bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Language usage in everyday life and in education: current attitudes towards English in Tanzania
Authors: Mohr Susanne , Ochieng Dunlop
Published: July 2017

Tanzania is, like most countries in East Africa, extremely culturally and linguistically diverse. Language counts range from 125 (Lewis, Simons & Fennig, 2016) to 164 living languages mentioned by the ‘Languages of Tanzania project’ (2009). Given this extreme multilingualism, institutional languages had to be chosen on a national level after independence. Kiswahili is the proclaimed national language and lingua franca of the East African region, also spoken in Kenya, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, for instance, and is used as medium of instruction (MoI) in primary education. English, the former colonial language, is thede factonational working language and medium of instruction in secondary and higher education. However, English remains a minority language, spoken by approximately 5% of the population, most of whom are members of a higher social class (Tibategeza, 2010). This leads to English being an international rather than a second language as in other former British colonies (Schmied, 1990, 1991). Rubanza (2002: 45) goes so far as to argue that ‘the society Tanzanians work and live in does not demand the use of English’. That is why it has been claimed that English will never replace the African languages in Tanzania but remain an additional language in certain spheres (Schmied, 1991).
Te Reo Māori: indigenous language acquisition in the context of New Zealand English
Authors: REESE ELAINE , KEEGAN PETER , MCNAUGHTON STUART , KINGI TE KANI , CARR POLLY ATATOA , SCHMIDT JOHANNA , MOHAL JATENDER , GRANT CAMERON , MORTON SUSAN
Published: July 2017

This study assessed the status of te reo Māori, the indigenous language of New Zealand, in the context of New Zealand English. From a broadly representative sample of 6327 two-year-olds (Growing Up in New Zealand), 6090 mothers (96%) reported their children understood English, and 763 mothers (12%) reported their children understood Māori. Parents completed the new MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventory short forms for te reo Māori (NZM: CDI sf) and New Zealand English (NZE: CDI sf). Mothers with higher education levels had children with larger vocabularies in both te reo Māori and NZ English. For English speakers, vocabulary advantages also existed for girls, first-borns, monolinguals, those living in areas of lower deprivation, and those whose mothers had no concerns about their speech and language. Because more than 99% of Māori speakers were bilingual, te reo Māori acquisition appears to be occurring in the context of the acquisition of New Zealand English.
Neural substrates of sign language vocabulary processing in less-skilled hearing M2L2 signers: Evidence for difficult phonological movement perception
Authors: WILLIAMS JOSHUA T. , DARCY ISABELLE , NEWMAN SHARLENE D.
Published: July 2017

No previous research has investigated the neural correlates of vocabulary acquisition in second language learners of sign language. The present study investigated whether poor vocabulary knowledge engaged similar prefrontal lexico-semantic regions as seen in unimodal L2 learners. Behavioral improvements in vocabulary knowledge in a cohort of M2L2 learners were quantified. Results indicated that there is significant increase in vocabulary knowledge after one semester, but stabilized in the second semester. A longitudinal fMRI analysis was implemented for a subset of learners who were followed for the entire 10 months during initial sign language acquisition. The results indicated that learners who had poor sign vocabulary knowledge consistently showed greater activation in regions involved in motor simulation, salience, biological motion and spatial processing, and lexico-semantic retrieval. In conclusion, poor vocabulary knowledge requires greater engagement of modality-independent and modality-dependent regions, which could account for behavioral evidence of difficulty in visual phonology processing.
Aktuelle und zukünftige Herausforderungen in der Intensivmedizin im Akutspital
Authors: Stocker Reto
Published: July 2017

Zusammenfassung. Die aktuellen und zukünftigen (ethischen) Herausforderungen in der Intensivmedizin werden stark durch die aktuellen Entwicklungen in der Demographie und in der digitalen Welt beeinflusst. Ersteres wird Herausforderungen verschärfen, die bereits heute bestehen. Die digitale Transformation wird zur wahrscheinlich fundamentalsten Veränderung führen, die die moderne Medizin je gesehen hat. Nebst der personalisierten Medizin wird das Medizinalpersonal gefordert, sich über das Wissen und Können hinaus wieder vermehrt mit der Medizin als Kunst zu befassen und der Interaktion mit dem Patienten bzw. auch seinen Angehörigen ein hohes Gewicht beizumessen.
Aktuelle und zukünftige Herausforderungen in Behandlung und Betreuung von psychisch kranken Menschen im Akutspital und die Rolle der Ethik
Authors: Meier-Allmendinger Diana
Published: July 2017

