bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Reward and Aversion Shape Motivation and Decision Making: A Computational Account
Authors: Verharen Jeroen P. H. , Adan Roger A. H. , Vanderschuren Louk J. M. J.
Published: March 2019

Processing rewarding and aversive signals lies at the core of many adaptive behaviors, including value-based decision making. The brain circuits processing these signals are widespread and include the prefrontal cortex, amygdala and striatum, and their dopaminergic innervation. In this review, we integrate historic findings on the behavioral and neural mechanisms of value-based decision making with recent, groundbreaking work in this area. On the basis of this integrated view, we discuss a neuroeconomic framework of value-based decision making, use this to explain the motivation to pursue rewards and how motivation relates to the costs and benefits associated with different courses of action. As such, we consider substance addiction and overeating as states of altered value-based decision making, in which the expectation of reward chronically outweighs the costs associated with substance use and food consumption, respectively. Together, this review aims to provide a concise and accessible overview of important literature on the neural mechanisms of behavioral adaptation to reward and aversion and how these mediate motivated behaviors.
Emergence of OXA-48 Carbapenemase Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Marrakech, Morocco
Authors: Taoufik Lahoucine , Amrani Hanchi Asma , Fatiha Bennaoui , Nissrine Slitine , Mrabih Rabou Maouainine Fadl , Nabila Soraa
Published: March 2019

Goal:

This work aims to describe and explore the circumstances of appearance of Klebsiella pneumoniae producing OXA-48 carbapenemase, which has occurred in a neonatal intensive care service at the Mohammed VI University Hospital of Marrakech.

Results:

During February 2015, the alert was triggered by the isolation of 6 isolates of K pneumoniae with the same antibiotic susceptibility profile in the neonatal intensive care service, suggesting a possible outbreak. Blood cultures represented the main site of isolation of these isolates. The phenotypic study of the isolates made it possible to identify a strain of K pneumoniae susceptible to third-generation cephalosporins, ciprofloxacin, and aminoglycosides, and resistant to ertapenem, β-lactamases inhibitors (ticarcillin-clavulanate, piperacillin-tazobactam; amoxicillin-clavulanic acid), and cotrimoxazole. The genotypic study of the epidemic isolate revealed the presence of the blaOXA-48 gene. The action to be taken was the establishment of corrective measures to stop this epidemic to a multi-resistant germ transmitted by hand transmission. The reinforcement of hygiene measures and the awareness of the staff made it possible to put an end to the epidemic at March 30, 2015, without closing the service. The outcome of 6 infected newborns was fatal due to the fragile terrain and the inappropriate probabilistic antibiotic therapy.

Conclusion:

The production of carbapenemase in K pneumoniae is an emerging resistance mechanism that must be suspected and identified to offer targeted therapy and to limit its spread. The implementation of a local policy to control multidrug-resistant germs is essential to limit their dissemination in hospitals.
Reappraising Charles Webb’s The Graduate (1963): Exploring cultural and historical elements of a character in the contemporary economy
Authors: Watt Peter , Costea Bogdan
Published: March 2019

This article seeks to examine, in a cultural–historical perspective, how the ‘graduate’ has developed as a character central to a significant segment of the contemporary labour market. The argument begins by showing how the rise of the ‘new’ or ‘knowledge economy’ (throughout the 1990s and 2000s) became a new source of pressure on generations entering the world of work. Higher education has been, and continues to be, presented by political, corporate and educational institutions as a core platform upon which future possibilities of personal achievement and accomplishment depend. Gradually, the vocabulary and character of the ‘graduate’ has become more visible through complex and refined modes of cultural dissemination. The themes through which this character is articulated today have, we argue, cultural roots that are not entirely new. With reference to David Riesman’s early understanding of the formation of this kind of cultural ‘character’, we examine Charles Webb’s 1963 novel The Graduate. As a cultural–historical resource, it can be revisited half a century later in order to investigate the historical movement of certain themes and questions that now outline what a ‘graduate’ could and should be. The imperatives that underlie the labour market for graduate schemes open up questions that pertain not only to immediate matters of employment. Rather, the discourses of ‘graduate work’ and ‘employability’ now appropriate deeper concerns regarding the meaning of individual freedom, choice and self-determination. Who is the ‘graduate’ and what are some of its cultural roots?
Three-dimensional flow structure and string cavitation in a fuel injector and their effects on discharged liquid jet
Authors: Prasetya Rubby , Sou Akira , Oki Junichi , Nakashima Akira , Nishida Keiya , Wada Yoshitaka , Ueki Yoshiharu , Yokohata Hideaki
Published: March 2019

