bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nierenerkrankungen bei älteren Patienten
Authors: Bareiss Dirk , Dickenmann Michael , Burkhalter Felix
Published: December 2014

Die Häufigkeit der CKD nimmt im Alter zu. Verantwortlich hierfür ist zum grössten Teil die Zunahme der Risikofaktoren für die Entwicklung einer CKD wie Hypertonie, Diabetes und Adipositas. Für den behandelnden Arzt gilt es eine CKD frühzeitig zu diagnostizieren, um die Progression der Nierenerkrankung zu verlangsamen. Die physiologische Nierenalterung spielt dabei vor allem für die Entwicklung funktioneller Störungen der Nieren eine Rolle. Elektrolytstörungen und hämodynamisch bedingte Perfusionsstörungen sind im Alter häufiger und sehr oft medikamentös bedingt. Ob bei terminalem Nierenversagen ein Nierenersatzverfahren begonnen werden soll, ist nicht vom Alter, sondern vom Patientenwillen, den Komorbiditäten und der Erhaltung von Lebensqualität abhängig und sollte frühzeitig geklärt werden.
Seltene Ursache einer Herzinsuffizienz
Authors: Gutersohn Andreas , Oestmann Andreas
Published: December 2014

Wir berichten über einen 52-jährigen Patienten mit einer dilatativen Kardiomyopathie. Mittels einer Koronarangiographie wurde eine koronare Herzkrankheit ausgeschlossen. Hingegen fand sich radiologisch eine bihiläre Lymphadenopathie. Deren Abklärung mit einer transbronchialen Biopsie ergab eine epitheloidzellige, nichtnekrotisierende granulomatöse Entzündung, so dass die Diagnose einer Sarkoidose gestellt werden konnte. Das MRI des Herzens bestätigte die kardiale Beteiligung der Sarkoidose durch entsprechende strukturelle Wandveränderungen.
Rapid Transport within Cerebral Perivascular Spaces Underlies Widespread Tracer Distribution in the Brain after Intranasal Administration
Authors: Lochhead Jeffrey J , Wolak Daniel J , Pizzo Michelle E , Thorne Robert G
Published: December 2014

The intranasal administration route is increasingly being used as a noninvasive method to bypass the blood—brain barrier because evidence suggests small fractions of nasally applied macromolecules may reach the brain directly via olfactory and trigeminal nerve components present in the nasal mucosa. Upon reaching the olfactory bulb (olfactory pathway) or brainstem (trigeminal pathway), intranasally delivered macromolecules appear to rapidly distribute within the brains of rodents and primates. The mechanisms responsible for this distribution have yet to be fully characterized. Here, we have used ex vivo fluorescence imaging to show that bulk flow within the perivascular space (PVS) of cerebral blood vessels contributes to the rapid central distribution of fluorescently labeled 3 and 10 kDa dextran tracers after intranasal administration in anesthetized adult rats. Comparison of tracer plasma levels and fluorescent signal distribution associated with the PVS of surface arteries and internal cerebral vessels showed that the intranasal route results in unique central access to the PVS not observed after matched intravascular dosing in separate animals. Intranasal targeting to the PVS was tracer size dependent and could be regulated by modifying nasal epithelial permeability. These results suggest cerebral perivascular convection likely has a key role in intranasal drug delivery to the brain.
U0126 Attenuates Cerebral Vasoconstriction and Improves Long-Term Neurologic Outcome after Stroke in Female Rats
Authors: Ahnstedt Hilda , Mostajeran Maryam , Blixt Frank W , Warfvinge Karin , Ansar Saema , Krause Diana N , Edvinsson Lars
Published: December 2014

Sex differences are well known in cerebral ischemia and may impact the effect of stroke treatments. In male rats, the MEK1/2 inhibitor U0126 reduces ischemia-induced endothelin type B (ETB) receptor upregulation, infarct size and improves acute neurologic function after experimental stroke. However, responses to this treatment in females and long-term effects on outcome are not known. Initial experiments used in vitro organ culture of cerebral arteries, confirming ERK1/2 activation and increased ETB receptor-mediated vasoconstriction in female cerebral arteries. Transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO, 120 minutes) was induced in female Wistar rats, with U0126 (30 mg/kg intraperitoneally) or vehicle administered at 0 and 24 hours of reperfusion, or with no treatment. Infarct volumes were determined and neurologic function was assessed by 6-point and 28-point neuroscores. ETB receptor-mediated contraction was studied with myograph and protein expression with immunohistochemistry. In vitro organ culture and tMCAO resulted in vascular ETB receptor upregulation and activation of ERK1/2 that was prevented by U0126. Although no effect on infarct size, U0126 improved the long-term neurologic function after experimental stroke in female rats. In conclusion, early prevention of the ERK1/2 activation and ETB receptor-mediated vasoconstriction in the cerebral vasculature after ischemic stroke in female rats improves the long-term neurologic outcome.
The exposure of Sydney (Australia) to earthquake-generated tsunamis, storms and sea level rise: a probabilistic multi-hazard approach
Authors: Dall'Osso F. , Dominey-Howes D. , Moore C. , Summerhayes S. , Withycombe G.
Published: December 2014

