bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring Long Noncoding RNAs in Glioblastoma: Regulatory Mechanisms and Clinical Potentials
Authors: Zeng Tao , Li Lei , Zhou Yan , Gao Liang
Published: July 2018

Gliomas are primary brain tumors presumably derived from glial cells. The WHO grade IV glioblastoma (GBM), characterized by rapid cell proliferation, easily recrudescent, high morbidity, and mortality, is the most common, devastating, and lethal gliomas. Molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis and progression of GBMs with potential diagnostic and therapeutic value have been explored industriously. With the advent of high-throughput technologies, numerous long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) aberrantly expressed in GBMs were discovered recently, some of them probably involved in GBM initiation, malignant progression, relapse and resistant to therapy, or showing diagnostic and prognostic value. In this review, we summarized the profile of lncRNAs that has been extensively investigated in glioma research, with a focus on their regulatory mechanisms. Then, their diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic implications were also discussed.
About Extracting Dynamic Information of Unknown Complex Systems by Neural Networks
Authors: Irigoyen Eloy , Barragán Antonio Javier , Larrea Mikel , Andújar José Manuel
Published: July 2018

This work presents a straightforward methodology based on neural networks (NN) which allows to obtain relevant dynamic information of unknown nonlinear systems. It provides an approach for cases in which the complex task of analyzing the dynamic behaviour of nonlinear systems makes it excessively challenging to obtain an accurate mathematical model. After reviewing the suitability of multilayer perceptrons (MLPs) as universal approximators to replace a mathematical model, the first part of this work presents a system representation using a model formulated with state variables which can be exported to a NN structure. Considering the linearization of the NN model in a mesh of operating points, the second part of this work presents the study of equilibrium states in such points by calculating the Jacobian matrix of the system through the NN model. The results analyzed in three case studies provide representative examples of the strengths of the proposed method. Conclusively, it is feasible to study the system behaviour based on MLPs, which enables the analysis of the local stability of the equilibrium points, as well as the system dynamics in its environment, therefore obtaining valuable information of the system dynamic behaviour.
Use of Chinese Herbal Medicine Improves Chemotherapy‐Induced Thrombocytopenia among Gynecological Cancer Patients: An Observational Study
Authors: Wu Yi-Hong , Chen Hsing-Yu , Lai Chyong-Huey , Yeh Chein-Shuo , Pang Jong-Hwei S. , Qiu Jian-Tai , Chou Hung-Hsueh , Yang Lan-Yan , Pan Yu-Bin
Published: July 2018

Background. Chemotherapy‐induced thrombocytopenia (CIT) is a serious complication among patients with gynecological malignancies, yet management options are limited. This study aimed at reporting the potential of the Chang Gung platelet elevating formula (CGPEF), a prescription with a fixed proportion of Chinese herbs, for improving CIT among gynecologic cancer patients. Materials. From 1/1/2007 to 31/12/2009, a total of 23 patients with two consecutive CIT episodes (≤ 100×103 /μL) (last cycle: C0; index cycle: C1) received the CGPEF from the nadir of platelet count of C1 and through the subsequent chemotherapy cycles (C2 and beyond). The CGPEF was taken orally four times a day. The evolution of platelet counts of 18 patients after administration of CGPEF was analyzed (2 patients had different chemotherapy regimens after CGPEF, two patients discontinued CGPEF due to the flavor and the amount of CGPEF, and one patient had no further chemotherapy). Results. Most of the patients had recurrent ovarian cancer (11/18, 61%) with a median of 2.5 previous chemotherapy regimens, and carboplatin‐based regimens were the most commonly used for these patients (13/18, 72%). The trend of successive CIT could be reversed after taking CGPEF. Also, the platelet nadir was higher after CGPEF treatment (16.5×103/μL versus 32×103/μL, before and after CGPEF treatment, resp., p = 0.002). Moreover, the chemotherapy interval decreased from 30.5 days to 24 days. No thrombocytosis, clinical bleeding, thromboembolism, or other adverse events were found among these patients. Conclusions. The CGPEF is worthy of further large‐scale, well‐designed clinical trials for CIT among gynecological cancer patients.
Calculation Approach for Lateral Bearing Capacity of Single Precast Concrete Piles with Improved Soil Surrounds
Authors: Du Guangyin , Wang Anhui , Li Liye , Zhang Dingwen
Published: July 2018

Precast concrete (PC) piles with cement‐improved soil surrounds have been widely used for soft ground improvement. However, very few calculation approaches have been proposed to predict the lateral bearing capacity. This study aims at investigating the lateral capacity of a single PC pile reinforced with cement‐improved soil through a series of 3D finite element analyses and theoretical studies. It is revealed that application of cement‐improved soil around the PC pile can obviously reduce the induced lateral deflections and bending moments in the pile and can significantly increase its capacity to resist lateral loading. To account for the reinforcement effect of cement‐treated soil, a modified m approach is proposed by introducing a modified coefficient to enable the predictions of the lateral bearing capacity for such reinforced PC piles. It is revealed that the modified coefficient is approximately linearly related to the compressive bearing capacity of improved soil surrounds.
Detecting Differentially Variable MicroRNAs via Model-Based Clustering
Authors: Li Xuan , Fu Yuejiao , Wang Xiaogang , DeMeo Dawn L. , Tantisira Kelan , Weiss Scott T. , Qiu Weiliang
Published: July 2018

