bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical utility of RNA sequencing to resolve unusual GNE myopathy with a novel promoter deletion
Authors: Chakravorty Samya , Berger Kiera , Arafat Dalia , Nallamilli Babi Ramesh Reddy , Subramanian Hari Prasanna , Joseph Soumya , Anderson Mary E. , Campbell Kevin P. , Glass Jonathan , Gibson Greg , Hegde Madhuri
Published: April 2019

Introduction: UDP N‐acetylglucosamine2‐epimerase/N‐acetylmannosamine‐kinase (GNE) gene mutations can cause mostly autosomal‐recessive myopathy with juvenile‐onset known as hereditary inclusion‐body myopathy (HIBM). Methods: We describe a family of a patient showing an unusual HIBM with both vacuolar myopathy and myositis without quadriceps‐sparing, hindering diagnosis. We show how genetic testing with functional assays, clinical transcriptome sequencing (RNA‐seq) in particular, helped facilitate both the diagnosis and a better understanding of the genotype‐phenotype relationship. Results: We identified a novel 7.08 kb pathogenic deletion upstream of GNE using array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) and a common Val727Met variant. Using RNA‐seq, we found only monoallelic (Val727Met‐allele) expression, leading to ~50% GNE reduction in muscle. Importantly, α‐dystroglycan is hypoglycosylated in the patient muscle, suggesting HIBM could be a “dystroglycanopathy.” Conclusions: Our study shows the importance of considering aCGH for GNE‐myopathies, and the potential of RNA‐seq for faster, definitive molecular diagnosis of unusual myopathies. Muscle Nerve, 2019
Updated cerebrospinal fluid total protein reference values improve chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy diagnosis
Authors: Breiner Ari , Bourque Pierre R. , Allen Jeffrey A.
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Recent literature has concluded that cerebrospinal fluid total protein (CSF‐TP) upper reference limits (URL) should be higher than 45 mg/dl and stratified by age.

Methods

Data‐driven URLs were applied to the analysis of a cohort of patients with correctly and incorrectly diagnosed chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). Descriptive statistics were calculated, and exploratory analyses were used to test the impact of different CSF‐TP URLs on sensitivity and specificity of CIDP diagnosis.

Results

The adoption of higher and age‐dependent CSF‐TP URLs reduced the sensitivity of CSF analysis slightly (from 95% to 84%‐86%); however, the overall CIDP detection rate was unchanged. Twelve of 36 (33%) false‐positive diagnoses occurred with CSF‐TP elevation as the sole supportive criteria. By applying updated CSF‐TP URLs, the specificity of CSF analysis increased from 39% to 57%‐64%.

Discussion

Implementation of data‐driven CSF‐TP URLs improves CIDP diagnostic specificity without compromising sensitivity, thereby lessening CIDP misdiagnosis. Muscle Nerve 60: 180–183, 2019
How cure rates drive patients' preference for urethral bulking agent or mid‐urethral sling surgery as therapy for stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Casteleijn Fenne M. , Enklaar Rosa A. , El Bouyahyaoui Ikram , Jeffery Stephen , Zwolsman Sandra E. , Roovers Jan‐Paul W.R.
Published: April 2019

Aims

To assess the patients' median‐accepted threshold of cure rate for urethral bulking agent (UBA) treatment compared to mid‐urethral sling (MUS) surgery for treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Secondly, to determine the correlation between treatment trade‐off point and patient characteristics.

Methods

Women older than 18 years, with predominant SUI, seeking treatment, underwent a structured interview. The treatment trade‐off point was determined in scenario one: UBA vs transobturator standard MUS surgery (SMUS) performed under general/spinal anesthesia with one‐night hospital stay, and scenario 2: UBA compared to single‐incision MUS surgery (SIMS) performed under local analgesia (with sedation) in a daycare setting. The treatment trade‐off point was assessed by decreasing the cure rate of UBA from 85% to 10% with steps of 2% until the patient's treatment preference switched to SMUS/SIMS.

Results

One hundred and five patients were interviewed. Mean age was 52 years (SD, ±13.4). The median trade‐off point for scenarios 1 and 2 was 79% (interquartile range [IQR]: 69, 85) and 85% (IQR: 71, 85), respectively. Patients with longer duration of SUI symptoms were willing to trade more efficacy to prefer UBA treatment.

Conclusions

Patients with SUI are willing to trade a lower cure rate to prefer UBA over SMUS to avoid hospitalization and general anesthesia. When SIMS is performed in a daycare setting under local analgesia, the majority of patients with SUI are of the opinion that cure rates of UBA should be at least as high as SIMS to be worth considering. The treatment preference is not strongly correlated with the patients' characteristics.
How Nonprofits Can Take a Page From Corporate America's Playbook
Authors: Absar Rehana
Published: April 2019

At first glance, it would seem that nonprofits and corporations share few common traits, but that is changing. Corporations have been historically driven by profit and the value they derive from achieving their bottom line for their investors. Nonprofits are driven by a mission to achieve social impact. In today's climate, however, those lines are increasingly blurred. More and more business analysts see social enterprise as the impact model of the future and critical to the for‐profit sector's mission of achieving greater growth. The nonprofit sector too can take important lessons from the bottom line–driven for‐profit sector that can better help them achieve its mission.
Nutrition Status and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Can We Move Beyond the Body Mass Index?
Authors: Raad Samih , Smith Cheryl , Allen Karen
Published: April 2019

