bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kombination aus Thymiankraut und Primelwurzel zur Behandlung der Bronchitis – eine Übersicht
Authors: Schenk Alexander
Published: August 2017

Phytopharmaka sind wertvoll bei der Behandlung der akuten Bronchitis und helfen dabei, einen unangemessenen Antibiotikaeinsatz zu reduzieren. Die fixe Kombination aus Thymiankraut und Primelwurzel wirkt vermutlich synergistisch, um Symptome einer akuten Bronchitis zu bekämpfen. Die Wirksamkeit und Verträglichkeit der Kombination wurde u. a. in 2 randomisiert placebokontrollierten klinischen Studien an Erwachsenen untersucht, wo die Kombination zu einem schnelleren Ende der Bronchitissymptome führte als Placebo. Beide pharmazeutischen Zubereitungen (Lösung und Saft) zeigten eine vergleichbare Wirksamkeit.

Anwendungsbeobachtungen an insgesamt mehr als 1500 Kindern zeigen, dass sich die Phytokombination auch im Alter von 1–12 Jahren durch gute Wirkung und Verträglichkeit auszeichnet. Zudem wurde eine nicht-interventionelle Studie an Säuglingen (Alter 6–12 Monate) durchgeführt. Auch in dieser Altersgruppe war die Phytokombination effektiv und sicher.
Pilze im Darm – das Mykobiom des Darms
Authors: Hof Herbert
Published: August 2017

Viele verschiedene Pilzarten, und zwar Sprosspilze wie auch Schimmelpilze, kommen in Darm eines gesunden Menschen vor und bilden das Mykobiom. Bei Störung der bakteriellen Flora kann sich gegenläufig auch die Pilzflora ändern. Mittels „Pilzdiät“ lässt sich die Zusammensetzung nicht ändern. Einige der Pilze sind vermutlich nur passager nach Nahrungsaufnahme im Darm. Andere dagegen, wie Candida, Saccharomyces, Rhodotorula, Trichosporon, Geotrichum u.v. a.m., gehören zur residenten, autochthonen Flora des Darms. Einerseits haben solche Pilze im Darm durchaus Nutzen, indem sie verwertbare Stoffe herstellen. Rhodotorula z. B. kann Fettstoffe und Carotinoide bilden. Andere können Toxine, z. B. Mykotoxine und prokarzinogene Stoffe, in der Nahrung degradieren. Toxine sowie pathogene Bakterien können von Mannanen der Oberfläche von Pilzen festgehalten und so abtransportiert werden. Auch probiotische Wirkung zur Regulierung der Bakterienflora wird einigen Pilzen zugetraut. Bestimmte Pilzbestandteile, wie etwa Glukane, können das Immunsystem stimulieren. Manche Pilze können den Darm nicht nur asymptomatisch kolonisieren sondern bei bestimmten Situationen, wenn z. B. die Bakterienflora gestört ist, auch nachteilig sein, indem sie entweder mithilfe ihrer Virulenzfaktoren eine Schädigung der Schleimhautepithelien bedingen oder sogar in die Mukosa eindringen und Entzündungen hervorrufen bzw. bei bereits chronisch entzündlichen Prozessen diese verstärken. Pilze können bei der Entstehung von Obesitas mitwirken. Außerdem besteht die Möglichkeit, dass Pilze im Darm ein Reservoir finden, von dem aus sie sich bei günstiger Gelegenheit in andere Körperregionen ausbreiten können.
Impulstechniken an der HWS
Authors: Dobler Tobias , Roggenbuck Christian
Published: August 2017

Impulstechniken an der Halswirbelsäule (HWS) treffen bei manualmedizinischen Therapeuten auf gemischte Gefühle: Die einen führen sie oft und
auch mit Freude aus, andere empfinden sie als geradezu invasiv und hochgradig gefährlich. Worauf basieren die Sicherheit der einen und die
Befürchtungen der anderen? Im Folgenden werden die anatomischen und biomechanischen Grundlagen der HWS kurz erläutert und dann auf 2
wichtige Probleme hingewiesen, die ein Risiko der Behandlung darstellen: Rheuma mit Instabilität und zervikale arterielle Dissektionen. Die
Ergebnisse älterer und neuer Studien sollten Anhänger beider Gruppen zum Nachdenken anregen. Einerseits darf die Einschätzung des Risikos
bei Impulstechniken nicht hauptsächlich auf Sicherheitstests basieren. Andererseits können z. B. Mobilisationen nicht als die generell
bessere Alternative gelten. Weiterhin stellt die Instabilität der HWS insbesondere durch Rheuma ein Risiko dar, das sowohl die Mobilisation
als auch die Impulstechnik klar kontraindiziert.
Das japanische Gesundheitssystem: Analyse von Finanzierung und Vergütung
Authors: Rump Alexis , Schöffski Oliver
Published: August 2017

Ziel Das Gesundheitssystem Japans wurde in der Meiji-Periode (1868–1912) am Beispiel Deutschlands aufgebaut. In dieser Arbeit werden das Finanzierungs- und Vergütungssystem des japanischen Gesundheitswesens dargestellt. Dabei sollen die Hauptinstrumente zur Systemsteuerung und Kostendämpfung herausgearbeitet werden.

Methodik Selektive Literaturrecherche.

