bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evolution of rough-surface geometry and crystalline structures of aligned TiO2 nanotubes for photoelectrochemical water splitting
Authors: Zare Maryam , Solaymani Shahram , Shafiekhani Azizollah , Kulesza Slawomir , Ţălu Ştefan , Bramowicz Miroslaw 
Published: July 2018

AbstractNowadays, increasing awareness of environment and fossil fuels protection stimulates intensive research on clean and renewable sources of energy. Production of hydrogen from water through solar-driven splitting reactions is one of the most promising approaches in the field of photoelectrochemistry (PEC). In this work we have fabricated well-aligned, highly-ordered, smooth-mouth TiO2 nanotube arrays (TNAs) in a two-step anodization process of titanium foil, which were then used as photoelectrodes for PEC water splitting. It demonstrates for the first time correspondence between non-linear component characteristics of multiscale rough surface and crystalline structure of annealed TNAs measured at various fabrication stages and their photoelectrochemical response. The as-anodized TNAs with isotropic surface (deduced from AFM and SEM images) and largest figure of merit (according to their PEC performance) were annealed at 450 °C in air. Scale-invariant descriptors of the surface structure of the deposits involved: fractal dimension, corner frequency, roughness, size of nanostructures and their dominant habits. Moreover, X-ray diffraction data processed using the Rietveld method confirmed co-existence of various oxides, for example: TiO2 in the form of anatase, TiO and Ti3O5 phases in the TNAs under study pointing that previous well-established mechanisms of the TNA growth were to certain degree incomplete.
Using photoplethysmography data to estimate heart rate variability and its association with organ dysfunction in pediatric oncology patients
Authors: Mayampurath Anoop , Volchenboum Samuel L , Sanchez-Pinto L. Nelson 
Published: July 2018

AbstractPediatric oncology patients are at high risk of developing clinical deterioration and organ dysfunction during their illness. Heart rate variability (HRV) measured using electrocardiography waveforms is associated with increased organ dysfunction and clinical deterioration in adult and pediatric patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Here, we explore the feasibility of using photoplethysmography (PPG)-derived integer pulse rate variability (PRVi) to estimate HRV and determine its association with organ dysfunction in pediatric oncology patients in the ward and pediatric ICU. The advantage of using PPG sensor data over electrocardiography is its higher availability in most healthcare settings and in wearable technology. In a cohort of 38 patients, reduced median daily PRVi was significantly associated with increase in two pediatric organ dysfunction scores after adjusting for confounders (p < 0.001). PRVi shows promise as a real-time physiologic marker of clinical deterioration using highly-available PPG data, but further research is warranted.
Straightforward access to linear and cyclic polypeptides
Authors: Zhang Yu , Liu Renjie , Jin Hua , Song Wenliang , Augustine Rimesh , Kim Il 
Published: July 2018

AbstractRing-opening polymerization of α-amino acid N-carboxyanhydrides (NCAs) is a powerful synthetic methodology for generating well-defined functional polypeptides. However, conventional procedures require a compromise between obtaining controlled microstructures and employing the optimized polymerization conditions. Specifically, a versatile method to access sequenced cyclic polypeptides remains challenging due to the difficulty in site-specific cyclization. Here we describe a general and straightforward method for the synthesis of both linear and cyclic polypeptides using organocatalytic living polymerization of NCAs. The use of an air-stable organocatalyst, imidazolium hydrogen carbonate, allows for the rapid and controlled polymerization of a variety of NCAs, leading to high conversion within a few minutes under mild conditions. Linear and cyclic block copolypeptides are also accessible simply by controlling the type of initiators and the order of addition of NCA monomers.
Approach to localisation of Lee model in mountainous areas
Authors: Lee C. 
Published: July 2018

For the path loss prediction in mountainous areas, a method is proposed to adjust the Lee model with diffraction methods using a variable step‐size least mean square algorithm. Measurements were conducted in mountain areas to compare the prediction performances. The prediction performances were improved by up to 2.76 dB in the average error and 0.96 dB in the standard deviation of errors by the proposed method when compared to non‐tuned Lee and Joint Radio Company (JRC) models with diffraction methods.
Bidirectional soft‐switching dc–dc converter for battery energy storage systems
Authors: Blinov Andrei , Kosenko Roman , Chub Andrii , Vinnikov Dmitri 
Published: July 2018

