bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct neurotransmitter activation of voltage-gated potassium channels
Authors: Manville Rían W. , Papanikolaou Maria , Abbott Geoffrey W.
Published: May 2018

Voltage-gated potassium channels KCNQ2–5 generate the M-current, which controls neuronal excitability. KCNQ2–5 subunits each harbor a high-affinity anticonvulsant drug-binding pocket containing an essential tryptophan (W265 in human KCNQ3) conserved for >500 million years, yet lacking a known physiological function. Here, phylogenetic analysis, electrostatic potential mapping, in silico docking, electrophysiology, and radioligand binding assays reveal that the anticonvulsant binding pocket evolved to accommodate endogenous neurotransmitters including γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which directly activates KCNQ5 and KCNQ3 via W265. GABA, and endogenous metabolites β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHB) and γ-amino-β-hydroxybutyric acid (GABOB), competitively and differentially shift the voltage dependence of KCNQ3 activation. Our results uncover a novel paradigm: direct neurotransmitter activation of voltage-gated ion channels, enabling chemosensing of the neurotransmitter/metabolite landscape to regulate channel activity and cellular excitability.
Probiotic Lactobacillus fermentum strain JDFM216 stimulates the longevity and immune response of Caenorhabditis elegans through a nuclear hormone receptor
Authors: Park Mi Ri , Ryu Sangdon , Maburutse Brighton E. , Oh Nam Su , Kim Sae Hun , Oh Sejong , Jeong Seong-Yeop , Jeong Do-Youn , Oh Sangnam , Kim Younghoon
Published: May 2018

Here, we examined the functionality of Lactobacillus fermentum strain JDFM216, a newly isolated probiotic bacterium, using a Caenorhabditis elegans model. We determined bacterial colonization in the intestinal tract of C. elegans by plate counting and transmission electron microscopy and examined the survival of C. elegans using a solid killing assay. In addition, we employed DNA microarray analysis, quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction, and immunoblotting assays to explore health-promoting pathways induced by probiotic bacteria in C. elegans. Initially, we found that the probiotic bacterium L. fermentum strain JDFM216 was not harmful to the C. elegans host. Conditioning with JDFM216 led to its colonization in the nematode intestine and enhanced resistance in nematodes exposed to food-borne pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli O157:H7. Interestingly, this probiotic strain significantly prolonged the life span of C. elegans. Whole-transcriptome analysis and transgenic worm assays revealed that the health-promoting effects of JDFM216 were mediated by a nuclear hormone receptor (NHR) family and PMK-1 signaling. Taken together, we described a new C. elegans-based system to screen novel probiotic activity and demonstrated that preconditioning with the probiotic L. fermentum strain JDFM216 may positively stimulate the longevity of the C. elegans host via specific pathway.
TMD-based highly efficient electrocatalysts developed by combined computational and experimental approaches
Authors: Zhu Changrong (Rose) , Gao Daqiang , Ding Jun , Chao Dongliang , Wang John
Published: May 2018

A thorough review on combined computational and experimental approaches to develop TMD-based highly efficient electrocatalysts by site doping, phase modulation, control of growth morphology and construction of heterostructures.
A loop engineering strategy improves laccase lcc2 activity in ionic liquid and aqueous solution
Authors: Wallraf Anne-Maria , Liu Haifeng , Zhu Leilei , Khalfallah Ghazi , Simons Christian , Alibiglou Hoda , Davari Mehdi D. , Schwaneberg Ulrich
Published: May 2018

Laccases, especially high redox potential laccases, play an important role in lignin degradation.
Optical calorimetry in microfluidic droplets
Authors: Chamoun Jacob , Pattekar Ashish , Afshinmanesh Farzaneh , Martini Joerg , Recht Michael I.
Published: May 2018

A novel microfluidic optical calorimeter that can measure millidegree Celsius temperature changes in sub-nanoliter droplets has been developed.
Multiplex detection of quality indicator molecule targets in urine using programmable hairpin probes based on a simple double-T type microchip electrophoresis platform and isothermal polymerase-catalyzed target recycling
Authors: Zhou Lingying , Gan Ning , Wu Yongxiang , Hu Futao , Lin Jianyuan , Cao Yuting , Wu Dazhen
Published: May 2018

A simple double-T type microchip electrophoresis (MCE) platform is presented for the multiplex detection of several quality indicator molecules simultaneously in urine.
Droplet epitaxy mediated growth of GaN nanostructures on Si (111) via plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Fedorov V. V. , Bolshakov A. D. , Kirilenko D. A. , Mozharov A. M. , Sitnikova A. A. , Sapunov G. A. , Dvoretckaia L. N. , Shtrom I. V. , Cirlin G. E. , Mukhin I. S.
Published: May 2018

We demonstrate that the use of a GaN seeding layer prepared prior to the growth of epitaxial GaN on Si (111) can lead to the formation of oriented arrays of Y-shaped nanoislands and nanowires and affects the surface density of the nanostructures.
Effect of pressure gradient and new phases for 1,3,5-trinitrohexahydro-s-triazine (RDX) under high pressures
Authors: Gao Chan , Zhang Xueyong , Zhang Chuanchao , Sui Zhilei , Hou Meng , Dai Rucheng , Wang Zhongping , Zheng Xianxu , Zhang Zengming
Published: May 2018

Herein, pressure-induced phase transitions of RDX up to 50 GPa were systematically studied under different compression conditions.
Crucial breakthrough of second near-infrared biological window fluorophores: design and synthesis toward multimodal imaging and theranostics
Authors: He Shuqing , Song Jun , Qu Junle , Cheng Zhen
Published: May 2018

