bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating risk of malignancy in adnexal masses: external validation of the ADNEX model and comparison with other frequently used ultrasound methods
Authors: Meys E. M. J. , Jeelof L. S. , Achten N. M. J. , Slangen B. F. M. , Lambrechts S. , Kruitwagen R. F. P. M. , Van Gorp T.
Published: August 2016

Objectives

To validate externally the performance of the Assessment of Different NEoplasias in the adneXa (ADNEX) model and compare this model with other frequently used models in the differentiation between benign and malignant adnexal masses.

Methods

In this retrospective diagnostic accuracy study, we assessed data collected prospectively from patients with adnexal pathology who underwent real‐time transvaginal or transrectal ultrasound by a single expert ultrasonographer in a tertiary care hospital between July 2011 and July 2015. The presence of a malignancy was determined by subjective assessment and use of four prediction models: the ADNEX model, simple ultrasound‐based rules (simple rules), Logistic Regression model 2 (LR2) and the Risk of Malignancy Index (RMI), of which three different variants were assessed. Pathology was the clinical reference standard.

Results

In total, 851 consecutive patients underwent ultrasound examination for an adnexal mass. For 326 patients (128 premenopausal and 198 postmenopausal), pathology results were available (211 (64.7%) benign; 115 (35.3%) malignant) and these were included in the analysis. The area under the receiver–operating characteristics curve (AUC) of the ADNEX model for the discrimination between benign and malignant tumors was 0.93 (95% CI, 0.89–0.95). AUCs for the subtypes of malignancy (i.e. borderline, Stage I–IV and metastatic adnexal tumors) ranged between 0.60 and 0.90. Only subjective assessment (AUC, 0.96 (95% CI, 0.93–0.98)) was superior to the ADNEX model (P = 0.01) in differentiating malignant from benign tumors. AUCs for the other models were 0.92 (95% CI, 0.89–0.95) for LR2, 0.85 (95% CI, 0.81–0.89) for RMI‐I, 0.82 (95% CI, 0.77–0.86) for RMI‐II and 0.84 (95% CI, 0.80–0.88) for RMI‐III. At the proposed cut‐off of ≥ 10%, the ADNEX model had the highest sensitivity (0.98 (95% CI, 0.93–1.00)) but the lowest specificity (0.62 (95% CI, 0.55–0.68)) compared with the other models. Both subjective assessment (sensitivity, 0.90 (95% CI, 0.83–0.95); specificity 0.91 (95% CI, 0.86–0.94)) and the simple rules model with inconclusive cases classified by subjective assessment (sensitivity, 0.89 (95% CI, 0.81–0.94); specificity, 0.90 (95% CI, 0.85–0.94)) had lower sensitivity, but their sensitivity and specificity were better balanced.

Conclusions

Although the test performance of subjective assessment by an expert remains superior, the ADNEX model can help in the differentiation between benign and malignant ovarian tumors. The advantage of the ADNEX model as a polytomous model remains to be shown. © 2016 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Preparation of arsenic‐containing white rice grains as calibration standards for X‐ray fluorescence analysis of total arsenic in cereals
Authors: Tatsumi Masaki , Inui Tetsuo , Hagiwara Kenta , Ohbuchi Atsushi , Koike Yuya , Nakamura Toshihiro
Published: August 2016

A preparation method of arsenic‐containing white rice grains as calibration standards was developed for the X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis of arsenic in rice grains. Calibration standards were prepared by adding 10 g of white rice grains (from Japan) to 100 ml methanol‐containing dimethylarsinic acid corresponding to 2–100 µg arsenic. The mixture was heated, dried at 150 °C, cooled to room temperature, and then stored in a silica gel desiccator. A total of 5.0 g of each calibration standard was packed into a polyethylene cup (32 mm internal diameter and 23 mm height) covered with a 6‐µm‐thick polypropylene film and then analyzed by wavelength‐dispersive XRF spectrometry. The calibration curve for arsenic obtained from the white rice grains containing arsenic showed good linearity over a concentration range of 0.21–5.00 mg kg−1 arsenic. The limit of detection of arsenic was 0.080 mg kg−1. To check the reliability of the XRF method, the concentrations of arsenic in six samples of grain cereals and two samples of flour were compared with those obtained by atomic absorption spectrometry after acid decomposition. The values obtained by both analytical methods showed good agreement. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Formalising concurrent UML state machines using coloured Petri nets
Authors: André Étienne , Benmoussa Mohamed Mahdi , Choppy Christine
Published: August 2016

With the increasing complexity of dynamic concurrent systems, a phase of formal specification and formal verification is needed. UML state machines are widely used to specify dynamic systems behaviours. However, the official semantics of UML is described in a semi-formal manner, which renders the formal verification of complex systems delicate. In this paper, we propose a formalisation of UML state machines using coloured Petri nets. We consider in particular concurrent aspects (orthogonal regions, forks, joins, variables), the hierarchy induced by composite states and their associated activities, external, local or inter-level transitions, entry/exit/do behaviours, transition priorities, and shallow history pseudostates. We use a CD player as a motivating example, and run various verifications using CPN Tools.
Predation of wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus) on hibernating bats
Authors: Haarsma Anne‐Jifke , Kaal Rutger
Published: August 2016

