bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Controlling solid-liquid interfacial energy anisotropy through the isotropic liquid
Authors: Wang Lei , Hoyt Jeffrey J. , Wang Nan , Provatas Nikolas , Sinclair Chad W.
Published: February 2020

Although the anisotropy of the solid-liquid interfacial free energy for most alloy systems is very small, it plays a crucial role in the growth rate, morphology and crystallographic growth direction of dendrites. Previous work posited a dendrite orientation transition via compositional additions. In this work we examine experimentally the change in dendrite growth behaviour in the Al-Sm (Samarium) system as a function of solute concentration and study its interfacial properties using molecular dynamics simulations. We observe a dendrite growth direction which changes from $$\langle 100\rangle$$
⟨
100
⟩
to $$\langle 110\rangle$$
⟨
110
⟩
as Sm content increases. The observed change in dendrite orientation is consistent with the simulation results for the variation of the interfacial free energy anisotropy and thus provides definitive confirmation of a conjecture in previous works. In addition, our results provide physical insight into the atomic structural origin of the concentration dependent anisotropy, and deepen our fundamental understanding of solid-liquid interfaces in binary alloys.
CMOS-based bio-image sensor spatially resolves neural activity-dependent proton dynamics in the living brain
Authors: Horiuchi Hiroshi , Agetsuma Masakazu , Ishida Junko , Nakamura Yusuke , Lawrence Cheung Dennis , Nanasaki Shin , Kimura Yasuyuki , Iwata Tatsuya , Takahashi Kazuhiro , Sawada Kazuaki , Nabekura Junichi
Published: February 2020

Recent studies have shown that protons can function as neurotransmitters in cultured neurons. To further investigate regional and neural activity-dependent proton dynamics in the brain, the development of a device with both wide-area detectability and high spatial-ltemporal resolution is necessary. Therefore, we develop an image sensor with a high spatial-temporal resolution specifically designed for measuring protons in vivo. Here, we demonstrate that spatially deferent neural stimulation by visual stimulation induced distinct patterns of proton changes in the visual cortex. This result indicates that our biosensor can detect micrometer and millisecond scale changes of protons across a wide area. Our study demonstrates that a CMOS-based proton image sensor with high spatial and temporal precision can be used to detect pH changes associated with biological events. We believe that our sensor may have broad applicability in future biological studies.
Association between low estrogen receptor positive breast cancer and staining performance
Authors: Caruana Dennis , Wei Wei , Martinez-Morilla Sandra , Rimm David L. , Reisenbichler Emily S.
Published: February 2020

Estrogen receptor (ER) expression in breast carcinomas, determined by immunohistochemistry, indicates statistically significant benefit to endocrine therapy in patients with tumors expressing ER in ≥1% of tumor cells. Rare cases with low ER expression (1–10%) lead to the dilemma of treating these tumors as ER positive or negative. We hypothesize that low ER positive result from poor staining performance and that we may detect this artefact by assessing the average dynamic range of normal ducts adjacent to low ER positive tumors. Using quantitative tools, we compare the dynamic range of normal background ER expression in patients with low (1–10%) ER tumors to dynamic range of ER expression in normal epithelium from control patient populations, to determine if low ER cases are accompanied by decreased dynamic range. Low ER cases were infrequent (1% of invasive breast carcinomas). Twenty-one cases with low ER staining and two control cohorts, including a tissue microarray (TMA) of 10 benign breast sections and a group of 34 control breast carcinomas (reported as ER negative or >10% ER positive) with normal background epithelium, were digitally scanned. QuPath was utilized to quantify ER staining for each cell as the mean optical density of nuclear DAB staining. The dynamic range of ER expression in normal epithelium surrounding low ER tumors was significantly lower (range 2–240, median 16.5) than that of the benign epithelium in the control tumors (range 3–475, median 30.8; p < 0.001) and benign TMA sections (range 38–212, median 114; p < 0.001) suggesting inconsistent stainer performance.
Bio-inspired self-folding strategy to break the trade-off between strength and ductility in carbon-nanoarchitected materials
Authors: Jia Xiangzheng , Liu Ze , Gao Enlai
Published: February 2020

