bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding the origins of metal–organic framework/polymer compatibility
Authors: Semino R. , Moreton J. C. , Ramsahye N. A. , Cohen S. M. , Maurin G.
Published: October 2017

The microscopic interfacial structures for a series of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs)/polymer composites consisting of the Zr-based UiO-66 coupled with different polymers are systematically explored by applying a computational methodology that integrates density functional theory calculations and force field-based molecular dynamics simulations.
Evolution of hydrogen by few-layered black phosphorus under visible illumination
Authors: Muduli Subas Kumar , Varrla Eswaraiah , Xu You , Kulkarni Sneha Avinash , Katre Ankita , Chakraborty Sudip , Chen Shi , Sum Tze Chien , Xu Rong , Mathews Nripan
Published: October 2017

Combined theoretical as well as experimental results provide evidence of hydrogen (H2) evolution from aqueous solution by using few layered black phosphorus (nanosheets and nanoparticles) under visible light illumination.
Comment on “An ultrathin stretchable triboelectric nanogenerator with coplanar electrode for energy harvesting and gesture sensing” by X. Chen, Y. Song, H. Chen, J. Zhang and H. Zhang, Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 2017, 5, 12361
Authors: Shahzad Amir , Wijewardhana K. Rohana , Song Jang-Kun
Published: October 2017

The electrostatic charge issue in skin-contact type triboelectric energy harvesting devices can be overcome by an appropriate choice of materials.
Non-volatile ferroelectric control of room-temperature electrical transport in perovskite oxide semiconductor La:BaSnO3
Authors: Heo Seungyang , Yoon Daseob , Yu Sangbae , Son Junwoo , Jang Hyun Myung
Published: October 2017

Complex oxide heterostructures composed of oxide semiconductor thin films and ferroelectric single crystals have attracted substantial interest due to the electrically switchable channel resistance by the polarization reversal of ferroelectrics.
Apolipoprotein E polymorphisms are associated with ischemic stroke susceptibility in a Northwest China Han population
Authors: Zhao Li-li , Su Gang , Chen Li-xia , Yan Qi , Wang Xue-ping , Yuan Wei , Wang Lei , Zhang Zhen-chang
Published: October 2017

Ischemic stroke (IS), the leading neurology cause of death and disability worldwide, is influenced by gene polymorphisms. To explore the association between IS and Apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene polymorphisms, a case–control study containing 513 IS patients and 514 controls without IS was conducted in a Northwest China Han population. MassARRAY iPLEX system was applied to determine the APOE polymorphisms according to the alleles of two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of APOE, rs429358, and rs7412. The results showed that rs429358 and rs7412 were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) in both cases and controls groups. APOE ε4 allele, ε4/ε4 genotype, and ε4-containing genotypes were associated with IS. According to the results of Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) classification system, APOE ε2 allele, ε4 allele, and ε4/ε4 genotype were associated with large artery atherosclerosis IS subtypes. In addition, the results also indicated that the ε4 allele related to undetermined IS and ε4/ε4 genotype was related to small vessel disease IS. Compared with subjects with non-ε4-containing genotypes, the total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level in blood and the proportion of cardiopath history were higher in all subjects with ε4-containing genotypes. Besides, the triacylglycerides (TG) level in blood was higher in controls with ε4-containing genotypes. In conclusion, in a Northwest China Han population, APOE ε4 allele was associated with blood lipid level. The TC and LDL levels were the independent risk factors for IS. APOE was a risk gene for IS, but not independent, especially for large artery atherosclerosis IS.
Resveratrol increases nucleus pulposus matrix synthesis through activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway under mechanical compression in a disc organ culture
Authors: Han Xiaorui , Leng Xiaoming , Zhao Man , Wu Mei , Chen Amei , Hong Guoju , Sun Ping
Published: October 2017

Disc nucleus pulposus (NP) matrix homeostasis is important for normal disc function. Mechanical overloading seriously decreases matrix synthesis and increases matrix degradation. The present study aims to investigate the effects of resveratrol on disc NP matrix homeostasis under a relatively high-magnitude mechanical compression and the potential mechanism underlying this process. Porcine discs were perfusion-cultured and subjected to a relatively high-magnitude mechanical compression (1.3 MPa at a frequency of 1.0 Hz for 2 h once per day) for 7 days in a mechanically active bioreactor. The non-compressed discs were used as controls. Resveratrol was added along with culture medium to observe the effects of resveratrol on NP matrix synthesis under mechanical load respectively. NP matrix synthesis was evaluated by histology, biochemical content (glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and hydroxyproline (HYP)), and expression of matrix macromolecules (aggrecan and collagen II). Results showed that this high-magnitude mechanical compression significantly decreased NP matrix content, indicated by the decreased staining intensity of Alcian Blue and biochemical content (GAG and HYP), and the down-regulated expression of NP matrix macromolecules (aggrecan and collagen II). Further analysis indicated that resveratrol partly stimulated NP matrix synthesis and increased activity of the PI3K/Akt pathway in a dose-dependent manner under mechanical compression. Together, resveratrol is beneficial for disc NP matrix synthesis under mechanical overloading, and the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway may participate in this regulatory process. Resveratrol may be promising to regenerate mechanical overloading-induced disc degeneration.
The Changing Landscape of Vocal Needs in the Aging Baby Boomer
Authors: Hapner Edie R.
Published: October 2017