Zusammenfassung. Psychisch Kranke sind in verstärktem Masse gefährdet auch körperlich zu erkranken. Umgekehrt können Krankheiten mit lebensbedrohlichem Charakter zu psychischen Krisen und Erkrankungen führen. Im Akutspital werden körperliche und psychische Komorbiditäten und ihre möglichen Folgen auf Behandlungsverlauf und –entscheide häufig nicht diagnostiziert und angemessen behandelt. Auch im Bereich der Psychoonkologie und dem noch jungen Gebiet der Psychokardiologie stellt sich die Frage, ob alle Patientinnen und Patienten entsprechend erfasst und ihre Bedürfnisse nach psychologischer Unterstützung und Behandlung ausreichend erkannt sind. Eine besondere Herausforderung im klinischen Alltag und speziell auf der Intensivstation stellt die Einschätzung der Urteils- und Einwilligungsfähigkeit dar. Diese anspruchsvolle Aufgabe kann nicht im professionellen Alleingang erfolgen, sondern erfordert einen interdisziplinären Zugang. Es ist Aufgabe der Ethik für die Gewährleistung einer ausreichenden Diagnostik und angemessenen Behandlung psychisch Kranker im Akutspital einzustehen und die Interdisziplinarität – für psychisch Kranke häufig in der Person des Konsiliarpsychiaters – einzufordern. Für Behandlungsentscheide gelten aus juristischer und ethischer Sicht die Gleichbehandlung aller Patientinnen und Patienten und das Diskriminierungsverbot. Unabhängig von einer körperlichen oder psychischen Erkrankung bedarf jede therapeutische Massnahme der Zustimmung des Patienten. Orientierend am Prinzip der Selbstbestimmung ist es Rolle der Ethik für eine patientengerechte Entscheidungsfindung bei psychisch Kranken zu sensibilisieren. Behandlungsentscheide entstehen hier häufig als Ergebnis therapeutischer Prozesse, die zugleich die Befähigung zur Einwilligung anstreben und zeitintensiv sind. Situationen beeinträchtigter Urteils-und Entscheidungsfähigkeit und Erfahrungen der Abhängigkeit weisen auf die grundsätzliche Sorgebedürftigkeit des Menschen hin. Nur eingebettet in einer Kultur der Sorge als Grundlage ärztlichen und pflegerischen Handelns kann eine Haltung des Respekts gegenüber psychisch Kranken und ihrer (beeinträchtigten) Selbstbestimmung zum Tragen kommen. Als Ausdruck dieser Kultur ist zu wünschen, dass „die Sprache der Sorge“ wiedererlernt, eingeübt und dauerhaft angewendet wird.
Time, Tides, and Wandering Poles
Authors: Branscombe Alexandra
Published: July 2017

Models of Neptune’s moon Triton reveal curious behavior in how tidal forces and mass anomalies cause the poles to reorient their location.
Coordinated force generation of skeletal myosins in myofilaments through motor coupling
Authors: Kaya Motoshi , Tani Yoshiaki , Washio Takumi , Hisada Toshiaki , Higuchi Hideo
Published: July 2017

In contrast to processive molecular motors, skeletal myosins form a large motor ensemble for contraction of muscles against high loads. Despite numerous information on the molecular properties of skeletal myosin, its ensemble effects on collective force generation have not been rigorously clarified. Here we show 4 nm stepwise actin displacements generated by synthetic myofilaments beyond a load of 30 pN, implying that steps cannot be driven exclusively by single myosins, but potentially by coordinated force generations among multiple myosins. The simulation model shows that stepwise actin displacements are primarily caused by coordinated force generation among myosin molecules. Moreover, the probability of coordinated force generation can be enhanced against high loads by utilizing three factors: strain-dependent kinetics between force-generating states; multiple power stroke steps; and high ATP concentrations. Compared with other molecular motors, our findings reveal how the properties of skeletal myosin are tuned to perform cooperative force generation for efficient muscle contraction.
Empirical interatomic potentials optimized for phonon properties
Authors: Rohskopf Andrew , Seyf Hamid R. , Gordiz Kiarash , Tadano Terumasa , Henry Asegun
Published: July 2017

Molecular dynamics simulations have been extensively used to study phonons and gain insight, but direct comparisons to experimental data are often difficult, due to a lack of accurate empirical interatomic potentials for different systems. As a result, this issue has become a major barrier to realizing the promise associated with advanced atomistic-level modeling techniques. Here, we present a general method for specifically optimizing empirical interatomic potentials from ab initio inputs for the study of phonon transport properties, thereby resulting in phonon optimized potentials. The method uses a genetic algorithm to directly fit the empirical parameters of the potential to the key properties that determine whether or not the atomic level dynamics and most notably the phonon transport are described properly.
Amplification mode differs along the length of the mouse cochlea as revealed by connexin 26 deletion from specific gap junctions
Authors: Lukashkina Victoria A. , Yamashita Tetsuji , Zuo Jian , Lukashkin Andrei N. , Russell Ian J.
Published: July 2017

The sharp frequency tuning and exquisite sensitivity of the mammalian cochlea is due to active forces delivered by outer hair cells (OHCs) to the cochlear partition. Force transmission is mediated and modulated by specialized cells, including Deiters’ cells (DCs) and pillar cells (PCs), coupled by gap-junctions composed of connexin 26 (Cx26) and Cx30. We created a mouse with conditional Cx26 knock-out (Cx26 cKO) in DCs and PCs that did not influence sensory transduction, receptor-current-driving-voltage, low-mid-frequency distortion-product-otoacoustic-emissions (DPOAEs), and passive basilar membrane (BM) responses. However, the Cx26 cKO desensitizes mid-high-frequency DPOAEs and active BM responses and sensitizes low-mid-frequency neural excitation. This functional segregation may indicate that the flexible, apical turn cochlear partition facilitates transfer of OHC displacements (isotonic forces) for cochlear amplification and neural excitation. DC and PC Cx26 expression is essential for cochlear amplification in the stiff basal turn, possibly through maintaining cochlear partition mechanical impedance, thereby ensuring effective transfer of OHC isometric forces.
Collective motion of cells crawling on a substrate: roles of cell shape and contact inhibition
Authors: Schnyder Simon K. , Molina John J. , Tanaka Yuki , Yamamoto Ryoichi
Published: July 2017

Contact inhibition plays a crucial role in cell motility, wound healing, and tumour formation. By mimicking the mechanical motion of cells crawling on a substrate, we constructed a minimal model of migrating cells that naturally gives rise to contact inhibition of locomotion (CIL). The model cell consists of two disks, a front disk (a pseudopod) and a back disk (cell body), which are connected by a finite extensible spring. Despite the simplicity of the model, the collective behaviour of the cells is highly non-trivial and depends on both the shape of the cells and whether CIL is enabled. Cells with a small front disk (i.e., a narrow pseudopod) form immobile colonies. In contrast, cells with a large front disk (e.g., a lamellipodium) exhibit coherent migration without any explicit alignment mechanism in the model. This result suggests that crawling cells often exhibit broad fronts because this helps facilitate alignment. After increasing the density, the cells develop density waves that propagate against the direction of cell migration and finally stop at higher densities.
Peptidomics of an in vitro digested α-Gal carrying protein revealed IgE-reactive peptides
Authors: Apostolovic D. , Krstic M. , Mihailovic J. , Starkhammar M. , Cirkovic Velickovic T. , Hamsten C. , van Hage M.
Published: July 2017

