bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TMEM196 hypermethylation as a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for lung cancer
Authors: Liu Wen‐Bin , Han Fei , Huang Yong‐Sheng , Chen Hong‐Qiang , Chen Jian‐Ping , Wang Dan‐Dan , Jiang Xiao , Yin Li , Cao Jia , Liu Jin‐Yi
Published: December 2018

Emerging evidences have revealed tumor‐specific gene methylation is considered to be a promising non‐invasive biomarker for many different types of cancers. This study was determined whether TMEM196 gene hypermethylation and downregulation are considered to be promising biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis in lung cancer. Methylation status was detected with methylation‐specific PCR. Kaplan–Meier survival curves and Cox regression analysis were used to determine the significance of prognosis. TMEM196 gene was hypermethylated in 68.1% (64/94) of lung cancer tissues, 52.8% (67/127) of plasma and 55.2% (79/143) of sputum samples, but unmethylated (0/50) in normal tissues. TMEM196 methylation in plasma and sputum samples was significantly correlated with that in the corresponding paired tumor tissues (r = 0.750, r = 0.880, P < 0.001). TMEM196 aberrant methylation in cancer tissues, plasma and sputum DNA was significantly associated with age and pathological type (P < 0.05). TMEM196 high methylation could robustly distinguish lung cancer patients (AUC = 0.905) from normal subjects and patients with TMEM196 high methylation have a significantly poorer survival than those with low level from The Cancer Genome Atlas (Wilcoxon P < 0.001). Multivariate models showed TMEM196 methylation is an independent prognostic marker in lung cancer. Furthermore, the overall survival of patients with low TMEM196 expression was significantly poorer than that of TMEM196‐high patients (P < 0.001, log‐rank test). Low TMEM196 expression in tumor tissues was found to predict poorer survival (HR = 3.007; 95%CI, 1.918‐4.714). Our study provided new insights into the clinical importance and potential use of TMEM196 methylation and expression as novel early diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for human lung cancers.
Pathological prognostication of paediatric adrenocortical tumours: Is a gold standard emerging?
Authors: Jehangir Susan , Nanjundaiah Pratibha , Sigamani Elanthenral , Burad Deepak , Manipadam Marie T. , Lea Vivienne , Ly Theresa , Holland Andrew J. A.
Published: December 2018

Background

Criteria for the pathological classification of adult adrenocortical tumours (ACTs) have been found to overestimate the malignant potential of childhood ACTs. We sought to evaluate the accuracy and utility of criteria developed for paediatric ACT compared to current criteria for adults.

Methods

ACTs treated between January 2006 and December 2016 in two paediatric institutions were evaluated. Patients classified clinically as malignant (CM) had locally invasive disease at surgery requiring extensive en bloc resection to achieve clear margins, had local recurrence or distant metastasis. Slides were reviewed by pathologists blinded to the clinical outcome. A grade was assigned to each tumor according to the Weiss, Aubert, Wieneke and Dehner‐Hill criteria. The pathological grade was compared to the clinical outcome.

Results

The median follow‐up was 60 months (interquartile range 25‐80 months). Based on clinical criteria, of 22 patients 14 (64%) had a benign course and eight (34%) behaved malignant. The malignant potential was overestimated by Weiss criteria in 23% and Aubert criteria in 27%. Wieneke and Dehner‐Hill criteria showed good clinicopathological correlation; no child who had a benign course was classified as malignant. The Dehner‐Hill criteria, however, classified five (23%) children as intermediate risk of which three had a clinically benign and two a CM course.

Conclusion

The Wieneke criteria accurately predicts the clinical course in childhood ACTs and could be considered the gold standard in their pathological characterization.
Generation of patient‐derived tumor xenografts from percutaneous tumor biopsies in children with bone sarcomas
Authors: Rainusso Nino , Cleveland Heather , Hernandez J. Alberto , Quintanilla Norma M. , Hicks John , Vasudevan Sanjeev , Marco Rex A. W. , Allen‐Rhoades Wendy , Wang Lisa L. , Yustein Jason T.
Published: December 2018

One of the limitations of performing percutaneous biopsies in patients with bone sarcomas is the small amount of tumor that can be obtained for research purposes. Here, we describe our experience developing patient‐derived tumor xenografts (PDXs) using percutaneous tumor biopsies in children with bone sarcomas. We generated 14 bone sarcoma PDXs from percutaneous tumor biopsies. We also developed eight bone sarcoma PDXs from surgical resection of primary bone tumors and pulmonary metastases. A multidisciplinary team approach was critical to establish an accurate diagnosis and to provide adequate tumor samples for PDX generation.
Clinical skills training for pharmacists in general practice
Authors: Girvin Briegeen , Wilson Diane
Published: December 2018

Clinical skills are becoming increasingly important for pharmacists as they take on more patient‐facing roles in primary care. In this article, the authors discuss the clinical skills currently taught to pharmacists during undergraduate and postgraduate training, and how this training could be expanded.
Pulsed X‐Ray Radiation Responses of Solarization‐Resistant Optical Fibers
Authors: De Michele Vincenzo , Marcandella Claude , Di Francesca Diego , Paillet Philippe , Alessi Antonino , Cannas Marco , Ouerdane Youcef , Boukenter Aziz , Girard Sylvain
Published: December 2018

