serines 486 and 668 on STIM1, but is substantially reduced by similar substitutions at serines 575, 608 and 621. Taken together with our recently reported inhibitory actions of GPER on Ca2+ efflux, the current data contribute to a model in which GPER acts to clamp agonist-induced cytoplasmic Ca2+ signals. Kinetic modeling based on current and reported data is used to estimate the overall effect of GPER activation on point activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase during the time course of agonist-induced total Ca2+ signals.
Impact of TNF -308 G>A (rs1800629) gene polymorphism in modulation of leprosy risk: a reappraise meta-analysis of 14 case–control studies
Authors: Areeshi Mohammed Y. , Mandal Raju K. , Dar Sajad A. , Jawed Arshad , Wahid Mohd , Lohani Mohtashim , Panda Aditya K. , Mishra Bhartendu N. , Akhter Naseem , Haque Shafiul
Published: September 2017

Purpose: Earlier studies have shown that tumor necrosis factor (TNF) -308 G>A (rs1800629) gene polymorphism is implicated in the susceptibility to leprosy, but results were inconsistent.

Methods: A meta-analysis of 14 studies involving 3327 leprosy cases and 3203 controls was performed to appraise the association of TNF -308 G>A polymorphism with leprosy using MEDLINE (PUBMED), EMBASE, and Google Scholar web databases.

Results: Overall, no significant association was observed in allelic (A vs. G: P=0.068; OR = 0.836, 95% CI = 0.689–1.013), homozygous (AA vs. GG: P=0.394; OR = 0.810, 95% CI = 0.499–1.315), heterozygous (GA vs. GG: P=0.059; OR = 0.780, 95% CI = 0.603–1.010), dominant (AA + GA vs. GG: P=0.067; OR = 0.797, 95% CI = 0.625–1.016), and recessive (AA vs. GG + GA: P=0.594; OR = 0.877, 95% CI = 0.542– 1.420) genetic models. Subgroup analysis showed no association in Asians. Whereas, reduced risk was found in allelic contrast (A vs. G: P=0.014; OR = 0.832, 95% CI = 0.718–0.963) and dominant models (AA + GA vs. GG: P=0.004; OR = 0.790, 95% CI = 0.673–0.928) of the mixed population.

Conclusions: TNF -308 G>A polymorphism is not associated with leprosy risk in the overall population. However, subgroup analysis demonstrated protective effect of the said polymorphism in leprosy risk in the Latin American population, but showed no association in the Asians.
Effect of different anesthetic methods on cellular immune functioning and the prognosis of patients with ovarian cancer undergoing oophorectomy
Authors: Han Xin-Rui , Wen Xin , Li Yan-Yi , Fan Shao-Hua , Zhang Zi-Feng , Li Hong , Sun Xing-Feng , Geng Gui-Qi , Sun Shen , Huang Shao-Qiang , Wu Dong-Mei , Lu Jun , Zheng Yuan-Lin
Published: September 2017

The present study aimed to explore the effects of different anesthetic methods on cellular immune function and prognosis of patients with ovarian cancer (OC) undergoing oophorectomy. A total of 167 patients who received general anesthesia (GA) treatment (GA group) and 154 patients who received combined general/epidural anesthesia (GEA) treatment (GEA group) were collected retrospectively. Each group selected 124 patients that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria for further study. ELISA and radioimmunoassay were employed to detect levels of IL-2, TNF-α, and CA-125. The rates of tumor-red cell rosette (RTRR), red cell immune complex rosette (RRICR), and red cell C3b receptor rosette (RRCR) were also measured. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR) were determined by hemodynamics. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-2 decreased at 1 h intraoperation (T2), but increased 24-h post surgery (T3). The levels of TNF-α and IL-2 were recovered faster in the GEA group than in the GA group. The GA group exhibited greater levels of CA-125 expression than in the GEA group. The levels of RTRR, RRICR, and RRCR; ratios of CD3+, CD4+, CD4+/CD8+, CD16+, and CD56+ at 30 min after anesthesia (T1), T2, T3 and 48 h after the operation (T4) and levels of SBP, DBP, and HR at T1, T2, and T3 displayed increased levels in the GEA group than in the GA group. At 72-h post surgery (T5), the 5-year survival rate significantly increased in the GEA group compared with the GA group. GEA to be more suitable than GA for surgery on OC patients.
Long noncoding RNA ILF3-AS1 promotes cell proliferation, migration, and invasion via negatively regulating miR-200b/a/429 in melanoma
Authors: Chen Xiangjun , Liu Sha , Zhao Xiaochun , Ma Xiao , Gao Guozhen , Yu Li , Yan Dexiong , Dong Hao , Sun Weijing
Published: September 2017

