bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“The committee in my head”
Authors: Maddux Laura , Nicodemus Brenda
Published: July 2016

Anecdotally, interpreters report experiencing self-talk before, during, and after assignments; however, this inner dialogue has neither been confirmed nor described in the literature. Prior studies suggest that guided self-talk can boost performance in learning and human performance activities. It follows that self-talk may also affect interpreting performance, either positively or negatively. In this study, reports of self-talk of American Sign Language-English interpreters were examined for the following characteristics: frequency, valence, overtness, self-determination, motivation, and function. Participants (N = 445) responded to online survey questions about the experience of self-talk in their interpreting work. Forfrequency, more than half of the respondents reported experiencing self-talk between 1–5 times during their work. Regardingvalence, 62% of respondents reported a mix of positive and negative self-talk about their performance. Forovertness, 62% reported talking (or signing) aloud in isolated settings about their work experiences. Regardingself-determination, nearly half of the respondents (48%) reported self-talk as a mix of conscious and unconscious thoughts. Eighty-nine percent of the respondents reported using self-talk formotivation, but 65% reported their self-talk was actually de-motivational at times. The most frequently reportedfunctionof self-talk was to improve interpreting. The findings offer a rich description of self-talk by American Sign Language-English interpreters. We suggest that more information about self-talk during interpretation may lead to greater self-awareness of the role of this phenomenon in working practitioners, as well as offer insights for the instruction of student interpreters.
T. S. Eliot, anti-Semitism, and Hebrew translation
Authors: Weissbrod Rachel
Published: July 2016

T. S. Eliot’s early poems, as well as his letters and prose, contain expressions of anti-Semitism. This article deals with the way in which Hebrew translators and others involved in the production of translations, such as scholars contributing introductions, have treated this issue. Based on the premise that the image of a foreign author can be manipulated by the very selection of the texts to be translated, as well as by paratexts such as introductions and footnotes, it examines how Eliot has been presented to the Hebrew readership. Three approaches of presenting Eliot are described. The examination of these approaches leads to the conclusion that Eliot’s expressions of anti-Semitism did not significantly interfere with the construction of his image in the target culture despite the antagonism expressed by some translators and critics. Finally, the paper attempts to explain this indifference, which is particularly striking when compared to the ongoing debate about Eliot’s anti-Semitism in the English-speaking world.
A New Look at Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: Postcapillary Pathophysiology and Cardiac Dysfunction
Authors: Sehgal Arvind , Malikiwi Andra , Paul Eldho , Tan Kenneth , Menahem Samuel
Published: July 2016

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) and right ventricular function are the focus of cardiovascular effects of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). We assessed cardiac indexes reflecting systemic afterload and pulmonary venous back pressure as pathophysiologic factors. Cardiac parameters were measured by conventional echocardiography in 20 preterm infants with severe BPD and compared with those of 10 preterm infants with no BPD and 20 healthy term infants. In infants with severe BPD, PH was noted in 5 (25%) by tricuspid regurgitation Doppler jet ≥2.8 m/s and in 15 (75%) by time to peak velocity/right ventricular ejection time <0.34. Among systemic cardiac indexes, significant impairment of diastolic measures was noted in the BPD group compared with infants with no BPD and term infants. The significance persisted after adjusting for gestational age and birth weight. These included transmitral E/A ratio (1.07 ± 0.07 vs. 0.91 ± 0.04 vs. 0.89 ± 0.09; P < 0.0001), isovolumic relaxation time (68.8 ± 3.9 vs. 58.5 ± 7.8 vs. 54.2 ± 5.7 ms; P < 0.0001), mitral valve stroke volume (4.7 ± 0.7 vs. 5.6 ± 0.6 vs. 5.9 ± 0.1; P = 0.002), and myocardial performance index (0.33 ± 0.05 vs. 0.28 ± 0.01 vs. 0.27 ± 0.05; P = 0.03). Left ventricular output was significantly lower in the BPD cohort (183 ± 45 vs. 189 ± 9 vs. 191 ± 32 mL/kg/min; P = 0.03). Altered systemic (left‐sided) cardiac function was noted in infants with BPD, which may lead to pulmonary venous congestion contributing to a continued need for respiratory support.
Experimental investigation of the radial structure of energetic particle driven modes
Authors: Horváth L. , Papp G. , Lauber Ph. , Por G. , Gude A. , Igochine V. , Geiger B. , Maraschek M. , Guimarais L. , Nikolaeva V. , Pokol G.I.
Published: July 2016

Alfvén eigenmodes (AEs) and energetic particle modes (EPMs) are often excited by energetic particles (EPs) in tokamak plasmas. One of the main open questions concerning EP driven instabilities is the non-linear evolution of the mode structure. The aim of the present paper is to investigate the properties of beta-induced AEs (BAEs) and EP driven geodesic acoustic modes (EGAMs) observed in the ramp-up phase of off-axis NBI heated ASDEX Upgrade (AUG) discharges. This paper focuses on the changes in the mode structure of BAEs/EGAMs during the non-linear chirping phase. Our investigation has shown that in the case of the observed down-chirping BAEs the changes in the radial structure are smaller than the uncertainty of our measurement. This behaviour is most probably the consequence of the fact that BAEs are normal modes, thus their radial structure strongly depends on the background plasma parameters rather than on the EP distribution. In the case of rapidly upward chirping EGAMs the analysis consistently shows shrinkage of the mode structure. The proposed explanation is that the resonance in the velocity space moves towards more passing particles which have narrower orbit widths.
Dry Ten Martini problem for the non-self-dual extended Harper’s model
Authors: Han Rui
Published: July 2016

