bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A thyroid hormone network exists in synovial fibroblasts of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis patients
Authors: Pörings Anna-Sophia , Lowin Torsten , Dufner Bianca , Grifka Joachim , Straub Rainer H.
Published: September 2019

While patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) sometimes demonstrate thyroidal illness, the role of thyroid hormones in inflamed synovial tissue is unknown. This is relevant because thyroid hormones stimulate immunity, and local cells can regulate thyroid hormone levels by deiodinases (DIO). The study followed the hypothesis that elements of a thyroid hormone network exist in synovial tissue. In 12 patients with RA and 32 with osteoarthritis (OA), we used serum, synovial fluid, synovial tissue, and synovial fibroblasts (SF) in order to characterize the local thyroid hormone network using ELISAs, immunohistochemistry, imaging methods, tissue superfusion studies, cell-based ELISAs, flow cytometry, and whole genome expression profiling. Serum/synovial fluid thyroid hormone levels were similar in RA and OA (inclusion criteria: no thyroidal illness). The degradation product termed reverse triiodothyronine (reverse T3) was much lower in serum compared to synovial fluid indicating biodegradation of thyroid hormones in the synovial environment. Superfusion experiments with synovial tissue also demonstrated biodegradation, particularly in RA. Cellular membrane transporters of thyroid hormones, DIOs, and thyroid hormone receptors were present in tissue and SF. Density of cells positive for degrading DIOs were higher in RA than OA. TNF increased protein expression of degrading DIOs in RASF and OASF. Gene expression studies of RASF revealed insignificant gene regulation by bioactive T3. RA and OA synovial tissue/SF show a local thyroid hormone network. Thyroid hormones undergo strong biodegradation in synovium. While bioactive T3 does not influence SF gene expression, SF seem to have a relay function for thyroid hormones.
Increase in the Population of Patients with Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration Who Underwent Long-Term Active Treatment
Authors: Baek Seung Kook , Kim Jae Hui , Kim Jong Woo , Kim Chul Gu
Published: September 2019

To investigate changes in the size of the population of patients who are receiving long-term, active treatment for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This retrospective, observational study included 3,380 patients who received anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections (3,974 eyes). The injections performed were divided into the following three groups: group 1, injections performed right after the initial diagnosis; group 2, injections performed <24 months; and group 3, injection performed ≥24 months. Time-dependent changes in the proportion of injections in each group were analyzed. The total number of injections markedly increased from 431 in the 1st quarter of 2014 to 1,323 in the 4th quarter of 2018. There were significant changes in the proportion of injections in each group over time (P < 0.001). The proportions of group 1, group 2, and group 3 in the 1st quarter of 2014 were 17.4%, 65.4%, and 17.2%, respectively. The proportions changed to 10.6%, 50.2%, and 39.5% in the 4th quarter of 2018, respectively. The marked increase in the proportions of group 3 may suggest an increase in the patient population that underwent long-term active treatment. The socioeconomic influence of this trend should be considered when establishing future strategies for neovascular AMD.
Risk-based eradication as a control measure to limit the spread of LA-MRSA among Danish pig herds – a simulation study
Authors: Schulz Jana , Boklund Anette , Toft Nils , Halasa Tariq
Published: September 2019

A national screening in 2016 identified 88% of Danish pig herds positive for livestock-associated Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA). This highlights the importance of evaluating potential control measures that could reduce the prevalence of LA-MRSA among Danish pig herds. In addition to describing the effects of (1) reduced within-herd transmission, (2) increased biosecurity, and (3) movement restrictions, the eradication of LA-MRSA as a potential control measure was investigated using a simulation model mimicking the spread of LA-MRSA among pig herds between 2006 and 2015. The latter strategy was simulated either as eradication of a random selection of herds for surveillance or as a risk-based selection of herds based on their potential to spread LA-MRSA via pig movements in four different scenarios: low- vs. high-prevalence scenarios with control measures starting in 2007 and in 2010. Almost all control measures showed the potential to reduce the spread of LA-MRSA among pig herds, especially when implemented intensively and when control measures were combined. Risk-based selection of herds for eradication led to a greater relative reduction compared to random selection. In the high-prevalence scenario in particular, combinations including risk-based eradication led to the greatest relative reduction.
Association of circulating exosomal miR-122 levels with BAT activity in healthy humans
Authors: Okamatsu-Ogura Yuko , Matsushita Mami , Bariuan Jussiaea Valente , Nagaya Kazuki , Tsubota Ayumi , Saito Masayuki
Published: September 2019

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) plays an important role in body fat accumulation and the regulation of energy expenditure. Since the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of obesity and related metabolic diseases is contentious, we analyzed exosomal miRNAs in serum of healthy subjects with special references to BAT activity and body fat level. Forty male volunteers aged 20–30 years were recruited. Their BAT activity was assessed by fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography and computed tomography after 2 h of cold exposure and expressed as a maximal standardized uptake value (SUVmax). Exosomal miRNA levels was analyzed using microarray and real-time PCR analyses. The miR-122-5p level in the high BAT activity group (SUV ≧ 3) was 53% lower than in the low BAT activity group (SUVmax <3). Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed that the serum miR-122-5p level correlated negatively with BAT activity and the serum HDL-cholesterol, and it correlated positively with age, BMI, body fat mass, and total cholesterol and triglyceride serum levels. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that BAT activity was associated with the serum miR-122-5p level independently of the other parameters. These results reveal the serum exosomal miR-122-5p level is negatively associated with BAT activity independently of obesity.
Focal Adhesion Kinase Inhibition Contributes to Tumor Cell Survival and Motility in Neuroblastoma Patient-Derived Xenografts
Authors: Stafman Laura L. , Williams Adele P. , Marayati Raoud , Aye Jamie M. , Markert Hooper R. , Garner Evan F. , Quinn Colin H. , Lallani Shoeb B. , Stewart Jerry E. , Yoon Karina J. , Whelan Kimberly , Beierle Elizabeth A.
Published: September 2019

Patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) provide an opportunity to evaluate the effects of therapies in an environment that more closely resembles the human condition than that seen with long-term passage cell lines. In the current studies, we investigated the effects of FAK inhibition on two neuroblastoma PDXs in vitro. Cells were treated with two small molecule inhibitors of FAK, PF-573,228 (PF) and 1,2,4,5-benzentetraamine tetrahydrochloride (Y15). Following FAK inhibition, cell survival and proliferation decreased significantly and cell cycle arrest was seen in both cell lines. Migration and invasion assays were used to determine the effect of FAK inhibition on cell motility, which decreased significantly in both cell lines in the presence of either inhibitor. Finally, tumor cell stemness following FAK inhibition was evaluated with extreme limiting dilution assays as well as with immunoblotting and quantitative real-time PCR for the expression of stem cell markers. FAK inhibition decreased formation of tumorspheres and resulted in a corresponding decrease in established stem cell markers. FAK inhibition decreased many characteristics of the malignant phenotype, including cancer stem cell like features in neuroblastoma PDXs, making FAK a candidate for further investigation as a potential target for neuroblastoma therapy.
Mechanical properties of plasma membrane vesicles correlate with lipid order, viscosity and cell density
Authors: Steinkühler Jan , Sezgin Erdinc , Urbančič Iztok , Eggeling Christian , Dimova Rumiana
Published: September 2019

Regulation of plasma membrane curvature and composition governs essential cellular processes. The material property of bending rigidity describes the energetic cost of membrane deformations and depends on the plasma membrane molecular composition. Because of compositional fluctuations and active processes, it is challenging to measure it in intact cells. Here, we study the plasma membrane using giant plasma membrane vesicles (GPMVs), which largely preserve the plasma membrane lipidome and proteome. We show that the bending rigidity of plasma membranes under varied conditions is correlated to readout from environment-sensitive dyes, which are indicative of membrane order and microviscosity. This correlation holds across different cell lines, upon cholesterol depletion or enrichment of the plasma membrane, and variations in cell density. Thus, polarity- and viscosity-sensitive probes represent a promising indicator of membrane mechanical properties. Additionally, our results allow for identifying synthetic membranes with a few well defined lipids as optimal plasma membrane mimetics.
Supramolecular fluorescence sensor for liquefied petroleum gas
Authors: Zhan Yi-Yang , Liao Jingyuan , Kajita Mizuho , Kojima Tatsuo , Takahashi Satoshi , Takaya Tomohisa , Iwata Koichi , Hiraoka Shuichi
Published: September 2019

Sensing systems of nonpolar gas molecules without functional groups such as natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) remain difficult to develop because of lacking selective detection of such molecules over other gas molecules. Here we report a supramolecular fluorescence sensor for LPG using a 2-nm-sized cube-shaped molecular container i.e. a nanocube self-assembled from six molecules of gear-shaped amphiphiles (GSA) in water. The nanocube selectively encapsulates LPG, while it does not bind other gas molecules. Upon encapsulation of LPG in the nanocube, the fluorescence from the nanocube is enhanced by 3.9 times, which is caused by the restricted motion of the aromatic rings of GSA in the nanocube based on aggregation-induced emission. Besides the high selectivity, high sensitivity, quick response, high stability of the nanocube for LPG, and easy preparation of GSA satisfy the requirement for its practical use for an LPG sensor.
Classification accuracy improvement by data preprocessing in handheld laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy
Authors: Yan Jiujiang , Yang Ping , Zhou Ran , Li Shuhan , Liu Kun , Zhang Wen , Li Xiangyou , Wang Dengzhi , Zeng Xiaoyan , Lu Yongfeng
Published: September 2019

Qualitative analysis using handheld laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (HH-LIBS) usually suffers from spectral fluctuation.
Highly sensitive determination of aminoglycoside residues in food by sheathless CE-ESI-MS/MS
Authors: Yu Yue , Liu Ying , Wang Wentao , Jia Yanbo , Zhao Guiping , Zhang Xinxiang , Chen Hongxu , Zhou Yinglin
Published: September 2019

A highly sensitive sheathless capillary electrophoresis-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry method and transient isotachophoresis was established for the determination of aminoglycoside antibiotics in milk.
Origin of stereoselectivity and multidimensional quantitative analysis of ligand effects on yttrium-catalysed polymerization of 2-vinylpyridine
Authors: Zhao Yanan , Lu Han , Luo Gen , Kang Xiaohui , Hou Zhaomin , Luo Yi
Published: September 2019

Through a combination of density functional theory (DFT) calculations and multivariate regression analysis, the origin of the stereoselectivity of yttrium-catalysed polymerization of 2-vinylpyridine (2VP) has been investigated.
Ferrocenyl naphthalenes: substituent- and substitution pattern-depending charge transfer studies
Authors: Preuß Andrea , Korb Marcus , Miesel Dominique , Rüffer Tobias , Hildebrandt Alexander , Lang Heinrich
Published: September 2019

