bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 in Patients with Acromegaly
Authors: Halupczok-Żyła Jowita , Jawiarczyk-Przybyłowska Aleksandra , Skrzypski Marek , Strowski Mathias , Bolanowski Marek
Published: September 2017

Introduction The goal of the study was to investigate fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF-21) levels in acromegalic patients in relation to the disease activity and to compare them with controls. Further, we aimed to evaluate the associations between FGF-21 and random growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), metabolic and anthropometric parameters.

Materials and methods The study group consisted of 50 acromegalic patients divided into 3 subgroups on the basis of disease activity (AA – active acromegaly, CD – controlled disease, CA – cured acromegaly). 27 subjects were assigned to the control group (CG). Blood samples were obtained from all participants to assess FGF-21, GH, IGF-1, lipids, glucose and insulin levels. Body mass, body mass index and body composition were also evaluated.

Results There were no statistically significant differences in FGF-21 concentrations across all groups despite of subjects classification. FGF-21 correlated positively with random GH in the groups: CA, CD+CA, AA+CD+CA (r=0.48, p=0.049; r=0.39, p=0.023; r=0.33, p=0.02; respectively); with IGF-1 in the AA+CD+CA group (r=0.29, p=0.041); with triglycerides in the following groups: CD, CD+CA, AA+CD+CA (r=0.63, p=0.08; r=0.44, p=0.01; r=0.37, p=0.007; respectively) and with age in the CG and CD+CA groups (r=0.41, p=0.029; r=0.42, p=0.029; respectively). There were statistically significant negative correlations between FGF-21 and HDL-cholesterol levels in the groups: CD, CD+CA, AA+CD+CA (r=-0.53, p=0.03; r=-0.37, p=0.032; r=-0.29, p=0.036, respectively).

Conclusions FGF-21 levels were similar in patients with acromegaly compared to controls. However, our results indicate that FGF-21 may have a potential role in the development of acromegaly complications.
Organerhaltende Therapieoptionen des muskelinvasiven Harnblasenkarzinoms
Authors: Kempkensteffen Carsten
Published: September 2017

Die radikale Zystektomie gilt gemäß nationaler und internationaler Leitlinien als Therapie der Wahl zur Behandlung des muskelinvasiven
Harnblasenkarzinoms. Insbesondere bei alten, komorbiden Patienten ist dieser Eingriff jedoch mit einem relativ hohen Komplikationsrisiko
assoziiert. Jüngere Patienten befürchten darüber hinaus vor allem postoperative Einschränkungen der Lebensqualität durch Störungen der
Sexualität, der Kontinenz und des Körperbildes infolge der möglicherweise notwendigen Anlage eines Urostomas. Daraus resultiert eine
zunehmende Nachfrage nach alternativen, organerhaltenden Therapieoptionen. Hier stehen derzeit die multimodale Therapie und die partielle
Zystektomie im Vordergrund. Unter der Voraussetzung einer stringenten Patientenselektion sowie einer engmaschigen Tumornachsorge, lassen
sich mit beiden Verfahren der radikalen Zystektomie vergleichbare onkologische Ergebnisse erreichen.
The Oral Dipeptidyl-Peptidase-4 Inhibitor Sitagliptin Increases Circulating Levels Of Stromal-Derived Factor-1 Alpha
Authors: Papazafiropoulou Athanasia , Papanas Nikolaos , Trikkalinou Aikaterini , Fousteris Evaggelos , Melidonis Andreas
Published: September 2017

Recent studies have demonstrated that stromal derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) is a substrate of dipeptidyl-peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. It has also been shown that SDF-1α shares anti-apoptotic as well as nephroprotective properties and exerts a beneficial effect in the cardiovascular system. Therefore, the aim of this study was to estimate the effect of treatment with the DDP-4 inhibitor sitagliptin on SDF-1α levels in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). Overall, 32 patients (16 males) with T2D, mean age (±SD) 67.2±8.3 years, HbA1c 6.4±0.5%, body-mass index (BMI) 29.1±4.9 Kg/m2, T2D duration 8.5±4.0 years receiving metformin monotherapy (17 participants) or metformin plus sitagliptin (15 participants) without known cardiovascular disease were enrolled. Patients on metformin plus sitagliptin exhibited higher plasma levels of SDF-1α compared with those on metformin monotherapy (19.6±4.1 versus 6.9±1.3 pg/ml, respectively, p=0.01). Multivariate regression analysis after controlling for age, sex, body-mass index, smoking, arterial hypertension, dyslipidaemia and other confounders showed that SDF-1α levels were positively correlated with DPP-4 inhibitor treatment (beta=0.91, p=0.001), and negatively with T2D duration (beta=− 0.42, p=0.05), ΗDL-cholesterol levels (beta=− 0.46, p=0.02) and HbA1c (beta=− 0.41, p=0.05). In conclusion, these results suggest that sitagliptin treatment may exert a favourable effect on SDF-1α levels.
Effects of a semi-infinite stratification on the Rayleigh-Taylor instability in an interface with surface tension
Authors: de Andrea González Ángel , González-Gutiérrez Leo M.
Published: September 2017

