bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Individualisierung der Therapie bei alten Tumorpatienten durch das geriatrische Assessment
Authors: Kolb Gerald , Leischker Andreas
Published: July 2017

Die Individualisierung der Therapie als risiko-stratifizierte-personalisierte Medizin hat in der Onkologie in den letzten Jahren hohe Bedeutung erlangt. Im Wesentlichen orientiert sich das personalisierte Vorgehen an genetischen Prädiktoren und an der Verstoffwechselung der Therapeutika. Das geriatrische Assessment mit seinen validierten Instrumenten zur Beurteilung des Funktionsstatus, der Kognition und der Mobilität sowie des Ernährungsstatus in der psychischen Verfassung hat sich hingegen als Bestandteil der personalisierten Medizin noch nicht etabliert. Die Darstellung der einzelnen Bereiche des geriatrischen Assessments und der Verwendung findenden Testverfahren ist Gegenstand dieser Übersicht, wobei auf die Darstellung validierter und gleichzeitig in der Praxis durch Delegation auch traditionell durchzuführender Testung besonderer Wert gelegt wurde.
Das Gehirn als Schaltzentrale des Stoffwechsels
Authors: Fritsche Andreas , Heni Martin , Gancheva Sofiya , Preißl Hubert , Lehnert Hendrik , Tschöp Matthias , Brüning Jens , Roden Michael , Häring Hans-Ulrich
Published: July 2017

Das Gehirn spielte in der Diabetesforschung lange keine Rolle, inzwischen ist es in den Fokus der Forscher gerückt. Denn Studien der vergangen Jahre belegen: Das Gehirn ist ein insulinsensitives Organ. So reagiert eine Reihe von Gehirngebieten auf Insulin – dazu zählen Areale, die für die Nahrungsaufnahme, den Stoffwechsel und das Gedächtnis wichtig sind. Vermutlich dämpft das Hormon im Gehirn den Hunger oder verstärkt die Sättigung nach dem Essen. Das Gehirninsulin verbessert auch die Wirkung des Hormons im übrigen Körper. Diese Arbeiten eröffnen neue Angriffspunkte in der Diabetestherapie.
„Es ist wichtig, dass Psychoonkologen in multidisziplinären Behandlungsteams integriert sind“
Authors: Mehnert Anja
Published: July 2017

Vom 14. bis zum 18. August 2017 findet in Berlin der 19. “World Congress of Psycho-Oncology” statt, ein interdisziplinärer Fachkongress, der sich zunehmend auch an Onkologen richtet. Wir sprachen mit den Kongresspräsidenten, Prof. Dr. Anja Mehnert, Leiterin der Abteilung für Med. Psychologie und Med. Soziologie am Universitätsklinikum Leipzig und Vorstandsmitglied der International Psycho-Oncology Society (IPOS), und Prof. Dr. Florian Lordick, Onkologe und Leiter des Universitären Krebszentrum Leipzig (UCCL) und Vorstandsmitglied der Deutschen Krebsgesellschaft, über die Kernthemen des Kongresses, die wandelnden Bedürfnisse und Versorgungsansprüche der Patienten und die daraus resultierende Notwendigkeit eines stärkeren Zusammenrückens von Onkologie und Psychoonkologie.
Segen oder Fluch?
Authors: Holzhauer Peter
Published: July 2017

Der demographische Wandel bringt neben mehr älteren Menschen auch eine größere Zahl älterer Menschen mit Krebserkrankungen und weiteren Komorbiditäten mit sich. Bis auf Ausnahmen stehen heute älteren Krebserkrankten die gleichen Behandlungsoptionen für maligne Erkrankungen zur Verfügung wie jüngeren Patienten. Zu berücksichtigen sind dennoch zahlreiche Faktoren wie eine nachlassende Organfunktion sowie immunologische und kognitive Einschränkungen. Im Rahmen eines geriatrischen Assessments können solche individuellen Einschätzungen erkannt und als sinnvolle Hilfe für die Anpassung einer geplanten Diagnostik und Therapie beim älteren Patienten verwendet werden. Die vorliegende Kasuistik beschreibt den Einsatz eines neuen, zielgerichteten Krebsmedikaments, das erst seit kurzer Zeit in Deutschland zugelassen ist.
Humane Biomaterialbanken mit großem Informationsgehalt
Authors: Richter Daniela , Möller Frank , Ehehalt Florian , Weitz Jürgen , Wagner Robert , Müssig Karsten , Roden Michael , Häring Hans-Ulrich , Burkart Volker , Ullrich Susanne , Solimena Michele
Published: July 2017

Die Sammlung humanen Gewebes in Form einer Biobank birgt einen großen Informationsgehalt für verschiedenste wissenschaftliche Fragestellungen. Die „DZD Human Islet Biobank“ enthält pankreatisches Gewebe von metabolisch charakterisierten Patienten, die einer kompletten oder teilweisen Pankreatektomie unterzogen wurden. Um das Diabetesrisiko bzw. den Diabetesrisikostatus eines Patienten abzuschätzen, ermitteln die Forscher mit spezifischen Voruntersuchungen den individuellen Glukosetoleranzstatus. Zudem untersuchen sie die genetischen und funktionellen Eigenschaften der pankreatischen Inselzellen, welche Hormone ausschütten, die im direkten Zusammenhang mit der Blutglukoseregulation stehen. Direkte vergleichende Analysen humaner Proben nicht diabetischer, prädiabetischer und diabetischer Probanden können dazu beitragen, Biomarker zu identifizieren, die mit der Anfälligkeit für die Entwicklung sowie dem Fortschreiten des Diabetes korrelieren, wodurch sie für die Früherkennung oder die Entwicklung neuer blutglukosesenkender Therapien nutzbar wären.
Neue technologische Möglichkeiten für die Prävention
Authors: Schwarz Peter , Timpel Patrick
Published: July 2017