Identifying differentially variable (DV) genomic probes is becoming a new approach to detect novel genomic risk factors for complex human diseases. TheFtest is the standard equal-variance test in statistics. For high-throughput genomic data, the probe-wiseFtest has been successfully used to detect biologically relevant DNA methylation marks that have different variances between two groups of subjects (e.g., cases versus controls). In addition to DNA methylation, microRNA (miRNA) is another important mechanism of epigenetics. However, to the best of our knowledge, no studies have identified DV miRNAs. In this article, we proposed a novel model-based clustering method to improve the power of the probe-wiseFtest to detect DV miRNAs. We imposed special structures on covariance matrices for each cluster of miRNAs based on the prior information about the relationship between variances in cases and controls and about the independence among them. Simulation studies showed that the proposed method seems promising in detecting DV probes. Based on two real datasets about human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we identified 7 DV-only miRNAs (hsa-miR-1826, hsa-miR-191, hsa-miR-194-star, hsa-miR-222, hsa-miR-502-3p, hsa-miR-93, and hsa-miR-99b) using the proposed method, one (hsa-miR-1826) of which has not yet been reported to be related to HCC in the literature.
Lymphoepithelioma-Like Carcinoma of the Breast: A Case Report Unveiling Several Clinical and Histopathological Challenges
Authors: Aridi Tarek , Fawwaz Mohamad , Kassab Ahmad , Bahmad Marwan , Houcheimi Faisal , Mshiek Mohamad , Boulos Fouad , Kanj Ali , Ramadan Ghassan , Bahmad Hisham F. , Fakhruddin Najla
Published: July 2018

Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LELC) of the breast is an extremely rare tumor type. Histologically, it mimics undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma by demonstrating nests of neoplastic epithelial cells in a background of lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates. This paper reports a 62-year-old female patient with a 3 × 1.5 cm BI-RADS type IV breast mass diagnosed on excisional biopsy as LELC. The tumor is negative for estrogen and progesterone receptors and did not overexpress HER2/neu. Routine tests for clearance before surgery were performed, and patient was managed by a modified radical mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection showing no residual tumor. Surgical CAse REports (SCARE) guidelines were followed for reporting our case. The rarity of LELC of the breast warrants the establishment and implementation of well-defined guidelines and criteria for diagnosis and management.
Osteoblastic Osteosarcoma Arising beneath an Osteochondroma in an 11-Year-Old Male with Multiple Hereditary Exostoses
Authors: Bukara Emmanuel , Buteera Alex M. , Karakire Robert , Manirakiza Felix , Muhumuza Samuel , Rudakemwa Emmanuel , Kyokunda Lynnette
Published: July 2018

Introduction. Multiple hereditary exostoses (MHE) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by the presence of multiple skeletal deformities. They are painless slow-growing lesions. Malignant transformation tends to occur later in adulthood and has only been seen in 1–5% of patients. Objective. We describe the clinical, radiological, and pathological characteristics of a child with MHE who developed osteoblastic osteosarcoma beneath an osteochondroma. Case Presentation. An 11-year-old male Rwandan presented to our hospital with a two-week history of a dull persistent pain in his left distal femur and loss of weight and appetite. There was no relief with pain killers. He was a known case of multiple hereditary exostoses diagnosed at age 3. He began experiencing mild symptoms 6 months prior to admission which worsened in the last two weeks prior to his admission. On examination, he had multiple palpable bony swellings bilaterally on the proximal humeri and distal femurs. X-rays showed multiple exostoses and MRI showed a lesion with heterogeneous signal intensities that suggested malignant transformation. At surgery, a necrotic lesion beneath the exostosis was excised and sent for histopathological analysis which confirmed osteochondroma with an osteoblastic osteosarcoma in the marrow cavity. Chemotherapy and limb-salvaging surgery were done and he has recovered well. Conclusion. Osteosarcomas arising at sites of MHE have not been previously reported in Africa. These tumors rarely undergo malignant transformation.
Numerical Simulation of Residual Oil Flooded by Polymer Solution in Microchannels
Authors: Liu Yang , Fan Jiawei , Liu Lili , Yang Shuren
Published: July 2018

This paper establishes a flow equation using non-Newtonian fluid mechanics and defines the deformation of residual oil using numerical computation in order to conduct a study on the flow law of residual oil in microchannels of rock during polymer flooding, the influence of flooding fluid elasticity on the deformation of residual oil, and flooding mechanism of viscoelastic displacing fluid. Computation shows that advancing contact angle increases and receding contact angle decreases as the viscosity ratio decreases. The higher elasticity of polymer solution with higher concentration or molecular weight leads to significantly more obvious deformation of residual oil and benefits migration and stripping of residual oil. The impact of the initial wetting angle of residual oil film on deformation is analyzed. A smaller initial wetting angle corresponds to a bigger change of advancing contact angle and smaller change of receding contact angle. A better understanding of the flooding process is gained via a study on residual oil deformation in polymer flooding. Consequently, oil flooding efficiency and oil recovery can be enhanced. This is the hydrodynamic mechanism of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) by polymer flooding.
Mechanical Properties of Steel Fiber‐Reinforced Concrete by Vibratory Mixing Technology
Authors: Zheng Yuanxun , Wu Xiaolong , He Guangxian , Shang Qingfang , Xu Jianguo , Sun Yikai
Published: July 2018

