bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Siphonariid development: Quintessential euthyneuran larva with a mantle fold innovation (Gastropoda; Panpulmonata)
Authors: Page Louise R. , Hildebrand Ilsa M. , Kempf Stephen C.
Published: February 2019

Recent phylogenetic revisions of euthyneuran gastropods (“opisthobranchs” and “pulmonates”) suggest that clades with a planktotrophic larva, the ancestral life history for euthyneurans, are more widely distributed along the trunk of the euthyneuran tree than previously realized. There is some indication that the planktotrophic larva of euthyneurans has distinctive features, but information to date has come mainly from traditional “opisthobranch” groups. Much less is known about planktotrophic “pulmonate” larvae. If planktotrophic larvae of “pulmonates” share unique traits with those of “opisthobranchs,” then a distinctive euthyneuran larval‐type has been the developmental starting template for a spectacular amount of evolved morphological and ecological disparity among adult euthyneurans. We studied development of a siphonariid by preparing sections of larval and postmetamorphic stages for histological and ultrastructural analysis, together with 3D reconstructions and data from immunolabeling of the larval apical sensory organ. We also sought a developmental explanation for the unusual arrangement of shell‐attached, dorso‐ventral muscles relative to the mantle cavity of adult siphonariids. Adult siphonariids (“false limpets”) have a patelliform shell but their C‐shaped shell muscle partially embraces a central mantle cavity, which is different from the arrangement of these components in patellogastropods (“true limpets”). It is not obvious how shell muscles extending into the foot become placed anterior to the mantle cavity during siphonariid development from a veliger larva. We found that planktotrophic larvae of Siphonaria denticulata are extremely similar to previously described, planktotrophic “opisthobranch” larvae. To emphasize this point, we update a list of distinctive characteristics of planktotrophic euthyneuran larvae, which can anchor future studies on the impressive evolvability of this larval‐type. We also describe how premetamorphic and postmetamorphic morphogenesis of larval mantle fold tissue creates the unusual arrangement of shell‐muscles and mantle cavity in siphonariids. This result adds to the known postmetamorphic evolutionary innovations involving mantle fold tissue among euthyneurans.
Abaloparatide, a PTH receptor agonist with homology to PTHrP, enhances callus bridging and biomechanical properties in rats with femoral fracture
Authors: Lanske Beate , Chandler Heidi , Pierce Allen , Brown Jeffery , Ominsky Michael , Kostenuik Paul , Hattersley Gary
Published: February 2019

Fractures typically heal via endochondral and intramembranous bone formation, which together form a callus that achieves union and biomechanical recovery. PTHrP, a PTH receptor agonist, plays an important physiological role in fracture healing as an endogenous stimulator of endochondral and intramembranous bone formation. Abaloparatide, a novel systemically‐administered osteoanabolic PTH receptor agonist that reduces fracture risk in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis, has 76% homology to PTHrP, suggesting it may have potential to improve fracture healing. To test this hypothesis, ninety‐six 12‐week‐old male rats underwent unilateral internally‐stabilized closed mid‐diaphyseal femoral fractures and were treated starting the next day with daily s.c. saline (Vehicle) or abaloparatide at 5 or 20 µg/kg/d for 4 or 6 weeks (16 rats/group/time point). Histomorphometry and histology analyses indicated that fracture calluses from the abaloparatide groups exhibited significantly greater total area, higher fluorescence scores indicating more newly‐formed bone, and higher fracture bridging scores versus Vehicle controls. Callus bridging score best correlated with callus cartilage score (r = 0.64) and fluorescence score (r = 0.67) at week 4, and callus area correlated with cartilage score (r = 0.60) and fluorescence score (r = 0.89) at Week 6. By micro‐CT, calluses from one or both abaloparatide groups had greater bone volume, bone volume fraction, bone mineral content, bone mineral density, and cross‐sectional area at both time points versus Vehicle controls. Destructive bending tests indicated greater callus maximum load and stiffness in one or both abaloparatide groups at both time points versus Vehicle controls. These results provide preliminary preclinical evidence for improved fracture healing with systemically‐administered abaloparatide. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
Kinetic study on the reaction of lauric acid with ethanol catalyzed by deep eutectic solvent based on cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide
Authors: Li Kun , Chen Xiao , Xue Weilan , Zeng Zuoxiang , Jiang Shan
Published: February 2019

In this work, a novel type of deep eutectic solvents (DES: CTAB–DES) based on cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) was successfully synthesized by mixing CTAB with p‐toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate and applied as catalysts for the esterification reaction of ethanol and lauric acid. The kinetics of the reaction of ethanol and lauric acid catalyzed by CTAB–DES was investigated in the temperature range of 328.15–348.15 K. The influence of different parameters including agitation speed, temperature, catalyst loading, and the lauric acid to ethanol molar ratio on the conversion of lauric acid was discussed. The kinetic experimental data obtained were correlated by the pseudo‐homogeneous model, and the results show that it can predict the reaction process well. Moreover, CTAB–DES can be reused six times without any significant decrease in catalytic activity.
Chemical and enzymatic stability of the oleanoyl oxime ibuprofenate
Authors: Muszalska Izabela , Lesniewska‐Kowiel Monika A. , Becla Katarzyna , Duda Wojciech , Pawełczyk Anna , Sowa‐Kasprzak Katarzyna , Olender Dorota
Published: February 2019