Approximately 85% of Australia's population live along the coastal fringe, an area with high exposure to extreme inundations such as tsunamis. However, to date, no Probabilistic Tsunami Hazard Assessments (PTHA) that include inundation have been published for Australia. This limits the development of appropriate risk reduction measures by decision and policy makers. We describe our PTHA undertaken for the Sydney metropolitan area. Using the NOAA NCTR model MOST (Method for Splitting Tsunamis), we simulate 36 earthquake-generated tsunamis with annual probabilities of 1:100, 1:1,000 and 1:10,000, occurring under present and future predicted sea level conditions. For each tsunami scenario we generate a high-resolution inundation map of the maximum water level and flow velocity and we calculate the exposure of buildings and critical infrastructure. Results indicate that exposure to earthquake-generated tsunamis is relatively low for present events, but increases significantly with higher sea level conditions. The probabilistic approach allowed us to undertake a comparison with an existing storm surge hazard assessment. Interestingly, the exposure to all the simulated tsunamis is significantly lower than that for the 1:100 storm surge scenarios, under the same initial sea level conditions. The results have significant implications for multi-risk and emergency management in Sydney.
Fabrication of graphene oxide decorated with nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots and its enhanced electrochemiluminescence for ultrasensitive detection of pentachlorophenol
Authors: Du Xiaojiao , Jiang Ding , Liu Qian , Zhu Gangbing , Mao Hanping , Wang Kun
Published: December 2014

Nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots, as a new class of quantum dots, have potential applications in fuel cells and optoelectronics fields due to their electrocatalytic activity, tunable luminescence and biocompatibility.
Highly regioselective osmium-catalyzed hydroformylation
Authors: Wu Lipeng , Liu Qiang , Spannenberg Anke , Jackstell Ralf , Beller Matthias
Published: December 2014

Osmium carbonyl combined with 2-imidazoyl-substituted phosphine ligands forms active species for the highly regioselective and general hydroformylation of alkenes to produce aldehydes in good yields and excellent regioselectivities. An unusual phosphido bridged trinuclear osmium catalyst structure was obtained.
A solvated zinc analogue of the calomel-dication
Authors: Banh Hung , Gemel Christian , Seidel Rüdiger W. , Fischer Roland A.
Published: December 2014

[Zn2]2+ as an analogue of the calomel dication [Hg2]2+ was isolated in the form of the solvent stabilized salt [Zn2(THF)6]2+[BAr4F]2−, for which the coordination environment is readily tuneable due to the lability of the solvent molecules.
A new method to prevent degradation of lithium–oxygen batteries: reduction of superoxide by viologen
Authors: Yang L. , Frith J. T. , Garcia-Araez N. , Owen J. R.
Published: December 2014

The catalysis of the reduction of oxygen by ethyl viologen overcomes some of the greatest problems of the lithium–oxygen battery.
A QM/MM study of Kemptide phosphorylation catalyzed by protein kinase A. The role of Asp166 as a general acid/base catalyst
Authors: Pérez-Gallegos Ayax , Garcia-Viloca Mireia , González-Lafont Àngels , Lluch José M.
Published: December 2014

QM/MM calculations show that Asp166 is a general acid/base catalyst along the phosphoryl and proton transfer steps of Kemptide phosphorylation by protein kinase A.
A strategy to overcome the thermodynamic limitation in CO2 conversion using ionic liquids and urea
Authors: Zhang Zhaofu , Wu Congyi , Ma Jun , Song Jinliang , Fan Honglei , Liu Jinli , Zhu Qinggong , Han Buxing
Published: December 2014

A strategy is proposed to overcome the thermodynamic limitation of chemical reactions (CO2 conversion) using the designable and non-volatile nature of ILs.
Synthesis and physico-chemical properties of the first water soluble Cu(ii)@hemicryptophane complex
Authors: Schmitt Aline , Collin Solène , Bucher Christophe , Maurel Vincent , Dutasta Jean-Pierre , Martinez Alexandre
Published: December 2014

A water-soluble metallo-enzyme model featuring a copper(ii) site encaged in a closed-shell cavity of a hemicryptophane has been synthesized and studied.
Asymmetric metal free β-boration of α,β-unsaturated imines assisted by (S)-MeBoPhoz
Authors: Cascia Enrico La , Sanz Xavier , Bo Carles , Whiting Andrew , Fernandez Elena
Published: December 2014

The adduct [MeO → Bpin–Bpin]−efficiently mediates the β-boration of α,β-unsaturated imines formedin situ.
Combining coordination and supramolecular chemistry to explore uranyl assembly in the solid state
Authors: Carter Korey P. , Cahill Christopher L.
Published: December 2014

Supramolecular assembly of uranyl species via halogen–oxo and halogen–halogen interactions is explored in the solid state.
Fast and complete in situ mineralization of contaminated soils using a novel method for superoxide generation
Authors: Stoin Uri , Mojon Alex , Sasson Yoel
Published: December 2014

Our remediation technology is by far superior to any previous technologies for soil purification from hydrocarbons and petroleum products.
Low-density graphene/carbon composite aerogels prepared at ambient pressure with high mechanical strength and low thermal conductivity
Authors: Guo Kang , Hu Zijun , Song Huaihe , Du Xian , Zhong Liang , Chen Xiaohong
Published: December 2014

SEM and TEM pictures show that GNSs can be well-dispersed in a carbon matrix. The resultant composite CAs exhibited high compression strength and extremely low thermal conductivity of 0.028 W m−1 K−1.
Immunomagnetic nanoparticles based on a hydrophilic polymer coating for sensitive detection of Salmonella in raw milk by polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Dai Fengying , Zhang Miao , Hu Bingbing , Sun Yongjun , Tang Qunwei , Du Meihong , Zhang Xin
Published: December 2014

The super hydrophilic poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (PMPC) coating could increase the capture performance of immunomagnetic nanoparticles effectively in the experimentally contaminated milk.
Sodium potassium niobate (K0.5Na0.5NbO3, KNN) thick films by electrophoretic deposition
Authors: Dolhen Morgane , Mahajan Amit , Pinho Rui , Costa M. Elisabete , Trolliard Gilles , Vilarinho Paula M.
Published: December 2014

