bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Focal Liver Lesions using CEUS and MRI with Liver-Specific Contrast Media: Experience of a Single Radiologic Center
Authors: Beyer Lukas , Wassermann Florian , Pregler Benedikt , Michalik Katharina , Rennert Janine , Wiesinger Isabel , Stroszczynski Christian , Wiggermann Philipp , Jung Ernst
Published: November 2017

Aim The purpose of this study was to compare contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using liver-specific contrast agent and a combination of both for the characterization of focal liver lesions (FLL).

Methods 83 patients with both benign and malignant liver lesions were examined using CEUS and MRI after the intravenous administration of liver-specific contrast media. All patients had inconclusive results from prior imaging examinations. Histopathological specimens could be obtained in 53 patients. Ultrasound was performed using a multi-frequency curved probe (1 – 6 MHz) after the injection of 1 – 2.4 ml ultrasound contrast media. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of CEUS, MRI and a combination of both (CEUS + MRI) were compared.

Results The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values regarding lesion classification were 90.9 %, 70.6 %, 92.3 % and 66.6 %, respectively, for CEUS; 90.9 %, 82.4 %, 95.2 % and 70.0 %, respectively, for MRI; and 96.9 %, 70.6 %, 92.7 % and 85.7 % respectively, for CEUS + MRI. There were no statistically significant differences. 6 malignant lesions were missed using CEUS or MRI alone (false negatives). The use of both modalities combined reduced the false-negative results to 2.

Conclusion CEUS and MRI with liver-specific contrast media are very reliable and of equal informative value in the characterization of focal liver lesions. The number of false-negative results can be decreased using a combination of the two methods.
Ambulante Nachsorge von chronischen Schlaganfallpatienten mit Physiotherapie, Ergotherapie und Logopädie
Authors: Zein Katrin , Saal Susanne
Published: November 2017

Fragestellung Das Krankheitsbild des Schlaganfalls führt zu hohen Aktivitäts- und Partizipationsverlusten der Betroffenen. Die vorliegende Untersuchung fragt nach dem Gesundheitszustand von Patienten mit Schlaganfall im chronischen Stadium, der Versorgungshäufigkeit mit ambulanten Therapien und den Einflussfaktoren auf die Inanspruchnahme von Heilmittelleistungen.

Material und Methoden Sekundärdatenanalyse einer standardisierten Befragung von 111 Patienten zur Funktionsfähigkeit nach Schlaganfall und zur Heilmittelversorgung.

Ergebnisse Ein Jahr nach stationärer Entlassung leiden ein Viertel der befragten Schlaganfallpatienten an schweren bis sehr schweren Funktionseinschränkungen insbesondere in den Bereichen Kraft, Handkraft, Mobilität und Aktivitäten des täglichen Lebens. 54,2% aller Befragten erhalten Heilmittel, wobei 45,4% aller Patienten Physiotherapie, 16,8% Ergotherapie und 18,1% Logopädie erhalten. Eine multiple Regressionsanalyse identifizierte insbesondere Kommunikations- und körperliche Funktionsfähigkeit als signifikante Einflussfaktoren auf die Inanspruchnahme von ambulanten Therapien.

Diskussion und Schlussfolgerung Mind. jeder dritte Patient mit Einschränkungen ist ein Jahr nach Schlaganfall ohne entsprechende Heilmittelversorgung. Die Versorgung mit Heilmitteln kann in dieser Subpopulation als nicht ausreichend betrachtet werden. In der Langzeitversorgung von Schlaganfallpatienten sollte die Versorgung von Patienten mit Sprech- Sprach-, und Schluckstörungen sowie die Versorgung von Älteren mehr Beachtung finden.
Chronische zervikale Schmerzsyndrome. Vorstellung eines multimodalen interdisziplinären stationären Behandlungskonzepts (ANOA-Konzept)
Authors: Niemier Kay , Hogrefe Hans-Christian
Published: November 2017

Chronische zervikale Schmerzsyndrome beruhen in der Regel auf einer komplexen Befundlage. Funktionelle, psychosoziale und morphologische Befunde führen in unterschiedlichster Kombination zu chronischen Schmerzerkrankungen. Um eine gezielte Therapiestrategie zu entwickeln, bedarf es einer multimodalen interdisziplinären Diagnostik. In dieser können die unterschiedlichsten Einflussfaktoren herausgearbeitet, gewertet und in ein gezieltes Therapieprogramm umgesetzt werden. Das ANOA-Konzept verbindet die multimodale Schmerztherapie mit der Differenzialdiagnostik und -Therapie der pathogenetisch wichtigen Funktionsstörungen des Bewegungssystems. Diese werden nicht nur als Auslöser oder Sekundärphänomen chronischer Schmerzen verstanden, sondern als eigenständiger Einflussfaktor.
Sind wir noch zu retten?
Authors: Rammler Nina , Spier Birte
Published: November 2017

