bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantifying the Difference of Uniformly Dispersed and Re-agglomerated Graphene Oxide-Based Cement Pastes on Rheological and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Li Haodao , Wei Jingjie , Long Wujian
Published: September 2018

The state of GO dispersion is closely related to the properties of graphene oxide (GO)-based cement paste. This paper presents the effect of uniformly dispersed and re-agglomerated GO on the rheological and mechanical properties. The results showed that, compared to re-agglomerated GO cement paste, the yield stress and plastic viscosity of uniformly dispersed GO cement paste were higher. Moreover, the compressive and flexural strengths of uniformly dispersed GO pastes were higher than those of re-agglomerated GO pastes. Porosity analysis using mercury intrusion porosimetry showed that the well-dispersed GO can inhibit the formation of large-diameter pores and optimize the pore size distribution better than the re-agglomerated GO.
Effect of Mixed Rare Earths on the Wetting Behavior and Interfacial Reaction between Sn-0.70Cu-0.05Ni Solder and Amorphous Fe84.3Si0.3B5.4 Alloy
Authors: Hou Bin , Liu Fengmei , Wang Hongqin , Zhang Yupeng , Yi Jianglong , Qin Hongbo
Published: September 2018

In order to explore the effect of addition of mixed rare earths (MRE) on the wetting behavior and interfacial reaction between Sn-0.70Cu-0.05Ni solder and amorphous Fe84.3Si10.3B5.4 alloy, 0.25 wt.% percentage of the MRE, which are mainly elements La and Ce, were added into the solder. Results show it can refine the microstructure of the solder alloy, and there is limited change of melting temperature with the addition of MRE in the solder. The wettability of the solder on amorphous substrate is improved by adding 0.25 wt.% percentage of the MRE into Sn-0.70Cu-0.05Ni solder. Moreover, research results indicate that, with the increase of wetting temperature, the final equilibrium wetting angles of Sn-0.70Cu-0.05Ni and Sn-0.70Cu-0.05Ni-0.25MRE on amorphous substrate decrease gradually, indicating the better wettability at the higher wetting temperature. In addition, with the increase of temperature, the distribution of intermetallic compound (IMC) FeSn2 formed at the interface between the two solders and amorphous substrate is changed from discontinuous state to continuous state. The thickness of the interfacial IMC layer between solder and amorphous substrates reduced with the addition of MRE, indicating that the presence of 0.25 wt.% percentage of the MRE is effective in suppressing the growth of IMC layer.
Même l’effet Warburg est oxydable
Authors: Cordier-Bussat Martine , Thibert Chantal , Sujobert Pierre , Genestier Laurent , Fontaine Éric , Billaud Marc
Published: September 2018

Au cours du développement tumoral, les cellules malignes reprogramment leur métabolisme pour répondre à la demande en biosynthèses conditionnant l’augmentation de leur biomasse et pour s’adapter aux propriétés de leur microenvironnement. Les avancées récentes de la recherche ont révélé l’étonnante flexibilité des cellules cancéreuses qui alternent entre un métabolisme glycolytique aérobie (appelé effet Warburg) et un métabolisme oxydatif en fonction de leurs conditions de développement, une plasticité métabolique requérant une mutualisation de leurs ressources énergétiques. Dans cette revue, nous présentons ces nouvelles découvertes et discutons d’un modèle décrivant la tumeur comme un écosystème métabolique évolutif tout en insistant sur les applications thérapeutiques qui en découlent.
Environnement social, incorporation biologique et inégalités sociales de santé
Authors: Delpierre Cyrille , Castagné Raphaële , Lang Thierry , Kelly-Irving Michelle
Published: September 2018

Le gradient social de santé renvoie au fait que plus on s’élève dans la hiérarchie sociale meilleur est l’état de santé. La compréhension de la construction du gradient constitue un enjeu majeur en épidémiologie sociale. Une approche originale consiste à s’intéresser à la façon dont les différentes expositions associées à l’environnement social (chimiques, physiques, comportementales, psychosociales, etc.) s’expriment in fine biologiquement pour influencer positivement ou négativement la santé, renvoyant au concept d’incorporation biologique. Des données issues des modèles animaux et de l’épidémiologie dite « life course » permettent d’éclairer sous un jour nouveau les mécanismes biologiques potentiellement en jeu. Les découvertes récentes issues du champ de l’épigénétique permettent de mieux comprendre comment l’environnement social, notamment précoce, peut influencer le fonctionnement biologique sur le long terme, voire sur plusieurs générations. Les travaux sur l’incorporation biologique du social en lien avec l’épigénétique sont encore très largement à consolider, mais ils pourraient constituer un changement de perspective en biologie humaine notamment en reconsidérant l’influence de l’environnement sur le fonctionnement biologique, ce qui n’est pas sans conséquence en termes d’interventions en santé publique.
Comparison of three commercial multiplex PCR assays for the diagnosis of intestinal protozoa
Authors: Autier Brice , Belaz Sorya , Razakandrainibe Romy , Gangneux Jean-Pierre , Robert-Gangneux Florence
Published: September 2018