Ergebnisse Es besteht Versicherungspflicht in der gesetzlichen Krankenversicherung für alle Bewohner Japans ohne Wahlmöglichkeit unter den mehr als 3000 Kassen. Die Zuständigkeit richtet sich in erster Linie nach dem Beschäftigungsverhältnis und in zweiter Linie nach dem Wohnort. Angestellte in der Privatwirtschaft und Angehörige des öffentlichen Dienstes sind in Arbeitnehmer-Krankenkassen versichert. Selbständige, Arbeitslose und Rentner werden, auch nach früherer Mitgliedschaft in einer Arbeitnehmer-Krankenkasse, in der Regel der Ortskrankenkasse des Wohnorts zugeordnet. Ältere Menschen ab dem 75. Lebensjahr sind in besonderen Krankenkassen, die auf Präfekturebene verwaltet werden, versichert. Die deutlichen Risikostrukturunterschiede werden durch Ausgleichszahlungen zwischen den Kassen und erhebliche Steuerzuschüsse ausgeglichen. Gesundheitsleistungen werden nach einer einheitlichen Vergütungsordnung erstattet. Diese stellt gleichzeitig eine Positivliste dar und regelt auch die 0Voraussetzungen unter denen einzelne Leistungen abgerechnet werden dürfen. Die Vergütungsordnung wird alle 2 Jahre unter Federführung des Gesundheitsministeriums aktualisiert. Eine differenzierte Überarbeitung dient sowohl der Dämpfung der Ausgabenentwicklung als auch der Förderung gesundheitspolitischer Ziele.

Schlussfolgerungen Die grundlegenden Strukturen zur Finanzierung des Systems und die Mechanismen zur Umverteilung der Finanzmittel im japanischen Gesundheitswesen sind fest etabliert und weisen einen eher statischen Charakter auf. Das japanische Gesundheitssystem wird kurz- und mittelfristig hauptsächlich über die einheitliche alle Leistungen umfassende Vergütungs- und Erstattungsordnung gesteuert. Durch die regelmäßige Überarbeitung kann in kurzen zeitlichen Abständen auf Veränderungen der Lage reagiert werden, und durch eine Politik der „kleinen Schritte“ wird eine Optimierung der Gesundheitsversorgung angestrebt.
Einfluss eines Nahrungsergänzungsmittels mit Dihydroquercetin auf chronische spontane Urtikaria und Neurodermitis
Authors: Staubach-Renz Petra , Gilfert Tom
Published: August 2017

Was können Flavonoide in der Dermatologie bewirken? Viele Patienten mit dermatologischen Erkrankungen wie Urtikaria oder Neurodermitis leiden an massivem Juckreiz, der oft nicht ausreichend behandelbar ist. Wir konnten in einer Anwendungsbeobachtung zeigen, dass das Flavonoid Dihydroquercetin (Taxifolin) einen positiven Einfluss auf die Lebensqualität bei Urtikaria und Neurodermitis hat. Da der dermatologische Lebensqualitäts-Fragebogen auch Juckreiz bewertet, was gleichzeitig ein Hauptsymptom dieser Erkrankungen ist, konnte hier auch indirekt der Einfluss auf die Krankheitsaktivität ermittelt werden.
Pharmakologische Eigenschaften des schneller wirksamen Insulins aspart (Faster-acting Insulin aspart)
Authors: Heise Tim , Biester Torben
Published: August 2017

Faster-acting Insulin aspart ist eine durch die Zugabe der als sicher geltenden Hilfsstoffe Niacinamid und L-Arginin weiterentwickelte Formulierung zu Insulin aspart (IAsp). Die gepoolte Auswertung von sechs pharmakologischen Studien im randomisierten Crossover-Design bei erwachsenen Menschen mit Typ-1-Diabetes ergab für die subkutane Injektion von Faster-acting Insulin aspart 0,2 E/kg ein um ca. 5 Minuten früheres erstes Auftreten von Insulin im Blutstrom als nach IAsp 0,2 E/kg und eine um den Faktor 2 gegenüber IAsp erhöhte Insulinexposition während der ersten 30 Minuten. Dies führte gemäß euglykämischen Glucose-Clamp-Daten aus drei dieser Studien zu einem um 4,9 Minuten früheren Wirkbeginn der glukosesenkenden Wirkung (p < 0,001) sowie zu einer um 74 % höheren glukosesenkenden Wirkung innerhalb der ersten 30 Minuten (p < 0,001). Dementsprechend waren in einer weiteren explorativen Studie nach subkutaner Injektion von Faster-acting Insulin aspart der postprandiale Glukoseanstieg um durchschnittlich 1,24 mmol/l (22,3 mg/dl) (Messung eine Stunde nach einer standardisierten Mahlzeit) und die Plasmaglukosekonzentrationen in den ersten 2 Stunden um durchschnittlich 26 % gegenüber IAsp reduziert. In einer pharmakologischen Studie zur kontinuierlichen subkutanen Insulininjektion (CSII) waren nach Faster-acting Insulin aspart die Insulinexposition während der ersten 30 Minuten um den Faktor 3 und die glukosesenkende Wirkung nach Injektion von Faster-acting Insulin aspart um ca. 100 % gegenüber IAsp erhöht. Die Verträglichkeit von Faster-acting Insulin aspart ist nach den vorläufigen Daten vergleichbar zu IAsp, ebenso die Kompatibilität in der Pumpenanwendung. In der Zusammenfassung zeigen die pharmakologischen Studien zu Faster-acting Insulin aspart im Vergleich zu IAsp ein doppelt so schnelles initiales Auftreten von Insulin im Blut, eine 2-fach (subkutane Injektion) bzw. 3-fach (CSII) so hohe Insulinexposition innerhalb der ersten 30 Minuten und eine um 74 % (subkutane Injektion) bzw. ca. 100 % (CSII) höhere glukosesenkende Wirkung in diesem Zeitraum. Daten aus zwei Phase-IIIa-Studien bestätigen die mit Faster-acting Insulin aspart erzielbare Reduktion von postprandialen Blutzuckeranstiegen im Vergleich zu IAsp.
Electronically steerable ultrasound-driven long narrow air stream
Authors: Hasegawa Keisuke , Qiu Liwei , Noda Akihito , Inoue Seki , Shinoda Hiroyuki
Published: August 2017

