bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Membrane insertion and secretion of the Engrailed-2 (EN2) transcription factor by prostate cancer cells may induce antiviral activity in the stroma
Authors: Punia Natasha , Primon Monika , Simpson Guy R. , Pandha Hardev S. , Morgan Richard
Published: March 2019

Engrailed-2 (EN2) is a homeodomain-containing transcription factor that has roles in boundary formation and neural guidance in early development, but which is also expressed in a range of cancers. In addition to transcriptional regulation, it is secreted by cells and taken up by others through a mechanism that is yet to be fully elucidated. In this study, the distribution of EN2 protein in cells was evaluated using immunofluorescence with a set of antibodies raised against overlapping epitopes across the protein, and through the use of an EN2-GFP construct. MX2 expression in primary prostate tumors was evaluated using immunohistochemistry. We showed that EN2 protein is present in the cell membrane and within microvesicles that can be secreted from the cell and taken up by others. When taken up by normal cells from the stroma EN2 induces the expression of MX2 (MxB), a protein that has a key role in the innate immune response to viruses. Our findings indicate that EN2 secretion by tumors may be a means of preventing viral-mediated immune invasion of tissue immediately adjacent to the tumor.
Investigation into the Molecular Mechanisms underlying the Anti-proliferative and Anti-tumorigenesis activities of Diosmetin against HCT-116 Human Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Koosha Sanaz , Mohamed Zahurin , Sinniah Ajantha , Alshawsh Mohammed A.
Published: March 2019

Diosmetin (Dis) is a bioflavonoid with cytotoxicity properties against variety of cancer cells including hepatocarcinoma, breast and colorectal (CRC) cancer. The exact mechanism by which Dis acts against CRC however, still remains unclear, hence in this study, we investigated the possible molecular mechanisms of Dis in CRC cell line, HCT-116. Here, we monitored the viability of HCT-116 cells in the presence of Dis and investigated the underlying mechanism of Dis against HCT-116 cells at the gene and protein levels using NanoString and proteome profiler array technologies. Findings demonstrated that Dis exhibits greater cytotoxic effects towards HCT-116 CRC cells (IC50 = 3.58 ± 0.58 µg/ml) as compared to the normal colon CCD-841 cells (IC50 = 51.95 ± 0.11 µg/ml). Arrests of the cells in G2/M phase confirms the occurrence of mitotic disruption via Dis. Activation of apoptosis factors such as Fas and Bax at the gene and protein levels along with the release of Cytochrome C from mitochondria and cleavage of Caspase cascades indicate the presence of turbulence as a result of apoptosis induction in Dis-treated cells. Moreover, NF-ƙB translocation was inhibited in Dis-treated cells. Our results indicate that Dis can target HCT-116 cells through the mitotic disruption and apoptosis induction.
Nest microclimate during incubation affects posthatching development and parental care in wild birds
Authors: Mueller Alexander J. , Miller Kelly D. , Bowers E. Keith
Published: March 2019

It is widely accepted that recent increases in environmental temperature have had a causal effect on changing life histories; however, much of the evidence for this is derived from long-term observations, whereas inferences of causation require experimentation. Here, we assess effects of increased environmental temperature during incubation on posthatching development, nestling begging and parental care, and reproductive success in two wild, cavity-nesting songbirds, the Carolina wren and prothonotary warbler. We heated experimental nests only during incubation, which increased nest-cavity temperature by ca. 1 °C. This reduced the length of the incubation and nestling periods, and reduced fledging success in prothonotary warblers, while nestling Carolina wrens had similar fledging success but reduced body condition in response to increased temperature. Increased nest-cavity temperature during incubation also reduced posthatching begging by nestlings generally and parental care within Carolina wrens specifically, suggesting potential mechanisms generating these carry-over effects. Offspring body mass and fledging age are often predictive of post-fledging survival and recruitment. Thus, our results suggest that increasing temperatures may affect fitness in wild populations in species-specific ways, and induce life-history changes including the classic trade-off parents face between the size and number of offspring.
Pt-free, low-cost and efficient counter electrode with carbon wrapped VO2(M) nanofiber for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Gnanasekar Subashini , Kollu Pratap , Jeong Soon Kwan , Grace Andrews Nirmala
Published: March 2019

The present study reports the use of one-dimensional carbon wrapped VO2(M) nanofiber (VO2(M)/C) as a cost-effective counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs); where M denotes monoclinic crystal system. Uniform short length nanofiber was synthesised by a sol-gel based simple and versatile electrospinning and post carbonization technique. The investigation of nanostructure and morphological analysis were performed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), and transmission electron microscope (TEM) with EDAX. The electrochemical response was comprehensively characterized by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Tafel polarization. The electrochemical analysis of the VO2(M)/C nanofiber counter electrode exhibits significant electrocatalytic activity towards the reduction of triiodide and low charge transfer resistance at the electrode-electrolyte interface. The DSSCs fabricated with carbon-wrapped VO2(M) nanofiber CE showed high power conversion efficiency of 6.53% under standard test condition of simulated 1SUN illumination at AM1.5 G, which was comparable to the 7.39% observed for conventional thermally decomposed Pt CE based DSSC under same test conditions. This result encourages the next step of modification and use of low-cost VO2(M) as an alternate counter electrode for DSSCs to achieve a substantial efficiency for future energy demand.
Human motor cortex relies on sparse and action-specific activation during laughing, smiling and speech production
Authors: Kern Markus , Bert Sina , Glanz Olga , Schulze-Bonhage Andreas , Ball Tonio
Published: March 2019

