bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Phenolyzer Suite: Prioritizing the Candidate Genes Involved in Microtia
Authors: Xin Huang , Changchen Wang , Lei Liu , Meirong Yang , Ye Zhang , Bo Pan
Published: April 2019

Objective:

Microtia is a congenital malformation of the external ear. Great progress about the genetic of microtia has been made in recent years. This article was to prioritize the potential candidate pathogenic genes of microtia based on existing studies and reports, with the purpose of narrowing the range of following study scientifically and quickly.

Method:

A computational tool called Phenolyzer (phenotype-based gene analyzer) was used to prioritize microtia genes. Microtia, as a query term, was input in the interface of Phenolyzer. After several steps, including disease match, gene query, gene score system, seed gene growth, and gene ranking, the final results about genetic information of microtia were provided. Then we tracked details of the top 10 genes ranked by Phenolyzer on the basis of previous reports.

Results:

We detected 10 348 genes associated with microtia or related syndromes, and 78 genes of those genes belonged to seed genes. Every gene was given a score, and the gene with higher scores was more likely influence microtia. The top 10 ranked genes included HOXA2, CHD7, CDT1, ORC1, ORC4, ORC6, CDC6, MED12, TWIST1, and GLI3. Otherwise, four gene-gene interactions were displayed.

Conclusion:

This article prioritized candidate genes of microtia for the first time. High-throughput methods provide tens of thousands of single-nucleotide variants, indels, and structural variants, and only a handful are relevant to microtia or associated syndromes. Combine the ranked potential pathogenic genes list from Phenolyzer with the results of samples provided by high-throughput methods, and more precise research directions are presented.
Integrated Otolaryngology-Anesthesiology Clinical Skills and Simulation Rotation: A Novel 1-Month Intern Curriculum
Authors: Kovatch Kevin J. , Harvey Rebecca S. , Schechtman Samuel A. , Healy David W. , Malloy Kelly M. , Prince Mark E. P. , Thorne Marc C.
Published: April 2019

Objectives:

Current Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) requirements allow PGY-1 otolaryngology-head and neck surgery (ORL-HNS) residents to spend 6 months on service, prompting reconsideration of educational best practices for the first-year resident experience. The aim of this study was to determine feasibility and value of a 1-month PGY-1 otolaryngology clinical skills rotation integrated with anesthesiology to complement clinical ORL-HNS rotations.

Methods:

Our institution developed a 1-month rotation focusing on procedural simulation and airway management as a collaborative effort between ORL-HNS and anesthesiology. Logistics of curriculum design and implementation in the first 2 years are described. Learner outcome measures include pre- and postintervention Likert scale measures of knowledge and confidence. Statistical assessment of curriculum efficacy includes Wilcoxon sign rank test and effect size (Cohen’s d).

Results:

The described rotation was successfully implemented for 8 entering PGY-1 residents in the 2016-2017 and 2017-1018 academic years. Learners reported significant improvement in knowledge and confidence (5-point Likert scale, all P < .0001) in each of the following grouped domains following the intervention: anesthesia skills (pre 2.79, post 4.02), anesthesia knowledge (pre 2.31, post 3.50), anesthesia overall preparedness (pre 2.75, post 4.04), otolaryngology skills (pre 2.90, post 4.19), otolaryngology scenarios (pre 2.80, post 4.00), and otolaryngology overall preparedness (pre 2.38, post 3.75). Very large effect sizes (Cohen’s d, range = 1.6-2.9) were observed.

Conclusion:

Changing rotation structure in ORL-HNS training programs provides an opportunity to develop novel rotations with high educational impact. Early outcome data suggest that the described clinical skills rotation is practically feasible and was perceived to have measurable value as part of the PGY-1 curriculum.
Physical properties of the organic polymeric blend (PVA/PAM) modified with MgO nanofillers
Authors: El-Gamal S , El Sayed Adel M
Published: April 2019

Magnesium oxide/polyvinyl alcohol/polyacrylamide (MgO/PVA/PAM) nanocomposite films were prepared via a solution chemical method. The effect of PVA and MgO nanoparticles (NPs) loading on the physical properties of PAM is discussed. X-ray diffraction reveals that the average MgO crystallite size of the NPs is ∼25 nm, while adding PVA increases the crystallinity of PAM. FTIR spectra confirm the interaction between blend chains and MgO NPs. Differential scanning calorimetry thermograms illustrate the miscibility between the PVA and the PAM. The melting temperature, the glass transition, as well as the equilibrium swelling ratio, depend on the films' composition. PAM showed a transmittance of 87%, that increased to 90% after PVA addition, but decreased to 74% after MgO loading. Meaningful changes are observed in the extinction coefficient and indirect/direct band gap of PAM due to PVA blending and MgO addition. The influence of MgO NPs on the dielectric constant ( ɛ′) of the blend film is reported. The maximum value of AC conductivity of the blend is 4.77 × 10−3 Sm−1, which increased to 8.07 × 10−3 Sm−1 by increasing the MgO loading to 5.0 wt.%. The conduction mechanism changed from the correlated barrier hopping, in the blend, to the large Polaron tunneling with MgO loading. The observed improvements in optical properties and AC conductivity encourage the use of these nanocomposite films in the semiconductors industry.
Disrupting School Rituals
Authors: DeMeulenaere Eric
Published: April 2019

