bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Persistent rigid-body motions on slant helices
Authors: Kahveci̇ Derya , Yayli Yusuf
Published: October 2019

This paper reviews the persistent rigid-body motions and examines the geometric conditions of the persistence of some special frame motions on a slant helix. Unlike the Frenet–Serret motion on general helices, the Frenet–Serret motion on slant helices can be persistent. Moreover, even the adapted frame motion on slant helices can be persistent. This paper begins by explaining one-dimensional rigid-body motions and persistent motions. Then, it continues to present persistent frame motions in terms of their instantaneous twists and axode surfaces. Accordingly, the persistence of any frame motions attached to a curve can be characterized by the pitch of an instantaneous twist. This work investigates different frame motions that are persistent, namely frame motions whose instantaneous twist has a constant pitch. In particular, by expressing the connection between the pitch of Frenet–Serret motion and the pitch of adapted frame motion, it demonstrates that both the Frenet–Serret motion and the adapted frame motion are persistent on slant helices.
Weakly divergent partial quotients
Authors: Dyussekenov D. , Kadyrov S.
Published: October 2019

We study the real numbers with partial quotients diverging to infinity in a subsequence. We show that if the subsequence has positive density then such sets have Hausdorff dimension equal to 1/2. This generalizes one of the results obtained in [C. Y. Cao, B. W. Wang and J. Wu, The growth speed of digits in infinite iterated function systems, Studia. Math. 217(2) (2013) 139–158; I. J. Good, The fractional dimensional theory of continued fractions, Proc. Cambridge Philos. Soc. 37 (1941) 199–228].
Basin structure and prospectivity of the NE Atlantic volcanic rifted margin: cross-border examples from the Faroe–Shetland, Møre and Southern Vøring basins
Authors: Millett John M. , Manton Ben M. , Zastrozhnov Dmitrii , Planke Sverre , Maharjan Dwarika , Bellwald Benjamin , Gernigon Laurent , Faleide Jan Inge , Jolley David W. , Walker Faye , Abdelmalak Mansour M. , Jerram Dougal A. , Myklebust Reidun , Kjølhamar Bent E. , Halliday Jennifer , Birch-Hawkins Alex
Published: October 2019

The NE Atlantic volcanic rifted margins include vast underexplored basin areas neighbouring mature petroleum-producing regions. We appraise the cross-border prospectivity of the outer and central Faroe–Shetland, Møre and southern Vøring basins and present insights from extensive new 3D seismic surveys. Regional seismic surfaces are used to compile a cross-border seismic profile highlighting key discoveries from the UK Rosebank field in the SW to the Norwegian Ormen Lange field in the NE. Cretaceous to Paleocene reservoirs remain the main exploration focus seaward of the platform areas, and the presence of several large untested structures presents important exploration targets in the mid-Norway region. Improved imaging of the areas affected by Paleogene igneous rocks reveals major untested sub-basalt structures including some regions on the marginal highs where the basalt cover has been entirely removed by erosion, revealing sub-basalt stratigraphy and structures with pre-Cretaceous potential prospectivity. The influence of igneous rocks on both discovered and prospective hydrocarbon systems is discussed. Neogene sand injectite fields and Quaternary glacial sand bodies are extremely well imaged in the Møre Basin, documenting shallow prospectivity supported by the presence of successful regional analogue plays. New 3D seismic data are revealing previously unseen prospectivity in frontier and underexplored regions.
Findings on Modeling as Impact to Practice from the HumanMOOC
Authors: Robinson Heather A. , Al-Freih Maha , Kilgore Whitney , Prusko Patrice Torcivia
Published: October 2019

This article reports findings on the value of instructor modeling from a study on multiple iterations of the HumanMOOC course. After semi-structured interviews with participants who completed the course, coding, and analysis it was discovered that modeling of technologies and the course design using the community of inquiry (CoI) model were pivotal factors on impact to practice. Learning about the CoI through self-study, with peers, and online lectures, combined with the immersion of the framework in the LMS appears to be an effective combination and contributed to the actual, real-world implementation to the participant's classroom or work.
Rethinking Lurking
Authors: Koutropoulos Apostolos , Honeychurch Sarah , Singh Lenandlar
Published: October 2019

Lurkers, non-participating, or minimally-participating members of an online community are a subject of interest to researchers. In the realm of eLearning communities nowhere is this more visible than in MOOCs. In this article we dive into some assumptions made of lurkers, and we advocate for the position that lurking can be a valuable learning approach depending on the learning context.
Efficient and Privacy-preserving Fog-assisted Health Data Sharing Scheme
Authors: Tang Wenjuan , Ren Ju , Zhang Kuan , Zhang Deyu , Zhang Yaoxue , Shen Xuemin (Sherman)
Published: October 2019