Acoustic streaming, which is the unidirectional movement of a medium driven by its internal intense acoustic vibrations, has been known for more than a century. Despite the long history of research, there have been no scientific reports on the creation of long stretching steerable airflows in an open space, generated by ultrasound. Here, we demonstrated the creation of a narrow, straight flow in air to a distance of 400 mm from an ultrasound phased array emitting a Bessel beam. We also demonstrated that the direction of the flow could be controlled by appropriately tuning the wavefronts of the emission from the phased array. Unlike conventional airflows such as those generated by jets or fans, which decelerate and spread out as they travel farther, the flow that we created proceeded while being accelerated by the kinetic energy supplied from the ultrasound beam and keeping the diameter as small as the wavelength. A flow of 3 m/s with a 10 mm diameter extended for several hundreds of millimeters in a room that was large enough to be regarded as an open-boundary environment. These properties of the generated flow will enable fine and rapid control of three-dimensional airflow distributions.
Valence-band offsets of CoTiSb/In0.53Ga0.47As and CoTiSb/In0.52Al0.48As heterojunctions
Authors: Harrington S. D. , Sharan A. , Rice A. D. , Logan J. A. , McFadden A. P. , Pendharkar M. , Pennachio D. J. , Wilson N. S. , Gui Z. , Janotti A. , Palmstrøm C. J.
Published: August 2017

The valence-band offsets, ΔEv, between semiconducting half-Heusler compound CoTiSb and lattice-matched III-V In0.53Ga0.47As and In0.52Al0.48As heterojunction interfaces have been measured using X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS). These interfaces were formed using molecular beam epitaxy and transferred in situ for XPS measurements. Valence-band offsets of 0.30 eV and 0.58 eV were measured for CoTiSb/In0.53Ga0.47As and CoTiSb/In0.52Al0.48As, respectively. By combining these measurements with previously reported XPS ΔEv (In0.53Ga0.47As/In0.52Al0.48As) data, the results suggest that band offset transitivity is satisfied. In addition, the film growth order of the interface between CoTiSb and In0.53Ga0.47As is explored and does not seem to affect the band offsets. Finally, the band alignments of CoTiSb with GaAs, AlAs, and InAs are calculated using the density function theory with the HSE06 hybrid functional and applied to predict the band alignment of CoTiSb with In0.53Ga0.47As and In0.52Al0.48As. Good agreement is found between the calculated valence-band offsets and those determined from XPS.
On the high frequency perpendicular propagating waves in ultra-relativistic fully degenerate electron plasma
Authors: Noureen S. , Abbas G. , Farooq H.
Published: August 2017

Using Vlasov-Maxwell's equations, the spectra of the perpendicular propagating Bernstein wave and Extraordinary wave in ultra-relativistic fully degenerate electron plasma are studied. The equilibrium particle distribution function is assumed to be isotropic Fermian. The analysis of high frequency spectra of the waves is carried out in the weak propagation limit Ω≫k.v and in the weak magnetic field limit |ω−k.v|≫Ω and graphically observed.
Precision measurement of electron affinity of Zr and fine structures of its negative ions
Authors: Fu Xiaoxi , Li Jiaming , Luo Zhihong , Chen Xiaolin , Ning Chuangang
Published: August 2017

The high-resolution photoelectron spectra of Zr− were obtained via the slow-electron velocity-map imaging method. The electron affinity of Zr was measured to be 3494.67(72) cm−1 or 0.433 283(89) eV. The accuracy has been improved by a factor of 160 compared with the previous result. The fine structures of Zr− were also well resolved: 251.0(37) (4F5/2), 579.6(8) (4F7/2), and 971.7(12) cm−1 (4F9/2) above the ground state 4F3/2.
Temperature-induced local and average structural changes in BaTiO3−xBi(Zn1/2Ti1/2)O3 solid solutions: The origin of high temperature dielectric permittivity
Authors: Hou Dong , Usher Tedi-Marie , Zhou Hanhan , Raengthon Natthaphon , Triamnak Narit , Cann David P. , Forrester Jennifer S. , Jones Jacob L.
Published: August 2017

The existence of local tetragonal distortions is evidenced in the BaTiO3–xBi(Zn1/2Ti1/2)O3 (BT–xBZT) relaxor dielectric material system at elevated temperatures. The local and average structures of BT-xBZT with different compositions are characterized using in situ high temperature total scattering techniques. Using the box-car fitting method, it is inferred that there are tetragonal polar clusters embedded in a non-polar pseudocubic matrix for BT-xBZT relaxors. The diameter of these polar clusters is estimated as 2–3 nm at room temperature. Sequential temperature series fitting shows the persistence of the tetragonal distortion on the local scale, while the average structure transforms to a pseudocubic paraelectric phase at high temperatures. The fundamental origin of the temperature stable permittivity of BT-xBZT and the relationship with the unique local scale structures are discussed. This systematic structural study of the BT-xBZT system provides both insight into the nature of lead-free perovskite relaxors, and advances the development of a wide range of electronics with reliable high temperature performance.
Relationship between energy deposition and shock wave phenomenon in an underwater electrical wire explosion
Authors: Han Ruoyu , Zhou Haibin , Wu Jiawei , Qiu Aici , Ding Weidong , Zhang Yongmin
Published: August 2017

