bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple origins for the DLA at zabs = 0.313 toward PKS 1127–145 indicated by a complex dust depletion pattern of Ca, Ti, and Mn
Authors: Guber C. R. , Richter P. , Wendt M.
Published: September 2017

Aims. We aim to investigate the dust depletion properties of optically thick gas in and around galaxies and its origin we study in detail the dust depletion patterns of Ti, Mn, and Ca in the multi-component damped Lymanα (DLA) absorber at zabs = 0.313 toward the quasar PKS 1127−145.

Methods. We performed a detailed spectral analysis of the absorption profiles of Ca ii, Mn ii, Ti ii, and Na i associated with the DLA toward PKS 1127−145, based on optical high-resolution data obtained with the UVES instrument at the Very Large Telescope. We obtained column densities and Doppler-parameters for the ions listed above and determine their gas-phase abundances, from which we conclude on their dust depletion properties. We compared the Ca and Ti depletion properties of this DLA with that of other DLAs.

Results. One of the six analyzed absorption components (component 3) shows a striking underabundance of Ti and Mn in the gas-phase, indicating the effect of dust depletion for these elements and a locally enhanced dust-to-gas ratio. In this DLA and in other similar absorbers, the Mn ii abundance follows that of Ti ii very closely, implying that both ions are equally sensitive to the dust depletion effects.

Conclusions. Our analysis indicates that the DLA toward PKS 1127−145 has multiple origins. With its narrow line width and its strong dust depletion, component 3 points toward the presence of a neutral gas disk from a faint LSB galaxy in front of PKS 1127−145, while the other, more diffuse and dust-poor, absorption components possibly are related to tidal gas features from the interaction between the various, optically confirmed galaxy-group members. In general, the Mn/Ca ii ratio in sub-DLAs and DLAs possibly serves as an important indicator to discriminate between dust-rich and dust-poor in neutral gas in and around galaxies.
Organinteraktionen: Herz und Niere
Authors: Salleck Daniel , John Stefan
Published: September 2017

The interactions between heart and kidney are various and of clinical relevance. Worsening of one organ often influences the function of the other. With NYHA and KDIGO we have classification systems for heart and kidney failure and those should be used for cardiorenal systems as well. Furthermore there is a useful classification system for cardiorenal syndromes itself. Cardiorenal syndrome is a complex illness which should be treated by interdisciplinary medical teams. A key roll in pathophysiology is the renin-angiotensin-aldosteron-system (RAAS). It's activation is followed by an increased salt and water retention as well as increased systemic an renal vasoconstriction leading to hypervolaemia an left ventricular hyperthrophy. General recommendations for the prevention of cardiovascular disease are good for the prevention of cardiorenal syndromes as well. RAAS-blockers should be used to stop cardial remodelling. A good regulation of hypertension and diabetes is important. Most important is a balanced intravasal volume. With volume overload negative balances can improve renal perfusion and therefor renal function. The furosemide stress test is a good cinical tool to check wether there is appropriate urine excretion and if volume overload can be treated by loop diuretics. Preload reduction can reduce cardiac output ahd renal function can be worsened especially in the beginning of overload-reduction. This may be acceptable.
IgG4-assoziierte Erkrankungen und Autoimmunpankreatitis
Authors: Backhus Johanna , Seufferlein Thomas , Kleger Alexander
Published: September 2017

Der Begriff IgG4-assoziierte Erkrankung bezeichnet eine chronisch inflammatorische Systemerkrankung, die aufgrund ihres variablen klinischen Verlaufs über viele Jahre hinweg einzelnen Organsystemen zugeschrieben wurde. Die Autoimmunpankreatitis stellt die am besten charakterisierte Organmanifestation einer IgG4-assoziierten Erkrankung dar. Makroskopisch zeichnet sich die facettenreiche Erkrankung entweder durch eine diffuse Organschwellung oder durch Ausbildung pseudotumoröser Raumforderungen aus. Das histopathologische Korrelat ist ein lymphoplasmazelluläres Infiltrat mit IgG4+-Plasmazellen, das über einen komplexen autoimmunvermittelten Prozess letztlich zu den histologischen Stigmata storiforme Fibrose und obliterierende Phlebitis führt. Die Pathogenese der IgG4-assoziierten Erkrankung ist noch nicht vollständig geklärt, eine zentrale Rolle der IgG4+-Plasmazellen zeichnet sich ab. Als Therapie der Wahl zur Remissionsinduktion, aber auch zur Erhaltungstherapie haben sich Glukokortikoide etabliert. Biologika wie der Anti-CD20-Antikörper Rituximab rücken vor allem bei steroidrefraktären Verläufen und steroidassoziierten Nebenwirkung immer mehr in den Mittelpunkt. Eine unzureichende Therapie kann beim Fortschreiten der Erkrankung zum Funktionsverlust der betroffenen Organe führen.
Standards in der klinischen Medizin
Authors: Miljak Tomislav , Zaar Peter
Published: September 2017

Standard operating procedures (SOP) in hospital care have the potential to improve treatment quality and transparency. However, after arriving at the decision to generate a SOP for the own hospital or ward, the upcoming question is often, how to start?

