bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pain treatment of agitation in patients with dementia: a systematic review
Authors: Husebo B.S. , Ballard C. , Aarsland D.
Published: February 2011

Background

Advancing age is associated with high prevalence of both dementia and pain. Dementia is frequently accompanied by distressing behavioral and psychological symptoms, including agitation and aggression, particularly in nursing home patients. The etiology of agitation is multifactorial. It has been suggested that un‐diagnosed and untreated pain may contribute to agitation in people with dementia. If this is correct, individual pain treatment could be of benefit in ameliorating agitation and other behavioral changes in people with dementia.

Objective

The objective of this paper is to conduct a systematic review of studies of whether pain medication can improve agitation in people with dementia.

Methods

A systematic search of the PubMed and Cochrane databases for the period 1992–2010 was performed, using dementia, agitation, aggression, depression, behavioral disturbances, behavioral and psychological symptoms (BPSD), pain, pain assessment, pain treatment, pain management, and analgesics as search terms. Inclusion criteria were: prospective studies including patients with dementia, interventions focusing on pain reduction, inclusion of a control condition, and outcome measures including agitation or other related behavioral disturbances.

Results

Only three controlled trials were identified; all were cross‐over trials, and two included small sample sizes (<50). Findings were inconsistent, and although some correlations were reported, these did not support the hypothesis that pain management reduced agitation.

Conclusion

There is a profound dearth of rigorous studies of the effect of pain treatment in patients with dementia and agitation. The available studies do not support the hypothesis that pain management reduces agitation in nursing‐home patients with dementia. Randomized, controlled parallel‐group studies are needed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tobacco use and dementia: evidence from the 1066 dementia population‐based surveys in Latin America, China and India
Authors: Ferri Cleusa P , West Robert , Moriyama Tais S. , Acosta Daisy , Guerra Mariella , Huang Yueqin , Jacob K. S. , Ribeiro Wagner , Llibre de Rodriguez Juan J. , Salas Aquiles , Sosa Ana Luisa , Williams Joseph , Acosta Isaac , Liu Zhaouri , Hernandez Milagros A. Guerra , Prince Martin J
Published: February 2011

Objectives

To assess the association between tobacco consumption and dementia using the same methodology in seven developing countries, testing the specific hypotheses that higher exposure to tobacco is associated with a higher prevalence of dementia, that the association is limited to smoked tobacco and is stronger for vascular dementia compared to Alzheimer's disease.

Methods

Cross‐sectional surveys conducted on individuals aged 65+. A total of 15 022 residents in specified catchment areas were assessed face‐to‐face using a standardised protocol, which included dementia diagnosis and detailed information on past and current tobacco consumption, and on important potential confounders of this association.

Results

A high proportion of participants were never smokers (52% in Dominican Republic to 83% in Peru), most of those who ever used tobacco in China and India were still smoking at age 65 and above (80% and 84%, respectively). There was a positive association between history of tobacco smoke exposure (pack years up to age 50) and dementia (pooled PR = 1.003; 95%CI 1.001–1.005), Alzheimer's disease (pooled PR = 1.007; 95% CI, 1.003–1.011) and Vascular Dementia (pooled PR = 1.003; 95% CI = 1.001–1.005). These associations were attenuated but remained significant if exposure after the age of 50 was included. In India there was no association between smokeless tobacco and dementia.

Conclusions

Dementia in developing countries appears to be positively associated with history of tobacco smoking but not smokeless tobacco use. Selective quitting in later life may bias estimation of associations. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increased RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) activity contributes to hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yoo Byoung Kwon , Santhekadur Prasanna K. , Gredler Rachel , Chen Dong , Emdad Luni , Bhutia Sujit , Pannell Lewis , Fisher Paul B. , Sarkar Devanand
Published: February 2011

There is virtually no effective treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and novel targets need to be identified to develop effective treatment. We recently documented that the oncogene Astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1) plays a seminal role in hepatocarcinogenesis. Employing yeast two-hybrid assay and coimmunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry, we identified staphylococcal nuclease domain containing 1 (SND1), a nuclease in the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) facilitating RNAi-mediated gene silencing, as an AEG-1 interacting protein. Coimmunoprecipitation and colocalization studies confirmed that AEG-1 is also a component of RISC and both AEG-1 and SND1 are required for optimum RISC activity facilitating small interfering RNA (siRNA) and micro RNA (miRNA)-mediated silencing of luciferase reporter gene. In 109 human HCC samples SND1 was overexpressed in ≈74% cases compared to normal liver. Correspondingly, significantly higher RISC activity was observed in human HCC cells compared to immortal normal hepatocytes. Increased RISC activity, conferred by AEG-1 or SND1, resulted in increased degradation of tumor suppressor messenger RNAs (mRNAs) that are target of oncomiRs. Inhibition of enzymatic activity of SND1 significantly inhibited proliferation of human HCC cells. As a corollary, stable overexpression of SND1 augmented and siRNA-mediated inhibition of SND1 abrogated growth of human HCC cells

in vitro

and

in vivo

, thus revealing a potential role of SND1 in hepatocarcinogenesis.