Recent advances in the chemical design and synthesis of fluorophores in the second near-infrared biological window (NIR-II) for multimodal imaging and theranostics are summarized and highlighted in this review article.
The impact of the structure of graphene-based materials on the removal of organophosphorus pesticides from water
Authors: Lazarević-Pašti Tamara , Anićijević Vladan , Baljozović Miloš , Anićijević Dragana Vasić , Gutić Sanjin , Vasić Vesna , Skorodumova Natalia V. , Pašti Igor A.
Published: May 2018

The wide use of pesticides in modern agriculture and other areas results in an urgent need for their efficient removal from the environment.
TopoFF: MOF structure prediction using specifically optimized blueprints
Authors: Keupp Julian , Schmid Rochus
Published: May 2018

Using topoFF, topological blueprints can be optimized for the structure prediction of MOFs.
Cold plasma catalysis as a novel approach for valorisation of untreated waste glycerol
Authors: Harris Jonathan , Phan Anh N. , Zhang Kui
Published: May 2018

Waste glycerol decomposition to valuable products at high conversion and selectivity in a non-thermal plasma reactor.
Cu2+-Induced length change of Ni-based coordination polymer nanorods and research on NiO-based hybrid pseudocapacitor electrodes
Authors: Wang Kuaibing , Guo Lei , Wei Qianqian , Wang Huijian , Lu Aimin , Zheng Mingbo , Lv Bo
Published: May 2018

Porous CuO/NiO hybrids were synthesized and they displayed a peculiar synergistic effect on the resulting performances. The length of their precursors could be altered by adjusting the amount of Cu2+ and changing the solvent.
Origin of the moiré superlattice scale lateral force modulation of graphene on a transition metal substrate
Authors: Gao Lei , Chen Xinchun , Ma Yuan , Yan Yu , Ma Tianbao , Su Yanjing , Qiao Lijie
Published: May 2018

The moiré superlattice scale lateral force modulation of graphene on a transition metal substrate originates from the joint effects of the graphene–substrate interfacial interaction and the tip–graphene interaction.
The Effect of Presentation Level on the SCAN-3 in Children and Adults
Authors: Stoody Tina M. , Cottrell Chelsea E.
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The pediatric and adult versions of the SCAN-3 test (Keith, 2009a, 2009b) are widely used to screen and diagnose auditory processing disorders. According to the instruction manual, the test administration is flexible in that it may be administered through an audiometer at 50 dB HL or a portable CD player at the patient or administrator's most comfortable listening level (MCL). Because MCL may vary across individuals, even in those with normal hearing sensitivity, this study explored whether the presentation level affected scores on the SCAN-3 for both pediatric and adult populations.

Method

Twenty-two young adults and 23 children with normal hearing sensitivity and middle ear function were administered the SCAN-3 three different times at 1-month intervals, at 40, 50, and 60 dB HL. The stimulus level of the SCAN-3 was counterbalanced across participants to eliminate test order effects. In addition, MCL was measured in the pediatric participants during each session.

Results

MCL varied significantly across children as well as between test sessions, ranging from 40 to 75 dB HL. Performance on 3 of the 4 subtests administered, as well as composite scores, was significantly different across presentation levels (based on scaled scores). Effect sizes were also calculated and found to be strong. The number of composite scores interpreted as within normal limits versus borderline or disordered was also statistically different across presentation levels.

Conclusions

Presentation level appears to affect performance on auditory figure ground, monaural low-redundancy, and binaural integration types of auditory processing tasks that are measured by the SCAN-3. In children, MCL was found to vary significantly both between and within individuals. Although several professions outside audiology are qualified to administer the SCAN-3, it is likely that many of these individuals administer the test without an audiometer and would use an MCL to determine presentation level. It is recommended that SCAN-3 users administer the test through an audiometer at 50 dB HL, rather than with a portable CD player, using MCL values to avoid any presentation level effects.
Neighborhood Density and Syntactic Class Effects on Spoken Word Recognition: Specific Language Impairment and Typical Development
Authors: Hoover Jill R.
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of the current study was to determine the effect of neighborhood density and syntactic class on word recognition in children with specific language impairment (SLI) and typical development (TD).

Method

Fifteen children with SLI (
M
age = 6;5 [years;months]) and 15 with TD (
M
age = 6;4) completed a forward gating task that presented consonant–vowel–consonant dense and sparse (neighborhood density) nouns and verbs (syntactic class).

Results

On all dependent variables, the SLI group performed like the TD group. Recognition performance was highest for dense words and nouns. The majority of 1st nontarget responses shared the 1st phoneme with the target (i.e., was in the target's cohort). When considering the ranking of word types from easiest to most difficult, children showed equivalent recognition performance for dense verbs and sparse nouns, which were both easier to recognize than sparse verbs but more difficult than dense nouns.

Conclusion

The current study yields new insight into how children access lexical–phonological information and syntactic class during the process of spoken word recognition. Given the identical pattern of results for the SLI and TD groups, we hypothesize that accessing lexical–phonological information may be a strength for children with SLI. We also discuss implications for using the forward gating paradigm as a measure of word recognition.
Design of a 340 GHz phase‐velocity‐taper travelling wave tube
Authors: Shao Wei , Zhou Qing , Tian Hanwen , Shi Xianbao , Wang Zhanliang , Wei Yanyu , Duan Zhaoyun , Gong Yubin , Feng Jinjun
Published: May 2018

