bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiac Computed Tomography Radiomics
Authors: Kolossváry Márton , Kellermayer Miklós , Merkely Béla , Maurovich-Horvat Pál
Published: March 2017

Radiologic images are vast three-dimensional data sets in which each voxel of the underlying volume represents distinct physical measurements of a tissue-dependent characteristic. Advances in technology allow radiologists to image pathologies with unforeseen detail, thereby further increasing the amount of information to be processed. Even though the imaging modalities have advanced greatly, our interpretation of the images has remained essentially unchanged for decades. We have arrived in the era of precision medicine where even slight differences in disease manifestation are seen as potential target points for new intervention strategies. There is a pressing need to improve and expand the interpretation of radiologic images if we wish to keep up with the progress in other diagnostic areas. Radiomics is the process of extracting numerous quantitative features from a given region of interest to create large data sets in which each abnormality is described by hundreds of parameters. From these parameters datamining is used to explore and establish new, meaningful correlations between the variables and the clinical data. Predictive models can be built on the basis of the results, which may broaden our knowledge of diseases and assist clinical decision making. Radiomics is a complex subject that involves the interaction of different disciplines; our objective is to explain commonly used radiomic techniques and review current applications in cardiac computed tomography imaging.
Laparoscopic Anatomic Segment 6 Liver Resection Using the Glissonian Approach
Authors: Choi Hanlim , Han Ho-Seong , Yoon Yoo-Seok , Cho Jai Young , Choi YoungRok , Jang Jae Yool
Published: March 2017

Introduction:

Laparoscopic liver resection has become important procedure for malignant liver disease. In this report, we describe the relevant technical maneuvers and perioperative outcomes in laparoscopic anatomic segment 6 liver resection using the Glissonian approach.

Patients and Methods:

From March 2003 and October 2015, 7 patients who diagnosed hepatocellular carcinoma had undergone laparoscopic anatomic segment 6 liver resection at the single institution. We performed retrospective analysis of the clinical and perioperative outcomes of these patients.

Results:

All patients were men with mean age of 62.3 years (range, 49 to 73 y). The mean operation time was 352.8 minutes (range, 180 to 435 min) and there was no case of open conversion. The mean estimated blood loss was 521.4 mL (range, 200 to 800 mL) and intraoperative transfusion needed in 1 patient. There was no postoperative morbidity and mortality. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 7.5 days (range, 5 to 12 d). All patients obtained negative resection margins. There was no patient had developed tumor recurrence during a median follow-up period of 43 months (range, 7 to 60.7 mo).

Conclusions:

Laparoscopic anatomic segment 6 liver resection is a feasible operative procedure, being possible even in patients with limited liver function.
A fully automated computer-based ‘Skinner Box’ for testing learning and memory in zebrafish
Authors: Brock Alistair J. , Sudwarts Ari , Daggett Jenny , Parker Matthew O. , Brennan Caroline H.
Published: March 2017

Zebrafish are an important model species with unparalleled potential to advance understanding of the genetics and neurobiology of behaviour through genetic and pharmacological screening and mutant analysis. However, advances using this species have been limited by the lack of robust, standardised methodology and equipment suitable for assessing adult behaviour. Here we describe a simple, fully automated, computer based, operant system for measuring behaviour in juvenile and adult zebrafish and provide detailed protocols for appetitive and aversive assays to assess cognitive function in adult zebrafish. Applications include the study of cognition in zebrafish (and other similar sized fish species) and in zebrafish models of psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, Huntington’s disease, frontotemporal dementia), and characterisation of the role of select brain regions, neurotransmitter systems and genes in zebrafish. Further, the scalable nature of the system makes the protocols suitable for use in pharmacological and genetic screening programmes.
Neurodesign: Optimal Experimental Designs for Task fMRI
Authors: Durnez Joke , Blair Ross , Poldrack Russell A.
Published: March 2017

1

A recent stream of alarmist publications has questioned the validity of published neuroimaging findings. As a consequence, fMRI teams worldwide have been encouraged to increase their sample sizes to reach higher power and thus increase the positive predictive value of their findings. However, an often-overlooked factor influencing power is the experimental design: by choosing the appropriate experimental design, the statistical power of a study can be increased within subjects. By optimizing the order and timing of the stimuli, power can be gained at no extra cost. To facilitate design optimization, we created apythonpackage and web-based tool called Neurodesign to maximize the detection power or estimation efficiency within subjects, while controlling for psychological factors such as the predictability of the design. We implemented both a simulation-based optimisation, as well as an optimisation using the genetic algorithm, introduced by Wager and Nichols (2003) and further improved by Kao et al. (2009), to optimize the experimental design. The toolboxNeurodesignallows more complex experimental setups than existing toolboxes, while the GUI provides a more user-friendly experience. The toolbox is accessible online atwww.neuropowertools.org.
On the mechanism of long-range orientational order of fibroblasts
Authors: Li Xuefei , Balagam Rajesh , He Ting-Fang , Lee Peter P. , Igoshin Oleg A. , Levine Herbert
Published: March 2017

Long-range alignment ordering of fibroblasts have been observed in the vicinity of cancerous tumors and can be recapitulated within vitroexperiments. However, the mechanisms driving their ordering are not understood. Here we show that local collision-driven nematic alignment interactions among fibroblasts are insufficient to explain observed long-range alignment. One possibility is that there exists another orientation field co-evolving with the cells and reinforcing their alignment. We propose that this field reflects the mechanical cross-talk between the fibroblasts and the underlying fibrous material on which they move. We demonstrate that this new long-range interaction can give rise to high nematic order and to the observed patterning of the cancer microenvironment.

