bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Pulmonary Function before and after Sinus Surgery in Lung Transplant Recipients
Authors: Ramos Bernardo , Pinna Fábio , Campos Silvia , Afonso Júnior José , Teixeira Ricardo , Carraro Rafael , Voegels Richard
Published: September 2017

Introduction The association between sinus and lung diseases is well known. However, there are scarce studies regarding the effects of sinus surgery on pulmonary function in lung transplant recipients. The present study describes our experience with sinus surgery in lung transplant recipients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

Objectives To assess the impact of sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis on pulmonary function and on inpatient hospitalization days due to lower respiratory tract infection in lung transplant recipients.

Methods A retrospective study conducted between 2006 and 2012 on a sample of lung transplant recipients undergoing sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis. Pulmonary function, measured by forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), as well as inpatient hospitalization days due to lower respiratory tract infection, were compared 6 months before and 6 months after sinus surgery.

Results The FEV1 values increased significantly, and the inpatient hospitalization days due to bronchopneumonia decreased significantly 6 months after sinus surgery. The preoperative and postoperative median FEV1 values were 2.35 and 2.68 respectively (p = 0.0056). The median number of inpatient hospitalization days due to bronchopneumonia 6 months before and 6 months after surgery were 32.82 and 5.41 respectively (p = 0.0013).

Conclusion In this sample of lung transplant recipients with chronic rhinosinusitis, sinus surgery led to an improvement in pulmonary function and a decrease in inpatient hospitalization days due to bronchopneumonia.
Thermochemotherapie mit Mitomycin C: Update zur Therapiealternative beim nicht-muskelinvasiven Harnblasenkarzinom
Authors: Christoph Frank , König Frank , Lebentrau Stefan , Blaschke Simon , Liehr Uwe-Bernd , Schostak Martin
Published: September 2017

Das Harnblasenkarzinom ist die zweithäufigste urologische Tumorerkrankung. Je nach Tumorstadium und Tumorgrad stehen unterschiedliche Behandlungskonzepte zur Verfügung, um Rezidiv- und Progressionsrate der Erkrankung zu minimieren. Alternative Therapieverfahren nach Versagen der Instillationstherapie mit Mitomycin C oder BCG rücken gerade in Zeiten von Ressourcenknappheit (BCG) erneut in das Interesse. Schwierig ist es derzeit, eine endgültige Aussage über Effektivität und Sicherheit dieser alternativen Verfahren zu machen.

Die hier vorliegende Übersichtsarbeit stellt die derzeit verfügbaren thermotherapeutischen Therapieverfahren (elektroinduktiv und elektrokonduktiv) vor. Ausgehend von der ersten Veröffentlichung zur Thermochemotherapie mit Mitomycin C (Synergo
®
) bis hin zur ersten vergleichenden Studie zwischen Thermochemotherapie mit Mitomycin C und der klassischen Instillationstherapie mit BCG. Dazu werden neue elektrokonduktive Verfahren wie Combat
®
und Unithermia
®
vorgestellt.

Abschließend werden auf Basis der aktuellen Datenlage die Anwendungsbereiche diskutiert, zu der die Thermochemotherapie mit Mitomycin C derzeit in der Lage ist.
Pharmakotherapie bei Multipler Sklerose
Authors: Paul Friedemann
Published: September 2017

Multiple Sklerose (MS) ist eine chronisch entzündliche Erkrankung des Zentralen Nervensystems, die meist initial schubförmig-remittierend verläuft (RRMS) und häufig in einen sekundär chronisch-progedienten Verlauf (SPMS) übergeht. Zu den Symptomen zählen temporäre oder dauerhafte neurologische Ausfälle unter Umständen aller Funktionssysteme. Für die verlaufsmodifizierende Behandlung stehen zugelassene Medikamente zur Verfügung, deren Auswahl von Verlaufsform und Stadium der Erkrankung abhängt und zudem Patienten-Präferenzen berücksichtigen sollte. Empfohlen wird ein früher Beginn der MS-spezifischen Immuntherapie, um eine spätere Gewebeschädigung oder neurologische Behinderung zu verhindern bzw. hinauszuzögern.

Der Refresher vermittelt die Verlaufsformen der Multiplen Sklerose und die darauf abgestimmte verlaufsmodifizierende Pharmakotherapie.
Statuserhebung der studentischen Lehre in Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie
Authors: Ruesseler Miriam , Froehlich Susanne , Ruesseler Sigrid , Zabel Julian , Sterz Jasmina , Obertacke Udo
Published: September 2017

Hintergrund Muskuloskeletale Erkrankungen sind weltweit die häufigste Ursache für lang anhaltende Schmerzen und körperliche Behinderungen. In Hinblick auf ihre zahlenmäßige und auch finanzielle Bedeutung im Gesundheitssystem ist eine wissenschaftlich fundierte, strukturierte medizinische Ausbildung aller angehenden Ärzte zu fordern. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird anhand einer Statuserhebung die aktuelle medizinische Lehre in Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie dargestellt und mit dem Status der Lehrsituation in 2008 verglichen.

Material und Methoden Ein Fragebogen mit 56 Items wurde an alle Lehrstuhlinhaber der Fächer Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie der 37 medizinischen Fakultäten verschickt.

Ergebnisse Es konnte eine Rücklaufquote von 81,1% von orthopädischen Lehrstuhlinhabern und 73,0% von unfallchirurgischen Lehrstuhlinhabern erreicht werden. Die Lehre in Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie wird in 34,4% vollständig getrennt voneinander organisiert, 2008 noch in 64%. Der Umfang an Lehrveranstaltungsstunden in den Vorlesungen und Praktika hat sich im Vergleich zu 2008 kaum verändert.

