bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Establishment of in vitro model of corneal scar pathophysiology
Authors: Chawla Shikha , Ghosh Sourabh
Published: June 2017

Corneal scarring is the major source of permanent blindness worldwide. The complex pathophysiology of corneal scarring is not comprehensibly understood as it involves the interaction of a constellation of pro‐fibrotic cytokines influencing several signaling pathways involved in corneal scar development. In the present study, an attempt has been made to generate a relatively simple in vitro corneal scar model using primary corneal keratocytes by exogenously providing an optimized dose of combination of cytokines (TGF‐β1, IL‐6, and IL‐8) involved in scar formation in situ. Data obtained from gene and protein expression analysis depicted enhanced ECM production with discrete expression of myofibroblast specific markers. The protein–protein interactions associated these proteins to various pathways involved in wound healing, cellular migration, and cytoskeletal remodeling justifying high relevance to in vivo scar formation. Hence the developed model can be used to acquire understanding about corneal scar pathophysiology and thus might be useful for designing the treatment modalities and efficacies for controlling scar formation.
The effects of chronic smoking on total cerebral blood volume measured by carotid and vertebral artery doppler ultrasonography
Authors: Kalfaoglu Melike E. , Hızal Mustafa , Kiyan Aysu , Gurel Kamil
Published: June 2017

Purpose

To evaluate the effects of chronic cigarette smoking on total cerebral blood flow in healthy adults by Doppler ultrasonography (US).

Methods

We evaluated 50 smoker (median age 29) and 50 nonsmoker (median age 28) healthy, 20‐ to 40‐year‐old subjects without any cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. Peak systolic maximal blood flow velocity (PSV), end‐diastolic maximal blood flow velocity (EDV), time‐averaged mean blood flow velocity (TAMV), resistance index (RI), and pulsatility index (PI) were measured in the left and right carotid and vertebral arteries, and total cerebral blood flow volume was calculated.

Results

There was no significant difference of smoking rate between genders. Blood pressure and PSV values were similar in both groups. EDV values of internal carotid artery (ICA) and vertebral artery (VA) were lower and RI and PI values were higher in smokers. TAMV, total ICA (−10.8%) and VA (−6%) flow volume, and tCBF (−9.2%) were lower in smokers.

Conclusions

Doppler US is an effective tool to detect tCBF volume decrease in chronic cigarette smokers. Although minimal, this decrease, as demonstrated here in asymptomatic, healthy people, might be critical in patients with subclinical cerebral arterial insufficiency. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45:561–565, 2017
An unusual cause of chest pain: An isolated huge cardiac hydatid cyst
Authors: Uygur Begum , Ustabasioglu Fethi Emre , Karakurt Huseyin , Akinci Okan , Celik Omer
Published: June 2017

Hydatid disease is a human parasitic infection caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus. The most common locations for hydatid cysts are the liver and lungs. Cardiac involvement is rare, and isolated cardiac hydatid cysts are even more unusual. We report the case a 48‐year‐old female patient with an isolated huge cardiac hydatid cyst involving both the left ventricular free wall and the pericardium, and presenting with atypical chest pain. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 46:262–264, 2018
Dynamic choosability of triangle‐free graphs and sparse random graphs
Authors: Kim Jaehoon , Ok Seongmin
Published: June 2017

Ther‐dynamic choosability of a graph G, written , is the least k such that whenever each vertex is assigned a list of at least k colors a proper coloring can be chosen from the lists so that every vertex v has at least neighbors of distinct colors. Let ch(G) denote the choice number of G. In this article, we prove when is bounded. We also show that there exists a constant C such that the random graph with almost surely satisfies . Also if G is a triangle‐free regular graph, then we have .
Simplex‐based adaptive parametric model order reduction for applications in optimization
Authors: A. O. Leite Mateus , Delinchant Benoit , Guichon Jean‐Michel , A. Vasconcelos João
Published: June 2017

A new methodology for optimization using parametric reduced order models is introduced. An adaptive scheme to place the expansion points in the reduction step is combined with a smart parametric space sampling in the optimization step to produce very reliable reduced order models. The methodology is illustrated in a demonstrative electromagnetic problem with appreciable gain in computational time. This technique is of general application and can be used to speed up optimization processes in many areas of engineering.
What matters for work engagement? A diary study on resources and the benefits of selective optimization with compensation for state work engagement
Authors: Venz Laura , Pundt Alexander , Sonnentag Sabine
Published: June 2017

This diary study addresses the benefits of employees' daily use of selective optimization with compensation (SOC) for state work engagement. We hypothesized that day‐level SOC not only directly fosters work engagement but that SOC also reveals its beneficial effects for work engagement in interaction with both external and internal resources. Specifically, we proposed SOC substitutes for job control, role clarity, and state of being recovered, thus helping employees manage low daily levels of these resources. We tested our hypotheses with a sample of 138 employees who completed two daily surveys over a total of 545 workdays. Results of multilevel analyses revealed that SOC benefits work engagement in both proposed ways. First, day‐level SOC was positively related to state work engagement. Additionally, day‐level role clarity and state of being recovered predicted state work engagement, but day‐level job control did not. Second, SOC benefitted state work engagement by offsetting low levels of role clarity and being recovered, and by boosting job control in their respective relationships with work engagement. The results suggest that by using SOC at work, employees can actively enhance their own work engagement on a given workday. This knowledge provides promising starting points for the development of interventions.
Application of a dispersive solid‐phase extraction method using an amino‐based silica‐coated nanomagnetic sorbent for the trace quantification of chlorophenoxyacetic acids in water samples
Authors: Ghambarian Mahnaz , Behbahani Mohammad , Esrafili Ali , Sobhi Hamid Reza
Published: June 2017