Although microscopic examination of stool samples remains the reference method for the diagnosis of intestinal protozoal infections, these techniques are time-consuming and require operators who are experienced and well trained. Molecular biology seems to offer performances at least equivalent in terms of sensitivity and specificity for certain parasites. This study aimed to compare three multiplex PCR assays on 93 prospectively collected positive stools (prospective cohort) and a panel of 12 more Cryptosporidium-positive samples (Cryptosporidium panel). On the prospective cohort, the sensitivity was 89%, 64% and 41% for Giardia sp. detection for BD MaxTM, G-DiaParaTM and RIDA®GENE, respectively and 75%, 100% and 100% for C. parvum/hominis detection. The sensitivity of the RIDA®GENE assay for all Cryptosporidium species was 100%, and for D. fragilis 71%. All the techniques obtained the same results for E. histolytica detection, with one positive sample. All species in the Cryptosporidium panel were identified by the RIDA®GENE PCR. The BD MaxTM and G-DiaParaTM assays detected only C. parvum/hominis with the exception of one positive sample for C. meleagridis. No assay showed satisfactory results for all parasites simultaneously, and the DNA extraction seems to be the critical step. More studies are needed to standardize this procedure.
Visual Distraction During Sleep Induction with Propofol in Pediatric Patients – Can Cartoon Watching Influence the Sedative Dose?
Authors: Tschiedel Eva , Beckers Kristina , Große-Lordemann Anja , Basu Oliver , Felderhoff-Müser Ursula , Dohna-Schwake Christian
Published: September 2018

Background In general anesthesia, cartoon watching and playing video games reduce anxiety in children. It is unknown whether watching a video in the intervention room has a similar effect, and therefore is able to reduce sedative doses in children undergoing small medical procedures. Aim of this prospective study was to determine the effect of watching a standardized cartoon immediately before and during sleep induction for deep sedation on consumption of propofol in children.

Patients and Methods 50 children aged 2–14 years undergoing deep sedation were randomly assigned to 2 groups: (A) watching or (B) not watching a standardized videoclip during sleep induction with propofol. The achievement of predefined sedation depth was objectified by measuring Comfort Score (aim 10–14) and Bispectral Index (aim 50–60).

Results The median sleep induction dose of propofol did not differ in both groups (A: 1.76 (0.62–4.37) mg/kg; B: 1.37 (0.66–5.26) mg/kgKG; p=0.65). Cartoon watching was associated with shorter sleep onset latency (A: 120 (60–480)s; B: 240 (40–600)s; p=0.043). Subgroup analysis reveals this especially for school children and girls. In both groups no complications occurred.

Conclusion Children watching a standard cartoon during sleep induction for deep sedation have a shorter sleep onset time but sedative dose is not reduced.
Hausärztliche Demenzdiagnostik – Einstellungen, Vorgehensweisen und Herausforderungen von Hausärzten in Rheinland-Pfalz
Authors: Wangler Julian , Fellgiebel Andreas , Jansky Michael
Published: September 2018

Hintergrund Regelmäßig wird moniert, dass die Erkennung von Demenzerkrankungen in der hausärztlichen Versorgung nicht effektiv genug sei, besonders mit Blick auf frühe Demenzstadien. Studien lassen vermuten, dass unter Allgemeinmedizinern diverse Vorbehalte hinsichtlich der Demenzdiagnostik bestehen. Welche Ursachen diese haben und welche konkreten Positionen sowie Strategien Hausärzte bei der Versorgung von Demenzpatienten vertreten, wurde bislang kaum untersucht. Ziel der Studie war es, Einstellungen von Hausärzten in Bezug auf die Demenzdiagnostik genauer zu beleuchten, verbreitete Herausforderungen im Praxisalltag herauszuarbeiten sowie Ansatzpunkte für eine Optimierung abzuleiten.

Methoden Mittels schriftlicher Befragung, die auf Basis einer separaten Interview-Vorstudie fundiert, wurden zwischen November 2017 und Januar 2018 insgesamt 425 Hausärzte in Rheinland-Pfalz befragt.

Ergebnisse Ein beträchtlicher Teil der befragten Hausärzte hat sich aus der Demenzdiagnostik zurückgezogen und delegiert die Betreuung von Demenzpatienten ausschließlich an die Facharztebene. Aus den Ergebnissen lassen sich verschiedene Vorbehalte und Herausforderungen verdichten, die der Effektivität der hausärztlichen Demenzversorgung entgegenwirken: 1) geringe subjektive Wirksamkeitswahrnehmung beim Krankheitsbild Demenz, 2) differenzialdiagnostische Abklärung als Hürde, 3) Schwierigkeiten bei der Arzt-Patient-Kommunikation, 4) mangelnde Honorierung, 5) geringe Einbeziehung des Praxispersonals, 6) negativere Einstellungen zur Demenzdiagnostik durch Fehlen geriatrischer Weiterbildung, 7) begrenzte Zusammenarbeit mit und Kenntnis von regionalen Beratungs- und Versorgungsangeboten.

Schlussfolgerung Aus der Analyse gehen mehrere Ansatzpunkte hervor, auf deren Basis sich die hausarztbasierte Demenzversorgung weiter verbessern ließe. Hierbei handelt es sich um 1) verstärktes Bewusstsein für Handlungsoptionen jenseits therapeutischer Interventionen, 2) Differenzialdiagnostik und Behandlungspfade, 3) Arzt-Patient-Kommunikation sowie 4) Honorierung und Anreize, 5) Involvierung des Praxispersonals, 6) höhere Sensitivität durch geriatrische Weiterbildung, 7) Kooperation mit Beratungs- und Versorgungsnetzwerken.
Chronische Lymphatische Leukämie
Authors: Schneider Christof , Steinbrecher Daniela , Stilgenbauer Stephan
Published: September 2018

Die chronische lymphatische Leukämie ist eine Erkrankung mit sehr heterogenem Verlauf. Mithilfe verschiedener Faktoren können Abschätzungen bezüglich des
Krankheitsverlaufs erfolgen und individualisierte Therapien angewandt werden. Zielgerichtete Therapien, die sich gegen das B-Zell-Rezeptor-Signalling oder das
anti-apoptotische Protein BCL-2 richten, bieten die Möglichkeit einer chemotherapie-freien Behandlung. Diese Therapien zeigen bei quasi allen Patienten,
insbesondere auch nach intensiver Vortherapie und bei Hochrisikogenetik, ein gutes Ansprechen und lange Überlebenszeiten.
Formation and Properties of Fibrin Clots Resulting from Staphylocoagulase (SC) Action
Authors: Kopeć M , Węgrzynowicz Z , Budzyński A. Z , Jeljaszewicz J , Latallo Z. S , Lipiński B , Kowalski E
Published: September 2018

Some properties of the fibrin clots formed under the influence of staphylocoagulase (SC) and thrombin were compared.

