bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robust and automatic cell detection and segmentation from microscopic images of non‐setae phytoplankton species
Authors: Zheng Haiyong , Wang Nan , Yu Zhibin , Gu Zhaorui , Zheng Bing
Published: August 2017

Saliency‐based marker‐controlled watershed method was proposed to detect and segment phytoplankton cells from microscopic images of non‐setae species. This method first improved IG saliency detection method by combining saturation feature with colour and luminance feature to detect cells from microscopic images uniformly and then produced effective internal and external markers by removing various specific noises in microscopic images for efficient performance of watershed segmentation automatically. The authors built the first benchmark dataset for cell detection and segmentation, including 240 microscopic images across multiple phytoplankton species with pixel‐wise cell regions labelled by a taxonomist, to evaluate their method. They compared their cell detection method with seven popular saliency detection methods and their cell segmentation method with six commonly used segmentation methods. The quantitative comparison validates that their method performs better on cell detection in terms of robustness and uniformity and cell segmentation in terms of accuracy and completeness. The qualitative results show that their improved saliency detection method can detect and highlight all cells, and the following marker selection scheme can remove the corner noise caused by illumination, the small noise caused by specks, and debris, as well as deal with blurred edges.
Multimodal image registration based on the expectation–maximisation methodology
Authors: Arce‐Santana Edgar R. , Campos‐Delgado Daniel U. , Reducindo Isnardo , Mejia‐Rodriguez Aldo R.
Published: August 2017

In this study, a new framework for multimodal image registration is proposed based on the expectation–maximisation (EM) methodology. This framework allows to address simultaneously parametric and elastic registrations independently on the modality of the target and source images without making any assumptions about their intensity relationship. The EM formulation for the image registration problem leads to a regularised quadratic optimisation scheme to compute the displacement vector field (DVF) that aligns the images and depends on their joint intensity distribution. At the first stage, a parametric transformation is assumed for the DVF, where the resulting quadratic optimisation is computed recursively to calculate its optimal parameters. Next, a general unknown deformation models the elastic part of the DVF, which is represented by an additive structure. The resulting optimisation process by the EM formulation results in a cost function that involves data and regularisation terms, which is also solved recursively. A comprehensive evaluation of the parametric and elastic proposals is carried out by comparing to state‐of‐the‐art algorithms and images from different application fields, where an advantage is visualised by the authors’ proposal in terms of a compromise between accuracy and robustness.
Maximised self‐similarity upsampler
Authors: Su Zhuo , Li Langyu , Li Jianhong , Luo Xiaonan
Published: August 2017

Image self‐similarity property is important to super‐resolution reconstruction. However, how to effectively exploit the self‐similarity information to reconstruct an underlying high‐resolution image is still a challenging problem. The authors propose a novel model for solving the single image upsampling problem with the self‐similarity property. First, the authors construct a statistical prior that requires maximising the similarity between the low‐ and high‐resolution image pairs. Then, the authors develop an alternative Gaussian approximation solver based on the Gaussian mixture model to find the optimal high‐resolution output. To obtain a better performance, the authors summarise some refined implementation skills to raise the reconstruction quality. For demonstration, a series of objective and subjective measurements are used to evaluate the performance of the model.
Image noise types recognition using convolutional neural network with principal components analysis
Authors: Khaw Hui Ying , Soon Foo Chong , Chuah Joon Huang , Chow Chee‐Onn
Published: August 2017

This study presents a model to effectively recognise image noise of different types and levels: impulse, Gaussian, Speckle and Poisson noise, and a mixture of multiple types of the noise. To classify image noise type, the convolutional neural network (CNN) method with backpropagation algorithm and stochastic gradient descent optimisation techniques are implemented. In order to reduce the training time and computational cost of the algorithm, the principal components analysis (PCA) filters generating strategy is deployed to obtain data adaptive filter banks. The authors validated their designed CNN with PCA for noise types recognition model with degraded images containing noise of single and combination of multiple types, with a total of 11,000 and 1650 datasets for training and testing purposes, respectively. The variety and complexity of data have never been addressed before in any other research work. The capability of their intelligent system in handling images degraded under this complicated environment has surpassed human‐eye performance in noise types recognition. The authors’ experiments have proven the reliability of the proposed noise types recognition model by having achieved an overall average accuracy of 99.3% while recognising eight classes of noise.
Image segmentation using a hierarchical student's‐t mixture model
Authors: Kong Lingcheng , Zhang Hui , Zheng Yuhui , Chen Yunjie , Zhu Jiezhong , Wu Qingming M. Jonathan
Published: August 2017

As a significant tool, finite mixture models (FMMs) have been widely used for image segmentation. However, there are two problems with standard FMMs: first, the conditional probability is sensitive to outliers. Second, the robustness to image noise is inadequate. In this study, the authors present a novel hierarchical Student's‐t MM (HSMM), which includes standard FMMs as a sub‐problem. Additionally, to incorporate more image spatial information, they apply a mean template not only to the prior/posterior probability, but also to the sub‐conditional distribution. Thus, their HSMM is more robust to outliers and image noise owing to the spatial constraints from the mean template. In the standard SMM, a t‐distribution is used to calculate the conditional probability. In this study, the authors present a novel hierarchical student's‐t mixture model (HSMM), which includes the standard FMM as a sub‐problem. Finally, though they use Student's‐t‐distribution to solve the image segment problems of this study, their HSMM achieves excellent performance, is elastic and can encompass any other model that is based on FMMs. Experimental results demonstrate that their proposed method is robust and effective.
Antenna design based on quasi‐degenerate characteristic modes of unbroken metal rim
Authors: Qu Longyue , Jeon Jihwan , Park Donghee , Kim Hyeongdong
Published: August 2017