An experimental study of pressure waves generated by an exploding copper wire in a water medium is performed. We examined the effects of energy deposited at different stages on the characteristics of the resulting shock waves. In the experiments, a microsecond time-scale pulsed current source was used to explode a 300-μm-diameter, 4-cm-long copper wire with initial stored energies ranging from 500 to 2700 J. Our experimental results indicated that the peak pressure (4.5–8.1 MPa) and energy (49–287 J) of the shock waves did not follow a simple relationship with any electrical parameters, such as peak voltage or deposited energy. Conversely, the impulse had a quasi-linear relationship with the parameter Π. We also found that the peak pressure was mainly influenced by the energy deposited before separation of the shock wave front and the discharge plasma channel (DPC). The decay time constant of the pressure waveform was affected by the energy injection after the separation. These phenomena clearly demonstrated that the deposited energy influenced the expansion of the DPC and affected the shock wave characteristics.
Investigating the wetting behavior of a surface with periodic reentrant structures using integrated microresonators
Authors: Klingel S. , Oesterschulze E.
Published: August 2017

The apparent contact angle is frequently used as an indicator of the wetting state of a surface in contact with a liquid. However, the apparent contact angle is subject to hysteresis that depends furthermore strongly on both the material properties and the roughness and structure of the sample surface. In this work, we show that integrated microresonators can be exploited to determine the wetting state by measuring both the frequency shift caused by the hydrodynamic mass of the liquid and the change in the quality factor as a result of damping. For this, we integrated electrically driven hybrid bridge resonators (HBRs) into a periodically structured surface intended for wetting experiments. We could clearly differentiate between the Wenzel state and the Cassie-Baxter state because the resonant frequency and quality factor of the HBR changed by over 35% and 40%, respectively. This offers the capability to unambiguously distinguish between the different wetting states.
On the adiabatic representation of Meyer-Miller electronic-nuclear dynamics
Authors: Cotton Stephen J. , Liang Ruibin , Miller William H.
Published: August 2017

The Meyer-Miller (MM) classical vibronic (electronic + nuclear) Hamiltonian for electronically non-adiabatic dynamics—as used, for example, with the recently developed symmetrical quasiclassical (SQC) windowing model—can be written in either a diabatic or an adiabatic representation of the electronic degrees of freedom, the two being a canonical transformation of each other, thus giving the same dynamics. Although most recent applications of this SQC/MM approach have been carried out in the diabatic representation—because most of the benchmark model problems that have exact quantum results available for comparison are typically defined in a diabatic representation—it will typically be much more convenient to work in the adiabatic representation, e.g., when using Born-Oppenheimer potential energy surfaces (PESs) and derivative couplings that come from electronic structure calculations. The canonical equations of motion (EOMs) (i.e., Hamilton’s equations) that come from the adiabatic MM Hamiltonian, however, in addition to the common first-derivative couplings, also involve second-derivative non-adiabatic coupling terms (as does the quantum Schrödinger equation), and the latter are considerably more difficult to calculate. This paper thus revisits the adiabatic version of the MM Hamiltonian and describes a modification of the classical adiabatic EOMs that are entirely equivalent to Hamilton’s equations but that do not involve the second-derivative couplings. The second-derivative coupling terms have not been neglected; they simply do not appear in these modified adiabatic EOMs. This means that SQC/MM calculations can be carried out in the adiabatic representation, without approximation, needing only the PESs and the first-derivative coupling elements. The results of example SQC/MM calculations are presented, which illustrate this point, and also the fact that simply neglecting the second-derivative couplings in Hamilton’s equations (and presumably also in the Schrödinger equation) can cause very significant errors.
Explicitly correlated N-electron valence state perturbation theory (NEVPT2-F12)
Authors: Guo Yang , Sivalingam Kantharuban , Valeev Edward F. , Neese Frank
Published: August 2017

In this work, explicitly correlated second order N-electron valence state perturbation theory (NEVPT2-F12) has been derived and implemented for the first time. The NEVPT2-F12 algorithm presented here is based on a fully internally contracted wave function and includes the correction of semi-internal excitation subspaces. The algorithm exploits the resolution of identity (RI) approximation to improve the computational efficiency. The overall O(N5) scaling of the computational effort is documented. In Sec. III, the dissociation processes of diatomic molecules and the singlet-triplet gap of several systems are studied. For all relative energies studied in this work, the errors with respect to the complete basis set (CBS) limit for the NEVPT2-F12 method are within 1 kcal/mol. For moderately sized active spaces, the computational cost of a RI-NEVPT2-F12 correlation energy calculation for each root is comparable to a closed-shell RI-MP2-F12 calculation on the same system.
Molecular conformation of linear alkane molecules: From gas phase to bulk water through the interface
Authors: Murina Ezequiel L. , Fernández-Prini Roberto , Pastorino Claudio
Published: August 2017

We studied the behavior of long chain alkanes (LCAs) as they were transferred from gas to bulk water, through the liquid-vapor interface. These systems were studied using umbrella sampling molecular dynamics simulation and we have calculated properties like free energy profiles, molecular orientation, and radius of gyration of the LCA molecules. The results show changes in conformation of the solutes along the path. LCAs adopt pronounced molecular orientations and the larger ones extend appreciably when partially immersed in the interface. In bulk water, their conformations up to dodecane are mainly extended. However, larger alkanes like eicosane present a more stable collapsed conformation as they approach bulk water. We have characterized the more probable configurations in all interface and bulk regions. The results obtained are of interest for the study of biomatter processes requiring the transfer of hydrophobic matter, especially chain-like molecules like LCAs, from gas to bulk aqueous systems through the interface.
The collision-free photochemistry of methyl azide at 157 nm: Mechanism and energy release
Authors: Quinto-Hernandez Alfredo , Lee Shih-Huang , Wodtke Alec M.
Published: August 2017

