bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Matching on the disease risk score in comparative effectiveness research of new treatments
Authors: Wyss Richard , Ellis Alan R. , Brookhart M. Alan , Jonsson Funk Michele , Girman Cynthia J. , Simpson Ross J. , Stürmer Til
Published: June 2015

Purpose

We use simulations and an empirical example to evaluate the performance of disease risk score (DRS) matching compared with propensity score (PS) matching when controlling large numbers of covariates in settings involving newly introduced treatments.

Methods

We simulated a dichotomous treatment, a dichotomous outcome, and 100 baseline covariates that included both continuous and dichotomous random variables. For the empirical example, we evaluated the comparative effectiveness of dabigatran versus warfarin in preventing combined ischemic stroke and all‐cause mortality. We matched treatment groups on a historically estimated DRS and again on the PS. We controlled for a high‐dimensional set of covariates using 20% and 1% samples of Medicare claims data from October 2010 through December 2012.

Results

In simulations, matching on the DRS versus the PS generally yielded matches for more treated individuals and improved precision of the effect estimate. For the empirical example, PS and DRS matching in the 20% sample resulted in similar hazard ratios (0.88 and 0.87) and standard errors (0.04 for both methods). In the 1% sample, PS matching resulted in matches for only 92.0% of the treated population and a hazard ratio and standard error of 0.89 and 0.19, respectively, while DRS matching resulted in matches for 98.5% and a hazard ratio and standard error of 0.85 and 0.16, respectively.

Conclusions

When PS distributions are separated, DRS matching can improve the precision of effect estimates and allow researchers to evaluate the treatment effect in a larger proportion of the treated population. However, accurately modeling the DRS can be challenging compared with the PS. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Do case‐only designs yield consistent results across design and different databases? A case study of hip fractures and benzodiazepines
Authors: Requena Gema , Logie John , Martin Elisa , Boudiaf Nada , González González Rocío , Huerta Consuelo , Alvarez Arturo , Webb David , Bate Andrew , García Rodríguez Luis A. , Reynolds Robert , Schlienger Raymond , Gardarsdottir Helga , de Groot Mark , Klungel Olaf H. , de Abajo Fancisco , Douglas Ian J.
Published: June 2015

Background

The case‐crossover (CXO) and self‐controlled case series (SCCS) designs are increasingly used in pharmacoepidemiology. In both, relative risk estimates are obtained within persons, implicitly controlling for time‐fixed confounding variables.

Objectives

To examine the consistency of relative risk estimates of hip/femur fractures (HFF) associated with the use of benzodiazepines (BZD) across case‐only designs in two databases (DBs), when a common protocol was applied.

Methods

CXO and SCCS studies were conducted in BIFAP (Spain) and CPRD (UK). Exposure to BZD was divided into non‐use, current, recent and past use. For CXO, odds ratios (OR; 95%CI) of current use versus non‐use/past were estimated using conditional logistic regression adjusted for co‐medications (AOR). For the SCCS, conditional Poisson regression was used to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRR; 95%CI) of current use versus non/past‐use, adjusted for age. To investigate possible event‐exposure dependence the relative risk in the 30 days prior to first BZD exposure was also evaluated.

Results

In the CXO current use of BZD was associated with an increased risk of HFF in both DBs, AORBIFAP = 1.47 (1.29–1.67) and AORCPRD = 1.55 (1.41–1.70). In the SCCS, IRRs for current exposure was 0.79 (0.72–0.86) in BIFAP and 1.21 (1.13–1.30) in CPRD. However, when we considered separately the 30‐day pre‐exposure period, the IRR for current period was 1.43 (1.31–1.57) in BIFAP and 1.37 (1.27–1.47) in CPRD.

Conclusions

CXO designs yielded consistent results across DBs, while initial SCCS analyses did not. Accounting for event‐exposure dependence, estimates derived from SCCS were more consistent across DBs and designs. © 2015 The Authors. Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Record 12.34% stabilized conversion efficiency in a large area thin‐film silicon tandem (MICROMORPH™) module
Authors: Cashmore Julian S. , Apolloni Marco , Braga Antonio , Caglar Onur , Cervetto Valentina , Fenner Yves , Goldbach‐Aschemann Stephanie , Goury Celine , Hötzel Jochen E. , Iwahashi Takashi , Kalas Jiri , Kitamura Masayuki , Klindworth Markus , Kupich Markus , Leu George‐Felix , Lin Jun , Lindic Marie‐Helene , Losio Paolo A. , Mates Tomas , Matsunaga Daisuke , Mereu Bogdan , Nguyen Xuan‐Viet , Psimoulis Ioanna , Ristau Sergej , Roschek Tobias , Salabas Aurel , Salabas Elena Lorena , Sinicco Ivan
Published: June 2015

