bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lower Fasted‐State but Greater Increase in Muscle Protein Synthesis in Response to Elevated Plasma Amino Acids in Obesity
Authors: Tran Lee , Kras Katon A. , Hoffman Nyssa , Ravichandran Jayachandran , Dickinson Jared M. , D'Lugos Andrew , Carroll Chad C. , Patel Shivam H. , Mandarino Lawrence J. , Roust Lori , Katsanos Christos S.
Published: June 2018

Objective

Obesity alters protein metabolism in skeletal muscle, but consistent evidence is lacking. This study compared muscle protein synthesis in adults with obesity and in lean controls in the fasted state and during an amino acid infusion.

Methods

Ten subjects with obesity (age: 36 ± 3 years; BMI: 34 ± 1 kg/m2) and ten controls (age: 35 ± 3 years; BMI: 23 ± 1 kg/m2) received an infusion of L‐[2,3,3,4,5,5,5,6,6,6‐2H10]leucine (0.15 μmol/kg fat‐free mass/min) to measure muscle protein synthesis after an overnight fast and during amino acid infusion.

Results

Despite greater muscle mammalian target of rapamycin phosphorylation (P ≤ 0.05), fasted‐state mixed‐muscle and mitochondrial protein synthesis were lower in subjects with obesity (P ≤ 0.05). However, the change in mixed‐muscle protein synthesis during the amino acid infusion was 2.7‐fold greater in subjects with obesity (P ≤ 0.05), accompanied by a greater change in S6 kinase‐1 phosphorylation (P ≤ 0.05). The change in mitochondrial protein synthesis did not differ between groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Adults with obesity have reduced muscle protein synthesis in the fasted state, but this response is compensated for by a greater change in overall muscle protein synthesis during amino acid infusion.
Storytelling and corporate social responsibility reporting:Acase study commentary onU.K. food retailers
Authors: Jones Peter , Comfort Daphne
Published: June 2018

Stories, in one form or another, are probably as old as the human race, but in recent years, businesses have increasingly come to recognise the importance of storytelling. The aim of this paper is to offer an exploratory commentary on how storytelling is employed in the corporate social responsibility reporting process by the leading U.K. food retailers. The paper begins with an outline of the characteristics of storytelling within the corporate world, reviews the ways storytelling is employed by the U.K.'s top 10 food retailers' as part of their corporate social responsibility reporting processes. The paper identifies a number of storytelling formats, including photographs and images, video clips, messages, and cameo case studies, used by the selected U.K. food retailers, and offers some reflections on their current approaches to storytelling. Although the stories employed by the selected retailers often have a strong human impact and can strike emotive chords, the authors would argue that stories can, at least partly, be misleading in that they do not necessarily fully reflect a retailer's corporate social responsibility record.
Quantifying the utilization of medical devices necessary to detect postmarket safety differences: A case study of implantable cardioverter defibrillators
Authors: Bates Jonathan , Parzynski Craig S. , Dhruva Sanket S. , Coppi Andreas , Kuntz Richard , Li Shu‐Xia , Marinac‐Dabic Danica , Masoudi Frederick A. , Shaw Richard E. , Warner Frederick , Krumholz Harlan M. , Ross Joseph S.
Published: June 2018

Purpose

To estimate medical device utilization needed to detect safety differences among implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) generator models and compare these estimates to utilization in practice.

Methods

We conducted repeated sample size estimates to calculate the medical device utilization needed, systematically varying device‐specific safety event rate ratios and significance levels while maintaining 80% power, testing 3 average adverse event rates (3.9, 6.1, and 12.6 events per 100 person‐years) estimated from the American College of Cardiology's 2006 to 2010 National Cardiovascular Data Registry of ICDs. We then compared with actual medical device utilization.

Results

At significance level 0.05 and 80% power, 34% or fewer ICD models accrued sufficient utilization in practice to detect safety differences for rate ratios <1.15 and an average event rate of 12.6 events per 100 person‐years. For average event rates of 3.9 and 12.6 events per 100 person‐years, 30% and 50% of ICD models, respectively, accrued sufficient utilization for a rate ratio of 1.25, whereas 52% and 67% for a rate ratio of 1.50. Because actual ICD utilization was not uniformly distributed across ICD models, the proportion of individuals receiving any ICD that accrued sufficient utilization in practice was 0% to 21%, 32% to 70%, and 67% to 84% for rate ratios of 1.05, 1.15, and 1.25, respectively, for the range of 3 average adverse event rates.

Conclusions

Small safety differences among ICD generator models are unlikely to be detected through routine surveillance given current ICD utilization in practice, but large safety differences can be detected for most patients at anticipated average adverse event rates.
Anticholinergic and sedative medications and the risk of vertigo or dizziness in the German primary care setting—A matched case‐control study from the CONTENT registry
Authors: Phillips Amanda , Strobl Ralf , Grill Eva , Laux Gunter
Published: June 2018

Purpose

To date, there is little information on the utilization of anticholinergic and sedative (AS) medications to vertigo or dizziness (VoD) patients in the German primary care setting. The objective of this study was to evaluate AS medication use and its association with VoD within the German primary care setting.

Methods

Cases with VoD from the CONTENT (CONTinuous morbidity registration Epidemiologic NeTwork) database were 1:1 matched to controls on age, sex, and comorbidities by propensity score matching. AS medication was defined using the fourth level of Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification (ATC) Codes. A prescription of AS medication any time within the study period formed the primary exposure. Multivariable conditional logistic regression examined the association between AS use and VoD.