A simple and efficient antenna technique for both single antenna and multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) antenna design utilising an unbroken metal rim is analysed in the frequency band <1 GHz for mobile phone applications. A 110 mm × 55 mm × 5 mm unbroken metal rim has two characteristic modes (Modes 1 and 2) that resonate around 1 GHz, and these two modes are quasi‐degenerate and orthogonal to each other. An uncontacting feeding structure is proposed to excite and utilise the characteristic modes of the unbroken metal rim for antenna radiation. In MIMO antenna design, it is possible to achieve high isolation and good diversity performance by properly exciting orthogonal modes with the proposed feeding technique. Two different cases for MIMO designs are presented to verify the feasibility of the proposed technique. In both two cases, the simulated isolation is ∼10 dB, and the 3:1 VSWR bandwidths for the MIMO antennas are wider than 150 and 60 MHz, respectively. The measured results show that the envelope correlation coefficients for each case are <0.2, indicating good diversity performance. The measured radiation patterns for the two MIMO antennas are orthogonal, again verifying the diversity performance.
Dual band high‐gain antenna with beam switching capability
Authors: Dadgarpour Abdolmehdi , Kishk Ahmed A. , Denidni Tayeb A.
Published: August 2017

This study presents an antenna with dual‐band and high‐gain for a wireless local area network and Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access applications operating over 3.4–3.6 and 5–6 GHz bands. The proposed antenna is composed of three double‐sided bowtie radiators loaded by a 2 × 6 array of double split rectangular (DSR) unit cells, which leads to a considerable gain enhancement. The DSR unit cell acts as an equivalent medium with a high refractive index operating at 3.5 and 5.5 GHz. By loading 2 × 6 arrays of proposed unit cells in the off‐axis of the bowtie antenna in the H‐plane, the main beam direction is tilted by 17° and 20° at the 3.5 and 5.5 GHz bands, respectively. A prototype of the bowtie antenna loaded with asymmetric unit cells in the H‐plane is fabricated and measured. The measured results confirm the deflection of the main beam direction by 17° at 3.5 and 20° at 5.5 GHz with a peak gain of 10 and 10.5 dBi, respectively.
Robust DFT‐based generalised likelihood ratio test for underwater tone detection
Authors: Wang Yi‐lin , Ma Shi‐long , Fan Zhan , Liang Guo‐Long , Li Qing
Published: August 2017

The discrete Fourier transform (DFT) of observation sequence is usually used in the detection of tonal signal. A tone without any prior information cannot be guaranteed to lie exactly on the discrete DFT frequency bin, which will degrade the performance of the tonal detector based on DFT. In this work, the authors study the detection problem for a tone deviated from the discrete frequency bin. A generalised likelihood ratio detector utilising the information of adjacent frequency bins is designed. Theoretical analysis, computer simulations, and lake experiment show that the proposed detector is robust against the deviation and is more suitable for the tone detection in practical circumstances.
Biology-Oriented Synthesis of Decahydro-4,8-epoxyazulene Scaffolds
Authors: Jia Zhi-Jun , Merten Christian , Knauer Lena , Murarka Sandip , Strohmann Carsten , Waldmann Herbert
Published: August 2017

Guided by the principle of biology-oriented synthesis, a collection of compounds with decahydro-4,8-epoxyazulene scaffold occurring in bioactive natural products was synthesized by the rhodium(II)-catalyzed 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction of pentafulvenes and carbonyl ylides. The products can be obtained in moderate to high yields, with moderate enantioselectivity and excellent diastereoselectivity and regioselectivity.
Surgical Resection of Cerebellopontine Epidermoid Cysts: Limitations and Outcome
Authors: Farhoud Ahmed , Khedr Wael , Aboul-Enein Hisham
Published: August 2017

Objective Epidermoid cysts are benign slowly growing tumors commonly involving the cerebellopontine angle (CPA). The aim of this study was to analyze the surgical limitations, surgical strategies, complications, and outcome of resection of these lesions.

Material and Methods The clinical data and outcome of 32 cases operated for CPA epidermoid between 2007 and 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. The mean follow-up period was 42.6 months, and all patients were followed up at least for a whole year.

Results There were 15 males and 17 females. The median age was 37.6 years. Headache and cranial nerves dysfunction were the most common presenting symptoms. Surgery was performed in all patients using the standard lateral suboccipital retrosigmoid approach. In three cases, microvascular decompression of an arterial loop was performed in addition to tumor excision. Total resection was accomplished in 19 out of 32 cases (59.4%), subtotal resection in 7 cases (21.9%), and only partial excision was achieved in 6 cases (18.7%). There was no recurrence or regrowth of residual tumor during the follow-up period. We had a single postoperative mortality due to postoperative pneumonia and septic shock. New cranial nerves deficits occurred in 15.6% of cases but were transient in most of them.

Conclusion The favorable outcome of total resection of CPA epidermoids should always be weighed against the critical risks that accompany it especially in the presence of tight adhesions to vital neurovascular structures. The retrosigmoid approach is suitable for the resection of these tumors even if they were large in size.
Prevalence of Maternal Morbidity and Its Association with Socioeconomic Factors: A Population-based Survey of a City in Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Rosendo Tatyana Souza , Roncalli Angelo Giuseppe , Azevedo George Dantas de
Published: August 2017

Purpose To identify the prevalence of maternal morbidity and its socioeconomic, demographic and health care associated factors in a city in Northeastern Brazil.

Methods A cross-sectional and population-based study was conducted, with a design based on multi-stage complex sampling. A validated questionnaire was applied to 848 women aged between 15 and 49 years identified in 8,227 households from 60 census tracts of Natal, the capital of the state of Rio Grande do Norte (RN), Brazil. The main outcome measure was maternal morbidity. The Poisson regression analysis, with 5% significance, was used for the analysis of the associated factors.