The present article tries to give some interdisciplinary guidance about reasonable structures and contents of SOPs that could be understood as a basic matrix for individual work.
Critical illness-Polyneuropathie?
Authors: Dafotakis Manuel , Litmathe Jens
Published: September 2017

Die 63-jährige Patientin wurde nach einem prolongierten Weaning (insgesamt 3 Monate) nach kardiogenem Schock im Rahmen eines Vorderwandinfarktes und anschließendem schwerem Lungenversagen (ARDS) nach diffuser pulmonaler Blutung mit thrombotischer Totalatelektase links und Teilatelektase rechts und mehrfachen Pneumonien sowie spontanem Pneumothorax links dem neurologischen Konsiliarius aufgrund einer Minderbewegung der Beine rechts >links mit der Frage nach einer CIP/CIM vorgestellt.
Besonderheiten der Arzneimitteltherapie bei Niereninsuffizienz
Authors: Nieber Karen
Published: September 2017

Vielen Fragen zur geschlechtsspezifischen Anwendung von Pharmaka bei Patienten mit Niereninsuffizienz sind noch nicht beantwortet. Es gibt
einige wesentliche biologische Unterschiede zwischen Mann und Frau in Bezug auf die Nierengesundheit. Insbesondere bei älteren Frauen macht
sich die geringere Filterleistung der Nieren bemerkbar. Wenn Medikamente z. B. gegen Bluthochdruck, Herzinsuffizienz oder bei Auftreten
eines Diabetes mellitus in gleicher Dosierung für beide Geschlechter verabreicht werden, kann dies für diese Patientinnen negative Folgen
haben. In jedem Fall sollte bei Frauen ab 70 Jahren die Dosis von Medikamenten, die bevorzugt über die Nieren ausgeschieden werden,
überprüft und ggf. reduziert werden. So kann nicht nur das insgesamt bei Frauen erhöhte Risiko unerwünschter Arzneimittelwirkungen reduziert
werden, sondern auch geschlechtsspezifischen Unterschieden im Ansprechen auf eine Pharmakotherapie Rechnung getragen werden. Mit Ausnahme
der Kardiologie gibt es allerdings keine in den internationalen Leitlinien verankerten geschlechtsspezifischen Aspekte in der
Arzneimitteltherapie.
1500 Euro Preisgeld
Authors: Köhler Franka
Published: September 2017

Im Jahr 2018 werden die AfnP e. V. und die Dialyse aktuell zum zwölften Mal den
Förderpreis Nephrologische Pflege vergeben. Das Preisgeld von 1500 Euro stiftet
der Georg Thieme Verlag.
Kosten endoskopischer Leistungen der Gastroenterologie im deutschen DRG-System – 5-Jahres-Kostendatenanalyse des DGVS-Projekts
Authors: Rathmayer Markus , Heinlein Wolfgang , Reiß Claudia , Albert Jörg , Akoglu Bora , Braun Martin , Brechmann Thorsten , Gölder Stefan , Lankisch Tim , Messmann Helmut , Schneider Arne , Wagner Martin , Dollhopf Markus , Gundling Felix , Röhling Michael , Haag Cornelie , Dohle Ines , Werner Sven , Lammert Frank , Fleßa Steffen , Wilke Michael , Schepp Wolfgang , Lerch Markus ,   für die DRG-Projektgruppe der DGVS
Published: September 2017

Hintergrund In der Abrechnungssystematik der deutschen Krankenhäuser (G-DRG-System) sind endoskopische Leistungen in der Kostenstellengruppe 8 gesondert ausgewiesen. Für die interne Leistungsverrechnung oder die Erstattung externer Anbieter werden häufig noch wenig aktuelle oder unvollständige Kataloge wie DKG-NT oder GOÄ verwendet. Wir haben die Kosten endoskopischer Leistungen im DRG-System ermittelt.

Methodik Zur Erfassung endoskopischer Leistungen wurden der DGVS von 74 Kalkulationskrankenhäusern des Instituts für das Entgeltsystem im Krankenhaus (InEK) die kompletten gastroenterologischen Kostendatensätze (2011 – 2015; § 21 KHEntgG) anonymisiert überlassen (4873 809 Falldatensätze). Aus Fällen mit nur genau einer Endoskopie (n = 274 186) wurden die mittleren Kosten für 46 endoskopische Leistungsgruppen aus 5 Jahren ermittelt.

Ergebnisse Es wurden belastbare Kostenwerte errechnet mit einer Spanne, die von 230,56 € für die Gastroskopie (n = 144 666), über die einfache Koloskopie (276,23 €, n = 32 294) bis zur ERCP mit Papillotomie und Kunststoffstenteinlage (844,07 €, n = 10 150) oder zur ERCP mit Einlage eines selbstexpandierenden Metallgitterstents (1602,37 €, n = 967) reichte. Höhere Kosten für Universitätsklinika fanden sich vor allem bei komplexen Leistungen.

