bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of Mechanistic Nutrition Models to Identify Sustainable Food Animal Production
Authors: Hanigan Mark D. , Daley Veridiana L.
Published: November 2019

To feed people in the coming decades, an increase in sustainable animal food production is required. The efficiency of the global food production system is dependent on the knowledge and improvement of its submodels, such as food animal production. Scientists use statistical models to interpret their data, but models are also used to understand systems and to integrate their components. However, empirical models cannot explain systems. Mechanistic models yield insight into the mechanism and provide guidance regarding the exploration of the system. This review offers an overview of models, from simple empirical to more mechanistic models. We demonstrate their applications to amino acid transport, mass balance, whole-tissue metabolism, digestion and absorption, growth curves, lactation, and nutrient excretion. These mechanistic models need to be integrated into a full model using big data from sensors, which represents a new challenge. Soon, training in quantitative and computer science skills will be required to develop, test, and maintain advanced food system models.
The glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist liraglutide attenuates placental ischemia-induced hypertension
Authors: Younes Subhi Talal , Maeda Kenji J. , Sasser Jennifer , Ryan Michael J.
Published: November 2019

Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy characterized by systemic perturbations of nitric oxide function, reflective of generalized endothelial dysfunction. Therapies that target the nitric oxide pathway have shown promise in both clinical and preclinical studies of preeclampsia. The glucagon-like peptide 1 agonists have been shown to increase nitric oxide and lower blood pressure in patients with diabetes, in part, through activation of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Therefore, we hypothesized that a direct acting glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist would improve stigmata of the preeclampsia syndrome. Using the reduced uterine perfusion pressure rat model, we found that treatment with liraglutide significantly lowered blood pressure, improved renal function, and upregulated NOS3 protein expression in the mesenteric arterial bed. However, there were adverse effects on pup growth that were likely related to diminished food intake in the dams. Collectively, these data support the premise that the use of drugs that improve NOS abundance, including the glucagon-like peptide 1 agonists, is a rational therapeutic approach to the treatment of preeclampsia, but suggest cautious and careful study of their safety before potential clinical use in humans.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Drugs that target the glucagon-like peptide-1 pathway such as liraglutide are already used clinically, and it has been shown to promote endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3) expression. We demonstrate that liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist, lowers blood pressure, improves renal function, and upregulates NOS3 in a rat model of placental ischemia. These data suggest that drugs that target the nitric oxide system, including GLP-1R agonists, are a potential therapeutic option for preeclampsia.
Multistage Analysis of Abnormal Human Behavior in Complex Scenes
Authors: Cai Lei , Luo Peien , Zhou Guangfu
Published: November 2019

Effective abnormal human behavior analysis serves as a warning signal before emergencies. However, most abnormal human behavior detections rely on manual monitoring at present. This method is criticized for being subjective and lack of timeliness. In response to the problems above, this paper proposes a multistage analysis method of abnormal human behavior in complex scenes. This paper firstly differentiates the abnormal behavior roughly from a large monitoring area with similarity measurement applied to the social force model, and precise analysis is conducted thereafter. The multistage analysis, based on the three-frame difference algorithm, is used for intrusion, left-behind baggage detection, and motion trajectory identification. The experimental result demonstrates the superiority of the proposed method in UMV, CAVIAR, and datasets. To demonstrate the adaptability and generalization ability of the proposed method, this paper selects the CVC and JAAD driving anomaly detection data sets to test the method. Experimental results show that the proposed method is superior to the existing methods.
Central Nervous System Involvement by Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma after a Myxoma-Related Embolic Event
Authors: Gallastegui Nicolas , Cassidy Daniel P. , Heros Deborah O. , Vega Francisco , Schatz Jonathan H.
Published: November 2019

Involvement of the central nervous system by chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma is exceedingly rare, and currently no risk factors have been described. We report the case of a patient with concomitant chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma and an embolic cerebrovascular accident related to a cardiac myxoma, who developed parenchymal central nervous system involvement of lymphoma on the ischemic bed. The patient was successfully treated with a high-dose fludarabine-based chemotherapy regimen, achieving a sustained remission. We propose that embolic breakage of the blood-brain barrier may be a major risk factor in producing central nervous system involvement. We also propose that a high-dose fludarabine-based chemotherapy regimen may be adequate to achieve a better CNS penetration and improved outcomes.
Efficacy and Safety of Nanosomal Docetaxel Lipid Suspension-Based Chemotherapy in Sarcoma: A Multicenter, Retrospective Study
Authors: Narayanan Prasad , Dattatreya Palanki Satya , Prasanna Rammohan , Subramanian Sundaram , Jain Kunal , Somanath Nirni Sharanabasappa , Joshi Nisarg , Bunger Deepak , Khan Mujtaba Ali , Chaturvedi Alok , Ahmad Imran
Published: November 2019