Schlussfolgerung Es ist eine noch engere Zusammenarbeit der Lehrenden in Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie anzustreben, um das gemeinsame Fach in angebrachtem Umfang und der volkswirtschaftlichen Bedeutung von muskuloskeletalen Verletzungen und Erkrankungen entsprechend zu repräsentieren und auch, um gemeinsame Ressourcen zu nutzen.
Alkalische Urin-pH-Werte unter Fastentherapie
Authors: Weidner Beate , Pötschke Tanja , Beer André-Michael
Published: September 2017

In der Regel kommt es unter dem Heilfasten nach Buchinger zu einem Abfall des Urin-pH-Werts ab dem 2./3. Fastentag aufgrund der Ausleitung saurer Stoffwechselendprodukte. Die in Einzelfällen zu beobachtende fehlende Ansäuerung des Urins war Anlass für eine nähere Betrachtung des Fastenverlaufs einer Patientin mit alkalischen Urin-pH-Werten, die von der Fastentherapie gut profitierte. Aus den zur Verfügung stehenden klinischen Daten war eine Ursache nicht abzuleiten.
On-chip cell analysis platform: Implementation of contact fluorescence microscopy in microfluidic chips
Authors: Takehara Hiroaki , Kazutaka Osawa , Haruta Makito , Noda Toshihiko , Sasagawa Kiyotaka , Tokuda Takashi , Ohta Jun
Published: September 2017

Although fluorescence microscopy is the gold standard tool for biomedical research and clinical applications, their use beyond well-established laboratory infrastructures remains limited. The present study investigated a novel on-chip cell analysis platform based on contact fluorescence microscopy and microfluidics. Combined use of a contact fluorescence imager based on complementary metal-oxide semiconductor technology and an ultra-thin glass bottom microfluidic chip enabled both to observe living cells with minimal image distortion and to ease controlling and handling of biological samples (e.g. cells and biological molecules) in the imaged area. A proof-of-concept experiment of on-chip detection of cellular response to endothelial growth factor demonstrated promising use for the recently developed on-chip cell analysis platform. Contact fluorescence microscopy has numerous desirable features including compatibility with plastic microfluidic chips and compatibility with the electrical control system, and thus will fulfill the requirements of a fully automated cell analysis system.
Reduction of characteristic RL time for fast, efficient magnetic levitation
Authors: Li Yuqing , Feng Guosheng , Wang Xiaofeng , Wu Jizhou , Ma Jie , Xiao Liantuan , Jia Suotang
Published: September 2017

We demonstrate the reduction of characteristic time in resistor-inductor (RL) circuit for fast, efficient magnetic levitation according to Kirchhoff’s circuit laws. The loading time is reduced by a factor of ∼4 when a high-power resistor is added in series with the coils. By using the controllable output voltage of power supply and voltage of feedback circuit, the loading time is further reduced by ∼ 3 times. The overshoot loading in advance of the scheduled magnetic field gradient is equivalent to continuously adding a resistor without heating. The magnetic field gradient with the reduced loading time is used to form the upward magnetic force against to the gravity of the cooled Cs atoms, and we obtain an effectively levitated loading of the Cs atoms to a crossed optical dipole trap.
Anomalous doping of a molecular crystal monitored with confocal fluorescence microscopy: Terrylene in a p-terphenyl crystal
Authors: Białkowska Magda , Deperasińska Irena , Makarewicz Artur , Kozankiewicz Bolesław
Published: September 2017

Highly terrylene doped single crystals of p-terphenyl, obtained by co-sublimation of both components, showed bright spots in the confocal fluorescence images. Polarization of the fluorescence excitation spectra, blinking and bleaching, and saturation behavior allowed us to attribute them to single molecules of terrylene anomalously embedded between two neighbor layers of the host crystal, in the (a,b) plane. Such an orientation of terrylene molecules results in much more efficient absorption and collection of the fluorescence photons than in the case of previously investigated molecules embedded in the substitution sites. The above conclusion was supported by quantum chemistry calculations. We postulate that the kind of doping considered in this work should be possible in other molecular crystals where the host molecules are organized in a herringbone pattern.
Enhanced concentrations of nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond through TEM irradiation
Authors: Farfurnik D. , Alfasi N. , Masis S. , Kauffmann Y. , Farchi E. , Romach Y. , Hovav Y. , Buks E. , Bar-Gill N.
Published: September 2017

The studies of many-body dynamics of interacting spin ensembles, as well as quantum sensing in solid state systems, are often limited by the need for high spin concentrations, along with efficient decoupling of the spin ensemble from its environment. In particular, for an ensemble of nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond, high conversion efficiencies between nitrogen (P1) defects and NV centers are essential while maintaining long coherence times of an NV ensemble. In this work, we study the effect of electron irradiation on the conversion efficiency and the coherence time of various types of diamond samples with different initial nitrogen concentrations. The samples were irradiated using a 200 keV transmission electron microscope. Our study reveals that the efficiency of NV creation strongly depends on the initial conversion efficiency and on the initial nitrogen concentration. The irradiation of the examined samples exhibits an order of magnitude improvement in the NV concentration (up to ∼1011 NV/cm2), without degradation in their coherence time of ∼180 μs. We address the potential of this technique toward the study of many-body physics of NV ensembles and the creation of non-classical spin states for quantum sensing.
Electrochemically assisted localized etching of ZnO single crystals in water using a catalytically active Pt-coated atomic force microscopy probe
Authors: Shibata Takayuki , Yamamoto Kota , Sasano Junji , Nagai Moeto
Published: September 2017