The stress tests as well as photostability analysis in solutions and the solid phase of the oleanoyl oxime ibuprofenate (Ibu‐OxOA) were determined according the International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. For observation of the degradation of tested compounds, the reversed phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC) method was used. The study included the effect of temperature, water, H+ and OH− ions, hydrogen peroxide, and light (6.0 × 106, 1.2 × 106 lux·h) on the stability of the tested hybrid. Studies have shown that these compounds are not stable in a neutral, acidic, or oxidizing medium; very unstable in an alkaline medium; and photostable in a solution and photostable in the solid phase. Studies on the enzymatic stability of the tested hybrid showed that it is not susceptible to degradation in the presence of plasma enzymes as well as in the presence of esterase (37°C, 80% human plasma). The degradation of this compound was observed in the presence of lipase (from Candida antarctica), and the linear dependence of the determined kinetic parameters of the reaction on the enzyme activity was demonstrated.
A novel differential bandpass filter with ultra‐wide band common‐mode suppression
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐Yu , Wang Yang , Lee Jong‐Chul
Published: February 2019

A compact differential filter with ultra‐wide band common‐mode (CM) suppression is proposed. Ultra‐wide band property is achieved by the frequency‐selecting coupling structure (FSCS), which generates three transmission zeros in the passband of differential‐mode (DM) as well as in the stopband of CM. Moreover, the position of the transmission zeros, the CM insertion loss and the DM return loss can be customized by designing the parameters of the FSCS. To verify the concept, a filter has been designed, simulated and measured. The proposed filter shows the center frequency of 2.45 GHz with a DM 3 dB fractional bandwidth of 51% and a CM 20 dB fractional bandwidth of 108.6%.
The prevalence and diagnostic classification of mixed features in patients with major depressive episodes: A multicenter study based on the DSM‐5
Authors: Shim In Hee , Lee Jonghun , Kim Moon‐Doo , Jung Young‐Eun , Min Kyung Joon , Kwon Young‐Joon , Kim Ji Sun , Lee Kwanghun , Woo Young Sup , Nam Beomwoo , Seo Jeong Seok , Lee Jung Goo , Jon Duk‐In , Sohn Inki , Park Sung‐Yong , Yoon Bo‐Hyun , Bahk Won‐Myong
Published: February 2019

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of mixed features using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM‐5) and to examine how patients with mixed states would be classified using the DSM‐5.

Methods

In total, 12 hospitals participated in this study, and data on the demographic characteristics and clinical diagnoses of patients treated between October 2013 and September 2016 were obtained. We reviewed the data for opposite‐polarity symptoms according to the DSM‐5 criteria and the research‐based diagnostic criteria.

Results

Of the 859 patients included in the final analysis, the prevalence of mixed features in patients with major depressive episodes based on the DSM‐5 remained low. Patients with major depressive disorder were more likely to be classified as experiencing anxious distress and/or a cluster‐B personality disorder in mixed state patients not diagnosed with DSM‐5 mixed features, whereas more mixed state patients with bipolar disorder were diagnosed with mixed features using the DSM‐5.

Conclusions

The prevalence of mixed features did not increase significantly when the DSM‐5 was used, and patients with mixed states were more likely to be classified as having anxious distress and/or a cluster‐B personality disorder in addition to mixed features.
Low‐field NMR for quality control on oils
Authors: Rudszuck Thomas , Förster Eva , Nirschl Hermann , Guthausen Gisela
Published: February 2019

Oil is a prominent, but multifaceted material class with a wide variety of applications. Technical oils, crude oils as well as edibles are main subclasses. In this review, the question is addressed how low‐field NMR can contribute in oil characterization as an analytical tool, mainly with respect to quality control. Prerequisite in the development of a quality control application, however, is a detailed understanding of the oils and of the measurement. Low‐field NMR is known as a rich methodical toolbox that was and is explored and further developed to address questions about oils, their quality, and usability as raw materials, during production and formulation as well as in use.
Energy‐efficient scheduling for sustainable manufacturing systems with renewable energy resources
Authors: Cui Weiwei , Li Lin , Lu Zhiqiang
Published: February 2019

