bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An improved extraction method reveals varied DNA content in different parts of the shells of Pacific oysters
Authors: Jiang Qiuyun , Wei Lei , Gai Chaowei , Yu Wenchao , He Cheng , Chen Man , Zhang Zhen , Song Hongce , Wang Xiaona , Wang Xiaotong
Published: February 2019

The DNA in the shell of Crassostrea gigas could have important roles in the shell biomineralization. However, limited by the low efficiency of existing extraction methods, studies investigating the DNA in shells are lacking. In this study, the shell DNA of C. gigas was extracted using the organic solvent extraction (OSE) and guanidine lysis buffer (GLB) methods; the efficiency and quality of these two methods were compared. The sequences of a mitochondrial gene (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, COI) and a nuclear gene (28S rRNA) of C. gigas were analyzed to verify the origin of the extracted shell DNA. Finally, the DNA contents of the ventral edge, middle part, and dorsal edge of C. gigas shells were compared. The results showed that OSE had a higher DNA extraction efficiency than GLB; the oyster shell DNA was homologous to the oyster genome; the DNA content was higher in the ventral edge than in the middle part or in the dorsal edge of the C. gigas shell. This study not only reports an improved extraction method for the mollusk shell DNA, but also revealed that the DNA in the oyster shell originates from the oyster body and that the DNA content in different parts of the C. gigas shell showed obvious variance. These results provide supporting evidence for the hypothesis that oyster cells participate in shell formation, and also afford a nondestructive method for oyster genetic identification, which can promote the application of molecular biology technology in oyster breeding. In addition, a shell growth pattern of ‘Under Old & Exceeding Old’ was also proposed.
Research progress of acoustic metasurface in China
Authors: Wang Zhaohong , Chu Yangyang
Published: February 2019

Acoustic metasurface (AMS) is an important branch of metamaterials which has important applications in various fields such as earthquake protection, noise reduction, acoustic hiding, architectural acoustics, particle manipulation, and medical ultrasound and therapy. The AMS with subwavelength thickness can manipulate the acoustic wave by controlling the wavefront phase based on the generalized acoustic Snell's law. In this review, the research and application progresses of AMS in China were introduced, and the further development trends of AMS were analyzed and remarked.
Highly efficient and tunable selective absorber design based on metallic nanoparticles in a graded index dielectric
Authors: Hamam Rafif , Sabbah Ali J.
Published: February 2019

We propose a novel solar selective absorber design based on transverse localized surface plasmon resonances of infinite metallic nanorods embedded in a graded index dielectric slab. The physics principles on which the design is based are explained, and decent results are obtained by numerical simulations; solar absorptance values exceeding 0.99 are reached together with a near-zero infrared emittance. The proposed structure design offers a flexible tunability of thermal emission, and this spectral control over thermal emission promises advances not only in solar energy harvesting efficiency, but also in sensing, camouflage, and other thermal management applications.
VEGF-C et vaisseaux lymphatiques
Authors: Ndiaye Papa Diogop , Pagès Gilles
Published: February 2019

Le système lymphatique est formé de vaisseaux qui drainent les liquides interstitiels dans tout l’organisme. La circulation de la lymphe dans les vaisseaux lymphatiques est unidirectionnelle : des tissus vers les ganglions lymphatiques puis les veines. Les ganglions sont des filtres mécaniques mais aussi des barrières immunitaires pouvant bloquer la progression de certains pathogènes et des cellules cancéreuses. Cependant, la plupart des études portant sur le système lymphatique et la cancérogenèse mettent en évidence le rôle de ce réseau dans la dissémination métastatique, les cellules tumorales l’empruntant afin d’atteindre d’autres organes. Des travaux récents décrivent pourtant un rôle bénéfique du système lymphatique et du VEGF-C (vascular endothelial growth factor C), l’un des principaux facteurs responsables du développement des vaisseaux lymphatiques dans les tumeurs. Dans cette revue, nous illustrerons ce rôle ambivalent et émergeant du VEGF-C et du système lymphatique dans l’agressivité des cancers.
Mechanisms of Metastasis and Cell Mobility – The Role of Metabolism
Authors: Gründker Carsten , Läsche Matthias , Hellinger Johanna , Emons Günter
Published: February 2019

Tumour metastasis is responsible for more than 90% of tumour-associated mortality. About one third of breast cancer patients in the early stage develop metastases. The transformation in tumour development referred to as the “metastatic cascade” or “metastatic cycle” is a complex and multi-stage event. While it is generally recognised that epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) plays a crucial role in cancer progression and metastasis, the metabolic events in this process have received little attention to date. We would therefore like to provide a brief overview here of the influence of the metabolism on the progression and metastasis of tumours.
The Prognostic Impact of Grading in FIGO IB and IIB Squamous Cell Cervical Carcinomas
Authors: Brambs Christine , Höhn Anne , Hentschel Bettina , Fischer Uta , Bilek Karl , Horn Lars-Christian
Published: February 2019

Background Tumor grade is one of the more controversial factors, and the data regarding its prognostic impact in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the uterine cervix are controversial.

