bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Age of Peak Marathon Performance in Cross-Country Skiing—The “Engadin Ski Marathon”
Authors: Knechtle Beat , Nikolaidis Pantelis T. 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Knechtle, B and Nikolaidis, PT. The age of peak marathon performance in cross-country skiing—the “Engadin Ski Marathon.” J Strength Cond Res 32(4): 1131–1136, 2018—The age of the best endurance performance has been well investigated in flat city running marathons. However, we have no knowledge about the age of peak marathon performance in cross-country skiing, which would be of great practical value for athletes and coaches. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the age of peak marathon performance in cross-country skiing. Participants were 162,991 men and 34,833 women competing between 1998 and 2016 in the “Engadin Ski Marathon.” We considered the fastest for both women and men, and all finishers in 1-year age intervals. The men-to-women ratio increased across ages (r
2 = 0.55, p < 0.0001). Men (44.27 ± 0.03 years, 15.73 ± 0.01 km·h−1) were 5.98 ± 0.07 years older and 2.14 ± 0.02 km·h−1 faster (p < 0.0001) than women (38.29 ± 0.06 years, 13.58 ± 0.01 km·h−1). Considering the fastest participants in 1-year age intervals, the fastest speed for men (30.33 km·h−1) was achieved at the age of 29 years, and for women (28.76 km·h−1) at the age of 24 years. Considering all participants, the fastest speed for men (17.69 km·h−1) was observed at the age of 18 years, whereas for women (15.76 km·h−1) it was at the age of 17 years. In summary, for athletes and coaches, the age of peak performance in cross-country skiers competing in a marathon distance was much younger and closer to the peak of aerobic capacity than what was found by previous studies in marathon road runners.
The relationship between weight gain during pregnancy and allopregnanolone levels: a longitudinal study
Authors: Lundqvist Anette , Sandström Herbert , Bäckström Torbjörn 
Published: April 2017

Objective
Large weight gain during pregnancy is a risk factor for complications for mother and fetus. Hunger and satiety are regulated in the hypothalamus, where the gamma-amino-butyric acid system (GABA) has an important role. Allopregnanolone, a progesterone metabolite, increases during pregnancy and is a potent GABA-A receptor modulating steroid. Allopregnanolone has been shown to induce overeating in rodents. The aim was to investigate whether there is a relationship between weight gain and allopregnanolone concentrations during pregnancy in humans.

Design
A longitudinal, cohort study.

Methods
Pregnant women (n = 56) were recruited in primary care in northern Sweden. Allopregnanolone concentrations in plasma were measured using radioimmunoassay and weight was measured in gestational weeks 12 and 35.

Results
Weight increase correlated significantly to allopregnanolone in late pregnancy increase (rs = 0.320; P = 0.016), indicating a positive relationship between weight increase and allopregnanolone increase. A positive relationship was also noted between allopregnanolone in the 35th gestational week and weight increase. Women who gained ≥11 kg during pregnancy showed higher allopregnanolone concentrations in week 35 and higher increase compared to women who increased <11 kg (P = 0.006 and P = 0.009 resp.). There was no difference in weight or allopregnanolone concentrations at the onset of pregnancy.