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) represents an important global public health concern. Malnutrition is common in patients with COPD and often leads to worse outcomes for these patients. Recognition of overall nutrition status for patients with COPD is an important aspect of their care and treatment. Several methods have been studied that move beyond the standard/frequent use of body mass index alone. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current evidence for other tools to evaluate nutrition status in patients with COPD and highlight patients who may benefit from nutrition interventions.
Characteristics of care methods for daily life disabilities in Alzheimer's type dementia that respect autonomy and independence
Authors: Suwa Sayuri , Yumoto Akiyo , Ueno Mari , Yamabe Tomoko , Hoshishiba Yumiko , Sato Mihoko
Published: April 2019

Aim

To clarify the characteristics of appropriate care methods for people with daily life disabilities due to Alzheimer's type dementia.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey study.

Methods

A survey was implemented targeting 2,156 advanced care practitioners for dementia. The postal, self‐administered anonymous questionnaire was rated on a 4‐point Likert scale to assess the benefits of care for daily life disabilities depending on severity. We conducted factor analysis to determine characteristics of the appropriate care.

Results

There were 568 valid responses, a valid response rate of 26.3%. The characteristics found were “Simplicity of necessities” and “Communication using verbal language on what should be done next” for mild cases; “Opportunities for completion of a task are provided with verbal communication,” “Marks” and “Arrange the environment with verbal communication” for moderate cases; and “Explain the process in the order of each individual action,” “Prevent non‐starts and interruptions” and “Confirm intention” for severe cases.
Factors associated with early non‐response within an Internet‐based behavioural weight loss program
Authors: Unick J. L. , Ross K. M. , Wing R. R.
Published: April 2019

Objective

While behavioural weight loss interventions are effective overall, many individuals fail to achieve a clinically significant weight loss. Given that 4‐week weight loss has been shown to predict longer term outcomes, one potential strategy for improving rates of success is to provide additional support to early non‐responders. To inform these early rescue efforts, it is important to first identify how they may differ from their more successful peers.

Methods

At week 4 of a 12‐week Internet‐delivered weight loss program, 130 adults (age: 49.8 ± 9.8 years, body mass index: 31.2 ± 4.6 kg m−2) were asked to complete an 11‐item survey assessing mood and weight‐related cognitions and behaviours. Participants were then categorized as early non‐responders (4‐week weight loss <2%) or initial responders (4‐week weight loss ≥2%), and groups were compared on intervention adherence during weeks 1–4 and week 4 survey question responses.

Results

Early non‐responders and initial responders did not differ on any intervention adherence variables (ps > 0.05). Compared to initial responders, early non‐responders reported less positive mood (p = 0.011), greater boredom with weight loss efforts (p = 0.036), greater temptation to eat foods not consistent with their goals (p = 0.023), and that their eating choices were less consistent with their goals (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

These findings identify important differences between early non‐responders and initial responders, offering potential intervention targets for rescuing early non‐responders (i.e. making it easier for individuals to choose healthier foods, reducing boredom in Internet‐delivered weight loss programs and providing strategies to limit exposure to dietary temptations).
Whole‐brain microstructural white matter alterations in borderline personality disorder patients
Authors: Quattrini Giulia , Marizzoni Moira , Magni Laura R. , Magnaldi Silvia , Lanfredi Mariangela , Rossi Giuseppe , Frisoni Giovanni B. , Pievani Michela , Rossi Roberta
Published: April 2019

Background

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a psychiatric condition associated with the impairment of the frontolimbic network. However, a growing body of studies suggests that brain dysfunction underling BPD could involve other brain areas. We explored the whole‐brain white matter (WM) organization in BPD patients to clarify the structural pattern underlying the disease and its relationship with clinical features.

Methods

Fourteen BPD patients and 14 healthy controls underwent a multidimensional clinical assessment and diffusion tensor imaging acquisition. Measures of fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean, axial and radial (RD) diffusivity were collected, and alterations in the WM were assessed using the voxelwise approach, including substance and alcohol abuse as covariates. Voxelwise regression analysis was performed to identify associations between microstructural changes and clinical feature in BPD.

Results

Group comparisons showed alterations only for FA and RD: FA decreased in the right posterior hemisphere, while RD increased bilaterally and widespread in anterior and posterior areas (p < 0.05, threshold‐free cluster enhancement corrected). Moreover, WM alterations of the corpus callosum were related to anxiety in BPD group.