Results The prevalence of maternal morbidity was of 21.2%. A bivariate analysis showed the following variables associated with an increased number of obstetric complications: non-white race (prevalence ratio [PR] =1.23; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.04–1.46); lower socioeconomic status (PR = 1.33; 95%CI: 1.12–1.58); prenatal care performed in public services (PR = 1.42; 95%CI: 1.16–1.72): women that were not advised during prenatal care about where they should deliver (PR = 1.24; 95%CI: 1.05–1.46); delivery in public services (PR = 1.63; 95%CI: 1.30–2.03); need to search for more than one hospital for delivery (PR = 1.22; 95%CI: 1.03–1.45); and no companion at all times of delivery care (PR = 1.25, 95%CI: 1.05–1.48). The place where the delivery occurred (public or private) and the socioeconomic status remained significant in the final model.

Conclusion Women in a worse socioeconomic situation and whose delivery was performed in public services had a higher prevalence of maternal morbidity. Such an association reinforces the need to strengthen public policies to tackle health inequalities through actions focusing on these determinants.
Ausgewählte Merkmale der Struktur- und Prozessqualität der psychosozialen Versorgung in ambulanten psychosozialen Krebsberatungsstellen in Deutschland. Eine Bestandsaufnahme
Authors: Giesler Jürgen , Faust Tanja , Ernst Jochen , Kuhnt Susanne , Mehnert Anja , Weis Joachim
Published: August 2017

Zielsetzung Das Bemühen um Qualitätssicherung hat auch in der ambulanten psychosozialen Krebsberatung an Bedeutung gewonnen. Bundesweit angelegte Untersuchungen zur Erfüllung von Qualitätskriterien auf diesem Feld liegen derzeit jedoch nicht vor. Ziel der Studie war es deshalb, eine aktuelle Übersicht zu Qualitätsmerkmalen der ambulanten psychosozialen Krebsberatung in Deutschland zu erstellen.

Methodik Ausgehend von Standards der psychosozialen Krebsberatung, die wir in einer vorangegangenen Delphi-Studie entwickelt hatten, wurden 106 von 151 beim Krebsinformationsdienst Heidelberg öffentlich verzeichneten psychosozialen Krebsberatungsstellen online zu ausgewählten Qualitäts- und weiteren qualitätsrelevanten Einrichtungsmerkmalen befragt. Die Datenauswertung erfolgte anhand deskriptiv-statistischer Verfahren.

Ergebnisse Die einbezogenen Beratungsstellen sind in den untersuchten Qualitätsbereichen jeweils unterschiedlich gut aufgestellt. Mehr als 90% von ihnen erfüllen die Mehrzahl der im Bereich Leistungsangebote erfassten Standards. Im Bereich Personal werden die Vorgaben in Bezug auf den Umfang verfügbarer Psychologenstellen und den Anteil psychoonkologisch fortgebildeter Berater weniger gut erfüllt. Zudem stellen externe Supervision und Fallbesprechungen im Bereich Qualitätssicherung, Belastungs-Screening im Bereich Diagnostik und der Einsatz einer systematischen Dokumentation Qualitätsmerkmale dar, für die z. T. deutlicher Optimierungsbedarf besteht.

Schlussfolgerungen Der Rückgriff auf entwickelte Standards erlaubt es, Stärken und Schwächen zu identifizieren, die für die weitere Qualitätsentwicklung ambulanter psychosozialer Krebsberatungsstellen genutzt werden können. Weiterführende Untersuchungen sind jedoch erforderlich, um ein noch umfassenderes Bild der Erfüllung von Qualitätskriterien der ambulanten psychosozialen Krebsberatung in Deutschland zu gewinnen.
Weichen stellen
Authors: Weiler Michael
Published: August 2017

Onboarding im OP gestalten Wie gelingt es, im OP neue Mitarbeiter schnell
in die vorhandenen Strukturen zu integrieren und einzuarbeiten? Ein Schlüssel
zum Erfolg ist, den Einarbeitungsprozess an die Vorkenntnisse des Mitarbeiters
anzupassen. Auch sollte die Einarbeitung ganz bewusst positiv gestaltet werden,
denn in den ersten Tagen werden die Weichen gestellt, ob sich der Mitarbeiter
wohl fühlt – oder auch nicht. Im Schwerpunkt erläutern wir Ihnen, welche
Schritte notwendig sind, um ein gesundes Arbeitsklima aufzubauen, das den
Mitarbeiter motiviert, sein Know-how ins Unternehmen zu transferieren und somit
zu einer optimalen Betreuung der Patienten beizutragen.
Wie war das noch mit der Wiederbelebung?
Authors: Bittner Sebastian
Published: August 2017

Reanimation Denken Sie beim Thema Reanimation vor allem an
Notfallsituationen im OP? Doch auch auf dem Weg zur Arbeitsstätte kann es zu
Vorfällen kommen, in denen Erste Hilfe geleistet werden muss. Nicht zu vergessen
Notfälle im eigenen Team oder im privaten Umfeld. Die cardiopulmonale
Reanimation rettet Leben – egal wann, wo und um wen es geht! Aber wie war das
noch mit der Beatmung und der Herzdruckmassage? Unser Autor hat die relevanten
Inhalte zusammengefasst.
Mikrochirurgie bei einer perforierenden
Keratoplastik
Authors: Hengerer Fritz , Basic Andrijana
Published: August 2017

OP-Ablauf Um Operationstechnische Assistenten auf ihre Ausbildung
vorzubereiten und zu motivieren, ist von Mitarbeitern der
Universitäts-Augenklinik Heidelberg dieser OP-Ablauf verfasst worden. Er zeigt
Auszubildenden auf, wie sie im OP gefördert und gefordert werden können –
liefert aber auch für erfahrene Mitarbeiter spannende Einblicke.
Artificial Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuresis Model as Potential Use for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: Refardt Julie , Winzeler Bettina , Meienberg Fabian , Christ-Crain Mirjam
Published: August 2017

Hyponatremia is the most frequent electrolyte disorder with the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis (SIADH) being its predominant cause. Physiological studies in patients with SIADH are difficult to interpret due to usually several comorbidities and polymedication. Therefore, a SIADH model in healthy volunteers would be very helpful to allow insight in this complex disease and to test new therapeutic approaches. The aim of the study was to create a SIADH model with evaluation of subsequent physiological changes.