Bat hibernacula with high numbers of bats can become high‐risk areas, as they attract flying and non‐flying predators. In order to protect hibernating bats effectively, more knowledge about mortality factors is needed. During the winters of 2003–2015, we found 214 dead bats in 12 hibernacula in The Netherlands province of Zuid‐Holland. Most bat remains were found in December and January, with a second peak in April. Their remains showed a typical pattern of lesions consistent with those caused by predation by the wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus). Trail camera surveys showed that wood mice actively searched for bats. Predation pressure seemed to vary between winters, with a peak in the winters of 2004, 2011 and 2015. The annual mortality (relative to the maximum winter population size) caused by wood mouse predation varied between 0.1 and 8.8 %, with a maximum local effect of 83.6 %. The years with high wood mouse predation pressure were characterized by a long frost period and a low mast production of common oak in the preceding autumn. The size of a hibernaculum and the population density of its bats had an effect on predation‐dependent mortality. The highest predation risk occurred near the entrance of bunkers. From these results we tentatively conclude that predation is not incidental and that wood mice actively search for and kill hibernating bats or scavenge for weakened individuals.
Increased acid resistance of the archaeon,Metallosphaera sedulaby adaptive laboratory evolution
Authors: Ai Chenbing , McCarthy Samuel , Eckrich Valerie , Rudrappa Deepak , Qiu Guanzhou , Blum Paul
Published: August 2016

Extremely thermoacidophilic members of the Archaea such as the lithoautotroph, Metallosphaera sedula, are among the most acid resistant forms of life and are of great relevance in bioleaching. Here, adaptive laboratory evolution was used to enhance the acid resistance of this organism while genomics and transcriptomics were used in an effort to understand the molecular basis for this trait. Unlike the parental strain, the evolved derivative, M. sedula SARC-M1, grew well at pH of 0.90. Enargite (Cu3AsS4) bioleaching conducted at pH 1.20 demonstrated SARC-M1 leached 23.78 % more copper relative to the parental strain. Genome re-sequencing identified two mutations in SARC-M1 including a nonsynonymous mutation in Msed_0408 (an amino acid permease) and a deletion in pseudogene Msed_1517. Transcriptomic studies by RNA-seq of wild type and evolved strains at various low pH values demonstrated there was enhanced expression of genes in M. sedula SARC-M1 encoding membrane complexes and enzymes that extrude protons or that catalyze proton-consuming reactions. In addition, M. sedula SARC-M1 exhibited reduced expression of genes encoding enzymes that catalyze proton-generating reactions. These unique genomic and transcriptomic features support a model for increased acid resistance arising from enhanced control over cytoplasmic pH.
Bioprocess development for extracellular production of recombinant human interleukin-3 (hIL-3) inPichia pastoris
Authors: Dagar Vikas Kumar , Adivitiya  , Devi Nirmala , Khasa Yogender Pal
Published: August 2016

Human interleukin-3 (hIL-3) is a therapeutically important cytokine involved in the maturation and differentiation of various cells of the immune system. The codon-optimized hIL-3 gene was cloned in fusion with the N-terminus α-mating factor signal peptide of Saccharomyces cerevisiae under an inducible alcohol oxidase 1 (AOX1) and constitutive glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAP) promoter. A Zeocin concentration up to 2000 mg/L was used to select hyper-producers. The shake flask cultivation studies in the Pichia pastoris GS115 host resulted a maximum recombinant hIL-3 expression level of 145 mg/L in the extracellular medium under the control of AOX1 promoter. The batch fermentation strategy allowed us to attain a fairly pure glycosylated hIL-3 protein in the culture supernatant at a final concentration of 475 mg/L with a high volumetric productivity of 4.39 mg/L/h. The volumetric product concentration achieved at bioreactor level was 3.28 folds greater than the shake flask results. The 6x His-tagged protein was purified using Ni–NTA affinity chromatography and confirmed further by western blot analysis using anti-6x His tag antibody. The glycosylation of recombinant hIL-3 protein was confirmed in a PNGase F deglycosylation reaction where it showed a molecular weight band pattern similar to E. coli produced non-glycosylated hIL-3 protein. The structural properties of recombinant hIL-3 protein were confirmed by CD and fluorescence spectroscopy where protein showed 40 % α-helix, 12 % β-sheets with an emission maxima at 343 nm. MALDI-TOF-TOF analysis was used to establish the protein identity. The biological activity of purified protein was confirmed by the human erythroleukemia TF-1 cell proliferation assay.
Genomic Analysis of Genes Involved in the Biosynthesis of Very Long Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Thraustochytrium sp. 26185
Authors: Zhao Xianming , Dauenpen Meesapyodsuk , Qu Cunmin , Qiu Xiao
Published: August 2016

