bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epididymitis bei Kindern: fact or fiction
Authors: Beetz Rolf , Stehr Maximilian
Published: May 2017

Die Epididymitis zählt im Kindesalter zu den die häufigsten Ursache des akuten Skrotums. Im Unterschied zum Erwachsenenalter liegt ihr in dieser Altersstufe eher selten eine nachweisbare aszendierende bakterielle Infektion zugrunde. Meist bleibt die Ätiologie ungeklärt. Während beim Vorliegen einer Leukozyturie und einer signifikanten Bakteriurie eine resistenzgerechte antibakterielle Therapie möglich ist, stehen in den übrigen Fällen eindeutige Kriterien, die eine Entscheidung für eine akute antibakterielle Therapie erlauben, nicht zur Verfügung. Dass trotzdem in der alltäglichen Praxis eine antibakterielle Therapie bei Epididymitis eingeleitet wird, basiert daher auf der Annahme der Möglichkeit („Fiktion“) der Infektion und nicht auf Fakten.

Dieses Dilemma lässt sich wahrscheinlich erst dann auflösen, wenn geeignete diagnostischen Marker für unterschiedliche Auslösemechanismen der Epididymitis gefunden werden.
Stabilität und Wechsel der von angehenden Fachärztinnen und Fachärzten angestrebte fachärztliche Anerkennung nach vier Weiterbildungsjahren
Authors: van den Bussche Hendrik , Ziegler Stine , Krause-Solberg Lea , Scherer Martin
Published: May 2017

Hintergrund Es wurde untersucht, in welcher Disziplin Ärztinnen und Ärzte nach 4 Jahren Weiterbildung ihre fachärztliche Anerkennung anstreben und die Ergebnisse mit denen vorhergehender Erhebungen verglichen. Im Fokus standen dabei geschlechtsspezifische Unterschiede und der Einfluss der Elternschaft.

Methoden Es wurden jährlich standardisierte postalische Befragungen mit den Absolventinnen und Absolventen von 7 medizinischen Fakultäten vom Praktischen Jahr bis nach 4 Jahren Weiterbildung durchgeführt. Die Rücklaufquote betrug 48% im ersten Jahr und in den Folgejahren stets 85% und mehr. In allen Erhebungen waren etwa zwei Drittel der Befragten weiblich. Zur Datenauswertung wurden deskriptive Statistik und Regressionsanalysen angewandt.

Ergebnisse Im Vergleich zum Ende des Medizinstudiums haben Anästhesiologie und Allgemeinmedizin an Beliebtheit gewonnen, während die chirurgischen Disziplinen über die Jahre ihre Attraktivität eingebüßt haben. Diese Entwicklungen fanden in beiden Geschlechtern statt. Innere Medizin mit Schwerpunkt, Kinderheilkunde und Frauenheilkunde verloren vor allem bei Frauen an Popularität. Disziplinpräferenzen hängen nachweislich mit dem bevorzugten Arbeitszeitmodell nach der Weiterbildung und mit dem Elternschaftsstatus zusammen.

Schlussfolgerung Die Daten zeigen, dass nicht die „Feminisierung“ Grund für den Attraktivitätszuwachs der Anästhesiologie und Allgemeinmedizin ist, denn diese Entwicklungen waren in den 4 Jahren Weiterbildung in beiden Geschlechtern zu beobachten. Die abnehmende Beliebtheit der klinischen und insbesondere der schneidenden Disziplinen erhöhen das Risiko einer personellen Unterversorgung im Krankenhaus. Dieses Problem könnte durch die zunehmende Attraktivität von Teilzeitarbeit noch verstärkt werden.
Tenosynovitis Evaluation Using Image Fusion and B-Flow – A Pilot Study on New Imaging Techniques in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Authors: Ammitzbøll-Danielsen Mads , Glinatsi Daniel , Torp-Pedersen Søren , Møller Jacob , Naredo Esperanza , Ostergaard Mikkel , Terslev Lene
Published: May 2017

Aim The aim of this study was to compare the assessment of tenosynovitis by ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using the image fusion technique and to investigate whether US B-flow imaging (BFI) is an alternative to Doppler US when assessing tenosynovitis.

Materials and Methods 15 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) had US-verified tenosynovitis in the wrist/hand. An MRI was performed of the wrist/hand with subsequent repeated US and image fusion. Images were compared in three steps: 1. Visual image comparison, 2. Quantitative measurement of transverse areas of the affected tendon and tendon sheath, using two tendon measures on MRI, area 1 and area 2, excluding and including partial volume artifacts, respectively, 3. Assessment using the OMERACT semi-quantitative scoring systems for US and MRI. Furthermore, BFI was assessed as: 0: No flow, 1: Focal flow, 2: Multifocal flow, 3: Diffuse flow, in the tendon sheath.

Results The median areas on US and MRI (areas 1 and 2) were 0.16 cm2 (25;75 pctl: 0.10; 0.25), 0.9 cm2 (0.06; 0.18) and 0.13 cm2 (0.10; 0.25), respectively, for included tendons and 0.18 cm2 (0.13; 0.26), 0.27 cm2 (0.20; 0.45) and 0.23 cm2 (0.16; 0.40) for tendon sheaths. No statistically significant difference was found between US tendon area and MRI tendon area 2 (Wilcoxon’s test; p = 0.47). Overall, the agreement between grayscale and color Doppler (CD) US and MRI tenosynovitis visualization and scoring was good, but not between CD and BFI.

