bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rettung aus Höhen und Tiefen – Standardtechniken der Feuerwehr
Authors: Ventzke Marc-Michael , Balkie Helmut , Kemming Gregor
Published: December 2017

Der Notarzt muss für eine effektive und erfolgreiche Einsatzabwicklung die lokalen Gegebenheiten, die Fähigkeiten der Feuerwehren und die Standardrettungstechniken kennen. Der vorliegende Artikel geht auf die Rettung mit Hubrettungsmitteln und einfaches Retten aus Höhen und Tiefen mit der Schleifkorbtrage ein.
High Salt Intake Promotes Different Responses to Urodilatin and Uroguanylin in the Isolated Rat Kidney
Authors: Jorge Antonio , Costa Pedro , Monteiro Helena , Fonteles Manassés
Published: December 2017

Urodilatin (UD) and uroguanylin (UGN) have been implicated in the regulation of salt and water homeostasis, particularly in the balance handling of salt intake. In this sense, the aim of the present work was to study the main effects of these peptides in kidneys from animals subjected to high NaCl (2%) intake, during 10 days in metabolic cages. The control group received only normal water, whereas the treated group drank 2% solution of NaCl (NaCl 2%). In addition, we studied effect of subthreshold UD (0.14 nM) and UGN (0.06 μM) doses in NaCl 2% after a 30-min control period. Kidney perfusion was performed with Krebs–Henseleit containing 6 g% bovine albumin previously dialyzed. The effects of UD (0.14 nM) promoted reduction of PP, RVR, and UF in the NaCl 2% group. We also observed an increase in %TNa+ and %TCl−. The main effects of UGN in NaCl 2% were increase in PP, UF, and GFR, followed by a reduction in %TNa+ and %TCl−. After an increased intake of salt, physiological pathways are activated and regulated in order to eliminate excess sodium. In this study, we observed that in a subthreshold dose, UD does not promotes natriuresis and diuresis, suggesting that UGN is an important hormone in inducing salt excretion in a chronic salt overload. Therefore, the effects herein described may play a contributory role in the regulation of kidney function after ingestion of salty meals.
Fallbericht: Homöopathische Behandlung bei Infektanfälligkeit
Authors: Bleul Gerhard
Published: December 2017

Nach einer Reihe von Infekten, die 10-mal mit Antibiotika behandelt wurden, kam ein 2-jähriger Junge wegen einer Mononukleose und seiner Infektanfälligkeit in homöopathische Behandlung. Nach schnellem Abklingen der akuten Erkrankung traten einige Zeit lang leichtere Infekte auf, wie sie der Junge früher schon hatte. Durch konsequente homöopathische Therapie endeten die Infekte jeweils schnell, die Rezidive wurden leichter, die beschwerdefreien Intervalle länger, bis die Infekte nach 8 Monaten völlig aufhörten.
Molekulare Entomologie: neue Techniken zur Erforschung von vektorübertragenden Infektionskrankheiten
Authors: Leggewie Mayke , Schnettler Esther
Published: December 2017

Die molekulare Entomologie ist ein neuer Forschungszweig, der die klassische Insektenkunde mehr an molekulare Forschung und Techniken heranführt. Neben neuen Möglichkeiten für die Taxonomie, haben sich auch neue Türen für die Grundlagenforschung geöffnet. Beispielsweise konnte das Grundlagenwissen über das Immunsystem der Insekten und ihre Interaktionen mit Mikroben und Pathogenen extrem erweitert werden. Dies ist besonders wichtig im Kampf gegen die Ausbreitung von insektenübertragenden Pathogenen. In diesem Artikel stellen wir, am Beispiel der Stechmücke, neueste Erkenntnisse der molekularen Entomologie und ihre wichtige Rolle bei der Eindämmung von Infektionskrankheiten vor.
Value of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Quantification Criteria for Identifying Patients not Responding to Bevacizumab-Based Therapy for Colorectal Liver Metastases
Authors: Tranquart François , Dujardin Paul-Armand , Bouché Olivier , Marcus Claude , Borg Christophe , Manzoni Philippe , Douillard Jean-Yves , Labbe-Devilliers Catherine , Terrebonne Eric , Smith Denis , Trillaud Herve , Capitain Olivier , Aubé Cristophe , Spano Jean-Philippe , Lucidarme Olivier , Ferru Aurélie , Tasu Jean-Pierre , Manfredi Sylvain , Bleuzen Aurore , Léger Julie , Lecomte Thierry
Published: December 2017

Purpose To evaluate changes in tumor vascularization parameters based on contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) quantification criteria of at least one visible liver metastasis as an early predictor of non-response to chemotherapy, including bevacizumab for colorectal cancer (CRC) liver metastases.

Materials and Methods This multicenter prospective study included patients who received first-line bevacizumab-based chemotherapy. Tumor enhancement measured using CEUS within one liver metastasis and in relation to the surrounding healthy liver was quantified within 8 days before the first infusion of bevacizumab (E0), 24 hours after the end of the first infusion of bevacizumab (E1), in the 24 hours before the 2nd and 3 rd infusion of bevacizumab on day 15 (E2) and day 30 (E3), respectively, and after 2 months of treatment (E4). Endpoints were tumor response using RECIST criteria at 2 months, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results Among the 137 patients included in this study, 109 were analyzed. Only CEUS parameters calculated in relation to healthy liver were significant. High wash-in and wash-out rates at baseline were significantly associated with a better tumor response. Increases over time E2-E0 and E3-E0 for peak enhancement were significantly associated with shorter progression-free survival. Increases over time E2-E0 and E3-E0 for peak enhancement and wash-in area under the curve were significantly associated with a shorter overall survival.