Methods The histological slides of 467 surgically treated FIGO stage IB1 to IIB cervical SCC were re-examined regarding the prognostic impact of the histological tumor grade based on the degree of keratinization (conventional tumor grade) according to the WHO recommendation on recurrence-free and overall survival as well as on the prediction of pelvic lymph node involvement.

Results 46.0% presented with well-differentiated tumors (G1, n = 215), 30.6% with moderate (G2, n = 143) and 23.3% with poor differentiation (G3, n = 109). The recurrence-free survival was significantly reduced in patients with poorly differentiated tumors (G1: 81.4%, G2: 70.6%, G3: 64.2%; p = 0.008). There was no impact on overall survival. Because of the lack of survival differences between G1- and G2-tumors, they were merged into low-grade tumors, and their prognostic outcome was compared to the high-grade group (G3-tumors). Based on this binary conventional grading system there was a significantly longer recurrence-free (low-grade: 77.1% vs. high-grade: 64.2%; p = 0.008) and overall survival (low-grade: 76.0% vs. high-grade: 65.1%; p = 0.031) in the low-grade group. However, both the conventional three-tiered and the binary grading systems (separating tumors into a low- and high-grade group) failed to predict pelvic lymph node involvement (p = 0.9 and 0.76, respectively).

Conclusion A binary grading model for the conventional tumor grade (based on the degree of keratinization) in SCC of the uterine cervix may be suitable for the prognostic survival evaluation but failed to predict pelvic lymph node involvement.
Koinzidenz von Patientenverfügung und Zustimmung zur Organspende: was wünschen die Betroffenen? Eine Befragung deutscher Senioren
Authors: Wagner Elias , Marckmann Georg , Jox Ralf J.
Published: February 2019

Ziele Bei schweren akuten Hirnschädigungen kann es zu Unklarheiten in der Entscheidungsfindung kommen, wenn sowohl eine Patientenverfügung als auch eine Zustimmung zur postmortalen Organspende vorliegen. Bisher ist nicht bekannt, wie die Betroffenen dieses Spannungsverhältnis sehen. Diese Studie sollte ermitteln, wie häufig die Koinzidenz beider Dokumente vorkommt, inwiefern sich die Betroffenen der Spannung zwischen beiden bewusst sind und was sie im Konfliktfall priorisieren würden.

Methoden Semiquantitative Querschnittserhebung unter Seniorinnen und Senioren einer deutschen Großstadt mittels eines literaturbasierten Fragebogens.

Ergebnisse Es nahmen 236 Senioren an der Befragung teil, was 52% aller Eingeladenen entspricht. Eine Patientenverfügung hatten 54% der Teilnehmer, ihre Zustimmung der Organspende hatten 46% schriftlich oder mündlich erklärt. Insgesamt hatten 29% aller Teilnehmer beide schriftlichen Dokumente erstellt; die schriftliche Zustimmung zur Organspende korrelierte signifikant mit dem Vorhandensein einer Patientenverfügung. Nur 47% aller Patientenverfügung enthalten laut ihren Verfassern eine Aussage über die Organspende. Ein Sterben außerhalb der Intensivstation wurde von 51% priorisiert, während 17% mehr Wert darauf legten, ihre Organe zu spenden. Etwa die Hälfte akzeptiert jedoch vorübergehende intensivmedizinische Maßnahmen im Fall eines vermuteten oder erwarteten Hirntodes, aber nur ein Viertel akzeptiert in diesen Zuständen eine kardiopulmonale Reanimation. Das Wissen um den Hirntod war gering und die Einstellung dazu überwiegend kritisch.

Schlussfolgerungen Unter Senioren ist die Koinzidenz von Patientenverfügung und Organspendezustimmung nicht selten und könnte zu den niedrigen Organspenderzahlen beitragen. Die heterogenen Einstellungen der hier Befragten und ihr geringes Wissen um Hirntod und das hier untersuchte Spannungsverhältnis verdeutlichen die Notwendigkeit einer qualifizierten Beratung im Sinne des Advance Care Plannings.
Die Unantastbarkeit individueller Freiheitsrechte: Lehren für den ÖGD aus seiner NS-Vergangenheit – Rede des Johann-Peter-Frank-Preisträgers 2018
Authors: Donhauser Johannes
Published: February 2019

Die Preisträgerrede behandelt die Rolle des Öffentlichen Gesundheitsdienstes (ÖGD) im Nationalsozialismus und die daraus resultierenden Konsequenzen für gegenwärtiges Handeln.
Der dggö-Ausschuss Allokation und Verteilung – IX. Workshop dggö
Authors: Pedron Sara , Becker Jana , Greiner Gregory Gordon , Murawski Monika
Published: February 2019

Der jährliche Workshop des dggö-Ausschusses Allokation und Verteilung fand am
16. und 17. November im Institut für Gesundheitsökonomie und Management im
Gesundheitswesen (IGM) am Helmholtz Zentrum München statt. Die präsentierten
Forschungsprojekte reichten von empirischen und experimentellen Ansätzen bis
hin zu theoretischen Modellen und beschäftigten sich mit zahlreichen
aktuellen Fragen der Verteilung und Allokation im Gesundheitswesen. Die
Keynote Talks wurden von Robert Nuscheler (Universität Augsburg) und Rüdiger
von Kries (STIKO, LMU München) gehalten.
Vasoactive Agents for the Management of Variceal Bleeding: A Mixed Treatment Comparison Network Meta-analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Sridharan Kannan , Sivaramakrishnan Gowri
Published: February 2019

Background Vasoactives such as terlipressin, somatostatin, vasopressin, octreotide and nitrates are commonly used to treat variceal bleeding. The present study is a network meta-analysis comparing the efficacy and safety of the above vasoactive agents for treating variceal bleeding.

