bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sympathy for the Devil – Wie die neuen TV-Serien das
Serienpublikum zum Komplizen des Bösen machen
Authors: Hamburger Andreas
Published: June 2018

Man kann nicht sagen, das Böse sei erst mit den amerikanischen Quality-TV-Serien
in die Medienwelt gekommen. Aber sie haben ihm einen bequemen Platz im
Wohnzimmer verschafft.
Informationsverhalten der Südtiroler Bevölkerung zu Gesundheitsfragen – eine epidemiologische Querschnittsstudie
Authors: Vögele Anna , Becker Ulrich , Gögele Anna , Schneider Antonius , Engl Adolf
Published: June 2018

Ziel der Studie Erfassung des Informationsverhaltens in Gesundheitsfragen, der subjektiven Gesundheit (self related health), des Vertrauens in gesundheitlichen Dingen, sowie einiger spezifischer Gesundheitseinstellungen der Südtiroler Bevölkerung.

Methodik Es handelt sich um eine epidemiologische Querschnittsstudie, die Datenerhebung erfolgte mittels Telefoninterviews. Abgefragt wurde ein zu diesem Zweck erstellter Fragebogen, der verschiedene Aspekte des Informationsverhaltens zu Gesundheitsfragen und des Gesundheitsverhaltens abdeckt. Zur Ausarbeitung der Typologisierung der markantesten Stereotypen zum Informationsverhalten wurde eine hierarchische Clusteranalyse nach Ward durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse Es konnten 504 gültige Interviews geführt und ausgewertet werden. Die Mehrheit der Befragten hält sich für gesundheitsbewusst und bevorzugt heterogene Informationsmedien. Die meistgenutzten Informationsquellen zu gesundheitlichen Themen lassen sich den Massenmedien, also Zeitungen oder Zeitschriften und Fernsehen oder Radio zuordnen, das Internet steht als regelmäßig genutzte Informationsquelle demgegenüber zurück. Jüngere Personen schätzen sich deutlich gesünder ein als Ältere, und ältere Frauen ab 65 Jahren sind die am stärksten von gesundheitlichen Beschwerden beeinträchtigte Bevölkerungsgruppe. In gesundheitlichen Dingen wird dem Hausarzt, dem eigenen Gefühl oder der Erfahrung am meisten vertraut. Die Abgrenzung der markantesten Stereotypen in Sachen Informations- und Gesundheitsverhalten erlaubt eine Unterteilung in „Internetinformations-Eliten“, „robuste Fatalisten“, „Angeschlagene“ und „gesundheitsbewusste Mainstreamer“.

Schlussfolgerung Unsere Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Südtiroler Bevölkerung ein verhältnismäßig hohes Gesundheitsbewusstsein hat und sich mit sehr unterschiedlichen Medien gesundheitsbezogene Informationen generiert. Die Charakterisierung von unterschiedlichen Typologien der Informationsverarbeitung in Kombination mit dem Gesundheitsverhalten weist darauf hin, dass Informationen zu Gesundheit und Krankheit passend zum jeweiligen Typus unterschiedlich adressiert werden sollten.
Galactography with Tomosynthesis Technique (Galactomosynthesis) – Renaissance of a Method?
Authors: Schulz-Wendtland Rüdiger , Preuss Caroline , Fasching Peter , Loehberg Christian , Lux Michael , Emons Julius , Beckmann Matthias , Uder Michael , Mueller-Schimpfle Markus
Published: June 2018

Introduction For decades, conventional galactography was the only imaging technique capable of showing the mammary ducts. Today, diagnosis is based on a multimodal concept which combines high-resolution ultrasound with magnetic resonance (MR) mammography and ductoscopy/galactoscopy and has a sensitivity and specificity of up to 95%. This study used tomosynthesis in galactography for the first time and compared the synthetic digital 2D full-field mammograms generated with this technique with the images created using the established method of ductal sonography. Both methods should be able to detect invasive breast cancers and their precursors such as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) as well as being able to identify benign findings.

Material and Methods Five patients with pathological nipple discharge were examined using ductal sonography, contrast-enhanced 3D galactography with tomosynthesis and the synthetic digital 2D full-field mammograms generated with the latter method. Evaluation of the images created with the different imaging modalities was done by three investigators with varying levels of experience with complementary breast diagnostics (1, 5 and 15 years), and their evaluations were compared with the histological findings.

Results All 3 investigators independently evaluated the images created with ductal sonography, contrast-enhanced 3D galactography with tomosynthesis, and generated synthetic digital 2D full-field mammograms. Their evaluations were compared with the histopathological assessment of the surgical specimens resected from the 5 patients. There was 1 case of invasive breast cancer, 2 cases with ductal carcinoma in situ and 2 cases with benign findings. All 3 investigators made more mistakes when they used the standard imaging technique of ductal sonography to diagnose suspicious lesions than when they used contrast-enhanced galactography with tomosynthesis and the generated synthetic digital 2D full-field mammograms.