Lead free thick film obtained by low cost electrophoretic deposition having piezoelectric response of ~40 pC N−1.
Self-assembled monolayers of enantiomerically functionalized periodic mesoporous organosilicas and the effect of surface chirality on cell adhesion behaviour
Authors: Kehr N. S. , Galla H.-J. , Riehemann K. , Fuchs H.
Published: December 2014

Enantioselective functionalization of fluorescent dye loaded periodic mesoporous organosilicas withd(l)-mannose and the preparation of their self-assembled monolayers are described. Stereoselective interactions of these monolayers with different cell types are demonstrated.
Thermally evaporable 5,10-dihydroindeno[2,1-a]indenes form efficient interfacial layers in organic solar cells
Authors: Wei Yi , Liu Pei-Jun , Lee Ren-Hao , Chen Chih-Ping
Published: December 2014

Several bis(diarylamino)dihydroindenoindene derivatives were synthesized for use as hole transporting materials (HTMs) in OPVs. An optimized device having the structure ITO/HTM/P3HT:PCBM/Ca/Al operated with a fill factor of 67.8%.
Enzyme-mediated preparation of hydrogels composed of poly(ethylene glycol) and gelatin as cell culture platforms
Authors: Moriyama Kousuke , Wakabayashi Rie , Goto Masahiro , Kamiya Noriho
Published: December 2014

Horseradish peroxidase-mediated preparation of redox-responsive hydrogels composed of thiolated poly(ethylene glycol) and gelatin allowed the proliferation of cells on the gel and the harvest as a viable cell sheet.
Toxicity of graphene related materials and transition metal dichalcogenides
Authors: Chng Elaine Lay Khim , Pumera Martin
Published: December 2014

Review: the size, surface area, shape, number of layers and amount and type of functionalities strongly influence the toxicity of nanomaterials.
Cetyl alcohol mediated synthesis of CuCr2O4 spinel nanoparticles: a green catalyst for selective oxidation of aromatic C–H bonds with hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Acharyya Shankha S. , Ghosh Shilpi , Siddiqui Nazia , Sivakumar Konathala L. N. , Bal Rajaram
Published: December 2014

We report here cetyl alcohol-promoted synthesis of spherical CuCr2O4 spinel nanoparticles with almost uniform morphology, prepared hydrothermally.
High and selective sorption of C2 hydrocarbons in heterometal–organic frameworks built from tetrahedral units
Authors: Tan Yan-Xi , He Yan-Ping , Zhang Jian
Published: December 2014

Metal–organic frameworks built from alternate connections of [In(COO)4]− and [AgN4]+ (or [CuN4]+) units via nicotinate ligands show excellent CO2 and C2 hydrocarbon uptake.
Three-dimensional TiO2/CeO2 nanowire composite for efficient formaldehyde oxidation at low temperature
Authors: Huang Yongchao , Li Haibo , Balogun Muhammad-Sadeeq , Yang Hao , Tong Yexiang , Lu Xihong , Ji Hongbing
Published: December 2014

TiO2/CeO2 nanowires exhibited superior catalytic activity that could convert 60.2% of HCHO to CO2 and H2O at a low temperature of 60 °C, and also showed a good catalytic activity toward toluene oxidation.
Easily fixed simple small ESIPT molecule with aggregation induced emission for fast and photostable “turn-on” bioimaging
Authors: Tu Zhenzhen , Liu Min , Qian Yan , Yang Guoqiang , Cai Minmin , Wang Lianhui , Huang Wei
Published: December 2014

An easily fixed simple small ESIPT molecule with aggregation induced emission has been demonstrated for fast and photostable “turn-on” bioimaging.
A sintering-resistant Pd/SiO2 catalyst by reverse-loading nano iron oxide for aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol
Authors: Li Lei , Zhao Jianbo , Yang Jinyue , Fu Teng , Xue Nianhua , Peng Luming , Guo Xuefeng , Ding Weiping
Published: December 2014

Appropriate amount of nano iron oxide addition to the Pd/SiO2 could significantly enhance the catalytic activity of Pd nanoparticle catalysts.
Improving CO2/N2separation performance using nonionic surfactant Tween containing polymeric gel membranes
Authors: Dong Liang-liang , Zhang Chun-fang , Zhang Yao-yao , Bai Yun-xiang , Gu Jin , Sun Yu-ping , Chen Ming-qing
Published: December 2014

Schematic representation of the microstructure of PEBA2533 and PEBA2533/Tween gel membranes. Domain identification: A = crystalline hard PA blocks, B = soft PTMO and amorphous hard PA blocks, C = dissolved Tween.
Self-assembly of microscopic tablets within polymeric thin films: a possible pathway towards new hybrid materials
Authors: Mirkhalaf Valashani Seyed Mohammad , Barrett Christopher J. , Barthelat Francois
Published: December 2014

Self-assembly of highly regular micron-sized platelets opens new pathways for the development of novel biomimetic materials, protective coatings, flexible electronics, and tunable optical devices.
In-plane particle counting at contact lines of evaporating colloidal drops: effect of the particle electric charge
Authors: Noguera-Marín Diego , Moraila-Martínez Carmen L. , Cabrerizo-Vílchez Miguel A. , Rodríguez-Valverde Miguel A.
Published: December 2014

Fluorescence confocal microscopy reveals that collective diffusion mitigates the arrival of charged particles to the contact line rather than the uncharged ones, regardless of the type of particle and substrate used.
High-performance ionic liquid-based nanocomposite polymer electrolytes with anisotropic ionic conductivity prepared by coupling liquid crystal self-templating with unidirectional freezing
Authors: Song Hongzan , Zhao Ningning , Qin Weichao , Duan Bing , Ding Xiaoya , Wen Xu , Qiu Peng , Ba Xinwu
Published: December 2014

