bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enjoy the Silence: Nearly Half of Human tRNA Genes Are Silent
Authors: Torres Adrian Gabriel
Published: August 2019

Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are key components of the translation machinery. They read codons on messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and deliver the appropriate amino acid to the ribosome for protein synthesis. The human genome encodes more than 500 tRNA genes but their individual contribution to the cellular tRNA pool is unclear. In recent years, novel methods were developed to improve the quantification of tRNA gene expression, most of which rely on next-generation sequencing such as small RNA-Seq applied to tRNAs (tRNA-Seq). In a previous study, we presented a bioinformatics strategy to analyse tRNA-Seq datasets that we named ‘isodecoder-specific tRNA gene contribution profiling’ (Iso-tRNA-CP). Using Iso-tRNA-CP, we showed that tRNA gene expression is cell type- and tissue-specific and that this process can regulate tRNA-derived fragments abundance. An additional observation that stems from that work is that approximately half of human tRNA genes appeared silent or poorly expressed. In this commentary, I discuss this finding in light of the current literature and speculate on potential functions that transcriptionally silent tRNA genes may play. Studying silent tRNA genes may offer a unique opportunity to unravel novel mechanisms of cell regulation associated to tRNA biology.
Serial PET-CT Scans Can Help Determine Duration of Antibiotic Therapy After Endovascular Mycotic Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Repair
Authors: Weissmann Jonathan , Shnaker Ali , Mahajna Shadi , Ajaj Moanis , Fajer Simone
Published: August 2019

Mycotic aortic aneurysm is a rare vascular condition, with high-risk for fatal complications. In cases of bacterial infection, prolonged antibiotic therapy is administered. There is no consensus on duration of antibiotic therapy and close follow-up is recommended following surgical and endovascular interventions.

We report a case of a patient, who was diagnosed with mycotic aneurysm and underwent successful endovascular repair. Extended postoperative antibiotic treatment was administered. The duration was determined by sequential Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) scans over a period of 6 months.
A normal contact stiffness model of machined joint surfaces considering elastic, elasto-plastic and plastic factors
Authors: Zhang Yongquan , Lu Hong , Zhang Xinbao , Ling He , Fan Wei , Bao Liu , Guo Zexing
Published: August 2019

Considering the rough surface as a fractal model makes the research of contact parameters more practical. In the fractal model of the machined surface, the parameters describing the surface topography are independent of the measurement resolution. Based on the elastic, elasto-plastic and plastic deformations of a single pair of contact asperities, a normal contact stiffness model using the fractal model for surface topography description is proposed in this paper. The specimens machined by milling and grinding methods are used to verify the proposed contact stiffness model based on the fractal theory. The experimental and theoretical results indicate that the proposed contact stiffness model is appropriate for the machined joint surfaces.
Comparative effectiveness of dimethyl fumarate as the initial and secondary treatment for MS
Authors: Granqvist Mathias , Burman Joachim , Gunnarsson Martin , Lycke Jan , Nilsson Petra , Olsson Tomas , Sundström Peter , Svenningsson Anders , Vrethem Magnus , Frisell Thomas , Piehl Fredrik
Published: August 2019

Background:

Population-based real-world evidence studies of the effectiveness and tolerability of dimethyl fumarate in relation to common treatment alternatives are still limited.

Objective:

To evaluate the clinical effectiveness and tolerability of dimethyl fumarate (DMF) as the initial and secondary treatment for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients compared with common treatment alternatives in Sweden.

Methods:

We conducted a nationwide retrospective observational cohort study of all RRMS patients identified through the Swedish MS registry initiating DMF ( n = 641) or interferons/glatiramer acetate (IFN/GA; n = 555) as the initial therapy, or DMF ( n = 703) or fingolimod (FGL; n = 194) after switch from IFN/GA between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2016.

Results:

The discontinuation rate was lower with DMF as the initial treatment than IFN/GA (adjusted hazard rate (HR): 0.46, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.37–0.58, p < 0.001), but higher than FGL as the secondary treatment (HR: 1.51, CI: 1.08–2.09, p < 0.05). Annualized relapse rate (ARR) was lower with DMF compared to IFN/GA (0.04, CI: 0.03–0.06 vs 0.10, CI: 0.07–0.13; p < 0.05), but not FGL (0.03, CI: 0.02–0.05 vs 0.02, CI: 0.01–0.04; p = 0.41). Finally, time to first relapse (TTFR) was longer with DMF as the initial, but not secondary, therapy ( p < 0.05 and p = 0.20, respectively).