Smiling, laughing, and overt speech production are fundamental to human everyday communication. However, little is known about how the human brain achieves the highly accurate and differentiated control of such orofacial movement during natural conditions. Here, we utilized the high spatiotemporal resolution of subdural recordings to elucidate how human motor cortex is functionally engaged during control of real-life orofacial motor behaviour. For each investigated movement class—lip licking, speech production, laughing and smiling—our findings reveal a characteristic brain activity pattern within the mouth motor cortex with both spatial segregation and overlap between classes. Our findings thus show that motor cortex relies on sparse and action-specific activation during real-life orofacial behaviour, apparently organized in distinct but overlapping subareas that control different types of natural orofacial movements.
Mechanistic insight into the sensing of nitroaromatic compounds by metal-organic frameworks
Authors: Sharma Amitosh , Kim Dongwook , Park Jae-Heon , Rakshit Surajit , Seong Junmo , Jeong Gyoung Hwa , Kwon Oh-Hoon , Lah Myoung Soo
Published: March 2019

There has been extensive research on the sensing of explosive nitroaromatic compounds (NACs) using fluorescent metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). However, ambiguity in the sensing mechanism has hampered the development of efficient explosive sensors. Here we report the synthesis of a hydroxyl-functionalized MOF for rapid and efficient sensing of NACs and examine in detail its fluorescence quenching mechanisms. In chloroform, quenching takes place primarily by exciton migration to the ground-state complex formed between the MOF and the analytes. A combination of hydrogen-bonding interactions and π–π stacking interactions are responsible for fluorescence quenching, and this observation is supported by single-crystal structures. In water, the quenching mechanism shifts toward resonance energy transfer and photo-induced electron transfer, after exciton migration as in chloroform. This study provides insight into florescence-quenching mechanisms for the selective sensing of NACs and reduces the ambiguity regarding the nature of interactions between the MOF and NACs.
Study of segmental dynamics and ion transport in polymer–ceramic composite electrolytes by quasi-elastic neutron scattering
Authors: Chen X. Chelsea , Sacci Robert L. , Osti Naresh C. , Tyagi Madhusudan , Wang Yangyang , Palmer Max J. , Dudney Nancy J.
Published: March 2019

This work elucidates the effects of Li+ conducting ceramic on the segmental dynamics and ionic conductivity of polymer electrolyte using quasi-elastic neutron scattering.
Mechano-fluorochromic behavior of AEE polyurethane films and their high sensitivity to halogen acid gas
Authors: Wang Kun , Wang Meng , Lu Hao , Liu Beibei , Huang Mingming , Yang Jiping
Published: March 2019

(a) Polyurethanes with higher content of TABDAA2 presented better positive correlation between fluorescence and strain. (b) Sensing mechanism of STMPU-50 for detection of HCl.
Electron beam-based fabrication of crosslinked hydrophilic carbon electrodes and their application for capacitive deionization
Authors: Kim Hyo-Sub , Sohn Joon-Yong , Hwang In-Tae , Shin Junhwa , Jung Chan-Hee , Son Won Keun , Kang Kyung Suk
Published: March 2019

A crosslinked hydrophilic carbon electrode with better desalination performance can easily be produced using room-temperature, quick electron-beam irradiation.
Terminal amino monomethylation-triggered intermolecular H- to J-aggregations to realize tunable memory devices
Authors: Zhang Qi-jian , Li Hua , Xu Qing-feng , He Jing-hui , Chen Dong-yun , Li Na-jun , Lu Jian-Mei
Published: March 2019

Two small molecules with similar molecular backbones and energy levels exhibit different memory behaviours from traditional binary memory to typical ternary memory, which is induced by the different aggregation styles through simple terminal amino monomethylation.
Supramolecular interactions induced distortion of BTB ligands: breaking convention to reproduce an unusual (3,4,4)-connected MOF topology
Authors: Li Jiantang , Gu Jiaming , Zhang Lirong , Liu Yunling
Published: March 2019

An unusual (3,4,4)-connected MOF topology has been reproduced by a BTB ligand which was previously judged to be not feasible to form this network.
Bisimidazole-based phosphorescent thiocyanatocadmates
Authors: Wang Rong-Yan , Yu Jie-Hui , Xu Ji-Qing
Published: March 2019

Structures of three new bisimidazole-based thiocyanatocadmates (1–3) are reported. 1 and 2 are found to possess phosphorescence properties.
Removal of estrogenic compoundsviairon electrocoagulation: impact of water quality and assessment of removal mechanisms
Authors: Maher Emily K. , O'Malley Kassidy N. , Heffron Joe , Huo Jingwan , Wang Yin , Mayer Brooke K. , McNamara Patrick J.
Published: March 2019

The influence of water quality and elucidation of the removal mechanism of estrogenic compounds removal electrocoagulation.
Autocatalyzed three-component cyclization of polyfluoroalkyl-3-oxo esters, methyl ketones and alkyl amines: a novel approach to 3-alkylamino-5-hydroxy-5-polyfluoroalkylcyclohex-2-en-1-ones
Authors: Goryaeva Marina V. , Kushch Svetlana O. , Khudina Olga G. , Burgart Yanina V. , Kudyakova Yulia S. , Ezhikova Marina A. , Kodess Mikhail I. , Slepukhin Pavel A. , Sadretdinova Lilya Sh. , Evstigneeva Natalya P. , Gerasimova Natalya A. , Saloutin Victor I.
Published: March 2019

