bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Éthique et innovation thérapeutique
Authors: Laugel Vincent , Herson Ariane , Michon Claire-Cécile , Malaterre Jean-François , Segovia-Kueny Sandrine
Published: April 2019

Disposer de médicaments innovants pour soigner les maladies neuromusculaires marque incontestablement un tournant historique. Ce bond en avant scientifique suscite bien des interrogations éthiques, qu’elles concernent la prise en charge des patients, la participation aux essais cliniques ou encore le dépistage néonatal. Autant de pistes de réflexion ouvertes, en trois questions.
Urinary schistosomiasis in Nigeria: a 50 year review of prevalence, distribution and disease burden
Authors: Ezeh Charles Ogbonna , Onyekwelu Kenechukwu Chibuike , Akinwale Olaoluwa Phebian , Shan Lv , Wei Hu
Published: April 2019

We reviewed survey data deposited in the Global Neglected Tropical Diseases database and many other articles on the prevalence and distribution of Schistosoma haematobium in Nigeria. Schistosoma haematobium surveys conducted over the period of 50 years under review using different diagnostic tools revealed that Ogun State has the highest prevalence, followed by Ekiti state, while the lowest prevalence was recorded in Adamawa. No incidence of Schistosoma haematobium was recorded for states such as Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Nasarawa, Jigawa and Gombe. In terms of endemicity, this review has shown that Nigeria is divided into four zones: hyperendemic, moderately endemic, low endemic, and no endemic zones. A survey of 47 (15%) of the 323 dams in Nigeria revealed that 45 out of the 47 dams are located in the hyperendemic zone, while the remaining two are located in the moderately endemic zone. Twenty (43%) of the total surveyed dams harboured Bulinus globosus and/or Biomphalaria pfeifferi, the local intermediate hosts of schistosomes, and 18 of these are located in the hyperendemic zone, while the other two are in the moderately endemic zone. We conclude that there is an urgent need to carry out a nationwide survey to help in planning, coordinating, and evaluating schistosomiasis control activities.
Medizinische Apps in der HNO-Heilkunde
Authors: Rak Kristen , Völker Johannes , Taeger Johannes , Bahmer Andreas , Hagen Rudolf , Albrecht Urs-Vito
Published: April 2019

Die Nutzung mobiler Informations- und Kommunikationstechnologie im Kontext medizinscher und gesundheitsnaher Dienstleistungen, z. B. in Form von Apps, gewinnt, leider jedoch häufig unter Missachtung notwendiger Qualitätskriterien, immer mehr an Bedeutung. So erscheint es wichtig, dass neben einer die Anwendungssoftware kontrollierenden Instanz möglichst hoch qualifizierte Akteure des Gesundheitswesens bei der Erstellung mitwirken. Schon aus Haftungsgründen muss der beratende Arzt eine hohe Sorgfalt bei der Auswahl und Empfehlung einer App walten lassen, gerade auch in Anbetracht der Tatsache, dass nur wenige Apps als Medizinprodukt zertifiziert sind. Auf dem Markt gibt es eine große Anzahl an medizinischen Apps, wobei nur ein geringer Anteil dieser auf den Fachbereich HNO-Heilkunde entfällt. Prozentual sind die Teilbereiche Audiologie, Schlafmedizin und Allergologie am häufigsten vertreten. Obwohl sich der Fachbereich der HNO-Heilkunde zunehmend mit dieser Thematik wissenschaftlich auseinandersetzt, fehlt, wie generell bei vielen medizinischen Apps, eine wissenschaftliche Evidenz der Inhalte und Ergebnisse. Es gibt jedoch für Anwender weitere Möglichkeiten, medizinische Apps nach definierten Qualitätskriterien in verschiedenen Kategorien, wie z. B. Funktionalität, Wissenschaftlichkeit, aber auch Datenschutz, zu beurteilen. Keine der mittels eines solchen Bewertungstools evaluierten Apps erfüllte alle geforderten Kriterien, dem Anwender steht jedoch hiermit ein Instrument zur besseren Einschätzung der Anwendungssoftware zur Verfügung. Im Rahmen des Entwicklungsprozesses einer medizinischen App für den HNO-Bereich war es jedoch möglich, die Qualitätskriterien zu berücksichtigen. Zusammenfassend soll die vorliegende Arbeit einen Überblick über Thema „Apps in der HNO-Heilkunde“ ermöglichen mit dem Ziel, dieses moderne Hilfsmittel nutzbringend einsetzen zu können.
Die Rolle des Internets für Gesundheitsinformationen in der Hals-Nasen-Ohrenheilkunde
Authors: Ihler Friedrich , Canis Martin
Published: April 2019

Durch die Verbreitung des Internets kam es in den letzten Jahrzehnten zu einer Revolution des menschlichen Informations- und Kommunikationsverhaltens. Informationen sind durch das Internet leicht zugänglich und partizipative Anwendungen ermöglichen neue Formen der Interaktion. Das Gesundheitswesen ist unmittelbar davon betroffen, weil es wesentlich durch Information und Kommunikation geprägt ist. Der vorliegende Beitrag soll diese Entwicklung und ihre Auswirkungen in der Hals-Nasen-Ohrenheilkunde darstellen.

Die Nutzung des Internets für die Suche nach Gesundheitsinformationen nimmt seit Jahren kontinuierlich zu und hat inzwischen eine erhebliche Bedeutung erreicht. Im klinischen Kontext haben derzeit noch andere Informationsquellen einen höheren Stellenwert. Für eine von Laien durchgeführte gesundheitsbezogene Recherche wird hauptsächlich die Suchmaschine Google verwendet. Obwohl die Beurteilung der Vertrauenswürdigkeit der dort dargebotenen Informationen schwer ist, haben sich alternative Angebote, die auf valide Gesundheitsinformationen spezialisiert sind, bisher nicht durchgesetzt. Anekdotische oder falsche Informationen treten regelmäßig auf.

