bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and degradation of cAMP in Giardia lamblia: possible role and characterization of a nucleotidyl cyclase with a single cyclase homology domain
Authors: Saraullo Vanina , Di Siervi Nicolas , Jerez Belen , Davio Carlos , Zurita Adolfo
Published: October 2017

Despite its importance in the regulation of growth and differentiation processes of a variety of organisms, the mechanism of synthesis and degradation of cAMP (cyclic AMP) has not yet been described in Giardia lamblia. In this work, we measured significant quantities of cAMP in trophozoites of G. lamblia incubated in vitro and later detected how it increases during the first hours of encystation, and how it then returns to basal levels at 24 h. Through an analysis of the genome of G. lamblia, we found sequences of three putative enzymes — one phosphodiesterase (gPDE) and two nucleotidyl cyclases (gNC1 and gNC2) — that should be responsible for the regulation of cAMP in G. lamblia. Later, an RT-PCR assay confirmed that these three genes are expressed in trophozoites. The bioinformatic analysis indicated that gPDE is a transmembrane protein of 154 kDa, with a single catalytic domain in the C-terminal end; gNC1 is predicted to be a transmembrane protein of 74 kDa, with only one class III cyclase homology domain (CHD) at the C-terminal end; and gNC2 should be a transmembrane protein of 246 kDa, with two class III CHDs. Finally, we cloned and enriched the catalytic domain of gNC1 (gNC1cd) from bacteria. After that, we confirmed that gNC1cd has adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity. This enzymatic activity depends on the presence of Mn2+ and Ca2+, but no significant activity was displayed in the presence of Mg2+. Additionally, the AC activity of gNC1cd is competitively inhibited with GTP, so it is highly possible that gNC1 has guanylyl cyclase activity as well.
Regulation of insulin-like growth factor receptors by Ubiquilin1
Authors: Kurlawala Zimple , Dunaway Rain , Shah Parag P. , Gosney Julie A. , Siskind Leah J. , Ceresa Brian P. , Beverly Levi J.
Published: October 2017

Insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R) is a receptor tyrosine kinase that mediates growth, proliferation and survival. Dysregulation of IGF pathway contributes to the initiation, progression and metastasis of cancer and is also involved in diseases of glucose metabolism, such as diabetes. We have identified Ubiquilin1 (UBQLN1) as a novel interaction partner of IGF1R, IGF2R and insulin receptor (INSR). UBQLN family of proteins have been studied primarily in the context of protein quality control and in the field of neurodegenerative disorders. Our laboratory discovered a link between UBQLN1 function and tumorigenesis, such that UBQLN1 is lost and underexpressed in 50% of human lung adenocarcinoma cases. We demonstrate here that UBQLN1 regulates the expression and activity of IGF1R. Following loss of UBQLN1 in lung adenocarcinoma cells, there is accelerated loss of IGF1R. Despite decreased levels of total receptors, the ratio of active : total receptors is higher in cells that lack UBQLN1. UBQLN1 also regulates INSR and IGF2R post-stimulation with ligand. We conclude that UBQLN1 is essential for normal regulation of IGF receptors. UBQLN-1-deficient cells demonstrate increased cell viability compared with control when serum-starved and stimulation of IGF pathway in these cells increased their migratory potential by 3-fold. As the IGF pathway is involved in processes of normal growth, development, metabolism and cancer progression, understanding its regulation by Ubiquilin1 can be of tremendous value to many disciplines.
Nuclear transport of the Neurospora crassa NIT-2 transcription factor is mediated by importin-α
Authors: Bernardes Natália E. , Takeda Agnes A.S. , Dreyer Thiago R. , Cupertino Fernanda B. , Virgilio Stela , Pante Nelly , Bertolini Maria Célia , Fontes Marcos R.M.
Published: October 2017

The Neurospora crassa NIT-2 transcription factor belongs to the GATA transcription factor family and plays a fundamental role in the regulation of nitrogen metabolism. Because NIT-2 acts by accessing DNA inside the nucleus, understanding the nuclear import process of NIT-2 is necessary to characterize its function. Thus, in the present study, NIT-2 nuclear transport was investigated using a combination of biochemical, cellular, and biophysical methods. A complemented strain that produced an sfGFP–NIT-2 fusion protein was constructed, and nuclear localization assessments were made under conditions that favored protein translocation to the nucleus. Nuclear translocation was also investigated using HeLa cells, which showed that the putative NIT-2 nuclear localization sequence (NLS; 915TISSKRQRRHSKS927) was recognized by importin-α and that subsequent transport occurred via the classical import pathway. The interaction between the N. crassa importin-α (NcImpα) and the NIT-2 NLS was quantified with calorimetric assays, leading to the observation that the peptide bound to two sites with different affinities, which is typical of a monopartite NLS sequence. The crystal structure of the NcImpα/NIT-2 NLS complex was solved and revealed that the NIT-2 peptide binds to NcImpα with the major NLS-binding site playing a primary role. This result contrasts other recent studies that suggested a major role for the minor NLS-binding site in importin-α from the α2 family, indicating that both sites can be used for different cargo proteins according to specific metabolic requirements.
Adenovirus-mediated artificial miRNA targetting fibrinogen-like protein 2 attenuates the severity of acute pancreatitis in mice
Authors: Ye Xiaohua , Ding Jin , Chen Yanping , Dong Jiayue
Published: October 2017

