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While viscoelastic, adhesive contact rupture of simple indenters is well studied, contact formation has received much less attention. Here, we present simulations of the formation of contact between various power law indenters and an adhesive, viscoelastic foundation. For all investigated indenters, we find that the macroscopic relaxation time τ scales approximately with 1/ρ1.8, where ρ is the range of adhesion. The prolongation of contact formation with Tabor parameter is rationalized by the increased dissipation that short-range adhesion causes on a moving crack. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hand hygiene is essential for preventing healthcare-associated infections. However, hand hygiene compliance is often hin-dered by a number of factors, one of which is irritant contact dermatitis. Illustrating the benefits of skin friendly hand disin-fectants and their effect on skin condition could positively influence hand hygiene compliance. The aim of this study was to analyse the skin hydrating effect of a hand disinfectant with a comprehensive skin care complex using Capacitive Contact Imaging (CCI) as a method to assess and visualise skin hydration in comparison to conventional cor-neometry. In addition to established parameters, including pH value, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and dermatological assessments, the study investigated the dermatological effects of a two-week application of a hand disinfectant foam. Frequent daily application of the product led to an improvement in skin hydration without causing intolerability. The results from CCI and corneometry were consistently comparable and showed significantly elevated skin hydration after the two-week application period. CCI illustrated the increased skin hydration and it’s potential to be used as an additional method to evaluate and demonstrate the effect of hand hygiene products on skin health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Händehygiene ist im Gesundheitswesen entscheidend für die Infektionsprävention. Allerdings wird die indikationsgerechte Einhaltung der Händehygiene (Compliance) oft durch eine Reihe von Faktoren behindert, einschließlich Unverträglichkeiten wie irritativer Kontaktdermatitis. Eine Visualisierung der Vorteile hautfreundlicher Hände-Desinfektionsmittel für den Hautzustand könnte die Händehygiene-Compliance positiv beeinflussen. Ziel dieser Studie war es, die Haut befeuchtende Wirkung eines Hände-Desinfektionsmittels mit umfassendem Hautpflegekomplex zu untersuchen. Dabei wurde ein kapazitives Bildgebungsverfahren (Capacitive Contact Imaging [CCI]) als Methode zur Messung und Visualisierung der Hautfeuchtigkeit im Vergleich zur herkömmlichen Corneometrie eingesetzt. Zusätzlich zu etablierten Parametern wie pH-Wert, transepidermaler Wasserverlust (TEWL) und dermatologische Bewertungen wurden die Auswirkungen einer zweiwöchigen Anwendung eines Hände-Desinfektionsschaums auf den Hautzustand untersucht. Die regelmäßige tägliche Anwendung des Produktes führte zu einer Verbesserung der Hautfeuchtigkeit, ohne dass Unverträglichkeiten auftraten. Die mittels CCI und Corneometrie erzielten Ergebnisse waren durchweg vergleichbar und zeigten eine signifikant erhöhte Hautfeuchtigkeit nach dem zweiwöchigen Anwendungszeitraum. CCI visualisierte die erhöhte Hautfeuchtigkeit und zeigt damit das Potenzial für den Einsatz als zusätzliche Methode zur Bewertung und zum Nachweis der Auswirkungen von Hände-Hygieneprodukten auf die Hautgesundheit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities (ID) are at increased risk of developing challenging behaviour. Challenging behaviour may be partially explained by low individual communicative competences. However, communication involves at least two partners, thus outcomes may also vary according to each interaction partners' abilities. We therefore investigated the degree to which the interplay between individual and classmates' communication skills predicts changes in challenging behaviour among students with ID. Methods: This study used a longitudinal design with two measurement points across one school year. Challenging behaviour and communication skills were measured by teacher reports in 1125 students with ID attending special needs schools. Applying a multilevel approach, we investigated (1) whether higher individual communication skills at the first measurement were related to a subsequent decrease in challenging behaviour and (2) whether this effect was moderated by classmates' levels of communication skills. In addition, we examined (3) if classroom communication skills were indirectly related to a decrease in challenging behaviour by influencing individual communicative abilities. Results: Higher individual communication skills at the first measurement were significantly related to a decrease in general challenging behaviour over the school year. This effect was not moderated by classroom‐level communication skills. However, classmates' communication skills exerted an indirect influence by enhancing individual communicative abilities. Further analyses suggested classroom contextual effects related to a decrease in several sub‐domains of challenging behaviour. Conclusions: The study results suggest that both individual communicative competences and those of the classroom context are relevant to understanding challenging behaviour development in ID. Perspectives for counteracting such behaviour in light of the present findings are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is an established treatment option for patients with faecal incontinence. The location of the stimulating electrode is considered to be essential for treatment success. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the position of SNM electrodes after using a standardized fluoroscopy-guided implantation technique. Methods: For this cadaver study, SNM electrodes were implanted bilaterally in 5 lower body specimens. The lower edge of the sacroiliac joint and the medial edge of the sacral foramina were marked using fluoroscopy to draw an 'H' with the crossing points identifying S3. After electrode placement the pelvis was dissected to describe the exact position of the SNM electrodes. Results: The electrodes were inserted at an angle with a median degree measure of 60° (range 50–65°) to the skin, with a median distance of 9 mm (range 0–13 mm) from the S3 marking. All electrodes entered the third sacral foramen. The median distance of the electrodes to the sacral nerve was 0 mm (range 0–3 mm) for the most proximal, 0.5 mm (range 0–5 mm) for the second, 2.25 mm (range 0–11 mm) for the third and 1.75 mm (range 0–16 mm) for the most distant electrode. There was neither a significant difference in the proximity of the electrodes to the nerve between the right and left side (proximal to distal electrode: p = 0.18, p = 0.16, p = 0.07, p = 0.07) nor between male and female cadavers (p = 0.25, p = 0.21, p = 0.66, p = 0.66). Conclusions: A standardized fluoroscopy-guided implantation technique enables a close contact between electrode and nerve. This can potentially result in an improved clinical outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to compare the acute effects of the Running Anaerobic-based Sprint Test (RAST) with different loads in physiologic and neuromuscular parameters. 