The synthesis and characterisation of a series of ferrocenyl-functionalized naphthalenes is reported, whereby the electrochemical behaviour and charge transfer properties depend on the substitution pattern.
Influence of mineral water constituents, organic matter and water matrices on the performance of the H2O2/IO4−-advanced oxidation process
Authors: Chadi Nor Elhouda , Merouani Slimane , Hamdaoui Oualid , Bouhelassa Mohammed , Ashokkumar Muthupandian
Published: September 2019

We have recently reported that the reaction of H2O2/IO4− could be a new advanced oxidation process for water treatment [N. E. Chadi, S. Merouani, O. Hamdaoui, M. Bouhelassa and M. Ashokkumar, Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2019, 5, 1113–1123].
Scalable syntheses of traceable ribosylated NAD+ precursors
Authors: Makarov M. V. , Harris N. W. , Rodrigues M. , Migaud M. E.
Published: September 2019

This work is novel as it describes scalable methods to gain efficient access to the ribosylated form of NAD+ precursors and to a range of isotopologues of NAD+ precursors, key tools to probing NAD+ biology.
Sulfonic-acid-functionalized carbon fiber from waste newspaper as a recyclable carbon based solid acid catalyst for the hydrolysis of cellulose
Authors: Gong Runming , Ma Zihao , Wang Xing , Han Ying , Guo Yanzhu , Sun Guangwei , Li Yao , Zhou Jinghui
Published: September 2019

Waste newspaper is one of the most common cellulosic materials.
Photochemistry and desorption induced by X-rays in water rich astrophysical ice analogs: implications for the moon Enceladus and other frozen space environments
Authors: Pilling S. , Rocha W. R. M. , Freitas F. M. , da Silva P. A.
Published: September 2019

Soft X-rays are an important agent for chemical processing in the Solar System and in the interstellar medium.
One-pot synthesis of biomimetic glutathione peroxidase with temperature responsive catalytic behaviors
Authors: Jiao Shufei , Zhang Ruirui , Yin Yanzhen , Zhong Shuming , Liu Zijie , Zheng Yunying , Hu Xiaoxi , Liang Xingtang , Huang Zuqiang
Published: September 2019

A microgel-based biomimetic glutathione peroxidase with temperature responsive catalytic behavior is synthesized by integrating atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) technology into one-pot synthesis.
Development of a benzothiazole-functionalized red-emission pyronin dye and its dihydro derivative for imaging lysosomal viscosity and tracking endogenous peroxynitrite
Authors: Ren Minghao , Wang Linfang , Lv Xin , Liu Jing , Chen Hu , Wang Juanjuan , Guo Wei
Published: September 2019

Based on the pyronin dye platform, a red-emission molecular rotorBTPand its dihydro derivativeHBTPwere developed for imaging lysosomal viscosity and endogenous ONOO−, respectively.
Electrochemical interfacing of Prussian blue nanocrystals with an ITO electrode modified with a thin film containing a Ru complex
Authors: Sato Hiroaki , Ide Mitsutoshi , Saito Ryo , Togashi Takanari , Kanaizuka Katsuhiko , Kurihara Masato , Nishihara Hiroshi , Ozawa Hiroaki , Haga Masa-aki
Published: September 2019

A hysteresis loop on the EQCM curve was observed by the regulation of ion/electron transfer in Prussian blue MOF crystals interfaced with a Ru complex film on an ITO electrode.
Recent advances in the orientation of conjugated polymers for organic field-effect transistors
Authors: Pandey Manish , Kumari Nikita , Nagamatsu Shuichi , Pandey Shyam S.
Published: September 2019

This review summarizes recent advancements in various orientation techniques for conjugated polymers for use in high performance organic field effect transistors.
MiR-182 regulates cell proliferation and apoptosis in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma by targeting the CRR9
Authors: Lv Yuan , Ye Dong , Qiu Shijie , Zhang Jian , Shen Zhisen , Shen Yi , Deng Hongxia
Published: September 2019

Background: The effect of miR-182 on the expressions of CRR9 in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) cells, and the impact on invasion and metastasis of LSCC were investigated in the present paper.

Methods: The expressions of miR-182 in LSCC tissue and cell line were detected by RT-qPCR. MTT assay and Annexin V staining were used to detect the effects of miR-182 on tumor cells proliferation. Target gene prediction and screening, and luciferase reporter assay were designed to verify downstream target genes of miR-182. The mRNA and protein expressions of CRR9 were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Finally, the expressions of CRR9 were measured by transfecting cells with miR-182 in mice.

Results: Compared with normal tissue and cell, the expressions of miR-182 in tumor tissues and cells were much lower. Over-expressions of miR-182 can increase apoptosis rate. Luciferase reporter assay revealed that CRR9 was a downstream gene of miR-182. Reintroduction of CRR9 abolished miR-182-induced LSCC cell growth inhibition. In animal models, over-expressions of miR-182 can reduce tumor weight and promote apoptosis.

