bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regioselective nitration of anilines with Fe(NO3)3·9H2O as a promoter and a nitro source
Authors: Gao Yang , Mao Yuanyou , Zhang Biwei , Zhan Yingying , Huo Yanping
Published: May 2018

A novel and efficient ortho-nitration reaction of aniline derivatives using the inexpensive and nontoxic Fe(NO3)3·9H2O as a promoter and a nitro source has been developed.
Modular synthesis of heptaarylindole
Authors: Suzuki Shin , Asako Takashi , Itami Kenichiro , Yamaguchi Junichiro
Published: May 2018

The first synthesis of heptaarylindole (HAI) has been accomplished using a coupling/ring transformation strategy.
Biocatalysis of ursolic acid by the fungus Gliocladium roseum CGMCC 3.3657 and resulting anti-HCV activity
Authors: Fu Shaobin , Meng Qingfeng , Yang Junshan , Tu Jiajia , Sun Di-An
Published: May 2018

Biocatalysis of ursolic acid (UA 1) by Gliocladium roseum CGMCC 3.3657 was investigated.
An efficient and green approach for the synthesis of 2,4-dihydropyrano[2,3-c]pyrazole-3-carboxylates using Bi2O3/ZrO2 as a reusable catalyst
Authors: Bhaskaruni Sandeep V. H. S. , Maddila Suresh , van Zyl Werner E. , Jonnalagadda Sreekantha B.
Published: May 2018

Novel bismuth loaded on zirconia (Bi2O3/ZrO2) as a reusable catalyst to synthesize 2,4-dihydropyrano[2,3-c]pyrazole-3-carboxylates under mild conditions.
The effect of concept maps, as an individual learning tool, on the success of learning the concepts related to gravimetric analysis
Authors: Turan-Oluk N. , Ekmekci G.
Published: May 2018

This study aims to conduct a detailed investigation on the effect the use of concept mapping, as an individual learning tool, has on students’ success in learning the concept of gravimetric analysis. This study applies a case study research design to quantitatively examine the effect of the use of concept mapping and to conduct a detailed qualitative investigation of the participants’ opinions about its use. In this study, the concept maps were used both as a data collection tool [Select and fill in the nodes (SAFIN); Select and fill in the lines (SAFIL); Create and fill in the lines (CAFIL); Select and fill in the nodes&lines (SAFIN&L)] and as an individual learning tool. For data triangulation, students’ opinions on the concept mapping technique, as an individual learning tool for understanding gravimetric analysis, were also taken. Results from the study showed that there were significant differences between the pre- and post-test scores on all the tests (four types of fill-in-the-blank concept maps and a concept test) in favor of the post-test scores. In other words, the use of the concept map resulted in an increase in the success of the students. Furthermore, the participants expressed very positive opinions about the concept maps as an individual learning tool, both on the attitude scale and in their written opinions, declaring that it has a definite boosting effect on successfully learning a concept.
Oncosis-inducing cyclometalated iridium(iii) complexes
Authors: Guan Ruilin , Chen Yu , Zeng Leli , Rees Thomas W. , Jin Chengzhi , Huang Juanjuan , Chen Zhe-Sheng , Ji Liangnian , Chao Hui
Published: May 2018

A series of mitochondria-targeting cyclometalated iridium(iii) complexes activated the oncosis-specific protein porimin and calpain 1, and exhibited good inhibitory activities on a wide range of cancer types including drug-resistant cancers.
Flexible h-BN foam sheets for multifunctional electronic packaging materials with ultrahigh thermostability
Authors: Kim Deul , Kirakosyan Artavazd , Lee Jae Woong , Jeong Jong-Ryul , Choi Jihoon
Published: May 2018

Flexible and robust h-BN foam sheets with a three-dimensional network structure exhibit a much enhanced thermal conductivity as well as thermo-stability at high temperature.
Highly transparent, strong, and flexible fluorographene/fluorinated polyimide nanocomposite films with low dielectric constant
Authors: Yin Xiaodong , Feng Yiyu , Zhao Qiang , Li Yu , Li Shuangwen , Dong Huanli , Hu Wenping , Feng Wei
Published: May 2018

Transparent and flexible fluorinated polyimide films with loading of well-dispersed fluorographene exhibit low dielectric constants.
Eu3+/Tb3+ and Dy3+ POM@MOFs and 2D coordination polymers based on pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid for ratiometric optical temperature sensing
Authors: Kaczmarek Anna M.
Published: May 2018

Optical temperature sensing characteristics of Eu3+/Tb3+ and Dy3+ POM@MOFs and 2D coordination polymers built from the same pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid linker are reported.
Efficient low‐complexity two‐dimensional equalisation technique for multi‐level cell flash memory storage systems
Authors: Ashrafi Reza A. , Pusane Ali E.
Published: May 2018

NAND flash memories, due to their several advantageous characteristics, have recently dominated the data storage industry and its global market. Currently, multi‐level cell memories, in which each cell can store more than one bit of data resulting in higher data storage capacities, have gained a considerable amount of research interest. However, this comes at the cost of several limitations and increased performance degradation. Various studies have shown that among several error sources in multi‐level cell memories, inter‐cell interference is the most significant one. Therefore, to mitigate the devastating effect of the interference, simple, feasible, and yet efficient equalisation techniques become essential for achieving desired data reliability. In this study, first, a thorough analysis on deriving the distribution of the interference‐free and interference‐affected data is carried out. Then, novel low‐complexity equalisation methods are proposed, and their beneficial complexity‐performance trade‐offs compared with the existing techniques are illustrated. Finally, simulation results are presented to show that the proposed algorithms considerably improve the error performance, while maintaining the low‐complexity constraints.
Sparse PTS scheme based on TR schemes for PAPR reduction in FBMC‐OQAM systems
Authors: Ren Shuang , Deng Honggui , Qian Xuewen , Liu Yan
Published: May 2018