Aging is a natural part of the human condition and the voice is not spared changes with increasing age. There is a progressive decline in the respiratory, phonatory, and resonatory systems associated with aging as a result of sarcopenia, metabolic slowing, and changes to the neuromuscular system that begin earlier in life but accelerate at 60 years. Behavioral and surgical treatments offer people with age-related voice loss (presbyphonia) the opportunity for improved voice quality of life. Interest in these treatments has risen over the past 20 years with the arrival of the baby boom generation reaching 65 years and experiencing age-related changes to voice. Unlike their parents, many baby boomers are not able to retire at 65 years and are required to maintain and even improve their vocal endurance and vocal quality for occupational demands. This article will explore age-related changes to the body, specific to the vocal mechanism, and a summary of several treatments available to improve the voice in light of the changing needs of the baby boom generation as they get older.
Two‐switch equaliser for series‐connected battery stack using zeta type converter and symmetrical capacitor–diode circuit
Authors: Li Xiaolong , Xu Jianping , Xu Shungang , Zhuang Shengxian , Qin Fuban
Published: October 2017

A two‐switch equaliser for series‐connected battery stack using zeta type converter and symmetrical capacitor–diode circuit is proposed. The proposed equaliser consists of a zeta type front‐end dc–dc converter and symmetrical capacitor–diode circuit, uses only two active switches and two magnetic components, thus it benefits from small circuit volume and flexible for extension. Meanwhile, it can work under open loop, which makes its control simple. Furthermore, high efficiency is achieved by zero voltage switching of all switches. Finally, experimental results of a prototype of the proposed equaliser are presented to verify the analysis results.
Hybrid porous‐core microstructure terahertz fibre with ultra‐low bending loss and low effective material loss
Authors: Hasan Md. Rabiul , Akter Sanjida , Rana Sohel , Ali Sharafat
Published: October 2017

A hybrid porous‐core microstructure optical fibre (MOF) is proposed and its guiding properties are characterised for efficient terahertz wave guiding. A numerical investigation using the finite element method showed that a hybrid‐core MOF consisted of a diamond‐shaped cell and the circular arrangement of air holes exhibited an extremely low‐bending loss of 5.24 × 10−13 cm−1 for a bending radius of 1 cm and an operating frequency of 1.0 THz. The proposed fibre also showed a low effective material loss of 0.08 cm−1 at an optimised core porosity of 52%. Moreover, single mode propagation, dispersion and fabrication feasibility of the proposed MOF are discussed. Due to the excellent guiding properties, this MOF can be potentially used in THz imaging, sensing and flexible communication applications.
Impedance‐based analysis of grid harmonic interactions between aggregated flyback micro‐inverters and the grid
Authors: Wang Fei , Feng Xiayun , Zhang Lijun , Du Yan , Su Jianhui
Published: October 2017

Grid harmonic interactions due to aggregated flyback micro‐inverters are investigated in this study. An impedance‐based model based on the Norton model of flyback micro‐inverters, which are with quasi‐resonant peak‐current control, is obtained by adopting the small‐signal modelling approach. As a supplement to the existing output impedance modelling of string inverters with linear controllers, further study on micro‐inverters under non‐linear control is addressed in this study. Based on the derived impedance model, the admittance matrix of aggregated micro‐inverters connected to the grid is formulated and the impedance‐based analysis of the system stability is also presented. Consequently, by modelling the output admittance of the quasi‐resonant peak‐current controlled flyback micro‐inverters, harmonic interactions with a distorted grid can be effectively forecasted. Results obtained from modelling, analysis and verifications have shown that the proposed method is a simple and valid way of dealing with the harmonic quasi‐resonance problems.
Spontaneous flux concentrations from the negative effective magnetic pressure instability beneath a radiative stellar surface
Authors: Perri B. , Brandenburg A.
Published: October 2017

Context. The formation of sunspots requires the concentration of magnetic flux near the surface. The negative effective magnetic pressure instability (NEMPI) might be a possible mechanism for accomplishing this, but it has mainly been studied in simple systems using an isothermal equation of state without a natural free surface.

Aims. We study NEMPI in a stratified Cartesian mean-field model where turbulence effects are parameterized. We use an ideal equation of state and include radiation transport, which establishes selfconsistently a free surface.

Methods. We use a Kramers-type opacity with adjustable exponents chosen such that the deeper layers are approximately isentropic. No convection is therefore possible in this model, allowing us to study NEMPI with radiation in isolation. We restrict ourselves to two-dimensional models. We use artificially enhanced mean-field coefficients to allow NEMPI to develop, thereby making it possible to study the reason why it is much harder to excite in the presence of radiation.

Results. NEMPI yields moderately strong magnetic flux concentrations a certain distance beneath the surface where the optical depth is unity. The instability is oscillatory and in the form of upward traveling waves. This seems to be a new effect that has not been found in earlier models without radiative transport. The horizontal wavelength is about ten times smaller than what has previously been found in more idealized isothermal models.

