bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nuclear factor I X is a recurrent target for HPV16 insertions in anal carcinomas
Authors: Jeannot Emmanuelle , Harlé Alexandre , Holmes Allyson , Sastre‐Garau Xavier
Published: September 2018

Anal carcinomas (AC) are associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA sequences, but little is known about the physical state of the viral genome in carcinoma cells. To define the integration status and gene(s) targeted by viral insertions in AC, tumor DNAs extracted from 35 tumor specimen samples in patients with HPV16‐associated invasive carcinoma were analyzed using the detection of integrated papillomavirus sequences‐PCR approach. The genomic status at integration sites was assessed using comparative genomic hybridization‐array assay and gene expression using reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR). HPV16 DNA was found integrated in 25/35 (71%) cases and the integration locus could be determined at the molecular level in 19 cases (29 total integration loci). HPV DNA was inserted on different chromosomes, but 5 cases harbored viral sequences at 19p13.2, within the nuclear factor I X (NFIX) locus. Viral DNA mapped between the most distal and the two proximal alternatively expressed exons of this gene in three cases (CA21, CA04, and CA35) and upstream of this gene (663 kb and 2.3 Mb) in the others. CGH arrays showed genomic gains/amplifications at the NFIX region, associated with HPV within the gene and RT‐qPCR, revealed NFIX mRNA overexpression. Other genes targeted by integration were IL20RB, RPS6KA2, MSRA1, PIP5K1B, SLX4IP, CECR1, BCAR3, ATF6, CSNK1G1, APBA2, AGK, ILF3, PVT1, TRMT1, RAD51B, FASN, CCDC57, DSG3, and ZNF563. We identified recurrent targeting of NFIX by HPV16 insertion in anal carcinomas, supporting a role for this gene in oncogenesis, as reported for non‐HPV tumors.
The Pucker sign: an operative and radiological indicator of impending operative difficulty due to severe chronic contractive inflammation in cholecystectomy
Authors: Strasberg Steven M. , Bhalla Sanjeev , Hammill Chet W.
Published: September 2018

Introduction

Marked inflammatory contraction of the gallbladder at the time of cholecystectomy is associated with biliary injury.

Methods

The evolution of contraction is traced in two patients who developed acute cholecystitis.

Results

Within months the gallbladder became fibrotically contacted and in doing so pulled the adjacent liver down, puckering the surface of the liver. This puckering could be observed preoperatively on computed tomography and also visually at the time of surgery.

Conclusions

Puckering of the liver (“Pucker sign”) can alert the surgeon to the presence of severe contractive inflammation.
Physiological responses of hawthorn (Crataegus persica Pojark.) and quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill.) rootstocks to bicarbonate‐induced iron deficiency in nutrient solution
Authors: Valipour Milad , Khoshgoftarmanesh Amir Hossein , Baninasab Bahram
Published: September 2018

Hawthorn (Crataegus persica Pojark.) is used as a quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill.) rootstock in order to reduce the severity of iron (Fe) chlorosis in quince orchards in alkaline calcareous soils in central Iran. This study was conducted to investigate physiological responses of Fe‐chlorosis resistant hawthorn and Fe chlorosis‐sensitive quince cultivars to Fe‐deficiency and different levels of (5, 10, 15, and 20 mM NaHCO3), in the presence or absence of 0.5 g CaCO3 L−1 in a CO2‐buffered pH 7.8 nutrient solution containing 50 μM Fe(III)‐EDTA. A separate set of two free‐bicarbonate controls containing deficient [5 μM Fe(III)‐EDTA] and sufficient [50 μM Fe(III)‐EDTA] Fe concentrations was also used. Chlorosis symptoms appeared on the rootstocks exposed to and in the 5 μM Fe(III)‐EDTA treatment. In response to ‐induced Fe deficiency, hawthorn roots released high amounts of H+ and phenolic compounds to the surrounding medium, while no such response was observed in quince. The higher resistance to bicarbonate of hawthorn was also related with a higher root activity of the ferric chelate reductase (FCR), associated to a higher Fe(OH)3 solubilization. Accordingly, hawthorn seedlings in the ‐induced Fe deficiency had higher leaf and root Fe concentrations in comparison to those in the direct Fe deficiency. The addition of CaCO3, in general, had no or small effect on the root release of H+ and phenolic compounds. The effectiveness of Fe‐deficiency resistance mechanisms described for hydroponically grown hawthorn have to be evaluated under soil conditions.
Biosimilars: how similar is a biosimilar – a practical guide for pharmacists
Authors: Mirkov Sanja
Published: September 2018

Biosimilars are new biological medicines that are highly similar but not identical to their reference biological medicines. As biosimilars are produced from living organisms by genetic engineering, even a small difference in their production process has the potential to alter their efficacy and safety. Therefore, prior to their approval, biosimilars are assessed to confirm therapeutic equivalence and comparable safety and efficacy to their biological reference medicines. Once approved, adverse effects of biosimilars are continuously monitored by regulatory bodies. The lower cost of biosimilars improves affordability and access to new therapies for patients with serious diseases and these medicines are increasingly being prescribed in Australia. Hence, pharmacy professionals need to be aware of the structural complexity and important aspects of the regulatory approval process, immunogenicity and safety profiling, extrapolation of indication, nomenclature and labelling, interchangeability and substitution for these novel therapies.
Estimation of Cardiac Systolic Function Based on Mitral Valve Movements: An Accurate Bedside Tool for Emergency Physicians in Dyspneic Patients
Authors: Satılmış Siliv Neslihan , Yamanoglu Adnan , Pınar Pelin , Celebi Yamanoglu Nalan Gokce , Torlak Fatih , Parlak Ismet
Published: September 2018

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to determine the success of mitral valve movements in the estimation of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).