The filter bank multicarrier with offset quadrature amplitude modulation (FBMC‐OQAM) has aroused widespread concern in the 5G communication. However, FBMC‐OQAM has an inherent drawback of high peak‐to‐average power ratio (PAPR) that should be mitigated. Here, the authors propose an efficient hybrid scheme based on sparse partial transmit sequence (sparse PTS) scheme and tone reservation (TR) scheme to reduce the PAPR in FBMC‐OQAM systems. The first step is to detect and record the location of peak of FBMC‐OQAM signals and adopt phase rotation factors (based on PTS) to directly optimise the phase of recorded peak signals, which is called sparse PTS. Then the result is further processed by TR scheme for PAPR reduction. Simulation results show that the proposed hybrid scheme provides better PAPR reduction performance than the two schemes, and can achieve less side information transmitted than the sparse PTS scheme.
Analysis of ripple size evolution in the LT process
Authors: Khonsari Hossein , Okpotse Toritseju , Valipour Mehrdad , Yousefi Shahram
Published: May 2018

This study introduces a novel framework and analysis tool to monitor the evolution of the ripple size during the Luby‐transform (LT) decoding process. It provides a closed‐form probability expression to statistically describe the behaviour of the ripple size at each step of the decoding. The probability function is conditioned on the size of the ripple in the previous step, the number of recovered source symbols and the encoded symbols' degree distribution. The authors further derive a closed‐form expression for the ripple size after new encoded symbols are received by a decoder with an empty ripple. This relates to the activation of belief propagation decoding attempts once premature terminations occur. They validate their analyses through numerical examples of an LT‐coded system. The results show that their analyses precisely coincide with the numerical results.
New approximation for pdf of K‐ distribution: analytical study of QoS parameters in free space optical communication
Authors: Singh Rajeev Kumar , Kumar Santosh , Karmeshu
Published: May 2018

A new approximate expression for the probability density function (pdf) of K‐distribution is proposed. The approximate pdf is found to be in good agreement with the exact analytical closed‐form expression over the desired range of scintillation index lying between 2 and 3. Employing the proposed pdf, the expression in respect of two of the QoS measures of fade probability and bit error rate (BER) valid under various modulation schemes is given. Using the generalised expression of BER, plots under ON–OFF keying and binary phase shift keying modulation schemes are shown. The resulting expressions provide a better understanding in contrast to the exact results obtained in terms of Meijer G functions. Numerical computations are carried out to demonstrate the efficacy of approximate results.
Performance of scheduled space–time block coding scheme in cognitive multiple‐input–single‐output networks with imperfect channel state information
Authors: Yang Jing , Huang Hua , Nguyen Hien M. , Dong Zhicheng
Published: May 2018

In this study, the authors study a cognitive multiple‐input‐single‐output network, where the secondary base station (BS) communicates with a secondary destination scheduled from K candidate users. Assuming the scheduled space–time block coding scheme, they investigate the system performance and obtain the exact expressions for the outage probability (OP), symbol error rate (SER) and the achievable rates, taking into account the imperfect channel state information in the secondary BS to secondary receiver Rx link and secondary BS to primary Rx link. Furthermore, the asymptotic expressions for OP and SER in high sigal‐to‐noise ratio region are obtained, from which the coding and diversity gains are readily deduced. Finally, extensive performance evaluation results accompanied with equivalent ones obtained by simulations are provided to verify their analysis.
HERschelObservations of Edge-on Spirals (HEROES)
Authors: Mosenkov Aleksandr V. , Allaert Flor , Baes Maarten , Bianchi Simone , Camps Peter , Clark Christopher J. R. , Decleir Marjorie , De Geyter Gert , De Looze Ilse , Fritz Jacopo , Gentile Gianfranco , Holwerda Benne W. , Hughes Thomas M. , Lewis Fraser , Smith Matthew W. L. , Verstappen Joris , Verstocken Sam , Viaene Sébastien
Published: May 2018

We present results of the detailed dust energy balance study for the seven large edge-on galaxies in the HEROES sample using three-dimensional (3D) radiative transfer (RT) modelling. Based on available optical and near-infrared (NIR) observations of the HEROES galaxies, we derive the 3D distribution of stars and dust in these galaxies. For the sake of uniformity, we apply the same technique to retrieve galaxy properties for the entire sample: we use a stellar model consisting of a Sérsic bulge and three double-exponential discs (a superthin disc for a young stellar population and thin and thick discs for old populations). For the dust component, we adopt a double-exponential disc with the new THEMIS dust-grain model. We fit oligochromatic RT models to the optical and NIR images with the fitting algorithmFITSKIRTand run panchromatic simulations with theSKIRTcode at wavelengths ranging from ultraviolet to submillimeter. We confirm the previously stated dust energy balance problem in galaxies: for the HEROES galaxies, the dust emission derived from our RT calculations underestimates the real observations by a factor 1.5–4 for all galaxies except NGC 973 and NGC 5907 (apparently, the latter galaxy has a more complex geometry than we used). The comparison between our RT simulations and the observations at mid-infrared–submillimetre wavelengths shows that most of our galaxies exhibit complex dust morphologies (possible spiral arms, star-forming regions, more extended dust structure in the radial and vertical directions). We suggest that, in agreement with results from the literature, the large- and small-scale structure is the most probable explanation for the dust energy balance problem.
Periodic traveling-wave solutions to the Whitham equation
Authors: Casey Kendall F.
Published: May 2018

