bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection and Quantitation of Cleaved and Uncleaved High Molecular Weight Kininogen in Plasma by Ligand Blotting with Radiolabeled Plasma Prekallikrein or Factor XI
Authors: Lämmle Bernhard , Zuraw Bruce L , Heeb Mary Jo , Schwarz Hans Peter , Berrettini Mauro , Curd John G , Griffin John H
Published: May 2018

A method for the quantitative assay of native single chain and kallikrein cleaved two-chain high molecular weight (HMW)-kininogen in plasma is described. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) of whole plasma is followed by electrotransfer of the electropherogram to nitrocellulose membranes and detection of the blotted HMW-kininogen with its physiologic ligands, radiolabeled plasma prekallikrein or radiolabeled factor XI. Using unreduced SDS-PAGE cleaved two-chain HMW-kininogen (Mr ∼107,000 and 95,000), is elec-trophoretically separated from uncleaved single chain HMW-kininogen (Mr ∼150,000). Counting the radioactivity of the nitrocellulose pieces corresponding to cleaved HMW-kininogen permits its quantitative measurement by comparison with standards consisting of decreasing amounts of fully dextran sulfate activated normal human plasma. Single chain HMW-kininogen is similarly assayed using reduced SDS-PAGE and unactivated normal human plasma standards.

This technique is highly specific and sensitive to about 50 ng of either cleaved or uncleaved HMW-kininogen. Varying amounts of cleaved HMW-kininogen were found in a small series of plasmas from patients suffering from various inflammatory conditions. Higher levels of in vivo cleaved HMW-kininogen were observed during acute attacks of hereditary angioedema due to Cl-inhibitor deficiency. This technique may be useful for the assessment of the degree of in vitro or in vivo activation of the contact system.
Impairment of Phosphatidylinositol Metabolism in a Patient with a Bleeding Disorder Associated with Defects of Initial Platelet Responses
Authors: Lages Bruce , Weiss Harvey J
Published: May 2018

Phosphoinositide/polyphosphoinositide (PI/PPI) metabolism, measured by the increase of 3H-phosphatidic acid (PA) and the decrease of 3H-phosphatidylinositol (PI) in 3H-arachidonate- labeled platelet suspensions, was assessed in five patients whose platelet functional defects included impaired initial rates of ADP, epinephrine and U44069 aggregation in platelet-rich plasma (PRP). In one patient, 3H-PA formation induced by collagen and thrombin was reduced or absent on two of three occasions, and the decrease in 3H-PI was reduced on one of these two occasions in response to collagen and A23187, and on all 3 occasions in response to thrombin. The variations in the formation of 3H-PA in this patient on different occasions broadly paralleled the variations in the initial rates of ADP and U44069 aggregation and in epinephrine aggregation seen in PRP. No such abnormalities of PI metabolism were found in four other patients with similar, but not identical, functional defects. These results suggest an impairment affecting metabolism of PI/PPI via the PI/PPI cycle in this patient's platelets. The association of abnormalities of PI metabolism with defects of initial platelet responses provides further support for a physiological role of phosphoinositide metabolism in the early activation mechanisms of platelets.
Prostacyclin Release in the Coronary Circulation During Sustained Stimulation in In Vitro and in In Vivo Experimental Systems
Authors: Prosdocimi M , Finesso M , Banzatto N , Zanetti A , de Gaetano G , Dejana E
Published: May 2018

Prostacyclin release from rat isolated perfused hearts and from dog coronary circulation was studied by measuring immunoreac- tive 6-keto-PGFlalpha (6-keto-PGFla) in heart perfusate and in plasma obtained from the great cardiac vein respectively.
Management of Pregnancy in Women with Antithrombin III Congenital Defect: Report of Four Cases
Authors: De Stefano V , Leone G , De Carolis S , Ferrelli R , Di Donfrancesco A , Moneta E , Bizzi B
Published: May 2018

Four pregnant women with antithrombin III congenital deficiency underwent thrombosis prophylaxis including oral antico–agulants administered from the 16–18th week to the 36–37th week of pregnancy, subcutaneous heparin before the 16–18th week and after the 36–37th week, and a single infusion of AT III concentrate in the peripartum period in order to obtain a minimal level of 0.8 U/ml of AT III functional activity. The level of circulating AT III after the concentrate infusion needs to be evaluated by functional methods, because of a consistent amount in the concentrates of inactive AT III immunoreactive material. No thrombotic or haemorrhagic complication occurred after starting prophylaxis in any woman either in any newborn.
Organic Nitrates: Direct Antiplatelet Effects and Synergism with Prostacyclin
Authors: De Caterina Raffaele , Giannessi Daniela , Bernini Walter , Mazzone Annamaria
Published: May 2018