Conclusion:

We unravel a novel mechanism that overexpression of AEG-1 and SND1 leading to increased RISC activity might contribute to hepatocarcinogenesis. Targeted inhibition of SND1 enzymatic activity might be developed as an effective therapy for HCC. (Hepatology 2011;)
Telomerase gene mutations are associated with cirrhosis formation
Authors: Hartmann Daniel , Srivastava Ujala , Thaler Michaela , Kleinhans Karin N. , N'Kontchou Gisèle , Scheffold Annika , Bauer Kerstin , Kratzer Ramona F. , Kloos Natalia , Katz Sarah-Fee , Song Zhangfa , Begus-Nahrmann Yvonne , Kleger Alexander , von Figura Guido , Strnad Pavel , Lechel André , Günes Cagatay , Potthoff Andrej , Deterding Katja , Wedemeyer Heiner , Ju Zhenyu , Song Ge , Xiao Feng , Gillen Sonja , Schrezenmeier Hubert , Mertens Thomas , Ziol Marianne , Friess Helmut , Jarek Michael , Manns Michael P. , Beaugrand Michel , Rudolph Lenhard K.
Published: February 2011

Telomere shortening impairs liver regeneration in mice and is associated with cirrhosis formation in humans with chronic liver disease. In humans, telomerase mutations have been associated with familial diseases leading to bone marrow failure or lung fibrosis. It is currently unknown whether telomerase mutations associate with cirrhosis induced by chronic liver disease. The telomerase RNA component (TERC) and the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) were sequenced in 1,121 individuals (521 patients with cirrhosis induced by chronic liver disease and 600 noncirrhosis controls). Telomere length was analyzed in patients carrying telomerase gene mutations. Functional defects of telomerase gene mutations were investigated in primary human fibroblasts and patient-derived lymphocytes. An increased incidence of telomerase mutations was detected in cirrhosis patients (allele frequency 0.017) compared to noncirrhosis controls (0.003,

P

value 0.0007; relative risk [RR] 1.859; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.552–2.227). Cirrhosis patients with TERT mutations showed shortened telomeres in white blood cells compared to control patients. Cirrhosis-associated telomerase mutations led to reduced telomerase activity and defects in maintaining telomere length and the replicative potential of primary cells in culture.

Conclusion:

This study provides the first experimental evidence that telomerase gene mutations are present in patients developing cirrhosis as a consequence of chronic liver disease. These data support the concept that telomere shortening can represent a causal factor impairing liver regeneration and accelerating cirrhosis formation in response to chronic liver disease. (Hepatology 2011;)
Quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis B e antigen titers in prediction of treatment response to entecavir
Authors: Lee Jung Min , Ahn Sang Hoon , Kim Hyon Suk , Park Hana , Chang Hye Young , Kim Do Young , Hwang Seong Gyu , Rim Kyu Sung , Chon Chae Yoon , Han Kwang-Hyub , Park Jun Yong
Published: February 2011

Quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen (qHBsAg) and quantitative hepatitis B e antigen (qHBeAg) titers are emerging as useful tools for measuring viral loads and for predicting the virological response (VR) and serological response (SR) to pegylated interferon therapy. However, the clinical utility of these assays in patients taking entecavir (ETV) is largely unknown. Treatment-naive patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) who were taking ETV for 2 years were enrolled. The qHBsAg and qHBeAg levels were serially measured with the Architect assay. From 95 patients, 60.0% of whom were hepatitis B e antigen–positive [HBeAg(+)], 475 samples were analyzed. The median baseline log hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA, log qHBsAg, and log qHBeAg values were 6.73 copies/mL (4.04–9.11 copies/mL), 3.58 IU/mL (1.17–5.10 IU/mL), and 1.71 Paul Ehrlich (PE) IU/mL (−0.64 to 2.63 PE IU/mL), respectively. For the prediction of VR (HBV DNA < 60 copies/mL at 24 months) in HBeAg(+) patients, baseline alanine aminotransferase (

P

= 0.013), HBV DNA (

P

= 0.040), and qHBsAg levels (

P

= 0.033) were significant. For the prediction of VR, the area under the curve for the baseline log qHBsAg level was 0.823 (

P

< 0.001); a cutoff level of 3.98 IU/mL (9550 IU/mL on a nonlogarithmic scale) yielded the highest predictive value with a sensitivity of 86.8% and a specificity of 78.9%. As for SR (HBeAg loss at 24 months), the reduction of qHBeAg was significantly greater in the SR(+) group versus the SR(−) group. The sensitivity and specificity were 75.0% and 89.8%, respectively, with a decline of 1.00 PE IU/mL at 6 months. With ETV therapy, the correlation between HBV DNA and qHBsAg peaked at 6 months in HBeAg(+) patients.

Conclusion:

Both qHBsAg and qHBeAg decreased significantly with ETV therapy. The baseline qHBsAg levels and the on-treatment decline of qHBeAg in HBeAg(+) patients were proven to be highly useful in predicting VR and SR, respectively. The determination of qHBsAg and qHBeAg can help us to select the appropriate strategy for the management of patients with CHB. However, the dynamic interplay between qHBsAg, qHBeAg, and HBV DNA during antiviral therapy remains to be elucidated. (Hepatology 2011;)
A role for the CAMKK pathway in visual object recognition memory
Authors: Tinsley Chris J. , Narduzzo Katherine E. , Brown Malcolm W. , Warburton E. Clea
Published: February 2011

The role of the CAMKK pathway in object recognition memory was investigated. Rats' performance in a preferential object recognition test was examined after local infusion into the perirhinal cortex of the CAMKK inhibitor STO‐609. STO‐609 infused either before or immediately after acquisition impaired memory tested after a 24 h but not a 20‐min delay. Memory was not impaired when STO‐609 was infused 20 min after acquisition. The expression of a downstream reaction product of CAMKK was measured by immunohistochemical staining for phospho‐CAMKIThr177 at 10, 40, 70, and 100 min following the viewing of novel and familiar images of objects. Processing familiar images resulted in more pCAMKI stained neurons in the perirhinal cortex than processing novel images at the 10‐ and 40‐min delays. Prior infusion of STO‐609 caused a reduction in pCAMKI stained neurons in response to viewing either novel or familiar images, consistent with its role as an inhibitor of CAMKK. The results establish that the CAMKK pathway within the perirhinal cortex is important for the consolidation of object recognition memory. The activation of pCAMKI after acquisition is earlier than previously reported for pCAMKII. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Risk of fractures in older adults using antihypertensive medications
Authors: Solomon Daniel H , Mogun Helen , Garneau Katie , Fischer Michael A
Published: February 2011

