bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of three-dimensional field distribution of bowtie aperture using quasi-spherical waves and surface plasmon polaritons
Authors: Park Changhoon , Jung Howon , Hahn Jae W. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractWe present an analytical formula to predict the three-dimensional field distribution of a nanoscale bowtie aperture using quasi-spherical waves (QSWs) and surface plasmon polaritons, which are excited by the fundamental waveguide mode and local plasmons of the aperture, respectively. Assuming two separate bowtie apertures in a metal film, we analysed the decay characteristics of QSWs using a finite difference time-domain method. To verify the formula, we recorded the spot patterns of the bowtie aperture on a photoresist film using various exposure times, and fit the patterns to the analytical formula in terms of the width and depth of the patterns. In addition, it was found that the formula successfully represented the dipole characteristics of the spot patterns, which were in agreement with the surface geometry, with a root-mean-square error of 9.4%. We expect that our theoretical formula will extend the potential applications of nanoscale bowtie apertures to plasmonic device fabrication, three-dimensional plasmonic lithography, and other technologies.
Microbial reduction of Fe(III)-bearing clay minerals in the presence of humic acids
Authors: Liu Guangfei , Qiu Shuang , Liu Baiqing , Pu Yiying , Gao Zhanming , Wang Jing , Jin Ruofei , Zhou Jiti 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBoth Fe(III)-bearing clay minerals and humic acids (HAs) are abundant in the soils and sediments. Previous studies have shown that bioreduction of structural Fe(III) in clay minerals could be accelerated by adding anthraquinone compound as a redox-active surrogate of HAs. However, a quinoid analogue could not reflect the adsorption and complexation properties of HA, and little is known about the effects of real HAs at environmental concentration on bioreduction of clay minerals. Here, it was shown that 10–200 mg l−1 of natural or artificially synthesized HAs could effectively stimulate the bioreduction rate and extent of Fe(III) in both iron-rich nontronite NAu-2 and iron-deficient montmorillonite SWy-2. After adsorption to NAu-2, electron-transfer activities of different HA fractions were compared. Additionally, Fe(II) complexation by HAs also contributed to improvement of clay-Fe(III) bioreduction. Spectrosopic and morphological analyses suggested that HA addition accelerated the transformation of NAu-2 to illite, silica and siderite after reductive dissolution.
Decorating unoxidized-carbon nanotubes with homogeneous Ni-Co spinel nanocrystals show superior performance for oxygen evolution/reduction reactions
Authors: Yang Jun , Fujigaya Tsuyohiko , Nakashima Naotoshi 
Published: March 2017

AbstractWe present a new concept for homogeneous spinel nanocrystal-coating on high crystalline pristine-carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for efficient and durable oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Oxidized CNTs have widely been used to functionalize with metal or metal oxides since the defect sites act as anchoring for metal oxide binding. However, such defects on the tubes cause the decrease in electrical conductivity and stability, leading to lower catalyst performance. In the present study, at first, pristine multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were wrapped by pyridine-based polybenzimidazole (PyPBI) to which uniform NixCo3−xO4 nanocrystals were homogeneously deposited by the solvothermal method without damaging the MWNTs, in which PyPBI acted as efficient anchoring sites for the deposition of spinel oxide nanocrystals with ~5 nm size. The obtained catalyst (MWNT-PyPBI-NixCo3−xO4) outperformed most state-of-the-art non-precious metal-based bifunctional catalysts; namely, for OER, the potential at 10 mA cm−2 and Tafel slope in 1 M KOH solution were 1.54 V vs. RHE and 42 mV dec−1, respectively. For ORR, the onset and half-wave potentials are 0.918 V and 0.811 V vs. RHE, respectively. Moreover, the MWNT-PyPBI-NixCo3−xO4 demonstrates an excellent durability for both ORR and OER.
Tubular Cardiac Tissues Derived from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Generate Pulse Pressure In Vivo
Authors: Seta Hiroyoshi , Matsuura Katsuhisa , Sekine Hidekazu , Yamazaki Kenji , Shimizu Tatsuya 
Published: March 2017