Conclusion:

Our findings indicate that DMF performs better than IFN/GA as the initial treatment for RRMS. Compared to FGL, DMF displayed a lower tolerability, but largely similar effectiveness outcomes.
Tourism forecast combination using the stochastic frontier analysis technique
Authors: Wu Ji , Cheng Xian , Liao Stephen Shaoyi
Published: August 2019

Forecast combination has received a great deal of attention in the tourism domain. In this article, we propose a novel performance-based tourism forecast combination model by applying a multiple-criteria decision-making framework and the stochastic frontier analysis technique to determine combination weights for individual tourism forecast models. Thirteen time-series models are used to generate individual forecast tourism models, and five competing forecast combination models are selected to evaluate the forecast performance. Using the tourism forecast competition data set, we conclude that the proposed combination model significantly and statistically outperforms the five competing combination models in most cases based on multiple performance indicators. Our results show that the proposed model offers a good solution to identify optimal weights for individual tourism forecast models.
Fidelity and acceptability of a family-focused technology-based telehealth nutrition intervention for child weight management
Authors: Chai Li Kheng , Collins Clare E , May Chris , Brown Leanne J , Ashman Amy , Burrows Tracy L
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Previous reviews of family-based interventions for childhood obesity treatment found that studies were of low methodological quality with inadequate details reported, especially related to intervention fidelity. The evaluation of fidelity is crucial to inform interpretation of the intervention outcomes. This study aimed to summarise intervention fidelity, participants’ acceptability and satisfaction with a 12-week family-focused technology-based child nutrition and weight management intervention.

Methods

Families with children aged 4–11 years participated in a telehealth intervention with complementary components: website, Facebook group and text messages. Intervention fidelity was reported using National Institutes of Health Treatment Fidelity Framework. Delivery was measured using a dietitian-reported evaluation survey. Google Analytics and Bitly platform were used to objectively track data on frequency and pattern of intervention use. Participants’ acceptability and satisfaction were measured using a process evaluation survey.

Results

Telehealth consultations delivered by trained dietitians had good adherence (≥83%) to the structured content. Process evaluation results indicated that parents ( n =  30; mean age 41 years, 97% were female, body mass index 30 kg/m2) found the intervention components easy to use/understand (87–100%), the programme had improved their family/child eating habits (93%), and they wanted to continue using telehealth and the website, as well as recommending it to other parents (90–91%).

Discussion

In summary, a family-focused technology-based child nutrition and weight management intervention using telehealth, website, Facebook and SMS can be delivered by trained dietitians with good fidelity and attain high acceptability and satisfaction among families with primary-school-aged children in New South Wales, Australia.
Anxiety in 3- to 7-year-old children with autism spectrum disorder seeking treatment for disruptive behavior
Authors: Sukhodolsky Denis G , Lecavalier Luc , Johnson Cynthia , Smith Tristram , Swiezy Naomi , Bearss Karen , Kalvin Carla B , Scahill Lawrence
Published: August 2019

Anxiety is a common and impairing problem in children with autism spectrum disorder, but little is known about it in preschool children with autism spectrum disorder. This article reports on the characteristics of anxiety symptoms in young children with autism spectrum disorder using a parent-completed rating scale. One hundred and eighty children (age 3–7 years) participated in a clinical trial of parent training for disruptive behaviors. Anxiety was measured as part of pre-treatment subject characterization with 16 items from the Early Childhood Inventory, a parent-completed scale on child psychiatric symptoms. Parents also completed other measures of behavioral problems. Sixty-seven percent of children were rated by their parents as having two or more clinically significant symptoms of anxiety. There were no differences in the Early Childhood Inventory anxiety severity scores of children with IQ < 70 and those with ⩾70. Higher levels of anxiety were associated with severity of oppositional defiant behavior and social disability. Anxiety symptoms are common in preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder. These findings are consistent with earlier work in school-age children with autism spectrum disorder. There were no differences in anxiety between children with IQ below 70 and those with IQ of 70 and above. Social withdrawal and oppositional behavior were associated with anxiety in young children with autism spectrum disorder.
Assessment of the use of fiberglass-reinforced foam concrete in high-speed railway bridge approach involving foundation cost comparison
Authors: Liu Kai-Wen , Yue Fei , Su Qian , Zhou Chuanbin , Xiong Zhipeng , He Yi
Published: August 2019

In view of the limited use of foam concrete for backfilling high-speed railway bridge approach and no publication considering the associated foundation treatment cost, this article presents a series of laboratory tests to study the mechanical properties of fiberglass-reinforced foam concrete with different contents of fiberglass, whereby the optimal values of target density and fiberglass content for fiberglass-reinforced foam concrete are obtained. A numerical model is developed to investigate the performance of bridge approach filled with fiberglass-reinforced foam concrete under different levels of foundation treatment in comparison with the control group with traditional backfills (combination of graded crushed stone and cement). Results indicate that the application of fiberglass-reinforced foam concrete to fill high-speed railway bridge approach can significantly improve the bridge approach performance (decreasing the horizontal displacement and ground surface settlement, respectively, by 58% and 21% than the control group) and cut down the foundation treatment cost by 19% concurrently.
It is criminal: The state of magistrates’ court reporting in England and Wales
Authors: Chamberlain Phil , Keppel-Palmer Marcus , Reardon Sally , Smith Thomas
Published: August 2019

