bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of obstructive sleep apnea in transsphenoidal pituitary surgery: An analysis of inpatient data
Authors: Chung Sei Y. , Sylvester Michael J. , Patel Varesh R. , Zaki Michael , Baredes Soly , Liu James K. , Eloy Jean Anderson
Published: July 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

Although previous studies have reported increased perioperative complications among obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients undergoing any surgery requiring general anesthesia, there is a paucity of literature addressing the impact of OSA on postoperative transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) complications. The aim of this study was to analyze postoperative outcomes in transsphenoidal pituitary surgery patients with OSA. Secondarily, we examined patient characteristics and comorbidities.

Study Design

Retrospective analysis.

Methods

The 2002 to 2013 National Inpatient Sample was queried for patients undergoing TSS for pituitary neoplasm. Patients with an additional diagnosis of OSA were identified, and compared to a non‐OSA cohort.

Results

There were 17,777 patients identified; 5.0% (N = 889) had an additional diagnosis of OSA. The OSA cohort had more comorbidities including diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure, chronic pulmonary disease, coagulopathy, hypertension, hypothyroidism, liver disease, obesity, peripheral vascular disease, renal failure, acromegaly, and Cushing's syndrome. Postoperatively, OSA was independently associated with increased risks of tracheostomy (P = .015) and hypoxemia (P < .001), and decreased risk of cardiac complications (P = .034). OSA patients did not have increased rates of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea, diabetes insipidus, reintubation, aspiration pneumonia, infectious pneumonia, thromboembolic complications, or urinary/renal complications. In‐hospital mortality rates did not vary between the two cohorts.

Conclusions

In patients who underwent transsphenoidal pituitary surgery, OSA was associated with higher rates of certain pulmonary and airway complications. OSA was not associated with increased non–pulmonary/airway complications or inpatient mortality, despite older average age and higher comorbidity rates.

Level of Evidence

2C. Laryngoscope, 128:1027–1032, 2018
Mechanically Robust Electrospun Hydrogel Scaffolds Crosslinked via Supramolecular Interactions
Authors: Mollet Björne B. , Spaans Sergio , Fard Parinaz Goodarzy , Bax Noortje A. M. , Bouten Carlijn V. C. , Dankers Patricia Y. W.
Published: July 2017

One of the major challenges in the processing of hydrogels based on poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is to create mechanically robust electrospun hydrogel scaffolds without chemical crosslinking postprocessing. In this study, this is achieved by the introduction of physical crosslinks in the form of supramolecular hydrogen bonding ureido‐pyrimidinone (UPy) moieties, resulting in chain‐extended UPy‐PEG polymers (CE‐UPy‐PEG) that can be electrospun from organic solvent. The resultant fibrous meshes are swollen in contact with water and form mechanically stable, elastic hydrogels, while the fibrous morphology remains intact. Mixing up to 30 wt% gelatin with these CE‐UPy‐PEG polymers introduce bioactivity into these scaffolds, without affecting the mechanical properties. Manipulating the electrospinning parameters results in meshes with either small or large fiber diameters, i.e., 0.63 ± 0.36 and 2.14 ± 0.63 µm, respectively. In that order, these meshes provide support for renal epithelial monolayer formation or a niche for the culture of cardiac progenitor cells.
Synthesis and Spatiotemporal Modification of Biocompatible and Stimuli‐Responsive Carboxymethyl Cellulose Hydrogels Using Thiol‐Norbornene Chemistry
Authors: Dadoo Nayereh , Landry Samuel B. , Bomar Jonathan D. , Gramlich William M.
Published: July 2017

Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is functionalized with norbornene groups to undergo thiol‐norbornene cross‐linking reactions. Hydrogels synthesized from a single norbornene‐modified carboxymethyl cellulose (NorCMC) via a light‐initiated thiol‐ene cross‐linking reaction with a variety of dithiol cross‐linkers yield hydrogels with a tunable compression modulus ranging from 1.7 to 103 kPa. Additionally, thermoresponsiveness is spatiotemporally imparted to NorCMC hydrogels by photopatterning a dithiol‐terminated poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide) cross‐linker, enabling swelling and topological control of the hydrogels as a function of incubation temperature. NorCMC hydrogels are cytocompatible as the viability of encapsulated human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) is greater than 85% after 21 d while using a variety of cross‐linkers. Moreover, hMSCs can remodel, adhere, and spread in the NorCMC matrix cross‐linked with a matrix metalloproteinase‐degradable peptide, further demonstrating the utility of these materials as a tunable biomaterial.
Tuning the pH‐Switch of Supramolecular Polymer Carriers for siRNA to Physiologically Relevant pH
Authors: Ahlers Patrick , Frisch Hendrik , Holm Regina , Spitzer Daniel , Barz Matthias , Besenius Pol
Published: July 2017