The Rayleigh-Taylor instability (RTI) in an infinite slab where a constant density lower fluid is initially separated from an upper stratified fluid is discussed in linear regime. The upper fluid is of increasing exponential density and surface tension is considered between both of them. It was found useful to study stability by using the initial value problem approach (IVP), so that we ensure the inclusion of certain continuum modes, otherwise neglected. This methodology includes the branch cut in the complex plane, consequently, in addition to discrete modes (surface RTI modes), a set of continuum modes (internal RTI modes) also appears. As a result, the usual information given by the normal mode method is now complete. Furthermore, a new role is found for surface tension: to transform surface RTI modes (discrete spectrum) into internal RTI modes belonging to a continuous spectrum at a critical wavenumber. As a consequence, the cut-off wavenumber disappears: i.e. the growth rate of the RTI surface mode does not decay to zero at the cut-off wavenumber, as previous researchers used to believe. Finally, we found that, due to the continuum, the asymptotic behavior of the perturbation with respect to time is slower than the exponential when only the continuous spectrum exists.
Preparation of stable silica surfaces for surface forces measurement
Authors: Ren Huai-Yin , Mizukami Masashi , Kurihara Kazue
Published: September 2017

A surface forces apparatus (SFA) measures the forces between two surfaces as a function of the surface separation distance. It is regarded as an essential tool for studying the interactions between two surfaces. However, sample surfaces used for the conventional SFA measurements have been mostly limited to thin (ca. 2–3 μm) micas, which are coated with silver layers (ca. 50 nm) on their back, due to the requirement of the distance determination by transmission mode optical interferometry called FECO (fringes of equal chromatic order). The FECO method has the advantage of determining the absolute distance, so it should be important to increase the availability of samples other than mica, which is chemically nonreactive and also requires significant efforts for cleaving. Recently, silica sheets have been occasionally used in place of mica, which increases the possibility of surface modification. However, in this case, the silver layer side of the sheet is glued on a cylindrical quartz disc using epoxy resin, which is not stable in organic solvents and can be easily swollen or dissolved. The preparation of substrates more stable under severe conditions, such as in organic solvents, is necessary for extending application of the measurement. In this study, we report an easy method for preparing stable silica layers of ca. 2 μm in thickness deposited on gold layers (41 nm)/silica discs by sputtering, then annealed to enhance the stability. The obtained silica layers were stable and showed no swelling in organic solvents such as ethanol and toluene.
Noise suppression and sensitivity manipulation of magnetic tunnel junction sensors with soft magnetic Co70.5Fe4.5Si15B10 layer
Authors: Huang L. , Yuan Z. H. , Tao B. S. , Wan C. H. , Guo P. , Zhang Q. T. , Yin L. , Feng J. F. , Nakano T. , Naganuma H. , Liu H. F. , Yan Y. , Han X. F.
Published: September 2017

The voltage noise characteristic and sensitivity of magnetic tunnel junction sensors are crucial for ultralow field detection. In this work, we used a soft magnetic material electrode Co70.5Fe4.5Si15B10 as a sensing layer to improve the sensitivity. Then, a bias field along the easy axis of a free layer was applied to improve the linearity and manipulate the sensitivity of magnetic tunnel junction sensors. More importantly, random telegraph noise was suppressed by the bias field, resulting in hysteresis-free performance. The highest sensitivity of 3.9%/Oe and the best field detectivity of 4.5 nT/√ Hz at 10 Hz without hysteresis have been achieved. The sensors showed excellent performance with CoFeSiB electrodes, indicating that it is an effective way to improve the performance of sensors by introducing the bias field.
Solution-processed polymer-sorted semiconducting carbon nanotube network transistors with low-k /high-k bilayer polymer dielectrics
Authors: Lee Seung-Hoon , Kim Dong-Yu , Noh Yong-Young
Published: September 2017

Solution-processed semiconducting carbon nanotube transistors with a high mobility and an ON/OFF ratio are the most promising for use in flexible electronics. In this paper, we report low-k/high-k bilayer polymer dielectrics for solution-processed semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotube (s-SWNT) field-effect transistors (s-SWNT-FETs) with efficient charge transport and operation at low voltage. Thin low-k polystyrene (10 nm) is used for the first contact insulator with a channel in order to passivate the dipolar disorder induced by high-k insulators. The second gate insulator for low voltage operation is cyanoethyl pullulan (CEP), which is an environmentally friendly high-k insulator based on cellulose. Moreover, poly[(vinylidenefluoride-co-trifluoroethylene) is chosen as a single layer dielectric for comparison. A reasonably low operational voltage (<10 V) and high operational stability are achieved by the s-SWNT-FETs with polystyrene/CEP bilayer gate dielectrics. In addition, this indicates that the interface between the s-SWNTs and the low-k insulator is of critical importance for efficient charge transport.
Existence domain of the compressive ion acoustic super solitary wave in a two electron temperature warm multi-ion plasma
Authors: Steffy S. V. , Ghosh S. S.
Published: September 2017

The transition of an ion acoustic solitary wave into a “supersoliton,” or a super solitary wave have been explored in a two electron temperature warm multi-ion plasma using the Sagdeev pseudopotential technique. It is generally believed that the ion acoustic solitary wave can be transformed to a super solitary wave only through a double layer. The present work shows that the transition route of an ion acoustic solitary wave to a super solitary wave is not unique. Depending on the electron temperature ratio, a regular solitary wave may transform to a super solitary wave either via the double layer, or through an extra-nonlinear solitary structure whose morphology differs from that of a regular one. These extra-nonlinear structures are associated with a fluctuation of the charge separation within the potential profile and are named as “variable solitary waves.” Depending on these analyses, the upper and lower bounds of a super solitary wave have been deciphered and its existence domain has been delineated in the parametric space. It reveals that super solitary waves are a subset of a more generalized class of extra-nonlinear solitary structures called variable solitary waves.
All-Si photodetector for telecommunication wavelength based on subwavelength grating structure and critical coupling
Authors: Taghizadeh Alireza , Zali Aref Rasoulzadeh , Chung Il-Sug , Moravvej-Farshi Mohammad Kazem
Published: September 2017