Conclusion: miR-182 can inhibit the proliferation of LSCC cells by directly inhibiting the expressions of CRR9, thereby suppressing the occurrences and developments of LSCC.
Homology-directed repair in mouse cells increased by CasRx-mediated knockdown or co-expressing Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus ORF52
Authors: Pan Hong , Yu Weina , Zhang Ming
Published: September 2019

Precise genome editing with directed base insertion or targeted point mutations can be achieved by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated homology-directed repair (HDR) and is of great significance in clinical disease therapy. However, HDR efficiency, compared with non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ), is inherently low. To enhance HDR, enabling the insertion of precise genetic modifications, we compared two strategies during surrogate reporter assays in mouse N2A cells: the suppression of DNA ligase IV, a key molecule in NHEJ, using the CasRx (Ruminococcus flavefaciens Cas13d) system, and co-expression of Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) ORF52 proteins. We found that suppression of DNA ligase IV promotes HDR efficiency by 1.4-fold. When co-expressed with the Cas9 system, ORF52 improved HDR efficiency by up to 2.1-fold. In addition, we used ORF52 co-expression to modify the ACTB and Tubb3 genes of mouse N2A and E14 cells, which further increased HDR efficiency by approximately two- to four-fold. In conclusion, our data suggest that ORF52 co-expression is effective for enhancing CRISPR/Cas9-mediated HDR, which may be useful for future studies involving precise genome editing.
aPKC in neuronal differentiation, maturation and function
Authors: Hapak Sophie M. , Rothlin Carla V. , Ghosh Sourav
Published: September 2019

The atypical Protein Kinase Cs (aPKCs)—PRKCI, PRKCZ and PKMζ—form a subfamily within the Protein Kinase C (PKC) family. These kinases are expressed in the nervous system, including during its development and in adulthood. One of the aPKCs, PKMζ, appears to be restricted to the nervous system. aPKCs are known to play a role in a variety of cellular responses such as proliferation, differentiation, polarity, migration, survival and key metabolic functions such as glucose uptake, that are critical for nervous system development and function. Therefore, these kinases have garnered a lot of interest in terms of their functional role in the nervous system. Here we review the expression and function of aPKCs in neural development and in neuronal maturation and function. Despite seemingly paradoxical findings with genetic deletion versus gene silencing approaches, we posit that aPKCs are likely candidates for regulating many important neurodevelopmental and neuronal functions, and may be associated with a number of human neuropsychiatric diseases.
Effects of Early Acoustic Hearing on Speech Perception and Language for Pediatric Cochlear Implant Recipients
Authors: Davidson Lisa S. , Geers Ann E. , Uchanski Rosalie M. , Firszt Jill B.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The overall goal of the current study was to identify an optimal level and duration of acoustic experience that facilitates language development for pediatric cochlear implant (CI) recipients—specifically, to determine whether there is an optimal duration of hearing aid (HA) use and unaided threshold levels that should be considered before proceeding to bilateral CIs.

Method

A total of 117 pediatric CI recipients (ages 5–9 years) were given speech perception and standardized tests of receptive vocabulary and language. The speech perception battery included tests of segmental perception (e.g., word recognition in quiet and noise, and vowels and consonants in quiet) and of suprasegmental perception (e.g., talker and stress discrimination, and emotion identification). Hierarchical regression analyses were used to determine the effects of speech perception on language scores, and the effects of residual hearing level (unaided pure-tone average [PTA]) and duration of HA use on speech perception.

Results

A continuum of residual hearing levels and the length of HA use were represented by calculating the unaided PTA of the ear with the longest duration of HA use for each child. All children wore 2 devices: Some wore bimodal devices, while others received their 2nd CI either simultaneously or sequentially, representing a wide range of HA use (0.03–9.05 years). Regression analyses indicate that suprasegmental perception contributes unique variance to receptive language scores and that both segmental and suprasegmental skills each contribute independently to receptive vocabulary scores. Also, analyses revealed an optimal duration of HA use for each of 3 ranges of hearing loss severity (with mean PTAs of 73, 92, and 111 dB HL) that maximizes suprasegmental perception.

Conclusions

For children with the most profound losses, early bilateral CIs provide the greatest opportunity for developing good spoken language skills. For those with moderate-to-severe losses, however, a prescribed period of bimodal use may be more advantageous for developing good spoken language skills.
Glitch time series and size distributions in eight prolific pulsars
Authors: Fuentes J. R. , Espinoza C. M. , Reisenegger A.
Published: September 2019

Context. Glitches are rare spin-up events that punctuate the smooth slow-down of the rotation of pulsars. For the Vela pulsar and PSR J0537−6910, their large glitch sizes and the times between consecutive events have clear preferred scales (Gaussian distributions), contrary to the handful of other pulsars with enough glitches for such a study. Moreover, PSR J0537−6910 is the only pulsar that shows a strong positive correlation between the size of each glitch and the waiting time until the following one.

Aims. We attempt to understand this behaviour through a detailed study of the distributions and correlations of glitch properties for the eight pulsars with at least ten detected glitches.

Methods. We modelled the distributions of glitch sizes and of the times between consecutive glitches for the eight pulsars with at least ten detected events. We also looked for possible correlations between these parameters and used Monte Carlo simulations to explore two hypotheses that could explain why the correlation so clearly seen in PSR J0537−6910 is absent in other pulsars.

