bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient electrical control of thin-film black phosphorus bandgap
Authors: Deng Bingchen , Tran Vy , Xie Yujun , Jiang Hao , Li Cheng , Guo Qiushi , Wang Xiaomu , Tian He , Koester Steven J. , Wang Han , Cha Judy J. , Xia Qiangfei , Yang Li , Xia Fengnian
Published: April 2017

Recently rediscovered black phosphorus is a layered semiconductor with promising electronic and photonic properties. Dynamic control of its bandgap can allow for the exploration of new physical phenomena. However, theoretical investigations and photoemission spectroscopy experiments indicate that in its few-layer form, an exceedingly large electric field in the order of several volts per nanometre is required to effectively tune its bandgap, making the direct electrical control unfeasible. Here we reveal the unique thickness-dependent bandgap tuning properties in intrinsic black phosphorus, arising from the strong interlayer electronic-state coupling. Furthermore, leveraging a 10 nm-thick black phosphorus, we continuously tune its bandgap from ∼300 to below 50 meV, using a moderate displacement field up to 1.1 V nm−1. Such dynamic tuning of bandgap may not only extend the operational wavelength range of tunable black phosphorus photonic devices, but also pave the way for the investigation of electrically tunable topological insulators and semimetals.
Surface topology affects wetting behavior of Bacillus subtilis biofilms
Authors: Werb Moritz , Falcón García Carolina , Bach Nina C. , Grumbein Stefan , Sieber Stephan A. , Opitz Madeleine , Lieleg Oliver
Published: April 2017

The colonization of surfaces by bacterial biofilms constitutes a huge problem in healthcare and industry. When attempting biofilm inactivation or removal, it is crucial to sufficiently wet the biofilm surface with antibacterial agents; however, certain biofilms efficiently resist wetting, and the origin of this behavior remains to date unclear. Here, we demonstrate that, depending on the growth medium used, the model bacterium Bacillus subtilis can form biofilm colonies with distinct surface properties: we find either hydrophilic or two variants of hydrophobic behavior. We show that those differences in biofilm wetting correlate with distinct surface topologies which, in turn, give rise to different physical wetting regimes known from lotus leaves or rose petals. Forming biofilms with different wetting properties may help bacteria to survive in both arid and humid conditions. Furthermore, converting the surface polarity of a biofilm could facilitate their removal from surfaces by increasing their wettability.
As a carrier–transporter for hair follicle reconstitution, platelet-rich plasma promotes proliferation and induction of mouse dermal papilla cells
Authors: Xiao Shun-E. , Miao Yong , Wang Jin , Jiang Wei , Fan Zhe-Xiang , Liu Xiao-Min , Hu Zhi-Qi
Published: April 2017

Morphogenesis of hair follicles during development and in hair reconstitution assays involves complex interactions between epithelial cells and dermal papilla cells (DPCs). DPCs may be a source of cells for hair regeneration in alopecia patients. Reconstitution of engineered hair follicles requires in vitro culture of trichogenic cells, a three-dimensional scaffolds, and biomolecular signals. However, DPCs tend to lose their biological activity when cultured as trichogenic cells, and scaffolds currently used for hair follicle regeneration lack biological efficiency and biocompatibility. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) gel forms a three-dimensional scaffold that can release endogenous growth factors, is mitogenic for a variety of cell types and is used in model tissue repair and regeneration systems. We found that 5% activated PRP significantly enhanced cell proliferation and hair-inductive capability of mouse and human DPCs in vitro and promoted mouse hair follicle formation in vivo. PRP also formed a three-dimensional gel after activation. We used PRP gel as a scaffold to form many de novo hair follicles on a plane surface, showing it to be candidate bioactive scaffold capable of releasing endogenous growth factors for cell-based hair follicle regeneration.
Entanglement distribution in multi-particle systems in terms of unified entropy
Authors: Luo Yu , Zhang Fu-Gang , Li Yongming
Published: April 2017

We investigate the entanglement distribution in multi-particle systems in terms of unified (q, s)-entropy. We find that for any tripartite mixed state, the unified (q, s)-entropy entanglement of assistance follows a polygamy relation. This polygamy relation also holds in multi-particle systems. Furthermore, a generalized monogamy relation is provided for unified (q, s)-entropy entanglement in the multi-qubit system.
GLAG theory for superconducting property variations with A15 composition in Nb3Sn wires
Authors: Li Yingxu , Gao Yuanwen
Published: April 2017

We present a model for the variation of the upper critical field Hc2 with Sn content in A15-type Nb-Sn wires, within the Ginzburg-Landau-Abrikosov-Gor’kov (GLAG) theory frame. Hc2 at the vicinity of the critical temperature Tc is related quantitatively to the electrical resistivity ρ, specific heat capacity coefficient γ and Tc. Hc2 versus tin content is theoretically formulated within the GLAG theory, and generally reproduces the experiment results. As Sn content gradually approaches the stoichiometry, A15-type Nb-Sn undergoes a transition from the dirty limit to clean limit, split by the phase transformation boundary. The H-T phase boundary and pinning force show different behaviors in the cubic and tetragonal phase. We dipict the dependence of the composition gradient on the superconducting properties variation in the A15 layer, as well as the curved tail at vicinity of Hc2 in the Kramer plot of the Nb3Sn wire. This helps understanding of the inhomogeneous-composition inducing discrepancy between the results by the state-of-art scaling laws and experiments.
Heritability maps of human face morphology through large-scale automated three-dimensional phenotyping
Authors: Tsagkrasoulis Dimosthenis , Hysi Pirro , Spector Tim , Montana Giovanni
Published: April 2017