High-performance NCPE has been fabricated by using unidirectional freezing method, liquid crystal self-templating approach and vacuum degassing method.
Super-aligned carbon nanotube/graphene hybrid materials as a framework for sulfur cathodes in high performance lithium sulfur batteries
Authors: Sun Li , Kong Weibang , Jiang Ying , Wu Hengcai , Jiang Kaili , Wang Jiaping , Fan Shoushan
Published: December 2014

A binder-free sulfur–carbon nanotube/graphene composite electrode is fabricated by a scalable ultrasonication-assisted method, demonstrating high capacity, reversibility, and rate capability.
Peptide modification of purified gellan gum
Authors: Ferris C. J. , Stevens L. R. , Gilmore K. J. , Mume E. , Greguric I. , Kirchmajer D. M. , Wallace G. G. , in het Panhuis M.
Published: December 2014

Gellan gum, an anionic polysaccharide is purified and modified with a short peptide to enhance cell attachment.
Lowering contact resistance by SWCNT–Al bilayer electrodes in solution processable metal-oxide thin film transistor
Authors: Lee Su Jeong , Lee Tae Il , Park Jee Ho , Oh Il-Kwon , Kim Hyungjun , Kim Jung Han , Kim Chul-Hong , Chae Gee Sung , Baik Hong Koo , Myoung Jae-Min
Published: December 2014

The electrical properties of the SWCNT and SWCNT–Al bilayer electrode TFTs on ITO coated glass substrate with HfO2 gate dielectric and In2O3 channel layer. The inset shows an optical image of the SWCNT–Al bilayer electrode TFT.
Wavelength-selective and rebound-able bimorph photoactuator driven by a dynamic mass transport process
Authors: Lan T. , Hu Y. , Wu G. , Tao X. , Chen W.
Published: December 2014

Low intensity responsive and wavelength-selective photothermal actuator based on a dynamic mass transport process.
Chemical interaction and ligand exchange between a [(CH3)3Si]3Sb precursor and atomic layer deposited Sb2Te3films
Authors: Eom Taeyong , Gwon Taehong , Yoo Sijung , Choi Byung Joon , Kim Moo-Sung , Ivanov Sergei , Adamczyk Andrew , Buchanan Iain , Xiao Manchao , Hwang Cheol Seong
Published: December 2014

The exchange reaction between the TMS group in [(CH3)3Si]3Sb and Sb2Te3film formed [(CH3)3Si]2Te, replacing Te in the film with Sb.
Fabrication of micro‐patterned titanium dioxide nanotubes thin film and its biocompatibility
Authors: Xiang Li‐jie , Li Chun‐hui , Yang Ping , Li Jing‐an , Huang Nan
Published: December 2014

In this study, in order to obtain a novel biomaterials surface which possesses the functions of an anticoagulant, inhibiting smooth muscle proliferation and pro‐endothelialisation simultaneously, a micro‐patterned titanium dioxide (TiO2)‐nanotubes (P‐TiO2 ‐nanotubes) thin film was prepared on titanium (Ti) surface by photolithography combining with anodising method. The authors found that the P‐TiO2 ‐nanotubes could reduce platelet attachment and conformational change of fibrinogen (FGN) as well as promoting endothelial cells (ECs) growth compared with the TiO2 ‐nanotubes. Notably, P‐TiO2 ‐nanotubes could significantly reduce smooth muscle cells (SMCs) proliferation compared with TiO2 ‐nanotubes and TiO2, and the ECs and SMCs cultured on the P‐TiO2 ‐nanotubes thin film were elongated, which was suggested to be beneficial for maintaining the cell function. Therefore it is suggested that the P‐TiO2 ‐nanotubes thin film can contribute more to biocompatible functions of regulating and coordinating the behaviour of platelets, ECs and SMCs.
Implantable probe with split anchors via residual stress and induced cell growth with gelatin nanofibres
Authors: Chen Yu‐Yen , Chen Bo‐An , Tsai Daniel , Huang Cheng‐Chun , Yu Jiashing , Shih Wen‐Pin , Lin Chii‐Wann
Published: December 2014

A bipolar electrode probe used for implantable nerve stimulation treatments in minimally invasive surgeries is presented. The probe is composed of a flexible printed circuit substrate and a patterned SU‐8 film. This probe features a three‐dimensional (3D) tweezer‐like mechanism opened by residual stress from the SU‐8 film, designed to fix the probe in the tissue surrounding a target nerve. Stripes on the SU‐8 film direct the net residual stress in a single direction to form a curve. The holding strengths of the probes with different deformations are defined and measured by a tensile test. Results show that the fixing ability of a 3D probe is better than a plane probe. The probes with curvature heights between 13 and 14 mm have a maximum average breaking force of 0.258 N, which is 16.3 and 13.1% higher than the probes with curvature heights between 9 and 10 mm and between 10 and 11 mm, respectively. In addition, a film of gelatin fibrous membrane, produced by electrospinning, covers the fixed ends of the probe's anchors and acts as cell scaffolds to induce cell growth, which help to ensure long‐term fixation in the body. 3T3 fibroblast cells are grown to verify the scaffold effect of the fibrous membrane.
High-speed tapping-mode atomic force microscopy using a Q-controlled regular cantilever acting as the actuator: Proof-of-principle experiments
Authors: Balantekin M. , Satır S. , Torello D. , Değertekin F. L.
Published: December 2014

We present the proof-of-principle experiments of a high-speed actuation method to be used in tapping-mode atomic force microscopes (AFM). In this method, we do not employ a piezotube actuator to move the tip or the sample as in conventional AFM systems, but, we utilize a Q-controlled eigenmode of a cantilever to perform the fast actuation. We show that the actuation speed can be increased even with a regular cantilever.
Simulation of the alpha particle heating and the helium ash source in an International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor-like tokamak with an internal transport barrier
Authors: Ye Lei , Guo Wenfeng , Xiao Xiaotao , Dai Zongliang , Wang Shaojie
Published: December 2014