1. Mechanical properties of SC-induced clots were found to be different from thrombin-induced clots. Maximal amplitude in TEG was significantly smaller in the case of SC.

2. In the system containing all other necessary components for fibrin stabilization, SC in contrasts to thrombin did not produce stabilized clots. It was shown that this was due to the lack of FSF activation by SC. SC induced fibrin was easily stabilized by the addition of FSF activated by thrombin. No difference in sialic acid content has been found when SC and thrombin induced fibrins were compared.

3. Neither clotting nor esterase activity of SC were inhibited by heparin and hirudin.

4. Fibrinogen degradation products (FDP) inhibit clotting activity of SC. Both early and late FDP seem to affect this activity in a similar degree, whereas early FDP show much more pronounced effect in the case of thrombin induced clotting.

5. The SC-clots are much more resistant to plasmin action, although SC itself does not inhibit plasmin caseinolytic activity.

6. The significance of these findings is discussed.
Multiple Pregnancy: Epidemiology and Association with Maternal and Perinatal Morbidity
Authors: Santana Danielly Scaranello , Surita Fernanda Garanhani , Cecatti José Guilherme
Published: September 2018

Twin pregnancy accounts for 2 to 4% of total births, with a prevalence ranging from 0.9 to 2.4% in Brazil. It is associated with worse maternal and perinatal outcomes. Many conditions, such as severe maternal morbidity (SMM) (potentially life-threatening conditions and maternal near-miss) and neonatal near-miss (NNM) still have not been properly investigated in the literature. The difficulty in determining the conditions associated with twin pregnancy probably lies in its relatively low occurrence and the need for larger population studies. The use of the whole population and of databases from large multicenter studies, therefore, may provide unprecedented results. Since it is a rare condition, it is more easily evaluated using vital statistics from birth e-registries. Therefore, we have performed a literature review to identify the characteristics of twin pregnancy in Brazil and worldwide. Twin pregnancy has consistently been associated with SMM, maternal near-miss (MNM) and perinatal morbidity, with still worse results for the second twin, possibly due to some characteristics of the delivery, including safety and availability of appropriate obstetric care to women at a high risk of perinatal complications.
Endobronchial Ultrasound for Benign Tracheal Stenosis
Authors: Fiorelli Alfonso , Messina Gaetana , Santoriello Carlo , Santini Mario
Published: September 2018

We reported the role of endobronchial ultrasound as complement to standard diagnostic exams to better define the benign tracheal stenosis (i.e., thickness and tracheal cartilage integrity) and to plan the treatment with flexible instead of rigid bronchoscope. Under sedation and spontaneous ventilation, the flexible bronchoscope was inserted through the laryngeal mask airway that assured the ventilation. The stenosis was first resected with cold scissors and then dilated with balloon catheter. This strategy was successfully applied in five consecutive patients. Inclusion criteria for the procedure were stenosis < 1 cm in length, without tracheomalacia and with integrity of airway cartilage.
Die Bedeutung von Neurobiologie und Genetik für die psychiatrische Versorgung
Authors: Deckert J.
Published: September 2018

Die Ergebnisse neurobiologischer und genetischer Forschung sind nicht nur ein Versprechen für innovative Therapien in der Zukunft, sondern haben bereits erste Auswirkungen auf die gegenwärtige psychiatrische Versorgung. So liefern neurobiologische Befunde das Rationale für integrative therapeutische Ansätze und die genetische Beratung bei psychischen Erkrankungen eine Hilfestellung für Lebensentscheidungen. Genetische Befunde tragen zur Entwicklung neuer diagnostischer Kategorien und Therapieansätze bei und pharmakogenetische Befunde weisen den Weg zu einer individuellen, personalisierten Therapie wie in anderen Disziplinen der Medizin.
Urinary Incontinence and Quality of Life in Female Patients with Obesity
Authors: Schreiner Lucas , Morsch Thiago Picolli , Saadi Rodrigo Petersen , Figueiredo Marina Faria , Padoin Alexandre Vontobel , Nygaard Christiana Campani
Published: September 2018

Objective To analyze the prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) in female patients with an indication for bariatric surgery, to investigate the potential risk factors and the impact on quality of life.

Methods A cross-sectional study with female patients with obesity. The evaluation consisted of a structured interview, a specific study form and quality of life questionnaires. The Poisson regression was performed to identify independent risk factors related to UI.

Results A total of 221 patients were enrolled; 118 of the study participants (53.4%) reported UI episodes. Mixed UI (MUI), stress UI (SUI) only, and urgency UI (UUI) only were reported by 52.5% (62), 33.9% (40) , and 13.5% (16) of these patients respectively. The prevalence of UI was increased by 47% among the women who had given birth vaginally and by 34% of the women who had entered menopause. Vaginal delivery and menopause were identified as independent risk factors related to UI. The mean International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form (ICIQ-SF) score was 9.36 ± 4.9. The severity of symptoms was considered moderate in 53.3% (63) of the patients with UI.

