bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blood glucose measurement for the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus: new and controversial consequences of updated DDG (German Diabetes Society)- and AWMF (Association of the Scientific Medical Societies)-guidelines1)
Authors: Koschinsky Theodor , Luppa Peter B.
Published: February 2015

New DDG (Deutsche Diabetes-Gesellschaft) and AWMF (Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Wissenschaftlichen Medizinischen Fachgesellschaften) guidelines have been established for the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and gestational diabetes. These are relevant for blood glucose (BG) measurements with reference to: distinction from HbA1c measurements; replacement of capillary BG values by venous plasma-derived BG values; and complete preanalytical inhibition of glycolysis. For the first time, BG values derived from standardized unit-use reagents and their related test systems are accepted (with a mandatory external ring trial system), but only for the screening and diagnosis of gestational diabetes. The Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss recently recommended a standardized examination of all pregnancies for gestational diabetes and commanded reimbursement of the related costs by health insurers. As there are more than 600,000 pregnancies per year in Germany, this updated diagnostic procedure will expand considerably. It will require considerable competence in clinical chemistry to translate the new guideline standards into the analytical as well as the preanalytical and logistical settings in cooperation with the involved outpatient physicians.
Therapeutisches Drug-Monitoring der Natalizumab-Sättigung von Immunzellen mittels Durchflusszytometrie bei Multipler Sklerose/Flow cytometry and drug monitoring of natalizumab saturation of immune cells in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Harrer Andrea , Oppermann Katrin , Pilz Georg , Wipfler Peter , Afazel Shahrzad , Haschke-Becher Elisabeth , Trinka Eugen , Kraus Jörg
Published: February 2015

Natalizumab (Tysabri) kann in seiner Eigenschaft als blockierender Antikörper des alpha-4-Integrins auf der Oberfläche von Immunzellen mittels Durchflusszytometrie nachgewiesen werden. Wir untersuchten, ob sich der Sättigungsgrad von Immunzellen mit Natalizumab als Biomarker für ein Therapieansprechen bei Multipler Sklerose (MS) eignet.

Bei 11 MS-PatientInnen wurde vor Therapiebeginn und nach 4, 8 und 12 Wochen die Natalizumab-Sättigung von T-Zellen (CD3+) und wichtigen T-Zell Subpopulationen (naive (CD45RA+)/memory (CD45R0+) CD4+ und CD8+) mittels Durchflusszytometrie untersucht.

Jeweils vier Wochen nach den ersten drei Infusionen war der mittlere Natalizumab-Sättigungsgrad (n=9) von T-Zellen jeweils knapp unter 80%. Eine Patientin mit neutralisierenden Antikörpern (NAB) gegen Natalizumab und ein Patient mit zu langen Infusionsintervallen wurden aufgrund von Auffälligkeiten im Natalizumab-Sättigungsgrad der Immunzellen identifiziert. Die unterschiedlich hohen alpha-4 Expressionswerte der einzelnen T-Zellsubpopulationen hatten keinen Einfluss auf den Sättigungsgrad mit Natalizumab.

Wir konnten zeigen, dass ein Monitoring der Natalizumab-Sättigung von T-Lymphozyten mittels Durchflusszytometrie eine Routine-taugliche Methode ist, um PatientInnen mit einem möglichen suboptimalen Therapieerfolg aufgrund von NAB oder unregelmäßigen Infusionsintervallen zu identifizieren. Weiterführende Studien zur Bestimmung eines Schwellenwertes für eine unzureichende Nalizumab-Sättigung eröffnen die Möglichkeit für individualisierte Therapieschemata. Dies ist im Hinblick auf das Risiko opportunistischer Infektionen wichtig, um die Sicherheit dieses so hochwirksamen Therapeutikums für die Langzeitbehandlung in der MS zu erhöhen.
Biochemical diagnosis of growth hormone related diseases1)
Authors: Bidlingmaier Martin
Published: February 2015

The symptoms of growth hormone deficiency and growth hormone excess clinically impose differently before and after the completion of longitudinal growth. Always, however, biochemical diagnostics is based on the measurement of circulating concentrations of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). Immunoassays are practical, sensitive, and mostly specific methods for measuring either hormone. There are, however, still serious discrepancies between the results reported from different assays. These discrepancies are mainly due to differences in the isoform specificity of assays, the use of different standard preparations, as well as the interference of binding proteins. The method-related differences in measured results make the general application of published diagnostic decision limits more difficult. At an interdisciplinary consensus conference, with the participation of the Growth Hormone Research Society, the IGF Society, and the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC), the existing problems were analyzed and possible strategies were highlighted to improve the comparability between results obtained from different GH and IGF-I assays. Currently, however, the use of method-specific reference ranges obtained from well-characterized cohorts continues to be essential in clinical practice.
Gerinnungsphysiologische und genetische Diagnostik bei hereditärem Protein S-Mangel/Coagulation testing and genetic diagnostics in hereditary protein S deficiency
Authors: Dübgen Sebastian , Dick Andrea , Marschall Christoph , Spannagl Michael
Published: February 2015