Melanoma is the most malignant skin cancer, which account for most of skin-cancer-related deaths. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) is a class of noncoding RNAs with crucial roles in many cancers. However, the roles of lncRNAs in melanoma have not been well studied. In the present study, using public available data and clinical tissues samples, we found that lncRNA ILF3-AS1 is up-regulated in melanoma tissues and cell lines, and correlated with poor prognosis of melanoma patients. Functional experiments showed that knockdown of ILF3-AS1 inhibits melanoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Mechanistically, we found that ILF3-AS1 interacts with EZH2, promotes the binding of EZH2 to the miR-200b/a/429 promoter, and represses miR-200b/a/429 expression. The expression of ILF3-AS1 is negatively correlated with that of miR-200b/a/429 in melanoma tissues. Moreover, inhibition of miR-200b/a/429 abrogates the biological roles of ILF3-AS1 knockdown on melanoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that melanoma-upregulated lncRNA ILF3-AS1 promotes cell proliferation, migration, and invasion via negatively regulating miR-200b/a/429, and imply that ILF3-AS1 may be a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for melanoma.
Ultrasound reverses chemoresistance in breast cancer stem cell like cells by altering ABCG2 expression
Authors: Guo Lijuan , Zheng Pengfei , Fan Huijun , Wang Haiyan , Xu Wenzhong , Zhou Wenyan
Published: September 2017

Doxorubicin (DOX) resistance in breast cancer largely results from the breast cancer stem cell like cells (BCSCs) which could be targetted to improve the efficacy of chemotherapy. Cell permeabilization using microbubbles (MBs) and ultrasound (US) have the potential for delivering molecules into the cytoplasm. We aim to evaluate a new methodology of US on BCSCs. First, our findings indicated that ALDHA1+ spheres which were derived from fresh primary breast cancer samples displayed stem cell like features and were resistant to DOX. In patient cohort, we revealed the presence of a variable fraction of ALDHA1+cells in nine out of ten. We, for the first time, showed a new US-MB treatment condition which could be used on ALDHA1+ BCSCs by fluorescence measurement and calcein assay. Next, we demonstrated the efficacy of combined treatment on human BCSCs in vitro and in vivo using DOX and US-MB: the combined treatment with much reduced drug dosage significantly suppressed the stem cell like features of BCSCs and induced BCSCs apoptosis. Furthermore, we suggested that decreased ABCG2 level might be one of the mechanisms by which US-MB medicated DOX treatment. In conclusion, this new US-MB treatment condition has clinical potential in breast cancer therapy by targetting BCSCs; thereby holding benefits for breast cancer patients.
Validating a Rapid, Automated Test of Spatial Release From Masking
Authors: Jakien Kasey M. , Kampel Sean D. , Stansell Meghan M. , Gallun Frederick J.
Published: September 2017

Purpose

To evaluate the test–retest reliability of a headphone-based spatial release from a masking task with two maskers (referred to here as the SR2) and to describe its relationship to the same test done over loudspeakers in an anechoic chamber (the SR2A). We explore what thresholds tell us about certain populations (such as older individuals or individuals with hearing impairment) and discuss how the SR2 might be useful in the clinic.

Method

Fifty-four participants completed speech intelligibility tests in which a target phrase and two masking phrases from the Coordinate Response Measure corpus (Bolia, Nelson, Ericson, & Simpson, 2000) were presented either via earphones using a virtual spatial array or via loudspeakers in an anechoic chamber. For the SR2, the target sentence was always at 0° azimuth angle, and the maskers were either colocated at 0° or positioned at ± 45°. For the SR2A, the target was located at 0°, and the maskers were colocated or located at ± 15°, ± 30°, ± 45°, ± 90°, or ± 135°. Spatial release from masking was determined as the difference between thresholds in the colocated condition and each spatially separated condition. All participants completed the SR2 at least twice, and 29 of the individuals who completed the SR2 at least twice also participated in the SR2A. In a second experiment, 40 participants completed the SR2 8 times, and the changes in performance were evaluated as a function of test repetition.

Results

Mean thresholds were slightly better on the SR2 after the first repetition but were consistent across 8 subsequent testing sessions. Performance was consistent for the SR2A, regardless of the number of times testing was repeated. The SR2, which simulates 45° separations of target and maskers, produced spatially separated thresholds that were similar to thresholds obtained with 30° of separation in the anechoic chamber. Over headphones and in the anechoic chamber, pure-tone average was a strong predictor of spatial release, whereas age only reached significance for colocated conditions.