Methods Electronic databases were searched for appropriate randomized clinical trials evaluating vasoactives in cirrhotic patients with variceal bleeding. Random-effects model was used to generate the pooled estimates. Mortality was the primary outcome and bleeding control, re-bleeding rate, hospital stay, blood transfusion requirements and adverse events were the secondary outcome measures.

Results Fifty randomized clinical trials were included of which 37 were included for the primary outcome. The overall analysis did not reveal any significant difference in the mortality risk between any of the vaso-active drugs except for terlipressin that had statistically significant benefits from direct pooled estimates. Somatostatin and terlipressin showed significant reduction in the mortality risks at 24 h. Terlipressin significantly reduced re-bleeding rate; somatostatin and vasopressin were associated with better hemostasis; and terlipressin and vasopressin significantly reduced the requirement for blood transfusion. Terlipressin, vasopressin and glyceryltrinitrate/vasopressin were also associated with increased risk of adverse events.

Conclusion Terlipressin could be the best agent in the vasoconstrictor category for managing variceal bleeding. Somatostatin and vasopressin can serve as alternatives.
The Reaction of N-Trimethylsilyl-Substituted Heteroarylamines with Esters and Thioesters: An Efficient Protocol To Access Diheteroarylamides
Authors: Koperniku Ana , Zamiri Maryam , Grierson David
Published: February 2019

The S-benzyl thioester and methyl ester derivatives of a representative 4-pyridinone-based carboxylic acid were sufficiently activated to react efficiently in amide coupling reactions with the amide anion generated in situ from the N-trimethylsilyl derivative of different weakly nucleophilic heteroarylamines. In acetonitrile as solvent, the precipitated diheteroarylamide products were isolated in pure form by vacuum filtration. This simple amide bond forming protocol can be readily adapted to the parallel synthesis of compound libraries.
Isocyanide Purification: C-2 Silica Cleans Up a Dirty Little Secret
Authors: Chao Allen , Alwedi Embarek , Fleming Fraser
Published: February 2019

EtSiCl3-treated silica gel, ‘C-2 silica,’ proved exceptionally effective for purifying isocyanides that are otherwise irreversibly adsorbed during silica gel chromatography. Purification of a prototypical isocyanide on several chromatographic matrices provided valuable insight into the requirements for purifying silica-sensitive isocyanides. EtSiCl3-modified silica proved optimal as the solid phase, providing up to 90% recovery of pure isocyanides that otherwise fail to elute during silica gel purification.
Tungsten-Promoted Hetero-Pauson–Khand Cycloaddition: Application to the Total Synthesis of (–)-Allosecurinine
Authors: Chirkin Egor , Bouzidi Chouaha , Porée François-Hugues
Published: February 2019

Herein, we report a concise enantioselective synthesis of (–)-allosecurinine, a tetracyclic Securinega alkaloid featuring an α,β-unsaturated γ-lactone moiety. Starting from inexpensive and readily available trans-l-hydroxyproline, our strategy entails a rare late-stage [2+2+1]-hetero-Pauson–Khand cycloaddition between a ketone and an alkyne as the key complexity-generating step to rapidly install the CD-ring system. The reported W(CO)6-promoted intramolecular cyclization provides the first example of a tungsten-mediated hetero-Pauson–Khand reaction. This approach to the strained bicyclic CD motif present in ­allosecurinine provides some insights into the boundaries of this potentially powerful methodology that might be further extended to other butenolide-containing natural products.
One-Pot Three-Component Strategy for Polysubstituted 2-Aminothiazoles via Ring Opening of α-Nitro Epoxides
Authors: Zhu Yue , Chen Wenteng , Zhao Donghong , Zhang Guolin , Yu Yongping
Published: February 2019

Polysubstituted 2-aminothiazoles have been synthesized via a one-pot three-component reaction of α-nitro epoxides, potassium thiocyanate, and primary amines without the need for any additives. This reaction proceeds smoothly in a highly efficient and eco-friendly manner with good to excellent yields. A possible mechanism is also proposed.
The Haemostatic Mechanism and Menstruation: The Role of Intra-Uterine Contraceptive Devices
Authors: Rajah S M , Foley M E , Clayton J K , Aparicio S R , Bird C C , McNicol G P
Published: February 2019

The haemostatic mechanism of 40 female patients undergoing menstruation, 20 with intra-uterine devices (IUCD) and 20 without (Control), were studied. The patients’ coagulation profiles, fibrinolytic system and platelet functions were studied before and after hysterectomy. Platelet survival times and platelet consumption was determined using 51Cr. labelled autologous platelets. Patients who menstruated during the study had their pads collected and radioactivity measured. Histology, autoradiography and scintillation counting was performed on uteri obtained from a hysterectomy performed towards the end of the platelet survival study period. There were no significant differences in the coagulation, fibrinolytic and platelet function tests in these 2 groups, though in each group there were the expected changes after operation.

