bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of sarcopenia in patients with advanced non–small cell lung cancer treated with PD-1 inhibitors: A preliminary retrospective study
Authors: Shiroyama Takayuki , Nagatomo Izumi , Koyama Shohei , Hirata Haruhiko , Nishida Sumiyuki , Miyake Kotaro , Fukushima Kiyoharu , Shirai Yuya , Mitsui Yuichi , Takata So , Masuhiro Kentaro , Yaga Moto , Iwahori Kota , Takeda Yoshito , Kida Hiroshi , Kumanogoh Atsushi
Published: February 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical impact of sarcopenia on the efficacy of programmed death (PD)-1 inhibitors. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients treated with nivolumab or pembrolizumab between January 2016 and September 2018 for previously treated advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The cross-sectional area of the psoas muscle at the level of the third lumbar vertebra on baseline computed tomography was assessed to calculate the psoas muscle index (PMI). Sarcopenia was defined based on PMI cut-off values for Asian adults (6.36 cm2/m2 for males and 3.92 cm2/m2 for females). A total of 42 patients were analysed. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 52.4%. Sarcopenia was significantly associated with poorer progression-free survival (PFS) (median, 2.1 vs. 6.8 months, p = 0.004). Compared to patients with sarcopenia, those without sarcopenia had a higher overall response rate (40.0% vs. 9.1%, p = 0.025) and 1-year PFS rate (38.1% vs. 10.1%). In conclusion, sarcopenia at baseline as determined using computed tomography is a significant predictor of worse outcome in patients with advanced NSCLC receiving PD-1 blockade. Screening for sarcopenia may help identify patients more likely to achieve a long-term response in routine clinical practice.
Ground–state structure of semiconducting and superconducting phases in xenon carbides at high pressure
Authors: Bovornratanaraks Thiti , Tsuppayakorn-aek Prutthipong , Luo Wei , Ahuja Rajeev
Published: February 2019

The ‘missing Xe paradox’ is one of the phenomena at the Earth’s atmosphere. Studying the ‘missing Xe paradox’ will provide insights into a chemical reaction of Xe with C. We search the ground–state structure candidates of xenon carbides using the Universal Structure Predictor: Evolutionary Xtallography (USPEX) code, which has been successfully applied to a variety of systems. We predict that XeC2 is the most stable among the convex hull. We find that the I$$\bar{4}$$

4
¯

2m structure of XeC2 is the semiconducting phase. Accurate electronic structures of tetragonal XeC2 have been calculated using a hybrid density functionals HSE06, which gives larger more accurate band gap than a GGA–PBE exchange-correlation functional. Specifically, we find that the I$$\bar{4}$$

4
¯

2m structure of XeC2 is a dynamically stable structure at high pressure. We also predict that the P6/mmm structure of XeC2 is the superconducting phase with a critical temperature of 38 K at 200 GPa. The ground-state structure of xenon carbides is of critical importance for understanding in the missing Xe. We discuss the inference of the stable structures of XeC2. The accumulation of electrons between Xe and C led to the stability by investigating electron localization function (ELF).
A non-persistent aphid-transmitted Potyvirus differentially alters the vector and non-vector biology through host plant quality manipulation
Authors: Gadhave Kiran R. , Dutta Bhabesh , Coolong Timothy , Srinivasan Rajagopalbabu
Published: February 2019

The association of plant viruses with their vectors has significant implications for virus transmission and spread. Only a few studies, with even fewer pathosystems, have explored non-persistent (NP) virus-vector interactions that are presumed to be transient. We studied how a NP virus, Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) influenced the behavior and biology of its vector, the melon aphid (Aphis gossypii Glover) and the non-vector, silverleaf whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius). We also assessed whether the fitness effects on aphids are modulated through changes in the host plant, squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) nutrient profile. The overall performance of A. gossypii was substantially higher on PRSV-infected plants, along with increased arrestment on PRSV-infected than non-infected plants. No such PRSV-modulated fitness effects were observed with B. tabaci. PRSV-infected plants had increased concentrations of free essential amino acids: threonine, arginine and lysine; non-essential amino acids: glycine and homocysteine; and soluble carbohydrates: galactose, raffinose and cellobiose. In general, PRSV encouraged long-term feeding and enhanced fitness of A. gossypii through host plant nutrient enrichment. These findings provide evidence for a NP virus mediated positive fitness effects on its vector, with no spillover fitness benefits to the non-vector within the same feeding guild.
16S rRNA amplicon sequencing characterization of caecal microbiome composition of broilers and free-range slow-growing chickens throughout their productive lifespan
Authors: Ocejo Medelin , Oporto Beatriz , Hurtado Ana
Published: February 2019