Conclusion This is the first time breast tomosynthesis was used in galactography (galactomosynthesis) to create digital 3-dimensional images of suspicious findings. When used together with the generated synthetic digital 2D full-field mammograms, it could be a useful complementary procedure for the diagnosis of breast anomalies and could herald a renaissance of this method. Compared with high-resolution ductal ultrasound, the investigators achieved better results with contrast-enhanced galactography using tomosynthesis and the generated synthetic digital 2D full-field mammograms, as confirmed by histopathological findings.
Einsatz und Nutzen funktioneller Parameter als Endpunkte in klinischen Ernährungsstudien
Authors: Haß Ulrike , Schwejda-Güttes Susann , Kuhn Katharina , Markant Anja
Published: June 2018

Hintergrund Eine ausreichende Muskelkraft und -funktion stellt eine Grundvoraussetzung für die Teilhabe am alltäglichen Leben und der damit verbundenen Autonomie des Patienten dar. Der diagnostische und prognostische Einsatz funktioneller Parameter zur Einschätzung von Muskelkraft und -funktion gewinnt zunehmend an Bedeutung. Hinsichtlich des Nutzens dieser Parameter als Endpunkte in klinischen Ernährungsstudien besteht allerdings noch Klärungsbedarf.

Material und Methoden Es wurde eine umfangreiche Literaturrecherche zur Extraktion und Evaluierung etablierter funktioneller Parameter in der medizinischen Literaturdatenbank Pubmed ausgeführt. Die folgenden, häufig in Ernährungsstudien angewendeten, 8 Parameter wurden detailliert aufgearbeitet und miteinander verglichen: Handgreifkraft, knee extension peak torque, Six-Minute-Walk Test (6MWT), Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Physical Performance Test (PPT), Akzelerometrie und Barthel-Index.

Ergebnisse und Schlussfolgerung Die Anwendung der funktionellen Parameter hat sich insbesondere in geriatrischen Ernährungsstudien bewährt. Hier zeigten sich neben der Handgreifkraft, dem SPPB und TUG auch das knee extension peak torque, der 6MWT sowie der Barthel-Index als geeignete funktionelle Endpunkte. Lediglich der PPT zeigte keine nennenswerten Vorteile gegenüber den in dieser Arbeit evaluierten funktionellen Parametern. Außerhalb der geriatrischen Population könnte die Akzelerometrie in der Onkologie als funktioneller Endpunkt in klinischen Ernährungsstudien herangezogen werden. Innerhalb der Intensivmedizin stellt die Nutzung funktioneller Parameter hinsichtlich der erforderlichen willkürlichen Muskelkraft derzeit noch eine Herausforderung dar.
Computed Tomography Findings of Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis in a Dog
Authors: Maddox Thomas , Meiring Thelma , Wustefeld-Janssens Brandan , Comerford Eithne , Dempsey Lara
Published: June 2018

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a rare benign and usually monoarticular neoplastic lesion arising from the synovium, bursae and tendon sheaths in humans, horses and dogs. Categorization for PVNS in humans includes localized and diffuse forms of PVNS and tenosynovial giant cell tumour (TGCT), although histologically they are the same. The localized form is characterized by discrete nodular lesions, the diffuse form is often intra-articular, infiltrative, affecting the entire synovium with more aggressive behaviour and TGCT occurs along tendon sheaths. Computed tomography (CT) of PVNS is well described in humans but not documented in the veterinary literature. Pigmented villonodular synovitis is not a straightforward diagnosis and CT is useful to further characterize radiographic findings. A representative open surgical biopsy of the synovium is essential to obtaining the diagnosis and ruling out malignancy. Currently, there are no guidelines for the diagnosis of PVNS in dogs or long-term follow-up of these cases. This case report describes the presentation, diagnostic findings, treatment and long-term outcome of a 4-year-old male Labrador Retriever with confirmed PVNS. Clinical outcome was considered fair with the dog's lameness and symptoms remaining stable with medical management 3 years following the initial diagnosis.
Risk Scores for Occult Cancer in Patients with Venous Thromboembolism: A Post Hoc Analysis of the Hokusai-VTE Study
Authors: Kraaijpoel Noémie , van Es Nick , Raskob Gary , Büller Harry , Carrier Marc , Zhang George , Lin Min , Grosso Michael , Di Nisio Marcello
Published: June 2018

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) may be the first sign of an undiagnosed cancer. In patients with unprovoked VTE, the risk is approximately 5% in the year following VTE diagnosis. Cancer-specific screening is therefore often considered in these patients, but the optimal screening strategy remains controversial. Recently, two risk classification scores have been proposed that may help in identifying patients at high risk of occult cancer in whom extensive screening may be warranted. In the present post hoc analysis of the Hokusai-VTE study, we evaluated the performance of the Registro Informatizado de Pacientes con Enfermedad TromboEmbólica (RIETE) and Screening for Occult Malignancy in Patients with Idiopathic Venous Thromboembolism (SOME) scores for occult cancer in patients with acute VTE. A total of 8,032 patients were included in the analysis of whom 218 (2.7%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.4–3.1) developed cancer between 30-day and 12-month follow-up. The c-statistics of the RIETE and SOME scores were 0.62 (95% CI, 0.57–0.66) and 0.59 (95% CI, 0.55–0.62), respectively. In patients classified as ‘high risk’, the cumulative incidence of cancer diagnosis during follow-up was 2.9% (95% CI, 2.1–3.9) for the RIETE score and 2.7% (95% CI, 1.9–3.7) for the SOME score, corresponding to hazard ratios of 1.8 (95% CI, 1.3–2.5) and 1.5 (95% CI, 1.04–2.2), respectively. In conclusion, the performance of both scores was poor. When used dichotomously, the scores were able to identify a group of patients with a significantly higher risk of occult cancer, although it remains unknown whether this translates into improved clinical important outcomes.
Development and Validation of a Practical Two-Step Prediction Model and Clinical Risk Score for Post-Thrombotic Syndrome
Authors: Amin Elham , van Kuijk Sander , Joore Manuela , Prandoni Paolo , ten Cate Hugo , ten Cate-Hoek Arina
Published: June 2018

Background Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a common chronic consequence of deep vein thrombosis that affects the quality of life and is associated with substantial costs. In clinical practice, it is not possible to predict the individual patient risk. We develop and validate a practical two-step prediction tool for PTS in the acute and sub-acute phase of deep vein thrombosis.

