bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IMSindel: An accurate intermediate-size indel detection tool incorporating de novo assembly and gapped global-local alignment with split read analysis
Authors: Shigemizu Daichi , Miya Fuyuki , Akiyama Shintaro , Okuda Shujiro , Boroevich Keith A , Fujimoto Akihiro , Nakagawa Hidewaki , Ozaki Kouichi , Niida Shumpei , Kanemura Yonehiro , Okamoto Nobuhiko , Saitoh Shinji , Kato Mitsuhiro , Yamasaki Mami , Matsunaga Tatsuo , Mutai Hideki , Kosaki Kenjiro , Tsunoda Tatsuhiko
Published: March 2018

Insertions and deletions (indels) have been implicated in dozens of human diseases through the radical alteration of gene function by short frameshift indels as well as long indels. However, the accurate detection of these indels from next-generation sequencing data is still challenging. This is particularly true for intermediate-size indels (≥50 bp), due to the short DNA sequencing reads. Here, we developed a new method that predicts intermediate-size indels using BWA soft-clipped fragments (unmatched fragments in partially mapped reads) and unmapped reads. We report the performance comparison of our method, GATK, PINDEL and ScanIndel, using whole exome sequencing data from the same samples. False positive and false negative counts were determined through Sanger sequencing of all predicted indels across these four methods. The harmonic mean of the recall and precision, F-measure, was used to measure the performance of each method. Our method achieved the highest F-measure of 0.84 in one sample, compared to 0.56 for GATK, 0.52 for PINDEL and 0.46 for ScanIndel. Similar results were obtained in additional samples, demonstrating that our method was superior to the other methods for detecting intermediate-size indels. We believe that this methodology will contribute to the discovery of intermediate-size indels associated with human disease.
Evolution of Sex Determination Loci in Atlantic Salmon
Authors: Kijas James , McWilliam Sean , Naval Sanchez Marina , Kube Peter , King Harry , Evans Bradley , Nome Torfinn , Lien Sigbjørn , Verbyla Klara
Published: March 2018

Teleost fish exhibit a remarkable diversity in the control of sex determination, offering the opportunity to identify novel differentiation mechanisms and their ecological consequences. Here, we perform GWAS using 4715 fish and 46,501 SNP to map sex determination to three separate genomic locations in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). To characterize each, whole genome sequencing was performed to 30-fold depth of coverage using 20 fish representing each of three identified sex lineages. SNP polymorphism reveals male fish carry a single copy of the male specific region, consistent with an XX/XY or male heterogametric sex system. Haplotype analysis revealed deep divergence between the putatively ancestral locus on chromosome 2, compared with loci on chromosomes 3 and 6. Haplotypes in fish carrying either the chromosome 3 or 6 loci were nearly indistinguishable, indicating a founding event that occurred following the speciation event that defined Salmo salar from other salmonids. These findings highlight the evolutionarily fluid state of sex determination systems in salmonids, and resolve to the sequence level differences in animals with divergent sex lineages.
Characterization of Chemosensory Responses on the Labellum of the Malaria Vector Mosquito, Anopheles coluzzii
Authors: Saveer Ahmed M. , Pitts R. Jason , Ferguson Stephen T. , Zwiebel Laurence J.
Published: March 2018

Anopheles gambiae coluzzii (An. coluzzii) uses olfaction to modulate a range of critical behaviors that are essential for survival and reproduction; most notably, host preference and selection underlie its vectorial capacity for human malaria. As is the case for all mosquitoes, An. coluzzii has three specialized peripheral olfactory appendages—the antennae, maxillary palps and labella—which are used to detect and orient in response to a large variety of olfactory cues. Of these, neither the molecular nor the physiological significance of the labellum have been thoroughly characterized despite suggestions that labial-derived odorant reception is critical for close-range host attraction. Here we report global chemoreceptor transcriptome profiles together with a systematic electrophysiological analysis of labial T2 sensilla, and associated behavioral responses of female An. coluzzii. Single sensillum recordings of the T2 sensilla revealed robust responses to odorants previously associated with human sweat and oviposition sites and identified a 10-component blend that elicited attraction in a dual-choice landing bioassay designed to mimic host seeking in which non-blood fed females were significantly more attracted to the labial-responsive odorant blend as compared to gravid females. Taken together, these data suggest that, in An. coluzzii, olfactory responses derived from the labellum contribute to host-seeking.
Multivariate Granger causality unveils directed parietal to prefrontal cortex connectivity during task-free MRI
Authors: Duggento Andrea , Passamonti Luca , Valenza Gaetano , Barbieri Riccardo , Guerrisi Maria , Toschi Nicola
Published: March 2018

While a large body of research has focused on the study of functional brain “connectivity”, few investigators have focused on directionality of brain-brain interactions which, in spite of the mostly bidirectional anatomical substrates, cannot be assumed to be symmetrical. We employ a multivariate Granger Causality-based approach to estimating directed in-network interactions and quantify its advantages using extensive realistic synthetic BOLD data simulations to match Human Connectome Project (HCP) data specification. We then apply our framework to resting state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) data provided by the HCP to estimate the directed connectome of the human brain. We show that the functional interactions between parietal and prefrontal cortices commonly observed in rs-fMRI studies are not symmetrical, but consists of directional connectivity from parietal areas to prefrontal cortices rather than vice versa. These effects are localized within the same hemisphere and do not generalize to cross-hemispheric functional interactions. Our data are consistent with neurophysiological evidence that posterior parietal cortices involved in processing and integration of multi-sensory information modulate the function of more anterior prefrontal regions implicated in action control and goal-directed behaviour. The directionality of functional connectivity can provide an additional layer of information in interpreting rs-fMRI studies both in health and disease.
Epigenetic alterations to Polycomb targets precede malignant transition in a mouse model of breast cancer
Authors: Cai Ying , Lin Jhih-Rong , Zhang Quanwei , O’Brien Kelly , Montagna Cristina , Zhang Zhengdong D.
Published: March 2018