Gut microbiota affects health, metabolism and immunity of the host, and in the case of livestock, also food-safety. Here, 16S rRNA gene high-throughput Illumina sequencing was used to describe the microbiome of chicken caeca in two different breeds and management systems throughout their whole productive lifespan. Broilers (Ross-308), as a fast-growing breed reared in an intensive system for 42-days, and a slow-growing breed of chicken (Sasso-T451A) reared in an extensive farming system with outdoor access for 86-days, were compared. The core microbiome and differentially abundant taxa, as well as taxa associated with age were identified. Age was identified as the strongest influencing factor in caecal microbiota composition, and, in general, each age-group showed an age-associated community profile, with a transition period at the middle of their lifespan. However, substantial differences were observed in the composition of caecal microbiota of both chicken breeds, microbiota being richer and more complex in free-range chicken than in broilers. Several taxa positively/negatively correlated with Campylobacter relative abundance were also identified. Especially noteworthy was the identification by microbial community comparison of microbiota profiles suggestive of dysbiosis in several free-range chickens, probably associated to the typhlitis observed in the lumen of their caeca.
Current channeling along extended defects during electroreduction of SrTiO3
Authors: Rodenbücher Christian , Menzel Stephan , Wrana Dominik , Gensch Thomas , Korte Carsten , Krok Franciszek , Szot Krzysztof
Published: February 2019

Electroreduction experiments on metal oxides are well established for investigating the nature of the material change in memresistive devices, whose basic working principle is an electrically-induced reduction. While numerous research studies on this topic have been conducted, the influence of extended defects such as dislocations has not been addressed in detail hitherto. Here, we show by employing thermal microscopy to detect local Joule heating effects in the first stage of electroreduction of SrTiO3 that the current is channelled along extended defects such as dislocations which were introduced mechanically by scratching or sawing. After prolonged degradation, the matrix of the crystal is also electroreduced and the influence of the initially present dislocations diminished. At this stage, a hotspot at the anode develops due to stoichiometry polarisation leading not only to the gliding of existing dislocations, but also to the evolution of new dislocations. Such a formation is caused by electrical and thermal stress showing dislocations may play a significant role in resistive switching effects.
Thermogenesis-independent metabolic benefits conferred by isocaloric intermittent fasting in ob/ob mice
Authors: Kim Yun Hye , Lee Ju Hee , Yeung Joanna Lan-Hing , Das Eashita , Kim Ri Youn , Jiang Yanqing , Moon Joon Ho , Jeong Hyerin , Thakkar Nikita , Son Joe Eun , Trzaskalski Natasha , Hui Chi-chung , Doh Kyung-Oh , Mulvihill Erin E. , Kim Jae-Ryong , Kim Kyoung-Han , Sung Hoon-Ki
Published: February 2019

Intermittent fasting (IF) is an effective dietary intervention to counteract obesity-associated metabolic abnormalities. Previously, we and others have highlighted white adipose tissue (WAT) browning as the main underlying mechanism of IF-mediated metabolic benefits. However, whether IF retains its efficacy in different models, such as genetically obese/diabetic animals, is unknown. Here, leptin-deficient ob/ob mice were subjected to 16 weeks of isocaloric IF, and comprehensive metabolic phenotyping was conducted to assess the metabolic effects of IF. Unlike our previous study, isocaloric IF-subjected ob/ob animals failed to exhibit reduced body weight gain, lower fat mass, or decreased liver lipid accumulation. Moreover, isocaloric IF did not result in increased thermogenesis nor induce WAT browning in ob/ob mice. These findings indicate that isocaloric IF may not be an effective approach for regulating body weight in ob/ob animals, posing the possible limitations of IF to treat obesity. However, despite the lack of improvement in insulin sensitivity, isocaloric IF-subjected ob/ob animals displayed improved glucose tolerance as well as higher postprandial insulin level, with elevated incretin expression, suggesting that isocaloric IF is effective in improving nutrient-stimulated insulin secretion. Together, this study uncovers the insulinotropic effect of isocaloric IF, independent of adipose thermogenesis, which is potentially complementary for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Tranexamic acid-loaded starch hemostatic microspheres
Authors: Su Huantong , Wei Shuda , Chen Fangping , Cui Ruihua , Liu Changsheng
Published: February 2019

Efficacious hemostatics have significant potential for use in rapid exsanguinating hemorrhage control by emergency medical technicians or military medics nowadays.
Highly crystalline and uniform conjugated polymer thin films by a water-based biphasic dip-coating technique minimizing the use of halogenated solvents for transistor applications
Authors: Kwon Eun Hye , Jang Young Jin , Kim Gun Woo , Kim Min , Park Yeong Don
Published: February 2019

A water-based biphasic dip-coating method with a solvent additive minimized the use of halogenated solvent and produced a uniform, smooth and crystalline conjugated polymer thin film.
Cubosomes with surface cross-linked chitosan exhibit sustained release and bioavailability enhancement for vinpocetine
Authors: Wei Yuanfeng , Zhang Jianjun , Zheng Yazhen , Gong Yaxiang , Fu Meng , Liu Chengran , Xu Liang , Sun Changquan Calvin , Gao Yuan , Qian Shuai
Published: February 2019

Cubosomes with surface cross-linked chitosan exhibit anti-digestion effect, sustained drug release behavior, and significantly enhanced oral bioavailability of vinpocetine.
Model peptide for anti-sigma factor domain HHCC zinc fingers: high reactivity toward 1O2 leads to domain unfolding
Authors: Chabert Valentin , Lebrun Vincent , Lebrun Colette , Latour Jean-Marc , Sénèque Olivier
Published: February 2019