Methods Multivariable regression modelling with data from two prospective cohorts in which 479 (derivation) and 1,107 (validation) consecutive patients with objectively confirmed deep vein thrombosis of the leg, from thrombosis outpatient clinic of Maastricht University Medical Centre, the Netherlands (derivation) and Padua University hospital in Italy (validation), were included. PTS was defined as a Villalta score of ≥ 5 at least 6 months after acute thrombosis.

Results Variables in the baseline model in the acute phase were: age, body mass index, sex, varicose veins, history of venous thrombosis, smoking status, provoked thrombosis and thrombus location. For the secondary model, the additional variable was residual vein obstruction. Optimism-corrected area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) were 0.71 for the baseline model and 0.60 for the secondary model. Calibration plots showed well-calibrated predictions. External validation of the derived clinical risk scores was successful: AUC, 0.66 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.63–0.70) and 0.64 (95% CI, 0.60–0.69).

Conclusion Individual risk for PTS in the acute phase of deep vein thrombosis can be predicted based on readily accessible baseline clinical and demographic characteristics. The individual risk in the sub-acute phase can be predicted with limited additional clinical characteristics.
Cyanidin-3-o-β-Glucoside Induces Megakaryocyte Apoptosis via PI3K/Akt- and MAPKs-Mediated Inhibition of NF-κB Signalling
Authors: Ya Fuli , Li Qing , Wang Dongliang , Xie Shuangfeng , Song Fenglin , Gallant Reid , Tian Zezhong , Wan Jianbo , Ling Wenhua , Yang Yan
Published: June 2018

Apoptotic-like phase is an essential step in thrombopoiesis from megakaryocytes. Anthocyanins are natural flavonoid pigments that possess a wide range of biological activities, including protection against cardiovascular diseases and induction of tumour cell apoptosis. We investigated the effects and underlying mechanisms of cyanidin-3-o-β-glucoside (Cy-3-g, the major bioactive compound in anthocyanins) on the apoptosis of human primary megakaryocytes and Meg-01 cell line in vitro. We found that Cy-3-g dose-dependently increased the dissipation of the mitochondrial membrane potential, caspase-9 and caspase-3 activity in megakaryocytes from patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukaemia but not in those from healthy volunteers. In Meg-01 cells, Cy-3-g regulated the distribution of Bak, Bax and Bcl-xL proteins in the mitochondria and cytosol, subsequently increasing cytochrome c release and stimulating caspase-9 and caspase-3 activation and phosphatidylserine exposure. However, Cy-3-g did not exert significant effects on factor-associated suicide (Fas), Fas ligand, caspase-8 or Bid expression. Cy-3-g inhibited nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 activation by down-regulating inhibitor of NF-κB kinase (IKK)α and IKKβ expression, followed by the inhibition of inhibitor of NF-κB (IκB)α phosphorylation and degradation and subsequent inhibition of the translocation of the p65 sub-unit into the nucleus, and finally stimulating caspase-3 activation and phosphatidylserine exposure. The inhibitory effect of Cy-3-g on NF-κB activation was mediated by the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (Erk1/2) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and the inhibition of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signalling. U0126 (Erk1/2 inhibitor), SB203580 (p38 MAPK inhibitor) and 740 Y-P (PI3K agonist) significantly reversed Cy-3-g-reduced phosphorylation of p65. Taken together, our data indicate that Cy-3-g induces megakaryocyte apoptosis via the inhibition of NF-κB signalling, which may play important roles in regulating thrombopoiesis.
Inhibitor Formation in Congenital Hemophilia A: an Immunological Perspective
Authors: Delignat Sandrine , Rayes Julie , Russick Jules , Kaveri Srinivas , Lacroix-Desmazes Sebastien ,   The ABIRISK consortium
Published: June 2018

The immunogenicity of therapeutic factor VIII (FVIII) in patients with hemophilia A has been puzzling scientific and clinical communities for more than 3 decades. Indeed, the development of inhibitory antibodies to FVIII remains a major clinical challenge and is associated with enormous societal costs. Thus, the reasons for which a presumably innocuous, short-lived, intravenously administered glycoprotein triggers such a deleterious, long-lasting neutralizing immune response is an enigma. This review does not pretend to bring an answer to this challenging question. It will however summarize the latest findings regarding the molecular interactions at play in the recognition of FVIII by the immune cells, the validity of the proposed risk factors for FVIII alloimmunization, and the different solutions that allow induction of FVIII-specific tolerance in preclinical models of hemophilia A.
Note: Measurement of the cathode layer thickness in glow discharges with a Langmuir probe
Authors: Wang Hao , Hou Xinyu , Zou Xiaobing , Luo Haiyun , Wang Xinxin
Published: June 2018