12 amateur rugby union players performed the RAST, with heart rate (HR) and blood lactate concentration ([LAC]) measurements pre, post and 5 min post RAST, squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), 10 m (S10) and 20 m (S20) sprints pre and post RAST. These procedures were carried out during three sessions, randomly performed in different conditions: no load (NL), load with 13% (L13) or 25% (L25) of body mass. Between loads, peak power in RAST and mean power were statistically different, with lower in L25 condition. Between moments, significant differences were observed with decrease in HR, increase in [LAC] for pre, post and 5 min post, respectively, and performance decrease in CMJ and S10, without load vs moment interaction. In addition, between loads, with exception of power produced in RAST, no significant differences were observed for any variable. Therefore, despite the differences in power production during RAST, it is concluded that RAST performed with or without loads of either 13 or 25% of body mass induces similar acute effects in both physiologic and neuromuscular parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given its excellent safety profile,10 topical STS appears as a promising treatment option for calcinosis cutis. Successful treatment of calcinosis cutis with a topical sodium thiosulphate preparation containing 20% zinc oxide in a patient with sclerotic graft-versus-host disease As observed in our patient, smaller lesions and localized calcinosis cutis can resolve completely after intralesional or topical administration of STS.8 In a recent retrospective evaluation of GvHD patients with calcinosis cutis, four had received treatment with STS but only one improved.4 However, the details of STS treatment were not specified in that report. [Extracted from the article]

The main goal of the present work is to study the influence of the microstructure on the corrosion behavior of cemented carbides WC-Co in two corrosive media. Corrosion kinetics were determined by immersion tests while the electrochemical evolution of the Surface was analyzed using impedance testing. Damage tolerance to corrosion was evaluated by assessing fracture strength on specimens previously subjected to corrosion. Results pointed out that for both grades the corrosion rate was higher in seawater, being more significant for the grade with a medium grain size. The corrosion phenomenon that took place in both media was caused by the oxidation reaction of cobalt. In seawater, the polarization resistance decreased for both grades whereas in mine water increased, due to the formation of a layer of corrosion products, which slowed down the cobalt dissolution process in Surface. In both media, a greater strength loss of the ultrafine grades was evidenced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work we assess whether particle shape can induce radial segregation in a rotating cylinder. To this end, mixtures of spheres and non-spherical particles of equal-volume were modelled in a discrete element modelling framework. We could observe that particle-shape (alone) can induce radial segregation with the non-spherical particles accumulating in the centre of the cylinder. To probe the underlying segregation mechanism, a large number of particle trajectories and orientations were analysed. We observed that non-spherical particles, when segregating towards the centre of the bed, did not necessarily orientate themselves such that their projected area (in the sinking direction) was smaller than that of spheres. Instead, we found that there was a high probability that the avalanching, non-spherical particles are orientated such that their projected area in the direction perpendicular to the bed surface is maximal. Hence, particle-shape induced segregation cannot be explained by the conventional percolation mechanism. Instead, we propose that shape-induced segregation originates from the lower mobility of the non-spherical particles than spheres. We explain the lower mobility of non-spherical particles by their larger radius of gyration than equal-volume spheres, leading to an increased number of collisions and thus a higher rate of kinetic energy dissipation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Multi-modal energy system planning approach to support political decision makers. • Energy sector coupling enables efficient transition pathway to achieve climate goals. • Main drivers: electrification of heat and mobility sectors and use of synthetic fuels. • High impact of the electricity exchange on the operation and costs of the system. In order to reach the goals of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, a stepwise reduction of energy related greenhouse gas emissions as well as an increase in the share of renewable energies is necessary. For a successful realization of these changes in energy supply, an integrated view of multiple energy sectors is necessary. The coupling of different energy sectors is seen as an option to achieve the climate goals in a cost-effective way. In this paper, a methodical approach for multi-modal energy system planning and technology impact evaluation is presented. A key feature of the model is a coupled consideration of the sectors electricity, heat, fuel and mobility. The modeling framework enables system planners to optimally plan future investments in a detailed transition pathway of the energy system of a country, considering politically defined climate goals. Based on these calculations, in-depth analyses of energy markets as well as electrical transmission and distribution grids can be performed using the presented optimization models. Energy demands, conversion and storage technologies in households, the Commerce, Trade and Services (CTS) area and the industry are modeled employing a bottom-up modeling approach. The results for the optimal planning of the German energy system until 2050 show that the combination of an increased share of renewable energies and the direct electrification of heat and mobility sectors together with the use of synthetic fuels are the main drivers to achieve the climate goals in a cost-efficient way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study compressive strength data and room temperature (RT) deformability of three V-rich V–Si–B alloys are reported. All alloys were taken from the V SS (V solid solution)-V 3 Si-V 5 SiB 2 three-phase region of the respective phase diagram and differ in their primary solidification phase of either V SS , V 3 Si or V 5 SiB 2. The RT yield stresses were determined by the 0.2% offset method and the plastic strain was obtained by subtracting the combined compliance of the testing machine and the specimen from the individually measured load-displacement curves. The microstructures in the as-cast and deformed state were analyzed using SEM, EBSD and TEM. Dislocation activity was only observed in the V SS phase while the intermetallic phases were dislocation-free. Thus, the RT plasticity in V-rich V–Si–B alloys is mainly governed by the volume fraction of the V SS phase. Hence, the alloy containing primary V SS dendrites has the highest plastic strain compared to the V 5 SiB 2 and V 3 Si primary crystallizing alloys. Investigations of the V SS phase on binary V–Si alloys reveal that silicon acts as solid solution strengthener, but ductility of the V SS phase is retained throughout the solubility range. The present results are quite astonishing since Mo–Si–B alloys containing similar amounts of Si and B are known to be fairly brittle at RT. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rolled-up Au/Co/Au microtubes with up to three windings were fabricated by the combination of strain engineering, conventional photolithography, and electron beam deposition. First, magnetization properties of the initial 2D film arrays and the corresponding tube arrays were studied and strong influences of magnetostrictive and shape anisotropy are observed. Second, the mechanical deformation was examined by an instrumented indentation technique at the nanoscale and analyzed by contact mechanics theory. The loading curve fitting in the elastic regime by the Hertz model provides a first approximation of the nanomembrane radial elastic modulus of about 135 GPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The metal-to-insulator (MI) transition of a V2O3 thin film is studied, using a surface acoustic wave delay line. The V2O3 film covers not only the sound path but also one of the interdigital transducers (IDTs). The resulting mismatch of the IDTs detunes the delay line, until the film passes through the MI transition. This “self-retuning” behavior makes the device extremely sensitive to the initial changes of the electrical and dielectric properties of the film during the MI transition. Attenuation and sound velocity are measured between 260 and 4.2 K. Both suggest a precursor to the MI transition in the paramagnetic metallic regime. The existence of a precursor is consistent with recent extended x-ray absorption fine structure measurements. An oscillatory behavior with steep reductions of the sound velocity is observed during the MI transition. The reductions of the sound velocity probably indicate the recently predicted anomaly at the Mott transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We show an efficient way to investigate the magnetic behavior of nanotube stubs based on the embedding of aligned iron-filled carbon nanotubes in silicon oxide using thermal chemical vapor deposition and gradual mechanical polishing afterwards. On the one hand, during the covering process the saturation magnetization moment rises due to the transformation of Fe3C into body-centered-cubic-Fe and graphite. On the other hand, the coercivity drops, mainly induced by changes in the shape of the nanowires. Further magnetization measurements of the embedded sample point to most of the ferromagnetic nanowires being located near the surface of the substrate. The coercivity increases when reducing the thickness of the nanotube array. The anomalous high coercivity of the Fe nanowires encapsulated by non magnetic carbon nanotubes make them suitable for high density data storage applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on exchange-induced spin polarization in the magnetic semiconductor EuS at room temperature studied by x-ray magnetic-circular-dichroism measurements. This turns EuS into a promising material for spin-injection applications. The system investigated is a Co/EuS multilayer grown on top of a Co/Pt multilayer on a Si(111) substrate. The EuS moments are aligned antiparallel to the Co moments in a narrow region at the Co/EuS interface. We attribute this exchange-induced alignment to a magnetic proximity effect which is closely related to the magnetic exciton originally proposed by Kasuya [IBM J. Res. Dev.14, 214 (1970)] to explain ferromagnetism in EuS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using surface acoustic waves, the elastomagnetic coupling could be studied in thin single-crystalline plates of the ferrimagnetic semiconductor FeCr2S4 by measuring the attenuation and the frequency tracking in the temperature range of 4.2–200 K. The data clearly display the anomalies found in low-field magnetization measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thin V2O3 films were deposited on a piezoelectric substrate by electron-beam evaporation. Surface acoustic waves were generated by interdigital transducers. The attenuation and sound velocity were investigated from 260 to 10 K, providing an insight into the temperature-dependent electrical, dielectrical, and elastic properties of V2O3 at the metal-to-insulator transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endoscopic negative-pressure therapy (ENPT) is becoming a valuable tool in surgical complication management of transmural intestinal defects and wounds in the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract. Innovative materials for drains have been developed, endoscopic techniques adapted, and new indications for ENPT have been found. Based on our broad clinical experience, numerous tips and tricks are described, which contribute to the safety of dealing with the new therapy. The aim of this work is to present these methods. The focus is on describing the treatment in the esophagus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperosmotic stress may result in osmotic volume loss from the body to the environment in animals which cannot control the water permeability of their integument. Euryhaline (having a wide tolerance range of environmental salinities) animals have generally evolved the ability to counteract cell volume shrinkage by accumulating inorganic and organic osmolytes within their cells to balance internal and external osmolalities. Molluscs use very different combinations of amino acids and amino acid derivatives to achieve this goal. Theodoxus fluviatilis (Linneaus, 1758) is a neritid gastropod that is distributed not only in limnic habitats in Europe but also in brackish waters (e.g. along the shore line of the Baltic Sea). Animals from brackish sites survive better in high salinities than animals from freshwater locations. The results of this study indicate that these differences in salinity tolerance cannot be explained by differences in the general ability to accumulate amino acids as organic osmolytes. Although there may be differences in the metabolic pathways involved in osmolyte accumulation in foot muscle tissue, both groups of animals accumulate amino acid mixtures equally well when stepwise acclimated to their respective maximum tolerable salinity for extended periods. Among these amino acids, alanine, proline as well as the osmolyte urea hold a special importance for cell volume preservation in Theodoxus under hyperosmotic stress. It is possible that the accumulation of various amino acids during hyperosmotic stress occurs via hydrolysis of storage proteins, while alanine and proline are most likely newly synthesised under conditions of hyperosmotic stress in the animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Die endoskopische Unterdrucktherapie (EUT) entwickelt sich zu einem wertvollen Werkzeug im chirurgischen Komplikationsmanagement von transmuralen intestinalen Defekten und Wunden im oberen und unteren Gastrointestinaltrakt. Innovative Drainagematerialien wurden entwickelt, endoskopische Techniken adaptiert und neue Indikationen zur EUT gefunden. Aus der klinischen Anwendung lassen sich zahlreiche Tipps und Tricks beschreiben, die zur Sicherheit im Umgang mit der neuen Therapie beitragen. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es, diese Methoden darzustellen. Der Schwerpunkt der Darstellungen liegt auf der Anwendungsbeschreibung im Ösophagus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We formulate and test different Voellmy-type mixture rheologies that can be introduced into two-layer debris flow models. The formulations are based on experimental data from the Swiss Illgraben test site as well as on mathematical constraints in steady flow conditions. In agreement with the ideas of Iverson, we show that the uniform, fixed rheological models cannot accurately represent the changing frictional resistance when debris flows undergo spatial and temporal changes in solid–fluid composition. Indeed, the experimental results of Illgraben indicate that flow friction decreases with increasing volumetric fluid concentration; however, the degree of reduction depends on both the pore pressure and the solid particle agitation. The interplay between these processes makes friction in debris flows highly nonlinear and difficult to quantify. Changing the friction according to the flow composition must be carefully executed, because it can lead to numerical instabilities, which is a recurrent problem in two-layer debris flow models. We test the different rheological formulations using a real event documented with differential topographic data collected using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The model is able to reproduce the correct erosion pattern and exhibit the right density profile. The event includes de-watering at the front and deposition of sediment, which causes a change from debris flow to debris flood or hyperconcentrated flow, which indicates that two completely different flow states can be modeled with a single Voellmy-type mixture rheology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a target sign on chest CT characterized by a combination of peripheral ring-like opacity and a central nodular groundglass opacity surrounding a vessel in a couple with COVID-19 pneumonia confirmed by real-time reverse transcriptase fluorescence polymerase chain reaction sputum analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information about the effect of nonstructural carbohydrates (NSCs) in forage on the postprandial glucose and insulin response in horses is scarce. This is of interest as postprandial hyperinsulinemia in horses is a risk factor for laminitis. In addition, insulin sensitivity (IS) differs between breeds. The aim was to evaluate the postprandial glucose and insulin response to haylage diets with different NSC content in horses of 2 different breeds and to evaluate the relationship between the postprandial insulin response and measures of IS derived from a frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIGTT). Standardbreds (n = 9) and Icelandic horses (n = 9) with a mean body condition score of 5.5 ± 0.6 (scale 1–9) were studied. Horses were clinically healthy at the start of the study and had no history of endocrinopathic laminitis. The experiment was conducted as a replicate 3 × 3 Latin square, in which horses were fed haylage diets with low (4.2%), medium (13.6%), and high (18.2%) NSC content of dry matter. Blood sampling was performed before feeding and every 30 min until 300 min after feeding. An FSIGTT was also performed in all horses. The early (first 60 min) and the total (300 min) postprandial glucose and insulin response (area under the curve [AUC]) was higher after a meal of both medium and high NSC haylage in comparison with low NSC haylage when both breeds were combined ( P ≤ 0.02). There was a main effect of breed for the early ( P ≤ 0.004) but not for the total ( P > 0.12) postprandial glucose and insulin response. The IS index was comparable between breeds ( P = 0.75). The natural logarithm of the peak concentration, the AUC for the first 60 min and the total AUC for insulin, after a meal of medium and high NSC haylage, were moderately negatively correlated ( P < 0.02; r = −0.55 to −0.72) with the natural logarithm of IS index from the FSIGTT. This relationship was not evident for haylage with low NSC content ( P > 0.054). This study demonstrates that the postprandial insulin response is affected by both the NSC content of haylage and the horse's IS. However, the impact of IS was diminished when the NSC content in haylage was low (4.2% of dry matter). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widely distributed snail species Theodoxus fluviatilis (Linneaus, 1758) is rather diverse in shell size and patterning. It has formed regional subgroups in northern Germany that appear separate in either fresh- or brackish water, yet, according to literature, are indistinguishable by morphology, anatomy or mtRNA markers. Tolerance towards challenging salinities, however, is distinct. The question as to whether the observed difference in salinity tolerance is a result of local adaptation or of phenotypic plasticity remains. In this study, physiological limits to salinity stress and tolerance shift abilities were compared between individuals from both subgroups in a salinity transfer experiment and acclimation regime followed by a survival analysis. Brackish water animals struggled in freshwater but performed much better than freshwater individuals when directly transferred into higher salinities. With acclimation to their challenging salinities, individuals of both subgroups achieved shifts in the slopes of their reaction norms and were able to survive salinity levels otherwise lethal to them. Even with this shift freshwater animals were not able reach the tolerance levels of brackish water individuals. The results indicate that phenotypic plasticity as well as genetic adaptation may determine osmotolerance in regional subgroups of T. fluviatilis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim: To evaluate the effect of moisture content in root canal dentine on detection of microcracks using micro‐computed tomography. Methodology: Ten roots with and without craze lines or cracks (each n = 5) were selected and scanned six times with different moisture conditions of root dentine using a micro‐CT scanner at a high resolution of 10.5 μm. Scanning conditions were as follows: (i) after 30‐day wet storage, (ii) after 2‐h dry time, (iii) after 48‐h wet storage, (iv) after 24‐h dry time, (v) after 48‐h wet storage, (vi) after 2‐h dry time. From each scan, cross‐sectional images were obtained at intervals of 1 mm (total n = 708) and evaluated for the presence of dentinal