bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subcortical connectivity correlates selectively with attention’s effects on spatial choice bias
Authors: Sreenivasan Varsha , Sridharan Devarajan
Published: September 2019

Neural mechanisms of attention are extensively studied in the neocortex; comparatively little is known about how subcortical regions contribute to attention. The superior colliculus (SC) is an evolutionarily conserved, subcortical (midbrain) structure that has been implicated in controlling visuospatial attention. Yet how the SC contributes mechanistically to attention remains unknown. We investigated the role of the SC in attention, combining model-based psychophysics, diffusion imaging, and tractography in human participants. Specifically, we asked whether the SC contributes to enhancing sensitivity (d′) to attended information, or whether it contributes to biasing choices (criteria) in favor of attended information. We tested human participants on a multialternative change detection task, with endogenous spatial cueing, and quantified sensitivity and bias with a recently developed multidimensional signal detection model (m-ADC model). At baseline, sensitivity and bias exhibited complementary patterns of asymmetries across the visual hemifields: While sensitivity was consistently higher for detecting changes in the left hemifield, bias was higher for reporting changes in the right hemifield. Remarkably, white matter connectivity of the SC with the neocortex mirrored this pattern of asymmetries. Specifically, the asymmetry in SC–cortex connectivity correlated with the asymmetry in choice bias, but not in sensitivity. In addition, SC–cortex connectivity strength could predict cueing-induced modulation of bias, but not of sensitivity, across individuals. In summary, the SC may be a key node in an evolutionarily conserved network for controlling choice bias during visuospatial attention.
Fluid pumping and active flexoelectricity can promote lumen nucleation in cell assemblies
Authors: Duclut Charlie , Sarkar Niladri , Prost Jacques , Jülicher Frank
Published: September 2019

Significance

The presence of fluid-filled cavities is a common feature of multicellular structures. Nucleation and growth of such lumens typically involve the pumping of fluid by cells, which relies on active ion transport. In this paper, we use a continuum description of a spherical cell assembly that takes into account fluid pumping, electric currents, and electric fields to explore the physical mechanisms of lumen formation. We highlight the role of the coupling between tissue bending and electric fields, called tissue flexoelectricity, in the lumen-nucleation process. We show, in particular, that understanding lumen formation requires one to consider the combined effects of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic mechanisms.
Revealing the metabolic capacity of
Streblomastix strix
and its bacterial symbionts using single-cell metagenomics
Authors: Treitli Sebastian C. , Kolisko Martin , Husník Filip , Keeling Patrick J. , Hampl Vladimír
Published: September 2019

Lower termites harbor in their hindgut complex microbial communities that are involved in the digestion of cellulose. Among these are protists, which are usually associated with specific bacterial symbionts found on their surface or inside their cells. While these form the foundations of a classic system in symbiosis research, we still know little about the functional basis for most of these relationships. Here, we describe the complex functional relationship between one protist, the oxymonad
Streblomastix strix
, and its ectosymbiotic bacterial community using single-cell genomics. We generated partial assemblies of the host
S. strix
genome and
Candidatus
Ordinivivax streblomastigis, as well as a complex metagenome assembly of at least 8 other Bacteroidetes bacteria confirmed by ribosomal (r)RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to be associated with
S. strix.
Our data suggest that
S. strix
is probably not involved in the cellulose digestion, but the bacterial community on its surface secretes a complex array of glycosyl hydrolases, providing them with the ability to degrade cellulose to monomers and fueling the metabolism of
S. strix
. In addition, some of the bacteria can fix nitrogen and can theoretically provide
S. strix
with essential amino acids and cofactors, which the protist cannot synthesize. On the contrary, most of the bacterial symbionts lack the essential glycolytic enzyme enolase, which may be overcome by the exchange of intermediates with
S. strix
. This study demonstrates the value of the combined single-cell (meta)genomic and FISH approach for studies of complicated symbiotic systems.
Visual, sensitive and rapid event-specific detection of genetically modified potato EH92-527-1 by loop-mediated isothermal amplification method
Authors: Tu Yuan-Kai , Lin Yen-Chun , Feng Yu-Wei , Tseng Yeu-Yang , Chen Han-Wei
Published: September 2019

To date, studies on the application of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) in the detection of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are stably increasing and demonstrates LAMP is a potential and promising method for on spot identification of GMOs. However, little information is known for detection of GM potato events by LAMP. In this report, we developed an optimized and visual LAMP assay with high specificity and sensitivity to rapidly amplify genomic DNA of potato EH92-527-1 within 45 min. The limit of detection of LAMP in our study is 10-fold higher than the conventional PCR. Furthermore, LAMP products can be directly observed via naked eyes by addition of SYBR Green I without gel electrophoresis analysis and PCR-based equipment. Therefore, the LAMP assay developed in this paper provides an efficient, convenient and cost-effective tool for the detection of GM potato EH92-527-1.
Activity profiles of full‐match and substitution players in the 2018 FIFA World Cup
Authors: Liu Hongyou , Wang Lei , Huang Guohu , Zhang Hengliang , Mao Wanli
Published: September 2019