Significance Statement

Long-range alignment patterns of fibroblasts have been observed bothin vivoandin vitro. However, there has not been much understanding of the underlying mechanism. In this work, we demonstrate that these patterns cannot be simply explained by their steric interaction with one another during collisions. Instead, we propose that fibroblasts may collectively align through non-local interactions arising from their modification of an underlying extracellular matrix. The proposed mechanism explains the observed co-alignment between fibroblasts and collagen fibers around tumors and can be be tested in future experiments that can image the dynamics of this pattern formationin vivoorin vitro
A microfluidic module for real-time generation of complex multi-molecule temporal concentration profiles
Authors: Woodruff Kristina , Maerkl Sebastian J.
Published: March 2017

We designed a microfluidic module that generates complex, dynamic concentration profiles of multiple molecules over a large concentration range using pulse-width modulation (PWM). Our PWM device can arbitrarily combine up to 6 different inputs and select between three downstream mixing channels as required by the application. The module can produce arbitrary concentrations with a dynamic range of up to 3-5 decades. We created complex concentration profiles of 2 molecules, with each concentration independently controllable, and show that the PWM module can execute rapid concentration changes as well as long-timescale pharmacokinetic profiles. Concentration profiles were generated for molecules with molecular weights ranging from 560 Da to 150 kDa. Our PWM module produces robust and precise concentration profiles under a variety of operating conditions, making it ideal for integration with existing microfluidic devices for advanced cell and pharmacokinetic studies.
Selectivity profile of the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, A-966492
Authors: Thorsell Ann-Gerd , Schüler Herwig
Published: March 2017

Among the clinical inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs) and the commonly used PARP research tool compounds, veliparib and niraparib were recently identified as the most selective inhibitors of PARP1 and PARP2. We characterized the potency of A-966492, a PARP inhibitor with a chemical structure similar to veliparib and niraparib, inin vitroinhibition experiments of six PARP family enzymes. We find that the selectivity of A-966492 for PARP1 and PARP2 is intermediate between veliparib and niraparib.
Walking behavior in a circular arena modified by pulsed light stimulation inDrosophila melanogaster w1118line
Authors: Qiu Shuang , Xiao Chengfeng
Published: March 2017

TheDrosophila melanogasterwhite-eyedw1118line serves as a blank control, allowing genetic recombination of any gene of interest along with a readily recognizable marker.w1118flies display behavioral susceptibility to environmental stimulation such as light. It is of great importance to characterize the behavioral performance ofw1118flies because this would provide a baseline from which the effect of the gene of interest could be differentiated. Little work has been performed to characterize the walking behavior in adultw1118flies. Here we show that pulsed light stimulation increased the regularity of walking trajectories ofw1118flies in circular arenas. We statistically modeled the distribution of distances to center and extracted the walking structures ofw1118flies. Pulsed light stimulation redistributed the time proportions for individual walking structures. Specifically, pulsed light stimulation reduced the episodes of crossing over the central region of the arena. An addition of four genomic copies of mini-white, a common marker gene for eye color, mimicked the effect of pulsed light stimulation in reducing crossing in a circular arena. The reducing effect of mini-whitewas copy-number-dependent. These findings highlight the rhythmic light stimulation-evoked modifications of walking behavior inw1118flies and an unexpected behavioral consequence of mini-whitein transgenic flies carryingw1118isogenic background.
1-Butyl-1-chloro-3-methyl-3H-2,1λ4-benzoxatellurole: crystal structure and Hirshfeld analysis
Authors: Zukerman-Schpector Julio , Cunha Rodrigo , Omori Álvaro T. , Sousa Madureira Lucas , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: March 2017

Two independent molecules comprise the asymmetric unit in the title benzoxatellurole compound, C12H17ClOTe. The molecules, with the same chirality at the methine C atom, are connected into a loosely associated dimer by Te...O interactions, leading to a {...Te—O}2core. The resultant C2ClO2donor set approximates a square pyramid with the lone pair of electrons projected to occupy a positiontransto then-butyl substituent. Interestingly, the TeIVatoms exhibit opposite chirality. The major difference between the independent molecules relates to the conformation of the five-membered chelate rings, which is an envelope with the O atom being the flap, in one molecule and is twisted about the O—C(methine) bond in the other. No directional intermolecular interactions are noted in the molecular packing beyond the aforementioned Te...O secondary bonding. The analysis of the Hirshfeld surface reveals the dominance of H...H contacts,i.e. contributing about 70% to the overall surface, and clearly differentiates the immediate crystalline environments of the two independent molecules in terms of both H...H and H...Cl/Cl...H contacts.
Formamidinium iodide: crystal structure and phase transitions
Authors: Petrov Andrey A. , Goodilin Eugene A. , Tarasov Alexey B. , Lazarenko Vladimir A. , Dorovatovskii Pavel V. , Khrustalev Victor N.
Published: March 2017