We investigate periodic traveling-wave solutions to the Whitham equation. It is shown that for solutions of this type, the Whitham equation can be expressed as a nonlinear integral equation of Hammerstein form. Solutions to this integral equation are then obtained by iteration. Representative numerical results are presented to illustrate the waveshapes and the nonlinear dispersion characteristics of the solutions thus obtained.
Psychologische Grundlagen der pädiatrischen Lebertransplantation
Authors: Petersen Irene , Dechow Anna , Schulz Karl-Heinz
Published: May 2018

Die Lebertransplantation (LTX) ist ein etabliertes Therapieverfahren für pädiatrische Patienten mit Leberversagen. Dabei sind die Überlebensraten in den letzten Jahrzehnten kontinuierlich gestiegen. Mit der Anzahl gewonnener Lebensjahre rückt die Frage nach deren Qualität in den Vordergrund. Dieser Artikel gibt einen Überblick über die Aufgabenfelder der pädiatrischen Transplantationspsychologie. Es werden Forschungsergebnisse zur gesundheitsbezogenen Lebensqualität von lebertransplantierten Kindern und Jugendlichen sowie zu Fatigue, zur psychischen Gesundheit, zur kognitiven Entwicklung und zu familiären Belastungen vorgestellt. Im Jugend- und jungem Erwachsenenalter ist das Risiko für Non-Adhärenz besonders hoch. Daher werden Adhärenz und Transition, das heißt der Wechsel in die Erwachsenenmedizin, gesondert diskutiert sowie Studien zum Langzeitüberleben nach LTX vorgestellt. Empfehlungen für die klinische Praxis bilden den Abschluss.
Schwierigkeiten der Emotionsregulation bei alkoholabhängigen Patienten mit komorbiden posttraumatischen Belastungsstörungen
Authors: Lotzin Annett , Lejeune Nina , Chuy-Ferrer Laycen , Schäfer Ingo
Published: May 2018

Ziel Das Ziel dieser Studie war es, Schwierigkeiten der Emotionsregulation bei alkoholabhängigen Patienten mit komorbider komplexer posttraumatischer Belastungsstörung (KPTBS) im Vergleich zu alkoholabhängigen Patienten mit komorbider posttraumatischer Belastungsstörung (PTBS) zu vergleichen.

Methodik N=106 Patienten mit Alkoholabhängigkeit und komorbider posttraumatischer Belastungsstörung nach DSM-5 wurden in die Studie eingeschlossen. Die Diagnose einer KPTBS wurde anhand des Interviews zur Erfassung der komplexen Posttraumatischen Belastungsstörung erhoben, Schwierigkeiten der Emotionsregulation wurden mit der Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale erfasst.

Ergebnisse Patienten mit komorbider KPTBS als auch Patienten mit komorbider PTBS wiesen Schwierigkeiten der Emotionsregulation auf. Schwierigkeiten der Emotionsregulation nahmen mit zunehmender Schwere der posttraumatischen Belastungsstörung zu. Patienten mit komorbider KPTBS wiesen im Vergleich zu Patienten mit komorbider PTBS größere Schwierigkeiten im Bereich der Aufmerksamkeit für die eigenen Emotionen auf.

Schlussfolgerung Schwierigkeiten der Emotionsregulation sollten in der Behandlung von Patienten mit Alkoholabhängigkeit und komorbider posttraumatischer Belastungsstörung berücksichtigt werden. Bei Patienten mit KPTBS sollte die Aufmerksamkeit für die eigenen Emotionen besonders geschult werden.
Rätselhafte Bradykardie auf dem Bürgersteig – spinaler Schock nach Fenstersturz
Authors: Paul Christian , Wetsch Wolfgang , Stangl Robert
Published: May 2018

Die wesentliche Gefahr einer Verletzung der Halswirbelsäule (HWS) besteht in der Gefahr der Schädigung des Rückenmarks. Diese äußert sich in Abhängigkeit von der Höhenlokalisation in sensorischen und motorischen Ausfällen distal der Schädigung. Sind vegetative Fasern verletzt, kann es zum spinalen Schock mit der klassischen Konstellation Hypotension und Bradykardie kommen. Neben der Volumengabe kommen ggf. auch vasoaktive Substanzen zum Einsatz, um das Herzzeitvolumen und somit auch die Perfusion des Rückenmarks zu erhalten. Die Entwicklung eines spinalen Schocks kann durch engmaschige Kreislaufkontrollen festgestellt werden.
Psychosoziale Aspekte in der Transplantationsmedizin
Authors: de Zwaan Martina , Erim Yesim
Published: May 2018

Wir freuen uns, Ihnen nach mehr als 15 Jahren wieder ein Sonderheft zu psychosozialen Aspekten in der Transplantationsmedizin zur Verfügung stellen zu können. Der Bogen der Beiträge reicht von der psychosozialen Evaluation von Patienten vor Transplantation, der Adhärenz mit Immunsuppressiva, dem subjektiven Erleben bei Nierenlebendspendern, den Auswirkungen einer Transplantation
auf die Partnerschaft bis zu psychischen Aspekten der Lebertransplantation bei Kindern.
Lidstrichtattoo assoziiert mit Lidkantenbasaliom – Zufall oder Assoziation?
Authors: Messmer Elisabeth , Möhring-Bengisu Caroline , Miller Christina
Published: May 2018

