Benchmark dataset of the effect of grain size on strength in the single-phase FCC CrCoNi medium entropy alloy

This data article presents the microstructural data as well as the mechanical properties of the CrCoNi medium-entropy alloy (MEA). The data presented in this article are related to the research article entitled "Analysis of strengthening due to grain boundaries and annealing twin boundaries in the CrCoNi medium-entropy alloy", see Ref. Schneider et al., 2019. This article can be referred to for the analysis and interpretation of the data, as well as their comparison to other datasets in literature. Microstructural data available in the present paper are backscattered electron micrographs for sixteen different grain sizes. Also available are pdf reports of grain size analysis (annealing twin boundaries were neglected) and crystallite sizes (including annealing twin boundaries) as well as data describing the number of annealing twin boundaries per grain (n), corresponding Taylor factors (M) and average annealing twin thicknesses (t). Additionally, raw data of stress-strain curves at five different temperatures [77 K, 293 K, 473 K, 673 K and 873 K] are given for all sixteen grain sizes, which may be used for further research, e.g. data mining, machine learning and other analytical methods. Mechanical data such as yield stresses (σ 0.2% ), Hall-Petch parameters (σ 0 and k y ) and critical boundary strengths (τ c ) are provided along with a 1D discrete dislocation dynamics (1-D DDD) simulation results concerning the different boundary strengths.

Pleural mesothelioma and lung cancer: the role of asbestos exposure and genetic variants in selected iron metabolism and inflammation genes

Two of the major cancerous diseases associated with asbestos exposure are malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) and lung cancer (LC). In addition to asbestos exposure, genetic factors have been suggested to be associated with asbestos-related carcinogenesis and lung genotoxicity. While genetic factors involved in the susceptibility to MPM were reported, to date the influence of individual genetic variations on asbestos-related lung cancer risk is still poorly understood. Since inflammation and disruption of iron (Fe) homeostasis are hallmarks of asbestos exposure affecting the pulmonary tissue, this study aimed at investigating the association between Fe-metabolism and inflammasome gene variants and susceptibility to develop LC or MPM, by comparing an asbestos-exposed population affected by LC with an "asbestos-resistant exposed population". A retrospective approach similar to our previous autopsy-based pilot study was employed in a novel cohort of autoptic samples, thus giving us the possibility to corroborate previous findings obtained on MPM by repeating the analysis in a novel cohort of autoptic samples. The protective role of HEPH coding SNP was further confirmed. In addition, the two non-coding SNPs, either in FTH1 or in TF, emerged to exert a similar protective role in a new cohort of LC exposed individuals from the same geographic area of MPM subjects. No association was found between NLRP1 and NLRP3 polymorphisms with susceptibility to develop MPM and LC. Further research into a specific MPM and LC "genetic signature" may be needed to broaden our knowledge of the genetic landscape attributed to result in MPM and LC.

Patient safety incidents in ambulatory care in Germany

Background

In contrast to the inpatient sector, reliable data on the epidemiology and public health impact of patient safety incidents (PSI) are hardly found in the outpatient sector. Thus, this study focusses on the incidence of PSI; the distribution among the various specialist groups; the harmful consequences; the causes and how affected patients deal with PSI in Germany.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study using a newly developed computer-assisted-telephone-interview survey tool. Based on random telephone numbers, citizens >39 years were asked to report whether they had experienced a PSI in the last year or since their 40th birthday; whereby the PSI happened, what consequences the PSI had for them and if they reported the PSI back to their physician. We performed descriptive and multivariate analyses and extrapolated the results to the total population >39 years in Germany.

Results

10037 citizens were surveyed (response rate 13%): 8841 had an outpatient visit last year, of whom 1570 (18%) had experienced at least one PSI. In total, 2832 PSI were reported. General practitioners caused 43% of PSI. Among specialists (54%), most PSI were found among orthopedists (15%) and internists (9%) and arose in connection with anamnesis and clinical examination (61%) as well as drug prescriptions (15%). 72% of the PSI caused health related harm. The most frequent harm was a deterioration in health (23%) and persistent pain (22%). 54% of those affected described the harm as severe or very severe. 27% considered doctors’ stress and lack of time or poor communication (18%) as causes for PSI. 32% of PSI were reported back to the treating physician.