The Zn(Cys)2(His)2 site of the anti-sigma factor ChrR reacts rapidly with 1O2 supporting its involvement in 1O2 sensing by this protein.
A catalytic protein–proteomimetic complex: using aromatic oligoamide foldamers as activators of RNase S
Authors: Hegedus Zsofia , Grison Claire M. , Miles Jennifer A. , Rodriguez-Marin Silvia , Warriner Stuart L. , Webb Michael E. , Wilson Andrew J.
Published: February 2019

An aromatic oligoamide foldamer acts as an α-helix mimetic and binds to the RNase S-protein resulting in restoration of its catalytic function.
The GALAH survey: An abundance, age, and kinematic inventory of the solar neighbourhood made with TGAS
Authors: Buder S. , Lind K. , Ness M. K. , Asplund M. , Duong L. , Lin J. , Kos J. , Casagrande L. , Casey A. R. , Bland-Hawthorn J. , De Silva G. M. , D’Orazi V. , Freeman K. C. , Martell S. L. , Schlesinger K. J. , Sharma S. , Simpson J. D. , Zucker D. B. , Zwitter T. , Čotar K. , Dotter A. , Hayden M. R. , Hyde E. A. , Kafle P. R. , Lewis G. F. , Nataf D. M. , Nordlander T. , Reid W. , Rix H.-W. , Skúladóttir Á. , Stello D. , Ting Y.-S. , Traven G. , Wyse R. F. G. ,   the GALAH collaboration
Published: February 2019

The overlap between the spectroscopic Galactic Archaeology with HERMES (GALAH) survey and Gaia provides a high-dimensional chemodynamical space of unprecedented size. We present a first analysis of a subset of this overlap, of 7066 dwarf, turn-off, and sub-giant stars. These stars have spectra from the GALAH survey and high parallax precision from the Gaia DR1 Tycho-Gaia Astrometric Solution. We investigate correlations between chemical compositions, ages, and kinematics for this sample. Stellar parameters and elemental abundances are derived from the GALAH spectra with the spectral synthesis code SPECTROSCOPY MADE EASY. We determine kinematics and dynamics, including action angles, from the Gaia astrometry and GALAH radial velocities. Stellar masses and ages are determined with Bayesian isochrone matching, using our derived stellar parameters and absolute magnitudes. We report measurements of Li, C, O, Na, Mg, Al, Si, K, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Y, as well as Ba and we note that we have employed non-LTE calculations for Li, O, Al, and Fe. We show that the use of astrometric and photometric data improves the accuracy of the derived spectroscopic parameters, especially log g. Focusing our investigation on the correlations between stellar age, iron abundance [Fe/H], and mean alpha-enhancement [α/Fe] of the magnitude-selected sample, we recover the result that stars of the high-α sequence are typically older than stars in the low-α sequence, the latter spanning iron abundances of −0.7 <  [Fe/H] <  +0.5. While these two sequences become indistinguishable in [α/Fe] vs. [Fe/H] at the metal-rich regime, we find that age can be used to separate stars from the extended high-α and the low-α sequence even in this regime. When dissecting the sample by stellar age, we find that the old stars (>8 Gyr) have lower angular momenta Lz than the Sun, which implies that they are on eccentric orbits and originate from the inner disc. Contrary to some previous smaller scale studies we find a continuous evolution in the high-α-sequence up to super-solar [Fe/H] rather than a gap, which has been interpreted as a separate “high-α metal-rich” population. Stars in our sample that are younger than 10 Gyr, are mainly found on the low α-sequence and show a gradient in Lz from low [Fe/H] (Lz >  Lz, ⊙) towards higher [Fe/H] (Lz <  Lz, ⊙), which implies that the stars at the ends of this sequence are likely not originating from the close solar vicinity.
Spatiotemporal variations of total suspended matter (TSM) in the Pearl River estuary using MERIS full-resolution (FR) level-2 TSM product
Authors: Gao Feng , Wang Yunpeng , Hu Xinyi , Xu Chao , Horning Ned
Published: February 2019

In this study, we first use self-organising map (SOM) and medium-resolution imaging spectrometer (MERIS) full-resolution (FR) level-2 total suspended matter (TSM) product to identify spatial-distribution patterns of TSM concentration in the Pearl River estuary. Second, the spatial and temporal variation of TSM concentration in the Pearl River estuary was investigated using 9-year (2003–2011) MERIS FR level-2 TSM products. The spatial-distribution patterns of TSM concentration identified by SOM in the Pearl River estuary showed that there are high values in west and north and low values in east and south. On the basis of the analysis of the sample points randomly extracted from the Pearl River estuary, the results showed that the spatial variation of TSM in eight gates varied greatly, and the Lingdingyang Bay from Humen to offshore waters (i.e. Xitan, Zhongtan and Dongtan) presents a decreasing trend. Moreover, extreme climate events (e.g. EI Niño and La Niña) may have a great effect on spatial and temporal variation of TSM concentration in the Pearl River estuary. These results could provide a new insight for a better understanding of the dynamics of TSM concentration in the Pearl River estuary and the effect of soil- and water-conservation measures in the upstream of Pearl River.
Corrigendum to: Cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding protein 2 (CPEB2) is required for tight-junction assembly for establishment of porcine trophectoderm epithelium
Authors: Kwon Jeongwoo , Park Shuha , Seong Min-Jung , Choi Inchul , Kim Nam-Hyung
Published: February 2019

Cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding protein (CPEB) is an RNA-binding protein that promotes elongation of poly(A) tails and regulates mRNA translation. CPEB depletion in mammary epithelium is known to disrupt tight-junction (TJ) assembly via mislocalisation of tight junction protein 1 (TJP1), but the role of CPEB in the biological functions associated with TJs has not yet been studied. The objective of this study was to investigate the roles of CPEB2 during porcine parthenote development. CPEB2 was detected in both the nuclei and apical cytoplasm at the 4- and 8-cell stages and was localised to cell–cell contact after the initiation of the morula stage. Its depletion led to retarded blastocyst formation caused by impaired TJ assembly. Moreover, transcription of TJ-associated genes, including TJP1, Coxsackie virus and adenovirus receptor (CXADR) and occludin (OCLN), was not affected, but the corresponding proteins were not properly localised at the apical cell membrane in morulae, suggesting that CPEB2 confers mRNA stability or determines subcellular localisation for translation. Remarkably reduced relative levels of TJP1 transcripts bearing the 3′-untranslated region were noted, indicating that CPEB2 mediates TJP1 mRNA stability. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that because of its regulation of TJP1, CPEB2 is required for TJ assembly during porcine blastocyst development.
Visual dependency and postural control on swing performance in golf players
Authors: Micarelli Alessandro , Viziano Andrea , Lanzillotta Alessia , Ruscello Bruno , D'Ottavio Stefano , Alessandrini Marco
Published: February 2019

Individuals have to reweight the respective contribution of the different sources of sensorial information for regulating posture and balance, especially during fine task execution. Given the evidences indicating strategy during swing performance as associated with prioritization of task‐relevant visuospatial information for skill execution, the aim of the present work is to assess differences in visual dependency (VD) and postural control in a population of expert (EXP) and non‐expert (NEXP) golfers when compared with healthy subjects (HC) and to discover possible relationships between these outcomes and swing performance. Thus, 15 golfers (EXP = 7; NEXP = 8) and 32 matched HC underwent otoneurological testing including video Head Impulse Test, posturography and Rod and Disk Test (RDT). Golf players also underwent a swing session procedure, which performance was measured by means of the Flightscope X2 Doppler‐radar launch monitor system. EXP subjects demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) lower values in i) counter‐clockwise (CCW) and clockwise (CW) dynamic conditions when compared with both NEXP and HC subjects RDT outcome measures and ii) surface and length posturography values as compared with HC subjects. When treating golf players outcomes as ‘a continuum’, CCW and CW scores were found to positively correlate with both lateral distance and horizontal launch angle and to negatively correlate with spin rpm. In conclusion, the present study suggests that the high‐level of visual‐independency demonstrated by EXP subjects may be functionally related in expert golfers to an effective motor strategy preferentially not referring to an inappropriate reliance on visual input.
Artistic Crimes and Misdemeanours
Authors: Davies David
Published: February 2019

Denis Dutton claimed that, to grasp why it matters to the artistic value of a painting like The Disciples at Emmaus that it was painted by van Meegeren in the first half of the twentieth century rather than by Vermeer in the seventeenth century, we need to locate what van Meegeren did in a wider class of ‘artistic crimes’ involving ‘misrepresented artistic performances’. I begin by clarifying how the notions of ‘artistic performance’ and ‘misrepresentation’ are to be understood in the context of Dutton’s paper. I survey a range of examples of misrepresented artistic performances in Dutton’s sense, and ask when they involve ‘artistic crimes’. I then seek a principled way of justifying what seem to be our clear intuitions—apparent in our artistic practice—as to which ‘misrepresented artistic performances’ are artistic crimes and which are not.
Epidemiology: Back to the Future
Authors: Olshan Andrew F , Diez Roux Ana V , Hatch Maureen , Klebanoff Mark A
Published: February 2019

In 2018, the Society for Epidemiologic Research and its partner journal, the American Journal of Epidemiology, assembled a working group to develop a set of papers devoted to the “future of epidemiology.” These 14 papers covered a wide range of topic areas and perspectives, from thoughts on our profession, teaching, and methods to critical areas of substantive research. The authors of those papers considered current challenges and future opportunities for research and education. In light of past commentaries, 4 papers also include reflections on the discipline at present and in the future.
Maternal Blood Pressure, Cord Glucocorticoids, and Child Neurodevelopment at 2 Years of Age: A Birth Cohort Study
Authors: Liu Qi , Jin Shuna , Sun Xiaojie , Sheng Xia , Mao Zhenxing , Jiang Yangqian , Liu Hongxiu , Hu Chen , Xia Wei , Li Yuanyuan , Xu Shunqing
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

Pregnancy hypertensive disorders have impaired neurodevelopment in offspring. We aimed to explore the association of normal range maternal blood pressure (BP) with child neurodevelopment, as well as the possible role of placental 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2) therein.

METHODS

Among 1,008 mother–child pairs recruited in Wuhan, China, in 2013–2015, we measured maternal third-trimester BP (systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP)) and cord glucocorticoids (cortisol and cortisone), a marker reflecting placental 11β-HSD2 activity. We evaluated child neurodevelopment using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID) with obtaining the Mental and Psychomotor Development Index (MDI and PDI). Multiple regression and mediation analysis were performed to estimate the effect.