Integrating the theories of Michel Foucault and Erving Goffman, this article presents a theoretical and empirical analysis for conceptualizing school classrooms as ritualized spaces that shape the roles, relationships, and interactions of students and teachers. This analysis is then used to examine the impact of one urban classroom that employed new classroom rituals to disrupt the traditional practices and performative roles of students and teachers. The article argues that disruptive rituals play an important role in efforts to transform patterns of social interactions in urban classrooms.
Surgical Site Infection in Head and Neck Surgery: A National Perspective
Authors: Al‐Qurayshi Zaid , Walsh Jarrett , Owen Scott , Kandil Emad
Published: April 2019

Objectives

To examine trend, prevalence, and outcomes of surgical site infection (SSI) in head and neck surgery.

Study Design

Retrospective cross‐sectional analysis.

Setting

The Nationwide Readmissions Database (2010‐2014), which represents 56.6% of all US hospitalization.

Subjects

Adult patients (≥18 years) who underwent head and neck surgery. Patients with SSI were compared with controls.

Methods

Analysis included chi‐square test and multivariate logistic and linear regression models.

Results

A total of 427 cases and 116,921 controls were identified. SSI prevalence among patients who underwent head and neck surgery was 0.37%, of which 41.0% was reported within the initial admission while the remaining 59.0% was reported on readmission within 30 days of first surgery. SSI was associated with a higher mortality risk (odds ratio, 3.95; 95% CI, 1.25‐12.50; P =. 019). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that a higher risk of SSI was associated with major surgery of the ear, nose and paranasal sinuses, mouth and tonsil, salivary glands and ducts, maxillofacial bones and mandible, and pharynx and larynx (P <. 05 each). However, a lower risk of SSI was reported in thyroid and parathyroid and nonmajor procedures (P <. 05 each). Other factors associated with a higher risk of SSI included multiple comorbidities, smoking, cancer diagnosis, concomitant neck dissection, and tracheostomy (P <. 05 each). SSI was associated with a mean ± SE additional hospital stay of 8.1 ± 0.8 days per case (P <. 001) and an additional cost on the health system of $20,953.00 ± $186.3 per case (P <. 001).

Conclusions

SSI is associated with a significant mortality risk and burden on the health system. More than half of SSI cases were identified on readmission.
Periostin and Inflammatory Disease: Implications for Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Lehmann Ashton E. , Scangas George A. , Bergmark Regan W. , El Rassi Edward , Stankovic Konstantina M. , Metson Ralph
Published: April 2019

Objective

To provide a comprehensive overview of the emerging role of periostin, an extracellular matrix protein, as a key component in the development, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

Data Sources

Medline database.

Review Methods

A state of the art review was performed targeting English‐language studies investigating the role of periostin in cardiopulmonary, neoplastic, and inflammatory diseases, with emphasis on recent advances in the study of periostin in chronic rhinosinusitis.

Conclusions

Periostin has emerged as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for numerous human pathologies, including cardiac, pulmonary, and neoplastic disease. The upregulation of periostin in chronic rhinosinusitis suggests the potential for similar roles among patients with sinonasal disease.

Implications for Practice

Chronic rhinosinusitis is a widespread disease with major clinical and societal impact. A critical limitation in the current treatment of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis is the absence of clinically relevant biomarkers to guide diagnosis and treatment selection. A review of the literature supports a likely role of periostin as a biomarker of chronic rhinosinusitis, as well as a novel therapeutic target in the future treatment of patients with sinonasal disease.
Clinical Prediction Model for Obstructive Sleep Apnea among Adult Patients with Habitual Snoring
Authors: Lin Hsin‐Ching , Lai Chi‐Chih , Lin Pei‐Wen , Friedman Michael , Salapatas Anna M. , Chang Hsueh‐Wen , Lin Meng‐Chih , Chin Chien‐Hung
Published: April 2019

Objective

To identify standard clinical parameters that may predict the presence and severity of obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSA).

Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary academic medical center.

Subjects and Methods

A total of 325 adult patients (274 men and 51 women; mean age, 44.2 years) with habitual snoring completed comprehensive polysomnography and anthropometric measurements, including modified Mallampati grade (also known as updated Friedman's tongue position [uFTP]), tonsil size grading, uvular length, neck circumference, waist circumference, hip circumference, and body mass index (BMI).

Results

When the aforementioned physical parameters were correlated singly with the apnea/hypopnea index (AHI), we found that sex, uFTP, tonsil size grading, neck circumference, waist circumference, hip circumference, thyroid‐mental distance, and BMI grade were reliable predictors of OSA. When all important factors were considered in a multiple stepwise regression analysis, an estimated AHI can be formulated by factoring sex, uFTP, tonsil size grading, and BMI grade as follows: –43.0 + 14.1 × sex + 12.8 × uFTP + 5.0 × tonsil size + 8.9 × BMI grade. Severity of OSA can be predicted with a receiver operating characteristic curve. Predictors of OSA can be further obtained by the “OSA score.”