The study introduces a bidirectional dc–dc converter with current‐ and voltage‐fed (VF) ports that features soft switching in both buck and boost operating modes. The converter can be used for integration of low‐voltage DC sources, such as batteries into a dc bus of considerably higher voltage or a dc link of a grid side inverter. Zero current switching, assisted with the leakage inductance of the isolation transformer, can be achieved at the current‐fed side along with zero voltage switching of the VF side, assisted by snubber or intrinsic capacitances of the transistors. Soft switching can be maintained over a wide range of voltage and power levels, regardless of the energy transfer direction. Converter operation is described and theoretical findings were verified with experimental results obtained by means of a 300 W prototype operating at a switching frequency of 100 kHz and designed for integration of a 24 V battery into 400 V dc bus. The converter proposed is compared in terms of efficiency to other competing soft‐switching full‐bridge topologies implemented with the same components.
Les interférences occlusales sont-elles pathogènes ?
Authors: FLEITER Bernard 
Published: July 2018

Les interférences occlusales ont été longtemps
considérées comme un facteur étiologique
des troubles temporo- mandibulaires. Il est
actuellement établi que celles-ci ne prennent
qu’une très faible part dans l’apparition
de ces dysfonctionnements musculosquelettiques.
Ainsi les interférences occlusales
sont considérées comme une adaptation
de l’appareil manducateur et non responsables
des troubles temporo-mandibulaires.
En outre, les interférences occlusales
augmentent les difficultés d’accomplissement
des fonctions d’incision et de phonation.
La prise de décision d’aménagement occlusal
est très controversée et actuellement limitée
aux traitements de dentisterie restauratrice.
Diagnostik und Bewegungsförderung bei motorischen Entwicklungsstörungen
Authors: Dincher Andrea , Schwarz Markus , Wydra Georg 
Published: July 2018

ZusammenfassungBisher angewandte motorische Testverfahren, wie z.B. der Motoriktest für 4- bis 6-jährige Kinder (MOT 4-6), sind primär an den motorischen Fähigkeiten orientiert und meist mit einem recht hohen organisatorischen Aufwand verbunden. Der hier vorgestellte „Timed up and Go“-Test für 4- bis 6-jährige Kinder (TUG 4-6) basiert auf der Internationalen Klassifikation der Funktionsfähigkeit, Behinderung und Gesundheit (ICF) und wurde anhand von 465 Kindern validiert. Er erfüllt im Vergleich zu den bekannten Motoriktests in höherem Maße die Kriterien der Ökonomie und der diagnostischen Güte.
Körperliche Aktivität und deren Effekte auf das Burn-out-Syndrom
Authors: Dreher Matthias , Dößereck Nils , Lachtermann Ella 
Published: July 2018

ZusammenfassungDas vorliegende Review legt dar, dass regelmäßige körperliche Aktivität einen positiven Einfluss auf die Burn-out-Symptomatik hat. Mittels einer systematischen Literaturrecherche wurden die möglichen Effekte untersucht und die Evidenz mithilfe des Standard Index of Convergence (SIC) bewertet. Der SIC lag in den Längsschnittstudien bei SIC (3) = -1, während er in den Interventionsstudien bei SIC (6) = -0,50 lag. Daher ist jeweils von einer moderat star ken Evidenz auszugehen, dass körperliche Aktivität einen positiven gesundheitlichen Effekt auf das Burn-out-Syndrom hat. Aufgrund der Heterogenität der Erhebungstools und der Studienlage ist es notwendig, weitere qualitativ hochwertige Studien zur Burn-out-Thematik durchzuführen, um repräsentative Aussagen zu gewährleisten. Unabhängig von den positiven präventiven und therapeutischen Effekten ist die regelmäßige körperliche Aktivität ein grundlegender, jedoch kein alleiniger Ansatzpunkt, um der Erschöpfungssymptomatik vorzubeugen und entgegenzuwirken. Eine ausgewogene Life-Balance (privates Umfeld, berufliches Umfeld und Hygiene der Grundbedürfnisse) ist daher unerlässlich.
DEGUM, ÖGUM, SGUM and FMF Germany Recommendations for the Implementation of First-Trimester Screening, Detailed Ultrasound, Cell-Free DNA Screening and Diagnostic Procedures
Authors: Kozlowski Peter , Burkhardt Tilo , Gembruch Ulrich , Gonser Markus , Kähler Christiane , Kagan Karl-Oliver , von Kaisenberg Constantin , Klaritsch Philipp , Merz Eberhard , Steiner Horst , Tercanli Sevgi , Vetter Klaus , Schramm Thomas 
Published: July 2018