As a kind of important engineering material, steel fiber‐reinforced concrete was used widely in civil engineering. Up to now, steel fiber‐reinforced concrete was usually produced by the traditional mixing method. For the reason of uniform distribution of fiber, the reinforcement of mechanical properties of concrete was inadequately performed. In this paper, C50 steel fiber‐reinforced concrete and C60 steel fiber‐reinforced concrete were manufactured by traditional mixing and vibratory mixing methods, respectively, and then, the cube compression test, flexural test, splitting tensile test, and the bending test were carried out. The reinforcement effects of mechanical properties were analyzed by comparing the traditional mixing and vibratory mixing methods. The results show that vibratory mixing can effectively improve the distribution of steel fibers in concrete and can increase the density of steel fiber concrete, and therefore, it effectively improves the mechanical properties of steel fiber‐reinforced concrete when compared to the traditional mixing method.
Functional and Structural Effects of Erythropoietin Subconjunctival Administration in Glaucomatous Animals
Authors: Resende Ana Paula , Rosolen Serge G. , Nunes Telmo , São Braz Berta , Delgado Esmeralda
Published: July 2018

Purpose: The present study aimed to assess functional and structural benefits of erythropoietin (EPO) when administered subconjunctivally in the retina of glaucomatous rats using electroretinography (ERG) and retinal thickness (RT) measurements. Methods: Glaucoma was experimentally induced in 26 Wistar Hannover albino rats. Animals were divided into 2 groups of 13 animals each: a treated group receiving a unique subconjunctival injection of 1,000 IU of EPO and a control group receiving a saline solution. In each group, 7 animals were used for retinal function evaluation (ERG) and 6 animals were used for retinal structural evaluation (histology). RT was measured, dorsally and ventrally, at 500 μm (RT1) and at 1,500 μm (RT2) from the optic nerve. Results: Retinal function evaluation: for both scotopic and photopic conditions, ERG wave amplitudes increased in the treated group. This increase was statistically significant (p < 0.05) in photopic conditions. Structural evaluation: for both locations RT1 and RT2, the retinas were significantly (p < 0.05) thicker in the treated group. Conclusion: Subconjunctival EPO administration showed beneficial effects both on retinal structure and on retinal function in induced glaucoma in albino rats. This neuroprotective effect should be applied in other animal species.
Variability of Multiple Sclerosis Spasticity Symptoms in Response to THC:CBD Oromucosal Spray: Tracking Cases through Clinical Scales and Video Recordings
Authors: Flachenecker Peter , Saccà Francesco , Vila Carlos
Published: July 2018