Objective. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of nanosomal docetaxel lipid suspension (NDLS, DoceAqualip) based chemotherapy in patients with sarcoma.Methods. In this retrospective, multicenter (6 centers), observational study, we analyzed the medical charts of adult patients of either sex, who were treated with NDLS (75 mg/m2in 3-weekly cycles) based chemotherapy for the treatment of sarcoma. The efficacy outcomes were overall response rate (ORR: complete response (CR) + partial response (PR)) and disease control rate (DCR: CR + PR + stable disease (SD)) in patients who received NDLS-based chemotherapy in neoadjuvant and metastatic settings. Overall survival (OS) and safety were evaluated for all settings.Results. Of 11 patients (neoadjuvant: 1, adjuvant: 3, and metastatic: 7) in this study, majority had leiomyosarcoma (63.6%, 7/11) followed by extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC), high grade pleomorphic sarcoma of mandible, malignant fibrous histiocytoma of right thigh, and osteosarcoma of femur (9.1% each, 1/11 each). NDLS plus gemcitabine combination was used in 10 patients (90.9%), and NDLS plus cyclophosphamide was used in one patient with EMC (9.1%). Efficacy evaluation was performed for 7 patients (neoadjuvant: 1/1; metastatic: 6/7). Complete response was reported in one patient (soft tissue sarcoma of mandible) treated in neoadjuvant setting. In metastatic setting, ORR was 50% and DCR was 66.7% (CR: 16.7% (1/6), PR: 33.3% (2/6), SD: 16.7% (1/6)). At a median follow-up of 6.5 months (range: 0.06–20.2 months), median OS was not reached in neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings, but it was 15.8 months in metastatic setting. At least 1 AE was reported in 7 (63.6%) patients. Neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia, and anemia were the hematological AEs, whereas nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea were the most common nonhematological AEs. NDLS treatment was well tolerated without any new safety concerns.Conclusion. Nanosomal docetaxel lipid suspension-based chemotherapy was efficacious and well tolerated in the treatment of sarcoma. Further prospective trials are needed to confirm the data.
Nonlinear System Identification of Folding Fins with Freeplay Using Direct Parameter Estimation
Authors: Ma Zhi-Sai , Wang Bo , Zhang Xin , Ding Qian
Published: November 2019

Folding fins are widely adopted in missiles for the efficient use of space during storage and transportation, while nonlinear behavior of freeplay is inevitable due to the factors such as mismachining tolerance, assembly error, and abrasion. The problem of nonlinear system identification of folding fins with freeplay is considered in this paper. A direct parameter estimation method which can identify the nonlinear system with freeplay under base excitation is proposed and subsequently applied to establish the nonlinear dynamic model of a folding fin. The best set of coefficients is selected by using the significance test, allowing the proposed method to detect and locate the most relevant nonlinearities of the practical structure. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method is able to decouple the linear and nonlinear dynamics of a nonlinear structure and estimate natural frequencies of the derived linear system along with nonlinear internal forces in one computational step, even if no a priori knowledge of the type of nonlinearities is given.
Facile Preparation and Enhanced Visible-Light Photocatalysis of ZnO Arrays@BiOI Nanosheets Heterostructures
Authors: Zhang Da , Wang Yuanyi , Chen Liang , Xiao Chengjing , Feng Jing , Liao Lingmin , Wei Tao , Wang Zaiqin
Published: November 2019

A simple two-step method of growing ZnO nanorod arrays on the surface of BiOI nanosheets was developed under mild environment. The hierarchical structure of ZnO arrays@BiOI nanosheets was characterized by various measurements like X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray detector. The optical absorption of the ZnO arrays@BiOI nanosheets composite was investigated by UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra. The photocatalytic degradation of methanol orange under visible light shows that the obtained ZnO arrays@BiOI nanosheets heterostructures exhibit enhanced photocatalytic activity, contrasting to the sum of BiOI nanosheets and ZnO nanorods. The mechanism of the photocatalytic process was discussed. This method of growing ZnO nanorod arrays on other nanosheets also provides a potential method to fabricating other complex structures.
Genotyping for Blast (Pyricularia oryzae) Resistance Genes in F2 Population of Supa Aromatic Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Kanyange L. , Kamau J. , Ombori O. , Ndayiragije A. , Muthini M.
Published: November 2019

The ascomycete fungus, Pyricularia oryzae or Magnaporthe oryzae, is known to cause blast disease in more than 80 host plants of the Gramineae family—cereals including rice and grasses. The improvement of the Supa234 rice line (IR97012-27-3-1-1-B, containing badh2 gene for aroma) developed at IRRI-ESA Burundi consisted of introgression of R genes (Pita and Pi9) for blast resistance. The F2 population obtained via the cross had been screened for blast resistance using inoculation with Pyricularia oryzae spore’s suspension. The objectives of this study were to assess the presence of Pita and Pi9 genes for blast resistance and to assess the presence of the badh2 gene for aroma in the screened F2 plants using molecular markers. Genotyping was carried out in 103 F2 plants which grew to maturity using the KASP genotyping method with SNP markers (snpOS0007, snpOS0006, and snpOS0022) targeting the Pita and Pi9 genes for blast resistance and the badh2 gene for aromatic fragrance. The genotyping results showed that 38 F2 plants had the Pita gene present in both alleles, 31 F2 plants with the Pita gene in one allele, and only one plant (3B1) was found with the Pi9 gene in one allele. The badh2 gene for aroma was detected in 27 F2 plants on both alleles and in 57 F2 plants on one allele. There were thirteen plants which had both the Pita gene and the badh2 gene for aroma, and only one plant (3B1) had a combination of the three genes (Pita, Pi9, and badh2). Seven plants resistant to blast disease (2H2, 2H4, 1G2, 1C12, 1E13, 1B12, and 1C5) with the Pita and badh2 genes were found, and only one resistant plant (3B1) had a combination of the three genes Pi9, Pita, and badh2 which is recommended to be bulked for the development of the Supa aromatic rice variety resistant to blast disease. The plants generated by the best line 3B1 should further be evaluated for grain quality (Supa type) after F5 generation in the field.
Prediction of Labor Induction Success from the Uterine Electrohysterogram
Authors: Benalcazar-Parra Carlos , Ye-Lin Yiyao , Garcia-Casado Javier , Monfort-Ortiz Rogelio , Alberola-Rubio Jose , Perales Alfredo , Prats-Boluda Gema
Published: November 2019