Conclusion Urinary incontinence impacts quality of life negatively, and the prevalence of UI is high among obese patients. In the present study, vaginal delivery and menopause were independently associated with UI.
Exploring the Effectiveness of an Intensive Treatment Program for School-Age Children Who Stutter, Camp Dream. Speak. Live.: A Follow-up Study
Authors: Gkalitsiou Zoi , Werle Danielle , Coalson Geoffrey , Byrd Courtney
Published: September 2018

The purpose of this follow-up study was to explore the effectiveness of an intensive treatment program—Camp Dream. Speak. Live.—within older, school-age children who stutter. Twenty-three school-age children who stutter (age range: 7–14 years) attended this week-long intensive therapy program for the first time. Outcome measures included Overall Assessment of the Speaker's Experience of Stuttering and the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Pediatric Peer Relationships Form. Findings demonstrate significant improvements in quality of life and communication attitudes can be achieved in a short period of time when increasing fluency is not a target.
Distal Radioulnar Joint Replacement in the Scarred Wrist
Authors: Lans Jonathan , Chen Shih-Heng , Jupiter Jesse , Scheker Luis
Published: September 2018

Background Radiocarpal or midcarpal arthritis can occur simultaneously with arthritis of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ), leading to functional impairment of the wrist. Treatment often involves wrist arthroplasty or arthrodesis, either with simultaneous or secondary procedures, addressing the DRUJ. Successful treatment of solitary DRUJ arthritis with DRUJ replacement has been reported. However, outcomes in patients with multiple prior wrist surgeries are lacking. Surgery in these wrists is challenging because surgical scarring and advanced bone deformities make implant positioning more difficult. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes in patients that underwent total wrist arthrodesis and DRUJ replacement after multiple prior wrist surgeries.

Methods We prospectively enrolled patients that underwent total wrist arthrodesis and replacement of the DRUJ, either simultaneously or during separate procedures from 1999 to 2012. We included 14 patients with a median age of 43 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 35–47). As objective outcomes range of motion, weight-bearing ability, grip strength, was measured. For the subjective outcomes, we used an analogue pain score and the disabilities of the arm shoulder and hand (DASH) scores.

Results At a median follow-up of 5.6 years (IQR: 3.2–7.1). The average DRUJ range of motion and weight lifting ability significantly improved. As for the subjective evaluations, postoperative pain scores improved significantly, as did the DASH scores. Four of the patients had a postoperative complication, including infection and heterotopic ossification, of which two required reoperations. Additionally, 5 patients developed pisotriquetral arthritis requiring, pisiform excision, triquetrum excision, or the combination of both.

Conclusion Distal radioulnar joint replacement with a semiconstrained prosthesis was an effective method to restore the function of the wrist and forearm. As the surgical anatomy and soft tissue envelope were compromised in these patients, additional surgical exposure is necessary, adding to the complexity in these patients. No radiographic loosening

Level of Evidence This is a therapeutic level IV study.
Burnout among psychiatry residents
Authors: Beezhold J. , Andlauer O. , Kuzman M. R. , Podlesek A. , Hanon C. , Schulze B. , Jovanovic N.
Published: September 2018

Aim: To evaluate burnout syndrome and related factors among psychiatry residents in 24 countries worldwide. We report data from Croatia and France, the first two to complete the study.

Methods: The BoSS online questionnaire collects data on demographics, education, work circumstances, The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI-GS), The Areas of Worklife Survey, The Patient Health Questionnaire and The Suicide Ideation and Behaviour Questionnaire.

Results: Study sample consists of 224 residents – 54 from Croatia (54% response rate) and 136 from France (34.1%). They both showed moderate level of burnout syndrome, while the Croats had significantly stronger feelings of professional efficacy. Being single, fewer weekly working hours and vacation days, and higher workload significantly predicted higher emotional exhaustion and higher cynicism.

Conclusion: Our findings indicate moderate level of burnout among psychiatry residents and its strong association with inadequate working conditions.
Ethische Fragen bei der Integration von Standard- und Alternativverfahren in der psychiatrischen Therapie
Authors: Helmchen H.
Published: September 2018

Die zunehmende Bedeutung evidenzbasierter Behandlungen und Standardisierung ihrer Anwendung ebenso wie wachsende finanzielle Begrenzungen verengen den Blick des Therapeuten und lassen die individuellen Besonderheiten und Bedürfnisse des Patienten außer Betracht. Infolgedessen suchen Patienten ihre subjektiven Bedürfnisse auf alternativen Wegen wie Selbstmedikation, Verfahren unbekannter Qualität, oder Konsultation von nichtärztlichen Behandlern zu befriedigen. Dadurch stellen sich auch dem Psychiater ethische Fragen, die unter Bezug auf die wichtigsten ethischen Prinzipien diskutiert werden: 1. Respektierung der Würde und Selbstbestimmung des Patienten heißt, ihn ernst zu nehmen. Wo jedoch liegen die Grenzen dabei, die Sichtweise des Patienten einzunehmen, wenn sein Wille mit seinem Wohl in Konflikt gerät, besonders in Fällen, in denen der Patient womöglich der Fähigkeit ermangelt, kompetent über therapeutische Alternativen zu entscheiden? 2. Vermeidung von Schaden soll den Patienten von ungeprüften Verfahren mit unbekannten Nebenwirkungen und Risiken abhalten sowie verhindern, dass eine wirksame Behandlung versäumt wird. Wie jedoch soll der Psychiater den Patienten von den Vorteilen des empfohlenen qualitätsgeprüften Verfahrens überzeugen, ohne ihn aus dem medizinischen Versorgungssystem hinaus und in unqualifizierte und ungeprüfte Verfahren hinein zu treiben? 3. Im Hinblick auf Gerechtigkeit erscheint es klar, dass Verfahren ungeprüfter Qualität von Krankenkassen nicht bezahlt werden sollten. Ist das jedoch auch noch akzeptabel, wenn keine effizienten Verfahren verfügbar sind, ein vom Patienten gewünschtes alternatives Verfahren jedoch seine Lebensqualität verbessern könnte?
„Arbeitskreis Junge Wissenschaftler“ der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Bipolare Störungen DGBS e.V.
Authors: Bauer M. , Gerber S.
Published: September 2018

