bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ileal pouch–anal anastomosis with fluorescence angiography: a case‐matched study
Authors: Spinelli A. , Carvello M. , Kotze P. G. , Maroli A. , Montroni I. , Montorsi M. , Buchs N. C. , Ris F.
Published: March 2019

Aim

An anastomotic leak in ileoanal pouch surgery may lead to pouch failure. Constructing a tension‐free ileal pouch–anal anastomosis (IPAA) reduces this risk but can be technically challenging, balancing pouch vascularization with ileal mesenteric length and site of vessel ligation. Fluorescence angiography (FA) may help the clinician make a more balanced judgement.

Methods

Thirty‐two patients undergoing minimally invasive completion proctectomy with FA‐guided IPAA at two academic centres were matched and compared on a 1:1 basis to a historical group undergoing the same procedure without the use of this technique.

Results

Ligation of the ileocolic vessels was safely performed in 15/32 (47%) of FA patients compared with 5/32 (16%) of historical controls. One patient underwent intra‐operative IPAA reconstruction after FA detected ischaemia. No anastomotic leak occurred with FA but there was only one in the historical controls (P = 0.31). The postoperative complication rate was similar between the two groups (P = 0.60).

Conclusion

FA is applicable to IPAA surgery and may help to reduce perfusion‐related anastomotic leaks. A prospective randomized trial is warranted.
Automatic fabric defect detection using a deep convolutional neural network
Authors: Jing Jun‐Feng , Ma Hao , Zhang Huan‐Huan
Published: March 2019

Fabric defect detection plays an important role in the textile production process, but there are still some challenges in detecting defects rapidly and accurately. In this paper, we propose a powerful detection method for automatic fabric defect detection using a deep convolutional neural network (CNN). It consists of three main steps. First, the fabric image is decomposed into local patches and each local patch is labelled. Then the labelled patches are transmitted to the pretrained deep CNN for transfer learning. Finally, defects are detected during the inspection phase by sliding over the whole image using the trained model, and the category and position of each defect is obtained. The proposed method is validated on two public and one self‐made fabric database. The experimental results demonstrate that our method significantly outperforms selected state‐of‐the art methods in terms of both quality and robustness.
Vocal activity rate index: a useful method to infer terrestrial bird abundance with acoustic monitoring
Authors: Pérez‐Granados Cristian , Bota Gerard , Giralt David , Barrero Adrián , Gómez‐Catasús Julia , Bustillo‐De La Rosa Daniel , Traba Juan
Published: March 2019

Autonomous recording units have been widely used in a large number of bird studies in recent years, but challenges remain in estimating abundance based on acoustic monitoring. We tested whether vocal activity rate index (VAR; the number of songs per unit time for a species), recorded using autonomous recording units, was related to population abundance in two terrestrial bird species, the European Bee‐eater Merops apiaster and the Dupont's Lark Chersophilus duponti. We took recordings at sites where censuses were also carried out to estimate local populations around recorders. We found a positive and significant relationship for the two monitored species. Although our results are not conclusive, the strong and significant relationship found for both monitored species suggests that VAR may be used to infer bird abundance around recorders in terrestrial species. We describe five logical steps for using the VAR with autonomous recording units in other species to guide future studies.
Solvent extraction and in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion of phenolic compounds from purple sweet potato
Authors: Meng Xian‐jun , Tan Chang , Feng Ying
Published: March 2019

The total content of phenolic compounds in purple sweet potato (PSP) was determined and the release of such compounds from PSP in gastrointestinal digestion was studied in vitro. The extraction conditions for the maximum recovery of free phenol (FP) and bound phenol (BP) from PSP were determined by response surface methodology (RSM). The maximum recovery of FPPSP was 14.16 ± 0.87 mg GAE per g short for dry weight (DW), which was obtained using 60% (v/v) ethanol maceration with a liquid–solid ratio of 57.21:1 (mL g−1) at 51.93 °C for 2.12 h. The maximum recovery for BPPSP was 7.54 mg GAE per g DW, which was obtained upon hydrolysis with 1.87 mol L−1 NaOH at a liquid–solid ratio of 35.93:1 (mL g−1) for 4.74 h. The maximum phenolic content was released after 1 and 2 h for the in vitro gastric and intestinal digestion respectively. The release of the phenolics was promoted by pepsin and gastric acid during gastric digestion, while it was further promoted by trypsin during intestinal digestion.
Can we predict vesicoureteral reflux resolution in patients with non‐neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction?
Authors: Cakmak Ozgur , Tarhan Huseyin , Akarken Ilker , Dogan Hasan Serkan , Yavascan Onder , Sahin Hayrettin , Tekgul Serdar
Published: March 2019

Objective

To analyze factors influencing reflux resolution in patients with the coexistence of non‐neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction and vesicoureteral reflux.

