bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biochemical diagnosis of growth hormone related diseases1)
Authors: Bidlingmaier Martin 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
The symptoms of growth hormone deficiency and growth hormone excess clinically impose differently before and after the completion of longitudinal growth. Always, however, biochemical diagnostics is based on the measurement of circulating concentrations of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). Immunoassays are practical, sensitive, and mostly specific methods for measuring either hormone. There are, however, still serious discrepancies between the results reported from different assays. These discrepancies are mainly due to differences in the isoform specificity of assays, the use of different standard preparations, as well as the interference of binding proteins. The method-related differences in measured results make the general application of published diagnostic decision limits more difficult. At an interdisciplinary consensus conference, with the participation of the Growth Hormone Research Society, the IGF Society, and the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC), the existing problems were analyzed and possible strategies were highlighted to improve the comparability between results obtained from different GH and IGF-I assays. Currently, however, the use of method-specific reference ranges obtained from well-characterized cohorts continues to be essential in clinical practice.
Gerinnungsphysiologische und genetische Diagnostik bei hereditärem Protein S-Mangel/Coagulation testing and genetic diagnostics in hereditary protein S deficiency
Authors: Dübgen Sebastian , Dick Andrea , Marschall Christoph , Spannagl Michael 
Published: February 2015

Zusammenfassung
Thrombophilie, die Neigung zu rezidivierenden, idiopathischen Thromboembolien, wird heute als multifaktorielle Erkrankung im Sinne einer Dysbalance des komplex regulierten Hämostasesystems verstanden. Trotz intensiver Abklärung bleibt der genaue Defekt einer erblichen Thromboseneigung oft unbekannt. Eine anerkannte Ursache, welche bei etwa 1 bis 2% der Betroffenen identifiziert werden kann, ist ein Mangel an Protein S, welches indirekt als Kofaktor von aktiviertem Protein C die Thrombinbildung limitiert. Die Einschätzung der pathogenetischen Relevanz verminderter Protein S-Spiegel ist jedoch aufgrund der sehr viel häufiger vorkommenden erworbenen Protein S-Erniedrigung unter bestimmten physiologischen und pathologischen Bedingungen (z.B. Einnahme einer hormonellen Kontrazeption oder systemische Inflammation) schwierig. Diese Arbeit eröffnet durch Hinzufügen aggregierter genetischer Daten von 136 Patienten einen neuen Blick auf die Protein S-Diagnostik im klinischen Alltag und liefert Hinweise, in welcher Konstellation mit größerer Wahrscheinlichkeit von einem echten (genetisch definierten) Mangel ausgegangen werden kann.
Pro und Contra der Thrombophiliediagnostik/Pros and cons of thrombophilia testing
Authors: Orth Matthias , Schlatterer Kathrin 
Published: February 2015

Zusammenfassung
Eine Hyperkoagulabilität aufgrund genetisch-bestimmter Faktoren lässt sich bei etwa der Hälfte der Patienten mit einer spontanen venösen Thrombose (VTE) nachweisen. Thrombophilieuntersuchungen sind sinnvoll, wenn durch die Ergebnisse der Diagnostik eine Änderung der antithrombotischen Therapie erfolgen kann und wenn das mit der Thrombose assoziierte Risiko höher ist als die Nebenwirkungen der Antikoagulation. Angewandt werden soll das Thrombophiliescreening bei Patienten mit einem erhöhten Thromboserisiko, bei denen keine offensichtliche Ursache der VTE bekannt ist. Keine Indikation für die Untersuchung besteht, wenn von vornherein die Entscheidung in Bezug auf die Einleitung einer antithrombotischen Therapie gefallen oder wenn das absolute Thromboserisiko des Patienten sehr niedrig ist. Bei anderen Indikationen wie bei der Östrogentherapie oder bei rezidivierenden Aborten ist die Datenlage zum Nutzen einer Thrombophiliediagnostik komplex. Durch die geänderten therapeutischen Möglichkeiten mit den neuen oralen Antikoagulantien ist zu erwarten, dass künftig die Thrombophilieabklärung auch für Patientengruppen von Interesse wird, bei denen bislang eine Antikoagulantientherapie wegen der hohen Nebenwirkungsrate nicht durchgeführt werden konnte.