Pervasive data collected from e-healthcare devices possess significant medical value through data sharing with professional healthcare service providers. However, health data sharing poses several security issues, such as access control and privacy leakage, as well as faces critical challenges to obtain efficient data analysis and services. In this article, we propose an efficient and privacy-preserving fog-assisted health data sharing (PFHDS) scheme for e-healthcare systems. Specifically, we integrate the fog node to classify the shared data into different categories according to disease risks for efficient health data analysis. Meanwhile, we design an enhanced attribute-based encryption method through combination of a personal access policy on patients and a professional access policy on the fog node for effective medical service provision. Furthermore, we achieve significant encryption consumption reduction for patients by offloading a portion of the computation and storage burden from patients to the fog node. Security discussions show that PFHDS realizes data confidentiality and fine-grained access control with collusion resistance. Performance evaluations demonstrate cost-efficient encryption computation, storage and energy consumption.
Aerobic exercise modulates cardiac NAD(P)H oxidase and the NRF2/KEAP1 pathway in a mouse model of chronic fructose consumption
Authors: Alves Renata , Suehiro Camila Liyoko , Oliveira Flavia Garcia de , Frantz Eliete Dalla Corte , Medeiros Renata Frauches de , Vieira Rodolfo de Paula , Martins Milton de Arruda , Lin Chin Jia , Nobrega Antonio Claudio Lucas da , Toledo-Arruda Alessandra Choqueta de
Published: October 2019

The present study investigated the effects of exercise on the cardiac nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2) factor 2 (NRF2)/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) pathway in an experimental model of chronic fructose consumption. Male C57BL/6 mice were assigned to Control, Fructose (20% fructose in drinking water), Exercise (treadmill exercise at moderate intensity), and Fructose + Exercise groups ( n = 10). After 12 wk, the energy intake and body weight in the groups were similar. Maximum exercise testing, resting energy expenditure, resting oxygen consumption, and carbon dioxide production increased in the exercise groups (Exercise and Fructose + Exercise vs. Control and Fructose groups, P < 0.05). Chronic fructose intake induced circulating hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and hyperleptinemia and increased white adipose tissue depots, with no changes in blood pressure. This metabolic environment increased circulating IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10, cardiac hypertrophy, and cardiac NF-κB-p65 and TNF-α expression, which were reduced by exercise ( P < 0.05). Cardiac ANG II type 1 receptor and NAD(P)H oxidase 2 (NOX2) were increased by fructose intake and exercise decreased this response ( P < 0.05). Exercise increased the cardiac expression of the NRF2-to-KEAP1 ratio and phase II antioxidants in fructose-fed mice ( P < 0.05). NOX4, glutathione reductase, and catalase protein expression were similar between the groups. These findings suggest that exercise confers modulatory cardiac effects, improving antioxidant defenses through the NRF2/KEAP1 pathway and decreasing oxidative stress, representing a potential nonpharmacological approach to protect against fructose-induced cardiometabolic diseases.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first study to evaluate the cardiac modulation of NAD(P)H oxidase (NOX), the NRF2/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 pathway (KEAP), and the thioredoxin (TRX1) system through exercise in the presence of moderate fructose intake. We demonstrated a novel mechanism by which exercise improves cardiac antioxidant defenses in an experimental model of chronic fructose intake, which involves NRF2-to-KEAP1 ratio modulation, enhancing the local phase II antioxidants hemoxygenase-1, thioredoxin reductase (TXNRD1), and peroxiredoxin1B (PDRX1), and inhibiting cardiac NOX2 overexpression.
Reactance and elastance as measures of small airways response to bronchodilator in asthma
Authors: Bhatawadekar S. A. , Leary D. , de Lange V. , Peters U. , Fulton S. , Hernandez P. , McParland C. , Maksym G. N.
Published: October 2019

Bronchodilation alters both respiratory system resistance (Rrs) and reactance (Xrs) in asthma, but how changes in Rrs and Xrs compare, and respond differently in health and asthma, in reflecting the contributions from the large and small airways has not been assessed. We assessed reversibility using spirometry and oscillometry in healthy and asthma subjects. Using a multibranch airway-tree model with the mechanics of upper airway shunt, we compared the effects of airway dilation and small airways recruitment to explain the changes in Rrs and Xrs. Bronchodilator decreased Rrs by 23.0 (19.0)% in 18 asthma subjects and by 13.5 (19.5)% in 18 healthy subjects. Estimated respiratory system elastance (Ers) decreased by 23.2 (21.4)% in asthma, with no significant decrease in healthy subjects. With the use of the model, airway recruitment of 15% across a generation of the small airways could explain the changes in Ers in asthma with no recruitment in healthy subjects. In asthma, recruitment accounted for 40% of the changes in Rrs, with the remaining explained by airway dilation of 6.8% attributable largely to the central airways. Interestingly, the same dilation magnitude explained the changes in Rrs in healthy subjects. Shunt only affected Rrs of the model. Ers was unaltered in health and unaffected by shunt in both groups. In asthma, Ers changed comparably to Rrs and could be attributed to small airways, while the change in Rrs was split between large and small airways. This implies that in asthma Ers sensed through Xrs may be a more effective measure of small airways obstruction and recruitment than Rrs.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first study to quantify to relative contributions of small and large airways to bronchodilator response in healthy subjects and patients with asthma. The response of the central airways to bronchodilator was similar in magnitude in both study groups, whereas the response of the small airways was significant among patients with asthma. These results suggest that low-frequency reactance and derived elastance are both sensitive measures of small airway function in asthma.
Unusual Maxillary First Molars with C-Shaped Morphology on the Same Patient: Variation in Root Canal Anatomy
Authors: Kharouf Naji , Haïkel Youssef , Mancino Davide
Published: October 2019

