Evidence for Chiral Wobbler in Nuclei.

Three ΔI=1 bands with the πg_{9/2}⊗νg_{9/2} configuration have been identified in _{35}^{74}Br_{39}. Angular distribution, linear polarization, and lifetime measurements were performed to determine the multipolarity, type, mixing ratio, and absolute transition probability of the transitions. By comparing these experimental observations with the corresponding fingerprints and the quantum particle rotor model calculations, the second and third lowest bands are, respectively, suggested as the chiral partner and one-phonon wobbling excitation built on the yrast band. The evidence indicates the first chiral wobbler in nuclei.

Estuarine dissolved speciation and partitioning of trace metals: a novel approach to study biogeochemical processes.

Estuaries are complex systems involving numerous biogeochemical gradients and processes that influence the behavior of trace metals. Lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and copper (Cu) speciation and partitioning were studied in the Gironde Estuary (SW France), using a multi-method approach in which data from innovative sensors and laboratory-based techniques were combined. For the first time in this system, the so-called dynamic fractions of the target metals (dissolved forms that are potentially bioavailable) were recorded on-board through voltammetry using unique antifouling gel-integrated microelectrode arrays (GIME) incorporated in a submersible sensing probe (TracMetal). Trace metals in the operationally defined dissolved <0.2 µm and <0.02 µm fractions, as well as complexed with suspended particles (collected after centrifugation) were quantified through sampling/laboratory-based techniques. High spatial resolution trace metal concentrations were monitored along the salinity gradient (S = 0.10 to S = 34.0) together with master bio-physicochemical parameters providing robust cruise-specific information on how well-known abiotic and biotic processes control the Gironde estuarine trace element partitioning, (i.e. conservative behavior, addition/removal). Combining conventional methods with GIME measurements showed: (i) the dominance of Cd dynamic species in the intra-estuarine total dissolved fraction (up to 90%), (ii) the importance of small colloids as trace metal carrier phases, desorbing and complexing dynamic fractions of Pb and Cu, and (iii) the potential influence of photo-redox processes remobilizing Pb under their dynamic forms (up to 80%). Data also suggest trace metal release/sorption by phytoplankton with an increase of dissolved Cu concentrations in the riverine branch, as well as Cu and Cd particulate concentrations showing higher levels towards productive coastal waters. This complete approach allowed to monitor key estuarine biogeochemical processes and highlighted the valuable use of the TracMetal to record subtle variations of potentially bioavailable dissolved metal fractions.

Development of a fluid-bed coating process for soil-granule-based formulations of Metarhizium brunneum, Cordyceps fumosorosea or Beauveria bassiana.

AIM: Granule-based products of solid state fermented micro-organisms are available for biocontrol. Because liquid fermentation has several advantages, we investigated fluid-bed coating with liquid fermented biomass. METHODS AND RESULTS: Biomass containing mycelium or mycelium and submerged spores of the entomopathogenic fungi Metarhizium brunneum, Cordyceps fumosorosea and Beauveria bassiana were produced in liquid culture, separated and different biomass concentrations were adjusted. Based on the examined thermo-tolerance, we defined fluid-bed coating adjustments and investigated granule colonization and sporulation on granules. Granule colonization depended on the biomass concentration and strain. For C. fumosorosea and B. bassiana, concentrations of 0·003%dry weight resulted in nearly 100% granule colonization, for M. brunneum with concentrations of 0·7%dry weight in only 50%. The conidiation on granules in sterile soil was highly influenced by the moisture content. Because the granule colonization of M. brunneum was unsatisfactory, we pre-coated nutrients followed by coating with biomass, submerged spores or conidia. Malt extract had a positive effect on the granule colonization for biomass and submerged spores. Furthermore, aerial conidia can also be coated. CONCLUSIONS: Fluid-bed coating of fungal biomass is suitable for the development of granules. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THIS STUDY: With this technology, cost-efficient biocontrol products can be developed.

Correlation-Driven Charge Order in a Frustrated Two-Dimensional Atom Lattice.

We thoroughly examine the ground state of the triangular lattice of Pb on Si(111) using scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy. We detect electronic charge order, and disentangle this contribution from the atomic configuration which we find to be 1-down-2-up, contrary to previous predictions from density functional theory. Applying an extended variational cluster approach we map out the phase diagram as a function of local and nonlocal Coulomb interactions. Comparing the experimental data with the theoretical modeling leads us to conclude that electron correlations are the driving force of the charge-ordered state in Pb/Si(111). These results resolve the discussion about the origin of the well-known 3×3 reconstruction. By exploiting the tunability of correlation strength, hopping parameters, and band filling, this material class represents a promising platform to search for exotic states of matter, in particular, for chiral topological superconductivity.