Conclusion This large study demonstrated that early dynamic changes in the vascularity of liver metastases evaluated by quantified CEUS are associated with outcome in patients receiving first-line bevacizumab-based treatment for metastatic CRC.
Zusammenführung von Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie – das Leipziger Modell
Authors: Heyde Christoph , Hepp Pierre , Roth Andreas , Langer Stefan , Josten Christoph
Published: December 2017

Die Etablierung und Umsetzung des gemeinsamen Facharztes Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie in den Alltag war und ist eine Herausforderung für alle Beteiligten. Für eine Umsetzung auf Augenhöhe wurden in den letzten Jahren große Anstrengungen der Fachgesellschaften, der Berufsverbände und aller beteiligten Akteure unternommen. Grundsätzlich und für die Umsetzung vor Ort gibt es nicht das eine Erfolgsrezept. Die Umsetzung muss unter Berücksichtigung der örtlich-strukturellen, fachlichen und historischen Gegebenheiten mit Bedacht erfolgen. Deshalb möchten die Autoren über den Weg des Leipziger Universitätsklinikums zu einer gemeinsamen Klinik für Orthopädie, Unfallchirurgie und Plastische Chirurgie und die ersten 3 Jahre Erfahrung und Weiterentwicklung seit ihrer Etablierung berichten.
Messaufbau zur videoanalysebasierten Bestimmung der Lidschlusskraft des humanen Musculus orbicularis oculi
Authors: Koschmieder Anita , Pisowocki Phillip , Zietz Carmen , Bader Rainer , Stachs Oliver , Jünemann Anselm
Published: December 2017

Hintergrund Bisherige experimentelle Ansätze zur Messung der Lidschlusskraft wiesen eine hohe Fehleranfälligkeit auf oder waren durch einen technisch komplexen Versuchsaufbau unpraktikabel. Ziel dieser Arbeit war die Entwicklung einer Messmethode der Lidschlusskraft mittels Videoanalyse, die möglichst untersucherunabhängig und einfach anzuwenden ist.

Material/Methoden 50 gesunde Probanden wurden eingeschlossen. Für die Messung wurde ein verformbarer Single-Use-Lidsperrer nach Barraquer verwendet. Der forcierte maximale Lidschluss wurde mittels Videospaltlampe aufgezeichnet. Die Auswertung des Videomaterials erfolgte softwarebasiert durch einen Tracking-Algorithmus, mit dessen Hilfe die Bewegungsstrecke des Lidsperrers ermittelt wurde. Die Federsteifigkeit wurde separat geprüft. So konnte der Bewegungsstrecke eine definierte Kraft in N zugeordnet werden. Für die statistische Untersuchung von Einflussgrößen auf die Lidschlusskraft (Alter und Geschlecht) wurde der Korrelationskoeffizient nach Pearson ermittelt. Für die Ermittlung der Reliabilität der Methode wurden die Wiederholungsmessungen mittels Intraklassenkoeffizient (ICC) ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse In je 3 Wiederholungsmessungen an 9 Probanden wurde ein ICC von α = 0,91 nachgewiesen. Bei 50 gesunden Probanden ergab sich eine Streubreite der Lidschlusskräfte zwischen 0,62 und 4,72 N. Es konnte keine Korrelation zwischen dem Alter der Probanden und der Lidschlusskraft ermittelt werden (Korrelationskoeffizient nach Pearson = 0,054). Eine geringe Korrelation zeigte sich zwischen dem Geschlecht und der Lidschlusskraft. Tendenziell ergaben sich bei Männern etwas höhere Lidschlusskräfte. Der Mittelwert x̄ bei Frauen betrug 1,82 N, bei Männern 2,58 N (Korrelationskoeffizient nach Pearson = 0,428).

Schlussfolgerung Bei 50 gesunden Probanden zeigte sich eine große Varianz der ermittelten Lidschlusskraft. Die genauen Einflussfaktoren, welche die individuelle Lidschlusskraft bestimmen, sind derzeit noch nicht bekannt. Die große Streubreite der Messwerte macht eine klare Distinktion zwischen pathologischen und physiologischen Lidkräften schwierig. Somit sind mögliche klinische Anwendungsgebiete der Lidkraftmessung eher in individuellen Verlaufskontrollen bekannter Lidpathologien wie z. B. Fazialisparese oder Myasthenia gravis zu sehen.
Von einem Universum aus Barrieren zur Forschungsfreiheit?
Authors: Aebi ETHZ
Published: December 2017

Die Forschungsfreiheit ist in den meisten Staaten im Grundrecht verbrieft. Im Weltraum begegnen wir jedoch einer Reihe von Schwierigkeiten, wenn es darum geht, diese Freiheit in Anspruch zu nehmen. Sei dies bedingt durch die uns zur Verfügung stehende unangepasste Technik, unseren limitierten physiologischen und kognitiven Fähigkeiten, fehlendem Zugang oder mangelnder finanzieller Mittel. Der Weltraum ist deshalb eine Terra incognita geblieben, allerdings mit einem unbestrittenen Innovationspotenzial.
Chinesische Arzneimitteltherapie als mögliche Alternative zur Antibiotikatherapie
Authors: Hummelsberger Josef
Published: December 2017