Isosorbide dinitrate inhibits platelet function in vivo at concentrations about 10 times lower than in vitro (10-7 -10-6 vs. 10-6 -10-5 M). We investigated two possible reasons for this difference. Isosorbide dinitrate and its in vivo longer-lived metabolites, isosorbide-2- and isosorbide-5-mononitrate were incubated for 5 min with human platelet-rich plasma or washed platelets; irreversible aggregation was induced with threshold doses of ADP, adrenaline, collagen, arachidonic acid and thrombin, and thromboxane (TX) B2 production was measured by radioimmunoassay. Moreover, the concentration of exogenous prostacyclin required to inhibit platelet aggregation by 50% (IC50) after preincubation with isosorbide dinitrate or vehicle was determined. At 10-7 M, only isosorbide-2-mononitrate inhibited aggregation (-12%, p >0.05) and TX production (-36%, p >0.01) by ADP. At 10-6 M isosorbide-2-mononitrate inhibited aggregation by adrenaline more than the dinitrate (-41% vs. -25%, p >0.05). In addition, at supra-threshold doses of all the aggregating agents, isosorbide dinitrate decreased IC50 of prostacyclin from 2.7 ± 1.2 to 0.36 ± 0.2 nM. Generation of a platelet-active metabolite and synergism with prostacyclin are new properties of isosorbide dinitrate that may account for antiplatelet effects in vivo.
Phospholipase C from Clostridium Perfringens Induces Human Platelet Aggregation in Plasma
Authors: Barzaghi Giovanna , Cerletti Chiara , Gaetano Giovanni de
Published: May 2018

We studied the aggregating effect of different concentrations of phospholipase C (PLC) (extracted from Clostridium perfringens) on human platelet-rich plasma (PRP). PRP was preincubated with PLC for 3 min at 37° C and the platelet aggregation was followed for 10 min. The threshold aggregating concentration (TAG) of PLC was 3-4 U/ml.

We also studied the potentiation of PLC with other stimuli on platelet aggregation. Potentiating stimuli, such as arachidonic acid (AA), ADP. Platelet Activating Factor (PAF) and U-46619 (a stable analogue of cyclic endoperoxides) were all used at subthreshold concentrations. We also studied the possible inhibitory effect of aspirin, apyrase, TMQ, a prostaglandin endoper- oxide/thromboxane receptor antagonist and BN-52021, a PAF receptor antagonist. Only aspirin and apyrase were able to reduce aggregation induced by PLC alone and PLC + AA and PLC + ADP respectively. TMQ and BN-52021 were inactive. In ex vivo experiments oral aspirin (500 mg) partially inhibited platelet aggregation induced by PLC alone, PLC + AA and PLC + ADP 2 and 24 h after administration. Aspirin 20 mg for 7 days also reduced aggregation induced by PLC + AA.
Epidermal Growth Factor Stimulates Prostacyclin Production by Cultured Human Vascular Endothelial Cells
Authors: Ristimäki Ari , Ylikorkala Olavi , Perheentupa Jaakko , Viinikka Lasse
Published: May 2018

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulated prostacyclin (PGI2) production by cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells, as measured by radioimmunoassay of its stable metabolite 6-keto- prostaglandin Flα. This effect of EGF was dose-dependent, the lowest stimulatory concentration of EGF was 1.0 ng/ml and 100 ng/ml caused a 2.7 ± 0.3 (mean ± SEM) fold increase in the PGI2 synthesis. The stimulation appeared at 3-6 h of incubation and lasted at least 24 h. It was suppressed by EGF antibodies and blocked by protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide. Cells preincubated 12 h with EGF released also higher amounts of PGI2when incubated with thrombin for 5 min. It is concluded that EGF liberated from platelets during aggregation may prevent local thrombogenesis and atherogenesis by stimulating the release of the antiaggregatory, vasodilatory PGI2 from vascular endothelial cells.
Desmopressin Stimulates Parallel Norepinephrine and Tissue Plasminogen Activator Release in Normal Subjects and Patients with Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Grant M B , Guay C , Lottenberg R
Published: May 2018

Desmopressin acetate administration markedly stimulates release of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) from vascular endothelial cells. The mechanism for this effect is unknown. Because infusion of epinephrine has been shown to increase t-PA levels, we examined the role of endogenous catecholamine mediation of t-PA release by desmopressin. Intravenous desmopressin acetate (0.3 μg/kg) was infused over 30 min in 9 controls and 11 subjects with diabetes mellitus, a condition associated with abnormalities of the fibrinolytic system. Plasma was collected in the supine, overnight fasted state at 15 min intervals (0-60 min) for measurement of t-PA activity, t-PA antigen and fractionated catecholamines. t-PA activity peaked at 30-45 min and subsequently decreased. The norepinephrine levels paralleled the t-PA activity. t-PA activity increased 10-fold from 0.14 ± .12 to 1.49 ± 0.79 IU/ml (Mean ± SD) and plasma norepinephrine increased 2- fold from 426 ± 90 to 780 ± 292 pg/ml. However, epinephrine and dopamine levels did not change significantly. The response to desmopressin of control and diabetic subjects was not shown to differ and their data were combined. We conclude that desmopressin increases plasma norepinephrine in addition to t-PA and that the parallel time course of change suggests a possible role for norepinephrine in mediating endothelial cell t-PA release.
Expression of Fibrinogen on the Surface of ADP-Stimulated Platelets: Comparison of Human and Rabbit Platelets
Authors: Harfenist Elizabeth J , Packham Marian A , Mustard Fraser J
Published: May 2018