There is a widespread perception that there has been a collapse in court reporting in England and Wales as local legacy media struggles to survive in times of falling revenues and shifting audiences. However, there is little empirical evidence with which to examine the issue. This research aims to fill this knowledge gap by carrying out the first week-long systematic coding of the activity of one England and Wales magistrates’ court coupled with a concurrent survey of local media coverage of the courts. While 240 cases were observed during the week-long study, only three stories appeared in the local press and only one case was attended by a journalist. Moreover, the research team identified a significant number of ‘newsworthy’ cases among the sample – all of which were missing from media coverage. Although small in scale, this research does indicate that, in an average week, the vast majority of cases heard at this level of the criminal justice system is largely invisible to the public, with virtually no independent oversight from journalism. This is at odds with the key principle of open justice. The article ends with some suggestions for regenerating the area by shifting from court reporting to a Justice Reporting model, with the ultimate aim of effectively filling the void in external scrutiny of day-to-day criminal justice.
Diffusion of disinformation: How social media users respond to fake news and why
Authors: Tandoc Edson C , Lim Darren , Ling Rich
Published: August 2019

This exploratory study seeks to understand the diffusion of disinformation by examining how social media users respond to fake news and why. Using a mixed-methods approach in an explanatory-sequential design, this study combines results from a national survey involving 2501 respondents with a series of in-depth interviews with 20 participants from the small but economically and technologically advanced nation of Singapore. This study finds that most social media users in Singapore just ignore the fake news posts they come across on social media. They would only offer corrections when the issue is strongly relevant to them and to people with whom they share a strong and close interpersonal relationship.
Growing up with a long-awaited nation-state: Personal struggles with the homeland among young diasporic Armenians
Authors: Wilmers Leila , Chernobrov Dmitry
Published: August 2019

This paper explores identification with the nation-state as homeland among young diasporic Armenians in France, Russia and the United Kingdom (UK). For dispersed Armenian communities worldwide, the emergence of a fragile nation-state since 1991 has represented a form of collective goal fulfilment accompanied at times by disillusionment in the national myth of the homeland as a place of sanctuary. We argue that the resulting shift in understandings of homeland markedly differentiates the diasporic experiences of Armenians of diverse backgrounds growing up in the post-independence era from those of previous generations. Key to this shift are ambivalent dynamics between memory and myth integral to personal struggles with the homeland. Analysing original interviews with Armenians aged 18 to 35 in three host states, we unpack how memories of contact with the Armenian state accumulated in youth interact with national myths about the homeland in the context of different family migration histories. The active engagement of young people with homeland myths is shown to play an important role in their recollections of first formative visits to Armenia. Through more regular contact with the state, disappointment in elements of politics and culture that clash with personal imaginings of the homeland can lead to ambivalence in identifying with Armenia. Ultimately, the state plays a key orienting role for many young diasporic Armenians, but clashes between recalled encounters and myths concerning the state can render it a place of partial belonging, unable to fulfil the ideals of the diasporic imagination. The findings highlight the value of attending to interaction between memory and myth in diasporic engagement with ‘homeland’ states more broadly.
Deficit Effect Sizes and Correlations of Auditory Event-Related Potentials at First Hospitalization in the Schizophrenia Spectrum
Authors: Salisbury Dean F. , Kohler Justine , Shenton Martha E. , McCarley Robert W.
Published: August 2019

The N1, P2, and P3 event-related potentials (ERPs) are impaired in first-episode schizophrenia (FESz). Reduced pitch-deviant mismatch negativity (MMN) is present in chronic schizophrenia but not FESz. We examined effect sizes of, and correlations between, N1, P2, P3, and MMN in 106 FESz and 114 matched psychiatrically well controls to determine which ERPs maximally differentiated groups, and whether late sensory/perceptual deficits (N1, P2) affected preattentive memory (MMN) and conscious attention (P3). Furthermore, we compared hallucinators and nonhallucinators within FESz. Participants completed 1 of 3 oddball tasks, silently counting target tones among standard tones. Sixty-seven FESz and 72 matched participants also completed pitch-deviant MMN testing. Measures were z-scored from task appropriate controls before merging samples. Mean z-scores for N1, P2, and P3 were significantly abnormal in FESz, while pitch-deviant MMN was not. N1 showed the largest deficit ( z = 0.53), and only N1 was smaller in hallucinators (n = 71) than nonhallucinators (n = 27). Among all participants, early sensory processing (N1, P2) correlated with later cognitive processing (P3), and P2 and P3 also correlated with automatic preattentive memory (pitch-deviant MMN). In well individuals, N1 was associated with MMN. These data are consistent with bottom-up sensory/perceptual processes affecting more cognitive processes. However, N1 and MMN were not associated in FESz, suggesting different auditory cortex physiology underlie these ERPs, which is differentially affected in FESz. Larger P2 and P3 with greater estimated premorbid intellect in patients indicate a possible neuroprotective effect of intellect in FESz.
The psychosocial needs and quality of life of family caregivers of patients with organ transplant
Authors: Divdar Zahra , Foroughameri Golnaz , Farokhzadian Jamileh
Published: August 2019

Background

Families of patients with organ transplants experience many problems, both with the onset of illness and during the hospitalisation of their relative for an organ transplant. The healthcare providers try their best to give high-quality care to patients. However, they neglect quality of life and psychosocial needs of family caregivers.

Aims

This study aimed to assess the psychosocial needs and quality of life of the family caregivers of post-transplant patients and the relationship between these two variables.

