bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impaired theta-gamma coupling in APP-deficient mice
Authors: Zhang Xiaomin , Zhong Wewei , Brankačk Jurij , Weyer Sascha W. , Müller Ulrike C. , Tort Adriano B. L. , Draguhn Andreas
Published: February 2016

Amyloid precursor protein (APP) is critically involved in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease, but its physiological functions remain elusive. Importantly, APP knockout (APP-KO) mice exhibit cognitive deficits, suggesting that APP plays a role at the neuronal network level. To investigate this possibility, we recorded local field potentials (LFPs) from the posterior parietal cortex, dorsal hippocampus and lateral prefrontal cortex of freely moving APP-KO mice. Spectral analyses showed that network oscillations within the theta- and gamma-frequency bands were not different between APP-KO and wild-type mice. Surprisingly, however, while gamma amplitude coupled to theta phase in all recorded regions of wild-type animals, in APP-KO mice theta-gamma coupling was strongly diminished in recordings from the parietal cortex and hippocampus, but not in LFPs recorded from the prefrontal cortex. Thus, lack of APP reduces oscillatory coupling in LFP recordings from specific brain regions, despite not affecting the amplitude of the oscillations. Together, our findings reveal reduced cross-frequency coupling as a functional marker of APP deficiency at the network level.
Inhibitory effect of traditional oriental medicine-derived monoamine oxidase B inhibitor on radioresistance of non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Son Beomseok , Jun Se Young , Seo HyunJeong , Youn HyeSook , Yang Hee Jung , Kim Wanyeon , Kim Hyung Kook , Kang ChulHee , Youn BuHyun
Published: February 2016

Increased survival of cancer cells mediated by high levels of ionizing radiation (IR) reduces the effectiveness of radiation therapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In the present study, danshensu which is a selected component of traditional oriental medicine (TOM) compound was found to reduce the radioresistance of NSCLC by inhibiting the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway. Of the various TOM compounds reported to inhibit the IR activation of NF-κB, danshensu was chosen as a final candidate based on the results of structural comparisons with human metabolites and monoamine oxidase B (MAOB) was identified as the putative target enzyme. Danshensu decreased the activation of NF-κB by inhibiting MAOB activity in A549 and NCI-H1299 NSCLC cells. Moreover, it suppressed IR-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, expressions of NF-κB-regulated prosurvival and proinflammatory genes, and in vivo radioresistance of mouse xenograft models. Taken together, this study shows that danshensu significantly reduces MAOB activity and attenuates NF-κB signaling to elicit the radiosensitization of NSCLC.
Lipid peroxidation causes endosomal antigen release for cross-presentation
Authors: Dingjan Ilse , Verboogen Daniëlle RJ , Paardekooper Laurent M , Revelo Natalia H , Sittig Simone P , Visser Linda J , Mollard Gabriele Fischer von , Henriet Stefanie SV , Figdor Carl G , ter Beest Martin , van den Bogaart Geert
Published: February 2016

Dendritic cells (DCs) present foreign antigen in major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules to cytotoxic T cells in a process called cross-presentation. An important step in this process is the release of antigen from the lumen of endosomes into the cytosol, but the mechanism of this step is still unclear. In this study, we show that reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by the NADPH-oxidase complex NOX2 cause lipid peroxidation, a membrane disrupting chain-reaction, which in turn results in antigen leakage from endosomes. Antigen leakage and cross-presentation were inhibited by blocking ROS production or scavenging radicals and induced when using a ROS-generating photosensitizer. Endosomal antigen release was impaired in DCs from chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) patients with dysfunctional NOX2. Thus, NOX2 induces antigen release from endosomes for cross-presentation by direct oxidation of endosomal lipids. This constitutes a new cellular function for ROS in regulating immune responses against pathogens and cancer.
Hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia blunts the Insulin-Inpp5f negative feedback loop in the diabetic heart
Authors: Bai Danna , Zhang Yajun , Shen Mingzhi , Sun Yongfeng , Xia Qing , Zhang Yingmei , Liu Xuedong , Wang Haichang , Yuan Lijun
Published: February 2016

The leading cause of death in diabetic patients is diabetic cardiomyopathy, in which alteration of Akt signal plays an important role. Inpp5f is recently found to be a negative regulator of Akt signaling, while its expression and function in diabetic heart is largely unknown. In this study, we found that in both the streptozotocin (STZ) and high fat diet (HFD) induced diabetic mouse models, Inpp5f expression was coordinately regulated by insulin, blood glucose and lipid levels. Increased Inpp5f was inversely correlated with the cardiac function. Further studies revealed that Insulin transcriptionally activated Inpp5f in an Sp1 dependent manner and increased Inpp5f in turn reduced the phosphorylation of Akt, forming a negative feedback loop. The negative feedback plays a protective role under diabetic condition. However, high blood glucose and lipid, which are characteristics of uncontrolled diabetes and type 2 diabetes, increased Inpp5f expression through activation of NF-κB, blunts the protective feedback. Thus, our study has revealed that Inpp5f provides as a negative feedback regulator of insulin signaling and downregulation of Inpp5f in diabetes is cardioprotective. Increased Inpp5f by hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia is an important mediator of diabetic cardiomyopathy and is a promising therapeutic target for the disease.
Risk of Second Primary Cancers in Multiple Myeloma Survivors in German and Swedish Cancer Registries
Authors: Chen Tianhui , Fallah Mahdi , Brenner Hermann , Jansen Lina , Mai Elias K. , Castro Felipe A. , Katalinic Alexander , Emrich Katharina , Holleczek Bernd , Geiss Karla , Eberle Andrea , Sundquist Kristina , Hemminki Kari ,   GEKID Cancer Survival Working Group, Geiss Karla , Meyer Martin , Eberle Andrea , Luttmann Sabine , Stabenow Roland , Hentschel Stefan , Nennecke Alice , Kieschke Joachim , Sirri Eunice , Holleczek Bernd , Emrich Katharina , Kajüter Hiltraud , Mattauch Volkmar , Katalinic Alexander , Eisemann Nora , Kraywinkel Klaus , Brenner Hermann , Jansen Lina , Castro Felipe
Published: February 2016