Pharmacological agents are often used to induce labor. Failed inductions are associated with unnecessarily long waits and greater maternal-fetal risks, as well as higher costs. No reliable models are currently able to predict the induction outcome from common obstetric data (area under the ROC curve (AUC) between 0.6 and 0.7). The aim of this study was to design an early success-predictor system by extracting temporal, spectral, and complexity parameters from the uterine electromyogram (electrohysterogram (EHG)). Different types of feature sets were used to design and train artificial neural networks: Set_1: obstetrical features, Set_2: EHG features, and Set_3: EHG+obstetrical features. Predictor systems were built to classify three scenarios: (1) induced women who reached active phase of labor (APL) vs. women who did not achieve APL (non-APL), (2) APL and vaginal delivery vs. APL and cesarean section delivery, and (3) vaginal vs. cesarean delivery. For Scenario 3, we also proposed 2-step predictor systems consisting of the cascading predictor systems from Scenarios 1 and 2. EHG features outperformed traditional obstetrical features in all the scenarios. Little improvement was obtained by combining them (Set_3). The results show that the EHG can potentially be used to predict successful labor induction and outperforms the traditional obstetric features. Clinical use of this prediction system would help to improve maternal-fetal well-being and optimize hospital resources.
Robust SAR Automatic Target Recognition Based on Transferred MS-CNN with L2-Regularization
Authors: Zhai Yikui , Deng Wenbo , Xu Ying , Ke Qirui , Gan Junying , Sun Bing , Zeng Junying , Piuri Vincenzo
Published: November 2019

Though Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) via Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) has made huge progress toward deep learning, some key issues still remain unsolved due to the lack of sufficient samples and robust model. In this paper, we proposed an efficient transferred Max-Slice CNN (MS-CNN) with L2-Regularization for SAR ATR, which could enrich the features and recognize the targets with superior performance. Firstly, the data amplification method is presented to reduce the computational time and enrich the raw features of SAR targets. Secondly, the proposed MS-CNN framework with L2-Regularization is trained to extract robust features, in which the L2-Regularization is incorporated to avoid the overfitting phenomenon and further optimizing our proposed model. Thirdly, transfer learning is introduced to enhance the feature representation and discrimination, which could boost the performance and robustness of the proposed model on small samples. Finally, various activation functions and dropout strategies are evaluated for further improving recognition performance. Extensive experiments demonstrated that our proposed method could not only outperform other state-of-the-art methods on the public and extended MSTAR dataset but also obtain good performance on the random small datasets.
The Use of Biopsy and “No-Biopsy” Approach for Diagnosing Paediatric Coeliac Disease in the Central European Region
Authors: Riznik Petra , Balogh Márta , Bódi Piroska , De Leo Luigina , Dolinsek Jasmina , Guthy Ildikó , Gyimesi Judit , Horváth Ágnes , Kis Ildikó , Klemenak Martina , Koletzko Berthold , Koletzko Sibylle , Korponay-Szabó Ilma Rita , Krencnik Tomaz , Not Tarcisio , Palcevski Goran , Pollák Éva , Sblattero Daniele , Tokodi István , Vogrincic Matej , Werkstetter Katharina Julia , Dolinsek Jernej
Published: November 2019

Objectives. The current European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) guidelines introduced the option to diagnose coeliac disease (CD) in children and adolescents without upper endoscopy if the defined criteria are met. The aim of our study was to evaluate how frequently paediatric gastroenterologists in Central Europe used the “no-biopsy” approach and how often the duodenal biopsy could have been omitted. Methods. Medical records of patients aged<19 years diagnosed with CD in 2016 from five European countries were analysed, focusing on levels of transglutaminase antibodies (TGA) at the time of diagnosis and on whether the diagnosis was confirmed using duodenal biopsy or “no-biopsy” approach. Clinical presentation and delays until final diagnosis were analysed according to diagnostic approach. Results. Data from 653 children (63.9% female, median age: 7 years, range: 7 months-18.5 years) from Croatia, Hungary, Germany, Italy, and Slovenia were analysed. One fifth (n=134) of included children were asymptomatic at diagnosis. Of 519 symptomatic children, 107 (20.6%) were diagnosed by the “no-biopsy” approach. Out of the remaining 412 children who underwent duodenal biopsies, 214 (51.9%) had TGA≥10 times upper level of normal (ULN) and would have been eligible for the “no-biopsy” approach. Signs and symptoms of malabsorption were more frequent in children diagnosed without duodenal biopsies. There were no differences in diagnostic delays with respect to the diagnostic approach. Conclusion. In this cohort, about 60% of symptomatic CD patients could have been diagnosed without duodenal biopsies. The aim of the “no-biopsy” approach was to make the diagnostic procedure less challenging without compromising its reliability. However, this option was applied only in 20%, in spite of fewer burdens to the family and reduced costs. The reasons for this discrepancy are unknown. Physicians should be made more aware about the reliability of CD diagnosis without biopsies when the ESPGHAN guidelines for CD diagnosis are followed.
MEK Inhibitors in Lung Cancer—You Can Teach an Old Drug New Tricks
Authors: Havel Jonathan J.
Published: November 2019

