bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new glance on root-to-shoot in vivo zinc transport and time-dependent physiological effects of ZnSO4 and ZnO nanoparticles on plants
Authors: da Cruz Tatiana N. M. , Savassa Susilaine M. , Montanha Gabriel S. , Ishida Juliane K. , de Almeida Eduardo , Tsai Siu M. , Lavres Junior José , Pereira de Carvalho Hudson W.
Published: July 2019

Understanding nanoparticle root uptake and root-to-shoot transport might contribute to the use of nanotechnology in plant nutrition. This study performed time resolved experiments to probe Zn uptake, biotransformation and physiological effects on Phaseolus vulgaris (L.). Plants roots were exposed to ZnO nanoparticles (40 and 300 nm) dispersions and ZnSO4(aq) (100 and 1000 mg Zn L−1) for 48 h. Near edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy showed that 40 nm ZnO was more easily dissolved by roots than 300 nm ZnO. It also showed that in the leaves Zn was found as a mixture Zn3(PO4)2 and Zn-histidine complex. X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy showed that root-to-shoot Zn-translocation presented a decreasing gradient of concentration and velocity, it seems radial Zn movement occurs simultaneously to the axial xylem transport. Below 100 mg Zn L−1, the lower stem tissue section served as a buffer preventing Zn from reaching the leaves. Conversely, it was not observed for 1000 mg Zn L−1 ZnSO4(aq). Transcriptional analysis of genes encoding metal carriers indicated higher expression levels of tonoplast-localized transporters, suggesting that the mechanism trend to accumulate Zn in the lower tissues may be associated with an enhanced of Zn compartmentalization in vacuoles. The photosynthetic rate, transpiration, and water conductance were impaired by treatments.
Tailored cell sheet engineering using microstereolithography and electrochemical cell transfer
Authors: Kobayashi Yuka , Cordonier Christopher E. J. , Noda Yohei , Nagase Fuminori , Enomoto Junko , Kageyama Tatsuto , Honma Hideo , Maruo Shoji , Fukuda Junji
Published: July 2019

Postoperative adhesion and occlusion remain a serious issue associated with various surgeries, including endoscopic surgery, in which proliferated fibrous tissues stick to adjacent tissues and often cause severe complications. Cell sheet engineering has emerged as an effective approach not only for cell transplantation but also for the treatment of postoperative adhesion and occlusion. However, as the tissues in the body, such as middle ear and small intestine, and typical operative sites are non-flat and spatially complicated, tailored cell sheets with three-dimensional (3D) configurations may lead to widespread use of this approach. In the present study, we used microstereolithography, biocompatible gold plating, and electrochemical cell detachment to achieve this purpose. Various objects with dimensions ranging from millimeter- to micrometer-scale were fabricated with photocurable resin using lab-made equipment for microstereolithography. To coat the fabricated objects with a thin gold layer, conventional cyanide-based gold plating was unusable because it severely damaged almost all cells. Electroless non-cyanide gold plating we prepared was cytocompatible and suitable for electrochemical cell detachment. Cell sheets on the gold-plated substrate could be directly transplanted into a mouse intraperitoneally using electrochemical cell detachment. We further demonstrated that cell sheets grown on gold-coated 3D objects were rapidly detached along with the desorption of electroactive-oligopeptide monolayer and transferred to a surrounding hydrogel. This approach may provide a promising strategy to prepare and directly transplant tailor-made cell sheets with suitable configurations.
Inverted organic solar cells with non-clustering bathocuproine (BCP) cathode interlayers obtained by fullerene doping
Authors: Jafari Fatemeh , Patil Bhushan R. , Mohtaram Fatemeh , Cauduro André L. Fernandes , Rubahn Horst-Günter , Behjat Abbas , Madsen Morten
Published: July 2019

Bathocuproine (BCP) is a well-studied cathode interlayer in organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices, where it for standard device configurations has demonstrated improved electron extraction as well as exciton blocking properties, leading to high device efficiencies. For inverted devices, however, BCP interlayers has shown to lead to device failure, mainly due to the clustering of BCP molecules on indium tin oxide (ITO) surfaces, which is a significant problem during scale-up of the OPV devices. In this work, we introduce C70 doped BCP thin films as cathode interlayers in inverted OPV devices. We demonstrate that the interlayer forms smooth films on ITO surfaces, resulting from the introduction of C70 molecules into the BCP film, and that these films possess both improved electron extraction as well exciton blocking properties, as evidenced by electron-only devices and photoluminescence studies, respectively. Importantly, the improved cathode interlayers leads to well-functioning large area (100 mm2) devices, showing a device yield of 100%. This is in strong contrast to inverted devices based on pure BCP layers. These results are founded by the effective suppression of BCP clustering from C70, along with the electron transport and exciton blocking properties of the two materials, which thus presents a route for its integration as an interlayer material towards up-scaled inverted OPV devices.
Towards prognostic functional brain biomarkers for cervical myelopathy: A resting-state fMRI study
Authors: Takenaka Shota , Kan Shigeyuki , Seymour Ben , Makino Takahiro , Sakai Yusuke , Kushioka Junichi , Tanaka Hisashi , Watanabe Yoshiyuki , Shibata Masahiko , Yoshikawa Hideki , Kaito Takashi
Published: July 2019

