bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Energy Availability, Health, and Sex on Hemoglobin-Mass Responses Following Live-High–Train-High Altitude Training in Elite Female and Male Distance Athletes
Authors: Heikura Ida A. , Burke Louise M. , Bergland Dan , Uusitalo Arja L.T. , Mero Antti A. , Stellingwerff Trent
Published: February 2018

Purpose: The authors investigated the effects of sex, energy availability (EA), and health status on the change in hemoglobin mass (ΔHbmass) in elite endurance athletes over ∼3–4 wk of live-high–train-high altitude training in Flagstaff, AZ (2135 m; n = 27 women; n = 21 men; 27% 2016 Olympians). Methods: Precamp and postcamp Hbmass (optimized carbon monoxide rebreathing method) and iron status were measured, EA was estimated via food and training logs, and a Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAFQ) and a general injury/illness questionnaire were completed. Hypoxic exposure (h) was calculated with low (<500 h), moderate (500–600 h), and high (>600 h) groupings. Results: Absolute and relative percentage ΔHbmass was significantly greater in women (6.2% [4.0%], P < .001) than men (3.2% [3.3%], P = .008). %ΔHbmass showed a dose–response with hypoxic exposure (3.1% [3.8%] vs 4.9% [3.8%] vs 6.8% [3.7%], P = .013). Hbmasspre was significantly higher in eumenorrheic vs amenorrheic women (12.2 [1.0] vs 11.3 [0.5] g/kg, P = .004). Although statistically underpowered, %ΔHbmass was significantly less in sick (n = 4, −0.5% [0.4%]) vs healthy (n = 44, 5.4% [3.8%], P < .001) athletes. There were no significant correlations between self-reported iron intake, sex hormones, or EA on Hbmass outcomes. However, there was a trend for a negative correlation between LEAFQ score and %ΔHbmass (r = −.353, P = .07). Conclusions: The findings confirm the importance of baseline Hbmass and exposure to hypoxia on increases in Hbmass during altitude training, while emphasizing the importance of athlete health and indices of EA on an optimal baseline Hbmass and hematological response to hypoxia.
Monitoring Training Load and Well-Being During the In-Season Phase in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Men’s Basketball
Authors: Conte Daniele , Kolb Nicholas , Scanlan Aaron T. , Santolamazza Fabrizio
Published: February 2018

Purpose: To characterize the weekly training load (TL) and well-being of college basketball players during the in-season phase. Methods: Ten (6 guards and 4 forwards) male basketball players (age 20.9 [0.9] y, stature 195.0 [8.2] cm, and body mass 91.3 [11.3] kg) from the same Division I National Collegiate Athletic Association team were recruited to participate in this study. Individualized training and game loads were assessed using the session rating of perceived exertion at the end of each training and game session, and well-being status was collected before each session. Weekly changes (%) in TL, acute-to-chronic workload ratio, and well-being were determined. Differences in TL and well-being between starting and bench players and between 1-game and 2-game weeks were calculated using magnitude-based statistics. Results: Total weekly TL and acute-to-chronic workload ratio demonstrated high week-to-week variation, with spikes up to 226% and 220%, respectively. Starting players experienced a higher (most likely negative) total weekly TL and similar (unclear) well-being status compared with bench players. Game scheduling influenced TL, with 1-game weeks demonstrating a higher (likely negative) total weekly TL and similar (most likely trivial) well-being status compared with 2-game weeks. Conclusions: These findings provide college basketball coaches information to optimize training strategies during the in-season phase. Basketball coaches should concurrently consider the number of weekly games and player status (starting vs bench player) when creating individualized periodization plans, with increases in TL potentially needed in bench players, especially in 2-game weeks.
Effects of Resistance Training of Peripheral Muscles Versus Respiratory Muscles in Older Adults With Sarcopenia Who are Institutionalized: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Cebrià i Iranzo Maria À. , Balasch-Bernat Mercè , Tortosa-Chuliá María Á. , Balasch-Parisi Sebastià
Published: February 2018

This study compares the effects of two resistance training programs in peripheral and respiratory musculature on muscle mass and strength and physical performance and identifies the appropriate muscle mass parameter for assessing the intervention effects. Thirty-seven institutionalized older Spanish adults with sarcopenia were analyzed: control group (n = 17), respiratory muscle training group (n = 9), and peripheral muscle training group (n = 11). Measured outcomes were appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM/height2, ASM/weight, and ASM/BMI), isometric knee extension, arm flexion and handgrip strength, maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures, and gait speed pre- and postintervention. Trained groups participated in a 12-week program and improved in maximum static inspiratory pressure, maximum static expiratory pressure, knee extension, and arm flexion (p < .05), whereas nonsignificant changes were found in gait speed and ASM indexes pre- and postintervention in the three groups. In conclusion, resistance training improved skeletal muscle strength in the studied population, and any ASM index was found to be appropriate for detecting changes after physical interventions.
Functional odor classification through a medicinal chemistry approach
Authors: Poivet Erwan , Tahirova Narmin , Peterlin Zita , Xu Lu , Zou Dong-Jing , Acree Terry , Firestein Stuart
Published: February 2018