Diskussion Der Kostenkatalog endoskopischer Leistungen, der anhand der § 21 KHEntgG Datensätze von 74 Kalkulationskrankenhäusern des InEK errechnet wurde, erlaubt erstmals eine Abschätzung von realen Endoskopiekosten im Krankenhaus. Die höheren Kosten in Universitätsklinika sind am ehesten durch einen „referral bias“ für komplexe Fälle und Eingriffe im Nacht- und Notdienst zu erklären. Für 46 endoskopische Leistungsgruppen ist jetzt eine sachgerechtere Zuordnung der Kosten im DRG-System möglich. Im internationalen Vergleich sind die Kosten der Endoskopie in deutschen Krankenhäusern niedrig, was entweder in höherer Effizienz, geringerer Personalausstattung oder unvollständiger Kostendokumentation begründet ist.
Fluctuation theorem: A critical review
Authors: Malek Mansour M. , Baras F.
Published: September 2017

Fluctuation theorem for entropy production is revisited in the framework of stochastic processes. The applicability of the fluctuation theorem to physico-chemical systems and the resulting stochastic thermodynamics were analyzed. Some unexpected limitations are highlighted in the context of jump Markov processes. We have shown that these limitations handicap the ability of the resulting stochastic thermodynamics to correctly describe the state of non-equilibrium systems in terms of the thermodynamic properties of individual processes therein. Finally, we considered the case of diffusion processes and proved that the fluctuation theorem for entropy production becomes irrelevant at the stationary state in the case of one variable systems.
Modeling the mechanism of CLN025 beta-hairpin formation
Authors: McKiernan Keri A. , Husic Brooke E. , Pande Vijay S.
Published: September 2017

Beta-hairpins are substructures found in proteins that can lend insight into more complex systems. Furthermore, the folding of beta-hairpins is a valuable test case for benchmarking experimental and theoretical methods. Here, we simulate the folding of CLN025, a miniprotein with a beta-hairpin structure, at its experimental melting temperature using a range of state-of-the-art protein force fields. We construct Markov state models in order to examine the thermodynamics, kinetics, mechanism, and rate-determining step of folding. Mechanistically, we find the folding process is rate-limited by the formation of the turn region hydrogen bonds, which occurs following the downhill hydrophobic collapse of the extended denatured protein. These results are presented in the context of established and contradictory theories of the beta-hairpin folding process. Furthermore, our analysis suggests that the AMBER-FB15 force field, at this temperature, best describes the characteristics of the full experimental CLN025 conformational ensemble, while the AMBER ff99SB-ILDN and CHARMM22* force fields display a tendency to overstabilize the native state.
Mechanisms and rates of nucleation of amyloid fibrils
Authors: Lee Cheng-Tai , Terentjev Eugene M.
Published: September 2017

The classical nucleation theory finds the rate of nucleation proportional to the monomer concentration raised to the power, which is the “critical nucleus size,” nc. The implicit assumption, that amyloids nucleate in the same way, has been recently challenged by an alternative two-step mechanism, when the soluble monomers first form a metastable aggregate (micelle) and then undergo conversion into the conformation rich in β-strands that are able to form a stable growing nucleus for the protofilament. Here we put together the elements of extensive knowledge about aggregation and nucleation kinetics, using a specific case of Aβ1–42 amyloidogenic peptide for illustration, to find theoretical expressions for the effective rate of amyloid nucleation. We find that at low monomer concentrations in solution and also at low interaction energy between two peptide conformations in the micelle, the nucleation occurs via the classical route. At higher monomer concentrations, and a range of other interaction parameters between peptides, the two-step “aggregation-conversion” mechanism of nucleation takes over. In this regime, the effective rate of the process can be interpreted as a power of monomer concentration in a certain range of parameters; however, the exponent is determined by a complicated interplay of interaction parameters and is not related to the minimum size of the growing nucleus (which we find to be ∼7-8 for Aβ1–42).
Analysis of the flow property of aluminum alloy AA6016 based on the fracture morphology using the hydroforming technology
Authors: Lang Lihui , Zhang Quanda , Sun Zhiying , Wang Yao
Published: September 2017

In this paper, the hydraulic bulging experiments were respectively carried out using AA6016-T4 aluminum alloy and AA6016-O aluminum alloy, and the deformation properties and fracture mechanism of aluminum alloy under the conditions of thermal and hydraulic were analyzed. Firstly, the aluminum alloy AA6016 was dealt with two kinds of heat treatment systems such as solid solution heat treatment adding natural ageing and full annealing, then the aluminum alloy such as AA6016-T4 and AA6016-O were obtained. In the same working environment, the two kinds of materials were used in the process of hydraulic bulging experiments, according to the observation and measurement of the deformation sizes of grid circles and material thicknesses near the fracture region, the flow properties and development trend of fracture defect of the materials were analyzed comprehensively from the perspective of qualitative analysis and quantitative analysis; Secondly, the two kinds of materials were sampled in different regions of the fracture area and the microstructure morphology of the fracture was observed by the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The influence laws of the heat treatment systems on the fracture defect of the aluminum alloy under the condition of the liquid pressure were studied preliminarily by observing the distribution characteristics of the fracture microstructure morphology of dimple. At the same time, the experimental research on the ordinary stamping forming process of AA6016-O was carried out and the influence law of different forming process on the fracture defect of the aluminum alloy material was studied by observing the distribution of the fracture microstructure morphology; Finally, the development process of the fracture defect of aluminum alloy sheet was described theoretically from the view of the stress state.
Lifetime advantage and failure mechanism of a metal-ferroelectric cathode
Authors: Wu Ping , Sun Jun , Yang Zhanfeng , Huo Shaofei , Liu Wenyuan
Published: September 2017