Technologien wie E-Health, Big Data und soziale Netzwerke eröffnen neue Möglichkeiten zur Prävention von Typ-2-Diabetes. Forscher des Universitätsklinikums Carl Gustav Carus in Dresden arbeiten an der Entwicklung von Präventionsprodukten, die ein breites Segment in der Bevölkerung erreichen können und einen gesunden Lebensstil unterstützen. Ein Beispiel ist die App „AnkerSteps“. Sie motiviert die Nutzer, sich 10 000 Schritte am Tag zu bewegen. Die Entwicklung solcher intelligenter Apps bringt Experten und Leistungserbringer näher an die Risikoperson als je zuvor.
Mehrwert für das Therapiemanagment
Authors: Gottlobe Fabisch
Published: July 2017

Ein Diabetes mellitus beeinflusst nicht nur das Leben des Patienten, sondern in nicht unerheblichen Maße auch dessen direktes soziales Umfeld: Lebenspartner, Geschwister, Eltern, Verwandte oder Freunde. Schulungsprogramme richten sich bisher aber nahezu ausschließlich an den direkt Betroffenen, eine explizite Schulung der Angehörigen ist die Ausnahme. Dabei bietet sie einen hohen Mehrwert: Familienangehörige, Partner oder auch Freunde und Kollegen, die über das notwendige Wissen und über Kompetenzen im Umgang mit der Krankheit verfügen, sind in der Lage, den Patienten im Alltag besser unterstützen zu können. Insbesondere für kognitiv eingeschränkte Patienten ist diese Versorgungsleistung wichtig. So profitiert nicht nur der Angehörige von einer Schulung, sondern auch der Betroffene selbst.
Sicherheit der Therapie
Authors: Weinreich Thomas
Published: July 2017

Chronisch niereninsuffiziente Patienten, v. a. unter Hämodialysebedingungen, haben einen erhöhten Blutverlust und bedürfen i. d. R. einer chronischen Eisensubstitution zur Korrektur der renalen Anämie. Die überwiegende Mehrzahl der Patienten erhält eine intravenöse (i. v.) Eisengabe, sei es wegen der geringen Nebenwirkungsrate oder der besseren Verfügbarkeit. Neuere Erkenntnisse über die Physiologie des Eisenstoffwechsels, z. B. die Rolle von Herceptin, subtilere Methoden der Nachweisbarkeit von Eisenüberladungen, z. B. mittels MR-Techniken und neuere klinische Daten, stellen die derzeit gültigen klinischen Leitlinien zur i. v. Eisentherapie zur Diskussion. So lassen sich mittels MRT bei Patienten unter i. v. Eisentherapie und mit Serum-Ferritin-Spiegeln im therapeutischen Zielbereich bereits deutlich erhöhte Eisenablagerungen in der Leber nachweisen. In einigen klinischen Beobachtungsstudien finden sich Hinweise auf eine erhöhte kardiovaskuläre, infektassoziierte oder Gesamtmortalität unter einer i. v. Eisentherapie. Eine i. v. Eisentherapie ist unter experimentellen Bedingungen mit einer erhöhten Mortalität bei Sepsismodellen, einer Erhöhung proinflammatorischer Moleküle und der Bildung freier Sauerstoffradikale verbunden. Während belastbare Daten aus kontrollierten, prospektiven Studien speziell zu Sicherheitsaspekten fehlen oder zumindest sehr selten sind, zeigen meist retrospektive Daten oder Observationsstudien ein uneinheitliches Bild bzgl. der Risiken einer i. v. Eisentherapie. So bestätigt die DOPPS-Studie unter höheren i. v. Eisendosen eine erhöhte kardiovaskuläre, infektbedingte und Gesamtmortalität, während andere Studien, auch in Abhängigkeit des Studiendesigns, der Beobachtungsdauer und der Art der Eisenapplikation diese Ergebnisse nicht immer bestätigen können. Solange neuere Möglichkeiten und Techniken zur Beurteilung der aktuellen Eisenhomöostase unter Berücksichtigung der klinisch förderlichen und potenziell risikobehafteten Parameter nicht in der klinischen Routine eingeführt sind, bleibt eine zurückhaltende, die Obergrenzen der aktuellen Guidelines nicht überschreitende i. v. Eisensubstitution geboten.
Brain Natriuretic Propeptide as an Early Marker of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia or Death in the Preterm Newborn
Authors: Montaner Alicia , Pinillos Raquel , Galve Zenaida , Boix Hector , de la cuesta Carmen , Jimenez Lorenzo , Samper Pilar , Rite Segundo
Published: July 2017

Aim To investigate whether increased brain natriuretic propeptide (NT-proBNP) levels at 48 to 72 h of life are associated with the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) or death in premature neonates.

Methods A retrospective study was performed in neonates born before 32 weeks’ gestation or with birth weight below 1500 grams, in whom NT-proBNP determination and echocardiography were performed at 48 to 72 h of life. Associations between NT-proBNP levels and the combined outcome BPD or death were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results 117 neonates with mean gestational age 27.8±2.1 weeks and birth weight 949.7±267.5 grams were included. Forty (34.2%) had an outcome of BPD or death. The risk of this combined outcome was found to be 3.95-fold higher (OR 3.95; 95% CI 1.1–14.6) in neonates with NT-proBNP levels above 17800 pg/mL.