Thrombophilie, die Neigung zu rezidivierenden, idiopathischen Thromboembolien, wird heute als multifaktorielle Erkrankung im Sinne einer Dysbalance des komplex regulierten Hämostasesystems verstanden. Trotz intensiver Abklärung bleibt der genaue Defekt einer erblichen Thromboseneigung oft unbekannt. Eine anerkannte Ursache, welche bei etwa 1 bis 2% der Betroffenen identifiziert werden kann, ist ein Mangel an Protein S, welches indirekt als Kofaktor von aktiviertem Protein C die Thrombinbildung limitiert. Die Einschätzung der pathogenetischen Relevanz verminderter Protein S-Spiegel ist jedoch aufgrund der sehr viel häufiger vorkommenden erworbenen Protein S-Erniedrigung unter bestimmten physiologischen und pathologischen Bedingungen (z.B. Einnahme einer hormonellen Kontrazeption oder systemische Inflammation) schwierig. Diese Arbeit eröffnet durch Hinzufügen aggregierter genetischer Daten von 136 Patienten einen neuen Blick auf die Protein S-Diagnostik im klinischen Alltag und liefert Hinweise, in welcher Konstellation mit größerer Wahrscheinlichkeit von einem echten (genetisch definierten) Mangel ausgegangen werden kann.
Pro und Contra der Thrombophiliediagnostik/Pros and cons of thrombophilia testing
Authors: Orth Matthias , Schlatterer Kathrin
Published: February 2015

Eine Hyperkoagulabilität aufgrund genetisch-bestimmter Faktoren lässt sich bei etwa der Hälfte der Patienten mit einer spontanen venösen Thrombose (VTE) nachweisen. Thrombophilieuntersuchungen sind sinnvoll, wenn durch die Ergebnisse der Diagnostik eine Änderung der antithrombotischen Therapie erfolgen kann und wenn das mit der Thrombose assoziierte Risiko höher ist als die Nebenwirkungen der Antikoagulation. Angewandt werden soll das Thrombophiliescreening bei Patienten mit einem erhöhten Thromboserisiko, bei denen keine offensichtliche Ursache der VTE bekannt ist. Keine Indikation für die Untersuchung besteht, wenn von vornherein die Entscheidung in Bezug auf die Einleitung einer antithrombotischen Therapie gefallen oder wenn das absolute Thromboserisiko des Patienten sehr niedrig ist. Bei anderen Indikationen wie bei der Östrogentherapie oder bei rezidivierenden Aborten ist die Datenlage zum Nutzen einer Thrombophiliediagnostik komplex. Durch die geänderten therapeutischen Möglichkeiten mit den neuen oralen Antikoagulantien ist zu erwarten, dass künftig die Thrombophilieabklärung auch für Patientengruppen von Interesse wird, bei denen bislang eine Antikoagulantientherapie wegen der hohen Nebenwirkungsrate nicht durchgeführt werden konnte.
Simultaneous identification and quantification of synthetic cannabinoids (cannabimimetics) in serum, hair, and urine by rapid and sensitive HPLC tandem mass spectrometry screenings: overview and experience from routine testing
Authors: Goebel August , Boehm Marcus , Kirchherr Hartmut , Kühn-Velten W. Nikolaus
Published: February 2015

Detection and quantification of synthetic cannabinoids (synonym: cannabimimetics) used as a substitute for natural cannabis has been a real toxicological and forensic issue since 2008. On the basis of a short overview of the pharmacological principle, chemical classification, and legal situation in Germany, the development of several analytical and screening approaches is presented. The paper further describes and validates a novel method for the simultaneous identification and quantification of JWH-018, JWH-019, JWH-073, JWH-081, JWH-122, JWH-200, JWH-210, JWH-250, WIN48,098, WIN55,212-2, AM-694 and CP47,497 by means of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in human serum and hair using JWH-018-d11 and THC-d3 as internal standards. Detection limits ranging from 0.018 to 0.192 ng/mL for serum and from 0.140 to 0.820 pg/mg for hair, as well as very short retention times (up to 2.4 min), qualify this method, which presently includes 11 further compounds on a semi-quantitative basis, for rapid screening. The same method, using the deuterated 3-hydroxybutyl derivative of JWH-073, was applied for detection of 14 urinary metabolites after enzymatic hydrolysis of conjugates. Observation from routine analysis of 359 serum and 84 hair specimens reveals that concentrations of cannabimimetics in positive samples may differ by factors of at least 400 and 3000 with median values of 0.5 ng/mL and 9 pg/mg for serum and hair, respectively. Conclusions regarding consumption behaviors and strategies to decipher metabolic routes of these substances and possible implications are also discussed.
MRGN: neue Klassifikation für multiresistente gramnegative Bakterien
Authors: Kaase Martin
Published: February 2015

Im Zusammenhang mit den neuen KRINKO-Empfehlungen über Hygienemaßnahmen bei Infektionen oder Besiedlung mit multiresistenten gramnegativen Stäbchen wurde eine neue Multiresistenz-Definition, die MRGN-Klassifikation, eingeführt. Dies war nötig geworden, da bisherige Definitionen für krankenhaushygienische Zwecke wenig geeignet erschienen. Die MRGN-Klassifikation unterscheidet zwei Ausprägungsgrade der Multiresistenz, die als 3MRGN und 4MRGN bezeichnet werden und unterschiedliche hygienische Konsequenzen nach sich ziehen können. Sie beruht ferner darauf, dass Antibiotika unterschiedlich gewichtet werden und vor allem Resistenzen bei therapeutisch besonders bedeutsamen Gruppen wie Cephalosporinen, Carbapenemen und Fluorochinolonen in die Definition einfließen. Die MRGN-Klassifikation basiert weitestgehend auf Resistenzkategorien, nicht auf Resistenzmechanismen. Aufgrund der hohen epidemiologischen Bedeutung werden jedoch Carbapenemase-produzierende Enterobacteriaceae unabhängig vom restlichen Antibiogramm durchweg als 4MRGN klassifiziert. Die MRGN-Klassifikation erfordert Expertise und eine zuverlässige Carbapenemase-Detektion und ist daher ausdrücklich Aufgabe des mikrobiologischen Labors.
Galectin-3: a new biomarker for heart failure progression and prognosis
Authors: de Boer Rudolf A. , van der Velde A. Rogier
Published: February 2015

