bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-Expandable Metal Stents in Esophageal Cancer in a High HIV Prevalence Area: A Survival Analysis and Evaluation of Prediction Scores
Authors: Loots Emil , Anderson Frank , Clarke Damian L. , Mulder Chris J.J. , Madiba Thandinkosi E.
Published: November 2016

Introduction:

Esophageal cancer (EC) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are common in parts of South Africa. Squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa presents generally in advanced stages and is mostly palliated by the deployment of self-expandable metal stent (SEMS). This study analyses these relationships between coexistent HIV infection, SEMS deployment, and survival scores.

Methodology:

Information on patients managed with SEMS between October 2013 and December 2014 was retrieved from a prospective database of EC and followed up until April 2015. Data collected included demographics, HIV status, clinical presentation, prognostic indicators, management, and survival. Prognostic factors were calculated in relation to outcome.

Results:

One hundred five patients with EC had median ages of 61 (SD±11.4) and median body mass index of 17.45. Squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus was diagnosed in 90 patients and adenocancer in 7 patients. Tumors were located in the proximal (10), middle (64), and distal (29) esophagus. Stage IV EC had a significant shorter survival of fewer than 3 months compared with stage III cancer (P=0.009). A C-reactive protein >150 mg/L was 3.6 times more likely to predict survival of fewer than 3 months than a value <50 mg/L (P=0.035). A proximal stent position significantly predicted shorter survival (P=0.035). The Steyerberg prognostic score proved ineffective in predicting survival of <3 months in our setting. Of the 84 patients tested for HIV, 23 were positive. Thirteen patients were on highly active antiretroviral therapy surviving significantly longer than those without this medication (P=0.036).

Conclusions:

Stage IV cancer and C-reactive protein >150 predicted survival of <3 months significantly better than the Steyerberg prediction score or other markers. Highly active anti-retroviral therapy had a positive impact on survival; however, SEMS placement in the proximal esophagus was associated with shorter survival.
Incidence of Iatrogenic Ureteral Injury During Open and Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery: A Single Center Experience and Review of the Literature
Authors: Marcelissen Tom A.T. , Den Hollander Philip P. , Tuytten Tom R.A.H. , Sosef Meindert N.
Published: November 2016

Introduction:

Iatrogenic ureteral injury is a rare but potentially devastating complication of colorectal surgery. We evaluated the incidence and management of iatrogenic ureteral injuries in colorectal surgery during the transition phase from open to laparoscopic surgery.

Materials and Methods:

We conducted a retrospective single center study. All patients who underwent colorectal surgery between 2004 and 2014 were evaluated by collecting data of electronic patient charts. Both acute and elective procedures were included.

Results:

A total of 3302 colorectal procedures were performed in the study period. Of these, 2817 operations were performed open and 484 laparoscopically. A total of 23 iatrogenic ureteral injuries were identified, of which 5 were found during laparoscopic surgery. The cumulative incidence of ureteral injuries was 0.6% for open procedures and 1.0% for laparoscopic procedures.

Conclusions:

Ureteral injury is a rare complication of colorectal surgery. The incidence might rise with the increasing use of laparoscopy.
Lateral Versus Anterior Approach Laparoscopic Splenectomy: A Randomized-controlled Study
Authors: Fathi Adel , Eldamshety Osama , Bahy Osama , Denewer Adel , Fady Tamer , Shehatto Fayez , Khater Ashraf , Elnahas Waleed , Roshdy Sameh , Farouk Omar , Senbel Ahmed , Hamed Emad-Eldeen , Setit Ahmed
Published: November 2016

Purpose of the Study:

The study compares prospectively the hospital stay and postoperative complications of anterior (ALS) versus lateral (LLS) approach for laparoscopic splenectomy.

Materials and Methods:

Between September 2011 and April 2015, 94 patients with splenomegaly were referred to the surgical unit in the Oncology Center of Mansoura University, Egypt. Only 80 patients with splenomegaly <30 cm underwent an open-label randomized allocation into 2 equal parallel groups. Indications were hematological in 52 patients (65%) and malignant splenic conditions in 28 patients (35%). Two patients younger than 18 years, 4 patients with splenomegaly >30 cm, and 8 patients with associated surgical comorbidities were excluded. Three days’ hospital stay reduction with LLS was suggested with a power of 80% and P-value of 0.05.

Results:

The mean hospital stay was significantly shorter (P=0.001) after LLS. Laparoscopic splenectomy was completed in 68 patients (85%). Twelve patients (15%) required open splenectomy with no difference between groups. The operation time was significantly shorter in LLS (P=0.013). Blood loss (P=0.057) and blood transfusion (P=0.376) showed no difference between the two groups. The times until resumption of oral intake (P=0.019) and drain removal (P=0.011) were statistically shorter in LLS.

Conclusions:

LLS is more safe and feasible with shorter hospital stay compared with ALS.
Application of Fluorescent Cholangiography for Determination of the Resection Line During a Single-Incision Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for a Benign Lesion of the Cystic Duct: Preliminary Experience
Authors: Nojiri Motoi , Igami Tsuyoshi , Tanaka Hiroshi , Toyoda Yoshitaka , Ebata Tomoki , Yokoyama Yukihiro , Sugawara Gen , Mizuno Takashi , Yamaguchi Junpei , Nagino Masato
Published: November 2016

Background:

To avoid bile leakage from the stump of a cystic duct that is closed at edematous and/or involved areas, the decision regarding the location of the resection line during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy for benign lesions extending into the cystic duct is important and requires technical ingenuity. For these situations, we used fluorescent cholangiography.