We aimed at investigating the distribution and risk of second primary cancers (SPCs) in multiple myeloma (MM) survivors in Germany and Sweden to provide etiological understanding of SPCs and insight into their incidence rates and recording practices. MM patients diagnosed in 1997–2010 at age ≥15 years were selected from the Swedish (nationwide) and 12 German cancer registries. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were used to assess risk of a specific SPC compared to risk of the same first cancer in the corresponding background population. Among 18,735 survivors of first MM in Germany and 7,560 in Sweden, overall 752 and 349 SPCs were recorded, respectively. Significantly elevated SIRs of specific SPCs were observed for acute myeloid leukemia (AML; SIR = 4.9) in Germany and for kidney cancer (2.3), AML (2.3) and nervous system cancer (1.9) in Sweden. Elevated risk for AML was more pronounced in the earlier diagnosis period compared to the later, i.e., 9.7 (4.2–19) for 1997–2003 period versus 3.5 (1.5–6.9) for 2004–2010 in Germany; 3.8 (1.4–8.3) for 1997–2003 versus 2.2 (0.3–7.8) for 2004–2010 in Sweden. We found elevated risk for AML for overall, early diagnosis periods and longer follow-up times in both populations, suggesting possible side effects of treatment for MM patients.
Dispersion-type Hall resistance in InSb|Pt hybrid systems
Authors: Shiomi Y. , Saitoh E.
Published: February 2016

In nonmagnetic semiconductors and metals, most of Hall resistance exhibits a linear dependence with applied magnetic fields. In this work, by combining conduction in a metal and a semiconductor under external magnetic fields, we realize a dispersion-type magnetic-field dependence of Hall resistance. The dispersion-type Hall resistance appears in a broad temperature range below 150 K, where quantum linear magnetoresistance is noticeable in the semiconductor substrate. This unconventional Hall response in metal|semiconductor hybrid systems is explained by a change in dominant conduction from the semiconductor to the metal with increasing magnetic field strength.
Direct observation of isolated Damon-Eshbach and backward volume spin-wave packets in ferromagnetic microstripes
Authors: Wessels Philipp , Vogel Andreas , Tödt Jan-Niklas , Wieland Marek , Meier Guido , Drescher Markus
Published: February 2016

The analysis of isolated spin-wave packets is crucial for the understanding of magnetic transport phenomena and is particularly interesting for applications in spintronic and magnonic devices, where isolated spin-wave packets implement an information processing scheme with negligible residual heat loss. We have captured microscale magnetization dynamics of single spin-wave packets in metallic ferromagnets in space and time. Using an optically driven high-current picosecond pulse source in combination with time-resolved scanning Kerr microscopy probed by femtosecond laser pulses, we demonstrate phase-sensitive real-space observation of spin-wave packets in confined permalloy (Ni80Fe20) microstripes. Impulsive excitation permits extraction of the dynamical parameters, i.e. phase- and group velocities, frequencies and wave vectors. In addition to well-established Damon-Eshbach modes our study reveals waves with counterpropagating group- and phase-velocities. Such unusual spin-wave motion is expected for backward volume modes where the phase fronts approach the excitation volume rather than emerging out of it due to the negative slope of the dispersion relation. These modes are difficult to excite and observe directly but feature analogies to negative refractive index materials, thus enabling model studies of wave propagation inside metamaterials.
A Primary Screening and Applying of Plant Volatiles as Repellents to Control Whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) on Tomato
Authors: Du Wenxiao , Han Xiaoqing , Wang Yubo , Qin Yuchuan
Published: February 2016

With the goal of finding a new way to reduce population densities of Bemisia tabaci biotype Q in greenhouses, seven repellent volatile chemicals and their combinations were screened. The mixture of DLCO (D-limonene, citral and olive oil (63:7:30)) had a better cost performance(SC50 = 22.59 mg/ml)to repel whiteflies from settling than the other mixtures or single chemicals. In the greenhouse, in both the choice test and the no-choice tests, the number of adult whiteflies that settled on 1% DLCO-treated tomato plants was significantly lower than those settling on the control plants for the different exposure periods (P < 0.01). In the choice test, the egg amount on the treated tomato plants was significantly lower (P < 0.01) than that on the control plants, but there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between the number of eggs on treated and control plants in the no-choice test. Compared with the controls, 1% DLCO did not cause significantly statistic mortality rates (P > 0.05) out of different living stages of B. tabaci. The tests for evaluating the repellent efficacy, showed that a slow-releasing bottle containing the mixture had a period of efficacy of 29 days, and the application of this mixture plus a yellow board used as a push-pull strategy in the greenhouse was also effective.
Dilute-As AlNAs Alloy for Deep-Ultraviolet Emitter
Authors: Tan Chee-Keong , Borovac Damir , Sun Wei , Tansu Nelson
Published: February 2016