A method using a Langmuir probe to determine the thickness of the cathode layer for a glow discharge is developed. The method is based on the phenomenon that the curve of the voltage-current characteristics changes in shape as the Langmuir probe moves from the positive column into the cathode layer. The method was used to measure the thicknesses of the cathode layer in the normal glow discharges of argon and air with the cathodes made from stainless steel and aluminum. The results are in good agreement with those given in a book of gas discharge.
Schwarzian derivative and Ermakov equation on a time scale
Authors: Hovhannisyan Gro
Published: June 2018

We introduce the Schwarzian, simplified Schwarzian, and Schwarzian Korteweg-de Vries equations on a time scale that are invariant under the fractional linear transformations. As an application, we derive their solutions and establish the invariant disconjugacy condition for second order dynamic equations on a time scale. Furthermore, we consider the Ermakov dynamic equation and the Ermakov-Lewis adiabatic invariant on a time scale. We discuss specific examples of discrete, quantum, and continuous time scales to compare our equations with the well-known ones. We also derive the linearization of the Ermakov equation and the corresponding Painleve equation on a time scale.
A characteristic energy scale in glasses
Authors: Lerner Edan , Bouchbinder Eran
Published: June 2018

Intrinsically generated structural disorder endows glassy materials with a broad distribution of various microscopic quantities—such as relaxation times and activation energies—without an obvious characteristic scale. At the same time, macroscopic glassy responses—such as Newtonian (linear) viscosity and nonlinear plastic deformation—are widely interpreted in terms of a characteristic energy scale, e.g., an effective temperature-dependent activation energy in Arrhenius relations. Nevertheless, despite its fundamental importance, such a characteristic energy scale has not been robustly identified. Inspired by the accumulated evidence regarding the crucial role played by disorder- and frustration-induced soft quasilocalized excitations in determining the properties and dynamics of glasses, we propose that the bulk average of the glass response to a localized force dipole defines such a characteristic energy scale. We show that this characteristic glassy energy scale features remarkable properties: (i) It increases dramatically in underlying inherent structures of equilibrium supercooled states approaching the glass transition temperature Tg, significantly surpassing the corresponding increase in the macroscopic shear modulus, dismissing the common view that structural variations in supercooled liquids upon vitrification are minute. (ii) Its variation with annealing and system size is very similar in magnitude and form to that of the energy of the softest non-phononic vibrational mode, thus establishing a nontrivial relation between a rare glassy fluctuation and a bulk average response. (iii) It exhibits striking dependence on spatial dimensionality and system size due to the long-ranged fields associated with quasilocalization, which are speculated to be related to peculiarities of the glass transition in two dimensions. In addition, we identify a truly static growing lengthscale associated with the characteristic glassy energy scale and discuss possible connections between the increase of this energy scale and the slowing down of dynamics near the glass transition temperature. Open questions and future directions are discussed.
The validity of the potential model in predicting the structural, dynamical, thermodynamic properties of the unary and binary mixture of water-alcohol: Methanol-water case
Authors: Obeidat Abdalla , Abu-Ghazleh Hind
Published: June 2018

Two intermolecular potential models of methanol (TraPPE-UA and OPLS-AA) have been used in order to examine their validity in reproducing the selected structural, dynamical, and thermodynamic properties in the unary and binary systems. These two models are combined with two water models (SPC/E and TIP4P). The temperature dependence of density, surface tension, diffusion and structural properties for the unary system has been computed over specific range of temperatures (200-300K). The very good performance of the TraPPE-UA potential model in predicting surface tension, diffusion, structure, and density of the unary system led us to examine its accuracy and performance in its aqueous solution. In the binary system the same properties were examined, using different mole fractions of methanol. The TraPPE-UA model combined with TIP4P-water shows a very good agreement with the experimental results for density and surface tension properties; whereas the OPLS-AA combined with SPCE-water shows a very agreement with experimental results regarding the diffusion coefficients. Two different approaches have been used in calculating the diffusion coefficient in the mixture, namely the Einstein equation (EE) and Green-Kubo (GK) method. Our results show the advantageous of applying GK over EE in reproducing the experimental results and in saving computer time.
The geometry of protein hydration
Authors: Persson Filip , Söderhjelm Pär , Halle Bertil
Published: June 2018

Based on molecular dynamics simulations of four globular proteins in dilute aqueous solution, with three different water models, we examine several, essentially geometrical, aspects of the protein-water interface that remain controversial or incompletely understood. First, we compare different hydration shell definitions, based on spatial or topological proximity criteria. We find that the best method for constructing monolayer shells with nearly complete coverage is to use a 5 Å water-carbon cutoff and a 4 Å water-water cutoff. Using this method, we determine a mean interfacial water area of 11.1 Å2 which appears to be a universal property of the protein-water interface. We then analyze the local coordination and packing density of water molecules in the hydration shells and in subsets of the first shell. The mean polar water coordination number in the first shell remains within 1% of the bulk-water value, and it is 5% lower in the nonpolar part of the first shell. The local packing density is obtained from additively weighted Voronoi tessellation, arguably the most physically realistic method for allocating space between protein and water. We find that water in all parts of the first hydration shell, including the nonpolar part, is more densely packed than in the bulk, with a shell-averaged density excess of 6% for all four proteins. We suggest reasons why this value differs from previous experimental and computational results, emphasizing the importance of a realistic placement of the protein-water dividing surface and the distinction between spatial correlation and packing density. The protein-induced perturbation of water coordination and packing density is found to be short-ranged, with an exponential decay “length” of 0.6 shells. We also compute the protein partial volume, analyze its decomposition, and argue against the relevance of electrostriction.
Research Update: Emerging chalcostibite absorbers for thin-film solar
cells
Authors: de Souza Lucas Francisco Willian , Zakutayev Andriy
Published: June 2018