Zahlreiche Studien haben die Qualität von Gesundheitsinformationen auf Internetseiten untersucht. Das methodische Spektrum dafür reicht von formelgebundenen Lesbarkeitsanalysen über strukturierte Beurteilungsinstrumente bis hin zu digitalen Zertifikaten. Im Ergebnis zeigt sich, dass Gesundheitsinformationen auf Internetseiten für die Allgemeinbevölkerung häufig schwer zu verstehen sind. Auch nahezu alle sozialen Medien enthalten Gesundheitsinformationen und ihre Bedeutung steigt. Dennoch gibt es zu Eigenschaften und Effekt von Gesundheitsinformationen in sozialen Medien bisher kaum wissenschaftliche Erkenntnisse.

Die Verfügbarkeit von Gesundheitsinformationen im Internet macht ein neues Verständnis von Gesundheitskompetenz (health literacy) erforderlich. Das Konzept der digitalen Gesundheitskompetenz (eHealth literacy) beinhaltet u. a. Lesefähigkeit, Medienkompetenz, EDV-Kenntnisse und naturwissenschaftliche Grundbildung. Die Verwirklichung dieser Fähigkeiten wird durch individuelle und soziale Faktoren wie Bildung, sozioökonomischer Status und Alter beeinflusst. Bisherige Untersuchungen zeigten bei einem großen Teil der Patienten eine niedrige Gesundheitskompetenz.

Die Verbreitung des Internets verändert auch das Arzt-Patienten-Verhältnis. Gut informierte Patienten fordern eine stärkere Beteiligung an medizinischen Entscheidungen ein. Ärzte haben eine besondere Verantwortung bei der Beratung medizinischer Laien durch Gewichtung und Verifizierung von Informationen. Ärzte sollten durch aktive Beteiligung dazu beitragen, dass die Digitalisierung der Medizin insgesamt den Patienten zugutekommt. Medizinische Fachgesellschaften sind in besonderer Weise dazu aufgerufen, diesen Prozess mit zu gestalten.
Neue Medien in der Psychotherapie: Blended Therapy aus der Sicht ambulanter Psychotherapeuten
Authors: Paul Johanna , Grünzig Sasha-Denise , Baumeister Harald , Bengel Jürgen , Krämer Lena Violetta
Published: April 2019

Die Studie verfolgt das Ziel, ein Modell zu erstellen, wie Therapeuten aktuell Medien in der ambulanten Psychotherapie einsetzen. Es wurden problemzentrierte Interviews mit 12 Psychotherapeuten geführt und anhand der Grounded Theory analysiert. Fünf Kategorien konnten abgeleitet und in einem Modell zusammengefasst werden. Ob Neue Medien in der Psychotherapie eingesetzt werden, wird von Therapeutenmerkmalen bestimmt. Kommen Neue Medien zum Einsatz, variieren diese in Inhalt und Intensität und hängen von bestimmten Patientenmerkmalen ab. Der Therapeut handelt dabei auf Grundlage von Entscheidungs- und Kommunikationsregeln. Das entwickelte Modell „Medieneinsatz in der ambulanten Psychotherapie“ (MAP) spiegelt Barrieren und Förderfaktoren der Mediennutzung sowie innere Entscheidungs- und Handlungsprozesse von Therapeuten wieder. Möglichkeiten zur Implementierung von Blended Therapy in die ambulante psychotherapeutische Versorgung werden diskutiert.
Endoscopic prediction of deeply submucosal invasive carcinoma with use of artificial intelligence
Authors: Lui Thomas , Wong Kenneth , Mak Loey , Ko Michael , Tsao Stephen , Leung Wai
Published: April 2019

Background and study aims We evaluated use of artificial intelligence (AI) assisted image classifier in determining the feasibility of curative endoscopic resection of large colonic lesion based on non-magnified endoscopic images

Methods AI image classifier was trained by 8,000 endoscopic images of large (≥ 2 cm) colonic lesions. The independent validation set consisted of 567 endoscopic images from 76 colonic lesions. Histology of the resected specimens was used as gold standard. Curative endoscopic resection was defined as histology no more advanced than well-differentiated adenocarcinoma, ≤ 1 mm submucosal invasion and without lymphovascular invasion, whereas non-curative resection was defined as any lesion that could not meet the above requirements. Performance of the trained AI image classifier was compared with that of endoscopists.

Results In predicting endoscopic curative resection, AI had an overall accuracy of 85.5 %. Images from narrow band imaging (NBI) had significantly higher accuracy (94.3 % vs 76.0 %; P < 0.00001) and area under the ROC curve (AUROC) (0.934 vs 0.758; P = 0.002) than images from white light imaging (WLI). AI was superior to two junior endoscopists in terms of accuracy (85.5 % vs 61.9 % or 82.0 %, P < 0.05), AUROC (0.837 vs 0.638 or 0.717, P < 0.05) and confidence level (90.1 % vs 83.7 % or 78.3 %, P < 0.05). However, there was no statistical difference in accuracy and AUROC between AI and a senior endoscopist.