Bislang wurde noch nicht allzu viel getan, um den wissenschaftlichen interessierten Nachwuchs im Bereich der Bipolaren Störung systematisch zu unterstützen. Dabei besteht die junge ,,Scientific Community“ aus zahlreichen Nachwuchstalenten, welche durch ihre frischen Ideen und innovativen Ansätze durchaus Potenzial besitzen, zum wissenschaftlichen Fortschritt im Bereich der Bipolaren Störung beizutragen. Um diesen Anforderungen gerecht zu werden und um die Interessen von bipolaren Patienten und ihren Angehörigen bestmöglich zu vertreten, wurde im Jahr 1999 die ,,Deutsche Gesellschaft für Bipolare Störungen DGBS e.V“ gegründet. Sie vertritt sowohl professionell mit der Störung befasste Personen wie auch Angehörige und Patienten und hat es sich zum Ziel gesetzt, zur Aufklärung der breiten Öffentlichkeit beizutragen und für bessere Therapie- und Diagnostik-Möglichkeiten einzustehen. Zur Förderung junger Nachwuchsforscher wurde 2005 unter dem Dach der Gesellschaft der ,,Arbeitskreis Junge Wissenschaftler“ gegründet, um unter der Anleitung bereits etablierter Forscher junge Talente zu ermutigen, gemeinsam Projekte durchzuführen und ein wissenschaftliches Netzwerk, das ganz Deutschland umspannt, zu errichten. Dadurch kann bereits der Forschernachwuchs dazu beitragen, die Lebensqualität von bipolaren Patienten mittelfristig zu erhöhen, indem sie zu einem tieferen Verständnis der Erkrankung und ihrer zugrunde liegenden Pathomechanismen beitragen. Aktuell sind über 30 Nachwuchswissenschaftler aus 17 verschiedenen Forschungszentren im ,,Arbeitskreis Junge Wissenschaftler“ tätig, wobei jedes neue Talent zur Qualität der wissenschaftlichen Erkenntnisse beiträgt.
Quality Information about Uterine Fibroids on the Internet
Authors: Melo Daniela Gama de , Jallad Pedro Sérgio Soares , Brito Luiz Gustavo Oliveira
Published: September 2018

Objective There are no published studies analyzing the quality of the information for lay women on the Internet regarding uterine fibroids. The accuracy of the provided material is also unknown. Thus, we have performed a cross-sectional study with 381 websites in the English and Brazilian Portuguese languages between May and December 2017.

Methods Two investigators performed the analysis, and the Cohen kappa coefficient was calculated to analyze the agreement between them. Search terms (uterine fibroids and derivatives) in the English and Brazilian Portuguese languages were used. The accuracy was analyzed by a 10-item checklist created based on the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), National Institutes of Health (NIH) and European Menopause and Andropause Society (EMAS) consensuses about uterine fibroids. The item–test correlation and the intraclass coefficient were performed in the 16 questions from the DISCERN instrument, which was designed to measure the quality of health information on the Internet. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) measurements were performed for the independent variables and the DISCERN/accuracy scores.

Results Google was the most used search engine, and uterine fibroid was the search term that generated most of the analyzed material. The median score for accuracy in all websites was 5 out of 10, and the median score of the DISCERN instrument was 38 out of 80. The top-scoring sites in the English language were derived from scientific organizations and federal governments, and they regarded the DISCERN score (The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists [ACOG], the Food and Drug Administration [FDA]) and the accuracy criteria (NIH, and FDA). On the other hand, in the Brazilian Portuguese language, the highest scores in both instruments were from magazines or physician's blogs. The Cronbach α test showed a higher correlation (0.77–0.79) between the sites and DISCERN; however, the item–test correlation varied from 0.39 to 0.56.

Conclusion There is a need to improve the quality of the information regarding uterine fibroids for lay women.
Fehler und Lösungen bei der medikamentösen Therapie chronischer Schmerzen
Authors: Häuser Winfried , Schuler Matthias
Published: September 2018

Chronic pain is a main symptom of many diseases in internal medicine. The symptomatic treatment of pain in medical diseases is the task of the internist. Errors in drug therapy of pain can be reduced by a systematic approach of selection, application and monitoring of used medicine, taking effectiveness, duration, dose, comedication and safety into account.
Elliptically bent crystal x-ray spectrometer for time-resolved laser plasma experiments
Authors: Wang R. R. , An H. H. , Guo E. F. , Fang Z. H. , Xie Z. Y. , Jia G. , Wang W.
Published: September 2018

Measuring time-resolved spectra is crucial in inertial confinement fusion and radiation source development experiments. An elliptically bent crystal spectrometer is designed to measure X-rays in the range of 2.5–11.0 keV, which was achieved using four different lattice spacings of 0.8512, 0.6687, 0.4246, and 0.2749 nm with spectral resolution E/δE of ∼500. The X-rays emitted from a source at one focus of the ellipse undergo Bragg reflection off a crystal and pass through the second focus of the ellipse to a streak camera slit with 18-mm length and 80-μm width to generate a time-resolved spectrum. An alignment method for the time-resolved spectrometer was developed with the straight line connecting the centers of the two small holes on the fabricated substrate being the axis of the ellipse, thus allowing the spacing between the source and the elliptical crystal to be tuned to couple with the streak camera. The time-resolved spectrometer’s performance was experimentally tested at the Shenguang II laser facility. The results indicate that its performance is close to that predicted theoretically.
Effect of gain medium and graphene on the resonance energy transfer between two molecules positioned near a plasmonic multilayer nanoparticle
Authors: Daneshfar Nader , Naseri Tayebeh , Jalilian Milad
Published: September 2018