A new route to aminocyclohexenones is reported.
Reactivity and mechanism of α-nucleophile scaffolds as catalytic organophosphate scavengers
Authors: Wong Pamela T. , Bhattacharjee Somnath , Cannon Jayme , Tang Shengzhuang , Yang Kelly , Bowden Sierra , Varnau Victoria , O'Konek Jessica J. , Choi Seok Ki
Published: March 2019

Design and in vitro validation of polar α-nucleophile scaffolds that offer potent catalytic reactivity and practical utility for organophosphate decontamination.
Moderate NaNO2 etching enables easy crystallinity optimization of g-C3N4 with superior photoreduction performance
Authors: Cui Lifeng , Fang Zirou , Liu Yanfei , Chen Mengya , Yin Chaochuang , Wang Junjie , Wang Zegao , Dong Mingdong , Kang Shifei , Liu Ping
Published: March 2019

An economical and general method to fabricate g-C3N4 with high crystallinity and excellent photocatalytic properties is developed, in which cheap sodium nitrite aqueous solution is utilized as a moderate etching agent.
Investigation on the electronic structure, optical, elastic, mechanical, thermodynamic and thermoelectric properties of wide band gap semiconductor double perovskite Ba2InTaO6
Authors: Dar Sajad Ahmad , Sharma Ramesh , Srivastava Vipul , Sakalle Umesh Kumar
Published: March 2019

In the present paper, double perovskite Ba2InTaO6 was investigated in terms of its structural, electronic, optical, elastic, mechanical, thermodynamic and thermoelectric properties using density-functional theory (DFT).
Novel mono-lipidated dimeric glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist with improved long-acting and hypoglycemic activity
Authors: Sun Lidan , Han Jing , Chen Xinyu , Han Yue , Wu Lingling , E Xia
Published: March 2019

Dimerization and lipidation were effectively applied to GLP-1 to make Lip-Di-GLP-1 as a long-acting antidiabetic agent.
Monolithic carbon xerogel with co-continuous hierarchical porosity via one-step, template- and catalyst-free hydrothermal reaction with resorcinol and formaldehyde
Authors: Yoon Hyoung-Ju , Lee Jae Young , Lee Jae-Suk , Yoon Tae-Ho
Published: March 2019

Monolithic carbon xerogel (MCX) with co-continuous hierarchical porosity was prepared via a one-step, template- and catalyst-free hydrothermal polycondensation reaction with resorcinol, formaldehyde and distilled water.
Redox activity of nickel and vanadium porphyrins: a possible mechanism behind petroleum genesis and maturation?
Authors: Munoz G. , Gunessee B. K. , Bégué D. , Bouyssiere B. , Baraille I. , Vallverdu G. , Santos Silva H.
Published: March 2019

The presence of metalloporphyrins in crude oil has been known for many years.
Reviving bulky MoS2 as an advanced anode for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Li Shicai , Liu Ping , Huang Xiaobing , Tang Yougen , Wang Haiyan
Published: March 2019

The high intrinsic Li storage capacity of bulky MoS2 is readily released by a rationally designed composite with a 3D conductive carbon skeleton.
Optimal black start strategy for microgrids considering the uncertainty using a data‐driven chance constrained approach
Authors: Wu Xiong , Shi Shuo , Wang Xiuli , Duan Chao , Ding Tao , Li Furong
Published: March 2019

Microgrids may suffer from full blackouts when confronted with unexpected disruptions due to man‐made faults or natural disasters. How to quickly restore the power supply of microgrids by making use of local distributed energy resources (DERs) is therefore a practical issue to help microgrids ride through full blackouts. Accordingly, this study proposes a novel black start strategy for microgrids to determine the restoration sequence and optimally allocate the DERs after full blackouts. In particular, the uncertainty of power output of renewable energy sources is considered using a data‐driven chance‐constrained approach when renewable energy sources are integrated. The proposed approach only utilises historical data and does not need any prior knowledge about the true probability distribution of the uncertainty. In addition, affine‐based techniques and sample‐dependent band functions are developed to convert the chance‐constrained problem into a tractable mixed‐integer linear programming problem. Finally, numerical experiments based on two microgrid test systems are performed to validate the effectiveness of the proposed model.
Demand‐side management using a distributed initialisation‐free optimisation in a smart grid
Authors: Dong Yi , Zhao Tianqiao , Ding Zhengtao
Published: March 2019

Due to the integration of the renewable generation and the distributed load that inherently uncertain and unpredictable, developing an efficient distributed management structure of such a complex system remains a challenging issue. Most of the existing works on the demand‐side management concentrate on the centralised methods or need a proper initialisation process. This study proposed a demand‐side management strategy that can solve the optimisation problem in a distributed manner without initialisation. The objective of the designed demand management system is to maximise the social welfare of a smart grid by controlling the active power economically. The proposed optimisation strategy that generates the optimal power references uses the neighbouring information while considering the local feasible constraints by using a projection operation. Furthermore, the optimisation algorithm is initialisation free, which avoids any initialisation process when plugging‐in new customers or plugging‐out power units, such as demand loads, battery energy storage systems and distributed generators. The proposed strategy only uses the neighbouring information, so that the proposed approach is scalable and potentially applicable to large‐scale smart grids. The effectiveness and scalability of the proposed algorithm are established and verified through case studies.
Multi‐mode propagation mode localisation and spread‐Doppler clutter suppression method for multiple‐input multiple‐output over‐the‐horizon radar
Authors: Yu Wenqi , Chen Jianwen , Bao Zheng
Published: March 2019