Conclusions The trained AI image classifier based on non-magnified images can accurately predict probability of curative resection of large colonic lesions and is better than junior endoscopists. NBI images have better accuracy than WLI for AI prediction.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs versus placebo for post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Serrano Juan , de Moura Diogo , Bernardo Wanderley , Ribeiro Igor , Franzini Tomazo , de Moura Eduardo , Brunaldi Vitor , Salesse Marianne , Sakai Paulo , De Moura Eduardo
Published: April 2019

Background and study aims Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the primary therapeutic procedure for treatment of diseases that affect the biliary tree and pancreatic duct. While the therapeutic success rate of ERCP is high, the procedure can cause complications, such as acute pancreatitis (PEP), bleeding, and perforation. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in preventing PEP following (ERCP).

Materials and methods We searched databases, such as MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central Library. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the efficacy of NSAIDs and placebo for the prevention of PEP were included. Outcomes assessed included incidence of PEP, severity of pancreatitis, route of administration, and type of NSAIDs.

Results Twenty-one RCTs were considered eligible with a total of 6854 patients analyzed. Overall, 3427 patients used NSAIDs before ERCP and 3427 did not use the drugs (control group). In the end, 250 cases of acute pancreatitis post-ERCP were diagnosed in the NSAIDs group and 407 cases in the placebo group. Risk for PEP was lower in the NSAID group (risk difference (RD): −0.05; 95 % confidence interval (CI): −0.07 to – 0.03; number need to treat (NNT), 20; P < 0.05). Use of NSAIDs effectively prevented mild pancreatitis compared with use of placebo (2.5 % vs. 4.1 %; 95 % CI, −0.05 to – 0.01; NNT, 33; P < 0.05), but the information on moderate and severe PEP could not be completely elucidated. Only rectal administration reduced incidence of PEP (6.8 % vs. 13 %; 95 % CI, −0.10 to – 0.04; NNT, 20; P < 0.05). Furthermore, only diclofenac or indomethacin use was effective in preventing PEP.

Conclusions Rectal administration of diclofenac and indomethacin significantly reduced risk of developing mild PEP. Further RCTs are needed to compare efficacy between NSAID administration pathways in prevention of PEP after ERCP.
Impact of a 1-day versus 3-day low-residue diet on bowel cleansing quality before colonoscopy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gimeno-García Antonio Z. , de la Barreda Heuser Raquel , Reygosa Cristina , Hernandez Alberto , Mascareño Isabel , Nicolás-Pérez David , Jiménez Alejandro , Lara Antonio J. , Alarcon-Fernández Onofre , Hernandez-Guerra Manuel , Romero Rafael , Alonso Inmaculada , González Yanira , Adrian Zaida , Hernandez Goretti , Hernandez Domingo , Delgado Rosa , Quintero Enrique
Published: April 2019

Background The aim of this study was to assess whether a 3-day low-residue diet (LRD) improved bowel cleansing quality compared with a 1-day LRD regimen.

Methods Consecutive patients scheduled for outpatient colonoscopy were randomized to the 1-day LRD or 3-day LRD groups. All patients received a 2-L split-dose of polyethylene glycol plus ascorbic acid. The primary outcome was bowel cleansing quality as evaluated using the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) (adequate cleansing ≥ 2 points per segment). Secondary outcomes were adherence to and level of satisfaction with the LRD, difficulty following the dietary recommendations, and willingness to repeat the same LRD in the future. Intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analyses were conducted for the primary outcome. A superiority analysis was performed to demonstrate that a 3-day LRD regimen was superior to a 1-day LRD regimen with a margin of 10 %.

Results 390 patients (1-day LRD group = 196, 3-day LRD = 194) were included. The cleansing quality was not significantly different between the groups: ITT analysis 82.7 % (95 % confidence interval [CI] 77.4 to 88.0) vs. 85.6 % (95 %CI 80.7 to 90.5), with odds ratio (OR) 1.2 (95 %CI 0.72 to 2.15); PP analysis 85.0 % (95 %CI 79.9 to 90.1) vs. 88.6 % (95 %CI 84.0 to 93.2), with OR 1.4 (95 %CI 0.88 to 2.52). No differences were found regarding adherence to the diet or cleansing solution, satisfaction or difficulty with the LRD, and the polyp/adenoma detection rates.

Conclusion 3-day LRD did not offer advantages over 1-day LRD in preparation for colonoscopy.
Fortgeschrittenes Pankreaskarzinom: Hoch-intensiver fokussierter Ultraschall (HIFU) und andere lokal ablative Verfahren
Authors: Marinova Milka , Wilhelm-Buchstab Timo , Strunk Holger
Published: April 2019

Hintergrund Das lokal fortgeschrittene Pankreaskarzinom ist ein lebenslimitierender Tumor mit einer Vielzahl von Symptomen, u. a. Tumorschmerz. Lokal ablative Verfahren, die thermische oder auch nichtthermische Techniken anwenden, können als moderne Therapieoptionen zur Tumorkontrolle und symptomatischen Verbesserung eingesetzt werden. Dieser Artikel gibt einen Überblick über die derzeit verfügbaren Behandlungsverfahren und -ergebnisse, einschließlich unserer eigenen Erfahrungen mit dem hoch-intensiven fokussierten Ultraschall (HIFU).

Methode Unsere Erfahrungen mit der HIFU-Therapie beim Pankreaskarzinom basieren auf 89 Patienten (UICC III-IV). Neben den HIFU-Ergebnissen wurden Ergebnisse zur lokalen Tumorkontrolle, Sicherheit sowie Mortalität und behandlungsabhängigen Veränderung von Symptomen aus publizierten Studien zur Radiofrequenz-, Mikrowellen- und Kryoablation, irreversiblen Elektroporation und stereotaktischen Strahlentherapie einbezogen.