We propose an efficient planar all-Si internal photoemission photodetector operating at the telecommunication wavelength of 1550 nm and numerically investigate its optical and electrical properties. The proposed polarization-sensitive detector is composed of an appropriately engineered subwavelength grating structure topped with a silicide layer of nanometers thickness as an absorbing material. It is shown that a nearly-perfect light absorption is possible for the thin silicide layer by its integration to the grating resonator. The absorption is shown to be maximized when the critical coupling condition is satisfied. Simulations show that the external quantum efficiency of the proposed photodetector with a 2-nm-thick PtSi absorbing layer at the center wavelength of 1550 nm can reach up to ∼60%.
The high temperature impact response of tungsten and chromium
Authors: Zaretsky E. B. , Kanel G. I.
Published: September 2017

The evolution of elastic-plastic shock waves has been studied in pure polycrystalline tungsten and chromium at room and elevated temperatures over propagation distances ranging from 0.05 to 3 mm (tungsten) and from 0.1 to 2 mm (chromium). The use of fused silica windows in all but one experiment with chromium and in several high temperature experiments with tungsten led to the need for performing shock and optic characterization of these windows over the 300–1200 K temperature interval. Experiments with tungsten and chromium samples showed that annealing of the metals transforms the initial ramping elastic wave into a jump-like wave, substantially increasing the Hugoniot elastic limits of the metals. With increased annealing time, the spall strength of the two metals slightly increases. Both at room and at high temperatures, the elastic precursor in the two metals decays in two distinct regimes. At propagation distances smaller than ∼1 mm (tungsten) or ∼0.5 mm (chromium), decay is fast, with the dislocation motion and multiplication being controlled by phonon viscous drag. At greater distances, the rate of decay becomes much lower, with control of the plastic deformation being passed to the thermally activated generation and motion of dislocation double-kinks. The stress at which this transition takes place virtually coincides with the Peierls stress τP of the active glide system. Analysis of the annealing effects in both presently and previously studied BCC metals (i.e., Ta, V, Nb, Mo, W, and Cr) and of the dependencies of their normalized Peierls stresses τP(θ)/τP(0) on the normalized temperature θ=T/Tm allows one to conclude that the non-planar, split into several glide planes, structure of the dislocation core in these metals is mainly responsible for their plastic deformation features.
Modulation of sub-threshold properties of InGaAs MOSFETs by La2O3 gate dielectrics
Authors: Chang C.-Y. , Endo K. , Kato K. , Takenaka M. , Takagi S.
Published: September 2017

We have found the ferroelectric-like characteristics in atomic layer deposition (ALD) La2O3 films with thermal budget lower than 300oC in polarization-electric field (P-E) and capacitance-gate voltage (C-V) measurements on W/La2O3/W and W/La2O3/InGaAs capacitors. The observed hysteresis and saturation of polarization in the P-E characteristics of the W/La2O3/W and the W/La2O3/InGaAs capacitors, and the counter-clockwise C-V hysteresis in the C-V curves of the W/La2O3/InGaAs capacitors suggest a possibility of ferroelectricity in the present La2O3 films. By using this gate stack, W/La2O3/InGaAs metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) were fabricated in order to examine the negative capacitance (NC) effect due to La2O3. It is found that the sub-threshold swing (SS) of W/La2O3/InGaAs MOSFETs is lower at low temperature than the theoretical limit of MOSFETs. This result strongly suggests that the W/La2O3/InGaAs MOSFETs can work as a steep-slope III-V negative capacitance field-effect transistor (NCFET).
Theoretical investigation on electronic and mechanical properties of ternary actinide (U, Np, Pu) nitrides
Authors: Zhang Yu-Juan , Zhou Zhang-Jian , Lan Jian-Hui , Bo Tao , Ge Chang-Chun , Chai Zhi-Fang , Shi Wei-Qun
Published: September 2017

Actinide mononitrides as a promising advanced nuclear fuel have recently earned much attention. We herein studied the electronic and mechanical properties of the ternary actinide mixed mononitrides A0.5B0.5 N (A, B = U, Np, and Pu) using the density functional theory +U method. It is found that in the studied ternary mixed mononitrides, the 5f electronic states of all actinide atoms maintain the local electronic character and do not overlap with each other. Compared with their corresponding binary mononitrides, the U-N bond becomes more ionic, where the Np-N and Pu-N bonds become more covalent in ternary actinide mixed mononitrides. The mechanical properties (such as bulk and shear moduli, Young's modulus, and Poisson's ratio) of three ternary actinide (U-Pu) mononitrides are found to be similar to that of their corresponding binary actinide mononitrides and thus are expected not to misbehave with actinide mononitrides in respect of mechanics. In addition, all the three ternary actinide mononitrides have no imaginary frequencies in their vibration curves and correspondingly satisfy the stability criteria for elastic constants of tetragonal structures.
Mimicking glide symmetry dispersion with coupled slot metasurfaces
Authors: Camacho Miguel , Mitchell-Thomas Rhiannon C. , Hibbins Alastair P. , Sambles J. Roy , Quevedo-Teruel Oscar
Published: September 2017