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) remains to be challenging for its unpredictable inflammatory progression from acute pancreatitis to SAP. Apoptosis is an important pathology of SAP. Fibrinogen-like protein 2 (FGL2) has been reported to be involved in apoptosis. The present study aimed to explore the therapeutic effect of an adenovirus-mediated artificial miRNA targetting FGL2 (Ad-FGL2-miRNA) in taurocholate-induced murine pancreatitis models. Sodium taurocholate was retrogradely injected into the biliopancreatic ducts of the C57/BL mice to induce SAP. FGL2 expression was measured with reverse transcription-PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemical staining. ELISA was used to detect the activity of amylase and the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). In addition, the mRNA levels of TNF-α and IL-1β were also detected. Finally, apoptosis was assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP-biotin nick-end labeling (TUNEL) method and Western blotting. Ad-FGL2-miRNA significantly suppressed FGL2 expression and alleviated pancreatic injury. Also, Ad-FGL2-miRNA markedly inhibited a post-SAP increase in the activation of TNF-α and IL-1β. Finally, pretreatment with Ad-FGL2-miRNA ameliorated apoptosis at the early stage of SAP by modulating cleaved caspase-3 and therefore played a protective role. These results indicated that FGL2 might be a promising target for attenuating the severity of SAP and adenovirus-mediated artificial miRNAs targetting FGL2 represented a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of SAP.
Prediction of cytochrome P450-mediated drug clearance in humans based on the measured activities of selected CYPs
Authors: Gao Jie , Wang Jie , Gao Na , Tian Xin , Zhou Jun , Fang Yan , Zhang Hai-Feng , Wen Qiang , Jia Lin-Jing , Zou Dan , Qiao Hai-Ling
Published: October 2017

Determining drug-metabolizing enzyme activities on an individual basis is an important component of personalized medicine, and cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs) play a principal role in hepatic drug metabolism. Herein, a simple method for predicting the major CYP-mediated drug clearance in vitro and in vivo is presented. Ten CYP-mediated drug metabolic activities in human liver microsomes (HLMs) from 105 normal liver samples were determined. The descriptive models for predicting the activities of these CYPs in HLMs were developed solely on the basis of the measured activities of a smaller number of more readily assayed CYPs. The descriptive models then were combined with the Conventional Bias Corrected in vitro–in vivo extrapolation method to extrapolate drug clearance in vivo. The Vmax, Km, and CLint of six CYPs (CYP2A6, 2C8, 2D6, 2E1, and 3A4/5) could be predicted by measuring the activities of four CYPs (CYP1A2, 2B6, 2C9, and 2C19) in HLMs. Based on the predicted CLint, the values of CYP2A6-, 2C8-, 2D6-, 2E1-, and 3A4/5-mediated drug clearance in vivo were extrapolated and found that the values for all five drugs were close to the observed clearance in vivo. The percentage of extrapolated values of clearance in vivo which fell within 2-fold of the observed clearance ranged from 75.2% to 98.1%. These findings suggest that measuring the activity of CYP1A2, 2B6, 2C9, and 2C19 allowed us to accurately predict CYP2A6-, 2C8-, 2D6-, 2E1-, and 3A4/5-mediated activities in vitro and in vivo and may possibly be helpful for the assessment of an individual’s drug metabolic profile.
Resource allocation for OFDM‐based improved DF relaying
Authors: Qin Dong , Wang Yuhao , Zhou Tianqing
Published: October 2017

This study considers an improved decode and forward (DF) protocol in an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing‐based cooperative system, where the improved DF protocol implies that the source node is allowed to emit the same symbol in the second phase as that in the first phase, irrespective to whether the relay is idle or not. Because rate provision is one of the main design goals in wireless network, the authors construct an optimisation problem to improve the overall sum rate of the system and propose a joint power allocation and subcarrier pairing algorithm. Total power constraint and individual power constraints at the source node and the relay node will be treated differently. Both theoretical analysis and simulation results demonstrate that the authors' proposed joint algorithm for the improved DF protocol drastically harvests remarkable gains from the extra repeat transmission in the second phase and is superior to other existing methods.
Energy‐based stabilisation and robust stabilisation of stochastic non‐linear systems
Authors: Liu Yan‐Hong , Cao Gui‐Zhou , Tang Shu‐Xia , Cai Xiu‐Shan , Peng Jin‐Zhu
Published: October 2017

This study proposes a constructive stabilisation and robust controller design method for stochastic non‐linear systems from a novel dissipation analysis and energy point of view. First, the authors propose a sufficient condition for the dissipation of stochastic Hamiltonian systems and discuss the energy property of the systems, which will be used for the stability analysis and feedback controller design. Then, the authors show that the system is (asymptotically) stable in probability if it is (strictly) dissipative. By completing the Hamiltonian realisation of the stochastic non‐linear systems, a feedback controller is proposed to stabilise the system under the condition of dissipation and zero state detectability. For stochastic non‐linear systems subjected to external disturbances, an energy‐based controller was proposed by choosing the Hamiltonian function to construct a solution of Hamiltonian–Jacobi inequality. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method was illustrated via the inverted pendulum systems.
Spectral decomposition based solutions to the matrix equation
Authors: Li Zhao‐Yan , Zhou Bin
Published: October 2017

This study studies the matrix equation , which has many important applications in control theory, by using spectral decompositions of A and B. By establishing solvability conditions and solutions to the standard vector equation , and the spectral decompositions of the associated nivellateur of the matrix equation, necessary and sufficient conditions for the solvability of the matrix equation are provided in terms of the coefficients of the spectral decompositions of A and B. Moreover, explicit solutions are provided, which are also based on the coefficients of the spectral decompositions of A and B. The obtained results include the existing ones as special cases, and, moreover, correct some errors in the existing methods. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is demonstrated by some illustrative examples.
Method of power grid fault diagnosis using intuitionistic fuzzy Petri nets
Authors: Zhang Xu , Yue Shuai , Zha Xiaobing
Published: October 2017

