bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A surface topography analysis of the curling stone curl mechanism
Authors: Honkanen Viktor , Ovaska Markus , Alava Mikko J. , Laurson Lasse , Tuononen Ari J.
Published: May 2018

The curling motion of the curling stone on ice is well-known: if a small clockwise rotational velocity is imposed to the stone when it is released, in addition to the linear propagation velocity, the stone will curl to the right. A similar curl to the left is obtained by counter-clockwise rotation. This effect is widely used in the game to reach spots behind the already thrown stones, and the rotation also causes the stone to propagate in a more predictable fashion. Here, we report on novel experimental results which support one of the proposed theories to account for the curling motion of the stone, known as the “scratch-guiding theory”. By directly scanning the ice surface with a white light interferometer before and after each slide, we observed cross-scratches caused by the leading and trailing parts of the circular contact band of the linearly moving and rotating stone. By analyzing these scratches and a typical curling stone trajectory, we show that during most of the slide, the transverse force responsible for the sideways displacement of the stone is linearly proportional to the angle between these cross-scratches.
Theoretical study on mesoscopic-size impurity effects in the charge separation process of organic photocells
Authors: Shimazaki Tomomi , Tashiro Motomichi , Nakajima Takahito
Published: May 2018

A bulk-heterojunction structure is often employed to develop high-performance organic photocells, in which the donor and acceptor regions are complexly intertwined.
Dose-dependent effects of fish oil on cardio-metabolic biomarkers in healthy middle-aged and elderly Chinese people: a double-blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Song Jia , Hu Manjiang , Li Cheng , Yang Bo , Ding Qing , Wang Chunhong , Mao Limei
Published: May 2018

Fish oil dose-dependently regulated serum PUFA and cardio-metabolic biomarkers in healthy middle-aged and elderly Chinese people who consumed insufficient n-3PUFA.
Facile synthesis of an urchin-like Sb2S3 nanostructure with high photocatalytic activity
Authors: Zhou Jing , Chen Jiangchun , Tang Mengyao , Liu Yanqun , Liu Xiaoyu , Wang Hua
Published: May 2018

Urchin-like Sb2S3 has been successfully synthesized without a surfactant using a wet chemical method. The as-prepared unique nanostructure provides a high specific surface area, leading to superior catalytic performance under visible light irradiation.
Foldamer-based helicate displaying reversible switching between two distinct conformers
Authors: Jeon Hae-Geun , Lee Hyun Kyung , Lee Seungwon , Jeong Kyu-Sung
Published: May 2018

A foldamer-based double-stranded helicate displays reversible switching between two distinct helicate conformers in response to temperature.
Defect state-induced efficient hot electron transfer in Au nanoparticles/reduced TiO2 mesocrystal photocatalysts
Authors: Xue Jiawei , Elbanna Ossama , Kim Sooyeon , Fujitsuka Mamoru , Majima Tetsuro
Published: May 2018

Defect states assist hot electrons with energies lower than the Schottky barrier in transferring from Au nanoparticles to TiO2.
Heterojunctions of silver–iron oxide on graphene for laser-coupled oxygen reduction reactions
Authors: Chen Wei-Quan , Chung Min-Chuan , Valinton Joey Andrew A. , Penaloza David P. , Chuang Shiow-Huey , Chen Chun-Hu
Published: May 2018

We report a two-step hybridization of N-doped graphene and Ag-decorated Fe2O3 hematite to realize a balanced oxygen adsorption/desorption equilibrium and a laser-coupled ORR (LORR).
Supramolecular recognition of benzene homologues in a 2D coordination polymer through variable inter-layer π–π interaction
Authors: Gu Yun-Feng , Liu Xiao-Ting , Zhang Ying , Zhang Shu-Ming , Chang Ze , Bu Xian-He
Published: May 2018

A 2D network 1 was synthesized. After immersing 1 in benzene homologues, the crystal structures of 2 and 3 were gotten, demonstrating that the introduction of benzene homologues has transformed the π–π packing mode, further altering the host framework and fluorescence performance.
A photoelectron imaging and quantum chemistry study of the deprotonated indole anion
Authors: Parkes Michael A. , Crellin Jonathan , Henley Alice , Fielding Helen H.
Published: May 2018

Probing the electronic structure of the deprotonated indole anion using photoelectron imaging and quantum chemistry calculations.
Engineering electrical transport in α-MgAgSb to realize high performances near room temperature
Authors: Lei Jingdan , Zhang De , Guan Weibao , Cheng Zhenxiang , Wang Chao , Wang Yuanxu
Published: May 2018

Realizing high performances of α-MgAgSb near room temperature by engineering electrical transport through manipulating a spark plasma sintering system.
Synthesis of ultra-small gold nanoparticles decorated onto NiO nanobelts and their high electrochemical performance
Authors: Tan Yongtao , Li Yuan , Kong Lingbin , Kang Long , Ran Fen
Published: May 2018

Ultra-small gold nanoparticles are decorated onto NiO nanobelts using HAuCl4and Ni(OH)2nanobelts as precursorsviaa one-step thermal treatment; the effect of the gold content on the structure and electrochemical performance was investigated.
Teaching vibrational spectra to assign themselves
Authors: Houston Paul L. , Van Hoozen Brian L. , Qu Chen , Yu Qi , Bowman Joel M.
Published: May 2018

A new paradigm is described for assigning vibrational spectra that follows the blue path rather than the red one.
Pharmacophore-based tailoring of biphenyl amide derivatives as selective 5-hydroxytryptamine 2B receptor antagonists
Authors: Gabr Moustafa T. , Abdel-Raziq Mohammed S.
Published: May 2018