In order to better understand the intensity of match activities of full‐match and substitution football players, running performance of 527 players who generated 1167 match observations in the 2018 FIFA World Cup were analysed. Differences in activity profiles between groups (1st and 2nd half full‐match, early and late substitutes) were quantified by the generalised mixed linear modelling. Results showed that: (1) Full‐match players presented trivial changes (ES: 0.09–0.20) in the time spent (% of total playing time) and distance (m/min) covered at high intensity but substantial descents (ES: 0.33–0.61) at moderate and low intensity from the 1st to the 2nd half. (2) Early substitutes achieved substantially higher (ES: 0.27–0.65) numbers in time spent and distance covered at high and moderate intensity, but lower (ES: 0.27–0.46) numbers in walking and jogging time and distance than 1st and 2nd half full‐match players. (3) Late substitutes achieved substantially higher (ES: 0.28–1.26) numbers in time spent and distance covered at high and moderate intensity but substantially lower (ES: 0.39–1.06) numbers in top speed (km/h), walking and jogging time and distance than 1st and 2nd half full‐match players and early substitutes. Results of this study could provide insights to the design of post‐match conditioning sessions.
A preliminary investigation of acute exercise intensity on memory and BDNF isoform concentrations
Authors: Piepmeier Aaron T. , Etnier Jennifer L. , Wideman Laurie , Berry Nathaniel T. , Kincaid Zachary , Weaver Mark A.
Published: September 2019

Little is known about the biological mechanisms underlying the beneficial effect of acute exercise on memory or the influence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on this effect. Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a putative biological mechanism, and while findings from human studies are equivocal, they have neglected to assess how exercise affects individual BDNF isoform (proBDNF, mBDNF) concentrations in serum or the influence of the BDNF val66met SNP on BDNF isoform concentrations. Therefore, the objective of this study was to conduct an exploratory assessment of the effect of acute exercise intensity on memory performance and BDNF isoform concentrations relative to carrier status of the BDNF val66met SNP met allele and to provide guidance for future, fully‐powered trials. Memory and BDNF isoform concentrations were assessed in three exercise groups (light intensity, vigorous intensity, and non‐exercise) relative to BDNF met carrier status. Analyses revealed that BDNF isoform concentrations and memory were differentially affected by exercise intensity and BDNF met carrier status. Vigorous intensity exercise increased mBDNF, and BDNF met carriers had lower mBDNF concentration. Light intensity exercise improved memory, and over 24 h, memory was worse for BDNF met carriers. Implications from this work will help direct future mechanistic studies of the exercise‐memory relationship.
Emergence of Proactive Self-Initiated Self-Repair as an Indicator of L2 IC Development
Authors: Kim Du Re
Published: September 2019

This article finds empirical evidence of second language (L2) interactional competence (IC) and its development by focusing on one of the interactional practices: self-repairing. Compared to prior repair IC studies which mainly have explored how L2 speakers deal with evident L2-related troubles in conversation, this study focuses on cases in which they deploy self-repair when there are no such linguistic problems in previous talk, taking Mauranen’s (2006) dichotomy between retroactive and proactive self-repairs. After analyzing the conversation by L2 speakers with different oral proficiency, this study discovers whereas novice and intermediate speakers self-repair for correcting what is lexically or grammatically problematic, advanced speakers deploy self-repair mostly for pre-empting possible misunderstandings. Advanced speakers replace the previous items into words that are specific in the meaning range by fine-tuning the level of ‘granularity’ (Schegloff 2000) to avoid ambiguity and further other-initiated repair. The findings suggest that the development of L2 IC involves speakers’ ability to detect potential problems in the eyes of the recipients and replace them in advance.
Psychometrics and Validity of the Survey of Memory-Related Quality of Life in HIV Disease
Authors: Sullivan Kelli L , Kulesz Paulina A , Woods Steven Paul
Published: September 2019

Objective

Retrospective and prospective memory deficits are associated with lower quality of life (QoL); however, there are no validated measures that comprehensively and directly assess the impact of memory problems on QoL. The Survey of Memory-Related Quality of Life (SMRQoL) was developed as a 30-item questionnaire to measure memory-related QoL.

Method

Both HIV+ (n = 195) and HIV− (n = 146) participants completed the SMRQoL, a neurocognitive research battery, and validated self-report questionnaires of memory, QoL, and mood. Participants were recruited into younger (age ≤ 40 years) and older (age ≥ 50 years) groups per the parent study design.

Results

The SMRQoL had a unidimensional factor structure and demonstrated measurement invariance across the HIV+ and HIV− participants. Analyses of 111 clinically stable participants (e.g., persons with no incident or remitting central nervous system disorders) who returned for a 14-month follow-up visit indicated that the SMRQoL had adequate test–retest stability. There was a significant interaction of age and HIV status on the SMRQoL, such that older HIV+ participants reported the lowest memory-related QoL. SMRQoL scores were associated with validated measures of mental and physical QoL, self-reported memory and cognitive symptoms, and performance-based memory and executive functions.