Recently, there has been increasing interest in strategies to predict neurological recovery in cervical myelopathy (CM) based on clinical images of the cervical spine. In this study, we aimed to explore potential preoperative brain biomarkers that can predict postoperative neurological recovery in CM patients by using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) and functional connectivity (FC) analysis. Twenty-eight patients with CM and 28 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs) underwent rs-fMRI (twice for CM patients, before and six months after surgery). A seed-to-voxel analysis was performed, and the following three statistical analyses were conducted: (i) FC comparisons between preoperative CM and HC; (ii) correlation analysis between preoperative FCs and clinical scores; and (iii) postoperative FC changes in CM. Our analyses identified three FCs between the visual cortex and the right superior frontal gyrus based on the conjunction of the first two analyses [(i) and (ii)]. These FCs may act as potential biomarkers for postoperative gain in the 10-second test and might be sufficient to provide a prediction formula for potential recovery. Our findings provide preliminary evidence supporting the possibility of novel predictive measures for neurological recovery in CM using rs-fMRI.
Optical analysis of light-emitting electrochemical cells
Authors: Lindh E. Mattias , Lundberg Petter , Lanz Thomas , Edman Ludvig
Published: July 2019

The light-emitting electrochemical cell (LEC) is a contender for emerging applications of light, primarily because it offers low-cost solution fabrication of easily functionalized device architectures. The attractive properties originate in thein-situformation of electrochemically doped transport regions that enclose an emissive intrinsic region, but the understanding of how this intricate doping structure affects the optical performance of the LEC is largely lacking. We combine angle- and doping-dependent measurements and simulations, and demonstrate that the emission zone in our high-performance LEC is centered at ~30% of the active-layer thickness (dal) from the anode. We further find that the emission intensity and efficiency are undulating withdal, and establish that the first emission maximum atdal ~ 100 nm is largely limited by the lossy coupling of excitons to the doping regions, whereas the most prominent loss channel at the second maximum atdal ~ 300 nm is wave-guided modes.
Plasmon-Activated Water can Prolong Existing Sea-Ice Habitats to
Potentially Save Polar Bears
Authors: Yang Chih-Ping , Wu Yi-Hao , Tsai Hui-Yen , Yang Jen-Chang , Liu Yu-Chuan
Published: July 2019

Due to increasing global warming resulting from the greenhouse effect,
subsequent environmental impacts and corresponding ecological influences are
unavoidable. These problems are becoming more serious with time. Due to rising
temperatures, the survival crisis of polar bears is a very often reported issue,
because polar bears are encountering shortened seasons for catching prey on their
sea-ice habitat. In this work, we report an innovative and facile strategy to save
polar bears via prolonging the existence of ice layers based on plasmon-activated
water (PAW). PAW with a reduced hydrogen-bonded network can be created by letting
bulk deionized (DI) water flow through supported gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) under
resonant illumination. Experimental results indicated that the freezing time of PAW
was faster than that of DI water. In contrast, the melting time of frozen PAW was
slower than that of the frozen DI water. Because the PAW with reduced hydrogen bonds
(HBs) is in a high-energy state, it can more easily transform into a stronger HB
structure in a low-energy state during cooling when freezing. This is accompanied by
the release of more available energy, resulting in more-perfect tetrahedral
symmetrical ice. Similar results were observed for solutions with 3 wt% NaCl, which
is similar to the salinity of sea water. Moreover, the heat required to melt frozen
PAW was ca. 7.6% higher than that of frozen DI water. These interesting phenomena
suggest that prolonging the existence of solid ice can be achieved in a PAW-based
system. Moreover, a system of AuNP-coated filter paper in DI water or in a DI water
solution (3 wt% NaCl) under resonant illumination could work to prolong the presence
of solid ice, compared to a system of AuNP-free filter paper. This innovative
concept has emerged as a practical strategy to save polar bears and for other
related applications.
Sonication accelerated formation of Mg-Al-phosphate layered double hydroxide via sol-gel prepared mixed metal oxides
Authors: Sokol Denis , Vieira Daniel E. L. , Zarkov Aleksej , Ferreira Mário G. S. , Beganskiene Aldona , Rubanik Vasili V. , Shilin Aleksandr D. , Kareiva Aivaras , Salak Andrei N.
Published: July 2019

Single-phase magnesium-aluminium layered double hydroxide (LDH) intercalated with dihydrogen phosphate was successfully produced by hydration of nanopowder of the respective mixed metal oxide (MMO) obtained using sol-gel based method followed by a two-step anion exchange hydroxide-to-chloride and chloride-to-phosphate. The MMO with the metal cation ratio of Mg/Al = 2:1 was prepared using the aqueous sol-gel method. Processes of the parent Mg2Al-OH LDH formation and the successive anion-exchanges, ОН− → Cl−and Cl− → H2PO4−, were considerably accelerated via the application of high-power (1.5 kW) ultrasound. The crystalline phases formed at all stages of the Mg2Al-H2PO4LDH production were characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy, inductive coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Based on the data of chemical analysis and the XRD data, the type of the intercalated phosphate anion was determined and the arrangement of this anion in the interlayer was modelled.
Time: a Constructal viewpoint & its consequences
Authors: Lucia Umberto , Grisolia Giulia
Published: July 2019