The band structures of dilute-As AlNAs alloys with As composition ranging from 0% up to 12.5% are studied by using First-Principle Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculation. The energy band gap shows remarkable reduction from 6.19 eV to 3.87 eV with small amount of As content in the AlNAs alloy, which covers the deep ultraviolet (UV) spectral regime. A giant bowing parameter of 30.5 eV ± 0.5 eV for AlNAs alloy is obtained. In addition, our analysis shows that the crossover between crystal field split-off (CH) band and heavy hole (HH) bands occurs in the dilute-As AlNAs alloy with As-content of ~1.5%. This result implies the possibility of dominant transverse electric (TE)-polarized emission by using AlNAs alloy with dilute amount of As-content. Our findings indicate the potential of dilute-As AlNAs alloy as the new active region material for TE-polarized III-Nitride-based deep UV light emitters.
Sustained release of active chemotherapeutics from injectable-solid β-hairpin peptide hydrogel
Authors: Sun Jessie E. P. , Stewart Brandon , Litan Alisa , Lee Seung Joon , Schneider Joel P. , Langhans Sigrid A. , Pochan Darrin J.
Published: February 2016

MAX8 β-hairpin peptide hydrogel is a solid, preformed gel that can be syringe injected due to shear-thinning properties and can recover solid gel properties immediately after injection.
Sol–gel preparation of low oxygen content, high surface area silicon nitride and imidonitride materials
Authors: Sardar Kripasindhu , Bounds Richard , Carravetta Marina , Cutts Geoffrey , Hargreaves Justin S. J. , Hector Andrew L. , Hriljac Joseph A. , Levason William , Wilson Felix
Published: February 2016

Low oxygen silicon imidonitride samples are produced from Si(NHMe)4 and NH3 with NH4OTf catalyst and structurally characterised.
Capture and immobilisation of iodine (I2) utilising polymer-based ZIF-8 nanocomposite membranes
Authors: Mahdi E. M. , Chaudhuri Abhijeet K. , Tan Jin-Chong
Published: February 2016

Polymer nanocomposites made up of nanoporous metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are fast becoming a staple of next generation hybrid composites, and are currently being intensely developed for gas capture and separation.
Biointeractions of ultrasmall glutathione-coated gold nanoparticles: effect of small size variations
Authors: Sousa Alioscka A. , Hassan Sergio A. , Knittel Luiza L. , Balbo Andrea , Aronova Maria A. , Brown Patrick H. , Schuck Peter , Leapman Richard D.
Published: February 2016

Small size differences can affect the colloidal stability of ultrasmall AuNPs, underscoring the importance of particle uniformity in nanomedicine.
An iron porphyrin-based conjugated network wrapped around carbon nanotubes as a noble-metal-free electrocatalyst for efficient oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Jia Hongxing , Sun Zijun , Jiang Daochuan , Yang Shangfeng , Du Pingwu
Published: February 2016

This study reported the first system of Fe-porphyrin conjugated network on carbon nanotubes for ORR, which exhibited excellent performance with high catalytic activity, robust stability, and good methanol tolerance.
Self-assembled graphene coupled hollow-structured γ-Fe2O3 spheres with crystal of transition for enhanced supercapacitors
Authors: Liu Yilin , Liu Fan , Chen Yanwei , Jiang Jianzhong , Ai Yani , Han Sheng , Lin Hualin
Published: February 2016

Self-assembled hollow-structured γ-Fe2O3/graphene spheres were synthesized using a simple hydrothermal method combined with an easy annealing route.
Ag doped Bi2O2.33 microrods: photocatalytic activity investigation
Authors: Wang Xiaojuan , Zhu Alei , Li Zhiyi , Liu Zhijun
Published: February 2016

This paper presents the research of synthesized Ag doped Bi2O2.33 sheets by a facile method, and the investigation of the products photocatalytic ability.
Topology and porosity modulation of polyurea films using interfacial polymerization
Authors: DSouza Roshan , Sriramulu Deepa , Valiyaveettil Suresh
Published: February 2016

Polyurea films with controllable topologies and porosities were obtained by reacting different amines with hexamethyl diisocyanate at the liquid–liquid interface.
Intelligent semi-IPN chitosan–PEG–PAAm hydrogel for closed-loop insulin delivery and kinetic modeling
Authors: Farahani Bahman Vasheghani , Ghasemzaheh Hossein , Afraz Shiravan
Published: February 2016

Design of an intelligent semi-IPN chitosan–PEG–PAAm hydrogel using glucose oxidase (GOx) and catalase (CAT) to improve closed-loop insulin delivery systems.
Hierarchically porous Fe3O4/C nanocomposite microspheres via a CO2 bubble-templated hydrothermal approach as high-rate and high-capacity anode materials for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Ding Chuan , Zeng Yanwei , Cao Liangliang , Zhao Longfei , Zhang Yuan
Published: February 2016

Hierarchically porous Fe3O4/C microspheres, with complex microstructures and excellent electrochemical performances as anode materials in LIBs, have been successfully prepared thanks to the self-aggregation of CO2 nano-bubbles confined by PVP and Fe(OH)3 nanoparticles decorated by citrate groups via the molecular chain entanglements during the condensation and carbonization of glucose.
Development of a multi-residue method for 58 pesticides in soil using QuEChERS and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Yu Yong , Liu Xiaowei , He Zeying , Wang Lu , Luo Ming , Peng Yi , Zhou Qiwen
Published: February 2016