Conclusions

The SMRQoL shows evidence of reliability and validity as a measure of memory-related QoL that can be used to assess the impact of memory problems on everyday life, but future work is needed to demonstrate the measure’s incremental value in the context of diagnosis and treatment.
Sexual dimorphism in the biomechanical and toxicological performance in prey incapacitation of two morphologically distinct scorpion species (Chactas sp. and Centruroides sp.)
Authors: González-Gómez Julio César , Valenzuela-Rojas Juan Carlos , García Luis Fernando , Franco Pérez Lida Marcela , Guevara Giovany , Buitrago Sandra , Cubillos Allison , Van Der Meijden Arie
Published: September 2019

Morphological differences between the sexes are a common feature in many groups of animals and can have important ecological implications for courtship, mating, access to prey and, in some cases, intersex niche partitioning. In this study, we evaluated the role of sexual dimorphism in the performance of the two structures that mediate the ability to access prey, the pinchers or chelae and the venomous stinger, in two species of scorpions with contrasting morphologies: Chactas sp., which has marked sexual dimorphism in the chelae, and Centruroides sp., which does not have such marked dimorphism in the chelae. We evaluated aspects such as chela pinch force, toxicity to prey (LD50) and the volume of venom in males and females of each species. We found significant differences between males and females of Chactas sp. in the chela pinch force, volume of venom and LD50. In contrast, for Centruroides sp., no differences between males and females were found in any of these traits. We discuss several potential selective regimes that could account for the pattern observed.
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome present with altered endometrial expression of stanniocalcin-1†
Authors: Khatun Masuma , Arffman Riikka K , Lavogina Darja , Kangasniemi Marika , Laru Johanna , Ahtikoski Anne , Lehtonen Siri , Paulson Mariana , Hirschberg Angelica Lindén , Salumets Andres , Andersson Leif C , Piltonen Terhi T
Published: September 2019

Stanniocalcin-1 (STC-1) is a pro-survival factor that protects tissues against stressors, such as hypoxia and inflammation. STC-1 is co-expressed with the endometrial receptivity markers, and recently endometrial STC-1 was reported to be dysregulated in endometriosis, a condition linked with endometrial progesterone resistance and inflammation. These features are also common in the endometrium in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common endocrine disorder in women. Given that women with PCOS present with subfertility, pregnancy complications, and increased risk for endometrial cancer, we investigated endometrial STC-1 expression in affected women. Endometrial biopsy samples were obtained from women with PCOS and controls, including samples from overweight/obese women with PCOS before and after a 3-month lifestyle intervention. A total of 98 PCOS and 85 control samples were used in immunohistochemistry, reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, or in vitro cell culture. STC-1 expression was analyzed at different cycle phases and in endometrial stromal cells (eSCs) after steroid hormone exposure. The eSCs were also challenged with 8-bromo-cAMP and hypoxia for STC-1 expression. The findings indicate that STC-1 expression is not steroid hormone mediated although secretory-phase STC-1 expression was blunted in PCOS. Lower expression seems to be related to attenuated STC-1 response to stressors in PCOS eSCs, shown as downregulation of protein kinase A activity. The 3-month lifestyle intervention did not restore STC-1 expression in PCOS endometrium. More studies are warranted to further elucidate the mechanisms behind the altered endometrial STC-1 expression and rescue mechanism in the PCOS endometrium.
The interplay between thyroid hormones and the placenta: a comprehensive review†
Authors: Adu-Gyamfi Enoch Appiah , Wang Ying-Xiong , Ding Yu-Bin
Published: September 2019

Thyroid hormones (THs) regulate a number of metabolic processes during pregnancy. After implantation, the placenta forms and enhances embryonic growth and development. Dysregulated maternal THs signaling has been observed in malplacentation-mediated pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, miscarriage, and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), but the molecular mechanisms involved in this association have not been fully characterized. In this review, we have discussed THs signaling and its roles in trophoblast proliferation, trophoblast differentiation, trophoblast invasion of the decidua, and decidual angiogenesis. We have also explored the relationship between specific pregnancy complications and placental THs transporters, deiodinases, and THs receptors. In addition, we have examined the effects of specific endocrine disruptors on placental THs signaling. The available evidence indicates that THs signaling is involved in the formation and functioning of the placenta and serves as the basis for understanding the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of dysthyroidism-associated pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, miscarriage, and IUGR.
C9orf72 expansion within astrocytes reduces metabolic flexibility in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Allen Scott P , Hall Benjamin , Woof Ryan , Francis Laura , Gatto Noemi , Shaw Allan C , Myszczynska Monika , Hemingway Jordan , Coldicott Ian , Willcock Amelia , Job Lucy , Hughes Rachel M , Boschian Camilla , Bayatti Nadhim , Heath Paul R , Bandmann Oliver , Mortiboys Heather , Ferraiuolo Laura , Shaw Pamela J
Published: September 2019

Energy metabolism is altered in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and its animal models. Using metabolic profiling, Allen et al. reveal a loss of metabolic flexibility in induced astrocytes derived from patients with C9orf72 ALS, caused by defects in glycogen, fructose and mitochondrial energy substrate transport.
The Legal Framework for UK Aid After Brexit
Authors: Manji Ambreena
Published: September 2019

