bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Curcumin ameliorates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in a C57BL/6 mouse model
Authors: Esmaeilzadeh Emran , Soleimani Maryam , Zare‐Abdollahi Davood , Jameie Behnamedin , Khorram Khorshid Hamid Reza
Published: April 2019

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. Although the exact etiology of the disease is largely unknown, it is identified that cytokines may play an important role in the pathogenesis of MS. In this study, the effects of curcumin has been investigated on the expression levels of selected cytokine coding genes as well as the extent of demyelination in the corpus callosum of C57BL/6 experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of MS. Gene expression analyses revealed that treatment with curcumin could lead to a significant reduction in the expression levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokine coding genes including IL‐6 (p = 0.001), IL‐17 (p = 0.001), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α (p = 0.008), and interferon (IFN)‐γ (p = 0.033) as well as a significant increase in the expression level of transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β (p = 0.006) as an anti‐inflammatory cytokine. Moreover, the expression of glutathione peroxidase (GPX)‐1 gene and the activity of anti‐oxidant enzymes were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in curcumin‐treated mice. Luxol fast blue staining also confirmed a significant reduction in the extent of demyelination in the curcumin‐treated group (p < 0.001). Our results have confirmed that curcumin is an effective therapeutic agent that could ameliorate the severity of EAE.
Secretive eating and binge eating following bariatric surgery
Authors: Lydecker Janet A. , Ivezaj Valentina , Grilo Carlos M.
Published: April 2019

Objective

Some individuals eat furtively and conceal evidence of eating, and this seems to occur beyond binge‐eating episodes. This type of secretive eating is common among youth and emerging evidences suggests that it is a relevant marker of eating disorder psychopathology among adults with significant eating and weight concerns.

Method

We assessed secretive eating, loss‐of‐control (LOC) eating, and eating disorder psychopathology using investigator‐based interviews among treatment‐seeking adults experiencing LOC eating following bariatric surgery (N = 168). Participants also completed an established depression measure; height and weight were measured.

Results

Overall, 37% of patients reported secretive eating: 54% of patients who met criteria for binge‐eating disorder except for the size criterion (“bariatric BED”) and 25% of patients with subthreshold bariatric BED reported secretive eating. Many clinical variables were higher among patients with secretive eating compared to those without secretive eating; however, only eating disorder psychopathology severity and body dissatisfaction remained significantly higher among patients with secretive eating compared to those without when bariatric BED status was also included as a variable in the model.

Discussion

Findings suggest that among post‐bariatric surgery patients with LOC eating, secretive eating signals more severe eating disorder psychopathology overall and specifically related to dissatisfaction with weight and shape. Bariatric BED status, however, has a stronger association than secretive eating with many clinical variables. Secretive eating should be assessed and considered when addressing weight and shape concerns among patients experiencing LOC eating after bariatric surgery.
Detecting disease‐defining gene fusions in unclassified round cell sarcomas using anchored multiplex PCR/targeted RNA next‐generation sequencing—Molecular and clinicopathological characterization of 16 cases
Authors: Mantilla Jose G. , Ricciotti Robert W. , Chen Eleanor , Hoch Benjamin L. , Liu Yajuan J.
Published: April 2019

Detection of disease‐defining gene fusions in sarcoma has led to refining their classification, as well as to discover several new entities. The advent of anchored multiplex PCR/targeted RNA next‐generation sequencing (AMP/RNA‐seq) has allowed for the development of scalable platforms that can simultaneously examine multiple fusion transcripts without prior knowledge of specific fusion partners.In this study, we assess the utility of a FusionPlex sarcoma panel analysis by AMP/RNA‐seq to detect disease‐defining gene fusions in 16 cases of undifferentiated round cell sarcoma in which prior diagnostic work‐up could not establish a definitive diagnosis. The clinical and pathologic features of these cases were correlated with the molecular findings. Validation of the method using 41 cases with known diagnoses showed analytic sensitivity and specificity of 98% and 100%, respectively. Of the 16 cases of undifferentiated round cell sarcoma, gene fusions were found in 9 (56%). These included three cases with CIC‐DUX4 fusion, two cases with BCOR‐CCNB3, and four single cases with CIC‐NUTM2A, HEY1‐NCOA2, EWSR1‐NFATC2, and NUT‐MGA1 fusions. Overall, despite some degree of morphologic overlap, all fusion‐positive cases had distinct morphologic features, which can be helpful for their histologic classification. We also describe the first adult case of MGA‐NUTM1 fusion sarcoma, as well as cartilaginous differentiation in a BCOR‐CCNB3 fusion sarcoma, which has not been previously reported. Our study demonstrated that FusionPlex sarcoma panel analysis, in the appropriate morphologic context, is a sensitive and precise ancillary method for the detection of disease‐defining gene fusions in undifferentiated round cell sarcomas, aiding in their definitive classification.
Dynamic imaging and quantification of subcellular motion with eigen‐decomposition optical coherence tomography‐based variance analysis
Authors: Wei Wei , Tang Peijun , Xie Zhiying , Li Yuandong , Wang Ruikang K.
Published: April 2019