In this study, we investigate the transfer of energy from a donor molecule to an acceptor molecule nearby a spherical multilayer nanoparticle consisting of a core surrounded by two shells (core@shell@shell nanoparticle), with focus on the role of graphene and gain medium in the resonance energy transfer between molecules. We obtain analytical expressions for the interaction energy between the dipoles and the energy enhancement factor in a hybrid plasmonic nanoshell-molecular system consisting of a pair of molecules positioned near a plasmonic three-layer nanoparticle. Owing to the more flexible tunability of multishell nanoparticles, the resonance energy transfer can be enhanced and tuned from IR-visible-UV regions by controlling the size of the nanosphere core or shells. In addition to the effect of the gain medium which enhances the plasmonic resonance in order of magnitude, the impact of a graphene-coated three-layer nanosphere on the energy transfer is studied by taking into account the role of dipolar, quadrupolar, octupolar, hexadecapolar, and triakontadipolar plasmonic modes.
Pixelated GaSb solar cells on silicon by membrane bonding
Authors: Mangu Vijay S. , Renteria Emma J. , Addamane Sadhvikas J. , Mansoori Ahmad , Armendáriz Adrian , Deneke Christoph F. , Ferreira Sukarno O. , Zamiri Marziyeh , Balakrishnan Ganesh , Cavallo Francesca
Published: September 2018

We demonstrate thin-film GaSb solar cells which are isolated from a GaSb substrate and transferred to a Si substrate. We epitaxially grow ∼3.3 μm thick GaSb P on N diode structures on a GaSb substrate. Upon patterning in 2D arrays of pixels, the GaSb films are released via epitaxial lift-off and they are transferred to Si substrates. Encapsulation of each pixel preserves the structural integrity of the GaSb film during lift-off. Using this technique, we consistently transfer ∼4 × 4 mm2 array of pixelated GaSb membranes to a Si substrate with a ∼ 80%–100% yield. The area of individual pixels ranges from ∼90 × 90 μm2 to ∼340 × 340 μm2. Further processing to fabricate photovoltaic devices is performed after the transfer. GaSb solar cells with lateral sizes of ∼340 × 340 μm2 under illumination exhibit efficiencies of ∼3%, which compares favorably with extracted values for large-area (i.e., 5 × 5 mm2) homoepitaxial GaSb solar cells on GaSb substrates.
Mathematically universal and biologically consistent astrocytoma genotype encodes for transformation and predicts survival phenotype
Authors: Aiello Katherine A. , Ponnapalli Sri Priya , Alter Orly
Published: September 2018

DNA alterations have been observed in astrocytoma for decades. A copy-number genotype predictive of a survival phenotype was only discovered by using the generalized singular value decomposition (GSVD) formulated as a comparative spectral decomposition. Here, we use the GSVD to compare whole-genome sequencing (WGS) profiles of patient-matched astrocytoma and normal DNA. First, the GSVD uncovers a genome-wide pattern of copy-number alterations, which is bounded by patterns recently uncovered by the GSVDs of microarray-profiled patient-matched glioblastoma (GBM) and, separately, lower-grade astrocytoma and normal genomes. Like the microarray patterns, the WGS pattern is correlated with an approximately one-year median survival time. By filling in gaps in the microarray patterns, the WGS pattern reveals that this biologically consistent genotype encodes for transformation via the Notch together with the Ras and Shh pathways. Second, like the GSVDs of the microarray profiles, the GSVD of the WGS profiles separates the tumor-exclusive pattern from normal copy-number variations and experimental inconsistencies. These include the WGS technology-specific effects of guanine-cytosine content variations across the genomes that are correlated with experimental batches. Third, by identifying the biologically consistent phenotype among the WGS-profiled tumors, the GBM pattern proves to be a technology-independent predictor of survival and response to chemotherapy and radiation, statistically better than the patient's age and tumor's grade, the best other indicators, and MGMT promoter methylation and IDH1 mutation. We conclude that by using the complex structure of the data, comparative spectral decompositions underlie a mathematically universal description of the genotype-phenotype relations in cancer that other methods miss.
Time-averaged asymmetries and oscillatory global modes of vortex flows over a slender wing
Authors: Luo Heng , Ma Bao-Feng
Published: September 2018

Previous studies indicate that vortex pairs over slender wings can produce time-averaged asymmetries even before the occurrence of vortex breakdown, but the sources for the asymmetries are still not clear. The present investigation uses numerical simulations and experimental measurements to explore the physical nature for the symmetry breaking of vortices. The results indicate that the time-averaged asymmetries come from a spatial growth of local disturbances (spatial instability) instead of a temporal instability. In numerical simulations, the time-averaged flows around a perfectly symmetric wing exhibit symmetric vortex pairs in which any asymmetric initial perturbation will decay and eventually converge to symmetric flows. However, if a geometric micro-perturbation is asymmetrically placed on the apex, asymmetric vortex pairs can be produced; downstream sectional perturbation energy grows spatially, and the growth rates increase with increasing angle of attack. The spatial perturbation growth mainly comes from antisymmetric modes, whereas symmetric modes have smaller growth rates. The experimental results indicate that artificial apex perturbations can overwhelm natural irregularities on the apex and dominate the orientations of asymmetric vortices. Unsteady aspects of the flows were also studied before vortex breakdown, with the emphasis put on oscillatory global modes by applying dynamic mode decomposition to the entire flow field. It was found that the most energetic modes are related to vortex shedding around trailing edges and instabilities of downstream shear layers, which has significant contributions to fluctuations of aerodynamic forces and moments. The vortex shedding exhibits strong three dimensionality characterized by oblique shedding and a beating phenomenon.
A molecular dynamics study on indentation response of single crystalline wurtzite GaN
Authors: Qian Yu , Shang Fulin , Wan Qiang , Yan Yabin
Published: September 2018