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory and neurodegenerative autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Patients exhibit heterogeneous patterns of disabling symptoms, including spasticity. In the majority of patients with MS spasticity, it and its associated symptoms contribute to disability, interfere with performance of everyday activities, and impair quality of life. Even under treatment with oral antispasticity drugs, about a third of patients continue to experience spasticity of moderate to severe intensity, underscoring the need for additional treatment options. The efficacy of tetrahydrocannabinol:cannabidiol (THC:CBD) oromucosal spray as add-on therapy in patients with refractory MS spasticity has been demonstrated in clinical trials and observational studies. To gain insight into patients’ response to treatment at the individual level, in-depth changes from baseline in various clinical scales and video-assessed parameters were evaluated in patients with resistant MS spasticity before and after 1 month of treatment with THC:CBD oromucosal spray. All 6 patients showed ≥20% improvement in the spasticity Numerical Rating Scale (i.e., were initial responders to treatment), but displayed individual variability in other spasticity-related parameters. Improved Modified Ashworth Scale scores were observed in 5 cases, with a reduction of –2/–3 points in lower limb scores for 1 patient who also showed benefit in terms of a more stable gait but modest improvement in the timed 10-meter walk test (10MWT). Improvement in the 10MWT (or 25-foot walk test) was noted in 4 of the 6 cases. THC:CBD oromucosal spray also improved upper limb function as indicated by faster 9-Hole Peg Test results.
Typhoon-Related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Trauma Might Lead to Functional Integration Abnormalities in Intra- and Inter-Resting State Networks: a Resting-State Fmri Independent Component Analysis
Authors: Ke Jun , Zhang Li , Qi Rongfeng , Xu Qiang , Zhong Yuan , Liu Tao , Li Jianjun , Lu Guangming , Chen Feng
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: Functional connectivity studies based on region of interest approach suggest altered functional connectivity of the default mode network (DMN), executive control network (ECN), and salience network (SN). The aim of this study is to determine whether intranetwork and internetwork brain connectivity are altered in both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients and traumatized subjects without PTSD using a data-driven approach. Methods: Resting-state functional MRI data were acquired for 27 patients with typhoon-related PTSD, 33 trauma-exposed controls (TEC), and 30 healthy controls (HC). Functional connectivity within the DMN, ECN, and SN as well as functional and effective connectivity between these resting-state networks were examined with independent component analysis (ICA), and then compared between groups by conducting analysis of variance. Results: Within the DMN, the TEC group showed decreased and increased functional connectivity in the superior frontal gyrus compared with the PTSD group and the HC group, respectively. The TEC group showed increased angular functional connectivity within the DMN and decreased functional connectivity in the superior temporal gyrus/posterior insula within the SN relative to the HC group. Compared with the TEC group, the PTSD group showed increased functional connectivity in the middle frontal gyrus and supplementary motor area within the ECN as well as in the inferior frontal gyrus/anterior insula within the SN. The PTSD group showed decreased functional connectivity in the supplementary motor area within the SN relative to both control groups. Moreover, the PTSD showed increased excitatory influence from the ECN to DMN compared with both control groups, while the TEC group showed increased inhibitory influence from the DMN to ECN compared with the HC group. Intranetwork functional connectivity within the DMN and SN is altered in traumatized subjects irrespective of PTSD diagnosis. PTSD patients also showed altered intranetwork functional connectivity within the ECN. Conclusions: Distinct changes of effective connectivity between the DMN and ECN in the PTSD group and TEC group may reflect different compensatory mechanisms for rebalance of resting-state networks in the two groups.
Optimized Plasmid Construction Strategy for Cas9
Authors: Xu Jianyong  , Li Wenlei , Hossen MD. Munnaf  , Jia Yuning , Li Lingyun , Huang Zhong
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: The target genome editing technology not only plays an important role in basic biology studies but also holds a great promise for potential clinical applications. The new generation of engineered nuclease RGEN (RNA Guided EndoNuclease) is much easier to construct and modify, and attracts more attentions. In the current study, we compared different plasmid construction strategies of Cas9-gRNA (guide RNA). Methods: Different plasmid construction strategies of Cas9-gRNA were compared. And more modifications were introduced into the plasmid construction strategy. Results: The plasmid construction efficiency of expressing the gRNA and Cas9 in one plasmid was lower than expressing them in two separate plasmids. However, they showed the similar genome editing efficiency. We further introduced the Golden-gate assembly and blue-white screening approaches into the Cas9-gRNA construction procedures, without the process of vector digestion and gel purification. Conclusions: Combing with the optimized gRNA structure (gRNA-BL) we identified before, we established one more cost-effective, time-saving and efficient plasmid construction strategy for Cas9-gRNA.
FXR Acts as a Metastasis Suppressor in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma by Inhibiting IL-6-Induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Lv Bei , Ma Lijie , Tang Wenqing , Huang Peixin , Yang Biwei , Wang Lingxiao , Chen She , Gao Qiang , Zhang Si , Xia Jinglin
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a complicated condition, with difficult diagnosis and poor prognosis. The expression and clinical significance of the farnesoid X receptor (FXR), an endogenous receptor of bile acids, in ICC is not well understood. Methods: Western blotting and immunochemical analyses were used to determine the levels of FXR in 4 cholangiocarcinoma cell lines, a human intrahepatic biliary epithelial cell line (HIBEpic) and 322 ICC specimens, respectively, while quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the mRNA levels of FXR in cholangiocarcinoma cell lines. We evaluated the prognostic value of FXR expression and its association with clinical parameters. We determined the biological significance of FXR in ICC cell lines by agonist-mediated activation and lentivirus-mediated silence. IL-6 expression was tested by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and flow cytometry. In vitro, cell proliferation was examined by Cell Counting Kit-8, migration and invasion were examined by wound healing and transwell assays; in vivo, tumor migration and invasion were explored in NOD-SCID mice. Results: FXR was downregulated in ICC cell lines and clinical ICC specimens. Loss of FXR was markedly correlated with aggressive tumor phenotypes and poor prognosis in patients with ICC. Moreover, FXR expression also had significant prognostic value in carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) negative patients. The expression of FXR was negatively correlated with IL-6 levels in clinical ICC tissues. FXR inhibited the proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) of ICC cells via suppression of IL-6 in vitro. Obeticholic acid, an agonist of FXR, inhibited IL-6 production, tumor growth and lung metastasis of ICC in vivo. Conclusions: FXR could be a promising ICC prognostic biomarker, especially in CA19-9 negative patients with ICC. FXR inhibits the tumor growth and metastasis of ICC via IL-6 suppression.
Economic Performance, Trade, and the Exchange Rate in Ethiopia, 1990-2002
Authors: Hope Kempe Ronald
Published: July 2018