The transient radiation‐induced attenuation (RIA) of two different versions of pure‐silica‐core (PSC) multimode optical fibers (so‐called “solarization‐resistant” fibers) exposed to nanosecond 1 MeV X‐ray pulses are investigated. On‐line RIA spectra measurements at both room temperature (RT) and liquid nitrogen temperatures (LNT) in the range 1–3.5 eV are performed. Following the RIA kinetics, the properties of the metastable defects that are bleached just after the pulse are discussed. The spectral decomposition of the RIA is performed using known Gaussian bands associated to point defects absorbing in this spectral range. For both fiber types, the generation and the post‐irradiation kinetics of the self‐trapped holes (STHs) that are the main contributor to the transient RIA are investigated particularly. Moreover, thanks to the measurements performed at low temperatures the complex temperature dependence of the kinetics of self‐trapped holes and some chlorine‐related species is characterized.
Reverse juggling processes
Authors: Ayyer Arvind , Linusson Svante
Published: December 2018

Knutson introduced two families of reverse juggling Markov chains (single and multispecies) motivated by the study of random semi‐infinite matrices over . We present natural generalizations of both chains by placing generic weights that still lead to simple combinatorial expressions for the stationary distribution. For permutations, this is a seemingly new multivariate generalization of the inversion polynomial.
Concise Review: The Endothelial Cell Extracellular Matrix Regulates Tissue Homeostasis and Repair
Authors: Witjas Franca M. R. , van den Berg Bernard M. , van den Berg Cathelijne W. , Engelse Marten A. , Rabelink Ton J.
Published: December 2018

All tissues are surrounded by a mixture of noncellular matrix components, that not only provide physical and mechanical support to cells, but also mediate biochemical signaling between cells. The extracellular matrix (ECM) of endothelial cells, also known as the perivascular matrix, forms an organ specific vascular niche that orchestrates mechano-, growth factor, and angiocrine signaling required for tissue homeostasis and organ repair. This concise review describes how this perivascular ECM functions as a signaling platform and how this knowledge can impact the field of regenerative medicine, for example, when designing artificial matrices or using decellularized scaffolds from organs. Stem Cells Translational Medicine  2019;8:375–382
3D Printed Microfluidic Mixers—A Comparative Study on Mixing Unit Performances
Authors: Enders Anton , Siller Ina G. , Urmann Katharina , Hoffmann Michael R. , Bahnemann Janina
Published: December 2018

One of the basic operations in microfluidic systems for biological and chemical applications is the rapid mixing of different fluids. However, flow profiles in microfluidic systems are laminar, which means molecular diffusion is the only mixing effect. Therefore, mixing structures are crucial to enable more efficient mixing in shorter times. Since traditional microfabrication methods remain laborious and expensive, 3D printing has emerged as a potential alternative for the fabrication of microfluidic devices. In this work, five different passive micromixers known from literature are redesigned in comparable dimensions and manufactured using high‐definition MultiJet 3D printing. Their mixing performance is evaluated experimentally, using sodium hydroxide and phenolphthalein solutions, and numerically via computational fluid dynamics. Both experimental and numerical analysis results show that HC and Tesla‐like mixers achieve complete mixing after 0.99 s and 0.78 s, respectively, at the highest flow rate (Reynolds number (Re) = 37.04). In comparison, Caterpillar mixers exhibit a lower mixing rate with complete mixing after 1.46 s and 1.9 s. Furthermore, the HC mixer achieves very good mixing performances over all flow rates (Re = 3.7 to 37.04), while other mixers show improved mixing only at higher flow rates.
Recent Progress in Understanding Ion Storage in Self‐Organized Anodic TiO2 Nanotubes
Authors: Auer Andrea , Kunze‐Liebhäuser Julia
Published: December 2018

Self‐organized, anodically grown titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotubes have been readily studied as anode material in various ion batteries. The simple way of nanostructuring via anodization of a Ti metal substrate and the fact that either their nanotubular morphology or bulk structure can be readily adjusted by changing the anodization and/or annealing conditions make them an attractive model anode material. This enables the investigation of different phenomena by selectively changing one specific parameter of the ion insertion mechanism. This review focuses on the recent progress in understanding the ion storage characteristics of anodic self‐organized TiO2 nanotubes in Li‐, Na‐, and Al‐ion batteries. Insights into the electrochemical behavior of the anode material as well as methodological approaches are highlighted.
Modeling of Bainite Transformation During Partitioning Process and Atomic‐Scale Characterization of Bainite
Authors: Song Chenghao , Yu Hao , Lu Jun , Zhou Tao
Published: December 2018

This paper presents a detailed investigation of the interaction between bainite transformation and carbon partitioning during isothermal holding of intercritical heating, quenching, and partitioning (I&Q&P) steel. The kinetics of isothermal bainite transformation is modeled based on the assumption of displacive mechanism. A systematic analysis of the autocatalytic parameters extracted from the fitting curves reveals that autocatalysis plays only a minor role in bainite transformation due to quite small size of parent austenite grains transforming into bainite, independent from each other. Atom probe tomography (APT) is used to investigate the localized composition changes at the interface between bainitic ferrite and retained austenite. The results indicate that carbon enrichment of austenite occurs and Mn atoms segregate at phase grain boundary. Furthermore, in terms of the thermodynamic analysis, bainitic ferrite forms under diffusionless growth followed by tempering, and in present work, the growth of bainitic ferrite can be divided into two parts: bainite transformation quickly (BTQ) and bainite transformation slowly (BTS).
Simulation Study on Steel Plant Capacity and Equipment Efficiency Based on Plant Simulation
Authors: Deng Shuai , Xu Anjun , Wang Hongbing
Published: December 2018