A biphenyl amide–tryptamine hybrid as a selective 5-HT2B antagonist.
Fully 2D and 3D printed anisotropic mechanoluminescent objects and their application for energy harvesting in the dark
Authors: Patel Dinesh K. , Cohen Bat-El , Etgar Lioz , Magdassi Shlomo
Published: May 2018

We report on new material compositions enabling fully printed mechanoluminescent 3D devices by using a one-step direct write 3D printing technology.
A mitochondria-targeted fluorescent probe for selective detection of mitochondrial labile Fe(ii)
Authors: Hirayama Tasuku , Kadota Satoki , Niwa Masato , Nagasawa Hideko
Published: May 2018

Development of a turn-on and selective fluorescent probe for mitochondrial labile Fe(ii).
First crystal structures of oxo-bridged [CrIIITaV] dinuclear complexes: spectroscopic, magnetic and theoretical investigations of the Cr–O–Ta core
Authors: Androš Dubraja Lidija , Jurić Marijana , Lafargue-Dit-Hauret William , Pajić Damir , Zorko Andrej , Ozarowski Andrew , Rocquefelte Xavier
Published: May 2018

The vibrational, electronic, structural and magnetic properties of dinuclear compounds with a Cr–O–Ta bridge were validated with DFT calculations.
Density functional theory modelling of protective agents for carbonate stones: a case study of oxalate and oxamate inorganic salts
Authors: Pintus Anna , Aragoni M. Carla , Carcangiu Gianfranco , Giacopetti Laura , Isaia Francesco , Lippolis Vito , Maiore Laura , Meloni Paola , Arca Massimiliano
Published: May 2018

DFT calculations allowed investigating the ability of oxalate monoesters and monoamides salts to act as protective agents for carbonate stones, such as marble or limestones, of historical interest in the field of cultural heritage.
5-Amino-1H-tetrazole-based multi-coloured smoke signals applying the concept of fuel mixes
Authors: Glück Johann , Klapötke Thomas M. , Küblböck Teresa
Published: May 2018

The development of 5-amino-1H-tetrazole-based fuel mixes providing access to multi-coloured smoke signals is reported.
Palladium immobilized on in situ cross-linked chitosan superfine fibers for catalytic application in an aqueous medium
Authors: Liang Lulu , Nie Li , Jiang Minjuan , Bie Fusheng , Shao Linjun , Qi Chenze , Zhang X. Man , Liu Xuejing
Published: May 2018

Chitosan composite superfine fibers with a diameter of 321 ± 99 nm were prepared by electrospinning with PEO as the co-spinning polymer and itaconic acid as the in situ cross-linking agent.
Coherent control of thermal phonon transport in van der Waals superlattices
Authors: Guo Ruiqiang , Jho Young-Dahl , Minnich Austin J.
Published: May 2018

Coherent manipulation of thermal phonon transport in vdW superlattices can expand the property space beyond that occupied by natural materials.
High electrocatalytic performance inspired by crystalline/amorphous interface in PtPb nanoplate
Authors: Liang Yanxia , Sun Yingjun , Wang Xinyu , Fu Engang , Zhang Jian , Du Jinlong , Wen Xiaodong , Guo Shaojun
Published: May 2018

A novel structure with a crystalline/amorphous interface in a two-dimensional PtPb nanoplate enhances the electrocatalytic activity of the nanocatalyst.
Two-dimensional GeAsSe with high and unidirectional conductivity
Authors: Zhang Wei , Wang Yang-Gang , Ding Yanhuai , Yin Jiuren , Zhang Ping
Published: May 2018

Prompted by the recent passion for researching two-dimensional materials, we investigate again the long-forgotten layered semiconductor material GeAsSe.
Magnetic nanoparticle-containing soft–hard diblock copolymer films with high order
Authors: Xia Senlin , Song Lin , Körstgens Volker , Opel Matthias , Schwartzkopf Matthias , Roth Stephan V. , Müller-Buschbaum Peter
Published: May 2018

For sensor applications, superparamagnetic anisotropy is an indispensable property, which is typically achieved by employing an external field to guide the arrangement of magnetic nanoparticles (NPs).
Engineering a stereo-film of FeNi3 nanosheet-covered FeOOH arrays for efficient oxygen evolution
Authors: Meng Huiyuan , Ren Zhiyu , Du Shichao , Wu Jun , Yang Xu , Xue Yuzhu , Fu Honggang
Published: May 2018

The stereo-film electrode was constructed from a FeNi3 nanosheet-covered FeOOH array via a hydrothermal reaction and electrodeposition strategy. Due to its synergistic effect and the unique structure, the robust catalyst exhibits superior OER performance.
How can nanotechnology help the fight against breast cancer?
Authors: Avitabile Elisabetta , Bedognetti Davide , Ciofani Gianni , Bianco Alberto , Delogu Lucia Gemma
Published: May 2018

Different nanomaterials have been developed to fight against breast cancer.
Elucidation of interfacial pH behaviour at the cell/substrate nanogap forin situmonitoring of cellular respiration
Authors: Satake Hiroto , Saito Akiko , Sakata Toshiya
Published: May 2018

In situmonitoring of cellular metabolism is useful for elucidating dynamic functions of living cells.
Probing the competition between duplex and G-quadruplex/i-motif structures using a conformation-sensitive fluorescent nucleoside probe
Authors: Sabale Pramod M. , Tanpure Arun A. , Srivatsan Seergazhi G.
Published: May 2018

A conformation-sensitive fluorescent nucleoside analog serves as an efficient probe to study the competition between duplex and G-quadruplex/i-motif structures.
Efficient synthesis of ferrocifens and other ferrocenyl-substituted ethylenes via a ‘sulfur approach’
Authors: Mlostoń Grzegorz , Hamera-Fałdyga Róża , Celeda Małgorzata , Heimgartner Heinz
Published: May 2018

