bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Partitioning of Oxygen Between Ferropericlase and Earth's Liquid Core
Authors: Davies C. J. , Pozzo M. , Gubbins D. , Alfè D.
Published: June 2018

Transfer of oxygen between Earth's core and lowermost mantle is important for determining the chemistry and nature of stratification on both sides of the core‐mantle boundary (CMB). Previous studies have found that oxygen enters the metal when Fe‐O liquid equilibrates with representative lower mantle materials. However, experiments have not yet been conducted at CMB pressure‐temperature conditions. Here we use density functional theory to obtain the first estimates of oxygen partitioning between liquid Fe‐O‐Si metals and ferropericlase at CMB conditions. Our method successfully reproduces experimentally derived partitioning data at 134 GPa and 3200 K, while our calculations show a strong increase of oxygen partitioning into metal with temperature and a weaker increase with pressure, consistent with previous work. At CMB conditions of 135 GPa and 4000–4700 K oxygen partitioning into metal is higher than previous estimates and increases strongly with metal oxygen concentration. Analysis of the lower mantle chemical boundary layer shows that oxygen transport through the solid is severely limited even with the enhanced partitioning and is unlikely to explain the thickness of a stably stratified layer below the CMB inferred from seismology. However, if the lower mantle was molten in early times, as suggested by core evolution models with high thermal conductivity, then the mass flux and stable layer thickness are significantly increased.
Field‐Aligned Currents Originating From the Magnetic Reconnection Region: Conjugate MMS‐ARTEMIS Observations
Authors: Artemyev A. V. , Pritchett P. L. , Angelopoulos V. , Zhang X.‐J. , Nakamura R. , Lu S. , Runov A. , Fuselier S. A. , Wellenzohn S. , Plaschke F. , Russell C. T. , Strangeway R. J. , Lindqvist P.‐A. , Ergun R. E.
Published: June 2018

Near‐Earth magnetic reconnection reconfigures the magnetotail and produces strong plasma flows that transport plasma sheet particles and electromagnetic energy to the inner magnetosphere. An essential element of such a reconfiguration is strong, transient field‐aligned currents. These currents, believed to be generated within the plasma sheet and closed at the ionosphere, are responsible for magnetosphere‐ionosphere coupling during substorms. We use conjugate measurements from Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) at the plasma sheet boundary (around x ∼− 10RE) and Acceleration, Reconnection, Turbulence and Electrodynamics of the Moon's Interaction with the Sun (ARTEMIS) at the equator (around x ∼− 60RE) to explore the potential generation region of these currents. We find a clear correlation between the field‐aligned current intensity measured by MMS and the tailward plasma sheet flows measured by ARTEMIS. To better understand the origin of this correlation, we compare spacecraft observations with results from 3‐D particle‐in‐cell simulations of magnetotail reconnection. The comparison reveals that field‐aligned currents and plasma flows start, wax, and wane due to the development of a reconnection region between MMS (near‐Earth) and ARTEMIS (at lunar distance). A weak correlation between the field‐aligned current intensity at MMS and earthward flow magnitudes at ARTEMIS suggests that distant magnetotail reconnection does not significantly contribute to the generation of the observed near‐Earth currents. Our findings support the idea that the dominant role of the near‐Earth magnetotail reconnection in the field‐aligned current generation is likely responsible for their transient nature, whereas more steady distant tail reconnection would support long‐term field‐aligned current system.
Why Do Models Produce Spread in Snow Albedo Feedback?
Authors: Thackeray Chad W. , Qu Xin , Hall Alex
Published: June 2018

Key Points

Structurally varying snowpack, vegetation, and albedo parameterizations drive most of the intermodel spread in snow albedo feedback

Many models now exhibit a more realistic feedback than in the past, but issues with two models limit the reduction in ensemble spread

Preliminary signs from ongoing model development are positive and suggest a likely reduction in spread among upcoming models
Modeling the Effect of Radiation on Warm Rain Initiation
Authors: Zeng Xiping
Published: June 2018

A new model that resolves cloud drop size with thousands of bins is developed to simulate the growth of cloud drops by collision. The model is then evaluated with the analytic solution, showing that the model is quite accurate. Finally, the model is extended to properly incorporate the effect of radiation on drop growth. Model results reveal that warm rain can form within half an hour once the radiative effect is taken into account. Such sensitivity of warm rain initiation to radiation is consistent with the warm cloud observations of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite (Liu & Zipser, 2009, https://doi.org/10.1175/2008JCLI2641.1) and the Rain In shallow Cumulus over the Ocean (RICO) campaign (Small & Chuang, 2008, https://doi.org/10.1175/2008JAS2600.1).
Uncontrolled hypertension increases risk of all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality in US adults: the NHANES III Linked Mortality Study
Authors: Zhou Donghao , Xi Bo , Zhao Min , Wang Liang , Veeranki Sreenivas P.
Published: June 2018