Platelet survival time, consumption and radioactivity in the tampons showed no significant differences between the IUCD and control groups, although there were 6 patients with low platelet survival times in the IUCD group. Resected uteri showed surprising lack of concentration of platelets which may have been due in part to loss of blood at operation and handling of the uterus. Surprisingly, in the control patients, platelet survival time in response to the severe haemosatic challenge of menstruation were normal. However in the IUCD group, 6 patients showed shortening of platelet survival. Also surprisingly and equally in both control and IUCD groups, was the small amount of platelet related radioactivity in the menstruating fluid.
Retrosigmoid Craniectomy for Resection of Epidermoid causing Trigeminal Neuralgia
Authors: Amin Anubhav G. , Wainwright John V. , Gandhi Chirag D. , Bowers Christian A.
Published: February 2019

The differential diagnosis for trigeminal neuralgia like-symptoms includes cerebellopontine angle lesions causing regional mass effect upon the trigeminal nerve (Fig. 1). Here we present an operative video manuscript of a patient experiencing trigeminal neuralgia, secondary to an epidermoid cyst, in which a retrosigmoid craniectomy was performed to resect the epidermoid and decompress the trigeminal nerve (Fig. 2). This video highlights the operative nuances to achieving a successful surgery, including appropriate patient positioning, dural exposure to the transverse-sigmoid sinus junction, arachnoid dissection, and decompression of cranial nerves. A gross total resection was achieved; the patient reported immediate relief of facial pain postoperatively and has been pain free at the ten month follow-up.

The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/Ja2eE0uGk4E.
Mulberry juice freeze-dried powder attenuates the disease severity by the maintaining of colon mucosa in mice with DSS-induced acute colitis
Authors: Wang Yang , Hatabu Toshimitsu
Published: February 2019

This study aimed to evaluate the microbial compositions and gene expression related to inflammation in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced acute colitis and the effect of mulberry supplementation. Male BALB/c mice received a diet supplemented with mulberry juice freeze-dried powder (MFP) or not for 3 weeks. After 3 weeks, the mice received water containing 5% (w/v) DSS or not for 1 week. The disease activity index score in mice fed MFP was significantly decreased. A significant decrease in Bifidobacterium spp. and the Clostridium perfringens subgroup was observed in mice not fed MFP. The number of goblet cell and NLRP6 expression were observed in mice fed a diet supplemented with MFP compared with mice not fed MFP. These results may indicate that mulberry mitigates DSS-induced acute colitis by a changing the gut microbial flora and by improving mucosal conditions.
The Role of Strategic Uncertainty in Area‐wide Pest Management Decisions of Florida Citrus Growers
Authors: Singerman Ariel , Useche Pilar
Published: February 2019

We elicit a measure of strategic uncertainty from growers by using an experimental game grounded on the theory of global games. This allows us to achieve the following: propose a mechanism for measuring strategic uncertainty aversion; compare growers' risk aversion to their strategic uncertainty aversion; explore how growers' strategic uncertainty aversion is affected by changes in group size and coordination requirement; and relate a strategic uncertainty aversion measure to growers' actual decisions to participate in an area‐wide pest management program. In our experimental setting, we found that when the coordination requirement for a successful outcome is low, most growers see the strategic uncertainty posed by human interaction as more favorable in terms of expected payoffs relative to a game against nature. In contrast, when the coordination requirement is high, most growers expect lower payoffs and choose to coordinate less. We also found evidence that growers' strong beliefs about neighbors not coordinating negatively impacted their choices to coordinate. Our measure of strategic uncertainty was also found to influence the likelihood of growers to actually coordinate sprays. Our findings help explain why participation in area‐wide pest management to control the vector of citrus greening across Florida has not been as widespread as expected; the strategic uncertainty involved in relying on neighbors has made many growers choose self‐reliance in spraying despite the lower payoff.
Mimicking pollen and spore walls: self-assembly in action
Authors: Gabarayeva Nina I , Grigorjeva Valentina V , Shavarda Alexey L
Published: February 2019

Background and Aims

Decades of research have attempted to elucidate the underlying developmental mechanisms that give rise to the enormous diversity of pollen and spore exines. The organization of the exine starts with the establishment of an elaborate glycocalyx within which the subsequent accumulation of sporopollenin occurs. Ontogenetic studies using transmission electron microscopy of over 30 species from many different groups have shown that the sequence of structures observed during development of the exine corresponds to the sequence of self-assembling micellar mesophases (including liquid crystals) observed at increasing concentrations of surfactants. This suggested that self-assembly plays an important part in exine pattern determination. Some patterns resembling separate layers of spore and pollen grain walls have been obtained experimentally, in vitro, by self-assembly. However, to firmly establish this idea, columellate and granulate exines, the most widespread forms, needed to be simulated experimentally.

Methods

We used our original method, preparing mixtures of substances analogous to those known to occur in the periplasmic space of developing microspores, then leaving the mixtures undisturbed for specific periods of time to allow the process of self-assembly to occur. We developed our method further by using new substances analogous to those present in the periplasmic space and performing the experiments in a thin layer, more closely resembling the dimensions of the periplasmic space.