The preparation of histidine enriched dendritic peptide amphiphiles and their self‐assembly into multicomponent pH‐switchable supramolecular polymers is reported. Alternating histidine and phenylalanine peptide synthons allow the assembly/disassembly to be adjusted in a physiologically relevant range of pH 5.3–6.0. Coassembly of monomers equipped with dendritic tetraethylene glycol chains with monomers bearing peripheral primary amine groups leads to nanorods with a tunable cationic surface charge density. These surface functional supramolecular polycations are able to reversibly bind short interfering RNA (siRNA). The nanorod‐like supramolecular polymers, their complexation with siRNA, and the pH‐triggered assembly/disassembly of the supramolecular carriers are characterized via circular dichroism spectroscopy, gel electrophoresis, as well as transmission electron microscopy. Multicomponent supramolecular polymers represent a modular and promising strategy for applications as responsive carrier vehicles, codelivery strategies, and gene therapy.
Catalyst‐Free Ring Opening Synthesis of Biodegradable Poly(ester‐urethane)s Using Isosorbide Bio‐Based Initiator
Authors: El Mahdi Ayoub , M'sahel Malek , Medimagh Raouf
Published: July 2017

Polycaprolactones are obtained via ring opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone in catalyst‐free condition. The polymerization is initiated in bulk, using isosorbide‐based amino‐alcohol as a biosourced initiator. The ratio of initiator to ε‐caprolactone, as well as to temperature, is optimized in order to tune the hydroxyl number (Nr. OH) and the average molecular weight of the polymers. In addition, these biocompatible polyesters are used as soft‐block to prepare thermoplastic poly(esterurethane)s elastomers via a simple one‐pot catalyst‐free polymerization. The successful synthesis of poly(esterurethane)s is confirmed by Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy, and the thermal properties are studied by differential scanning calorimetry. These novel materials exhibit glass transition temperatures ranging from 7 to 38 °C. The biodegradability of these elastomers is evaluated by enzymatic degradation tests performed at rt in phosphate buffer solution (pH ≈ 7.4). The mass loss of polymer films is around 3% after 4 weeks. Scan electron as well as atomic force microscopies are used to show the degradation patterns.
Phosgene‐Free Synthesis of Poly(l‐cysteine) Containing Styrene Moiety as a Reactive Function
Authors: Akbulut Huseyin , Yamada Shuhei , Endo Takeshi
Published: July 2017

A novel approach toward the synthesis of N‐carboxyanhydride precursor available for postpolymerization modification has been developed through a phosgene‐free method offering a safer and green way to obtain peptide monomers under exceptionally mild reaction conditions. The homo and co‐polypeptide bearing a reactive styrene moiety are prepared through the polycondensation of N‐phenoxycarbonyl derivative of 4‐vinylbenzyl‐l‐cysteine (NPC‐Cys(VBn)) with the elimination of phenol and CO2 while varying the feed ratio to the primary amine initiator to give the corresponding polypeptides without any degradation of styrene moieties. The postpolymerization modification of styrene moiety is carried out by a radical addition or thiol–ene (photo) click reaction using 1,4‐bis(3‐mercaptobutylyloxy) butane, leading to the formation of a cross‐linked polypeptide. The prepolymerization modification of NPC‐Cys(VBn) by a click reaction with benzyl mercaptan as a model compound also demonstrates the side‐chain functionalization to make a new monomer for polypeptide synthesis.
Universal Bioinert Control of Polystyrene Interfaces via Hydrophobic‐Driven Self‐Assembled Surface PEGylation with a Well‐Defined Block Sequence
Authors: Yeh Chih‐Chen , Venault Antoine , Yeh Lu‐Chen , Chinnathambi Arunachalam , Alharbi Sulaiman Ali , Higuchi Akon , Chang Yung
Published: July 2017

This work proposes a new molecular insight of interfacial design in the control of antifouling performance for the versatile biofoulants, including proteins, blood cells, tissue cells, and bacteria. A self‐assembled bioinert interface with universal fouling resistance to general biofoulants via hydrophobic‐driven surface PEGylation is presented. The study systematically discriminates the optimum PEGylated block polymer configuration and hydrophobic/hydrophilic segmental ratio enabling to optimize the surface coverage by the bioinert moieties, thus ensuring the best resistance to biofouling. For similar copolymer molecular weights and similar polystyrene (PS)/poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (PEGMA), the coating density obtainable is the highest if a random copolymer is used, while it is the lowest with a triblock copolymer. That measured with a diblock copolymer lies in between. Random copolymers offer more numerous anchoring possibilities than diblock copolymers, while they are importantly fewer if triblock copolymers are used. For similar total number of hydrophilic blocks, the diblock copolymer is more efficient to resist larger cells (leukocytes, fibroblasts) while the triblock is better to promote mitigate biofouling by smaller molecules or cells (proteins, platelets, red blood cells). The length of the hydrophilic PEGylated block seems to dominate fouling resistance of large biofoulants.
In Situ Gold Nanoparticle Gradient Formation in a 3D Meso‐ and Macroporous Polymer Matrix
Authors: Penders Jelle , Rajasekharan Anand K. , Hulander Mats , Andersson Martin
Published: July 2017

Herein, the development and characterization of a 3D gradient structure of gold nanoparticles is described. The gradient of gold nanoparticles is made in situ in a macroporous nonionic block copolymer hydrogel matrix, through gold ion diffusion control. The polymer provides a matrix for diffusion of gold ions, acts as a template for controlling nanoparticle growth, and facilitates the in situ reduction of gold ions to gold nanoparticles. A clear gradient in gold nanoparticles is observed across the 3D space of the polymer matrix using scanning electron microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The particle gradient is further functionalized with both hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups via thiol‐gold linkage to demonstrate the ability to form gradients with different chemical functionalities. Using additive manufacturing, the polymer can also be printed as a porous network with possible applications for 3D cell culturing in, e.g., biomaterials research.
Specially Treated Aramid Fiber Stabilized Gel‐Emulsions: Preparation of Porous Polymeric Monoliths and Highly Efficient Removing of Airborne HCHO
Authors: Liu Jianfei , Chen Xiangli , Wang Pei , Fu Xuwei , Liu Kaiqiang , Fang Yu
Published: July 2017