Phytotherapeutika bieten großes Potenzial zur Lösung des Problems multiresistenter Keime beizutragen. Die Chinesische Arzneimitteltherapie hat u.a. während der SARS-Epidemie wieder an Ansehen gewonnen, da sie als besonders wirksam erfahren wurde und intensiv erforscht wird. Aufgrund der Biodiversität Chinas existieren zahlreiche arzneilich nutzbare Arten. Die Chinesische Arzneimitteltherapie nutzt nicht nur einen Bestandteil, sondern auch Kombinationen von 2 bis zu 15 Pflanzen, um die Wirksamkeit durch Synergismen zu verstärken und Nebeneffekte zu reduzieren.

Der Beitrag stellt bewährte Rezepturen vor für häufig auftretende bakterielle Infekte sowie wichtige Studienergebnisse zu MRSA, Helicobacter pylori, Salmonellen und Harnwegsinfekten.
Molecular modeling of the microstructure evolution during carbon fiber processing
Authors: Desai Saaketh , Li Chunyu , Shen Tongtong , Strachan Alejandro
Published: December 2017

The rational design of carbon fibers with desired properties requires quantitative relationships between the processing conditions, microstructure, and resulting properties. We developed a molecular model that combines kinetic Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics techniques to predict the microstructure evolution during the processes of carbonization and graphitization of polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based carbon fibers. The model accurately predicts the cross-sectional microstructure of the fibers with the molecular structure of the stabilized PAN fibers and physics-based chemical reaction rates as the only inputs. The resulting structures exhibit key features observed in electron microcopy studies such as curved graphitic sheets and hairpin structures. In addition, computed X-ray diffraction patterns are in good agreement with experiments. We predict the transverse moduli of the resulting fibers between 1 GPa and 5 GPa, in good agreement with experimental results for high modulus fibers and slightly lower than those of high-strength fibers. The transverse modulus is governed by sliding between graphitic sheets, and the relatively low value for the predicted microstructures can be attributed to their perfect longitudinal texture. Finally, the simulations provide insight into the relationships between chemical kinetics and the final microstructure; we observe that high reaction rates result in porous structures with lower moduli.
Catalytic pyrolysis kinetics behavior of Chlorella pyrenoidosa with thermal gravimetric analysis
Authors: Xu Yufu , Liu Zhichao , Peng Yubin , You Tao , Hu Xianguo
Published: December 2017

Thermal gravimetric analysis was used to investigate the pyrolysis process of Chlorella pyrenoidosa (C. pyrenoidosa). Five kinds of metal compounds loaded HZSM-5 catalysts including Ce(I)/HZSM-5, Ce(II)/HZSM-5, La(I)/HZSM-5, La(II)/HZSM-5, and Pr-Nd/HZSM-5 were prepared by an impregnation-calcination method. The results indicated that all the metal loaded HZSM-5 can improve its catalytic activity except for La(II)/HZSM-5. First order kinetic reaction can well describe the catalytic pyrolysis processes. Ce(I)/HZSM-5 had the lowest activation energy for catalytic pyrolysis of C. pyrenoidosa, which indicated that it had the best catalytic effect and the potential prospect of providing efficiency guidance for preparing liquid bio-fuel by catalytic liquefaction of C. pyrenoidosa.
Hierarchical bounding structures for efficient virial computations: Towards a realistic molecular description of cholesterics
Authors: Tortora Maxime M. C. , Doye Jonathan P. K.
Published: December 2017

We detail the application of bounding volume hierarchies to accelerate second-virial evaluations for arbitrary complex particles interacting through hard and soft finite-range potentials. This procedure, based on the construction of neighbour lists through the combined use of recursive atom-decomposition techniques and binary overlap search schemes, is shown to scale sub-logarithmically with particle resolution in the case of molecular systems with high aspect ratios. Its implementation within an efficient numerical and theoretical framework based on classical density functional theory enables us to investigate the cholesteric self-assembly of a wide range of experimentally relevant particle models. We illustrate the method through the determination of the cholesteric behavior of hard, structurally resolved twisted cuboids, and report quantitative evidence of the long-predicted phase handedness inversion with increasing particle thread angles near the phenomenological threshold value of 45°. Our results further highlight the complex relationship between microscopic structure and helical twisting power in such model systems, which may be attributed to subtle geometric variations of their chiral excluded-volume manifold.
Local crystal structure and physical properties change of p-type transparent conducting oxide: CuCrO2 upon Ti-substitution
Authors: Majee M. K. , Bhobe P. A. , Deshpande U. P. , Nigam A. K.
Published: December 2017

A combination of high optical transparency and good electrical conductivity is realized in CuCrO2, a p-type transparent conducting oxide. With an aim to improve its physical properties, a CuCr1–xTixO2 (x = 0, 0.05, 0.1) series was prepared and investigated for its structural, electrical transport, and optical properties. Along with the lattice parameter values, refinement of X-ray diffraction profiles confirm the solubility limit of Ti within the delafossite unit cell. Electrical resistivity and heat capacity measured by varying the temperature further characterize the Ti-substituted compositions. As determined from ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, no significant changes take place in the optical gap of CuCrO2 with Ti addition. Apart from confirming the 4+ valence state of Ti, the X-ray absorption near edge structure highlights the subtle changes taking place in the Cu–O hybridization upon Ti-substitution. The analysis of temperature dependent extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, recorded at the Cr and Cu K-edge, emphasizes the impact of redistribution of charges on the local crystal structure. Cu–Cu hybridization along the a-axis appears to be influenced mainly by the temperature and only slightly by Ti substitution.
On the production of energetic electrons at the negative streamer head at moderate overvoltage
Authors: Levko Dmitry , Raja Laxminarayan L.
Published: December 2017