Conclusion US and MRI have high agreement using image fusion for the assessment of tenosynovitis when partial volume artifacts are taken into account. BFI is not an alternative to CD for the measurement of slow flow in tenosynovitis.
Impfstatus von Kindern und Erzieher(innen) in Kindertageseinrichtungen der Landeshauptstadt Düsseldorf – Querschnittsstudie
Authors: Dilmaghani Delbar , Schäfer Michael , Bredahl Renate , Göbels Klaus
Published: May 2017

Hintergrund Das Gesundheitsamt der Landeshauptstadt Düsseldorf verfolgte mit dieser Querschnittsstudie das Ziel, den aktuellen Impfstatus von Kindern und Erziehern in Kin-dertageseinrichtungen in Düsseldorf zu ermitteln. Zudem war die Untersuchung der Beziehung zwischen den 5 Sozialraumclustern in Düsseldorf und den Impfquoten von Interesse. Insbesondere aufgrund der Änderung des IfSG vom Juli 2015 nimmt ein aufmerksames Monitoring der aktuellen Impfsituation an Bedeutung zu.

Methodik Es wurde ein gewichtetes cluster random sampling angewandt, um 50 Kindertageseinrichtungen aus den 5 verschiedenen Sozialraumclustern auszuwählen. Dazu wurden Fragebögen an die ausgewählten Kindertageseinrichtungen versandt und die Daten wurden mit deskriptiven statistischen Methoden ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse 76,0% der Kinder waren gegen MMR immunisiert, 68,2% gegen Varizellen und 75,4% gegen Meningokokken C. Mit steigendem Alter nahmen die Impfquoten der Kinder zu. 96,4% der Erzieher, die nach 1970 geboren wurden, haben keine Impfungen gegen Varizellen erhalten, 17,9% wurden nicht gegen MMR geimpft und 82,1% wurden nicht gegen Meningokokken C geimpft.

Schlussfolgerung Die Impfquoten der Kinder in den ausgewählten Kindertageseinrich-tungen in Düsseldorf fielen deutlich niedriger aus im Vergleich zu den Impfquoten aus den Daten der Schuleingangsuntersuchungen in Düsseldorf, NRW und in Deutschland. Aufgrund der niedrigen Rücklaufquote (11%) fanden die Methoden der Inferenzstatistik keine Anwendung und Schlussfolgerungen zu den Daten der Erzieher sind nur eingeschränkt möglich.
Der protektive Einfluss Müllerʼscher Gliazellen auf retinale Ganglienzellen
Authors: Schmidt Manuela , Savkovic-Cvijic Helena , Eichler Wolfram , Unterlauft Jan
Published: May 2017

Einleitung Die Müllerʼschen Gliazellen übernehmen in der Netzhaut vielfältige Aufgaben und gewährleisten damit deren regelrechte Funktion. Wie stark die neuroprotektive Wirkung von Müller-Zellen auf retinale Ganglienzellen (RGC) ist, soll untersucht werden.

Material und Methoden RGC wurden für 24 Stunden alleine oder in Kokultur mit Müllerʼschen Gliazellen unter normoxischen (20% O2, 5% CO2) und hypoxischen (0,2% O2, 5% CO2, 94,8% N2) Bedingungen kultiviert. Die Anzahl lebender RGC und die Länge der neu ausgebildeten Neuriten dienten zur Beurteilung der Zellvitalität.

Ergebnisse Unter normoxischen Kulturbedingungen war die Anzahl vitaler RGC in Kokultur (62,85 ± 2,06%) signifikant höher (p < 0,01) als in der homotypischen RGC-Kultur (47,29 ± 2,83%). Unter Hypoxie war die Anzahl vitaler RGC in der Kokultur (41,07 ± 2,28%) ebenfalls signifikant höher (p < 0,01) als in der homotypischen RGC-Kultur (28,49 ± 2,16%). Die Länge der neu gebildeten Neuriten war in der normoxischen Kokultur am größten (90,7 ± 7,4 µm), zeigte aber nur im Vergleich zwischen normoxischer Kokultur und homotypischer RGC-Kultur einen signifikanten Unterschied (p = 0,04).

Schlussfolgerung Müllerʼsche Gliazellen unterstützen das Überleben von RGC unter normoxischen und hypoxischen Bedingungen. Ein weiterer Parameter zur Bewertung der Zellvitalität neben der Anzahl lebender RGC ist die Länge der neu ausgebildeten Neuriten.
Thermal Ablation of Lung Tumors: Focus on Microwave Ablation
Authors: Vogl Thomas , Nour-Eldin Nour-Eldin , Albrecht Moritz , Kaltenbach Benjamin , Hohenforst-Schmidt Wolfgang , Lin Han , Panahi Bita , Eichler Kathrin , Gruber-Rouh Tatjana , Roman Andrei
Published: May 2017

Background Image-guided thermal ablation can be used for the treatment of medically inoperable primary and metastatic lung cancer. These techniques are based on the heating up or freezing (cryoablation) of a volume of tissue around a percutaneous applicator that induces necrosis of the tumor.

Method The English-language literature concerning thermal ablation of the lung was reviewed. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is the most widely performed and investigated of these techniques. Microwave ablation (MWA) represents a relatively new alternative that shares the same indications and is conducted in a very similar fashion as RFA. It has been experimentally and clinically shown that MWA produces larger, more spherical ablation zones over shorter periods of time compared to RFA. Seven different MWA systems are available in Europe and the USA with significant differences in the size and shape of the produced ablation zones.

Results The types of complications caused by MWA and their rates of occurrence are very similar to those caused by RFA. The local progression rates after MWA of lung malignancies vary between 0 % and 34 % and are similar to those in the RFA literature.

Conclusion Despite technical improvements, the current generation of MWA systems has comparable clinical outcomes to those of RFA.

