bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Side-by-side partially covered self-expandable metal stent placement for malignant hilar biliary obstruction
Authors: Kitamura Katsuya , Yamamiya Akira , Ishii Yu , Mitsui Yuta , Nomoto Tomohiro , Yoshida Hitoshi
Published: November 2017

Background and study aims This study investigated the feasibility of side-by-side (SBS) partially covered self-expandable metal stent (PCSEMS) placement for unresectable malignant hilar biliary obstruction (MHBO).

Patients and methods We retrospectively analyzed 33 patients from a single center who underwent endoscopic biliary drainage for unresectable MHBO from July 2013 to June 2015. In all patients with bilateral obstruction during complete bilateral intrahepatic cholangiograms, we performed endoscopic SBS placement of a 6-mm diameter PCSEMS using an 8-French delivery system. All patients underwent endoscopic sphincterotomy. Generally, patients with recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO) after stent placement underwent endoscopic reintervention. Our study outcomes included the technical and functional success rates, RBO rate, time to RBO (TRBO), reintervention rate, and incidence of adverse events.

Results Seventeen patients with unresectable MHBO during complete bilateral intrahepatic cholangiograms underwent endoscopic SBS PCSEMS placement (median age, 78 years; men, 9). Lesions were Bismuth types II (n = 10), III (n = 1), and IV (n = 6), including 10 cholangiocarcinomas, 3 gallbladder cancers, and 4 metastatic cancers. In all patients, the PCSEMS was placed across the duodenal papilla. The technical and functional success rates were 100 % and 82 %, respectively. The median procedure time was 43 minutes (interquartile range [IQR]: 36 – 52 minutes). Twelve patients had RBO (71 %), including 9 stent occlusions due to sludge and 3 stent migrations. The median TRBO was 79 days (IQR: 58 – 156 days) during the follow-up period (median 192 days [IQR: 88 – 551 days]). The median TRBO of patients with Bismuth type II lesions was significantly longer than that of patients with Bismuth types III and IV lesions (87 days [IQR: 70 – 244 days] vs. 54 days [IQR: 35 – 100 days]; P  = 0.030). Thirteen patients (76 %) required endoscopic reintervention. Endoscopic stent removal was possible in 6 patients without tumor ingrowth into the uncovered distal part of the stent. One late adverse event (≥ 31 days) occurred (cholangitis).

Conclusions Endoscopic SBS placement of a PCSEMS was feasible in patients with unresectable MHBO. Additionally, reinterventional stent removal was possible in the absence of tumor ingrowth.
Emotionserkennung, Theory of Mind und Empathie bei Multipler Sklerose
Authors: Ayache Samar S. , Chalah Moussa A. , Kuempfel Tania , Padberg Frank , Lefaucheur Jean-Pascal , Palm Ulrich
Published: November 2017

Die Multiple Sklerose (MS), eine chronisch-entzündliche Erkrankung des zentralen Nervensystems, verursacht häufig körperliche Einschränkung,
Affektstörungen, Fatigue und kognitive Störungen. Ein Teil der Letzten ist die soziale Kognition, die bei MS Patienten häufig beeinträchtigt
ist. Sie umfasst die Theory of Mind, die Empathie und die soziale Wahrnehmung von Emotionen, die von Stimuli aus Gesichts-, Körper- und
Stimmwahrnehmung geboten werden. Sozialkognitive Defizite verschlechtern die Affektdekodierung, die interpersonelle Kommunikation und die
Lebensqualität. Trotz des Einflusses dieser Einschränkungen auf das Globalbefinden haben nur wenige Studien die Zusammenhänge und
Überlappungen mit anderen MS Symptomen untersucht. Diese Übersichtsarbeit zielt auf die Definition und Anatomie sozialer Kognition ab und
stellt die neuropsychologischen und bildgebenden Studien zur sozialen Kognition bei MS dar. Die Ergebnisse der verfügbaren Studien zeigen,
dass sozialkognitive Defizite bereits in frühen Stadien der MS sichtbar sind. Über den Erkrankungsverlauf zeigen neuropsychologische und
bildgebende Studien eine Zunahme der Krankheitsschwere und der Einschränkung der sozialen und nicht sozialen Kognition. Dies folgt der
Hypothese eines Diskonnektionssyndroms bei zunehmender Zerstörung grauer und weißer Substanz. Diese strukturellen Läsionen übersteigen eine
Schwelle an kompensatorischen und neuroplastischen Mechanismen und führen letztlich zum Auftreten der kognitiven Defizite. Angesichts der
Belastung durch die Erkrankung ist eine weitere Untersuchung sozial-kognitiver Defizite bei MS dringend erforderlich, um Patienten
spezifische therapeutische Ansätze zu bieten und die Lebensqualität zu verbessern.
Evaluation einer stationären nicht operativen Behandlung von akuten, subakuten und chronischen Rückenschmerzen
Authors: Haase Ingo , Haase Kilian , Kladny Bernd
Published: November 2017

Hintergrund Rückenschmerzen zählen in Deutschland zu den Volkskrankheiten. Spezielle Verfahren zur Behandlung stehen zur Verfügung. Im Rahmen einer evaluativen Studie sollte die Wirksamkeit eines akutstationären konservativen Behandlungsangebots hinsichtlich Schmerzstärke, Beeinträchtigung, körperlicher Funktionsfähigkeit und Lebensqualität untersucht werden.