Methods

This descriptive correlational study was conducted on liver, kidney and bone marrow transplant wards in the largest transplant centre affiliated with a university of medical science in south-eastern Iran. The sample included 230 family caregivers of post-transplant patients, who were selected using quota sampling. Data were collected using the 45-item questionnaire of psychosocial needs (the Critical Care Family Needs Inventory) with five dimensions (assurance, comfort, information, proximity and support), and the Short Form-36 Quality of Life questionnaire with eight scales (physical functioning, physical problems, emotional problems, social functioning, pain, vitality, mental health and perception of health). In the Critical Care Family Needs Inventory, 1 indicates not important and 4 very important. In the Short Form-36 Quality of Life questionaire, 0 indicates the worst health and 100 the best health.

Results

The participants rated the mean of their psychosocial needs as important (3.18 ± 0.27). Also, the mean of quality of life of participants was at an undesirable level (45.17 ± 92.66). The psychosocial needs of the caregivers showed a poor, inverse significant relationship with their quality of life ( r = −0.16, p = 0.01).

Conclusion

The results showed that with increasing psychosocial needs of family caregivers of post-transplant patients, their quality of life declines. Healthcare providers should implement developed plans and appropriate strategies to fulfil psychosocial needs and improve the quality of life of family caregivers of these patients.
Involving carers in risk assessment: a study of a structured dialogue between mental health nurses and carers
Authors: Jackson Haley , Wray Jane , Gardiner Eric , Flanagan Tracy
Published: August 2019

Background

Involving carers is a key priority in mental health services. Carers report the sharing of service users’ safety information by mental health nurses is problematic and seldom takes place.

Aims

The impact of an intervention on consensus between nurses and carers on perceptions of risk was investigated.

Methods

Carer–nurse risk consensus scores were measured pre- and post-introduction of a structured dialogue (paired t-test/ANOVA). Carer experience with involvement was surveyed pre-test ( n = 60) and compared with the post-test intervention group ( n = 32) (chi-square tests of linear-by-linear association).

Results

Consensus and perceptions regarding type and severity of risk did not change significantly for carers or nurses after engaging in a structured dialogue. Statistically significant differences were found with carers reporting higher levels of satisfaction with services in four out of six areas surveyed.

Conclusions

Findings provide support for increasing carer contribution to discussions regarding risk. Further work to embed carer involvement in clinical practice is warranted.
Working memory predictors of written mathematics in 7- to 8-year-old children
Authors: Allen Katie , Giofrè David , Higgins Steve , Adams John
Published: August 2019

There is extensive evidence for the involvement of working memory in mathematical attainment. This study aims to identify the relative contributions of verbal, spatial-simultaneous, and spatial-sequential working memory measures in written mathematics. Year 3 children (7–8 years of age, n = 214) in the United Kingdom were administered a battery of working memory tasks alongside a standardised test of mathematics. Confirmatory factor analyses and variance partitioning were then performed on the data to identify the unique variance accounted for by verbal, spatial-simultaneous, and spatial-sequential measures. Results revealed the largest individual contribution was that of verbal working memory, followed by spatial-simultaneous factors. This suggests the components of working memory underpinning mathematical performance at this age are those concerning verbal-numeric and spatial-simultaneous working memory. Implications for educators and further research are discussed.
Effect of room size on geometry and features cue preference during reorientation: Modulating encoding strength or cue weighting
Authors: Wang Lin , Mou Weimin
Published: August 2019

Three experiments investigated how the room size affects preferential use of geometric and non-geometric cues during reorientation inside a room. We hypothesised that room size may affect preferential use of geometric and non-geometric cues by affecting the encoding of the cues (the encoding hypothesis), the retrieval of the cues (the retrieval hypothesis), or both the encoding and retrieval of the cues (the encoding-plus-retrieval hypothesis). In immersive virtual rectangular rooms, participants learned objects’ locations with respect to geometric (room shape) and non-geometric cues (features on walls or isolated objects). During the test, participants localised objects with the geometric cue only, non-geometric cues only, or both. The two cues were placed at the original locations or displaced relative to each other (conflicting cues) when both were presented at testing. We manipulated the room size between participants within each experiment. The results showed that the room size affected cue preference using conflicting cues but did not affect response accuracy using single cues at testing. These results support the retrieval hypothesis. The results were discussed in terms of the effects of cue salience and stability on cue interaction in reorientation.
Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of mauveine and phenosafranins in black precipitate from the Bradford Colour Experience Museum
Authors: Plater M John , Raab Andrea
Published: August 2019

Mauveine chromophores and a family of phenosafranins have been extracted from the Colour Experience Museum black precipitate with boiling ethanol and separated by chromatography. Phenosafranin (287.1295), monomethylphenylsafranin (301.1452) and a dimethylphenosafranin (315.1609) were observed. Tentative evidence for small quantities of N- tert-butylmauveine A and N- tert-butylmauveine B has been found by comparison of the data to standard retention times and accurate mass data. A synthetic method which reproduces the composition of mauveine extracted from the black precipitate, which is rich in mauveine A, is described.
Nebulized hypertonic saline in noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis: a comprehensive review
Authors: Máiz Carro Luis , Martínez-García Miguel A.
Published: August 2019