Environmentally friendly energy resources open a new opportunity to tackle the problem of energy security and climate change arising from wide use of fossil fuels. This paper focuses on optimizing the allocation of the energy generated by the renewable energy system to minimize the total electricity cost for sustainable manufacturing systems under time‐of‐use tariff by clipping the peak demand. A rolling horizon approach is adopted to handle the uncertainty caused by the weather change. A nonlinear mathematical programming model is established for each decision epoch based on the predicted energy generation and the probability distribution of power demand in the manufacturing plant. The objective function of the model is shown to be convex, Lipchitz‐continuous, and subdifferentiable. A generalized benders decomposition method based on the primal‐dual subgradient descent algorithm is proposed to solve the model. A series of numerical experiments is conducted to show the effectiveness of the solution approach and the significant benefits of using the renewable energy resources.
Hospital meals are existential asylums to hospitalized people with a neurological disease: A phenomenological–hermeneutical explorative study of the meaningfulness of mealtimes
Authors: Beck Malene , Birkelund Regner , Poulsen Ingrid , Martinsen Bente
Published: February 2019

Aim

Hospital meals are challenging for neurological patients. Patients struggle with both physical eating disabilities and social issues during mealtimes. The aim of this study was to examine the meaningfulness of the phenomenon of hospital meals for hospitalized patients with a neurological disease.

Design

Interviews (N = 23) with neurological patients were analysed and interpreted to gain in‐depth comprehensive knowledge of the phenomenon of hospital mealtimes.

Method

Data were analysed and interpreted in a three‐phased process using a phenomenological–hermeneutic approach inspired by Paul Ricouer.

Results

Four themes were identified: (a) A lonely ride together with others; (b) Letting the chaotic setting fade into the background; (c) Mechanical activity with great personal significance; and (d) Humanizing the setting when eating in the hospital. Mealtimes were supporting existential moments to patients. Offering a calm mealtime setting was experienced by the patients as an asylum where uplifting and comforting feelings were raised.
Concentrative (Sahaj Samadhi) meditation expands subjective time
Authors: Singh Amrendra , Srinivasan Narayanan
Published: February 2019

Previous studies have demonstrated the effect of mindfulness meditation on subjective experience of time. Task difficulty influenced subjective experience of time with larger subjective expansion of time among meditators with a more difficult task. It is not clear whether the effect would generalize to concentrative meditation training. Hence, in the present study, using a temporal bisection task, we investigated the effect of task difficulty (with two discrimination ratios of short and long durations) on subjective experience of time in long‐term concentrative (Sahaj Samadhi) meditators and non‐meditators. The results provide evidence for subjective expansion of time among long‐term concentrative meditators, which is in line with the previous findings with mindfulness meditators. Similar to the earlier study with mindfulness meditators, we also found expansion of time for concentrative meditators only in the difficult task condition where attentional demands are high and less attentional resources are available for processing time. The findings suggest that subjective expansion of time is most likely a general effect of attentional enhancement irrespective of the type of meditation practice.
Remaining connected in the face of cyberbullying: Why social connectedness is important for mental health
Authors: McLoughlin Larisa T. , Spears Barbara A. , Taddeo Carmel M. , Hermens Daniel F.
Published: February 2019

It is well documented that cyberbullying can lead to adverse mental health outcomes. Separate research shows that higher levels of social connectedness may result in more positive mental health outcomes, however, the relationship between social connectedness and mental health in the face of cyberbullying is not yet fully understood. An online survey of 229 adolescents (aged 12–17 years) was conducted, and we examined experiences of cyberbullying, levels of social connectedness, depression, anxiety, and stress. Structural equation modeling suggested that social connectedness may act as a protective buffer against the negative mental health outcomes associated with cybervictimization. This paper highlights the fact that social connectedness plays an important role for young people, the more frequently they are victimized. The implications of these findings are far reaching and suggest that understanding the role of social connectedness may be crucial to interventions that seek to mitigate the effects of cyberbullying.
Exploring the utility of social network analysis for visualizing interactions during argumentation discussions
Authors: González‐Howard María
Published: February 2019

Supporting student engagement in science practices requires rethinking how classroom learning occurs, specifically in terms of the interactions that help students build their own knowledge. The types of student‐driven exchanges fundamental to the science practice of argumentation differ greatly from traditional classroom interactions. To help classroom talk shift toward encompassing this practice, it is important to develop understandings of discourse patterns related to argumentation. Several analytic techniques have been used to examine a classroom's engagement in argumentation. However, new methodologies are needed for capturing and characterizing the complex, social dimensions of this science practice. This study explores social network analysis (SNA) as a means by which to attend to this demand. Specifically, this study utilizes SNA on data from two middle school classrooms that participated in an argumentation discussion called a science seminar. Sociograms (images of social relations derived from the SNA) offered visualizations of interactions during the science seminars, highlighting who exactly partook in the various aspects of argumentation, how, and to what degree. Findings suggest the importance of argumentation research examining ways to better support changes in classroom interactions. This study also points to the benefits of using SNA with other types of representations to capture a classroom's argumentation.
Concise Review: Regulation of Self-Renewal in Normal and Malignant Hematopoietic Stem Cells by Krüppel-Like Factor 4
Authors: Park Chun S. , Lewis Andrew , Chen Taylor , Lacorazza Daniel
Published: February 2019