Synchrotron radiation VUV-photoionization based photofragment translational spectroscopy was used to identify the primary and secondary photodissociation reactions of methyl azide (CH3N3) at 157 nm under collision-free conditions. Two primary dissociation channels are identified, leading to CH3 + N3 (the radical channel) and CH3N + N2 (the molecular elimination channel). The last channel is the major dissociation pathway, but unlike work at longer photolysis wavelengths, here, the radical channel exclusively produces the higher energy isomer cyclic-N3. Product time-of-flight data for both channels were obtained and compared with earlier work on methyl azide photochemistry at 193 nm based on electron impact ionization, allowing us to estimate a product branching ratio ΦCH3−N3ΦCH3N−N2=2.3%±0.6%97.7%±0.6%.
Cross-stream migration of a surfactant-laden deformable droplet in a Poiseuille flow
Authors: Das Sayan , Mandal Shubhadeep , Chakraborty Suman
Published: August 2017

The motion of a viscous deformable droplet suspended in an unbounded Poiseuille flow in the presence of bulk-insoluble surfactants is studied analytically. Assuming the convective transport of fluid to be negligible, we perform a small-deformation perturbation analysis to obtain the droplet migration velocity. The droplet dynamics strongly depends on the distribution of surfactants along the droplet interface, which is governed by the relative strength of convective transport of surfactants as compared with the diffusive transport of surfactants. The present study is focused on the following two limits: (i) when the surfactant transport is dominated by surface diffusion and (ii) when the surfactant transport is dominated by surface convection. In the first limiting case, it is seen that the axial velocity of the droplet decreases with an increase in the advection of the surfactants along the surface. The variation of cross-stream migration velocity, on the other hand, is analyzed over three different regimes based on the ratio of the viscosity of the droplet phase to that of the carrier phase (λ). In the first regime (∼λ < 0.75), the migration velocity decreases with an increase in surface advection of the surfactants, although there is no change in the direction of droplet migration. For the second regime (∼0.75 < λ < 11), the direction of the cross-stream migration of the droplet changes (which means the droplet moves either towards the flow centerline or away from it) depending on different parameters. In the third regime (∼λ > 11), the migration velocity is merely affected by any change in the surfactant distribution. For the other limit of higher surface advection in comparison with surface diffusion of the surfactants, the droplet always moves towards the flow centerline and the axial velocity of the droplet is found to be independent of the surfactant distribution. However, the cross-stream velocity is found to decrease with an increase in nonuniformity in surfactant distribution.
A surface science compatible epifluorescence microscope for inspection of samples under ultra high vacuum and cryogenic conditions
Authors: Marquardt Christian , Paulheim Alexander , Rohbohm Nils , Merkel Rudolf , Sokolowski Moritz
Published: August 2017

We modified an epi-illumination light microscope and mounted it on an ultra high vacuum chamber for investigating samples used in a surface science experiment. For easy access and bake out, all optical components are placed outside the vacuum and the sample is imaged through a glass window. The microscope can be operated in reflection brightfield or epifluorescence mode to image the sample surface or fluorescent dye molecules adsorbed on it. The homemade sample mounting was made compatible for the use under the microscope; sample temperatures as low as 6 K can be achieved. The performance of the microscope is demonstrated on two model samples: Brightfield-images of a well-prepared Ag(100) surface show a macroscopic corrugation of the surface, although low energy electron diffraction data indicate a highly ordered crystalline surface. The surface shows macroscopic protrusions with flat regions, about 20–200 μm in diameter, in between. Fluorescence images of diluted 3,4,9,10-perylene tetracarboxylicacid dianhydride (PTCDA) molecules adsorbed on an ultrathin epitaxial KCl film on the Ag(100) surface show a shading effect at surface protrusions due to an inclined angle of incidence of the PTCDA beam during deposition. For some preparations, the distribution of the fluorescence intensity is inhomogeneous and shows a dense network of bright patches about 5 μm in diameter related to the macroscopic corrugation of the surface. We propose that such a light microscope can aid many surface science experiments, especially those dealing with epitaxial growth or fluorescent materials.
Temperature-stabilized differential amplifier for low-noise DC measurements
Authors: Märki P. , Braem B. A. , Ihn T.
Published: August 2017

A tabletop low-noise differential amplifier with a bandwidth of 100 kHz is presented. Low voltage drifts of the order of 100 nV/day are reached by thermally stabilizing relevant amplifier components. The input leakage current is below 100 fA. Input-stage errors are reduced by extensive circuitry. Voltage noise, current noise, input capacitance, and input current are extraordinarily low. The input resistance is larger than 1 TΩ. The amplifiers were tested with and deployed for electrical transport measurements of quantum devices at cryogenic temperatures.
Detrimental nonlocality in luminescence measurements
Authors: Pluska Mariusz , Czerwinski Andrzej
Published: August 2017

Luminescence studies are used to investigate the local properties of various light-emitting materials. A critical issue of these studies is presented that the signals often lack all advantages of luminescence-studies of high locality, and may originate from an extended spatial region of even a few millimeters in size or the whole sample, i.e., places other than intended for investigation. This is a key problem for research and development in photonics. Due to this nonlocality, information indicating defects, irregularities, nonuniformities and inhomogeneities is lost. The issue refers to typical structures with a strong built-in electric field. Such fields exist intentionally in most photonic structures and occur unintentionally in many other materials investigated by applied physics. We reveal [using test samples prepared with focused ion beam (FIB) on an AlGaAs/GaAs laser heterostructure with an InGaAs quantum well (QW)] that nonlocality increases at low temperatures. This is contrary to the widely expected outcome, as low-temperature luminescence measurements are usually assumed to be free from disturbances. We explain many effects observed due to nonlocality in luminescence studies and prove that separation of the investigated area by focused ion beam milling is a practical solution enabling truly local luminescence measurements. All conclusions drawn using the example of cathodoluminescence are useful for other luminescence techniques.
Flooding and low oxygen responses in plants
Authors: Pedersen Ole , Perata Pierdomenico , Voesenek Laurentius A. C. J.
Published: August 2017