AbstractFirst-trimester screening between 11 + 0 and 13 + 6 weeks with qualified prenatal counseling, detailed ultrasound, biochemical markers and maternal factors has become the basis for decisions about further examinations. It detects numerous structural and genetic anomalies. The inclusion of uterine artery Doppler and PlGF screens for preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. Low-dose aspirin significantly reduces the prevalence of severe preterm eclampsia. Cut-off values define groups of high, intermediate and low probability. Prenatal counseling uses detection and false-positive rates to work out the individual need profile and the corresponding decision: no further diagnosis/screening – cell-free DNA screening – diagnostic procedure and genetic analysis. In pre-test counseling it must be recognized that the prevalence of trisomy 21, 18 or 13 is low in younger women, as in submicroscopic anomalies in every maternal age. Even with high specificities, the positive predictive values of screening tests for rare anomalies are low. In the general population trisomies and sex chromosome aneuploidies account for approximately 70 % of anomalies recognizable by conventional genetic analysis. Screen positive results of cfDNA tests have to be proven by diagnostic procedure and genetic diagnosis. In cases of inconclusive results a higher rate of genetic anomalies is detected. Procedure-related fetal loss rates after chorionic biopsy and amniocentesis performed by experts are lower than 1 to 2 in 1000. Counseling should include the possible detection of submicroscopic anomalies by comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH). At present, existing studies about screening for microdeletions and duplications do not provide reliable data to calculate sensitivities, false-positive rates and positive predictive values.
Increased Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator (u-PA) Levels in Graft Liver Perfusate and Decreased Single Chain u-PA Activation with Higher Levels of Aprotinin
Authors: Himmelreich G , Dooijewaard G , Neuhaus P , Kluft C , Bechstein W O , Riess H 
Published: July 2018

SummaryIn orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) the graft liver is perfused with arterial blood prior to the opening of the hepatocaval anastomosis. In the present investigation we focused on the reperfusion of the graft liver in order to study the hepatic influence in the regulation of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA levels). Two different aprotinin schedules were used in 43 patients. We measured u-PA levels in the perfusate and in the corresponding systemic circulation. u-PA levels were higher in the perfusate as compared to systemic blood samples despite the dilution of the perfusate sample by the preservation fluid. This suggests u-PA secretion by the graft liver. In the presence of lower aprotinin levels signs of single-chain n-PA (scu-PA) activation was in the perfusate more prominent than systemically – a difference which was not seen in the presence of higher aprotinin levels. This seems to be an argument for the effectiveness of higher dosed aprotinin application in preventing scu-PA activation.
Different Incidence of Venous Thrombosis in Patients with Inherited Deficiencies of Antithrombin III, Protein C and Protein S
Authors: Finazzi G , Barbui T 
Published: July 2018

SummaryA cohort study was undertaken to compare the incidence of thrombosis in patients with inherited deficiency of Antithrombin III (n = 9), Protein C (n = 36) and Protein S (n = 36). The patients were stratified for schedule of antithrombotic prophylaxis and followed for a total period of 160 patient-years. Seven venous thrombosis were observed for a total incidence of 4.3% pts.-ys. The incidence of thrombosis was not significantly different in patients of different age, sex and schedule of prophylaxis, although there was a trend to a lower incidence in young individuals and in those receiving long-term oral anticoagulation. Patients with AT III deficiency had an higher incidence of thrombosis than patients with Protein C or Protein S deficiency (12 vs. 2.8 vs. 3.3% pts.-ys., p <0.05), despite the fact that they were, on average, younger and more prophylaxed. This study suggests that congenital Antithrombin III deficiency constitutes a greater risk of thrombosis than congenital deficiences of Protein C and Protein S.
Platelet Aggregation and In Vivo Shear Forces
Authors: Mazeaud Madeleine M , Levenson Jaime , Le Quan Sang Kim Hanh , Simon Alain , Devynck Marie-Aude 
Published: July 2018