Malignant breast cancer remains a major health threat to women of all ages worldwide and epigenetic variations on DNA methylation have been widely reported in cancers of different types. We profiled DNA methylation with ERRBS (Enhanced Reduced Representation Bisulfite Sequencing) across four main stages of tumor progression in the MMTV-PyMT mouse model (hyperplasia, adenoma/mammary intraepithelial neoplasia, early carcinoma and late carcinoma), during which malignant transition occurs. We identified a large number of differentially methylated cytosines (DMCs) in tumors relative to age-matched normal mammary glands from FVB mice. Despite similarities, the methylation differences of the premalignant stages were distinct from the malignant ones. Many differentially methylated loci were preserved from the first to the last stage throughout tumor progression. Genes affected by methylation gains were enriched in Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) targets, which may present biomarkers for early diagnosis and targets for treatment.
Rudhira/BCAS3 is essential for mouse development and cardiovascular patterning
Authors: Shetty Ronak , Joshi Divyesh , Jain Mamta , Vasudevan Madavan , Paul Jasper Chrysolite , Bhat Ganesh , Banerjee Poulomi , Abe Takaya , Kiyonari Hiroshi , VijayRaghavan K. , Inamdar Maneesha S.
Published: March 2018

Rudhira/Breast Carcinoma Amplified Sequence 3 (BCAS3) is a cytoskeletal protein that promotes directional cell migration and angiogenesis in vitro and is implicated in human carcinomas and coronary artery disease. To study the role of Rudhira during development in vivo, we generated the first knockout mouse for rudhira and show that Rudhira is essential for mouse development. Rudhira null embryos die at embryonic day (E) 9.5 accompanied by severe vascular patterning defects in embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues. To identify the molecular processes downstream of rudhira, we analyzed the transcriptome of intact knockout yolk sacs. Genome-wide transcriptome analysis showed that Rudhira functions in angiogenesis and its related processes such as cell adhesion, extracellular matrix organization, peptidase activity and TGFβ signaling. Since Rudhira is also expressed in endothelial cells (ECs), we further generated Tie2Cre-mediated endothelial knockout (CKO) of rudhira. CKO embryos survive to E11.5 and similar to the global knockout, display gross vascular patterning defects, showing that endothelial Rudhira is vital for development. Further, Rudhira knockdown ECs in culture fail to sprout in a spheroid-sprouting assay, strongly supporting its role in vascular patterning. Our study identifies an essential role for Rudhira in blood vessel remodeling and provides a mouse model for cardiovascular development.
Metformin adapts its cellular effects to bioenergetic status in a model of metabolic dysfunction
Authors: Auger Christopher , Sivayoganathan Thibacg , Abdullahi Abdikarim , Parousis Alexandra , Pang Bo Wen , Jeschke Marc G.
Published: March 2018

Thermal injury induces a complex immunometabolic response, characterized by hyperglycemia, extensive inflammation and persistent hypermetabolism. It has been suggested that attenuation of the hypermetabolic response is beneficial for patient wellbeing. To that effect, metformin represents an attractive therapeutic agent, as its effects on glycemia, inflammation and bioenergetics can improve outcomes in burn patients. Therefore, we studied metformin and its effects on mitochondrial bioenergetics in a murine model of thermal injury. We set out to determine the impact of this agent on mitochondrial hypermetabolism (adult mice) and mitochondrial dysfunction (aged mice). Seahorse respirometry complimented by in-gel activity assays were used to elucidate metformin’s cellular mechanism. We found that metformin exerts distinctly different effects, attenuating the hypermetabolic mitochondria of adult mice while significantly improving mitochondrial bioenergetics in the aged mice. Furthermore, we observed that these changes occur both with and without adenosine monophosphate kinase (AMPK) activation, respectively, and analyzed damage markers to provide further context for metformin’s beneficial actions. We suggest that metformin has a dual role following trauma, acting via both AMPK-dependent and independent pathways depending on bioenergetic status. These findings help further our understanding of metformin’s biomolecular effects and support the continued use of this drug in patients.
Ventilator Dependence Risk Score for the Prediction of Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation in Patients Who Survive Sepsis/Septic Shock with Respiratory Failure
Authors: Chang Ya-Chun , Huang Kuo-Tung , Chen Yu-Mu , Wang Chin-Chou , Wang Yi-Hsi , Tseng Chia-Cheng , Lin Meng-Chih , Fang Wen-Feng
Published: March 2018

We intended to develop a scoring system to predict mechanical ventilator dependence in patients who survive sepsis/septic shock with respiratory failure. This study evaluated 251 adult patients in medical intensive care units (ICUs) between August 2013 to October 2015, who had survived for over 21 days and received aggressive treatment. The risk factors for ventilator dependence were determined. We then constructed a ventilator dependence (VD) risk score using the identified risk factors. The ventilator dependence risk score was calculated as the sum of the following four variables after being adjusted by proportion to the beta coefficient. We assigned a history of previous stroke, a score of one point, platelet count less than 150,000/μL a score of one point, pH value less than 7.35 a score of two points, and the fraction of inspired oxygen on admission day 7 over 39% as two points. The area under the curve in the derivation group was 0.725 (p < 0.001). We then applied the VD risk score for validation on 175 patients. The area under the curve in the validation group was 0.658 (p = 0.001). VD risk score could be applied to predict prolonged mechanical ventilation in patients who survive sepsis/septic shock.
Microwave index engineering for slow-wave coplanar waveguides
Authors: Rosa Álvaro , Verstuyft Steven , Brimont Antoine , Thourhout Dries Van , Sanchis Pablo
Published: March 2018