The dynamic properties of subcellular organism are important biomarkers of the health. Imaging subcellular level dynamics provides effective solutions for evaluating cell metabolism and testing the responses of cells to pathogens and drugs in pharmaceutical engineering. In this paper, we demonstrate an innovative approach to contrast the subcellular motion by using eigen decomposition (ED)‐based variance analysis of time‐dependent complex optical coherence tomography signals. This method reveals a superior advantage of contrast to noise ratio when compared with the approach that employs intensity decorrelation. Furthermore, the eigen values derived from ED processing are calculated and applied to assess the power ratios of complex signal invariance that decreases exponentially along time dimension. The validation experiments are performed on the patterned samples of yeast powder mixed with gelatin/TiO2 water solution. Additionally, the proposed method is used to image mouse cerebral cortex in normal and pathological conditions, suggesting the practicality of variance power mapping in analyzing cortical neural activities. The technique promises efficient measurement of subcellular motions with high sensitivity and high throughput for in vivo and in situ applications.
Embryonic stem cells differentiated into neuron‐like cells using SB431542 small molecule on nanofibrous PLA/CS/Wax scaffold
Authors: Hoveizi Elham , Ebrahimi‐Barough Somayeh
Published: April 2019

Electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds show huge potential to improve the neurological outcome in central nervous system disorders. In this study, we cultured mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) on an electrospun nanofibrous polylactic acid/Chitosan/Wax (PLA/CS/Wax) scaffold and surveyed the attachment, behavior, and differentiation of mESCs into neural cells. Differentiation in neural‐like cells (NLCs) was investigated with a medium containing SB431542 as a small molecule and conjugated linolenic acid after 20 days. We used Immunocytochemistry and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) techniques to assess neural marker expression in differentiated cells. SEM imaging demonstrated that mESCs could strongly attach, stretch, and differentiate on PLA/CS/Wax scaffolds. MESCs that were cultured on PLA/CS/Wax scaffolds showed enhanced numbers of neural structures and neural markers including Nestin, NF‐H, Tuj‐1, and Map2 in neural induction medium compared to the control sample. These results revealed that electrospun PLA/CS/Wax scaffolds associated with the induction medium can assemble proper conditions for stem cell differentiation into NLCs. We hope that the development of new technologies in neural tissue engineering may pave a new avenue for neural tissue regeneration.
Preclinical evaluation of new GnRH‐I receptor radionuclide therapy with 177Lu‐peptide tracer
Authors: Zoghi Masoumeh , Attar Nosrati Sima , Rogni Faramarz , Shirvani Gholamhossein , Johari Daha Fariba
Published: April 2019

The purpose of this study was to develop preclinical evaluation of a novel radiolabeled gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor targeting peptide for prostate cancer therapy. The new antiproliferative agent of GnRH‐I analogue was developed on the basis of the D‐Trp6‐GnRH‐I scaffold, and in vivo pharmacokinetics and receptor binding affinity were enhanced by the substitution of Gly‐NHNH2 for Gly‐NH2 at position 10 in D‐Trp6‐GnRH‐I. To evaluate 177Lu‐DOTA‐triptorelin‐hydrazide as radionuclide therapy of tumor, the quality control tests and preclinical stage assessment were carried out. Solid‐phase method was used to synthesize new peptide. Characterization and purity of peptide were done by mass spectroscopy and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In order to be utilized in targeted therapy, the new GnRH‐I agonist was coupled with pSCN‐Bn‐DOTA. The precipitate crude of DOTA‐triptorelin‐hydrazide was then purified via preparative HPLC. At optimal conditions of time, temperature, ligand amount, and lutetium content, DOTA‐triptorelin‐hydrazide was labeled with 177Lu (specific activity not less than 925 GBq/mg). Investigation of the in vivo biodistribution and in vitro studies for 177Lu‐DOTA‐TRPHYD was performed in three different ways, and the binding of radiopeptide to GnRH receptors was expressed on the human cell lines using 125I‐labeled D‐TRP6GnRH‐I as a tracer, respectively. Synthesized novel GnRH‐I was obtained with purity greater than 98%. Paper chromatography was found to be the most suitable with Rf of the complex and observed radiochemical purity of RTLC and HPLC greater than 97%. For in vivo studies, 177Lu‐DOTA‐triptorelin‐hydrazide showed promising results with fast clearance from the blood and resulted in good T/NT ratios at 1, 4, and 24 hours postinjection and satisfactory biodistribution with no significant activity seen in normal tissue. The values of internalization efficiency and receptor affinity of new radiopeptide binding were IC50 = 0.47 ± 0.06 vs 0.13 ± 0.01 nM for triptorelin and cellular uptake: 3.4 ± 0.7% at 1 hour and 6.8 ± 1.17% at 4 hours of the internal reference. The results showed a good stability and radiochemical purity of the obtained radioconjugate. For in vivo and in vitro studies, new radiopeptide showed a high uptake of 177Lu conjugate in tumor and rapid clearance from the blood stream almost entirely via the renal/urinary pathway and binding to the GnRH receptors with high specificity and affinity, respectively.
Effects of Preoperative Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy on Scar Formation—A Pilot Study on 24 Subjects Undergoing Abdominoplasty Surgery
Authors: Russe Elisabeth , Wechselberger Gottfried , Schwaiger Karl , Heinrich Klemens , Hladik Michaela , Traintinger Heike
Published: April 2019

Objectives

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) has been demonstrated as a feasible noninvasive method to improve wound healing. This effect was demonstrated to result from increased perfusion and angiogenesis due to systemic growth factor expression. We, therefore, hypothesized that preoperative ESWT reduces scar formation after surgery.