Eine zystische Lidkantenläsion wurde bei Verdacht auf Basaliom exzidiert. Histologisch fand sich neben einem Basalzellkarzinom schwarz-türkisblaues Pigment in der Dermis, betont perivaskulär, sowohl intrazellulär in Makrophagen und Fibroblasten als auch extrazellulär frei im Gewebe vereinbar mit einem Lidstrichtattoo. Typische Gewebereaktionen auf Tattootinte, Meibom-Drüsen-Dysfunktion nach Tattoo am Lidrand sowie Entzündungen von Netzhaut und Aderhaut auf augenferne Tattoos werden diskutiert. Die Assoziation von Lidtumoren und Lidstrichtattoos scheint koinzident.
The Relationship Between Liver Enzymes and Insulin Resistance in Type 2 Diabetes Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Sheng Xia , Che Hui , Ji Qingming , Yang Fan , Lv Jie , Wang Yueqiu , Xian Huimin , Wang Lihong
Published: May 2018

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is prevalent worldwide, especially in patients with type 2 diabetes. Liver enzymes are the main warning signs of liver injury and insulin resistance (IR) is critical to NAFLD. This study was aimed to investigate the association between liver enzymes and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes patients with NAFLD. Data from 212 diabetes patients with NAFLD were analyzed, including 118 males and 94 females who received care from 2014 to 2015. The patients were divided into three groups by severity (mild n=87, moderate n=89, severe n=36). All patients underwent standard clinical and laboratory examinations. Liver enzymes including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) were measured, serum fasting glucose and serum fasting insulin were obtained. IR was assessed using the homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR). Age, sex, and BMI did not significantly differ in patients (p>0.05). Compared with normal levels, elevated ALT and AST were associated with a higher HOMA-IR (p=0.0035, p=0.0096, respectively). HOMA-IR did not significantly differ (p>0.05) between patients with normal and elevated GGT. HOMA-IR increased as the levels of liver enzymes increased, and each enzyme showed a significant association with HOMA-IR (p=0.0166, p<0.0001, and p <0.0001). HOMA-IR differs between normal and elevated ALT and AST. Liver enzymes are associated with HOMA-IR in type 2 diabetes patients with NAFLD. These findings can help evaluate the degree of IR and hepatocellular steatosis in patients and prevent the progression of type 2 diabetes and NAFLD in clinical practice.
Effect of Bipolar Radiofrequency Energy on Canine Stifle Joint Fluid Temperature
Authors: Waldner Cheryl , Sathya Suresh , Shmon Cindy , Aoki Koji
Published: May 2018

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of bipolar radiofrequency (RF) energy on canine stifle joint fluid temperature.

Materials and Methods A standard stifle arthroscopy was performed on 15 canine large breed cadaveric stifle joints. A bipolar RF (VAPR III, 2.3-mm side effect electrode; Depuy Mitek, Raynham, Massachusetts, United States) unit was activated in the joint (1) with or without direct tissue contact, (2) with or without additional 18-gauge needle outflow and (3) for 15 and 30 seconds. The joint fluid temperature was monitored with two fibre optic intra-articular sensors.

Results The stifle joint fluid temperature was significantly higher when there was no contact between the tissue and RF probe (mean: 58.6°C with 95% confidence interval [CI]: 53.3–64.0°C) compared with when tissue was contacted (mean: 29.0°C with 95% CI: 26.3–31.6°C). An 18-gauge egress needle had minimal effect on reducing joint fluid temperature. The temperature was higher during the 30-second application of RF energy than the 15-second group.

Clinical Significance Bipolar RF energy without firm tissue contact rapidly and significantly increased joint fluid temperature beyond the level reported to damage chondrocytes (above 45°C). Caution is required in the use of bipolar RF energy in the canine stifle joint.
Biomechanical Comparison between Preloaded Position Screw and Lag Screw Fixations for Their Compressive Effects in a Porcine Rib Fracture Model
Authors: Chang Ya-Pei , Ho Chi-Yuan , Chen Chao-Chang , Yeh Lih-Seng
Published: May 2018

Objectives The aim of this study was to compare the compressive effect between preloaded position screws and lag screws in fracture fixation.

Methods Pairs of semi-cylindrical bone fragments were created on a porcine rib model to simulate fractured bones. The compressive forces of fracture fixation generated by preloaded position screws (P group) and conventional lag screws (L group) were recorded by a film stress sensor. In the P group, a pair of Angus bone holding forceps was used to compress the interfragmentary interface until reaching the preloading force of 1.3 MPa. Similar preloading procedure was applied on lag screw fixations to explore its potential of additional compressive force.

Results With 1.3 MPa preloading force and 0.2 Nm screw insertion torque force, the interfragmentary compressive force of P group was similar to that of L group. When the insertion torque force was increased to 0.4 Nm, all screws in the L group failed due to thread stripping. When screws in the P group were installed under 0.4 Nm torque and in the L group under 0.2 Nm torque, the P group generated significantly greater compressive force. With preloading device applied on lag screw installation, it did not further increase the interfragmentary compressive force.

Clinical Significance Compared with lag screws, preloaded position screws tolerated greater torque in screw installation and provided greater interfragmentary compressive force. The study suggests the applicability of preloaded position screws in fracture fixation requiring interfragmentary compression.
Comparative Evaluation of Nonprocedural Nephrostomy-Related Complications in Patients with Ureteric Obstruction due to Cancer versus Other Causes: Is the Protocol of Routine 3-month Nephrostomy Exchange Optimal for Both Disease Processes?
Authors: Hu Tianshen , Zhang Ning , Mcdevitt Joseph , Odu Ayobami , Xi Yin , Lamus Daniel , Sutphin Patrick , Kalva Sanjeeva , Pillai Anil
Published: May 2018

Purpose To evaluate nonprocedural percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) complications and assess whether the protocol of routine 3-month exchange of PCN is optimal in patients with malignant ureteral obstruction (MUO) and benign ureteral obstruction (BUO).