Mechanistic approaches provide alternative solutions to in silico analyses of odorant molecules’ odor-structure relationships.
Ultrafast selective transport of alkali metal ions in metal organic frameworks with subnanometer pores
Authors: Zhang Huacheng , Hou Jue , Hu Yaoxin , Wang Peiyao , Ou Ranwen , Jiang Lei , Liu Jefferson Zhe , Freeman Benny D. , Hill Anita J. , Wang Huanting
Published: February 2018

Subnanometer metal organic framework pores can selectively transport alkali metal ions of the same valence and similar sizes.
Gene therapy field hit by fresh safety concern
Authors: Kaiser Jocelyn
Published: February 2018

Animal studies show dangerous side effects from virus increasingly used to deliver DNA to treat diseases.
Data rich
Reinventing Capitalism in the Age of Big Data
Viktor Mayer-Schönberger and Thomas Ramge
Basic Books, 2018. 283 pp.
Authors: Lo Andrew W.
Published: February 2018

If liberal democracies can resist the urge to micromanage the economy, big data could catalyze a new capitalism
Superradiators created atom by atom
Authors: Meschede Dieter
Published: February 2018

Collective emission is observed from atoms dropping singly through a resonator field
Problems in anticoagulation of a patient with antibiotic treatment for endocarditis: interaction of rifampicin and vitamin K antagonists
Authors: Mizera Lars , Geisler Tobias , Mörike Klaus , Gawaz Meinrad , Steeg Martin
Published: February 2018

The cytochrome P450 is a superfamily of isoenzymes that are responsible for the metabolism of many drugs. Significant changes in pharmacokinetics and drug interactions may be due to induction of hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes. Rifampicin is a common inducer of CYP3A4. We report a case of a 57-year-old woman who was suspected for endocarditis and therefore treated with rifampicin. Due to previous mechanical aortic valve replacement, she also received phenprocoumon for anticoagulation. Although continuing anticoagulant therapy, antibiotic coadministration led to normal international normalised ratio (INR) level. Fifteen days after the treatment with rifampicin ended, INR returned to therapeutic level.
I am due to start my general practice registrar year (I am on a vocational scheme), but I am seven months pregnant. What should I do?
Authors: Brimblecome Pauline
Published: February 2018

Got a career or related problem that needs answering? Can't find the right person to point you in the right direction? Log on to the Advice Zone (www.bmjcareers.com/advicezone) for reliable medical careers advice. You can post a question or see if one of our 300 advisers has already answered a similar question. Here is a selection of questions and answers posted on the site.
Leaving your job: part 2
Authors: Houghton Anita
Published: February 2018

In the second article in her three part series, Anita Houghton discusses the determinants and practicalities of making this decision
Powerful paintings: encouraging future doctors through art
Authors: Chaudhury Prasun
Published: February 2018

Sanjit Bagchi and Prasun Chaudhury caught up with artist and researcher Dr Lizzie Burns during her recent exhibition in India as part of the Medical Research Council's “Medical Research Revealed” project
Information for students with disabilities who want to enter medicine
Authors: MacDonald Rhona
Published: February 2018

Rhona MacDonald looks at a new report which shows that there is still a lot of work to do if we want to make equal opportunities a reality for tomorrow's doctors
I'm a general practitioner planning to work in a developing country for a while. How will this affect my appraisal and revalidation?
Authors: Keighley Brian
Published: February 2018

Got a career or related problem that needs answering? Can't find the right person to point you in the right direction? Log on to the Advice Zone (www.bmjcareers.com/advicezone) for reliable medical careers advice. You can post a question or see if one of our 300 advisers has already answered a similar question. Here is a selection of questions and answers posted on the site.
Do I have to be in a post for a certain period before I can claim for maternity benefit, or can I claim immediately I start my first senior house officer post?
Authors: Thomas Janet
Published: February 2018

Got a career or related problem that needs answering? Can't find the right person to point you in the right direction? Log on to the Advice Zone (www.bmjcareers.com/advicezone) for reliable medical careers advice. You can post a question or see if one of our 300 advisers has already answered a similar question. Here is a selection of questions and answers posted on the site.
From finance to medicine to the media
Authors: Chapman Beth
Published: February 2018

Executive producer at the BBC Michael Mosley has had an unconventional career, as Beth Chapman finds out
I'm working as a locum GP and I'd like to sit the MRCGP exam. How do I find a practice where I can do my video consultations for the exam?
Authors: Coull Robbie
Published: February 2018

Got a career or related problem that needs answering? Can't find the right person to point you in the right direction? Log on to the Advice Zone (www.bmjcareers.com/advicezone) for reliable medical careers advice. You can post a question or see if one of our 300 advisers has already answered a similar question. Here is a selection of questions and answers posted on the site.
I am contemplating temporary work in Spain. How do I go about registering as a doctor there?
Authors: Constable Jo
Published: February 2018

Got a career or related problem that needs answering? Can't find the right person to point you in the right direction? Log on to the Advice Zone (www.bmjcareers.com/advicezone) for reliable medical careers advice. You can post a question or see if one of our 300 advisers has already answered a similar question. Here is a selection of questions and answers posted on the site.
The helicopter emergency medical service
Authors: Newton Alastair
Published: February 2018

The helicopter emergency medical service based at the Royal London Hospital is the only medical helicopter in the United Kingdom that carries a doctor. Stephen Hearns and Alastair Newton describe life as the doctor on board and what it takes to get the job
I had a caution for shoplifting several years ago. It is now affecting my applications for a new job as I need to submit a criminal record certificate, which compromises my chances of getting a job. Please advise what to do.
Authors: Gray Carl
Published: February 2018