A maxillary first molar should be considered a four-canal tooth until proved otherwise; however, a clinician should also be aware of the possibility of the presence of C-shaped root canal configuration with or without possibility of splitting into two or three canals. The two clinical cases reported in this paper describe the endodontic treatment of two maxillary first molars, on the same patient, with uncommon anatomy: the first case is about a maxillary first molar with only one C-shaped root and one oval canal with a large buccolingual diameter, a C1 type according to Fan’s classification; the second case, about the contralateral maxillary first molar, is probably the first case documented of a maxillary first molar with a C-shaped root canal and C-shaped root with complete fusion of the three roots, having a C3 configuration.
Simultaneous Shape and Stacking Sequence Optimization of Laminated Composite Free‐Form Shells Using Multi‐Island Genetic Algorithm
Authors: San Bingbing , Xiao Zhi , Qiu Ye
Published: October 2019

A simultaneous shape and stacking sequence optimization algorithm is presented for laminated composite free‐form shells, by which the coupled effect of shape and stacking sequence can be considered. The optimization objective is determined as maximizing fundamental natural frequency to obtain largest stiffness of shells. Nonuniform rational B‐spline (NURBS) is employed to represent free‐form geometrical shapes. The coordinates of NURBS control points and fiber orientations are set up as continuous and discrete optimization variables, respectively, and optimized simultaneously. To improve the efficiency of the mixed continuous‐discrete optimization, multi‐island genetic algorithm (MIGA) is employed to search for the global result. Through several numerical examples, the performance of the proposed approach is demonstrated in comparison with the two‐phase optimization method; the effect of boundary conditions and the setup of control points on optimal results are investigated, respectively.
Resistin in Human Seminal Plasma: Relationship with Lipid Peroxidation, CAT Activity, GSH/GSSG Ratio, and Semen Parameters
Authors: Moretti Elena , Micheli Lucia , Noto Daria , Fiaschi Anna Ida , Menchiari Andrea , Cerretani Daniela
Published: October 2019

Resistin is an adipokine involved in inflammation and able to induce the expression of other proinflammatory cytokines. It is known that, in human semen, resistin is correlated with inflammatory cytokines and sperm quality. The aim of this prospective study was to explore the potential relationship between resistin, lipid peroxidation (LPO), catalase (CAT) activity, and reduced and oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) ratio in semen samples of infertile patients with leukocytospermia (no. 19), infertile patients with varicocele (no. 17), and fertile men (no. 17). Semen analysis was performed following the WHO guidelines, and sperm apoptosis and necrosis were evaluated with annexin V/propidium iodide assay. Seminal plasma samples were used to determine resistin levels by an immunological method, MDA concentration by a HPLC analysis with UV detection, GSH/GSSG ratio by an enzymatic method, CAT activity by a spectrophotometric method. The results showed that, in both groups of infertile patients, semen parameters were significantly reduced (P<0.001) and sperm apoptosis and necrosis percentages were increased. Resistin levels were significantly higher in leukocytospermia and varicocele groups (P<0.001andP<0.01, respectively) as well as MDA concentration (P<0.001) compared to controls. The MDA level was also significantly increased in the leukocytospermia group versus the varicocele group (P<0.05). The GSH/GSSG ratio was higher in fertile controls than the leukocytospermia group (P<0.05) and the varicocele group (P<0.001) and in the leukocytospermia group versus the varicocele group (P<0.05). Both the leukocytospermia and varicocele groups showed increased values of CAT activities (P<0.001) than controls. Briefly, the correlation between variables, calculated in the whole patient population, showed that resistin levels positively correlated with MDA levels, CAT activity, sperm apoptosis, and necrosis and negatively with sperm parameters and GSH/GSSG ratio. These results support an active role of resistin in an inflammatory process causing LPO, increase of CAT activity, and decrease of GSH/GSSG ratio in seminal plasma of infertile men vs. fertile controls.
Undiagnosed Abdominal Term Pregnancy with Good Neonatal Outcome
Authors: Chun Phoy Cheng , Chua Ka-Hee , Shahul Hameed Mohamed Siraj , Mathur Manisha , Lee Wai Kheong Ryan
Published: October 2019

Abdominal pregnancy is a rare occurrence and it represents only 1% of ectopic pregnancy. We report a case of an abdominal pregnancy that resulted in a term live baby. Diagnosis is unsurprisingly difficult in advanced gestation. A high index of suspicion detailed clinical and imaging examinations are needed to make the diagnosis. Multidisciplinary team involvement is crucial in the management of abdominal pregnancy.
Investigation of Ground Vibration of Full‐Stone Foundation under Dynamic Compaction
Authors: Wu Jiawen , Ma Linjian , Shi Jun , Sun Yangyang , Ke Jiewei , Wang Dan
Published: October 2019

This study focuses on the ground vibration of a full‐stone foundation treatment project. The single‐point dynamic compaction test was performed using a tamping machine at an energy level of 3200 kN·m. Time‐history curves of ground vibration velocity were recorded under 10 times tamping within 120 m distance. The effects of tamping times on the waveform of velocity and frequency spectra were assessed, as well as of peak ground velocity (PGV), peak ground acceleration (PGA), and average frequency. Furthermore, the attenuations of PGV, PGA, and average frequency were also analyzed in detail. It has been founded that increasing tamping times of dynamic compaction can effectively improve PGV and PGA. For the frequency spectra, the increasing tamping times contribute to a higher frequency range, more primary frequencies, and a larger frequency domain. However, the three parameters, namely, PGV, PGA, and average frequency, remain stable roughly when they reach a threshold of test tamping times. The attenuations of PGV and PGA with the proportional distance follow the power law with negative exponents. Furthermore, the fitted equivalent factor increases while the damped exponential decreases persistently with the increase of tamping times. The average frequency is negatively linearly correlated with the proportional tamping distances.
Development of Downscaled Climate Projections: A Case Study of the Red River Basin, South-Central U.S.
Authors: Bertrand Darrian , McPherson Renee A.
Published: October 2019

