bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polyethylene on Cement Spacers: An Economic Approach to an Effective Infection Eradication in a Two-Stage Knee Revision Articulating Spacers
Authors: Lu Junren , Han Jing , Yao Zhenjun , Yang Yi , Zhang Chi
Published: February 2018

Although two-stage revision surgery is generally considered as the gold standard treatment for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after total knee arthroplasty, the procedure is limited by the costs of commercially preformed spacers used for treatment. In this work, we aim to report a modified approach by which the cost of the spacer could be significantly reduced without compromising eradication of infection. Between 2010 and 2016, we performed a total of 11 two-stage revision arthroplasties using a surgically handmade spacer with a new polyethylene insert. Patients were aged 59 to 80 years old (mean 69.9 years), with a range of motion (ROM) between 20° and 65° on the affected knee (mean 46.4°) before the first-stage revision surgery. During the perioperative and postoperative period, functional and clinical evaluation of the patients were performed, including the determination of their articular ROM, Knee Society Knee Scores (KSKS), and Knee Society Function Scores (KSFS). All patients were followed up for an average of 2 years, ranging from 1 to 4 years. After the second-stage revision surgery, the mean ROM was increased by 46.8° (46.4°–93.2°) after the second-stage revision. KSKS and KSFS scores were recorded to increase by an average of 44.5° (range 40.4°–84.9°) and 46.9° (range 38.5°–85.4°), respectively. All 11 patients underwent a successful two-stage revision surgery, and no evidence of postsurgical infection was found during patient follow-up examination. Our results show that this personalized handmade antibiotic-loaded articulating spacer is cost-effective and efficacious.
Osteochondroses
Authors: Danger Franklin , Wasyliw Christopher , Varich Laura
Published: February 2018

The osteochondroses are a group of disorders that affect the epiphysis or epiphyseal equivalent segments of the immature skeleton. These disorders are believed to be primarily the result of traumatic or vascular pathology, often in the setting of overuse, and are usually self-limited. Their imaging findings are based on the time of the study within the natural course of the disease process. Early findings may best be demonstrated by magnetic resonance imaging or may be recognized radiographically as sclerosis of the involved segment. Later disease demonstrates bone fragmentation and collapse, followed by healing where bone architecture is restored with variable reconstitution of the normal morphology.
Verlängerte Sekundärprophylaxe nach venöser Thromboembolie
Authors: Bauersachs Rupert
Published: February 2018

Was ist neu?

Aktuelle Studien Kurz nach Absetzen der oralen Antikoagulation kommt es zu einem etwa 2- bis 3-fachen Anstieg von VTE-Rezidiven. Das Rezidivrisiko ist besonders hoch nach einer VTE, die ohne identifizierbaren Auslöser aufgetreten war oder wenn nur weiche, unsichere auslösende Risikofaktoren vorlagen, sowie bei fortbestehenden Risikofaktoren, wie z. B. einer Krebserkrankung.

Konsensusdokument über auslösende Risikofaktoren für venöse Thromboembolie In einem aktuellen Konsensusdokument wurden die zugrundeliegenden Risikofaktoren definiert und in 3 Gruppen klassifiziert.

Direkte orale Antikoagulanzien Eine reduzierte Dosis von DOAK ermöglicht eine wirksame verlängerte Sekundärprophylaxe bei gleichzeitig niedrigem Blutungsrisiko. ASS hat in der Sekundärprophylaxe der VTE keinen Stellenwert mehr, da das Blutungsrisiko nicht niedriger ist, die Wirksamkeit aber deutlich schlechter.

Die Ampel – Entscheidungshilfe zur Dauer der Antikoagulation Eine Risikostratifizierung in 3 Gruppen erlaubt für die meisten Patienten eine klare Entscheidung zum Absetzen oder Weiterführen der OAK; bei verlängerter Antikoagulation kann unter Nutzen-Risiko-Abwägung der Einsatz einer reduzierten DOAK-Dosierung in Betracht gezogen werden.
Oropharyngeale Dysphagie im Alter – Abklärung und Therapieoptionen
Authors: Wirth Rainer , Lueg Gero , Dziewas Rainer
Published: February 2018

Was ist neu?

Grundlagen Aufgrund unspezifischer Symptome wird die oropharyngeale Dysphagie oft nicht als solche diagnostiziert und damit häufig übersehen. Da die Prävalenz der Dysphagie im Alter hoch ist, muss gerade bei dieser Patientengruppe aktiv danach gesucht werden.

Häufige Befunde Die oropharyngeale Dysphagie ist durch eine Vielzahl unterschiedlicher Befunde in variabler Konstellation charakterisiert, die im folgenden Artikel dargestellt werden.

Besonderheiten im Alter Als Presbyphagie wird die Beeinträchtigung des Schluckakts durch altersassoziierte Veränderungen bezeichnet. Durch die Presbyphagie wird die Schädigungsschwelle gesenkt, ab der eine Dysphagie auftritt.

Diagnostik In den letzten Jahren hat sich die flexible endoskopische Evaluation des Schluckaktes (FEES) in vielen Kliniken und Disziplinen etabliert. Durch eine höhere Bildauflösung und neue Kontrastverfahren wurde diese Methode erheblich weiterentwickelt. Die FEES bietet viele Vorteile gegenüber der radiologischen Videofluoroskopie (VFS), ist jedoch weiterhin komplementär zur VFS zu sehen.