Discussion

Our data support the idea that structural alterations underling BPD also involve cortico‐cortical pathways, corticothalamic and corticostriatal tracts, suggesting that the frontolimbic model should be reinterpreted. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spin Filtering Magnetoresistance in Double‐Well Resonant Structures
Authors: Nakamura Taketomo , Hashimoto Yoshiaki , Ke Tong , Katsumoto Shingo
Published: April 2019

A new type of spin filtering mechanism is proposed and experimental evidence for the function of filtering is presented. The mechanism utilizes both Rashba and Dresselhaus type spin–orbit interactions. The present device has an advantage that spin‐polarized electrons can be injected not only into lateral transport devices but also into vertical transport devices like resonant tunneling diodes. Such applicability to vertical type devices also provides possibility to gain robustness to the temperatures.
Operation of a Microfabricated Planar Ion‐Trap for Studies of a Yb+–Rb Hybrid Quantum System
Authors: Bahrami Abasalt , Müller Matthias , Drechsler Martin , Joger Jannis , Gerritsma Rene , Schmidt‐Kaler Ferdinand
Published: April 2019

In order to study interactions of atomic ions with ultracold neutral atoms, it is important to have sub‐µm control over positioning ion crystals. Serving for this purpose, a microfabricated planar ion trap featuring 21 DC electrodes is introduced. The ion trap is controlled by a home‐made FPGA voltage source providing independently variable voltages to each of the DC electrodes. To assure stable positioning of ion crystals with respect to trapped neutral atoms, the authors integrate into the overall design a compact mirror magneto optical chip trap (mMOT) for cooling and confining neutral 87Rb atoms. The trapped atoms will be transferred into an also integrated chip‐based Ioffe‐Pritchard trap potential formed by a Z‐shaped wire and an external bias magnetic field. The authors introduce the hybrid atom–ion chip, the microfabricated planar ion trap, and use trapped ion crystals to determine ion lifetimes, trap frequencies, positioning ions, and the accuracy of the compensation of micromotion.
Boron isotope variability related to boron speciation (change during uptake and transport) in bell pepper plants and SI traceable n(11B)/n(10B) ratios for plant reference materials
Authors: Geilert Sonja , Vogl Jochen , Rosner Martin , Eichert Thomas
Published: April 2019

Rationale

Boron (B) is an essential micronutrient in plants and its isotope variations are used to gain insights into plant metabolism, which is important for crop plant cultivation. B isotope variations were used to trace intra‐plant fractionation mechanisms in response to the B concentration in the irrigation water spanning the range from B depletion to toxic levels.

Methods

A fully validated analytical procedure based on multi‐collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC‐ICP‐MS), sample decomposition and B matrix separation was applied to study B isotope fractionation. The validation was accomplished by establishing a complete uncertainty budget and by applying reference materials, yielding expanded measurement uncertainties of 0.8‰ for pure boric acid solutions and ≤1.5‰ for processed samples. With this validated procedure SI traceable B isotope amount ratios were determined in plant reference materials for the first time.

Results

The B isotope compositions of irrigation water and bell pepper samples suggest passive diffusion of the heavy 11B isotope into the roots during low to high B concentrations while uptake of the light 10B isotope was promoted during B depletion, probably by active processes. A systematic enrichment of the heavy 11B isotope in higher located plant parts was observed (average Δ11Bleaf‐roots = 20.3 ± 2.8‰ (1 SD)), possibly by a facilitated transport of the heavy 11B isotope to growing meristems by B transporters.

Conclusions

The B isotopes can be used to identify plant metabolism in response to the B concentration in the irrigation water and during intra‐plant B transfer. The large B isotope fractionation within the plants demonstrates the importance of biological B cycling for the global B cycle.
Fast and precise boron isotopic analysis of carbonates and seawater using Nu Plasma II multi‐collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and a simple sample introduction system
Authors: Chen Xin‐Yang , Teng Fang‐Zhen , Catling David C.
Published: April 2019

Rationale

The boron (B) isotopic composition in marine carbonates provides important insights into paleoclimate reconstruction and biomineralization. However, precise and accurate measurements of B isotopes using plasma‐based mass spectrometry is difficult due to the volatile nature of B, which typically requires complex and more specialized sample introduction systems. Existing analytical protocols have mostly been based on Thermo Scientific Neptune Plus multi‐collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC‐ICPMS) instruments, whereas methods based on Nu Plasma mass spectrometers are scarce.

Methods

We have developed a simplified analytical protocol using Nu Plasma II MC‐ICPMS with standard glass sample introduction systems. Boron extraction and purification were conducted using a two‐stage column chemistry with cation‐exchange and Amberlite IRA 743 B‐specific resin. A sample drying step was avoided, which allows for direct isotopic analysis after column chemistry. A wet plasma mode with a standard glass cyclonic spray chamber and a glass nebulizer was used instead of a more specialized perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) sample introduction system. Low residual B signals were achieved with a relatively short period of wash‐out with 0.5 N HNO3.

Results

The external precision is better than 0.30‰ (2SD) calculated from the long‐term bracketing standard, NIST SRM 951a. The overall robustness of the method was demonstrated by measurements of the international carbonate standard JCp‐1 (δ11B = +24.49 ± 0.36‰, 2SD) and seawater (δ11B = +39.98 ± 0.35‰), which are consistent with reported values.