Pluripotent and tissue-specific stem cells, such as blood-forming stem cells, are maintained through a balance of quiescence, self-renewal, and differentiation. Self-renewal is a specialized cell division that generates daughter cells with the same features as the parental stem cell. Although many factors are involved in the regulation of self-renewal, perhaps the most well-known factors are members of the Krüppel-like factor (KLF) family, especially KLF4, because of the landmark discovery that this protein is required to reprogram somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells. Because KLF4 regulates gene expression through transcriptional activation or repression via either DNA binding or protein-to-protein interactions, the outcome of KLF4-mediated regulation largely depends on the cellular context, cell cycle regulation, chromatin structure, and the presence of oncogenic drivers. This study first summarizes the current understanding of the regulation of self-renewal by KLF proteins in embryonic stem cells through a KLF circuitry and then delves into the potential function of KLF4 in normal hematopoietic stem cells and its emerging role in leukemia-initiating cells from pediatric patients with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia via repression of the mitogen-activated protein kinase 7 pathway. Stem Cells Translational Medicine  2019;8:568–574
Ensuring sustainable development by curbing consumerism: An eco‐spiritual perspective
Authors: Jain Prerna , Jain Pragati
Published: February 2019

The contemporary economic growth models have directed the economies on an unsustainable trajectory where the present generation seems disenchanted with the heap of waste, debt, and insufficiency inherited from their forefathers. The present paper is an attempt to analyze the cause of consumerism and recommend an eco‐spiritual policy perspective for ensuring sustainable development. The paper analyzes that the United Nations recently announced Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) cannot lead the economies towards sustainable development. Ensuring sustainable development will require curbing consumerism consciously through exploring the unexplored spiritual dimension, which can inspire humanity to lead a life of simplicity, moderation, and minimum desires for sustainable and all‐inclusive development. It has been stressed that aspiration of breakthrough result requires moving away from the external to the inward synthesis of the spiritual aspects, which believes in co‐existence, acknowledging care, and concern for both human beings and the nature. The paper argues for an eco‐spiritual perspective for furthering the goal of sustainability.
Bubble‐Enabled Underwater Motion of a Light‐Driven Motor
Authors: Luan Tian , Meng Fanchen , Tao Peng , Shang Wen , Wu Jianbo , Song Chengyi , Deng Tao
Published: February 2019

This work reports the photothermally driven horizontal motion of a motor as well as the suspending and vertical movements underwater. A motor is designed by attaching two polydimethylsiloxane‐coated oxidized copper foams (POCF) to the two opposite sides of an oxidized copper foam (OCF). When the hydrophobic POCF is immersed in water, it serves as both an air bubble trapper and a light‐to‐heat conversion center. As bubbles grow under photothermal heating, they provide lifting force and result in the revolving motion of the motor. With removal of light illumination, bubbles are cooled by the surrounding water and shrink, and the buoyance is lowered. The resultant force of gravitational force, buoyance, and fluid resistance drives the motor to move forward horizontally. Furthermore, the motors are utilized as oil collectors and oil/water separation is achieved successfully. To effectively control the suspending motion, a polydimethylsiloxane foam doped with carbon black (C‐foam) is designed under the photothermal principle. It is maintained at a certain position underwater by controlling the on/off of light. The vertical motion is also studied and utilized to generate electricity. It is expected that different types of underwater motion will open up new opportunities for various applications including drug delivery, collection of heavy oil underwater, and electricity generation.
Heading for the Hills? Effects of Community Flood Management on Local Adaptation to Flood Risks
Authors: Noonan Douglas S. , Liu Xian
Published: February 2019

The Community Rating System (CRS) program was implemented by the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in 1990 as an optional program to encourage communities to voluntarily engage in flood mitigation initiatives. This article uses national census tract‐level data from 1980 to 2010 to estimate whether CRS participation and flood risk affect a community's local patterns of population change. We employ an instrumental‐variables strategy to address the potential endogeneity of CRS participation, based on community‐scale demographic factors that predict when a tract's host community joins the CRS. The results find significant effects of the CRS program and flood risk on population change. Taken together, the findings point to greater propensity for community‐scale flood management in areas with more newcomers and programs such as CRS stabilizing population, though not especially in flood‐prone areas. We observe the CRS neither displacing population toward lower‐risk areas nor attracting more people to flood‐prone areas.
Systems Chemistry: Martha Grover
Authors: Grover Martha A.
Published: February 2019

Martha Grover is a Professor in the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology (USA) and is a member of the NSF/NASA Center for Chemical Evolution. She is a current member of the ChemSystemsChem Editorial Board.
Play(ful) Pedagogical Practices for Creative Collaborative Literacy
Authors: Portier Christine , Friedrich Nicola , Peterson Shelley Stagg
Published: February 2019

