bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intradialytische Ernährung
Authors: Brodmann Doreen
Published: May 2018

Mangelernährung ist sowohl in der nierengesunden Bevölkerung als auch bei Dialysepatienten häufig. Je nach untersuchtem Parameter sind ca. 20–60 % der
Dialysepatienten von dieser – bei dieser Patientengruppe Protein-Energy-Wasting (PEW) genannten – Erkrankung betroffen. Nach Diagnosestellung stellt neben der
Minimierung Mangelernährung begünstigender Faktoren wie z. B. chronischer Infekte, Schluckstörungen, sozialer Ursachen und viele mehr die Steigerung und
Sicherstellung der Kalorien- und Eiweißzufuhr eine große Herausforderung bei diesen meist schwachen und appetitlosen Patienten dar. Die Möglichkeiten zur
Optimierung der Ernährung während der Hämodialyse (intradialytische Ernährung) umfassen neben der Bereitstellung einer hochwertigen und möglichst eiweißreichen
Mahlzeit zur Minimierung der Katabolie die Anreicherung der Nahrung mit Maltodextrin oder Eiweißkonzentraten, die IDEE (intradialytische enterale Ernährung) und
die IDPE (intradialytische parenterale Ernährung). Jedoch stellt die Hämodialyse mit 3-mal pro Woche jeweils 4 Stunden nur einen geringen Zeitanteil am Leben
des Patienten dar. Ernährungsmaßnahmen allein während der Dialyse sind deshalb nicht ausreichend und müssen um Maßnahmen für die Zeit außerhalb der
Dialysesitzungen ergänzt werden.
Landing Styles Influences Reactive Strength Index without Increasing Risk for Injury
Authors: Guy-Cherry Dana , Alanazi Ahmad , Miller Lauren , Staloch Darrin , Ortiz-Rodriguez Alexis
Published: May 2018

The aim was to determine which three landing styles – stiff (ST), self-selected (SS), or soft (SF) – exhibit safer landing mechanics and greater jumping performance. Thirty participants (age: 26.5±5.1 years; height: 171.0±8.8 cm; weight: 69.7±10.1 kg) performed five trials of three randomized drop jump (40 cm) landing styles including SF (~60° knee flexion), ST (knees as straight as possible), and SS. Knee flexion and valgus angles and kinetics were measured. An electromyography system measured muscle activity of the gluteus maximus, quadriceps, hamstrings, tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius. Reactive strength index (RSI) was used to measure jumping performance. ANOVAs were used to compare the three landings. All landings differed in knee flexion (p<0.001; effect size (η2): 0.9) but not valgus (p=.13; η2:.15). RSI (mm·ms-1) showed differences for all jumps (p<0.001; η2: 0.7) with SS (0.96) showing the highest value, then ST (0.93), and SF (0.64). Ground reaction forces were different between jumps (p<0.001; η2: 0.4) with SF (1.34/bodyweight (bw)) showing lower forces, then SS (1.50/bw), and ST (1.81/bw). No between-jump differences were observed for EMG (p>0.66; η2: 0.3). No landing demonstrated valgus landing mechanics. The SS landing exhibited the highest RSI. However, the 1.8/bw exhibited by the ST landing might contribute to overload of musculotendinous structures at the knee.
Impedance analysis and stabilization control of the LCL-type wind power inverter under weak grid conditions
Authors: Han Gang , Sang Shun , Cai Xu
Published: May 2018

To address the instability issues of LCL-type wind power inverter's operation under weak grid conditions, stability control methods are investigated in this paper. Based on an inverter impedance model that considers an inner current control loop, a precise impedance model that considers dynamic characteristics of dc bus voltage and a reactive power outer loop is created in this paper. The phasor diagram method and an analytical method are used to interpret frequency characteristics of the inverter output impedance. The impedance analysis results show that the instability of the inverter in a weak grid has a weak correlation with the LCL filter parameter and a strong correlation with the inner and outer control loops. Phase-locked loop bandwidth reduction improves inverter's operation stability to some extent. However, it also reduces the inverter's tracking and anti-interference performance. Therefore, a capacitor current-feedback-based stability control method is proposed in this paper. The feasibility of the proposed control method is proven via general Nyquist-criteria-based impedance analysis. Finally, an RT-LAB hardware loop test platform is created to verify the validity of impedance modeling proposed in this paper and the effectiveness of the stability control strategy.
The control of hot-electron preheat in shock-ignition implosions
Authors: Trela J. , Theobald W. , Anderson K. S. , Batani D. , Betti R. , Casner A. , Delettrez J. A. , Frenje J. A. , Glebov V. Yu. , Ribeyre X. , Solodov A. A. , Stoeckl M. , Stoeckl C.
Published: May 2018