Herein, an amino‐based silica‐coated nanomagnetic sorbent was applied for the effective extraction of two chlorophenoxyacetic acids (2‐methyl‐4‐chlorophenoxyacetic acid and 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) from various water samples. The sorbent was successfully synthesized and subsequently characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. The analytes were extracted by the sorbent mainly through ionic interactions. Once the extraction of analytes was completed, they were desorbed from the sorbent and detected by high‐performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. A number of factors affecting the extraction and desorption of the analytes were investigated in detail and the optimum conditions were established. Under the optimum conditions, the calibration curves were linear over the concentration range of 1–250, and based on a signal‐to‐noise ratio of 3, the method detection limits were determined to be 0.5 μg/L for both analytes. Additionally, a preconcentration factor of 314 was achieved for the analytes. The average relative recoveries obtained from the fortified water samples varied in the range of 91–108% with relative standard deviations of 2.9–8.3%. Finally, the method was determined to be robust and effective for environmental water analysis.
Correlation distance dependence of the resonance frequency of intermolecular zero quantum coherences and its implication for MR thermometry
Authors: Zhang Le , McCallister Andrew , Koshlap Karl M. , Branca Rosa Tamara
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Because the resonance frequency of water–fat intermolecular zero‐quantum coherences (iZQCs) reflects the water–fat frequency separation at the microscopic scale, these frequencies have been proposed and used as a mean to obtain more accurate temperature information. The purpose of this work was to investigate the dependence of the water–fat iZQC resonance frequency on sample microstructure and on the specific choice of the correlation distance.

Methods

The effect of water–fat susceptibility gradients on the water–methylene iZQC resonance frequency was first computed and then measured for different water–fat emulsions and for a mixture of porcine muscle and fat. Similar measurements were also performed for mixed heteronuclear spin systems.

Results

A strong dependence of the iZQC resonance frequency on the sample microstructure and on the specific choice of the correlation distance was found for spin systems like water and fat that do not mix, but not for spin systems that mix at the molecular level.

Conclusions

Because water and fat spins do not mix at the molecular level, the water–fat iZQC resonance frequency and its temperature coefficient are not only affected by sample microstructure but also by the specific choice of the correlation distance. Magn Reson Med 79:1429–1438, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Goal‐oriented adaptivity using unconventional error representations for the multidimensional Helmholtz equation
Authors: Darrigrand Vincent , Rodríguez‐Rozas Ángel , Muga Ignacio , Pardo David , Romkes Albert , Prudhomme Serge
Published: June 2017

In goal‐oriented adaptivity, the error in the quantity of interest is represented using the error functions of the direct and adjoint problems. This error representation is subsequently bounded above by element‐wise error indicators that are used to drive optimal refinements. In this work, we propose to replace, in the error representation, the adjoint problem by an alternative operator. The main advantage of the proposed approach is that, when judiciously selecting such alternative operator, the corresponding upper bound of the error representation becomes sharper, leading to a more efficient goal‐oriented adaptivity.

While the method can be applied to a variety of problems, we focus here on two‐ and three‐dimensional (2‐D and 3‐D) Helmholtz problems. We show via extensive numerical experimentation that the upper bounds provided by the alternative error representations are sharper than the classical ones and lead to a more robust p‐adaptive process. We also provide guidelines for finding operators delivering sharp error representation upper bounds. We further extend the results to a convection‐dominated diffusion problem as well as to problems with discontinuous material coefficients. Finally, we consider a sonic logging‐while‐drilling problem to illustrate the applicability of the proposed method.
Role of dicumyl peroxide on the morphology and mechanical performance of polypropylene random copolymer in microinjection molding
Authors: Li Mengjue , Yang Qi , Kong Miqiu , Huang Yajiang , Liao Xia , Niu Yanhua , Zhao Zhongguo
Published: June 2017

The purpose of this work is to systematically investigate the effects of dicumyl peroxide (DCP) on the microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of polypropylene random copolymers (PPRs) during the microinjection process. Polarized light microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electronic microscopy measurements were employed to characterize the morphology evolution of the PPR microparts with DCP. A hierarchical structure was found in the PPR microparts with DCP. Specifically, with the individual addition of organic peroxide, the orientation parameter of the PPR microparts decreased pronouncedly and the formation of skin layer was suppressed, while the formation of core layer was promoted. This was ascribed to the distribution of shear rate in the microchannel, which was determined by the wall ship effect in the filling stage and the relaxation behavior in the cooling stage. A mechanism was proposed to explain the distinctive filling behavior and molding characteristics of PPR with DCP in microinjection molding.
Quantitative proteomics identifies altered O‐GlcNAcylation of structural, synaptic and memory‐associated proteins in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Wang Sheng , Yang Feng , Petyuk Vladislav A , Shukla Anil K , Monroe Matthew E , Gritsenko Marina A , Rodland Karin D , Smith Richard D , Qian Wei‐Jun , Gong Cheng‐Xin , Liu Tao
Published: June 2017