Clinical trials had provided evidence for the benefit effect of antihypertensive treatments in preventing future cardiovascular disease (CVD) events; however, the association between hypertension, whether treated/untreated or controlled/uncontrolled and risk of mortality in US population has been poorly understood. A total of 13,947 US adults aged ≥18 years enrolled in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988–1994) were used to conduct this study. Mortality outcome events included all-cause, CVD-specific, heart disease-specific and cerebrovascular disease-specific deaths, which were obtained from linked 2011 National Death Index (NDI) files. During a median follow-up of 19.1 years, there were 3,550 all-cause deaths, including 1,027 CVD deaths. Compared with normotensives, treated but uncontrolled hypertensive patients were at higher risk of all-cause (HR = 1.62, 95%CI = 1.35–1.95), CVD-specific (HR = 2.23, 95%CI = 1.66–2.99), heart disease-specific (HR = 2.19, 95%CI = 1.57–3.05) and cerebrovascular disease-specific (HR = 3.01, 95%CI = 1.91–4.73) mortality. Additionally, untreated hypertensive patients had increased risk of all-cause (HR = 1.40, 95%CI = 1.21–1.62), CVD-specific (HR = 1.77, 95%CI = 1.34–2.35), heart disease-specific (HR = 1.69, 95%CI = 1.23–2.32) and cerebrovascular disease-specific death (HR = 2.53, 95%CI = 1.52–4.23). No significant differences were identified between normotensives, and treated and controlled hypertensives (all p > 0.05). Our study findings emphasize the benefit of secondary prevention in hypertensive patients and primary prevention in general population to prevent risk of mortality later in life.
Enhanced proliferation of pancreatic acinar cells in MRL/MpJ mice is driven by severe acinar injury but independent of inflammation
Authors: Bombardo Marta , Malagola Ermanno , Chen Rong , Carta Arcangelo , Seleznik Gitta M. , Hills Andrew P. , Graf Rolf , Sonda Sabrina
Published: June 2018

Adult pancreatic acinar cells have the ability to re-enter the cell cycle and proliferate upon injury or tissue loss. Despite this mitotic ability, the extent of acinar proliferation is often limited and unable to completely regenerate the injured tissue or restore the initial volume of the organ, thus leading to pancreatic dysfunction. Identifying molecular determinants of enhanced proliferation is critical to overcome this issue. In this study, we discovered that Murphy Roths Large (MRL/MpJ) mice can be exploited to identify molecular effectors promoting acinar proliferation upon injury, with the ultimate goal to develop therapeutic regimens to boost pancreatic regeneration. Our results show that, upon cerulein-induced acinar injury, cell proliferation was enhanced and cell cycle components up-regulated in the pancreas of MRL/MpJ mice compared to the control strain C57BL/6. Initial damage of acinar cells was exacerbated in these mice, manifested by increased serum levels of pancreatic enzymes, intra-pancreatic trypsinogen activation and acinar cell apoptosis. In addition, MRL/MpJ pancreata presented enhanced inflammation, de-differentiation of acinar cells and acinar-to-ductal metaplasia. Manipulation of inflammatory levels and mitogenic stimulation with the thyroid hormone 5,3-L-tri-iodothyronine revealed that factors derived from initial acinar injury rather than inflammatory injury promote the replicative advantage in MRL/MpJ mice.
Multi-functional derivatization of amine, hydroxyl, and carboxylate groups for metabolomic investigations of human tissue by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Huang Tianjiao , Toro Maria , Lee Richard , Hui Dawn S. , Edwards James L.
Published: June 2018

Novel two step-derivatization of hydroxyl, amine, and carboxylate groups for expanding the metabolomics toolbox.
Endogenous exosome labelling with an amphiphilic NIR-fluorescent probe
Authors: Monopoli Marco P. , Zendrini Andrea , Wu Dan , Cheung Shane , Sampedro Gonzalo , Ffrench Brendan , Nolan John , Piskareva Olga , Stalings Raymond L. , Ducoli Serena , Bergese Paolo , O’Shea Donal F.
Published: June 2018

The recognition of the biological, diagnostic and medical importance of exosomes has given rise to an urgent need for efficient labelling of these extracellular vesicles in ways that do not alter their inherent characteristics.
Room-temperature liquid metal-based anodes for high-energy potassium-based electrochemical devices
Authors: Qin Lei , Yang Wei , Lv Wei , Liu Liang , Lei Yu , Yu Wei , Kang Feiyu , Kim Jang-Kyo , Zhai Dengyun , Yang Quan-Hong
Published: June 2018

A dendrite-free CM@NaK electrode was fabricated via room-temperature adsorption of liquid Na–K onto a super-aligned CNT membrane driven by capillary force.
Reaction rates and product formation during advanced oxidation of ionic liquid cations by UV/peroxide, UV/persulfate, and UV/chlorine
Authors: Pati Sarah G. , Arnold William A.
Published: June 2018

Ionic liquid cations can be removed from contaminated source water by various UV-based advanced oxidation processes due to efficient reactions with hydroxyl and sulfate radicals.
Frei von Zusatzstoffen – Clean Labelling
Authors: König Jürgen
Published: June 2018

Zusatzstoffe sind in aller Munde, sowohl in der eigentlichen Bedeutung des Wortes als auch im übertragenen Sinn – gibt es doch kaum einen Bestandteil von
Lebensmitteln, der kontroverser diskutiert wird. Laut dem Eurobarometer Spezial 354 „Lebensmittelrisiken“ sehen durchschnittlich 9 % der europäischen
Bevölkerung „Nahrungsmittelzusatzstoffe, Farbstoffe, Konservierungsstoffe“ als mögliches Problem oder Risiko bei Lebensmitteln an (ungestützte Frage).
Zusatzstoffe liegen damit an gleicher Position wie die Faktoren „Fettsucht und Übergewicht“ sowie „fehlende Frische, Verfallsdaten“. Bei der gestützten Frage
zum möglichen Gesundheitsrisiko von Zusatzstoffen geben zwei Drittel der Befragten an, dass sie sehr oder eher beunruhigt sind 1.
Kosten-Erlös-Verhältnis orthopädisch-unfallchirurgischer Patienten in Abhängigkeit vom Body-Mass-Index
Authors: Schmelz Helmut , Geraedts Max
Published: June 2018

Hintergrund Immer mehr Patienten in der Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie sind adipös. Damit gehen unter anderem erhöhte Operationsrisiken, aber auch höhere Kosten zum Beispiel für verlängerte Krankenhausaufenthalte oder spezielle Operationstische einher. Fraglich ist, inwiefern die im deutschen DRG-System erzielten Erlöse die individuellen Kosten in Abhängigkeit vom Body Mass Index (BMI) der Patienten decken und in welchen Bereichen der stationären Versorgung eventuell höhere Kosten anfallen.