Many medications used to control blood pressure have been associated with bone metabolism. In addition, hypertension itself may be associated with reduced bone mineral density. We examined the relative risk of fracture among subjects with hypertension initiating single-drug therapy for antihypertension treatment. We assembled a large cohort of Medicare beneficiaries with a diagnosis of hypertension who had not filled a prescription for an antihypertensive medication in the prior 365 days. All subsequently began treatment with a single antihypertensive drug. These subjects were followed forward using health care utilization data to determine the risk of a typical osteoporotic fracture. Adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression models were constructed to assess the relative risk of fracture across types of antihypertensive medications. We identified 376,061 eligible subjects. Fracture rate in the total cohort was 35.2 per 1000 person-years [95% confidence interval (CI) 34.4–36.1]. Rates varied significantly across type of antihypertensive, with thiazide diuretics having the lowest rate (28.5, 95% CI 25.4–31.9) and loop diuretics the highest rate (49.0, 95% CI 46.1–52.1). In models adjusting for relevant comorbidities and comedications accessible in health care utilization data, the risk of fracture was reduced in users of angiotensin receptor blockers [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.76, 95% CI 0.68–0.86) and thiazide diuretics (HR = 0.85, 95% CI 0.76–0.97) compared with calcium channel blockers. The adjusted fracture risk was not significantly different from the reference for loop diuretics, beta blockers, and angiotensin-conversting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It is concluded that the risk of fracture differs across users of different antihypertensive medications. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Polymer/Hemoglobin Assemblies: Biodegradable Oxygen Carriers for Artificial Red Blood Cells
Authors: Li Taihang , Jing Xiabin , Huang Yubin
Published: February 2011

In routine clinical procedures, blood transfusion is now suffering from the defects of the blood products, like cross‐matching, short storage time and virus infection. Various blood substitutes have been designed by researchers through continual efforts. With recent progress in nanotechnology, new types of artificial red blood cells with cellular structure are available. This article aims to describe some artificial red blood cells which encapsulate or conjugate hemoglobin molecules through various approaches, especially the nanoscale self‐assembly technique, to mitigate the adverse effects of free hemoglobin molecules. These types of artificial red blood cell systems, which make use of biodegradable polymers as matrix materials, show advantages over the traditional types.

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Differences Between Stereocomplex Spherulites Obtained in Equimolar and Non‐Equimolar Poly(L‐lactide)/Poly(D‐lactide) Blends
Authors: Wang Xiaohong , Prud'homme Robert E.
Published: February 2011

PLLA/PDLA blends were crystallized between 120 and 195 °C. The stereocomplex spherulites acquired in equimolar and non‐equimolar blends were compared using POM, WAXD, DSC, and AFM. For equimolar blends, stereocomplex crystals show spherulites with positive birefringence, which is ascribed to the existence of domains made up of tangentially oriented lamellae. For PLLA‐rich (or PDLA‐rich) blends, the signs of the birefringence changed from a positive spherulite to a mixed spherulite and then to a negative spherulite. In negative spherulites, most lamellae orient radially. Radial and tangential cracks were observed in equimolar blends when crystallization took place above 175 °C whereas no cracks formed for non‐equimolar blends.

magnified image
Stimuli‐Responsive Elastic Polyurethane‐Based Superabsorber Nanomat Composites
Authors: Chen Fei , Greiner Andreas , Agarwal Seema
Published: February 2011

Photoresponsive superabsorber particles containing a crosslinked hydrophilic core and a hydrophobic azobenzene‐containing shell were used to prepare photoresponsive polymeric nanomats, thus combining photoresponsivity with high porosity, toughness, and hydrophilicity. The properties of the nanomat composites were highly dependent upon the amount of the superabsorber photochromic particles added. Stable, highly elastic composite nanomats with very high loading (up to ≈50 wt.‐%), good water absorption capacity (4 000%) and relatively good tensile strength (3 MPa) were obtained. The photoresponsive behavior of the composites is demonstrated, which leads to relatively fast water desorption.

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Forschung & Technik: Optik & Photonik 1/2009
Authors: Scharf Rainer
Published: February 2011

Neues Feld der Nanophotonik

3‐D‐Oberflächeninspektion an bewegten Objekten — SPARC

Lichtmikroskop macht atomare Fehlstellen sichtbar

Ultrastark und ultraschnell
Mikrobiologischer Trinkwassertest in weniger als einer Stunde
Authors: Friedberger Alois , Helwig Andreas , Heller Christoph , Reidt Ulrich , Homann Clemens , Meixner Leonhard , Neumeier Karl , Hell Waltraud , Bock Karlheinz , Lindner Petra , Molz Ramona , Wolf Hans , Zullei‐Seibert Ninette , Preuß Gudrun
Published: February 2011

Wasser ist Leben und so ist es in Deutschland auch das am besten kontrollierte Lebensmittel. Verunreinigungen aller Art sind darin tabu. Besonders Bakterien sind als lebende Organismen im „Lebensmitteln Nr. 1”︁ nicht willkommen. Wasserversorger müssen mit regelmäßigen Tests nachweisen, dass ihr Wasser frei von den Kleinstlebewesen ist. Die Tests dazu dauern bisher noch mehrere Tage und dürfen nur von geschultem Personal im Labor durchgeführt werden — für die Versorger und die Verbraucher ein unbefriedigendes Verfahren, denn es ist teuer und zeitaufwendig. Eine effizientere Messmethode entwickeln Forscher derzeit in einem Förderprojekt des BMBF.
Neues Licht für Städte und Kommunen
Authors: Reinboth Christian , Fischer‐Hirchert Ulrich , David Tim
Published: February 2011