In this paper we prove the dry version of the Ten Martini problem: Cantor spectrum with all gaps open, for the extended Harper’s model in the non-self-dual region for Diophantine frequencies.
Pontryagin duality for Iwasawa modules and abelian varieties
Authors: Lai King , Longhi Ignazio , Tan Ki-Seng , Trihan Fabien
Published: July 2016

We prove a functional equation for two projective systems of finite abelian

p
p

-groups,

{

a

n

}

\{\mathfrak {a}_n\}

and

{

b

n

}

\{\mathfrak {b}_n\}

, endowed with an action of

Z

p
d

\mathbb {Z}_p^d

such that

a

n

\mathfrak {a}_n

can be identified with the Pontryagin dual of

b

n

\mathfrak {b}_n

for all

n
n

.

Let

K
K

be a global field. Let

L
L

be a

Z

p
d

\mathbb {Z}_p^d

-extension of

K
K

(

d
≥
1

d\geq 1

), unramified outside a finite set of places. Let

A
A

be an abelian variety over

K
K

. We prove an algebraic functional equation for the Pontryagin dual of the Selmer group of

A
A

.
Pruned Hurwitz numbers
Authors: Do Norman , Norbury Paul
Published: July 2016

Simple Hurwitz numbers count branched covers of the Riemann sphere and are well-studied in the literature. We define a new enumeration that restricts the count to branched covers satisfying an additional constraint. The resulting pruned Hurwitz numbers determine their simple counterparts, but have the advantage of satisfying simpler recursion relations and obeying simpler formulae. As an application of pruned Hurwitz numbers, we obtain a new proof of the Witten–Kontsevich theorem. Furthermore, we apply the idea of defining useful restricted enumerations to orbifold Hurwitz numbers and Belyi Hurwitz numbers.
Effects of potential future CO2 levels in seawater on emerging behaviour and respiration of Manila clams, Venerupis philippinarum
Authors: Lee Jung-Ah , Kim Tae Won
Published: July 2016

High atmospheric CO2 dissolves into the surface of the ocean and lowers the pH of seawater and is thus expected to pose a potential threat to various marine organisms. We investigated the physiological and behavioural responses of adult Manila clams, Venerupis philippinarum (n = 96, shell length 25.32 ± 1.66mm and total wet weight 3.10 ± 0.54 g), to three levels (400, 700, and 900 μatm) of CO2 partial pressure (pCO2) for 48 days. There were no significant differences in mortality, growth, respiration rate, or emergence from the sediment between the three levels, indicating that near future atmospheric levels of CO2 do not seem to have a serious effect on the physiology and behaviour of adult Manila clams. However, Manila clams could be exposed to notably higher pCO2 and lower pH levels at local conditions due to the other issues, including eutrophication. Thus, the younger clams (n = 240, shell length 16.71 ± 0.96mm and total wet weight 0.70 ± 0.13 g) were exposed to pCO2 levels of 900 μatm (pH 7.8) and higher, such as 1300 and 2300 μatm (pH 7.7 and 7.5, respectively), for 39 days. Although mortality and growth were not significantly different between treatments, the emergence rates at the two higher pCO2 levels were higher than that at the lowest level during the last 10 days of the experiment. The oxygen consumption rate (OCR) was reduced after 39 days of exposure to 2300 μatm of pCO2. The increase in emerging behaviour and the decrease in the rate of oxygen consumption indicated worse physiological conditions of the clams; the population may be negatively influenced due to worse conditions or increased probability of predation.
The RegA regulon exhibits variability in response to altered growth conditions and differs markedly between Rhodobacter species
Authors: Schindel Heidi S. , Bauer Carl E.
Published: July 2016

The RegB/RegA two-component system from Rhodobacter capsulatus regulates global changes in gene expression in response to alterations in oxygen levels. Studies have shown that RegB/RegA controls many energy-generating and energy-utilizing systems such as photosynthesis, nitrogen fixation, carbon fixation, hydrogen utilization, respiration, electron transport and denitrification. In this report, we utilized RNA-seq and ChIP-seq to analyse the breadth of genes indirectly and directly regulated by RegA. A comparison of mRNA transcript levels in wild type cells relative to a RegA deletion strain shows that there are 257 differentially expressed genes under photosynthetic defined minimal growth medium conditions and 591 differentially expressed genes when grown photosynthetically in a complex rich medium. ChIP-seq analysis also identified 61 unique RegA binding sites with a well-conserved recognition sequence, 33 of which exhibit changes in neighbouring gene expression. These transcriptome results define new members of the RegA regulon including genes involved in iron transport and motility. These results also reveal that the set of genes that are regulated by RegA are growth medium specific. Similar analyses under dark aerobic conditions where RegA is thought not to be phosphorylated by RegB reveal 40 genes that are differentially expressed in minimal medium and 20 in rich medium. Finally, a comparison of the R. capsulatus RegA regulon with the orthologous PrrA regulon in Rhodobacter sphaeroides shows that the number of photosystem genes regulated by RegA and PrrA are similar but that the identity of genes regulated by RegA and PrrA beyond those involved in photosynthesis are quite distinct.
Exact calculation of the joint allele frequency spectrum for isolation with migration models
Authors: Kern Andrew D. , Hey Jody
Published: July 2016