Staggered double‐vane slow wave structure as the core part of the travelling wave tube (TWT) has been more popular in recent years. However, the electron efficiency of this structure is not enough high for higher frequency, especially THz. In this study, phase‐velocity‐taper method is utilised for the improvement of TWT's efficiency at 340 GHz. The reflection and transmission coefficients of the whole tube with attenuator show good propagation characteristics over the wide frequency range from 330 to 345 GHz. The particle‐in‐cell simulation results indicate that the output power can increase about 32% at 340 GHz with respect to that of the without‐taper structure. The corresponding electron efficiency is improved from 2.8 to 3.5% by phase‐velocity‐taper. However, the simulation results also show that the tube can produce over 30 W output power in the frequency range from 330 to 343 GHz with an operating voltage of 21.3 kV, a current of 0.043 A, and an input power of 10 mW. In addition, a sheet beam electron gun with a beam current of 43 mA, a beam voltage of 21.3 kV, and beam waist cross‐sectional dimension of 0.3 mm × 0.08 mm is also designed as the particle source of the sheet‐beam TWT.
Maintenir et embellir les traitements orthodontiques : le laser, une place de choix
Authors: Pourrat F. , Pourrat F.
Published: May 2018

Les finitions orthodontiques sont axées principalement sur l’occlusion, les fonctions et l’esthétique dentaire.

Le laser apporte désormais les finitions esthétiques parodontales que les patients exigent, principalement pour maintenir les dents dans une certaine stabilité en luttant contre les récidives de rotation et de réouverture d’espaces. Il permet également d’embellir le sourire en s’adressant plus particulièrement à la partie rose de l’ensemble dento-parodontal. C’est par l’intermédiaire d’un arbre décisionnel que le praticien peut mieux appréhender les évaluations diagnostiques des différents éléments concourant à la micro-esthétique des tissus mous.
Chromosomes : étonnants polymères !
Authors: Barbi Maria , Lesne Annick , Mozziconacci Julien , Marc Victor Jean
Published: May 2018

La molécule d'ADN est le support physique de l'information génétique. Ce long polymère est compacté grâce à des protéines pour former les chromosomes. Ce repliement assure la régulation de l’expression des gènes au cours de la vie des cellules.

La biochimie des chromosomes est un sujet d'intenses investigations, mais il apparait aujourd'hui que les propriétés physiques des chromosomes sont aussi au coeur de leur fonctionnement. Ces propriétés peuvent être décrites en combinant physique statistique et physique des polymères en solution.

Dans cet article, nous présentons les méthodes multi-échelles que nous avons développées pour reconstruire et animer l'architecture fonctionnelle des chromosomes.
Viscosité d’une suspension de bactéries : des efforts individuels aux efforts collectifs
Authors: Auradou Harold , Douarche Carine , Creppy Adama , Lopez Hector Matias , Clément Éric
Published: May 2018

En 1906, Albert Einstein [1] a montré que l’ajout de particules sphériques solides dans un fluide augmente sa viscosité. En est-il encore ainsi quand les particules sont « actives » (c’est-à-dire motiles) ? Des expériences récentes avec des suspensions de bactéries Escherichia coli, qui sont de type « pousseur », démontrent un effet opposé : aux faibles taux de cisaillement, la viscosité macroscopique du liquide chute jusqu’à devenir nulle.

Ce phénomène vient essentiellement du fait que la puissance motrice des bactéries contribue à la puissance mécanique fournie au fluide pour assurer son écoulement, cette contribution ayant une valeur nette non nulle en raison de l’organisation de la nage des bactéries soit individuellement, soit collectivement.
La voiture électrique est-elle vraiment propre ?
Authors: Louvet Benjamin
Published: May 2018

L’essor de la mobilité électrique s’annonce comme le moyen idéal pour parvenir à décarboner un secteur des transports grand émetteur de gaz à effet de serre, en associant son développement avec la production d’électricité bas carbone, issues d’énergies renouvelables ou du nucléaire. Cette synergie est-elle suffisante et techniquement atteignable ? D’autres paramètres doivent-ils être pris en compte avant de pouvoir dire que le véhicule électrique est bon pour décarboner nos sociétés ?
L’entreposage est-il une alternative crédible à Cigéo ?
Authors: Hurel Tristan
Published: May 2018

Le stockage géologique profond pour les déchets radioactifs les plus dangereux fait consensus auprès de la communauté scientifique et des pouvoirs publics. Le projet Cigéo fait pourtant l’objet de débats. Lorsque les opposants au stockage proposent une alternative, ils mettent en avant l’entreposage, qu’il soit en surface ou en subsurface. Qu’en est-il ?
Le risque sismique et les installations nucléaires
Authors: Labbé Pierre , Viallet Emmanuel
Published: May 2018

Durant la dernière décennie, l’industrie nucléaire a fourni un effort considérable de recherche et développement visant à améliorer la connaissance de l’aléa sismique et celle de la robustesse des installations. Cet effort de recherche, accentué depuis l’accident de Fukushima, est mené en toute transparence et en étroite collaboration avec le monde académique, et place l’industrie nucléaire à la pointe dans la prise en compte des risques sismiques.
High Intensity Training (HIT)
Authors: Kotkowski Peter , Kotkowski David , Schmidtlein Oliver
Published: May 2018

High Intensity Training (HIT) oder hochintensives Intervalltraining – der neue Trend im Sport. Die Trainingsform wird von Hochleistungssportlern sowie
Freizeitsportlern genutzt. Es wird über maximale Erfolge in kürzester Zeit gesprochen. Doch was genau ist diese spezielle Form des Ausdauertrainings und wie
wird sie optimal eingesetzt?
Selbstwirksamkeit und posturale Kontrolle – YES, I CAN!
Authors: Huber Martin
Published: May 2018

Die Selbstwirksamkeit beeinflusst, wie wir fühlen, denken, uns motivieren und verhalten. Dabei stehen Motorik und Psyche in einer Wechselwirkung zueinander. Überwiegt die motorische Komponente, will der Mensch handeln, kann es aber nicht. Überwiegt die psychische Komponente, könnte er zwar handeln, traut es sich aber nicht zu. Therapeuten können mit Selbstmanagementprogrammen helfen.
Bewegungsförderung auf der Intensivstation
Authors: Zergiebel Dominik
Published: May 2018