Have a career or related problem that needs answering? Can't find the right person to point you in the right direction? Log on to the Advice Zone (
www.bmjcareers.com/advicezone
) for reliable medical careers advice. You can post a question or see if one of our 300 advisers has already answered a similar question. Here is a selection of questions and answers posted on the site.
The ABC of change: S, T, U
Authors: Kersley Susan E
Published: February 2018

Susan Kersley
covers S, T, and U in our series and explains how trying to understand someone is better than undermining them
Centering contraception: postpartum contraceptive choices of women enrolled in Centering group prenatal care versus traditional prenatal care
Authors: Smith Erin
Published: February 2018

Objective

To assess postpartum contraceptive choices of women participating in group versus traditional prenatal care.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study assessing postpartum contraceptive choices of women participating in group versus traditional prenatal care. Patients were derived from a database of all deliveries from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2014 at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Delaware, USA. Within this database, group prenatal care patients were identified and a two-to-one matched set of similar traditional prenatal care patients was created. Contraceptive methods utilised by these women were ascertained via chart review. The proportion of women using each method in each care model was calculated. Multinomial logistic regression was carried out for statistical analysis.

Results

Included in the final analysis were 867 patients: 289 group and 587 traditional prenatal care participants. Groups were similar in selection of sterilisation, condoms, injection, and other short-acting hormonal contraceptive methods (a composite of patch, vaginal ring, and pills). Group prenatal care patients were more likely to utilise contraception postpartum (as measured by use of no method with AOR 0.50, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.78, P=0.002), particularly long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.16 to 2.40, P=0.005). This difference was most pronounced for women aged 20–24 years (AOR 1.98, 95% CI 1.10 to 3.56).

Conclusion

Participation in group prenatal care as opposed to traditional prenatal care increases use of postpartum contraception and increases uptake of LARCs. The association of group prenatal care participation with LARC use is particularly apparent for women aged 20–24 years.
Atlas for the OMERACT thumb base osteoarthritis MRI scoring system (TOMS)
Authors: Kroon Féline P B , Peterfy Charles G , Conaghan Philip G , Foltz Violaine , Gandjbakhch Frédérique , Eshed Iris , Genant Harry K , Østergaard Mikkel , Reijnierse Monique , Bloem Johan L , Haugen Ida K , Kloppenburg Margreet
Published: February 2018

This paper presents an atlas for the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Clinical Trials (OMERACT) thumb base osteoarthritis MRI scoring system (TOMS). The atlas includes reference images of each grade of each feature that is assessed in TOMS (synovitis grade 0–3, subchondral bone defects grade 0–3, osteophytes grade 0–3, cartilage assessment grade 0–3, subluxation and bone marrow lesions grade 0–3) in the first carpometacarpal and scapho-trapezio-trapezoid joint. The presented reference images can be used to guide scoring of thumb base MRIs in patients with hand osteoarthritis according to the OMERACT TOMS.
Knee joint synovitis: study of correlations and diagnostic performances of ultrasonography compared with histopathology
Authors: Najm Aurélie , Orr Carl , Gallagher Lorna , Biniecka Monika , Gaigneux Emeline , Le Goff Benoit , Fearon Ursula , Veale Douglas J
Published: February 2018

Objectives

Ultrasonography (US) is a fast, available and low-cost imaging tool used for detecting knee synovitis. Our aims were to assess the relationship between US and histology findings in appraising levels of inflammation and vascularity in the knee joint in subjects with inflammatory arthropathies; to determine whether differences exist in the appraisal between varying knee compartments and to compare US performances compared with gold standard histology for knee synovitis detection.

Methods

Subjects with actively inflamed knee joint having crystal arthropathies, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis or ostoearthritis were prospectively recruited from rheumatology clinics after giving their written consent between May and October 2015. Study was approved by the institutional ethics committee. The knee was divided into three compartments (medial, lateral, superior). Patients had a knee US followed by a knee arthroscopy with biopsies retrieval from each compartment. Biopsies were blindly scored for lining layer hyperplasia, inflammation, vascularity, CD68 and factor VIII staining. Correlation was determined using the Spearman’s correlation test.

Results

26 patients with active arthritis in a knee joint and recent onset of disease were prospectively included. Strong correlations were observed between US synovitis grade and histological inflammation score (r=0.63; P=0.002), US Doppler grade and histological score for vascularity (r=0.68; P<0.001); US measured synovial thickness and lining layer hyperplasia (r=0.61; P=0.002). Moderate correlation was found between US synovitis grade and CD68 score (r=0.49; P=0.02).

Conclusion

US findings correlate with histological inflammation and vascularity scores in actively inflamed knee joints. US accurately describes knee synovitis.
Trauma Transitional Care Coordination: protecting the most vulnerable trauma patients from hospital readmission
Authors: Hall Erin C , Tyrrell Rebecca , Scalea Thomas M , Stein Deborah M
Published: February 2018

Background

Unplanned hospital readmissions increase healthcare costs and patient morbidity. We hypothesized that a program designed to reduce trauma readmissions would be effective.