Porous polymeric monoliths with densities as low as ≈0.060 g cm−3 are prepared in a gel‐emulsion template way, of which the stabilizer employed is a newly discovered acidified aramid fiber that is so efficient that 0.05% (w/v, accounts for continuous phase) is enough to gel the system. The porous monoliths as obtained can be dried at ambient conditions, avoiding energy‐consuming processes. Importantly, the monoliths show selective adsorption to HCHO, and the corresponding adsorption capacity (M6) is ≈2700 mg g−1, the best result that is reported until now. More importantly, the monoliths can be reused after drying.
Extension of the Method of Moments in Nonlinear Free Radical Polymerization
Authors: Bachmann Rolf
Published: July 2017

The method of moments is a simple, efficient method simulating polymerization processes. Its use is said to be limited in nonlinear free radical polymerizations with branching or crosslinking due to the assumptions needed. Here, moment equations are derived without assuming steady state, one radical per molecule, or a statistical distribution of connections. Equations are valid up to the gel point. The bulk solution is formally identical to the pseudo kinetic approach by Tobita and Hamielec if moments of dead polymer are replaced by the sum of dead and life polymers. The method relies on analytical solutions of the moments of the molecular weight distributions (MWD) of instantaneous primary chains. In emulsion polymerization compartmentalization of radicals complicates the calculation. An alternative approximation of these MWDs is presented. The present extension allows nonlinear free radical polymerization to be readily included in the computer based design and optimization of polymerization processes and to check more detailed calculations of the MWD.

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Toward an Understanding of Structural Insights of Xanthine and Aldehyde Oxidases: An Overview of their Inhibitors and Role in Various Diseases
Authors: Kumar Raj , Joshi Gaurav , Kler Harveen , Kalra Sourav , Kaur Manpreet , Arya Ramandeep
Published: July 2017

Almost all drug molecules become the substrates for oxidoreductase enzymes, get metabolized into more hydrophilic products and eliminated from the body. These metabolites sometime may be more potent, active, inactive, or toxic in nature compared to parent molecule. Xanthine oxidoreductase and aldehyde oxidase belong to molybdenum containing family and are well characterized for their structures and functions, in particular to their ability to oxidize/hydroxylate the xenobiotics. Their upregulated clinical levels causing oxidative stress are associated with pathways either directly involved in the progression of diseases, gout, or indirectly with the succession of other diseases such as diabetes, cancer, etc. Herein, we have put forth a comprehensive review on the xanthine and aldehyde oxidases pertaining to their structures, functions, pathophysiological role, and a comparative analysis of structural insights of xanthine and aldehyde oxidases’ binding domains with endogenous ligands or inhibitors. Though both the enzymes are molybdenum containing and are likely to share some common pathways and interact with inhibitors in a similar manner but we have focused on structural prerequisites for inhibitor specificity to both the enzymes keeping in view of the existing X‐ray structures. This review also provides futuristic implications in the design of inhibitors derived from inorganic complexes or small organic molecules considering the spatial features and structural insights of both the enzymes.
Bogdanov‐Takens bifurcations of codimensions 2 and 3 in a Leslie‐Gower predator‐prey model with Michaelis‐Menten–type prey harvesting
Authors: Kong Lei , Zhu Changrong
Published: July 2017

The Bogdanov‐Takens bifurcations of a Leslie‐Gower predator‐prey model with Michaelis‐Menten–type prey harvesting were studied. In the paper “Diff. Equ. Dyn. Syst. 20(2012), 339‐366,” Gupta et al proved that the Leslie‐Gower predator‐prey model with Michaelis‐Menten–type prey harvesting has rich dynamics. Some equilibria of codimension 1 and their bifurcations were discussed. In this paper, we find that the model has an equilibrium of codimensions 2 and 3. We also prove analytically that the model undergoes Bogdanov‐Takens bifurcations (cusp cases) of codimensions 2 and 3. Hence, the model can have 2 limit cycles, coexistence of a stable homoclinic loop and an unstable limit cycle, supercritical and subcritical Hopf bifurcations, and homoclinic bifurcation of codimension 1 as the values of parameters vary. Moreover, several numerical simulations are conducted to illustrate the validity of our results.
Self‐reported toileting behaviors in employed women: Are they associated with lower urinary tract symptoms?
Authors: Palmer Mary H. , Willis‐Gray Marcella G. , Zhou Fang , Newman Diane K. , Wu Jennifer M.
Published: July 2017

Aims

To describe toileting behaviors working women habitually use and investigate behaviors associated with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), especially urinary urgency with or without leakage.

Methods

Non‐pregnant female employees of a large academic medical center 18 years and over were eligible to complete an online survey about bladder health and toileting behaviors.