To improve production efficiency and reduce production costs, herein, we studied the steelmaking‐continuous casting section of a steel plant, established a dynamic logistics simulation model for the steelmaking‐continuous casting section and thereby realized model process control, parameter setting, and simulation data statistics using the Simtalk language and Method. This study validates model accuracy by comparing with the capacity and equipment efficiency available in field statistics. According to the results, after the converter duplex production proportion was increased from 33% to 100%, process continuity increased, the average conveying waiting time of the converters‐continuous casting machines was shortened by 5–14 min and thecorresponding tapping temperature dropped by 4.9 °C–13.7 °C under certain capacity. In addition, faster process production increased converter productivity from about 50% to 60%–70%, shortened the furnace idling time and lowered heat dissipation, thereby further reducing production costs.
Markers of Accelerated Skeletal Muscle Regenerative Response in Murphy Roths Large Mice: Characteristics of Muscle Progenitor Cells and Circulating Factors
Authors: Tseng Chieh , Sinha Krishna , Pan Haiying , Cui Yan , Guo Ping , Lin Chih Yi , Yang Fan , Deng Zhenhan , Eltzschig Holger K. , Lu Aiping , Huard Johnny
Published: December 2018

The “super-healing” Murphy Roths Large (MRL/MpJ) mouse possesses a superior regenerative capacity for repair of many tissues, which makes it an excellent animal model for studying molecular and cellular mechanisms during tissue regeneration. As the role of muscle progenitor cells (MPCs) in muscle-healing capacity of MRL/MpJ mice has not been previously studied, we investigated the muscle regenerative capacity of MRL/MpJ mice following muscle injury, and the results were compared to results from C57BL/6J (B6) age-matched control mice. Our results show that muscle healing upon cardiotoxin injury was accelerated in MRL/MpJ mice and characterized by reduced necrotic muscle area, reduced macrophage infiltration, and more regenerated myofibers (embryonic myosin heavy chain+/centronucleated fibers) at 3, 5, and 12 days postinjury, when compared to B6 age-matched control mice. These observations were associated with enhanced function of MPCs, including improved cell proliferation, differentiation, and resistance to stress, as well as increased muscle regenerative potential when compared to B6 MPCs. Mass spectrometry of serum proteins revealed higher levels of circulating antioxidants in MRL/MpJ mice when compared to B6 mice. Indeed, we found relatively higher gene expression of superoxide dismutase 1 (Sod1) and catalase (Cat) in MRL/MpJ MPCs. Depletion of Sod1 or Cat by small interfering RNA impaired myogenic potential of MRL/MpJ MPCs, indicating a role for these antioxidants in muscle repair. Taken together, these findings provide evidence that improved function of MPCs and higher levels of circulating antioxidants play important roles in accelerating muscle-healing capacity of MRL/MpJ mice. Stem Cells  2019;37:357–367
Efficient complex activation of Portland cement through processing it in the vortex layer machine
Authors: Ibragimov Ruslan A. , Korolev Evgenij V. , Deberdeev Timur R. , Leksin Vladimir V.
Published: December 2018

Today, more and more studies are devoted to activation of primary components of building materials. This paper is concerned with the viability of activating mineral bonding materials, Portland cement in particular, in the Vortex Layer Machine (VLM) with a purpose of physical modification. By applying modern methods for studying the specific surface, pH change, X‐ray phase and differential‐thermal analysis, and IR spectroscopy, it was found that activation of Portland cement in the VLM constitutes an efficient method for enhancing physical and chemical activity. It was also found that, depending on the content of mineral additives in the VLM, activation of Portland cement leads to significant extension of its specific surface, decrease of particle size, and also to prevalence of processes related to activation of an agent in the surface layer. During activating Portland cement, mineral crystal structure is being destructed, with the most significant changes observed for C3S. Besides, processing Portland cement in the VLM results in polycondensation of SiO4‐tetrahedral units, which reduces the basicity of hydrated calcium silicates during hydration; in the cement stone, ettringite content increases, and so does content of low‐basic hydrated calcium silicates and aluminates, which reinforces strength and chemical resistance of concrete. The acquired results speak for benefits of activating mineral bonding materials in the VLM with the purpose of enhancing physical‐mechanical properties of building materials.
Experimental determination of codon usage‐dependent selective pressure on high copy‐number genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Jossé Lyne , Singh Tarun , von der Haar Tobias
Published: December 2018

One of the central hypotheses in the theory of codon usage evolution is that in highly expressed genes, particular codon usage patterns arise because they facilitate efficient gene expression and are thus selected for in evolution. Here, we use plasmid copy number assays and growth rate measurements to explore details of the relationship between codon usage, gene expression level, and selective pressure in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We find that when high expression levels are required, optimal codon usage is beneficial and provides a fitness advantage, consistent with evolutionary theory. However, when high expression levels are not required, optimal codon usage is surprisingly and strongly selected against. We show that this selection acts at the level of protein synthesis, and we exclude a number of molecular mechanisms as the source for this negative selective pressure including nutrient and ribosome limitations and proteotoxicity effects. These findings deepen our understanding of the evolution of codon usage bias, as well as the design of recombinant protein expression systems.
An N‐Heterocyclic Carbene with a Saturated Backbone and Spatially‐Defined Steric Impact
Authors: Laidlaw Gillian , Wood Susanna H. , Kennedy Alan R. , Nelson David J.
Published: December 2018

