bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studien über Gewebethromboplastin.
Authors: Deutsch E , Irsigler K , Lomoschitz H
Published: June 2018

Gewebethromboplastin aus grauer Substanz von Menschenhirn wurde an der Ultrazentrifuge gereinigt und dann einer chemischen Analyse unterzogen. Neben einem Lipoidanteil konnte ein Nichtlipoidanteil als wesentlicher Bestandteil des G.T. festgestellt werden. Die einzelnen Komponenten des Lipoid-anteiles wurden durch dünnschichtchromatographische Analyse näher identifiziert: Cholesterin, Cerebroside, Phospholipoide und Ganglioside. Die Hydrolyse des Nichtlipoidanteiles ergab 15 Aminosäuren, er besteht vorwiegend aus Proteinmaterial. Funktionell werden die lipoiden Aktivatoren von den Gewebe-thromboplastinen abgegrenzt. Der Lipoidanteil des Menschenhirn-G. T. verhält sich wie ein lipoider Aktivator, der Proteinanteil allein ist in der Gerinnung inaktiv. Nach Rekombination der beiden Teile in Pyridin konnte wieder volle G.T.-Aktivität nachgewiesen werden. Die Notwendigkeit der Lipoproteinstruktur für die hohe Wirksamkeit von G.T. in der Blutgerinnung wird betont und das Zusammenwirken von exogenem und endogenem Gerinnungs-system disuktiert.
Thrombogenic Properties of Surface Factor; Evidence for an Anti-Surface Factor Activity in Canine Plasma.
Authors: Iatridis Sotirios G. , Ferguson John H. , Iatridis Panayotis G. , Mauldin Ronald
Published: June 2018

Purified surface factor (SF or activation product) was prepared from canine plasma and its effect was studied on 22 dogs. It was shown that intravenous injection of SF increased the coagulability of the circulating blood (in vitro tests) and induced thrombosis in areas of vascular stasis (in vivo assay). The hypercoagulability was associated with the injected SF preparation and with no other known clotting factor increase. A second injection performed 61 minutes after the first was less effective. The survival period of injected SF seemed to be relatively short. This might be attributable, in part, to an inhibitory mechanism acting against SF (anti-SF) in plasma. Experimental evidence of the existence of such an inhibitor and its “progressive” mode of action is provided. Anti-SF has a variable titer normally, but appears to increase after the intravenous SF injection in dogs.
Toxicity of Heparinoids, with Special Reference to the Precipitation of Fibrinogen
Authors: Sasaki S , Takemoto T , Oka S
Published: June 2018

To demonstrate whether the intravascular precipitation of fibrinogen is responsible for the toxicity of heparinoid, the relation between the toxicity of heparinoid in vivo and the precipitation of fibrinogen in vitro was investigated, using dextran sulfate of various molecular weights and various heparinoids.

1. There are close relationships between the molecular weight of dextran sulfate, its toxicity, and the quantity of fibrinogen precipitated.

2. The close relationship between the toxicity and the precipitation of fibrinogen found for dextran sulfate holds good for other heparinoids regardless of their molecular structures.

3. Histological findings suggest strongly that the pathological changes produced with dextran sulfate are caused primarily by the intravascular precipitates with occlusion of the capillaries.

From these facts, it is concluded that the precipitates of fibrinogen with heparinoid may be the cause or at least the major cause of the toxicity of heparinoid.

4. The most suitable molecular weight of dextran sulfate for clinical use was found to be 5,300 ~ 6,700, from the maximum value of the product (LD50 · Anticoagulant activity). This product (LD50 · Anticoagulant activity) can be employed generally to assess the comparative merits of various heparinoids.

5. Clinical use of the dextran sulfate prepared on this basis gave satisfactory results. No severe reaction was observed. However, two delayed reactions, alopecia and thrombocytopenia, were observed. These two reactions seem to come from the cause other than intravascular precipitation.
The Rôle of Human Platelets and Plasma in the Metabolism of Adenosine Diphosphate and Monophosphate Added In Vitro
Authors: Kerby G. P , Taylor S. M
Published: June 2018

When exogenous adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and diphosphate (ADP) were added to sonicated platelet-rich human blood plasma in AMP-ADP ratio approximating that normally present in platelets, a ratio close to 1.0 was consistently established within 20 to 60 minutes of incubation at 37° C. This resulted both from progressive disappearance of ADP and from initial augmentation followed by disappearance of AMP, the disappearance of ADP always being greater however than the disappearance of AMP so that the higher ratio was maintained.

AMP appeared as ADP disappeared during the first 20 minutes of incubation. Platelet adenylate kinase, plasma 5-adenylic acid deaminase and nonspecific alkaline phosphatases appeared to be of particular importance in achieving the changing ratios of nucleotides.
Die Wirkung des Thrombins am Froschherzen
Authors: Markwardt F , Haustein K.-O , Nuernbergk W
Published: June 2018

Thrombin bewirkt am isolierten Froschherzen bereits in geringer Menge eine Steigerung der Kontraktionskraft. Die Wirkung ist an die Fermentaktivität des Thrombins geknüpft und wird durch spezifische Inhibitoren des Fermentes blockiert. Nach den vorgelegten Untersuchungsergebnissen kommt die Wirkung über eine Freisetzung positiv ino trop wirksamer Stoffe zustande.
Du rôle de la paroi vasculaire dans l’hémostase spontanée et la pathogénie des états hémorragiques
Authors: Roskam Jacques
Published: June 2018

Trois ordres de faits découlent de la présente revue générale consacrée au rôle de la paroi vasculaire dans l’hémostase spontanée et dans la pathogénie des états hémorragiques, savoir :

1. D’importantes tares sanguines, plasmatiques ou plaquettaires, peuvent n’entraîner aucun trouble de l’hémostase spontanée tant que la paroi des vaisseaux présente un comportement normal. Ce comportement est-il troublé, d’ailleurs de diverses façons, il permet aux tares sanguines de s’extérioriser— dans certains cas, à la faveur d’une hémodynamique circulatoire perturbée— par une prolongation, parfois extrême, des saignements.