Material und Methoden Aus dem Krankenhausinformationssystem eines maximalversorgenden Krankenhauses wurden die Daten zum BMI und den individuellen Kosten und Erlösen zu 13 833 zwischen 2007 – 2010 an den unteren oder oberen Extremitäten operierten Patienten extrahiert. Unterschiede zwischen den Kosten-Erlös-Verhältnissen in Abhängigkeit vom BMI der Patienten und den jeweiligen Operationslokalisationen sowie bei der Verteilung der Kosten auf die verschiedenen Kostenartengruppen in Abhängigkeit vom BMI der Patienten wurden mithilfe von T- und U-Tests statistisch abgesichert.

Ergebnisse Die in orthopädisch-unfallchirurgischen Kliniken anfallenden individuellen Kosten der Versorgung von Patienten mit einem Adipositasgrad III (BMI ≥ 40) sowie von Patienten mit Untergewicht (BMI < 18,5) übersteigen oftmals signifikant (p < 0,05) die individuellen Erlöse aus dem DRG-System. Signifikant höhere Kosten ließen sich bei allen Eingriffen an den unteren bzw. oberen Extremitäten außer bei Eingriffen am Sprunggelenk nachweisen, bei denen arthroskopische Eingriffe überwiegen. Der Großteil dieser Mehrkosten resultiert aus einem erhöhten Ressourcenverbrauch im Bereich des pflegerischen Personals, bei Arzneimitteln und bei Sachkosten für übrigen medizinischen Bedarf. Beim ärztlichen- und Funktionsdienst waren keine Kostensteigerungen in Abhängigkeit vom BMI erkennbar.

Schlussfolgerung Um eine gewichtsabhängige Diskriminierung von Patienten zu vermeiden, sollten die Erlöse für die nicht gedeckten Kosten bei stark über- und untergewichtigen Patienten, die an der unteren oder oberen Extremität operiert werden, über eine Vergütungsanpassung nachgebessert werden. Zudem sollten sich Kliniken auf diese Patienten organisatorisch vorbereiten.
Effect of Physical Exercise on Platelet Reactivity in Patients with Dual Antiplatelet Therapy
Authors: Brunner Stefan , Rizas Konstantinos , Hamm Wolfgang , Mehr Michael , Lackermair Korbinian
Published: June 2018

It is known that physical exercise may increase platelet activity. However, the effect of exercise on platelet reactivity in patients on dual antiplatelet therapy has not been investigated yet. In our study, 21 patients with coronary artery disease on dual antiplatelet therapy and 10 controls were enrolled. We performed an exercise test using a cycle ergometer and determined the adenosine diphosphate-induced platelet reactivity before and immediately after exercise testing. Additionally, we analysed maximal exercise capacity and an electrocardiogram. Further, we assessed chromogranin A and P-selectin levels and platelet counts.
Degree of Myelination (g-ratio) of the Human Hypoglossal Nerve
Authors: Campos D. , Páfaro J.N. , Goulart G.R. , Silveira C.H. , Cella P.A.M. , Malysz T. , Jotz G.P.
Published: June 2018

Introduction The degree of myelination (g-ratio) can be useful to the evaluation of the fiber morphology during peripheral nerve regeneration and in studies in the area of microsurgery. Therefore, the aim of this analyze was to investigate the g-ratio of the human hypoglossal nerve.

Materials and Methods The hypoglossal nerve was bilaterally analyzed in human specimens obtained from necropsies (6 subjects). The nerves were analyzed using histology, and the morphometric parameters (axon diameter and myelinated fiber diameter) were measured using Image Pro-Plus Software 6.0.

Results Quantitative comparison of the g-ratio demonstrated no statistically significant difference between the left and right human hypoglossal nerves. In addition, the values of the g-ratio of both hypoglossal nerves were considerably higher than the normal values for the peripheral nerve fibers. This demonstrates a low degree of myelination of the hypoglossal nerve, bilaterally.