Conclusion Increased NT-proBNP levels may be associated with a significant decrease in BPD-free survival in very immature newborns.
Geriatrische Onkologie
Authors: Büssing Arndt
Published: July 2017

Wenn man als Arzt einmal in der Situation war, das Ganze von der „anderen Seite“ aus erfahren zu haben, kommt man vielleicht zu Erkenntnissen, die man zwar irgendwie schon immer gewusst hat, aber dann doch nie wahrhaben wollte, weil es ja immer die anderen betraf: Alte und kranke Menschen werden gar nicht so anteilnehmend, mitfühlend, liebevoll und zuwendend behandelt, wie man es für sich und seine Angehörigen erhoffen würde. Auch mit der erwarteten gewissenhaften Umsicht ist es nicht immer so weit her. Klar, die Kollegen und Kolleginnen sind auch im Stress und wissen nicht, wo ihnen der Kopf steht, und so viele andere Patienten müssen auch noch versorgt, behandelt und „entschieden“ werden. – Dann fällt dem Seitenwechsler auf, dass mit Würde oft genug doch nur eine Form des Konjunktiv II gemeint ist.
Genetisch bedingte thorakale Aorten-Syndrome (GAS)
Authors: von Kodolitsch Yskert , Gehle Petra , Helke Schüler
Published: July 2017

Genetische Aorten-Syndrome sind autosomal-dominant vererbte Erkrankungen des Bindegewebes, die ein hohes Risiko haben zur Entwicklung akuter Aortendissektionen bereits ab dem 20. Lebensjahr. Zu den GAS zählen Entitäten wie das Marfan-Syndrom, das Loeys-Dietz-Syndrom, das vaskuläre Ehlers-Danlos-Syndrom und das Turner-Syndrom. Der Klinikarzt hat folgende Ziele bei der Versorgung genetischer Aorten-Syndrome: Die Erkennung von Verdachtsfällen, die Prävention der Entwicklung operationsbedürftiger Aneurysmen, akuter Aorten-Syndrome wie der Dissektion der Aorta, und die maximale Ausbeutung der Ergebnisse einer operativen Versorgung der Aorta. Als Mittel stehen ihm eine Genotyp- und Phänotyp-spezifische Therapie zur Verfügung, Beta-Blocker und Losartan zur Prophylaxe der Aortenerkrankung sowie Beratung zur einer der Erkrankung angepassten Lebensweise.
Ohne Bewegung geht es nicht
Authors: Jung Carsten
Published: July 2017

Das Trainingsprogramm für onkologische Patienten richtet sich nach ihrem gesundheitlichen Zustand und der Art der Krebstherapie. Ziele für ein onkologisch orientiertes Training sind zum Beispiel: Stressabbau, Ausdauer und Kraft verbessern, Muskel- und Gelenkschmerzen vorbeugen. Virtuelles Equipment und eine regelmäßige Anpassung der Belastung erleichtern ein erfolgreiches Training und motivieren den Patienten.
Arzt der Gegensätze
Authors: Hardinghaus Christian
Published: July 2017

Der deutsche Arzt Ferdinand Sauerbruch gilt als einer der bedeutendsten Chirurgen
des 20. Jahrhunderts. Ob die von ihm entwickelte Handprothese für amputierte
Soldaten des Ersten Weltkrieges oder sein Verfahren, das Operationen am offenen
Brustkorb ermöglichte: Aus wissenschaftlicher Sicht hat er Meilensteine gesetzt.
Doch menschlich und politisch zählt der Chirurg zu den umstrittensten Ärzten der
Zeitgeschichte. Patienten schätzten seine ausgeprägte empathische Ader, Kollegen
fühlten sich von ihm bevormundet und diskriminiert. Wer sich nicht auf seiner
vorgegebenen chirurgischen Linie bewegte, konnte schnell ausgegrenzt oder
beschimpft werden. Sauerbruch war zweifelsohne ein Mann der Widersprüche.
Besonders deutlich wurde seine extreme und wechselhafte Persönlichkeit unter der
Herrschaft der Nationalsozialisten. 1937 nannte er Adolf Hitler „den
verrücktesten Kriminellen der Geschichte“, ließ sich aber im selben Jahr von ihm
persönlich mit dem Deutschen Nationalpreis für Kunst und Wissenschaft
auszeichnen. 1943 verurteilte er das Euthanasie- Programm der
Nationalsozialisten, ließ sich aber als Generalarzt der Wehrmacht und
Fachspartenleiter der Deutschen Forschergemeinschaft für sie einspannen.
Die häufigsten Krebserkrankungen
Authors: Schmid Eva C.
Published: July 2017

In Deutschland werden pro Jahr fast eine halbe Million Krebsneuerkrankungen registriert. Mehr als 71 000 Registrierungen entfallen auf Frauen, die an Brustkrebs, annähernd 64000 auf Männer, die an Prostatakrebs erkrankt sind. Damit sind Brust- und Prostatakrebs noch vor Lungen- und Darmkrebs die häufigsten malignen Neuerkrankungen.
Schlafplatz im Stresstest
Authors: Haag Walter
Published: July 2017

Bei unklaren, therapieresistenten chronischen Beschwerden kann der Schlafplatz eine wichtige Rolle spielen.
Patienten mit Diabetes mellitus und koronarer Herzkrankheit
Authors: Kugler Christine , Wöhrle Jochen
Published: July 2017

Patienten mit Diabetes mellitus sind häufiger von einer koronaren Herzerkrankung betroffen, zudem weisen sie einen komplexeren Koronarstatus auf. In verschiedenen Studien wurden Diabetiker bezüglich der optimalen Revaskularisationsstrategie untersucht. Die operative Myokardrevaskularisation war der interventionellen Strategie vor allem bei koronarer 3-Gefäßerkrankung mit hohem Syntax-Score überlegen. Gezeigt werden konnte ebenso, dass die perkutane Koronarintervention bei Läsionen mit einem niedrigen Syntax-Score der chirurgischen Bypass-Operation mindestens gleichwertig ist und somit aufgrund der geringeren Invasivität bevorzugt werden muss. Die Entscheidung zur optimalen Revaskularisationsstrategie basiert somit auf der angiografischen Untersuchung, welche bei komplexen Befunden durch die Bestimmung der fraktionellen Flussreserve ergänzt werden sollte. Im Alltag müssen Komorbiditäten des Patienten (welche Ausschlusskriterien für die Studien sind) wie z.B. hochgradig reduzierte linksventrikuläre Pumpfunktion und pulmonale Erkrankungen immer in Betracht gezogen werden um die individuell beste Behandlungsstrategie zu formulieren.
Driving Under the Influence of Antidepressants: A Systematic Review and Update of the Evidence of Experimental and Controlled Clinical Studies
Authors: Brunnauer Alexander , Laux Gerd
Published: July 2017

Introduction This review provides an update of experimental and clinical studies on the effects of antidepressants on driving performance.