SummaryHaemodynamic shear forces have been reported to exert direct and indirect effects on platelet reactivity. In vitro, they activate platelets leading to spontaneous or facilitated aggregation. In vivo, they stimulate the production of endothelium-derived antiaggregatory agents. This study was designed to evaluate in hypertensive patients, before and after antihypertensive treatment, the possible role of these haemodynamic forces, determined at the brachial artery level on the ex vivo platelet aggregatory response to ADP and collagen. Platelet reactivity, evaluated by EC50 for ADP and collagen, was found to be related to blood velocity, shear rate and shear stress (p <0.01 for each). These inverse correlations of platelet aggregation with stress levels did not depend on age, body mass index, mean blood pressure, serum cholesterol and triglycerides or haematocrit. They were also independent of platelet cytosolic Ca2+ and cyclic AMP.The changes in shear forces and in aggregatory responses to ADP and collagen induced by nitrendipine treatment for 6 months remained negatively correlated, confirming the relationships existing between haemodynamic shear forces and platelet reactivity.These results indicate that the shear antiaggregant effects, likely mediated by tlow-dependent endothelium-derived factors, prevail over its direct platelet aggregating effects.
HN-11500 – a Novel Thromboxane A2 Receptor Antagonist With Antithrombotic Activity in Humans at Arterial Blood Flow Conditions
Authors: Roald Helge E , Marius Barstad R , Engen Anne , Kierulf Peter , Skjørten Fredrik , Sakariassen Kjell S 
Published: July 2018

SummaryIn the present study we have investigated the effect of a 100 mg single oral dose of a newly developed thromboxane A2 receptor antagonist on collagen-induced thrombogenesis in flowing human non-anticoagulated blood. Blood was drawn directly from an antecubital vein over immobilised collagen type III fibrils on a cover slip placed in a parallel-plate perfusion chamber. Shear rates at the collagen surface were characteristic for medium sized (650 s−1) and moderately stenosed (2,600 s−1) arteries. Blood-collagen interactions were morphologically quantified as platelet-collagen adhesion, fibrin deposition and thrombus volume. Activation peptides of coagulation, fibrinopeptide A (FPA), and of platelets, β-thromboglobulin (β-TG), were measured immediately distal to the perfusion chamber.HN-11500 ingestion reduced significantly the thrombus volume by 32% at 2,600 s−1, but not at 650 s−1. However, transmission electron microscopy revealed loosely packed and less degranulated platelets at 650 s−1. The β-TG plasma levels were also reduced at both shear rates by the HN-11500 ingestion. The platelet-collagen adhesion was significantly enhanced at both shear rates. This was apparently a consequence of higher platelet concentrations at the collagen surface, because fewer platelets were consumed by the thrombi after the drug ingestion. In contrast, the coagulation, as measured by fibrin deposition and FPA plasma levels, was not significantly affected by HN-11500.Thus, it appears that the thromboxane A2 receptor antagonist HN-11500 reduces the thrombotic response by primarily impairing the platelet function at arterial blood flow conditions, and particularly at high wall shear rates.
Effects of α2-Plasmin Inhibitor on Fibrin Clot Lysis. Its Comparison with α2-Macroglobulin
Authors: Aoki Nobuo , Moroi Masaaki , Tachiya Kazuko 
Published: July 2018

SummaryThe major plasmin inhibitors namely α2-plasmin inhibitor and α2-macroglobulin were compared for their effects on lysis of fibrin clot.Plasmin fibrinolytic activity was immediately inhibited by α2-plasmin inhibitor, whereas α2-macroglobulin inhibited plasmin progressively. Urokinase(plasminogen activator)-induced clot lysis was inhibited efficiently by α2-plasmin inhibitor present in the clot. Inhibition of urokinase-induced clot lysis by α2-macroglobulin was weak and the molar concentration necessary for α2-macroglobulin to achieve the same degree of inhibition as that achieved with α2-plasmin inhibitor was about 10 times higher than that of α2-plasmin inhibitor.Binding of Lys-plasminogen to fibrin was inhibited by α2-plasmin inhibitor but not by α2-macroglobulin. Molar concentrations of α2-plasmin inhibitor which were effective in inhibiting the binding were 30 times less than that of 6-aminohexanoic acid. α2-Plasmin inhibitor was found to interact with Lys-plasminogen to form a weakly-bound complex which is dissociable in the presence of 6-aminohexanoic acid, suggesting that inhibition of binding of Lys-plasminogen to fibrin by α2-plasmin inhibitor may be due to interaction of α2-plasmin inhibitor with a specific site of the plasminogen molecule and that the site may be 6-aminohexanoic acid-binding site.It is suggested that α2-plasmin inhibitor is more reactive and efficient inhibitor of fibrinolysis than α2-macroglobulin.
Catabolism of Fibrinogen in Pregnant Rabbits before and after Delivery
Authors: Mahn Ingo , Moeller Richard-Mathias , Müller-Berghaus Gert 
Published: July 2018