Copper antimony chalcogenides CuSbCh2 (Ch=S, Se) are an emerging family of absorbers studied for thin-film solar cells. These non-toxic and Earth-abundant materials show a layered low-dimensional chalcostibite crystal structure, leading to interesting optoelectronic properties for applications in photovoltaic (PV) devices. This research update describes the CuSbCh2 crystallographic structures, synthesis methods, competing phases, band structures, optoelectronic properties, point defects, carrier dynamics, and interface band offsets, based on experimental and theoretical data. Correlations between these absorber properties and PV device performance are discussed, and opportunities for further increase in the efficiency of the chalcostibite PV devices are highlighted.
Gauge-origin dependence in electronic g-tensor calculations
Authors: Glasbrenner Michael , Vogler Sigurd , Ochsenfeld Christian
Published: June 2018

We present a benchmark study on the gauge-origin dependence of the electronic g-tensor using data from unrestricted density functional theory calculations with the spin-orbit mean field ansatz. Our data suggest in accordance with previous studies that g-tensor calculations employing a common gauge-origin are sufficiently accurate for small molecules; however, for extended molecules, the introduced errors can become relevant and significantly exceed the basis set error. Using calculations with the spin-orbit mean field ansatz and gauge-including atomic orbitals as a reference, we furthermore show that the accuracy and reliability of common gauge-origin approaches in larger molecules depends strongly on the locality of the spin density distribution. We propose a new pragmatic ansatz for choosing the gauge-origin which takes the spin density distribution into account and gives reasonably accurate values for molecules with a single localized spin center. For more general cases like molecules with several spatially distant spin centers, common gauge-origin approaches are shown to be insufficient for consistently achieving high accuracy. Therefore the computation of g-tensors using distributed gauge-origin methods like gauge-including atomic orbitals is considered as the ideal approach and is recommended for larger molecular systems.
Review Article: Advances in modeling of bed particle entrainment sheared by turbulent flow
Authors: Dey Subhasish , Ali Sk Zeeshan
Published: June 2018

Bed particle entrainment by turbulent wall-shear flow is a key topic of interest in hydrodynamics because it plays a major role to govern the planetary morphodynamics. In this paper, the state-of-the-art review of the essential mechanisms governing the bed particle entrainment by turbulent wall-shear flow and their mathematical modeling is presented. The paper starts with the appraisal of the earlier multifaceted ideas in modeling the particle entrainment highlighting the rolling, sliding, and lifting modes of entrainment. Then, various modeling approaches of bed particle entrainment, such as deterministic, stochastic, and spatiotemporal approaches, are critically analyzed. The modeling criteria of particle entrainment are distinguished for hydraulically smooth, transitional, and rough flow regimes. In this context, the responses of particle size, particle exposure, and packing condition to the near-bed turbulent flow that shears the particles to entrain are discussed. From the modern experimental outcomes, the conceptual mechanism of particle entrainment from the viewpoint of near-bed turbulent coherent structures is delineated. As the latest advancement of the subject, the paper sheds light on the origin of the primitive empirical formulations of bed particle entrainment deriving the scaling laws of threshold flow velocity of bed particle motion from the perspective of the phenomenological theory of turbulence. Besides, a model framework that provides a new look on the bed particle entrainment phenomenon stemming from the stochastic-cum-spatiotemporal approach is introduced. Finally, the future scope of research is articulated with open questions.
Cell studio: A platform for interactive, 3D graphical simulation of immunological processes
Authors: Liberman Asaf , Kario Danny , Mussel Matan , Brill Jacob , Buetow Kenneth , Efroni Sol , Nevo Uri
Published: June 2018

The field of computer modeling and simulation of biological systems is rapidly advancing, backed by significant progress in the fields of experimentation techniques, computer hardware, and programming software. The result of a simulation may be delivered in several ways, from numerical results, through graphs of the simulated run, to a visualization of the simulation. The vision of an in-silico experiment mimicking an in-vitro or in-vivo experiment as it is viewed under a microscope is appealing but technically demanding and computationally intensive. Here, we report “Cell Studio,” a generic, hybrid platform to simulate an immune microenvironment with biological and biophysical rules. We use game engines—generic programs for game creation which offer ready-made assets and tools—to create a visualized, interactive 3D simulation. We also utilize a scalable architecture that delegates the computational load to a server. The user may view the simulation, move the “camera” around, stop, fast-forward, and rewind it and inject soluble molecules into the extracellular medium at any point in time. During simulation, graphs are created in real time for a broad view of system-wide processes. The model is parametrized using a user-friendly Graphical User Interface (GUI). We show a simple validation simulation and compare its results with those from a “classical” simulation, validated against a “wet” experiment. We believe that interactive, real-time 3D visualization may aid in generating insights from the model and encourage intuition about the immunological scenario.
Datasets collected in general practice: an international comparison using the example of obesity
Authors: Sturgiss Elizabeth , van Boven Kees
Published: June 2018

International datasets from general practice enable the comparison of how conditions are managed within consultations in different primary healthcare settings. The Australian Bettering the Evaluation and Care of Health (BEACH) and TransHIS from the Netherlands collect in-consultation general practice data that have been used extensively to inform local policy and practice. Obesity is a global health issue with different countries applying varying approaches to management. The objective of the present paper is to compare the primary care management of obesity in Australia and the Netherlands using data collected from consultations. Despite the different prevalence in obesity in the two countries, the number of patients per 1000 patient-years seen with obesity is similar. Patients in Australia with obesity are referred to allied health practitioners more often than Dutch patients. Without quality general practice data, primary care researchers will not have data about the management of conditions within consultations. We use obesity to highlight the strengths of these general practice data sources and to compare their differences.

