bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fractura de clavícula distal con cortical superior indemne: cirugía mínimamente invasiva
Authors: Liendo Rodrigo , Contreras Julio , Beltrán Manuel , Diaz Cristóbal , Manosalvas Daniel , Lecaros Juan , Azocar Camila , Soza Francisco
Published: December 2017

Introducción Las fracturas de clavícula distal desplazadas son manejadas generalmente de manera quirúrgica dada la alta probabilidad de no-unión con el tratamiento ortopédico. El propósito de este trabajo es evaluar el uso del sistema de fijación con doble botón cortical para la reducción y estabilización de la fractura de clavícula distal que presenten indemnidad de la cortical superior.

Métodos Estudio retrospectivo observacional clínico-imagenológico de pacientes con fractura desplazada de clavícula distal operados con técnica mínimamente invasiva mediante reducción con sistema de fijación con doble botón cortical. Se describe como criterio radiológico de “Cortical Superior Indemne (CSI)” la presencia del rasgo de fractura a 1cm o más, hacia distal desde el tubérculo conoide, identificándose ese criterio como característica necesaria para la indicación del tratamiento propuesto. Se describen las complicaciones post-operatorias, progresión radiológica y resultados funcionales.

Resultados 21 pacientes fueron tratados con esa técnica con un seguimiento promedio de 23,4 meses. No hubo casos de no unión, infección o herida dehiscente y ningún paciente requirió el retiro del dispositivo. Se encontró un Simple Shoulder Test (SST) promedio de 79,4 (66 - 91,7) y QuickDASH de 11 (6,8 - 15,9). El 87,5% de las fracturas desplazadas de clavícula distal tenían indemnidad de la cortical superior.

Conclusión La técnica mínimamente invasiva para la reducción y fijación de la fractura de clavícula distal desplazada con botones corticales es una alternativa simple, reproducible, con pocas complicaciones y excelentes resultados funcionales.

Nivel de Evidencia: Nivel IV.
Excessive Cry in a 5-Month-Old Infant Possibly due to Abdominal Epilepsy
Authors: Majumdar Sumit , Chakrabartty Subroto , Chakravarti Swati , Roy Soumya
Published: December 2017

Excessive and unexplained cry is a common problem with infants. Most of the causes are benign or easily treatable, with exception of a few. However, we encountered a 5-month-old, otherwise healthy male infant, who used to cry inconsolably every day on the afternoon for about 3 hours and then used to fall asleep. This had been going on for the last 6 weeks. After waking up, infant seemed perfectly normal. History, physical examination, and routine investigations failed to diagnose the cause. An electroencephalogram showed epileptic abnormalities. The “crying episodes” disappeared after starting phenobarbitone. Although two of the four criteria for diagnosis of abdominal epilepsy (AE) are impossible to be met in an infant of this age (because he cannot speak out his ailments whether he is having abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, etc.); still we believe that this was a case of AE. Various case reports have stated that “sustained response to anticonvulsants has been accepted as one of the criteria for the diagnosis of AE.” We suggest AE to be kept in mind even when dealing with an infant of unresolved excessive crying.
Osteomyelitis and Arthritis by Atypical Mycobacteria in Children: Three Cases
Authors: Aquino Joana , Lemos Sónia , Balacó Inês , Matos Gabriel , Rocha Graça , Salgado Manuel
Published: December 2017

Introduction Osteoarticular infections caused by atypical mycobacteria are uncommon, with osteitis being more common and arthritis being rare. We describe two cases of subacute osteomyelitis and one of chronic osteomyelitis with arthritis.

Case Reports Three boys, aged between 7 and 20 months. Clinical presentations: case 1—swelling of right forearm; case 2—limping and swelling of right hallux; case 3—pain and restriction of motion of right lower limb with effusion. None had fever. All had received Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) and none had contact with tuberculosis. All had thrombocytosis, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate was between 17 and 44 mm/1st hour. All had osteolytic lesions on X-ray with a sclerotic halo and swelling of the surrounding soft tissues, and invasion of the metaphysis and/or epiphysis. Bone histopathological studies revealed granulomatous inflammation or epithelioid cells in all cases. Microbiological identification was positive by culture in one case (Mycobacterium bovis) and by polymerase chain reaction in two cases (Mycobacterium spp. and M. avium). Immunodeficiency screening was negative in all cases. All were treated with antituberculous agents and made good clinical and radiological recoveries.

Discussion Osteolytic lesions should raise suspicion of mycobacterial infection, including BCG vaccine, particularly in the presence of granulomatous inflammation. The prognosis was favorable in all patients. Although immune deficits were not identified in any of our three patients, it should be routinely tested for in such cases.
Effect of Obesity on Total Knee Arthroplasty Costs and Revision Rate
Authors: Roche Martin , Law Tsun , Rosas Samuel , Rush Augustus , Kurowicki Jennifer
Published: December 2017