Conclusions

Our method provides an alternative approach for B isotope analysis using a routine wet plasma MC‐ICPMS setup that can facilitate geochemical and environmental application of B isotopes.
A new practical robust control of cable‐driven manipulators using time‐delay estimation
Authors: Wang Yaoyao , Yan Fei , Zhu Kangwu , Chen Bai , Wu Hongtao
Published: April 2019

In this paper, a new practical robust control scheme is proposed and investigated for the cable‐driven manipulators under lumped uncertainties. There are three parts in the proposed method, ie, a time‐delay estimation (TDE) part, a modified super‐twisting algorithm (STA) part, and a fractional‐order nonsingular terminal sliding mode (FONTSM) error dynamics part. The TDE uses intentionally time‐delayed system signals to estimate the lumped dynamics of the system and ensures an attractive model‐free control structure. The STA is applied to guarantee high performance and chattering suppression simultaneously in the reaching phase. The FONTSM error dynamics is utilized to obtain fast convergence and strong robustness in the sliding mode phase. Thanks to the above three parts, the proposed control scheme is model free and can ensure high control performance under lumped uncertainties. The stability considering the FONTSM error dynamics and modified STA scheme is analyzed. Comparative simulation and experiments were conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness and superiorities of the newly proposed control scheme. Corresponding experimental results show that our newly proposed control scheme can provide more than 20% improvement of the steady control accuracy under three different reference trajectories.
Performance enhancement of overall LEO/MEO intersatellite optical wireless communication systems
Authors: Rashed Ahmed Nabih Zaki , Tabbour Mohammed Salah F. , Natarajan Karuppusamy
Published: April 2019

This paper has deeply investigated the performance signature of modulation techniques based low earth orbit (LEO)/medium earth orbit (MEO) intersatellite optical wireless communication systems for possible communication coverage distance of 20 000 km with possible transmission bit rate of 0.5 Tb/s. These modulation techniques that are namely multilevel quadrature amplitude modulation (M‐QAM), multilevel phase shift keying (N‐PSK), multilevel pulse amplitude modulation (H‐PAM), and finally multilevel differential phase shift keying (L‐DPSK) based on different electrical pulse generators for upgrading LEO/MEO intersatellite link operation efficiency. These pulse generators that are namely Gaussian pulse generator (GPG), hyperbolic secant pulse generator (HSPG), and raised cosine pulse generator (RCPG). The variations of maximum Q‐factor, minimum bit error rate (BER), and optical signal‐to‐noise ratio in relation to number of bits/symbol for different modulation techniques can be deeply studied in the presence of vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL). This study is done with using Optiwave system simulation version 7 for different modulation techniques, and all figures are sketched with using wizard Excel sheet set up. It is observed that maximum Q‐factor and minimum BER are optimized with using GPG and 8‐PAM, as well as 4‐DPSK with both HSPG and RCPG.
Self‐Healing, Adhesive, and Highly Stretchable Ionogel as a Strain Sensor for Extremely Large Deformation
Authors: Zhang Li Mei , He Yuan , Cheng Sibo , Sheng Hao , Dai Keren , Zheng Wen Jiang , Wang Mei Xiang , Chen Zhen Shan , Chen Yong Mei , Suo Zhigang
Published: April 2019

Fabricating a strain sensor that can detect large deformation over a curved object with a high sensitivity is crucial in wearable electronics, human/machine interfaces, and soft robotics. Herein, an ionogel nanocomposite is presented for this purpose. Tuning the composition of the ionogel nanocomposites allows the attainment of the best features, such as excellent self‐healing (>95% healing efficiency), strong adhesion (347.3 N m−1), high stretchability (2000%), and more than ten times change in resistance under stretching. Furthermore, the ionogel nanocomposite–based sensor exhibits good reliability and excellent durability after 500 cycles, as well as a large gauge factor of 20 when it is stretched under a strain of 800–1400%. Moreover, the nanocomposite can self‐heal under arduous conditions, such as a temperature as low as −20 °C and a temperature as high as 60 °C. All these merits are achieved mainly due to the integration of dynamic metal coordination bonds inside a loosely cross‐linked network of ionogel nanocomposite doped with Fe3O4 nanoparticles.
Recent Progress in Molecular Design of Fused Ring Electron Acceptors for Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Dey Somnath
Published: April 2019

The quest for sustainable energy sources has led to accelerated growth in research of organic solar cells (OSCs). A solution‐processed bulk‐heterojunction (BHJ) OSC generally contains a donor and expensive fullerene acceptors (FAs). The last 20 years have been devoted by the OSC community to developing donor materials, specifically low bandgap polymers, to complement FAs in BHJs. The current improvement from ≈2.5% in 2013 to 17.3% in 2018 in OSC performance is primarily credited to novel nonfullerene acceptors (NFA), especially fused ring electron acceptors (FREAs). FREAs offer unique advantages over FAs, like broad absorption of solar radiation, and they can be extensively chemically manipulated to tune optoelectronic and morphological properties. Herein, the current status in FREA‐based OSCs is summarized, such as design strategies for both wide and narrow bandgap FREAs for BHJ, all‐small‐molecule OSCs, semi‐transparent OSC, ternary, and tandem solar cells. The photovoltaics parameters for FREAs are summarized and discussed. The focus is on the various FREA structures and their role in optical and morphological tuning. Besides, the advantages and drawbacks of both FAs and NFAs are discussed. Finally, an outlook in the field of FREA‐OSCs for future material design and challenges ahead is provided.
Single Atoms on Graphene for Energy Storage and Conversion
Authors: Zhang Linlin , Wang Yijing , Niu Zhiqiang , Chen Jun
Published: April 2019