What is known about the topic?
Australia had one of the longest-running consecutive datasets about general practice activity in the world, but it has recently lost government funding. The Netherlands has a longitudinal general practice dataset of information collected within consultations since 1985.

What does this paper add?
We discuss the benefits of general practice-collected data in two countries. Using obesity as a case example, we compare management in general practice between Australia and the Netherlands. This type of analysis should start all international collaborations of primary care management of any health condition. Having a national general practice dataset allows international comparisons of the management of conditions with primary care. Without a current, quality general practice dataset, primary care researchers will not be able to partake in these kinds of comparison studies.

What are the implications for practitioners?
Australian primary care researchers and clinicians will be at a disadvantage in any international collaboration if they are unable to accurately describe current general practice management. The Netherlands has developed an impressive dataset that requires within-consultation data collection. These datasets allow for person-centred, symptom-specific, longitudinal understanding of general practice management. The possibilities for the quasi-experimental questions that can be answered with such a dataset are limitless. It is only with the ability to answer clinically driven questions that are relevant to primary care that the clinical care of patients can be measured, developed and improved.
Methane emissions from Nellore bulls on pasture fed two levels of starch-based supplement with or without a source of oil
Authors: Jose Neto A. , Messana J. D. , Rossi L. G. , Carvalho I. P. C. , Berchielli T. T.
Published: June 2018

Methane emissions (CH4) from enteric fermentation represent an energy loss to the animal ranging from 2% to 12% of gross energy (GE) intake; therefore, the challenge is to develop diets and handling strategies to mitigate CH4 emissions. This study tested the hypothesis that fat supplementation as a source of energy could reduce CH4 emissions without decrease animal production, independently of the starch level utilised. Thus, the goal of this study was to assess the combined effects of high- or low-starch supplements with or without a source of oil (soybean grain) on intake, digestibility, performance, and CH4 emissions of finishing Nellore bulls [n = 44; initial bodyweight (BW) = 414 ± 12 kg; age of 20 months] grazing on Brachiaria brizantha cv. Xaraés during the dry season. No interactions between starch level and oil source (soybean grain) supplementation with respect to intake of dry matter (DM), forage DM, supplement DM, organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), ether extract (EE), or GE were found. However, there was an effect of starch and oil source on intake of EE. There were no interactions between starch level and oil source supplementation with respect to digestibility of DM, OM, NDF, CP, EE, or digestibility energy. Irrespective of the starch level utilised, the addition of soybean grain (oil source) decreased the digestibility of NDF and increased the digestibility of EE. In relation to animal performance, there were no interactions between starch level and oil regarding initial BW, final BW, average daily gain (ADG), gain efficiency, hot carcass weight, dressing, carcass gain, fat depth, or longissimus muscle area. However, the addition of soybean grain (oil source) increased the fat depth independently of the starch level used. There was no interaction between starch-based supplementation level and oil source on CH4 emissions when expressed in g/day, g/kg DM intake, g/kg OM intake, g/kg NDF intake, % of GE intake, g/g EE intake, g/kg ADG, or g/kg of carcass gain. Therefore, the addition of soybean grain (oil source) in supplements, independent of starch level used, was associated with reduced CH4 emissions expressed in g/day. Additionally, soybean grain (oil source) decreased enteric CH4 emissions relative to GE and EE intake and ADG for animals fed high- or low-starch supplements. Soybean grain supplementation is effective at reducing enteric CH4 emissions from Nellore bulls grazing on tropical pasture.
Age and growth of sharks: do vertebral band pairs record age?
Authors: Natanson Lisa J. , Skomal Gregory B. , Hoffmann Sarah L. , Porter Marianne E. , Goldman Kenneth J. , Serra David
Published: June 2018

Inaccurate age estimates can have severe consequences in the management of elasmobranchs. Numerous studies in shark age validation have demonstrated a disconnect between band pair counts and age, resulting in age underestimation, particularly in older individuals. To investigate the relationship between band pairs, vertebral shape and growth, we quantified intracolumn differences in centrum morphology (size and structure) and band pair counts in seven shark species: Squatina dumeril, Carcharodon carcharias, Lamna nasus, Isurus oxyrinchus, Alopias vulpinus, Prionace glauca and Carcharhinus obscurus. In all species examined, band pair deposition was closely related to body girth and the structural properties of the cartilaginous skeleton, relative to maximum size, and body type. These results have strong implications for accurately assessing age for fisheries management of these species.
Rarity, taxonomy and genetics: the chequered history of Grevillea williamsonii (Proteaceae)
Authors: James Elizabeth A. , Brown Gillian K. , Jordan Rebecca , Ohlsen Daniel J.
Published: June 2018