Graphene possesses extraordinary mechanical, electronic, and thermal properties, thus making it one of the most promising building blocks for constructing macroscopic high performance and multifunctional materials. However, the common material strength–ductility paradox also appears in the carbon-nanoarchitected materials and some of the key mechanical performance, for example, the tensile strength of graphene-based materials, are still far lower than that of graphene. Inspired by the exceptional mechanical performance of silk protein benefiting from the conformations of folded structures as well as their transitions, this work proposed a topological strategy to yield graphene-based materials with ultrahigh ductility while maintaining decent tensile strength by self-folding graphene sheets. This drastically improved mechanical performance of graphene-based materials is attributed to the exploitation of shearing, sliding, and unfolding deformation at the self-folded interface. Molecular dynamics simulations show that both modulating self-folded length and engineering interface interaction can effectively control the strength, ductility, and the ductile failure of van der Waals interfaces among the self-folded structures, where interfacial shearing, sliding, and unfolding open channels to dissipate mechanical energy. Based on the insights into the atomic-scale deformation by molecular dynamics simulations, the underlying mechanism of deformation and failure of these materials is finally discussed with a continuum mechanics-based model. Our findings bring perceptive insights into the microstructure design of strong-yet-ductile materials for load-bearing engineering applications.
Author Correction: Association of ketamine use with lower risks of post-intubation hypotension in hemodynamically-unstable patients in the emergency department
Authors: Ishimaru Tadayoshi , Goto Tadahiro , Takahashi Jin , Okamoto Hiroshi , Hagiwara Yusuke , Watase Hiroko , Hasegawa Kohei ,   Japanese Emergency Medicine Network Investigators, Morita Hiroshi , Kawano Takahisa , Kamikawa Yohei , Nagai Hideya , Matsumoto Takashi , Nonami Suguru , Miyoshi Yusuke , Segawa Sho , Kitai Yuya , Tanaka Kenzo , Minami Saburo , Yakushiji Hiromasa , Okamoto Hiroshi , Miyauchi Naoto , Goto Yukari , Sato Nobuhiro , Gibo Koichiro , Okubo Masashi , Nakayama Yukiko , Miyamae Nobuhiro , Kaoru Hirose , Imamura Taichi , Uendan Azusa , Koyama Yasuaki , Kamura Hiroshi , Yoshiyuki Nakashima , Takahashi Jin , Irie Jin , Okada Nobunaga , Oya Seiro , Inoue Akihiko
Published: February 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
A PDM-based 128-Gb/s PAM4 fibre-FSO convergent system with OBPFs for polarisation de-multiplexing
Authors: Wu Hsiao-Wen , Li Chung-Yi , Lu Hai-Han , Huang Qi-Ping , Tu Shi-Cheng , Huang Yong-Cheng
Published: February 2020

A polarisation-division-multiplexing (PDM)-based four-level pulse amplitude modulation (PAM4) fibre-free-space optical (FSO) convergent system with optical band-pass filters (OBPFs) for polarisation de-multiplexing is feasibly demonstrated for the first time. In a PDM scenario with PAM4 modulation, the transmission capacity of fibre-FSO convergent systems is enhanced four times with an aggregate channel capacity of 128 Gb/s (64 Gb/s PAM4/polarisation × 2 polarisations). With an OBPF, polarisation-tracking free de-multiplexing is attained by eliminating other optical carrier with orthogonal polarisation. An OBPF is a simple polarisation de-multiplexing scheme in which the polarisation-orthogonal carrier can be effectively de-multiplexed and the cross-polarisation interference can be nearly eliminated. Compared with traditional PDM-based fibre-FSO convergent systems with sophisticated polarisation-tracking mechanism and elaborate digital signal processing (DSP) approach, it reveals a noteworthy one with the advantage of simplicity. Through 25 km single-mode fibre transport and 500 m FSO link, sufficiently low bit error rate and qualified PAM4 eye diagrams are attained. This proposed polarisation-tracking free PDM-based fibre-FSO convergent system is notable because it not only incorporates the fibre backbone and optical wireless feeder, but it also simplifies the framework since complicated polarisation-tracking mechanism and DSP approach are not involved.
Airborne Influenza A Virus Exposure in an Elementary School
Authors: Coleman Kristen K. , Sigler William V.
Published: February 2020

Influenza contributes significantly to childhood morbidity and mortality. Given the magnitude of the school-aged child population, a sizeable proportion of influenza virus transmission events are expected to occur within school settings. However, influenza virus activity in schools is not well-understood, likely due to our limited ability to accurately monitor for respiratory viruses without disrupting the school environment. In this study, we evaluated the use of a bioaerosol sampling method to noninvasively detect and quantify airborne influenza A virus (IAV) densities in a public elementary school. Air samples were collected from multiple locations in the school, two days per week, throughout an eight-week sampling period during influenza season. Real-time RT-PCR targeting the IAV M gene revealed detectable IAV on five occasions in densities ranging from 2.0 × 10−1to 1.9 × 104. No significant differences in IAV densities were related to student presence/absence. The majority of IAV-associated particles were ≤4 μm in diameter, and theoretical calculations indicate infectious thresholds after minutes of exposure. Our study represents the first identification and quantification of airborne influenza virus in an elementary school, and the results suggest that airborne IAV has the potential to circulate in schools during influenza season, in large enough doses known to cause infection.
Remediation of hexavalent chromium contaminated water through zero-valent iron nanoparticles and effects on tomato plant growth performance
Authors: Brasili Elisa , Bavasso Irene , Petruccelli Valerio , Vilardi Giorgio , Valletta Alessio , Dal Bosco Chiara , Gentili Alessandra , Pasqua Gabriella , Di Palma Luca
Published: February 2020

Contaminated water with hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) is a serious environmental problem. This study aimed to evaluate the Cr(VI) removal by zero valent iron nanoparticles (nZVI) reduction process and the impact of Cr(VI), nZVI and combined treatment with nZVI and Cr(VI) on tomato growth performance. To evaluate the Cr(VI) toxic effect on germination capability, seeds were exposed to increasing Cr(VI) concentrations up to 1000 mg L−1. The inhibition of seed germination and the decrease of hypocotyl and root length started from Cr(VI) 5 mg L−1. Under treatment with Cr(VI) + nZVI 5 mg L−1, seed germination, hypocotyl and root length resulted significantly higher compared to Cr(VI) 5 mg L−1 treatment. The impact of only nZVI was investigated on chlorophyll and carotenoid in leaves; iron levels in leaves, roots, fruits and soil; carotenoid, fat-soluble vitamin and nicotianamine in mature fruits. A significant increase of leaf chlorophyll and carotenoids was observed after nZVI 5 mg L−1 treatment compared to controls. No significant variations were observed in carotenoids, fat-soluble vitamins and nicotianamine levels after treatment with nZVI 5 mg L−1 in mature fruits. For their ability to reduce Cr(VI) and to stimulate tomato growth, nZVI might to be considered as alternative for remediation purposes.
STAT5-dependent regulation of CDC25A by miR-16 controls proliferation and differentiation in FLT3-ITD acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Sueur Gabrielle , Boutet Alison , Gotanègre Mathilde , Mansat-De Mas Véronique , Besson Arnaud , Manenti Stéphane , Bertoli Sarah
Published: February 2020