Methods

Adult patients whose principal symptom was dyspnea were included in this prospective observational study. The distance from the anterior mitral valve (AMV) to the interventricular septum (IVS) during early diastole was measured first in B‐mode in the parasternal long axis (PLAX) named parasternal long axis–anterior leaflet septal separation. Second, the AMV‐IVS distance was measured in M‐mode in the PLAX named E‐point septal separation. Third, AMV‐IVS distance was measured in B‐mode in the apical 4‐chamber view named apical 4‐chamber view–anterior leaflet septal separation. Finally, maximum distance between the 2 mitral leaflets in the apical 4‐chamber view was measured and named mitral valve leaflet separation. Comprehensive echocardiography was performed by an experienced cardiologist. Correlation was calculated between mitral valve measurements and LVEF. Cutoff values were determined using receiver operating characteristic curves and the chi‐square test.

Results

A total of 118 patients were included in the study. Parasternal long axis–anterior leaflet septal separation, E‐point septal separation, and apical 4‐chamber view–anterior leaflet septal separation were highly correlated with LVEF (correlation coefficient, −0.848, −0.833, and−0.822 [P < .001]). Parasternal long axis–anterior leaflet septal separation values less than 2.30 mm, E‐point septal separation values less than 2 mm, and mitral valve leaflet separation values greater than 25.15 mm exhibited a 100% negative predictive value in excluding reduced LVEF. Parasternal long axis–anterior leaflet septal separation values less than 4.95 mm, EPSS values less than 5.85 mm, apical 4‐chamber view–anterior leaflet septal separation values less than 6.95 mm, and mitral valve leaflet separation values greater than 24.05 mm exhibited a 100% negative predictive value in excluding severe reduced LVEF.

Conclusions

Mitral valve measurement methods may be useful in predicting LVEF or values thereof as a complementary method of diagnosing challenging patients on echocardiographic images.
Determination of iron(II) by chemiluminescence using masking ligands to distinguish interferences
Authors: Bolster K. M. , Heller M. I. , Moffett J. W.
Published: September 2018

Iron(II) can catalyze the oxidation of luminol in seawater and this chemiluminescent reaction has been widely used for iron(II) determination. The method is vulnerable to interferences from other analytes that catalyze luminol oxidation. We have shown that addition of diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) to a sample inhibits the reaction of iron(II) with luminol, while not affecting other substances that also catalyze luminol oxidation under our experimental conditions. DTPA‐treated samples can therefore be used as sample blanks, with the difference between an untreated seawater sample and a DTPA‐treated seawater sample related to the concentration of dissolved iron(II). The DTPA correction has been applied to measure diel variability of iron(II) due to photoreduction in a coastal environment, and to measure vertical distributions of iron(II) in the eastern tropical north Pacific oxygen deficient zone.
Task‐specificity in focal dystonia is shaped by aberrant diversity of a functional network kernel
Authors: Fuertinger Stefan , Simonyan Kristina
Published: September 2018

Objectives

Task‐specific focal dystonia selectively affects the motor control during skilled and highly learned behaviors. Recent data suggest the role of neural network abnormalities in the development of the pathophysiological dystonic cascade.

Methods

We used resting‐state functional MRI and analytic techniques rooted in network science and graph theory to examine the formation of abnormal subnetwork of highly influential brain regions, the functional network kernel, and its influence on aberrant dystonic connectivity specific to affected body region and skilled motor behavior.

Results

We found abnormal embedding of sensorimotor cortex and prefrontal thalamus in dystonic network kernel as a hallmark of task‐specific focal dystonia. Dependent on the affected body region, aberrant functional specialization of the network kernel included regions of motor control management in focal hand dystonia (writer's cramp, musician's focal hand dystonia) and sensorimotor processing in laryngeal dystonia (spasmodic dysphonia, singer's laryngeal dystonia). Dependent on skilled motor behavior, the network kernel featured altered connectivity between sensory and motor execution circuits in musician's dystonia (musician's focal hand dystonia, singer's laryngeal dystonia) and abnormal integration of sensory feedback into motor planning and executive circuits in non‐musician's dystonia (writer's cramp, spasmodic dysphonia).