Conclusions. In our models, NEMPI saturates at field strengths too low to explain sunspots. Furthermore, the structures appear too narrow and too far beneath the surface to cause significant brightness variations at the radiative surface. We speculate that the failure to reproduce effects resembling sunspots may be related to the neglect of convection.
Laboratory measurements and astronomical search for cyanomethanimine
Authors: Melosso M. , Melli A. , Puzzarini C. , Codella C. , Spada L. , Dore L. , Degli Esposti C. , Lefloch B. , Bachiller R. , Ceccarelli C. , Cernicharo J. , Barone V.
Published: October 2017

Context.C-cyanomethanimine (HNCHCN), existing in the twoZandEisomeric forms, is a key prebiotic molecule, but, so far, only theEisomer has been detected toward the massive star-forming region Sagittarius B2(N) using transitions in the radio wavelength domain.

Aims.With the aim of detecting HNCHCN in Sun-like-star forming regions, the laboratory investigation of its rotational spectrum has been extended to the millimeter-/submillimeter-wave (mm-/submm-) spectral window in which several unbiased spectral surveys have been already carried out.

Methods.High-resolution laboratory measurements of the rotational spectrum of C-cyanomethanimine were carried out in the 100–420 GHz range using a frequency-modulation absorption spectrometer. We then searched for the C-cyanomethanimine spectral features in the mm-wave range using the high-sensitivity and unbiased spectral surveys obtained with the IRAM 30-m antenna in the ASAI context, the earliest stages of star formation from starless to evolved Class I objects being sampled.

Results.For both theZandEisomers, the spectroscopic work has led to an improved and extended knowledge of the spectroscopic parameters, thus providing accurate predictions of the rotational signatures up to ~700 GHz. So far, no C-cyanomethanimine emission has been detected toward the ASAI targets, and upper limits of the column density of ~1011–1012cm-2could only be derived. Consequently, the C-cyanomethanimine abundances have to be less than a few 10-10for starless and hot-corinos. A less stringent constraint, ≤10-9, is obtained for shocks sites.

Conclusions.The combination of the upper limits of the abundances of C-cyanomethanimine together with accurate laboratory frequencies up to ~700 GHz poses the basis for future higher sensitivity searches around Sun-like-star forming regions. For compact (typically less than 1″) and chemically enriched sources such as hot-corinos, the use of interferometers as NOEMA and ALMA in their extended configurations are clearly needed.
Cluster Preface: Silicon in Synthesis and Catalysis
Authors: Oestreich Martin
Published: October 2017

Martin Oestreich is Professor of Organic Chemistry at the Technische Universität Berlin. His appointment was supported by the Einstein Foundation Berlin. He received his diploma degree with Paul Knochel (Marburg, 1996) and his doctoral degree with Dieter Hoppe (Münster, 1999). After a two-year postdoctoral stint with Larry E. Overman ­(Irvine, 1999–2001), he completed his habilitation with Reinhard ­Brückner (Freiburg, 2001–2005) and was appointed as Professor of Organic Chemistry at the Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster (2006–2011). He also held visiting positions at Cardiff University in Wales (2005) and at The Australian National University in Canberra (2010). Martin Oestreich’s research focuses on silicon in synthesis and catalysis, the theme of the present SYNLETT Cluster. His early work centered on the use of silicon-stereogenic silicon reagents in asymmetric catalysis, and his laboratory continues to employ them as stereochemical probes in mechanistic investigations. His research group made fundamental contributions to catalytic carbon–silicon bond formation with nucleo­philic and, likewise, electrophilic silicon reagents, and Martin Oestreich is probably best known for his work in silylium-ion chemistry. Recent accomplishments of his laboratory include Friedel–Crafts-type C–H silylation, transfer hydrosilylation, and kinetic resolution of alcohols by enantioselective silylation.
The Clinician's Toolkit: Laboratory Tests in the Diagnosis of Childhood Tuberculosis Infection and Disease
Authors: Mandalakas Anna , Highsmith Heather
Published: October 2017

Smear microscopy and culture—the mainstay of tuberculosis (TB) diagnostics for the past century—fail to diagnose the majority of childhood TB cases. Promising new tests are becoming rapidly available, but their utility in childhood TB fails to surpass the accuracy of an astute clinician. In this review, we detail conventional and newer tests available for the diagnosis of TB infection and TB disease and their use in children, as well as potential others in development.
Analysis on the Age Distribution of Sternum Fractures
Authors: Schmitt Sonja , Krinner Sebastian , Langenbach Andreas , Hennig Friedrich , Schulz-Drost Stefan
Published: October 2017

Background Sternum fractures (SFs) are described as a rare entity of bony fractures. Various accident mechanisms may cause SF such as the direct impact of traffic accidents and also by indirect mechanisms within the framework of falls. Osteoporotic fractures also play an increasing role in SF, but no reliable data on the age distribution of SF in a representative collective have been published so far.

Material and Methods The age distribution of all inpatients treated with SF (S22.2) in Germany from 2005 to 2012 using diagnosis-related group-based routine data was evaluated. Various accident statistics are included in the interpretation of age peaks.

Results A total of 47,893 patients (24,960 as main diagnosis and 22,933 as secondary diagnosis) were included in the study. SF is a rarity in childhood, with a share of 1.83% before the age of 16 years, followed by a sudden increase in the frequency up to the age of 20 years. A decrease in the frequency is observed up to the age of 35 years before it increases again to the age of 75 years. Three age peaks can be observed at 18, 55, and 75 years. Those who are older than 65 years account for 43.3% of total SF.