Conclusions
The results show a relationship between weight gain during pregnancy and increase in allopregnanolone concentrations.
Swainsonine Biosynthesis Genes in Diverse Symbiotic and Pathogenic Fungi
Authors: Cook Daniel , Donzelli Bruno G G , Creamer Rebecca , Baucom Deana L , Gardner Dale R , Pan Juan , Moore Neil , Krasnoff Stuart B , Jaromczyk Jerzy W , Schardl Christopher L 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Swainsonine—a cytotoxic fungal alkaloid and a potential cancer therapy drug—is produced by the insect pathogen and plant symbiont Metarhizium robertsii, the clover pathogen Slafractonia leguminicola, locoweed symbionts belonging to Alternaria sect. Undifilum, and a recently discovered morning glory symbiont belonging to order Chaetothyriales. Genome sequence analyses revealed that these fungi share orthologous gene clusters, designated “SWN,” which included a multifunctional swnK gene comprising predicted adenylylation and acyltransferase domains with their associated thiolation domains, a β-ketoacyl synthase domain, and two reductase domains. The role of swnK was demonstrated by inactivating it in M. robertsii through homologous gene replacement to give a ∆swnK mutant that produced no detectable swainsonine, then complementing the mutant with the wild-type gene to restore swainsonine biosynthesis. Other SWN cluster genes were predicted to encode two putative hydroxylases and two reductases, as expected to complete biosynthesis of swainsonine from the predicted SwnK product. SWN gene clusters were identified in six out of seven sequenced genomes of Metarhzium species, and in all 15 sequenced genomes of Arthrodermataceae, a family of fungi that cause athlete’s foot and ringworm diseases in humans and other mammals. Representative isolates of all of these species were cultured, and all Metarhizium spp. with SWN clusters, as well as all but one of the Arthrodermataceae, produced swainsonine. These results suggest a new biosynthetic hypothesis for this alkaloid, extending the known taxonomic breadth of swainsonine producers to at least four orders of Ascomycota, and suggest that swainsonine has roles in mutualistic symbioses and diseases of plants and animals.
Development of Improved Crosslinking Monomers for Molecularly Imprinted Materials
Authors: Spivak David A. , Sibrian-Vazquez Martha 
Published: April 2017

AbstractMolecular imprinting involves the self-assembled complexation of a substrate to functional monomers to form a pre-polymer complex which is “locked-in” to place by copolymerization with an excess of crosslinking monomer. Removal of the template leaves binding or catalytic sites that are complementary in size, shape, and functionality to the template. Most of the research in molecularly imprinted materials has focused on choice of substrate or functional monomer of the pre-polymer complex. The cross-linking monomers have primarily been EGDMA or DVB, which are commercially available. Redirecting focus on the design of crosslinking monomers for molecular imprinting, we have developed new classes of crosslinked polymers to optimize the performance of molecularly imprinted polymers. The design of the new crosslinking monomers has followed two strategies: (1) development of new crosslinked materials for formation of the supporting matrix, and (2) development of crosslinking monomers that simultaneously serve as the functional monomer. The details of the design, synthesis, polymerization and performance of these new crosslinking monomers for molecularly imprinted polymers will be reported.
Molecularly Imprinted Ionomers
Authors: Murray George M. , Southard Glen E. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIonomers have been defined as copolymers that have a certain proportion of ionic groups. The ionic groups have a significant effect on the mechanical properties of the copolymers. This is generally due to aggregation of ions in a low dielectric medium. The primary result is to restrict chain motion and raise the glass transition temperature. These attributes have relevance to molecular imprinting, since restricted chain motion should help preserve the integrity of the binding site. The connection between ionomers and molecular imprinting has come from the production of metal ion imprinted resins. Metal ions are used in the production of molecularly imprinted polymer ion exchange resins and ionically permeable membranes. The polymers have applications as separations media, sequestering media and as ion selective sensors. Metal ions are also being used to form imprinted polymers based on metal mediated imprint binding. We have prepared ion exchange resins, selectively permeable polymer membranes, ion selective electrodes and ion selective optical sensors using a modified version of the molecular imprinting technique. The modification is a reduction in the amount of covalent crosslinking used to form the polymers. This reduction may be justified by the presence of residual metal ion crosslinking in the immediate region of the imprinted binding site. The effects of metal ions on the thermal and mechanical properties of the polymers, as well their impact on binding selectivity are critical variables.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Models of Molecularly Imprinted Materials in Microfluidic Channels
Authors: Webber Cindy K. , Roberts M. Joseph 
Published: April 2017

AbstractCurrent research will lead to rapid-prototyping of chemical sensors that utilize microfabricated molecularly imprinted (MI) materials. CFD/CAD software may be used to model flow and chemical binding properties of MI materials in microfluidic channels. Use of this type of software expedites results when changes in properties are made. The surface concentration of bound analyte on a monolithic molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) within microfluidic channels can be modeled using its experimental binding kinetics. The time necessary to reach a detection limit is calculated and optimized as a function of flow parameters. In this report, we discuss the unique issues associated with the modeling of chemical sensors that utilize MI materials.
Hot Embossing Lithography: Release Layer Characterization by Chemical Force Microscopy
Authors: Cameron Neil S. , Ott Arnaud , Roberge Hélène , Veres Teodor 
Published: April 2017