Simultaneous identification and quantification of synthetic cannabinoids (cannabimimetics) in serum, hair, and urine by rapid and sensitive HPLC tandem mass spectrometry screenings: overview and experience from routine testing
Authors: Goebel August , Boehm Marcus , Kirchherr Hartmut , Kühn-Velten W. Nikolaus 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Detection and quantification of synthetic cannabinoids (synonym: cannabimimetics) used as a substitute for natural cannabis has been a real toxicological and forensic issue since 2008. On the basis of a short overview of the pharmacological principle, chemical classification, and legal situation in Germany, the development of several analytical and screening approaches is presented. The paper further describes and validates a novel method for the simultaneous identification and quantification of JWH-018, JWH-019, JWH-073, JWH-081, JWH-122, JWH-200, JWH-210, JWH-250, WIN48,098, WIN55,212-2, AM-694 and CP47,497 by means of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in human serum and hair using JWH-018-d11 and THC-d3 as internal standards. Detection limits ranging from 0.018 to 0.192 ng/mL for serum and from 0.140 to 0.820 pg/mg for hair, as well as very short retention times (up to 2.4 min), qualify this method, which presently includes 11 further compounds on a semi-quantitative basis, for rapid screening. The same method, using the deuterated 3-hydroxybutyl derivative of JWH-073, was applied for detection of 14 urinary metabolites after enzymatic hydrolysis of conjugates. Observation from routine analysis of 359 serum and 84 hair specimens reveals that concentrations of cannabimimetics in positive samples may differ by factors of at least 400 and 3000 with median values of 0.5 ng/mL and 9 pg/mg for serum and hair, respectively. Conclusions regarding consumption behaviors and strategies to decipher metabolic routes of these substances and possible implications are also discussed.
MRGN: neue Klassifikation für multiresistente gramnegative Bakterien
Authors: Kaase Martin 
Published: February 2015

Zusammenfassung
Im Zusammenhang mit den neuen KRINKO-Empfehlungen über Hygienemaßnahmen bei Infektionen oder Besiedlung mit multiresistenten gramnegativen Stäbchen wurde eine neue Multiresistenz-Definition, die MRGN-Klassifikation, eingeführt. Dies war nötig geworden, da bisherige Definitionen für krankenhaushygienische Zwecke wenig geeignet erschienen. Die MRGN-Klassifikation unterscheidet zwei Ausprägungsgrade der Multiresistenz, die als 3MRGN und 4MRGN bezeichnet werden und unterschiedliche hygienische Konsequenzen nach sich ziehen können. Sie beruht ferner darauf, dass Antibiotika unterschiedlich gewichtet werden und vor allem Resistenzen bei therapeutisch besonders bedeutsamen Gruppen wie Cephalosporinen, Carbapenemen und Fluorochinolonen in die Definition einfließen. Die MRGN-Klassifikation basiert weitestgehend auf Resistenzkategorien, nicht auf Resistenzmechanismen. Aufgrund der hohen epidemiologischen Bedeutung werden jedoch Carbapenemase-produzierende Enterobacteriaceae unabhängig vom restlichen Antibiogramm durchweg als 4MRGN klassifiziert. Die MRGN-Klassifikation erfordert Expertise und eine zuverlässige Carbapenemase-Detektion und ist daher ausdrücklich Aufgabe des mikrobiologischen Labors.
Galectin-3: a new biomarker for heart failure progression and prognosis
Authors: de Boer Rudolf A. , van der Velde A. Rogier 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Galectin-3 is a carbohydrate-binding protein involved in inflammatory and fibrotic processes in various tissues. In the heart, galectin-3 activation has been associated with progression of cardiac fibrosis leading to cardiac remodeling and heart failure development. Clinical studies have shown that galectin-3 is a valuable prognostic marker in cardiovascular disease recognizing patients at risk. Most published results are from cohorts with chronic heart failure patients, but also in patients with acute heart failure, acute cardiac syndromes, as well as in cohorts from the general population. Galectin-3 levels were prognostic when looking at various endpoints, most prominently mortality, new onset heart failure and other cardiovascular endpoints. This review on galectin-3 provides an overview of the biological function of the marker and important findings from animal model studies and summarizes the key results of published analyses of clinical cohorts. The potential future role of galectin-3 is discussed.