Galectin-3 is a carbohydrate-binding protein involved in inflammatory and fibrotic processes in various tissues. In the heart, galectin-3 activation has been associated with progression of cardiac fibrosis leading to cardiac remodeling and heart failure development. Clinical studies have shown that galectin-3 is a valuable prognostic marker in cardiovascular disease recognizing patients at risk. Most published results are from cohorts with chronic heart failure patients, but also in patients with acute heart failure, acute cardiac syndromes, as well as in cohorts from the general population. Galectin-3 levels were prognostic when looking at various endpoints, most prominently mortality, new onset heart failure and other cardiovascular endpoints. This review on galectin-3 provides an overview of the biological function of the marker and important findings from animal model studies and summarizes the key results of published analyses of clinical cohorts. The potential future role of galectin-3 is discussed.
Virologic diagnosis of influenza: detection of infection and assessment of immunity1)
Authors: Doerr Hans W.
Published: February 2015

A variety of methods are available for virological diagnosis and immunity assessment of influenza. For virus detection, the clinical specimen is usually the respiratory swab. In terms of sensitivity, nasopharyngeal aspirates are superior and sputum specimens are inferior. The diagnostic method of choice is RT-PCR of viral DNA sequences coding for matrix and nucleoprotein, which define influenza virus types A, B, C, or coding for hemagglutinin and neuraminidase spikes on the viral envelope identifying influenza virus A subtypes and strains. Genespecific primer probes are commercially available. PCR takes 1–2 h after the arrival of the clinical specimen. Cell culture based virus isolation combined with intracellular antigen detection needs 1–2 days, but is regarded as gold standard. Transport of the swabs in an ice chest is recommendable. Direct antigen detection in the clinical specimen by the use of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or immunofluorescence test (IFT) is the most rapid (bedside) method, but of inferior sensitivity. Therapy resistance analysis is done by genotyping subsequent to PCR amplification or by the cell culture method (phenotyping). Antibodies due to influenza virus are produced during the second week after infection and may confirm or disprove virological diagnosis. ELISA and IFT apply nucleoprotein or matrix proteins as antigens and differentiate between the Ig classes IgA (IgM) and IgG indicating an acute or passed infection. Complement fixing antibodies do not persist. Influenza virus immunity is assessed by neutralization assay or – more simply – by hemagglutination inhibition in a type-, subtype- and even variantspecific manner.
Comparison of ordinary linear regression, orthogonal regression, standardized principal component analysis, Deming and Passing-Bablok approach for method validation in laboratory medicine
Authors: Haeckel Rainer , Wosniok Werner , Klauke Rainer
Published: February 2015

A well-accepted tool for method validation is a method comparison study. Results are usually assessed on a scatter plot of which the fitting line is calculated by several approaches, for example, ordinary (vertical) linear regression (OLR), orthogonal regression (OR), Deming regression (DR), Passing-Bablok method (PBR) or standardized principal component regression (SPCR). DR was applied in its general form (gDR), requiring information of the imprecision of at least two different quantities and as simple DR (sDR) with imprecision information of only one quantity. The equation of the regression line calculated by these concepts varies depending on range of measurement, analytical variation and on imprecision ratio (s

AY
/s

AX
). There is still a global debate about which statistical concept is the most adequate for validating purposes. Various paired random samples with a size of 100 were simulated in 5000 replicates and evaluated with different regression models. The behavior of the slope and intercept of the regression lines were compared under various conditions. Two extreme ranges of measurement and several variance ratios in the absence and presence of bias were studied. The results clearly demonstrated that DR is the only model which can be applied without any precautions under conditions which usually occur in method comparison studies, and therefore should be preferred in laboratory medicine. Other models require restrictions with regard to range of measurement and/or imprecision profile. Differences of the concentrations at different positions of the measurement interval calculated with regression coefficients of both DRs did not deviate more than the permissible bias. Therefore, the advantage of using gDR does not justify its greater disadvantages in comparison with sDR.
About quality of management – hospital laboratory medicine: results from the working group “Laboratory Management” of the DGKL1)
,
2)
Authors: Vogt Wolfgang
Published: February 2015

Balancing the partly different needs and expectations of stakeholders is one of the most fundamental tasks of a manager. Therefore, successful managing means identifying and prioritizing the relevant stakeholders, balancing out their needs and interests, and achieving outstanding results. Professional methods have to be used to overcome these challenging tasks. The extensive results of the working group “Laboratory Management” are presented in short. The article focusses on topics such as outcome measures, benchmarking, cost accounting, and business excellence that have been well-known subjects in other sectors for a long time.
Die Bedeutung der Tränentropfenerythrozyten im peripheren Blutausstrich
Authors: Gütgemann Ines , Heimpel Hermann , Nebe Carl Thomas
Published: February 2015

