bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anorectal dysfunction after laparoscopic low anterior rectal resection for rectal cancer with and without radiotherapy (manometry study)
Authors: Ihnát Peter , Slívová Ivana , Tulinsky Lubomir , Ihnát Rudinská Lucia , Máca Jan , Penka Igor
Published: November 2017

Background and Objectives

The aim was to evaluate the impact of radiotherapy (RT) on anorectal function of patients with low rectal cancer undergoing low anterior resection (LAR).

Methods

Prospective clinical cohort study conducted to assess the functional outcome by means of high‐resolution anorectal manometry and LARS score.

Results

In total, 65 patients were enrolled in the study (27 patients underwent LAR without RT, 38 patients underwent RT and LAR). There were no statistically significant differences between study subgroups regarding demographic and clinical data; postoperative morbidity was significantly higher in irradiated patients. One year after the surgery, mean LARS score was significantly higher in patients who underwent RT and surgery. Major LARS was detected in 37.0% of irradiated patients and in 14.8% of patients after surgery alone. Anorectal manometry revealed significantly lower resting pressures in patients after RT and LAR; the squeeze pressures were similar. Rectal compliance and all volumes describing rectal sensitivity (first sensation, urge to defecate, and discomfort volume) were significantly lower in irradiated patients.

Conclusions

RT significantly deteriorates the functional outcome of patients after LAR. Manometry revealed internal sphincter dysfunction, reduced capacity, and compliance of neorectum, which seem to have a significant correlation with LARS presence/seriousness.
Comparing perilymph proteomes across species
Authors: Palmer Jonathan C. , Lord Megan S. , Pinyon Jeremy L. , Wise Andrew K. , Lovell Nigel H. , Carter Paul M. , Enke Ya Lang , Housley Gary D. , Green Rylie A.
Published: November 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

Biological components of perilymph affect the electrical performance of cochlear implants. Understanding the perilymph composition of common animal models will improve the understanding of this impact and improve the interpretation of results from animal studies and how it relates to humans.

Study Design

Analysis and comparison of the proteomes of human, guinea pig, and cat perilymph.

Methods

Multiple perilymph samples from both guinea pigs and cats were analysed via liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Proteins were identified using the Mascot database. Human data were obtained from a published dataset. Proteins identified were refined to form a proteome for each species.

Results

Over 200 different proteins were found per species. There were 81, 39, and 64 proteins in the final human, guinea pig, and cat proteomes, respectively. Twenty‐one proteins were common to all three species. Fifty‐two percent of the cat proteome was found in the human proteome, and 31% of the guinea pig was common to human. The cat proteome had similar complexity to the human proteome in three protein classes, whereas the guinea pig had a similar complexity in two. The presence of albumin was significantly higher in human perilymph than in the other two species. Immunoglobulins were more abundant in the human than in the cat proteome.

Conclusions

Perilymph proteomes were compared across three species. The degree of crossover of proteins of both guinea pig and cat with human indicate that these animals suitable models for the human cochlea, albeit the cat perilymph is a closer match.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 128:E47–E52, 2018
Adult normative data for phonatory aerodynamics in connected speech
Authors: Lewandowski Ali , Gillespie Amanda I. , Kridgen Samantha , Jeong Kwonho , Yu Lan , Gartner‐Schmidt Jackie
Published: November 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

To establish normative values for phonatory aerodynamic measurements in connected speech across adult ages and gender.

Study Design

Prospective data collection across group design.

Methods

One hundred fifty adults aged >18 years without voice complaints were stratified into three equal‐age groups (group 1 [ages 18–39 years]; group 2 [ages 40–59 years], and group 3 [ages 60 + years]) and two equal‐gender groups (male and female) resulting in 25 participants in each category. Participants read the first four sentences of the Rainbow Passage at comfortable pitch and loudness to obtain a connected speech sample. The following dependent variables were analyzed: breath number, reading passage duration, mean phonatory airflow, inspiratory airflow duration, and expiratory airflow duration.

Results

A gender effect was found for mean phonatory airflow, with males showing significantly greater phonatory airflow than females during connected speech (P < .001). Number of breaths was significantly greater for group 3 than group 2 (P < .001) and group 1 (P < .001). Duration, and inspiratory and expiratory airflow durations were all significantly greater for group 3 (P < .001) than group 2 (P < .001) than group 1 (P < .001).

Conclusions

This study provides normative data for phonatory aerodynamics in adult connected speech. Significant age and gender effects were observed. Laryngoscope, 128:909–914, 2018
An updated review of pediatric drug‐induced sleep endoscopy
Authors: Wilcox Lyndy J. , Bergeron Mathieu , Reghunathan Saranya , Ishman Stacey L.
Published: November 2017

Objectives

Drug‐induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) involves assessment of the upper airway using a flexible endoscope while patients are in a pharmacologically‐induced sleep‐like state. The aim of this article is to review the current literature regarding the role of DISE in children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The indications, typical anesthetic protocol, comparison to other diagnostic modalities, scoring systems, and outcomes are discussed.

Methods

A comprehensive review of literature regarding pediatric DISE up through May 2017 was performed.