Multi‐mode spread‐Doppler clutter (SDC), caused by a stratified ionosphere, affects the detection performance of over‐the‐horizon radar on slow ships. To improve a multiple‐input multiple‐output over‐the‐horizon radar (MIMO‐OTHR) system's performance and to mitigate the lingering effect of SDC, a novel multi‐mode SDC suppression method based on full‐mode spatial separation is proposed here. Furthermore, authors’ method can estimate the elevation angle of direction of departure (DOD) and direction of arrival (DOA), contributing to mode localisation. By applying the bi‐orthogonality of matrices, the cost function of single‐mode component analysis is constructed under a least square criterion. By iteratively solving for the cost function, and by applying a systematic multistage decomposition, the elevation DOD and DOA and the slow‐time Doppler information of each mode are obtained sequentially. Compared with classical SOBI and SS‐SOBI methods, the proposed method improves the output signal‐to‐clutter‐plus‐noise ratio for spatial filtering. The estimated DOD and DOA do not need to be paired, reducing the angle error inherent in the SR method while performing the transmit‐receive cascade refinement searching step. Simulation results demonstrate the excellent performance of the proposed method, which is beneficial to improve the ability of MIMO‐OTHR to detect slow ships and determine the propagation mode.
FDA transmit beampattern synthesis using piecewise trigonometric frequency offset
Authors: Mahmood Mobeen , Mir Hasan
Published: March 2019

The frequency diverse array (FDA) exploits an offset in the transmitted frequency of each array element to generate a beampattern that varies as a function of angle and range. This article proposes a piecewise frequency offset based on a simple trigonometric form. It is shown that the proposed offset offers improved peak‐to‐sidelobe ratio (PSR) performance and achieves a narrower mainlobe compared to other common frequency offset forms.
Critical analysis of periodic fractal frequency selective surfacescoupled with synthesised ferrite‐based dielectric substrates for optimal radarwave absorption
Authors: Mishra Varsha , Panwar Ravi , Singh Arunima , Puthucheri Smitha , Singh Dharmendra
Published: March 2019

It is a very challenging task to develop a good radar wave absorber with widebandwidth that corresponds to reflection loss (RL) ≤ − 10 dB and lower coatingthickness using radar absorbing material alone. However, this goal can beachieved with the application of advanced electromagnetic (EM) structures suchas fractal frequency selective surfaces (FFSSs). The prior knowledge of thesuitability of an FFSS for a particular nanocomposite material based on itsdielectric constant (ɛ′) is a very crucial factor. Therefore, acritical analysis has been carried out to choose the suitable FFSS geometriesfor a given set of nanocomposite materials having a ɛ′ rangingin between 1 and 20. The higher iterated Minkowski loop FFSS‐impactednanocomposite has been chosen for the experimental validation based on its goodradar wave absorption capability. The Minkowski loop FFSS‐impacted radarabsorbing coating (RAC) has been fabricated, and its performance evaluation hasbeen carried out. The measured RL of −17.9 dB at 10.8 GHz with a wide bandwidthof 2.9 GHz (RL≤−10 dB) has been noticed for 2.2 mm thick RAC. The findingsprovide an effective way to develop thin and broadband absorber for variouspractical EM applications.
Nivolumab-induced oral and cutaneous bullous pemphigoid: A case report
Authors: Sturque Julie , Boralevi Franck , Fricain Jean-Christophe
Published: March 2019

Introduction: Nivolumab-induced oral and cutaneous bullous pemphigoid have been rarely reported in the literature. Observations: A 64-year-old male patient was treated with nivolumab for melanoma. He presented with oral lesions in the palatal and gingival mucosal lesions. Nine months after the initiation of nivolumab therapy, a cutaneous bullous pemphigoid was found on his right forearm. The level of anti-BPAG2 (or anti-BP 180) was positive with a rate of 83 AU/mL, thereby confirming the diagnosis of bullous pemphigoid. His oral mucosa, first in the posterolateral area of the palate and then in the gingiva, was affected 3 months later. Histological examination revealed a subepidermal bulla with few eosinophils. Comments: Nivolumab is a novel monoclonal human antibody used to potentiate T cell responses, particularly anti-tumor responses. The first diagnosis considered was lichen planus, and it has been excluded from this study based on histological results. Right from lesion onset after treatment initiation, nivolumab was strongly suspected to cause these mucocutaneous lesions. To investigate the causes and effects of nivolumab-induced oral and cutaneous bullous pemphigoid, it would be necessary to record the regression of these lesions at the end of treatment; however, this is not possible due to ethical reasons. The treatment of lesions primarily involves corticosteroid usage; however, rituximab is also used. Conclusion: Oral surgeons must consider the oral side effects of novel targeted therapies, including those of immunological checkpoint inhibitors.
Fractional order model of immune cells influenced by cancer cells
Authors: Ucar Esmehan , Özdemir Necati , Altun Eren
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we study the mathematical model of interaction cancer cells and immune system cells presented Castiglione and Piccoli. As the interaction between cancer cells and the immune system is weak, when the immune system of the body begins to decrease, the cancer cells get stronger and increase rapidly. Helper CD4+ T and cytotoxic CD8+ T cells, cancer cells, dendritic cells and cytokine interleukin-2 (IL-2) cells are involved in the mathematical model of this competition in the living body. As can be seen in the literature, since the cancer cells have memory structure, fractional models describe the struggle between the cancer cells and immune system give more meaningful results than classical models as closer to the reality. The main motivation of the present work is to generalize the model in Castiglione and Piccoli [J. Theor. Biol.247(2007) 723–732] by using Caputo fractional derivative. The main aim is to analyze the behaviors of system cells by changing of the fractional parameter. In this sense, we study on the stability analysis of treatment free and the fixed points of the prescribed model. To get the numerical solutions, we apply the Adam-Bashforth-Moulton (ABM) algorithm and also illustrate the results by the graphics held by Matlab program. We have reached the excellent result that cancer cells decrease asθdiminishes in this process.
Immune response in HIV epidemics for distinct transmission rates and for saturated CTL response
Authors: Carvalho Ana R.M. , Pinto Carla M.A.
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we study the immune response in a fractional order model for HIV dynamics, for distinct disease transmission rates and saturated cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response. Our goal is twofold: (i) to analyze the role of the order of the fractional derivative,α, on the efficacy of the immune response, (ii) to examine the immune response for distinct transmission functions, in the presence of saturated CTL response. We compute the reproduction number of the model and state the stability of the disease-free equilibrium. We discuss the results of the model from an epidemiological point of view.
Chirurgisches Pflichttertial im Praktischen Jahr – das Sprungbrett in die chirurgische Weiterbildung?
Authors: Fröhlich Susanne , Göbel Florian , Meder Adrian , Wirkner Janine , Obertacke Udo , Kasch Richard
Published: March 2019