Fibrinogen is a cofactor in the aggregation of human platelets and must be added to suspensions of washed human platelets forextensive aggregation to occur in response to ADR Although thepatterns of fibrinogen binding and dissociation during plateletaggregation and deaggregation are similar for human and rabbitplatelets, washed rabbit platelets aggregate extensively whenstimulated with ADP even in the absence of added fibrinogen. Todetermine whether secreted fibrinogen was present on the surfaceof ADP-stimulated platelets and available to support aggregation, the binding of 125I-F(ab’)2 fragments of anti-fibrinogen antibodiesto formaldehyde-fixed platelets was measured. Although nofibrinogen was detected on human platelets either before or aftertreatment with ADP, fibrinogen was expressed on the surface ofrabbit platelets after stimulation with ADP. However, thissecreted fibrinogen did not dissociate during deaggregation of theplatelets. Thus, the aggregation of rabbit platelets in the absenceof exogeneous fibrinogen may be supported by secreted fibrino-gen, but a fibrinogen-independent component has not beencompletely ruled out.
Bite Force Assessment of Mandibular Interforaminal Fractures Treated with Combination of Microplate and Miniplate—A Randomized Control Study
Authors: Anand D. , Prasad Kavitha , Lalitha RM , Ranganath K. , Rajnikanth BR , Munoyath Sejal K. , Sagar Parimala , Vineeth K. , Sridhar Prathibha
Published: May 2018

The purpose of this study was to compare the mechanical behavior of combination of microplate and miniplate with two standard miniplates for fixation of mandibular fractures in the interforaminal region on the basis of bite force and other clinical parameters. A prospective randomized study was conducted on 20 patients with mandibular fracture requiring open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) who were randomly categorized into Group A and Group B with 10 patients in each group. Ten healthy persons whose age and gender matched with study groups were included in control Group C. Pre- and postoperative bite force was measured at specified intervals in both the study groups and was compared with the control group. The bite force values were comparatively less in Group A than Group B, although there was no statistically significant difference. Also, bite force values were less in both the study groups when compared with the control group. No statistically significant difference was found in other clinical parameters such as infection, fracture mobility, and hardware failure. The results were suggestive that the use of microplate and miniplate combination in management of minimally displaced mandibular fractures in the interforaminal region provides stable fixation comparable to two miniplate combination.
Radiologic Percutaneous Gastrostomy and Other Enteral Feeding Tubes: A Practical Review
Authors: DeYoung Elliot
Published: May 2018

Gastrostomy tubes and other iterations of direct enteral feeding, such as gastrojejunostomy and jejunostomy tubes, offer a safe and effective means for continued nutrition for patients who cannot meet their minimum caloric requirement through oral intake alone. There are numerous methods for placement as well as options for types of tubes to be used. This review will briefly discuss the various options of tubes and techniques, as well as practical information regarding placement and common management issues.
Adding Paracetamol to Ibuprofen for the Treatment of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Preterm Infants: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study
Authors: Mainzer Gur , Borenstein-Levin Liron , Jubran Huda , Dinur Gil , Zucker Meirav , Mor Malka , Khoury Asaad , Kugelman Amir , Hochwald Ori
Published: May 2018

Objective The objective of this study was to compare the closure rate of hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA) of intravenous ibuprofen + paracetamol (acetaminophen) versus ibuprofen + placebo, in preterm infants of 24 to 316/7 weeks postmenstrual age.

Study Design This is a single-center, double-blind, randomized controlled pilot study. Infants were assigned for treatment with either intravenous ibuprofen + paracetamol (n = 12) or ibuprofen + placebo (n = 12).

Results There was no statistical difference in baseline characteristics of the two groups. Echocardiography parameters were comparable before treatment in both groups. There was a trend toward higher hsPDA closure rate in the paracetamol group in comparison to the placebo group (83 vs. 42%, p = 0.08). No adverse effects, clinical or laboratory, were associated with adding paracetamol.

Conclusion Our pilot study was unable to detect a beneficial effect by adding intravenous paracetamol to ibuprofen for the treatment of hsPDA. Larger prospective studies are needed to explore the positive tendency suggested by our results and to assure safety.
Common Peroneal Nerve Grafting to Repair the Tibial Nerve as a Salvage Procedure in the Treatment of Sciatic Nerve Injury with Long-Segment Defects
Authors: Lin Haodong , Chen Desong , Hou Chunlin
Published: May 2018

Background In sciatic nerve neuropathies, when direct nerve repair is impossible due to a large gap, nerve grafting can be performed. However, the diameters of traditional autologous nerve grafts are too small to cover the whole cross-sectional area of the sciatic nerve. The aim of this study is to present the outcome of common peroneal nerve grafting to repair the tibial nerve in eight patients with sciatic nerve injuries, showing long defects of more than 10 cm.

Methods Between 2007 and 2013, the common peroneal nerve was used as an autograft to repair the tibial nerve in eight patients with complete high sciatic nerve injury with long defects. There were 6 men and 2 women with an average age of 31 years (range: 17–44 years). Muscle strength was evaluated using the British Medical Research Council scale. The Semmes–Weinstein monofilament test was used for sensory evaluation.

Results The follow-up time for patients ranged from 36 to 60 months, with an average of 48.75 months. Tibial nerve motor function was “good” or “very good” (M3–M4) in five out of eight patients (55.6%). Plantar flexion was not adequate in the rest of the patients. Sensory recovery was “good” or “very good” (S2–S3) in six patients and “inadequate” (S4) in two patients.

Conclusion In cases where there were extensive gaps in the sciatic nerve, using the common peroneal nerve as an autograft to repair the tibial nerve provides an alternative to traditional nerve graft repair.
Early Seizure Freedom Is a Prognostic Factor for Survival in Patients with West Syndrome
Authors: Catsman-Berrevoets C. , Neuteboom R. , Krijgh E.
Published: May 2018

Introduction West syndrome (WS) is a devastating epileptic encephalopathy with substantial mortality. After a study by Riikonen in 1996, further data on mortality and prognostic factors for survival has been scarce. We aimed to study mortality in patients with WS and identify prognostic factors for survival.