Methods

A Trauma Transitional Care Coordination (TTCC) program was created to support patients at high risk for readmission. TTCC interventions included call to patient (or caregiver) within 72 hours of discharge to identify barriers to care, complete medication reconciliation, coordination of appointments, and individualized problem solving. Information on all 30-day readmissions was collected. 30-day readmission rates were compared with center-specific readmission rates and population-based, risk-adjusted rates of readmission using published benchmarks.

Results

260 patients were enrolled in the TTCC program from January 2014 to September 2015. 30.8% (n=80) of enrollees were uninsured, 41.9% (n=109) reported current substance abuse, and 26.9% (n=70) had a current psychiatric diagnosis. 74.2% (n=193) attended outpatient trauma appointments within 14 days of discharge. 96.3% were successfully followed. Only 6.6% (n=16) of patients were readmitted in the first 30 days after discharge. This was significantly lower than both center-specific readmission rates before start of the program (6.6% vs. 11.3%, P=0.02) and recently published population-based trauma readmission rates (6.6% vs. 27%, P<0.001).

Discussion

A nursing-led TTCC program successfully followed patients and was associated with a significant decrease in 30-day readmission rates for patients with high-risk trauma. Targeted outpatient support for these most vulnerable patients can lead to better utilization of outpatient resources, increased patient satisfaction, and more consistent attainment of preinjury level of functioning or better.

Level of evidence

Level IV.
Aerial photographic identification of narwhal (Monodon monoceros) newborns and their spatial proximity to the nearest adult female
Authors: Charry Bertrand , Marcoux Marianne , Humphries Murray M.
Published: February 2018

Population and species management of long-lived species such as narwhal (Monodon monoceros) require long-term ecological monitoring programs to provide baseline information on population structure and dynamics. The success of such programs is dependent on the repeatability of the methods. Here, we propose a dichotomous key to identify narwhal newborns from aerial photography based on cetaceans’ mother–newborn dyad behavioral and narwhal newborn physical description. The key was tested by three inexperienced observers and one expert observer with interobserver agreement classified as fair according to the Cohen Kappa algorithm and criteria thresholds. This study gives some insight into narwhal-newborn spatial position, showing a predominant number of newborns located in the infant and echelon position.
Trapped river otters (Lontra canadensis) from central Saskatchewan differ in total and organic mercury concentrations by sex and geographic location
Authors: Wilkie Steven C. , Espie Richard H.M. , Basu Niladri , Liber Karsten , Hall Britt D.
Published: February 2018

Mercury (Hg) in wildlife remains of great concern, especially for apex piscivores. Despite this, exposure information from many species in many areas is lacking, so that management decisions are hampered. Here we examine Hg concentrations in fur, liver, and kidney tissues from river otters ( Lontra canadensis (Schreber, 1777)) ( n = 203) to quantify existing Hg concentrations over a broad geographic area in Saskatchewan. Mean fur total Hg (THg) (9.68 ± 7.52 mg/kg fresh weight (f.w.)) was significantly correlated with THg and organic Hg (OHg) in liver and kidney tissue, showcasing the potential for using fur as a noninvasive method of monitoring Hg in top-level mammals. Livers of males had higher mean OHg concentrations than livers of females (males: 2.71 mg/kg d.w., females: 1.87 mg/kg d.w.), but not significantly so. No sex-related differences were observed in kidney OHg concentrations. THg concentrations in otter fur collected in the Boreal Shield ecozone (Churchill River Upland) were significantly higher (mean = 16.1 mg/kg f.w.) than in otter fur collected from the Boreal Plain ecozone (mean = 8.59 mg/kg f.w.). Fur from otters ( n = 20; trapping block N66) trapped near a decommissioned smelter contained the highest concentrations of THg in the study (mean = 18.4 mg/kg f.w.).
Features-Level Fusion of Reflectance and Illumination Images in Finger-Knuckle-Print Identification System
Authors: Chaa Mourad , Boukezzoula Nacer-Eddine , Meraoumia Abdallah
Published: February 2018

In Finger-Knuckle-Print (FKP) recognition, feature extraction plays a very important role in the overall system performance. This paper merges two types of the histograms of oriented gradients (HOG)-based features extracted from reflectance and illumination images for FKP-based identification. The Adaptive Single Scale Retinex (ASSR) algorithm has been used to extract the illumination and the reflectance images from each FKP image. Serial feature fusion is used to form a large feature vector for each user, and extract the distinctive features in the higher-dimension vector space. Finally, the cosine similarity distance measure is used for classification. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) FKP database is used during all of the tests. Experimental results show that our proposed system achieves better results than other state-of-the-art system.
Electrical and gas sensing properties of novel cobalt(II), copper(II), manganese(III) phthalocyanines carrying ethyl 7-oxy-4,8-dimethylcoumarin-3-propanoate moieties
Authors: Köksoy Baybars , Aygün Meryem , Çapkin Aylin , Dumludağ Fatih , Bulut Mustafa
Published: February 2018

