bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Echogenic intracardiac foci and fetal cardiac anomalies: A review of cases from a tertiary care center in China
Authors: Guo Yong , He Yihua , Gu Xiaoyan , Zhang Ye , Sun Lin , Liu Xiaowei , Zhao Ying , Han Jiancheng 
Published: September 2017

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the relationship between the location of echogenic intracardiac foci (EIFs) and fetal cardiac anomalies in our patient population.MethodsWe performed a retrospective study of the clinical files of fetuses who underwent an echocardiographic examination at our fetal cardiac medical center from August 2010 to August 2016. Fetuses were grouped by EIF location (left ventricle [LV], right ventricle [RV], or bilateral ventricles [BVs]). The maternal age, reason for referral, and cardiac anomalies in the three groups were analyzed.ResultsWe enrolled 2647 fetuses with an EIF. Of these, 2498 (94.4%) were in the LV group, while 45 (1.7%) and 104 (3.9%) were in the RV and BV groups, respectively. Aneuploidy was found in 3 fetuses, and all of these had a left‐sided EIF. Cardiac anomalies were found in 93/2498 (3.7%) fetuses with a left‐sided EIF, 5/45 (11.1%) of those with a right‐sided EIF, and 3/104 (2.9%) of those with bilateral EIFs. The prevalence of congenital heart disease was significantly higher in fetuses with a right‐sided EIF than in those with left‐sided or bilateral EIFs (P < .05).ConclusionsRight‐sided EIFs were more frequently associated with fetal cardiac anomalies than were left‐sided or bilateral EIFs.
Prenatal 3D sonography of an isolated lateral facial cleft
Authors: Lee Mina , Ko Young‐Bok , Yang Jung‐Bo , Kang Byung‐Hun 
Published: September 2017

AbstractLateral facial cleft is a rare congenital anomaly, but all affected infants require surgery under general anesthesia. Conventional 2‐dimensional coronal view of the face, which is typically used for identification of facial clefts, has limitations with regard to detection of this anomaly. We describe a case of prenatal diagnosis of isolated lateral facial cleft made with 3D sonography and highlight the importance of this tool in the diagnosis of this rare facial deformity.
Biophysical insight into the heparin‐peptide interaction and its modulation by a small molecule
Authors: Tiwari Neha , Srivastava Ankit , Kundu Bishwajit , Munde Manoj 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe heparin‐protein interaction plays a vital role in numerous physiological and pathological processes. Not only is the binding mechanism of these interactions poorly understood, studies concerning their therapeutic targeting are also limited. Here, we have studied the interaction of the heparin interacting peptide (HIP) from Tat (which plays important role in HIV infections) with heparin. Isothermal titration calorimetry binding exhibits distinct biphasic isotherm with two different affinities in the HIP‐heparin complex formation. Overall, the binding was mainly driven by the nonionic interactions with a small contribution from ionic interactions. The stoichiometric analysis suggested that the minimal site for a single HIP molecule is a chain of 4 to 5 saccharide molecules, also supported by docking studies. The investigation was also focused on exploiting the possibility of using a small molecule as an inhibitor of the HIP‐heparin complex. Quinacrine, because of its ability to mimic the HIP interactions with heparin, was shown to successfully modulate the HIP‐heparin interactions. This result demonstrates the feasibility of inhibiting the disease relevant heparin‐protein interactions by a small molecule, which could be an effective strategy for the development of future therapeutic agents.