Grundlage für die Unterstützung der schwer kranken Patienten bei der Bewegung und der Schaffung fördernder, sicherer und (druck-)entlastender Liegepositionen ist
ein Wissen um den menschlichen Bewegungsapparat und seine Funktionen. Nur wenn wir uns selbst, unsere Bewegung und Aktivitäten verstehen und kennen, können wir
auch gute Pflege leisten. Dieser CNE Schwerpunkt „Bewegungsförderung auf der Intensivstation“ möchte in dieser Hinsicht aufrütteln und ein Interesse für die
vorgestellten Konzepte, die Förderung unserer Patienten und den menschlichen Körper und seine Funktionen allgemein wecken.
Wenn Heilung nicht mehr möglich ist
Authors: Angerer Patrick , Gostic Lisa
Published: May 2018

Infauste Prognosen, Therapieeskalation, Differenzen im interprofessionellen Team, Gerätealarm und Schichtarbeit. Der Alltag auf einer Intensivstation kann
Pflegekräfte vor Herausforderungen stellen. Hat dies Auswirkungen auf ihre Gesundheit?
Praxisbezogene Empfehlungen zum Ambulanten Glukoseprofil
Authors: Kroeger Jens , Reichel Andreas , Siegmund Thorsten , Ziegler Ralph
Published: May 2018

Kontinuierliches Glukosemonitoring resultiert in großen Datenmengen, die mithilfe des Ambulanten Glukoseprofils (AGP) standardisiert zusammengefasst und grafisch dargestellt werden können. Das AGP ermöglicht die Auswertung der Glukosewerte hinsichtlich verschiedener Parameter wie Hypo- und Hyperglykämien, Zeit im Zielbereich (Time in Range – TIR), Glukosevariabilität, Glukosestabilität und Glucose Exposure. Des Weiteren ermöglicht es eine einfache und verständliche Interpretation des glykämischen Profils. Sich daraus ergebende Therapie- und Verhaltensanpassungen können die glykämische Kontrolle von Menschen mit Diabetes verbessern. Die vorliegenden praxisnahen Empfehlungen zur Auswertung des AGP stellen eine Expertenmeinung dar, die von praxisnahen Diabetologen erstellt wurde. Anhand von Beispielen und Empfehlungen wird das Vorgehen schrittweise erläutert und zusammengefasst.
Ungeeignete Methodik, zweifelhafte Ergebnisse
Authors: Simon Michael
Published: May 2018

Mitte 2017 legte das Deutsche Krankenhausinstitut (DKI) eine Studie vor, die zu dem Ergebnis kam, dass die Personalbesetzung auf Intensivstationen im
Durchschnitt aller Krankenhäuser den Empfehlungen der maßgeblichen medizinischen Fachgesellschaft entspricht und somit weitgehend bedarfsgerecht und ausreichend
sei. Ein solches Ergebnis widerspricht nicht nur den zahlreichen Berichten aus der Praxis, sondern auch vorherigen Forschungsergebnissen. Insofern ist die Frage
zu stellen, wie vertrauenswürdig die Ergebnisse der DKI-Studie sind. Der folgende Beitrag geht dieser Frage nach und zeigt auf, dass die DKI-Studie keineswegs –
wie behauptet – als repräsentativ gelten kann und dass ihre Ergebnisse folglich nicht als zutreffende Wiedergabe der Krankenhauswirklichkeit gewertet werden
können.
Mass in Right Pulmonary Artery—Case Report
Authors: Muddada Ravi
Published: May 2018

The authors present a case of mass in the right pulmoary artery in a 60-year-old female patient who had dyspnea on exertion for 1 month before admission. Two-dimensional echocardiography and computed tomography pulmonary angiogram revealed mass in the right pulmonary artery. There was no evidence of deep venous thrombosis. Though the final diagnosis was not made, the authors present this case mainly for identifying and differentiating pulmonary artery thrombosis from chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension and tumor.
A Preclinical Model to Study the Influence of Graft Force on the Healing of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Graft
Authors: Ma Richard , Stasiak Mark , Deng Xiang-Hua , Rodeo Scott
Published: May 2018

The purpose of this study is to establish a small animal anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction research model where ACL graft force can be varied to create different graft force patterns with controlled knee motion. Cadaveric (n = 10) and in vivo (n = 10) rat knees underwent ACL resection followed by reconstruction using a soft tissue autograft. Five cadaveric and five in vivo knees received a nonisometric, high-force femoral graft tunnel position. Five cadaveric and five in vivo knees received a more isometric, low-force graft tunnel position. ACL graft force (N) was then recorded as the knee was ranged from extension to 90 degrees using a custom knee flexion device. Our results demonstrate that distinct ACL graft force patterns were generated for the high-force and low-force femoral graft tunnels. For high-force ACL grafts, ACL graft forces increased as the knee was flexed both in cadaveric and in vivo knees. At 90 degrees of knee flexion, high-force ACL grafts had significantly greater mean graft force when compared with baseline (cadaver: 7.76 ± 0.54 N at 90 degrees vs. 4.94 ± 0.14 N at 0 degree, p = 0.004; in vivo: 7.29 ± 0.42 N at 90 degrees vs. 4.74 ± 0.13 N at 0 degree, p = 0.007). In contrast, the graft forces for low-force ACL grafts did not change with knee flexion (cadaver: 4.94 ± 0.11 N at 90 degrees vs. 4.72 ± 0.14 N at 0 degree, p = 0.41; in vivo: 4.78 ± 0.26 N at 90 degrees vs. 4.77 ± 0.06 N at 0 degree, p = 1). Compared with nonisometric ACL grafts, the graft force for grafts placed in an isometric position had significantly lower ACL graft forces at 15, 30, 45, 60, 70, and 90 degrees in both cadaveric and in vivo knees. In conclusion, we have developed a novel ACL reconstruction model that can reproducibly produce two ACL graft force patterns. This model would permit further research on how ACL graft forces may affect subsequent graft healing, maturation, and function.
Gender Disparity between Absolute versus Relative Size of Condylar Chondral Defects: An MRI Analysis
Authors: Berman Daniel , Rogers Kelly , Griffin Justin , Bonner Kevin
Published: May 2018