An increasing number of total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) are performed on obese patients. It is imperative to remain up to date on the effect of obesity on surgical outcomes and reimbursement trends. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact different severities of obesity have on primary and revision TKA, specifically: (1) incidence and trends over time; (2) annual growth rate; and (3) admission costs from 2010 to 2014. A retrospective review of a large commercial private payer database within the PearlDiver Supercomputer application (Warsaw, IN) of TKA procedures was conducted. Patients who underwent TKA and subsequent revision were identified by Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and ninth revision International Classification of Disease (ICD-9) codes. The index procedure was linked with ICD-9 codes for body mass indexes (BMIs) from <19 to >70. Statistical analysis was primarily descriptive to demonstrate the revision incidence and reimbursement deviations due to BMI. Compound annual growth rate (CAGR) was also calculated. Our query returned a total of 87,607 TKA patients within the study BMI ranges. The majority of patients had a BMI of 40 to 44.9 (12.2%) and least in the BMI >70 (0.2%) range. BMI of 40 to 44.9 had the highest overall 5-year mean reimbursement of $11,521 and the highest overall mean 5-year deviation from normal BMI (19–24) patients of $3,300. The incidence and burden of TKA revision was highest in patients with a BMI of 60 to 69.9 (21 and 17.3%, respectively). Average 5-year revision reimbursement and deviation from normal BMI (19–24) was highest in patients with a BMI of 40 to 44.9 ($13,883 and $4,030, respectively). The number of obese patients receiving TKA is steadily rising. The cost of treating obese patients rises as BMI deviates from normal, as does the incidence of revision surgery. Therefore, surgeons must be active in counseling patients on weight optimization as part of preoperative standard of care.
Treatment of Intradural Spinal Arteriovenous Fistula: Technical Case Report
Authors: Palmiero Helbert , Caramanti Ricardo , Chaddad-Neto Feres
Published: December 2017

Introduction Although rare, arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the most common vascular malformation of the spine, and it is mainly located in the thoracic region. The fistula is identified by arteriography, which enables the treatment by embolization or guides the microsurgical therapy.

Clinical Presentation We describe the case of a 61-year-old woman with neurogenic claudication evolving to paraparesis. A dorsal intradural AVF was identified by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and arteriography, and it was submitted to an embolization, but the procedure was unsuccessful. The patient was then referred for neurosurgery, and the AVF was obliterated using a microsurgical technique guided by multimodal intraoperative monitoring. We identified the AVF in the intraoperative moment and we then cut and coagulated the extradural portion of the nerve root.

Discussion Arteriovenous fistulas occur in the dura mater of the nerve roots with the arterialization of the venous plexus. The treatment prevents the progression of the deficits. While performing diagnostic arteriography, attempts of embolization are possible.

Conclusion Although the initial attempt of embolization at the moment of the diagnostic arteriography is achievable, it has failure rates of 50%, unlike the surgical treatment, which is definitive in all cases, as reported in this article.
Immunosuppression following liver transplantation and the course of inflammatory bowel disease – a case control study
Authors: Mogl Martina , Baumgart Daniel , Fischer Andreas , Pratschke Johann , Pascher Andreas
Published: December 2017

Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of immunosuppression following orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) on course of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) including disease activity and complications.

Methods Out of 1168 patients undergoing liver transplantation between 1988 and 2000 at our center, we identified those with IBD (n = 67). In a comparative cohort study, IBD patients after OLT were compared to controls without OLT. All drugs including immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory medication and complications during follow-up were recorded in 6-month intervals. Also, surgical interventions before and after OLT as well as endoscopic interventions with macroscopic and microscopic findings were collected and analyzed. Additionally, development of malignant neoplasias was recorded.

Results Of the 67 individuals with IBD and OLT, 41 were available for analyses and compared with 42 controls. The mean follow-up was 7.4 (range: 3 – 15) years. Short-term therapy with calcineurin inhibitors or mycophenolate mofetil led to short-term remission, yet sustained remission could only be achieved in patients receiving mycophenolate mofetil. At 14.5 years, clinical remission was reached by significantly more patients in the transplant group (54 %) than in the control group (33 %, p = 0.0295). Patients in the control group required nearly 2 times as many surgical interventions related to IBD than patients in the transplant group. Neoplasias were more common in the OLT (n = 8) compared with 4 solid organ cancers in the control group, respectively.

Conclusions Our data demonstrate an overall positive impact of immunosuppression following OLT on the course of IBD, especially with mycophenolate mofetil, but an increased rate of malignancies.
Kongresstourismus
Authors: Wilms Bettina
Published: December 2017

Ach, Frau Kollegin, Sie auch hier? Ich habe gar nicht erwartet, Sie zu treffen. Herr X, den ich im Juni in Stockholm auf der Tagung AB
sprach, sagte, dass Sie wohl nicht hierher kommen würden, ggf. aber nach Los Angeles fahren würden. Seit wann sind Sie hier? In welchem
Hotel sind Sie denn? Vielleicht sieht man sich ja heute Abend auf der Willkommensparty … Gehen Sie jetzt auch in den Vortrag von Herrn Z?
Also neulich in Zürich war er ja nicht so eloquent, wie man ihn auch schon mal erlebt hat. Aber er ist ja immer noch ein Magnet: Sehen Sie,
wie voll der Saal schon ist? Also, ich möchte vielleicht noch in den Workshop mit Frau Y., daher setze ich mich lieber an den Rand, damit
ich schnell weg kann.
Eine seltene Form einer pulmonalen Infektion
Authors: von Donat J. , Weber M.
Published: December 2017

Beschrieben wird das Auftreten einer Pneumocystis jirovecii-Pneumonie bei einem HIV-negativem, nicht immunkompromittiertem Erwachsenen. Diskutiert werden die möglichen Ursachen der Erkrankung.
Sein und Werden
Authors: Randall Duncan C.
Published: December 2017