Discussion and Conclusion The first age summit after the age of 16 years shows an identical course to the frequency of traffic accidents of this age group, as well as the decline to the fourth decade and the subsequent resurgence up to the fifth decade. After 65 years, the incidence of accidents increases, in particular, the risk of falling in elderly people. In the context of a weaker bone structure, low falls are a common course for fragility fractures. The present analysis of routines shows for the first time the age distribution of the SF taking into account all hospital cases of the observation period.
The Effect of Prior Term Birth on Risk of Recurrent Spontaneous Preterm Birth
Authors: Turitz Amy , Elovitz Michal , Levine Lisa , Purisch Stephanie
Published: October 2017

Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of prior term birth on recurrent spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) risk.

Study Design Retrospective cohort study of 211 women with prior sPTB, comparing women with and without prior term births. The primary outcome was recurrent sPTB <37 weeks. Analyses stratified by gestational age of prior sPTB and adjusted for confounders using multivariable logistic regression.

Results The overall sPTB rate was 33.7%, with no statistical difference between women with and without prior term births (28.9 vs. 37.7%, p = 0.2). Among women with prior second-trimester loss (16–236/7 weeks), those with a term birth had a decreased sPTB rate (15.4 vs. 43.2%, p = 0.02), which persisted after adjusting for age and 17-α hydroxyprogesterone caproate use. For women with prior sPTB ≥24 weeks, there was no difference in sPTB with and without prior term births (29.5 vs. 26.6%, p = 0.7). A term birth as the most recent delivery lowered, but did not eliminate, the sPTB risk (19.1 vs. 36.4%, p = 0.1).

Conclusion Prior term birth lowers the risk of recurrent sPTB for women with prior second-trimester loss, but not for women with prior sPTB ≥24 weeks. Women with prior preterm and term births should be counseled accordingly and all sPTB prevention strategies should be recommended.
Soft Tissue Coverage in Distal Lower Extremity Open Fractures: Comparison of Free Anterolateral Thigh and Free Latissimus Dorsi Flaps
Authors: Moullot Pierre , Gay André M. , Bertrand Baptiste , Legré Régis , Kerfant Nathalie , Casanova Dominique , Philandrianos Cécile
Published: October 2017

Background When microsurgical transfers are required in posttraumatic lower limb reconstruction, surgeons must choose among many types of free flaps. Historically, surgeons have advocated muscular flaps for coverage of open lower extremity wounds, but fasciocutaneous free flaps are now often used with good results. This study aimed to compare the functional and aesthetic outcome of reconstruction by free muscular latissimus dorsi (LD) flap and free fasciocutaneous anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap used for soft tissue coverage of distal lower extremity open fractures.

Methods We performed a single-center, retrospective study of subjects with distal lower limb open fractures treated with LD flaps or ALT flaps between 2008 and 2014. Patients with limited follow-up or incomplete data were excluded from the analysis. Donor and recipient sites, early complications and long-term outcomes (functional and aesthetic) were studied and compared according to the type of flap.

Results A total of 47 patients were included: 27 patients in the LD flap group and 20 patients in the ALT flap group. No significant difference was found regarding early and late complications and long-term functional outcomes (bone healing, infectious bone complications, flap healing). As for aesthetic outcome and donor-site morbidity, reconstruction using the ALT free flap had significantly better results (p < 0.05).

Conclusions In posttraumatic lower limb injury, either LD or ALT free flaps can be used for wound coverage with comparable long-term functional outcomes. The ALT flap provides better cosmetic results than LD.
Comparing the Host Reaction to CorMatrix and Different Cardiac Patch Materials Implanted Subcutaneously in Growing Pigs
Authors: Poncelet Alain , Fervaille Caroline , Gianello Pierre , Mosala Nezhad Zahra
Published: October 2017

Background Comparing the structural changes, and local host reactions to CorMatrix (CorMatrix Cardiovascular Inc., Roswell, Georgia, United States) and different biomaterials implanted subcutaneously in growing pig model.

Methods Four pigs harboring implanted patches of CorMatrix, Vascutek porcine pericardium (Vascutek; Scotland, United Kingdom), SJM bovine pericardium (St. Jude Medical, Inc., Minnesota, United States), and Gore-Tex (W. L. Gore & Associates GmbH, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States) were studied for 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. The explants were examined histologically.

Results CorMatrix showed gradual and consistent patch resorption and subsiding inflammatory and fibrosis process. Full scaffold degradation and replacement by mild fibrosis and subcutaneous tissue were seen by 1 year. Xenopericardial patches remained intact, and the initially severe inflammatory and fibrotic reactions reduced gradually to moderate fibrosis and chronic inflammation. Gore-Tex showed foreign body reaction.

Conclusions Patches were biotolerated by pigs. Xenopericardial patches elicited encapsulating fibrosis and no remodeling. CorMatrix resorbs completely and degrades consistently without leaving residues. Lack of encapsulating fibrosis toward CorMatrix allows tissue ingrowth and matrix remodeling.
The Contribution of Surface Electromyographic Assessment for Defining the Stage of Peripheral Facial Paralysis: Flaccid or Sequelae Stage
Authors: Bernardes Daniele , Bento Ricardo , Goffi Gomez Maria
Published: October 2017

Introduction Surface electromyographic activity may not be symmetric, even in subjects with no facial paralysis history.