We recently identified the CDC25A phosphatase as a key actor in proliferation and differentiation in acute myeloid leukemia expressing the FLT3-ITD mutation. In this paper we demonstrate that CDC25A level is controlled by a complex STAT5/miR-16 transcription and translation pathway working downstream of this receptor. First, we established by CHIP analysis that STAT5 is directly involved in FLT3-ITD-dependent CDC25A gene transcription. In addition, we determined that miR-16 expression is repressed by FLT3-ITD activity, and that STAT5 participates in this repression. In accordance with these results, miR-16 expression was significantly reduced in a panel of AML primary samples carrying the FLT3-ITD mutation when compared with FLT3wt cells. The expression of a miR-16 mimic reduced CDC25A protein and mRNA levels, and RNA interference-mediated down modulation of miR-16 restored CDC25A expression in response to FLT3-ITD inhibition. Finally, decreasing miR-16 expression partially restored the proliferation of cells treated with the FLT3 inhibitor AC220, while the expression of miR-16 mimic stopped this proliferation and induced monocytic differentiation of AML cells. In summary, we identified a FLT3-ITD/STAT5/miR-16/CDC25A axis essential for AML cell proliferation and differentiation.
Protein sorting into protein bodies during barley endosperm development is putatively regulated by cytoskeleton members, MVBs and the HvSNF7s
Authors: Roustan Valentin , Hilscher Julia , Weidinger Marieluise , Reipert Siegfried , Shabrangy Azita , Gebert Claudia , Dietrich Bianca , Dermendjiev Georgi , Schnurer Madeleine , Roustan Pierre-Jean , Stoger Eva , Ibl Verena
Published: February 2020

Cereal endosperm is a short-lived tissue adapted for nutrient storage, containing specialized organelles, such as protein bodies (PBs) and protein storage vacuoles (PSVs), for the accumulation of storage proteins. During development, protein trafficking and storage require an extensive reorganization of the endomembrane system. Consequently, endomembrane-modifying proteins will influence the final grain quality and yield. However, little is known about the molecular mechanism underlying endomembrane system remodeling during barley grain development. By using label-free quantitative proteomics profiling, we quantified 1,822 proteins across developing barley grains. Based on proteome annotation and a homology search, 94 proteins associated with the endomembrane system were identified that exhibited significant changes in abundance during grain development. Clustering analysis allowed characterization of three different development phases; notably, integration of proteomics data with in situ subcellular microscopic analyses showed a high abundance of cytoskeleton proteins associated with acidified PBs at the early development stages. Moreover, endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT)-related proteins and their transcripts are most abundant at early and mid-development. Specifically, multivesicular bodies (MVBs), and the ESCRT-III HvSNF7 proteins are associated with PBs during barley endosperm development. Together our data identified promising targets to be genetically engineered to modulate seed storage protein accumulation that have a growing role in health and nutritional issues.
Storm Response of Fluvial Sedimentary Microplastics
Authors: Ockelford Annie , Cundy Andy , Ebdon James E.
Published: February 2020

Up to 80% of the plastics in the oceans are believed to have been transferred from river networks. Microplastic contamination of river sediments has been found to be pervasive at the global scale and responsive to periods of flooding. However, the physical controls governing the storage, remobilization and pathways of transfer in fluvial sediments are unknown. This means it is not currently possible to determine the risks posed by microplastics retained within the world’s river systems. This problem will be further exacerbated in the future given projected changes to global flood risk and an increased likelihood of fluvial flooding. Using controlled flume experiments we show that the evolution of the sediment bed surface and the flood wave characteristics controls the transition from rivers being ‘sinks’ to ‘sources’ of microplastics under flood conditions. By linking bed surface evolution with microplastic transport characteristics we show that similarities exist between granular transport phenomena and the behavior, and hence predictability, of microplastic entrainment during floods. Our findings are significant as they suggest that microplastic release from sediment beds can be managed by altering the timing and magnitude of releases in flow managed systems. As such it may be possible to remediate or remove legacy microplastics in future.
Practical SERS method for assessment of the washing durability of textiles containing silver nanoparticles
Authors: Nam Sunghyun , Ernst Nicholas , Chavez Sonia E. , Hillyer Matthew B. , Condon Brian D. , Gibb Bruce C. , Sun Luyi , Guo Huiyuan , He Lili
Published: February 2020

A simple yet effective SERS method was developed to identify and quantify silver nanoparticles in washing solutions using the “coffee ring effect” in order to assess the washing durability of textile products containing silver nanoparticles.
Rapid identification of the “smart drug” modafinil in suspicious tablets by DART-HRMS combined with micropunching
Authors: Zhou Liying , Wang Xin , Liu Wanhui , Xiang Ping , Chen Hang
Published: February 2020