Single atoms are attracting much attention in the field of energy conversion and storage due to their maximal atomic utilization, high efficiency, and good selectivity. Moreover, their unique electronic structure could improve the intrinsic activity of the active sites. However, the high surface free energy of single atoms inevitably results in their serious aggregation, leading to degraded catalytic activity and poor cycling life. To solve these issues, supports with high surface areas have to be developed to reduce loading density of single atoms and further decrease the surface free energy. Furthermore, engineering the active sites of these substrates can also regulate chemical coordination of single atoms, enhancing their catalytic performance. Owing to high surface area, excellent conductivity and adjustable surface properties, graphene is widely utilized to load atomic metal catalysts. In this review, the fabrication strategies and characterization methods of single atoms on graphene (SAG) are summarized first. Subsequently, the electrochemical applications of SAG on the oxygen reduction reaction, oxygen evolution reaction, hydrogen evolution reaction, carbon dioxide reduction, and methane oxidation are discussed in detail. Finally, the future developments and prospects in fabrication and application of SAG are also discussed.
The open theory and its enemy: Implicit moralisation as epistemological obstacle for general systems theory
Authors: Roth Steffen
Published: April 2019

Ludwig von Bertalanffy decisively shaped open systems theory as challenge and alternative to the then‐dominant theories of closed systems. This strategic positioning and its success have abetted frequent and frequently implicit moralisations of openness and closeness. In this article, we draw on the concept of autopoietically closed systems to show that the prevailing affirmative bias to openness constitutes an epistemological obstacle to the advancement of general systems theory. We demonstrate how this obstacle can be removed by tetralemmatic decision programmes that facilitate the management of dilemmatic co‐occurrences of and trade‐offs between openness and closeness.
European design code for composite structures in steel and concrete
Authors: Schäfer Markus
Published: April 2019

The Eurocodes (EC) represent European norms (EN) for the design and construction of building and bridge structures. The development of these European design codes is carried out on behalf of the European Union (EU) by the ”European Committee for Standardization – CEN“. The Eurocodes have been in use for some years now. The motivation behind the development of the Eurocodes is the harmonization of the planning and design process for the structural components and construction elements of buildings and bridges all over Europe. Based on the experience gained through the use of the Eurocode conditions in recent years and many comments from industry, a revision of all parts of the Eurocode is currently in progress. The aim is to adapt the current design standards to the state of the art and research, to simplify the application and to harmonize the Eurocodes with each other. Finally, these modifications will be transferred to the second generation of European standards. An overview of the development phases and project teams is presented in this paper, accompanied by an insight into current standardization work and the technical discussions, mainly focusing on EN 1994‐1‐1.
Prolonged Transitions: Early Tracking and Its Implications for Transitions
Authors: Keskiner Elif
Published: April 2019

The bulk of transition studies define the initial transition point as when young people make a transition from compulsory education into the labour market, further study or inactivity. However, in stratified education systems in which pupils are streamed into different academic and vocational trajectories at an early age, the transition process begins much earlier, as educational tracking clearly shapes the future conditions of the transition process. Thus, in order to underline the retrospective nature of transitions, I will focus on the experiences of early educational stratification among native-born descendants of immigrants from Turkey in Amsterdam and Strasbourg. Studying this early transition provides an opportunity to unravel the working of social class, gender, ethnicity and the application and development of cultural capital in facilitating the transition decision.
Blurring of the Transition Point: Combining Work and Study
Authors: Keskiner Elif
Published: April 2019

Reminiscent of today’s complex transitions is the growing practice of working while studying. This chapter scrutinizes different forms of work and study combinations in order to understand the influence of such practices on the transition process. First the structural contexts of student employment in Amsterdam and Strasbourg are delineated with a particular emphasis on the labour market context and student financing mechanisms in the years 2005–2009 when the respondents were interviewed. Next the descriptive analysis from the TIES survey provides an overview of student employment practices among children of Turkish immigrants in Amsterdam and Strasbourg. Qualitative interviews are used to understand the motivations behind student employment practices and the implications of working while studying for the transition process. The chapter uncovers the role of work and study combinations in the trajectories of young people and whether (if so how) the work activity has different consequences in terms of the development of forms of capital, especially work-related social capital and information capital comparatively across two cities.
Laparoscopic Transcystic Versus Transductal Common Bile Duct Exploration: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Hajibandeh Shahin , Hajibandeh Shahab , Sarma Diwakar Ryali , Balakrishnan Sankar , Eltair Mokhtar , Mankotia Rajnish , Budhoo Misra , Kumar Yogesh
Published: April 2019

Objective

To evaluate comparative outcomes of laparoscopic transcystic (TC) and transductal (TD) common bile duct (CBD) exploration.