Key Points 

Citation Format
Osmotic and diffusio-osmotic flow generation at high solute concentration. II. Molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Yoshida Hiroaki , Marbach Sophie , Bocquet Lydéric
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we explore osmotic transport by means of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We first consider osmosis through a membrane and investigate the reflection coefficient of an imperfectly semi-permeable membrane, in the dilute and high concentration regimes. We then explore the diffusio-osmotic flow of a solute-solvent fluid adjacent to a solid surface, driven by a chemical potential gradient parallel to the surface. We propose a novel non-equilibrium MD (NEMD) methodology to simulate diffusio-osmosis, by imposing an external force on every particle, which properly mimics the chemical potential gradient on the solute in spite of the periodic boundary conditions. This NEMD method is validated theoretically on the basis of linear-response theory by matching the mobility with their Green–Kubo expressions. Finally, we apply the framework to more realistic systems, namely, a water-ethanol mixture in contact with a silica or a graphene surface.
Nanotip-based photoelectron microgun for ultrafast LEED
Authors: Storeck Gero , Vogelgesang Simon , Sivis Murat , Schäfer Sascha , Ropers Claus
Published: May 2017

We present the design and fabrication of a micrometer-scale electron gun for the implementation of ultrafast low-energy electron diffraction from surfaces. A multi-step process involving photolithography and focused-ion-beam nanostructuring is used to assemble and electrically contact the photoelectron gun, which consists of a nanotip photocathode in a Schottky geometry and an einzel lens for beam collimation. We characterize the low-energy electron pulses by a transient electric field effect and achieve pulse durations of 1.3 ps at an electron energy of 80 eV. First diffraction images in a backscattering geometry (at 50 eV electron energy) are shown.
Enhancement-mode hydrogenated diamond metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors with Y2O3 oxide insulator grown by electron beam evaporator
Authors: Liu J. W. , Oosato H. , Liao M. Y. , Koide Y.
Published: May 2017

Enhancement-mode (E-mode) hydrogenated diamond (H-diamond) metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) are fabricated with an Y2O3 oxide insulator grown on the H-diamond directly using an electron beam evaporator. The depletion region of the capacitance-voltage curve for the MOS capacitor shifts to the left hand side relative to 0 V, which indicates the existence of positive charges in the Y2O3 film. There are distinct pinch-off and p-type channel characteristics of the Y2O3/H-diamond MOSFETs. The maximum drain-source current for the MOSFET without interspace between the source/drain and the gate (LS/D-G) is −114.6 mA mm−1. Those for the MOSFETs with LS/D-G are decreased from −11.0 to −2.1 mA mm−1 with the gate length increasing from 3.3 ± 0.1 to 15.4 ± 0.1 μm. Threshold voltages for all the MOSFETs are negative, indicating their E-mode characteristics. Negatively charged adsorbates are one of the necessary conditions for hole accumulation of the H-diamond channel layer, which are possibly compensated by the positive charges in the Y2O3 film, resulting in E-mode characteristics of the MOSFETs.
The energy dependence of CO(v,J) produced from H2CO via the transition state, roaming, and triple fragmentation channels
Authors: Quinn Mitchell S. , Andrews Duncan U. , Nauta Klaas , Jordan Meredith J. T. , Kable Scott H.
Published: May 2017

The dynamics of CO production from photolysis of H2CO have been explored over a 8000 cm−1 energy range (345 nm–266 nm). Two-dimensional ion imaging, which simultaneously measures the speed and angular momentum distribution of a photofragment, was used to characterise the distribution of rotational and translational energy and to quantify the branching fraction of roaming, transition state (TS), and triple fragmentation (3F) pathways. The rotational distribution for the TS channel broadens significantly with increasing energy, while the distribution is relatively constant for the roaming channel. The branching fraction from roaming is also relatively constant at 20% of the observed CO. Above the 3F threshold, roaming decreases in favour of triple fragmentation. Combining the present data with our previous study on the H-atom branching fractions and published quantum yields for radical and molecular channels, absolute quantum yields were determined for all five dissociation channels for the entire S1←S0 absorption band, covering almost 8000 cm−1 of excitation energy. The S0 radical and TS molecular channels are the most important over this energy range. The absolute quantum yield of roaming is fairly constant ∼5% at all energies. The T1 radical channel is important (20%-40%) between 1500 and 4000 cm−1 above the H + HCO threshold, but becomes unimportant at higher energy. Triple fragmentation increases rapidly above its threshold reaching a maximum of 5% of the total product yield at the highest energy.
Effect of nonuniform electric field on the electrohydrodynamic motion of a drop in Poiseuille flow
Authors: Mandal Shubhadeep , Chakrabarti Suryapratim , Chakraborty Suman
Published: May 2017

The effect of a nonuniform electric field on the electrohydrodynamic motion of a leaky dielectric suspended drop in the presence of background Poiseuille flow is investigated analytically. Considering the nonuniform electric field to be a linear combination of uniform and quadrupole fields, the velocity of a force-free drop positioned at the flow centerline is obtained. The drop velocity is strongly influenced by the surface charge distribution and drop shape. In the Stokes flow limit, we employ an asymptotic method considering weak surface charge convection and small shape deformation. The present study shows the importance of type of nonuniform electric field (converging or diverging in the direction of the Poiseuille flow), strength of the electric field relative to the Poiseuille flow, and material property ratios on the magnitude and direction of drop motion in the presence of flow curvature. In the presence of a nonuniform electric field, the flow curvature can increase or decrease the drop velocity as compared with a uniform flow case. The converging electric field always drives a perfectly conducting drop in the direction of the Poiseuille flow with increased velocity, while the diverging electric field can drive the drop in either direction, depending on the relative strength of the applied electric field. Shape deformation increases the velocity of a perfectly conducting drop in the converging electric field, while shape deformation increases/decreases the velocity magnitude of a perfectly conducting drop in the diverging electric field. The converging electric field always drives a perfectly dielectric drop in the direction of the Poiseuille flow with increased (or decreased) velocity when the drop phase permittivity is greater (or less) than the medium phase permittivity. The diverging electric field can move a perfectly dielectric drop in either direction, depending on the strength of the electric field relative to the Poiseuille flow and drop-to-medium permittivity ratio. Shape deformation increases the velocity magnitude of a perfectly dielectric drop for larger permittivity ratios. For leaky dielectric drops, both surface convection and shape deformation can increase or decrease the drop velocity in nonuniform electric field, depending on the electrohydrodynamic properties of the drop and the suspending medium.
Interferometric characterization of rotation stages for X-ray nanotomography
Authors: Stankevič Tomaš , Engblom Christer , Langlois Florent , Alves Filipe , Lestrade Alain , Jobert Nicolas , Cauchon Gilles , Vogt Ulrich , Kubsky Stefan
Published: May 2017

