bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Delisting HCV‐infected liver transplant candidates who improved after viral eradication: Outcome 2 years after delisting
Authors: Perricone Giovanni , Duvoux Christophe , Berenguer Marina , Cortesi Paolo A. , Vinaixa Carmen , Facchetti Rita , Mazzarelli Chiara , Rockenschaub Susanne‐Rasoul , Martini Silvia , Morelli Cristina , Monico Sara , Volpes Riccardo , Pageaux Georges‐Philippe , Fagiuoli Stefano , Belli Luca S. ,   the European Liver and Intestine Transplant Association (ELITA)
Published: May 2018

Backgrounds & Aims

Treating patients with decompensated cirrhosis with direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) therapy while on the waiting list for liver transplantation results in substantial improvement of liver function allowing 1 in 4 patients to be removed from the waiting list or delisted, as reported in a previous study promoted by the European Liver and Intestine Transplant Association (ELITA). The aim of this study was to report on clinical outcomes of delisted patients, including mortality risk, hepatocellular carcinoma development and clinical decompensation requiring relisting.

Methods

One hundred and forty‐two HCV‐positive patients on the liver transplant waiting list for decompensated cirrhosis, negative for hepatocellular carcinoma, between February 2014 and June 2015 were treated with DAA therapy and were prospectively followed up.

Results

Forty‐four patients (30.9%) were delisted following clinical improvement. This percentage was higher than in the original study because of a number of patients being delisted long after starting DAAs. The median Child‐Pugh and MELD score of delisted patients was 5.5 and 9 respectively. Four patients were relisted, because of HCC diagnosis in 1 case and 3 patients developed ascites. One further patient died (2.4%) because of rapidly progressing hepatocellular carcinoma twenty‐two months after delisting. Of the 70 patients who received a liver graft, 9 died (13%).

Conclusions

Antiviral therapy allows for a long‐term improvement of liver function and the delisting of one‐third of treated patients with risk of liver‐related complications after delisting being very low.
Bone morphogenetic protein 9 as a key regulator of liver progenitor cells in DDC‐induced cholestatic liver injury
Authors: Addante Annalisa , Roncero Cesáreo , Almalé Laura , Lazcanoiturburu Nerea , García‐Álvaro María , Fernández Margarita , Sanz Julián , Hammad Seddik , Nwosu Zeribe C. , Lee Se‐Jin , Fabregat Isabel , Dooley Steven , ten Dijke Peter , Herrera Blanca , Sánchez Aránzazu
Published: May 2018

Background & Aims

Bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP9) interferes with liver regeneration upon acute injury, while promoting fibrosis upon carbon tetrachloride‐induced chronic injury. We have now addressed the role of BMP9 in 3,5 diethoxicarbonyl‐1,4 dihydrocollidine (DDC)‐induced cholestatic liver injury, a model of liver regeneration mediated by hepatic progenitor cell (known as oval cell), exemplified as ductular reaction and oval cell expansion.

Methods

WT and BMP9KO mice were submitted to DDC diet. Livers were examined for liver injury, fibrosis, inflammation and oval cell expansion by serum biochemistry, histology, RT‐qPCR and western blot. BMP9 signalling and effects in oval cells were studied in vitro using western blot and transcriptional assays, plus functional assays of DNA synthesis, cell viability and apoptosis. Crosslinking assays and short hairpin RNA approaches were used to identify the receptors mediating BMP9 effects.

Results

Deletion of BMP9 reduces liver damage and fibrosis, but enhances inflammation upon DDC feeding. Molecularly, absence of BMP9 results in overactivation of PI3K/AKT, ERK‐MAPKs and c‐Met signalling pathways, which together with an enhanced ductular reaction and oval cell expansion evidence an improved regenerative response and decreased damage in response to DDC feeding. Importantly, BMP9 directly targets oval cells, it activates SMAD1,5,8, decreases cell growth and promotes apoptosis, effects that are mediated by Activin Receptor‐Like Kinase 2 (ALK2) type I receptor.

Conclusions

We identify BMP9 as a negative regulator of oval cell expansion in cholestatic injury, its deletion enhancing liver regeneration. Likewise, our work further supports BMP9 as an attractive therapeutic target for chronic liver diseases.
Ceres's global and localized mineralogical composition determined by Dawn's Visible and Infrared Spectrometer (VIR)
Authors: De Sanctis M. C. , Ammannito E. , Carrozzo F. G. , Ciarniello M. , Giardino M. , Frigeri A. , Fonte S. , McSween H. Y. , Raponi A. , Tosi F. , Zambon F. , Raymond C. A. , Russell C. T.
Published: May 2018

