bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teachers as Co-designers: Scientific and Colloquial Evidence on Teacher Professional Development and Curriculum Innovation
Authors: Westbroek Hanna , de Vries Bregje , Walraven Amber , Handelzalts Adam , McKenney Susan
Published: September 2019

Teachers are increasingly acting as co-designers of curriculum materials, because this process can positively affect their professional development while also yielding resources that are relevant and useful for their teaching practice. This study explores evidence related to the claim that involving teachers in collaborative design is worth the effort. We used two data sources: papers from scientific journals, reflecting the researcher’s perspective, and from professional journals, providing a colloquial corpus reflecting the teacher’s perspective. We conclude that the colloquial corpus justifies our claim that co-design is gaining momentum, but that the scientific corpus is still limited in number of articles. We were able to identify common patterns across the professional articles that complement the patterns identified in the scientific corpus. At the same time, two distinct pictures of design teams emerge from these two corpora, with different process characteristics as well as reported effects.
Teacher Design Teams for School-Wide Curriculum Development: Reflections on an Early Study
Authors: Handelzalts Adam , Nieveen Nienke , Van den Akker Jan
Published: September 2019

This chapter reports and reflects upon an early study on the potential of teacher design teams as a means for school-wide curriculum development. To do so, the chapter provides the rationale behind teacher design teams together with experiences and findings from a school site where such teacher design teams were active in the redesign of their local curriculum. Here, teacher collaboration was seen as essential to bridge the gap between the work of individual teachers (within their own subjects and classrooms) and school-wide curriculum renewal aspirations. The chapter ends with discussion of several conclusions and recommendations for schools and teachers that aim to pursue such a teacher design team scenario.
Developing TPACK in Science and Mathematics Teacher Education in Tanzania: A Proof of Concept Study
Authors: Kafyulilo Ayoub , Fisser Petra
Published: September 2019

Since 1997, the government of Tanzania has made several attempts at introducing technology into education. However, despite these efforts technology has not become integrated into educational practice. A main reason is that teachers do not embrace the use of technology in their teaching. This study was initiated to design, implement and evaluate a professional development arrangement aimed at promoting teachers’ use of technology in their teaching practice. The study started with a ‘proof of concept’ study. Based on experiences in Ghana and Kuwait, a professional development arrangement was developed that incorporated ‘learning technology by design’ to prepare pre-service science and math teachers for using technology in their teaching. The experiences from this study informed the design of a professional development arrangement for practicing science teachers. The iterative design, implementation and evaluation of the professional development arrangements will be presented and discussed.
Forest Fire Susceptibility Modeling Using a Convolutional Neural Network for Yunnan Province of China
Authors: Zhang Guoli , Wang Ming , Liu Kai
Published: September 2019

Forest fires have caused considerable losses to ecologies, societies, and economies worldwide. To minimize these losses and reduce forest fires, modeling and predicting the occurrence of forest fires are meaningful because they can support forest fire prevention and management. In recent years, the convolutional neural network (CNN) has become an important state-of-the-art deep learning algorithm, and its implementation has enriched many fields. Therefore, we proposed a spatial prediction model for forest fire susceptibility using a CNN. Past forest fire locations in Yunnan Province, China, from 2002 to 2010, and a set of 14 forest fire influencing factors were mapped using a geographic information system. Oversampling was applied to eliminate the class imbalance, and proportional stratified sampling was used to construct the training/validation sample libraries. A CNN architecture that is suitable for the prediction of forest fire susceptibility was designed and hyperparameters were optimized to improve the prediction accuracy. Then, the test dataset was fed into the trained model to construct the spatial prediction map of forest fire susceptibility in Yunnan Province. Finally, the prediction performance of the proposed model was assessed using several statistical measures—Wilcoxon signed-rank test, receiver operating characteristic curve, and area under the curve (AUC). The results confirmed the higher accuracy of the proposed CNN model (AUC 0.86) than those of the random forests, support vector machine, multilayer perceptron neural network, and kernel logistic regression benchmark classifiers. The CNN has stronger fitting and classification abilities and can make full use of neighborhood information, which is a promising alternative for the spatial prediction of forest fire susceptibility. This research extends the application of CNN to the prediction of forest fire susceptibility.
The role of inequity aversion in microloan defaults
Authors: JORDAN MATTHEW R. , DICKENS WILLIAM T. , HAUSER OLIVER P. , RAND DAVID G.
Published: September 2019

Microcredit – joint-liability loans to the poorest of the poor – has been touted as a powerful approach for combatting global poverty, but sustainability varies dramatically across banks. Efforts to improve the sustainability of microcredit have assumed defaults are caused by free-riding. Here, we point out that the response of other group members to delinquent groupmates also plays an important role in defaults. Even in the absence of any free-rider problem, some people will be unable to make their payments due to bad luck. It is other group members’ unwillingness to pitch in extra – due to, among other things, not wanting to have less than other group members – that leads to default. To support this argument, we utilize the Ultimatum Game (UG), a standard paradigm from behavioral economics for measuring one's aversion to inequitable outcomes. First, we show that country-level variation in microloan default rates is strongly correlated (overall r = 0.81) with country-level UG rejection rates, but not free-riding measures. We then introduce a laboratory model ‘Microloan Game’ and present evidence that defaults arise from inequity-averse individuals refusing to make up the difference when others fail to pay their fair share. This perspective suggests a suite of new approaches for combatting defaults that leverage findings on reducing UG rejections.
D’Yakov–Kontorovich instability in planar reactive shocks
Authors: Huete César , Vera Marcos
Published: September 2019