Methods

The data of 153 children who were diagnosed with vesicoureteral reflux and accompanying non‐neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction between 2010 and 2015 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients with neurogenic and anatomical malformations, monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis, previous history of vesicoureteral reflux surgery, irregular and/or incomplete follow‐up data were excluded. After exclusion of 55 patients, 98 patients were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of spontaneous vesicoureteral reflux resolution during the follow‐up period. Group 1 consisted of 54 children with spontaneous vesicoureteral reflux resolution, whereas group 2 included 44 children without resolution. Medical history, physical examination, urinalysis, uroflowmetry combined with electromyography, ultrasonography, as well as the Dysfunctional Voiding and Incontinence Symptom Score questionnaire were also evaluated.

Results

The mean age at presentation was 7.57 ± 0.23 years (range 5–13 years), and the mean follow‐up period was 28.3 months. Significant differences were noted between the two groups in terms of dysfunctional voiding and incontinence symptom score, bladder wall thickness, and the post‐void residual urine volumes. In addition, lower urinary tract symptoms, namely frequency, urgency and daytime incontinence, were found to be higher in group 2. In multivariate analysis, post‐void residual urine volume and Dysfunctional Voiding and Incontinence Symptom Score were found to affect reflux resolution rates (P = 0.002, P = 0.002, respectively).

Conclusions

The absence of significant post‐void residual urine volume, and a low Dysfunctional Voiding and Incontinence Symptom Score increase the likelihood of spontaneous resolution rates of vesicoureteral reflux in children with non‐neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction.
MYC in Germinal Center‐derived lymphomas: Mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities
Authors: Bisso Andrea , Sabò Arianna , Amati Bruno
Published: March 2019

The rearrangement of immunoglobulin loci during the germinal center reaction is associated with an increased risk of chromosomal translocations that activate oncogenes such as MYC, BCL2 or BCL6, thus contributing to the development of B‐cell lymphomas. MYC and BCL2 activation are initiating events in Burkitt's (BL) and Follicular Lymphoma (FL), respectively, but can occur at later stages in other subtypes such as Diffuse Large‐B Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL). MYC can also be activated during the progression of FL to the transformed stage. Thus, either DLBCL or FL can give rise to aggressive double‐hit lymphomas (DHL) with concurrent activation of MYC and BCL2. Research over the last three decades has improved our understanding of the functions of these oncogenes and the basis for their cooperative action in lymphomagenesis. MYC, in particular, is a transcription factor that contributes to cell activation, growth and proliferation, while concomitantly sensitizing cells to apoptosis, the latter being blocked by BCL2. Here, we review our current knowledge about the role of MYC in germinal center B‐cells and lymphomas, discuss MYC‐induced dependencies that can sensitize cancer cells to select pharmacological inhibitors, and illustrate their therapeutic potential in aggressive lymphomas—and in particular in DHL, in combination with BCL2 inhibitors.
MicroRNA‐mediated regulation of T follicular helper and T follicular regulatory cell identity
Authors: Maul Julia , Alterauge Dominik , Baumjohann Dirk
Published: March 2019

T follicular helper (Tfh) cells are critical mediators of germinal center (GC) formation and essential for potent humoral immunity. In contrast, T follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells, which share characteristics of both stimulatory Tfh cells and suppressive regulatory T (Treg) cells, restrain excessive GC responses. Tfh cell differentiation is a multistep process that involves continuous interaction with antigen‐presenting cells, co‐stimulatory signals, an appropriate cytokine milieu, and directed migration toward distinct microanatomical structures. These processes are under the control of several intrinsic and extrinsic regulatory layers that further undergo fine‐tuning by post‐transcriptional mechanisms. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non‐coding RNAs that have been recognized as important post‐transcriptional regulators. miRNAs are particularly critical for Tfh cell generation, as the differentiation of these cells is completely blocked in the absence of mature miRNAs in vivo. Here, we discuss how miRNAs regulate various aspects of Tfh and Tfr cell differentiation and function and how miRNAs thus shape the identity of these cells.
Linking signaling and selection in the germinal center
Authors: Shlomchik Mark J. , Luo Wei , Weisel Florian
Published: March 2019

Germinal centers (GC) are sites of rapid B‐cell proliferation in response to certain types of immunization. They arise in about 1 week and can persist for several months. In GCs, B cells differentiate in a unique way and begin to undergo somatic mutation of the Ig V regions at a high rate. GC B cells (GCBC) thus undergo clonal diversification that can affect the affinity of the newly mutant B‐cell receptor (BCR) for its driving antigen. Through processes that are still poorly understood, GCBC with higher affinity are selectively expanded while those with mutations that inactivate the BCR are lost. In addition, at various times during the extended GC reaction, some GCBC undergo differentiation into either long‐lived memory B cells (MBC) or plasma cells. The cellular and molecular signals that govern these fate decisions are not well‐understood, but are an active area of research in multiple laboratories. In this review, we cover both the history of this field and focus on recent work that has helped to elucidate the signals and molecules, such as key transcription factors, that coordinate both positive selection as well as differentiation of GCBC.
Democracy as Uninformed Non‐Consent
Authors: Brennan Jason
Published: March 2019