Conclusion

This study has distinguished the correlations between sex, uFTP, tonsil size, and BMI grade and the presence and severity of OSA. An OSA score might be beneficial in identifying patients who should have a full sleep evaluation.
Moderators of the Relationship Between Body Dissatisfaction and Eating Pathology in Preadolescent Girls
Authors: Rosewall Juliet K. , Gleaves David H. , Latner Janet D.
Published: April 2019

Body dissatisfaction (BD) is a common experience among preadolescent girls and a robust risk factor and precursor to eating pathology (EP). Although the relationship between BD and EP has been well documented, there is less research exploring the factors that may make this relationship more or less pronounced. In the current study, we investigated several factors that may moderate the relationship between BD and EP. Preadolescent girls ( n = 169) aged between 10 and 12 years completed questionnaires measuring EP, BD, negative affect, perfectionism, self-esteem, teasing, and perceived pressure from others and the media. Moderator analyses indicated that self-oriented and socially prescribed perfectionism, media pressure, and self-esteem each moderated the relationship between BD and EP. These factors may potentially make a preadolescent girl more susceptible to developing EP and may be useful to address in targeted prevention efforts among girls dissatisfied with their bodies.
The weakness of social dialogue in the Baltic countries: An employer-centric political economy perspective
Authors: Kalanta Marius
Published: April 2019

Social dialogue is underdeveloped in the Baltic countries. This is often attributed to weak labour institutions and low mobilization, but I argue that employers’ motivation to engage in multi-employer bargaining is a crucial precondition for social dialogue. I build on scholarship in comparative political economy that links the long-run stability of collective bargaining to export competitiveness, and investigate why enterprises in the Baltic countries do not use multi-employer bargaining as an institutional instrument for wage coordination, even though economic growth is export-led. Until recently, employers lacked interest in coordinated wage-setting because of macroeconomic conditions: in particular favourable price trends in international markets which resulted in significantly higher value added without additional investments in efficiency, reducing structural pressure to align wages with productivity. Therefore, the strategies currently employed by Baltic enterprises are not complementary with social dialogue institutions.
Sharing Goods? Yuck, No! An Investigation of Consumers’ Contamination Concerns About Access-Based Services
Authors: Hazée Simon , Van Vaerenbergh Yves , Delcourt Cécile , Warlop Luk
Published: April 2019

Although access-based services (ABS) offer many benefits, convincing consumers to use these service innovations remains challenging. Research suggests that contamination concerns are an important barrier to consumer adoption of ABS; they arise when a person believes someone else has touched an object and transferred residue or germs. However, systematic examination of this phenomenon is lacking. We conduct four experiments to determine (1) the impact of contamination concerns on consumer evaluations of ABS, (2) when such concerns become salient in ABS, and (3) how ABS providers can reduce these concerns. The results reveal that consumers experience more contamination concerns about objects used in proximity to their bodies, especially when those objects are shared with unfamiliar users, and that such concerns negatively influence their evaluations of ABS. Consumers also exhibit less contamination concerns about ABS that have high brand equity because of their elevated stereotype-related perceptions of the competence of those users. Firms’ advertisements depicting physical contact between shared objects and other users negatively influence ABS evaluations by consumers whose contamination concept is activated. This article provides insights for developing product, branding, and communication strategies to reduce consumers’ contamination concerns and maximize ABS adoption.
Design and validation of a novel testing method for computer tomographic analysis of upholstery materials under deformation
Authors: Heinzel KI , Finckh H , Dinkelmann A , Fritz F , Gresser GT , Huter P
Published: April 2019

The aim of this article is to present a new type of testing device used for computer tomographic analysis of the structure of a microfiber fabric and a porous artificial leather under deformation. The load exerted by an occupant sitting motionless on a vehicle seat is to be analyzed. The load is determined on complete seats with test persons (no dummies) carrying out the tests. The result is the specification of a pressure range over the test group of people that is valid for both materials. In the next step, the load condition is adapted to a 1:1 substitute test model and finally to a test device for computer tomography. The description and validation of the load conditions are carried out by finite element simulation, and a comparison with the measurement series is carried out. In summary, it can be stated that the developed loading device represents a good representation of reality. This includes the boundary conditions assumed for the design, the inaccuracies of the finite element simulation, and the measurement systems. The analysis of the structural properties of a reference surface is possible with a resolution of 5 µm.
Fast geometry-based computation of grasping points on three-dimensional point clouds
Authors: Zapata-Impata Brayan S , Gil Pablo , Pomares Jorge , Torres Fernando
Published: April 2019