The world is currently experiencing dramatic increases in flood events impacting on natural vegetation and crops. Flooding often results in low O2 status in root tissues during waterlogging, but sometimes also in shoot tissues when plants become completely submerged. Plants possess a suite of traits enabling tissue aeration and/or adjusted metabolism during hypoxia or even in the absence of O2. This special issue of Functional Plant Biology presents key papers for plant scientists on the quest to further address and improve flood tolerance of terrestrial plants. The papers address low O2 responses in roots, shoots or whole plants in controlled laboratory conditions or in the field situation using natural wetland plants as models as well as economically important crops, such as rice, wheat and barley. The studies advance our understanding of low O2 responses in plant tissues as caused by O2 shortage during flooding. However, in most instances, submergence not only leads to hypoxic or anoxic tissues, but inundation in water also results in accumulation of CO2 and the important plant hormone ethylene. Thus, carefully designed laboratory studies are often needed to unravel the mechanistic relationships between a combined decline in O2 followed by increases in CO2 and ethylene at tissue as well as on the cellular level.
Alignment of the protein substrate hairpin along the SecA two-helix finger primes protein transport in
Escherichia coli
Authors: Zhang Qi , Lahiri Sudipta , Banerjee Tithi , Sun Zhongmou , Oliver Donald , Mukerji Ishita
Published: August 2017

Significance

Specialized protein complexes transport and integrate peptides into membranes in all living cells. Protein transport within the universally conserved Sec system requires the formation of an initiator protein substrate hairpin comprised of the signal peptide and adjacent region. Fundamental questions remain regarding when and how this hairpin structure forms. Here, we show that the SecA two-helix finger templates the hairpin within the preformed SecYEG-bound SecA complex prior to its insertion into the SecY channel. In addition to capturing a novel preinsertion intermediate state, our study expands the role of the SecA two-helix finger, which has previously been suggested to be an ATP-powered ratchet that drives cycles of protein transport.
Accurate RNA consensus sequencing for high-fidelity detection of transcriptional mutagenesis-induced epimutations
Authors: Reid-Bayliss Kate S. , Loeb Lawrence A.
Published: August 2017

Significance

Epimutations arising from transcriptional mutagenesis have been hypothesized to contribute to viral and bacterial evolution, drug resistance, and age-related diseases, including cancer and neurodegeneration. However, methodology limitations have inhibited progress toward elucidating the contributions of epimutations to cellular evolution and survival in vivo. Recent efforts to overcome these limitations remain constrained by artifacts arising during RNA library preparation. We present accurate RNA consensus sequencing (ARC-seq), an accurate, high-throughput RNA sequencing method that effectively eliminates errors introduced during RNA library preparation and sequencing and represents a major advance over previous methods. ARC-seq will enable investigations of the causal roles of transcriptional fidelity and epimutations in multiple fields, including viral evolution, bacterial resistance, and age-related diseases, such as cancer and neurodegeneration.
From DNA binding to transcriptional activation: Is the TALE complete?
Authors: Bobola Nicoletta
Published: August 2017

How transcription factors (TFs) control enhancer and promoter functions to effect changes in gene expression is an important question. In this issue, Hau et al. (2017. J. Cell Biol. https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201701154) show that the TALE TF MEIS recruits the histone modifier PARP1/ARTD1 at promoters to decompact chromatin and activate transcription.
Efficacy of Transcranial Direct-Current Stimulation in Women With Provoked Vestibulodynia
Authors: Morin Annie , Leonard Guillaume , Gougeon Véronique , Cyr Marie-Pierre , Waddell Guy , Bureau Yves-André , Girard Isabelle , Morin Mélanie
Published: August 2017

(Abstracted from Am J Obstet Gynecol 2017;216(6):584.e1–584.e11)

The most frequent cause of premenopausal dyspareunia is provoked vestibulodynia (PVD). Patients with PVD have acute recurrent pain at the vaginal entrance in response to attempted vaginal penetration or application of pressure.
Chemotherapy Completion in Elderly Women With Ovarian, Primary Peritoneal or Fallopian Tube Cancer—An NRG Oncology/Gynecologic Oncology Group Study
Authors: von Gruenigen Vivian E. , Huang Helen Q. , Beumer Jan H. , Lankes Heather A. , Tew William , Herzog Thomas , Hurria Arti , Mannel Robert S. , Rizack Tina , Landrum Lisa M. , Rose Peter G. , Salani Ritu , Bradley William H. , Rutherford Thomas J. , Higgins Robert V. , Secord Angeles Alvarez , Fleming Gini
Published: August 2017

(Abstracted from Gynecol Oncol 2017;144:459–467)

Older patients with cancer do not tolerate chemotherapy well and suffer more toxicity than do younger women. There is great heterogeneity among patients of a given chronological age in the ability to tolerate treatment.
Economic burden of advanced melanoma in France, Germany and the UK: a retrospective observational study (Melanoma Burden-of-Illness Study)
Authors: Grange Florent , Mohr Peter , Harries Mark , Ehness Rainer , Benjamin Laure , Siakpere Obukohwo , Barth Janina , Stapelkamp Ceilidh , Pfersch Sylvie , McLeod Lori D. , Kaye James A. , Wolowacz Sorrel , Kontoudis Ilias
Published: August 2017