Thraustochytrium sp. 26185 is a marine protist that can produce a large amount of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n‐3), an ω3 very long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (VLCPUFA) of nutritional importance. However, the mechanism of how this fatty acid is synthesized and assembled into the storage lipid triacylglycerol is unclear. Here we report sequencing of the whole genome and genomic analysis of genes involved in the biosynthesis and assembly of the fatty acids in this species. Genome sequencing produced a total of 2,418,734,139 bp clean sequences with about 62 fold genome coverage. Annotation of the genome sequences revealed 10,797 coding genes. Among them, 10,216 genes could be assigned into 25 KOG classes where 451 genes were specifically assigned to the group of lipid transport and metabolism. Detailed analysis of these genes revealed co‐existence of both aerobic pathway and anaerobic pathways for the biosynthesis of DHA in this species. However, in the aerobic pathway, a key gene encoding stearate Δ9 desaturase introducing the first double bond to long chain saturated fatty acid 18:0 was missing from the genome. Genomic survey of genes involved in the acyl trafficking among glycerolipids showed that, unlike plants, this protist did not possess phosphatidylcholine:diacylglycerol cholinephosphotransferase, an important enzyme in bridging two types of glycerolipids, diacylglycerols (DAG) and phosphatidylcholines (PtdCho). These results shed new insight on the biosynthesis and assembly of VLCPUFA in the Thraustochytrium.
Olive Oil‐Based Lipid Emulsions Do Not Influence Platelet Receptor Expression in Comparison to Medium and Long Chain Triglycerides In vitro
Authors: Stoetzer Carsten , Nickel Katja , Weißig Annette , Großheim Marieke , Scheinichen Dirk , Doll Thorben , Jüttner Björn
Published: August 2016

Lipid emulsions influence platelet aggregation and receptor expression. However, the effect on platelet function is not fully explained. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the influence of the lipids Lipofundin®, Lipidem® and ClinOleic® on surface expressions of P‐selectin, GPIb and GPIIb/IIIa on platelets in vitro. Whole blood was incubated in two different concentrations (0.06 and 0.6 mg/ml) of LCT/MCT, n‐3/LCT/MCT and LCT‐MUFA for 30 min, followed by activation with TRAP‐6 or ADP for flow‐cytometric assay. Rates of P‐selectin, GPIb and GPIIb/IIIa expression were analyzed. There was a significant increase in GPIIb/IIIa‐ and P‐selectin‐expression after incubation with LCT/MCT and n‐3/LCT/MCT at the concentration of 0.6 mg/ml, without and after stimulation with TRAP‐6 and ADP. GPIb was significantly decreased. Accordingly, LCT‐MUFA had no effect on receptor expression of platelets in vitro. We demonstrated that LCT‐MUFA did not activate receptor expression of platelets whereas LCT/MCT significantly increased platelet aggregation in vitro. This finding should be noted for parenteral nutrition of intensive care patients and, in the future, might provide further insight into the pathogenic pathways of acute thromboembolic events. However, prospectively designed clinical studies are needed to support our results.
Measurement of specific storage of rock for supercritical carbon dioxide using constant flow pump and constant head permeability techniques
Authors: Arsyad Ardy , Mitani Yasuhiro , Ikemi Hiro
Published: August 2016

Advanced laboratory system of rock permeability test associated with constant flow pump, and constant head permeability techniques were developed to measure permeability and specific storage of rock for supercritical CO2. The laboratory system was designed to be capable in reproducing similar physical condition of deep aquifer within high pressure and high temperature where CO2 tends to be in supercritical state. To analyze the result of permeability tests, mathematical models of constant flow pump and constant head permeability techniques were modified to deal with two-phase flow drainage displacement of CO2-water in rock. For the examination of its applicability, experimental tests and numerical analysis were undertaken. The accuracy of the obtained specific storage was validated by employing a ratio of the specific storage of the rock specimen to the storage capacity of the pump used in the permeability test. It was found that the specific storage of low permeability sandstone for storing supercritical CO2 is 1.63 × 10−4 1/Pa, while large permeability sandstone has the specific storage for supercritical CO2 at 1.12 × 10−7 1/Pa. This finding suggested that advanced experimental system of constant flow pump and constant head permeability technique can be used as repeatable, accurate and standardized laboratory test in measuring specific storage of sedimentary rock for CO2 in supercritical state.
Major determinants for the selecting antithrombotic therapies in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation in Japan (JAPAF study)
Authors: Kusakawa Koichi , Harada Kouji H. , Kagimura Tatsuo , Koizumi Akio
Published: August 2016

Background

Oral anticoagulants (OACs) can help prevent stroke in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). The aim of this study was to characterize the use of OACs other than direct thrombin inhibitors (DTIs) for NVAF.

Methods

Patients with NVAF taking antithrombotics other than DTIs were enrolled in this cross‐sectional study. Patient demographics and medication history were collected, and the patients were classified as taking antiplatelet monotherapy (AP), anticoagulant monotherapy (AC), or combination therapy (AP+AC). OAC users were also stratified as naïve (N; initiated within 6 months), switcher (S; switched within 6 months), or prevalent user (P; continued for >6 months).

Results

A total of 3053 patients (AP, 216; AC, 2381; AP+AC, 456) from 268 sites were enrolled from 2012 to 2013. Significant differences were observed in CHADS2 scores (AP/AC/AP+AC: 2.0/2.1/2.7, P<0.0001), angina complications (20.1/8.6/32.1, P<0.0001), myocardial infarction (5.1/2.8/18.1, P<0.0001), prothrombin time–international normalized ratio (PT–INR) (−/2.00/1.94, P=0.0350), and others. There were 2831 OAC users (N, 328; S, 213; P, 2290). Significant differences were observed in history of bleeding (N/S/P: 2.4/9.4/4.5, P<0.001), PT–INR (1.83/2.01/2.00, P<0.0001), and others.