Industrial and service robots deal with the complex task of grasping objects that have different shapes and which are seen from diverse points of view. In order to autonomously perform grasps, the robot must calculate where to place its robotic hand to ensure that the grasp is stable. We propose a method to find the best pair of grasping points given a three-dimensional point cloud with the partial view of an unknown object. We use a set of straightforward geometric rules to explore the cloud and propose grasping points on the surface of the object. We then adapt the pair of contacts to a multi-fingered hand used in experimentation. We prove that, after performing 500 grasps of different objects, our approach is fast, taking an average of 17.5 ms to propose contacts, while attaining a grasp success rate of 85.5%. Moreover, the method is sufficiently flexible and stable to work with objects in changing environments, such as those confronted by industrial or service robots.
The synovial fluid neuropeptide PACAP may act as a protective factor during disease progression of primary knee osteoarthritis and is increased following hyaluronic acid injection
Authors: Sun Zheng-Ping , Wu Shao-Peng , Liang Can-De , Zhao Chuan-Xi , Sun Bing-Yin
Published: April 2019

The correlation of serum and synovial fluid (SF) pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) levels with disease progression of primary knee osteoarthritis (OA) was explored. Radiographic severity of OA was determined by Kellgren–Lawrence (K-L) grades. PACAP levels were measured by ELISA before treatment, and 4 and 8 wk following hyaluronic acid (HA) injection. Levels of IL-1β and MMP-3 were also detected. The numeric pain scale (NPS), revised Oxford Knee Score (OKS), and American Knee Society Score (AKSS) were employed to evaluate to symptomatic severity. Receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was carried out to compare the diagnostic value of PACAP, IL-1β, and MMP-3 for the K-L grade. PACAP concentrations in SF but not serum were significantly lower in OA patients compared with controls. SF PACAP levels were negatively associated with K-L grades and higher NPS as well as worse AKSS and OKS. Further analysis demonstrated that PACAP concentration in SF was negatively correlated with expressions of IL-1β as well as MMP-3 and may act as a marker for radiographic progression along with MMP-3. Last, we found SF PACAP levels exhibited an incremental trend after HA injection. These findings confirmed the crucial role of PACAP deficiency in the development of primary knee OA.
Cost-effectiveness and screening performance of ECG handheld machine in a population screening programme: The Belgian Heart Rhythm Week screening programme
Authors: Proietti Marco , Farcomeni Alessio , Goethals Peter , Scavee Christophe , Vijgen Johan , Blankoff Ivan , Vandekerckhove Yves , Lip Gregory YH , Mairesse Georges H ,   on behalf of Belgian Heart Rhythm Week Investigators
Published: April 2019

Aims

Overall, 40% of patients with atrial fibrillation are asymptomatic. The usefulness and cost-effectiveness of atrial fibrillation screening programmes are debated. We evaluated whether an atrial fibrillation screening programme with a handheld electrocardiogram (ECG) machine in a population-wide cohort has a high screening yield and is cost-effective.

Methods

We used a Markov-model based modelling analysis on 1000 hypothetical individuals who matched the Belgian Heart Rhythm Week screening programme. Subgroup analyses of subjects ≥65 and ≥75 years old were performed. Screening was performed with one-lead ECG handheld machine Omron® HeartScan HCG-801.

Results

In both overall population and subgroups, the use of the screening procedure diagnosed a consistently higher number of diagnosed atrial fibrillation than not screening. In the base-case scenario, the screening procedure resulted in 106.6 more atrial fibrillation patient-years, resulting in three fewer strokes, 10 more life years and five more quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). The number needed-to-screen (NNS) to avoid one stroke was 361. In subjects ≥65 years old, we found 80.8 more atrial fibrillation patient-years, resulting in three fewer strokes, four more life-years and five more QALYs. The NNS to avoid one stroke was 354. Similar results were obtained in subjects ≥75 years old, with a NNS to avoid one stroke of 371. In the overall population, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for any gained QALY showed that the screening procedure was cost-effective in all groups.

Conclusions

In a population-wide screening cohort, the use of a handheld ECG machine to identify subjects with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation was cost-effective in the general population, as well as in subjects ≥65 and subjects ≥75 years old.
The collaborative care model for HIV and depression: Patient perspectives and experiences from a safety-net clinic in the United States
Authors: Fuller Shannon M , Koester Kimberly A , Erguera Xavier A , Wilde Botta Emma , von Beetzen Fredrik , Steward Wayne T , Avery Ann
Published: April 2019

Objectives:

Collaborative care models may improve outcomes for both HIV and depression. The model includes routine screening and re-assessment of depressive symptoms as well as care coordination services delivered by an ancillary provider focused on mental health. We sought to explore patient experiences and attitudes about the services received through the collaborative care model, including measurement-based care using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9.

Methods:

We conducted 17 qualitative interviews with patients in a collaborative care model implemented at an HIV primary care clinic in a safety-net hospital in the United States. Interviews were analyzed using Framework Analysis.

Results:

Our findings illustrate the ways in which the collaborative care model for depression may be meaningful to patients in HIV care settings. Participants appreciated the support offered through the collaborative care model. Most participants perceived measurement-based care as useful to their providers, and an additional subset used the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 for their own self-management and awareness of depression. Over time, the collaborative care model appeared to motivate some patients to address depressive symptoms.