Therapie Eine neue Leitlinie der Europäischen Gesellschaft für klinische Ernährung und Stoffwechsel (ESPEN) fasst die wesentlichen Aspekte der Therapie und ihre Evidenz zusammen. Mittlerweile gibt es zunehmende Evidenz für bestimmte Trainingsverfahren, kompensatorische Manöver und Stimulationsverfahren.
Extrasystolie in der Routineergometrie: lästige Pflicht oder diagnostische Kür?
Authors: Knöchner Stephan , Kronberg K. , Schumann U.
Published: February 2018

Anamnese Ein 47-jähriger Freizeitsportler zeigte in einer Routineergometrie polymorphe ventrikuläre Extrasystolen bei guter körperlicher Leistungsfähigkeit.

Untersuchungen Im Ruhe-EKG imponierten ventrikuläre Extrasystolen (VES) überwiegend rechtsschenkelblockartig mit superiorer Achse, ein Langzeit-EKG ergab bis 100 VES pro Stunde. Echokardiografisch imponierten 4 – 5 Trabekel, gefiederte, netzartige Strukturen apikal im linken und geringer im rechten Ventrikel. Das Kardio-MRT ergab eine Wandverdünnung lateral und apikal mit vermehrter Trabekularisierung, kein Late-Enhancement.

Diagnose milde Form einer NCCM, aktuell asymptomatisch.

Therapie Die Herzinsuffizienzbehandlung orientiert sich an den Leitlinien einschließlich ICD-CRT-Therapie. Wir empfahlen Ramipril und entschieden uns gegen eine transvenöse ICD-Implantation. Zum Zeitpunkt der Vorstellung waren subkutane ICD-Systeme noch nicht erhältlich. Ein Familienscreening und eine Genotypisierung Betroffener werden empfohlen.

Folgerung Die meisten Patienten weisen bei Vorstellung eine Herzinsuffizienz, Rhythmussymptomatik oder Thrombenbildung in den nichtkompakten Anteilen der linksventrikulären Wand auf. Ventrikuläre Tachykardien sind häufig und der plötzliche Herztod die häufigste Todesursache. Arrythmien sind einer medikamentösen oder Ablationsbehandlung zugänglich. Ausdauersport führt zu günstigen Anpassungen des Herz-Kreislaufsystems trotz erhöhtem Risiko für den plötzlichen Herztod. Das Beispiel zeigt, dass auch asymptomatische Grenzbefunde existieren. Ob eine sportliche Betätigung einen protektiven Einfluss hat, muss weiter untersucht werden.
Die akute Promyelozytenleukämie – Eine seltene, lebensbedrohliche Erkrankung mit hoher Heilungschance
Authors: Nolte Florian , Lengfelder Eva , Hofmann Wolf-Karsten
Published: February 2018

Was ist neu?

Epidemiologie Die APL ist eine sehr seltene Erkrankung. Ihre hohen Heilungschancen können verspielt werden, wenn sie nicht frühzeitig bei entsprechenden klinischen Symptomen und laborchemischen Veränderungen differenzialdiagnostisch berücksichtigt wird.

Klinische Präsentation Neben Zeichen der hämatopoetischen Insuffizienz wie mehr oder weniger stark ausgeprägten Zytopenien oder Leukozytose (bei der varianten Form) sind lebensbedrohliche Blutungskomplikationen typische Symptome bereits bei Erstdiagnose. Intrakranielle und pulmonale Blutungen sind die häufigsten hämorrhagischen Todesursachen.

Diagnostik Bei Verdacht auf APL muss neben der rasch verfügbaren morphologischen Diagnostik umgehend der Nachweis der Translokation t(15;17) bzw. der Fusionsgene PML/RARA mittels molekularzytogenetischer Verfahren erfolgen.

Therapie der akuten Promyelozytenleukämie Die Therapie muss wegen fataler hämorrhagischer Blutungskomplikationen schon bei Verdacht auf das Vorliegen einer APL mit ATRA eingeleitet werden, auch wenn die Diagnose APL noch nicht genetisch belegt ist. Patienten mit Leukozytenwerten von < 10 000/µl werden mit einer Kombination aus ATRA und ATO behandelt, während die Standardtherapie bei höheren Leukozytenwerten noch aus ATRA und Anthrazyklin- plus Cytosinarabinosid-haltiger konventioneller Chemotherapie besteht. In klinischen Studien werden auch für diese Patientenpopulation Therapieprotokolle untersucht, die den Einsatz konventioneller Chemotherapeutika zugunsten von ATRA und ATO zurücknehmen.

Ausblick Nach wie vor ist die Rate an den in der Mehrzahl hämorrhagisch bedingten Frühtodesfällen ein relevantes klinisches Problem. Neben einer besseren Aufklärung des Pathomechanismus der hämorrhagischen Diathese stellen klinische Fortbildungsprogramme, die die Aufmerksamkeit bez. der APL erhöhen und die Bildung regionaler Kompetenznetzwerke unter Involvierung von in Diagnostik und Therapie erfahrenen Hämatologen eine Möglichkeit dar, die immer noch hohe Frühtodesrate zu reduzieren.
Infektiologische Schnelltests in der Praxis und für zu Hause
Authors: Spinner Christoph , Müller Matthias , Lange Berit
Published: February 2018

Was ist neu?