Since 2015, when the UK legislated a target for aid spending, the nature of its spending on official development assistance has changed significantly. Government departments not traditionally associated with spending aid have found themselves in charge of disbursing aid funds as a result of that year’s spending review. The vote to exit the European Union has subsequently introduced a number of uncertainties. What considerations will be at play in UK aid spending after Brexit? What will become of official development assistance currently spent through European mechanisms? In what sort of configuration might the Department for International Development and other government departments find themselves? The focus of this paper is on how the vote to leave the European Union might affect the way the UK spends aid. It asks whether the legal framework for this spending is robust enough to withstand the demands that a new post-Brexit political and economic context will make.
rCASC: reproducible classification analysis of single-cell sequencing data
Authors: Alessandrì Luca , Cordero Francesca , Beccuti Marco , Arigoni Maddalena , Olivero Martina , Romano Greta , Rabellino Sergio , Licheri Nicola , De Libero Gennaro , Pace Luigia , Calogero Raffaele A
Published: September 2019

Background

Single-cell RNA sequencing is essential for investigating cellular heterogeneity and highlighting cell subpopulation-specific signatures. Single-cell sequencing applications have spread from conventional RNA sequencing to epigenomics, e.g., ATAC-seq. Many related algorithms and tools have been developed, but few computational workflows provide analysis flexibility while also achieving functional (i.e., information about the data and the tools used are saved as metadata) and computational reproducibility (i.e., a real image of the computational environment used to generate the data is stored) through a user-friendly environment.

Findings

rCASC is a modular workflow providing an integrated analysis environment (from count generation to cell subpopulation identification) exploiting Docker containerization to achieve both functional and computational reproducibility in data analysis. Hence, rCASC provides preprocessing tools to remove low-quality cells and/or specific bias, e.g., cell cycle. Subpopulation discovery can instead be achieved using different clustering techniques based on different distance metrics. Cluster quality is then estimated through the new metric "cell stability score" (CSS), which describes the stability of a cell in a cluster as a consequence of a perturbation induced by removing a random set of cells from the cell population. CSS provides better cluster robustness information than the silhouette metric. Moreover, rCASC's tools can identify cluster-specific gene signatures.

Conclusions

rCASC is a modular workflow with new features that could help researchers define cell subpopulations and detect subpopulation-specific markers. It uses Docker for ease of installation and to achieve a computation-reproducible analysis. A Java GUI is provided to welcome users without computational skills in R.
Evaluation of computational genotyping of structural variation for clinical diagnoses
Authors: Chander Varuna , Gibbs Richard A , Sedlazeck Fritz J
Published: September 2019

Background

Structural variation (SV) plays a pivotal role in genetic disease. The discovery of SVs based on short DNA sequence reads from next-generation DNA sequence methods is error-prone, with low sensitivity and high false discovery rates. These shortcomings can be partially overcome with extensive orthogonal validation methods or use of long reads, but the current cost precludes their application for routine clinical diagnostics. In contrast, SV genotyping of known sites of SV occurrence is relatively robust and therefore offers a cost-effective clinical diagnostic tool with potentially few false-positive and false-negative results, even when applied to short-read DNA sequence data.

Results

We assess 5 state-of-the-art SV genotyping software methods, applied to short-read sequence data. The methods are characterized on the basis of their ability to genotype different SV types, spanning different size ranges. Furthermore, we analyze their ability to parse different VCF file subformats and assess their reliance on specific metadata. We compare the SV genotyping methods across a range of simulated and real data including SVs that were not found with Illumina data alone. We assess sensitivity and the ability to filter initial false discovery calls. We determined the impact of SV type and size on the performance for each SV genotyper. Overall, STIX performed the best on both simulated and GiaB based SV calls, demonstrating a good balance between sensitivity and specificty.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that, although SV genotyping software methods have superior performance to SV callers, there are limitations that suggest the need for further innovation.
Informal caregivers in Chile: the equity dimension of an invisible burden
Authors: Villalobos Dintrans Pablo
Published: September 2019

Population aging is driving a process of increase in long-term care needs in Chile and many countries around the world. In this context, this article asks about the consequences of this increase in informal caregivers, emphasizing the inequity issues arising from these changes. Using the CASEN 2017 survey, caregivers are identified and matched to people with long-term care needs. Results show that most caregivers are women, and a large fraction of them are also elderly; this is similar to what has been found previously in developed countries. Caregivers have fewer opportunities than non-caregivers, which translates into lower income-generating ability and higher poverty. The nature of these tasks creates a vicious cycle in which people get trapped with increasing needs and fewer resources to meet them. Important differences arise between caregivers and the rest of the population. Even more concerning is that these disparities are avoidable to some extent, adding an equity dimension to the problem. This emphasizes the need for the generation of policies that will support caregivers and meet their needs.
Developing a microscopic image dataset in support of intelligent phytoplankton detection using deep learning
Authors: Li Qiong , Sun Xin , Dong Junyu , Song Shuqun , Zhang Tongtong , Liu Dan , Zhang Han , Han Shuai
Published: September 2019