Key Results

The artificial microstructures obtained from our in vitro self-assembly experiments closely resembled the main types of exines, including tectate–columellate, granulate, alveolate and structureless, and permitted comparison with both developing and mature microspore walls. Compared with the previous attempts, we managed to simulate columellate and granulate exines, including lamellate endexine.

Conclusions

Our results show that simple physico-chemical interactions are able to generate patterns resembling those found in exines, supporting the idea that exine development in nature involves an interplay between the genome and self-assembly.
Evaluation of drug efficacy based on the spatial position comparison of drug–target interaction centers
Authors: Ding Yu , Wang Hong , Zheng Hewei , Wang Lianzong , Zhang Guosi , Yang Jiaxin , Lu Xiaoyan , Bai Yu , Zhang Haotian , Li Jing , Gao Wenyan , Chen Fukun , Hu Shui , Wu Jingqi , Xu Liangde
Published: February 2019

The spatial position and interaction of drugs and their targets is the most important characteristics for understanding a drug’s pharmacological effect, and it could help both in finding new and more precise treatment targets for diseases and in exploring the targeting effects of the new drugs. In this work, we develop a computational pipeline to confirm the spatial interaction relationship of the drugs and their targets and compare the drugs’ efficacies based on the interaction centers. First, we produce a 100-sample set to reconstruct a stable docking model of the confirmed drug–target pairs. Second, we set 5.5 Å as the maximum distance threshold for the drug–amino acid residue atom interaction and construct 3-dimensional interaction surface models. Third, by calculating the spatial position of the 3-dimensional interaction surface center, we develop a comparison strategy for estimating the efficacy of different drug–target pairs. For the 1199 drug–target interactions of the 649 drugs and 355 targets, the drugs that have similar interaction center positions tend to have similar efficacies in disease treatment, especially in the analysis of the 37 targeted relationships between the 15 known anti-cancer drugs and 10 target molecules. Furthermore, the analysis of the unpaired anti-cancer drug and target molecules suggests that there is a potential application for discovering new drug actions using the sampling molecular docking and analyzing method. The comparison of the drug–target interaction center spatial position method better reflect the drug–target interaction situations and could support the discovery of new efficacies among the known anti-cancer drugs.
Using local alignment to enhance single-cell bisulfite sequencing data efficiency
Authors: Wu Peng , Gao Yan , Guo Weilong , Zhu Ping
Published: February 2019

Motivation

Single-cell bisulfite sequencing (BS-seq) techniques have been developed for DNA methylation heterogeneity detection and studies with limited materials. However, the data deficiency such as low read mapping ratio is still a critical issue.

Results

We comprehensively characterize single-cell BS-seq data and reveal chimerical molecules to be the major source of alignment failures. These chimerical molecules are produced by recombination of genomic proximal sequences with microhomology regions (MR) after bisulfite conversion. In addition, we find DNA methylation within MR is highly variable, suggesting the necessity of removing these regions to accurately estimate DNA methylation levels. We further develop scBS-map to perform quality control and local alignment of bisulfite sequencing data, chimerical molecule determination and MR removal. Using scBS-map, we show remarkable increases in uniquely mapped reads, genomic coverage and number of CpG sites, and recover more functional elements with precise DNA methylation estimation.

Availability and implementation

The scBS-map software is freely available at https://github.com/wupengomics/scBS-map.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Victims Who Have Done Nothing or Victims Who Have Done Nothing Wrong: Contesting Blame and ‘Innocent Victim’ Status in Transitioning Societies
Authors: Hearty Kevin
Published: February 2019

Building on recent victimological interventions in transitional justice, this article critically examines nuanced interpretations of what an ‘innocent victim’ is in transitioning societies without any agreed legal, political or moral base position on past political violence. It suggests that the term refers to two different types of victims: victims who have done nothing that fit traditional victimological understandings of the blameless, passive ‘ideal victim’ and victims who have done nothing wrong where innocence and blame are open to fundamental political and moral contest. It concludes that the irreconcilability, looseness and adaptability of competing frameworks for understanding the past pose a core victimological disagreement surrounding victims who have done nothing wrong that even a more critically self-reflective approach by victimizers fails to resolve.
Oppositional Designs: Examining How Racial Identity Informs the Critical Design of Art and Space
Authors: Vasudevan Krishnan
Published: February 2019

This study develops upon recent scholarship about subversive design that emerged in response to hegemonic structures such as capitalism, by introducing how racial identity informs disruptive design practices. Based upon a two-year ethnography with nine black artists during a period of racial unrest, this study presents how their experiences as black Americans informed distinctive, critical design dispositions. The participants’ deeply personal and labor-intensive design processes were both technical and political processes that involved intense prototyping, research and self-reflection. Their designs resulted in oppositional films, photography exhibits and paintings that contested racial metonymy through visceral and visual discourses that present black identities and histories within a more complex racial language. The participants also designed empathic spaces where oppositional discourses could take root and that supported communal healing, mourning and celebration. The ethnographic accounts of this study offer a meaningful way to engage and bridge scholarship about race, design and oppositional art.
Dadvertising: Representations of Fatherhood in Procter & Gamble’s Tide Commercials
Authors: Leader Caroline F
Published: February 2019