In this issue of Cancer Research, Xie and colleagues reveal an unexpected synergy between MEK inhibitors and immune checkpoint blockade in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Small-molecule inhibition of MEK led to increased cell surface expression of TNF receptor-1 (TNFR1) and sensitized NSCLC cells to cytokine-induced apoptosis. This study provides preclinical rationale for exploring the combination of MAPK pathway inhibitors with immunotherapy in NSCLC, independent of KRAS mutation status.

See related article by Xie et al., p. 5812
A Th1/IFNγ Gene Signature Is Prognostic in the Adjuvant Setting of Resectable High-Risk Melanoma but Not in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Dizier Benjamin , Callegaro Andrea , Debois Muriel , Dreno Brigitte , Hersey Peter , Gogas Helen J. , Kirkwood John M. , Vansteenkiste Johan F. , Sequist Lecia V. , Atanackovic Djordje , Goeman Jelle , van Houwelingen Hans , Salceda Susana , Wang Fawn , Therasse Patrick , Debruyne Channa , Spiessens Bart , Brichard Vincent G. , Louahed Jamila , Ulloa-Montoya Fernando
Published: November 2019

Purpose:

Immune components of the tumor microenvironment (TME) have been associated with disease outcome. We prospectively evaluated the association of an immune-related gene signature (GS) with clinical outcome in melanoma and non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumor samples from two phase III studies.

Experimental Design:

The GS was prospectively validated using an adaptive signature design to optimize it for the sample type and technology used in phase III studies. One-third of the samples were used as “training set”; the remaining two thirds, constituting the “test set,” were used for the prospective validation of the GS.

Results:

In the melanoma training set, the expression level of eight Th1/IFNγ-related genes in tumor-positive lymph node tissue predicted the duration of disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in the placebo arm. This GS was prospectively and independently validated as prognostic in the test set. Building a multivariate Cox model in the test set placebo patients from clinical covariates and the GS score, an increased number of melanoma-involved lymph nodes and the GS were associated with DFS and OS. This GS was not associated with DFS in NSCLC, although expression of the Th1/IFNγ-related genes was associated with the presence of lymphocytes in tumor samples in both indications.

Conclusions:

These findings provide evidence that expression of Th1/IFNγ genes in the TME, as measured by this GS, is associated with clinical outcome in melanoma. This suggests that, using this GS, patients with stage IIIB/C melanoma can be classified into different risk groups.
Imaging Phenotypes of Breast Cancer Heterogeneity in Preoperative Breast Dynamic Contrast Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (DCE-MRI) Scans Predict 10-Year Recurrence
Authors: Chitalia Rhea D. , Rowland Jennifer , McDonald Elizabeth S. , Pantalone Lauren , Cohen Eric A. , Gastounioti Aimilia , Feldman Michael , Schnall Mitchell , Conant Emily , Kontos Despina
Published: November 2019

Purpose:

Identifying imaging phenotypes and understanding their relationship with prognostic markers and patient outcomes can allow for a noninvasive assessment of cancer. The purpose of this study was to identify and validate intrinsic imaging phenotypes of breast cancer heterogeneity in preoperative breast dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) scans and evaluate their prognostic performance in predicting 10 years recurrence.

Experimental Design:

Pretreatment DCE-MRI scans of 95 women with primary invasive breast cancer with at least 10 years of follow-up from a clinical trial at our institution (2002–2006) were retrospectively analyzed. For each woman, a signal enhancement ratio (SER) map was generated for the entire segmented primary lesion volume from which 60 radiomic features of texture and morphology were extracted. Intrinsic phenotypes of tumor heterogeneity were identified via unsupervised hierarchical clustering of the extracted features. An independent sample of 163 women diagnosed with primary invasive breast cancer (2002–2006), publicly available via The Cancer Imaging Archive, was used to validate phenotype reproducibility.

Results:

Three significant phenotypes of low, medium, and high heterogeneity were identified in the discovery cohort and reproduced in the validation cohort (P < 0.01). Kaplan–Meier curves showed statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) in recurrence-free survival (RFS) across phenotypes. Radiomic phenotypes demonstrated added prognostic value (c = 0.73) predicting RFS.