Patienten und Methoden Es wurden im Rahmen einer prospektiven beobachtenden Studie alle im Verlauf von 2 Jahren wegen Rückenschmerzen akutstationär aufgenommenen Patienten bei Aufnahme, bei Entlassung sowie 3, 6 und 12 Monate nach Entlassung schriftlich befragt. Der Fragebogen beinhaltete etablierte Messinstrumente wie Numerische Rating-Skalen (NRS) zur Messung von Schmerzintensität und Beeinträchtigung, den Funktionsfragebogen Hannover (FFbH – R) und den EQ-5D (Lebensqualität). Im Zentrum der Auswertung stand die Verlaufsbeobachtung hinsichtlich der genannten Zielparameter.

Ergebnisse 1010 Patienten bilden die Basis der Untersuchung. Es zeigten sich kurz-, mittel- und langfristig positive Verläufe hinsichtlich Schmerzintensität, Beeinträchtigung und Lebensqualität (r = 0,51 – 0,85) und überwiegend mittlere Effekte bei der körperlichen Funktionsfähigkeit (r = 0,45 – 0,62). Die Zahl derjenigen, die Arbeitsunfähigkeit wegen Rückenbeschwerden angegeben haben, sank entsprechend von 19% nach 3 Monaten auf 6% nach 6 Monaten und 4% nach 1 Jahr. Innerhalb der ersten 3 Monate nach Entlassung mussten sich 7% wegen der Wirbelsäulenerkrankung einer Operation unterziehen (leicht ansteigend auf 10% nach 6 Monaten und 12% nach 1 Jahr).

Schlussfolgerung Die bei allen Zielgrößen beobachteten Verläufe sprechen dafür, dass die konservative Behandlung von Rückenschmerzen effektiv ist. Letztlich geht es aber nicht um die Alternative „entweder Operation oder konservative Behandlung“, sondern vielmehr um ein „Sowohl-als-auch“ in einem sinnvollen Algorithmus.
Gesünder nach der Psychotherapie? Sekundärdatenanalyse der Arbeitsunfähigkeitszeiten vor und nach ambulanter Verhaltenstherapie, tiefenpsychologisch fundierter und analytischer Psychotherapie
Authors: Epping Jelena , de Zwaan Martina , Geyer Siegfried
Published: November 2017

Einleitung Arbeitsunfähigkeitszeiten gelten als guter Indikator für den Krankenstand der berufstätigen Bevölkerung. In dieser Studie wurde untersucht, wie sich die Arbeitsunfähigkeitszeiten (AU) im Jahr nach dem Ende der Psychotherapie im Vergleich zum Einjahreszeitraum vor Beginn der Therapie verändern. Dabei wurden 3 sozialrechtlich anerkannte Therapieverfahren (Verhaltenstherapie, tiefenpsychologisch fundierte und analytische Psychotherapie) miteinander verglichen.

Material und Methoden Die Untersuchung wurde mit pseudonymisierten Daten der AOK Niedersachsen (N=2 900 065 Versicherte) durchgeführt. Ärztlich attestierte AU-Zeiten vor und nach der Psychotherapie wurden für Patientinnen und Patienten (N=9 916) verglichen, die eine der 3 sozialrechtlich anerkannten Therapieverfahren durchliefen. Außerdem wurde eine parallelisierte Kontrollgruppe (KG) gebildet, um Vergleiche mit Personen ohne Psychotherapie zu ermöglichen. Die Untersuchungen wurden nach Geschlecht stratifiziert.

Ergebnisse Psychotherapiepatienten weisen im Jahr vor Beginn der Therapie mehr AU-Tage auf als die parallelisierte KG. Im Vorher-Nachher-Vergleich hat sich die Zahl der AU-Tage bei Psychotherapiepatienten von 20 auf 12 verringert. Bei Patienten, die eine Verhaltenstherapie oder eine tiefenpsychologisch fundierte Psychotherapie durchliefen, hat sich die Anzahl fast halbiert. Dieses Ergebnis ließ sich nicht auf die analytische Psychotherapie übertragen.

Diskussion Neben dem zentralen Ergebnis der Reduktion der AU-Tage für den Großteil der Psychotherapiepatienten deckte die Analyse der AU-Zeiten vor und nach durchlaufener Psychotherapie eine Besonderheit der Patienten der analytischen Psychotherapie auf. Diese zeigten bereits vor Beginn der Therapie deutlich weniger AU Tage und nach der Therapie keine wesentliche Veränderung im Gegensatz zu anderen Psychotherapiepatienten. Sie waren zudem etwas jünger und hatten einen höheren Berufsbildungsabschluss. Fragen zur (Selbst-)Selektion von Patienten mit besserem Gesundheitszustand zu analytischer Psychotherapie werden diskutiert.