Hoher Energieverbrauch, Lichtverschmutzung und Milliarden getöteter Insekten pro Jahr: Deutschlands Straßenbeleuchtung ist reformbedürftig. Die LED als alternatives Leuchtmittel könnte Abhilfe schaffen, wenn das Licht intelligent und sparsam eingesetzt wird. Die beiden Unternehmen AUTEV AG und HarzOptics GmbH haben in zweijähriger Entwicklungszeit eine LED‐Straßenlampe — die AuLED — entworfen und getestet, mit der sich eine Vielzahl der theoretischen Vorteile von LED‐Beleuchtung bereits realisieren lassen. Der Artikel liefert einen Überblick der mit der öffentlichen Straßenbeleuchtung verbundenen Probleme und stellt kurz Design, Funktionsweise und besondere Merkmale der AuLED vor.
LED‐ oder Laserlinie zur strukturierten Beleuchtung?
Authors: Herzog Patrick
Published: February 2011

Üblicherweise werden Laserdiodenmodule in modernen Produktionsanlagen für die Projektion von schmalen Linien für den Einsatz in der Bildverarbeitung verwendet. Über die Jahre ist eine ganze Bandbreite an Leistungen, Wellenlängen, Optiken und Optionen am Markt entstanden.
Diffraktive Optische Elemente erobern den Markt
Authors: Brinkmann Matthias , Braun Franz‐Josef , Hagemann Malte , Jäger Erwin
Published: February 2011

Immer vielfältiger sind die Einsatzgebiete für optische planare Komponenten mit mikrostrukturierten Oberflächen. In zunehmendem Maße ersetzen bzw. ergänzen sie klassische optische Komponenten wie Linsen und Spiegel. Die Vorteile von Diffraktiven Optischen Elementen (DOE) liegen in der flachen Form und dem niedrigen Gewicht. Als Materialien kommen neben Glas (in Transmission) auch Kunststoffe, Halbleiter und Metalle (für Reflexion) in Frage. In Kombination mit einem kostengünstigen Masteringund Replikationsprozess bieten DOEs bereits heute für viele Anwendungen die attraktivere Alternative.
Measuring of High Quality Optics for Lithography
Authors: Katte Henning
Published: February 2011

Highly homogeneous glasses and crystalline materials such as CaF2 (calcium fluoride) are used in microlithographic applications. Inherent stresses in the material induced in manufacture lead to stress birefringence and thus to imaging errors, which is undesirable for semiconductor manufacture in view of the ever smaller structure sizes. Materials from which optical components for wafer steppers are manufactured must therefore also satisfy high requirements with regard to inherent stresses.
Ultra Small OLEd Pico Projector
Authors: Riehemann Stefan , Grossmann Constanze , Vogel Uwe , Richter Bernd , Herold Rigo , Notni Gunther
Published: February 2011

An ultra compact projection system based on a high brightness OLEd micro display is developed. System design and realization of a prototype are presented. This OLEd pico projector with a volume of about 10 cm3 can be integrated into portable systems like mobile phones or PdAs. The Fraunhofer IPMS developed the high brightness monochrome OLEd micro display. The Fraunhofer IOF designed the specific projection lens [1] and integrated the OLEd and the projection optic to a full functional pico projection system. This article provides a closer look on the technology and its possibilities.
Blue Laser diodes
Authors: Lutgen Stephan , Schmitt Michael
Published: February 2011

The story of GaN­lasers started in 1995 with first demonstration of laser operation in the near UV. In 2000 the commercialization started with laser for optical data storage and Blu­ray disc with emission wavelength of 405 nm. It took another several years to come from a 405 nm near UV emission spectrum to today's 450 nm. The technological challenges for true blue 450 nm GaN laser diodes are based on the MOVPE­growth of In—rich InGaN­Quantum wells with high material quality and optimized AlGaN wave guiding layer designs with adopted strain management. With only 3.2 mm height an optimized TO­38 Icut assembly meets the demands for an ultra compact package in embedded laser scanning projection systems.
3d Topography and Fluorescence Measurements
Authors: Selchow Olaf , Goetze Bernhard
Published: February 2011

Confocal Microscopy has evolved from a technique used by specialists only, to a technique of every day use. In biomedical research, the use of biomarkers like the Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) has pushed confocal microscopy from the hands of a few into numerous labs of biologists doing basic and applied biomedical research. The combination of fluorescence and non—tactile surface measurements has proven to be the method of choice for many confocal applications in materials research. Changing demands for applications in both fields have lead to the development of new instruments enabling researchers to perform increasingly complex experiments.
Economic Trends in Germany's Optical Technologies Industry
Authors: Ladwig Birgit
Published: February 2011

Germany's optical technology industry is one of the most important areas of growth and development in the German economy. It is not simply a sub­sector of the optical, medical or mechatronic industry. As they are key­ and cross­sectional technologies, optical technologies are found in many different industry sectors, such as the medical, engineering, semiconductor, illumination or energy sector. Reasons enough to take a closer look at the market in the past, present and future.
Genau geprüft: Inspektion mit Hochleistungs‐Zeilenkameras
Authors: Lohse Erik
Published: February 2011