In the shock-ignition scheme for inertial confinement fusion, hot electrons resulting from laser–plasma instabilities can play a major role during the late stage of the implosion. This article presents the results of an experiment performed on OMEGA in the so-called “40 + 20 configuration.” Using a recent calibration of the time-resolved hard x-ray diagnostic, the hot electrons' temperature and total energy were measured. One-dimensional radiation–hydrodynamic simulations have been performed that include hot electrons and are in agreement with the measured neutron-rate–averaged areal density. For an early spike launch, both experiment and simulations show the detrimental effect of hot electrons on areal density and neutron yield. For a later spike launch, this effect is minimized because of a higher compression of the target.
Biodiversity in the cyclic competition system of three species according to the emergence of mutant species
Authors: Park Junpyo
Published: May 2018

Understanding mechanisms which promote or hinder existing ecosystems are important issues in ecological sciences. In addition to fundamental interactions such as competition and migration among native species, existing ecosystems can be easily disturbed by external factors, and the emergence of new species may be an example in such cases. The new species which does not exist in a current ecosystem can be regarded as either alien species entered from outside or mutant species born by mutation in existing normal species. Recently, as existing ecosystems are getting influenced by various physical/chemical external factors, mutation due to anthropogenic and environmental factors can occur more frequently and is thus attracting much attention for the maintenance of ecosystems. In this paper, we consider emergences of mutant species among self-competing three species in the cyclic dominance. By defining mutation as the birth of mutant species, we investigate how mutant species can affect biodiversity in the existing ecosystem. Through microscopic and macroscopic approaches, we have found that the society of existing normal species can be disturbed by mutant species either the society is maintained accompanying with the coexistence of all species or jeopardized by occupying of mutant species. Due to the birth of mutant species, the existing society may be more complex by constituting two different groups of normal and mutant species, and our results can be contributed to analyze complex ecosystems of many species. We hope our findings may propose a new insight on mutation in cyclic competition systems of many species.
Flow-through compression cell for small-angle and ultra-small-angle neutron scattering measurements
Authors: Hjelm Rex P. , Taylor Mark A. , Frash Luke P. , Hawley Marilyn E. , Ding Mei , Xu Hongwu , Barker John , Olds Daniel , Heath Jason , Dewers Thomas
Published: May 2018

In situ measurements of geological materials under compression and with hydrostatic fluid pressure are important in understanding their behavior under field conditions, which in turn provides critical information for application-driven research. In particular, understanding the role of nano- to micro-scale porosity in the subsurface liquid and gas flow is critical for the high-fidelity characterization of the transport and more efficient extraction of the associated energy resources. In other applications, where parts are produced by the consolidation of powders by compression, the resulting porosity and crystallite orientation (texture) may affect its in-use characteristics. Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and ultra SANS are ideal probes for characterization of these porous structures over the nano to micro length scales. Here we show the design, realization, and performance of a novel neutron scattering sample environment, a specially designed compression cell, which provides compressive stress and hydrostatic pressures with effective stress up to 60 MPa, using the neutron beam to probe the effects of stress vectors parallel to the neutron beam. We demonstrate that the neutron optics is suitable for the experimental objectives and that the system is highly stable to the stress and pressure conditions of the measurements.
Measurements of ion velocity separation and ionization in multi-species plasma shocks
Authors: Rinderknecht Hans G. , Park H.-S. , Ross J. S. , Amendt P. A. , Wilks S. C. , Katz J. , Hoffman N. M. , Kagan G. , Vold E. L. , Keenan B. D. , Simakov A. N. , Chacón L.
Published: May 2018

The ion velocity structure of a strong collisional shock front in a plasma with multiple ion species is directly probed in laser-driven shock-tube experiments. Thomson scattering of a 263.25 nm probe beam is used to diagnose ion composition, temperature, and flow velocity in strong shocks (M∼6) propagating through low-density (ρ∼0.1 mg/cc) plasmas composed of mixtures of hydrogen (98%) and neon (2%). Within the preheat region of the shock front, two velocity populations of ions are observed, a characteristic feature of strong plasma shocks. The ionization state of the Ne is observed to change within the shock front, demonstrating an ionization-timescale effect on the shock front structure. The forward-streaming proton feature is shown to be unexpectedly cool compared to predictions from ion Fokker-Planck simulations; the neon ionization gradient is evaluated as a possible cause.
Time delays, population, and economic development
Authors: Gori Luca , Guerrini Luca , Sodini Mauro
Published: May 2018

This research develops an augmented Solow model with population dynamics and time delays. The model produces either a single stationary state or multiple stationary states (able to characterise different development regimes). The existence of time delays may cause persistent fluctuations in both economic and demographic variables. In addition, the work identifies in a simple way the reasons why economics affects demographics and vice versa.
Perspective: Biophysical regulation of cancerous and normal blood cell lineages in hematopoietic malignancies
Authors: Wong Sing Wan , Lenzini Stephen , Shin Jae-Won
Published: May 2018