Microwave index engineering has been investigated in order to properly design slow-wave coplanar waveguides suitable for a wide range of applications in microwave, photonics, plasmonics and metamaterials. The introduction and optimization of novel capacitive and inductive elements is proposed as a design approach to increase the microwave index while keeping the impedance close to 50 Ω to ensure the compatibility with external electronic devices. The contribution of inductive and capacitive elements and their influence on the performance of the slow-wave coplanar waveguide has been systematically analyzed. As a result, a microwave index as high as 11.6 has been experimentally demonstrated in a frequency range up to 40 GHz which is, to the best of our knowledge, the largest microwave index obtained so far in coplanar waveguides.
Anti-inflammatory effects in a mouse osteoarthritis model of a mixture of glucosamine and chitooligosaccharides produced by bi-enzyme single-step hydrolysis
Authors: Li Yali , Chen Liang , Liu Yangyang , Zhang Yong , Liang Yunxiang , Mei Yuxia
Published: March 2018

We developed a novel technique of bi-enzyme single-step hydrolysis, using recombinant chitosanase (McChoA) and exo-β-D-glucosaminidase (AorCsxA) constructed previously in our lab, to degrade chitosan. The hydrolysis product was shown by HPLC, FTIR, and chemical analyses to be a mixture (termed “GC”) composed primarily of glucosamine (80.00%) and chitooligosaccharides (9.80%). We performed experiments with a mouse osteoarthritis (OA) model to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of GC against OA. The three “GC groups” (which underwent knee joint damage followed by oral administration of GC at concentrations 40, 80, and 160 mg/kg·bw·d for 15 days) showed significantly downregulated serum expression of pre-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), and significant, dose-dependent enhancement of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-2, in comparison with Model group. Levels of C-reactive protein, which typically rise in response to inflammatory processes, were significantly lower in the GC groups than in Model group. Thymus index and levels of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM) were higher in the GC groups. Knee joint swelling was relieved and typical OA symptoms were partially ameliorated in the GC-treated groups. Our findings indicate that GC has strong anti-inflammatory effects and potential as a therapeutic agent against OA and other inflammatory diseases.
Nonlinear inelastic electron scattering from Au nanostructures induced by localized surface plasmon resonance
Authors: Li ZheAn , Xu ChunKai , Liu WenJie , Li Meng , Chen XiangJun
Published: March 2018

Nonlinear electron scattering is a recently-discovered physical process observed during the localized plasmonic excitation of Ag nanostructures on graphite surface. In the present work, nonlinear electron scattering phenomena is experimentally verified on Au nanostructures by measuring inelastic scattering of electrons field-emitted from tungsten tip. The relative intensity of the electron-energy-loss peak associated with the plasmonic excitation of Au shows again to increase nonlinearly with the electric field generated by the tip-sample bias, demonstrating the generality of nonlinear electron scattering process in plasmonic system. Compared to the nonlinear electron scattering phenomena observed on Ag nanostructures, the nonlinear term for Au nanostructures is about 1 to 2 orders of magnitude smaller, which is in consistent with the field enhancement factor of Au and Ag nanostructures from both the surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy experiments and the theoretical calculations.
Operando micro-spectroscopy on ZSM-5 containing extrudates during the oligomerization of 1-hexene
Authors: Verkleij Suzanna P. , Whiting Gareth T. , Esclapez Sonia Parres , Mertens Machteld M. , Bons Anton-Jan , Burgers Martijn , Weckhuysen Bert M.
Published: March 2018

The influence of the binder material in an industrial-type catalyst material is often neglected, although the addition of a binder can cause a significant change in the performance of the catalyst.
Inter-connected and open pore hierarchical TS-1 with controlled framework titanium for catalytic cyclohexene epoxidation
Authors: Jiao Yilai , Adedigba Abdul-Lateef , He Qian , Miedziak Peter , Brett Gemma , Dummer Nicholas F. , Perdjon Micheal , Liu Jinmin , Hutchings Graham J.
Published: March 2018

A post-synthesis method was developed to reduce the extra-framework titanium in TS-1 zeolites in which TPAOH was used to convert amorphous Ti to zeolitic phases.
Criteria for a unique steady state for enzymatic depectinization of bael (Aegle marmelos) juice in a continuous stirred tank reactor
Authors: Sengupta Sourav , Jain Amit , De Sirshendu
Published: March 2018

The depectinization kinetics of bael (Aegle marmelos) juice using the enzyme pectinase was evaluated and it was observed to follow the Michaelis–Menten model.
Correction: Clinical applications of infrared and Raman spectroscopy: state of play and future challenges
Authors: Baker Matthew J. , Byrne Hugh J. , Chalmers John , Gardner Peter , Goodacre Royston , Henderson Alex , Kazarian Sergei G. , Martin Francis L. , Moger Julian , Stone Nick , Sulé-Suso Josep
Published: March 2018

Correction for ‘Clinical applications of infrared and Raman spectroscopy: state of play and future challenges’ by Matthew J. Baker, et al., Analyst, 2018, DOI: 10.1039/c7an01871a.
Impact of substrate stiffness on dermal papilla aggregates in microgels
Authors: Tan Justin J. Y. , Tee Jie Kai , Chou Keat Onn , Yong Shi Ya Au , Pan Jing , Ho Han Kiat , Ho Paul C. L. , Kang Lifeng
Published: March 2018