RESULTS

Each 5 mm Hg increase in maternal third-trimester SBP was associated with 1.54 points decrease in MDI (95% confidence interval (CI) = –2.60, –0.48) and 1.23 points decrease in PDI (95% CI = –2.14, –0.31); similar association was observed between DBP and BSID (adjusted β = –1.32; 95% CI = –2.53, –0.10 for MDI and –1.37; 95% CI = –2.42, –0.33 for PDI). Also, we found significant associations between cord cortisol/cortisone ratio and PDI (adjusted β = 2.95; 95% CI = 0.91, 4.99), as well as between maternal BP and cord cortisol/cortisone ratio (adjusted β = –0.03; 95% CI = –0.06, –0.01 for both SBP and DBP). Mediation analysis revealed that cord cortisol/cortisone ratio explained 6.29% of the association between SBP and PDI, and 6.85% between DBP and PDI.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased maternal normal range BP may affect child neurodevelopment. Furthermore, placental 11β-HSD2 activity might be involved in the process.
The spectre of triviality
Authors: Charlow Nate
Published: February 2019

A spectre haunts the semantics of natural language – the spectre of Triviality. Semanticists (in particular Rothschild 2013; Khoo and Mandelkern forthcoming-a, forthcoming-b) have entered into a holy alliance to exorcize this spectre. None, I will argue, have yet succeeded.
Measurement of Diacetyl and 2,3-Pentanedione in the Coffee Industry Using Thermal Desorption Tubes and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Pengelly Ian , O’Shea Hannah , Smith Gordon , Coggins Marie A
Published: February 2019

Diacetyl is a potentially harmful chemical that is used as an artificial flavouring in the food industry and may also be generated during processing of some natural products including coffee. In Europe, an 8-h time weighted average occupational exposure limit (TWA-OEL) of 20 ppb has been adopted for diacetyl, together with a short-term exposure limit (STEL) of 100 ppb. A new measurement method involving sampling on thermal desorption tubes and analysis by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry has been used to investigate potential exposure to diacetyl, and the related compound 2,3-pentanedione, at eight companies involved in the coffee industry including large- and small-scale manufacturers and coffee shops. A total of 124 static and personal samples were collected. In the majority of personal samples airborne concentrations of diacetyl were <5 ppb, with those at coffee shops generally <1 ppb. However, diacetyl concentrations in ~40% of the long-term personal samples, mainly originating from one site, were found to be in excess of the newly adopted European TWA-OEL of 20 ppb. Diacetyl concentrations up to 400 ppb were detected on the static samples, with the highest values occurring during grinding of roasted coffee beans. 2,3-Pentanedione was also detected in most of the samples at airborne concentrations around half of those for diacetyl. A significant number of other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were also detected at sub-ppm concentrations, including acetoin, aliphatic carboxylic acids, aldehydes, ketones and esters, methylfuran, furfural and furfuryl-based alcohols and ketones, and nitrogen containing compounds, such as pyridines and pyrazines. In laboratory tests, diacetyl emissions generated during heating of whole beans were found to be significantly lower than those from heating the same beans after grinding. Diacetyl emissions from both ground and whole beans were also found to be significantly dependent on temperature.
Is size an issue of time? Relationship between the duration of xylem development and cell traits
Authors: Buttò Valentina , Rossi Sergio , Deslauriers Annie , Morin Hubert
Published: February 2019

Background and Aims

Secondary growth is a process related to the formation of new cells that increase in size and wall thickness during xylogenesis. Temporal dynamics of wood formation influence cell traits, in turn affecting cell patterns across the tree ring. We verified the hypothesis that cell diameter and cell wall thickness are positively correlated with the duration of their differentiation phases.

Methods

Histological sections were produced by microcores to assess the periods of cell differentiation in black spruce [Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.]. Samples were collected weekly between 2002 and 2016 from a total of 50 trees in five sites along a latitudinal gradient in Quebec (Canada). The intra-annual temporal dynamics of cell differentiation were estimated at a daily scale, and the relationships between cell traits and duration of differentiation were fitted using a modified von Bertalanffy growth equation.

Key Results

At all sites, larger cell diameters and cell wall thicknesses were observed in cells that experienced a longer period of differentiation. The relationship was a non-linear, decreasing trend that occasionally resulted in a clear asymptote. Overall, secondary wall deposition lasted longer than cell enlargement. Earlywood cells underwent an enlargement phase that lasted for 12 d on average, while secondary wall thickness lasted 15 d. Enlargement in latewood cells averaged 7 d and secondary wall deposition occurred over an average of 27 d.