Methods:

Our procedure for single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy utilized the SILS-Port, and an additional pair of 5-mm forceps was inserted via an umbilical incision. As a fluorescence source, 1 mL of indocyanine green was intravenously injected after endotracheal intubation of patients in the operating room. A laparoscopic fluorescence imaging system developed by Karl Storz Endoskope was utilized for fluorescent cholangiography.

Results:

Fluorescent cholangiography could be used to identify the border of the lesion in the cystic duct. According to the fluorescent cholangiography results, a location for the resection line of the cystic duct could be identified; therefore, the planned resection was successful and produced a histologically negative margin.

Conclusions:

Application of fluorescent cholangiography in the determination of the location of the resection line location during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy for benign lesions of the cystic duct should be widely accepted.
Comparison of Early and Interval Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Treatment of Acute Cholecystitis. Which is Better? A Multicentered Study: Retracted
Authors: Uysal Erdal , Turel Kadir Serkan , Sipahi Mesut , Isik Ozgen , Yilmaz Nimet , Yilmaz Fatih A.
Published: November 2016

Introduction:

The aim of this study was to compare early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and LCs performed at different time intervals for treatment of acute cholecystitis, contribute to the literature with data obtained from different centers, and provide assistance to clinicians about the timing of LC in acute cholecystitis.

Materials and Methods:

The study was designed as a retrospective, observational, and multicentered study. The data of 470 patients who had undergone LC for treatment of acute cholecystitis between January 2010 and March 2016 were included. Four different centers contributed to the study. The patients were divided into 4 groups. The groups were identified according to the timing of LC following the onset of findings and symptoms of acute cholecystitis as group 1 (first week), group 2 (1 to 4 wk), group 3 (4 to 8 wk), and group 4 (>8 wk). The clinical and demographical characteristics, comorbidities, complications, hospital stay, duration of operation, conversion rates, and rehospitalizations in the following 30 days of patients in the groups were compared.

Results:

A significant increase was found in group 4 compared with groups 1 and 2 in relation to comorbidities (P<0.01) (P=0.042). No statistically significant difference was observed among the groups for the comparison of operation durations, conversion rates, and total number of complications (P>0.05). The groups were compared with regard to the mean hospital stay, and the hospital stay was found to be significantly higher in group 4 than in group 1 (P=0.001). In our study, the 30-day readmission rate was determined to be significantly higher in the >8-week group (group 4) compared with the first-week (group 1) and 1- to 4-week group (group 2) (P<0.05).

Conclusions:

Interval LC does not decrease the complication rate, conversion rate, or the operation time. Early LC could be preferred for treatment of acute cholecystitis as no significant differences related to the conversion rate, operation time, and overall complication rate are observed between the early and delayed LCs; however, a shorter hospital stay and lower 30-day readmission rate are observed in early LC for the treatment of acute cholecystitis.
Single-Incision Totally Extraperitoneal Inguinal Hernia Repair After Previous Inguinal Hernia Repair
Authors: Wakasugi Masaki , Tei Mitsuyoshi , Akamatsu Hiroki
Published: November 2016

Introduction:

To evaluate the feasibility and safety of single-incision laparoscopic surgery for totally extraperitoneal repair (SILS-TEP) after previous open inguinal hernia repair.

Materials and Methods:

This prospective study included 372 consecutive patients undergoing SILS-TEP for inguinal hernia between January 2011 and December 2015 at Osaka Police Hospital. The outcomes of the patient after previous open inguinal hernia repair were compared with those of the control patients.

Results:

In total, 22 patients (6%, 22/372) undergoing SILS-TEP after previous inguinal hernia repair were included in this study. There were no significant differences in patients’ characteristics between the 2 groups. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in operative time, bleeding volume, and postoperative hospital stay. The conversion rate to a different procedure was significantly higher in the study group than in the control group [14% (3/22) vs. 3% (10/350)], respectively (P<0.05). Postoperative complications were seen in 23% (5/22) of the patients in the study group and 11% (39/350) of the patients in the control group (P=0.1). Nonfatal pulmonary embolism was seen in 1 patient (0.2%, 1/350) without appreciable previous history of the patients in the control group. No other major complications or hernia recurrences were observed during the follow-up period in either group.

Conclusions:

SILS-TEP with good cosmetic outcomes for patients with previous inguinal hernia surgery could be safely performed with acceptable morbidity though the conversion rate to a different procedure might be higher. History of previous inguinal hernia surgery alone should not be a contraindication to SILS-TEP.
Lightweight Titanium-coated Mesh Versus Standard-Weight Polypropylene Mesh in Totally Extraperitoneal Inguinal Hernia Repair (TEP): A Cohort Analysis
Authors: Prassas Dimitrios , Rolfs Thomas-Marten , Sirothia Nishank , Schumacher Franz-Josef
Published: November 2016

Purpose:

The study objective is to compare the outcomes of laparoscopic to tally extraperitoneal repair using the standard-weight polypropylene mesh or a lightweight titanium-coated mesh.