Methods

A prospective, controlled pilot study on 24 patients undergoing abdominoplasty was conducted and the efficacy of preoperative unfocused, low energy EWST was evaluated. The right and left half of the operative area were randomly allocated to ESWT or placebo treatment in intrapatient control design. At 6 and 12 weeks after surgery, scar formation was evaluated by 19 different scar parameters included in the patient, observer scar assessment, and the Vancouver scar scale.

Results

The overall rating of the Vancouver and POSAS scale with Mann–Whitney (MW) analysis revealed a clear trend favoring ESWT. At week 6, 7 of 19 parameters clearly favored ESWT (MW > 0.53). At week 12, 8 of 19 parameters clearly favored ESWT. The largest differences were observed in thickness and overall impression (Vancouver scar scale).

Conclusions

ESWT presumably reduces scar formation and postoperative symptoms after abdominoplasty surgery. Further studies are required to confirm ESWT efficacy with statistical significance. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dynamic water/fat separation and inhomogeneity mapping—joint estimation using undersampled triple‐echo multi‐spoke radial FLASH
Authors: Tan Zhengguo , Voit Dirk , Kollmeier Jost M. , Uecker Martin , Frahm Jens
Published: April 2019

Purpose

To achieve dynamic water/fat separation and field inhomogeneity mapping via model‐based reconstructions of undersampled triple‐echo multi‐spoke radial FLASH acquisitions.

Methods

This work introduces an undersampled triple‐echo multi‐spoke radial FLASH sequence, which uses (i) complementary radial spokes per echo train for faster spatial encoding, (ii) asymmetric echoes for flexible and nonuniform echo spacing, and (iii) a golden angle increment across frames for optimal k‐space coverage. Joint estimation of water, fat, inhomogeneity, and coil sensitivity maps from undersampled triple‐echo data poses a nonlinear and non‐convex inverse problem which is solved by a model‐based reconstruction with suitable regularization. The developed methods are validated using phantom experiments with different degrees of undersampling. Real‐time MRI studies of the knee, liver, and heart are conducted without prospective gating or retrospective data sorting at temporal resolutions of 70, 158, and 40 ms, respectively.

Results

Up to 18‐fold undersampling is achieved in this work. Even in the presence of rapid physiological motion, large field inhomogeneities, and phase wrapping, the model‐based reconstruction yields reliably separated water/fat maps in conjunction with spatially smooth inhomogeneity maps.

Conclusions

The combination of a triple‐echo acquisition and joint reconstruction technique provides a practical solution to time‐resolved and motion robust water/fat separation at high spatial and temporal resolution.
Morphological, rheological, and mechanical properties of hybrid elastomeric foams based on natural rubber, nanoclay, and nanocarbon black
Authors: Vahidifar Ali , Esmizadeh Elnaz , Rostami Ehsan , Nouri Khorasani Saied , Rodrigue Denis
Published: April 2019

In this study, compression molding was used to produce elastomeric nanocomposite foams based on natural rubber (NR) with a hybrid reinforcing system containing organo‐modified nanoscale (NC) and nanocarbon black (NCB). The effect of NC content (0‐10 part per hundred rubber, phr) on the curing behavior, as well as the morphological and mechanical properties of elastomeric foams containing 10 phr of NCB was determined. Transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction results showed that NC exfoliation occurred at low NC concentration (less than 5 phr), while increasing NC content up to 5 phr led to aggregation. Rheological data revealed that increasing the NC content up to 10 phr gradually changed the curing parameters such as 50% shorter scorch and curing time, two times faster curing rate, as well as higher initial (35%) and final (35%) torque. Scanning electron microscopy analysis also showed that increasing NC content from 0 to 5 phr produced foams with more uniform small cells, while 7 phr of NC changed the foam structure into two areas composed of different cell sizes and different cell densities. Higher NC content (10 phr) led to broken cell walls. With nanoparticles, higher foam modulus (83%) and hardness (104%) were observed. Finally, NC addition was found to improve the NR's thermal and thermo‐oxidative resistance while the sound absorption coefficient was constant.
Thermomorphological analysis of Al2O3/HDPE nanocomposites: One approach in function of the processing and vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMS) content
Authors: Ladeira Natalia Emerich , de Melo Furtado José G. , Pacheco Elen B.A.V.
Published: April 2019