The generation of energetic electrons by the streamer with a negatively charged head is analyzed using a self-consistent two-dimensional Particle-in-Cell Monte Carlo collision model. The streamer is generated in the vicinity of the cathode at a moderate gap overvoltage and propagates toward the anode due to self-consistent electron/ion multiplication in front of the streamer head. We obtained the generation of energetic electrons with energy exceeding 1 keV at the streamer head when the electric field at the streamer head starts exceeding ∼200 kV/cm. It was found that a small number of energetic electrons can significantly accelerate the streamer propagation and even change the streamer propagation path.
Transferrable monolithic III-nitride photonic circuit for multifunctional optoelectronics
Authors: Shi Zheng , Gao Xumin , Yuan Jialei , Zhang Shuai , Jiang Yan , Zhang Fenghua , Jiang Yuan , Zhu Hongbo , Wang Yongjin
Published: December 2017

A monolithic III-nitride photonic circuit with integrated functionalities was implemented by integrating multiple components with different functions into a single chip. In particular, the III-nitride-on-silicon platform is used as it integrates a transmitter, a waveguide, and a receiver into a suspended III-nitride membrane via a wafer-level procedure. Here, a 0.8-mm-diameter suspended device architecture is directly transferred from silicon to a foreign substrate by mechanically breaking the support beams. The transferred InGaN/GaN multiple-quantum-well diode (MQW-diode) exhibits a turn-on voltage of 2.8 V with a dominant electroluminescence peak at 453 nm. The transmitter and receiver share an identical InGaN/GaN MQW structure, and the integrated photonic circuit inherently works for on-chip power monitoring and in-plane visible light communication. The wire-bonded monolithic photonic circuit on glass experimentally demonstrates in-plane data transmission at 120 Mb/s, paving the way for diverse applications in intelligent displays, in-plane light communication, flexible optical sensors, and wearable III-nitride optoelectronics.
Transmural remodeling of right ventricular myocardium in response to pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Avazmohammadi Reza , Hill Michael , Simon Marc , Sacks Michael
Published: December 2017

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) imposes substantial pressure overload on the right ventricular free wall (RVFW), leading to myofiber hypertrophy and remodeling of its collagen fiber architecture. The transmural nature of these adaptations and their effects on the macroscopic mechanical behavior of the RVFW remain largely unexplored. In the present work, we extended our constitutive model for RVFW myocardium to investigate the transmural mechanical and structural remodeling post-PAH. Recent murine experimental studies provided us with comprehensive histomorphological and biaxial mechanical data for viable, passive myocardium for normal and post hypertensive cases. Multiple fiber-level remodeling events were found to be localized in the midwall region (40% < depth < 60%): (i) reorientation and alignment of both myo- and collagen fibers towards longitudinal (apex-to-outflow tract) direction, (ii) substantial increase in the rate of the recruitment of collagen fibers with strain, and (iii) a corresponding increase in the mechanical interactions between the collagen and myofibers. These adaptations suggest a denser and more fibrous connective tissue in the midwall region, and led to a substantially stiffer mechanical response along the longitudinal direction in post-PAH tissues. Moreover, using a Laplace-type mechanical equilibrium analysis of the right ventricle to approximate the wall stress state, we estimated that the longitudinal component of stress remained higher in the hypertensive state while the circumferential component approximately maintained homeostasis values. This result was consistent with our observation from the fiber- and tissue-level remodeling that longitudinally oriented collagen fibers, localized in the midwall region, dominated the remodeling process. The findings of this study highlight the need for more integrated cellular-tissue-organ analysis to better understand the remodeling events during PAH and design interventions.
Myocardial remodeling takes a closer look at adaptations to elevated stress
Authors: Tracy Samantha
Published: December 2017

Structure-based constitutive modeling investigates the mechanical aspects of myocardial remodeling in response to pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Ballistic transport in spin-valve Si channel demonstrates feasibility of nanoscale spin-MOSFETs
Authors: Hendricks-Sturrup Rachele
Published: December 2017

Ballistic electron motion in nanoscale Si channels of a lateral spin-valve device, in addition to improved conductivity matching, advances spintronics technology towards spin-MOSFETS.
A multiscale, hierarchical, ecoregional and floristic classification of arid and semi-arid ephemeral wetlands in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Hunter John T. , Lechner Alex M.
Published: December 2017