The uncertainty of alarm information in power grids can lead to incorrect diagnosis of faults. The authors propose a method for diagnosing power grid faults that considers the uncertainty of alarm information using intuitionistic fuzzy logic. To consider the influence of the uncertainty of alarm information in fault diagnosis, an intuitionistic fuzzy set is used to represent the certainty and the uncertainty of alarm information. Using topological analysis and the logical relationships among electrical devices, protective actions, and circuit breaker trips, the authors establish a diagnostic model for power systems based on intuitionistic fuzzy Petri nets. The certainty and the uncertainty of electrical device fault events are calculated using the reasoning method for intuitionistic fuzzy Petri nets. The results for some test cases show that this method can effectively diagnose complex faults in power systems when multiple components operate incorrectly in the complicated data environment and the information is not trusted.
Fault‐location method for HVDC transmission lines based on phase frequency characteristics
Authors: Li Congshan , He Ping
Published: October 2017

A novel high‐voltage direct‐current (HVDC) line fault location method based on phase frequency change characteristics is proposed. The idea of the method is the travelling waves for the fault happened on different positions have different phase distortion characteristics, when they spread to the measuring terminal. By using the discrete Fourier analysis, the phase frequency characteristics were obtained. The frequency data of 40 to 60 Hz and the corresponding phase angle ratio data are selected, forming a N  × 3 matrix, each row of data represents the relationship between the fault location and phase angle ratio, fitting each row of data, respectively, the mathematical relationship between the fault location and phase angle ratio can be obtained, finally realise DC line fault location by seeking average. Finally, a lot of different faults are simulated and analysed on the PSCAD platform to verify the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method.
Fast synthesis of methacrylated graphene oxide: a graphene‐functionalised nanostructure
Authors: Rahimi Mamaghani Kaveh , Naghib Seyed Morteza , Zahedi Alireza , Zeinali Kalkhoran Amir Hossein , Rahmanian Mehdi
Published: October 2017

Graphene oxide (GO) was successfully synthesised via modified Hummer method and functionalised by methacrylate named MeGO (metacrylated GO). Different characterisation methods containing UV–vis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM) analyses were employed to characterise the structure and morphology of MeGO. The outputs of the different analyses confirmed each other and proved the presence of the methacrylate functional group on the surface of the GO. Displacement in the peaks of UV–vis analysis coupled with the new peaks in FTIR results clearly demonstrated the creation of a new functional group. The G/D ratio of MeGO in Raman spectroscopy has increased to 1.17 and FESEM and TEM investigations confirmed the wrinkled structure of MeGO sheets. Also, it was observed that the distance between the GO layers was increased about 2.86 nm after functionalisation of GO layers by methacrylate groups. This nanomaterial with difference characterisation and specific properties in comparison with GO could be a great candidate for further developments in industrial and biomedical applications.
Modification of back electrode structure by a Mo intermediate layer for flexible CZTS thin film solar cells
Authors: Long Bo , Cheng Shuying , Yue Chuang , Dong Limei
Published: October 2017

In this work, an intermediate layer of Mo is pre‐deposited on the flexible Mo foil before the deposition of Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) thin film to optimise the characteristics of the flexible CZTS thin film solar cell (TFSC). It is confirmed that the pre‐deposition of the Mo layer leads to the improvement in the degree of the interface matching between the back electrode and the CZTS thin film which is always regarded as the main recombination centres of the carriers in the solar cell. By employing a Mo interlayer between the Mo foil and CZTS layer, the conversion efficiency of the as‐fabricated (Mo foil/Mo/CZTS/CdS/i‐ZnO/AZO/Ni/Al) solar cell is further increased from 1.27 to 1.46%. Meanwhile, the traditional structure (soda‐lime glass/Mo/CZTS/CdS/i‐ZnO/AZO/Ni/Al) CZTS TFSC acted as a matched group which is also prepared and obtained a conversion efficiency of 1.58%. This work demonstrates for the first time the effects of Mo intermediate layers in the flexible CZTS TFSCs.
The 2016–2017 peak luminosity of the pre-main sequence variable V2492 Cygni
Authors: Giannini T. , Munari U. , Antoniucci S. , Lorenzetti D. , Arkharov A. A. , Dallaporta S. , Rossi A. , Traven G.
Published: October 2017

Context. V2492 Cyg is a young pre-main sequence star presenting repetitive brightness variations of significant amplitude (ΔR ≥ 5 mag) whose physical origin has been ascribed to both extinction (UXor-type) and accretion (EXor-type) variability, although their mutual proportion has not been clarified yet. Recently, V2492 Cyg has reached a level of brightness ever registered in the period of its documented activity.

Aim. We aim to derive the variation of the mass accretion rate between low- and high-state and to get new insights on the origin of the variability of V2492 Cyg.

Methods. Optical and near-infrared (NIR) photometry and spectroscopy have been obtained in October 2016 and between March and July 2017. The source has remained bright until the end of May 2017, then it started to rapidly fade since the beginning of June at a rate of ~0.08 mag/day. On mid-July 2017 the source has reached the same low-brightness level as two years before. Extinction and mass accretion rate were derived by means of the luminosity of the brightest lines, in particular Hα and Hβ. A couple of optical high-resolution spectra are also presented to derive information on the gas kinematics.