Protein modification by O‐linked β‐N‐acetylglucosamine (O‐GlcNAc) is emerging as an important factor in the pathogenesis of sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD); however, detailed molecular characterization of this important protein post‐translational modification at the proteome level has been highly challenging, owing to its low stoichiometry and labile nature. Herein, we report the most comprehensive, quantitative proteomics analysis for protein O‐GlcNAcylation in postmortem human brain tissues with and without AD by the use of isobaric tandem mass tag labelling, chemoenzymatic photocleavage enrichment, and liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. A total of 1850 O‐GlcNAc peptides covering 1094 O‐GlcNAcylation sites were identified from 530 proteins in the human brain. One hundred and thirty‐one O‐GlcNAc peptides covering 81 proteins were altered in AD brains as compared with controls (q < 0.05). Moreover, alteration of O‐GlcNAc peptide abundance could be attributed more to O‐GlcNAcylation level than to protein level changes. The altered O‐GlcNAcylated proteins belong to several structural and functional categories, including synaptic proteins, cytoskeleton proteins, and memory‐associated proteins. These findings suggest that dysregulation of O‐GlcNAcylation of multiple brain proteins may be involved in the development of sporadic AD. Copyright © 2017 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Working with the Hmong Population in a Genetics Setting: Genetic Counselor Perspectives
Authors: Agather Aime , Rietzler Jennifer , Reiser Catherine A. , Petty Elizabeth M.
Published: June 2017

The Hmong language lacks words for many familiar Western medical genetic concepts which may impact genetic counseling sessions with individuals of Hmong ancestry who have limited English proficiency. To study this interaction, a qualitative, semi‐structured interview was designed to address genetic counselors’ experiences of genetic counseling sessions working with individuals with Hmong ancestry. Genetic counselors in the three states with the largest population of Hmong individuals (California, Minnesota and Wisconsin) were invited via email to participate in a telephone interview. Eleven counselors’ interviews were transcribed and analyzed for emergent themes. Each of the counselors had served Hmong patients in a variety of clinics and possessed counseling experience ranging from approximately one to greater than 20 years. Interviews highlighted strengths and challenges in genetic counseling sessions with Hmong patients with limited English proficiency in each of five categories: 1) relevant training during graduate school, 2) session preparation, 3) content of the counseling session, 4) perception of Hmong culture, and 5) reflections on working with Hmong interpreters. Cultural awareness and education in training programs were highlighted by all genetic counselors as valued components to patient care. All interviewees had worked with professional Hmong medical interpreters, but had different expectations for the interpreter with whom they worked. To help improve genetic services for Hmong individuals in the United States, we offer suggestions to improve some of the challenges mentioned, and recommend further studies to investigate the genetic counselor and interpreter relationship.
Aquinas on the Metaphysics of the Hypostatic Union
Authors: Gorman Michael
Published: June 2017

The hypostatic union of Christ, namely his being simultaneously human and divine, is one of the founding doctrines of Christian theology. In this book Michael Gorman presents the first full-length treatment of Aquinas's metaphysics of the hypostatic union. After setting out the historical and theological background, he examines Aquinas's metaphysical presuppositions, explains the basic elements of his account of the hypostatic union, and then enters into detailed discussions of four areas where it is more difficult to get a clear understanding of Aquinas's views, arguing that in some cases we must be content with speculative reconstructions that are true to the spirit of Aquinas's thought. His study pays close attention to the Latin texts and their chronology, and engages with a wide range of secondary literature. It will be of great interest to theologians as well as to scholars of metaphysics and medieval thought.
Using comparative sociolinguistics to inform European minority language policies: Evidence from contemporary Picard and regional French
Authors: Auger Julie , Villeneuve Anne-José
Published: June 2017

We argue that an evaluation of morphosyntactic convergence between Picard and French must consider multiple variables, comparing rates of (co-)occurrence of Picard-like and French-like variants and linguistic constraints across the two varieties. Contemporary oral data from interviews with Picard–French bilinguals and French monolinguals were analyzed and contrasted with older Picard data. While future temporal reference in Picard and in French appear similar based on frequency, linguistic conditioning reveals differences across varieties and over time. Auxiliary selection displays clearer Picard–French distinctions, especially when considering the effect of linguistic factors. The intersection of variables shows that the differences between Picard and French are qualitative and not simply quantitative. In the context of the debate over the status of Northern France's obsolescent varieties, we provide empirical evidence for a mental grammar in Picard distinct from that of French, and show the relevance of comparative sociolinguistics for language planning.
Linear Stability Analysis of Journal Bearings Lubricated With a Non-Newtonian Rabinowitsch Fluid
Authors: Lin J. R. , Hung T. C. , Lin C. H.
Published: June 2017

The linear stability boundaries of journal bearings lubricated with a non-Newtonian fluid have been investigated in this paper. Based on the Rabinowitsch fluid model, a non-Newtonian dynamic Reynolds equation for journal bearings is derived and then applied to analyze the linear dynamic characteristics of short journal bearings. Comparing with the Newtonian-lubricant case, the non-Newtonian rheology of dilatant lubricants provides a larger area of linearly stable region. However, the non-Newtonian properties of pseudo-plastic lubricants results in a reverse trend for the short journal bearing.
Continuity and Change in the Contemporary Canadian Feminist Movement
Authors: O'Neill Brenda
Published: June 2017