With the goal of supporting students’ writing and content area learning using play as a pedagogical model, teachers’ action research projects involved kindergarten and grade 1 students collaborating to create texts for a range of purposes. The authors analyzed the project activities for their starting points or motivators, student and teacher roles, and artifacts. The activities took the form of small initiatives, a range of themes connecting curricular areas, and imaginative scenarios. Within each, teachers took on various roles to support student interactions and scaffold literacy learning, and students responded through collaboration, creative expression, and writing. Each activity addressed curricular objectives related to literacy while presenting students with opportunities to engage in collaborative, play(ful) learning with peers and the teacher and express their learning through creative means. These projects show that there does not have to be a disconnect between the achievement of curricular objectives and the implementation of play(ful) learning activities.
Computational approaches for circular RNA analysis
Authors: Jakobi Tobias , Dieterich Christoph
Published: February 2019

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a recent addition to the expanding universe of RNA species and originate through back‐splicing events from linear primary transcripts. CircRNAs show specific expression profiles with regards to cell type and developmental stage. Importantly, only few circRNAs have been functionally characterized to date. The detection of circRNAs from RNA sequencing data is a complex computational workflow that, depending on tissue and condition typically yields candidate sets of hundreds or thousands of circRNA candidates. Here, we provide an overview on different computational analysis tools and pipelines that became available throughout the last years. We outline technical and experimental requirements that are common to all approaches and point out potential pitfalls during the computational analysis. Although computational prediction of circRNAs has become quite mature in recent years, we provide a set of valuable validation strategies, in silico as well as in vitro‐based approaches. In addition to circRNA detection via back‐splicing junction, we present available analysis pipelines for delineating the primary sequence and for predicting possible functions of circRNAs. Finally, we outline the most important web resources for circRNA research.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Methods > RNA Analyses in vitro and In Silico

RNA Evolution and Genomics > Computational Analyses of RNA
General fluctuations of the heterotic pure spinor string on curved backgrounds
Authors: Chandia Osvaldo
Published: February 2019

Abstract

The general fluctuations, in the form of vertex operators, for the heterotic superstring in the pure spinor formalism are considered. The case of a flat background is reviewed and the case of a curved case is studied. The left-moving ghosts are pure spinors and the right-moving ghosts come from fixing the reparametrization invariance. The role of the reparametrization ghosts in the construction of the vertex operators is emphasized.
Sexual Concurrency and Contraceptive Use Among Young Adult Women
Authors: Weitzman Abigail , Barber Jennifer , Kusunoki Yasamin
Published: February 2019

Leveraging 2.5 years of weekly data from the Relationship Dynamics and Social Life Study, we investigate the relationship between young women’s sexual concurrency and their contraceptive behavior. Specifically, we (1) examine whether young women changed their contraceptive use when switching from one to multiple concurrent sexual partners in the same week; (2) explore the uniformity of contraceptive responses to concurrency across relationship context; and (3) compare the contraceptive behaviors of never-concurrent women with those of ever-concurrent women in weeks when they were not concurrent. Nearly one in five sexually active young women had sex with two or more people in the same week. When they were concurrent, these women’s odds of using any contraception increased threefold, and their odds of using condoms increased fourfold. This pattern of contraceptive adjustments was the same across relationship characteristics, such as duration and exclusivity. Yet when they were not concurrent, ever-concurrent women were less likely to use any contraception and used condoms less consistently than women who were never concurrent. We discuss these findings in the context of ongoing debates about the role of sexual concurrency in STI transmission dynamics.
Borderland Memories
Authors: Fromm Martin T.
Published: February 2019

In the 1980s, as China transitioned to the post-Mao era, a state-sponsored oral history project led to the publication of local, regional, and national histories. They took the form of written and transcribed personal testimonies of events that preceded the turmoil of both the Cultural Revolution and, in many cases, the Communist victory in 1949. Known as wenshi ziliao, these publications represent an intense process of historical memory production that has received little scholarly attention. Hitherto unexamined archival materials and oral histories reveal unresolved tensions in post-Cultural Revolution reconciliation and mobilization, informing negotiations between local elites and the state, and between Party and non-Party organizations. Taking the northeast Russia–Manchuria borderlands as a case study, Martin T. Fromm examines the creation of post-Mao identities, political mobilization, and knowledge production in China.
Preparing for the Future Impacts of Megastorms on Archaeological Sites: An Evaluation of Flooding from Hurricane Harvey, Houston, Texas
Authors: Reeder-Myers Leslie A. , McCoy Mark D.
Published: February 2019

Powerful hurricanes in 2017—Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria—were stark examples of how these previously rare catastrophes are becoming increasingly normal due to climate change, with dire consequences for cultural resources. These storms, sometimes called megastorms or superstorms, were the first in which high-resolution satellite imagery was available in the immediate aftermath, providing a new tool for rapidly evaluating damage to archaeological sites. Using Hurricane Harvey as a case study, we examined two recent spatial models of archaeological site vulnerability to long-term climate change to determine whether these models are also adequate for predicting the impacts of short-term climate catastrophes. We further examined a number of individual variables that we expected to be useful in predicting which sites would be most vulnerable to flooding, such as proximity to rivers, the coast, or the floodplain. Neither the models nor the individual variables correlated well to increased risk to archaeological sites, with the exception of land use. Sites located within developed areas benefited from measures to protect property and were less often flooded. We suggest that strategies for responding to megastorms would be most effective through a combination of preparedness, analysis of remote sensing data, and existing field research methods.
Do you Prefer Scotch or German Whisky? CJEU Judgment in theScotch WhiskyandGlen BuchenbachDispute
Authors: MANTROV Vadim
Published: February 2019