Bronchiectasis occurs as a result of a vicious circle consisting of an impaired mucociliary transport system, inflammation, and infection and repair of the airways. Damage to the mucociliary system prevents secretion elimination and facilitates bacterial growth and bronchial inflammation. To facilitate mucociliary clearance, current guidelines recommend the use of hypertonic saline (HS) solutions in patients with bronchiectasis not secondary to cystic fibrosis (CF), although the evidence of efficacy in this pathology is sparse. A high percentage of patients with CF and bronchiectasis tolerate HS solutions, but often patients report cough, dyspnoea, throat irritation, or salty taste after inhalation. These adverse effects negatively impact adherence to treatment, which sometimes must be discontinued. Some studies have shown that the addition of hyaluronic acid increases the tolerability of HS solutions, both in patients with CF and in bronchiectasis of other etiologies. We aimed to review the benefits and safety of HS solutions in patients with bronchiectasis.

The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.
Perceived Effects of Elephants (Loxodonta africana Cuvier) Presence and Impacts on Ecosystem Services Supply in the Pendjari Biosphere Reserve, West Africa
Authors: Gnonlonfoun Isidore , Kassa Barthélémy , Azihou Fortuné , Mensah Sylvanus , Glèlè Kakaï Romain Lucas , Assogbadjo Achille Ephrem
Published: August 2019

Information on how biotic factors influence delivery of ecosystem services (ES) in natural systems is important for holistic landscape management. In this study, we assessed the perceived effects of elephants’ presence on ES supply in the Pendjari Biosphere Reserve in West Africa. A total of 112 respondents, including riparian communities and reserve officials, were interviewed. First, we used ranking techniques based on stakeholders’ perceptions to evaluate differences in perceived importance of ES. Second, we assessed the perceived impact of elephants on ES supply from both direction and intensity perspective. Third, we assessed the economic importance of threatened ESs and elephants’ damages related economic losses incurred by households. Twenty-seven ES were enumerated, 13 provisioning ES, 12 cultural ES, and two from the regulating and maintenance ES category. Provisioning ES were perceived as the most important although not significantly different from other categories. PES were also found to be most affected negatively by elephants’ impacts. However, elephants’ presence increased supply of cultural ES. The average cost of the losses due to elephants’ negative impacts ranged from $174.80 to $586.05 per year and per victim household. These results were discussed in relation to management actions necessary to facilitate coexistence between elephant and local populations.
Translating the Biblical Hebrew Word Nephesh in Light of New Research
Authors: Pleijel Richard
Published: August 2019

In this paper, the translation of the Biblical Hebrew word nephesh is discussed in light of new research. The starting point for the paper is a 1976 article in The Bible Translator that discusses the translation of nephesh based on the idea that it is a monistic entity referring to human beings as such. It is shown that this view was most representative for the exegetical consensus of the time of the article. However, a fair amount of new research points out new directions for interpreting nephesh as an entity or essence that was perceived as being separable from the body. This is also confirmed by research on cognate ancient Near Eastern concepts. It is argued that this should affect our way of translating the word nephesh.
Emerging Adults’ Public and Private Discussions of Substance Use on Social Media
Authors: George Madeleine J. , Ehrenreich Samuel E. , Burnell Kaitlyn , Kurup Allycen , Vollet Justin W. , Underwood Marion K.
Published: August 2019

Substance use increases during emerging adulthood and may relate to higher concurrent and future problems. For a community sample of 140 emerging adults, this study explores the associations between reported alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco use in 12th grade, the content of public posts and private messaging on Facebook during the fall after 12th grade, and self-reported substance use 1 year after high school. About one quarter of participants discussed substances publicly, and nearly half discussed substances privately on Facebook as observationally coded by researchers. Twelfth-grade substance use predicted the probability of engaging in public and private substance-related discussions. Tobacco and marijuana use predicted the frequency of private messaging about substances. Public and private online substance discussions predicted positive changes in marijuana use 1 year later. Results from this study suggest that social media discussions about substances, particularly private messages, may signal and shape emerging adults’ substance use behaviors.
Exploring the Effects of Policies Promoting Political Correctness in the Workplace
Authors: Henningsen David Dryden , Henningsen Mary Lynn Miller
Published: August 2019

As a concept, political correctness has supporters and detractors. In the current study, company policies aimed at promoting political correctness in organizations are examined. First, the nature of political correctness is explored to provide a clearer understanding of what is connoted by the term. Second, the effects of organizational policies promoting political correctness on perceived creativity in the workplace are examined. The findings, based on 215 men and 205 women, reveal a two-factor structure to political correctness: inclusiveness and micro-aggressions. Differences emerge for policies that promote inclusiveness and those aligned with micro-aggressions with regard to perceived workplace creativity.
Neoliberalist Undercurrents in Entrepreneurship Policy
Authors: Heilbrunn Sibylle , Iannone Rosa Lisa
Published: August 2019