Ergebnisse Obwohl die unterschiedlichen Modalitäten überwiegend sicher durchführbar sind, bietet der HIFU mit seiner Nicht-Invasivität einen entscheidenden methodischen Vorteil. Mit HIFU konnte bei 85 % der Patienten eine effektive und langanhaltende Schmerzlinderung erreicht werden; bei 50 % war nach 6 Wochen keinerlei analgetische Medikation erforderlich. Leider sind Schmerzlinderung und Lebensqualität bei den anderen lokalen Behandlungsmethoden nur selten untersucht. Eine Tumormassenreduktion konnte mit allen ablativen Therapien erreicht werden, wobei diese 6 Monate nach HIFU im Mittel bei 60 % lag. Unterschiede in der behandlungsassoziierten Morbidität wurden berichtet, sind jedoch aufgrund der unausgewogenen Studienpopulationen nur eingeschränkt vergleichbar.

Schlussfolgerung Eine Vielzahl an lokal ablativen Behandlungsmodalitäten sind zur Tumormassenreduktion beim fortgeschrittenen Pankreaskarzinom verfügbar, bieten aber unterschiedlichen symptomatischen Nutzen. Eine effektive und langanhaltende Reduktion von Tumorschmerzen ohne Einführen von Nadeln oder Elektroden in den Tumorbereich bietet ausschließlich das HIFU-Verfahren. Randomisierte, kontrollierte klinische Studien zum direkten Vergleich der hier vorgestellten Modalitäten sind in der näheren Zukunft zu befürworten.
Hormonal Biomarkers for Evaluating the Impact of Fetal Growth Restriction on the Development of Chronic Adult Disease
Authors: Magalhães Elizabeth Soares da Silva , Méio Maria Dalva Barbosa Baker , Moreira Maria Elisabeth Lopes
Published: April 2019

The hypothesis of fetal origins to adult diseases proposes that metabolic chronic disorders, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and hypertension originate in the developmental plasticity due to intrauterine insults. These processes involve an adaptative response by the fetus to changes in the environmental signals, which can promote the reset of hormones and of the metabolism to establish a “thrifty phenotype”. Metabolic alterations during intrauterine growth restriction can modify the fetal programming. The present nonsystematic review intended to summarize historical and current references that indicated that developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) occur as a consequence of altered maternal and fetal metabolic pathways. The purpose is to highlight the potential implications of growth factors and adipokines in “developmental programming”, which could interfere in the development by controlling fetal growth patterns. These changes affect the structure and the functional capacity of various organs, including the brain, the kidneys, and the pancreas. These investigations may improve the approach to optimizing antenatal as well as perinatal care aimed to protect newborns against long-term chronic diseases.
SOC estimation for batteries using MS-AUKF and neural network
Authors: Wu Zhongqiang , Shang Mengyao , Shen Dandan , Qi Songqi
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we present a new method for state of charge (SOC) estimation, which was based on a neural network and the master-slave adaptive unscented Kalman filter algorithm. First, a second-order Thevenin model of batteries was established. In order to improve the fitting accuracy between the open circuit voltage and the SOC of the battery, a neural network model was used to fit the nonlinear relationship, instead of the frequently used polynomial model. To solve the problems that the noise variance is fixed and the estimation accuracy is not high in traditional extended Kalman filter and unscented Kalman filter methods, the master slave-adaptive unscented Kalman filter algorithm was adopted. The main unscented Kalman filter of the algorithm was used to estimate the system state, and the slave unscented Kalman filter was used to estimate the noise variance matrix correspondingly. The update of noise variance of the system model was accompanied by the iteration of the algorithm to get rid of the shortcoming of the traditional Kalman filter algorithm which may cause filter divergence while setting the initial noise variance by experience. Simulation results demonstrate that the master slave-adaptive unscented Kalman filter algorithm shows higher accuracy and faster convergence speed when estimating the SOC of batteries compared with extended Kalman filter and unscented Kalman filter algorithms.
Structural vibration control for the offshore floating wind turbine including drivetrain dynamics analysis
Authors: Xie Shuangyi , Jin Xin , He Jiao
Published: April 2019

Compared to the onshore wind turbines, the offshore floating wind turbines experience larger loads and displacements due to combined effects of the wind and waves. Suppressing the structural vibration of floating wind turbines with a passive tuned mass damper (TMD) device has the potential to be an effective and economical method. In this study, a barge-type floating wind turbine is chosen as the research object. The SIMPACK multi-body dynamics software is employed to establish the detailed model of the wind turbine. For achieving considerable load reduction performance, the spring stiffness, damping coefficient, and mass of the TMD system are optimized based on a simplified mathematical model. Furthermore, the genetic algorithm (GA) is used to achieve global optimal TMD parameters. To investigate the effect of the detailed drivetrain model on the wind turbine performances and comprehensively evaluate the structural vibration inhibition effect of the designed TMD, a coupled aero-hydro-servo-elastic model is constructed and simulated for different load cases. The time-domain and frequency-domain analysis of simulation results are performed. Moreover, a robustness study for TMD parameters obtained by the GA is also performed. Analysis results indicate that the flexibility and gear contact within the drivetrain has a noticeable effect on the wind turbine performances, and the designed TMD can significantly inhibit the structural loads and stabilize the electrical output power.
Mobile model for distributed generations and battery energy storage systems in radial grids
Authors: Hemmati Reza
Published: April 2019