Conclusions

Our study identified specific traits in disorganization of large‐scale neural connectivity that underlie the common pathophysiology of task‐specific focal dystonia while reflecting distinct symptomatology of its different forms. Identification of specialized regions of information transfer that influence dystonic network activity is an important step for future delineation of targets for neuromodulation as a potential therapeutic option of task‐specific focal dystonia. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Investigation of various aerosols over different locations in South Africa using satellite, model simulations and LIDAR
Authors: Shikwambana Lerato , Sivakumar Venkataraman
Published: September 2018

Decadal studies (2004–2014) of various aerosols were carried out over South Africa (SA) using various satellite data and model simulations. The aerosols investigated included black carbon (BC), sulphate, dust and marine aerosols. BC aerosols were observed to be dominant in the northeastern parts of SA while sulphate aerosols were dominant in eastern parts of the country. Seasonal studies revealed that BC aerosols were more dominant in the eastern parts of SA during spring and less dominant in autumn. Sulphate also showed dominance in the eastern parts of SA during summer and less dominance in winter. The high sulphate concentration in summer is a result of an increase in relative humidity which favours the production of sulphates. Air masses from the north and northeastern parts of the subcontinent were responsible for the transport of BC resulting from biomass burning into SA. The Goddard Chemistry Aerosol Radiation and Transport model indicated that there was no significant change in the sulphate aerosol trends from 2004 to 2007. The highest sulphate aerosol levels were observed in the summer whilst the lowest sulphate aerosol levels were observed in winter. The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) was used to carry out measurements in Lephalale during July 10–18, 2014. Aerosol extinction co‐efficient profiles were retrieved by the CSIR mobile LIDAR and were compared to aerosol extinction co‐efficient profiles retrieved from the Cloud‐Aerosol LIDAR and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO). The aerosol extinction co‐efficients of 0.26 and 0.17/km on July 14 and 16, 2014, respectively could be identified as dust aerosols.
A nebulin super‐repeat panel reveals stronger actin binding toward the ends of the super‐repeat region
Authors: Laitila Jenni , Lehtonen Johanna , Lehtokari Vilma‐Lotta , Sagath Lydia , Wallgren‐Pettersson Carina , Grönholm Mikaela , Pelin Katarina
Published: September 2018

Introduction: Nebulin is a giant actin‐binding protein in the thin filament of the skeletal muscle sarcomere. Studies of nebulin interactions are limited by the size, complexity, and poor solubility of the protein. We divided the nebulin super‐repeat region into a super‐repeat panel, and studied nebulin/actin interactions. Methods: Actin binding was studied using a co‐sedimentation assay with filamentous actin and 26 different nebulin super‐repeats. Results: The panel revealed notable differences in actin binding between the super‐repeats. Both ends of the super‐repeat region bound actin significantly more strongly, whereas the central part of the protein bound actin weakly. Thus, the binding between nebulin and actin formed a location‐dependent pattern of strong vs. weak binding. Discussion: The nebulin super‐repeat panel allowed us to study the actin binding of each super‐repeat individually. The panel will be a powerful tool in elucidating nebulin function in health and disease. Muscle Nerve 59:116–121, 2019
Robust stabilization of switched positive discrete‐time systems with asynchronous switching and input saturation
Authors: Zhang Yong , Hu Jingjing , Liu Dexiang , Xia Debao
Published: September 2018

This paper investigates the stabilization problems of switched positive discrete‐time systems with asynchronous switching and input saturation jointly. The asynchronous switching means that state feedback controllers lag behind the subsystems for a period. Next, the input saturation comes from the saturation effect of state feedback controllers. In this paper, the exponential stability condition is firstly obtained based on mode‐dependent average dwell time method. Then, under zero initial condition, we analyze the boundedness and l1‐gain performance of the system with disturbance. Finally, considering that state feedback controllers for some subsystems cannot be designed, we study the exponential stability condition of the system with unstable subsystems. Moreover, optimization methods are given to get the optimal solution to the nonlinear inequality constraints.
Stacked denoising autoencoder‐based feature learning for out‐of‐control source recognition in multivariate manufacturing process
Authors: Yu Jianbo , Zheng Xiaoyun , Wang Shijin
Published: September 2018

In multivariate statistical process control (MSPC), regular multivariate control charts (eg, T2) are shown to be effective in detecting out‐of‐control signals based upon an overall statistic. But these charts do not relieve the need for multivariate process pattern recognition (MPPR). MPPR would be very useful for quality operators to locate the assignable causes that give rise to out‐of‐control situation in multivariate manufacturing process. Deep learning has been widely applied and obtained many successes in image and visual analysis. This paper presents an effective and reliable deep learning method known as stacked denoising autoencoder (SDAE) for MPPR in manufacturing processes. This study will concentrate on developing a SDAE model to learn effective discriminative features from the process signals through deep network architectures. Feature visualization is performed to explicitly present feature representations of the proposed SDAE model. The experimental results illustrate that the proposed SDAE model is capable of implementing detection and recognition of various process patterns in complicated multivariate processes. Analysis from this study provides the guideline in developing deep learning‐based MSPC systems.
Importance of collision cross section measurements by ion mobility mass spectrometry in structural biology
Authors: Pukala Tara
Published: September 2018

The field of ion mobility mass spectrometry (IM‐MS) has developed rapidly in recent decades, with new fundamental advances underpinning innovative applications. This has been particularly noticeable in the field of biomacromolecular structure determination and structural biology, with pioneering studies revealing new structural insight for complex protein assemblies which control biological function. This perspective offers a review of recent developments in IM‐MS which have enabled expanding applications in protein structural biology, principally focusing on the quantitative measurement of collision cross sections and their interpretation to describe higher order protein structures.
Electroactive Scaffolds for Neurogenesis and Myogenesis: Graphene‐Based Nanomaterials
Authors: Zhang Zhongyang , Klausen Lasse Hyldgaard , Chen Menglin , Dong Mingdong
Published: September 2018