In the environment, there exists a continuous interaction between electromagnetic radiation and matter. So, atoms continuously interact with the photons of the environmental electromagnetic fields. This electromagnetic interaction is the consequence of the continuous and universal thermal non-equilibrium, that introduces an element of randomness to atomic and molecular motion. Consequently, a decreasing of path probability required for microscopic reversibility of evolution occurs. Recently, an energy footprint has been theoretically proven in the atomic electron-photon interaction, related to the well known spectroscopic phase shift effect, and the results on the irreversibility of the electromagnetic interaction with atoms and molecules, experimentally obtained in the late sixties. Here, we want to show how this quantum footprint is the “origin of time”. Last, the result obtained represents also a response to the question introduced by Einstein on the analysis of the interaction between radiation and molecules when thermal radiation is considered; he highlighted that in general one restricts oneself to a discussion of the energy exchange, without taking the momentum exchange into account. Our result has been obtained just introducing the momentum into the quantum analysis.
Liquid biopsy-based comprehensive gene mutation profiling for gynecological cancer using CAncer Personalized Profiling by deep Sequencing
Authors: Iwahashi Naoyuki , Sakai Kazuko , Noguchi Tomoko , Yahata Tamaki , Matsukawa Hitomi , Toujima Saori , Nishio Kazuto , Ino Kazuhiko
Published: July 2019

Liquid biopsies of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) have recently been used as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for detecting tumor-specific mutations. We present a study of ctDNA liquid biopsies in gynecological cancer using an ultrasensitive next-generation sequencing-based method for ctDNA detection named CAncer Personalized Profiling by deep Sequencing (CAPP-Seq). We performed CAPP-Seq with plasma-ctDNA obtained from 16 patients with gynecological cancer. In all cases, at least one non-synonymous somatic mutation was detected in the ctDNA. In the pre-treatment ctDNA, 4 of 16, 4/16, 5/16, 2/16, 2/16, and 2/16 patients had TP53, KRAS, APC, PIK3CA, BRCA1, and EGFR mutations, respectively. MET gene copy-number gains were detected in the ctDNA of 2 of 16 patients, and FISH analysis of the paired tumor samples confirmed these results. In 2 neoadjuvant chemotherapy-treated ovarian cancer patients, the changes in gene mutation patterns were associated with the treatment response. These findings suggest that CAPP-Seq-based liquid biopsies can be used for the genetic characterization of independent gynecological cancers with high frequency, and might be clinically useful for non-invasive tumor genotyping and therapeutic response monitoring.
Comparison of chemical stability and corrosion resistance of group IV metal oxide films formed by thermal and plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition
Authors: Li Min , Jin Zhi-Xian , Zhang Wei , Bai Yu-Hang , Cao Yan-Qiang , Li Wei-Ming , Wu Di , Li Ai-Dong
Published: July 2019

The wide applications of ultrathin group IV metal oxide films (TiO2, ZrO2 and HfO2) probably expose materials to potentially reactive etchants and solvents, appealing for extraordinary chemical stability and corrosion resistance property. In this paper, TiO2 ultrathin films were deposited on Si at 200 °C while ZrO2 and HfO2 were grown at 250 °C to fit their growth temperature window, by thermal atomic layer deposition (TALD) and plasma-enhanced ALD (PEALD). A variety of chemical liquid media including 1 mol/L H2SO4, 1 mol/L HCl, 1 mol/L KOH, 1 mol/L KCl, and 18 MΩ deionized water were used to test and compare chemical stability of all these as-deposited group IV metal oxides thin films, as well as post-annealed samples at various temperatures. Among these metal oxides, TALD/PEALD HfO2 ultrathin films exhibit the best chemical stability and anti-corrosion property without any change in thickness after long time immersion into acidic, alkaline and neutral solutions. As-deposited TALD ZrO2 ultrathin films have slow etch rate of 1.06 nm/day in 1 mol/L HCl, however other PEALD ZrO2 ultrathin films and annealed TALD ones show better anti-acid stability, indicating the role of introduction of plasma O2 in PEALD and post-thermal treatment. As-deposited TiO2 ultrathin films by TALD and PEALD are found to be etched slowly in acidic solutions, but the PEALD can decrease the etching rate of TiO2 by ~41%. After post-annealing, TiO2 ultrathin films have satisfactory corrosion resistance, which is ascribed to the crystallization transition from amorphous to anatase phase and the formation of 5% Si-doped TiO2 ultrathin layers on sample surfaces, i.e. Ti-silicate. ZrO2, and TiO2 ultrathin films show excellent corrosion endurance property in basic and neutral solutions. Simultaneously, 304 stainless steel coated with PEALD-HfO2 is found to have a lower corrosion rate than that with TALD-HfO2 by means of electrochemical measurement. The pre-treatment of plasma H2 to 304 stainless steel can effectively reduce interfacial impurities and porosity of overlayers with significantly enhanced corrosion endurance. Above all, the chemical stability and anti-corrosion properties of IV group metal oxide coatings can be improved by using PEALD technique, post-annealing process and plasma H2 pre-treatment to substrates.
The Micronucleus (MN) Assay Using Human-derived Cells
Authors: Jenkins Gareth , Chapman Katherine , Chapman Fiona , Shah Ume Kulsoom , Swithenbank Lucy , Doak Shareen
Published: July 2019