Modafinil, with the name “smart drug”, sometimes is “invisible” in conventional forensic mass spectrometry analysis, by its thermal instability. Because of this, the illegal trade in it is rampant. Now we have new method to detect it in real case.
Exploiting shape-selected iron oxide nanoparticles for the destruction of robust bacterial biofilms – active transport of biocides via surface charge and magnetic field control
Authors: Nickel Rachel , Kazemian Mohammad Reza , Wroczynskyj Yaroslav , Liu Song , van Lierop Johan
Published: February 2020

Biocide-loaded magnetic nanoparticles actively transport biocides through bacterial biofilms, with biocide loading and particle efficacy improved for non-spherical shapes such as cubes and tetrapods.
An α-Fe2O3/NiO p–n hierarchical heterojunction for the sensitive detection of triethylamine
Authors: Bai Shouli , Han Jingyi , Han Ning , Zhang Kewei , Sun Jianhua , Sun Lixia , Luo Ruixian , Li Dianqing , Chen Aifan
Published: February 2020

The 4Fe/Ni composite exhibits enhanced sensing properties to TEA compared with pristine α-Fe2O3. The enhancing sensing performance is attributed to big specific surface of hierarchical structures and the formation of p–n heterojunction.
In situ formed methyl-co-(bis-R) silsesquioxane based polymer networks with solvent controlled pore size distributions and high surface areas
Authors: Hu Nai-hsuan , Lenora Chamika U. , May Timothy A. , Hershberger Nathan C. , Furgal Joseph C.
Published: February 2020

Specific pore size distributions of synthesized methylsilsesquioxane-based network materials stem from a combination of the solvation of monomers and growing oligomers, as well as miscibility of water in tested solvents; enabling specific analyte uptake materials.
The duality of electron localization and covalency in lanthanide and actinide metallocenes
Authors: Smiles Danil E. , Batista Enrique R. , Booth Corwin H. , Clark David L. , Keith Jason M. , Kozimor Stosh A. , Martin Richard L. , Minasian Stefan G. , Shuh David K. , Stieber S. Chantal E. , Tyliszczak Tolek
Published: February 2020

Unequivocal experimental evidence for carbon 2p and cerium 4f orbital mixing in cerocene, Ce(C8H8)2is provided from carbon K-edge and Ce M5,4-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopies and corroborated with DFT and configuration interaction calculations.
Visible-to-UV photon upconversion in air-saturated water by multicomponent co-assembly
Authors: Kawashima Yusuke , Kouno Hironori , Orihashi Kana , Nishimura Koki , Yanai Nobuhiro , Kimizuka Nobuo
Published: February 2020

Visible-to-UV TTA-based photon upconversion in aerated water is achieved for the first time by utilizing oxygen blocking ability of dense multicomponent supramolecular co-assemblies.
Symmetrical and unsymmetrical fluorine-rich ullazines via controlled cycloaromatizations
Authors: Zhang Guoxian , Gautam Prabhat , Chan Julian M. W.
Published: February 2020

The synthesis of a series of electron-deficient pentafluorosulfanylated ullazines (U1–U10) by sequential electrophilic cycloaromatizations has been achieved.
Energy efficiency and economic assessment of imported energy carriers based on renewable electricity
Authors: Hank Christoph , Sternberg André , Köppel Nikolas , Holst Marius , Smolinka Tom , Schaadt Achim , Hebling Christopher , Henning Hans-Martin
Published: February 2020

Energy and cost efficiency assessment of PtX energy carriers including long-distance distribution via ship for the import of renewable energy.
Comments on: A functional polymorphism rs10830963 in melatonin receptor 1B associated with the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Rosta Klara , Harreiter Jürgen , Nádasdi Ákos , Németh László , Kautzky-Willer Alexandra , Somogyi Anikó , Firneisz Gábor
Published: February 2020

We have read with great interest the accepted manuscript of the meta-analysis performed by Huang, et al. titled “A functional polymorphism rs10830963 in melatonin receptor 1B associated with the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus” published online in the 2019 December 6 issue of Bioscience Reports (https://doi.org/10.1042/BSR20190744).

We do agree with the authors’ final conclusion that such a meta-analysis should eventually confirm that the MTNR1B rs10830963 G allele is significantly associated with increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) development in pregnant populations with Asian and European ancestry. However we have surprisingly found that our genetic association study (PLoS One (2017), https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0169781) was included in this meta-analysis, but with mistakenly calculated odds ratios (OR). Therefore we would suggest to use the correct OR values based on our original publication that were already indicating a high genetic effect size for the MTNR1B rs10830963 risk variant on GDM development.
Reliability and Validity of the Kannada Version of the Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice
Authors: Gunjawate Dhanshree R. , Ravi Rohit , Bhagavan Srividya
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Kannada version of the Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V).

Method

The Kannada version of CAPE-V comprises six phrases that are phonetically designed as per the CAPE-V requirements. Sixty-five (21 individuals with dysphonia and 44 asymptomatic) participants were enrolled for the instrument psychometric validation. The interrater and intrarater reliability as well as validity were assessed.

Results

High level of agreement was noted between the three raters across all the CAPE-V parameters, highest for pitch (intraclass correlation coefficient value = .98) and lowest for loudness (intraclass correlation coefficient value = .96). High intrarater reliability agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient value > .97) was also noted for all the parameters. Among the correlation for parameters that are comparable between CAPE-V and the Grade, Roughness, Breathiness, Asthenia, and Strain scale, the highest correlation was noted for overall severity. There was a significant difference noted between the study and control groups for all parameters except loudness. The discriminant function analysis and classification revealed that 98% were correctly identified.