Carol Gould argues that democratic institutions can serve as mechanisms of informed consent or could at least facilitate creating regulations and other structures which facilitate informed consent in bioethics, medicine, and elsewhere. I am sceptical. I argue that democracies cannot serve as vehicles of consent, let alone informed consent. Further, the problems of democratic ignorance and irrationality created significant barriers to democratic deliberation helping to produce better regulations or conditions for informed consent. Democracy is not a good surrogate for consent.
Reaction norm analysis of pig growth using environmental descriptors based on alternative traits
Authors: Guy Sarita Zhe Ying , Li Li , Thomson Peter Campbell , Hermesch Susanne
Published: March 2019

Contemporary group (CG) estimates of different phenotypes have not been widely explored for pigs. The objective of this study was to extend the traits used to derive environmental descriptors of the growing pig, to include CG estimates of early growth between birth and start of feed intake test (EADG), growth during feed intake test (TADG), lifetime growth (ADG), daily feed intake (DFI), backfat (BF) and muscle depth (MD). Pedigree and performance records (n = 7,746) from a commercial Australian piggery were used to derive environmental descriptors based on CG estimates of these six traits. The CG estimates of growth traits described different aspects of the environment from the CG estimates of carcass traits (r < 0.10). These definitions of the environment then were used in reaction norm analysis of growth, to evaluate sire‐by‐environment interaction (Sire × E) for growth. The most appropriate reaction norm model to evaluate Sire × E for growth was dependent on the environmental descriptor used. If the trait used to derive an environmental descriptor was distinctly different from growth (e.g., BF and MD), CG as an additional random effect was required in the model. If not included, inflated common litter effect and sire intercept variance suggest there was unaccounted environmental variability. There was no significant Sire × E using any of the definitions of the environment, with estimated variance in sire slopes largest when environments were defined by BF ( = 97 ± 83 (g/day)2), followed by environments defined by DFI ( = 39 ± 101 (g/day)2). While there appears to be differences in ability to detect Sire × E, improved data structure is required to better assess these environmental descriptors based on alternative traits. The ideal trait, or combination of traits, used to derive environmental descriptors may be unique for individual herds. Therefore, multiple phenotypes should be further explored for the evaluation of Sire × E for growth in the pig.
Challenges and opportunities to livestock breeding programmes in India
Authors: Gowane Gopal R. , Kumar Arun , Nimbkar Chanda
Published: March 2019

Animal breeding in India has a long and chequered history. High pressure on agricultural land and increasing human population opened a new opportunity for the livestock and poultry sector as a promising food industry. Productivity of livestock in India is low due to less coverage of livestock under structured breeding programmes, inadequate nutrition and its entanglement with several socio‐economic issues. A bottom‐up approach to breeding policy formulation addressing local needs is required with assured flow of investments. Cattle slaughter is banned in India; hence, a legal policy to curb widespread indiscriminate mating is required which may incur substantial financial and infrastructural burdens for castration of stray males and strengthening of cow rehabilitation centres. Genetic evaluation of indigenous cattle with progeny testing (PT) requires substantial financial support, without affecting the already existing PT for exotic cattle breeds used in the local cross‐breeding programmes and PT of new genotypes obtained from crosses of exotic and local breeds of cattle and for purebred buffaloes. Small ruminants need special attention due to their socio‐economic importance in rural and often highly disadvantaged communities and because they are the second most important meat‐producing species after poultry. Genetic improvement of small ruminants should be accompanied by attention to shrinking grazing resources which would require strong political will together with financial support. The outreach of breeding programmes for small ruminants is currently limited; there is also a lack of linkage between the market and producers that discourages farmers from adopting clear breeding objectives like improvement in growth rate, as animals are seldom sold on weight basis. Apart from government agencies, involvement of private sector, non‐government organizations, local co‐operatives, self‐help groups and self‐sustainable community‐based breeding programmes can strengthen market linkages. Strengthening of the existing infrastructure along with technical input and skilled manpower is essential for achieving the breeding objectives.
CTCF regulates the FoxO signaling pathway to affect the progression of prostate cancer
Authors: Shan Zhengfei , Li Yongwei , Yu Shengqiang , Wu Jitao , Zhang Chengjun , Ma Yue , Zhuang Guimin , Wang Jiantao , Gao Zhenli , Liu Dongfu
Published: March 2019

The present research focuses on the influence of CCCTC‐binding factor (CTCF) on prostate cancer (PC) via the regulation of the FoxO signalling pathway. A bioinformatics analysis was conducted to screen out target genes for CTCF in LNCaP cells and to enrich the relevant pathways in LNCaP cells. It was found that the FoxO pathway was enriched according to the ChIP‐seq results of CTCF. The expression of CTCF, pFoxO1a, FoxO1a, pFoxO3a and FoxO3a was tested by RT‐qPCR and Western blot. Inhibition of CTCF could lead to the up‐regulation of the FoxO signalling pathway. The rates of cell proliferation, cell invasion and apoptosis were examined by MTT assay, cell invasion assay and flow cytometry under different interference conditions. Down‐regulation of CTCF could suppress cell proliferation, cell invasion and facilitate cell apoptosis. Lastly, the effect of CTCF on tumour growth was determined in nude mice. Inhibition of CTCF regulated the FoxO signalling pathway, which retarded tumour growth in vivo. In conclusion, CTCF regulates the FoxO signalling pathway to affect the progress of PC.
Ectopic expression of miR‐944 impairs colorectal cancer cell proliferation and invasion by targeting GATA binding protein 6
Authors: Tang Jing‐Tong , Zhao Jinbo , Sheng Weiwei , Zhou Jian‐Ping , Dong Qi , Dong Ming
Published: March 2019