The prospective interventional study on 14 healthy volunteers was carried out at the University Hospital Basel. The intervention was done by induction of hypotonic hyponatremia through hydration and administration of desmopressin. Clinical and laboratory parameters in a SIADH model were the main outcome of the measure.

14 participants (64% males), BMI 23.1 kg/m2 (±2.4), aged 28.6 years (±9), completed the study. Through the intervention, serum sodium level decreased from 140 mmol/l (±1.3) to 132 mmol/l (±2.0) and serum osmolality from 286 mmol/kg (±4.7) to 267 mmol/kg (±3.5). Simultaneously urine osmolality increased to 879 mmol/kg (±97.7) and urine sodium to 213 mmol/l (±51.5) verifying the artificial SIADH model. A significant decrease of copeptin (5 pmol/l (±1.9) to 2.6 pmol/l (±0.5), p 0.002), aldosterone (314.7 pmol/l (±154.1) to 86.7 pmol/l (±23.6), p 0.019), and renin (21.2 ng/l (±26.7) to 3.6 ng/l (3.2), p 0.035) were noted, while NT-proBNP and MR-proANP significantly increased (31.7 ng/l (±18.6) to 50.5 ng/l (±33.0), p 0.001; 48.4 pmol/l (±16.8) to 56.8 pmol/l (±9.0), p 0.003).

In conclusion, we were able to induce an artificial SIADH in healthy volunteers and study the changes of various hormonal biomarkers involved. This SIADH model could be helpful in evaluating diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Ich sehe … was?
Authors: Herzog Michael , Sengebusch Jürgen
Published: August 2017

Es sind Fingerzeige auf verschiedene Grunderkrankungen, die hier zu sehen sind. Welche sind es? Oder welche könnten es noch sein? Nicht alle Symptome haben nur eine Ursache.
Schreikinder – Therapieansätze der Osteopathie
Authors: Peters Kristin
Published: August 2017

Unstillbar und exzessiv schreiende Säuglinge werden als Schreikinder bezeichnet. Die Ursachen des Schreiens sind weitgehend ungeklärt. In der Osteopathie geht man von der Hypothese aus, dass unter der Geburt entstandene emotionale Belastungen in den Faszien und dem limbischen System gespeichert werden. Auf bestimmte Sinneseindrücke, die der Säugling unter der Geburt erfahren und die Panik ausgelöst haben, reagiert er mit panikartigem unstillbaren Schreien. Die erlebte lebensbedrohliche Situation, Schmerzen und eventuelle Bewegungseinschränkungen sind ein Ansatz, um die Ursachen für das exzessive nicht stillbare Schreien zu verstehen. Die osteopathische Behandlung der Schreikinder setzt in der Behandlung der durch die Geburt ausgelösten Dysfunktion an.
Die Trockenheit der Gelenke ausgleichen Berührung erfahren mit Samurai-Shiatsu für Kinder
Authors: Wernicke Thomas , Kalbantner-Wernicke Karin
Published: August 2017

Ein schwacher Rücken sowie eine unzureichende Körperwahrnehmung führen dazu, dass Kinder im Unterricht unruhig und unaufmerksam sind. Um die Situation zu verbessern, haben die Autoren ein spezielles Shiatsu-Programm entwickelt, bei dem sich die Kinder gegenseitig behandeln. Ziel ist es, dass sie lernen, sich selbst zu spüren, Selbstwirksamkeit erfahren, soziale Kompetenz sowie die Fähigkeit entwickeln, anderen Respekt und Anerkennung entgegenzubringen. Studien belegen Verbesserungen u.a. in den Bereichen Selbstwirksamkeit, Sozialkompetenz und Konzentration.
Das Ohr als Schaltzentrale
Authors: Zhang Zheng
Published: August 2017

Frau M. leidet seit 15 Jahren unter Migräne, die besonders nach Stress und Ärger auftritt. Emotionen wie Frust und Wut befeuern das Leber-Yang und blockieren den Gallenblasen-Meridian. Faktoren wie „Wind-Nässe“ begünstigen die Migräne. Mit Ohrakupunktur an unter anderem Gb 43, Gb 1 und Gb 3 nehmen Intensität und Häufigkeit der Kopfschmerzen ab.
Einfluss der Fallzahl pro Klinik auf die 5-Jahres-Überlebensrate des unikondylären Kniegelenkersatzes in Deutschland
Authors: Jeschke Elke , Gehrke Thorsten , Günster Christian , Heller Karl-Dieter , Malzahn Jürgen , Marx Axel , Niethard Fritz-Uwe , Schräder Peter , Zacher Josef , Halder Andreas
Published: August 2017

Hintergrund Die Angaben zu Überlebensraten des unikondylären Kniegelenkersatzes (UKE) sind ganz unterschiedlich. Der Einfluss von Patientenfaktoren und Implantat wurden bereits untersucht. Ziel der Analyse war es, den Einfluss der Fallzahl pro Klinik auf die 5-Jahres-Überlebensrate (5-JÜR) anhand von Routinedaten der größten Krankenkasse Deutschlands zu überprüfen.