Conclusion:

The collaborative care model may be particularly helpful to patients in the way that it reinforces how depressive symptoms can be measured and managed. Furthermore, routine screening and re-measurement for depressive symptoms using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 hold promise as an additional self-management tool to complement other clinical and supportive services.
Explorations in Teaching Research by a Tutoring Institution in China
Authors: Bai Yunfeng , Tang Xueli , Li Xingfang , Fan Shunan
Published: April 2019

Purpose:

This article focuses on rarely explored organizational practice of teaching research in China’s private tutoring industry. Taking a large private tutoring institution as an example, the article examines how private tutoring institutions understand and engage in educational explorations of standardization and informatization processes.

Design/Approach/Methods:

The article is based on a case study of one of the biggest tutoring companies in China. The study started with document analysis of the institutional history, supplemented by interviews with personnel who have worked in the institution since it was founded. Next, the researchers collected empirical data using mixed methods. Quantitative data were obtained from the user database owned by the institution. Qualitative data were collected directly by the researchers through interviews and participant observation. Both qualitative and quantitative data were analyzed from multiple perspectives.

Findings:

Teaching research in private tutoring institutions commonly differs from that in public schooling. In this particular case, it is technology-driven, student-tailored, and process-standardized. Utilized well, it can supplement the mainstream public education system and promote education innovation and equity throughout the country.

Originality/Value:

It is hoped that this article could give some insights into the possibility of the cooperation between formal schools and tutoring institutions in the areas of teaching research and other in-class and off-campus activities. The article can also draw public attention to the necessity and benefits of adopting technical methods in the teaching process.
Beyond the Game: Dimensions of Esports Online Spectator Demand
Authors: Qian Tyreal Yizhou , Zhang James Jianhui , Wang Jerred Junqi , Hulland John
Published: April 2019

This study explored and evaluated the dimensions and consequences of esports online spectator demand. In doing so, we identified preliminary dimensions of esports online spectator demand based on semistructured interviews and online open-ended surveys. Findings resulted from the qualitative study were adopted as the foundation to develop the Scale for Esports Spectator Demand (SESD). To validate the SESD and assess the impact of the SESD factors on consumers’ cognitive and behavioral outcomes, a sample of esports online spectators ( N = 1,309) responded to a survey containing the SESD, which was randomly split into two halves, with one half for an exploratory factor analysis and the other half for a confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling analyses. A total of 32 items under eight SESD factors were confirmed. While demand factors including commentary features, player characteristics, event attractiveness, and schedule convenience have been found in traditional sport contexts, chat room, streamer traits, stream quality, and virtual rewards appeared to be unique in esports. All eight SESD factors, excluding schedule convenience, were significantly predictive of one or more of the outcomes associated with esports consumption.
What are the effects of even-aged and uneven-aged forest management on boreal forest biodiversity in Fennoscandia and European Russia? A systematic review protocol
Authors: Savilaakso Sini , Häkkilä Matti , Johansson Anna , Uusitalo Anne , Sandgren Terhi , Mönkkönen Mikko , Puttonen Pasi
Published: April 2019

Background

Biodiversity is vital for human well-being, but is threatened by human actions world-wide. In the boreal zone, harvesting and management of forests on an industrial scale is the most important factor driving habitat change and degradation. Over time different forest management regimes have been implemented but their impact on biodiversity at different spatial and temporal scales has not been systematically reviewed although non-systematic reviews on the topic exist. The aim of this article is to describe a protocol for a systematic review to synthesise and compare the impacts of two different forest management systems on biodiversity at different spatial and temporal scales. The topic for the systematic review arose from the discussions with the Finnish forestry sector and was further defined in a stakeholder workshop. Research questions addressed by the systematic review protocol are: (1) What are the stand-level effects of even-aged and uneven-aged forest management on boreal forest biodiversity in Fennoscandia and European Russia? (2) What is the effect of these same forest management systems on biodiversity at landscape level?

Methods

Animal, plant, and fungal diversity is addressed. Bibliographic databases and organizational websites will be searched, and internet search engines will be utilized to find relevant literature. The searches will be conducted in English, Finnish, Swedish, and Russian. Articles will be screened regarding the inclusion and exclusion criteria at title, abstract, and full-text stage. The validity of included studies will be evaluated against appraisal criteria and studies categorized based on their risk of bias. A narrative synthesis will be conducted to describe the findings. If enough quantitative data can be retrieved from the studies, a meta-analysis will be conducted.
Irinotecan plus S‐1 versus S‐1 in patients with previously treated recurrent or metastatic esophageal cancer (ESWN 01): a prospective randomized, multicenter, open‐labeled phase 3 trial
Authors: Huang Jing , Xu Binghe , Liu Ying , Huang Junxing , Lu Ping , Ba Yi , Wu Lin , Bai Yuxian , Zhang Shu , Feng Jifeng , Cheng Ying , Li Jie , Wen Lu , Yuan Xianglin , Ma Changwu , Hu Chunhong , Fan Qingxia , Wang Xi
Published: April 2019

Background

The benefit of systemic treatments in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) which has progressed after chemotherapy is still uncertain and optimal regimens based on randomized trials have not yet been established. We aimed to compare the efficacy of irinotecan plus S‐1 with S‐1 monotherapy in recurrent or metastatic ESCC patients who had resistance to platinum‐ or taxane‐based chemotherapy.