A microarray fabricated from poly-ethylene-glycol-diacrylate (PEGDA) 3500 yielded increasing stiffness, which was evaluated for dermal papilla viability, attachment and inductive markers.
Optimization of N2O decomposition activity of CuO–CeO2 mixed oxides by means of synthesis procedure and alkali (Cs) promotion
Authors: Lykaki Maria , Papista Eleni , Carabineiro Sónia A. C. , Tavares Pedro B. , Konsolakis Michalis
Published: March 2018

The fine-tuning of CuO–CeO2 mixed oxides by means of synthesis procedure (co-precipitation) and alkali promotion (1.0 at Cs per nm2) towards highly active deN2O catalysts is demonstrated.
Anomalous cation diffusion in salt-doped confined bilayer ice
Authors: Qiu Hu , Xue Minmin , Shen Chun , Guo Wanlin
Published: March 2018

Faster diffusion of certain alkali metal ions with respect to water molecules is observed in a confined salt solution that underwent a liquid–solid phase transition.
Predicting the impact of structural diversity on the performance of nanodiamond drug carriers
Authors: Barnard A. S.
Published: March 2018

Diamond nanoparticles (nanodiamonds) are unique among carbon nanomaterials, and are quickly establishing a niché in the biomedical application domain.
Precise targeting of cancer metastasis using multi-ligand nanoparticles incorporating four different ligands
Authors: Peiris P. M. , He F. , Covarrubias G. , Raghunathan S. , Turan O. , Lorkowski M. , Gnanasambandam B. , Wu C. , Schiemann W. P. , Karathanasis E.
Published: March 2018

A multi-ligand nanoparticle accounts for tumor heterogeneity, which includes targetable receptors that are continuously changing over time and space.
The multicomponent Debus–Radziszewski reaction in macromolecular chemistry
Authors: Saxer S. , Marestin C. , Mercier R. , Dupuy J.
Published: March 2018

The well-known Debus–Radziszewski reaction is over one century old. However, this reaction has only been considered very recently as a new tool to design original imidazole and imidazolium-containing polymers by direct formation of the imidazole ring during the polymerization process. This article reports recent advances concerning the use of this newly emerging reaction in macromolecular chemistry.
Nickel-catalyzed enantioselective sequential Nazarov cyclization/decarboxylation
Authors: Zhang Heyi , Lu Zhan
Published: March 2018

The nickel-catalyzed enantioselective sequential Nazarov cyclization/decarboxylation has been developed.
Microencapsulated sunblock nanoparticles based on zeolitic imidazole frameworks for safe and effective UV protection
Authors: Xu Lixian , Wu Di , Zhou Bingrong , Xu Yang , Wang Wenjuan , Yu Dinghua , Luo Dan
Published: March 2018

Microencapsulation of UV filters into ZIFs could improve UV photoprotection and minimize the deleterious effects of UV filter transdermal absorption.
Enhanced thermal conductivity of epoxy composites filled with tetrapod-shaped ZnO
Authors: Guo Liangchao , Zhang Zhenyu , Kang Ruiyang , Chen Yapeng , Hou Xiao , Wu Yuming , Wang Mengjie , Wang Bo , Cui Junfeng , Jiang Nan , Lin Cheng-Te , Yu Jinhong
Published: March 2018

Epoxy composites with ZnO powders characterized by different structures as inclusion are prepared and their thermal properties are studied.
A one-step laser process for rapid manufacture of mesoscopic perovskite solar cells prepared under high relative humidity
Authors: Chen Qian , Mokhtar Muhamad Z. , Ke Jack Chun-Ren , Thomas Andrew G. , Hadi Aseel , Whittaker Eric , Curioni Michele , Liu Zhu
Published: March 2018

A one-step laser process is applied to fabricate mesoporous and compact TiO2 films in 1 min for perovskite solar cells.
A peptide-based supercapacitor and its performance improvement via TiO2 coating
Authors: Hu Kuan , Zheng Chao , An Miao , Ma Xiaohui , Wang Lu
Published: March 2018

Based on their ability to self-assemble and mimic strategies that occur in nature, peptide nanomaterials offer a variety of potential applications in environmentally friendly energy storage technologies.
Dithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]pyrrole-based hole transport materials for perovskite solar cells with efficiencies over 18%
Authors: Mabrouk Sally , Zhang Mengmeng , Wang Zhihui , Liang Mao , Bahrami Behzad , Wu Yungen , Wu Jinhua , Qiao Qiquan , Yang Shangfeng
Published: March 2018

Dithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]pyrrole (DTP) derivatives are one of the most important organic photovoltaic materials due to better π-conjugation across fused thiophene rings.
An ultrasensitive flexible pressure sensor for multimodal wearable electronic skins based on large-scale polystyrene ball@reduced graphene-oxide core–shell nanoparticles
Authors: Ai Yuanfei , Hsu Ting Heng , Wu Ding Chou , Lee Ling , Chen Jyun-Hong , Chen Yu-Ze , Wu Shu-Chi , Wu Cuo , Wang Zhiming M. , Chueh Yu-Lun
Published: March 2018

In this study, we report the fabrication of a flexible film shaped resistive-type pressure sensor with high performance and versatile applications.
PD measurements, failure analysis, and control in high‐power IGBT modules
Authors: Ghassemi Mona
Published: March 2018