Conclusions

The SR2 is a reliable and effective method of testing spatial release from masking, suitable for screening abnormal listening abilities and for tracking rehabilitation over time. Future work should focus on developing and validating rapid, automated testing to identify the ability of listeners to benefit from high-frequency amplification, smaller spatial separations, and larger spectral differences among talkers.
Impact‐increment based decoupled reliability assessment approach for composite generation and transmission systems
Authors: Hou Kai , Jia Hongjie , Li Xue , Xu Xiandong , Mu Yunfei , Jiang Tao , Yu Xiaodan
Published: September 2017

Improving the computational efficiency of reliability assessment is a long‐term goal for researchers. Regarding this issue, an impact‐increment‐based decoupled reliability assessment approach (IID) is proposed in this study. First, a new formulation of reliability indices is derived by decoupling the reliability index of composite systems into two parts: generation adequacy and transmission reliability. Then, an impact‐increment‐based state enumeration reliability assessment method is implemented to both the parts, which are more efficient than tradition methods. Thereafter, a reduction technique for the higher‐order contingency states is developed for the transmission reliability evaluation. With this technique, the number of analysed contingencies can be significantly reduced, which improves the computational speed significantly. Finally, the overall framework of the proposed IID approach is demonstrated. Case studies are performed on the RTS‐79, RTS‐96 and a provincial system of China. Results indicate that the proposed method has superior performance to the traditional reliability assessment methods in terms of accuracy and computational speed, particularly on large‐scale composite systems.
Analysis of full disc Ca II K spectroheliograms
Authors: Chatzistergos Theodosios , Ermolli Ilaria , Solanki Sami K. , Krivova Natalie A.
Published: September 2017

Context. Historical Ca II K spectroheliograms (SHG) are unique in representing long-term variations of the solar chromospheric magnetic field. They usually suffer from numerous problems and lack photometric calibration. Thus accurate processing of these data is required to get meaningful results from their analysis.

Aims. In this paper we aim at developing an automatic processing and photometric calibration method that provides precise and consistent results when applied to historical SHG.

Methods. The proposed method is based on the assumption that the centre-to-limb variation of the intensity in quiet Sun regions does not vary with time. We tested the accuracy of the proposed method on various sets of synthetic images that mimic problems encountered in historical observations. We also tested our approach on a large sample of images randomly extracted from seven different SHG archives.

Results. The tests carried out on the synthetic data show that the maximum relative errors of the method are generally <6.5%, while the average error is <1%, even if rather poor quality observations are considered. In the absence of strong artefacts the method returns images that differ from the ideal ones by <2% in any pixel. The method gives consistent values for both plage and network areas. We also show that our method returns consistent results for images from different SHG archives.

Conclusions. Our tests show that the proposed method is more accurate than other methods presented in the literature. Our method can also be applied to process images from photographic archives of solar observations at other wavelengths than Ca II K.
Extradural Dorsal Spinal Paraganglioma: A Rare Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Bhaskar Mukesh , Kumar R. , Singh Sunil , Meel Mukta
Published: September 2017

Paragangliomas are neuroendocrine tumors originating from specialized cells of neural crest derivative. They are mostly found in the carotid and jugulotympanic region. Paragangliomas are extremely rare in the spine, and in literature, most cases are described as intradural extramedullary lesion in the cauda equine or filum terminale region. Extradural dorsal spine paragangliomas are even rarer, and till date, only 11 cases are reported in available literature. We describe a case of an adult woman who presented with mid dorsal region pain and sensory-motor spastic paraplegia. Imaging features were suggestive of D5 Pott's spine with epidural granulation tissue. Perioperatively, the tumor was moderately vascular and complete excision done. On HPE and IHC, diagnosis of paraganglioma was made. There was no evidence of clinical recurrence of the lesion at 6 months follow-up.
Divergent Axial Carpal Dislocation and Its Pathomechanics
Authors: García-Elias M. , Soto I. , López-Cervantes R.
Published: September 2017

Background Axial carpal dislocations and fracture dislocations are 1.4 to 2.08% of all the fractures and dislocations of the wrist. These injuries are caused by high-energy blast or compression mechanisms. Only 11 cases of axial–radial–ulnar (ARU) fracture dislocations have been described in the literature.

Case Description We describe a case with a traumatic transtrapezoid, peritrapezium, transhamate, peripisiform ARU in a patient with acute compartment syndrome, traumatic transverse flexor retinaculum (TFR) rupture, and radial nerve palsy.

Literature Review The ARU fractures are injuries where the carpus is torn into three columns. ARU injuries have a high incidence of neurovascular, soft-tissue cover, and muscular-associated injuries. Depending on the injuries mentioned earlier, a bad functional prognosis can be expected. Nearly without exception, in ARU cases, a traumatic TFR rupture takes place. Garcia-Elias mentioned that the injury pattern is given by the speed, magnitude, and energy entry point.

Clinical Relevance We describe a case of an ARU injury which has not been previously described. In an analysis of the 12 ARU cases previously reported, we observed that when two or more applied forces converge, an ARU injury pattern can occur. That suggests that in ARU injuries, one side of the injury occurs before the other. Due to the extensive carpal damage, in patients with ARU, a restricted range of motion is more likely to happen than residual instability. Thus, in all these cases, an early mobilization and intensive rehabilitation is highly necessary.
Alarmierender Pregabalin-Missbrauch: Prävalenz im Münchener Raum, Konsummuster und Komplikationen
Authors: Zellner Nicolas , Eyer Florian , Zellner Tobias
Published: September 2017

Hintergrund Pregabalin ist u. a. zur Behandlung von neuropathischen Schmerzen und Angststörungen zugelassen. Inzwischen zeigt sich, dass es ein Missbrauchs- und Abhängigkeitspotenzial aufweist.