2. D’autre part, à la suite et, très probablement en raison d’une activation, d’origine immunologique, du système fibrinolytique du plasma, les parois vasculaires peuvent subir une fragilisation qui, en cas de thrombopénie associée, s’extériorisera par une éruption purpurique en apparence spontanée. Cette fragilisation semble bien correspondre à des lésions des vaisseaux analysables en microscopie électronique.

3. Enfin, diverses observations cliniques et constatations expérimentales suggèrent des abords nouveaux du problème insuffisamment exploré jusqu’ici, de la participation des parois vasculaires au mécanisme de l’hémostase spontanée et à la pathogénie de ses troubles.
Primary Amenorrhea Associated with Hyperprolactinemia in Polyglandular Autoimmune Syndrome Type II: A Case Report
Authors: Cottas Luiza Tizziotti , Borges Maria de Fátima , Oliveira Lívia Prata Santos , Resende Ana Luísa Mantovani , Ataíde Meire Soares , Resende Elisabete Aparecida Mantovani Rodrigues
Published: June 2018

Polyglandular autoimmune syndrome type II (PGA-II) is a rare immunoendocrinopathy syndrome characterized by the occurrence of autoimmune Addison disease along with diabetes mellitus type 1 and/or autoimmune thyroid disease. Here, we report the case of a 23-year-old female with PGA-II who was followed up at the dermatology and endocrinology clinics of the Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, located in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. First, the patient presented diffuse skin hyperpigmentation, vitiligo; and in sequence, due to vomiting, appetite and weight loss, hypoglycemia, amenorrhea, and galactorrhea, the patient was then diagnosed with PGA-II. The patient also presented intense hyperprolactinemia due to primary hypothyroidism. The late diagnosis of PGA-II is frequent because the disorder is uncommon and has non-specific clinical manifestations. This report emphasizes the significance of a timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with these diseases, especially Addison disease. The present study reports a rare case of a patient with PGA-II with primary amenorrhea associated with hyperprolactinemia.
Intravascular Coagulation and Fibrinolysis by Stapliylocoagiilase. Comparison with Thrombin
Authors: Jeljaszewicz J , Niewiarowski S , Poplawski A , Prokopowicz J , Worowski K
Published: June 2018

Intravascular clotting in rabbits after intravenous injection of 30 N.I.H. units of thrombin/kg and 5/mg/kg of staphylocoagulase were studied. Following determinations were made : clotting time, thrombin time, fibrinogen, factors V, VII, VIII, X, XI and XII, “true prothrombin”, two stage prothrombin, P-P test, prothrombin consumption, fibrinolysis in serum euglobulins, plasminogen, antithrombin III and VI, and coagulase reacting factor. Intravenous staphylocoagulase produced in rabbits precipitous drop of fibrinogen level in a very short time, which was not observed with the dose of thrombin used. Activity of staphylocoagulase in vivo was very much higher than of thrombin, as it could be expected on basis of the in vitro comparison. Together with defibrination caused by staphylocoagulase, fibrinogen breakdown products, identified as antithrombin VI, appear in plasma. There were no such changes observed when thrombin was used. Slight decrease of prothrombin and antithrombin III levels, together with a lack of significant changes in factors V, VII, VIII, X, XI and XII content, were observed after staphylocoagulase injection. Slight increase of CRF content in staphylo co agulase clotted plasma was noted. Fibrinolytic system was not activated during clotting process caused by staphylo-coagulase. Significance of the data obtained is discussed.
The Effect of Various Enzymes on the Ultrastructure, Aggregation, and Clot Retraction Ability of Rabbit Blood Platelets
Authors: Hovig Torstein
Published: June 2018

The effect of various enzymes on rabbit blood platelets was studied with the following results :

1. The proteolytic enzymes trypsin and papain destroyed the ability of the platelets to aggregate with (1) ADP and (2) suspensions of collagen particles. The aggregation ability was not restored by incubation of the platelets in plasma. The platelets treated with these enzymes did not adhere to tendon tissue in vitro.

2. The clot retraction activity of the platelets treated with trypsin and papain was decreased. This effect was especially pronounced with the trypsinized platelets.

3. In about 20% of the trypsinized platelets intracellular membrane systems appeared. Trypsin did not cause marked loss of platelet organelles and no obvious effect on the boundary membrane could be detected with the electron microscopical technique.

4. No effect of hyaluronidase on the platelets could be found.

5. Whereas no effect of lipase from wheat germ could be detected, phospho-lipase A caused pronounced ultrastructural changes within the platelets and the structure of the boundary membrane was altered. Corresponding to these findings release of substances from the platelets was observed by spectrophotometry (with absorption maximum at 260 ιημ) and release of ADP was demonstrated by a specific enzymatic test.

6. Platelets treated with neuraminidase aggregated spontaneously when resuspended in citrated plasma or EDTA-plasma. This effect was probably not due to released ADP. It is concluded that besides protein, neuraminic acid (linked to protein) may be of fundamental importance for the aggregation properties of blood platelets.
Mit verschiedenen Konservierungsmitteln hergestellte Thrombozytensuspensionen
Authors: Dóczy Ágnes
Published: June 2018

Die Verfasser haben durch Adsorptionsverfahren und durch Anwendung verschiedener Konservierungsmittel eine im Prinzip neue Methode für die Herstellung einer sterilen Thrombozytensuspension ausgearbeitet, die nach den bisherigen Untersuchungen bis 28 Tage lagerungsfähig ist.