One of the major issues in tissue engineering is constructing a functional scaffold to support cell growth and also provide proper synergistic guidance cues. Graphene‐based nanomaterials have emerged as biocompatible and electroactive scaffolds for neurogenesis and myogenesis, due to their excellent tunable chemical, physical, and mechanical properties. This review first assesses the recent investigations focusing on the fabrication and applications of graphene‐based nanomaterials for neurogenesis and myogenesis, in the form of either 2D films, 3D scaffolds, or composite architectures. Besides, because of their outstanding electrical properties, graphene family materials are particularly suitable for designing electroactive scaffolds that could provide proper electrical stimulation (i.e., electrical or photo stimuli) to promote the regeneration of excitable neurons and muscle cells. Therefore, the effects and mechanism of electrical and/or photo stimulations on neurogenesis and myogenesis are followed. Furthermore, studies on their biocompatibilities and toxicities especially to neural and muscle cells are evaluated. Finally, the future challenges and perspectives in facilitating the development of clinical translation of graphene‐family nanomaterials in treating neurodegenerative and muscle diseases are discussed.
Prenatal natural history of congenital pulmonary malformations: MALFPULM population‐based cohort study
Authors: Delacourt C. , Bertille N. , Salomon L. J. , Benachi A. , Henry E. , Massardier J. , Mottet N. , Rosenblatt J. , Sartor A. , Thong‐Vanh C. , Valat‐Rigot A. S. , Winer N. , Lelong N. , Khoshnood B. ,   for the Prenatal MALFPULM Study Group
Published: September 2018

Objectives

To assess prenatal changes in the volume of congenital pulmonary malformations (CPM) and examine whether these changes differ in lesions that appear cystic on ultrasound compared with hyperechoic lesions, and to study the relationship between CPM volume and risk of fetal compression.

Methods

We conducted a nationally representative, multicenter, prospective cohort study, which included 579 ultrasound examinations in 176 pregnant women with a diagnosis of fetal CPM, between March 2015 and November 2016. Several ultrasound examinations were performed between diagnosis and delivery, including measurement of CPM volume. We modeled changes in CPM volume ratio (CVR) as a function of gestational age, overall and for cystic/mixed vs hyperechoic malformations, and examined the association between CVR and signs of compression during pregnancy.

Results

When modeling CVR changes over time, there was a statistically significant decrease in CVR with increasing gestational age (P < 0.001), but the pattern of change differed according to CPM phenotype at first ultrasound examination: cystic/mixed CPM were characterized by a monotonic decrease in CVR with increasing gestational age (P = 0.002), whereas hyperechoic CPM showed an initial increase in CVR up to 27 weeks of gestation, followed by a decrease thereafter (P < 0.001). Peak CVR values were predicted as early as 21–22 weeks for cystic/mixed CPMs compared with 25–26 weeks for hyperechoic malformations. Regardless of CPM phenotype, fetuses that showed no sign of compression at any point had substantially lower CVR at first CVR measurement, and the CVR remained relatively constant thereafter. Among the subpopulation of fetuses with no sign of compression at first CVR measurement, the odds of a subsequent compression was 7‐fold higher (adjusted odds ratio, 7.0; 95% CI, 1.6–29.9) if initial CVR was > 0.4 vs CVR ≤ 0.4 cm2.

Conclusions

Predicted changes in CVR during pregnancy differ between cystic and hyperechoic malformations. This may be the result of different pathophysiological mechanisms or differences in the timing of occurrence of these different types of CPM. CVR measured at the initial diagnostic ultrasound examination was strongly associated with the odds of subsequent compression. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Quality and applications of wind data from sound detection and ranging (SODAR) equipment and microwave wind profilers
Authors: Chan P. W. , Chiu Y. Y. , Li Q. S.
Published: September 2018

The quality and applications of vertical velocity data from SODAR and radar wind profilers are examined in this paper. The vertical velocity data from collocated SODAR and boundary layer type wind profilers are compared for a period of 7 months. It is found that the two datasets are well correlated, but the slope of the linear fit to the data has a significant deviation from 1. This may be related to the difference in the sampling volumes of the vertical beams from the two instruments. The correlation for horizontal wind data was found to be much stronger. Three applications of the vertical velocity data are discussed: subsidence in the outer periphery of a tropical cyclone and in hazy weather, and the upward motion of the air in convective weather. Data such as those under study here are found to contribute significantly to the monitoring and understanding of weather conditions, and would be useful for the nowcasting of lowvisibility and convective weather.
An analysis of codon bias in six red yeast species
Authors: Camiolo Salvatore , Toome‐Heller Merje , Aime M. Catherine , Haridas Sajeet , Grigoriev Igor V. , Porceddu Andrea , Mannazzu Ilaria
Published: September 2018

Red yeasts, primarily species of Rhodotorula, Sporobolomyces, and other genera of Pucciniomycotina, are traditionally considered proficient systems for lipid and terpene production, and only recently have also gained consideration for the production of a wider range of molecules of biotechnological potential. Improvements of transgene delivery protocols and regulated gene expression systems have been proposed, but a dearth of information on compositional and/or structural features of genes has prevented transgene sequence optimization efforts for high expression levels. Here, the codon compositional features of genes in six red yeast species were characterized, and the impact that evolutionary forces may have played in shaping this compositional bias was dissected by using several computational approaches. Results obtained are compatible with the hypothesis that mutational bias, although playing a significant role, cannot alone explain synonymous codon usage bias of genes. Nevertheless, several lines of evidences indicated a role for translational selection in driving the synonymous codons that allow high expression efficiency. These optimal synonymous codons are identified for each of the six species analyzed. Moreover, the presence of intragenic patterns of codon usage, which are thought to facilitate polyribosome formation, was highlighted. The information presented should be taken into consideration for transgene design for optimal expression in red yeast species.
The charm/bottom quark mass from heavy quarkonium at N3LO
Authors: Peset Clara , Pineda Antonio , Segovia Jorge
Published: September 2018