Conclusion Knowledge of the variations of the human hypoglossal nerve, are clinically important especially in the area of microsurgery (techniques used for reinnervation).
Description of Morphological Abnormalities in Rhinella arenarum (ANURA: BUFONIDAE)
Authors: Chilote P.D. , Bozzolo L.E. , Gutierrez F.R. , Moreno L.E.
Published: June 2018

The rise of anatomical abnormalities in anurans over recent years has increased the interest in producing more and better information about the abnormalities observed in specimens within natural environments that are currently being altered. The aim of this work was to identify and describe la osseous abnormalities found in Rhinella arenarum. Four samplings were conducted between March 2009 and February 2010 in the Claro river, located in San Francisco in the Ayacucho Department in the province of San Luis. Specimens of R. arenarum with visible abnormalities were observed and collected manually. They were euthanized in the laboratory, preserved in 10% formaldehyde, and stored in the Herpetological Collection Unit of the National University of San Luis (CH-UNSL). The Alizarin-Alzian technique was also applied to the specimens. Photographs of the abnormalities were taken, and observations were made with a stereoscopic microscope. The following abnormalities were identified and described: femur ectromelia, tibial and fibular ectromelia, ectrodactylia and brachydactyly. Further work could focus on determining the causes of the abnormalities observed in this species, conducting an integrated study, and attempting to link this with the worldwide phenomenon of amphibious declination.
Resistance of the Collateral Ligaments of the Femorotibial Joint in Domestic Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris LINNAEUS, 1758)
Authors: Faria M. , Regis L. , Gradela A. , Constantino A. , Olivier N. , Pereira Neto J.
Published: June 2018

Introduction This work aimed to demonstrate the resistance of the femoral-tibial joint collaterals of 60 dogs of undefned breed, euthanized at the Zoonoses Control Centre of the city of Petrolina (PE), North-Eastern Brazil.

Materials and Methods The femur-tibial articulation was dissected to expose the collateral ligaments. Bones were cut on the distal third of the femur and the proximal third of tibia and fibula. The knee joint was kept bound only by the collateral ligaments and then submitted to destructive mechanical tests, evaluating the deformation of the ligaments (mm) per unit of time, (seconds), and the joint resistance.

Results We could observe no side effects of contralateral joints. In a destructive mechanical assay, we detected that the medial collateral ligaments ruptured earlier than the lateral ones. The resistance of the lateral and medial ligament of the right limb of females was respectively 537.1N ± 413.6 and 360.1N ± 228.6; while in males, were of 632.4N ± 333.4 e 440.4N ± 227.1. About the left antimere, the females presented 442.4N ± 288 resistance on the lateral ligament and 417.4N ± 190.6. In males, the resistance was 605.8N ± 316.1 e 548.6N ± 2,333.7, respectively.

Conclusion The results of our research will allow the development of synthetic tissues to replace the natural ligament of dogs in cases of rupture or degeneration.
Enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen formation over Fe-loaded TiO2 and g-C3N4 composites from mixed glycerol and water by solar irradiation
Authors: Sadanandam Gullapelli , Zhang Lingfeng , Scurrell Mike S.
Published: June 2018

Fe-doped TiO2 with various levels of Fe (0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 5 wt. %) was made via impregnation, and the Fe-doped TiO2 catalysts were modified with g-C3N4. These materials were studied using FE-SEM, Uv-DRS, TEM, Raman, FT-IR, and XPS techniques. The results show that the fine dispersed Fe3+ and g-C3N4 expanded the photoresponse of titania into the visible region on the introduction of ferric ions and fine dispersion of g-C3N4 on TiO2. The hydrogen formation rate from solar light-induced photocatalysis can be greatly increased by coupling g-C3N4 with the above Fe-doped TiO2, and the 1 wt. % Fe-modified TiO2 with the g-C3N4 composite has high photoactivity and shows excellent photostability for hydrogen production by solar irradiation. The stable hydrogen evolution of 1 wt. % Fe-doped TiO2 with g-C3N4 is some 17 times higher than that found with unmodified TiO2. The results show that the photogenerated electrons of g-C3N4 can directionally migrate to Fe-doped TiO2 due to intimate interfacial contacts and synergism operating between Fe-doped TiO2 and g-C3N4 where photogenerated electrons and holes are efficiently spatially separated. This separation retards the charge recombination rate and improves photoactivity.
Searching the stable segregation configuration at the grain boundary by a Monte Carlo tree search
Authors: Kiyohara Shin , Mizoguchi Teruyasu
Published: June 2018

Non-stoichiometric structure localized at the grain boundary, namely, segregations of impurities, dopants, and vacancies, has an important effect on a broad variety of material properties. An understanding of this behavior is therefore indispensable for further material development. Although molecular dynamics simulation and a simulation combined with randomly swapping atoms and vacancies have usually been used to investigate the segregation structures, they require more than ten thousand structures and energy calculations to reach the stable configuration. Although several mathematical or informatics approaches, for example, genetic algorithm and Bayesian optimization, have been proposed to solve such combination optimization problems, they required some hyper parameters which crucially affect efficiency and huge computations to tune these parameters. Furthermore, a parallelization of the computation task is often impossible in molecular dynamics simulation and Bayesian optimization because their structures are related to each other before and after the time or simulation steps. Here, we develop a Monte Carlo tree search algorithm for grain boundary segregation and apply it to determine the stable segregation configuration of copper Σ5[001]/(210) and Σ37[001]/(750) with silver impurities. We achieved a determination of the stable configuration by searching only 1% of all possible configurations. Furthermore, we found that the search path and the number of playouts at the branch provide important insight to comprehend the background of the search. In the present case, the search path was identical to the sites with the spatially larger sites.
Non-volatile memory and negative photoconductivity in a metal-insulator-semiconductor diode with embedded Co nanoparticles
Authors: Mikhelashvili V. , Atiya G. , Kauffmann Y. , Shneider Y. , Ankonina G. , Zeevi G. , Yaish Y. , Capua A. , Eisenstein G.
Published: June 2018