Case C-44/17, Scotch Whisky Association v Michael Klotz, 7 June 2018 (Fifth Chamber)

The CJEU issued a preliminary ruling in a dispute between the protected indication of geographical origin Scotch Whisky and the disputed sign Glen Buchenbach over the right to use the designation Glen. The CJEU provided further clarification of the four protection norms for safeguarding protected indications of geographical origin. Commencing with interpreting the phrase “any direct or indirect commercial use”, the CJEU established that the term “use” refers to the visual appearance of a protected indication covering its use in either an identical or similar form in the disputed sign. The terms “direct” and “indirect” refer to the way in which appearance takes place: the former term covers affixing a disputed sign directly on the product (ie labelling); the latter term comprises other forms of use such as advertising or accompanying documents. Further, the CJEU held that “evocation” means evaluating whether an average European consumer thinks directly of a protected indication of geographical origin when confronted with an infringing sign. Finally, the CJEU averred that assessing whether a disputed sign is used either as an evocation or as a “false and misleading indication” does not depend on the context in which the sign is used.

Article 16 of Regulation (EC) No 110/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 January 2008 on the definition, description, presentation, labelling and the protection of geographical indications of spirit drinks and repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 1576/89, OJ L - 8, of 13.2.2008, pp 16–54 [Spirits Regulation].
Diagnostic stewardship of C. difficile testing: a quasi-experimental antimicrobial stewardship study
Authors: Christensen Alyssa B. , Barr Viktorija O. , Martin David W. , Anderson Morgan M. , Gibson Amanda K. , Hoff Brian M. , Sutton Sarah H. , Widmaier Valerie , Salim Asra A. , Silkaitis Christina , Qi Chao , Zembower Teresa R. , Postelnick Michael J. , Rhodes Nathaniel J.
Published: February 2019

Objective:

We evaluated whether a diagnostic stewardship initiative consisting of ASP preauthorization paired with education could reduce false-positive hospital-onset (HO) Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI).

Design:

Single center, quasi-experimental study.

Setting:

Tertiary academic medical center in Chicago, Illinois.

Patients:

Adult inpatients were included in the intervention if they were admitted between October 1, 2016, and April 30, 2018, and were eligible for C. difficile preauthorization review. Patients admitted to the stem cell transplant (SCT) unit were not included in the intervention and were therefore considered a contemporaneous noninterventional control group.

Intervention:

The intervention consisted of requiring prescriber attestation that diarrhea has met CDI clinical criteria, ASP preauthorization, and verbal clinician feedback. Data were compared 33 months before and 19 months after implementation. Facility-wide HO-CDI incidence rates (IR) per 10,000 patient days (PD) and standardized infection ratios (SIR) were extracted from hospital infection prevention reports.

Results:

During the entire 52 month period, the mean facility-wide HO-CDI-IR was 7.8 per 10,000 PD and the SIR was 0.9 overall. The mean ± SD HO-CDI-IR (8.5 ± 2.0 vs 6.5 ± 2.3; P < .001) and SIR (0.97 ± 0.23 vs 0.78 ± 0.26; P = .015) decreased from baseline during the intervention. Segmented regression models identified significant decreases in HO-CDI-IR (Pstep = .06; Ptrend = .008) and SIR (Pstep = .1; Ptrend = .017) trends concurrent with decreases in oral vancomycin (Pstep < .001; Ptrend < .001). HO-CDI-IR within a noninterventional control unit did not change (Pstep = .125; Ptrend = .115).

Conclusions:

A multidisciplinary, multifaceted intervention leveraging clinician education and feedback reduced the HO-CDI-IR and the SIR in select populations. Institutions may consider interventions like ours to reduce false-positive C. difficile NAAT tests.
Surgical site infections and the microbiome: An updated perspective
Authors: Wenzel Richard P.
Published: February 2019

Objective:

To address 3 questions: What are the origins of bacteria causing surgical site infections (SSIs)? Is there evidence that the offending bacteria are present at the incision site when surgery begins? What are the estimates of the proportion of SSIs that can be prevented with perioperative control of the microbiome?

Design:

Review of the literature, examining recognized sources of bacteria causing surgical site infections.

Methods:

Specifically, I examined the impact of improved control of the microbiome of the skin and nares on reducing SSIs. The initial effort was to examine the reduction of SSIs linked solely to preoperative skin preparation regimens and to either topical nasal antibiotics or pre- and postoperative nasal antiseptic regimens. To corroborate the concept of the importance of the microbiome, a review of studies showing the relationship of SSIs and marker organisms (eg, Propionobacterium acnes) present at the incision sites was performed. The relationships of SSIs to the microbiome of the skin and nares were summarized.