Results. We confirm the above results for Vela and PSR J0537−6910, and verify that the latter is the only pulsar with a strong correlation between glitch size and waiting time to the following glitch. For the remaining six pulsars, the waiting time distributions are best fitted by exponentials, and the size distributions are best fitted by either power laws, exponentials, or log-normal functions. Some pulsars in the sample yield significant Pearson and Spearman coefficients (rp and rs) for the aforementioned correlation, confirming previous results. Moreover, for all except the Crab pulsar, both coefficients are positive. For each coefficient taken separately, the probability of this happening is 1/16. Our simulations show that the weaker correlations in pulsars other than PSR J0537−6910 cannot be due to missing glitches that are too small to be detected. We also tested the hypothesis that each pulsar may have two kinds of glitches, namely large, correlated ones and small, uncorrelated ones. The best results are obtained for the Vela pulsar, which exhibits a correlation with rp = 0.68 (p-value = 0.003) if its two smallest glitches are removed. The other pulsars are harder to accommodate under this hypothesis, but their glitches are not consistent with a pure uncorrelated population either. We also find that all pulsars in our sample, except the Crab pulsar, are consistent with the previously found constant ratio between glitch activity and spin-down rate, ν̇g/|ν̇| = 0.010±0.001, even though some of them have not shown any large glitches.

Conclusions. To explain these results, we speculate except in the case of the Crab pulsar, that all glitches draw their angular momentum from a common reservoir (presumably a neutron superfluid component containing ≈1% of the star’s moment of inertia). However, two different trigger mechanisms could be active, a more deterministic one for larger glitches and a more random one for smaller ones.
Dossier : Le groupe des Dix, des précurseurs de l'interdisciplinarité – Vingt-cinq ans de médiation entre sciences, politique et société : le Groupe d’exploration et de recherches multidisciplinaires sur l’environnement et la société (Germes) (1975-2002)
Authors: Theys Jacques
Published: September 2019

La connaissance ne se développe pas seulement dans les laboratoires ou les « lieux confinés ». Elle a aussi besoin « d’espaces de plein air », de lieux de confrontation entre disciplines et avec la société civile ou la décision politique, de ce que Michel Callon a appelé des « forums hybrides ». Pendant un peu plus de 25 ans le Groupe d’exploration et de recherches multidisciplinaires sur l’environnement et la société (Germes) a constitué un tel forum – une structure, sans équivalent à cette époque, à la fois de dialogue entre chercheurs de toutes disciplines et de réflexion collective ou de coproduction de connaissances sur l’environnement, impliquant à la fois le monde scientifique, les responsables publics et la société civile au sens large. L’article rend compte de la genèse de ce groupe et met en évidence le rôle de défricheur qu’il a pu jouer dans trois grandes directions : la promotion d’une approche réellement multidimensionnelle des relations environnement-développement ; la modernisation et la démocratisation de l’action publique ; l’analyse des tensions et médiations entre science, politique et société civile. À travers la multiplicité des initiatives et des publications réalisées par le Germes durant cette période, c’est un regard historique sur la transformation des idées et des connaissances sur l’environnement dans ses relations avec la société qui est ainsi proposé. Un regard naturellement partiel et propre à la France, mais qui permet de resituer les recherches et débats actuels dans une dynamique longue de la connaissance, avec ses avancées, ses reculs, ses continuités et ses ruptures épistémologiques…
The acceptance of radiographers to use Non-fluoroscopy Guided Positioning and the influence of leadership: a survey research
Authors: Germonpré S. , Vermaut G. , Trybou J.
Published: September 2019

Although using fluoroscopy to position the patient for radiographic examinations cannot be justified, it is commonly used by several radiology departments. In an attempt to understand the determinants of non-fluoroscopy-guided positioning, this study investigates the predictive value of performance expectancy, effort expectancy and social influence. Subsequently, the moderation of individualised consideration by the head radiographer, as a leadership trait, is tested. The study is performed by using data of a self-administered paper and pencil questionnaire distributed among 17 Belgian hospitals. All 301 radiographers working in radiology departments were invited to cooperate. We found that effort expectancy is the strongest predictor, closely followed by performance expectancy. The effect of social influence is also found to be significant. The outcome of the moderation analysis shows that only the effect of social influence on the behavioural intention to use non-fluoroscopy-guided positioning is significantly moderated by individualised consideration. In conclusion we can state that the findings of this research can be a helpful tool for radiologists and head radiographers to stimulate the staff to improve imaging practices.
Besser leben mit Osteoarthritis – GLA:D-Initiative „Good Life with osteoArthritis in Denmark”
Authors: Baumbach Linda , Thorgaard Skou Søren Thorgaard , Roos Ewa M.
Published: September 2019

In Dänemark ist es mit der GLA:D-Initiative gelungen, wissenschaftlich belegte Empfehlungen für die Physiotherapie bei Arthrose erfolgreich in die Praxis zu integrieren. Nach einem ausführlichen Befund erhält jeder Patient drei Edukationseinheiten und zweimal wöchentlich ein Gruppentraining über mindestens sechs Wochen. Im Juli 2019 hat auch die Schweiz GLA:D eingeführt.
Übung des Monats – Der Shoulder Touch Plank
Authors: Keller Matthias , Volker Hacker
Published: September 2019

Eine motorische Rumpfkontrolle ist essenziell, um die Wirbelsäule im sportartspezifischen Training und bei Alltagsbelastungen in einer neutralen Ausrichtung kontrollieren zu können. Eine Möglichkeit, diese motorische Rumpfkontrolle zu üben, ist das Training mit Lastwechsel.
Die Rotatorenmanschettenläsion
Authors: Tauber Mark
Published: September 2019

Die Rotatorenmanschettenläsion gehört zu den häufigsten Pathologien des
Schultergelenks und stellt in der zweiten Lebenshälfte die Hauptursache von
Schulterschmerzen dar. Individuelle Faktoren müssen bei der Suche nach einer
optimalen Behandlung stets berücksichtigt werden, wobei grundsätzlich auch klare
objektive Parameter existieren, die für eine OP-Indikation sprechen oder den
Status der Rotatorenmanschette als irreparabel einstufen lassen.
Zertifizierung: „Impfen für Dermatologen (DDA)“
Authors: Elsner P. , Pfister W. , Schliemann S.
Published: September 2019