We describe a new metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) device in which cobalt based nano particles (NPs) in a core-shell structure (Co–core and Co3O4-shell) are embedded between a thermally grown SiO2 layer and a HfO2 film deposited by atomic layer deposition. Two additional structures were prepared for comparison. One had no NPs and the other included the Fe NPs, prepared using the same procedure as used for the Co film. All devices exhibited the classic behavior of a voltage variable MIS capacitor with or without a large hysteresis as in non-volatile memory (NVM) systems. However, only the device with the Co core-shell structure exhibits a negative photoconductivity (NPC) effect as well as NVM capabilities in both the capacitance-voltage (C-V) and current-voltage (I-V) characteristics. The dependence of C-V and current voltage I-V characteristics on illumination intensity and wavelength (from ultraviolet to near infrared) as well as on temperature was characterized. Illumination enhances the NPC effect as well as the flat-band voltage shift determined from C-V characteristics and hence the memory width. Illumination in the wavelength range of 735–780 nm caused a current decrease, at a given voltage, by up to a factor of two. The NPC effect stimulates an annihilation of the stored charges and therefore erases the system instantly at a small applied bias. The main cause of the NPC effect under illumination is the photo excitation of supplementary trap channels in the Co3O4 shell, which lowers the free carrier density and hence the conductivity of the MIS structure.
Communication: Switched wave packets with spectrally truncated chirped pulses
Authors: Chatterley Adam S. , Karamatskos Evangelos T. , Schouder Constant , Christiansen Lars , Jørgensen Anders V. , Mullins Terry , Küpper Jochen , Stapelfeldt Henrik
Published: June 2018

A new technique for obtaining switched wave packets using spectrally truncated chirped laser pulses is demonstrated experimentally and numerically by one-dimensional alignment of both linear and asymmetric top molecules. Using a simple long-pass transmission filter, a pulse with a slow turn-on and a rapid turn-off is produced. The degree of alignment, characterized by ⟨cos2 θ2D⟩, rises along with the pulse intensity and reaches a maximum at the peak of the pulse. After truncation, ⟨cos2 θ2D⟩ drops sharply but exhibits pronounced half and full revivals. The experimental alignment dynamics trace agrees very well with a numerically calculated trace based on the solution of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation. However, the extended periods of field-free alignment of asymmetric tops following pulse truncation reported previously are not reproduced in our work.
Transferable and flexible thermoelectric thin films based on elemental tellurium with a large power factor
Authors: Zhou Jiyang , Wang Heao , He Dunren , Zhou Yuan , Peng Wei , Fan Fan , Huang Huihui
Published: June 2018

The development of high performance flexible thermoelectric materials is important for fabricating wearable thermoelectric generators that can directly convert waste body heat into electricity. In this work, flexible thermoelectric thin films based on elemental tellurium have been fabricated via electrodeposition followed by a transfer process using adhesive substrates, which show not only high flexibility but also a large power factor of 3.21 μW cm−1 K−2 at room temperature. The flexible thermoelectric thin films can be activated by the heat of fingertips, and a large output voltage of 15 mV can be generated thanks to the large room temperature Seebeck coefficient of the films. It is anticipated that this work may pave the way for fabricating low cost and high performance flexible thermoelectric thin films.
Effects of gestational exposure to di-n-butyl phthalate and mineral oil on testis development of the Mongolian gerbil
Authors: Christante C. M. , Pinto-Fochi M. E. , Negrin A. C. , Taboga S. R. , Góes R. M.
Published: June 2018

Phthalate esters are endocrine disrupters that can affect the development of the testis in a species-specific manner. However, their interference in the male gonads of the Mongolian gerbil is unknown. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether gestational exposure to di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) interferes with the development of the gerbil testis during the first six weeks of life. Males were evaluated at 1, 7, 14, 28, 35 and 42 days of age in an untreated (control) group or groups exposed from 8 to 23 days gestation to DBP (100 mg kg−1 day−1 in mineral oil) or vehicle by maternal gavage. DBP exposure impaired cell proliferation within the seminiferous cords at birth, but increased proliferation at the end of the first week, when higher testosterone concentrations were observed. The vehicle (mineral oil) reduced the total number of gonocytes and attenuated the decrease in testosterone concentrations at 7 days. The vehicle also altered gonocyte relocation at 14 days and increased oestrogen concentrations at 28 days by approximately 112%. In summary, both DBP and oil interfered in gonadal development and testosterone plasma concentrations in the first week of postnatal life. However, the changes observed at the beginning of puberty were not seen after exposure to DBP, indicating a more harmful effect of mineral oil in this period.
Microstructure evolution of directionally solidified NiAl–28Cr–6Mo eutectic alloy under different withdrawal rates
Authors: Shang Z. , Shen J. , Liu G. , Xu Y. H.
Published: June 2018

The microstructure evolutions of directionally solidified NiAl–28Cr–6Mo eutectic alloy at withdrawal rates of 6–500 µm s−1 and temperature gradients of 250 K cm−1 were studied. The microstructure was composed of lamellar NiAl and Cr(Mo) phase, which had the crystallographic orientations of [111]NiAl∥[111]Cr(Mo) and [Formula: see text]NiAl∥[Formula: see text]Cr(Mo) as well as the growth direction of <111>. With increasing withdrawal rate, the growth interface changed from planar to cellular and dendritic, the microstructure also transformed from planar eutectic to two-phase cellular eutectic and dendritic eutectic. The eutectic interlamellar spacing λ decreased according to the relationship of λ = 4.48V−0.40, which indicated that the J–H model was applicable not only for the planar eutectic alloy but also for the cellular and dendritic eutectic alloys.
F-Actin nucleated on chromosomes coordinates their capture by microtubules in oocyte meiosis
Authors: Burdyniuk Mariia , Callegari Andrea , Mori Masashi , Nédélec François , Lénárt Péter
Published: June 2018