The micronucleus (MN) assay, a mainstay of DNA damage testing for over 30 years, has been applied to dozens of human cell model systems and used to generate hazard identification data on hundreds of chemical (and physical) agents in vitro. Standardisation of the MN assay procedures and strict adherence of cell culture best practise has ensured high quality reproducible data is being generated. We compare here key characteristics of different human cell models used in MN studies across recent years and show technical details of 19 different human cell lines used for MN assessment as well as several 3D human tissue models. We discuss some of the key aspects of the methodology and/or cell culture characteristics which influence the level of MN in these human cells.
Micronucleus Experiments with Non-human Mammalian Cells
Authors: Thybaud V.
Published: July 2019

Hamster ovary (CHO) and lung (CHL and V79) cells and the mouse lymphoma cell line L5178Y are the non-human mammalian cells most frequently used for in vitro micronucleus experiments, and are those recommended in regulatory test guidelines (e.g. OECD test guideline 487). Because these cells are readily available and relatively easy to handle, they have been used for more than 25 years for the detection of both clastogens and aneugens. This chapter summarizes their main characteristics, the key steps of the in vitro micronucleus test when conducted with these non-human mammalian cells, the parameters and criteria required for a valid study, and the points to consider when interpreting the results.
Use of Micronucleus Assays to Measure DNA Damage Caused by Coal Dust and Ash
Authors: De Souza M. R. , Dihl R. R. , Da Silva J.
Published: July 2019

Coal mining and combustion for energy generation can generate environmental pollutants during all processes, from extraction to combustion, causing significant impacts on the environment and the health of surrounding areas. Many studies have shown that the micronucleus test has become an important tool for assessing DNA damage related with this type of exposure, being the method of choice for occupational and/or environmental exposure evaluation. The main goal of this chapter is to review studies from literature to assess the evidence of a relationship between the exposure to mineral coal dust and ash and micronucleus frequency in different organisms. Human cells, fish, rodents, iguana, molluscs, plants, and culture cells exposed to coal and/or by-products as a complex mixture in situ or under laboratory conditions assessed by micronucleus test are evaluated in this chapter. Data from 49 studies were analysed in relation to the effect of complex mixture exposure on micronucleus frequency in different cells types (e.g. lymphocytes, buccal cells, and haemocytes). Other biomarkers were also evaluated, such as chromosomal aberrations, sister chromatid exchange, and comet assay. Most of these studies (>80%) showed a significant increase in micronucleated cells in the exposed groups in relation to the control groups, besides significant changes in other biomarkers.
The heterogeneous reaction of dimethylamine/ammonia with sulfuric acid to promote the growth of atmospheric nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Weina , Ji Yuemeng , Li Guiying , Shi Qiuju , An Taicheng
Published: July 2019

The heterogeneous reaction of dimethylamine (DMA) with sulfuric acid to promote the growth of atmospheric nanoparticle is different from ammonia.
From levulinic acid biorefineries to γ-valerolactone (GVL) using a bi-functional Zr-Al-Beta catalyst
Authors: Morales Gabriel , Melero Juan A. , Iglesias Jose , Paniagua Marta , López-Aguado Clara
Published: July 2019

Integrating the production of the green solvent γ-valerolactone (GVL) in the lignocellulosic biorefinery using a bi-functional and multi-substrate Zr-Al-Beta catalyst.
The Cortisol Awakening Response: A Feasibility Study Investigating the Use of the Area Under the Curve With Respect to Increase as an Effective Objective Measure of Tinnitus Distress
Authors: Jackson James George
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Tinnitus is a chronic medical condition that can result in distress, concentration difficulties, and clinical depression. An effective, objective measure of tinnitus distress does not currently exist. Endocrinal studies into the condition have been few, with those investigating the cortisol awakening response limited in scope. It was hypothesized that distressed individuals with tinnitus would awaken and be unable to effectively prepare for the day ahead due to a blunted cortisol response.

Method

Twenty individuals with varying tinnitus distress were compared with a control group (n= 10) in a pilot study, which measured salivary cortisol concentrations on awakening. Multiple exclusion variables were applied.

Results

In line with previous studies, total cortisol volume (as measured by area under the curve) was not found to be significantly different in the most distressed individuals with tinnitus,F(2, 26) = 0.254,p= .777ns. However, a separate measure of changing cortisol levels—the area under the curve with respect to increase (or AUCi)—was found to be significantly less robust in those individuals reporting the most severe tinnitus distress,F(2, 26) = 7.671,p= .002. This indicates that fewer resources would be available to cope with the demands of the day ahead. Additionally, the AUCicorrelated negatively with tinnitus distress later the same day.

Conclusions

Relationships between proposed objective and self-reported components of self-reported tinnitus distress are considered, with some aspects of tinnitus distress more closely related to physiological mechanisms than others. It is suggested that, with further research, the cortisol awakening response (AUCi) may be put forward as a credible objective biomarker of tinnitus distress.
Feedforward control method for single‐phase inverters with non‐linear load
Authors: You Jiang , Vilathgamuwa Mahinda , Ghasemi Negareh , Meng Fanrong
Published: July 2019

Non‐linear rectifier loads usually cause heavy distortion in the output voltage of single‐phase inverters due to pulsating charging current of the rectifier direct current link capacitor. In this article, a predictive load current‐based digital feedforward (PCFF) compensation method is proposed to decrease the inverter voltage distortion associated with the pulsating load current. PCFF control scheme works along with the basic inverter control structure that consists of a repetitive controller and a synchronous reference frame PI controller. The PCFF method further improves the single‐phase inverter performance by enhancing its compensation dynamics. The simulation and experimental results show that the proposed control strategy can effectively reduce the total harmonics distortion of the inverter voltage and improve the output voltage quality.
Map production and data analysis with local parameters
Authors: de Oliveira Hermenegildo Borges , Granja-Martins Fernando , Fernandez Helena Maria
Published: July 2019