In the digital age of branding when advertisements appeal to consumers’ belief systems, Procter & Gamble’s Tide uses ads that feature loving fathers doing the laundry. Building on masculinity studies and branding discourses, I explore representations of Tide’s dads as part of a wave of “dadvertising,” or advertising that uses fathers to represent ideal masculinity centered on involved parenting and emotional vulnerability. The advertisements in my case study show a spectrum of performance, from dads who justify their domestic labor with appeals to hegemonic masculinity to dads who seem at ease in historically feminized roles. All of these examples reveal dadvertising’s root in neoliberal gender politics and commodity activism, wherein evolving masculinities are personalized and commoditized into consumerist actions.
A System for Multi-Passenger Urban Ridesharing Recommendations with Ordered Multiple Stops
Authors: D’Andrea Eleonora , Lazzerini Beatrice , Marcelloni Francesco
Published: February 2019

Traffic and air pollution caused by the increasing number of cars have become important issues in nowadays cities. A possible solution is to employ recommender systems for efficient ridesharing among users. These systems, however, typically do not allow specifying ordered stops, thus preventing a large amount of possible users from exploiting ridesharing, e.g. parents leaving kids at school while going to work. Indeed, if a parent desired to share a ride, he/she would need to indicate the following constraint in the path: the stop at school should precede the stop at work. In this paper, we propose a ridesharing recommender, which allows each user to specify an ordered list of stops and suggests efficient ride matches. The ride-matching criterion is based on a dissimilarity between the driver’s path and the shared path, computed as the shortest path on a directed acyclic graph with ordering constraints between the stops defined in the single paths. The dissimilarity value is the detour requested to the driver to visit also the stops of the paths involved in the ride-share, respecting the visiting order of the stops within each path. Results are presented on a case study involving the city of Pisa.
Increased ketone body oxidation provides additional energy for the failing heart without improving cardiac efficiency
Authors: Ho Kim L , Zhang Liyan , Wagg Cory , Al Batran Rami , Gopal Keshav , Levasseur Jody , Leone Teresa , Dyck Jason R B , Ussher John R , Muoio Deborah M , Kelly Daniel P , Lopaschuk Gary D
Published: February 2019

Aims

The failing heart is energy-starved and inefficient due to perturbations in energy metabolism. Although ketone oxidation has been shown recently to increase in the failing heart, it remains unknown whether this improves cardiac energy production or efficiency. We therefore assessed cardiac metabolism in failing hearts and determined whether increasing ketone oxidation improves cardiac energy production and efficiency.

Methods and results

C57BL/6J mice underwent sham or transverse aortic constriction (TAC) surgery to induce pressure overload hypertrophy over 4-weeks. Isolated working hearts from these mice were perfused with radiolabelled β-hydroxybutyrate (βOHB), glucose, or palmitate to assess cardiac metabolism. Ejection fraction decreased by 45% in TAC mice. Failing hearts had decreased glucose oxidation while palmitate oxidation remained unchanged, resulting in a 35% decrease in energy production. Increasing βOHB levels from 0.2 to 0.6 mM increased ketone oxidation rates from 251 ± 24 to 834 ± 116 nmol·g dry wt−1 · min−1 in TAC hearts, rates which were significantly increased compared to sham hearts and occurred without decreasing glycolysis, glucose, or palmitate oxidation rates. Therefore, the contribution of ketones to energy production in TAC hearts increased to 18% and total energy production increased by 23%. Interestingly, glucose oxidation, in parallel with total ATP production, was also significantly upregulated in hearts upon increasing βOHB levels. However, while overall energy production increased, cardiac efficiency was not improved.

Conclusions

Increasing ketone oxidation rates in failing hearts increases overall energy production without compromising glucose or fatty acid metabolism, albeit without increasing cardiac efficiency.
Neuropeptide-Y causes coronary microvascular constriction and is associated with reduced ejection fraction following ST-elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Herring Neil , Tapoulal Nidi , Kalla Manish , Ye Xi , Borysova Lyudmyla , Lee Regent , Dall’Armellina Erica , Stanley Christopher , Ascione Raimondo , Lu Chieh-Ju , Banning Adrian P , Choudhury Robin P , Neubauer Stefan , Dora Kim , Kharbanda Rajesh K , Channon Keith M ,   Oxford Acute Myocardial Infarction (OxAMI) Study, Banning Adrian P , Choudhury Robin P , Neubauer Stefan , Dora Kim , Kharbanda Rajesh K , Channon Keith M
Published: February 2019

Aims

The co-transmitter neuropeptide-Y (NPY) is released during high sympathetic drive, including ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and can be a potent vasoconstrictor. We hypothesized that myocardial NPY levels correlate with reperfusion and subsequent recovery following primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI), and sought to determine if and how NPY constricts the coronary microvasculature.