Describing, classifying and quantifying vegetation communities is fundamental for understanding their current distribution, rarity, interrelationships and ecosystem functions. In the present study, we apply a consistent objective classification system for ephemeral wetlands of arid and semi-arid areas of New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Our approach uses a two-step statistically based, hierarchical, multiscale classification of environmental data at broad scales and floristics data at intermediate scales. At broad scales, ecoregionalisation methods were used to describe three wetland macrogroups. Within these groups, we performed unsupervised analyses of 640 floristic survey plots using the Bray–Curtis algorithm, clustering by group averaging and testing of clusters using similarity profile analysis (SIMPROF). From this we delineated 18 vegetation groups with class definition based on a combination of diagnostic and non-diagnostic similarity percentage analysis (SIMPER) outputs and dominant taxa. We show that a consistent classification system can be effectively created for subsets of vegetation that have adequate plot data within a general matrix that is poorly sampled if outputs are restricted to appropriate scales of resolution. We suggest that our approach provides a stable and robust classification system that can be added to as more data become available.
Hydrographic maintenance of deep anoxia in a tidally influenced saline lagoon
Authors: Kelly S. , de Eyto E. , Dillane M. , Poole R. , Brett G. , White M.
Published: December 2017

Low dissolved oxygen concentrations are of increasing concern in aquatic ecosystems, particularly at the interface between freshwater and marine environments. Oxygen depletion occurs naturally in many perennially stratified systems and it remains to be seen how climate change will affect these habitats. This is due, in part, to a lack of high-resolution, long-term data describing interannual variability in dissolved oxygen concentrations within stratified basins. Physicochemical parameters for Lough Furnace, an ecologically important tidal lagoon, were assessed using daily measurements (2009–14) from an undulating CTD (conductivity, temperature and depth) profiler and observations of tidal exchange flow. Continuous vertical saline stratification existed, with anoxia (<0.1mgL–1) typically persisting below 6m. Tidal inflows were generally restricted, with deep-water renewal events by intrusions of denser spring tidal water occurring episodically (three times in 6 years), following prolonged periods of low freshwater input. Although wind forcing alone was not sufficient to generate basin-scale mixing, the conditions that led to deep-water renewals may also be conducive to wind-driven upwelling events in nearshore areas. These findings have wider application to larger-scale two-layered stratified systems with deep anoxia because the ability to forecast such dynamic events is important for assessing the ecological implications of dissolved oxygen depletion.
Responses of aboveground biomass and soil organic carbon to projected future climate change in Inner Mongolian grasslands
Authors: Li Qiuyue , Pan Xuebiao , Zhang Lizhen , Li Chao , Yang Ning , Han Shuo , Ye Caihua
Published: December 2017

Understanding the impacts of future climate change on the grassland ecosystems of Inner Mongolia is important for adaptation of natural resource planning, livestock industries and livelihoods. The CENTURY model was validated against observed climate data from 1981 to 2010 for 16 sites. It simulated grass productivity and soil fertility with acceptable agreement, with the coefficient of the root-mean-square error calculated as 41.0% for biomass and 19.5% for soil organic carbon. The model was then used to assess changes to 2100 in aboveground biomass and soil organic carbon under two different climate-change scenarios that were developed for the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The first scenario, RCP4.5 is an intermediate scenario for climate change, incorporating policies and technologies that stabilise growth in greenhouse-gas emissions. The second, RCP8.5, assumes continuing, high demand for energy and increasing greenhouse-gas emissions. Aboveground biomass of meadow and desert steppes responded positively to both scenarios, whereas the typical steppe showed a negative response to RCP4.5 but a positive response to RCP 8.5. Soil organic carbon showed a negative response for all steppe types. The simulations indicated that aboveground biomass and soil organic carbon of Inner Mongolian steppes were sensitive to projected emission scenarios. The CENTURY model predicted aboveground biomass to be 8.5% higher in the longer term (2081–2100) than baseline (1986–2005) under RCP4.5, and 24.3% higher under RCP8.5. Soil organic carbon was predicted to undergo small but significant decreases on average across all sites (1.2% for RCP4.5. 2.9% for RCP8.5). Our results could help decision makers to appreciate the consequences of climate change and plan adaptation strategies.
Non-isothermal aging of a high-Zn-containing Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy: Microstructure and mechanical properties
Authors: Emami Kervee Shabnam , Pourshayan Parnian , Nasrollahnezhad Farzaneh , Khani Moghanaki Saeed , Kazeminezhad Mohsen , Logé Roland E. , Nobakht Saeed
Published: December 2017

The non-isothermal aging behaviour of a newly developed Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy containing 17 wt-% Zn was investigated. Hardness and shear punch tests demonstrated that during non-isothermal aging, the mechanical properties of the alloy first increased and then decreased. The best properties were obtained in a sample which was non-isothermally aged upto 250°C with heating rate of 20°C min−1, due to the presence of η′/η (MgZn2) phases. This was confirmed by differential scanning calorimetery. After homogenisation, residual eutectic phases remained at triple junctions or in a spherical form. During aging, these phases transformed into rodlike S (Al2CuMg)-phase at 400°C, with sizes ranging from 50 to 250 nm. The precipitation sequence in this high-Zn alloy was similar to that for conventional Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloys.
Co-production for innovation: the urban living lab experience
Authors: Nesti Giorgia
Published: December 2017

Urban Living Labs (ULLs) are public spaces where local authorities engage citizens to develop innovative urban services. Their strength and popularity stem from a methodology based on open innovation, experimentation, and citizen engagement. Although the ULL methodology is supposed to largely adopt a co-production approach, connections between the two have not yet been thoroughly investigated. The paper seeks to fill this gap by examining through a qualitative analysis three experiences of ULLs made in Amsterdam, Boston and Turin. Specifically, the paper aims to assess whether ULLs can be really conceptualised as a form of co-production and, if so, which elements characterised them as innovative in comparison to ‘mainstreaming’ co-production; Then it analyses benefits and drawbacks related to their implementation.
Evolution of co-production in the information age: crowdsourcing as a model of web-based co-production in Korea
Authors: Moon M Jae
Published: December 2017