Schlussfolgerung Patienten der analytischen Psychotherapie unterscheiden sich hinsichtlich der mittleren Dauer der Arbeitsunfähigkeit wie auch hinsichtlich ihrer soziodemografischen Zusammensetzung von Patienten der beiden anderen Therapieverfahren. In der Psychotherapieforschung muss aufgrund unterschiedlicher Patientenprofile immer nach Psychotherapierichtung unterschieden werden.
Polyphenols from Euphorbia pekinensis Inhibit AGEs Formation In Vitro and Vessel Dilation in Larval Zebrafish In Vivo
Authors: Lee Ik-Soo , Jung Seung-Hyun , Kim Jin
Published: November 2017

To identify active compounds in the roots of Euphorbia pekinensis for treatment of diabetic complications, an active column fraction from a 70% EtOH extract of E. pekinensis root was purified by preparative reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, leading to the isolation of a new ellagic acid derivative, 3,3′-di-O-methylellagic acid 4-O-(6ʺ-O-galloyl)-β-D-galactopyranoside (1), along with three known compounds, geraniin (2), 3,3′-di-O-methylellagic acid 4-O-β-D-xylopyranoside (3), and ellagic acid 3,3′-dimethyl ether (4). The structure of the new compound was established by extensive spectroscopic studies and chemical evidence. The inhibitory effects of isolated compounds 1–4 on advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) formation were examined. All compounds exhibited considerable inhibition of AGEs formation and IC50 values of 0.41 – 12.33 µM, compared with those of the positive controls aminoguanidine (IC50 = 1122.34 µM) and quercetin (IC50 = 27.80 µM). In addition, the effects of 2 and 4 on the dilation of hyaloid-retinal vessels induced by high glucose (HG) in larval zebrafish were investigated; both compounds significantly reduced the HG-induced dilation of hyaloid-retinal vessels relative to the HG-treated control group.
The SPARTACUS Trial: Controversies and Unresolved Issues
Authors: Beuschlein Felix , Mulatero Paolo , Asbach Evelyn , Monticone Silvia , Catena Cristiana , Sechi Leonardo , Stowasser Michael
Published: November 2017

Adrenal vein sampling (AVS) is considered the gold standard for the differential diagnosis in patients with primary aldosteronism (PA). The distinction between unilateral and bilateral disease dictates the targeted therapeutic approach with surgery for aldosterone producing adenomas and medical therapy for patients with bilateral hyperplasia. Thereby, this diagnostic step is crucial in clinical care. As AVS is an invasive, not well standardized procedure that is restricted to few specialized centers, several attempts have been made to simplify diagnostic algorithms. In this clinical scenario, the recently published SPARTACUS trial aimed at answering the question whether AVS in fact is superior for differential diagnosis in comparison to imaging of the adrenal glands. In this multicenter study, patients were randomized to be treated according to AVS results or based on abdominal imaging only. Clinical outcome in both patient groups after one year was reported as not different. While the study results found broad interest, it also stirred considerable controversies. This review provides an overview on the different views regarding the outline of the SPARTACUS trial and the interpretation of its results.
Inter-Day Reliability of Finapres® Cardiovascular Measurements During Rest and Exercise
Authors: Waldron Mark , David Patterson Stephen , Jeffries Owen
Published: November 2017

This study evaluated the inter-day test-retest reliability of the Finapres® finger pulse pressure measuring device during rest and exercise. Eight male participants visited the laboratory twice for evaluation of the inter-day reliability of the Finapres® finger-pulse pressure device to measure: heart rate (HR), stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (Q̇) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) at rest, and treadmill walking at 3 km/h on 1% and 5% inclines. There were no systematic biases for any of the variables between days. The coefficient of variation (CV%) and 95% limits of agreement (95% LoA) was smallest for MAP (CV%=1.6–3.2%; LoA total error=4.6–12 mmHg) and HR (CV%=3.2–3.9%; LoA total error=6.8–11.9 b/min), increasing with exercise intensity (gradient). The pattern of error was different for Q̇, with decreasing CV% (4.8–3.8%) and LoA (4.2–5.7 L/min) from rest to 5% gradient, with the larger errors occurring for resting SV (CV=7.4%; LoA total error=21.5 ml). The device measures MAP and HR reliably between days; however, error increases at higher intensities. The measurement of SV is less reliable, probably owing to underlying algorithmic assumptions.
Wideband metamaterial array with polarization-independent and wide incident angle for harvesting ambient electromagnetic energy and wireless power transfer
Authors: Zhong Hui-Teng , Yang Xue-Xia , Song Xing-Tang , Guo Zhen-Yue , Yu Fan
Published: November 2017

In this work, we introduced the design, demonstration, and discussion of a wideband metamaterial array with polarization-independent and wide-angle for harvesting ambient electromagnetic (EM) energy and wireless power transfer. The array consists of unit cells with one square ring and four metal bars. In comparison to the published metamaterial arrays for harvesting EM energy or wireless transfer, this design had the wide operation bandwidth with the HPBW (Half Power Band Width) of 110% (6.2 GHz–21.4 GHz), which overcomes the narrow-band operation induced by the resonance characteristic of the metamaterial. On the normal incidence, the simulated maximum harvesting efficiency was 96% and the HPBW was 110% for the random polarization wave. As the incident angle increases to 45°, the maximum efficiency remained higher than 88% and the HPBW remained higher than 83% for the random polarization wave. Furthermore, the experimental verification of the designed metamaterial array was conducted, and the measured results were in reasonable agreement with the simulated ones.
Microfluidic chip for automated screening of carbon dioxide conditions for microalgal cell growth
Authors: Xu Zhen , Wang Yingjun , Chen Yuncong , Spalding Martin H. , Dong Liang
Published: November 2017