The present study assesses the influence of processing and adding alumina (Al2O3) nanoparticles functionalized with vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMS) on high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) matrix. The model proposed by Henk, Kortsen, and Kvarts is used to calculate the ideal alumina nanoparticle concentration, in order to provide a larger interface area with lower agglomeration. Two different processing techniques are used to add the alumina nanoparticles functionalized with VTMS to the HDPE: direct blending and masterbatches applying the same processing extrusion parameters'. The alumina's nanoparticle functionalization with VTMS is confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis. The MFI is measured and nanoparticles dispersion is evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and by energy dispersive spectroscopy. Thermal behavior is measured by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The addition of Al2O3 nanoparticles increases the thermal stability of the nanocomposites. Functionalization with VTMS provides improve adhesion to the polymer matrix, while the masterbatch processing technique promotes better alumina nanoparticle dispersion in the HDPE matrix and produce high crystalline composites. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:1332–1343 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
LncRNA‐ENST00000501520 promotes the proliferation of malignant‐transformed BEAS‐2B cells induced with coal tar pitch mediated by target genes
Authors: Li Zhongqiu , Zhang Yaping , Meng Liya , Yang Sa , Zhang Peng , Zhang Jiatong , Li Chunyang , Feng Feifei , Zhang Qiao
Published: April 2019

As a human carcinogen, coal tar pitch (CTP) can significantly increase the risk of lung cancer. However, the mechanism underlying CTP‐induced lung carcinogenesis has not been well understood. This study aims to explore the role of the LncRNA‐ENST00000501520 in the proliferation of malignant‐transformed human bronchial epithelial cells (BAES‐2B) induced by CTP extract for the first time. BEAS‐2B cells were stimulated with 2.4 μg/mL CTP extract, and then passaged for three times, which were named passage 1 and then passaged until passage 30 (named as CTP group). The ENST000001520 of cells in CTP group was interfered using siRNA. The results showed that ENST000001520 located in cell nucleus (>80%) had no or weak ability of protein encoding. After interference of ENST000001520, the migration and proliferation of cells in CTP group were inhibited, and the cell cycle was arrested in the G0/G1 phase; however, the apoptosis of cells in CTP group was promoted. The target genes (SKB1, CLTB, TAP2, PIPK2, and SOCS3) of ENST000001520 were screened out, and the mRNA and protein expression of SBK1 and SOCS3 was significantly decreased after ENST000001520 interference. SBK1 and SOCS3 may play a promoting role in occurrence and development of cancers. The study suggests that LncRNA‐ENST00000501520 could promote the proliferation in malignant‐transformed BEAS‐2B cells induced with CTP extract which may be mediated by target genes. This study may provide a new target for prevention and treatment of lung cancer.
Effectiveness of various wetland vegetation species on mitigating water pollution from highway runoff
Authors: Luo Yanzhang , Sun Shiqing , Zhang Hui
Published: April 2019

This study selected and tested five submerged aquatic vegetation‐based (SAV) wetlands to improve highway runoff treatment in best management practices. The removal efficiencies of suspended solid (SS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN), ammonia nitrogen (), and total phosphorus (TP) in the five SAV wetlands were analyzed. Furthermore, the lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) accumulation capabilities of five submerged macrophytes were determined. The obtained results show that Ceratophyllum demersum wetlands achieved the highest nutrient removal and had the heavy metal accumulation property. Vallisneria natans showed the highest bioaccumulation of Pb among all tested species. Ceratophyllum demersum wetlands showed the highest average removal efficiencies of SS (82.97%), COD (62.08%), TN (77.63%), (76.24%), TP (77.55%), Pb (96.24%), and Zn (91.23%). The tendencies of contaminant removal showed seasonal variation, and SAV wetlands performed better in summer than in spring and autumn. Consequently, SAV wetlands showed selectivity for contaminant removal.

Practitioner points

Chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) in highway runoff were removed by submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV).

Ceratophyllum demersum and Myriophyllum spicatum wetlands performed well on heavy metal removing.

Ceratophyllum demersum showed the highest removal efficiencies of TSS, COD, TN, , and TP.

The SAV wetlands performed better in summer than in other seasons.
Effective potential for revolving D-branes
Authors: Iso Satoshi , Ohta Hikaru , Suyama Takao
Published: April 2019

Abstract

We quantize an open string stretched between D0-branes revolving around each other. The worldsheet theory is analyzed in a rotating coordinate system in which the worldsheet fields obey simple boundary conditions, but instead the worldsheet Lagrangian becomes nonlinear. We quantize the system perturbatively with respect to the velocity of the D-branes and determine the one-loop partition function of the open string, from which we extract the short-distance behavior of the effective potential for the revolving D0-branes. It is compared with the calculation of the partition function of open strings between D0-branes moving at a constant relative velocity.
The simplest massive S-matrix: from minimal coupling to black holes
Authors: Chung Ming-Zhi , Huang Yu-tin , Kim Jung-Wook , Lee Sangmin
Published: April 2019