Two kinds of cavitation may occur in mini-sac type diesel injectors. The first is geometrical cavitation, which can usually be seen as a film-like structure in the nozzle. The second is the filament-like string cavitation. Both types of cavitation are known to affect fuel spray characteristics, although the effects of geometrical cavitation and that of string cavitation have not been individually clarified. Moreover, the mechanism behind string cavitation occurrence is still unclear. String cavitation usually occurs at low needle lift, which might indicate the existence of a vortex ring flow in the sac. However, because of the difficulty in precise flow measurement of the three-dimensional flow structure in the sac, the link between vortex ring flow and string cavitation occurrence in the sac has not been proven. In this study, high-speed imaging of string cavitation, geometrical cavitation, and discharged liquid jet of an enlarged three-hole mini-sac diesel fuel injector was conducted to individually clarify the effects of string cavitation and geometrical cavitation on the discharged liquid jet angle. Furthermore, tomographic–stereo particle image velocimetry was carried out on the sac. The experiments were conducted at two different needle lifts, to clarify the link between needle lifts and flow structure in the sac, as well as how it affects string cavitation occurrence and liquid jet angle. The results confirmed that at low needle lift, vortex ring flow forms in the sac, which may induce helical flow in the nozzle, resulting in a large jet angle. Vortex strength varies with time, and string cavitation occurs when the vortex is particularly strong. As a result, the magnitude of the jet angle increase at low needle lift is enhanced when string cavitation occurs. At high needle lift, flow pattern in the sac becomes relatively uniform, which makes it harder for string cavitation to form.
The relationship between physical activity and appetite in patients with heart failure: A prospective observational study
Authors: Andreae Christina , Årestedt Kristofer , Evangelista Lorraine , Strömberg Anna
Published: March 2019

Introduction:

Physical activity and appetite are important components for maintaining health. Yet, the association between physical activity and appetite in heart failure (HF) populations is not completely understood. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between physical activity, functional capacity, and appetite in patients with HF.

Methods:

This was a prospective observational study. In total, 186 patients diagnosed with HF, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II–IV (mean age 70.7, 30% female), were included. Physical activity was measured using a multi-sensor actigraph for seven days and with a self-reported numeric rating scale. Physical capacity was measured by the six-minute walk test. Appetite was measured using the Council on Nutrition Appetite Questionnaire. Data were collected at inclusion and after 18 months. A series of linear regression analyses, adjusted for age, NYHA class, and B-type natriuretic peptide were conducted.

Results:

At baseline, higher levels of physical activity and functional capacity were significantly associated with a higher level of appetite in the unadjusted models. In the adjusted models, number of steps ( p = 0.019) and the six-minute walk test ( p = 0.007) remained significant. At the 18-month follow-up, all physical activity variables and functional capacity were significantly associated with appetite in the unadjusted regression models. In the adjusted models, number of steps ( p = 0.001) and metabolic equivalent daily averages ( p = 0.040) remained significant.

Conclusion:

A higher level of physical activity measured by number of steps/day was associated with better self-reported appetite, both at baseline and the 18-month follow-up. Further research is needed to establish causality and explore the intertwined relationship between activity and appetite in patients with HF.
Conventional Western Treatment Associated With Chinese Herbal Medicine Ameliorates the Incidence of Head and Neck Cancer Among Patients With Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Chang Chia-Chen , Bi Kuo-Wei , Lin Hung-Jen , Su Yuan-Chih , Wang Wen-Ling , Lin Chen-Yuan , Ting Chun-Fu , Sun Mao-Feng , Huang Sheng-Teng
Published: March 2019

Background: Because of advances in medical treatment, the survival of cancer patients is prolonged. In line with the prolonged survival time of cancer the incidence of second primary cancer has increased. There is currently no effective way to prevent the occurrence of secondary primary cancer (SPC). Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate whether Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) is correlated with reduced occurrence of second primary cancer (SPC) of head and neck (H&N) in patients with esophageal cancer (EC). Method: We identified 15,546 patients who were diagnosed with esophageal cancer between Jan 1, 2000, and Dec 31, 2010. The patients with H&N cancer before receiving CHM were excluded. After the selection and matching process, both CHM and non-CHM cohorts each contained 850 individuals. We compared the cumulative incidence of SPC of H&N with or without CHM treatment in patients with EC by the Kaplan-Meier method. NodeXL is used to run a network analysis of CHM to examine the association between herbs and formulas. Results: Compared with non-CHM users, CHM-users showed a reduced incidence rate of SPC of H&N among the patients with EC. Reduced cumulative incidence of SPC of H&N among patients with EC was noted in the CHM cohort compared to the non-CHM cohort. The most commonly used single herbs and formulas were associated with reducing SPC occurrence. Conclusion: We propose that CHM as an adjuvant therapy may prevent the occurrence of SPC of H&N in patients with EC.
lsemantica: A command for text similarity based on latent semantic analysis
Authors: Schwarz Carlo
Published: March 2019

In this article, I present the lsemantica command, which implements latent semantic analysis in Stata. Latent semantic analysis is a machine learning algorithm for word and text similarity comparison and uses truncated singular value decomposition to derive the hidden semantic relationships between words and texts. lsemantica provides a simple command for latent semantic analysis as well as complementary commands for text similarity comparison.
Inclusion of Marginalized Groups and Communities in Global Health Research Priority-Setting
Authors: Pratt Bridget
Published: March 2019