AbstractHuman induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell-derived cardiac cells provide the possibility to fabricate cardiac tissues for transplantation. However, it remains unclear human bioengineered cardiac tissues function as a functional pump in vivo. Human iPS cells induced to cardiomyocytes in suspension were cultured on temperature-responsive dishes to fabricate cardiac cell sheets. Two pairs of triple-layered sheets were transplanted to wrap around the inferior vena cava (IVC) of nude rats. At 4 weeks after transplantation, inner pressure changes in the IVC were synchronized with electrical activations of the graft. Under 80 pulses per minute electrical stimulation, the inner pressure changes at 8 weeks increased to 9.1 ± 3.2 mmHg, which were accompanied by increases in the baseline inner pressure of the IVC. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that 0.5-mm-thick cardiac troponin T-positive cardiac tissues, which contained abundant human mitochondria, were clearly engrafted lamellar around the IVC and surrounded by von Willebrand factor-positive capillary vessels. The mRNA expression of several contractile proteins in cardiac tissues at 8 weeks in vivo was significantly upregulated compared with those at 4 weeks. We succeeded in generating pulse pressure by tubular human cardiac tissues in vivo. This technology might lead to the development of a bioengineered heart assist pump.
Carbon nanotube filled with magnetic iron oxide and modified with polyamidoamine dendrimers for immobilizing lipase toward application in biodiesel production
Authors: Fan Yanli , Su Feng , Li Kai , Ke Caixia , Yan Yunjun 
Published: March 2017

AbstractSuperparamagnetic multi-walled carbon nanotubes (mMWCNTs) were prepared by filling multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with iron oxide, and further modified by linking polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers (mMWCNTs-PAMAM) on the surface. Then, mMWCNTs-PAMAM was employed as the carrier and successfully immobilized Burkholderia cepacia lipase (BCL) via a covalent method (BCL-mMWCNTs-G3). The maximum activity recovery of the immobilized lipase was 1,716% and the specific activity increased to 77,460 U/g-protein, 17-fold higher than that of the free enzyme. The immobilized lipase displayed significantly enhanced thermostability and pH-resistance, and could efficiently catalyze transesterification to produce biodiesel at a conversion rate of 92.8%. Moreover, it possessed better recycling performance. After 20 cycles of repeated used, it still retained ca. 90% of its original activity, since the carbon nanotube−enzyme conjugates could be easily separated from the reaction mixture by using a magnet. This study provides a new perspective for biotechnological applications by adding a magnetic property to the unique intrinsic properties of nanotubes.
Entwicklung und aktueller Stand des Gesundheitstrainingsprogramms der Deutschen Rentenversicherung Bund
Authors: Worringen Ulrike , Meng Karin , Bitzer Eva-Maria , Brandes Iris , Faller Hermann 
Published: March 2017