Methods:

A retrospective review was conducted on 138 adult patients with unilateral inguinal hernias, who underwent totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair between 2010 and 2013 using either a standard-weight polypropylene mesh (Prolene mesh, 80 g/m2) or a lightweight titanium-coated mesh (Ti Mesh light, 35 g/m2).

Results:

There was no difference in reported pain at 24 hours postoperatively. The difference in reported pain at follow-up (mean: 21 mo) was insignificant [PP vs. Ti: 7.8% (n=5) vs. 8.3% (n=3), P=0.92], the differences regarding chronic inguinal pain was also insignificant [PP vs. Ti: 14% (n=9) vs. 5.5% (n=2), P=0.191], and there was no difference in the development of hernia recurrence [PP vs. Ti: 1.5% (n=1) vs. 0, P=0.42].

Conclusions:

No statistically significant differences of the overall postoperative outcome were observed between the 2 mesh types.
Short-term Outcomes of Laparoscopic Versus Open Right Hemihepatectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Yue , Chen Xue-Min , Sun Dong-Lin
Published: November 2016

Background:

Laparoscopic liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is performed in a relatively small number of institutions. Its operative results have been reported to be comparable with that of open laparotomy; however, information on laparoscopic right hemihepatectomy (LRH) is scarce. This study aimed to compare the perioperative outcomes of the right hemihepatectomy via laparoscopic and open approach to treat HCC at a single institution.

Methods:

From January 2010 to 2015, we performed right hemihepatectomy in 77 HCC patients. LRH was performed in 35 patients and open right hemihepatectomy (ORH) was performed in 42 patients. All clinical data were analyzed retrospectively.

Results:

The mean LRH operative time was longer than ORH (309±108 vs. 223±110 min; P<0.02). The median blood loss for the LRH was 293±82.5 mL compared with 433±105.5 mL for the ORH, showing a highly significant difference. Length of hospital stay was shorter in LRH patients compared with those following ORH (9±2 vs. 15±3 d; P<0.05). The postoperative morbidity rate was also significantly different between the groups, a tendency toward more severe complications in the ORH group compared with LRH group.

Conclusions:

LRH can decrease complications, shorten hospitalization time, is a minimally invasive, safe, and effective way.
Statistical properties of simple random-effects models for genetic heritability
Authors: Steinsaltz David , Dahl Andrew , Wachter Kenneth W.
Published: November 2016

Random-effects models are a popular tool for analysing total narrow-sense heritability for simple quantitative phenotypes on the basis of large-scale SNP data. Recently, there have been disputes over the validity of conclusions that may be drawn from such analysis. We derive some of the fundamental statistical properties of heritability estimates arising from these models, showing that the bias will generally be small. We show that that the score function may be manipulated into a form that facilitates intelligible interpretations of the results. We use this score function to explore the behavior of the model when certain key assumptions of the model are not satisfied — shared environment, measurement error, and genetic effects that are confined to a small subset of sites — as well as to elucidate the meaning of negative heritability estimates that may arise.

The variance and bias depend crucially on the variance of certain functionals of the singular values of the genotype matrix. A useful baseline is the singular value distribution associated with genotypes that are completely independent — that is, with no linkage and no relatedness — for a given number of individuals and sites. We calculate the corresponding variance and bias for this setting.

MSC 2010 subject classifications:Primary 92D10; secondary 62P10; 62F10; 60B20.
Refractive index tomograms and dynamic membrane fluctuations of red blood cells from patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Lee SangYun , Park HyunJoo , Kim Kyoohyun , Sohn YongHak , Jang Seongsoo , Park YongKeun
Published: November 2016

In this paper we present the optical characterisations of diabetic red blood cells (RBCs) in a non-invasive manner employing three-dimensional (3-D) quantitative phase imaging. By measuring 3-D refractive index tomograms and 2-D time-series phase images, the morphological (volume, surface area and sphericity), biochemical (haemoglobin concentration and content) and mechanical (membrane fluctuation) parameters were quantitatively retrieved at the individual cell level. With simultaneous measurements of individual cell properties, systematic correlative analyses on retrieved RBC parameters were also performed. Our measurements show that diabetic patients had RBCs of reduced cell sphericity and elevated intracellular haemoglobin concentration and content compared to healthy (non-diabetic) subjects. Furthermore, membrane deformability of diabetic RBCs is significantly lower than that of healthy, non-diabetic RBCs. Interestingly, non-diabetic RBCs exhibit strong correlations between the elevated glycated haemoglobin in RBC cytoplasm and decreased cell deformability, whereas diabetic RBCs do not show correlations. Our observations strongly support the idea that slow and irreversible glycation of haemoglobin and membrane proteins of RBCs by hyperglycaemia significantly compromises RBC deformability in diabetic patients.
N-terminal acetylation promotes synaptonemal complex assembly in C. elegans
Authors: Gao Jinmin , Barroso Consuelo , Zhang Pan , Kim Hyun-Min , Li Shangtong , Labrador Leticia , Lightfoot James , Gerashchenko Maxim V. , Labunskyy Vyacheslav M. , Dong Meng-Qiu , Martinez-Perez Enrique , Colaiácovo Monica P.
Published: November 2016