This article examines how the changing environment faced by and context within the Canadian feminist movement is reflected in the beliefs and strategies of recruits to the movement at a given point in time. The framework for the investigation is Whittier's generational approach (1997) that posits that different political generations—defined as cohorts of recruits who join a social movement during distinctive periods of protest—introduce change to its collective identity given the formative experiences faced by each generation. Using an original large sample data set, I provide evidence that the changes experienced by the Canadian feminist movement from the 1980s onwards are reflected in noticeable shifts in the collective identity and activist strategies of subsequent waves of feminist recruits. The findings suggest that further research into cohort recruitment and replacement is essential for understanding the forces at play in shaping the contemporary Canadian feminist movement.
Functional PIN1 promoter polymorphisms associated with risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Southern Chinese populations
Authors: Zeng Liuyan , Luo Shengqun , Li Xin , Lu Mengxuan , Li Huahui , Li Tong , Wang Guanhua , Lyu Xiaoming , Jia Wenrui , Dong Zigang , Jiang Qiang , Shen Zhihua , Huang Guo-Liang , He Zhiwei
Published: June 2017

Our previous work reported the association between two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in PIN1 promoter and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) risk with a small sample size in a low incidence area. This study investigated the association between the two SNPs and NPC risk in 733 patients and 895 controls from a high incidence area. The results indicated the genotype and allele frequencies of -842G > C and -667C > T were both significantly different between patients and controls even using the resampling statistics. The -842GC and -667TT genotypes showed a significantly increased risk of NPC (OR = 1.977, 95% CI = 1.339–2.919, P = 0.001 and OR = 1.438, 95% CI = 1.061–1.922, P = 0.019, respectively). Compared to the most common -842G-667C haplotype, -842G-667T haplotype and -842C-667C haplotype showed a significantly increased risk of NPC (OR = 1.215, 95% CI = 1.053–1.402, P = 0.008 and OR = 2.268, 95% CI = 1.530–3.362, P = 0.001, respectively). Further reporter gene expression suggested that variant -842C-667C and -842G-667T were associated with an enhanced transcriptional activity. In conclusion, our findings suggest that -842G > C and -667C > T in PIN1 promoter are associated with NPC risk; as well as the promoter activity is mediated by functional PIN1 variants.
Solvent and anion effects on the organization of a luminescent [2 + 2] BODIPY/Ag(i) metallamacrocycle in the crystalline state
Authors: Zhang Fan , Baudron Stéphane A. , Hosseini Mir Wais
Published: June 2017

The assembly of a novel BODIPY bearing peripheral vinyl–benzonitrile groups with AgX salts (X− = AsF6−, BF4−, ClO4−) leads to the recurrent formation of a [2 + 2] [Ag2(BODIPY)2]2+ type metallamacrocycle featuring emission in the crystalline state.
Toward the two-step microdynamic phase transition mechanism of an oligo(ethylene glycol)methacrylate-based copolymer with a LCST-type poly(ionic liquid) block
Authors: Dai Yalan , Wu Peiyi
Published: June 2017

PMEO2MA-b-P[P4,4,4,4][SS] exhibits a two-step microdynamic aggregation process upon heating, but only one LCST-type transition point from the macroscopic perspective.
Influence of a D–π–A system through a linked unit of double and triple bonds in a triarylene bridge for dye-sensitised solar cells
Authors: Huang Rui-Yu , Chiu Yu-Hsiang , Chang Yu-Hsuang , Chen Kew-Yu , Huang Pei-Ting , Chiang Ting-Hsuan , Chang Yuan Jay
Published: June 2017

Herein, eight metal-free organic dyes (YH-1–YH-8) containing olefin or acetylene as π-spacer linkages in a triarylene bridge were synthesised.
Synthesis, structures, DNA/protein binding, molecular docking, anticancer activity and ROS generation of Ni(ii), Cu(ii) and Zn(ii) 5,5-diethylbarbiturate complexes with bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine and terpyridine
Authors: Yilmaz Veysel T. , Icsel Ceyda , Suyunova Feruza , Aygun Muhittin , Cevatemre Buse , Ulukaya Engin
Published: June 2017

Synthesis, structures, DNA/BSA binding affinity, antioxidant and cytotoxic activity, cell death and ROS generation of Ni(ii)/Cu(ii)/Zn(ii) 5,5-diethylbarbiturate complexes were reported.
Electrochemical synthesis of diverse sulfonamide derivatives depending on the potential electrode and their antimicrobial activity evaluation
Authors: Varmaghani F. , Hassan M. , Nematollahi D. , Mallakpour S.
Published: June 2017

Electrochemical synthesis of two different series of sulfonamides was performed using the same precursors, 4-(4-nitrophenyl)urazole and arylsulfinic acids, by controlling the potential during electrolysis.
Fast implementation of scaled inverse Fourier transform for high‐speed radar target detection
Authors: Niu Zhiyong , Zheng Jibin , Su Tao , Zhang Jiancheng
Published: June 2017

The symmetric autocorrelation function (SAF) has a huge computational complexity, which may limit the practical application of SAF‐based scaled inverse Fourier transform (SCIFT). Taking the relationship between SAF and summation into consideration, a frequency‐domain method is proposed for the fast implementation of the SCIFT, and the energy integration performance remains unchanged. Mathematic analysis and numerical simulations are provided to illustrate the efficiency of this method.
Female Genomics: Infertility and Overall Health
Authors: Joshi Nikhil , Chan Jessica
Published: June 2017