The synthesis of metallophthalocyanines (M [Formula: see text] Co, Cu, Mn) bearing four ethyl 7-oxy-4,8-dimethylcoumarin-3-propanoate moieties was performed. These novel compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, [Formula: see text]H-NMR spectroscopy, FT-IR, UV-vis and mass spectral data. DC and AC electrical properties of the films of metallophthalocyanines were investigated in the temperature range of 295–523 K. AC measurements were performed in the frequency range of 40–10[Formula: see text] Hz. Activation energy values of the films took place between 0.55 eV–0.93 eV. Impedance spectroscopy measurements revealed that bulk resistance decreases with increasing temperature, indicating semiconductor properties. DC conductivity results also supported this result. Their gas sensing properties were also investigated for the vapors of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), [Formula: see text]-butyl acetate (200–3200 ppm) and ammonia (7000–56000 ppm) between temperatures 25–100°C. Sensitivity and response times of the films for the tested vapors were reported. The results were found to be reversible and sensitive to the vapors of [Formula: see text]-butyl acetate and ammonia. It was found that Mn(OAc)Pc showed better sensitivity than CoPc and CuPc for [Formula: see text]-butyl acetate vapors at all measured vapor concentrations and temperatures. Mn(OAc)Pc also showed better sensitivity than CoPc and CuPc for ammonia vapors at 22°C.
BEHAVIOURAL IMPLICATIONS OF EMPLOYEE-DRIVEN INNOVATION — A CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS
Authors: BÄCKSTRÖM IZABELLE , LINDBERG MALIN
Published: February 2018

This paper examines a digital employee-oriented innovation program at a global IT-firm. It addresses the research question: how is the generation and promotion of employee ideas organised by the management, and what are the behavioural implications in terms of participation of such an organising? Drawing on the literature on inclusive innovation and employee-driven innovation, the authors explore the extent to which ordinary employees are included in innovative processes at work. The critical discourse analysis of written and spoken text exposes inclusiveness concerning the managements’ production and distribution of innovation discourse in the initial phases of the program. However, the analysis simultaneously reveals considerable excluding elements in the ordinary employees’ consumption of this discourse in its latter phases, particularly regarding the parallel discourses “we are all innovators” and “the single winning entrepreneur”.
The classic Wilson cycle revisited
Authors: Dalziel Ian W. D. , Dewey John F.
Published: February 2018

In the first application of the developing plate tectonic theory to the pre-Pangaea world 50 years ago, attempting to explain the origin of the Paleozoic Appalachian–Caledonian orogen, J. Tuzo Wilson asked the question: ‘Did the Atlantic close and then reopen?’. This question formed the basis of the concept of the Wilson cycle: ocean basins opening and closing to form a collisional mountain chain. The accordion-like motion of the continents bordering the Atlantic envisioned by Wilson in the 1960s, with proto-Appalachian Laurentia separating from Europe and Africa during the early Paleozoic in almost exactly the same position that it subsequently returned during the late Paleozoic amalgamation of Pangaea, now seems an unlikely scenario. We integrate the Paleozoic history of the continents bordering the present day basin of the North Atlantic Ocean with that of the southern continents to develop a radically revised picture of the classic Wilson cycle The concept of ocean basins opening and closing is retained, but the process we envisage also involves thousands of kilometres of mainly dextral motion parallel with the margins of the opposing Laurentia and Gondwanaland continents, as well as complex and prolonged tectonic interaction across an often narrow ocean basin, rather than the single collision suggested by Wilson.
Tectonic inheritance at multiple scales during more than two complete Wilson cycles recorded in eastern North America
Authors: Thomas William A.
Published: February 2018

Eastern North America holds clear records of two Wilson cycles and hints of two earlier cycles, through which tectonic inheritance is evident at multiple scales. Large-scale transform offsets of rifted margins indicate inheritance through multiple cycles; transform-parallel intracratonic fault systems suggest a transform-parallel fabric in the lithosphere. Rift segments of the continental margins did not inherit the locations of earlier rifts; synrift intracratonic fault systems follow earlier contractional fabrics of supercontinent assembly. Large-scale curves of the Appalachian–Ouachita orogenic belt (closing of the Iapetus Ocean) mimic the shape of the Iapetan rifted margin of Laurentia. Basins along the Iapetan rifted margin reflect inheritance from transform faults in the greater magnitudes of early post-rift thermal subsidence and later synorogenic tectonic loading and flexural subsidence. Older synrift basement faults buttressed the frontal ramps of Appalachian–Ouachita thin-skinned thrust faults. Basement fault blocks and associated synrift stratigraphic variations in the weak layers that host the regional décollement localized transverse alignments of lateral ramps, as well as tectonic thickening of a mud-dominated graben-fill succession in a ductile duplex (mushwad). The many examples of tectonic inheritance attest to the linkages between processes of successive opening and closing of oceans, as well as the break-up and assembly of supercontinents, through successive Wilson cycles.
Graph Bisection with Pareto Optimization
Authors: Hamann Michael , Strasser Ben
Published: February 2018

We introduce FlowCutter, a novel algorithm to compute a set of edge cuts or node separators that optimize cut size and balance in the Pareto sense. Our core algorithm heuristically solves the balanced connected
st
-edge-cut problem, where two given nodes
s
and
t
must be separated by removing edges to obtain two connected parts. Using the core algorithm as a subroutine, we build variants that compute node separators that are independent of
s
and
t
. From the computed Pareto set, we can identify cuts with a particularly good tradeoff between cut size and balance that can be used to compute contraction and minimum fill-in orders, which can be used in Customizable Contraction Hierarchies (CCHs), a speed-up technique for shortest-path computations. Our core algorithm runs in
O
(
c
∣
E
∣) time, where
E
is the set of edges and
c
is the size of the largest outputted cut. This makes it well suited for separating large graphs with small cuts, such as road graphs, which is the primary application motivating our research. For road graphs, we present an extensive experimental study demonstrating that FlowCutter outperforms the current state of the art in terms of both cut sizes and CCH performance. By evaluating FlowCutter on a standard graph partitioning benchmark, we further show that FlowCutter also finds small, balanced cuts on nonroad graphs. Another application is the computation of small tree decompositions. To evaluate the quality of our algorithm in this context, we entered the PACE 2016 challenge [13] and won first place in the corresponding sequential competition track. We can therefore conclude that our FlowCutter algorithm finds small, balanced cuts on a wide variety of graphs.
The Antibacterial Activity of Mass Galla Chinesis et Camelliae Fermentata on Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Yu Jing , Ye Hui , Li Jiang , Li Ning , Shi Zong-ming , Zhang Xue-zhi
Published: February 2018