Revisiting the concept and typology of co-production, this study discusses web-based co-production and crowdsourcing of public services, in particular, how information communication technology changes the nature of co-production and how citizens and governments collaborate in designing and producing public services. With the advent of social media and continued development of web technologies, for example, open government initiatives taken by many countries facilitate web-based interaction between citizens and governments. Linking traditional co-production with web-based co-production, we propose and discuss four different types of web-based co-production characterized by the roles of citizens and governments in the design and delivery of public services. We provide illustrations of each type through selected cases and then discuss policy implications.
How instrument constituencies shape policy transfer: a case study from Ghana
Authors: Foli Rosina , Béland Daniel , Fenwick Tracy Beck
Published: December 2017

The concept of instrument constituency provides students of public policy with a new analytical tool for the analysis of policy change. In this article, we use the example of cash transfer programs to show how this concept also makes a direct contribution to the analysis of transnational policy transfer. More specifically, the analysis shows how, over the last dozen years, actors forming an instrument constituency promoted the diffusion of cash transfers as a policy instrument from Latin America to sub-Saharan Africa and, more specifically, from Brazil to Ghana. This case study of Ghana’s adoption of a cash transfer program is grounded in semi-structured, expert interviews conducted with both domestic and transnational actors. Overall, the analysis demonstrates how the concept of instrument constituencies can enrich the literature on policy transfer, a key source of policy change in both developed and developing countries.
GeoBoost: accelerating research involving the geospatial metadata of virus GenBank records
Authors: Tahsin Tasnia , Weissenbacher Davy , O’Connor Karen , Magge Arjun , Scotch Matthew , Gonzalez-Hernandez Graciela
Published: December 2017

GeoBoost is a command-line software package developed to address sparse or incomplete metadata in GenBank sequence records that relate to the location of the infected host (LOIH) of viruses. Given a set of GenBank accession numbers corresponding to virus GenBank records, GeoBoost extracts, integrates and normalizes geographic information reflecting the LOIH of the viruses using integrated information from GenBank metadata and related full-text publications. In addition, to facilitate probabilistic geospatial modeling, GeoBoost assigns probability scores for each possible LOIH.

Availability and implementation

Binaries and resources required for running GeoBoost are packed into a single zipped file and freely available for download at https://tinyurl.com/geoboost. A video tutorial is included to help users quickly and easily install and run the software. The software is implemented in Java 1.8, and supported on MS Windows and Linux platforms.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
A concept to support the transformation from a linear to circular carbon economy: net zero emissions, resource efficiency and conservation through a coupling of the energy, chemical and waste management sectors
Authors: Lee Roh Pin , Keller Florian , Meyer Bernd
Published: December 2017

Coal and carbon-containing waste are valuable primary and secondary carbon carriers. In the current dominant linear economy, such carbon resources are generally combusted to produce electricity and heat and as a way to resolve a nation’s waste issue. Not only is this a wastage of precious carbon resources, which can be chemically utilized as raw materials for production of other value-added goods, it is also contrary to international efforts to reduce carbon emissions and increase resource efficiency and conservation. This article presents a concept to support the transformation from a linear ‘one-way cradle to grave manufacturing model’ toward a circular carbon economy. The development of new and sustainable value chains through the utilization of coal and waste as alternative raw materials for the chemical industry via a coupling of the energy, chemical and waste management sectors offers a viable and future-oriented perspective for closing the carbon cycle. Further benefits also include a lowering of the carbon footprint and increasing resource efficiency and conservation of primary carbon resources. In addition, technological innovations and developments that are necessary to support a successful sector coupling will be identified. To illustrate our concept, a case analysis of domestic coal and waste as alternative feedstock to imported crude oil for chemical production in Germany will be presented. Last but not least, challenges posed by path dependency along technological, institutional and human dimensions in the sociotechnical system for a successful transition toward a circular carbon economy will be discussed.
Evaluation of Phenamacril and Ipconazole for Control of Rice Bakanae Disease Caused by Fusarium fujikuroi
Authors: Li Meixia , Li Tao , Duan Yabing , Yang Ying , Wu Jian , Zhao Donglei , Xiao Xuemei , Pan Xiayan , Chen Weiwei , Wang Jianxin , Chen Changjun , Zhou Mingguo
Published: December 2017