Methods and results

Peripheral venous NPY levels were significantly higher in patients with STEMI (n = 45) compared to acute coronary syndromes/stable angina ( n = 48) or with normal coronary arteries (NC, n = 16). Overall coronary sinus (CS) and peripheral venous NPY levels were significantly positively correlated (r = 0.79). STEMI patients with the highest CS NPY levels had significantly lower coronary flow reserve, and higher index of microvascular resistance measured with a coronary flow wire. After 2 days they also had significantly higher levels of myocardial oedema and microvascular obstruction on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and significantly lower ejection fractions and ventricular dilatation 6 months later. NPY (100–250 nM) caused significant vasoconstriction of rat microvascular coronary arteries via increasing vascular smooth muscle calcium waves, and also significantly increased coronary vascular resistance and infarct size in Langendorff hearts. These effects were blocked by the Y1 receptor antagonist BIBO3304 (1 μM). Immunohistochemistry of the human coronary microvasculature demonstrated the presence of vascular smooth muscle Y1 receptors.

Conclusion

High CS NPY levels immediately after reperfusion correlate with microvascular dysfunction, greater myocardial injury, and reduced ejection fraction 6 months after STEMI. NPY constricts the coronary microcirculation via the Y1 receptor, and antagonists may be a useful PPCI adjunct therapy.
Antithrombotic treatment in patients with atrial fibrillation and acute coronary syndromes: results of the European Heart Rhythm Association survey
Authors: Lane Deirdre A , Dagres Nikolaos , Dan Gheorghe-Andrei , García Seara Javier , Iliodromitis Konstantinos , Lenarczyk Radoslaw , Lip Gregory Y H , Mansourati Jacques , Marín Francisco , Scherr Daniel , Potpara Tatjana S
Published: February 2019

The management of an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in a patient with existing atrial fibrillation (AF) often presents a management dilemma both in the acute phase and post-ACS, since the majority of AF patients will already be receiving oral anticoagulation (OAC) for stroke prevention and will require further antithrombotic treatment to reduce the risk of in-stent thrombosis or recurrent cardiac events. Current practice recommendations are based largely on consensus option as there is limited evidence from randomized controlled trials. Prior to the launch of the new European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) consensus document, a survey was undertaken to examine current clinical management of these patients across centres in Europe. Forty-seven centres submitted valid responses, with the majority (70.2%) being university hospitals. This EHRA survey demonstrated overall the management of ACS in AF patients is consistent with the available guidance. Most centres would use triple therapy for a short duration (4 weeks) and predominantly utilize a strategy of OAC (vitamin K antagonist, VKA or non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant, NOAC) plus aspirin and clopidogrel, followed by dual therapy [(N)OAC plus clopidogrel] until 12 months post-percutaneous coronary intervention, followed by (N)OAC monotherapy indefinitely. Where NOAC was used in combination with antiplatelet(s), the lower dose of the respective NOAC was preferred, in accordance with current recommendations.
Multidimensional Sleep and Mortality in Older Adults: A Machine-Learning Comparison With Other Risk Factors
Authors: Wallace Meredith L , Buysse Daniel J , Redline Susan , Stone Katie L , Ensrud Kristine , Leng Yue , Ancoli-Israel Sonia , Hall Martica H
Published: February 2019

Background

Sleep characteristics related to duration, timing, continuity, and sleepiness are associated with mortality in older adults, but rarely considered in health recommendations. We applied machine learning to: (i) establish the predictive ability of a multidimensional self-reported sleep domain for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in older adults relative to other established risk factors and (ii) to identify which sleep characteristics are most predictive.

Methods

The analytic sample includes N = 8,668 older adults (54% female) aged 65–99 years with self-reported sleep characterization and longitudinal follow-up (≤15.5 years), aggregated from three epidemiological cohorts. We used variable importance (VIMP) metrics from a random survival forest to rank the predictive abilities of 47 measures and domains to which they belong. VIMPs > 0 indicate predictive variables/domains.

Results

Multidimensional sleep was a significant predictor of all-cause (VIMP [99.9% confidence interval {CI}] = 0.94 [0.60, 1.29]) and cardiovascular (1.98 [1.31, 2.64]) mortality. For all-cause mortality, it ranked below that of the sociodemographic (3.94 [3.02, 4.87]), physical health (3.79 [3.01, 4.57]), and medication (1.33 [0.94, 1.73]) domains but above that of the health behaviors domain (0.22 [0.06, 0.38]). The domains were ranked similarly for cardiovascular mortality. The most predictive individual sleep characteristics across outcomes were time in bed, hours spent napping, and wake-up time.

Conclusion

Multidimensional sleep is an important predictor of mortality that should be considered among other more routinely used predictors. Future research should develop tools for measuring multidimensional sleep—especially those incorporating time in bed, napping, and timing—and test mechanistic pathways through which these characteristics relate to mortality.
Education and Cognition in Middle Age and Later Life: The Mediating Role of Physical and Cognitive Activity
Authors: Liu Yujun , Lachman Margie E
Published: February 2019

Objectives

Although educational attainment is related to cognitive function in later life, little is known about the mechanisms involved. This study assessed the independent mediating effects of two behavioral variables, physical and cognitive activity, on the association between educational attainment and cognitive function and change.