This paper presents a nanofabrication technique based on the electrochemically assisted chemical dissolution of zinc oxide (ZnO) single crystals in water at room temperature using a catalytically active Pt-coated atomic force microscopy (AFM) probe. Fabricated grooves featured depths and widths of several tens and several hundreds of nanometers, respectively. The material removal rate of ZnO was dramatically improved by controlling the formation of hydrogen ions (H+) on the surface of the catalytic Pt-coated probe via oxidation of H2O molecules; this reaction can be enhanced by applying a cathodic potential to an additional Pt-wire working electrode in a three-electrode configuration. Consequently, ZnO can be dissolved chemically in water as a soluble Zn2+ species via a reaction with H+ species present in high concentrations in the immediate vicinity of the AFM tip apex.
Study on the interactions between the coatings of electric conductor or dielectric media and piezoelectric substrate in the piezoelectric functional devices
Authors: Hou Peng-Fei , Zhang Yang , Chen Bing-Jie
Published: September 2017

Because that most of piezoelectric functional devices are combined with the coatings of electric conductor or dielectric media and the piezoelectric substrate, the study on the interactions between them is valuable for their advanced design. In this paper, a method for the electro-mechanical coupling fields in these piezoelectric functional devices is presented. Firstly, the two-dimensional Green’s function for a normal line force or line charge is derived. Then, based on the obtained Green’s function, the interaction mechanism between the coatings of electric conductor or dielectric media and the piezoelectric substrate is studied. Finally, the electro-mechanical coupling fields under arbitrary loads are obtained by superposition principle and Gauss integration. Numerical results show that this method has high computational precision, efficiency and stability. And it can be used to improve the reliability and working performance of the piezoelectric functional device effectively.
Operational framework for quantum measurement simulability
Authors: Guerini Leonardo , Bavaresco Jessica , Terra Cunha Marcelo , Acín Antonio
Published: September 2017

We introduce a framework for simulating quantum measurements based on classical processing of a set of accessible measurements. Well-known concepts such as joint measurability and projective simulability naturally emerge as particular cases of our framework, but our study also leads to novel results and questions. First, a generalisation of joint measurability is derived, which yields a hierarchy for the incompatibility of sets of measurements. A similar hierarchy is defined based on the number of outcomes necessary to perform a simulation of a given measurement. This general approach also allows us to identify connections between different kinds of simulability and, in particular, we characterise the qubit measurements that are projective-simulable in terms of joint measurability. Finally, we discuss how our framework can be interpreted in the context of resource theories.
Absence of ferroelectricity in methylammonium lead iodide perovskite
Authors: Sajedi Alvar Mohammad , Kumar Manasvi , Blom Paul W. M. , Wetzelaer Gert-Jan A. H. , Asadi Kamal
Published: September 2017

Ferroelectricity has been proposed as one of the potential origins of the observed hysteresis in photocurrent-voltage characteristics of perovskite based solar cells. Measurement of ferroelectric properties on perovskite solar cells is hindered by the presence of (in)organic charge transport layers. Here we fabricate metal-perovskite-metal capacitors and unambiguously show that methylammonium lead iodide is not ferroelectric at room temperature. We propose that the hysteresis originates from the movement of positive ions rather than ferroelectric switching.
Detecting sub-nanometer transverse vibrations on a piezo crystal oscillator surface, using time series tunneling current measurements
Authors: Sivananda Dibya J. , Banerjee Amit , Banerjee S. S.
Published: September 2017

Vibration characteristics of a piezo crystal oscillator surface are studied using time series measurements of tunneling current. Using this technique, the fluctuations in the tunneling current between a scanning tunneling microscopy tip and the surface of a piezo crystal oscillator are studied, which reveal sub-nanometer vibrations with a sensitivity of 10−2 A°Hz . As the excitation frequency applied to the crystal is varied, the vibrations on the oscillator surface exhibit a resonant response. Furthermore, we detected unconventional sub-nanometer perpendicular vibration modes excited on the crystal surface. These vibrations are in a direction transverse to the surface of the crystal oscillator, whose conventional vibration mode is in a horizontal plane parallel to the surface. We also find near resonance higher harmonics of the perpendicular mode. Thus, the piezo crystal oscillator together with the time series tunneling current measurements offer a convenient simultaneous drive and detection system with a wide operating frequency range.
Study on the band alignment of GaN/CH3NH3PbBr3 heterojunction by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Gong Jinhui , Liu Shitao , He Yuandan , Feng Xingcan , Xia Xuefeng , Quan Zhijue , Wang Li
Published: September 2017

A GaN/CH3NH3PbBr3 heterojunction was fabricated by depositing a GaN thin layer on a CH3NH3PbBr3 single crystal by plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition. The band alignment of the GaN/CH3NH3PbBr3 heterojunction was studied by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The valance band offset (VBO) is directly determined to be 0.13 ± 0.08 eV. The conduction band offset is deduced from the VBO and the band gaps, which turned out to be 1.39 ± 0.12 eV. Thus, the band alignment of the GaN/CH3NH3PbBr3 heterojunction is determined to be type-I. These results show that GaN is a promising material for carrier confinement in halide perovskite based light emitting devices.
Reactor for nano-focused x-ray diffraction and imaging under catalytic in situ conditions
Authors: Richard M.-I. , Fernández S. , Hofmann J. P. , Gao L. , Chahine G. A. , Leake S. J. , Djazouli H. , De Bortoli Y. , Petit L. , Boesecke P. , Labat S. , Hensen E. J. M. , Thomas O. , Schülli T.
Published: September 2017

