bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Swedish Longitudinal Gambling Study (Swelogs): design and methods of the epidemiological (EP‐) track
Authors: Romild Ulla , Volberg Rachel , Abbott Max
Published: June 2014

Swelogs (Swedish Longitudinal Gambling Study) epidemiological (EP‐) track is a prospective study with four waves of data‐collection among Swedish citizens aged 16–84 years at baseline. The major objectives of this track are to provide general population estimates of the prevalence and incidence of problem and at‐risk gambling and enable comparisons with the first Swedish national study on gambling and problem gambling (Swegs) conducted in 1997/1998. The overall study (Swelogs) comprises three tracks of data collection; one epidemiological, one in‐depth and one follow‐up. It is expected to provide information that will inform the development of evidence‐based methods and strategies to prevent the development of gambling problems. This paper gives an overview of the design of the epidemiological track, especially of its two first waves. The baseline wave, performed between October 2008 and August 2009, included 8165 subjects, of whom 6021 were re‐assessed one year later. A stratified random sampling procedure was applied. Computer‐supported telephone interviews were used as the primary method. Postal questionnaires were used to follow‐up those not reached by telephone. The response rate was 55% in the first wave and 74% in the second. The interview and questionnaire data are supplemented by register data. © 2014 The Authors. International Journal of Methods in Psychiatric Research published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
New Quenching Method for Improving Large‐Scale Stopped‐Flow Technique
Authors: Thakur Ashutosh , Poonpong Supawadee , Terano Minoru , Taniike Toshiaki
Published: June 2014

The stopped‐flow (SF) technique has been extensively used for active site analyses and kinetic investigations in heterogeneous Ziegler‐Natta olefin polymerization catalysis, whereas a poor polymer yield due to a short polymerization period has been a major drawback of the conventional SF system, which later has been improved by the development of a large‐scale SF (LSF) technique. In order to further improve the scalability of the LSF technique, the present paper reports a new polymerization quenching method, which has been established by applying a three‐vessel‐type analogue of the LSF system. The new quenching method endows identical kinetic profiles, but the scalability is successfully improved.
Effect of Agitation on Density of Poly(vinyl acetate) Particles Produced in Suspension Polymerization Reactions
Authors: Cordeiro Felipe B. , Peixoto Luciana S. , Oliveira Marco A. M. , Pinto José Carlos
Published: June 2014

Poly(vinyl acetate) particles are produced through suspension polymerization reactions at different agitation speed. As expected, particle size distributions are strongly affected by the increasing speed of agitation. Surprisingly, the latter also causes the decrease of particle densities, which can be explained by encapsulation of small water droplets by the viscous reacting medium. Encapsulation of water droplets can lead to the formation of hollow particles that can be observed through microscopic analyses.
Real‐time 4D phase unwrapping applied to magnetic resonance elastography
Authors: Barnhill Eric , Kennedy Paul , Johnson Curtis L. , Mada Marius , Roberts Neil
Published: June 2014

Purpose

Phase amplitude is a source of signal in magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) experiments but its exploitation in experimental design has been limited due to the challenges of phase wrap. This study addressed this aspect of MRE through new developments in algorithms, heuristic strategy, and user interface.

Methods

A test dataset with systematic variation of three parameters—nested wrap, gradient, and noise level—was developed to choose phase‐unwrapping algorithms and to analyze their performance. A new application, PhaseTools, was developed that implemented three phase‐unwrapping algorithms that adhere to a “real‐time” criterion of less than 3 min for a four‐dimensional MRE acquisition. Two of the algorithms extend previously published algorithms and one was newly developed. The algorithms were then applied to five datasets from MRE, two typical cases and three edge cases that were particularly challenging in one of the three parameters.

Results

The performance of the PhaseTools algorithms on the test dataset was comparable to two widely cited algorithms that take hours or days to complete. Guidelines for the optimal use of each algorithm are established.

Conclusion

PhaseTools enables the substantial increase of signal‐to‐noise in MRE experiments at negligible additional computational cost. PhaseTools is freely released with this study, making robust real‐time phase unwrapping available to any group using phase‐based imaging. Magn Reson Med 73:2321–2331, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Numerical assessment of the macroscopic strength criterion of reinforced soils using semidefinite programming
Authors: Gueguin M. , Hassen G. , de Buhan P.
Published: June 2014

The macroscopic strength properties of reinforced soils, regarded as periodic composite materials, are investigated by means of a FEM‐based formulation of both static and kinematic approaches of yield design applied to the reinforced soil's unit cell. Because the reinforced soil's individual constituents obey a 3D Mohr–Coulomb strength condition, such a numerical problem can be treated through an optimization procedure using semidefinite programming. The whole numerical procedure is applied to the derivation of both lower bound and upper bound estimates to the macroscopic yield surface of a soil reinforced either by columnar inclusions (stone columns) or a double array of trenches (cross trench reinforcement). The so‐obtained results highlight the efficiency of the proposed numerical method. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermal, mechanical, and barrier properties of polyethylene/surlyn/organoclay nanocomposites blown films prepared by different mixing methods
Authors: Hosseinkhanli Homayoon , Aalaie Jamal , Abdollahi Mahdi , Khalkhali Talat , Shojaei Mehrdad
Published: June 2014