The mammalian carbohydrate galactose-α1,3-galactose (α-Gal) causes a novel form of food allergy, red meat allergy, where patients experience severe allergic reactions several hours after red meat consumption. Here we explored gastric digestion of α-Gal glycoproteins using an in vitro model. Bovine thyroglobulin (BTG), a typical α-Gal carrying glycoprotein, was digested with pepsin. The resulting peptides were characterised by SDS PAGE, immunoblot and ImmunoCAP using sera from 20 red meat allergic patients. During pepsinolysis of BTG, a wide range of peptide bands was observed of which 14 to 17 kDa peptides remained stable throughout the gastric phase. The presence of the α-Gal epitope on the obtained peptides was demonstrated by an anti-α-Gal antibody and IgE from red meat allergic patients. The α-Gal digests were able to inhibit up to 86% of IgE reactivity to BTG. Importantly, basophil activation test demonstrated that the allergenic activity of BTG was retained after digestion in all four tested patients. Mass spectrometry-based peptidomics revealed that these peptides represent mostly internal and C-terminal parts of the protein, where the most potent IgE-binding α-Gal residues were identified at Asn1756, Asn1850 and Asn2231. Thus allergenic α-Gal epitopes are stable to pepsinolysis, reinforcing their role as clinically relevant food allergens.
Quantitative proteomics reveal the anti-tumour mechanism of the carbohydrate recognition domain of Galectin-3 in Hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wang Mingchao , Tian Fang , Ying Wantao , Qian Xiaohong
Published: July 2017

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a serious threat to human health. The carbohydrate recognition domain of Galectin-3 (Gal3C) has been reported to be an anti-tumour molecule. In this study, we aim to explore effects of Gal3C in HCC and its possible molecular mechanism with quantitative proteomics approach. We found that rGal3C stimulation could inhibit cell viability, migration and invasion of HepG2. After rGal3C stimulating, 190 proteins were differentially expressed. Eighty up-regulated proteins located mainly in extracellular exosome and involved in cell adhesion and metabolism, and 110 down-regulated proteins located in mitochondria and extracellular exosome, and related to processes of metabolism and oxidation-reduction. Of the differentially expressed proteins, CLU, NDRG1, CD166, S100A11 and Galectin-1 were carcinoma-related proteins affected by rGal3C. Potential receptors of rGal3C were explored by an UV cross-linking capture strategy. We showed that rGal3C could induce dephosphorylating of FAK/SRC. Blocking of the FAK/SRC pathway resulted in down-regulation of NDRG1. Immunofluorescence suggested that rGal3C could disrupt integrin clustering. Our study provides valuable insight into the anti-tumour mechanism of rGal3C in HCC on a proteomics level and is the first to reveal the possible mechanism involving integrin/FAK/SRC pathway and NDRG1. These results provide useful guidance of developing new therapies for HCC.
Defective CFTR leads to aberrant β-catenin activation and kidney fibrosis
Authors: Zhang Jie Ting , Wang Yan , Chen Jun Jiang , Zhang Xiao Hu , Dong Jian Da , Tsang Lai Ling , Huang Xiao Ru , Cai Zhiming , Lan Hui Yao , Jiang Xiao Hua , Chan Hsiao Chang
Published: July 2017

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), known as a cAMP-activated Cl− channel, is widely expressed at the apical membrane of epithelial cells in a wide variety of tissues. Of note, despite the abundant expression of CFTR in mammalian kidney, the role of CFTR in kidney disease development is unclear. Here, we report that CFTR expression is downregulated in the UUO (unilateral ureteral obstruction)-induced kidney fibrosis mouse model and human fibrotic kidneys. Dysfunction or downregulation of CFTR in renal epithelial cells leads to alteration of genes involved in Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and kidney fibrosis. In addition, dysregulation of CFTR activates canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways, whereas the β-catenin inhibitor reverses the effects of CFTR downregulation on EMT marker. More interestingly, CFTR interacts with Dishevelled 2 (Dvl2), a key component of Wnt signaling, thereby suppressing the activation of β-catenin. Compared to wild type, deltaF508 mice with UUO treatment exhibit significantly higher β-catenin activity with aggregated kidney fibrogenesis, which is reduced by forced overexpression of CFTR. Taken together, our study reveals a novel mechanism by which CFTR regulates Wnt/β-catenin signaling pertinent to progression of kidney fibrosis and indicates a potential treatment target.
Tissue-engineered trachea from a 3D-printed scaffold enhances whole-segment tracheal repair
Authors: Gao Manchen , Zhang Hengyi , Dong Wei , Bai Jie , Gao Botao , Xia Dekai , Feng Bei , Chen Maolin , He Xiaomin , Yin Meng , Xu Zhiwei , Witman Nevin , Fu Wei , Zheng Jinghao
Published: July 2017