The synthesis and coordination chemistry of a saturated analogue of a “bulky‐yet‐flexible” N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand are described. “SIPaul” is a 4,5‐dihydroimidazol‐2‐ylidene ligand with unsymmetrical aryl N‐substituents, and is one of the growing class of “bulky‐yet‐flexible” NHCs that are sufficiently bulky to stabilize catalytic intermediates, but sufficiently flexible that they do not inhibit productive chemistry at the central metal atom. Here, the synthesis of SIPaul.HCl and its complexes with copper, silver, iridium, palladium, and nickel, and its selenourea, are reported. The steric impact of the ligand is quantified using percent buried volume (% Vbur), whereas the electronic properties are probed and quantified using the Tolman Electronic Parameter (TEP) and δSe of the corresponding selenourea. This work shows that despite the often very different performance of saturated versus unsaturated carbenes in catalysis, the effect of backbone saturation on measurable properties is very small.
Narration in Qualified Media Types
Authors: Elleström Lars
Published: December 2018

This chapter illuminates and roughly summarizes some vital concepts and ideas of the whole treatise. Narration in four diverse qualified media types is explored: painting, instrumental music, mathematical equations, and guided tours. These qualified media types are grounded on partly very dissimilar basic media types, which also makes it possible to highlight the fundamental importance of media modalities for narration. The four investigations also illustrate how historically and socially qualified media types establish conventions that facilitate narration. Overall, the four investigations elucidate the usefulness of the theoretical framework developed in the treatise and highlight the media similarities and differences that make narration a profoundly transmedial but media-dependent phenomenon.
Circumscribing Narration
Authors: Elleström Lars
Published: December 2018

This chapter puts narration into the area of communication at large. Narration does not exist independently of minds but is a result of people communicating with each other. Therefore, some general concepts for modeling communication and the work of communicating minds are provided, partly influenced by Charles Sanders Peirce’s semiotics. The importance of background knowledge for the realization of narration is emphasized and the issue of transmedial narration is related to some influential psychological and cognitive concepts.
Narrating Through Media Modalities
Authors: Elleström Lars
Published: December 2018

This chapter explores the fundamental similarities and differences among media types to explain why different media types may narrate to different degrees. Based on a general conceptual framework for analyzing communication and a specific definition of narration, certain basic traits of media products that are significant for both communication at large and narration in particular are pinpointed. These basic traits are described in terms of the material, spatiotemporal, sensorial, and semiotic modalities of media. This conceptual framework makes it possible to distinguish between different ways of categorizing media; the differentiation between basic and qualified media types makes it possible to explain the differing narrative capacities of media types in a more refined way.
Events
Authors: Elleström Lars
Published: December 2018

This chapter scrutinizes the essential notion of represented events as a transmedial cornerstone of narration. Events should be understood as sudden or slow changes of conditions. Because events can be both concrete and abstract and generally very diverse, they can be represented by a broad range of media types far beyond the borders of verbal media. The distinction between actions and occurrences further helps to discern among different kinds of narratives: actions are events that result from acts of volition and occurrences are events that do not result from acts of volition. Finally, it is emphasized that some represented events are normally perceived to be more salient than others, which leads to hierarchization.
External Truthfulness
Authors: Elleström Lars
Published: December 2018

This chapter proposes some analytical tools for understanding how communication in general and narration in particular can be truthful to what one perceives to be the actual world; how it can achieve external truthfulness. These external connections are scrutinized in terms of various sorts of contiguity, forming the basis for indices that connect narratives to the perceived actual world. The proposed analytical tools are intended to make it possible to understand the many ways in which the represented events in narratives can be connected to phenomena outside the narratives. The standard concept for theorizing this issue within narratology—fictionality—is critiqued and replaced with a multifaceted concept of (lacking) external truthfulness.
Transoral Robotic Thyroidectomy for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: Perioperative Outcomes of 100 Consecutive Patients
Authors: Kim Hong Kyu , Chai Young Jun , Dionigi Gianlorenzo , Berber Eren , Tufano Ralph P. , Kim Hoon Yub
Published: December 2018

Background

Endoscopic transoral thyroidectomy is a recently introduced technique of remote access thyroidectomy. We previously reported the feasibility of the robotic approach (TORT). Nevertheless, experience to date is limited, with scant data on outcomes in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. Patients with PTC, who underwent TORT at a single center between March 2016 and February 2017, were analyzed.

Results

There were a total of 100 patients (85 women, 15 men) with a mean age of 40.7 ± 9.8 years, and a mean tumor size of 0.8 ± 0.5 cm. Nine patients underwent a total thyroidectomy, and 91 underwent a lobectomy. The operative time for a total thyroidectomy and lobectomy was 270.0 ± 9.3 and 210.8 ± 32.9 min, respectively. Ipsilateral prophylactic central neck compartment dissection was performed routinely with retrieval of 5.0 ± 3.6 lymph nodes. Perioperative morbidity was present in nine patients including transient recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy (n = 1), postoperative bleeding requiring surgical intervention (n = 1), zygomatic bruising (n = 2), chin flap perforation (n = 1), oral commissure tearing (n = 2), and chin dimpling (n = 2). There was no conversion to endoscopic or conventional open thyroid surgery.