Results. Visual extinction variations do not exceed a few magnitudes, while the mass accretion rate is estimated to vary from less than 10−8 up to a few 10−7 M⊙ yr−1. This latter is comparable to that estimated on the previous high-state in 2010, likely occurred under more severe extinction conditions.

Conclusions. The combined analysis of the optical and NIR observations extends to the present event the original suggestion that the V2492 Cyg variability is a combination of changing extinction and accretion.
A Synthesis of Functionalized 2-Indolizin-3-yl-1,3-benzothiazoles from 1-(1,3-Benzothiazol-2-ylmethyl)pyridinium Iodide and ­Acetylenic Esters
Authors: Yavari Issa , Ghafouri Kiyana , Naeimabadi Maryam , Halvagar Mohammad
Published: October 2017

Functionalized 2-indolizin-3-yl-1,3-benzothiazoles were obtained in moderate yields from the reaction between 1-(1,3-benzothiazol-2-ylmethyl)pyridinium iodide and acetylenic esters in acetonitrile. When isoquinoline was used under similar conditions, dialkyl 3-(1,3-benzothiazol-2-yl)pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline-1,2-dicarboxylates were obtained. The structures of these products have been confirmed by ­X-ray diffractometry.
One-Pot Assembly towards ω-Substituted Arylbiurets from ­Aromatic Amines, Potassium Cyanate, and Glacial Acetic Acid
Authors: Liu Jianhui , Min Xiangting , Dong Yawen , Hussain Mustafa
Published: October 2017

A novel, simple, and highly efficient method has been designed for the synthesis of ω-substituted arylbiurets in a one-pot reaction. The primary features of this protocol include readily available starting materials, an easy work-up procedure, and yields of 51 to 87%. ω-Substituted arylbiurets can be selectively prepared with an excess of potassium cyanate (KOCN). However, use of an excess of glacial acetic acid (AcOH) switches the reaction towards the formation of N-monosubstituted urea.
Mutations in Coagulation Factor VIII Are Associated with More Favorable Outcome in Patients with Cutaneous Melanoma
Authors: Ping Zheng , Soni Abha , Williams Lance , Pham Huy , Basu Malay , Zheng X. Long
Published: October 2017

Coagulation factor VIII (FVIII), von Willebrand factor (VWF), and ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type 1 repeats 13) play an important role in the regulation of normal hemostasis. However, little is known about their roles in patients with malignancy, particularly with cutaneous melanoma. Whole genome sequencing data are available for 25,719 cases in 126 cancer genomic studies for analysis. All sequencing data and corresponding pathology findings were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas. The cBioPortal bioinformatics tools were used for the data analysis. Our results demonstrated that mutations in genes encoding FVIII, VWF, and ADAMTS13 were reported in 92 of 126 cancer genomic studies, and high mutation rates in these three genes were observed in patients with cutaneous melanoma from three independent studies. Moreover, high mutation rates in FVIII, VWF, and ADAMTS13 were also found in patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (22.9%), lung small cell carcinoma (20.7%), and colon adenocarcinoma (19.4%). Among 366 melanoma cases from TCGA provisional, the somatic mutation rates of FVIII, VWF, and ADAMTS13 in tumor cells were 15, 14, and 5%, respectively. There was a strong tendency for coexisting mutations of FVIII, VWF, and ADAMTS13. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis demonstrated that melanoma patients with FVIII mutations had a more favorable overall survival rate than those without FVIII mutations (p = 0.02). These findings suggest, for the first time, that the FVIII mutation burden may have a prognostic value for patients with cutaneous melanoma. Further studies are warranted to delineate the molecular mechanisms underlying the favorable prognosis associated with FVIII mutations.
Diagnosis of Systemic Capillary Leak Syndrome in a Young Child Treated with Intravenous Immunoglobulin in the Acute Phase
Authors: Bjorklund Ashley , Fisher Gwenyth , Asmundsson Anna Sofi
Published: October 2017

Systemic capillary leak syndrome (SCLS) is a potentially life-threatening disorder characterized by distributive shock, hypoalbuminemia, and hemoconcentration. It is exceedingly rare in children with less than 20 cases reported to date. The underlying cause for this syndrome remains largely unknown and acute treatment has remained mainly supportive. Prophylaxis with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) has been shown to successfully prevent further episodes in both adults and children. We present a case of a 2-year-old previously healthy male admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit with a clinical course consistent with SCLS. His shock was refractory to aggressive fluid and vasopressor support. Reversal of SCLS with IVIG given in the acute phase had been described in three adult subjects, and for this reason, the decision was made to administer IVIG. Within an hour of administration, hemodynamics stabilized and vasopressor support could be weaned. He has had no further episodes on prophylactic infusions of IVIG. Although the exact mechanism of IVIG in SCLS is unknown, it has proven to be an effective and safe prophylactic therapy, and in our patient, it drastically reversed the acute capillary leak. We suggest that IVIG should be considered as acute therapy in pediatric patients with refractory shock and a clinical course suggestive of SCLS.
Embryonic Tumor with Abundant Neuroepithelium and True Rosettes (ETANTR): Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Tavares Cleciton , Gomes-Braga Francisca , Sousa Emerson , Ferreira Camilla , Brito José
Published: October 2017