Methodik Die Abrechnungsdaten von 20 946 UKEs der Allgemeinen Ortskrankenkasse (AOK) der Jahre 2006 – 2012 wurden analysiert. Zur Ermittlung der Standzeiten wurden Kaplan-Meier-Analysen durchgeführt. Der Einfluss der Fallzahl pro Klinik auf die 5-JÜR wurde mithilfe einer multivariablen Cox-Regression unter Berücksichtigung von Patientenfaktoren analysiert und Hazard Ratios (HR) mit 95%-Konfidenzintervallen (KI) berechnet. Dazu wurden 5 Fallzahlgruppen gebildet: < 12 Fälle, 13 – 24 Fälle, 25 – 52 Fälle, 53 – 104 Fälle, > 104 Fälle (jeweils pro Klinik und Jahr).

Ergebnisse Insgesamt betrug die 5-JÜR nach Kaplan-Meier 87,8% (95%-KI: 87,3 – 88,3%). Sie nahm mit der Fallzahl stetig zu (< 12 Fälle: 84,1% vs. > 104 Fälle: 93,2%). Die Cox-Analyse ergab, dass kleinere Fallzahlen einen unabhängigen Risikofaktor für eine Revision darstellen (< 12 Fälle: HR = 2,13 [95%-KI: 1,83 – 2,48]; 13 – 24 Fälle: HR = 1,94 [95%-KI: 1,67 – 2,25]; 25 – 52 Fälle: HR = 1,66 [95%-KI: 1,41 – 1,96]; 53 – 104 Fälle: HR = 1,51 [95%-KI: 1,28 – 1,77]; > 104 Fälle: Referenz).

Diskussion In dem untersuchten Kollektiv besteht ein klarer Zusammenhang zwischen einer höheren Fallzahl pro Klinik und der 5-JÜR. Diese nimmt stetig über alle analysierten Fallzahlkategorien zu. So ist etwa das Risiko einer Revision innerhalb von 5 Jahren in Kliniken mit einer Fallzahl von weniger als 25 UKE pro Jahr gegenüber einer Klinik mit mehr als 104 Fällen etwa doppelt so hoch.
Verdrehte Welt
Authors: Heyny Rosemarie
Published: August 2017

Bei der vestibulären Migräne leiden die Patienten unter Dreh- und Schwankschwindel. Auch Übelkeit, Ohrgeräusche, Augenbeschwerden und Kopfschmerzen können auftreten. In der Traditionellen Chinesischen Medizin ist eine Differenzierung der Disharmonie-Muster entscheidend, um die Akupunkturpunkte auszuwählen. Die unterliegenden vielschichtigen Aspekte der Erkrankung sollten immer mit in die Behandlung einbezogen werden, da nur so eine langfristige Stabilisierung erreicht werden kann.
SERS active self-assembled diphenylalanine micro/nanostructures: A combined experimental and theoretical investigation
Authors: Kogikoski Sergio , Khanra Soma , Alves Wendel A. , Guha Suchismita
Published: August 2017

Enhancing Raman signatures of molecules by self-assembled metal nanoparticles, nanolithography patterning, or by designing plasmonic nanostructures is widely used for detection of low abundance biological systems. Self-assembled peptide nanostructures provide a natural template for tethering Au and Ag nanoparticles due to its fractal surface. Here, we show the use of L,L-diphenylalanine micro-nanostructures (FF-MNSs) for the organization of Ag and Au nanoparticles (Nps) and its potential as surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-active substrates. The FF-MNSs undergo an irreversible phase transition from hexagonally packed (hex) micro-nanotubes to an orthorhombic (ort) structure at ∼150 °C. The metal Nps form chains on hex FF-MNSs as inferred from transmission electron microscopy images and a uniform non-aggregated distribution in the ort phase. The high luminescence from the ort FF-MNS phase precludes SERS measurements with AgNps. The calculated Raman spectra using density-functional theory shows a higher intensity from rhodamine 6G (R6G) molecule in the presence of an Ag atom bound to ort FF compared with hex FF. The SERS spectra obtained from R6G bound to FF-MNSs with AuNps clearly show a higher enhancement for the ort phase compared with hex FF, corroborating our theoretical calculations. Our results indicate that FF-MNSs both in the hex and ort phases can be used as substrates for the SERS analysis with different metal nanoparticles, opening up a novel class of optically active bio-based substrates.
Atomistic simulations of cation hydration in sodium and calcium montmorillonite nanopores
Authors: Yang Guomin , Neretnieks Ivars , Holmboe Michael
Published: August 2017