Mass Galla chinesis et camelliae Fermentata (Chinese gall leaven, CGL) was investigated for activities against Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) both in vitro and in vivo. The agar dilution method and time‐kill curves, as in vitro assays and an in vivo study using a Kunming mice model, were performed. CGL demonstrated a strong anti‐Helicobacter pylori activity in vitro with the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against multiple H. pylori strains of 0.5~8 mg/ml and the decreasing trend time‐kill curves when increasing CGL concentrations. H. pylori eradication rates in vivo were evaluated based on rapid urease test (RUT) and histopathologic criteria. Results revealed that the eradication rates in the CGL groups were 40% (4/10) in the high dosage group, 33% (4/11) in the medium dosage group, and 18% (2/11) in the low dosage group, with the difference between the high dosage and H. pylori control groups being significant (P = 0.035). The H. pylori colonization scores could be reduced partly by CGL. These in vivo results demonstrated that CGL in a rationally high dosage might be the most effective.
Efficacy and Safety of Insulin Glargine 300 U/mL versus 100 U/mL in Diabetes Mellitus: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature
Authors: Vargas-Uricoechea Hernando
Published: February 2018

To achieve good metabolic control in diabetes and maintain it in the long term, a combination of changes in lifestyle and pharmacological treatment is necessary. The need for insulin depends upon the balance between insulin secretion and insulin resistance. Insulin is considered the most effective glucose-lowering therapy available and is required by people with type 1 diabetes mellitus to control their blood glucose levels; yet, many people with type 2 diabetes mellitus will also eventually require insulin therapy, due to the progressive nature of the disease. A variety of long-acting insulins is currently used for basal insulin therapy (such as insulin glargine, degludec, and detemir), each having sufficient pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profiles to afford lower intrapatient variability and an extended duration of action. The new glargine-300 formulation was developed to have a flatter and more extended time-action profile than the original glargine-100, and these characteristics may translate into more stable and sustained glycemic control over a 24 h dosing interval. The objective of this comprehensive review was to summarize the available evidence on the clinical efficacy and safety of glargine-300 versus glargine-100 from the EDITION clinical trial program, in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Liraglutide Activates the Nrf2/HO-1 Antioxidant Pathway and Protects Brain Nerve Cells against Cerebral Ischemia in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Deng Caihong , Cao Jun , Han Jiangquan , Li Jianguo , Li Zhaohun , Shi Ninghua , He Jing
Published: February 2018

This study aimed to determine the effect of liraglutide pretreatment and to elucidate the mechanism of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling after focal cerebral ischemia injury in diabetic rats model. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the sham-operated (S) group, diabetes mellitus ischemia (DM + MCAO) group, liraglutide pretreatment normal blood glucose ischemia (NDM+MCAO+L) group, and liraglutide pretreatment diabetes ischemia (DM + MCAO + L) group. At 48 h after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), neurological deficits and infarct volume of brain were measured. Oxidative stress brain tissue was determined by superoxide dismutase (SOD) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities. The expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 of brain tissue were analyzed by western blotting. In the DM + MCAO + L group, neurological deficits scores and cerebral infarct volume seemed to decrease at 48 h after MCAO cerebral ischemia compared with those in DM + MCAO group (P<0.05). In addition, the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 increased in 48 h at liraglutide pretreatment groups after MCAO cerebral ischemia if compared with those in the DM + MCAO group (P<0.05). Furthermore, the DM + MCAO + L group has no significant difference compared with the NDM + MCAO + L group (P>0.05). To sum up, alleviating effects of liraglutide on diabetes complicated with cerebral ischemia injury rats would be related to Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.
Intravitreal Clindamycin and Dexamethasone Combined with Systemic Oral Antitoxoplasma Therapy versus Intravitreal Therapy Alone in the Management of Toxoplasma Retinochoroiditis: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Bor’i Ashraf , Mahrous Ashraf , Al-Aswad Mahmoud A. , Al-Nashar Haitham Y. , Nada Waled M. , Wagih Mostafa , Awad Ahmed M. B. , El-Haig Wael M.
Published: February 2018