Einleitung Das Praktische Jahr stellt als letzter Abschnitt des Medizinstudiums eine prägende Zeit für den Studierenden dar, da medizinisches Wissen in ärztliche Kompetenzen überführt werden soll. Das Fachgebiet Chirurgie ist mit seinem Pflichttertial fest in der Ausbildungsstruktur verankert. In der vorliegenden Evaluation desselben sollen hier insbesondere die Zusammenhänge zwischen der Bewertung des PJ-Tertials Chirurgie und einem entsprechenden Spezialisierungswunsch in diesem Fach untersucht werden.

Methoden Eine durch die AG Lehre der DGOU 2012 durchgeführte Onlineumfrage erbrachte vollständige Datensätze von insgesamt 9079 Teilnehmern. In die vorliegende Analyse gingen die Daten der Teilnehmer ein, die zum Zeitpunkt der Befragung bereits ihr PJ-Pflichttertial Chirurgie absolviert hatten (n = 184). Diese wurden zur Analyse 4 Gruppen eingeteilt: Entscheidung für eine Spezialisierung in der Chirurgie bereits vor dem PJ-Pflichttertial („Ja, vorher“; JV), während des PJ-Pflichttertials („Ja, während“; JW), und Entscheidung dagegen vor dem PJ-Pflichttertial („Nein, vorher“; NV) bzw. während des PJ-Pflichttertials („Nein, während“, NW). Die insgesamt 38 Umfrage-Items wurden unter Berücksichtigung der Entscheidung bez. der Fachspezialisierung zusammengefasst.

Ergebnisse 57,9% der Befragten äußerten sich positiv bez. des Gesamteindrucks das chirurgische Pflichttertial betreffend. Besonders positiv unterschied sich die Gruppe JW im Vergleich zur Gruppe NW (Entscheid gegen die Chirurgie). Wir finden in allen analysierten Items signifikante Unterschiede: Integration in Team JW/NW (p ≤ 0,003), Erwerb von Kompetenzen (p ≤ 0,014), Lehrende (p ≤ 0,025), Qualität und Struktur der Lehre (p ≤ 0,043) und Gesamtzufriedenheit mit dem Pflichttertial (p ≤ 0,037).

Diskussion Im Gegensatz zu anderen Fächern besteht im Bereich Chirurgie die Möglichkeit, Nachwuchs direkt im Rahmen des Pflichttertials zu rekrutieren. Die Ergebnisse aus studentischer Sicht offenbaren defizitäre Strukturen. Die mangelnde ärztliche Betreuung/Unterstützung, die unzureichende Einbeziehung in therapeutische Überlegungen, der mangelhafte Erwerb von fachlichem Wissen, der fehlende Kontakt zu den Lehrenden sind nur einige wesentliche Unterpunkte, die das Gesamtergebnis der Zufriedenheit der Studierenden mit dem Pflichttertial negativ beeinflussen. Die Ergebnisse der vorliegenden Arbeit sollen als Anstoß dienen und in die Neustrukturierung der Pflichttertiale des Praktischen Jahres, die der Masterplan 2020 mit sich bringen wird, einfließen.
Balintgruppenarbeit mit Medizinstudierenden – ein Weg zur Verbesserung der Empathie- und Kommunikationsfähigkeit von Studierenden
Authors: Voigtländer Annakatrin
Published: March 2019

Die Notwendigkeit einer Verbesserung der Kommunikation von Arzt und Patient ist in den letzten Jahren stärker in den Fokus der Deutschen Ärzteschaft gerückt. Dabei wird ebenfalls die Förderung von Kommunikationskompetenzen bereits im Medizinstudium gefordert, wobei die verschiedenen Ansätze zur Verbesserung der Kommunikation jedoch meist an der Veränderung einer Technik der Gesprächsführung ansetzen.Die Methode der Balintgruppenarbeit mit Studierenden stellt dazu eine Ergänzung insofern dar, als durch sie nicht eine Technik vermittelt wird, sondern durch Einbeziehung der unbewussten Anteile beider Kommunikationspartner eine Haltungsänderung des Studierenden gegenüber dem Patienten erreicht werden kann, die zu mehr Einfühlungsvermögen und besser gelingender Kommunikation beiträgt.Die Erfahrung von 9 Jahren Balintarbeit mit Medizinstudierenden bildet die Grundlage dieses Artikels, in dem versucht wird, eigene Beobachtungen zu Veränderungen im Erleben und Verhalten von Studierenden darzustellen, die sich mit neueren Forschungsergebnissen zu decken scheinen. Besonderheiten der Arbeit mit Studierenden werden ebenso beschrieben wie ein Fallbeispiel, das die Arbeit mit ihnen veranschaulichen soll.Zugleich soll durch diesen Beitrag an eine Methode erinnert werden, die in der heutigen Zeit, in der das schnellere Erlernen einer Technik ökonomischer erscheint als die langwierigere, aber nachhaltige Arbeit an der Veränderung einer Haltung, aus dem Blick zu geraten droht.
Pathological Concentration of C-reactive Protein is Correlated to Increased Concentrations of Quetiapine, But Not of Risperidone, Olanzapine and Aripiprazole in a Naturalistic Setting
Authors: Scherf-Clavel Maike , Weidner Anne , Deckert Jürgen , Menke Andreas , Unterecker Stefan
Published: March 2019