Resolving uncertainty surrounding the taxonomic and conservation status of rare plants is of utmost importance to enable effective allocation of the limited resources available for conserving biodiversity. Prioritising threatened taxa that are more appropriately regarded as synonymous with more common species represents a waste of resources. Such a scenario may apply to the Australian entity Grevillea williamsonii and consequently its taxonomic status was investigated using chloroplast DNA sequences and nuclear microsatellite data. Haplotype network and genetic structure analyses showed that G. williamsonii was not genetically distinct from, and should be synonymised with, the variable and morphologically similar but more common G. aquifolium. This study highlights the benefit of undertaking genetic analyses where questionable taxonomic status biases conservation prioritisation and management decisions.
Corrigendum to: A collaboratively derived environmental research agenda for Galápagos
Authors: Izurieta Arturo , Delgado Byron , Moity Nicolas , Calvopiña Monica , Cedeño Iván , Banda-Cruz Gonzalo , Cruz Eliecer , Aguas Milton , Arroba Francisco , Astudillo Iván , Bazurto Diana , Soria Mónica , Banks Stuart , Bayas Steve , Belli Simone , Bermúdez Rafael , Boelling Nicolai , Bolaños Jimmy , Borbor Mercy , Brito Ma. Lorena , Bucheli Leopoldo , Campbell Karl , Carranza David , Carrión Jorge , Casafont Maria , Castro Xavier , Chamorro Sandra , Chávez Juan , Chicaiza David , Chumbi René , Couenberg Paulina , Cousseau David , Cruz Marilyn , d'Ozouville Noemí , de la Guía Cristina , de la Torre Giorgio , Díaz Carla Molina , Duchicela Jessica , Endara Daniel , Garcia Vanessa , Gellibert Cynthia , Gibbs James , Guzmán Juan Carlos , Heylings Pippa , Iglesias Andrés , Izurieta Juan Carlos , Jaramillo Patricia , Klingman Asleigh , Laurie Andrew , Leon Patricia , Medina Jaime , Mendieta Edison , Merlen Godfrey , Montalvo Carla , Naula Edwin , Páez-Rosas Diego , Peralta Manuel , Peralvo Marcos , Piu Mario , Poma José , Pontón José , Pozo Mireya , Proaño Daniel , Ramos Mónica , Rousseaud Ana , Rueda Danny , Salinas Pelayo , Salmoral Gloria , Saraguro Silvia , Simón-Baile Débora , Tapia Washington , Teran Byron , Valverde Marilú , Vargas Andrea , Vega Josué , Velásquez Wilson , Vélez Alberto , Verdesoto Santiago , Villarraga Hernán G. , Vissioli Fernando , Viteri-Mejía Cesar , Norris-Crespo Lucía , Cooke Sophia C. , Toral-Granda M. Veronica , Sutherland William J.
Published: June 2018

Galápagos is one of the most pristine archipelagos in the world and its conservation relies upon research and sensible management. In recent decades both the interest in, and the needs of, the islands have increased, yet the funds and capacity for necessary research have remained limited. It has become, therefore, increasingly important to identify areas of priority research to assist decision-making in Galápagos conservation.
This study identified 50 questions considered priorities for future research and management. The exercise involved the collaboration of policy makers, practitioners and researchers from more than 30 different organisations. Initially, 360 people were consulted to generate 781 questions. An established process of preworkshop voting and three rounds to reduce and reword the questions, followed by a two-day workshop, was used to produce the final 50 questions. The most common issues raised by this list of questions were human population growth, climate change and the impact of invasive alien species. These results have already been used by a range of organisations and politicians and are expected to provide the basis for future research on the islands so that its sustainability may be enhanced.
Endocrine regulation of sperm release
Authors: Kumar A. , Raut S. , Balasinor N. H.
Published: June 2018

Spermiation (sperm release) is the culmination of a spermatid’s journey in the seminiferous epithelium. After a long association with the Sertoli cell, spermatids have to finally ‘let go’ of the support from Sertoli cells in order to be transported to the epididymis. Spermiation is a multistep process characterised by removal of excess spermatid cytoplasm, recycling of junctional adhesion molecules by endocytosis, extensive cytoskeletal remodelling and final spermatid disengagement. Successful execution of all these events requires coordinated regulation by endocrine and paracrine factors. This review focuses on the endocrine regulation of spermiation. With the aim of delineating how hormones control the various aspects of spermiation, this review provides an analysis of recent advances in research on the hormonal control of molecules associated with the spermiation machinery. Because spermiation is one of the most sensitive phases of spermatogenesis to variations in hormone levels, understanding their molecular control is imperative to advance our knowledge of the nuances of spermatogenesis and male fertility.
Near real-time monitoring of post-fire erosion after storm events: a case study in Warrumbungle National Park, Australia
Authors: Yang Xihua , Zhu Qinggaozi , Tulau Mitch , McInnes-Clarke Sally , Sun Liying , Zhang Xiaoping
Published: June 2018

Wildfires in national parks can lead to severe damage to property and infrastructure, and adverse impacts on the environment. This is especially pronounced if wildfires are followed by intense storms, such as the fire in Warrumbungle National Park in New South Wales, Australia, in early 2013. The aims of this study were to develop and validate a methodology to predict erosion risk at near real-time after storm events, and to provide timely information for monitoring of the extent, magnitude and impact of hillslope erosion to assist park management. We integrated weather radar-based estimates of rainfall erosivity with the revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) and remote sensing to predict soil loss from individual storm events after the fire. Other RUSLE factors were estimated from high resolution digital elevation models (LS factor), satellite data (C factor) and recent digital soil maps (K factor). The accuracy was assessed against field measurements at twelve soil plots across the Park and regular field survey during the 5-year period after the fire (2013–17). Automated scripts in a geographical information system have been developed to process large quantity spatial data and produce time-series erosion risk maps which show spatial and temporal changes in hillslope erosion and groundcover across the Park at near real time.
Targeting the potent Beclin 1–UVRAG coiled-coil interaction with designed peptides enhances autophagy and endolysosomal trafficking
Authors: Wu Shuai , He Yunjiao , Qiu Xianxiu , Yang Wenchao , Liu Wenchao , Li Xiaohua , Li Yan , Shen Han-Ming , Wang Renxiao , Yue Zhenyu , Zhao Yanxiang
Published: June 2018