In this work we perform a geographical analysis of the Algarve region by using local parameters in the three map projections we consider: Transverse Mercator (TMzn), Lambert Azimuthal Equal-Area (LAEA) and Lambert Conformal Conic (LCC). We compare the Algarve maps resulting by each one of these representations when the origin of coordinates is moved from the center of mainland Portugal (that is in force) to the center of the Algarve. For the LCC map projection, the analysis takes also into account the change of the upper parallel from the North of Portugal to a latitude inside the Algarve border. The area and perimeter of the Algarve is computed and the location of its geographic center is determined in every map representation. Borders lengths that separates the Algarve from Alentejo and from Spain, and the extents of its South and West coasts, are also computed. We conclude by presenting the map, the values of area and perimeter and the location of the geographic center that should be considered for the Algarve, at different scales and for the available data.
Dysphorie de genre à l’adolescence : enjeux identificatoires chez le consultant
Authors: Sulimovic Leslie , Balsan Guillemette
Published: July 2019

Les progrès de la science offrent aujourd’hui la possibilité de changer de sexe. Les souffrances liées au genre sont aujourd’hui reconnues sous le terme de dysphorie de genre et les récentes études montrent l’intérêt d’une prise en charge précoce et multidisciplinaire des adolescents en souffrant, soulignant ainsi l’importance de l’écoute nécessaire à fournir par les psychiatres. Nous avons souhaité dans cet article reprendre les dernières recommandations internationales des standards de soins de la World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) datant de 2011 afin de guider nos réflexions quant aux questions posées par les jeunes que nous accueillons en consultation concernant la sensation de ne pas appartenir au bon genre. L’étude aura pour but de faire entrer en résonnance et en questions nos positionnements, notamment identito-identificatoires, en tant que soignant exerçant dans un cadre de consultation non spécialisée pour dysphorie de genre, avec ceux des jeunes et de leurs familles dans ces cas singuliers.
„Haut Optimal“ – Abgestufte Hautschutzberatung am Telefon, mittels Beratungsmobil und Seminar
Authors: Appl K.-C. , Klinkert M. , Wouterse S.
Published: July 2019

Seit 2006 werden beruflich Hauterkrankte der Berufsgenossenschaft Handel und Warenlogistik (BGHW) abgestuft u. a. telefonisch hautschutzberaten und mit Hautschutzmitteln versorgt. Diese Form der Intervention kann unmittelbar nach der Meldung der Erkrankung mit geringem organisatorischem Aufwand unabhängig vom Wohnort und der Mobilität des Versicherten wirksam werden. Zusätzlich besteht die Möglichkeit, dass Versicherte der Regionaldirektion Ost (mit den Standorten Berlin und Gera) mittels eines Beratungsmobils am Wohn- oder Arbeitsort aufgesucht werden. Bundesweit an 5 Standorten durchgeführte ein- bzw. zweitägige Hautschutzseminare für beruflich Hauterkrankte mit Tätigkeitsschwerpunkt Lebensmittel und/oder Feuchtarbeit sowie an einzelnen Standorten durchgeführte Hautschutzseminare für Floristik, Werkstätten und Lagerarbeiten ergänzen die Maßnahmen. Wenn erforderlich, wird zusätzlich der Präventionsdienst eingeschaltet. Dieser ermittelt z. B. hinsichtlich der am Arbeitsplatz vorkommenden Allergene und berät die Versicherten und Betriebe vor Ort. Durch dieses Vorgehen kommen alle hauterkrankten Versicherten zeitnah in den Genuss wiederholter Hautschutzberatungen. Im Rahmen einer ersten Verlaufsuntersuchung von Versicherten (Stichprobe), die 2016 in dieser Weise beraten wurden, konnten beabsichtige Effekte der erfolgten Hautschutzberatungen anhand von Zielkriterien überprüft werden. Zusätzliche Beratungsangebote z. B. in Form einer Videosprechstunde und von Webinaren sind in Planung.
Outcome of Pelvic Fractures Identified in 75 Horses in a Referral Centre: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Moiroud Claire H. , Coudry Virginie , Denoix Jean-Marie
Published: July 2019

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of fracture location and horse sporting discipline as prognostic indicators after a pelvic fracture in a referral centre caseload.

Materials and Methods Data were collected for the short- and long-term follow-up of all cases with a diagnosis of pelvic fracture in a 7-year period. Information was obtained for 75 horses through a postal and internet survey. The proportion of horses returning to competition following fractures was compared between groups according to the competition discipline and the characteristics of the fracture.

Results Forty-six of 75 horses returned to or began their intended activity. This proportion was significantly lower in the group of horses that sustained a comminuted fracture irrespective of the fracture location (11/25, p = 0.05). The proportion of Standardbred trotter racehorses returning to a sporting career after pelvic fracture (9/20) was not significantly different from horses competing in other disciplines (37/55). Cases of multiple pelvic fractures in the study population, and particularly those involving the acetabulum, had the worst sports prognosis (2/8 and 0/4). Nevertheless, two foals and one yearling (3/5) with isolated fracture of the acetabulum went on to race.