Surgical repair of articular cartilage defects in the knee currently utilizes surgical algorithms based on absolute defect size. These algorithms, which have not been validated, are currently utilized not only by surgeons but also by insurance carriers for justification of reimbursement policy. However, current algorithms do not account for morphological differences between individual patients and defect size relative to condylar dimension. We hypothesized that a significant difference in relative defect size compared with condylar dimension may exist between individuals. A 3T magnetic resonance imaging from 220 skeletally mature patients, 110 males and 110 females, were analyzed. Exclusion criteria included degenerative arthritis, anatomical defects, poor image quality, and genetic abnormalities such as dwarfism. Utilizing a radiological curved measurement probe, the femoral condylar articular width was obtained for both the medial and lateral condyles. The mean condylar width from a reproducible anatomic location representing the maximal condylar dimension was measured. Statistical analysis was performed using a two-sample t-test. The lateral condyle articular cartilage width (mm) for males and females was 31.62 ± 3.54 and 26.53 ± 3.70, respectively (p < 0.0001). The medical condyle articular cartilage width was 27.26 ± 4.42 and 23.05 ± 4.11 (p < 0.00001). There was a width variation up to 22.66 mm between male patients and 22.10 mm between female patients. Differences up to 28.26 mm were found between males and females. A condylar defect measuring 10 mm represents as little as 24.29% of a condyle in some males versus as much as 77.46% in smaller females. Existing surgical algorithms for condylar chondral defects apply absolute size to patients regardless of individual condylar variations. Our study suggests the relative sizes of the defect vary significantly from male to female patients as well as within the same gender. Future studies may investigate clinical outcomes utilizing surgical algorithms that take into account these differences.
Minimizing Blood Loss and Transfusions in Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: White Charles , Eichinger Josef , Friedman Richard
Published: May 2018

Blood loss management is critical to positive outcomes in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Transfusions are associated with an increased risk of major and minor adverse events, length of hospitalization, and overall cost associated with surgery. Many techniques have been investigated and compared. Tranexamic acid (TXA), an antifibrinolytic drug widely known to reduce blood loss, may be a bridge to the goal of eliminating blood transfusions from TKA. Administration of TXA can be performed intravenously, topically at the knee joint, orally, or in combination. A single bolus or multiple doses have reduced total blood loss and transfusion rates consistently, safely, and cost-effectively. The uptake in use of TXA by surgeons has been slow due to concerns in patients deemed high risk for thromboembolic events. Newer evidence from studies specifically involving high-risk patients demonstrates that TXA is indeed safe in this cohort and provides benefits that greatly outweigh potential risks. Incorporation of TXA as a routine part of TKA is in the best interest of patients, health care teams, and medical institutions. TXA can be employed seamlessly with other blood saving techniques and has the capacity to increase productivity and decrease overall cost. This can be achieved by reducing the incidence of transfusion and length of stay, and the need for practices such as preoperative anemia treatment and suction drainage.
Kongressnachlese Deutscher Krebskongress
Authors: Arnheim Katharina
Published: May 2018

Im Gegensatz zu anderen soliden Tumoren hat die Monotherapie mit PD-1-Inhibitoren beim Glioblastom bislang nicht überzeugt. Man hofft jetzt auf multimodale Konzepte, bei denen diese Substanzen mit einer Bestrahlung, Chemotherapie oder tumorspezifischen Vakzinen kombiniert werden. Dies war nur ein Thema auf dem 33. Deutschen Krebskongress im Februar in Berlin mit über 11 000 Teilnehmern, der unter dem Motto: “Perspektiven verändern Krebs - Krebs verändert Perspektiven. Diagnose, Therapie, (Über-)Leben” stattfand.
Neue Informationen zu Cathin (Norpseudoephedrin)
Authors: Engeli S.
Published: May 2018

Cathin ist in Catha edulis (Khatstrauch oder Abessinischer Tee) Blättern enthalten und wirkt indirekt sympathomimetisch im zentralen Nervensystem genauso wie in der Peripherie. In der ersten kontrollierten Dosisfindungsstudie an 241 adipösen Patienten über 24 Wochen ergab sich eine signifikant größere Gewichtsreduktion mit den drei getesteten Cathin-Dosierungen im Vergleich zu Plazebo. Die Reduktion kardiovaskulärer Risikofaktoren war im Mittel nicht überzeugend, allerdings lagen die Ausgangswerte auch weitgehend im Normbereich. Das Sicherheitsprofil bot keine Überraschungen. In einer Population kardiovaskulär und metabolisch weitgehend gesunder adipöser Patienten war Cathin also wirksamer als Plazebo zur Gewichtsreduktion mit insgesamt akzeptablem Sicherheitsprofil. Bei der Therapie mit Cathin müssen allerdings Blutdruck, Herzfrequenz und psychische Änderungen bei jedem einzelnen Patienten gründlich überwacht werden. Unter Beachtung der Kontraindikationen und Warnhinweise in der Fachinformation kommt für eine aktuell zeitlich stark begrenzte Therapie mit Cathin nur eine ausgewählte Population kardiovaskulär, metabolisch und psychisch gesunder adipöser Patienten in Frage.
Nahrungsmittelallergien – Theorie und Praxis
Authors: Jappe Uta
Published: May 2018