Results

DISE provides a thorough evaluation of sites of obstruction during sedation. It is typically indicated for children with persistent OSA after tonsillectomy, those with OSA without tonsillar hypertrophy, children with risk factors predisposing then to multiple sites of obstruction, or when sleep‐state dependent laryngomalacia is suspected. The dexmedotomidine and ketamine protocol, which replicates non‐REM sleep, appears to be safe and is often used for pediatric DISE, although propofol is the most commonly employed agent for DISE in adults. Six different scoring systems (VOTE, SERS, Chan, Bachar, Fishman, Boudewyns) have been used to report pediatric DISE findings, but none is universally accepted.

Conclusions

DISE is a safe and useful technique to assess levels of obstruction in children. There is currently no universally‐accepted anesthetic protocol or scoring system for pediatric DISE, but both will be necessary in order to provide a consistent method to report findings, enhance communication among providers and optimize surgical outcomes.

Level of Evidence

N/A.
Diagnostic validity of ICDAS II, VistaProof and a combination of these two methods. An in vitro study in pre‐cavitated lesions
Authors: Iranzo‐Cortés José Enrique , Almarche‐Tarazona María , Montiel‐Company José María , Almerich‐Silla José Manuel
Published: November 2017

Purpose

In view of the present fall in advanced cavitation lesion prevalence, diagnostic methods have been developed to assist in assessing and measuring pre‐cavitation lesions. The purpose of this study was to assess the VistaProof fluorescence‐based system in vitro and compare the results with those of visual examination using the ICDAS II criteria.

Methods

100 permanent teeth were collected and 65 were chosen at random for this study. Two separate examiners each examined them twice, 3 weeks apart, assessing them in accordance with ICDAS II. They were subsequently examined with the VistaProof system and the images were stored in the computer program. After obtaining all these data, the teeth were prepared for histological examination and the extent of the lesion was measured.

Results

The sensitivity with VistaProof was 0.705 for examiner 1 and 0.818 for examiner 2. With ICDAS II it was 0.796 and 0.864, respectively. The specificity was 0.810 and 0.619, respectively, for VistaProof and 0.810 and 0.952 for ICDAS II. The agreement with the histology results was 0.757 and 0.719, respectively, for VistaProof and 0.802 and 0.908 for ICDAS II. The intra‐examiner and inter‐examiner reproducibility of both methods was also assessed. For VistaProof the values were 0.76 and 0.78 intra‐examiner agreement and 0.65 inter‐examiner. For ICDAS II they were 0.82 and 0.91 intra‐examiner and 0.76 inter‐examiner. The data showed that both ICDAS II and VistaProof presented very good sensitivity but moderate specificity, as well as strong agreement (fair to good) with the histology results, and the intra‐examiner and inter‐examiner reproducibility was significant for both methods.

Conclusions

ICDAS II criteria and the assistance provided by VistaProof increase the ability to diagnose incipient lesions and take early action to treat them. It is important to combine the two in order to obtain more significant results, considering non‐opperative treatments for non‐cavitated lesions diagnosed. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:166–173, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Carboxylic Acid Ionic Modification of Castor‐Oil‐Based Polyurethanes Bearing Amine Groups: Chemically Tunable Physical Properties and Recyclability
Authors: Comí Marc , Fernández Mercedes , Santamaría Antxon , Lligadas Gerard , Ronda Juan C. , Galià Marina , Cádiz Virginia
Published: November 2017

A family of supramolecular side‐chain ionic polyurethanes (PUs) is synthesized by a simple method using polyurethanes with tertiary amines as pendant groups, and carboxylic acids. The resulting polyurethanes contain diethyl ammonium and carboxylate moieties that are bonded by a combination of ionic and hydrogen bonds. The self‐assembling process is observed by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy‐attenuated total reflection (FTIR‐ATR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The synthesized polyurethanes are characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Rheological, dielectric, and mechanical properties are investigated, and it is found that the tunability of the properties depends on the acid functionality and the chain length. Dynamic viscoelastic tests reveal a rapid and complete thermal reversibility, which opens the door to studying the recyclability of the samples.
The length of an intersection
Authors: Delhommé Christian , Pouzet Maurice
Published: November 2017

A poset is well‐partially ordered (WPO) if all its linear extensions are well orders; the supremum of ordered types of these linear extensions is the length, of p. We prove that if the vertex set X is infinite, of cardinality κ, and the ordering ⩽ is the intersection of finitely many well partial orderings of X, , then, letting , with , denote the euclidian division by κ (seen as an initial ordinal) of the length of each corresponding poset: where denotes the least initial ordinal greater than the ordinal . This inequality is optimal. This result answers questions of Forster.
NO and HNO donors, nitrones, and nitroxides: Past, present, and future
Authors: Oliveira Catarina , Benfeito Sofia , Fernandes Carlos , Cagide Fernando , Silva Tiago , Borges Fernanda
Published: November 2017