Increased voltage blocking capability and the development of packaging technology for IGBTs can enhance the local electric field that may become large enough to increase partial discharges (PDs) within the module. The study presents a survey on (i) simulation the electric field within an IGBT module; (ii) current standards for evaluation of the insulation systems of IGBTs; (iii) PD detection and localisation methods as well as other diagnostic and quality control test methods about IGBTs; and (iv) various methods for PD control in an IGBT module. The survey shows remarkable technical gaps in all four areas. More sophisticated numerical and theoretical techniques are needed to model complicated geometries, e.g. extremely sharp edges of the copper metallisation and protrusions in the substrate, and composite non‐linear field grading materials. There is no model to take into account defects in the gel and on the ceramic substrate. IEC 61287‐1 cannot sufficiently assess the behaviour of PDs on IGBT module under the actual operating conditions exposing fast rise pulse‐width modulation‐like voltages. There is no agreement on the exact origin and location of PDs in the module with relying on measured phase‐resolved PD patterns. PD control methods using non‐linear grading materials are not mature enough.
Computer‐aided analysis and design procedure for rotating induction machine magnetic circuits and windings
Authors: Caruso Massimo , Di Tommaso Antonino O. , Miceli Rosario , Rizzo Renato
Published: March 2018

The aim of this study is to present a new, accurate, and user‐friendly software procedure for the analysis and rapid design of rotating induction machine windings, considering both the electric and the magnetic specifications of the machine itself. This procedure is a valid aid for quick first stage design without the necessity of using finite element method (FEM)‐based design procedures. FEM can be used in a second design phase in order to refine the first stage results. The design procedure is hereafter outlined and some examples show its capability.
Antibiotikatherapie bei COPD-Exazerbationen
Authors: Rohde Gernot G.U.
Published: March 2018

COPD-Exazerbationen halten mehrere Wochen an und haben einen negativen Einfluss auf die Lungenfunktion und die Lebensqualität. Sie sind mit einer deutlich
erhöhten Morbidität und Mortalität assoziiert, vor allem bei Krankenhausaufnahme. Je schwerer die zugrundeliegende COPD ist, desto höher ist das Risiko für
schwere Exazerbationen, welche wiederum eine Krankhausaufnahme bedingen. Zu den Auslösern einer COPD-Exazerbation zählen Temperaturveränderungen,
Luftverschmutzung und Zigarettenrauchen. Atemwegsinfektionen, ausgelöst durch Bakterien, vor allem aber durch Viren stellen mit zusammen mehr als 80 % mit
Abstand die häufigsten Auslöser dar. Zur Standardtherapie einer COPD-Exazerbation zählt die Therapie der Atemwegsentzündung, die Therapie der Obstruktion und
die Therapie der respiratorischen Insuffizienz. Inwieweit der Einsatz von Antibiotika einen zusätzlichen Nutzen beim Management von COPD-Exazerbationen hat,
muss kontrolliert zur Standardtherapie untersucht werden. Grundsätzlich ist der Einsatz von Antibiotika auf die Fälle zu begrenzen, bei denen sicher von einer
bakteriellen Genese auszugehen ist, was häufig an der Sputum-Purulenz festgemacht werden kann. Da es keine Evidenz für den Einsatz von Antibiotika bei der
leichtgradigen Exazerbation (ambulante Therapie) gibt, sollte hier weitgehend auf den Einsatz von Antibiotika verzichtet werden. Bei mittel- bis schwergradiger
COPD und nachgewiesener Sputumpurulenz kann der Einsatz von Antibiotika erwogen werden. Bei der schwergradigen Exazerbation mit der Notwendigkeit intensivierter
Überwachung und Therapie werden in der Regel Antibiotika verordnet, wobei auch hier der Einsatz kritisch beurteilt werden muss. Wichtig ist in diesen Fällen,
wiederholte Gaben derselben Substanzklasse zu vermeiden und somit bewusst sequentiell unterschiedliche Substanzklassen einzusetzen.
Antikoagulation bei Niereninsuffizienz und Vorhofflimmern
Authors: Alscher Mark Dominik
Published: March 2018

Chronische Nierenerkrankungen (CKD) nehmen weltweit zu. Es kann heute damit gerechnet werden, dass bis zu 15 % der erwachsenen Weltbevölkerung eine CKD haben.
Ein Vorhofflimmern findet sich bei CKD gehäuft. Bei Hämodialysepatienten findet sich dieses beispielsweise in bis zu 12 % der Patienten. Auch lässt sich eine
erhöhte Rate von ischämischen apoplektischen Insulten demonstrieren (um das 1,6-fache gesteigert). Eine Antikoagulation bei Vorhofflimmern bei CKD ist jedoch
umstritten. Daten zeigen einen positiven Effekt in den Stadien vor Dialysepflichtigkeit. Für Dialysepatienten konnte dies so nicht bestätigt werden, im
Gegenteil, die Nebenwirkungen der Antikoagulation, spezielle große Blutungsereignisse, waren gesteigert. Deshalb mag der Hinweis wichtig sein, dass es bei
Dialysepatienten keinen Automatismus gibt, der eine Antikoagulation bei Vorhofflimmern zwingend vorsieht. Wenn eine Antikoagulation bei Patienten mit
Dialysepflichtigkeit durchgeführt wird, muss für diese Population derzeit Phenprocoumon empfohlen werden. In den Stadien zuvor (KDIGO G1–4) wird eine
Antikoagulation bei Vorhofflimmern generell empfohlen, bis zu einer Creatinin-Clearance von (15)–30 ml/min kommen auch neuere Substanzen in Betracht
(NOAKs).
The impact of Endocuff-assisted colonoscopy on adenoma detection in an organized screening program
Authors: Cavallaro Lucas , Hassan Cesare , Lecis Pierenrico , Galliani Ermenegildo , Dal Pont Elisabetta , Iuzzolino Paolo , Roldo Claudia , Soppelsa Fabio , Germanà Bastianello
Published: March 2018

Background and study aims Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening with biennial fecal occult blood test has been shown to reduce CRC mortality. For the effectiveness of the CRC screening program is crucial that a high-quality colonoscopy with a high adenoma detection rate (ADR) be performed. To improve ADR, various endoscopic devices have been developed. Endocuff, an endoscopic cap with finger-like projections, has been shown to improve ADR. The aim of this study was to compare in an organized CRC screening program ADR, advanced adenoma detection rate (AADR) and mean number of adenomas per patient (MAP) using standard colonoscopy (SC) and Endocuff-assisted colonoscopy (EAC).