Methoden Es wurde eine Datenbankanalyse mit dem Suchbegriff „Pregabalin“ für alle von 2008 – 2015 in unserer Abteilung behandelten Patienten und im Giftnotruf München eingegangenen Anrufe durchgeführt.

Von Oktober 2013 bis September 2014 wurden alle Patienten in eine Kohortenstudie eingeschlossen, die aufgrund einer Drogen-Intoxikation behandelt wurden oder sich zum Entzug (außer Ethanol) vorstellten.

Ergebnisse Von 2008 – 2015 wurden 263 Patienten mit Pregabalin-Missbrauch behandelt. Die Anzahl der Fälle pro Jahr stieg von 0 – 5 in den Jahren 2008 – 2011 auf 105 im Jahr 2015. 2008 gingen 3 Anrufe zu Pregabalin-Missbrauch im Giftnotruf ein, 2015 waren es 71.

Von 2013 – 2014 hatten 80 von 370 Patienten Pregabalin konsumiert. Es war die fünftmeiste konsumierte Substanz. Pregabalin-Konsumenten hatten mehr zusätzliche Substanzen als andere Patienten konsumiert (Median 4 1
2
3
4
5
6 vs. 2 1
2
3
4
5
6, p < 0,001) und waren häufiger substituiert (41,2 vs. 21,7 %, p < 0,001).

Die häufigsten ko-konsumierten Substanzen waren Benzodiazepine (66,3 %), Methadon (48,8 %), Buprenorphin (32,5 %) und Heroin (22,5 %). 88,0 % der intoxikierten Patienten hatten mittelgradig bis schwere Vergiftungssymptome wie Bewusstseinsminderungen (74,0 %), Atemnot (40,0 %), Agitation/Aggression (28,0 %), Unruhe (14,0 %), Halluzinationen (8,0 %) oder Krampfanfälle (8,0 %).

Der semiquantitative Urinspiegel lag bei Intoxikationspatienten bei 51,4 ± 66,0 mg/g Kreatinin, bei Entgiftungspatienten bei 26,1 ± 23,0 (n = 58; p = 0,034).

Diskussion Der Missbrauch von Pregabalin steigt kontinuierlich an und stellt ein relevantes medizinisches Problem dar. Besonders suchterkrankte Patienten sind gefährdet. Ärzte sollten sich dem erheblichen Abhängigkeits- und Missbrauchspotenzial von Pregabalin bewusst sein sowie die Gefahren einer Intoxikation kennen.
Zentraler aortaler Blutdruck: Bedeutender Parameter für Diagnostik und Therapie
Authors: Middeke Martin
Published: September 2017

In recent years great emphasis has been placed on the role of central aortic blood pressure as measured non invasively using pulse wave analysis in pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases and clinical aspects of hypertension. The difference of blood pressure between the central aorta and the brachial artery (amplification) is not constant but varies according to physiological, pathological and pharmacological mechanisms. Central aortic blood pressure is more strongly related to cardiovascular organ damages than does brachial pressure. Several antihypertensive drugs have different effects on aortic blood pressure as compared with brachial pressure. Central aortic blood pressure emerges superior to brachial pressure as target blood pressure in antihypertensive treatment.
Das Adenokarzinom des Ösophagus – Bestandsaufnahme einer drastisch zunehmenden Erkrankung
Authors: Hoeppner Jens , Glatz Torben , Claus Rainer , Fischer Andreas , Kraywinkel Klaus , Brunner Thomas
Published: September 2017

Das Adenokarzinom des Ösophagus ist eine der am stärksten zunehmenden Tumorentitäten in der westlichen Welt. Seine Inzidenz hat sich seit 1991 in Deutschland mehr als versiebenfacht. Die bedeutendsten Risikofaktoren stellen die gastroösophageale Refluxerkrankung und die Adipositas dar. Die endoskopische Resektion ist ein effektives Verfahren für die Diagnostik und die kurative Therapie der Frühkarzinome. Die Ösophagusresektion ist die zentrale kurative Therapiemodalität für mucosa-überschreitende und nicht-metastasierte Tumorstadien. Neoadjuvante radiochemotherapeutische und perioperativ chemotherapeutische Behandlungsprotokolle kommen zunehmend zum Einsatz. Die onkologische Prognose für lokal fortgeschrittene Tumorstadien konnte auf 5- Jahresüberlebensraten von 50 % verbessert werden.
Acceptability of two colorectal cancer screening tests: pain as a key determinant in sigmoidoscopy
Authors: Kirkøen Benedicte , Berstad Paula , Botteri Edoardo , Dalén Eirin , Nilsen Jens , Hoff Geir , de Lange Thomas , Bernklev Tomm
Published: September 2017

Background Participants’ experience with a screening test can influence adherence, and therefore the efficacy of screening programs. We compared screening with unsedated flexible sigmoidoscopy and fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) for participants’ satisfaction with the decision and for willingness to repeat colorectal cancer screening.