Long segmental repair of trachea stenosis is an intractable condition in the clinic. The reconstruction of an artificial substitute by tissue engineering is a promising approach to solve this unmet clinical need. 3D printing technology provides an infinite possibility for engineering a trachea. Here, we 3D printed a biodegradable reticular polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffold with similar morphology to the whole segment of rabbits’ native trachea. The 3D-printed scaffold was suspended in culture with chondrocytes for 2 (Group I) or 4 (Group II) weeks, respectively. This in vitro suspension produced a more successful reconstruction of a tissue-engineered trachea (TET), which enhanced the overall support function of the replaced tracheal segment. After implantation of the chondrocyte-treated scaffold into the subcutaneous tissue of nude mice, the TET presented properties of mature cartilage tissue. To further evaluate the feasibility of repairing whole segment tracheal defects, replacement surgery of rabbits’ native trachea by TET was performed. Following postoperative care, mean survival time in Group I was 14.38 ± 5.42 days, and in Group II was 22.58 ± 16.10 days, with the longest survival time being 10 weeks in Group II. In conclusion, we demonstrate the feasibility of repairing whole segment tracheal defects with 3D printed TET.
3D NiO hollow sphere/reduced graphene oxide composite for high-performance glucose biosensor
Authors: Huang Wei , Ding Shujiang , Chen Yong , Hao Wanjun , Lai Xiaoyong , Peng Juan , Tu Jinchun , Cao Yang , Li Xiaotian
Published: July 2017

The 3D NiO hollow sphere/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composite was synthesized according to the coordinating etching and precipitating process by using Cu2O nanosphere/graphene oxide (GO) composite as template. The morphology, structure, and composition of the materials were characterized by SEM, TEM, HRTEM, XPS, and Raman spectra, and the electrochemical properties were studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and amperometry. Moreover, the electrochemical activity of the composite materials with different morphologies were also investigated, which indicating a better combination of the NiO hollow sphere and the rGO. Used as glucose sensing material, the 3D NiO hollow sphere/rGO composite modified electrode exhibits high sensitivity of ~2.04 mA mM−1 cm−2, quick response time of less than 5 s, good stability, selectivity, and reproducibility. Its application for the detection of glucose in human blood serum sample shows acceptable recovery and R.S.D. values. The outstanding glucose sensing performance should be attributed to the unique 3D hierarchical porous superstructure of the composite, especially for its enhanced electron-transfer kinetic properties.
Suppression of VAMP2 Alters Morphology of the Tegument and Affects Glucose uptake, Development and Reproduction of Schistosoma japonicum
Authors: Han Qian , Jia Bingguang , Hong Yang , Cao Xiaodan , Zhai Qi , Lu Ke , Li Hao , Zhu Chuangang , Fu Zhiqiang , Shi Yonghong , Lin Jiaojiao
Published: July 2017

Schistosomiasis caused by schsitosomes is a serious global public health concern. The tegument that surrounds the worm is critical to the schistosomes survival. The tegument apical membrane undergoes a continuous process of rupture and repair owing to membranous vacuoles fusing with the plasma membrane. Vesicle-associated membrane protein 2 (VAMP2), a member of soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNAREs) is required for membrane fusion. Here, we used RNA interference (RNAi) to knock down the expression of VAMP2 of Schistosoma japonicum (SjVAMP2), and both real-time PCR and western blot analysis confirmed the suppression of this molecule, as well as the suppression of the transcript levels of schistosome glucose transporters (SGTP1 and SGTP4), and insulin receptors (SjIR1 and SjIR2). SjVAMP2-suppressed worms exhibited a lower viability, and phenotypic alterations were also observed in the tegument. Moreover, the glucose consumption of SjVAMP2-suppressed worms decreased significantly in 4 and 6 days, respectively, as well as a significant reduction in egg production. We also observed a significant reduction in worm burden and hepatic eggs burden in two independent RNAi experiment in vivo, and minor pathological changes in mice treated with SjVAMP2 specific small interfering (si)RNA. These findings reveal that SjVAMP2 may play important roles in the maintenance of tegument, glucose uptake, worm development and egg production in schistosomes.
Clinical relevance of reduced decorrelation signals in the diabetic inner choroid on optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Dodo Yoko , Suzuma Kiyoshi , Ishihara Kenji , Yoshitake Shin , Fujimoto Masahiro , Yoshitake Tatsuya , Miwa Yuko , Murakami Tomoaki
Published: July 2017

Diabetes induces lesions of the retinal and choroidal capillaries, which promote the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR). The decorrelation signals in optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) represent the blood flow and vascular structure, and three-dimensional OCTA images enable individual capillary layers to be evaluated separately. The current study documented that en-face OCTA images revealed spots of flow void in the choriocapillaris layer in eyes with DR. Quantitative investigation demonstrated that non-flow areas within the central subfield (CSF) increased in eyes with more severe DR grades. The non-flow areas in the choriocapillaris layer were also associated with poorer visual acuity (VA) in all 108 eyes. A modest correlation was noted between the areas of flow void and poorer VA in 69 eyes without DME, whereas the non-flow areas were not related to VA or to CSF thickness measured by OCT in 39 eyes with DME. In 12 eyes with ischemic maculopathy, the choriocapillaris layer beneath the disrupted ellipsoid zone of the photoreceptor (EZ) had greater areas of flow void than did the area beneath an intact EZ. These data suggested that disrupted choroidal circulation has clinical relevance and contributes to the pathogenesis of DR.
Surgical suture releasing macrophage-targeted drug-loaded nanoparticles for an enhanced anti-inflammatory effect
Authors: Kim Hansol , Kim Byung Hwi , Huh Beom Kang , Yoo Yeon Chun , Heo Chan Yeong , Choy Young Bin , Park Ji-Ho
Published: July 2017

An anti-inflammatory nanoparticle-coated suture reduces inflammation and pain at the wound site.
Taking the plunge: chemical reaction dynamics in liquids
Authors: Orr-Ewing Andrew J.
Published: July 2017

Experimental and computational studies of chemical dynamics in solution explore how a solvent modifies reaction mechanisms.
A Ni-P@NiCo LDH core–shell nanorod-decorated nickel foam with enhanced areal specific capacitance for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Xing Jiale , Du Jing , Zhang Xuan , Shao Yubo , Zhang Ting , Xu Cailing
Published: July 2017