It is increasingly appreciated that physical forces play important roles in cancer biology, in terms of progression, invasiveness, and drug resistance. Clinical progress in treating hematological malignancy and in developing cancer immunotherapy highlights the role of the hematopoietic system as a key model in devising new therapeutic strategies against cancer. Understanding mechanobiology of the hematopoietic system in the context of cancer will thus yield valuable fundamental insights that can information about novel cancer therapeutics. In this perspective, biophysical insights related to blood cancer are defined and detailed. The interactions with immune cells relevant to immunotherapy against cancer are considered and expounded, followed by speculation of potential regulatory roles of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in this complex network. Finally, a perspective is presented as to how insights from these complex interactions between matrices, blood cancer cells, immune cells, and MSCs can be leveraged to influence and engineer the treatment of blood cancers in the clinic.
The effective temperature for the thermal fluctuations in hot Brownian motion
Authors: Srivastava Mayank , Chakraborty Dipanjan
Published: May 2018

We revisit the effective parameter description of hot Brownian motion—a scenario where a colloidal particle is kept at an elevated temperature than the ambient fluid. Due to the time scale separation between heat diffusion and particle motion, a stationary halo of hot fluid is carried along with the particle resulting in a spatially varying comoving temperature and viscosity profile. The resultant Brownian motion in the overdamped limit can be well described by a Langevin equation with effective parameters such as effective temperature THBM and friction coefficient ζHBM that quantifies the thermal fluctuations and the diffusivity of the particle. These parameters can exactly be calculated using the framework of fluctuating hydrodynamics and require the knowledge of the complete flow field and the temperature field around the particle. Additionally, it was also observed that configurational and kinetic degrees of freedom admit to different effective temperatures, THBMx and THBMv, respectively, with the former predicted accurately from fluctuating hydrodynamics. A more rigorous calculation by Falasco et al. [Phys. Rev. E 90, 032131-10 (2014)] extends the overdamped description to a generalized Langevin equation where the effective temperature becomes frequency dependent and consequently, for any temperature measurement from a Brownian trajectory requires the knowledge of this frequency dependence. We use this framework to expand on the earlier work and look at the first order correction to the limiting values in the hydrodynamic limit and the kinetic limit. We use the linearized Stokes equation and a constant viscosity approximation to calculate the dissipation function in the fluid. The effective temperature is calculated from the weighted average of the temperature field with the dissipation function. Further, we provide a closed form analytical result for effective temperature in the small as well as high frequency limit. Since hot Brownian motion can be used to probe the local environment in complex systems, we have also calculated the effective diffusivity of the particle in the small frequency limit. To look into the kinetic temperature, the velocity autocorrelation function is computed from the generalized Langevin equation and the Wiener-Khinchine theorem and numerically integrated to evaluate THBMv as a function of the ratio of particle density and fluid density ρP/ρ0. The two limiting cases of ρP/ρ0 → 0 and ρP/ρ0 → ∞ is also discussed.
NMR spin-rotation relaxation and diffusion of methane
Authors: Singer P. M. , Asthagiri D. , Chapman W. G. , Hirasaki G. J.
Published: May 2018

The translational diffusion-coefficient and the spin-rotation contribution to the 1H NMR relaxation rate for methane (CH4) are investigated using MD (molecular dynamics) simulations, over a wide range of densities and temperatures, spanning the liquid, supercritical, and gas phases. The simulated diffusion-coefficients agree well with measurements, without any adjustable parameters in the interpretation of the simulations. A minimization technique is developed to compute the angular velocity for non-rigid spherical molecules, which is used to simulate the autocorrelation function for spin-rotation interactions. With increasing diffusivity, the autocorrelation function shows increasing deviations from the single-exponential decay predicted by the Langevin theory for rigid spheres, and the deviations are quantified using inverse Laplace transforms. The 1H spin-rotation relaxation rate derived from the autocorrelation function using the “kinetic model” agrees well with measurements in the supercritical/gas phase, while the relaxation rate derived using the “diffusion model” agrees well with measurements in the liquid phase. 1H spin-rotation relaxation is shown to dominate over the MD-simulated 1H-1H dipole-dipole relaxation at high diffusivity, while the opposite is found at low diffusivity. At high diffusivity, the simulated spin-rotation correlation time agrees with the kinetic collision time for gases, which is used to derive a new expression for 1H spin-rotation relaxation, without any adjustable parameters.
On simulation of local fluxes in molecular junctions
Authors: Cabra Gabriel , Jensen Anders , Galperin Michael
Published: May 2018

We present a pedagogical review of the current density simulation in molecular junction models indicating its advantages and deficiencies in analysis of local junction transport characteristics. In particular, we argue that current density is a universal tool which provides more information than traditionally simulated bond currents, especially when discussing inelastic processes. However, current density simulations are sensitive to the choice of basis and electronic structure method. We note that while discussing the local current conservation in junctions, one has to account for the source term caused by the open character of the system and intra-molecular interactions. Our considerations are illustrated with numerical simulations of a benzenedithiol molecular junction.
Research on Al-alloy sheet forming formability during warm/hot sheet hydroforming based on elliptical warm bulging test
Authors: Cai Gaoshen , Wu Chuanyu , Gao Zepu , Lang Lihui , Alexandrov Sergei
Published: May 2018