The standard D’Yakov and Kontorovich (DK) instability occurs when a planar shock wave is perturbed and then oscillates with constant amplitude in the long-time regime. As a direct result, pressure perturbations generated directly behind the shock propagate downstream as non-evanescent sound waves, an effect known as spontaneous acoustic emission (SAE). To reach the DK regime, the slope of the Rankine–Hugoniot curve in the post-shock state must satisfy certain conditions, which have usually been related to non-ideal equations of state. This study reports that the DK instability and SAE can also occur in shocks moving in perfect gases when exothermic effects occur. In particular, a planar detonation, initially perturbed with a wavelength much larger than the detonation thickness, may exhibit constant-amplitude oscillations when the amount of heat released is positively correlated with the shock strength, a phenomenon that resembles the Rayleigh thermoacoustic instability. The opposite strongly damped oscillation regime is reached when the shock strength and the change in the heat released are negatively correlated. This study employs a linear perturbation model to describe the long-time and transient evolution of the detonation front, which is assumed to be infinitely thin, and the sound and entropy–vorticity fields generated downstream.
EROS AT JUNNAR: RECONSIDERING A PIECE OF MEDITERRANEAN ART
Authors: Cobb Matthew Adam , Mitchell Fiona
Published: September 2019

In 1969 on a riverside near the Lenyardi caves (about 5 kilometres from present-day Junnar, in the Indian state of Maharashtra), Dr Satish Deshmukh discovered an alabaster object in the form of half an egg (longitudinally cut) with a young male child lying inside it (with small traces of red paint on the right side of the object). This high-quality oval object (figures 1 and 2) measures about 5 cm × 3.4 cm and is usually interpreted as an item that was originally manufactured in the Mediterranean world before being brought to India, rather than a piece of artwork produced in India itself. One possible, and largely accepted, interpretation is that this figure represents the birth of the god Eros. However, identification of the figure within the egg-like structure is not easily made. While the figure does bear similarities to the putto-style representation of Eros in instances of Greek and Roman art, it does not possess any clear identifying features (such as the wings with which Eros is often depicted). The figure's resemblance to Eros in some of his other iconographic depictions and the egg-like structure around him suggest a possible identification of this infant with Eros and the myth of his birth from an egg. However, without evidence from other iconography of a more clearly identifiable Eros in similar contexts, the figure cannot be said to be him with any certainty. As Dhavalikar notes, this object ‘is the only one of its kind among the classical antiquities so far found in the Indian subcontinent and perhaps has no parallel in the classical world’. Thus the identification of this sculpture as a depiction of Eros in the egg is possible, but not certain.
MOUSIKÊ, SOCIAL STANDING, AND AESTHETIC TASTE INQUAESTIONES CONVIVALES7.5 AND 9.15
Authors: Driscoll David F.
Published: September 2019

Despite much excellent work on the social roles thatmousikêplayed in antiquity, aesthetic taste has been too little studied: that is, the preferences that different individuals possessed, and the way in which these preferences can be understood to relate to different kinds of identities. In an attempt to tease out some of these preferences in the early Imperial period, this article discusses one of the richest, though under-studied, texts for such topics: namely, Plutarch'sQuaestiones convivales(QC), which represents intellectuals engaging with Greek poetry and music in a variety of sympotic contexts. For these educated individuals,mousikêand taste in it are treated as an intrinsic aspect and component of imperialpaideia.
Greek Literature
Authors: Heath Malcolm
Published: September 2019

Belatedness is past its use-by date. As Susan Stephens observes at the beginning ofThe Poets of Alexandria, ‘all literature has some predecessor’ (1). Therefore coming after fails to define a difference. The difference on which Stephens focuses instead is the city of Alexandria: ‘the unique social and political demands of this new place’, and the creation of a literary culture that responded to those demands. This, then, is explicitly not a book about Hellenistic poetry (though the wider horizon is not ignored), but about four Alexandrian poets whose work is sufficiently non-fragmentary to be treated ‘with aesthetic coherence’ (18): Posidippus, Theocritus, Callimachus, and Apollonius. There is also an excellent and informative chapter on reception. Given these poets' diverse origins it is surprising how strong a sense of the poetry's rootedness in a specific time and place Stephens is able to give. Commendably, she approaches ‘areas of overlap’, not as ‘aesthetic differences, even literary quarrels’, but as ‘the by-product of an environment of intense experiment as these poets attempt to integrate a novel kingship into the experiences and value systems that they individually and as part of an immigrant collective strove to articulate’ (22). I'm on record as not being a great admirer of Apollonius as a narrator (though I concede that he is a very fine verbal craftsman). My lack of enthusiasm was reinforced (I assume contrary to her intention) by Stephens' discussion of theArgonautica. Consider, for example, this perfectly accurate statement: ‘Pindar's poem [Py. 4] stacks successive time-frames. Apollonius unfolds these layers so that events now occur chronologically’ (123). When theOdysseyis repackaged for children, the structure is usually unfolded so that events occur chronologically: that is not an aesthetic improvement. Stephens says that Longinus ‘grudgingly concedes the technical perfection of the Alexandrians’ (144); ‘condescendingly’ would be a better word, since Longinus ranks perfection as a second-rate excellence. More importantly, Longinian sublimity does not depend on ‘natural grandeur’, but on the greatness of an author's nature. Sublimity can be found in breathtakingly brilliant insights into a lover's experiences (Subl. 10.2–3), or in a figure (16.1–4), or in a subtle rhythmical effect (39.4): a pedestrian description of natural grandeur will not do the job. When I reviewed Stephens' edition of Callimachus'Hymns(G&R63 [2016], 119), I expressed myself with unaccustomed enthusiasm. Her new book, written in concise but lucid prose, is a worthy successor.
A systematic review of factors affecting choice of otolaryngology as a career in medical students and junior doctors
Authors: Mayer A W , Smith K A , Carrie S
Published: September 2019