In this paper, mobile distributed generations (DGs) and battery energy storage systems (BESSs) are modeled and integrated into the network. The optimal locations of DGs and BESSs are determined for each season over the year, and the installed DG-energy storage system (ESS) may be transferred to new buses at each season. The methodology is simulated on a radial electrical distribution network, and the location, size, and hourly operation of DGs and ESSs are optimized. DC power flow is adopted to model the power flow in the grid. In the DC power flow, the active power losses in the lines and reactive power of the loads are not included. Since the network is radial and the modeling is lossless, it is expected that the DGs and BESSs cannot present their positive abilities efficiently. Four cases are simulated including case 1: network without BESSs and DGs; case 2: fixed operation pattern and location for BESSs and DGs under all seasons; case 3: variable operation pattern and fixed location for BESSs and DGs under all seasons; and case 4: variable operation pattern and location for BESSs and DGs under all seasons. The planning installs one 0.0470 p.u. DG and one 0.0202 p.u. BESS on the network, resulting in 0.5 Million $/year reduction in the costs. However, the results verify that changing locations of the DGs and BESSs cannot have significant impacts on the results. This point confirms that the application of DC power flow in radial distribution networks is not suitable and cannot develop all advantages of BESSs and DGs.
Effects of dopants Ti and Al on microstructure, mechanical and tribological behaviors of ZnO/MoS2 coating deposited by magnetron co-sputtering
Authors: Cao Ming , Zhao Lan , Wang Wenquan , Han Huifang , Lang Wenchang
Published: April 2019

This paper investigates the underlying mechanisms of Ti and Al doped into ZnO/MoS2 coatings to develop better tribological properties for MoS2-based lubrication coatings. To this end, Ti-ZnO/MoS2 and Al-ZnO/MoS2 coatings with gradient processing were successfully prepared using magnetron co-sputtering with a subsequent annealing treatment. The effects of Ti and Al on the structures and properties of ZnO/MoS2 coatings were analyzed using various analytical methods. The results showed that Ti-ZnO/MoS2 coatings annealed at 300 °C displayed a minimum friction coefficient of 0.07, and Al-ZnO/MoS2 coatings annealed at 300 °C possessed the best oxidation resistance during wear process. Similarly, the highest nano-hardnesses of Ti and Al doped coatings were 1.9 GPa and 2.0 GPa after annealing at 300 °C. The growth of ZnO grains in Ti-ZnO/MoS2 coatings were different from the other coatings based on the Raman analysis, and Al-doped coating showed better fracture toughness and binding forces from indentation and scratch testing. These results suggest that the respective underlying mechanisms of these metals in ZnO/MoS2 coatings were different. As a result, this study shows that select metals could improve the different properties of metal-ZnO/MoS2 coating by utilizing different mechanisms. Formation of ZnS might account for the synergistic lubrication of ZnO and MoS2 co-doped coatings, and ZnO/MoS2 coatings had moisture resistance because of no sulfate radical appeared by XPS analysis. Therefore, metal-ZnO/MoS2 will be potential lubrication coatings to be widely used under natural ambient conditions.
Observation of a local maximum in the stationary turbulent spectrum of capillary waves on the surface of liquid hydrogen
Authors: Remizov I. A. , Musaeva M. R. , Orlov A. V. , Levchenko A. A. , Mezhov-Deglin L. P.
Published: April 2019

The results of experimental studies of wave turbulence in a system of capillary waves formed on the surface of liquid hydrogen at a temperature of 15 K in a cylindrical cell with monochromatic radially symmetric pumping are presented. The local maximum formation with a decrease in the pumping amplitude was observed for the first time in the high-frequency region of the inertial range of the stationary turbulent spectrum at the direct cascade edge. The occurrence of a local maximum can be associated with a significant manifestation of viscous damping in the high-frequency region of the spectrum.
Influence of two-level defects on the transmission of a microwave signal in an open coplanar waveguide
Authors: Mutsenik E. A. , Sultanov A. N. , Novikov I. L. , Ivanov B. I. , Vostretsov A. G. , Il’ichev E. V.
Published: April 2019

Microwave superconducting quantum circuits are strongly affected by various defects that are unavoidable during the production process. This paper presents a new method for measuring losses in an open transmission line. This line interacts through a capacitive coupling with a coplanar quarter-wavelength resonator, which is used to study losses therein. The authors have investigated the dependencies of losses on power and temperature (in the millikelvin range). It has been shown that major losses in a transmission line are due to the interaction of a microwave field with defects which are effectively described by two-level systems.
HgTe quantum wells with inverted band structure: Quantum Hall effect and the large-scale impurity potential
Authors: Gudina S. V. , Arapov Yu. G. , Neverov V. N. , Podgornykh S. M. , Popov M. R. , Deriushkina E. V. , Shelushinina N. G. , Yakunin M. V. , Mikhailov N. N. , Dvoretsky S. A.
Published: April 2019