The lifetime of explosive emission cathodes is important for high power microwave generators operating in the repetitive regime. For normal metallic cathodes, micropoints on the cathode surface with large field enhancement factors may be gradually consumed in explosive electron emission, which will lead to a limited lifetime. In this paper, a metal-ferroelectric cathode made of stainless steel and BaTiO3 is manufactured. Under voltage close to 1 MV and current near 10 kA, this cathode presents a much longer lifetime than the normal stainless steel cathode, demonstrating the lifetime advantage of the metal-ferroelectric cathode. Nevertheless, in the lifetime experiment of 1.28 × 105 pulses, this metal-ferroelectric cathode also presents obvious lifetime phenomena, one of which is the microwave duration generated by a relativistic backward wave oscillator decreasing from 27 ns to 19 ns. Observation of the cathode surface morphology shows that the emission property deterioration of the metal-ferroelectric cathode may originate from severe ablation of the ferroelectric ceramic layer, which leads to shortening of the ceramic layer relative to the metallic layer. Therefore, choosing the metallic material properly and decreasing the blade thickness of the metallic layer moderately may suppress the relative shortening of the ceramic layer and thus can further lengthen the lifetime of the metal-ferroelectric cathode.
A potential model for sodium chloride solutions based on the TIP4P/2005 water model
Authors: Benavides A. L. , Portillo M. A. , Chamorro V. C. , Espinosa J. R. , Abascal J. L. F. , Vega C.
Published: September 2017

Despite considerable efforts over more than two decades, our knowledge of the interactions in electrolyte solutions is not yet satisfactory. Not even one of the most simple and important aqueous solutions, NaCl(aq), escapes this assertion. A requisite for the development of a force field for any water solution is the availability of a good model for water. Despite the fact that TIP4P/2005 seems to fulfill the requirement, little work has been devoted to build a force field based on TIP4P/2005. In this work, we try to fill this gap for NaCl(aq). After unsuccessful attempts to produce accurate predictions for a wide range of properties using unity ionic charges, we decided to follow recent suggestions indicating that the charges should be scaled in the ionic solution. In this way, we have been able to develop a satisfactory non-polarizable force field for NaCl(aq). We evaluate a number of thermodynamic properties of the solution (equation of state, maximum in density, enthalpies of solution, activity coefficients, radial distribution functions, solubility, surface tension, diffusion coefficients, and viscosity). Overall the results for the solution are very good. An important achievement of our model is that it also accounts for the dynamical properties of the solution, a test for which the force fields so far proposed failed. The same is true for the solubility and for the maximum in density where the model describes the experimental results almost quantitatively. The price to pay is that the model is not so good at describing NaCl in the solid phase, although the results for several properties (density and melting temperature) are still acceptable. We conclude that the scaling of the charges improves the overall description of NaCl aqueous solutions when the polarization is not included.
New radiographic image processing tested on the simple and double-flux platform at OMEGA
Authors: Poujade Olivier , Ferri Michel , Geoffray Isabelle
Published: September 2017

Ablation fronts and shocks are two radiative/hydrodynamic features ubiquitous in inertial confinement fusion (ICF). A specially designed shock-tube experiment was tested on the OMEGA laser facility to observe that these two features evolve at once and to assess thermodynamical and radiative properties. It is a basic science experiment aimed at improving our understanding of shocked and ablated matter which is critical to ICF design. At all time, these two moving “interfaces” separate the tube into three distinct zones where matter is ablated, shocked, or unshocked. The simple-flux or double-flux experiments, respectively, one or two halfraum-plus-tube, have been thought up to observe and image these zones using x-ray and visible image diagnostic. The possibility of observing all three regions at once was instrumental in our new radiographic image processing used to remove the backlighter background otherwise detrimental to quantitative measurements. By so doing, after processing the radiographic images of the 15 shots accumulated during the 2013 and 2015 campaigns, a quantitative comparison between experiments and our radiative hydrocode simulations was made possible. One point of the principal Hugoniot of the aerogel used as a light material in the shock-tube was inferred from that comparison. Most surprisingly, rapid variations of relative-transmission in the ablated region were observed during radiographic irradiations while it remained constant in the shocked region. This effect might be attributed to the spectral distribution variability of the backlighter during the radiographic pulse. Numerically, that distribution is strongly dependent upon NLTE models and it could potentially be used as a means to discriminate among them.
Asymmetrically coupled resonators for mass sensing
Authors: Marquez S. , Alvarez M. , Plaza J. A. , Villanueva L. G. , Dominguez C. , Lechuga L. M.
Published: September 2017

Mechanically coupled resonators have been applied in the last years to the development of nanomechanical mass-sensors based on the detection of the different vibration modes of the system by measuring on a single resonator. Their sensitivity and capability for detecting multiple analytes strongly depends on the design and coupling strength between the mechanically coupled resonators in an array format. We present a theoretical and experimental study of the behavior of an asymmetrically coupled array of four different resonators. These doubly clamped beam resonators are elastically coupled by an overhang region of varying length along the transversal axis of the array. The results show that parameters such as the gap between microbeams and the overhang length affect the coupling strength, tuning the system from highly disordered and highly localized (weak coupling) to highly delocalized (strong coupling). In the strong coupling and partially localized case, the distances between resonant peaks are larger, reaching higher eigenfrequency values. In this case, relative changes in a specific eigenstate, due to an added mass, can be markedly large due to the energy distribution over a single microbeam. A strong coupling also facilitates performing the detection on the relative frequency shift mode, which can usually be resolved with better precision than the amplitude changes.
Fabricating Core-Shell WC@C/Pt Structures and its Enhanced Performance for Methanol Electrooxidation
Authors: Chen Zhao-yang , Duan Long-fa , Chu You-qun , Sheng Jiang-feng , Lin Wen-feng , Ma Chun-an
Published: September 2017