An elliptical warm/hot sheet bulging test under different temperatures and pressure rates was carried out to predict Al-alloy sheet forming limit during warm/hot sheet hydroforming. Using relevant formulas of ultimate strain to calculate and dispose experimental data, forming limit curves (FLCS) in tension–tension state of strain (TTSS) area are obtained. Combining with the basic experimental data obtained by uniaxial tensile test under the equivalent condition with bulging test, complete forming limit diagrams (FLDS) of Al-alloy are established. Using a quadratic polynomial curve fitting method, material constants of fitting function are calculated and a prediction model equation for sheet metal forming limit is established, by which the corresponding forming limit curves in TTSS area can be obtained. The bulging test and fitting results indicated that the sheet metal FLCS obtained were very accurate. Also, the model equation can be used to instruct warm/hot sheet bulging test.
Development of dissipative elastic metamaterials based on the layered cantilever-in-mass structure for attenuating the broad spectrum vibrations
Authors: Wang Jun , Zhou Xiaoqin , Wang Rongqi , Lin Jieqiong
Published: May 2018

In this paper, the layered cantilever-in-mass structures (LCIMs) will be theoretically investigated to reveal the effects of the layered structures on band gaps, which have great potential to bring in many useful material properties without much increasing the manufacturing difficulty by stacking the damped layers or other different component layers. Firstly, the negative effective mass model of LCIMs is derived based on the mass-in-mass model, which is applied to analyze the effective parameters of band gaps in terms of the geometrical features and material properties, the analytical results indicate the negative effective masses of LCIMs depend highly on the material parameter and thicknesses of each constituent layers. Then the LCIMs consist of the same thickness layers are further researched, which has found that their resonance frequency are independent on the layer thickness, and the numeric values of resonance frequencies are between the maximum and minimum local resonance frequency of their constituent layers. To validate the above analytical model, the three-dimensional model and the two-dimensional shell model of LCIMs are constructed in COMSOL Multiphysics. The obtained results show well agreement with the derived model in both the three-dimensional model and shell model. Finally, the dissipative LCIMs modeled by stacking the damped layers and metal layers are studied and discussed.
Age and growth estimates of the blue shark Prionace glauca in the central South Pacific Ocean
Authors: Joung Shoou-Jeng , Lyu Guann-Tyng , Hsu Hua-Hsun , Liu Kwang-Ming , Wang Shyh-Bin
Published: May 2018

The age and growth of the blue shark Prionace glauca in the central South Pacific is described based on 267 specimens that were collected by scientific observers on board Taiwanese large-scale tuna longline fleets between May 2009 and May 2011. Growth band pairs (identified as translucent and opaque bands) were counted on images photographed from X-ray films of the vertebrae from the caudal peduncle region. The marginal increment ratio and centrum edge analysis indicated that a growth band pair was formed on the vertebral centrum once per year. The band pairs after the birthmark were counted from 2 to 11 for females and from 2 to 15 for males. The bias corrected Akaike information criterion indicated that the von Bertalanffy growth function (VBGF) best fitted the observed total length (TL)-at-age data. The parameters of sex-specific VBGF were estimated as follows: for females, theoretical maximum length (L∞) mean±s.d.=330.4±46.6cm TL, growth coefficient k=0.164±0.057year–1 and theoretical age at length 0 (t0)=–1.29±0.78 years; for males, L∞=376.6±32.6cm TL, k=0.128±0.022year–1 and t0=–1.48±0.54 years. The longevities were estimated to be at least 16.8 and 21.6 years for females and males respectively.
Reproductive aspects of Galaxias platei (Pisces, Galaxiidae) in a deep lake in North Patagonia
Authors: Milano Daniela , Barriga Juan P.
Published: May 2018

Reproductive characteristics of the native fish Galaxias platei were studied in Lake Moreno, an ultra-oligotrophic deep lake in North Patagonia. According to histological analysis of ovaries, G. platei presents synchronous oocyte development typical of a group-synchronous spawner. Mature oocyte diameter ranged from 1031 to 1419μm. Based on the gonadosomatic index, annual spawning occurs between April and June (austral autumn) and is directly related to the water temperature of deeper strata (below 30m) where this species lives, but not with photoperiod. Female G. platei acquire sexual maturity at a length of 105mm, whereas males acquire sexual maturity at a length of 177mm. Delaying maturity to obtain higher fecundity, as well as maximum body size and longevity, indicates that G. platei is more specialised than the other South American Galaxias, G. maculatus, in terms of lifestyle. These specialised features are related to the stable environment G. platei lives in and indicate that it could eventually become a vulnerable species in unstable environments, such as the Patagonian lakes dominated by salmonids.
How can university sexual health promotion events reach those most at risk? A cross-sectional study
Authors: Dunn Matthew E. , McKinnon Merryn
Published: May 2018