The aim of this study was to estimate the cost-of-illness associated with completely resected stage IIIB/IIIC melanoma with macroscopic lymph node involvement, overall and by disease phase, in France, Germany and the UK. This retrospective observational study included patients aged older than or equal to 18 years first diagnosed with stage IIIB/IIIC cutaneous melanoma between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2011. Data were obtained from medical records and a patient survey. Direct costs, indirect costs and patient out-of-pocket expenses were estimated in euros (€) (and British pounds, £) by collecting resource use and multiplying by country-specific unit costs. National annual costs were estimated using national disease prevalence from the European cancer registry and other published data. Forty-nine centres provided data on 558 patients (58.2% aged <65 years, 53.6% stage IIIB disease at diagnosis). The mean follow-up duration was 27 months (France), 26 months (Germany) and 22 months (UK). The mean total direct cost per patient during follow-up was €23 582 in France, €32 058 in Germany and €37 970 (£31 123) in the UK. The largest cost drivers were melanoma drugs [mean €14 004, €21 269, €29 750 (£24 385), respectively] and hospitalization/emergency treatment [mean: €6634, €6950, €3449 (£2827), respectively]. The total mean indirect costs per patient were €129 (France), €4,441 (Germany) and €1712 (£1427) (UK). Estimates for annual national direct cost were €13.1 million (France), €30.2 million (Germany) and €27.8 (£22.8) million (UK). The economic burden of stage IIIB/IIIC melanoma with macroscopic lymph node involvement was substantial in all three countries. Total direct costs were the highest during the period with distant metastasis/terminal illness.
A Naturalistic Comparison of Methylphenidate and Risperidone Monotherapy in Drug-Naive Youth With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Comorbid With Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Aggression
Authors: Masi Gabriele , Manfredi Azzurra , Nieri Giulia , Muratori Pietro , Pfanner Chiara , Milone Annarita
Published: August 2017

Background/Purpose

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) are frequently co-occurring in youth, but data about the pharmacological management of this comorbidity are scarce, especially when impulsive aggression is prominent. Although stimulants are the first-line medication for ADHD, second-generation antipsychotics, namely, risperidone, are frequently used. We aimed to assess effectiveness and safety of monotherapy with the stimulant methylphenidate (MPH) and risperidone in a consecutive sample of 40 drug-naive male youths diagnosed as having ADHD-combined presentation, comorbid with ODD and aggression, without psychiatric comorbidities, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition criteria and a structured clinical interview (Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children—Present and Lifetime Version).

Methods

Twenty males treated with MPH (mean age, 8.95 ± 1.67 years) and 20 males treated with risperidone (mean age, 9.35 ± 2.72 years), followed up to 6 months, were assessed according to efficacy measures (Child Behavior Checklist [CBCL], Clinical Global Impression–Severity [CGI-S] and Improvement [CGI-I], Children Global Assessment Scale), and safety measures. At the end of the follow-up, both medications were similarly effective based on CBCL subscales of aggression and rule-breaking behaviors, on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders–oriented oppositional defiant problems and conduct problems, and on CGI-S, CGI-I, and Children Global Assessment Scale, but only MPH was effective on CBCL attention problems and attention-deficit/hyperactivity problems. Risperidone was associated with weight gain and elevated prolactin levels.

Implications/Conclusions

Although the nonrandomized, nonblind design limits the conclusions of our exploratory study, our findings suggest that when ADHD is comorbid with ODD and aggression MPH and risperidone are both effective on aggressive behavior, but only stimulants are effective on ADHD symptoms.
Exploring Rural Disparities in Medical Diagnoses Among Veterans With Transgender-related Diagnoses Utilizing Veterans Health Administration Care
Authors: Bukowski Leigh A. , Blosnich John , Shipherd Jillian C. , Kauth Michael R. , Brown George R. , Gordon Adam J.
Published: August 2017

Objectives:

Research shows transgender individuals experience pronounced health disparities compared with their nontransgender peers. Yet, there remains insufficient research about health differences within transgender populations. This study seeks to fill this gap by exploring how current urban/rural status is associated with lifetime diagnosis of mood disorder, alcohol dependence disorder, illicit drug abuse disorder, tobacco use, posttraumatic stress disorder, human immunodeficiency virus, and suicidal ideation or attempt among veterans with transgender-related diagnoses.

Methods:

This study used a retrospective review of The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administrative data for transgender patients who received VA care from 1997 through 2014. Transgender patients were defined as individuals that had a lifetime diagnosis of any of 4 International Classification of Diseases-9 diagnosis codes associated with transgender status. Independent multivariable logistic regression models were used to explore associations of rural status with medical conditions.

Results:

Veterans with transgender-related diagnoses residing in small/isolated rural towns had increased odds of tobacco use disorder (adjusted odds ratio=1.39; 95% confidence intervals, 1.09–1.78) and posttraumatic stress disorder (adjusted odds ratio=1.33; 95% confidence intervals, 1.03–1.71) compared with their urban transgender peers. Urban/rural status was not significantly associated with other medical conditions of interest.

Conclusions:

This study contributes the first empirical investigations of how place of residence is associated with medical diagnoses among veterans with transgender-related diagnoses. The importance of place as a determinant of health is increasingly clear, but for veterans with transgender-related diagnoses this line of research is currently limited. The addition of self-reported sex identity data within VA electronic health records is one way to advance this line of research.
Racial and Ethnic Variation in Perceptions of VA Mental Health Providers are Associated With Treatment Retention Among Veterans With PTSD
Authors: Spoont Michele , Nelson David , van Ryn Michelle , Alegria Margarita
Published: August 2017

Background:

Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who seek mental health care in the Veterans Health Administration frequently discontinue treatment prematurely. Early discontinuation of mental health treatment is more common among Veterans with PTSD who are of minority race or ethnicity.