Community engagement is gaining prominence in global health research. But community members, especially those from groups and communities that are considered disadvantaged and marginalized, rarely have a say in the agendas and priorities of the research projects that aim to help them. This article explores how to achieve their inclusion in priority-setting for global health research projects. A total of 29 in-depth interviews and one focus group were undertaken with researchers, research ethicists, community engagement practitioners, and community-based organization staff. Thematic analysis identified two core dimensions of inclusion—representation and voice—and what is necessary to realize them with marginalized groups and communities in global health research priority-setting. A set of ethical considerations is proposed to assist researchers and their partners design more inclusive priority-setting processes.
Research on effect of damping variation on vibration response of defective bearings
Authors: Kong Fanzhao , Huang Wentao , Jiang Yunchuan , Wang Weijie , Zhao Xuezeng
Published: March 2019

This article presents a dynamic model of ball bearings with a localised defect on the outer raceway to analyse the effect of damping variation on the vibration response of defective bearings. First, a dynamic model is built based on the Hertzian contact theory, the interaction between the bearing inner ring, outer ring, and rolling element; the effect of damping and stiffness is considered; and the vibration equation of the bearing system is solved by the fourth-order Runge–Kutta algorithm. Then, the damping ratios of the experimental bearings using different types of viscosity lubricating grease are measured and compared with the damping ratios of the dynamic model; in addition, the viscous damping coefficient of the experimental bearings are calculated. Finally, the numerical analysis and experimental results show that the grease with a different level of viscosity affects the vibration signal of the defective bearing.
The effects of robot welding and manual welding on the low- and high-cycle fatigue lives of SM50A carbon steel weld zones
Authors: Han Changwan , Yang Changhwan , Kim Hanjong , Park Seonghun
Published: March 2019

The purpose of this study is to analyze the differences between the effects of robot welding and manual welding on the low- and high-cycle fatigue lives of the weld zones for T-shaped weld structures fabricated from SM50A carbon steel using a CO2 gas arc welding method. Fatigue tests were conducted using a three-point bending method, and the S-N curves of the manual welding and robot welding crossed each other at approximately 3 × 104 cycles. The robot welding weld zone had better high-cycle fatigue lives than the manual welding. The results are attributable to the fact that the more uniform and higher welding speed of the robot welding leads to smaller weld zone area (i.e. ~12% smaller than the manual welding) and also smaller grain size than the manual welding. Because a smaller grain size in the robot welding weld zone results in a higher hardness than the manual welding and material brittleness increases with increasing hardness, the robot welding weld zone shows better high-cycle fatigue lives but poorer low-cycle fatigue lives than the manual welding.
An improved particle swarm optimization algorithm for dynamic analysis of chain drive based on multidisciplinary design optimization
Authors: Chai Mengjiang , Yuan Yongliang , Zhao Wenjuan
Published: March 2019

Chain drive is one of the most commonly used mechanical devices in the main equipment transmission system. In the past decade, scholars focused on basic performance research, but ignore its best performance. In this study, due to the large vibration of the chain drive in the transmission system, the vibration performance and optimization parameters are also considered as a new method to design the chain drive system to obtain the best performance of the chain drive system. This article proposes a new method and takes a chain drive design as a case based on the multidisciplinary design optimization. The system optimization objective and sub-systems are established by the multidisciplinary design optimization method. To obtain the best performance for the chain, the chain drive is executed by an improved particle swarm optimization algorithm. Dynamic characteristics of the chain drive system are simulated based on the multidisciplinary design optimization results. The impact force of the chain links, vibration displacement, and the vibration frequency are analyzed. The results show that the kinematics principle of the chain drive and the optimal parameter value are obtained based on the multidisciplinary design optimization method.
Active rectifying control of vehicle with tire blowout based on adaptive fuzzy proportional–integral–derivative control
Authors: Lu Sheng , Lian Majun , Cao Zhi , Zheng Taixiong , Xiao Yang , Chen Xiang , Ma Ying
Published: March 2019

To avoid casualties and economic loss caused by vehicle yawing motion during the tire blowout, first, by changing several key parameters of the characteristics, this article uses CarSim software and MATLAB/Simulink to establish a vehicle model of tire blowout based on the UniTire model. This model is implemented to simulate tire blowout caused by the change of the vehicle motion state. Second, considering the driver error and radical-operated steering wheel after tire blowout leads to runaway car problems. This article takes the target trajectory and actual trajectory of error and error rate as the system input; an adaptive fuzzy proportional–integral–derivative controller is designed to determine the vehicle steering wheel angle during the tire blowout and replace the driver to control the direction of the vehicle. The results indicate that the designed controller is capable of ensuring the vehicle constancy and keeping the vehicle on the original track.
Descending thoracic endovascular aortic repair does not require cardiothoracic surgery support
Authors: Chait Jesse , Kibrik Pavel , Alsheekh Ahmad , Marks Natalie , Rajaee Sareh , Hingorani Anil , Ascher Enrico
Published: March 2019

Objective

Descending thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (D-TEVAR) is often performed by vascular surgeons. At many institutions, cardiothoracic surgery support is required for an elective TEVAR to take place. Oftentimes, this means a dedicated cardiopulmonary bypass team must be available. This study aims to investigate that TEVAR is a safe procedure that does not require such a resource-intensive “back-up plan.”