Background

There is growing concern over a future shortfall in provision of UK otolaryngology consultants. There is a declining rate of applications to otolaryngology specialty training in the UK.

Objective

This study aimed to systematically review the literature to establish what factors influence medical students’ and junior doctors’ decision to pursue a career in otolaryngology.

Method

Medline, Embase and PubMed databases were searched in January 2019. Additional manual reference checks of identified literature were performed.

Results

Eleven articles were included in the review. Common factors that positively influenced the decision to pursue a career in otolaryngology were exposure to the specialty, positive role models and a good work-life balance. Lack of exposure was a consistent deterrent from pursuing a career in otolaryngology.

Conclusion

This review reiterates the need for greater exposure to otolaryngology in the undergraduate curriculum. In addition, mentorship for students with an interest in otolaryngology should be a priority.
Molecular confirmation and description of the larval morphology of Thalassocaris lucida (Dana, 1852) (Decapoda, Caridea, Pandaloidea)
Authors: Landeira José María , Yang Chien-Hui , Komai Tomoyuki , Chan Tin-Yam , Wakabayashi Kaori
Published: September 2019

The morphology of the zoeal stages IX and XI of the shrimp Thalassocaris lucida is described and illustrated in detail from plankton specimens identified by barcoding of the mitochondrial 16S ribosomal RNA gene (sequence similarities 99.4–99.6%). The present study confirms the larval morphology of Thalassocaris, that shows distinct features within Pandaloidea: (1) carapace broad and dorsoventrally flattened, (2) coxal endite of maxilla with only one lobe, (3) basis of third maxilliped with a distal globose lobe. On the other hand, the funnel-shaped eyes, and the development with long series of larval stages of Thalassocaris indicate affinities with some genera of Pandalidae which corroborates the results of recent phylogenetic analyses in abandoning the family status of Thalassocarididae.
Herodotus in The Theatre at Alexandria? On Athenaeus 14.620D
Authors: Matijašić Ivan
Published: September 2019

This article discusses a passage in Athenaeus (14.620d) that refers to the performance of Herodotus’ work in a theatre in Hellenistic Alexandria. In his edition of Athenaeus, highly valued and still influential, August Meineke replaces Herodotus’ name (unanimously transmitted in Athenaeus’ manuscripts) with Hesiod’s. In this article I set out to overturn a widespread tendency to accept Meineke’s emendation of Athenaeus 14.620d, reconsidering the possibility that Athenaeus did in fact name Herodotus in the light of (a) the difficulty of explaining the origin of the alleged mistake in Athenaeus’ manuscript tradition and (b) the ancients’ tendency to draw parallels between Herodotus’ style and language and Homeric poetry. The fact that Athenaeus refers to theatrical performances of both Herodotus’ work and the Homeric poems will be shown to be very much in line with the ancient rhetorical, historiographical and biographical tradition which regarded Herodotus as the most Homeric of all prose writers.
Copper physiology in ruminants: trafficking of systemic copper, adaptations to variation in nutritional supply and thiomolybdate challenge
Authors: Clarkson A. H. , Paine S. , Martín-Tereso J. , Kendall N. R.
Published: September 2019

Ruminants are recognised to suffer from Cu-responsive disorders. Present understanding of Cu transport and metabolism is limited and inconsistent across vets and veterinary professionals. There has been much progress from the studies of the 1980s and early 1990s in cellular Cu transport and liver metabolism which has not been translated into agricultural practice. Cu metabolism operates in regulated pathways of Cu trafficking rather than in pools of Cu lability. Cu in the cell is chaperoned to enzyme production, retention within metallothionein or excretion via the Golgi into the blood. The hepatocyte differs in that Cu-containing caeruloplasmin can be synthesised to provide systemic Cu supply and excess Cu is excreted via bile. The aim of the present review is to improve understanding and highlight the relevant progress in relation to ruminants through the translation of newer findings from medicine and non-ruminant animal models into ruminants.
Thiamine deficiency in a patient with recurrent renal cell carcinoma who developed weight loss with normal appetite and loss of energy soon after nivolumab treatment
Authors: Onishi Hideki , Okabe Takashi , Uchida Nozomu , Shirotake Suguru , Todo Maki , Oyama Masafumi , Ishida Mayumi
Published: September 2019

Background

Nivolumab has become an effective treatment option for cancer in various sites; however, this drug may cause immune-related adverse effects due to its mechanism of action. Furthermore, little has been reported on thiamine deficiency (TD) in patients receiving nivolumab treatment.

Method

From a series of cancer patients, we reported a patient with recurrent renal cell carcinoma who developed TD after the start of nivolumab treatment.