May–July precipitation reconstruction from oak tree‐rings for Bohemia (Czech Republic) since AD 1040
Authors: Dobrovolný Petr , Rybníček Michal , Kolář Tomáš , Brázdil Rudolf , Trnka Miroslav , Büntgen Ulf 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTThis contribution presents a near‐millennium‐long reconstruction of May–July (MJJ) precipitation for Bohemia, the western part of the recent Czech Republic. A well‐replicated chronology of oak (Quercus spp.) tree‐ring width (TRW) measurements covering the 1040–2013 period was employed as a high‐resolution hydroclimatic proxy. Standardized TRW indices were calibrated to selected grid points from the CRU precipitation database, covering the geographical distribution of the oak data used. The oak TRW chronology explains 34% of MJJ precipitation variability during the 1901–1980 period used for calibration. Although the relationship between oak TRW and target data was relatively stable for this period, the coherence drops significantly beyond it. However, two independent verification periods reveal highly positive reduction of error (RE) and coefficient of efficiency (CE) statistics. Less formal verification based on direct comparison with 14 European proxy‐based reconstructions further suggests relatively good agreement in the temporal occurrence of above/below mean late spring–early summer precipitation totals, especially in the 16th–17th centuries. The new MJJ precipitation reconstruction is restricted to inter‐annual and inter‐decadal variability, which is in line with our understanding of natural precipitation variability. Reconstruction reveals two long periods of low precipitation variability, in the 13th–14th centuries and 1630s–1850s. It also demonstrates that precipitation anomalies of larger amplitude and longer duration occurred in the earlier part of the last millennium than those found in the instrumental period. Negative trends in soil moisture content and gradual changes in annual precipitation distribution leading to higher extremity of precipitation regime may be responsible for the lower sensitivity of oaks to precipitation after the 1980s. The new reconstruction does not indicate any exceptional recent decline in MJJ precipitation.
Late Holocene hydroclimate of the western Yucatan Peninsula (Mexico)
Authors: Roy Priyadarsi D. , Torrescano‐Valle Nuria , Islebe Gerald A. , Gutiérrez‐Ayala Luz Verónica 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTChemical composition, magnetic susceptibility and texture of sediments in a swamp from the Los Petenes Biosphere Reserve provide information about late Holocene hydrological variations on the western margin of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Periods of lower than average amounts of K‐bearing clastics during 2580–2050, 1100–825 and 700–160 cal a BP represent drought intervals. Magnetic minerals were better preserved during these arid intervals, as the swamp was not perennially anoxic. Hydroclimate was unstable during 2580–2050 cal a BP, as several storm‐surge events occurred within an overall arid interval. The drought of 1100–825 cal a BP was contemporary with the Terminal Classic Period and the drought of 700–160 cal a BP was characterized by the lowest erosion as well as highest abundance of authigenic carbonate. Comparison with other climate proxy records from the region suggests that droughts had different geographic coverage. We attribute the different geographic coverage of droughts to variable strengths of polar continental air masses as well as dynamics of the Caribbean Low Level Jet and tropical cyclones that brought precipitation into different parts of the peninsula.
Attempted Determination of the Structures of Complex Aliphatic Copolyesters
Authors: Li Shanshan , Shen Jialong , Nichol Jessica L. , Tonelli Alan E. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAttempts at the microstructural characterization of biodegradable aliphatic polyesters made via melt‐polymerization of three distinct diacids or diesters and three structurally distinct diols are described. Probes sensitive to local, short‐range microstructures (13C‐NMR) and potentially sensitive to overall, global, complete polymer architectures (Kerr effect) are employed. Solution 13C‐NMR reveals the copolyesters possess largely random comonomer sequences, without, however, complete elucidation of even their shortest comonomer sequences. The limited structural sensitivity of NMR prevents development of meaningful structure–property relations. Observed Kerr effects, on the other hand, clearly demonstrate sensitivity to the presence of distinct microstructures of longer range than are observed by 13C‐NMR. To identify the details of these longer‐range structural elements, will, however, require the ability to estimate the Kerr constants of these aliphatic copolyesters when they are assumed not only to possess the types and amounts of short‐range microstructures identified experimentally by 13C‐NMR, but which are located at different positions along their chains. This ambitious goal requires extensive experimental and calculational efforts, which are currently just beginning and will be described subsequently.