Objective To evaluate the contribution of the index of electromyographic (IEMG) activity in the identification of the two extremes of the facial paralysis course.

Methods Thirty-four subjects with unilateral peripheral facial paralysis were selected. A control group was composed of volunteers without a history of facial paralysis. The electromyographic assessment of the facial muscle was performed by placing surface electrodes during movements of the forehead, eyes and lips using MIOTEC equipment, such as the MIOTOOL (Miotec, Porto Alegre, Brazil) software. The electromyographic activity was also recorded in other channels during the primary activity to identify the presence of synkinesis. The statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences for Macintosh (SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL, USA). The IEMG activity was obtained from the division of the electromyographic activity root mean square (RMS) values on both sides.

Results There was a statistically significant difference among the groups in all the analyzed indexes. The ocular-oral synkinesis in all patients must be correctly identified (with 100% sensitivity and specificity) using an IEMG activity of 1.62 as a cutoff point. The oral-ocular synkinesis must be correctly identified (93.3% sensitivity and 95.9% specificity) using the IEMG activity of 1.79 as a cutoff point.

Conclusion The IEMG activity is below the normal scores in patients in the flaccid stage, whereas patients in the sequelae stage can either show normal values or values above or below the normal scores. The IEMG activity was shown to have high sensitivity and specificity in the identification of synkinesis.
Ceramic Total Knee Arthroplasty: Ready to Go?
Authors: Solarino G. , Piconi C. , De Santis V. , Piazzolla A. , Moretti B.
Published: October 2017

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a well-established surgical procedure in the late stages of knee osteoarthritis. Nevertheless, this procedure is associated with a percentage of unsatisfactory results and biomechanical failures, with aseptic loosening being the most common cause of revision. Beside these problems, cutaneous and systemic hypersensitivity reactions to metals have arisen as an increasing concern after joint arthroplasties, even if allergies against implant materials are still a quite rare and not well-known problem. Ceramic composites have been recently used in prosthetic components, showing minimum wear and excellent long-term results in total hip replacement, due to their high resistance to scratching and their better wettability with respect to cobalt–chromium alloy. Furthermore, the biologic response to debris generated from these bearings is less aggressive. Knee joint simulator tests and clinical results demonstrate promising results of TKAs with ceramic components that should led to benefit for the patients.
Dehydration as a Rare Cause of Pulmonary Artery Thrombosis in a 2-Week-Old Term Neonate
Authors: Rubinshtein Marina , Tirosh-Wagner Tal , Mishaly David , Kenet Gili , Paret Gideon , Kimhi Gal
Published: October 2017

Pulmonary arterial thrombosis is an extremely rare occurrence in the neonatal population. We describe a 2-week-old female neonate who presented in critical condition with severe cyanosis and dehydration and was found to have a large thrombus in the main branches of the pulmonary arteries. She was successfully treated with surgical embolectomy. Pulmonary arterial thrombosis should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of a dehydrated neonate presenting with severe cyanosis and evidence of pulmonary hypertension.
A prospective comparison of cold snare polypectomy using traditional or dedicated cold snares for the resection of small sessile colorectal polyps
Authors: Dwyer Jeremy , Tan Jonathan , Urquhart Paul , Secomb Robyn , Bunn Catherine , Reynolds John , La Nauze Richard , Kemp William , Roberts Stuart , Brown Gregor
Published: October 2017

Background and study aims The evidence for efficacy and safety of cold snare polypectomy is limited. The aim of this study was to assess the completeness of resection and safety of cold snare polypectomy, using either traditional or dedicated cold snares.

Patients and methods This was a prospective, non-randomized study performed at a single tertiary hospital. Adult patients with at least one colorectal polyp (size ≤ 10 mm) removed by cold snare were included. In the first phase, all patients had polyps removed by traditional snare without diathermy. In the second phase, all patients had polyps removed by dedicated cold snare. Complete endoscopic resection was determined from histological examination of quadrantic polypectomy margin biopsies. Immediate or delayed bleeding within 2 weeks was recorded.

Results In total, 181 patients with 299 eligible polyps (n = 93 (173 polyps) traditional snare group, n = 88 (126 polyps) dedicated cold snare group) were included. Patient demographics and procedure indications were similar between groups. Mean polyp size was 6 mm in both groups (P = 0.25). Complete polyp resection was 165 /173 (95.4 %; 95 %CI 90.5 – 97.6 %) in the traditional snare group and 124/126 (98.4 %; 95 %CI 93.7 – 99.6 %) in the dedicated cold snare group (P = 0.16). Serrated polyps, compared with adenomatous polyps, had a higher rate of incomplete resection (7 % vs. 2 %, P = 0.03). There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of immediate bleeding (3 % vs. 1 %, P = 0.41) and there were no delayed hemorrhages or perforations.