Methods A systematic literature search on the PubMed database (1980–2016) was performed.

Results Twenty-eight studies could be included in this review, whereas only 5 studies investigated driving performance under antidepressants in patients. Most tri- and tetracyclics have acute deleterious effects on driving performance that, except for mianserin, attenuate after subchronic use. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and the serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor’s venlafaxine and milnacipran did not affect driving ability. Trazodone appears to have dose-related acute effects on driving skills. Acute use of mirtazapine does produce impairments that diminish when given as a nocturnal dose and cannot be seen in healthy subjects when initially given as a low dose or after repeated dosing. Additive effects with alcohol were most pronounced with sedating antidepressants. Most patients definitely benefit from treatment with newer antidepressants with respect to driving skills.

Discussion Much more patient studies are needed to elucidate a crucial question: from which antidepressant treatment do patients benefit most with respect to driving performance?
Tierfreund und Nationalsozialist
Authors: Hardinghaus Christian
Published: July 2017

Die für die Medizingeschichte bedeutendste Gans trug den Namen Martina. So genannt hatte sie in seiner Kindheit der spätere österreichische Zoologe und Verhaltensforscher Konrad Lorenz, nachdem er das Tier nicht mehr los wurde. Lorenz beobachtete mit Leidenschaft das Verhalten von Tieren. Als er eines Tages sah, wie sich ein Gänseküken aus dem Ei pellte, fiepte es ihn an. Er legte Martina unter den Bauch ihrer Mutter, aber sie sprang wieder hervor und folgte dem jungen Lorenz auf Schritt und Tritt. Martina war Basis für die später von Lorenz erforschte Prägung, die er auch auf das Lernverhalten von Menschen übertragen konnte. Lorenz, der seine Disziplin selbst als Tierpsychologie beschrieb, erhielt für seine Erkenntnisse in der Erforschung des Instinkt- und Lernverhaltens den Nobelpreis für Medizin. Doch der große Tierfreund wird heute für sein Verhalten kritisiert. Lorenz war bekennender Nationalsozialist und beschäftigte sich als Heeresarzt der Wehrmacht mit „Rassenstudien“ von deutsch-polnischen „Mischlingen“. Ziel war es, zu entscheiden, ob die untersuchten Deutsch-Polen genetisch geeignet waren, unter Ariern zu leben. Trotzdem zählen seine Studien im Bereich der Ethologie zu den wichtigsten Erkenntnissen der Verhaltensphysiologie.
Harrisons Innere Medizin – das Meisterlehrbuch in neuem Gewand
Authors: Stoyanova Mina
Published: July 2017

Harrisons Innere Medizin. 19. Auflage. ABW Wissenschaftsverlag. ISBN 978-3-940615-50-3. Preis: 289,95 Euro
The pseudoforce approach to fully nonlinear plasma excitations
Authors: Akbari-Moghanjoughi M.
Published: July 2017

In this paper, we develop a technique to study the dynamic structure of oscillations in plasmas. We consider the hydrodynamic model and reduce the system of closed equations to the system of differential equations with integrable Hamiltonian. Then, using the analogy of pseudoparticle oscillation in the pseudoforce field, we generalize the Hamiltonian to include the dissipation and external driving force effects. The developed method is used to study various features of electron-ion plasmas with different equations of state for ions. It is shown that this method can be used in the analysis of superposed fully nonlinear oscillations and even the sheath structure of plasmas. The generalized pseudoforce equation is then used to study the dynamics of damped periodically forced nonlinear ion acoustic oscillations in plasmas with adiabatic and isothermal ion fluids. We found striking differences in dynamics of oscillations in these plasmas. The fundamental difference in the dynamic character of oscillations between adiabatic and isothermal ion fluids is described based on the fast ion fluid response to external perturbations in the case of adiabatic ion fluid compression. The current approach may be easily extended to more complex situations with different species and in the presence of electromagnetic interactions.
Transport dynamics of self-consistent, near-marginal drift-wave turbulence. I. Investigation of the ability of external flows to tune the non-diffusive dynamics
Authors: Ogata D. , Newman D. E. , Sánchez R.
Published: July 2017

The reduction of turbulent transport across sheared flow regions has been known for a long time in magnetically confined toroidal plasmas. However, details of the dynamics are still unclear, in particular, in what refers to the changes caused by the flow on the nature of radial transport itself. In Paper II, we have shown in a simplified model of drift wave turbulence that, when the background profile is allowed to evolve self-consistently with fluctuations, a variety of transport regimes ranging from superdiffusive to subdiffusive open up depending on the properties of the underlying turbulence [D. Ogata et al., Phys. Plasmas 24, 052307 (2017)]. In this paper, we show that externally applied sheared flows can, under the proper conditions, cause the transport dynamics to be diffusive or subdiffusive.
On the thermophysical and transport properties of 3He and 4He: A bubble interaction potential versus state of the art
Authors: Chrysos Michael , Piel Henri
Published: July 2017