In this article, we have endeavoured towards a more critical perspective upon the widely adopted and promoted ‘common sense fact’ that entrepreneurship is an everlastingly positive economic activity, directly contributing to growth and social benefits, that must thus be embraced by all. By first acknowledging neoliberalism as the dominant ideology of our times, we then proceeded to trace its origins and ask how it might have affected both our academic research and the socioeconomic policies driving it. We contend that the ideology, along with the zeitgeist of the entrepreneur-hero, has led to our taken-for-granted impression that entrepreneurship is a panacea. It is our hope that renewed efforts into questioning our assumptions will demystify old acceptances, giving way to new policies that can reflect rigorous research conclusions and contextual realities.
Phytochemical Investigation, Antioxidant and Antimycobacterial Activities of Schkuhria pinnata (Lam) Thell Extracts Against Mycobacterium smegmatis
Authors: Masoko Peter , Masiphephethu Maano V.
Published: August 2019

The focus of this study was to evaluate the antioxidants and antimycobacterial activities of extracts of Schkuhria pinnata. Serial exhaustive extraction procedure was employed using solvents of varying polarity to obtain the desired extracts. Thin layer chromatography and standard chemical tests were used to analyze phytochemicals constituents. Free radical scavenging 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) methods were used to detect the presence of antioxidant compounds. Antimycobacterial activity was evaluated using microdilution and bioautography assays. A variety of secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids were detected in the extract. Ethyl acetate and acetone extracts had high antioxidant activity on chromatograms eluted in ethyl acetate/methanol/water while methanol extract at various concentrations had the best scavenging activity. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranged from 0.02 to 2.50 mg/mL. Total phenol content was 55.33 ± 3.51 mg of gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g and higher when compared with flavonoids (4.00 ± 0.35 mg of quercetin equivalent [QE]/mg) and tannin content (28.00 ± 1.73 mg of GAE/g). The most effective antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium smegmatis was observed with the lowest inhibitory concentrations of acetone (0.27 mg/mL), dichloromethane (0.32 mg/mL), and ethyl acetate (0.32 mg/mL) in that order. In massive extraction, hexane and dichloromethane had the greatest inhibitory bands on benzene/ethanol/ammonium hydroxide bioautograms. Antimmycobacterial activity gives promising potential leads of S pinnata extracts to be used in the development of antimycobacterial drugs. The presence of antioxidant and antimycobacterial compounds requires further isolation and purification.
Malignant Solitary Fibrous Tumour of the Breast Mimicking a Benign Tumor
Authors: Barco Israel , González Clarisa , Vallejo Elena , Pessarrodona Antoni , Giménez Nuria , García-Fernández Antonio
Published: August 2019

Solitary fibrous tumour (SFT) of the breast is exceedingly uncommon. Radiological assessment usually shows benign features. We report on a case of malignant SFT of the breast, while emphasizing the need for additional immunostains to reach a definitive diagnosis. Standard treatment consists of lesion removal with adequate margins.
Venous stasis-induced fibrinolysis prevents thrombosis in mice: role of α2-antiplasmin
Authors: Singh Satish , Houng Aiilyan K. , Reed Guy L.
Published: August 2019

Singh et al investigated the relationship among stasis, fibrinolysis, and venous thromboembolism (VTE), demonstrating a complex interaction by which venous stasis activates both thrombosis and fibrinolysis. Blocking the effects of α2-antiplasmin abolishes VTE, suggesting a potential novel approach to preventing thrombosis.
Analysis of 153 115 patients with hematological malignancies refines the spectrum of familial risk
Authors: Sud Amit , Chattopadhyay Subhayan , Thomsen Hauke , Sundquist Kristina , Sundquist Jan , Houlston Richard S. , Hemminki Kari
Published: August 2019

Sud and colleagues interrogated the familial risk of hematological malignancy in association with over 150 000 patients. The majority of hematological malignancies showed increased familial relative risk, most prominently in association with B-cell malignancies.
Efficacy and safety of ralinepag, a novel oral IP agonist, in PAH patients on mono or dual background therapy: results from a phase 2 randomised, parallel group, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Torres Fernando , Farber Harrison , Ristic Arsen , McLaughlin Vallerie , Adams John , Zhang Jinkun , Klassen Preston , Shanahan William , Grundy John , Hoffmann Ines , Cabell Christopher , Escribano Subías Pilar , Sood Namita , Keogh Anne , D'Souza Gwyn , Rubin Lewis
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This phase 2 study was designed to assess the efficacy, safety and tolerability of immediate-release orally administered ralinepag, a selective, non-prostanoid prostacyclin receptor agonist with a 24-h terminal half-life, compared to placebo in adult patients with symptomatic pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

Methods

61 PAH patients who were receiving standard care, including mono or dual PAH-targeted background therapy were randomised 2:1 to ralinepag (n=40) or placebo (n=21). The starting dose of ralinepag was 10 μg twice daily. Dosage was then up-titrated as tolerated over the course of the 9-week dose-titration period, to a maximum total daily dose of 600 μg (300 μg twice daily). The primary efficacy end-point was the absolute change in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) from baseline to week 22. Additional end-points included percentage change in PVR from baseline, other haemodynamic parameters, 6-min walk distance (6MWD) and safety and tolerability.