Pragmatismus und Kinder mit Krankheitserfahrung Duncan C. Randall ist Kinderkrankenpfleger und Principal Teaching Fellow an der
Universität von Southampton, England. Mit „Pragmatic Children’s Nursing“ hat er die allererste Pflegetheorie speziell für die Pflege kranker
Kinder entwickelt. Erklärtes Ziel ist es, Kindern mit Krankheitserfahrungen eine Kindheit zu ermöglichen, die der von Gleichaltrigen in
ihrem Umfeld so ähnlich wie möglich ist. In der JuKiP gibt der Autor eine Einführung in seine Theorie.
Geriatrisches Assessment Timed „Up & Go“-Test (TUG-Test)
Authors: Zemke Jens
Published: December 2017

Etabliert und einfach Der TUG-Test ist als ein Puzzleteil des multidimensionalen geriatrischen Assessments seit über 25 Jahren im
klinischen Alltag fest etabliert und leicht zu interpretieren. Der Test ist schnell, einfach, ubiquitär und ohne größere Hilfsmittel und
personelle Qualifikation durchführbar.
Alter und geistige Behinderung – was sollten Pflegekräfte wissen?
Authors: Stockmann Jörg
Published: December 2017

Pflegerelevanz In den letzten 40 Jahren hat es für Menschen mit schweren geistigen und körperlichen Behinderungen enorme Fortschritte
bei der medizinischen und pflegerischen Versorgung gegeben. Auch Menschen mit schweren Behinderungen können heute ein hohes Lebensalter
erreichen. Sie bedürfen aber mehr noch als Menschen ohne Behinderung der intensiven pflegerischen Unterstützung. Was sollten Pflegekräfte
über diese Menschen wissen? Der folgende Artikel basiert auf den mehr als 20-jährigen Erfahrungen des Autors in einem ganz besonderen
Krankenhaus, das sich die gute medizinische Versorgung von Menschen mit schwerer Behinderung zur Aufgabe gemacht hat.
Kardiovaskuläre Störungen beim idiopathischen Parkinson-Syndrom
Authors: Jost Wolfgang
Published: December 2017

Kardiovaskuläre Symptome treten im klinischen Verlauf bei fast allen Patienten mit einem Parkinson-Syndrom auf. Sie können in allen Phasen der Erkrankung beginnen und unterschiedliche Schweregrade aufweisen. Die Symptome sind häufig unspezifisch und nicht richtungsweisend. Klinisch am bedeutendsten ist die orthostatische Hypotonie, die sich als anhaltender Blutdruckabfall über Minuten zeigt. Diagnostisch ist der Schellong-Test etabliert und sinnvoll. Die Therapie besteht aus konservativen Maßnahmen wie Stützstrümpfen. Medikamentöse Ansätze wie Midodrin sind nur bedingt hilfreich. Eine weitere wichtige klinische Auffälligkeit ist der fehlende Blutdruckabfall in der Nacht (Non-Dipper). Diagnostiziert wird dies mit einer 24-Stunden-Blutdruckmessung. Bei der Blutdruckeinstellung ist diese klinische Besonderheit zu beachten. Die MIBG-Szintigrafie ist eine wichtige Untersuchung, mit der zwischen einem idiopathischen und einer Multisystematrophie differenziert werden kann. Sie belegt darüber hinaus eine Mitbeteiligung des peripheren autonomen Nervensystems bei der Erkrankung.
Hyponatriämie bei geriatrischen Patienten
Authors: Eimer Martina
Published: December 2017

Die Hyponatriämie (HN) ist eine multifaktoriell bedingte Elektrolytstörung, die mit zunehmendem Alter häufiger auftritt. Sie erhöht bei
geriatrischen Patienten stark das Risiko für körperliche und mentale Beeinträchtigungen. Daten zufolge ist eine HN mit erhöhter Morbidität
und Mortalität, längeren Krankenhausaufenthalten und einem höheren Verbrauch an Krankenhausressourcen assoziiert. Bislang hat die HN noch
keine so große Rolle im klinischen Alltag gespielt. Sie wird oft nicht diagnostiziert und bleibt „untherapiert“. Bei etwa einem Drittel der
Fälle ist ein Syndrom der inadäquaten Sekretion des antidiuretischen Hormons (SIADH) die Ursache 1.

Eine rechtzeitige und effektive Behandlung der Hyponatriämie aufgrund eines SIADH ist enorm wichtig. Hierfür steht mit dem selektiven
Vasopressin-V2-Rezeptor-Antagonisten Tolvaptan (Samsca®) eine sehr effektive Substanz zur Verfügung.
Virtual Dissection by Ultrasound: Probe Handling in the First Year of Medical Education
Authors: Serrao Graziano , Tassoni Massimo , Magenta-Biasina Alberto , Mantero Antonio , Previtera Antonino , Turci Michela , Biganzoli Elia , Bertolini Emanuela
Published: December 2017

Objectives The aim of the present study was to assess the educational plan of first-year students of medicine by analyzing their scores in ultrasound body scanning.

Methods Since 2009, the San Paolo Medical School (Milan, Italy) has vertically integrated the study of anatomy with ultrasound-assisted virtual body dissection. Three modules were supplied: musculoskeletal system, heart and abdomen pelvis. 653 first-year students were trained. The students alternated as mutual model and operator. A skillfulness score was assigned to each student. The scores were consequently listed. Nonparametric exact multiple contrast tests were employed to determine relative group effects.