Results

One hundred eighty‐two women participated in the survey. The majority were white (83.52%), married (52.49%), had ≥1 pregnancy (54.40%), and in excellent health (93.41%). The average age and body mass index were 47.28 ± 13.56 years and 27.92 ± 6.78, respectively. The sample was further sub‐divided into two groups: urinary urgency (N = 119) or no urinary urgency symptoms (N = 51). Habitual toileting behaviors for these groups (N = 170) included: sitting to urinate at home (98.24%), emptying the bladder completely (88.82%), emptying the bladder before leaving home (80.00%), and sitting to urinate when away from home (68.82%). Logistic regression analysis showed age increased the odds of urinary urgency (aOR 1.06, 95%CI 1.02‐1.09). Women who waited too long to urinate at work (aOR 7.85, 95%CI 1.57‐39.24) and wore panty liners for urinary leakage (aOR 2.86, 95%CI 1.25‐6.56) had greater odds of urinary urgency than women who did neither.

Conclusions

Most habitual toileting behaviors were not associated with urinary urgency except waiting too long to urinate when at work. Logistic regression revealed significant relationships among health‐related factors, personal characteristics, behaviors, and urinary urgency. LUTS in women is both a women's health and occupational health issue.
A partitioned second‐order method for magnetohydrodynamic flows at small magnetic reynolds numbers
Authors: Rong Yao , Hou Yanren
Published: July 2017

This article aims to study the partitioned method for magnetohydrodynamic flows at small magnetic Reynolds numbers. We design a partitioned second‐order method and show that this method is stable under a time step
() restrict condition. Our method can decouple the magnetohydrodynamic equations so that we can solve two relatively simple subproblems separately at each time step, which is computationally economic. A complete theoretical analysis of error estimates is also given. Finally, we present numerical experiments to support our theory.© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 33: 1966–1986, 2017
Adaptive pseudo‐transient‐continuation‐Galerkin methods for semilinear elliptic partial differential equations
Authors: Amrein Mario , Wihler Thomas P.
Published: July 2017

In this article, we investigate the application of pseudo‐transient‐continuation (PTC) schemes for the numerical solution of semilinear elliptic partial differential equations, with possible singular perturbations. We will outline a residual reduction analysis within the framework of general Hilbert spaces, and, subsequently, use the PTC‐methodology in the context of finite element discretizations of semilinear boundary value problems. Our approach combines both a prediction‐type PTC‐method (for infinite dimensional problems) and an adaptive finite element discretization (based on a robust a posteriori residual analysis), thereby leading to a fully adaptive PTC ‐Galerkin scheme. Numerical experiments underline the robustness and reliability of the proposed approach for different examples.© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 33: 2005–2022, 2017
An adaptive wavelet space‐time SUPG method for hyperbolic conservation laws
Authors: Minbashian Hadi , Adibi Hojatolah , Dehghan Mehdi
Published: July 2017

This article concerns with incorporating wavelet bases into existing streamline upwind Petrov‐Galerkin (SUPG) methods for the numerical solution of nonlinear hyperbolic conservation laws which are known to develop shock solutions. Here, we utilize an SUPG formulation using continuous Galerkin in space and discontinuous Galerkin in time. The main motivation for such a combination is that these methods have good stability properties thanks to adding diffusion in the direction of streamlines. But they are more expensive than explicit semidiscrete methods as they have to use space‐time formulations. Using wavelet bases we maintain the stability properties of SUPG methods while we reduce the cost of these methods significantly through natural adaptivity of wavelet expansions. In addition, wavelet bases have a hierarchical structure. We use this property to numerically investigate the hierarchical addition of an artificial diffusion for further stabilization in spirit of spectral diffusion. Furthermore, we add the hierarchical diffusion only in the vicinity of discontinuities using the feature of wavelet bases in detection of location of discontinuities. Also, we again use the last feature of the wavelet bases to perform a postprocessing using a denosing technique based on a minimization formulation to reduce Gibbs oscillations near discontinuities while keeping other regions intact. Finally, we show the performance of the proposed combination through some numerical examples including Burgers’, transport, and wave equations as well as systems of shallow water equations.© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 33: 2062–2089, 2017
Evaluation of mechanical, thermal, electrical, and transport properties of MWCNT‐filled NR/NBR blend composites
Authors: Thomas Saliney , George Soney C. , Thomas Sabu
Published: July 2017

Carbon nanotube based polymer nanocomposites found versatile applications and hence studying its reinforcing effect on NR/NBR blend system is a promising step in developing flexible elastomer gadgets. In this study, attempts have been made to prepare multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)‐filled nanocomposites of NR/NBR blends. Raman spectra and transmission electron microscopic analysis indicate that there has been a finer and uniform dispersion of carbon nanotubes within the polymer matrix. Mechanical properties like tensile strength, tear resistance, abrasion loss and compression set of pure and blend samples showed an improvement with the increase in the dosage of MWCNT from 0.5 to 4 phr. 70/30 NR/NBR blend with 4 phr of MWCNT showed an improvement of 83% in tensile strength and 72% in tear strength compared to pure NBR. This is attributed to the uniform dispersion, high surface area, nano level interaction, and compatibility of MWCNT with the polymeric molecular chains. MWCNT is acting as a compatibilizing agent as is manifest from the increased negative values of free energy. Electrical conduction and thermal stability of the mixes were increased with the concentration of MWCNT due to the increase in the interfacial interaction resulting from the pi‐pi interaction with the nanotubes. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:961–972, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Collaborative Counseling Considerations for Pharmacogenomic Tests
Authors: Zierhut Heather A. , Campbell Colleen A. , Mitchell Allison G. , Lemke Amy A. , Mills Rachel , Bishop Jeffrey R.
Published: July 2017