Abstract

In this paper, we explore the physics of electromagnetically and gravitationally coupled massive higher spin states from the on-shell point of view. Starting with the three-point amplitude, we focus on the simplest amplitude characterized by matching to minimal coupling in the UV. In the IR, for charged states this leads to g = 2 for arbitrary spin, and the leading deformation corresponds to the anomalous magnetic dipole moment. We proceed to construct the (gravitational) Compton amplitude for generic spins via consistent factorization. We find that in gravitation couplings, the leading deformation leads to inconsistent factorization. This implies that for systems with Gauge2 = Gravity relations, such as perturbative string theory, all charged states must have g = 2. It is then natural to ask for generic spin, what is the theory that yields such minimal coupling. By matching to the one body effective action, we verify that for large spins the answer is Kerr black holes. This identification is then an on-shell avatar of the no- hair theorem. Finally using this identification as well as the newly constructed Compton amplitudes, we proceed to compute the spin-dependent pieces for the classical potential at 2PM order up to degree four in spin operator of either black holes.
Exercising abilities
Authors: Carter J. Adam
Published: April 2019

According to one prominent view of exercising abilities (e.g., Millar in Acta Anal 24(4):223–236, 2009), a subject, S, counts as exercising an ability to $$ \phi $$
ϕ
if and only if S successfully $$ \phi $$
ϕ
s. Such an ‘exercise-success’ thesis looks initially very plausible for abilities, perhaps even obviously or analytically true. In this paper, however, I will be defending the position that one can in fact exercise an ability to do one thing by doing some entirely distinct thing, and in doing so I’ll highlight various reasons (epistemological, metaphysical and linguistic) that favor the alternative approach I develop over views that hold that the exercise of an ability is a success notion in the sense Millar maintains.
Analysis of spatiotemporal variations in the characteristics of soil microbial communities in Castanopsis fargesii forests
Authors: Qiao Hongyong , Luan Yaning , Wang Bing , Dai Wei , Zhao Mengsai
Published: April 2019

Castanopsis fargesii is a good afforestation plants and various microorganisms play important roles in mediating the growth and ecological functions of this species. In this study, we evaluated changes in microbial communities in soil samples from C. fargesii forests. The phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) biomarker method was used to obtain bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, gram-positive bacteria (G+), gram-negative bacteria (G−), aerobic bacteria, and anaerobic bacteria to investigate spatiotemporal changes in microbial communities during the growing season. The results show that soil microorganisms were mainly concentrated in the upper 20-cm layer, demonstrating an obvious surface aggregation (P < 0.05). Large amounts of litter and heavy rainfall during the early growing season resulted in the highest PLFA contents for various microorganisms, whereas relatively low and stable levels were observed during other times. The dominant species during each period were bacteria. G+ or aerobic bacteria were the main bacterial populations, providing insights into the overall trends of soil bacterial PLFA contents. Due to the relative accumulation of refractory substances during the later stages of litter decomposition, the effects of fungi increased significantly. Overall, our findings demonstrate that the main factors influencing microbial communities were litter, rainfall, and soil field capacity.
Evolution of Agricultural Spatial Market Integration: Evidence from the Hog Market in China
Authors: Pan Fanghui , Li Cuixia
Published: April 2019

This article investigates the evolution of hog spatial market integration in China based on a minimal spanning tree by using provincial hog price data. The empirical results show that hog spatial market integration in China has increased gradually and reached a high stable level after 2012. Hog spatial market integration underwent a structural break in April 2007, after which hog market integration was greatly strengthened. Moreover, the market power of hog markets in eastern China and central China is increasing, and Shandong is a price setter, whereas hog markets in southwestern, northeastern, and northern China are price followers.
A Quantitative Dwelling-Scale Approach to the Social Implications of Maize Horticulture in New England
Authors: Farley William A. , Fox Amy N. , Hrynick M. Gabriel
Published: April 2019

We compare domestic architectural features in New England and the Maritime Peninsula to investigate the relationship between the adoption of horticulture and its relationship to social and settlement change during the Woodland Period. Horticulture was not practiced on the Maritime Peninsula until after European contact, despite cultural and environmental similarity to New England. In New England, horticulture has been implicated in profound social and settlement changes. However, aggregated villages, a unit typically investigated for evidence of social change, have proven elusive in the archaeological record. We compiled and analyzed a dataset of dwelling features instead of relying on identifiable villages. This novel quantitative approach uses dwelling feature shape and size as a proxy for social and settlement change, considering these changes at the scale of the house. We find that, during the Woodland Period, dwelling size was overall slightly larger in New England than on the Maritime Peninsula, but ranges heavily overlapped. After the introduction of horticulture, however, dwellings in New England grew in size overall and assumed bimodally distinct larger and smaller forms, which likely necessitated a restructuring of social and economic behavior. This pattern correlates maize horticulture with changes in social and economic lifestyle in Late Woodland New England.
Calculating Hohokam Domestic Architecture Building Costs to Test an Environmental Model of Architectural Changes
Authors: Abbott David R. , Craig Douglas B. , Zanotto Hannah , Judd Veronica , Kober Brent
Published: April 2019