At a temperature of 100 K, CH5N2+·I−(I), crystallizes in the monoclinic space groupP21/c. The formamidinium cation adopts a planar symmetrical structure [the r.m.s. deviation is 0.002 Å, and the C—N bond lengths are 1.301 (7) and 1.309 (8) Å]. The iodide anion does not lie within the cation plane, but deviates from it by 0.643 (10) Å. The cation and anion ofIform a tight ionic pair by a strong N—H...I hydrogen bond. In the crystal ofI, the tight ionic pairs form hydrogen-bonded zigzag-like chains propagating toward [20-1]viastrong N—H...I hydrogen bonds. The hydrogen-bonded chains are further packed in stacks along [100]. The thermal behaviour ofIwas studied by different physicochemical methods (thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry and powder diffraction). Differential scanning calorimetry revealed three narrow endothermic peaks at 346, 387 and 525 K, and one broad endothermic peak at ∼605 K. The first and second peaks are related to solid–solid phase transitions, while the third and fourth peaks are attributed to the melting and decomposition ofI. The enthalpies of the phase transitions at 346 and 387 K are estimated as 2.60 and 2.75 kJ mol−1, respectively. The X-ray powder diffraction data collected at different temperatures indicate the existence ofIas the monoclinic (100–346 K), orthorhombic (346–387 K) and cubic (387–525 K) polymorphic modifications.
Hydrazinium 2-amino-4-nitrobenzoate dihydrate: crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis
Authors: Wardell James L. , Jotani Mukesh M. , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: March 2017

In the anion of the title salt hydrate, H5N2+·C7H5N2O4−·2H2O, the carboxylate and nitro groups lie out of the plane of the benzene ring to which they are bound [dihedral angles = 18.80 (10) and 8.04 (9)°, respectively], and as these groups are conrotatory, the dihedral angle between them is 26.73 (15)°. An intramolecular amino-N—H...O(carboxylate) hydrogen bond is noted. The main feature of the crystal packing is the formation of a supramolecular chain along thebaxis, with a zigzag topology, sustained by charge-assisted water-O—H...O(carboxylate) hydrogen bonds and comprising alternating twelve-membered {...OCO...HOH}2and eight-membered {...O...HOH}2synthons. Each ammonium-N—H atom forms a charge-assisted hydrogen bond to a water molecule and, in addition, one of these forms a hydrogen bond with a nitro-O atom. The amine-N—H atoms form hydrogen bonds to carboxylate-O and water-O atoms, and the amine N atom accepts a hydrogen bond from an amino-H atom. The hydrogen bonds lead to a three-dimensional architecture. An analysis of the Hirshfeld surface highlights the major contribution of O...H/H...O hydrogen bonding to the overall surface,i.e. 46.8%, compared with H...H contacts (32.4%).
Crystal structure of bis(1,10-phenanthroline-κ2N,N′)(1,3-thiazole-2-thiolato-κ2S2,N)nickel(II) hexafluoridophosphate 1,4-dioxane sesquisolvate
Authors: Kai Keisuke , Hamaguchi Tomohiko , Ando Isao
Published: March 2017

The title salt, [Ni(C3H2NS2)(C12H8N2)2]PF6·1.5C4H8O2, was the unexpected product on making an attempt to prepare an [Ni(2-mercaptothiazolate)(1,10-phenanthroline)]+complex by reaction of [NiCl2(1,10-phenanthroline)] with 2-mercaptothiazolate. In the resulting complex, the 2-mercaptothiazolate anion acts as a chelating ligand, which coordinates to the NiIIion with the thiazolyl N and thiolate S atoms. In the crystal, π–π stacking interactions between the coordinating 1,10-phenanthroline molecules of adjacent complexes result in a zigzag chain running parallel to thecaxis. Weak C—H...X(X= O, F) hydrogen-bonding interactions between the chains and 1,4-dioxane solvent molecules and PF6−counter-anions lead to the formation of sheets parallel to theacplane.
Poly[diaqua(μ3-2,3-dioxoindoline-5-sulfonato)sodium]
Authors: Mills-Robles Heather A. , Desikan Vasumathi , Golen James A. , Manke David R.
Published: March 2017

The title compound, [Na(C8H4NO5S)(H2O)2]
n
, is a one-dimensional coordination polymer extending along the c axis. It consist of isatin sulfonate molecules linking pairs of sodium cations with Na—O bonds to both carbonyl and sulfonate oxygen atoms whereby two oxygen atoms of symmetry-related carbonyl groups bridge two sodium cations. The sodium cation possesses an octahedral coordination environment, including one sulfonate and three carbonyl oxygen atoms bound in the equatorial plane, and two water molecules bound axially. The isatin moiety of the organic ligand is nearly planar, with a mean deviation from planarity of 0.038 Å. The chains of the coordination polymer are further linked into a three-dimensional network with eight distinct interactions, including one N—H...O and four O—H...O hydrogen bonds, two C—H...O interactions and one π–π interaction.
Critical success factors for local government project stakeholder management
Authors: Amoatey Charles , Hayibor Mawuena Vincent Kodzo
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the critical success factors (CSFs) for effective project stakeholder management at the local government level in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used data from questionnaires administered to project stakeholders for identifying and ranking CSFs.