Probleme des frühzeitigen Ausstiegs aus dem Pflegeberuf Ist der
frühzeitige Ausstieg aus dem Pflegeberuf eine Bedrohung für den Berufsstand? Was
kann getan werden, um den Pflegeberuf und somit auch die pflegerische Versorgung
von Patienten und Pflegebedürftigen zukünftig sicherzustellen? Was müssen
Arbeitgeber tun, um qualifizierte Pflegekräfte an sich zu binden? Diesen Fragen
ist die Autorin in einer Literaturarbeit im Rahmen ihrer Fachweiterbildung für
Anästhesie- und Intensivpflege nachgegangen und hat damit beim Thieme
Intensiv-Pflegepreis 2016 den 1. Platz belegt. Die Kernfrage Ihres Beitrags
lautet: Wer pflegt uns 2050?
Notfallpflege – was ist das eigentlich?
Authors: Dormann Patrick , Wedler Katrin , Machner Mareen , Fuchs Andreas
Published: November 2017

Begriffserklärung Ein medizinischer Notfall ist ein hochkomplexer Begriff, der nicht so einfach erklärt werden kann. Ähnlich schwierig
ist es, Notfallpflege zu beschreiben. Eine Expertengruppe aus Pflegekräften mit umfangreichen Erfahrungen im Notaufnahme-Setting hat sich
zum Ziel gesetzt, eine Begriffserklärung zu finden. Wir stellen die Ergebnisse vor.
Praxisentwicklung durch APN in der Kinderintensivpflege
Authors: Hock Simone , Lang Janina , Meissner Kerstin , Schmitt Anne , Werner Janne
Published: November 2017

ANP in der Pflegepraxis Pflegeexpertinnen APN – Advanced Practice Nurses – verfügen über einen pflegerischen Master-Abschluss und
haben sich Expertenwissen angeeignet. Sie verstehen sich als Bindeglied zwischen betroffenen Familien und an der Gesundheitsversorgung
beteiligten Mitarbeitern ebenso wie zwischen den involvierten Berufsdisziplinen untereinander. Dabei spezialisieren sie sich meist auf eine
bestimmte Zielgruppe und erweitern das traditionelle pflegerische Aufgabenspektrum. Der folgende Beitrag schildert, wie die spezialisierte
und erweiterte Pflegepraxis der APNs in der Kinderintensivpflege auch langsam in Deutschland ankommt und stellt den speziellen
Aufgabenbereich dieser Pflegeexpertinnen APN vor.
Evaluating the Skidding Incidence During the Application of Different Parameters of Whole Body Vibration in Healthy Subjects with Normal Body Mass Index: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Yoosefinejad Amin , Shabakhti Sara , Salehi Tahereh
Published: November 2017

Context Whole body vibration is a fairly new method with an incremental attention in the fields of sport and rehabilitation. It’s therapeutic and physiologic effects seems to be related to determined parameters like frequency, amplitude, and the position of the subject on the platform. One of the recommended items to be evaluated in studies involving whole body vibration is the skidding of feet. Few studies have reported the incidence of skidding so far.

Objective To investigate the skidding occurrence in a group of healthy subjects with normal range of body mass index.

Design Cross sectional study

Setting Biomechanics lab of the School of Rehabilitation sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences

Participants Thirty healthy individuals with age range between 18 and 40 years and body mass index between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m2

Intervention Twelve different conditions including three different frequencies (20, 30, and 45 Hz), high (3 mm) and low (1.5 mm) amplitudes, and two standing positions (erect and semi squat positions) were evaluated.

Main outcome measure incidence of skidding

Results The incidence percentage varied from 0 to 36%. The highest incidence rate pertained to a condition during which the frequency was 30 Hz, the amplitude was 3 mm, and the subject stood erect on the platform. The skidding did not occur in two of the conditions involving erect standing, frequency equal to 45 Hz, amplitude of 1.5 mm and semi-squat position, frequency equal 20 Hz, and amplitude of 1.5 mm.

Conclusion It seems that different parameters such as standing position, selected amplitude, BMI, and frequency rather than a single factor might influence the incidence of skidding.
Formation process of skyrmion lattice domain boundaries: The role of grain boundaries
Authors: Nakajima H. , Kotani A. , Mochizuki M. , Harada K. , Mori S.
Published: November 2017

We report on the formation process of skyrmion lattice (SkL) domain boundaries in FeGe using Lorentz transmission electron microscopy and small-angle electron diffraction. We observed that grain boundaries and edges play an important role in the formation of SkL domain boundaries; The SkL domain boundary is stabilized at the intersection of two grains. A micromagnetic simulation using the Landau−Lifshitz−Gilbert equation revealed that the SkL domains separated by a boundary represent the lowest energy configuration. Conversely, in a wide area, SkL domain boundaries were not formed and SkL domains with different orientations rotated to form a single SkL domain.
Criterion of sheath formation in magnetized low pressure plasma
Authors: Moulick R. , Adhikari S. , Goswami K. S.
Published: November 2017

A criterion of sheath formation is obtained for magnetized low pressure plasmas. The criterion includes the effect of both collision and the magnetic field. The collision parameter is defined by the ratio of the ionization length to the ion mean free path. The ionization frequency is assumed to be constant. The condition obtained is consistent with the electrostatic case. In the absence of the magnetic field and the collision, it retrieves the Bohm criterion at the sheath edge. For an electrostatic case in the absence of ion neutral collision, the Bohm criterion determines the ion entry speed within the sheath. However, the presence of collision limits the validity of the criterion to a threshold value of the collision parameter. In the magnetized scenario, the validity is found to be dependent on the magnetic field angle besides the collision parameter. Even in a collisionless scenario, the validity is in question depending on the field angle. A critical collision parameter is found for a definite magnetic field strength beyond which there is no more angle dependency on the validity criterion. The effect of the magnetic field on the space charge deposition is highlighted.
Attenuation of turbulence by the passive control of sweep events in a turbulent boundary layer using micro-cavities
Authors: Silvestri Anton , Ghanadi Farzin , Arjomandi Maziar , Chin Rey , Cazzolato Benjamin , Zander Anthony
Published: November 2017