Population genomic datasets collected over the past decade have spurred interest in developing methods that can utilize massive numbers of loci for inference of demographic and selective histories of populations. The allele frequency spectrum (AFS) provides a convenient statistic for such analysis and accordingly much attention has been paid to predicting theoretical expectations of the AFS under a number of different models. However, to date, exact solutions for the joint AFS of two or more populations under models of migration and divergence have not been found. Here we present a novel Markov chain representation of the coalescent on the state space of the joint AFS that allows for rapid, exact calculation of the joint AFS under isolation with migration (IM) models. In turn, we show how our Markov chain method, in the context of composite likelihood estimation, can be used for accurate inference of parameters of the IM model using SNP data. Lastly, we apply our method to recent whole genome datasets from AfricanDrosophila melanogaster.
Crystal structure of glycidamide: the mutagenic and genotoxic metabolite of acrylamide
Authors: Hemgesberg Melanie N. , Bonck Thorsten , Merz Karl-Heinz , Sun Yu , Schrenk Dieter
Published: July 2016

The title compound, glycidamide (systematic name: oxirane-2-carboxamide), C3H5NO2, is the mutagenic and genotoxic metabolite of acrylamide, a food contaminant and industrial chemical that has been classified as being probably carcinogenic to humans. Synthesizedviathe reaction of acrylonitrile and hydrogen peroxide, it crystallizes with both enantiomers occurring as two crystallographically independent molecules (AandB) in the asymmetric unit. They have similar conformations with an r.m.s. deviation of 0.0809 Å for moleculeBinverted on moleculeA. In the crystal, molecules are linked by N—H...O hydrogen bonds, which lead to the formation of β-sheet structures enclosingR22(8) andR42(8) loops. The β-sheets are linked by weaker C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming a supramolecular three-dimensional structure.
Long‐Distance Pilgrimage and the Counter Reformation in France: Sacred Journeys to the Mont Saint‐Michel 1520 to 1750
Authors: Tingle Elizabeth
Published: July 2016

In the Counter Reformation, a great upsurge in pilgrimage activity occurred across Europe. Much of this pilgrimage was to local shrines, often newly created. Another destination was Rome. Less well known is the post‐Reformation refashioning of ancient, long‐distance pilgrimages. This article examines the origins and nature of such revived pilgrimage, using the example of the Mont Saint‐Michel in northern France. In the Catholic Reformation, the traditional, distant centres of pilgrimage contributed to the devotional culture of individuals and groups who wanted to go beyond the local, to experience a challenge as part of their spiritual and social growth. At the Mont, revival of the shrine came from the universality of the cult of St Michael, his role in the struggle against heresy, and veneration tied increasingly to that of Christ through the Eucharist. While pilgrims continued to travel in search of, or in thanksgiving for, healing and other graces, there was also greater emphasis on spiritual healing and intimacy with God. Also, for many young men, they proved themselves and their Catholicity by undertaking this heroic journey. Through the pilgrimage to the Mont, reformed Catholicism spread many of its ideas and values around the cities and communities of northern France.
Moral panic, moral regulation, and the civilizing process
Authors: Hier Sean
Published: July 2016

This article compares two analytical frameworks ostensibly formulated to widen the focus of moral panic studies. The comparative analysis suggests that attempts to conceptualize moral panics in terms of decivilizing processes have neither substantively supplemented the explanatory gains made by conceptualizing moral panic as a form of moral regulation nor provided a viable alternative framework that better explains the dynamics of contemporary moral panics. The article concludes that Elias's meta‐theory of the civilizing process potentially provides explanatory resources to investigate a possible historical‐structural shift towards the so‐called age of (a)moral panic; the analytical demands of such a project, however, require a sufficiently different line of inquiry than the one encouraged by both the regulatory and decivilizing perspectives on moral panic.
Increasing the availability and quality of caesarean section in Tanzania
Authors: Nyamtema A , Mwakatundu N , Dominico S , Mohamed H , Shayo A , Rumanyika R , Kairuki C , Nzabuhakwa C , Issa O , Lyimo C , Kasiga I , van Roosmalen J
Published: July 2016

Objective

To describe the results of increasing availability and quality of caesarean deliveries and anaesthesia in rural Tanzania.

Design

Before‐after intervention study design.

Settings

Rural Tanzania.

Methods

Ten health centres located in rural areas were upgraded to provide comprehensive emergency obstetric care (CEmOC) and the four related district hospitals were supported. Upgrading entailed constructing and equipping maternity blocks, operation rooms and laboratories; installing solar systems, backup generators and water supply systems. Associate clinicians were trained in anaesthesia and in CEmOC. Mentoring and audit of reasons for caesarean section (CS) and maternal deaths were carried out. Measures of interest were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistical tests.

Main outcome measures

Trends in CS rates, proportion of unjustified CS, use of spinal anaesthesia, and the risk of death from complications related to CS and anaesthesia.

Results

During the audit period (2012–2014), 5868 of 58 751 deliveries were by CS (10%). The proportion of CS considered to be unjustified decreased from 30 to 17% in health centres (P = 0.02) and from 37 to 20% in hospitals (P < 0.001). Practice of spinal anaesthesia for CS increased from 10% to 64% in hospitals (P < 0.001). Of 110 maternal deaths, 18 (16.4%) were associated with complications of CS, giving a risk of 3.1 per 1000 CS; three (2.7%) were judged to be anaesthetic‐associated deaths with a risk of 0.5 per 1000 caesarean deliveries.