(Low‐density polyethylene) (LDPE)/clay nanocomposites were prepared by melt blending in a twin‐screw extruder by using different mixing methods. Zinc‐neutralized carboxylate ionomer was used as a compatibilizer. Blown films of the nanocomposites were then prepared. The effect of mixing method on the clay dispersion and properties of the nanocomposites was evaluated by wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction analysis, mechanical properties, thermal properties, and barrier properties. The structure and properties of nanocomposites containing different amounts of nanoclay prepared by selected mixing techniques were also investigated. It was found that melt compounding of Surlyn/clay masterbatch with pure LDPE and Surlyn (two‐step‐a method) results in better dispersion and intercalation of the nanofillers than melt mixing of LDPE/Surlyn/clay masterbatch with pure LDPE and surlyn (two‐step‐b method) and direct mixing of LDPE with clay. The films containing ionomer have good barrier properties. A wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction pattern indicates that intercalation of polymer chains into the clay galleries decreases by increasing the clay content. Barrier properties and tensile modulus of the films were improved by increasing the clay content. In addition, tensile strength increased in the machine direction, but it decreased in the transverse direction by increasing the clay content. DSC results showed that increasing the clay content does not show significant change in the melting and crystallization temperatures. The results of thermogravimetric analysis showed that the thermal stability of the nanocomposites decreased by increasing the clay content more than 1 wt%. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 21:60–69, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Interrelations between translation and general mRNA degradation in yeast
Authors: Huch Susanne , Nissan Tracy
Published: June 2014

Messenger RNA (mRNA) degradation is an important element of gene expression that can be modulated by alterations in translation, such as reductions in initiation or elongation rates. Reducing translation initiation strongly affects mRNA degradation by driving mRNA toward the assembly of a decapping complex, leading to decapping. While mRNA stability decreases as a consequence of translational inhibition, in apparent contradiction several external stresses both inhibit translation initiation and stabilize mRNA. A key difference in these processes is that stresses induce multiple responses, one of which stabilizes mRNAs at the initial and rate‐limiting step of general mRNA decay. Because this increase in mRNA stability is directly induced by stress, it is independent of the translational effects of stress, which provide the cell with an opportunity to assess its response to changing environmental conditions. After assessment, the cell can store mRNAs, reinitiate their translation or, alternatively, embark on a program of enhanced mRNA decay en masse. Finally, recent results suggest that mRNA decay is not limited to non‐translating messages and can occur when ribosomes are not initiating but are still elongating on mRNA. This review will discuss the models for the mechanisms of these processes and recent developments in understanding the relationship between translation and general mRNA degradation, with a focus on yeast as a model system. WIREs RNA 2014, 5:747–763. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1244

This article is categorized under:

RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Regulation of RNA Stability
Effect of diagnostic criteria on prevalence of frontotemporal dementia in the elderly
Authors: Gislason Thorsteinn B. , Östling Svante , Börjesson‐Hanson Anne , Sjögren Magnus , Simoni Michela , Pantoni Leonardo , Skoog Ingmar
Published: June 2014

Background

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is believed to be rare in the elderly, and the influence of different criteria on the prevalence of FTD is unclear.

Methods

Population‐based samples of 70‐ to 95‐year‐olds (n = 2462) in Gothenburg, Sweden, underwent neuropsychiatric examinations. Behavioral variant FTD (bvFTD) was diagnosed according to the International Behavioural Variant FTD Criteria Consortium (FTDC), the Frontotemporal Lobe Degeneration Consensus criteria, and the Lund‐Manchester Research Criteria. A subset (n = 1074) underwent computerized tomography (CT) of the brain.

Results

The prevalence of bvFTD varied between 0.2% and 0.5% at age 70 to 79 years, between 2.5% and 3.6% at age 80 to 89 years, and between 1.7% and 2.2% at age 90 to 95 years. The agreement between different criteria was low to moderate (κ = 0.20–0.42). Among those with bvFTD according to FTDC, 93.3% had frontal and/or temporal lobar atrophy on CT, compared with 12.6% of those without bvFTD (P < .001).

Conclusions

The prevalence of bvFTD was higher than expected in this population. To a large extent, different criteria captured different individuals.
HER2 mediated de novo production of TGFβ leads to SNAIL driven epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition and metastasis of breast cancer
Authors: Gupta Parul , Srivastava Sanjay K.
Published: June 2014

HER2 is an important determinant of poor prognosis in breast cancer patients. Studies indicate that HER2 positive tumors are mostly resistant to therapy and have high metastatic potential however, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, MDA‐MB‐231 and MCF‐7 breast cancer cells with their HER2 overexpressing syngeneic variants were used to delineate the role of HER2 in EMT and metastasis. Our results demonstrated that HER2 overexpression increased the invasive potential of cells. Our results also showed that HER2 overexpression lead to the production of TGFβ resulting in the activation of TGFβ/SMAD signaling. Furthermore, activation of SNAIL, SLUG and ZEB‐1, the transcriptional repressors of E‐cadherin and increased mesenchymal characteristics were observed in high HER2 cells. Interestingly, EMT by HER2 was mediated through TGFβ. Intravenous injection of high HER2 MDA‐MB‐231 (HH) cells in athymic nude mice showed early and substantial metastasis as compared to the parent cells establishing the direct role of HER2 in metastasis. Our results showed that inhibition of HER2 mediated EMT by cucurbitacin B a triterpenoid, resulted in the suppression of brain metastasis of breast cancer cells. Taken together, our results identify a novel mechanism of HER2 in promoting breast cancer metastasis through de novo synthesis of TGFβ leading to EMT, an initial and essential step of metastasis.
Comparison of performance and intestinal morphology of broilers using step-down supplementation with a mannan-rich fraction versus bacitracin methylene disalicylate
Authors: Brennan K.M. , Paul M.A. , Samuel R.S. , Lumpkins B. , Pierce J.L. , Collett S.R. , Mathis G.F.
Published: June 2014