Findings

The study identified the top five CSFs for stakeholder management at the local government level in Ghana to be: communicating with and engaging stakeholders; identifying stakeholders properly; formulating a clear project mission statement; keeping and promoting good relationships; and analyzing stakeholder conflicts and coalitions.

Research limitations/implications

Generalization of the findings should be done with caution since the scope of data collection was limited to district assemblies in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. Nevertheless the results of the study are, however, useful and indicative and can lend direction to future research.

Practical implications

This paper has contributed to the growing body of knowledge related to CSFs for local government projects. The results should help understand factors which are of priority to stakeholders when assessing their involvement in projects. Further, the findings could form the basis for competency development of local government personnel in specific areas where improvements are required.

Originality/value

The paper identified CSFs for effective project stakeholder management at the local level. Most studies on critical factors in project environments have focused on CSFs and project success and thus this study delves into an area which has not received much attention in the literature.
A passion for fashion
Authors: Loureiro Sandra Maria Correia , Costa Inês , Panchapakesan Padma
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the effect of social influence and individual vanity on passion for fashion of clothes and accessories and the mediating role of exhibitionist tendency.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted in two phases. The first was exploratory (n=109), using online panel interviews, carried out among a sample of fashion enthusiasts. The quantitative phase (n=425). Shopping mall intercept field survey methodology has been utilised to collect data. Consumers who just completed their shopping and were about to leave the shopping malls were approached by trained interviewers.

Findings

The content analysis of phase 1 yielded four major aspects and more two aspects less cited that participants seek in posts and online information that motivate them for shopping, such as inspirational outfits, products and brands posted, self-identification with the style, value for money, friends and fashion magazines and runway shows. The findings of phase 2 reveal that the social influence is more important than individual vanity in enhancing the desire to buy and use fashion clothes and accessories. Further, the exhibitionist tendency acts as a mediator between passionate desire for fashion and self-expression word-of-mouth.

Originality/value

As far as authors know, this is the first attempt to explore the effect of two components of narcissism in fashion context and to analyse the social and individual influence on passionate desire to use fashion.
Exchange transactions revisited: on the universal applicability of homo economicus
Authors: Dixon John
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive classification ofquid pro quoexchange transactions, so as to distinguish the different ways that desired exchange outcomes can be determined and that transactional processes can be conducted. This permits reflection on the generality of the theory of the individual embedded in neoclassical (orthodox) economics.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach adopted is to draw upon the contending dichotomies in epistemology (naturalism or hermeneutics) and ontology (agency or structure) to demarcate and depict a set of Weberian archetypal social actors, so as to explore their cognitions and behaviors in a transactional arena. These archetypal social actors are hypothetical role-playing actors – they do not describe real people.

Findings

These archetypal social actors, collectively, are suggestive of the profuseness of ways people can engage in exchange transactions. Each archetype’s credibility is contingent upon the veracity of its ontological and epistemological standpoints. Each, indeed, has blindspots that permit the denied standpoints to be ignored without analytical detriment. None can, therefore, claim the status of a general theory of exchange process.

Originality/value

The paper’s originality is that it explores exchange transactions from a variety of epistemological and ontological perspectives.
Extreme luxury fashion: business model and internationalization process
Authors: Guercini Simone , Milanesi Matilde
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the defining characteristics of the extreme luxury fashion business model (ELFBM) and the relationship between this business model and the process of firm internationalization. The paper examines the potentially positive outcomes of differences and distances in the internationalization process of extreme luxury fashion companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents and discusses the data collected during a five-year case analysis of an Italian luxury company. The main characteristics of the business model are identified in terms of products, manufacturing and sourcing, distribution channels, marketing communications and overall characteristics of consumers. The internationalization process is described, with a focus on the Russian market as an emblematic case, highlighting the role of distances – geographic, psychic and cultural – and liabilities, namely foreignness and outsidership in the international expansion of the firm.

Findings

The findings of this paper highlight the main features and specific traits of the ELFBM characterized by a global and unique approach to the offer. This business model has in its origin the demand from certain foreign markets, and the elements of the country of origin of the firms coexist and are enhanced by the presence of specific characteristics of the destination countries in terms of niche consumers with economic and cultural characteristics and a strong perception of “Made in” and luxury goods.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to previous studies on the relationships between business models and internationalization. It provides a framework for the “ELFBM,” in which internationalization is a constitutive element of a specific business model rather than a strategy for a business model already defined. Examining the positive side of differences and distances in the internationalization process of firms adopting such business model, the paper contributes to the international business theory and practice. It also expands research on luxury fashion defining an international company which is under-investigated, the extreme luxury fashion company, and the elements that constitute its business model.
What people study when they study Tumblr
Authors: Attu Rose , Terras Melissa
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Since its launch in 2007, research has been carried out on the popular social networking website Tumblr. The purpose of this paper is to identify published Tumblr-based research, classify it to understand approaches and methods, and provide methodological recommendations for others.