Results

Of a total of N = 151 446 patients, 6971 (4.6%) cases and 6971 corresponding controls were analyzed (mean age (sd): 59.9 years (20.9), 64.2% female). Dizziness and giddiness (ICD‐10 Code R42) were diagnosed most prominently (87.2%). AS medication was prescribed on 1072 of 10 552 (10.2%) consultation days with VoD diagnoses. After adjusting for covariates, AS use was significantly and independently associated with VoD, adjusted odds ratio (1.37; 95% CI: 1.18–1.58), compared with no AS use.

Conclusion

Primary care practitioners should consider AS medication as a risk factor for VoD and avoid prescribing AS medications after a VoD diagnosis. Caution should also be taken when prescribing AS medications to older adults (≥65 years). Systematical calculations of AS medication burden for patients could help acknowledge this issue and raise awareness for prescription habits in primary care.
Functional characterization of squalene synthase and squalene epoxidase in Taraxacum koksaghyz
Authors: Unland Kristina , Pütter Katharina M. , Vorwerk Kirsten , van Deenen Nicole , Twyman Richard M. , Prüfer Dirk , Schulze Gronover Christian
Published: June 2018

The Russian dandelion Taraxacum koksaghyz produces high‐value isoprenoids such as pentacyclic triterpenes and natural rubber in the latex of specialized cells known as laticifers. Squalene synthase (SQS) and squalene epoxidase (SQE) catalyze key steps in the biosynthesis of cyclic terpenoids, but neither enzyme has yet been characterized in T. koksaghyz. Genomic analysis revealed the presence of two genes (TkSQS1 and TkSQS2) encoding isoforms of SQS, and four genes (TkSQE1–4) encoding isoforms of SQE. Spatial expression analysis in different T. koksaghyz tissues confirmed that TkSQS1 and TkSQE1 are the latex‐predominant isoforms, with highly similar mRNA expression profiles. The TkSQS1 and TkSQE1 proteins colocalized in the endoplasmic reticulum membrane and their enzymatic functions were confirmed by in vitro activity assays and yeast complementation studies, respectively. The functions of TkSQS1 and TkSQE1 were further characterized in the latex of T. koksaghyz plants with depleted TkSQS1 or TkSQE1 mRNA levels, produced by RNA interference. Comprehensive expression analysis revealed the coregulation of TkSQS1 and TkSQE1, along with a downstream gene in the triterpene biosynthesis pathway encoding the oxidosqualene cyclase TkOSC1. This indicates that the coregulation of TkSQS1, TkSQE1, and TkOSC1 could be used to optimize the flux toward specific terpenoids during development.
Cover Image, Volume 74, Issue 7
Authors: Liu Quan‐quan , Zhang Tong‐shu , Li Chun‐xue , Gu Jun‐wen , Hou Jie‐bin , Dong Hui
Published: June 2018

The cover image, by Quan‐quan Liu et al., is based on the Research Article Decision‐making in a bisexual line and a thelytokous Wolbachia‐infected line of Trichogramma dendrolimi Matsumura (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) regarding behavior toward their hosts, DOI: 10.1002/ps.4867.

image
Methods and Technologies for Exosome Isolation and Characterization
Authors: Zhang Mengdi , Jin Ke , Gao Liang , Zhang Zhengkui , Li Fang , Zhou Fangfang , Zhang Long
Published: June 2018

Exosomes, a specific subclass of the extracellular vesicles secreted by most cell types, play an important role in cell–cell communication by transporting diverse content including protein, mRNA, miRNA, and DNA. This cargo is closely associated with the pathogenesis of most human malignancies. Therefore, it is becoming an urgent demand to be able to isolate exosomes in a simple, efficient, and economical way for scientific research and clinical diagnosis. Here, several conventional and novel nano‐based techniques of exosome isolation and characterization are summarized, and the advantages and disadvantages among them are compared, with the hope that researchers will be provided with an overview in this field to detect and isolate exosomes in a suitable manner, matching the subsequent experiments.
Flexible and Stretchable Perovskite Solar Cells: Device Design and Development Methods
Authors: Wu Zhongwei , Li Peng , Zhang Yaokang , Zheng Zijian
Published: June 2018

Flexible and stretchable solar cells have attracted much attention in both the academic and industrial communities due to their huge application potential in many areas, such as buildings, decoration, transportation, fashion, and portable and wearable electronics. In recent years, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as the most promising photovoltaic technology, simultaneously offering high efficiency, light weight, low cost, low‐temperature and solution‐processing ability, and material flexibility, which are essential for flexible and stretchable applications. Here, a detailed review is presented on the development of flexible and stretchable PSCs, in terms of the choices of active, interfacial, conductive, and substrate materials, as well as device structures. First, some fundamental principles of PSCs regarding their suitability for flexible and stretchable applications are introduced. Then, the developments and evolving methods of several important materials of flexible devices, including flexible and stretchable substrates, electrodes, and interfacial layers, are summarized. The design of the device structure, which is directly related to the performance in flexibility and stretchability, is also discussed. Finally, conclusions are presented and some promising research directions for flexible and stretchable PSCs in the future are highlighted.
In Situ Studies of Li/Cu‐Doped Layered P2 NaxMnO2 Electrodes for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Sehrawat Divya , Zhang Jiaolong , Yu Denis Y. W. , Sharma Neeraj
Published: June 2018