Phytoplankton plays an important role in marine ecological environment and aquaculture. However, the recognition and detection of phytoplankton rely on manual operations. As the foundation of achieving intelligence and releasing human labour, a phytoplankton microscopic image dataset PMID2019 for phytoplankton automated detection is presented. The PMID2019 dataset contains 10 819 phytoplankton microscopic images of 24 different categories. We leverage microscopes to collect images of phytoplankton in the laboratory environment. Each object in the images is manually labelled with a bounding box and category of ground-truth. In addition, living cells move quickly making it difficult to capture images of them. In order to generalize the dataset for in situ applications, we further utilize Cycle-GAN to achieve the domain migration between dead and living cell samples. We built a synthetic dataset to generate the corresponding living cell samples from the original dead ones. The PMID2019 dataset will not only benefit the development of phytoplankton microscopic vision technology in the future, but also can be widely used to assess the performance of the state-of-the-art object detection algorithms for phytoplankton recognition. Finally, we illustrate the performances of some state-of-the-art object detection algorithms, which may provide new ideas for monitoring marine ecosystems.
Optimal Estimates for Steklov Eigenvalue Gaps and Ratios on Warped Product Manifolds
Authors: Xiong Changwei
Published: September 2019

We consider an $n$-dimensional smooth Riemannian manifold $M^n=[0,R)\times \mathbb{S}^{n-1}$ endowed with a warped product metric $g=dr^2+h^2(r)g_{\mathbb{S}^{n-1}}$ and diffeomorphic to a Euclidean ball. Suppose that $M$ has strictly convex boundary. First, for the classical Steklov eigenvalue problem, we derive an optimal lower (upper, respectively) bound for its eigenvalue gaps in terms of $h^{\prime}(R)/h(R)$ when $n\geq 2$ and $Ric_g\geq 0$ ($\leq 0$, respectively). Second, in the same spirit, for two 4th-order Steklov eigenvalue problems studied by Kuttler and Sigillito in 1968, we deduce an optimal lower bound for their eigenvalue gaps in terms of either $h^{\prime}(R)/h^3(R)$ or $h^{\prime}(R)/h(R)$ when $n=2$ and the Gaussian curvature is nonnegative. We also consider optimal estimates on the eigenvalue ratios for these eigenvalue problems.
K3 surfaces from configurations of six lines in ℙ2 and mirror symmetry II—λK3-functions
Authors: Hosono Shinobu , Lian Bong H , Yau Shing-Tung
Published: September 2019

We continue our study on the hypergeometric system $E(3,6)$ that describes period integrals of the double cover family of K3 surfaces. Near certain special boundary points in the moduli space of the K3 surfaces, we construct the local solutions and determine the so-called mirror maps expressing them in terms of genus 2 theta functions. These mirror maps are the K3 analogues of the elliptic $\lambda $-function. We find that there are two nonisomorphic definitions of the lambda functions corresponding to a flip in the moduli space. We also discuss mirror symmetry for the double cover K3 surfaces and their higher dimensional generalizations. A follow-up paper will describe more details of the latter.
Prognostic impact of local radiotherapy on metastatic urothelial carcinoma patients receiving systemic chemotherapy
Authors: Abe Takashige , Minami Keita , Harabayashi Toru , Sazawa Ataru , Chiba Hiroki , Kikuchi Hiroshi , Miyata Haruka , Frumido Jun , Matsumoto Ryuji , Osawa Takahiro , Junji Ishizaki , Tango Mochizuki , Satoshi Chiba , Tomoshige Akino , Masashi Murakumo , Naoto Miyajima , Kunihiko Tsuchiya , Satoru Maruyama , Murai Sachiyo , Shinohara Nobuo
Published: September 2019

Objective

To clarify the prognostic impact of local radiotherapy on metastatic urothelial carcinoma patients treated by systemic chemotherapy.

Methods

Of the 228 metastatic urothelial carcinoma patients treated with systemic chemotherapy, 97 received radiotherapy mainly to metastatic sites. In patients for whom the purpose of radiotherapy was not specified, more than 50 Gy irradiation was considered to be for disease consolidation for survival analysis, while less than 50 Gy was categorized as palliation. According to the Kaplan–Meier method, we analysed overall survival from the initiation of treatment for metastatic urothelial carcinoma until death or the last follow-up, using the log-rank test to assess the significance of differences. The Cox model was applied for prognostic factor analysis.

Results

Overall, there was no significant difference in survival between patients with and those without radiotherapy (P = 0.1532). When analysing the patients undergoing consolidative radiotherapy separately, these 25 patients showed significantly longer survival than the 72 patients with palliative radiotherapy (P = 0.0047), with a 3-year overall survival of 43.3%. Of the present cohort, 22 underwent metastasectomy for disease consolidation, and there was no overlapping case between the metastasectomy cohort and cohort receiving consolidative radiotherapy. After controlling for four independent prognostic factors (sex, performance status, haemoglobin level and number of organs with metastasis) in our previous study, radiotherapy for disease consolidation showed a marginal value (hazard ratio = 0.666, P = 0.0966), while metastasectomy remained significant (hazard ratio = 0.358, P = 0.0006).