This study develops a method for simultaneous determination of 58 pesticides in soil including those from organochlorine, organophosphorus, pyrethroid, carbamate and triazole classes and others commonly used in agricultural practice.
Ion pair complexes and anion binding in the solution of a ditopic receptor
Authors: Mäkelä T. , Rissanen K.
Published: February 2016

A comprehensive solid-state and solution study of a ditopic benzo-15-crown-5 bis-urea receptor L toward alkali halides has been presented.
Room temperature synthesis of poly(poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate)-based diblock copolymer nano-objects via Photoinitiated Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly (Photo-PISA)
Authors: Tan Jianbo , Bai Yuhao , Zhang Xuechao , Zhang Li
Published: February 2016

A remarkably diverse set of complex polymer nanoparticle morphologies have been prepared by photoinitiated polymerization-induced self-assembly (photo-PISA) at room temperature.
Transport of microorganisms into cellulose nanofiber mats
Authors: Rieger K. A. , Thyagarajan R. , Hoen M. E. , Yeung H. F. , Ford D. M. , Schiffman J. D.
Published: February 2016

Electrospun cellulose nanofiber mat “sponges” are a green platform technology that has the potential to remove detrimental microorganisms from wounds, trap bacteria within a protective military textile, or remediate contaminated water.
Precipitation polymerization: a versatile tool for preparing molecularly imprinted polymer beads for chromatography applications
Authors: Pardeshi Sushma , Singh Sunit Kumar
Published: February 2016

Minireview on recent advances of application of MIPs prepared by precipitation polymerization for recognition of target analytes in complex matrices.
Hydrous amorphous RuO2 nanoparticles supported on reduced graphene oxide for non-aqueous Li–O2 batteries
Authors: Wu Mihye , Jo Ju Young , Kim Seon Joon , Kang Yongku , Jung Hee-Tae , Jung Ha-Kyun
Published: February 2016

A composite of hydrous amorphous RuO2 nanoparticles as a catalyst, and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) as a catalyst support were combined and developed as a cathode material for non-aqueous Li–O2 batteries for the first time.
Non-cyclic formylated dipyrromethanes as phosphate anion receptors
Authors: Deliomeroglu Murat K. , Lynch Vincent M. , Sessler Jonathan L.
Published: February 2016

Tetrakis- andhexakis(1H-pyrrole-2-carbaldehyde) anion receptors are described that undergo conformational reorganization in order to accommodate the dihydrogenphosphate and pyrophosphate anions.
Nanogel-electrospinning for controlling the release of water-soluble drugs
Authors: Zhou Pinghui , Zhou Li , Zhu Caihong , Guo Qianping , Pan Guoqing , Yang Huilin , Cui Wenguo , Li Bin
Published: February 2016

A novel nanogel-electrospinning technology was developed for achieving more stable loading and prolonged release of water-soluble drugs in electrospun fibrous scaffolds.
Correction: A possible new mechanism and drug intervention for kidney damage due to arsenic poisoning in rats
Authors: Xu Yu-yan , Zeng Qi-bing , Yao Mao-lin , Yu Chun , Li Jun , Zhang Ai-hua
Published: February 2016

Correction for ‘A possible new mechanism and drug intervention for kidney damage due to arsenic poisoning in rats’ by Yu-yan Xu, et al., Toxicol. Res., 2016, DOI: 10.1039/c5tx00165j.
Signal and artificial noise beamforming for secure simultaneous wireless information and power transfer multiple‐input multiple‐output relaying systems
Authors: Zhang Guangchi , Li Xueyi , Cui Miao , Li Guangping , Yang Liang
Published: February 2016

Simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) is a potential technique to solve the energy scarcity problem in wireless communication networks. Information transmission security is one of the key issues to be addressed in SWIPT. In this study, the authors consider guaranteeing the information transmission security of a multiple‐input multiple‐output non‐regenerative relay system with SWIPT in the physical layer by designing source and relay beamforming to maximise the security rate of the system. The problem is to design the source signal and artificial noise (AN) beamforming and the relay forwarding beamforming jointly, which is highly non‐convex. They first propose an alternating optimisation‐based algorithm, which designs the beamforming matrices at the source and relay separately and alternately. Next, they propose a joint design algorithm which designs the source signal and AN beamforming and the relay beamforming together. Finally, they propose a non‐iterative design algorithm with low complexity. The performances of the proposed design algorithms have been verified by computer simulations.
Radio‐frequency performance comparison of several H‐plane rectangular waveguide filters loaded with circular dielectric posts
Authors: Bachiller Carmen , Esteban Héctor , Díaz Fernando , Morro José Vicente , Boria Vicente E.
Published: February 2016

The study presents a radio‐frequency performance comparison between several H‐plane geometry filters based on rectangular waveguide technology. The basic all‐metal filter of resonant cavities is compared with filters loaded with circular dielectric resonators, either in propagative or evanescent mode. The use of these resonators is claimed to reduce the length of the filter, increase the rejection band until the first spurious frequency and to improve the voltage magnification factor (VMF), at the cost of increasing the losses. Therefore, in order to properly assess and quantify the possible advantages of these filters, an accurate analysis of six of them has been developed. All the filters have been designed to have the same electrical response, and the length, losses, rejection band, VMF, and fabrication cost for all the filters are compared.
Balanced quad‐band diplexer with wide common‐mode suppression and high differential‐mode isolation
Authors: Lee Ching‐Her , Hsu Chung‐I Gavin , Wu Shang‐Xing , Wen Pi‐Hung
Published: February 2016