By understanding how structural transitions affect the electrochemical performance of a battery, better electrode materials for reversible Na+ insertion/extraction can be developed. Here, the structural evolution of the recently synthesized P2 phases of Na0.7Li0.1Mn0.9O2 and Na2/3Cu1/3Mn2/3O2 using high‐resolution in situ synchrotron X‐ray diffraction experiments is reported and the evolution relative to the parent P2 Na0.7MnO2 is directly compared. All electrodes feature solid solution and two‐phase reactions during charge/discharge/charge processes. Using a simplified single‐phase evolution for comparative purposes, the P2 Na0.7Li0.1Mn0.9O2 and P2 Na2/3Cu1/3Mn2/3O2 show volume changes of 1.909(1) and 1.13(3) Å3 of the major phase, respectively, during charge/discharge while the parent P2 Na0.7MnO2 shows an overall volume change of 0.67(0) Å3 for P2 and 61.9(1) Å3 for orthorhombic phase. The maximum volume for P2 Na0.7Li0.1Mn0.9O2 of 81.094(6) Å3 is observed at 2.35 V during discharge while for P2 Na2/3Cu1/3Mn2/3O2 of 81.753(6) Å3 is observed at the discharged state (1.5 V). Compared to the P2 Na0.7MnO2 the number of phase transitions experienced by the P2 Na0.7Li0.1Mn0.9O2 and P2 Na2/3Cu1/3Mn2/3O2 are significantly smaller. Li/Cu‐doped samples generally show better cycle performance, and these results illustrate the structural response such substitutions have on the Na+ insertion/extraction of P2 Na0.7MnO2 during cycling.
Exploring Team Effectiveness in Systems Engineering Construction Projects: Explanations Why Some SE Teams Are More Effective than Others
Authors: de Graaf Robin S. , Loonen Michiel L.A.
Published: June 2018

The use of teams in systems engineering (SE) projects has become standard practice in many industries. Yet little attention is given in SE literature to explaining why some SE teams are more effective than others. In this study, four civil engineering projects were studied in which SE was used. Two projects were considered effective and two moderately effective. It was explored whether the differences in effectiveness could be explained from the characteristics of the teams. The Team Diagnostic Survey was used to analyse and compare the teams. The findings demonstrate that the Team Diagnostic Survey was able to discriminate between the effective and moderately effective projects and appeared to be a relevant instrument for analysing teams in civil engineering SE projects. The study also revealed that the process of actively exchanging and using team members' knowledge and skills explains for a substantial part the differences in effectiveness of the projects. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Understanding Social Class as Identity
Authors: Martin Georgianna L. , Williams Brittany , Reynolds Young Carley
Published: June 2018

This chapter explores social class as an important aspect of identity among college students. An emphasis is placed on how social class and social class identity are included and excluded from the literature, discourse, and practice in student affairs.
Impact of Environment and Genotype‐by‐Environment Interaction on Functional Properties of Amylose‐Free and Wildtype Cassava Starches
Authors: Karlström Amanda , Belalcazar John , Sánchez Teresa , Lenis Jorge I. , Moreno John L. , Pizarro Mónica , Ricci Julien , Dufour Dominique , Tran Thierry , Ceballos Hernán
Published: June 2018

Ten and thirty cassava genotypes producing wildtype and amylose‐free (waxy) starch respectively, are grown at low (LA) and intermediate (IA) altitudes (<213 and >900 m above sea level (m.a.s.l.) respectively). The functional properties of the starch from these materials are analyzed. The relative importance of environment, clones (within starch type) and genotype‐by‐environment interaction (GxE) is assessed through an analysis of variance. GxE effects are non‐significant, whereas environment and clones (within starch type) are highly significant in most of the cases (particularly for waxy starches). Results confirm that waxy cassava starches consistently show higher peak viscosity (PV) compared with wildtypes. Peak viscosity is statistically higher in plants grown in IA compared with those from the same genotypes grown in LA, both for waxy and wildtype genotypes. In a second experiment, a single waxy genotype is grown in five locations ranging from 934 to 1485 m.a.s.l. PV is highest in the location with higher altitude. The second highest PV is measured in starches from the second highest location at 1071 m. Both experiments clearly indicate that PV is positively correlated with altitude above sea level where cassava is grown. Altitude above sea level influenced starch granule size: the higher the altitude the larger the average granule size. Waxy starch granules tend to be larger than those from wildtype genotypes.
A new factored POMDP model framework for affective tutoring systems
Authors: Wang Yu , Ren Fuji , Quan Changqin
Published: June 2018

Partially observable Markov decision process (POMDP) model has been demonstrated many times to be suited for developing robust spoken dialogue systems unreliable speech recognition. In this paper, we propose a new factored POMDP model to describe a new application on building affective tutoring system (ATS). Different from previous models, the user's state space is divided into three components: goals, dialogue states, and emotions. Moreover, the system's action space is factored into two parts: goal response and emotion response, in order to respond to the user's goal and emotion, respectively. We further describe how to apply the proposed model to build an ATS in detail. Five experiments are designed to reveal the influence of some key parameters on the system performance, and the simulation results demonstrate the validity and feasibility of the proposed model. © 2018 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Infinitary Contraction-Free Revenge
Authors: Fjellstad Andreas ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: June 2018

How robust is a contraction-free approach to the semantic paradoxes? This paper aims to show some limitations with the approach based on multiplicative rules by presenting and discussing the significance of a revenge paradox using a predicate representing an alethic modality defined with infinitary rules.
Screening for pre‐eclampsia at 35–37 weeks' gestation
Authors: Panaitescu A. , Ciobanu A. , Syngelaki A. , Wright A. , Wright D. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: June 2018

Objective

To examine the performance of screening for pre‐eclampsia (PE) at 35–37 weeks' gestation by maternal factors and combinations of mean arterial pressure (MAP), uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA‐PI), serum placental growth factor (PlGF) and serum soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 (sFlt‐1).