The field of three-dimensional multi-modal X-ray nanoimaging relies not only on high-brilliance X-rays but also on high-precision mechanics and position metrology. Currently available state-of-the-art linear and rotary drives can provide 3D position accuracy within tens to hundreds of nm, which is often insufficient for high resolution imaging with nanofocused X-ray beams. Motion errors are especially troublesome in the case of rotation drives and their correction is more complicated and relies on the metrology grade reference objects. Here we present a method which allows the characterisation and correction of the radial and angular errors of the rotary drives without the need for a highly accurate metrology object. The method is based on multi-probe error separation using fiber-laser interferometry and uses a standard cylindrical sample holder as a reference. The obtained runout and shape measurements are then used to perform the position corrections using additional drives. We demonstrate the results of the characterization for a piezo-driven small rotation stage. The error separation allowed us to measure the axis runout to be approximately ±1.25 μm, and with active runout compensation this could be reduced down to ±42 nm.
Broadband locally resonant band gaps in periodic beam structures with embedded acoustic black holes
Authors: Tang Liling , Cheng Li
Published: May 2017

The Acoustic Black Hole (ABH) effect can be used to effectively reduce structural vibrations by trapping flexural waves in a thin-walled structure with a power-law thickness variation. In the present study, we used a wavelet-decomposed energy method to investigate an Euler-Bernoulli beam embedded with multiple ABHs. Broadband transmission attenuation bands at relatively low frequencies are observed in a beam containing only a few ABH elements. To explain the underlying phenomena, an infinite structure with periodic ABH elements is analyzed. Numerical results show that the periodic boundary conditions in terms of displacement and rotational slope of a unit cell, based on the finite model, are sufficient to describe the band structures, without requiring full treatment of the entire infinite structure. This provides an efficient and flexible means to predict, and eventually optimize, the band structure based on a single element. Meanwhile, the ABH-induced locally resonant band gaps coincide with the attenuation bands observed in the finite beams. Because of the unique ABH feature, the proposed beam requires only a small number of elements to obtain broad attenuation bands, which offers great potential for vibrational isolation applications and wave filter designs in beam structures.
Transient process spectroscopy for the direct observation of inter-molecular photo-dissociation
Authors: Hashimoto Sena , Yabushita Atsushi , Iwakura Izumi
Published: May 2017

Transient process spectroscopy has previously been thought to be applicable only to the analysis of intra-molecular processes. Two metal ion bridges used in the present work have allowed us to visualize real-time variations of the molecular vibration frequencies during photo-disproportionation inside bimolecule aggregates, which directly shows transient inter-molecular reactions.
Asymmetric phase anomaly of terajet generated from dielectric cube under oblique illumination
Authors: Nguyen Pham Hai Huy , Hisatake Shintaro , Minin Oleg V. , Nagatsuma Tadao , Minin Igor V.
Published: May 2017

The terajet, a jet in the terahertz (THz, 0.1–10 THz) region, has attracted considerable research interest owing to its capability to compress beams to subwavelength hotspots. Here, we report a finding of an abnormal asymmetric Gouy phase anomaly in a terajet generated from a Teflon (n = 1.46) cube illuminated by the TM-mode oblique incidences. This asymmetric Gouy phase anomaly causes an interesting deviation angle between the normal of the phase distribution of the Gouy phase anomaly and the propagation direction of the incident beam at the position where the terajet is generated. This deviation angle exponentially decreases as THz waves propagate over several wavelengths. The output angle of the generated terajet, which is evaluated based on the experimental peak values of the amplitude distribution, shows linearity and is identical to the input angle of the incident beam. The full width at half maximum is also maintained within a wavelength for wide angles (45°) of oblique illuminations.
Enhanced THz emission efficiency of composition-tunable InGaAs nanowire arrays
Authors: Beleckaitė I. , Treu J. , Morkötter S. , Döblinger M. , Xu X. , Adomavičius R. , Finley J. J. , Koblmüller G. , Krotkus A.
Published: May 2017

We report the terahertz (THz) emission properties of composition-tunable, intrinsically n-type InGaAs nanowire (NW) arrays using THz time-domain spectroscopy. By tuning the alloy composition of In1-xGaxAs NWs from pure InAs (x(Ga)=0) up to the intermediate composition (x(Ga)∼0.5), a substantially enhanced (>3-fold) THz emission efficiency is found, which is ascribed to a reduction in electron accumulation at the NW surface and respective electron scattering at donor-type surface defects. These findings are also confirmed by photoexcitation wavelength dependent measurements, while the THz emission characteristics are further found to be different from corresponding bulk-type planar InGaAs. In particular, NWs exhibit no distinct maxima in THz excitation spectra as caused by electron scattering to subsidiary conduction band valleys and commonly observed in the majority of bulk semiconductors. The wavelength-dependent emission spectra further reveal distinct signatures of modified intervalley scattering, revealing the underlying polytypism of intermixed wurtzite and zincblende phases in the investigated InGaAs NWs.
Zero loop-area Sagnac interferometer at oblique-incidence for detecting in-plane magneto-optic Kerr effect
Authors: Zhu X. D. , Malovichko Galina
Published: May 2017