In this study, nickel phosphide (Ni-P) was combined with NiCo LDH via facile phosphorization of Ni foam and subsequent electrodeposition, forming core–shell nanorod arrays on Ni foam. The obtained Ni-P@NiCo LDH delivered excellent capacitive performance.
Sulfidation kinetics of copper oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Gogos Alexander , Thalmann Basilius , Voegelin Andreas , Kaegi Ralf
Published: July 2017

The sulfidation kinetics of CuO NPs reacted with bisulfide are determined and the reaction mechanism is explored.
Large-scale and facile synthesis of silver nanoparticles via a microwave method for a conductive pen
Authors: Cai Yaguo , Piao Xianqing , Gao Wei , Zhang Zhejuan , Nie Er , Sun Zhuo
Published: July 2017

A large-scale silver nanoparticle production by microwave treatment for the electronic ink. By drawing on the photo paper, the conductive tracks were realized without any heat treatment.
Zr-doped ceria additives for enhanced PEM fuel cell durability and radical scavenger stability
Authors: Baker Andrew M. , Williams Stefan T. D. , Mukundan Rangachary , Spernjak Dusan , Advani Suresh G. , Prasad Ajay K. , Borup Rod L.
Published: July 2017

Zr-doped ceria was used to reduce PEM fuel cell degradation which resulted in improved radical scavenger stability.
Fabrication of robust mesh with anchored Ag nanoparticles for oil removal and in situ catalytic reduction of aromatic dyes
Authors: Liu Na , Zhang Weifeng , Li Xiangyu , Qu Ruixiang , Zhang Qingdong , Wei Yen , Feng Lin , Jiang Lei
Published: July 2017

Mesh-anchored Ag nanoparticles are facilely fabricated for oil removal and in situ catalytic reduction of aromatic dyes.
Quantifying local thickness and composition in thin films of organic photovoltaic blends by Raman scattering
Authors: Rodríguez-Martínez Xabier , Vezie Michelle S. , Shi Xingyuan , McCulloch Iain , Nelson Jenny , Goñi Alejandro R. , Campoy-Quiles Mariano
Published: July 2017

Optical modeling of the Raman-scattered light enables the simultaneous quantification of thickness (d) and volumetric composition (vol%) in multi-component thin films.
Involvement of Ca2+-activated K+ channel 3.1 in hypoxia-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension and therapeutic effects of TRAM-34 in rats
Authors: Guo Shujin , Shen Yongchun , He Guangming , Wang Tao , Xu Dan , Wen Fuqiang
Published: July 2017

Pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) is an incurable disease associated with the proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) and vascular remodeling. The present study examined whether TRAM-34, a highly selective blocker of calcium-activated potassium channel 3.1 (Kca3.1), can help prevent such hypertension by reducing proliferation in PASMCs. Rats were exposed to hypoxia (10% O2) for 3 weeks and treated daily with TRAM-34 intraperitoneally from the first day of hypoxia. Animals were killed and examined for vascular hypertrophy, Kca3.1 expression, and downstream signaling pathways. In addition, primary cultures of rat PASMCs were exposed to hypoxia (3% O2) or normoxia (21% O2) for 24 h in the presence of TRAM-34 or siRNA against Kca3.1. Activation of cell signaling pathways was examined using Western blot analysis. In animal experiments, hypoxia triggered significant medial hypertrophy of pulmonary arterioles and right ventricular hypertrophy, and it significantly increased pulmonary artery pressure, Kca3.1 mRNA levels and ERK/p38 MAP kinase signaling. These effects were attenuated in the presence of TRAM-34. In cell culture experiments, blocking Kca3.1 using TRAM-34 or siRNA inhibited hypoxia-induced ERK/p38 signaling. Kca3.1 may play a role in the development of PAH by activating ERK/p38 MAP kinase signaling, which may then contribute to hypoxia-induced pulmonary vascular remodeling. TRAM-34 may protect against hypoxia-induced PAH.
Effects of Lexical and Somatosensory Feedback on Long-Term Improvements in Intelligibility of Dysarthric Speech
Authors: Borrie Stephanie A. , Schäfer Martina C. M.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Intelligibility improvements immediately following perceptual training with dysarthric speech using lexical feedback are comparable to those observed when training uses somatosensory feedback (Borrie & Schäfer, 2015). In this study, we investigated if these lexical and somatosensory guided improvements in listener intelligibility of dysarthric speech remain comparable and stable over the course of 1 month.

Method

Following an intelligibility pretest, 60 participants were trained with dysarthric speech stimuli under one of three conditions: lexical feedback, somatosensory feedback, or no training (control). Participants then completed a series of intelligibility posttests, which took place immediately (immediate posttest), 1 week (1-week posttest) following training, and 1 month (1-month posttest) following training.

Results

As per our previous study, intelligibility improvements at immediate posttest were equivalent between lexical and somatosensory feedback conditions. Condition differences, however, emerged over time. Improvements guided by lexical feedback deteriorated over the month whereas those guided by somatosensory feedback remained robust.