Methods

This was a prospective observational study in women with singleton pregnancy attending for an ultrasound scan at 35 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks as part of routine pregnancy care. Bayes' theorem was used to combine the prior distribution of gestational age at delivery with PE, obtained from maternal characteristics and medical history, with various combinations of biomarker multiples of the median (MoM) values to derive the patient‐specific risks of delivery with PE. The performance of such screening was estimated.

Results

The study population of 13 350 pregnancies included 272 (2.0%) that subsequently developed PE. In pregnancies that developed PE, the MoM values of MAP, UtA‐PI and sFlt‐1 were increased and PlGF MoM was decreased. At a risk cut‐off of 1 in 20, the proportion of the population stratified into high risk was about 10% of the total, and the proportion of cases of PE contained within this high‐risk group was 28% with screening by maternal factors alone; the detection rate increased to 53% with the addition of MAP, 67% with the addition of MAP and PlGF and 70% with the addition of MAP, PlGF and sFlt‐1. The performance of screening was not improved by the addition of UtA‐PI. The performance of screening depended on the racial origin of the women; in screening by a combination of maternal factors, MAP, PlGF and sFlt‐1 and use of the risk cut‐off of 1 in 20, the detection rate and screen‐positive rate were 66% and 9.5%, respectively, for Caucasian women and 88% and 18% for those of Afro‐Caribbean racial origin.

Conclusion

Screening by maternal factors and biomarkers at 35–37 weeks' gestation can identify a high proportion of pregnancies that develop late PE. The performance of screening depends on the racial origin of the women. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Screening for pre‐eclampsia by maternal factors and biomarkers at 11–13 weeks' gestation
Authors: Tan M. Y. , Syngelaki A. , Poon L. C. , Rolnik D. L. , O'Gorman N. , Delgado J. L. , Akolekar R. , Konstantinidou L. , Tsavdaridou M. , Galeva S. , Ajdacka U. , Molina F. S. , Persico N. , Jani J. C. , Plasencia W. , Greco E. , Papaioannou G. , Wright A. , Wright D. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: June 2018

Objective

To examine the performance of screening for early, preterm and term pre‐eclampsia (PE) at 11–13 weeks' gestation by maternal factors and combinations of mean arterial pressure (MAP), uterine artery (UtA) pulsatility index (PI), serum placental growth factor (PlGF) and serum pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A).

Methods

The data for this study were derived from three previously reported prospective non‐intervention screening studies at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks' gestation in a combined total of 61 174 singleton pregnancies, including 1770 (2.9%) that developed PE. Bayes' theorem was used to combine the prior distribution of gestational age at delivery with PE, obtained from maternal characteristics, with various combinations of biomarker multiples of the median (MoM) values to derive patient‐specific risks of delivery with PE at < 37 weeks' gestation. The performance of such screening was estimated.

Results

In pregnancies that developed PE, compared to those without PE, the MoM values of UtA‐PI and MAP were increased and those of PAPP‐A and PlGF were decreased, and the deviation from normal was greater for early than late PE for all four biomarkers. Combined screening by maternal factors, UtA‐PI, MAP and PlGF predicted 90% of early PE, 75% of preterm PE and 41% of term PE, at a screen‐positive rate of 10%; inclusion of PAPP‐A did not improve the performance of screening. The performance of screening depended on the racial origin of the women; on screening by a combination of maternal factors, MAP, UtA‐PI and PlGF and using a risk cut‐off of 1 in 100 for PE at < 37 weeks in Caucasian women, the screen‐positive rate was 10% and detection rates for early, preterm and term PE were 88%, 69% and 40%, respectively. With the same method of screening and risk cut‐off in women of Afro‐Caribbean racial origin, the screen‐positive rate was 34% and detection rates for early, preterm and term PE were 100%, 92% and 75%, respectively.

Conclusion

Screening by maternal factors and biomarkers at 11–13 weeks' gestation can identify a high proportion of pregnancies that develop early and preterm PE. © 2018 Crown copyright. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology © 2018 ISUOG.
Modularized production of fuels and other value‐added products from distributed, wasted, or stranded feedstocks
Authors: Weber Robert S. , Holladay Johnathan E. , Jenks Cynthia , Panisko Ellen A. , Snowden‐Swan Lesley J. , Ramirez‐Corredores Magdalena , Baynes Brian , Angenent Largus T. , Boysen Dane
Published: June 2018

Distributed, wasted, or stranded feedstocks, when converted and upgraded into fuels, could replace about 6% of the U.S. demand for liquid fuels, which is about 25% of the net import of petroleum by the United States. We review the current state of modular approaches for conversion of these feedstocks, including the technology and economics associated with processing carbon‐containing waste and stranded, carbon‐containing gas. The wide geographic distribution of the feedstocks will require technology that can be scaled down effectively and that can be manufactured, installed, operated and monitored in ways that gain economies of mass production rather than economies of throughput scaling.