The spray-dried spheres within a W/Pt multi-separation can be used to prepare discrete core-shell WC@C/Pt catalysts through a typical carburization production mechanism at 800 °C. In contrast with previous studies of the WC/Pt synthesis, the reaction observed here proceeds through an indirect annealing mechanism at 600 °C wherein species diffuse, thereby resulting in core-shell structure, and Pt nanoparticles were successfully dispersed in size/shape and randomly scattered across the in situ produced C spheres. Through direct carburization or at higher initial hydrochloroplatinic acid concentrations, however, complete reaction with core-shell spheres was not observed. Indirect carburization reduces the strain felt by the bonds featuring the larger WC particles and allows the motion of carbon around WC and Pt nanoparticles to be reserved, influencing the electrocatalytic performance and stability toward methanol oxidation.
Binding Mechanism and Molecular Design of Benzimidazole/Benzothiazole Derivatives as Potent Abl T315I Mutant Inhibitors
Authors: Lin Wei-cong , Tan She-pei , Zhou Sheng-fu , Zheng Xiao-jie , Wu Wen-juan , Zheng Kang-cheng
Published: September 2017

Despite the efficacy of imatinib therapy in chronic myelogenous leukemia, the development of drug-resistant Abl mutants, especially the most difficult overcoming T315I mutant, makes the search for new Abl T315I inhibitors a very interesting challenge in medicinal chemistry. In this work, a multistep computational framework combining the three dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR), molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and binding free energy calculation, was performed to explore the structural requirements for the Abl T315I activities of benzimidazole/benzothiazole derivatives and the binding mechanism between the inhibitors and Abl T315I. The established 3D-QSAR models exhibited satisfactory internal and external predictability. Docking study elucidated the comformations of compounds and the key amino acid residues at the binding pocket, which were confirmed by MD simulation. The binding free energies correlated well with the experimental activities. The MM-GBSA energy decomposition revealed that the van der Waals interaction was the major driving force for the interaction between the ligands and Abl T315I. The hydrogen bond interactions between the inhibitors and Met318 also played an important role in stablizing the binding of compounds to Abl T315I. Finally, four new compounds with rather high Abl T315I activities were designed and presented to experimenters for reference.
Geometric Design of Anode-Supported Micro-Tubular Solid Oxide Fuel Cells by Multiphysics Simulations
Authors: Shi Hong-yu , Zhu Jiang , Lin Zi-jing
Published: September 2017

High volumetric power density (VPD) is the basis for the commercial success of micro-tubular solid oxide fuel cells (mtSOFCs). To find maximal VPD (MVPD) for anode-supported mtSOFC (as-mtSOFC), the effects of geometric parameters on VPD are analyzed and the anode thickness, tan, and the cathode length, lca, are identified as the key design parameters. Thermo-fluid electrochemical models were built to examine the dependence of the electrical output on the cell parameters. The multiphysics model is validated by reproducing the experimental I-V curves with no adjustable parameters. The optimal lca and the corresponding MVPDs are then determined by the multiphysics model for 20 combinations of rin, the inner tube radius, and tan. And all these optimization are made at 1073.15 K. The results show that: (i) significant performance improvement may be achieved by geometry optimization, (ii) the seemingly high MVPD of 11 and 14 W/cm3 can be easily realized for as-mtSOFC with single- and double-terminal anode current collection, respectively. Moreover, the variation of the area specific power density with lca∈(2 mm, 40 mm) is determined for three representative (rin, tan) combinations. Besides, it is demonstrated that the current output of mtSOFC with proper geometric parameters is comparable to that of planar SOFC.
Highly Responsive and Selective Ethanol Gas Sensor Based on Co3O4-Modified SnO2 Nanofibers
Authors: Chen Dong-dong , Li Zhou , Jin Xin , Yi Jian-xin
Published: September 2017

SnO2 nanofibers were synthesized by electrospinning and modified with Co3O4 via impregnation in this work. Chemical composition and morphology of the nanofibers were systematically characterized, and their gas sensing properties were investigated. Results showed that Co3O4 modification significantly enhanced the sensing performance of SnO2 nanofibers to ethanol gas. For a sample with 1.2 mol% Co3O4, the response to 100 ppm ethanol was 38.0 at 300 °C, about 6.7 times larger than that of SnO2 nanofibers. In addition, the response/recovery time was also greatly reduced. A power-law dependence of the sensor response on the ethanol concentration as well as excellent ethanol selectivity was observed for the Co3O4/SnO2 sensor. The enhanced ethanol sensing performance may be attributed to the formation of p-n heterojunctions between the two oxides.
Developmental evidence for continuity from action to gesture to sign/word
Authors: Volterra Virginia , Capirci Olga , Caselli Maria Cristina , Rinaldi Pasquale , Sparaci Laura
Published: September 2017

What is linguistic communication and what is it not? Even if we often convey meanings through visible bodily actions, these are rarely considered part of human language. However, co-verbal gestures have compositional structure and semantic significance, while highly iconic structures are essential in sign languages. This paper offers a review of major studies conducted in our lab on the continuity from actions to gestures to words/signs in development. After a brief introduction, we show how gestures may bridge the gap between actions and words and how this interrelationship extends beyond early childhood and across cultures. We stress the role of sign language and multimodal communication in the study of language as a form of action and present recent research on motoric aspects of human communication. Studying the visible actions of speakers and signers leads to a revision of the traditional dichotomy between linguistic and enacted, and to the development of a new approach to embodied language.
The chromatin accessibility signature of human immune aging stems from CD8+ T cells
Authors: Ucar Duygu , Márquez Eladio J. , Chung Cheng-Han , Marches Radu , Rossi Robert J. , Uyar Asli , Wu Te-Chia , George Joshy , Stitzel Michael L. , Palucka A. Karolina , Kuchel George A. , Banchereau Jacques
Published: September 2017