Methods We performed a single-center retrospective study in a tertiary referral clinic (Erasmus University Hospital/Sophia Children's Hospital). This study obtained data from deceased patients regarding the age of death and cause of death. Seizure outcome was assessed at 8 weeks after the start of treatment and at 1 year after the onset of WS. At 1 year of follow-up seizure frequency, number of antiepileptic drugs and seizure type were evaluated.

Results With a mean follow-up of 60 months (range 8–314 months), 162 patients met the inclusion criteria. At 8 weeks and 1 year of follow-up, 64 patients (40%) were seizure free. Overall, 37 patients (23%) died. The cumulative mortality percentage was 31%. Seizure freedom was an independent predictor of survival (p = 0.01).

Conclusion In this study, remission of seizures at 8 weeks of follow-up was significantly associated with reduced mortality in patients with WS.
Living in poverty, living with poverty: the community workers’ conceptions on child poverty in Greece
Authors: Tsironis Christos N. , Almpani Chrysa
Published: May 2018

The recent debt crisis in Greece severely affected the Welfare State, as well as the overall social policy of the country. Families facing severe material deprivation and depending on the local soup kitchens have grown rapidly in number over the past decade. In drawing upon the given risks, this paper explores the church community workers’ and volunteers’ conceptions of poor children’s living conditions. It is worth noting that the volunteers reflect on the situation of the poor beneficiaries as they often are at risk of poverty themselves. The analysis is based on a mixed methods study (Quan–Qual) that was conducted in 2016–2017, and which covered the area of Thessaloniki (northern Greece) with a special focus on the neighborhoods suffering the most from the impacts of recession. The results show how the children living in “new poor” households experience the degradation of their well-being, as perceived by the volunteers, and what the main social services are they are receiving through the church family support. According to our findings, the pressure of the economic crisis broke the traditional welfare networks and left children vulnerable to risks in terms of their cultural, social, biological and psychological development. Furthermore, the results reveal how traditional family support is reaching its limits as the economic crisis gets more complex and prolonged.
Atomic-scale identification of novel planar defect phases in heteroepitaxial YBa2Cu3O7−δ thin films
Authors: Gauquelin Nicolas , Zhang Hao , Zhu Guozhen , Wei John Y. T. , Botton Gianluigi A.
Published: May 2018

We have discovered two novel types of planar defects that appear in heteroepitaxial YBa2Cu3O7−δ (YBCO123) thin films, grown by pulsed-laser deposition (PLD) either with or without a La2/3Ca1/3MnO3 (LCMO) overlayer, using the combination of high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) imaging and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) mapping for unambiguous identification. These planar lattice defects are based on the intergrowth of either a BaO plane between two CuO chains or multiple Y-O layers between two CuO2 planes, resulting in non-stoichiometric layer sequences that could directly impact the high-Tc superconductivity.
Big data analysis for the hydropower development potential of ASEAN-8 based on the hydropower digital planning model
Authors: Hu Yanlong , Jin Xuhao , Guo Yunfeng
Published: May 2018

This paper investigated the current status of hydropower development of ASEAN members and established the hydropower digital planning model, which includes the method for the extraction of the digital drainage network, banded contour line, and stage-storage relation curve based on the secondary development of ESRI ArcGIS 10.2. Then, the theoretical capacity and the hydropower development potential of the main drainages in ASEAN-8 were analyzed based on the proposed hydropower digital planning model. Furthermore, the relative potential electricity markets for the untapped potential sites were analyzed, and the perspective long-term plan for the interregional interconnection among ASEAN-8 members was proposed. Finally, the incentive policies toward foreign investors in ASEAN-8 and the investment environment for China's hydropower enterprises were analyzed. This study shows that Indonesia, Laos, and Myanmar have the richest untapped hydropower resources with the exploitable installed capacity of 61 191 MW, 21 612 MW, and 55 687 MW, respectively. It is found that there is enough electricity market for the untapped hydropower potential sites if the international power exchange could be achieved successfully. This study also indicates that Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, and Myanmar have a more favorable hydropower investment environment for China's hydropower enterprises.
Reduced ion bootstrap current drive on NTM instability
Authors: Qu Hongpeng , Wang Feng , Wang Aike , Peng Xiaodong , Li Jiquan
Published: May 2018

The loss of bootstrap current inside magnetic island plays a dominant role in driving the neoclassical tearing mode (NTM) instability in tokamak plasmas. In this work, we investigate the finite-banana-width (FBW) effect on the profile of ion bootstrap current in the island vicinity via an analytical approach. The results show that even if the pressure gradient vanishes inside the island, the ion bootstrap current can partly survive due to the FBW effect. The efficiency of the FBW effect is higher when the island width becomes smaller. Nevertheless, even when the island width is comparable to the ion FBW, the unperturbed ion bootstrap current inside the island cannot be largely recovered by the FBW effect, and thus the current loss still exists. This suggests that FBW effect alone cannot dramatically reduce the ion bootstrap current drive on NTMs.
Spin-wave-induced lateral temperature gradient in a YIG thin film/GGG system excited in an ESR cavity
Authors: Shigematsu Ei , Ando Yuichiro , Dushenko Sergey , Shinjo Teruya , Shiraishi Masashi
Published: May 2018