Discussion

Extrapolated to the total population >39 years in Germany (47.2 million), an incidence of 12 million PSI per year must be expected with around 6.6 million affected outpatients. Thus, PSI in the outpatient sector are of immense public health importance in Germany.

Key messages

Patient safety incidents (PSI) often happen in the German outpatient sector. Outpatient PSI can also be accompanied by severe harm for patients.

Room temperature strain-induced Landau levels in graphene on a wafer-scale platform

Graphene is a powerful playground for studying a plethora of quantum phenomena. One of the remarkable properties of graphene arises when it is strained in particular geometries and the electrons behave as if they were under the influence of a magnetic field. Previously, these strain-induced pseudomagnetic fields have been explored on the nano- and micrometer-scale using scanning probe and transport measurements. Heteroepitaxial strain, in contrast, is a wafer-scale engineering method. Here, we show that pseudomagnetic fields can be generated in graphene through wafer-scale epitaxial growth. Shallow triangular nanoprisms in the SiC substrate generate strain-induced uniform fields of 41 T, enabling the observation of strain-induced Landau levels at room temperature, as detected by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, and confirmed by model calculations and scanning tunneling microscopy measurements. Our work demonstrates the feasibility of exploiting strain-induced quantum phases in two-dimensional Dirac materials on a wafer-scale platform, opening the field to new applications.

[Early recognition and screening consultation: a necessary way to improve early detection and treatment in rheumatology? : Overview of the early recognition and screening consultation models for rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases in Germany]

In order to reduce the prognostically relevant time interval between the initial manifestation of a rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease and diagnosis as well as the consecutive initiation of an appropriate treatment, several rheumatological centers in Germany have improved the access to initial rheumatologic evaluation by establishing early recognition/screening clinics at their respective sites. Corresponding models located at Altoetting·Burghausen, Bad Pyrmont, Berlin Buch, Duesseldorf, Heidelberg, Herne, Mannheim as well as supraregional/multicenter initiatives Rheuma Rapid, RhePort and Rheuma-VOR are presented in this overview along with the respective characteristics, potential advantages and disadvantages, but also first evaluation results of several models. The aim of this publication is to promote early detection of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases as one of the most important challenges in current rheumatology by encouraging further rheumatologic centers and practices to launch their own early recognition/screening consultation model on the basis of aspects presented herein.

'The feeling of not being entitled to something': fertility, pregnancy, and sexuality among women with systemic lupus erythematosus in South Africa

Objective: Fertility, pregnancy, and the postpartum period can pose many challenges for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in sub-Saharan Africa. We explored the perceptions and experiences of South African women relating to fertility and pregnancy.Method: In-depth interviews were conducted with 25 consenting women with SLE. We explored their perceptions and experiences on conception, pregnancy, and sexuality. Data were analysed using Nvivo software.Results: Participants had a mean age of 30.9 years (range 22-45 years) and mean disease duration of 4.5 years (range 1-5 years). The majority were black Africans, and the remainder were of mixed racial ancestry. Unemployment, low educational level, and singlehood status were the most predominant sociodemographic features. Most participants had been pregnant and a few reported being sexually inactive. Participants described many negative pregnancy outcomes including lupus flares, miscarriages, premature deliveries, prolonged hospitalization, and unexpected caesarean sections. Conflicting medical advice on conception, together with conflicting personal, cultural, and societal pressures to procreate, resulted in emotional turmoil and pessimism. Participants frequently described intimacy problems, loss of libido, and infidelity by partners leading to sexually transmitted infections. Aesthetic and physical concerns were perceived as the main causes of infidelity. Most participants felt confined to these relationships as they were financially dependent on their partners, which added to their stress.Conclusion: A combination of patient-centred care focusing on safe, effective contraception and medication targeting remission state, constant counselling, consistent information, and a pregnancy managed jointly by an obstetrics and rheumatology team could achieve optimum results.