Mass‐adoption of thin‐film silicon (TF‐Si) photovoltaic modules as a renewable energy source can be viable if the cost of electricity production from the module is competitive with conventional energy solutions. Increased module performance (electrical power generated) is an approach to reduce this cost. Progress towards higher conversion efficiencies for ‘champion’ large area modules paves the way for mass‐production module performance to follow. At TEL Solar AG, Trübbach, Switzerland, significant progress in the absolute stabilized module conversion efficiency has been achieved through optimized solar cell design that integrates high‐quality amorphous and microcrystalline TF‐Si‐deposited materials with efficient light management and transparent conductive oxide layers in a tandem MICROMORPH™ module. This letter reports a world record large area (1.43 m2) stabilized module conversion efficiency of 12.34% certified by the European Solar Test Installation; an increase of more than 1.4% absolute compared with the previous record for a TF‐Si triple junction large area module. This breakthrough result generates more than 13.2% stabilized efficiency from each equivalent 1 cm2 of the active area of the full module. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermo‐ and pH‐sensitive triblock copolymers with tunable hydrophilic/hydrophobic properties
Authors: Pottier Christophe , Morandi Gaëlle , Dulong Virginie , Souguir Zied , Picton Luc , Le Cerf Didier
Published: June 2015

Polymers consisting of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and statistical poly[(acrylic acid)‐co‐(tert‐butylacrylate)] (P(AA‐co‐tBA)), attached to both extremities of Jeffamine® (D series based on a poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) with one amine function at each end) using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) are presented in this article. An original bifunctional amide‐based macroinitiator was first elaborated from Jeffamine®. tBA polymerization was subsequently initiated from this macroinitiator. This polymerization occurs in a well‐controlled manner leading to narrow molecular weights distribution. Amphiphilic copolymers were finally obtained after complete or partial hydrolysis of the PtBA blocks into PAA. The control of the partial hydrolysis of tBA units, conducted in a concentrated HCl/tetrahydrofuran mixture, is demonstrated. The properties of the triblock copolymers were preliminary investigated in aqueous solution by absorbance, DLS measurements and SEC/MALS/DV/DRI analysis as a function of temperature and pH modifications, providing evidences of thermo‐ and pH‐sensitive self‐assembly of the copolymers. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 2606–2616
Control through monomer placement of surface properties and morphology of fluoromethacrylate copolymers
Authors: Chen Ao , Blakey Idriss , Jack Kevin S. , Whittaker Andrew K. , Peng Hui
Published: June 2015

The arrangement of monomers and morphology of fluorinated copolymers of methyl methacrylate (MMA) were found to be important for controlling the surface energy of the materials when formed into thin films. Novel copolymers of MMA and 2,2,3,3,4,4,4‐heptafluorobutyl methacrylate (F3MA) were prepared with different monomer placement, namely statistical and block arrangements of the monomer units. The surface energies decreased with increasing incorporation of F3MA, in a manner consistent with previous reports for similar copolymers; however, the surface energies of the block copolymers were consistently lower than the statistical copolymers. This was interpreted as arising from conformational restriction of presentation of the fluoromonomers to the surface in the statistical copolymers, and formation of phase‐separated domains at the surface of the block copolymers. The morphology of the block copolymers was confirmed by small angle X‐ray scattering measurements, which allowed calculation of a solubility parameter for the fluorinated segments. The results have implications for the design of more environmentally acceptable materials with ultra‐low surface energies. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 2633–2641
How active ingredient localisation in plant tissues determines the targeted pest spectrum of different chemistries
Authors: Buchholz Anke , Trapp Stefan
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND

The efficacies of four commercial insecticides and of two research compounds were tested against aphids (Aphis craccivora and Myzus persicae), whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci) and red‐spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) in intrinsic (oral administration), curative (direct contact spray) and translaminar (arthropods infested on untreated leaf underside) assays. With a new translaminar model, the transport across the leaf cuticle and tissues and the electrochemical distribution of test compounds in cellular compartments and apoplast were calculated.

RESULTS

The comparison of both information sets revealed that the intracellular localisation of active ingredients determines the performance of test compounds against different target pests because of different feeding behaviours: mites feed on mesophyll, and aphids and whiteflies mostly in the vascular system. Polar compounds have a slow adsorption into leaf cells and thus a favourable distribution into apoplast and xylem sap. Slightly lipophilic bases get trapped in vacuoles, which is a less suited place to control hemipteran pests but appropriate to control mites. Non‐favourable cellular localisation led to a strong reduction in translaminar efficacy against phloem feeders.

CONCLUSION

Prediction and optimisation of intracellular localisation of pesticides add valuable new information for targeted bioavailability and can indicate directions for improved pesticide design. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Dealing with the shifted and inverted Tietz–Hua oscillator potential using the J‐matrix method
Authors: Abdelmonem Mohamed S. , Abdel‐Hady Afaf , Nasser Ibraheem
Published: June 2015

The tridiagonal J‐matrix approach has been used to calculate the low and moderately high‐lying eigenvalues of the rotating shifted Tietz–Hua (RSTH) oscillator potential. The radial Schrödinger equation is solved efficiently by means of the diagonalization of the full Hamiltonian matrix, with the Laguerre or oscillator basis. Ro–vibrational bound state energies for 11 diatomic systems, namely
,
,
, NO, CO,
,
,
,
,
, and NO+, are calculated with high accuracy. Some of the energy states for molecules are reported here for the first time. The results of the last four molecules have been introduced for the first time using the oscillator basis. Higher accuracy is achieved by calculating the energy corresponding to the poles of the S‐matrix in the complex energy plane using the J‐matrix method. Furthermore, the bound states and the resonance energies for the newly proposed inverted Tietz–Hua IRSTH‐potential are calculated for the H2‐molecule with scaled depth. A detailed analysis of variation of eigenvalues with n,
quantum numbers is made. Results are compared with literature data, wherever possible. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cyclometalated Iridium(III) Complexes Containing Semicarbazone Ligands: Synthesis, Characterization, Photophysical and Biological Studies
Authors: Graf Marion , Gothe Yvonne , Metzler‐Nolte Nils , Czerwieniec Rafał , Sünkel Karlheinz
Published: June 2015