Conclusions

Increasing availability and quality of CS by improving infrastructure, training and audit of reasons for CS is feasible, acceptable and required in low resource settings.

Tweetable abstract

Increasing availability and quality of CS in rural Africa is feasible.
Follow Your Heart: Survival Chances and Costs after Heart Attacks—An Instrumental Variable Approach
Authors: Sanwald Alice , Schober Thomas
Published: July 2016

Objective

To determine the effect of heart attack patients’ access to intensive treatment on mortality and costs.

Data Sources

Administrative data of 4,920 patients with acute myocardial infarction from the Austrian Social Security Database and the Upper Austrian Sickness Fund for the period 2002–2011.

Study Design

As treatment intensity in a hospital largely depends on whether it has a catheterization laboratory, we explore the effects of patients’ initial admission to such specialized percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) hospitals. To account for the nonrandom selection of patients into hospitals, we exploit individuals’ place of residence as a source of exogenous variation in an instrumental variable framework.

Principal Findings

We find that the initial admission to PCI hospitals increases patients’ survival chances substantially. The effect on 3‐year mortality is −9.5 percentage points. Subgroup analysis shows the strongest effects in relative terms for patients below the age of 65. We do not find significant effects on long‐term inpatient costs and only marginal increases in outpatient costs.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that place of residence affects the access of patients to invasive heart attack treatment and therefore their chance of survival. We conclude that that providing more patients immediate access to PCI hospitals should be beneficial.
Searching for Goldilocks: The Distance‐Based Capitalization Effects of Local Public Services
Authors: Dronyk‐Trosper Trey
Published: July 2016

This article empirically models the effect of distance on residential property values of three different types of services, fire, police and emergency medical services. Interesting economic trade‐offs emerge as service station proximity provides both amenity and disamenity effects. Using over three million home sales from the state of Florida along with two different measures of distance, this study provides evidence of nonlinear capitalization effects on local housing values. A difference‐in‐difference model utilizing new facility construction provides corroborating evidence of these findings.
An Android Communication App Forensic Taxonomy
Authors: Azfar Abdullah , Choo Kim‐Kwang Raymond , Liu Lin
Published: July 2016

Due to the popularity of Android devices and applications (apps), Android forensics is one of the most studied topics within mobile forensics. Communication apps, such as instant messaging and Voice over IP (VoIP), are one popular app category used by mobile device users, including criminals. Therefore, a taxonomy outlining artifacts of forensic interest involving the use of Android communication apps will facilitate the timely collection and analysis of evidentiary materials from such apps. In this paper, 30 popular Android communication apps were examined, where a logical extraction of the Android phone images was collected using XRY, a widely used mobile forensic tool. Various information of forensic interest, such as contact lists and chronology of messages, was recovered. Based on the findings, a two‐dimensional taxonomy of the forensic artifacts of the communication apps is proposed, with the app categories in one dimension and the classes of artifacts in the other dimension. Finally, the artifacts identified in the study of the 30 communication apps are summarized using the taxonomy. It is expected that the proposed taxonomy and the forensic findings in this paper will assist forensic investigations involving Android communication apps.
Molecular and Supermolecular Structure of Commercial Pyrodextrins
Authors: Le Thanh‐Blicharz Joanna , Błaszczak Wioletta , Szwengiel Artur , Paukszta Dominik , Lewandowicz Grażyna
Published: July 2016

Size exclusion chromatography with triple detection as well as infrared spectroscopy studies of commercially available pyrodextrins proved that these molecules are characterized not only by significantly lower molecular mass, in comparison to that of native starch, but also by increased branching. Therefore, pyrodextrins adopt a very compact structure in solution and show Newtonian behavior under shear in spite of their molecular masses of tens of thousands Daltons. The results also indicate that 50% reduction of digestibility of pyrodextrins is, to a minor extent, caused by formation of low‐molecular color compounds containing carbonyl functional groups. The main reason is, as postulated in the literature, transglycosidation that leads to decreased occurrence of α‐1,4‐glycoside bonds in the molecular structure. In the process of dextrinization starch also undergoes changes in supermolecular structure, which, however, have no influence on digestibility. Likewise, the effect of formation of low‐molecular colorful compounds containing carbonyl groups is not crucial.
Effect of pioglitazone on metabolic features in endotoxemia model in obese diabetic db/db mice
Authors: Sharma Manoranjan , Mohapatra Jogeswar , Malik Umar , Nagar Jignesh , Chatterjee Abhijit , Ramachandran Balaraman , Jain Mukul R.
Published: July 2016

Background

Infectious diseases are more frequent in diabetic patients, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Endotoxemia affects glucose metabolism and lipolytic capacity. The aims of the present study were to determine whether endotoxemia exacerbates metabolic features (adipose inflammation, adipogenesis, and insulin resistance [IR]) in an animal model of diabetes (i.e. db/db mice) after acute infection and the effects of pioglitazone.

Methods

Female db/db mice treated with pioglitazone (3 and 30 mg/kg, p.o.) for 14 days were challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 200 μg/kg), followed by an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to evaluate the expression of genes in white adipose tissue (WAT) involved in: (i) adipogenesis (lipoprotein lipase [Lpl], fatty acid binding protein‐4 [Ap2] and adiponectin [Adipoq]); (ii) insulin signaling (peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma [Pparg], suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 [Socs3], solute carrier family 2 [facilitated glucose transporter], member 4 [Slc2a4]); and (iii) inflammation (tumor necrosis factor [Tnf], interleukin‐6 [Il6], monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 [Ccl2], cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 [prostaglandin‐endoperoxide synthase 2; Ptgs2]).