A balanced quad‐band diplexer is proposed with wide common‐mode (CM) suppression and high differential‐mode (DM) isolation in this study. The six‐port balanced diplexer was formed by combining two dual‐band bandpass filters operating at 1.92/5.25 and 2.45/5.8 GHz through two stepped‐impedance resonator (SIR) inserted T‐junctions. By carefully designing the section length of the T‐junction and the SIR length from its open‐end to the joint‐point with the T‐junction, high isolation between diplexer channels can be attained. A prototype of the proposed balanced quad‐band diplexer was implemented and measured with a DM isolation of higher than 51.8 dB and a CM suppression of larger than 47.9 dB in the four DM passbands. Good agreement was observed between the simulated and the measured results.
Spontaneous Basilar Artery Dissection: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Araújo Marx , Vale Benjamim , Macêdo Lívio , Vale João , Gonçalves Júnior Paulo
Published: February 2016

Spontaneous basilar artery dissection is a rare condition and a diagnostic challenge with a high potential for morbidity and mortality if untreated. It has an estimated incidence of 1 to 1.5 cases per 100,000 people. Few cases have been described in the literature up to the present day. The clinical outcomes, prognosis and treatment remain uncertain. The authors report the rare case of a 55-year-old female patient who presented to the Interventional Neuroradiology service at Hospital São Marcos, Teresina, in the state of Piauí, Brazil, with a history of severe headache located in the occipital region and in the nape with no improvement using common analgesics. A magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed a saccular dilatation in the basilar artery, and a digital cerebral angiography showed a basilar artery dissection associated with a dissecting aneurysm.
Prevalence, Diagnosis, Perioperative Monitoring and Treatment of Right Ventricular Dysfunction and/or Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Cardiac Surgical Patients in Germany—A Postal Survey
Authors: Schön Julika , Pliet Teresa , Haake Nils , Reinecke Alexander , Habicher Marit , Sander Michael , Markewitz Andreas , Reuter Daniel , Groesdonk Heinrich , Trummer Georg , Pilarzyk Kevin , von der Brelie Michael , Bein Berthold , Schirmer Uwe , Heringlake Matthias
Published: February 2016

Background Sparse data are available on the prevalence of right ventricular dysfunction and/or pulmonary arterial hypertension in patients scheduled for cardiac surgery in Germany as well as on the intensity and modalities used for diagnosis, perioperative monitoring, and treatment of these comorbidities.

Methods A postal survey including questions on the prevalence of preoperative right ventricular dysfunction and/or pulmonary arterial hypertension in patients undergoing cardiac surgery in 2009 was sent to 81 German heart centers. Total 47 of 81 (58%) heart centers returned the questionnaires. The centers reported data on 51,095 patients, and 49.8% of the procedures were isolated coronary artery bypass grafting.

Results Data on the prevalence of preoperative pulmonary hypertension and/or right ventricular dysfunction were not available in 54% and 64.6% of centers. In the remaining hospitals, 19.5% of patients presented right heart dysfunction and 10% pulmonary arterial hypertension. Preoperative echocardiography was performed in only 45.3% of the coronary artery bypass grafting cases. Preoperative pharmacologic treatment of pulmonary hypertension or right ventricular dysfunction with oral sildenafil, inhaled prostanoids, or nitric oxide was initiated in 71% and 95.7% of the centers, respectively. Intra- and postoperative treatment was most frequently accomplished with phosphodiesterase-III inhibitors.

Conclusion The prevalence of preoperative right heart dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension in cardiac surgical patients in Germany seems to be substantial. However, in more than 50% of the patients, no preoperative data on right ventricular function and pulmonary arterial pressure are available. This may lead to underestimation of perioperative risk and inappropriate management of this high-risk population.
Blunt Cerebrovascular Injury in Cervical Spine Fractures: Are More-Liberal Screening Criteria Warranted?
Authors: Grabowski Gregory , Robertson Ryan N. , Barton Blair M. , Cairns Mark A. , Webb Sharon W.
Published: February 2016

Study Design

Retrospective comparative study.

Objective

To compare strict Biffl criteria to more-liberal criteria for computed tomography angiography (CTA) when screening for blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI).

Methods

All CTAs performed for blunt injury between 2009 and 2011 at our institution were reviewed. All patients with cervical spine fractures who were evaluated with CTA were included; patients with penetrating trauma and atraumatic reasons for imaging were excluded. We then categorized the patients’ fractures based on the indications for CTA as either within or outside Biffl criteria. For included subjects, the percentage of studies ordered for loose versus strict Biffl criteria and the resulting incidences of BCVI were determined.

Results

During our study period, 1,000 CTAs were performed, of which 251 met inclusion criteria. Of the injuries, 192 met Biffl criteria (76%). Forty-nine were found to have BCVIs (19.5%). Forty-one injuries were related to fractures meeting Biffl criteria (21.4%), and 8 were related to fractures not meeting those criteria (13.6%). The relative risk of a patient with a Biffl criteria cervical spine injury having a vascular injury compared with those imaged outside of Biffl criteria was 1.57 ( p = 0.19).