Conclusions

Patients taking AP+AC had higher CHADS2 scores than those taking an AP or AC alone. Additionally, the combination therapy (AP+AC) was preferred in patients with cardiovascular comorbidity. Changes in AC regimens were not influenced by CHADS2 scores or complications but influenced by history of bleeding. These characteristics were thus identified as major factors affecting the selection of antithrombotic regimens other than DTIs in patients with NVAF.
Trabajo en equipo y rendimiento académico en un curso de kinesiología empleando aprendizaje basado en equipos
Authors: Delgado Rivera Macarena , Fasce Henry Eduardo , Pérez Villalobos Cristhian , Rivera Fuentes Nancy , Salazar Saéz Pablo , Riquelme Vallejos Cacia , Campos Cerda Ivone
Published: August 2016

Introducción: El aprendizaje basado en equipos (ABE) es una estrategia de aprendizaje activa, que fomenta competencias transversales, como el trabajo en equipo (TE). Considerando que el ABE implica definir metas de aprendizaje, planificar estrategias para alcanzarlas, cumpliendo tareas definidas y roles concretos, es esperable que promueva el desarrollo del TE.
Objetivo: Evaluar la relación entre las habilidades de TE y el rendimiento académico de los estudiantes de Kinesiología de una universidad privada chilena posterior a su participación en ABE.
Método: Diseño preexperimental. Se aplicó el ABE en 5 sesiones. Cincuenta y un estudiantes (43.14% mujeres, edad promedio: 23.61 años) trabajaron en 9 grupos. Al finalizar la asignatura se aplicó una escala tipo Likert para evaluar TE. Se evalúo el rendimiento mediante test individuales, test grupales y actividades de aplicación. La participación fue voluntaria, previo consentimiento informado.
Resultados: En cuanto a sus habilidades de TE, los estudiantes reportaron alta capacidad de planificación en equipo (80.9%), comunicación (68.8%) y baja capacidad de resolución de problemas colaborativos (25.5%). Las habilidades de TE no mostraron correlaciones significativas con los test individuales, pero sí una correlación directa con algunos test grupales y aplicaciones.
Conclusiones: Al finalizar el ABE, los estudiantes de Kinesiología presentan altos puntajes en la escala de TE en general. Resultados esperables pues la metodología permite desarrollar habilidades de TE, con el estímulo de alcanzar metas comunes al finalizar cada sesión y la asignatura en sí misma. En cuanto a la relación del TE y el rendimiento académico, esto se observó en algunos casos, que mostraría que temáticas familiares y situaciones desafiantes facilitan el TE. El TE es una competencia genérica relevante en la formación de profesionales. El ABE podría favorecerlo, aunque se requieren otros diseños experimentales para comprobarlo.
Rasch analysis resulted in an improved Norwegian version of the Pain Attitudes and Beliefs Scale(PABS)
Authors: Eland Nicolaas D. , Kvåle Alice , Ostelo Raymond W.J.G. , Strand Liv Inger
Published: August 2016

Background and aim

There is evidence that clinicians’ pain attitudes and beliefs are associated with the pain beliefs and illness perceptions of their patients and furthermore influence their recommendations for activity and work to patients with back pain. The Pain Attitudes and Beliefs Scale (PABS) is a questionnaire designed to differentiate between biomedical and biopsychosocial pain attitudes among health care providers regarding common low back pain. The original version had 36 items, and several shorter versions have been developed. Concern has been raised over the PABS’ internal construct validity because of low internal consistency and low explained variance. The aim of this study was to examine and improve the scale’s measurement properties and item performance.

Methods

A convenience sample of 667 Norwegian physiotherapists provided data for Rasch analysis. The biomedical and biopsychosocial subscales of the PABS were examined for unidimensionality, local response independency, invariance, response category function and targeting of persons and items. Reliability was measured with the person separation index (PSI). Items originally excluded by the developers of the scale because of skewness were re-introduced in a second analysis.

Results

Our analysis suggested that both subscales required removal of several psychometrically redundant and misfitting items to satisfy the requirements of the Rasch measurement model. Most biopsychosocial items needed revision of their scoring structure. Furthermore, we identified two items originally excluded because of skewness that improved the reliability of the subscales after reintroduction. The ultimate result was two strictly unidimensional subscales, each consisting of seven items, with invariant item ordering and free from any form of misfit. The unidimensionality implies that summation of items to valid total scores is justified. Transformation tables are provided to convert raw ordinal scores to unbiased interval-level scores. Both subscales were adequately targeted at the ability level of our physiotherapist population. Reliability of the biomedical subscale as measured with the PSI was 0.69. A low PSI of 0.64 for the biopsychosocial subscale indicated limitations with regard to its discriminative ability.

Conclusions

Rasch analysis produced an improved Norwegian version of the PABS which represents true (fundamental) measurement of clinicians’ biomedical and biopsychosocial treatment orientation. However, researchers should be aware of the low discriminative ability of the biopsychosocial subscale when analyzing differences and effect changes.

Implications

The study presents a revised PABS that provides interval-level measurement of clinicians’ pain beliefs. The revision allows for confident use of parametric statistical analysis. Further examination of discriminative validity is required.
Healthcare-Associated Infections in Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Units: Impact of Underlying Risk Factors and Antimicrobial Resistance on 30-Day Case-Fatality in Italy and Brazil
Authors: Folgori Laura , Bernaschi Paola , Piga Simone , Carletti Michaela , Cunha Filippe Pirrone , Lara Paulo Henrique Rodriguez , de Castro Peixoto Nicholas Cafieiro , Alves Guimarães Bárbara Gomes , Sharland Mike , Araujo da Silva André Ricardo , Ciofi degli Atti Marta
Published: August 2016

OBJECTIVES

To describe trends in the epidemiology of healthcare-associated Infections (HAIs) in pediatric/neonatal intensive care units (ICUs) and to evaluate risk factors and impact of multidrug resistance in children admitted to ICUs.