Aging is linked to deficiencies in immune responses and increased systemic inflammation. To unravel the regulatory programs behind these changes, we applied systems immunology approaches and profiled chromatin accessibility and the transcriptome in PBMCs and purified monocytes, B cells, and T cells. Analysis of samples from 77 young and elderly donors revealed a novel and robust aging signature in PBMCs, with simultaneous systematic chromatin closing at promoters and enhancers associated with T cell signaling and a potentially stochastic chromatin opening mostly found at quiescent and repressed sites. Combined analyses of chromatin accessibility and the transcriptome uncovered immune molecules activated/inactivated with aging and identified the silencing of the IL7R gene and the IL-7 signaling pathway genes as potential biomarkers. This signature is borne by memory CD8+ T cells, which exhibited an aging-related loss in binding of NF-κB and STAT factors. Thus, our study provides a unique and comprehensive approach to identifying candidate biomarkers and provides mechanistic insights into aging-associated immunodeficiency.
On the Choice of Algebra for Quantization
Authors: Feintzeig Benjamin H.
Published: September 2017

In this article, I examine the relationship between physical quantities and physical states in quantum theories. I argue against the claim made by Arageorgis that the approach to interpreting quantum theories known as Algebraic Imperialism allows for “too many states.” I prove a result establishing that the Algebraic Imperialist has very general resources that she can employ to change her abstract algebra of quantities in order to rule out unphysical states.
CRISPR-RT: a web application for designing CRISPR-C2c2 crRNA with improved target specificity
Authors: Zhu Houxiang , Richmond Emily , Liang Chun
Published: September 2017

CRISPR-Cas systems have been successfully applied in genome editing. Recently, the CRISPR-C2c2 system has been reported as a tool for RNA editing. Here we describe CRISPR-RT (CRISPR RNA-Targeting), the first web application to help biologists design crRNAs with improved target specificity for the CRISPR-C2c2 system. CRISPR-RT allows users to set up a wide range of parameters, making it highly flexible for current and future research in CRISPR-based RNA editing. CRISPR-RT covers major model organisms and can be easily extended to cover other species. CRISPR-RT will empower researchers in RNA editing.

Availability and implementation

Freely available at http://bioinfolab.miamioh.edu/CRISPR-RT.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Beyond Reward Prediction Errors: Human Striatum Updates Rule Values During Learning
Authors: Ballard Ian , Miller Eric M , Piantadosi Steven T , Goodman Noah D , McClure Samuel M
Published: September 2017

Humans naturally group the world into coherent categories defined by membership rules. Rules can be learned implicitly by building stimulus-response associations using reinforcement learning or by using explicit reasoning. We tested if the striatum, in which activation reliably scales with reward prediction error, would track prediction errors in a task that required explicit rule generation. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging during a categorization task, we show that striatal responses to feedback scale with a “surprise” signal derived from a Bayesian rule-learning model and are inconsistent with RL prediction error. We also find that striatum and caudal inferior frontal sulcus (cIFS) are involved in updating the likelihood of discriminative rules. We conclude that the striatum, in cooperation with the cIFS, is involved in updating the values assigned to categorization rules when people learn using explicit reasoning.
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Collagen/Oxidized Regenerated Cellulose/Silver to Standard of Care in the Management of Venous Leg Ulcers
Authors: Cullen Breda M. , Serena Thomas E. , Gibson Molly C. , Snyder Robert J. , Hanft Jason R. , Yaakov Raphael A.
Published: September 2017

OBJECTIVE:

To assess healing outcomes in venous leg ulcers (VLUs) treated with a combination of collagen, oxidized regenerated cellulose, and silver in conjunction with standard of care (SOC; intervention group) compared with SOC alone (control group). Standard of care included ADAPTIC nonadhering dressing (Acelity, San Antonio, Texas) and compression.

DESIGN AND SETTING:

Randomized controlled trial that followed patients in 3 US facilities for 12 weeks or until complete healing.

PATIENTS AND INTERVENTION:

Forty-nine patients with VLUs were randomized to either the intervention group (n = 22) or the control group (n = 27).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE:

Wound healing over 12 weeks.