Stable and non-odorous alkyl ferrocenyl thioketones were explored for the first time as key substrates in multi-step reactions with bis(4-methoxyphenyl)diazomethane or 9-diazofluorene leading to ferrocifenes or ferrocenyl functionalized dibenzofulvenes, respectively, in good yields.
Potassium-sensitive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based hydrogels for sensor applications
Authors: Büning Dominic , Ennen-Roth Franka , Walter Sarah Verena , Hennecke Tobias , Ulbricht Mathias
Published: May 2018

In situcrosslinking polymerization of potassium sensitive hydrogels for advancedin vivosensor applications is studied in detail.
The serendipitous discovery of a readily available redox-bistable molecule derived from cyclic(alkyl)(amino)carbenes
Authors: Mahoney Janell K. , Regnier Vianney , Romero Erik A. , Molton Florian , Royal Guy , Jazzar Rodolphe , Martin David , Bertrand Guy
Published: May 2018

A simple redox bistable system is available in one step from a stable carbene and a bis(acyl chloride).
Recent advances in sulfur–nitrogen bond formation via cross-dehydrogenative coupling reactions
Authors: Hosseini Nasab Fatemeh Alsadat , Fekri Leila Zare , Monfared Aazam , Hosseinian Akram , Vessally Esmail
Published: May 2018

This review surveys the construction of sulfur–nitrogen bonds through cross-dehydrogenative coupling reactions between thiols and N–H compounds.
Heteroatom tri-doped porous carbon derived from waste biomass as Pt-free counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Ma Pin , Lu Wenli , Yan Xiaoying , Li Weidan , Li Li , Fang Yanyan , Yin Xiong , Liu Zhengang , Lin Yuan
Published: May 2018

Tri-doped porous carbon derived from waste-biomass was developed for a highly efficient counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cell with an efficiency of 7.83%.
Construction of g-C3N4 and FeWO4 Z-scheme photocatalyst: effect of contact ways on the photocatalytic performance
Authors: Wang Cong , Wang Guanlong , Zhang Xiufang , Dong Xiaoli , Ma Chun , Zhang Xinxin , Ma Hongchao , Xue Mang
Published: May 2018

g-C3N4 (photocatalyst I), FeWO4 (photocatalyst II) and RGO (electron media) constitutes a novel Z-scheme photocatalyst for effective RhB removal.
The mechanical equilibrium of soft solids with surface elasticity
Authors: Style Robert W. , Xu Qin
Published: May 2018

We describe how surface elasticity can significantly change the behaviour of soft materials at small length scales, and when this is to be expected.
Observation of a structural gradient in Winsor-III microemulsion systems
Authors: Hayes Douglas G. , Pingali Sai Venkatesh , O’Neill Hugh M. , Urban Volker S. , Ye Ran
Published: May 2018

The structure of bicontinuous microemulsions in Winsor-III systems differs in the vertical direction, as determined using small-angle neutron scattering.
Cationic double chained metallosurfactants: synthesis, aggregation, cytotoxicity, antimicrobial activity and their impact on the structure of bovine serum albumin
Authors: Kaur Gurpreet , Garg Preeti , Kaur Baljinder , Chaudhary Ganga Ram , Kumar Sandeep , Dilbaghi Neeraj , Hassan P. A. , Gawali Santosh L.
Published: May 2018

The insertion of the metal ion into the framework of the surfactant structure enhances its aggregation and protein binding/folding/unfolding abilities.
Organogel formation rationalized by Hansen solubility parameters: improved methodology
Authors: Rosa Nunes Danilo , Raynal Matthieu , Isare Benjamin , Albouy Pierre-Antoine , Bouteiller Laurent
Published: May 2018

We propose a general method to determine the gelation domain from the solubility data of low molecular weight gelators.
A responsive anionic wormlike micelle using pH-directed release of stored sodium based on polybasic acids
Authors: Wang Pengxiang , Kang Wanli , Tian Shujie , Yin Xia , Zhao Yilu , Hou Xiaoyu , Zhang Xiangfeng , Yang Hongbin
Published: May 2018

The ability of polybasic acids to release and store Na+ was used to develop a differential pH-responsive wormlike micelle.
Semi-interpenetrating polymer networks by azide–alkyne cycloaddition as novel anion exchange membranes
Authors: Xue Jiandang , Liu Lei , Liao Jiayou , Shen Yinghua , Li Nanwen
Published: May 2018

A series of semi-interpenetrating polymer network anion exchange membranes, composed of a quaternized PS copolymer and crosslinked PPO networks, have been designed and fabricated.
Post-synthetic exchange (PSE) of UiO-67 frameworks with Ru/Rh half-sandwich units for visible-light-driven H2 evolution and CO2 reduction
Authors: Liao Wei-Ming , Zhang Jian-Hua , Wang Zheng , Yin Shao-Yun , Pan Mei , Wang Hai-Ping , Su Cheng-Yong
Published: May 2018

Four Ru/Rh half-sandwich units are incorporated into UiO-67 frameworks by post-synthetic exchange (PSE) method, and employed for photocatalytic H2 evolution and CO2 reduction.
CNT@Ni@Ni–Co silicate core–shell nanocomposite: a synergistic triple-coaxial catalyst for enhancing catalytic activity and controlling side products for Li–O2 batteries
Authors: Li Ziwei , Yang Junghoon , Agyeman Daniel Adjei , Park Mihui , Tamakloe Wilson , Yamauchi Yusuke , Kang Yong-Mook
Published: May 2018

The CNT@Ni@Ni–Co silicate core–shell composites prevent the formation of side-products via structural synergistic effects, thereby enhancing its electrochemical performances for Li–O2 batteries.
A flexible, electrochromic, rechargeable Zn//PPy battery with a short circuit chromatic warning function
Authors: Wang Jiaqi , Liu Jie , Hu Mengmeng , Zeng Jie , Mu Yongbiao , Guo Ya , Yu Jie , Ma Xing , Qiu Yejun , Huang Yan
Published: May 2018