Methods

We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, CENTRAL, the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry, ClinicalTrials.gov, ISRCTN Register, and bibliographic reference lists. CBD clearance rate, perioperative complications, and biliary complications were defined as the primary outcome parameters. Procedure time, length of hospital stay, conversion to open procedure were the secondary outcomes. Combined overall effect sizes were calculated using random‐effects models.

Results

We identified 30 studies reporting a total of 4073 patients comparing outcomes of laparoscopic TC (n = 2176) and TD (N = 1897) CBD exploration. The TC approach was associated with significantly lower overall complications (RD: −0.07, P = 0.001), biliary complications (RD: −0.05, P = 0.0003), and blood loss (MD: −16.20, P = 0.02) compared to TD approach. Moreover, the TC approach significantly reduced the length of hospital stay (MD: −2.62, P < 0.00001) and procedure time (MD: −12.73, P = 0.005). However, there was no significant difference in rate of CBD clearance (RD: 0.00, P = 0.77) and conversion to open procedure (RD: 0.00, P = 0.86) between two groups.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic TC CBD exploration is safe and reduces overall morbidity and biliary complications compared to the TD approach. Moreover, it is associated with significantly shorter length of hospital stay and procedure time. High‐quality randomised trials may provide stronger evidence with respect to impact of the cystic duct/CBD diameter, number or size of CBD stones, or cystic duct anatomy on the comparative outcomes of TC and TD approaches.
Postoperative Urinary Retention After Laparoscopic Colorectal Resection with Early Catheter Removal: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Eriksen Jens Ravn , Munk‐Madsen Pia , Kehlet Henrik , Gögenur Ismail
Published: April 2019

Background

Early catheter removal is essential to enhance postoperative mobilization and recovery, but may carry a risk of urinary retention. This study aimed to evaluate a standardized regimen for early postoperative catheter removal and re‐catheterization in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery within an optimal ERAS setting.

Methods

This was a single‐center prospective study of patients undergoing elective minimally invasive colorectal resection and postoperative catheter removal within 24 h, with a re‐catheterization threshold of 800 ml bladder volume. The primary outcome was postoperative urinary retention rate, and the secondary outcomes were time of catheter removal and length of stay with a special focus on differences between colon and rectal resections.

Results

A total of 113 patients were included in the study, and 87 patients were eligible for the final analysis. Rectal resection was performed in 22 of 87 patients, and all operations were performed with minimally invasive technique. The conversion rate was 3.5%, and 30‐day mortality was 0%. More than 95% of the patients had their catheter removed within 24 h with no difference between rectal and colonic resections. Postoperative urinary retention was observed in 9% of all patients (rectum 18% vs. colon 6%, p = 0.11). One patient had an indwelling catheter at discharge, but all patients had free voluntary micturition at 30‐day follow‐up. Median length of stay was 3 days (1–13 days).

Conclusions

Catheter removal within 24 h of surgery using a re‐catheterization threshold of 800 ml is safe and reduces unnecessary re‐catheterizations following minimally invasive colorectal resection.
The hallmarks of CMV-specific CD8 T-cell differentiation
Authors: van den Berg Sara P. H. , Pardieck Iris N. , Lanfermeijer Josien , Sauce Delphine , Klenerman Paul , van Baarle Debbie , Arens Ramon
Published: April 2019

Upon cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, large T-cell responses are elicited that remain high or even increase over time, a phenomenon named memory T-cell inflation. Besides, the maintained robust T-cell response, CMV-specific T cells seem to have a distinctive phenotype, characterized by an advanced differentiation state. Here, we will review this “special” differentiation status by discussing the cellular phenotype based on the expression of CD45 isoforms, costimulatory, inhibitory and natural killer receptors, adhesion and lymphocyte homing molecules, transcription factors, cytokines and cytotoxic molecules. In addition, we focus on whether the differentiation state of CMV-specific CD8 T cells is unique in comparison with other chronic viruses and we will discuss the possible impact of factors such as antigen exposure and aging on the advanced differentiation status of CMV-specific CD8 T cells.
Coenzyme Q biosynthesis in the biopesticide Shenqinmycin-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain M18
Authors: Jiang Hai-Xia , Wang Jing , Zhou Lian , Jin Zi-Jing , Cao Xue-Qiang , Liu Hao , Chen Hai-Feng , He Ya-Wen
Published: April 2019

Coenzyme Q (ubiquinone) is a redox-active isoprenylated benzoquinone commonly found in living organisms. The biosynthetic pathway for this lipid has been extensively studied in Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae; however, little is known in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In this study, we observed that CoQ9 is the predominant coenzyme Q synthesized by the Shenqinmycin-producing strain M18. BLASTP and domain organization analyses identified 15 putative genes for CoQ biosynthesis in M18. The roles of 5 of these genes were genetically and biochemically investigated. PAM18_4662 encodes a nonaprenyl diphosphate synthase (Nds) and determines the number of isoprenoid units of CoQ9 in M18. PAM18_0636 (coq7PA) and PAM18_5179 (ubiJPA) are essential for aerobic growth and CoQ9 biosynthesis. Deletion of ubiJPA, ubiBPA and ubiKPA led to reduced CoQ biosynthesis and an accumulation of the CoQ9 biosynthetic intermediate 3-nonaprenylphenol (NPP). Moreover, we also provide evidence that the truncated UbiJPA interacts with UbiBPA and UbiKPA to affect CoQ9 biosynthesis by forming a regulatory complex. The genetic diversity of coenzyme Q biosynthesis may provide targets for the future design of specific drugs to prevent P. aeruginosa-related infections.
Perceptual basemaps reloaded: The role basemaps play in eliciting perceptions
Authors: Bounds Paulina , Sutherland Charles J.
Published: April 2019