Methods In a prospective, randomized trial 3257 individuals (50 – 74 years) were invited to either flexible sigmoidoscopy or FIT (1:1), of whom 1650 took up the offer (52.6 %). In total, 1497 screening participants completed at least one questionnaire, either before screening, and/or at three time points in the following year, that measured willingness to repeat screening, willingness to recommend screening, and satisfaction with decision to attend. There were 769 and 728 responders in the flexible sigmoidoscopy and FIT group, respectively. Additionally, 581 flexible sigmoidoscopy participants also completed a pain questionnaire.

Results 1 year later, 10 % of the flexible sigmoidoscopy participants were not willing to repeat screening, compared to 5 % of FIT participants. A higher percentage of women compared to men would not repeat flexible sigmoidoscopy screening (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.52, 95 % confidence interval [95 %CI] 1.48 to 4.28). Notably, 22 % of women reported pain during flexible sigmoidoscopy compared to 5 % of men. When we added pain to the statistical model, pain was significantly associated with unwillingness to repeat flexible sigmoidoscopy (OR 3.15, 95 %CI 1.68 to 5.87), while gender was no longer associated (OR 1.53, 95 %CI 0.82 to 2.88).

Conclusion Acceptability for flexible sigmoidoscopy and for FIT was high among Norwegian screening participants, though FIT participants were more willing to repeat screening. Women were less willing to repeat screening with flexible sigmoidoscopy compared to men. This gender difference seemed partly due to pain, and therefore preventable.

This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01538550.
Lautheitsoptimierte Messung von Summenaktionspotentialen
bei Cochlea Implantat Trägern
Authors: Berger Klaus , Hocke Thomas , Hessel Horst
Published: September 2017

Hintergrund Die postoperative Messung von Summenaktionspotentialen ist
aufgrund mangelnder Akzeptanz durch die CI-Träger nicht immer möglich. In dieser
Arbeit wurde untersucht, ob durch veränderte Messparameter eine höhere Akzeptanz
der Messung erreicht werden kann.

Methodik Es wurden Summenaktionspotentiale an 16 CI-Trägern bei
verschiedenen Pulsbreiten gemessen. An der Potentialschwelle wurde eine
Lautheitsbewertung der bei der Messung verwendeten Sequenzen durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse Die Registrierung der Summenaktionspotentiale wird bei höheren
Pulsbreiten von den CI-Trägern leiser empfunden.

Schlussfolgerung Bei mit höheren Pulsbreiten gemessenen
Summenaktionspotentialen findet sich ein zunehmender Abstand zwischen maximal
akzeptierter Stimulusintensität und Potentialschwelle. Dieser trägt zur höheren
Akzeptanz postoperativer Messungen bei.
Icaritin Improves Antibody-Induced Thrombocytopenia in a Mouse Model by Regulating T-cell Polarization
Authors: Sun Chenghong , Yang Jian , Wang Mingzhi , Pan Lihong , Yao Jingchun , Wang Shenglan , Guo Na , Li Chunyan , Zhang Guimin
Published: September 2017

Previous studies have shown that icaritin (ICT) has significant protective effects on immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), and the present study aimed to discuss the mechanism of this protective effect from the aspect of regulating T-cell polarization by an antibody-induced ITP mice model. Mice were given rat anti-mouse CD41 antibody (MWReg30) by intraperitoneal injection for 7 d to produce ITP model. At the same time, ICT was administrated at 10 mg/kg/d orally for 9 d. Peripheral blood platelets were counted by hematology analyzer. Spleen index was also tested. Spleen T-helper cell (Th), cytotoxic T-cell (CTL), Th1, Th2, Th17, regulatory T-cell (Treg), and follicular helper T-cell (Tfh) were quantified by flow cytometry. Serum Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines were tested by mouse Th1/Th2/Th17 cytometric bead array (CBA) kit and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The results indicated that ICT (10 mg/kg) protected against MWReg30-induced ITP, as evidenced by increased blood platelets and decreased spleen index. In addition, the imbalance of Th/CTL in ITP mice spleen was regulated by ICT. Meanwhile, ICT inhibited Th1, Th17, and Tfh and improved Th2 and Treg in ITP mice spleen. Furthermore, the results of CBA and ELISA suggested that ICT decreased serum Th1- and Th17-related cytokines and increased Th2 cytokines, as well as promoted the release of TGF-β. These results demonstrated that the protective effect of ICT on ITP was mediated by regulating T-cell polarization.
Formation and structure of a current sheet in pulsed-power driven magnetic reconnection experiments
Authors: Hare J. D. , Lebedev S. V. , Suttle L. G. , Loureiro N. F. , Ciardi A. , Burdiak G. C. , Chittenden J. P. , Clayson T. , Eardley S. J. , Garcia C. , Halliday J. W. D. , Niasse N. , Robinson T. , Smith R. A. , Stuart N. , Suzuki-Vidal F. , Swadling G. F. , Ma J. , Wu J.
Published: September 2017