This article is categorized under:

Energy Research & Innovation > Science and Materials

Bioenergy > Systems and Infrastructure

Energy Research & Innovation > Systems and Infrastructure
Scaling and universality in extremal black hole perturbations
Authors: Gralla Samuel E. , Zimmerman Peter
Published: June 2018

Abstract

We show that the emergent near-horizon conformal symmetry of extremal black holes gives rise to universal behavior in perturbing fields, both near and far from the black hole horizon. The scale-invariance of the near-horizon region entails power law time-dependence with three universal features: (1) the decay off the horizon is always precisely twice as fast as the decay on the horizon; (2) the special rates of 1/toff the horizon and$$ 1/\sqrt{v} $$1/von the horizon commonly occur; and (3) sufficiently high-order transverse derivatives grow on the horizon (Aretakis instability). The results are simply understood in terms of near-horizon (AdS2) holography. We first show how the general features follow from symmetry alone and then go on to present the detailed universal behavior of scalar, electromagnetic, and gravitational perturbations ofd-dimensional electrovacuum black holes.
Mimetic massive gravity: beyond linear approximation
Authors: Chamseddine Ali H. , Mukhanov Viatcheslav
Published: June 2018

Abstract

We present a theory of ghost-free massive gravity where the mass of the graviton is generated through the Brout-Englert-Higgs (BEH) mechanism and one of the four scalar fields used is that of mimetic gravity. The mass term is not of the Fierz-Pauli type and the constraint eliminates the Boulware-Deser ghost which is absent to all orders. We perform a detailed analysis using the methods of cosmological perturbation theory and consider quantum fluctuations of the degrees of freedom of massive graviton and mimetic matter. It is shown that for three of the degrees of freedom of the graviton of mass m the nonlinear corrections become comparable to the linear terms already at a length scale of order

$$ {m}^{-\frac{1}{2}} $$

m

−

1
2

. Thus, at smaller scales they become strongly coupled and the graviton remains with two transverse degrees of freedom which get strongly coupled only at Planck scale. The mimetic field behaves as cold particles of half of the graviton mass and could well explain the source of dark matter in our universe. In the weakly coupled domain mimetic matter is completely decoupled from the massive graviton.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Prognostic Significance of Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) After R0 Gastrectomy for Cancer
Authors: Mellor Katie L , Powell Arfon G. M. T. , Lewis Wyn G.
Published: June 2018

Purpose

A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the prognostic value of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in patients undergoing potentially curative gastrectomy for cancer (GC).

Methods

Thomson Reuters Web of Science, Ovid MEDLINE(R) and PUBMED databases were searched for relevant articles using search terms neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), GC and survival. Articles reporting overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival and disease-free survival (DFS), in patients undergoing R0 gastrectomy, were studied.

Results

Articles numbering 365 were identified during the preliminary search, and 10 containing 4164 patients were included in the final review. Most patients were > 60 years of age, male (67%) and 2239 (53.8%) had pT3 disease. The number of NLR dichotomization thresholds reported numbered 7, with 2.00 and 3.00 (n = 2) the most common. NLR was associated with poor survival in eight studies with hazard ratios ranging from 1.54 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26–1.89) to 2.99 (1.99–4.49). Pooled odds ratio (OR) for OS was 2.31 (1.40–3.83, p = 0.001) and for DFS 2.72 (1.14–6.54, p = 0.020). Four studies presented T-stage data, OR 1.62 (1.33–1.96, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

NLR is an important prognostic indicator associated with both OS and DFS after R0 resection of GC, but the critical level is equivocal.
Drainage van symptomatische lymfoceles na pelviene lymfeklierdissectie: een retrospectief overzicht met langdurige follow-up
Authors: Bovelander Elke , Brouwer Oscar R. , van Gennep Erik J. , Bevers Rob F. M. , Buddingh Tim
Published: June 2018

Samenvatting

Een klein deel van de lymfoceles na een pelviene lymfeklierdissectie (PLKD) wordt symptomatisch en behoeft drainage. De incidentie wordt wellicht onderschat, aangezien geïnfecteerde lymfoceles ook nog lang na de ingreep kunnen optreden en daardoor ontbreken in de standaard complicatieregistraties. Deze studie geeft een overzicht van de presentatie, kweekresultaten en behandeling van symptomatische (veelal geïnfecteerde) lymfocele. Hiertoe is een retrospectieve analyse verricht van de data van alle patiënten die tussen 2005 en 2016 een laparoscopische extraperitoneale standaard-PLKD voor prostaatkanker ondergingen (n = 280). 10 % bleek percutane drainage van een symptomatische lymfocele nodig te hebben gehad, met een mediane drainageduur van negen dagen; 32 % van de patiënten had meerdere drainages nodig. Opvallend was dat de helft van de patiënten zich langer dan één maand na de PLKD presenteerden, en een enkele patiënt zelfs pas na 17 maanden.
DNA repair capacity correlates with standardized uptake values from 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/CT in patients with advanced non–small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Jiang Xin (Eric) , Xu Ting , Wei Qingyi , Li Peng , Gomez Daniel R. , Court Laurence E. , Liao Zhongxing
Published: June 2018

Objective

The DNA repair capacity (DRC) of tumor cells is an important contributor to resistance to radiation and platinum‐based drugs. Because DRC may be affected by tumor cell metabolism, we measured DRC in lymphocytes from patients with non–small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and compared the findings with the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) on18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) after (chemo)radiation therapy.