Results

A 74-year-old man with recurrent renal cell carcinoma was referred to the psycho-oncology department as he had lost about 4 kg and displayed a loss of energy after four cycles of nivolumab treatment. Psychiatric interviews revealed a decrease in energy. Neurological examination did not reveal any impairment in consciousness, ataxia, or ocular symptoms. He did not develop appetite loss. The malabsorption or overconsumption of some nutrients is thought to occur due to the rapid loss of weight; thus, a reduction in vitamin B1, which has a short storage period in the body and is often deficient in cancer patients, was suspected. The diagnosis of TD was supported by the patient's abnormally low serum thiamine level.

Significance of results

In patients treated with nivolumab, it is necessary to pay careful attention to TD when proceeding with the treatment. It is hoped that future research may reveal the link between nivolumab administration and TD.
Development of a German version of the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool (CSNAT): The process of translation and cultural adaptation
Authors: Kreyer Christiane , Bükki Johannes , Pleschberger Sabine
Published: September 2019

Objective

The Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool (CSNAT) was developed in the UK and has been shown to be effective to assess and address support needs of family carers of terminally ill patients at home. In German language, there is a lack of an evidence-based comprehensive assessment tool for family carers in palliative home care. The objectives of this study were to translate and develop a culturally adapted version of the CSNAT for a German-speaking context including the assessment of feasibility, face, and content validity.

Method

A translation and validation study was conducted in three steps: (1) translation of CSNAT following International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research criteria; (2) cognitive testing in five German-speaking regions in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland with 15 family carers; and (3) pilot testing in palliative home care services. Evaluation was by telephone interviews with those involved in the assessments (family carers, health care professionals) and a focus group discussion with the health care professionals. Data were analyzed using content analysis.

Results

The regional idiomatic variety raised challenges in the process of translation. Cognitive testing revealed semantic, conceptual, syntactic, and idiomatic issues. During the pilot, 25 assessment conversations were held. Carers reported that the German version called “KOMMA” was brief, easy to understand and to complete, and helpful. They appreciated that the items adequately addressed their support needs and reminded them of their own strengths and resources. Health care professionals observed good acceptance by carers, the expression of unexpected patterns of needs, and extensive assessment conversations, but some raised concerns that the assessment process might shift attention to carers’ needs at the cost of the patients.

Significance of results

A multi-step process of translation, cognitive testing, and pilot testing led to a culturally well-acceptable German tool (KOMMA). Comprehensibility, acceptance, face, and content validity, as well as feasibility were demonstrated.
Invasive Species Drive Erosion in Aquatic Environments
Authors: Harvey Gemma
Published: September 2019

The daily activities of mammals, reptiles, crustaceans, and fish influence the physical environment, with invasive burrowing species causing particular disruption in aquatic environments.
Diverting the Mississippi River May Not Save Louisiana’s Coast
Authors: Wheeling Kate
Published: September 2019

New research finds that man-made river diversions have previously led to land losses.
HPD degradation regulated by the TTC36-STK33-PELI1 signaling axis induces tyrosinemia and neurological damage
Authors: Xie Yajun , Lv Xiaoyan , Ni Dongsheng , Liu Jianing , Hu Yanxia , Liu Yamin , Liu Yunhong , Liu Rui , Zhao Hui , Lu Zhimin , Zhou Qin
Published: September 2019

Decreased expression of 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvic acid dioxygenase (HPD), a key enzyme for tyrosine metabolism, is a cause of human tyrosinemia. However, the regulation of HPD expression remains largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that molecular chaperone TTC36, which is highly expressed in liver, is associated with HPD and reduces the binding of protein kinase STK33 to HPD, thereby inhibiting STK33-mediated HPD T382 phosphorylation. The reduction of HPD T382 phosphorylation results in impaired recruitment of FHA domain-containing PELI1 and PELI1-mediated HPD polyubiquitylation and degradation. Conversely, deficiency or depletion of TTC36 results in enhanced STK33-mediated HPD T382 phosphorylation and binding of PELI1 to HPD and subsequent PELI1-mediated HPD downregulation. Ttc36−/− mice have reduced HPD expression in the liver and exhibit tyrosinemia, damage to hippocampal neurons, and deficits of learning and memory. These findings reveal a previously unknown regulation of HPD expression and highlight the physiological significance of TTC36-STK33-PELI1-regulated HPD expression in tyrosinemia and tyrosinemia-associated neurological disorders.
Author Correction: Super-regional land-use change and effects on the grassland specialist flora
Authors: Auffret Alistair G. , Kimberley Adam , Plue Jan , Waldén Emelie
Published: September 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Discovering genetic interactions bridging pathways in genome-wide association studies
Authors: Fang Gang , Wang Wen , Paunic Vanja , Heydari Hamed , Costanzo Michael , Liu Xiaoye , Liu Xiaotong , VanderSluis Benjamin , Oately Benjamin , Steinbach Michael , Van Ness Brian , Schadt Eric E. , Pankratz Nathan D. , Boone Charles , Kumar Vipin , Myers Chad L.
Published: September 2019