We describe magnetic reconnection experiments using a new, pulsed-power driven experimental platform in which the inflows are super-sonic but sub-Alfvénic. The intrinsically magnetised plasma flows are long lasting, producing a well-defined reconnection layer that persists over many hydrodynamic time scales. The layer is diagnosed using a suite of high resolution laser based diagnostics, which provide measurements of the electron density, reconnecting magnetic field, inflow and outflow velocities, and the electron and ion temperatures. Using these measurements, we observe a balance between the power flow into and out of the layer, and we find that the heating rates for the electrons and ions are significantly in excess of the classical predictions. The formation of plasmoids is observed in laser interferometry and optical self-emission, and the magnetic O-point structure of these plasmoids is confirmed using magnetic probes.
Reflective small angle electron scattering to characterize nanostructures on opaque substrates
Authors: Friedman Lawrence H. , Wu Wen-Li , Fu Wei-En , Chien Yunsan
Published: September 2017

Feature sizes in integrated circuits (ICs) are often at the scale of 10 nm and are ever shrinking. ICs appearing in today's computers and hand held devices are perhaps the most prominent examples. These smaller feature sizes demand equivalent advances in fast and accurate dimensional metrology for both development and manufacturing. Techniques in use and continuing to be developed include X-ray based techniques, optical scattering, and of course the electron and scanning probe microscopy techniques. Each of these techniques has their advantages and limitations. Here, the use of small angle electron beam scattering measurements in a reflection mode (RSAES) to characterize the dimensions and the shape of nanostructures on flat and opaque substrates is demonstrated using both experimental and theoretical evidence. In RSAES, focused electrons are scattered at angles smaller than 1° with the assistance of electron optics typically used in transmission electron microscopy. A proof-of-concept experiment is combined with rigorous electron reflection simulations to demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of RSAES as a method of non-destructive measurement of shapes of features less than 10 nm in size on flat and opaque substrates.
Phonon-boundary scattering in nanoporous silicon films: Comparison of Monte Carlo techniques
Authors: Parrish Kevin D. , Abel Justin R. , Jain Ankit , Malen Jonathan A. , McGaughey Alan J. H.
Published: September 2017

The thermal conductivities of silicon thin films with periodic pore arrays (i.e., nanoporous films) and square silicon nanowires are predicted at a temperature of 300 K. The bulk phonon properties are obtained from lattice dynamics calculations driven by first-principles calculations. Phonon-boundary scattering is included by applying three Monte Carlo-based techniques that treat phonons as particles. The first is a path sampling technique that modifies the intrinsic bulk mean free paths without using the Matthiessen rule. The second uses ray-tracing under an isotropic assumption to calculate a single, mode-independent boundary scattering mean free path that is combined with the intrinsic bulk mean free paths using the Matthiessen rule. The third modifies the ray-tracing technique to calculate the boundary scattering mean free path on a modal basis. For the square nanowire modeled using isotropic ray-tracing, the maximum mean free path is comparable to the wire width, an unphysical result that is a consequence of the isotropic approximation. Free path sampling and modal ray-tracing produce physically meaningful mean free path distributions. The nanoporous film thermal conductivity predictions match a previously measured trend, suggesting that coherent effects are not relevant to thermal transport at room temperature. A line-of-sight for phonons in the nanoporous films is found to change how thermal conductivity scales with porosity.
Tunable InGaN quantum dot microcavity light emitters with 129 nm tuning range from yellow-green to violet
Authors: Mei Yang , Xu Rong-Bin , Weng Guo-En , Xu Huan , Ying Lei-Ying , Zheng Zhi-Wei , Long Hao , Zhang Bao-Ping , Hofmann Werner , Liu Jian-Ping , Zhang Jian , Li Mo , Zhang Jian
Published: September 2017

An electrically pumped wavelength-tunable InGaN quantum dot (QD) based microcavity (MC) lighter emitter with a large tuning range of 129 nm was demonstrated. The multi-mode emission spectrum was tuned by injected current from 564 nm (yellow-green) to 435 nm (violet). The MC light emitter is featured with a double dielectric distributed Bragg reflector structure and a copper substrate fabricated using substrate transfer and laser lift off techniques. By utilizing an InGaN QD active layer with a tunable broad emission spectrum and a Fabry-Pérot cavity which allows multi-longitudinal mode resonating, the emission spectrum could be tuned among several particular cavity modes, which are decided by the gain enhancement factor. In addition, both the enhancement and suppression of MC emission modes caused by the gain enhancement factor were observed in a single MC device. As the first electrically driven III-V nitride semiconductor based tunable MC light emitter with a tuning range of 129 nm, the device is promising for applications such as in wide-gamut compact displays and projectors.
Fano resonance via quasibound states in time-dependent three-band pseudospin-1 Dirac-Weyl systems
Authors: Zhu Rui , Cai Cong
Published: September 2017