Capture of each and every chromosome by spindle microtubules is essential to prevent chromosome loss and aneuploidy. In somatic cells, astral microtubules search and capture chromosomes forming lateral attachments to kinetochores. However, this mechanism alone is insufficient in large oocytes. We have previously shown that a contractile F-actin network is additionally required to collect chromosomes scattered in the 70-µm starfish oocyte nucleus. How this F-actin–driven mechanism is coordinated with microtubule capture remained unknown. Here, we show that after nuclear envelope breakdown Arp2/3-nucleated F-actin “patches” form around chromosomes in a Ran-GTP–dependent manner, and we propose that these structures sterically block kinetochore–microtubule attachments. Once F-actin–driven chromosome transport is complete, coordinated disassembly of F-actin patches allows synchronous capture by microtubules. Our observations indicate that this coordination is necessary because early capture of chromosomes by microtubules would interfere with F-actin–driven transport leading to chromosome loss and formation of aneuploid eggs.
Shear elegance: A novel screen uncovers a mechanosensitive GPCR
Authors: Lam Ruby M. , Chesler Alexander T.
Published: June 2018

Lam and Chesler highlight the recent discovery of a G protein–coupled receptor involved in detecting mechanical shear stress.
Management of chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder
Authors: Voinescu Alexandra , Wasi Iqbal Nadia , Martin Kevin J.
Published: June 2018

In all patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3–5, regular monitoring of serum markers of CKD-mineral and bone disorder, including calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), parathyroid hormone (PTH), 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and alkaline phosphatase, is recommended. Target ranges for these markers are endorsed by guidelines. The principles of therapy for secondary hyperparathyroidism include control of hyperphosphataemia, correction of hypocalcaemia, use of vitamin D sterols, use of calcimimetics, and parathyroidectomy.
of hyperphosphataemia is crucial and may be achieved by means of dietary P restriction, use of P binders, and P removal by dialysis. Dietary P restriction requires caution, as it may be associated with protein malnutrition. Aluminium salts are effective P binders, but they are not recommended for long-term use, as Aluminium toxicity (though from contaminated dialysis water rather than oral intake) may cause cognitive impairment, osteomalacia, refractory microcytic anaemia, and myopathy. Ca-based P binders are also quite effective, but should be avoided in patients with hypercalcaemia, vascular calcifications, or persistently low PTH levels. Non-aluminium, non-Ca binders, like sevelamer and lanthanum carbonate, may be more adequate for such patients; however, they are expensive and may have several side effects. Furthermore, comparative trials have failed so far to provide conclusive evidence on the superiority of these newer P binders over Ca-based binders in terms of preventing vascular calcifications, bone abnormalities, and mortality. P removal is about 1800–2700 mg per week with conventional thrice-weekly haemodialysis, but may be increased by using haemodiafiltration or intensified regimens, such as short daily, extended daily or three times weekly nocturnal haemodialysis.
Several vitamin D derivatives are currently used for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism. In comparison with the natural form calcitriol, the vitamin D analogue paricalcitol seems to be more fast-acting and less prone to induce hypercalcaemia and hyperphosphataemia, but whether these advantages translate into better clinical outcomes is unknown.
Calcimimetics such as cinacalcet can significantly reduce PTH, Ca, and P levels, but they have failed to definitively prove any benefits in terms of mortality and cardiovascular events in dialysis patients.
Parathyroidectomy is often indicated in CKD patients with severe persistent hyperparathyroidism, refractory to aggressive medical treatment with vitamin D analogues and/or calcimimetics. This procedure usually leads to rapid improvements in biochemical markers (i.e. significant lowering of serum Ca, P, and PTH) and clinical manifestations (such as pruritus and bone pain); however, the long-term benefits are still unclear.
Light-chain deposition disease
Authors: Kuypers Dirk R. J. , Gertz Morie A.
Published: June 2018

Light-chain deposition disease (LCDD) is characterized by extracellular tissue deposition of non-amyloid monoclonal immunoglobulin light chains (predominantly kappa light chains) in various organs including kidneys, heart, and liver. It is a rare cause of renal insufficiency. In two-thirds of cases it is associated with multiple myeloma, while in the remainder their monoclonal B cell proliferation does not meet the criteria for that diagnosis.

Renal involvement occurs almost invariably and dominates the clinical course of the disease: greater than 90% of patients with LCDD have renal functional impairment; acute or rapidly progressive kidney failure usually develops over a period of months. Nephrotic-range proteinuria is present in 40–50% of patients while approximately 20% of patients develop nephrotic syndrome. Arterial hypertension and microscopic haematuria can be present. Extrarenal symptoms are related to affected organs with cardiomyopathy, cachexia, haemorrhages, infections, and MM progression as main causes of death.

The diagnosis of LCDD is often delayed and whilst bone marrow examination will often identify associated MM, renal biopsy frequently provides the final diagnostic proof. Abnormal light chains can be detected and quantified by serum or urine protein electrophoresis and immunofixation. Quantification of urine and serum free kappa/lambda light chains has proven a useful screening tool and might also plays a role in therapeutic monitoring.