Conclusions:

Intrinsic imaging phenotypes of breast cancer tumor heterogeneity at primary diagnosis can predict 10-year recurrence. The independent and additional prognostic value of imaging heterogeneity phenotypes suggests that radiomic phenotypes can provide a noninvasive characterization of tumor heterogeneity to augment personalized prognosis and treatment.
Extended 5-Year Follow-up Results of a Phase Ib Study (BRIM7) of Vemurafenib and Cobimetinib in BRAF-Mutant Melanoma
Authors: Ribas Antoni , Daud Adil , Pavlick Anna C. , Gonzalez Rene , Lewis Karl D. , Hamid Omid , Gajewski Thomas F. , Puzanov Igor , Wongchenko Matthew , Rooney Isabelle , Hsu Jessie J. , Yan Yibing , Park Erica , McArthur Grant A.
Published: November 2019

Purpose:

To report the 5-year overall survival (OS) landmark and the long-term safety profile of vemurafenib plus cobimetinib (BRAF plus MEK inhibition, respectively) in the BRIM7 study.

Patients and Methods:

This phase Ib, dose-finding, and expansion study evaluated combination treatment with vemurafenib and cobimetinib in two cohorts of patients with advanced BRAFV600-mutated melanoma: patients who were BRAF inhibitor (BRAFi)-naïve (n = 63) or patients who had progressed on prior treatment with BRAFi monotherapy [vemurafenib monotherapy–progressive disease (PD); n = 66]. Patients in the dose-escalation phase received vemurafenib at 720 or 960 mg twice daily in combination with cobimetinib at 60, 80, or 100 mg/d for 14 days on/14 days off, 21 days on/7 days off, or continuously. Two regimens were selected for expansion: vemurafenib (720 and 960 mg twice daily) and cobimetinib (60 mg/d 21/7).

Results:

Median OS was 31.8 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 24.5–not estimable] in the BRAFi-naïve cohort. The landmark OS rate plateaued at 39.2% at years 4 and 5 of follow-up. In the vemurafenib monotherapy–PD cohort, the median OS was 8.5 months (95% CI, 6.7–11.1), and the landmark OS rate plateaued at 14.0% from 3 years of follow-up. No increase was observed in the frequency and severity of adverse events with long-term follow-up. No new toxicities were detected, and there was no increase in the frequency of symptomatic MEK inhibitor class-effect adverse events.

Conclusions:

A subset of patients with advanced BRAFV600-mutated melanoma treated with a combination regimen of vemurafenib and cobimetinib achieve favorable long-term outcomes.
Gender-Specific Variations in Professional and Personal Aspects among Senior Urology Physicians at German Centers: Results of a Web-Based Survey
Authors: Necknig Ulrike , Wolff Ingmar , Bründl Johannes , Kriegmair Maximilian C. , Marghawal David , Wülfing Christian , Burger Maximilian , May Matthias ,   Working group of senior physicians in German urology of the German Society of Urology (DGU)
Published: November 2019

Introduction: Senior urology physicians represent a heterogeneous group covering various clinical priorities and career objectives. No reliable data on gender-specific variations among senior urology physicians are available concerning professional and personal aspects. Methods: The objective of this study was to analyze professional perspectives, professional and personal settings, and individual career goals. A Web-based survey containing 55 items was designed which was available for senior physicians at German urologic centers between February and April 2019. Gender-specific differences were evaluated using bootstrap-adjusted multivariate logistic regression models. Results: One hundred and ninety-two surveys were evaluable including 29 female senior physicians (15.1%). Ninety-five percent would choose urology again as their field of specialization – with no significant gender-specific difference. 81.2% of participants rate the position of senior physician as a desirable career goal (comparing sexes: p = 0.220). Based on multivariate models, male participants self-assessed themselves significantly more frequently autonomously safe performing laparoscopic, open, and endourologic surgery. Male senior physicians declared 7 times more often to run for the position of head of department/full professor. Conclusion: This first study on professional and personal aspects among senior urology physicians demonstrates gender-specific variations concerning self-assessment of surgical expertise and future career goals. The creation of well-orchestrated human resources development strategies especially adapted to the needs of female urologists seems advisable.
Taller-Than-Wide Shape: A New Definition Improves the Specificity of TIRADS Systems
Authors: Grani Giorgio , Lamartina Livia , Ramundo Valeria , Falcone Rosa , Lomonaco Cristiano , Ciotti Laura , Barone Martina , Maranghi Marianna , Cantisani Vito , Filetti Sebastiano , Durante Cosimo
Published: November 2019