Methods

This study included 151 patients with stage IA‐IV NSCLC who had FDG PET at a single institution and donated blood samples before chemotherapy. We assessed the correlation of DRC, measured in peripheral T lymphocytes by a host‐cell reactivation assay with SUVmax and their associations with overall survival (OS) time by hazards ratios calculated with a Cox proportional hazards regression model.

Results

SUVmax of the primary tumor at diagnosis was inversely associated with lymphocyte DRC (r = −0.175, P = 0.032), particularly among patients with advanced disease (r = −0.218, P = 0.015). However, ΔSUVmax of primary tumor was not significantly associated with DRC (r = 0.005, P = 0.968). SUVmax of regional lymph nodes at diagnosis (r = −0.307, P = 0.0008) and after (chemo)radiation treatment (r = −0.329, P = 0.034) and SUVmax of the primary tumor after (chemo)radiation treatment (r = −0.253, P = 0.045) were also inversely associated with OS time.

Conclusion

DRC was inversely associated with primary tumor SUVmax before treatment but not with ΔSUVmax after (chemo)radiation.
Tet2 Regulates Osteoclast Differentiation by Interacting with Runx1 and Maintaining Genomic 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC)
Authors: Chu Yajing , Zhao Zhigang , Sant David Wayne , Zhu Ganqian , Greenblatt Sarah M. , Liu Lin , Wang Jinhuan , Cao Zeng , Tho Jeanette Cheng , Chen Shi , Liu Xiaochen , Zhang Peng , Maciejewski Jaroslaw P. , Nimer Stephen , Wang Gaofeng , Yuan Weiping , Yang Feng-Chun , Xu Mingjiang
Published: June 2018

As a dioxygenase, Ten-Eleven Translocation 2 (TET2) catalyzes subsequent steps of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) oxidation. TET2 plays a critical role in the self-renewal, proliferation, and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells, but its impact on mature hematopoietic cells is not well-characterized. Here we show that Tet2 plays an essential role in osteoclastogenesis. Deletion of Tet2 impairs the differentiation of osteoclast precursor cells (macrophages) and their maturation into bone-resorbing osteoclasts in vitro. Furthermore, Tet2−/− mice exhibit mild osteopetrosis, accompanied by decreased number of osteoclasts in vivo. Tet2 loss in macrophages results in the altered expression of a set of genes implicated in osteoclast differentiation, such as Cebpa, Mafb, and Nfkbiz. Tet2 deletion also leads to a genome-wide alteration in the level of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) and altered expression of a specific subset of macrophage genes associated with osteoclast differentiation. Furthermore, Tet2 interacts with Runx1 and negatively modulates its transcriptional activity. Our studies demonstrate a novel molecular mechanism controlling osteoclast differentiation and function by Tet2, that is, through interactions with Runx1 and the maintenance of genomic 5hmC. Targeting Tet2 and its pathway could be a potential therapeutic strategy for the prevention and treatment of abnormal bone mass caused by the deregulation of osteoclast activities.
Biomedical informatics applications for precision management of neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Miller Justin B. , Shan Guogen , Lombardo Joseph , Jimenez‐Maggoria Gustavo
Published: June 2018

Modern medicine is in the midst of a revolution driven by “big data,” rapidly advancing computing power, and broader integration of technology into healthcare. Highly detailed and individualized profiles of both health and disease states are now possible, including biomarkers, genomic profiles, cognitive and behavioral phenotypes, high‐frequency assessments, and medical imaging. Although these data are incredibly complex, they can potentially be used to understand multi‐determinant causal relationships, elucidate modifiable factors, and ultimately customize treatments based on individual parameters. Especially for neurodegenerative diseases, where an effective therapeutic agent has yet to be discovered, there remains a critical need for an interdisciplinary perspective on data and information management due to the number of unanswered questions. Biomedical informatics is a multidisciplinary field that falls at the intersection of information technology, computer and data science, engineering, and healthcare that will be instrumental for uncovering novel insights into neurodegenerative disease research, including both causal relationships and therapeutic targets and maximizing the utility of both clinical and research data. The present study aims to provide a brief overview of biomedical informatics and how clinical data applications such as clinical decision support tools can be developed to derive new knowledge from the wealth of available data to advance clinical care and scientific research of neurodegenerative diseases in the era of precision medicine.
A Systematic Review of the Risks and Benefits of Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Margolick Joseph , Dandurand Charlotte , Duncan Katrina , Chen Wenjia , Evans David C. , Sekhon Mypinder S. , Garraway Naisan , Griesdale Donald E. G. , Gooderham Peter , Hameed S. Morad
Published: June 2018