Conclusion

The Kannada version of CAPE-V has been proven to be a psychometrically reliable and valid tool to use for auditory-perceptual evaluation of voice.
Fundusautofluoreszenz: Klinische Anwendung und diagnostische Bedeutung
Authors: Bindewald-Wittich Almut , Kellner Ulrich
Published: February 2020

Die Bildgebung mittels Fundusautofluoreszenz (FAF) ist ein nichtinvasives Verfahren, das Fluorophore vor allem auf Ebene der Fotorezeptoren, des Subretinalraums und des retinalen Pigmentepithels sichtbar macht und zusätzliche, wichtige Informationen liefert. Sie hat entscheidend zum pathophysiologischen Verständnis vieler Erkrankungen beigetragen und wird in Kombination mit anderen bildgebenden Verfahren u. a. für Diagnostik und Verlaufsbeobachtung eingesetzt.
OCT-Diagnostik beim Glaukom: Tipps & Tricks
Authors: Mardin Christian
Published: February 2020

Die Technik der optischen Kohärenztomografie scheint bei Glaukomen mittlerweile unverzichtbar für Dokumentation, Diagnosehilfestellung und Verlaufsbeobachtung. Die kritisch betrachteten Befunde sollten immer in Übereinstimmung mit dem klinischen Bild des Patienten gesehen werden. Der Artikel zeigt die Einsatzmöglichkeiten anhand von Fallbeispielen.
Soziale Unterstützung oder soziale Ansteckung? Wie sich Betroffene mit Essstörungen im stationären und Wohngruppensetting gegenseitig beeinflussen
Authors: Wunderer Eva , Moll Christine , Kaltenhauser Theresa
Published: February 2020

Hintergrund Zusammenzuleben mit anderen Betroffenen kann für Menschen mit Essstörungen soziale Unterstützung bieten. Doch es sind auch soziale Ansteckungsprozesse möglich, wenn Konkurrenz entsteht und sich die Betroffenen in ihrer Symptomatik gegenseitig zu überbieten versuchen.

Methode In 2 qualitativen Studien wurden insgesamt 19 weibliche Betroffene im stationären Kontext bzw. Wohngruppensetting zu ihren Erfahrungen befragt.

Ergebnisse Die inhaltsanalytische Auswertung der problemzentrierten, leitfadengestützten Interviews zeigt Chancen, aber auch Risiken, gerade in reinen Essstörungs-Gruppen.

Diskussion Es scheint wichtig, dass eine Etikettierung von Betroffenen („die Esssgestörten“) und eine Fokussierung auf die Symptomatik vermieden, die Individualität und der Genesungswunsch gestärkt sowie Ansteckungsprozesse reflektiert werden.
Horizon-Scanning im Gesundheitswesen – wo steht Deutschland?
Authors: Krabbe Laura , Buchberger Barbara
Published: February 2020

Hintergrund Entscheidungsträger im Gesundheitswesen handeln in einem Umfeld, in dem Erwartungen steigen, neue nutzenbringende Technologien so schnell wie möglich verfügbar zu machen, Patienten vor gefährlichen oder unwirksamen Technologien zu schützen und im Zuge dessen die Diffusion einer Technologie zu be- oder entschleunigen. Horizon-Scanning (HS) ist ein Prozess, um frühzeitig einflussreiche neue und aufstrebende Technologien zu identifizieren und über deren potenzielle Auswirkungen auf das Gesundheitssystem zu informieren.

Ziel der Arbeit Darstellung der Methodik von HS, weltweit bestehender Aktivitäten und des Status quo in Deutschland.

Methodik Eine systematische Literaturrecherche wurde im April 2015 durchgeführt und durch Handsuchen ergänzt. Zudem erfolgte eine qualitative Befragung von Experten im deutschen Gesundheitssystem.

Ergebnisse Es konnten 27 formale HS-Systeme (HSS) weltweit identifiziert werden, von denen 18 dem „International Information Network on New and Emerging Health Technologies“ angegliedert sind. Im Wesentlichen werden dieselben Prozessschritte angewendet, können aber aufgrund unterschiedlicher Strukturen und Interessen der Gesundheitssysteme methodische Unterschiede aufweisen. In Deutschland existiert kein offizielles HSS. Die Befragung der Experten zeigte, dass zum Teil Unkenntnis herrscht und das Verständnis von HS variiert, grundsätzlich aber ein Bedarf zu bestehen scheint.

Schlussfolgerung Der systematische HS-Prozess kann an die Gegebenheiten und Ziele eines Gesundheitssystems angepasst werden und findet international Anklang. In Deutschland könnte HS dazu beitragen, Entscheidungsträgern und Interessengruppen frühzeitig Informationen zu verschaffen und sie bei ihren Entscheidungen zu unterstützen.
Advanced Catalyst-Free Pseudo-Six-Component Synthesis of Tetrahydrodipyrazolopyridines in Water by Using Ammonium Carbonate as an Ecofriendly Source of Nitrogen
Authors: Tamaddon Fatemeh , Khorram Ali
Published: February 2020