We report on the longitudinal and Hall resistivities of a HgTe quantum well with inverted energy spectrum (dQW = 20.3 nm) measured in the quantum Hall (QH) regime at magnetic fields up to 9 T and temperatures 2.9–50 K. The temperature dependence of the QH plateau-plateau transition (PPT) widths and of variable range hopping (VRH) conduction on the Hall plateaus are analyzed. The data are presented in a genuine scale form both for PPT regions and for VRH regime. Decisive role of the long-range random potential (the potential of remote ionized impurities) in the localization-delocalization processes in the QH regime for the system under study is revealed.
Unrecognised and unmet physical health problems in a national cohort of very low birthweight young adults and controls
Authors: Darlow Brian A. , Martin Julia , Horwood L. John
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTIONYoung adults are often reluctant to seek medical attention. Compared with full-term controls, very low birthweight (<1500 g; VLBW) young adults may have more health problems.
AIMTo assess the frequency of unrecognised or unmet physical health needs during a comprehensive health and welfare assessment of a national cohort of VLBW adults born in 1986 compared with full-term controls.
METHODSThe VLBW cohort (n = 229; 71% of those alive) and controls (n = 100) aged 27–29 years were assessed in one University Hospital over 2 days. Physical health assessments included growth, respiratory function, blood pressure, echocardiogram, renal function, blood tests and an interview. Cranial MRI scans were performed on 150 VLBW adults and 50 controls. Significant unrecognised or unmet health needs were defined as including a body mass index (BMI) >30 plus raised fasting insulin >80 pmol/L; any two of moderate respiratory obstruction, or reduced diffusing capacity, or being a regular smoker; cardiovascular: hypertension or abnormal echocardiogram.
RESULTSAmong the VLBW cohort and controls; 61% versus 73% (P < 0.05) rated their overall health as very good or excellent. A general practitioner (GP) referral letter was sent for 44% VLBW adults and 38% controls, concerning metabolic problems in 20% and 17% respectively; respiratory problems in 12% and 4% (P < 0.05) respectively; cardiovascular problems in 14% and 12% respectively; abnormal renal function in 7% in both groups; and anaemia in 3% and 5% respectively.
DISCUSSIONUnrecognised or unmet health needs were frequent in both VLBW young adults and controls. Respiratory problems and hypertension were more frequent in the former. Continuity of care is important for VLBW adults who require a regular GP. GPs should routinely ask about gestation and birthweight and VLBW graduates should volunteer this information.
Recent research and development of mould materials for casting TiAl alloys
Authors: Fan Jianglei , Liang Liubo , Liu Zhanyun , Li Yuwen , Li Ying , Gao Hongxia , Wu Shen , Wang Yan , Wang Xiao
Published: April 2019

Intermetallic TiAl alloys are new generation high-temperature material. However, extensive application of TiAl alloys is hindered by some disadvantages, especially the high processing cost. Currently, precision casting is an effective method to manufacture TiAl components with complex shape. However, the interfacial reaction between the TiAl alloy melt and mould affects the quality of the castings and hinders extensive applications of casting TiAl components. In this paper, the research status of mould materials for the casting of TiAl alloys is reviewed. Performances of present used mould materials are compared in details. Reaction mechanisms between mould materials and the melts of TiAl alloys are also summarised. Finally, the future development tendency and prospect are pointed out.
Evolution of microstructure and mechanical properties of selective laser melted Ti-5Al-5V-5Mo-3Cr after heat treatments
Authors: Carlton Holly D. , Klein Kyle D. , Elmer John W.
Published: April 2019

Titanium alloy Ti5553 (Ti-5Al-5Mo-5V-3Cr) is an excellent candidate for structural applications and additive manufacturing processes, since, unlike Ti6Al4 V, when built via selective laser melting and/or post additive manufactured welding, it maintains a near-beta microstructure that is both ductile and high strength. Another feature is that Ti5553 properties are adaptable through post build heat treatment. This study explores the heat treatability of selective laser melted Ti5553 up to temperatures approaching the β-transus. Results show strength increases while maintaining ductility at high temperatures (700–800°C), but embrittlement occurs at intermediate temperatures (400–600°C) likely due to changes in volume fraction and morphology of the α-phase and/or the presence of the ω-phase. Microstructure and X-ray diffraction are reported after heat-treating to better understand this mechanical response.
Mechanochemical synthesis of the lead-free double perovskite Cs2[AgIn]Br6 and its optical properties
Authors: Breternitz Joachim , Levcenko Sergiu , Hempel Hannes , Gurieva Galina , Franz Alexandra , Hoser Andreas , Schorr Susan
Published: April 2019

Hitting hard on the binary halides yields in the formation of Cs2[AgIn]Br6. The lead-free double perovskite marks, although not usable itself, a further step forward in finding sustainable and durable perovskite materials for photovoltaic applications. Cs2[AgIn]Br6 is one of the prominent examples of double perovskites materials that have been suggested to circumvent the use of lead compounds in perovskite solar cells. We herein report the successful synthesis of the material as bulk powder using a mechanochemical approach. It crystallises in an elpasolite-type structure, an ordered perovskite superstructure, with a cell parameter of a = 11.00 Å. However, the compound exhibits a relatively large optical bandgap of 2.36 eV and is unstable under illumination, which impedes its use as solar absorber material at this early stage. Still, substitution of lead and the potential of this synthesis method are promising as well as the fruitful combination of theoretical considerations with experimental materials discovery.
Epitaxial catalysts for oxygen evolution reaction: model systems and beyond
Authors: Weber Moritz L , Gunkel Felix
Published: April 2019

Epitaxy of complex perovskite oxides has arrived at atomic scale precision. This opens new chances and opportunities to the field of electrolysis and water splitting, where perovskite oxides show promising catalytic activity for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). While representing ideal model systems for improving our scientific understanding of atomistic processes and scaling relations during OER, epitaxial heterostructures furthermore give access to atomic band engineering strategies and allow the generation of hybrid materials, which may combine beneficial properties of neighboring materials on the nanoscale. These strategies render novel opportunities to enhance chemical stability and to tune overpotentials of OER-active perovskite materials, not accessible in the bulk. Epitaxial catalysts can therefore play an important role in achieving new breakthroughs and guide lines in the field.
Long-range, through-lattice coupling improves predictions of microtubule catastrophe
Authors: Kim Tae , Rice Luke M.
Published: April 2019