Abstract

We determine the charm and bottom quark masses using the N3LO perturbative expression of the ground state (pseudoscalar) energy of the bottomonium, charmonium andBcsystems: theηb,ηcandBcmasses. We work in the renormalon subtracted scheme, which allows us to control the divergence of the perturbation series due to the pole mass renormalon. Our result for the$$ \overline{\mathrm{MS}} $$MS¯masses reads$$ {\overline{m}}_c\left({\overline{m}}_c\right)=1223(33) $$m¯cm¯c=122333MeV and$$ {\overline{m}}_b\left({\overline{m}}_b\right)=4186(37) $$m¯bm¯b=418637MeV. We also extract a value ofαsfrom a renormalon-free combination of theηb,ηcandBcmasses:αs(Mz) = 0.1195(53). We explore the applicability of the weak coupling approximation to bottomoniumn= 2 states. Finally, we consider an alternative computational scheme that treats the static potential exactly and study its convergence properties.
Resection of Hepatic Lesions Perfused by the Cholecystic Vein Using Indocyanine Green Navigation in Patients with cT2 Gallbladder Cancer
Authors: Chiba Naokazu , Shimazu Motohide , Ochiai Shigeto , Yokozuka Kei , Gunji Takahiro , Okihara Masaaki , Sano Toru , Tomita Koichi , Tsutsui Rina , Oshima Go , Takano Kiminori , Abe Yuta , Hirano Hiroshi , Kawachi Shigeyuki
Published: September 2018

Background

Various approaches to hepatectomy have been proposed for cT2 gallbladder cancers (GBC), but the optimal management strategy remains unclear. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of using an indocyanine green (ICG)‐based intraoperative navigation system during hepatic resection for cT2 GBC.

Methods

From September 2007 to December 2017, 24 consecutive patients diagnosed with cT2 GBC underwent hepatic resection using ICG navigation. After cannulation of the cholecystic artery, ICG diluted with dissolution liquid was injected and ICG fluorescence illumination was visualized with the HyperEye Medical System. And additional histopathological examination was performed on the most recent 15 of the 24 patients for detection of microscopic liver metastasis.

Results

For all patients, the disease‐free survival rate was 59.1% at 5 years and overall survival rate was 86.2% at 5 years. Microscopic liver metastasis was detected in the resected liver in 3 (20%) of 15 patients, whose site of liver was S6, S5, and S5, respectively. The weight of the liver resected using ICG navigation was significantly smaller than that of S4a/S5 segmentectomy (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Resected hepatic lesion using ICG imaging was possible to perform hepatectomy including liver micro‐metastasis without excess or deficiency. This procedure might be novel intraoperative imaging method to provide valuable information on the optimal surgical approach to cT2 GBC.
Usefulness of Stereotactic Radiotherapy Using the CyberKnife for Patients with Inoperable Locoregional Recurrences of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Ishigaki Takayuki , Uruno Takashi , Tanaka Tomoaki , Ogimi Yuna , Masaki Chie , Akaishi Junko , Hames Kiyomi Y. , Yabuta Tomonori , Suzuki Akifumi , Tomoda Chisato , Matsuzu Kenichi , Ohkuwa Keiko , Kitagawa Wataru , Nagahama Mitsuji , Sugino Kiminori , Ito Koichi
Published: September 2018

Background

Surgical resection is the preferred treatment for locoregional recurrence of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). However, some recurrences are unresectable because of their aggressive invasion or severe adhesions. On the other hand, stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) enables high‐dose irradiation to target lesions, and its usefulness for various cancers has been reported. The objective of the present study was to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of SRT as salvage treatment for locoregional recurrence of DTC.

Methods

Between August 2011 and December 2017, 52 locoregional recurrent lesions in 31 patients with recurrent DTC were treated by SRT using the CyberKnife system. Information on the adverse events associated with SRT was retrospectively collected from the patients’ medical records. Of the 52 lesions, 33 could be evaluated for therapeutic effectiveness by follow‐up CT, and response was assessed using the RECIST criteria.

Results

Twenty‐five patients had papillary carcinoma, 5 had follicular carcinoma, and 1 had poorly differentiated cancer. SRT was delivered in one to 20 fractions, and the median dose was 30 Gy (range 15–60 Gy). Adverse events were not frequent, but 1 patient developed bilateral vocal cord palsy that required emergent tracheostomy. The median follow‐up period of 33 lesions was 14 months (range 1–54 months). Complete response, partial response, stable disease, and progressive disease were seen in 10, 11, 9, and 3 patients, respectively. The 3‐year local control rate was 84.6%.