Two experiments were conducted to compare effects of utilising step-down dosing of a mannan-rich fraction (MRF) of yeast cell wall or the antimicrobial growth promoter (AGP) bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD) when chicks were raised on built-up litter. Chicks were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups (12 pen replicates; 50 birds per pen): basal diet (control) or basal diet plus MRF (Actigen™; Alltech Inc., Nicholasville, KY) or BMD (Alpharma Inc., Fort Lee, NJ). In experiment two, intestinal morphology and litter scores were determined on d 42. In experiment one, MRF and BMD increased BW gain at d 21 and d 42 compared with control (P ≤ 0.05) and d 42 BW was greater in BMD birds than controls (P ≤ 0.05). Adjusted FCRs were lower in MRF and BMD birds from d 0 to d 42 (P = 0.06). In experiment two, there was no effect of treatment on d 21 BW, but MRF and BMD improved adjusted FCR (P = 0.02) compared with control. By d 35, both MRF and BMD birds had greater BWs than controls (P = 0.04). At d 42, MRF-supplemented birds had greater BW than controls (P ≤ 0.05). D 35 and d 42 FCR improved with MRF or BMD compared with control (P ≤ 0.01). Litter conditions improved (P ≤ 0.05) when birds were fed diets with BMD and MRF compared with control-fed birds. Jejunal morphology, including villi height (P ≤ 0.05), villi height: crypt depth ratio (P ≤ 0.05), and goblet cell numbers (P ≤ 0.05) improved with MRF and BMD compared with control. Both MRF and BMD improved broiler performance, potentially related to the improvements observed in intestinal morphology. In conclusion, step-down supplementation with MRF may offer a potential alternative to AGP to improve performance in broilers raised in commercial settings.
Inertial wave excitation and focusing in a liquid bounded by a frustum and a cylinder
Authors: Klein Marten , Seelig Torsten , Kurgansky Michael V. , Ghasemi V. Abouzar , Borcia Ion Dan , Will Andreas , Schaller Eberhard , Egbers Christoph , Harlander Uwe
Published: June 2014

The mechanism of localized inertial wave excitation and its efficiency is investigated for an annular cavity rotating with $\def \xmlpi #1{}\def \mathsfbi #1{\boldsymbol {\mathsf {#1}}}\let \le =\leqslant \let \leq =\leqslant \let \ge =\geqslant \let \geq =\geqslant \def \Pr {\mathit {Pr}}\def \Fr {\mathit {Fr}}\def \Rey {\mathit {Re}}\Omega _0$. Meridional symmetry is broken by replacing the inner cylinder with a truncated cone (frustum). Waves are excited by individual longitudinal libration of the walls. The geometry is non-separable and exhibits wave focusing and wave attractors. We investigated laboratory and numerical results for the Ekman number $E\approx 10^{-6}$, inclination $\alpha =5.71^\circ $ and libration amplitudes $\varepsilon \leq 0.2$ within the inertial wave band $0 < \omega < 2\Omega _0$. Under the assumption that the inertial waves do not essentially affect the boundary-layer structure, we use classical boundary-layer analysis to study oscillating Ekman layers over a librating wall that is at an angle $\alpha \neq 0$ to the axis of rotation. The Ekman layer erupts at frequency $\omega =f_{*}$, where $f_{*}\equiv 2 \Omega _0 \sin \alpha $ is the effective Coriolis parameter in a plane tangential to the wall. For the selected inclination this eruption occurs for the forcing frequency $\omega /\Omega _0=0.2$. For the librating lids eruption occurs at $\omega /\Omega _0=2$. The study reveals that the frequency dependence of the total kinetic energy $K_{\omega }$ of the excited wave field is strongly connected to the square of the Ekman pumping velocity $w_{{E}}(\omega )$ that, in the linear limit, becomes singular when the boundary layer erupts. This explains the frequency dependence of non-resonantly excited waves. By the localization of the forcing, the two configurations investigated, (i) frustum libration and (ii) lids together with outer cylinder in libration, can be clearly distinguished by their response spectra. Good agreement was found for the spatial structure of low-order wave attractors and periodic orbits (both characterized by a small number of reflections) in the frequency windows predicted by geometric ray tracing. For ‘resonant’ frequencies a significantly increased total bulk energy was found, while the energy in the boundary layer remained nearly constant. Inertial wave energy enters the bulk flow via corner beams, which are parallel to the characteristics of the underlying Poincaré problem. Numerical simulations revealed a mismatch between the wall-parallel mass fluxes near the corners. This leads to boundary-layer eruption and the generation of inertial waves in the corners.
How flexibility affects the wake symmetry properties of a self-propelled plunging foil
Authors: Zhu Xiaojue , He Guowei , Zhang Xing
Published: June 2014

The wake symmetry properties of a flapping-foil system are closely associated with its propulsive performance. In the present work, the effect of the foil flexibility on the wake symmetry properties of a self-propelled plunging foil is studied numerically. We compare the wakes of a flexible foil and a rigid foil at a low flapping Reynolds number of 200. The two foils are of the same dimensions, flapping frequency, leading-edge amplitude and cruising velocity but different bending rigidities. The results indicate that flexibility can either inhibit or trigger the symmetry breaking of the wake. We find that there exists a threshold value of vortex circulation above which symmetry breaking occurs. The modification of vortex circulation is found to be the pivotal factor in the influence of the foil flexibility on the wake symmetry properties. An increase in flexibility can result in a reduction in the vorticity production at the leading edge because of the decrease in the effective angle of attack, but it also enhances vorticity production at the trailing edge because of the increase in the trailing-edge flapping velocity. The competition between these two opposing effects eventually determines the strength of vortex circulation, which, in turn, governs the wake symmetry properties. Further investigation indicates that the former effect is related to the streamlined shape of the deformed foil while the latter effect is associated with structural resonance. The results of this work provide new insights into the functional role of passive flexibility in flapping-based biolocomotion.
Imagine that: Examining the Influence of Exercise Imagery on Cigarette Cravings and Withdrawal Symptoms
Authors: Cooke L.M. , Fitzgeorge L. , Hall C.R. , Prapavessis H.
Published: June 2014