A flexible, electrochromic and rechargeable Zn//PPy battery was fabricated, which has a short circuit chromatic warning function.
Luminescence carbon dot-based nanofibers for a water-insoluble drug release system and their monitoring of drug release
Authors: Zhai Yue , Bai Xue , Zhu Jinyang , Sun Xueke , Pan Gencai , Dong Biao , Xu Lin , Xu Wen , Zhang Shuang , Song Hongwei
Published: May 2018

Drug release systems with fluorescence detection have emerged as a potential application for the biological area of diagnosis and therapy.
Nanomaterial-doped conducting polymers for electrochemical sensors and biosensors
Authors: Wang Guixiang , Morrin Aoife , Li Mengru , Liu Nianzu , Luo Xiliang
Published: May 2018

This review summarizes recent advances in the development of electrochemical sensors and biosensors based on nanomaterial doped conducting polymers.
A toolbox approach for multivalent presentation of ligand–receptor recognition on a supramolecular scaffold
Authors: Ehrmann Svenja , Chu Chih-Wei , Kumari Shalini , Silberreis Kim , Böttcher Christoph , Dernedde Jens , Ravoo Bart Jan , Haag Rainer
Published: May 2018

A supramolecular toolbox approach for multivalent ligand–receptor recognition based on β-cyclodextrin vesicles (CDVs) was established.
Facile lotus-leaf-templated synthesis and enhanced xylene gas sensing properties of Ag-LaFeO3 nanoparticles
Authors: Chen Mingpeng , Zhang Yumin , Zhang Jin , Li Kejin , Lv Tianping , Shen Kaiyuan , Zhu Zhongqi , Liu Qingju
Published: May 2018

For developing highly sensitive, selective and stable gas sensing materials for the detection of volatile organic compounds, we report porous micro/nano-level structured Ag-LaFeO3 nanoparticles which have been successfully synthesized using a lotus leaf as a bio-template via a sol–gel process.
Chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 is associated with tumor progression and poor prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhuo Changhua , Wu Xianyi , Li Jing , Hu Dan , Jian Jinliang , Chen Changjiang , Zheng Xiongwei , Yang Chunkang
Published: May 2018

Chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1) is a chemotactic cytokine known to regulate cancer progression and invasion. However, the prognostic significance of CXCL1 expression in colorectal cancer (CRC) has not been fully characterized. The present study explored the clinicopathological significance and potential role of CXCL1 in the carcinogenesis and progression of CRC. The protein expression of CXCL1 was measured immunohistochemically in tissue microarrays constructed from 276 CRC patients. CXCL1 expression levels and their associations with clinicopathological characteristics and patient survival were evaluated. The effect of CXCL1 on glycolysis was also examined. High CXCL1 expression was detected in 165 (59.8%) cases. CXCL1 expression was correlated with tumor diameter (P=0.002), T stage (P=0.044), N stage (P=0.005), M stage (P=0.001), lymphovascular invasion (P=0.010), and carcinoembryonic antigen status (P=0.019). High CXCL1 expression was validated as an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) by both univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses (both P<0.05). Experimentally, expression of CXCL1 was knocked down by stable transfected short hairpin RNA, resulting in a significantly decreased rate of glycolysis both in in vitro assays and in patients’ samples (P<0.05). Silencing the expression of CXCL1 decreased the levels of the glycolytic enzymes GLUT1, HK2, and LDHA. In conclusion, by inducing glycolysis, CXCL1 plays a crucial role in both cancer progression and metastasis in CRC patients. The CXCL1 expression level is an independent prognostic factor for both OS and DFS. Moreover, CXCL1 may serve as a new biomarker and potential therapeutic target for CRC treatment.
Harnessing post-translational modifications for next-generation HIV immunogens
Authors: Allen Joel D. , Sanders Rogier W. , Doores Katie J. , Crispin Max
Published: May 2018

The extensive post-translational modifications of the envelope spikes of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) present considerable challenges and opportunities for HIV vaccine design. These oligomeric glycoproteins typically have over 30 disulfide bonds and around a 100 N-linked glycosylation sites, and are functionally dependent on protease cleavage within the secretory system. The resulting mature structure adopts a compact fold with the vast majority of its surface obscured by a protective shield of glycans which can be targeted by broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs). Despite the notorious heterogeneity of glycosylation, rare B-cell lineages can evolve to utilize and cope with viral glycan diversity, and these structures therefore present promising targets for vaccine design. The latest generation of recombinant envelope spike mimetics contains re-engineered post-translational modifications to present stable antigens to guide the development of bnAbs by vaccination.
Regulation of RabGAPs involved in insulin action
Authors: Mafakheri Samaneh , Chadt Alexandra , Al-Hasani Hadi
Published: May 2018

Rab (Ras-related proteins in brain) GTPases are key proteins responsible for a multiplicity of cellular trafficking processes. Belonging to the family of monomeric GTPases, they are regulated by cycling between their active GTP-bound and inactive GDP-bound conformations. Despite possessing a slow intrinsic GTP hydrolysis activity, Rab proteins rely on RabGAPs (Rab GTPase-activating proteins) that catalyze GTP hydrolysis and consequently inactivate the respective Rab GTPases. Two related RabGAPs, TBC1D1 and TBC1D4 (=AS160) have been described to be associated with obesity-related traits and type 2 diabetes in both mice and humans. Inactivating mutations of TBC1D1 and TBC1D4 lead to substantial changes in trafficking and subcellular distribution of the insulin-responsive glucose transporter GLUT4, and to subsequent alterations in energy substrate metabolism. The activity of the RabGAPs is controlled through complex phosphorylation events mediated by protein kinases including AKT and AMPK, and by putative regulatory interaction partners. However, the dynamics and downstream events following phosphorylation are not well understood. This review focuses on the specific role and regulation of TBC1D1 and TBC1D4 in insulin action.
Measuring planetary atmospheric dynamics with Doppler spectroscopy
Authors: Gaulme Patrick , Schmider François-Xavier , Gonçalves Ivan
Published: May 2018