Cavity arrays have been previously identified to disrupt the sweep events and consequently the bursting cycle in the boundary layer by capturing the structures responsible for the Reynolds stresses. In the present study, the sensitivity of a flushed-surface cavity array in reducing the turbulent energy production has been investigated. Two plates of varying thicknesses and four different backing cavity volumes were considered, at three different Reynolds numbers. The volume of the backing cavity was shown to be the most important characteristic in determining the attenuation of streamwise velocity fluctuations within the logarithmic region of the turbulent boundary layer. However, the results also demonstrated that the orifice length of the cavity array had negligible effect in modifying the reduction of the turbulent energy by the cavity array in this investigation. The results show that the maximum reduction in turbulence generation achieved for this study occurs when the backing volume is 3.1 × 106 times greater than the viscous length scale at Reθ = 3771. The reduction in turbulence intensity, sweep intensity, and energy spectrum were shown to be 5.6%, 6.3%, and 13.4%, respectively. By decreasing the cavity volume to zero, no change in the turbulent boundary layer turbulence statistics was found. The results suggest a larger reduction in turbulence intensity, sweep intensity, and energy spectrum that can be achieved with a larger backing volume.
Weak interlayer dependence of lattice thermal conductivity on stacking thickness of penta-graphene
Authors: Wang Fancy Qian , Liu Jie , Li Xiaoyin , Wang Qian , Kawazoe Yoshiyuki
Published: November 2017

Penta-graphene (PG), as a novel carbon allotrope, has attracted considerable attention because of its unique atomic structure and outstanding intrinsic properties. Here, we systematically investigate the effect of layer numbers on the lattice thermal conductivity of the stacked PG structures by solving exactly the linearized phonon Boltzmann transport equation combined with first-principles calculations. We find that the lattice thermal conductivity of the stacked PG is insensitive to the number of layers, which is in sharp contrast to that of graphene. Such a layer-independent thermal conductivity is attributed to the buckled structure of PG which breaks the two-dimensional selection rule of three-phonon scattering and the weak van der Waals interlayer interactions that hardly have any effect on the lattice thermal conductivity. This mechanism can be generalized to other van der Waals layered materials with buckled or puckled structures, which may also show the layer-independent lattice thermal conductivity.
Computational passive imaging of thermal sources with a leaky chaotic cavity
Authors: Tondo Yoya Ariel Christopher , Fuchs Benjamin , Davy Matthieu
Published: November 2017

Computational imaging techniques are of great interest to simplify the architecture of imaging devices since random illuminations of a scene enable its reconstruction from few measurements by solving an inverse problem. Here, we present a passive system for imaging of thermal sources in the microwave range from the cross-correlation of noise signals recorded by only two channels. The channels are attached to a high Q-factor chaotic cavity with a leaky aperture on its front side. The spatial distribution of noise sources is encoded onto the broadband spectrum of the cross-correlation and can be reconstructed from the sensing matrix mapping the uncorrelated far-field speckle patterns of the cavity onto a set of frequencies. We demonstrate imaging of localized and extended thermal sources and show that the polarization of those radiations can be discriminated. Moreover, we exhibit the effectiveness of the proposed system as a compressive imaging device which exploits the natural randomness of the speckle patterns. We believe that these results are a promising step for the design of real time and low cost microwave radiometers.
Velocity moment-based quasilinear theory and particle-in-cell simulation of parallel electron firehose instability
Authors: Yoon P. H. , López R. A. , Seough J. , Sarfraz M.
Published: November 2017

The present paper investigates the physics of electron firehose instability propagating parallel to the direction of ambient magnetic field vector, by means of particle-in-cell simulation and macroscopic quasilinear kinetic theory. The electron firehose instability is excited when parallel electron temperature exceeds perpendicular temperature, T∥e>T⊥e, under high beta conditions. A recent paper [Sarfraz et al., Phys. Plasmas 24, 012907 (2017)] formulated the quasilinear theory of parallel electron firehose instability by assuming that the electron and proton velocity distribution functions can be approximately described by bi-Maxwellian forms for all times but allowing for dynamical changes in perpendicular and parallel temperatures as well as the wave intensity. The present paper examines the validity of such an approach by making direct comparison against particle-in-cell simulation. It is shown that the macroscopic quasilinear approach provides a qualitative description of the nonlinear phase of the instability, but some quantitative discrepancies are also found. Possible causes for the discrepancies are discussed.
All-optical lithography process for contacting nanometer precision donor devices
Authors: Ward D. R. , Marshall M. T. , Campbell D. M. , Lu T. M. , Koepke J. C. , Scrymgeour D. A. , Bussmann E. , Misra S.
Published: November 2017

We describe an all-optical lithography process that can make electrical contact to nanometer-precision donor devices fabricated in silicon using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). This is accomplished by implementing a cleaning procedure in the STM that allows the integration of metal alignment marks and ion-implanted contacts at the wafer level. Low-temperature transport measurements of a patterned device establish the viability of the process.
A study of process-related electrical defects in SOI lateral bipolar transistors fabricated by ion implantation
Authors: Yau J.-B. , Cai J. , Hashemi P. , Balakrishnan K. , D'Emic C. , Ning T. H.
Published: November 2017