Daily fluctuation of emotions and memories thereof: Design and methods of an experience sampling study of major depression, social phobia, and controls
Authors: Gloster Andrew T. , Miché Marcel , Wersebe Hanna , Mikoteit Thorsten , Hoyer Jürgen , Imboden Christian , Bader Klaus , Meyer Andrea H. , Hatzinger Martin , Lieb Roselind 
Published: September 2017

AbstractSymptom fluctuations and the dynamic contexts provoking these are poorly understood. This deficit is compounded by people's limited ability to accurately report about such dimensions in retrospect. Utilizing the advantages of experience sampling methodology (ESM), this study rigorously describes and tests proximal environmental, neurobiological and psychological factors associated with symptoms and mood states.Participants were assigned to three diagnostic groups: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD;n = 118), Social Phobia (SP;n = 47), or a Control Group without SP or MDD (CG;n = 119). Laboratory assessments included cognitive abilities, memory, constructs, and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). ESM lasted seven days, with six assessments per day covering symptoms, affect, daily events, social interactions, post‐event processing, well‐being, etc. Morning cortisol and actigraphy were also assessed during ESM. Thereafter, participants provided subjective retrospective recall estimates of the emotions they reported during ESM.The multi‐level data of >10,000 observations will allow for thorough examination of fluctuations of psychopathology and well‐being in two highly prevalent disorders. Using two clinical groups and a non‐affected control group, the clinical specificity versus generalizability of processes can be directly tested, thus providing stimulating information about the overlap and differences between anxiety and affective disorders. This research informs about the development, fluctuation, and maintaining factors of emotions and symptoms and examines the accuracy with which participants recall these dimensions.
Investigation of the contribution of total creatine to the CEST Z‐spectrum of brain using a knockout mouse model
Authors: Chen Lin , Zeng Haifeng , Xu Xiang , Yadav Nirbhay N. , Cai Shuhui , Puts Nicolaas A. , Barker Peter B. , Li Tong , Weiss Robert G. , van Zijl Peter C.M. , Xu Jiadi 
Published: September 2017

The current study aims to assign and estimate the total creatine (tCr) signal contribution to the Z‐spectrum in mouse brain at 11.7 T. Creatine (Cr), phosphocreatine (PCr) and protein phantoms were used to confirm the presence of a guanidinium resonance at this field strength. Wild‐type (WT) and knockout mice with guanidinoacetate N‐methyltransferase deficiency (GAMT−/−), which have low Cr and PCr concentrations in the brain, were used to assign the tCr contribution to the Z‐spectrum. To estimate the total guanidinium concentrations, two pools for the Z‐spectrum around 2 ppm were assumed: (i) a Lorentzian function representing the guanidinium chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) at 1.95 ppm in the 11.7‐T Z‐spectrum; and (ii) a background signal that can be fitted by a polynomial function. Comparison between the WT and GAMT−/− mice provided strong evidence for three types of contribution to the peak in the Z‐spectrum at 1.95 ppm, namely proteins, Cr and PCr, the latter fitted as tCr. A ratio of 20 ± 7% (protein) and 80 ± 7% tCr was found in brain at 2 μT and 2 s saturation. Based on phantom experiments, the tCr peak was estimated to consist of about 83 ± 5% Cr and 17 ± 5% PCr. Maps for tCr of mouse brain were generated based on the peak at 1.95 ppm after concentration calibration with in vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
Fast and efficient probing of heterogeneous IoT networks
Authors: Metongnon Lionel , Sadre Ramin 
Published: September 2017

SummaryThe Internet of Things (IoT) leads to the interconnectivity of a wide range of device types running an equally wide range of operating systems and applications. This heterogeneity of hardware and software poses significant challenges to security. Constrained IoT devices often do not have enough resources to carry the overhead of an intrusion protection system or complex security protocols. Furthermore, they are often not properly managed and updated.Network scans are a valuable tool to discover vulnerable devices. In the context of IoT, the initiator of the scan can be particularly interested in finding constrained devices, assuming that they are easier targets for attacks. However, in IoT networks hosting devices of various types, performing a scan with a high discovery rate can be a challenging task, since a scan working well for, eg, a WiFi network might easily overload a low‐power network such as IEEE 802.15.4.In this paper, we propose an approach to increase the efficiency of network scans in heterogeneous environments by combining them with active round‐trip time measurements. The measurements allow the scanner to differentiate IoT nodes by the used network technology. Using the knowledge gained from this differentiation, our approach adapts the scan strategy to reduce probe losses, and hence the speed and efficiency of the scan. We validate our approach through simulations of a mixed IoT infrastructure consisting of WiFi and multihop IEEE 802.15.4 subnetworks.