Three keynote thermophysical and transport properties of 3He and 4He, namely, the second virial coefficient, the shear viscosity, and the thermal conductivity, are reported for the “extended Dirac bubble potential” (EDbp), a novel model for He–He [M. Chrysos, J. Chem. Phys. 146, 024106 (2017)]. Comparisons with the experiment as well as with potentials with a proven track record and with the oversimplified Dbp are being made in the range 0.1–500 K to analyze the performance of the EDbp, which is shown here to emerge as a promising analytic model for He–He. A flowchart of how to treat the “buffer” in scattering cross section measurements is designed and conducted, offering a route to EDbp optimization. An impressive consistency with state-of-the-art calculations (which is just striking for such a simple analytic model) is found, essentially thanks to the performance of the phase-shift expression cotδl = λkr0ξlyl(kr0)−yl(krc)λkr0ξljl(kr0)−jl(krc), ξl=jl(kr0)yl(krc)−jl(krc)yl(kr0). A Multimedia view of δl(k,rc) versus k and rc is part of the material presented in this article. Data for the “best” rc(k) is given as a supplementary material.
Estimating the intrinsic limit of the Feller-Peterson-Dixon composite approach when applied to adiabatic ionization potentials in atoms and small molecules
Authors: Feller David
Published: July 2017

Benchmark adiabatic ionization potentials were obtained with the Feller-Peterson-Dixon (FPD) theoretical method for a collection of 48 atoms and small molecules. In previous studies, the FPD method demonstrated an ability to predict atomization energies (heats of formation) and electron affinities well within a 95% confidence level of ±1 kcal/mol. Large 1-particle expansions involving correlation consistent basis sets (up to aug-cc-pV8Z in many cases and aug-cc-pV9Z for some atoms) were chosen for the valence CCSD(T) starting point calculations. Despite their cost, these large basis sets were chosen in order to help minimize the residual basis set truncation error and reduce dependence on approximate basis set limit extrapolation formulas. The complementary n-particle expansion included higher order CCSDT, CCSDTQ, or CCSDTQ5 (coupled cluster theory with iterative triple, quadruple, and quintuple excitations) corrections. For all of the chemical systems examined here, it was also possible to either perform explicit full configuration interaction (CI) calculations or to otherwise estimate the full CI limit. Additionally, corrections associated with core/valence correlation, scalar relativity, anharmonic zero point vibrational energies, non-adiabatic effects, and other minor factors were considered. The root mean square deviation with respect to experiment for the ionization potentials was 0.21 kcal/mol (0.009 eV). The corresponding level of agreement for molecular enthalpies of formation was 0.37 kcal/mol and for electron affinities 0.20 kcal/mol. Similar good agreement with experiment was found in the case of molecular structures and harmonic frequencies. Overall, the combination of energetic, structural, and vibrational data (655 comparisons) reflects the consistent ability of the FPD method to achieve close agreement with experiment for small molecules using the level of theory applied in this study.
Reaching state-of-the art requirements for MIM capacitors with a single-layer anodic Al2O3 dielectric and imprinted electrodes
Authors: Hourdakis Emmanouel , Nassiopoulou Androula G.
Published: July 2017

Metal-Insulator-Metal (MIM) capacitors with a high capacitance density and low non-linearity coefficient using a single-layer dielectric of barrier-type anodic alumina (Al2O3) and an imprinted bottom Al electrode are presented. Imprinting of the bottom electrode aimed at increasing the capacitor effective surface area by creating a three-dimensional MIM capacitor architecture. The bottom Al electrode was only partly nanopatterned so as to ensure low series resistance of the MIM capacitor. With a 3 nm thick anodic Al2O3 dielectric, the capacitor with the imprinted electrode showed a 280% increase in capacitance density compared to the flat electrode capacitor, reaching a value of 20.5 fF/μm2. On the other hand, with a 30 nm thick anodic Al2O3 layer, the capacitance density was 7.9 fF/μm2 and the non-linearity coefficient was as low as 196 ppm/V2. These values are very close to reaching all requirements of the last International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors for MIM capacitors [ITRS, http://www.itrs2.net/2013-itrs.html for ITRS Roadmap (2013)], and they are achieved by a single-layer dielectric instead of the complicated dielectric stacks of the literature. The obtained results constitute a real progress compared to previously reported results by our group for MIM capacitors using imprinted electrodes.
Low-cost fabrication of highly sensitive room temperature hydrogen sensor based on ordered mesoporous Co-doped TiO2 structure
Authors: Li Zhong , Haidry Azhar Ali , Wang Tao , Yao Zheng Jun
Published: July 2017

The development of cost-effective gas sensors with improved sensing properties and minimum power consumption for room temperature hydrogen leakage monitoring is in increasing demand. In this context, this report focus on the facile fabrication of ordered mesoporous TiO2 via evaporation-induced self-assembly route. With the controlled doping threshold (3%Co-TiO2), the output resistance change to 1000 ppm H2 is ∼4.1 × 103 with the response time of 66 s. The sensor response exhibits power law dependence with an increase in the hydrogen concentration, where the power law coefficient was found not only specific to the kind of target gas but also related to temperature. Further, the effect of structure integrity with doping level and humidity on sensing characteristics is interpreted in terms of variation in surface potential eVS and depletion region w caused by the adsorption of molecular oxygen O2−.
1550-nm InGaAsP multi-quantum-well structures selectively grown on v-groove-patterned SOI substrates
Authors: Megalini Ludovico , Bonef Bastien , Cabinian Brian C. , Zhao Hongwei , Taylor Aidan , Speck James S. , Bowers John E. , Klamkin Jonathan
Published: July 2017