A reactor cell for in situ studies of individual catalyst nanoparticles or surfaces by nano-focused (coherent) x-ray diffraction has been developed. Catalytic reactions can be studied in flow mode in a pressure range of 10−2–103 mbar and temperatures up to 900 °C. This instrument bridges the pressure and materials gap at the same time within one experimental setup. It allows us to probe in situ the structure (e.g., shape, size, strain, faceting, composition, and defects) of individual nanoparticles using a nano-focused x-ray beam. Here, the setup was used to observe strain and facet evolution of individual model Pt catalysts during in situ experiments. It can be used for heating other (non-catalytically active) nanoparticles (e.g., nanowires) in inert or reactive gas atmospheres or vacuum as well.
Mathematical foundations of hybrid data assimilation from a synchronization perspective
Authors: Penny Stephen G.
Published: September 2017

The state-of-the-art data assimilation methods used today in operational weather prediction centers around the world can be classified as generalized one-way coupled impulsive synchronization. This classification permits the investigation of hybrid data assimilation methods, which combine dynamic error estimates of the system state with long time-averaged (climatological) error estimates, from a synchronization perspective. Illustrative results show how dynamically informed formulations of the coupling matrix (via an Ensemble Kalman Filter, EnKF) can lead to synchronization when observing networks are sparse and how hybrid methods can lead to synchronization when those dynamic formulations are inadequate (due to small ensemble sizes). A large-scale application with a global ocean general circulation model is also presented. Results indicate that the hybrid methods also have useful applications in generalized synchronization, in particular, for correcting systematic model errors.
Annealing effect on current-driven domain wall motion in Pt/[Co/Ni] wire
Authors: Furuta Masaki , Liu Yang , Sepehri-Amin Hossein , Hono Kazuhiro , Zhu Jian-Gang (Jimmy)
Published: September 2017

The annealing effect on the efficiency of current-driven domain wall motion governed by the spin Hall effect in perpendicularly magnetized Pt/[Co/Ni] wires is investigated experimentally. Important physical parameters, such as the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya Interaction (DMI), spin Hall angle, and perpendicular anisotropy field strength, for the domain wall motion are all characterized at each annealing temperature. It is found that annealing of wires at temperatures over 120 ºC causes significant reduction of the domain wall velocity. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis shows pronounced Co diffusion across the Pt/Co interface resulted from annealing at relatively high temperatures. The combined modeling study shows that the reduction of DMI caused by annealing is mostly responsible for the domain wall velocity reduction due to annealing.
Low-phase noise and high-power laser for Bragg atom interferometer
Authors: Cheng Yuan , Zhang Ke , Chen Le-Le , Xu Wen-Jie , Luo Qin , Zhou Min-Kang , Hu Zhong-Kun
Published: September 2017

We present a laser system with low-phase noise and an output power up to 8.8 W at 780 nm for driving Bragg transitions in a   87Rb fountain. An optical phase-locked loop (OPLL) is employed to restrain the phase noise that arises from the spatial separation of the two Bragg beams at low frequencies. The residual phase variance is suppressed by two orders around 400 Hz. A Mach-Zehnder Bragg atom interferometer, based on the four-photon recoil scheme, has been realized using this laser system. This interferometer shows a resolution of 5×10−9g at an integration time of 1200 s for gravity measurements.
Limitations of the background field method applied to Rayleigh-Bénard convection
Authors: Nobili Camilla , Otto Felix
Published: September 2017

We consider Rayleigh-Bénard convection as modeled by the Boussinesq equations, in the case of infinite Prandtl numbers and with no-slip boundary condition. There is a broad interest in bounds of the upwards heat flux, as given by the Nusselt number Nu, in terms of the forcing via the imposed temperature difference, as given by the Rayleigh number in the turbulent regime Ra≫1. In several studies, the background field method applied to the temperature field has been used to provide upper bounds on Nu in terms of Ra. In these applications, the background field method comes in the form of a variational problem where one optimizes a stratified temperature profile subject to a certain stability condition; the method is believed to capture the marginal stability of the boundary layer. The best available upper bound via this method is Nu≲Ra13(lnRa)115; it proceeds via the construction of a stable temperature background profile that increases logarithmically in the bulk. In this paper, we show that the background temperature field method cannot provide a tighter upper bound in terms of the power of the logarithm. However, by another method, one does obtain the tighter upper bound Nu≲Ra13(lnlnRa)13 so that the result of this paper implies that the background temperature field method is unphysical in the sense that it cannot provide the optimal bound.
Exact description of coalescing eigenstates in open quantum systems in terms of microscopic Hamiltonian dynamics
Authors: Kanki Kazuki , Garmon Savannah , Tanaka Satoshi , Petrosky Tomio
Published: September 2017