Conclusion

In this study, TORT could be safely performed in a large series of patients with PTC without serious complications. In selected patients, TORT by experienced surgeons could be considered an alternative approach for remote access thyroidectomy.
Polyphyly in 16S rRNA-Based LVTree Versus Monophyly in Whole-Genome-Based CVTree
Authors: Zuo Guanghong , Qi Ji , Hao Bailin
Published: December 2018

We report an important but long-overlooked manifestation of low-resolution power of 16S rRNA sequence analysis at the species level, namely, in 16S rRNA-based phylogenetic trees polyphyletic placements of closely-related species are abundant compared to those in genome-based phylogeny. This phenomenon makes the demarcation of genera within many families ambiguous in the 16S rRNA-based taxonomy. In this study, we reconstructed phylogenetic relationship for more than ten thousand prokaryote genomes using the CVTree method, which is based on whole-genome information. And many such genera, which are polyphyletic in 16S rRNA-based trees, are well resolved as monophyletic clusters by CVTree. We believe that with genome sequencing of prokaryotes becoming a commonplace, genome-based phylogeny is doomed to play a definitive role in the construction of a natural and objective taxonomy.
A multicenter investigation to characterize the risk for pathogen transmission from healthcare facility sinks
Authors: Gestrich Scott A. , Jencson Annette L. , Cadnum Jennifer L. , Livingston Scott H. , Wilson Brigid M. , Donskey Curtis J.
Published: December 2018

In 4 hospitals, we demonstrated frequent dispersal of fluorescent tracer and fluoroquinolone-resistant gram-negative bacilli from sink drains to sink bowls and to surfaces outside the bowl. Fluorescent tracer dispersal correlated inversely with the depth of the sink bowl. Modifications in sink design could substantially reduce the risk for pathogen dissemination.
Laboratory recreation of the Draupner wave and the role of breaking in crossing seas
Authors: McAllister M. L. , Draycott S. , Adcock T. A. A. , Taylor P. H. , van den Bremer T. S.
Published: December 2018

Freak or rogue waves are so called because of their unexpectedly large size relative to the population of smaller waves in which they occur. The 25.6 m high Draupner wave, observed in a sea state with a significant wave height of 12 m, was one of the first confirmed field measurements of a freak wave. The physical mechanisms that give rise to freak waves such as the Draupner wave are still contentious. Through physical experiments carried out in a circular wave tank, we attempt to recreate the freak wave measured at the Draupner platform and gain an understanding of the directional conditions capable of supporting such a large and steep wave. Herein, we recreate the full scaled crest amplitude and profile of the Draupner wave, including bound set-up. We find that the onset and type of wave breaking play a significant role and differ significantly for crossing and non-crossing waves. Crucially, breaking becomes less crest-amplitude limiting for sufficiently large crossing angles and involves the formation of near-vertical jets. In our experiments, we were only able to reproduce the scaled crest and total wave height of the wave measured at the Draupner platform for conditions where two wave systems cross at a large angle.
The start of it all?
Authors: Mason Robert , Damjanovic Rebecca
Published: December 2018

The Great Shearers’ Strike of 1891 transformed Australian politics and created the context for the election of the first ‘labourist’ government in the world. This nationally significant history is reflected in Barcaldine’s central heritage precinct, with a large monument to the Tree of Knowledge and spacious Australian Workers Heritage Centre. The Centre was established as the ‘National Monument’ to working men and women when it was opened by Prime Minister Bob Hawke in 1991. The Centre is one of a number of industrial museums in the Central West, and exists alongside the Stockman’s Hall of Fame in nearby Longreach. The recent increase in tourism by Grey Nomads has resulted in a more concerted effort to formulate a clear heritage discourse in Barcaldine, one that draws on the town’s labour heritage. This increased emphasis on the heritage of the Great Shearers’ Strike has further politicised an already fraught heritage, and distanced the community from its local heritage spaces and stories. This article reflects on long-standing narratives relating to the local environment as a means to articulate contested heritage discourses, situate the significant labour history and reinforce the local community’s engagement in its heritage.
Noel Loos, 'Invasion and Resistance: Aboriginal-European Relations on the North Queensland Frontier 1861–1897', Brisbane: Boolarong Press, 2017, 344 pp., ISBN 9 7819 2552 2600, A$29.99
Authors: Madden Alyssa
Published: December 2018

Noel Loos, Invasion and Resistance: Aboriginal-European Relations on the North Queensland Frontier 1861–1897, Brisbane: Boolarong Press, 2017, 344 pp., ISBN 9 7819 2552 2600, A$29.99
Temperatures recorded by cosmogenic noble gases since the last glacial maximum in the Maritime Alps
Authors: Tremblay Marissa M. , Shuster David L. , Spagnolo Matteo , Renssen Hans , Ribolini Adriano
Published: December 2018