This study evaluated the use of phenamacril and ipconazole, alone and in mixtures, for the control of rice bakanae disease caused by Fusarium fujikuroi. Mixtures were studied with the goal of reducing the selection of fungicide-resistant field isolates of the fungus. When tested alone, both phenamacril and ipconazole exhibited high antifungal activity against F. fujikuroi mycelial growth; the average EC50 value for 19 field isolates was 0.1544 μg/ml for phenamacril and 0.0472 μg/ml for ipconazole. A 2:1 mixture of phenamacril and ipconazole caused a slightly synergistic (greater than additive) inhibition of mycelial growth. Inhibition of F. fujikuroi sporulation was highest for ipconazole alone, intermediate with the 2:1 mixture, and lowest for phenamacril alone. Inhibition by phenamacril and ipconazole alone or by the 2:1 mixture was substantially lower for spore germination than for mycelial growth or sporulation. When the total fungicide concentration was <24 g of a.i./100 kg of treated rice seeds, the fungicides, whether alone or in the 2:1 mixture, were not phytotoxic to seeds or seedlings of two rice cultivars. In a greenhouse experiment, the 2:1 mixture of phenamacril and ipconazole at 6 g of a.i./100 kg of treated seeds provided 100% control of rice bakanae disease on two cultivars. Overall, the results indicate that the use of a 2:1 mixture of phenamacril and ipconazole should control rice bakanae disease while reducing the occurrence of fungicide resistance in F. fujikuroi.
Gaming in Nursing Education: A Literature Review
Authors: Pront Leeanne , Müller Amanda , Koschade Adam , Hutton Alison
Published: December 2017

AIM

The aim of this research was to investigate videogame-based learning in nursing education and establish how videogames are currently employed and how they link to the development of decision-making, motivation, and other benefits.

BACKGROUND

Although digital game-based learning potentially offers a safe and convenient environment that can support nursing students developing essential skills, nurse educators are typically slow to adopt such resources.

METHOD

A comprehensive search of electronic databases was conducted, followed by a thematic analysis of the literature.

RESULTS

Evaluations of identified games found generally positive results regarding usability and effectiveness of videogames in nursing education. Analysis of advantages of videogames in nursing education identified potential benefits for decision-making, motivation, repeated exposure, logistical, and financial value.

CONCLUSION

Despite the paucity of games available and the methodological limitations identified, findings provide evidence to support the potential effectiveness of videogames as a learning resource in nursing education.
A Bispecific Antibody Based on Pertuzumab Fab Has Potent Antitumor Activity
Authors: Deng Wentong , Liu Jiayu , Pan Haitao , Li Li , Zhou Changhua , Wang Xiaojuan , Shu Rui , Dong Bin , Cao Donglin , Li Qing , Wang Zhong
Published: December 2017

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is frequently overexpressed and activated in metastatic breast cancers. Monoclonal antibodies targeting Her2, such as trastuzumab and pertuzumab, have become important targeted therapies for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer. Both trastuzumab and pertuzumab can reduce Her2 positive tumor burden by inhibiting Her2 signaling and inducing ADCC activities (antibody dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity). In this study, we have generated a bispecific antibody, Her2(Per)-S-Fab, by linking the pertuzumab Fab to an anti-CD16 single domain antibody. The Her2(Per)-S-Fab can be expressed and purified efficiently from Escherichia coli. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed Her2(Per)-S-Fab had potent cytotoxicity against Her2-positive tumor cells. Thus, Her2(Per)-S-Fab may provide an alternative to treat Her2-positive cancer patients.
Natural Compounds as Epigenetic Regulators of Human Dendritic Cell-mediated Immune Function
Authors: Mirza Sheefa , Shah Kanisha , Patel Shanaya , Jain Nayan , Rawal Rakesh
Published: December 2017

Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most potent professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and are poised to capture antigen, migrate to draining lymphoid organs, and postmaturation process. Recent evidences have suggested that tumor microenvironment has an effect on DCs by inactivating various components of the immune system responsible for tumor clearance, eventually leading to tumorigenesis. This inactivation is owed to the epigenetic modifications [ie, microRNA (miRNA)] at the posttranscriptional level, thus regulating the differentiation patterns and functional behavior of DCs. Thus, need of the hour is to develop protocols for ex vivo generation of DCs which may provide a foundation for designing and developing DC-based vaccination for treatment of solid tumors. To achieve this, it is crucial to modulate DCs by identifying miRNAs which may increase the efficacy of DC-based vaccines by reprogramming the immunosuppressive nature of tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, it would be an interesting aspect to check the immunomodulatory potential of natural compounds in reprogramming the immune responses through DCs. Thus, this review aims to improvise the understanding of DC immune biology and miRNAs at genetic level in cancer which can be pivotal for designing novel or improved therapeutic approaches that will allow proper functioning of DCs in patient care. Furthermore, we have highlighted the candidate target molecules and signaling mechanisms having a vital role in the immune-modulatory activities of natural compounds and its derived phytocompounds. This review also establishes a link between miRNA expressions and biological roles of natural compounds modulating the activity of DCs.
Rapid BRAF mutation tests in patients with advanced melanoma: comparison of immunohistochemistry, Droplet Digital PCR, and the Idylla Mutation Platform
Authors: Bisschop Cornelis , ter Elst Arja , Bosman Lisette J. , Platteel Inge , Jalving Mathilde , van den Berg Anke , Diepstra Arjan , van Hemel Bettien , Diercks Gilles F.H. , Hospers Geke A.P. , Schuuring Ed
Published: December 2017