This work describes an improved environmentally friendly method for the synthesis of tetrahydrodipyrazolopyridines (THDPPs) in water through a catalyst-free pseudo-six-component reaction of alkyl acetoacetates, hydrazine hydrate, and ammonium carbonate with an aldehyde in a mole ratio of 2:2:1:1 at room temperature. The ammonium carbonate serves as a green source of nitrogen for the central 1,4-dihydropyridine ring in the THDPPs. Methyl acetoacetate reacts faster than either ethyl or propyl acetoacetate in this method. The product precipitates during the reaction and is simply collected by filtration. Advantages of this environmentally benign method include no use of an organic solvent, no hazardous waste, rapid clean reactions, and excellent yields of products.
Necrotizing Infection of the Aortic Arch: Reconstruction Utilizing Unusual Extra-anatomic Bypass Grafts to Reroute Cerebral Blood Flow
Authors: Hemli Jonathan M. , Patton Byron D. , Scheinerman S. Jacob , Brinster Derek R.
Published: February 2020

Destructive infections of the aortic arch and great vessels are challenging to manage. We describe a novel technique for debranching the right cerebral and upper extremity arteries via composite extra-anatomic bypasses from the femoral artery, with subsequent homograft in-line reconstruction of the arch, in a patient with Staphylococcus sepsis and necrosis of the arch and great vessels.
Amelioration of Diabetic Nephropathy in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats by Acacia catechu Leaves Extract
Authors: D’souza Prima , Holla Rajendra , Swamy Gangadhara
Published: February 2020

Objective The present study was performed to evaluate the ethanolic extract of leaves of Acacia catechu (A. catechu) for its effect on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes mellitus (DM) and its renal complications in male Wistar albino rats.

Materials and Methods Male Wistar albino rats were grouped into control (A), STZ-induced DM (B), STZ-induced DM rats with A. catechu orally of 75 mg/kg body weight (kbw) for 35 days (C), with each group having six rats (n = 6) weighing between 200 to 250 g each. Group A receives only water, orally; group B receives a single dose of STZ at 45 mg/kbw intraperitoneal administration (IP); group C receives STZ IP and oral A. catechu for 35 days. On the 36th day, animals were euthanized, the kidney tissues were analyzed for biochemical parameters, such as GOT (glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase), GPT (glutamic pyruvic transaminase), oxidative stress assessment parameters, and histopathological studies.

Results In group C rats, activities of the enzymes were nearer to group A when compared with group B. Histopathological findings were also suggesting that renal toxicity were observed at a lesser extent in group C.

Conclusion The ethanolic extract of A. catechu signified as nephroprotective effect. The present data could provide adequate confirmation of the efficacy of ethanolic extract of leaves of A. catechu for further experimental studies on a standardized formulation.
Reduction of an in vitro Intraradicular Multispecies Biofilm Using Two Rotary Instrumentation Sequences
Authors: Zavattini Angelo , Cowie Jonathan , Niazi Sadia , Giovarruscio Massimo , Sauro Salvatore , Foschi Federico
Published: February 2020

Objective The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect per se of two shaping and cleaning techniques on the reduction of an in vitro multispecies biofilm.

Materials and Methods A total of 39 freshly extracted monoradicular teeth for periodontal reason were decoronated. Roots were sectioned longitudinally. After autoclaving, a specific stressed biofilm was grown on the root halves that were subsequently reassembled in a silicone index. Two treatments (n = 9 each)—RaCe (Schottlander; Letchworth Garden City, United Kingdom) and ProTaper Gold ( PTG; Dentsply Maillefer, Baillagues, Switzerland)—were tested; three noninstrumented samples served as a control group and three were rinsed with saline. Posttreatment samples were taken at three different levels of the root. Colony-forming units were counted after incubations. Additionally, three treatments (n = 5 each)—RaCe, PTG, and saline only—were evaluated under a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM).

Statistical Analysis Statistical analysis was conducted using Tukey’s test and analysis of variance to evaluate the post-instrumentation bioburden.

Results Both instrumentations were able to reduce the biofilm; however, differences were not present between them (p > 0.05). CLSM showed biofilm killing and disruption through mechanical shaping alone.

Conclusions Intraradicular biofilm is reduced with mechanical shaping. There was no difference between RaCe and PTG systems in biofilm reduction despite differences in design, file sequence, and rotational speed.
Improving transport and optimizing deceleration of ion beams from electron cyclotron resonance multicharged ion sources
Authors: Okumura Kazuki , Takeda Tatsuto , Ishihara Masaki , Onishi Koji , Hamada Kouta , Omori Takayuki , Kubo Wataru , Harisaki Shuhei , Kato Yushi
Published: February 2020

Electron cyclotron resonance ion sources (ECRISs) are widely applied for ion beam applications, e.g., plasma processing, cancer therapy, and ion engine of an artificial satellite. In our ECRIS, we aim at producing and extracting various ion beams from this device, in particular, Xeq+ ion beams at low energy. In the aerospace engineering field, there are problems of accumulated damages on various component materials caused by low energy of Xe ions from the engine. There are not enough experimental sputtering data for satellite materials at the Xeq+ in the low energy region. Then, we are trying to investigate the sputtering yield experimentally by irradiating the low energy Xe ion beams. To perform this experiment, it is necessary to acquire a certain amount of beam current with low energy. Then, we generate the low energy ion beams by the following steps: First, the ion beams are extracted from the ECRIS at high voltage. Next, these are transported to an ion beam irradiation system (IBIS). Finally, the ion beams are decelerated by the deceleration voltage in the IBIS. We adjusted the beamline. We measure the characteristics of the transport efficiency and decelerated ion beam currents. In this paper, we describe the experimental setup using an existing ECRIS for decelerated heavy ion beams and the results of decelerated ion beam currents.
Tunable multi-resonance of terahertz metamaterial using split-disk resonators
Authors: Zheng Daoye , Hu Xingzhuo , Lin Yu-Sheng , Chen Chang-Han
Published: February 2020