Objectives:

To determine whether retention in individual therapy or pharmacotherapy among Veterans with PTSD are associated with patients’ ratings of their mental health providers, and if those associations differ depending on Veteran race or ethnicity.

Research Design:

Latino, African American, and white Veterans (n=2452) who participated in a prospective national cohort study of Veterans with PTSD at the beginning of an episode of care were surveyed immediately following Veterans’ PTSD diagnoses and 6 months later. Pharmacy and mental health service utilization were abstracted from Veterans Health Administration administrative databases for 6 months postdiagnosis. Retention in treatments were modeled using logistic regression among Veterans who initiated individual therapy or pharmacotherapy. Demographics, treatment need, treatment-related beliefs, treatment process measures, and ratings of mental health providers were considered as predictors.

Results:

Ratings of mental health providers, more than treatment beliefs, were associated with treatment retention. Among African American Veterans, retention in pharmacotherapy was reduced if the provider was perceived as not having helped manage medication side-effects (odds ratio, 0.36; confidence interval, 0.16–0.80). All Latino Veterans but one (99% or n=64) who rated their therapist as not caring discontinued individual psychotherapy.

Conclusions:

Ratings of mental health providers were associated with treatment retention. The salience of specific provider behaviors to treatment retention varied by Veteran race or ethnicity.
Health Disparities in Veterans
Authors: Kondo Karli , Low Allison , Everson Teresa , Gordon Christine D. , Veazie Stephanie , Lozier Crystal C. , Freeman Michele , Motu’apuaka Makalapua , Mendelson Aaron , Friesen Mark , Paynter Robin , Friesen Caroline , Anderson Johanna , Boundy Erin , Saha Somnath , Quiñones Ana , Kansagara Devan
Published: August 2017

Background:

Goals for improving the quality of care for all Veterans and eliminating health disparities are outlined in the Veterans Health Administration Blueprint for Excellence, but the degree to which disparities in utilization, health outcomes, and quality of care affect Veterans is not well understood.

Objectives:

To characterize the research on health care disparities in the Veterans Health Administration by means of a map of the evidence.

Research Design:

We conducted a systematic search for research studies published from 2006 to February 2016 in MEDLINE and other data sources. We included studies of Veteran populations that examined disparities in 3 outcome categories: utilization, quality of health care, and patient health.

Measures:

We abstracted data on study design, setting, population, clinical area, outcomes, mediators, and presence of disparity for each outcome category. We grouped the data by population characteristics including race, disability status, mental illness, demographics (age, era of service, rural location, and distance from care), sex identity, socioeconomic status, and homelessness, and created maps illustrating the evidence.

Results:

We reviewed 4249 citations and abstracted data from 351 studies which met inclusion criteria. Studies examining disparities by race/ethnicity comprised by far the vast majority of the literature, followed by studies examining disparities by sex, and mental health condition. Very few studies examined disparities related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender identity or homelessness. Disparities findings vary widely by population and outcome.

Conclusions:

Our evidence maps provide a “lay of the land” and identify important gaps in knowledge about health disparities experienced by different Veteran populations.
African American Veterans Storytelling
Authors: Houston Thomas K. , Fix Gemmae M. , Shimada Stephanie L. , Long Judith A. , Gordon Howard S. , Pope Charlene , Volkman Julie , Allison Jeroan J. , DeLaughter Kathryn , Orner Michelle , Bokhour Barbara G.
Published: August 2017

Background:

Disparities in hypertension control persist for African American Veterans.

Objective:

To enhance cultural relevance of hypertension control self-management education, in a multisite, stratified randomized trial, we tested an interactive Veteran-to-Veteran storytelling digital video disk (DVD) intervention created with Veteran partners, versus an education-only DVD comparison.

Methods:

At 3 VA facilities, African American Veterans with uncontrolled hypertension were randomized to storytelling DVD intervention or didactic comparison DVD and followed for 6 months. We hypothesized that follow-up blood pressure (BP) would be lower among Veterans in the intervention group.

Results:

African American Veterans (N=619) were 92% male, 39% over age 65, most had a high-school education, over 50% of both the intervention and comparison group reported a household income of <$20,000, and 40% had less than adequate health literacy. At baseline, mean intervention and comparison group BPs were 138/80 and 139/81 mm Hg, respectively; at 6 months, mean systolic BP (SBP) increased by 0.1 in the intervention group and by 1.9 for the comparison group; diastolic BP fell by 0.1 in the intervention group and rose by 0.2 in the comparison group. No differences between the intervention and control groups were statistically significant (all P>0.3). Site differences were large; at one, the intervention group improved while the comparison groups deteriorated, resulting in 6.3 and 3.9 mm Hg more improvement for the intervention group in SBP and diastolic BP (P=0.06 and 0.04), respectively; at the other 2 sites, there were positive and negative changes, all small, in the 2 measures, with minimal differences—one site favored the comparison group and the other, the intervention (these comparisons did not approach statistical significance (all P>0.20). In a secondary analysis stratified by baseline BP, there was no intervention effect among those with uncontrolled BP, but intervention patients who were in control at baseline were more likely to stay in control, compared with comparison [SBP increase by 6.3 mm Hg (SD=14.4) among intervention, and by 10.9 mm Hg (SD=16.9) in comparison, P=0.02].

Conclusions:

In this multisite trial, we did not find a significant overall storytelling intervention effect (Clinicaltrials.gov Reg. #NCT01276197).