Schnelltests in der Infektiologie Patientennahe labormedizinische Verfahren („point of care testing“; POCT) spielen eine zunehmende Rolle für Entscheidungen im Praxisalltag. Neben den bereits etablierten Verfahren (z. B. Glukose oder Protein im Urin) spielen neuartige Einkassettenverfahren (Rapid diagnostic test – RDT) ebenso wie andere POC-Verfahren eine zunehmende Rolle. Eine zeitnahe und zuverlässige Diagnostik ermöglicht auch in der Infektiologie eine gezielte Therapieentscheidung. Perspektivisch können Testverfahren für Patienten, z. B. HIV-Heimtests, eine bedeutende Rolle spielen. Bei allen Verfahren bleiben technisch bedingte Limitationen der Sensitivität und Spezifität eine Herausforderung ebenso wie die Handhabung des Probenmaterials bezüglich prä- und postanalytischer Anforderungen. Weiterhin müssen alle Testergebnisse durch klinisch erfahrene Ärzte bewertet werden.
EEG-Anfallsmuster und Anfallssemiologie
Authors: Noachtar Soheyl
Published: February 2018

Durch die digitale Technik hat sich das EEG-Video-Monitoring wesentlich verbessert und damit unser Wissen um die Assoziation typischer Anfallssemiologie mit typischen EEG-Anfallsmuster deutlich erweitert. Dies kommt einerseits der Differenzialdiagnose epileptischer Anfälle zu Gute und hat andererseits die Möglichkeiten der epilepsiechirurgischen Behandlung entscheidend verbessert.
Psoriasisarthritis – Update 2018
Authors: Märker-Hermann Elisabeth
Published: February 2018

Was ist neu?

Inzidenz Bei Patienten mit bekannter kutaner Psoriasis liegt die jährliche Neuerkrankungsrate an Psoriasisarthritis (PsA) bei ca. 3 %. Unspezifische rheumatische Symptome können der PsA um Jahre vorausgehen.

Screening Fragebögen wie der GEPARD-Fragebogen sind für ein Screening auf PsA und eine frühe Diagnose der PsA gut geeignet.

Kardiovaskuläre und zerebrovaskuläre Morbidität Die kardiovaskuläre und zerebrovaskuläre Morbidität ist bei PsA-Patienten deutlich erhöht im Vergleich zur Allgemeinbevölkerung.

Therapie mit IL-17-Inhibitoren Neben dem bereits zugelassenen Secukinumab wird die therapeutische Option der IL-17-Inhibition bei PsA jetzt durch eine weitere Substanz, Ixekizumab, erweitert.

Therapie mit JAK-Inhibitoren Der Janus-Kinase (JAK)-Inhibitor Tofacitinib, der zur Behandlung der rheumatoiden Arthritis eingesetzt wird, erweist sich nach neuen Studien auch in der Therapie der PsA als wirksam.
High electric field conduction in low-alkali boroaluminosilicate glass
Authors: Dash Priyanka , Yuan Mengxue , Gao Jun , Furman Eugene , Lanagan Michael T
Published: February 2018

Electrical conduction in silica-based glasses under a low electric field is dominated by high mobility ions such as sodium, and there is a transition from ionic transport to electronic transport as the electric field exceeds 108 V/m at low temperatures. Electrical conduction under a high electric field was investigated in thin low-alkali boroaluminosilicate glass samples, showing nonlinear conduction with the current density scaling approximately with E1/2, where E is the electric field. In addition, thermally stimulated depolarization current (TSDC) characterization was carried out on room-temperature electrically poled glass samples, and an anomalous discharging current flowing in the same direction as the charging current was observed. High electric field conduction and TSDC results led to the conclusion that Poole-Frenkel based electronic transport occurs in the mobile-cation-depleted region adjacent to the anode, and accounts for the observed anomalous current.
Keyring models: An approach to steerability
Authors: Miller Carl A. , Colbeck Roger , Shi Yaoyun
Published: February 2018

If a measurement is made on one half of a bipartite system, then, conditioned on the outcome, the other half has a new reduced state. If these reduced states defy classical explanation—that is, if shared randomness cannot produce these reduced states for all possible measurements—the bipartite state is said to be steerable. Determining which states are steerable is a challenging problem even for low dimensions. In the case of two-qubit systems, a criterion is known for T-states (that is, those with maximally mixed marginals) under projective measurements. In the current work, we introduce the concept of keyring models—a special class of local hidden state models. When the measurements made correspond to real projectors, these allow us to study steerability beyond T-states. Using keyring models, we completely solve the steering problem for real projective measurements when the state arises from mixing a pure two-qubit state with uniform noise. We also give a partial solution in the case when the uniform noise is replaced by independent depolarizing channels.
Contact mechanics of graphene-covered metal surfaces
Authors: Klemenz Andreas , Gola Adrien , Moseler Michael , Pastewka Lars
Published: February 2018

We carry out molecular statics simulations of the indentation of bare and graphene-covered Pt (111) surfaces with smooth and rough indenters of radius 1.5 to 10 nm. Our simulations show that the plastic yield of bare surfaces strongly depends on atomic-scale indenter roughness such as terraces or amorphous disorder. Covering surfaces with graphene regularizes this response to the results obtained for ideally smooth indenters. Our results suggest that graphene monolayers and other 2D materials mitigate the effect of roughness, which could be exploited to improve the fidelity of experiments that probe the mechanical properties of interfaces.
Properties of the electrostatically driven helical plasma state
Authors: Akçay Cihan , Finn John M. , Nebel Richard A. , Barnes Daniel C. , Martin Neal
Published: February 2018