Patients and methods We compared performance of SC (in 2014) and EAC (in 2015) in consecutive participants in an organized CRC screening program.

Results SC and EAC were performed in 546 (284 males) and 519 (293 males) subjects, respectively (mean age 60 years). Cecal intubation rate was 97.4 % for SC and 97.1 % for EAC and not significantly different (P = 0.7). ADR was 47 % for SC and 52 % for EAC, P = 0.1. MAP in SC and EAC were 0.87 (range: 0 – 7) and 1.11 (range: 0 – 13) respectively, P = 0.02. AADR rate was 25 % and 23 % for SC and EAC, respectively, P = 0.5.

Conclusion Endocuff-assisted colonoscopy does not improve the number of patients with at least one adenoma but it may increase the number of detected adenomas per procedure.
Disparity between Preoperative and Pre-Excisional Intraoperative Parathyroid Hormone in Parathyroid Surgery
Authors: Masood Maheer , Hackman Trevor
Published: March 2018

Introduction Intraoperative parathyroid hormone (ioPTH) testing is a widely accepted standard for assessing the parathyroid gland function. A decline of preoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels by more than 50% is one accepted measure of parathyroid surgery adequacy. However, there may be a variation between preoperative PTH levels obtained at a clinic visit and pre-excisional ioPTH.

Objective Our study explores the differences between preoperative PTH and pre-excisional ioPTH levels, and the potential impact this difference has on determining the adequacy of parathyroid surgery.

Methods A retrospective study that consisted of 33 patients that had undergone parathyroid resection between September 2009 and March 2016 at a tertiary academic center was performed. Each subject's preoperative PTH levels were obtained from clinic visits and pre-excisional ioPTH levels were recorded along with the time interval between the measurements.

Results There was a significant difference between the mean preoperative PTH and the pre-excisional ioPTH levels of 147 pg/mL (95% confidence interval [CI] 11.43 to 284.47; p = 0.0396). The exclusion of four outliers revealed a further significant difference with a mean of 35.09 pg/mL (95% CI 20.27 to 49.92; p < 0.0001). The average time interval between blood draws was 48 days + 32 days. A weak correlation between the change in PTH values and the time interval between preoperative and pre-excision blood draws was noted (r2 = 0.15).

Conclusion Our study reveals a significant difference between the preoperative PTH levels obtained at clinic visits and the pre-excisional intraoperative PTH levels. We recommend routine pre-excisional intraoperative PTH levels, despite evidence of elevated preoperative PTH levels, in order to more accurately assess the adequacy of surgical resection.
Klein und stark mit günstigem Verträglichkeitsprofil
Authors: Kretzschmar Alexander
Published: March 2018

Mit der gezielten und kurzzeitigen Inhibition der Januskinasen (JAK) etabliert sich jetzt eine weitere Therapieoption für die rheumatologische Praxis. Erstmals nach fast einer Dekade ist dieser Wirkansatz zur Behandlung der rheumatoiden Arthritis (RA) verfügbar. Der JAK-Inhibitor Baricitinib (Olumiant®)* hat sich im gesamten klinischen Studienprogramm als konsistent wirksam erwiesen, zeigt dabei ein günstiges Verträglichkeitsprofil und wird nur einmal täglich eingenommen.
Reconstrucción de esquina posteromedial: reporte de 30 casos
Authors: Leon Agustin , Mena Adolfo , Figueroa Francisco , Tuca Maria Jesús , Ferrer Gonzalo , Espinoza Gonzalo
Published: March 2018

Objetivo Reportar la experiencia, después de 1 año de seguimiento, de una serie de 30 pacientes sometidos a reconstrucción de la esquina posteromedial (EPM) con la técnica descrita por La Prade.

Método Cohorte retrospectiva de 30 pacientes con lesión de EPM operados por el mismo equipo quirúrgico. Criterios de inclusión: diagnóstico clínico, radiografía con estrés y resonancia magnética compatibles con lesión de EPM, inestabilidad grado III luego de 3 meses de tratamiento ortopédico, técnica de reconstrucción de La Prade, al menos 12 meses de seguimiento. Criterios de exclusión: discordancia entre clínica e imagenología, inestabilidad grado I o II, y otra técnica quirúrgica. Evaluación con IKDC y Lysholm antes de la cirugía, a los 6 y 12 meses de seguimiento postcirugía.

Resultados 30 pacientes cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. Promedio de edad 43 años (24–69). Veintiocho pacientes presentaron lesiones de alta energía, 20 pacientes fueron diagnosticados en agudo, mientras que 10 fueron diagnosticados luego de malos resultados en reconstrucción de otros ligamentos. Veintiocho presentaron lesiones asociadas: 11 casos asociados a lesión de ligamento cruzado anterior, 3 casos asociados a lesión de ligamento cruzado posterior, 3 casos en asociación con lesiones meniscales, 9 casos con lesión asociada de ligamento cruzado anterior y posterior, y 2 casos en asociación con ligamento cruzado anterior, posterior y ligamento colateral lateral. Promedio de tiempo hasta la reconstrucción de EPM fue de 5 meses (rango 2–32). Puntuación en Lysholm e IKDC (preoperatorio 18,2 y 24,3 respectivamente), mejoraron a 76,7 y 70,7 después de 1 año de seguimiento. Al fin del seguimiento, el rango articular promedio era 113° (90–140), la mayoría de los pacientes (24) tuvieron estabilidad tipo A según IKDC.