Introduction Infections can alter drug clearance, but the impact of inflammation-induced changes is still not well known. The aim of the investigation was to examine the effect of pathological C-reactive protein (CRP) values (≥0.5 mg/dL) and leukocyte count on the metabolism of 4 different atypical antipsychotics.

Methods Steady-state serum concentrations of individual patients under therapy with risperidone (n=45), aripiprazole (n=30), olanzapine (n=24), and quetiapine (n=166) were retrospectively analyzed during a period of inflammation by Spearman’s Rho correlation analysis. Mann-Whitney U test was applied for comparison of patients with serum concentrations above and below the upper limit of the therapeutic reference range of each target drug with regard to CRP concentration and leukocyte count. Linear regression analysis was applied to correct for confounding parameters age and sex.

Results Pathological concentrations of CRP were significantly associated with elevated values of C/D of quetiapine (n=166, Spearman’s Rho: r=0.269, p<0.001; linear regression: p<0.001). Among patients with quetiapine serum concentrations below 500 ng/mL, CRP concentrations were significantly (p=0.006) lower compared to patients with quetiapine concentrations above 500 ng/mL. A trend for a positive correlation between CRP and serum concentration was found for olanzapine (n=24, Spearman’s Rho: r=0.385, p=0.063; linear regression: p=0.086).

Conclusion During a period of inflammation in patients taking quetiapine, according to our results, attention in dosing strategies is required to prevent toxic plasma concentrations.
Symmetrical Thalamic Lesions in the Newborn: A Case Series
Authors: Pols T. , de Vries L.S. , Salamon A. , Nikkels P.G.J. , Lichtenbelt K.D. , Mulder-de Tollenaer S.M. , van Wezel-Meijler G.
Published: March 2019

Although bilateral injury to the thalami is often seen in (near)term infants with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), symmetrical thalamic lesions (STL) is a different, very rare condition, seen both in full-term and preterm infants often after an antenatal insult, although the history is not always clear. These lesions are usually first detected using cranial ultrasound (cUS). They may not always be seen on the first (admission) scan, but become apparent in the course of the 1st week after birth. Clinically, these infants present with hypo- or hypertonia, absence of sucking and swallowing reflexes, and they may have contractures and facial diplegia. Neuropathology commonly demonstrates a thalamic lesion with additional and variable involvement of basal ganglia and brainstem. The prognosis is very poor, the condition often leads to severe disabilities and/or death within the first years of life. The clinical course and neuroimaging findings of 13 patients with symmetrical thalamic lesions (STL) are reported.
Approximately 30% of Functioning Anterior Cruciate Ligaments Are Sacrificed for Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Hiranaka Takafumi , Hida Yuichi , Fujishiro Takaaki , Kamenaga Tomoyuki , Kikuchi Kenichi , Yoshikawa Ryo , Tachibana Shotaro , Okamoto Koji
Published: March 2019

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) plays an important role in knee kinematics. Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) preserves the ACL, an advantage over total knee arthroplasty (TKA), where it is sacrificed. This study aims to evaluate how often functional ACLs are sacrificed in arthroplasty. The type of arthroplasty (TKA or UKA) and condition of the ACL were studied in a total of 1,586 knees in 1,052 patients who underwent knee arthroplasties. Of 1,586 knees, TKA was performed on 653 knees (41%) and UKA on 933 knees (59%). The ACL was functioning in 77% of all knees. Of the TKA knees, the ACL was functioning in 357 knees (55%). Of these, around 30% of the functioning ACLs were sacrificed to perform TKA. To improve postoperative patient satisfaction after knee arthroplasty, further study regarding relationship between ACL preservation and clinical outcome will be required.
Complicaciones infecciosas asociadas a la nefrolitotomía percutánea en un hospital universitario de Colombia
Authors: Jiménez Adriana María , Riatiga Ibañez Diego Armando , López Armando Sánchez , Daza Pupo José Daniel
Published: March 2019

Introducción La Nefrolitotomía Percutánea (NLP), es una técnica mínimamente invasiva empleada para el manejo de los cálculos de gran tamaño. Diferentes tipos de complicaciones se pueden presentar después de ese procedimiento. El propósito de este estudio es establecer la frecuencia y características asociadas, de las complicaciones infecciosas de los pacientes sometidos a NLP en un hospital universitario de cuarto nivel de atención que es un centro de remisión de pacientes con patología urológica.

Materiales y Métodos Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo que evalúa 164 pacientes sometidos a NLP en el Hospital Universitario de San José de Bogotá (Colombia) desde enero 2010 hasta diciembre del 2014. Se buscó la incidencia de cualquier tipo de complicación infecciosa durante los 30 días del post operatorio. Se recolectó información concerniente a los antecedentes de hospitalización, uso de antibióticos, infección del tracto urinario, características del cálculo, profilaxis empleada, cultivos realizados, patrón de sensibilidad, necesidad de cambio de antibiótico y evolución.