Allergies manifest differently in every patient: Even when the same allergen source is the causing agent, means of sensitization and complexity of symptoms can vary strongly across patients. This often complicates the prevention, diagnostics and therapy of food allergies – or even makes them impossible. This article gives an overview of the underlying immunological principles of food-allergies, as well as of the current therapeutic and diagnostic approaches.
Typ-2-Diabetes ist bei schwerer Adipositas mit einer Verringerung der kardiorespiratorischen Fitness – jedoch nicht der Lungenfunktion – assoziiert
Authors: Spengler Christina , Schultes Bernd , Wilms Britta , Ernst Barbara , Thurnheer Martin
Published: May 2018

Ziel Sowohl schwere Formen der Adipositas als auch des Typ-2-Diabetes (T2DM) gehen mit einer verringerten Lungenfunktion und einer schlechteren kardiorespiratorischen Fitness einher. Wir untersuchten, ob das zusätzliche Vorliegen einer T2DM-Erkrankung die bereits beeinträchtigte Lungenfunktion und kardiorespiratorische Fitness bei Personen mit schwerer Adipositas weiter limitiert.

Methoden In dieser Querschnittsstudie wurde die Lungenfunktion (Einsekundenkapazität FEV1; Vitalkapazität, VC) bei 65 Probanden mit schwerer Adipositas und T2DM (T2DM-Gruppe) und 65 schwer adipösen Personen ohne T2DM (Nicht-T2DM-Gruppe), die paarweise nach Geschlecht, Alter, Körpermasse und -größe zugeordent wurden, bestimmt. Bei 30 dieser gematchten Paare wurde die kardiorespiratorische Fitness (maximale Leistung, Wpeak, maximale Sauerstoffaufnahme, V O2peak) im Fahrrad-Stufentest ermittelt.

Ergebnisse Zwischen der T2DM- und der Nicht-T2DM-Gruppe bestanden keine Unterschiede bezüglich FEV1 und VC (alle p ≥ 0,110), wohingegen Wpeak und V O2peak –sowohl absolut als auch relativ zur Körpermasse – in der T2DM-Gruppe signifikant niedriger waren, als in der nicht-T2DM-Gruppe (alle p ≤ 0,030). Objektive Marker der Ausbelastung d. h. die maximale Herzfrequenz und der respiratorische Quotient, unterschieden sich zwischen beiden Gruppen nicht (beide p ≥ 0,245).

Schlussfolgerung Das Vorliegen einer T2DM-Erkrankung bei Personen mit schwerer Adipositas ist mit einer geringeren kardiorespiratorischen Fitness assoziiert, geht jedoch nicht mit einer weiteren Einschränkung der Lungenfunktion einher, im Vergleich zu Personen mit schwerer Adipositas, jedoch ohne T2DM. Obwohl die zugrunde liegenden Mechanismen noch nicht vollständig bekannt sind, verdeutlichen diese Befunde das Zusammenspiel von kardiorespiratorischer Fitness und dem Metabolismus, auch bei Personen mit schwerer Adipositas.
Sexualität in der Ergotherapie – Warum wird Sexualität so selten thematisiert?
Authors: Seibold Hannah , Kraxner Markus
Published: May 2018

In ihrer ersten Bachelorarbeit an der FH Kärnten ging Hannah Seibold der Frage nach, warum Ergotherapeuten so selten mit ihren Klienten über Sexualität sprechen. Dazu führte sie eine Literaturrecherche durch und fand neben den Gründen auch Lösungsmöglichkeiten, dem Thema Raum in der Therapie zu geben.
Multilevel microvibration test for performance predictions of a space optical load platform
Authors: Li Shiqi , Zhang Heng , Liu Shiping , Wang Yue
Published: May 2018

This paper presents a framework for the multilevel microvibration analysis and test of a space optical load platform. The test framework is conducted on three levels, including instrument, subsystem, and system level. Disturbance source experimental investigations are performed to evaluate the vibration amplitude and study vibration mechanism. Transfer characteristics of space camera are validated by a subsystem test, which allows the calculation of transfer functions from various disturbance sources to optical performance outputs. In order to identify the influence of the source on the spacecraft performance, a system level microvibration measurement test has been performed on the ground. From the time domain analysis and spectrum analysis of multilevel microvibration tests, we concluded that the disturbance source has a significant effect on its installation position. After transmitted through mechanical links, the residual vibration reduces to a background noise level. In addition, the angular microvibration of the platform jitter is mainly concentrated in the rotation of y-axes. This work is applied to a real practical application involving the high resolution satellite camera system.
Electron self-injection in the donut bubble wakefield
Authors: Firouzjaei Ali Shekari , Shokri Babak
Published: May 2018

We investigate electron self-injection in a donut bubble wakefield driven by a Laguerre-Gauss laser pulse. The present work discusses the electron capture by modeling the analytical donut bubble field. We discuss the self-injection of the electrons from plasma for various initial conditions and then compare the results. We show that the donut bubble can trap plasma electrons forming a hollow beam. We present the phase spaces and longitudinal momentum evolution for the trapped electrons in the bubble and discuss their characteristic behaviors and stability. It will be shown that the electrons self-injected in the front are ideal for applications in which a good stability and low energy spread are essential.
Recurrence approach and higher order polynomial algebras for superintegrable monopole systems
Authors: Hoque Md Fazlul , Marquette Ian , Zhang Yao-Zhong
Published: May 2018