Das Fachgebiet der Dermatologie umfasst die Vorbeugung, Erkennung, konservative und operative Behandlung, die Nachsorge und Rehabilitation von Krankheiten der Haut sowie von Geschlechtskrankheiten. Historisch war die Dermatologie stark durch infektiöse Hautkrankheiten und sexuell übertragbare Infektionen geprägt wie Tuberkulose und Lepra, Syphilis und Gonorrhoe, aber auch virale Hautkrankheiten wie Pocken-, Herpesvirus- und HPV-Infektionen. Nicht nur die Diagnostik und Therapie von Infektionskrankheiten der Haut gehören zum Fachgebiet der Dermatologie, sondern auch deren spezifische Prävention, für die sich in den vergangenen Jahren neue Möglichkeiten durch die Verfügbarkeit von Impfstoffen ergeben haben.

Die Deutsche Dermatologische Akademie (DDA) hat daher mit dem Zertifikat „Impfen für Dermatologen (DDA)“ ein wichtiges Fortbildungsangebot auf diesem zunehmend wichtigen Teilgebiet der Dermatologie geschaffen.

Die Fortbildungsinhalte für die Zertifizierung „Impfen für Dermatologen (DDA)“ werden in einem ganztägigen Modul (8 Stunden) vermittelt; auch eine Aufteilung in Halbtage im Rahmen größerer Fortbildungsveranstaltungen ist möglich.

Die Seminare sind interaktiv; bestimmend ist die praxisorientierte Präsentation des Wissens und die kollegiale Diskussion mit ausgewiesenen Experten. Zum Erhalt des Zertifikats ist einmal alle 5 Jahre die Teilnahme an einem Qualitätszirkel (2 Stunden) vorgesehen, in dem aktuelle Entwicklungen komprimiert dargestellt und anhand von Falldiskussionen thematisiert werden.
Seltene Histologie bei einem Patienten mit Stimmlippenpolyp
Authors: Zaubitzer Lena , Rotter Nicole , Gaiser Timo , Lammert Anne
Published: September 2019

Ein 96-jähriger Patient wurde durch den niedergelassen HNO-Facharzt mit Verdacht auf einen Stimmlippenpolypen in die Hochschulambulanz überwiesen. Er litt seit ca. vier Monaten unter Heiserkeit und verminderter stimmlicher Belastbarkeit. Weitere Symptome wie Dyspnoe, Dysphagie, Schmerzen oder eine B-Symptomatik bestanden nicht. Es lagen weder Nikotin- noch Alkoholabusus vor.
Ultrasound-Guided Proximolateral Approach for Digital Flexor Tendon Sheath Injection in the Horse: A Cadaver Study
Authors: Horne Caitlyn R. , Redding William R. , Ru Hongyu , Schnabel Lauren V.
Published: September 2019

Objectives The aim of this study was to define a reliable ultrasound-guided proximolateral approach (PLA) for injection of the digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS) in horses that would be as accurate as the landmark-guided basilar sesamoidean approach (BSA).

Study Design Forty cadaveric limbs with no palpable effusion or DFTS abnormalities were randomly and evenly distributed between one senior (WRR) and one resident clinician (CRH) and between ultrasound-guided PLA and landmark-guided BSA groups. Limbs were injected with contrast, radiographed, and dissected. For each injection, the following was recorded: clinician, order of injection, number of attempts, if contrast was present within the DFTS, and if a structure other than the DFTS was penetrated.

Results The ultrasound-guided PLA resulted in a greater number of successful injections into the DFTS than the landmark-guided BSA (19/20 vs. 16/20, respectively) with significantly fewer attempts (p = 0.03). The ultrasound-guided PLA also resulted in significantly less penetration of the surrounding soft tissue structures compared with the landmark-guided BSA (p = 0.02). Neither clinician experience nor injection number within the series was determined to have an effect on injection outcome.

Conclusions The ultrasound-guided PLA to the DFTS is accurate and technically easy to perform. This approach should be considered for synoviocentesis of the DFTS, particularly in cases in which effusion is not present to reduce soft tissue trauma.
Density matrix superoperator for periodic quantum systems and its application to quantum cascade laser structures
Authors: Demić Aleksandar , Ikonić Zoran , Kelsall Robert W. , Indjin Dragan
Published: September 2019

In this work we present a generalization of the Liouvillian superoperator for periodic quantum systems that can be formulated through partitioned Hamiltonians. We formulate a compact algebraic form of the superoperator that allows efficient numerical implementation along with the possibility of further generalization and the inclusion of the system’s boundary effects (i.e. device contacts). We apply this formalism to Quantum Cascade Laser structure where we compare the second nearest and the nearest on approximation, and present the laser dynamics that is independent from the number of states considered.
Formation of special liquid bridges between a single plate and parallel plates
Authors: Bian Xiongheng , Huang Haibo , Chen Liguo
Published: September 2019