Since 1992, the Ethiopian government has been liberalizing and reorienting the country’s economy through moderate market reforms and the shifting of its role from one of active participation in the productive and service sectors to one of creating an enabling environment for the private sector and providing regulatory oversight. This article assesses Ethiopia’s trade and exchange rate relationship, during the period 1990-2002, in the context of the country’s economic performance under the liberalized economic policies of the government. It also examines the related issue of the value of the country’s currency to determine, through the Purchasing-Power Parity Hypothesis method, whether the country’s currency (the Ethiopian Birr) is undervalued or overvalued.
The bovine sex-determining region Y (Sry) gene and its mRNA transcript are present in Y sperm but not X sperm of bulls
Authors: Han Chun-Mei , Chen Rong , Li Tao , Chen Xiao-Li , Zheng Yong-Fu , Ma Meng-Ting , Gao Qing-Hua
Published: July 2018

The aims of this study were to establish whether the sex-determining region Y gene and its mRNA transcript are present in the Y sperm and X sperm of bulls and, if present, determine their cellular localization. Semen was collected from three bulls and sorted by flow cytometry into X- and Y-chromosome populations. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to determineSrymRNA expression in X sperm and Y sperm. The presence and localization ofSryDNA and RNA were investigated by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). RT-PCR detected a singleSrytranscript of 142 bp in Y sperm but not in X sperm. In Y sperm, the FISH-positive rates forSryDNA andSryRNA did not differ significantly from the re-analyzed Y sperm purity. In further experiments, there were no significant differences between the FISH-positive rate forSryRNA and the re-analyzed Y sperm purity for X-sorted, Y-sorted, or unsorted sperm. In conclusion, FISH analysis revealed thatSrytranscripts are present at the edges of the sperm heads of Y sperm but are absent from X sperm.
Mating experience influences mate choice and reproductive output in an aphidophagous ladybird, Menochilus sexmaculatus
Authors: Dubey Ankita , Saxena Swati , Mishra Geetanjali , Omkar
Published: July 2018

Information about mating status can be used to decide about whether to invest resources in mating with a particular partner. In the present study, we evaluated mate choice in relation to the mating experience of males and females ofMenochilus sexmaculatus. We subjected both unmated and multiply mated males and females to different mate choice trials. The mating experience of the adults includes unmated, once-mated, twice-mated and multiply mated. The mate choice trials revealed that unmated adults were preferred over mated adults by both unmated and multiply mated partners. This preference for unmated partners also had consequences for mating behaviour and reproductive output. Unmated and multiply mated females commenced mating with unmated males earlier. In addition, unmated and multiply mated males invested more time in copula with unmated females. Moreover, females mated with unmated males were more fecund than those mated with previously mated males. This suggests that mating experience of mates may influence mating and reproductive behaviour in this species.
On the identity of Adelophryne pachydactyla Hoogmoed, Borges, and Cascon, 1994 (Brachycephaloidea: Eleutherodactylidae)
Authors: DOMINATO RAMON C. , CASSINI CARLA S. , SILVA JANISETE G. , ORRICO VICTOR G. D.
Published: July 2018

The use of molecular data for documenting biodiversity has become more common over time as larger datasets can be generated faster. Nevertheless, studies addressing phenotypical data have not become as common. As a collateral effect, many samples used in molecular studies are assigned to a species without checking phenomic characters of the vouchers. Correct specific assignment is paramount for any biological hypothesis. A recent review of Phyzelaphryninae, while producing interesting results, has not specified how some vouchers used in molecular analyses were assigned to each species. Using new sequences from fresh material collected in Southern Bahia, we re-identify Adelophryne specimens based on molecular and morphological grounds. This new taxonomic understanding clarifies the phylogenetic position of A. pachydactyla and highlights a more parsimonious explanation for the evolution of a morphological character—the reduction of a phalange on Finger IV—within Adelophryne.
English Competition Law Before 1900
Authors: Hawk Barry E.
Published: July 2018

English competition law before 1900 developed over many centuries and reflected changes in political conditions, economic theories and social values. It mirrored the historical movements in England, from the medieval ideal of fair prices and just wages to 16th and 17th century nation-state mercantilism to the 18th and 19th century Industrial Revolution and notions of laissez faire capitalism and freedom of contract. English competition law at varying times articulated three fundamental principles: monopolies were disfavored; freedom to trade was emphasized; and fair or reasonable prices were sought. The Sherman Act truly was a watershed that significantly took a different path from English law as it had evolved. In England, legal challenges to monopolization were limited to the royal creation of monopolies and were concentrated in the 17th and early 18th centuries. A prominent element of English competition law—bans on forestalling—was repealed in the first half of the 19th century. Enforcement of English law against cartels was largely emasculated by the end of the 19th century with the ascendancy of freedom of contract and laissez faire political theory.
Assessing the Nuances of Counterterrorism Programs: A Country-Level Investigation of Targeted Killings
Authors: Carson Jennifer Varriale
Published: July 2018

Although there has been research assessing the effectiveness of targeted killings in a variety of contexts, there remains important gaps in the literature. This study addresses these gaps by evaluating previously established nuanced effects together in one analysis, while at the same time incorporating vital country-level controls. This investigation utilizes two types of analytic strategies, ZINB and series hazard models, with multiple independent and dependent variables. Overall, this study fails to find clear evidence that targeted killings are correlated with terrorism outcomes in the three countries in which they are most commonly used: Pakistan, Yemen, and Somalia.
Hospital Vertical Integration Into Subacute Care as a Strategic Response to Value-Based Payment Incentives, Market Factors, and Organizational Factors: A Multiple-Case Study
Authors: Hogan Tory H. , Lemak Christy Harris , Ivankova Nataliya , Hearld Larry R. , Wheeler Jack , Menachemi Nir
Published: July 2018