Clinical Significance A clear characterization of the fracture is essential for prognosis, as comminuted fractures seem to entail a poorer athletic prognosis. Despite a lack of significance, prognosis seems poorer for Standardbred trotter racehorses and for cases with acetabulum involvement in multiple fractures. These results should be confirmed in larger samples.
Outcome of Supraglenoid Tubercle Fractures in 12 Dogs
Authors: Kulendra Elvin R. , Beer Andrew J. C. , Hockley George C. A. , Goh Derniese , Lafuente Pilar , Perry Karen L.
Published: July 2019

Objective The aim of this study was to report the outcome and complications of surgical stabilization following fracture of the supraglenoid tubercle in dogs.

Materials and Methods Data from three referral centres (Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, Michigan State University and Veterinary Referral Hospital Hallam) were reviewed retrospectively for cases of supraglenoid tubercle fracture (n = 12).

Results Overall success rate was 9/12. Major complication rate was 2/12 and minor complication rate was 9/12. All fractures that had major complications were comminuted. Methods of stabilization included pin and tension band wire (n = 5), lag screw (n = 2), plate fixation (n = 2), fragment removal (n = 2) and conservative management (n = 1).

Clinical Significance Good outcomes can be achieved following fractures of the supraglenoid tubercle, although cases with comminution have a higher complication rate. Further research into the optimal method of fixation and postoperative management is required.
Epileptic Encephalopathy, Myoclonus–Dystonia, and Premature Pubarche in Siblings with a Novel C-Terminal Truncating Mutation in ATRX Gene
Authors: Giacomini Thea , Vari Maria Stella , Janis Sara , Prato Giulia , Pisciotta Livia , Rocchi Alessia , Michelucci Angela , Di Rocco Maja , Gandullia Paolo , Mattioli Girolamo , Sacco Oliviero , Morana Giovanni , Mancardi Maria Margherita
Published: July 2019

The X-linked alpha thalassemia mental retardation (ATR-X) syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by X-linked recessive mutations in ATRX gene, related to a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, such as alpha thalassemia, developmental delay, genital abnormalities, and gastrointestinal disorders. Patients with ATR-X syndrome can suffer from different types of epileptic seizures, but a severe epileptic encephalopathy pattern has not been described to date. We describe, for the first time, two brothers with genetically confirmed ATR-X syndrome who presented with drug-resistant epileptic encephalopathy, with tonic and polimorphic seizures reported in the elder brother and epileptic spasms in the younger brother. Moreover, both brothers showed a peculiar movement disorder with myoclonus–dystonia, worsened during periods of distress or pain. These cases expand the clinical spectrum of ATR-X syndrome and open new opportunities for the molecular diagnosis of ATRX mutations in male patients with severe epileptic encephalopathies and movement disorders.
Cleft Palate as Distinguishing Feature in a Patient with GABRB3 Epileptic Encephalopathy
Authors: Bamborschke Daniel , Pergande Matthias , Daimagüler Hülya Sevcan , Mangold Elisabeth , Dötsch Jörg , Herkenrath Peter , Cirak Sebahattin , Fazeli Walid
Published: July 2019

Mutations in GABAA-receptor subunit genes are associated with a heterogeneous spectrum of epilepsies. Patients with epilepsy caused by mutations in a specific GABAA-receptor (GABRA3) occasionally present with orofacial dysmorphism (e.g., cleft palates). While cleft palates have been described in Gabrb3 knockout mice and in humans with GABRB3 variants without epilepsy, the specific combination of epilepsy and cleft palate in humans with GABRB3 mutations has not yet been reported.

We describe a patient with epileptic encephalopathy (EE) who presented with therapy-refractory neonatal-onset myoclonic seizures and severe developmental delay. Electroencephalogram showed burst suppression pattern at neonatal age and hypsarrhythmia at infantile age. Initial magnetic resonance imaging was unremarkable. As he additionally presented with a cleft palate, we were curious whether cleft palate and EE had the same genetic origin. Whole exome sequencing of the index patient revealed a novel pathogenic heterozygous de novo mutation in GABRB3 (c.899T > C; p.I300T). In consistency with Gabrb3 knockout mice data, this is the first report of cleft palate in a patient with GABRB3 associated EE.

We suggest to add cleft palate to the phenotypic GABRB3 spectrum and to screen for mutations in GABAA-receptors in patients with EE and orofacial dysmorphism.
Extremely Early Onset Transthyretin Familial Amyloid Polyneuropathy with a Leu55Pro Mutation: A Pediatric Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Lee Yun Jeong , Oh Jeeyoung , Hwang Su-Kyeung , Lee Eun Joo , Yang Dong Heon , Kim Yong-Jin , Kwon Soonhak , Hyun Myung Chul
Published: July 2019