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of data collected from March 2014 to January 2018 of 18 patients who underwent TEVAR at a tertiary care facility with a level I trauma center. There were 11 males and 7 females with an average age of 68.8 years old (range 19–97; SD ± 19.52). The average body mass index (BMI) was 24.7 kg/m2 (range 16.8–35; SD ±4.67). Nine were never smokers, four were former smokers, and five were currently smoking at the time of the procedure. The most common presenting symptom prior to intervention was chest pain ( n = 10), followed by cough/dyspnea ( n = 5), back pain ( n = 3), and trauma ( n = 2).

Results

The average maximum diameter of the thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) treated with TEVAR was 5.49 cm ( n = 7; range 4.3–6.7; SD ± 0.855). Six patients had Stanford Type B aortic dissections. Two patients with TAAs had concomitant, rapidly expanding aortic ulcers. Two patients had traumatic pseudoaneurysms, one of which ruptured prior to TEVAR. One patient had an expanding 1.9 × 1.8 cm saccular pseudoaneurysm of the aortic arch. The mean follow-up time was 69.2 weeks ( n = 17; range 3–166; SD ± 62.67), and one patient did not follow up following their initial TEVAR procedure. Of the 18 patients who received TEVAR, there were no major complications. Two patients experienced a type II endoleak. No patients required conversion to an open procedure, nor did any patients necessitate intervention by cardiothoracic surgery or cardiopulmonary bypass support.

Conclusion

These data suggest that cardiothoracic surgery support is not required for descending thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (D-TEVAR). Further research is warranted on the risk factors associated with open conversion during these procedures.
Improving pragmatic clinical trial design using real-world data
Authors: Shortreed Susan M , Rutter Carolyn M , Cook Andrea J , Simon Gregory E
Published: March 2019

Background

Pragmatic clinical trials often use automated data sources such as electronic health records, claims, or registries to identify eligible individuals and collect outcome information. A specific advantage that this automated data collection often yields is having data on potential participants when design decisions are being made. We outline how this data can be used to inform trial design.

Methods

Our work is motivated by a pragmatic clinical trial evaluating the impact of suicide-prevention outreach interventions on fatal and non-fatal suicide attempts in the 18 months after randomization. We illustrate our recommended approaches for designing pragmatic clinical trials using historical data from the health systems participating in this study. Specifically, we illustrate how electronic health record data can be used to inform the selection of trial eligibility requirements, to estimate the distribution of participant characteristics over the course of the trial, and to conduct power and sample size calculations.

Results

Data from 122,873 people with patient health questionnaire (PHQ) responses, recorded in their electronic health records between 1 July 2010 and 31 March 2012, were used to show that the suicide attempt rate in the 18 months following completion of the questionnaire varies by response to item nine of the PHQ. We estimated that the proportion of individuals with a prior recorded elevated PHQ (i.e. history of suicidal ideation) would decrease from approximately 50% at the beginning of a trial to about 5%, 50 weeks later. Using electronic health record data, we conducted simulations to estimate the power to detect a 25% reduction in suicide attempts. Simulation-based power calculations estimated that randomizing 8000 participants per randomization arm would allow 90% power to detect a 25% reduction in the suicide attempt rate in the intervention arm compared to usual care at an alpha rate of 0.05.

Conclusions

Historical data can be used to inform the design of pragmatic clinical trials, a strength of trials that use automated data collection for randomizing participants and assessing outcomes. In particular, realistic sample size calculations can be conducted using real-world data from the health systems in which the trial will be conducted. Data-informed trial design should yield more realistic estimates of statistical power and maximize efficiency of trial recruitment.
Apes on TV: Medium specificity and considerations of continuity in early transmedia storytelling
Authors: Benson Nicholas
Published: March 2019

In 1974, CBS premiered a television series based on the popular Planet of the Apes films. Despite high expectations from the network, the series was a critical and ratings flop and CBS quickly canceled it in the middle of its first season. This article considers the short-lived Planet of the Apes (1974) series as an early attempt at transmedia storytelling and asks what its failure might reveal about certain pre-conglomeration, pre-franchising industrial logics, particularly as they relate to properties that transition from film to television. The Apes television series offers an opportunity to understand certain logics of transmedia textual management before they become entrenched in discourses of media franchising. Through a combination of industrial and textual analysis, I trace the history of the programme and ultimately argue that the industrial considerations (specifically those of network era broadcast television) heavily informed the intertextual relationships between the film series and the TV show.
Moving in stealth: On the tracking shot as a technique for imperceptibility
Authors: Pape Toni
Published: March 2019