Resultados Se incluyeron 164 pacientes, de los cuales 12,8% presentaron complicaciones infecciosas. El 95% de los pacientes pertenecían al sexo femenino, la infección más frecuente fue la de la vía urinaria (86%) y el microorganismo identificado con mayor frecuencia fue Escherichia coli que presentó solo un 42% de sensibilidad a la cefazolina. El 61,90% (13) de los pacientes presentaron sepsis, encontrando una mayor frecuencia en aquellos con antecedentes de: infección de vías urinaria (84,62%), hospitalización por cirugía (46,12%), cálculos >25 mm (92,31%) y densidad >1000 UH (38,46%).

Conclusiones Las infecciones son una de las complicaciones descritas posterior a una NLP debido a la destrucción de cálculos infecciosos de gran carga litíasica y asociados a la obstrucción del tracto urinario. Con el fin de minimizar ese riesgo, se debe administrar la profilaxis adecuada establecida de acuerdo a los factores de riesgo del paciente y a la epidemiología local. Es importante realizar cultivos de los fragmentos del cálculo con el fin de instaurar el antibiótico apropiado en caso de presentarse una infección.
Experimental investigation on characteristics of stress wave propagation and plasma discharge induced by high-velocity impact solar array
Authors: Tang Enling , Wang Junru , Han Yafei
Published: March 2019

To investigate the relationship between stress wave propagation and the plasma discharge generated by a projectile high-velocity impact on solar array with 2A12 aluminum substrate structures at the incidence angle of 60°. Three sets of experiments about stress wave propagating and plasma discharge in composite structure of solar array have been performed by taking advantage of PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) film sensor, plasma characteristic parameter diagnostic system, discharge measurement system and two-stage light gas gun loading system established by ourselves. Experimental results showed that the duration of stress wave was about 30±5μs, and maximum stresses are about 1400±200MPa in experiments. Furthermore, the discharge phenomenon did happen and the duration of discharge current was also different in solar array at the different impact velocities. The basic consistency between stress wave propagation and discharge duration is also confirmed by experiments.
An improved performance prediction model of permanent magnet eddy current couplings based on eddy current inductance characteristics
Authors: Yang Xiaowei , Liu Yongguang
Published: March 2019

There is a serious nonlinear relationship between slip and torsion of permanent magnet eddy current magnetic couplings (Pmec) and how to establish mathematical model is very important to study characteristics, optimize parameters and improve control accuracy. Based on magnetic equivalent circuit (Mec), Faraday’s law and Ampere’s law, considering the sensibility of alternating eddy current field, an improved theoretical model of the Pmec is proposed. In this model, greenhouse method is used to describe the inductance of eddy current field, and the factors such as magnetic flux leakage, skin effect and eddy current transverse effect are fully considered. By comparing the proposed model with those of the finite element method (Fem) and experiment, the results show that the proposed model can calculate the torque quickly and accurately without any correction factor. Within the range of 0-100% slip, the predicted torque values of the proposed method match well with those obtained by 3-D Fem and experimental measurements. The proposed model is also proved to be effective in the performance study of the Pmec with different design parameters. The proposed model and 3-D Fem are used to study the influence of structural parameters on the transmission performance of the Pmec, which provides effective reference for the design of the Pmec.
Introduction to Equestrian Sports
Authors: Luxmoore Kate
Published: March 2019

Introduction to Equestrian Sports offers parents and riders who are new to the scene detailed descriptions of what is involved in each of the four main disciplines: hacking/showing, dressage, showjumping and eventing. It is equally beneficial for those wanting to change from one type of competition to another.
Each discipline description includes how it originated, its current status, types of classes, levels of competition, what rules apply, who runs the competitions and how they are judged.
'Ground rules' are explained, based on the author's considerable experience, to help take the mystery out of competitions, such as how to find out what competitions are taking place and how to enter, which classes are being judged, what to wear, what to do when you arrive, where best to park, where you can and cannot warm up, checking your gear and reporting to the judge.
Other topics include how to prepare for a competition, from one month before to the night before the event, and the equipment required to compete, from choosing a horse to what rugs will be needed. Finally, illustrations of arenas, website links and examples of competition programs are provided to help beginner riders further understand their chosen sport.
Introduction to Equestrian Sports is not another 'how to ride' book, but a practical, hands-on guide to make equestrian competitions enjoyable for all riders.
Synthesis of NiAl-TiC composites from elemental powders by volume combustion method
Authors: Saadati A. , Minagar A. , Naseri G. , Bahmani A. , Malekan M.
Published: March 2019

NiAl-TiC composites were synthesised by volume combustion (VC) method from elemental powders to improve the mechanical properties and high temperature performance of nickel aluminide. Synthesised specimens with porous nature were characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. XRD results showed that NiAl was dominant phase and other phases like Al3Ni2 (in NiAl + 5 wt-% TiC, NiAl + 10 wt-% TiC specimens) and AlNi3 (in equimolar NiAl-TiC) were present in specimens. Synthesised specimens of NiAl, NiAl + 5 wt-% TiC, NiAl + 10 wt-% TiC, NiAl + 15 wt-% TiC and equimolar NiAl-TiC achieved Vickers microhardness values of 508, 590.25, 628, 724 and 838.5, respectively. Addition of TiC increased the porosity of specimens from 4.7% for single phase NiAl to 60.63% for equimolar NiAl-TiC.
Corrosion behaviour of nanocrystallines 304 stainless steel in simulated secondary side environment
Authors: Liu Jiang , Wang Chunming , Zhang Wenlong , Xia Tingting , Zhang Xuehui , Liang Tongxiang , Ahmad Tahir , Yang Bin
Published: March 2019