This article describes the influence of various basemaps in Perceptual Dialectology, on the national and state levels. The 180 perceptual maps of the United States and Tennessee were divided into six types of basemaps; tabulated results show that basemaps play a different role on the national and state level. On the national level, basemaps that have features reminiscent of boundaries (state lines or interstates) bias the respondents’ answers. On the state level, on the other hand, the map features do not seem to influence the results in any discernible way: at times the informants seemingly go against the details present on the basemap. This striking difference indicates that, though the respondents rely on basemap details at the national level, where they may not have enough experience with the whole country, they don’t pay much attention to the state-level basemap details as they follow their own more detailed ideas about perceptions.
Demographic Engineering and International Conflict: Evidence from China and the Former USSR
Authors: McNamee Lachlan , Zhang Anna
Published: April 2019

When and where do states coercively alter their internal demography? We build a theory that predicts under what conditions states alter the demographic “facts on the ground” by resettling and expelling ethno-national populations. We predict that, under particular scope conditions, states will employ demographic engineering to shore up control over (1) nonnatural frontiers, and (2) areas populated by ethnic minorities who are co-ethnics with elites in a hostile power. We then substantiate our predictions using new subnational data from both China and the USSR. Causally identifying the spatially differential effect of international conflict on demographic engineering via a difference-in-differences design, we find that the Sino-Soviet split (1959–1982) led to a disproportionate increase in the expulsion of ethnic Russians and resettlement of ethnic Han in Chinese border areas lacking a natural border with the USSR, and that resettlement was targeted at areas populated by ethnic Russians. On the Soviet side, we similarly find that the Sino-Soviet split led to a significant increase in expulsion of Chinese and the resettlement of Russians in border areas, and that resettlement was targeted at areas populated by more Chinese. We develop the nascent field of political demography by advancing our theoretical and empirical understanding ofwhen, where, andto whomstates seek to effect demographic change. By demonstrating that both ethnic group concentration and dispersion across borders are endogenous to international conflict, our results complicate a large and influential literature linking ethnic demography to conflict.
Query-based summarization of discussion threads
Authors: Verberne Suzan , Krahmer Emiel , Wubben Sander , van den Bosch Antal
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we address query-based summarization of discussion threads. New users can profit from the information shared in the forum, Please check if the inserted city and country names in the affiliations are correct. if they can find back the previously posted information. However, discussion threads on a single topic can easily comprise dozens or hundreds of individual posts. Our aim is to summarize forum threads given real web search queries. We created a data set with search queries from a discussion forum’s search engine log and the discussion threads that were clicked by the user who entered the query. For 120 thread–query combinations, a reference summary was made by five different human raters. We compared two methods for automatic summarization of the threads: a query-independent method based on post features, and Maximum Marginal Relevance (MMR), a method that takes the query into account. We also compared four different word embeddings representations as alternative for standard word vectors in extractive summarization. We find (1) that the agreement between human summarizers does not improve when a query is provided that: (2) the query-independent post features as well as a centroid-based baseline outperform MMR by a large margin; (3) combining the post features with query similarity gives a small improvement over the use of post features alone; and (4) for the word embeddings, a match in domain appears to be more important than corpus size and dimensionality. However, the differences between the models were not reflected by differences in quality of the summaries created with help of these models. We conclude that query-based summarization with web queries is challenging because the queries are short, and a click on a result is not a direct indicator for the relevance of the result.
SHIFTING POWER
Authors: Remster Brianna , Kramer Rory
Published: April 2019

While prisoners cannot vote, they are counted as residents of the often rural legislative districts where they are incarcerated rather than their home districts. We examine the extent to which incarceration shifts the balance of a representative democracy by considering its impact on legislative apportionment. Drawing on data from the Census, Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, and Pennsylvania Redistricting Commission, we develop a counterfactual framework to examine whether removing and returning prisoners to their home districts affects equal representation. Because prisoners are disproportionately African American, we also employ this counterfactual to assess racial differences in the impact of prison gerrymandering. Findings indicate that incarceration shifts political power from urban districts to suburban and rural districts through legislative apportionment. Moreover, non-White communities suffer the most. We conclude by considering how our findings fit a growing literature on the role of mass incarceration in [re]producing racial inequalities in the contemporary United States.
Efficacy of Vitamin D on Chronic Heart Failure Among Adults
Authors: Chunbin Wang , Han Wang , Lin Cai
Published: April 2019