The lateral thermal gradient of an yttrium iron garnet (YIG) film under microwave application in the cavity of the electron spin resonance system (ESR) was measured at room temperature by fabricating a Cu/Sb thermocouple onto it. To date, thermal transport in YIG films caused by the Damon-Eshbach mode (DEM)—the unidirectional spin-wave heat conveyer effect—was demonstrated only by the excitation using coplanar waveguides. Here, we show that the effect exists even under YIG excitation using the ESR cavity—a tool often employed to realize spin pumping. The temperature difference observed around the ferromagnetic resonance field under 4 mW microwave power peaked at 13 mK. The observed thermoelectric signal indicates the imbalance of the population between the DEMs that propagate near the top and bottom surfaces of the YIG film. We attribute the DEM population imbalance to different magnetic dampings near the top and bottom YIG surfaces. Additionally, the spin wave dynamics of the system were investigated using the micromagnetic simulations. The micromagnetic simulations confirmed the existence of the DEM imbalance in the system with increased Gilbert damping at one of the YIG interfaces. The reported results are indispensable to the quantitative estimation of the electromotive force in the spin-charge conversion experiments using ESR cavities.
Effects of Zeeman splitting on spin transportation in a three-terminal Rashba ring under a weak magnetic field
Authors: Zhai Li-Xue , Wang Yan , An Zhong
Published: May 2018

Spin-dependent transport in one-dimensional (1D) three-terminal Rashba rings is investigated under a weak magnetic field, and we focus on the Zeeman splitting (ZS) effect. For this purpose, the interaction between the electron spin and the weak magnetic field has been treated by perturbation theory. ZS removes the spin degeneracy, and breaks both the time reversal symmetry and the spin reversal symmetry of the ring system. Consequently, all conductance zeros are lifted and turned into conductance dips. Aharonov-Bohm (AB) oscillations can be found in both branch conductances and the total conductance as a function of the magnetic field. In a relatively high magnetic field, the decoherence caused by ZS decreases the amplitude of the branch conductance and increases that of the total conductance. The results have been compared with those reported in the published literature, and a reasonable agreement is obtained. The conductance as a function of the Rashba spin-orbit coupling (RSOC) strength has also been investigated. As the RSOC strength increases, the role of ZS becomes weaker and weaker; ZS can even be neglected when B ≤ 0.1 T.
Fast photo-induced color changes of Ag particles deposited on single-crystalline TiO2 surface
Authors: Bai Y. J. , Liu W. Z. , Chen A. , Shi L. , Liu X. H. , Zi J.
Published: May 2018

It is well known that surface-plasmon enhanced photo-electrochemical effect or photo-thermal effect of metallic particles on a semiconductor substrate or in a suspension may result in color changes. Such character could be potentially applicable to colorimetric sensors, optical filters, and data storage devices. However, usually the response time for color changes is too long to be practically applied. In this letter, we found that the response rate of color changes could be controlled by the annealing condition of the semiconductor substrate, and changes larger than 10% in spectra were observed after only 1-min exposure to light. Furthermore, such fast response was applied to realize wavelength-dependent “write” and “read” applications with high spatial resolution.
The theoretical study of the ground and excited states properties for F2BO and H2BO free radicals
Authors: Li X. J. , Wang M. S. , Yang C. L. , He D. , Ma X. G.
Published: May 2018

The symmetry-adapted-cluster (SAC)/symmetry-adapted-cluster configuration interaction (SAC-CI) method has been applied to study the ground and low-lying excited states properties of F2BO and H2BO free radicals. The geometry of the ground states for F2BO and H2BO are optimized by SAC method with the different basis sets and the results show that the SAC/D95** and SAC/6-311G(df) levels are in excellent agreement with the available experimental and existing theoretical data. Based on SAC-CI/D95** and SAC-CI/6-311G(df) levels, the vertical excitation energies, transition dipole moments and oscillation strengths of F2BO and H2BO in the low-lying excited states are calculated. Besides, the optimized geometries, adiabatic excitation energies, and rotational constants of low-lying excited states of F2BO and H2BO are also obtained. We hope that the calculated results can provide the useful data for the studies of the excited state properties for F2BO, H2BO, and similar free radicals.
Kinetically controlled indium surface coverage effects on PAMBE-growth of InN/GaN(0001) quantum well structures
Authors: Li Chen , Maidaniuk Yurii , Kuchuk Andrian V. , Shetty Satish , Ghosh Pijush , White Thomas P. , Morgan Timothy Al. , Hu Xian , Wu Yang , Ware Morgan E. , Mazur Yuriy I. , Salamo Gregory J.
Published: May 2018

We report the effects of nitrogen (N) plasma and indium (In) flux on the In adatom adsorption/desorption kinetics on a GaN(0001) surface at the relatively high plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy-growth temperature of 680 °C. We experimentally demonstrate that under an active N flux, the (3×3)R30° surface reconstruction containing In and N quickly appears and the dynamically stable In adlayers sitting on this surface exhibit a continuous change from 0 to 2 MLs as a function of In flux. Compared to the bare GaN 1×1 surface which is stable during In exposure without an active N flux, we observed a much faster desorption for the bottom In adlayer and the absence of an In flux window corresponding to an In coverage of 1 ML. Moreover, when the In coverage exceeds 2 MLs, the desorption rates become identical for both surfaces. Finally, the importance of In surface coverage before GaN capping was shown by growing a series of InN/GaN multiple quantum well samples. The photoluminescence data show that a consistent quantum well structure is only formed if the surface is covered by excess In droplets before GaN capping.
Linear response approach to active Brownian particles in time-varying activity fields
Authors: Merlitz Holger , Vuijk Hidde D. , Brader Joseph , Sharma Abhinav , Sommer Jens-Uwe
Published: May 2018