Climate models provide information that resource managers, policy makers, and researchers can use when planning for the future. While this information is valuable in the broad sense, the low spatial-resolution often lacks local details that resource managers and decision makers need to plan for their communities. Therefore, statistically downscaled climate projections provide a high-resolution output and offer local information that is more beneficial than coarse-resolution global climate model output. In the Red River Basin, located in the south-central U.S., this detailed information is used to develop long-term water plans. This area is prone to drought conditions and heavy precipitation events, and studies have consistently estimated that this will continue in the future. This paper introduces a dataset of statistically downscaled climate projections of daily minimum and maximum temperature and daily precipitation that is a useful tool for studies regarding climatological and hydrological aspects in the region. The dataset was created using two quantile mapping techniques to downscale the CCSM4, MPI-ESM-LR, and MIROC5 model outputs to a 0.1-degree spatial resolution. Furthermore, we describe the added value of coproduction of knowledge between climate scientists and end users, or in this case impacts modelers and decision makers, for creating climate projections that can be used for climate risk assessments. A case study of the data’s development and application is provided, detecting the mean daily changes in temperature and precipitation through the end of the century in the Red River Basin for two representative concentration pathways. After applying the users’ inputs to develop the datasets, results for this example estimate an increase in mean daily precipitation in the eastern portion of the basin and as much as a 15% decline in the west by the end of the century. Furthermore, mean daily temperature is expected to rise across the entire basin in all scenarios by up to 6–7°C.
Behavior Selection of Stakeholders toward Megaproject Social Responsibility: Perspective from Social Action Theory
Authors: Xie Linlin , Han Ting , Chu Haitao , Xia Bo
Published: October 2019

The importance of social responsibility strategy for the sustainable development of megaprojects has been widely concerned, while types and motivations of social responsibility behavior have also been analyzed and examined in the corporate management literature. However, the typical social responsibility behaviors in megaprojects and the various motivations and factors that influence stakeholders’ selection of social responsibility behavior have not been fully considered and confirmed. In this study, camouflage behavior and collaborative behavior are taken as representative social responsibility behaviors. Based on the social action theory, the impact of relevant influencing factors is empirically examined and stakeholder’s selection of these two behaviors toward megaproject social responsibility (MSR) is explored. Results from the sample data of 127 management staff with megaproject experience from the participating parties revealed that synergistic behavior is driven mainly by relationship quality (RQ), whereas hypocritical behavior is affected by RQ, institutional pressure, and external appeals. In addition, the mutual feedback mechanism significantly improves the RQ of participating parties, which indirectly affects both behaviors. These findings bear implications in realizing the management of social responsibility behavior in megaprojects and guiding the participating parties to coordinate and implement social responsibility.
Ultrasound-Assisted Optimal Development and Characterization of Stevia-Sweetened Functional Beverage
Authors: Khan Muhammad Kamran , Asif Muhammad Naveed , Ahmad Muhammad Haseeb , Imran Muhammad , Arshad Muhammad Sajid , Hassan Sadia , Khan Muhammad Imran , Nisa Mahr-un , Iqbal Muhammad Mohsin , Muhammad Niaz
Published: October 2019

Nowadays, blend of different fruit juices as functional beverages is highly recommended to retain maximum concentration of nutrients due to their integrated effect against processing, to utilize underconsumed fruits and/or vegetables, and to provide healthy product to the consumer. The novelty in this particular work is optimization of blend using stevia-based low caloric extract as sweetener to replace high caloric sugar contents. For this purpose, juices of apple and carrot along with the extract of stevia leaves underwent the process optimization using a statistical approach of D-optimal mixture design. The best beverage formulation with high sensory scores was composed of apple juice 70%, carrot juice 27%, and stevia extract (5 g/100 ml) 3%. The optimized beverage was then processed with conventional pasteurization at 95°C for 1 min and compared with ultrasound processing for 15 min at four different amplitudes (20%, 40%, 60%, and 80%). According to the observation, the treatment US60 (60% amplitude for 15 min) showed better retention for total phenolic content (78.65 ± 1.37 mg GAE/100 mL), total flavonoid content (23.53 ± 0.15 mg CE/100 mL), DPPH (66.43 ± 1.45 %), and FRAP (65.17 ± 1.10 mmol Trolox/100 mL) as compared to pasteurized and control samples while keeping other physicochemical properties in range. The research therefore indicates that ultrasound is good alternative to pasteurization and stevia to sugar in terms of functional beverage development.
Assessment of Serum Concentrations of Adropin, Afamin, and Neudesin in Children with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Polkowska Agnieszka , Pasierowska Izabela Elżbieta , Pasławska Marta , Pawluczuk Elżbieta , Bossowski Artur
Published: October 2019