Abstract. Vitamin D deficiency commonly occurs in chronic heart failure. Whether additional vitamin D supplementation can be beneficial to adults with chronic heart failure remains unclear. We conducted a meta-analysis to derive a more precise estimation. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched on September 8, 2016. Seven randomized controlled trials that investigated the effects of vitamin D on cardiovascular outcomes in adults with chronic heart failure, and comprised 592 patients, were included in the analysis. Compared to placebo, vitamin D, at doses ranging from 2,000 IU/day to 50,000 IU/week, could not improve left ventricular ejection fraction (Weighted mean difference, WMD = 3.31, 95% confidence interval, CL = −0.93 to 7.55, P < 0.001, I2 = 92.1%); it also exerts no beneficial effects on the 6 minute walk distance (WMD = 18.84, 95% CL = −24.85 to 62.52, P = 0.276, I2 = 22.4%) and natriuretic peptide (Standardized mean difference, SMD = −0.39, 95% confidence interval CL = −0.48 to 0.69, P < 0.001, I2 = 92.4%). However, a dose-response analysis from two studies demonstrated an improved left ventricular ejection fraction with vitamin D at a dose of 4,000 IU/day (WMD = 6.58, 95% confidence interval CL = −4.04 to 9.13, P = 0.134, I2 = 55.4%). The results showed that high dose vitamin D treatment could potentially benefit adults with chronic heart failure, but more randomized controlled trials are required to confirm this result.
Kinder in Bewegung
Authors: Walther Bastian , Nentwig-Gesemann Iris
Published: April 2019

Zusammenfassung. Bewegung ist ein Grundphänomen des Mensch-Seins und der menschlichen Entwicklung, dem auch eine große Bedeutung für verschiedene Entwicklungsdimensionen, z.B. die Sprache, zugeschrieben wird. Bewegungsförderung in der frühen Kindheit wird zudem sehr stark unter dem Aspekt der Gesundheitsförderung betrachtet. Die Frage, welche Bewegungserfahrungen und -praktiken aus der Sicht der Kinder selbst mit einer besonders intensiven und von ihnen angestrebten Erfahrungsqualität verbunden sind, ist allerdings kaum erforscht. Ausgehend von einem soziologischen Bewegungskonzept und einem praxeologischen Forschungsansatz wurden für den vorliegenden Beitrag Videosequenzen einer Analyse mit der Dokumentarischen Methode unterzogen, in deren Zentrum die freie, also von Erwachsenen weder initiierte noch pädagogisch begleitete, soziale Bewegungspraxis von Kindern steht. Rekonstruiert werden konnte, dass solche Bewegungsräume für Kinder einen positiven Horizont darstellen, in denen sie sich gemeinschaftlich in spontane, aktionistische Bewegungspraktiken hineinspielen, sich der Bewältigung von anstrengenden und herausfordernden Aufgaben widmen, Risiken erproben und Räume mithilfe einer Vielfalt von Bewegungsmodi mit dem ganzen Körper erfahren und erkunden können.
Controls on the Deep‐Water Cycle Within Three‐Dimensional Mantle Convection Models
Authors: Price Matthew G. , Davies J. H. , Panton James
Published: April 2019

Earth's mantle is known to harbor water in the form of hydrous and nominally anhydrous minerals. How much water the mantle holds and whether it has remained constant through time are open questions. Previous numerical studies of the deep‐water cycle have been limited to box models or 2‐D calculations. Here we present for the first time results from 3‐D mantle convection models. We address the evolution of the mantle's total water content by adapting a well benchmarked mantle convection code to track water, including its feedbacks on dynamics. While Earth's surface is presently covered by one ocean mass of water, our results suggest that the mantle holds approximately two ocean masses of water based on the best estimates from mineral physics. This value varies only weakly for a wide parameter space of additional complex dynamics such as viscosity laws, density controls, and phase change considerations. Our result of a mantle holding two ocean masses conforms with estimates from other branches of Earth science, suggesting that these models could be an excellent tool in understanding the spatial heterogeneity of the water found in the mantle.
Seasonal Variability of the Global Spectral Wind Wave Climate
Authors: Echevarria E. R. , Hemer M. A. , Holbrook N. J.
Published: April 2019

Our understanding of the seasonal variability in the global wind wave field is revisited here using a novel analysis that resolves the directional wave spectra. Empirical orthogonal function analysis was applied to modeled wave spectral data from a WAVEWATCH III hindcast across a sparse global grid to identify the main patterns of the climatological wave spectral variability at each grid point. Prior methods have focused on the variability of two modes of the wave field—locally generated sea and the primary swell component. Our results also consider additional wave modes at each location, enabling us to track the passage of the less dominant swell modes. Consistent with existing climatological knowledge, the main modes of wave spectral variability at high latitudes are related to eastward propagating waves that disperse equatorward as swell following great circle paths. However, despite being the less energetic mode, the Northern Hemisphere generated swell is found to propagate into the Southern Hemisphere further than the more energetic Southern Hemisphere swell which propagates northward. In the equatorial zone, a complex multimodal wave climate is found, with the spectra variability modulated by remotely generated swell and higher‐frequency waves associated with the prevailing winds. The evolution of these patterns throughout the year is clearly depicted. Overall, our approach captures a more complete picture of the seasonal variability of the global wave field, by accounting for all the wave modes observed in the spectra at each location together with their temporal variability.