bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improvement of the phytoremediation efficiency of Neyraudia reynaudiana for lead-zinc mine-contaminated soil under the interactive effect of earthworms and EDTA
Authors: Li Ying , Luo Jiewen , Yu Jiaoda , Xia Lidan , Zhou Chuifan , Cai Liping , Ma Xiangqing 
Published: April 2018

AbstractSlow plant growth, low biomass, and low bioavailability of heavy metals in soil are important factors that limit remediation efficiencies. This study adopted a pot cultivation method to evaluate the phytoremediation efficiency of Neyraudia reynaudiana, planted in contaminated soil from a lead-zinc mining area. The soil was inoculated with earthworms (Eisenia fetida), and mixed with the chelating agent ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) one month after planting. The addition of earthworms significantly increased the aboveground biomass of N. reynaudiana and activated heavy metals in the soil, thus facilitating heavy metal uptake by N. reynaudiana. The addition of EDTA significantly increased the incorporation and transport of heavy metals, reduced the uptake of heavy metals by the plant cell wall, and increased the proportions of cellular soluble constituents. Especially with regard to lead, inoculation with earthworms and EDTA application significantly promoted the accumulation efficiency of N. reynaudiana, increasing it 7.1-16.9-fold compared to the control treatment without earthworms and EDTA, and 1.5-2.3-fold compared to a treatment that only used EDTA.
Prevalence and predictors of being lost to follow-up after transurethral resection of the prostate
Authors: Fontana Matteo , Boeri Luca , Gallioli Andrea , De Lorenzis Elisa , Palmisano Franco , Zanetti Stefano Paolo , Sampogna Gianluca , Albo Giancarlo , Longo Fabrizio , Gadda Franco , Dell’Orto Paolo Guido , Montanari Emanuele 
Published: April 2018

AbstractPatient follow-up after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is crucial to evaluate treatment-related outcomes and potential adverse events. We sought to determine the rate of, and factors associated with, patient nonadherence to follow-up after TURP. Data from 180 patients who underwent TURP were analysed. Patient counselling and follow-up were standardized among the cohort. Patients were considered lost to follow-up (LTF) if they were at least 30 days from their first scheduled follow-up appointment. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the impact of predictors on the rate of compliance with prescribed follow-up. Of 180 patients, 55 (30.5%) were LTF. LTF patients were younger (p < 0.001), had lower educational status (p = 0.007) and were more frequently single (p = 0.03) than those who were not LTF. Importantly, patients who experienced a postoperative-related event (PRE) were more likely to follow-up (p = 0.04). Multivariable analysis revealed that younger age (p < 0.001) and low educational status (p < 0.001) were independent predictors of being LTF. One out of three men submitted to TURP is lost to follow-up in the real-life setting. Noncompliance to follow-up was more frequent among young, single patients with low educational status. On the contrary, patients who experienced a PRE were more likely to follow-up.
Association between atrial fibrillation, atrial enlargement, and left ventricular geometric remodeling
Authors: Seko Yuta , Kato Takao , Haruna Tetsuya , Izumi Toshiaki , Miyamoto Shoichi , Nakane Eisaku , Inoko Moriaki 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThis study investigated the relationship between atrial fibrillation (AF) and left ventricular (LV) geometric patterns in a hospital-based population in Japan. We retrospectively analyzed 4444 patients who had undergone simultaneous scheduled transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and electrocardiography during 2013. A total of 430 patients who had findings of previous myocardial infarctions (n = 419) and without the data on body surface area (n = 11) were excluded from the study. We calculated the LV mass index (LVMI) and relative wall (RWT) and categorized 4014 patients into four groups as follows: normal geometry (n = 3046); concentric remodeling (normal LVMI and high RWT, n = 437); concentric hypertrophy (high LVMI and high RWT, n = 149); and eccentric remodeling (high LVMI and normal RWT, n = 382). The mean left atrial volume indices (LAVI) were 22.5, 23.8, 33.3, and 37.0 mm/m2 in patients with normal geometry, concentric remodeling, concentric hypertrophy, and eccentric hypertrophy, respectively. The mean LV ejection fractions (LVEF) were 62.7, 62.6, 60.8, and 53.8%, respectively, whereas the prevalence of AF was 10.4%, 10.5%, 14.8%, and 16.8% in patients with normal geometry, concentric remodeling, concentric hypertrophy, and eccentric hypertrophy, respectively. In conclusion, the prevalence of AF was increasing according to LV geometric remodeling patterns in association with LA size and LVEF.
Origin of macroscopic adhesion in organic light-emitting diodes analyzed at different length scales
Authors: Kim Sungho , Park Seongjae , Lee Wanheui , Kwon Owoong , Kim Shang-U. , Choi Youngtae , Yoon Minyoung , Park Jongwoo , Kim Yunseok 
Published: April 2018