MAIN RESULTS:

Intent-to-treat analysis showed a mean percentage wound area reduction at 12 weeks of 85.6% (SD, 28.6%) for the intervention group and 72.5% (SD, 77.8%) for the control group. There was a higher healing rate in the intervention group compared with patients who received SOC only at both week 4 (23% vs 11%) and week 12 (64% vs 59%). There were no adverse events related to the study therapy.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although the results were not significant, there was a trend toward faster healing in the intervention group. The results of this study indicate that collagen/oxidized regenerated cellulose/silver is a suitable and safe adjunctive intervention for use with SOC to manage VLUs.
Incidence trends and survival of skin melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma in Cluj County, Romania
Authors: Şuteu Ofelia , Blaga Mihaiela L. , Nicula Florian , Şuteu Patricia , Coza Ovidiu , Achimaş-Cadariu Patriciu , Coza Daniela
Published: September 2017

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence trends of cutaneous melanoma (CM) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in Cluj County, from 1998 to 2011, and the 5-year net survival between 2006 and 2010. Data on all cases of CM and SCC between 1998 and 2011 were obtained from Cluj Cancer Registry. Incidence rates were age standardized by the direct method Age Standardized Incidence Rate (ASIR), using the world standard population. Trends and annual percentage change (APC) of incidence rates were calculated by joinpoint regression analysis. The Pohar-Perme estimator was used to examine the 5-year net survival of cases diagnosed during 2006–2010 and followed up until December 2015. A total of 580 cases of CM and 397 cases of SCC were reported. During 1998–2011, the ASIR of CM increased significantly by 7.8% APC in male patients and by 7.42% APC in female patients, and the ASIR for SCC increased by 9.40% APC in male patients. In female patients, the incidence of SCC increased by 12.65% APC during 2002–2011. The 5-year net survival during 2006–2010 was 0.64 in men and 0.75 in women for CM and 0.86 and 1.00, respectively, for SCC. Survival rates showed an improving trend during 2006–2010, and were generally lower in men. Survival from both entities decreased with age and was lower in rural areas and in advanced stages in both sexes. This study reveals a rising incidence of cutaneous cancers in concordance with international trends. These data support the important role of primary and secondary prevention of skin cancers, focusing not only on melanoma, due to its lower survival, but also on SCC, in order to reduce their burden.
Mental Health Service Use Among Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Comparison of Two Age Groups
Authors: Ryan Stephanie , Lai Jonathan , Weiss Jonathan A.
Published: September 2017

Objective:

Although youth with autism have elevated rates of mental health problems compared to typically developing youth, little is known about the mental health services that they receive. The current study examines predisposing, enabling, and clinical need factors as they relate to mental health service use in youth with autism.

Methods:

The current study surveyed parents of 2337 children and adolescents with autism, compared their access to behavioral management and mental health treatment (MHT), and isolated the correlates of such receipt.

Results:

Children used behavioral management more than adolescents, whereas the opposite was true for MHT. Mental health treatment receipt was associated with caregiver-related and mental health problems in both age groups, with routine health service use in children and with behavioral problems in adolescents. Behavioral management was correlated with caregiver-related services and behavioral problems in both age groups, and with sex and intellectual disability in adolescents.

Conclusion:

Clinical needs and caregiver service use are consistently associated with mental health care across ages, whereas the role of youth characteristics is particularly relevant when considering service use for adolescents.
Effect of Time to Operative Intervention on Motility Outcomes Following Orbital Floor Fracture Repair in Children
Authors: Mehta Viraj J. , Chelnis James G. , Chen Qingxia , Mawn Louise A.
Published: September 2017

Purpose:

To evaluate the relationship between time to surgical intervention and extraocular motility outcomes in children following repair of an orbital floor fracture with inferior rectus entrapment.

Methods:

After institution review board’s approval, a retrospective, consecutive case series of 28 children with unilateral orbital floor fractures entrapping the inferior rectus muscle was conducted. Clinical examinations and CT images were performed on all children. The main outcomes measures were postoperative motility measurements.

Results:

Eleven patients underwent surgery within 24 hours of reported injury, while 17 patients underwent surgery after 24 hours. There was no statistically significant difference in average age at the time of surgery (p = 0.47) or average preoperative motility scores (p = 1.0) between the 2 groups. Patients who underwent surgery within 24 hours of reported injury had an improved likelihood of recovery (log hazard ratio = 0.469; 95% confidence interval, −0.42 to 1.36).

Conclusions:

Our exploratory study suggests that surgical reduction of inferior rectus entrapment in pediatric orbital floor fractures within 24 hours from the time of injury shows an improved, but nonstatistically significant, likelihood of recovery in motility deficits with earlier surgical intervention.
Psychometric Properties of Physical Function Measures Used in the Intensive Care Unit: A Systematic Review
Authors: Peterson Michelle L. , Lukens Katherine , Fulk George
Published: September 2017

Background:

A comprehensive physical function outcome measure provides information that assists and guides the therapist in developing a plan of care and in decision making for disposition. Since physical therapists are held accountable for using evidence-based practice, the use of measures appropriate to their settings is paramount in providing those skilled recommendations.

Objective:

The purpose of this systematic review was to appraise and synthesize psychometric properties of outcome measures used in the intensive care unit that assess physical function and to identify gaps in those psychometric properties and their overall assessment of function.

Methods:

Eight electronic databases were systematically searched. Studies were considered eligible if (1) the setting was adult intensive care unit (ICU), (2) the measure was a physical functional measure, (3) psychometric properties were reported, (4) written in English, and (5) published in a peer-reviewed journal. The initial search was conducted by a single reviewer and then 2 reviewers independently reviewed the articles to score them according to the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurements INstruments.

Results:

Review of the 34 articles revealed 14 physical function measures that had psychometric testing completed in the ICU setting. The Chelsea Critical Care Physical Assessment tool, Perme mobility score, De-Morton Mobility Index, Functional Status Score for the ICU, and Acute Care Index of Function are the most comprehensive. However, none of these measures examine all aspects of physical function. COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurements INstruments scores for these measures were classified in the range of poor to fair with few obtaining a score of good or excellent.