Evidence highlights that an acute bout of exercise can contribute to reductions in cravings and withdrawal symptoms. However, it is unknown how low in intensity or movement one can go before these effects no longer exist. The current study examined if exercise imagery could contribute to reductions in smoking cravings and withdrawal symptoms after a short period of abstinence (CO≤6ppm). Regular smokers (N = 29) were randomized into one of three treatment groups: exercise imagery, moderate intensity exercise, or control. Each completed questionnaires including: the Strength of Desire to Smoke item (primary outcome) and the Mood and Physical Symptoms Scale (Secondary outcomes) pre- and post-treatment. A 3 (Condition) by 2 (Time) repeated measures ANOVA showed a medium non-significant interaction effect (partial η2= .06) favouring the exercise group for reductions in desire to smoke. A large significant interaction effect (partial η2= .24) was found for tension. Medium-to-large non-significant interaction effects favouring the exercise group were found for various withdrawal symptoms. These data, taken together, suggest that exercise imagery is not as powerful as moderate intensity exercise in reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms following temporary abstinence. Implications and future directions are discussed.
Kinematics and cooperative control of a robotic spinal surgery system
Authors: Jin Haiyang , Hu Ying , Tian Wei , Zhang Peng , Song Zhangjun , Zhang Jianwei , Li Bing
Published: June 2014

Spinal surgery is considered a high-risk surgery. To improve the accuracy, stability, and safety of such operations, we report the development of a novel six-degrees-of-freedom Robotic Spinal Surgical System that can assist surgeons in performing transpedicular surgery, one of the most common spinal surgeries. After optimization performed using Response Surface Methodology, the largest available workspace of the robot is determined and is found to easily cover the entire operation area. Cooperative control and navigation-based active control are implemented for different processes of the operation. We propose a hybrid control approach based on the speed and torque interface at the joint level. In this mode, the robot is compliant in Cartesian space, benefitting both the accuracy and efficiency of the operation. A comprehensive assessment index, combining the subjective and objective criteria in terms of positioning and operation efficiency, is proposed to compare the performance of cooperative control in speed mode, torque mode, and hybrid control mode. Active fine adjustment experiments are carried out to verify the positioning accuracy, and the results are found to satisfy the requirements of operation. As an application example, a pedicle screw insertion experiment is performed on a pig vertebral bone, demonstrating the effectiveness of our system.
Nasopharyngeal vs. adenoid cultures in children undergoing adenoidectomy: prevalence of bacterial pathogens, their interactions and risk factors
Authors: KORONA-GLOWNIAK I. , NIEDZIELSKI A. , KOSIKOWSKA U. , GRZEGORCZYK A. , MALM A.
Published: June 2014

Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis and Staphylococcus aureus colonization of the adenoids and nasopharynx in 103 preschool children who underwent adenoidectomy for recurrent upper respiratory tract infections was examined. Bacterial interactions and risk factors for bacterial colonization of the nasopharynx and adenoids, separately, were analysed statistically. The prevalence of simultaneous isolation from both anatomical sites was 45·6% for S. pneumoniae, 29·1% for H. influenzae, 15·5% for M. catarrhalis and 18·4% for S. aureus. Three pathogens were significantly more frequent together from adenoid samples; nasopharyngeal swabs more often yielded a single organism, but without statistical significance. M. catarrhalis and S. aureus significantly more frequently co-existed with S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae than with each other and a positive association of S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae in adenoid samples was evident. Several differences between risk factors for nasopharyngeal and adenoid colonization by the individual pathogens were observed. We conclude that the adenoids and nasopharynx appear to differ substantially in colonization by pathogenic microbes but occurrence of H. influenzae and S. pneumoniae in the nasopharynx could be predictive of upper respiratory tract infections.
Analysis of potential changes in seriousness of influenza A and B viruses in Hong Kong from 2001 to 2011
Authors: WONG J. Y. , WU P. , GOLDSTEIN E. , LAU E. H. Y. , IP D. K. M. , WU J. T. , COWLING B. J.
Published: June 2014

Continued monitoring of the seriousness of influenza viruses is a public health priority. We applied time-series regression models to data on cardio-respiratory mortality rates in Hong Kong from 2001 to 2011. We used surveillance data on outpatient consultations for influenza-like illness, and laboratory detections of influenza types/subtypes to construct proxy measures of influenza activity. In the model we allowed the regression coefficients for influenza to drift over time, and adjusted for temperature and humidity. The regression coefficient for influenza A(H3N2) increased significantly in 2005. The regression coefficients for influenza A(H1N1) and B were relatively stable over the period. Our model suggested an increase in seriousness of A(H3N2) in 2005, the year after the appearance of the A/Fujian/411/2002(H3N2)-like virus when the drifted A/California/7/2004(H3N2)-like virus appeared. Ongoing monitoring of mortality and influenza activity could permit identification of future changes in seriousness of influenza virus infections.
Psychopharmaka in der Hausarztpraxis
Authors: Zimmer Alexander
Published: June 2014