Conclusión La reconstrucción de lesiones de EPM mejora los resultados clínicos en pacientes con inestabilidad crónica posteromedial de rodilla. Se observó mejoría en la estabilidad y scores funcionales de todos los pacientes.
Ein neuer Player in der RA-Therapie
Authors: Kretzschmar Alexander
Published: March 2018

Auf dem ACR-Kongresses 2017 wurden für den neuen selektiven JAK1-Inhibitor Upadacitinib (ABT-494) die Ergebnisse mehrerer Phase-II/III-Studien zur Therapie von Patienten mit rheumatoider Arthritis (RA) vorgestellt. Darin erwies sich das small mo- lecule als wirksam und gut verträglich ohne neue Sicherheitssignale bis zu einer Behandlungsdauer von 72 Wochen.
Accuracy of probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE) compared to random biopsies during endoscopic surveillance of Barrett’s esophagus
Authors: Shah Tilak , Lippman Robert , Kohli Divyanshoo , Mutha Pritesh , Solomon Sanjeev , Zfass Alvin
Published: March 2018

Background For surveillance of Barrett’s esophagus (BE), the current standard of random 4-quadrant biopsies misses 10 – 50 % of esophageal neoplasms, and does not permit real-time decision-making. Probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE) permits real-time in vivo histologic assessment of esophageal mucosa during upper endoscopy. Prospective studies comparing the accuracy of pCLE to 4-quadrant biopsies in routine clinical practice are lacking.

Methods Consecutive patients with BE underwent high definition white light and narrow-band imaging followed by pCLE and targeted biopsy or mucosal resection. Four-quadrant biopsies were obtained during the same session. Baseline variables, real-time pCLE interpretation, and histology results were prospectively recorded. Blinded expert review of pCLE sequences and histology specimens was performed. A sample size of 64 patients was calculated a priori based on 3 % estimated prevalence of high grade dysplasia (HGD) or cancer.

Results In total, 66 patients were included in the study. The prevalence of HGD or cancer was 4.55 %. Both real-time and blinded pCLE correctly identified all cases of cancer. For the primary outcome, real-time pCLE was 98 % specific but only 67 % sensitive for HGD/cancer compared to non-blinded pathologist interpretation. For HGD and cancer, inter-observer agreement was substantial between real-time and blinded endomicroscopists (kappa = 0.6). pCLE identified dysplasia in 75 % of cases where both blinded and unblinded pathology interpretation was low grade dysplasia.

Conclusions pCLE demonstrates high specificity for detecting dysplasia and cancer, but lower sensitivity may limit its utility in routine BE surveillance. pCLE may have a role in confirming LGD in real-time before eradication therapy.
Duplication cyst of the ileum presenting with severe anemia detected by double-balloon endoscopy
Authors: Takegawa Yumi , Hiramatsu Katsushi , Murata Yosuke , Akazawa Yu , Saito Yasushi , Ozaki Yoshihiko , Takahashi Kazuto , Naito Tatsushi , Ofuji Kazuya , Matsuda Hidetaka , Ohtani Masahiro , Nemoto Tomoyuki , Suto Hiroyuki , Goi Takanori , Imamura Yoshiaki , Nakamoto Yasunari
Published: March 2018

Background and study aims Duplication cysts of the ileum are rare and present with non-specific clinical manifestations such as abdominal pain, vomiting, melena, and intussusception. Therefore, preoperative diagnosis is difficult. Here, we report a case of duplication cyst of the small intestine that was diagnosed preoperatively using double-balloon enteroscopy. A 19-year-old man presented with severe iron deficiency anemia, abdominal pain, and exertional dyspnea. Gastroscopy and colonoscopy revealed no remarkable findings. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a cystic structure in the ileum. Therefore, we performed double-balloon enteroscopy via the anal route. The intestinal tract was bifurcated, with one segment ending in a blind sac containing normal villi and an ulceration. Tc-99 m pertechnetate scintigraphy showed no accumulation in the lesion. Accordingly, we diagnosed a duplication cyst and suspected that this was the cause of severe anemia. Following small bowel resection with cyst excision and anastomosis, the anemia and presenting symptoms resolved. This report highlights the usefulness of double-balloon enteroscopy of the small intestine for preoperative diagnosis of the obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, including duplication cysts.
A circumferential rectal superficial neoplasm resected with endoscopic submucosal dissection using the pocket-creation method
Authors: Abdul Rani Rafiz , Yoshida Naohisa , Murakami Takaaki , Ogiso Kiyoshi , Hirose Ryohei , Inada Yutaka , Konishi Hideyuki , Naito Yuji , Kishimoto Mitsuo , Ando Takashi , Itoh Yoshito
Published: March 2018

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is recognized as an important technique in the nonsurgical management of early gastrointestinal carcinoma and it is continuously undergoing evolution in terms of technique and equipment. The pocket-creation method was recently developed for overcoming various difficulties such as large tumor size and severe fibrosis in ESD. Circumferential ESDs are rare and pose technical difficulties. We present a case of a circumferential rectal ESD using a pocket-creation method with two pockets. The associated planning, strategies, and outcome of the procedure are discussed.
Future cities: asserting public governance
Authors: Joss Simon
Published: March 2018