Conclusions

In the selected patients, long-term disease control could be achieved after consolidative radiotherapy for metastatic urothelial carcinoma disease. Our observations suggest that local ablative therapy (surgery or radiotherapy) could facilitate long-term disease control. However, the treatment decision should be individualized because of the lack of randomized control trials.
Price Discovery in a Continuous-Time Setting
Authors: Dias Gustavo F. , Fernandes Marcelo , Scherrer Cristina M.
Published: September 2019

We formulate a continuous-time price discovery model and investigate how the standard price discovery measures vary with respect to the sampling interval. We find that the component share (CS) measure is invariant to the sampling interval, and hence, discrete-sampled prices suffice to identify the continuous-time CS. In contrast, information share (IS) estimates are not comparable across different sampling intervals because the contemporaneous correlation between markets increases in magnitude as the sampling interval grows. We show how to back out the continuous-time IS from discrete-sampled prices under certain assumptions on the contemporaneous correlation. We assess our continuous-time model by comparing the estimates of the (continuous-time) CS and IS at different sampling intervals for 30 stocks in the United States. We find that both price discovery measures are typically stable across the different sampling intervals, suggesting that our continuous-time price discovery model fits the data very well.
Exposure to Tomographic Scans and Cancer Risks
Authors: Shao Yu-Hsuan , Tsai Kevin , Kim Sinae , Wu Yu-Jen , Demissie Kitaw
Published: September 2019

Background

Worldwide use of computed tomography (CT) scans has increased. However, the ionizing radiation from CT scans may increase the risk of cancer. This study examined the association between medical radiation from CT scans and the risk of thyroid cancer, lymphoma, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in adults.

Methods

We conducted a nested case-control study in a cohort constructed from a population-based universal health insurance dataset in Taiwan in 2000–2013. In total, 22 853 thyroid cancer, 13 040 leukemia, and 20 157 NHL cases with their matched controls were included. Median follow-up times were 9.29–9.90 years for the three case-control groups. Medical radiation from CT scans was identified through physician order codes in medical insurance data from the index date to 3 years before a cancer diagnosis. Conditional logistic regression modeling was used for the overall and subsets of the population defined by sex and age groups to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of the cancer risk associated with medical radiation.

Results

Exposure to medical radiation from CT scans was associated with elevated risk of thyroid cancer (OR = 2.55, 95% CI = 2.36 to 2.75) and leukemia (OR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.42 to 1.68). The elevated risk of thyroid cancer and leukemia in association with medical CT was stronger in women than in men. No statistically significant association between the risk of cancer and CT scans was observed in overall patients with NHL (OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 0.98 to 1.12); however, increased risks were found in patients aged 45 years or younger. A clear dose-response relationship was observed in patients 45 years or younger for all three cancers.

Conclusions

CT scans may be associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer and leukemia in adults and in those diagnosed with NHL at a younger age.
Use of endoloop in video-assisted thoracoscopic enucleation of a very rare esophageal tumor
Authors: Alwatari Yahya , Tse Wayne , Trebska-McGowan Kasia , Shah Rachit D
Published: September 2019

A gastrointestinal stromal tumor is an infrequent tumor of the gastrointestinal tract with very rare involvement of the esophagus. We present a case of a patient with dysphagia and a 4 cm submucosal mass. The patient underwent thoracoscopic enucleation with complete resection of the mass. We present case details and operative video highlighting the important surgical steps of exposure and retraction. We believe that the Endoloop is a very useful tool in providing countertraction needed during minimally invasive resection of such lesions.
Time for action: article on Peruvian Upstream industry and the need for competent governmental authorities to take effective actions to defend oil and gas investment
Authors: Pizarro Rocío La Torre
Published: September 2019

Over the last few years Peru has worked hard to become an important receptor of foreign investment. The oil and gas sector in Peru considers foreign investment crucial for sustaining its development. This article explores how the lack of action attributable to key governmental entities is driving the oil and gas industry in Peru to a critical situation that over time may result in foreign investment walking away from Peru.

The article presents key governmental actors' roles, regulation and the general framework of Peru's oil and gas scenery. Public sources, statistics and records released by the key governmental actors are also presented for evidencing the negative results obtained in the Peruvian oil and gas industry as a consequence of the current administration's lack of adequate action. Reference is also made to some public specific cases to serve as examples to the reader.

It is hoped that this article serves to remind the oil and gas community of the relevance of the role of governmental entities not only in attracting new foreign investment to a country for the signing of new licence agreements, but also the important role that said entities have during the execution of the licence agreements. Finally, we hope that the Peruvian authorities take action and by acting jointly with the Peruvian oil and gas community reverse the current trend in Peru.
Limit Cases: How and Why We Can and Should Decriminalise HIV Transmission, Exposure, and Non-Disclosure
Authors: Weait Matthew J
Published: September 2019

Across the world, people living with HIV and AIDS (PLHA) face investigation, prosecution, conviction, and punishment if they transmit HIV to another person, expose others to the risk of HIV acquisition, or fail to disclose in advance their HIV positive status. This article seeks to explain why limiting the criminalisation of HIV is important and necessary; identifies some of the ways in which it has been, and might be, limited; and, finally, offers some reflections on whether there exists a principled limit to decriminalisation arguments (ie whether there are cases which, even if the general principles underpinning decriminalisation is accepted, justify state punishment). Drawing on recent international policy guidance, current scientific knowledge about HIV prevention and treatment, and research on the impact of criminalisation of PLHA, the article argues that decriminalisation is critical to eradicating HIV and should be a public health priority, that biomedical advances in prevention and treatment will assist the decriminalisation project but are insufficient in the absence of legal and criminal justice practice reform.
Solving the Riddle of the Evolution of Shine-Dalgarno Based Translation in Chloroplasts
Authors: Weiner Iddo , Shahar Noam , Marco Pini , Yacoby Iftach , Tuller Tamir
Published: September 2019