Limitations:

The limitations are sole inclusion of English articles and the exclusion of abstracts, conference presentations, thesis, or dissertation papers.

Conclusion:

This study identified 14 physical function measures currently in use, with psychometric testing available within the ICU setting. More testing is needed on many of these measures to further validate their use. The current lack of a clearly comprehensive outcome measure tool limits the validity and reliability of assessment and guidance for appropriate recommendations.
Male hepatitis C patients’ sexual functioning and its determinants
Authors: Triantos Christos K. , Tsintoni Aggeliki , Karaivazoglou Katerina , Grigoropoulou Xristina , Tsolias Chrysostomos , Diamantopoulou Georgia , Iconomou Gregoris , Thomopoulos Konstantinos , Labropoulou-Karatza Chrisoula , Assimakopoulos Konstantinos
Published: September 2017

Objective

The aim of the study was to detect sexual impairment in male hepatitis C virus patients and determine its associations.

Patients and methods

A total of 61 male hepatitis C virus patients were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Sexual functioning was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) was evaluated using the Greek version of the Short Form 36 Health Survey, and the presence and severity of anxiety and depression were assessed using the Greek version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

Results

Noncirrhotic patients showed clinically significant dysfunction, mainly in intercourse (59.6%) and overall satisfaction (57.4%). Erectile functioning and desire were correlated with depression (r=−0.520, P=0.000 and r=−0.473, P=0.000), anxiety (r=−0.443, P=0.000 and r=−0.428, P=0.001), physical (r=0.427, P=0.001 and r=0.329, P=0.012), and mental (r=0.379, P=0.003 and r=0.432, P=0.001) HRQOL, platelet count (r=−0.357, P=0.012 and r=0.366, P=0.010), and international normalized ratio (INR) levels (r=−0.373, P=0.013 and r=−0.440, P=0.003). Erection was also correlated with albumin levels (r=0.310, P=0.032). Orgasmic functioning was associated significantly with platelet count (r=0.322, P=0.024) and INR levels (r=−0.425, P=0.004). Intercourse satisfaction was significantly related to depression (r=−0.435, P=0.001) and anxiety (r=−0.335, P=0.008) levels, physical (r=0.374, P=0.004) and mental (r=0.300, P=0.022) HRQOL, platelet count (r=0.333, P=0.020), and INR levels (r=−0.373, P=0.013), and overall satisfaction was significantly correlated with depressive (r=−0.435, P=0.001) and anxiety (r=−0.278, P=0.033) symptoms, mental HRQOL (r=0.340, P=0.010), platelet count (r=0.316, P=0.029), and INR levels (r=−0.332, P=0.030).

Conclusion

Hepatitis C is accompanied by poor sexual functioning even in the absence of cirrhosis and different correlations emerge for distinct subdomains of male sexuality.
Endometrial Stromal Neoplasm in the Placenta: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature
Authors: Heller Debra S. , Hatem Fadi
Published: September 2017

Placental neoplasms involving the fetal membranes are exceptionally rare. In leiomyomas and endometrial stromal neoplasms, a uterine origin for nodules in the membranes is also a possibility. We present a case of an incidental endometrial stromal nodule found in the decidua of the free membranes and review the literature.
Distribution Patterns of the Vulnerable Vessels Around Cervical Nerve Roots
Authors: Park Donghwi
Published: September 2017

Objective

The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of vulnerable vessels around the target of cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injection at the C3-C7 cervical nerve root levels in a clinical setting.

Design

Retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted.

Participants

Patients complaining of neck or arm pain with no previous surgical history and who had undergone both precontrast and contrast-enhanced neck computed tomography were included retrospectively.

Results

In 26 (21.0%) of 124 patients, none of the vulnerable vessels around the target of cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injection around both sides of the C3-C7 nerve roots were observed. Of 248 cervical root levels, the C3 level had 103 vessels (41.5%), the C4 level had 110 vessels (44.4%), the C5 level had 98 vessels (39.5%), the C6 level had 59 vessels (23.8%), and the C7 level had 34 vessels (13.7%) close to each target nerve root. In addition, variations of the vertebral artery at the C4-C7 level were observed in 11 (8.9%) of 124 patients.

Conclusions

To prevent unexpected critical complications involving injury to vulnerable vessels during cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injection, it is recommended to routinely evaluate the vulnerable vessels around the cervical nerve root with computed tomography or Doppler ultrasound before cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injection, especially for the upper cervical nerve root level.
Machine learning: novel bioinformatics approaches for combating antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Macesic Nenad , Polubriaginof Fernanda , Tatonetti Nicholas P.
Published: September 2017

Purpose of review

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a threat to global health and new approaches to combating AMR are needed. Use of machine learning in addressing AMR is in its infancy but has made promising steps. We reviewed the current literature on the use of machine learning for studying bacterial AMR.

Recent findings

The advent of large-scale data sets provided by next-generation sequencing and electronic health records make applying machine learning to the study and treatment of AMR possible. To date, it has been used for antimicrobial susceptibility genotype/phenotype prediction, development of AMR clinical decision rules, novel antimicrobial agent discovery and antimicrobial therapy optimization.

Application of machine learning to studying AMR is feasible but remains limited. Implementation of machine learning in clinical settings faces barriers to uptake with concerns regarding model interpretability and data quality.

Future applications of machine learning to AMR are likely to be laboratory-based, such as antimicrobial susceptibility phenotype prediction.