Conclusions

Our data demonstrates that although cervical spine injuries identified by the Biffl criteria trend toward a higher likelihood of concomitant BCVI (21.4%), a significant incidence of 13.6% also exists within the non-Biffl fracture cohort. As a result, a more-liberal screening than proposed by Biffl may be warranted.
Thermoelectric properties of zinc based pnictide semiconductors
Authors: Sreeparvathy P. C. , Kanchana V. , Vaitheeswaran G.
Published: February 2016

We report a detailed first principles density functional calculations to understand the electronic structure and transport properties of Zn-based pnictides ZnXPn2 (X: Si, Ge, and Sn; Pn: P and As) and ZnSiSb2. The electronic properties calculated using Tran-Blaha modified Becke-Johnson functional reveals the semi-conducting nature, and the resulting band gaps are in good agreement with experimental and other theoretical reports. We find a mixture of heavy and light bands in the band structure which is an advantage for good thermoelectric (TE) properties. The calculated transport properties unveils the favour p-type conduction in ZnXP2 (X: Si, Ge, and Sn) and n-type conduction in ZnGeP2 and ZnSiAs2. Comparison of transport properties of Zn-based pnictides with the prototype chalcopyrite thermoelectric materials implies that the thermopower values of the investigated compounds to be higher when compared with the prototype chalcopyrite thermoelectric materials, together with the comparable values for electrical conductivity scaled by relaxation time. In addition to this, Zn-based pnictides are found to possess higher thermopower than well known traditional TE materials at room temperature and above which motivates further research in these compounds.
High-field domains in CdS adjacent to a junction of p-type solar cells
Authors: Böer Karl W.
Published: February 2016

A thin cover layer (150 Å preferred) of copper-doped CdS, when applied on top of any p-type solar cell, can connect this cell directly to an electron-blocking electrode without a pn-junction and increases the open circuit voltage close to its theoretical value; in the example of a CdS/CdTe cell, it increases Voc to its extrapolated value at T = 0 K of the band gap of 1.45 eV. This is caused by a high-field domain that is attached to the junction and limits the field to below tunneling to prevent junction leakage and connects to the CdS that has turned p-type. The large Debye length exceeding the thickness of the CdS forces a direct connection to the electron-blocking cathode with holes tunneling into the metal. The difference of junction-attached high-field domains to the electrode-attached domains, which were described earlier, are given and the consequences are delineated by increasing the conversion efficiency from 8% to 16% in CdTe, while also causing some series resistance limitation. The effect of the added CdS layer is discussed by drawing a to-scale model of the CdS/CdTe solar cell from all experimentally available data and the assumption of the continuity of the hole current. A small jump of the valence band downward is caused by interface recombination. The assistance of high-field domains in CdS is also exemplified by the results of an extremely simple production procedure of the CdS/Cu2S solar cells.
A continuous glucose monitoring device by graphene modified electrochemical sensor in microfluidic system
Authors: Pu Zhihua , Zou Chongwei , Wang Ridong , Lai Xiaochen , Yu Haixia , Xu Kexin , Li Dachao
Published: February 2016

This paper presents a continuous glucose monitoring microsystem consisting of a three-electrode electrochemical sensor integrated into a microfluidic chip. The microfluidic chip, which was used to transdermally extract and collect subcutaneous interstitial fluid, was fabricated from five polydimethylsiloxane layers using micromolding techniques. The electrochemical sensor was integrated into the chip for continuous detection of glucose. Specifically, a single-layer graphene and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were decorated onto the working electrode (WE) of the sensor to construct a composite nanostructured surface and improve the resolution of the glucose measurements. Graphene was transferred onto the WE surface to improve the electroactive nature of the electrode to enable measurements of low levels of glucose. The AuNPs were directly electrodeposited onto the graphene layer to improve the electron transfer rate from the activity center of the enzyme to the electrode to enhance the sensitivity of the sensor. Glucose oxidase (GOx) was immobilized onto the composite nanostructured surface to specifically detect glucose. The factors required for AuNPs deposition and GOx immobilization were also investigated, and the optimized parameters were obtained. The experimental results displayed that the proposed sensor could precisely measure glucose in the linear range from 0 to 162 mg/dl with a detection limit of 1.44 mg/dl (S/N = 3). The proposed sensor exhibited the potential to detect hypoglycemia which is still a major challenge for continuous glucose monitoring in clinics. Unlike implantable glucose sensors, the wearable device enabled external continuous monitoring of glucose without interference from foreign body reaction and bioelectricity.
A flexible device for ocular iontophoretic drug delivery
Authors: Zhang Yushi , Chen Yao , Yu Xiaoxue , Qi Yangjia , Chen Yufeng , Liu Yuxi , Hu Yuntao , Li Zhihong
Published: February 2016