Neuen Flachbildfernseher gekauft und dann das: Pixelfehler im Display. Hersteller von TFT Displays lassen es mittlerweile erst gar nicht mehr so weit kommen. Optische Prüfsysteme, die schnell und präzise Fehler in den einzelnen Herstellungsschritten der Flachbildschirme finden, sind heutzutage ein zentraler Faktor zur Optimierung der Fertigung und der Produktivität. Je früher man fehlerhaftes Material aussortiert, desto geringer ist die Ausschussrate bei den fertigen und veredelten Produkten. Ein wichtiger Bestandteil dieses Prüfprozesses sind digitale Industriekameras, an die die Anforderungen hinsichtlich ihrer Leistungsfähigkeit kontinuierlich steigen.
sCMOS — Die eierlegende Wollmilchsau der Bildsensorik?
Authors: Holst Gerhard
Published: February 2011

Scientific CMOS oder kurz sCMOS wurde 2009 während der Laser World of Photonics Messe in München von den Firen Andor Technology, Fairchild Imaging und PCO AG als neue Technologie für Bildsensoren vorgestellt. Wie üblich werden neue Entwicklungen als Fortschritt und viel besser als existierende Technologien angepriesen — doch ist diese Technologie wirklich besser? Warum schließen sich Firmen, die ansonsten Mitbewerber im Markt der hochwertigen Kamerasysteme sind, zusammen, um eine solche Technologie zu entwickeln?
Laser Therapy: a Seminal Perspective in Modern Medical Technology
Authors: Sagnak Cemal
Published: February 2011

Laser light treatment is becoming more and more important in modern minimal invasive medicine. For instance, medical lasers have established themselves in ophthalmology. Their area of use, however, stretches even further: from the removal of tattoos to the systematic treatment of tumors. Today, laser applications can be found in virtually every medical discipline.
Micro Lens Array Milling on Large Wafers
Authors: Scheiding Sebastian , Gebhardt Andreas , Eberhardt Ramona , Tünnermann Andreas
Published: February 2011

Micro Lens Arrays (MLA) containing thousands of lenses with an aspheric shape and a precise position on large substrates are used in sensor devices directly or as master moulds for the low‐cost replication of micro lenses in an array. They have to fulfill the high requirements in wafer scale manufacturing of small optics. This high volume manufacturing method for low‐cost but effective micro optics relies on the sandwich‐like assembly of the sensors and optical components like lenses as well as mechanical components like apertures and spacers on wafer level. After joining all components the dicing results in a batch of wafer level cameras for the use in cellular phones or webcams.

Micro Lens Arrays are also a centrepiece of today's sensor products, either to raise the fill factor and collect more light on each pixel or to deflect the incoming beam to measure the aberrations of the wavefront, the working principle of the Hartmann‐Shack sensor. Within illumination optics, MLA are commonly used for beam homogenization in projection systems. In all fields of application ranging from automotive, medical, consumer and industrial optics to high‐end sensors for space instrumentation, high quality lens arrays for direct use or replication must be provided.
Breaking Speed and Sensitivity Limits
Authors: Jalali Bahram , Soon‐Shiong Patrick , Goda Keisuke
Published: February 2011

High‐throughput imaging is needed to identify rare diseased cells among a large population of healthy cells. When combined with microfluidics, this labelfree cell identification method can revolutionize pathology, cancer screening, and potentially even stem cell therapy. Featuring optical image streaming and amplification, this new approach to imaging overcomes the technological and fundamental limits of the classic image sensor technology and may represent the solution.
Photonic Submicron‐Structures
Authors: Zeitner Uwe D. , Kley Ernst‐Bernhard , Tünnermann Andreas
Published: February 2011

Progress in the development of lithographic fabrication technologies and their availability for optical applications has moved their use for the realization of novel gratings into the focus of modern optics. Only lithography opens the flexibility to generate almost arbitrary grating patterns and thus make the full potential of grating functions accessible. In particular, the dedicated use of sub‐wavelength
patterns opens up novel grating functionalities and applications.
Precision Molded Lens Arrays Made of Glass
Authors: Reichel Steffen , Biertümpfel Ralf
Published: February 2011

The market for high‐brightness Light Emitting Diodes (LED) is expected to grow strongly in the near future. In order to meet the rising demand, suppliers are developing new ways of manufacturing components on a larger scale. SCHOTT has now patented a precision molding process for producing strips and arrays of mini lenses made of highly refractive glass. Multiple LEDs can thus be positioned side by side and very closely together to allow for a strong and defined light beam to be formed. The precisely shaped lenses enable compact designs of light sources as well as optical systems.
Verlustfreies Metamaterial
Authors: Scharf Rainer
Published: February 2011

Metamaterialien sind Verbundwerkstoffe mit neuartigen Eigenschaften. So haben „linkshändige”︁ optische Metamaterialien einen negativen Brechungsindex. Sie brechen das Licht in die falsche Richtung, so dass der einfallende und der gebrochene Strahl zur selben Seite des Lotes liegen. Damit wird eine optische Abbildung unterhalb der Beugungsgrenze möglich. Inzwischen kann man optische Metamaterialien so fein strukturieren, dass sie im Bereich des sichtbaren Lichtes arbeiten. In den bislang entwickelten Strukturen treten indes starke Absorptionsverluste auf, die einer praktischen Nutzung im Wege stehen. Doch jetzt haben Forscher an der Purdue University ein „linkshändiges”︁ Metamaterial vorgestellt, das diese Verluste kompensiert, wenn es optisch gepumpt wird.
Lichtverzögerung im Chip
Authors: Scharf Rainer
Published: February 2011