Cavity-enhanced high harmonic generation for extreme ultraviolet time- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy

With its direct correspondence to electronic structure, angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) is a ubiquitous tool for the study of solids. When extended to the temporal domain, time-resolved (TR)-ARPES offers the potential to move beyond equilibrium properties, exploring both the unoccupied electronic structure as well as its dynamical response under ultrafast perturbation. Historically, ultrafast extreme ultraviolet sources employing high-order harmonic generation (HHG) have required compromises that make it challenging to achieve a high energy resolution-which is highly desirable for many TR-ARPES studies-while producing high photon energies and a high photon flux. We address this challenge by performing HHG inside a femtosecond enhancement cavity, realizing a practical source for TR-ARPES that achieves a flux of over 10¹¹ photons/s delivered to the sample, operates over a range of 8-40 eV with a repetition rate of 60 MHz. This source enables TR-ARPES studies with a temporal and energy resolution of 190 fs and 22 meV, respectively. To characterize the system, we perform ARPES measurements of polycrystalline Au and MoTe₂, as well as TR-ARPES studies on graphite.

Structural MRI at 7T reveals amygdala nuclei and hippocampal subfield volumetric association with Major Depressive Disorder symptom severity

Subcortical volumetric changes in major depressive disorder (MDD) have been purported to underlie depressive symptomology, however, the evidence to date remains inconsistent. Here, we investigated limbic volumes in MDD, utilizing high-resolution structural images to allow segmentation of the hippocampus and amygdala into their constituent substructures. Twenty-four MDD patients and twenty matched controls underwent structural MRI at 7T field strength. All participants completed the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) to quantify depressive symptomology. For the MDD group, volumes of the amygdala right lateral nucleus (p = 0.05, r2 = 0.24), left cortical nucleus (p = 0.032, r2 = 0.35), left accessory basal nucleus (p = 0.04, r2 = 0.28) and bilateral corticoamygdaloid transition area (right hemisphere p = 0.032, r2 = 0.38, left hemisphere p = 0.032, r2 = 0.35) each displayed significant negative associations with MDD severity. The bilateral centrocortical (right hemisphere p = 0.032, r2 = 0.31, left hemisphere p = 0.032, r2 = 0.32) and right basolateral complexes (p = 0.05, r2 = 0.24) also displayed significant negative relationships with depressive symptoms. Using high-field strength MRI, we report the novel finding that MDD severity is consistently negatively associated with amygdala nuclei, linking volumetric reductions with worsening depressive symptoms.

Spin Pinning and Spin-Wave Dispersion in Nanoscopic Ferromagnetic Waveguides

Spin waves are investigated in yttrium iron garnet waveguides with a thickness of 39 nm and widths ranging down to 50 nm, i.e., with an aspect ratio thickness over width approaching unity, using Brillouin light scattering spectroscopy. The experimental results are verified by a semianalytical theory and micromagnetic simulations. A critical width is found, below which the exchange interaction suppresses the dipolar pinning phenomenon. This changes the quantization criterion for the spin-wave eigenmodes and results in a pronounced modification of the spin-wave characteristics. The presented semianalytical theory allows for the calculation of spin-wave mode profiles and dispersion relations in nanostructures.

TGFβ-induced cytoskeletal remodeling mediates elevation of cell stiffness and invasiveness in NSCLC