N-terminal acetylation of the first two amino acids on proteins is a prevalent cotranslational modification. Despite its abundance, the biological processes associated with this modification are not well understood. Here, we mapped the pattern of protein N-terminal acetylation in Caenorhabditis elegans, uncovering a conserved set of rules for this protein modification and identifying substrates for the N-terminal acetyltransferase B (NatB) complex. We observed an enrichment for global protein N-terminal acetylation and also specifically for NatB substrates in the nucleus, supporting the importance of this modification for regulating biological functions within this cellular compartment. Peptide profiling analysis provides evidence of cross-talk between N-terminal acetylation and internal modifications in a NAT substrate-specific manner. In vivo studies indicate that N-terminal acetylation is critical for meiosis, as it regulates the assembly of the synaptonemal complex (SC), a proteinaceous structure ubiquitously present during meiosis from yeast to humans. Specifically, N-terminal acetylation of NatB substrate SYP-1, an SC structural component, is critical for SC assembly. These findings provide novel insights into the biological functions of N-terminal acetylation and its essential role during meiosis.
Nucleosome fragility is associated with future transcriptional response to developmental cues and stress inC. elegans
Authors: Jeffers Tess E. , Lieb Jason D.
Published: November 2016

Nucleosomes have structural and regulatory functions in all eukaryotic DNA-templated processes. The position of nucleosomes on DNA and the stability of the underlying histone–DNA interactions affect the access of regulatory proteins to DNA. Both stability and position are regulated through DNA sequence, histone post-translational modifications, histone variants, chromatin remodelers, and transcription factors. Here, we explored the functional implications of nucleosome properties on gene expression and development inCaenorhabditis elegansembryos. We performed a time-course of micrococcal nuclease (MNase) digestion and measured the relative sensitivity or resistance of nucleosomes throughout the genome. Fragile nucleosomes were defined by nucleosomal DNA fragments that were recovered preferentially in early MNase-digestion time points. Nucleosome fragility was strongly and positively correlated with the AT content of the underlying DNA sequence. There was no correlation between promoter nucleosome fragility and the levels of histone modifications or histone variants. Genes with fragile nucleosomes in their promoters tended to be lowly expressed and expressed in a context-specific way, operating in neuronal response, the immune system, and stress response. In addition to DNA-encoded nucleosome fragility, we also found fragile nucleosomes at locations where we expected to find destabilized nucleosomes, for example, at transcription factor binding sites where nucleosomes compete with DNA-binding factors. Our data suggest that inC. eleganspromoters, nucleosome fragility is in large part DNA-encoded and that it poises genes for future context-specific activation in response to environmental stress and developmental cues.
Identification of complex genomic rearrangements in cancers using CouGaR
Authors: Dzamba Misko , Ramani Arun K. , Buczkowicz Pawel , Jiang Yue , Yu Man , Hawkins Cynthia , Brudno Michael
Published: November 2016

The genomic alterations associated with cancers are numerous and varied, involving both isolated and large-scale complex genomic rearrangements (CGRs). Although the underlying mechanisms are not well understood, CGRs have been implicated in tumorigenesis. Here, we introduce CouGaR, a novel method for characterizing the genomic structure of amplified CGRs, leveraging both depth of coverage (DOC) and discordant pair-end mapping techniques. We applied our method to whole-genome sequencing (WGS) samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas and identify amplified CGRs in at least 5.2% (10+ copies) to 17.8% (6+ copies) of the samples. Furthermore, ∼95% of these amplified CGRs contain genes previously implicated in tumorigenesis, indicating the importance and widespread occurrence of CGRs in cancers. Additionally, CouGaR identified the occurrence of ‘chromoplexy’ in nearly 63% of all prostate cancer samples and 30% of all bladder cancer samples. To further validate the accuracy of our method, we experimentally tested 17 predicted fusions in two pediatric glioma samples and validated 15 of these (88%) with precise resolution of the breakpoints via qPCR experiments and Sanger sequencing, with nearly perfect copy count concordance. Additionally, to further help display and understand the structure of CGRs, we have implemented CouGaR-viz, a generic stand-alone tool for visualization of the copy count of regions, breakpoints, and relevant genes.
Synthesis and crystal structure of a new alluaudite-like iron phosphate Na2CaMnFe(PO4)3
Authors: Jebli Semeh , Badri Abdessalem , Ben Amara Mongi
Published: November 2016

A new iron phosphate, disodium calcium manganese(II) iron(III) tris(phosphate), Na2CaMnFe(PO4)3, has been synthesized as single crystals by the flux technique. This compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space groupC2/c. The structure belongs to the alluaudite structural type and thus, it obeys theX(2)X(1)M(1)M(2)2(PO4)3general formula. Both theX(2) andX(1) sites are fully occupied by sodium, whileM(1) is occupied by calcium andM(2) exhibits a statistical distribution of iron and manganese.
Crystal structure of hexakis(dimethyl sulfoxide-κO)manganese(II) tetraiodide
Authors: Haque Md Azimul , Davaasuren Bambar , Rothenberger Alexander , Wu Tom
Published: November 2016