Conclusions Cold snare polypectomy is effective and safe for the complete endoscopic resection of small (≤ 10 mm) colorectal polyps with either traditional or dedicated cold snares.
Personalisierte Therapie des Lungenkarzinoms – Stand und Herausforderungen
Authors: Riedel Richard , Wolf Jürgen
Published: October 2017

So called „personalized therapy“ has revolutionized the care of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The discovery of more and more driver mutations in NSCLC has led to a molecular defined sub classification of lung cancer patients. For four driver mutations (EGFRmut, ALKtransl, ROS1transl, BRAF-V600mut) firstline approved drugs are available and became the treatment of choice. Further drugs are in clinical development or can be used as off-label treatment. The emergence of resistance under targeted therapy, the development of new drugs for further driver mutations and the broad implementation of molecular diagnostics for all lung cancer patients are future challenges.
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided placement of plastic pigtail stents for the drainage of refractory malignant ascites
Authors: Romero-Castro Rafael , Jimenez-Garcia Victoria , Boceta-Osuna Jaime , Castilla-Guerra Luis , Pellicer-Bautista Francisco , Caunedo-Alvarez Angel , Herrerias-Gutierrez Juan , Romero-Gómez Manuel , Giovannini Marc
Published: October 2017

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage is now the treatment of choice in cases of pancreatic pseudocysts and walled-off necrosis, especially in the absence of luminal bulging and in patients with portal hypertension. Malignant refractory ascites usually heralds a poor prognosis and substantially impairs the quality of life of patients because of the symptoms experienced and the need for repeated paracentesis. EUS-guided placement of lumen-apposing, fully covered, self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMS) has been reported for the drainage of malignant ascites. Herein, we present the results of EUS-guided placement of plastic pigtails stents for the drainage of refractory malignant ascites in three patients. The aim was to improve symptoms and minimize the possible drawbacks of large-caliber FCSEMS. In this preliminary experience, EUS-guided placement of plastic stents was feasible and avoided further paracentesis.
EUS-guided gallbladder drainage using a lumen-apposing self-expandable metal stent in patients with coagulopathy or anticoagulation therapy: a case series
Authors: Anderloni Andrea , Attili Fabia , Sferrazza Alessandro , Rimbaș Mihai , Costamagna Guido , Repici Alessandro , Larghi Alberto
Published: October 2017

Background and study aims We report our experience in endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage performed emergently in 4 prohibitive surgical risk patients with concurrent coagulopathy or on anticoagulant therapy using an electrocautery enhanced lumen apposing self expanding metal stent (LA-SEMS).
Drug-eluting Ballonangioplastie: Gibt es Klasseneffekte?
Authors: Teichgräber Ulf , Klumb Christof
Published: October 2017

Zielsetzung Die perkutane transluminale Angioplastie (PTA) ist ein anerkanntes Verfahren zur Gefäßrekanalisierung. Ein mögliches Werkzeug zur Ergebnisoptimierung sind Paclitaxel-beschichtete Ballonkatheter (drug coated balloon, DCB). Ziel dieses systematischen Reviews ist, herauszufinden, ob zwischen den unterschiedlichen DCB ein Klasseneffekt besteht.

Material und Methoden Primärer Endpunkt war die Freiheit von Re-Intervention (FfTLR) nach 1 Jahr. Eine systematische Literatursuche bei PubMed wurde durchgeführt, das Verzerrungsrisiko der eingeschlossenen Studien wurde erhoben. Die Effektivität von DCB gegenüber unbeschichteten Ballonkathetern (POBA) wurde für binäre Endpunkte durch Bestimmung des relativen Risikos und Anzahl der notwendigen Behandlungen (number needed to treat, NNT) untersucht.

Ergebnisse Zehn Studien mit 1835 Patienten wurden identifiziert – diese untersuchten 6 verschiedene DCB – es zeigte sich ein hohes Verzerrungsrisiko. Es wurde ein geringerer Late Lumen Loss (DCB: − 0,01 – 0,51 mm; POBA: 1,0 – 1,7 mm) nach DCB-Behandlung nach 6 Monaten und eine höhere FfTLR (DCB: 71 – 98%; POBA: 52 – 85%) sowie höhere primäre Offenheit (DCB: 65 – 84%; POBA: 34 – 61%) nach DCB-Behandlung nach 1 Jahr beobachtet – insbesondere bei der FfTLR zeigten sich große Unterschiede in der DCB-Effektivität zwischen den Studien. Die NNT variierte zwischen 3 und 33. In Summe zeigten sich keine Vorteile nach DCB-Behandlung in Bezug auf ABI- und Rutherford-Outcome nach 1 Jahr; nach DCB-Behandlung traten keine vermehrten Komplikationen auf.

Schlussfolgerungen Die getesteten DCB konnten das PTA-Ergebnis nach 1 Jahr verbessern. Es zeigen sich jedoch deutliche Unterschiede in der Effektivität zwischen den unterschiedlichen DCB. Ein Klasseneffekt kann daher aktuell nicht bestätigt werden. Bedingt durch das hohe Verzerrungsrisiko in den Studien ist zu befürchten, dass der Effekt der DCB-Behandlung überschätzt wird.
Exploring dissociative water adsorption on isoelectronically BN doped graphene using alchemical derivatives
Authors: Al-Hamdani Yasmine S. , Michaelides Angelos , von Lilienfeld O. Anatole
Published: October 2017