Background The rate of notifications of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) in Australians has increased dramatically, especially in those aged 16–30 years. This age bracket, typical of university students, is the most likely to report multiple sexual partners in the previous year. Individuals who have sex with multiple partners in a year have a significantly increased chance of contracting an STI, making them an important audience for sexual health promotion. This study aimed to determine how university sexual health promotion events can better reach this higher-risk subset of the population. Methods: Two anonymous cross-sectional surveys were used to understand current and ideal sexual health promotion events through the perspectives of student leaders (n = 62) and general university students (n = 502). Results: Students who had more than one sexual partner in the previous year (the higher-risk group) made up 22.7% of the students sampled. Higher-risk students differed substantially from lower-risk students in terms of preferred event types, incentives and topics to be covered, often prioritising those rarely used in current university sexual health events. Conclusion: While current university sexual health events include some features that align with student priorities, elements beyond sexual health information, such as social activity, alcohol incentives and on-site sexual health testing, can be helpful tools to attract students with higher numbers of sexual partners.
Evaluating the Mid-Infrared Bi-spectral Index for improved assessment of low-severity fire effects in a conifer forest
Authors: McCarley T. Ryan , Smith Alistair M. S. , Kolden Crystal A. , Kreitler Jason
Published: May 2018

Remote sensing products provide a vital understanding of wildfire effects across a landscape, but detection and delineation of low- and mixed-severity fire remain difficult. Although data provided by the Monitoring Trends in Burn Severity (MTBS) project are frequently used to assess severity in the United States, alternative indices can offer improvement in the measurement of low-severity fire effects and would be beneficial for future product development and adoption. This research note evaluated one such alternative, the Mid-Infrared Bi-Spectral Index (MIRBI), which was developed in savannah ecosystems to isolate spectral changes caused by burning and reduce noise from other factors. MIRBI, differenced MIRBI (dMIRBI) and burn severity indices used by MTBS were assessed for spectral optimality at distinguishing severity and the ability to differentiate between unburned and burned canopy in a conifer forest. The MIRBI indices were better at isolating changes caused by burning and demonstrated higher spectral separability, particularly at low severity. These findings suggest that MIRBI indices can provide an enhanced alternative or complement to current MTBS products in high-canopy-cover forests for applications such as discernment of fire perimeters and unburned islands, as well as identification of low-severity fire effects.
Rapid shift and millennial-scale variations in Holocene North Pacific Intermediate Water ventilation
Authors: Lembke-Jene Lester , Tiedemann Ralf , Nürnberg Dirk , Gong Xun , Lohmann Gerrit
Published: May 2018

Significance

The North Pacific hosts extensive oxygen minimum zones. Ventilation of North Pacific Intermediate Water mitigates hypoxia in thermocline waters not under influence of ocean–atmosphere processes. Instrumental datasets show recent decadal decreases in O
2
, but millennial-scale natural variations in mesopelagic ventilation might be large and are not understood well. We reconstruct Holocene ventilation changes in a key region (Okhotsk Sea). Modern ventilation and O
2
levels are a relatively recent feature. In the warmer-than-present Early Holocene, middepth O
2
concentrations were 25 to 50% reduced, with significant millennial-scale variations. A sudden ventilation decrease six thousand years ago is linked to higher ocean temperatures, sea ice loss, and higher remineralization, corroborated by results from paleoclimate modeling, providing constraints for future warming scenarios.
Staphylococcus aureus
clumping factor A is a force-sensitive molecular switch that activates bacterial adhesion
Authors: Herman-Bausier Philippe , Labate Cristina , Towell Aisling M. , Derclaye Sylvie , Geoghegan Joan A. , Dufrêne Yves F.
Published: May 2018

Significance

The
Staphylococcus aureus
surface protein clumping factor A (ClfA) binds to the blood plasma protein fibrinogen (Fg) via molecular interactions that are poorly understood. Here, we unravel the forces guiding the interaction between ClfA and immobilized Fg, showing that it is dramatically enhanced by tensile loading. Our findings favor a model whereby ClfA interacts with Fg via two distinct binding sites, the adhesive function of which is tightly regulated by mechanical force. Reminiscent of a catch bond mechanism, this force-enhanced adhesion explains the ability of ClfA to promote
S. aureus
colonization of host tissues and biomedical devices under physical stress.
STXBP4 regulates APC/C-mediated p63 turnover and drives squamous cell carcinogenesis
Authors: Rokudai Susumu , Li Yingchun , Otaka Yukihiro , Fujieda Michiru , Owens David M. , Christiano Angela M. , Nishiyama Masahiko , Prives Carol
Published: May 2018

Significance

The N-terminally truncated isoform of p63 (ΔNp63) is overexpressed in some forms of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Here we show that the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) degradation machinery plays an essential role in regulating the proteolysis of ΔNp63. We report as well that syntaxin-binding protein 4 (Stxbp4) suppresses APC/C-mediated ubiquitination and proteolysis of ΔNp63 and thereby drives the oncogenic potential of SCC. Aberrancies in this newly defined mechanism could account for ΔNp63 overexpression in SCC. These findings suggest that Stxbp4 could be a relevant therapeutic target for SCC detection and treatment.
Reducing resistance allele formation in CRISPR gene drive
Authors: Champer Jackson , Liu Jingxian , Oh Suh Yeon , Reeves Riona , Luthra Anisha , Oakes Nathan , Clark Andrew G. , Messer Philipp W.
Published: May 2018