The human face is a complex trait under strong genetic control, as evidenced by the striking visual similarity between twins. Nevertheless, heritability estimates of facial traits have often been surprisingly low or difficult to replicate. Furthermore, the construction of facial phenotypes that correspond to naturally perceived facial features remains largely a mystery. We present here a large-scale heritability study of face geometry that aims to address these issues. High-resolution, three-dimensional facial models have been acquired on a cohort of 952 twins recruited from the TwinsUK registry, and processed through a novel landmarking workflow, GESSA (Geodesic Ensemble Surface Sampling Algorithm). The algorithm places thousands of landmarks throughout the facial surface and automatically establishes point-wise correspondence across faces. These landmarks enabled us to intuitively characterize facial geometry at a fine level of detail through curvature measurements, yielding accurate heritability maps of the human face (www.heritabilitymaps.info).
Assessment of China’s H5N1 routine vaccination strategy
Authors: Sun Zhen , Wang Jimin , Huang Zeying
Published: April 2017

In this study, a simulation model was used to assess the epidemiological and economic impacts of the routine vaccination strategy for H5N1 in China at the national level. The results of the simulation show that a routine vaccination strategy at the national level could have a substantial impact on decreasing H5N1 outbreaks; it could therefore markedly reduce the severity and duration of an H5N1 epidemic at the national level in China. Under a routine vaccination programme, when a flock is infected, the number of depopulated birds could be reduced by approximately 91%, the outbreak duration could be reduced by one-fourth, and the probability of an H5N1 outbreak could be reduced to 51.5%. Although the use of vaccination has obvious benefits, if indirect costs were not considered, the mean direct cost of simulated disease control without vaccination was only 1.36% of the cost of the routine vaccination strategy, and this former approach would have saved 57 billion yuan for all poultry in China from 2004 to 2012. Traditional H5N1 control strategies with culling programmes at the national level represented a better choice for China.
Determinants of Thermostability in Serine Hydroxymethyltransferase Identified by Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Leng Fei , Wu Lu-Yun , Lu Chang , Pan Xian-Ming
Published: April 2017

Protein thermostability has received growing attention in recent years. Little is known about the determinants of thermal resistance in individual protein families. However, it is known that the mechanism is family-dependent and not identical for all proteins. We present a multivariate statistical analysis to find the determinants of thermostability in one protein family, the serine hydroxymethyltransferase family. Based on principal component analysis, we identified three amino acid fragments as the potential determinants of thermostability. The correlation coefficients between all the putative fragments and the protein thermostability were significant according to multivariable linear regression. Within the fragments, four critical amino acid positions were identified, and they indicated the contributions of Leu, Val, Lys, Asp, Glu, and Phe to thermostability. Moreover, we analyzed the insertions/deletions of amino acids in the sequence, which showed that thermophilic SHMTs tend to insert or delete residues in the C-terminal domain rather than the N-terminal domain. Our study provided a promising approach to perform a preliminary search for the determinants of thermophilic proteins. It could be extended to other protein families to explore their own strategies for adapting to high temperature.
Towards automatic pulmonary nodule management in lung cancer screening with deep learning
Authors: Ciompi Francesco , Chung Kaman , van Riel Sarah J. , Setio Arnaud Arindra Adiyoso , Gerke Paul K. , Jacobs Colin , Scholten Ernst Th. , Schaefer-Prokop Cornelia , Wille Mathilde M. W. , Marchianò Alfonso , Pastorino Ugo , Prokop Mathias , van Ginneken Bram
Published: April 2017

The introduction of lung cancer screening programs will produce an unprecedented amount of chest CT scans in the near future, which radiologists will have to read in order to decide on a patient follow-up strategy. According to the current guidelines, the workup of screen-detected nodules strongly relies on nodule size and nodule type. In this paper, we present a deep learning system based on multi-stream multi-scale convolutional networks, which automatically classifies all nodule types relevant for nodule workup. The system processes raw CT data containing a nodule without the need for any additional information such as nodule segmentation or nodule size and learns a representation of 3D data by analyzing an arbitrary number of 2D views of a given nodule. The deep learning system was trained with data from the Italian MILD screening trial and validated on an independent set of data from the Danish DLCST screening trial. We analyze the advantage of processing nodules at multiple scales with a multi-stream convolutional network architecture, and we show that the proposed deep learning system achieves performance at classifying nodule type that surpasses the one of classical machine learning approaches and is within the inter-observer variability among four experienced human observers.
Elucidation of crystal and electronic structures within highly strained BiFeO3 by transmission electron microscopy and first-principles simulation
Authors: Bae In-Tae , Kovács András , Zhao Hong Jian , Íñiguez Jorge , Yasui Shintaro , Ichinose Tomohiro , Naganuma Hiroshi
Published: April 2017