ZusammenfassungDas Gesundheitstrainingsprogramm der DRV Bund umfasst 27 zumeist indikationsbezogene Curricula. Ziel des Gesundheitstrainingsprogramms ist die Unterstützung der Rehabilitationspraxis bei der Durchführung patientenorientierter Patientenschulung. Einzelne Curricula des Programms wurden in kontrollierten Studien evaluiert. Hinsichtlich ihrer Wirksamkeit sind indikationsbezogene Unterschiede festzustellen, grundsätzlich aber kann von wissenschaftlicher Seite der Einsatz der evaluierten Curricula empfohlen werden. Die Schulungen stellen einen bedeutsamen Baustein im Gesamtkonzept der Rehabilitationseinrichtungen dar, werden aber zumeist in abgewandelter Form umgesetzt. Insbesondere die ärztlichen Schulungsmodule werden häufig nur in Großgruppen angeboten. Wie die klinischen Bedingungen sich in der Qualitätssicherung der Rentenversicherung und einem trägerübergreifendem Rahmenkonzept widerspiegeln könnten, steht zur Diskussion.
Perianal Pediatric Crohn Disease Is Associated With a Distinct Phenotype and Greater Inflammatory Burden
Authors: Assa Amit , Amitai Michal , Greer Mary‐Louise , Castro Denise A. , Kuint Ruth C. , Martínez‐León Maria , Herman‐Sucharska Izabela , Coppenrath Eva , Anupindi Sudha , Towbin Alexander , Moote Douglas , Konen Osnat , Pratt Li‐tal , Griffiths Anne , Turner Dan ,   ImageKids Study Group
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTObjectives:Data on the outcomes of children with perianal Crohn disease (pCD) are limited, although its presence is often used for justifying early use of biologics. We aimed to assess whether pCD in children is associated with more severe outcomes as found in adults.Methods:Data were extracted from the ImageKids database, a prospective, multicenter, longitudinal cohort study. The study enrolled 246 children at disease onset or thereafter. All patients underwent comprehensive clinical, endoscopic, and radiologic evaluation at enrollment; 98 children had repeat evaluation at 18 months.Results:Of the 234 included patients (mean age 14.2 ± 2.4 years; 131 [56%] boys), 57 (24%) had perianal findings, whereas only 21 (9%) had fistulizing perianal disease. Children with pCD had reduced weight and height z scores compared with non‐pCD patients (−0.9 vs −0.35, P = 0.03 and −0.68 vs −0.23, respectively; P = 0.04), higher weighted pediatric CD activity index (32 [interquartile range 16–50] vs 20 [8–37]; P = 0.004), lower serum albumin (3.6 ± 0.7 vs 4.5 ± 0.8, P = 0.016), and higher magnetic resonance enterography global inflammatory score (P = 0.04). Children with pCD had more rectal (57% vs 38%, P = 0.04), and jejunal involvement (31% vs 11% P = 0.003) and a higher prevalence of granulomas (64% vs 23%, P = 0.0001). Magnetic resonance enterography–based damage scores did not differ between groups. Patients with skin tags/fissures only, had similar clinical, endoscopic, and radiologic characteristics as patients with no perianal findings.Conclusions:Pediatric patients with pCD with fistulizing disease have distinct phenotypic features and a predisposition to a greater inflammatory burden.
Phytohormone inhibitor treatments phenocopy brassinosteroid and gibberellin dwarf mutant interactions in maize
Authors: Best Norman B. , Johal Guri , Dilkes Brian P. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractPhytohormone biosynthesis produces metabolites with profound effects on plant growth and development. Modulation of hormone levels during developmental events, in response to the environment, by genetic polymorphism, or by chemical application can reveal the plant processes most responsive to a phytohormone. In many cases, chemical inhibitors are applied and the levels of specific phytohormones are measured to determine if, and which, phytohormone is affected by a molecule. In many cases, the sensitivity of biochemical testing has determined multiple pathways affected by a single inhibitor. Genetic studies are not subject to this problem, and a wealth of data about the morphological impacts of hormone biosynthetic inhibition has accumulated through the study of enzyme mutants. We previously identified a complex interplay between brassinosteroid (BR) and gibberellin (GA) in maize, where the interdependence of the two differs dependent on the developmental context. We found that: GA is required for loss of BR to induce retained pistils in the tassel florets (POPIT); BR is required for the loss of GA to induce tiller outgrowth; BR and GA are additive for plant height; BR has no effect on the induction of anther retention in ear florets of GA mutants. In this work, we sought to assess the specificity of three triazole inhibitors of cytochrome P450s by determining their abilities to recapitulate the phenotype of double mutants. The GA biosynthetic inhibitors uniconazole (UCZ) and paclobutrazol (PAC) were applied to the BR biosynthetic mutantna2and all double mutant phenotypes were recovered in the UCZ treatment. PAC was unable to suppress the retention of pistils in the tassels ofnana plant2(na2) mutant plants. The BR biosynthetic inhibitor propiconazole (PCZ) suppressed tiller outgrowth in the GA biosynthetic mutantdwarf5(d5). All treatments were additive with genetic mutants for effects on plant height. Due to additional measurements done here but not in previous studies of the double mutants, we detected new interactions between GA and BR biosynthesis affecting plastochron index and tassel branching. These experiments, a refinement of our previous model, and a discussion of the extension of this type of work are presented.
Enhance household resilience in Istanbul
Authors: Kundak Seda 
Published: March 2017

Purpose
This paper aims to address improvements in household preparedness against earthquake risks.

Design/methodology/approach
Two surveys were conducted in 2008 and 2013 to reveal prevention and preparedness measures which Istanbul’s inhabitants had taken in their households.

Findings
The findings of surveys show the progress in taking risk reduction measures which have been propagating from higher socio-economic status through all segments of the community in a five-year period. This shift is also evidence of the efficiency of community awareness programs conducted by governmental and non-governmental bodies in Istanbul.