In quantum transport, interference between different tunneling paths generates a Fano resonance. The profile of the resonance spectrum reflects the quantum properties of the involved path states such as period, width, strength, and parity. By applying a time-dependent electric potential to a transport device, Floquet sidebands are formed to supply additional quantum paths enabling interference processes. When one of the Floquet sidebands coincides with a quasibound state inside a system, interference is strengthened and a Fano resonance can be observed. Such a phenomenon has been intensively studied in two-dimensional electron gasses, graphene, and other quantum systems. In this work, we extend related studies to the three-band pseudospin-1 Dirac-Weyl systems. Confined states and nonadiabatically pumped shot noise in pseudospin-1 quantum wells are studied. In comparison with graphene, we found that the three-band pseudospin-1 Dirac–Weyl quantum well confines more bound states and parities of these bound-state wavefunctions are different. These differences affect the quantum interference processes via the bound state and hence are reflected in the Fano resonance spectrum in the nonadiabatic transmission and shot noise. We attribute the overall behavioral difference between graphene and the pseudospin-1 system to the topological difference in their band structure and suggest the nonadiabatically induced Fano resonance as a promising way to diagnose deeply into wavefunction profiles of quantum systems.
Dual role of TiO2 buffer layer in Pt catalyzed BiFeO3 photocathodes: Efficiency enhancement and surface protection
Authors: Shen Huanyu , Zhou Xiaoxue , Dong Wen , Su Xiaodong , Fang Liang , Wu Xi , Shen Mingrong
Published: September 2017

Polycrystalline ferroelectric BiFeO3 (BFO) films deposited on transparent indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes have shown to be an interesting photocathode for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting; however, its PEC performance and stability are far from perfection. Herein, we reported an amorphous TiO2 buffer layer, inserted between BFO and Pt catalyst, improves significantly both its PEC activity and stability. A photocathodic current density of −460 μA/cm2 at 0 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) and an onset potential of 1.25 V vs. RHE were obtained in ITO/BFO/TiO2/Pt photocathode under 100 mW/cm2 Xe-lamp illumination. TiO2 functions as a buffer layer to remove the upward barrier between BFO and Pt, and makes the photogenerated carriers separate efficiently. The photocathode also shows high stability in acid solution after a 10-h PEC continuous testing.
Phase and vacancy behaviour of hard “slanted” cubes
Authors: van Damme R. , van der Meer B. , van den Broeke J. J. , Smallenburg F. , Filion L.
Published: September 2017

We use computer simulations to study the phase behaviour for hard, right rhombic prisms as a function of the angle of their rhombic face (the “slant” angle). More specifically, using a combination of event-driven molecular dynamics simulations, Monte Carlo simulations, and free-energy calculations, we determine and characterize the equilibrium phases formed by these particles for various slant angles and densities. Surprisingly, we find that the equilibrium crystal structure for a large range of slant angles and densities is the simple cubic crystal—despite the fact that the particles do not have cubic symmetry. Moreover, we find that the equilibrium vacancy concentration in this simple cubic phase is extremely high and depends only on the packing fraction and not the particle shape. At higher densities, a rhombic crystal appears as the equilibrium phase. We summarize the phase behaviour of this system by drawing a phase diagram in the slant angle-packing fraction plane.
The two-dimensional kinetic ballooning theory for ion temperature gradient mode in tokamak
Authors: Xie T. , Zhang Y. Z. , Mahajan S. M. , Hu S. L. , He Hongda , Liu Z. Y.
Published: September 2017

The two-dimensional (2D) kinetic ballooning theory is developed for the ion temperature gradient mode in an up-down symmetric equilibrium (illustrated via concentric circular magnetic surfaces). The ballooning transform converts the basic 2D linear gyro-kinetic equation into two equations: (1) the lowest order equation (ballooning equation) is an integral equation essentially the same as that reported by Dong et al., [Phys. Fluids B 4, 1867 (1992)] but has an undetermined Floquet phase variable, (2) the higher order equation for the rapid phase envelope is an ordinary differential equation in the same form as the 2D ballooning theory in a fluid model [Xie et al., Phys. Plasmas 23, 042514 (2016)]. The system is numerically solved by an iterative approach to obtain the (phase independent) eigen-value. The new results are compared to the two earlier theories. We find a strongly modified up-down asymmetric mode structure, and non-trivial modifications to the eigen-value.
Resonant photoemission spectroscopic studies of SnO2 thin films
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Chauhan R. S. , Panchal Gyanendra , Singh C. P. , Dar Tanveer A. , Phase D. M. , Choudhary R. J.
Published: September 2017