Female infertility is a complex disease linked to multiple etiologies including genetic factors. Owing to the multifactorial nature of infertility, it is often difficult to identify single causative genes. Despite this challenge, investigations into the genetic causes of infertility have been performed to shed light on the etiology and for the possibility of developing personalized medical approaches to therapy. Multiple techniques have been utilized to better characterize the genetic origins of this disease, including genome-wide association studies. We present here a review of the genetic causes of female infertility, detailing some of the more recent findings in the genetics of polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, primary ovarian insufficiency, hypothalamic amenorrhea, leiomyomas, and Mullerian anomalies.
How to Map the Genetic Basis for Conditions that are Comorbid with Male Infertility
Authors: Nagirnaja Liina , Vigh-Conrad Katinka , Conrad Donald
Published: June 2017

Studying conditions that are comorbid with infertility can provide a picture of the overall health of a patient population that is younger than the typical cases of age-related diseases that preoccupy our health care system. If strong predictive relationships could be established between infertility and life-threatening disease, interventions can be established early in life for at-risk individuals. Here, we discuss how genomic tools can be used to identify diseases and traits that are likely to be comorbid with male infertility. We divide these approaches broadly into two categories: direct and indirect. Direct approaches require knowledge of the specific genetic variants associated with male infertility, while indirect approaches can work with only gene lists, or even no a priori knowledge of disease–gene architecture. Using existing data from human and mouse studies, we demonstrate that one indirect approach based on gene networks provides support for the recent epidemiological findings that infertility is a risk factor for cancer and cardiovascular disease. Finding comorbidities of male infertility is an important goal for the reproductive medicine community. We outline existing resources that will play a valuable role in this quest, and describe new resources that must be developed for maximum progress.
High Tibial Osteotomy following Biologic Replacement of the Knee
Authors: Stannard James , Stannard James
Published: June 2017

Biologic unicondylar replacement with fresh osteoarticular allografts of the femoral condyle and tibial plateau plus a meniscus transplant provides an option for young or active patients with severe articular cartilage loss. The timing of osteotomy procedures to correct malalignment either before, concurrent, or after allograft implantation has become an area of research interest. Concurrent osteotomies and allograft transplantation have become increasingly popular due to the decreased patient morbidity from multiple surgeries that require a period of toe-touch weight bearing (TTWB) postoperatively. We discuss here our techniques for correcting malalignment, which concurrently repair major bipolar knee lesions while transplanting the meniscus. We prefer to perform a simultaneous biologic unicondylar replacement with an osteotomy, if needed. Weight bearing alignment radiographs should be obtained 6 weeks following surgery to confirm the intraoperative findings that were obtained using fluoroscopy and the alignment rod. If malalignment persists and the biologic grafts are overloaded, a staged osteotomy should be performed as soon as possible.
Subgroup Analysis of Patients with Cancer in XALIA: A Noninterventional Study of Rivaroxaban versus Standard Anticoagulation for VTE
Authors: Ageno Walter , Mantovani Lorenzo , Haas Sylvia , Kreutz Reinhold , Monje Danja , Schneider Jonas , van Eickels Martin , Gebel Martin , Turpie Alexander
Published: June 2017

Background The noninterventional XALIA study compared rivaroxaban with standard anticoagulation for deep vein thrombosis treatment. This substudy describes the demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of the patients with cancer.

Methods Therapy type, dose, and duration were at the physician's discretion. The cohorts identified were rivaroxaban (rivaroxaban alone or after heparin or fondaparinux for ≤48 hours); early switchers (rivaroxaban after heparin or fondaparinux for >48 hours to 14 days and/or a vitamin K antagonist [VKA] for 1–14 days); standard anticoagulation (heparin or fondaparinux and a VKA); low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) alone; and miscellaneous (other heparins, fondaparinux alone, VKA alone). Primary outcomes were major bleeding, recurrent venous thromboembolism, and all-cause mortality.

Results In XALIA, 587 patients (11.4% of the XALIA cohort) were with cancer: 146 (24.9%) rivaroxaban, 30 (5.1%) early switchers, 141 (24.0%) standard anticoagulation, 223 (38.0%) LMWH, and 47 (8.0%) miscellaneous. Patients with gastrointestinal or lung cancer more commonly received LMWH than rivaroxaban; the opposite occurred in patients with breast or genitourinary cancer. Rates of primary outcome in the rivaroxaban group were as follows: major bleeding, 1.4% (n = 2); recurrent venous thromboembolism, 3.4% (n = 5); and all-cause mortality, 4.8% (n = 7).

Conclusion In XALIA, physicians treated cancer-associated thrombosis with various anticoagulant regimens, most commonly LMWH. In addition, the choice of anticoagulant varied with cancer type. In rivaroxaban-treated patients, rates for the primary outcomes were low, suggesting that patients administered rivaroxaban were a good prognosis group.
Genetic Breast Cancer Susceptibility Variants and Prognosis in the Prospectively Randomized SUCCESS A Study
Authors: Hein A. , Rack B. , Li L. , Ekici A. , Reis A. , Lux M. , Cunningham J. , Rübner M. , Fridley B. , Schneeweiss A. , Tesch H. , Lichtenegger W. , Fehm T. , Heinrich G. , Rezai M. , Beckmann M , Janni W. , Weinshilboum R. , Wang L. , Fasching P. , Häberle L.
Published: June 2017