Wenn sich Licht in einer gasgefüllten hohlen Glasfaser ausbreitet, aus der es seitlich nicht entweichen kann, wechselwirkt es sehr intensiv mit den Gasatomen. Dadurch treten auch schon bei geringen Lichtintensitäten nichtlineare optische Effekte auf, die man nutzen kann, um mit einem Lichtstrahl einen anderen zu steuern. So reichen schon wenige Photonen aus, um durch elektromagnetisch induzierte Transparenz (EIT) eine mit Rubidiumgas gefüllte Faser lichtdurchlässig zu machen. Jetzt haben US‐amerikanische Forscher infrarote Lichtpulse in solch einer Glasfaser mit Hilfe der EIT auf 250 km/s abgebremst. Damit konnte Licht erstmals in einem Chip verlangsamt werden.
Leuchtdioden erobern den Alltag
Authors: Weimar Andreas , Albrecht Tony
Published: February 2011

LED (Light Emitting Diodes) werden in zunehmend mehr Anwendungsbereichen als Lichtquelle eingesetzt. Hauptgrund ist die rasante Entwicklung der Effizienz, mit der elektrischer Strom in nutzbares Licht umgewandelt wird. LED verbrauchen weniger Strom als konventionelle Lichtquellen und tragen damit zur Senkung des CO2‐Ausstoßes bei. Das macht sie bei steigenden Energiekosten immer attraktiver. Im Bereich der Straßenbeleuchtung gibt es erste Projekte, die zeigen, dass der geringere Energieverbrauch mittlerweile mit einer Farbwiedergabe einher geht, die sogar besser als bei konventionellen Lampen ist.
Optische 3D‐Sensoren
Authors: Berggold Wolfgang , Häusler Gerd
Published: February 2011

Die optische 3D‐Messtechnik bietet bei vielen Anwendungen Vorteile gegenüber abtastenden Systemen. Hierzu gehört das flächenhafte Erfassen des zu vermessenden Objekts, genauso wie die schnelle Gewinnung hochgenauer Messdaten. Darüber hinaus ist besonders der Aspekt, die Daten berührungslos zu gewinnen, von Bedeutung, wenn empfindliche oder gar verformbare Oberflächen zu vermessen sind.
Software für die Bildverarbeitung
Authors: Steger Carsten , Kreutzer Lutz
Published: February 2011

Algorithmen und damit Software für die industrielle Bildverarbeitung sind zumeist sehr komplex. Es reicht kaum, unmittelbar aus der Forschung stammende Algorithmen direkt für den industriellen Einsatz zu übernehmen. Praxisorientierte Software muss in vieler Hinsicht mehr können: Genauigkeit, Robustheit, Schnelligkeit und Zuverlässigkeit bilden die vier Eckpfeiler für die alltägliche Industrietauglichkeit. Die Weiterentwicklung der Software erweitert deren industrielle Einsatzmöglichkeiten. So finden auch 3D‐Techniken immer häufiger Anwendung.
Wie groß darf's sein?
Authors: Holst Gerhard
Published: February 2011

Die Anzahl der Bildpunkte oder Pixel in Bildsensoren ist sowohl bei Fotoapparaten und Handy‐Kameras, als auch bei digitalen Kamerasystemen für Messzwecke, wie sie in der industriellen Bildverarbeitung oder in der Forschung zu finden sind, von zentraler Bedeutung. Generell ist der Trend zu höheren Auflösungen erkennbar, weil sie mehr Informationsgehalt versprechen. Begrenzt durch die existierenden Formate der abbildenden Optiken und deren Preis sowie durch akzeptable Baugrößen bei Kameragehäusen und durch den Ertrag pro Wafer ergeben sich deshalb bei höheren Auflösungen kleinere Abmessungen der eigentlichen Pixel. Da man in den meisten Anwendungen nicht unbegrenzt Licht zur Verfügung hat, stellt auch die Empfindlichkeit der Pixel einen sehr wichtigen Parameter für den erfolgreichen Einsatz einer Kamera dar. Welchen Einfluss hat also die Pixel‐Größe auf die Bildqualität und Empfindlichkeit genau?
Kompakte Laser für Medizintechnik und Displays
Authors: Paschke Katrin , Jedrzejczyk Daniel , Fiebig Christian
Published: February 2011

Hybride Diodenlasersysteme im sichtbaren Spektralbereich erschließen zahlreiche neue Anwendungen für Halbleiterlaser, etwa in der Medizintechnik, der Materialbearbeitung oder im Entertainment‐Sektor. Die Systeme integrieren eine Vielzahl von Funktionalitäten auf dem Platz einer Streichholzschachtel und ermöglichen so bei gleicher Leistung kompaktere und mobile Lösungen. Dazu werden Halbleiterlaser und optische Komponenten mit höchster Präzision zu effizienten Laserlichtquellen integriert. Die Eigenschaften der Laserstrahlung lassen sich durch optische Gitter oder nichtlineare Kristalle spezifisch auf die jeweilige Anwendung zuschneiden.
Gute Aussichten nach Krisenjahr
Authors: Breyer Andreas
Published: February 2011

Nach stetigem Wachstum in den vergangenen Jahren verzeichnete die industrielle Bildverarbeitung in Europa im Jahr 2009 bedingt durch die Finanz‐ und Wirtschaftskrise erstmals einen Rückgang des Gesamtumsatzes. Trotz der schwierigen Marktbedingungen wächst der Bereich der nichtindustriellen Anwendungen weiter, wie die jährliche EMVA‐Studie „European Vision Technology Market Statistics 2010”︁ zeigt. Auch 3D‐Anwendungen haben im vergangenen Jahr an Beliebtheit weiter zugenommen.
Laser lighting revolution
Authors: Niven Gregory T. , Krupke William , Mackenzie William F.
Published: February 2011