Tränentropfenerythrozyten (engl.: tear drop erythrocytes, syn. Dakryozyten) sind bei der mikroskopischen Beurteilung von Blutausstrichen wegweisend bei der Anämiediagnostik und bei der Diagnose von sogenannten leukoerythroblastischen Blutbildern. Als Begleiterscheinung finden sich Tränentropfenerythrozyten bei diversen Grunderkrankungen, welche mit einer Knochenmarkfibrose und/oder extramedullären Blutbildung einhergehen. Die Differentialdiagnose umfasst primär hämatologische Erkrankungen wie myeloproliferative Neoplasien (insbesondere die primäre Myelofibrose (PMF)), fortgeschrittene myelodysplastische Syndrome (MDS) und eine sekundäre Knochenmarkfibrose durch infiltrative Prozesse, wie z.B. eine metastatische Absiedelung von Karzinomzellen. Seltener finden sich Tränentropfenerythrozyten im Rahmen verschiedener hämolytischer Anämien, ß-Thalassämien, metabolischer Erkrankungen, bei Eisenmangelanämie, nach Bestrahlung, Toxinexposition oder im Rahmen einer autoimmun induzierten Myelofbrose.
Significance of teardrop cells in peripheral blood smears
Authors: Gütgemann Ines , Heimpel Hermann , Nebe Carl Thomas
Published: February 2015

Teardrop erythrocytes (syn. dakryocytes) play a key role in the evaluation of peripheral blood smears in patients with anemia, especially as part of the “leukoerythroblastic picture”. Teardrop-shaped red blood cells can be seen in a wide range of diseases that lead to bone marrow fibrosis, which is often accompanied by extramedullary hematopoesis. The differential diagnoses encompass primary myelofibrosis (PMF), myelodysplastisc syndromes during the late course of the disease, rare forms of acute leucemias and myelophtisis caused by metastatic carcinoma. Rarely, MF associated with post-irradiation, toxins, autoimmune diseases, metabolic conditions, inborn hemolytic anemias, iron-deficient anemia or β-thalassaemia can lead to the formation of teardrops as visualized on peripheral blood smears.
Two-dimensional materials for nanophotonics application
Authors: Zhao Huan , Guo Qiushi , Xia Fengnian , Wang Han
Published: February 2015

In this article, we review the various topics on the applications of 2D
materials, including both elemental and compound 2D materials, for nanophotonics
application from detectors, modulators to plasmonics and light generating
devices. With this review, we hope to provide an overview of the past
development in this field while offering our perspectives on its future
directions.
Experimental Evaluation of Cratering and Ground Vibration in Clay Soils Subjected to Explosive Airblast Loading
Authors: Busch Courtney L. , Aimone-Martin Catherine T. , Tarefder Rafiqul A.
Published: February 2015

This study focused on the ground response of clay soils in confined conditions subjected to explosive airblast loading through small-scale field experiments. Laboratory testing was also performed to characterize the soils used during field testing and obtain material properties for future work. A total of 33 suspended explosive blasts were conducted with explosive masses ranging from 0.9 to 100.9 g and two heights of suspension of 2.5–7.6 cm above the clay surface. The field instrumentation consisted of subsurface triaxial geophones and surface airblast sensors. Results of the study included surface crater geometry measurements, ground vibration data, and air overpressure data. Crater diameters ranged from 3.8 to 22.9 cm, while crater depth ranged from 0.8 to 8.4 cm. Crater volumes ranged from 32.1 to 1720.6 cm3. Peak particle velocity (PPV) decreased with depth and ranged from 1.0 to 40.2 cm/s. The results of the experiment provided a data set that could be used to predict the effects of airblast loads on clay soils.
Ranking of EVA Modified Bitumens Based on AASHTO M320 Performance Related Parameters
Authors: Sheikhmotevali Amir Hossein , Ameri Mahmoud
Published: February 2015

The AASHTO M320-10 bitumen specifications, and the measurements upon which they are based, are designed to provide performance-related properties that can be related in a rational manner to pavement performance. Some reports suggest that the AASHTO M320 specifications are well-suited for dealing with unmodified bitumens. However, a number of studies question the validity of the AASHTO M320 specifications for modified systems. This paper investigates the use and suitability of AASHTO M320 bitumen parameters for ranking of plastomeric polymer modified bitumens. Two methods were used for the ranking of a series of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) polymer modified bitumens (PMBs) in terms of the three main distress modes associated with flexible pavements of low temperature cracking, permanent deformation (rutting), and fatigue damage. AASHTO M320 bitumen parameters, practical mechanical asphalt mixture properties were used for ranking of EVA PMBs then the rankings were compared. Results show that AASHTO M320 bitumen parameters are valid for EVA PMBs only at low polymer contents. It is an important conclusion because the high cost of polymers makes the commercial use of modified bitumens only attractive for road construction if the amount of polymer is relatively small.
Study of Temperature Memory Effect During the Thermal Cycling in Hydraulic Systems
Authors: Vitel Gigi , Pricop Bogdan , Suru Marius-Gabriel , Lohan Nicoleta Monica , Bujoreanu Leandru-Gheorghe
Published: February 2015