The title salt, [Mn(C2H6OS)6]I4, is made up from discrete [Mn(DMSO)6]2+(DMSO is dimethyl sulfoxide) units connected through non-classical hydrogen bonds to linear I42−tetraiodide anions. The MnIIion in the cation, situated on a position with site symmetry -3., is octahedrally coordinated by O atoms of the DMSO molecule with an Mn—O distance of 2.1808 (12) Å. The I42−anion contains a neutral I2molecule weakly coordinated by two iodide ions, forming a linear centrosymmetric tetraiodide anion. The title compound is isotypic with the Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn analogues.
Synthesis and crystal structure of 4-fluorobenzylammonium dihydrogen phosphate, [FC6H4CH2NH3]H2PO4
Authors: Rayes Ali , Dadi Ahlem , Mahbouli Rhouma Najla , Mezzadri Francesco , Calestani Gianluca
Published: November 2016

The asymmetric unit of the title salt, [p-FC6H4CH2NH3]+·H2PO4−, contains one 4-fluorobenzylammonium cation and one dihydrogen phosphate anion. In the crystal, the H2PO4−anions are linked by O—H...O hydrogen bonds to build corrugated layers extending parallel to theabplane. The FC6H4CH2NH3+cations lie between these anionic layers to maximize the electrostatic interactions and are linked to the H2PO4−anions through N—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional supramolecular network. Two hydrogen atoms belonging to the dihydrogen phosphate anion are statistically occupied due to disorder along the OH...HO direction.
(4′-Phenyl-2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine-κ3N,N′,N′′)bis(thiocyanato-κN)zinc(II) unknown solvate
Authors: Wang An-ran , Wang Cong , Li Sheng-Li
Published: November 2016

The title compound, [Zn(NCS)2(C21H15N3)], crystallizes with three independent complex molecules in the asymmetric unit. In each complex molecule, the ZnIIatom is coordinated by three N atoms of a 4′-phenyl-2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine ligand, and by the N atoms of two NCS−anions. The ZnIIatoms are therefore five-coordinate, ZnN5, with distorted square-pyramidal geometries. In the crystal, the three independent molecules are linked by a series of offset π–π interactions [intercentroid distances vary between 3.680 (5) and 3.791 (5) Å], forming columns along thea-axis direction. The columns are linkedviaC—H...S interactions, forming a fence-like arrangement parallel to theabplane. A small region of disordered electron density was corrected for using the SQUEEZE routine inPLATON[Spek (2015).Acta Cryst.C71, 9–18], but the formula mass and unit-cell characteristics were not taken into account during the refinement.
N-[3-Methyl-1-phenyl-1-(1H-tetrazol-1-yl)butan-2-yl]acetamide
Authors: Geetha Selvaraj , Yuva Priya Muniraj Krishnaveni , Chandralekha Kuppan , Thennarasu Sathiah , Lakshmi Srinivasakannan
Published: November 2016

In the molecule of the title compound, C14H19N5O, the dihedral angle formed between the tetrazole and phenyl rings is 68.39 (4)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked by N—H...N, C—H...N and C—H...O hydrogen bonds to form two-dimensional networks extending parallel to thebcplane.
Invasive species management will benefit from social impact assessment
Authors: Crowley Sarah L. , Hinchliffe Steve , McDonald Robbie A.
Published: November 2016

Invasive species management aims to prevent or mitigate the impacts of introduced species but management interventions can themselves generate social impacts that must be understood and addressed.

Established approaches for addressing the social implications of invasive species management can be limited in effectiveness and democratic legitimacy. More deliberative, participatory approaches are emerging that allow integration of a broader range of socio‐political considerations. Nevertheless, there is a need to ensure that these are rigorous applications of social science.

Social impact assessment offers a structured process of identifying, evaluating and addressing social costs and benefits. We highlight its potential value for enabling meaningful public participation in planning and as a key component of integrated assessments of management options.

Policy implications. As invasive species management grows in scope and scale, social impact assessment provides a rigorous process for recognising and responding to social concerns. It could therefore produce more democratic, less conflict‐prone and more effective interventions.
Value at Risk in the Suburbs: Eminent Domain and the Geographical Politics of the US Foreclosure Crisis
Authors: Niedt Christopher , Christophers Brett
Published: November 2016

Several US counties and local governments have recently considered a novel solution to the foreclosure crisis. They plan to use eminent domain to compel the owners of mortgage debt—and specifically of private‐label mortgage‐backed securities—to sell the debt to the government at a price reflecting the loan's market value. The government would then restructure the debt and resell it to new investors. The plans are striking because—in contrast to both development‐driven eminent domain and the federal subprime bank bailout—they would force investors to assume asset devaluation and increased long‐term risk. Notably, the plans have emerged as an instance of financialization‐focused politics in suburbs and suburban cities of color, specifically majority‐black and ‐Latino/a suburbs. Local support for the plans, we argue, is rooted in the long‐term disinvestment of these ‘suburbs of exception', which became targets of subprime lending and eventually sites where the ‘financial exception' has been localized. But these demographic shifts, fragmentation and fiscal pressures have at the same time created a suburban political terrain in which the plans have gained their strongest political support.
Breaking RAD: an evaluation of the utility of restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing for genome scans of adaptation
Authors: Lowry David B. , Hoban Sean , Kelley Joanna L. , Lotterhos Katie E. , Reed Laura K. , Antolin Michael F. , Storfer Andrew
Published: November 2016