In this work, a flexible ocular iontophoretic device, which can be fabricated by batch processing, is reported. In vivo experiments were conducted on rabbit eyes, and the results demonstrated this device could realize ocular iontophoresis effectively, simply, and conveniently. Compared to conventional eye cups, it can be placed under the eyelid and can deliver ions through a small area on the eyeball, reducing tissue damage caused by the drug during ion penetration. Owing to the flexibility of the device, the device can be easily seated under the eyelid stably during iontophoresis. Manganese ions as a tracer for detection of optic nerve damage were delivered into rabbit eyes by this iontophoretic device. Under 1 mA for 600 s, the average Mn2+ concentration in the eye ball after iontophoresis was 102 ng/ml, while the one in the control group was 23 ng/ml. Using 2 mA for 600 s, the average concentration was 271 ng/ml, while it was 38 ng/ml in the control group. Thermal injury during iontophoresis was not observed under an applied current of no more than 2 mA for no longer than 10 min, with the local temperature less than 38 °C, measured by an infrared thermal imager.
Room temperature weak ferromagnetism in Sn1−xMnxSe2 2D films grown by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Dong Sining , Liu Xinyu , Li Xiang , Kanzyuba Vasily , Yoo Taehee , Rouvimov Sergei , Vishwanath Suresh , Xing Huili G. , Jena Debdeep , Dobrowolska Margaret , Furdyna Jacek K.
Published: February 2016

We discuss growth and magnetic properties of high-quality two dimensional (2D) Sn1−xMnxSe2 films. Thin films of this 2D ternary alloy with a wide range of Mn concentrations were successfully grown by molecular beam epitaxy. Mn concentrations up to x ≈ 0.60 were achieved without destroying the crystal structure of the parent SnSe2 2D system. Most important, the specimens show clear weak ferromagnetic behavior above room temperature, which should be of interest for 2D spintronic applications.
Quantitative analysis of the chemotaxis of a green alga, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, to bicarbonate using diffusion-based microfluidic device
Authors: Choi Hong Il , Kim Jaoon Young Hwan , Kwak Ho Seok , Sung Young Joon , Sim Sang Jun
Published: February 2016

There is a growing interest in the photosynthetic carbon fixation by microalgae for the production of valuable products from carbon dioxide (CO2). Microalgae are capable of transporting bicarbonate (HCO3−), the most abundant form of inorganic carbon species in the water, as a source of CO2 for photosynthesis. Despite the importance of HCO3− as the carbon source, little is known about the chemotactic response of microalgae to HCO3−. Here, we showed the chemotaxis of a model alga, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, towards HCO3− using an agarose gel-based microfluidic device with a flow-free and stable chemical gradient during the entire assay period. The device was validated by analyzing the chemotactic responses of C. reinhardtii to the previously known chemoattractants (NH4Cl and CoCl2) and chemotactically neutral molecule (NaCl). We found that C. reinhardtii exhibited the strongest chemotactic response to bicarbonate at the concentration of 26 mM in a microfluidic device. The chemotactic response to bicarbonate showed a circadian rhythm with a peak during the dark period and a valley during the light period. We also observed the changes in the chemotaxis to bicarbonate by an inhibitor of bicarbonate transporters and a mutation in CIA5, a transcriptional regulator of carbon concentrating mechanism, indicating the relationship between chemotaxis to bicarbonate and inorganic carbon metabolism in C. reinhardtii. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the chemotaxis of C. reinhardtii towards HCO3−, which contributes to the understanding of the physiological role of the chemotaxis to bicarbonate and its relevance to inorganic carbon utilization.
Tunable optical activity in three-level nonchiral terahertz nanostructures under symmetrical incidence
Authors: Guo Shifang
Published: February 2016

We develop a theory of original quantum mechanism for finding strong optical activity quantum optical system in three-level non-chiral nanostructures, where symmetrical incidence (the propagation of the incident light is vertical to the plane of nanostructures) is considered. The theory is validated via both analytical and numerical analysis of specifically designed non-chiral coupled quantum dots models. In particular, by proper designing of the incidence, tunable terahertz wave polarized even in the opposite direction of the incidence is obtained. The effect could be explored for developing novel highly efficient terahertz polarization rotator and modulators, and may lead to the appearance of a new class of negative index terahertz nanostructures.
Study of dual color infrared photodetection from n-GaSb/n-InAsSb heterostructures
Authors: Tong Jinchao , Xie Yiyang , Xu Zhengji , Qiu Shupeng , Ni Peinan , Tobing Landobasa Y. M. , Zhang Dao-Hua
Published: February 2016

We report detailed investigation of n-GaSb/n-InAsSb heterostructure photodetectors for infrared photodetection at different temperatures and biases. Our results show that the heterostructure photodetectors are capable of dual color photodetections at a fixed forward bias with its highest responsivity occurred at room temperature; With the decrease of the forward bias, a turning point, at which the photocurrent changes its direction, exist and the corresponding voltage values increases with the decrease of temperature; At all reverse biases, the photocurrents flow in the same direction but the maximum current occurs at about 205 K. A new model is proposed, which can well explain all the observations.
On the Ising character of the quantum-phase transition in LiHoF4
Authors: Skomski R.
Published: February 2016

It is investigated how a transverse magnetic field affects the quantum-mechanical character of LiHoF4, a system generally considered as a textbook example for an Ising-like quantum-phase transition. In small magnetic fields, the low-temperature behavior of the ions is Ising-like, involving the nearly degenerate low-lying Jz = ±  8 doublet. However, as the transverse field increases, there is a substantial admixture of states having |Jz| < 8. Near the quantum-phase-transition field, the system is distinctively non-Ising like, and all Jz eigenstates yield ground-state contributions of comparable magnitude. A classical analog to this mechanism is the micromagnetic single point in magnets with uniaxial anisotropy. Since Ho3+ has J = 8, the ion’s behavior is reminiscent of the classical limit (J = ∞), but quantum corrections remain clearly visible.
Effect of flake thickness on coercivity of nanocrystalline SmCo5 bulk prepared from anisotropic nanoflake powder
Authors: Shen Y. , Leontsev S. , Sheets A. O. , Horwath J. C. , Turgut Z.
Published: February 2016