Genetic interactions have been reported to underlie phenotypes in a variety of systems, but the extent to which they contribute to complex disease in humans remains unclear. In principle, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) provide a platform for detecting genetic interactions, but existing methods for identifying them from GWAS data tend to focus on testing individual locus pairs, which undermines statistical power. Importantly, a global genetic network mapped for a model eukaryotic organism revealed that genetic interactions often connect genes between compensatory functional modules in a highly coherent manner. Taking advantage of this expected structure, we developed a computational approach called BridGE that identifies pathways connected by genetic interactions from GWAS data. Applying BridGE broadly, we discover significant interactions in Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, hypertension, prostate cancer, breast cancer, and type 2 diabetes. Our novel approach provides a general framework for mapping complex genetic networks underlying human disease from genome-wide genotype data.
Genetic determinants of cellular addiction to DNA polymerase theta
Authors: Feng Wanjuan , Simpson Dennis A. , Carvajal-Garcia Juan , Price Brandon A. , Kumar Rashmi J. , Mose Lisle E. , Wood Richard D. , Rashid Naim , Purvis Jeremy E. , Parker Joel S. , Ramsden Dale A. , Gupta Gaorav P.
Published: September 2019

Polymerase theta (Pol θ, gene name Polq) is a widely conserved DNA polymerase that mediates a microhomology-mediated, error-prone, double strand break (DSB) repair pathway, referred to as Theta Mediated End Joining (TMEJ). Cells with homologous recombination deficiency are reliant on TMEJ for DSB repair. It is unknown whether deficiencies in other components of the DNA damage response (DDR) also result in Pol θ addiction. Here we use a CRISPR genetic screen to uncover 140 Polq synthetic lethal (PolqSL) genes, the majority of which were previously unknown. Functional analyses indicate that Pol θ/TMEJ addiction is associated with increased levels of replication-associated DSBs, regardless of the initial source of damage. We further demonstrate that approximately 30% of TCGA breast cancers have genetic alterations in PolqSL genes and exhibit genomic scars of Pol θ/TMEJ hyperactivity, thereby substantially expanding the subset of human cancers for which Pol θ inhibition represents a promising therapeutic strategy.
MRE11-RAD50-NBS1 promotes Fanconi Anemia R-loop suppression at transcription–replication conflicts
Authors: Chang Emily Yun-Chia , Tsai Shuhe , Aristizabal Maria J. , Wells James P. , Coulombe Yan , Busatto Franciele F. , Chan Yujia A. , Kumar Arun , Dan Zhu Yi , Wang Alan Ying-Hsu , Fournier Louis-Alexandre , Hieter Philip , Kobor Michael S. , Masson Jean-Yves , Stirling Peter C.
Published: September 2019

Ectopic R-loop accumulation causes DNA replication stress and genome instability. To avoid these outcomes, cells possess a range of anti-R-loop mechanisms, including RNaseH that degrades the RNA moiety in R-loops. To comprehensively identify anti-R-loop mechanisms, we performed a genome-wide trigenic interaction screen in yeast lacking RNH1 and RNH201. We identified >100 genes critical for fitness in the absence of RNaseH, which were enriched for DNA replication fork maintenance factors including the MRE11-RAD50-NBS1 (MRN) complex. While MRN has been shown to promote R-loops at DNA double-strand breaks, we show that it suppresses R-loops and associated DNA damage at transcription–replication conflicts. This occurs through a non-nucleolytic function of MRE11 that is important for R-loop suppression by the Fanconi Anemia pathway. This work establishes a novel role for MRE11-RAD50-NBS1 in directing tolerance mechanisms at transcription–replication conflicts.
Exploiting biofilm phenotypes for functional characterization of hypothetical genes in Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Willett Julia L. E. , Ji Michelle M. , Dunny Gary M.
Published: September 2019

Enterococcus faecalis is a commensal organism as well as an important nosocomial pathogen, and its infections are typically linked to biofilm formation. Nearly 25% of the E. faecalis OG1RF genome encodes hypothetical genes or genes of unknown function. Elucidating their function and how these gene products influence biofilm formation is critical for understanding E. faecalis biology. To identify uncharacterized early biofilm determinants, we performed a genetic screen using an arrayed transposon (Tn) library containing ~2000 mutants in hypothetical genes/intergenic regions and identified eight uncharacterized predicted protein-coding genes required for biofilm formation. We demonstrate that OG1RF_10435 encodes a phosphatase that modulates global protein expression and arginine catabolism and propose renaming this gene bph (biofilm phosphatase). We present a workflow for combining phenotype-driven experimental and computational evaluation of hypothetical gene products in E. faecalis, which can be used to study hypothetical genes required for biofilm formation and other phenotypes of diverse bacteria.
A metal ion-regulated colorimetric sensor array: discriminating Chinese Baijiu from other beverages
Authors: Li Jiawei , Yang Ping , Zhang Jing , Shui Zhengfan , Huo Danqun , Hou Changjun , Zhang Suyi , Shen Caihong
Published: September 2019

We provide a Baijiu colorimetric sensor array based on metal ions regulated Au NPs aggregation, which can do a correct classification of 16 Baijius with different flavor types.
Recent advances in multiphoton microscopy combined with nanomaterials in the field of disease evolution and clinical applications to liver cancer
Authors: Lin Hongxin , Fan Taojian , Sui Jian , Wang Guangxing , Chen Jianxin , Zhuo Shuangmu , Zhang Han
Published: September 2019