The smart city has become a main prism through which urban futures are viewed. With it comes the promise of big data technology enabling more resource-efficient urban systems and improved governance. Increasingly, however, this technocentric view is being challenged, at least rhetorically, by seeking to place people at the heart of smart city development. Yet, especially in the case of the UK, such development typically takes place within a governance context which marginalises established planning and decision processes, thus arguably weakening public accountability. Moreover, the norms of engagement change in that citizens are assigned more of an entrepreneurial role as co-producers of data-driven information. It becomes necessary, therefore, to reconsider, as well as reinvigorate the place of the public in the future city. This article seeks to do so by making the case, on one hand, for strengthening institutional frameworks and, on the other, advancing a more active role for citizens to become involved in actualising and scrutinising future cities.
Crystal structure oriented carrier transport characteristic of triphenylamine derivative single crystal
Authors: Kunihiro Motoki , Nakasone Yasuaki , Matsuda Shofu , Shironita Sayoko , Nagayama Norio , Umeda Minoru
Published: March 2018

Organic electronic materials used in organic photoreceptors for electrophotography are expected to be employed in many functional organic devices. Regarding the inferior mobility compared to inorganic semiconductors, in this study, an organic single crystal was prepared at a high rate and characterized. First, solubility and supersolubility curves of α-phenyl-4’-[(4-methoxyphenyl)phenylamino]stilbene (TPA) were measured. According to the data, the rapid crystal growth has been succeeded. Polarization microscope observation and XRD result confirmed that a single crystal is obtained. The results of a cyclic voltammogram and molecular orbital calculations showed that hole transport takes place in the crystal. On the surface of the obtained single crystal, Au parallel electrodes were vacuum deposited to measure its electric conductivity. Higher currents were observed on the long and short axes of the single crystal than that of the amorphous layer. Moreover, an anisotropic conductivity, in which the current in the long axis is greater than that in the short axes, was remarked. Consequently, the molecular stack of the crystal clarified by an XRD analysis and molecular electronic structure assessed by molecular orbital calculation well explain the anisotropic conductivity of the crystal.
On the carrier of inertia
Authors: Grahn Patrick , Annila Arto , Kolehmainen Erkki
Published: March 2018

A change in momentum will inevitably perturb the all-embracing vacuum, whose reaction we understand as inertia. Since the vacuum’s physical properties relate to light, we propose that the vacuum embodies photons, but in pairs without net electromagnetic fields. In this physical form the free space houses energy in balance with the energy of matter in the whole Universe. Likewise, we reason that a local gravitational potential is the vacuum in a local balance with energy that is bound to a body. Since a body couples to the same vacuum universally and locally, we understand that inertial and gravitational masses are identical. By the same token, we infer that gravity and electromagnetism share the similar functional form because both are carried by the vacuum photons as paired and unpaired.
Design of a thin-plate based tunable high-quality narrow passband filter for elastic transverse waves propagate in metals
Authors: Zhang J. , Zeng L. H. , Hu C. L. , Yan W. S. , Pennec Yan , Hu N.
Published: March 2018

For the elastic SV (transverse) waves in metals, a high-quality narrow passband filter that consists of aligned parallel thin plates with small gaps is designed. In order to obtain a good performance, the thin plates should be constituted by materials with a smaller mass density and Young’s modulus, such as polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), compared to the embedded materials in which the elastic SV waves propagate. Both the theoretical model and the full numerical simulation show that the transmission spectrum of the designed filter demonstrates several peaks with flawless transmission within 0 KHz ∼20 KHz frequency range. The peaks can be readily tuned by manipulating the geometrical parameters of the plates. Therefore, the current design works well for both low and high frequencies with a controllable size. Even for low frequencies on the order of kilohertz, the size of this filter can be still limited to the order of centimeters, which significantly benefits the real applications. The investigation also finds that the same filter is valid when using different metals and the reason behind this is explained theoretically. Additionally, the effect of bonding conditions of interfaces between thin plates and the base material is investigated using a spring model.
Effects of calcium carbonate application on physiology, yield and quality of field-grown tomatoes in a semi-arid Mediterranean climate
Authors: Patanè Cristina , Pellegrino Alessandra , Di Silvestro Isabella
Published: March 2018

Foliar and fruit application of mineral particle films is considered to reduce damage from heat and water stress significantly in many horticultural crops. Sprays with new formulations consisting of suspensions of calcium carbonate can have beneficial effects on vegetable crops, including tomato. We assessed the effects of a calcium carbonate suspension on physiology, yield and some quality aspects of a tomato crop under three levels of deficit irrigation (I50, moderate; I25, moderate–severe; I0, severe) in the semi-arid climate of eastern Sicily. Leaf transpiration was significantly reduced by 47% (late June) and 58% (early July) in plants treated with the suspension. Late in the growing season, sprayed leaves were ~1°C cooler than unsprayed (control) leaves. Spray treatment resulted in a higher marketable yield (+12%) than the control under I50, and fruit quality was significantly improved under I0. Treated tomatoes exhibited better firmness (+24%), higher contents of vitamin C (+15%) and total phenols (+12%), and higher antioxidant activity (5–7%) than untreated tomatoes. Application of calcium carbonate minimised fruit losses under I50 while ensuring great water saving and improving the nutraceutical properties of fruits. These aspects make the technology an environmentally friendly tool to improve crop sustainability and nutritional quality in tomato.
Advancing agenda building
Authors: Mohr Tiffany L. , Furey Lauren D.
Published: March 2018

This study tested the three levels of agenda building using an experimental design to identify possible causal relationships. This research contributes to the study and practice of political public relations by examining the process by which an issue is created and transferred to the public. Results indicate various support for agenda building including overall issue salience and issue attribute salience. The study also tested the compelling arguments hypothesis and found strong support for attribute salience contributing to overall issue salience. These findings are important for political public relations practitioners as it demonstrates that contextual issue attributes increase issue salience for the public.