The biological effects attributed to nitric oxide (•NO) and nitroxyl (HNO) have been extensively studied, propelling their array of putative clinical applications beyond cardiovascular disorders toward other age‐related diseases, like cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. In this context, the unique properties and reactivity of the N‐O bond enabled the development of several classes of compounds with potential clinical interest, among which •NO and HNO donors, nitrones, and nitroxides are of particular importance. Although primarily studied for their application as cardioprotective agents and/or molecular probes for radical detection, continuous efforts have unveiled a wide range of pharmacological activities and, ultimately, therapeutic applications. These efforts are of particular significance for diseases in which oxidative stress plays a key pathogenic role, as shown by a growing volume of in vitro and in vivo preclinical data. Although in its early stages, these efforts may provide valuable guidelines for the development of new and effective N‐O‐based drugs for age‐related disorders. In this report, we review recent advances in the chemistry of NO and HNO donors, nitrones, and nitroxides and discuss its pharmacological significance and potential therapeutic application.
Consumer use and response to online third‐party raw DNA interpretation services
Authors: Wang Catharine , Cahill Tiernan J. , Parlato Andrew , Wertz Blake , Zhong Qiankun , Cunningham Tricia Norkunas , Cummings James J.
Published: November 2017

Background

With the availability of raw DNA generated from direct‐to‐consumer (DTC) testing companies, there has been a proliferation of third‐party online services that are available to interpret the raw data for both genealogy and/or health purposes. This study examines the current landscape and downstream clinical implications of consumer use of third‐party services.

Methods

Study participants were recruited online from social media platforms. A total of 321 survey respondents reported using third‐party services for raw DNA interpretation.

Results

Participants were highly motivated to explore raw DNA for ancestral information (67%), individual health implications (62%), or both (40%). Participants primarily used one of seven companies to interpret raw DNA; 73% used more than one. Company choice was driven by the type of results offered (51%), price (45%), and online reviews (31%). Approximately 30% of participants shared results with a medical provider and 21% shared with more than one. Outcomes of sharing ranged from disinterest/discounting of the information to diagnosis of genetic conditions. Participants were highly satisfied with their decision to analyze raw DNA (M = 4.54/5), yet challenges in understanding interpretation results were reported irrespective of satisfaction ratings.

Conclusion

Consumers face challenges in understanding the results and may seek out clinical assistance in interpreting their raw DNA results.
Effect of local administration of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) on peripheral nerve regeneration: An experimental study in the rabbit model
Authors: Ikumi Akira , Hara Yuki , Yoshioka Tomokazu , Kanamori Akihiro , Yamazaki Masashi
Published: November 2017

This study aimed to evaluate the nerve regenerative effect and behavior of Schwann cells (SCs) on local administration of autologous platelet‐rich plasma (PRP).

Methods

Twenty‐eight Japanese white rabbits were used. A 15‐mm sciatic nerve defect was created on the left limb. The resected nerve was used as a reverse autologous nerve. The rabbits were randomly divided into two groups. In group A (n = 10), only nerve grafting was performed. In group B (n = 18), nerve grafting was performed with local PRP administration. Right limbs were used as control (group C,n = 28). The rabbits in each group were equally divided into two subgroups based on the evaluation period of 4 and 12 weeks after grafting. Electrophysiological evaluation, muscle wet‐weight, histological evaluation, and multiple immunofluorescence staining were performed to investigate the regenerative effect of PRP.

Results

The mean regenerative axon diameter of the graft portion in group B (2.02 ± 0.22‐μm) was significantly larger than that in group A (1.89 ± 0.16‐μm) at 4 weeks. The regenerative axon number at the distal portion showed a greater increase in group B (9017 ± 2224/mm2) than in group A (4955 ± 3117/mm2) at 12 weeks. Electrophysiological evaluation and muscle wet‐weight revealed no significant differences. On immunohistological evaluation, the number of activated SCs increased to a larger extent in group B (188 ± 90/mm2) than in group A (117 ± 51/mm2).

Conclusions

Local PRP administration increases the regenerative axon diameter and the regenerative axon number at the distal portion. PRP accelerates SC proliferationin vivo.
Reconstruction of a long defect of the ulnar artery and nerve with an arterialized neurovenous free flap in a teenager: A case report and literature review
Authors: Casal Diogo , Pais Diogo , Mota‐Silva Eduarda , Pelliccia Giovanni , Iria Inês , Videira Paula A. , Mendes Maria Manuel , Goyri‐O'Neill João , Mouzinho Maria Manuel
Published: November 2017

There is evidence that nerve flaps are superior to nerve grafts for bridging long nerve defects. Moreover, arterialized neurovenous flaps (ANVFs) have multiple potential advantages over traditional nerve flaps in this context. This paper describes a case of reconstruction of a long defect of the ulnar artery and nerve with an arterialized neurovenous free flap and presents a literature review on this subject. A 16‐year‐old boy sustained a stab wound injury to the medial aspect of the distal third of his right forearm. The patient was initially observed and treated at another institution where the patient was diagnosed with a flexor carpis ulnaris muscle and an ulnar artery section. The artery was ligated and the muscle was sutured. Four months later, the patient was referred to our institution with complaints of ulnar nerve damage, as well as hand pain and cold intolerance. Physical examination and ancillary tests supported the diagnosis of ulnar artery and nerve complete section. Surgery revealed an 8 cm hiatus of the ulnar artery and a 5 cm defect of the ulnar nerve. These gaps were bridged with a flow through ANVF containing the sural nerve and the lesser saphenous vein. The postoperative course was uneventful. Two years postoperatively, the patient had regained normal trophism and M5 strength in all previously paralyzed muscles according to the Medical Research Council Scale. Thermography revealed good perfusion in the right ulnar angiosome. The ANVF may be an expedite, safe and efficient option to reconstruct a long ulnar nerve and artery defect.
Data‐driven optimal binning for respiratory motion management in PET
Authors: Kesner Adam L. , Meier Joseph G. , Burckhardt Darrell D. , Schwartz Jazmin , Lynch David A.
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Respiratory gating has been used in PET imaging to reduce the amount of image blurring caused by patient motion. Optimal binning is an approach for using the motion‐characterized data by binning it into a single, easy to understand/use, optimal bin. To date, optimal binning protocols have utilized externally driven motion characterization strategies that have been tuned with population‐derived assumptions and parameters. In this work, we are proposing a new strategy with which to characterize motion directly from a patient's gated scan, and use that signal to create a patient/instance‐specific optimal bin image.