AbstractHot embossing lithography is a powerful method of replicating three-dimensional micro-and nano-structures (see Figure 1) using a stamp that is pressed into a heat-softened polymer resin. Cooling below the glass-transition temperature (Tg) of the polymer cures the motifs and the stamp and substrate are then separated. Successful replication is therefore contingent on interfacial interactions during the embossing phase and most importantly during the separation or release phase. Various organo- and perfluoro-silane release layers have been proposed and studied.We have employed variable temperature chemical force microscopy (VT-CFM) using tips silanized with four different SAMs interacting with a thin-film of poly(cyclic olefin), (PCO). The silanized-tip/polymer interaction was studied over a temperature range spanning the Tg of the PCO (∼373 K). Adhesion between a saturated hydrocarbon-decorated tip (OTS) and PCO was comparatively strong (170 nN) 30 K above the Tg of the polymer. Adhesion among the perfluorinated tips was 20 to 50 nN lower at 373 K with a relative increase in perfluoromethyl groups (w/w).
An Optical Diffraction Microphone with Active Grating Diaphragm
Authors: Suzuki Kazuhiro , Funaki Hideyuki , Naruse Yujiro 
Published: April 2017

AbstractWe present a new conceptual active optical microphone based on complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) - micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) micromachining techniques. The diaphragm of the microphone has a diffracting grating fabricated by the CMOS process with only a small number of post-processes. The active microphone actuates the diaphragm on an arbitrary frequency by electrostatic force, and detects sound waves by the light waves. From the verification experiment result, this active microphone was able to perform advanced functions, such as the amplifier effect and the detection of phase information of sound waves.
Fabrication of a Bimodal Ferromagnetic Nanosystem in an Etched Silicon Structure and its Magnetic and Magneto-Optic Characterization
Authors: Granitzer P. , Rumpf K. , Pölt P. , Reichmann A. , Surnev S. , Krenn H. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractNi-nanowires are fabricated in a two-step electrochemical process. In the first step a porous silicon template with oriented pores perpendicular to the surface is produced. The electrochemical parameters for this etching procedure, like HF-concentration, current-density, etching-time and bath-temperature have to be chosen in a very small regime to obtain the favored structure in a good quality. This mesoporous silicon skeleton with highly oriented pores and homogeneous spatial distribution is filled in a further electrochemical step by a ferromagnetic metal, like Ni. This selforganized Ni-nanowire array is characterized by Auger-spectroscopy to evidence the loading of the pores over the full length. SEM and BSE are used to reveal the orientation of the pores and the homogeneous Ni-filling. By Fourier Transform image processing a predominant quadratic self-organized grouping of the (100) grown pores is identified. An additional investigation method is EDXS to show the element distribution in the sample. Furthermore magnetization measurements are used to generate a model for the Ni-loading in the channels. Not only wires but also granules in the size up to 200 nm are present. IR-spectroscopy investigations are used to compare the bare silicon wafer, the porous silicon (PS) sample and the PS with incorporated Ni at zero and finite magnetic fields.
Functionally Engineered Carbon Nanotubes-Peptide Nucleic Acid Nanocomponents
Authors: Singh Krishna V. , Wang Xu , Pandey Rajeev R. , Lake Roger , Ozkan Cengiz S. , Ozkan Mihrimah 
Published: April 2017

AbstractConjugation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with biomolecules having molecular recognition results in highly functionalized CNTs, which serve as the templates for self-assembly of novel nanomaterials. Here, we report the synthesis of novel nanocomponents by conjugating single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with peptide nucleic acid (PNA), an artificial DNA analogue by using carbodiimide coupling. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is used as a primary tool for their characterization. SEM micrographs confirm the formation of desired structures. We also modeled and simulated the SWNT-PNA interface using the PM3 semi-empirical package in Gaussian03 RevB.03 program suite for electron transfer and found that there exists an extended set of orbitals.
In Vivo Biostability of CVD Silicon Oxide and Silicon Nitride Films
Authors: Maloney John M. , Lipka Sara A. , Baldwin Samuel P. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractLow pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) and plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) silicon oxide and silicon nitride films were implanted subcutaneously in a rat model to study in vivo behavior of the films. Silicon chips coated with the films of interest were implanted for up to one year, and film thickness was evaluated by spectrophotometry and sectioning. Dissolution rates were estimated to be 0.33 nm/day for LPCVD silicon nitride, 2.0 nm/day for PECVD silicon nitride, and 3.5 nm/day for PECVD silicon oxide. A similar PECVD silicon oxide dissolution rate was observed on a silicon oxide / silicon nitride / silicon oxide stack that was sectioned by focused ion beam etching. These results provide a biostability reference for designing implantable microfabricated devices that feature exposed ceramic films.
Multi-band Terahertz Imaging System Design
Authors: Popa-Simil Liviu 
Published: April 2017