Summary16 nón-pregnant female and 19 pregnant rabbits were injected with purified rabbit 125I-fibrinogen in order to study the catabolism of fibrinogen before and after delivery. The half-life time (T ½) of the clottable 125I-radioactivity in pregnant rabbits during the last third of gestation was 27.3 ± 5.3 hr in comparison to 54.4 ± 3.7 hr in non-pregnant rabbits. After delivery, T ½ returned to normal values of 47.9 ± 10.9 hr. The fractional catabolic rate (FCR) of the clottable 125I-radioactivity was 67.1% × d−1 ± 8.6 before and 41.6% × d−1 after delivery whereas FCR in non-pregnant rabbits amounted to 44.7% × d−1 ± 4.8. These figures demonstrate a pronounced increase in fibrinogen catabolism during the last third of gestation in pregnant rabbits and a normalization immediately after delivery. Although in pregnant rabbits the elimination of fibrinogen from the circulating blood was pronouncedly increased, the plasma fibrinogen concentration did not change. Only after delivery did the fibrinogen concentration increase when the fibrinogen catabolism had already normalized.
Effect of 1-Methyl-2-Mercapto-5-(3-Pyridyl)-Imidazole (KC-6141), an Anti-Aggregating Compound, on Experimental Thrombosis in Rats
Authors: Umetsu Teruhiko , Sanai Kazuko 
Published: July 2018

SummaryIn order to evaluate 1-methyl-2-mercapto-5-(3-pyridyl)-imidazole (KC-6141) as a possible antithrombotic compound, a simple and reproducible method for experimental thrombosis in rats was devised. A silken thread was inserted in the extracorporeal shunt between the carotid artery and the jugular vein. 15 min after the circulation of blood, wet weight of thrombus which developed on the thread was measured to determine the degree and rate of thrombus formation. Equalization of average body weight of rats for each group provided good reproducibility. Microscopic examination demonstrated that the thrombus was primarily composed of platelets.By use of the technique, the activities of KC-6141 and two known inhibitors, aspirin and dipyridamole, were determined. Of the three compounds, KC-6141 was the most potent inhibitor for the thrombosis. Its ED50 was 60 mg/kg when given orally and the compound was active for about 40 hr. Aspirin was about twice as less active than KC-6141 and dipyridamole showed no effect on the thrombosis.The ranking order of potency against the experimental thrombosis for the three compounds was the same as that for inhibition of platelet aggregation in vitro and platelet retention in rats, as reported previously by us. Therefore the method seems to be associated with platelet aggregation and retention.The above result suggests that KC-6141 is of value as antithrombotic drug in vivo.
Enhancement of Fibrinolysis in Rabbits Exposed to Low and Moderate Levels of Carbon Monoxide Inhibited by Epsilon Amino Caproic Acid
Authors: Kalmaz Ekrem V , Canter Larry W , Coleman Robert L , Hampton James W 
Published: July 2018

SummaryThe first (control) group of rabbits breathed ambient air whereas the second was exposed to low level carbon monoxide (CO, 50 ppm by volume) for 24 hr continuously for 8 weeks. The third group was exposed to 300 ppm CO for 4 weeks. The fourth group was exposed to 300 ppm CO for the same period of time as the third group but in addition they were also given epsilon amino caproic acid (EACA) orally, and the results compared to Group III. Per cent oxyhemoglobin (HbO2), per cent hemoglobin (Hb) and per cent carboxyhemoglobin (HbCO) were monitored in all groups. Tests of fibrinolysis were monitored and showed acceleration of the whole blood clot lysis and euglobulin lysis times (ELT). A fibrin plate test confirmed the increased lysis and serum fibrin and/or fibrinogen degradation products (FDP) were elevated in the CO exposed animals. No changes were observed in the same tests in the rabbits exposed to ambient air. The fourth group of animals receiving EACA showed inhibition of lysis and decrease in serum FDP. Alpha-1-antitrypsin and alpha-2-macroglobulin assays in all groups showed no change. Microscopic examination of the large vessels in these test groups showed endothelial damage which indicates a possible source for a plasminogen activator release, or lead to activation of Hageman factor and activated plasma plasminogen proactivator.