Materials and Methods Retrospective study of 103 patients with a mean age of 48 years (36 men, 67 women) who underwent PCN placement and subsequent PCN exchanges between January 2011 and January 2014 at the institution was conducted. Comparisons of the number of catheter days for those with routine exchange and emergency exchange due to tube obstruction, infection, and mechanical failures were made in patients with MUO and BUO.

Results Of the 256 PCN exchange procedures, 139 were performed in the cancer cohort and 117 in the noncancer cohort. Complications requiring emergent exchanges were more common in cancer patients, particularly due to obstruction, which accounted for 57% of exchanges in MUO with a median onset of 50 days. In contrast, the majority of noncancer patients in this study did not require emergent exchange before 3 months. Routine exchanges accounted for 43% and 55% of exchanges in MUO and BUO, respectively. In both the groups, only a small proportion of emergent tube exchanges occurred beyond 105 days.

Conclusion A routine 3-month nephrostomy exchange protocol may not be ideal for all patients. The optimal timing for exchange of nephrostomy appears to be earlier for patients with MUO compared with those with BUO. A prospective study is required to define an optimal policy for postprocedural nephrostomy tube care in both the cohorts.
Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Interventions
Authors: Yadav Ankusha , Condati Naveen , Mukund Amar
Published: May 2018

Biliary tract interventions remain indispensable procedures for treatment of a wide arena of biliary tract pathologies. The increased use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for biliary tract evaluation and intervention has resulted in fewer patients requiring percutaneous transhepatic biliary interventions. However, there remains a subset of patients in whom ERCP is not feasible. Interventional radiologists play an important role in the management of biliary pathologies in such patients who cannot be benefited by endoscopic means. These interventions may at times be challenging; hence, awareness of normal and variant biliary tract anatomy and the variety of biliary tract interventions make the job easy. This article reviews the role of percutaneous transhepatic interventions in the management of a variety of biliary tract diseases, both benign and malignant, general indications and contraindications, preprocedural evaluation, and technical considerations specific to indications.
Preoperative Cyanoacrylate Embolization of Venous Malformations
Authors: Monroe Eric , Chewning Rush , Koo Kevin , Shivaram Giri
Published: May 2018

Percutaneous sclerotherapy and standalone surgical excision have historically been the mainstay of treatment for pediatric venous malformations (VMs). However, both approaches have significant limitations. Sclerotherapy often requires multiple treatment sessions, with each round adding additional procedural and anesthetic risks as well as radiation exposure. Standalone surgical excision of VMs can be complicated by high-volume blood loss, and indistinct lesion margins can lead to incomplete resection, resulting in recurrence. An alternative to these approaches is percutaneous cyanoacrylate glue embolization followed by immediate surgical excision, a single-stage procedure that allows for better surgical margin definition and reduced intraoperative blood loss, potentially leading to more definitive treatment. The authors describe the interventional radiology aspects of this combined procedure, emphasizing materials preparation and embolization technique.
Antibodies against HDL Components in Ischaemic Stroke and Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Batuca Joana , Amaral Marta , Favas Catarina , Justino Gonçalo , Papoila Ana , Ames Paul , Alves José
Published: May 2018

Quantitative and qualitative defects of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) are important in atherogenesis. In this study, we investigated whether antibodies against HDL components had additional value to conventional cardiovascular risk factors for the diagnosis of ischaemic stroke (IS) and coronary artery disease (CAD). Cross-sectional study was conducted on 53 patients with IS, 51 with CAD and 55 healthy controls, and in vitro studies to validate findings of the clinical study. We determined serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against HDL (aHDL), apolipoproteins (aApoA-I, aApoA-II and aApoC-I) and paraoxonase-1 (aPON1) as well as PON1 activity (PON1a), total antioxidant capacity and biomarkers of endothelial activation (serum nitric oxide metabolites, 3-nitrotyrosine, VCAM-1 and ICAM-1); in vitro assays tested the capacity of IgG aHDL purified from high titer patients to inhibit PON1a and to reverse protective effect of HDL on endothelial cells. IgG aHDL, aApoA-I and aPON1 were higher in IS and CAD than controls (p < 0.001), predicted negatively PON1a and positively VCAM-1 and ICAM-1. By adding IgG aHDL and aApoA-I to a traditional cardiovascular risk factors model for IS and by adding IgG aHDL in a similar model for CAD, we obtained better discrimination of IS and CAD from healthy controls. IgG aHDL purified from IS and CAD inhibited PON1a by 38% (p < 0.01) and abrogated the protective effect of HDL on VCAM-1 expression by 126% compared with non-specific human IgG (p < 0.001). IgG against HDL components interfere with the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of HDL and may represent novel biomarkers for vascular disease that need to be investigated in prospective studies.
Metoclopramide and Diphenhydramine: A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Treatment for Headache in Pregnancy when Acetaminophen Alone Is Ineffective (MAD Headache Study)
Authors: Dothager Christina , Gavard Jeffrey , Lebovitz Sara , Laska Catherine , Mostello Dorothea , Childress Katherine
Published: May 2018

Objective We investigated whether metoclopramide administered with diphenhydramine (MAD) relieves headache in pregnant women when acetaminophen alone is ineffective, using codeine for comparison.