The embryonal tumor with abundant neuropil and true rosettes (ETANTR) is an extremely rare variant of the primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET). About 80 cases have been reported since its first description in the literature, in 2000. The ETANTR occurs in very young patients, especially children under 6 years of age. It is found mainly in the cerebral cortex. Headache, focal neurological signs, seizures, increased head circumference and psychomotor developmental delay are the most frequent symptoms of ETANTR. Histologically, it displays the features of an ependymoblastoma and a neuroblastoma, showing areas of neuroepithelium fibrillar rosettes with ependymoblastic zones and interposed undifferentiated neuroepithelial cells. The ETANTR is distinguishable from other embryonal tumors due to the abundance of neuroepithelium. Genetic studies have demonstrated the presence of polysomy of chromosome 2 and chromosome 19q13.42 amplification. This is an extremely aggressive tumor with a mean survival ranging from 9 to 48 months. We present the first report in Brazil, published in indexed literature, of an ETANTR case involving a young child.
Magen-OP zur Behandlung der Fettsucht
Authors: Thalheimer Andreas
Published: October 2017

Operationsverfahren Für Patienten, die unter krankhaftem Übergewicht
leiden, ist die Adipositas-Chirurgie eine wirksame Option, um Gewicht zu
verlieren und metabolische Begleiterkrankungen zu reduzieren. Wir stellen Ihnen
die laparoskopische Magenbypass-Operation und die laparoskopische
Schlauchmagen-Operation vor.
Langsam essen und genießen
Authors: Peters Jutta
Published: October 2017

Ernährungsmedizin bei morbider Adipositas Patienten mit einem
adipositaschirurgischen Eingriff müssen ihre Ernährungsgewohnheiten komplett
umstellen. Welche Konzepte besonders gut geeignet sind, um die Energiezufuhr zu
verringern und eine ausgeglichene Nährstoffversorgung zu gewährleiten,
beschreibt unsere Autorin.
Endogene Verbrennungen im OP
Authors: Weimer Tobias , Jaeger Laura
Published: October 2017

Recht Operationen bieten mannigfaltige Risiken. Wie ist es aber um die
Handhabung und die Gefahren der Elektrochirurgie im Operationssaal bestellt?
Existieren einschlägige Urteile im Zusammenhang mit Verbrennungen im
Operationssaal? Wer ist verantwortlich und gelten Verbrennungen eigentlich als
vermeidbare Ereignisse? Unser Fachanwalt gibt Antworten.
Tropische Infektionserkrankungen bei schwangeren Migrantinnen in Deutschland
Authors: Schleenvoigt Benjamin , Richter Joachim , von Weizsäcker Katharina , Mathias W. , Jablonka Alexandra
Published: October 2017

Im Jahr 2016 wurden in Deutschland mehr als 700 000 Asylerstanträge gestellt. Das häufigste Herkunftsland war Syrien. Der Anteil weiblicher Migranten lag in verschiedenen Betrachtungen zwischen 20 und 35 %. Mit schwangeren Migrantinnen muss in 3,5 % gerechnet werden. In dieser vulnerablen Patientengruppe sollte gezielt nach Risikofaktoren für einen ungünstigen Verlauf der Schwangerschaft gesucht werden. Im Hinblick auf das infektiologische, tropenmedizinische Erregerspektrum sind dies vor allem die Tuberkulose und parasitäre Erkrankungen. Bei Afrikanern sind Bilharziose und Malaria von hoher Relevanz. Bei Lateinamerikanern steht die Chagas-Erkrankung im Vordergrund. Aktuelle Studien zum Erkrankungsspektrum von Migrantinnen, die ein Kind erwarten, stehen bisher nicht zur Verfügung.
Vorbereitung für Trekking und Höhenbergsteigen
Authors: Burtscher Martin
Published: October 2017

Bergsport erfreut sich weltweit zunehmender Beliebtheit und gerade größere Höhen scheinen eine besondere Faszination auszuüben. Etwa 10 % jener Personen, die sich akut und ohne Vorakklimatisation in Höhenlagen von etwa 2500 m begeben, leiden unter akuter Bergkrankheit. Dieser Prozentsatz erhöht sich auf 30–40 % bei Anstiegen auf etwa 3500 m und über 50 % in Höhenlagen über 4000 m. In seltenen Fällen können Höhenerkrankungen tödlich verlaufen (Höhenhirnödem und Höhenlungenödem). Die wichtigste Präventionsmaßnahme stellt der langsame und individuell dosierte Anstieg dar. Zusätzlich können Strategien der Vorakklimatisation in den heimischen Bergen und der Einsatz von simulierten Höhenexpositionen (Höhenzelt, -räume) wertvolle Akklimatisationsunterstützung darstellen.
Reduktion postoperativer Schmerzen durch Manuelle Medizin bei Erwachsenen nach Tonsillektomie
Authors: Arens Christoph , Scholz Friedrich Gunther , Kropf Siegfried , Voigt-Zimmermann Susanne
Published: October 2017

Hintergrund Postoperativer Schmerz nach Tonsillektomie (TE) kann in der Regel durch die Gabe von Analgetika aus der Gruppe der nicht
steroidalen Antirheumatika (NSAR) suffizient behandelt werden. Bei einigen Patienten besteht jedoch eine außergewöhnlich therapieresistente
Schmerzsymptomatik, welche zudem häufig einseitig stärker ausgeprägt ist. Unsere klinisch praktische Erfahrung hat gezeigt, dass bei diesen
Patienten häufig eine Blockierung der oberen Kopfgelenke vorliegt, die durch Manuelle Medizin (MM) erfolgreich therapiert werden kann. In
dieser prospektiven, randomisierten, placebo-kontrollierten, einfach verblindeten Studie sollte deshalb untersucht werden, ob sich der
schmerzlindernde Effekt dieser Therapie statistisch nachweisen lässt.