1. Die Suspension wurde bei + 4° C in Nipagin-M-Nipasol-Lösung konserviert.

2. Das konservierte Präparat wurde vor Gebrauch in lyophilisiertem, anti-hämophilem Plasma resuspendiert.

3. Die resuspendierten Thrombozyten zeigten 4-5 Stunden nach Resuspen-sion Faktoraktivität s werte, die denen von frischen Platt chen entsprachen.

4. Die adäquate Aktivität des Präparates wurde durch Thrombelastographie und durch funktionelle Unter su chungen der Blutplättchen bewiesen.
Some Observations on the Viscosity of Pathological Human Blood Plasma
Authors: Dintenfass L
Published: June 2018

Viscosities of blood plasma obtained from patients suffering from leukaemia, macroglobulinaemia, polycythaemia, spherocytosis, haemophilia and myelofibrosis has been studied by means of a rotational cone-in-cone viscometer. The data obtained is not intended to characterize the specific diseases. The aim is to show that a great range of viscosities may be found in various samples of human blood plasma and that the pathological plasma may show non-Newtonian and thixotropic flow characteristics.

It is suggested that determination of plasma viscosities, over a range of rates of shear, might contribute to our understanding of some problems of blood circulation and might be beneficial in more correct evaluation of the erythrocyte sedimentation tests.
Inherited Antithrombin Deficiency Causing Thrombophilia
Authors: Egeberg O
Published: June 2018

Blood coagulation systems were studied in members of a family with remarkably high incidence of thrombo - embolic diseases. Thrombotic episodes most often occurred as deep venous thrombosis in the legs, with the first attack at the age of 10-25 years.

Pro coagulant factor activities were found within normal variation ranges.

Plasma antithrombin III (progressive antithrombin) activity was abnormally low in members with history of thrombosis and in some of their children, with an average level of about 50 per cent of normal.

Heparin resistance measured with plasma heparin thrombin time was increased in members with low antithrombin III, and plasma heparin cofactor activity was decreased.

The results strongly support the explanation that antithrombin III and heparin cofactor are one and the same plasma substance, and that deficiency of this antithrombin can cause a severe tendency to thrombosis.

The antithrombin deficiency seems to be inherited as an autosomal dominant trait.
Vergleich der Response gegenüber aktiviertem Protein C in unterschiedlichen Testsystemen mit dem Ergebnis der Faktor-V-Genotypisierung
Authors: Gehrisch S. , Runge E. , Schwarz Th. , Schimmanck S. , Schellong S. , Lüthke K. , Naumann R. , Knöfler R. , Siegert G.
Published: June 2018

Bei 157 Patienten und 14 Familienangehörigen wurde die Response gegenüber aktiviertem Protein C (APC) in drei unterschiedlichen Tests bestimmt und mit dem Ergebnis der Genotypisierung verglichen. Die Ermittlung der laboreigenen Referenzwerte erfolgte aus Plasmaproben von 96 anamnestisch gesunden Probanden mit normalem Genotyp. Zur Bestimmung der APC-Response wurden folgende Testsysteme eingesetzt: Test Immunochrom® APC-Response, Coatest® APC™ Resistance und Coatest® APC™ Resistance mit einer Verdünnung des Plasmas mit Faktor-V-Mangelplasma. Die Testmodifikation mit Verdünnung des Patientenplasmas mit Faktor-V-Mangelplasma erbrachte mit Ausnahme von Patienten unter Vollheparinisierung eine gute Trennung zwischen Wildtyp und Faktor-V-Mutation. Dieser Test reduziert jedoch offensichtlich die Aussage auf die Faktor-V-Mutation. Der Test Immunochrom® APC-Response zeigte unabhängig von einer Antikoagulation eine gute Übereinstimmung mit dem Ergebnis der Genotypisierung. Obwohl ein großer Teil der APC-Resistenz assoziiert ist mit einer Mutation im Faktor-V-Gen (Leiden-Mutation) sind beide Begriffe nicht synonym. Pathologische Ratios bei Patienten mit einem Wildtyp unterstreichen die Notwendigkeit zur Bestimmung der funktionellen Response und des Genotypes, ihre Ursache bedarf weiterer Abklärung.
Self-Monitoring of Prothrombin Time Using a Portable Coagulation Monitor
Authors: Kulinna W. , Heene D. L. , Harenberg J.
Published: June 2018

The CoaguChek® is a portable coagulation monitor, which uses disposable cartridges containing a lyophilized rabbit brain thromboplastin to measure the prothrombin time (PT) from capillary whole blood. Own studies in patients have demonstrated an improved quality of life after an 6 months experience with self-determination as well as an increase of the within-therapeutic range of measured INR values. The use of a portable monitor as the primary method for measuring the INR can be recommended in selected patients receiving long-term anticoagulant treatment.
Messung von Heparin-induzierten IgG-Antikörpern mittels »Fluorescence-Linked Immunofiltration Assay« (FLIFA) bei Heparin-induzierter Thrombozytopenie Typ II
Authors: Hoffmann Ursula , Huhle G. , Wang L. C. , Song X. H. , Harenberg J.
Published: June 2018