The Visible and Infrared Spectrometer (VIR) instrument on the Dawn mission observed Ceres’s surface at different spatial resolutions, revealing a nearly uniform global distribution of surface mineralogy. Clearly, Ceres experienced extensive water‐related processes and chemical differentiation. The surface is mainly composed of a dark component (carbon, magnetite?), Mg‐phyllosilicates, ammoniated clays, carbonates, and salts. The observed species suggest endogenous, global‐scale aqueous alteration. While mostly uniform at regional scale, Ceres’s surface shows small localized areas with different species and/or variations in abundances. Few local exposures of water ice are seen, especially at higher latitudes. Sodium carbonates have been identified in several areas on the surface, notably in Occator bright faculae. Organic matter has also been discovered in several places, most conspicuously in a large area close to the Ernutet crater. The observed mineralogies, with the presence of ammoniated species and sodium salts, have a strong resemblance to materials found on other bodies of the outer solar system, such as Enceladus. This poses some questions about the original material from which Ceres accreted, suggesting a colder environment for such material with respect to Ceres’s present position.
Blind Modal Identification Using Limited Sensors through Modified Sparse Component Analysis by Time‐Frequency Method
Authors: Yao Xiao‐Jun , Yi Ting‐Hua , Qu Chunxu , Li Hong‐Nan
Published: May 2018

Output‐only modal identification with limited sensors available may be encountered in practical applications. Sparse component analysis (SCA), which is one of the most popular methods among blind source separation (BSS) techniques, is known as its capability for handling underdetermined BSS problems and nonstationary signals. Single‐source‐points (SSPs) where only one mode makes contribution are adopted to estimate the modal matrix. However, the accuracy of SSP detection is influenced by the number of sensors, because the detecting condition for SSPs may be satisfactory for multiple‐source‐points (MSPs). Besides, the estimation of frequencies and damping ratios is based on the sparse reconstruction of time‐frequency domain modal responses, where the number of sensors will have an impact on the accuracy. To improve the performance of blind modal identification using limited sensors, a method which is called SCA‐TF by modifying SCA through time‐frequency method is proposed in this paper. The TF representation in SCA is employed to modify the SSP detection process and identify frequencies and damping ratios instead of recovering the modal responses. In order to improve the accuracy of modal matrix estimation, the result of SSP detection is used as a preliminary for further refinement. Then the false SSPs are removed from the preliminary result through the power spectra which are constructed by short‐time Fourier transform coefficients. Subsequently, the estimation of modal matrix is accomplished by clustering the refined SSPs. Frequencies and damping ratios are extracted directly from the generalized spectra matrix which is formed by the short‐time Fourier transform coefficients. Because the identification of modal parameters is implemented directly in time‐frequency domain, the reconstruction of modal responses is omitted. The results of the numerical studies show that SCA‐TF can identify the modal parameters accurately. To investigate the performance of SCA‐TF in practical structures, the acceleration measurements from Tianjin Yonghe Bridge are analyzed to identify the modal parameters. The results of the Yonghe Bridge demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method to perform blind modal identification in practical structures.
Subjectivity in gradable adjectives: The case oftallandheavy
Authors: Verheyen Steven , Dewil Sabrina , Égré Paul
Published: May 2018

We present an investigation of the ways in which speakers' subjective perspectives are likely to affect the meaning of gradable adjectives liketallorheavy. We present the results of a study showing that people tend to use themselves as a yardstick when ascribing these adjectives to human figures of varied measurements: subjects' height and weight requirements for applyingtallandheavyare found to be positively correlated with their personal measurements. We draw more general lessons regarding the definition of subjectivity and the ways in which a standard of comparison and a significant deviation from that standard are specified.
Does Evolution Conflict with God's Character?
Authors: Peels Rik
Published: May 2018

The core question that this article addresses is how the Darwinian evolutionary process of random mutation and natural selection relates to God's character, especially as portrayed in the Christian tradition. The main challenge is that the process of random mutation and natural selection generally favours well‐adapted individuals, whereas, in the Christian tradition, God is said to favour the weak and poor. I first spell out the problem in more detail and explain how it is different from other problems regarding the evolutionary process and God's character that can be found in the philosophical and theological literature. Subsequently, I draw attention to various misunderstandings, especially about the nature of Darwinian evolution. Doing so weakens the tension between Darwinian evolution and God's character, but does not provide a satisfactory solution. I therefore move on to discuss six attempts to solve the problem and argue that each of them is seriously wanting. Finally, I propose three lines of reasoning that jointly constitute a sufficiently plausible solution to the problem.
The taxonomic utility of micromorphology in Lepidaploa (Vernonieae: Asteraceae)
Authors: Marques Danilo , Ângulo María Betiana , Nakajima Jimi Naoki , Dematteis Massimiliano
Published: May 2018

Lepidaploa belongs to tribe Vernonieae, one of the most complex tribes of Asteraceae, and the relationships within Lepidaploa and among related genera are poorly understood. Microcharacters may be of taxonomic value and may be used in the identification of taxa at different ranks. To evaluate the reliability of microcharacters as taxonomic markers in this group, we analysed the micromorphology of phyllaries, florets and cypselae in detail in 23 species of Lepidaploa .The species were studied using stereo, light, and scanning electron microscopy. Eight trichome types (eglandular and glandular) were observed on phyllaries, florets and cypselae, in addition to crystals, idioblasts and other microstructures. The results demonstrates that the ocurrence of different combinations of trichome types and crystals, presence of a stylar basal node, idioblasts and glandular apical anther appendages are highly useful to differentiate between related species of Lepidaploa and a diagnostic key using these characters is presented. However, these characters are not of much use to distinguish between closely related genera of Vernonieae since most characters appear homeoplasic and are found in representatives of different genera.
Achene anatomy and stomatal characteristics of eighteen Crepis L. (Asteraceae) taxa from Turkey with notes on their systematic significance
Authors: Inceer Huseyin , Kalmuk Nursen Aksu , Imamoglu Kemal Vehbi , Arslan Gokhan , Duman Ozge , Hayırlıoglu‐Ayaz Sema , Guner Gul
Published: May 2018