Originality/value
The evaluation of the impacts of community awareness programs which leads the progress in risk reduction activities in Istanbul is a valuable example for large cities which are facing natural threats. The findings of this paper can be considered as a facilitator in understanding the tendency of different socio-economic groups against earthquake risk.
Sales force commissions in relationship marketing
Authors: Echchakoui Said 
Published: March 2017

Purpose
This paper aims to examine the roles of both aggregate and specific commission rates to control the sales force in relationship marketing with a customer portfolio.

Design/methodology/approach
Drawn on the concept of customer lifetime value and agency theory, the author calculated both specific and aggregate sales force commission rates in a relationship marketing perspective. Contrary to the prior researchers, the author assumes that, at any period, both the gross margins and retention rate of each customer are a stochastic function of the salesperson’s effort.

Findings
The results indicated that when there is symmetric information between a sales manager and salesperson, both aggregate and specific commissions can be used to monitor the sales force. Under asymmetric information, however, each type of commission rate can only be used under certain conditions. In addition, conditions in which the aggregate commission is equivalent to the specific commission for each customer were derived.

Research limitations/implications
Hypothetical data were used to explain the model. It would be more appropriate to use real data to see its managerial relevance.

Originality/value
In the author’s knowledge, this study is the first that specifically links scholastic customer’s retention and salesperson commission rate to monitor salesperson effort in relationship marketing. It is also the first that shows in which conditions aggregate and specific commission rates are equal for a salesperson’s customer portfolio management.
Applying quality function deployment to social housing?
Authors: Kassela Katerina , Papalexi Marina , Bamford David 
Published: March 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to focus on the application of quality function deployment (QFD) in a Housing Association (HA) located in the UK. Facing the problem of improving a company’s performance, practitioners and academics have fashioned and applied a variety of models, theories and techniques.

Design/methodology/approach
The research questions were developed from a review of the quality and process improvement literature and tested using evidence from field-based, action research within a UK HA company. The case study provides insight to the benefits and challenges arising from the application of QFD.

Findings
The results provided insight to the benefits and challenges arising from the application of a specific tool, QFD. The primary findings were: QFD can be successfully adapted, applied and utilised within the challenging environment of social housing and other sectors, such as professional services; the model can be modified to use most processes/sub-processes; it must include both external and internal requirements and, to be useful, use more detailed process parameters appropriately.

Practical implications
The conclusions drawn add to ongoing commentaries on aspects of quality improvement, especially the application of QFD within the service sector. The authors develop questions for future research regarding improvement projects.

Originality/value
The conclusion proposes that the implementation of QFD should have a positive impact upon a company; if approached in the right manner. It provides a useful mechanism for developing evidence-based strategy of operational change, control and improvement. The research proposes questions for future research into aspects of operational quality and efficiency.
Outcomes of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in elderly obese Japanese patients
Authors: Hayashi Aiko , Maeda Yukari , Takemoto Minoru , Tokuyama Hirotake , Koide Hisashi , Kitahara Aya , Hayashi Hideki , Kitamoto Takumi , Yamaga Masaya , Kobayashi Kazuki , Yokote Koutaro 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAimLaparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has proven to be the most effective strategy for the treatment of morbid obesity, however its efficacy and safety in an aging population has not yet been confirmed. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness and safety of LSG in elderly obese Japanese patients.MethodsThree obese individuals aged >60 years and 11 obese individuals aged <60 years who underwent LSG were enrolled. Pre‐ and postoperative changes after at least 12 months were examined, including bodyweight, body mass index, total weight loss, excess weight loss, bone mineral density and bone‐related markers.ResultsThere were no significant differences between patients aged <60 years and >60 years in terms of percent total weight loss (24.4 ± 11 vs 23 ± 4.4%, respectively) and percent excess weight loss (49.1 ± 23.4 vs 47.6 ± 10 %, respectively). Dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry was carried out before and 12 months after LSG. There were no significant differences in bone mineral density changes at the lumbar spine and femoral neck between the two groups (0.01 ± 0.06 vs 0.02 ± 0.03 g/cm2, −0.03 ± 0.06 vs −0.08 ± 0.02 g/cm2, respectively). There were no peri‐ and postoperative complications. All three patients aged >60 years had reduced bone mineral density in the femoral neck after LSG; one was diagnosed with osteoporosis.ConclusionsAlthough the present results suggest that LSG could be of considerable benefit to elderly obese Japanese patients, long‐term careful observation after bariatric surgery is especially important in elderly patients to prevent future osteoporosis. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2068–2073.
Evaluation of clinical signs and early and late trichoscopy findings in traction alopecia patients with Fitzpatrick skin type II and III: a single‐center, clinical study
Authors: Polat Mualla 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundTraction alopecia refers to (often permanent) hair loss caused by prolonged physical damage. No study has yet described the unique trichoscopic findings of the condition. We describe the trichoscopic findings of traction alopecia and its relationships with the duration of traction.MethodsWe studied 25 patients who were clinically diagnosed with traction alopecia. The patients were divided into two groups in terms of traction duration. Trichoscopy was performed at a minimum of two scalp locations in each patient.ResultsReduction in hair density, hair diameter diversity, empty follicles, and vellus hairs were observed in all patients. In addition, the following were observed: loss of follicular openings in 19 (76%) patients, yellow dots and broken hairs in 17 (68%), black dots in 12 (48%), hair casts in 7 (28%), circular hairs in 5 (20%), and arborizing red lines in 3 (12%). The trichoscopic findings varied with the duration of traction.ConclusionsTraction alopecia is a chronic condition that is difficult to treat. Trichoscopy can be used for diagnosis. Our study is the first to identify the early and late trichoscopic features of traction alopecia. The limitation of the study is the lack of histologic diagnosis.
Sex/gender differences in neural correlates of food stimuli: a systematic review of functional neuroimaging studies
Authors: Chao Ariana M. , Loughead James , Bakizada Zayna M. , Hopkins Christina M. , Geliebter Allan , Gur Ruben C. , Wadden Thomas A. 
Published: March 2017