A series of molecular dynamics simulations are carried out to investigate the plastic deformation in wurtzite GaN. Besides the formation of an amorphous zone under the contact region, plastic slips nucleated on the m plane (10-10), c plane (0001), r plane (10-12), and s plane (10-11) are observed in the indentation. Combined with a close analysis of critical stress that induces a specific slip on different crystalline planes, the defect evolution is discussed in detail. Slip systems of [10-1-1](10-12) and 1/3[2-1-1-3](10-11) on the pyramidal planes are not supposed to nucleate easily since higher stress is required to activate them. However, a significant decrease in the shear stress that induces a pyramidal slip could be expected if the slip evolves gradually following a two-step procedure. The gradual slips on both the r plane (10-12) and s plane (10-11) are observed in our indentation simulation; the mechanism is studied by the calculation of generalized stacking fault energy.
Solitary vortex dynamics of two-dimensional harmonically trapped Bose-Einstein condensates with higher-order nonlinear interactions
Authors: Wang Ying , Yang Yang
Published: September 2018

We studied the evolutionary patterns of two-dimensional Bose-Einstein condensates incorporating higher-order nonlinear interactions in harmonic potential. Using the Gross-Pitaevskii equation model with higher-order nonlinear corrections, we derived the analytical solitary vortex solutions via the variational method. The impact of the higher-order nonlinear interaction on the vortex dynamics is quantitatively analyzed, showing its key nonlinear feature contribution in the asymmetric vortex evolution with more precise evolutionary pattern generated. We found that, for the circular symmetric solution, if the nonlinear strength is not high, the higher-order nonlinear corrections essentially have only a tiny perturbative effect on the system’s quasi-static oscillation state, whereas for asymmetric evolution of the solitary vortex, incorporating higher-order corrections will generate an evolution pattern that better matches the results of numerical simulation. The theoretical results derived here can be used to guide relevant experimental studies of higher-order nonlinear effects in ultracold atomic systems.
Magnetic properties of perovskite Ca1−xSrxFeO3
Authors: Kawanaka H. , Kawawa E. , Nishihara Y. , Iga F. , Kondo A. , Kindo K. , Matsuda Y.
Published: September 2018

We synthesized Ca1−xSrxFeO3 containing tetravalent iron Fe4+ with high valence by low temperature heat treatment along with ozone oxidization. We investigated the magnetic properties of perovskite Ca1−xSrxFeO3. The charge disproportionation transition temperature (TCD) of Ca1−xSrxFeO3 was observed from x = 0.0 to 0.6 in the magnetic susceptibility measurements. The decrease in TCD occurs is attributed to deformation of the crystal structure. The metamagnetic transitions with hysteresis were observed in the magnetization curves of all the compositions. The metamagnetic behavior is due to helical magnetism, which means that there are intermediate stable states before magnetization is saturated. In the Sr-rich region with x = 0.8 and 1.0, the saturation magnetization shows forced ferromagnetic order with a value of ∼3.2 μB at high magnetic field, H ∼ 60 T.
Combined effects of hidden and polarization drifts on impurity transport in tokamak plasmas
Authors: Vlad Madalina , Spineanu Florin
Published: September 2018

Radial hidden drifts (HDs) of ions are generated in turbulence by poloidal average velocity. These drifts represent quasi-coherent motion that does not determine average velocity but opposite displacements that compensate. We show that the polarization drift determines a perturbation of this equilibrium of the HDs that generates an average radial velocity VHD. The dependences of VHD on plasma parameters and on the shape of the time dependence of the Eulerian correlation of the potential are studied using a semi-analytical approach, the decorrelation trajectory method. This pinch velocity can be important for the W ions. It depends on plasma rotation (L and H modes) and on the type of turbulence.
Grating-based waveguides for dielectric laser acceleration
Authors: Chen Zhaofu , Koyama Kazuyoshi , Uesaka Mitsuru , Yoshida Mitsuhiro , Zhang Rui
Published: September 2018

We propose a chip-scale hollow-core waveguide using high-contrast gratings as reflectors for dielectric laser acceleration. We show that confinement of a specified accelerating mode can be achieved by adjusting the thickness of a matching layer between the core and the highly reflective grating. Several examples of the grating-based waveguide and their characteristic parameters such as the group velocity, interaction impedance, and acceleration efficiency are presented. The planar structure of the waveguide makes fabrication and integration simple, which is required by an on-chip dielectric laser accelerator for high-energy, material, and medical applications.
Transition-path properties for folding reactions in the limit of small barriers
Authors: Pyo Andrew G. T. , Hoffer Noel Q. , Neupane Krishna , Woodside Michael T.
Published: September 2018