Results:

Depending on key assumptions, ∼70%–95% of all SSIs arise from the microbiome of the patients’ skin or nares. Data from the studies of marker organisms suggest that the infecting bacteria are present at the incision site at the time of surgery.

Conclusions:

Almost all SSIs arise from the patient’s microbiome. The occurrence of SSIs can be viewed as a perioperative failure to control the microbiome.
Precision Grasp Planning for Multi-Finger Hand to Grasp Unknown Objects
Authors: Yan Wenyu , Deng Zhen , Chen Jinbao , Nie Hong , Zhang Jianwei
Published: February 2019

Determining an appropriate grasp configuration for multi-finger grasping is difficult due to the complexity of robotic hands. The multi-finger grasp planning should consider not only geometry constraints of objects but also kinematics and dynamics of robotic hand. In this paper, a precision grasp-planning framework is presented for multi-finger hand to grasp unknown objects. First, the manipulation capabilities of the robotic hand are analyzed. The analysis results are further used as bases for the precision grasp planning. Second, the superquadric (SQ) fitting method is used for approximating unknown object models. Finally, a local–global optimization method is implemented to find appropriate grasp configurations for dexterous hand. The presented planning framework is validated in simulation experiments. Simulation results demonstrated that the presented grasp-planning framework enables the multi-finger hand to grasp unknown objects effectively.
Timely, consistent, transparent assessment of market access evidence: implementing tools based on the HTA Core Model® in a pharmaceutical company
Authors: Ducournau Pierre , Irl Cornelia , Tatt Iain , McCarvil Mary , Gyldmark Marlene
Published: February 2019

Objectives

Evidence requirements and assessment methods access differ between health technology assessment (HTA) agencies. The HTA Core Model® provides a standardized approach to HTA, targeting evidence sharing and collaboration between participating HTA bodies. It is fit for purpose from an industry perspective and was used by pharmaceutical company Roche to develop a framework for internal assessment of evidence required for market access and coverage/reimbursement (“access evidence”).

Methods

Tools were developed to systematically scope, assess, plan, and summarize access evidence generation. The tools were based mainly on the first four HTA Core Model® domains and rolled-out in selected development teams in 2017. Five months after full implementation, the impact of tools was assessed in an internal survey.

Results

Systematic access evidence generation started with the Access Evidence Questionnaire, to scope evidence requirements and identify evidence gaps. Findings were summarized in the Access Evidence Metric, which assessed the alignment of available/planned evidence against HTA bodies’ requirements and developed scope mitigation strategies. The Access Evidence Plan was then used to plan and document (additional) evidence generation. Once generated, evidence was summarized in the Access Evidence Dossier. A survey of twenty-seven Roche employees involved in evidence generation showed that the tools made discussions around access strategies and evidence more efficient and transparent.

Conclusions

The HTA Core Model® provided a useful framework around which to optimize internal evidence generation and assessment. The benefits of using a standardized HTA approach in industry mirror those expected from implementing the HTA Core Model® in HTA agencies.
Definability in the local structure of the ω-Turing degrees
Authors: Ganchev Hristo , Sariev Andrey C.
Published: February 2019

This article continues the study of the definability in the local substructure $\mathcal{G}_{T,\omega}$ of the ω-Turing degrees, initiated in (Sariev and Ganchev 2014). We show that the class I of the intermediate degrees is definable in $\mathcal{G}_{T,\omega}$.
Comparison of conformal radiotherapy, intensity-modulated radiotherapy and tomotherapy irradiation techniques in prostate cancers
Authors: Tuğrul Taylan , Olacak Nezahat , Köylü Murat
Published: February 2019

Aim

The aim of this study is to compare three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT), intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and tomotherapy techniques used in the treatment of prostate cancer with target and critical organ doses to be included.

Materials and Methods

The target dose was studied with 4-and 6-field 3D-CRT, 7-field IMRT and tomotherapy techniques used to treat ten patients for prostate cancer and the dose volume histograms of critical organs were analyzed. The same target volumes, critical organs doses prescribed and treatment times for the three techniques were compared. Total dose of 76 Gy was given using 6 MV and 18 MV for 3D-CRT, 6 MV for IMRT and tomotherapy techniques.

Results

When we compare the three techniques, for rectum V35(p:0·001), V65(p:0·001), D50(p:0·020) and D25(p:0·002), for bladder V50(p:0·027), V65(p:0·006), V100(p:0·006) and for femoral head, the V50(p:0·001) dose was found to be significantly different and more favourable in the tomotherapy technique. Significant differences were found with IMRT planning in 50% of bladder volume (p:0·002). There is no significant difference between the three techniques for doses of 100% volume of rectum and 25% of volume of bladder. The minimum dose that healthy tissue received which was outside the tumour volume was investigated.