In this letter, we demonstrate that the dispersion properties associated with glide symmetry can be achieved in systems that only possess reflection symmetry by balancing the influence of two sublattices. We apply this approach to a pair of coupled slots cut into an infinite perfectly conducting plane. Each slot is notched on either edge, with the complete two-slot system having only mirror symmetry. By modifying the relative size of the notches on either side of the slots, we show that a linear dispersion relation with a degeneracy with non-zero group velocity at the Brillouin zone boundary can be achieved. These properties, until now, only found in systems with glide symmetry are numerically and experimentally validated. We also show that these results can be used for the design of ultra-wideband one-dimensional leaky wave antennas in coplanar waveguide technology.
Interfering resonance as an underlying mechanism in the adaptive feedback control of radiationless transitions: Retinal isomerization
Authors: Lavigne Cyrille , Brumer Paul
Published: September 2017

Control of molecular processes via adaptive feedback often yields highly structured laser pulses that have eluded physical explanation. By contrast, coherent control approaches propose physically transparent mechanisms but are not readily visible in experimental results. Here, an analysis of a condensed phase adaptive feedback control experiment on retinal isomerization shows that it manifests a quantum interference based coherent control mechanism: control via interfering resonances. The result promises deep insight into the physical basis for the adaptive feedback control of a broad class of bound state processes.
Antibacterial and antifungal activities of essential oils from medicinal plants found in the South Pacific
Authors: Chand R. R. , Jokhan A. D. , Gopalan R. D. , Osborne T.
Published: September 2017

Natural products such as essential oils have been studied since ancient times to understand their biological properties. Essential oils are noted for their antimicrobial activity. Thus, the focus of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of five essential oils (EOs) from selected medicinal plants found in the South Pacific, on selected human pathogenic bacteria and fungi affecting agricultural industries. The disc diffusion method was carried out and the diameter of inhibition zones (mm) (DZI) using 0.25, 0.5, 5, 25, 50 and 100% (v/v) of essential oil concentrations were reported. The activity of Cananga odorata essential oils against Thermus thermophiles and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were among the selected bacteria that only showed the susceptibility at the lowest concentration (0.25% v/v). The diameter inhibition zones were 1.60 mm and 4.20 mm, respectively. The inhibitory effect of Ocimum tenuiflorum L essential oils at the highest concentration (100%) showed DZI ranging above 14 mm for all the selected bacteria and above 25 mm for the all selected fungi. The inhibitory effect of selected bacteria and fungi increased with stronger concentrations of essential oils. Hence, the essential oils from medicinal plants found in the South Pacific hold great potential for the antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Genome-wide engineering of an infectious clone of herpes simplex virus type 1 using synthetic genomics assembly methods
Authors: Oldfield Lauren M. , Grzesik Peter , Voorhies Alexander A. , Alperovich Nina , MacMath Derek , Najera Claudia D. , Chandra Diya Sabrina , Prasad Sanjana , Noskov Vladimir N. , Montague Michael G. , Friedman Robert M. , Desai Prashant J. , Vashee Sanjay
Published: September 2017

Significance

Viruses with large DNA genomes, such as herpesviruses, are difficult to manipulate with existing genetic tools. We describe an application of synthetic genomics assembly tools that enables rapid and efficient generation of combinatorial mutations in herpesvirus genomes. The method provides the capacity to design, generate, and test numerous multiloci mutants in parallel, which can help us understand basic virus biology, facilitate vaccine development, and aid development of next-generation virus-based delivery systems. This class of viruses is being used as vectors for therapeutics and vaccines, with an oncolytic herpesvirus approved for the treatment of melanoma. Although such improvements in genome assembly and manipulation raise dual-use concerns, we believe the potential benefits substantially outweigh the risks.
The microstructure and mechanical properties of hot-extruded Mg-5Sn-4Al-2Ce rapidly solidified alloy
Authors: Cheng P. , Chen Y. , Ding W. , Wang C.
Published: September 2017

The microstructure and mechanical properties of hot-extruded Mg-5Sn-4Al-2Ce alloy in the form of rapid solidification ribbons (RS-extruded TAE542) are investigated. The results show that rapid solidification causes ultra-fine a-Mg grains (250 nm) and massive dispersive Mg2Sn and Al11Ce3 particles (80–400 nm) in the rapidly solidified (RS)-extruded alloy. As a result, the yield strength and elongation of RS-extruded TAE542 alloy reached 366 MPa and 15.2%, increasing by 72 and 26%, respectively, when compared with that of hot-extruded TAE542 alloy made from a homogenised ingot (HI-extruded TAE542).

This paper is part of a thematic issue on Light Alloys.
Temperature-dependent variation in dynamic deformation behaviour and dislocation substructure in AZ80 magnesium
Authors: Lee Woei-Shyan , Chou Cheng-Wen
Published: September 2017

The dynamic deformation behaviour and dislocation substructure of AZ80 magnesium alloy are investigated at strain rates of 8 × 102, 1.5 × 103 and 2.2 × 103 s−1 and temperatures of −100, 25 and 300°C using a compressive split-Hopkinson pressure bar system. The flow stress, work hardening coefficient, strain rate sensitivity and temperature sensitivity all increase with increasing strain rate or decreasing temperature. Moreover, the dynamic deformation behaviour is well described by the Zerilli–Armstrong hexagonal close packed (hcp) constitutive equation. Catastrophic failure occurs at all three temperatures under strain rates of 1.5 × 103 and 2.2 × 103 s−1. Transmission electron microscopy observations show that the dislocation density increases with a higher strain rate or a lower temperature. Finally, the flow stress varies linearly with the square root of the dislocation density in accordance with the Bailey–Hirsch model.