Methods

Two hundred and nineteen phase‐gated FDG PET scans, acquired using data‐driven gating as described previously, were used as the input for this study. For each scan, a phase‐amplitude motion characterization was generated and normalized using principle component analysis. A patient‐specific “optimal bin” window was derived using this characterization, via methods that mirror traditional optimal window binning strategies. The resulting optimal bin images were validated by correlating quantitative and qualitative measurements in the population of PET scans.

Results

In 53% (n = 115) of the image population, the optimal bin was determined to include 100% of the image statistics. In the remaining images, the optimal binning windows averaged 60% of the statistics and ranged between 20% and 90%. Tuning the algorithm, through a single acceptance window parameter, allowed for adjustments of the algorithm's performance in the population toward conservation of motion or reduced noise—enabling users to incorporate their definition of optimal. In the population of images that were deemed appropriate for segregation, average lesion SUV max were 7.9, 8.5, and 9.0 for nongated images, optimal bin, and gated images, respectively. The Pearson correlation of FWHM measurements between optimal bin images and gated images were better than with nongated images, 0.89 and 0.85, respectively. Generally, optimal bin images had better resolution than the nongated images and better noise characteristics than the gated images.

Discussion

We extended the concept of optimal binning to a data‐driven form, updating a traditionally one‐size‐fits‐all approach to a conformal one that supports adaptive imaging. This automated strategy was implemented easily within a large population and encapsulated motion information in an easy to use 3D image. Its simplicity and practicality may make this, or similar approaches ideal for use in clinical settings.
TOPPE: A framework for rapid prototyping of MR pulse sequences
Authors: Nielsen Jon‐Fredrik , Noll Douglas C.
Published: November 2017

Purpose

To introduce a framework for rapid prototyping of MR pulse sequences.

Methods

We propose a simple file format, called “TOPPE”, for specifying all details of an MR imaging experiment, such as gradient and radiofrequency waveforms and the complete scan loop. In addition, we provide a TOPPE file “interpreter” for GE scanners, which is a binary executable that loads TOPPE files and executes the sequence on the scanner. We also provide MATLAB scripts for reading and writing TOPPE files and previewing the sequence prior to hardware execution. With this setup, the task of the pulse sequence programmer is reduced to creating TOPPE files, eliminating the need for hardware‐specific programming. No sequence‐specific compilation is necessary; the interpreter only needs to be compiled once (for every scanner software upgrade). We demonstrate TOPPE in three different applications: k‐space mapping, non‐Cartesian PRESTO whole‐brain dynamic imaging, and myelin mapping in the brain using inhomogeneous magnetization transfer.

Results

We successfully implemented and executed the three example sequences. By simply changing the various TOPPE sequence files, a single binary executable (interpreter) was used to execute several different sequences.

Conclusion

The TOPPE file format is a complete specification of an MR imaging experiment, based on arbitrary sequences of a (typically small) number of unique modules. Along with the GE interpreter, TOPPE comprises a modular and flexible platform for rapid prototyping of new pulse sequences. Magn Reson Med 79:3128–3134, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
What was hot at ICS 2016?
Authors: Gibson William , Hainsworth Alison J. , Morris Samantha J. , Cartwright Rufus , Alloussi Saladin , Dmochowski Roger
Published: November 2017

The 46th annual conference of the International Continence Society was held in Tokyo, Japan, between September 13th and 16th, 2016. In this article, we present selected highlights of the broad range of excellent research presented by colleagues from around the world from a variety of areas of continence research, from cellular models to population‐based epidemiological studies.
Three‐month primary efficacy data for the SUCCESS Trial; a phase III, multi‐center, prospective, randomized, controlled study treating female stress urinary incontinence with the vesair intravesical balloon
Authors: McCammon Kurt , Jacoby Karny , Kalota Susan , Snyder Jeffrey , Cline Kevin , Robertson Kaiser , Rardin Charles , Kahan Randall , Green Lonny , Zuckerman Jack , Rovner Eric
Published: November 2017

Aims

The SUCCESS trial is a phase III study of the Vesair® balloon in the United States for female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The purpose of this manuscript is to present the 3 month primary efficacy and tolerability outcome data.

Methods

The SUCCESS trial is a multi‐center, prospective, single blind, randomized, sham‐controlled study. Subjects were randomized on a 2.33:1 basis to either Vesair balloon placement or placebo. The primary efficacy endpoint was a composite of both a >50% reduction from baseline on 1 h provocative pad weight test and a ≥10‐point improvement in symptoms on the Incontinence Quality of Life Survey (I‐QOL) questionnaire assessed at the 3 month study visit.