miR‐944 is a microRNA that has been reported to play different important roles in the progression of cancer. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common cancer worldwide. A recent study has confirmed that miR‐944 plays a tumour suppressive role in CRC. However, biological functions and the mechanism of miR‐944 in CRC are poorly understood. Real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction of 100 CRC tissues showed that miR‐944 expression is frequently downregulated and is negatively associated with the T is the primary tumor, N is the lymph node, and M is the distant metastasis (TNM) stage (P = 0.009), depth of invasion (P = 0.001), and lymph node status (P = 0.002). Overexpression of mir‐944 significantly impaired the functions of proliferation, migration and invasion in CRC cells, while these functions increased in knockdown experiments. GATA binding protein 6 (GATA6) knockdown can reverse the CRC cells functions induced by miR‐944 inhibitor. Mechanistically, a Dual‐Luciferase Reporter Assay showed that miR‐944 is structurally combined with GATA6 and interacts with downstream proteins (CRT and p‐AKT) in CRC cells. In conclusion, these findings indicated that miR‐944 may be a tumour suppressor and could likely be used as a prognostic predictor and novel therapeutic target for CRC.
Laser treatment of hyperpigmented lesions: position statement of the European Society of Laser in Dermatology
Authors: Passeron T. , Genedy R. , Salah L. , Fusade T. , Kositratna G. , Laubach H.‐J. , Marini L. , Badawi A.
Published: March 2019

Background

Lasers and intense pulsed light sources (IPLS) are proposed for the treatment of many pigmentary disorders. They are sometimes considered as magic tools able to remove any type of lesions. Although being the best option for several hyperpigmented lesions, they can also worsen some conditions and have potential side‐effects.

Objective

The aim of this review was to give evidence‐based recommendations for the use of lasers and IPLS in the treatment of hyperpigmented lesions.

Methods

These recommendations were produced for the European Society of Laser Dermatology by a consensus panel made up of experts in the field of pigment laser surgery. Recommendations on the use of lasers and light treatments were made based on the quality of evidence for efficacy, safety, tolerability, cosmetic outcome, patient satisfaction/preference and, where appropriate, on the experts' opinion.

Results

Lasers and IPLS are very effective for treating many hyperpigmented lesions such as lentigos, dermal hypermelanocytosis or heavy metal depositions. In the other hand, they have to be considered with great caution for other disorders, such as café au lait macules, melasma or postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. After making the correct diagnosis, if lasers or IPLS are indicated, the optimal wavelengths and parameters will be chosen taking into account the skin phototype, origin and depth of the target pigments.

Conclusion

Although potentially very effective, lasers and IPLS cannot be proposed for all types of hyperpigmented lesions. In all cases, precise recognition of the disorder is mandatory for choosing between these devices and other therapeutic approaches.
Evolutionarily conserved vasa identifies embryonic and gonadal germ cells in spinyhead croaker Collichthys lucidus
Authors: Li Yu , Song Wei , Zhu Yei Fei , Zhu Tian Yu , Ma Ling Bo , Li Ming You
Published: March 2019

In this study, a 2198 bp full‐length cDNA of spinyhead croaker Collichthys lucidus vasa gene encoding 616 amino‐acid residues was obtained. Multiple alignment revealed that C. lucidus vasa has eight conserved characteristic motifs of the DEAD box protein family and has the highest identity to large yellow croaker Larimichthys croceas. Reverse‐transcription (RT)‐PCR and Western blot analyses indicated that the vasa messenger (m)RNA and Vasa protein are specifically expressed in the gonads in both sexes. In situ hybridisation (ISH) demonstrated that vasa RNA is exclusively detected in the germ cells in C. lucidus gonads and its temporospatial expression reveals a dynamic pattern during oogenesis. Surprisingly, C. lucidus vasa 3’UTR can direct stable and specific GFP expression in the primordial germ cells (PGC) of medaka Oryzias latipes embryos. Taken together, these results suggest that because C. lucidus vasa expression delineates critical stages of oogenesis, it may be a useful molecular marker for the identification of gonadal germ cells, facilitating the isolation and utilization of germ cells in future study.
Partial withdrawal of levothyroxine treated disease leads to brain activations and effects on performance in a working memory task: A pilot study
Authors: Göbel Anna , Heldmann Marcus , Göttlich Martin , Goerges René , Nieberding Relana , Sartorius Alexander , Brabant Georg , Münte Thomas F.
Published: March 2019