This article explores recent uses of the tracking shot in various media. Examples drawn from television, video games and video art reveal that recent audiovisual media have frequently used a particular kind of tracking shot that follows an individual through a complex environment. This article argues that this tracking shot contributes to an aesthetic of stealth, that is, a perceptual attunement to notions of imperceptibility and secrecy. The stealth tracking shot can thus be seen as one of the aesthetic principles that articulate discourses of securitisation. The argument proceeds in three steps. First, the article shows that this specific use of the tracking shot takes inspiration from third-person video games. An analysis of the stealth game Splinter Cell: Blacklist (2013) shows how the mobile ‘following camera’ allows the viewer to perceive the avatar in his or her environment. Then, in an analysis of the unbroken tracking shot in True Detective (2014), it is demonstrated how this kind of tracking shot contributes to a reformulation of the notions of law enforcement underlying crime fiction. Specifically, the tracking shot is related to the notion of stealth democracy. Finally, the article considers Hito Steyerl’s video ‘Guards’ to show that the aesthetic principles of stealth operate not only in individual media objects but more generally in public spaces and institutions such as museums and art galleries. To conclude, the article situates the stealth tracking shot in a more general consideration of the politicality of media aesthetics.
Chemical Characterization of the Hydroethanolic Extract of the Inner Stem Bark of Dilodendron bipinnatum. Comparative Cytotoxic Evaluation and Anti-inflammatory Potential of a Simple Mixture of its Isolates 3-O-β-Glucopyranosyl-β-sitosterol and 3-O-β-Glucopyranosyl-stigmasterol
Authors: Lima Karoline Costa , de Oliveira Martins Domingos Tabajara , Macho Antonio , de Oliveira Ruberlei Godinho , Pavan Eduarda , Martelli Lorena Suelen Ribeiro , Pacheco Leila Beatriz Silva , da Silva Virgínia Claudia , Ribeiro Tereza Auxiliadora Nascimento , de Carvalho Mário Geraldo , de Sousa Paulo Teixeira
Published: March 2019

Phytochemical investigation of the hydroethanolic extract of the inner stem bark of Dilodendron bipinnatum (HEDb) by column chromatography led to the separation of three major fractions: a) a mixture of phytosterols (ST mixture), including β-sitosterol (1), stigmasterol (2) and campesterol (3); b) a mixture of 3- O-β-glucopyranosyl-β-sitosterol (4) and 3- O-β-glucopyranosyl-stigmasterol (5) (SGP mixture); and c) epicatechin (6), as a single isolate. Their structures were determined by spectrometric analysis using 1H- and 13C-NMR spectroscopy, and GC-MS. The safety profile of the SGP mixture, when evaluated on RAW 264.7 cells, using the alamar blue® assay, exhibited no cytotoxic effects. The anti-inflammatory activity was comparatively analyzed in vivo using the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced peritonitis model in mice, showing a strong reduction of leukocyte migration to the peritoneal cavity using both the SGP mixture and the HEDb. In vitro assessment of nitric oxide (NO) in the macrophagic RAW 264.7 cell line showed an inhibition of NO by the SGP mixture when cells were stimulated with LPS. Taken together, the results show an important contribution of the sterol glucoside mixture on the anti-inflammatory activity of HEDb. Also, one of the mechanisms for such inhibition seems to be a direct inhibition of NO production in stimulated macrophages.
Nor-kurarinone Characteristic of Chinese Sophora flavescens
Authors: Suzuki Ryuichiro , Takahiro Utsumi , Takao Risa , Shirataki Yoshiaki
Published: March 2019

The root of Sophora flavescens is used as a Chinese crude drug for treating various disorders. S. flavescens is grown in Japan, China and Korea. We previously used Principle Component Analysis (PCA) to demonstrate that 1H NMR spectra of root extracts of S. flavescens can be used to identify the country of origin of the sample (Japan or China). In the present study we identified a compound characteristic of Chinese S. flavescens using NMR metabolomics. Loading plot analysis of the PCA results and an NMR metabolomics study identified NMR signals from a compound identified as nor-kurarinone and characteristic of Chinese S. flavescens grown in Hangzhou. This compound was confirmed by HPLC analysis to be a distinctive marker for Chinese S. flavescens.
First Stereoselective Total Synthesis of (3S,7R)-De-O-methylbotryosphaeriodiplodin
Authors: Yadav Jhillu S. , Vani Chitteti Divya , Chowdeswari Mule , Ananthalakshmi K. , Bhasker N. , Reddy Basi V. Subba
Published: March 2019

A simple and highly efficient first stereoselective total synthesis of a benzofused macrocyclic lactone, ( 3S,7R)-de- O-methylbotryosphaeriodiplodin has been accomplished utilizing Jacobson's kinetic resolution, Marouka asymmetric allylation, Stille coupling, and ring-closing metathesis (RCM) reactions as key steps.
Silk fibroin induces chondrogenic differentiation of canine adipose–derived multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells/mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Voga Metka , Drnovsek Natasa , Novak Sasa , Majdic Gregor
Published: March 2019