The effects of thermal cycling in an experimental hydraulic installation of trained shape memory alloy actuators are discussed. After being trained in air for up to 500 flection–deflection cycles during cooling–heating, respectively, with a load fastened at their free ends, the lamellar elements developed two way shape memory effect by reducing their curvature during heating and by recovering it during cooling. Temperature variations versus time were recorded during thermal cycling performed in oil, revealing the influences of: (i) the number of training cycles, (ii) overheating caused by oil thermal-inertia, and (iii) heating interruption during martensite reversion to parent phase. The effects of the number of training cycles, corroborated with heating interruption, were revealed by differential scanning calorimetry both before and after functioning in oil. Heating interruption, associated with temperature memory effect, caused the occurrence of two martensite populations during subsequent cooling, as substantiated by optical and atomic force microscopy.
Microwave Imaging in Frequency Domain for Through-Wall Multiple Conductors
Authors: Yu Chia-Ying , Chiu Chien-Ching , Chou Yu-Kai , Shen Szu-Chi
Published: February 2015

This paper presents an inverse scattering problem for through-wall imaging. Two separate perfect-conducting cylinders of unknown shapes are behind a homogeneous building wall and illuminated by the transverse magnetic (TM) plane wave. After an integral formulation, a discretization using the method of moment (MoM) is applied. The through-wall imaging (TWI) problem is recast as a nonlinear optimization problem with an objective function defined by the norm of a difference between the measured and calculated scattered electric field. Thus, the shape of the metallic cylinder can be obtained by minimizing the objective function. The asynchronous particle swarm optimization (APSO) is employed to find out the global extreme solution of the object function. Numerical results demonstrate that even when the initial guesses are far away from the exact shapes, and the multiple scattered fields between two conductors are serious, good reconstruction still can be obtained. In addition, the effect of Gaussian noise on the reconstruction result is investigated and the numerical simulation shows that even though the signal-noise ratio (SNR) is 20 dB, we can still get good results of reconstructions.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of a Ring Tensile Test for Evaluation of Mechanical and Fracture Properties of Thin-Walled Fuel-Clad Tubes
Authors: Samal M. K.
Published: February 2015

Thin-walled fuel clad tubes of Zircaloy-4 material are used in nuclear reactors to hold fuel pellets. The design and safety analysis of these tubes requires estimation of the transverse mechanical and fracture properties at un-irradiated as well as service-exposed conditions. These thin-walled tubes are subjected to radial loading conditions due to expansion of fuel pellets during reactor operation. This loading condition exhibits the presence of combined tensile as well as bending stresses due to the curvature of the specimen and, as such, the tensile properties cannot be directly evaluated from the experiments on ring tensile specimens. In this work, ring tension tests were carried out on specimens machined from fuel-clad tubes. Both the specimen and the loading mandrel were modeled using the finite element (FE) method to evaluate the load–displacement behavior of the test. Rousselier's micro-mechanical model for ductile fracture was applied in order to simulate the crack growth in these specimens. The method was also validated by testing a ring–tension specimen (machined from alloy steel material) of similar dimension as that of the Zircaloy fuel pin specimen and then comparing the stress–strain curve with that of a standard round tensile specimen. The micro-mechanical parameters of the damage model were used to simulate the crack propagation in a standard double-edged notched tensile (DENT) specimen. The J–R curve of the DENT specimen has also been compared with that of a cracked pin–loading–tension (PLT) specimen. It was observed that the parameters of the Rousselier's model are able to predict the fracture resistance behavior of cracked fuel pins specimens satisfactorily, which have been obtained through a combined experiment and FE analysis of the ring tensile specimens. Thus, this method can be used to determine the material properties of irradiated and service-aged fuel pins as obtained from the nuclear reactors after different periods of reactor operation.
Characterization of Non-Metallic Inclusions in Bearing Steels by Means of Focused Ion Beam
Authors: Suarez Aldara Naveira
Published: February 2015

The feasibility and benefits of focused ion beam–scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) tomography for the characterization of non-metallic inclusions in bearing steels was evaluated. The technique enables precision, essentially stress-free, serial milling of microstructural features, from which a three-dimensional (3D) profile can be reconstructed. 3D imaging of the inclusions using FIB-SEM has provided relevant information about the inclusion connectivity (bonding/debonding between the inclusion and the steel matrix), the real shape and size of the inclusions, and the spatial distribution information of the inclusion. Additionally, the analysis has provided some insights on their inner structure (presence of cracks, etc.).
Microstructure and Properties of Hardened 100CrMnSi6-4 Bearing Steel After Accelerated Carbide Spheroidization and Long-Duration Annealing
Authors: Hauserova Daniela , Dlouhy Jaromir , Novy Zbysek
Published: February 2015