Hypothyroidism is associated with memory impairments. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of partial withdrawal of levothyroxine on working memory tasks and brain function. Fifteen subjects under long‐term levothyroxine substitution as a result of complete hypothyroidism participated in the present study. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed using a working memory task (n‐back task) and neuropsychological tests were performed before and 52‐54 days after the induction of subclinical hypothyroidism by reducing the pretest levothyroxine dosage by 30%. Reaction time of subjects under partial levothyroxine withdrawal was significantly longer and less accurate with respect to solving the working memory tasks. Functional MRI revealed significant activation changes after medication withdrawal in the cerebellum, insula, parietal, frontal, temporal and occipital lobes, lingual gyrus, and the cuneus. Partial withdrawal of levothyroxine may lead to deficits in a working memory task and to an activation of brain areas associated with working memory ability.
Innate immunity, inflammation and tumour progression: double‐edged swords
Authors: Mantovani A. , Ponzetta A. , Inforzato A. , Jaillon S.
Published: March 2019

Components of the cellular and the humoral arm of the immune system are essential elements of the tumour microenvironment (TME). The TME includes tumour‐associated macrophages which have served as a paradigm for the cancer‐promoting inflammation. Cytokines, IL‐1 in particular, and complement have emerged as important players in tumour promotion. On the other hand, myeloid cells, innate lymphoid cells and complement have the potential, if unleashed, to mediate anticancer resistance. Targeting checkpoints restraining innate immunity, macrophages and natural killer (NK) cells in particular holds promise as a therapeutic strategy.
Values of Economists Matter in the Art and Science of Economics
Authors: van Dalen Hendrik P.
Published: March 2019

What role do personal values play in the practice of economists? By means of a survey among economists working inside and outside academia in the Netherlands, we present novel insights on their personal values, how these differ from the average citizen, and how values impact their economic views and their methodological choices. Three overarching values summarize the value structure of economists: achievement, serving the public interest, and conformity to rules. Subsequent tests are performed to see whether these values affect (1) their opinion on economic propositions and (2) their attitudes towards methodological principles in economics. For the majority of economic propositions, personal values matter. Especially the value of serving the public interest has a strong effect on their economic view. Furthermore, it seems that economists who value achievement are the ones who are more likely to embrace mainstream methodological principles: thinking predominantly in terms of efficiency, rationality, and competition, believing that economic knowledge is objective and transparently produced and in agreement with Milton Friedman's view on positive economics. Female economists are at some notable points less convinced of market solutions and have more trust in the government in serving the public interest.
A non‐coding RNA from the intercellular adhesion (ica) locus of Staphylococcus epidermidis controls polysaccharide intercellular adhesion (PIA)‐mediated biofilm formation
Authors: Lerch Maike F. , Schoenfelder Sonja M.K. , Marincola Gabriella , Wencker Freya D.R. , Eckart Martin , Förstner Konrad U. , Sharma Cynthia M. , Thormann Kai M. , Kucklick Martin , Engelmann Susanne , Ziebuhr Wilma
Published: March 2019

Polysaccharide intercellular adhesin (PIA)‐associated biofilm formation is mediated by the intercellular adhesin (ica) locus and represents a major pathomechanism of Staphylococcus epidermidis. Here, we report on a novel long non‐coding (nc)RNA, named IcaZ, which is approximately 400 nucleotides in size. icaZ is located downstream of the ica repressor gene icaR and partially overlaps with the icaR 3ʹ UTR. icaZ exclusively exists in ica‐positive S. epidermidis, but not in S. aureus or other staphylococci. Inactivation of the gene completely abolishes PIA production. IcaZ is transcribed as a primary transcript from its own promoter during early‐ and mid‐exponential growth and its transcription is induced by low temperature, ethanol and salt stress. IcaZ targets the icaR 5ʹ UTR and hampers icaR mRNA translation, which alleviates repression of icaADBC operon transcription and results in PIA production. Interestingly, other than in S. aureus, posttranscriptional control of icaR mRNA in S. epidermidis does not involve icaR mRNA 5ʹ/3ʹ UTR base pairing. This suggests major structural and functional differences in icaADBC operon regulation between the two species that also involve the recruitment of ncRNAs. Together, the IcaZ ncRNA represents an unprecedented novel species‐specific player involved in the control of PIA production in NBSP S. epidermidis.
Technical approaches to select high‐performance instant skin smoothing formulations: Correlation of in vitro and in vivo assessment methods
Authors: Maidhof Robert , Knapp Elizabeth , Liebel Frank , Fair Michael , Rubinson Emily H.
Published: March 2019

Background

Contractile films that smooth the surface of skin upon drying are popular among consumers due to their “instant” effect and perceivable smoothing benefits. The objective of our study was to correlate an in vitro measurement of contractile force with in vivo smoothing performance, thereby enabling rapid screening of film‐forming technologies for impactful cosmetic results.

Methods

We introduce and characterize an in vitro method to measure drying stress of film‐containing formulations. This method is used to measure the drying stresses of seven different cosmetic film formulations. We then evaluate these formulas in a blinded clinical study, measuring their effect on under‐eye and Crow's Feet area smoothing through bioinstrumentation (3D PRIMOS imaging) and blinded expert grading of images.

Results

The in vitro drying stress measurement was found to be repeatable and sensitive enough to detect differences between formulations with typical amounts of film‐forming agents. Significant correlation was found between the in vitro drying stress measurements and under‐eye smoothing measured by 3D imaging (R2 = 0.71). Expert grading confirmed that film formulas deliver perceivable smoothing in the under‐eye and Crow's Feet regions 15 minutes after application.