Achene anatomy and stomatal characteristics of eighteen Crepis taxa from Turkey are here described for the first time. In all taxa examined the pericarp is composed of several layers of sclerenchymatous and parenchymatous cells. As for the achene, differences among taxa mainly concern the pericarp structure and its thickness and width. Stomata are present on both surface of the leaf in all studied taxa and all taxa have anomocytic type stomata. However, the dimensions (length and width) and density of the stomata differ significantly among the studied taxa. In addition, the dimensions of stomata are negatively correlated with stomata density. It is concluded that achene anatomy and stomatal characteristics are useful for delimitation of Crepis taxa and a key to taxa based on these characters is provided. However, based on achene anatomy and stomatal characteristics, we found no argument for an exclusion of the Lagoseris group from Crepis as has previously been proposed.
Carex nodosa (Cyperaceae), a new species of C. sect. Occlusae from southwest China
Authors: Zhang Shu‐Ren , Zhang Jun , Liu Zheng‐Yu , Qu Shang , Han Ru‐Gang
Published: May 2018

Carex nodosa (Cyperaceae), a new species from Chongqing and Sichuan, southwest China, is described and illustrated. The new species resembles C. hebecarpa C. A. Mey., but differs in having sheath‐like bracts, 4.0–7.5 cm long male spikes, oblanceolate 7.1–8.6 mm long male scales, and perigynia that are glabrous except for ciliate beaks.
Gastrointestinal pathologists’ perspective on managing risk in the distal esophagus: convergence on a pragmatic approach
Authors: Bellizzi Andrew M. , Hafezi‐Bakhtiari Sara , Westerhoff Maria , Marginean E. Celia , Riddell Robert H.
Published: May 2018

Here, we discuss recent updates and a continuing controversy in the diagnosis and management of Barrett's esophagus, specifically the recommendation that the irregular Z‐line not be biopsied, the diminished status of ultrashort‐segment Barrett's esophagus, the evidence basis for excluding and including the requirement of goblet cells for the diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus, and the conclusion that histologically confirmed low‐grade dysplasia is best managed with endoscopic ablation rather than surveillance. We reference the American Gastroenterological Association and College of Gastroenterology and the British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines throughout, with the thesis that the field is converging on the concept of applying scarce medical resources to the diagnosis, surveillance, and therapy of patients most likely to derive benefit.
Neural mechanisms of the link between giving social support and health
Authors: Inagaki Tristen K.
Published: May 2018

Giving social support to others has emerged as an additional route by which social ties influence health. Thus, giving support to others not only influences the health of the individual receiving support, but also the health of the individual giving the support. However, the neural mechanisms by which giving support leads to health are only beginning to be explored. In hopes of consolidating and guiding future research on giving support and health, the current review considers why, how, and when giving support is health promoting. Special emphasis is placed on neural regions known to contribute to parental care in animals that both reinforce giving support behavior (ventral striatum and septal area) and reduce stress‐related responding (e.g., amygdala) to facilitate care. Hypothesized links between neural regions involved in giving support and peripheral physiology (sympathetic nervous system, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, and related inflammatory responding) are considered as well as the conditions under which giving support should be most beneficial for health. Finally, the implications of the current perspective for understanding how social relationships, more broadly, contribute to health and suggestions for future directions are offered.
White matter pathways as both a target and mediator of health behaviors
Authors: Porter Alexis , Leckie Regina , Verstynen Timothy
Published: May 2018

Health behaviors arise from the dynamics of highly interconnected networks in the brain and variability in these networks drives individual differences in behavior. In this review, we show how many factors that predict the physical health of the body also correlate with variability of the myelinated fascicles, called white matter, that connect brain regions together. The general pattern present in the literature is that as predictors of physical health decline, there is often a coincident reduction in the integrity of major white matter pathways. We also highlight a plausible mechanism, inflammatory pathways, whereby health‐related activation of the immune system can impact the myelin sheath, a protective tissue that facilitates long range communication in the brain. The growing body of evidence supports the hypothesis that degrading health in the periphery may disrupt the communication efficiency of the macroscopic neural circuits that mediate complex behaviors, which can in turn contribute to poorer physical health.
Axon initial segments: structure, function, and disease
Authors: Huang Claire Yu‐Mei , Rasband Matthew N.
Published: May 2018

The axon initial segment (AIS) is located at the proximal axon and is the site of action potential initiation. This reflects the high density of ion channels found at the AIS. Adaptive changes to the location and length of the AIS can fine‐tune the excitability of neurons and modulate plasticity in response to activity. The AIS plays an important role in maintaining neuronal polarity by regulating the trafficking and distribution of proteins that function in somatodendritic or axonal compartments of the neuron. In this review, we provide an overview of the AIS cytoarchitecture, mechanism of assembly, and recent studies revealing mechanisms of differential transport at the AIS that maintain axon and dendrite identities. We further discuss how genetic mutations in AIS components (i.e., ankyrins, ion channels, and spectrins) and injuries may cause neurological disorders.
From automata to animate beings: the scope and limits of attributing socialness to artificial agents
Authors: Hortensius Ruud , Cross Emily S.
Published: May 2018