Results

Experimental endotoxemia downregulated mRNA expression of Pparg, Slc2a4, Adipoq, Lpl, and Ap2, which coincided with upregulation of Il6, Tnf, Ccl2, Ptgs2, and Socs3 expression. Pioglitazone dose‐dependently decreased Tnf, Il6, Ccl2, Ptgs2, and Socs3 expression in WAT, in association with upregulation of Lpl, Ap2, Slc2a4, and Adipoq expression, indicating improvement in endotoxin‐induced IR.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that LPS challenge exacerbates IR in db/db mice by altering the expression of genes in WAT involved in adipogenesis and inflammation, which is effectively controlled by pioglitazone treatment.
Factors associated with and consequences of open conversion after laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy: initial experience at a single institution
Authors: Goh Brian K. P. , Chan Chung Yip , Lee Ser Yee , Chan Weng Hoong , Cheow Peng Chung , Chow Pierce K. H. , Ooi London L. P. J. , Chung Alexander Y. F.
Published: July 2016

Background

Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) is increasingly adopted today. This study aims to determine factors associated with and consequences of open conversion after LDP.

Methods

Retrospective review of the first 40 consecutive LDP performed for pancreatic tumors from 2006 to 2015 was performed. Individual surgeon volume was stratified by ≤5 versus >5 cases and institution experience was stratified by two time periods 2006–2010 and 2011–2015.

Results

Two high‐volume surgeons performed 19 cases with an average case volume of ≥2/year whereas 10 low‐volume surgeons performed 21 cases with an average case volume of <1/year. Median age of patients was 57.6 (range, 21–78) years. LDP was performed for malignancy in four (10%) patients. The median tumor size was 25 (range, 8–75) mm. Eight patients (20%) underwent subtotal pancreatectomies and seven (17.5%) had concomitant surgeries. Eleven (27.5%) LDP were spleen‐saving procedures. Ten (25%) procedures were converted to open. Twenty‐nine (72.5%) patients experienced 90‐day/in‐hospital morbidity of which eight (20%) were major (>grade II). There were 24 (60%) pancreatic fistulas of which 10 (25%) were grade B. Univariate analyses demonstrated that splenectomy (10 (34.5%) versus 0, P = 0.025), individual surgeon volume (<5 cases) (8 (38.1%) versus 2 (10.15%), P = 0.044) and institution experience (5 (55.6%) versus 5 (16.1%), P = 0.016) were factors associated with open conversion after LDP. Open conversion was associated with an increased rate of intra‐operative blood transfusion (P = 0.053).

Conclusions

Splenectomy, institution experience and individual surgeon volume were the factors associated with open conversion after LDP.
Prognostic significance of the location of metastatic lymph nodes in patients with adenocarcinoma of the oesophagogastric junction
Authors: Liu Jun‐Feng , Jiang Tao , Shi Zhi‐Hua , Liu Xin‐Bo
Published: July 2016

Background

Adenocarcinoma of the oesophagogastric junction (AEG) potentially metastasizes to lymph nodes (LNs) in the abdomen and thorax. The aim of this study was to analyse the impact of metastatic LN location on prognosis in patients with AEG.

Methods

From May 2000 to March 2002, 645 patients with AEG underwent resection in our hospital. There were 525 males and 120 females, aged from 31 to 78 years (median = 60 years). Follow‐up was carried out by correspondence every 6 months. N‐classification according to the number (0, 1–2, 3–6, >6; N0–3), station (0, 1, 2, 3; S0–3) or field (0, 1 (abdominal or mediastinal), 2 (abdominal and mediastinal); F0–2) of LN metastasis and other prognostic factors were evaluated by univariate and multivariate survival analyses.

Results

Of the 645 patients, 307 (47.6%) had LN metastasis. The 5‐year survival rate for patients with LN metastases was 16.0% compared to 36.8% for those without LN metastases (P = 0.000). The length of tumour, and the number, station and field of the LN metastasis were independent prognostic factors by multivariate analysis. However, when patients without LN metastasis were excluded from the survival analysis by log‐rank test, there were significant differences only in patients with F1 versus F2 LN metastasis, with 5‐year survival rates of 14.4% and 8.0%, respectively (P = 0.022).

Conclusion

The presence of LN metastases concurrently in both the abdomen and mediastinum is a significant adverse prognostic factor for patients with AEG, and should be included in the future TNM staging system.
Effects of inclusion levels of pelleted silvergrass (Miscanthus sinensis Andress.) in the diet on digestibility, chewing activity, ruminal fermentation and blood metabolites in breeding Japanese Black cows
Authors: Asano Keigo , Ishida Miho , Ishida Motohiko
Published: July 2016