Virologic diagnosis of influenza: detection of infection and assessment of immunity1)
Authors: Doerr Hans W. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractA variety of methods are available for virological diagnosis and immunity assessment of influenza. For virus detection, the clinical specimen is usually the respiratory swab. In terms of sensitivity, nasopharyngeal aspirates are superior and sputum specimens are inferior. The diagnostic method of choice is RT-PCR of viral DNA sequences coding for matrix and nucleoprotein, which define influenza virus types A, B, C, or coding for hemagglutinin and neuraminidase spikes on the viral envelope identifying influenza virus A subtypes and strains. Genespecific primer probes are commercially available. PCR takes 1–2 h after the arrival of the clinical specimen. Cell culture based virus isolation combined with intracellular antigen detection needs 1–2 days, but is regarded as gold standard. Transport of the swabs in an ice chest is recommendable. Direct antigen detection in the clinical specimen by the use of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or immunofluorescence test (IFT) is the most rapid (bedside) method, but of inferior sensitivity. Therapy resistance analysis is done by genotyping subsequent to PCR amplification or by the cell culture method (phenotyping). Antibodies due to influenza virus are produced during the second week after infection and may confirm or disprove virological diagnosis. ELISA and IFT apply nucleoprotein or matrix proteins as antigens and differentiate between the Ig classes IgA (IgM) and IgG indicating an acute or passed infection. Complement fixing antibodies do not persist. Influenza virus immunity is assessed by neutralization assay or – more simply – by hemagglutination inhibition in a type-, subtype- and even variantspecific manner.
Comparison of ordinary linear regression, orthogonal regression, standardized principal component analysis, Deming and Passing-Bablok approach for method validation in laboratory medicine
Authors: Haeckel Rainer , Wosniok Werner , Klauke Rainer 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
A well-accepted tool for method validation is a method comparison study. Results are usually assessed on a scatter plot of which the fitting line is calculated by several approaches, for example, ordinary (vertical) linear regression (OLR), orthogonal regression (OR), Deming regression (DR), Passing-Bablok method (PBR) or standardized principal component regression (SPCR). DR was applied in its general form (gDR), requiring information of the imprecision of at least two different quantities and as simple DR (sDR) with imprecision information of only one quantity. The equation of the regression line calculated by these concepts varies depending on range of measurement, analytical variation and on imprecision ratio (s

AY
/s

AX
). There is still a global debate about which statistical concept is the most adequate for validating purposes. Various paired random samples with a size of 100 were simulated in 5000 replicates and evaluated with different regression models. The behavior of the slope and intercept of the regression lines were compared under various conditions. Two extreme ranges of measurement and several variance ratios in the absence and presence of bias were studied. The results clearly demonstrated that DR is the only model which can be applied without any precautions under conditions which usually occur in method comparison studies, and therefore should be preferred in laboratory medicine. Other models require restrictions with regard to range of measurement and/or imprecision profile. Differences of the concentrations at different positions of the measurement interval calculated with regression coefficients of both DRs did not deviate more than the permissible bias. Therefore, the advantage of using gDR does not justify its greater disadvantages in comparison with sDR.
About quality of management – hospital laboratory medicine: results from the working group “Laboratory Management” of the DGKL1)
,
2)
Authors: Vogt Wolfgang 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Balancing the partly different needs and expectations of stakeholders is one of the most fundamental tasks of a manager. Therefore, successful managing means identifying and prioritizing the relevant stakeholders, balancing out their needs and interests, and achieving outstanding results. Professional methods have to be used to overcome these challenging tasks. The extensive results of the working group “Laboratory Management” are presented in short. The article focusses on topics such as outcome measures, benchmarking, cost accounting, and business excellence that have been well-known subjects in other sectors for a long time.