The synthesis, crystal structure, photophysical properties, and biological activity of the novel bis‐cyclometalated complexes [Ir(ptpy)2(vnsc)] (2) and [Ir(ptpy)2(acsc)] (3) [ptpy = 2‐(p‐tolyl)pyridinato, vnsc = vanillin semicarbazone, acsc = acetone semicarbazone] are described. The new compounds were prepared by the reaction of [{Ir(μ‐Cl)(ptpy)2}2] (1) with the corresponding semicarbazone ligands under basic conditions. The molecular structure of compound 3 was confirmed by a single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction study. The complex crystallized from chloroform as a mono‐ solvate in the orthorhombic space group Pcab with eight molecules in the unit cell.
Do Current Recommendations for Upper Instrumented Vertebra Predict Shoulder Imbalance? An Attempted Validation of Level Selection for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Bjerke Benjamin T. , Cheung Zoe B. , Shifflett Grant D. , Iyer Sravisht , Derman Peter B. , Cunningham Matthew E.
Published: June 2015

Background

Shoulder balance for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients is associated with patient satisfaction and self-image. However, few validated systems exist for selecting the upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) post-surgical shoulder balance.

Questions/Purposes

The purpose is to examine the existing UIV selection criteria and correlate with post-surgical shoulder balance in AIS patients.

Methods

Patients who underwent spinal fusion at age 10–18 years for AIS over a 6-year period were reviewed. All patients with a minimum of 1-year radiographic follow-up were included. Imbalance was determined to be radiographic shoulder height |RSH| ≥ 15 mm at latest follow-up. Three UIV selection methods were considered: Lenke, Ilharreborde, and Trobisch. A recommended UIV was determined using each method from pre-surgical radiographs. The recommended UIV for each method was compared to the actual UIV instrumented for all three methods; concordance between these levels was defined as “Correct” UIV selection, and discordance was defined as “Incorrect” selection.

Results

One hundred seventy-one patients were included with 2.3 ± 1.1 year follow-up. For all methods, “Correct” UIV selection resulted in more shoulder imbalance than “Incorrect” UIV selection. Overall shoulder imbalance incidence was improved from 31.0% (53/171) to 15.2% (26/171). New shoulder imbalance incidence for patients with previously level shoulders was 8.8%.

Conclusions

We could not identify a set of UIV selection criteria that accurately predicted post-surgical shoulder balance. Further validated measures are needed in this area. The complexity of proximal thoracic curve correction is underscored in a case example, where shoulder imbalance occurred despite “Correct” UIV selection by all methods.
The Case for Election Technology
Authors: Mugica Antonio
Published: June 2015

Information technology permeates almost every aspect of our lives. Finally, after years of resistance, election technology is slowly helping the world's democracies increase transparency, facilitate turnout and reduce the cost of running elections whilst increasing integrity and security. The current article analyses some of the longstanding arguments against the use of technology in the election process, and the responses made by experts, including the demonstrated benefits of well-designed election technology. An entire section on security is provided, as are references to some implementations around the world and to the Election Automation Maturity Model. The article also touches briefly on the tools of Internet and mobile voting.
Clinical Issues‐July 2015
Authors: Burlingame Byron L.
Published: June 2015

This Month

Loaned instruments

Key words: loaned instruments; borrowed instruments; loaned sets; loaner instruments.

Use of cardboard boxes in the OR

Key words: cardboard; boxes.

Radiation protection for pregnant women

Key words: pregnant, pregnancy, pregnant patient, pregnant employee, radiation protection.

Radiation documentation for fluoroscopy procedures

Key words: documentation; C‐arm, fluoroscopy, radiation documentation.
Lorentz force effects in the Bullard–von Kármán dynamo: saturation, energy balance and subcriticality
Authors: Miralles Sophie , Plihon Nicolas , Pinton Jean-François
Published: June 2015

We report an experimental study of a turbulent dynamo in a liquid metal flow. The semi-synthetic dynamo is achieved thanks to an induction process generated by the turbulent shearing motion of liquid gallium and a feedback loop with external amplification, using coils. The external amplification allows the excitation of the dynamo instability at magnetic Reynolds numbers of order-one. This semi-synthetic dynamo is studied here in a regime where saturation is achieved when Lorentz forces modify significantly the bulk flow structure. We describe the supercritical bifurcation, intermittent and saturated regimes, the scalings of the dynamo magnetic field and we detail the power budget. We also report self-killing dynamos for which the dynamo magnetic field cannot be sustained, when the flow is dominated by the action of Lorentz forces, and subcritical regimes in which the flow only sustains a dynamo when it is already dominated by the action of Lorentz forces.
Godly Globalisation: Calvinism in Bermuda
Authors: HA POLLY
Published: June 2015