Increased use of pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing in the clinical setting has revealed a number of challenges to providing this service. PGx is an important component of precision medicine that brings together the fields of genetics and clinical pharmacology. A model that incorporates a multidisciplinary approach to implementation and information delivery may be the most beneficial to patients and providers. In this review, translational considerations in the provision of PGx testing and counseling services are described. Specifically, we report on the selection of PGx tests, the provision of patient education and counseling, and examples of PGx service delivery models that incorporate counseling by pharmacists and genetic counselors. Examples of ancillary risks associated with PGx testing, testing of children, and familial implications of testing are reviewed. Through multispecialty partnerships, including genetic counselors and pharmacists, implementation obstacles to PGx testing can be overcome to provide quality precision medicine to patients.
Warfarin Pharmacogenomics in Diverse Populations
Authors: Kaye Justin B. , Schultz Lauren E. , Steiner Heidi E. , Kittles Rick A. , Cavallari Larisa H. , Karnes Jason H.
Published: July 2017

Genotype‐guided warfarin dosing algorithms are a rational approach to optimize warfarin dosing and potentially reduce adverse drug events. Diverse populations, such as African Americans and Latinos, have greater variability in warfarin dose requirements and are at greater risk for experiencing warfarin‐related adverse events compared with individuals of European ancestry. Although these data suggest that patients of diverse populations may benefit from improved warfarin dose estimation, the vast majority of literature on genotype‐guided warfarin dosing, including data from prospective randomized trials, is in populations of European ancestry. Despite differing frequencies of variants by race/ethnicity, most evidence in diverse populations evaluates variants that are most common in populations of European ancestry. Algorithms that do not include variants important across race/ethnic groups are unlikely to benefit diverse populations. In some race/ethnic groups, development of race‐specific or admixture‐based algorithms may facilitate improved genotype‐guided warfarin dosing algorithms above and beyond that seen in individuals of European ancestry. These observations should be considered in the interpretation of literature evaluating the clinical utility of genotype‐guided warfarin dosing. Careful consideration of race/ethnicity and additional evidence focused on improving warfarin dosing algorithms across race/ethnic groups will be necessary for successful clinical implementation of warfarin pharmacogenomics. The evidence for warfarin pharmacogenomics has a broad significance for pharmacogenomic testing, emphasizing the consideration of race/ethnicity in discovery of gene–drug pairs and development of clinical recommendations for pharmacogenetic testing.
Use of a technology‐enhanced version of the good behavior game in an elementary school setting
Authors: Lynne Shauna , Radley Keith C. , Dart Evan H. , Tingstrom Daniel H. , Barry Christopher T. , Lum John D. K.
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a variation of the Good Behavior Game (GBG) in which teachers used ClassDojo to manage each team's progress. ClassDojo is a computer‐based program that enables teachers to award students with points for demonstrating target behaviors. Dependent variables included class‐wide disruptive and academically engaged behavior, teachers’ ratings on the Behavior Intervention Rating Scale (BIRS), and the rate of teacher praise statements delivered in each phase. Overall, results indicated that the GBG with ClassDojo was effective at reducing disruptive behavior, increasing academically engaged behavior, and was rated as socially valid. Additionally, when the intervention was in place, increases in the amount of behavior‐specific praise statements delivered were observed across all three classrooms.
Tausendmal genauer
Authors: Tamm Christian , Peik Ekkehard
Published: July 2017

Optische Uhren nutzen die Anregung eines optischen Referenzübergangs mit kleiner natürlicher Linienbreite in gespeicherten und lasergekühlten Atomen oder Ionen als „Pendel“. Bei Einzelionenuhren wird ein Ion in einer Hochfrequenzfalle gefangen, in einer Gitteruhr viele neutrale Atome in einem optischen Stehwellenfeld. Die erreichbare Genauigkeit hängt davon ab, wie gut verschiedene Störungen der Übergangsfrequenz unterdrückt oder korrigiert werden können. Gegenwärtig gibt es drei Systeme mit einer evaluierten systematischen Relativunsicherheit unterhalb von 1 ⋅ 10−17. Vergleichsmessungen mit hochgenauen optischen Uhren tragen zur Weiterentwicklung grundlegender physikalischer Theorien und der Metrologie bei. Die Vernetzung mehrerer optischer Uhren durch faseroptische Übertragungsstrecken führt auch zu neuen Anwendungen wie die relativistische Geodäsie.
Das Beben im Eis
Authors: Walter Fabian
Published: July 2017

Mit der Seismologie hat sich in wenigen Jahren eine wichtige Nische in der Messtechnik der Glaziologie aufgetan. Da mit Seismometern Prozesse überwacht werden können, die anderen Messmethoden weitgehend verborgen sind, sind sie nicht mehr aus modernen Feldversuchen wegzudenken. Ergebnisse haben gezeigt, dass das Gletschergleiten nicht nur ein gleichmäßiger und langsamer Prozess ist, sondern ähnlich wie bei Erdbeben auch ruckartig stattfindet. Beim Detektieren von Gletscherkalben bietet die Seismologie eine extrem hohe zeitliche Auflösung. Auch hydraulische Prozesse unter der Eisoberfläche können erstmalig nahezu in Echtzeit mitverfolgt werden. Weitere Erkenntnisse in der Gletscherseismologie werden somit zu unserem Verständnis in der Klimaforschung und über Naturgefahren, die von der Kryosphäre ausgehen, beitragen.
Tanz der Laserpulse
Authors: Herink Georg , Kurtz Felix , Ropers Claus
Published: July 2017