We revisit the MIC-harmonic oscillator in flat space with monopole interaction and derive the polynomial algebra satisfied by the integrals of motion and its energy spectrum using the ad hoc recurrence approach. We introduce a superintegrable monopole system in a generalized Taub-Newman–Unti–Tamburino (NUT) space. The Schrödinger equation of this model is solved in spherical coordinates in the framework of Stäckel transformation. It is shown that wave functions of the quantum system can be expressed in terms of the product of Laguerre and Jacobi polynomials. We construct ladder and shift operators based on the corresponding wave functions and obtain the recurrence formulas. By applying these recurrence relations, we construct higher order algebraically independent integrals of motion. We show that the integrals form a polynomial algebra. We construct the structure functions of the polynomial algebra and obtain the degenerate energy spectra of the model.
Solid state dye sensitized solar cells with polyaniline-thiourea based polymer electrolyte composition
Authors: Jauhari Himanshi , Grover Rakhi , Gupta Nidhi , Nanda Omita , Mehta D. S. , Saxena Kanchan
Published: May 2018

The quest for cost effective and efficient solid-state electrolytes is a primary goal for dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The present study describes an experimental approach of synthesizing simple composite electrolytes from iodide-triiodide ions (I−/I3−) incorporated into a polyaniline/thiourea matrix for solid-state DSSC applications. This electrolyte composition can be effectively used to decrease the probability of recombination at the TiO2/electrolyte interface and increase the catalytic process of I3− reduction at the electrolyte/counter electrode interface. The application of the optimized electrolyte in DSSC results in increased open-circuit voltage as well as short circuit current density, thereby increasing the overall efficiency by 73% as compared to the reference electrolyte. The present composition can prove to be a promising redox medium for solid state DSSCs.
First-principles study of lattice thermal conductivity in ZrTe5 and HfTe5
Authors: Wang Cong , Wang Haifeng , Chen Y. B. , Yao Shu-Hua , Zhou Jian
Published: May 2018

Recently, the layered transition-metal pentatellurides ZrTe5 and HfTe5 have attracted increasing attention because of their interesting topological electronic properties. Nevertheless, some of their other good physical properties seem to be ignored now. Actually, both ZrTe5 and HfTe5 have high electric conductivities (>105 Ω−1 m−1) and Seebeck coefficients (> 100 μV/K) at room temperature, thus making them promising thermoelectric materials. However, the disadvantage is that the thermal conductivities of the two materials are relatively high according to the few available experiments; meanwhile, the detailed mechanism of the intrinsic thermal conductivity has not been studied yet. Based on the density functional theory and the Boltzmann transport theory, we present here the theoretical study of the intrinsic lattice thermal conductivities of ZrTe5 and HfTe5, which are found to be in the range of 5–8 W/m⋅K at room temperature and well consistent with the experimental results. We also find that the thermal conductivities of the two materials are anisotropic, which are mainly caused by their anisotropic crystal structures. Based on the detailed analysis, we proposed that the thermal conductivities of the two materials could possibly be reduced by different kinds of structural engineering at the atomic and mesoscopic scales, such as alloying, doping, nano-structuring, and polycrystalline structuring, which could make ZrTe5 and HfTe5 good thermoelectric materials for room temperature thermoelectric applications.
Swarm intelligence-based approach for optimal design of CMOS differential amplifier and comparator circuit using a hybrid salp swarm algorithm
Authors: Asaithambi Sasikumar , Rajappa Muthaiah
Published: May 2018

In this paper, an automatic design method based on a swarm intelligence approach for CMOS analog integrated circuit (IC) design is presented. The hybrid meta-heuristics optimization technique, namely, the salp swarm algorithm (SSA), is applied to the optimal sizing of a CMOS differential amplifier and the comparator circuit. SSA is a nature-inspired optimization algorithm which mimics the navigating and hunting behavior of salp. The hybrid SSA is applied to optimize the circuit design parameters and to minimize the MOS transistor sizes. The proposed swarm intelligence approach was successfully implemented for an automatic design and optimization of CMOS analog ICs using Generic Process Design Kit (GPDK) 180 nm technology. The circuit design parameters and design specifications are validated through a simulation program for integrated circuit emphasis simulator. To investigate the efficiency of the proposed approach, comparisons have been carried out with other simulation-based circuit design methods. The performances of hybrid SSA based CMOS analog IC designs are better than the previously reported studies.
Adaptive landscape flattening in amino acid sequence space for the computational design of protein:peptide binding
Authors: Villa Francesco , Panel Nicolas , Chen Xingyu , Simonson Thomas
Published: May 2018

For the high throughput design of protein:peptide binding, one must explore a vast space of amino acid sequences in search of low binding free energies. This complex problem is usually addressed with either simple heuristic scoring or expensive sequence enumeration schemes. Far more efficient than enumeration is a recent Monte Carlo approach that adaptively flattens the energy landscape in sequence space of the unbound peptide and provides formally exact binding free energy differences. The method allows the binding free energy to be used directly as the design criterion. We propose several improvements that allow still more efficient sampling and can address larger design problems. They include the use of Replica Exchange Monte Carlo and landscape flattening for both the unbound and bound peptides. We used the method to design peptides that bind to the PDZ domain of the Tiam1 signaling protein and could serve as inhibitors of its activity. Four peptide positions were allowed to mutate freely. Almost 75 000 peptide variants were processed in two simulations of 109 steps each that used 1 CPU hour on a desktop machine. 96% of the theoretical sequence space was sampled. The relative binding free energies agreed qualitatively with values from experiment. The sampled sequences agreed qualitatively with an experimental library of Tiam1-binding peptides. The main assumption limiting accuracy is the fixed backbone approximation, which could be alleviated in future work by using increased computational resources and multi-backbone designs.
Degenerate variational integrators for magnetic field line flow and guiding center trajectories
Authors: Ellison C. L. , Finn J. M. , Burby J. W. , Kraus M. , Qin H. , Tang W. M.
Published: May 2018