Studies of domestic architectural variation are rare in archaeological research, possibly because the essential methods remain underdeveloped. To encourage a comparative approach to explaining the construction differences in household dwellings, we designed and utilized objective and easily applied means to calculate labor costs for constructing a variety of domestic architectural styles in Hohokam society. We applied Abrams's (1989, 1994) approach, labelled “architectural energetics,” which converts architecture into its labor equivalents for building structures. By doing so, we derived standard units of measurement that promote comparative analysis. To demonstrate the method's utility, we turned to the pithouses and adobe surface structures at Pueblo Grande. We wanted to test whether the history of construction was driven by environmental degradation, and, in particular, a depletion over time of wood resources for home building (see Loendorf and Lewis 2017). Our analysis indicated that factors in addition to wood depletion likely contributed to the architectural changes at Pueblo Grande and across the Hohokam world.
Continuous Electroencephalography Monitoring for Critically Ill Neonates: A Canadian Perspective
Authors: Buttle Sarah Grace , Sell Erick , Webster Richard , Varin Melanie , Lemyre Brigitte , Hahn Cecil , Pohl Daniela
Published: April 2019

Background: Continuous EEG monitoring, in the form of amplitude-integrated (aEEG) or conventional EEG (cEEG), is used in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to detect subclinical central nervous system pathologies, inform management, and prognosticate neurodevelopmental outcomes. To learn more about provider attitudes and current practices in Canada, we evaluated neurologist and neonatologist opinions regarding NICU EEG monitoring. Methods: A 15-item electronic questionnaire was distributed to 114 pediatric neurologists and 176 neonatologists working across 25 sites. Results: The survey was completed by 87 of 290 physicians. Continuous EEG monitoring is utilized by 97% of pediatric neurologists and 92% of neonatologists. Neurologists and neonatologists differ in their EEG monitoring preferences. For seizure detection and diagnosis of encephalopathy, significantly more neonatologists favor aEEG alone or in combination with cEEG, whereas most neurologists prefer cEEG (p = 0.047, 0.001). There is a significant difference in the perceived gaps in monitoring patients with cEEG between neonatologists (13% would monitor more) and neurologists (41% would monitor more) (p = 0.007). Half of all respondents (53%) reported that they would be interested in attending an education session on neonatal EEG monitoring. Conclusions: Canadian neurologists and neonatologists do not agree on the best monitoring approach for critically ill neonates. Furthermore, neonatologists perceive a smaller cEEG monitoring gap as compared with neurologists. However, many participants from both specialties would like to increase long-term EEG monitoring in the NICU setting. Facilitating access to EEG monitoring and enhancing education may help to address these needs.
Turbulent Rayleigh–Bénard convection in an annular cell
Authors: Zhu Xu , Jiang Lin-Feng , Zhou Quan , Sun Chao
Published: April 2019

We report an experimental study of turbulent Rayleigh–Bénard (RB) convection in an annular cell of water (Prandtl number $Pr=4.3$) with a radius ratio $\unicode[STIX]{x1D702}\simeq 0.5$. Global quantities, such as the Nusselt number $Nu$ and the Reynolds number $Re$, and local temperatures were measured over the Rayleigh range $4.2\times 10^{9}\leqslant Ra\leqslant 4.5\times 10^{10}$. It is found that the scaling behaviours of $Nu(Ra)$, $Re(Ra)$ and the temperature fluctuations remain the same as those in the traditional cylindrical cells; both the global and local properties of turbulent RB convection are insensitive to the change of cell geometry. A visualization study, as well as local temperature measurements, shows that in spite of the lack of the cylindrical core, there also exists a large-scale circulation (LSC) in the annular system: thermal plumes organize themselves with the ascending hot plumes on one side and the descending cold plumes on the opposite side. Near the upper and lower plates, the mean flow moves along the two circular branches. Our results further reveal that the dynamics of the LSC in this annular geometry is different from that in the traditional cylindrical cell, i.e. the orientation of the LSC oscillates in a narrow azimuthal angle range, and no cessations, reversals or net rotation were detected.
Predicting Network Events to Assess Goodness of Fit of Relational Event Models
Authors: Brandenberger Laurence
Published: April 2019

Relational event models are becoming increasingly popular in modeling temporal dynamics of social networks. Due to their nature of combining survival analysis with network model terms, standard methods of assessing model fit are not suitable to determine if the models are specified sufficiently to prevent biased estimates. This paper tackles this problem by presenting a simple procedure for model-based simulations of relational events. Predictions are made based on survival probabilities and can be used to simulate new event sequences. Comparing these simulated event sequences to the original event sequence allows for in depth model comparisons (including parameter as well as model specifications) and testing of whether the model can replicate network characteristics sufficiently to allow for unbiased estimates.
Paleoecological implications of the first prehistoric record of water vole (Microtus richardsoni) from Washington state, USA
Authors: Lyman R. Lee
Published: April 2019