This article explores the reception of the European Protestant Reformation in the British Atlantic using the early Bermudan Church as a case study. It offers an alternative model for Puritan colonisation which was driven by a reformed vision for godly globalisation and evangelisation rather than flight from persecution in England. By shedding light on ecclesiastical ties between the reformed Churches on the continent and the British Atlantic, it extends the ideological foundations for the establishment of British America beyond the theories of empire and economic opportunism usually addressed by historians.
Sensorineural hearing loss following induction chemotherapy plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy for advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Atchariyasathian V , Pruegsanusak K , Wongsriwattanakul S
Published: June 2015

Objective:

To compare the incidence of sensorineural hearing loss between those treated with docetaxel, cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil induction chemotherapy followed by carboplatin concurrent chemoradiotherapy and those treated with conventional concurrent chemoradiotherapy for advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Methods:

Serial pure tone audiometry was conducted in 36 nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients who were randomised into 2 groups. The first group received docetaxel, cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil induction chemotherapy followed by carboplatin concurrent chemoradiotherapy. The second group received conventional concurrent chemoradiotherapy.

Results:

The incidence of sensorineural hearing loss at speech frequency in the first group was 10 per cent and in the second group was 50 per cent (p = 0.0027). Bone conduction thresholds were significantly increased after completion of the treatment at 2–4 kHz in the first group and at all frequencies in the second group.

Conclusion:

The docetaxel, cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil induction chemotherapy regimen followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy was associated with a lower incidence of sensorineural hearing loss than conventional concurrent chemoradiotherapy. This regimen may be the preferred choice of treatment for hearing preservation.
Occupational stress among law enforcement rangers: insights from Uganda
Authors: Moreto William D.
Published: June 2015

In many countries law enforcement rangers are frontline guardians responsible for the management, monitoring and protection of protected areas and wildlife species. To date, little research has been conducted on law enforcement rangers and their perceptions of stress. This exploratory study contributes to both the criminological and conservation literature by exploring an important human dimension often neglected in conservation science research: law enforcement rangers. Similar to previous research on police occupational stress, it is expected that law enforcement rangers experience stressors unique to their profession. Utilizing an ethnographic case study approach based on interviews and participant observation, this research examines ranger perceptions of occupational stress in a protected area in Uganda. Findings indicate that law enforcement rangers are exposed to various occupational/task-related, external, internal, and occupation-related personal strains. Results from the study have implications in understanding, reducing and preventing occupational stress in rangers, as well as in capacity building for park management.
Adenoviruses and acute respiratory infections in children living in an equatorial area of Brazil
Authors: PEREIRA S. A. R. , FLORÊNCIO C. M. G. D. , MARINHEIRO J. C. , HÁRSI C. M. , MOURA F. E. A.
Published: June 2015

Human adenoviruses (HAdVs) are important respiratory pathogens, found in 2–27% of acute respiratory infection (ARI) cases. Few studies have analysed the diversity of species and types of HAdVs associated with ARI in Brazil. The purpose of this study was to determine the circulation patterns of the different HAdV species and respective types associated with ARI in children in the city of Fortaleza, northeastern Brazil. HAdVs were screened by an indirect immunofluorescence assay, and subsequently identified as species and types by PCR and sequencing of the hexon gene (HVR1–HVR6). Between 2001 and 2013, a total of 290 HAdV strains were detected, 190 of which were identified as belonging to the HAdV-B, -C and -E species. Seven types of HAdVs circulated in the studied population during the analysed period, with HAdV-3 being predominant.
The contribution of PCR testing to influenza and pertussis notifications in Australia
Authors: KACZMAREK M. C. , WARE R. S. , LAMBERT S. B.
Published: June 2015

Influenza and pertussis are the two most common vaccine-preventable infections notified in Australia. We assessed the role of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) diagnosis in influenza and pertussis cases notified to the Australian National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS). There were a total of 2 10 786 notified influenza cases (2001–2013) and 2 55 866 notified pertussis cases (1991–2013). After 1 January 2007, the majority of influenza and pertussis notifications were PCR-based (80·5% and 59·6%, respectively). Before 31 December 2006, PCR-based notifications were limited (29·1% and 11·7%, respectively). By 2013, PCR-based notifications had largely replaced all other diagnostic methods, with the exception of serology-based notifications in pertussis cases in adults aged ⩾25 years.
First records from Pacific Mexico of the rare deep-water mysid Ceratomysis spinosa (Crustacea, Peracarida, Mysida, Petalophthalmidae)
Authors: Hendrickx Michel E.
Published: June 2015

The deep-water mysidCeratomysis spinosaFaxon, 1893, previously known from Panama, Japan, the Sea of Okhotsk, the Bering Sea and Alaska, USA is reported for the first time off the western coast of Mexico, in the eastern Pacific. The specimens, a male of 27.5 mm in total length (TL) and five females of 28.5–34.5 mm TL, were collected between depths of 1296 and 1580 m. The telson is illustrated, showing numerous setae on the lateral margins, and longer, robust setae in the distal third and on the posterior margin.
Gain properties of an axially slotted cylinder with two coating layers
Authors: Awan Zeeshan Akbar
Published: June 2015

The gain properties of an axially slotted cylinder coated with two lossless layers and embedded in a certain lossless background medium have been investigated analytically. The effects of different types of coating layers, i.e. dielectric, magnetic, and Single Negative materials upon the gain characteristics of an axial slot have been discussed. It is observed that if inner layer is either of dielectric or magnetic type and outer layer is an Epsilon Negative type having its relative permittivity of negative one and slotted cylinder is embedded in the free space then the gain has directive pattern. It is also studied that if both layers are dielectric or magnetic types and embedded in a Mu Negative medium then its gain pattern becomes more directive with the maximum gain in the forward direction.
Generalized dual-band branch-line coupler with arbitrary power division ratios
Authors: Malakooti Seyed-Ali , Hayati Mohsen , Fahimi Veria , Afzali Behnam
Published: June 2015