Understanding how and why populations evolve is of fundamental importance to molecular ecology. Restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing (RADseq), a popular reduced representation method, has ushered in a new era of genome‐scale research for assessing population structure, hybridization, demographic history, phylogeography and migration. RADseq has also been widely used to conduct genome scans to detect loci involved in adaptive divergence among natural populations. Here, we examine the capacity of those RADseq‐based genome scan studies to detect loci involved in local adaptation. To understand what proportion of the genome is missed by RADseq studies, we developed a simple model using different numbers of RAD‐tags, genome sizes and extents of linkage disequilibrium (length of haplotype blocks). Under the best‐case modelling scenario, we found that RADseq using six‐ or eight‐base pair cutting restriction enzymes would fail to sample many regions of the genome, especially for species with short linkage disequilibrium. We then surveyed recent studies that have used RADseq for genome scans and found that the median density of markers across these studies was 4.08 RAD‐tag markers per megabase (one marker per 245 kb). The length of linkage disequilibrium for many species is one to three orders of magnitude less than density of the typical recent RADseq study. Thus, we conclude that genome scans based on RADseq data alone, while useful for studies of neutral genetic variation and genetic population structure, will likely miss many loci under selection in studies of local adaptation.
Estimating the sustainability of towed fishing‐gear impacts on seabed habitats: a simple quantitative risk assessment method applicable to data‐limited fisheries
Authors: Pitcher C. Roland , Ellis Nick , Jennings Simon , Hiddink Jan G. , Mazor Tessa , Kaiser Michel J. , Kangas Mervi I. , McConnaughey Robert A. , Parma Ana M. , Rijnsdorp Adriaan D. , Suuronen Petri , Collie Jeremy S. , Amoroso Ricardo , Hughes Kathryn M. , Hilborn Ray
Published: November 2016

Impacts of bottom fishing, particularly trawling and dredging, on seabed (benthic) habitats are commonly perceived to pose serious environmental risks. Quantitative ecological risk assessment can be used to evaluate actual risks and to help guide the choice of management measures needed to meet sustainability objectives.

We develop and apply a quantitative method for assessing the risks to benthic habitats by towed bottom‐fishing gears. The method is based on a simple equation for relative benthic status (RBS), derived by solving the logistic population growth equation for the equilibrium state. Estimating RBS requires only maps of fishing intensity and habitat type – and parameters for impact and recovery rates, which may be taken from meta‐analyses of multiple experimental studies of towed‐gear impacts. The aggregate status of habitats in an assessed region is indicated by the distribution of RBS values for the region. The application of RBS is illustrated for a tropical shrimp‐trawl fishery.

The status of trawled habitats and their RBS value depend on impact rate (depletion per trawl), recovery rate and exposure to trawling. In the shrimp‐trawl fishery region, gravel habitat was most sensitive, and though less exposed than sand or muddy‐sand, was most affected overall (regional RBS = 91% relative to un‐trawled RBS = 100%). Muddy‐sand was less sensitive, and though relatively most exposed, was less affected overall (RBS = 95%). Sand was most heavily trawled but least sensitive and least affected overall (RBS = 98%). Region‐wide, >94% of habitat area had >80% RBS because most trawling and impacts were confined to small areas. RBS was also applied to the region's benthic invertebrate communities with similar results.

Conclusions. Unlike qualitative or categorical trait‐based risk assessments, the RBS method provides a quantitative estimate of status relative to an unimpacted baseline, with minimal requirements for input data. It could be applied to bottom‐contact fisheries world‐wide, including situations where detailed data on characteristics of seabed habitats, or the abundance of seabed fauna are not available. The approach supports assessment against sustainability criteria and evaluation of alternative management strategies (e.g. closed areas, effort management, gear modifications).
Repeated restraint stress exposure during early withdrawal accelerates incubation of cue‐induced cocaine craving
Authors: Glynn Ryan M. , Rosenkranz J. Amiel , Wolf Marina E. , Caccamise Aaron , Shroff Freya , Smith Alyssa B. , Loweth Jessica A.
Published: November 2016

A major challenge for treating cocaine addiction is the propensity for abstinent users to relapse. Two important triggers for relapse are cues associated with prior drug use and stressful life events. To study their interaction in promoting relapse during abstinence, we used the incubation model of craving and relapse in which cue‐induced drug seeking progressively intensifies (‘incubates’) during withdrawal from extended‐access cocaine self‐administration. We tested rats for cue‐induced cocaine seeking on withdrawal day (WD) 1. Rats were then subjected to repeated restraint stress or control conditions (seven sessions held between WD6 and WD14). All rats were tested again for cue‐induced cocaine seeking on WD15, 1 day after the last stress or control session. Although controls showed a time‐dependent increase in cue‐induced cocaine seeking (incubation), rats exposed to repeated stress in early withdrawal exhibited a more robust increase in seeking behavior between WD1 and WD15. In separate stressed and control rats, equivalent cocaine seeking was observed on WD48. These results indicate that repeated stress in early withdrawal accelerates incubation of cocaine craving, although craving plateaus at the same level were observed in controls. However, 1 month after the WD48 test, rats subjected to repeated stress in early withdrawal showed enhanced cue‐induced cocaine seeking following acute (24 hours) food deprivation stress. Together, these data indicate that chronic stress exposure enhances the initial rate of incubation of craving during early withdrawal, resulting in increased vulnerability to cue‐induced relapse during this period, and may lead to a persistent increase in vulnerability to the relapse‐promoting effects of stress.
Survival rates of biological therapies for psoriasis treatment in real‐world clinical practice: A Canadian multicentre retrospective study
Authors: Marinas Joseph EC , Kim Whan B , Shahbaz Ali , Qiang Judy K , Greaves Simon , Yeung Jensen
Published: November 2016

Background/Objectives

Data on biologic drug survival in real‐world psoriasis treatment are limited. There is a need to evaluate long‐term trends of biologic use outside the realm of clinical trials.