We describe a zero loop-area Sagnac interferometer at oblique incidence for detecting magneto-optic Kerr effect arising from in-plane magnetization in a sample. By exploiting properties of polarization states under relevant crystal symmetry transformation, we show that contributions from longitudinal and transverse Kerr effects can be separated. In addition we can select one optical arrangement out of four that detects the longitudinal effect with the highest signal-to-noise ratio. Compared to finite loop-area Sagnac interferometers operating at oblique incidence, the zero loop-area interferometer involves significantly fewer optical elements and is thus more stable against drifts in the optical system. For demonstration, we measured the in-plane magneto-optic Kerr effect from a 42-nm Ni film.
Offsets required to reduce the carbon balance of sheep and beef farms through carbon sequestration in trees and soils
Authors: Doran-Browne Natalie , Wootton Mark , Taylor Chris , Eckard Richard
Published: May 2017

The sustainability of farming is important to ensure that natural resources remain available into the future. Ruminant livestock production generates more greenhouse gas emissions than other types of agricultural production and most livestock mitigation options to date have a modest greenhouse gas reduction potential (<20%). Trees and soils, by comparison, can sequester large amounts of carbon depending on the availability of land. Previous studies on carbon neutral livestock production have shown that farms with a stocking rate of 8 dry sheep equivalents (DSE)/ha can be carbon neutral or carbon positive by sequestering more carbon than is emitted from the farm. However, the carbon offsets required by farms with higher stocking rates (>20 DSE/ha) has yet to be studied in Australia. The challenge is to sequester enough carbon to offset the higher level of emissions that these higher stocked farms produce. This study calculated the carbon balance of wool, prime lamb and beef enterprises using a range of stocking rates (6–22 DSE/ha) and levels of tree cover in two agroecological zones. Emissions from livestock, energy and transport were offset by the carbon sequestered in trees and soils. Additionally, the carbon balance was calculated of a case study, Jigsaw Farms, an intensive sheep and beef farm in south-eastern Australia. The methods used to calculate emissions and carbon stocks were from the Australian National Greenhouse Gas Inventory. The majority of stocking rates were carbon positive over a 25-year period when 20% of the sheep or beef enterprises were covered with trees. This study demonstrated that substantial reductions can be made in greenhouse gas emissions through the use of carbon sequestration, particularly in trees. The results showed that from 2000 to 2014 Jigsaw Farms reduced its emissions by 48% by sequestering carbon in trees and soil. The analysis of different stocking rates and tree cover provides an important reference point for farmers, researchers and policy analysts to estimate the carbon balance of wool, prime lamb and beef enterprises based on stocking rate and the area of tree cover.
Identification of Cav2–PKCβ and Cav2–NOS1 complexes as entities for ultrafast electrochemical coupling
Authors: Constantin Cristina E. , Müller Catrin S. , Leitner Michael G. , Bildl Wolfgang , Schulte Uwe , Oliver Dominik , Fakler Bernd
Published: May 2017

Significance

Nitric oxide synthase (NOS1) and protein kinase Cβ (PKCβ), through their enzymatic activities, initiate a variety of intracellular signaling processes in the brain. For activation, both enzymes require intracellular calcium ions (Ca
2+
), which, for NOS1, may be provided via NMDA-type glutamate receptors. Activation by voltage-gated Ca
2+
(Cav) channels has remained elusive. Here we report that both PKCβ and NOS1 form bimolecular complexes with Cav2.2 channels, thus placing themselves within less than 10 nm of a Ca
2+
source. Within the framework of the channel–enzyme complexes, PKCβ and NOS1 are reliably activated even by periods of Ca
2+
influx as short as 0.8 ms occurring during action potentials. Our results establish Cav2–enzyme complexes as molecular entities for fast and precisely timed electrochemical coupling.
Linkage disequilibrium matches forensic genetic records to disjoint genomic marker sets
Authors: Edge Michael D. , Algee-Hewitt Bridget F. B. , Pemberton Trevor J. , Li Jun Z. , Rosenberg Noah A.
Published: May 2017

Significance

We describe a method for identifying in distinct genetic datasets observations that represent the same person. By using correlations among genetic markers close to one another in the genome, the method can succeed even if the datasets contain no overlapping markers. We show that the method can link a dataset similar to those used in genomic studies with another dataset containing markers used for forensics. Our approach can assist in maintaining backward compatibility with databases of existing forensic genetic profiles as systems move to new marker types. At the same time, it illustrates that the privacy risks that can arise from the cross-linking of databases are inherent even for small numbers of markers.
Long-read sequencing uncovers the adaptive topography of a carnivorous plant genome
Authors: Lan Tianying , Renner Tanya , Ibarra-Laclette Enrique , Farr Kimberly M. , Chang Tien-Hao , Cervantes-Pérez Sergio Alan , Zheng Chunfang , Sankoff David , Tang Haibao , Purbojati Rikky W. , Putra Alexander , Drautz-Moses Daniela I. , Schuster Stephan C. , Herrera-Estrella Luis , Albert Victor A.
Published: May 2017