Introduction. The increasing knowledge of adropin, afamin, and neudesin and the regulation of glucose metabolism and insulin resistance allows for the assessment of the differences in their concentrations between the groups with varied duration of diabetes mellitus (DM).Aim of the Study. Assessment of serum levels of adropin, afamin, and neudesin in children with type 1 diabetes, with respect to the disease duration.Materials and Methods. The study consisted of 138 patients aged 5–18 years (M 40.58%). Children with type 1 diabetes (n = 68) were compared to the control group (n = 70). The diabetic group was divided into 4 subgroups: (I) newly diagnosed patients, after an episode of ketoacidosis (n = 14), (II) duration no longer than 5 years (n = 18), (III) 5 to 10 years (n = 27), and (IV) longer than 10 years (n = 9). Serum concentrations of adropin, afamin, and neudesin were assessed and compared between the groups of patients. The criterion for statistical significance wasp<0.05.Results. The concentrations of adropin and afamin across all subgroups were lower than that in the control group, while neudesin levels were higher in diabetic patients compared to the control group. The differences were statistically significant.Conclusions. Adropin, afamin, and neudesin may play a major role in the regulation of glucose metabolism and have a significant potential as novel biomarkers to predict future metabolic disorders. However, further multicentre studies on a larger cohort of patients are necessary to specify the role of these substances in the course and treatment of type 1 diabetes.
The Gut Microbiome Modulates the Changes in Liver Metabolism and in Inflammatory Processes in the Brain of Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress Rats
Authors: Lv Wei-jie , Wu Xiao-ling , Chen Wen-qian , Li Yue-fei , Zhang Gui-feng , Chao Li-min , Zhou Jia-hao , Guo Ao , Liu Cui , Guo Shi-ning
Published: October 2019

Generally, depression is the result of complex gene-environment interactions. Recent studies have showed that the gut microbiota can affect brain function through the microbiota-gut-brain axis. However, the underlying mechanism of the microbiota and potential influence of depression remain elusive. We aimed to determine how gut microbiome contributes to the process of depression and further influences the host. Chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) is used to establish a depression model. Fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) is applied to illustrate that depression can be transmitted via microbiota, and metabolism of liver analysis is applied to demonstrate further influence to the liver. We also analyzed the astrocyte activation in the brain by immunofluorescence (IF). Here, we show that the structure of the gut microbiome changes markedly after rats undergo CUMS. Notably, we found that the ratio of Lactobacillus to Clostridium can be a vital index for the development of depression. Depression-like behavior can be duplicated through FMT. Moreover, increased zonulin and fatty acid binding protein-2 indicates that gut barrier integrity is broken after FMT. Subsequently, metabolomics shows that liver metabolic disorder occurs and leads to liver coagulative necrosis. In addition, increased inflammatory cytokine expression and higher astrocyte activation indicate an inflammatory process in the brain. These findings suggest that dysbiosis gut microbiome contributes to development of depression and further causes liver metabolic disorders in a way that may be relevant to the Lactobacillus to Clostridium ratio.
Relationship between Meat/Fish Consumption and Biliary Tract Cancer: The Japan Public Health Center–Based Prospective Study
Authors: Makiuchi Takeshi , Sobue Tomotaka , Kitamura Tetsuhisa , Ishihara Junko , Sawada Norie , Iwasaki Motoki , Yamaji Taiki , Shimazu Taichi , Tsugane Shoichiro
Published: October 2019

Background:

The effect of meat and fish consumption on cancer risk has been well studied in humans. However, studies related to biliary tract cancer (BTC) are scarce.

Methods:

We examined the association between meat and fish consumption and the risk of BTC in a population-based prospective cohort study in Japan. HRs and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using the Cox proportional hazard model.

Results:

During 1995 and 1999, 43,177 men and 49,323 women ages 45 to 74 years were enrolled and followed up for 607,757.0 person-years (men) and 728,820.3 person-years (women) until 2012, during which time 217 male and 162 female BTC cases were identified. Higher total meat consumption was significantly associated with a decreased BTC risk in men (HR for the highest vs. lowest quartiles = 0.66; 95% CI, 0.44–0.98; Ptrend = 0.011) but not in women. Similar association was observed with red meat, but no association was observed with poultry. Fish was not associated with BTC risk. We further analyzed each BTC subtype to confirm the observed association with BTC. However, significant association with each BTC subtype was not observed, although a trend of decreased extrahepatic bile duct cancer risk was observed.

Conclusions:

BTC risk was lower among men who consumed more meat, particularly red meat, in Japan.

Impact:

This is the first prospective study that evaluated the relationship between meat and BTC. This may provide important suggestions to elucidate the etiology of BTC.
Targeting the Somatostatin Receptor 2 with the Miniaturized Drug Conjugate, PEN-221: A Potent and Novel Therapeutic for the Treatment of Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Whalen Kerry A. , White Brian H. , Quinn James M. , Kriksciukaite Kristina , Alargova Rossitza , Au Yeung Tsun P. , Bazinet Patrick , Brockman Adam , DuPont Michelle M. , Oller Haley , Gifford James , Lemelin Charles-Andre , Lim Soo Patrick , Perino Samantha , Moreau Benoît , Sharma Gitanjali , Shinde Rajesh , Sweryda-Krawiec Beata , Bilodeau Mark T. , Wooster Richard
Published: October 2019