Transition paths are of great interest because they encapsulate information about the mechanisms of barrier-crossing reactions. Analysis of experiments measuring biomolecular folding reactions has relied on expressions for properties of transition paths such as transition-path times and velocities that hold in the limit of large harmonic barriers, but real molecules often have relatively small barriers. Recent theoretical work presented more general expressions for transition-path properties. Here we extend this work, deriving expressions from the general case that can be applied to small harmonic barriers. We first compared the performance of small-barrier, large-barrier, and general solutions when applied to simulated transitions, focusing on improvements in estimates of the diffusion coefficient determined from transition times and velocities. We then applied these expressions to experimental data from force spectroscopy measurements of DNA hairpins. We found that the low-barrier approximation and exact solution reduced or resolved the small but systematic inconsistencies that had arisen from assuming large harmonic barriers, demonstrating the practical utility of the new equations for analyzing experimental data.
Polarization-insensitive wide-angle-reception metasurface with simplified structure for harvesting electromagnetic energy
Authors: Yu Fan , Yang Xuexia , Zhong Huiteng , Chu Chengyi , Gao Steven
Published: September 2018

This paper reports the design, fabrication, and measurement of a metasurface with wide-angle-reception and polarization-insensitive characteristics for harvesting electromagnetic energy. Unlike the metasurface unit cell with multiple vias reported in the literature, it realizes polarization-insensitive characteristics using a single via, which reduces the complexity of the structure significantly. The harvesting and absorption efficiencies at the normal and oblique incidences, energy distribution, and the surface current for different polarization angles are investigated. The simulation results show that the maximum harvesting efficiency is 88% at the center frequency of 5.8 GHz for the arbitrary polarization at the normal incidence of 0°. Within the oblique incidence range of 75°, the maximum efficiency remains higher than 77% for the random polarization. A 5 × 5 array has been fabricated and measured, and the good agreement with the simulated results is obtained.
Radiation-dominated particle and plasma dynamics
Authors: Gonoskov Arkady , Marklund Mattias
Published: September 2018

We consider charged particle motion in a strong electromagnetic field of an arbitrary configuration and find a universal behaviour: for sufficient field strengths, the radiation losses lead to a general tendency of the charge to move along the direction that locally yields zero acceleration orthogonal to the direction of motion. This corresponds to the suppression of radiation losses according to both classical and quantum considerations. We show that such a radiation-free direction (RFD) exists at each point of an arbitrary electromagnetic field, while the time-scale of approaching this direction decreases with the increase in field strength. In the case of a sufficiently strong electromagnetic field, at each point of space, the charges mainly move and form currents along the local RFD, while the deviation of their motion from RFD can be calculated to determine their incoherent emission. This forms a general description of particle, and therefore plasma, dynamics in strong electromagnetic fields, the latter being generated by state-of-the-art lasers or in astrophysical environments.
AlGaN ultraviolet Avalanche photodiodes based on a triple-mesa structure
Authors: Cai Q. , Luo W. K. , Li Q. , Li M. , Chen D. J. , Lu H. , Zhang R. , Zheng Y. D.
Published: September 2018

A high-performance Al0.1Ga0.9N ultraviolet (UV) avalanche photodiode (APD) with a separate absorption and multiplication structure grown on AlN templates is fabricated by employing a triple-mesa structure. The fabricated AlGaN UV-APD exhibits a maximum gain up to 2.3 × 104 at the reverse bias of 67 V and a low avalanche breakdown voltage (<70 V). The triple-mesa structure is confirmed to significantly lower the avalanche breakdown voltage and reduce the sidewall leakage current in comparison with the conventional double-mesa one. These improvements are explained by the simulation of the electric field which shows a significant improvement in the distribution uniformity in the active regions and enhancement in the intensity in the multiplication region. In addition, the scaling effects of various anodes and mesas are investigated, and the dark current is found to decrease with a decrease in the mesa size thanks to the reduced amount in the high-conductivity threading dislocation that crosses the multiplication region.
A ZnII-MOF Assembled by Triazine-Based Polycarboxylate and 4,4′-Bipy: Structure, Fluorescent Properties, and Water Vapour Adsorption
Authors: Feng Lu , Zhou Hong
Published: September 2018

A new flexible triazine-based polycarboxylate metal–organic framework, {[Zn4(TTHA)(4, 4′-bipy)2(OH)2(H2O)]·H2O}n (1), H6TTHA = 1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triamine hexaacetic acid, has been synthesised under hydrothermal conditions and structurally characterised by X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and X-ray single-crystal diffraction. Structural studies indicate that 1 exhibits a 3D network with a 4,6-connected topology, formed by the interconnection of tetranuclear units and the ligands. The fluorescence emission properties of 1 and the free ligands were investigated in the solid state at room temperature. Moreover, the fluorescence lifetime (τ) and quantum yield (Φf) were obtained to further characterise the fluorescence properties. In addition, the water vapour adsorption of 1 was first studied for H6TTHA based complexes, which shows a general water adsorption capacity.
Mechanics of mouse blastocyst hatching revealed by a hydrogel-based microdeformation assay
Authors: Leonavicius Karolis , Royer Christophe , Preece Chris , Davies Benjamin , Biggins John S. , Srinivas Shankar
Published: September 2018

Significance

Blastocyst hatching is crucial for implantation of mammalian embryos and a common failure point during in vitro fertilization (IVF). We have little knowledge of the mechanical basis whereby an embryo hatches out of the zona pellucida. We have developed a technique to measure blastocyst pressure, allowing us to quantify physiological parameters and providing additional measures of efficiency in IVF optimization. We find that mechanical stretching of the zona by the blastocyst is essential for efficient hatching. Cryopreservation and thawing of embryos is common during IVF. Our technique reveals significant differences in microphysiology between fresh and thawed embryos. Our experimental and associated mathematical techniques are also applicable to other biological systems involving cavity formation, providing an approach for measuring forces in diverse contexts.