Chloroplasts originated from an ancient cyanobacterium and still harbor a bacterial-like genome. However, the centrality of Shine–Dalgarno ribosome binding, which predominantly regulates proteobacterial translation initiation, is significantly decreased in chloroplasts. As plastid ribosomal RNA anti-Shine–Dalgarno elements are similar to their bacterial counterparts, these sites alone cannot explain this decline. By computational simulation we show that upstream point mutations modulate the local structure of ribosomal RNA in chloroplasts, creating significantly tighter structures around the anti-Shine–Dalgarno locus, which in-turn reduce the probability of ribosome binding. To validate our model, we expressed two reporter genes (mCherry, hydrogenase) harboring a Shine–Dalgarno motif in the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii chloroplast. Coexpressing them with a 16S ribosomal RNA, modified according to our model, significantly enhances mCherry and hydrogenase expression compared with coexpression with an endogenous 16S gene.
Staged Magnetic Resonance-Guided Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy for Hypothalamic Hamartoma: Analysis of Ablation Volumes and Morphological Considerations
Authors: Gadgil Nisha , Lam Sandi , Pan I-Wen , LoPresti Melissa , Wagner Kathryn , Ali Irfan , Wilfong Angus , Curry Daniel J
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND

Hypothalamic hamartomas (HH) are a challenging pathology that cause gelastic seizures. Magnetic Resonance Imaging-guided Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (MRgLITT) offers a safe and effective treatment for HHs via a minimally invasive technique.

OBJECTIVE

To determine how clinical outcome correlates to residual tumor volume and surgical strategy by analyzing radiographic data and reconstructing volumetric imaging.

METHODS

Clinical and radiographic information of 58 pediatric patients who underwent MRgLITT for HH with at least 6 mo of follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. MR imaging was volumetrically reconstructed to analyze the impact of hamartoma and ablation volumes on outcome. Primary outcome measure was freedom from gelastic seizures.

RESULTS

Eighty-one percent of patients were completely free of gelastic seizures at last follow-up; of 22 patients with secondary nongelastic epilepsy, 15 were free of additional seizures. Postoperative complication rate was low. There was no significant difference in gelastic seizure outcome related to pre- or postoperative hamartoma size. Residual hamartoma percentage in those free of gelastic seizures was 43% compared to 71% in those with continued seizures (P = .021). Larger hamartomas required multiple ablations to achieve seizure freedom.

CONCLUSION

This large series of patients confirms the safety and efficacy of MRgLITT for pediatric HH and describes morphological considerations that predict success. Our data suggest that complete ablation of the lesion is not necessary, and that the focus should be on appropriate disconnection of the epileptogenic network. We have found that a staged approach to hamartoma ablation allows adequate disconnection of the hamartoma while mitigating risk to surrounding structures.
Novel anthropometric parameters to define obesity and obesity-related disease in adults: a systematic review
Authors: Jayawardena Ranil , Ranasinghe Priyanga , Ranathunga Thilina , Mathangasinghe Yasith , Wasalathanththri Sudharshani , Hills Andrew P
Published: September 2019

Context

Obesity is defined as an abnormal or excessive accumulation of body fat. Traditionally, it has been assessed using a wide range of anthropometric, biochemical, and radiological measurements, with each having its advantages and disadvantages.

Objective

A systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify novel anthropometric measurements of obesity in adults.

Data Sources

Using a combination of MeSH terms, the PubMed database was searched.

Data Extraction

The current systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The data extracted from each study were (1) details of the study, (2) anthropometric parameter(s) evaluated, (3) study methods, (4) objectives of the study and/or comparisons, and (5) main findings/conclusions of the study.

Data Analysis

The search yielded 2472 articles, of which 66 studies were deemed eligible to be included. The literature search identified 25 novel anthropometric parameters. Data on novel anthropometric parameters were derived from 26 countries. Majority were descriptive cross-sectional studies (n = 43), while 22 were cohort studies. Age range of the study populations was 17–103 years, while sample size varied from 45 to 384 612.

Conclusions

The novel anthropometric parameters identified in the present study showed variable correlation with obesity and/or related metabolic risk factors. Some parameters involved complex calculations, while others were derived from traditional anthropometric measurements. Further research is required in order to determine the accuracy and precision.
Remission vs low disease activity: function, quality of life and structural outcomes in the Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Study and Network
Authors: Nikiphorou Elena , Norton Sam J , Carpenter Lewis , Walsh David A , Creamer Paul , Dixey Josh , Young Adam , Kiely Patrick D W ,   for ERAS and ERAN
Published: September 2019

Objectives

To examine associations between function, quality of life and structural outcomes in patients achieving remission vs low disease activity in early RA.