Purpose. To compare clinical outcome of IVCD combined with oral therapy with IVCD alone in patients with toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis.Patients and Methods. Thirty eyes were reviewed. Two equal groups were identified (15 eyes each). Clinical outcome measures were resolution of active inflammation, changes in BCVA and CMT, adverse drug reactions, and rate of recurrence.Results. Mean baseline of BCVA 1.08 ± 0.17 and 1.03 ± 0.15 improved to 0.64 ± 0.18 and 0.69 ± 0.17 at the end of follow-up in group I and II, respectively. No statistically significant difference was observed. CMT was 392.6 ± 33.16μm and 397.3 ± 14.6μm significantly decreased to 314.7 ± 4.43μm and 319.6 ± 7.8μm. Resolution of acute inflammation was achieved in all cases in both groups. There were no recurrent cases in group I, and only one out of 15 (6.7%) in group II. No ocular or systemic adverse events were recorded.Conclusion. IVCD is an effective route of treatment for active toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis that can be used solely without the need to use systemic medications..
Piper retrofractum Vahl. Extract, as a PPARδ and AMPK Activator, Suppresses UVB‐Induced Photoaging through Mitochondrial Biogenesis and MMPs Inhibition in Human Dermal Fibroblasts and Hairless Mice
Authors: Yun Jungon , Kim Changhee , Kim Mi-Bo , Hwang Jae-Kwan
Published: February 2018

Photoaging occurs by UVB‐irradiation and involves production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and overexpression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), leading to extracellular matrix damage. Piper retrofractum Vahl. is used as a traditional medicine for antiflatulence, expectorant, sedative, and anti‐irritant; however, its antiphotoaging effect has not yet been studied. The current study investigated the antiphotoaging effect of standardized Piper retrofractum extract (PRE) on UVB‐damaged human dermal fibroblasts and hairless mouse skin. PRE treatment activated the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor delta (PPARδ) and the adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), consequently upregulating mitochondrial synthesis and reducing ROS production. Additionally, PRE inhibited MMPs expression via suppressing mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and activator protein‐1 (AP‐1). PRE downregulated UVB‐induced inflammatory reactions by inhibiting the nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) activity. PRE also enhanced transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β) and the Smad signaling pathway, thereby promoting procollagen gene transcription. Furthermore, oral administration of PRE (300 mg/kg/day) similarly regulated the signaling pathways and increased antioxidant enzyme expression, thus attenuating physiological deformations, such as wrinkle formation and erythema response. Collectively, these results suggest that PRE acts as a potent antiphotoaging agent via PPARδ and AMPK activation.
Nonsurgical Clinical Management of Periapical Lesions Using Calcium Hydroxide-Iodoform-Silicon-Oil Paste
Authors: Al Khasawnah Qusai , Hassan Fathi , Malhan Deeksha , Engelhardt Markus , Daghma Diaa Eldin S. , Obidat Dima , Lips Katrin S. , El Khassawna Thaqif , Heiss Christian
Published: February 2018

Background. The study aim is to avoid tooth extraction by nonsurgical treatment of periapical lesion. It assesses healing progress in response to calcium hydroxide-iodoform-silicon oil paste (CHISP). Numeric Pain Rating Scale was used to validate the approach. Furthermore, CHISP was used to treat cystic lesions secondary to posttraumatic avulsion of permanent teeth. Materials and Methods. Over 200 patients with radicular cysts were treated with CHISP through the root canal. Radiographs were used to verify lesion size and position, ensure correct delivery to the site, and monitor the progress of bone healing in the lesion area. Ten males and 10 females were randomly selected for statistical assessment. Results. No severe pain, complications, or failure in cyst healing was reported. Complete healing was achieved in an average of 75 days. Furthermore, healing of radicular cyst secondary to posttraumatic tooth avulsion was successful. Conclusion. CHISP indicated an antiseptic effect, which enhanced and shortened healing time of periapical lesions. The less invasive procedure avoids tooth extraction and reduces bone resorption. Cyst management with CHISP can remedy failed root canal treatments. The results show a bone regenerative capacity of CHISP suggested in first rapid phase and a second slow phase.
A Distinct Oncogenerative Multinucleated Cancer Cell Serves as a Source of Stemness and Tumor Heterogeneity
Authors: Díaz-Carballo David , Saka Sahitya , Klein Jacqueline , Rennkamp Tobias , Acikelli Ali H. , Malak Sascha , Jastrow Holger , Wennemuth Gunther , Tempfer Clemens , Schmitz Inge , Tannapfel Andrea , Strumberg Dirk
Published: February 2018

The effects of anticancer treatments on cell heterogeneity and their proliferative potential play an important role in tumor persistence and metastasis. However, little is known about de-polyploidization, cell fate, and physiologic stemness of the resulting cell populations. Here, we describe a distinctive cell type termed "pregnant" P1 cells found within chemotherapy-refractory ovarian tumors, which generate and gestate daughter generation Gn cells intracytoplasmically. Release of Gn cells occurred by ejection through crevices in the P1 cell membrane by body contractions or using a funiculus-like structure. These events characterized a not yet described mechanism of cell segregation. Maternal P1 cells were principally capable of surviving parturition events and continued to breed and nurture Gn progenies. In addition, P1 cells were competent to horizontally transmit offspring Gn cells into other specific proximal cells, injecting them to receptor R1 cells via cell–cell tunneling. This process represents a new mechanism used by tumor cells to invade surrounding tissues and ensure life cycles. In contrast to the pregnant P1 cells with low expression of stem cell markers despite their physiologic stemness, the first offspring generations of daughter G1 cells expressed high levels of ovarian cancer stem cell markers. Furthermore, both P1 and Gn cells overexpressed multiple human endogenous retroviral envelope proteins. Moreover, programmed death-ligand 1 and the immunosuppressive domain of the retroviral envelope proteins were also overexpressed in P1 cells, suggesting effective protection against the host immune system. Together, our data suggest that P1 oncogenerative cancer cells exhibit a not yet described cell biological mechanism of persistence and transmission of malignant cells in patients with advanced cancers.