Background:Patients suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI) are at increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, initiation of pharmacological venous thromboprophylaxis (VTEp) may cause further intracranial hemorrhage. We reviewed the literature to determine the postinjury time interval at which VTEp can be administered without risk of TBI evolution and hematoma expansion.Methods:MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched. Inclusion criteria were studies investigating timing and safety of VTEp in TBI patients not previously on oral anticoagulation. Two investigators extracted data and graded the papers’ levels of evidence. Randomized controlled trials were assessed for bias according to the Cochrane Collaboration Tool and Cohort studies were evaluated for bias using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. We performed univariate meta-regression analysis in an attempt to identify a relationship between VTEp timing and hemorrhagic progression and assess study heterogeneity using anI2statistic.Results:Twenty-one studies were included in the systematic review. Eighteen total studies demonstrated that VTEp postinjury in patients with stable head computed tomography scan does not lead to TBI progression. Fourteen studies demonstrated that VTEp administration 24 to 72 hours postinjury is safe in patients with stable injury. Four studies suggested that administering VTEp within 24 hours of injury in patients with stable TBI does not lead to progressive intracranial hemorrhage. Overall, meta-regression analysis demonstrated that there was no relationship between rate of hemorrhagic progression and VTEp timing.Conclusions:Literature suggests that administering VTEp 24 to 48 hours postinjury may be safe for patients with low-hemorrhagic-risk TBIs and stable injury on repeat imaging.
Gateway to theYayla: The Varneti Archaeological Complex in the Southern Caucasus Highlands
Authors: Anderson William , Negus Cleary Michelle , Birkett-Rees Jessie , Krsmanovic Damjan , Tskvitinidze Nikoloz
Published: June 2018

Recent ground surveys in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region of southern Georgia have investigated a previously undocumented group of sites along a ridge overlooking the upper Kura river valley. Features and artefacts recorded at Varneti suggest long but episodic occupation from the Chalcolithic to the later medieval periods, with prominent phases in the Early to Middle Bronze Age and the Late Bronze Age to Early Iron Age. Varneti has the potential to contribute to understanding economic and strategic aspects of the long-term settlement pattern in the southern Caucasus, especially the interplay between lowland and highland zones. Its position in the landscape, at a transitional point between the river valley and the upland pasture (yayla), may explain its persistent use by agro-pastoral communities that operated in varied cultural situations. The survey results help us frame a series of questions regarding economic and social dynamics at a local and regional scale and the continuity and discontinuity of practice in highland environments through long timespans.
Steady small-disturbance transonic dense gas flow past two-dimensional compression/expansion ramps
Authors: Kluwick A. , Cox E. A.
Published: June 2018

The behaviour of steady transonic dense gas flow is essentially governed by two non-dimensional parameters characterising the magnitude and sign of the fundamental derivative of gas dynamics ($\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}$) and its derivative with respect to the density at constant entropy ($\unicode[STIX]{x1D6EC}$) in the small-disturbance limit. The resulting response to external forcing is surprisingly rich and studied in detail for the canonical problem of two-dimensional flow past compression/expansion ramps.
Abrupt or gradual? Change point analysis of the late Pleistocene–Holocene climate record from Chew Bahir, southern Ethiopia
Authors: Trauth Martin H. , Foerster Verena , Junginger Annett , Asrat Asfawossen , Lamb Henry F. , Schaebitz Frank
Published: June 2018

We used a change point analysis on a late Pleistocene–Holocene lake-sediment record from the Chew Bahir basin in the southern Ethiopian Rift to determine the amplitude and duration of past climate transitions. The most dramatic changes occurred over 240 yr (from ~15,700 to 15,460 yr) during the onset of the African Humid Period (AHP), and over 990 yr (from ~4875 to 3885 yr) during its protracted termination. The AHP was interrupted by a distinct dry period coinciding with the high-latitude Younger Dryas stadial, which had an abrupt onset (less than ~100 yr) at ~13,260 yr and lasted until ~11,730 yr. Wet-dry-wet transitions prior to the AHP may reflect the high-latitude Dansgaard-Oeschger cycles, as indicated by cross-correlation of the potassium record with the NorthGRIP ice core record between ~45–20 ka. These findings may contribute to the debates regarding the amplitude, and duration and mechanisms of past climate transitions, and their possible influence on the development of early modern human cultures.
Collagen stable isotopes provide insights into the end of the mammoth steppe in the central East European plains during the Epigravettian
Authors: Drucker Dorothée G. , Stevens Rhiannon E. , Germonpré Mietje , Sablin Mikhail V. , Péan Stéphane , Bocherens Hervé
Published: June 2018

Higher δ15N values in bone collagen of mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius) compared with coeval large herbivores is a classic trait of the mammoth steppe. An exception applies to the Epigravettian site of Mezhyrich (ca. 18–17.4 ka cal BP) in the central East European plains, where mammoth bones have δ15N values equivalent to or in a lower range than those of horse specimens (Equussp.). We expanded our preliminary dataset to a larger sampling size of mammoth, other large herbivores, and carnivores from contemporaneous and nearby sites of Buzhanka 2, Eliseevichi, and Yudinovo. The unusual low mammoth δ15N values were confirmed at Buzhanka 2 and for some specimens from Eliseevichi, while most individuals from Yudinovo displayed the expected high δ15N values, meaning similar to those of the large canids. The possibility of a contrast in migration pattern is not supported since the δ34S values, a marker of mobility, do not correlate with the δ15N values of mammoth bone collagen. No clear chronological tendency could be revealed, at least not at the scale of radiocarbon dating. The low range in δ15N values is likely to reflect a change in the specific niche of the mammoth in the southern part of its distribution.
HADES AND HERACLES AT PYLOS: DIONE'S TALE DISMANTLED
Authors: Sekita Karolina
Published: June 2018