Crystal and electronic structures of ~380 nm BiFeO3 film grown on LaAlO3 substrate are comprehensively studied using advanced transmission electron microscopy (TEM) technique combined with first-principles theory. Cross-sectional TEM images reveal the BiFeO3 film consists of two zones with different crystal structures. While zone II turns out to have rhombohedral BiFeO3, the crystal structure of zone I matches none of BiFeO3 phases reported experimentally or predicted theoretically. Detailed electron diffraction analysis combined with first-principles calculation allows us to determine that zone I displays an orthorhombic-like monoclinic structure with space group of Cm (=8). The growth mechanism and electronic structure in zone I are further discussed in comparison with those of zone II. This study is the first to provide an experimentally validated complete crystallographic detail of a highly strained BiFeO3 that includes the lattice parameter as well as the basis atom locations in the unit cell.
Abnormal resting-state functional connectivity in the orbitofrontal cortex of heroin users and its relationship with anxiety: a pilot fNIRS study
Authors: Ieong Hada Fong-ha , Yuan Zhen
Published: April 2017

Drug addiction is widely linked to the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), which is essential for regulating reward-related behaviors, emotional responses, and anxiety. Over the past two decades, neuroimaging has provided significant contributions revealing functional and structural alternations in the brains of drug addicts. However, the underlying neural mechanism in the OFC and its correlates with drug addiction and anxiety still require further elucidation. We first presented a pilot investigation to examine local networks in OFC regions through resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) from eight abstinent addicts in a heroin-dependent group (HD) and seven subjects in a control group (CG). We discovered that the HDs manifested enhanced interhemispheric correlation and rsFC. Moreover, small-worldness was explored in the brain networks. In addition to the altered rsFC in the OFC networks, our examinations demonstrated associations in the functional connectivity between the left inferior frontal gyrus and other OFC regions related to anxiety in the HDs. The study provides important preliminary evidence of the complex OFC networks in heroin addiction and suggests neural correlates of anxiety. It opens a window in application of fNIRS to predict psychiatric trajectories and may create new insights into neural adaptations resulting from chronic opiate intake.
Compromised External Validity: Federally Produced Cannabis Does Not Reflect Legal Markets
Authors: Vergara Daniela , Bidwell L. Cinnamon , Gaudino Reggie , Torres Anthony , Du Gary , Ruthenburg Travis C. , deCesare Kymron , Land Donald P. , Hutchison Kent E. , Kane Nolan C.
Published: April 2017

As the most widely used illicit drug worldwide, and as a source of numerous under-studied pharmacologically-active compounds, a precise understanding of variability in psychological and physiological effects of Cannabis varieties is essential. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is designated as the sole legal producer of Cannabis for use in US research studies. We sought to compare the chemical profiles of Cannabis varieties that are available to consumers in states that have state-legalized use versus what is available to researchers interested in studying the plant and its effects. Our results demonstrate that the federally-produced Cannabis has significantly less variety and lower concentrations of cannabinoids than are observed in state-legal U.S. dispensaries. Most dramatically, NIDA’s varieties contain only 27% of the THC levels and as much as 11–23 times the Cannabinol (CBN) content compared to what is available in the state-legal markets. Research restricted to using the current range of federally-produced Cannabis thus may yield limited insights into the chemical, biological and pharmacological properties, and medical potential of material that is available in the state markets. Investigation is urgently needed on the full diversity of Cannabis chemotypes known to be available to the public.
The characteristics of newly diagnosed adult early-onset diabetes: a population-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Zou Xiantong , Zhou Xianghai , Ji Linong , Yang Wenying , Lu Juming , Weng Jianping , Jia Weiping , Shan Zhongyan , Liu Jie , Tian Haoming , Ji Qiuhe , Zhu Dalong , Ge Jiapu , Lin Lixiang , Chen Li , Guo Xiaohui , Zhao Zhigang , Li Qiang , Zhou Zhiguang
Published: April 2017

To investigate the characteristics of newly diagnosed early-onset diabetes in the Chinese population, 2801 newly diagnosed diabetes participants without known diabetes or pre-diabetes in a national cross-sectional survey were analysed. Participants were divided into quartiles (22–43, 44–52, 53–61 and >61 years) according to age of diabetes onset and the first group were defined as early-onset diabetes group. Early-onset diabetes group had lower systolic blood pressure (SBP), total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, 2-hour post prandial blood glucose and urine albumin creatinine ratio. There was no difference in body mass index, Homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) of beta cell function and diabetes family history between early-onset diabetes participants and any other age groups. HOMA of insulin resistance (IR) scores and disposition index 30 minutes after glucose load (DI30) were increased in early-onset diabetes participants. The beta cell function declination was more deteriorated in early-onset diabetes participants. Male gender, triglycerides, HOMA-IR and DI30 were positively associated with an earlier age at diagnosis. In conclusion, patients diagnosed with diabetes at a younger age are characterized by a similar cardiovascular risk profile with increased insulin resistance and more severe beta cell failure than patients diagnosed at a later age.
Integration of liver gene co-expression networks and eGWAs analyses highlighted candidate regulators implicated in lipid metabolism in pigs
Authors: Ballester Maria , Ramayo-Caldas Yuliaxis , Revilla Manuel , Corominas Jordi , Castelló Anna , Estellé Jordi , Fernández Ana I. , Folch Josep M.
Published: April 2017