A novel plasma state has been found [Akçay et al., Phys. Plasmas 24, 052503 (2017)] in the presence of a uniform applied axial magnetic field in periodic cylindrical geometry. This state is driven by external electrostatic fields provided by helical electrodes with a (m=1,n=1) (helical) symmetry where m and n represent the poloidal and axial harmonics. The resulting plasma is a function of the cylinder radius r<rw and helical angle u=mθ−nζ, where θ is the poloidal angle, and ζ=z/R is the normalized axial coordinate in the context of a periodic cylinder. In this reference, the strongly driven form of the state was found to have a strong axial mean current density, with a mean-field line safety factor q0(r) just above the pitch of the electrodes m/n=1 in the interior, where the plasma is nearly force-free. However, at the edge the current density has a component perpendicular to the magnetic field B. This perpendicular current density drives nearly Alfvénic helical plasma flows, a notable feature of these states. This state is being studied for its possible application in DC electrical transformers. We present results on several issues of importance for these applications: the transient leading to the steady state; the twist and writhe of the field lines and their relation with the current density; the properties of the current density streamlines and length of the current density lines connected to the electrodes; the sensitivity to changes in the velocity boundary conditions; the effect of varying the radial resistivity profile; and the effects of a concentrated electrode potential.
Fifth-order superintegrable quantum systems separating in Cartesian coordinates: Doubly exotic potentials
Authors: Abouamal Ismail , Winternitz Pavel
Published: February 2018

We consider a two-dimensional quantum Hamiltonian separable in Cartesian coordinates and allowing a fifth-order integral of motion. We impose the superintegrablity condition and find all doubly exotic superintegrable potentials (i.e., potentials V(x, y) = V1(x) + V2(y), where neither V1(x) nor V2(y) satisfy a linear ordinary differential equation), allowing the existence of such an integral. All of these potentials are found to have the Painlevé property. Most of them are expressed in terms of known Painlevé transcendents or elliptic functions but some may represent new higher order Painlevé transcendents.
Pulsed coherent population trapping with repeated queries for producing single-peaked high contrast Ramsey interference
Authors: Warren Z. , Shahriar M. S. , Tripathi R. , Pati G. S.
Published: February 2018

A repeated query technique has been demonstrated as a new interrogation method in pulsed coherent population trapping for producing single-peaked Ramsey interference with high contrast. This technique enhances the contrast of the central Ramsey fringe by nearly 1.5 times and significantly suppresses the side fringes by using more query pulses (>10) in the pulse cycle. Theoretical models have been developed to simulate Ramsey interference and analyze the characteristics of the Ramsey spectrum produced by the repeated query technique. Experiments have also been carried out employing a repeated query technique in a prototype rubidium clock to study its frequency stability performance.
Metal-organic chemical vapor deposition of N-polar InN quantum dots and thin films on vicinal GaN
Authors: Lund Cory , Catalano Massimo , Wang Luhua , Wurm Christian , Mates Thomas , Kim Moon , Nakamura Shuji , DenBaars Steven P. , Mishra Umesh K. , Keller Stacia
Published: February 2018

N-polar InN layers were deposited using MOCVD on GaN-on-sapphire templates which were miscut 4° towards the GaN m-direction. For thin layers, quantum dot-like features were spontaneously formed to relieve the strain between the InN and GaN layers. As the thickness was increased, the dots elongated along the step direction before growing outward perpendicular to the step direction and coalescing to form a complete InN layer. XRD reciprocal space maps indicated that the InN films relaxed upon quantum dot formation after nominally 1 nm thick growth, resulting in 5–7 nm tall dots with diameters around 20–50 nm. For thicker layers above 10 nm, high electron mobilities of up to 706 cm2/V s were measured using Hall effect measurements indicating high quality layers.
Coupled transport in field-reversed configurations
Authors: Steinhauer L. C. , Berk H. L. ,   TAE Team
Published: February 2018

Coupled transport is the close interconnection between the cross-field and parallel fluxes in different regions due to topological changes in the magnetic field. This occurs because perpendicular transport is necessary for particles or energy to leave closed field-line regions, while parallel transport strongly affects evolution of open field-line regions. In most toroidal confinement systems, the periphery, namely, the portion with open magnetic surfaces, is small in thickness and volume compared to the core plasma, the portion with closed surfaces. In field-reversed configurations (FRCs), the periphery plays an outsized role in overall confinement. This effect is addressed by an FRC-relevant model of coupled particle transport that is well suited for immediate interpretation of experiments. The focus here is particle confinement rather than energy confinement since the two track together in FRCs. The interpretive tool yields both the particle transport rate χn and the end-loss time τǁ. The results indicate that particle confinement depends on both χn across magnetic surfaces throughout the plasma and τǁ along open surfaces and that they provide roughly equal transport barriers, inhibiting particle loss. The interpretation of traditional FRCs shows Bohm-like χn and inertial (free-streaming) τǁ. However, in recent advanced beam-driven FRC experiments, χn approaches the classical rate and τǁ is comparable to classic empty-loss-cone mirrors.
High-pressure endurable flexible tactile actuator based on microstructured dielectric elastomer
Authors: Pyo Dongbum , Ryu Semin , Kyung Ki-Uk , Yun Sungryul , Kwon Dong-Soo
Published: February 2018