Multiphoton microscopy (MPM) is expected to become a powerful clinical tool, with its unique advantages of being label-free, high resolution, deep imaging depth, low light photobleaching and low phototoxicity.
Probing surface mediated configurations of nonplanar regioisomeric adsorbates using ultrahigh vacuum tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Mahapatra Sayantan , Schultz Jeremy F. , Ning Yingying , Zhang Jun-Long , Jiang Nan
Published: September 2019

A novel approach to distinct the configurations of new regioisomeric porphodilactone molecules on Ag(100), Cu(100) and Au(100) surfaces at the nanoscale.
Dispersity and architecture driven self-assembly and confined crystallization of symmetric branched block copolymers
Authors: Pitet Louis M. , Chamberlain Bradley M. , Hauser Adam W. , Hillmyer Marc A.
Published: September 2019

Architectural variety in the form of branching combined with disparate dispersities in block polymers have been exploited to access microphase morphologies outside the conventional phase windows typically observed in uniform linear analogs.
Controllable thermal expansion and magnetic structure in Er2(Fe,Co)14B intermetallic compounds
Authors: Qiao Yongqiang , Song Yuzhu , Xu Meng , Gao Qilong , Ren Yang , Xing Xianran , Chen Jun
Published: September 2019

Tunable thermal expansion from negative, to zero, to positive with a wide temperature range in Er2(Fe,Co)14B intermetallic compounds.
Defect-mediated selective hydrogenation of nitroarenes on nanostructured WS2
Authors: Sun Yifan , Darling Albert J. , Li Yawei , Fujisawa Kazunori , Holder Cameron F. , Liu He , Janik Michael J. , Terrones Mauricio , Schaak Raymond E.
Published: September 2019

Colloidal 2H-WS2 nanostructures catalyze selective hydrogenation of substituted nitroarenes to anilines with molecular hydrogen, where sulfur vacancies and tungsten-terminated edges play key roles in enabling functional group selectivity.
Self-regenerating compliance and lubrication of polyacrylamide hydrogels
Authors: Bonyadi Shabnam Z. , Atten Michael , Dunn Alison C.
Published: September 2019

In this work, careful experiments reveal how abrasive wear of polyacrylamide hydrogels only temporarily alters the surface properties.
Is Medical Therapy for Distal Ureteral Stones Efficient? Tamsulosin versus Deflazacort: A Prospective Randomised Trial
Authors: Kucukpolat Salim , Kocaaslan Ramazan , Kadihasanoglu Mustafa , Bagcioglu Murat , Kocan Huseyin , Sarica Kemal
Published: September 2019

Introduction To evaluate the efficacy of tamsulosin and deflazacort in the spontaneous expulsion of distal ureteral stones when applied in an independent or combined manner.

Methods 134 patients with distal ureteral stones (4 – 10 mm) were included in tothe study. All patients were randomized into four groups: group 1 (n = 37) patients receiving tamsulosin (0.4 mg/day); group 2 (n = 26) patients receiving deflazacort (30 mg/day); group 3 (n = 37) patients receiving combined treatment (tamsulosin and deflazacort) with the same dosages; and group 4, control group cases (n = 34), receiving paracetamol on demand. Although deflazacort treatment was limited to 10 days due to the possible associated side effects, α-blocker and paracetamol lasted up to four weeks. Patients were followed up on a weekly basis and at the end of four weeks all groups were compared primarily with respect to the stone expulsion rates.

Results No statistically significant difference was noted between all groups regarding the age, sex, or stone burden (p > 0.05). Spontaneous stone expulsion rates after 4 weeks were 64.8 %, 69.2 %, 75.7 %, and 26.4 % in group 1, 2, 3, and 4 respectively. Spontaneous passage rates were statistically higher in all treatment groups when compared with the control group. Despite the highest spontaneous stone expulsion rate noted in group 3; this difference was not statistically significant when compared with the group 1 and 2. No major side effect related to the medications was observed.

Conclusions Tamsulosin facilitated the spontaneous passage of distal ureteral stones < 10 mm in size in an effective manner particularly when applied in combination with an oral corticosteroid.
Ausgleich einer Hypernatriämie bei kritisch Erkrankten
Authors: Alscher Mark Dominik
Published: September 2019

Eine Hypernatriämie findet sich im Vergleich zu einer Hyponatriämie seltener, hat aber eine höhere Mortalität. Für das Verständnis der Pathophysiologie der Hypernatriämie muss der Wasserhaushalt berücksichtigt werden. Sehr häufig ist der Verlust freien Wassers, beispielsweise bei Diarrhöen, die Ursache für eine Hypernatriämie. Es kann aber auch durch eine Substitution von Natrium bei fehlender oder verminderter Aufnahme freien Wassers zu einer Hypernatriämie kommen. Die Therapie der Hypernatriämie orientiert sich am Hydrierungszustand des Patienten: Bei Dehydrierung steht die Gabe freien Wassers im Vordergrund, bei Hypernatriämie mit Hyperhydrierung die Mobilisation von Natrium und Volumen (Diuretika). Die Lehrmeinung aktuell ist, dass in Analogie zum Ausgleich bei Hyponatriämie der Ausgleich schonend erfolgen muss, weil sonst (bei zu schnellem Ausgleich) Demyelinisierungen auftreten können.
1500 Euro Preisgeld
Authors: Schäfer Christian
Published: September 2019

Die Thieme Gruppe schreibt im Jahr 2020 wieder den Förderpreis Nephrologische Pflege aus und stiftet das Preisgeld von 1500 Euro.
The Importance of Primary Reconstruction in the Treatment of Blast Related Hand Injuries During Childhood
Authors: Bukvic Nado , Srsen Medancic Suzana , Nikolic Harry , Bosak Veršic Ana , Bukvic Frane , Gusic Nadomir , Marinovic Marin
Published: September 2019

Introduction Blast injuries are common during wartime but are also related to various holiday festivals worldwide. Despite strict legislations, these devices still cause serious injuries leaving permanent disabilities. Children are affected in numerous cases with the hand being the most affected body region. The aim of our study was to profile the blast related hand injuries and to review treatment modalities that we used.