Der Artikel möchte einen Überblick über Psychopharmaka geben, die in einer Grundversorgerpraxis am besten zur Anwendung kommen. Der Autor empfiehlt als Rüstzeug für den Praxisalltag, sich mit einigen wenigen Medikamenten erster und zweiter Wahl vertraut zu machen. Deren Wirksamkeit, kurz- und langfristige Nebenwirkungen, Interaktionen mit anderen Medikamenten und das bei deren Anwendung notwendige Begleitmonitoring sollten gut bekannt sein.
Stürze im Alter
Authors: Heinimann Niklas B. , Kressig Reto W.
Published: June 2014

Stürze im Alter sind häufig und gehen mit erhöhter Mortalität und Morbidität einher. Neuere Konzepte stellen die Erfassung und Bekämpfung der intrinsischen Risikofaktoren in den Vordergrund. Muskelschwäche, Gangstörungen und Gleichgewichtsstörungen stellen die wichtigsten Risikofaktoren dar. Die Muskelschwäche (Sarkopenie) resultiert aus einer Dysbalance zwischen Proteinsynthese und -abbau und ist wahrscheinlich durch altersphysiologische Veränderungen im Proteinmetabolismus bedingt. Supplementäre Proteinanreicherung in Kombination mit Krafttraining zeigt die besten Effekte. Gang-und Gleichgewichtsprobleme resultieren aus altersbedingten respektive pathologischen Veränderungen in einem komplexen Kontrollsystem des Gangs. Das individuelle Sturzrisiko korreliert mit der Gangvariabilität und steigt zusätzlich in Dualtask-Situation (verminderter Automatisierungsgrad). Konzentrationsbeanspruchende körperliche Aktivitäten, die hohe Anforderungen an Körperbewusstsein und Körperkontrolle stellen, zeigen sich besonders effektiv in der Sturzreduktion (–50%).
Rezidivrisiko und postoperative Bandscheibendegeneration nach lumbaler Bandscheibenoperation – ist eine Anulus-Verschluss-Prothese die Lösung?
Authors: Gautschi Oliver P. , Corniola Marco V. , Schaller Karl
Published: June 2014

Die lumbale Diskushernie (LDH) ist ein Krankheitsbild mit hoher Prävalenz. Das grösste Risiko während des postoperativen Verlaufes ist das Risiko eines Diskushernienrezidivs mit einer Inzidenz, je nach Literaturangabe, von 1–18%. Aus der aktuellen Literatur geht hervor, dass ein grosser Anulus-Defekt und eine limitierte perioperative Bandscheibenfachausräumung zu einem erhöhten Risiko eines Diskushernienrezidivs führen. Im Gegensatz dazu ist eine grosszügige perioperative Ausräumung des Bandscheibenfachs mit einem beschleunigten postoperativen Verlust der Bandscheibenhöhe und damit mit einer zunehmenden Bandscheibendegeneration vergesellschaftet. Der Wirbelsäulenchirurg ist perioperativ bei jeder LDH-Operation mit dieser Problematik konfrontiert. Seit einiger Zeit wurden sogenannte Anulus-Verschluss-Produkte (engl. anular closure devices) mit dem Ziel entwickelt, das postoperative Rezidivrisiko zu senken. Die vorliegende Arbeit diskutiert anhand einer aktuellen Patientengeschichte die Position einer Anulus-Verschluss-Prothese in Bezug auf die Problematik Rezidivrisiko vs. postoperative Bandscheibendegeneration.
Endovascular Perforation Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Fails to Cause Morris Water Maze Deficits in the Mouse
Authors: Milner Eric , Holtzman Jacob C , Friess Stuart , Hartman Richard E , Brody David L , Han Byung H , Zipfel Gregory J
Published: June 2014

Cognitive dysfunction is the primary driver of poor long-term outcome in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) survivors; modeling such deficits preclinically is thus key for mechanistic and translational investigation. Although rat SAH causes long-term deficits in learning and memory, it remains unknown whether similar deficits are seen in the mouse, a species particularly amenable to powerful, targeted genetic manipulation. We thus subjected mice to endovascular perforation SAH and assessed long-term cognitive outcome via the Morris water maze (MWM), the most commonly used metric for rodent neurocognition. No significant differences in MWM performance (by either of two protocols) were seen in SAH versus sham mice. Moreover, SAH caused negligible hippocampal CA1 injury. These results undercut the potential of commonly used methods (of SAH induction and assessment of long-term neurocognitive outcome) for use in targeted molecular studies of SAH-induced cognitive deficits in the mouse.
Reliable Estimation of Capillary Transit Time Distributions Using DSC-MRI
Authors: Mouridsen Kim , Hansen Mikkel Bo , Østergaard Leif , Jespersen Sune Nørhøj
Published: June 2014

The regional availability of oxygen in brain tissue is traditionally inferred from the magnitude of cerebral blood flow ( CBF) and the concentration of oxygen in arterial blood. Measurements of CBF are therefore widely used in the localization of neuronal response to stimulation and in the evaluation of patients suspected of acute ischemic stroke or flow-limiting carotid stenosis. It was recently demonstrated that capillary transit time heterogeneity ( CTH) limits maximum oxygen extraction fraction ( OEFmax) that can be achieved for a given CBF. Here we present a statistical approach for determining CTH, mean transit time ( MTT), and CBF using dynamic susceptibility contrast magnetic resonance imaging (DSC-MRI). Using numerical simulations, we demonstrate that CTH, MTT, and OEFmax can be estimated with low bias and variance across a wide range of microvascular flow patterns, even at modest signal-to-noise ratios. Mean transit time estimated by singular value decomposition (SVD) deconvolution, however, is confounded by CTH. The proposed technique readily identifies malperfused tissue in acute stroke patients and appears to highlight information not detected by the standard SVD technique. We speculate that this technique permits the non-invasive detection of tissue with impaired oxygen delivery in neurologic disorders such as acute ischemic stroke and Alzheimer's disease during routine diagnostic imaging.
Laser light triggers increased Raman amplification in the regime of nonlinear Landau damping
Authors: Depierreux S. , Yahia V. , Goyon C. , Loisel G. , Masson-Laborde P. -E. , Borisenko N. , Orekhov A. , Rosmej O. , Rienecker T. , Labaune C.
Published: June 2014