Large-scale genotyping studies have identified over 70 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with breast cancer (BC) risk. However, knowledge regarding genetic risk factors associated with the prognosis is limited. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the prognostic effect of nine known breast cancer risk SNPs. BC patients (n = 1687) randomly sampled in an adjuvant, randomized phase III trial (SUCCESS A study) were genotyped for nine BC risk SNPs: rs17468277(CASP8), rs2981582(FGFR2), rs13281615(8q24), rs3817198(LSP1), rs889312(MAP3K1), rs3803662(TOX3), rs13387042(2q35), rs4973768(SLC4A7), rs6504950(COX11). Cox proportional hazards models were used to test the SNPsʼ association with overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Additional analyses were carried out for molecular subgroups. rs3817198 in LSP1 (lymphocyte-specific protein 1) was the only SNP that significantly influenced OS (p = 0.01) and PFS (p < 0.01) in the likelihood ratio test comparing the genetic survival model with the clinical survival model. In the molecular subgroups, triple-negative patients with two minor alleles in rs3817198 had a much better prognosis relative to OS (adjusted HR 0.03; 95% CI 0.002 – 0.279) and PFS (HR 0.09; 95% CI 0.02 – 0.36) than patients with the common alleles. The same effect on PFS was shown for patients with luminal A tumors (HR 0.19; 95% CI 0.05 – 0.84), whereas patients with luminal B tumors had a poorer PFS with two minor alleles (HR 2.13; 95% CI 1.02 – 4.40). The variant in rs3817198 has a prognostic effect particularly in the subgroup of patients with triple-negative BC, suggesting a possible link with immunomodulation and BC.
Entwicklung einer kraftausdauerorientierten Testbatterie als Entscheidungshilfe für eine leistungsorientierte Gruppenzuweisung in der rehabilitativen Sporttherapie bei muskuloskeletalen Krankheiten
Authors: Golla André , Mattukat Kerstin , Ehlebracht-König Inge , Kluge Karin , Pfeifer Klaus , Mau Wilfried
Published: June 2017

Hintergrund Vor dem Hintergrund des breiten Leistungsniveaus von Patienten in der medizinischen Rehabilitation und dem trainingswissenschaftlichen Anspruch einer optimalen Belastungsdosierung fehlt es bislang an praxistauglichen Entscheidungshilfen für eine leistungsorientierte Ausgestaltung von sport- und bewegungstherapeutischen Gruppenangeboten.

Methoden Daher wurde eine kraftausdauerorientierte, diagnoseübergreifende Testbatterie für die Unterteilung von Rehabilitanden in 2 unterschiedliche Leistungsgruppen entwickelt (moderat vs. intensiv belastbar). An einer Stichprobe von 163 Rehabilitanden mit verschiedenen muskuloskeletalen Krankheiten (Rückenschmerzen, chronischen Polyarthritiden bzw. Spondyloarthritiden) wurden die Zuteilungsergebnisse der Testbatterie mit dem Standardverfahren, d. h. einer Unterteilung durch ärztliche Einschätzung, anhand von funktionsbezogenen Parametern verglichen.

Ergebnisse Jeder dritte Rehabilitand wurde durch die beiden Beurteilungsvarianten (Arzt vs. Testbatterie) unterschiedlich bewertet. Bei der testbasierten Unterteilung traten deutlich größere Unterschiede zwischen den moderat und intensiv belastbaren Rehabilitanden bzgl. der gemessenen und der fragebogenbasierten Funktionsparameter auf als bei der Unterteilung auf Basis der ärztlichen Begutachtung.

Schlussfolgerung Die durchgeführte Analyse liefert Hinweise auf eine stärkere Differenzierung des trainingsbezogenen Leistungsvermögens durch eine testbasierte Einschätzung im Vergleich zu einer ärztlichen Beurteilung im Rahmen der Anamnese und Aufnahmeuntersuchung. Für spezifische Therapieentscheidungen könnten die Ergebnisse solcher Entscheidungshilfen wertvolle Informationen liefern. Insbesondere für die klinikinterne Entwicklung von sport- und bewegungstherapeutischen Entscheidungshilfen kann die beschriebene Testentwicklung eine Orientierung darstellen.
Isokinetische Kraftmessung in Abhängigkeit von der attestierten Arbeitsunfähigkeit orthopädischer Rehabilitanden mit degenerativen Kniegelenkserkrankungen
Authors: Lohss Regine , Geissler Norbert , Thiel Michael , Göhle Michael , Egen Christoph , Gutenbrunner Christoph
Published: June 2017

Fragestellung Untersucht wurde die Veränderung des maximalen isokinetischen Drehmoments am Kniegelenk im Rehabilitationsverlauf in Abhängigkeit von der ärztlich attestierten Arbeitsunfähigkeit. Weiterhin wurde analysiert, ob es einen Einfluss der Arbeitsunfähigkeit auf die während der isokinetischen Testung ermittelten Variationskoeffizienten gibt.

Material und Methoden Für die Pilotstudie wurden männliche Rehabilitanden zwischen 18 und 65 Jahren mit chronisch degenerativen Kniegelenkserkrankungen in einem orthopädischen Rehabilitationszentrum rekrutiert. Die Patienten wurden bei Rehabilitationsaufnahme gemäß der im Rahmen der kassenärztlichen Versorgung festgestellten Arbeitsunfähigkeit in arbeitsfähige und arbeitsunfähige Patienten aufgeteilt. Die Messungen des maximalen isokinetischen Drehmoments erfolgten mittels des Geräts BIODEX am betroffenen Kniegelenk zu Beginn und Ende der Rehabilitation in Flexion und Extension bei Winkelgeschwindigkeiten von 90°/s und 150°/s.