Results

A total of 221 subjects were randomized, including 157 treatment arm subjects and 64 controls. The 3 month composite primary efficacy endpoint was achieved in 42.1% of treatment group subjects compared with 28.1% of controls on intention‐to‐treat analysis (p = 0.046). Treatment arm subjects were significantly more likely to report at least a 50% reduction in incontinence frequency on 7‐day voiding diary (55.2% vs 32.3%, P = 0.002, ITT) and more commonly reported their incontinence was improved on Patient Global Impression of Improvement in Incontinence (PGI‐I) at 3 months compared with controls (58.0% vs 37.7%, P = 0.007, ITT). No device‐ or procedure‐related serious adverse events nor unanticipated adverse events were reported and no cases of urinary retention were observed. All adverse events fully resolved following balloon removal.

Conclusions

In this phase three trial, the Vesair intravesical balloon achieved 3 month primary and secondary endpoints both objectively and subjectively.
A stable boundary elements method for magnetohydrodynamic channel flows at high Hartmann numbers
Authors: Sedaghatjoo Zeynab , Dehghan Mehdi , Hosseinzadeh Hossein
Published: November 2017

The article is devoted to extension of boundary element method (BEM) for solving coupled equations in velocity and induced magnetic field for time dependent magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flows through a rectangular pipe. The BEM is equipped with finite difference approach to solve MHD problem at high Hartmann numbers up to 106. In fact, the finite difference approach is used to approximate partial derivatives of unknown functions at boundary points respect to outward normal vector. It yields a numerical method with no singular boundary integrals. Besides, a new approach is suggested in this article where transforms 2D singular BEM's integrals to 1D nonsingular ones. The new approach reduces computational cost, significantly. Note that the stability of the numerical scheme is proved mathematically when computational domain is discretized uniformly and Hartmann number is 40 times bigger than length of boundary elements. Numerical examples show behavior of velocity and induced magnetic field across the sections.
Homogeneous Na incorporation for industrial‐scale application of Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S)2 solar cells
Authors: Park Ji Hun , Lee Seunghwan , Song EunHo , Shin SangHo , Kang ChangHo , Yoon HyungSeok , Lee Seunghun , Yang JungYup , Lee Dongho , Kim Dongseop , Nam Junggyu
Published: November 2017

We achieve large‐area (1602 × 902 mm2) doping uniformity without layer peel‐offs, based on a dual Na source, ie, partial Na out‐diffusion from soda‐lime glass and a homogeneously sputtered CuGa:NaF layer as an auxiliary source. We systematically investigate the optoelectronic, microstructural, and compositional characteristics of Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S)2 solar cells and analyze the underlying mechanism in detail. Na out‐diffusion from soda‐lime glass initially improves the cell performance according to the defect passivation and Na doping effects; further Na incorporation using the Na‐doped layer enhances JSC, FF, and film conductivity, which is likely due to the enhanced cell homogeneity and the alleviation of carrier transport‐limited characteristics. Excessive Na incorporation triggers the possible generation of layer peel‐offs, which is closely related to the reduced adhesion force, void generation, decrease in S/(S + Se) ratio, Ga redistribution, bandgap reduction, and increase in the low‐energy photoluminescence. These results indicate that the voids are created via Kirkendal mechanism based on the variability in atomic diffusion rates following compositional changes, resulting from the insufficiency in Na consumption or sulfurization. It is noted that an in‐line codeposition technique enables realization of high‐level Na doping as well as void‐free interface state by suppressing the defect generation, which yields high‐efficiency commercial‐scale Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S)2 modules without layer peel‐off problems.
Physik mit dem Fingerkreisel Fidget
Authors: Ucke Christian , Schlichting Hans Joachim
Published: November 2017

Mit dem Fingerkreisel Fidget lassen sich einige Experimente leicht ausführen. So kann man beispielsweise die Kreiselpräzession quantitativ untersuchen. Mit einfachen Mitteln lassen sich zudem ein Malkreisel und ein Windrad konstruieren. Außerdem tritt ein optisches Phänomen auf, bei dem ein schöner dreidimensionaler Eindruck entsteht.
Planet 9 und die Transneptun‐Region
Authors: Böhnhardt Hermann
Published: November 2017

Seit der Entdeckung von Pluto hat sich das Bild des äußeren Planetensystems grundlegend gewandelt. Die Entdeckung und Erforschung des Kuiper‐Gürtels erlaubt Einblicke in die Entstehungsperiode des Sonnensystems. Die Bahnen und Eigenschaften der Körper in der Region jenseits von Neptun geben Hinweise auf die physikalisch‐chemischen und dynamischen Rahmenbedingungen während der Startphase des Planetensystems, ja sogar auf die Existenz eines neunten Planeten. Eine gezielte Suche nach Planet 9 hat begonnen.
Per aspera ad astra
Authors: Rüdiger Albrecht
Published: November 2017