Results Statistical analysis showed that: no gender-related differences were found (0:49; p=0.769); peer learners performed less well than peer tutors (0.677; p=0); between modules, scores in the musculoskeletal system (pMS=0.726) tend to be higher (p<0.001) than those obtained in the heart and abdomen pelvis (pH=0.398; pAP=0.375 p=0.270); significant differences were found compared to the beginning of the project’s academic year.

Conclusion The students considered this didactic course an engaging and exciting approach. Acceptance of peer teaching was extraordinarily high. Autonomous exercitation allowed the students to improve self-criticism and enhance their own skills. The level of expertise obtained by peer tutors and by peer learners can be considered satisfactory. The main objective of training future physicians on personal stethoechoscope with the necessary competence seems to have been successfully started.
Lead-free Bi(Mg0.5Ti0.5)O3-modified 0.875Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-0.125BaTiO3 ferroelectric ceramics with tetragonal structure and large field-induced strains
Authors: Li Ling , Zhu Mankang , Ren Xiaowei , Wei Qiumei , Zheng Mupeng , Hou Yudong
Published: December 2017

A electrostrictive ceramics were designed by introducing Bi(Mg0.5Ti0.5)O3 into 0.875Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-0.125BaTiO3 with tetragonal structure. All the specimens prepared by a conventional solid sintering technique exhibit the excellent sintering ability with a high relative density over 97%. It is found that, as BMT added, the specimens undergo a structure crossover from ferroelectric P4mm to ergodic P4bm, and the coexistence of both tetragonal structures takes bridge between them. A large field-induced strain of 0.30% and field-independent strain coefficient of 0.0254 m4/C2 occur at 4 mol.% BMT added. This material with excellent sinterability is suitable for the application in actuators and microposition controllers.
A scanning tunneling microscopy based potentiometry technique and its application to the local sensing of the spin Hall effect
Authors: Xie Ting , Dreyer Michael , Bowen David , Hinkel Dan , Butera R. E. , Krafft Charles , Mayergoyz Isaak
Published: December 2017

A scanning tunneling microscopy based potentiometry technique for the measurements of the local surface electric potential is presented. A voltage compensation circuit based on this potentiometry technique is developed and employed to maintain a desired tunneling voltage independent of the bias current flow through the film. The application of this potentiometry technique to the local sensing of the spin Hall effect is outlined and some experimental results are reported.
A check valve controlled laser-induced microjet for uniform transdermal drug delivery
Authors: Ham Hwi-chan , Jang Hun-jae , Yoh Jack J.
Published: December 2017

A narrow nozzle ejects a microjet of 150 μm in diameter with a velocity of 140 m/s a by the laser-induced bubble expansion in the designed injector. The pulsed form of the driving force at a period of 10 Hz from the connected Er:YAG laser makes it possible for multiple microjet ejections aimed at delivery of drugs into a skin target. The pulsed actuation of the microjet generation is however susceptible to the air leak which can cause the outside air to enter into the momentarily de-pressurized nozzle, leading to a significant reduction of the microjet speed during the pulsed administering of the drug. In the present study, we designed a ball-check valve injector which is less prone to an unwanted air build up inside the nozzle by controlling the nozzle pressure to remain above ambient pressure at all times. The new device is rigorously compared against the reported performance of the previous injector and has shown to maintain about 97% of the initial microjet speed regardless of the number of shots administered; likewise, the drug penetration depth into a porcine skin is improved to 1.5 to 2.25 times the previously reported penetration depths.
How to include frequency dependent complex permeability Into SPICE models to improve EMI filters design?
Authors: Sixdenier Fabien , Yade Ousseynou , Martin Christian , Bréard Arnaud , Vollaire Christian
Published: December 2017

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) filters design is a rather difficult task where engineers have to choose adequate magnetic materials, design the magnetic circuit and choose the size and number of turns. The final design must achieve the attenuation requirements (constraints) and has to be as compact as possible (goal). Alternating current (AC) analysis is a powerful tool to predict global impedance or attenuation of any filter. However, AC analysis are generally performed without taking into account the frequency-dependent complex permeability behaviour of soft magnetic materials. That’s why, we developed two frequency-dependent complex permeability models able to be included into SPICE models. After an identification process, the performances of each model are compared to measurements made on a realistic EMI filter prototype in common mode (CM) and differential mode (DM) to see the benefit of the approach. Simulation results are in good agreement with the measured ones especially in the middle frequency range.
Minimization of torque ripple in ferrite-assisted synchronous reluctance motors by using asymmetric stator
Authors: Xu Meimei , Liu Guohai , Zhao Wenxiang , Aamir Nazir
Published: December 2017

Torque ripple is one of the important issues for ferrite assisted synchronous reluctance motors (FASRMs). In this paper, an asymmetrical stator is proposed for the FASRM to reduce its torque ripple. In the proposed FASRM, an asymmetrical stator is designed by appropriately choosing the angle of the slot-opening shift. Meanwhile, its analytical torque expressions are derived. The results show that the proposed FASRM has an effective reduction in the cogging torque, reluctance torque ripple and total torque ripple. Moreover, it is easy to implement while the average torque is not sacrificed.
Structural and magnetic properties of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles synthesized by co-precipitation at increasing temperatures
Authors: Stein C. R. , Bezerra M. T. S. , Holanda G. H. A. , André-Filho J. , Morais P. C.
Published: December 2017