When a droplet is pinned between a single plate structure (SPS) and a parallel plate structure (PPS), a liquid bridge is formed, which often occurs in digital microfluidics. The understanding of this liquid bridge formation process is still undeveloped; for this reason, the function of the side surface of the up-plate is ignored. In this paper, the formation of a liquid bridge is studied. First, based on pressure analysis, the formation process of a liquid bridge can be divided into two parts. The first part is the wetting motion, which indicates that the side and bottom surfaces attract the droplets according to their wetting force to form a liquid bridge. The second part is the pressure motion, which indicates whether the droplets enter or exit the PPS unidirectionally according to the pressure difference (capillary force) between the SPS and the PPS. The influence of the contact angle hysteresis (CAH) is simulated, and the results indicate that the CAH on the bottom surface plays a more important role than the CAH on the side surface. In addition, the influence of both the material and geometric parameters on the amount of bridge motion is studied. The results show that the thinner the upper plate is, the larger the PPS gap is, and the better the droplet entering the PPS is. These conclusions can be used to obtain better performance when droplets need to be delivered to the PPS on a microfluidic chip.
Spatial confinement of laser-induced plasma by laser-induced and obstacle-reflected shock wave and its effect on optical emission of laser-induced plasma
Authors: Qiu Yining , Yao Chujun , Yao Chengbao , Gan Jie , Zhang Wu , Xu Ning , Sun Jian , Wu Jiada
Published: September 2019

The laser-induced plasma (LIP) and the shock wave generated by pulsed laser ablation of a graphite target in air and reflected by a flat obstacle were examined by optical emission spectroscopy and probe beam deflection measurements. The interaction between the LIP and the shock wave and its effects on the expansion of the LIP as well as on the optical emission of carbon atoms were studied. The carbon atomic emission can be enhanced or reduced in the situation with a flat obstacle standing in the propagation path of the shock wave. The enhancement or reduction of the carbon atomic emission has a close connection with the shock wave generated by graphite ablation and reflected by the obstacle. The reflected shock wave confines the expansion of the LIP and impedes the travelling of the plasma species. The enhancement was observed at the detection position close to the target and with a short block-target distance. The shock wave thus reflected encounters the luminous LIP at its early expanding stage and confines the expansion of the LIP, resulting in the enhancement in the optical emission of carbon atoms. But at the detection position far from the target and with a longer block-target distance, a reduction in the optical emission due to spatial confinement was observed. The possible mechanisms responsible for the effects of spatial confinement on the optical emission were discussed.
The role of equity balance and executive stock ownership in the innovation efficiency of renewable energy enterprises
Authors: Xu Xin Long , Chen Hsing Hung , Li Yi , Chen Qi Xia
Published: September 2019

This paper selects China's renewable energy enterprises as a research sample and analyzes the impacts of equity balance and executive stock ownership on these companies' innovation efficiency from 2009 to 2018. The results show that equity balance has significant and positive impacts on innovation efficiency, while there is a significant nonlinear, inverted U-shaped relationship between the executive stock ownership and innovation efficiency. In addition, with changes in the shareholding ratio of the largest shareholder, equity balance and executive stock ownership are substitutive in terms of their impacts on innovation efficiency. Therefore, this paper proposes the following recommendations. The shareholding ratio of the largest shareholder should be controlled within a reasonable range to help force executives and outside blockholders to make decisions in the company's interests. When implementing an equity balance, companies should avoid shareholders' oversupervision of executives, which may restrict executives' enthusiasm for innovation investment. A moderate degree of freedom for management executives should be appropriate.
Gonorrhoea gone wild: rising incidence of gonorrhoea and associated risk factors among gay and bisexual men attending Australian sexual health clinics
Authors: Callander Denton , Guy Rebecca , Fairley Christopher K. , McManus Hamish , Prestage Garrett , Chow Eric P. F. , Chen Marcus , Connor Catherine C. O , Grulich Andrew E. , Bourne Christopher , Hellard Margaret , Stoové Mark , Donovan Basil , on behalf of the ACCESS Collaboration
Published: September 2019

Background
Gonorrhoea notifications continue to rise among gay and bisexual men in Australia and around the world. More information is needed on infection trends, accounting for testing and complimented by demographics and risk practices. Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis was undertaken using repeat gonorrhoea testing data among gay and bisexual men from 2010 to 2017, which was extracted from a network of 47 sexual health clinics across Australia. Poisson and Cox regression analyses were used to determine temporal trends in gonorrhoea incidence rates, as well as associated demographic and behavioural factors. Results: The present analysis included 46904 gay and bisexual men. Gonorrhoea incidence at any anatomical site increased from 14.1/100 person years (PY) in 2010 to 24.6/100 PY in 2017 (P<0.001), with the greatest increase in infections of the pharynx (5.6-15.9/100 PY, P<0.001) and rectum (6.6–14.8/100 PY, P<0.001). After adjusting for symptomatic and contact-driven presentations, the strongest predictors of infection were having more than 20 sexual partners in a year (hazard ratio (HR)=1.9, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.7–2.2), using injecting drugs (HR=1.7, 95%CI: 1.4–2.0), being HIV positive (HR=1.4, 95%CI: 1.2–1.6) and being aged less than 30 years old (HR=1.4, 95%CI: 1.2–1.6). Conclusions: Gonorrhoea has increased dramatically among gay and bisexual men in Australia. Enhanced prevention efforts, as well as more detailed, network-driven research are required to combat gonorrhoea among young men, those with HIV and those who use injecting drugs.
GABA enzymatic assay kit
Authors: Nishiyama Tatsuya , Sulistyaningdyah Woro Triarsi , Ueda Kenji , Kusakabe Hitoshi
Published: September 2019