AbstractOrganic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) have been widely studied because of their various advantages. OLEDs are multi-layered structures consisting of organic and inorganic materials arranged in a heterojunction; the nature of adhesion at their heterogeneous interfaces has a significant effect on their properties. In this study, the origin of macroscopic adhesion was explored in OLEDs using a combination of microscopy techniques applied at different length scales. The different techniques allowed the identification of layers exposed by a peel test, which aided direct characterization of their macroscopic adhesion. Further, the contribution of each exposed layer to macroscopic adhesion could be determined through an analysis of photographic images. Finally, analysis of the local roughness and adhesion confirmed that the interface between an anode and emission layer could play a predominant role in determining the nature of macroscopic adhesion in OLEDs. These results may provide guidelines for exploring the origin of macroscopic adhesion properties through a combination of various microscopy techniques.
Rgg-Shp regulators are important for pneumococcal colonization and invasion through their effect on mannose utilization and capsule synthesis
Authors: Zhi Xiangyun , Abdullah Iman Tajer , Gazioglu Ozcan , Manzoor Irfan , Shafeeq Sulman , Kuipers Oscar P. , Hiller N. Luisa , Andrew Peter W. , Yesilkaya Hasan 
Published: April 2018

AbstractMicrobes communicate with each other by using quorum sensing (QS) systems and modulate their collective ‘behavior’ for in-host colonization and virulence, biofilm formation, and environmental adaptation. The recent increase in genome data availability reveals the presence of several putative QS sensing circuits in microbial pathogens, but many of these have not been functionally characterized yet, despite their possible utility as drug targets. To increase the repertoire of functionally characterized QS systems in bacteria, we studied Rgg144/Shp144 and Rgg939/Shp939, two putative QS systems in the important human pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae. We find that both of these QS circuits are induced by short hydrophobic peptides (Shp) upon sensing sugars found in the respiratory tract, such as galactose and mannose. Microarray analyses using cultures grown on mannose and galactose revealed that the expression of a large number of genes is controlled by these QS systems, especially those encoding for essential physiological functions and virulence-related genes such as the capsular locus. Moreover, the array data revealed evidence for cross-talk between these systems. Finally, these Rgg systems play a key role in colonization and virulence, as deletion mutants of these QS systems are attenuated in the mouse models of colonization and pneumonia.
High-efficiency dual-modes vortex beam generator with polarization-dependent transmission and reflection properties
Authors: Tang Shiwei , Cai Tong , Wang Guang-Ming , Liang Jian-Gang , Li Xike , Yu Jiancheng 
Published: April 2018

AbstractVortex beam is believed to be an effective way to extend communication capacity, but available efforts suffer from the issues of complex configurations, fixed operation mode as well as low efficiency. Here, we propose a general strategy to design dual-modes vortex beam generator by using metasurfaces with polarization-dependent transmission and reflection properties. Combining the focusing and vortex functionalities, we design/fabricate a type of compact dual-modes vortex beam generator operating at both reflection/transmission sides of the system. Experimental results demonstrate that the designed metadevice can switch freely and independently between the reflective vortex with topological charge m1 = 2 and transmissive vortex with m2 = 1. Moreover, the metadevice exhibits very high efficiencies of 91% and 85% for the reflective and transmissive case respectively. Our findings open a door for multifunctional metadevices with high performances, which indicate wide applications in modern integration-optics and wireless communication systems.
Simulated microgravity, Mars gravity, and 2g hypergravity affect cell cycle regulation, ribosome biogenesis, and epigenetics in Arabidopsis cell cultures
Authors: Kamal Khaled Y. , Herranz Raúl , van Loon Jack J. W. A. , Medina F. Javier 
Published: April 2018