Conclusion

The in vitro method described here can be used to predict the efficacy of formulations that deliver smoothing benefits to consumers. For consumer use, the esthetic properties of a formula should be balanced with film performance, guided by this model which predicts skin smoothing efficacy.
A novel HLA‐A allele, A*31:74, was identified by sequence‐based typing in a Chinese potential donor
Authors: Li Xiaohua , Zhuang Yunlong , Zhao Cuiyun
Published: March 2019

A*31:74: one nucleotide change resulting in a new motif ACG at codon 29 in HLA‐A.
Residential Segregation in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Region: A Longitudinal Analysis Using Scalable Individualised Neighbourhoods
Authors: Sleutjes Bart , Ooijevaar Jeroen , de Valk Helga A.G.
Published: March 2019

This paper studies residential segregation in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area and makes three contributions to the recent debates on segregation. First, both ethnic and socio‐economic segregation are studied by comparing isolation index scores for both individual indicators and their interactions. Second, neighbourhoods are defined as scalable individualised units, which allows for comparisons across spatial scales. Third, the paper adopts a longitudinal approach by covering three different time points, which enables us to get a grip on segregation trends. The results indicate that there are notable differences in segregation levels and trends between the applied segregation indicators. Ethnic segregation remained largely stable over the 2003–14 period, whereas the indicators of socio‐economic segregation have slightly changed, but all in different directions. Only for tertiary education segregation has increased over the entire period. The Dutch welfare system, the well‐dispersed and socially‐mixed social housing sector and gentrification help to explain these developments.
Corporate Social Responsibility Perceptions of Turkish Football Fans: TFF 1st Lig and 2nd Lig Examples
Authors: Şirin Yeliz Eratlı , Döşyılmaz Enver
Published: March 2019

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is among the duties and responsibilities of all kinds of organizations today. In the light of this approach, the responsibility activities of sports clubs that are active in the football industry may also attract the interest of fans that are dedicated to these clubs and shape their perceptions. This study aimed to investigate the awareness of sports club fans on the CSR activities of sports clubs based on their demographic variables and determine the CSR component pyramids of sports clubs that arise as a result of such perceptions. The population of the study consisted of the fans of Adanaspor and Adana Demirspor in the Turkish Football Federation’s (TFF) 1st League and Kahramanmaraşsports Club in TFF 2nd League. The sample consisted of 656 fans who were selected from this population by the method of unbiased sampling. The data of the study were collected by using the Corporate Social Responsibility Scale that was developed by Jung (2012) and tested for reliability and validity in the Turkish language by Sönmezoğlu et al. (2016). According to the findings of the study, perceptions of the fans on CSR activities were on a medium level, and there were significant differences based on the variables of gender, marital status, age, educational status, the supported sports club and occupation. Consequently, regarding the CSR pyramid components of the clubs, legal responsibility was in the first place for the fans of Adanaspor and Kahramanmaraş Spor, while philanthropic responsibility was in the first place for the fans of Adana Demirspor.
An Investigation of the Attitudes and Competence Perceptions of First- and Fourth-Year Pre-service Physical Education Teachers Regarding Teaching
Authors: Soytürk Mümine , Öztürk Özden Tepeköylü
Published: March 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate the attitudes and competence perceptions of first- and fourth-year preservice physical education teachers regarding teaching. A total of 262 preservice physical education teachers, of whom 126 (%48,1) were in the first year and 136 (%51,9) were in the fourth year ( (age)=21,06±2,15) participated in the study. The “Attitude Toward Teaching Scale” (ATTS) and “Preservice Teachers’ Self-Efficacy Perception Scale” (PTSEPS) were used as the data collection tools, and a “Personal Information Form” (PIF) was used to obtain the independent variables of the study. The T-test and Pearson correlation test were used in the data analysis. As a result of the analyses, it was observed that the attitudes of the first-year students towards teaching were more positive than those of the fourth-year students. Competence perceptions were found as high in the fourth grade. According to the gender factor, significant difference was observed in both attitudes towards teaching and perceptions of competence between first- and fourth-year. When the relationships between the two dependent variables were examined, it was determined that there was a moderate positive correlation between the attitudes and competence perceptions of both the first-year students and the fourth-year students with regard to teaching. In order for preservice teachers to maintain a positive attitude towards teaching, it is considered that they should be supported with curricular training programs during the student period, and through in-service training throughout their professional lives after graduation.
Surface Structures of Group BStreptococcusImportant in Human Immunity
Authors: Paoletti Lawrence C. , Kasper Dennis L.
Published: March 2019

The surface of the Gram-positive opportunistic pathogen Streptococcus agalactiae, or group B Streptococcus (GBS), harbors several carbohydrate and protein antigens with the potential to be effective vaccines. Capsular polysaccharides of all clinically-relevant GBS serotypes coupled to immunogenic proteins of both GBS and non-GBS origin have undergone extensive testing in animals that led to advanced clinical trials in healthy adult women. In addition, GBS proteins either alone or in combination have been tested in animals; a fusion protein construct has recently advanced to human clinical studies. Given our current understanding of the antigenicity and immunogenicity of the wide array of GBS surface antigens, formulations now exist for the generation of viable vaccines against diseases caused by GBS.
Health promotion by International Olympic Sport Federations: priorities and barriers
Authors: Mountjoy Margo , Junge Astrid , Budgett Richard , Doerr Dominik , Leglise Michel , Miller Stuart , Moran Jane , Foster Jeremy
Published: March 2019

Objective

To identify changes in International Federations’ priorities and the barriers to implementing athlete and global health initiatives. Results should influence the work of the International Federation medical committees, the IOC and the Association of Summer Olympic International Federation.