Understanding the mechanisms and consequences of attributing socialness to artificial agents has important implications for how we can use technology to lead more productive and fulfilling lives. Here, we integrate recent findings on the factors that shape behavioral and brain mechanisms that support social interactions between humans and artificial agents. We review how visual features of an agent, as well as knowledge factors within the human observer, shape attributions across dimensions of socialness. We explore how anthropomorphism and dehumanization further influence how we perceive and interact with artificial agents. Based on these findings, we argue that the cognitive reconstruction within the human observer is likely to be far more crucial in shaping our interactions with artificial agents than previously thought, while the artificial agent's visual features are possibly of lesser importance. We combine these findings to provide an integrative theoretical account based on the “like me” hypothesis, and discuss the key role played by the Theory‐of‐Mind network, especially the temporal parietal junction, in the shift from mechanistic to social attributions. We conclude by highlighting outstanding questions on the impact of long‐term interactions with artificial agents on the behavioral and brain mechanisms of attributing socialness to these agents.
Microbial and metabolic multi‐omic correlations in systemic sclerosis patients
Authors: Bellocchi Chiara , Fernández‐Ochoa Álvaro , Montanelli Gaia , Vigone Barbara , Santaniello Alessandro , Milani Christian , Quirantes‐Piné Rosa , Borrás‐Linares Isabel , Ventura Marco , Segura‐Carrettero Antonio , Alarcón‐Riquelme Marta Eugenia , Beretta Lorenzo
Published: May 2018

Intestinal microbiota has been associated with systemic autoimmune diseases, yet the functional consequences of these associations are elusive. We characterized the fecal microbiota (16S rRNA gene amplification and sequencing) and the plasma metabolome (high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry) in 59 patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and 28 healthy controls (HCs). Microbial and metabolic data were cross‐correlated to find meaningful associations after extensive data mining analysis and internal validation. Our data show that a reduced model of nine bacteria is capable of differentiating HCs from SSc patients. SSc gut microbiota is characterized by a reduction in protective butyrate‐producing bacteria and by an increase in proinflammatory noxious genera, especially Desulfovibrio. From the metabolic point of view, a multivariate model with 17 metabolite intermediates well distinguished cases from controls. The most interesting peaks we found were identified as glycerophospholipid metabolites and benzene derivatives. The microbial and metabolic data showed significant interactions between Desulfovibrio and alpha‐N‐phenylacetyl‐l‐glutamine and 2,4‐dinitrobenzenesulfonic acid. Our data suggest that in SSc, intestinal microbiota is characterized by proinflammatory alterations subtly entwined with the metabolic state. Desulfovibrio is a relevant actor in gut dysbiosis that may promote intestinal damage and influence amino acid metabolism.
An isolated phlebolith found in buccal soft tissue: a rare case report
Authors: Scott J. , Morton A. , Stagnell S.
Published: May 2018

The presence of an isolated phlebolith in oral soft tissue is a rare entity. This case presents the finding of a tender calcified mass situated in the buccal sulcus, adjacent to where the lower wisdom tooth was situated 5 years prior. Histological diagnosis of the lesion confirmed a phlebolith; to the best of our knowledge this is the first reported case of an isolated oral phlebolith, with no associated vascular malformation, arising after the surgical extraction of a wisdom tooth.

Here, we discuss the case of a 27 year old female complaining of soreness in the right posterior buccal mucosa, adjacent to where the lower right wisdom tooth (LR8) was extracted 5 years ago. Clinical examination revealed a small, mobile firm lump within the buccal soft tissue. Radiographically, a well‐defined round lesion of mixed radiodensity was detected, indicating a calcified lesion. This was excised and histology confirmed it to be a phlebolith. This may have been caused by trauma from the surgical extraction of the LR8 or long‐buccal infiltration, as it presented in that specific location.

Oral phleboliths rarely occur without associated vascular malformations; there have only been four other similar lesions reported in the literature to date. This is a rare but interesting complication that likely arose from the uneventful surgical procedure 5 years previously, and should be included in a differential diagnosis for calcified lesions in buccal soft tissue.
Trends in replacement of pacemaker leads in the Netherlands: A long‐term nationwide follow‐up study
Authors: de Vries L.M. , Leening M.J.G. , Dijk W.A. , Hooijschuur C.A.M. , Stricker B.H. , van Hemel N.M.
Published: May 2018

Background

Our objective was to investigate trends over time in longevity and reasons for replacement with or without extraction of pacemaker leads after first implantation.

Methods

Data collected between 1984 and 2006 in the national Dutch pacemaker registry were used. This registry covered 84% of sold leads. First lead replacement with or without extraction of one or more leads implanted with a first pacemaker generator was the endpoint of interest. The time interval of and reason for first replacement were analyzed. A 7‐year follow‐up interval after first implantation was used to analyze changes over time.