In a theoretical and simulation study, active Brownian particles (ABPs) in three-dimensional bulk systems are exposed to time-varying sinusoidal activity waves that are running through the system. A linear response (Green-Kubo) formalism is applied to derive fully analytical expressions for the torque-free polarization profiles of non-interacting particles. The activity waves induce fluxes that strongly depend on the particle size and may be employed to de-mix mixtures of ABPs or to drive the particles into selected areas of the system. Three-dimensional Langevin dynamics simulations are carried out to verify the accuracy of the linear response formalism, which is shown to work best when the particles are small (i.e., highly Brownian) or operating at low activity levels.
Influence analysis of fluctuation parameters on flow stability based on uncertainty method
Authors: Meng Tao , Fan Shangchun , Wang Chi , Shi Huichao
Published: May 2018

The relationship between flow fluctuation and pressure in a flow facility is studied theoretically and experimentally in this paper, and a method for measuring the flow fluctuation is proposed. According to the synchronicity of pressure and flow fluctuation, the amplitude of the flow fluctuation is calculated using the pressure measured in the flow facility and measurement of the flow fluctuation in a wide range of frequency is realized. Based on the method proposed, uncertainty analysis is used to evaluate the influences of different parameters on the flow fluctuation by the help of a sample-based stochastic model established and the parameters that have great influence are found, which can be a reference for the optimization design and the stability improvement of the flow facility.
High-performance field-effect transistors based on gadolinium doped indium oxide nanofibers and their application in logic gate
Authors: Wang Chao , Meng You , Guo Zidong , Shin Byoungchul , Liu Guoxia , Shan Fukai
Published: May 2018

One-dimensional metal oxide nanofibers have been regarded as promising building blocks for large area low cost electronic devices. As one of the representative metal oxide semiconducting materials, In2O3 based materials have attracted much interest due to their excellent electrical and optical properties. However, most of the field-effect transistors (FETs) based on In2O3 nanofibers usually operate in a depletion mode, which lead to large power consumption and a complicated integrated circuit design. In this report, gadolinium (Gd) doped In2O3 (InGdO) nanofibers were fabricated by electrospinning and applied as channels in the FETs. By optimizing the doping concentration and the nanofiber density, the device performance could be precisely manipulated. It was found that the FETs based on InGdO nanofibers, with a Gd doping concentration of 3% and a nanofiber density of 2.9 μm−1, exhibited the best device performance, including a field-effect mobility (μFE) of 2.83 cm2/V s, an on/off current ratio of ∼4 × 108, a threshold voltage (VTH) of 5.8 V, and a subthreshold swing (SS) of 2.4 V/decade. By employing the high-k ZrOx thin films as the gate dielectrics in the FETs, the μFE, VTH and SS can be further improved to be 17.4 cm2/V s, 0.7 V and 160 mV/decade, respectively. Finally, an inverter based on the InGdO nanofibers/ZrOx FETs was constructed and a gain of ∼11 was achieved.
Three dimensional fluid-kinetic model of a magnetically guided plasma jet
Authors: Ramos Jesús J. , Merino Mario , Ahedo Eduardo
Published: May 2018

A fluid-kinetic model of the collisionless plasma flow in a convergent-divergent magnetic nozzle is presented. The model combines the leading-order Vlasov equation and the fluid continuity and perpendicular momentum equation for magnetized electrons, and the fluid equations for cold ions, which must be solved iteratively to determine the self-consistent plasma response in a three-dimensional magnetic field. The kinetic electron solution identifies three electron populations and provides the plasma density and pressure tensor. The far downstream asymptotic behavior shows the anisotropic cooling of the electron populations. The fluid equations determine the electric potential and the fluid velocities. In the small ion-sound gyroradius case, the solution is constructed one magnetic line at a time. In the large ion-sound gyroradius case, ion detachment from magnetic lines makes the problem fully three-dimensional.
Efficient Brownian Dynamics of rigid colloids in linear flow fields based on the grand mobility matrix
Authors: Palanisamy Duraivelan , den Otter Wouter K.
Published: May 2018

We present an efficient general method to simulate in the Stokesian limit the coupled translational and rotational dynamics of arbitrarily shaped colloids subject to external potential forces and torques, linear flow fields, and Brownian motion. The colloid’s surface is represented by a collection of spherical primary particles. The hydrodynamic interactions between these particles, here approximated at the Rotne-Prager-Yamakawa level, are evaluated only once to generate the body’s (11 × 11) grand mobility matrix. The constancy of this matrix in the body frame, combined with the convenient properties of quaternions in rotational Brownian Dynamics, enables an efficient simulation of the body’s motion. Simulations in quiescent fluids yield correct translational and rotational diffusion behaviour and sample Boltzmann’s equilibrium distribution. Simulations of ellipsoids and spherical caps under shear, in the absence of thermal fluctuations, yield periodic orbits in excellent agreement with the theories by Jeffery and Dorrepaal. The time-varying stress tensors provide the Einstein coefficient and viscosity of dilute suspensions of these bodies.
Shock wave plasma induced emission generated by low energy nanosecond Nd:YAG laser in open air and its application to quantitative Cr analysis of low alloy steel
Authors: Idris Nasrullah , Pardede Marincan , Kurniawan Koo Hendrik , Kagawa Kiichiro , Tjia May On
Published: May 2018