A guiding center orbit following code, which incorporates a set of non-singular coordinates for orbit integration, was developed and applied to investigate the alpha particle heating in an ITER-like tokamak with an internal transport barrier. It is found that a relatively large q (safety factor) value can significantly broaden the alpha heating profile in comparison with the local heating approximation; this broadening is due to the finite orbit width effects; when the orbit width is much smaller than the scale length of the alpha particle source profile, the heating profile agrees with the source profile, otherwise, the heating profile can be significantly broadened. It is also found that the stagnation particles move to the magnetic axis during the slowing-down process, thus the effect of stagnation orbits is not beneficial to the helium ash removal. The source profile of helium ash is broadened in comparison with the alpha source profile, which is similar to the heating profile.
Remarkable changes in interface O vacancy and metal-oxide bonds in amorphous indium-gallium-zinc-oxide thin-film transistors by long time annealing at 250 °C
Authors: Chowdhury Md Delwar Hossain , Um Jae Gwang , Jang Jin
Published: December 2014

We have studied the effect of long time post-fabrication annealing on negative bias illumination stress (NBIS) of amorphous indium-gallium-zinc-oxide (a-IGZO) thin-film-transistors. Annealing for 100 h at 250 °C increased the field effect mobility from 14.7 cm2/V s to 17.9 cm2/V s and reduced the NBIS instability remarkably. Using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the oxygen vacancy and OH were found to exist at the interfaces of a-IGZO with top and bottom SiO2. Long time annealing helps to decrease the vacancy concentration and increase the metal-oxygen bonds at the interfaces; this leads to increase in the free carrier concentrations in a-IGZO and field-effect mobility. X-ray reflectivity measurement indicated the increment of a-IGZO film density of 5.63 g cm−3 to 5.83 g cm−3 (3.4% increase) by 100 h annealing at 250 °C. The increase in film density reveals the decrease of O vacancy concentration and reduction of weak metal-oxygen bonds in a-IGZO, which substantially helps to improve the NBIS stability.
Temperature dependent current-voltage characteristics of zinc oxide nanowire/polypyrrole nanocomposite
Authors: Sameera I. , Bhatia Ravi , Prasad V. , Menon Reghu
Published: December 2014

Temperature dependent current-voltage (I-V) measurements of electrochemically prepared zinc oxide nanowire/polypyrrole (ZnONW/PPy) nanocomposite yielded non-linear I-V characteristics at temperatures between 300 and 4.5 K. The low-field conductance (G) of the ZnONW/PPy film exhibits pronounced temperature dependence with room temperature conductance (G300K) ∼ 10−3 S and a conductance ratio (G300K/G4.5K) of ∼104, indicating dominance of significant temperature dependent charge transport processes. The conduction mechanism of the film is satisfactorily understood by extended fluctuation induced tunneling (FIT) model as the non-linear I-V characteristics fit fairly well to the extended FIT model. Further, the temperature dependence of Ĝ obtained from fitting followed Sheng's model also.
Stretching of DNA confined in nanochannels with charged walls
Authors: Manneschi Chiara , Fanzio Paola , Ala-Nissila Tapio , Angeli Elena , Repetto Luca , Firpo Giuseppe , Valbusa Ugo
Published: December 2014

There is currently a growing interest in control of stretching of DNA inside nanoconfined regions due to the possibility to analyze and manipulate single biomolecules for applications such as DNA mapping and barcoding, which are based on stretching the DNA in a linear fashion. In the present work, we couple Finite Element Methods and Monte Carlo simulations in order to study the conformation of DNA molecules confined in nanofluidic channels with neutral and charged walls. We find that the electrostatic forces become more and more important when lowering the ionic strength of the solution. The influence of the nanochannel cross section geometry is also studied by evaluating the DNA elongation in square, rectangular, and triangular channels. We demonstrate that coupling electrostatically interacting walls with a triangular geometry is an efficient way to stretch DNA molecules at the scale of hundreds of nanometers. The paper reports experimental observations of λ-DNA molecules in poly(dimethylsiloxane) nanochannels filled with solutions of different ionic strength. The results are in good agreement with the theoretical predictions, confirming the crucial role of the electrostatic repulsion of the constraining walls on the molecule stretching.
Theoretical and experimental analysis of AlGaInP micro-LED array with square-circle anode
Authors: Tian Chao , Wang Weibiao , Liang Jingqiu , Liang Zhongzhu , Qin Yuxin , Lv Jinguang
Published: December 2014

An array of 320 × 240 micro-light-emitting diodes (micro-LEDs) based on an AlGaInP epitaxial wafer and with a unit size of 100 µm×100 µm was designed and fabricated. The optimum width of the isolation groove between adjacent light-emitting units was determined based on a compromise between full isolation of each LED and maximization of the light emitting area, and was found to be 20 µm. The grooves were filled with a mixed Si granule-polyurethane composite medium, because this type of insulating material can reflect part of the emitted light from the sidewall to the window layer in each light-emitting unit, and could thus improve lighting output efficiency. The 10-µm-wide square-circle anode was designed to increase the light emitting area while simultaneously being simple to fabricate. The device current used was in the 0.42–1.06 mA range to guarantee internal quantum efficiency of more than 85%, with a corresponding voltage range of 2–2.3 V. The layered temperature distribution in a single unit was simulated under a drive voltage of 2.2 V, and the maximum device temperature was 341 K. The micro-opto-electro-mechanical systems (MOEMS) technology-based fabrication process, experimental images of the device and device test results are presented here.
Optically and thermally controlled terahertz metamaterial via transition between direct and indirect electromagnetically induced transparency
Authors: Sui Jiawei , Feng Ls
Published: December 2014