This study explores the extent to which payment reform and other factors have motivated hospitals to adopt a vertical integration strategy. Using a multiple-case study research design, we completed case studies of 3 US health systems to provide an in-depth perspective into hospital adoption of subacute care vertical integration strategies across multiple types of hospitals and in different health care markets. Three major themes associated with hospital adoption of vertical integration strategies were identified: value-based payment incentives, market factors, and organizational factors. We found evidence that variation in hospital adoption of vertical integration into subacute care strategies occurs in the United States and gained a perspective on the intricacies of how and why hospitals adopt a vertical integration into subacute care strategy.
Response to Shankman
Authors: Jarvie Ian
Published: July 2018

This response to Shankman’s 2018 concedes some points, corrects others, and emphasizes the importance of error to the progress of science.
True hypopharyngeal carcinosarcoma: a case report and literature review
Authors: Zhong Jiang-Tao , Xie Xiao-Xing , Zhou Shui-Hong , Yao Hong-Tian , Chen Zhe , Wu Ting-Ting , Bao Yang-Yang , Yu Qi , Han He-Ming
Published: July 2018

Objective

Carcinosarcoma consists of carcinomatous and sarcomatous tissues and is an aggressive malignant tumor. It is rarely reported in the hypopharynx.

Methods

A 72-year-old man presented with dysphagia and dyspnea. Laryngoscopy, computed tomography (CT), and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/CT (18F-FDG PET/CT) showed a neoplasm on the left posterior hypopharyngeal wall. The patient underwent bilateral neck dissection and excision of the hypopharyngeal cancer followed by postoperative radiation therapy.

Results

Immunohistochemistry revealed carcinomatous cells with membrane positivity for cytokeratin, glucose transporter-1 (GLUT-1), phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), and hexokinase-II as well as sarcomatous cells with membrane positivity for smooth muscle actin, GLUT-1, HIF-1α, and PI3K. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry revealed a true carcinosarcoma of the hypopharynx (pT3N0M0, Stage III).

Conclusions

Thorough immunohistochemistry is required for a correct diagnosis of hypopharyngeal carcinosarcoma. 18F-FDG PET/CT may help to distinguish hypopharyngeal carcinosarcoma from benign tumors.
Acute allograft rejection in liver transplant recipients: Incidence, risk factors, treatment success, and impact on graft failure
Authors: Dogan Nurettin , Hüsing-Kabar Anna , Schmidt Hartmut H. , Cicinnati Vito R. , Beckebaum Susanne , Kabar Iyad
Published: July 2018

Objective

This study was performed to identify risk factors for acute cellular rejection after liver transplantation (LT).

Methods

Consecutive LT recipients who underwent surgery in our institution from 2002 to 2015 were retrospectively evaluated.

Results

In total, 176 patients were eligible for statistical analysis. During a mean observation period of 61.1 ± 36.3 months, 43 episodes of acute rejection were evident. Of these, 34 (79.0%) were responsive to methylprednisolone, 3 (7.0%) were treated by adjusting the dosage of immunosuppressive agents, and 6 (14.0%) were methylprednisolone-resistant and treated using anti-thymocyte globulin. Biliary complications (odds ratio [OR] = 4.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.00–11.98); donor-negative, recipient-positive CMV mismatch (OR = 9.88, 95% CI = 1.18–82.36); sex mismatch (OR = 3.16, 95% CI = 1.31–8.10); and sex mismatch with a female donor (OR = 3.00, 95% CI = 1.10–7.58) were identified as significant risk factors for acute graft rejection after LT.

Conclusion

In patients who develop acute cellular rejection after LT, biliary complications should be evaluated as a potential cause. Most acute rejections after LT respond to bolus corticosteroid therapy.
Changing workplace geographies: Restructuring warehouse employment in the Oslo region
Authors: Jordhus-Lier David , Underthun Anders , Zampoukos Kristina
Published: July 2018

The article examines changing employment relations in Norwegian warehouses, and conceptualises the increasing use of temporary agency workers as a redrawing of workplace geographies. The empirical basis for the analysis is four qualitative warehouse workplace studies, including focus group and interview data. The theoretical framework of the article combines an adapted version of the territory-place-scale-network (TPSN) framework developed by Bob Jessop, Neil Brenner and Martin Jones with the concepts of labour control and labour agency. The analysis shows how a networked recruitment system based on Swedish labour migrants, mediated via temporary work agencies, encourage workers to work their way through levels of employment insecurity in order to secure permanent employment. The article argues that the blurring and redrawing of legal boundaries through labour hire can be understood as a territorial strategy of control that affects the workplace as a scale of justice for trade unions. Moreover, the analysis shows how managerial control is conditioned by workers’ individual, habitual and collective agency.
Steel hybrid onshore wind towers installed with minimal effort: Development of lifting process
Authors: Mohammadi Mohammad Reza Shah , Richter Carl , Pak Daniel , Rebelo Carlos , Feldmann Markus
Published: July 2018