Importance of growth factor (GF) signaling in cancer progression is widely acknowledged. Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) is known to play a key role in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastatic cell transformation that are characterized by alterations in cell mechanical architecture and behavior towards a more robust and motile single cell phenotype. However, mechanisms mediating cancer type specific enhancement of cell mechanical phenotype in response to TGFβ remain poorly understood. Here, we combine high-throughput mechanical cell phenotyping, microarray analysis and gene-silencing to dissect cytoskeletal mediators of TGFβ-induced changes in mechanical properties of on-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cells. Our experimental results show that elevation of rigidity and invasiveness of TGFβ-stimulated NSCLC cells correlates with upregulation of several cytoskeletal and motor proteins including vimentin, a canonical marker of EMT, and less-known unconventional myosins. Selective probing of gene-silenced cells lead to identification of unconventional myosin MYH15 as a novel mediator of elevated cell rigidity and invasiveness in TGFβ-stimulated NSCLC cells. Our experimental results provide insights into TGFβ-induced cytoskeletal remodeling of NSCLC cells and suggest that mediators of elevated cell stiffness and migratory activity such as unconventional cytoskeletal and motor proteins may represent promising pharmaceutical targets for restraining invasive spread of lung cancer.

Living with systemic lupus erythematosus in South Africa: a bitter pill to swallow

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) often has a profound negative impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). In the absence of any qualitative studies in sub-Saharan Africa, we undertook a study to explore living experiences, perceptions and unmet needs of South African patients with SLE.

Methods

Twenty-five women with SLE consented to participate in the study. They underwent individual in-depth interviews exploring their physical concerns, emotional health, sexual well-being and fertility. NVivo software was used for analysis.

Results

Participants were either of black ancestry or mixed racial ancestry, mainly indigent with only a quarter gainfully employed. Living with pain was the most common complaint, negatively impacting on activities of daily living (ADL), family expectations, social life, sleep and intimacy. Most participants expressed challenges of living with fatigue, and many felt their fatigue was misconstrued as being ‘simply lazy’. This pernicious fatigue had negative consequences on many facets of ADL, including caring for dependants, job sustainability and sexual well-being. All participants experienced low emotional states, often associated with suicidal ideations. Many experienced difficulties with fertility and childbearing and these were exacerbated in many instances by the pessimism of health care providers, resulting in confusion and depression. Physical disfigurements resulting from lupus-associated alopecia and rashes and corticosteroid-induced weight fluctuations were a major concern. These changes often affected self-image and libido, leading to strained personal relationships. Coping mechanisms that participants adopted included intense spiritual beliefs, ‘pushing through the difficult times’ and use of alternative therapies to relief symptoms was common. A poor understanding of SLE on the part of participant’s family and the community, coupled with the unpredictable course of the disease, exacerbated frustration and social exclusion. For most, limited income, lack of basic services, family dependencies, and comorbid diseases, such as human immune deficiency virus (HIV), exacerbated the daily negative SLE experiences.

Conclusion

In this study of mainly indigent South African women, SLE is associated with complex, chronic and challenging life experiences. The chronic relapsing and unpredictable nature of the disease, poor understanding and acceptance of SLE, compounded by a background of poverty, inadequate social support structures, negatively impact on a range of personal, social and vocational daily life experiences. Improved access to psychosocial services and SLE education might result in better outcomes.

Trial registration

(Ethics Project identification code: 275/2016 and M160633 registered 10 & 29 August 2016).

Successful conception in a 34-year-old lupus patient following spontaneous pregnancy after autotransplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue

Premature gonadal failure is a common problem in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) when gonadotoxic therapies are applied. The preservation of gonadal function and fertility is of great importance to many predominantly young SLE patients. Some fertility preservation methods are well established and well known, whereas others are considered more cautiously. In particular, the cryopreservation of ovarian tissue is a rarely chosen fertility preservation option for SLE patients of (pre)fertile age. We report the first case of successful conception and pregnancy of an SLE patient after autotransplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue. A 26-year-old SLE patient decided to undergo cryopreservation of ovarian tissue when receiving cyclophosphamide for lupus nephritis. Tissue removal, preparation, cryopreservation and quality control was performed, as described, according to current state-of-the-art techniques. After 6 years of being in remission using azathioprine and belimumab, her ovarian tissue was autotransplanted because of premature ovarian failure, diagnosed at the age of 32, and a wish to conceive. She conceived spontaneously 8 months later, having a diamniotic-dichoriotic twin pregnancy. The children were born prematurely due to preterm premature rupture of membranes in the 32nd week of gestation; mother and children are doing very well 8 months later. We regard the procedure to be an option worth consideration for our predominantly young SLE patients.