DESIGN

Multicenter, retrospective, cohort study with a nested case-control study conducted from January 1, 2010, through December 31, 2014.

SETTING

Three tertiary care pediatric hospitals in Italy and Brazil with a total of 103 ICU beds.

PATIENTS

Inclusion criteria were admission to ICU during the study period, age at onset less than 18 years, and microbiologically confirmed HAI.

RESULTS

A total of 538 HAIs in 454 children were included; 93.3% of patients had comorbidities. Bloodstream infections were the leading pattern (45.4%). The cumulative incidence of HAI was 3.6/100 ICU admissions and the crude 30-day fatality rate was 5.7/1,000 admissions. The most frequently isolated pathogens were Enterobacteriaceae, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Forty-four percent of isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR). Two multivariate logistic regressions were performed. Factors independently associated with an MDR-HAI were country, previous antibiotics, transplantation, major surgery, and colonization by an MDR strain. Factors independently associated with 30-day case fatality were country, previous transplantation, fungal infection, bloodstream infection, lower respiratory tract infection, and infection caused by MDR strains.

CONCLUSIONS

Infection control and prevention can limit the spread of MDR strains and improve outcomes. Targeted surveillance programs collecting neonatal and pediatric HAI/bloodstream infection data and outcomes would allow global benchmarking. The next step is to identify methods to monitor key HAIs and integrate these into affordable intervention programs.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;1–8
NOTES ON THE GREEK ANTHOLOGY, BOOKS 1–5
Authors: Tueller Michael A.
Published: August 2016

The following textual and interpretative notes were informed by the preparation of the first volume of the revised Greek Anthology for the Loeb Classical Library.

Anth. Pal. 1.20 (Claudian)ἀρτιφανές, πολιοῦχε, παλαιγενές, υἱὲ νεογνέ,αἰὲν ἐὼν προεών τε, ὑπέρτατε, ὕστατε, Χριστέ,ἀθανάτοιο πατρός τε ὁμόχρονε, πάμπαν ὁμοῖε …2 ἐὼν ex αἰὼν P
SIBLING- AND FAMILY-LEVEL CLUSTERING OF UNDERWEIGHT CHILDREN IN NORTHERN INDIA
Authors: Singh Abhishek , Arokiasamy P. , Pradhan Jalandhar , Jain Kshipra , Patel Sangram Kishor
Published: August 2016

Child undernutrition remains a major child health and developmental issue in low- and middle-income countries. The concentration (clustering) of underweight children among siblings at the family level is known to exist in India. This study examined the extent and covariates of clustering of underweight children at the sibling and family level in Uttar Pradesh, the largest state of northern India. Clustering of underweight (low weight-for-age) children was assessed using data on 7533 under-five children from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) conducted in 2005–06, analysed using binary logistic and binomial regression models. Related bio-demographic, socioeconomic and health care variables were used as covariates in the models. The odds of being underweight for the index child were about two times higher (OR=2.34, p<0.001) if any of the siblings within the household was malnourished or underweight. A longer birth interval increased the odds of a child being underweight. The odds of underweight were significantly lower (OR=0.69, p<0.001) for children born to normal-weight mothers compared with those born to underweight mothers. Similarly, the odds of underweight were significantly lower (OR=0.49, p=0.01) for children born to educated mothers (high school and above) compared with those born to illiterate mothers. The results of the binomial regression model suggested that the deviations between observed and expected number of children were positive (3.09, 3.78 and 2.71) for 1, 2 and 2+ underweight children within the households of underweight women, indicating the concentration of underweight children among underweight/malnourished mothers. Underweight children were found to be clustered among underweight mothers with multiple underweight siblings. The findings suggest that policy interventions need to focus on underweight mothers with multiple underweight children.
Polydimethylsiloxane elastomer injection in the management of the patulous eustachian tube
Authors: Mackeith S A C , Bottrill I D
Published: August 2016

Objective:

To determine the effectiveness of augmentation surgery using polydimethylsiloxane elastomer injection for the management of patulous eustachian tube.

Method:

All patients were treated with eustachian tube injection augmentation performed via a combined transnasal-transoral endoscopic approach. Clinical presentation, volume of injection, complications and initial response were all prospectively recorded. Longer-term follow up was conducted through structured telephone interviews using previously described patient-reported outcome measures.

Results:

Overall, 8 of 11 patients (73 per cent) derived complete or significant symptom improvement; 1 patient had significant improvements but was dissatisfied, and in 2 patients the symptoms were unchanged. The eight satisfied patients showed improvement in their quality-of-life scores.

Conclusion:

This study describes an effective treatment option for patulous eustachian tube. Unlike many prior published reports, previously described patient-reported outcome measures were utilised in order to allow more direct comparison.
THE PROBLEM WITH CLAUDIUS: SOME REVISIONS IN CERAMIC CHRONOLOGY IN CENTRAL CRETE DURING THE JULIO-CLAUDIAN PERIOD
Authors: Callaghan P.J.
Published: August 2016

This article may seem to some to be unnecessarily precise in the dating of later Claudian and Neronian ceramic assemblages at Knossos. The aim is to address the fact that various scholars have dated their material to the reign of Claudius, when one can proffer a counterargument that we should place the assemblages in question in the time of Nero. In short, the period under discussion barely coversad50–60, and it may seem impossible to attempt a closer chronology without the aid of numismatic evidence. Nevertheless, if related material from south-central Crete is to be securely anchored, such a study must be undertaken.