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive neuroendocrine carcinoma with a 95% mortality rate with no improvement to treatment in decades, and new therapies are desperately needed. PEN-221 is a miniaturized peptide–drug conjugate (∼2 kDa) designed to target SCLC via a Somatostatin Receptor 2 (SSTR2)–targeting ligand and to overcome the high proliferation rate characteristic of this disease by using the potent cytotoxic payload, DM1. SSTR2 is an ideal target for a drug conjugate, as it is overexpressed in SCLC with limited normal tissue expression. In vitro, PEN-221 treatment of SSTR2-positive cells resulted in PEN-221 internalization and receptor-dependent inhibition of cellular proliferation. In vivo, PEN-221 exhibited rapid accumulation in SSTR2-positive SCLC xenograft tumors with quick clearance from plasma. Tumor accumulation was sustained, resulting in durable pharmacodynamic changes throughout the tumor, as evidenced by increases in the mitotic marker of G2–M arrest, phosphohistone H3, and increases in the apoptotic marker, cleaved caspase-3. PEN-221 treatment resulted in significant antitumor activity, including complete regressions in SSTR2-positive SCLC xenograft mouse models. Treatment was effective using a variety of dosing schedules and at doses below the MTD, suggesting flexibility of dosing schedule and potential for a large therapeutic window in the clinic. The unique attributes of the miniaturized drug conjugate allowed for deep tumor penetration and limited plasma exposure that may enable long-term dosing, resulting in durable tumor control. Collectively, these data suggest potential for antitumor activity of PEN-221 in patients with SSTR2-positive SCLC.
Positional Behaviours of François’ Langur (Trachypithecus francoisi) in the Limestone Forest of Nonggang, Guangxi, South-West China
Authors: Chen Ting , Huang Zhonghao , Huang Chengming , Wei Hua , Zhou Qihai
Published: October 2019

Primates’ positional behaviours provide information for understanding relationships among morphology, ecology and behavioural flexibility. From September 2005 to August 2006, we collected data via instantaneous scan sampling on positional behaviours in François’ langurs at Nonggang Nature Reserve, south-west China. We predicted that these langurs would use (1) leaping as the predominant locomotor mode and (2) bipedal standing more frequently in the rainy season than in the dry season. Our result showed that leaping was the dominant locomotor mode (38.38%), followed by ­quadrupedal walking (31.2%), vertical climbing (25.1%) and quadrupedal running (5.3%). The ground was the most frequently used stratum during movement (33.4%). Most locomotion through trees occurred on small- (48.7%) and medium-sized (47.6%) substrates. Locomotor mode, forest stratum use and substrate use during movement did not vary seasonally. When stationary, sitting was the most common posture (92.1%), followed by bipedal standing (3.7%), lying (3.5%), quadrupedal standing (0.6%), suspending (0.2%) and back-lying (<0.1%). Posture varied significantly with the season. During resting, langurs used sitting and bipedal standing more frequently in the dry season, while adopting lying more frequently in the rainy season. During feeding, sitting was adopted more frequently in the rainy than in the dry season, whereas bipedal standing was used more frequently in the dry season. Langurs spent more feeding time on the ground in the dry than in the rainy season. Locomotor patterns in François’ langurs are likely linked to morphological and anatomical characteristics, along with the limestone forest’s structure. Our result completely supported prediction 1 but not prediction 2. This study suggests that seasonal variation in positional behaviour might result from the temporal difference in spatial distribution of foods and behavioural thermoregulation strategy. We found that François’ langurs adjusted positional behaviour in response to seasonality, and this behavioural flexibility allows them to survive in a variety of habitats, including limestone forests.
Clinically Node-Negative Parotid Gland Cancers: Prognostic Factors of Survival and Surgical Extent
Authors: Park Gi Cheol , Roh Jong-Lyel , Cho Kyung-Ja , Jin  Mi Hyeon , Jung Yong Gi , Lee Hyoun Wook , Kim Tae Gyu , Choi Seung-Ho , Nam Soon Yuhl , Kim Sang Yoon
Published: October 2019

Objective: Conservative parotidectomy is known to reduce morbidity, but has been rarely examined in patients with clinically node-negative (cN0) parotid cancers. We evaluated the clinicopathological variables influencing the outcomes of these patients and the efficacy of conservative parotidectomy. Methods: We reviewed the clinical and pathological data of 256 patients with cN0 parotid carcinomas who underwent curative surgery at our institution. Of these, 110 and 146 underwent conservative and total parotidectomy, respectively, with 83 undergoing elective neck dissection and 135 receiving postoperative radiotherapy. Univariate and multivariate analyses of variables predicting recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were performed. Morbidity, survival, and recurrence rates were compared between the conservative and total parotidectomy groups. Results: The 5-year RFS and OS rates in all patients were 85.7 and 91.4%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that advanced T classification, positive resection margin, and high-histologic grade were independent prognostic factors for both RFS and OS. Among the 201 patients with low- or intermediate-grade parotid cancers, those who underwent total parotidectomy had a greater chance of facial nerve paralysis than those who underwent conservative parotidectomy (p < 0.001). The 5-year RFS and OS after conservative parotidectomy (93.7 and 100%, respectively) were not worse than those after total parotidectomy (85.5 and 90.9%, respectively). Conclusion: Patients with cN0 parotid cancers may be stratified by histological grade and T classification. Conservative parotidectomy may be suitable for early T1–2 low- or intermediate-grade tumors if a resection margin is secured.
Mindful Family Routines and the Cultivation of Executive Function Skills in Childhood
Authors: Semenov Andrei D. , Zelazo Philip David
Published: October 2019