Would more social partners leads to enhanced health? The paradox between quantity and quality
Authors: Xing Cai , Zhang Xin , Cheng Sheung‐Tak 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIn the current investigation, we examined the association between social network composition (SNC) and mental health, as well as whether quantity and quality of social network could influence mental health differently. The social network quantity and quality of 345 middle‐aged and older Chinese adults were measured by the Social Convoy Questionnaire. The Chinese version of the Medical Outcome Studies 36‐item Short‐Form Health Survey (SF‐36) was used to assess mental health while controlling for physical health. It was found that both quantity and quality of social network were associated with mental health, and more specifically that (1) quantity of peripheral partners (PP) was positively associated with mental health; (2) quality of emotionally close social partners (ECSP) influenced mental health the most; and (3) paradoxically, the effect of ECSP quality on mental health depended on quantity of ECSP, that is, participants with more ECSP showed a stronger association between ECSP quality and mental health. The findings replicated and extended previous studies on SNC and suggested that structure/quantity and quality of SNC were both important for mental health.
Electrical, optical, and structural characterization of p‐type N‐doped SnO thin films prepared by thermal oxidation of sputtered SnNx thin films
Authors: Garzon‐Fontecha A. , De La Cruz W. , Quevedo M. 
Published: September 2017

We present a study of electrical and optical properties of nitrogen‐doped tin oxide thin films deposited on glass by the DC Magnetron Sputtering method. The deposition conditions to obtain p‐type thin films were a relative partial pressure between 7% and 11% (N2 and/or O2), a total working pressure of 1.8 mTorr and a plasma power of 30 W. The deposited thin films were oxidized after annealing at 250°C for 30 minutes. X‐ray diffraction results showed that the as‐deposited thin films exhibit a Sn tetragonal structure, and after annealing, they showed SnO tetragonal structure. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy results showed the presence of nitrogen in the samples before and after annealing. The measured physical parameters of the thin films were optical band gap between 1.92 and 2.68 eV, resistivity between 0.52 and 5.46 Ωcm, a concentration of p‐type carriers between 1018 and 1019 cm−3, and a Hall mobility between 0.1 and 1.94 cm2V−1s−1. These thin films were used to fabricate p‐type thin film transistors.
Time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry analysis of paint craters
Authors: Bloomfield Heather L. , Nie Heng‐Yong 
Published: September 2017

Localized sudden changes in the surface energy of a surface to be painted are commonly held responsible for causing paint craters. However, it is not necessarily an easy task to identify the material(s) that produced the defects. Automotive paint cratering, when it happens, often requires immediate identification of its causes because the product line may have to be shut down until the problem is solved. For the past 18 years, Surface Science Western has applied time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS), among other techniques, to help its clients in the automotive industry identify the chemicals responsible for producing paint craters. In this article, we demonstrate that ToF‐SIMS is a unique and powerful technique in identifying the chemicals such as siloxane, fluorocarbons and fatty acids that are responsible for causing paint craters. We further show that the chemicals can be foreign contaminants, as well as segregation of additives in the paint systems, and even from contaminated solvents used in the paint. When the chemicals causing the paint craters can be identified by ToF‐SIMS analysis, the automotive company can often track down the primary source and remove the root cause. As such, surface analysis and in particular ToF‐SIMS is invaluable in understanding paint cratering for both the surface analysis research community and paint manufacturers and users. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, Magnetic and Electrocatalytic Properties of a Dinuclear Triazendio‐Nickel(II) Complex
Authors: Xue Dan , Luo Su‐Ping , Zhan Shu‐Zhong 
Published: September 2017

AbstractA new material both for magnetic coupling and electrocatalytic hydrogen production based on a dinuclear nickel(II) complex, [Ni2L4] 1 has been prepared by the reaction of NiCl2⋅6H2O and 1‐[(2‐methoxy) benzene]‐3‐[2‐pyridine] triazene (HL). Magnetic analysis shows that in the solid state this nickel complex exhibits an antiferromagnetic exchange interaction between nickel(II) ions mediated by triazenido‐bridges (J= −6.8 cm−1). In homogeneous environment, complex 1 shows electrocatalytic activities for hydrogen generation both from acetic acid and neutral buffer with a turnover frequency (TOF) of 101.25 moles of hydrogen per mole of catalyst per hour (mol H2/mol catalyst/h) at an overpotential (OP) of 941.6 mV and a TOF of 998.2 mol H2/mol catalyst/h at an OP of 836.7 mV, respectively.