Methods A retrospective study of patients treated for blast-devices related hand injuries between 2006 and 2015 was performed.

Results 112 patient with blast related hand injuries were treated in our department during the 10-year period. Most of the patients were male. The dominant hand was injured in 83.9% of the patients. Associated injuries were observed in 14.3% of patients. 90 children were treated on an out-patient basis, mostly due to hand burns (86.7%) or uncomplicated blast injuries (13.3%). 22 children required hospitalization due to severe blast and crush injuries and amputations. Surgery was carried out as the urgent procedure and involved debridement with primary repair. In the case of amputations debridement and sufficient skin ensuring complete wound coverage was the procedure of choice.

Conclusion Blast related injuries of the hand during childhood are frequent and can cause different and complex defects. Besides prevention of these injuries, primary reconstruction of the affected hand is of outmost importance in preventing long-term consequences.
Rheuma bei Kindern
Authors: Wetzstein Janina
Published: September 2019

Aktuelle Zahlen vom Deutschen Rheuma-Forschungszentrum zeigen: Menschen mit Rheuma, die bereits als Kind unter der Erkrankung litten, geht es umso besser, je früher sie wirksam medikamentös behandelt wurden. Sie haben seltener massive Gelenkschäden und Begleiterkrankungen wie Osteoporose oder Kleinwuchs und erreichen häufiger die therapiefreie Remission, sind also mit großer Wahrscheinlichkeit geheilt. Entscheidend für den Therapieerfolg ist allerdings, dass die Erkrankung möglichst früh entdeckt wird.
Autologe hämatopoetische Stammzelltransplantation bei Autoimmunerkrankungen
Authors: Henes Jörg , Xenitidis Theodoros , Wirths Stefan
Published: September 2019

Die Stammzelltransplantation von hämatopoetischen Stammzellen (HSCT) kann den autoaggressiven Teil des Immunsystems ersetzen. Daher stellt diese Therapie eine Option auch für schwere Autoimmunerkrankungen dar. Vor allem bei der Systemischen Sklerose und der Multiplen Sklerose konnte durch prospektive, randomisierte Studien die Effektivität der Therapie gezeigt werden. Die hämatopoetische Stammzelltransplantation ist eine aggressive Therapie mit vielen möglichen Komplikationen, daher darf die Indikation nur durch erfahrene Zentren und bei gut ausgewählten Patienten erfolgen. Einige Studien laufen derzeit auch in Deutschland.
Immunologische Nebenwirkungen von Checkpoint-Inhibitoren
Authors: Xenitidis Theodoros , Henes Jörg C.
Published: September 2019

Checkpoint-Inhibitoren besitzen einen anderen Wirkmechanismus als Chemotherapeutika und können daher auch bei fortgeschrittenen und metastasierten Tumoren noch Teilremissionen, in manchen Fällen sogar komplette Remissionen bewirken. Checkpoint-Inhibitoren blockieren inhibitorische Signale, welche die Krebszelle sich zu Nutzen macht, um einer Erkennung durch das Immunsystem zu entkommen. Hierbei kommt es zu einer erneuten Aktivierung des Immunsystems, die als Nebeneffekt auch die Toleranz des Immunsystems gegenüber normalen Körperzellen verringert und dadurch Autoimmunerkrankungen auslösen oder bereits bestehende verschlechtern kann. Im Rahmen früher Pilotstudien und nachfolgender Zulassungsstudien ergaben sich eine Vielzahl von Nebenwirkungen, die man als immune-related adverse events (irAE) bezeichnet. Die meisten Nebenwirkungen aller Checkpoint-Inhibitoren treten in der Regel erst nach einigen Wochen oder Monaten auf, sind leicht- bis mäßiggradig einzustufen und zumeist reversibel.
Joint Statement of the German Radiological Society and the German Respiratory Society on a Quality-Assured Early Detection Program for Lung Cancer with Low-Dose CT
Authors: Wormanns Dag , Kauczor Hans-Ulrich , Antoch Gerald , Biederer Jürgen , Herth Felix J. F. , Vogel-Claussen Jens , Reinmuth Niels , Pfeifer Michael ,   Board of Directors, Deutsche Röntgengesellschaft,   Board of Directors, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Pneumologie und Beatmungsmedizin
Published: September 2019

Substantial new data on the early detection of lung cancer with low-dose CT has become available since the last joint statement of the German Radiological Society and the German Respiratory Society was published in 2011. The German S3 guideline on lung cancer was revised in 2018 and now contains a weak recommendation regarding the early detection of lung cancer with low-dose CT in a quality-assured early detection program. These new developments required a change in the position of the involved professional societies. This joint statement describes the main features of a quality-assured program for the early detection of lung cancer with low-dose CT in Germany.