Results

During 22 years of data collection, 138,225 leads were implanted with a first pacemaker generator. Within a mean 5.5 (SD 4.4) years for 7,377 patients one or more leads were extracted for the first time. In total, 8,849 leads (6.4%) were replaced or extracted. The main reasons for first replacement of leads with or without extraction were insulation failures (14.6%), infection (8.8%), displacement (7.6%), or for elective reasons (10.0%). The number of insulation failures peaked during 1991–1995.

Conclusions

Despite improvements in pacing techniques and experience with cardiac devices, we found that insulation and conductor failures, and complications such as infections, did not diminish over the 20 years of the registry. Continuing attention in clinical practice for the evaluation of these adverse outcomes and maintaining quality registries is warranted, whereas manufacturers should use this information to further improve their devices.
Morphometric analysis of inter‐ and intraspecific variation in the Cambrian helcionelloid mollusc Mackinnonia
Authors: Jackson Illiam S. C. , Claybourn Thomas M.
Published: May 2018

Phylogenetic relationships within the helcionelloid molluscs have been difficult to establish. One of the reasons for this is that qualitative approaches to investigating morphological variation in this group have struggled to identify clear patterns. An alternative method of identifying these patterns is to study these organisms quantitatively. Here this approach is exemplified by employing morphometric methods to investigate patterns of subtle morphological variation in two species of Mackinnonia Runnegar in Bengtson et al. from Cambrian Series 2, Stages 3–4. Specifically, a combination of elliptical Fourier and multivariate analyses were conducted to study intra‐ and interspecific variation in protoconch form as well as variation in ontogenetic trajectory of the teleoconch of two species of Mackinnonia. The material used consists of two assemblages of Mackinnonia rostrata (Zhou & Xiao), from the Shackleton Limestone of Antarctica and Ajax Limestone of Australia, and an assemblage of Mackinnonia taconica (Landing & Bartowski) from the Bastion Formation of Greenland. Results of this study show significant (p < 0.0001) differences in protoconch shape between all three groups. Ontogenetic sequences of outline curves truncated at successive rugae significantly (p < 0.05) discriminate between M. rostrata and M. taconica. These techniques uncovered significant intraspecific morphological variation of disparate assemblages of M. rostrata despite shared qualitative features and structure a conceptual framework for understanding such patterns of variation and put this in the context of the incipient species concept.
The Ontario Birth Study: A prospective pregnancy cohort study integrating perinatal research into clinical care
Authors: Anderson Laura N. , Knight Julia A. , Hung Rayjean J. , Hewko Sheryl L. , Seeto Ryan A. , Martin Mary‐Jean , Fleming Alison , Maguire Jonathon L. , Matthews Stephen G. , Murphy Kellie E. , Okun Nan , Jenkins Jennifer M. , Lye Stephen J. , Bocking Alan ,   the Ontario Birth Study Collaboration
Published: May 2018

Background

Pregnancy and early childhood represent critical periods that impact health throughout the life‐course. The Ontario Birth Study (OBS) is a pregnancy cohort study designed as a platform for research on pregnancy complications, maternal and infant health, and the developmental origins of health and disease.

Methods

Pregnant women <17 weeks gestational age were recruited between 2013 and 2015 from antenatal clinics at Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada. Life style and diet questionnaires, biospecimens, and clinical data were collected throughout the pregnancy and postpartum period at the time of clinical care. The OBS was integrated into clinical care to reduce participant burden, improve efficiency, and increase research potential.

Results

There were 3181 eligible women approached for recruitment and 1374 (43%) participated in the study. Among the 1374 participants, 1272 (93%) delivered a liveborn infant and were followed to 6‐10 weeks postpartum. Of the 1272 women who completed the study, 98% had at least one pregnancy blood sample collected, 97% had vaginal swabs collected, 90% completed the prenatal life style questionnaires, and 78% completed the Diet History Questionnaire. Most women (88%) were ≥30 years of age, 55% had no previous children, 24% were overweight or obese pre‐pregnancy and 78% of parents had postsecondary education. Most pregnancies were singleton (3% twins), 34% delivered by caesarean section, and 6% preterm (<37 weeks gestation).

Conclusions

The OBS is a contemporary cohort with detailed data including banked biospecimens for studies of pregnancy health and the gene‐environment interactions that establish developmental trajectories to health, learning, and social functioning.
Comparing the Economic Impact of Natural Disasters Generated by Different Input–Output Models: An Application to the 2007 Chehalis River Flood (WA)
Authors: Avelino Andre F. T. , Dall'erba Sandy
Published: May 2018

Due to the concentration of assets in disaster‐prone zones, changes in risk landscape and in the intensity of natural events, property losses have increased considerably in recent decades. While measuring these stock damages is common practice in the literature, the assessment of economic ripple effects due to business interruption is still limited and available estimates tend to vary significantly across models. This article focuses on the most popular single‐region input–output models for disaster impact evaluation. It starts with the traditional Leontief model and then compares its assumptions and results with more complex methodologies (rebalancing algorithms, the sequential interindustry model, the dynamic inoperability input–output model, and its inventory counterpart). While the estimated losses vary across models, all the figures are based on the same event, the 2007 Chehalis River flood that impacted three rural counties in Washington State. Given that the large majority of floods take place in rural areas, this article gives the practitioner a thorough review of how future events can be assessed and guidance on model selection.
Mercury, Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Selenium, and Fatty Acids in Tribal Fish Harvests of the Upper Great Lakes
Authors: Dellinger Matthew J. , Olson Jared T. , Holub Bruce J. , Ripley Michael P.
Published: May 2018