Conclusions

Cell size across the tree ring is closely connected to the temporal dynamics of cell formation. Similar relationships were observed among the five study sites, indicating shared xylem formation dynamics across the entire latitudinal distribution of the species.The duration of cell differentiation is a key factor involved in cell growth and wall thickening of xylem, thereby determining the spatial variation of cell traits across the tree ring.
‘Role Over’ or Roll Over? Dirty Work, Shift and Mental Health Act Assessments
Authors: Vicary Sarah , Young Alys , Hicks Stephen
Published: February 2019

The rise in numbers of applications for people being formally detained in hospital is one of the reasons given for the independent review of the Mental Health Act in England and Wales. These figures have led to concerns that the legislation might be flawed, including in relation to the process of Mental Health Act Assessments. Discussed in this article are two of the roles involved: the doctor who is responsible for conducting a medical assessment and the Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) who is responsible for assessing the social circumstances and in addition making the application. Using data from a study into AMHPs and the lens of the sociological theory ‘dirty work’, we discuss shift, an aspect of dirty work not yet applied in this context. We focus on AMHPs’ perceptions of the behaviour of doctors as encapsulated in the verbatim phrase ‘role over’. We argue that AMHPs, including social workers, justify or, to play on the words of the verbatim quote, roll over. This finding adds to the understanding of behaviour as it is understood within psychiatric occupations, including social work, during Mental Health Act Assessments.
Keeping the Boss Happy: Black and Minority Ethnic Students’ Accounts of the Field Education Crisis
Authors: Srikanthan Sinthu
Published: February 2019

Social work field education, the mandatory, practice-based component of accredited schools of social work, is in a state of crisis. Welfare state retrenchment has reduced the social and health service sectors’ capacity to provide field education placements. Concurrently, increasing student enrollment in and the expansion of social work programmes in the academy have increased the demand for field education. Whilst the service and academic sectors have developed a range of formal and informal relationships to cope with the crisis that often benefit workers in both domains, the implications for students, especially those who are Black and Minority Ethnic (BME), remain largely unknown. This article reports findings from institutional ethnographic research based on textual analyses and interviews with five BME students from a school of social work in Southern Ontario who were engaged in securing field education placement. A central finding of the study was that racial categories and hierarchies are reproduced across placement settings and in the sorting process of students into placement settings itself, adding to the work of BME social work students. The findings implicate the institutional practices and context of field education in the production of a racially stratified labour market in social work field education.
Adverse Childhood Experiences: Beyond Signs of Safety; Reimagining the Organisation and Practice of Social Work with Children and Families
Authors: Spratt Trevor , Devaney John , Frederick John
Published: February 2019

While an adverse childhood experience (ACE)-informed approach to child protection and welfare has become influential in USA, it has had markedly less influence in UK, this despite growth in adoption of ACE research as a basis for understanding population needs and aligning service delivery amongst policymakers and other professional groups. In this article, we note the development of ACE research and draw out implications for social work with children and families. We argue that current organisational and practice preoccupations, drawing on the example of the Signs of Safety programme, together with antipathy to ACEs in some quarters of the social work academy, have the effect of reifying a short-term and occluded view of the developing child’s needs so as to obstruct the systemic analysis and changes necessary to ensure that the child welfare system is redesigned to meet such needs. This suggests that post-Kempe era child welfare services are no longer conceptually or systemically adequate to protect children beyond immediate safety outcomes and consequently we need to reimagine their future.
Identification and validation of a potent multi-mRNA signature for the prediction of early relapse in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Cai Jie , Tong Ying , Huang Lifeng , Xia Lei , Guo Han , Wu Hailong , Kong Xiaoni , Xia Qiang
Published: February 2019

Early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is implicated in poor patient survival and is the major obstacle to improving prognosis. The current staging systems are insufficient for accurate prediction of early recurrence, suggesting that additional indicators for early recurrence are needed. Here, by analyzing the gene expression profiles of 12 Gene Expression Omnibus data sets (n = 1533), we identified 257 differentially expressed genes between HCC and non-tumor tissues. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression model was used to identify a 24-messenger RNA (mRNA)-based signature in discovery cohort GSE14520. With specific risk score formula, patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups. Recurrence-free survival within 2 years (early-RFS) was significantly different between these two groups in discovery cohort [hazard ratio (HR): 7.954, 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.596–13.767, P < 0.001], internal validation cohort (HR: 8.693, 95% CI: 4.029–18.754, P < 0.001) and external validation cohort (HR: 5.982, 95% CI: 3.414–10.480, P < 0.001). Multivariable and subgroup analyses revealed that the 24-mRNA-based classifier was an independent prognostic factor for predicting early relapse of patients with HCC. We further developed a nomogram integrating the 24-mRNA-based signature and clinicopathological risk factors to predict the early-RFS. The 24-mRNA-signature-integrated nomogram showed good discrimination (concordance index: 0.883, 95% CI: 0.836–0.929) and calibration. Decision curve analysis demonstrated that the 24-mRNA-signature-integrated nomogram was clinically useful. In conclusion, our 24-mRNA signature is a powerful tool for early-relapse prediction and will facilitate individual management of HCC patients.
Successful Control of Streptococcus pneumoniae 19A Replacement With a Catch-up Primary Vaccination Program in Taiwan
Authors: Lu Chun-Yi , Chiang Chuen-Sheue , Chiu Cheng-Hsun , Wang En-Tzu , Chen Ying-Yan , Yao Shu-Man , Chang Luan-Yin , Huang Li-Min , Lin Tzou-Yien , Chou Jih-Haw
Published: February 2019

Background

Streptococcus pneumoniae infections in Taiwan mostly occur in children aged 2–4 years. Because of a significant increase in the incidence of serotype 19A-related infections, the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) was initially introduced in the national immunization program for children 2–5 years of age, prior to the national programs for infants. We have assessed the impact of such vaccination programs in reducing the incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in Taiwanese children.