Material und Methoden 52 erwachsene Patienten mit außergewöhnlich starken (VAS > 4) und / oder einseitigen Schmerzen nach TE (1.
bis 4. Tag postoperativ) wurden hinsichtlich des Schmerzverlaufs mittels Visueller Analogskala (VAS) zu 4 Zeitpunkten untersucht: direkt vor
(t0) und sofort nach der MM (t1), dann 4 Stunden nach MM (t2) sowie 24 Stunden nach MM (t3).

Ergebnisse Die Ergebnisse zeigen eine signifikant höhere Schmerzreduktion (jeweils als Differenz zu t0) in der Verum- als in der
Placebogruppe zum Zeitpunkt t1 und t3 (t1: p = 0,012, t3: p = 0,012, beides Bonferroni-adjustiert). Zum Zeitpunkt t2 war die Differenz mit
p = 0,54 nicht signifikant.

Schlussfolgerungen Anhand der Studie konnte die Wirksamkeit von Manueller Medizin zur Schmerzreduktion bei erwachsenen Patienten mit
außergewöhnlich starken bzw. einseitigen Schmerzen nach TE und Hypomobilität der Halswirbelsäule nachgewiesen werden.
Social Control in Information Systems Development: A Negotiated Order Perspective
Authors: Huang Chua Cecil Eng , Myers Michael D.
Published: October 2017

Control is vital for IS projects to be delivered on time and within budget. Control theory helps us better understand and explain control in information systems operations and development. However, simplistic notions about control do not correspond to how control actually works. We believe that a social perspective that sees controls as negotiated orders, and not just things imposed by controllers on controlees, better explains control of IS projects and operations. Through an interpretive case study of client-vendor control in the IS department of a large agricultural distributor, we show that: (1) control enactment involves the controller's consideration of the social and organizational context as well as the controller's intention. (2) Control enactment involves a socially constructed meaning and unintended consequences. (3) The control enactment also involves controlee intent either because of negotiation with the controller, or indirectly by way of alternative structures. Finally, (4) the control itself influences the controller and controlee in unanticipated ways. Seeing control as the result of negotiated orders between controllers and controlees contributes to control theory by suggesting that, in practice, negotiation, shaping and re-appropriation are necessary for successful control enactment.
Innovative soft magnetic multilayers with enhanced in-plane anisotropy and ferromagnetic resonance frequency for integrated RF passive devices
Authors: Falub Claudiu V. , Bless Martin , Hida Rachid , Meduňa Mojmír , Ammann Arnold
Published: October 2017

We present an innovative, economical method for manufacturing soft magnetic materials that may pave the way for integrated thin film magnetic cores with dramatically improved properties. Soft magnetic multilayered thin films based on the Fe-28%Co20%B (at.%) and Co-4.5%Ta4%Zr (at.%) amorphous alloys are deposited on 8” bare Si and Si/200nm-thermal-SiO2 wafers in an industrial, high-throughput Evatec LLS EVO II magnetron sputtering system. The multilayers consist of stacks of alternating 80-nm-thick ferromagnetic layers and 4-nm-thick Al2O3 dielectric interlayers. Since in our dynamic sputter system the substrate cage rotates continuously, such that the substrates face different targets alternatively, each ferromagnetic sublayer in the multilayer consists of a fine structure comprising alternating CoTaZr and FeCoB nanolayers with very sharp interfaces. We adjust the thickness of these individual nanolayers between 0.5 and 1.5 nm by changing the cage rotation speed and the power of each gun, which is an excellent mode to engineer new, composite ferromagnetic materials. Using X-ray reflectometry (XRR) we reveal that the interfaces between the FeCoB and CoTaZr nanolayers are perfectly smooth with roughness of 0.2-0.3 nm. Kerr magnetometry and B-H looper measurements for the as-deposited samples show that the coercivity of these thin films is very low, 0.2-0.3 Oe, and gradually scales up with the thickness of FeCoB nanolayers, i.e. with the increase of the overall Fe content from 0 % (e.g. CoTaZr-based multilayers) to 52 % (e.g. FeCoB-based multilayers). We explain this trend in the random anisotropy model, based on considerations of grain size growth, as revealed by glancing angle X-ray diffraction (GAXRD), but also because of the increase of magnetostriction with the increase of Fe content as shown by B-H looper measurements performed on strained wafers. The unexpected enhancement of the in-plane anisotropy field from 18.3 Oe and 25.8 Oe for the conventional CoTaZr- and FeCoB-based multilayers, respectively, up to ∼48 Oe for the nanostructured multilayers with FeCoB/CoTaZr nano-bilayers is explained based on interface anisotropy contribution. These novel soft magnetic multilayers, with enhanced in-plane anisotropy, allow operation at higher frequencies, as revealed by broadband (between 100 MHz and 10 GHz) RF measurements that exhibit a classical Landau-Lifschitz-Gilbert (LLG) behavior.
Valley current characterization of high current density resonant tunnelling diodes for terahertz-wave applications
Authors: Jacobs K. J. P. , Stevens B. J. , Baba R. , Wada O. , Mukai T. , Hogg R. A.
Published: October 2017