Design/methodology/approach

Research regarding Tumblr was identified. Following a review of the literature, a classification scheme was adapted and applied, to understand research focus. Papers were quantitatively classified using open coded content analysis of method, subject, approach, and topic.

Findings

The majority of published work relating to Tumblr concentrates on conceptual issues, followed by aspects of the messages sent. This has evolved over time. Perceived benefits are the platform’s long-form text posts, ability to track tags, and the multimodal nature of the platform. Severe research limitations are caused by the lack of demographic, geo-spatial, and temporal metadata attached to individual posts, the limited Advanced Programming Interface, restricted access to data, and the large amounts of ephemeral posts on the site.

Research limitations/implications

This study focusses on Tumblr: the applicability of the approach to other media is not considered. The authors focus on published research and conference papers: there will be book content which was not found using the method. Tumblr as a platform has falling user numbers which may be of concern to researchers.

Practical implications

The authors identify practical barriers to research on the Tumblr platform including lack of metadata and access to big data, explaining why Tumblr is not as popular as Twitter in academic studies.

Social implications

This paper highlights the breadth of topics covered by social media researchers, which allows us to understand popular online platforms.

Originality/value

There has not yet been an overarching study to look at the methods and purpose of those who study Tumblr. The authors identify Tumblr-related research papers from the first appearing in 2011 July until 2015 July. The classification derived here provides a framework that can be used to analyse social media research, and in which to position Tumblr-related work, with recommendations on benefits and limitations of the platform for researchers.
N-loop learning: part I – of hedgehog, fox, dodo bird and sphinx
Authors: Simonin Bernard L.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to encourage greater clarity and stimulate further interest in thorough empirical research in the area of learning levels. The broader motivation here is to urge researchers to not only theorize but also undertake elaborate and much needed empirical work.

Design/methodology/approach

Part I of the study rests on a reflection and review of the literature concerned with “N-loop learning”, that is, the different hierarchical levels and stages of organizational learning.

Findings

The study provides some views and classification schemes on how to reconcile and think about different levels of learning. Some learning archetypes are identified that guide further reflection and elaboration on learning stages and hierarchies.

Originality/value

“N-loop learning” is introduced to encapsulate and systematize a vast array of views, models and levels of organizational learning. From zero learning and single-loop learning to quadruple-loop learning, a series of learning archetypes are presented. The case for a proper and clear nomenclature of learning levels is singled out. Finally, a strong case for empirical testing in this area is advocated.
Skin cancer history, sun‐related attitudes, behaviour and sunburn among renal transplant recipients versus general population
Authors: Leung Vivian Ka Ying , Dobbinson Suzanne Jane , Goodman David Josef , Kanellis John , Chong Alvin Heong
Published: March 2017

Background/Objectives

Renal transplant recipients (RTR) have both an excessive skin cancer incidence and a high mortality rate. In Australia RTR receive extensive public education on skin cancer and many undergo further education pre/post‐transplant. This study examines whether RTR have sufficiently rigorous sun protection behaviour compared with the general population.

Methods

Altogether 179 RTR from two large Melbourne hospitals involving skin clinic teams in patient care were recruited to undergo cross‐sectional telephone interviews. Comparisons were made with residents (25–69 years) surveyed using equivalent measures and methods in adjacent summers (2006–2007, n = 904; 2010–2011, n = 942) for regular population monitoring surveys. Multivariate analyses of weekend behaviour were adjusted for related ambient temperature records.

Results

RTR were more compliant with sun protection behaviour on the weekend prior to interview than the residents surveyed. For example, for 2006–2007 and 2010–2011, the odds ratio and confidence intervals (CI 95%) were respectively: used sunscreen: 2.0 (1.1–3.8) and 2.8 (1.4–5.3); wore a long‐sleeved top: 4.5 (2.4–8.5) and 3.6 (1.9–7.0). RTR sunburn prevalence (5%) appeared similar to that of residents (odds ratios comparing 2006–2007 and 2010–2011 0.6 [95% CI, 0.2–1.6] and 0.7 [95% CI, 0.3–1.9]). Despite generally good sun protection behaviour, many RTR (47%) had skin cancers treated.