During the last four decades, numerous studies have been directed to the swelling smectite-rich clays in the context of high-level radioactive waste applications and waste-liners for contaminated sites. The swelling properties of clay mineral particles arise due to hydration of the interlayer cations and the diffuse double layers formed near the negatively charged montmorillonite (MMT) surfaces. To accurately study the cation hydration in the interlayer nanopores of MMT, solvent-solute and solvent-clay surface interactions (i.e., the solvation effects and the shape effects) on the atomic level should be taken into account, in contrast to many recent electric double layer based methodologies using continuum models. Therefore, in this research we employed fully atomistic simulations using classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, the software package GROMACS along with the CLAYFF forcefield and the SPC/E water model. We present the ion distributions and the deformation of the hydrated coordination structures, i.e., the hydration shells of Na+ and Ca2+ in the interlayer, respectively, for MMT in the first-layer, the second-layer, the third-layer, the fourth-layer, and the fifth-layer (1W, 2W, 3W, 4W, and 5W) hydrate states. Our MD simulations show that Na+ in Na-MMT nanopores have an affinity to the ditrigonal cavities of the clay layers and form transient inner-sphere complexes at about 3.8 Å from clay midplane at water contents less than the 5W hydration state. However, these phenomena are not observed in Ca-MMT regardless of swelling states. For Na-MMT, each Na+ is coordinated to four water molecules and one oxygen atom of the clay basal-plane in the first hydration shell at the 1W hydration state, and with five to six water molecules in the first hydration shell within a radius of 3.1 Å at all higher water contents. In Ca-MMT, however each Ca2+ is coordinated to approximately seven water molecules in the first hydration shell at the 1W hydration state and about eight water molecules in the first hydration shell within a radius of 3.3 Å at all higher hydration states. Moreover, the MD results show that the complete hydration shells are nearly spherical with an orthogonal coordination sphere. They could only be formed when the basal spacing d001 ≥ 18.7 Å, i.e., approximately, the interlayer separation h ≥ 10 Å. Comparison between DFT and MD simulations shows that DFT failed to reproduce the outer-sphere complexes in the Stern-layer (within ∼5.0 Å from the clay basal-plane), observed in the MD simulations.
Second order harmonic guided wave mutual interactions in plate: Vector analysis, numerical simulation, and experimental results
Authors: Hasanian Mostafa , Lissenden Cliff J.
Published: August 2017

The extraordinary sensitivity of nonlinear ultrasonic waves to the early stages of material degradation makes them excellent candidates for nondestructive material characterization. However, distinguishing weak material nonlinearity from instrumentation nonlinearity remains problematic for second harmonic generation approaches. A solution to this problem is to mix waves having different frequencies and to let their mutual interaction generate sum and difference harmonics at frequencies far from those of the instrumentation. Mixing of bulk waves and surface waves has been researched for some time, but mixing of guided waves has not yet been investigated in depth. A unique aspect of guided waves is their dispersive nature, which means we need to assure that a wave can propagate at the sum or difference frequency. A wave vector analysis is conducted that enables selection of primary waves traveling in any direction that generate phase matched secondary waves. We have tabulated many sets of primary waves and phase matched sum and difference harmonics. An example wave mode triplet of two counter-propagating collinear shear horizontal waves that interact to generate a symmetric Lamb wave at the sum frequency is simulated using finite element analysis and then laboratory experiments are conducted. The finite element simulation eliminates issues associated with instrumentation nonlinearities and signal-to-noise ratio. A straightforward subtraction method is used in the experiments to identify the material nonlinearity induced mutual interaction and show that the generated Lamb wave propagates on its own and is large enough to measure. Since the Lamb wave has different polarity than the shear horizontal waves the material nonlinearity is clearly identifiable. Thus, the mutual interactions of shear horizontal waves in plates could enable volumetric characterization of material in remote regions from transducers mounted on just one side of the plate.
Increased electrical conductivity of peptides through annealing process
Authors: Namgung Seok Daniel , Lee Jaehun , Choe Ik Rang , Sung Taehoon , Kim Young-O , Lee Yoon-Sik , Nam Ki Tae , Kwon Jang-Yeon
Published: August 2017

Biocompatible biologically occurring polymer is suggested as a component of human implantable devices since conventional inorganic materials are apt to trigger inflammation and toxicity problem within human body. Peptides consisting of aromatic amino acid, tyrosine, are chosen, and enhancement on electrical conductivity is studied. Annealing process gives rise to the decrease on resistivity of the peptide films and the growth of the carrier concentration is a plausible reason for such a decrease on resistivity. The annealed peptides are further applied to an active layer of field effect transistor, in which low on/off current ratio (∼10) is obtained.
High-throughput powder diffraction measurement system consisting of multiple MYTHEN detectors at beamline BL02B2 of SPring-8
Authors: Kawaguchi S. , Takemoto M. , Osaka K. , Nishibori E. , Moriyoshi C. , Kubota Y. , Kuroiwa Y. , Sugimoto K.
Published: August 2017

In this study, we developed a user-friendly automatic powder diffraction measurement system for Debye–Scherrer geometry using a capillary sample at beamline BL02B2 of SPring-8. The measurement system consists of six one-dimensional solid-state (MYTHEN) detectors, a compact auto-sampler, wide-range temperature control systems, and a gas handling system. This system enables to do the automatic measurement of temperature dependence of the diffraction patterns for multiple samples. We introduced two measurement modes in the MYTHEN system and developed new attachments for the sample environment such as a gas handling system. The measurement modes and the attachments can offer in situ and/or time-resolved measurements in an extended temperature range between 25 K and 1473 K and various gas atmospheres and pressures. The results of the commissioning and performance measurements using reference materials (NIST CeO2 674b and Si 640c), V2O3 and Ti2O3, and a nanoporous coordination polymer are presented.
Optimal location and rating of wind power plants in competitive electricity market
Authors: Banshwar Anuj , Sharma Naveen Kumar , Sood Yog Raj , Shrivastava Rajnish
Published: August 2017

A large penetration of renewable energy in a sector plays a leading role in energy generation to counter the effect of global warming on the environment. The trend in liberalized power system scenarios presents the potential of the wind power generator (WPG) to become one of the major contributors in the alternative energy production sector. Environmental conditions significantly influence the performance of these WPGs, and thus, the optimal assessment of the potential location and rating of the WPG is crucial. This paper presents a generalized model for determining the optimal location and rating of the WPG in a competitive electricity market. The multi-objective optimization problem has been formulated with an objective of maximizing the social welfare and profitability of a wind generation company by minimizing the distribution losses by optimal location and rating of WPGs in the system. To investigate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, a 39-bus New England transmission system has been modified by introducing generator and demand-side bidding. To test the validity of the proposed approach over the interconnected system, a modified 30-node radial distribution system has been considered, which is assumed to be connected with a modified 39-bus New England transmission system. The results provide a single solution for optimal location and rating of the WPG as well as a preference order based on the combination of different attributes.
Mitochondrial metabolism: a driver of energy utilisation and product quality?
Authors: Hudson N. J. , Bottje W. G. , Hawken R. J. , Kong ByungWhi , Okimoto R. , Reverter A.
Published: August 2017