Introduction: A taller-than-wide (TTW) shape is a suspicious feature of thyroid nodules commonly defined as an anteroposterior/transverse diameter (AP/T) ratio >1. An intraobserver variability of up to 18% in AP diameter evaluations has been described, which may lead to overreporting of this feature. To potentially improve the reliability of the TTW definition, we propose an arbitrary ratio of ≥1.2. Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate the impact of this definition on diagnostic performance. Methods: We prospectively analyzed 553 thyroid nodules referred for cytology evaluation at an academic center. Before fine-needle aspiration, two examiners jointly defined all sonographic features considered in risk stratification systems developed by the American Thyroid Association (ATA), the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), the American College of Radiology (ACR TIRADS), the European Thyroid Association (EU-TIRADS), and the Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology (K-TIRADS). TTW was defined according to the current definition (AP/T diameter ratio >1) and an arbitrary alternative definition (AP/T ratio >1.2). Results: The alternative definition classified fewer nodules as TTW (28, 5.1% vs. 94, 17%). The current and proposed definitions have a sensitivity of 26.2 and 11.9% (p = 0.03) and a specificity of 83.8 and 95.5% (p < 0.001). Thus, as a single feature, the arbitrary definition has a lower sensitivity and a higher specificity. When applied to sonographic risk stratification systems, however, the proposed definition would increase the number of avoided biopsies (up to 58.2% for ACR TIRADS) and the specificity of all systems, without negative impact on sensitivity or diagnostic odds ratio. Conclusions: Re-defining TTW nodules as those with an AP/T ratio ≥1.2 improves this marker’s specificity for malignancy. Using this definition in risk stratification systems will increase their specificity, reducing the number of suggested biopsies without significantly diminishing their overall diagnostic performance.
Clinical and Genetic Characterization of a Constitutional Delay of Growth and Puberty Cohort
Authors: Barroso Priscila Sales , Jorge Alexander Augusto Lima , Lerario Antonio Marcondes , Montenegro Luciana Ribeiro , Vasques Gabriela Andrade , Lima Amato Lorena Guimarães , Gontijo Silveira Leticia Ferreira , Mendonca Berenice Bilharinho , Latronico Ana Claudia
Published: November 2019

Introduction: Constitutional delay of growth and puberty (CDGP) is the most prevalent cause of delayed puberty in both sexes. Family history of delayed puberty (2 or more affected members in a family) has been evidenced in 50–75% of patients with CDGP and the inheritance is often consistent with autosomal dominant pattern, with or without complete penetrance. However, the molecular basis of CDGP is not completely understood. Objective: To characterize the clinical and genetic features of a CDGP cohort. Methods: Fifty-nine patients with CDGP (48 boys and 11 girls) underwent careful and long-term clinical evaluation. Genetic analysis was performed using a custom DNA target enrichment panel designed to capture 36 known and candidate genes implicated with pubertal development. Results: All patients had spontaneous or induced pubertal development (transient hormonal therapy) prior to 18 years of age. The mean clinical follow-up time was 46 ± 28 months. Male predominance (81%), short stature (91%), and family history of delayed puberty (59%) were the main clinical features of this CDGP ­cohort. Genetic analyses revealed 15 rare heterozygous missense variants in 15 patients with CDGP (25%) in seven different genes (IGSF10, GHSR, CHD7, SPRY4, WDR11, SEMA3A,and IL17RD). IGSF10 and GHSR were the most prevalent affected genes in this group. Conclusions: Several rare dominant variants in genes implicated with GnRH migration and metabolism were identified in a quarter of the patients with familial or sporadic CDGP, suggesting genetic heterogeneity in this frequent pediatric condition.
Cardiomyocyte-Specific STIM1 (Stromal Interaction Molecule 1) Depletion in the Adult Heart Promotes the Development of Arrhythmogenic Discordant Alternans
Authors: Cacheux Marine , Strauss Benjamin , Raad Nour , Ilkan Zeki , Hu Jun , Benard Ludovic , Feske Stefan , Hulot Jean-Sebastien , Akar Fadi G.
Published: November 2019

Background:

STIM1 (stromal interaction molecule 1) is a calcium (Ca
2+
) sensor that regulates cardiac hypertrophy by triggering store-operated Ca
2+
entry. Because STIM1 binding to phospholamban increases sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca
2+
load independent of store-operated Ca
2+
entry, we hypothesized that it controls electrophysiological function and arrhythmias in the adult heart.

Methods:

Inducible myocyte-restricted STIM1-KD (STIM1 knockdown) was achieved in adult mice using an αMHC (α-myosin heavy chain)-MerCreMer system. Mechanical and electrophysiological properties were examined using echocardiography in vivo and optical action potential (AP) mapping ex vivo in tamoxifen-induced STIM1
flox/flox
-Cre
tg
/−
(STIM1-KD) and littermate controls for STIM1
flox/flox
(referred to as STIM1-Ctl) and for Cre
tg/−
without STIM deletion (referred to as Cre-Ctl).

Results:

STIM1-KD mice (N=23) exhibited poor survival compared with STIM1-Ctl (N=22) and Cre-Ctl (N=11) with >50% mortality after only 8-days of cardiomyocyte-restricted STIM1-KD. STIM1-KD but not STIM1-Ctl or Cre-Ctl hearts exhibited a proclivity for arrhythmic behavior, ranging from frequent ectopy to pacing-induced ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF). Examination of the electrophysiological substrate revealed decreased conduction velocity and increased AP duration (APD) heterogeneity in STIM1-KD. These features, however, were comparable in VT/VF(+) and VT/VF(−) hearts. We also uncovered a marked increase in the magnitude of APD alternans during rapid pacing, and the emergence of a spatially discordant alternans profile in STIM1-KD hearts. Unlike conduction velocity slowing and APD heterogeneity, the magnitude of APD alternans was greater (by 80%,
P
<0.05) in VT/VF(+) versus VT/VF(−) STIM1-KD hearts. Detailed phase mapping during the initial beats of VT/VF identified one or more rotors that were localized along the nodal line separating out-of-phase alternans regions.