The total costs per produced kilowatt-hour for wind turbines depend significantly on the investment costs. Thereby, the tower is a relevant cost component, which depends on the chosen supporting structure, the material, and especially on the erection process. Here, an innovative erection process is presented in order to minimize the wind turbine installation, which leads to excluding the extra tall cranes for installing the wind turbines with hub heights over 180 m. In order to propose the innovative erection process, a new hybrid lattice/tubular supporting structure for the onshore wind turbines is designed. The connection component between the tubular part and lattice structure is proposed considering the support functionality for the new erection process. Furthermore, the building steps of the complete erection process are explained. The operational and the lifting loads on wind turbine supporting structure are estimated, and consequently, the erection process stages were analyzed. Finally, the finite element simulation are performed to specify the critical stresses in subcomponents of the supporting structure in each lifting stage and to show the feasibility of the erection process. Moreover, the most critical points and the stages are investigated and stress level in the supporting structure components is computed.
Evaluation of the nondeterministic dynamic structural response of three-dimensional wind turbine steel towers
Authors: Silva José Guilherme Santos da , Oliveira Breno de Almeida Santos
Published: July 2018

This investigation develops an analysis methodology aiming at the evaluation of the nondeterministic dynamic structural response of typical wind turbine supporting steel towers. The study was centered on the evaluation of the dynamic behaviour of an actual MM92 wind turbine tower of 2.1 MW Wind Class III IEC2a and mounted on an 80-m-high steel tower. The developed finite element modelling calibration was based on comparisons to experimental data related to an experimental modal analysis acquired on the wind tower structure. The wind tower dynamic structural response was investigated under gravity loads + rotor forces + nondeterministic wind dynamic loads. The present analysis has shown that the wind turbine first bending vibration mode represents the main peak of energy transfer of the dynamic structural response and this energy transfer becomes larger as the wind velocity is increased. Based on the von Mises stress distribution, it was verified that some regions of the wind tower started to yield but there is no plastic hinge formation in the wind tower sections.
Motorway Path Planning for Automated Road Vehicles Based on Optimal Control Methods
Authors: Makantasis Konstantinos , Papageorgiou Markos
Published: July 2018

A path-planning algorithm for automated road vehicles on multi-lane motorways is derived from the opportune formulation of an optimal control problem. In this framework, the objective function to be minimized contains appropriate respective terms to reflect: the goals of the vehicle advancement; passenger comfort; prevailing traffic rules (e.g., overtaking only from left); and the avoidance of obstacles (other moving vehicles) and of the vehicle departing from the road. Each term is coupled with a weighting factor that reflects its comparative importance. For the numerical solution of the optimal control problem, a very efficient feasible direction algorithm is used. To avoid local minima, a simplified dynamic programming algorithm is also conceived to deliver the initial guess trajectory for the optimal control algorithm. With low computation times, the approach is readily executable within a model-predictive control frame. The performance of the proposed algorithm is illustrated using two typical driving scenarios.
Environmental Effect of Bus Priority Measures Applied on a Road Network in Santiago, Chile
Authors: Karekla Xenia , Fernandez Rodrigo , Tyler Nick
Published: July 2018

Air pollution is at the highest levels ever and there is currently a worldwide initiative by transport engineers and urban planners to redesign public transport modes and cities to become more sustainable and environmentally friendly. The environmental impact of everyday activities is more apparent in developing cities which take longer to adapt to advanced methods of running public transport modes. This study aims to investigate the reduction of bus energy consumption and carbon emissions through bus priority measures in a bus route in the city of Santiago, Chile. Two bus priority schemes are tested in this study: Bus Only Lanes and Bus Signal Priority. The microscopic traffic simulator TSIS-CORSIM is used to quantify the environmental impact of these schemes. The results have shown that both schemes lead to lower fuel consumption and emissions, especially for the bus service. The environmental improvements are mostly apparent at traffic flows below 1000 veh/h, with clear benefits for both the bus service and passenger cars when dedicated bus lanes are included in the road infrastructure.
Evidence-Based Best-Practice Guidelines for Preventing Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Young Female Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Petushek Erich J. , Sugimoto Dai , Stoolmiller Michael , Smith Grace , Myer Gregory D.
Published: July 2018

Background:

Injury prevention neuromuscular training (NMT) programs reduce the risk for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. However, variation in program characteristics limits the potential to delineate the most effective practices to optimize injury risk reduction.

Purpose:

To evaluate the common and effective components included in ACL NMT programs and develop an efficient, user-friendly tool to assess the quality of ACL NMT programs.

Study Design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods:

Study inclusion required (1) a prospective controlled trial study design, (2) an NMT intervention aimed to reduce incidence of ACL injury, (3) a comparison group, (4) ACL injury incidence, and (5) female participants. The following data were extracted: year of publication, study design, sample size and characteristics, and NMT characteristics including exercise type and number per session, volume, duration, training time, and implementer training. Analysis entailed both univariate subgroup and meta-regression techniques using random-effects models.