The experimental programme of accelerated carbide spheroidization deals with significant shortening of the time necessary for producing a steel microstructure consisting of ferritic matrix and globular carbides. The conventional way to obtain such structure is long-duration soft annealing after hot forming of the semi-product. Research of accelerated carbide spheroidization showed that it is possible to spheroidise lamellar pearlite by thermomechanical or thermal treatment within several minutes. The thermomechanical treatment consists of forming at temperatures around the Ac1 temperature, whereas the thermal treatment is based on temperature cycling around the Ac1 temperature. The bearing production process could be significantly shortened by eliminating the conventional long-duration soft annealing. Furthermore, the semiproducts would be processed one by one by using the accelerated carbide spheroidization process. It is not a batch process like conventional soft annealing, where a large quantity of material is annealed in a furnace at the same time. That allows monitoring and control of technological parameters for each particular piece and tailoring the process to processing small series of various materials. From the morphological point of view, accelerated carbide spheroidization produces microstructures very similar to those resulting from conventional soft annealing, but the carbide particles and the grain size of the matrix are significantly smaller. Finer microstructure results in higher hardness than in conventionally annealed steel. Finer microstructure also leads to more homogeneous and finer structure after final heat treatment—the hardening process. This fact indicates that mechanical properties of the final product depend on the prior structure produced by soft annealing. Finer carbides in the structure enhance the hardness and reduce the risk of crack initiation at the carbide–matrix interface. The microstructures and mechanical properties of the hardened steel after various kinds of soft annealing are compared in the present article.
Review of XD15NW (Through Hardening) and CX13VDW (Case Carburizing) Cost-Effective Corrosion Resistant Bearing Steels Grades
Authors: Laurent Olivier , Bellus Jacques , Puech Sylvain , Devilder Franck , Benbahmed Atman
Published: February 2015

The traditional corrosion resistant bearing steel family is largely represented by 440C, X65Cr14, and several specialized case hardening (nitrided or carburized) grades. For through hardening processes, a major innovation was made when nitrogen alloying was applied to enhance the corrosion resistance, particularly for secondary hardened high temperature corrosion resistant rolling bearing steel grades. Nitrogen may be added by pressurized electro-slag remelting (PESR) or in the ladle, the later process being a cost-effective method. The ladle treated nitrogen alloy variant achieving similar properties to PESR steel is designated X40CrMoVN16-2 (XD15NW). For the carburizing process, some advanced but complex solutions have been designed, many of them with high co-content enhancing temperature and corrosion resistance. We will see how some existing and simple steel solutions, when adequately fine-tuned for carburizing, can bring benefits with relevant functional properties and stable processing of the steel designated X12CrNiMoV12-3 (CX13VDW). This paper will focus on the through hardening and carburizing steel technologies for the martensitic corrosion resistant bearing grades. The technologies resulting in improved performance relative to the traditional bearing material family are presented with respect to alloy development, microstructure control, and property enhancement, leading to the development of these steels.
Something More Than a Seduction Story
Authors: Kinoshita Chika
Published: February 2015

In 1935, actress Shiga Akiko was arrested for an offense under the Criminal Abortion Law. From 1936 to 1937, her case generated substantial media coverage and public debate. Liberal intellectuals generally viewed Shiga as a victim of the pronatal state; her scandal provided feminists with an opportunity to analyze the relationships among working women, their work environment, and the politics of reproduction. On the pages of women's magazines, readers avidly followed Shiga's case because she was caught up in contradictory forces, as most of them were: pride in work, love for movies, fascination with celebrity culture, and normative femininity.

This essay contextualizes discursive and filmic responses to the Shiga scandal within historical processes in the late 1930s Japan. The state attempted to fully incorporate women into the nation-state as subjects for the imminent war. In order to mobilize half the population—indispensable for reproduction—without granting them full rights, various forms of negotiations, persuasions, and seductions took place. The Home Ministry increased control over the film industry by tightening censorship, particularly on representations of women. This essay demonstrates the film industry's response to the scandal, which initially took shape as Shiga's unsuccessful comeback projects, resulted in the emergence of a cycle of new seduction stories in which a heroine bears an illegitimate child and yet regains personal integrity and economic independence. This example of a compromise among commercial cinema, active women, and the state's pressure offers a new perspective on wartime Japanese film culture as a field of negotiations.
Cold War Kidnapping
Authors: Pho Helen N.
Published: February 2015

On February 2, 1965, the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam kidnapped Gustav Hertz, Chief of Public Administration for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Hertz’s captivity set in motion an intricate series of diplomatic gestures that involved several governments, including those of Algeria, Cambodia, and France, and numerous prominent individuals, such as Senator Robert Kennedy, Cambodian leader Norodom Sihanouk, and Algerian President Ahmed Ben Bella, in an effort to win his release. This article examines the Hertz kidnapping to illustrate that South Vietnamese politics heavily influenced and thwarted U.S. nation-building efforts. The case reveals that when perpetuating the impression of South Vietnamese sovereignty conflicted with saving the life of a USAID leader, U.S. officials chose the first objective.
The Success of Tree Breeding in the Southern US
Authors: McKeand Steve
Published: February 2015

Nowhere in the world have tree improvement and silviculture had a bigger impact on forest productivity and value to landowners than in the southern US. The economic impact from almost 60 years of tree improvement in the southern United States has been staggering. For example, over 300,000 hectares are planted each year with seedlings from the breeding efforts with loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) by members and staff of the North Carolina State University Cooperative Tree Improvement Program. The present value of continued genetic gains from traditional tree improvement efforts is estimated to be $2.5 billion USD to landowners and citizens in the southern US.
A Presedation Fluid Bolus Does Not Decrease the Incidence of Propofol-Induced Hypotension in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Jager Matthew D. , Aldag Jean C. , Deshpande Girish G.
Published: February 2015

Background and Objective:

Propofol is commonly used in pediatric sedation, which may cause hypotension during induction. Our goal was to determine the effect of a preinduction 20-mL/kg isotonic fluid bolus on propofol-induced hypotension, assess clinical signs of hypoperfusion during hypotension, and evaluate for age-related propofol dosing differences.