Die Heparin-induzierte Thrombozytopenie ist eine seltenere, jedoch schwere Nebenwirkung der Heparintherapie. Heparin-induzierter IgG-Antikörper wurde als Haupt-Isotyp und hauptsächlicher pathogener Antikörper bei der Pathophysiolgie abgeklärt. Da die Patienten ein hohes Risiko für die Entwicklung thrombotischer Ereignisse aufweisen, ist es wichtig und wünschenswert, die klinische Diagnose zu bestätigen und eine Heparin-Reexposition zu vermeiden. Zur Bestimmung von Heparin-induziertem IgG bei Patienten mit Heparin-induzierter Thrombozytopenie (HIT) Typ II wurde ein »Fluorescence-Iinked immunofiltration assay« (FLIFA) entwickelt. Anhand dieses Neoantigen-Assays läßt sich eine hohe Frequenz von Heparin-induziertem IgG bei HIT Typ II nachweisen. Die sofortige Bestimmung von pathogenem, Heparin-induziertem IgG kann ein nützliches Verfahren zur raschen Diagnose einer HIT Typ II sein, das die weitere Behandlung der Patienten erleichtern könnte.
Ex vivo/In vitro Interaction between ASA, Clopidogrel and GPIIb/IIIa-Inhibitors
Authors: Kirchmaier C. M. , Westrup Dagmar , Graff J. , Mahnel R. , Breddin H. K. , Harder S. , Klinkhardt Ute
Published: June 2018

We report on an in vivo interaction study between aspirin (ASA) and Clopidogrel in healthy male volunteers and on an in-vitro interaction of abciximab and the peptidomimetic GPIIb/IIIa-inhibitor SR121566A with blood from subjects of the in vivo-study. Ten healthy male volunteers were randomly assigned to two groups (N = 5). Group 1 started with ASA and group 2 with Clopidogrel. From day 4 to 8 subjects of both groups received combined treatment with ASA and Clopidogrel. Blood from volunteers was spiked with abciximab or SR121566A. Inhibitory effects of ASA and Clopidogrel on collagen- or ADP-induced platelet aggregation were not enhanced by the combination of both drugs. TRAP-induced fibrinogen binding was reduced under ASA to 69% (n.s.), and to 63% under Clopidogrel or Clopidogrel + ASA. CD62-expression was reduced to 66% by Clopidogrel (p <0.01 ), whereas ASA had no effect. A further significant reduction to 41 % (difference to clopidogrel/ASA alone p <0.01), was seen under combined treatment (day 8). ASA and Clopidogrel increased the effects of the GPIIb/IIIa-inhibitors on collagen (2 pg/ml)- and ADP (5 pM)-induced aggregation. Under treatment with ASA and Clopidogrel inhibitory effects of GPIIb/IIIa-inhibitors on fibrinogen binding were additive to changes seen with ASA/clopidogrel alone. No additional effect on CD62 was seen with either GPIIb/IIIa-inhibitor.
Zur Beurteilung der kollageninduzierten Aggregation unter dem Einfluß von GPIIb/IIIa-Hemmern
Authors: Brocks J. O.
Published: June 2018

Im Rahmen einer Studie mit einem Antikörper gegen GPIIb/llla-Rezeptoren (YM337 von Yamanouchi) an gesunden Versuchspersonen erfolgten auch Untersuchungen der kollageninduzierten Thrombozytenaggregation (Endkonzentration 5 Mg/ml). Im Gegensatz zur ADP-induzierten Plättchenaggregation war die kollageninduzierte Aggregation nur gering gehemmt, wenn die Hemmung in Prozent der Maximalamplitude ausgedrückt wurde. Abciximab wirkte schwächer hemmend als YM337. Wurde dagegen die Zeit zwischen Zugabe des Kollagenreagenz und Beginn der Aggregation (Tr-Zeit) ausgemessen, so fand sich eine signifikante Verlängerung der Tr-Zeit unter Abciximab, während die Verlängerung der Tr-Zeit unter YM337 nur gering war. Es bleibt offen, welcher Parameter der Aggregationsmessung mit der thrombosehemmenden Wirkung von GPIIb/IIIa-Hemmern besser korreliert ist.
Nasal Septal Spur Associated with Rhinogenic Contact Point Otalgia and Tinnitus
Authors: Perić Aleksandar
Published: June 2018

Rhinogenic contact point otalgia is a new term in medicine and it represents earache as a form of facial pain that is caused by intranasal mucosal contact points between the nasal septal spur or septal deviation and lateral nasal wall. It is a referred otalgia without any signs of inflammation. The author reports an unusual case of a 19-year-old male who complained of a 5-year history of right-sided otalgia and tinnitus. On physical exam, a big, right-sided nasal septal spur was seen in contact with the right lateral nasal wall. Other findings are unremarkable. Placement of anesthetic and vasoconstrictor solution provided relief of symptoms. After the exclusion of other causes of otalgia, and after surgical removal of septal spur, the patient experienced a significant relief of symptoms.
Surgical Treatment of Intestinal Endometriosis: Outcomes of Three Different Techniques
Authors: Bray-Beraldo Fernando , Pereira Ana Maria Gomes , Gazzo Cláudia , Santos Marcelo Protásio , Lopes Reginaldo Guedes Coelho
Published: June 2018

Objective To outline the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with deep intestinal endometriosis submitted to surgical treatment at a tertiary referral center with a multidisciplinary team, and correlate those characteristics with the surgical procedures performed and operative complications.

Methods A prospective cohort from February 2012 to November 2016 of 32 women with deep intestinal endometriosis operations. The variables analyzed were: age; obesity; preoperative symptoms (dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, acyclic pain, dyschezia, infertility, urinary symptoms, constipation and intestinal bleeding); previous surgery for endometriosis; Enzian classification; size of the intestinal lesion; and surgical complications.