Doppler imaging spectroscopy is the most reliable method of directly measuring wind speeds of planetary atmospheres of the solar system. However, most knowledge about atmospheric dynamics has been obtained with cloud-tracking technique, which consists of tracking visible features from images taken at different dates. Doppler imaging is as challenging (motions can be less than 100 m s−1) as it is appealing because it measures the speed of cloud particles instead of large cloud structures. A significant difference between wind speed measured by cloud-tracking and Doppler spectroscopy is expected in case of atmospheric waves interfering with cloud structures. The purpose of this paper is to provide a theoretical basis for conducting accurate Doppler measurements of planetary atmospheres, especially from the ground with reflected solar absorption lines. We focus on three aspects which lead to significant biases. Firstly, we fully review the Young effect, which is an artificial radial velocity field caused by the solar rotation that mimics a retrograde planetary rotation. Secondly, we extensively study the impact of atmospheric seeing and show that it modifies the apparent location of the planet in the sky whenever the planet is not observed at full phase (opposition). Moreover, the seeing convolves regions of variable radial velocity and photometry, which biases radial-velocity measurements, by reducing the apparent amplitude of atmospheric motions. Finally, we propose a method to interpret the data: how to retrieve zonal, meridional, vertical, and subsolar-to-antisolar circulation from radial velocity maps, by optimizing the signal-to-noise ratio.
Piecewise constant reconstruction of damaged color images
Authors: Cristoferi Riccardo , Fonseca Irene
Published: May 2018

A variational model for reconstruction of damaged color images is studied, in particular in the case where only finitely many colors are admissible for the reconstructed image. An existence result and regularity properties of minimizers are presented.
Room temperature I–V and C–V characteristics of Au/mTPP/p-Si organic MIS devices
Authors: Özden Şadan , Güllü Ömer , Pakma Osman
Published: May 2018

The room temperature electrical characteristics of the organic Au/mTPP/p-Si device fabricated by spin coating method were investigated with I–V and C–V measurements. It has been determined that the device has a high rectification coefficient and current transport is dominated by the thermionic emission. The serial resistance value is calculated at 92 ohms with two different approaches. Serial resistance effects were also found to be effective in C–V and G–V measurements. The different barrier heights from the I–V and C–V measurements indicate possible interface and trap states or barrier inhomogeneities.
Shearlet-based regularized reconstruction in region-of-interest computed tomography
Authors: Bubba T.A. , Labate D. , Zanghirati G. , Bonettini S.
Published: May 2018

Region of interest (ROI) tomography has gained increasing attention in recent years due to its potential to reducing radiation exposure and shortening the scanning time. However, tomographic reconstruction from ROI-focused illumination involves truncated projection data and typically results in higher numerical instability even when the reconstruction problem has unique solution. To address this problem, bothad hocanalytic formulas and iterative numerical schemes have been proposed in the literature. In this paper, we introduce a novel approach for ROI tomographic reconstruction, formulated as a convex optimization problem with a regularized term based on shearlets. Our numerical implementation consists of an iterative scheme based on the scaled gradient projection method and it is tested in the context of fan-beam CT. Our results show that our approach is essentially insensitive to the location of the ROI and remains very stable also when the ROI size is rather small.
Soliton spectra of random water waves in shallow basins
Authors: Giovanangeli J.-P. , Kharif C. , Stepanyants Y.A.
Published: May 2018

Interpretation of random wave field on a shallow water in terms of Fourier spectra is not adequate, when wave amplitudes are not infinitesimally small. A nonlinearity of wave fields leads to the harmonic interactions and random variation of Fourier spectra. As has been shown by Osborne and his co-authors, a more adequate analysis can be performed in terms of nonlinear modes representing cnoidal waves; a spectrum of such modes remains unchanged even in the process of nonlinear mode interactions. Here we show that there is an alternative and more simple analysis of random wave fields on shallow water, which can be presented in terms of interacting Korteweg–de Vries solitons. The data processing of random wave field is developed on the basis of inverse scattering method. The soliton component obscured in a random wave field is determined and a corresponding distribution function of number of solitons on their amplitudes is constructed. The approach developed is illustrated by means of artificially generated quasi-random wave field and applied to the real data interpretation of wind waves generated in the laboratory wind tank.
Single-machine lot scheduling problem for deteriorating items with negative exponential deterioration rate
Authors: Nobil Amir Hossein , Kazemi Abolfazl , Taleizadeh Ata Allah
Published: May 2018

Determining production-inventory level is one of the most important and challenging problems in a manufacturing system.Economic Batch Quantity(EBQ) is the simplest and the most employed inventory model in this field. Here, a single-source production lot-sizing model for deteriorating products with negative exponential deterioration rate is developed. In this manufacturing system, we assume that all items are manufactured using a single source. In this paper the optimal values for cycle length and lot size are derived in a way that the total cost (consists of machine setup cost, manufacturing cost, carrying and disposal costs of the deteriorating items) is minimized. Consequently, the developed model for the proposed problem is formulated. According to the derived mathematical model, we could not provide a closed form optimal solution, but we show that there is a unique optimal solution for the cycle length. At first, the upper and lower bounds of the optimal solution are determined, then using a Bi-section method (root-finding method) the problem is solved. To demonstrate the applicability of this method, we solve a simple example for a manufacturing system with three products. Finally, results of ten experiment that obtain from this method compare to answers from Newton-Raphson method, then it has been shown that this method has great effectiveness and less calculation efforts for the single-machine problem with deteriorating items.
Monitoring of Hemostasis Parameters During Coronary Thrombolysis with Recombinant Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator
Authors: Stump D C , Topol E J , Chen A B , Hopkins A , Collen D
Published: May 2018