In the present study, liver co-expression networks and expression Genome Wide Association Study (eGWAS) were performed to identify DNA variants and molecular pathways implicated in the functional regulatory mechanisms of meat quality traits in pigs. With this purpose, the liver mRNA expression of 44 candidates genes related with lipid metabolism was analysed in 111 Iberian x Landrace backcross animals. The eGWAS identified 92 eSNPs located in seven chromosomal regions and associated with eight genes:CROT, CYP2U1, DGAT1, EGF, FABP1, FABP5, PLA2G12A, andPPARA. Remarkably,cis-eSNPs associated withFABP1gene expression which may be determining the C18:2(n-6)/C18:3(n-3) ratio in backfat through the multiple interaction of DNA variants and genes were identified. Furthermore, a hotspot on SSC8 associated with the gene expression of eight genes was identified and theTBCKgene was pointed out as candidate gene regulating it. Our results also suggested that the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway plays an important role in the control of the analysed genes highlighting nuclear receptors as the NR3C1 or PPARA. Finally, sex-dimorphism associated with hepatic lipid metabolism was identified with over-representation of female-biased genes. These results increase our knowledge of the genetic architecture underlying fat composition traits.
Synthesis of bioactive and stabilized cyclic peptides by macrocyclization using C(sp3)–H activation
Authors: Tang Jian , He Yadong , Chen Hongfei , Sheng Wangjian , Wang Huan
Published: April 2017

Synthesis of cyclic peptides with novel Cβ–Ar crosslinks has been achieved by C(sp3)–H activation, and their biological properties have been evaluated for the first time.
A fluorescent probe for specific lysosome imaging in cells
Authors: Jiang Na , Wang Bin , Zheng Gengxiu , Xing Yujing , Wang Chunxiao , Wang Qiufen
Published: April 2017

Lyso-NA, a naphthalimide-based fluorescent probe, was synthesized. M-DPT was found to possess high specificity towards lysosome, superior photostability, and an appreciable tolerance to microenvironmental changes. Thus, this probe is a highly suitable imaging agent for targeting lysosome.
Photo-induced cytotoxicity and anti-metastatic activity of ruthenium(ii)–polypyridyl complexes functionalized with tyrosine or tryptophan
Authors: Ramu Vadde , Aute Sunil , Taye Nandaraj , Guha Rweetuparna , Walker Michael G. , Mogare Devaraj , Parulekar Apoorva , Thomas Jim A. , Chattopadhyay Samit , Das Amitava
Published: April 2017

The synergestic effect of oxygen, light, and photosensitizer has found application in photodyanmic therapy (PDT).
Asymmetric synthesis of ent-fragransin C1
Authors: Chaimanee Santikorn , Pohmakotr Manat , Kuhakarn Chutima , Reutrakul Vichai , Soorukram Darunee
Published: April 2017

The first asymmetric synthesis ofent-fragransin C1bearing 2,3-anti-3,4-syn-4,5-antistereochemistries is reported.
Alcohol-mediated direct dithioacetalization of alkynes with 2-chloro-1,3-dithiane for the synthesis of Markovnikov dithianes
Authors: Liu Teng , Tian Lixia , Lai Junshan , Min Deng , Qu Mengnan , Tang Shouchu
Published: April 2017

A mild protocol for regioselective alkyne dithioacetalization using nonthiolic and odorless 2-chloro-dithiane has been developed.
Promotional effect of Ti doping on the ketonization of acetic acid over a CeO2 catalyst
Authors: Lu Feipeng , Jiang BinBo , Wang Jingdai , Huang Zhengliang , Liao Zuwei , Yang Yongrong , Zheng Jie
Published: April 2017

The promotional effect of Ti doping on the ketonization of acetic acid over a CeO2 catalyst was investigated.
Sunflower oil-based hyperbranched alkyd/spherical ZnO nanocomposite modeling for mechanical and anticorrosive applications
Authors: Selim Mohamed S. , Shenashen Mohamed A. , Elmarakbi Ahmed , EL-Saeed Ashraf M. , Selim Mahmoud M. , El-Safty Sherif A.
Published: April 2017

Approaches for designing advanced nanomaterials with hyperbranched architectures and lack of volatile organic content (VOC) have attracted considerable attention.
Simultaneous HDS of DBT and 4,6-DMDBT over single-pot Ti-SBA-15-NiMo catalysts: influence of Si/Ti ratio on the structural properties, dispersion and catalytic activity
Authors: Ganiyu Saheed A. , Ali Syed Ahmed , Alhooshani Khalid
Published: April 2017

Influence of Si/Ti ratios on structural properties and HDS activity of DBT and DMDBT is investigated. New structural HDS catalyst is formed with TiO2 phases predominates at Si/Ti = 1. DDS rate is enhanced by Ti addition while HYD rate remain almost constant.
Radiation 101: A Guide for Speech-Language Pathologists
Authors: Barbon Carly , Hope Andrew , Steele Catriona
Published: April 2017