The Chippewa Ottawa Resource Authority monitors fish contaminants in Anishinaabe (Great Lake Native American) tribal fisheries. This article updates previously reported trends in two persistent bioaccumulative toxic (PBT) substances that are the primary contributors to consumption advisory limits for these fish: methylmercury (MeHg) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Also, we report, for the first time, an analysis of nutritional benefit bioindicators and metrics in these same Upper Great Lakes fish harvests: selenium (Se) and omega‐3 fatty acids (PUFA‐3s). A novel risk/benefit quantification originally presented by Ginsberg et al. is reported here to characterize the tradeoffs between fatty acid benefits and toxic MeHg health outcomes. We also report a Se benefit metric to characterize the possible protective value against MeHg neurotoxicity based on Ralston et al. Congruent with Anishinaabe cultural motivations to consume fish from their ancestral fisheries, nutritional content was high in locally caught fish and, in some respects, superior to farmed/store‐bought fish. These Great Lakes fish still contained levels of PBTs that require careful education and guidance for consumers. However, the contaminant trends suggest that these fish need not be abandoned as important (both culturally and nutritionally) food sources for the Anishinaabe who harvested them.
Maximin Projection Learning for Optimal Treatment Decision with Heterogeneous Individualized Treatment Effects
Authors: Shi Chengchun , Song Rui , Lu Wenbin , Fu Bo
Published: May 2018

A salient feature of data from clinical trials and medical studies is inhomogeneity. Patients not only differ in baseline characteristics, but also in the way that they respond to treatment. Optimal individualized treatment regimes are developed to select effective treatments based on patient's heterogeneity. However, the optimal treatment regime might also vary for patients across different subgroups. We mainly consider patients’ heterogeneity caused by groupwise individualized treatment effects assuming the same marginal treatment effects for all groups. We propose a new maximin projection learning method for estimating a single treatment decision rule that works reliably for a group of future patients from a possibly new subpopulation. Based on estimated optimal treatment regimes for all subgroups, the proposed maximin treatment regime is obtained by solving a quadratically constrained linear programming problem, which can be efficiently computed by interior point methods. Consistency and asymptotic normality of the estimator are established. Numerical examples show the reliability of the methodology proposed.
Self‐cannulation of the vascular access in home hemodialysis: Overcoming patient‐level barriers
Authors: Ward Frank L. , Faratro Rose , McQuillan Rory F.
Published: May 2018

Patients with end‐stage kidney disease who are considering home hemodialysis (HHD) face the challenge of learning to self‐cannulate their arteriovenous access. Current practice discourages the use of tunneled central venous catheters, with recent indications that self‐cannulating patients have superior outcomes. Patient‐level barriers do not appear to preclude a successful HHD program and should not be viewed as insurmountable by healthcare staff or patients. The healthcare team must address patient fears while instructing the patient to perform self‐cannulation safely. Identification and understanding of the barriers perceived by the patient will allow the patient and healthcare team work collaboratively, toward the goal of independence with self‐cannulation both during initial training and follow‐up care. The aim of this review was to provide a practical resource to aid in the identification and resolution of these patient‐level barriers, with the overall goal of improving the patient experience and medical outcomes in home hemodialysis programs.
A Bayesian semiparametric partially PH model for clustered time‐to‐event data
Authors: Nipoti Bernardo , Jara Alejandro , Guindani Michele
Published: May 2018

A standard approach for dealing with unobserved heterogeneity and clustered time‐to‐event data within the proportional hazards (PH) context has been the introduction of a cluster‐specific random effect (frailty), common to subjects within the same cluster. However, the conditional PH assumption could be too strong for some applications. For example, the marginal association of survival functions within a cluster does not depend on the subject‐specific covariates. We propose an alternative partially PH modeling approach based on the introduction of cluster‐dependent random hazard functions and on the use of mixture models induced by completely random measures. The proposed approach accommodates for different degrees of association within a cluster, which varies as a function of cluster‐level and individual covariates. Moreover, a particular specification of the proposed model has the appealing property of preserving marginally the PH structure. We illustrate the performances of the proposed modeling approach on simulated and real data sets.
Repair: The Interface Between Interaction and Cognition
Authors: Albert Saul , de Ruiter J. P.
Published: May 2018

Conversational repair is the process people use to detect and resolve problems of speaking, hearing, and understanding. Through repair, participants in social interaction display how they establish and maintain communication and mutual understanding. We argue that repair provides a crucial theoretical interface for research between diverse approaches to studying human interaction. We provide an overview of conversation analytic findings about repair in order to encourage further cross‐disciplinary research involving both detailed inductive inquiry and more theory‐driven experimental approaches. We outline CA's main typologies of repair and its methodological rationale, and we provide transcripts and examples that readers can explore for themselves using open data from online corpora. Since participants in interaction use repair to deal with problems as they emerge at the surface level of talk, we conclude that repair can be a point of convergence for studying mis/communication from multiple methodological perspectives.
Canine and feline fundus photography and videography using a nonpatented 3D printed lens adapter for a smartphone
Authors: Espinheira Gomes Filipe , Ledbetter Eric
Published: May 2018

Objective

To describe an indirect funduscopy imaging technique for dogs and cats using low cost and widely available equipment: a smartphone, a three‐dimensional (3D) printed indirect lens adapter, and a 40 diopters (D) indirect ophthalmoscopy lens.