Conclusions

Somatosensory feedback, internally generated by vocal imitation, may be required to affect long-term perceptual gain in processing dysarthric speech. Findings are discussed in relation to underlying learning mechanisms and offer insight into how externally and internally generated feedback may differentially affect perceptual learning of disordered speech.
Low‐power three‐path inductor class‐C VCO without any dynamic bias circuit
Authors: Jang Sheng‐Lyang , Lin Yan‐Cu
Published: July 2017

A 2.48 GHz class‐C voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) without any dynamic back bias circuit is presented. The VCO uses three‐path high Q‐factor inductor as the low loss resonator and class‐C cross‐coupled nMOSFET pairs for high dc/RF conversion efficiency and direct cross‐coupled pMOSFET for dc current reuse. At the supply voltage of 1.2 V, the core power consumption is 0.24 mW. The phase noise of the VCO is −124 dBc/Hz and the VCO figure of merit is −197.0 dBc/Hz. The VCO was implemented in the TSMC standard 0.18 μm SiGe BiCMOS process and occupies a die area of 0.799 × 0.809 mm2.
Estimation of optical attenuation in reduced visibility conditions in different environments across free space optics link
Authors: Dev Kapal , Nebuloni Roberto , Capsoni Carlo , Fiser Ondrej , Brazda Vladimir
Published: July 2017

Low‐visibility events detected in the city of Milan (Italy) and in the mountainous site of Milešovka (Czech Republic) during several months are analysed to compare optical attenuation measurements collected by a laser link and by a visibility sensor. General guidelines for data processing and automatic event identification are given. In Milan, the visibility sensor is a valuable support to estimate link attenuation during moderate radiation fogs or when it is raining, provided data are averaged in time. In Milešovka, the propagation conditions are challenging and the effect of the inhomogeneous distribution of fog (cloud) limit the usefulness of visibility measurements. In the case of snowfalls, that can produce high‐attenuation values, the agreement between the two measurements is poor.
Single‐crystalline porous NiO nanobiscuits with prompt adsorption activity for Congo red
Authors: Hu Hanmei , Wang Man , Xuan Han , Zhang Kehua , Xu Juanjuan
Published: July 2017

Single‐crystalline two‐dimensional (2D) nickel oxide (NiO) porous nanobiscuits with diameters of 100–210 nm, thicknesses of 10–20 nm and pore sizes of <20 nm are fabricated through a low‐cost water bath combined with calcination treatment approach. The composition and morphology of the products are characterised by X‐ray diffraction, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high‐resolution TEM, selected area electronic diffraction and N2 adsorption/desorption. The possible formation mechanism of single‐crystalline porous NiO nanobiscuits is simply discussed. Served as adsorbent, the as‐prepared single‐crystalline porous NiO nanobiscuits exhibited excellent performance for the fast removal of Congo red from water, which is far beyond the adsorption rate of activated carbon. The results show that the adsorption isotherm fits well with Langmuir adsorption model. The maximum adsorption capacity is calculated to be 193.2 mg g−1, which is larger than that of other reported 2D NiO architectures.
A Borane-Catalyzed Metal-Free Hydrosilylation of Chromones and Flavones
Authors: Du Haifeng , Ren Xiaoyu , Han Caifang , Feng Xiangqing
Published: July 2017

A Piers-type hydrosilylation of chromones and flavones has been successfully realized for the first time using 0.1 mol % of borane catalyst generated in situ by hydroboration of pentafluorostyrene with HB(C6F5)2 to afford a variety of chromanones and flavanones in 60–99% yields. An attempt for the asymmetric transformation with chiral diyne and HB(C6F5)2 gave chromanones and flavanones in high yields with up to 32% ee.
AlCl3-Catalyzed Intramolecular Hydroarylation of Arenes with Alkynes
Authors: Gu Guangxin , Guo Hao , Li Yang , Wang Yu , Xu Dawen , Jin Ruiwen
Published: July 2017

Herein, we wish to report the main-group metal Lewis acid catalyzed intramolecular hydroarylation of arenes with alkynes. This cyclization proceeds efficiently in the presence of a catalytic amount of AlCl3, affording phenanthrenes in moderate to excellent yields. The catalyst is cheap and nontoxic. The functional-group tolerance is high. A plausible electrophilic aromatic substitution reaction mechanism is proposed for this transformation.
Fine-Bubble-Based Strategy for the Palladium-Catalyzed Hydrogenation of Nitro Groups: Measurement of Ultrafine Bubbles in Organic Solvents
Authors: Mase Nobuyuki , Nishina Yuki , Isomura Shogo , Sato Kohei , Narumi Tetsuo , Watanabe Naoharu
Published: July 2017

Fine bubbles of hydrogen were employed as a new reaction medium for the autoclave-free gas–liquid–solid multiphase hydrogenation of nitro groups on a multigram scale. Furthermore, ultrafine bubbles were examined by nanoparticle-tracking analysis in organic solvents.
Palladium-Catalyzed Regioselective Hydroarylation of Ynamides with Aryl Iodides: Easy Synthesis of Various Substituted Enamides Containing Stilbene Derivatives
Authors: Wakamatsu Hideaki , Yoshimura Yuichi , Yanagisawa Rika , Kimura Sho , Osawa Nao , Natori Yoshihiro
Published: July 2017

Palladium-catalyzed hydroarylation of ynamides has been developed. The desired coupling products were obtained in good yields and with high regioselectivities. Various aryl iodides can be used in this reaction, permitting the syntheses of many different kinds of enamides from ynamides.
Synthesis of an MUC1 Glycopeptide Dendrimer Based on β-Cyclodextrin by Click Chemistry
Authors: Li Yan-Mei , Chen Pu-Guang , Huang Zhi-Hua , Sun Zhan-Yi , Li Qian-Qian , Chen Yong-Xiang , Zhao Yu-Fen
Published: July 2017

Glycopeptide dendrimers are attractive candidates for biomedical applications. Here, an efficient method for preparing multivalent MUC1 glycopeptide dendrimers based on β-cyclodextrin is described. By using copper(I) bromide and thioanisole as a catalyst system, precisely defined heptavalent conjugates were efficiently obtained. Using this heptavalent glycopeptide dendrimer, we observed multivalent effects in recognition and association processes in antibody and epitope interactions, which might have biomedical applications.
Tri-Petal Lilac-Like Perylene: Asymmetrical Substituted Platform for Regioselective Ether-Exchange Reaction
Authors: Cao Dapeng , Li Qifang , Zhou Manxi , Zhu Lei , Sun Zhimin , Yang Zhenqing
Published: July 2017