Results:

Eighteen studies were included in the meta-analyses, with a total of 27,231 participants, 347 sustaining an ACL injury. NMT reduced the risk for ACL injury from 1 in 54 to 1 in 111 (odds ratio [OR], 0.51; 95% CI, 0.37-0.69]). The overall mean training volume was 18.17 hours for the entire NMT (24.1 minutes per session, 2.51 times per week). Interventions targeting middle school or high school–aged athletes reduced injury risk (OR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.24-0.60) to a greater degree than did interventions for college- or professional-aged athletes (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.48-0.89). All interventions included some form of implementer training. Increased landing stabilization and lower body strength exercises during each session improved prophylactic benefits. A meta-regression model and simple checklist based on the aforementioned effective components (slope = −0.15, P = .0008; intercept = 0.04, P = .51) were developed to allow practitioners to evaluate the potential efficacy of their ACL NMT and optimize injury prevention effects.

Conclusion:

Considering the aggregated evidence, we recommend that ACL NMT programs target younger athletes and use trained implementers who incorporate lower body strength exercises (ie, Nordic hamstrings, lunges, and heel-calf raises) with a specific focus on landing stabilization (jump/hop and hold) throughout their sport seasons.

Clinical Relevance:

Clinicians, coaches, athletes, parents, and practitioners can use the developed checklist to gain insight into the quality of their current ACL NMT practices and can use the tool to optimize programming for future ACL NMT to reduce ACL injury risk.
Pressure difference between radial and femoral artery pressure in minimally invasive cardiac surgery using retrograde perfusion
Authors: Nakamura Yoshitsugu , Emmanuel Sam , Shikata Fumiaki , Shirai Chihiro , Ito Yujiro , Kuroda Miho
Published: July 2018

Objective:

To investigate whether radial artery pressure is a reliable surrogate measure of central arterial pressure as approximated by femoral artery pressure in minimally invasive cardiac surgery with retrograde perfusion via femoral cannulation.

Method:

Fifty-two consecutive patients undergoing minimally invasive cardiac surgery were prospectively included in this study. Cardiopulmonary bypass was established via a femoral artery cannulation and femoral vein. Radial and femoral arterial pressures were recorded continuously, and the pressure differential between them was calculated for both systolic and mean arterial pressures. The agreement between measurements from the two arteries was compared using Bland–Altman plots. An interval of 95% limits of agreement of less than 20 mm Hg was set as satisfactory agreement.

Results:

Average age was 65 ± 14 years. With respect to systolic arterial pressure, 28 patients (54%) had a peak pressure differential between radial and femoral arteries ⩾20 mm Hg. With respect to mean arterial pressure, only five patients (9%) had a peak pressure differential ⩾20 mm Hg. The pressure differential changed with time. Pressure differential in systolic arterial pressure was 5 ± 8 mm Hg until aortic declamping, then increased to a peak of 23 ± 16 mm Hg when cardiopulmonary bypass was turned off. The femoral systolic arterial pressures were significantly greater than radial systolic arterial pressures from time of aortic declamping to 20 min after cardiopulmonary bypass. The Bland–Altman plots revealed large biases and poor agreement in this period.

Conclusion:

Radial and femoral systolic artery pressure readings can differ significantly in minimally invasive cardiac surgery with retrograde perfusion. Intraoperative arterial pressure management based solely on radial systolic arterial pressure readings should be avoided.
Evaluation of a Computer-Based Decision Aid for Promoting Informed Prostate Cancer Screening Decisions Among African American Men: iDecide
Authors: Owens Otis L. , Felder Tisha , Tavakoli Abbas S. , Revels Asa A. , Friedman Daniela B. , Hughes-Halbert Chanita , Hébert James R.
Published: July 2018

Purpose:

To evaluate the effects of iDecide on prostate cancer knowledge, informed decision-making self-efficacy, technology use self-efficacy, and intention to engage in informed decision-making among African American men.

Design:

One-group, pretest/posttest.

Setting:

Community settings in South Carolina.

Participants:

African American men, ages 40 years +, without a prior prostate cancer diagnosis (n = 354).

Intervention:

iDecide, an embodied conversational agent-led, computer-based prostate cancer screening decision aid.

Measures:

Prostate cancer knowledge, informed decision-making self-efficacy, technology use self-efficacy, and intention to engage in informed decision-making.

Analysis:

Descriptive statistics, paired t tests, general linear modeling, Spearman correlations.

Results:

On average, participants experienced significant improvements in their prostate cancer knowledge ( P ≤ .001), informed decision-making self-efficacy ( P ≤ .001), and technology use self-efficacy ( P ≤ .001), postintervention. Additionally, 67% of participants reported an intention to engage in informed decision-making.

Conclusion:

Given the significant improvements across all measures, this research demonstrates that embodied conversational agent-led decision aids can be used to enhance the capacity for making informed prostate cancer screening decisions among African American men and increase their technology use self-efficacy. One critical limitation of this study is that most men had received prostate cancer screening prior to engaging in our intervention, so the implications of this intervention may be different for men who do not have a history of screening. Additionally, actual engagement in informed decision-making postintervention was not assessed.