[Treatment principles and outcome after fractures of the lateral humeral condyle in children]. / Therapieprinzipien und Outcome nach Frakturen des Condylus radialis im Wachstumsalter.

BACKGROUND: Fractures of the lateral humeral condyle with displacement (>2 mm; <2 mm articular gap) require open reduction and stabilization. Non-displaced fractures should be treated conservatively; however, there are difficulties in the differentiation of complete (potentially unstable) an incomplete (stable) articular fractures. The aim of this study was to analyze the frequency of conservative and operative treatment approaches as well as the accuracy of treatment decisions based on fracture stability displayed on repetitive X­rays. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective data analysis of all lateral humeral condyles in children <16 years old treated between 2005 and 2014 was carried out. The patients were classified according to the fracture stability at the time of the incident (primarily stable or unstable) and after 4 days (secondarily stable or unstable) using conventional X­ray images. RESULTS: A total of 89 fractures of the lateral humeral condyle were treated (mean age 6.4 years, range 0.9-14 years). Of the fractures 52 (58%) were initially not displaced and 37 (42%) were initially displaced. The latter underwent open reduction and stabilization by osteosynthesis (primarily stable). Of the 52 initially not displaced fractures 35 remained stable and conservative treatment in a plaster cast was performed (primarily and secondarily stable). In 8 out of 52 cases a secondary displacement (>2 mm articular gap) occurred after an average of 6 days (range 3-10 days) and operative treatment was initiated (primarily stable and secondarily unstable). No follow-up x­ray could be performed in 2 of the 52 fractures and at the end of treatment the fractures healed with displacement (primarily stable and secondarily unstable). In 7 of the 52 fractures operative treatment was performed although no displacement (primarily stable) was initially documented (overtreatment). The outcome of the whole study cohort was comparable with that described in the literature. CONCLUSION: Treatment decisions in pediatric lateral humeral condyle fractures are based on the primary and secondary fracture stability as observed in staged follow-up radiographs. Stable fractures, whether complete or incomplete, healed with good results after conservative treatment and overtreatment could be avoided. Unstable fractures, whether primary or secondary during the course, need to be recognized as such and operative treatment with a stable osteosynthesis must be initiated.

Systematic review and simulation study of ignoring clustered data in surgical trials.

BACKGROUND: Multiple surgical procedures in a single patient are relatively common and lead to dependent (clustered) data. This dependency needs to be accounted for in study design and data analysis. A systematic review was performed to assess how clustered data were handled in inguinal hernia trials. The impact of ignoring clustered data was estimated using simulations. METHODS: PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library were reviewed systematically for RCTs published between 2004 and 2013, including patients undergoing unilateral or bilateral inguinal hernia repair. Study characteristics determining the appropriateness of handling clustered data were extracted. Using simulations, various statistical methods accounting for clustered data were compared with an analysis ignoring clustering by assuming 100 hernias, with a varying percentage of patients having bilateral hernias. RESULTS: Of the 50 eligible trials including patients with bilateral hernias, 20 (40 per cent) did not provide information on how they dealt with clustered data and 18 (36 per cent) avoided clustering by assessing the outcome by patient and not by hernia. None of the remaining 12 trials (24 per cent) considered clustering in the design or analysis. In the simulations, ignoring clustering led to an increased type I error rate of up to 12 per cent and to a loss in power of up to 15 per cent, depending on whether the patient or the hernia was the randomization unit. CONCLUSION: Clustering was rarely considered in inguinal hernia trials. The simulations underline the importance of considering clustering as part of the statistical analysis to avoid false-positive and false-negative results, and hence inappropriate study conclusions.

Controlling the Local Electronic Properties of Si(553)-Au through Hydrogen Doping.

We propose a quantitative and reversible method for tuning the charge localization of Au-stabilized stepped Si surfaces by site-specific hydrogenation. This is demonstrated for Si(553)-Au as a model system by combining density functional theory simulations and reflectance anisotropy spectroscopy experiments. We find that controlled H passivation is a two-step process: step-edge adsorption drives excess charge into the conducting metal chain "reservoir" and renders it insulating, while surplus H recovers metallic behavior. Our approach illustrates a route towards microscopic manipulation of the local surface charge distribution and establishes a reversible switch of site-specific chemical reactivity and magnetic properties on vicinal surfaces.