Five Knossian deposits and two from elsewhere in Crete, usually dated to about the middle of the first centuryad, are treated here and are assigned to the reign of Nero. It is to be hoped that such a revision will bring the archaeological evidence from north and south-central Crete into better agreement, and it may even be of use to scholars working elsewhere in the Roman world.
It was all planned … now what? Claiming agency in later life in reforming China
Authors: LIANG JIAYIN , LUO BAOZHEN
Published: August 2016

This study explores the social construction of agency and wellbeing among 20 Chinese urban retirees aged between 50 and 82 years old (averaging 67), with a special focus on the impact of earlier life experiences in shaping later-life pathways. Today's retirees in urban China have experienced the communist collectivist ideology during the Mao era as well as the changes to everyday life brought about by the economic transformation from centrally planned socialism to a market-orientated economy. Thereby, life in retirement for Chinese elders becomes more than just an issue of dealing with increases in discretionary time after exit from full-time work, but also one of making sense of their earlier life experiences in the midst of dramatic social changes. A grounded theory approach with semi-structured, in-depth, face-to-face interviews was used for data collection and analysis. Three interrelated themes emerged: (a) reminiscence as a mechanism of meaning-making, (b) discovery and exercise of agency in later life in contrast to a rigidly structured earlier life, and (c) varying pathways to constructing the life-stage of retirement. The findings have refuted gerontological literature and public discourse that often portray Chinese elders as passive care recipients or helpless dependants. Further, the present study has practical implications for developing policies, designing programmes and providing services to improve the quality of life for today's older Chinese people.
A Model-aided Optical Flow/Inertial Sensor Fusion Method for a Quadrotor
Authors: Lyu Pin , Lai Jizhou , Liu Hugh H.T. , Liu Jianye , Chen Wenjing
Published: August 2016

In this paper, a fault-tolerant velocity estimation method is proposed for quadrotors in a GPS denied environment. A novel filter is developed in light of the quadrotor model and measurements from optical flow and inertial sensors. The proposed filter is capable of detecting and isolating the optical flow sensor faults, by which the velocity estimation accuracy and stability will be improved. It is also demonstrated that the wind velocity is observable in the proposed filter. Therefore, the new filter can also be implemented in a windy environment, which is a significant improvement to the previous model-aided inertial sensor estimator. At the end, some simulations are carried out to verify the advantages of our method.
Association between obesity and asthma – epidemiology, pathophysiology and clinical profile
Authors: Muc Magdalena , Mota-Pinto Anabela , Padez Cristina
Published: August 2016

Obesity is a risk factor for asthma, and obese asthmatics have lower disease control and increased symptom severity. Several putative links have been proposed, including genetics, mechanical restriction of the chest and the intake of corticosteroids. The most consistent evidence, however, comes from studies of cytokines produced by the adipose tissue called adipokines. Adipokine imbalance is associated with both proinflammatory status and asthma. Although reverse causation has been proposed, it is now acknowledged that obesity precedes asthma symptoms. Nevertheless, prenatal origins of both conditions complicate the search for causality. There is a confirmed role of neuro-immune cross-talk mediating obesity-induced asthma, with leptin playing a key role in these processes. Obesity-induced asthma is now considered a distinct asthma phenotype. In fact, it is one of the most important determinants of asthma phenotypes. Two main subphenotypes have been distinguished. The first phenotype, which affects adult women, is characterised by later onset and is more likely to be non-atopic. The childhood obesity-induced asthma phenotype is characterised by primary and predominantly atopic asthma. In obesity-induced asthma, the immune responses are shifted towards T helper (Th) 1 polarisation rather than the typical atopic Th2 immunological profile. Moreover, obese asthmatics might respond differently to environmental triggers. The high cost of treatment of obesity-related asthma, and the burden it causes for the patients and their families call for urgent intervention. Phenotype-specific approaches seem to be crucial for the success of prevention and treatment.
Electron-Excited X-Ray Microanalysis at Low Beam Energy: Almost Always an Adventure!
Authors: Newbury Dale E. , Ritchie Nicholas W.M.
Published: August 2016

Scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectrometry has been applied to the analysis of various materials at low-incident beam energies, E0≤5 keV, using peak fitting and following the measured standards/matrix corrections protocol embedded in the National Institute of Standards and Technology Desktop Spectrum Analyzer-II analytical software engine. Low beam energy analysis provides improved spatial resolution laterally and in-depth. The lower beam energy restricts the atomic shells that can be ionized, reducing the number of X-ray peak families available to the analyst. At E0=5 keV, all elements of the periodic table except H and He can be measured. As the beam energy is reduced below 5 keV, elements become inaccessible due to lack of excitation of useful characteristic X-ray peaks. The shallow sampling depth of low beam energy microanalysis makes the technique more sensitive to surface compositional modification due to formation of oxides and other reaction layers. Accurate and precise analysis is possible with the use of appropriate standards and by accumulating high count spectra of unknowns and standards (>1 million counts integrated from 0.1 keV to E0).
Societal pessimism in Japan, the United States, and The Netherlands
Authors: VAN HOUWELINGEN PEPIJN
Published: August 2016