AbstractGravity is the only component of Earth environment that remained constant throughout the entire process of biological evolution. However, it is still unclear how gravity affects plant growth and development. In this study, an in vitro cell culture of Arabidopsis thaliana was exposed to different altered gravity conditions, namely simulated reduced gravity (simulated microgravity, simulated Mars gravity) and hypergravity (2g), to study changes in cell proliferation, cell growth, and epigenetics. The effects after 3, 14, and 24-hours of exposure were evaluated. The most relevant alterations were found in the 24-hour treatment, being more significant for simulated reduced gravity than hypergravity. Cell proliferation and growth were uncoupled under simulated reduced gravity, similarly, as found in meristematic cells from seedlings grown in real or simulated microgravity. The distribution of cell cycle phases was changed, as well as the levels and gene transcription of the tested cell cycle regulators. Ribosome biogenesis was decreased, according to levels and gene transcription of nucleolar proteins and the number of inactive nucleoli. Furthermore, we found alterations in the epigenetic modifications of chromatin. These results show that altered gravity effects include a serious disturbance of cell proliferation and growth, which are cellular functions essential for normal plant development.
Over 300 GHz bandwidth UTC‐PD module with 600 GHz band rectangular‐waveguide output
Authors: Kurokawa T. , Ishibashi T. , Shimizu M. , Kato K. , Nagatsuma T. 
Published: April 2018

A hollow‐waveguide‐output uni‐travelling‐carrier photodiode (UTC‐PD) module operating at frequencies from 400 to 900 GHz has been developed. The module consists of a UTC‐PD, a photodiode‐to‐waveguide coupler, and a metallic package with a waveguide rectangular (WR)‐1.5 rectangular waveguide. The coupler is monolithically integrated with the UTC‐PD chip. The fabricated module exhibits the output power as high as −19 dBm at 500 GHz and the 3 dB bandwidth of 340 GHz, which is the widest among ever‐reported photodiode modules.
Thermal evolution and sintering of chondritic planetesimals
Authors: Gail Hans-Peter , Trieloff Mario 
Published: April 2018

Context. Understanding the compaction and differentiation of the planetesimals that formed during the initial phases of our solar system and the protoplanets from the asteroid belt and the terrestrial planet region of the solar system requires a reliable modelling of their internal thermal evolution. An important ingredient for this is a detailed knowledge of the heat conductivity, K, of the chondritic mixture of materials from which planetesimals are formed. The dependence of K on the composition and structure of the material was studied in the previous study of this series. For the second important aspect, the dependence of K on temperature, laboratory investigations on a number of meteorites exist concerning the temperature variation of K, but no explanation for the observed variation has been given yet.
Aims. We evaluate the temperature dependence of the heat conductivity of the solid chondritic material from the properties of its mixture components from a theoretical model. This allows us to predict the temperature-dependent heat conductivity for the full range of observed meteoritic compositions and also for possible other compositions.
Methods. Published results on the temperature dependence of the heat conductivity of the mineral components found in chondritic material are fitted to the model of Callaway for heat conductivity in solids by phonons. For the Ni, Fe-alloy, published laboratory data are used. The heat conductivity of chondritic material then is calculated by means of mixing rules. The role of micro-cracks is studied, which increase the importance of wall scattering for phonon-based heat conductivity.
Results. Our model is applied to published data on the heat conductivity of individual chondrites. The general trends for the dependency of K on temperature found in laboratory experiments can largely be reproduced for the set of meteorites if the heat conductivity is calculated for a given composition from the properties of its constituents. It is found that micro-cracks have a significant impact on the temperature dependence of K because of their reduction of phonon scattering length.
A new technique for observationally derived boundary conditions for space weather
Authors: Pagano Paolo , Mackay Duncan Hendry , Yeates Anthony Robinson 
Published: April 2018

Context. In recent years, space weather research has focused on developing modelling techniques to predict the arrival time and properties of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) at the Earth. The aim of this paper is to propose a new modelling technique suitable for the next generation of Space Weather predictive tools that is both efficient and accurate. The aim of the new approach is to provide interplanetary space weather forecasting models with accurate time dependent boundary conditions of erupting magnetic flux ropes in the upper solar corona.
Methods. To produce boundary conditions, we couple two different modelling techniques, MHD simulations and a quasi-static non-potential evolution model. Both are applied on a spatial domain that covers the entire solar surface, although they extend over a different radial distance. The non-potential model uses a time series of observed synoptic magnetograms to drive the non-potential quasi-static evolution of the coronal magnetic field. This allows us to follow the formation and loss of equilibrium of magnetic flux ropes. Following this a MHD simulation captures the dynamic evolution of the erupting flux rope, when it is ejected into interplanetary space.
Results.The present paper focuses on the MHD simulations that follow the ejection of magnetic flux ropes to 4 R⊙. We first propose a technique for specifying the pre-eruptive plasma properties in the corona. Next, time dependent MHD simulations describe the ejection of two magnetic flux ropes, that produce time dependent boundary conditions for the magnetic field and plasma at 4 R⊙ that in future may be applied to interplanetary space weather prediction models.
Conclusions. In the present paper, we show that the dual use of quasi-static non-potential magnetic field simulations and full time dependent MHD simulations can produce realistic inhomogeneous boundary conditions for space weather forecasting tools. Before a fully operational model can be produced there are a number of technical and scientific challenges that still need to be addressed. Nevertheless, we illustrate that coupling quasi-static and MHD simulations in this way can significantly reduce the computational time required to produce realistic space weather boundary conditions.
VO2max Testing in Trail Runners: Is There a Specific Exercise Test Protocol?
Authors: Scheer Volker , Ramme Katharina , Reinsberger Claus , Heitkamp Hans-Christian 
Published: April 2018