An asymmetrical tri-petal lilac-like platform based on perylene bisimide (PBI) was designed and synthesized to further perform the ether-exchange reaction, while common tetraphenoxy PBI analogue cannot do it. We found that the tri-petal lilac-like platform strategy not only avoids the regioisomers of difunctionalized PBI, but also is a precise and facile way to achieve regioselective introduction of alkyloxy, alkylthio and C=C double bond ended substituents onto the 1-position of perylene bay without the use and removal of the protecting groups. Due to the tunable photoelectrical properties and functional groups at bay position, these n-type PBI derivatives are promising materials for photovoltaic and supramolecular application.
A Peruvian Child with 18p-/18q+ Syndrome and Persistent Microscopic Hematuria
Authors: Poterico Julio , Vásquez Flor , Chávez-Pastor Miguel , Trubnykova Milana , Chavesta Félix , Chirinos Jenny , Salcedo Nancy , Mena Rosmery , Cubas Sulema , González Rocío , Alvariño Rossana , Abarca-Barriga Hugo
Published: July 2017

Chromosome 18 pericentric inversion carriers could have offspring with recombinant chromosomes, leading to patients with clinical variable manifestations. Patients with 18p-/18q+ rearrangements share some clinical characteristics, while other characteristics differ. Factors for such divergence include the length of the inverted segment, among others. Here, we describe a Peruvian child with dysmorphic features, intellectual disability persistent microscopic hematuria, aortic pseudocoarctation, and descending aorta arteritis, among others. Karyotype analysis of family members determined the mother as the carrier of a pericentric inversion: 18[inv(18)(p11.2q21.3)]. This child carries a recombinant chromosome 18, with chromosomal microarray analysis detecting two genomic imbalances in patient's chromosome 18: one duplicated region and one deleted segment in the large and the short arms, respectively. Persistent microscopic hematuria has not been reported among 18p-/18q+ phenotypes. Our patient elucidates that other factors play significant and yet unknown roles for not fulfilling the proposed genotype–phenotype correlation associated with hemizygosity in this type of recombinant chromosome 18 or presenting these features as the patient ages.
Profile of Reproductive Issues Associated with Different Sickle Cell Disease Genotypes
Authors: Carvalho Flávia Anchielle , Souza Ariani Impieri , Ferreira Ana Laura Carneiro Gomes , Neto Simone da Silva , Oliveira Ana Carolina Pessoa de Lima , Gomes Maria Luiza Rodrigues Pinheiro , Costa Manuela Freire Hazin
Published: July 2017

Purpose To describe the reproductive variables associated with different sickle cell disease (SCD) genotypes and the influence of contraceptive methods on acute painful episodes among the women with the homozygous hemoglobin S (HbSS) genotype.

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted between September of 2015 and April of 2016 on 158 women afflicted with SCD admitted to a hematology center in the Northeast of Brazil. The reproduction-associated variables of different SCD genotypes were assessed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) test to compare means, and the Kruskal-Wallis test to compare medians. The association between the contraceptive method and the acute painful episodes was evaluated by the Chi-square test.

Results The mean age of women with SCD was 28.3 years and 86.6% were mixed or of African-American ethnicity. With respect to the genotypes, 134 women (84.8%) had HbSS genotype, 12 women (7.6%) had hemoglobin SC (HbSC) disease genotype, and 12 (7.6%) were identified with hemoglobinopathy S-beta (S-β) thalassemia. The mean age of HbSS diagnosis was lower than that of HbSC disease, the less severe form of SCD (p < 0.001). The mean age of menarche was 14.8 ± 1.8 years for HbSS and 12.7 ± 1.5 years for HbSC (p < 0.001). Among women with HbSS who used progestin-only contraception, 16.6% had more than 4 acute painful episodes per year. There was no statistically significant difference when compared with other contraceptive methods.

Conclusion With respect to reproduction-associated variables, only the age of the menarche showed delay in HbSS when compared with HbSC. The contraceptive method used was not associated with the frequency of acute painful episodes among the HbSS women.
How Low Is Too Low? Postpartum Hemorrhage Risk among Women with Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Dotters-Katz Sarah , Smid Marcela , Manuck Tracy , Carlson Laura
Published: July 2017

Objective To estimate the association between severity of thrombocytopenia and postpartum hemorrhage.

Study Design We performed a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort of women delivering by cesarean or vaginal birth after cesarean conducted by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Maternal–Fetal Medicine Unit. Women delivering ≥ 20 weeks with platelets < 400,000/mL were included. Thrombocytopenia was defined as predelivery platelets of < 150,000/mL. Primary outcomes were (1) laboratory evidence of hemorrhage, defined as a decrease in hemoglobin ≥ 4 mg/dL and (2) clinical evidence of hemorrhage, a composite of atony, transfusion, coagulopathy, hysterectomy, laparotomy, or intensive care unit admission. Odds ratios were calculated for primary outcomes using thrombocytopenia as a dichotomous and ordinal variable.

Results A total of 54,597 women were included; 5,611 (10.3%) had antepartum thrombocytopenia, 1,976 (3.6%) women had laboratory evidence of hemorrhage, and 3,862 (7.1%) had clinical evidence of hemorrhage. Thrombocytopenia was associated with both laboratory evidence of hemorrhage (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.60, 95% CI: 1.38–1.86) and clinical evidence of hemorrhage (aOR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.52–1.83). The odds of laboratory and clinical evidence of hemorrhage increased incrementally with severity of thrombocytopenia.