Dysphagia, or disordered swallowing, is an unfortunate consequence for individuals with a head and neck cancer diagnosis. Swallowing is altered in many ways due to tumor location and presence, and afterwards due to the mechanisms of tumor eradication. As a common treatment, radiation therapy (RT) has been proven to halt tumor progression and kill quickly growing cancer cells. However, the side effects of such treatments are often prominent in this patient population. As swallowing professionals, it is important that speech-language pathologists (SLPs) understand the repercussions of RT for those patients undergoing such treatments. This paper aims to provide a basic overview of RT for clinicians working with head and neck cancer patients.
Digital dispersion pre‐compensation based on intensity modulator and phase modulator for PAM‐4 in short‐reach fibre communications
Authors: Xu Bo , Qiu Kun
Published: April 2017

High‐speed PAM‐4 is a promising way for future low‐cost short‐reach fibre communications. However, for 1550 nm transmission with the lowest attenuation for standard single‐mode fibre (SSMF), the fibre dispersion‐induced inter‐symbol interference (ISI) becomes non‐linear in direct detection. Dispersion pre‐compensation at the transmitter side is necessary to avoid such non‐linear ISI. Different from previous methods to generate the vector signal from dispersion pre‐compensation using IQ modulators, in this study a digital dispersion pre‐compensation (DDPC) scheme based on an intensity modulator (IM) plus a phase modulator (PM) is studied. Taking into account the digital‐to‐analogue converter (DAC) bandwidth limit on the vector signal generation, anti‐aliasing filtering on both the magnitude signal and the phase signal should be applied. The error rate performance of the IM–PM based DDPC scheme is analysed in detail using numerical simulations. For 50 Gb/s PAM‐4 transmission at 1550 nm over SSMF, over 50 km fibre transmission can be supported if the two DACs have enough bandwidth larger than 17.5 GHz. If the DAC bandwidth is limited to 15 GHz, it is also possible to transmit over 20 km SSMF. Meanwhile, it is verified that practical 5‐bit DAC resolution is enough for the IM–PM based DDPC scheme to work for a wide range of SSMF lengths.
Backup protection scheme for transmission line compensated with UPFC during high impedance faults and dynamic situations
Authors: Kumar Bhupendra , Yadav Anamika
Published: April 2017

This study presents a backup protection scheme for transmission line compensated with unified power flow controller (UPFC) using power differential protection algorithm. In this scheme, power differential feature is evaluated from the apparent power flow in each phase at the local and remote bus to discriminate between the fault and normal situation. The proposed protection algorithm can be integrated with the conventional distance protection to supervise its operation during stressed conditions. Extensive fault simulation studies have been performed for different types of fault with several conditions and critical dynamic situations/issues such as load encroachment, power swing and high impedance fault (HIF). A 500 kV three machines four bus transmission system with UPFC has been used to validate the performance of the proposed scheme using MATLAB software. The test results depict that the proposed scheme is robust against HIF, power swing and load encroachment. It is not affected by the variation in pre‐fault power flow angle and synchronisation delay. The proposed scheme has also been tested for current transformer (CT) and coupling capacitor voltage transformer (CCVT) transient error, which brings out the superiority of the scheme.
Therapie und Sekundärprävention der venösen Thromboembolie – Orale Antikoagulation im Wandel
Authors: Helms Thomas-Maria , Gulba Dietrich , Ahrens Ingo , Schäfer Andreas , Hankowitz Johannes , Kuhlencordt Peter , Lipp Hans-Peter , Nikol Sigrid , Riess Hanno , Stargardt Tom , Bramlage Peter
Published: April 2017

Mit der kürzlich erfolgten Zulassung des vierten direkten, neuen nicht-Vitamin-K-abhängigen oralen Antikoagulans (NOAK) Edoxaban hat sich die Palette der verfügbaren NOAKs zur Therapie der venösen Thromboembolie (VTE) erweitert. Kurz danach sind zwei aktualisierte Leitlinien zur Prophylaxe und Therapie der VTE veröffentlicht worden, in denen NOAKs als gleichwertige Antikoagulanzien zu niedermolekularem Heparin (NMH), Fondaparinux (FDX) und VKA gelistet sind. Alle NOAKs sind für die Erhaltungstherapie nach VTE verfügbar. Darüber hinaus sind zwei NOAKs in erhöhter Dosis auch für die Initialtherapie (Rivaroxaban und Apixaban) zugelassen.

Zwischen den einzelnen NOAKs gibt es pharmakokinetische und pharmakodynamische Unterschiede. Wie bei NMH/FDX muss bei allen NOAKs die Dosis bei relevanter Niereninsuffizienz verringert werden. Ein Bridging im Falle operativer Eingriffe ist dagegen – anders als bei VKA – generell nicht notwendig. Eine Dosispause, deren Dauer von der Nierenfunktion und dem individuellen Blutungsrisiko abhängt, ist, wie bei NMH bzw. FPX, in der Regel ausreichend. Die üblichen Gerinnungsparameter aPTT und INR sind für ein Monitoring ungeeignet. Ein Labormonitoring ist bei Xabanen mittels adjustierten Anti-Xa-Testen, bei Dabigatran mittels der verdünnten Thrombinzeit nur in Ausnahmesituationen, z. B. bei individuell stark erhöhtem Blutungsrisiko oder Fehleinnahmeverdacht, hilfreich.
Myositis ossificans traumatica im kraniozervikalen Übergang – Fallbericht und Literaturübersicht
Authors: Reinke Andreas , Kraus Michael , Wild Alexander
Published: April 2017

Hintergrund Die Myositis ossificans (MO) ist eine seltene, aber wichtige Differenzialdiagnose für eine heterotrophe Ossifikation in der Muskulatur. Sie wird häufig als maligner Tumor fehlgedeutet. Nach einem vorgeschalteten Trauma ist die Diagnose Myositis ossificans traumatica (MOT). Es handelt sich hierbei aber um eine benigne Veränderung, die meist in den großen Muskeln auftritt. Jedoch gibt es auch maligne Ätiologien.