Under appropriate culture conditions, mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), also called more properly multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MMSC), can be induced toward differentiation into different cell lineages. In order to guide stem cell fate within an environment resembling the stem cell niche, different biomaterials are being developed. In the present study, we used silk fibroin (SF) as a biomaterial supporting the growth of MMSC and studied its effect on chondrogenesis of canine adipose–derived MMSC (cADMMSC). Adipose tissue was collected from nine privately owned dogs. MMSC were cultured on SF films and SF scaffolds in a standard cell culture medium. Cell morphology was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Chondrogenic differentiation was evaluated by alcian blue staining and mRNA expression of collagen type 1, collagen type 2, Sox9, and Aggrecan genes. cADMMSC cultured on SF films and SF scaffolds stained positive using alcian blue. SEM images revealed nodule-like structures with matrix vesicles and fibers resembling chondrogenic nodules. Gene expression of chondrogenic markers Sox9 and Aggrecan were statistically significantly upregulated in cADMMSC cultured on SF films in comparison to negative control cADMMSC. This result suggests that chondrogenesis of cADMMSC could occur when cells were grown on SF films in a standard cell culture medium without specific culture conditions, which were previously considered necessary for induction of chondrogenic differentiation.
The Paisley Pattern Breast Reduction
Authors: Becker Devra B.
Published: March 2019

Background:

Skin resection patterns inform the shape and scars after breast reduction. The 2 most commonly performed skin resection patterns, the Wise pattern and vertical pattern, each have limitations. The most common challenge is addressing excess lateral skin while avoiding medial scars. The Paisley Pattern breast reduction addresses this by incorporating lateral dogear excision in the skin resection design.

Methods:

Thirty consecutive patients received a Paisley Pattern breast reduction. After institutional review board approval, a chart review was performed to evaluate resection weight, operative time, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, flap necrosis, and seroma.

Results:

Operative times were comparable to published times for the Wise and vertical pattern techniques. No patients had lateral flap necrosis, and no patients required a return to the operating room during the follow-up period. One patient developed a unilateral seroma that was drained by interventional radiology.

Conclusions:

This report of a novel skin resection design demonstrates a proof of concept that the skin resection pattern can be performed safely in a wide variety of patients. Although there is a learning curve to the technique to prevent over-resection laterally, it provides efficient and aesthetically acceptable alternative to the Wise and vertical skin resection patterns for both large and small reductions.
Exploring the Score Equivalence of the English and Chinese Versions of the Brief Assessment Scale for Caregivers
Authors: Yang Grace Meijuan , Hui-Shan Neo Shirlyn , Teo Irene , Lee Geok Ling , Thumboo Julian , Chia John , Lau Annie , Koh Audrey , Qu Debra , Che William Wai Lam , Wee Hwee Lin , Glajchen Myra , Cheung Yin Bun
Published: March 2019

Background:

Multilingual outcome measures are used so that research studies are more generalizable across language contexts.

Objective:

To determine the score equivalence of the English and Chinese versions of Brief Assessment Scale for Caregivers (BASC) in Singapore.

Method:

Caregivers of patients with advanced cancer completed the BASC in either English or Chinese. Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to compare the mean BASC total and factor scores between the 2 language versions, with adjustment for possible confounding variables. Equivalence was declared if the 90% confidence interval of the mean scores fell entirely within an equivalence zone of ±0.5 standard deviation.

Results:

There were 521 ethnic Chinese participants, of whom 214 answered the English version and 307 answered the Chinese version. The BASC total and factor scores met the criteria for equivalence. Cronbach α coefficients were similar and exploratory factor analysis showed similar 2-factor structures for both language versions.

Conclusion:

The English and Chinese versions of the BASC were found to be equivalent in terms of similar adjusted mean scores, Cronbach α, and factor structures.
Securitization of climate change: How invoking global dangers for instrumental ends can backfire
Authors: Warner Jeroen , Boas Ingrid
Published: March 2019

In national and international arenas, climate change and its impact are often framed as a grave global security threat, causing chaos, conflict and destabilising countries. This framing has, however, not resulted in exceptional measures to tame the purported threat. This article examines the workings of such attempts at climate securitization and interrogates its lack of success in galvanizing exceptional action. We do so informed by two cases, which both point to the instrumental nature of these attempts to securitise climate change, often with the intention to use alarming framings to promote rather mundane actions. Also, both cases show that the strategic nature of the speech acts and the aim to make them sound highly dramatic, makes audiences sceptical, thereby weakening their success. Our first case sketches how the United Kingdom’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office framed climate change as an existential security threat with a view to enrolling other countries to promote collective climate action. Whilst partially successful on an international level, key audiences – the BRICS countries – remained unconvinced, and the discourse lost support at the domestic level. Likewise, the Dutch Delta State Advisory Commission securitized climate to instil a sense of urgency in the domestic target audience. While initially generating blanket support for the costly spatial Delta interventions it advocated, the mood soon turned. Both cases show that while the tendency to ‘securitize’ climate may be on the rise, instrumental securitization can easily backfire like a ‘policy boomerang’, reinforced by parallel economic and political changes.
TADKB: Family classification and a knowledge base of topologically associating domains
Authors: Liu Tong , Porter Jacob , Zhao Chenguang , Zhu Hao , Wang Nan , Sun Zheng , Mo Yin-Yuan , Wang Zheng
Published: March 2019

Background

Topologically associating domains (TADs) are considered the structural and functional units of the genome. However, there is a lack of an integrated resource for TADs in the literature where researchers can obtain family classifications and detailed information about TADs.