Microtubules are cylindrical polymers of αβ-tubulin that play critical roles in fundamental processes such as chromosome segregation and vesicular transport. Microtubules display dynamic instability, switching stochastically between growth and rapid shrinking as a consequence of GTPase activity in the lattice. The molecular mechanisms behind microtubule catastrophe, the switch from growth to rapid shrinking, remain poorly defined. Indeed, two-state stochastic models that seek to describe microtubule dynamics purely in terms of the biochemical properties of GTP- and GDP-bound αβ-tubulin predict the concentration dependence of microtubule catastrophe incorrectly. Recent studies provide evidence for three distinct conformations of αβ-tubulin in the lattice that likely correspond to GTP, GDP.Pi, and GDP. The incommensurate lattices observed for these different conformations raise the possibility that in a mixed nucleotide state lattice, neighboring tubulin dimers might modulate each other’s conformations and hence each other’s biochemistry. We explored whether incorporating a GDP.Pistate or the likely effects of conformational accommodation can improve predictions of catastrophe. Adding a GDP.Piintermediate did not improve the model. In contrast, adding neighbor-dependent modulation of tubulin biochemistry improved predictions of catastrophe. Because this conformational accommodation should propagate beyond nearest-neighbor contacts, our modeling suggests that long-range, through-lattice effects are important determinants of microtubule catastrophe.
Promiscuity of the catalytic Sec7 domain within the guanine nucleotide exchange factor GBF1 in ARF activation, Golgi homeostasis, and effector recruitment
Authors: Bhatt Jay M. , Hancock William , Meissner Justyna M. , Kaczmarczyk Aneta , Lee Eunjoo , Viktorova Ekaterina , Ramanadham Sasanka , Belov George A. , Sztul Elizabeth
Published: April 2019

The integrity of the Golgi and trans-Golgi network (TGN) is disrupted by brefeldin A (BFA), which inhibits the Golgi-localized BFA-sensitive factor (GBF1) and brefeldin A–inhibited guanine nucleotide-exchange factors (BIG1 and BIG2). Using a cellular replacement assay to assess GBF1 functionality without interference from the BIGs, we show that GBF1 alone maintains Golgi architecture; facilitates secretion; activates ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF)1, 3, 4, and 5; and recruits ARF effectors to Golgi membranes. Unexpectedly, GBF1 also supports TGN integrity and recruits numerous TGN-localized ARF effectors. The impact of the catalytic Sec7 domain (Sec7d) on GBF1 functionality was assessed by swapping it with the Sec7d from ARF nucleotide-binding site opener (ARNO)/cytohesin-2, a plasma membrane GEF reported to activate all ARFs. The resulting chimera (GBF1-ARNO-GBF1 [GARG]) targets like GBF1, supports Golgi/TGN architecture, and facilitates secretion. However, unlike GBF1, GARG activates all ARFs (including ARF6) at the Golgi/TGN and recruits additional ARF effectors to the Golgi/TGN. Our results have general implications: 1) GEF’s targeting is independent of Sec7d, but Sec7d influence the GEF substrate specificity and downstream effector events; 2) all ARFs have access to all membranes, but are restricted in their distribution by the localization of their activating GEFs; and 3) effector association with membranes requires the coincidental presence of activated ARFs and specific membrane identifiers.
Leaf:wood allometry and functional traits together explain substantial growth rate variation in rainforest trees
Authors: Gray E F , Wright I J , Falster D S , Eller A S D , Lehmann C E R , Bradford M G , Cernusak L A
Published: April 2019

Plant growth rates drive ecosystem productivity and are a central element of plant ecological strategies. For seedlings grown under controlled conditions, a large literature has firmly identified the functional traits that drive interspecific variation in growth rate. For adult plants, the corresponding knowledge is surprisingly poorly understood. Until recently it was widely assumed that the key trait drivers would be the same (e.g. specific leaf area, or SLA), but an increasing number of papers has demonstrated this not to be the case, or not generally so. New theory has provided a prospective basis for understanding these discrepancies. Here we quantified relationships between stem diameter growth rates and functional traits of adult woody plants for 41 species in an Australian tropical rainforest. From various cost-benefit considerations, core predictions included that: (i) photosynthetic rate would be positively related to growth rate; (ii) SLA would be unrelated to growth rate (unlike in seedlings where it is positively related to growth); (iii) wood density would be negatively related to growth rate; and (iv) leaf mass:sapwood mass ratio (LM:SM) in branches (analogous to a benefit:cost ratio) would be positively related to growth rate. All our predictions found support, particularly those for LM:SM and wood density; photosynthetic rate was more weakly related to stem diameter growth rates. Specific leaf area was convincingly correlated to growth rate, in fact negatively. Together, SLA, wood density and LM:SM accounted for 52 % of variation in growth rate among these 41 species, with each trait contributing roughly similar explanatory power. That low SLA species can achieve faster growth rates than high SLA species was an unexpected result but, as it turns out, not without precedent, and easily understood via cost-benefit theory that considers whole-plant allocation to different tissue types. Branch-scale leaf:sapwood ratio holds promise as an easily measurable variable that may help to understand growth rate variation. Using cost-benefit approaches teamed with combinations of leaf, wood and allometric variables may provide a path towards a more complete understanding of growth rates under field conditions.
Nano-GLADIATOR: real-time detection of copy number alterations from nanopore sequencing data
Authors: Magi Alberto , Bolognini Davide , Bartalucci Niccoló , Mingrino Alessandra , Semeraro Roberto , Giovannini Luna , Bonifacio Stefania , Parrini Daniela , Pelo Elisabetta , Mannelli Francesco , Guglielmelli Paola , Maria Vannucchi Alessandro
Published: April 2019

Motivation

The past few years have seen the emergence of nanopore-based sequencing technologies which interrogate single molecule of DNA and generate reads sequentially.