Study Design Normotensive pregnant women in the second or third trimester were randomized to MAD intravenously (10 mg and 25 mg, respectively) or codeine orally (30 mg) for headache after 650 to 1,000 mg of acetaminophen failed to relieve their headaches. Headache severity (pain score 0–10) was noted at intervals over 24 hours. The primary outcome was reduction in pain score 6 hours after medication administration. A sample size calculation of 35 patients per group was based on estimated reduction in headache pain score by at least two points, with an α of 0.05 and a power of 80%.

Results No difference was seen in the primary outcome. MAD pain scores were lower at 30 minutes (3 ± 2.8 versus 5.8 ± 2.3, p < 0.001), 1 hour (2.2 ± 2.3 vs. 4.1 ± 3; p < 0.01), and 12 hours (1.3 ± 2.5 vs. 2.7 ± 3; p < 0.05), but not at 6 hours. Time to perceived headache relief was shorter for MAD than for codeine (20.2 ± 13.4 vs. 62.4 ± 62.2 minutes; p < 0.001). More patients in the MAD group reported full headache relief within 24 hours (76.5 vs. 37.5%; p < 0.01).

Conclusion MAD effectively relieves headaches in pregnant women when acetaminophen fails.
Nonmedically Indicated Induction of Labor Compared with Expectant Management in Nulliparous Women Aged 35 Years or Older
Authors: Bowers Katherine , Khoury Jane , Kawakita Tetsuya
Published: May 2018

Objective This article compares maternal and neonatal outcomes in women aged ≥ 35 years who experienced nonmedically indicated induction of labor (NMII) versus expectant management.

Study Design This was a retrospective cohort study of nulliparas aged ≥ 35 years with a singleton and cephalic presentation who delivered at term. Outcomes were compared between women who underwent NMII at 37, 38, 39, and 40 weeks' gestation and those with expectant management that week. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated, controlling for predefined covariates.

Results Of 3,819 nulliparas aged ≥ 35 years, 1,409 (36.9%) women underwent NMII. Overall at 39 weeks' gestation or later, maternal and neonatal outcomes were similar or improved with NMII. At 37, 38, and 39 weeks' gestation, NMII compared with expectant management was associated with decreased odds of cesarean delivery at 37, 38, and 39 weeks' gestation. At 40 weeks' gestation, NMII compared with expectant management was associated with an increased odds of operative vaginal delivery and a decreased odds of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission.

Conclusion In nulliparous women aged ≥ 35 years, NMII was associated with decreased odds of cesarean delivery at 37 to 39 weeks' gestation and decreased odds of NICU admission at 40 weeks' gestation compared with expectant management.
Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Ameliorate Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in a Rat Skin Free Flap Model
Authors: Casado Javier , Abellán Elena , Vela Francisco , Álvarez Verónica , Usón Alejandra , Blázquez Rebeca , Sánchez-Margallo Francisco , Ballestín Alberto
Published: May 2018

Background Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is inevitable during free tissue transfers. When the period of ischemia exceeds the tissue tolerance, it causes necrosis and flap failure. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) embedded in a collagen type I scaffold on the survival of free skin flaps to counteract I/R injury.

Methods Left superficial caudal epigastric skin flaps (3 × 6 cm) were performed in 28 Wistar rats that were divided into four groups. The flaps elevated in the animals of the control group did not suffer any ischemic insult, and the vascular pedicle was not cut. All other flaps were subjected to 8 hours of ischemia prior to revascularization: I/R control group (8 hours of ischemia), I/R scaffold group (8 hours of ischemia + collagen type I scaffold), and I/R scaffold–ASCs group (8 hours of ischemia + collagen type I scaffold with rat ASCs embedded). Transit-time ultrasound blood flow measurements were performed. After 7 days, the areas of flap survival were measured and tissues were stained with hematoxylin/eosin and Masson's trichrome stain for histological analysis.

Results The mean percentage flap survival area was significantly higher in the ASCs-treated flaps (I/R scaffold–ASCs group) compared with the ischemic controls (I/R control group and I/R scaffold group). Higher vascular proliferation and lower severity of necrosis and inflammatory changes were seen histologically in the samples of the ASCs-treated group. No significant difference in blood flow was detected between groups.

Conclusion Subcutaneous administration of ASCs embedded on a collagen type I scaffold reduces tissue damage after I/R injury in microvascular free flaps.
Therapierefraktäre Verläufe und Eskalationsstrategien in der Behandlung der Myasthenia gravis
Authors: Hoffmann Sarah , Meisel Andreas
Published: May 2018

Therapierefraktäre Verläufe der Myasthenia gravis (MG) mit Versagen auf oder Kontraindikationen für die (erweiterte) Standardtherapie sind mit 10 – 15 % aller Myasthenie-Patienten selten. Die aktuellen internationalen Konsens-Leitlinien für die Behandlung der MG empfehlen die Zuweisung von therapierefraktären Patienten an ein Zentrum mit Erfahrung in der Behandlung der MG sowie den Einsatz von intravenösen Immunglobulin- oder Plasmapherese-Therapien. Bei Fehlen von Kontraindikationen ist zur Kontrolle der myasthenen Symptome jedoch zusätzlich der Einsatz von Langzeit-Immunsuppressiva erforderlich. Dieser Artikel gibt einen Überblick über die aktuellen Entwicklungen und präsentiert therapeutische Strategien in der Behandlung der therapierefraktären MG.
Abrechnungsbetrug – die neue Hexenjagd auf einen renommierten Berufsstand
Authors: Beyer Richard , Gabler Daniela
Published: May 2018