Fallbeschreibung Wir berichten über eine seltene Lokalisation der MO in der Muskulatur des kraniozervikalen Übergangs. Diese 37-jährige Frau berichtet über einen Reitunfall vor Jahren. Auf dem Boden von persistenten Schmerzen und Bewegungseinschränkungen der Halswirbelsäule erfolgte die Totalresektion.

Klinische Konsequenz Die MOT ist ein benigner Tumor, der grundsätzlich konservativ behandelt werden kann. Jedoch empfiehlt sich eine operative Resektion bei persistierenden Schmerzen, neurologischen Defiziten und insbesondere zur Diagnosesicherung.
Andrographolide disrupts meiotic maturation by blocking cytoskeletal reorganisation and decreases the fertilisation potential of mouse oocytes
Authors: Liang Hong-xing , Lu Sheng-sheng , Yan Zheng , Kuang Yan-ping , Zhu Xiang-xing , Yan Zhi-guang , Du Tong , Chai Wei-ran , Long Hui , Lyu Qi-feng
Published: April 2017

Andrographolide (AG) is a diterpenoid lactone isolated from the stem and leaves of Andrographis paniculata Nees that is used for the effective treatment of infectious diseases in Asian countries. Previous studies have reported adverse effects of AG on female fertility in rodents; however, the underlying mechanisms are unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of AG on the IVM of mouse oocytes and their fertilisation potential. Immature oocytes incubated for 6, 14 or 24 h in medium containing 5, 10 or 20 μM AG showed time- and dose-dependent decreases in maturation rates compared with the control group. Immunostaining revealed that AG exposure disrupted spindle organisation and migration, as well as actin cap formation and cytokinesis. Furthermore, most oocytes exposed to 20 μM AG underwent apoptosis, and the few oocytes exposed to 5 or 10 μM AG that reached MII exhibited lower fertilisation rates after intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The findings of the present study suggest that AG may disrupt mouse oocyte meiotic maturation by blocking cytoskeletal reorganisation, and may thus have an adverse effect on female fertility.
Comparative analysis of granulosa cell gene expression in association with oocyte competence in FSH-stimulated Holstein cows
Authors: Landry David A. , Fortin Chloé , Bellefleur Anne-Marie , Labrecque Rémi , Grand François-Xavier , Vigneault Christian , Blondin Patrick , Sirard Marc-André
Published: April 2017

Ovarian stimulation with exogenous FSH followed by FSH withdrawal or ‘coasting’ is an effective means of increasing the number of oocytes obtainable for the in vitro production of cattle embryos. However, the quality of the oocytes thus obtained varies considerably from one cow to the next. The aim of the present study was to gain a better understanding of the follicular conditions associated with low oocyte developmental competence. Granulosa cells from 94 Holstein cows in a commercial embryo production facility were collected following ovarian stimulation and coasting. Microarray analysis showed 120 genes expressed with a differential of at least 1.5 when comparing donors of mostly competent with donors of mostly incompetent oocytes. Using ingenuity pathway analysis, we revealed the main biological functions and potential upstream regulators that distinguish donors of mostly incompetent oocytes. These are involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, lipid metabolism, retinol availability and insulin signalling. In summary, we demonstrated that differences in follicle maturity at collection could explain differences in oocyte competence associated with individual animals. We also revealed deficiencies in lipid metabolism and retinol signalling in granulosa cells from donors of mostly incompetent oocytes.
Elamite Karintaš and Avestan Kvirinta: Notes on the Early History of Kerend
Authors: Potts D. T.
Published: April 2017

The toponym Kerend has a long history. This study explores the appearance of Kerend in pre-modern sources, beginning with the toponym Karintaš in the late second millennium BC. Kassite, Elamite and Assyrian rivalry for control over the central western Zagros mountains is discussed and the survival of the name in later antiquity is investigated. A derivative of the name appears in Claudius Ptolemy’s Geography and in the Parthian Stations of Isidore of Charax, as well as in the late Antique Cosmographia of the Anonymous Geographer of Ravenna. A homonymous name from the area east of the Caspian Sea is also discussed, as are several unrelated names occurring in other sources (Achaemenid Elamite, Armenian).
A Unique Drachm Coin of Shapur I
Authors: Yücel Muhammet
Published: April 2017