We present three tunable multi-resonance of terahertz (THz) metamaterials. They are composed of single-, dual-, and triple-split-disk resonators (SDRs) on Si substrates, which are denoted as SDR-1, SDR-2, and SDR-3, respectively. They exhibit extraordinary electromagnetic characteristics. SDR-1 exhibits polarization-dependence owing to the asymmetrical SDR structure. To increase the flexibility and applicability of SDR configuration, SDR-2 and SDR-3 are presented to modify the distances between the SDR layers. By moving the top SDR layer of SDR-2, a controllable resonance with a 0.32 THz shifting and tunable free spectrum range (FSR) of 0.15 THz at transverse magnetic mode is achieved, while an electromagnetically induced transparency-like effect appears at the transverse electric mode. The spectral bandwidth of SDR-3 can be tuned to 0.10 THz, and the resonant intensity becomes controllable by moving the middle SDR layer of SDR-3. Furthermore, by moving the top SDR layer of SDR-3, the tuning ranges of resonance, FSR, and bandwidth of SDR-3 are 0.23 THz, 0.20 THz, and 0.08 THz, respectively. Such designs of SDR configurations provide a high-efficient THz resonator in the THz-wave applications such as filters, switches, polarizers, sensors, imaging, and so on.
Immediate intervention effect of dielectric barrier discharge on acute inflammation in rabbit’s ear wound
Authors: Ding Chengbiao , Huang Pengpeng , Feng Linfei , Jin Tao , Zhou Yun , He Yuanyuan , Wu Zhengwei , Liu Yi
Published: February 2020

Acute inflammation is an anti-injury stress response which is beneficial to the human body. However, if the duration of acute inflammation is prolonged in specific people, such as critically ill patients and people with low resistance, it will worsen the disease and increase complication rates. Most medical researchers are committed to finding an effective method to shorten the duration of acute inflammation. The purpose of our work is to shorten the duration of acute inflammation in a rabbit’s ear wound by dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) low temperature plasma. The distribution and quantity of inflammatory cells in the rabbit’s ear wound treated by plasma were studied and calculated by using a high power optical microscope and Image J software. The reactive species of plasma were characterized by optical emission spectroscopy. The results showed that the number of inflammatory cells decreased from 2312.17 ± 242.52 to 880.17 ± 89.08 after plasma treatment for 3 min. In addition, plasma has a coagulation effect on the rabbit’s ear wound. Our results indicated that DBD low temperature plasma could be an effective tool to decrease the inflammatory response time and the inflammation was further alleviated with increased treatment time.
A programmable microfluidic platform for multisample injection, discretization, and droplet manipulation
Authors: Babahosseini Hesam , Padmanabhan Supriya , Misteli Tom , DeVoe Don L.
Published: February 2020

A programmable microfluidic platform enabling on-demand sampling, compartmentalization, and manipulation of multiple aqueous volumes is presented. The system provides random-access actuation of a microtrap array supporting selective discretization of picoliter volumes from multiple sample inputs. The platform comprises two interconnected chips, with parallel T-junctions and multiplexed microvalves within one chip enabling programmable injection of aqueous sample plugs, and nanoliter volumes transferred to a second microtrap array chip in which the plugs are actively discretized into picoliter droplets within a static array of membrane displacement actuators. The system employs two different multiplexer designs that reduce the number of input signals required for both sample injection and discretization. This versatile droplet-based technology offers flexible sample workflows and functionalities for the formation and manipulation of heterogeneous picoliter droplets, with particular utility for applications in biochemical synthesis and cell-based assays requiring flexible and programmable operation of parallel and multistep droplet processes. The platform is used here for the selective encapsulation of differentially labeled cells within a discrete droplet array.
Anatomy of the adventitious roots of Philodendron (Araceae) and its importance for the systematics of the genus
Authors: de Oliveira Ferreira Rafaela , Campos Borges Ana Cristina , Rodrigues dos Campos Juan Augusto , Leite Medeiros Artur Manoel , Sakuragui Cassia Mônica , Cardoso Vieira Ricardo , Tenorio Vitor
Published: February 2020

The genus Philodendron Schott comprises the following three currently accepted subgenenera: P. subg. Philodendron, P. subg. Pteromischum and P. subg. Meconostigma; however, these lack a well-defined classification. In the present study, we examined anatomically samples of adventitious roots in species of the group, so as to establish aspects relevant for taxonomic purposes. The anatomical analyses emphasised the characteristics of the steles in cross-sections of the root samples from regions near the apex to the most mature zones. A species of a closely related genus Adelonema, namely A. crinipes, was included in the study to clarify the results. Our results indicated notable differences in the species of the subgenus Meconostigma, mainly in terms of the presence (and variations) of a lobed stele, whereas the cylindrical stele stood out among the common characteristics in P. subg. Philodendron, P. subg. Pteromischum and the related species A. crinipes. Moreover, the characteristics shared by P. subg. Philodendron and P. subg. Pteromischum corroborated the phylogenetic hypothesis that these two taxa were more closely related to one another than to P. subg. Meconostigma.
Track analysis of the Neotropical species of Capparaceae
Authors: Mercado-Gómez Jorge D. , Escalante Tania
Published: February 2020