While proxy records have been used to reconstruct late Quaternary climate parameters throughout the European Alps, our knowledge of deglacial climate conditions in the Maritime Alps is limited. Here, we report temperatures recorded by a new and independent geochemical technique—cosmogenic noble gas paleothermometry—in the Maritime Alps since the last glacial maximum. We measured cosmogenic 3He in quartz from boulders in nested moraines in the Gesso Valley, Italy. Paired with cosmogenic 10Be measurements and 3He diffusion experiments on quartz from the same boulders, the cosmogenic 3He abundances record the temperatures these boulders experienced during their exposure. We calculate effective diffusion temperatures (EDTs) over the last ∼22 ka ranging from 8°C to 25°C. These EDTs, which are functionally related to, but greater than, mean ambient temperatures, are consistent with temperatures inferred from other proxies in nearby Alpine regions and those predicted by a transient general circulation model. In detail, however, we also find different EDTs for boulders from the same moraines, thus limiting our ability to interpret these temperatures. We explore possible causes for these intra-moraine discrepancies, including variations in radiative heating, our treatment of complex helium diffusion, uncertainties in our grain size analyses, and unaccounted-for erosion or cosmogenic inheritance.
Influence of daily 10–85 μg vitamin D supplements during pregnancy and lactation on maternal vitamin D status and mature milk antirachitic activity
Authors: Stoutjesdijk Eline , Schaafsma Anne , Kema Ido P. , van der Molen Jan , Dijck-Brouwer D. A. Janneke , Muskiet Frits A. J.
Published: December 2018

Pregnant and lactating women and breastfed infants are at risk of vitamin D deficiency. The supplemental vitamin D dose that optimises maternal vitamin D status and breast milk antirachitic activity (ARA) is unclear. Healthy pregnant women were randomised to 10 (n10), 35 (n11), 60 (n11) and 85 (n11) µg vitamin D3/d from 20 gestational weeks (GW) to 4 weeks postpartum (PP). The participants also received increasing dosages of fish oil supplements and a multivitamin. Treatment allocation was not blinded. Parent vitamin D and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) were measured in maternal plasma at 20 GW, 36 GW and 4 weeks PP, and in milk at 4 weeks PP. Median 25(OH)D and parent vitamin D at 20 GW were 85 (range 25–131) nmol/l and ‘not detectable (nd)’ (range nd–40) nmol/l. Both increased, seemingly dose dependent, from 20 to 36 GW and decreased from 36 GW to 4 weeks PP. In all, 35 µg vitamin D/d was needed to increase 25(OH)D to adequacy (80–249 nmol/l) in >97·5 % of participants at 36 GW, while >85 µg/d was needed to reach this criterion at 4 weeks PP. The 25(OH)D increments from 20 to 36 GW and from 20 GW to 4 weeks PP diminished with supplemental dose and related inversely to 25(OH)D at 20 GW. Milk ARA related to vitamin D3dose, but the infant adequate intake of 513 IU/l was not reached. Vitamin D3dosages of 35 and >85 µg/d were needed to reach adequate maternal vitamin D status at 36 GW and 4 weeks PP, respectively.
ABO blood group antigens may be associated with increased susceptibility to schistosomiasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tiongco R.E. , Paragas N.A. , Dominguez M.J. , Lasta S.L. , Pandac J.K. , Pineda-Cortel M.R.
Published: December 2018

Schistosomiasis or bilharzia is a widespread parasitic disease caused by blood flukes of the genusSchistosoma. Some factors have been investigated previously regarding their effect on the pathophysiological mechanism of human schistosomiasis, but the possible influence of the ABO blood group on the severity ofSchistosomainfection has been the most promising. Hence, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to further investigate the association of the ABO blood group with schistosomiasis susceptibility. Selected publications were retrieved from PubMed up to 21 August 2018, for related studies written in English. Number of cases (with schistosomiasis) and controls (without schistosomiasis) were extracted across all ABO blood types. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed, pooled and interpreted. Subgroup analysis by the species ofSchistosomainfecting the population and the participants’ ethnicity was also performed. The overall analysis revealed heterogeneity in the outcomes, which warranted the identification of the cause using the Galbraith plot. Post-outlier outcomes of the pooled ORs show that individuals who are not blood type O are more susceptible (OR: 1.40; 95% CI: 1.17–1.67;PA< 0.001) to schistosomiasis than those who are blood type O (OR: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.60–0.85;PA< 0.001). Subgroup analysis yielded the same observations regardless of the species of schistosome and the ethnicity of the participants. Results of this meta-analysis suggest that individuals who are blood type B and A are more susceptible to schistosomiasis than those who are blood type O. However, more studies are needed to confirm our claims.
Changes in the behaviour ofOcypode quadrata(Fabricius, 1787) after experimental trampling
Authors: Costa Leonardo Lopes , Madureira Julyana Figueiredo , Zalmon Ilana Rosental
Published: December 2018