Treatment consists of chemotherapy directed against the monoclonal immunoglobulin-producing plasma cells.
Schistosomiasis
Authors: Barsoum Rashad S.
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease that affects millions of people in 78 countries, where it is held responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality. It is caused by a blood fluke, which provokes an immunological response to hundreds of its antigens. This induces multi-organ pathology through the formation of tissue granulomata or circulating immune complexes. In addition, it is amyloidogenic and carcinogenic, through the interaction of immunological perturbation with confounding metabolic and genetic factors. The primary targets of schistosomiasis are urinary and hepatointestinal.

The lower urinary tract is mainly affected in S. haematobium infection, and may lead to chronic pyelonephritis and/or obstructive nephropathy. The colon and liver are the targets of S. mansoni and S. japonicum infection, leading to hepatic fibrosis, portal hypertension, and liver failure. S. mansoni may also lead to immune complex glomerulonephritis, which is discussed elsewhere. Both S. haematobium and S. mansoni ova may be carried with the venous circulation to the lungs, where they provoke granulomatous and immune-mediated endothelial injury leading to cor-pulmonale. Ova may be subsequently carried with the arterial circulation to form ‘metastatic’ granulomas in other tissues, notably the brain (S. japonicum), spinal cord (S. haematobium), skin, conjunctiva, and genital organs.

Schistosomiasis is preventable. World Health Organization programmes have successfully eradicated or reduced the incidence of infection in many countries, particularly Egypt and China. Prevention strategies include health education, raising hygiene standards, and interruption of the parasite’s life cycle by snail control and mass treatment. The search for a vaccine continues. Effective antiparasitic treatment is now possible with high elimination rates. Available agents include praziquantel and artemether for all species, metrifonate for S. haematobium, and oxamniquine for S. mansoni. Successful outcome correlates with early intervention, before fibrosis has occurred.
Yellow fever, severe acute respiratory syndrome virus, and H1N1 influenza infections
Authors: Lameire Norbert
Published: June 2018

Serious yellow fever infections are associated with acute kidney injury (AKI) on the basis of haemorrhagic shock with acute tubular necrosis, although a direct viral effect on renal tissue has been suggested. A single yellow fever vaccination provides sufficient immunity against the disease, negating the need for booster vaccinations every 10 years; vaccination failures are extremely rare.
Severe SARS infections may be complicated by multi-organ dysfunction syndrome including AKI. Hypotension caused by nosocomial infections, gastrointestinal bleeding, or SARS per se, and rhabdomyolysis were associated with AKI in addition to prerenal factors.
Serious H1N1 viral infections are often complicated by AKI (mostly caused by acute tubular necrosis and rhabdomyolysis) with a need for renal replacement therapy. Timely oseltamivir administration has a beneficial effect on outcomes in hospitalized adults with H1N1 infection.
Prevention of acute kidney injury
Authors: Lameire Norbert
Published: June 2018

This chapter discusses commonly used drugs that frequently are associated with nephrotoxic acute kidney injury (AKI). These drugs include aminoglycosides; old and new formulations of amphotericin B; a number of drug-related crystal-induced AKI, including acute phosphate nephropathy; and methotrexate nephropathy. This chapter also includes a discussion of tumour lysis syndrome and some reflections on the prevention of AKI in tropical countries.
Renal outcomes of acute kidney injury
Authors: Lameire Norbert
Published: June 2018

This chapter summarizes the accumulating evidence that incomplete or even apparent complete recovery of renal function after acute kidney injury (AKI) may be an important contributor to a growing number of incident chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) cases, largely in excess of the global growth in CKD prevalence. Evidence based on epidemiologic studies supports the notion that even after adjustment for several important covariates AKI is independently associated with an increased risk for both CKD and ESRD. Several risk factors for the subsequent development of CKD among survivors of AKI have been identified. Besides well-known risk factors for CKD in general, such as hypertension, older age, congestive heart failure, diabetes, and proteinuria, AKIN staging and duration also predict longitudinal CKD development. These characteristics may identify a category of at-risk AKI patients at the time of hospital discharge that will need long follow-up times for appropriate screening and surveillance measures for CKD.
Bacterial and fungal infections in patients on haemodialysis
Authors: Labriola Laura , Goffin Eric , Jadoul Michel
Published: June 2018

Dialysis-related infections (vascular access or peritonitis) are the main source of infections (24%) in dialysis patients, followed by infections below the knee (19%), and pneumonia (13%). Chronic viral hepatitis is much less frequent but entails important organizational implications and is discussed in elsewhere in this book.
Alport syndrome
Authors: Heidet Laurence , Knebelmann Bertrand , Claire Gubler Marie
Published: June 2018

This chapter describes the clinical features of Alport syndrome. The characteristic features of this familial condition are haematuria with progressive nephropathy and sensorineural hearing loss. Most cases are X-linked so this is typically seen in boys and young men, but female heterozygous (‘carriers’) of X-linked Alport syndrome are also at significant risk of renal disease in their lifetime. The average age of end-stage renal failure is in the third or fourth decade. Those with autosomal recessive disease (approximately 15%) show a similar phenotype. Hearing loss characteristically develops during teenage years or as a young adult, usually as proteinuria becomes prominent and renal function begins to be lost. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors may modify this classic description. Ocular abnormalities are less consistent and tend to occur later, often after end-stage renal failure. Retinal changes do not affect sight. Lenticonus can be treated by lens replacement. Other ocular abnormalities occur rarely. Aortic disease has been reported in occasional families.
Re-irradiation for recurrent high-grade gliomas: a systematic review and analysis of treatment technique with respect to survival and risk of radionecrosis
Authors: Shanker Mihir , Chua Benjamin , Bettington Catherine , Foote Matthew C , Pinkham Mark B
Published: June 2018

Background

Re-irradiation may be considered for select patients with recurrent high-grade glioma. Treatment techniques include conformal radiotherapy employing conventional fractionation, hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT), and single-fraction stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS).