Ergebnisse Eingeschlossen wurden 60 Patienten mit einem durchschnittlichen Alter von 49,6 Jahren. 43,3% der Patienten waren zu Rehabilitationsbeginn arbeitsunfähig. Die arbeitsfähigen Rehabilitanden verbesserten sich signifikant hinsichtlich des maximalen Drehmoments in beiden Winkelgeschwindigkeiten und Bewegungsrichtungen. Die arbeitsunfähigen Rehabilitanden verbesserten sich signifikant in Bezug auf die Flexionsbewegung beider Winkelgeschwindigkeiten. Zwischen den arbeitsfähigen und arbeitsunfähigen Rehabilitanden gab es keinen signifikanten Unterschied hinsichtlich der Kraftveränderung. Die im Rahmen der kassenärztlichen Versorgung festgestellte Arbeitsunfähigkeit hatte unter Berücksichtigung weiterer Kontrollvariablen keinen signifikanten Einfluss auf die Veränderung des maximalen Drehmoments und der Variationskoeffizienten.

Diskussion und Schlussfolgerung Im Rahmen der orthopädischen Rehabilitation verbesserten sich sowohl arbeitsfähige als auch arbeitsunfähige Rehabilitanden hinsichtlich des maximalen isokinetischen Drehmoments am betroffenen Kniegelenk, wobei die Verbesserung der arbeitsunfähigen Patienten in die Extension nicht signifikant war. Sowohl die attestierte Arbeitsunfähigkeit als auch die Variationskoeffizienten hatten keinen signifikanten Einfluss auf die isokinetische Kraftmessung. Weitere Analysen sollten sich insbesondere auf den Zusammenhang zwischen der Arbeitsunfähigkeitsdauer und der Ergebnisse funktioneller Assessments beziehen.
Endoprothetischer Gelenkersatz und Sport
Authors: Oehler Nicola , Schmidt T. , Niemeier Andreas
Published: June 2017

Hintergrund Es finden sich zunehmend Patienten mit sportlichem Funktionsanspruch, für die nicht nur die Frage nach grundsätzlicher Sportfähigkeit nach Endoprothesenimplantation, sondern auch nach dem erreichbaren Sportniveau im Sinne der Rückkehr zu präoperativer sportlicher Aktivität bedeutsam ist. Dieser Artikel soll einen Überblick über neuere Daten zu folgenden Fragen hinsichtlich Hüft-, Knie und Schulterendoprothetik geben: (1) Welche Auswirkungen hat sportliche Aktivität auf Endoprothesen? (2) Welches Sportniveau ist nach endoprothetischer Versorgung erreichbar? (3) Welche Empfehlungen können zu sportlicher Aktivität mit Endoprothese gegeben werden?

Methoden PubMed basierte Literaturrecherche. Narrativer Review mit Fokus auf aktuellen Daten aus den Jahren 2010–2016.

Ergebnisse Die allgemein bekannte Empfehlung zu Low-impact-Sportarten mit moderater Intensität wie Wandern, Schwimmen, Radfahren, Golfbehält ihre Gültigkeit für sämtliche Prothesentypen an allen Gelenken. Hier ist unstrittig, dass die positiven die negativen Effekte überwiegen. Nach Implantation von HTEP und KTEP findet die Mehrheit der prä-OP aktiven Patienten nach 3–6 Monaten wieder zu sportlicher Aktivität zurück, wenn auch mit klarer Tendenz zu niedrigerer Intensität und einer Verschiebung von high impact hin zu low impact. Wichtige offene Fragen beziehen sich auf die Effekte von mit hoher Intensität betriebenen Low-impact-Sportarten, auf High-impact-Sportarten, auf sportartspezifische Wirkungen sowie auf prothesentypspezifische Möglichkeiten. Hier sind die Grenzen zwischen positiven und negativen Effekten von sportlicher Belastung unterschiedlicher Intensität erst beginnend untersucht. Neue Daten weisen darauf hin, dass allgemein eine höhere sportliche Leistungsfähigkeit erreichbar ist, als traditionell empfohlen wird. Frühe Ergebnisse unikondylärer Knieprothesen übertreffen die bikondylärer Prothesen deutlich. Schulterendoprothesen zeigen entgegengesetzt zu Expertenempfehlungen die höchsten postoperativen Aktivitätslevel nach inverser und anatomischer TEP und die geringste Sportaktivität nach Hemiprothesen.

Schlussfolgerung Bisherige Expertenempfehlungen und faktische Möglichkeiten des Sportniveaus nach Endoprothesenimplantation divergieren z. T. erheblich. Es bleibt durch zukünftige Studien zu definieren, welches Sportniveau unter Verwendung moderner abriebarmer Gleitpaarungen und Prothesendesigns in welcher Sportart mit welcher Prothese ein positives Nutzen-Risiko-Verhältnis darstellt.
Subnanosecond microwave-assisted magnetization switching in a circularly polarized microwave magnetic field
Authors: Suto Hirofumi , Kanao Taro , Nagasawa Tazumi , Kudo Kiwamu , Mizushima Koichi , Sato Rie
Published: June 2017