We report a systematic study of process-related electrical defects in symmetric lateral NPN transistors on silicon-on-insulator (SOI) fabricated using ion implantation for all the doped regions. A primary objective of this study is to see if pipe defects (emitter-collector shorts caused by locally enhanced dopant diffusion) are a show stopper for such bipolar technology. Measurements of IC-VCE and Gummel currents in parallel-connected transistor chains as a function of post-fabrication rapid thermal anneal cycles allow several process-related electrical defects to be identified. They include defective emitter-base and collector-base diodes, pipe defects, and defects associated with a dopant-deficient region in an extrinsic base adjacent its intrinsic base. There is no evidence of pipe defects being a major concern in SOI lateral bipolar transistors.
Correlated electron dynamics in strong-field nonsequential double ionization of Mg
Authors: Li Ning , Zhou Yueming , Ma Xiaomeng , Li Min , Huang Cheng , Lu Peixiang
Published: November 2017

Using the classical ensemble model, we systematically investigate strong-field nonsequential double ionization (NSDI) of Mg by intense elliptically polarized laser pulses with different wavelengths. Different from the noble atoms, NSDI occurs for Mg driven by elliptically and circularly polarized laser fields. Our results show that in elliptically and circularly polarized laser fields, the NSDI yield is sharply suppressed as the wavelength increases. Interestingly, the correlated behavior in the electron momentum spectra depends sensitively on the wavelengths. The corresponding electron dynamics is revealed by back tracing the classical trajectory.
Ultra-low damping in lift-off structured yttrium iron garnet thin films
Authors: Krysztofik A. , Coy L. E. , Kuświk P. , Załęski K. , Głowiński H. , Dubowik J.
Published: November 2017

We show that using maskless photolithography and the lift-off technique, patterned yttrium iron garnet thin films possessing ultra-low Gilbert damping can be accomplished. The films of 70 nm thickness were grown on (001)-oriented gadolinium gallium garnet by means of pulsed laser deposition, and they exhibit high crystalline quality, low surface roughness, and the effective magnetization of 127 emu/cm3. The Gilbert damping parameter is as low as 5×10−4. The obtained structures have well-defined sharp edges which along with good structural and magnetic film properties pave a path in the fabrication of high-quality magnonic circuits and oxide-based spintronic devices.
Impact of oxygen precursor flow on the forward bias behavior of MOCVD-Al2O3 dielectrics grown on GaN
Authors: Chan Silvia H. , Bisi Davide , Liu Xiang , Yeluri Ramya , Tahhan Maher , Keller Stacia , DenBaars Steven P. , Meneghini Matteo , Mishra Umesh K.
Published: November 2017

This paper investigates the effects of the oxygen precursor flow supplied during metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) of Al2O3 films on the forward bias behavior of Al2O3/GaN metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitors. The low oxygen flow (100 sccm) delivered during the in situ growth of Al2O3 on GaN resulted in films that exhibited a stable capacitance under forward stress, a lower density of stress-generated negative fixed charges, and a higher dielectric breakdown strength compared to Al2O3 films grown under high oxygen flow (480 sccm). The low oxygen grown Al2O3 dielectrics exhibited lower gate current transients in stress/recovery measurements, providing evidence of a reduced density of trap states near the GaN conduction band and an enhanced robustness under accumulated gate stress. This work reveals oxygen flow variance in MOCVD to be a strategy for controlling the dielectric properties and performance.
A highly sensitive multiplasmonic sensor using hyperbolic chiral sculptured thin films
Authors: Abbas Farhat , Faryad Muhammad
Published: November 2017

Surface plasmon-polariton (SPP) waves guided by an interface of a metal and a hyperbolic chiral sculptured thin film (STF) were theoretically investigated for optical sensing of an analyte. The chiral STF was infiltrated with the analyte to be sensed, and the resulting change in the incidence angle of excitation of the SPP waves in the prism-coupled configuration was computed. The results indicated the potential of this configuration for a plasmonic sensor with sensitivity up to 6000 degrees per refractive index units of the infiltrating fluid in the angular investigation scheme, with multiple SPP waves of the same frequency but different phase speeds, spatial profiles, and sensitivities. The enhancement in the sensitivity is attributed to the high field strength of the SPP waves near the interface. A multiplasmonic sensor is advantageous because of its potential for higher confidence in the measurement of the same analyte.
Stabilization of microcrystal λ-Ti3O5 at room temperature by aluminum-ion doping
Authors: Shen Zujia , Shi Qiwu , Huang Wanxia , Huang Bo , Wang Mingzhe , Gao Junzheng , Shi Yanli , Lu Tiecheng
Published: November 2017