Methods

We conducted a prospective randomized, multicenter, open‐label, phase 3 trial in 15 centers across China. Eligible patients were adults with histologically confirmed recurrent or metastatic ESCC, and were randomly assigned (ratio, 1:1) to receive either irinotecan plus S‐1 (intravenous infusion of irinotecan [160 mg/m2] on day 1 and oral S‐1 [80–120 mg] on days 1–10, repeated every 14 days) or oral S‐1 monotherapy (80–120 mg/day on days 1–14, repeated every 21 days) using a central computerized minimization procedure. The primary endpoint was progression‐free survival (PFS).

Results

Between December 23, 2014 and July 25, 2016, we screened 148 patients and randomly assigned 123 patients to receive either irinotecan plus S‐1 regimen (n= 61) or S‐1 monotherapy (n = 62). After a median follow‐up of 29.2 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 17.5–40.9 months), the median PFS was significantly longer in the irinotecan plus S‐1 group than in the S‐1 monotherapy group (3.8 months [95% CI 2.9–4.3 months] vs. 1.7 months [95% CI 1.4–2.7 months], hazard ratio = 0.58, 95% CI 0.38–0.86, P = 0.006). The objective response rates were 24.6% in the irinotecan plus S‐1 group and 9.7% in the S‐1 monotherapy group (P = 0.002). The patients in the irinotecan plus S‐1 group presented with increased rates of grade 3–4 leukopenia (16.4% vs. 0%), neutropenia (14.8% vs. 1.6%), and nausea (4.9% vs. 0%). No significant difference in grade 3–4 diarrhea and no treatment‐related deaths were observed in both groups.

Conclusions

The combination of irinotecan with S‐1 was similarly tolerable but significantly prolonged PFS compared to S‐1 monotherapy as a second‐ or third‐line treatment in patients with recurrent or metastatic ESCC.

Clinical Trial Registration NCT02319187. Registered on December 9, 2014
Seismic structure interpretation based on machine learning: A case study in coal mining
Authors: Li Dong , Peng Suping , Lu Yongxu , Guo Yinling , Cui Xiaoqin
Published: April 2019

Interpretation of geologic structures entails ambiguity and uncertainties. It usually requires interpreter judgment and is time consuming. Deep exploitation of resources challenges the accuracy and efficiency of geologic structure interpretation. The application of machine-learning algorithms to seismic interpretation can effectively solve these problems. We analyzed the theory and applicability of five machine-learning algorithms. Seismic forward modeling is a key connection between the model and seismic response, and it can obtain seismic data of known geologic structures. Based on the modeling data, we first optimized the seismic attributes sensitive to the target geologic structure and then we verified the accuracy of the five machine-learning algorithms by the cross-checking method. In this case, the random forest algorithm had the highest accuracy. So we examined the structural interpretation method based on a random forest using the 3D seismic reflection data from coalfield exploration. The prediction effect of this interpretation workflow is verified by comparison with known geologic structures on the plane and profile. The results suggest that the random forest algorithm is feasible to indicate geologic structure interpretations in the case of collapsed column and fault structures and it can effectively improve the efficiency of seismic interpretation and its accuracy. The machine-learning-based workflow provides a new technique for seismic structure interpretation in coal mining.
Convolutional neural networks as aid in core lithofacies classification
Authors: Pires de Lima Rafael , Suriamin Fnu , Marfurt Kurt J. , Pranter Matthew J.
Published: April 2019

Artificial intelligence methods have a very wide range of applications. From speech recognition to self-driving cars, the development of modern deep-learning architectures is helping researchers to achieve new levels of accuracy in different fields. Although deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs) (a kind of deep-learning technique) have reached or surpassed human-level performance in image recognition tasks, little has been done to transport this new image classification technology to geoscientific problems. We have developed what we believe to be the first use of CNNs to identify lithofacies in cores. We use highly accurate models (trained with millions of images) and transfer learning to classify images of cored carbonate rocks. We found that different modern CNN architectures can achieve high levels of lithologic image classification accuracy (approximately 90%) and can aid in the core description task. This core image classification technique has the potential to greatly standardize and accelerate the description process. We also provide the community with a new set of labeled data that can be used for further geologic/data science studies.
Seismic imaging of Deccan-related lava flows at the K-T boundary, deepwater west India
Authors: Fainstein Roberto , Richards Mark , Kalra Rajesh
Published: April 2019