AbstractDeveloping visualization devices in far infrared reveals tremendous advantages and focused the research of space agencies, defense and security as well many other private companies oriented to science. The THz wave emitters and receivers are less developed, compared to its neighboring bands (microwave and optical). During the past decade, THz waves have been used to characterize the composition and properties of solid, liquid and gas phase materials to identify their molecular structures. At the base of this development stays the possibility of achieving microstructures from conductive or super-conductive materials able to select by resonant criteria the emerging photons and drive into specialized detection devices. The problem to be solved is the ratio S/N because the energy of a single 1THz photon is 4.1 meV equivalent to a 47K temperature.A group of such highly selective micro-antenna can be grouped into a unit cell - called elementary multi-band detector. The development of resonant structures for frequency selectivity and directivity reasons coupled with the electrical field amplification and detection in low noise quantum transistors. Such an electronic system might be integrated in a modular structure and by multiplicity to create spatial sensors and phased arrays.
Development of Humidity Sensors using Layer-by-Layer nanoAssembly of Polypyrrole
Authors: Nohria R. , Su Y. , Khillan R.K. , Dikshit R. , Lvov Y. , Varahramyan K. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIn this paper we demonstrate high sensitive and fast response humidity sensors using layer-by-layer (LbL) nano-assembled films of Polypyrrole (PPY). Spin coated PPY films were used for sensitivity and response time comparisons. The change in electrical sheet resistance of the sensing films was monitored as the device was exposed to humidity. For 5% change in relative humidity sensitivity measured from layer-by-layer based devices was 10% and 8% for the spin coated devices. The response time for LbL based and spin coated device was measured as 25 seconds and 57 seconds respectively. The LbL nano-assembled films of PPY showed the better response in terms of sensitivity, response time, linearity and degradation. An intended application for these LbL nano-assembled devices is in disposable handheld instruments to monitor the presence of humidity in humidity sensitive environments.
Multi-Technology Measurements of Amorphous Carbon Films
Authors: Leng Jingmin , Opsal Jon , Pois Heath , Sorkhabi Osman , Liu Xiaoping , Morris Stephen J. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractWe demonstrate that a multi-technology approach enables the accurate characterization of the thickness and optical properties of Amorphous Carbon (α-C) films used in semiconductor manufacturing. Because the material is found to be highly birefringent, with its measured refractive index and extinction coefficient depending strongly upon the polarization and angle-of-incidence of the optical probe beam that is used, conventional single angle-of-incidence Spectroscopic Ellipsometry (SE) has insufficient information-content to detect the ordinary and extraordinary refractive indices with sufficient accuracy. On the other hand, Beam Profile Reflectometry® (BPR®) is particularly strong in this case because it measures the actual reflectances for both polarization components (rather than just the difference between them) at multiple angles-of-incidence. Furthermore, the fact that BPR is a single-wavelength technique means that no assumptions must be made about the optical dispersion of the film and an absolute measurement can be made. It is then possible to combine this with other, spectral technologies to obtain ordinary and extraordinary n and k at all wavelengths. We show that, to first order, the birefringence can be modeled by assuming a single “anisotropy parameter”, the ratio between the ordinary and extraordinary refractive indices (or, more correctly, the complex dielectric functions). Using this approach in combination with a simple Bruggeman effective-medium dispersion model enables robust characterization of these films for production.
Anomalous Temperature dependence of Fermi-edge Singularity in Modulation-doped AlGaAs/InGaAs/GaAs hetero-structures
Authors: Naik K. Gopalakrishna , Rao K.S.R.K. , Srinivasan T. , Muralidharan R. , Mehta S. K. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe temperature and power dependence of Fermi-edge singularity (FES) in high-density two-dimensional electron gas, specific to pseudomorphic AlxGa1-xAs/InyGa1-yAs/GaAs heterostructures is studied by photoluminescence (PL). In all these structures, there are two prominent transitions E11and E21considered to be the result of electron-hole recombination from first and second electron sub-bands with that of first heavy-hole sub-band. FES is observed approximately 5 -10 meV below the E21transition. At 4.2 K, FES appears as a lower energy shoulder to the E21transition. The PL intensity of all the three transitions E11, FES and E21grows linearly with excitation power. However, we observe anomalous behavior of FES with temperature. While PL intensity of E11and E21decrease with increasing temperature, FES transition becomes stronger initially and then quenches-off slowly (till 40K). Though it appears as a distinct peak at about 20 K, its maximum is around 7 - 13 K.
In Search of Metallic Nanowires on Si(001)
Authors: Batra Inder P. , Gupta Bikash C. , Panjwani Aakanksha A. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractElectronic structures of several atomic wires of metals like Al, Ga and In on hydrogen passivated Si(001):1×1 surface have been examined in search of nanowires with metallic properties. The dihydrogenated Si(001) is patterned by depassivating only one row of Si atoms along the [110] direction. Various structures of adsorbed metals and their electronic properties have been studied. With our present effort it was observed that Al and Ga nanowire configurations with metallic property are unstable towards the formation of buckled metal dimers leading to semiconducting behaviour. However, indium atomic wire is close to the metallic limit and shows marginal preference for the formation of symmetric dimers. It is encouraging that In metallic wires on a patterned dihydrogenated Si(001) may be realized.
Effects of Hydrogen Annealing Process Conditions on Nano Scale Silicon (011) Fins
Authors: Zaman Rownak J. , Xiong Weize , Quintanilla Rudy , Schulz Thomas , Cleavelin C. Rinn , Wise Rick , Pas Mike , Patruno Paul , Schruefer Klaus , Banerjee Sanjay K. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIn this paper we present a comprehensive study of the impact of the Hydrogen (H2) annealing conditions on nano scale silicon fin structures. Hydrogen pressure was varied from 15Torr to 600Torr and anneal temperature was varied from 600°C to 900°C. We found H2 annealing can cause faceting, corner rounding and smoothing of the etched silicon surfaces. The degree of the fin transformation is a function of both pressure and temperature. Furthermore, low pressure and high temperature enhance the silicon movement and can cause damage to the nano scale fins.
Effectiveness of buffy coat leucoreduced packed red blood cells in decreasing febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reactions in thalassemic patients
Authors: Dutt Neeti , Sidhu Meena , Sharma Sushil , Parihar Ravi , Kumar Dinesh 
Published: April 2017