Remains of the North American water vole (Microtus richardsoni) have previously been recovered from late Pleistocene and Holocene deposits in southwestern Alberta, western Montana, and north-central Wyoming. All are within the historically documented modern range of the metapopulation occupying the Rocky Mountains; no ancient remains of this large microtine have previously been reported from the metapopulation occupying the Cascade Range. Four lower first molar specimens from the late Holocene Stemilt Creek Village archaeological site in central Washington here identified as water vole are from the eastern slope of the Cascade Range and are extralimital to the metapopulation found in those mountains. There is no taphonomic evidence indicating long-distance transport of the teeth, and modern trapping records suggest the local absence of water voles from the site area today is not a function of sampling error. The precise age of the Stemilt Creek Village water voles is obscure but climate change producing well-documented late Holocene advances of nearby alpine glaciers could have created habitat conditions conducive to the apparent modest shift in the range of the species represented by the remains.
The Defended Vici of Roman Britain: Recent Research and New Agendas
Authors: Smith Alexander , Fulford Michael
Published: April 2019

The evidence of the character and purpose of settlements previously described as defended ‘small towns’ is reviewed in the light of knowledge accrued since the implementation of Planning Policy Guidance 16 in 1990, the same year as the publication of Burnham and Wacher's survey,The ‘Small Towns’ of Roman Britain. This review focuses on four of the more extensively excavated settlements: Alcester, Cambridge, Godmanchester and Worcester. In the absence of convincing urban attributes, it is suggested that this category of settlement should more appropriately be regarded as defended villages (vici). These cluster in and around the West Anglian plain and on Ermine Street, suggesting a strategic function to protect grain and other food supplies and their movement, potentially either to the northern frontier or south to London and, perhaps, export to the Continent.
Regulatory policy entrepreneurship and reforms: a comparison of competition and financial regulation
Authors: Jabotinsky Hadar Y. , Cohen Nissim
Published: April 2019

This article proposes a new perspective for analysing regulatory reforms by emphasising the important role of policy entrepreneurs. We provide a framework for understanding the interaction between appointed regulators and politicians, as well as other players in the policy arena, by emphasising the strategies that entrepreneurial regulators use to promote their agendas. Analysing the individual regulatory entrepreneur’s barriers, goals and strategies helps us gain a better microunderstanding of how regulatory reforms are actually achieved. We maintain that when regulators act as policy entrepreneurs, they change policy outcomes by adopting strategies that promote their agendas. We develop this argument by analysing two case studies of regulatory reforms in Israel: one in the banking sector and one involving changes in competition policy.
HEIGHT AND INEQUALITY IN POST-1950 MEXICO: A HISTORY OF STUNTED GROWTH
Authors: López-Alonso Moramay , Vélez-Grajales Roberto
Published: April 2019

Using data from two national surveys (ENSA, 2000; ENSANUT, 2006) we assess the evolution of biological standards of living of the Mexican population born during the second half of the 20thcentury. Our results show that there was an improvement in living standards reflected in an increase in stature, but this amelioration was limited. We observe differences across socio-economic strata, across educational levels, and between men and women. Persistent structural inequality has been byproduct of a system of security and social protection that was limited, segmented and hampered the potentially positive effects of social-welfare policies. We corroborate the relatively modest improvement in heights by comparing outcomes in Mexico with other Latin American countries.
ES UN MUNDO PEQUEÑO: MOVILIDAD Y REDES EMPRESARIALES EN EL PROCESO DE COLONIZACIÓN AMERICANA
Authors: Mena García Carmen , Cachero Vinuesa Montserrat
Published: April 2019

This paper analyses economic interaction inCastilla del Oro(Panama) at the beginning of the 16thcentury. By applying network analysis to fiscal records, the paper reconstructs, represents and tests business networks in the mining sector and how they became more complex with the arrival of emigrants and the appearance of new gold deposits. Results show a dynamic population with a high mobility degree despite the adverse geography and the inexistent communications.
Food As a Collective Heritage Brand in the Era of Globalization
Authors: Csergo Julia
Published: April 2019

Following debate surrounding nominations of food practices for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s lists of intangible cultural heritage (ICH), 10 years after the entry into force of the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, we observe that the ICH lists count a growing number of food-related heritage elements. Yet food, or even gastronomy, as a cultural domain within ICH has yet to be officially recognized. However, given the trade policies arising from the new globalization, which subject peoples and the planet to imported, globalized, and standardized models and which generate an impoverishment of agricultures and food cultures, major geo-economic issues will play out around this recognition. Thus, along with identification labels of quality and origin that protect certain products and know-how from counterfeiting, other forms of protection could be put into place for the benefit of intangible food heritage inscribed on national lists and of the products, goods, services, industries, and cultural spaces in which they are embedded. From the perspective of safeguarding cultural diversity, which any inscription of ICH should lead to, these protections could operate not only through the cultural policies within safeguarding plans but also through the creation of a new binding legal instrument—“the heritage brand”—which could become an important facet of international trade law.
Nonlinear systems coupled through multi-marginal transport problems
Authors: LABORDE M.
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we introduce a dynamical urban planning model. This leads to the study of a system of nonlinear equations coupled through multi-marginal optimal transport problems. A first example consists in solving two equations coupled through the solution to the Monge–Ampère equation. We show that theWasserstein gradient flow theory provides a very good framework to solve these highly nonlinear systems. At the end, a uniqueness result is presented in dimension one based on convexity arguments.
Preliminary results of the CeraflexTM PDA occluder and device behaviour during releasing
Authors: Epçaçan Serdar , Bulut Mustafa Orhan , Yücel İlker Kemal , Ceviz Naci , Çelebi Ahmet
Published: April 2019

Introduction:

The CeraFlexTM PDA occluder is a new flexible device with a unique delivery system that may be beneficial with regard to not changing the device position after releasing. We prospectively evaluate the efficacy of the device and also the device behaviour patterns during release.