Results

In this paper, we demonstrate that, thanks to the sequentiality of the nanopore process, the data generated in the first tens of minutes of a typical MinION/GridION run can be exploited to resolve the alterations of a human genome at a karyotype level with a resolution in the order of tens of Mb, while the data produced in the first 6–12 h allow to obtain a resolution comparable to currently available array-based technologies, and thanks to a novel probabilistic approach are capable to predict the allelic fraction of genomic alteration with high accuracy. To exploit the unique characteristics of nanopore sequencing data we developed a novel software tool, Nano-GLADIATOR, that is capable to perform copy number variants/alterations detection and allelic fraction prediction during the sequencing run (‘On-line’ mode) and after experiment completion (‘Off-line’ mode). We tested Nano-GLADIATOR on publicly available (‘Off-line’ mode) and on novel whole genome sequencing dataset generated with MinION device (‘On-line’ mode) showing that our tool is capable to perform real-time copy number alterations detection obtaining good results with respect to other state-of-the-art tools.

Availability and implementation

Nano-GLADIATOR is freely available at https://sourceforge.net/projects/nanogladiator/.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Marked Increases in Resting-State MEG Gamma-Band Activity in Combat-Related Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Huang Ming-Xiong , Huang Charles W , Harrington Deborah L , Nichols Sharon , Robb-Swan Ashley , Angeles-Quinto Annemarie , Le Lu , Rimmele Carl , Drake Angela , Song Tao , Huang Jeffrey W , Clifford Royce , Ji Zhengwei , Cheng Chung-Kuan , Lerman Imanuel , Yurgil Kate A , Lee Roland R , Baker Dewleen G
Published: April 2019

Combat-related mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a leading cause of sustained impairments in military service members and veterans. Recent animal studies show that GABA-ergic parvalbumin-positive interneurons are susceptible to brain injury, with damage causing abnormal increases in spontaneous gamma-band (30–80 Hz) activity. We investigated spontaneous gamma activity in individuals with mTBI using high-resolution resting-state magnetoencephalography source imaging. Participants included 25 symptomatic individuals with chronic combat-related blast mTBI and 35 healthy controls with similar combat experiences. Compared with controls, gamma activity was markedly elevated in mTBI participants throughout frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital cortices, whereas gamma activity was reduced in ventromedial prefrontal cortex. Across groups, greater gamma activity correlated with poorer performances on tests of executive functioning and visuospatial processing. Many neurocognitive associations, however, were partly driven by the higher incidence of mTBI participants with both higher gamma activity and poorer cognition, suggesting that expansive upregulation of gamma has negative repercussions for cognition particularly in mTBI. This is the first human study to demonstrate abnormal resting-state gamma activity in mTBI. These novel findings suggest the possibility that abnormal gamma activities may be a proxy for GABA-ergic interneuron dysfunction and a promising neuroimaging marker of insidious mild head injuries.
Diabetes Mellitus Among Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients From 4 Tuberculosis-endemic Countries: The TANDEM Study
Authors: Ugarte-Gil Cesar , Alisjahbana Bachti , Ronacher Katharina , Riza Anca Lelia , Koesoemadinata Raspati C , Malherbe Stephanus T , Cioboata Ramona , Llontop Juan Carlos , Kleynhans Leanie , Lopez Sonia , Santoso Prayudi , Marius Ciontea , Villaizan Katerine , Ruslami Rovina , Walzl Gerhard , Panduru Nicolae Mircea , Dockrell Hazel M , Hill Philip C , Mc Allister Susan , Pearson Fiona , Moore David A J , Critchley Julia A , van Crevel Reinout
Published: April 2019

Background

Diabetes mellitus (DM) increases active tuberculosis (TB) risk and worsens TB outcomes, jeopardizing TB control especially in TB-endemic countries with rising DM prevalence rates. We assessed DM status and clinical correlates in TB patients across settings in Indonesia, Peru, Romania, and South Africa.

Methods

Age-adjusted DM prevalence was estimated using laboratory glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) or fasting plasma glucose in TB patients. Detailed and standardized sociodemographic, anthropometric, and clinical measurements were made. Characteristics of TB patients with or without DM were compared using multilevel mixed-effect regression models with robust standard errors.

Results

Of 2185 TB patients (median age 36.6 years, 61.2% male, 3.8% human immunodeficiency virus–infected), 12.5% (267/2128) had DM, one third of whom were newly diagnosed. Age-standardized DM prevalence ranged from 10.9% (South Africa) to 19.7% (Indonesia). Median HbA1c in TB–DM patients ranged from 7.4% (Romania) to 11.3% (Indonesia). Compared to those without DM, TB–DM patients were older and had a higher body mass index (BMI) (P value < .05). Compared to those with newly diagnosed DM, TB patients with diagnosed DM had higher BMI and HbA1c, less severe TB, and more frequent comorbidities, DM complications, and hypertension (P value < .05).

Conclusions

We show that DM prevalence and clinical characteristics of TB–DM vary across settings. Diabetes is primarily known but untreated, hyperglycemia is often severe, and many patients with TB–DM have significant cardiovascular disease risk and severe TB. This underlines the need to improve strategies for better clinical management of combined TB and DM.
Preemptive Tecovirimat Use in an Active Duty Service Member Who Presented With Acute Myeloid Leukemia After Smallpox Vaccination
Authors: Lindholm David A , Fisher Raymond D , Montgomery Jay R , Davidson Whitni , Yu Patricia A , Yu Yon C , Burgado Jillybeth , Wilkins Kimberly , Petersen Brett W , Okulicz Jason F
Published: April 2019

Smallpox vaccine is contraindicated in immunosuppression due to increased risk for adverse reactions (eg, progressive vaccinia). We describe the first-ever use of tecovirimat as a preemptive vaccinia virus treatment strategy during induction chemotherapy in an active duty service member who presented with acute leukemia and inadvertent autoinoculation after smallpox vaccination.