Wegen Abrechnungsbetrug ins Visier von staatsanwaltschaftlichen Ermittlungen zu gelangen, ist eine imminente Gefahr für jeden privat liquidierenden oder kassenärztlich niedergelassenen Kollegen. Die Rechtsprechung unterstellt, dass jeder Arzt die Regelungen und die Abrechenbarkeit bis in die kleinste Verästelung kennt bzw. kennen muss. Auch die Auslegung der Abrechnungsziffern hat der Arzt eigenverantwortlich vorzunehmen. Als problematisch muss hervorgehoben werden, dass bereits ab einer angenommenen Schadenssumme von nur 50,00 EUR ein staatsanwaltschaftlich zu ahndendes, relevantes Betrugsdelikt angenommen wird. Die Hürden zur Einleitung eines Ermittlungsverfahrens oder von Durchsuchungsmaßnahmen sind in Deutschland niedrig. Ein Anfangsverdacht, d. h. die bloße Wahrscheinlichkeit, basierend auf der kriminalistischen Erfahrung der Ermittlungsbehörden, dass ein Abrechnungsbetrug begangen worden sein könnte, ist hierfür ausreichend. Allzu rasch wird ein Beschuldigter so zum Spielball der Ermittlungsbehörden und steht nahezu rechtsschutzlos da. Ein Ermittlungs- oder Gerichtsverfahren wegen Abrechnungssachen stellt eine existenzielle Bedrohung für jeden Arzt dar – bis hin zum Verlust der ärztlichen Approbation.
Digital Innovation and Institutional Entrepreneurship: Chief Digital Officer Perspectives of their Emerging Role
Authors: Tumbas Sanja , Berente Nicholas , Brocke Jan vom
Published: May 2018

In this study, we explore the role of Chief Digital Officer (CDO) through the perspectives of CDOs in thirty-five organizations. In enacting their emerging role, CDOs must navigate the existing institutionalized context of established information technology (IT) roles and respective jurisdictional claims. We find that CDOs intentionally draw on the term “digital” to distance themselves from existing executive roles in order to gain legitimacy. CDOs as institutional entrepreneurs take a focal role in both: (1) articulating and developing the emerging “digital” logic of action and (2) enacting this digital logic through strategies such as grafting, bridging, and decoupling to navigate tensions between the existing and emerging approaches to innovation with digital technologies.
Commissioning of the ECR ion source of the high intensity proton injector of the Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research (FAIR)
Authors: Tuske O. , Chauvin N. , Delferriere O. , Fils J. , Gauthier Y.
Published: May 2018

The CEA at Saclay is in charge of developing and building the ion source and the low energy line of the proton linac of the FAIR (Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research) accelerator complex located at GSI (Darmstadt) in Germany. The FAIR facility will deliver stable and rare isotope beams covering a huge range of intensities and beam energies for experiments in the fields of atomic physics, plasma physics, nuclear physics, hadron physics, nuclear matter physics, material physics, and biophysics. A significant part of the experimental program at FAIR is dedicated to antiproton physics that requires an ultimate number 7 × 1010 cooled pbar/h. The high-intensity proton beam that is necessary for antiproton production will be delivered by a dedicated 75 mA/70 MeV proton linac. A 2.45 GHz microwave ion source will deliver a 100 mA H+ beam pulsed at 4 Hz with an energy of 95 keV. A 2 solenoids low energy beam transport line allows the injection of the proton beam into the radio frequency quadrupole (RFQ) within an acceptance of 0.3π mm mrad (norm. rms). An electrostatic chopper system located between the second solenoid and the RFQ is used to cut the beam macro-pulse from the source to inject 36 μs long beam pulses into the RFQ. At present time, a Ladder-RFQ is under construction at the University of Frankfurt. This article reports the first beam measurements obtained since mid of 2016. Proton beams have been extracted from the ECR ion source and analyzed just after the extraction column on a dedicated diagnostic chamber. Emittance measurements as well as extracted current and species proportion analysis have been performed in different configurations of ion source parameters, such as magnetic field profile, radio frequency power, gas injection, and puller electrode voltage.
Optical nanofiber temperature monitoring via double heterodyne detection
Authors: Anderson P. , Jalnapurkar S. , Moiseev E. S. , Chang D. , Barclay P. E. , Lezama A. , Lvovsky A. I.
Published: May 2018

Tapered optical fibers (nanofibers) whose diameters are smaller than the optical wavelength are very fragile and can be easily destroyed if excessively heated by energy dissipated from the transmitted light. We present a technique for monitoring the nanofiber temperature using two-stage heterodyne detection. The phase of the heterodyne output signal is determined by that of the transmitted optical field, which, in turn, depends on the temperature through the refractive index. From the phase data, by numerically solving the heat exchange equations, the temperature distribution along the nanofiber is determined. The technique is applied to the controlled heating of the nanofiber by a laser in order to remove rubidium atoms adsorbed on its surface that substantially degrade its transmission. Almost 90% of the nanofiber’s original transmission is recovered.
Underwater electrical wire explosion: Shock wave from melting being overtaken by shock wave from vaporization
Authors: Li Liuxia , Qian Dun , Zou Xiaobing , Wang Xinxin
Published: May 2018

The shock waves generated by an underwater electrical wire explosion were investigated. A microsecond time-scale pulsed current source was used to trigger the electrical explosion of copper wires with a length of 5 cm and a diameter of 200 μm. The energy-storage capacitor was charged to a relatively low energy so that the energy deposited onto the wire was not large enough to fully vaporize the whole wire. Two shock waves were recorded with a piezoelectric gauge that was located at a position of 100 mm from the exploding wire. The first and weak shock wave was confirmed to be the contribution from wire melting, while the second and stronger shock wave was the contribution from wire vaporization. The phenomenon whereby the first shock wave generated by melting being overtaken by the shock wave due to vaporization was observed.
Fast resolution change in neutral helium atom microscopy
Authors: Flatabø R. , Eder S. D. , Ravn A. K. , Samelin B. , Greve M. M. , Reisinger T. , Holst B.
Published: May 2018