Stimulated Raman backscattering (SRS) has many unwanted effects in megajoule-scale inertially confined fusion (ICF) plasmas. Moreover, attempts to harness SRS to amplify short laser pulses through backward Raman amplification have achieved limited success. In high-temperature fusion plasmas, SRS usually occurs in a kinetic regime where the nonlinear response of the Langmuir wave to the laser drive and its host of complicating factors make it difficult to predict the degree of amplification that can be achieved under given experimental conditions. Here we present experimental evidence of reduced Landau damping with increasing Langmuir wave amplitude and determine its effects on Raman amplification. The threshold for trapping effects to influence the amplification is shown to be very low. Above threshold, the complex SRS dynamics results in increased amplification factors, which partly explains previous ICF experiments. These insights could aid the development of more efficient backward Raman amplification schemes in this regime.
Effect of Mechanical Loads on Stability of Nanodomains in Ferroelectric Ultrathin Films: Towards Flexible Erasing of the Non-Volatile Memories
Authors: Chen W. J. , Zheng Yue , Xiong W. M. , Feng Xue , Wang Biao , Wang Ying
Published: June 2014

Intensive investigations have been drawn on nanoscale ferroelectrics for their prospective applications such as developing memory devices. In contrast with the commonly used electrical means to process (i.e., read, write or erase) the information carried by ferroelectric domains, at present, mechanisms of non-electrical processing ferroelectric domains are relatively lacking. Here we make a systematical investigation on the stability of 180° cylindrical domains in ferroelectric nanofilms subjected to macroscopic mechanical loads and explore the possibility of mechanical erasing. Effects of domain size, film thickness, temperature and different mechanical loads, including uniform strain, cylindrical bending and wavy bending, have been revealed. It is found that the stability of a cylindrical domain depends on its radius, temperature and film thickness. More importantly, mechanical loads have great controllability on the stability of cylindrical domains, with the critical radius nonlinearly sensitive to both strain and strain gradient. This indicates that erasing cylindrical domain can be achieved by changing the strain state of nanofilm. Based on the calculated phase diagrams, we successfully simulate several mechanical erasing processes on 4 × 4 bits memory devices. Our study sheds light on prospective device applications of ferroelectrics involving mechanical loads, such as flexible memory devices and other micro-electromechanical systems.
Evolution of eukaryotic single-stranded DNA viruses of the Bidnaviridae family from genes of four other groups of widely different viruses
Authors: Krupovic Mart , Koonin Eugene V.
Published: June 2014

Single-stranded (ss)DNA viruses are extremely widespread, infect diverse hosts from all three domains of life and include important pathogens. Most ssDNA viruses possess small genomes that replicate by the rolling-circle-like mechanism initiated by a distinct virus-encoded endonuclease. However, viruses of the family Bidnaviridae, instead of the endonuclease, encode a protein-primed type B DNA polymerase (PolB) and hence break this pattern. We investigated the provenance of all bidnavirus genes and uncover an unexpected turbulent evolutionary history of these unique viruses. Our analysis strongly suggests that bidnaviruses evolved from a parvovirus ancestor from which they inherit a jelly-roll capsid protein and a superfamily 3 helicase. The radiation of bidnaviruses from parvoviruses was probably triggered by integration of the ancestral parvovirus genome into a large virus-derived DNA transposon of the Polinton (polintovirus) family resulting in the acquisition of the polintovirus PolB gene along with terminal inverted repeats. Bidnavirus genes for a receptor-binding protein and a potential novel antiviral defense modulator are derived from dsRNA viruses (Reoviridae) and dsDNA viruses (Baculoviridae), respectively. The unusual evolutionary history of bidnaviruses emphasizes the key role of horizontal gene transfer, sometimes between viruses with completely different genomes but occupying the same niche, in the emergence of new viral types.
Soft Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications
Authors:   Royal Society of Chemistry
Published: June 2014

Nanoparticles are attractive for many biomedical applications such as imaging, therapeutics and diagnostics. This new book looks at different soft nanoparticles and their current and potential uses in medicine and health including magnetoliposomes, micro/nanogels, polymeric micelles, DNA particles, dendrimers and bicelles.

Each chapter provides a description of the synthesis of the particles and focus on the techniques used to characterize the size, shape, surface charge, internal structure, and surface microstructure of the nanoparticles together with modeling and simulation methods. By giving a strong physical-chemical approach to the topic, readers will gain a good background into the subject and an overview of recent developments.