AbstractTrail running places specific physiological demands on the human body due to its uphill and downhill running sections. We developed and investigated a more sport-specific trail exercise test protocol (inclination and speed incremental protocol), and compared it to two standard exercise test protocols (horizontal step and ramp protocol) in thirteen highly trained trail runners (age 31±6 years, height 179±6.4 cm, weight 69.2±7.9 kg, BMI 21.6±2.1 kg/m2). The maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) measured during the trail test (62.5±5.9 ml·kg−1·min−1, [95% CI: 59.0-66.1]) was significantly higher compared to both the step test (60.1±5.3 ml·kg−1·min−1, [95% CI: 56.8-63.3], p=0.024) and the ramp test (59.7±5.5 ml·kg−1·min−1, [95% CI: 56.4-63.0], p=0.028). Time to task failure was significantly shorter in the trail test (557±73 s, [95% CI: 512-601]) compared to both the step test (1378±152 s, [95% CI: 1286-1470], p<0.001) and the ramp test (605±95, [95% CI: 547-662], p<0.001). Other physiological measurements obtained were similar. The trail test was the preferred choice in our group of trail runners. This study supports the implementation of the trail test in practice, and recommends that its validity be evaluated further.
Arbeitsbedingungen und psychische Gesundheit bei sozialversicherungspflichtig beschäftigten Ärzten: Ein bundesweiter Vergleich mit einer repräsentativen Beschäftigtenstichprobe
Authors: Rose Uwe , Müller Grit , Freude Gabriele , Kersten Norbert 
Published: April 2018

Zusammenfassung
Ziel der Studie Unterscheiden sich angestellte Ärzte von anderen sozialversicherungspflichtig Beschäftigten in der Höhe der Arbeitsbelastungen und Fehlbeanspruchungen sowie deren Assoziation? Diesen Fragen geht die vorliegende Studie durch einen Vergleich zweier repräsentativer Stichproben nach.
Methodik Im Rahmen computergestützter Interviews wurden psychosoziale Belastungen erfasst und durch Fragen zu Burnout und depressiven Symptomen ergänzt. Die Zusammenhangsanalysen erfolgten über lineare Regressionsanalysen, in denen berufsgruppenspezifische Unterschiede als Interaktionseffekte mit einbezogen wurden.
Ergebnisse Der Summenwert für die Erfassung der depressiven Symptomatik war bei Ärzten und Ärztinnen geringer als in den Vergleichsgruppen. Bei den Ärzten lagen zudem höhere Burnoutwerte vor. Quantitative Arbeitsanforderungen und Arbeitsplatzunsicherheit gingen mit der Erhöhung der Skalenwerte für Burnout und depressive Symptomatik einher. Beiträge zur Verringerung beider Skalenwerte lieferten eine höhere Führungsqualität, Rollenklarheit und ein höherer Entscheidungsspielraum. Weitere Effekte waren für Wochenarbeitszeit (Frauen) und Anzahl der Nachtschichten (Männer) nachweisbar. Der moderierende Einfluss der Berufsgruppe zeigt sich bei quantitativen Anforderungen und Entscheidungsspielraum.
Schlussfolgerung Die untersuchten Arbeitsbedingungen sind in den Vergleichsgruppen in ähnlicher Weise mit den Indikatoren der psychischen Gesundheit assoziiert. Höhere Arbeitsbelastungen und Burnout-Werte liegen bei den Ärzten vor, jedoch keine Hinweise auf eine stärkere depressive Symptomatik.
Ambulante Notfallversorgung von Pflegeheimbewohner: Ein Status Quo aus pflegerischer Sicht
Authors: Bleckwenn Markus , Bell Linnea , Schnakenberg Rieke , Weckbecker Klaus , Klaschik Manuela 
Published: April 2018