At the exceptional point where two eigenstates coalesce in open quantum systems, the usual diagonalization scheme breaks down and the Hamiltonian can only be reduced to the Jordan block form. Most of the studies on the exceptional point appearing in the literature introduce a phenomenological effective Hamiltonian that essentially reduces the problem to that of a finite non-Hermitian matrix for which it is straightforward to obtain the Jordan form. In this paper, we demonstrate how the microscopic total Hamiltonian of an open quantum system reduces to the Jordan block form at an exceptional point in an exact manner that treats the continuum without any approximation by extending the problem to include eigenstates with complex eigenvalues that reside outside the Hilbert space. Our method relies on the Brillouin-Wigner-Feshbach projection method according to which we can obtain a finite-dimensional effective Hamiltonian that shares the discrete sector of the spectrum with the total Hamiltonian. Because of the eigenvalue dependence of the effective Hamiltonian due to the dynamical nature of the coupling between the discrete states via the continuum states, a coalescence of eigenvalues results in the coalescence of the corresponding eigenvectors of the total Hamiltonian, which means that the system is at an exceptional point. We also introduce an extended Jordan form basis away from the exceptional point, which provides an alternative way to obtain the Jordan block at an exceptional point. The extended Jordan block connects continuously to the Jordan block exactly at the exceptional point implying that the observable quantities are continuous at the exceptional point.
Study and comparison between two DTC strategies of induction machine fed by direct matrix converter
Authors: Benachour Ali , Berkouk El Madjid , Mahmoudi Mohand Oulhadj
Published: September 2017

This work aims to study, analyze, and compare two direct torque control (DTC) methods of induction machine fed by [3 × 3] direct matrix converter (MC). The first method, DTC, uses the direct model of the matrix converter, whereas the second method, direct torque control indirect (DTCI), uses its indirect model, which describes MC as a combination of a four-quadrant rectifier with a two-level inverter. The two methods are simulated with the same parameters and references of speed and flux. An experimental validation is performed on a prototype of a [3 × 3] direct matrix converter realized in the laboratory, which feeds a three-phase induction machine coupled with a brake. These tests allowed us to demonstrate the practical feasibility of these control schemes. The algorithms are implemented on a dSPACE 1104 controller board. The input power factor is fixed to 1. A comparison between the two algorithms results based on several criteria (power quality, static and dynamic performance of the system, and maintenance of the unity power factor) is presented, and the results are discussed.
Bi-stability of micro-plates: A sensitive mechanism for differential pressure measurements
Authors: Sajadi Banafsheh , Goosen Johannes (Hans) , van Keulen Fred
Published: September 2017

The electrostatic instability (pull-in) of a flat electrode in a parallel plate capacitor has been shown to be highly sensitive to external mechanical loads such as pressure. In this paper, we substantiate the possibility of prompting additional unstable configurations in such a system, with a remarkable sensitivity to the applied pressure. This additional instability has significant advantageous properties for sensing purposes. In addition to the high sensitivity and robustness of the pull-in voltage measurements, it can be adjusted so that after the unstable configuration is met, a snap-through to a new stable configuration occurs. As a result of this bi-stable behavior, the contact between the electrodes, which is the main drawback of pull-in phenomena, will be easily avoided. The results of this paper particularly suggest the suitability of this mechanism for two different methods of pressure measurements.
Flux-pinning-induced stress and magnetostriction in a superconducting strip under combination of transport current and magnetic field
Authors: Yang Yumei , Wang Xingzhe
Published: September 2017

The magnetoelastic properties and behaviors arising from the flux-pinning effect are investigated for a long rectangular superconducting strip subject to a combination of applied transport current and magnetic field. Based on the Bean critical state model and linear elastic theory, the flux-pinning-induced stress in the superconducting strip is analytically obtained under the zero-field cooling condition. In particular, the magnetostriction performance for the strip with a one-sided restraint condition is then investigated. The results show that the trapped magnetic flux is distributed asymmetrically along the y-direction. A non-zero resultant force is consequently observed from the magnetization arising from the applied transport current and magnetic field. An obvious tension stress emerges around the constrained side of the strip along which the highest probability for cracking occurs and leads to a structural instability. The analytical results give insight into the flux-pinning-induced stress and magnetostriction response of the superconducting strip under both complex carrying-current and applied magnetic field conditions. These results may also provide helpful guidance in avoiding the breakdown of high-temperature superconductors.
Single orthorhombic b axis orientation and antiferromagnetic ordering type in multiferroic CaMnO3 thin film with La0.67Ca0.33MnO3 buffer layer
Authors: Wang F. , Dong B. J. , Zhang Y. Q. , Liu W. , Zhang H. R. , Bai Y. , Li S. K. , Yang T. , Sun J. R. , Wang Z. J. , Zhang Z. D.
Published: September 2017

The detailed crystal structure and antiferromagnetic properties of a 42 nm thick CaMnO3 film grown on a LaAlO3 substrate with a 9 nm La0.67Ca0.33MnO3 buffer layer have been investigated. Compared with a CaMnO3 film directly grown on a LaAlO3 substrate, only one kind of orthorhombic b axis orientation along the [100] axis of the substrate is observed in the CaMnO3 film with a La0.67Ca0.33MnO3 buffer layer. To determine the antiferromagnetic ordering type of our CaMnO3 film with a buffer layer, the first-principles calculations were carried out with the results, indicating that the CaMnO3 film, even under a tensile strain of 1.9%, is still a compensated G-type antiferromagnetic order, the same as the bulk. Moreover, the exchange bias effect is observed at the interface of the CaMnO3/La0.67Ca0.33MnO3 film, further confirming the antiferromagnetic ordering of the CaMnO3 film with a buffer layer. In addition, it is concluded that the exchange bias effect originates from the spin glass state at the La0.67Ca0.33MnO3/CaMnO3 interface, which arises from a competition between the double-exchange ferromagnetic La0.67Ca0.33MnO3 and super-exchange antiferromagnetic CaMnO3 below the spin glass freezing temperature.
New candidate markers of phosphorus status in beef breeder cows
Authors: Anderson S. T. , Kidd L. J. , Benvenutti M. A. , Fletcher M. T. , Dixon R. M.
Published: September 2017