The multidisciplinary point of view makes the book suitable for postgraduate students and researchers in physics, chemistry, and biology interested in soft matter and its uses.
Introductory Aspects of Soft Nanoparticles
Authors: Estelrich Joan , Quesada-Pérez Manuel , Forcada Jacqueline , Callejas-Fernández José
Published: June 2014

The aim of this introductory chapter is to present an overview of the book to potential readers. Its four sections summarize the aim of the Editors when the book was planned: to show that research on soft nanoparticles for biomedical applications is a multidisciplinary field where biology, medicine, pharmacy, chemistry and physics meet. In particular, special attention is paid to future improvements in research on nanoparticles that may come from colloidal science and simulation techniques.
Determination of tulathromycin in swine tissues by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Bladek Tomasz , Posyniak Andrzej , Zmudzki Jan
Published: June 2014

A liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for determination of tulathromycin in swine tissues has been developed.
Synthesis of cholic acid-core poly(ε-caprolactone-ran-lactide)-b-poly(ethylene glycol) 1000 random copolymer as a chemotherapeutic nanocarrier for liver cancer treatment
Authors: Tao Wei , Zeng Xiaowei , Zhang Jinxie , Zhu Huijun , Chang Danfeng , Zhang Xudong , Gao Yongfeng , Tang Jiao , Huang Laiqiang , Mei Lin
Published: June 2014

DTX-loaded CA-(PCL-ran-PLA)-b-PEG1kNPs were prepared and shown great potential as drug delivery nanocarriers for cancer therapy.
Automated synthesis of backbone protected peptides
Authors: Abdel-Aal Abu-Baker M. , Papageorgiou George , Quibell Martin , Offer John
Published: June 2014

The automated introduction of removable substitution along a peptide backbone prevents chain-association and synthesis failure.
Reporting transient molecular events by DNA strand displacement
Authors: Liu Zhiyu , Mao Chengde
Published: June 2014

Transient formation of DNA triplexes was reported by coupling with a permanent strand displacement reaction.
Self-assembled capsules based on tetrafunctionalized calix[4]resorcinarene cavitands
Authors: Kobayashi Kenji , Yamanaka Masamichi
Published: June 2014

The hemispherical structures of calix[4]resorcinarene cavitands are suitable for forming capsular assemblies with guest encapsulations through various intermolecular interactions.
Highly efficient degradation of dye pollutants by Ce-doped MoO3 catalyst at room temperature
Authors: Jin Yujian , Li Na , Liu Haiqiu , Hua Xia , Zhang Qiuying , Chen Mindong , Teng Fei
Published: June 2014

A novel energy-saving degradation reaction for dye pollutants over Ce-doped MoO3 catalyst.
Mercury and lead blood concentrations in pregnant women from 10 caribbean countries
Authors: Forde Martin S. , Dewailly Eric , Robertson Lyndon , Laouan Sidi Elhadji A. , Côté Suzanne , Sandy Lisa , Dumas Pierre , Ayotte Pierre
Published: June 2014

This paper describes for the first time the levels of mercury and lead in pregnant women from 10 caribbean countries.
Prediction analysis of effluent removal in a septic sludge treatment plant: a biomimetics engineering approach
Authors: Chun Ting Sie , Malek M. A. , Ismail Amelia Ritahani
Published: June 2014

Effluent discharge from septic tanks is affecting the environment in developing countries.
Evaluating water miscible deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and ionic liquids as potential lubricants
Authors: Abbott Andrew P. , Ahmed Essa I. , Harris Robert C. , Ryder Karl S.
Published: June 2014

Water miscible ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents have useful properties that make them suitable for lubricants especially in marine environments.
Inhibitors of the human neuraminidase enzymes
Authors: Cairo Christopher W.
Published: June 2014

A review of known small molecule inhibitors and substrates of the human neuraminidase enzymes.
Enhanced optical output power of InGaN/GaN vertical light-emitting diodes by ZnO nanorods on plasma-treated N-face GaN
Authors: Leem Young-Chul , Kim Na-Yeong , Lim Wantae , Kim Sung-Tae , Park Seong-Ju
Published: June 2014

The fabrication of high density inclined ZnO nanorods (NRs) on the N-face GaN surface of vertical light-emitting diodes (VLEDs) is demonstrated based on oxygen plasma pretreatment and hydrothermal growth.
Solution processed polydimethylsiloxane/gold nanostar flexible substrates for plasmonic sensing
Authors: Shiohara Amane , Langer Judith , Polavarapu Lakshminarayana , Liz-Marzán Luis M.
Published: June 2014

Au nanostar/PDMS flexible substrates were applied for SERS-based detection of pesticide molecules on fruit skin.
Monitoring and inhibition of Plk1: amphiphilic porphyrin conjugated Plk1 specific peptides for its imaging and anti-tumor function
Authors: Li Hongguang , Chan Chi-Fai , Chan Wai-Lun , Lear Sam , Cobb Steven L. , Mak Nai-Ki , Lau Terrence Chi-Kong , Lan Rongfeng , Wong Wai-Kwok , Wong Ka-Leung
Published: June 2014

Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) is well-known for taking part in cell cycle progression and regulation.
Tunable near-infrared emission of binary nano- and mesoscale GUMBOS
Authors: Jordan Atiya N. , Siraj Noureen , Das Susmita , Warner Isiah M.
Published: June 2014

Mixtures of GUMBOS were used to form binary nanomaterials with tunable emission spectra due to Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET).
Bioactive compounds derived from echinoderms
Authors: Gomes Ana R. , Freitas Ana C. , Rocha-Santos Teresa A. P. , Duarte Armando C.
Published: June 2014

This is the first review paper devoted exclusively to natural compounds isolated from echinoderms with special emphasis on bioactive compounds.
Synthesis and characterization of Mn-based composite oxides with enhanced electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction
Authors: Xu Yin , Jiang Haochen , Li Xiaoxiao , Xiao Han , Xiao Wei , Wu Tian
Published: June 2014