We study microwave-assisted magnetization switching (MAS) of a perpendicularly magnetized nanomagnet with a diameter of 50 nm in a circularly polarized microwave magnetic field. The MAS effect appears when the rotation direction of the microwave field matches that of the ferromagnetic resonance excitation, and a large switching field decrease from 7.1 kOe to 1.5 kOe is demonstrated. In comparison with a linearly polarized microwave magnetic field, the circularly polarized microwave field induces the same MAS effect at half the microwave field amplitude, thereby showing its efficiency. We also examine MAS in the subnanosecond region and show that the magnetization switching can be induced by a microwave field with the duration of 0.2 ns.
Oxidation kinetics of Si and SiGe by dry rapid thermal oxidation, in-situ steam generation oxidation and dry furnace oxidation
Authors: Rozé Fabien , Gourhant Olivier , Blanquet Elisabeth , Bertin François , Juhel Marc , Abbate Francesco , Pribat Clément , Duru Romain
Published: June 2017

The fabrication of ultrathin compressively strained SiGe-On-Insulator layers by the condensation technique is likely a key milestone towards low-power and high performances FD-SOI logic devices. However, the SiGe condensation technique still requires challenges to be solved for an optimized use in an industrial environment. SiGe oxidation kinetics, upon which the condensation technique is founded, has still not reached a consensus in spite of various studies which gave insights into the matter. This paper aims to bridge the gaps between these studies by covering various oxidation processes relevant to today's technological needs with a new and quantitative analysis methodology. We thus address oxidation kinetics of SiGe with three Ge concentrations (0%, 10%, and 30%) by means of dry rapid thermal oxidation, in-situ steam generation oxidation, and dry furnace oxidation. Oxide thicknesses in the 50 Å to 150 Å range grown with oxidation temperatures between 850 and 1100 °C were targeted. The present work shows first that for all investigated processes, oxidation follows a parabolic regime even for thin oxides, which indicates a diffusion-limited oxidation regime. We also observe that, for all investigated processes, the SiGe oxidation rate is systematically higher than that of Si. The amplitude of the variation of oxidation kinetics of SiGe with respect to Si is found to be strongly dependent on the process type. Second, a new quantitative analysis methodology of oxidation kinetics is introduced. This methodology allows us to highlight the dependence of oxidation kinetics on the Ge concentration at the oxidation interface, which is modulated by the pile-up mechanism. Our results show that the oxidation rate increases with the Ge concentration at the oxidation interface.
Optical nanoscopy with contact Mie-particles: Resolution analysis
Authors: Maslov Alexey V. , Astratov Vasily N.
Published: June 2017

The theoretical limits of resolution available in microspherical nanoscopy are explored using incoherent point emitters in the air. The images are calculated using a two-dimensional model and solving the Maxwell equations which account for the wave effects on the sub-wavelength scale of the emitter-microsphere interaction. Based on our results, we propose to use small dielectric particles with diameters λ ≲ D ≲ 2λ made of a high-refractive-index material n∼2 for imaging sub-wavelength objects. It is shown that such particles form virtual images below and real images above them. At wavelengths of the Mie resonances, these images have slightly better than ∼λ/4 resolution that can be attributed to the image magnification in close proximity to the object and contributions of its near field. The resonant super-resolution imaging of various point-like objects, such as dye molecules, fluorophores, or nanoplasmonic particles, can be realized by using narrow bandpass optical filters spectrally aligned with the Mie resonances.
AC calorimetry of H2O at pressures up to 9 GPa in diamond anvil cells
Authors: Geballe Zachary M. , Struzhkin Viktor V.
Published: June 2017

If successfully developed, calorimetry at tens of GPa of pressure could help characterize phase transitions in materials such as high-pressure minerals, metals, and molecular solids. Here, we extend alternating-current calorimetry to 9 GPa and 300 K in a diamond anvil cell and use it to study phase transitions in H2O. In particular, water is loaded into the sample chambers of diamond-cells, along with thin metal heaters (1 μm-thick platinum or 20 nm-thick gold on a glass substrate) that drive high-frequency temperature oscillations (20 Hz to 600 kHz; 1 to 10 K). The heaters also act as thermometers via the third-harmonic technique, yielding calorimetric data on (1) heat conduction to the diamonds and (2) heat transport into substrate and sample. Using this method during temperature cycles from 300 to 200 K, we document melting, freezing, and proton ordering and disordering transitions of H2O at 0 to 9 GPa, and characterize changes in thermal conductivity and heat capacity across these transitions. The technique and analysis pave the way for calorimetry experiments on any non-metal at pressures up to ∼100 GPa, provided a thin layer (several μm-thick) of thermal insulation supports a metallic thin-film (tens of nm thick) Joule-heater attached to low contact resistance leads inside the sample chamber of a diamond-cell.
Generating tunable THz radiation using rippled density plasma driven by density modulated relativistic electron beam
Authors: Malik Pratibha , Sharma Suresh C. , Sharma Rinku
Published: June 2017

The generation of Terahertz (THz) radiation by a density modulated relativistic electron beam (REB) using rippled density plasma, oriented at a suitable angle along the direction of radiation wave, is being investigated in this paper. The non-linear interaction of density modulated REB with ripple density plasma modifies the dispersion relation of the radiation wave co-propagating with the beam wave. Using fluid equations model, it is found that the requisite ripple wavelength decreases as the ripple angle increases and becomes steeper for resonant THz radiation emission. Thus, the radiation wavelength in terahertz range can be tuned by varying the ripple wavelength and beam energy. In addition, it is investigated that the growth rate of THz radiation emission scales as the one-third power of beam current, two-third power of ripple plasma density, and one-third power of modulation index. The output power and efficiency of THz radiation emission depend on the modulation index and reach the largest value when modulated beam velocity is comparable with the phase velocity of the wave as the modulation index approaches unity.