Background: Blood transfusions have always been associated with a number of adverse outcomes which have steadily decreased over years owing to new discoveries and technical advancements. Thalassemic patients are more prone to transfusions related complications owing to repeated transfusions. Study of these reactions and correlating them with the leucodepletion status of the transfused packed red blood cells (PRBCs) reduces transfusion complications due to the transfused leukocytes.Methods: This is a prospective study carried out on 1750 transfusions in 138 thalassemic patients at our institute between August 2015 and March 2016. The total transfusions were classified into four categories depending on the leucodepletion status of the PRBC’s. The clinical records and the reaction workup done to rule out the hemolytic reactions were recorded.Results: Reactions were recorded in 17 (0.97%) out of a total of 1750 transfusions. 14 (4.1%) reactions were recorded on transfusions of non-leukoreduced PRBCs whereas only 2 (0.16%) reactions were recorded in leucoreduced (buffy coat) PRBCs. 1 (0.8%) reaction was recorded on transfusion of leucodepleted PRBCs done by bedside filter. No reaction was documented when buffy coat leucoreduced PRBCs were used along bedside filter.Conclusions: Elimination of WBCs from donor packed cells results in reduction of adverse reactions following blood transfusion. Various methods of leucoreduction have been successfully employed in the past and shown to reduce transfusion reactions in multi transfused thalassemic patients. In resource limited settings, leukoreduction using the buffy-coat method is an effective intervention in reducing the transfusion reactions.