Significance

Carnivorous plants capture and digest animal prey for nutrition. In addition to being carnivorous, the humped bladderwort plant,Utricularia gibba, has the smallest reliably assembled flowering plant genome. We generated an updated genome assembly based on single-molecule sequencing to address questions regarding the bladderwort’s genome adaptive landscape. Among encoded genes, we segregated those that could be confidently distinguished as having derived from small-scale versus whole-genome duplication processes and showed that conspicuous expansions of gene families useful for prey trapping and processing derived mainly from localized duplication events. Such small-scale, tandem duplicates are therefore revealed as essential elements in the bladderwort’s carnivorous adaptation.
Involvement of a gut–retina axis in protection against dietary glycemia-induced age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Rowan Sheldon , Jiang Shuhong , Korem Tal , Szymanski Jedrzej , Chang Min-Lee , Szelog Jason , Cassalman Christa , Dasuri Kalavathi , McGuire Christina , Nagai Ryoji , Du Xue-Liang , Brownlee Michael , Rabbani Naila , Thornalley Paul J. , Baleja James D. , Deik Amy A. , Pierce Kerry A. , Scott Justin M. , Clish Clary B. , Smith Donald E. , Weinberger Adina , Avnit-Sagi Tali , Lotan-Pompan Maya , Segal Eran , Taylor Allen
Published: May 2017

Significance

Food is medicine, and diet impacts the risk for and progression of age-related macular degeneration AMD, but we have few clues as to why. We found that wild-type mice fed a high-glycemic-index diet similar in composition to the Western diet developed a disease state that resembles dry AMD. To gain insight into the mechanism, we used LC-MS– and NMR-based metabolomics to discover diet-, metabolic-, and AMD-associated phenotypes. These studies revealed changes in the gut microbiota that altered the production of metabolites that protected against AMD, including serotonin. Changing the diet to a low-glycemic-index diet, even late in life, arrested the development of AMD, offering dietary interventions for AMD.
Control of metastatic niche formation by targeting APBA3/Mint3 in inflammatory monocytes
Authors: Hara Toshiro , Nakaoka Hiroki J. , Hayashi Tetsuro , Mimura Kouhei , Hoshino Daisuke , Inoue Masahiro , Nagamura Fumitaka , Murakami Yoshinori , Seiki Motoharu , Sakamoto Takeharu
Published: May 2017

Significance

Metastasis complicates cancer treatment. This process is intricately orchestrated by both cancer and normal cells. Thus, new antimetastasis drugs targeting normal cells that interact with cancer cells constitutes a promising approach, as long as body homeostasis is unaffected. Here, we focused on a unique feature of metastasis-promoting monocytes/macrophages: their dependence on aerobic glycolysis for energy production. APBA3 promotes aerobic glycolysis by activating HIF-1 in macrophages. APBA3 depletion decreases ATP production by approximately 60% in macrophages without affecting other cells. We show that depletion of APBA3 in monocytes suppresses their recruitment to the metastatic niche and E-selectin induction in endothelial cells, resulting in metastasis inhibition. Thus, targeting APBA3 may be useful for preventing metastasis, with few side effects.
Temporal Trends in Stream Habitat on Managed Forestlands in Coastal Southeast Alaska
Authors: Martin Douglas J. , Shelly Alice
Published: May 2017

We evaluated trends in fish habitat condition and their relationship to natural and management-associated disturbances in forests of coastal Southeast Alaska. Monitoring data spanning 9–19 years (1994–2012) from 14 stream reaches were examined using linear mixed-effects models to evaluate patterns and trends in fish habitat condition. Modeling detected multiple patterns of habitat change that included postharvest pulses in large wood (LW) recruitment and reductions in substrate particle size, both followed by long-term trends (average LW density increased by 0.8–0.9 pieces/year; median substrate particle size decreased by 0.6–1.3 mm/year) that were observed up to two decades after harvest. Trends in spawning gravel followed patterns of change in substrate except at higher-gradient, cobble-dominated reaches, where the reduction in substrate particle size improved spawning habitat. Trends in pool habitat were not detectable over the short term for most attributes but exhibited gradual changes after harvest that became strongly evident over the long term (average residual pool depth increased by 0.5 cm/year, wood-formed pools increased by 0.9% per year). The changes in habitat conditions and correlations with riparian forest attributes (buffer strip length and wind exposure) suggested that the habitat responses were related to increased tree windthrow after timber harvest. Furthermore, the degree to which LW recruits functioned in forming pools appeared to influence long-term trends in stream habitat. We observed that only 26% of new LW recruits, on average, were functioning to form habitat and that wood function increased over time, peaking (72% of recruits were functioning) about three decades after recruitment. Our monitoring over two decades enabled us to discern slowly evolving trends, showed how trends in pool habitat that are not initially evident may be associated with buffer disturbances (windthrow and landslides), and demonstrated the long-term consequences of management actions.

Received August 2, 2016; accepted May 5, 2017 Published online July 12, 2017
Synthesis of aurachins B and H
Authors: Takahashi Kazuki , Kuwahara Shigefumi , Enomoto Masaru
Published: May 2017

The synthesis of aurachin B, an antibiotic that features a C3-oxygen-substituted quinoline N-oxide nucleus bearing a farnesyl side chain at C4, was accomplished in 60% overall yield from o-nitrotoluene by a concise five-step sequence. An enantioselective synthesis of aurachin H was also achieved for the first time in only two steps from an optically active epoxy iodide.
Platelet extracellular vesicles induce a pro‐inflammatory smooth muscle cell phenotype
Authors: Vajen Tanja , Benedikter Birke J. , Heinzmann Alexandra C. A. , Vasina Elena M. , Henskens Yvonne , Parsons Martin , Maguire Patricia B. , Stassen Frank R. , Heemskerk Johan W. M. , Schurgers Leon J. , Koenen Rory R.
Published: May 2017