Methods

The 28 Summer and 7 Winter International Federations participating in the most recent Olympic Games (2016; 2018) were surveyed to (i) identify the importance of 27 health topics, (ii) assess their progress on implementation health-related programmes and (iii) the barriers to implementation of these programmes. We compared International Federations’ activities in 2016 and 2017.

Results

The response rate was 83%. Health topics which most International Federations regarded as important and in which the International Federations felt insufficiently active were ‘team physician certification’, ‘prevention of harassment and abuse’, ‘eating disorders/disordered eating’, ‘mental health’ and ‘injury surveillance’. Compared with 2016, there was a decrease in International Federations’ activities in ‘injury surveillance’, ‘nutritional supplements’ and ‘hyperandrogenism’. The main barrier to implementing health-related programmes was ‘International Federation political support/willingness’, followed by ‘knowledge’. ‘Time’ and ‘coach support’ were more often reported than ‘finances’, or ‘IOC or Association of Summer Olympic International Federations partnership’.

Conclusion

If International Federations are going to promote health of athletes and global health promotion through physical activity (sport), International Federation leadership must change their focus and provide greater political support for related initiatives. Improving coach and athlete knowledge of the health issues could also facilitate health programme delivery. Time constraints could be mitigated by sharing experiences among the International Federations, Association of Summer Olympic International Federations and the IOC. International Federations should focus on those health-related topics that they identified as being important, yet rate as having insufficient activity.
Major incident triage and the evaluation of the Triage Sort as a secondary triage method
Authors: Vassallo James , Smith Jason
Published: March 2019

Introduction

A key principle in the effective management of major incidents is triage, the process of prioritising patients on the basis of their clinical acuity. In many countries including the UK, a two-stage approach to triage is practised, with primary triage at the scene followed by a more detailed assessment using a secondary triage process, the Triage Sort. To date, no studies have analysed the performance of the Triage Sort in the civilian setting. The primary aim of this study was to determine the performance of the Triage Sort at predicting the need for life-saving intervention (LSI).

Methods

Using the Trauma Audit Research Network (TARN) database for all adult patients (>18 years) between 2006 and 2014, we determined which patients received one or more LSIs using a previously defined list. The first recorded hospital physiology was used to categorise patient priority using the Triage Sort, National Ambulance Resilience Unit (NARU) Sieve and the Modified Physiological Triage Tool-24 (MPTT-24). Performance characteristics were evaluated using sensitivity and specificity with statistical analysis using a McNemar’s test.

Results

127 233patients (58.1%) had complete data and were included: 55.6% men, aged 61.4 (IQR 43.1–80.0 years), ISS 9 (IQR 9–16), with 24 791 (19.5%) receiving at least one LSI (priority 1). The Triage Sort demonstrated the lowest accuracy of all triage tools at identifying the need for LSI (sensitivity 15.7% (95% CI 15.2 to 16.2) correlating with the highest rate of under-triage (84.3% (95% CI 83.8 to 84.8), but it had the greatest specificity (98.7% (95% CI 98.6 to 98.8).

Conclusion

Within a civilian trauma registry population, the Triage Sort demonstrated the poorest performance at identifying patients in need of LSI. Its use as a secondary triage tool should be reviewed, with an urgent need for further research to determine the optimum method of secondary triage.
Targeted next-generation sequencing detects rare genetic events in pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma
Authors: Ben Aim Laurène , Pigny Pascal , Castro-Vega Luis Jaime , Buffet Alexandre , Amar Laurence , Bertherat Jérôme , Drui Delphine , Guilhem Isabelle , Baudin Eric , Lussey-Lepoutre Charlotte , Corsini Carole , Chabrier Gérard , Briet Claire , Faivre Laurence , Cardot-Bauters Catherine , Favier Judith , Gimenez-Roqueplo Anne-Paule , Burnichon Nelly
Published: March 2019

Background

Knowing the genetic status of patients affected by paragangliomas and pheochromocytomas (PPGL) is important for the guidance of their management and their relatives. Our objective was to improve the diagnostic performances of PPGL genetic testing by next-generation sequencing (NGS).

Methods

We developed a custom multigene panel, which includes 17 PPGL genes and is compatible with both germline and tumour DNA screening. The NGS assay was first validated in a retrospective cohort of 201 frozen tumour DNAs and then applied prospectively to 623 DNAs extracted from leucocytes, frozen or paraffin-embedded PPGL tumours.