Methods

We analyzed the national data on IPDs from the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control between 2008 and 2017. We calculated the incidence rates of IPD and incidence rate ratios (IRRs) between years for different serotypes to estimate the effectiveness of the vaccination programs.

Results

The national catch-up primary vaccination schedule successfully reduced the incidence rate of IPD from 17.8/100 000 in 2012 to 5.5/100 000 in 2017 among children aged 0–5 years. The IRR (2017 over 2012) was 0.31, corresponding to a 69% reduction. A modest herd effect was also observed, with a 37% reduction in the incidence of IPD in elderly people (≥70 years) from 2012 to 2017. The incidence of IPD caused by serotype 19A in children aged 0–5 years was reduced by 32.6–44.3% yearly from 2012 to 2017. In 2015, serogroup 15 outnumbered 19A, to become the leading serotypes in children 0–5 years old.

Conclusions

Special catch-up vaccination programs starting from children 2–5 years of age with PCV13 have been highly effective in reducing the incidence of IPD, especially as caused by serotype 19A, in Taiwanese children.
Persistent Low-level Viremia While on Antiretroviral Therapy Is an Independent Risk Factor for Virologic Failure
Authors: Joya Christie , Won Seung Hyun , Schofield Christina , Lalani Tahaniyat , Maves Ryan C , Kronmann Karl , Deiss Robert , Okulicz Jason , Agan Brian K , Ganesan Anuradha
Published: February 2019

Background

Whether persistent low-level viremia (pLLV) predicts virologic failure (VF) is unclear. We used data from the US Military HIV Natural History Study (NHS), to examine the association of pLLV and VF.

Methods

NHS subjects who initiated combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) after 1996 were included if they had 2 or more VLs measured with a lower limit of detection of ≤50 copies/mL. VF was defined as a confirmed VL ≥200 copies/mL or any VL >1000 copies/mL. Participants were categorized into mutually exclusive virologic categories: intermittent LLV (iLLV) (VL of 50–199 copies/mL on <25% of measurements), pLLV (VL of 50–199 copies/mL on ≥25% of measurements), high-level viremia (hLV) (VL of 200–1000 copies/mL), and continuous suppression (all VL <50 copies/mL). Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the association between VF and LLV; hazard ratios and 95% confidence interval (CI) are presented.

Results

Two thousand six subjects (median age 29.2 years, 93% male, 41% black) were included; 383 subjects (19%) experienced VF. After adjusting for demographics, VL, CD4 counts, ART regimen, prior use of mono or dual antiretrovirals, and time to ART start, pLLV (3.46 [2.42–4.93]), and hLV (2.29 [1.78–2.96]) were associated with VF. Other factors associated with VF include black ethnicity (1.33 [1.06–1.68]) and antiretroviral use prior to ART (1.79 [1.34–2.38]). Older age at ART initiation (0.71 [0.61–0.82]) and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (0.68 [0.51–0.90]) or integrase strand transfer inhibitor use (0.26 [0.13–0.53]) were protective.

Conclusion

Our data add to the body of evidence that suggests persistent LLV is associated with deleterious virologic consequences.
Seroprotection at Different Levels of the Healthcare System After Routine Vaccination With Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis whole cell–Hepatitis B–Haemophilus influenzae Type B in Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Authors: Hefele Lisa , Syphan Sengdavanh , Xayavong Dalouny , Homsana Anousin , Kleine Daria , Chanthavilay Phetsavanh , Nouanthong Phonethipsavanh , Xaydalasouk Kinnaly , Phathammavong Outavong , Billamay Somxay , Xeuatvongsa Anonh , Reinharz Daniel , Muller Claude P , Black Antony P
Published: February 2019

Background

The Lao People’s Democratic Republic continues to sustain a considerable burden of vaccine-preventable diseases because of incomplete vaccine coverage and weak vaccine responses. We have assessed seroconversion after routine vaccination with the pentavalent vaccine to capture weaknesses of vaccine management at the different levels of the healthcare system.

Methods

A total of 1151 children (aged 8–28 months) with 3 documented doses of the pentavalent vaccine delivered at central hospitals in Vientiane and the provincial hospital, 3 district hospitals, and 10 health centers in Bolikhamxay province were enrolled. Sociodemographic information was collected with a standardized questionnaire. Serum samples were analyzed for antibodies against vaccine components, and bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed to identify risk factors for low vaccine responses.

Results

Seroprotection rates at the provincial, district, and health center level were as high as in central hospitals, but seroprotection rates in areas covered by remote health centers were significantly lower. Protective levels also rapidly decreased with age at sampling. Seroprotection rates in Bolikhamxay against the different components reached 70%–77% and were up to 20% higher than in previous studies in the same region; 18.8% more children received the hepatitis B vaccine birth dose and the hepatitis B virus infection rate was 4 times lower.