Determining the phosphorus (P) status of cattle grazing P-deficient rangelands in northern Australia is important for improving animal production in these areas. Plasma inorganic P concentration is currently the best diagnostic marker of dietary P deficiency in growing cattle but is not suitable for assessing the P status of breeder cows, which often mobilise substantial bone and soft tissue reserves in late pregnancy and lactation. Markers of bone turnover offer potential as markers of P status in cattle, as they reflect bone mobilisation or bone formation. Recent experiments investigating the physiology of beef breeder cows during diet P deficiency have indicated that the ratio of plasma total calcium concentration to plasma inorganic P concentration might be suitable as a simple index of P deficiency. However, a more specific measure of increased bone mobilisation in P-deficient breeders is plasma concentration of C-terminal telopeptide of Type 1 collagen. Also, plasma concentration of bone alkaline phosphatase is a marker of defective bone mineralisation in dietary P deficiency. These candidate markers warrant further investigation to determine their predictive value for P deficiency in cattle.
Retinoid X receptor suppresses a metastasis-promoting transcriptional program in myeloid cells via a ligand-insensitive mechanism
Authors: Kiss Mate , Czimmerer Zsolt , Nagy Gergely , Bieniasz-Krzywiec Pawel , Ehling Manuel , Pap Attila , Poliska Szilard , Boto Pal , Tzerpos Petros , Horvath Attila , Kolostyak Zsuzsanna , Daniel Bence , Szatmari Istvan , Mazzone Massimiliano , Nagy Laszlo
Published: September 2017

Significance

Metastasis formation from malignant tumors is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. There is an increasing body of evidence indicating that immune cells in distant organs actively contribute to this process by establishing a tissue environment that is hospitable for cancer cells. In this study, we show that deletion of retinoid X receptor (RXR), a cellular sensor of vitamin A metabolites, specifically in the myeloid lineage of the immune system, leads to an enhanced metastasis rate. We also demonstrate that RXR inhibits the expression of a number of genes that encode proteins involved in the promotion of metastasis formation. Surprisingly, our results suggest that this activity of RXR is independent of the presence of its activators.
Benefits and risks of diversification for individual fishers
Authors: Anderson Sean C. , Ward Eric J. , Shelton Andrew O. , Adkison Milo D. , Beaudreau Anne H. , Brenner Richard E. , Haynie Alan C. , Shriver Jennifer C. , Watson Jordan T. , Williams Benjamin C.
Published: September 2017

Significance

Individuals who rely on natural resources for their livelihoods, such as fishers, farmers, and forestry workers, face high levels of income variability. For fishers, catching multiple species has been shown to reduce revenue variability at large scales (vessels and communities), but the individual-level consequences of maintaining catch diversity are unknown. Our work demonstrates that individuals in fisheries targeting a diversity of species and individuals who participate in multiple fisheries buffer income variability compared with less diverse individuals. However, large adjustments in diversification strategies from year to year are risky and usually increase revenue variability. The most effective option to reduce revenue variability via diversification—purchasing additional permits—is also expensive, often limited by regulations, and therefore unavailable to many.
Cell cycle-targeting microRNAs promote differentiation by enforcing cell-cycle exit
Authors: Otto Tobias , Candido Sheyla V. , Pilarz Mary S. , Sicinska Ewa , Bronson Roderick T. , Bowden Michaela , Lachowicz Iga A. , Mulry Kristin , Fassl Anne , Han Richard C. , Jecrois Emmanuelle S. , Sicinski Piotr
Published: September 2017

Significance

The interplay between microRNAs and the cell-cycle machinery in vivo remains poorly understood. Here we report that the microRNA family miR-34/449 plays an essential and rate-limiting role in repressing cell-cycle proteins and enforcing cell-cycle exit during epithelial cell differentiation. We demonstrate that genetic ablation of the entire miR-34/449 family leads to derepression of cell cycle-promoting proteins in differentiating epithelial cells, thereby preventing their timely cell-cycle exit. This, in turn, impairs epithelial ciliation and leads to profound developmental defects. Hence, this study describes a function of the miR-34/449 family in linking cell proliferation and differentiation.
Prolactin action in the medial preoptic area is necessary for postpartum maternal nursing behavior
Authors: Brown Rosemary S. E. , Aoki Mari , Ladyman Sharon R. , Phillipps Hollian R. , Wyatt Amanda , Boehm Ulrich , Grattan David R.
Published: September 2017

Significance

Prolactin-responsive neurons in the medial preoptic area project widely throughout the brain. After targeted deletion of prolactin receptors in the preoptic area of adult female mice, mice were able to get pregnant and give birth normally. However, mothers lacking prolactin receptors in the medial preoptic area abandoned their litters soon after birth, establishing a critical role for prolactin/placental lactogen action in this area for establishment and maintenance of normal parental care.
MicroRNA
dysregulation to identify therapeutic target combinations for chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Rassenti Laura Z. , Balatti Veronica , Ghia Emanuela M. , Palamarchuk Alexey , Tomasello Luisa , Fadda Paolo , Pekarsky Yuri , Widhopf George F. , Kipps Thomas J. , Croce Carlo M.
Published: September 2017