Results

In the retrospective cohort, the sensitivity of the NGS assay was evaluated at 100% for point and indels mutations and 86% for large rearrangements. The mutation rate was re-evaluated from 65% (132/202) to 78% (156/201) after NGS analysis. In the prospective cohort, NGS detected not only germline and somatic mutations but also co-occurring variants and mosaicism. A mutation was identified in 74% of patients for whom both germline and tumour DNA were available.

Conclusion

The analysis of 824 DNAs from patients with PPGL demonstrated that NGS assay significantly improves the performances of PPGL genetic testing compared with conventional methods, increasing the rate of identified mutations and identifying rare genetic mechanisms.
Molecular dynamics simulation on the morphology of 1,1-diamino-2,2-dinitroethylene (FOX-7) affected by dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and temperature
Authors: Lan Guanchao , Jin Shaohua , Li Jing , Lu Zhiyan , Ruan Jian , Chen Minglei , Li Lijie
Published: March 2019

The attachment energy (AE) model is adopted to research the influence of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and temperature on the crystal morphology of 1,1-diamino-2,2-dinitroethylene (FOX-7). FOX-7 crystal habits in DMSO at different temperatures simulated by the AE model have apparently changed compared with the vacuum morphology, indicating that the solvent and temperature can affect FOX-7 morphology. Moreover, the influence of model dimension on the attachment energy has been studied, and a reasonable model size is obtained based on the model dimension study results. Besides, the radial distribution function analysis shows that the solvent molecules adsorb on the FOX-7 surfaces mainly via the solvent–crystal interface interactions of van der Waals forces (vdW) and Coulomb interactions. The analysis of diffusion coefficient of DMSO molecules on the crystal growth surfaces shows that the growth habit is also influenced by the diffusion capacity of DMSO molecules. These simulation results of this study can provide some guidance for the crystallization process of FOX-7.
Evolocumab, a proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitor, promotes angiogenesis in vitro
Authors: Safaeian Leila , Vaseghi Golnaz , Jabari Hedieh , Dana Nasim
Published: March 2019

The proprotein convertases family is involved in several physiological processes such as cell growth, migration, and angiogenesis, and also in different pathological conditions. Evolocumab, an inhibitor of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), has recently been approved for treatment of hypercholesterolemia. This study aimed to investigate the effect of evolocumab on angiogenesis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Cell proliferation and migration were evaluated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and Transwell methods. In vitro angiogenesis was assessed by tube formation assay. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion by HUVECs was also determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Evolocumab significantly increased HUVECs viability at 100 μg/mL. Significant enhancement in cell migration, and mean tubules length and size was observed at the concentrations of 10 and 100 μg/mL and also in mean number of junctions at the concentration of 100 μg/mL. Administration of evolocumab at the concentration of 10 μg/mL increased VEGF release into supernatants of HUVECs. Findings of this investigation provided in vitro evidence for pro-angiogenic activity of evolocumab through promoting cell proliferation, migration, tubulogenesis, and VEGF secretion in HUVECs.
GOVERNMENT COMMERCIALIZATION GRANTS AND BUSINESS PERFORMANCE
Authors: BAKHTIARI SASAN , BRUNO ANGELINA
Published: March 2019

Australian government offered a number of commercialization grants to businesses from 2009 to 2014. The grants were to support companies and innovators during the commercialization phase of their products and ideas. Focussing on the small firms that are supported by the program, we find that the grant recipient firms tend to invest in capital and research and development (R&D) in larger amounts than a similar comparison group. These firms also experience a faster growth in turnover and a higher probability of exporting, patenting and registering for trademarks. Overall, the program seems to have had a positive impact on firm productivity and innovation activity.
Bell’s inequality, generalized concurrence and entanglement in qubits
Authors: Chang Po-Yao , Chu Su-Kuan , Ma Chen-Te
Published: March 2019

It is well known that the maximal violation of the Bell’s inequality for a two-qubit system is related to the entanglement formation in terms of a concurrence. However, a generalization of this relation to an [Formula: see text]-qubit state has not been found. In this paper, we demonstrate some extensions of the relation between the upper bound of the Bell’s violation and a generalized concurrence in several [Formula: see text]-qubit states. In particular, we show the upper bound of the Bell’s violation can be expressed as a function of the generalized concurrence, if a state can be expressed in terms of two variables. We apply the relation to the Wen-Plaquette model and show that the topological entanglement entropy can be extracted from the maximal Bell’s violation.
The adsorption mechanism and electronic properties of FeO–HNCO clusters
Authors: Li Zhi , Zhao Zhen , Shi Tong-Tong
Published: March 2019

The configurations, electronic and spin of the FeO–HNCO clusters are investigated at PW91 method. The calculated results show that the Fe–O–C–N four-member ring preferred to form the FeO–HNCO cluster and it has higher kinetic stability. The isomer which possesses an Fe–O–C triangle ring has higher kinetic activity. The hybridization of sp orbital of C and N atoms of the FeO–HNCO clusters is stronger. For the lowest-energy FeO–HNCO cluster, the Fe and O atoms have the opposite spin direction.