Results The mean age was 37.75 (±5.72) years. A total of 7 patients (22%) had a prior history of endometriosis. The mean of the largest diameter of the intestinal lesions identified intraoperatively was of 28.12 mm (±14.29 mm). In the Enzian classification, there was a predominance of lesions of the rectum and sigmoid, comprising 30 cases (94%). There were no statistically significant associations between the predictor variables and the outcome complications, even after the multiple logistic regression analysis. Regarding the size of the lesion, there was also no significant correlation with the outcome complications (p = 0.18; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]:0.94–1.44); however, there was a positive association between grade 3 of the Enzia classification and the more extensive surgical techniques: segmental intestinal resection and rectosigmoidectomy, with a prevalence risk of 4.4 (p < 0.001; 95%CI:1.60–12.09).

Conclusion The studied sample consisted of highly symptomatic women. A high prevalence of deep infiltrative endometriosis lesions was found located in the rectum and sigmoid region, and their size correlated directly with the extent of the surgical resection performed.
Silver nanoparticles embedded hybrid organometallic complexes: Structural interactions, photo-induced energy transfer, plasmonic effect and optical thermometry
Authors: Shahi Praveen Kumar , Prakash Rajiv , Rai Shyam Bahadur
Published: June 2018

A novel hybrid material comprising of two β-diketonate complexes, Tb(ASA)3Phen (TAP) and Eu(TTA)3Phen (ETP), has been synthesized and studied its photo-physics, energy transfer and optical thermometry applications. Using XRD and FTIR spectra, it has been demonstrated that both the complexes maintain their core entity and show weak interaction between them in the hybrid complex (HC). The TEM images show the coating of ETP layers over nano-fibrous TAP and further, embedded with Ag nanoparticles over HC. It has been observed that ligands (Phen, TTA as well as ASA) absorb the UV radiation and undergoes single to triplet via intersystem crossing transitions by transferring its excitation energy to central lanthanide ions (Eu3+ and Tb3+). In this strategy, an efficient energy transfer between two different species i.e. ASA to Tb3+ (in TAP complex) to Eu+3 ions (of ETP complex) has also been observed. To probe and verify the energy transfer mechanism, life time measurements have been carried out. The life time of Tb3+ decreases in HC as compared with TAP, whereas the life time of Eu3+ increases in HC as compared with ETP. The addition of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) again enhances the fluorescence intensity of Eu3+ emission band. The prepared HC has further been demonstrated for ambient range temperature (295-365 K) sensing and the sensitivity of the material is found to be 6.8% change in signal per K. The strong optical property and non-toxic nature of this HC is useful in biomedical, bio-imaging and energy harvesting applications.
Synthesis and enhanced third-order nonlinear optical effect of ZnSe/graphene composites
Authors: Chen Cong , Zhu Baohua , Zhang Xin , Gao Yage , Wang Guixia , Gu Yuzong
Published: June 2018

ZnSe/graphene composites are produced by chemical method, and the attachment of ZnSe nanocrystals on graphene nanosheets can be confirmed by transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and UV-vis spectroscopy. The nonlinear optical properties are investigated at 532 nm by a picosecond laser Z-scan technique. It is found that the interaction between ZnSe and graphene enhances the optical nonlinearity of ZnSe/graphene composites than single ZnSe or graphene. The increase of ZnSe size further enhances the optical nonlinearity of ZnSe/graphene.
Electrical contact properties between carbon nanotube ends and a conductive atomic force microscope tip
Authors: Inaba Masafumi , Ohara Kazuyoshi , Shibuya Megumi , Ochiai Takumi , Yokoyama Daisuke , Norimatsu Wataru , Kusunoki Michiko , Kawarada Hiroshi
Published: June 2018

Understanding the electrical contact properties of carbon nanotube (CNT) ends is important to use the high conductance of CNTs in the CNT on-axis direction in applications such as through-silicon via structures. In this study, we experimentally evaluated the contact resistivity between single-/multi-walled CNT ends and a metal nanoprobe using conductive atomic force microscopy (C-AFM). To validate the measured end contact resistivity, we compared our experimentally determined value with that obtained from numerical calculations and reported values for side contact resistivity. The contact resistivity normalized by the length of the CNT ends was 0.6–2.4 × 106 Ω nm for single-walled CNTs. This range is 1–2 orders of magnitude higher than that determined theoretically. The contact resistivity of a single-walled CNT end with metal normalized by the contact area was 2–3 orders of magnitude lower than that reported for the resistivity of a CNT sidewall/metal contact. For multi-walled CNTs, the measured contact resistivity was one order of magnitude higher than that of a CNT forest grown by remote plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition, whereas the contact resistivity of a top metal electrode was similar to that obtained for a single-walled CNT forest.
Transient lattice deformations of crystals studied by means of ultrafast time-resolved x-ray and electron diffraction
Authors: Li Runze , Sundqvist Kyle , Chen Jie , Elsayed-Ali H. E. , Zhang Jie , Rentzepis Peter M.
Published: June 2018

Ultrafast lattice deformation of tens to hundreds of nanometer thick metallic crystals, after femtosecond laser excitation, was measured directly using 8.04 keV subpicosecond x-ray and 59 keV femtosecond electron pulses. Coherent phonons were generated in both single crystal and polycrystalline films. Lattice compression was observed within the first few picoseconds after laser irradiation in single crystal aluminum, which was attributed to the generation of a blast force and the propagation of elastic waves. The different time scales of lattice heating for tens and hundreds nanometer thick films are clearly distinguished by electron and x-ray pulse diffraction. The electron and lattice heating due to ultrafast deposition of photon energy was simulated using the two-temperature model and the results agreed with experimental observations. This study demonstrates that the combination of two complementary ultrafast time-resolved methods, ultrafast x-ray, and electron diffraction will provide a panoramic picture of the transient structural changes in crystals.
An explicit power-law-based wall model for lattice Boltzmann method–Reynolds-averaged numerical simulations of the flow around airfoils
Authors: Wilhelm S. , Jacob J. , Sagaut P.
Published: June 2018