To examine the effects of inclusion levels of pelleted silvergrass (PS) in the diet on digestibility, ruminal fermentation and nutrient status of breeding Japanese Black cows, four cows were allotted to a 4 × 4 Latin square design experiment. Treatments were control fed a diet consisting of 89.4% Sudangrass hay and 10.6% soybean meal on a dry matter (DM) basis, and PS18, PS27 and PS45 fed the diet replaced with 18%, 27% and 45% of control with PS, respectively. The total digestible nutrients (TDN) content of PS was 45.6% on a DM basis. The TDN intakes were significantly decreased by increasing PS level in the diet (P < 0.05), but were higher than the TDN requirement of maintenance cows in all treatments. The total chewing time was decreased significantly by increasing PS level in the diets (P < 0.05). However, the pH and concentration of volatile fatty acid in the ruminal fluid and serum metabolite concentrations were not significantly different among the treatments. The results suggested that including PS up to 45% in the diet did not have adverse effects on the ruminal fermentation and nutrient status in breeding Japanese Black cows at the maintenance stage.
Population pharmacokinetic modelling of the changes in atazanavir plasma clearance caused by ritonavir plasma concentrations in HIV‐1 infected patients
Authors: Moltó José , Estévez Javier A. , Miranda Cristina , Cedeño Samandhy , Clotet Bonaventura , Valle Marta
Published: July 2016

Aims

The aim of the present study was to develop a simultaneous population pharmacokinetic model for atazanavir (ATV) incorporating the effect of ritonavir (RTV) on clearance to predict ATV concentrations under different dosing regimens in HIV‐1‐infected patients.

Methods

A Cross‐sectional study was carried out in 83 HIV‐1‐infected adults taking ATV 400 mg or ATV 300 mg/RTV 100 mg once daily. Demographic and clinical characteristics were registered and blood samples collected to measure drug concentrations. A population pharmacokinetic model was constructed using nonlinear mixed‐effects modelling and used to simulate six dosing scenarios.

Results

The selected one‐compartmental model described the pharmacokinetics of RTV and ATV simultaneously, showing exponential, direct inhibition of ATV clearance according to the RTV plasma concentration, which explained 17.5% of the variability. A mean RTV plasma concentration of 0.63 mg l–1 predicted an 18% decrease in ATV clearance. The percentages of patients with an end‐of‐dose‐interval concentration of ATV below or above the minimum and maximum target concentrations of 0.15 mg l–1 and 0.85 mg l–1 favoured the selection of the simulated ATV/RTV once‐daily regimens (ATV 400 mg, ATV 300 mg/RTV 100 mg, ATV 300 mg/RTV 50 mg, ATV 200/RTV 100 mg) over the unboosted twice‐daily regimens (ATV 300 mg, ATV 200 mg).

Conclusions

A one‐compartment simultaneous model can describe the pharmacokinetics of RTV and ATV, including the effect of RTV plasma concentrations on ATV clearance. This model is promising for predicting individuals' ATV concentrations in clinical scenarios, and supports further clinical trials of once‐daily doses of ATV 300 mg/RTV 50 mg or ATV 200 mg/RTV 100 mg to confirm efficacy and safety.
Facial first impressions from another angle: How social judgements are influenced by changeable and invariant facial properties
Authors: Sutherland Clare A. M. , Young Andrew W. , Rhodes Gillian
Published: July 2016

First impressions made to photographs of faces can depend as much on momentary characteristics of the photographed image (within‐person variability) as on consistent properties of the face of the person depicted (between‐person variability). Here, we examine two important sources of within‐person variability: emotional expression and viewpoint. We find more within‐person variability than between‐person variability for social impressions of key traits of trustworthiness, dominance, and attractiveness, which index the main dimensions in theoretical models of facial impressions. The most important source of this variability is the emotional expression of the face, but the viewpoint of the photograph also affects impressions and modulates the effects of expression. For example, faces look most trustworthy with a happy expression when they are facing the perceiver, compared to when they are facing elsewhere, whereas the opposite is true for anger and disgust. Our findings highlight the integration of these different sources of variability in social impression formation.
Comparative testing of reliability and audit utility of ordinal objective calculus complexity scores. Can we make an informed choice yet?
Authors: Jaipuria Jiten , Suryavanshi Manav , Sen Tridib K.
Published: July 2016

Objectives

To assess the reliability of the Guy's Stone Score, the Seoul National University Renal Stone Complexity (S‐ReSC) score and the S.T.O.N.E. scores in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), and assess their utility in discriminating outcomes [stone free rate (SFR), complications, need for multiple PCNL sessions, and auxiliary procedures] valid across parameters of experience of surgeon, independence from surgical approach, and variations in institution‐specific instrumentation.

Patients and methods

A prospectively maintained database of two tertiary institutions was analysed (606 cases). Institutes differed in instrumentation, while the overall surgical team comprised: two trainees (experience <100 cases), two junior consultants (experience 100–200 cases), and two senior surgeons (experience >1000 cases). Scores were assigned and re‐assigned after 4 months by one trainee and an expert surgeon. Inter‐rater and test‐retest agreement were analysed by Cohen's κ and intraclass correlation coefficient. Multivariate logistic regression models were created adjusting outcomes for the institution, comorbidity, Amplatz size, access tract location, the number of punctures, the experience level of the surgeon, and individual scoring system, and receiver operating curves were analysed for comparison.

Results

Despite some areas of inconsistencies, individually all scores had excellent inter‐rater and test‐retest concordance. On multivariable analyses, while the experience of the surgeon and surgical approach characteristics (such as access tract location, Amplatz size, and number of punctures) remained independently associated with different outcomes in varying combinations, calculus complexity scores were found consistently to be independently associated with all outcomes. The S‐ReSC score had a superior association with SFR, the need for multiple PCNL sessions, and auxiliary procedures.