Methods:

This prospective, randomized, controlled, nonblinded study was conducted at Children’s Hospital of Illinois. Patients were children 6 to 60 months of age who needed sedation for MRI or auditory brainstem-evoked response testing. The treatment group received a preinduction 20-mL/kg isotonic saline bolus before procedure initiation. Patients were continuously monitored via cardiorespiratory monitor with pulse oximetry and end-tidal carbon dioxide measurements. Cardiovascular indices and clinical signs of hypoperfusion were compared between groups, and propofol dosing differences were compared between age groups.

Results:

One hundred twenty-six patients were randomly assigned to treatment (n = 52) or control (n = 74) conditions. Twelve patients in the treatment group and 14 patients in the control group experienced postinduction hypotension, as defined by the Pediatric Advanced Life Support guidelines. One patient in each group was given volume resuscitation when blood pressure did not improve after a reduction in the propofol infusion rate. No hypotensive patients had physical signs of hypoperfusion, and patients ≤1 year of age needed significantly more propofol.

Conclusions:

A 20-mL/kg preinduction isotonic saline bolus does not prevent propofol-induced hypotension. No clinical signs of hypoperfusion were noted with induced hypotension, and infants ≤12 months old need significantly more propofol per kilogram for procedures.
Computed Tomography Vs Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Identifying Acute Lesions in Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Buttram Sandra D. W. , Garcia-Filion Pamela , Miller Jeffrey , Youssfi Mostafa , Danielle Brown S. , Dalton Heidi J. , David Adelson P.
Published: February 2015

Background and Objective:

Pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children. Computed tomography (CT) is the modality of choice to screen for brain injuries. MRI may provide more clinically relevant information. The purpose of this study was to compare lesion detection between CT and MRI after TBI.

Methods:

Retrospective cohort of children (0–21 years) with TBI between 2008 and 2010 at a Level 1 pediatric trauma center with a head CT scan on day of injury and a brain MRI scan within 2 weeks of injury. Agreement between CT and MRI was determined by κ statistic and stratified by injury mechanism.

Results:

One hundred five children were studied. Of these, 78% had mild TBI. The MRI scan was obtained a median of 1 day (interquartile range, 1–2) after CT. Overall, CT and MRI demonstrated poor agreement (κ = −0.083; P = .18). MRI detected a greater number of intraparenchymal lesions (n = 36; 34%) compared with CT (n = 16; 15%) (P < .001). Among patients with abusive head trauma, MRI detected intraparenchymal lesions in 16 (43%), compared with only 4 (11%) lesions with CT (P = .03). Of 8 subjects with a normal CT scan, 6 out of 8 had abnormal lesions on MRI.

Conclusions:

Compared with CT, MRI identified significantly more intraparenchymal lesions in pediatric TBI, particularly in children with abusive head trauma. The prognostic value of identification of intraparenchymal lesions by MRI is unknown but warrants additional inquiry. Risks and benefits from early MRI (including sedation, time, and lack of radiation exposure) compared with CT should be weighed by clinicians.
Surface Topographical Changes of a Failing Acid-Etched Long-Term in Function Retrieved Dental Implant
Authors: Monje Alberto , González-García Raúl , Fernández-Calderón María Coronada , Hierro-Oliva Margarita , González-Martín María Luisa , del Amo Fernando Suarez-Lopez , Galindo-Moreno Pablo , Wang Hom-Lay , Monje Florencio
Published: February 2015

The aim of the present study was to report the main topographical and chemical changes of a failing 18-year in function retrieved acid-etching implant in the micro- and nanoscales. A partially edentulous 45 year old rehabilitated with a dental implant at 18 years of age exhibited mobility. After careful examination, a 3.25 × 13-mm press-fit dental implant was retrieved. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis was carried out to study topographical changes of the retrieved implant compared with an unused implant with similar topographical characteristics. Moreover, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis was used to study the surface composition of the retrieved failing implant. Clear changes related to the dual dioxide layer are present as visible in ≥×500 magnification. In addition, it was found that, for the retrieved implant, the surface composition consisted mainly of Ti2p, O1s, C1s, and Al2p. Also, a meaningful decrease of N and C was noticed, whereas the peaks of Ti2p, Al2p, and O1s increased when analyzing deeper (up to ×2000s) in the sample. It was shown that the superficial surface of a retrieved press-fit dual acid-etched implant 18 years after placement is impaired. However, the causes and consequences for these changes cannot be determined.
Differential regulation of catecholamine synthesis and transport in rat adrenal medulla by fluoxetine treatment
Authors: SPASOJEVIC NATASA , JOVANOVIC PREDRAG , DRONJAK SLADJANA
Published: February 2015