The Sasanian king Shapur I held a ten year series of campaigns against the Roman Empire. Returning to Iran after these campaigns, in order to immortalize his victories he built a series of reliefs and gave broad information in his famous work, Ka’be-ye Zardosht. However, the term he used to define himself in these articles, “King of Kings of Iranians and non-Iranians,” was not used on coins, which has become a subject of discussion. This work aims to clarify such arguments based on a unique drachm belonging to Shapur I which is present in the Elazig Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography.
Is there a common understanding of spiritual leader behaviors?
Authors: Lean Emily R. , Ganster Daniel C.
Published: April 2017

The goal of this study is to delineate the construct of spiritual leadership and determine which behaviors are unique to spiritual leaders. This study, the first of its kind to take into account the knowledge and opinions of both academic and practitioner subject matter experts, employs
a mixed method form of research. The qualitative results from phase one participants influence the quantitative data collected from phase two participants. Given that this is an inductive study, there are no specific hypotheses regarding which behaviors are considered most important to a spiritual
leader. A list of 39 behaviors emerge which participants consider essential to a spiritual leader. The results of this study emphasize the importance of examining the opinions of academics as well as practitioners.
Loki then and now: the trickster against civilization
Authors: Bassil-Morozow Helena
Published: April 2017

Loki, one of the most mischievous of the Norse gods, is a classic Trickster figure. This mythological character is difficult to define but is an archetype that Jung himself explored. The Trickster can be understood not only as a part of the Jungian individuation process, but also, from an anthropological perspective, as a metaphor for change, embodying the dynamics between the personal and the systemic. Mythological narratives featuring Loki portray him as a figure that frequently challenges the civilising forces of society, a challenge that can lead to either destruction or renewal for the society in question. More recently, however, the character of Loki has been revived as part of a Hollywood film franchise featuring a number of the comic book giant Marvel’s characters. This highly profitable enterprise, includes contemporary versions of other members of the Norse pantheon including Thor, Odin and Frigg, but Loki, as played by Tom Hiddleston, has proved a particularly popular character with the fans. This paper examines the history of Loki in the Icelandic Edda as well as the Hollywood commodification of the character in order to explore the psychological importance of the Trickster for the contemporary individual.
The Categorical Imperative and Universalizability
Authors: Timmons Mark
Published: April 2017

This chapter critically discusses Kant’s universalization tests associated with the universal law formula of the categorical imperative. The first part of the chapter explains the main steps in Kant’s tests in order to foreground the various interpretive questions that scholars have raised about them—questions that pertain to this formula serving as an adequate decision procedure. The chapter then proceeds to isolate those key desiderata that represent the core assumptions of the tests in order to then determine whether the tests can satisfy the desiderata in question. It is argued that the universalization procedure reflected in Kant’s tests cannot serve as an adequate decision procedure. This, of course, raises the question of the true significance of the universal law formula, which is taken up in chapter 4.
The Philosophical and Practical Significance of Kant’s Universality Formulations of the Categorical Imperative
Authors: Timmons Mark
Published: April 2017

If the universal law formula of the categorical imperative (FUL) cannot serve as an adequate decision procedure (as explained in chapter 3, then one may inquire about its true philosophical and practical significance within Kant’s ethical theory. Regarding its philosophical significance, the chapter argues that in the realm of practical reasoning it serves to reveal a set of interconnected metaethical constraints that moral reasons, qua moral, must have that distinguishes them from non-moral reasons. This leads to the “formal constraints” interpretation of the philosophical significance of the formula. Regarding its practical significance, it is argued that rather than serving as a decision procedure of the sort explained in chapter 3, the tests associated with FUL can serve to help foreground a conflict in one’s practical deliberations between morality and self-interest. Finally, this understanding avoids the charges of empty formalism, disguised egoism, and limited scope sometimes raised against this formula.
Kant’s Grounding Project in the Doctrine of Virtue
Authors: Timmons Mark
Published: April 2017

In the Doctrine of Virtue, Part II of the Metaphysics of Morals, Kant’s project is to set forth and defend a system of fundamental duties by deriving them from the categorical imperative. With respect to all but one of these duties, Kant employs the humanity formula in his derivations—which requires that one treat humanity in oneself and others always as an end and never merely as a means. One standard worry about the derivations is that the humanity formula is not doing real work because the concepts featured in it are too indeterminate to provide a basis for genuine derivations. This chapter examines Kant’s complex notion of dignity (implicated in the humanity formula) as a basis for responding to this worry. Doing so allows one to formulate a battery of “specification principles” that yield genuine derivations. The conclusion is that Kant’s derivations are by and large successful.
The Moral Significance of Gratitude in Kant’s Ethics
Authors: Timmons Mark
Published: April 2017

In the Doctrine of Virtue, Kant includes gratitude as one of the three primary ethical duties of love toward others. This chapter considers the following questions about Kant’s treatment of this ethical duty. (1) What grounds the duty of gratitude? (2) In addition to considerations governing the content of the duty of gratitude, what role (if any) does affect play in Kant’s conception of gratitude? Kant claims that the duty of gratitude has a special status—it is a “holy” as opposed to an ordinary duty. (4) How is this status to be understood? (5) What role does gratitude play in Kant’s account of a virtuous agent? Nowhere in his writings does Kant provide a justification for the claim that gratitude is a duty. (6) Is such a justification needed, and, if so, can Kant’s theory provide one?
The Good, the Bad, and the Badass
Authors: Timmons Mark
Published: April 2017