Irradiation of semen doses with LED-based red light in a photo chamber does not improve in vitro quality of thermically stressed boar spermatozoa.

Recent reports indicate that stimulation of liquid-stored boar semen with red LED-based light improves sperm quality and reproductive performance in sow herds. So far, in vitro data after LED stimulation of whole semen doses are lacking. In this study, the effect of LED light exposure on the in vitro quality of boar spermatozoa after storage and thermic incubation was examined. Boar semen doses were stored at 17°C (n = 10) or 5°C (n = 6) in Beltsville Thawing Solution extender and then exposed to red LED light using a commercial photo chamber. During a subsequent long-term incubation at 38°C, neither sperm kinematic parameters nor mitochondria function or membrane integrity differed between control and treated samples (p > .05). It is concluded that stimulation of semen doses in the LED-photo chamber does not improve quality of thermically stressed boar sperm in vitro. Other than the sperm traits tested here might be involved in the previously reported improvement of in vivo fertility.

[Computer-assisted diagnosis of rare diseases]. / Computerunterstützte Diagnosefindung bei seltenen Erkrankungen.

To establish a comprehensive diagnosis is by far the most challenging task in a physician's daily routine. Especially rare diseases place high demands on differential diagnosis, caused by the high number of around 8000 diseases and their clinical variability. No clinician can be aware of all the different entities and memorizing them all is impossible and inefficient. Specific diagnostic decision-supported systems provide better results than standard search engines in this context. The systems FindZebra, Phenomizer, Orphanet, and Isabel are presented here concisely with their advantages and limitations. An outlook is given to social media usage and big data technologies. Due to the high number of initial misdiagnoses and long periods of time until a confirmatory diagnosis is reached, these tools might be promising in practice to improve the diagnosis of rare diseases.

Reversal after Hartmann's procedure in patients with complicated sigmoid diverticulitis.

AIM: Hartmann's procedure (HP) is commonly used for the emergency treatment of complicated sigmoid diverticulitis (CSD). It is intended to restore intestinal continuity; however, in practice, reversal is not carried out in all patients. It is important to know the frequency of reversal and the impact of patient-related factors on the decision for reversal. METHOD: A retrospective study was conducted on all patients who underwent HP for CSD at a tertiary referral hospital between 1 May 2005 and 31 December 2010. We assessed the frequency of reversal over time and the prognostic factors affecting the decision for reversal. RESULTS: Of 67 patients [median age 76 (interquartile range: 68-81) years] who had HP for CSD, 28 (42%) underwent reversal. The cumulative incidence of reversal after 48 weeks was 48% (95% CI: 36-62%). Reversal was less likely in elderly patients [hazard ratio (HR) per decade increase = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.26-0.71], with cardiac insufficiency or coronary heart disease (HR = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.26-1.40) and with preoperative immunosuppression or chemotherapy (HR = 0.31; 95% CI: 0.07-1.33). There was no apparent effect of these factors on mortality. CONCLUSION: Approximately half of the patients having HP for CSD undergo reversal within 48 weeks of the initial operation. The finding that age, cardiac or coronary heart disease and preoperative immunosuppression or chemotherapy have an impact on the decision for reversal is relevant to healthcare professionals and patients.

Spin Chains and Electron Transfer at Stepped Silicon Surfaces.

High-index surfaces of silicon with adsorbed gold can reconstruct to form highly ordered linear step arrays. These steps take the form of a narrow strip of graphitic silicon. In some cases--specifically, for Si(553)-Au and Si(557)-Au--a large fraction of the silicon atoms at the exposed edge of this strip are known to be spin-polarized and charge-ordered along the edge. The periodicity of this charge ordering is always commensurate with the structural periodicity along the step edge and hence leads to highly ordered arrays of local magnetic moments that can be regarded as "spin chains." Here, we demonstrate theoretically as well as experimentally that the closely related Si(775)-Au surface has--despite its very similar overall structure--zero spin polarization at its step edge. Using a combination of density-functional theory and scanning tunneling microscopy, we propose an electron-counting model that accounts for these differences. The model also predicts that unintentional defects and intentional dopants can create local spin moments at Si(hhk)-Au step edges. We analyze in detail one of these predictions and verify it experimentally. This finding opens the door to using techniques of surface chemistry and atom manipulation to create and control silicon spin chains.