The effects of trampling are usually confounded by the diffuse impacts of the urbanization of sandy beaches. We performed a controlled experiment on a beach with low visitation rates to test the hypothesis that ghost crabs avoid building their burrows on impacted plots as a result of the compacted sediment, and they migrate to non-trampled areas. The sampling design encompassed 11 survey quadrats (6 × 6 m) above the strandline, including five trampled plots (100, 300, 900, 1500 and 3000 steps) and six non-trampled plots. The plots were sampled before and after 24, 48 and 72 h of experimental trampling. We found that the ghost crabs avoided building their burrows in only the 1500× and 3000× trampled plots after 24 h, but the avoidance was not related to sediment compactness. Additionally, the emersion time and escape distance from humans were significantly delayed in the most trampled plots, suggesting a lower surface activity and an avoidance of irregular (i.e. high micro-relief) sediment surfaces by ghost crabs, which might reduce their ability to perceive potential predators.
Bushmeat consumption in large urban centres in West Africa
Authors: Luiselli Luca , Hema Emmanuel M. , Segniagbeto Gabriel Hoinsoudé , Ouattara Valy , Eniang Edem A. , Parfait Gnoumou , Akani Godfrey C. , Sirima Djidama , Fakae Barineme B. , Dendi Daniele , Fa Julia E.
Published: December 2018

There is an unprecedented demand for bushmeat in large cities in sub-Saharan Africa, and this is a major threat to many species. We conducted 2,040 interviews in six cities in four West African countries, in forest and savannah settings. We analysed age- and sex-related differences in the frequency of bushmeat consumption. Overall, we found similar patterns in all cities: 62.2% of men and 72.1% of women said they would never eat bushmeat, whereas 12.8% of men and 8.8% of women said they liked bushmeat and ate it regularly. Younger generations of both sexes tended not to eat bushmeat, regardless of their city of origin. This study of the effects of age, gender and geographical location on bushmeat consumption in African cities provides insights regarding which population groups to target in campaigns to change behaviours.
The role of aptitude in second language segmental learning: The case of Japanese learners’ English /ɹ/ pronunciation attainment in classroom settings
Authors: SAITO KAZUYA
Published: December 2018

Building on the extensive work conceptualizing, developing, and validating foreign language aptitude for successful second language acquisition (e.g., Skehan, 2015, inApplied Linguistics), the current project expounded the cognitive abilities relevant and instrumental to adult Japanese classroom learners’ pronunciation attainment of English /ɹ/. The speech production of 50 Japanese participants was elicited, acoustically analyzed, and linked to different aspects of their aptitude profiles (phonemic coding, associative memory, and sequence recognition). Whereas those with higher phonemic coding demonstrated better performance in a relatively easy dimension of English /ɹ/ pronunciation (lower F2 for tongue retraction), those with greater associative memory demonstrated more advanced performance in the relatively difficult dimensions of English /ɹ/ pronunciation (longer transition duration for phonemic length; lower F3 for labial/alveolar/pharyngeal constrictions). The role of incidental learning aptitude (i.e., sequence recognition) remained unclear. The findings here indicate that explicit aptitude related to phonological analysis and memory may play a key role in predicting the incidence of advanced second language segmental proficiency attainment in classroom settings.
Learning nouns and verbs in a foreign language: The role of gestures
Authors: GARCÍA-GÁMEZ ANA B. , MACIZO PEDRO
Published: December 2018

We evaluated the impact of gestures on second language (L2) vocabulary learning with nouns (Experiment 1) and verbs (Experiment 2). Four training methods were compared: the learning of L2 words with congruent gestures, incongruent gestures, meaningless gestures, and no gestures. Better vocabulary learning was found in both experiments when participants learned L2 words with congruent gestures relative to the no gesture condition. This result indicates that gestures have a positive effect on L2 learning when there is a match between the word meaning and the gesture. However, the recall of words in the incongruent and meaningless gesture conditions was lower than that of the no gesture condition. This suggests that gestures might have a negative impact on L2 learning. The facilitation and interference effects we found with the use of gestures in L2 vocabulary acquisition are discussed.
‘I've got lots of gaps, but I want to hang on to the ones that I have’: the ageing body, oral health and stories of the mouth
Authors: Warren Lorna , Kettle Jennifer E. , Gibson Barry J. , Walls Angus , Robinson Peter G.
Published: December 2018

The mouth may be presented and understood in different ways, be subject to judgement by others and, as we age, may intrude on everyday life due to problems that affect oral health. However, research that considers older people's experiences concerning their mouths and teeth is limited. This paper reports on qualitative research with 43 people in England and Scotland, aged 65–91, exploring the significance of the mouth over the lifecourse. It uses the concept of ‘mouth talk’ to explore narratives of maintaining, losing and replacing teeth. Participants engaged in ‘mouth talk’ to downplay the impact of the mouth, demonstrate socially appropriate ageing, and distance themselves from ‘real’ old age by retaining a moral identity and sense of self. They also found means to challenge dominant discourses of ageing in how they spoke about missing teeth. Referring to Leder's notion of ‘dys-appearance’ and Gilleard and Higgs’ work on the social imaginary of the fourth age, the study illustrates the ways in which ‘mouth talk’ can contribute to sustaining a sense of self in later life, presenting the ageing mouth, with and without teeth, as an absent presence. It also argues for the importance of listening to stories of the mouth in order to expand understanding of people's approaches to oral health in older age.
ONLINE CAPACITY PLANNING FOR REHABILITATION TREATMENTS: AN APPROXIMATE DYNAMIC PROGRAMMING APPROACH
Authors: Bikker Ingeborg A. , Mes Martijn R.K. , Sauré Antoine , Boucherie Richard J.
Published: December 2018

We study an online capacity planning problem in which arriving patients require a series of appointments at several departments, within a certain access time target.