This paper is part of a thematic issue on Light Alloys.
Preparation of the plasma-sprayed graded thermal barrier coating by co-injection of premixed powders through a single plasma torch
Authors: Ravi Shankar A. , Kamachi Mudali U.
Published: September 2017

Plasma-sprayed partially stabilised zirconia (PSZ) coatings are being proposed for the molten salt environment at high temperature as they showed good corrosion resistance. In the present study, graded PSZ coatings were produced by the plasma spray technique by co-injection of premixed powders through a single plasma torch. A mixed phase structure, consisting of zirconia, mixed reaction phase of bond coat (BC) + zirconia and oxidised BC, was observed. Formation of the graded coating without reaction between zirconia and BC using a single plasma torch is an intricate process; therefore, optimisation of parameters was carried out. The cross-section SEM micrograph, Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDX) line profile and elemental X-ray mapping of the optimised graded coating revealed that the graded coating was achieved without the reaction of BC and zirconia. Molten salt corrosion and thermal cycling studies were carried out on the duplex and optimised coating. The average adhesion strength of the graded coating improved marginally in comparison to that of the duplex coating.
Effects of coating cycles on spin-coated indium nitride thin films
Authors: Lee Zhi Yin , Ng Sha Shiong , Yam Fong Kwong , Hassan Zainuriah
Published: September 2017

Indium nitride (InN) thin films were prepared on aluminium nitride/ p-silicon (111) substrates via sol–gel spin coating followed by nitridation. The InN thin films deposited at different coating cycles (10, 20 and 30) were analysed, and the growth mechanism was discussed in depth. The film thickness was enhanced with increasing number of coating cycle. X-ray diffraction showed that the crystalline structure of InN was improved at 20 coating cycles and started to degrade at 30 cycles. The diffusion path of the active nitrogen atoms into the deeper film was limited by the low growth temperature and led to gradual surface saturation. The film deposited at 20 cycles showed densely packed InN grains. Through the proposed approach, an InN optical band gap of 1.71 eV was achieved. It can be deduced that the variation in the number of coating cycles has significantly affected the film properties.
The Conundrum of Opioid Tapering in Long-Term Opioid Therapy for Chronic Pain: A Commentary
Authors: Manhapra Ajay , Arias Albert J. , Ballantyne Jane C.
Published: September 2017

Background

In response to the opioid epidemic and new guidelines, many patients on high-dose long term opioid therapy (LTOT) for chronic pain are getting tapered off opioids. As a result, a unique clinical challenge is emerging: while many on LTOT have poor pain control, functional decline, psychiatric instability, aberrancies and misuse, these issues may often worsen with opioid tapering. Currently, a clear explanation and practical guidance on how to manage this perplexing clinical scenario is lacking.

Methods

We offer a commentary with our perspective on possible mechanisms involved in this clinical phenomena and offer practical management guidance, supported by available evidence.

Results

It is not well recognized that allostatic opponent process involved in development of opioid dependence can cause worsening pain, functional status, sleep and psychiatric symptoms over time, and significant fluctuation of pain and other affective symptoms due to their bidirectional dynamic interaction with opioid dependence (‘affective dynamism’). These elements of complex persistent dependence (CPD), the grey area between simple dependence and addiction, can lead to escalating and labile opioid need, often generating aberrant behaviors. Opioid tapering, a seemingly logical intervention in this situation, may lead to worsening of pain, function and psychiatric symptoms due to development of protracted abstinence syndrome. We offer practicing clinicians management principles and practical guidance focused on management of CPD in addition to chronic pain in these difficult clinical scenarios.

Conclusion

Awareness of the science of the neuroplasticity effects of repeated use of opioids is necessary to better manage these patients with complex challenges.
Euromet #608 comparison in neutron fields—EUROMET(III)-S1
Authors: Ryckeghem L Van , Vanhavere F , Kil-Oung C , Jozefowicz K , Valent J , Kralik M
Published: September 2017

Six laboratories responsible for the calibration of neutron survey meters were able to participate in the EUROMET #608 comparison (EUROMET.RI(III)-S1). This report establishes the degree of equivalence and uncertainty for each laboratory, for various types of neutron fields 241Am/Be, 252Cf, (252Cf+D2O)/Cd and for the reference quantity, H*(10).