Mechanism of Low‐Temperature Carbon Combustion Over Ag‐Pd/Alumina Catalysts
Authors: Tai Yutaka , Namba Tetsuya , Tomita Atsuko , Miki Takeshi , Uchisawa Junko , Obuchi Akira , Kogawa Takahiro , Isayama Akihiro , Wakabayashi Takashi 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe mechanism of carbon combustion over Ag−Pd/alumina catalysts has been studied with the aim of further improving the performance of Ag‐based diesel particulate filter catalysts. Alumina‐supported Ag−Pd, Ag, and Pd catalysts were prepared and compared for their carbon combustion ability. Over the Ag−Pd, Ag, and Pd catalysts, peaks of CO2 emission were observed at 425, 510, and 650 °C, respectively. Details of the catalyst structure and carbon oxidation process were investigated using energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) mapping and temperature‐dependent Ag and Pd K‐edge X‐ray absorption fine structure analysis during carbon combustion. The EDX mapping and extended X‐ray absorption fine structure analyses suggested that Ag−Pd and PdO particles stacked together in the Ag−Pd/alumina catalyst. With this structure, oxygen atoms could migrate effectively to the Ag−Pd particles from the PdO surfaces, allowing low‐temperature combustion over the Ag−Pd/alumina catalyst.
Comparative Electrochemical Behavior of Cytochrome c on Aqueous Solutions Containing Choline‐Based Room Temperature Ionic Liquids
Authors: Matias Sara C. , Lourenço Nuno M. T. , Fonseca Luis J. P. , Cordas Cristina M. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIonic liquids have been attracting considerable interest in wide diverse fields, including biotechnology applications. Metalloproteins’ stability in such media is still a controversial subject. Divergent reports on the metalloproteins’ stability have been published, although hydrated ionic liquids seem more beneficial for achieving efficient redox transitions with the proteins’ redox centers. In the present study the electrochemical behavior of Cyt c in three choline‐based ionic liquids aqueous solutions, namely choline dehydrogenophosphate ([Ch][DHP]), choline 2‐(N‐morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid ([Ch][MES]) and choline 3‐(cyclohexylamino)‐1‐propanesulfonic acid ([Ch][CAPS]) was investigated. Cyt c formal potential and its temperature dependence, the diffusion coefficient and heterogeneous electron transfer rate were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry. The results show that Cyt c in aqueous solutions of [Ch][DHP] and [Ch][MES], retain its intrinsic redox properties.
Semiconductor Solid‐Solution Nanostructures: Synthesis, Property Tailoring, and Applications
Authors: Liu Baodan , Li Jing , Yang Wenjin , Zhang Xinglai , Jiang Xin , Bando Yoshio 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe innovation of band‐gap engineering in advanced materials caused by the alloying of different semiconductors into solid‐solution nanostructures provides numerous opportunities and advantages in optoelectronic property tailoring. The semiconductor solid‐solution nanostructures have multifarious emission wavelength, adjustability of absorption edge, tunable electrical resistivity, and cutting‐edge photoredox capability, and these advantages can be rationalized by the assorted synthesis strategies such as, binary, ternary, and quaternary solid‐solutions. In addition, the abundance of elements in groups IIB, IIIA, VA, VIA, and VIIA provides sufficient room to tailor‐make the semiconductor solid‐solution nanostructures with the desired properties. Recent progress of semiconductor solid‐solution nanostructures including synthesis strategies, structure and composition design, band‐gap engineering related to the optical and electrical properties, and their applications in different fields is comprehensively reviewed. The classification, formation principle, synthesis routes, and the advantage of semiconductor solid‐solution nanostructures are systematically reviewed. Moreover, the challenges faced in this area and the future prospects are discussed. By combining the information together, it is strongly anticipated that this Review may shed new light on understanding semiconductor solid‐solution nanostructures while expected to have continuous breakthroughs in band‐gap engineering and advanced optoelectronic nanodevices.