We report valley current characterisation of high current density InGaAs/AlAs/InP resonant tunnelling diodes (RTDs) grown by metal-organic vapour phase epitaxy (MOVPE) for THz emission, with a view to investigate the origin of the valley current and optimize device performance. By applying a dual-pass fabrication technique, we are able to measure the RTD I-V characteristic for different perimeter/area ratios, which uniquely allows us to investigate the contribution of leakage current to the valley current and its effect on the PVCR from a single device. Temperature dependent (20 – 300 K) characteristics for a device are critically analysed and the effect of temperature on the maximum extractable power (PMAX) and the negative differential conductance (NDC) of the device is investigated. By performing theoretical modelling, we are able to explore the effect of typical variations in structural composition during the growth process on the tunnelling properties of the device, and hence the device performance.
Aluminum-nanodisc-induced collective lattice resonances: Controlling the light extraction in organic light emitting diodes
Authors: Auer-Berger Manuel , Tretnak Veronika , Wenzl Franz-Peter , Krenn Joachim R. , List-Kratochvil Emil J. W.
Published: October 2017

We examine aluminum-nanodisc-induced collective lattice resonances as a means to enhance the efficiency of organic light emitting diodes. Thus, nanodisc arrays were embedded in the hole transporting layer of a solution-processed phosphorescent organic blue-light emitting diode. Through extinction spectroscopy, we confirm the emergence of array-induced collective lattice resonances within the organic light emitting diode. Through finite-difference time domain simulations, we show that the collective lattice resonances yield an enhancement of the electric field intensity within the emissive layer. The effectiveness for improving the light generation and light outcoupling is demonstrated by electro-optical characterization, realizing a gain in a current efficiency of 35%.
Ultrasound energies for therapy in a theoretical model of the skin
Authors: Cockbill Louisa
Published: October 2017

A mathematical layered model of the skin was employed to determine temperature gradients induced by application of ultrasound waves to the skin surface.
Off-tumor targets compromise antiangiogenic drug sensitivity by inducing kidney erythropoietin production
Authors: Nakamura Masaki , Zhang Yin , Yang Yunlong , Sonmez Ceylan , Zheng Wenyi , Huang Guichun , Seki Takahiro , Iwamoto Hideki , Ding Bo , Yin Linlin , Foukakis Theodoros , Hatschek Thomas , Li Xuri , Hosaka Kayoko , Li Jiaping , Yu Guohua , Wang Xinsheng , Liu Yizhi , Cao Yihai
Published: October 2017

Significance

Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying drug resistance of antiangiogenic therapy is crucial to improvement of therapeutic efficacy in cancer patients. Our data uncover a mechanism by which the off-tumor targets compromise anti-VEGF drug sensitivity. The therapeutic implication of our findings poses a concept that blocking the off-tumor targets of antiangiogenic drugs are crucial for improvement of therapeutic efficacy. Based on our findings, modest inhibition of excessive EPO production is recommended for improvement of antiangiogenic therapy. Our work will result in a significant paradigm shift and conceptual advances as to improvement of both quality-of-life and overall survivals of antiangiogenic drug-treated cancer patients.
Competing English, Spanish, and French alabaster trade in Europe over five centuries as evidenced by isotope fingerprinting
Authors: Kloppmann W. , Leroux L. , Bromblet P. , Le Pogam P.-Y. , Cooper A. H. , Worley N. , Guerrot C. , Montech A. T. , Gallas A. M. , Aillaud R.
Published: October 2017

Significance

Gypsum alabaster in medieval artwork equaled or even surpassed the importance of marble for religious sculptures and effigies. Based on isotope fingerprints, a large corpus of European alabaster sculptures are linked to historical quarries and trade in the Middle Ages and Renaissance period. We demonstrate that English alabaster export was competed on the continent by the Spanish and by a particularly long-lived (>500 y) French Alpine trade. Our study reveals historical trade routes and transport, the diversity of supply of medieval artists and workshops, as well as the presence and provenance of restoration materials.
Relativism and the expressivist bifurcation
Authors: González de Prado Salas Javier
Published: October 2017

Traditional expressivists want to preserve a contrast between the representational use of declarative sentences in descriptive domains and the non-representational use of declarative sentences in other areas of discourse (in particular, normative speech). However, expressivists have good reasons to endorse minimalism about representational notions, and minimalism seems to threaten the existence of such a bifurcation. Thus, there are pressures for expressivists to become global anti-representationalists. In this paper I discuss how to reconstruct in non-representationalist terms the sort of bifurcation traditional expressivists were after. My proposal is that the relevant bifurcation can be articulated by appeal to the contrast between relativistic and non-relativistic assertoric practices. I argue that this contrast, which can be specified without appeal to representational notions, captures the core intuitions behind the expressivist bifurcation (in particular, it captures the anti-realist intuitions motivating many expressivist proposals).
How can we investigate auditory plasticity in deaf patients with cochlear implant?
Authors: Gheller Flavia
Published: October 2017

Auditory modality shares with the other sensory modalities the access to superior cortical functions. Investigation of such a complex interaction cannot be evaluated without sophisticated methodology able to depict brain activities such as neuroimaging and neurophysiological techniques. Functional magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, and functional near infrared spectroscopy can theoretically be used. Each of these methods has advantage and disadvantages. Low resolution tomography, applied to event-related potential (P300), seems to be a good compromise between the need of time and spatial resolution required in the evaluation of deaf patients with cochlear implant.
Fatal Puumala Hantavirus Disease: Involvement of Complement Activation and Vascular Leakage in the Pathobiology
Authors: Sironen Tarja , Sane Jussi , Lokki Marja-Liisa , Meri Seppo , Andersson Leif C , Hautala Timo , Kauma Heikki , Vuorinen Sakari , Rasmuson Johan , Evander Magnus , Ahlm Clas , Vaheri Antti
Published: October 2017