In this paper, an explicit wall model based on a power-law velocity profile is proposed for the simulation of the incompressible flow around airfoils at high Reynolds numbers. This wall model is particularly suited for the wall treatment involved in Cartesian grids. Moreover, it does not require an iterative procedure for the friction velocity determination. The validation of this power-law wall model is assessed for Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes simulations of the flow around a two-dimensional airfoil using the lattice Boltzmann approach along with the Spalart-Allmaras turbulence model. Good results are obtained for the prediction of the aerodynamic coefficients and the pressure profiles at two Reynolds numbers and several angles of attack. The explicit power-law is thus well suited for a simplified near-wall treatment at high Reynolds numbers using Cartesian grids.
When Hartree-Fock exchange admixture lowers DFT-predicted barrier heights: Natural bond orbital analyses and implications for catalysis
Authors: Mahler Andrew , Janesko Benjamin G. , Moncho Salvador , Brothers Edward N.
Published: June 2018

The conventional wisdom in density functional theory (DFT) is that standard approximations systematically underestimate chemical reaction barrier heights and that exact (Hartree-Fock-like, HF) exchange admixture improves this. This conventional wisdom is inconsistent with the good performance of functionals without HF exchange for many reactions on metal catalyst surfaces. We have studied several “anomalous” gas-phase reactions where this conventional wisdom is upended, and a HF exchange admixture decreases or does not affect the predicted barrier heights [Mahler et al., J. Chem. Phys. 146, 234103 (2017)]. Here we show how natural bond orbital analyses can help identify and explain some factors that produce anomalous barriers. Applications to pnictogen inversion, standard benchmark reaction barrier datasets, and a model Grubbs catalyst illustrate the utility of this approach. This approach is expected to aid DFT users in choosing appropriate functionals, and aid DFT developers in devising DFT approximations generally applicable to catalysis.
A strong saddle-shaped surface-to-volume ratio effect on the Young's modulus of silicon nanotubes
Authors: Yue Yonghai , Gong Qihua , Li Zhiqin , Duan Huigao
Published: June 2018

Single crystalline silicon nanotubes along the [001] direction with different outer diameters and wall thicknesses have been successfully prepared via a high-fidelity nanofabrication process by combining electron-beam lithography and reactive-ion etching methods. A higher specific surface-to-volume ratio compared with other solid one-dimensional nanomaterials has been achieved. In situ compression results revealed a strong saddle-shaped surface-to-volume ratio effect on the Young's modulus, and the Young's modulus increases to a peak value at a surface-to-volume ratio of ∼0.04 nm−1 and then decreases at a higher surface-to-volume ratio. A single core with a double shell model is proposed to interpret this unique saddle-shaped surface-to-volume ratio effect, which may play a guiding role in designing the nanoscale objects for device applications.
A native parasitic plant affects the performance of an introduced host regardless of environmental variation across field sites
Authors: Cirocco Robert M. , Facelli José M. , Watling Jennifer R.
Published: June 2018

Increasing evidence from glasshouse studies shows that native hemiparasitic plants can significantly impact the performance and growth of introduced host plants. We investigated the effect of the native Australian hemiparasite Cassytha pubescens R.Br. on the introduced shrub Ulex europaeus L. at three field sites in South Australia. Parasite infection significantly decreased midday PSII efficiency (ΦPSII) and the maximum electron transport rates (ETRmax) of U. europaeus across sites. The impact of C. pubescens on the photosynthetic performance of U. europaeus may have been caused by infected plants having significantly lower N and K, but higher Fe and Al than uninfected plants at all sites. Significant Al and Fe enrichment in infected plants may be possibly due to the parasite indirectly inducing rhizosphere acidification. At two sites, C. pubescens significantly affected host Fv/Fm, indicating chronic photoinhibition in response to infection. The impact of infection on Fv/Fm was greatest at the wettest site, in line with an experiment where C. pubescens had more impact under high water availability. At this site, infected plants also had the highest foliar Fe and Al. The C isotope (δ13C) of infected plants was significantly lower than that of uninfected plants at only one site. Unusually, the δ13C of the parasite was the same as or significantly higher than that of the hosts. There were no site effects on parasite Fv/Fm or ΦPSII; however, ETRmax and δ13C varied across sites. The results suggest that this native parasite has negative effects on U. europaeus in the field, as was found for glasshouse studies. The abundance of this introduced weed in Australia could be negatively affected by C. pubescens infection.
Ambulance-Attended Opioid Overdoses: An Examination into Overdose Locations and the Role of a Safe Injection Facility
Authors: Madah-Amiri Desiree , Skulberg Arne Kristian , Braarud Anne-Cathrine , Dale Ola , Heyerdahl Fridtjof , Lobmaier Philipp , Clausen Thomas
Published: June 2018

Background

Although the United States and numerous other countries are amidst an opioid overdose crisis, access to safe injection facilities remains limited.

Methods

We used prospective data from ambulance journals in Oslo, Norway, to describe the patterns, severity, and outcomes of opioid overdoses and compared these characteristics among various overdose locations. We also examined what role a safe injection facility may have had on these overdoses.