microcracks twice by five calibrated blinded observers. Statistical analysis was performed by nonparametric analysis of variance for longitudinal data (P < 0.05). Results: Intra‐rater percentage agreement ranged between 92% and 98%, whereas inter‐rater percentage agreement was 81% and 83%, respectively. No significant differences between all wet groups as well as between both groups with 2‐h dry time were detected (P > 0.05). Almost no cracks were observed after wet storage with a significant increase of cracks after 2‐h dry time (P < 0.001). Significantly more microcracks were identified after 24 h than after 2‐h dry time (P < 0.004). Conclusions: Moisture content of dentine influenced detection of microcracks when evaluated using micro‐CT. Scanning should be performed on dried specimens to allow reliable identification of dentinal defects. Formation of new cracks during dry periods up to 24 h was disproved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Life-history traits of herbivores are shaped by the combination of various extrinsic and intrinsic variables. However, studies investigating the impact of both variables on insect behavioural phenotypes are rare, and research including the modulation of host plant quality by arbuscular mycorrhiza ( AM) (extrinsic variable) and the herbivore developmental stage (intrinsic variable) on aphid behaviour is lacking. 2. To study the influences of extrinsic and intrinsic variables on aphid performance and behaviour, individuals of the generalist aphid pest Myzus persicae ( Sulzer) were reared on Plantago lanceolata and Poa annua plants that were either non-mycorrhized ( NM) or mycorrhized ( AM). Aphid performance was monitored over 2 weeks. Behavioural traits of nymphs were recorded twice during development after removing individuals from their feeding sites and placing them in an unknown environment ('open field'), causing disturbance. Plant quality was determined by measuring the water content and leaf mass per area ( LMA). 3. Differences in body mass of nymphs at day 6 dependent on plant species and treatment were compensated by the individuals within 4 days. Behavioural traits, considered as activity and exploration, were affected by the interaction between extrinsic and intrinsic variables (activity and exploration) and changed over ontogeny (activity). Independent of AM, a lower water content and LMA were recorded in P. annua leaves. 4. Overall, this study demonstrates that extrinsic and intrinsic variables need to be considered in combination and behavioural traits should be studied repeatedly during insect ontogeny to understand the complexity of microbe-modulated plant-herbivore interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is an established treatment modality in dermatologic surgery, but proof of evidence for efficacy is inconclusive. Purpose: To evaluate patient characteristics, treatment modalities and outcomes in a single dermatosurgery centre with NPWT applied over chronic and acute surgical wounds. Methods: Of all surgical patients between 2008 and 2015, we selected those who were treated and hospitalized due to NPWT for treatment of acute and chronic wounds. The medical records of 188 patients were retrospectively evaluated and statistically calculated. Results: Method of surgical defect closure depends significantly on localization of the surgical defect, cardiovascular comorbidity and age. Hence, outcome depends significantly on the surgical situation that indexes NPWT, the underlying diagnosis and the vacuum system used, but is not associated with distinct treatment modalities or gender of the patients. Hospitalization significantly depends on the vacuum system used, surgical situation that indexes NPWT and underlying diagnoses. Conclusion: NPWT has a fixed role in distinct, well‐defined clinical indications in dermatosurgery as the treatment of acute surgical wounds, fixation of skin grafts and treatment of skin substitutes, as well as an important treatment option for refractory, superinfected chronic wounds in dermatologic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Thermus thermophilus Rieske protein ( TtRP) contains a 2Fe-2S cluster with one iron (Fe-Cys) coordinated by four sulfur atoms (2xS and 2xCys) and one iron (Fe-His) by two sulfur and two nitrogen atoms (2xS, His134 and His154). Here, the protein is investigated at three pH values (6.0, 8.5 and 10.5) in order to elucidate the protonation states of the His-ligands. Examination of the effect of protonation on the electronic structure of the cluster via Mössbauer spectroscopy gives a deeper understanding of the coupling of electron transfer to the protonation state of the His-ligands. Two components (1 referring to Fe-Cys and 2 to Fe-His) with parameters typical for a diamagnetic [2Fe-2S] cluster are detected. The Mössbauer parameters and the protonation state clearly correlate: while δ remains almost pH-independent with δ (pH6.0) = 0.23 (± 0.01) mms and δ (pH10.5) = 0.24 (± 0.01) mms for Fe-Cys, it decreases for Fe-His from δ (pH6.0) = 0.34 (± 0.01) mms to δ (pH10.5) = 0.28 (± 0.01) mms. Δ E changes from Δ E (pH6.0) = 0.57 (± 0.01) mms to Δ E (pH10.5) = 0.45 (± 0.01) mms and from Δ E (pH6.0) = 1.05 (± 0.01) mms to Δ E (pH10.5) = 0.71 (± 0.01) mms. Density functional theory (DFT)-calculations based on the crystal structure (pdb 1NYK) (Hunsicker-Wang et al. Biochemistry 42, 7303, 2003) have been performed for the Rieske-cluster with different His-ligand protonation states, reproducing the experimentally observed trend. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MnSi films are grown by evaporation of Mn onto Si(111) substrates under ultrahigh-vacuum conditions. Films are characterized with real- and reciprocal-space surface-science techniques such as scanning tunneling microscopy and low-energy electron diffraction. The bulk structure is determined ex situ by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Thin (<60 Å Mn-deposited) MnSi films show a regularly modulated surface due to a 3% lattice mismatch of the interfaces. TEM confirms epitaxial growth and demonstrates smooth, atomically flat interfaces. Temperature-dependent ex situ measurements of the magneto-optic Kerr effect show ferromagnetism with an in-plane easy axis magnetic anisotropy for 60- and 100-Å-thick Mn films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The semiconducting character and the large spin moment of 7/2 μB of europium sulfite are important preconditions for applications in the field of spintronics. However, the low Curie temperature (TC=16.5 K) excludes EuS from commercial application. We have studied a variety of Co/EuS multilayer samples deposited in a molecular beam epitaxy system with varying numbers of layers and different single-layer thickness. Magneto-optic Kerr effect measurements at low temperatures (10 K) indicate an antiferromagnetic coupling between EuS and Co moments. © 2004 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work we investigate quantum transport in Cu nanowires created by bringing macroscopic Cu wires into and out of contact under an applied magnetic field in air. Here