This paper starts out with a theoretical argument, based on panel data, that public mood in general and societal pessimism in particular should be measured from an explicitly temporal perspective. Next, based on a survey among more than 200 Japanese students and a wide array of existing (longitudinal) data sources in three different languages and covering several decades it is shown that public mood in three quite different countries – first and foremost Japan, but also the United States and The Netherlands – is quite apprehensive. In all these three countries societal pessimism can be observed during the past quarter century. Finally, utilizing a MDSD approach a few possible tentative explanations for this observed pessimism are sought.
Development of the Bereavement Risk Inventory and Screening Questionnaire (BRISQ): Item generation and expert panel feedback
Authors: Roberts Kailey , Holland Jimmie , Prigerson Holly G. , Sweeney Corinne , Corner Geoffrey , Breitbart William , Lichtenthal Wendy G.
Published: August 2016

Objective:

Following the loss of a loved one to cancer, a significant subset of bereaved family members are at heightened risk for mental and physical health problems; however, these family members often “fall through the cracks” of the healthcare system. A brief, clinically useful self-report bereavement risk-screening tool could facilitate more effective identification of family members in need of psychosocial support before and after a cancer loss. Thus, the purpose of this study was to develop and refine the Bereavement Risk Inventory and Screening Questionnaire (BRISQ), a self-report bereavement screening tool, and to assess its utility using feedback from bereavement experts.

Method:

Quantitative and qualitative feedback from a panel of 15 clinical and research experts in bereavement was obtained through an online survey to identify the most clinically useful items and understand expert opinion on bereavement screening.

Results:

The qualitative and quantitative feedback were synthesized, resulting in a 22% reduction of the item pool. While there was a general consensus between experts on the most clinically useful risk factors for bereavement-related mental health challenges and on the utility of screening, they also offered feedback on language and formatting that guided substantial revisions to the BRISQ.

Significance of results:

These findings were utilized to refine the BRISQ in preparation for a second study to obtain family member feedback on the measure. By incorporating both expert and family member feedback, the intention is to create a screening tool that represents top clinical and research knowledge in bereavement in a way that effectively addresses barriers to care.
Psychiatrische Pflege bei Suizidalität
Authors: Alsbach Lars
Published: August 2016

Zusammenfassung. Suizid wird oft auch als Freitod oder als Selbstmord bezeichnet, doch wie frei ist Freitod wirklich, und welcher Tatbestand besteht bei Selbstmord? Dieser Artikel beschäftigt sich mit der Geschichte des Suizids und zeigt auf, wie vielschichtig die Problematik der Suizidalität in Wirklichkeit ist.
Searching for Lightning's Signature on Venus
Authors: Hall Shannon
Published: August 2016

How energetic would lightning on Venus have to be to be detected by sensors? A new model sheds light.
Switching CAR T cells on and off: a novel modular platform for retargeting of T cells to AML blasts
Authors: Cartellieri M , Feldmann A , Koristka S , Arndt C , Loff S , Ehninger A , von Bonin M , Bejestani E P , Ehninger G , Bachmann M P
Published: August 2016

The adoptive transfer of CD19-specific chimeric antigen receptor engineered T cells (CAR T cells) resulted in encouraging clinical trials in indolent B-cell malignancies. However, they also show the limitations of this fascinating technology: CAR T cells can lead to even life-threatening off-tumor, on-target side effects if CAR T cells crossreact with healthy tissues. Here, we describe a novel modular universal CAR platform technology termed UniCAR that reduces the risk of on-target side effects by a rapid and reversible control of CAR T-cell reactivity. The UniCAR system consists of two components: (1) a CAR for an inert manipulation of T cells and (2) specific targeting modules (TMs) for redirecting UniCAR T cells in an individualized time- and target-dependent manner. UniCAR T cells can be armed against different tumor targets simply by replacement of the respective TM for (1) targeting more than one antigen simultaneously or subsequently to enhance efficacy and (2) reducing the risk for development of antigen-loss tumor variants under treatment. Here we provide ‘proof of concept’ for retargeting of UniCAR T cells to CD33- and/or CD123-positive acute myeloid leukemia blasts in vitro and in vivo.
Glucolipotoxicity initiates pancreatic β-cell death through TNFR5/CD40-mediated STAT1 and NF-κB activation
Authors: Bagnati Marta , Ogunkolade Babatunji W , Marshall Catriona , Tucci Carmen , Hanna Katie , Jones Tania A , Bugliani Marco , Nedjai Belinda , Caton Paul W , Kieswich Julius , Yaqoob Muhammed M , Ball Graham R , Marchetti Piero , Hitman Graham A , Turner Mark D
Published: August 2016