In neutral helium atom microscopy, a beam of atoms is scanned across a surface. Though still in its infancy, neutral helium microscopy has seen a rapid development over the last few years. The inertness and low energy of the helium atoms (less than 0.1 eV) combined with a very large depth of field and the fact that the helium atoms do not penetrate any solid material at low energies open the possibility for a non-destructive instrument that can measure topology on the nanoscale even on fragile and insulating surfaces. The resolution is determined by the beam spot size on the sample. Fast resolution change is an attractive property of a microscope because it allows different aspects of a sample to be investigated and makes it easier to identify specific features. However up till now it has not been possible to change the resolution of a helium microscope without breaking the vacuum and changing parts of the atom source. Here we present a modified source design, which allows fast, step wise resolution change. The basic design idea is to insert a moveable holder with a series of collimating apertures in front of the source, thus changing the effective source size of the beam and thereby the spot size on the surface and thus the microscope resolution. We demonstrate a design with 3 resolution steps. The number of resolution steps can easily be extended.
An experimental platform for triaxial high-pressure/high-temperature testing of rocks using computed tomography
Authors: Glatz Guenther , Lapene Alexandre , Castanier Louis M. , Kovscek Anthony R.
Published: May 2018

A conventional high-pressure/high-temperature experimental apparatus for combined geomechanical and flow-through testing of rocks is not X-ray compatible. Additionally, current X-ray transparent systems for computed tomography (CT) of cm-sized samples are limited to design temperatures below 180 °C. We describe a novel, high-temperature (>400 °C), high-pressure (>2000 psi/>13.8 MPa confining, >10 000 psi/>68.9 MPa vertical load) triaxial core holder suitable for X-ray CT scanning. The new triaxial system permits time-lapse imaging to capture the role of effective stress on fluid distribution and porous medium mechanics. System capabilities are demonstrated using ultimate compressive strength (UCS) tests of Castlegate sandstone. In this case, flooding the porous medium with a radio-opaque gas such as krypton before and after the UCS test improves the discrimination of rock features such as fractures. The results of high-temperature tests are also presented. A Uintah Basin sample of immature oil shale is heated from room temperature to 459 °C under uniaxial compression. The sample contains kerogen that pyrolyzes as temperature rises, releasing hydrocarbons. Imaging reveals the formation of stress bands as well as the evolution and connectivity of the fracture network within the sample as a function of time.
When chaos meets relativistic quantum mechanics
Authors: Liebendorfer Adam
Published: May 2018

The emerging field of relativistic quantum chaos promises to illuminate quantum phenomena for the next generation of electronic, spintronic and valleytronic solid-state devices.
Two Related Subpellicular Cytoskeleton-associated Proteins inTrypanosoma bruceiStabilize Microtubules
Authors: Vedrenne Cécile , Giroud Christiane , Robinson Derrick R. , Besteiro Sébastien , Bosc Christophe , Bringaud Frédéric , Baltz Théo
Published: May 2018

The subpellicular microtubules of the trypanosome cytoskeleton are cross-linked to each other and the plasma membrane, creating a cage-like structure. We have isolated, from Trypanosoma brucei, two related low-molecular-weight cytoskeleton-associated proteins (15- and 17-kDa), called CAP15 and CAP17, which are differentially expressed during the life cycle. Immunolabeling shows a corset-like colocalization of both CAPs and tubulin. Western blot and electron microscope analyses show CAP15 and CAP17 labeling on detergent-extracted cytoskeletons. However, the localization of both proteins is restricted to the anterior, microtubule minus, and less dynamic half of the corset. CAP15 and CAP17 share properties of microtubule-associated proteins when expressed in heterologous cells (Chinese hamster ovary and HeLa), colocalization with their microtubules, induction of microtubule bundle formation, cold resistance, and insensitivity to nocodazole. When overexpressed inT. brucei, both CAP15 and CAP17 cover the whole subpellicular corset and induce morphological disorders, cell cycle-based abnormalities, and subsequent asymmetric cytokinesis.
In wound repair vimentin mediates the transition of mesenchymal leader cells to a myofibroblast phenotype
Authors: Walker J. L. , Bleaken B. M. , Romisher A. R. , Alnwibit A. A. , Menko A. S.
Published: May 2018

Following injury, mesenchymal repair cells are activated to function as leader cells that modulate wound healing. These cells have the potential to differentiate to myofibroblasts, resulting in fibrosis and scarring. The signals underlying these differing pathways are complex and incompletely understood. The ex vivo mock cataract surgery cultures are an attractive model with which to address this question. With this model we study, concurrently, the mechanisms that control mesenchymal leader cell function in injury repair within their native microenvironment and the signals that induce this same cell population to acquire a myofibroblast phenotype when these cells encounter the environment of the adjacent tissue culture platform. Here we show that on injury, the cytoskeletal protein vimentin is released into the extracellular space, binds to the cell surface of the mesenchymal leader cells located at the wound edge in the native matrix environment, and supports wound closure. In profibrotic environments, the extracellular vimentin pool also links specifically to the mesenchymal leader cells and has an essential role in signaling their fate change to a myofibroblast. These findings suggest a novel role for extracellular, cell-surface–associated vimentin in mediating repair-cell function in wound repair and in transitioning these cells to a myofibroblast phenotype.