Symplectic integrators offer many benefits for numerically approximating solutions to Hamiltonian differential equations, including bounded energy error and the preservation of invariant sets. Two important Hamiltonian systems encountered in plasma physics—the flow of magnetic field lines and the guiding center motion of magnetized charged particles—resist symplectic integration by conventional means because the dynamics are most naturally formulated in non-canonical coordinates. New algorithms were recently developed using the variational integration formalism; however, those integrators were found to admit parasitic mode instabilities due to their multistep character. This work eliminates the multistep character, and therefore the parasitic mode instabilities via an adaptation of the variational integration formalism that we deem “degenerate variational integration.” Both the magnetic field line and guiding center Lagrangians are degenerate in the sense that the resultant Euler-Lagrange equations are systems of first-order ordinary differential equations. We show that retaining the same degree of degeneracy when constructing discrete Lagrangians yields one-step variational integrators preserving a non-canonical symplectic structure. Numerical examples demonstrate the benefits of the new algorithms, including superior stability relative to the existing variational integrators for these systems and superior qualitative behavior relative to non-conservative algorithms.
Vector network analyzer ferromagnetic resonance spectrometer with field differential detection
Authors: Tamaru S. , Tsunegi S. , Kubota H. , Yuasa S.
Published: May 2018

This work presents a vector network analyzer ferromagnetic resonance (VNA-FMR) spectrometer with field differential detection. This technique differentiates the S-parameter by applying a small binary modulation field in addition to the DC bias field to the sample. By setting the modulation frequency sufficiently high, slow sensitivity fluctuations of the VNA, i.e., low-frequency components of the trace noise, which limit the signal-to-noise ratio of the conventional VNA-FMR spectrometer, can be effectively removed, resulting in a very clean FMR signal. This paper presents the details of the hardware implementation and measurement sequence as well as the data processing and analysis algorithms tailored for the FMR spectrum obtained with this technique. Because the VNA measures a complex S-parameter, it is possible to estimate the Gilbert damping parameter from the slope of the phase variation of the S-parameter with respect to the bias field. We show that this algorithm is more robust against noise than the conventional algorithm based on the linewidth.
The effects of illumination on deep levels observed in as-grown and low-energy electron irradiated high-purity semi-insulating 4H-SiC
Authors: Alfieri G. , Knoll L. , Kranz L. , Sundaramoorthy V.
Published: May 2018

High-purity semi-insulating 4H-SiC can find a variety of applications, ranging from power electronics to quantum computing applications. However, data on the electronic properties of deep levels in this material are scarce. For this reason, we present a deep level transient spectroscopy study on HPSI 4H-SiC substrates, both as-grown and irradiated with low-energy electrons (to displace only C-atoms). Our investigation reveals the presence of four deep levels with activation energies in the 0.4–0.9 eV range. The concentrations of three of these levels increase by at least one order of magnitude after irradiation. Furthermore, we analyzed the behavior of these traps under sub- and above-band gap illumination. The nature of the traps is discussed in the light of the present data and results reported in the literature.
A general mixture equation of state for double bonding carboxylic acids with ≥2 association sites
Authors: Marshall Bennett D.
Published: May 2018

In this paper, we obtain the first general multi-component solution to Wertheim’s thermodynamic perturbation theory for the case that molecules can participate in cyclic double bonds. In contrast to previous authors, we do not restrict double bonding molecules to a 2-site association scheme. Each molecule in a multi-component mixture can have an arbitrary number of donor and acceptor association sites. The one restriction on the theory is that molecules can have at most one pair of double bonding sites. We also incorporate the effect of hydrogen bond cooperativity in cyclic double bonds. We then apply this new association theory to 2-site and 3-site models for carboxylic acids within the polar perturbed chain statistical associating fluid theory equation of state. We demonstrate the accuracy of the approach by comparison to both pure and multi-component phase equilibria data. It is demonstrated that the 3-site association model gives substantially a different hydrogen bonding structure than a 2-site approach. We also demonstrate that inclusion of hydrogen bond cooperativity has a substantial effect on a liquid phase hydrogen bonding structure.
Revisit the landscape of protonated water clusters H+(H2O)n with n = 10–17: An ab initio global search
Authors: Shi Ruili , Li Keyao , Su Yan , Tang Lingli , Huang Xiaoming , Sai Linwei , Zhao Jijun
Published: May 2018

Using a genetic algorithm incorporated with density functional theory, we explore the ground state structures of protonated water clusters H+(H2O)n with n = 10–17. Then we re-optimize the isomers at B97-D/aug-cc-pVDZ level of theory. The extra proton connects with a H2O molecule to form a H3O+ ion in all H+(H2O)10-17 clusters. The lowest-energy structures adopt a monocage form at n = 10–16 and core-shell structure at n = 17 based on the MP2/aug-cc-pVTZ//B97-D/aug-cc-pVDZ+ZPE single-point-energy calculation. Using second-order vibrational perturbation theory, we further calculate the infrared spectra with anharmonic correction for the ground state structures of H+(H2O)10-17 clusters at the PBE0/aug-cc-pVDZ level. The anharmonic correction to the spectra is crucial since it reproduces the experimental results quite well. The extra proton weakens the O–H bond strength in the H3O+ ion since the Wiberg bond order of the O–H bond in the H3O+ ion is smaller than that in H2O molecules, which causes a red shift of the O–H stretching mode in the H3O+ ion.