In order to address the deleterious effects of poverty and toxic stress on the development of children’s executive function (EF) skills, it is important for researchers to consider interventions that address multiple overlapping family systems. Interventions should consider influences on children’s developing EF skills, including parent stress, household chaos, and the quality of parent-child interactions. One particularly important component of successful EF intervention is the promotion of cognitive reflection. However, common methods of promoting reflection in children (e.g., mindfulness meditation) might not be appropriate in all contexts. This paper outlines a framework for considering the promotion of cognitive reflection within daily family routines. This integration of practices has the potential to improve children’s EF skills as well as other important family outcomes.
A dimensão política do assédio sexual de rua: aplicativos de mapeamento como iniciativas de cidade inteligente
Authors: Baggio Adriana Tulio , Luz Nanci Stancki da
Published: October 2019

Os aplicativos de mapeamento de assédio sexual de rua, que permitem a sinalização, em um mapa colaborativo, de locais de ocorrência de assédio, podem ser entendidos, à primeira vista, como iniciativas de cidade inteligente. Por meio dessas iniciativas, a população e outras instâncias sociais ajudariam o poder público a resolver os problemas citadinos. Tais aplicativos, então, colaborariam para o combate ao assédio sexual de rua e, consequentemente, melhorariam as condições de mobilidade urbana feminina. Analisando os sentidos produzidos pelos textos dos aplicativos, é possível considerá-los como iniciativas de cidade inteligente? Mais especificamente, seu fazer discursivo proporciona a dimensão política adequada para transformar a narrativa do assédio, promovendo uma vida urbana com mais cidadania para as mulheres? Para responder essas questões, analisamos neste artigo quatro aplicativos de mapeamento de assédio sexual de rua, tomando por base os conceitos canônicos da semiótica discursiva. A abordagem teórica também opera um entendimento de cidades inteligentes como adjuvantes na conquista dos objetos de valor da sociedade. Neste caso, tal objeto deveria ser o combate ao assédio. A análise mostra que nem todos os aplicativos realizam a mesma performance, sugerindo que a promoção de políticas públicas é prejudicada devido a uma reiterada e distorcida visão sobre o problema.
Essen Risk Score in Prediction of Myocardial Infarction After Transient Ischemic Attack or Ischemic Stroke Without Prior Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Boulanger Marion , Li Linxin , Lyons Shane , Lovett Nicola G. , Kubiak Magdalena M. , Silver Louise , Touzé Emmanuel , Rothwell Peter M. ,   on behalf of the Oxford Vascular Study
Published: October 2019

Background and Purpose—

More intensive secondary prevention with newer drugs may be cost-effective in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Whether some subgroups of patients who had a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or ischemic stroke, but no prior CAD are at similar high risk of myocardial infarction as those with prior CAD remains unclear. We determined whether the Essen score identified a subset of TIA/stroke patients without known prior CAD who, nevertheless, had a high risk of myocardial infarction on current secondary prevention management.

Methods—

In a population-based cohort (Oxford Vascular Study) of consecutive TIA or ischemic stroke patients recruited from 2002 to 2014, 10-year actuarial risks of myocardial infarction and of recurrent ischemic stroke were determined by face-to-face follow-up in patients with and without prior CAD using Kaplan-Meier analyses. Predictive value of the Essen score was assessed with C statistic.

Results—

Of 2555 patients with TIA/stroke (13 070 patient-years of follow-up), 10-year risk of myocardial infarction in those without prior CAD (n=2017, 78.9%) ranged from 0.9% (95% CI, 0–1.9) at Essen score ≤1 to 29.8% (95% CI, 7.7–46.6) in those with a score ≥5 (C statistic =0.64 [95% CI, 0.57–0.71];
P
<0.001). The score tended to be less predictive (difference:
P
=0.0460) for the risk of recurrent ischemic stroke (C statistic =0.57 [95% CI, 0.54–0.60]). Compared with patients with prior CAD (n=538, 21.1%), an Essen risk score of ≥4 (n=294, 11.5%) in those without prior CAD identified a subgroup at similar high 10-year risks of myocardial infarction (17.2% [95% CI, 6.9–26.3] versus 16.9% [95% CI, 11.5–22.0]) and of recurrent stroke (40.4% [95% CI, 26.7–51.6] versus 32.4% [95% CI, 25.2–38.8]).

Conclusions—

The Essen score is a simple clinical score to risk-stratify patients with TIA/stroke without prior CAD and to identify subsets who may be at sufficiently high risk of myocardial infarction and recurrent stroke to justify more intensive treatment or inclusion in trials.
Exploring the Cost-Effectiveness of Mechanical Thrombectomy Beyond 6 Hours Following Advanced Imaging in the United Kingdom
Authors: Peultier Anne-Claire , Redekop William K. , Allen Michael , Peters Jaime , Eker Omer Faruk , Severens Johan L.
Published: October 2019

Background and Purpose—

In the United Kingdom, mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute ischemic stroke patients assessed beyond 6 hours from symptom onset will be commissioned up to 12 hours provided that advanced imaging (AdvImg) demonstrates salvageable brain tissue. While the accuracy of AdvImg differs across technologies, evidence is limited regarding the proportion of patients who would benefit from late MT. We compared the cost-effectiveness of 2 care pathways: (1) MT within and beyond 6 hours based on AdvImg selection versus (2) MT only within 6 hours based on conventional imaging selection. The impact of varying AdvImg accuracy and prior probability for acute ischemic stroke patients to benefit from late MT was assessed.