This paper reports on a microfluidic device capable of screening carbon dioxide (CO2) conditions for microalgal cell growth. The device mainly consists of a microfluidic cell culture (MCC) unit, a gas concentration gradient generator (CGG), and an in-line cell growth optical measurement unit. The MCC unit is structured with multiple aqueous-filled cell culture channels at the top layer, multiple CO2 flow channels at the bottom layer, and a commercial hydrophobic gas semipermeable membrane sandwiched between the two channel layers. The CGG unit provides different CO2 concentrations to support photosynthesis of microalgae in the culture channels. The integration of the commercial gas semipermeable membrane into the cell culture device allows rapid mass transport and uniform distribution of CO2 inside the culture medium without using conventional agitation-assisted convection methods, because the diffusion of CO2 from the gas flow channels to the culture channels is fast over a small length scale. In addition, automated in-line monitoring of microalgal cell growth is realized via the optical measurement unit that is able to detect changes in the light intensity transmitted through the cell culture in the culture channels. The microfluidic device also allows a simple grayscale analysis method to quantify the cell growth. The utility of the system is validated by growing Chlamydomonas reinhardtii cells under different low or very-low CO2 levels below the nominal ambient CO2 concentration.
A Modified Phase-Field Model for Polymer Crystal Growth
Authors: Yang Bin-xin , Zhang Chen-hui , Wang Fang
Published: November 2017

The irrationality of existing phase field model is analyzed and a modified phase-field model is proposed for polymer crystal growth, in which the parameters are obtained from real materials and very simple to use, and most importantly, no paradoxical parameters appeared in the model. Moreover, it can simulate different microstructure patterns owing to the use of a new different free energy function for the simulation of morphologies of polymer. The new free energy function considers both the cases of T<Tm and T≥Tm, which is more reasonable than that in published literatures that all ignored the T≥Tm case. In order to show the validity of the modified model, the finite difference method is used to solve the model and different crystallization morphologies during the solidification process of isotactic polystyrene are obtained under different conditions. Numerical results show that the growth rate of the initial secondary arms is obviously increased as the anisotropy strength increases. But the anisotropy strength seems to have no apparent effect on the global growth rate. The whole growth process of the dendrite depends mainly upon the latent heat and the latent heat has a direct effect on the tip radius and tip velocity of side branches.
Failure Prediction Modeling of Lithium Ion Battery toward Distributed Parameter Estimation
Authors: Huang Liang , Yao Chang
Published: November 2017

Lithium ion battery has typical character of distributed parameter system, and can be described precisely by partial differential equations and multi-physics theory because lithium ion battery is a complicated electrochemical energy storage system. A novel failure prediction modeling method of lithium ion battery based on distributed parameter estimation and single particle model is proposed in this work. Lithium ion concentration in the anode of lithium ion battery is an unmeasurable distributed variable. Failure prediction system can estimate lithium ion concentration online, track the failure residual which is the difference between the estimated value and the ideal value. The precaution signal will be triggered when the failure residual is beyond the predefined failure precaution threshold, and the failure countdown prediction module will be activated. The remaining time of the severe failure threshold can be estimated by the failure countdown prediction module according to the changing rate of the failure residual. A simulation example verifies that lithium ion concentration in the anode of lithium ion battery can be estimated exactly and effectively by the failure prediction model. The precaution signal can be triggered reliably, and the remaining time of the severe failure can be forecasted accurately by the failure countdown prediction module.
Precisely Controlled Synthesis of Pt-Pd Octahedral Nanoframes as a Superior Catalyst towards Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Ye Chun-miao , Huang Hong-wen , Zeng Jie
Published: November 2017

Pt-based nanoframes represent a class of promising catalysts towards oxygen reduction re-action. Herein, we, for the first time, successfully prepared Pt-Pd octahedral nanoframes with ultrathin ridges less than 2 nm in thickness. The Pt-Pd octahedral nanoframes were obtained through site-selected deposition of Pt atoms onto the edge sites of Pd octahedral seeds, followed by selective removal of the Pd octahedral cores via chemical etching. Due to that a combination of three-dimensional opens geometrical structure and Pt-skin surface compositional structure, the Pt-Pd octahedral nanoframes/C catalyst shows a mass activity of 1.15 A/mgPt towards oxygen reduction reaction, 5.8 times enhancement in mass activity relative to commercial Pt/C catalyst (0.20 A/mgPt). Moreover, even after 8000 cycles of accelerated durability test, the Pt-Pd octahedral nanoframes/C catalyst still exhibits a mass activity which is more than three times higher than that of pristine Pt/C catalyst.
Composition of marsupial zona pellucida: a molecular and phylogenetic approach
Authors: Moros-Nicolás Carla , Chevret Pascale , Izquierdo-Rico María José , Holt William V. , Esteban-Díaz Daniela , López-Béjar Manel , Martínez-Nevado Eva , Nilsson Maria A. , Ballesta José , Avilés Manuel
Published: November 2017