Many advances have occurred during the past 70 years in the cinema such as color, sound, and now digital images; however, the one constant has been the lamps used to provide the illumination. Given the advantages of lasers over lamps in key aspects such as reliability and brightness, many attempts have been made over the past decade to develop and launch lasers into a variety of illumination and specialty lighting applications. Key advancements in the cinema market are finally bringing the idea of low cost, high power visible laser light sources to a commercial reality.
OPSLs for quick flow cytometry
Authors: Schulze Matthias
Published: February 2011

Applications for flow cytometry continue to diversify and evolve. That is because cytometry is both a widely used clinical tool for fast blood cell analysis as well as a powerful research tool. As novel therapeutic modalities (e. g. stem cell treatment) are developed, new cytometry applications often blur the traditional distinction between clinical and research measurements. Yet a single laser technology — the optically pumped semiconductor laser (OPSL) — is proving optimum in virtually all cases, whether the application needs high power, multiple wavelengths, low cost, small packaging or a low thermal or electrical budget. From routine counting of CD4 immune receptor cells to stem cell sorting, this article will show how and why OPSL is meeting the evolving needs of flow cytometry.
3‐D ultrasound of the fetal ear and fetal autosomal trisomies: a pilot study of a new screening protocol
Authors: Ginsberg Norman A. , Cohen Leeber , Dungan Jeffrey S. , Concialdi Sandra , Mangers Kristi , Shulman Lee P.
Published: February 2011

Objective

We hypothesize that the rotation of the ear in fetuses with common autosomal trisomies will be markedly different from euploid fetuses and amenable to detection by 3‐D ultrasound in the render mode.

Methods

Study participants (10 weeks 4 days through 19 weeks 0 days) underwent a 3‐D rendering of the fetal face and ear along with other biometric measurements prior to invasive testing.

Results

Of the 348 patients who underwent chorionic villi sampling (CVS) (n = 208) or amniocentesis (n = 140), 18 were diagnosed with trisomy 21, 4 with trisomy 18, and 1 with trisomy 13. Mean gestational age was 12 weeks 6 days (range: 10 weeks 6 days to 19 weeks 0 days). Ear angles were obtained in all cases; the time to obtain this angle ranged from 5 to 25 min. Thirty‐two fetuses were found to have an abnormal ear angle with 23 of the 32 characterized by one of the aforementioned trisomies.

Conclusions

These findings support the potential of this technique to provide valuable information in the identification of an increased‐risk population. Prospective studies are needed to confirm the value of this screening modality as well as to assess its facility and ability to be incorporated into routine obstetrical practice. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The stability of free‐β human chorionic gonadotrophin and pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A in first trimester dried blood spots
Authors: Cowans Nicholas J. , Stamatopoulou Anastasia , Liitti Paivi , Suonpaa Mikko , Spencer Kevin
Published: February 2011

Objectives

To determine the stability of first trimester free‐β human chorionic gonadotrophin (free‐β hCG) and pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A) in dried blood spots (DBSs) under typical storage conditions.

Methods

First trimester maternal blood was spotted onto filter paper and left to dry. DBSs were analysed for PAPP‐A and free‐β hCG using an AutoDELFIA dual assay at t = 0. Cards were stored at one of − 20 °C, refrigerator temperature, room temperature or 30 °C and reanalysed at set future time points.

Results

Free‐β hCG was stable (<10% change in concentration) under all temperatures tested for at least 35 days. PAPP‐A was stable at − 20 °C and refrigerator temperature for at least 35 days. However, PAPP‐A levels decreased by 10% at 4.1 days at room temperature and at 3.9 days at 30 °C. Longer‐term storage at − 20 °C and refrigerator temperature showed that both PAPP‐A and free‐β hCG levels were significantly decreased by 107 and 244 days.

Conclusions

Free‐β hCG stability is greatly improved in DBS compared to serum storage; however PAPP‐A stability is decreased in the DBS medium. Despite this DBS, screening may not necessitate such strict storage and transportation rules compared to serum screening programmes. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identifying changes in diabetes care
Authors: Formosa C , Mandy A , Lucas K
Published: February 2011

Malta is a small Mediterranean island with particularly distinct population and culture. It also has one of the highest rates of type 2 diabetes in the world. As a result it provides a unique microcosm of problems in diabetes care common across Europe. This study explores the effects of culture, religion and government organisation on the management of patients with diabetes.

The cultures of patients, health care professionals and the Maltese government were examined in terms of their influence on the potential to deliver culturally relevant competent care.

The results of this research indicate that national culture and local practices may have a detrimental influence on the management of diabetes in Malta. The findings highlight the need for change if effective diabetes care is to be offered to the Maltese population. These changes are related to a highly complex, poorly understood health care system, and to the way in which it is structured and the way health care processes are managed in this highly specific national and ethnic culture. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons.
Characterization of acetaminophen overdose‐related emergency department visits and hospitalizations in the United States
Authors: Manthripragada Angelika D. , Zhou Esther H. , Budnitz Daniel S. , Lovegrove Maribeth C. , Willy Mary E.
Published: February 2011

Purpose

To estimate the number of acetaminophen overdose‐related emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations in the United States, characterize these by intentionality, age, and gender, and compare the strengths and limitations of the utilized databases.

Methods

We used data from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) and the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) to estimate the number of relevant ED visits in the United States between 2000 and 2007, and the National Hospital Discharge Survey (NHDS) to estimate the number of relevant hospitalizations in the United States between 1991 and 2006. National estimates and their standard errors were calculated using information provided in each database. We used the standard United States population in 2000 to calculate age‐adjusted rates.