Der Physik‐Nobelpreis 2017 geht an Rainer Weiss, Barry Barish und Kip Thorne für die Entdeckung der Gravitationswellen. Ihre erste Messung, nämlich des Ereignisses GW150914, war ein technologischer Durchbruch von großer Bedeutung für unser Verständnis des Kosmos. Es bestätigte nicht nur einmal mehr eine wichtige Vorhersage aus der Allgemeinen Relativitätstheorie, sondern auch die aus ihr folgenden detaillierten Berechnungen des Einspiralens und Verschmelzens von zwei Schwarzen Löchern. Nachfolgende Signale bescherten der Astrophysik die Überraschung, dass alle Ereignisse auf eine unvermutet hohe Population von Schwarzen Löchern von wenigen Dutzend Sonnenmassen hindeuten. Gravitationswellen stellen ein ganz neues Fenster ins All dar, unter anderem, weil sie nahezu ohne Wechselwirkung alle Hindernisse zwischen Quelle und Beobachter durchdringen können.
Eine spannende Sache
Authors: Loos Andreas
Published: November 2017

Er weiß sich und seine Wissenschaft zu inszenieren. 1801 fährt er nach Paris, damals vermutlich eines der wichtigsten Zentren der Ingenieurskunst und Physik, und führt einem illustren Publikum ein elektrisches Schauspiel vor, angetrieben von seinen Batteriesäulen, für die er berühmt ist.
Platelets harbor prostate cancer biomarkers and the ability to predict therapeutic response to abiraterone in castration resistant patients
Authors: Tjon‐Kon‐Fat Lee‐Ann , Lundholm Marie , Schröder Mona , Wurdinger Thomas , Thellenberg‐Karlsson Camilla , Widmark Anders , Wikström Pernilla , Nilsson Rolf Jonas Andreas
Published: November 2017

Background

Novel therapies for castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) have been introduced in the clinic with possibilities for individualized treatment plans. Best practice of those expensive drugs requires predictive biomarker monitoring. This study used circulating biomarker analysis to follow cancer‐derived transcripts implicated in therapy resistance.

Method

The isolated platelet population of blood samples and digital‐PCR were used to identify selected biomarker transcripts in patients with CRPC prior chemo‐ or androgen synthesis inhibiting therapy.

Results

Fifty patients received either docetaxel (n = 24) or abiraterone (n = 26) therapy, with therapy response rates of 54% and 48%, respectively. Transcripts for the PC‐associated biomarkers kallikrein‐related peptidase‐2 and ‐3 (KLK2, KLK3), folate hydrolase 1 (FOLH1), and neuropeptide‐Y (NPY) were uniquely present within the platelet fraction of cancer patients and not detected in healthy controls (n = 15). In the abiraterone treated cohort, the biomarkers provided information on therapy outcome, demonstrating an association between detectable biomarkers and short progression free survival (PFS) (FOLH1, P < 0.01; KLK3, P < 0.05; and NPY, P < 0.05). Patients with biomarker‐negative platelets had the best outcome, while FOLH1 (P < 0.05) and NPY (P = 0.05) biomarkers provided independent predictive information in a multivariate analysis regarding PFS. KLK2 (P < 0.01), KLK3 (P < 0.001), and FOLH1 (P < 0.05) biomarkers were associated with short overall survival (OS). Combining three biomarkers in a panel (KLK3, FOLH1, and NPY) made it possible to separate long‐term responders from short‐term responders with 87% sensitivity and 82% specificity.

Conclusion

Analyzing tumor‐derived biomarkers in platelets of CRPC patients enabled prediction of the outcome after abiraterone therapy with higher accuracy than baseline serum PSA or PSA response.
Condensing shafts on biogas stations and operational safety
Authors: Trávníček Petr , Kotek Luboš , Vítěz Tomáš , Chovanec Jan
Published: November 2017

This article investigates health and safety risks at a biogas station, in particular the activities in the condensation shaft. There were selected three scenarios in total, which can lead to a fatal accident during the maintenance and servicing of equipment located in the condensation shafts. These are the following scenarios: (1) the worker descends to the condensation shaft and in the subsequent service activities consumes oxygen contained in shaft, falls into unconsciousness and dies. (2) There is such a gas concentration in the condensate shaft that intoxication occurs (but even direct asphyxiation is possible—e.g., methane, carbon dioxide) thereafter subsequent death. (3) The worker suffers fatal injuries due to a fall from a height. The individual scenarios are discussed in the article, including whether and under what circumstances these may occur. To support the authors claims, measurements of selected gases concentrations were made in condensation shafts at eight biogas plants. The aim of this article is to highlight the risks that can be encountered when working in condensing shafts and how they can be prevented. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 37: 300–304, 2018
Human error: A myth eclipsing real causes
Authors: Alonso Ignacio José , Broadribb Mike
Published: November 2017

For years, professionals involved in the investigation of industrial accidents have identified “human error” as a common cause of many major process safety incidents. However, incorrect actions by workers that lead or contribute to disaster are associated with factors related to cultural, engineering, situational, psychological, procedural, and organizational aspects, and tend to remain in the background. The aeronautical industry has developed exhaustive research into causal factors and methodologies to address risks associated with “human error.” Pilots work in complex environments and are routinely exposed to high stress that can induce pilot error which may result in a threat to flight safety. As in the Oil and Gas industry, catastrophic accidents are infrequent, but are highly visible and often involve massive loss of life. The environment to which operators and managers of process plants can be exposed and that of aircraft crew can be similar. This article describes these similarities and explores causal factors to find commonalities and possible root causes. The ǁ Center for Chemical Process Safety Risk Based Process Safety (RBPS) approach has provided a more comprehensive framework to examine aspects that influence behaviors of individuals that work in hazardous environments. The paper evaluates typical factors associated to “human error” with possible causes related to the RBPS elements. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 37: 145–149, 2018
Tropical wood resistance to the West Indian drywood termiteCryptotermes brevis: If termites can't chew…
Authors: Cosme Lírio , Haro Marcelo M , Guedes Nelsa Maria P , Della Lucia Terezinha Maria C , Guedes Raul Narciso C
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