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are mediators of cell communication during health and disease, and abundantly released by platelets upon activation or during ageing. Platelet EVs exert modulatory effects on immune and vascular cells. Platelet EVs may modulate the function of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC). Platelet EVs were isolated from platelet‐rich plasma and incubated with SMC in order to assess binding, proliferation, migration and pro‐inflammatory phenotype of the cells. Platelet EVs firmly bound to resting SMC through the platelet integrin αIIbβ3, while binding also occurred in a CX3CL1–CX3CR1‐dependent manner after cytokine stimulation. Platelet EVs increased SMC migration comparable to platelet derived growth factor or platelet factor 4 and induced SMC proliferation, which relied on CD40‐ and P‐selectin interactions. Flow‐resistant monocyte adhesion to platelet EV‐treated SMC was increased compared with resting SMC. Again, this adhesion depended on integrin αIIbβ3 and P‐selectin, and to a lesser extent on CD40 and CX3CR1. Treatment of SMC with platelet EVs induced interleukin 6 secretion. Finally, platelet EVs induced a synthetic SMC morphology and decreased calponin expression. Collectively, these data indicate that platelet EVs exert a strong immunomodulatory activity on SMC. In particular, platelet EVs induce a switch towards a pro‐inflammatory phenotype, stimulating vascular remodelling.
TOG–tubulin binding specificity promotes microtubule dynamics and mitotic spindle formation
Authors: Byrnes Amy E. , Slep Kevin C.
Published: May 2017

XMAP215, CLASP, and Crescerin use arrayed tubulin-binding tumor overexpressed gene (TOG) domains to modulate microtubule dynamics. We hypothesized that TOGs have distinct architectures and tubulin-binding properties that underlie each family’s ability to promote microtubule polymerization or pause. As a model, we investigated the pentameric TOG array of a Drosophila melanogaster XMAP215 member, Msps. We found that Msps TOGs have distinct architectures that bind either free or polymerized tubulin, and that a polarized array drives microtubule polymerization. An engineered TOG1-2-5 array fully supported Msps-dependent microtubule polymerase activity. Requisite for this activity was a TOG5-specific N-terminal HEAT repeat that engaged microtubule lattice-incorporated tubulin. TOG5–microtubule binding maintained mitotic spindle formation as deleting or mutating TOG5 compromised spindle architecture and increased the mitotic index. Mad2 knockdown released the spindle assembly checkpoint triggered when TOG5–microtubule binding was compromised, indicating that TOG5 is essential for spindle function. Our results reveal a TOG5-specific role in mitotic fidelity and support our hypothesis that architecturally distinct TOGs arranged in a sequence-specific order underlie TOG array microtubule regulator activity.
International comparison Euramet.QM-K111—propane in nitrogen
Authors: Hout J Wouter van der , Veen Adriaan M H van der , Ziel Paul R , Kipphardt Heinrich , Tuma Dirk , Maiwald Michael , Fernández Teresa E , Gómez Concepción , Cieciora Dariusz , Ochman Grzegorz , Dias Florbela , Silvino Victor , Macé Tatiana , Sutour Christophe , Marioni Fabrice , Ackermann Andreas , Niederhauser Bernhard , Fükő Judit , Büki Tamás , Szilágyi Zsófia Nagyné , Tarhan Tanıl , Engin Erinç
Published: May 2017

This key comparison aims to assess the core capabilities of the participants in gas analysis. Such competences include, among others, the capabilities to prepare Primary Standard gas Mixtures (PSMs), perform the necessary purity analysis on the materials used in the gas mixture preparation, the verification of the composition of newly prepared PSMs against existing ones, and the capability of calibrating the composition of a gas mixture. According to the Strategy for Key Comparisons of the Gas Analysis Working Group, this key comparison is classified as an RMO track A key comparison.

The artefacts were binary mixtures of propane in nitrogen at a nominal amount-of-substance fraction level of 1000 μmol/mol. The values and uncertainties from the gravimetric gas mixture preparation were used as key comparison reference values (KCRVs). Each transfer standard had its own KCRV. The results are generally good. All results are within ± 1 % of the KCRV.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCQM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Coulomb stress transfer and fault interaction over millennia on non-planar active normal faults: the Mw 6.5–5.0 seismic sequence of 2016–2017, central Italy
Authors: Mildon Zoe K. , Roberts Gerald P. , Faure Walker Joanna P. , Iezzi Francesco
Published: May 2017

In order to investigate the importance of including strike-variable geometry and the knowledge of historical and palaeoseismic earthquakes when modelling static Coulomb stress transfer and rupture propagation, we have examined the August–October 2016 A.D. and January 2017 A.D. central Apennines seismic sequence (Mw 6.0, 5.9, 6.5 in 2016 A.D. (INGV) and Mw 5.1, 5.5, 5.4, 5.0 in 2017 A.D. (INGV)). We model both the coseismic loading (from historical and palaeoseismic earthquakes) and interseismic loading (derived from Holocene fault slip-rates) using strike-variable fault geometries constrained by fieldwork. The inclusion of the elapsed times from available historical and palaeoseismological earthquakes and on faults enables us to calculate the stress on the faults prior to the beginning of the seismic sequence. We take account the 1316–4155 yr elapsed time on the Mt. Vettore fault (that ruptured during the 2016 A.D. seismic sequence) implied by palaeoseismology, and the 377 and 313 yr elapsed times on the neighbouring Laga and Norcia faults respectively, indicated by the historical record. The stress changes through time are summed to show the state of stress on the Mt. Vettore, Laga and surrounding faults prior to and during the 2016–2017 A.D. sequence. We show that the build up of stress prior to 2016 A.D. on strike-variable fault geometries generated stress heterogeneities that correlate with the limits of the main-shock ruptures. Hence, we suggest that stress barriers appear to have control on the propagation and therefore the magnitudes of the main-shock ruptures.
After 9 Years of 3-Column Osteotomies, Are We Doing Better? Performance Curve Analysis of 573 Surgeries With 2-Year Follow-up
Authors: Diebo Bassel G , Lafage Virginie , Varghese Jeffrey J , Gupta Munish , Kim Han Jo , Ames Christopher , Kebaish Khaled , Shaffrey Christopher , Hostin Richard , Obeid Ibrahim , Burton Doug , Hart Robert A , Lafage Renaud , Schwab Frank J ,   International Spine Study Group (ISSG) of Denver, Colorado
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND

In spinal deformity treatment, the increased utilization of 3-column (3CO) osteotomies reflects greater comfort and better training among surgeons. This study aims to evaluate the longitudinal performance and adverse events (complications or revisions) for a multicenter group following a decade of 3CO.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate if performance of 3CO surgeries improves with years of practice.

METHODS

Patients who underwent 3CO for spinal deformity with intra/postoperative and revision data collected up to 2 yr were included. Patients were chronologically divided into 4 even groups. Demographics, baseline deformity/correction, and surgical metrics were compared using Student t-test. Postoperative and revision rates were compared using Chi-square analysis.

RESULTS

Five hundred seventy-three patients were stratified into: G1 (n = 143, 2004-2008), G2 (n = 142, 2008-2009), G3 (n = 144, 2009-2010), G4 (n = 144 2010-2013). The most recent patients were more disabled by Oswestry disability index (G4 = 49.2 vs G1 = 38.3, P = .001), and received a larger osteotomy resection (G4 = 26° vs G1 = 20°, P = .011) than the earliest group. There was a decrease in revision rate (45%, 35%, 33%, 30%, P = .039), notably in revisions for pseudarthrosis (16.7% G1 vs 6.9% G4, P = .007). Major complication rates also decreased (57%, 50%, 46%, 39%, P = .023) as did excessive blood loss (>4 L, 27.2 vs 16.7%, P = .023) and bladder/bowel deficit (4.2% vs 0.7% P = .002). Successful outcomes (no complications or revision) significantly increased (P = .001).

CONCLUSION

Over 9 yr, 3COs are being performed on an increasingly disabled population while gaining a greater correction at the osteotomy site. Revisions and complication rate decreased while success rate improved during the 2-yr follow-up period.
Transsylvian Transuncal Approach for an Anterior Midbrain Cavernous Malformation Resection: A Case Report
Authors: Delaunois Julien , Vaz Géraldo , Raftopoulos Christian
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE

Cavernous malformations (CMs) are vascular abnormalities with a hemorrhage risk of 0.2% to 5% per year, according to their location. Brainstem CMs seem to have a greater hemorrhagic risk and represent a neurosurgical challenge. We report here the first transsylvian transuncal (TS-TU) approach for an anteromedial mesencephalic CM resection.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

A 29-yr-old female suddenly presented a left hemiparesis and central facial paresis with a diplopia in the upward gaze. A cerebral imagery revealed an 18-mm right cerebral peduncle CM with signs of acute hemorrhage. Two months later, she rebleed while pregnant. The pregnancy was interrupted. Five months later, a 3.0 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with diffusion tensor imaging sequences was realized for preoperative planning followed by a gross total resection of the CM through a TS-TU approach to avoid the perforating arteries of the anterior perforated substance. The patient presented postoperatively again a left hemiparesis and central facial paresis with a right oculomotor nerve paresis. On the tenth postsurgical day, she developed a Holmes’ tremor of the left upper limb, for which a Levodopa treatment was initiated. Three months postoperative, MRI showed a gross total resection of the mesencephalic CM without complications. A complete clinical recovery was observed 1 yr later.

CONCLUSION

We describe here the first performance of a TS-TU approach for an anterior mesencephalic CM resection. This surgical approach allowed direct access to the CM, avoiding the vascularization of the anterior perforated substance.
PPARγ Agonists Attenuate Trigeminal Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Lyons Danielle N. , Zhang Liping , Danaher Robert J. , Miller Craig S. , Westlund Karin N.
Published: May 2017

Objectives:

The aim of this study is to investigate the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma isoform (PPARγ), in trigeminal neuropathic pain utilizing a novel mouse trigeminal inflammatory compression (TIC) injury model.

Results:

The study determined that the PPARγ nuclear receptor plays a significant role in trigeminal nociception transmission, evidenced by: 1) Intense PPARγ immunoreactivity is expressed 3 weeks after TIC nerve injury in the spinal trigeminal caudalis, the termination site of trigeminal nociceptive nerve fibers. 2) Systemic administration of a PPARγ agonist, pioglitazone (PIO), attenuates whisker pad mechanical allodynia at doses of 300 mg/kg i.p. and 600 mg/kg p.o. 3) Administration of a PPARγ antagonist, GW9662 (30 mg/kg i.p.), prior to providing the optimal dose of PIO (300 mg/kg i.p.) blocked the analgesic effect of PIO.

Discussion:

This is the first study localizing PPARγ immunoreactivity throughout the brainstem trigeminal sensory spinal nucleus (spV) and its increase three weeks after TIC nerve injury. This is also the first study to demonstrate that activation of PPARγ attenuates trigeminal hypersensitivity in the mouse TIC nerve injury model. The findings presented here suggest the possibility of utilizing the FDA approved diabetic treatment drug, PIO, as a new therapeutic that targets PPARγ for treatment of patients suffering from orofacial neuropathic pain.