The zona pellucida (ZP) is an extracellular matrix that surrounds mammalian oocytes. In eutherians it is formed from three or four proteins (ZP1, ZP2, ZP3, ZP4). In the few marsupials that have been studied, however, only three of these have been characterised (ZP2, ZP3, ZP4). Nevertheless, the composition in marsupials may be more complex, since a duplication of the ZP3 gene was recently described in one species. The aim of this work was to elucidate the ZP composition in marsupials and relate it to the evolution of the ZP gene family. For that, an in silico and molecular analysis was undertaken, focusing on two South American species (gray short-tailed opossum and common opossum) and five Australian species (brushtail possum, koala, Bennett’s wallaby, Tammar wallaby and Tasmanian devil). This analysis identified the presence of ZP1 mRNA and mRNA from two or three paralogues of ZP3 in marsupials. Furthermore, evidence for ZP1 and ZP4 pseudogenes in the South American subfamily Didelphinae and for ZP3 pseudogenes in two marsupials is provided. In conclusion, two different composition models are proposed for marsupials: a model with four proteins (ZP1, ZP2 and ZP3 (two copies)) for the South American species and a model with six proteins (ZP1, ZP2, ZP3 (three copies) and ZP4) for the Australasian species.
Epitranscriptomic profiling across cell types reveals associations between APOBEC1-mediated RNA editing, gene expression outcomes, and cellular function
Authors: Rayon-Estrada Violeta , Harjanto Dewi , Hamilton Claire E. , Berchiche Yamina A. , Gantman Emily Conn , Sakmar Thomas P. , Bulloch Karen , Gagnidze Khatuna , Harroch Sheila , McEwen Bruce S. , Papavasiliou F. Nina
Published: November 2017

Significance

RNA editing is an enzymatic modification that leads to single-nucleotide changes in mRNA. Editing is particularly robust within cells of the immune lineage. Here, we focus on the macrophage and demonstrate that genetic inactivation of the RNA-editing enzyme Apobec1 affects protein levels of genes that underlie macrophage-specific behaviors including phagocytosis and transendothelial migration. We further show that loss of Apobec1 leads to an overabundance of proinflammatory monocytes, a hallmark of many chronic diseases. These data provide the first view of the consequences of editing for gene expression and cellular function. Overall, epitranscriptomic changes catalyzed by RNA editing might be important biomarkers of diseases associated with inflammation (e.g., neurodegenerative diseases), for which an association with DNA mutation has been lacking.
Homelessness Predicts Attrition but Not Alcohol Abstinence in Outpatients Experiencing Co-Occurring Alcohol Dependence and Serious Mental Illness
Authors: Leickly Emily , Skalisky Jordan , Oluwoye Oladunni , McPherson Sterling M. , Srebnik Debra , Roll John M. , Ries Richard K. , McDonell Michael G.
Published: November 2017

Background: Adults experiencing homelessness and serious mental illnesses (SMI) are at an increased risk of poor mental health and treatment outcomes compared with stably housed adults with SMI. The additional issue of alcohol misuse further complicates the difficulties of those living with homelessness and SMI. In this secondary data analysis, the authors investigated the impact of homelessness on attrition and alcohol use in a contingency management (CM) intervention that rewarded alcohol abstinence in outpatients with SMI. Methods: The associations between housing status and attrition and alcohol abstinence during treatment, as assessed by ethyl glucuronide (EtG) urine tests, were evaluated in 79 adults diagnosed with alcohol dependence and SMI. Results: Thirty-nine percent ( n = 31) of participants reported being homeless at baseline. Individuals who were homeless were more likely to drop out of CM ( n = 10, 62.5%) than those who were housed ( n = 4, 16.7%), χ2(1) = 8.86, P < .05. Homelessness was not associated with attrition in the noncontingent control group. Accounting for treatment group and prerandomization EtG levels, neither the effect of housing status nor the interaction of housing status and group were associated with EtG-assessed alcohol abstinence during treatment. Conclusions: Individuals experiencing homelessness and co-occurring alcohol dependence and SMI receiving CM had higher rates of attrition, relative to those who were housed. Homelessness was not associated with differences in biologically assessed alcohol abstinence.
Functional properties of anti-inflammatory substances from quercetin-treated Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Authors: Kawabata Kyuichi , Baba Nobuyuki , Sakano Taiken , Hamano Yoshimitsu , Taira Shu , Tamura Akira , Baba Seigo , Natsume Midori , Ishii Takeshi , Murakami Shigeru , Ohigashi Hajime
Published: November 2017

The genus Bifidobacterium is well known to have beneficial health effects. We discovered that quercetin and related polyphenols enhanced the secretion of anti-inflammatory substances by Bifidobacterium adolescentis. This study investigated characteristics of the anti-inflammatory substances secreted by B. adolescentis. The culture supernatant of B. adolescentis with quercetin reduced the levels of inflammatory mediators in activated macrophages. Spontaneous quercetin degradant failed to increase anti-inflammatory activity, while the enhancement of anti-inflammatory activity by quercetin was sustained after washout of quercetin. Physicochemical treatment of the culture supernatant indicated that its bioactive substances may be heat-stable, non-phenolic, and acidic biomolecules with molecular weights less than 3 kDa. Acetate and lactate have little or no effect on nitric oxide production. Taken together, the anti-inflammatory substances secreted by B. adolescentis may be small molecules but not short chain fatty acids. In agreement with these findings, stearic acid was tentatively identified as a bioactive candidate compound.
Georgian foreign fighter deaths in Syria and Iraq: what can they tell us about foreign fighter mobilization and recruitment?
Authors: Clifford Bennett
Published: November 2017