The importance and impact of invasive species are usually considered based on their economic implications, particularly the direct damage that they cause. The West Indian drywood termiteCryptotermes brevis(Walker) is an example and is a concern in structural lumber, furniture, and other wood products. Despite its importance, its tropical wood preferences and the wood physical characteristics contributing to resistance have not been investigated to date. Here, we developed wood testing units to allow the X‐ray recording of termite colonization and then subsequently tested tropical wood resistance to the termite through free‐choice and no‐choice bioassays using these wood testing units. The relevance of wood density and hardness as determinants of such resistance was also tested, as was termite mandible wear.

RESULTS

The wood testing units used allowed the assessment of the termite infestation and wood area loss, enabling subsequent choice bioassays to be performed. While pine (Pinussp.), jequitiba (Carinianasp.) and angelim (Hymenolobium petraenum) exhibited the heaviest losses and highest infestations; cumaru (Dipteryx odorata), guariuba (Clarisia racemosa), and purpleheart (Peltogynesp.) showed the lowest losses and infestations; courbaril (Hymenaea courbaril), eucalyptus (Eucalyptussp.), and tatajuba (Bagassa guianensis) exhibited intermediary results.

CONCLUSION

Wood hardness and in particular wood density were key determinants of wood resistance to the termites, which exhibited lower infestations associated with greater mandible wear when infesting harder high‐density wood. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Role of Nursing Competencies for Accelerating Clinical Trials in Stem Cell Clinics
Authors: Perrin Mary , Kim Teresa , Stan Rodica , Giesie Pamela , Tabor Jason , Le Verche Virginia , Johnson Shirley , Lomax Geoffrey P. , Zaia John A.
Published: November 2017

The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine has formed a group of clinics called the Alpha Stem Cell Clinics Network. Its goal is to accelerate clinical trials of stem cell-based therapies for diseases with unmet medical needs. In this report, we describe our experience in establishing an Alpha Stem Cell Clinic at City of Hope. Implementation and integration of the clinic into the existing institutional structures required collaboration and cooperation with clinical trial units, nursing administration, and creation of new positions. The highlight of this process and the centerpiece to our success has been the definition of the role of the “hybrid nurse,” a person with nursing competencies in both clinical care and research.

Abstract Video Link: https://youtu.be/WOeZrNyXkGU
The Impact of Political Influence on Appointees: Evidence from the Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Program
Authors: Davis Matthew , Hansen Mary Eschelbach , Husted Thomas
Published: November 2017

Presidential disaster declarations provide disaster aid through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and are known to be motivated by political factors as well as by need. The extent to which politics influence the Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster declaration decision, made by a presidential appointee, has not been previously measured. We use new data covering 1960–2013 to show that SBA declarations are subject to the same political influences as presidential declarations. Disasters occurring during reelection years, as well as those occurring in electorally important states, are more likely to receive SBA declarations. The effect of politics is stronger in the period prior to the passage of the Stafford Act in 1988, showing that the two types of declarations are substitutes for political purposes.
Liar Liar: Experimental Evidence of the Effect of Confirmation‐Reports on Dishonesty
Authors: Duncan Denvil , Li Danyang
Published: November 2017

We identify the effect of confirmation‐reports on dishonesty using data from an experiment where subjects are asked to roll a die and report its outcome using either a self‐report or confirmation‐report mechanism. We find that relative to self‐reports, confirmation‐reports have a positive effect on the share of subjects who report honestly. The effect on the magnitude of lies told depends greatly on the accuracy of the prefilled information on the confirmation‐report. We argue that these results are driven by changes in the intrinsic costs of lying induced by the confirmation report.
Gaming Methods in Engineering Systems Research
Authors: Grogan Paul T. , Meijer Sebastiaan A.
Published: November 2017

Recent interest in applications of games and gaming methods has stimulated discussion of their use in engineering systems research. Simulation games or gaming simulations are interactive environments which simultaneously model a technical system through simulation and a social system with role‐play participants. Their boundary‐spanning nature aligns with challenges in engineering systems to consider both technical and social factors in design. This paper outlines a class of gaming methods for research in engineering systems. Key contributions synthesize diverse bodies of literature to classify gaming applications as generating generalizable and contextual knowledge to benefit participants and principals, identify intellectual foundations in related social sciences, and describe the dual purpose of games as a research method for analytical or design science objectives. Conclusions highlight opportunities and challenges for gaming research methods to accommodate social science research in design‐centric activities.
Bringing Stories to Life: Integrating Literature and Math Manipulatives
Authors: Larson Lotta C. , Rumsey Chepina
Published: November 2017