Conclusion

Individually all scoring systems performed well. On cross comparison, the S‐ReSC score consistently emerged to be more superiorly associated with all outcomes, signifying the importance of the distributional complexity of the calculus (which also indirectly amalgamates the influence of stone number, size, and anatomical location) in discriminating outcomes. Our study proves the utility of scoring systems in prognosticating multiple outcomes and also clarifies important aspects of their practical application including future roles such as benchmarking, audit, training, and objective assessment of surgical technique modifications.
Quantitative pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic modelling of baclofen‐mediated cardiovascular effects using BP and heart rate in rats
Authors: Kamendi Harriet , Barthlow Herbert , Lengel David , Beaudoin Marie‐Eve , Snow Debra , Mettetal Jerome T , Bialecki Russell A
Published: July 2016

Background and Purpose

While the molecular pathways of baclofen toxicity are understood, the relationships between baclofen‐mediated perturbation of individual target organs and systems involved in cardiovascular regulation are not clear. Our aim was to use an integrative approach to measure multiple cardiovascular‐relevant parameters [CV: mean arterial pressure (MAP), systolic BP, diastolic BP, pulse pressure, heart rate (HR); CNS: EEG; renal: chemistries and biomarkers of injury] in tandem with the pharmacokinetic properties of baclofen to better elucidate the site(s) of baclofen activity.

Experimental Approach

Han‐Wistar rats were administered vehicle or ascending doses of baclofen (3, 10 and 30 mg·kg−1, p.o.) at 4 h intervals and baclofen‐mediated changes in parameters recorded. A pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic model was then built by implementing an existing mathematical model of BP in rats.

Key Results

Final model fits resulted in reasonable parameter estimates and showed that the drug acts on multiple homeostatic processes. In addition, the models testing a single effect on HR, total peripheral resistance or stroke volume alone did not describe the data. A final population model was constructed describing the magnitude and direction of the changes in MAP and HR.

Conclusions and Implications

The systems pharmacology model developed fits baclofen‐mediated changes in MAP and HR well. The findings correlate with known mechanisms of baclofen pharmacology and suggest that similar models using limited parameter sets may be useful to predict the cardiovascular effects of other pharmacologically active substances.
Pyrazine emission by a tropical firefly: An example of chemical aposematism?
Authors: Vencl Fredric V. , Ottens Kristina , Dixon Marjorie M. , Candler Sarah , Bernal Ximena E. , Estrada Catalina , Page Rachel A.
Published: July 2016

Although famous for photic courtship displays, fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) are also notable for emitting strong odors when molested. The identity of volatile emissions and their possible role, along with photic signals, as aposematic warnings of unpalatability have been little explored, especially in tropical species. Pursuant to the observation that the widespread Neotropical fireflies, Photuris trivittata and Bicellonycha amoena, emit pungent odors, glows, and flashes when handled, we investigated their cuticular and headspace chemistry. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analyses revealed that both fireflies have species‐specific cuticular hydrocarbon profiles. Photuris trivittata headspace was dominated by 2‐methoxy‐3‐(1‐methylpropyl) pyrazine (hereafter, pyrazine), on the order of 1.59 ng/individual and a suite of sesquiterpenes, while B. amoena emitted 3‐methoxy‐2‐butenoic acid methyl ester and a few ketones. This is the first report of such compounds in fireflies. We investigated the role of pyrazine in P. trivittata's interactions with potential predators: sympatric ants, toads, and bats. Solvent‐washed P. trivittata painted with pyrazine incurred lower ant predation than did their solvent‐washed counterparts. Pyrazine significantly repelled ants at baits in concentrations as low as 9.8 × 10−4 ng/μl. The toad, Rhinella marina, readily accepted intact fireflies, pyrazine‐coated and uncoated mealworms. Both Myotis nigricans and Molossus molossus bats rejected fireflies, but accepted both pyrazine‐coated and uncoated mealworms. While pyrazine repels ants, its role as an aposematic signal warning other potential predators of firefly distastefulness requires further investigation. Our results underscore the idea that multiple enemies exert conflicting selection on firefly defenses.
Surface roughness affects the running speed of tropical canopy ants
Authors: Yanoviak Stephen P. , Silveri Cheryl , Stark Alyssa Y. , Van Stan John T. , Levia Delphis F.
Published: July 2016

Cursorial central‐place foragers like ants are expected to minimize travel costs by choosing the least resistive pathways to food resources. Tropical arboreal and semi‐arboreal ants locomote over a variety of plant surfaces, and their choice of pathways is selective. We measured the roughness of tree trunk and liana stem surfaces using laser scanning technology, and explored its consequences for running speed in various ant taxa. The average amplitude of tree trunk surface roughness differed interspecifically, and ranged from 1.4–2.2 mm among three common tree species (Anacardium excelsum, Alseis blackiana, and Dipteryx panamensis). The roughness of liana stems also varied interspecifically (among Tontelea ovalifolia, Bauhinia sp. and Paullinia sp.) and was an order of magnitude lower than tree surface roughness (mean amplitude ranged 0.09–0.19 mm). Field observations of various ant species foraging on tree trunks and liana stems, and on dowels covered with sandpaper, showed that their running speed declined with increasing amplitude of roughness. The effect of roughness on running speed was strongest for mid‐sized ants (Azteca trigona and Dolichoderus bispinosus). The accumulation rate of ants at baits did not vary with tree surface roughness, but was significantly lower on moss‐covered versus moss‐free bark. Collectively, these results indicate that the quality of plant substrates can influence the foraging patterns of arboreal ants, but likely is more important for resource discovery than for dominance on bare tree surfaces.
Fine partitioning of epiphyte habitat within Johansson zones in tropical Australian rain forest trees
Authors: Sanger Jennifer C. , Kirkpatrick James B.
Published: July 2016