Solitonen sind Wellenpakete, die sich ohne Änderung ihrer Form ausbreiten können. Sie finden sich in einer Vielzahl physikalischer Systeme, in der Laserphysik bilden sie die Grundlage für die kürzesten und intensivsten Laserblitze. Vor kurzem hat unser deutsch‐amerikanisches Forscherteam eine schnelle Messtechnik genutzt, um die Bildung und innere Dynamik von Paaren solcher Solitonen, sogenannter Soliton‐Moleküle, im Inneren eines Lasers zu beobachten.
Eine App misst im Trüben
Authors: Schäfer Matthias , Ulber Roland , Kuhn Jochen , Wilhelm Thomas
Published: July 2017

Färbungen oder Trübungen von Flüssigkeiten lassen sich mit Photometern messen. Herkömmliche Geräte sind jedoch teuer. Eine kostengünstige und vielseitige Alternative bietet das hier vorgestellte Smartphone‐Photometer mit der zugehörigen App VTsensor.
Wettability control on microstructured polypropylene surfaces by means of O2 plasma
Authors: Lafuente Marta , Martínez Elena , Pellejero Ismael , del Carmen Artal María , del Pilar Pina María
Published: July 2017

Durable and wear resistant polypropylene surfaces with static contact angle (SCA) above 140° have been fabricated using standard photolithographic process and O2 plasma etching followed by thermal annealing at 100 °C. This microfabrication process leads to a hierarchical topography derived from the patterned microstructures and the sub‐micron roughness caused by plasma. Hydrophobicity (SCA up to 145°) remained over 14 months after fabrication. This wetting behavior is attributed to the combination of the periodic array of micro‐sized pillars with low aspect‐ratio and the submicron roughness caused by O2 plasma.
AlN/GaN HEMTs grown by MBE and MOCVD: Impact of Al distribution
Authors: Godejohann Birte‐Julia , Ture Erdin , Müller Stefan , Prescher Mario , Kirste Lutz , Aidam Rolf , Polyakov Vladimir , Brückner Peter , Breuer Steffen , Köhler Klaus , Quay Rüdiger , Ambacher Oliver
Published: July 2017

Binary AlN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) were grown by plasma‐assisted molecular beam epitaxy (PA‐MBE) as well as metal‐organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) and compared with regard to their structural and electrical properties. The investigated structures differ in Al distribution and composition of the AlN barrier due to characteristic differences of the two growth methods such as growth temperature and interface sharpness. While we observe a nearly pure AlN layer and an abrupt interface for MBE growth, a graded “AlN” barrier with a significant amount of Ga is found for the MOCVD grown structures which is reflected by the electrical properties of the HEMT structures. Si‐implanted ohmic contacts were formed on MBE as well as MOCVD grown structures. The activation anneal step subsequent to implantation at temperatures ∼1100 °C changes the observed Al profiles of MBE structures and damages the active region, whereas MOCVD samples react insensitively and thus were able to be further processed. A maximum drain current of ∼1.46 A mm−1 at a gate source voltage of +3 V is observed for the processed devices. A current‐gain cut‐off frequency of 89 GHz and maximum oscillation frequency of 208 GHz were measured, which demonstrate an excellent small‐signal performance of AlN/GaN devices with 100 nm gate length.
Effectiveness verification of the hybrid free‐fall test
Authors: Piao Meishu , Saito Katsuhiko , Kawaguchi Kazuaki , Zhong Chen
Published: July 2017

Free‐fall tests are generally conducted as the last verification step in the cushioning package design process. However, in practice, design requirements are often not met in a single pass of verification testing and two or three repetitions of the ‘design and test’ steps are typically required, necessitating significant amounts of labour and material resources. Therefore, if the product is a prototype or an expensive product, repeated testing is difficult due to the limited quantity or high cost of samples. For such cases, a new method called the ‘hybrid free‐fall test’ is proposed for preventing damage to a tested product. Using this method, the peak shock acceleration occurring during a target (high) free‐fall height test can be predicted using the data from a safety free‐fall height test. The packaged product is usually conceptually modelled to assist in packaging research, and so far, several physical models have been proposed. In this study, we review one such model, the friction‐viscous damping model, and propose a new prediction method for the hybrid free‐fall test in which a reconsidered friction‐viscous damping model is applied. Furthermore, we used expanded polyethylene and structured corrugated sleeve cushioning materials for verification and considered an effective physical model for each cushioning material.
Children's conceptions of sampling in local ecosystems investigations
Authors: Lehrer Richard , Schauble Leona
Published: July 2017

This study describes how students’ intuitions about sampling are informed by extended experiences in investigating local ecosystems. Elementary students in a rural/suburban district in the upper midwest spent a year conducting first‐hand comparative field studies of nearby ponds, prairies, and forests. At the close of the term, we conducted task‐based interviews with 26 students at Grades 1/2, 3, and 6 to explore their understanding of the nature and role of samples, particular forms of sampling practices in the field, and the ways in which samples and sampling practices influenced their knowledge about ecosystems. Interviews, which lasted from 60–90 minutes each, were conducted individually. Interviews were designed to address parallel topics at each grade level, although questions were couched in the specific ecosystems investigated by students at their respective grades. Across grades, interview responses reflected transitions in students’ understanding of: the concept of a sample, ways to construct a sample, potential sources of sample bias, roles of cause and chance in explaining variability in a sample, ideas about growing sample size, and how to coordinate sample representativeness and sampling variability
Improved estimation of the cumulative incidence of rare outcomes
Authors: Benkeser David , Carone Marco , Gilbert Peter B.
Published: July 2017