We report the result of an experimental study that shows the remarkable benefits of generating a micro shock wave plasma by low energy (800 μJ) nanosecond (ns) Nd:YAG laser irradiation on a solid target in open air and the efficient detection of the induced plasma emission. The very low irradiation power density of 0.8 MW/cm2 produced by the slightly defocused laser beam gives the additional advantage of rather wide crater size of 400 μm on the sample surface, thus enabling average analysis and reducing the ion production responsible for the undesirable emission background as well as the Stark broadening effect, and thus leading to largely improved spectral quality. This is corroborated by the result of spectra measured from a number of metal samples which display the sharp emission lines with low background. Specifically, its application to Cr analysis of a series of low alloy steel samples with different Cr concentrations is shown to yield a linear calibration line of adequate dynamical range and an estimated detection limit of about 10 ppm.
Low-voltage all-inorganic perovskite quantum dot transistor memory
Authors: Chen Zhiliang , Zhang Yating , Zhang Heng , Yu Yu , Song Xiaoxian , Zhang Haiting , Cao Mingxuan , Che Yongli , Jin Lufan , Li Yifan , Li Qingyan , Dai Haitao , Yang Junbo , Yao Jianquan
Published: May 2018

An all-inorganic cesium lead halide quantum dot (QD) based Au nanoparticle (NP) floating-gate memory with a solution processed layer-by-layer method is demonstrated. Easy synthesis at room temperature and excellent stability make all-inorganic CsPbBr3 perovskite QDs suitable as a semiconductor layer in low voltage nonvolatile transistor memory. The bipolarity of QDs has both electrons and holes stored in the Au NP floating gate, resulting in bidirectional shifts of initial threshold voltage according to the applied programing and erasing pulses. Under low operation voltage (±5 V), the memory achieved a great memory window (∼2.4 V), long retention time (>105 s), and stable endurance properties after 200 cycles. So the proposed memory device based on CsPbBr3 perovskite QDs has a great potential in the flash memory market.
Free energy of adhesion of lipid bilayers on silica surfaces
Authors: Schneemilch M. , Quirke N.
Published: May 2018

The free energy of adhesion per unit area (hereafter referred to as the adhesion strength) of lipid arrays on surfaces is a key parameter that determines the nature of the interaction between materials and biological systems. Here we report classical molecular simulations of water and 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC) lipid bilayers at model silica surfaces with a range of silanol densities and structures. We employ a novel technique that enables us to estimate the adhesion strength of supported lipid bilayers in the presence of water. We find that silanols on the silica surface form hydrogen bonds with water molecules and that the water immersion enthalpy for all surfaces varies linearly with the surface density of these hydrogen bonds. The adhesion strength of lipid bilayers is a linear function of the surface density of hydrogen bonds formed between silanols and the lipid molecules on crystalline surfaces. Approximately 20% of isolated silanols form such bonds but more than 99% of mutually interacting geminal silanols do not engage in hydrogen bonding with water. On amorphous silica, the bilayer displays much stronger adhesion than expected from the crystalline surface data. We discuss the implications of these results for nanoparticle toxicity.
Micro-architecture embedding ultra-thin interlayer to bond diamond and silicon via direct fusion
Authors: Kim Jong Cheol , Kim Jongsik , Xin Yan , Lee Jinhyung , Kim Young-Gyun , Subhash Ghatu , Singh Rajiv K. , Arjunan Arul C. , Lee Haigun
Published: May 2018

The continuous demand on miniaturized electronic circuits bearing high power density illuminates the need to modify the silicon-on-insulator-based chip architecture. This is because of the low thermal conductivity of the few hundred nanometer-thick insulator present between the silicon substrate and active layers. The thick insulator is notorious for releasing the heat generated from the active layers during the operation of devices, leading to degradation in their performance and thus reducing their lifetime. To avoid the heat accumulation, we propose a method to fabricate the silicon-on-diamond (SOD) microstructure featured by an exceptionally thin silicon oxycarbide interlayer (∼3 nm). While exploiting the diamond as an insulator, we employ spark plasma sintering to render the silicon directly fused to the diamond. Notably, this process can manufacture the SOD microarchitecture via a simple/rapid way and incorporates the ultra-thin interlayer for minute thermal resistance. The method invented herein expects to minimize the thermal interfacial resistance of the devices and is thus deemed as a breakthrough appealing to the current chip industry.
A seesaw-type approach for enhancing nonlinear energy harvesting
Authors: Deng Huaxia , Wang Zhemin , Du Yu , Zhang Jin , Ma Mengchao , Zhong Xiang
Published: May 2018