This research is motivated by a study of rehabilitation planning practices at the Sint Maartenskliniek hospital (the Netherlands). In practice, the prescribed treatments and activities are typically booked starting in the first available week, leaving no space for urgent patients who require a series of appointments at a short notice. This leads to the rescheduling of appointments or long access times for urgent patients, which has a negative effect on the quality of care and on patient satisfaction.

We propose an approach for allocating capacity to patients at the moment of their arrival, in such a way that the total number of requests booked within their corresponding access time targets is maximized. The model considers online decision making regarding multi-priority, multi-appointment, and multi-resource capacity allocation. We formulate this problem as a Markov decision process (MDP) that takes into account the current patient schedule, and future arrivals. We develop an approximate dynamic programming (ADP) algorithm to obtain approximate optimal capacity allocation policies. We provide insights into the characteristics of the optimal policies and evaluate the performance of the resulting policies using simulation.
Determinants of undernutrition prevalence in children aged 0–59 months in sub-Saharan Africa between 2000 and 2015. A report from the World Bank database
Authors: Ricci Cristian , Asare Hannah , Carboo Janet , Conradie Cornelia , Dolman Robin Claire , Lombard Martani
Published: December 2018

Objective

To determine undernutrition prevalence in 0–59-month-old children and its determinants during the period 2000–2015 in sub-Saharan Africa.

Design

Ecological study of time series prevalence of undernutrition in sub-Saharan Africa assessed from 2000 to 2015.

Setting

Underweight and stunting prevalence from the World Bank database (2000–2015) were analysed. Mixed models were used to estimate prevalence of underweight and stunting. Country-specific undernutrition prevalence variation was estimated and region comparisons were performed. A meta-regression model considering health and socio-economic characteristics at country level was used to explore and estimate the contribution of different undernutrition determinants.

Participants

Countries of sub-Saharan Africa.

Results

During 2000–2015, underweight prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa was heterogeneous, ranging between 7 and 40 %. On the other hand, stunting prevalence ranged between 20 and 60 %. In general, higher rates of underweight and stunting were estimated in Niger (40 %) and Burundi (58 %), respectively; while lowest rates of underweight and stunting were estimated in Swaziland (7 %) and Gabon (21 %). About 1 % undernutrition prevalence reduction per year was estimated across sub-Saharan Africa, which was not statistically significant for all countries. Health and socio-economic determinants were identified as main determinants of underweight and stunting prevalence variability in sub-Saharan Africa.

Conclusions

Undernutrition represents a major public health threat in sub-Saharan Africa and its prevalence reduction during the period 2000–2015 was inconsistent. Improving water accessibility and number of medical doctors along with reducing HIV prevalence and poverty could significantly reduce undernutrition prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa
Evaluating the effectiveness of the clinical research radiographer undertaking the on-treatment review of clinical trial patients receiving radiotherapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Murray Stacey , Gilleece Terri M , Shepherd Paul H
Published: December 2018

Background

Radiotherapy clinical trials are at the forefront of modern-day prostate cancer patient management. Patients are reviewed during treatment by clinical oncologists or competent on-treatment review radiographers to minimise treatment toxicities. Clinical Research Radiographers (CRRs) routinely monitor and gather research data from patients participating in clinical trials.

Purpose

The aim of this article is to evaluate the effectiveness of the CRR undertaking the on-treatment review of clinical trial patients.

Method

An experienced CRR within the Northern Ireland Cancer Trials Network was supervised by a clinical oncologist to undertake the role of the on-treatment review of patients receiving radiotherapy for prostate cancer. The CRR explored published literature and compiled this written evaluation as part of their advanced practice learning.

Results

The supervising clinical oncologist verified, following the planned period of supervised practice and academic study, that the CRR was competent to fulfil the role. Evidence of the beneficial synergistic impact of co-joining the roles was experienced at first hand during the undertaking of supervised practice.

Conclusion

Co-joining the roles and responsibilities of the CRR and the on-treatment review radiographer enhanced the quality of care offered to the patients participating in clinical trials.
Mary Wollstonecraft, Social Constructivism, and the Idea of Freedom
Authors: Hirschmann Nancy J. , Regier Emily F.
Published: December 2018

This article considers Mary Wollstonecraft as a theorist of freedom for women through the lens of social constructivism. Previous republican readings of Wollstonecraft as promoting a vision of freedom as independence or non-domination are compromised by their underpinnings in liberal individualism. Instead, we suggest her theory displays elements of positive liberty and particularly what we call “subjectivity freedom.” Reading Wollstonecraft as an early social constructivist, we show her grappling with how women's subjectivity is constructed in patriarchal societies such that they desire the conditions of their own subordination. This troubles the very notion of domination and its putative opposite, freedom-as-independence. Paradoxically, while noting how women's sense of self was profoundly and intimately shaped by the patriarchal structures they inhabited, Wollstonecraft's own argument was limited by these same constructions. Nonetheless, she struggled to conceive a radically emancipatory vision of women's lives, aspirations, and desires from within the confines of a context and discourse premised on their devaluation. A social constructivist approach shows that Wollstonecraft sought not simply to change women or specific structures of male dominance, but rather the processes within which men and women defined gender, the family, and personal identity: in short, their subjectivity.