Surface nanocrystallisation (SNC) was prepared on the top-surface layer of 304 stainless steel by ultrasonic surface rolling treatment (USRT). Meanwhile, martensite transformation also occurred during grain refinement, and the surface microhardness increased more than tripled after USRT. The corrosion resistance of nanocrystallines (NC) 304 stainless steel was notably better than that of untreated samples in simulated pressurised water reactor (PWR) secondary water by potentiodynamic polarisation curves, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Mott-Schottky curves. Meanwhile, the corrosion mechanism was discussed before and after USRT by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The main reason is due to the formation of denser Cr(OH)3 protective film and the reduction of the porous structure Fe2O3 content in the NC 304 stainless steel.
Advancing conservation planning for western chimpanzees using IUCN SSC A.P.E.S.—the case of a taxon-specific database
Authors: Heinicke Stefanie , Mundry Roger , Boesch Christophe , Amarasekaran Bala , Barrie Abdulai , Brncic Terry , Brugière David , Campbell Geneviève , Carvalho Joana , Danquah Emmanuel , Dowd Dervla , Eshuis Henk , Fleury-Brugière Marie-Claire , Gamys Joel , Ganas Jessica , Gatti Sylvain , Ginn Laura , Goedmakers Annemarie , Granier Nicolas , Herbinger Ilka , Hillers Annika , Jones Sorrel , Junker Jessica , Kouakou Célestin Y , Lapeyre Vincent , Leinert Vera , Maisels Fiona , Marrocoli Sergio , Molokwu-Odozi Mary , N’Goran Paul K , Pacheco Liliana , Regnaut Sébastien , Sop Tenekwetche , Ton Els , van Schijndel Joost , Vergnes Virginie , Voigt Maria , Welsh Adam , Wessling Erin G , Williamson Elizabeth A , Kühl Hjalmar S
Published: March 2019

Even though information on global biodiversity trends becomes increasingly available, large taxonomic and spatial data gaps persist at the scale relevant to planning conservation interventions. This is because data collectors are hesitant to share data with global repositories due to workload, lack of incentives, and perceived risk of losing intellectual property rights. In contrast, due to greater conceptual and methodological proximity, taxon-specific database initiatives can provide more direct benefits to data collectors through research collaborations and shared authorship. The IUCN SSC Ape Populations, Environments and Surveys (A.P.E.S.) database was created in 2005 as a repository for data on great apes and other primate taxa. It aims to acquire field survey data and make different types of data accessible, and provide up-to-date species status information. To support the current update of the conservation action plan for western chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) we compiled field surveys for this taxon from IUCN SSC A.P.E.S., 75% of which were unpublished. We used spatial modeling to infer total population size, range-wide density distribution, population connectivity and landscape-scale metrics. We estimated a total abundance of 52 800 (95% CI 17 577–96 564) western chimpanzees, of which only 17% occurred in national parks. We also found that 10% of chimpanzees live within 25 km of four multi-national ‘development corridors’ currently planned for West Africa. These large infrastructure projects aim to promote economic integration and agriculture expansion, but are likely to cause further habitat loss and reduce population connectivity. We close by demonstrating the wealth of conservation-relevant information derivable from a taxon-specific database like IUCN SSC A.P.E.S. and propose that a network of many more such databases could be created to provide the essential information to conservation that can neither be supplied by one-off projects nor by global repositories, and thus are highly complementary to existing initiatives.
Corporate Governance in Business and Management
Authors: Lehmann Erik E.
Published: March 2019

Corporate governance is a recent concept that encompasses the costs caused by managerial misbehavior. It is concerned with how organizations in general, and corporations in particular, produce value and how that value is distributed among the members of the corporation, its stakeholders. The interrelation of value production and value distribution links the ubiquitous technological aspect (the production of value) with the moral and ethical dimension (the distribution of value). Corporate governance is concerned with this link in general, but more specifically with the moral and ethical dimensions of distributing the generated value among the stakeholders. Value in firms is created by firm-specific investments, and the motivation and coordination of value-enhancing activities and investment is protected by the power concentrated at the pyramidal top of the organization. In modern companies, it is the CEO and the top management who decide how to create value and how to distribute it among the relevant stakeholders. Due to asymmetric information and the imperfect nature of markets and contracts, adverse selection and moral hazard problems occur, where delegated (selected) managers could act in their own interest at the costs of other relevant stakeholders.

Corporate governance can be understood as a two-tailed concept. The first aspect is about identifying the (most) relevant stakeholder(s), separating theory and practice into two different and conflicting streams: the stakeholder value approach and the shareholder value approach. The second aspect of the concept is about providing and analyzing different mechanisms, reducing the costs induced by moral hazard and adverse selection effects, and balancing out the motivation and coordination problems of the relevant stakeholders. Corporate governance is an interdisciplinary concept encompassing academic fields such as finance, economics, accounting, law, taxation, and psychology, among others.

As countries differ according to their institutions (i.e., legal and political systems, norms, and rules), firms differ according to their size, age, dominant shareholders, or industries. Thus, concepts in corporate governance differ along these dimensions as well. And while the underlying characteristics vary in time, continuously or as a result of an exogenous shock, concepts in corporate governance are dynamic and static, offering a challenging field of interest for academics, policymakers, and firm managers.