λ-Ti3O5 is an intriguing phase-transition material that has been proposed to be metastable and has emerged at room temperature only in the form of nanocrystals. In this work, λ-Ti3O5 was stabilized to room temperature in the form of microcrystals by aluminum (Al)-ion doping. Al entered the Ti3O5 lattice in the substitutional mode, which reduced the threshold temperature (Tc) of the β-λ phase transition in Ti3O5 and maintained a λ-phase Ti3O5 at room temperature. Al doping caused a significant decrease in resistivity of Ti3O5, which corresponds to a semiconductor-metal transition that is induced by Al-ion doping. We have developed a mechanism to fabricate λ-Ti3O5 by ion doping and have provided a fundamental foundation for a more available application of λ-Ti3O5 in smart optoelectronic devices.
Observation of a remarkable reduction of correlation effects in BaCr
2
As
2
by ARPES
Authors: Nayak Jayita , Filsinger Kai , Fecher Gerhard H. , Chadov Stanislav , Minár Ján , Rienks Emile D. L. , Büchner Bernd , Parkin Stuart P. , Fink Jörg , Felser Claudia
Published: November 2017

Significance

By varying the 3
d
transition metal element in the family of the high-temperature superconducting pnictide family, the role of electron–electron correlations can be probed. Here we report the growth of single crystals of the antiferromagnetic compound BaCr
2
As
2
that permit angle-resolved photoemission studies to determine its electronic structure. We show, from measurements of the electron’s effective mass and the lifetime broadening of the electron energy bands, that the electron–electron correlation strength is determined in large part by a Hund’s exchange interaction. Our results help us understand the subtle competition between the antiferromagnetic ground state of the Cr, Mn, and Fe pnictides and the superconducting ground state that has been found only in the iron pnictides to date.
let-7miRNA controls CED-7 homotypic adhesion and EFF-1–mediated axonal self-fusion to restore touch sensation following injury
Authors: Basu Atrayee , Dey Shirshendu , Puri Dharmendra , Das Saha Nilanjana , Sabharwal Vidur , Thyagarajan Pankajam , Srivastava Prerna , Koushika Sandhya Padmanabhan , Ghosh-Roy Anindya
Published: November 2017

Significance

In many organisms axonal fragments can rejoin by self-fusion after neuronal injury. It is hypothesized that cell fusion would be an efficient way to repair functional loss after injury. In this study, we tested this hypothesis using theCaenorhabditis eleganssensory neurons that are responsible for gentle touch sensation. We found that fusion between the proximal and distal fragments of an injured posterior touch neuron (the posterior lateral microtubule) promotes functional recovery in an age-dependent manner. We also discovered thatlet-7miRNA inhibits functional restoration via EFF-1–mediated axonal self-fusion by reducingced-7expression. Our work established that the axon fusion process has functional significance in the maintenance of neuronal integrity throughout the life span of an organism.
Protein engineering of the chemokine CCL20 prevents psoriasiform dermatitis in an IL-23–dependent murine model
Authors: Getschman A. E. , Imai Y. , Larsen O. , Peterson F. C. , Wu X. , Rosenkilde M. M. , Hwang S. T. , Volkman B. F.
Published: November 2017

Significance

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease characterized by the infiltration of inflammatory T cells to the skin in response to injury. When inflammatory T cells and dendritic cells are recruited to the skin by CCL20 and other chemokines, they release cytokines that contribute to psoriatic inflammation. We engineered a molecule derived from the natural CCL20 protein that adopts a unique dimeric structure, partially activates its G-protein receptor, blocks T cell homing, and prevents the signs of psoriasis in a mouse model of this common human skin disease. Our remarkable findings reveal the potential of engineered-CCL20 molecules as therapeutic agents for psoriasis and the general utility of chemokine engineering for treating inflammatory diseases.
Epoxide metabolites of arachidonate and docosahexaenoate function conversely in acute kidney injury involved in GSK3β signaling
Authors: Deng Bing-Qing , Luo Ying , Kang Xin , Li Chang-Bin , Morisseau Christophe , Yang Jun , Lee Kin Sing Stephen , Huang Jian , Hu Da-Yong , Wu Ming-Yu , Peng Ai , Hammock Bruce D. , Liu Jun-Yan
Published: November 2017

Significance

This study demonstrates that 19 (20)-EDP, the major epoxide metabolite of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) docosahexaenoic acid, aggravates while 14 (15)-EET, the major epoxide metabolite of ω-6 PUFA arachidonic acid, alleviates acute kidney injury (AKI) in a murine model. The metabolite 19 (20)-EDP significantly shortened while 14 (15)-EET significantly prolonged the survival of AKI mice. Opposite effects of the EDP and EET regioisomers in ischemia/reperfusion-caused kidney injury may partially account for the opposite effects of 14 (15)-EET and 19 (20)-EDP in modulation of the hypoxia/reoxygenation-caused apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells and the phosphorylation of GSK3β, a promising therapeutic target for AKI. However, our study provides a caution regarding the use of dietary ω-3 fatty acids in renal injury.
Oxalate-curcumin–based probe for micro- and macroimaging of reactive oxygen species in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Yang Jian , Zhang Xueli , Yuan Peng , Yang Jing , Xu Yungen , Grutzendler Jaime , Shao Yihan , Moore Anna , Ran Chongzhao
Published: November 2017

Significance

It has long been speculated that Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is tightly associated with oxidative stress and high concentrations of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the brain. However, comprehensive evidence from living beings is rare. In this report, inspired by the “chemistry of glow stick,” we designed oxalate-curcumin–based imaging probes to provide evidence of high ROS concentrations in AD brains in animal studies at micro- and macrolevels. At the microlevel, our imaging method identified “active” amyloid beta plaques and cerebral amyloid angiopathy via dual-color two-photon imaging. At the macrolevel, our probe could detect relatively high ROS concentrations in AD brains using near-IR fluorescence imaging. We believe that our method will be an indispensable tool for investigating ROS in living beings.
A transient dopamine signal encodes subjective value and causally influences demand in an economic context
Authors: Schelp Scott A. , Pultorak Katherine J. , Rakowski Dylan R. , Gomez Devan M. , Krzystyniak Gregory , Das Raibatak , Oleson Erik B.
Published: November 2017