Methods:

The study included 21 patients. Their median age was 1.2 years (from 6 months to 28 years) and weight was 9.6 kg (from 5.4 to 82 kg). All of the ducts were conical except one atypical ductus. Median ductal diameter at the pulmonary end was 3.8 mm (from 2.2 to 8.2 mm). The ductus was closed using an antegrade approach, but special attention was paid to the patterns of device behaviour during and just after releasing.

Results:

Three different modes of device behaviour were observed during and just after releasing: (1) Neither difficulty nor change of position in 13 patients (62%), (2) a little difficulty in releasing but no change of position in 6 (29%), and (3) change of the device position in 2 (9%). There was no residual shunt on the next day except in one patient, in whom late device embolisation occurred. The device was retrieved and another, bigger device implanted.

Conclusion:

The CeraFlexTM PDA occlude device seems to be safe and efficacious for patent ductus arteriosus closure. Its unique delivery system generally fixes the device in a stable position that does not change after release (91%). Minor difficulty in releasing is not uncommon; however, the major disadvantage is the need for larger sheaths for delivery.
Hypofractionated volumetric modulated arc therapy with SIB adjuvant to breast preservation surgery: retrospective experience from a Regional Cancer Centre in Eastern India
Authors: Pallath Ashwin Mohandas , Lahiri Debarshi , Misra Biplab , Roy Sanjoy , Maji Tapas , Ray Dilip Kumar , Misra Dillip Kumar
Published: April 2019

Background:

The incidence of breast cancer has surpassed cervical cancer in India and it has now become the most common cancer in women. Multiple randomised studies have reported lowα/βvalue in the range of 3–4 for breast cancer, which predict a potential radiobiological advantage for hypofractionated radiotherapy resulting in such schedules becoming standard in many centers with reduction in overall treatment time. Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) is a novel technique of delivering radiotherapy that reduces treatment delivery time, requires less monitor units (MU) and offers good conformity. The mean dose to normal tissue may be minimised using this technique although there will be inferior sparing if we consider the low-dose volume such asV5, the effect of which is not quantifiable yet.

Aim:

Reporting acute toxicity, cosmetic effects, and quality of life in patients of early breast cancer treated with adjuvant hypofractionated VMAT with SIB.

Material and Methods:

The records of 44 patients registered at the hospital between August 2014 and December 2015 were included in this analysis. Acute toxicities were analysed using CTCAE v4.03. Cosmetic outcomes were assessed using Harvard scale, while quality of life outcomes were assessed using EORTC scales and Health Related quality of life (HRQOL) questionnaires (QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23).

Results:

No grade ≥2 skin toxicities were recorded. Breast pain was recorded as Grade 1 in 13·8% patients and Grade 1 fatigue in 18·2%. The maximum haematological abnormality grade recorded was Grade 1. Cosmesis was assessed at the baseline, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years. A total of 88·6% of the patients had an Excellent or good cosmesis at the baseline, which was similar even at 6 months, at 88·7%, improved further at 1 year to 90·9%. At 6 months post radiotherapy, high functional scale QOL scores were noted.

Conclusion:

The technique is associated with minimum acute toxicity, good to excellent cosmesis and acceptable quality of life.
Community-based self-management of chronic low back pain in a rural African primary care setting: a feasibility study
Authors: Igwesi-Chidobe Chinonso N , Godfrey Emma L , Kitchen Sheila , Onwasigwe Chika N , Sorinola Isaac O
Published: April 2019

A small pragmatic non-randomised controlled study investigated the feasibility and acceptability of a novel theory-informed community-based self-management programme targeting the biopsychosocial factors associated with chronic low back pain disability in a rural Nigerian primary care centre. Participants either received the programme, once weekly for 6 weeks, or usual care. The programme combined group exercise sessions with group/individual discussion sessions, informed by cognitive behavioural therapy and motivational interviewing. Recruitment rate, intervention delivery, proportion of planned treatment attended, retention/dropout rate, adherence to recommended self-management strategies and biopsychosocial outcomes were used to determine feasibility. Structured qualitative exit feedback interviews ascertained acceptability. Recruitment rate was 100%, treatment uptake was 83% and loss to follow-up was 8%. Greater benefits for the self-management group compared with control were observed for primary and secondary biopsychosocial outcomes. Although the programme appears promising, the exploratory design of this study warrants more rigorous intervention testing following suggested programme improvement.