The design and production of novel 2-dimensional materials have seen great progress in the last decade, prompting further exploration of the chemistry of such materials. Doping and hydrogenating graphene are an experimentally realised method of changing its surface chemistry, but there is still a great deal to be understood on how doping impacts on the adsorption of molecules. Developing this understanding is key to unlocking the potential applications of these materials. High throughput screening methods can provide particularly effective ways to explore vast chemical compositions of materials. Here, alchemical derivatives are used as a method to screen the dissociative adsorption energy of water molecules on various BN doped topologies of hydrogenated graphene. The predictions from alchemical derivatives are assessed by comparison to density functional theory. This screening method is found to predict dissociative adsorption energies that span a range of more than 2 eV, with a mean absolute error <0.1 eV. In addition, we show that the quality of such predictions can be readily assessed by examination of the Kohn-Sham highest occupied molecular orbital in the initial states. In this way, the root mean square error in the dissociative adsorption energies of water is reduced by almost an order of magnitude (down to ∼0.02 eV) after filtering out poor predictions. The findings point the way towards a reliable use of first order alchemical derivatives for efficient screening procedures.
Detailed modeling of local anisotropy and transverse
K

u
interplay regarding hysteresis loop in FeCuNbSiB nanocrystalline ribbons
Authors: Geoffroy Olivier , Boust Nicolas , Chazal Hervé , Flury Sébastien , Roudet James
Published: October 2017

This article focuses on the modeling of the hysteresis loop featured by Fe-Cu-Nb-Si-B nanocrystalline alloys with transverse induced anisotropy. The magnetization reversal process of a magnetic correlated volume (CV), characterized by the induced anisotropy Ku, and a deviation of the local easy magnetization direction featuring the effect of a local incoherent anisotropy Ki, is analyzed, taking account of magnetostatic interactions. Solving the equations shows that considering a unique typical kind of CV does not enable accounting for both the domain pattern and the coercivity. Actually, the classical majority CVs obeying the random anisotropy model explains well the domain pattern but considering another kind of CVs, minority, mingled with classical ones, featuring a magnitude of Ki comparable to Ku, is necessary to account for coercivity. The model has been successfully compared with experimental data.
Planar channel flow of a discontinuous shear-thickening model fluid: Theory and simulation
Authors: Vázquez-Quesada A. , Wagner N. J. , Ellero M.
Published: October 2017

In this work, an analytical solution for the pressure-driven flow of a discontinuous shear-thickening (DST) fluid in a planar channel is presented. In order to model the fluid rheology, a regularized inverse-biviscous model is adopted. This involves a region of finite thickness to model the sharp jump in viscosity, and it is consistent with momentum conservation. In the limit of vanishing thickness, the truly DST behavior is obtained. Analytical results are validated by numerical simulations under steady and start-up flow using the smoothed particle hydrodynamics method. Flow results are investigated and discussed for different values of the model parameters.
Nanomechanical resonators based on adiabatic periodicity-breaking in a superlattice
Authors: Lamberti F. R. , Esmann M. , Lemaître A. , Gomez Carbonell C. , Krebs O. , Favero I. , Jusserand B. , Senellart P. , Lanco L. , Lanzillotti-Kimura N. D.
Published: October 2017

We propose a nanocavity design which is able to confine acoustic phonons by adiabatically changing the thicknesses of a GaAs/AlAs superlattice. By means of high resolution Raman scattering, we experimentally demonstrate the presence of a confined acoustic mode around 350 GHz. We observe an excellent agreement between the experimental data and numerical simulations based on a photoelastic model. We demonstrate that the spatial profile of the confined mode can be tuned by changing the magnitude of the adiabatic deformation, leading to strong variations of its mechanical quality factor and Raman scattering cross-section. The reported design could significantly improve the acoustic confinement properties of nanophononic and optomechanical devices.
Lagrangian investigations of vorticity dynamics in compressible turbulence
Authors: Parashar Nishant , Sinha Sawan Suman , Danish Mohammad , Srinivasan Balaji
Published: October 2017

In this work, we investigate the influence of compressibility on vorticity-strain rate dynamics. Well-resolved direct numerical simulations of compressible homogeneous isotropic turbulence performed over a cubical domain of 10243 are employed for this study. To clearly identify the influence of compressibility on the time-dependent dynamics (rather than on the one-time flow field), we employ a well-validated Lagrangian particle tracker. The tracker is used to obtain time correlations between the instantaneous vorticity vector and the strain-rate eigenvector system of an appropriately chosen reference time. In this work, compressibility is parameterized in terms of both global (turbulent Mach number) and local parameters (normalized dilatation-rate and flow field topology). Our investigations reveal that the local dilatation rate significantly influences these statistics. In turn, this observed influence of the dilatation rate is predominantly associated with rotation dominated topologies (unstable-focus-compressing, stable-focus-stretching). We find that an enhanced dilatation rate (in both contracting and expanding fluid elements) significantly enhances the tendency of the vorticity vector to align with the largest eigenvector of the strain-rate. Further, in fluid particles where the vorticity vector is maximally misaligned (perpendicular) at the reference time, vorticity does show a substantial tendency to align with the intermediate eigenvector as well. The authors make an attempt to provide physical explanations of these observations (in terms of moment of inertia and angular momentum) by performing detailed calculations following tetrads {approach of Chertkov et al. [“Lagrangian tetrad dynamics and the phenomenology of turbulence,” Phys. Fluids 11(8), 2394–2410 (1999)] and Xu et al. [“The pirouette effect in turbulent flows,” Nat. Phys. 7(9), 709–712 (2011)]} in a compressible flow field.
Fish-inspired self-powered microelectromechanical flow sensor with biomimetic
hydrogel cupula
Authors: Bora M. , Kottapalli A. G. P. , Miao J. M. , Triantafyllou M. S.
Published: October 2017