[Direct oral anticoagulants and acute stroke : Insights into translational research studies]. / Direkte orale Antikoagulanzien und akuter Schlaganfall : Einblicke in translationale Forschungsarbeiten.

In recent years a considerable number of translational research studies on intracerebral hemorrhage and ischemic stroke have been published, which are characterized by a particular proximity to practical clinical questions. Animal research has provided insights into the pathophysiological processes and therapy effects, which have so far only been insufficiently investigated in clinical studies. This includes the effectiveness of a rapid reversal of anticoagulation in cases of anticoagulation-associated intracerebral hemorrhage and the safety of thrombolytic treatment in ischemic stroke occurring during treatment with anticoagulants. With the approval of the direct oral anticoagulants these problems have become of particular contemporary relevance. Of course, results from experimental translational studies on stroke cannot be directly translated into clinical routine. Nevertheless, these investigations help to understand the underlying processes and mechanisms and provide proof of concept data for new treatment strategies. This review summarizes the most relevant results in this field of research with a particular focus on practical clinical questions.

[Chronic skin ulcer in a 24-year-old man after a journey to Southeast Asia]. / Chronisches Ulkus nach Südostasienreise bei 24­jährigem Mann.

Our report concerns a 24-year-old man with a chronic exsudative skin lesion after a journey to Southeast Asia. The diagnosis of melioidosis was made by the identification of Burkholderia pseudomallei from the ichor. The diagnosis was confirmed by polymerase change reaction. The patient was treated with meropenem i. v. for about 10 days and with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole for the following 12 weeks. Melioidosis is an endemic disease in Southeast Asia and North Australia which in some cases can run a severe course and can have a high fatality rate. The relevance of melioidosis becomes more important against the background of the increasing global movement of travelers and migration.

Evidence for Octupole Correlations in Multiple Chiral Doublet Bands.

Two pairs of positive-and negative-parity doublet bands together with eight strong electric dipole transitions linking their yrast positive- and negative-parity bands have been identified in ^{78}Br. They are interpreted as multiple chiral doublet bands with octupole correlations, which is supported by the microscopic multidimensionally-constrained covariant density functional theory and triaxial particle rotor model calculations. This observation reports the first example of chiral geometry in octupole soft nuclei.

How fast is optically induced electron transfer in organic mixed valence systems?

The rate of thermally induced electron transfer in organic mixed valence compounds has thoroughly been investigated by e.g. temperature dependent ESR spectroscopy. However, almost nothing is known about the dynamics of optically induced electron transfer processes in such systems. Therefore, we investigated these processes in mixed valence compounds based on triphenylamine redox centres bridged by conjugated spacers by NIR transient absorption spectroscopy with fs-time resolution. These experiments revealed an internal conversion (IC) process to be on the order of 50-200 fs which is equivalent to the back electron transfer after optical excitation into the intervalence charge transfer band. This IC is followed by ultrafast cooling to the ground state within 1 ps. Thus, in the systems investigated optically induced electron transfer is about 3-4 orders of magnitude faster than thermally induced ET.

[Simultaneous whole-body PET-MRI in pediatric oncology : More than just reducing radiation?]. / Simultane Ganzkörper-PET-MRT in der pädiatrischen Onkologie : Mehr als nur Strahlenersparnis?

Diagnostic imaging plays an essential role in pediatric oncology with regard to diagnosis, therapy-planning, and the follow-up of solid tumors. The current imaging standard in pediatric oncology includes a variety of radiological and nuclear medicine imaging modalities depending on the specific tumor entity. The introduction of combined simultaneous positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has opened up new diagnostic options in pediatric oncology. This novel modality combines the excellent anatomical accuracy of MRI with the metabolic information of PET. In initial clinical studies, the technical feasibility and possible diagnostic advantages of combined PET-MRI have been in comparison with alternative imaging techniques. It was shown that a reduction in radiation exposure of up to 70 % is achievable compared with PET-CT. Furthermore, it has been shown that the number of imaging studies necessary can be markedly reduced using combined PET-MRI. Owing to its limited availability, combined PET-MRI is currently not used as a routine procedure. However, this new modality has the potential to become the imaging reference standard in pediatric oncology in the future. This review article summarizes the central aspects of pediatric oncological PET-MRI based on existing literature. Typical pediatric oncological PET-MRI cases are also presented.