Conclusion

SRT using the CyberKnife system was found to be a feasible and effective treatment to suppress the growth of locoregional recurrence of DTC.
Computed tomography enterography or magnetic resonance enterography in Crohn's disease – which to choose?
Authors: Azevedo Aida , Viana Charlene , Costa Ana Catarina , Martins Sandra F.
Published: September 2018

Rationale and objectives Evaluation of Crohn's disease by computed tomography enterography, magnetic resonance imaging enterography and colonoscopy is essential for disease monitoring. The aim of this study is to evaluate this exams acuity.

Materials and methods Patients with histological diagnosis of Crohn's disease who underwent computed tomography enterography, magnetic resonance imaging enterography and colonoscopy in the period of January 1st, 2009 and July 31st, 2016 and the realization of these exams did not exceed a time interval of 6 months was included. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV), Cohen's kappa (K), agreement and disagreement were calculated.

Results Comparing computed tomography enterography and magnetic resonance imaging enterography with colonoscopy, there was an agreement of 85.7% and a disagreement of 14.3% in Crohn's disease overall detection, for both exams. Computed tomography enterography and colonoscopy showed greater agreement in abscesses and lumen reduction detection (C = 95.2%) and magnetic resonance imaging enterography and colonoscopy in abscesses detection (C = 92.9%). Comparing magnetic resonance imaging enterography and computed tomography enterography, greater agreement was observed in detection of lumen reduction/dilatation (C = 96%). K showed considerable agreement in detection of mesenteric lymph nodes, fistulas, mural inflammation and thickening. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV were respectively set at 94.12% (95% CI 71.31–99.85), 50% (95% CI 6.76–93.24), 88.89% (95% CI 65.29–98.62) and 66.67% (95% CI 9.43–99.16) for CTE and 90.62% (95% CI 80.70–96.48), 33.33% (95% CI 4.33–77.72), 93.55% (95% CI 84.30–98.21) and 25% (95% CI 3.19–65.09) for MRIE.

Conclusions Although computed tomography enterography presents better sensitivity and specificity than magnetic resonance imaging enterography, both present high agreement values in detection of characteristic Crohn's disease findings, therefore the selection of the best test to monitor Crohn's disease should take into account aspects such as age, tolerability, disease phenotype and resources availability.
Sex-specific, high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T cut-off concentrations for ruling out acute myocardial infarction with a single measurement
Authors: McRae Andrew , Graham Michelle , Abedin Tasnima , Ji Yunqi , Yang Hong , Wang Dongmei , Southern Danielle , Andruchow James , Lang Eddy , Innes Grant , Seiden-Long Isolde , DeKoning Lawrence , Kavsak Peter
Published: September 2018

Objective

Sex-specific diagnostic cut-offs may improve the test characteristics of high-sensitivity troponin assays for the diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI). The objective of this study was to quantify test characteristics of sex-specific cut-offs of a single, high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) assay for 7-day MI in patients with chest pain.

Methods

This observational cohort study included consecutive emergency department (ED) patients with suspected cardiac chest pain from four Canadian EDs who had an hs-cTnT assay performed within 60 minutes of ED arrival. The primary outcome was MI at 7 days. We quantified test characteristics (sensitivity, negative predictive value [NPV], likelihood ratios and proportion of patients ruled out) for multiple combinations of sex-specific, rule-out cut-offs. We calculated the net reclassification index compared to universal rule-out cut-offs.

Results

In 7,130 patients (3,931 men and 3,199 women), the 7-day MI incidence was 7.38% among men and 3.78% among women. Optimal sex-specific cut-offs (<8 ng/L for men and <7 ng/L for women) had a 98.5% sensitivity for MI and ruled out MI in 55.8% of patients. This would enable an absolute increase in the proportion of patients who were able to be ruled out with a single hs-cTnT of 13.2% to 22.2%, depending on the universal rule-out concentration used as a comparator.

Conclusions

Sex-specific hs-cTnT cut-offs for ruling out MI at ED arrival may improve classification performance, enabling more patients to be safely ruled out at ED arrival. However, differences between sex-specific and universal cut-off concentrations are within the variation of the assay, limiting the clinical utility of this approach. These findings should be confirmed in other data sets.
The Future of Feminism by ISIS is in the Lap of Women
Authors: Fraihi Hind
Published: September 2018

The phenomenon of female migration to ISIS (Islamic State in Iraq and Syria) is in fact an
undervalued form of revolution for Muslim women. It is, however, a bitter form of striving
for women’s emancipation. By transmitting extremist thoughts in the education of children
and on the Internet, women empower their position in a patriarchal environment. The women of
ISIS use their traditional role of motherhood to participate in the global jihad. By staying
in her own tradition, the mother is the first one to create would-be fighters. Hence, the
martyr becomes the mother’s creation. They use the mass weapon of education in a reactionary
way to demand their place between the men. The process of jihadism amongst women is
multidimensional. Herein lies the girl power that can be considered as a manifest aspect.
Women recruit potential supporters of ISIS, translate documents, write poems and give
Islamic lectures on the Internet. The phenomenon of female migration to IS can also be seen
as a romantic urge to return to the golden era of the Moorish caliphate and even to the
beginning of Islam in the 7th century. The women of ISIS make efforts to emancipate,
however, by making a U-turn.
The ‘(party) politics of attention.’ Party competition and decentralist reforms: the Italian case
Authors: Basile Linda
Published: September 2018