The Capparaceae are a family of plants associated mainly with dry areas, which have produced climatic constraints and a limited geographic distribution. This family is considered endemic in the Neotropical seasonally dry forest (NSDF) and, therefore, a model to analyse the NSDF biogeography. We conducted a track analysis of Neotropical species of Capparaceae to identify generalised tracks that recover ancestral biotas of NSDF nuclei, employing 7602 data points for 104 species. Individual tracks were obtained using Prim’s algorithm and generalised tracks were identified using parsimony analysis of endemicity with progressive character elimination. We found six generalised tracks and four panbiogeographic nodes mainly located in the NSDF. Generalised tracks recovered the ancestral biotas of NSDF distributed among the central Andean coast, central inter-Andean valleys (Ecuador), Tarapoto–Quillabamba, Apurimac–Mantaro (Peru) and Piedmont (Bolivia) NSDF nuclei. Also, the pattern of distribution of Capparaceae recovered old connections between northern South America and the inter-Andean valleys. However, we also found generalised tracks located over the Isthmus of Panama and Amazonian–Magdalena valley moist forest, suggesting that the distribution pattern in this family was influenced not only by NSDF climatic constraints, but also by geological events such as the emergence of the Isthmus and Andean uplift.
Biogeographic characterisation of the Austral High Andean district, Patagonian province, based on vascular plant taxa
Authors: Padró Alfredo , Hechem Viviana , Morrone Juan J.
Published: February 2020

The Austral High Andean area extends from south-eastern Mendoza, Argentina, to the southernmost tip of South America in the form of isles on the peaks of the Andes range. The objective of this biogeographic regionalisation study was to characterise this area. Individual tracks were made on the basis of the distribution maps of 232 species of vascular plants present in the area, from which localities were identified and georeferenced. A parsimony analysis of endemicity (PAE) was used to obtain a generalised track. The results support an area of endemism located mainly in the Neuquén province, which is treated as a district of the Patagonian province that belongs to the Patagonian subregion of the Andean region. This track analysis is a preliminary contribution for understanding the distributional patterns of the High Andean biota within an evolutionary biogeographic framework.
Two methods for calculating wildland fire rate of forward spread
Authors: Gould Jim S. , Sullivan Andrew L.
Published: February 2020

Accurate estimation of a wildland fire’s progression is critical for the development of robust fire spread prediction models and their validation. Two methods commonly used to determine spread rate are the cumulative spread rate, calculated as the total distance travelled by a fire divided by the total time of travel, and the interval spread rate, calculated using the minimum time and maximum distance between observations. This paper analyses the differences between these two methods using experimental fires conducted in dry eucalypt forest leaf litter in either a combustion wind tunnel or large (4ha) field sites. Fires were ignited from a point, 400-mm and 800-mm line ignitions in the wind tunnel, and point and 120-m line ignitions in the field experiments. A total of 312 and 397 observations of distance travelled and time taken were made during the laboratory and field experiments respectively, along with associated environmental variables. Mean spread rates and standard deviations were significantly greater for the interval method than those of the cumulative method for all the laboratory data and the field point ignition fires, and the difference between them varied with distance and time since ignition. These findings have important implications for fire spread and acceleration model development.
Logophoricity and shifts of perspective
Authors: Nikitina Tatiana
Published: February 2020

This study presents a typology of existing approaches to logophoricity and discusses problems the different approaches face. It addresses, in particular, perspective-based accounts describing constructions with logophoric pronouns in terms of their intermediate position on the direct-indirect continuum (Evans 2013), and lexical accounts incorporating the idea of coreference with the reported speaker into the pronoun’s meaning, either through role-to-value mapping mechanisms (Nikitina 2012a,b), or through feature specification (Schlenker 2003a,b). The perspective-based approach is shown to be unsatisfactory when it comes to treating language-specific data in precise and cross-linguistically comparable terms. It fails to account, for example, for cross-linguistic differences in the behavior of logophoric pronouns, for their optionality, and for their close diachronic relationship to third person elements. Lexical accounts are better equipped to handle a variety of outstanding issues, but they, too, need to be revised to accommodate a variety of discourse phenomena associated with logophoricity, including alternation with first person pronouns. The proposed solution follows the lines of lexical approaches but aims at enriching the pronouns’ lexical representation with notions pertaining to narrative structure, such as the role of Narrator. A separate solution is proposed for treating conventionalized uses occurring outside speech and attitude reports.
Evidentials and their pivot in Tibetic and neighboring Himalayan languages
Authors: Zemp Marius
Published: February 2020

This paper focuses on a specific type of perspective-indexing constructions in Tibetic and neighboring languages, namely a type of verbal marker that is consistently construed from the perspective of the speaker in statements, the addressee in questions, and the source (= the original/reported speaker) in reported speech clauses. As these markers indicate how one obtained the information profiled in a sentence and may thus be viewed as a type of evidential, they cannot at the same time establish reference to any participant of the current speech act and thus by default reflect the perspective of the ‘informant’ of the respective sentence type. If we define the encountered distinctions in relation to a cause-effect vector in the sense ofDeLancey (1986), these languages all contain what we may call an ‘insider’ marker indicating access to the entire vector including its causal origin and an ‘outsider’ marker indicating access only to its effect end. Whereas the insider markers typically occur when the informant is the subject and the outsider markers when s/he is not, the present paper discusses the different ways in which Tibetic and neighboring languages deviate from this basic pattern, and argues that these differences reflect the fact that the markers in the latter languages were only secondarily evidentialized in reported speech clauses, likely due to contact with Tibetic.