Studying the incidence of rare events is both scientifically important and statistically challenging. When few events are observed, standard survival analysis estimators behave erratically, particularly if covariate adjustment is necessary. In these settings, it is possible to improve upon existing estimators by considering estimation in a bounded statistical model. This bounded model incorporates existing scientific knowledge about the incidence of an event in the population. Estimators that are guaranteed to agree with existing scientific knowledge on event incidence may exhibit superior behavior relative to estimators that ignore this knowledge. Focusing on the setting of competing risks, we propose estimators of cumulative incidence that are guaranteed to respect a bounded model and show that when few events are observed, the proposed estimators offer improvements over existing estimators in bias and variance. We illustrate the proposed estimators using data from a recent preventive HIV vaccine efficacy trial. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatial small area smoothing models for handling survey data with nonresponse
Authors: Watjou K. , Faes C. , Lawson A. , Kirby R. S. , Aregay M. , Carroll R. , Vandendijck Y.
Published: July 2017

Spatial smoothing models play an important role in the field of small area estimation. In the context of complex survey designs, the use of design weights is indispensable in the estimation process. Recently, efforts have been made in these spatial smoothing models, in order to obtain reliable estimates of the spatial trend. However, the concept of missing data remains a prevalent problem in the context of spatial trend estimation as estimates are potentially subject to bias. In this paper, we focus on spatial health surveys where the available information consists of a binary response and its associated design weight. Furthermore, we investigate the impact of nonresponse as missing data on a range of spatial models for different missingness mechanisms and different degrees of missingness by means of an extensive simulation study. The computations were performed in R, using INLA and other existing packages. The results show that weight adjustment to correct for missingness has a beneficial effect on the bias in the missing at random setting for all models. Furthermore, we estimate the geographical distribution of perceived health at the district level based on the Belgian Health Interview Survey (2001). Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Emergence of Gold‐Mesoporous Silica Hybrid Nanotheranostics: Dox‐Encoded, Folate Targeted Chemotherapy with Modulation of SERS Fingerprinting for Apoptosis Toward Tumor Eradication
Authors: Ramya Adukkadan N. , Joseph Manu M. , Maniganda Santhi , Karunakaran Varsha , T. T. Sreelekha , Maiti Kaustabh Kumar
Published: July 2017

Strategically fabricated theranostic nanocarrier delivery system is an unmet need in personalized medicine. Herein, this study reports a versatile folate receptor (FR) targeted nanoenvelope delivery system (TNEDS) fabricated with gold core silica shell followed by chitosan–folic acid conjugate surface functionalization by for precise loading of doxorubicin (Dox), resembled as Au@SiO2‐Dox‐CS‐FA. TNEDS possesses up to 90% Dox loading efficiency and internalized through endocytosis pathway leading to pH and redox‐sensitive release kinetics. The superior FR‐targeted cytotoxicity is evaluated by the nanocarrier in comparison with US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved liposomal Dox conjugate, Lipodox. Moreover, TNEDS exhibits theranostic features through caspase‐mediated apoptosis and envisages high surface plasmon resonance enabling the nanoconstruct as a promising surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanotag. Minuscule changes in the biochemical components inside cells exerted by the TNEDS along with the Dox release are evaluated explicitly in a time‐dependent fashion using bimodal SERS/fluorescence nanoprobe. Finally, TNEDS displays superior antitumor response in FR‐positive ascites as well as solid tumor syngraft mouse models. Therefore, this futuristic TNEDS is expected to be a potential alternative as a clinically relevant theranostic nanomedicine to effectively combat neoplasia.
The local response of El Niño events and changing disease distribution in Tanzania
Authors: Reynolds Rachael , Cavan Gina , Cresswell Mark
Published: July 2017

Climate is a key determinant of a number of disease pathogen lifecycles and disease transmission processes, particularly within tropical climates such as that experienced in Tanzania. Over recent decades, climate‐related diseases such as malaria, chikungunya and bacterial meningitis have shown notable changes in their spatial distribution, with instances of both re‐emergence and expansion beyond previously known boundaries being recorded. The unpredicted change in disease distribution already experienced in Tanzania has placed a significant burden on health systems and available resources, and whilst a number of factors are involved, climate remains the least understood aspect within epidemiological changes. Here we examine how climate extremes – particularly El Niño events – influence key environmental and climatic elements which promote epidemiological expansion.