Significance

A central tenet of economics is that as the price of a commodity increases, its demand goes down because individuals choose to buy less. Mounting evidence supports a role for the neuromodulator dopamine in representing subjective value. We investigated the role of dopamine in valuation by presenting rats with a reward across a range of prices. We showed that dopamine concentration decreased with price and increasing release using optogenetic manipulations-altered price sensitivity. Increasing release prior to reward delivery made animals more sensitive to price, whereas increasing release at reward delivery made animals less sensitive to price. These data extend the notion that dopamine release events encode subjective value and further demonstrate that increasing dopamine release causally modifies price sensitivity.
Natural language indicators of differential gene regulation in the human immune system
Authors: Mehl Matthias R. , Raison Charles L. , Pace Thaddeus W. W. , Arevalo Jesusa M. G. , Cole Steve W.
Published: November 2017

Significance

Social genomics research has identified a conserved transcriptional response to adversity (CTRA) that may contribute to social disparities in health. This study identified systematic individual differences in natural language use that track CTRA gene expression more closely than do conventional self-report measures of stress, anxiety, or depression. These language style markers may provide a useful behavioral indicator of the neurobiological processes that mediate social influences on gene expression in immune cells.
Gut microbiomes and reproductive isolation in
Drosophila
Authors: Leftwich Philip T. , Clarke Naomi V. E. , Hutchings Matthew I. , Chapman Tracey
Published: November 2017

Significance

The evolutionary significance of assortative mating by diet, mediated by gut bacteria is a puzzle, but it has had a huge impact and has provided a keystone to support increasing interest in the “holobiome.” However, in species such as
Drosophila melanogaster
that have flexible gut microbiomes, any reproductive isolation mediated by gut bacteria specific to host diets can only be transient. Here, we replicated and extended tests of this idea. Despite differences in gut microbiomes, we failed to recover previously observed patterns of nonrandom mating and found no evidence that mating preferences were associated with diet or gut bacteria. This suggests that the evolutionary importance of gut microbiomes in host divergence needs careful consideration on a case-by-case basis.
M-current inhibition rapidly induces a unique CK2-dependent plasticity of the axon initial segment
Authors: Lezmy Jonathan , Lipinsky Maya , Khrapunsky Yana , Patrich Eti , Shalom Lia , Peretz Asher , Fleidervish Ilya A. , Attali Bernard
Published: November 2017

Significance

The axon initial segment (AIS), the region where neurons generate spikes, was recently shown to be a highly dynamic structure, exhibiting plasticity over wide timescales. Here we triggered a unique form of AIS plasticity in hippocampal pyramidal neurons by selectively targeting the AIS M-type K+channels. We uncovered the mechanisms whereby sustained cholinergic activation or direct M-channel block rapidly trigger a unique form of AIS plasticity. Minutes to hours of sustained M-current depression resulted in a compensatory reduction in intrinsic excitability associated with distal shift of the axonal spike trigger zone and distal relocation of both Na+and M-channels. These fast homeostatic changes, necessary to stabilize network excitability, were dependent on the crucial AIS protein, protein kinase CK2.
Effect of paleoseawater composition on hydrothermal exchange in midocean ridges
Authors: Antonelli Michael A. , Pester Nicholas J. , Brown Shaun T. , DePaolo Donald J.
Published: November 2017

Significance

Circulation of seawater through midocean ridges results in large-scale chemical transfer between the solid Earth and oceans. Driven by magmatic heat, seawater undergoes hydrothermal reactions that affect the concentrations of Mg, Ca, SO
4
, and Sr in the oceans over millions of years. Changes in the composition of seawater during the past 500 million years may have previously unrecognized effects on the composition of hydrothermal fluids flowing back into the oceans through time. This work presents a model suggesting that Ca, and Sr exchange in particular, may have been much different in the geologic past, which has important implications for the interpretation of Sr isotope records in paleoseawater and ancient oceanic crust.
Periodic production of retinoic acid by meiotic and somatic cells coordinates four transitions in mouse spermatogenesis
Authors: Endo Tsutomu , Freinkman Elizaveta , de Rooij Dirk G. , Page David C.
Published: November 2017

Significance

Male mouse sex cells mature into sperm through a 35-d process punctuated by four transitions, two occurring before meiosis (spermatogonial differentiation and meiotic initiation) and two after meiosis (spermatid elongation and sperm release). The four transitions occur in proximity spatially and temporally, with an 8.6-d periodicity. We describe how this coordination is achieved. The premeiotic transitions were known to be regulated by retinoic acid (RA). We show that RA also regulates the two postmeiotic transitions. RA levels change periodically, and meiotic cells contribute to its production. The two postmeiotic transitions require RA from meiotic cells while the premeiotic transitions require RA from somatic cells. These elements underpin the spatiotemporal coordination of spermatogenesis to ensure constant sperm production throughout adult life.
Key amino acid residues conferring enhanced enzyme activity at cold temperatures in an Antarctic polyextremophilic β-galactosidase
Authors: Laye Victoria J. , Karan Ram , Kim Jong-Myoung , Pecher Wolf T. , DasSarma Priya , DasSarma Shiladitya
Published: November 2017