In this study, nanocrystalline SmCo5 bulk magnets were prepared by hot-pressing of nanoflake powders fabricated via surfactant-assisted high energy ball milling. Effect of the flake thickness on magnetic coercivity of the SmCo5 bulk was investigated. Anisotropic SmCo5 nanoflakes with thickness between 100 and 1000 nm were prepared by varying the milling parameter of ball-to-powder weight ratio. XRD analysis revealed that as-milled flake powders possessed nanocrystalline grains with no observable oxide peaks. The coercivity of the flake powders varied between 19.9 and 21.3 kOe for 1000 nm to 100 nm thick flakes, which indicated that the flake thickness in this range had no obvious effect on the coercivity of the powders. However, the coercivity of the bulks showed a strong dependence on the flake thickness. The bulk coercivity value of 10.97 kOe corresponding to the flake thickness of 100 nm, was 80% higher compared to the bulk prepared with the flakes of 1000 nm. XRD results on compacted samples did not show any grain growth, however, Sm2O3 and free Co were detected in SmCo5 bulks and their content increased with reduced flake thickness. Interestingly enough the bulk coercivity was not deteriorated with the presence of Sm oxide and Co.
Ethnolinguistic and Gender Aspects of Latino Naming in Chicago: Exploring Regional Variation
Authors: Parada Maryann
Published: February 2016

The naming behavior of ethnolinguistic minorities in the US can provide insight into a group’s cultural stances, language ideologies, and even language planning efforts. This study examines the names of Latinos in Chicago, with a particular focus on those born by the second generation. Building on previous studies of Latino immigrant naming practices in Texas and Los Angeles, a comparative analysis of the ethnolinguistic and gender-related patterns of a corpus of 386 names is performed. Results show a general alignment of name type preferences across Latino communities but suggest there may be site-specific trends in the popularity of individual names. In terms of gender divergence in assimilative naming, an additional perspective is provided to complement previous conflicting findings.
Residual stress of as-deposited and rolled wire+arc additive manufacturing Ti–6Al–4V components
Authors: Martina F. , Roy M. J. , Szost B. A. , Terzi S. , Colegrove P. A. , Williams S. W. , Withers P. J. , Meyer J. , Hofmann M.
Published: February 2016

Wire + arc additive manufacturing components contain significant residual stresses, which manifest in distortion. High-pressure rolling was applied to each layer of a linear Ti–6Al–4V wire + arc additive manufacturing component in between deposition passes. In rolled specimens, out-of-plane distortion was more than halved; a change in the deposits’ geometry due to plastic deformation was observed and process repeatability was increased. The Contour method of residual stresses measurements showed that although the specimens still exhibited tensile stresses (up to 500 MPa), their magnitude was reduced by 60%, particularly at the interface between deposit and substrate. The results were validated with neutron diffraction measurements, which were in good agreement away from the baseplate.

This paper is part of a Themed Issue on Measurement, modelling and mitigation of residual stress.
Impact of Initial Ventilatory Strategy in Hematological Patients With Acute Respiratory Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis*
Authors: Amado-Rodríguez Laura , Bernal Teresa , López-Alonso Inés , Blázquez-Prieto Jorge , García-Prieto Emilio , Albaiceta Guillermo M.
Published: February 2016

Objective:

Acute respiratory failure in hematological patients is related to a high mortality. Noninvasive mechanical ventilation may benefit a subset of these patients, but the overall effect on mortality and the risks derived from its failure are unclear. Our objective was to review the impact of initial ventilatory strategy on mortality and the risks related to noninvasive mechanical ventilation failure in this group of patients.

Data Sources:

Data sources, including PubMed and conference proceedings, were searched from the year 2000 to January 2015.

Study Selection:

We selected studies reporting mortality and the need for mechanical ventilation in hematological patients with acute respiratory failure.

Data Extraction:

Two trained reviewers independently conducted study selection, abstracted data, and assessed the risk of bias. Discrepancies between reviewers were resolved through discussion and consensus. The outcomes explored were all-cause mortality after mechanical ventilation and incidence of noninvasive mechanical ventilation failure.

Data Synthesis:

A random-effects model was used in all the analysis. Thirteen studies, involving 2,380 patients, were included. Use of noninvasive mechanical ventilation was related to a better outcome than initial intubation (risk ratio, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.65–0.84). Failure of noninvasive mechanical ventilation did not increase the overall risk of death (risk ratio, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.93–1.13). There were signs of publication bias and substantial heterogeneity among the studies. Compensation of this bias by using the trim-and-fill method showed a significant risk of death after noninvasive mechanical ventilation failure (risk ratio, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.00–1.14). Meta-regression analysis showed that the predicted risk of death for the noninvasive mechanical ventilation group acted as a significant moderator, with a higher risk of death after noninvasive mechanical ventilation failure in those studies reporting lower predicted mortality.

Conclusions:

Noninvasive mechanical ventilation is associated with a lower risk of death in hematological patients with respiratory failure. Noninvasive mechanical ventilation failure may worsen the prognosis, mainly in less severe patients.