We demonstrate a robust flexible tactile actuator that is capable of working under high external pressures. The tactile actuator is based on a pyramidal microstructured dielectric elastomer layer inducing variation in both mechanical and dielectric properties. The vibrational performance of the actuator can be modulated by changing the geometric parameter of the microstructures. We evaluated the performance of the actuator under high-pressure loads up to 25 kPa, which is over the typical range of pressure applied when humans touch or manipulate objects. Due to the benefit of nonlinearity of the pyramidal structure, the actuator could maintain high mechanical output under various external pressures in the frequency range of 100–200 Hz, which is the most sensitive to vibration acceleration for human finger pads. The responses are not only fast, reversible, and highly durable under consecutive cyclic operations, but also large enough to impart perceivable vibrations for haptic feedback on practical wearable device applications.
Double buffer circuit for the characterization of piezoelectric nanogenerators based on ZnO nanowires
Authors: Nadaud Kevin , Morini François , Dahiya Abhishek S. , Justeau Camille , Boubenia Sarah , Rajeev Kiron P. , Alquier Daniel , Poulin-Vittrant Guylaine
Published: February 2018

The accurate and precise measurements of voltage and current output generated by a nanogenerator (NG) are crucial to design the rectifying/harvesting circuit and to evaluate correctly the amount of energy provided by a NG. High internal impedance of the NGs (several MΩ) is the main limiting factor for designing circuits to measure the open circuit voltage. In this paper, we present the influence of the characterization circuit used to measure the generated voltage of piezoelectric NGs. The proposed circuit consists of a differential amplifier which permits us to measure the voltage provided by the NG without applying any parasitic bias to it. The proposed circuit is compared to a commercial electrometer and a homemade buffer circuit based on a voltage follower circuit to show its interest. For the proposed double buffer circuit, no asymmetric behavior has been noticed contrary to the measurements made using a simple buffer circuit and a Keithley electrometer. The proposed double buffer circuit is thus suitable to measure the NG voltage in a transparent way, as an ideal voltage probe should do.
Effect of humidity on the absorption continua of CO2 and N2 near 4 μm: Calculations, comparisons with measurements, and consequences for atmospheric spectra
Authors: Hartmann Jean-Michel , Boulet Christian , Tran Duc Dung , Tran Ha , Baranov Yury
Published: February 2018

We present a theoretical study of the effects of collisions with water vapor molecules on the absorption, around 4 μm, in both the high frequency wing of the CO2 ν3 band and the collision-induced fundamental band of N2. Calculations are made for the very first time, showing that predictions based on classical molecular dynamics simulations enable, without adjustment of any parameter, very satisfactory agreement with the few available experimental determinations. This opens the route for a future study in which accurate temperature-dependent (semi-empirical) models will be built and checked through comparisons between computed and measured atmospheric spectra. This is of interest since, as demonstrated by simulations, neglecting the humidity of air can lead to significant modifications of the atmospheric transmission (and thus also emission) between 2000 and 2800 cm−1.
Binary particle separation in droplet microfluidics using acoustophoresis
Authors: Fornell Anna , Cushing Kevin , Nilsson Johan , Tenje Maria
Published: February 2018

We show a method for separation of two particle species with different acoustic contrasts originally encapsulated in the same droplet in a continuous two-phase system. This was realized by using bulk acoustic standing waves in a 380 μm wide silicon-glass microfluidic channel. Polystyrene particles (positive acoustic contrast particles) and in-house synthesized polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) particles (negative acoustic contrast particles) were encapsulated inside water-in-oil droplets either individually or in a mixture. At acoustic actuation of the system at the fundamental resonance frequency, the polystyrene particles were moved to the center of the droplet (pressure node), while the PDMS particles were moved to the sides of the droplet (pressure anti-nodes). The acoustic particle manipulation step was combined in series with a trifurcation droplet splitter, and as the original droplet passed through the splitter and was divided into three daughter droplets, the polystyrene particles were directed into the center daughter droplet, while the PDMS particles were directed into the two side daughter droplets. The presented method expands the droplet microfluidics tool-box and offers new possibilities to perform binary particle separation in droplet microfluidic systems.
Conormal distributions in the Shubin calculus of pseudodifferential operators
Authors: Cappiello Marco , Schulz René , Wahlberg Patrik
Published: February 2018

We characterize the Schwartz kernels of pseudodifferential operators of Shubin type by means of a Fourier-Bros-Iagolnitzer transform. Based on this, we introduce as a generalization a new class of tempered distributions called Shubin conormal distributions. We study their transformation behavior, normal forms, and microlocal properties.
Effects of Ni doping and native point defects on magnetism of ZnO first-principles study
Authors: Hou Qingyu , Xu Zhenchao , Jia Xiaofang , Zhao Chunwang
Published: February 2018

The magnetism sources and magnetic mechanism of Ni-doped ZnO remain unknown to date. In this study, the plane-wave ultrasoft pseudopotential technology of generalized gradient approximation +U based on spin-density-functional theory was used to investigate the magnetism sources and magnetic mechanism of Ni-doped ZnO. Results showed that the total magnetic moment of the ZnO system with Ni doping and O vacancy was similar to that of Ni-doped ZnO. Compared with the ZnO system with Ni doping and O vacancy, the doping system with Ni doping and Zn vacancy exhibited a larger magnetic moment, smaller formation energy, and better stability, and it was easier to dope. The magnetism of the Zn14NiO16 system mainly resulted from the hybrid coupling electron exchange effect among the O-2p (nearest to the Zn vacancy and Ni atom), Ni-3d, and Zn-4s orbits. This effect was based on the hole carriers in the complex as the medium. In the ZnO system with Ni doping and Zn vacancy, the magnetic moment slightly decreased with increasing doping amount. Results showed that the system with Ni doping and Zn vacancy was ferromagnetic. In addition, the Curie temperature of the doping system was at room temperature.
Chemsex case study: is it time to recommend routine screening of sexualised drug use in men who have sex with men?
Authors: O'Reilly Mark
Published: February 2018