This passage presents a design of tunable terahertz metamaterials via transition between indirect and direct electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) effects by changing semiconductor InSb’s properties to terahertz wave under optical and thermal stimuli. Mechanical model and its electrical circuit model are utilized in analytically calculating maximum transmission of transparency window. Simulated results show consistency with the analytical expressions. The results show that the metamaterials hold 98.4% modulation depth at 189 GHz between 300 K, σInSb =256000 S/m, and 80 K, σInSb =0.0162 S/m conditions , 1360 ps recovery time of the excited electrons in InSb under optical stimulus at 300 K mainly considering the direct EIT effect, and minimum bandwidth 1 GHz.
Scoping study into wound management nurse practitioner models of practice
Authors: Gibb Michelle A. , Edwards Helen E. , Gardner Glenn E.
Published: December 2014

Objectives The primary objective of this research was to investigate wound management nurse practitioner (WMNP) models of service for the purposes of identifying parameters of practice and how patient outcomes are measured. Methods A scoping study was conducted with all authorised WMNPs in Australia from October to December 2012 using survey methodology. A questionnaire was developed to obtain data on the role and practice parameters of authorised WMNPs in Australia. The tool comprised seven sections and included a total of 59 questions. The questionnaire was distributed to all members of the WMNP Online Peer Review Group, to which it was anticipated the majority of WMNPs belonged. Results Twenty-one WMNPs responded (response rate 87%), with the results based on a subset of respondents who stated that, at the time of the questionnaire, they were employed as a WMNP, therefore yielding a response rate of 71% (n = 15). Most respondents (93%; n = 14) were employed in the public sector, with an average of 64 occasions of service per month. The typical length of a new case consultation was 60 min, with 32 min for follow ups. The most frequently performed activity was wound photography (83%; n = 12), patient, family or carer education (75%; n = 12), Doppler ankle–brachial pressure index assessment (58%; n = 12), conservative sharp wound debridement (58%; n = 12) and counselling (50%; n = 12). The most routinely prescribed medications were local anaesthetics (25%; n = 12) and oral antibiotics (25%; n = 12). Data were routinely collected by 91% of respondents on service-related and wound-related parameters to monitor patient outcomes, to justify and improve health services provided. Conclusion This study yielded important baseline information on this professional group, including data on patient problems managed, the types of interventions implemented, the resources used to accomplish outcomes and how outcomes are measured. What is known about the topic? The nurse practitioner (NP) is an established and legitimised entity of health service in Australia, with NPs in a range of specialities. To date, there is a paucity of research on the role and practice parameters of WMNP in the Australian context. What does this paper add? This paper provides important baseline information on WMNP models of practice in the Australian context, including data on patient problems managed, the types of interventions implemented, the resources used to accomplish outcomes and how outcomes are currently measured. This information will help inform the development of WMNP roles and highlights potential areas of evaluation for WMNP models of care. What are the implications for practitioners? Measurement of outcomes is essential to demonstrate efficacy of NP service. Yet, there is no way currently to measure these outcomes for WMNP service. Nationally consistent data collection on processes of care and patient outcomes supports ongoing development of the WMNP role.
Equivalent characterizations of hyperbolic Hölder potential for interval maps
Authors: Li Huaibin
Published: December 2014

Consider a topologically exact

C
3

C^3

interval map without non-flat critical points. Following previous work we did, we give two equivalent characterizations of hyperbolic Hölder continuous potential in terms of the Lyapunov exponents and the measure-theoretic entropies of equilibrium states for those potentials.
Clustering-based model of cysteine co-evolution improves disulfide bond connectivity prediction and reduces homologous sequence requirements
Authors: Raimondi Daniele , Orlando Gabriele , Vranken Wim F.
Published: December 2014

Motivation: Cysteine residues have particular structural and functional relevance in proteins because of their ability to form covalent disulfide bonds. Bioinformatics tools that can accurately predict cysteine bonding states are already available, whereas it remains challenging to infer the disulfide connectivity pattern of unknown protein sequences. Improving accuracy in this area is highly relevant for the structural and functional annotation of proteins.

Results: We predict the intra-chain disulfide bond connectivity patterns starting from known cysteine bonding states with an evolutionary-based unsupervised approach called Sephiroth that relies on high-quality alignments obtained with HHblits and is based on a coarse-grained cluster-based modelization of tandem cysteine mutations within a protein family. We compared our method with state-of-the-art unsupervised predictors and achieve a performance improvement of 25–27% while requiring an order of magnitude less of aligned homologous sequences (∼103 instead of ∼104).

Availability and implementation: The software described in this article and the datasets used are available at http://ibsquare.be/sephiroth.

Contact:   wvranken@vub.ac.be

Supplementary information:   Supplementary material is available at Bioinformatics online.
Detection of periodic variations in the vertical velocities of Galactic masers
Authors: Bobylev V. V. , Bajkova A. T.
Published: December 2014