Results

Ralinepag significantly decreased PVR by 163.9 dyn·s·cm−5compared to an increase of 0.7 dyn·s·cm−5with placebo (p=0.02); the least-squares mean change from baseline PVR was −29.8% compared with placebo (p=0.03). 6MWD increased from baseline by 36.2 m with ralinepag and 29.4 m with placebo (p=0.90). Serious adverse events occurred in 10% of ralinepag patients and 29% of placebo patients. Study discontinuations occurred in 13% of ralinepag patients and 10% of placebo patients.

Ralinepag reduced PVR compared with placebo in PAH patients on mono (41%) or dual combination (59%) background therapy.
Outdoor air pollution and the burden of childhood asthma across Europe
Authors: Khreis Haneen , Cirach Marta , Mueller Natalie , de Hoogh Kees , Hoek Gerard , Nieuwenhuijsen Mark J. , Rojas-Rueda David
Published: August 2019

Background

Emerging evidence suggests that air pollution may contribute to childhood asthma development. We estimated the burden of incident childhood asthma that may be attributable to outdoor nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter ≤2.5 µm in diameter (PM2.5) and black carbon (BC) in Europe.

Methods

We combined country-level childhood incidence rates and pooled exposure–response functions with childhood (age 1–14 years) population counts, and exposure estimates at 1 540 386 1 km×1 km cells, across 18 European countries and 63 442 419 children. Annual average pollutant concentrations were obtained from a validated and harmonised European land-use regression model. We investigated two exposure reduction scenarios. For the first, we used recommended annual World Health Organization (WHO) air quality guideline values. For the second, we used the minimum air pollution levels recorded across 41 studies in the underlying meta-analysis.

Results

NO2 ranged from 1.4 to 70.0 µg·m−3, with a mean of 11.8 µg·m−3. PM2.5 ranged from 2.0 to 41.1 µg·m−3, with a mean of 11.6 µg·m−3. BC ranged from 0.003 to 3.7×10−5 m−1, with a mean of 1.0×10−5 m−1. Compliance with the NO2 and PM2.5 WHO guidelines was estimated to prevent 2434 (0.4%) and 66 567 (11%) incident cases, respectively. Meeting the minimum air pollution levels for NO2 (1.5 µg·m−3), PM2.5 (0.4 µg·m−3) and BC (0.4×10−5 m−1) was estimated to prevent 135 257 (23%), 191 883 (33%) and 89 191 (15%) incident cases, respectively.

Conclusions

A significant proportion of childhood asthma cases may be attributable to outdoor air pollution and these cases could be prevented. Our estimates underline an urgent need to reduce children's exposure to air pollution.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Circular RNA MYLK promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by increasing Rab23 expression by sponging miR-362-3p
Authors: Li Zhiqin , Hu Yushu , Zeng Qinglei , Wang Hongyan , Yan Jingya , Li Hua , Yu Zujiang
Published: August 2019

Background

CircRNA myosin light chain kinase (circRNA MYLK) has been shown to promote the progression of various tumor diseases. The purpose of this study was to explore the potential molecular mechanism of circMYLK in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

The quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to measure the expressions of circMYLK, miR-362-3p and Rab23 in HCC tissues and cell lines. Huh7 and Hep3B cells were selected to explore the role of circMYLK in proliferation, invasion and migration of HCC cells in vitro. The interaction among circMYLK, miR-362-3p and Rab23 was investigated by biological information and dual luciferase gene reporter assay. The effect of circMYLK on HCC tumor growth in vivo was studied in a tumor xenograft model in mice.

Results

CircMYLK was highly expressed in HCC tissues and cell lines, which was associated with poor prognosis in HCC patients. In addition, knockdown of circMYLK remarkably inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and migration of Huh7 and Hep3B cells. MiR-362-3p was a direct target of circMYLK, and Rab23 was a direct target gene of miR-362-3p. Meanwhile, circMYLK was negatively correlated with the expression of miR-362-3p and positively correlated with Rab23 expression. Moreover, either overexpressed miR-362-3p or silencing Rab23 could observably suppress the enhanced proliferation, invasion, and migration induced by circMYLK in Huh7 and Hep3B cells. Finally, knockdown of circMYLK and overexpressed miR-362-3p could suppress the expression of Rab23, thus inhibiting the growth and proliferation of Hep3B cells in vivo.

Conclusion

circMYLK promotes the occurrence and development of HCC by regulating the miR-362-3p/Rab23 axis, which provides a novel direction and theoretical basis for the early diagnosis and treatment of HCC.
Trusted service manager (TSM) based privacy preserving and secure mobile commerce framework with formal verification
Authors: Ahamad Shaik Shakeel , Pathan Al-Sakib Khan
Published: August 2019

Mobile contactless payment (MCP) is the future technology that is used for mobile payments, mobile wallet, transportation, and for mobile coupons. Existing solutions in this realm do not ensure end-to-end communication, information privacy, and the client’s anonymity. In order to overcome these flaws, we propose a secure and privacy preserving mobile commerce (SPPMC) framework for near-field communication (NFC) based proximity payments. SPPMC framework achieves both communication and information privacy. It ensures the client’s anonymity by making use of traceable anonymous certificates (TAC). Grid of secure elements (GSE) is used at the banking servers. The cost of computation and communication is very less. SPPMC ensures end-to-end security and withstands any type of known attack including multi-protocol attack. SPPMC is successfully verified using Burrows–Abadi–Needham (BAN) logic and Scyther tool. It ensures all the security properties.
Convolutional neural network for seismic impedance inversion
Authors: Das Vishal , Pollack Ahinoam , Wollner Uri , Mukerji Tapan
Published: August 2019