Methods

A pooled, population-weighted, multiple linear regression analysis of publications from 1992 to 2016 was performed to evaluate the relationships between re-irradiation technique and median overall survival (OS) and radionecrosis outcomes.

Results

Seventy published articles were analyzed, yielding a total of 3302 patients. Across all studies, initial treatment was external beam radiotherapy to a median dose of 60 Gy in 30 fractions, with or without concurrent chemotherapy. On multivariate analysis, there was a significant correlation between OS and radiotherapy technique after adjusting for age, re-irradiation biologically equivalent dose (EQD2), interval between initial and repeat radiotherapy, and treatment volume (P < .0001). Adjusted mean OS was 12.2 months (95% CI, 11.8–12.5) after SRS, 10.1 months (95% CI, 9.7–10.5) after FSRT, and 8.9 months (95% CI, 8.4–9.4) after conventional fractionation. There was also a significant association between radionecrosis and treatment technique after adjusting for age, re-irradiation EQD2, interval, and volume (P < .0001). Radionecrosis rate was 7.1% (95% CI, 6.6–7.7) after FSRT, 6.1% (95% CI, 5.6–6.6) after SRS, and 1.1% (95% CI, 0.5–1.7) after conventional fractionation.

Conclusions

The published literature suggests that OS is highest after re-irradiation using SRS, followed by FSRT and conventionally fractionated radiotherapy. Whether this represents superiority of the treatment technique or an uncontrolled selection bias is uncertain. The risk of radionecrosis was low for all modalities overall. Re-irradiation is a feasible option in appropriately selected patients.
Goal importance, use of performance measures, and knowledge exchange: An empirical study on general practitioners’ performance
Authors: Cifalinò Antonella , Mascia Daniele , Vendramini Emanuele Antonio
Published: June 2018

Background:

In many health systems, general practitioners (GPs) exhibit high levels of isolation and, at the same time, low levels of organizational identification, which can hinder their individual performance. The extant health care literature suggests that the physicians’ belief that organizational goals are important, the adoption of performance measurement systems, and knowledge-sharing practices affect their individual performance. Most research has investigated these constructs in isolation, however, rather than explored their collective impact on GPs’ individual performance.

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to explore how GPs’ belief in goal importance, use of performance measures, and knowledge exchange affect their individual performance, here defined as their individual achievement of organizational goals.

Methodology:

We developed five hypotheses regarding how GPs’ belief in goal importance and use of performance measures may affect individual performance, as well as how knowledge exchange may moderate these relationships. We tested our theoretical conjectures using data collected in a community of GPs in the Italian National Health Service. A survey questionnaire was administered to gather information about the GPs’ level of belief in goal importance, use of performance measures, and perception about knowledge exchange in their primary care units. We considered two measures of GPs’ individual performance: efficiency and appropriateness of drug prescription. We tested our hypotheses using probit regressions.

Results:

Our findings show that perceived importance of organizational goals and use of performance measures have a positive effect on GPs’ individual performance. Meanwhile, GPs’ use of performance measures moderates the relationship between their belief in goal importance and individual performance. Finally, perceived knowledge exchange moderates the relationships between belief in goal importance/use of performance measures and individual performance.

Practice Implications:

Executives could improve GPs’ individual performance through interventions that reinforce their belief that organizational goals are important, facilitate a more intensive use of performance measures, and encourage knowledge exchange practices.
Dynamic sodium imaging at ultra-high field reveals progression in a preclinical migraine model
Authors: Abad Nastaren , Rosenberg Jens T. , Hike David C. , Harrington Michael G. , Grant Samuel C.
Published: June 2018

Under the hypothesis that increased extracellular sodium induces sustained neuronal excitability with the onset and progression of migraine, this study evaluates dynamic in vivo 23Na fluxes in the brain of a preclinical rodent analogue of migraine. Ultra-high field 23Na magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 21.1 T has demonstrated potential to quantify sodium concentrations with good spatial and temporal resolution after the onset of central sensitization. Sprague-Dawley male rats with implanted intraperitoneal lines were studied by MRI before and after an in situ injection of 10 mg/kg of nitroglycerin (NTG) vs vehicle and saline controls. Slice-selective 23Na images were acquired using a multislice free induction decay–based chemical shift imaging sequence with resolution of 1.1 × 1.1 × 3 mm for a 9-minute acquisition. A total of 27 repeated scans were acquired over 1 hour of baseline scanning and longitudinally up to 3 hours after injection. Increases of 23Na MRI signal in the brainstem, extracerebral cerebrospinal fluid, and cisterna magna were evident almost immediately after NTG injection, gaining significance from controls in 36 minutes. The cerebellum and third ventricle also showed sustained trends of increased 23Na, with the former gaining significance at over 2 hours after NTG injection. The data provide evidence of an early change in sodium concentration, markedly in posterior fossa cerebrospinal fluid and brainstem regions. Further study of fluctuations of sodium concentration and their modulation with treatments could help understand the dynamic features of migraine, locate a putative migraine generator, and guide development of therapeutic measures to correct the disturbance of sodium homeostasis.