We have collected literature data on Galactic masers with trigonometric parallaxes measured by means of very-long-baseline interferometry (VLBI). We have obtained series of residual tangential (ΔVcirc) and radial (ΔVR) velocities for 107 masers. Based on these series, we have re-determined the parameters of the Galactic spiral density wave using the method of spectral (periodogram) analysis. The tangential and radial perturbation amplitudes are fθ = 6.0 ± 2.6 km s−1 and fR = 7.2 ± 2.2 km s−1, respectively; the perturbation wavelengths are λθ = 3.2 ± 0.5 kpc and λR = 3.0 ± 0.6 kpc for a four-armed spiral model, m = 4. The phase of the Sun, χ⊙, in the spiral density wave is −79° ± 14° and −199° ± 16° from the residual tangential and radial velocities, respectively. The most interesting result of this work is detecting a wave in vertical spatial velocity (W) versus distance R from the Galactic rotation axis. From spectral analysis, we have found the following characteristics for this wave: perturbation wavelength λW = 3.4 ± 0.7 kpc and amplitude fW = 4.3 ± 1.2 km s−1.
VERA and ALMA observations of the H2O supermaser burst in Orion KL
Authors: Hirota Tomoya , Tsuboi Masato , Kurono Yasutaka , Fujisawa Kenta , Honma Mareki , Kim Mi Kyoung , Imai Hiroshi , Yonekura Yoshinori
Published: December 2014

The 22 GHz H2O maser in Orion KL has shown extraordinary burst events in 1979–1985 and 1998–1999, sometimes called supermaser. We have conducted monitoring observations of the supermaser in Orion KL using VERA (VLBI Exploration of Radio Astrometry) in the current third burst since 2011 March. Three flux maxima are detected in 2011 and 2012 with rising and falling timescales of 2–7 months. Time variations of the supermaser seem symmetric for all of the active phases. The maximum total flux density of 135000 Jy is observed in 2012 June while it is still one order of magnitude lower than those in previous bursts. The supermaser consists of two spatially different components at different velocities. They are elongated along a northwest–southeast direction perpendicular to the low-velocity outflow driven by Source I. Proper motions of the supermaser features with respect to Source I are measured toward west and southwest directions, almost parallel to the low-velocity outflow. The flux density and linewidth show an anti-correlation as expected for an unsaturated maser emission. The supermaser is located close to the methylformate (HCOOCH3) line and continuum emission peaks in the Orion Compact Ridge detected by ALMA (Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array). The broader velocity range of the weak HCOOCH3 emission at the supermaser position would be evidence of a shock front. On the other hand, the 321 GHz H2O line is not detected at the position of the supermaser. It can be explained qualitatively by one of the theoretical H2O excitation models without extraordinary conditions. Our results support a scenario that the supermaser is excited in the dense gas interacting with the low-velocity outflow in the Compact Ridge. The extremely high flux density and its symmetric time variation for rising and falling phases could be explained by a beaming effect during the amplification process rather than changes in physical conditions.
Annual parallax measurements of a semi-regular variable star, RW Leporis
Authors: Kamezaki Tatsuya , Kurayama Tomoharu , Nakagawa Akiharu , Handa Toshihiro , Omodaka Toshihiro , Nagayama Takumi , Kobayashi Hideyuki , Shizugami Makoto
Published: December 2014

We have measured the annual parallax of water masers around the semi-regular variable star RW Leporis (RW Lep) from observations with VLBI Exploration of Radio Astrometry (VERA). The measured parallax is 1.62 ± 0.16 mas, corresponding to a distance of $617^{+68}_{-55}\:$pc. This is the first VLBI annual parallax of RW Lep, whose previously measured parallax is a negative value. Using the estimated distance we plot RW Lep on the period–luminosity plane. RW Lep is reported to have two different periods, the longer period shows that the star is located between the sequences C and C′. The shorter period shows that it is located on the sequence B+. We estimated the luminosity, radius, and mass of RW Lep to be 15400 L⊙, 428 R⊙, and 4.7 M⊙, respectively. We found 13 maser spots around the star, with a distribution ∼ 11 times larger than the star's radius.
A long-period eccentric substellar companion to the evolved intermediate-mass star HD 14067
Authors: Wang Liang , Sato Bun'ei , Omiya Masashi , Harakawa Hiroki , Liu Yujuan , Song Nan , He Wei , Wu Xiaoshu , Izumiura Hideyuki , Kambe Eiji , Takeda Yoichi , Yoshida Michitoshi , Itoh Yoichi , Ando Hiroyasu , Kokubo Eiichiro , Ida Shigeru , Zhao Gang
Published: December 2014

We report on the detection of a substellar companion orbiting an evolved intermediate-mass (M⋆ = 2.4 M⊙) star HD 14067 (G9 III) using a precise Doppler technique. Either a periodic Keplerian variation with a decreasing linear velocity trend (P = 1455 d, K1 = 92.2 m s−1, e = 0.533, and $\dot {\gamma } = -22.4\:$m s−1 yr−1) or a single Keplerian orbit without linear trend (P = 2850 d, K1 = 100.1 m s−1, and e = 0.697) can be well fitted to the radial velocities of this star. The minimum mass (m2 sin i = 7.8 MJ for the model with a linear trend, or m2 sin i = 9.0 MJ for the model without a linear trend) suggests a long-period giant planet orbiting an evolved intermediate-mass star. The eccentricity of the orbit is among the highest ones ever detected for planets moving around evolved stars.
Puzzling outer-density profile of the dark matter halo in the Andromeda galaxy
Authors: Kirihara Takanobu , Miki Yohei , Mori Masao
Published: December 2014

The cold dark matter (CDM) cosmology, which is the standard theory of the structure formation in the universe, predicts that the outer density profile of dark matter halos decreases with the cube of distance from the center. However, so far not much effort has been expended in examining this hypothesis. In the halo of the Andromeda galaxy (M 31), large-scale stellar structures detected by the recent observations provide a potentially suitable window to investigate the mass-density distribution of the dark matter halo. We explore the density structure of the dark matter halo in M 31 using an N-body simulation of the interaction between an accreting satellite galaxy and M 31. To reproduce the Andromeda Giant Southern Stream and the stellar shells at the east and west sides of M 31, we find the sufficient condition for the power-law index α of the outer density distribution of the dark matter halo. The best-fitting parameter is α = −3.7, which is steeper than the CDM prediction.
First Report of Phytophthora cactorum and P. citrophthora Causing Root Rot of Ribes lobbii in Oregon
Authors: Weiland J. E.
Published: December 2014