The fifth book of theIliadcontains a curious story about the fight between Heracles and Hades at Pylos, told by Dione (395–7): τλῆ δ' Ἀΐδης ἐν τοῖσι πελώριος ὠκὺν ὀϊστόν, | εὖτέ μιν ωὐτὸς ἀνὴρ υἱὸς Διὸς αἰγιόχοιο | ἐν Πύλῳ ἐν νεκύεσσι βαλὼν ὀδύνῃσιν ἔδωκεν; the tale seems to have no clear mythological reference or at least not any known to us. Neither can one be found for the most puzzling element of this passage: the bizarre phrase in line 397 that Hades was wounded ἐν Πύλῳ ἐν νεκύεσσι, as we know nothing about a myth which might have been connected with this event. The lines in question have not been of great interest to scholars hitherto and tend to be mentioned only cursorily; even if some attempts at explanation have been made, no satisfactory solution has yet been offered. In this paper I would like to address two issues: (a) the myth(s) involved in the story and the meaning of ἐν Πύλῳ ἐν νεκύεσσι within it, and (b) the mechanisms through which the confusion of the transmitted versions of the motif of Heracles fighting various gods might have originated, amalgamating separate tales into an apparently unitary story. The motif of Heracles’ fight with Hades is particularly interesting and deserves careful examination.
Evaluation indexes of coalbed methane accumulation in the strong deformed strike-slip fault zone considering tectonics and fractures: a 3D geomechanical simulation study
Authors: YIN SHUAI , DING WENLONG
Published: June 2018

Both the deformation and rupture characteristics of rocks are related to geomechanics. In this paper, we identify the evaluation indexes related to coalbed methane (CBM) accumulation in strongly deformed strike-slip fault zones considering tectonics and fractures. We found that fault scale, the fault combination, the tectonic stress, the preservation conditions and fractures all have important effects on the CBM distribution. Areas near the large-scale opening faults are unfavourable to the preservation of coalbed methane. The distribution of gas wells with different capacities is influenced by tectonic extension and convergence. A 3D geomechanical method was used to analyse the influence of the ‘ribbon effect’ of strike-slip faults on the CBM distribution. Due to the influence of the ‘ribbon effect’, the tectonic stress presents a planein situstress heterogeneity, which in turn will affect the gas well productivity. We also calculated the integrated rupture rate (IF) to characterize the degree of tectonic fracture development in the target coal reservoir. The appropriate fracture development degree can improve the petrophysical properties of the coal reservoirs while maintaining good storage conditions, such that the gas wells can achieve a higher production capacity. This study is of great significance for the enrichment of the geomechanical theory of oil and gas exploration.
PAUPER INVENTORIES, SOCIAL RELATIONS, AND THE NATURE OF POOR RELIEF UNDER THE OLD POOR LAW, ENGLAND, c. 1601–1834
Authors: HARLEY JOSEPH
Published: June 2018

During the old poor law, many paupers had their possessions inventoried and later taken by authorities as part of the process of obtaining poor relief. Historians have known about this for decades, yet little research has been conducted to establish how widespread the system was, what types of parishioners had their belongings inventoried and why, what the legal status of the practice was, and how it affected social relations in the parish. Using nearly 450 pauper inventories, this article examines these historiographical lacunae. It is argued that the policy had no legal basis and came from local practices and policies. The system is found to be more common in the south and east of England than in the north, and it is argued that the practice gradually became less common from the late eighteenth century. The inventorying of paupers’ goods often formed one of the many creative ways in which parishes helped the poor before 1770, as it guaranteed many paupers assistance until death. However, by the late eighteenth century the appraising of paupers’ goods was closely tied to a negative shift in the attitudes of larger ratepayers and officials, who increasingly wanted to dissuade people from applying for assistance and reduce expenditure.
THE FATE OF THE COLUMN OF ANTONINUS PIUS
Authors: Ridley Ronald T.
Published: June 2018

One of the most remarkable stories in the history of Roman archaeology, and totally unknown to modern scholars and works of reference, despite the comprehensive documentation, is the story of the extraction of the column of Antoninus Pius in the Campus Martius (1703–5). The work was placed in the hands of the ‘noble’ architects Carlo and Francesco Fontana, instead of competent engineers, and the result was the destruction of the column.
Trading Places, Creating Spaces: Chris Candlin's contribution to aligning research and practice
Authors: White Cynthia , Holmes Janet , Bhatia Vijay
Published: June 2018

In referencing the title of Chris Candlin's (2008) plenary, this paper focuses on the continuing concern to align research and practice in applied linguistics, and more particularly in language for specific purposes (LSP) and professional communication. We examine how Candlin identified practices for trading places between research and practice and for creating synergies between them – and in so doing opened up new spaces for enquiry and understanding in the field. We identify and critically examine four approaches that Candlin developed to promote the alignment of research and practice: through particular research tools and methodologies, through the investigation of professional settings and inter-domain constructs (such as quality, trust and risk), through a concern with both rigour and relevance in relation to research and training, and through a focus on ‘critical moments of interaction’ in ‘crucial sites of engagement’ (Candlin 2008). To this end, we draw on the diverse domains and trajectories of enquiry outlined in the opening plenary symposium at the 4th Asia-Pacific Language for Specific Purposes & Professional Communication Association Conference from five standpoints: in recent impact case studies of professional communication in the Hong Kong context (Cheng 2017), in a ‘multi-perspectival’ account of Candlin's enacted philosophy of teaching and learning (Moore 2017), in examining the communicative basis of expertise (Sarangi 2017) and the concept of interdiscursivity (Jones 2017), and in the extensive fieldwork and analysis of workplace talk underlying the development of resources for new migrants in New Zealand (Holmes & Riddiford 2017). In conclusion, we pay tribute to an inspirational researcher and teacher whose influence will continue to impact applied linguistics for decades to come.