Methods

A multicentre chart review was conducted with patients' data from September 2005 to September 2014. Kaplan–Meier plot analysis was used to determine 5‐year drug survival rates. A log–rank test was used to compare the rates of drug survival between the studied biologics.

Results

For the 398 patients and 545 treatment series analysed, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5‐year survival rates were 0.826, 0.687, 0.563, 0.475 and 0.420 with etanercept; 0.804, 0.648, 0.553, 0.508 and 0.508 with adalimumab; 0.838, 0.664, 0.554, 0.485 and 0.382 with infliximab; and 0.914, 0.856, 0.800, 0.755 and 0.755 with ustekinumab, respectively. A statistically significant difference was seen between ustekinumab and the other three biologics.

Conclusion

A progressive decrease in treatment adherence was seen with all four biologics, as expected, but the survival rate of ustekinumab was highest.
Accounting for Research: Academic Responses to Research Performance Demands in an Australian University
Authors: Martin‐Sardesai Ann , Irvine Helen , Tooley Stuart , Guthrie James
Published: November 2016

This study examines the perceptions of individual academics about performance management systems (PMS) developed by an Australian university to meet government research assessment requirements. Using a case study method, the research examines the period 2006–2010 within a university, relying on academics’ responses to a survey on the effect of research PMS, contextualised with publicly available organisational documents. The case study university performed well in the Australian Government's first research assessment exercise, Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) 2010. However, academics reported increasing levels of stress and decreasing job satisfaction, consistent with research that identifies the commodification of academic research. This process of commodification has occurred as a result of the implementation of PMS designed to assess academics’ research‐focused performance and thereby strengthen the university's performance under ERA. In investigating in detail the responses of individual academics to Australia's research assessment initiative, the paper reveals a disconnect between the macro‐institutional demands placed on the higher education sector, university changes made to accommodate these demands, and the ability of academics to meet these demands in a sustainable way.
Identification and structure–activity relationship of purine derivatives as novel MTH1 inhibitors
Authors: Kumar Ashutosh , Kawamura Tatsuro , Kawatani Makoto , Osada Hiroyuki , Zhang Kam Y. J.
Published: November 2016

The human mutT homolog‐1 (MTH1) protein prevents the incorporation of oxidized nucleotides such as 2‐OH‐dATP and 8‐oxo‐dGTP during DNA replication by hydrolyzing them into their corresponding monophosphates. It was found previously that cancer cells could tolerate oxidative stress due to this enzymatic activity of MTH1 and its inhibition could be a promising approach to treat several types of cancer. This finding has been challenged recently with increasing line of evidence suggesting that the cancer cell‐killing effects of MTH1 inhibitors may be related to their engagement of off‐targets. We have previously reported a few purine‐based MTH1 inhibitors that enabled us to elucidate the dispensability of MTH1 in cancer cell survival. Here, we provide a detailed process of the identification of purine‐based MTH1 inhibitors. Several new compounds with potency in the submicromolar range are disclosed. Furthermore, the structure–activity relationship and associated binding mode prediction using molecular docking have provided insights for the development of highly potent MTH1 inhibitors.
Positive end expiratory pressure titration guided by plateau pressure in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients
Authors: Liang Guopeng , Zhang Zhongwei
Published: November 2016

Background

PEEP decreases intrinsic PEEP (PEEPi) in COPD patients. However, the best PEEP for someone with COPD is unclear.

Methods

Ten COPD patients who received invasive mechanical ventilation were enrolled. Before PEEP titration, subjects were sedated and received mandatory ventilation. PEEP increased from 0 to 15 cmH2O. At each PEEP, peak pressure (Ppeak), plateau pressure (Pplat), PEEPi, and other variables were recorded. Increment of Pplat (ΔPplat) and PEEPi were plotted against PEEP applied. The best PEEP was recorded at the cross of the two curves.

Results

From PEEP = 0 cmH2O to best PEEP, Ppeak (37.4 ± 5.1 vs. 38.4 ± 4.9 cmH2O) and Pplat (18.7 ± 3.3 vs. 20.4 ± 3.2 cmH2O) increased slightly, resistance (28.1 ± 5.6 vs. 26.6 ± 5.0 cmH2O/l/s) decreased slightly, and PEEPi (7.9 ± 2.3 vs. 1.5 ± 0.4 cmH2O) decreased sharply. Compliance, heart rate, blood pressure, and SpO2 did not change. However, from best PEEP to PEEP = 15 cmH2O, Ppeak (38.4 ± 4.9 vs. 44.9 ± 4.3 cmH2O) and Pplat (20.4 ± 3.2 vs. 27.6 ± 3.3 cmH2O) increased sharply, and systolic blood pressure (116 ± 13 vs. 99 ± 14 mmHg) and compliance (46.1 ± 18.1 vs. 37.7 ± 10.6 mL/cmH2O) decreased sharply. At the same time, PEEPi (1.5 ± 0.4 vs. 0.7 ± 0.8 cmH2O) decreased only slightly, and resistance, heart rate, and SpO2 did not change.