This study reports on the synthesis and characterization of cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized by chemical co-precipitation in alkaline medium at increasing temperatures in the range of 27 °C to 100 °C. High-quality samples in the size range of 5 to 10 nm were produced using very low stirring speed (250 rpm) and moderate alkaline aqueous solution concentration (4.8 mol/L). Three samples were synthesized and characterized by x–ray diffraction (XRD) and room-temperature (RT) magnetization measurements. All samples present superparamagnetic (SPM) behavior at RT and Rietveld refinements confirm the inverse cubic spinel structure (space group Fd-3m (227)) with minor detectable impurity phase. As the synthesis temperature increases, structural parameters such as lattice constant and grain size change monotonically from 8.385 to 8.383 Å and from 5.8 to 7.4 nm, respectively. Likewise, as the synthesis temperature increases the NPs’ magnetic moment and saturation magnetization increases monotonically from 2.6 ×103 to 16×103 μB and from 37 to 66 emu/g, respectively. The RT magnetization (M) versus applied field (H) curves were analyzed by the first-order Langevin function averaged out by a lognormal distribution function of magnetic moments. The excellent curve-fitting of the M versus H data is credited to a reduced particle-particle interaction due to both the SPM behavior and the existence of a surface amorphous shell layer (dead layer), the latter reducing systematically as the synthesis temperature increases.
The enhancement of anomalous Hall effect by inserting MgO layer in perpendicular anisotropic Pd/Co2MnSi/MgO/Pd films
Authors: Fu H. R. , Ma L. , Tian N. , You C. Y. , Wang K.
Published: December 2017

A systematic study of anomalous Hall effect (AHE) was performed in perpendicular magnetic anisotropic Pd/Co2MnSi(tCMS)/MgO/Pd films. The AHE was significantly intensified by inserting MgO layer, which can be ascribed to the enhancement of spin-orbit coupling and interfacial scattering contribution. Moreover, it was found that the Co and Mn ions were reduced at the interface of Co2MnSi/MgO with annealing process. The stable amount of Mn-O bonding was observed at the Co2MnSi/MgO interface after annealing, implying that the proper Mn-O bonding could be favorable for achieving large AHE.
Superparamagnetic perpendicular magnetic tunnel junctions for true random number generators
Authors: Parks Bradley , Bapna Mukund , Igbokwe Julianne , Almasi Hamid , Wang Weigang , Majetich Sara A.
Published: December 2017

Superparamagnetic perpendicular magnetic tunnel junctions are fabricated and analyzed for use in random number generators. Time-resolved resistance measurements are used as streams of bits in statistical tests for randomness. Voltage control of the thermal stability enables tuning the average speed of random bit generation up to 70 kHz in a 60 nm diameter device. In its most efficient operating mode, the device generates random bits at an energy cost of 600 fJ/bit. A narrow range of magnetic field tunes the probability of a given state from 0 to 1, offering a means of probabilistic computing.
Anisotropy model for modern grain oriented electrical steel based on orientation distribution function
Authors: Jiang Fan , Rossi Mathieu , Parent Guillaume
Published: December 2017

Accurately modeling the anisotropic behavior of electrical steel is mandatory in order to perform good end simulations. Several approaches can be found in the literature for that purpose but the more often those methods are not able to deal with grain oriented electrical steel. In this paper, a method based on orientation distribution function is applied to modern grain oriented laminations. In particular, two solutions are proposed in order to increase the results accuracy. The first one consists in increasing the decomposition number of the cosine series on which the method is based. The second one consists in modifying the determination method of the terms belonging to this cosine series.
Enhanced exchange bias in MnN/CoFe bilayers after high-temperature annealing
Authors: Dunz M. , Schmalhorst J. , Meinert M.
Published: December 2017

We report an exchange bias of more than 2700 Oe at room temperature in MnN/CoFe bilayers after high-temperature annealing. We studied the dependence of exchange bias on the annealing temperature for different MnN thicknesses in detail and found that samples with tMnN > 32nm show an increase of exchange bias for annealing temperatures higher than TA = 400 °C. Maximum exchange bias values exceeding 2000 Oe with reasonably small coercive fields around 600 Oe are achieved for tMnN = 42, 48 nm. The median blocking temperature of those systems is determined to be 180 °C after initial annealing at TA = 525 °C. X-ray diffraction measurements and Auger depth profiling show that the large increase of exchange bias after high-temperature annealing is accompanied by strong nitrogen diffusion into the Ta buffer layer of the stacks.
Perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in Mn2VIn (001) films: An ab initio study
Authors: Zipporah Muthui , Robinson Musembi , Julius Mwabora , Arti Kashyap
Published: December 2017

First principles study of the magnetic anisotropy of Mn2VIn (001) films show perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA), which increases as a function of the thickness of the film. Density functional theory (DFT) as implemented in the Vienna Ab initio simulation package (VASP) is employed here to perform a comprehensive theoretical investigation of the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of the Mn2VIn(001) films of varying thickness. Our calculations were performed on fully relaxed structures, with five to seventeen mono layers (ML). The degree of spin polarization is higher in the (001) Mn2VIn thin films as compared to the bulk in contrast to what is usually the case and as in Mn2VAl, which is isoelectronic to Mn2VIn as well as inCo2VIn (001) films studied for comparison. Tetragonal distortions are found in all the systems after relaxation. The distortion in the Mn2VIn system persists even for the 17ML thin film, resulting in PMA in the Mn2VIn system. This significant finding has potential to contribute to spin transfer torque (STT) and magnetic random access memory MRAM applications, as materials with PMA derived from volume magnetocrystalline anisotropy are being proposed as ideal magnetic electrodes.
Solving the inverse magnetostatic problem using fictitious magnetic charges
Authors: Wautischer Gregor , Bruckner Florian , Abert Claas , Suess Dieter , Koeck Helmut , Sanchez Mikel Eizaguirre
Published: December 2017