Conclusion

The intensive education of RTR may have contributed to their better sun protection. Some RTR with excessive exposure to UV radiation introduction of may benefit from implementation of further photoprotection strategies. These findings may be particularly relevant to other RTR groups receiving education about sun protection.
Pigmented onychomatricoma: Four cases
Authors: Ocampo‐Garza Jorge , Di Chiacchio Nilton Gioia , Di Chiacchio Nilton
Published: March 2017

Onychomatricoma (OM) presenting as a longitudinal melanonychia is a very uncommon clinical presentation with very few cases in the literature. Our aim in this article is to report four cases of pigmented OM, and describe their clinical and dermoscopic findings and the importance of the differential diagnoses, especially with melanoma.
High serum vitamin D level correlates with better prognostic indicators in primary melanoma: A pilot study
Authors: Lim Alvin , Shayan Ramin , Varigos George
Published: March 2017

Background/Objectives

Sunlight is a major risk factor for cutaneous melanoma. However, its interaction with melanoma is complex. In particular, vitamin D is a UVB‐derived hormone that has been shown to have anti‐cancer effects. In this retrospective pilot study we sought to determine an association between the clinicopathological features of melanoma and the patients’ corresponding serum vitamin D level.

Methods

In total, 109 primary melanomas diagnosed between 2001 and 2013 were retrospectively identified from our institutional database with a corresponding 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 level estimated within 6 months of diagnosis. Tumour, clinical (age, sex, tumour location) and pathological (thickness, mitosis, ulceration, Clark level, subtype, metastatic status) parameters were correlated with vitamin D. For statistical analysis, an unpaired Student's t‐test and anova was used for categorical variables, and Spearman's correlation for continuous variables.

Results

Vitamin D level was inversely associated with Breslow thickness as a dichotomous, categorical and continuous variable. The association remained significant when controlled for patient's age and sex (P = 0.026). Vitamin D was higher in non‐ulcerated tumours compared with ulcerated tumours (P = 0.006) and in tumours with mitotic rate <1/mm2 compared with ≥1/mm2 (P = 0.036). A significant association was found between vitamin D level and tumour histological subtype (P = 0.019). On subgroup analysis, significant associations were found between superficial spreading melanoma (SSM) and nodular melanoma (P = 0.026), and SSM and acral lentiginous melanoma (P = 0.007).

Conclusion

A high vitamin D status may benefit prognosis in patients diagnosed with primary melanoma. A prospective cohort analysis with a large sample and controlled for other vitamin D confounders would validate these findings.
Dietary fatty acids influence sperm quality and function
Authors: Ferramosca A. , Moscatelli N. , Di Giacomo M. , Zara V.
Published: March 2017

Recently, obesity has been linked to male infertility. In animal models the administration of a high‐fat diet caused a reduction in sperm quality, by impairing gamete energy metabolism. The aim of this study was to investigate a possible effect of dietary fatty acids supplementation in the modulation of sperm energy metabolism and, in turn, in the improvement of sperm quality in rats fed a high‐fat diet. Sexually mature male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into four groups and fed for 4 weeks a standard diet (control group), a high‐fat diet (enriched in 35% of fat and 15% sucrose), a high‐fat diet supplemented with 2.5% olive oil (a source of monounsaturated fatty acids) or a high‐fat diet supplemented with 2.5% krill oil (a source of n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids). Liver and adipose tissue weight, plasma glucose, insulin and lipid concentrations were determined. Activities of enzymes involved in sperm energetic metabolism were evaluated by spectrophotometric assays. Sperm mitochondrial respiratory efficiency was also assayed. The obtained results suggest that olive oil partially counteracts the negative effects of a high‐fat diet on sperm quality, by increasing gamete motility, by reducing oxidative stress and slightly improving mitochondrial respiration efficiency. On the other hand, krill oil determines an increase in sperm concentration and motility, an increase in the activities of lactate dehydrogenase, Krebs cycle enzymes and respiratory chain complexes; a parallel increase in the cellular levels of ATP and a reduction in oxidative damage were also observed. These results suggest that dietary fatty acids are able to positively influence sperm quality and function.
Toll‐like receptor‐2 Arg753Gln and Arg677Trp polymorphisms and susceptibility to pulmonary and peritoneal tuberculosis
Authors: Saleh Mohammed A. , Ramadan Mahmoud M. , Arram Eman O.
Published: March 2017

Recent evidence suggests that toll‐like receptor‐2 (TLR2) is important for host defense against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). TLR2 polymorphisms have shown significant impact on susceptibility or resistance to tuberculosis (TB). This case–control study aims to determine the influence of TLR2 (Arg753Gln and Arg677Trp) polymorphisms on the susceptibility to develop pulmonary or peritoneal TB. Genotyping of TLR2 (Arg753Gln and Arg677Trp) polymorphisms was carried out on 52 patients with pulmonary TB, 44 patients with peritoneal TB, and 50 healthy controls using polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP). There was a significant association between the GA genotype (heterozygous mutant) of TLR2 Arg753Gln polymorphism and the risk of infection with pulmonary TB (p = 0.003, OR = 4.83) and TB peritonitis (p = 0.003, OR = 6.2). Differences in the genotype frequencies of TLR2 Arg677Trp polymorphisms between patients with pulmonary or peritoneal TB and healthy controls were not detected. GA753 TLR2 polymorphism may play a role in the susceptibility to pulmonary and peritoneal TB infection. Further studies on a large number of ethnically diverse patient cohorts may help to confirm the possible effect of these polymorphisms on the susceptibility to pulmonary and peritoneal TB.
The epigenetic landscape related to reactive oxygen species formation in the cardiovascular system
Authors: Kietzmann Thomas , Petry Andreas , Shvetsova Antonina , Gerhold Joachim M , Görlach Agnes
Published: March 2017

Cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of death worldwide. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) can act as damaging molecules but also represent central hubs in cellular signalling networks. Increasing evidence indicates that ROS play an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, although the underlying mechanisms and consequences of pathophysiologically elevated ROS in the cardiovascular system are still not completely resolved. More recently, alterations of the epigenetic landscape, which can affect DNA methylation, post‐translational histone modifications, ATP‐dependent alterations to chromatin and non‐coding RNA transcripts, have been considered to be of increasing importance in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. While it has long been accepted that epigenetic changes are imprinted during development or even inherited and are not changed after reaching the lineage‐specific expression profile, it becomes more and more clear that epigenetic modifications are highly dynamic. Thus, they might provide an important link between the actions of ROS and cardiovascular diseases. This review will provide an overview of the role of ROS in modulating the epigenetic landscape in the context of the cardiovascular system.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Redox Biology and Oxidative Stress in Health and Disease. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.12/issuetoc
The impact of resettlement on Karen refugee family relationships: A qualitative exploration
Authors: McCleary Jennifer Simmelink
Published: March 2017

Refugee resettlement policy in the United States prioritizes family reunification, meaning, resettling families that may have been separated for years are reuniting and reestablishing connections while integrating into a new culture. Scholarship on the impact of resettlement and integration has focused primarily on the individual level, despite evidence that strong family relationships are a documented protective factor for refugee families. This paper aims to explore the impact of resettlement on Karen refugee families' relationships. Data from 6 focus groups with 36 Karen refugee community members and interviews with 8 key stakeholders suggests that refugee families are at risk of a constellation of relational issues that are exacerbated by the stress of resettlement. Data also indicates that families have indigenous strategies for solving problems that could be harnessed to develop culturally relevant family support services.
Community and Urban Places in a Digital World
Authors: Goodspeed Robert
Published: March 2017

The sources of big data of most interest to urban social researchers arise from the adoption of digital information and communications technologies (ICTs)—especially Internet–connected smartphones and computers—by city residents themselves for nearly all aspects of economic and social life. As much as might be learned from this new data, they also reflect broader changes in the nature of urban community. ICTs are not only loosening ties among residents and their neighbors, but also enabling urban residents to remain deeply connected to places regardless of where they live. These trends promise to have profound consequences for local civic participation, since it increases the number and variety of interested stakeholders for any given place. The comment concludes by observing that since ICTs mediate urban life for many residents, researchers should explore the myriad ways they shape cities.
Datafied and Divided: Techno–Dimensions of Inequality in American Cities
Authors: Brannon Monica M.
Published: March 2017

This essay interrogates the effects that “big data” have on constructing space and subjects that reproduce inequality in the urban landscape. By comparing two different data–driven projects within the same city, data collection and collation is seen to contribute to existing divides along racial and class lines. As urban sociologists seek to capitalize on the vast quantity of data generated by automated devices and networked computation, they must first interrogate and deconstruct the hidden protocols and ideologies that define algorithmic classification systems. Predictive policing and “smart city” economic development operate to construct subjects tied to spatial markers encoded in databases. Therefore, technological structures must be theorized alongside racial and class structures as entrenching historical inequities.
Giant taxon‐character matrices: the future of morphological systematics
Authors: Laing Adam M. , Doyle Sharon , Gold Maria Eugenia Leone , Nesbitt Sterling J. , O'Leary Maureen A. , Turner Alan H. , Wilberg Eric W. , Poole Karen E.
Published: March 2017

Simões et al. () argued that large matrices are linked to the construction of “problematic” characters, and that those characters negatively affect tree topology. In their re‐evaluation of two squamate datasets, however, Simões et al. () simply eliminated what they termed “problematic” characters, rather than recode them. This practice ignores potential sources of phylogenetic information and, if it were to be more widely followed, would inhibit the advancement of the field of systematics. Here, we defend the necessity and inevitability of large morphological (phenomic) datasets and discuss best practices for morphological data collection in contemporary phylogenetics.
Prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome following oropharyngeal cancer treatment: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Loth A. , Michel J. , Giorgi R. , Santini L. , Rey M. , Elbaum J.‐M. , Roux N. , Giovanni A. , Dessi P. , Fakhry N.
Published: March 2017

Objectives

To evaluate the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) in a population of patients treated for an advanced oropharyngeal cancer (AJCC Stage III or IV), depending on treatment strategy, and to evaluate its impact on quality of life.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

University Teaching Hospital of La Conception, Marseille, France.

Participants

Fifty‐one disease‐free patients were included. Forty‐one patients received a combined chemoradiotherapy, while 10 patients were treated by surgery followed by chemoradiotherapy.