Die Bedeutung der Tränentropfenerythrozyten im peripheren Blutausstrich
Authors: Gütgemann Ines , Heimpel Hermann , Nebe Carl Thomas 
Published: February 2015

Zusammenfassung:
Tränentropfenerythrozyten (engl.: tear drop erythrocytes, syn. Dakryozyten) sind bei der mikroskopischen Beurteilung von Blutausstrichen wegweisend bei der Anämiediagnostik und bei der Diagnose von sogenannten leukoerythroblastischen Blutbildern. Als Begleiterscheinung finden sich Tränentropfenerythrozyten bei diversen Grunderkrankungen, welche mit einer Knochenmarkfibrose und/oder extramedullären Blutbildung einhergehen. Die Differentialdiagnose umfasst primär hämatologische Erkrankungen wie myeloproliferative Neoplasien (insbesondere die primäre Myelofibrose (PMF)), fortgeschrittene myelodysplastische Syndrome (MDS) und eine sekundäre Knochenmarkfibrose durch infiltrative Prozesse, wie z.B. eine metastatische Absiedelung von Karzinomzellen. Seltener finden sich Tränentropfenerythrozyten im Rahmen verschiedener hämolytischer Anämien, ß-Thalassämien, metabolischer Erkrankungen, bei Eisenmangelanämie, nach Bestrahlung, Toxinexposition oder im Rahmen einer autoimmun induzierten Myelofbrose.
Significance of teardrop cells in peripheral blood smears
Authors: Gütgemann Ines , Heimpel Hermann , Nebe Carl Thomas 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Teardrop erythrocytes (syn. dakryocytes) play a key role in the evaluation of peripheral blood smears in patients with anemia, especially as part of the “leukoerythroblastic picture”. Teardrop-shaped red blood cells can be seen in a wide range of diseases that lead to bone marrow fibrosis, which is often accompanied by extramedullary hematopoesis. The differential diagnoses encompass primary myelofibrosis (PMF), myelodysplastisc syndromes during the late course of the disease, rare forms of acute leucemias and myelophtisis caused by metastatic carcinoma. Rarely, MF associated with post-irradiation, toxins, autoimmune diseases, metabolic conditions, inborn hemolytic anemias, iron-deficient anemia or β-thalassaemia can lead to the formation of teardrops as visualized on peripheral blood smears.
Two-dimensional materials for nanophotonics application
Authors: Zhao Huan , Guo Qiushi , Xia Fengnian , Wang Han 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIn this article, we review the various topics on the applications of 2D
materials, including both elemental and compound 2D materials, for nanophotonics
application from detectors, modulators to plasmonics and light generating
devices. With this review, we hope to provide an overview of the past
development in this field while offering our perspectives on its future
directions.
Experimental Evaluation of Cratering and Ground Vibration in Clay Soils Subjected to Explosive Airblast Loading
Authors: Busch Courtney L. , Aimone-Martin Catherine T. , Tarefder Rafiqul A. 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
This study focused on the ground response of clay soils in confined conditions subjected to explosive airblast loading through small-scale field experiments. Laboratory testing was also performed to characterize the soils used during field testing and obtain material properties for future work. A total of 33 suspended explosive blasts were conducted with explosive masses ranging from 0.9 to 100.9 g and two heights of suspension of 2.5–7.6 cm above the clay surface. The field instrumentation consisted of subsurface triaxial geophones and surface airblast sensors. Results of the study included surface crater geometry measurements, ground vibration data, and air overpressure data. Crater diameters ranged from 3.8 to 22.9 cm, while crater depth ranged from 0.8 to 8.4 cm. Crater volumes ranged from 32.1 to 1720.6 cm3. Peak particle velocity (PPV) decreased with depth and ranged from 1.0 to 40.2 cm/s. The results of the experiment provided a data set that could be used to predict the effects of airblast loads on clay soils.
Ranking of EVA Modified Bitumens Based on AASHTO M320 Performance Related Parameters
Authors: Sheikhmotevali Amir Hossein , Ameri Mahmoud 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
The AASHTO M320-10 bitumen specifications, and the measurements upon which they are based, are designed to provide performance-related properties that can be related in a rational manner to pavement performance. Some reports suggest that the AASHTO M320 specifications are well-suited for dealing with unmodified bitumens. However, a number of studies question the validity of the AASHTO M320 specifications for modified systems. This paper investigates the use and suitability of AASHTO M320 bitumen parameters for ranking of plastomeric polymer modified bitumens. Two methods were used for the ranking of a series of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) polymer modified bitumens (PMBs) in terms of the three main distress modes associated with flexible pavements of low temperature cracking, permanent deformation (rutting), and fatigue damage. AASHTO M320 bitumen parameters, practical mechanical asphalt mixture properties were used for ranking of EVA PMBs then the rankings were compared. Results show that AASHTO M320 bitumen parameters are valid for EVA PMBs only at low polymer contents. It is an important conclusion because the high cost of polymers makes the commercial use of modified bitumens only attractive for road construction if the amount of polymer is relatively small.