We report direct growth of 1550-nm InGaAsP multi-quantum-well (MQW) structures in densely packed, smooth, highly crystalline, and millimeter-long InP nanoridges grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition on silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrates. Aspect-ratio-trapping and selective area growth techniques were combined with a two-step growth process to obtain good material quality as revealed by photoluminescence, scanning electronic microscopy, and high-resolution X-ray diffraction characterization. Transmission electron microscopy images revealed sharp MQW/InP interfaces as well as thickness variation of the MQW layer. This was confirmed by atom probe tomography analysis, which also suggests homogenous incorporation of the various III-V elements of the MQW structure. This approach is suitable for the integration of InP-based nanoridges in the SOI platform for new classes of ultra-compact, low-power, nano-electronic, and photonic devices for future tele- and data-communications applications.
A dynamic analysis of the magnetized plasma sheath in a collisionless scenario with ion sources
Authors: Adhikari S. , Moulick R. , Goswami K. S.
Published: July 2017

The influence of the forces that control the ion dynamics inside a magnetized plasma sheath under collisionless conditions is analyzed. Considering the ionization, the effects of the variation of field strength and the inclination angle on the force fields inside the sheath are studied. The pitch length and pitch angle for the particle velocity fields are also calculated and have been found to vary widely with the inclination angle and the strength of the magnetic field. The role of the Lorentz force and energy acquired by the ions while moving towards the wall is highlighted. A comparison between two different ion sources has also been foregrounded.
New topological insulator thin film exhibits novel magnetic properties
Authors: Yiu Yuen
Published: July 2017

Researchers discover new ferromagnetic material that exhibits the quantum anomalous Hall effect.
Manufacturing of mushroom-shaped structures and its hydrophobic robustness analysis based on energy minimization approach
Authors: Wang Li , Yang Xiaonan , Wang Quandai , Yang Zhiqiang , Duan Hui , Lu Bingheng
Published: July 2017

The construction of stable hydrophobic surfaces has increasingly gained attention owing to its wide range of potential applications. However, these surfaces may become wet and lose their slip effect owing to insufficient hydrophobic stability. Pillars with a mushroom-shaped tip are believed to enhance hydrophobicity stability. This work presents a facile method of manufacturing mushroom-shaped structures, where, compared with the previously used method, the modulation of the cap thickness, cap diameter, and stem height of the structures is more convenient. The effects of the development time on the cap diameter and overhanging angle are investigated and well-defined mushroom-shaped structures are demonstrated. The effect of the microstructure geometry on the contact state of a droplet is predicted by taking an energy minimization approach and is experimentally validated with nonvolatile ultraviolet-curable polymer with a low surface tension by inspecting the profiles of liquid–vapor interface deformation and tracking the trace of the receding contact line after exposure to ultraviolet light. Theoretical and experimental results show that, compared with regular pillar arrays having a vertical sidewall, the mushroom-like structures can effectively enhance hydrophobic stability. The proposed manufacturing method will be useful for fabricating robust hydrophobic surfaces in a cost-effective and convenient manner.
Micellar oxidative transformation of ciprofloxacin: a kinetic investigation
Authors: Shrivastava Alpa , Singh Ajaya Kumar , Sachdev Neerja , Shrivastava Dilip R. , Prasad Surendra
Published: July 2017

Environmental contextPollution of the aquatic environment by drugs results not only during their manufacture, but also from the excretion of drug residues and the discharge of expired drugs by households and hospitals. The transformation of ciprofloxacin, one of the leading antibiotic drugs, in the presence of surfactants has been investigated. The results provide a better understanding of how ciprofloxacin degrades in aquatic environments by considering the effect of omnipresent surfactants.
AbstractThe kinetics of the oxidative transformation, i.e. oxidative degradation, of ciprofloxacin (CIP) by chloramine-T (CAT) in cationic and anionic micelle media during the water chlorination process was studied spectrophotometrically at 275nm and 298K. The influence of added salts (1–10×10–4moldm–3) and solvent polarity of the medium on the reaction was studied. The orders with respect to substrate CIP and oxidant CAT were found to be first order in each. The variation of acid concentrations showed opposite effects in cationic and anionic micellar aggregates. Liquid chromatography–electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry was used to identify degradation products of CIP, which confirmed the full dealkylation of the piperazine ring in CIP as the major product. The piperazine moiety of CIP is the principal active site for the CAT during oxidation. Activation parameters for the CIP degradation in cationic and anionic micelles were evaluated by studying the reaction at different temperatures, which lent further support to the proposed degradation mechanism for CIP. The rate constants were evaluated to confirm the micellar effect from incorporating sodium dodecyl sulfate and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide in the reaction mixture and the intrinsic reactivity constants were determined in the aqueous as well as in the micellar pseudo-phases as 4.85 and 0.0083.
Ozone triggers different defence mechanisms against powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis DC. Speer f. sp. tritici) in susceptible and resistant wheat genotypes
Authors: Pazarlar Sercan , Cetinkaya Nedim , Bor Melike , Ozdemir Filiz
Published: July 2017