Methods—

A decision tree and a Markov trace were developed. A hypothetical United Kingdom cohort of suspected stroke patients aged 71 years with first event was modeled. Costs, health outcomes, and probabilities were obtained from the literature. Outcomes included costs, life years (LYs), quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed. Various scenarios with prior probabilities of 10%, 20%, and 30%, respectively, for acute ischemic stroke patients to benefit from late MT, and with perfect accuracy, 80% sensitivity, and 70% specificity of AdvImg were studied.

Results—

Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios resulting from our deterministic analyses varied from $8199 (£6164) to $49 515 (£37 229) per QALY gained. AdvImg accuracy impacted the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio only when its specificity decreased. Over lifetime horizons, all scenarios including late MT improved QALYs and LYs. Depending on the scenario, the probabilistic sensitivity analyses showed probabilities varying between 46% and 93% for the late MT pathway to be cost-effective at a willingness to pay threshold of $39 900 (£30 000) per QALY.

Conclusions—

Late MT based on AdvImg selection may be good value for money. However, additional data regarding the implementation of AdvImg and prior probability to benefit from late MT are needed before its cost-effectiveness can be fully assessed.
Elucidating the Structural and Functional Correlates of Upper-Limb Poststroke Motor Impairment
Authors: Kemlin Claire , Moulton Eric , Lamy Jean-Charles , Houot Marion , Valabregue Romain , Leder Sara , Obadia Mickael A. , Meseguer Elena , Yger Marion , Brochard Vanessa , Corvol Jean-Christophe , Samson Yves , Rosso Charlotte
Published: October 2019

Background and Purpose—

Many studies have attempted to bring to light the neural correlates of poststroke motor impairment, but few have used multimodal approach to explain it. The aim of this study was to elucidate neural structural and functional correlates of upper limb motor impairment by combining electrophysiological, anatomic, and functional neuroimaging data.

Methods—

Forty ischemic stroke patients (median [min–max] age: 63 [33–82] years, time poststroke: 3.5 [1.1–58] months) with unilateral upper limb weakness were included. The upper limb motor impairment was defined by a motor composite score. Simple linear analysis followed by multiple linear regression analysis were performed to identify which variables (corticospinal excitability, laterality indices within the primary motor cortex or corticospinal [CST], and corpus callosum tracts integrity) were the best explaining factors of upper limb motor impairment.

Results—

There was a significant correlation between the resting motor threshold ratio and CST damage (
r
= −0.50 [95% CI, −0.70 to −0.22];
P
<0.001) as well as the motor-evoked potentials amplitude (
r
= −0.73 [95% CI, −0.85 to −0.54];
P
<0.001). Only the resting motor threshold ratio was retained by the multiple regression model and explained half of the variance (49%;
P
<0.001) of the upper limb motor impairment after stroke.

Conclusions—

The implementation of quantitative neurophysiological measurements such as the resting motor threshold as a surrogate marker of impairment could be considered in neurorehabilitation trials.
Fabrication of Novel Z-Scheme Bi2WO6/NaBiO3 Nanocomposites with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity in the Degradation of 2,3-Dichlorophenol
Authors: Gu Xin-Yue , Wang Qiu , Zhang Da-Peng , Geng Xin-Xiang , Zha Zhen-Xing , Li Ying , Yang Jing , Cui Shi-Hai
Published: October 2019

The Z-scheme Bi2WO6/NaBiO3 nanocomposites were first fabricated by a facile hydrothermal method, and were then characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometer, Fourier-transform-infrared
spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and N2 adsorption–desorption. The as-prepared Bi2WO6/NaBiO3 nanocomposites exhibit outstanding photocatalytic activity and recyclability. A 98.4% photodegradation of 2,3-dichlorophenol (50 mg·L−1)
was attained in the presence of Bi2WO6/NaBiO3 (1:10) under the visible-light irradiation in 30 min. In particular, the photocatalytic mechanism has been discussed in detail, based on four aspects: (1) oxidative species, (2) photoelectrochemical performance,
(3) conduction band and valence band energy levels and (4) possible transition states and reactions. In conclusion, O−2 is the main active oxidative species in the Bi2WO6/NaBiO3 nanocomposite. The material has higher photocurrent
and visible light adsorption but lower electron–hole pairs recombination, which contributes to distinguished photocatalytic efficiency. The Z-scheme photocatalytic path was proposed and the possible degradation process and routes have been summarized.
The Detection of a Fluorescent Dye by Surface-Enhanced Fluorescence with the Addition of Silver Nanoparticles and Its Application for the Space Station
Authors: Wu Jian , Du Yongjun , Wang Chunyan , Chen Tao
Published: October 2019

Surface-enhanced fluorescence detection has large potential for detecting many chemical and biological trace analytes. This paper presents a novel method for preparing silver nanomaterials in microfluidic chip channels for the surface-enhanced fluorescence detection of fluorescent dye
(SYBR Green I) molecules. Microfluidic chip channels were fabricated by a 248-nm excimer laser. Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) were prepared inside the microfluidic chip channels by directly heating the silver precursor solution. The influence of different temperatures on the sizes of the silver
nanoparticles was studied. Then, the surface-enhanced fluorescence technology based on the microfluidic system was used to detect the fluorescent dye molecules. As a result, the fluorescence signal of the fluorescent dye molecules was significantly enhanced by the silver nanoparticles. In
addition, the effect of particle size on the fluorescence signal was studied. This simple and fast method is suitable for a fluorescent PCR (polymerase chain reaction) system and has good application prospects for detecting harmful microorganisms in a spacecraft.