In this paper, a novel design of generalized dual-band quadrature hybrid with arbitrary power division ratios is presented and investigated. This coupler has a simple structure and can cover a wide range of power division ratios at the two designated frequencies. Exact closed-form equations are derived based on the even–odd-mode analysis method. The proposed structure offers some special features, encompassing: (1) a generalized structure of some recently published papers; (2) isolation in vertical and horizontal directions in the two-dimensional structure; (3) the same sign of the output phase difference for the structure with horizontal isolation and the opposite sign for the structure with vertical isolation; (4) large power division ratios for both vertical and horizontal isolation conditions; (5) large frequency band ratio for both vertical and horizontal isolation conditions; (6) capability of the bandwidth improvement by exploiting coupled lines with small coupling coefficient. For demonstration, a microstrip implementation of a 16:1 dual-band coupler working on 2.45/5.8 GHz is developed. Consistency between simulation and measurement results justifies the proposed design method and its equations.
Heritability of Gestational Weight Gain – A Swedish Register-Based Twin Study
Authors: Andersson Elina Scheers , Silventoinen Karri , Tynelius Per , Nohr Ellen A. , Sørensen Thorkild I. A. , Rasmussen Finn
Published: June 2015

Gestational weight gain (GWG) is a complex trait involving intrauterine environmental, maternal environmental, and genetic factors. However, the extent to which these factors contribute to the total variation in GWG is unclear. We therefore examined the genetic and environmental influences on the variation in GWG in the first and second pregnancy in monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twin mother-pairs. Further, we explored if any co-variance existed between factors influencing the variation in GWG of the mothers’ first and second pregnancies. By using Swedish nationwide record-linkage data, we identified 694 twin mother-pairs with complete data on their first pregnancy and 465 twin mother-pairs with complete data on their second pregnancy during 1982–2010. For a subanalysis, 143 twin mother-pairs had complete data on two consecutive pregnancies during the study period. We used structural equation modeling (SEM) to assess the contribution of genetic, shared, and unique environmental factors to the variation in GWG. A bivariate Cholesky decomposition model was used for the subanalysis. We found that genetic factors explained 43% (95% CI: 36–51%) of the variation in GWG in the first pregnancy and 26% (95% CI: 16–36%) in the second pregnancy. The remaining variance was explained by unique environmental factors. Both overlapping and distinct genetic and unique environmental factors influenced GWG in the first and the second pregnancy. This study showed that GWG has a moderate heritability, suggesting that a large part of the variation in the trait can be explained by unique environmental factors.
Antike Anatomien
Authors: Barras Vincent
Published: June 2015

Zusammenfassung. Auch heute noch staunt man über die anatomische Präzision, mich welcher gewisse antike Autoren wie Homer das Innere des Körpers beschrieben. Wie war es möglich, solch genaue Kenntnisse zu gewinnen in einer Zeit, die nicht besonders bekannt für ihren wissenschaftlichen Fortschritt ist? Die Geschichte der Anfänge der Anatomie im Westen enthüllt eine erstaunliche Vielfalt: ihr Weg bis zu den eindrücklichen technischen Möglichkeiten der Bildgebung von heute verlief weder linear noch von selbst (oder „natürlich“), noch notwendigerweise. Bevor die Anatomie eine der epistemologischen Säulen der Medizin wurde, zeigt sich ihre Geschichte in Wahrheit als voll von Zwischenfällen, Brüchen, Zufälligkeiten und Akteuren, die dazu beitrugen, ihren Weg abzuändern.
Konsum und Kontrolle: Wie Vitamin C zu einem Allheilmittel werden konnte
Authors: Bächi Beat
Published: June 2015

Zusammenfassung. Künstliches Vitamin C ist heute ein Massenprodukt. Dass sich Ascorbinsäure seit ihrer Erfindung 1933 zu einem alltäglichen Konsumgut mausern konnte, ist weniger durch ihr medizinisches Potential zu erklären, sondern verdankt sich vielmehr einem dynamischen Zusammenspiel von Produktion, Vermarktung und Gesundheitspolitik. Der Beitrag fokussiert insbesondere auf die komplexen Interaktionen zwischen Gesundheitskonzepten, diagnostischen Instrumenten und ärztlichem Blick. Dabei scheinen nicht nur die Differenzen zwischen „rein naturwissenschaftlichen“ und „ärztlich-biologischen“ Standpunkten auf, sondern es zeigt sich auch, dass Nahrungsbestandteile immer auch gesundheitspolitisch und ethisch aufgeladen sind.
Validity and Reliability of the Caregiving System Scale in the Italian Context
Authors: Meneghini Anna Maria , Romaioli Diego , Nencini Alessio , Pagotto Lisa , Zermiani Fabiana , Mikulincer Mario , Shaver Phillip R.
Published: June 2015