We present a method for solving the inverse magnetostatic problem using fictitious magnetic charges. The method utilizes the fact that a given magnetic stray field is generated by only one unique charge distribution. Furthermore the usage of fictitious magnetic charges reduces the number of degrees of freedom when solving the inverse problem. We demonstrate two numerical experiments showing that these advantages make the method more efficient and that it has better smoothing properties regarding noise in the input data compared to a previous method using the magnetization.
Magnetostrictive performance of additively manufactured CoFe rods using the LENSTM system
Authors: Jones Nicholas J. , Yoo Jin-Hyeong , Ott Ryan T. , Lambert Paul K. , Petculescu Gabriela , Simsek Emrah , Schlagel Deborah , Lograsso Thomas A.
Published: December 2017

Magnetostrictive materials exhibit a strain in the presence of a variable magnetic field. While they normally require large, highly oriented crystallographic grains for high strain values, metal additive manufacturing (3D printing) may be able to produce highly textured polycrystalline rods, with properties comparable to those manufactured using the more demanding free standing zone melting (FSZM) technique. Rods of Co75.8Fe24.2 and Co63.7Fe36.3 have been fabricated using the Laser engineered net shaping (LENSTM) system to evaluate the performance of additively manufactured magnetic and magnetostrictive materials. The 76% Co sample showed an average magnetostriction (λ) of 86 ppm at a stress of 124 MPa; in contrast, the 64% Co sample showed only 27 ppm at the same stress. For direct comparison, a Co67Fe33 single crystal disk, also measured as part of this study, exhibited a magnetostriction value of 131 and 91 microstrain in the [100] and [111] directions, respectively, with a calculated polycrystalline value (λs) of 107 microstrain. Electron back scattered diffraction (EBSD) has been used to qualitatively link the performance with crystallographic orientation and phase information, showing only the BCC phase in the 76% Co sample, but three different phases (BCC, FCC, and HCP) in the 64% Co sample.
Spectral shape of one-photon luminescence from single gold nanorods
Authors: Wen Te , He Yingbo , Liu Xue-Lu , Lin Miao-Ling , Cheng Yuqing , Zhao Jingyi , Gong Qihuang , Xia Keyu , Tan Ping-Heng , Lu Guowei
Published: December 2017

Light emission from gold nanoparticles was investigated with ultra-narrow-band notch filters to obtain the complete spectral shape. The anti-Stokes emission band was observed at all excitation wavelengths. The spectral shape of the anti-Stokes emission could be well fitted by a Fermi–Dirac-like line shape, while the spectral profile of the Stokes emission could be fitted by a Lorentzian line shape. The electron distribution and local surface plasmon resonance jointly determined the spectral shape. Additionally, we found that the anti-Stokes emission intensity increased more rapidly compared with that of the Stokes emission as illumination power was increased. This phenomenon can be understood from the temperature dependence of the electron distribution owing to photothermal effects.
Time to establish comprehensive long-term monitoring of Australian medical graduates?
Authors: Jorm Christine , Bleasel Jane , Haq Inam
Published: December 2017

We believe that the well being of our medical students (and medical staff throughout the continuum of practice) matters too much not to ask, ‘How do they feel?’ Society, and students themselves, have invested too much in their education not to query ‘How well are they performing in the workplace?’. Our accountability to the community demands we ask, ‘How are their patients going?’ This article presents a schema for building long-term monitoring in Australia, using linked and reliable data, that will enable these questions to be answered. Although the answers will be of interest to many, medical schools will then be well placed to alter their programs and processes based on these three domains of graduate well being, workplace performance and patient outcomes.
A new method for performing smouldering combustion field experiments in peatlands and rich-organic soils
Authors: Pastor E. , Oliveras I. , Urquiaga-Flores E. , Quintano-Loayza J. A. , Manta M. I. , Planas E.
Published: December 2017

Smouldering ground fires have severe environmental implications. Their main effects are the release of large amounts of carbon to the atmosphere with loses of organic soil and its biota. Quantitative data on the behaviour of smouldering wildfires are very scarce and are needed to understand its ecological effects, to validate fuel consumption and smouldering propagation models and to develop danger-rating systems. We present, for the first time, a methodology for conducting smouldering experiments in field conditions. This method provides key data to investigate smouldering combustion dynamics, acquire fire behaviour metrics and obtain indicators for ecological effects of smouldering fires. It is to be applied in all types of undisturbed soils. The experimental protocol is based on a non-electric ignition source and the monitoring system relies on combining both point and surface specific temperature measurements. The methodology has been developed and applied by means of large series of replicate experiments in highly organic soils at the forest–grassland treeline of the Peruvian Andes. The soil tested exhibited weak ignition conditions. However, transition to oxidation phase was observed, with smouldering combustion during 9 h at 15-cm depth and residence times at temperatures above dehydration of ~22 h.
Collective memory and social movements in times of crisis: the case of Romania
Authors: Abăseacă Raluca
Published: December 2017