Claudia Card has argued that Kant’s conception of moral evil is lacking in breadth because it cannot account for cases of moral indeterminacy or for cases of moral fragmentation. Others have argued that Kant’s conception lacks depth because it fails to distinguish various degrees of evil. In response to the objection concerning breadth, it is argued that Kant’s character rigorism, which fuels the objection—the claim that one is either morally good or morally evil—should be restricted in a way that allows for the types of morally flawed character Card describes. In response to the objection regarding depth, appeal is made to Kant’s conception of the particular vices that does allow for degrees of evil. Finally, the chapter considers the case of the “badass,” or someone who is aptly described as doing evil for evil’s sake, and explains how Kant’s view can be elaborated to accommodate this sort of character.
Why Not Wait? Eight Institutions Share Their Experiences Moving United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 After Core Clinical Clerkships
Authors: Daniel Michelle , Fleming Amy , Grochowski Colleen O’Conner , Harnik Vicky , Klimstra Sibel , Morrison Gail , Pock Arnyce , Schwartz Michael L. , Santen Sally
Published: April 2017

The majority of medical students complete the United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 after their foundational sciences; however, there are compelling reasons to examine this practice. This article provides the perspectives of eight MD-granting medical schools that have moved Step 1 after the core clerkships, describing their rationale, logistics of the change, outcomes, and lessons learned. The primary reasons these institutions cite for moving Step 1 after clerkships are to foster more enduring and integrated basic science learning connected to clinical care and to better prepare students for the increasingly clinical focus of Step 1. Each school provides key features of the preclerkship and clinical curricula and details concerning taking Steps 1 and 2, to allow other schools contemplating change to understand the landscape. Most schools report an increase in aggregate Step 1 scores after the change. Despite early positive outcomes, there may be unintended consequences to later scheduling of Step 1, including relatively late student reevaluations of their career choice if Step 1 scores are not competitive in the specialty area of their choice. The score increases should be interpreted with caution: These schools may not be representative with regard to mean Step 1 scores and failure rates. Other aspects of curricular transformation and rising national Step 1 scores confound the data. Although the optimal timing of Step 1 has yet to be determined, this article summarizes the perspectives of eight schools that changed Step 1 timing, filling a gap in the literature on this important topic.
Clinical Effectiveness and Safety of Intraoperative Methadone in Patients Undergoing Posterior Spinal Fusion Surgery
Authors: Murphy Glenn S. , Szokol Joseph W. , Avram Michael J. , Greenberg Steven B. , Shear Torin D. , Deshur Mark A. , Vender Jeffery S. , Benson Jessica , Newmark Rebecca L.
Published: April 2017

Background

Patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery often experience severe pain during the first three postoperative days. The aim of this parallel-group randomized trial was to assess the effect of the long-duration opioid methadone on postoperative analgesic requirements, pain scores, and patient satisfaction after complex spine surgery.

Methods

One hundred twenty patients were randomized to receive either methadone 0.2 mg/kg at the start of surgery or hydromorphone 2 mg at surgical closure. Anesthetic care was standardized, and clinicians were blinded to group assignment. The primary outcome was intravenous hydromorphone consumption on postoperative day 1. Pain scores and satisfaction with pain management were measured at postanesthesia care unit admission, 1 and 2 h postadmission, and on the mornings and afternoons of postoperative days 1 to 3.

Results

One hundred fifteen patients were included in the analysis. Median hydromorphone use was reduced in the methadone group not only on postoperative day 1 (4.56 vs. 9.90 mg) but also on postoperative days 2 (0.60 vs. 3.15 mg) and 3 (0 vs. 0.4 mg; all P< 0.001). Pain scores at rest, with movement, and with coughing were less in the methadone group at 21 of 27 assessments (all P = 0.001 to < 0.0001). Overall satisfaction with pain management was higher in the methadone group than in the hydromorphone group until the morning of postoperative day 3 (all P = 0.001 to < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Intraoperative methadone administration reduced postoperative opioid requirements, decreased pain scores, and improved patient satisfaction with pain management.
Fracture Liaison Services
Authors: Briot Karine
Published: April 2017

Purpose of review

The purpose of this review is to report the evidence of beneficial effects of Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) including data regarding their impact on subsequent fracture, mortality risk and cost-effectiveness. This review also discusses the limitations of these data and the challenges faced during the implementation of FLS.

Recent findings

Recent studies showed the beneficial impact of implementation of FLS on the prevention of subsequent fracture risk, reduced mortality and cost-effectiveness. However, heterogeneity of FLS models and small number of studies limited the conclusion about the impact of FLS on secondary fracture prevention.

Patients with osteoporosis-related fractures are at higher risk of subsequent refractures. These subsequent fractures are associated with increased morbidity and premature mortality. However, there is a gap between evidence-based recommendations for postfracture care and actual clinical practice. FLS care is recommended for the management of the prevention of secondary fracture. FLS implementation reduces the risk of subsequent fracture, but the level of evidence is low as the interpretation of data is limited by the number of studies and their heterogeneity. FLS care significantly reduces the postfracture mortality, especially in patients with hip fractures. FLS implementation is cost-effective compared with usual care. Additional studies (with large sample and long-term follow-up) are needed to assess the impact of FLS care on subsequent fracture risk.