Significance

A functioning gene drive mechanism could fundamentally change our strategies for the control of vector-borne diseases, such as malaria, dengue, and Zika. CRISPR homing gene drive promises such a mechanism, which could be used to rapidly spread genetic modifications among the mosquitoes that transmit these diseases. However, recent studies have shown that current drives would likely be unable to spread in insect populations due to the high rate at which resistance will evolve. In this study, we provide an experimental demonstration that guide RNA multiplexing can successfully reduce resistance rates but also find that such an approach would still need to be combined with additional strategies to create drives that are efficient enough for use in wild populations.
Ultrafast glutamate sensors resolve high-frequency release at Schaffer collateral synapses
Authors: Helassa Nordine , Dürst Céline D. , Coates Catherine , Kerruth Silke , Arif Urwa , Schulze Christian , Wiegert J. Simon , Geeves Michael , Oertner Thomas G. , Török Katalin
Published: May 2018

Significance

Excitatory synapses convert presynaptic action potentials into chemical signals that are sensed by postsynaptic glutamate receptors. To eavesdrop on synaptic transmission, genetically encoded fluorescent sensors for glutamate have been developed. However, even the best available sensors lag behind the very fast glutamate dynamics in the synaptic cleft. Here, we report the development of an ultrafast genetically encoded glutamate sensor, iGlu

u

, which allowed us to image glutamate clearance and synaptic depression during 100-Hz spike trains. We found that only boutons showing paired-pulse facilitation were able to rapidly recover from depression. Thus, presynaptic boutons act as frequency-specific filters to transmit select features of the spike train to specific postsynaptic cells.
High mobility group A2 (HMGA2) deficiency in pigs leads to dwarfism, abnormal fetal resource allocation, and cryptorchidism
Authors: Chung Jaewook , Zhang Xia , Collins Bruce , Sper Renan B. , Gleason Katherine , Simpson Sean , Koh Sehwon , Sommer Jeffrey , Flowers William L. , Petters Robert M. , Piedrahita Jorge A.
Published: May 2018

Significance

We show that mutations in
HMGA2
affect fetal resource allocation, testis descent, and the size of pigs and provides a target for gene modification that can be used to modulate size in other mammalian species. This can have implications in agriculture as well as in the development of new strains of companion animals. In addition, most xenograft pig donors have adult organs larger than those of humans. Recently, it has been shown that regulation of organ growth is donor-controlled, not host-controlled, resulting in organ overgrowth and damage after transplantation. We show here that the
HMGA2
gene is a potential target for organ-size regulation in xenotransplantation.
Magnetic control of heterogeneous ice nucleation with nanophase magnetite: Biophysical and agricultural implications
Authors: Kobayashi Atsuko , Horikawa Masamoto , Kirschvink Joseph L. , Golash Harry N.
Published: May 2018

Significance

Ice crystallization affects processes as divergent as cloud formation and rain seeding, to the growth, transportation, and preservation of the human food supply. Recent estimates show that nearly 40% of all food is lost between the farm and the kitchen, and much of this is due to cellular damage from freezing. The discovery that nanocrystals of magnetite are one of nature’s most potent ice nucleation materials indicates that this mineral, naturally present in many plant and animal tissues, is responsible for frost and freezer damage. As ice formed from supercooled water is less damaging to tissues, the ability to control ice nucleation with magnetic fields offers the promise of developing better technologies to minimize agricultural waste.
Longevity and transposon defense, the case of termite reproductives
Authors: Elsner Daniel , Meusemann Karen , Korb Judith
Published: May 2018

Significance

Social insects such as honey bees or termites are promising new models for aging research. In contrast to short-lived models like the fruit fly or mouse, the reproductives of an insect colony have exceptionally long lifespans. This offers important new avenues for gerontology, especially as mechanisms underlying aging are highly conserved among animals. We studied aging in a termite from the wild. Our results suggest that aging in this species, as in other animals, is related to the activity of transposable elements (TEs; also known as “jumping genes”). Yet reproductives seem to be protected by a process that normally silences TEs in the germline of animals. This suggests that natural selection used a mechanism from the germline to protect whole animals.
Downregulation of BK channel function and protein expression in coronary arteriolar smooth muscle cells of type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Lu Tong , Chai Qiang , Jiao Guoqing , Wang Xiao-Li , Sun Xiaojing , Furuseth Jonathan D , Stulak John M , Daly Richard C , Greason Kevin L , Cha Yong-Mei , Lee Hon-Chi
Published: May 2018

Aims

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is strongly associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients. Vascular large conductance Ca2+-activated potassium (BK) channels, composed of four pore-forming α subunits (BK-α), and four regulatory β1 subunits (BK-β1), are densely expressed in coronary arterial smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and play an important role in regulating vascular tone and myocardial perfusion. However, the role of BK channels in coronary microvascular dysfunction of human subjects with diabetes is unclear. In this study, we examined BK channel function and protein expression, and BK channel-mediated vasodilation in freshly isolated coronary arterioles from T2D patients.