Main Outcome Measures

Every patient underwent a formal sleep consultation and was asked to complete the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and EORTC QLQ C‐30 and the EORTC H&N 35 questionnaires. A home overnight respiratory polygraphy was performed in every subject.

Results

The mean time between the end of cancer treatment and the OSAS analysis was 54.04 months [20; 84]. An OSAS was found in 25.49% of our patients. There was no significant difference between patients treated with either surgery (30%) or CRT (24.39%), P=.79. The EORTC QLQ C‐30 questionnaire showed a significant difference between positive and negative OSAS groups in the Global Health Status Scale (50.64 vs 67.11, P=.02) and in the fatigue item (35.04 vs 17.25, P=.03).

Conclusions

Our population with advanced oropharyngeal cancer, whatever the treatment strategy it may be, was at risk of developing OSAS with negative impact on quality of life. A routine screening and treatment of OSAS seems necessary to improve the quality of life of patients treated for advanced oropharyngeal cancer.
A novel strategy for realising environmentally friendly pigment foam dyeing using polyoxyethylene ether surfactant C14EO5 as a foam controller
Authors: Chen Shaoyu , Wang Chaoxia , Fei Liang , Liu Hongbing
Published: March 2017

Development of an environmentally friendly pigment dyeing process with excellent colour depth and levelness is an effective strategy for solving pollution problems in traditional dyeing. A functional polyoxyethylene ether nonionic surfactant, tetradecyl alcohol polyoxyethylene ether with an EO chain length of 5 (C14EO5), was used as a foam controller, namely a foaming agent and foam stabiliser, in the pigment foam dyeing process. The foamability and the foam stability of C14EO5 were tunable by adjusting its concentration. The foaming ratio and the foam half‐life of C14EO5 were 5.22 and 32.21 min, respectively, at a concentration of 8 wt%. The addition of pigment dispersion (ranging from 1 to 6 wt%) slightly affected the foaming ratio and the foam half‐life owing to the interplay of increased viscosity and pigment particle destabilisation. After the influences of binder on foam properties of C14EO5 were investigated, the concentration of binder and the stirring time for foaming were determined as 15 wt% and 7 min respectively. Owing to the stable foaming ratio and foam half‐life of the pigment foam dyeing dispersion, the colour depth of dyed cotton fabric was tailored solely by changing the dosage of pigment dispersion. Furthermore, the dyed cotton fabric showed not only a high K/S value but also perfect colour levelness and fastness. These results demonstrate that the pigment foam dyeing process with a foam controller, C14EO5, reduces chemical and water consumptions, as well as improving the colour depth and levelness. This represents a significant step forward as regards environmentally friendly pigment dyeing.
Modification of cotton fabrics with a hydrolysed organotrialkoxysilane/metal alkoxide system: multifunctionalisation and mordant dyeing
Authors: Schramm Christian , Rinderer Beate
Published: March 2017

Untreated cotton fabrics and cotton samples pretreated with 1,2,3,4‐butanetetracarboxylic acid were functionalised with an organotrialkoxysilane [(3‐glycidyloxy)propyltrimethoxysilane] in conjunction with a metal alkoxide (aluminium isopropoxide, titanium tetraisopropoxide, or zircon tetrabutoxide). Evaluation of the physicomechanical properties revealed that the dry crease recovery angle was significantly increased in the case of aluminium isopropoxide, whereas the tensile strength and the tear strength were reduced. The application of alkyltrialkoxysilanes resulted in an enhanced contact angle. As the cotton samples were treated with hydrolysed metal alkoxides, which can function as mordants, the cotton fabrics were dyed with alizarin. The dyeing behaviour was determined from colorimetric data.
Paternal care behaviour of the giant water bug Kirkaldyia deyrolli (Heteroptera: Belostomatidae) against ants
Authors: OHBA SHIN‐YA , MAEDA AIRI
Published: March 2017

1. Although potentially vulnerable to predators, the offspring of subsocial insects are effectively protected by their parent(s). The female giant water bug Kirkaldyia deyrolli lays its egg masses on the vegetation above the water surface in aquatic environments and the males supply the eggs with water and guard them against cannibalistic females until hatchling dispersal. Field observations showed that egg masses are attacked by ants if the attending males are not present.

2. Laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of paternal care by K. deyrolli against the ant Tetramorium tsushimae by means of four treatments: attending male with ant approach (WM‐WA); no attending male with ant approach (NoM‐WA); attending male without ant approach (WM‐NoA); and no attending male without ant approach (NoM‐NoA).

3. The rate of offspring survival was lower in the NoM‐WA group (45.3%) than in any other group, which showed similar offspring survival (WM‐WA = 80.4%, WM‐NoA = 75.1%, NoM‐NoA = 80.3%). Moreover, there were a total of 44 interactions between the attending male and ants in WM‐WA, and of these, a chemical compound was released by the attending male four times; this probably deterred ants from attacking because the ants went back to their colony.

4. In conclusion, the attending male can protect its eggs from ant predators and its care has an important role. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of Lethocerinae males protecting their egg masses from ants by means of physical and chemical defence.