This study investigates the baseline climatology in five of Tanzania’s varying climatological regions using the Met Office MIDAS dataset for the period 1985–1995. Its aim is to characterise the average climate and investigate the impacts of El Niño on the climatology of these regions, and to explore associated changes in disease distribution to allow identification, in the present, of changes which are anticipated to occur in the future to be put into context. The years 1997 and 2015 are used to examine the climate extremes imposed by El Niño events through statistical comparison methods. The results demonstrate that average climate conditions vary beyond previously documented observations, with each region of Tanzania responding differently to the onset of El Niño, thus potentially promoting a spatially variable disease response. These results are particularly marked for areas of greater climatic and environmental sensitivity within Tanzania. Once further understood, knowledge of this relationship could be applied to more local analysis and aid in predicting future outbreaks within Tanzania.
Power output and fatigue properties using spatially distributed sequential stimulation in a dynamic knee extension task
Authors: Laubacher Marco , Aksöz Anil Efe , Riener Robert , Binder-Macleod Stuart , Hunt Kenneth J.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The low power output and fatigue resistance during functional electrical stimulation (FES) limits its use for functional applications. The aim of this study was to compare the power output and fatigue properties of spatially distributed sequential stimulation (SDSS) against conventional single electrode stimulation (SES) in an isokinetic knee extension task simulating knee movement during recumbent cycling.

Methods

M. vastus lateralis and m. vastus medialis of eight able-bodied subjects were stimulated for 6 min on both legs with both setups. In the SES setup, target muscles were each stimulated by a pair of electrodes. In SDSS, four small electrodes replaced the SES active electrodes, but reference electrodes were the same. Torque was measured during knee extension movement by a dynamometer at an angular velocity of 110°/s. Mean power (Pmean) was calculated from stimulated extensions for the first 10 extensions, the final 20 extensions and overall. Fatigue is presented as an index, calculated as the decrease with respect to initial power.

Results

Pmean was significantly higher for SDSS than for SES in the final phase (9.9 ± 4.0 vs. 7.4 ± 4.3 W, p = 0.035) and overall (11.5 ± 4.0 vs. 9.2 ± 4.5 W, p =  0.037). With SDSS, the reduction in Pmean was significantly smaller compared to SES (from 14.9 to 9.9 vs. 14.6 to 7.4 W, p = 0.024). The absolute mean pulse width was substantially lower with SDSS (62.5 vs. 90.0 µs).

Conclusion

Although less stimulation was applied, SDSS showed a significantly higher mean power output than SES. SDSS also had improved fatigue resistance when compared to conventional stimulation. The SDSS approach may provide substantial performance benefits for cyclical FES applications.
Improved survival for sequentially as opposed to concurrently delivered neoadjuvant chemotherapy in non-metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Vriens B. E. P. J. , Vriens I. J. H. , Aarts M. J. B. , van Gastel S. M. , van den Berkmortel F. W. P. J. , Smilde T. J. , van Warmerdam L. J. C. , van Spronsen D. J. , Peer P. G. M. , de Boer M. , Tjan-Heijnen V. C. G. ,   on behalf of the Breast Cancer Trialists’ Group of the Netherlands (BOOG)
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The INTENS study was designed to determine whether delivering neoadjuvant chemotherapy at a higher dose in a shorter period of time improves outcome of breast cancer patients.

Methods

Women with newly diagnosed breast cancer were randomly assigned to neoadjuvant chemotherapy consisting of four cycles of doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide followed by four cycles of docetaxel (AC 60/600–T 100 mg/m2) or six cycles of TAC as triplet chemotherapy (75/50/500 mg/m2) every 3 weeks. The primary outcome was the pathologic complete response (pCR), with disease-free and overall survival as secondary endpoints.

Results

In total, 201 patients were included. The pCR rates were 28% for patients treated with AC-T and 19% for patients treated with TAC, with an odds ratio of 1.60 (95% CI 0.90–3.21). With a median follow-up of 6 years (range 0.04–8.41 years), the five-year disease-free survival was 81% for patients treated with sequentially AC-T and 71% for patients treated with concurrent triplet TAC chemotherapy with a stratified hazard ratio (HR) of 0.50 (95% CI 0.29–0.86). Five-year overall survival was 84% versus 76%, respectively, with a stratified HR of 0.55 (95% CI 0.29–1.03).

Conclusions

No differences were observed between the two treatment arms with respect to pCR rate, but the sequentially delivered chemotherapy outperformed the triplet combination chemotherapy in terms of survival, despite a lower cumulative dose per agent. GOV nr NCT00314977.
Discriminant validity of spatial and temporal postural index in children with neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Bucci Maria Pia , Goulème Nathalie , Stordeur Coline , Acquaviva Eric , Scheid Isabelle , Lefebvre Aline , Gerard Christophe‐Loïc , Peyre Hugo , Delorme Richard
Published: July 2017

Autism, learning disabilities and attention deficit/hyperactive disorder are often comorbid disorders. In order to try and find some markers that might be transnosographic, we hypothesized that abnormal postural sway profiles may discriminate children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) from typically developing children. The aim of our study was thus to compare spatial and temporal measures of the Center of Pressure in three distinct groups of children with NDDs (high functioning autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities (dyslexia) and attention deficit/hyperactive disorders) and in typically developing children. Postural performances were thus evaluated in 92 children (23 per group, sex‐, age‐ and IQ‐matched groups) by using the Multitest Equilibre platform (Framiral®). Two viewing conditions (eyes open and eyes closed) were tested on a stable and unstable platform.

Results reported similar poor postural instability for the three groups of children with NDDs with respect to the typically developing children, and this was observed for both spatial as well as temporal analysis of displacement of the center of pressure.

Such postural instability observed in children with NDDs could be due to impairment in using sensorial inputs to eliminate body sway, probably due to poor cerebellar integration.