Significance

Combining comparative genomics, mutagenesis, kinetic analysis, and molecular modeling provides a powerful way to explore and understand the structure and function of proteins under extreme and potentially astrobiological conditions. Alignment of closely related cold-active and mesophilic β-galactosidase enzymes from halophilic Archaea, followed by mutagenesis and kinetic analysis, demonstrates the importance of specific amino acid residues in temperature-dependent catalytic activity, while molecular modeling provides a structural framework for their mechanism of action. Such an interdisciplinary approach shows how a very small fraction of conserved residues that are divergent from mesophilic homologs are key to enhancing catalytic activity at cold temperatures and underscores the power of combining genomics and genetics with biochemistry and structural biology for understanding polyextremophilic enzyme function.
Ultrafast 25-fs relaxation in highly excited states of methyl azide mediated by strong nonadiabatic coupling
Authors: Peters William K. , Couch David E. , Mignolet Benoit , Shi Xuetao , Nguyen Quynh L. , Fortenberry Ryan C. , Schlegel H. Bernhard , Remacle Françoise , Kapteyn Henry C. , Murnane Margaret M. , Li Wen
Published: November 2017

Significance

Highly excited states of neutral molecules behave qualitatively differently than the lower excited states that are commonly studied in photochemistry. Such states are involved in ionospheric and astrochemical phenomena, as well as in detonation processes. However, highly excited states are poorly understood due to experimental and theoretical challenges in probing their complex dynamics. Here, we apply vacuum-UV femtosecond laser sources and an imaging photoelectron–photoion coincidence spectrometer to directly probe the surprisingly fast 25-fs reaction pathway of the energetic molecule methyl azide. Combined with advanced calculations, we conclude that the electronic relaxation is driven by strong nonadiabatic coupling and that population transfer occurs along a seam well above the minimum energy conical intersection.
Definition of the hypothalamic GnRH pulse generator in mice
Authors: Clarkson Jenny , Han Su Young , Piet Richard , McLennan Timothy , Kane Grace M. , Ng Jamie , Porteous Robert W. , Kim Joon S. , Colledge William H. , Iremonger Karl J. , Herbison Allan E.
Published: November 2017

Significance

Neural networks located in the hypothalamus are responsible for generating ultradian patterns of hormone secretion that control a wide variety of functions. How these neural networks generate pulsatile hormone secretion remains unknown. We report here that a population of hypothalamic kisspeptin neurons represents the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulse generator. These cells have the remarkable ability to generate synchronized GnRH secretion every 9 min to drive pulsatile gonadotropin hormone secretion in the blood. These observations indicate the arcuate kisspeptin neurons as the origin of reproductive hormone pulsatility in mice and offer the prospect of better understanding and manipulating fertility in the clinic.
Proof of region-specific multipotent progenitors in human breast epithelia
Authors: Fridriksdottir Agla J. , Villadsen René , Morsing Mikkel , Klitgaard Marie Christine , Kim Jiyoung , Petersen Ole William , Rønnov-Jessen Lone
Published: November 2017

Significance

We have devised a culture system with conditions that allow primary breast myoepithelial cells (MEPs) to be passaged in a manner that sustains either nonmyodifferentiated or myodifferentiated cell populations without permitting contaminating luminal cells to grow. We show that progenitor activity and potency of MEPs to generate luminal cells in culture and in vivo rely on maintenance of myodifferentiation. Specific isolation and propagation of topographically distinct MEPs reveal the existence of multipotent progenitors in terminal duct lobular units. These findings have important implications for our understanding of the emergence of candidate luminal precursor cells to human breast cancer.
Selective deuteration illuminates the importance of tunneling in the unimolecular decay of Criegee intermediates to hydroxyl radical products
Authors: Green Amy M. , Barber Victoria P. , Fang Yi , Klippenstein Stephen J. , Lester Marsha I.
Published: November 2017

Significance

Ozonolysis of volatile biogenic and anthropogenic alkenes is a significant source of hydroxyl radicals, a key oxidant in the troposphere. A critical step in the generation of hydroxyl radicals is a hydrogen-atom transfer reaction involving a carbonyl oxide species, known as the Criegee intermediate. In this study, experiment and statistical theory reveal that selective deuteration of a Criegee intermediate results in deuterium atom transfer and slows the release of hydroxyl-
d
radicals. A large kinetic isotope effect is found at energies near the classical barrier to reaction and under thermal conditions relevant to the atmosphere. This demonstrates that quantum mechanical tunneling significantly enhances the rate of production of hydroxyl radicals in alkene ozonolysis reactions under atmospheric conditions.
DGR mutagenic transposition occurs via hypermutagenic reverse transcription primed by nicked template RNA
Authors: Naorem Santa S. , Han Jin , Wang Shufang , Lee William R. , Heng Xiao , Miller Jeff F. , Guo Huatao
Published: November 2017