Social movements are not completely spontaneous. On the contrary, they depend on past events and experiences and are rooted in specific contexts. By focusing on three case studies – the student mobilizations of 2011 and 2013, the anti-government mobilizations of 2012, and the protests against the Rosia Montana Gold Corporation project of 2013 – this article aims to investigate the role of collective memory in post-2011 movements in Romania. The legacy of the past is reflected not only in a return to the symbols and frames of the anti-Communist mobilizations of 1989 and 1990, but also in the difficulties of the protesters to delimit themselves from nationalist actors, to develop global claims, and to target austerity and neoliberalism. Therefore, even in difficult economic conditions, Romanian movements found it hard to align their efforts with those of the Indignados/Occupy movements. More generally, the case of Romania proves that activism remains rooted in the local and national context, reflecting the memories, experiences, and fears of the mobilized actors, in spite of the spread of a repertoire of action from Western and southern Europe.
Energy expenditure in professional flat jockeys using doubly labelled water during the racing season: Implications for body weight management
Authors: Wilson George , Lucas Daloni , Hambly Catherine , Speakman John R. , Morton James P. , Close Graeme L.
Published: December 2017

To formulate individualized dietary strategies for jockeys, it is vital that energy requirements are quantified. We measured total energy expenditure (TEE) over two separate weeks in spring and summer using doubly labelled water in a group of male flat jockeys (n = 8, 36.9 ± 5.7 years, 164 ± 8 cm, 54.6 ± 2.5 kg). Total energy intake (TEI) was self‐recorded, as were all riding and structured exercise activity. Mean daily TEE was 10.83 (±2.3) and 10.66 (±1.76) MJ, (p = .61) respectively. Self‐reported TEI were 6.03 (±1.7) and 5.37 (±1.1) MJ (p = .40), respectively, and were significantly lower than TEE (p = .01). Mean race rides were 17 (±6) and 13 (±3; p = 0.37) and horses ridden at morning exercise were 8 (±6) and 7 (±4; p = .77) respectively. Additional structured exercise was 76.25 (±95.1) and 52.5 (±80.9) min per week (p = .35), respectively. At the individual level, TEE was related to body mass and the level of non‐racing physical activity, but not riding. Physical activity levels for TEE were 1.76 (±0.37) and 1.69 (±0.27; p = .59) and appear modest when compared with other athletes, and similar to age‐matched non‐athletes, suggesting that conventional sport‐specific nutritional recommendations do not appear applicable. The large discrepancy between TEE and TEI suggests significant under reporting of dietary intake. These data now provide an appropriate framework from which to formulate jockey nutritional guidelines to promote the ability to achieve the daily weight target and improve athlete welfare.
Survival of LA-MRSA in Dust from Swine Farms
Authors: Feld Louise , Bay Hans , Angen Øystein , Larsen Anders Rhod , Madsen Anne Mette
Published: December 2017

Dust is suspected to be an important factor in transmission of livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) between pigs and pig farmers and their families. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of decay for Staphylococcus aureus and LA-MRSA in dust from swine farms. Electrostatic dust fall collectors (EDCs) were used for passive sampling of settling airborne dust in 11 stable sections from six swine farms. Extraction, plating, identification, and enumeration of cultivable S. aureus and LA-MRSA from the EDCs were performed after storage for 0–30 days postsampling. The survival of S. aureus was measured in 196 dust samples from all farms, and data were used to estimate the decay constant λ according to a model for exponential decay: N(t) = N0 × e−λt. The number of S. aureus colonies was up to 600-fold higher than the number of LA-MRSA colonies on MRSA selective agar. The data showed a good fit to the model (λ = 0.13, r2 = 0.86) even with a large difference in initial concentrations of S. aureus between stables. The loads of S. aureus and LA-MRSA in the dust were significantly reduced by storage time, and the half-life was 5 days for both S. aureus and LA-MRSA. In dust samples with high initial concentrations, LA-MRSA and S. aureus could still be cultivated 30 days after sampling. On all farms MRSA isolates belonged to the clonal complex (CC) 398, and at one farm some isolates also belonged to CC30. A screening for other Staphylococcus species in the farm dust revealed 13 different species numerically dominated by Staphylococcus equorum. Based on the exponential decay model, S. equorum had a half-life of 4 days. In conclusion, the presence of MRSA in airborne dust from five of six farms indicates that dust might be an important vehicle for transmission of LA-MRSA. LA-MRSA and S. aureus was found to survive well in farm dust with half-lives of 5 days, and dependent on the initial concentration they could be found in farm dust for weeks. The 99.9% die-off rate was 66 days for LA-MRSA. Thus, farm dust can pose an exposure risk for humans in the farm environment, but also when transported to other environments. On the other hand, the risk will decrease by time. These results provide important knowledge to diminish spread from farm environments to other environments on, e.g., tools or clothing, and in relation to cleaning of emptied LA-MRSA-positive stables.
Aether: leveraging linear programming for optimal cloud computing in genomics
Authors: Luber Jacob M , Tierney Braden T , Cofer Evan M , Patel Chirag J , Kostic Aleksandar D
Published: December 2017

Motivation

Across biology, we are seeing rapid developments in scale of data production without a corresponding increase in data analysis capabilities.

Results

Here, we present Aether (http://aether.kosticlab.org), an intuitive, easy-to-use, cost-effective and scalable framework that uses linear programming to optimally bid on and deploy combinations of underutilized cloud computing resources. Our approach simultaneously minimizes the cost of data analysis and provides an easy transition from users’ existing HPC pipelines.