Conclusions

It is feasible to use Pplat as a simple way of determining the best PEEP in COPD patients.
Endoluminal Vacuum Therapy for Ivor Lewis Anastomotic Leaks: A Pilot Study in a Swine Model
Authors: Scott RB , Ritter LA , Shada AL , Feldman SH , Kleiner DE
Published: November 2016

Anastomotic leaks are a serious complication associated with Ivor Lewis esophagectomies. Endoluminal negative pressure vacuum devices create a possible treatment alternative to conventional surgical intervention. Ten pigs had an intrathoracic esophageal anastomosis with a 1‐cm defect. The experimental group had the device placed intraoperatively across the defect, whereas the control group did not. Once treatment was completed, a contrast fluoroscopic study and necropsy was performed. All control pigs had contrast extravasation on fluoroscopy and contamination on necropsy. The experimental group had no radiologic leak and no contamination on necropsy. The P value for leak is 0.03. This study demonstrated that endoluminal negative pressure vacuum therapy is tolerated in the swine model and is successful in facilitating the healing of anastomotic leaks. Endoluminal negative pressure vacuum therapy has potential clinical benefits, including decreased morbidity and length of hospital stay.
Intra‐abdominal cystic lymphangiomatosis in a Thoroughbred foal
Authors: Savage V. L. , Cudmore L. A. , Russell C. M. , Railton D. I. , Begg A. P. , Collins N. M. , Adkins A. R.
Published: November 2016

Cystic lymphangiomas are rare malformations of the lymphatics that result in the formation of a cystic mass. Where multiple cysts are seen, the condition is termed cystic lymphangiomatosis. This case describes the diagnosis and unique management of cystic lymphangiomatosis in a 10‐day‐old Thoroughbred foal. Ultrasonography, histopathology and laparoscopy were essential for diagnosis and appreciation of the extent of disease. Ultimately, the cystic lymphangiomatosis was so extensive in this foal that complete surgical excision was considered impossible and the presence of adhesions within the abdomen indicated a very poor long‐term prognosis; the owners elected for euthanasia at age 14 weeks. Although rare, lymphangioma and lymphangiomatosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis for an intra‐abdominal mass in a young horse.
Creating Atomic Models of Brittle Glasses for In Silico Mechanical Tests
Authors: Shi Yunfeng
Published: November 2016

Atomic level computer simulation has become indispensable in understanding the mechanical properties of glasses, among other properties. However, the majority of model glasses are more ductile than their intended experimental counterparts, partially reflected by the overestimation of the Poisson's ratio. We have previously introduced an effective force field tuning method of imposing an additional energy penalty term to embrittle a binary Lennard–Jones glass. Here, we improved this method by varying the applied range of the energy penalty. The new method stabilizes the model glass even for high energy penalty values. Furthermore, unlike the old method, there is no unintended reduction in density for brittle glasses. Uniaxial tension tests were conducted to show the ductile‐to‐brittle transition as the energy penalty increases in strength. Crack propagation simulation was also conducted to demonstrate the efficacy of studying brittle fracture using the model glass.
Comparison of amino acids, biogenic amines and ammonium ion of wines made of different types of fruits
Authors: Ouyang Xiaoyu , Wang Shaoyang , Yuan Guanshen , Liu Yaran , Gu Pan , Zhang Bolin , Zhu Baoqing
Published: November 2016

Amino acids, biogenic amines and ammonium ion are the primary nitrogen sources in fruit wines. Compared to grape wines, our knowledge to their profile in wines made of other fruits is very lack. Fourteen wines made of nine kinds of fruits together with seven grape wines were selected to compare their nitrogen component profile. White grape wines possessed the highest level of total amino acids, followed by red grape wines and then the wines made of the other fruits. Red grape wines contained the highest level of biogenic amines, followed by white grape wines and the wines made of the other fruits. Ammonium ion was also found to be higher in the wines made of grapes. Principal component analysis revealed that the obvious separations existed among the wines made from different types of fruits, indicating that these nitrogen compounds could be served as the indicators to differentiate different types of fruit wines.
Positive class compromise in globalized production? The Freedom of Association Protocol in the Indonesian sportswear industry
Authors: SIEGMANN Karin Astrid , MERK Jeroen , KNORRINGA Peter
Published: November 2016

This article investigates the role of voluntary initiatives (VIs) as nongovernmental systems of labour regulation in global value chains (GVCs). To identify the conditions conducive to a more active role for labour in VIs, the authors apply Wright's (2000) theory of the factors enabling positive class compromise to a VI implemented in the Indonesian sportswear industry and extend it to the more complex realities of GVCs. They conclude that if VIs are to create conditions under which decent work can be strengthened, the involvement of strong local labour organizations is required while producers' and/or buyers' dependence on workers' cooperation acts as a catalyst.