Results

Based on 48,825 ambulance calls, 1054 were for opioid overdoses from 465 individuals during 2014 and 2015. The rate of calls for overdoses was 1 out of 48 of the total ambulance calls. Males made up the majority of the sample ( n = 368, 79%), and the median age was 35 (range: 18–96). Overdoses occurred in public locations ( n = 530, 50.3%), the safe injection facility ( n = 353, 33.5%), in private homes ( n = 83, 7.9%), and other locations ( n = 88, 8.3%). Patients from the safe injection facility and private homes had similarly severe initial clinical symptoms (Glasgow Coma Scale median =3 and respiratory frequency median =4 breaths per minute) when compared with other locations, yet the majority from the safe injection facility did not require further ambulance transport to the hospital ( n = 302, 85.6%). Those overdosed in public locations (odds ratio [OR] = 1.66, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.17–2.35), and when the safe injection facility was closed (OR =1.4, 95% CI =1.04–1.89), were more likely to receive transport for further treatment.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the opening hours at the safe injection facility and the overdose location may impact the likelihood of ambulance transport for further treatment.
Barriers to Accessing Treatment for Pregnant Women with Opioid use Disorder in Appalachian States
Authors: Patrick Stephen W. , Buntin Melinda B. , Martin Peter R. , Scott Theresa A. , Dupont William , Richards Michael , Cooper William O.
Published: June 2018

Background and aims

Opioid agonist therapies (OATs) are highly effective treatments for opioid use disorders (OUDs), especially for pregnant women; thus, improving access to OAT is an urgent public policy goal. Our objective was to determine if insurance and pregnancy status were barriers to obtaining access to OAT in 4 Appalachian states disproportionately impacted by the opioid epidemic.

Methods

Between April and May 2017, we conducted phone surveys of OAT providers, opioid treatment programs (OTPs), and outpatient buprenorphine providers, in Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia. Survey response rates were 59%. Logistic models for dichotomous outcomes (e.g., patient acceptance) and negative binomial models were created for count variables (e.g., wait time), overall and for pregnant women.

Results

The majority of OAT providers were accepting new patients; however, providers were less likely to treat pregnant women (91% vs. 75%; p < .01). OTPs were more likely to accept new patients than waivered buprenorphine providers (97% vs. 83%; p = .01); rates of accepting pregnant patients were lower in both (91% and 53%; p < .01). OTPs and buprenorphine providers accepted cash payments for services at high rates (OTP: 100%; buprenorphine: 89.4%; p < .01); Medicaid and private insurance were accepted at lower rates. In adjusted models, providers were less likely to accept pregnant women if they took any insurance (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.15, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.03–0.68) or were a buprenorphine provider (aOR = 0.09, 95% CI: 0.02–0.37).

Conclusions

We found that OAT providers frequently did not accept any insurance and frequently did not treat pregnant women in an area of the country disproportionately affected by the opioid epidemic. Policymakers could prioritize improvements in provider training (e.g., training of obstetricians to become buprenorphine prescribers) as a means to enhance access to pregnant women or enhancing reimbursement rates as a means of improving insurance acceptance for OAT.
The dynamics of Super-Apollonian continued fractions
Authors: Chaubey Sneha , Fuchs Elena , Hines Robert , Stange Katherine
Published: June 2018

We examine a pair of dynamical systems on the plane induced by a pair of spanning trees in the Cayley graph of the Super-Apollonian group of Graham, Lagarias, Mallows, Wilks, and Yan. The dynamical systems compute Gaussian rational approximations to complex numbers and are “reflective” versions of the complex continued fractions of A. L. Schmidt. They also describe a reduction algorithm for Lorentz quadruples, in analogy to work of Romik on Pythagorean triples. For these dynamical systems, we produce an invertible extension and an invariant measure, which we conjecture is ergodic. We consider some statistics of the related continued fraction expansions, and we also examine the restriction of these systems to the real line, which gives a reflective version of the usual continued fraction algorithm. Finally, we briefly consider an alternate setup corresponding to a tree of Lorentz quadruples ordered by arithmetic complexity.
Existence of a stable blow-up profile for the nonlinear heat equation with a critical power nonlinear gradient term
Authors: Tayachi Slim , Zaag Hatem
Published: June 2018

We consider a nonlinear heat equation with a double source:

|

u

|

p
−
1

u

|u|^{p-1}u

and

|

∇
u

|

q

|\nabla u|^q

.

This equation has a double interest: in ecology, it was used by Souplet (1996) as a population dynamics model; in mathematics, it was introduced by Chipot and Weissler (1989) as an intermediate equation between the semilinear heat equation and the Hamilton-Jacobi equation. Further interest in this equation comes from its lack of variational structure.

In this paper, we intend to see whether the standard blow-up dynamics known for the standard semilinear heat equation (with

|

u

|

p
−
1

u

|u|^{p-1}u

as the only source) can be modified by the addition of the second source (

|

∇
u

|

q

|\nabla u|^q

).

Here arises a nice critical phenomenon at blow-up:

- when

q
>
2
p

/

(
p
+
1
)

q>2p/(p+1)

, the second source is subcritical in size with respect to the first, and we recover the classicial blow-up profile known for the standard semilinear case;

- when

q
=
2
p

/

(
p
+
1
)

q=2p/(p+1)

, both terms have the same size, and only partial blow-up descriptions are available.

In this paper, we focus on this case, and start from scratch to:

- first, formally justify the occurrence of a new blow-up profile, which is different from the standard semilinear case;

- second, to rigorously justify the existence of a solution obeying that profile, thanks to the constructive method introduced by Bricmont and Kupiainen together with Merle and Zaag. Note that our method yields the stability of the constructed solution.