Ozone has been proposed as a convenient elicitor against pathogens since it is known to generate different reactive oxygen species (ROS) and induce nonspecific defence by altering gene expression. The mode of action and its interaction with other defence pathways are yet to be elucidated. Besides its negative effects on plants, ozone can be used for triggering defence against environmental stresses, including pathogens, when used at appropriate concentrations. Powdery mildew, caused by the obligate biotrophic fungus Blumera graminis f.sp. tritici (Bgt), is an important plant disease that reduces crop yield and quality. We hypothesised that ozone treatment may elicit defence against Bgt by inducing ROS signalling or other routes such as the salicylic acid (SA) or jasmonic acid (JA) pathways. We conducted experiments with Bgt-susceptible (cv. Pamukova) and resistant (cv. Tahirova) wheat (Triticum aestivum L,) cultivars and treated them with different ozone concentrations before Bgt inoculation. Stress response and defence-related features such as antioxidative enzyme activity; lipid peroxidation; H2O2 and Ca+2 levels; PR1, LOX, PAL and RBOH gene expression; and disease severity were assayed. Clear discrepancies between the responses of susceptible and resistant cultivars were found, suggesting that different defence routes were activated. Here, we showed that ozone treatment was effective for diminishing Bgt invasion in the susceptible cultivar in the short term, which was probably related to defence induced via the SA pathway. Moreover, the resistant cultivar Tahirova exhibited a different mode of action against the pathogen that was triggered by ozone treatment, plausibly related to the JA pathway.
Genomic landscape of human diversity across Madagascar
Authors: Pierron Denis , Heiske Margit , Razafindrazaka Harilanto , Rakoto Ignace , Rabetokotany Nelly , Ravololomanga Bodo , Rakotozafy Lucien M.-A. , Rakotomalala Mireille Mialy , Razafiarivony Michel , Rasoarifetra Bako , Raharijesy Miakabola Andriamampianina , Razafindralambo Lolona , Ramilisonina  , Fanony Fulgence , Lejamble Sendra , Thomas Olivier , Mohamed Abdallah Ahmed , Rocher Christophe , Arachiche Amal , Tonaso Laure , Pereda-loth Veronica , Schiavinato Stéphanie , Brucato Nicolas , Ricaut Francois-Xavier , Kusuma Pradiptajati , Sudoyo Herawati , Ni Shengyu , Boland Anne , Deleuze Jean-Francois , Beaujard Philippe , Grange Philippe , Adelaar Sander , Stoneking Mark , Rakotoarisoa Jean-Aimé , Radimilahy Chantal , Letellier Thierry
Published: July 2017

Significance

The origins of the Malagasy raise questions about ancient connections between continents; moreover, because ancestors are fundamental to Malagasy society, Malagasy origins is also a heated topic around the country, with numerous proposed hypotheses. This study provides a comprehensive view of genomic diversity (including maternal lineages, paternal lineages, and genome-wide data) based on a sampling of 257 villages across Madagascar. The observed spatial patterns lead to a scenario of a recent and sex-biased admixture between Bantu and Austronesian ancestors across the island. Moreover, we find geographical influences creating subtle signals of genetic structure that are independent of the Bantu/Austronesian admixture, suggesting that recent history has a role in the genomic diversity of the Malagasy.
Structural determination of lipid antigens captured at the CD1d–T-cell receptor interface
Authors: Brennan Patrick J. , Cheng Tan-Yun , Pellicci Daniel G. , Watts Gerald F. M. , Veerapen Natacha , Young David C. , Rossjohn Jamie , Besra Gurdyal S. , Godfrey Dale I. , Brenner Michael B. , Moody D. Branch
Published: July 2017

Significance

Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are activated quickly and play a key role in the control of many microbial infections via their ability to rapidly secrete cytokines and chemokines that enhance many immune responses. Microbial glycolipid antigens that activate iNKT cells have been identified as α-anomerically linked glycolipids. However, the nature of the endogenous lipid antigens that are important contributors to the biology of iNKT cells has been unclear. In this study, antigenic lipids from cow’s milk were isolated using a T-cell receptor trap method, and their stereochemical structures were determined to be hexosylceramides with α-linked hexose headgroups, thus identifying dietary lipid antigens for iNKT cells.
Symmetry-related proton transfer pathways in respiratory complex I
Authors: Di Luca Andrea , Gamiz-Hernandez Ana P. , Kaila Ville R. I.
Published: July 2017

Significance

Complex I is a redox-driven proton pump, central to aerobic energy conversion in most living organisms. To elucidate the mechanism of its pumping machinery, we need a detailed molecular picture of how access across the membrane is established and regulated. In this work we find that proton pathways in complex I form at symmetry-related locations near broken transmembrane helices. The channel opening allows influx of water molecules, catalyzing rapid Grotthuss-type proton transfer reactions. The hydration of these channels is sensitive to the protonation state of conserved buried lysine residues, which are in turn coupled to conformational changes in conserved ion pairs within each subunit. Our results provide mechanistic insight into the function of the long-range proton-pumping machinery in complex I.
Selective vulnerability and dominant language transfer in the acquisition of the Chinese cleft construction by heritage speakers
Authors: Mai Ziyin , Deng Xiangjun
Published: July 2017

This study investigates effects of selective vulnerability and dominant language transfer in heritage grammar. Mandarin Chinese has ashì…decleft construction, which, despite its superficial similarities with theit-cleft in English, is subject to additional conditions. Four experimental tasks elicited eighteen adult heritage speakers’ implicit knowledge of the word order and the temporal, telicity and discourse conditions associated with the Chinese cleft. The heritage speakers demonstrated target-like representation of the conditions. Meanwhile, their sensitivity to the telicity and discourse conditions is weaker than that of native speakers in Beijing, suggesting selective vulnerability in the heritage grammar. By comparing the heritage speakers with adult second language learners of Chinese, we concluded that the vulnerability of the heritage grammar in the discourse domain did not result from cross-linguistic influence from English. In different types of Chinese-English bilinguals, the dominant language affects the weaker language in different ways.
Using Democratic Values in Science: An Objection and (Partial) Response
Authors: Schroeder S. Andrew
Published: July 2017

Many philosophers of science have argued that social and ethical values have a significant role to play in core parts of the scientific process. This naturally suggests the following question: when such value choices need to be made, which or whose values should be used? A common answer to this question turns to democratic values—the values of the public or its representatives. I argue that this imposes a morally significant burden on certain scientists, effectively requiring them to advocate for policy positions they strongly disagree with. I conclude by discussing under what conditions this burden might be justified.
Natural Selection, Mechanism, and the Statistical Interpretation
Authors: Fulda Fermín C.
Published: July 2017