Significance

Diversity-generating retroelements (DGRs) are in vivo sequence diversification machines that are widely distributed in bacteria, archaea, and their viruses. DGRs use a reverse transcriptase (RT)-mediated mechanism to diversify protein-encoding genes to facilitate adaptation of their hosts to changing environments. Here, we demonstrate that the
Bordetella
phage DGR-encoded RT uses the 3′-OH of a nicked template RNA to initiate reverse transcription, during which random nucleotides are incorporated when adenine residues in the template are copied into complementary DNA (cDNA). We further show that this mutated, covalently linked RNA-cDNA molecule is required for DGR-mediated sequence diversification, revealing a mechanism of accelerated evolution with broad practical applications.
Effectiveness of a Fishway for Restoring Passage of Colorado River Cutthroat Trout
Authors: Hodge Brian W. , Fetherman Eric R. , Rogers Kevin B. , Henderson Richard
Published: November 2017

Little is known about the effectiveness of fishways for restoring passage to inland (nonanadromous) salmonids. We used PIT telemetry to evaluate the biological effectiveness of a vertical-slot fishway constructed to restore passage of adult Colorado River Cutthroat Trout Oncorhynchus clarkii pleuriticus (CRCT) in a small Rocky Mountain stream. Our objectives were to assess (1) fishway efficacy (whether or not the fishway restored fish passage), (2) approach efficiency (the probability that a tagged fish encountered the fishway; an index of population use), (3) attraction efficiency (the probability that a fish near the fishway located its entrance), and (4) passage efficiency (the probability that a fish entering the fishway navigated successfully through it). To account for antenna detection probabilities and avoid biases that can result from simple, proportion-based calculations, we used a variation of the Cormack–Jolly–Seber model to derive efficiency estimates. The fishway restored passage of adult CRCT to long-vacant habitats. Approach efficiency was 4%; attraction and passage efficiencies were 100%. We conclude that fishways can effectively restore passage of inland salmonids, and we recommend that additional fishway monitoring studies be conducted to inform decision-making and elucidate which designs and conditions will best facilitate passage.

Received April 19, 2017; accepted September 26, 2017Published online November 6, 2017
Decomposition of the Total Effect in the Presence of Multiple Mediators and Interactions
Authors: Bellavia Andrea , Valeri Linda
Published: November 2017

Mediation analysis allows decomposing a total effect into a direct effect of the exposure on the outcome and an indirect effect operating through a number of possible hypothesized pathways. Recent studies have provided formal definitions of direct and indirect effects when multiple mediators are of interest and have described parametric and semiparametric methods for their estimation. Investigating direct and indirect effects with multiple mediators, however, can be challenging in the presence of multiple exposure-mediator and mediator-mediator interactions. In this paper we derive a decomposition of the total effect that unifies mediation and interaction when multiple mediators are present. We illustrate the properties of the proposed framework in a secondary analysis of a pragmatic trial for the treatment of schizophrenia. The decomposition is employed to investigate the interplay of side effects and psychiatric symptoms in explaining the effect of antipsychotic medication on quality of life in schizophrenia patients. Our result offers a valuable tool to identify the proportions of total effect due to mediation and interaction when more than one mediator is present, providing the finest decomposition of the total effect that unifies multiple mediators and interactions.
From Thoreau’s woods to the Canary Islands: exploring ocean biogeochemistry through enzymology
Authors: Packard Theodore T
Published: November 2017

This essay relates my odyssey in exploring enzyme reactions as oceanographic rate proxies and describes my scientific contributions since 1963. To elucidate biogeochemical processes in marine ecosystems I explored calculating respiratory oxygen utilization (OUR) and nitrate respiration from activities of the respiratory electron transport system (ETS), assimilatory phytoplankton nitrate uptake from nitrate reductase activity, and respiratory CO2 production from isocitrate dehydrogenase. This exploration began at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute doing a thesis on Krebs-Cycle-based respiration in the quahog, Venus mercenaria, for my B.Sc. at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). It continued at the Friday Harbor Marine Laboratory (FHL) of the University of Washington (UW) developing a biological oceanography MS thesis testing succinate dehydrogenase activity as a respiration proxy in Artemia salina. Upon realizing that the ETS, not the Krebs-Cycle, controlled the electron flux to O2, I developed the ETS idea to determine seawater OUR for a Ph.D. thesis at UW. The resulting assay led to the first direct measurements of deep-sea metabolism and allowed biochemical calculations of OUR profiles in the Costa Rica Dome, in the Peru upwelling, and in other ocean water columns. I continued this research at Maine’s Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Science (BLOS), and at Quebec’s Institute Maurice Lamontagne (IML). Then, after moving to Spain, I used the stability of my pension to continue this research at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC) where I am catalysing new thinking about ocean metabolism. Here, these topics are integrated into an autobiographic history of this science.
The Publicity of Thought
Authors: Onofri Andrea
Published: November 2017

An influential tradition holds that thoughts are public: different thinkers share many of their thoughts, and the same applies to a single subject at different times. This ‘publicity principle’ has recently come under attack. Arguments by Mark Crimmins, Richard Heck and Brian Loar seem to show that publicity is inconsistent with the widely accepted principle that someone who is ignorant or mistaken about certain identity facts will have distinct thoughts about the relevant object—for instance, the astronomer who does not know that Hesperus is Phosphorus will have two distinct thoughts Hesperus is bright and Phosphorus is bright. In this paper, I argue that publicity can be defended if we adopt a relational account on which thoughts are individuated by their mutual relations. I then go on to develop a specific relational theory—the ‘linking account’—and contrast it with other relational views.