This study examines the validity and reliability of the Italian adaptation of the Caregiving System Scale (CSS), a recently developed tool designed to tap individual differences in the functioning of the caregiving system. A group of 259 participants took part in the study. Based on confirmatory factor analyses, the original two-factor structure of the CSS (hyperactivation and deactivation) was replicated in the Italian sample. The Balanced Emotional Empathy Scale (BEES) was used to test convergent validity. The results confirm the validity and reliability of the Italian version of the CSS, which may prove to be a useful tool in assessing the caregiving tendency in people from many fields (from parents to volunteers to those in helping professions).
Report Makes a Case for Geology's Role in Policy Decisions
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: June 2015

Scientific societies in the United Kingdom and Europe strive to raise awareness among decision makers about geology's relevance to key societal challenges.
B cell‐derived circulating granzyme B is a feature of acute infectious mononucleosis
Authors: Hagn Magdalena , Panikkar Archana , Smith Corey , Balfour Henry H , Khanna Rajiv , Voskoboinik Ilia , Trapani Joseph A
Published: June 2015

Granzyme B (GzmB) is a serine protease best known for inducing target cell apoptosis when released by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) or natural killer cells with pore‐forming perforin. As a result, GzmB detected in the serum of virus‐infected individuals has typically been attributed to these sources. Here, we show that patients with recently diagnosed infectious mononucleosis caused by Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) have high circulating levels of GzmB that may be derived from infected B cells early in course of disease. We recently reported that human B cells from healthy donors secrete active GzmB when stimulated in vitro through B‐cell receptor (BCR) ligation and interleukin (IL)‐21. We found that infecting B cells with EBV greatly amplified GzmB secretion in response to the same stimuli, but the expression was terminated once the infection had become latent. Our results represent a rare instance of GzmB expression by non‐CTL/natural killer cells in the context of infection with a human pathogen.
Host–microbe interactions as a driver of acclimation to salinity gradients in brown algal cultures
Authors: Dittami Simon M , Duboscq-Bidot Laëtitia , Perennou Morgan , Gobet Angélique , Corre Erwan , Boyen Catherine , Tonon Thierry
Published: June 2015

Like most eukaryotes, brown algae live in association with bacterial communities that frequently have beneficial effects on their development. Ectocarpus is a genus of small filamentous brown algae, which comprises a strain that has recently colonized freshwater, a rare transition in this lineage. We generated an inventory of bacteria in Ectocarpus cultures and examined the effect they have on acclimation to an environmental change, that is, the transition from seawater to freshwater medium. Our results demonstrate that Ectocarpus depends on bacteria for this transition: cultures that have been deprived of their associated microbiome do not survive a transfer to freshwater, but restoring their microflora also restores the capacity to acclimate to this change. Furthermore, the transition between the two culture media strongly affects the bacterial community composition. Examining a range of other closely related algal strains, we observed that the presence of two bacterial operational taxonomic units correlated significantly with an increase in low salinity tolerance of the algal culture. Despite differences in the community composition, no indications were found for functional differences in the bacterial metagenomes predicted to be associated with algae in the salinities tested, suggesting functional redundancy in the associated bacterial community. Our study provides an example of how microbial communities may impact the acclimation and physiological response of algae to different environments, and thus possibly act as facilitators of speciation. It paves the way for functional examinations of the underlying host–microbe interactions, both in controlled laboratory and natural conditions.
Co-translational capturing of nascent ribosomal proteins by their dedicated chaperones
Authors: Pausch Patrick , Singh Ujjwala , Ahmed Yasar Luqman , Pillet Benjamin , Murat Guillaume , Altegoer Florian , Stier Gunter , Thoms Matthias , Hurt Ed , Sinning Irmgard , Bange Gert , Kressler Dieter
Published: June 2015

Exponentially growing yeast cells produce every minute >160,000 ribosomal proteins. Owing to their difficult physicochemical properties, the synthesis of assembly-competent ribosomal proteins represents a major challenge. Recent evidence highlights that dedicated chaperone proteins recognize the N-terminal regions of ribosomal proteins and promote their soluble expression and delivery to the assembly site. Here we explore the intuitive possibility that ribosomal proteins are captured by dedicated chaperones in a co-translational manner. Affinity purification of four chaperones (Rrb1, Syo1, Sqt1 and Yar1) selectively enriched the mRNAs encoding their specific ribosomal protein clients (Rpl3, Rpl5, Rpl10 and Rps3). X-ray crystallography reveals how the N-terminal, rRNA-binding residues of Rpl10 are shielded by Sqt1’s WD-repeat β-propeller, providing mechanistic insight into the incorporation of Rpl10 into pre-60S subunits. Co-translational capturing of nascent ribosomal proteins by dedicated chaperones constitutes an elegant mechanism to prevent unspecific interactions and aggregation of ribosomal proteins on their road to incorporation.
Probing three-dimensional sodiation–desodiation equilibrium in sodium-ion batteries by in situ hard X-ray nanotomography
Authors: Wang Jiajun , Eng Christopher , Chen-Wiegart Yu-chen Karen , Wang Jun
Published: June 2015