Methods and results

Atrial tissues were obtained from 16 patients with T2D and 25 matched non-diabetic subjects during cardiopulmonary bypass procedure. Microvessel videomicroscopy and immunoblot analysis were performed in freshly dissected coronary arterioles and inside-out single BK channel currents was recorded in enzymatically isolated coronary arteriolar SMCs. We found that BK channel sensitivity to physiological Ca2+ concentration and voltage was downregulated in the coronary arteriolar SMCs of diabetic patients, compared with non-diabetic controls. BK channel kinetics analysis revealed that there was significant shortening of the mean open time and prolongation of the mean closed time in diabetic patients, resulting in a remarkable reduction of the channel open probability. Functional studies showed that BK channel activation by dehydrosoyasaponin-1 was diminished and that BK channel-mediated vasodilation in response to shear stress was impaired in diabetic coronary arterioles. Immunoblot experiments confirmed that the protein expressions of BK-α and BK-β1 subunits were significantly downregulated, but the ratio of BK-α/BK-β1 was unchanged in the coronary arterioles of T2D patients.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated for the first time that BK channel function and BK channel-mediated vasodilation were abnormal in the coronary microvasculature of diabetic patients, due to decreased protein expression and altered intrinsic properties of BK channels.
Guilt Dynamics: Consequences of Temporally Separating Decisions and Actions
Authors: Duke Kristen E , Amir On
Published: May 2018

The current research demonstrates that temporally separating a consumer’s initial decision to perform a guilt-inducing action from its actual enactment reduces the guilt felt while acting. This hypothesis follows from the development of a dynamic model that unpacks guilt into two distinct components. Initially, one experiences decision guilt accompanying the decision to act or the realization that one will act; subsequently, one experiences action guilt while engaging in the guilt-inducing behavior. Four experiments and two pilot studies reveal that introducing a temporal “decision-enactment gap” enables decision guilt to decay in this interim period, which lowers the overall guilt experienced upon acting. In line with the self-regulative function of guilt, decision-enactment gaps also increase indulgent consumption and decrease post-behavior atonement. This decoupling process can thus alleviate guilt that might otherwise detract from experiences, but may come at a cost to self-control efforts. The authors discuss the theoretical and practical implications of these findings.
Patterns and disparities of care in glioblastoma
Authors: Dressler Emily V , Liu Meng , Garcia Catherine R , Dolecek Therese A , Pittman Thomas , Huang Bin , Villano John L
Published: May 2018

Background

Glioblastoma is an aggressive disease with a defined standard of care offering crucial survival benefits. Disparities in care may influence treatment decisions. This study seeks to evaluate potential patterns in care delivery using the National Cancer Database (NCDB).

Methods

We evaluated the NCDB from 1998 to 2011 for patients diagnosed with glioblastoma older than 20 years of age in order to describe current hospital-based demographics, rates of treatment modality by age, race, gender, likelihood of receiving treatment, and survival probabilities.

Results

From 1998 to 2011, 100672 patients were diagnosed with glioblastoma in the United States. Of these, 54% were younger than 65 years of age, while 20% were 75 years of age or older. The most common type of treatment was surgery (73%), followed by radiation (69%) and chemotherapy (50%). Eleven percent of patients did not receive any form of therapy. Patients receiving no form of treatment were more likely to be older, female, black, or Hispanic. Tumors that did not involve brainstem, ventricles, or the cerebellum were associated with more aggressive treatment and better overall survival. The median survival was 7.5 months. The use of concomitant surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiation demonstrated greater survival benefit.

Conclusions

Median survival for glioblastoma is significantly less than reported in clinical trials. Sociodemographic factors such as age, gender, race, and socioeconomic status affect treatment decisions for glioblastoma. The elderly are greatly undertreated, as many elderly patients receive no treatment or significantly less than standard of care.
Positive Expectancies for E-Cigarette Use and Anxiety Sensitivity Among Adults
Authors: Zvolensky Michael J , Mayorga Nubia A , Garey Lorra
Published: May 2018

Introduction

Although e-cigarette use is on the rise among youth and adults, there is little understanding of the individual difference factors at a cognitive level of analysis for e-cigarette beliefs and quit behavior.

Method

The present investigation sought to test a theoretically driven interactive model of positive expectancies for e-cigarettes and anxiety sensitivity (fear of the consequences of anxiety) among 551 adult e-cigarette users (50.6% female, Mage = 35.2 years, SD = 10.1).

Results

Results indicated a significant interaction between positive expectancies for e-cigarette use and AS was significantly related to greater perceived benefits of e-cigarette use, greater perceived risk of e-cigarette use, and more serious attempts for trying to quit e-cigarettes. The significant interaction effect for each dependent variable was evident over and above the main effects as well as the covariates of sex, income, education, and concurrent combustible cigarette use. The form of this interaction indicated that e-cigarette users higher in AS who also maintained more positive outcome expectancies for e-cigarette use reported more perceived benefits as well as more perceived risk of e-cigarette use and engaged in more (failed) attempts to quit e-cigarettes.