Predicting smoking cessation and its relapse in HIV-infected patients: the Swiss HIV Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess whether prospective follow-up data within the Swiss HIV Cohort Study can be used to predict patients who stop smoking; or among smokers who stop, those who start smoking again. METHODS: We built prediction models first using clinical reasoning ('clinical models') and then by selecting from numerous candidate predictors using advanced statistical methods ('statistical models'). Our clinical models were based on literature that suggests that motivation drives smoking cessation, while dependence drives relapse in those attempting to stop. Our statistical models were based on automatic variable selection using additive logistic regression with component-wise gradient boosting. RESULTS: Of 4833 smokers, 26% stopped smoking, at least temporarily; because among those who stopped, 48% started smoking again. The predictive performance of our clinical and statistical models was modest. A basic clinical model for cessation, with patients classified into three motivational groups, was nearly as discriminatory as a constrained statistical model with just the most important predictors (the ratio of nonsmoking visits to total visits, alcohol or drug dependence, psychiatric comorbidities, recent hospitalization and age). A basic clinical model for relapse, based on the maximum number of cigarettes per day prior to stopping, was not as discriminatory as a constrained statistical model with just the ratio of nonsmoking visits to total visits. CONCLUSIONS: Predicting smoking cessation and relapse is difficult, so that simple models are nearly as discriminatory as complex ones. Patients with a history of attempting to stop and those known to have stopped recently are the best candidates for an intervention.

Triangular Spin-Orbit-Coupled Lattice with Strong Coulomb Correlations: Sn Atoms on a SiC(0001) Substrate.

Two-dimensional (2D) atom lattices provide model setups with Coulomb correlations that induce competing ground states. Here, SiC emerges as a wide-gap substrate with reduced screening. We report the first artificial high-Z atom lattice on SiC(0001) by Sn adatoms, based on experimental realization and theoretical modeling. Density-functional theory of our triangular structure model closely reproduces the scanning tunneling microscopy. Photoemission data show a deeply gapped state (∼2 eV gap), and, based on our calculations including dynamic mean-field theory, we argue that this reflects a pronounced Mott-insulating scenario. We also find indications that the system is susceptible to antiferromagnetic superstructures. Such artificial lattices on SiC(0001) thus offer a novel platform for coexisting Coulomb correlations and spin-orbit coupling, with bearing for unusual magnetic phases and proposed topological quantum states of matter.

Lower Body vs. Upper Body Resistance Training and Arterial Stiffness in Young Men.

Resistance training has been shown to increase arterial stiffness. The purpose of the present study was to examine and compare the systemic arterial stiffness responses to acute lower body (LRT) and upper body (URT) resistance training. 20 healthy young men [median age: 26 years (interquartile range 23, 32)] underwent LRT, URT and whole body resistance training (WRT). Before and immediately after, as well as 20, 40 and 60 min after each training session, we measured the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) using VaSera VS-1500 N. We used mixed models for repeated measurements to estimate the post-exercise differences in CAVI and baPWV between the 3 resistance training modes. Immediately after exercise cessation, both CAVI and baPWV were lower for LRT compared with URT [CAVI: - 0.93 (95% confidence interval [CI] - 1.15, - 0.70); baPWV: - 2.08 m/s (95% CI - 2.48, - 1.67)]. Differences between LRT and URT gradually decreased during follow-up. Compared with WRT, LRT induced a decrease and URT an increase in arterial stiffness across all time points. In conclusion, LRT presents more favorable post-exercise arterial stiffness than URT. Our results suggest that LRT or WRT may be preferred over URT in individuals with impaired arterial stiffness.

[Effectively Preventing Eating Disorders with the School-Based Programs "PriMa" and "Torera" for Adolescents in the 6th and 7th Grades]. / Essstörungen wirksam vorbeugen mit den Schulprogrammen "PriMa" und "Torera" für Jugendliche in Klasse 6 und 7.

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of 2 German school-based primary prevention programmes for (pre)adolescents, aged 11-13 years, with 9 manual-guided lessons. 92 (PriMa, n=1,553 girls) and 22 (Torera, n=256 boys, 277 girls) Thuringian secondary schools participated in controlled trials with pre-post assessment. Girls and students at risk showed significant improvements of conspicuous eating behaviour and body self-esteem with small to medium effect sizes. Implementation costs were € 2.50 per student.