Transthyretin familial amyloid polyneuropathy (TTR-FAP) is a life-threatening autosomal dominant disease caused by the deposition of amyloid fibrils composed of TTR proteins. Symptoms of this disease include progressive sensorimotor neuropathy, cardiomyopathy, and involvement of other organs. We described a pediatric case of extremely early onset TTR-FAP with a TTR Leu55Pro mutation. A 17-year-old boy began to suffer from lower limb weakness, gait disturbance, and decreased sensation from 14 years of age onward. He presented with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, periorbital and scleral ecchymosis, anhidrosis, orthostatic intolerance, and gastrointestinal autonomic dysfunction including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea alternating with constipation. The patient's older sister had developed similar gastrointestinal symptoms from 20 years of age onward and was diagnosed as having hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The boy's biopsy results showed infiltrated amyloid deposition on subcutaneous fat tissue and endocardium. Genetic analysis of the TTR gene demonstrated that both the patient and his sister had a pathogenic mutation, c.224T > C (Leu55Pro). Both patients were prescribed tafamidis, a TTR stabilizing agent. Although a majority of TTR-FAPs occur during adulthood, it should be suspected, even in pediatric populations, when symmetric length dependent neuropathy occurs in conjunction with a family history of neuropathy, autonomic neuropathy, and/or cardiomyopathy.
Anomalous Nernst effect in disordered FePtPd ternary alloy films
Authors: Ma L. , Zhang Y. , Zhao H. , Tang M. , Yang H. L. , Shi Z. , Tian N. , You C. Y.
Published: July 2019

The anomalous Nernst effect (ANE) in disordered Fe0.5(PtxPd1-x)0.5 alloy films is investigated at room temperature. The spin orbit coupling (SOC) strength is continuously tuned by changing the composition of Pt and Pd in Fe0.5(PtxPd1-x)0.5 alloy films. It was found that the ANE voltage VANE increases with the increase of Pt composition. Meanwhile, the νN factor, which indirectly represents the anomalous Nernst efficiency, also increases with raising the composition of Pt. The enhancement of VANE and νN at larger x can be attributed to the increasing of SOC strength, which mainly comes from heavy Pt atoms. The present results will facilitate the theoretical studies of ANE and provide means of manipulating ANE for technological application.
Noise characteristics of a 750-MHz electronically tunable resonator for electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Nakaoka Ririko , Hirata Hiroshi
Published: July 2019

This paper describes an experimental investigation of the noise characteristics of a 750-MHz electronically tunable resonator for electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The RF noise of the tunable resonator and its influence on the baseline noise of an EPR spectrum were systematically measured, considering both the noise of varactor diodes used in the impedance matching network of the resonator and noise from the ambient environment. The influence of magnetic field modulation and its amplitude on the baseline noise of the EPR spectrum was also measured. The tunable resonator itself increased the noise level of the spectral baseline of a home-built 750-MHz continuous-wave (CW) EPR spectrometer. A significant decrease in the noise level of the EPR spectral baseline was demonstrated by replacing the varactor diodes in the matching network by a trimmer capacitor, which led to a 6.1-fold improvement in EPR spectrum signal-to-noise ratio.
The Rho-family GTPase
OsRac1
controls rice grain size and yield by regulating cell division
Authors: Zhang Ying , Xiong Yan , Liu Renyi , Xue Hong-Wei , Yang Zhenbiao
Published: July 2019

Significance

Feeding the increasing world population continues to be a great challenge in agriculture. In this study, we demonstrate that OsRac1 Rho-like GTPase from plants (ROP GTPase), an important signaling protein, promotes rice grain yield at least in part through its promotion of grain size. OsRac1 increases grain size by regulating OsMAPK6 and enhancing cell division, another signaling molecule recently shown to promote cell division and grain size in rice. Hence, this study has established a ROP GTPase signaling pathway that regulates grain size in rice, and has potentially illuminated a strategy for enhancing agricultural productivity.
Courthouse Size and Its Impact on Judicial Performance
Authors: Smith Sven , Askew Robert , Lang Emily , Smith Justin
Published: July 2019

Sectors of the criminal justice system have bureaucratized to such an extent that their management has supplanted the values for which they were created. Weber predicted this phenomenon, arguing that substantive rationality would be replaced by formal rationality as organizations grew. We test the relationship between size and these two types of rationality with the use of judicial performance checks in arraignments created from conversations with administrative courthouse staff and pilot observations at courthouses. We measure judicial performance through arraignment checklists (n = 481). Findings from multilevel models suggest that there is a positive relationship between size and formal rationality and a negative relationship between size and substantive rationality, even when controlling for workload by research design. Results suggest that abundance of formal rationality or substantive rationality facilitates injustice. These results begin a discourse encouraging quantitatively measuring formal and substantive rationality and that size be considered regarding judicial administrative policy.
Crystal melting processes of propylene carbonate and 1,3-propanediol investigated by the reed-vibration mechanical spectroscopy for liquids*
Authors: Wang Li-Na , Zhao Xing-Yu , Zhou Heng-Wei , Zhang Li , Huang Yi-Neng
Published: July 2019

The melting of crystals is one of the most common and general phase transition phenomena. However, the mechanism of crystal melting is not well understood, and more experimental measurements and explorations are still needed. The mechanical spectra of propylene carbonate and 1,3-propanediol during the crystal melting processes are measured by the reed vibration mechanical spectroscopy for liquids (RMS-L) for the first time. The experimental results show that as the temperature increases, the real part of the complex Young modulus first decreases slowly, and then quickly drops to zero; meanwhile, its imaginary part increases slowly at first, then goes up and drops quickly to zero, showing a peak of internal friction. Preliminary analyses indicate that both the real and imaginary parts can present some characteristics of the melting process, such as the transition from the disconnected liquid regions to the connected liquid regions, that from the connected crystal regions to the disconnected crystal regions, and so on. In addition, the results show that the melting rate per unit volume of crystalline phase versus temperature satisfies the Arrhenius relation at the initial stage of melting, and deviates from this relation as the temperature increases to a certain value. Therefore, the RMS-L will provide an effective supplement for the further study of melting.
Sperm chromosomal abnormalities and their contribution to human embryo aneuploidy
Authors: Rodrigo Lorena , Meseguer Marcos , Mateu Emilia , Mercader Amparo , Peinado Vanessa , Bori Lorena , Campos-Galindo Inmaculada , Milán Miguel , García-Herrero Sandra , Simón Carlos , Rubio Carmen
Published: July 2019