We have addressed the geophysical problem of obtaining an elastic model of the subsurface from recorded normal-incidence seismic data using convolutional neural networks (CNNs). We train the network on synthetic full-waveform seismograms generated using Kennett’s reflectivity method on earth models that were created under rock-physics modeling constraints. We use an approximate Bayesian computation method to estimate the posterior distribution corresponding to the CNN prediction and to quantify the uncertainty related to the predictions. In addition, we test the robustness of the network in predicting impedances of previously unobserved earth models when the input to the network consisted of seismograms generated using: (1) earth models with different spatial correlations (i.e. variograms), (2) earth models with different facies proportions, (3) earth models with different underlying rock-physics relations, and (4) source-wavelet phase and frequency different than in the training data. Results indicate that the predictions of the trained network are susceptible to facies proportions, the rock-physics model, and source-wavelet parameters used in the training data set. Finally, we apply CNN inversion on the Volve field data set from offshore Norway. P-wave impedance [Formula: see text] inverted for the Volve data set using CNN showed a strong correlation (82%) with the [Formula: see text] log at a well.
Dissociative identity disorder needs re-examination
Authors: Tyrer Peter
Published: August 2019

Dissociative identity disorder (DID) is as real as any other psychiatric disorder but has been over-diagnosed by gullible clinicians, especially in forensic settings. Its classification has been poor, but the new ICD-11 classification, especially of partial DID, should help research and practice.

DECLARATION OF INTEREST

None.
Changes in smoking status, mental state and plasma clozapine concentration: retrospective cohort evaluation
Authors: Qurashi Inti , Stephenson Paul , Nagaraj Chitra , Chu Simon , Drake Richard , Couchman Lewis , Flanagan Robert
Published: August 2019

Aims and method

To investigate the percentage of patients who commenced smoking after transferring out of a non-smoking forensic psychiatric unit, the corresponding clozapine dose adjustments, the effects on plasma clozapine/norclozapine concentrations and observed changes in mental state. We reviewed the notes and plasma clozapine/norclozapine concentrations of 46 patients transferred to medium secure units between July 2008 and December 2013.

Results

Thirty-five patients commenced smoking. Their median clozapine dose was increased by 50 mg/d. In the non-smokers, the median clozapine dose remained unchanged. Plasma clozapine/norclozapine concentrations were significantly reduced in smokers despite dosage adjustment. Eighteen patients experienced deterioration in mental state after transfer; almost all these patients were smokers.

Clinical implications

Approximately three-quarters of patients who were non-smokers by virtue of being in a secure non-smoking environment commenced smoking after transfer. Monitoring of clozapine serum levels and assessment of mental state in the immediate period after a change in smoking status is indicated.
Genomic Analysis of Metastatic Solid Tumors in Veterans: Findings From the VHA National Precision Oncology Program
Authors: Poonnen Pradeep J. , Duffy Jill E. , Hintze Bradley , Shukla Maulik , Brettin Thomas S. , Conrad Neal R. , Yoo Hyunseung , Guertin Christopher , Looney Jane A. , Vashistha Vishal , Kelley Michael J. , Spector Neil L.
Published: August 2019

PURPOSE

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest cancer care provider in the United States, with the added challenge of serving more than twice the percentage of patients with cancer in rural areas than the national average. The VHA established the National Precision Oncology Program in 2016 to implement and standardize the practice of precision oncology across the diverse VHA system.

METHODS

Tumor or peripheral blood specimens from veterans with advanced solid tumors who were eligible for treatment were submitted for next-generation sequencing (NGS) at two commercial laboratories. Annotated results were generated by the laboratories and independently using IBM Watson for Genomics. Levels-of-evidence treatment recommendations were based on OncoKB criteria.

RESULTS

From July 2016 to June 2018, 3,698 samples from 72 VHA facilities were submitted for NGS testing, of which 3,182 samples (86%) were successfully sequenced. Most samples came from men with lung, prostate, and colorectal cancers. Thirty-four percent of samples were from patients who lived in a rural area. TP53, ATM, and KRAS were among the most commonly mutated genes. Approximately 70% of samples had at least one actionable mutation, with clinical trials identified as the recommended option in more than 50%. Mutations in genes associated with a neuroendocrine prostate cancer phenotype were expressed at increased frequency among veterans than in the general population. The most frequent therapies prescribed in response to NGS testing were immune checkpoint inhibitors, EGFR kinase inhibitors, and PARP inhibitors.

CONCLUSION

Clinical implementation of precision oncology is feasible across the VHA health care system, including rural sites. Veterans have unique occupational exposures that might inform the nature of the mutational signatures identified here. Importantly, these results underscore the importance of increasing clinical trial availability to veterans.