Porous cubic spinel Mn1.5Co1.5O4 with onion-like core–shell microstructure were prepared, which showed enhanced electrocatalytic activity towards oxygen reduction.
Highly active porous scaffolds of collagen and hyaluronic acid prepared by suppression of polyion complex formation
Authors: Chen Shangwu , Zhang Qin , Nakamoto Tomoko , Kawazoe Naoki , Chen Guoping
Published: June 2014

A polyion complex between collagen and hyaluronic acid can be suppressed using low MW salts to prepare highly active porous scaffolds.
Ultrahigh transmission optical nanofibers
Authors: Hoffman J. E. , Ravets S. , Grover J. A. , Solano P. , Kordell P. R. , Wong-Campos J. D. , Orozco L. A. , Rolston S. L.
Published: June 2014

We present a procedure for reproducibly fabricating ultrahigh transmission optical nanofibers (530 nm diameter and 84 mm stretch) with single-mode transmissions of 99.95 ± 0.02%, which represents a loss from tapering of 2.6  ×  10−5 dB/mm when normalized to the entire stretch. When controllably launching the next family of higher-order modes on a fiber with 195 mm stretch, we achieve a transmission of 97.8 ± 2.8%, which has a loss from tapering of 5.0  ×  10−4 dB/mm when normalized to the entire stretch. Our pulling and transfer procedures allow us to fabricate optical nanofibers that transmit more than 400 mW in high vacuum conditions. These results, published as parameters in our previous work, present an improvement of two orders of magnitude less loss for the fundamental mode and an increase in transmission of more than 300% for higher-order modes, when following the protocols detailed in this paper. We extract from the transmission during the pull, the only reported spectrogram of a fundamental mode launch that does not include excitation to asymmetric modes; in stark contrast to a pull in which our cleaning protocol is not followed. These results depend critically on the pre-pull cleanliness and when properly following our pulling protocols are in excellent agreement with simulations.
Probes for investigating the effect of magnetic field, field orientation, temperature and strain on the critical current density of anisotropic high-temperature superconducting tapes in a split-pair 15 T horizontal magnet
Authors: Sunwong P. , Higgins J. S. , Hampshire D. P.
Published: June 2014

We present the designs of probes for making critical current density (Jc) measurements on anisotropic high-temperature superconducting tapes as a function of field, field orientation, temperature and strain in our 40 mm bore, split-pair 15 T horizontal magnet. Emphasis is placed on the design of three components: the vapour-cooled current leads, the variable temperature enclosure, and the springboard-shaped bending beam sample holder. The vapour-cooled brass critical-current leads used superconducting tapes and in operation ran hot with a duty cycle (D) of ∼0.2. This work provides formulae for optimising cryogenic consumption and calculating cryogenic boil-off, associated with current leads used to make Jc measurements, made by uniformly ramping the current up to a maximum current (Imax) and then reducing the current very quickly to zero. They include consideration of the effects of duty cycle, static helium boil-off from the magnet and Dewar (b′), and the maximum safe temperature for the critical-current leads (Tmax). Our optimized critical-current leads have a boil-off that is about 30% less than leads optimized for magnet operation at the same maximum current. Numerical calculations show that the optimum cross-sectional area (A) for each current lead can be parameterized by $LI_{{\rm max}} /A = [1.46D^{ - 0.18} L^{0.4} (T_{\max } - 300)^{0.25D^{ - 0.09} } + 750(b^\prime /I_{\max })D^{10^{ - 3} I_{\max } - 2.87b^\prime }] \times 10^6 {\rm A}\,{\rm m}^{ - {\rm 1}}$LI max /A=[1.46D−0.18L0.4(Tmax−300)0.25D−0.09+750(b′/Imax)D10−3Imax−2.87b′]×106Am−1 where L is the current lead's length and the current lead is operated in liquid helium. An optimum A of 132 mm2 is obtained when Imax = 1000 A, Tmax = 400 K, D = 0.2, b′ = 0.3 l h−1 and L = 1.0 m. The optimized helium consumption was found to be 0.7 l h−1. When the static boil-off is small, optimized leads have a boil-off that can be roughly parameterized by: b/Imax  ≈ (1.35 × 10−3)D0.41 l h‑1 A−1. A split-current-lead design is employed to minimize the rotation of the probes during the high current measurements in our high-field horizontal magnet. The variable-temperature system is based on the use of an inverted insulating cup that operates above 4.2 K in liquid helium and above 77.4 K in liquid nitrogen, with a stability of ±80 mK to ±150 mK. Uniaxial strains of −1.4% to 1.0% can be applied to the sample, with a total uncertainty of better than ±0.02%, using a modified bending beam apparatus which includes a copper beryllium springboard-shaped sample holder.
Dielectric function of Si1−xGex films grown on silicon-on-insulator substrates
Authors: Park In-Sung , Chan Jung Yong , Ahn Jinho , Shim Tae-Hun , Lee Du-Yeong , Park Jea-Gun
Published: June 2014

The dielectric functions of undoped and P-doped Si1−xGex (SiGe) films with a compressive strain on silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrates are obtained by using spectroscopic ellipsometry. The respective Kato–Adachi and Tauc–Lorentz models are best fitted to the undoped and P-doped SiGe films to obtain their complex dielectric functions. The undoped SiGe films are characterized by multimodal peaks in the dielectric function, whereas the P-doped SiGe films exhibit only a broad peak. Further, the E0 and E1 critical points (CPs) of the undoped SiGe films are strongly dependent on the Ge concentration, whereas the E2 CPs are independent of concentration. The E0 and E2 CPs in the undoped SiGe films on an SOI substrate are lower than those of SiGe on a bulk-Si substrate owing to the higher strain. For P doping in SiGe, its dose causes non-monotonic variations in Eg and E0.