Conclusion Thrombocytopenia is associated with both laboratory and clinical evidence of hemorrhage; risk increases dramatically as platelet count decreases.
Die infizierte Hüfttotalendoprothese: Eine Onlineumfrage zum aktuellen diagnostischen und therapeutischen Vorgehen in 107 deutschen Krankenhäusern
Authors: Langenmair Elia , Konstantinidis Lukas , Südkamp Norbert , Helwig Peter
Published: July 2017

Hintergrund Der Hüftprotheseninfekt ist eine häufige und schwerwiegende Komplikation mit weitreichenden sozioökonomischen Konsequenzen. Die inkonsistente Datenlage sowie das Fehlen verbindlicher Leitlinien führen zu unterschiedlichen diagnostischen und therapeutischen Behandlungsstrategien. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es, das aktuelle diagnostische und therapeutische Vorgehen bei Hüft-TEP-Infekt in deutschen Krankenhäusern darzustellen, dieses mit der aktuellen Studienlage zu verknüpfen und die Bereitschaft deutscher Kliniken zur Beteiligung an prospektiven multizentrischen Studien zu evaluieren.

Material und Methoden Ein Onlinefragebogen wurde zur digitalen Bearbeitung via E-Mail an endoprothetisch tätige Krankenhäuser und Kliniken versandt. Das Spektrum umfasste Kreiskrankenhäuser, Kliniken mit privaten Trägern, nicht universitäre Maximalversorger, berufsgenossenschaftliche Kliniken (BG-Kliniken) und Universitätskliniken.

Ergebnisse Es beteiligten sich 107 Kliniken an der Umfrage, das entspricht einer Beteiligungsrate von 27,6%. Diese Kliniken führen jährlich ca. 2951 septische Hüft-TEP-Wechsel durch. Der zweizeitige septische Hüft-TEP-Wechsel ist das bevorzugte Vorgehen beim septischen Hüft-TEP-Wechsel. Der Algorithmus nach Zimmerli und Kollegen findet weitläufig Anerkennung. Bezüglich zentraler Inhalte der septischen Revisionsendoprothetik – langes vs. kurzes Intervall im Rahmen des zweizeitigen Hüft-TEP-Wechsels, Dauer der intravenösen und oralen Antibiose, zementierte vs. nicht zementierte Implantationsverfahren, Nachuntersuchungsintervalle – besteht ein inhomogenes intra- und interklinisches Vorgehen. Es konnte eine hohe Bereitschaft zur Teilnahme an klinischen Studien festgestellt werden.

Schlussfolgerung Die kontroverse Studienlage resultiert in multiplen therapeutischen Ansätzen. Die hohe Bereitschaft zur Studienteilnahme bei entsprechender Finanzierung bietet das Potenzial zur Realisierung multizentrischer Forschungsvorhaben. Eine entsprechende finanzielle Forschungsförderung ist in diesem Zusammenhang zwingend erforderlich.
SAPV: Spezialisierte Ambulante Palliativversorgung
Authors: Hartwig Maite
Published: July 2017

Seit 2007 ist im Sozialgesetzbuch festgeschrieben, dass Versicherte mit einer nicht heilbaren, fortschreitenden und weit fortgeschrittenen Erkrankung, begrenzter Lebenserwartung, die besonders aufwändige Versorgung benötigen, Anspruch auf spezialisierte ambulante Palliativversorgung (SAPV) haben.

Der Beitrag gibt einen kompakten Überblick zur SAPV und geht auf die Besonderheiten der Versorgung von Kindern ein.
Wir müssen in allem, was wir mit dem Patienten besprechen, wahrhaftig sein
Authors: Niklas Anke
Published: July 2017

Prof. Dr. med. Claudia Bausewein ist Direktorin der Klinik und Poliklinik für Palliativmedizin am Klinikum der Universität München. Sie leitet die Christophorus Akademie für Palliativmedizin, Palliativpflege und Hospizarbeit in München und ist Visiting Professor am Cicely Saunders Institute, King’s College London.

Im Interview erzählt sie u. a., warum sich die Patientenverfügung überholt hat, wo Advance Care Planning ansetzt und wie eine gute palliativmedizinische Betreuung Sterbewünsche Schwerstkranker in den allermeisten Fällen zum Verschwinden bringt.
Aromatherapie in der Sterbebegleitung
Authors: Gündling Andrea
Published: July 2017

Angst lösen, Geborgenheit vermitteln, da sein
Fallbericht: Neuraltherapie und Lavendelöl bei persistierendem Ulcus cruris
Authors: Lachmann Michael
Published: July 2017

Ein seit Monaten persistierendes Ulcus cruris venosum wurde über einen Zeitraum von 2 Monaten alle 3 Tage mit Procain und einem Lavendelölverband behandelt. Bereits einige Tage nach Therapiebeginn zeigten sich erste Granulationen des bisher avitalen Ulkus. Nach wenigen Wochen präsentierte sich ein epithealisiertes Ulcus cruris.
Kleine Patienten ganz groß
Authors: Bittner Sebastian
Published: July 2017

Pflegerische Besonderheiten in der Kinderanästhesie Fast jede Fortbildung und auch fast jeder Artikel zum Thema Anästhesie bei
Kindern/Säuglingen startet mit den Worten „Kinder sind keine kleinen Erwachsenen!“. Doch was verbirgt sich dahinter? Was sind anatomische
Besonderheiten und was sind die Anforderungen an die psychische Betreuung von Kindern? In welche Altersgruppen lassen sich „Kinder“ klinisch
relevant einteilen? Dieser CNE-Schwerpunkt soll eine Zusammenfassung der wichtigsten und pflegerischen Besonderheiten der kleinen Patienten
aufzeigen und geht besonders auf die vorbereitenden Maßnahmen ein.