In this work we reviewed 18 years of experience using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for sperm aneuploidy testing. We evaluated parameters associated with increased numerical sperm chromosome abnormalities and determined the male contribution to embryo aneploidies in terms of reproductive outcome by increased sperm aneuploidy. This retrospective study analyzed data from 2008 sperm samples of infertile males undergoing FISH analysis because of clinical history of repetitive implantation failure, recurrent miscarriage, impaired sperm parameters, or mixed causes. Sperm concentration was the only sperm parameter associated with FISH results—we observed a gradual increase of abnormal sperm FISH results in males with decreasing sperm concentration. However, a great proportion of normozoospermic males also showed increased sperm aneuploidies, suggesting that sperm parameters alone do not enable identification of a substantial proportion of infertile males at risk of sperm aneuploidies. Regarding reproductive outcomes, couples with normal sperm FISH results for the male had similar outcomes regardless of conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), or preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A). However, couples with abnormal sperm FISH results for the male showed better clinical outcomes after PGT-A, suggesting a potential contribution of sperm to embryo aneuploidy. Moreover, PGT-A cycles showed better clinical outcomes when 24 chromosomes were analyzed by array comparative genome hybridization (aCGH) or next-generation sequencing (NGS) instead of only nine chromosomes analyzed by FISH. In conclusion, sperm FISH analysis offers clinical prognostic value to evaluate reproductive possibilities in infertile couples. Therefore, couples with abnormal sperm FISH results should be offered genetic counseling and presented with clinical options such as PGT-A.
Cholesterol-crystalized coronary atheroma as a potential precursor lesion causing acute coronary syndrome: a case report
Authors: Sugane Hiroki , Kataoka Yu , Otsuka Fumiyuki , Yasuda Satoshi
Published: July 2019

Background

Histopathological studies have reported the presence of cholesterol crystals in the culprit lesion in patients with sudden cardiac death. Given that cholesterol crystals themselves promote pro-inflammatory cascades, they may destabilize atherosclerotic plaques, leading to the occurrence of acute coronary events.

Case summary

A 60-year-old man presented with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Emergent coronary angiography revealed a severely stenotic lesion (=culprit lesion) and another non-obstructive lesion in the proximal and middle segments of the left anterior descending artery (LAD), respectively. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging showed that both lesions exhibited lipid-rich plaque with cholesterol crystals, and the non-obstructive lesion in the mid-LAD did not have a thin fibrous cap (its thickness = 230 μm). A drug-eluting stent was successfully implanted at the culprit lesion in the proximal LAD. On non-contrast T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging performed 10 days after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), a high-intensity signal was identified at the non-obstructive mid-LAD lesion. This lesion was medically managed with aspirin, clopidogrel, and rosuvastatin due to the absence of myocardial ischaemia. However, 12 months after PCI, the patient was hospitalized again due to unstable angina pectoris. Coronary angiography revealed substantial progression of the mid-LAD lesion. Optical coherence tomography imaging prior to the second PCI showed a severely narrowed lesion containing cholesterol crystals and covered by organized thrombus. This lesion harbored an extensive amount of lipidic materials on near-infrared spectroscopy (maximum 4-mm lipid core burden index = 809).

Discussion

In our case, atherosclerotic plaques containing cholesterol crystals was associated with the occurrence of acute coronary syndrome. Our findings suggest that plaque with cholesterol crystals is a potential precursor to future acute coronary events.
Music Technology and Alternate Controllers for Clients with Complex Needs
Authors: Ward Asha , Davis Tom , Bevan Ann
Published: July 2019

Music technology can provide unique opportunities to allow access to music-making for clients with complex needs. While there is a growing trend of research in this area, technology has been shown to face a variety of issues leading to underuse in this context. This literature review is a collation of information from peer-reviewed publications, gray literature, and practice. Focusing on active music-making using new types of alternate controllers, this review aims to bring together information regarding the types of technology available, categorizes music technology and its use within the music therapy setting for clients with complex needs, catalogues work occurring within the field, and explores the issues and potentials surrounding music technology and its use in practice.
Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia in a 23-month- old girl
Authors: Mohammad Lava , Omran Razan , Ibrahim Alexandr , Hourieh Mohammad Adib , Ibrahim Ali
Published: July 2019

Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia (PIL) is a rare protein-losing gastroenteropathy which is defined as dilation of existing mucosal, submucosal, or subserosal lymphatics within the gastrointestinal tract. That causes loss of lymph fluid into the gastrointestinal tract, leading to the development of hypoproteinemia, edema, lymphocytopenia, hypogammaglobinemia, and immunologic anomalies. It is usually diagnosed in patients younger than 3 years old and is rarely first diagnosed in adulthood. Here we have a case report in a 23-month- old female presented with the complaint of peripheral edema and diarrhea. The diagnosis of PIL was made through upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and pathology histologic analysis. Patient placed on oral supplements of medium-chain triglycerides, a high protein diet, supplements of fat-soluble vitamins and responded well.