This paper sheds light on the role played by political parties in influencing policy change, by connecting literature on party competition and agenda-setting and focusing on a single-issue domain, namely decentralization in Italy from 1948 to 2013. The article argues that major decentralist reforms usually followed electoral campaigns in which most parties focused attention on the issue. Such shifts in attention are caused by, among other things, the issue entrepreneurship activity undertaken by individual parties that are trying to influence the party system agenda and obtain electoral, office, or policy advantage. Contrary to the expectations of the issue entrepreneurship model, however, the analyses reveal that the entrepreneurship role on decentralization in Italy was not played by those parties that can be classified as ‘political losers’ in the party system; rather, in the case of the policy of decentralization in Italy, issue entrepreneurship activity is mostly explained by strategic considerations other than purely electoral ones.
The value of a fading tracer
Authors: Karpitschka S.
Published: September 2018

Tracer particles are the workhorse of the fluid dynamicist for visualizing flow in transparent liquids. Thus a tracer becomes useless if its signal disappears, which frequently happens in practice, for instance due to bleaching. The opposite occurs in a recent work by Kim & Stone (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 850, 2018, pp. 769–783): the fading signal of a dissolving particle may reveal the local composition in a mixture. Such information is highly valuable in the study of evaporating droplets. In virtually all realistic cases, droplets consist of multiple components, ranging from trace impurities to engineered cocktails, which, for instance, generate a desired deposit pattern for a printing process. Different components typically evaporate at different rates, which causes inhomogeneities in droplet composition. Determining the latter is one of the main challenges in the field.
Pilot Study of an Internet-Based, Simulated Teachable Moment for Smoking Cessation
Authors: May Robin , Walker Frances , de Burgh Simon , Bartrop Roger , Tofler Geoffrey H
Published: September 2018

Introduction

The internet has the potential to overcome geographic limitations for smoking cessation interventions, but further telehealth-based studies of utility are required.

Aims

To investigate the efficacy of an internet-based version of a quit smoking approach using a personalised video to create a simulated teachable moment.

Methods

Smokers within Australia were recruited through a dedicated website. After consent, eligible subjects, aged ≥30 years with a non-smoking partner, uploaded pictures of themselves, their partner and family, to be inserted into a video depicting the subject having a heart attack due to smoking, with consequences to them and their family. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) began prior to the quit attempt. The video was shown during two videoconference counselling sessions, with follow-up phone calls and text messaging support. Smoking status at 6 months by self-report (primary endpoint) was verified by partner/proxy and salivary cotinine (NicAlert™).

Results/Findings

Seventy seven smokers were screened, of whom 50 were eligible, and 17 of these (34%) were enrolled; 11 men and 6 women, aged 41.5 ± 6.9 years, daily cigarette consumption 20.8 ± 8.9, Heaviness of Smoking Index score 3.7 ± 1.7. Participants reported feeling personally involved with the video (5.9 ± 1.1), which felt real (5.8 ± 1.1) and emotionally moving (5.6 ± 1.5) [7-point Likert Scale]. A similar video response was reported by the four participants (24%), who due to bandwidth limitations, watched the video after the counselling session instead of during it. Non-smoking rates at 6 months were 65% (11/17) by self-report with proxy confirmation, and 47% (8/17) by self-report with biologic confirmation. Three non-smokers by self-report could not provide a valid NicAlert™ result due to current NRT use. One participant who by self-report smoked once in the prior 14-days was assessed as a non-smoker by both proxy and NicAlert™.

Conclusions

This pilot study demonstrates efficacy for an internet-based version of a quit smoking program based on creating a simulated teachable moment. The findings provide support for further research into this technique, with the internet enabling greater reach than face-to-face.
LAS OCUPACIONES HUMANAS EN LA LOCALIDAD ARQUEOLÓGICA LAGUNA DE LOS PAMPAS (CAMPO DE DUNAS DEL CENTRO PAMPEANO, ARGENTINA) DURANTE EL HOLOCENO
Authors: Messineo Pablo G. , González Mariela E. , Álvarez María C. , Pal Nélida
Published: September 2018

El objetivo de este trabajo es discutir la relevancia de la localidad arqueológica Laguna de los Pampas en el estudio de las ocupaciones humanas del Campo de Dunas del Centro Pampeano (subregión Pampa Húmeda) durante el Holoceno. Un hallazgo relevante lo constituyen tres huevos de ñandú enteros y semienterrados, con perforaciones que sugieren su utilización como contenedor de líquido. Si bien la laguna fue habitada a lo largo del todo el Holoceno, las dataciones radiocarbónicas del sector excavado ubican a las ocupaciones humanas en el Holoceno medio (entre ca. 7000 y 5800 aP). Para este lapso se determinó que la explotación faunística estuvo orientada al consumo del guanaco, pero con un fuerte complemento de otros taxones como ñandú, venado de las Pampas y especies de menor tamaño. Se registró una tecnología ósea estandarizada sobre huesos de guanaco. Las rocas proceden principalmente del sistema serrano de Tandilia, aunque se identifican materias primas de otras áreas como el oeste pampeano. Las similitudes en las estrategias de producción y usos de los instrumentos con otros sitios de la subregión Pampa Húmeda sugieren el empleo de una misma concepción tecnológica a escala regional durante el Holoceno medio y la interacción con grupos cazadores-recolectores que ocupaban los pastizales pampeanos.
Raising and long-distance agreement in Passamaquoddy: A unified analysis
Authors: LESOURD PHILIP S.
Published: September 2018