The monitoring of changes in the blood coagulation and fibrinolytic systems during thrombolytic therapy with recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA) may be complicated by artifacts due to in vitro activation after blood collection and to interference of other agents (e. g., heparin) in the assays. In 106 patients with early acute myocardial infarction, infused with 150 mg of rt-PA (G11044) intravenously over 5 to 8 hours, blood samples were collected into liquid citrate supplemented with the plasmin inhibitor aprotinin (200 KlU/ml plasma) or on a lyophilized mixture of acidified citrate and the synthetic t-PA inhibitor D-Phe-Pro-Arg-CH2Cl (PPACK). A good correlation between precipitable (sulphite) and functional (clotting rate) fibrinogen levels was observed in plasma collected on citrate before therapy (r = 0.76) and in samples collected after 3 hours on either aprotinin (r = 0.87) or PPACK (r = 0.82). Precipitable fibrinogen levels were approximately 10% higher than functional level, in baseline samples collected on citrate alone and approximately 20% higher in 3 hour samples collected on either PPACK or aprotinin. Fibrinogen levels measured with both assays correlated well, but were somewhat higher in samples collected on PPACK than on aprotinin. rt-PA antigen levels assayed in plasma collected in either inhibitor correlated well (r = 0.90) but were 10-20% higher in PPACK containing samples. Addition of heparin up to 9 units/ml to plasma had no effect on the functional fibrinogen assay.

Even with these precautions for assay artifact, a very poor correlation (r =-0.15) was observed between the plasma rt-PA level and the residual functional fibrinogen level, both after 3 hours and towards the end of the rt-PA infusion. A decrease of the fibrinogen level at the end of the infusion to below 1 g/l was observed in 36% of the patients and to below 0.5 g/l in 11%. Optimal monitoring of hemostasis during rt-PA infusion is achieved by fibrinogen assays with a clotting rate method on samples collected on either PPACK or aprotinin. Heparin at therapeutic levels does not interfere with this assay.
Effect of SC 38249, a Novel Substituted Imidazole, on Platelet Aggregation In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Lad N , Honey A C , Lunt D O , Booth R F G , Westwick J , Manley P W , Tuffin D P
Published: May 2018

SC 38249 ((RS)-l-(2,3-bis-[(4-methoxyphenyl)methoxy] propyl)-lH-imidazole) caused dose-related inhibition of collagen- induced thromboxane A2 formation in human platelet rich plasma (IC50: 9.9 ± 1.0 μM) accompanied by a dose-dependent increase in plasma PGE2. Broad inhibitory activity was evident against human platelet aggregatory and secretory responses in vitro.IC50 values of 11.9 ± 1.9 μM (0.64 mM arachidonic acid), 18.3 ± 3.8 μM (0.5 μg ml−-1collagen) and 37.6 ± 6.1 μM (25 nM Paf-acether) were obtained against maximum increase in PRP light transmission achieved by each agonist. Although less potent, SC 38249 retained significant inhibitory activity against PRP responses induced by a higher (3.0 μg ml−-1) concentration of collagen (IC50: 272.5 ± 24.6 μM), and against Paf-acether-induced responses in PRP pre-treated with 10 μM indomethacin (I.C.50: 192.0 ± 16.1 μM).Experimental animal studies confirmed the in vitroanti-aggregatory efficacy of SC 38249, since significant inhibitory activity was observed against Paf-acether and ADP-induced responses in dog PRP ex vivo,anti-Forssman antibody-induced thrombocytopoenia in anaesthetized guinea pigs, and collagen-induced intravascular aggregation in anaesthetized rabbits. Thus, SC 38249 is a novel thromboxane synthase inhibitor which possesses interesting anti-aggregatory properties which cannot wholly be attributed to prevention of platelet thromboxane A2 formation.
Mean Platelet Volume and Size Distribution and Their Sensitivity to Agonists in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease and Congestive Heart Failure
Authors: Erne P , Wardle J , Sanders K , Lewis S M , Maseri A
Published: May 2018

Mean platelet volume was related to platelet count in patients with myocardial infarction (n = 55) and patients with congestive heart failure (n = 9). 18 patients with acute myocardial infarction were tested at admission and 4-7 days later, together with 13 patients with chronic stable angina and 10 patients with chest pain which was not related to coronary artery disease. In citrated blood a relative reduced frequency of large platelets (>13 fl) occured in patients with acute myocardial infarction at admission but was not seen during recovery or in patients with chronic stable angina. This suggests consumption of large platelets at time of thrombus formation. No relation was found between plasma catecholamine levels and mean platelet volumes. Effects of serotonine, adrenaline and CGP 28392, a calcium agonist, on platelet volume distributions were determined. Sensitivity of platelets to adrenaline was increased in patients with acute myocardial infarction on admission and reduced 4-7 days later, while in patients with congestive heart failure reactivity to both serotonine and adrenaline were reduced. This indicates a fast down-regulation during the early recovery phase of myocardial infarction and chronically in congestive heart failure.
Do Extra-Platelet Sources Contribute to the Plasma Level of Thrombospondin?
Authors: Dawes J , Pratt D A , Dewar M S , Preston F E
Published: May 2018