Materials degradation—the main limiting factor for widespread application of alloy anodes in battery systems—was assumed to be worse in sodium alloys than in lithium analogues due to the larger sodium-ion radius. Efforts to relieve this problem are reliant on the understanding of electrochemical and structural degradation. Here we track three-dimensional structural and chemical evolution of tin anodes in sodium-ion batteries with in situ synchrotron hard X-ray nanotomography. We find an unusual (de)sodiation equilibrium during multi-electrochemical cycles. The superior structural reversibility during 10 electrochemical cycles and the significantly different morphological change features from comparable lithium-ion systems suggest untapped potential in sodium-ion batteries. These findings differ from the conventional thought that sodium ions always lead to more severe fractures in the electrode than lithium ions, which could have impact in advancing development of sodium-ion batteries.
Kinetics and fracture resistance of lithiated silicon nanostructure pairs controlled by their mechanical interaction
Authors: Lee Seok Woo , Lee Hyun-Wook , Ryu Ill , Nix William D. , Gao Huajian , Cui Yi
Published: June 2015

Following an explosion of studies of silicon as a negative electrode for Li-ion batteries, the anomalous volumetric changes and fracture of lithiated single Si particles have attracted significant attention in various fields, including mechanics. However, in real batteries, lithiation occurs simultaneously in clusters of Si in a confined medium. Hence, understanding how the individual Si structures interact during lithiation in a closed space is necessary. Here, we demonstrate physical and mechanical interactions of swelling Si structures during lithiation using well-defined Si nanopillar pairs. Ex situ SEM and in situ TEM studies reveal that compressive stresses change the reaction kinetics so that preferential lithiation occurs at free surfaces when the pillars are mechanically clamped. Such mechanical interactions enhance the fracture resistance of lithiated Si by lessening the tensile stress concentrations in Si structures. This study will contribute to improved design of Si structures at the electrode level for high-performance Li-ion batteries.
Modulation of the molecular spintronic properties of adsorbed copper corroles
Authors: Wu Fan , Liu Jie , Mishra Puneet , Komeda Tadahiro , Mack John , Chang Yi , Kobayashi Nagao , Shen Zhen
Published: June 2015

The ability to modulate the spin states of adsorbed molecules is in high demand for molecular spintronics applications. Here, we demonstrate that the spin state of a corrole complex can be tuned by expanding its fused ring as a result of the modification to the d–π interaction between the metal and ligand. A bicyclo[2.2.2]octadiene-fused copper corrole can readily be converted into a tetrabenzocorrole radical on an Au(111) substrate during the sublimation process. In the scanning tunnelling spectroscopy spectrum, a sharp Kondo resonance appears near the Fermi level on the corrole ligand of the tetrabenzocorrole molecule. In contrast, a non-fused-ring-expanded copper corrole molecule, copper 5,10,15-triphenylcorrole, shows no such Kondo feature. Mapping of the Kondo resonance demonstrates that the spin distribution of the tetrabenzocorrole molecule can be further modified by the rotation of the meso-aryl groups, in a manner that could lead to applications in molecular spintronics.
Adiabatic elimination-based coupling control in densely packed subwavelength waveguides
Authors: Mrejen Michael , Suchowski Haim , Hatakeyama Taiki , Wu Chihhui , Feng Liang , O’Brien Kevin , Wang Yuan , Zhang Xiang
Published: June 2015

The ability to control light propagation in photonic integrated circuits is at the foundation of modern light-based communication. However, the inherent crosstalk in densely packed waveguides and the lack of robust control of the coupling are a major roadblock toward ultra-high density photonic integrated circuits. As a result, the diffraction limit is often considered as the lower bound for ultra-dense silicon photonics circuits. Here we experimentally demonstrate an active control of the coupling between two closely packed waveguides via the interaction with a decoupled waveguide. This control scheme is analogous to the adiabatic elimination, a well-known procedure in atomic physics. This approach offers an attractive solution for ultra-dense integrated nanophotonics for light-based communications and integrated quantum computing.
Sustainability and dynamics of outcrop-to-outcrop hydrothermal circulation
Authors: Winslow Dustin M. , Fisher Andrew T.
Published: June 2015

Most seafloor hydrothermal circulation occurs far from the magmatic influence of mid-ocean ridges, driving large flows of water, heat and solutes through volcanic rock outcrops on ridge flanks. Here we create three-dimensional simulations of ridge–flank hydrothermal circulation, flowing between and through seamounts, to determine what controls hydrogeological sustainability, flow rate and preferred flow direction in these systems. We find that sustaining flow between outcrops that penetrate less-permeable sediment depends on a contrast in transmittance (the product of outcrop permeability and the area of outcrop exposure) between recharging and discharging sites, with discharge favoured through less-transmissive outcrops. Many simulations include local discharge through outcrops at the recharge end of an outcrop-to-outcrop system. Both of these characteristics are observed in the field. In addition, smaller discharging outcrops sustain higher flow rates than larger outcrops, which may help to explain how so much lithospheric heat is extracted globally by this process.
Bipyramid-templated synthesis of monodisperse anisotropic gold nanocrystals
Authors: Lee Jung-Hoon , Gibson Kyle J. , Chen Gang , Weizmann Yossi
Published: June 2015