Despite their small number, foreign fighters in jihadist groups from the country of Georgia fighting in Syria and Iraq have played a significant role in the formation and leadership of several militant organizations. This study utilizes a sample of 29 Georgian citizens who died in the Syrian and Iraqi conflicts to ascertain the overall dynamics that shape foreign fighter mobilization and recruitment in Georgia. Notably, the study finds that substantial percentages of the foreign fighters originally came from small, isolated rural villages in various regions of Georgia, had family or friendship ties to other foreign fighters prior to leaving for the Middle East, and spent time in a country outside Georgia before progressing onwards to Syria and Iraq. Close, in-person connections and similar experiences and demographics amongst the fighters in the sample provide strong evidence for the thesis that offline personal networks determine foreign fighter mobilization rather than any large-scale socio-economic factor or by “online radicalisation,” thus adding to broader debates concerning foreign fighter mobilization in the post-Soviet space and around the world.
C-terminal Src kinase (Csk) regulates the tricellular junction protein Gliotactin independent of Src
Authors: Samarasekera G. D. N. Gayathri , Auld Vanessa Jane
Published: November 2017

The tricellular junction (TCJ) forms at the convergence of three neighboring epithelia. The targeting of Gliotactin, an essential TCJ protein, to the TCJ is controlled by phosphorylation and endocytosis. C-terminal Src kinase controls endocytosis of Gliotactin in an Src-independent manner.
CRISPR-Trap: a clean approach for the generation of gene knockouts and gene replacements in human cells
Authors: Reber Stefan , Mechtersheimer Jonas , Nasif Sofia , Benitez Julio Aguila , Colombo Martino , Domanski Michal , Jutzi Daniel , Hedlund Eva , Ruepp Marc-David
Published: November 2017

Conventional nonhomologous end joining–based gene knockouts can lead to the production of C-terminally truncated proteins with potentially residual or dominant negative functions. Combining CRISPR/Cas9 with gene traps targeting the first intron (CRISPR-Trap), however, completely prevents the expression of the open reading frame, resulting in clean gene knockouts.
Tau can switch microtubule network organizations: from random networks to dynamic and stable bundles
Authors: Prezel Elea , Elie Auréliane , Delaroche Julie , Stoppin-Mellet Virginie , Bosc Christophe , Serre Laurence , Fourest-Lieuvin Anne , Andrieux Annie , Vantard Marylin , Arnal Isabelle
Published: November 2017

Tau is a neuronal microtubule bundler that is known to stabilize microtubules by promoting their growth and inhibiting their shrinkage. This study reveals novel mechanisms by which tau is able to switch microtubule network organizations via the differential regulation of microtubule bundling and dynamics.
The Fresh Start Mindset: Transforming Consumers’ Lives
Authors: Price Linda L , Coulter Robin A , Strizhakova Yuliya , Schultz Ainslie E
Published: November 2017

This article introduces the fresh start mindset, defined as a belief that people can make a new start, get a new beginning, and chart a new course in life, regardless of their past or present circumstances. With historical roots in American culture and neoliberalism, and with contemporary links to liquid modernity and global consumer culture, this mindset structures reasoning, experience, and everyday language, and guides behavior across self- and other-transformative consumption domains. We develop a six-item scale (FSM) to measure the fresh start mindset and situate it within a broader nomological network, including growth mindset, personal capacity for change, optimism, future temporal focus, internal locus of control, self-efficacy, perseverance, resilience, and consumer variety seeking. Individuals with a stronger (vs. weaker) fresh start mindset invest in transformative change through changing their circumstances, including their own consumption choices (e.g., buying a new pair of sunglasses and getting a new self); they also are more supportive of transformative programs that assist those who are challenged to get a fresh start (i.e., disadvantaged youth, at-risk teens, veterans, and tax-burdened adults). Our work significantly contributes to transformative consumer research with attention to self-activities and programs for vulnerable populations that enable new beginnings.
Pop III i-process nucleosynthesis and the elemental abundances of SMSS J0313−6708 and the most iron-poor stars
Authors: Clarkson O , Herwig F , Pignatari M
Published: November 2017

We have investigated a highly energetic H-ingestion event during shell He burning leading to H-burning luminosities of log (LH/L⊙) ∼ 13 in a 45 M⊙ Pop III massive stellar model. In order to track the nucleosynthesis which may occur in such an event, we run a series of single-zone nucleosynthesis models for typical conditions found in the stellar evolution model. Such nucleosynthesis conditions may lead to i-process neutron densities of up to ∼1013 cm−3. The resulting simulation abundance pattern, where Mg comes from He burning and Ca from the i process, agrees with the general observed pattern of the most iron-poor star currently known, SMSS J031300.36−670839.3. However, Na is also efficiently produced in these i-process conditions, and the prediction exceeds observations by ∼2.5 dex. While this probably rules out this model for SMSS J031300.36−670839.3, the typical i-process signature of combined He burning and i process of higher than solar [Na/Mg], [Mg/Al], and low [Ca/Mg] is reproducing abundance features of the two next most iron-poor stars HE 1017−5240 and HE 1327−2326 very well. The i process does not reach Fe which would have to come from a low level of additional enrichment. i process in hyper-metal-poor or Pop III massive stars may be able to explain certain abundance patterns observed in some of the most metal-poor CEMP-no stars.
Borrowing
Authors: Poplack Shana
Published: November 2017