We developed an enzymatic assay system enabling easy quantification of 4-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The reaction of GABA aminotransferase obtained from Streptomyces decoyicus NBRC 13977 was combined to those of the previously developed glutamate assay system using glutamate oxidase and peroxidase. The three-enzyme system allowing GABA-dependent dye formation due to the oxidative coupling between 4-aminoantipyrine and Trinder’s reagent enabled accurate quantification of 0.2 − 150 mg/L GABA. A pretreatment mixture consisting of glutamate oxidase, ascorbate oxidase and catalase eliminating glutamate, ascorbate, and hydrogen peroxide, respectively, was also prepared to remove those inhibitory substances from samples. Thus, constructed assay kit was used to measure the GABA content in tomato samples. The results were almost the same as that obtained by the conventional method using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The kit will become a promising tool especially for the on-site measurement of GABA content in agricultural products.
Household carbon footprint patterns by the degree of urbanisation in Europe
Authors: Ottelin Juudit , Heinonen Jukka , Nässén Jonas , Junnila Seppo
Published: September 2019

Urbanisation increases household carbon footprints in developing economies. However, the results from developed countries have varied, particularly in Europe. This study provides a coherent comparison of the impact of the degree of urbanisation on income, expenditure and carbon footprints in Europe. On average, carbon footprints are 7% lower in cities than in rural areas when income and household characteristics are controlled. However, this is compensated by the 6% higher average income in cities. The patterns are not uniform in all countries. In Eastern Europe, the pattern is similar to other developing regions. In some Western European countries, both the income level and the carbon footprints are lower in urban areas than in rural areas. In the rest of Europe, the differences in income level between rural and urban areas are small, but they still largely compensate for the efficiency benefits of urban areas. We call for more systemic emissions accounting and climate strategies.
An analytic study of the Wiedemann–Franz law and the thermoelectric figure of merit
Authors: Yadav Aakash , Deshmukh PC , Roberts Ken , Jisrawi NM , Valluri SR
Published: September 2019

Advances in optimizing thermoelectric material efficiency have seen parallel activities in theoretical and computational studies. In the current work, we calculate the exact Fermi–Dirac integrals to enable the generalization of the Wiedemann–Franz law (WF) in order to enhance the dimensionless thermoelectric figure of merit

ZT
=

α

2

σ

/

κ

. This is done by optimizing the Seebeck coefficient α, the electrical conductivity σ, and the thermal conductivity κ in terms of the Lambert W, and the generalized Lambert W functions (offset log). In the calculation of the thermal conductivity κ, we include both electronic and phononic contributions. The solutions provide insight into the relevant parameter space including the physical significance of complex solutions and their dependance on the scattering parameter r and the reduced chemical potential μ*.
Thermal stability of mobility in methylammonium lead iodide
Authors: Hong Min Ji , Svadlenak Scott R , Goulas Konstantinos A , Labram John G
Published: September 2019

Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) are a fascinating class of photovoltaic materials; possessing distinctive optoelectronic properties and simple processing routes. The most significant remaining barrier to commercialization is their poor stability under ambient conditions. While the stability of electronic parameters in this class of material has been studied extensively, to date the overwhelming majority of such studies have been carried out using PV devices. The presence of electrodes and transport layers in this approach involves both implicit encapsulation, and modification of interface properties. To develop an extensive understanding of environmental stability of electronic properties in MHPs, it is crucial to study the electronic properties of the material in isolation, rather than in a finished device. In this work, we have studied the thermal stability of electronic properties of solution processed methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3). MAPbI3 thin films were subjected to extended periods of elevated temperatures before their electronic properties were probed using time-resolved microwave conductivity (TRMC), a contactless technique enabling extraction of a proxy for the material’s mobility, without the need to form a device. The films were analysed with x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) to study the impact of temperature on film microstructure. We observed an increase in average Pb-I bond length with increased annealing temperature.
Lifting problem for minimally wild covers of Berkovich curves
Authors: Brezner Uri , Temkin Michael
Published: September 2019

This work continues the study of residually wild morphisms

f
:
Y
→
X

f\colon Y\to X

of Berkovich curves initiated in [Adv. Math. 303 (2016), pp. 800-858]. The different function

δ
f

\delta _f

introduced in that work is the primary discrete invariant of such covers. When

f
f

is not residually tame, it provides a non-trivial enhancement of the classical invariant of

f
f

consisting of morphisms of reductions

f
~

:

Y
~

→

X
~

\widetilde f\colon \widetilde Y\to \widetilde X

and metric skeletons

Γ
f

:

Γ
Y

→

Γ
X

\Gamma _f\colon \Gamma _Y\to \Gamma _X

. In this paper we interpret

δ
f

\delta _f

as the norm of the canonical trace section

τ
f

\tau _f

of the dualizing sheaf

ω
f

\omega _f

and introduce a finer reduction invariant

τ
~

f

\widetilde \tau _f

, which is (loosely speaking) a section of

ω

f
~

log

\omega _{\widetilde f}^{\operatorname {log}}

. Our main result generalizes a lifting theorem of Amini-Baker-Brugallé-Rabinoff from the case of residually tame morphism to the case of minimally residually wild morphisms. For such morphisms we describe all restrictions the datum

(

f
~

,

Γ
f

,
δ

|

Γ
Y

,

τ
~

f

)

(\widetilde f,\Gamma _f,\delta |_{\Gamma _Y},\widetilde \tau _f)

satisfies and prove that, conversely, any quadruple satisfying these restrictions can be lifted to a morphism of Berkovich curves.