This article presents an analysis of two constructions in the Eastern Algonquian language Passamaquoddy in which the position of the object of a verb of cognition (‘know’, ‘believe’, ‘remember’, ‘wonder about’, ‘suspect’) is linked, either by apparent raising or by apparent long-distance agreement, to a position within a clausal complement to the verb. The latter position may be arbitrarily deeply embedded. The analysis developed here, formulated in the framework of Head-driven Phrase Structure Grammar, demonstrates that the two constructions in fact represent alternative realizations of identical argument structures for the verbs in question and that the apparent long-distance dependencies involved can be accounted for in terms of a purely local principle of argument selection.
Compartmental models for seasonal hyperendemic bacterial meningitis in the African meningitis belt
Authors: Koutangni T. , Crépey P. , Woringer M. , Porgho S. , Bicaba B. W. , Tall H. , Mueller J. E.
Published: September 2018

The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the seasonal dynamic and epidemic occurrence of bacterial meningitis in the African meningitis belt remain unknown. Regular seasonality (seasonal hyperendemicity) is observed for both meningococcal and pneumococcal meningitis and understanding this is critical for better prevention and modelling. The two principal hypotheses for hyperendemicity during the dry season imply (1) an increased risk of invasive disease given asymptomatic carriage of meningococci and pneumococci; or (2) an increased transmission of these bacteria from carriers and ill individuals. In this study, we formulated three compartmental deterministic models of seasonal hyperendemicity, featuring one (model1-‘inv’ or model2-‘transm’), or a combination (model3-‘inv-transm’) of the two hypotheses. We parameterised the models based on current knowledge on meningococcal and pneumococcal biology and pathophysiology. We compared the three models' performance in reproducing weekly incidences of suspected cases of acute bacterial meningitis reported by health centres in Burkina Faso during 2004–2010, through the meningitis surveillance system. The three models performed well (coefficient of determination R2, 0.72, 0.86 and 0.87, respectively). Model2-‘transm’ and model3-‘inv-transm’ better captured the amplitude of the seasonal incidence. However, model2-‘transm’ required a higher constant invasion rate for a similar average baseline transmission rate. The results suggest that a combination of seasonal changes of the risk of invasive disease and carriage transmission is involved in the hyperendemic seasonality of bacterial meningitis in the African meningitis belt. Consequently, both interventions reducing the risk of nasopharyngeal invasion and the bacteria transmission, especially during the dry season are believed to be needed to limit the recurrent seasonality of bacterial meningitis in the meningitis belt.
Towards sample path estimates for fast–slow stochastic partial differential equations
Authors: GNANN MANUEL V. , KUEHN CHRISTIAN , PEIN ANNE
Published: September 2018

Estimates for sample paths of fast–slow stochastic ordinary differential equations have become a key mathematical tool relevant for theory and applications. In particular, there have been breakthroughs by Berglund and Gentz to prove sharp exponential error estimates. In this paper, we take the first steps in order to generalise this theory to fast–slow stochastic partial differential equations. In a simplified setting with a natural decomposition into low- and high-frequency modes, we demonstrate that for a short-time period the probability for the corresponding sample path to leave a neighbourhood around the stable slow manifold of the system is exponentially small as well.
Using the Linear Mixed-Effect Model Framework to Estimate	Generalizability Variance Components in R
Authors: Jiang Zhehan
Published: September 2018

Abstract. Extending from classical test theory, G theory allows more sources of variations to be investigated and therefore provides the accuracy of generalizing observed scores to a broader universe. However, G theory has been used less due to the absence of analytic facilities for this purpose in popular statistical software packages. Besides, there is rarely a systematic G theory introduction in the linear mixed-effect model context, which is a widely taught technique in statistical analysis curricula. The present paper fits G theory into linear mixed-effect models and estimates the variance components via the well-known lme4 package in R. Concrete examples, modeling procedures, and R syntax are illustrated so that practitioners may use G theory for their studies. Realizing the G theory estimation in R provides more flexible features than other platforms, such that users need not rely on specialized software such as GENOVA and urGENOVA.
Modeling Responses and Response Times in Rating Scales With the Linear Ballistic Accumulator
Authors: Ranger Jochen , Kuhn Jörg-Tobias
Published: September 2018

Abstract. In this article, a new model is proposed for the responses and the response times in attitudinal or personality inventories with graded response format. The model is based on the lognormal race model ( Heathcote & Love, 2012 ) and assumes two accumulators that aggregate evidence in favor of and against the statement made by an item of an inventory. The accumulator that first reaches a response threshold determines the direction of the response (agreement/disagreement). The strength of the response, which is indicated by the choice of a graded response option, is a function of the difference between the two accumulators when responding. By relating the accumulators to latent traits, the model can be embedded into a latent trait model that accounts for individual differences. The model can be fit to data with marginal maximum likelihood estimation. A test of model fit is described, and it is shown how the model can be used for attitudinal and personality assessment. Finally, the application of the model is demonstrated with a real dataset.
What’s Your Superpower? Science Communication
Authors: Som Sanjoy , Schervish Meredith
Published: September 2018

Scientists more than ever need to tell policy makers and the public about their work. Whether confident or shy, an experienced speaker or not, you can benefit from AGU’s Voices for Science program.