Methods

Data were derived from the three waves of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study. Predictors (educational attainment) were from the 1995 baseline, mediators (physical and cognitive activities) were from the 2004 wave, and outcomes (cognitive function) were from the 2004 and 2013 waves. Conditional process modeling was applied using PROCESS in SPSS.

Results

There were both direct and indirect effects of educational attainment on level and change of executive function (EF) and episodic memory (EM). Physical activity and cognitive activity were both significant mediators for cognitive level. For mediators of change, however, cognitive activity was significant for EF and physical activity was significant for EM.

Discussion

Physical and cognitive activity are discussed as possible factors for protecting against cognitive decline in later life. The findings have implications for advancing supportive policies and practices related to maximizing the benefits of education and physical and cognitive activities for cognition in middle age and later life.
Parent–Adult Child Relations of Chinese Older Immigrants in the United States: Is There an Optimal Type?
Authors: Guo Man , Stensland Meredith , Li Mengting , Dong Xinqi
Published: February 2019

Objectives

This study aims to identify (a) different types of parent–child relations among Chinese older immigrants, (b) predictors of each relation type, and (c) the most “optimal” type that is associated with better psychological well-being of the older adults.

Methods

Data were derived from 3,109 Chinese elderly adults in Chicago. Latent Class Analysis was used to identify structures of parent–child relations based on eight indicators of family solidarity. Logistic regressions were used to predict the relation types. Negative binomial and logistic regressions were used to examine the associations between the relation types and depression and quality of life (QoL).

Results

Four types of parent–child relations emerged: unobligated ambivalent (44.77%), tight-knit (40.11%), detached (10.28%), and commanding conflicted (4.84%). Older adults’ age, gender, marital status, health status, and immigration/acculturation experience were related to their relation types. While tight-knit relation was associated with the fewest depressive symptoms, older adults with unobligated ambivalent relations were the least likely to report good QoL.

Discussion

The study illustrates the diverse and complex ways in which Chinese older immigrants and their children are connected. The findings suggest that a departure from the traditional norm of filial piety may present a risk factor for this population’s mental health.
Measuring Activity Limitations Within the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS)
Authors: Marfeo Elizabeth E , Ni Pengsheng , Keeney Tamra , Jette Alan
Published: February 2019

Background and Objectives

To better understand the disablement process among older adults, improved measures of activity limitations are needed. Traditional population-level measures lack the ability to distinguish precise gradations of activity limitation and are unable to detect degrees of differences over a wide range of ability levels. Therefore, we used contemporary measurement methods to improve upon current methodologies for characterizing activity limitations within the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) .

Research Design and Methods

We used the NHATS Round 1 cohort to assess the feasibility of constructing an Activity Limitations scale using Rasch item response theory methods. Factor analysis was used to develop the scale from a set of existing items in the NHATS Mobility, Self-Care, and Household Activity domains. Psychometric properties of the scale were evaluated and the scale was used to examine change in activity limitations among the sample from 2011 to 2015.

Results

Results supported an 18-item scale (N = 7,609). Rasch infit and outfit statistics were within acceptable range for all items (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.95; sample score reliability = 0.83). From 2011 to 2015, 5.88% older adults demonstrated increase in function, 15% showed decrease in function, and 78% of the sample showed no change (did not exceed ± MDC90).

Discussion and Implications

Findings demonstrate that a unidimensional, interval scale of activity limitations can be constructed using traditional survey measures nested within the NHATS. Results revealed concerns regarding ceiling effects within the current self-report items of activity limitations suggesting future work is needed to expand the range of ability currently represented in the NHATS Activity Limitation items.
Indoor Nature Interventions for Health and Wellbeing of Older Adults in Residential Settings: A Systematic Review
Authors: Yeo Nicola L , Elliott Lewis R , Bethel Alison , White Mathew P , Dean Sarah G , Garside Ruth
Published: February 2019

Background and Objectives

Having contact with nature can be beneficial for health and wellbeing, but many older adults face barriers with getting outdoors. We conducted a systematic review of quantitative studies on health and wellbeing impacts of indoor forms of nature (both real and simulated/artificial), for older adults in residential settings.

Research Design and Methods

Search terms relating to older adults and indoor nature were run in 13 scientific databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, AgeLine, Environment Complete, AMED, PsychINFO, EMBASE, HMIC, PsychARTICLES, Global Health, Web of Knowledge, Dissertations and Theses Global, and ASSIA). We also pursued grey literature, global clinical trials registries, and a range of supplementary methods.

Results

Of 6,131 articles screened against eligibility criteria, 26 studies were accepted into the review, and were quality-appraised using the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) tool. The participants were 930 adults aged over 60. Nature interventions and health/wellbeing outcomes were heterogeneous, which necessitated a narrative synthesis. The evidence base was generally weak, with 18 of 26 studies having a high risk of bias. However, several higher-quality studies found indoor gardening and horticulture programs were effective for cognition, psychological wellbeing, social outcomes, and life satisfaction.

Discussion and Implications

There is inconsistent evidence that indoor nature exposures are beneficial for older care residents. We expect that successful interventions were, at least partly, facilitating social interaction, supporting feelings of autonomy/control, and promoting skill development, that is, factors not necessarily associated with nature per se. Higher-quality studies with improved reporting standards are needed to further elucidate these mechanisms.