Moreover, our method is far from being a straightforward adaptation of earlier literature and should be considered as a source of novel ideas whose application goes beyond the particular equation we are considering, as we explain in the introduction.
On the power of epigenome-wide association studies using a disease-discordant twin design
Authors: Li Weilong , Christiansen Lene , Hjelmborg Jacob , Baumbach Jan , Tan Qihua
Published: June 2018

Motivation

Many studies have investigated the association between DNA methylation alterations and disease occurrences using two design paradigms, traditional case-control and disease-discordant twins. In the disease-discordant twin design, the affected twin serves as the case and the unaffected twin serves as the control. Theoretically the twin design takes advantage of controlling for the shared genetic make-up, but it is still highly debatable if and how much researchers may benefit from such a design over the traditional case-control design.

Results

In this study, we investigate and compare the power of both designs with simulations. A liability threshold model was used assuming that identical twins share the same genetic contribution with respect to the liability of complex human diseases. Varying ranges of parameters have been used to ensure that the simulation is close to real-world scenarios. Our results reveal that the disease-discordant twin design implies greater statistical power over the traditional case-control design. For diseases with moderate and high heritability (>0.3), the disease-discordant twin design allows for large sample size reductions compared to the ordinary case-control design. Our simulation results indicate that the discordant twin design is indeed a powerful tool for epigenetic association studies.

Availability and implementation

Computer scripts are available at https://github.com/zickyls/EWAS-Twin-Simulation.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Quality of Life Impact of an Adjuvanted Recombinant Zoster Vaccine in Adults Aged 50 Years and Older
Authors: Curran Desmond , Oostvogels Lidia , Heineman Thomas , Matthews Sean , McElhaney Janet , McNeil Shelly , Diez-Domingo Javier , Lal Himal , Andrews Charles , Athan Eugene , Berglund Johan , Campora Laura , de Looze Ferdinandus , Korhonen Tiina , Leung Edward , Levin Myron , Volpi Antonio , Johnson Robert W ,   ZOE-50/70 Study Group
Published: June 2018

Background

To determine the efficacy of an adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine in reducing the herpes zoster (HZ) burden of illness, HZ burden of interference with activities of daily living, and HZ impact on quality of life.

Methods

The assessments were integrated in two Phase III trials, ZOE-50 (NCT01165177) and ZOE-70 (NCT01165229). HZ burden of illness and HZ burden of interference with activities of daily living were assessed by the Zoster Brief Pain Inventory (ZBPI) instrument and quality of life by the EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ-5D) utility index and the SF-36 health survey. We report the ZOE-50 results and a pooled analysis of patients aged 70 years and older from the trials combined.

Results

The estimated vaccine efficacy in reducing HZ burden of illness and HZ burden of interference was greater than 90% in both the ZOE-50 and the pooled ZOE-70 analysis. In confirmed HZ cases, adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine reduced the maximal ZBPI worst-pain score in the pooled ZOE-70 analysis (p = .032) and the maximal ZBPI average-pain scores in both the ZOE-50 (p = .049) and the pooled ZOE-70 analysis (p = .043). In breakthrough HZ cases, trends for diminished loss of quality of life compared with placebo-recipient HZ cases were observed, with differences up to 0.14 on the EQ-5D index at time points during the 4 weeks following HZ onset.

Conclusions

Adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine reduced the HZ burden of illness significantly, particularly due to its very high vaccine efficacy in preventing HZ. For breakthrough HZ cases, the results suggest that the adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine mitigated severity of HZ-related pain, burden of interference with activities of daily living, and recipients’ utility loss.
Metabolic Positron Emission Tomography Response to Gamma Knife of the Ventral Intermediate Nucleus in Essential Tremor
Authors: Verger Antoine , Witjas Tatiana , Carron Romain , Eusebio Alexandre , Boutin Emmanuelle , Azulay Jean-Philippe , Regis Jean , Guedj Eric
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

To understand the substrates of response and nonresponse and to identify potential biomarkers for the selection and follow-up of patients with essential tremor (ET) treated with Gamma Knife (Elekta AB, Stockholm, Sweden) of the ventral intermediate nucleus (GKVIM).

OBJECTIVE

To characterize positron emission tomography (PET) changes in the metabolism of glucose and metabolic connectivity in patients with ET treated by GKVIM through observational study.

METHODS

Forty-two patients with right ET were referred to 18F-fluorodesoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET) imaging before and after left GKVIM. Statistical Parametric Mapping T-score map comparisons were performed between pre- and post-GKVIM groups and between clinical responders and nonresponders. Metabolic connectivity was evaluated by the interregional correlation analysis method.

RESULTS

After GKVIM, patients with ET exhibited decreased left thalamic metabolism, which was associated with remote metabolic decreases in the right cerebellum, left temporal gyri, and bilateral frontal gyri (P < .05, family-wise error-corrected). Additionally, nonresponders (n = 7) showed metabolic decreases in the right temporo-occipital area (P < .005 corrected for cluster volume) after GKVIM. The metabolism in this area was already reduced in nonresponders before treatment in comparison to that in responders and was predictive of future response (sensitivity: 89%; specificity: 71%). In nonresponder patients, strong connectivity between the left thalamus and right temporo-occipital area was found before GKVIM and was lost after treatment, whereas this connectivity remained weak and stable in responders.

CONCLUSION

These findings could lead to better knowledge of the variability in the metabolic PET profiles among patients with ET, particularly the integration of 18F-FDG PET imaging in the pretherapeutic evaluation of patients with refractory ET candidates for GKVIM.