Continuous improvements in geophysical technology have enabled seismic imaging of Mesozoic strata under the K-T transition boundary — a thick lava blanket spread along the continental margin of India's west coast. The new images reveal features of the subbasalt geology of this large offshore region. The relationship of the offshore lava flows with the equally vast lava flows of the onshore Deccan Traps adds a parameter of comparison to the whole Mesozoic stratigraphy of the south, west, and northwest coasts of India. The lava flows are part of the deepwater margin that embraces several basins, the largest being the southernmost underexplored Kerala-Konkan Basin. Newly acquired and processed regional seismic data sets were integrated with new data sets of potential field data to better uncover the Mesozoic stratigraphy. The 3D seismic data, acquired with long spreads and broadband processing through time and depth migration, enabled imaging of the complex structure of layers under basalt. India detached from Madagascar during Cretaceous time; the northward path to its present position was affected by Reunion hotspot activity that melted the west coast near the K-T transition time. The volcanic lithology observed at the K-T boundary is related to episodic emplacement of intrusive dykes and extrusive sills. A possible cause-effect event in that span of time is the Chicxulub meteorite impact that may have increased the volume of Deccan lava flows. The deepwater lava volumes estimated from interpretation of seismic data from the offshore region at the end of Cretaceous time are comparable to, or perhaps much greater than, the volumes estimated for the precisely age-dated Deccan Traps basalts exposed onshore. This suggests an enormous outpouring of flood basalts (onshore and offshore) at K-T time that was comparable to other major flood basalt events, such as the Siberian traps, and associated with mass extinctions.
Successful infill drilling campaign using fit-for-purpose seismic technologies doubles oil production and extends field life at Lakshmi Field, Gulf of Cambay, western India
Authors: Harshvardhan  , Bose Madhubanti , Chakraborty Soumya , Chaliha Monosvita , Mukherjee Sujoy , Jha Bhawesh Chandra , Kumar M. Suresh , Kolan Kondal Reddy , Kothari Vachaspati , Sunder V. R.
Published: April 2019

The offshore Lakshmi Field, located in the southern part of Cambay Basin in the CB/OS-2 block in western India, is a success story of transitioning from a plateauing gas field to an oil-producing asset. Hydrocarbons sourced from Hazira Shale at Lakshmi Field are trapped in inversion-related four-way dip closures. The reservoirs are within the Miocene-age Tarkeshwar and overlying Babaguru formations; both have excellent reservoir quality with porosity ranging from 25% to 30% and Darcy-scale permeability. During the initial exploration stage, presence of oil was established in the deeper lower Tarkeshwar sands. However, the full oil potential of the field was not realized in the early stage of development due to difficulty in characterizing laterally and vertically discontinuous thin sands. These sands are often not detected in conventional 3D seismic data due to severe attenuation-related masking by overlying thick gas sands. Given the uncertainty of the oil potential of the field, a revised look using advanced seismic technologies was undertaken to drive a new infill drilling campaign. Seismic reprocessing using Q-tomographic inversion was performed to address the gas-attenuation problem, resulting in an improved seismic image. The new seismic data enabled characterization of thin reservoir sands using analytical techniques such as spectral decomposition and amplitude-variation-with-offset (AVO) attribute analysis. An integrated reservoir-characterization approach using field analogs, interpretation within a sequence stratigraphic framework, concepts of seismic geomorphology, and quantitative seismic analysis helped identify optimal areas of the sand fairway for infill well placement. Several infill wells have since been drilled that encountered good pay zones, validating the integrated approach. This successful campaign doubled oil production at Lakshmi and extended the field life by increasing reserves.
Reviews
Authors: Boadu Fred , Rueger Andreas
Published: April 2019

Practical Bayesian Inference: A Primer for Physical Scientists, by Coryn A. L. Bailer-Jones, ISBN 978-1-316-64221-4, 2017, Cambridge University Press, 295 p. Python for Scientists, by John M. Stewart, ISBN 978-1-316-64123-1, 2017, Cambridge University Press, 257 p.
Inelastic Displacement Spectra and Its Utilization of DDB Design for Seismic Isolated Bridges Subjected to Near-Fault Pulse-Like Ground Motions
Authors: Wu Yi-feng , Wang Hao , Li Jian , Sha Ben , Li Ai-qun
Published: April 2019

A variety of research has focused on the inelastic displacement demand of a single degree of freedom (SDOF) system when subjected to near-fault pulse-like ground motions, in which the concerned ductility, μ, is typically lower than ten for normal structures. However, for seismic isolated structures that are more prone to large displacement, the corresponding research is limited. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the inelastic displacement spectra of an SDOF system with μ ranging from 5 to 70 and further proposes a direct displacement-based (DDB) design method for seismic isolated bridges. More concretely, a pool of near-fault pulse-like records is assembled, the mean C μ as a function of T/ T p is developed, and the influences of the ductility, μ, and the post-to-pre-yield ratio, α, on C μ are carefully investigated. Then the corresponding inelastic displacement spectra, S d, are obtained, and a comprehensive piecewise expression is proposed to fit S d. After that, the utilization of the spectra for the DDB design of a three-span seismic isolated continuous bridge is performed, and the principal of simplifying the bridge to an SDOF system is carefully explained and verified.
Fructose Consumption Contributes to Hyperinsulinemia in Adolescents With Obesity Through a GLP-1–Mediated Mechanism
Authors: Galderisi Alfonso , Giannini Cosimo , Van Name Michelle , Caprio Sonia
Published: April 2019

Context

The consumption of high-fructose beverages is associated with a higher risk for obesity and diabetes. Fructose can stimulate glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) secretion in lean adults, in the absence of any anorexic effect.