SummarySex and gender differences in food perceptions and eating behaviours have been reported in psychological and behavioural studies. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize studies that examined sex/gender differences in neural correlates of food stimuli, as assessed by functional neuroimaging. Published studies to 2016 were retrieved and included if they used food or eating stimuli, assessed patients with functional magnetic resonance imaging or positron emission tomography, and compared activation between men and women. Fifteen studies were identified. In response to visual food cues, women, compared with men, showed increased activation in the frontal, limbic and striatal areas of the brain as well as the fusiform gyrus while fasted. Differences in neural response to gustatory stimuli were inconsistent. This suggests that women may be more reactive to visual food stimuli, especially when hungry. However, findings are based on a small number of studies, and additional research is needed to establish a more definitive explanation and conclusion.
Epidemiological and Molecular Characterization of an Invasive Group A Streptococcus
emm
32.2 Outbreak
Authors: Cornick Jennifer E. , Kiran Anmol M. , Vivancos Roberto , Van Aartsen Jon , Clarke Jenny , Bevan Edward , Alsahag Mansoor , Alaearts Maaike , Bricio Moreno Laura , Jenkinson Howard F. , Nobbs Angela H. , Anson James , Kadioglu Aras , French Neil , Everett Dean B. 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT

An
emm
32.2 invasive group A streptococcus (iGAS) outbreak occurred in Liverpool from January 2010 to September 2012. This genotype had not previously been identified in Liverpool, but was responsible for 32% (14/44) of all iGAS cases reported during this time period. We performed a case-case comparison of
emm
32.2 iGAS cases with non-
emm
32.2 control iGAS cases identified in the Liverpool population over the same time period to assess patient risk factors for
emm
32.2 iGAS infection. The
emm
32.2 iGAS cases were confined to the adult population. We show that homelessness, intravenous drug use, and alcohol abuse predisposed patients to
emm
32.2 iGAS disease; however, no obvious epidemiological linkage between the patients with
emm
32.2 iGAS could be identified. Comparative whole-genome sequencing analysis of
emm
32.2 iGAS and non-
emm
32.2 control isolates was also performed to identify pathogen factors which might have driven the outbreak. We identified 19 genes, five of which had previously been implicated in virulence, which were present in all of the
emm
32.2 iGAS isolates but not present in any of the non-
emm
32.2 control isolates. We report that a novel
emm
32.2 genotype emerged in Liverpool in 2010 and identified a specific subset of genes, which could have allowed this novel
emm
32.2 genotype to persist in a disadvantaged population in the region over a 3-year period.