We have recently shown that chronic fluoxetine treatment acted significantly increasing plasma norepinephrine and epinephrine concentrations both in control and chronically stressed adult male rats. However, possible effects of fluoxetine on catecholamine synthesis and re-uptake in adrenal medulla have been largely unknown. In the present study the effects of chronic fluoxetine treatment on tyrosine hydroxylase, a rate-limiting enzyme in catecholamine synthesis, as well as a norepinephrine transporter and vesicular monoamine transporter 2 gene expressions in adrenal medulla of animals exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) for 4 weeks, were investigated. Gene expression analyses were performed using a real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. Chronically stressed animals had increased tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA levels and decreased expression of both transporters. Fluoxetine increased tyrosine hydroxylase and decreased norepinephrine transporter gene expression in both unstressed and CUMS rats. These findings suggest that chronic fluoxetine treatment increased plasma catecholamine levels by affecting opposing changes in catecholamine synthesis and uptake.
Does ethnic ancestry play a role in smoking?
Authors: SOUZA ELISA S.T. DE , ARAÚJO LUIZA F. DE , ALENCAR DAYSE O. DE , SANTOS SIDNEY E.B. DOS , SILVA Jr WILSON A. , FERREIRA CRISTIANE A. , BADDINI-MARTINEZ JOSÉ
Published: February 2015

The higher proportion of smokers among Black people in Brazil has been attributed to socioeconomic disparities, but genetic factors could also contribute for this finding. This study aimed at investigating associations between smoking status with genetically defined ethnic ancestry and socioeconomic features in Brazilians. Blood samples were collected from 448 volunteers (66.7% male; age: 37.1±11.4 years) classified as current smokers (CS: 60.9%), former smokers (FS: 8.9%) and never smokers (NS: 30.1%). Individual interethnic admixtures were determined using a 48 insertion-deletion polymorphisms ancestry-informative-marker panel. CS showed a lower amount of European ancestry than NS (0.837±0.243 X 0.883±0.194, p≤0.05) and FS (0.837±0.243 X 0.864±0.230, p≤0.05), and a higher proportion of African Sub-Saharan ancestry than FS (0.128±0.222 X 0.07±0.174, p≤0.05) and NS (0.128±0.222 X 0.085±0.178, p≤0.05). NS reported a higher number of years in school than CS (11.2±3.7 X 8.9±3.8, p≤0.001). CS were less common in economic Class A (30%) and more common in Class B (56.8%). In multivariate analysis, only lower number of school years and lower economic class were associated with higher chances for CS. The use of genetic molecular markers for characterizing ethnic background confirmed that socioeconomic disparities are the main determinants of higher smoking rates among Blacks in Brazil.
Corpolinguagem e o não limite da palavra no insulto
Authors: Carvalho Glória Maria Monteiro de , Melo Maria de Fátima Vilar de
Published: February 2015

Tomamos, como ponto de partida deste artigo, o conceito de violência estrutural (Lebrun, 2002), isto é, a violência da linguagem que nos constitui como seres humanos. No mundo contemporâneo, a negação desse tipo de violência produziu uma violência suplementar que passa, necessariamente, pela carência da palavra. A análise de uma situação - querela entre lavadores de carros - forneceu indicações sobre uma maneira de atuação da violência suplementar, desfazendo os efeitos simbólicos produzidos pela violência estrutural, ou seja, desfazendo os limites instituídos pela linguagem.
Le sujet entre sidération et jouissance: l'issue sublimatoire. À propos de l'œuvre de Francisco Brennand
Authors: Donard Véronique
Published: February 2015

Cet article traite de l'univers inconscient des sculptures de l'artiste brésilien Francisco Brennand (1927) et des mécanismes archaïques qui sous-tendent leur création. Axée sur la thématique de l'origine, cette approche des œuvres de Brennand étudie les racines du désir sexuel et son rapport aux objets partiels, considérant la sidération du sujet face à la cruauté d'une sexualité archaïque et la jouissance de l'artiste comme défi à la mort et à l'énigme du néant. Elle s'intéresse alors au processus sublimatoire comme transmutation du matériel traumatique et au destin de la pulsion scopique et de cruauté dans la création artistique.
Le lien social pervers
Authors: Hoffmann Christian
Published: February 2015

La définition lacanienne de la perversion comme saturation du manque dans l'Autre par l'objet pulsionnel est incompatible avec la philosophie néolibérale du lien social et sa définition d'un sujet autonome qui ne reconnaît pas l'Autre comme lieu d'une altérité dans un lien social tissé par la marchandisation du corps et des jouissances.
Perversão nas mulheres ou perversão feminina. Uma questão de sexuação
Authors: Martin-Mattera Patrick
Published: February 2015

A questão do sexo da perversão resulta de uma problemática necessariamente social. Perversão polimorfa, perversão patológica, perversão estrutural, são as três modalidades de abordagem que nos interessam aqui para cruzar as noções de sexuação e de perversão. A perversão tem um gênero, isto é, pertence especificamente a um estilo masculino ou feminino ou existe por um lado uma perversão masculina e, por outro, uma perversão feminina?
Subjetividade & complexidade na clínica psicológica: superando dicotomias
Authors: Neubern Maurício S.
Published: February 2015

O presente trabalho busca propor conceitos fundamentados no pensamento complexo para as dicotomias clássicas de corpo-mente e indivíduo-social. Partindo de uma breve ilustração clínica, destaca-se como os processos subjetivos são encarnados na vivência corporal das pessoas, por meio da noção de subjetividade, e como existe uma flexibilização maior entre individual e social por meio da noção de sujeito. Conclui-se que, para que essa noção complexa e dialética seja implementada, não é suficiente que se proponha um novo conceito, mas um conjunto de conceitos que, irmanados dentro de uma lógica complexa, proporcionem uma nova forma de pensar a clínica.