Flow sensors inspired from lateral line neuromasts of cavefish have been widely investigated over decades to develop artificial sensors. The design and function of these natural sensors have been mimicked using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) based sensors. However, there is more to the overall function and performance of these natural sensors. Mimicking the morphology and material properties of specialized structures like a cupula would significantly help to improve the existing designs. Toward this goal, the paper reports development of a canal neuromast inspired piezoelectric sensor and investigates the role of a biomimetic cupula in influencing the performance of the sensor. The sensor was developed using microfabrication technology and tested for the detection of the steady-state and oscillatory flows. An artificial cupula was synthesized using a soft hydrogel material and characterized for morphology and mechanical properties. Results show that the artificial cupula had a porous structure and high mechanical strength similar to the biological canal neuromast. Experimental results show the ability of these sensors to measure the steady-state flows accurately, and for oscillatory flows, an increase in the sensor output was detected in the presence of the cupula structure. This is the first time a MEMS based piezoelectric sensor is demonstrated to detect steady-state flows using the principle of vortex-induced vibrations. The bioinspired sensor developed in this work would be investigated further to understand the role of the cupula structure in biological flow sensing mechanisms, thus contributing toward the design of highly sensitive and efficient sensors for various applications such as underwater robotics, microfluidics, and biomedical devices.
Impacts of horse grazing on botanical composition and diversity in different types of heathland
Authors: López Carlos López , García Rocío Rosa , Ferreira Luis M. M. , García Urcesino , Osoro Koldo , Celaya Rafael
Published: October 2017

Plant dynamics under horse grazing was studied in a three-year field experiment in heather-gorse shrublands in NW Spain. The experimental design consisted of three vegetation types with four replicates (paddocks): (1) heather (Ericaceae)-dominated (H), (2) gorse (Ulex gallii Planch.)-dominated (G), and (3) co-dominated by gorse and heath-grasses (GG). Each paddock (1.2 ha) was grazed from May to October by two crossbred mature mares (310 ± 52 kg bodyweight), one dry and one lactating (plus foal). Two other paddocks (one in H and one in GG) were excluded from grazing. Plant cover and height were sampled three times a year (spring, summer, and autumn) with a point-quadrat method. Floristic composition and diversity were annually sampled at 10 25-m2 quadrats per paddock. Data were subjected to mixed models for repeated-measures and redundancy analyses. Horse grazing resulted in overall increases (P < 0.001) in heather and herbaceous cover (from 13% to 27%, and from 16% to 23%, respectively), and decreases (P < 0.001) in gorse cover and height (from 35% to 17%; from 30 to 25 cm), with scarce differences among vegetation types. Floristic diversity (species richness and Shannon index) increased more over time in grazed than in ungrazed paddocks. Redundancy analyses revealed that grazing effects on plant species assemblages depended on vegetation type, and that plant communities evolved differently between grazing treatments for both abundance and frequency data. Some herbaceous species characteristic of heathlands were favoured by horse grazing. Horse grazing reduced gorse dominance in G and GG vegetation, controlling excessive accumulation of combustible material and reducing fire risk, and promoted the presence of species of conservation interest, so it offers a promising management tool for the restoration of heathlands and their biodiversity.
Relationships among burn severity, forest canopy structure and bat activity from spring burns in oak–hickory forests
Authors: Lacki Michael J. , Dodd Luke E. , Skowronski Nicholas S. , Dickinson Matthew B. , Rieske Lynne K.
Published: October 2017

The extent to which prescribed fires affect forest structure and habitats of vertebrate species is an important question for land managers tasked with balancing potentially conflicting objectives of vegetation and wildlife management. Many insectivorous bats forage for insect prey in forested habitats, serving as the primary predators of nocturnal forest insects, and are potentially affected by structural changes in forests resulting from prescribed fires. We compared forest-stand characteristics of temperate oak–hickory forests, as measured with airborne laser scanning (light detection and ranging, LiDAR), with categorical estimates of burn severity from prescribed fires as derived from Landsat data and field-based Composite Burn Indices, and used acoustic monitoring to quantify activity of insectivorous bats in association with varying degrees of burn severity (unburned habitat, low severity and medium severity). Forest-stand characteristics showed greatest separation between low-severity and medium-severity classes, with gap index, i.e. open-air space, increasing with degree of burn severity. Greater mid-storey density, over-storey density and proportion of vegetation in the understorey occurred in unburned habitat. Activity of bats did not differ with burn severity for high-frequency (clutter-adapted or closed-space foragers) or low-frequency (edge or open-space foragers) bats. Results indicate that differing degrees of burn severity from prescribed fires produced spatial variation in canopy structure within stands; however, bats demonstrated no shifts in activity levels to this variation in canopy structure, suggesting prescribed fire during the dormant season, used as a management practice targeting desired changes in vegetation, is compatible with sustaining foraging habitat of insectivorous bats.