High feed efficiency is a very desirable production trait as it positively influences resource utilisation, profitability and environmental considerations, albeit at the possible expense of product quality. The modern broiler is arguably the most illustrative model species as it has been transformed over the past half century into an elite feed converter. Some producers are currently reporting that 42-day-old birds gain 1 kg of wet weight for every 1.35 kg of dry weight consumed. Its large breast muscle is exclusively composed of large, low mitochondrial-content Type IIB fibres, which may contribute to low maintenance costs and high efficiency. In an effort to gain a better understanding of individual variation in chicken feed efficiency, our group has been exploring the biology of the mitochondrion at multiple levels of organisation. The mitochondrion is the organelle where much biochemical energy transformation occurs in the cell. Using Cobb-Vantress industrial birds as our primary experimental resource, we have explored the tissue content, structure and function of the mitochondrion and its relationship to growth, development, efficiency and genetic background. While much remains to be understood, recent highlights include (1) variation in muscle mitochondrial content that is associated with performance phenotypes, (2) altered muscle mitochondrial gene and protein expression in birds differing in feed efficiency, (3) variation in isolated mitochondrial function in birds differing in feed efficiency and (4) evidence for an unexpected role for the mitochondrially localised progesterone receptor in altering bird muscle metabolism. Mitochondrial function is largely conserved across the vertebrates, so the same metabolic principles appear to apply to the major production species, whether monogastric or ruminant. A speculative role for the mitochondria in aspects of meat quality and in influencing postmortem anaerobic metabolism will conclude the manuscript.
Effects of Ni2+ and Cu2+ on K+ and H+ currents in lily pollen protoplasts
Authors: Breygina Maria , Abramochkin Denis V. , Maksimov Nikita , Yermakov Igor
Published: August 2017

Heavy metals affect plant development and reproduction if they are present in excessive amounts, a situation that is becoming increasingly common. Pollen is a convenient object for pollution assessment as it is in most cases a 2- or 3-cellular organism exposed to the environment. At the same time, pollen is a key stage in the life cycle of seed plants; pollen viability and efficiency of germination are crucial for reproductive success and crop yield. In the present study we reveal for the first time, to our knowledge, targets for heavy metals (Cu2+ and Ni2+) in the pollen grain plasma membrane using the patch-clamp technique. Ni2+ dramatically decreases K+ current in pollen grain protoplasts, whereas Cu2+ does not alter the current density. Instead, Cu2+ strongly enhances H+ current driven by H+-ATPase, whereas Ni2+ fails to affect this current. The short-term treatment with Cu2+ also leads to reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in pollen grain protoplasts but intracellular pH and membrane potential remain unchanged. Ni2+ had no significant effect on ROS content or membrane potential. Thus, plasmalemma K+ channels in pollen grains are sensitive to Ni2+ and H+-ATPase is sensitive to Cu2+, possibly, in a ROS-mediated way. Both metals leave pollen viable since membrane potential is maintained at the control level.
Inactivation of CREBBP expands the germinal center B cell compartment, down-regulates MHCII expression and promotes DLBCL growth
Authors: Hashwah Hind , Schmid Corina A. , Kasser Sabrina , Bertram Katrin , Stelling Anna , Manz Markus G. , Müller Anne
Published: August 2017

Significance

Genes encoding chromatin-modifying enzymes such as the histone acetyl-transferases (HATs) are often mutated in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the most common lymphoma of adults. Here, we shed light on the tumor suppressive activity of HATs in human diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) cell lines and in mice. Cell lines harboring an experimentally introduced patient mutation in the HAT
CREBBP
lose their MHCII expression and form tumors faster in subcutaneous and orthotopic xenograft models. Mice that lack
Crebbp
specifically in the germinal center B cell compartment also lose their MHCII expression in that compartment, and show hyperproliferation of germinal center B cells upon immunization, which predisposes them to MYC-driven lymphomagenesis. Our data implicate HATs as tumor suppressors in DLBCL.
Foldamer hypothesis for the growth and sequence differentiation of prebiotic polymers
Authors: Guseva Elizaveta , Zuckermann Ronald N. , Dill Ken A.
Published: August 2017

Significance

Today’s lifeforms are based on informational polymers, namely proteins and nucleic acids. It is thought that simple chemical processes on the early earth could have polymerized monomer units into short random sequences. It is not clear, however, what physical process could have led to the next level—to longer chains having particular sequences that could increase their own concentrations. We study polymers of hydrophobic and polar monomers, such as today’s proteins. We find that even some random sequence short chains can collapse into compact structures in water, with hydrophobic surfaces that can act as primitive catalysts, and that these could elongate other chains. This mechanism explains how random chemical polymerizations could have given rise to longer sequence-dependent protein-like catalytic polymers.
Exposure to rising inequality shapes Americans’ opportunity beliefs and policy support
Authors: McCall Leslie , Burk Derek , Laperrière Marie , Richeson Jennifer A.
Published: August 2017