In virtually every bilingual situation empirically studied, borrowed items make up the overwhelming majority of other-language material, but short shrift has been given to this major manifestation of language contact. As a result, scholars have long been divided over whether borrowing is a process distinct from code-switching, leading to long-standing controversy over how best to theorize language mixing strategies. This volume focuses on lexical borrowing as it actually occurs in the discourse of bilingual speakers, building on more than three decades of original research. Based on vast quantities of spontaneous performance data and a highly ramified analytical apparatus, it characterizes the phenomenon in the speech community and in the grammar, both synchronically and diachronically. In contrast to most other treatments, which deal with the product of borrowing, this work examines the process: How speakers incorporate foreign items into their bilingual discourse, how they adapt them to recipient-language grammatical structure, how these forms diffuse across speakers and communities, how long they persist in real time, and whether they change over the duration. It proposes falsifiable hypotheses about established loanwords and nonce borrowings and tests them empirically on a wealth of unique datasets on a wide variety of typologically similar and distinct language pairs. A major focus is the detailed analysis of integration, the principal mechanism underlying the borrowing process. Though the shape the borrowed form assumes may be colored by community convention, we show that the act of transforming donor-language elements into native material is universal.
The Unity of Understanding
Authors: Bengson John
Published: November 2017

Understanding comes in a variety of forms. This essay argues for the unity of these forms, against the common tendency to view them as fundamentally heteronomous, or disunified. After identifying ten core features of genuine understanding, which enable an argument for the existence of two distinct types of understanding, theoretical and practical, the essay poses a dilemma for theories that view them as disunified. Subsequently, it develops and defends a general account of understanding in terms of conceptions. What unifies diverse forms of understanding, on this account, is a generic cognitive structure—given by the notion of a noetic conception—that is realized in different ways in various cases.
Religious Understanding, Naturalism, and Desire
Authors: Ellis Fiona
Published: November 2017

David Burrell uses the image of a transformative pilgrimage to capture what is at issue when the notion of religious understanding is introduced. This chapter challenges the naturalist’s objection to the very idea of there being a journey in this sense, grants with John Cottingham that the transformation is moral and spiritual, and considers what it could mean for such understanding to be theoretical as well as practical. Further questions arise concerning the “fuel” of this transformative journey, and Levinas claims that it is motivated by desire. This chapter considers the merits of his position and concludes that it offers the shape for a model of religious understanding which can genuinely appeal to an expansive, i.e., nonscientistic, naturalist.
The New Economic Populism
Authors: Franko William , Witko Christopher
Published: November 2017

While most observers and scholars of inequality focus on how the federal government has created, or at minimum failed to respond to, inequality, in this book Franko and Witko argue that this nearly exclusive emphasis on Washington, DC, is misplaced. The authors explain that this federal inaction in the face of emerging economic problems is the norm in American history because of the structure of American government and the ability of organized interests to prevent policy change in Washington. The states led the fight against new economic problems during the Progressive Era and Great Depression, and the authors argue that the states are once again leading the fight against growing inequality, a trend they call the “new economic populism.” In contrast to federal institutions and practices that encourage inactivity, because of the variation in state economic problems, public attitudes, government ideology, and political institutions, it is likely that at least some states will confront growing economic problems. Using a variety of unique data and evidence, the authors demonstrate that the public is cognizant of rising inequality and that this growing awareness is associated with more egalitarian political and policy changes, including greater government liberalism, higher minimum wages, and more progressive tax systems. In contrast to the prevailing pessimism regarding income inequality, the authors argue that if history is a guide, these incipient state actions to reduce inequality are likely to spread to other states and even the federal government in the coming decades.
Designing for Dissemination in Chronic Disease Prevention and Management
Authors: Owen Neville , Goode Ana , Sugiyama Takemi , Koohsari Mohammad Javad , Healy Genevieve , Fjeldsoe Brianna , Eakin Elizabeth
Published: November 2017

This chapter emphasizes the need for research that is designed and implemented explicitly with dissemination in mind. This is illustrated in relation to environmental and policy initiatives to influence physical activity through active transport, and through the example of initiatives to reduce workplace sitting. The other element of this chapter, the broad-reach intervention-dissemination case study of a health behavior-change program, highlights the need to maintain key elements of research quality in designing for dissemination, to the extent that is practically possible: a rigorous study design; the systematic tracking of implementation and related costs; and, the conduct of dose-response, maintenance and cost-effectiveness analyses. These examples of designing for dissemination illustrate not only the exciting opportunities for real-world dissemination research, but also the resourcefulness and commitment required for success.
Evaluation Approaches for Dissemination and Implementation Research
Authors: Gaglio Bridget , Glasgow Russell E.
Published: November 2017

Considerable progress has been made in evaluation of dissemination and implementation science and research; however, we are still lacking knowledge in several key areas. The complex, inherently multilevel and contextual nature of dissemination and implementation science, and the always (sometimes rapidly) changing environment, present ongoing challenges. Given these challenges, evaluation of dissemination and implementation efforts need more adapted, novel, refined and sophisticated approaches to evaluation and especially, more pragmatic measures. To advance our present state of science, the question that we need to ask (and be able to answer) is “What are the characteristics of interventions that can reach large numbers of people, especially those who can most benefit, be adopted broadly by different settings, be consistently implemented by different staff members with moderate levels of training and expertise, and produce replicable and long-lasting effects (and minimal negative impact) at a reasonable cost?”
Mixed Methods Evaluation in Dissemination and Implementation Science
Authors: Palinkas Lawrence A. , Cooper Brittany Rhoades
Published: November 2017