Conclusions

Vaccine immunogenicity has dramatically improved in a central province, likely due to training and investment in the cold chain. Nevertheless, there remains a need to focus on the “last mile” in remote areas were most children are vaccinated through outreach activities.
Higher albumin:creatinine ratio and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate are potential risk factors for decline of physical performance in the elderly: the Cardiovascular Health Study
Authors: Bůžková Petra , Barzilay Joshua I , Fink Howard A , Robbins John A , Cauley Jane A , Ix Joachim H , Mukamal Kenneth J
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Mildly reduced renal function and elevated urine protein levels are each prospectively associated with hip fracture risk in older adults. Here we determine whether these markers are associated with reduced appendicular muscle performance.

Methods

We prospectively examined the associations of urine albumin:creatinine ratio (ACR) and reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) with longitudinal changes in grip strength and gait speed >2 years in 2317 older community-dwelling men and women (median age 77 years). The median ACR was 9.8 [interquartile range (IQR) 5.40–21.50] mg/g creatinine and the median eGFR was 71.6 (IQR 59.1–83.56) mL/min/1.73 m2. Models were adjusted for demographic factors, clinical history and biochemical measures in four candidate pathways: diabetes, oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis.

Results

In demographic- and covariate-adjusted models, a 2-fold higher baseline urine ACR was associated with longitudinal changes of −0.17 kg [95% confidence interval (CI) −0.29 to −0.06) in grip strength and −1.10 cm/s (95% CI −1.67 to −0.53) gait speed per year. Corresponding estimates for a 10 mL/min/1.73 m2 lower baseline eGFR were −0.13 kg (95% CI −0.23 to −0.04) and −0.89 cm/s (95% CI −1.37 to −0.40), respectively. The associations of a 2-fold higher baseline ACR and a 10 mL/min/1.73 m2 lower baseline eGFR using cystatin C with grip strength and gait speed were equivalent to ∼1.2–1.9 additional years of age. Adjustment for covariates in candidate pathways did not attenuate these estimates.

Conclusions

In older adults, higher ACR and lower eGFR are potential risk factors for a decline of physical performance >2 years.
Fast methods for finding significant motifs on labelled multi-relational networks
Authors: Micale Giovanni , Pulvirenti Alfredo , Ferro Alfredo , Giugno Rosalba , Shasha Dennis
Published: February 2019

A labelled multi-relational network (or labelled multigraph, for short) is one in which nodes have labels and a pair of nodes may be connected by an edge with one or more labels. For example, in an airline route database, ‘large European city’ may be the label on the Paris node and ‘large Asian city’ may be the label on the New Delhi node and the edge between the two cities may be labelled by several carriers. This article presents an analytical method to compute the p-values of labelled subgraph (sub-network) motifs in such labelled multi-relational networks (multigraphs). The method (and a fast approximation to the method) works for both directed and undirected graphs and extends to large subgraphs. We have validated these methods on a dataset of medium size real networks (up to tens of thousands of nodes and hundreds of thousands of edges) of different types (biological, infrastructural and collaboration networks). The pure analytical model is faster than a randomized simulation model by a factor of approximately 1000 in most of our experiments. This improvement in performance is greater for larger graphs. The approximate analytical model avoids the calculations of statistical variance and achieves nearly the same precision and recall as the pure analytical model while being several times faster. To test the scalability of our methods, we run our algorithms on synthetic and real datasets from protein–protein interaction networks, airline flight paths, the internet infrastructural network and the IMDB movie network. We also illustrate a use case of this form of analysis on a large relationship network of people involved in the Panama papers scandal, retrieving frequently used money laundering patterns. labelled multigraphs motif enumeration; motif statistical significance; random network models; multi-relational networks; multigraphs.
Stretching single titin molecules from failing human hearts reveals titin’s role in blunting cardiac kinetic reserve
Authors: Chen Mei-Pian , Kiduko Salome A , Saad Nancy S , Canan Benjamin D , Kilic Ahmet , Mohler Peter J , Janssen Paul M L
Published: February 2019

Aims

Heart failure (HF) patients commonly experience symptoms primarily during elevated heart rates, as a result of physical activities or stress. A main determinant of diastolic passive tension, the elastic sarcomeric protein titin, has been shown to be associated with HF, with unresolved involvement regarding its role at different heart rates. To determine whether titin is playing a role in the heart rate (frequency-) dependent acceleration of relaxation (FDAR). W, we studied the FDAR responses in live human left ventricular cardiomyocytes and the corresponding titin-based passive tension (TPT) from failing and non-failing human hearts.

Methods and results

Using atomic force, we developed a novel single-molecule force spectroscopy approach to detect TPT based on the frequency-modulated cardiac cycle. Mean TPT reduced upon an increased heart rate in non-failing human hearts, while this reduction was significantly blunted in failing human hearts. These mechanical changes in the titin distal Ig domain significantly correlated with the frequency-dependent relaxation kinetics of human cardiomyocytes obtained from the corresponding hearts. Furthermore, the data suggested that the higher the TPT, the faster the cardiomyocytes relaxed, but the lower the potential of myocytes to speed up relaxation at a higher heart rate. Such poorer FDAR response was also associated with a lesser reduction or a bigger increase in TPT upon elevated heart rate.

Conclusions

Our study established a novel approach in detecting dynamic heart rate relevant tension changes physiologically on native titin domains. Using this approach, the data suggested that the regulation of kinetic reserve in cardiac relaxation and its pathological changes were associated with the intensity and dynamic changes of passive tension by titin.