Conclusions

Overall, the current data suggest that individual differences in AS and positive expectancies may represent two important factors to consider in e-cigarette beliefs and quit attempts.

Implications

This study provides the first empirical evidence of a transdiagnostic construct (anxiety sensitivity) in relation to e-cigarette use and how it interplays with positive expectancies for e-cigarette use beliefs and behavior. These novel data suggest that future clinical research may benefit by understanding the potential therapeutic role of anxiety sensitivity and expectancies for e-cigarette use behavior.
Exploring the (Missing) Gender Training Gap in Germany: The Role of Organizations and Sectors in Continuing Training Participation
Authors: Wotschack Philip
Published: May 2018

This article addresses the question how organizational characteristics are related to gender differences in employer-provided continuing training participation. By building on labor market and organizational theory, four mechanisms are tested: (i) formal policies, (ii) relative power, (iii) resources, and (iv) training demand. Multivariate analyses based on the German IAB-Establishment Panel provide evidence that the gender training gap varies considerably between organizations. Organizational policies supporting women’s employment over the life course, a higher share of female top managers, and employee organizations help to prevent a gender training gap. Moreover, the gender training gap is related to sectoral differences and company size.
Liposomal Bupivacaine Does Not Reduce Inpatient Opioid Prescription or Related Complications after Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Pichler Lukas , Poeran Jashvant , Zubizarreta Nicole , Cozowicz Crispiana , Sun Eric C. , Mazumdar Madhu , Memtsoudis Stavros G.
Published: May 2018

Editor’s Perspective

What We Already Know about This Topic

What This Manuscript Tells Us That Is New

Background

Although some trials suggest benefits of liposomal bupivacaine, data on real-world use and effectiveness is lacking. This study analyzed the impact of liposomal bupivacaine use (regardless of administration route) on inpatient opioid prescription, resource utilization, and opioid-related complications among patients undergoing total knee arthroplasties with a peripheral nerve block. It was hypothesized that liposomal bupivacaine has limited clinical influence on the studied outcomes.

Methods

The study included data on 88,830 total knee arthroplasties performed with a peripheral nerve block (Premier Healthcare Database 2013 to 2016). Multilevel multivariable regressions measured associations between use of liposomal bupivacaine and (1) inpatient opioid prescription (extracted from billing) and (2) length of stay, cost of hospitalization, as well as opioid-related complications. To reflect the difference between statistical and clinical significance, a relative change of −15% in outcomes was assumed to be clinically important.

Results

Overall, liposomal bupivacaine was used in 21.2% (n = 18,817) of patients that underwent a total knee arthroplasty with a peripheral nerve block. Liposomal bupivacaine use was not associated with a clinically meaningful reduction in inpatient opioid prescription (group median, 253 mg of oral morphine equivalents, adjusted effect −9.3% CI −11.1%, −7.5%; P < 0.0001) and length of stay (group median, 3 days, adjusted effect −8.8% CI −10.1%, −7.5%; P < 0.0001) with no effect on cost of hospitalization. Most importantly, liposomal bupivacaine use was not associated with decreased odds for opioid-related complications.

Conclusions

Liposomal bupivacaine was not associated with a clinically relevant improvement in inpatient opioid prescription, resource utilization, or opioid-related complications in patients who received modern pain management including a peripheral nerve block.
A Pilot Study of a Novel Automated Somatosensory Evoked Potential (SSEP) Monitoring Device for Detection and Prevention of Intraoperative Peripheral Nerve Injury in Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Surgery
Authors: Chui Jason , Murkin John M. , Drosdowech Darren
Published: May 2018

Introduction:

Peripheral nerve injury is a potentially devastating complication after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) surgery. This pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility of using an automated somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) device to provide a timely alert/intervention to minimize intraoperative nerve insults during TSA surgery.

Methods:

A prospective, single-arm, observational study was conducted in a single university hospital. The attending anesthesiologist monitored the study participants using the EPAD automated SSEP device and an intervention was made if there was an alert during TSA surgery. The median, radial, and ulnar nerve SSEP on the operative arm, as well as the median nerve SSEP of the nonoperative arm were monitored for each patient. All patients were evaluated for postoperative neurological deficits 6 weeks postoperatively.

Results:

In total, 21 patients were consented and were successfully monitored. In total, 4 (19%) patients developed intraoperative abnormal SSEP signal changes in the operative arm, in which 3 were reversible and 1 was irreversible till the end of surgery. Median and radial nerves were mostly involved (3/4 patients). The mean cumulative duration of nerve insult (abnormal SSEP) was 21.7±26.2 minutes. Univariate analysis did not identify predictor of intraoperative nerve insults. No patients demonstrated postoperative peripheral neuropathy at 6 weeks.

Conclusions:

A high incidence (19%) of intraoperative nerve insult was observed in this study demonstrating the feasibility of using an automated SSEP device to provide a timely alert and enable an intervention in order to minimize peripheral nerve injury during TSA. Further randomized studies are warranted.