This case discusses a gay male participating in sexualised drug use. It raises several important issues and strengthens the case for routine screening for sexualised drug use in men who have sex with men so that healthcare professionals can provide better-informed and higher-quality health care to this population.
Personal bests as reference points
Authors: Anderson Ashton , Green Etan A.
Published: February 2018

Personal bests act as reference points. Examining 133 million chess games, we find that players exert effort to set new personal best ratings and quit once they have done so. Although specific and difficult goals have been shown to inspire greater motivation than vague pronouncements to “do your best,” doing one’s best can be a specific and difficult goal—and, as we show, motivates in a manner predicted by loss aversion.
Damaging de novo mutations diminish motor skills in children on the autism spectrum
Authors: Buja Andreas , Volfovsky Natalia , Krieger Abba M. , Lord Catherine , Lash Alex E. , Wigler Michael , Iossifov Ivan
Published: February 2018

Significance

Genetics is a major determining factor in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To date, only the most severe class of de novo mutation, likely gene disruptive (LGD), has been correlated with IQ, a phenotypic characteristic associated with ASD, but not a core feature. A less severe class of de novo mutation, missense, while enriched in individuals with ASD, has been refractory to correlation with any ASD phenotypic feature. In this report, we demonstrate that de novo LGD and missense mutations scored by target gene vulnerability both show significant associations with diminished motor skills.
Effect of rotation speed on microstructure and mechanical properties of bobbin tool friction stir welded AZ61 magnesium alloy
Authors: Zhou L. , Li G. H. , Zha G. D. , Shu F. Y. , Liu H. J. , Feng J. C.
Published: February 2018

The 5-mm-thick AZ61 magnesium alloy was friction stir welded by using the specially designed bobbin tool with various rotation speeds. Defect-free welds were successfully obtained with rotation speed ranging from 550 to 600 rev min−1. Grain size in different regions of the joints varied depending on the rotation speed. The hardness value of the joint is uniform. The defective joint fractured in the weld nugget zone with the lowest tensile strength, while the fracture location of the defect-free joints changed to the heat affected zone. The impact energy of weld nugget zone is higher than that of the heat affected zone, and the impact energy of the two zones in defect-free joint both decreased with increasing rotation speed.
De novo fatty acid synthesis by Schwann cells is essential for peripheral nervous system myelination
Authors: Montani Laura , Pereira Jorge A. , Norrmén Camilla , Pohl Hartmut B.F. , Tinelli Elisa , Trötzmüller Martin , Figlia Gianluca , Dimas Penelope , von Niederhäusern Belinda , Schwager Rachel , Jessberger Sebastian , Semenkovich Clay F. , Köfeler Harald C. , Suter Ueli
Published: February 2018

Myelination calls for a remarkable surge in cell metabolism to facilitate lipid and membrane production. Endogenous fatty acid (FA) synthesis represents a potentially critical process in myelinating glia. Using genetically modified mice, we show that Schwann cell (SC) intrinsic activity of the enzyme essential for de novo FA synthesis, fatty acid synthase (FASN), is crucial for precise lipid composition of peripheral nerves and fundamental for the correct onset of myelination and proper myelin growth. Upon FASN depletion in SCs, epineurial adipocytes undergo lipolysis, suggestive of a compensatory role. Mechanistically, we found that a lack of FASN in SCs leads to an impairment of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ–regulated transcriptional program. In agreement, defects in myelination of FASN-deficient SCs could be ameliorated by treatment with the PPARγ agonist rosiglitazone ex vivo and in vivo. Our results reveal that FASN-driven de novo FA synthesis in SCs is mandatory for myelination and identify lipogenic activation of the PPARγ transcriptional network as a putative downstream functional mediator.
Src-mediated phosphorylation converts FHL1 from tumor suppressor to tumor promoter
Authors: Wang Xiang , Wei Xiaofan , Yuan Yang , Sun Qingrui , Zhan Jun , Zhang Jing , Tang Yan , Li Feng , Ding Lihua , Ye Qinong , Zhang Hongquan
Published: February 2018

FHL1 has been recognized for a long time as a tumor suppressor protein that associates with both the actin cytoskeleton and the transcriptional machinery. We present in this study a paradigm that phosphorylated FHL1 functions as an oncogenic protein by promoting tumor cell proliferation. The cytosolic tyrosine kinase Src interacts with and phosphorylates FHL1 at Y149 and Y272, which switches FHL1 from a tumor suppressor to a cell growth accelerator. Phosphorylated FHL1 translocates into the nucleus, where it binds to the transcription factor BCLAF1 and promotes tumor cell growth. Importantly, the phosphorylation of FHL1 is increased in tissues from lung adenocarcinoma patients despite the down-regulation of total FHL1 expression. Kindlin-2 was found to interact with FHL1 and recruit FHL1 to focal adhesions. Kindlin-2 competes with Src for binding to FHL1 and suppresses Src-mediated FHL1 phosphorylation. Collectively, we demonstrate that FHL1 can either suppress or promote tumor cell growth depending on the status of the sites for phosphorylation by Src.
Selenzyme: enzyme selection tool for pathway design
Authors: Carbonell Pablo , Wong Jerry , Swainston Neil , Takano Eriko , Turner Nicholas J , Scrutton Nigel S , Kell Douglas B , Breitling Rainer , Faulon Jean-Loup
Published: February 2018