Significance: P1 oncogenerative cell entities express low levels of CSC markers, which are characteristic of their histological origin. Cancer Res; 78(9); 2318–31. ©2018 AACR.
Explaining Coronal Reduction: Prosodic Structure and Articulatory Posture
Authors: Parrell Benjamin , Narayanan Shrikanth
Published: February 2018

Consonant reduction is often treated as an allophonic process at the phonological planning level, with one production target (allophone) being substituted for another. We propose that, alternatively, reduction can be the result of an online process driven by prosodically conditioned durational variability and an invariant production target. We show that this approach can account for patterns of coronal stop (/t/, /d/, and /n/) production in both American English and Spanish. Contrary to effort-driven theories of reduction, we show that reduction does notdepend on changes to gestural stiffness. Moreover, we demonstrate how differences between and within a language in the particular articulatory postures used to produce different coronal stops automatically lead to reduction to what have normally been considered distinct allophones - coronal approximants ([ð̞]) and flaps ([ɾ]). In this way, our approach allows us to understand different outcomes of coronal stop reduction as the dynamic interaction of a single process (durationally driven undershoot) and variable spatial targets. We show that these patterns are reflected across a wide variety of languages, and show how alternative outcomes of reduction may fit within the same general framework.
Endobronchial Treatment for Bronchial Carcinoid: Patient Selection and Predictors of Outcome
Authors: Reuling Ellen M.B.P. , Dickhoff Chris , Plaisier Peter W. , Coupé Veerle M.H. , Mazairac Albert H.A. , Lely Rutger J. , Bonjer H. Jaap , Daniels Johannes M.A.
Published: February 2018

Background: Traditionally, surgical resection is the preferred treatment for typical carcinoids and atypical carcinoids located in the lungs. Recently however, several studies have shown excellent long-term outcome after endobronchial treatment of carcinoid tumors located in the central airways. This study investigates clinical and radiological features as predictors of successful endobronchial treatment in patients with a bronchial carcinoid tumor. Objectives: To identify clinical and radiological features predictive of successful endobronchial treatment in patients with bronchial carcinoid. Methods: This analysis was performed in a cohort of patients with typical and atypical bronchial carcinoid referred for endobronchial treatment. Several patient characteristics, radiological features, and histological grade (typical or atypical carcinoid) were tested as predictors of successful endobronchial treatment. Results: One hundred and twenty-five patients with a diagnosis of bronchial carcinoid underwent endobronchial treatment. On multivariate analysis, a tumor diameter <15 mm (odds ratio 0.09; 95% confidence interval 0.02–0.5; p = <0.01) and purely intraluminal growth on computer tomography (CT scan) (odds ratio, 9.1; 95% confidence interval 1.8–45.8; p = <0.01) were predictive of radical endobronchial treatment. The success rate for intraluminal tumors with a diameter <20 mm was 72%. Conclusions: Purely intraluminal disease and tumor diameter on CT scan seem to be independent predictors for successful endobronchial treatment in patients with bronchial carcinoid. Based on these data, patients with purely intraluminal carcinoid tumors with a diameter <20 mm on CT scan are good candidates for endobronchial treatment, regardless of histological grade. In contrast, all patients with a tumor diameter ≥20 mm should be directly referred for surgery.
AGE-RAGE Interaction Does Not Explain the Clinical Improvements after Therapeutic Fasting in Osteoarthritis
Authors: Drinda Stefan , Franke Sybille , Schmidt Sebastian , Stoy Katrin , Lehmann Thomas , Wolf Gunter , Neumann Thomas
Published: February 2018

Background: Therapeutic fasting improves joint pain in patients with osteoarthritis (OA), but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Interactions of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and their receptors (RAGE) play a role in OA pathogenesis. This study aimed to investigate whether the benefits of fasting in OA can be explained by changes in AGEs or RAGE. Patients and Methods: 37 patients with OA underwent fasting for 8 days. Serum levels of an AGE (N-ε-(carboxymethyl)-lysine; CML) and the soluble RAGE (sRAGE) as well as clinical outcome parameters such pain characteristics (measured by visual analogue scale; VAS), joint function (determined by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index; WOMAC), and quality of life (via the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire) were assessed. The variables were measured at baseline, the end of fasting, and at follow-up at 4 weeks. Results: The CML levels did not significantly change from baseline to the end of intervention (Δ = -25.6 ± 92.2 ng/ml; p = 0.10). In contrast, the sRAGE levels (Δ = -182.7 ± 171.4 ng/ml; p < 0.0001) and the sRAGE/CML ratio (Δ = -0.4 ± 0.6; p < 0.001) significantly decreased, but they returned to baseline levels 4 weeks after the end of fasting. The scores for pain, WOMAC, and the physical subscale of the SF-36 significantly improved during fasting. There was no correlation between the clinical outcomes and changes in serum levels of CML, sRAGE, or the sRAGE/CML ratio. Conclusions: Fasting resulted in a significant but non-sustained reduction of sRAGE levels and the sRAGE/CML ratio in OA, while the CML levels did not change. Improvement in clinical endpoints of OA does not correlate with changes in CML or sRAGE.