This Teaching Tip describes the use of children's literature to help second‐grade students meet Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and for Mathematics. During a shared reading experience, students used manipulatives to represent plot and characters while demonstrating mathematical reasoning. The article offers instructional ideas, guiding questions, authentic student work samples, and a rationale for using children's literature and mathematics manipulatives to help students make connections across disciplines.
Synthesis, Structure, and Magnetic Properties of a Random Bimetallic One‐dimensional CoII‐MnII Coordination Polymer with Mixed Azide‐carboxylate Bridges
Authors: Jiao Shuai‐Shuai , Cheng Min , Zhang Zhicheng , Jia Qin‐Xiang
Published: November 2017

The 3d–3d random bimetallic compound [Co2.28Mn0.72(N3)6(mpc‐3)2(CH3OH)2] (1) (mpc‐3 = N‐methylpyridinium‐3‐carboxylate) was synthesized by partly substituting the CoII ions in the homometallic compound by MnII. Complex 1 was structurally and magnetically characterized. It consists of one‐dimensional chains with the neighboring metal ions being linked alternatively by [(μ‐EO‐N3)2(μ‐COO)] (EO = end‐on) triple bridges and double EO azide bridges. Hydrogen‐bonding interactions and π–π interactions are involved in the formation of a three‐dimensional supramolecular network. Magnetic measurements revealed that complex 1 exhibits slow relaxation, which is similar to the homometallic CoII parent compound whereas the TB is lower than that of the CoII analog.
Modular Construction, Structures, and Magnetic Properties of Two Manganese Coordination Polymers Based on 3,5‐Bis(2–carboxylphenoxy)benzoic Acid
Authors: Fan Liming , Wang Xiaoqing , Zhang Yujuan , Gao Lingling , Hu Tuoping
Published: November 2017

Two manganese(II) coordination polymers, namely, [Mn1.5(BCB)(bpy)1.5(H2O)]n (1), and [Mn(HBCB)(bibp)2(H2O)] (2), were assembled from the mixed ligands of the flexible tripodal ligand of 3,5‐bis(2‐carboxylphenoxy)benzoic acid (H3BCB) and two rigid N‐donors [bpy = 4,4′‐bipyridine, and bibp = 4,4′‐bis(imidazolyl)biphenyl]. Their structures were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses and further characterized by elemental analyses (EA), IR spectra, powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), and thermogravimetric (TG) analyses. Structural analysis reveals that complex 1 is a 3D (3,4,6)‐connected {5·62}2{56·64·7·82·92}{64·8·9} net based on two kinds of inorganic nodes of dinuclear {Mn2(COO)2} SBUs and Mn(2) ions. Complex 2 is a hydrogen bonds based 3D supramolecule with 6‐connected {412·63}‐pcu net. Besides, the variable‐temperature susceptibilities of 1 and 2 were investigated.
Impairment of astrocytic glutaminolysis in glutaric aciduria type I
Authors: Komatsuzaki Shoko , Ediga Raga Deepthi , Okun Jürgen G. , Kölker Stefan , Sauer Sven W.
Published: November 2017

Glutaric aciduria type I is a rare, autosomal recessive, inherited defect of glutaryl‐CoA dehydrogenase. Deficiency of this protein in L‐lysine degradation leads to the characteristic accumulation of nontoxic glutarylcarnitine and neurotoxic glutaric acid (GA), glutaryl‐CoA, and 3‐hydroxyglutaric acid. Untreated patients develop bilateral lesions of basal ganglia resulting in a complex movement disorder with predominant dystonia in infancy and early childhood. The current pathomechanistic concept strongly focuses on imbalanced neuronal energy metabolism due to accumulating metabolites, whereas little is known about the pathomechanistic role of astrocytes, which are thought to be in constant metabolic crosstalk with neurons. We found that glutaric acid (GA) causes astrocytic cell death under starvation cell culture conditions, i.e. low glucose, without glutamine and fetal calf serum. Glutamine completely abolished GA‐induced toxicity, suggesting involvement of glutaminolysis. Increasing dependence on glutaminolysis by chemical induction of hypoxia signaling‐potentiated GA‐induced toxicity. We further show that GA disturbs glutamine degradation by specifically inhibiting glutamate dehydrogenase. Summarizing our study shows that pathologically relevant concentrations of GA block an important step in the metabolic crosstalk between neurons and astrocytes, ultimately leading to astrocytic cell death.
Temporal and regional variability of Arctic sea-ice coverage from satellite data
Authors: Peng Ge , Meier Walter N.
Published: November 2017

With rapid and accelerated Arctic sea-ice loss, it is beneficial to update and baseline historical change on the regional scales from a consistent, intercalibrated, long-term time series of sea-ice data for understanding regional vulnerability and monitoring ice state for climate adaptation and risk mitigation. In this paper, monthly sea-ice extents (SIEs) derived from a passive microwave sea-ice concentration climate data record for the period of 1979–2015, are used to examine Arctic-wide and regional temporal variability of sea-ice cover and their decadal trends for 15 regions of the Arctic. Three unique types of SIE annual cycles are described. Regions of vulnerability within each of three types to further warming are identified. For the Arctic as a whole, the analysis has found significant changes in both annual SIE maximum and minimum, with −2.41 ± 0.56% per decade and −13.5 ± 2.93% per decade change relative to the 1979–2015 climate average, respectively. On the regional scale, the calculated trends for the annual SIE maximum range from +2.48 to −10.8% decade−1, while the trends for the annual SIE minimum range from 0 to up to −42% decade−1.