Significance

This study highlights a pathogenic role for loss of
miR-15/16
in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). We find that loss of mi
R-15/16
promotes overexpression of
BCL2
and
ROR1
, which each factor in leukemia pathogenesis. Treatment with single-agent venetoclcax, which inhibits Bcl2, is highly effective in patients with CLL, but generally cannot eradicate minimal residual disease. Since loss of
miR-15/16
also promotes expression of
ROR1
, we examined the cytotoxic activity of venetoclax in combination with an anti-ROR1 mAb, cirmtuzumab. We found that cirmtuzumab could enhance the in vitro cytotoxicity of venetoclcax for CLL cells with high-level ROR1. This suggests that combining agents that target ROR1 and Bcl2 may be highly effective in the treatment patients with this disease.
Interaction networks, ecological stability, and collective antibiotic tolerance in polymicrobial infections
Authors: de Vos Marjon G. J. , Zagorski Marcin , McNally Alan , Bollenbach Tobias
Published: September 2017

Significance

In many infections, multiple microbial species are present simultaneously. Such polymicrobial infections can be viewed as small microbial ecosystems. Do bacteria in these communities interact with each other? If so, do these interactions affect the stability of the ecosystem, in particular, when antibiotics are present? We focus on urinary tract infections and demonstrate that there are ample ecological interactions between different bacterial species, both in the presence and absence of antibiotics. We further show that they crucially affect ecosystem stability and resilience to environmental perturbations such as antibiotics. Understanding the nature of these polymicrobial communities can point toward ways of disrupting infection ecosystems, which could potentially be used as a new strategy to eradicate infective communities.
[PSI+] prion propagation is controlled by inositol polyphosphates
Authors: Wickner Reed B. , Kelly Amy C. , Bezsonov Evgeny E. , Edskes Herman K.
Published: September 2017

Significance

The [PSI+] prion of baker’s yeast is a filamentous polymer (amyloid) of the Sup35 protein, producing readthrough of translation termination and different degrees of growth slowing, depending on the prion variant. We show that certain inositol polyphosphates and pyrophosphates promote the propagation of the [PSI+] prion and that an inositol pyrophosphate pyrophosphatase has an antiprion effect. Inositol poly-/pyrophosphates are intracellular signaling molecules not previously connected with any amyloidosis.
Resequencing Epithelial Sodium Channel Genes Identifies Rare Variants Associated With Blood Pressure Salt-Sensitivity: The GenSalt Study
Authors: Gu Xiaoying , Gu Dongfeng , He Jiang , Rao Dabeeru C , Hixson James E , Chen Jichun , Li Jianxin , Huang Jianfeng , Wu Xigui , Rice Treva K , Shimmin Lawrence C , Kelly Tanika N
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

A resequencing study of renal epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) genes was conducted to identify rare variants associated with blood pressure (BP) salt-sensitivity.

METHODS

The Genetic Epidemiology Network of Salt-Sensitivity (GenSalt) study was conducted among 1,906 participants who underwent a 7-day low-sodium followed by a 7-day high-sodium feeding-study. The 300 most salt-sensitive and 300 most salt-resistant GenSalt participants were selected for the resequencing study. Three ENaC genes (SCNN1A, SCNN1B, and SCNN1G) were resequenced using capillary-based sequencing methods. Traditional burden tests were utilized to examine association between rare variants and BP salt-sensitivity. Associations of low-frequency and common variants were tested using single-marker analyses.

RESULTS

Carriers of SCNN1A rare variants had a 0.52 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.32–0.85] decreased odds of BP salt-sensitivity compared with noncarriers. Neither SCNN1B nor SCNN1G associated with salt-sensitivity of BP in rare variant analyses (P = 0.65 and 0.48, respectively). In single-marker analyses, 3 independent common variants in SCNN1A, rs11614164, rs4764586, and rs3741914, associated with salt-sensitivity after Bonferroni correction (P = 4.4 × 10–4, 1.1 × 10–8, and 1.3 × 10–3). Each copy of the minor allele of rs4764586 was associated with a 1.36-fold (95% CI: 1.23–1.52) increased odds of salt-sensitivity, whereas each copy of the minor allele of rs11614164 and rs3741914 was associated with 0.68-fold (95% CI: 0.55–0.84) and 0.69-fold (95% CI: 0.54–0.86) decreased odds of salt-sensitivity, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated for the first time a relationship between rare variants in the ENaC pathway and BP salt-sensitivity. Future replication and functional studies are needed to confirm the findings in this study.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY

Trial Number NCT00721721
HoTResDB: host transcriptional response database for viral hemorrhagic fevers
Authors: Lo Jonathan , Zhang Deric , Speranza Emily , Negron Jose A , Connor John H
Published: September 2017

High-throughput screening of the host transcriptional response to various viral infections provides a wealth of data, but utilization of microarray and next generation sequencing (NGS) data for analysis can be difficult. The Host Transcriptional Response DataBase (HoTResDB), allows visitors to access already processed microarray and NGS data from non-human primate models of viral hemorrhagic fever to better understand the host transcriptional response.