Ribes lobbii (Gray) is a native, deciduous shrub from British Columbia, California, Oregon, and Washington that is grown for its pendulous red and white flowers, bristly fruit, and attractive, aromatic foliage. It is uncommon in nature and has only recently begun being propagated for sale in ornamental and native nurseries. In April 2013, 2-year-old containerized plants (15/50 plants) were found with severe wilt and chlorosis symptoms at a nursery production facility in western Oregon. Most fine roots were completely rotted and larger roots exhibited numerous black lesions. By the end of August, 50% of the plants were affected and most died within a few weeks of initial symptom development. At least three initially asymptomatic plants developed symptoms after being sold and planted. Isolation was attempted from 10 plants by plating pieces of necrotic root tissue (3 mm2) that had been surface disinfested for 1 min in 10% bleach and 1 min in 70% ethanol onto PARP medium (2). Eight Phytophthora isolates were recovered and identified as P. cactorum (seven isolates, GenBank Accession No. KM085441) and P. citrophthora (one isolate, KM085442) on the basis of morphology and 99 to 100% internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence similarity to published sequence data (1). One isolate of each species was used to prepare vermiculite inoculum (3) and subsequently to infest potting media (Sunshine Professional Growing Mix) at 100 propagules per gram. Due to the scarcity of R. lobbii in nature and the nursery trade, only a limited number of plants were available for pathogenicity tests. Three 1-year-old rooted cuttings of R. lobbii (~15 to 30 cm tall) were transplanted into individual 10-cm2 pots containing 175 g of the respective infested media for each pathogen. Three plants transplanted into individual pots of noninfested media served as negative controls. Plants were then watered to pot capacity and incubated in a greenhouse at 28/24°C day/night. The entire experiment was repeated 2 weeks later. Within 1 week after inoculation, all inoculated plants in both trials wilted and died, regardless of the Phytophthora species used; negative control plants remained healthy. Each pathogen (with identity confirmed by ITS sequence analysis) was re-isolated from the roots and stem of each respective inoculated plant, but was not isolated from negative controls, thus fulfilling Koch's postulates. Therefore, to my knowledge, this is the first report of P. cactorum and P. citrophthora as root rot pathogens of R. lobbii. The use of infected, but asymptomatic native plants in habitat restoration efforts will likely compromise success and there is considerable risk to nearby plant species given the broad host range of both pathogens.

References: (1) D. E. L. Cooke et al. Fungal Genet. Biol. 30:17, 2000. (2) M. E. Kannwischer and D. J. Mitchell. Phytopathology 68:1760, 1978. (3) J. E. Weiland et al. Plant Dis. 97:744, 2013.
Esophageal Dysmotility Is Present Before Surgery in Isolated Tracheoesophageal Fistula
Authors: Lemoine Caroline , Aspirot Ann , Morris Melanie , Faure Christophe
Published: December 2014

After surgical correction of esophageal atresia with or without tracheoesophageal fistula, esophageal body motility dysfunction has been reported in nearly all patients. Using high‐resolution esophageal manometry before surgical repair in 2 children with isolated tracheoesophageal fistula, we sought to determine whether dysmotility was present before any surgical insult to test the hypothesis that dysmotility associated with esophageal atresia with or without tracheoesophageal fistula is related to intrinsic primary factors linked to abnormal development of the esophagus. Both had an abnormal esophageal motility: one exhibited hypomotility with distal contraction, whereas the other showed a complete aperistalsis pattern. This suggests that esophageal dysmotility is congenital in nature rather than secondary to surgery.
Incidence, Pattern, and Etiology of Elevated Liver Enzymes in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Pusateri Antoinette J. , Kim Sandra C. , Dotson Jennifer L. , Balint Jane P. , Potter Carol J. , Boyle Brendan M. , Crandall Wallace V.
Published: December 2014

Objectives:

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) often develop elevated liver enzymes (ELE), which are frequently a benign, transient finding, but may be related to treatment or IBD‐associated liver diseases. Distinguishing benign from pathologic ELE is crucial for focused diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. We sought to characterize the incidence, character, chronicity, degree, and etiology of ELE in children with IBD.

Methods:

Institutional review board–approved retrospective review of all of the patients with IBD (2–21 years) seen between October 2009 and October 2012 with >9 months of follow‐up were included in the study. We examined body mass index, disease activity, extent, phenotype, concurrent medications, and character, chronicity, degree of enzyme elevation, and final diagnosis.

Results:

A total of 219 of 514 patients with IBD had ≥1 episode of ELE. Five patients were excluded for preexisting liver disease, leaving 214 patients (Crohn disease [CD]: 14.8 ± 3.5 years, 46% girls; ulcerative colitis [UC]: 14.4 ± 4.2 years, 37% girls). One hundred forty‐eight patients (69%) had a hepatic, 17 (8%) cholestatic, and 49 (23%) mixed character of ELE. There were no significant differences in character, chronicity, or degree of ELE between CD and UC (P = 0.71, P = 0.58, P > 0.33). Of the 128 patients with sufficient data to determine chronicity, 98 (77%) had transient elevations, (CD: n = 66, 75% and UC: n = 32, 80%). Episodes of ELE were idiopathic in 87% of patients with IBD. A final diagnosis of idiopathic ELE was associated with a lower degree of ELE elevation (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

Pediatric patients with IBD commonly experience transient, idiopathic ELE. Our findings suggest that higher degrees of ELE, specifically alanine aminotransferase, are associated with an etiology that requires more extensive evaluation.