Progress in ITER ECE Diagnostic Design and Integration

The ITER Electron Cyclotron Emission (ECE) diagnostic is progressing towards its Preliminary Design Review (PDR). In parallel, the diagnostic integration in the Equatorial Port is ongoing. Port Integration has to address the structural integrity to withstand various loads, maintenance and the safety aspects of ECE diagnostic. The ITER ECE system includes radial and oblique lines-of-sight. Recently, a successful peer-review of the in-port plug Hot Calibration Source has taken place and its performance and integration feasibility has been demonstrated. Four 45-meter long low-loss transmission lines are designed to transmit mm-wave power in the frequency range of 70- 1000 GHz in both X- and O-mode polarization from the port plug to the ECE instrumentation room in the diagnostic building. Prototype transmission lines are being tested [1]. A prototype polarizing Martin-Puplett type Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS) operating in the frequency range 70-1000 GHz, has a fast scanning mechanism and a cryo-cooled dual-channel THz detector system. Its performance has been tested as per ITER requirements. Assessment of the instrumentation and control requirements, functional and non-functional requirements, operation procedures, plant automation are ongoing for the PDR. The current status of the diagnostic, together with integration activities, is presented.

Plasmid DNA contaminant in molecular reagents

Background noise in metagenomic studies is often of high importance and its removal requires extensive post-analytic, bioinformatics filtering. This is relevant as significant signals may be lost due to a low signal-to-noise ratio. The presence of plasmid residues, that are frequently present in reagents as contaminants, has not been investigated so far, but may pose a substantial bias. Here we show that plasmid sequences from different sources are omnipresent in molecular biology reagents. Using a metagenomic approach, we identified the presence of the (pol) of equine infectious anemia virus in human samples and traced it back to the expression plasmid used for generation of a commercial reverse transcriptase. We found fragments of multiple other expression plasmids in human samples as well as commercial polymerase preparations. Plasmid contamination sources included production chain of molecular biology reagents as well as contamination of reagents from environment or human handling of samples and reagents. Retrospective analyses of published metagenomic studies revealed an inaccurate signal-to-noise differentiation. Hence, the plasmid sequences that seem to be omnipresent in molecular biology reagents may misguide conclusions derived from genomic/metagenomics datasets and thus also clinical interpretations. Critical appraisal of metagenomic data sets for the possibility of plasmid background noise is required to identify reliable and significant signals.

Cholecalciferol Supplementation Did Not Change Interleukin-7 and B cell-Activating Factor Levels and CD95 Expression in B lymphocytes in Patients on Dialysis: A Randomized Pilot-Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

End-stage renal disease results in B cell lymphopenia and low levels of vitamin D. Since the link between vitamin D deficiency and B lymphocytes dysfunction are not clear in patients with end-stage renal disease, we suggest that vitamin D adequacy and factors related to the homeostasis of these cells should be investigated. B lymphocytes homeostasis is a process mainly regulated signals of grown and death as interleukin (IL)-7, B cell-activating factor (BAFF)/BAFF-receptor and CD95 expression.

OBJECTIVE

As vitamin D serum levels were reduced in patients with end stage renal disease and it is associated with human B homeostasis, we evaluated the effect of cholecalciferol supplementation on dialysis.

DESIGN

Randomized, double blind clinical trial in dialysis patients with 25OH Vitamin D deficiency for a period of 12 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

In a pilot study, we investigated the effect of cholecalciferol supplementation (100,000 UI once per week or placebo. In vitro, peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated by Ficoll-Hypaque centrifugation from 12 healthy volunteers were incubated with healthy or uremic serum in the presence or absence of 25 (OH)DC with 5% CO.