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCRI, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
A review of parameter estimation used in solar photovoltaic system for a single diode model
Authors: Md Sabudin Siti Nurashiken , Jamil Norazaliza Mohd , Rosli Norhayati
Published: September 2017

With increased demand for theoretical solar energy, the mathematical modelling of the solar photovoltaic (PV) system has gained importance. Numerous mathematical models have been developed for different purposes. In this paper, we briefly review the progress made in the mathematical modelling of solar photovoltaic (PV) system over the last twenty years. First, a general classification of these models is made. Then, the basic characteristics of the models along with the objectives and different parameters considered in modelling are discussed. The assumptions and approximations made also parameter estimation method in solving the models are summarized. This may facilitate the mathematicians to adopt better understanding of the modelling strategies and further to develop suitable models in this direction relevant to the present scenario.
Elementary equivalence vs. commensurability for hyperbolic groups
Authors: Guirardel Vincent , Levitt Gilbert , Sklinos Rizos
Published: September 2017

We study to what extent torsion-free (Gromov)-hyperbolic groups are elementarily equivalent to their finite index subgroups. In particular, we prove that a hyperbolic limit group either is a free product of cyclic groups and surface groups or admits infinitely many subgroups of finite index which are pairwise non-elementarily equivalent.
Segway 2.0: Gaussian mixture models and minibatch training
Authors: Chan Rachel C W , Libbrecht Maxwell W , Roberts Eric G , Bilmes Jeffrey A , Noble William Stafford , Hoffman Michael M
Published: September 2017

Segway performs semi-automated genome annotation, discovering joint patterns across multiple genomic signal datasets. We discuss a major new version of Segway and highlight its ability to model data with substantially greater accuracy. Major enhancements in Segway 2.0 include the ability to model data with a mixture of Gaussians, enabling capture of arbitrarily complex signal distributions, and minibatch training, leading to better learned parameters.

Availability and implementation

Segway and its source code are freely available for download at http://segway.hoffmanlab.org. We have made available scripts (https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.802939) and datasets (https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.802906) for this paper’s analysis.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Identification of optimal reference genes for transcriptomic analyses in normal and diseased human heart
Authors: Molina Cristina E , Jacquet Eric , Ponien Prishila , Muñoz-Guijosa Christian , Baczkó Istvan , Maier Lars S , Donzeau-Gouge Patrick , Dobrev Dobromir , Fischmeister Rodolphe , Garnier Anne
Published: September 2017

Aims

Quantitative real-time RT-PCR (RT-qPCR) has become the method of choice for mRNA quantification, but requires an accurate normalization based on the use of reference genes showing invariant expression across various pathological conditions. Only few data exist on appropriate reference genes for the human heart. The objective of this study was to determine a set of suitable reference genes in human atrial and ventricular tissues, from right and left cavities in control and in cardiac diseases.

Methods and results

We assessed the expression of 16 reference genes (ACTB, B2M, GAPDH, GUSB, HMBS, HPRT1, IPO8, PGK1, POLR2A, PPIA, RPLP0, TBP, TFRC, UBC, YWHAZ, 18S) in tissues from: right and left ventricles from healthy controls and heart failure (HF) patients; right-atrial tissue from patients in sinus rhythm with (SRd) or without (SRnd) atrial dilatation, patients with paroxysmal (pAF) or chronic (cAF) atrial fibrillation or with HF; and left-atrial tissue from patients in SR or cAF. Consensual analysis (by geNorm and Normfinder algorithms, BestKeeper software tool and comparative delta-Ct method) of the variability scores obtained for each reference gene expression shows that the most stably expressed genes are: GAPDH, GUSB, IPO8, POLR2A, and YWHAZ when comparing either right and left ventricle or ventricle from healthy controls and HF patients; GAPDH, IPO8, POLR2A, PPIA, and RPLP0 when comparing either right and left atrium or right atria from all pathological groups. ACTB, TBP, TFRC, and 18S genes were identified as the least stable.

Conclusions

The overall most stable reference genes across different heart cavities and disease conditions were GAPDH, IPO8, POLR2A and PPIA. YWHAZ or GUSB could be added to this set for some specific experiments. This study should provide useful guidelines for reference gene selection in RT-qPCR studies in human heart.
A Case of Opioid Overdose and Subsequent Death After Medically Supervised Withdrawal: The Problematic Role of Rapid Tapers for Opioid Use Disorder
Authors: Chang Derek C. , Klimas Jan , Wood Evan , Fairbairn Nadia
Published: September 2017

Background:

Relapse to opioid use is common after rapid opioid withdrawal. As a result, short-term tapers of opioid agonist/partial agonist medications, such as methadone and buprenorphine/naloxone, are no longer recommended by recent clinical care guidelines for the management of opioid use disorder. Nonetheless, rapid tapers are still commonplace in medically supervised withdrawal settings.

Case summary:

We report a case of an individual with opioid use disorder who was prescribed a rapid buprenorphine/naloxone taper in a medically supervised withdrawal facility and who had a subsequent opioid overdose and death after discharge.

Discussion:

The fatal outcome in this case study underscores the potential severe harms associated with use of rapid tapers. Given the increased overdose risk, tapers should be avoided and continuing care strategies, such as maintenance pharmacotherapy, should be initiated in medically supervised withdrawal settings.
Recovery after Nulliparous Birth
Authors: Komatsu Ryu , Carvalho Brendan , Flood Pamela D.
Published: September 2017

Background

The majority of parturients in the United States first return for evaluation by their obstetric practitioner 6 weeks after delivery. As such, there is little granular data on the pain experience, analgesic requirements, and functional recovery during the postpartum period. This prospective observational study was performed to evaluate these factors to provide expectations for patients.

Methods

A total of 213 nulliparous women were enrolled and assessed daily until they completed 3 outcomes: (1) pain resolution; (2) opioid cessation; and (3) self-assessed functional recovery from delivery. The primary endpoint, pain- and opioid-free functional recovery, was the time required to reach all three of the endpoints. Pain burden was assessed as the area under the curve created by plotting the daily numerical pain rating scale against the days required to attain pain resolution. Times to attain study endpoints after cesarean delivery and vaginal delivery were compared using survival analysis.