For over three decades, the Johansson zones have been widely used in epiphyte studies as a way of stratifying the host tree into habitat zones. The usefulness of this system, however, has been questioned. We test the effectiveness of the Johansson zones by grouping epiphyte species by the substrate and microclimatic attributes of their individual occurrences and assessing the fidelity of these groups to the Johansson zones. Habitat characteristics were recorded for every individual epiphyte on 30 trees in the lower montane rain forests of northeastern Australia. Twenty‐four epiphyte species were agglomerated into four groups using Ward's method. Group 4 was highly distinct and included shade‐loving species and nomadic vines from the lower zones of the host trees. Group 3 contained species from the most exposed habitats. Group 1 had higher light levels and lower substrate thickness than Group 2, yet both groups had close to identical distributions over the Johansson zones. This suggests that groups of epiphyte species may utilize different micro‐sites within the same zone. While the Johansson zones are a useful tool in epiphyte studies, finer partitioning of habitat within the host tree may be missed.
Ophthalmic manifestations of tuberous sclerosis: a review
Authors: Hodgson Nickisa , Kinori Michael , Goldbaum Michael H , Robbins Shira L
Published: July 2016

Tuberous sclerosis or tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), one of the phakomatoses, is characterized by hamartomas of the heart, kidney, brain, skin and eyes. Ophthalmologic examinations are required in all cases of TSC. Retinal hamartomas are the most common ocular finding in tuberous sclerosis. The majority of hamartomas are non‐progressive; however, lesions with subretinal fluid and progression have been reported. This paper details the genetics, clinical features and ocular findings of TSC and reviews potential therapeutic options for ophthalmic manifestations.
Muscular dystrophies and myopathies: the spectrum of mutated genes in the Czech Republic
Authors: Stehlíková K. , Skálová D. , Zídková J. , Haberlová J. , Voháňka S. , Mazanec R. , Mrázová L. , Vondráček P. , Ošlejšková H. , Zámečník J. , Honzík T. , Zeman J. , Magner M. , Šišková D. , Langová M. , Gregor V. , Godava M. , Smolka V. , Fajkusová L.
Published: July 2016

Inherited neuromuscular disorder (NMD) is a wide term covering different genetic disorders affecting muscles, nerves, and neuromuscular junctions. Genetic and clinical heterogeneity is the main drawback in a routine gene‐by‐gene diagnostics. We present Czech NMD patients with a genetic cause identified using targeted next‐generation sequencing (NGS) and the spectrum of these causes. Overall 167 unrelated patients presenting NMD falling into categories of muscular dystrophies, congenital muscular dystrophies, congenital myopathies, distal myopathies, and other myopathies were tested by targeted NGS of 42 known NMD‐related genes. Pathogenic or probably pathogenic sequence changes were identified in 79 patients (47.3%). In total, 37 novel and 51 known disease‐causing variants were detected in 23 genes. In addition, variants of uncertain significance were suspected in 7 cases (4.2%), and in 81 cases (48.5%) sequence changes associated with NMD were not found. Our results strongly indicate that for molecular diagnostics of heterogeneous disorders such as NMDs, targeted panel testing has a high‐clinical yield and should therefore be the preferred first‐tier approach. Further, we show that in the genetic diagnostic practice of NMDs, it is necessary to take into account different types of inheritance including the occurrence of an autosomal recessive disorder in two generations of one family.
Anastomotic leaks can be detected within 5 days following ileorectal anastomosis: a case‐controlled study in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis
Authors: Aziz O. , Albeyati A. , Derias M. , Varsani N. , Ashrafian H. , Athanasiou T. , Clark S. K. , Jenkins J. T. , Kennedy R. H.
Published: July 2016

Aim

To determine the earliest time point at which anastomotic leaks can be detected in patients undergoing total colectomy with primary ileorectal anastomosis for familial adenomatous polyposis.

Method

This was a case‐controlled study of 10 anastomotic leak patients vs 20 controls following laparoscopic total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis for familial adenomatous polyposis (from 96 consecutive patients between 2006 and 2013). Panel time‐series data regression was performed using a double subscript structure to include both variables. A generalized least squares multivariate approach was applied in a random effects setting to calculate correlations for observations, with anastomotic leak being the dependent variable. Univariate and multivariate regression calculations were then performed according to individual observations at each recorded time point. Time‐series analysis was used to determine when a variable became significant in the leak group.

Results

Multivariate analysis identified a significant difference between leak and control groups in mean heart rate (P < 0.001), mean respiratory rate (P = 0.017) and mean urine output (P = 0.001). Time‐point analysis showed that heart rate was significantly different between leak and control groups at postoperative day 4.25. Multivariate analysis identified a significant difference between groups in alanine transaminase (P = 0.006), bilirubin (P = 0.008), creatinine (P = 0.001), haemoglobin (P < 0.001) and urea (P = 0.007). There were no differences between groups with regard to markers of inflammation such as albumin, white blood cell count, neutrophil count and C‐reactive protein.

Conclusion

Anastomotic leaks can be detected early (within 4.5 days of surgery) through changes in physiological, blood test and observational parameters, providing an opportunity for early intervention in these patients to salvage the anastomosis.