Methods

Fundus videography was performed in dogs and cats using a 40D indirect ophthalmoscopy lens and a smartphone fitted with a 3D printed indirect lens adapter. All animals were pharmacologically dilated with topical tropicamide 1% solution. Eyelid opening and video recording were performed using standard binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy technique. All videos were uploaded to a computer, and still images were selected and acquired for archiving purposes. Fundic images were manipulated to represent the true anatomy of the fundus.

Results

It was possible to promptly obtain good quality images from normal and diseased retinas using the nonpatented 3D printed, lens adapter for a smartphone.

Conclusions

Fundic imaging using a smartphone can be performed with minimal investment. This simple imaging modality can be used by veterinary ophthalmologists and general practitioners to acquire, archive, and share images of the retina. The quality of images obtained will likely improve with developments in smartphone camera software and hardware.
Ultrasonographic variations are present in the distal sesamoidean impar ligament of clinically sound horses
Authors: MacDonald Jessica Lauren , Richter Ruth‐Anne , Wimer Christine L.
Published: May 2018

Ultrasonography is an established diagnostic test for evaluating horses with foot pain due to suspected podotrochlear apparatus pathology. However, variations from the previously reported normal appearance of the distal sesamoidean impar ligament have not always coincided with lameness. The objective of this prospective, cross‐sectional, descriptive study was to characterize variations in the ultrasonographic appearance of the distal sesamoidean impar ligament in sound horses using the transcuneal approach. Transcuneal ultrasonography of the distal sesamoidean impar ligament was performed on sound horses, and images were evaluated for fiber pattern, echogenicity, and thickness. Varying echogenicities of the distal sesamoidean impar ligament compared to the deep digital flexor tendon were found. Hypoechogenic or hyperechogenic focal areas were noted in the mid‐body of the distal sesamoidean impar ligament or at its attachment to the navicular bone or the distal phalanx. In some of the sound horses, an anechoic linear area between the deep digital flexor tendon and distal sesamoidean impar ligament was observed as well as multifocal areas of hyperechogenicity or hypoechogenicity, irregular fiber pattern, and measurable thickening of the distal sesamoidean impar ligament. Several findings were bilaterally symmetrical, and no finding was always bilaterally symmetrical each time it was noted. This study supports transcuneal ultrasonography as an ancillary diagnostic tool for evaluating the equine distal sesamoidean impar ligament, describes sonographic variations in clinically sound horses, and suggests that the clinical significance of a lesion may not be determined by comparison of the distal sesamoidean impar ligament in the contralateral limb.
Circadian alignment in a foster mother improves the offspring's pathological phenotype
Authors: Olejníková Lucie , Polidarová Lenka , Behuliak Michal , Sládek Martin , Sumová Alena
Published: May 2018

Key points

In mammals, the mother–offspring interaction is essential for health later in adulthood.

The impact of altered timing and quality of maternal care on the offspring's circadian system was assessed using a cross‐strain fostering approach.

Better maternal care facilitated the development of amplitudes of Bmal1 clock gene expression in the central clock, as well as the clock‐driven activity/rest rhythm, and also its entrainment to the external light/dark cycle. Worse maternal care impaired entrainment of the central clock parameters in the Wistar rat during the early developmental stages.

Better maternal care remedied the dampened amplitudes of the colonic clock, as well as cardiovascular functions.

The results provide compelling evidence that the circadian phenotype of a foster mother may affect the pathological symptoms of the offspring, even if they are genetically programmed.

In mammals, the mother–offspring interaction is essential for health later in adulthood. Maternal care is determined by the circadian phenotype of the mother. The impact of altered timing and quality of maternal care on the circadian system was assessed using a cross‐strain fostering approach, with ‘abnormal’ (i.e. circadian misaligned) care being represented by spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and ‘normal’ care by Wistar rats. The SHR mothers worsened synchrony of the central clock in the suprachiasmatic nuclei with the light/dark cycle in Wistar rat pups, although this effect disappeared after weaning. The maternal care provided by Wistar rat mothers to SHR pups facilitated the development of amplitudes of the Bmal1 expression rhythm in the suprachiasmatic nuclei of the hypothalamus, as well as the clock‐driven activity/rest rhythm and its entrainment to the external light/dark cycle. The peripheral clocks in the liver and colon responded robustly to cross‐strain fostering; the circadian phenotype of the Wistar rat foster mother remedied the dampened amplitudes of the colonic clock in SHR pups and improved their cardiovascular functions. In general, the more intensive maternal care of the Wistar rat mothers improved most of the parameters of the abnormal SHR circadian phenotype in adulthood; conversely, the less frequent maternal care of the SHR mothers worsened these parameters in the Wistar rat during the early developmental stages. Altogether, our data provide compelling evidence that the circadian phenotype of a foster mother may positively and negatively affect the regulatory mechanisms of various physiological parameters, even if the pathological symptoms are genetically programmed.
Rac1 muscle knockout exacerbates the detrimental effect of high‐fat diet on insulin‐stimulated muscle glucose uptake independently of Akt
Authors: Raun Steffen H. , Ali Mona , Kjøbsted Rasmus , Møller Lisbeth L. V. , Federspiel Morten A. , Richter Erik A. , Jensen Thomas E. , Sylow Lykke
Published: May 2018

Key points

The actin cytoskeleton regulating GTPase, Rac1, is a novel player in insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in muscle in vivo.