The case-fatality rate of hantavirus disease depends strongly on the causative hantavirus, ranging from 0.1% to 40%. However, the pathogenesis is not fully understood, and at present no licensed therapies exist. We describe fatal cases caused by Puumala hantavirus indicating involvement of complement activation and vascular leakage.
New Races and Novel Strains of the Spinach Downy Mildew Pathogen Peronospora effusa
Authors: Feng Chunda , Saito Katsunori , Liu Bo , Manley Aurora , Kammeijer Katherine , Mauzey Stacy J. , Koike Steven , Correll James C.
Published: October 2017

Downy mildew disease, caused by Peronospora effusa (=P. farinosa f. sp. spinaciae [Pfs]), is the most economically important disease of spinach. Current high-density fresh-market spinach production provides conducive conditions for disease development, and downy mildew frequently forces growers to harvest early owing to disease development, to cull symptomatic leaves prior to harvest, or to abandon the field if the disease is too severe. The use of resistant cultivars to manage downy mildew, particularly on increasing acreages of organic spinach production, applies strong selection pressure on the pathogen, and many new races of Pfs have been identified in recent years in spinach production areas worldwide. To monitor the virulence diversity in the Pfs population, downy mildew samples were collected from spinach production areas and tested for race identification based on the disease reactions of a standard set of international spinach differentials. Two new races (designated races 15 and 16) and eight novel strains were identified between 2013 and 2017. The disease reaction of Pfs 15 was similar to race 4, except race 4 could not overcome the resistance imparted by the RPF9 locus. Several resistance loci (RPF1, 2, 4, and 6) were effective in preventing disease caused by Pfs 15. The race Pfs 16 could overcome several resistance loci (RPF2, 4, 5, 9, and 10) but not others (RPF1, 3, 6, and 7). One novel strain (UA1014) could overcome the resistance of spinach resistant loci RPF1 to RPF7 but only infected the cotyledons and not the true leaves of certain cultivars. A new set of near-isogenic lines has been developed and evaluated for disease reactions to the new races and novel strains as differentials. None of the 360 U.S. Department of Agriculture spinach germplasm accessions tested were resistant to Pfs 16 or UA1014. A survey of isolates over several years highlighted the dynamic nature of the virulence diversity of the Pfs population. Identification of virulence diversity and evaluation of the genetics of resistance to Pfs will continue to allow for a more effective disease management strategy through resistance gene deployment.
Simultaneous cell traction and growth measurements using light
Authors: Sridharan Shamira , Li Yanfen , Foucard Louis , Majeed Hassaan , Bhaduri Basanta , Levine Alex , Kilian Kristopher , Popescu Gabriel
Published: October 2017

Understanding cell mechanotransduction is important for discerning matrix structure-cell function relationships underlying health and disease. Despite the crucial role of mechanochemical signaling in phenomena such as cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation, measuring the cell-generated forces at the interface with the extracellular matrix during these biological processes remains challenging. An ideal method would provide continuous, non-destructive images of the force field applied by cells, over broad spatial and temporal scales, while simultaneously revealing the cell biological process under investigation. Toward this goal, we present the integration of a new real-time traction stress imaging modality, Hilbert phase dynamometry (HPD), with the technique of spatial light interference microscopy (SLIM) for label free monitoring of cell growth. HPD relies on extracting the displacement field in a deformable substrate, which is chemically patterned with a fluorescent grid. The displacements introduced by the cell are captured by thephaseof the periodic signal associated with the grid, borrowing concepts from holography. The displacement field is uniquely converted into forces by solving an elasticity inverse problem. Because the measurement of displacement only uses the epi-fluorescence channel of an inverted microscope, we can simultaneously achieve measurements in transmission. We performed SLIM and extracted cell mass on the same field of view in addition to the measured displacement field. We used this technique to study mesenchymal stem cells and found that cells undergoing osteogenesis and adipogenesis exerted larger and more dynamic stresses than their precursor. Our results indicate that the MSCs develop the smallest forces and growth rates. We anticipate that simultaneous cell growth and traction measurements will improve our understanding of mechanotransduction, particularly during dynamic processes where the matrix properties provide context to guide cells towards a physiological or pathological outcome, e.g., tissue morphogenesis, or cancer metastasis.
Viral fitness predicts the magnitude and direction of perturbations in the infected host transcriptome
Authors: Cervera Héctor , Ambrós Silvia , Bernet Guillermo P. , Rodrigo Guillermo , Elena Santiago F.
Published: October 2017

Determining the fitness of viral genotypes has become a standard practice in virology as it is essential to evaluate their evolutionary potential. Darwinian fitness, defined as the advantage of a given genotype with respect to a reference one, is a mesoscopic property that captures into a single figure differences in performance at every stage of viral infection. But to which extent viral fitness results from particular molecular interactions with host factors and regulatory networks during infection? Can we identify host genes, and then functional classes, whose expression depends on viral fitness? Here, we compared the transcriptomes of tobacco plants infected with seven genotypes of tobacco etch potyvirus (TEV) that differ in fitness. We found that the larger the fitness differences among genotypes, the more dissimilar the transcriptomic profiles are. Consistently, two different mutations, one in the viral RNA polymerase and another in the viral suppressor of RNA silencing, that led to close fitness values, also resulted in significantly similar gene expression profiles. Moreover, we identified host genes whose expression showed a significant correlation, positive or negative, with TEV fitness. Over-expression of genes with positive correlation activates hormone-and RNA silencing-mediated pathways of plant defense. By contrast, under-expression of genes negatively correlated reduces metabolism, growth, and development. Overall, these results reveal the high information content of viral fitness, and suggest its potential use to predict differences in genomic profiles of infected hosts.