Availability and implementation

Data utilized are available at https://pubs.broadinstitute.org/diabimmune and with EBI SRA accession ERP005989. Source code is available at (https://github.com/kosticlab/aether). Examples, documentation and a tutorial are available at http://aether.kosticlab.org.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The Role of Supplements in Integrative Preventive Medicine
Authors: Pizzorno Joseph
Published: December 2017

Foods common in our diet today, produced through modern agricultural methods and often processed, contain an inherently low ratio of nutrients in proportion to calories. The standards used to determine nutrient adequacy are flawed, especially considering the huge variations in individual nutrient needs. Nutritional deficiencies in the general population are much more common than generally recognized, and skilled nutritional supplementation is important for maintaining and optimizing health; therefore, expert use of nutritional supplements is a critical skill for integrative medicine doctors. This chapter will help the clinical practitioner become knowledgeable about the signs and symptoms of nutrient deficiencies, recognize the nutrients most useful for several chronic diseases, and prescribe the correct dosages and dosage forms needed by their patients.
Optimizing Integrative and Preventive Medicine
Authors: Geyer Cynthia
Published: December 2017

The practice of integrative and preventive medicine plays a critical role in improving the health and well-being of people, families, and communities. This chapter covers several key steps to optimize the effective practice of integrative and preventive medicine, including the importance the clinician–patient partnership; prioritizing pain, stress, and emotional distress; and clearly communicating the reasoning behind recommendations. The successful clinician should be able to engage with patients as partners through their health journey, make appropriate referrals to other members of the integrative medicine team, encourage self-efficacy and health behavior change, ensure patient understanding, and schedule periodic follow-up and reassessment.
The Integrative Preventive Medicine Approach to Obesity and Diabetes
Authors: Katz David L.
Published: December 2017

This chapter addresses the underlying causes, and potential remedies, of pandemic diabesity, a term coined to capture the expanse, and causal pathway, from excess body fat, to insulin resistance, to type 2 diabetes. The case is made that to be effective, clinical approaches must emphasize both prevention and holism, salient principles of integrative preventive medicine. More importantly, if lifestyle is the requisite medicine to alleviate this malady—and the case is made that it is—then the constraints of clinical encounters may constitute a spoon too small to deliver this medicine effectively and get it to go down universally. This chapter concludes with the proposition that lifestyle is the right medicine for obesity and type 2 diabetes alike, and that all of culture must be the spoon that delivers it. This, too, is concordant with an integrative perspective of care, and a focus on prevention.
Transforming Pain Management Through the Integration of Complementary and Conventional Care
Authors: Tick Heather , Schoomaker Eric B.
Published: December 2017

This chapter discusses some of the assumptions behind the evolution of the current program of pain care and explores different strategies that could inform transformative changes to the system. It addresses the role of self-care, nutrition, mind-body strategies, and movement in improving function. The emerging scientific literature on neuroplasticity, central and peripheral sensitization, energy generation, and mitochondrial dysfunction, and the functional role of fascia is explored. Health providers in a transformed system will potentially work in more diverse settings, collaborate more broadly, and engage patients in conversations driven by patient priorities and emerging evidence-based modalities. The Veterans Health Administration and the Military Health System, acting on alarming increases in the incidence of chronic pain and associated comorbidities, have become the early adopters of transformative policies. Since pain is the most common cause for a healthcare visit, this chapter should be of interest to all healthcare providers, complementary, integrative, and conventional.
The Power of a Gerontological Imagination
Authors: Ferraro Kenneth F.
Published: December 2017

The gerontological imagination is an interdisciplinary articulation of how gerontologists think—a paradigm for the study of aging. Although there is considerable intellectual capital related to the study of aging, most of it is embedded within disciplinary specializations. Each discipline creates and maintains its own specialized body of knowledge; but the goal of the book is to identify core ideas, theories, and empirical generalizations held by scholars across a range of disciplines. Gerontology is a relatively recent field of study, but a growing number of scholars are interested in why aging occurs and how to optimize the process. The scientific and educational value of this paradigm is discussed.
Causality
Authors: Ferraro Kenneth F.
Published: December 2017

Gerontologists are often skeptical of age as a presumed cause of the aging process. Although age is an indispensable marker of life experiences, it is a rather crude indicator of the many factors that actually shape the aging experience, including senescence. To address the multiple meanings associated with age, some gerontologists have advanced concepts such as biological age or functional age. These are useful concepts, isolating one domain or facet of aging, but even these concepts must be applied with a skepticism for age effects. Gullible gerontology ensues when well-meaning persons accept age as an explanatory variable and disregard or minimize other factors or processes that are associated with age differences. Gerontologists prioritize longitudinal research designs and urge caution when one attempts to generalize from age differences. Concepts such as terminal drop and the age-period-cohort are used to illustrate this axiom.
Life Course Analysis
Authors: Ferraro Kenneth F.
Published: December 2017

Life course analysis prioritizes the long view of aging: study aging as a process from embryo to death and how the timing of events and exposures shapes those lives. The act of analyzing the life course (or life span) highlights an intellectual tension in the field that has existed for decades: Is gerontology the study of older organisms or how those organisms age? Although human social services are often organized by age groups, science is better off studying the aging process—how the organism became older. In humans and animals, the experience of aging varies by historical time and place. Three vantage points for life course analysis are specified: the study of (1) early origins, (2) centenarians, and (3) family lineage.