we show that a 70% magnetoconductance effect can be seen in a Cu nanowire in a field of 2 mT at room temperature. We propose that this phenomenon is a consequence of spin filtering due to the adsorption of atmospheric oxygen modifying the electronic band structure and introducing spin split conduction channels. Since bulk Cu is not magnetic it may provide a new perspective for spintronics. © 2004 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia ( CPVT) is a highly lethal cardiac arrhythmia disease occurring during exercise or psychological stress. CPVT has an estimated prevalence of 1:10,000 and has mainly been associated with variants in calcium-regulating genes. Identification of potential false-positive pathogenic variants was conducted by searching the Exome Aggregation Consortium ( ExAC) database ( n = 60,706) for variants reported to be associated with CPVT. The pathogenicity of the interrogated variants was assessed using guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics ( ACMG) and in silico prediction tools. Of 246 variants 38 (15%) variants previously associated with CPVT were identified in the ExAC database. We predicted the CPVT prevalence to be 1:132. The ACMG standards classified 29% of ExAC variants as pathogenic or likely pathogenic. The in silico predictions showed a reduced probability of disease-causing effect for the variants identified in the exome database (p < 0.001). We have observed a large overrepresentation of previously CPVT-associated variants in a large exome database. Based on the frequency of CPVT in the general population, it is less likely that the previously proposed variants are associated with a highly penetrant monogenic form of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel whole cell cascade for double oxidation of cyclooctane to cyclooctanone was developed. The one-pot oxidation cascade requires only a minimum of reaction components: resting E. coli cells in aqueous buffered medium (=catalyst), the target substrate and oxygen as environmental friendly oxidant. Conversion of cyclooctane was catalysed with high efficiency (50% yield) and excellent selectivity (>94%) to cyclooctanone. The reported oxidation cascade represents a novel whole cell system for double oxidation of non-activated alkanes including an integrated cofactor regeneration. Notably, two alcohol dehydrogenases from Lactobacillus brevis and from Rhodococcus erythropolis with opposite cofactor selectivities and one monooxygenase P450 BM3 were produced in a coexpression system in one single host. The system represents the most efficient route with a TTN of up to 24363 being a promising process in terms of sustainability as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary productivity of terrestrial vegetation is expected to increase under the influence of increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations ([CO 2 ]). Depending on the fate of such additionally fixed carbon, this could lead to an increase in terrestrial carbon storage, and thus a net terrestrial sink of atmospheric carbon. Such a mechanism is generally believed to be the primary global driver behind the observed large net uptake of anthropogenic CO 2 emissions by the biosphere. Mechanisms driving CO 2 uptake in the Terrestrial Biosphere Models (TBMs) used to attribute and project terrestrial carbon sinks, including that from increased [CO 2 ], remain in large parts unchanged since those models were conceived two decades ago. However, there exists a large body of new data and understanding providing an opportunity to update these models, and directing towards important topics for further research. In this review we highlight recent developments in understanding of the effects of elevated [CO 2 ] on photosynthesis, and in particular on the fate of additionally fixed carbon within the plant with its implications for carbon turnover rates, on the regulation of photosynthesis in response to environmental limitations on in-plant carbon sinks, and on emergent ecosystem responses. We recommend possible avenues for model improvement and identify requirements for better data on core processes relevant to the understanding and modelling of the effect of increasing [CO 2 ] on the global terrestrial carbon sink. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dedicated target region should be systematically examined before performing an ultrasound-guided nerve block so that the anatomy can be assessed and anatomic variants or pathologic findings are not missed. In the case described an ultrasound-guided interscalene plexus block was performed in a 73-year-old man. During this examination a cystic structure was detected within the thyroid gland. The further diagnostic procedure showed a metastasis of a renal cell carcinoma which had been treated by resection 10 years before. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel technological solutions are rapidly modifying the traditional clinical trial design for genetic muscle diseases by introducing sensitive clinical endpoints while easing patients´ participation. We created "suMus", sum of muscle activity, a digital research application, utilizing the triaxial accelerometers integrated on a smart watch. In a first six-month test phase, a set of 27 upper-extremity exercises suitable for quantitative assessment of arm motor function in patients with muscular diseases were proposed to 50 patients affected by distinct genetic muscle disorders. The three exercises displaying the highest patients´ acceptance (#1-anterior arm elevation at maximal 90°, #2- lateral arm elevation at maximal 45°, #3-anterior arm extension at maximal 90°) in addition to hand biking on an ergometer were selected for a movement study. Here, we monitored the execution of the four exercises in 15 healthy controls in a metabolic chamber at our Institute and correlated the accelerometer-derived movement data with the energy expenditure based on indirect calorimetry. We were able to measure arm movement metrics with valid reliability scores, including acceleration, rotation rate and activity counts. The hand biking exercise provided the most homogenous set of motion data. In exercise #2, the movement parameters based on smart watch measures (activity counts, acceleration/rotation rate) yielded a statistically significant correlation with the energy expenditure quantified by the metabolic chamber. In conclusion, the integration of the suMus app with smart watch inertial sensors allows the characterization of small, slow movements of the upper extremities, thus foreseeing its use in clinical trials for neuromuscular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cutaneous melanoma is one of the highly malignant human tumours, due to its tendency to generate early metastases and its resistance to classical chemotherapy. We recently demonstrated that pamidronate, a nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate, has an antiproliferative and proapoptotic effect on different melanoma cell lines. In the present study, we compared the in vitro effects of three different bisphosphonates on human melanoma cell lines