Results

We built an online knowledge base TADKB integrating knowledge for TADs in eleven cell types of human and mouse. For each TAD, TADKB provides the predicted three-dimensional (3D) structures of chromosomes and TADs, and detailed annotations about the protein-coding genes and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) existent in each TAD. Besides the 3D chromosomal structures inferred by population Hi-C, the single-cell haplotype-resolved chromosomal 3D structures of 17 GM12878 cells are also integrated in TADKB. A user can submit query gene/lncRNA ID/sequence to search for the TAD(s) that contain(s) the query gene or lncRNA. We also classified TADs into families. To achieve that, we used the TM-scores between reconstructed 3D structures of TADs as structural similarities and the Pearson’s correlation coefficients between the fold enrichment of chromatin states as functional similarities. All of the TADs in one cell type were clustered based on structural and functional similarities respectively using the spectral clustering algorithm with various predefined numbers of clusters. We have compared the overlapping TADs from structural and functional clusters and found that most of the TADs in the functional clusters with depleted chromatin states are clustered into one or two structural clusters. This novel finding indicates a connection between the 3D structures of TADs and their DNA functions in terms of chromatin states.

Conclusion

TADKB is available at http://dna.cs.miami.edu/TADKB/.
Transcriptome profiling analysis reveals that CXCL2 is involved in anlotinib resistance in human lung cancer cells
Authors: Lu Jun , Xu Wei , Qian Jie , Wang Shuyuan , Zhang Bo , Zhang Lele , Qiao Rong , Hu Minjuan , Zhao Yiming , Zhao Xiaodong , Han Baohui
Published: March 2019

Background

Anlotinib has been demonstrated its anti-tumor efficacy on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in clinical trials at 3rd line. However, anlotinib resistance occurs during its administration, and the underlying mechanism is still unclear.

Methods

Anlotinib resistant lung cancer cell line NCI-H1975 was established in vitro. Toxicologic effects undergoing anlotinib stress were observed upon NCI-H1975 cells and anlotinib resistant NCI-H1975 cells, respectively. Transcriptome profiling was performed to screen anlotinib resistance-associated genes between NCI-H1975 cells and anlotinib resistant NCI-H1975 cells. Functional assays were performed to examine the correlations between CXCL2 gene expression and anlotinib resistance.

Results

We found anlotinib inhibits cell proliferation and cell viability in NCI-1975 cells, whereas it attenuates these activities in anlotinib resistant NCI-H1975 cells. Transcriptome profiling analysis identified 769 anlotinib-responsive genes enriched in the biological processes of microtubule-based process, cytoskeleton organization, and wound healing. Furthermore, we found 127 genes are associated with anlotinib resistance. In particular, we demonstrated that CXCL2 contributes to anlotinib resistance in NCI-H1975 cells.

Conclusions

This study suggested that CXCL2 is involved in anlotinib resistance in NCI-H1975 cells and provided an insight for understanding the resistant mechanism of anlotinib.
Aluminium and fluoride in drinking water in relation to later dementia risk
Authors: Russ Tom C. , Killin Lewis O. J. , Hannah Jean , Batty G. David , Deary Ian J. , Starr John M.
Published: March 2019

Background

Environmental risk factors for dementia are poorly understood. Aluminium and fluorine in drinking water have been linked with dementia but uncertainties remain about this relationship.

Aims

In the largest longitudinal study in this context, we set out to explore the individual effect of aluminium and fluoride in drinking water on dementia risk and, as fluorine can increase absorption of aluminium, we also examine any synergistic influence on dementia.

Method

We used Cox models to investigate the association between mean aluminium and fluoride levels in drinking water at their residential location (collected 2005–2012 by the Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland) with dementia in members of the Scottish Mental Survey 1932 cohort who were alive in 2005.

Results

A total of 1972 out of 6990 individuals developed dementia by the linkage date in 2012. Dementia risk was raised with increasing mean aluminium levels in women (hazard ratio per s.d. increase 1.09, 95% CI 1.03–1.15,P< 0.001) and men (1.12, 95% CI 1.03–1.21,P= 0.004). A dose-response pattern of association was observed between mean fluoride levels and dementia in women (1.34, 95% CI 1.28–1.41,P< 0.001) and men (1.30, 95% CI 1.22–1.39,P< 0.001), with dementia risk more than doubled in the highest quartile compared with the lowest. There was no statistical interaction between aluminium and fluoride levels in relation with dementia.

Conclusions

Higher levels of aluminium and fluoride were related to dementia risk in a population of men and women who consumed relatively low drinking-water levels of both.
Identifying Women at High Risk for Breast Cancer Using Data From the Electronic Health Record Compared With Self-Report
Authors: Jiang Xinyi , McGuinness Julia E. , Sin Margaret , Silverman Thomas , Kukafka Rita , Crew Katherine D.
Published: March 2019

PURPOSE

A barrier to chemoprevention uptake among high-risk women is the lack of routine breast cancer risk assessment in the primary care setting. We calculated breast cancer risk using the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium (BCSC) model, accounting for age, race/ethnicity, first-degree family history of breast cancer, benign breast disease, and mammographic density, using data collected from the electronic health records (EHRs) and self-reports.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Among women undergoing screening mammography, we enrolled those age 35 to 74 years without a prior history of breast cancer. Data on demographics, first-degree family history, breast radiology, and pathology reports were extracted from the EHR. We assessed agreement between the EHR and self-report on information about breast cancer risk.