Results

After vaginal delivery, days required for pain and opioid-free functional recovery (median [interquartile range (IQR)]) were 19 [11 to 26], for opioid cessation 0 [0 to 2], termination of all analgesic (including nonsteroidal antiinflammatories and acetaminophen) 11 [5 to 17], and pain resolution 14 [7 to 24]. Achievement of these endpoints after cesarean delivery required 27 [19 to 40], 9 [5 to 12], 16 [11 to 24], and 21 [14 to 27] days, respectively.

Conclusions

There is clinically significant variability between healthy nulliparous parturients in the pain experience, opioid use, and functional recovery after childbirth following vaginal and cesarean delivery. Recovery to predelivery function is similar after vaginal and cesarean delivery, and approximately half of the variance was explained by pain burden.
Epidural Labor Analgesia—Fentanyl Dose and Breastfeeding Success
Authors: Lee Amy I. , McCarthy Robert J. , Toledo Paloma , Jones Mary Jane , White Nancy , Wong Cynthia A.
Published: September 2017

Background

Breastfeeding is an important public health concern. High cumulative doses of epidural fentanyl administered for labor analgesia have been reported to be associated with early termination of breastfeeding. We tested the hypothesis that breastfeeding success is adversely influenced by the cumulative epidural fentanyl dose administered for labor analgesia.

Methods

The study was a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial of parous women at greater than 38 weeks gestation who planned to breastfeed, had successfully breastfed a prior infant, and who received neuraxial labor analgesia. Participants were randomized to receive one of three epidural maintenance solutions for labor analgesia (bupivacaine 1 mg/ml, bupivacaine 0.8 mg/ml with fentanyl 1 μg/ml, or bupivacaine 0.625 mg/ml with fentanyl 2 μg/ml). The primary outcome was the proportion of women breastfeeding at 6 weeks postpartum. Maternal and umbilical venous blood fentanyl and bupivacaine concentration at delivery were measured.

Results

A total of 345 women were randomized and 305 had complete data for analysis. The frequency of breastfeeding at 6 weeks was 97, 98, and 94% in the groups receiving epidural fentanyl 0, 1, and 2 μg/ml, respectively (P = 0.34). The cumulative fentanyl dose (difference: 37 μg [95% CI of the difference, −58 to 79 μg], P = 0.28) and maternal and umbilical cord venous fentanyl and bupivacaine concentrations did not differ between women who discontinued breastfeeding and those who were still breastfeeding at 6 weeks postpartum.

Conclusions

Labor epidural solutions containing fentanyl concentrations as high as 2 μg/ml do not appear to influence breastfeeding rates at 6 weeks postpartum.
Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Characteristics of the “Adding-On” Phenomenon in Idiopathic Scoliosis After Correction Surgery
Authors: Yang Mingyuan , Zhao Yuechao , Yin Xin , Chen Ziqiang , Yang Changwei , Li Li , Li Ming
Published: September 2017

Study Design.

A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective.

To discuss the prevalence, risk factors, and characteristics of the “adding-on” phenomenon in idiopathic scoliosis (IS).

Summary of Background Data.

There are controversies on the prevalence and risk factors of the “adding-on” phenomenon. In addition, there is no comprehensive study to describe the characteristics of “adding-on” in IS patients.

Methods.

We performed a systematic online search using PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and China WeiPu Library to identify eligible studies. Effect size (ES), odds ratios (OR), and weight mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to evaluate the incidence, characteristics, and risk factors for “adding-on,” respectively.

Results.

The overall pooled prevalence of “adding-on” was 14%. Subgroup analysis showed that the prevalence of “adding-on” in Lenke 1A adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), Lenke 2 AIS, Lenke 5 AIS, and mixed AIS was 15%, 12%, 9%, and 16%, respectively. AIS patients with the “adding-on” phenomenon had smaller proximal thoracic curve (PTC), main thoracic curve (MTC), clavicle angle, T1 tilt angle and radiographic shoulder height (RSH), and larger correction of PTC. Age, Risser sign, preoperative PTC, preoperative MTC, preoperative lumbar curve (LC), preoperative coronal balance and sagittal balance, and T4 tile were identified as risk factors of “adding-on.” Selection of lower instrumented vertebra (LIV) was also an important risk factor as LIV–Center Sacral Vertical Line (CSVL), LIV–end vertebra, LIV–Stable Vertebra, and LIV–Neutral vertebra, and deviation of LIV+1 was found to be significantly associated with “adding-on.” Besides, postoperative MTC was also significantly different between patients with and without “adding-on.”

Conclusion.

The pooled prevalence varied differently in different types of IS. Patients with “adding-on” had smaller PTC, MTC, angle, T1 tilt angle and RSH, and larger correction of PTC. Younger age, less skeletal maturity, smaller preoperative PTC, smaller preoperative MTC, smaller preoperative LC, larger preoperative coronal, sagittal imbalance, selection of LIV, and overcorrection of coronal and sagittal alignment were risk factors for “adding-on.”

Level of Evidence: 4
Th17 Response of Borderline-Lepromatous Leprosy Inhibits Rash Manifestation of Dapsone Hypersensitivity Syndrome: Case Report
Authors: de Nardo Vanzela Tamara , Bernardes Filho Fred , Wambier Carlos Gustavo , Faria Francesca Maia , Foss Norma Tiraboschi , Frade Marco Andrey Cipriani
Published: September 2017

Background:

Dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome (DHS) is a rare, but potentially life-threatening reaction to dapsone.