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Proton Pump Inhibitors and Dabigatran Therapy: Impact on Gastric Bleeding and Dabigatran Plasma Levels
Authors: Bolek Tomáš , Samoš Matej , Škorňová Ingrid , Galajda Peter , Staško Ján , Kubisz Peter , Mokáň Marián
Published: September 2019

Dabigatran etexilate, a direct thrombin inhibitor, is now frequently used for long-term pharmacological prevention of stroke or systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation. However, such long-term dabigatran therapy (DT) significantly increases the risk of upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. This increased risk of gastric bleeds might be reduced with gastroprotective agents, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). PPIs coadministrated with dabigatran reduce the risk of upper GI bleeding in patients on long-term oral DT. Nevertheless, there is heated discussion regarding interactions between PPI and dabigatran that lead to decreases in dabigatran plasma levels. This article reviews up to date data about the risk of gastric bleeding on dabigatran, the impact of PPI on the reduction of gastric bleeding, and the interaction between PPI and dabigatran leading to decreased dabigatran plasma levels.
Fetomaternal Bleeding and Neonatal Hematocrit following Cesarean Delivery: Routine versus Transplacental Transection
Authors: Gregory Emily , Towers Craig V. , van Nes Jaclyn , Shumard Kristina , Fortner Kim B. , Weitz Beth
Published: September 2019

Objective To evaluate fetomaternal bleeding following routine cesarean delivery compared with cesarean delivery involving transplacental transection.

Study Design A prospective cohort study evaluating cesarean delivery in which the placenta was transected (cases) versus controls (placenta not transected) from January 2016 to April 2018. A maternal Kleihauer–Betke's (KB) test and newborn hematocrit were performed shortly after delivery.

Results The rate of a positive KB test was not significantly different between cases (n = 31) and controls (n = 61) (19 vs. 14%; odds ratio [OR]: 1.44; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.46–4.49; p = 0.74). Median neonatal hematocrits were not different. However, the rate of newborn hematocrits <40% at delivery was higher in cases compared with controls (23 vs. 3%; OR: 8.90; 95% CI: 1.72–45.90; p = 0.005).

Conclusion A cesarean requiring transplacental transection to accomplish delivery does not significantly increase the rate of fetomaternal bleeding but is associated with a higher likelihood of newborn hematocrit <40% at delivery.
Stoichiometric characteristics of different agroecosystems under the same climatic conditions in the agropastoral ecotone of northern China
Authors: Zhai Xiajie , Liu Kesi , Finch Deborah M. , Huang Ding , Tang Shiming , Li Shuiyan , Liu Hongfei , Wang Kun
Published: September 2019

Ecological stoichiometry affects the processes and functions of ecosystems, but the similarities and differences of stoichiometric characteristics among diverse agropastoral ecosystems under the same climatic conditions remain unclear. In this study, plant and soil stoichiometric characteristics of different agroecosystems, namely natural grassland (free-grazing and mowed grassland), artificial grassland (oat, Chinese leymus and corn silage), field crops (naked oats, flax and wheat) and commercial crops (cabbage and potatoes), were investigated in Guyuan County, China. Results showed total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP) and N:P ratios in plant tissue varied significantly among ecosystem types (P < 0.05). In general, the mean soil organic carbon, TN and TP content in the 0–0.3 m soil layer in potatoes (8.01, 1.05 and 0.33 g kg–1 respectively) were significantly lower than in other agroecosystems (P < 0.05). The mean C:N ratios of the 0–0.3 m soil layer did not differ significantly among the agroecosystems (P > 0.05). However, the C:P ratio was lower in potato than cabbage sites (24.64 vs 33.17), and was lower at both these sites than in other agroecosystems (P < 0.05). With regard to N:P ratios, only the potato ecosystem had lower values than in other ecosystems (P < 0.05), which did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). Above all, N is more likely to be limiting than P for biomass production in local agroecosystems. Soil C:P and N:P ratios decreased significantly with an increase in the utilisation intensity (from natural grassland to commercial crop). The findings of this study suggest that restoring, preserving and increasing soil organic carbon (especially for cabbage and potatoes), scientifically adjusting the application of N and P fertiliser and enhancing subsidies for low-loss soil nutrient systems, such as grassland, rather than commercial crops will help improve and sustain agroecosystems.
Evolution of parental melts of alkali ultrabasic intrusive massives of Maimecha-Kotui Province (Polar Siberia)
Authors: Vasiliev Yu R , Simonov V A , Gora M P
Published: September 2019

Computational modeling based on data on the compositions of melt inclusions in chrome-spinelids using the COMAGMAT [12] and PETROLOG [11] programs indicates the similarity of the parent melt of meimechites [4] with the picritic magma of the Gulinsky massif. Experimental data on the inclusions confirm this conclusion, showing the reliability of the actually calculated trends in the fractionation of ultrabasic melts. In general, the calculations showed that the crystallization of olivine from the high-magnesium pyrite melt occurred in the temperature range of 1510–1260 ° C, mainly at a pressure of 6–7 kbar. At the same time, the melt evolves and approaches its composition to olivine basalt, from which, starting from 1200 ° C, clinopyroxene mainly crystallizes with enrichment of the residual melt with alkalis, rare and rare-earth elements. The similarity of the compositions of the parental melts for meimechites and Gulinsky pluton rocks and the proximity of P – T parameters of their evolution indicates a possible genetic relationship of these magmatic formations.