BRAF mutational testing has become a common practice in the diagnostic process of patients with advanced melanoma. Although time-consuming, DNA sequencing techniques are the current gold standard for mutational testing. However, in certain clinical situations, a rapid test result is required. In this study, the performance of three rapid BRAF mutation tests was compared. Thirty-nine formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded melanoma tissue samples collected between 2007 and 2014 at a single center were included. These samples were analyzed by immunohistochemistry using the anti-BRAF-V600E (VE1) mouse monocolonal antibody (BRAF-VE1 IHC), a V600E-specific Droplet Digital PCR Test, and the Idylla BRAF- Mutation Test (Idylla). Results were compared with the results of conventional BRAF mutation testing, performed using high-resolution melting analysis followed by Sanger sequencing. Next-generation sequencing was performed on samples with discordant results. The Idylla test and Droplet Digital PCR Test correctly identified all mutated and wild-type samples. BRAF-VE1 IHC showed one discordant result. The Idylla test could identify BRAF-V600 mutations other than BRAF-V600E and was the fastest and least laborious test. The Idylla Mutation Test is the most suitable test for rapid BRAF testing in clinical situations on the basis of the broad coverage of treatment-responsive mutations and the fast procedure without the need to perform a DNA isolation step.
A Case of ALK+ Anaplastic Large-Cell Lymphoma With Aberrant Myeloperoxidase Expression and Initial Cutaneous Presentation
Authors: Gru Alejandro A. , Voorhess Patrick J.
Published: December 2017

Anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL) was first described in 1985 by Stein et al and is a clinically, morphologically, and immunophenotypically heterogeneous neoplasm characterized by ALK expression, rearrangement of the ALK gene, and most characteristically its occurrence in children. Clinically, cutaneous ALK+ ALCL can be divided into primary (cutaneous forms) and the much more common, secondary dissemination by a systemic lymphoma. Systemic ALK+ ALCL represents 10%–15% of childhood non-Hodgkin lymphoma and generally presents with advanced systemic disease. Here, we describe a case of a 9-year-old girl who presented with a solitary ulcerated nodule on the elbow that clinically resembled a pyogenic granuloma yet showed ALK, CD30, and myeloperoxidase expression. Fluorescent in situ hybridization with a break-apart probe for ALK revealed the presence of an ALK gene rearrangement. The initial workup showed no evidence of extracutaneous malignancy, and a diagnosis of primary cutaneous ALK+ ALCL was favored. Subsequent imaging studies revealed mediastinal lymphadenopathy, compatible with a systemic form of T-cell lymphoma, treated subsequently with chemotherapy. This report highlights the importance of an adequate systemic evaluation on the presentation of a cutaneous form of ALK+ ALCL.
Pressure and Flow Characteristics of a Novel Bidirectional Cannula for Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Authors: Chen Yi , Tutungi Elli , McMillan James , Tayeh Sara M. , Underwood Jess K. , Wells Adam C. , Smith Julian A. , Moshinsky Randall A.
Published: December 2017

Objective

Femoral arterial cannulation is associated with a significant risk of lower limb ischemia. The aim of the study was to assess the pressure and flow in the femoral artery using a novel bidirectional femoral cannula in a sheep model of peripheral cardiopulmonary bypass.

Methods

Peripheral cardiopulmonary bypass was established using a multistage venous cannula inserted into the internal jugular vein and the bidirectional or a conventional arterial cannula into the femoral artery in seven adult ewes. Systemic and distal perfusion pressures and flow rates were measured during cardiopulmonary bypass with flow rates of 1, 2, 3, and 4 L/min. Lower limb venous oxygen saturation and lactate levels were also measured.

Results

A significantly higher blood flow in the lower limb using the bidirectional cannula was observed and compared with a conventional cannula at all flow rates (mean flow 115 mL/min vs 10 mL/min, P < 0.05). The mean distal perfusion pressure was also significantly higher in the bidirectional cannula group (86 mm Hg vs 45 mm Hg at 4 L/min of flow, P < 0.05). The bidirectional cannula was associated with higher venous oxygen saturations in the lower limb than in the conventional cannula group; however, lower limb lactate production was similar in the two groups.

Conclusions

This in vivo data demonstrates superior distal flow and pressure characteristics of a novel bidirectional cannula compared with a conventional femoral cannula during peripheral cardiopulmonary bypass.
Long-Term Success with Driveline Exit Site Relocation for Deep Driveline Infection in Left Ventricular Assist Device Patients
Authors: Balsam Leora B. , Jacoby Adam , Louie Eddie , Levine Jamie P.
Published: December 2017

Objective

Driveline infection is a common complication of durable left ventricular assist device support. The majority involve the driveline exit site and can be treated with antibiotics and local wound care. Less frequently, these infections extend into deeper tissues and surgical debridement is necessary. Few studies have described the surgical strategy for treatment of deep driveline infection or have reported long-term outcomes. With a growing population of patients being implanted as destination therapy, there is an obvious need to evaluate and optimize treatment for complex driveline infections.

Methods

Outcomes of patients undergoing durable left ventricular assist device implantation at a single center between 2011 and 2017 were reviewed retrospectively. Data including occurrence of driveline infection, pathogen, time to driveline infection, and treatment strategy were abstracted from the electronic medical record.

Results

Driveline infection occurred in 10 (16.4%) of 61 patients at a median of 362 days (Q1 = 99, Q3 = 694) after primary left ventricular assist device implantation. Three (30.0%) of 10 driveline infections were categorized as deep and did not resolve with intravenous antibiotic therapy. In these cases, a multistage approach that included initial debridement and exteriorization of the infected driveline, followed by delayed surgical relocation of the driveline in a clean vascularized soft tissue bed, was used. Long-term device salvage was achieved in all cases.

Conclusions

An aggressive surgical strategy, including debridement and formal relocation of the driveline exit site, can result in long-term device salvage after deep driveline infection. This approach is a less invasive alternative to device exchange for refractory driveline infections.