Harvesting sustainable mechanical energy is the ultimate objective of nonlinear energy harvesters. However, overcoming potential barriers, especially without the use of extra excitations, poses a great challenge for the development of nonlinear generators. In contrast to the existing methods, which typically modify the barrier height or utilize additional excitations, this letter proposes a seesaw-type approach to facilitate escape from potential wells by transfer of internal energy, even under low-intensity excitation. This approach is adopted in the design of a seesaw-type nonlinear piezoelectric energy harvester and the energy transfer process is analyzed by deriving expressions for the energy to reveal the working mechanism. Comparison experiments demonstrate that this approach improves energy harvesting in terms of an increase in the working frequency bandwidth by a factor of 60.14 and an increase in the maximum output voltage by a factor of 5.1. Moreover, the output power is increased by a factor of 51.3, which indicates that this approach significantly improves energy collection efficiency. This seesaw-type approach provides a welcome boost to the development of renewable energy collection methods by improving the efficiency of harvesting of low-intensity ambient mechanical energy.
The value of objective online measurement technology: Australian red meat processor perspective
Authors: Toohey E. S. , van de Ven R. , Hopkins D. L.
Published: May 2018

In the past, the adoption of online measurement technologies for measuring carcass and meat quality traits objectively has been low among Australian red meat processors. The aim of the present work was to obtain a greater understanding of Australian processor views on the value of objective online measurement technologies. This was achieved through consultation with 65 Australian processors, to understand which carcass and meat quality traits they considered important to objectively measure and what they thought of current and future technologies. It was shown that beef processors ranked meat colour and tenderness as the most important traits (P < 0.001) to objectively measure online. Sheep processors ranked tenderness, pH, age, meat colour, total tissue depth at the 12th rib 110 mm from the midline (GR) and saleable meat yield percentage as the most important traits (P < 0.001) to objectively measure online. The overall processor responses indicated that there is support for online measurement technologies, with 80% of processors stating that online objective grading systems have a role in the Australian meat processing sector now and 88% considered these to have a role in the future. Much can be learned from the implementation of previous online objective measurement technologies by processors in terms of commercialisation and adoption strategies. The development and adoption of objective online measurement technologies is challenging and complex. However, increased adoption of online measurement technologies has the potential to achieve benefits to the whole of industry and needs continued support, coupled with new approaches to enhance adoption.
Chronic sleep curtailment, even without extended (>16-h) wakefulness, degrades human vigilance performance
Authors: McHill Andrew W. , Hull Joseph T. , Wang Wei , Czeisler Charles A. , Klerman Elizabeth B.
Published: May 2018

Significance

Millions of individuals obtain insufficient sleep on a daily basis, which leads to impaired performance. Whether these decrements are caused by short sleep duration or extended wakefulness is unknown. In this study, healthy volunteers were randomized into either a chronically sleep-restricted or control protocol while living on a 20-h “day,” thus enabling short sleep without extended wakefulness. We demonstrate that chronic insufficient sleep, even without extended wakefulness, leads to neurobehavioral performance decrements at all times of the day, even when the circadian system is promoting arousal. These findings have implications for the understanding of basic physiology, the substantial population who chronically obtains insufficient sleep, and all of us who depend on sleep-restricted individuals working in safety-sensitive occupations.
The biomass distribution on Earth
Authors: Bar-On Yinon M. , Phillips Rob , Milo Ron
Published: May 2018

Significance

The composition of the biosphere is a fundamental question in biology, yet a global quantitative account of the biomass of each taxon is still lacking. We assemble a census of the biomass of all kingdoms of life. This analysis provides a holistic view of the composition of the biosphere and allows us to observe broad patterns over taxonomic categories, geographic locations, and trophic modes.
β-Catenin–dependent mechanotransduction dates back to the common ancestor of Cnidaria and Bilateria
Authors: Pukhlyakova Ekaterina , Aman Andrew J. , Elsayad Kareem , Technau Ulrich
Published: May 2018

Significance

Besides genetic regulation, mechanical forces have been identified as important cues in numerous developmental processes. Mechanical forces can activate biochemical cascades in a process called mechanotransduction. Recent studies in vertebrates and flies elucidated the role of mechanical forces for mesodermal gene expression. However, it remains unclear whether mechanotransduction is a universal regulatory mechanism throughout Metazoa. Here, we show in the sea anemone
Nematostella vectensis
that mechanical pressure can ectopically activate or restore
brachyury
expression. This mechanotransduction is dependent on β-catenin, similar to vertebrates. We propose that a regulatory feedback loop between genetic and mechanical gene activation exists during gastrulation and the β-catenin–dependent mechanotransduction is an ancient regulatory mechanism, which was present in the common ancestor of cnidarians and bilaterians.
Steroid signaling mediates nutritional regulation of juvenile body growth via IGF-binding protein in
Drosophila
Authors: Lee Gang Jun , Han Gangsik , Yun Hyun Myoung , Lim Jin Ju , Noh Sujin , Lee Jaegeun , Hyun Seogang
Published: May 2018

Significance

Nutritional condition during childhood significantly impacts physical growth and height as an adult; hence, elucidating nutritional elements and their underlying mechanisms that influence growth in juveniles has drawn increasing attention. We show that a humoral protein that binds insulin-like growth factor plays a critical role in the nutritional control of juvenile body growth and insulin signaling in
Drosophila
. This protein is found be regulated by a steroid maturation hormone in adipose tissue, and this hormone is further shown to be regulated by the nutritional condition of animals. This study unveils an endocrine pathway for juvenile body growth, and it may also facilitate understanding of the insulin-resistance phenomena often occurring during puberty.