High‐fat diet (HFD) exacerbates muscle insulin resistance in Rac1 muscle knockout (mKO) mice.

Muscle Rac1 KO protects against HFD‐induced insulin resistance in fat tissue indicating tissue cross‐talk.

A fatty diet markedly reduces insulin clearance in mice.

Insulin resistance and perturbations in glucose metabolism underpin common lifestyle diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity. Insulin resistance in muscle is characterized by compromised activity of the GTPase, Ras‐related C3 Botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1), yet the role of Rac1 in insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake in vivo and diet‐induced insulin resistance is unknown. Inducible muscle‐specific Rac1 knockout (Rac1 mKO) and wild type (WT) littermate mice were either fed a chow or a 60% high‐fat diet (HFD). Insulin‐stimulated 2‐deoxy‐glucose uptake, intracellular signalling, protein expression, substrate utilization, and glucose and insulin tolerance were assessed. In chow‐fed mice, in vivo insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake was reduced in triceps, soleus and gastrocnemius muscles from Rac1 mKO mice. HFD‐induced whole body insulin resistance was exacerbated by the lack of muscle Rac1 and glucose uptake was reduced in all muscles, except for soleus. Muscle Akt (also known as protein kinase B) signalling was unaffected by diet or genotype. In adipose tissue, Rac1 mKO mice were protected from HFD‐induced insulin resistance (with respect to both glucose uptake and phosphorylated‐Akt), rendering their whole body glucose tolerance comparable to WT mice on HFD. Our findings show that lack of Rac1 exacerbates HFD‐induced insulin resistance in skeletal muscle. Whole body glucose tolerance, however, was largely unaffected in Rac1 mKO mice, likely due to improved insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake in adipose tissue. We conclude that lack of Rac1 in the context of obesity is detrimental to insulin‐stimulated muscle glucose uptake in muscle independently of Akt signalling.
Oviposition rates of Amblyseius aerialis (Muma) and Amblyseius chiapensis DeLeon (Acari: Phytoseiidae) under seven foods—different patterns for the same genus
Authors: Amaral Felipe Santa Rosa , Lofego Antonio Carlos , Cavalcante Ana Cristina Cerqueira
Published: May 2018

The present study aims to analyze oviposition rates in order to better understand the food habits of Amblyseius aerialis and A. chiapensis and to determine possible patterns of food consumption between the species of Amblyseius studied.
Tydeinae mites (Acariformes: Prostigmata: Tydeidae) from bird nests with description of three new species
Authors: Kaźmierski Andrzej , Marciniak Martyna , Sikora Bozena
Published: May 2018

Research and collecting of the Polish tydeid mite fauna have resulted, among others, in a collective list of species occurring in bird nests. Three of them are described as new to science and two others are new to Polish fauna. A checklist of the species of the Tydeinae from bird nests is provided. The new species are: Lorryia lusciniella Kaźmierski & Marciniak sp. nov., L. buceroincerta Kaźmierski & Sikora sp. nov. and L. columbina Kaźmierski sp. nov.
Relative secondary ion yields produced by vacuum-type electrospray droplet ion beams
Authors: Ninomiya Satoshi , Chen Lee Chuin , Hiraoka Kenzo
Published: May 2018

The relatively new electrospray droplet impact method is based on electrospray at atmospheric pressure and has been successful in achieving efficient desorption/ionization of biological molecules, soft etching of polymers, and nonselective etching of metal oxides. However, the beam current and brightness of this method are not practical for surface analyses. To improve the performance of this method, the authors have developed a new droplet ion beam gun using an electrospray of aqueous solutions in a vacuum. This technique could be expected to be a high-intensity massive cluster ion beam and they evaluate the performance of the vacuum-type electrospray droplet ion (V-EDI) gun. In this study, V-EDI and gas cluster ion beam guns were installed in a time-of-flight analyzer to directly compare the relative secondary ion yields of several biomolecules produced by several cluster ion beams.
Direct soft imprint of chalcogenide glasses
Authors: Yehuda Dor , Kassis Eviatar , Joseph Shay , Schvartzman Mark
Published: May 2018

The authors explored an approach for nanostructuring of surfaces of chalcogenide glasses by direct soft nanoimprint lithography. The authors produced soft nanoimprint molds with microsized and nanosized relief features using polydimethylsiloxane. To enable the direct replication of the mold pattern on the surface of bulk chalcogenide glasses, the authors engineered a thermal imprint tool that prevents the substrate deformation using a physical confinement. The authors optimized the imprint process parameters to achieve an unprecedented full transfer micropattern onto a bulk chalcogenide glass. Furthermore, the authors explored pattern replication of nanosized structures by thermal imprint. This process paves the way for a facile and cost-effective fabrication of nanostructures on chalcogenide glasses and their numerous applications in optical and photonic devices.