In reviewing the rapidly growing literature on the use of mixed methods to address important issues confronting the science of dissemination and implementation, the authors make two observations. The first observation is that mixed methods reflect an iterative process of data collection and analysis that involves both inductive and deductive approaches to understanding complex phenomena. Second, this chapter begins with the observation that using mixed methods is more than parallel play involving separate quantitative and qualitative studies. Both the iterative nature of dissemination and implementation science and the likely debate and compromises involved in selection and application of quantitative and qualitative methods in a mixed method design demand attention on the part of the investigators to document and detail the rationale for the selection of methods and the process and outcomes of their use.
Implementation Science in Health Care
Authors: Hamilton Alison B. , Mittman Brian S.
Published: November 2017

Implementation science in health care comprises over 30 years of rich and varied activity that has developed, refined, and applied implementation science concepts, theories, and research approaches. This body of activity has produced valuable empirical findings and has contributed to the continued development of the broader field of implementation science. This chapter describes key stages in the development and evolution of implementation science in health care. It discusses key settings, evidence-based practices, and implementation strategies studied by health care implementation researchers and examines key challenges and future directions in the field. Continued growth in health care implementation science will require expanded attention to sustainment, scale-up, and spread of effective health care practices and attention to the study of routine, naturally-occurring implementation processes in addition to experimental evaluation of investigator-led implementation.
Scents and Sensibility
Authors: Maxwell Catherine
Published: November 2017

A major reconceptualization of the imagination that reinstates its hidden links with the historically neglected sense of smell, this book is the first to examine the role played by scent and perfume in Victorian literary culture. Perfume-associated notions of imaginative influence and identity are central to this study, which explores the unfamiliar scented world of Victorian literature, concentrating on texts associated with aestheticism and decadence, but also noting important anticipations in Romantic poetry and prose, and earlier Victorian poetry and fiction. Throughout, literary analysis is informed by extensive reference to the historical and cultural context of Victorian perfume. A key theme is the emergence of the olfactif, the cultivated individual with a refined sense of smell, influentially represented by the poet and critic Algernon Charles Swinburne, who is emulated by a host of canonical and less well-known aesthetic and decadent successors such as Walter Pater, Edmund Gosse, John Addington Symonds, Lafcadio Hearn, Michael Field, Oscar Wilde, Arthur Symons, Mark André Raffalovich, Theodore Wratislaw, and A. Mary F. Robinson. This book explores how scent and perfume pervade the work of these authors in many different ways, signifying such diverse things such as style, atmosphere, influence, sexuality, sensibility, spirituality, refinement, individuality, the expression of love and poetic creativity, and the aura of personality, dandyism, modernity, and memory. A coda explores the contrasting twentieth-century responses of Virginia Woolf and Compton Mackenzie to the scent of Victorian literature.
Resetting the International Monetary (Non)System
Authors: Ocampo José Antonio
Published: November 2017

This book provides an analysis of the global monetary system and the necessary reforms that it should undergo to play an active role in the twenty-first century. As its title indicates, its basic diagnosis is that it is an ad hoc framework rather than a coherent system—a ‘non-system’—which evolved after the breakdown of the original Bretton Woods arrangement in the early 1970s. The book places a special focus on the asymmetries that emerging and developing countries face within the current system, and therefore on the development dimensions of the global monetary system and of global monetary reform. The book proposes a comprehensive yet evolutionary reform of the system that includes: (i) provision of international liquidity through a system that mixes the multi-currency arrangement with a more active use of the IMF’s Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), the only true global currency that has been created; (ii) stronger mechanisms of macroeconomic policy cooperation, including greater cooperation in exchange rate management, and freedom to manage capital flows as a complement to counter-cyclical macroeconomic policy and other instruments of financial regulation; (iii) additional automatic balance-of-payments financing facilities, and the complementary use of swap and regional arrangements; (iv) a multilateral sovereign debt workout mechanism; and (v) major reforms of the system’s governance, based on a more representative apex organization, more equitable participation of emerging and developing countries in decision-making, and a network of global, regional, inter-regional, and sub-regional organizations.
Reforming the (Non)System
Authors: Ocampo José Antonio
Published: November 2017

This chapter proposes a comprehensive yet evolutionary reform of the global monetary non-system that evolved out of the breakdown of the original Bretton Woods arrangement in the early 1970s. The recent North Atlantic financial crisis showed how dysfunctional the current international monetary and financial architecture is for managing today’s global economy, and led to calls to reform it. Proposals for reform in this chapter include: (i) a global reserve system that mixes the multi-currency arrangement with an active use of the International Monetary Fund’s Special Drawing Rights; (ii) stronger mechanisms of macroeconomic policy cooperation, including management of the exchange rate system and capital account regulations; (iii) additional automatic balance-of-payments financing facilities, and the complementary use of swap and regional arrangements; (iv) a multilateral sovereign debt workout mechanism; and (v) major reforms of the system’s governance.
Context and Inequality
Authors: Dalton Russell J.
Published: November 2017

Societal and institutional conditions create incentive (or disincentive) structures that can influence levels of participation (direct effects) and who participates (contingent effects). This chapter examines how constitutional structures, party system characteristics, and income inequality shape participation patterns. Consensual political institutions and multiparty systems increase voting turnout, but lower levels of non-electoral participation. Federal systems decrease turnout in national elections, but increase other forms of action. Income inequality discourages political participation overall. These various contextual factors have only a modest impact on the size of the social-status participation gap in a nation.