Objective

We hypothesized that the ingestion of glucose and fructose may differentially stimulate GLP-1 and insulin response in lean adolescents and adolescents with obesity.

Design

We studied 14 lean adolescents [four females; 15.9 ± 1.6 years of age; body mass index (BMI), 21.8 ± 2.2 kg/m2] and 23 adolescents with obesity (five females; 15.1 ± 1.6 years of age; BMI, 34.5 ± 4.6 kg/m2). Participants underwent a baseline oral glucose tolerance test to determine their glucose tolerance and estimate insulin sensitivity and β-cell function [oral disposition index (oDIcpep)]. Eligible subjects received, in a double-blind, crossover design, 75 g of glucose or fructose. Plasma was obtained every 10 minutes for 60 minutes for the measures of glucose, insulin, and GLP-1 (radioimmunoassay) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP; ELISA). Incremental glucose and hormone levels were compared between lean individuals and those with obesity by a linear mixed model. The relationship between GLP-1 increment and oDIcpep was evaluated by regression analysis.

Results

Following the fructose challenge, plasma glucose excursions were similar in both groups, yet the adolescents with obesity exhibited a greater insulin (P < 0.001) and GLP-1 (P < 0.001) increase than did their lean peers. Changes in GIP were similar in both groups. After glucose ingestion, the GLP-1 response (P < 0.001) was higher in the lean group. The GLP-1 increment during 60 minutes from fructose drink was correlated with a lower oDIcpep (r2 = 0.22, P = 0.009).

Conclusion

Fructose, but not glucose, ingestion elicits a higher GLP-1 and insulin response in adolescents with obesity than in lean adolescents. Fructose consumption may contribute to the hyperinsulinemic phenotype of adolescent obesity through a GLP-1–mediated mechanism.
Inclusion and exclusion in the history of developmental biology
Authors: Hopwood Nick
Published: April 2019

Scientific disciplines embody commitments to particular questions and approaches, scopes and audiences; they exclude as well as include. Developmental biology is no exception, and it is useful to reflect on what it has kept in and left out since the field was founded after World War II. To that end, this article sketches a history of how developmental biology has been different from the comparative, human and even experimental embryologies that preceded it, as well as the embryology that was institutionalized in reproductive biology and medicine around the same time. Early developmental biology largely excluded evolution and the environment, but promised to embrace the entire living world and the whole life course. Developmental biologists have been overcoming those exclusions for some years, but might do more to deliver on the promises while cultivating closer relations, not least, to reproductive studies.
Underemployment and the Trickle-Down of Unemployment
Authors: Barnichon Regis , Zylberberg Yanos
Published: April 2019

A substantial fraction of workers are underemployed, i.e., employed in jobs for which they are overqualified, and that fraction—the underemployment rate—is higher in recessions. To explain these facts, we build a search model with an endogenous “ranking” mechanism, in which high-skill applicants are systematically hired over less-skilled competing applicants. Some high-skill workers become underemployed in order to escape the competition for high-skill jobs and find a job more rapidly at the expense of less-skilled workers. Quantitatively, the model can capture the key characteristics of underemployment, notably the fact that both the underemployment rate and the wage loss associated with becoming underemployed increase in recessions. (JEL E24, E32, J24, J64)
Reconsidering the Consequences of Worker Displacements: Firm versus Worker Perspective
Authors: Flaaen Aaron , Shapiro Matthew D. , Sorkin Isaac
Published: April 2019

Prior literature has established that displaced workers suffer persistent earnings losses by following workers in administrative data after mass layoffs. This literature assumes that these are involuntary separations owing to economic distress. This paper examines this assumption by matching survey data on worker-supplied reasons for separations with administrative data. Workers exhibit substantially different earnings dynamics in mass layoffs depending on the reason for separation. Using a new methodology to account for the increased separation rates across all survey responses during a mass layoff, the paper finds earnings loss estimates that are surprisingly close to those using only administrative data. (JEL E32, J31, J63, J64, J65)
Open laboratory notebooks: good for science, good for society, good for scientists
Authors: Schapira Matthieu ,   The Open Lab Notebook Consortium, Harding Rachel J.
Published: April 2019

The fundamental goal of the growing open science movement is to increase the efficiency of the global scientific community and accelerate progress and discoveries for the common good. Central to this principle is the rapid disclosure of research outputs in open-access peer-reviewed journals and on pre-print servers. The next bold step in this direction is open laboratory notebooks, where research scientists share their research — including detailed protocols, negative and positive results — online and in near-real-time to synergize with their peers. Here, we highlight the benefits of open lab notebooks to science, society and scientists, and discuss the challenges that this nascent movement is facing. We also present the implementation and progress of our own initiative at openlabnotebooks.org, with more than 20 active contributors after one year of operation.