Findings

Doses to critical organs were lower using the tomotherapy technique. However, the minimum doses that healthy tissue received were higher for the tomotherapy technique. When the beam on times were compared for all three techniques, a significant difference was found in favor of tomotherapy.
Vitamin K1 Supplementation Did Not Alter Inflammatory Markers and Clinical Status in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Shishavan Neda Ghamarzad , Gargari Bahram Pourghassem , Jafarabadi Mohammad Asghari , Kolahi Sousan , Haggifar Sepideh , Noroozi Soheila
Published: February 2019

Abstract. Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disorder in which the disease severity might be decreased by anti-inflammatory agents. There are several lines of evidence which support anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin K. The aim of this study was to examine whether vitamin K is a useful strategy for reducing inflammation in RA subjects. Materials and methods: In this double-blind placebo controlled trial, 58 patients with definitive RA were randomly allocated into two groups to receive vitamin K1 as phylloquinone [10 mg/day] or placebo pills for 8 weeks. Clinical status using disease activity score-28 (DAS-28) and serum concentrations of some inflammatory markers (IL-6, hs-CRP, TNFα) were assessed at baseline and at the end of intervention. Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding any of the baseline characteristics. In the vitamin K1 group, a 27 % decrease in serum levels of IL-6 (P = 0.006) and a 13 % decrease in DAS-28 (P = 0.041) were observed. However, after adjusting for relevant confounders, i. e.; duration of RA, intake of folic acid supplements, energy intake, weight and baseline values of each variable, by comparing the two groups, we found no significant reduction in these markers. Conclusion: Vitamin K1 supplementation at 10 mg/day for 8 weeks had no significant effects on blood biomarkers of inflammation and disease severity of patients with rheumatoid arthritis compared with the placebo group.
Hydro-ethanolic extract of Curcuma longa affects tracheal responsiveness and lung pathology in ovalbumin-sensitized rats
Authors: Shakeri Farzaneh , Roshan Nama Mohamadian , Boskabady Mohammad Hossein
Published: February 2019

Abstract. Anti-inflammatory effect of Curcuma longa ( C. longa) was shown previously. In the present study, the effect of the plant on tracheal responsiveness and lung pathological features in ovalbumin-sensitized rats was evaluated. Six groups of rats including control (C), ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized (S), S groups treated with C. longa (CL; 0.75, 1.50, and 3.00 mg/ml equal to 150, 300 and 600 mg/kg/day) and dexamethasone (D; 1.25 μg/ml) were studied (n=8 in each group). The extract of C. longa and dexamethasone were administered with daily drinking water of animals during sensitization period (for 21 days). Following the treatment period, tracheal responsiveness to methacholine and ovalbumin and lung pathological features was investigated. Tracheal responsiveness to methacholine and OVA and lung pathological scores were increased in group S compared to controls (p<0.01 to p<0.001); however, these parameters in groups treated with dexamethasone and two higher concentrations of C. longa were significantly decreased compared to group S (p<0.05 to p<0.001). Tracheal responsiveness to methacholine was decreased from 50 to 400% due to the extract treatment. All concentrations of C. longa significantly decreased interstitial fibrosis compared to group S (p<0.05 to p<0.001). Treatment with the extract resulted to improvement of pathological changes from 20 to 70%. These results showed a preventive effect for C. longa extract on tracheal responsiveness and lung pathological insults in sensitized rats which were similar or even more than those of dexamethasone at used concentrations.
No beneficial effects of resveratrol supplementation on atherogenic risk factors in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Farzin L. , Asghari S. , Rafraf M. , Asghari-Jafarabadi M. , Shirmohammadi M.
Published: February 2019

Abstract. Introduction: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounts as a major cause of mortality among patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol compound, is known for its antioxidant and antiatherogenic properties and is purported to be beneficial in decreasing CVD risk factors in NAFLD patients. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of resveratrol on atherogenic risk factors in patients with NAFLD.

Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed on 50 patients with NAFLD aged 20-60 years. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive a daily dose of 600 mg resveratrol (n = 25) or placebo (n = 25) for 12 wk. Serum liver enzymes, lipid profile and atherogenic indices, blood pressure and anthropometric values were assessed pre and post-treatment.

Results: Resveratrol supplementation reduced body weight (from 88.75 ± 11.41 to 87.54 ± 11.18 kg, P = 0.005) and BMI (from 31.00 ± 3.16 to 30.60 ± 3.26 kg/m², P = 0.01) significantly compared to the placebo group. A significant reduction in waist circumference was observed within resveratrol group (from 102.70 ± 7.68 to 101.39 ± 7.62 cm, P = 0.02). There were no significant changes in lipid profile (ox-LDL, ApoA1 and ApoB), serum atherogenic indices (LDL-C/HDL-C, ApoB/ApoA1, ox-LDL/ApoB, LDL-C/ox-LDL and AIP), liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP and GGT), hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio and blood pressure in either group (P > 0.05 for all).

Conclusion: These findings indicated that resveratrol supplementation in dose and duration used in this study did not affect most of the CVD risk factors in NAFLD patients. Further studies are warranted to explain more effects of resveratrol on CVD complications of NAFLD.

Registration ID in IRCT: IRCT201511233664N16