Availability

HoTResDB is freely available at http://hotresdb.bu.edu
X-ray-bright optically faint active galactic nuclei in the Subaru Hyper Suprime-Cam wide survey
Authors: Terashima Yuichi , Suganuma Makoto , Akiyama Masayuki , Greene Jenny E , Kawaguchi Toshihiro , Iwasawa Kazushi , Nagao Tohru , Noda Hirofumi , Toba Yoshiki , Ueda Yoshihiro , Yamashita Takuji
Published: September 2017

We construct a sample of X-ray-bright optically faint active galactic nuclei by combining Subaru Hyper Suprime-Cam, XMM-Newton, and infrared source catalogs. Fifty-three X-ray sources satisfying i-band magnitude fainter than 23.5 mag and X-ray counts with the EPIC-PN detector larger than 70 are selected from 9.1 deg2, and their spectral energy distributions (SEDs) and X-ray spectra are analyzed. Forty-four objects with an X-ray to i-band flux ratio FX/Fi > 10 are classified as extreme X-ray-to-optical flux sources. Spectral energy distributions of 48 among 53 are represented by templates of type 2 AGNs or star-forming galaxies and show the optical signature of stellar emission from host galaxies in the source rest frame. Infrared/optical SEDs indicate a significant contribution of emission from dust to the infrared fluxes, and that the central AGN is dust obscured. The photometric redshifts determined from the SEDs are in the range of 0.6–2.5. The X-ray spectra are fitted by an absorbed power-law model, and the intrinsic absorption column densities are modest (best-fit log NH = 20.5–23.5 cm−2 in most cases). The absorption-corrected X-ray luminosities are in the range of 6 × 1042–2 × 1045 erg s−1. Twenty objects are classified as type 2 quasars based on X-ray luminsosity and NH. The optical faintness is explained by a combination of redshifts (mostly z > 1.0), strong dust extinction, and in part a large ratio of dust/gas.
Effect of Fungicide Program on the Development of Downy Mildew in Three Cucurbit Crops in New Jersey
Authors: Wyenandt Christian A. , Kline Wesley L. , Ward Daniel L.
Published: September 2017

From 2014 to 2016, five fungicide programs of varying fungicide efficacy were evaluated for the control of cucurbit downy mildew (Pseudoperonospora cubensis) on three different cucurbit crops at the Rutgers Agricultural Research and Extension Center (RAREC) in Bridgeton, NJ. The five fungicide programs were: (i) no fungicide input; (ii) low-input (chlorothalonil only); (iii) medium-input (protectant + 2 downy mildew-specific fungicides [Tanos, Curzate]); (iv) high-input (protectant + 2 downy mildew-specific fungicides [Ranman, Presidio]); or (v) high-input (protectant + 3 downy mildew-specific fungicides [Previcur Flex, Ranman, Zampro]). The three cucurbit crops were cucumber cv. Marketmore 76, zucchini cv. Reward (summer squash), and acorn squash cv. Taybelle (winter squash). In 2014, only cucumber was infected by the pathogen. In 2015 and 2016, all three cucurbit hosts were infected by downy mildew at varying severities suggesting that the P. cubensis population may have differed compared with 2014. In all three years control of downy mildew was significantly higher when downy mildew-specific fungicides were included in weekly rotations. In some years, no fungicides, broad-spectrum fungicides only, or fungicides with moderate or lower efficacy for downy mildew may provide adequate control on certain cucurbit crop species depending on the current cucurbit downy mildew pathogen population.
Competency-Based Medical Education in the Internal Medicine Clerkship: A Report From the Alliance for Academic Internal Medicine Undergraduate Medical Education Task Force
Authors: Fazio Sara B. , Ledford Cynthia H. , Aronowitz Paul B. , Chheda Shobhina G. , Choe John H. , Call Stephanie A. , Gitlin Scott D. , Muntz Marty , Nixon L. James , Pereira Anne G. , Ragsdale John W. , Stewart Emily A. , Hauer Karen E.
Published: September 2017

As medical educators continue to redefine learning and assessment across the continuum, implementation of competency-based medical education in the undergraduate setting has become a focus of many medical schools. While standards of competency have been defined for the graduating student, there is no uniform approach for defining competency expectations for students during their core clerkship year. The authors describe the process by which an Alliance for Academic Internal Medicine task force developed a paradigm for competency-based assessment of students during their inpatient internal medicine (IM) clerkship. Building on work at the resident and fellowship levels, the task force focused on the development of key learning outcomes as defined by entrustable professional activities (EPAs) that were specific to educational experiences on the IM clerkship, as well as identification of high-priority assessment domains. The work was informed by a national survey of clerkship directors.

Six key EPAs emerged: generating a differential diagnosis, obtaining a complete and accurate history and physical exam, obtaining focused histories and clinically relevant physical exams, preparing an oral presentation, interpreting the results of basic diagnostic studies, and providing well-organized clinical documentation. A model for assessment was proposed, with descriptors aligned to the scale of supervision and mapped to Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education domains of competence. The proposed paradigm offers a standardized template that may be used across IM clerkships, and which would effectively bridge competency evaluation in the clerkship to fourth-year assessment as well as eventual postgraduate training.
The Blocking Flap for Ulnar Nerve Instability After In Situ Release: Technique and a Grading System of Ulnar Nerve Instability to Guide Treatment
Authors: Tang Peter
Published: September 2017

In situ ulnar nerve release has been gaining popularity as a simple, effective, and low-morbidity procedure for the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome. One concern with the technique is how to manage the unstable ulnar nerve after release. It is unclear how much nerve subluxation will lead to problems and surprisingly there is no grading system to assess ulnar nerve instability. I propose such a grading system, as well as a new technique to stabilize the unstable ulnar nerve. The blocking flap technique consists of raising a rectangular flap off the flexor/pronator fascia and attaching it to the posterior subcutaneous flap so that it blocks the nerve from subluxation/dislocation.