Thrombospondin, a trimeric glycoprotein contained in the platelet α-granules, has been proposed as a marker of in vivo platelet activation. However, it is also synthesised by a range of other cells. The extraplatelet contribution to plasma levels of thrombospondin was therefore estimated by investigating the relationship between plasma thrombospondin levels and platelet count in samples from profoundly thrombocytopenic patients with marrow hypoplasia, using the platelet-specific α-granule protein β-thromboglobulin as control. Serum concentrations of both proteins were highly correlated with platelet count, but while plasma β-thromboglobulin levels and platelet count also correlated, there was no relationship between the number of platelets and thrombospondin concentrations in plasma. Serial sampling of patients recovering from bone marrow depression indicated that the plasma thrombospondin contributed by platelets is superimposed on a background concentration of at least 50 ng/ml probably derived from a non-platelet source, and plasma thrombospondin levels do not simply reflect platelet release.
Concanavalin A Induces Patching/Capping of the Platelet Membrane Glycoprotein llb/llla Complex
Authors: Kakaiya R M , Kiraly T L , Cable R G
Published: May 2018

Two recent reports have shown platelet patching/capping by concanavalin A (Con A). In these studies, Con A receptors were shown to mobilize from pseudopodia and lamellipodia to the central cell parts during platelet attachment and spreading. The molecular mechanism underlying Con A receptor capping was not examined in either study.

Con a binds maximally to human platelet membrane glycoproteins IIb and IIIa. In order to test whether Con A-induced capping caused the capping of this membrane glycoprotein complex, we treated normal human platelets with unlabeled Con A. After fixation, platelets were further treated with mouse monoclonal antibodies against the membrane glycoprotein IIb/IIIa complex and stained with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) tagged anti-mouse IgG. An average of 16% platelets manifested capping with one monoclonal antibody preparation (N = 2) and 12% with a second preparation (N = 2).

Control studies showed that only 18% of normal human fresh platelets exhibit capping with FITC-Con A (N = 17). If platelets were first incubated with unlabeled Con A, followed by staining with FITC-labeled anti-Con A antibody, an average of 15% platelets manifested caps (N = 17). Capping was inhibited by methyl-alpha-D-mannopyranoside (a known inhibitor of Con A), at cold temperature and by pre-treatment of platelets with colchicine.

Our studies confirm the earlier findings on Con A induced capping. Also, our findings suggest that the molecular mechanism for Con A receptor capping involves patching and capping of the platelet membrane glycoprotein IIb/IIIa complex. It is possible that glycoprotein Ilb/IIIa redistribution might be intimately involved during platelet attachment and spreading.
Heparin and Fibrinolysis - Comparison of Subcutaneous Administration of Unfractionated and Low Molecular Weight Heparin
Authors: Eriksson E , Wollter I M , Christenson B , Stigendal L , Risberg B
Published: May 2018

The effects on the fibrinolytic system after a single s.c. bolus injection (at 9 a.m.) of either 5000 IU conventional heparin or 5000 anti-Xa U of a fractionated low molecular weight heparin (Fragmin, KabiVitrum, Sweden) were investigated in 9 healthy volunteers. The effects were compared to those of an injection of normal saline in 6 volunteers. Samples for biochemical analyses were taken regularily during 6 hours after drug or placebo administration.

In the coagulation system the following parameters were measured: Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), anti- Xa activity, thrombin time and fibrinogen. The fibrinolytic system was monitored by analysing: plasminogen, ɑ2-antiplasmin, fibrinogen) degradation products (FDP), euglobulin clot lysis time (ECLT), tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) activity, t-PA antigen and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) activity. Injection of the 2 drugs was followed by elevations in APTT and anti-Xa activity, and were more pronounced for Fragmin than heparin. The fibrinolytic system exhibited a diurnal variation with decreasing PAI activity and increasing t-PA activity during the day. Volunteers receiving normal saline (placebo) showed a similar pattern. The results were unrelated to heparin.

It is concluded from this study that neither heparin nor Fragmin had any significant effect on the fibrinolytic parameters when measured after a single s.c. bolus injection since the observed variations were within the diurnal range.
Factor VIII Procoagulant Antigen in Human Tissues
Authors: Kadhom N , Wolfrom C , Gautier M , Allain J P , Frommel D
Published: May 2018

The localization of factor VIII procoagulant antigen (VIII: Ag) and factor VIII von Willebrand antigen (VWF: Ag) was investigated in human liver, lung, spleen, placenta and umbilical cord, by an immunoperoxidase technique using an avidin biotin complex (ABC). Positive staining for VIII: Ag was observed in the endothelial cells of liver sinusoids, veins and arteries, as well as in the endothelial cells of placenta, lung and spleen. VWF: Ag was detected in the vascular endothelial cells of all the organs explored. The staining intensity of both VIII: Ag and VWF: Ag varied in the different tissues and showed a distinctive pattern of distribution in the liver. VIII: Ag was also observed in the cytoplasm of dysplastic, foetal-like hepatocytes which infiltrated one liver specimen. Our results agree with the view that liver endothelial cells are a major site of Factor VIII (F VIII) storage and secondary release into the circulation. However, the bright staining intensity of VIII: Ag and VWF: Ag in the lung and placenta suggests that these two tissues might also be a substantial source of F VIII.
Differential Inhibition of the Platelet Activation Sequence: Shape Change, Micro- and Macro-Aggregation, by a Stable Prostacyclin Analogue (lloprost)
Authors: Pedvis L G , Wong T , Frojmovic M M
Published: May 2018