What is natural selection? I address this question by exploring the relation between two debates: Is natural selection a mechanism? Is natural selection a causal or a statistical theory? I argue that the first can be assessed only relative to a model and that, following the second, there are two fundamentally different and independent kinds of models, Modern-Synthesis and Darwinian models. MS-models, I argue, are not mechanistic even if they are causal. D-models, in contrast, are mechanistic. A causal-mechanistic interpretation of D-models is thus compatible with a statistical interpretation of MS-models. Natural selection, I conclude, lacks a single, unifying nature.
Genetic Polymorphisms of Alcohol Metabolizing Enzymes and Alcohol Consumption are Associated With Asymptomatic Cardiac Remodeling and Subclinical Systolic Dysfunction in Large Community-Dwelling Asians
Authors: Hung Chung-Lieh , Chang Shun-Chuan , Chang Sheng-Hsiung , Chi Po-Ching , Lai Yu-Jun , Wang Shih-Wei , Wu Yih-Jer , Yeh Hung-I , Lin Shing-Jong , Chen Che-Hong , Mochly-Rosen Daria , Wang Li-Yu ,   for the MAGNET Study Investigator
Published: July 2017

Aims

Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages is associated with cardiac remodeling and cardiomyopathy. We examined the possible association of alcohol use, common Asian genetic variants in genes involved in alcohol metabolism, and cardiac structures/functions alterations.

Methods

A prospective, community-dwelling survey among individuals with available complete echocardiography examined the associations of alcohol use, cardiac structure/functions, and three common alcohol metabolizing genetic variants, including aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), alcohol dehydrogenase 1B (ADH1B) and cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoform 2E1 (CYP2E1).

Results

Among 1577 participants (mean age: 53 ± 9, 59.7% female), we observed that in subjects with more frequent weekly ethanol intake showed greater left ventricle (LV) mass, more impaired diastolic functions, and reduced global longitudinal strain (GLS), systolic (SRs) and early diastolic strain rates (SRe) (P<0.05). After propensity matching for clinical confounders (n = 330:30 for frequent users and non-users), frequent alcohol use and subjects carrying ALDH2 (A/G or A/A), ADH1B (A/A) or CYP2E1(T/C or T/T) polymorphisms were all associated with worse GLSRs and GLSRe, with combined alcohol use and any given genetic variant aggravated these associations (all P < 0.05). Finally, we observed Gene–Gene synergistic effects on LV functional decline in frequent alcohol users by using linear mixed effect model (all interaction P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Among East Asians, even moderate alcohol consumption can confer subclinical adverse effects on cardiac systolic functions, which was most pronounced in subjects carrying common variants in alcohol metabolizing genes. These findings challenge the notion of beneficial influences of less heavy ethanol consumption on the heart, especially among East Asians.

Short summary

This study evaluated the association of level of alcohol consumption and genetic variants in genes involved in alcohol metabolism with changes in cardiac function in East Asians. Even moderate alcohol use conferred subclinical adverse effects on cardiac systolic functions, which were most pronounced in subjects carrying common alcohol metabolizing genes.
A Pilot Study: The UNC Passive Aerosol Sampler in a Working Environment
Authors: Shirdel Mariam , Wingfors Håkan , Andersson Britt M , Sommar Johan N , Bergdahl Ingvar A , Liljelind Ingrid E
Published: July 2017

Objectives

Dust is generally sampled on a filter using air pumps, but passive sampling could be a cost-effective alternative. One promising passive sampler is the University of North Carolina passive aerosol sampler (UNC sampler). The aim of this study is to characterize and compare the UNC sampler’s performance with PM10 and PM2.5 impactors in a working environment.

Methods

Area sampling was carried out at different mining locations using UNC samplers in parallel with PM2.5 and PM10 impactors. Two different collection surfaces, polycarbonate (PC) and carbon tabs (CT), were employed for the UNC sampling. Sampling was carried out for 4–25 hours.

Results

The UNC samplers underestimated the concentrations compared to PM10 and PM2.5 impactor data. At the location with the highest aerosol concentration, the time-averaged mean of PC showed 24% and CT 35% of the impactor result for PM2.5. For PM10, it was 39% with PC and 58% with CT. Sample blank values differed between PC and CT. For PM2.5, PC blank values were ~7 times higher than those of CT, but only 1.8 times higher for PM10. The blank variations were larger for PC than for CT.

Conclusions

Particle mass concentrations appear to be underestimated by the UNC sampler compared to impactors, more so for PM2.5 than for PM10. CT may be preferred as a collection surface because the blank values were lower and less variable than for PC. Future validations in the working environment should include respirable dust sampling.
Neuronal Expression of Opioid Gene is Controlled by Dual Epigenetic and Transcriptional Mechanism in Human Brain
Authors: Bazov Igor , Sarkisyan Daniil , Kononenko Olga , Watanabe Hiroyuki , Taqi Mumtaz Malik , Stålhandske Lada , Verbeek Dineke S , Mulder Jan , Rajkowska Grazyna , Sheedy Donna , Kril Jillian , Sun Xueguang , Syvänen Ann-Christine , Yakovleva Tatiana , Bakalkin Georgy
Published: July 2017

Molecular mechanisms that define patterns of neuropeptide expression are essential for the formation and rewiring of neural circuits. The prodynorphin gene (PDYN) gives rise to dynorphin opioid peptides mediating depression and substance dependence. We here demonstrated that PDYN is expressed in neurons in human dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC), and identified neuronal differentially methylated region in PDYN locus framed by CCCTC-binding factor binding sites. A short, nucleosome size human-specific promoter CpG island (CGI), a core of this region may serve as a regulatory module, which is hypomethylated in neurons, enriched in 5-hydroxymethylcytosine, and targeted by USF2, a methylation-sensitive E-box transcription factor (TF). USF2 activates PDYN transcription in model systems, and binds to nonmethylated CGI in dlPFC. USF2 and PDYN expression is correlated, and USF2 and PDYN proteins are co-localized in dlPFC. Segregation of activatory TF and repressive CGI methylation may ensure contrasting PDYN expression in neurons and glia in human brain.