Synthetic biology applies the principles of engineering to biology in order to create biological functionalities not seen before in nature. One of the most exciting applications of synthetic biology is the design of new organisms with the ability to produce valuable chemicals including pharmaceuticals and biomaterials in a greener; sustainable fashion. Selecting the right enzymes to catalyze each reaction step in order to produce a desired target compound is, however, not trivial. Here, we present Selenzyme, a free online enzyme selection tool for metabolic pathway design. The user is guided through several decision steps in order to shortlist the best candidates for a given pathway step. The tool graphically presents key information about enzymes based on existing databases and tools such as: similarity of sequences and of catalyzed reactions; phylogenetic distance between source organism and intended host species; multiple alignment highlighting conserved regions, predicted catalytic site, and active regions and relevant properties such as predicted solubility and transmembrane regions. Selenzyme provides bespoke sequence selection for automated workflows in biofoundries.

Availability and implementation

The tool is integrated as part of the pathway design stage into the design-build-test-learn SYNBIOCHEM pipeline. The Selenzyme web server is available at http://selenzyme.synbiochem.co.uk.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Practice Patterns of Providers for the Management ofStaphylococcus aureus Bacteremia in Children: Results of an Emerging Infections Network Survey
Authors: Wood James B , Fricker Gregory P , Beekmann Susan E , Polgreen Philip , Buddy Creech C
Published: February 2018

We conducted a survey of pediatric infectious diseases providers in the Emerging Infections Network regarding the workup and treatment of children withStaphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB). We found significant practice variation in the management of children with SAB. These findings emphasize the need for further research to guide best practices.
Charged rotating BTZ black holes in noncommutative spaces and torsion gravity
Authors: Kawamoto Shoichi , Nagasaki Koichi , Wen Wen-Yu
Published: February 2018

We consider charged rotating BTZ black holes in noncommutative space using a Chern–Simons theory formulation of $(2+1)$-dimensional gravity. The noncommutativity between the radial and the angular variables is introduced through the Seiberg–Witten map for gauge fields, and the deformed geometry to the first order in the noncommutative parameter is derived. It is found that the deformation also induces nontrivial torsion, and Einstein–Cartan theory appears to be a suitable framework to investigate the equations of motion. Though the deformation is indeed nontrivial, the deformed and the original Einstein equations are found to be related by a rather simple coordinate transformation.
Prediction of Persistent Musculoskeletal Pain at 12 Months: A Secondary Analysis of the Optimal Screening for Prediction of Referral and Outcome (OSPRO) Validation Cohort Study
Authors: Beneciuk Jason M , Lentz Trevor A , He Ying , Wu Samuel S , George Steven Z
Published: February 2018

Background

Musculoskeletal pain is a societal epidemic because it is highly prevalent and a leading contributor to disability; however, physical therapists are still challenged when predicting which patients are at high risk for persistent symptoms.

Objective

The objectives of this study were to identify patient characteristics predictive of persistent musculoskeletal pain 12 months following physical therapist care and to determine the influence of anatomical region.

Design

The design included a secondary analysis of a cohort study.

Methods

Participants ranged in age from 18 to 65 years, had a primary report of knee, shoulder, back, or neck pain, were receiving physical therapy, and were enrolled in the Orthopedic Physical Therapy Investigative Network (OPT-IN) Optimal Screening for Prediction of Referral and Outcome (OSPRO) validation cohort study. Candidate predictor variables included demographic and clinical characteristics, comorbidities, and OSPRO Review of Systems (OSPRO-ROS) and OSPRO Yellow Flag (OSPRO-YF) tool scores. Persistent musculoskeletal pain was assessed by self-report responses to questions on the duration of pain and activity limitation. Logistic regression was used for completed cases to identify predictors of persistent pain at 12 months in full and parsimonious models.

Results

Follow-up assessment at 12 months was performed for 63.4% of participants (279/440). Participants with persistent pain at 12 months (n = 101; 36.2%) had more comorbidities, higher numerical pain rating scale scores, and higher OSPRO-ROS and OSPRO-YF tool scores at baseline than those without persistent pain, and the findings were independent of anatomical region. The number of comorbidities (odds ratio [OR] range = 0.30–0.46), numerical pain rating scale scores (OR at baseline = 1.44–1.75; OR at 4 weeks = 1.37–1.39), and OSPRO-ROS (plus additional items) scores (OR = 1.33–1.54) were predictors in full and parsimonious models.

Limitations

Convenience sampling was used, with a follow-up rate at 12 months (63.4%) that was lower than anticipated, and an operational definition for chronic low back pain was applied to persistent musculoskeletal pain in other body regions.

Conclusions

The OSPRO-ROS tool may be used to improve the prediction of persistent musculoskeletal pain at 12 months in conjunction with comorbidities and pain intensity (baseline and 4 weeks). These are potentially important findings because persistent pain was not commonly evaluated in previous screening studies; however, it is a relevant outcome in an era of front-line nonpharmacological pain management.
Focus on
Authors: Brennan Jean , Sullivan Rebecca J. , Bryant Deborah J. , Glasel Stephanie , Macek Keshla , Olson Evelyn Louise
Published: February 2018

This rare neuromuscular condition is treatable, with most affected individuals living healthy, full lives.
Asthma in inner city children: recent insights: United States
Authors: Dutmer Cullen M. , Kim Haejin , Searing Daniel A. , Zoratti Edward M. , Liu Andrew H.
Published: February 2018

Purpose of review

Children living in US inner cities experience disparate burdens of asthma, especially in severity, impairment, exacerbations, and morbidity. Investigations seeking to better understand the factors and mechanisms underlying asthma prevalence, severity, and exacerbation in children living in these communities can lead to interventions that can narrow asthma disparities and potentially benefit all children with asthma. This update will focus on recent (i.e. late 2016–2017) advances in the understanding of asthma in US inner city children.