We report the structural and electronic properties of single phase, polycrystalline rutile tetragonal SnO2 thin film grown on Si (100) substrate by pulsed laser deposition technique. X-ray photoelectron and resonant photoemission spectroscopic (RPES) studies divulge that Sn is present in 4+ (∼91%) valence state with a very small involvement of 2+ (∼9%) valence state at the surface. Valence band spectrum of the film shows prominent contribution due to the Sn4+ valence state. RPES measurements were performed in the Sn 4d→5p photo absorption region. This study shows that O-2p, Sn-5s, and Sn-5p partial density of states are the main contributions to the valence band of this material. The resonance behavior of these three contributions has been analyzed. Constant initial state versus photon energy plots suggest that the low binding energy feature at ∼2.8 eV results from the hybridization of the O-2p and mixed valence states of Sn, while remaining features at higher binding energies are due to the hybridization between O-2p (bonding) orbitals and Sn4+ valence state.
Numerical modeling of flow focusing: Quantitative characterization of the flow regimes
Authors: Mamet V. , Namy P. , Dedulle J.-M.
Published: September 2017

Among droplet generation technologies, the flow focusing technique is a major process due to its control, stability, and reproducibility. In this process, one fluid (the continuous phase) interacts with another one (the dispersed phase) to create small droplets. Experimental assays in the literature on gas-liquid flow focusing have shown that different jet regimes can be obtained depending on the operating conditions. However, the underlying physical phenomena remain unclear, especially mechanical interactions between the fluids and the oscillation phenomenon of the liquid. In this paper, based on published studies, a numerical diphasic model has been developed to take into consideration the mechanical interaction between phases, using the Cahn-Hilliard method to monitor the interface. Depending on the liquid/gas inputs and the geometrical parameters, various regimes can be obtained, from a steady state regime to an unsteady one with liquid oscillation. In the dispersed phase, the model enables us to compute the evolution of fluid flow, both in space (size of the recirculation zone) and in time (period of oscillation). The transition between unsteady and stationary regimes is assessed in relation to liquid and gas dimensionless numbers, showing the existence of critical thresholds. This model successfully highlights, qualitatively and quantitatively, the influence of the geometry of the nozzle, in particular, its inner diameter.
Theory of spin torque nano-oscillator-based phase-locked loop
Authors: Mitrofanov Alexander A. , Safin Ansar R. , Udalov Nikolay N. , Kapranov Mikhail V.
Published: September 2017

In this paper, we propose an approximate nonlinear theory of a phase-locked loop (PLL) of the spin torque nano-oscillator (STNO). We study the nonlinear dynamics of a filterless PLL generating microwave oscillations in a broad range of frequencies under the spin-polarized electrical current and external magnetic field. We consider the bifurcation analysis caused by a change in the frequency detuning of synchronized oscillations. We determine the bands of phase locking and quasi-synchronism, which basically distinguish STNOs from other types of microwave oscillators. Finally, we study the amplitude and phase noises of isochronous and nonisochronous STNO-based PLLs and compare them to the analogous characteristics of an autonomous oscillator.
How psychology can stimulate tourist experience studies.
Authors: Larsen S. , Doran R. , Wolff K.
Published: September 2017

This chapter discusses the ontology, epistemology and methodology appropriate for the study of memorable tourism experiences from a psychological perspective. It also presents examples of two psychological tourism projects from the Social Cognitive Studies in Tourism (SCI-TOUR) group at the University of Bergen, Norway.
The elicitation of emotions.
Authors: Ma JianYu Ma JianYu
Published: September 2017

This chapter discusses the cognitive appraisal theory of emotions and its application to tourism consumption.
The meaning of a destination experience in Zhouzhuang, China.
Authors: Gao LiHua Gao LiHua
Published: September 2017

The research presented in this chapter identifies the specific attributes perceived by tourists in a destination and examinees how the attributes combine together to create a holistic destination experience for tourists. Empirical evidence was collected from 63 qualitative in-depth, in-destination interviews with tourists who were asked to discuss the memorable attributes of Zhouzhuang, a Chinese water town. The attributes identified through content analysis of the transcribed interviews were classified. In doing so, a new attribute type called 'service' was identified besides three other known attribute types (atmosphere, interaction, and memorabilia). Analysis of the coded transcripts indicates that there are associations among attributes (especially the four attribute types) in the minds of tourists, and that these form themes that can be essential for planning and marketing consumer experiences.
Perceptions of the Trinidad carnival experience from international travel bloggers.
Authors: Holder A. , Scott N.
Published: September 2017

This chapter presents a case study of the Trinidad and Tobago carnival experience and focuses on international travel bloggers' perceptions of the carnival. This study epitomizes a wide array of sensory and affective dimensions of the carnival experience. Of greater significance, the analysis of blogs and their authors' personal accounts revealed that this platform serves as a useful tool to appeal to one's senses and inner feelings, a characteristic that experience-based destination marketers may find valuable.