Objective:

Evaluation of immunological factors involved in the sparing of borderline-lepromatous (BL) leprosy patches by the severe exanthema related to DHS.

Methods:

The authors describe a 19-year-old man with borderline-lepromatous leprosy with a recent diffuse rash, sparing only the hypochromic patches of leprosy, generalized lymphadenopathy, hepatomegaly, and jaundice 25 days after the start of multibacillary multidrug therapy.

Results:

Laboratory testing was remarkable for leukocytosis with eosinophilia, atypical lymphocytosis, and elevated liver and canalicular enzymes. Immunohistopathology of the rash showed stronger expression of Th1 cytokines (IL1β, TNFα, IFNγ, and iNOS), and limited expression of IL17, TGFb, IL4, and IL10. Whereas the hypochromic leprosy patches showed high expression of inflammatory cytokines IL1β, TNFα, IFNγ, iNOS, and TGFβ (Th1), and presented strong expression of IL17 and TGFβ with no IL4 and IL10 expression, by the inflammatory infiltrate, characterizing a participation of Th17 response.

Conclusion:

Th17 response, coupled with the presence of subepidermal collagen band, seems to be directly related to the absence of DHS rash in these hypochromic leprosy patches.
Spectrum of Hybrid Cysts and Their Clinical Significance
Authors: Chang Ray-San , Yao Xiao-Feng , Wu Yu-Hung
Published: September 2017

A hybrid cyst is a cutaneous cyst combining different types of keratinization of those seen in the folliculo-sebaceous-apocrine unit. Previous reports found that it may be occasionally associated with Gardner syndrome. This study aimed to clarify the pathologic findings and clinical significance of hybrid cyst based on case series observations. We retrospectively reviewed patients who fulfilled the pathological criteria of hybrid cyst from 2001 to 2015. The patient profiles, clinical presentations, pathological findings, and associated diseases were analyzed by reviewing the medical records and slides. A total of 71 hybrid cysts were confirmed over the study period. There were 12 pathologic variants. The most frequent variant was combined infundibular cyst and tricholemmal cyst (22 in 71 cases, 30%), followed by infundibular cyst and pilomatricoma (14 in 71 cases, 19%). There was no significant association between sex, age, or site and the pathological type of hybrid cyst. Neither extra-intestinal manifestation nor a family history of Gardner syndrome was found in any case. Hybrid cysts could contain a variety of combinations of components from the folliculo-sebaceous-apocrine unit. No clinical significance was found between demographics and the type of hybrid cyst. No association with Gardner syndrome was identified in this case series.
LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP OF PATIENTS WITH CHOROIDEREMIA WITH SCLERAL PITS AND TUNNELS AS A NOVEL OBSERVATION
Authors: van Schuppen Sanne M. , Talib Mays , Bergen Arthur A. , ten Brink Jacoline B. , Florijn Ralph J. , Boon Camiel J. F. , van Schooneveld Mary J.
Published: September 2017

Purpose:

To evaluate the long-term clinical course and visual outcome of patients with choroideremia.

Methods:

Clinical examination, a social questionnaire, and medical records review of 21 patients with choroideremia from 14 families.

Results:

The mean follow-up time was 25.2 years (SD: 13.3; range 2–57 years). The mean age at symptom onset was 15.1 years (SD: 10.1; range 5–40 years). Best-corrected visual acuity was stable until the age of 35 (P = 0.96), but declined significantly faster after the age of 35 (11%/year, P = 0.001), with a high variability between individual patients. The mean age at which patients discontinued working was 48.1 years (SD: 11.7, range 25–65 years). The reason for work discontinuation was vision related in 60% of cases. Most patients (70%) reported visual field constriction as the most debilitating symptom. The authors report scleral pits and tunnels as a novel finding visible on spectral domain optical coherence tomography and ophthalmoscopy.

Conclusion:

Choroideremia is a severely debilitating disease showing a rapid decline of visual acuity generally after the age of 35, but a more gradual decline for other abnormalities.
Chronic pain in families: a cross-sectional study of shared social, behavioural, and environmental influences
Authors: Campbell Paul , Jordan Kelvin P. , Smith Blair H. , Scotland Generation , Dunn Kate M.
Published: September 2017

Chronic pain is common and creates a significant burden to the individual and society. Emerging research has shown the influence of the family environment on pain outcomes. However, it is not clear what shared factors between family members associate with chronic pain. This study aimed to investigate the family-level contribution to an individual's chronic pain status. This was a cross-sectional study using the Generation Scotland: Scottish Family Health Study data set. This study focused on a nested cohort of dyads (only 2 relatives per family, n = 2714). Multi-level modelling was first performed to estimate the extent of variance in chronic pain at the family level. Then each member of the dyad was randomly assigned as either the exposure or outcome family member, and logistic regression was used to identify shared factors associated with the outcome of chronic pain status. Multi-level modelling showed just under 10% of variation in chronic pain status was at a family level. There was an increase in odds of chronic pain if exposure family member had chronic pain (odds ratio [OR]: 1.30, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-1.65), if both were women (OR: 1.39, 95% CI: 0.99-1.94), if both were older in age (OR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.31-2.48), and if both had low household income (OR: 3.27, 95% CI: 1.72-6.21). These findings show that most explanation for chronic pain is still at the individual level. However, some significant shared effects between family members associate with chronic pain, and this highlights the influence of the family context.