Recent findings

Studies published in the past year expand understanding of asthma prevalence, severity, exacerbation, and the outcomes of guidelines-based management of these at-risk children, including: asthma phenotypes in US inner city children that are severe and difficult-to-control; key environmental determinants and mechanisms underlying asthma severity and exacerbations (e.g. allergy-mediated exacerbation susceptibility to rhinovirus); the importance of schools as a place for provocative exposures (e.g. mouse allergen, nitrogen dioxide) as well as a place where asthma care and outcomes can be improved; and the development and validation of clinically useful indices for gauging asthma severity and predicting exacerbations.

These recent studies provide a trove of actionable findings that can improve asthma care and outcomes for these at-risk children.
Asthma exacerbation prediction: recent insights
Authors: Fleming Louise
Published: February 2018

Purpose of review

Asthma attacks are frequent in children with asthma and can lead to significant adverse outcomes including time off school, hospital admission and death. Identifying children at risk of an asthma attack affords the opportunity to prevent attacks and improve outcomes.

Recent findings

Clinical features, patient behaviours and characteristics, physiological factors, environmental data and biomarkers are all associated with asthma attacks and can be used in asthma exacerbation prediction models. Recent studies have better characterized children at risk of an attack: history of a severe exacerbation in the previous 12 months, poor adherence and current poor control are important features which should alert healthcare professionals to the need for remedial action. There is increasing interest in the use of biomarkers. A number of novel biomarkers, including patterns of volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath, show promise. Biomarkers are likely to be of greatest utility if measured frequently and combined with other measures. To date, most prediction models are based on epidemiological data and population-based risk. The use of digital technology affords the opportunity to collect large amounts of real-time data, including clinical and physiological measurements and combine these with environmental data to develop personal risk scores. These developments need to be matched by changes in clinical guidelines away from a focus on current asthma control and stepwise escalation in drug therapy towards inclusion of personal risk scores and tailored management strategies including nonpharmacological approaches.

There have been significant steps towards personalized prediction models of asthma attacks. The utility of such models needs to be tested in the ability not only to predict attacks but also to reduce them.
Precision medicine in the treatment of primary immunodeficiency diseases
Authors: Leiding Jennifer W. , Ballow Mark
Published: February 2018

Purpose of the review

Since the 1990s with the advances in molecular biology, a number of genetic defects have been described. The International Union of Immunological Sciences has recently updated the classification of genetic defects associated with primary immune deficiencies that now number 354. With the ever-expanding list of new monogenic disorders and a better understanding of the immunobiology and function of these defective genes, new therapies have emerged particularly aimed at the autoimmune and inflammatory conditions that plague these patients.

Recent findings

Immune deficiencies associated with gain-of-function (GOF) mutations are a potential category for targeted therapies to control the GOF activities of the mutated gene. In addition to the increased susceptibility to infections these patients have autoimmune and inflammatory diseases that are difficult to control with conventional therapies. The dysregulated immune functions of the activated phospholipase-3-kinase δ syndrome, cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 haploinsufficiency, lipopolysaccharide-responsive beige-like anchor deficiency, the GOF mutations of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 and 3 immune deficiencies will be reviewed. The targeted therapies for each of these immune deficiencies using small molecule kinase inhibitors and fusion protein biologic modifiers will be described.

In this review, we explore the recent advances in precision medicine treatment of several primary immunodeficiency syndromes in which immune dysregulation is a key feature. Understanding the immunobiology associated with these GOF mutations has led to the use of biologic therapies to better control the associated autoimmune and inflammatory manifestations.
Isolation and characterization of circulating melanoma cells by size filtration and fluorescent in-situ hybridization
Authors: Yanagita Masahiko , Luke Jason J. , Hodi Frank S. , Jänne Pasi A. , Paweletz Cloud P.
Published: February 2018

Isolation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from blood of melanoma patients has been difficult owing to inconsistent expression of surface antigens. Here we report on the isolation, detection, and characterization of CTCs from blood of melanoma patients using microfiltration and fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH). Two tubes of blood from 15 patients with advanced melanoma were collected. These two tubes subsequently underwent filtration through a membrane with pore sizes of 7.5 μm. Isolated cells from one tube were analyzed by FISH for RREB1 (6p24), MYB (6q32), SE6 (D6Z1), and CCND1 (11q13) and the other paired specimen was analyzed by immunofluorescence for HMB45, melanoma-associated antigen recognized by T cells-1, tyrosinase and melanogenesis associated transcription factor. We identified CTCs in 10 out of 13 melanoma samples by immunofluorescence (2.5–99 CTCs/3 ml of blood) and in 13 specimens by FISH (7.2–76 CTCs/3 ml of blood) with more CTCs identified by FISH in 10 out 13 samples. Two filters failed. Our results show that CTCs are detectable in the majority of patients with advanced melanoma. These tools will be useful in characterizing treatment related changes of melanoma in CTCs.