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder, where failure to maintain normal glucose homoeostasis is associated with, and exacerbated by, obesity and the concomitant-elevated free fatty acid concentrations typically found in these patients. Hyperglycaemia and hyperlipidaemia together contribute to a decline in insulin-producing β-cell mass through activation of the transcription factors nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-1. There are however a large number of molecules potentially able to modulate NF-κB and STAT1 activity, and the mechanism(s) by which glucolipotoxicity initially induces NF-κB and STAT1 activation is currently poorly defined. Using high-density microarray analysis of the β-cell transcritptome, we have identified those genes and proteins most sensitive to glucose and fatty acid environment. Our data show that of those potentially able to activate STAT1 or NF-κB pathways, tumour necrosis factor receptor (TNFR)-5 is the most highly upregulated by glucolipotoxicity. Importantly, our data also show that the physiological ligand for TNFR5, CD40L, elicits NF-κB activity in β-cells, whereas selective knockdown of TNFR5 ameliorates glucolipotoxic induction of STAT1 expression and NF-κB activity. This data indicate for the first time that TNFR5 signalling has a major role in triggering glucolipotoxic islet cell death.
Ultrafast laser processing of materials: from science to industry
Authors: Malinauskas Mangirdas , Žukauskas Albertas , Hasegawa Satoshi , Hayasaki Yoshio , Mizeikis Vygantas , Buividas Ričardas , Juodkazis Saulius
Published: August 2016

Processing of materials by ultrashort laser pulses has evolved significantly over the last decade and is starting to reveal its scientific, technological and industrial potential. In ultrafast laser manufacturing, optical energy of tightly focused femtosecond or picosecond laser pulses can be delivered to precisely defined positions in the bulk of materials via two-/multi-photon excitation on a timescale much faster than thermal energy exchange between photoexcited electrons and lattice ions. Control of photo-ionization and thermal processes with the highest precision, inducing local photomodification in sub-100-nm-sized regions has been achieved. State-of-the-art ultrashort laser processing techniques exploit high 0.1–1 μm spatial resolution and almost unrestricted three-dimensional structuring capability. Adjustable pulse duration, spatiotemporal chirp, phase front tilt and polarization allow control of photomodification via uniquely wide parameter space. Mature opto-electrical/mechanical technologies have enabled laser processing speeds approaching meters-per-second, leading to a fast lab-to-fab transfer. The key aspects and latest achievements are reviewed with an emphasis on the fundamental relation between spatial resolution and total fabrication throughput. Emerging biomedical applications implementing micrometer feature precision over centimeter-scale scaffolds and photonic wire bonding in telecommunications are highlighted.
Pseudospin-induced chirality with staggered optical graphene
Authors: Liu Jian-Long , Ye Wei-Min , Zhang Shuang
Published: August 2016

Pseudospin has an important role in understanding many interesting physical phenomena that are associated with two-dimensional materials such as graphene. Pseudospin has been proposed to be directly related to angular momentum, and orbital angular momentum was recently experimentally demonstrated to be an intrinsic property of pseudospin in a photonic honeycomb lattice. However, in photonics, the interaction between spin and pseudospin for light has not been investigated. In this letter, we propose that in an optical analog of staggered graphene (that is, a photonic honeycomb lattice waveguide with in-plane inversion symmetry breaking), the pseudospin mode can strongly couple to the spin of an optical beam that is incident in certain directions. The spin–pseudospin coupling that is caused by the spin–orbit conversion in the scattering process induces a strong optical chiral effect for the transmitted optical beam. Spin–pseudospin coupling of light opens the door to the design of pseudospin-mediated spin or valley-selective photonic devices.
Analysis of cancer genomes reveals basic features of human aging and its role in cancer development
Authors: Podolskiy Dmitriy I. , Lobanov Alexei V. , Kryukov Gregory V. , Gladyshev Vadim N.
Published: August 2016

Somatic mutations have long been implicated in aging and disease, but their impact on fitness and function is difficult to assess. Here by analysing human cancer genomes we identify mutational patterns associated with aging. Our analyses suggest that age-associated mutation load and burden double approximately every 8 years, similar to the all-cause mortality doubling time. This analysis further reveals variance in the rate of aging among different human tissues, for example, slightly accelerated aging of the reproductive system. Age-adjusted mutation load and burden correlate with the corresponding cancer incidence and precede it on average by 15 years, pointing to pre-clinical cancer development times. Behaviour of mutation load also exhibits gender differences and late-life reversals, explaining some gender-specific and late-life patterns in cancer incidence rates. Overall, this study characterizes some features of human aging and offers a mechanism for age being a risk factor for the onset of cancer.
DELLA proteins are common components of symbiotic rhizobial and mycorrhizal signalling pathways
Authors: Jin Yue , Liu Huan , Luo Dexian , Yu Nan , Dong Wentao , Wang Chao , Zhang Xiaowei , Dai Huiling , Yang Jun , Wang Ertao
Published: August 2016

Legumes form symbiotic associations with either nitrogen-fixing bacteria or arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Formation of these two symbioses is regulated by a common set of signalling components that act downstream of recognition of rhizobia or mycorrhizae by host plants. Central to these pathways is the calcium and calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CCaMK)–IPD3 complex which initiates nodule organogenesis following calcium oscillations in the host nucleus. However, downstream signalling events are not fully understood. Here we show that Medicago truncatula DELLA proteins, which are the central regulators of gibberellic acid signalling, positively regulate rhizobial symbiosis. Rhizobia colonization is impaired in della mutants and we provide evidence that DELLAs can promote CCaMK–IPD3 complex formation and increase the phosphorylation state of IPD3. DELLAs can also interact with NSP2–NSP1 and enhance the expression of Nod-factor-inducible genes in protoplasts. We show that DELLA is able to bridge a protein complex containing IPD3 and NSP2. Our results suggest a transcriptional framework for regulation of root nodule symbiosis.