RESULTS

Among 9,514 women with known race/ethnicity, 1,443 women (15.2%) met high-risk criteria based upon a 5-year invasive breast cancer risk of 1.67% or greater according to the BCSC model. Among 1,495 women with both self-report and EHR data, more women with a first-degree family history of breast cancer (14.6% v 4.4%) and previous breast biopsies (21.3% v 11.3%) were identified by self-report versus EHR, respectively. However, more women with atypia and lobular carcinoma in situ were identified from the EHR. There was moderate agreement in identification of high-risk women between EHR and self-report data (κ, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.42-0.54).

CONCLUSION

By using EHR data, we determined that 15% of women undergoing screening mammography had a high risk for breast cancer according to the BCSC model. There was moderate agreement between information on breast cancer risk derived from the EHR and self-report. Examining EHR data may serve as an initial screen for identifying women eligible for breast cancer chemoprevention.
Orthogonal Comparison of Four Plasma NGS Tests With Tumor Suggests Technical Factors are a Major Source of Assay Discordance
Authors: Stetson Daniel , Ahmed Ambar , Xu Xing , Nuttall Barrett R.B. , Lubinski Tristan J. , Johnson Justin H. , Barrett J. Carl , Dougherty Brian A.
Published: March 2019

PURPOSE

Discordance between plasma and tumor variant calling has been attributed primarily to tumor heterogeneity, whereas technical variables remain largely unexplored.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To measure these variables, we tested four next-generation sequencing (NGS) gene panel assays for mutations in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) using replicate sets of 24 plasma samples and compared the results with matched tumor-normal tissue pairs.

RESULTS

Our orthogonal approach identified false-negative (FN) and false-positive (FP) variants with high confidence and revealed substantial variability among the ctDNA assays, with a range of sensitivity (38% to 89%) and positive predictive value (36% to 80%). Most discordance in our cross-vendor study was observed below 1% variant allele frequency. FP variants displayed mutational biases and tended to be novel variants not found in somatic databases. Of the 56 unique variants called by all four ctDNA assays, 41 (68%) resulted from technical discordance.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that most NGS assay discordance is a result of technical variations and, to a lesser extent, biologic factors such as clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential and tumor heterogeneity.
Defining developmental diversification of diencephalon neurons through single cell gene expression profiling
Authors: Guo Qiuxia , Li James Y. H.
Published: March 2019

The embryonic diencephalon forms integration centers and relay stations in the forebrain. Anecdotal expression studies suggest that the diencephalon contains multiple developmental compartments and subdivisions. Here, we utilized single cell RNA sequencing to profile transcriptomes of dissociated cells from the diencephalon of E12.5 mouse embryos. We identified the divergence of different progenitors, intermediate progenitors, and emerging neurons. By mapping the identified cell groups to their spatial origins, we characterized the molecular features of cell types and cell states arising from various diencephalic domains. Furthermore, we reconstructed the developmental trajectory of distinct cell lineages, and thereby identified the genetic cascades and gene regulatory networks underlying the progression of the cell cycle, neurogenesis and cellular diversification. The analysis provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the amplification of intermediate progenitor cells in the thalamus. The single cell-resolved trajectories not only confirm a close relationship between the rostral thalamus and prethalamus, but also uncover an unexpected close relationship between the caudal thalamus, epithalamus and rostral pretectum. Our data provide a useful resource for systematic studies of cell heterogeneity and differentiation kinetics within the diencephalon.
PATHOGENETIC ASPECTS OF THE PHENOTYPE OF BRONCHIAL ASTHMA ASSOCIATED WITH OBESITY
Authors: Уксуменко А. , Uksumenko A. , Антонюк Марина , Antonyuk Marina
Published: March 2019

Currently, in parallel with the increase in the prevalence of asthma, there is an increase in the number of obese patients. The results of numerous studies indicate that the asthma phenotype in combination with obesity has well-defined clinical features – a more severe course with frequent exacerbations and reduced control of the disease. The article considers the main pathogenetic mechanisms that determine the development of the asthma phenotype in combination with obesity. The influence of excess adipose tissue in the chest on respiratory mechanics, the correlation of gastroesophageal reflux disease and respiratory depression in sleep are described. It is shown that the phenotype of asthma with obesity is characterized by inflammation of adipose tissue, adipokine imbalance, insulin resistance, and disturbance of vitamin D metabolism. Gender peculiarities and genetic condition of asthma associated with obesity are considered. Understanding general mechanisms underlying the formation of asthma and obesity will undoubtedly contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies.
Case study: reflection on patient with chronic otitis externa
Authors: Sumner Bindy
Published: March 2019

The aim of this case study is to explore the value of effective history taking in relation to unresolving otitis externa. It identifies models used and the benefits of a holistic approach to consultation. This case study also explores the value of reflective practice and continuing development of the clinical nurse specialist role with in aural care as a non-medical prescriber.