and we demonstrated that the two nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates pamidronate and zoledronate inhibited the proliferation of melanoma cells and induced apoptosis in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Moreover, cell cycle progression was altered, the two compounds causing accumulation of the cells in the S phase of the cycle. In contrast, the nonaminobisphosphonate clodronate had no effect on melanoma cells. These findings suggest a direct antitumoural effect of bisphosphonates on melanoma cells in vitro and further support the hypothesis of different intracellular mechanisms of action for nitrogen-containing and nonaminobisphosphonates. Our data indicate that nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates may be a useful novel therapeutic class for treatment and/or prevention of melanoma metastases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiments that expose terrestrial ecosystems to climate change factors by manipulations are expensive to maintain, and typically only last a few years. Plant biomass is commonly used to assess responses to climate treatments and to predict climate change impacts. However, response to the treatments might be considerably different between the early years and a decade later. The aim of this data analysis was to develop and apply a method for evaluating changes in plant biomass responses through time, in order to provide a firm basis for discussing how the 'short-term' response might differ from the 'long-term' response. Across 22 sites situated in the northern hemisphere, which covered three continents, and multiple ecosystems (grasslands, shrublands, moorlands, forests, and deserts), we evaluated biomass datasets from long-term experiments with exposure to elevated CO2 (eCO2), warming, or drought. We developed methods for assessing biomass response patterns to the manipulations using polynomial and linear (piecewise) model analysis and linked the responses to site-specific variables such as temperature and rainfall. Polynomial patterns across sites indicated changes in response direction over time under eCO2, warming, and drought. In addition, five distinct pattern types were confirmed within sites: 'no response', 'delayed response', 'directional response', 'dampening response', and 'altered response' patterns. We found that biomass response direction was as likely to change over time as it was to be consistent, and therefore suggest that climate manipulation experiments should be carried out over timescales covering both short- and long-term responses, in order to realistically assess future impacts of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extragalactic jets originating from the central supermassive black holes of active galaxies are powerful, highly relativistic plasma outflows, emitting light from the radio up to the y-ray regime. The details of their formation, composition and emission mechanisms are still not completely clear. The combination of high-resolution observations using very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) and multiwavelength monitoring provides the best insight into these objects. Here, such a combined study of sources of the TANAMI sample is presented, investigating the parsec-scale and high-energy properties. The TANAMI program is a multiwavelength monitoring program of a sample of the radio and y-ray brightest extragalactic jets in the southern sky, below -30° declination. We obtain the first-ever VLBI images for most of the sources, providing crucial information on the jet kinematics and brightness distribution at milliarcsecond resolution. Two particular sources are discussed in detail: PMN J1603-4904, which can be classified either as an atypical blazar or a y-ray loud (young) radio galaxy, and Centaurus A, the nearest radio-loud active galaxy. The VLBI kinematics of the innermost parsec of Centaurus A's jet result in a consistent picture of an accelerated jet flow with a spine-sheath like structure. (© 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Altiapa blancae n. sp. is described from the Upper Sepik and Eastern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea. Both sexes and the male genitalia are figured and compared with Altiapa pandora (Joicey & Talbot, 1916), with which the new species has previously been confused, and A. decolor (Rothschild & Jordan, 1905). Altiapa pedaloidina (Joicey, Noakes & Talbot, 1916) rev. stat. is reinstated as a distinct species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Risk of melanoma is determined by genetic and exogenous factors. Only a few studies have included both characteristics in a comprehensive multivariable analysis. Objectives To find determinants of patients at high risk of melanoma in Austria, including phenotype, genotype and lifestyle characteristics in comprehensive analyses. Methods In total, 1668 patients with melanoma from the M3 case-control study were studied. Overall, 567 participants were sequenced for CDKN2A, 232 for CDK4, 123 for MITF encoding the variant E318K and 964 for MC1R. Results Patients with melanoma with a positive family history ( n = 190, 11·6%), multiple primary melanomas ( n = 261, 15·7%) and younger age (< 50 years, n = 675, 40·5%) were defined as being at high risk. All other patients with melanoma were defined as the reference group. We found significant differences between those two groups and between the high-risk subgroups (positive family history, multiple primary melanomas and younger age). Pigmentation phenotype was associated with the high-risk group in general (childhood freckling, odds ratio 1·46, P = 0·007; blond/reddish hair colour, odds ratio 1·43, P = 0·011). Patients with a positive family history and patients with early-onset disease were similar regarding both their phenotypic characteristics and external factors. Established high-risk mutations in CDKN2A were found in cases with a positive family history ( n = 12) or multiple melanomas ( n = 2). Moreover, we found three patients carrying the MITF p.E318K variant, two with a CDK4 variant and seven with nonsynonymous MC1R variants with undescribed biological significance, of which four were predicted as damaging. Conclusions Austrian patients could represent a reservoir for novel genetic variants. Further investigation of populations in Central and Eastern Europe might reveal more novel and disease-relevant variants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study of macro- and micromineral contents in wrapped forages from farms in Sweden and Norway was conducted. Haylage samples were collected from 124 farms and analysed for contents of Ca, P, Mg, K, Na, Co, Cu, I, Fe, Mn, Se and Zn. Information on forage production was collected from each farm. Mean concentrations (standard deviations) of the samples were as follows: Ca, 5·3 (3·41); P, 2·7 (0·80); Mg, 1·8 (0·76); K, 21·8 (7·44); Na, 0·3 (0·61) g kg−1 dry matter ( DM); and Co, 0·09 (0·150); Cu, 4·9 (1·61); I, 0·25 (0·461); Fe, 194 (288·9); Mn, 85 (49·3); Se, 0·03 (0·054); and Zn, 23 (9·5) mg kg−1 DM. Comparisons with mineral requirements of horses indicated that for