Methods

Demographic, clinical and radiographic variables were collected at baseline and then annually from the Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Study (ERAS) and Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Network (ERAN) inception cohorts in routine care from 1986 to 2012. Disease activity was categorized: mean DAS28 score between years 1 and 5: remission [mean remission DAS (mRDAS) <2.6] or low [mean low DAS (mLDAS) 2.6–3.2]; sustained low/remission DAS28 (sLDAS/sRDAS) at years 1 and 2; and sustained Boolean remission (sBR) at years 1 and 2. Changes in HAQ and Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire [SF-36; physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) component score]) and total Sharp van der Heijde (SvdH) scores for each disease activity category were modelled using multi-level models. Covariates included year of onset, age, gender and DMARD use at first visit.

Results

Of 2701 patients, 562 (21%) were categorized mRDAS, 330 (12%) mLDAS, 279 (10%) sRDAS, 203 (7.5%) sLDAS and 93 (3%) sBR. Patients categorized as mRDAS had increasingly divergent improved HAQ, SF-36 PCS, MCS and total SvdH scores compared with mLDAS (P-values 0.001 to <0.0001, all time points). Patients categorized as sRDAS had better HAQ, SF-36 PCS and MCS scores (P-values 0.05 to <0.0001, all time points) and SvdH scores (P = 0.05, years 3–5) over sLDAS. sBR was associated with better HAQ, and SF-36 PCS and MCS scores over sLDAS (P-values 0.002 to <0.0001, all time points).

Conclusion

These findings from routine care support ACR/EULAR guidelines that remission is a preferable goal over low disease activity in early RA.
Being a Syrian University Student in Turkey: Intergroup Relations, Psychosocial Issues, and Boundary Formation
Authors: Ayvazoğlu Ayşe Şafak , Kunuroglu Filiz
Published: September 2019

This article reports on a qualitative study that investigates the experiences of Syrian university students in Izmir, Turkey using in-depth semi-structured interviews with 15 informants. The research is geared towards exploring the social, academic, and linguistic issues emerging in the acculturation period; factors moderating the integration process as well as students’ coping strategies. The results are discussed within the framework of Berry’s acculturation model, theory on boundary formation and intergroup relations. On the basis of the informants’ self-reports, we found that intergroup relations with mainstream Turks, language and academic issues, lack of institutional support, emerge as major themes affecting acculturation. An important finding of this study is that religiosity was a major boundary marker although the two groups share the same religion. The implications of the study are beneficial to the policy makers in anticipating the acculturation-related concerns, creating preventative measures and implementing long-term solutions.
Prevalence and indicators of use of complementary and alternative medicine in Austrian patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Gröchenig Hans Peter , Waldhör Thomas , Haas Thomas , Wenzl Heimo , Steiner Pius , Koch Robert , Feichtenschlager Thomas , Eckhardt Gerald , Mayer Andreas , Kirchgatterer Andreas , Ludwiczek Othmar , Platzer Reingard , Papay Pavol , Gartner Johanna , Fuchssteiner Harry , Miehsler Wolfgang , Peters Paul-Gerhard , Reicht Gerhard , Kutschera Maximilian , Dejaco Clemens , Vogelsang Harald , Novacek Gottfried ,   on behalf of the Austrian IBD Study Group (ATISG)
Published: September 2019

Objective

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) seems to be frequently used among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We aimed to determine the prevalence and indicators of CAM use in Austrian IBD patients.

Methods

In a multicentre cross-sectional study, adult patients with IBD attending 18 Austrian outpatient clinics completed a multi-item questionnaire that recorded use of CAM as well as medical and socioeconomic characteristics. Patients were recruited between June 2014 and June 2015. The study outcome was the prevalence of CAM use and its socioeconomic and disease-related associations.

Results

A total of 1286 patients (Crohn’s disease 830, ulcerative colitis 435, IBD unclassified 21; females 651) with a median age of 40 years (interquartile range 31–52 years) and a median disease duration of 10 years (4–18 years) were analysed. The prevalence of previous and/or current CAM use was 50.7%, with similar results for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. In the multivariable analysis, female gender and a university education were independent socioeconomic indicators of CAM use. IBD-related indicators were longer duration of the disease and previous and/or current treatment with steroids and TNF-α inhibitors.

Conclusion

CAM use for IBD is frequent in Austrian IBD patients and associated with female gender, higher educational level of university degree, longer duration of the disease, and treatment with steroids and TNF-α inhibitors.
A data-based guide to the North American ecology faculty job market
Authors: Fox Jeremy
Published: September 2019

Every year for three years (2016 to 2018), I tried to identify every single person hired as a tenure track prof in ecology or an allied field (e.g., fish & wildlife) in N. America. I identified a total of 566 hires. I used public sources to compile various data on the new hires and the institutions that hired them (e.g., number of publications, teaching experience, hiring institution Carnegie class). I also compiled data provided by anonymous ecology faculty job seekers on ecoevojobs.net (e.g., number of positions applied for, number of publications, numbers of interviews and offers). And I polled readers of the Dynamic Ecology blog to get information about applicant and search committee behavior (e.g., regarding customization of applications to the hiring institution). These data address some widespread anxieties and misunderstandings about the ecology faculty job market, and also speak to gender diversity and equity in recent ecology faculty hiring. They complement, and in some cases improve on, other sources of information, such as anecdotal personal experiences.