Conclusions:

In an adult murine model with inducible and myocyte-specific STIM1 depletion, we demonstrate for the first time the regulation of spatially discordant alternans by STIM1. Early mortality in STIM1-KD mice is likely related to enhanced susceptibility to VT/VF secondary to discordant APD alternans.
The Emperor’s New Bookcloths: Friedrich Gottlieb Klopstock’s Presentation Copies for the Imperial Court
Authors: Spoerhase Carlos
Published: November 2019

This paper explores Klopstock’s presentation copies of his drama Hermanns Schlacht in the context of his efforts to gain favor with the imperial court in Vienna. It focuses in particular on Klopstock’s attention to the materiality of the presentation copies and his strategies to adjust to court protocol. In this vein, the essay highlights his dissatisfaction with the quality of German books in general, which he felt undermined his efforts to establish himself with his patrons. At the same time, Klopstock seized on the book’s materiality as an opening to reframe the relationship of author to patron. He envisioned a new kind of relationship, which would be more reciprocal. By trying to redefine the author’s position at court, Klopstock aimed to elevate the authorial role more generally. Klopstock’s leveraging of the material book to elevate the author was part of a wider eighteenth-century debate concerning the status of authors in their relation to patrons. Klopstock aimed not only to redefine this relationship as one of equals but also to commit the emperor to provide recognition and financial support for German writers, thus securing the stature of German letters. In this context, Klopstock’s binding choices are shown to be bold moves through which he tried to break the cultural conventions attached to the medium of the presentation copy. Klopstock’s own designs of his presentation copies to the imperial court have to be seen as—ultimately failed—attempts to recalibrate cultural power structures.
The Art of Shaping Materials
Authors: Schmidt Filipp
Published: November 2019

Material perception — the visual perception of stuff — is an emerging field in vision research. We recognize materials from shape, color and texture features. This paper is a selective review and discussion of how artists have been using shape features to evoke vivid impressions of specific materials and material properties. A number of examples are presented in which visual artists render materials or their transformations, such as soft human skin, runny or viscous fluids, or wrinkled cloth. They achieve this by expressing the telltale shape features of these materials and transformations, often by carving them from a single block of marble or wood. Vision research has just begun to investigate these very shape features, making material perception a prime example of how art can inform science.
Bus passenger flow congestion risk evaluation model based on the Pressure-State-Response framework: A case study in Beijing
Authors: Ma Siyong , Weng Jiancheng , Wang Chang , Alivanistos Dimitrios , Lin Pengfei
Published: November 2019

Urban public transport is a very essential mode for urban residents’ commute travel; however, the unbalanced spatial and temporal distribution of travel demand usually leads to passenger flow congestion risk at certain section and time. Meanwhile, the risk is short of quantified description. Based on the Pressure-State-Response framework, the study puts forward three bus passenger flow congestion risk evaluation indexes including the alternative pressure, the congestion intensity, and the transport efficiency. Then, the evaluation model is proposed based on the entropy method, and the risk is divided into four levels by K-means clustering. The article considers the 3rd Ring Road corridor in Beijing as a case to identify the risk level. The results show that the risk in the peak hours of weekdays is generally about 1.5 times higher than the risk in the weekends. The congestion risk is stable in level 3 during the majority time of morning peak hours. The duration intensity of level 4 risk is less than 0.1 during weekdays, indicating that the highest flow congestion can be quickly evacuated in a short time. The integrated passenger risk identification and evaluation model was proposed to identify the passenger flow risk level and induce the network flow distribution more reasonable. The study also provides technical support for ensuring the public transit system safety.
Happily-ever after: Self-marriage, the claim of wellness, and temporal ownership
Authors: Lahad Kinneret , Kravel-Tovi Michal
Published: November 2019

The phenomenon commonly described as self-marriage is an exponentially growing trend in which individuals, mostly women, marry themselves. Drawing on a textual analysis of self-marriage accounts in online media, we argue that this concept denotes a new form of self-love and self-commitment – at the heart of which lies a wellness program, rather than a legal contract. This article explores this emergent concept, focusing on a notable, though not exclusive, segment of its practitioners: single women. We analyze the discursive formations and narrative formulas through which self-marriage travels and consolidates in the digital world. We explore this performative act in temporal terms: we introduce the concept of temporal ownership, to explain how self-marriage offers single women a venue by which they can claim to take control over their present and future, and reposition themselves vis-a-vis heteronormative timelines. Our account of temporal ownership is threefold. We analyze self-marriage as a declaration about ‘non-waiting’, and the creation of a ‘present continuous temporality’; as an act of ‘moving forward’, a meaningful milestone heralding a new beginning; and, finally, as a commitment to lifelong self-love. This threefold discussion leads us to a broader contribution to the sociological literature. In particular, we use self-marriage as a case study with which to flesh out the utility of thinking about wellness culture and certain aspects of neoliberalism through a temporal lens.
What’s to Like? Facebook as a Tool for Survey Data Collection
Authors: Schneider Daniel , Harknett Kristen
Published: November 2019