Significance

Beclin 1 is an essential autophagy protein. Through its coiled-coil domain, Beclin 1 recruits two modulators, Atg14L and UVRAG, to form Atg14L- or UVRAG-containing Beclin 1–Vps34 subcomplexes responsible for Vps34-dependent membrane trafficking processes including autophagy and endosomal trafficking. Our structural study of the Beclin 1–UVRAG coiled-coil complex reveals a strengthened interface to maintain potent Beclin 1–UVRAG interaction. This potency is essential for UVRAG to outcompete Atg14L and enhance Vps34-dependent endosomal trafficking. Our designed peptides can target the Beclin 1 coiled-coil domain, promote Atg14L– and UVRAG–Beclin 1 interaction, induce autophagy, and significantly enhance endolysosomal degradation of the EGF receptor. Our results testify to the feasibility of targeting Beclin 1 to regulate both autophagy and endosomal trafficking.
A stress-induced response complex (SIRC) shuttles miRNAs, siRNAs, and oligonucleotides to the nucleus
Authors: Castanotto Daniela , Zhang Xiaowei , Alluin Jessica , Zhang Xizhe , Rüger Jacqueline , Armstrong Brian , Rossi John , Riggs Arthur , Stein C. A.
Published: June 2018

Significance

The deregulation of miRNA function is critical in the pathogenesis of cancer and other diseases. miRNAs and other noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) tightly regulate gene expression, often in the cell nucleus. Heretofore, there has been no understanding that there exists a general shuttling mechanism that brings miRNAs, in addition to therapeutic oligonucleotides and siRNAs, from the cytoplasm into the nucleus. We have identified this shuttling mechanism, which occurs in response to cell stress. Nuclear imported miRNAs are functional, can potentially alter gene expression, and participate in cell stress response mechanisms. This shuttling mechanism can be augmented to target specific RNAs, including miRNA sponges, and long ncRNAs like Malat-1, which have been implicated in promoting tumor metastasis.
BP180 dysfunction triggers spontaneous skin inflammation in mice
Authors: Zhang Yang , Hwang Bin-Jin , Liu Zhen , Li Ning , Lough Kendall , Williams Scott E. , Chen Jinbo , Burette Susan W. , Diaz Luis A. , Su Maureen A. , Xiao Shengxiang , Liu Zhi
Published: June 2018

Significance

BP180 is a cell–cell matrix adhesion molecule and is critical for attachment of epidermis to underlying dermis. We generated a dysfunctional BP180 mouse strain (Δ
NC16A
mice). The Δ
NC16A
mice at 8 weeks start developing spontaneous itch and skin inflammation characterized by increased skin thickness, infiltrating immune cells, increased levels of IgE in circulation, proinflammatory mediators in the skin, and impaired skin barrier. Bullous pemphigoid (BP) patients also present increased TSLP in lesional skin and circulation. Our findings suggest that BP180 regulates pruritic skin inflammation. Elucidation of molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the role of BP180 in skin inflammation should help better understanding of pathophysiology of skin inflammation and identify therapeutic targets for skin inflammatory diseases such as BP and atopic dermatitis.
Configuration correlation governs slow dynamics of supercooled metallic liquids
Authors: Hu Yuan-Chao , Li Yan-Wei , Yang Yong , Guan Peng-Fei , Bai Hai-Yang , Wang Wei-Hua
Published: June 2018

Significance

The search for a structural origin governing the dynamical slowing down of a supercooled liquid toward glass transition is an active area of the community of amorphous materials. In the past decade, the locally preferred geometrical orderings, that is, those local polyhedral packing clusters extracted from instantaneous atomic configurations, such as icosahedron, have been suggested as the structural origin of slow dynamics in metallic glass-forming liquids. Here, we demonstrate that it is the intrinsic correlation between configurations that captures the structural origin governing slow dynamics. A correlation length extracted from these configurations' correlation plays a more important role than various dynamic correlation lengths in determining the drastic dynamical slowdown of supercooled metallic liquids.
Evolutionary convergence in lignin-degrading enzymes
Authors: Ayuso-Fernández Iván , Ruiz-Dueñas Francisco J. , Martínez Angel T.
Published: June 2018

Significance

We analyze the molecular mechanisms that led to the rise of a powerful strategy for lignin degradation (i.e., the formation of a solvent-exposed tryptophanyl radical capable of oxidizing the bulky lignin polymer) as a convergent trait in different species of fungi (order Polyporales). We use ancestral sequence reconstruction and enzyme resurrection to obtain the ancestors of the two extant types of ligninolytic peroxidases—lignin peroxidase (LiP) and versatile peroxidase (VP)—and compare their predicted molecular structures and catalytic properties after resurrection. The results presented demonstrate convergent evolution in distant LiP and VP lineages with the exposed tryptophan residue appearing twice, as two independent events, following different molecular changes.