Zusammenfassung
Ziel der Studie Derzeit sind in Deutschland ca. 2 Mio. Menschen pflegebedürftig, etwa 1/3 davon lebt in Alten- oder Pflegeheimen. Die ambulante Notfallversorgung von Heimbewohnern wird von Hausärzten, dem ärztlichen Bereitschaftsdienst und dem Rettungsdienst sichergestellt. Bisher wurde diese Notfallversorgung nur selten aus Sicht der Pflegenden überprüft. Daher haben wir in unserer Studie untersucht, wie die Pflegekräfte die ärztliche Versorgung bei medizinischen Notfällen empfinden und welche Verbesserungsmöglichkeiten sie sehen.
Methodik Zur Datenerhebung wurden im Jahr 2015/16 leitfadengestützte Interviews mit insgesamt 13 Altenpflegerinnen und einem Altenpfleger im nördlichen Rheinland-Pfalz durchgeführt. Die Interviews wurden digital aufgezeichnet und wörtlich transkribiert. Die Auswertung erfolgte nach der qualitativen Inhaltsanalyse nach Mayring mit MAXQDA® 12.
Ergebnisse Bei einer akuten Verschlechterung des Allgemeinzustandes eines Heimbewohners wird zunächst der zuständige Hausarzt angefordert. Dabei ist es für die Pflegekräfte schwierig, den zuständigen Hausarzt während der laufenden Sprechstunde zu erreichen. Die Qualität der Notfallversorgung ist vor allem von der jeweiligen Praxisstruktur abhängig. Außerhalb der Praxisöffnungszeiten übernimmt der ärztliche Bereitschaftsdienst die Notfallversorgung. Die Dienstärzte kennen die Patienten nicht, was aus Sicht der Pflege für die Bewohner eine Belastung ist, da sie sich immer wieder auf neue Ärzte einstellen müssen. Zum anderen haben die Bereitschaftsärzte lange Anfahrtswege, was zu entsprechenden Verzögerungen, auch im Notfall führt. Einige Pflegekräfte wünschten sich das „alte System“ zurück, bei dem die heimversorgenden Hausärzte auch am Wochenende telefonisch erreichbar waren. Insgesamt bestand der Wunsch nach einer besseren Versorgung der Heimbewohner.
Schlussfolgerung Hausärzte sind für das Pflegepersonal die wichtigsten Ansprechpartner in medizinischen Notfällen. Jedoch sind die meisten Hausärzte nur zeitlich begrenzt erreichbar. Aus Sicht der Pflege wäre es sinnvoll, Anreize für die Hausärzte zu schaffen, für Notfälle auch außerhalb der Praxisöffnungszeiten zur Verfügung zu stehen.
Development of pH-Dependent Nanospheres for Nebulisation- In vitro Diffusion, Aerodynamic and Cytotoxicity Studies
Authors: Ige Pradum , Pardeshi Sagar , Sonawane Raju 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe aim of this work was to evaluate the in vitro performance of nebulized nanosuspension formulation when nebulized using ultrasonic nebulizer. The present investigation deals with successful formulation of Beclomethasone dipropionate loaded HPMCP nanospheres prepared by solvent evaporation technique using PEG 400 as a stabilizer. Beclomethasone dipropionate is a water insoluble drug molecule was encapsulated in HPMCP nanospheres to have pH dependent solubility at basic pH for targeted drug delivery in lung and studied for in vitro cytotoxicity and immediate release capability. The synthesized nanospheres were characterized through drug excipient compatibility, surface topography; mean particle size , zeta potential, PDI, entrapment efficiency and drug loading, in vitro diffusion, aerodynamic, in vitro cytotoxicity and stability studies. The mean particle size and PDI of the optimized batch (F1) had 197.6±0.40 nm and 0.324 ±0.35, respectively. The % entrapment efficiency and % drug loading was found to be 86.56±1.32 and 8.30±0.27, respectively. The optimized batch F1 showed % cumulative drug release 94.77±0.24 at 1 h. The formulation showed cell viability up to 91.28%. It can be concluded that, Beclomethasone dipropionate loaded HPMCP nanospheres was found to be safe, stable with significant increase in solubility and bypass the liver.