RESULTS

There was an increase in the serum 25(OH)D level in the cholecalciferol group. No differences were found in BAFF and IL7 levels and CD95 and BAFF-R expression in B lymphocytes from patients on dialysis after cholecalciferol supplementation. Uremic serum induced an increase in the IL-7, BAFF, BAFF-R and CD95 expression compared with the control. However, we observed no effect of incubation of 25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3 on the expression of IL-7, BAFF, BAFF-R and CD95 when incubated in the presence of normal or uremic serum.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that vitamin D is not involved in mechanisms of regulation of differentiation and survival in B lymphocytes. In conclusion, further studies are needed to explore the effects of vitamin D on B lymphocytes to better evaluate the possible impact of vitamin D on humoral response in the CKD population.

Update of the evidence based, interdisciplinary guideline for anti-inflammatory treatment of uveitis associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

BACKGROUND

Uveitis in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIAU) is frequently associated with the development of complications and visual loss. Topical corticosteroids are the first line therapy, and disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are commonly used. However, treatment has not been standardized.

METHODS

Interdisciplinary guideline were developed with representatives from the German Ophthalmological Society, Society for Paediatric Rheumatology, Professional Association of Ophthalmologists, German Society for Rheumatology, parents' group, moderated by the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany. A systematic literature analysis in MEDLINE was performed, evidence and recommendations were graded, an algorithm for anti-inflammatory treatment and final statements were discussed in a consensus meeting (Nominal Group Technique), a preliminary draft was fine-tuned and discussed thereafter by all participants (Delphi procedure).

RESULTS

Consensus was reached on recommendations, including a standardized treatment strategy according to uveitis severity in the individual patient. Thus, methotrexate shall be introduced for uveitis not responding to low-dose (≤ 2 applications/day) topical corticosteroids, and a TNFalpha antibody (preferably adalimumab) used, if uveitis inactivity is not achieved. In very severe active uveitis with uveitis-related deterioration of vision, systemic corticosteroids should be considered for bridging until DMARDs take effect. If TNFalpha antibodies fail to take effect or lose effect, another biological should be selected (tocilizumab, abatacept or rituximab). De-escalation of DMARDs should be preceded by a period of  ≥ 2 years of uveitis inactivity.

CONCLUSIONS

An interdisciplinary, evidence-based treatment guideline for JIAU is presented.

Publisher Correction: Very-high-energy particle acceleration powered by the jets of the microquasar SS 433

In this Letter, owing to a production error, the penultimate version of the PDF was published. The HTML version was always correct. The PDF has been corrected online.

On the system stability and calibration of the image plate/scanner system for plasma diagnosis at the National Ignition Facility

At the National Ignition Facility (NIF), storage phosphor image plates (IP) are used extensively for recording x-rays, charged particles, and neutrons. For x-ray imaging and spectroscopy, absolute and relative calibrations are important for extracting plasma information from the diagnostics. We use Fuji MS, SR, and TR image plates that have been cut to fit custom diagnostic envelopes. The image plates are scanned on a General Electric FLA 7000 IP flying spot scanner. Calibrations for sensitivity, spatial scale, and temperature dependent fade are applied. During a set of recent calibrations, we noticed large shifts in the absolute calibration of the image plate system. The possible source of these shifts is discussed. We discuss scanner stability and a method for calibration. We discuss the fade and temperature effects of the image plates and how this correction is applied within the NIF environment. We also compare our NIF GE FLA 7000 IP scanner with a new General Electric Amersham Typhoon IP scanner.

A new toroidal x-ray crystal spectrometer for the diagnosis of high energy density plasmas at the National Ignition Facility

The here-described spectrometer was developed for the extended x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy of high-density plasmas at the National Ignition Facility. It employs as the Bragg reflecting element a new type of toroidally bent crystal with a constant and very large major radius R and a much smaller, locally varying, minor radius r. The focusing properties of this crystal and the experimental arrangement of the source and detector make it possible to (a) fulfill the conditions for a perfect imaging of an ideal point source for each wavelength, (b) obtain a high photon throughput, (c) obtain a high spectral resolution by eliminating the effects of source-size broadening, and (d) obtain a one-dimensional spatial resolution with a high magnification perpendicular to the main dispersion plane.