Much of the interest in noble metal nanoparticles is due to their plasmonic resonance responses and local field enhancement, both of which can be tuned through the size and shape of the particles. However, both properties suffer from the loss of monodispersity that is frequently associated with various morphologies of nanoparticles. Here we show a method to generate diverse and monodisperse anisotropic gold nanoparticle shapes with various tip geometries as well as highly tunable size augmentations through either oxidative etching or seed-mediated growth of purified, monodisperse gold bipyramids. The conditions employed in the etching and growth processes also offer valuable insights into the growth mechanism difficult to realize with other gold nanostructures. The high-index facets and more complicated structure of the bipyramid lead to a wider variety of intriguing regrowth structures than in previously studied nanoparticles. Our results introduce a class of gold bipyramid-based nanoparticles with interesting and potentially useful features to the toolbox of gold nanoparticles.
Extreme ultraviolet imaging of three-dimensional magnetic reconnection in a solar eruption
Authors: Sun J. Q. , Cheng X. , Ding M. D. , Guo Y. , Priest E. R. , Parnell C. E. , Edwards S. J. , Zhang J. , Chen P. F. , Fang C.
Published: June 2015

Magnetic reconnection, a change of magnetic field connectivity, is a fundamental physical process in which magnetic energy is released explosively, and it is responsible for various eruptive phenomena in the universe. However, this process is difficult to observe directly. Here, the magnetic topology associated with a solar reconnection event is studied in three dimensions using the combined perspectives of two spacecraft. The sequence of extreme ultraviolet images clearly shows that two groups of oppositely directed and non-coplanar magnetic loops gradually approach each other, forming a separator or quasi-separator and then reconnecting. The plasma near the reconnection site is subsequently heated from ∼1 to ≥5 MK. Shortly afterwards, warm flare loops (∼3 MK) appear underneath the hot plasma. Other observational signatures of reconnection, including plasma inflows and downflows, are unambiguously revealed and quantitatively measured. These observations provide direct evidence of magnetic reconnection in a three-dimensional configuration and reveal its origin.
Coexisting and mixing phenomena of thermoacoustic and magnetoacoustic waves in water
Authors: Feng Xiaohua , Gao Fei , Kishor Rahul , Zheng Yuanjin
Published: June 2015

Concurrent generation and mixing phenomenon of thermoacoustic (TA) and magnetoacoustic (MA) waves in water are predicted and observed. A theory unifying TA and MA is further put forward to analyze it. By scaling down the radio frequency in thermoacoustics to the low mega Hertz range and by incorporating appropriately a static magnetic field, TA and MA waves are simultaneously generated in the conductive matter. The two waves propagate concurrently in water and produce dynamic acoustic radiation force due to water absorption. Such dynamic radiation force vibrates the absorbing water and consequently yields acoustic emissions at the inter-modulation frequencies of TA and MA waves, creating mixing effect similar to that of vibro-acoustography. The mixing effect can be potentially utilized to mimic vibro-acoustography imaging without firing external ultrasound towards intrinsic dual-contrast (elasticity and conductivity) imaging.
Out-of-sync: disrupted neural activity in emotional circuitry during film viewing in melancholic depression
Authors: Guo Christine C. , Nguyen Vinh T. , Hyett Matthew P. , Parker Gordon B. , Breakspear Michael J.
Published: June 2015

While a rich body of research in controlled experiments has established changes in the neural circuitry of emotion in major depressive disorders, little is known as to how such alterations might translate into complex, naturalistic settings - namely involving dynamic multimodal stimuli with rich contexts, such as those provided by films. Neuroimaging paradigms employing dynamic natural stimuli alleviate the anxiety often associated with complex tasks and eschew the need for laboratory-style abstractions, hence providing an ecologically valid means of elucidating neural underpinnings of neuropsychiatric disorders. To probe the neurobiological signature of refined depression subtypes, we acquired functional neuroimaging data in patients with the melancholic subtype of major depressive disorder during free viewing of emotionally salient films. We found a marked disengagement of ventromedial prefrontal cortex during natural viewing of a film with negative emotional valence in patients with melancholia. This effect significantly correlated with depression severity. Such changes occurred on the background of diminished consistency of neural activity in visual and auditory sensory networks, as well as higher-order networks involved in emotion and attention, including bilateral intraparietal sulcus and right anterior insula. These findings may reflect a failure to re-allocate resources and diminished reactivity to external emotional stimuli in melancholia.
Environmental enrichment and abstinence attenuate ketamine-induced cardiac and renal toxicity
Authors: Li Xingxing , Li Shuangyan , Zheng Wenhui , Pan Jian , Huang Kunyu , Chen Rong , Pan Tonghe , Liao Guorong , Chen Zhongming , Zhou Dongsheng , Shen Wenwen , Zhou Wenhua , Liu Yu
Published: June 2015

The current study was designed to investigate the effect of abstinence in combination with environmental enrichment (EE) on cardiac and renal toxicity induced by 2 weeks of ketamine self-administration (SA) in rodents. In Experiment 1, one group of rats underwent ketamine SA for 14 days. In Experiment 2, the animals completed 2 weeks of ketamine SA followed by 2 and 4 weeks of abstinence. In Experiment 3, animals underwent 14 days of ketamine SA and 4 weeks of abstinence in which isolated environment (IE) and EE was introduced. The corresponding control groups were included for each experiment. Two weeks of ketamine SA caused significant increases in organ weight, Apoptosis Stimulating Fragment/Kidney Injury Molecule-1 and apoptotic level of heart and kidney. The extended length of withdrawal from ketamine SA partially reduced toxicity on the heart and kidney. Finally, introduction of EE during the period of abstinence greatly promoted the effect of abstinence on ketamine-induced cardiac and renal toxicity. The interactive effect of EE and abstinence was promising to promote the recovery of cardiac and renal toxicity of ketamine.