Significance

Although rising economic inequality in the United States has alarmed many, research across the social sciences repeatedly concludes that Americans are largely unconcerned about it. We argue that this conclusion may be premature. Here, we present the results of three experiments that test a different perspective—the opportunity model of beliefs about inequality. Tempering the conclusions of past work, the findings suggest that perceptions of rising economic inequality spark skepticism about the existence of economic opportunity in society that, in turn, may motivate support for equity-enhancing policies. Hence, this work calls for new theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of rising economic inequality, especially those that bridge disciplinary boundaries, as well as the largely separate experimental and correlational literatures.
Integrative single-cell and cell-free plasma RNA transcriptomics elucidates placental cellular dynamics
Authors: Tsang Jason C. H. , Vong Joaquim S. L. , Ji Lu , Poon Liona C. Y. , Jiang Peiyong , Lui Kathy O. , Ni Yun-Bi , To Ka Fai , Cheng Yvonne K. Y. , Chiu Rossa W. K. , Lo Yuk Ming Dennis
Published: August 2017

Significance

The human placenta is a dynamic and cellular heterogeneous organ, which is critical in fetomaternal homeostasis and the development of preeclampsia. Previous work has shown that placenta-derived cell-free RNA increases during pregnancy. We applied large-scale microfluidic single-cell transcriptomic technology to comprehensively characterize cellular heterogeneity of the human placentas and identified multiple placental cell-type–specific gene signatures. Analysis of the cellular signature expression in maternal plasma enabled noninvasive delineation of the cellular dynamics of the placenta during pregnancy and the elucidation of extravillous trophoblastic dysfunction in early preeclampsia.
Effect of metal coating of reinforcements on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Al-Al2O3 nanocomposites
Authors: Pourhosseini Shirin , Beygi Hossein , Sajjadi Seyyed Abdolkarim
Published: August 2017

The effects of various methods of reinforcement modification on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Al–Al2O3 nanocomposites were investigated. Alumina nanoparticles were modified by electroless deposition of Cu, Ni and Co. Subsequently, aluminium matrix nanocomposites reinforced with uncoated and coated nanoparticles were produced by the stir casting method. The results of microstructural analysis showed improved wettability of coated nanoparticles in the molten aluminium alloy. Furthermore, coated nanoparticles exhibited a more desirable interface with the matrix and were homogenously distributed within it. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were improving significantly when coated nanoparticles were used as reinforcements. Among the reinforcement modification methods, Ni-coating was recognised as being more effective for improving the mechanical properties of Al–Al2O3 nanocomposites.
Gender Differences in Substance use and Psychiatric Distress among Medical Students: A Comprehensive Statewide Evaluation
Authors: Merlo Lisa J. , Curran John S. , Watson Robert
Published: August 2017

Background

Medical student wellness has emerged as an important issue in medical education. The purpose of the present study was to obtain a comprehensive assessment of substance use, psychological distress, and help-seeking among male and female medical students in order to identify targets for continued intervention efforts.

Methods

Medical students from all 9 medical schools in the state of Florida were invited via e-mail and/or announcements to complete an anonymous online questionnaire assessing their well-being. Of 5053 matriculating medical students, 1137 (57.1% female) responded to the questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, t tests, and chi-square analyses were computed using SPSS 20.

Results

Over 70% of students acknowledged binge drinking, with men reporting higher frequency than women (χ2 = 13.90, P = .003), and 22.7% ( n = 201) reported marijuana use during medical school, with higher rates (χ2 = 9.50, P = .02) among men (27.0%, n = 99) than women (18.9%, n = 93). A significant minority of students reported nonmedical use of prescription stimulants and prescription opioids. In addition, 3.3% of male students ( n = 12) compared with 0.6% of female students ( n = 3) reported problematic drug use. Further, almost 2/3 of respondents reported decreased psychological health since beginning medical school, with women noting greater reductions (χ2 = 12.39, P = .05) and higher levels of stress (χ2 = 16.30, P = .003). Over 10% of students ( n = 102) endorsed “thoughts of committing suicide” during medical school, and 70.1% felt they would benefit from mental healthcare (79.3% of women vs. 59.6% of men; χ2 = 41.94, P < .001), although only 39.8% accessed help.

Conclusions

Despite efforts to address medical student wellness, students continue to report concerning levels of psychological distress, suicidal ideation, and substance use. More work is needed to effectively address medical student mental health and well-being.
DNA repair factor RAD18 and DNA polymerase Polκ confer tolerance of oncogenic DNA replication stress
Authors: Yang Yang , Gao Yanzhe , Mutter-Rottmayer Liz , Zlatanou Anastasia , Durando Michael , Ding Weimin , Wyatt David , Ramsden Dale , Tanoue Yuki , Tateishi Satoshi , Vaziri Cyrus
Published: August 2017

The mechanisms by which neoplastic cells tolerate oncogene-induced DNA replication stress are poorly understood. Cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) is a major mediator of oncogenic DNA replication stress. In this study, we show that CDK2-inducing stimuli (including Cyclin E overexpression, oncogenic RAS, and WEE1 inhibition) activate the DNA repair protein RAD18. CDK2-induced RAD18 activation required initiation of DNA synthesis and was repressed by p53. RAD18 and its effector, DNA polymerase κ (Polκ), sustained ongoing DNA synthesis in cells harboring elevated CDK2 activity. RAD18-deficient cells aberrantly accumulated single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) after CDK2 activation. In RAD18-depleted cells, the G2/M checkpoint was necessary to prevent mitotic entry with persistent ssDNA. Rad18−/− and Polκ−/− cells were highly sensitive to the WEE1 inhibitor MK-1775 (which simultaneously activates CDK2 and abrogates the G2/M checkpoint). Collectively, our results show that the RAD18–Polκ signaling axis allows tolerance of CDK2-mediated oncogenic stress and may allow neoplastic cells to breach tumorigenic barriers.