In this article, we explore the use of Facebook targeted advertisements for the collection of survey data. We illustrate the potential of survey sampling and recruitment on Facebook through the example of building a large employee–employer linked data set as part of The Shift Project. We describe the workflow process of targeting, creating, and purchasing survey recruitment advertisements on Facebook. We address concerns about sample selectivity and apply poststratification weighting techniques to adjust for differences between our sample and that of “gold standard” data sources. We then compare univariate and multivariate relationships in the Shift data against the Current Population Survey and the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997. Finally, we provide an example of the utility of the firm-level nature of the data by showing how firm-level gender composition is related to wages. We conclude by discussing some important remaining limitations of the Facebook approach, as well as highlighting some unique strengths of the Facebook targeted advertisement approach, including the ability for rapid data collection in response to research opportunities, rich and flexible sample targeting capabilities, and low cost, and we suggest broader applications of this technique.
“Living More Through Knowing More”: College Education in Prison Classrooms
Authors: Kallman Meghan Elizabeth
Published: November 2019

A growing national focus on prison reform has led to a resurgence of interest in carceral education. However, and although college education prison is different from college education in the community, relatively little scholarship has explored why or how these variations exist, what they mean, or how they have changed over time. The present paper aims to help fill this gap, exploring the significance of this context for adult learning. I ask: how does the context of a prison shape classroom dynamics and student learning? In answering the question, I employ qualitative and ethnographic methods that focus on giving voice to the perspective of the student-inmates themselves. I find that the isolated and oppressive characteristics of the prison can, paradoxically, offer unique opportunities for learning and scholarly achievement among incarcerated students. The paper’s findings invite reflection about the types of educational strategies often employed in prisons, and provide baseline data on some important social dynamics within prison classrooms.
The Effects of Prelinguistic Milieu Teaching Implemented in Classrooms for Preschoolers With or at Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Dubin Ashley H. , Lieberman-Betz Rebecca G. , Ayres Kevin M. , Zawoyski Andrea
Published: November 2019

Much research exists supporting the efficacy of naturalistic behavioral interventions on increasing social communication skills for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD); however, these evidence-based interventions are not consistently utilized in preschool classrooms. Prelinguistic Milieu Teaching was used to teach early intentional communication (i.e., purposeful and coordinated use of vocalizations, gestures, and eye contact) to three preschool students with or at risk for ASD. The present study extends prior research demonstrating the effects of PMT in increasing intentional communication through implementation in a preschool special education classroom, measurement of collateral gains related to PMT targets, and measurement of maintenance and generalization of gains. Results indicate students increased their rates of intentional communication upon introduction of PMT. These gains maintained over time for two students. Present study results have implications for future research and practice regarding the efficacy and feasibility of implementing PMT in preschool classrooms.
Clinical outcomes of patients presenting with spontaneous coronary artery dissection versus takotsubo syndrome: a propensity score analysis
Authors: Macaya Fernando , Vedia Óscar , Salazar Carlos H , Mejía-Rentería Hernán , Ruiz-Pizarro Virginia , Salinas Pablo , Gonzalo Nieves , Pérez-Vizcayno María J , Vilacosta Isidre , Fernández-Ortiz Antonio , Macaya Carlos , Escaned Javier , Núñez-Gil Iván J
Published: November 2019

Background:

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection and takotsubo syndrome are non-atherosclerotic causes of acute coronary syndromes. They share clinical features including female predominance and frequent triggers. We compared the outcomes of patients with spontaneous coronary artery dissection and patients with takotsubo syndrome with similar clinical characteristics.

Methods:

Patients with spontaneous coronary artery dissection (n=81) or takotsubo syndrome (n=341) were 1:1 propensity matched according to age, sex, cardiovascular risk factors and clinical presentation. We compared baseline characteristics, effects on left ventricular function, and recurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events; defined as a composite of new hospitalisation for cardiac cause, clinical recurrence (spontaneous coronary artery dissection/takotsubo syndrome), myocardial infarction and death.

Results:

Propensity score yielded 78 pairs: 85% were women, whose average age was 55.3±12.6 years, 28% had two or more cardiovascular risk factors, 37% presented with ST-segment elevation and 5% presented with cardiogenic shock. In the spontaneous coronary artery dissection group, 50% (39/78) of cases involved the left anterior descending artery and 18% (14/78) underwent revascularisation. After a median follow-up of 5 years (interquartile range 2.4–5), major adverse cardiovascular events were significantly higher in the spontaneous coronary artery dissection group (18% (14/78) vs. 8% (6/78); hazard ratio 3.40, 95% confidence interval 1.2–9.4). This was mainly driven by early readmissions for cardiac causes (17% vs. 5%, P=0.007). Spontaneous coronary artery dissection was associated with higher peak values of creatinine kinase during admission (creatinine kinase/upper limit of normality 2.49 vs. 1.21, P<0.001). Binary left ventricular systolic dysfunction was more prevalent in the takotsubo syndrome group (22% vs. 53%, P<0.001), but no significant differences were noted at follow-up (6% vs. 1%, P=0.181).

Conclusions:

In this cohort of middle-aged predominantly female patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes, the diagnosis of spontaneous coronary artery dissection compared to takotsubo syndrome conferred a worse long-term clinical outcome, mainly driven by an increased risk of rehospitalisation for cardiac causes.