Study of Temperature Memory Effect During the Thermal Cycling in Hydraulic Systems
Authors: Vitel Gigi , Pricop Bogdan , Suru Marius-Gabriel , Lohan Nicoleta Monica , Bujoreanu Leandru-Gheorghe 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
The effects of thermal cycling in an experimental hydraulic installation of trained shape memory alloy actuators are discussed. After being trained in air for up to 500 flection–deflection cycles during cooling–heating, respectively, with a load fastened at their free ends, the lamellar elements developed two way shape memory effect by reducing their curvature during heating and by recovering it during cooling. Temperature variations versus time were recorded during thermal cycling performed in oil, revealing the influences of: (i) the number of training cycles, (ii) overheating caused by oil thermal-inertia, and (iii) heating interruption during martensite reversion to parent phase. The effects of the number of training cycles, corroborated with heating interruption, were revealed by differential scanning calorimetry both before and after functioning in oil. Heating interruption, associated with temperature memory effect, caused the occurrence of two martensite populations during subsequent cooling, as substantiated by optical and atomic force microscopy.
Microwave Imaging in Frequency Domain for Through-Wall Multiple Conductors
Authors: Yu Chia-Ying , Chiu Chien-Ching , Chou Yu-Kai , Shen Szu-Chi 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
This paper presents an inverse scattering problem for through-wall imaging. Two separate perfect-conducting cylinders of unknown shapes are behind a homogeneous building wall and illuminated by the transverse magnetic (TM) plane wave. After an integral formulation, a discretization using the method of moment (MoM) is applied. The through-wall imaging (TWI) problem is recast as a nonlinear optimization problem with an objective function defined by the norm of a difference between the measured and calculated scattered electric field. Thus, the shape of the metallic cylinder can be obtained by minimizing the objective function. The asynchronous particle swarm optimization (APSO) is employed to find out the global extreme solution of the object function. Numerical results demonstrate that even when the initial guesses are far away from the exact shapes, and the multiple scattered fields between two conductors are serious, good reconstruction still can be obtained. In addition, the effect of Gaussian noise on the reconstruction result is investigated and the numerical simulation shows that even though the signal-noise ratio (SNR) is 20 dB, we can still get good results of reconstructions.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of a Ring Tensile Test for Evaluation of Mechanical and Fracture Properties of Thin-Walled Fuel-Clad Tubes
Authors: Samal M. K. 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Thin-walled fuel clad tubes of Zircaloy-4 material are used in nuclear reactors to hold fuel pellets. The design and safety analysis of these tubes requires estimation of the transverse mechanical and fracture properties at un-irradiated as well as service-exposed conditions. These thin-walled tubes are subjected to radial loading conditions due to expansion of fuel pellets during reactor operation. This loading condition exhibits the presence of combined tensile as well as bending stresses due to the curvature of the specimen and, as such, the tensile properties cannot be directly evaluated from the experiments on ring tensile specimens. In this work, ring tension tests were carried out on specimens machined from fuel-clad tubes. Both the specimen and the loading mandrel were modeled using the finite element (FE) method to evaluate the load–displacement behavior of the test. Rousselier's micro-mechanical model for ductile fracture was applied in order to simulate the crack growth in these specimens. The method was also validated by testing a ring–tension specimen (machined from alloy steel material) of similar dimension as that of the Zircaloy fuel pin specimen and then comparing the stress–strain curve with that of a standard round tensile specimen. The micro-mechanical parameters of the damage model were used to simulate the crack propagation in a standard double-edged notched tensile (DENT) specimen. The J–R curve of the DENT specimen has also been compared with that of a cracked pin–loading–tension (PLT) specimen. It was observed that the parameters of the Rousselier's model are able to predict the fracture resistance behavior of cracked fuel pins specimens satisfactorily, which have been obtained through a combined experiment and FE analysis of the ring tensile specimens. Thus, this method can be used to determine the material properties of irradiated and service-aged fuel pins as obtained from the nuclear reactors after different periods of reactor operation.