Results

We estimate an annual average of 44 348 (NHAMCS, 2000–2007) or 78 414 (NEISS, 2006–2007) acetaminophen overdose‐related ED visits and 33 520 (NHDS, 2000–2006) hospitalizations. For 2000–2006 we calculated an age‐adjusted rate of 13.9 acetaminophen overdose‐related hospitalizations per 100 000 US population, with the highest rate (15.7) occurring from 2005 to 2006. Between 1991 and 2006, there was no decrease noted in hospitalizations for intentional or unintentional overdoses. The majority of overdoses reported in NEISS (69.8%) and NHDS (74.2%) were classified as intentional (suicides or suicidal gestures), whereas in NHAMCS, intentionality was evenly distributed.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that acetaminophen overdose, both intentional and unintentional, remains a significant public health concern. With an understanding of their methodological characteristics and limitations, these national databases can be useful tools to characterize acetaminophen overdose‐related ED visits and hospitalizations. Published in 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self‐report of current and prior antiretroviral drug use in comparison to the medical record among HIV‐infected patients receiving primary HIV care
Authors: Brouwer Emily Suzanne , Napravnik Sonia , Smiley Sarah G. , Corbett Amanda H. , Eron Joseph J.
Published: February 2011

Objective

Patient antiretroviral (ARV) therapy knowledge is essential for regimen adherence, successful therapeutic response, and minimization of resistance evolution. Moreover, a complete and accurate patient ARV history is needed to construct efficacious and tolerable future regimens. In this study we assessed the ability of HIV‐infected patients receiving care in a university infectious diseases clinic to accurately recall current and past ARVs.

Methods

A convenience sample (n = 205) of UNC HIV Clinical Cohort participants (n = 1840) completed a comprehensive in‐person interview. Patients were asked about current and ever ARV use and were provided proprietary and generic ARV names and photographs. Self‐reported sensitivity for current and ever ARV use (proportion that correctly identified all recorded ARVs), was calculated using the medical record as the gold standard.

Results

One hundred and eighty‐five patients had received ARVs at some point after enrollment in the cohort study (ever users). For current ARV use (n = 138), self‐reported sensitivity was 63% (95% CI: 54–71). For ever use (n = 185), sensitivity was 18% (95% CI: 13–24).

Conclusion

Self‐reported cumulative ARV use is not accurate. Since HIV‐infected patients are prescribed a number of medications over their treatment course, it is necessary to develop new medication reconciliation techniques that are not dependent on patient memory or knowledge in order to improve patient outcomes. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Association of polypharmacy with nutritional status, functional ability and cognitive capacity over a three‐year period in an elderly population
Authors: Jyrkkä Johanna , Enlund Hannes , Lavikainen Piia , Sulkava Raimo , Hartikainen Sirpa
Published: February 2011

Purpose

To determine the association of polypharmacy with nutritional status, functional ability and cognitive capacity among elderly persons.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study of 294 survivors from the population‐based Geriatric Multidisciplinary Strategy for the Good Care of the Elderly (GeMS) Study, with yearly follow‐ups during 2004 to 2007. Participants were the citizens of Kuopio, Finland, aged 75 years and older at baseline. Polypharmacy status was categorized as non‐polypharmacy (0–5 drugs), polypharmacy (6–9 drugs) and excessive polypharmacy (10+ drugs). A linear mixed model approach was used for analysis the impact of polypharmacy on short form of mini nutritional assessment (MNA‐SF), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) and mini‐mental status examination (MMSE) scores.

Results

Excessive polypharmacy was associated with declined nutritional status (p = 0.001), functional ability (p < 0.001) and cognitive capacity (p < 0.001) when compared to non‐polypharmacy group. Age, institutional living, poor self‐reported health and time of measuring were also associated with the three outcome measures. In the excessive polypharmacy group, the proportion of malnourished or at risk of it increased from 31% to 50%, having difficulties in daily tasks from 48% to 74% and impaired cognition from 36% to 54% during the follow‐up. The mixed model analysis revealed that polypharmacy status was not able to predict the progress of MNA‐SF, IADL and MMSE scores over a three‐year time.

Conclusions

Excessive polypharmacy is associated with decline in nutritional status, functional ability and cognitive capacity in elderly persons. However, the changes in nutrition, physical functionality and cognition over a three‐year period cannot be predicted by polypharmacy status. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The perils of a vanishing cohort: a study of social comparisons by women with advanced ovarian cancer
Authors: Morrell Bronwen , Jordens Christopher F. C. , Kerridge Ian H. , Harnett Paul , Hobbs Kim , Mason Catherine
Published: February 2011

Objective: To examine the role social comparisons play in the experience of ovarian cancer patients and to consider the implications this may have for provision of supportive care services for ovarian cancer patients.

Methods: We conducted a longitudinal qualitative study of women with advanced ovarian cancer in Sydney, Australia. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with women with advanced ovarian cancer over a period of 2.5 years. Social comparisons made by 13 study participants in 33 interviews were extracted and analysed using coding categories based on social comparison theory.

Results: Participants favoured downward contrasts and lateral comparisons and avoided downward identifications, upward contrasts and upward identifications. Participants expressed a preference for avoiding contact with ovarian cancer patients, for the company of ‘normal’ others, for normalising information and information that facilitated upward identifications.

Conclusions: We suggest that social comparisons made by women with ovarian cancer are influenced by specific clinical factors associated with their diagnosis—in particular, their status as a member of a ‘vanishing cohort’—and argue for further research examining the specific comparison needs and preferences of patients with advanced disease and types of cancer with poor prognoses.

Practice implications: These findings raise questions about uniform approaches to the provision of cancer care and suggest that further research may be required to ensure that interventions are appropriately tailored to the supportive care needs of patients with different types and stages of disease. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.