Ca, Mg, K, Fe and Mn, the mean values were sufficient for maintenance requirements, but for P, Na, Co, Cu, Zn, I and Se, mean values were insufficient. For horses with requirements higher than maintenance, average contents of all minerals except Fe and Mn were insufficient. There were moderate to weak negative correlation coefficients between contents of neutral detergent fibre and Ca, P, Mg, Cu and Se. Forage harvested at late plant maturity may contain lower concentrations of these minerals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrient-poor organic soils under maritime grassland are often located in remote wet locations in the landscape. Leaving these soils without drainage maintenance often raise the water table but continuous management (grazing) means they could remain a source of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) while also turning into a small source of methane (CH 4 ). Due to geographical and socio-economic reasons, removing these sites from agricultural production may be an option to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. To test this hypothesis we measured GHG fluxes over a four year period, at a drained and a rewetted organic soil under grassland, which were both grazed for the first two years and not grazed for the following two years. Statistical response functions estimated for gross primary production (GPP) and ecosystem respiration ( R eco ) were used to reconstruct annual CO 2 –C balances using site-specific models driven by soil temperature, solar radiation, soil water table (WT) and leaf area index (LAI). Annually, soil CO 2 emissions were comparable when grazed, although the rewetted site had a lower net ecosystem carbon balance (NECB) despite displaying higher CH 4 emissions. Both sites have lower CO 2 emissions than typical drained organic soils due to management practices: extensive grazing, no fertilisation and mean annual water tables above −25 cm. When grazing stopped, GPP and R eco increased dramatically driven by vigorous growth of vegetation at both sites. The shallow drained site remained a source of CO 2 and small source of CH 4 while the rewetted site became either neutral or a small sink of CO 2 with decreased CH 4 emissions compared to the grazing period. Nitrous oxide (N 2 O) emissions were negligible at either site. Removing grazing significantly reduced the NECB at both sites but in terms of global warming potential (GWP), the greatest GHG mitigation was in the rewetted site which exerted a cooling effect in the second year after the management shift. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider unconstrained randomized optimization of smooth convex objective functions in the gradient-free setting. We analyze Random Pursuit (RP) algorithms with fixed (F-RP) and variable metric (V-RP). The algorithms only use zeroth-order information about the objective function and compute an approximate solution by repeated optimization over randomly chosen one-dimensional subspaces. The distribution of search directions is dictated by the chosen metric. Variable Metric RP uses novel variants of a randomized zeroth-order Hessian approximation scheme recently introduced by Leventhal and Lewis (Optimization 60(3):329-345, . doi:). We here present (1) a refined analysis of the expected single step progress of RP algorithms and their global convergence on (strictly) convex functions and (2) novel convergence bounds for V-RP on strongly convex functions. We also quantify how well the employed metric needs to match the local geometry of the function in order for the RP algorithms to converge with the best possible rate. Our theoretical results are accompanied by numerical experiments, comparing V-RP with the derivative-free schemes CMA-ES, Implicit Filtering, Nelder-Mead, NEWUOA, Pattern-Search and Nesterov's gradient-free algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study changes in left ventricular function and infarct size during long-term follow-up after acute myocardial infarction treated with primary angioplasty.Design: From 1996 to 1998, 100 consecutive patients were treated with primary angioplasty for acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Angioplasty was successful in 95% of the patients. Global left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was determined by radionuclide ventriculography before discharge, after 6 weeks and after a mean follow-up time of 20 months. Infarct size was assessed by technetium 99m-tetrofosmin myocardial perfusion tomography (SPECT) at rest, performed at the same time intervals.Results: Mean LVEF was 56% at discharge, 55% after 6 weeks and 57% after 20 months of follow-up. No significant improvement in LVEF was observed. Only 8% of the patients at follow-up had LVEF lower than 40%. After 1 week, a mean perfusion defect of 19% was measured by SPECT. After 6 weeks and 20 months of follow-up, the mean perfusion defects were reduced to 14% (p < 0.001) and 15%, respectively.Conclusion: Left ventricular function was well preserved with a mean LVEF of 57% 20 months after primary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction. No significant change in LVEF was observed from 1 week after angioplasty to follow-up. Infarct sizes as assessed by SPECT imaging with tetrofosmin were reduced from 1 to 6 weeks, but did not change further during long-term follow-up. The reduction in the perfusion defects over time was probably due to gradual relief of stunning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endoscopic ultrasound is considered one of the best tools for the preoperative staging of esophageal, gastric, and rectal carcinoma. Depending on the individual investigator, the sensitivity of preoperative tumor staging by endosonography of the upper gastrointestinal tract (GEUS) is 80-92% for gastric carcinoma and 86-95% for esophageal carcinoma. However, the sensitivity and specificity of endosonography for the staging of lymph node metastases is less accurate. The accuracy of rectal endosonography (REUS) is approximately 90% for tumor assessment and approximately 80% for the detection of lymph node metastases. In this study, we address the question of whether endosonography enables the surgeon to distinguish scar tissue, which is rather homogeneous and echo-rich, from changes such as an anastomositis or a locoregional tumor recurrence, which are typically non-inhomogeneous and echo-poor.Methods: During a 24-months period, we studied patients enrolled in a special tumor follow-up care program by either upper gastrointestinal (GEUS, n = 37 patients) or rectal endosonography (REUS, n = 49 patients) for exclusion of a locoregional tumor recurrence. In each patient, local tumor recurrence was suspected because of either medical history, clinical examination, or other diagnostic procedures.Results: As in previous studies, our retrospective analysis revealed that endosonography has a high sensitivity in the detection of local tumor recurrences (>90%) for both GEUS and REUS.Conclusion: Endosonography is a highly accurate means of detecting local tumor recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]