The relative sensitivities of adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced activation, and of prostaglandin-mediated inhibition, were determined for rates of platelet shape change (SC [Vs]), early platelet recruitment measured by electronic platelet counting (PA [PA3]), and turbidometrically-measured aggregation (TA[Va]). Studies were performed in stirred citrated platelet-richplasma from 9 healthy human donors. The [ADP]1/2, ([ADP]giving half maximal rate) was determined for the sequence of activation steps: unactivated platelets → SC → PA → TA. Distinct ADP sensitivities were obtained from log dose-responsestudies, with a relative dose dependency for rates of change in the order of [ADP]1/2 TA > [ADP]1/2 PA > [ADP]1/2 SC of ~4:3:1.Differential inhibition of the above activation scheme was evalu-ated from log dose-response curves for lloprost (ZK 36374), astable carbacyclin analogue of prostacyclin (PGI2), with greaterpotency than PGI2 for the same platelet receptors. IC50 valuescorresponding to lloprost concentrations causing 50% inhibitionof rates of TA (Va), PA (PA3) and SC (Vs) were found in therelative ratios of 1: ~3: ~5, when measured at a common ADPconcentration for all three parameters, or 1: ~2: ~3 when deter-mined at respective [ADP]1/2 values for each parameter. Thus, about 3-5 times more lloprost is required to respectively inhibitthe rates of shape change (Vs) and early platelet recruitment(PA3), than that needed to inhibit the rate of turbidometrically-measured aggregation (Va).
Systematic Review of Total Wrist Arthroplasty and Arthrodesis in Wrist Arthritis
Authors: Garagnani Lorenzo , Gidwani Sam , Berber Onur
Published: May 2018

Background End-stage wrist arthritis has traditionally been treated with a total wrist fusion. There is a recent trend toward motion preserving surgery in the form of total wrist replacement.

Questions Is there a functional benefit to performing a total wrist replacement instead of a total wrist fusion in patients with end-stage wrist arthritis? Is there any difference in secondary outcome measures including pain, grip strength, and range of motion? Does the risk of adverse events and treatment failure differ between the two techniques?

Methods A systematic literature search was performed to identify studies reporting either total wrist arthrodesis or arthroplasty for end-stage wrist arthritis. Studies were systematically screened and assessed for risk of bias and quality. Data were extracted and reviewed.

Results A total of 43 studies were included in the review: 17 on arthrodesis, 24 on arthroplasty, and 2 matched cohort studies. This represented 669 index arthrodesis operations in 603 patients, and 1,371 index arthroplasty operations in 1,295 patients. A significant improvement in functional outcome was seen with both interventions. Similar improvements were seen in pain scores, and modest improvements were seen in grip strength. Range of motion following arthroplasty improved to a functional level in two studies. Complication rates were higher after arthroplasty (range: 0.2–9.5%) than those after arthrodesis (range: 0.1–6.1%; p = 0.06). Fourth-generation implants (range 0.1–2.9%) performed better than earlier designs (range: 0.2–8.1%; p = 0.002). Implant revision rates ranged from 3.5 to 52.6%. Fourth-generation prostheses survival rates were 78% at 15 years (Universal 2), 86% at 10 years (Motec), 90% at 9 years (Re-Motion), and 95% at 8 years (Maestro).

Conclusion The newer fourth-generation wrist implants appear to be performing better than earlier designs. Both wrist arthrodesis and wrist arthroplasty improve function, pain, and grip strength. The risk of complication following wrist replacements is higher than that after total wrist arthrodesis.
The thermo-electric nature of the Debye temperature
Authors: Bhowmick Mithun , Ullrich Bruno , Androulidaki Maria , Xi Haowen
Published: May 2018

The Debye temperature is typically associated with the heat capacity of a solid and the cut-off of the possible lattice vibrations, but not necessarily to the electric conductivity of the material. By investigating III-V and II-VI compound semiconductors, we reveal that the Debye temperature represents a thermo-electric material parameter, connecting the thermal and electronic properties of a solid via a distinct power law.
Extent of Fock-exchange mixing for a hybrid van der Waals density functional?
Authors: Jiao Yang , Schröder Elsebeth , Hyldgaard Per
Published: May 2018

The vdW-DF-cx0 exchange-correlation hybrid design [K. Berland et al., J. Chem. Phys. 146, 234106 (2017)] has a truly nonlocal correlation component and aims to facilitate concurrent descriptions of both covalent and non-covalent molecular interactions. The vdW-DF-cx0 design mixes a fixed ratio, a, of the Fock exchange into the consistent-exchange van der Waals density functional, vdW-DF-cx [K. Berland and P. Hyldgaard, Phys. Rev. B 89, 035412 (2014)]. The mixing value a is sometimes taken as a semi-empirical parameter in hybrid formulations. Here, instead, we assert a plausible optimum average a value for the vdW-DF-cx0 design from a formal analysis; A new, independent determination of the mixing a is necessary since the Becke fit [A. D. Becke, J. Chem. Phys. 98, 5648 (1993)], yielding a′ = 0.2, is restricted to semilocal correlation and does not reflect non-covalent interactions. To proceed, we adapt the so-called two-legged hybrid construction [K. Burke et al., Chem. Phys. Lett. 265, 115 (1997)] to a starting point in the vdW-DF-cx functional. For our approach, termed vdW-DF-tlh, we estimate the properties of the adiabatic-connection specification of the exact exchange-correlation functional, by combining calculations of the Fock exchange and of the coupling-constant variation in vdW-DF-cx. We find that such vdW-DF-tlh hybrid constructions yield accurate characterizations of molecular interactions (even if they lack self-consistency). The accuracy motivates trust in the vdW-DF-tlh determination of system-specific values of the Fock-exchange mixing. We find that an average value a′ = 0.2 best characterizes the vdW-DF-tlh description of covalent and non-covalent interactions, although there exists some scatter. This finding suggests that the original Becke value, a′ = 0.2, also represents an optimal average Fock-exchange mixing for the new, truly nonlocal-correlation hybrids. To enable self-consistent calculations, we furthermore define and test a zero-parameter hybrid functional vdW-DF-cx0p (having fixed mixing a′ = 0.2) and document that this truly nonlocal correlation hybrid works for general molecular interactions (at reference and at relaxed geometries). It is encouraging that the vdW-DF-cx0p functional remains useful also for descriptions of some extended systems.