bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecological interaction of a “parasitic” candiru catfish and botos (Inia geoffrensis)
Authors: Araújo‐Wang Claryana , Schormans Erin K. , Wang John Y.
Published: March 2019

The range of ecological interactions of the boto (Inia geoffrensis), an obligate freshwater dolphin of South America, is poorly known. We describe a new interaction between botos and small candiru catfish (genus Ochmacanthus), and their possible relationships. Candirus were photographed on at least 29 different botos. The minimum number of candirus per boto varied greatly from 1 to >230 (mean = 16.3, SD = 39.4, mode = 1). Our observations showed that candiru‐boto interactions occur commonly year‐round. Two types of ecological interaction may be occurring: parasitism (trophic) or phoresy (nontrophic). Although candirus are generally known as parasites, the candiru‐boto relationship does not appear to fulfill several characteristics of a typical parasitic interaction. Thus, the candiru‐boto relationship is most likely phoretic in nature. A shift in candiru trophic strategy may occur depending on the victim (botos or fish) and on the spatial scale, and human activities may influence the nature of these complex ecological interactions.
Life‐history strategies indicate live‐bearing in Nothosaurus (Sauropterygia)
Authors: Griebeler Eva M. , Klein Nicole
Published: March 2019

In Sauropterygia, a diverse group of Mesozoic marine reptiles, fossil evidence of viviparity (live‐bearing) only exists for Pachypleurosauria and Plesiosauria, and was assumed to also be the case for nothosaurs. Previous studies have successfully applied an extant squamate model to sauropterygian life‐history traits. In extant squamates, oviparity and viviparity are associated with differences in life‐history trait combinations. We establish growth curves for Nothosaurus specimens based on their humeral histology. We then analyse life‐history traits derived from these curves and compare inferred traits to those of modern squamates and pachypleurosaurs to assess their reproduction mode. We show that birth to adult size ratios (i.e. birth size divided by the mother's size) provide good estimates of clutch sizes in extant squamates and in viviparous extinct marine reptiles, but these ratios cannot discriminate viviparous and oviparous squamates. Thus, large ratios do not indicate viviparity in fossil taxa to which the extant squamate model is applicable. Applying differences in birth size, age at maturation, and maximum longevity that are observed between extant viviparous and oviparous squamates to our Nothosaurus sample, we identified 7 out of 24 specimens as being potentially viviparous. Conversely, they suggested oviparity for many nothosaurs but also for many pachypleurosaur samples. Under the assumption that the entire clade Pachypleurosauria was viviparous, the majority of nothosaurs would also have been viviparous as they comprised trait combinations similar to those seen in pachypleurosaurs. Overall, this suggests that within nothosaurs and pachypleurosaurs both reproduction modes existed in different taxa.
The Facts and Practices of Moral Responsibility
Authors: De Mesel Benjamin , Heyndels Sybren
Published: March 2019

Strawsonians about moral responsibility often claim that our practices of holding morally responsible fix the facts of moral responsibility, rather than the other way round. Many have argued that such ‘reversal’ claims have an unwelcome consequence: If our practices of holding morally responsible fix the facts of moral responsibility, does this not imply, absurdly, that if we held severely mentally ill people responsible, they would be responsible? We provide a new Strawsonian answer to this question, and we explore the relation between reversal claims and (in)compatibilism.
Enhancing diabetes care through care coordination, telemedicine, and education: Evaluation of a rural pilot program
Authors: McLendon Susan F. , Wood Felecia G. , Stanley Nancy
Published: March 2019

Objective

To provide a comprehensive evaluation of a grant‐funded pilot diabetes care program. Rural adult patients living with poorly controlled diabetes were targeted for care.

Design and Sample

Retrospective study using a purposive sample of patients at select primary care sites with a glycated hemoglobin (A1C) greater than 8%. Interventions included nurse care management, telemedicine endocrinology consults, as well as diabetes self‐management education (DSME), to enhance disease management and prevention of complications.

Measures

Pre/post labs, DSME test scores, hospital claims data, satisfaction surveys, and a focus group were evaluated.

Results

Fifty‐nine adults, 21–76 years of age, participated. Interventions demonstrated statistically significant reduction in A1C (10.10 vs. 9.27; p value = 0.002); DSME test score improvement (76.23 vs. 96.04; p < 0.05) and reduced hospital utilization (Emergency Department use 0.86 vs. 0.40; p value = 0.04; inpatient admissions 0.09 vs. 0.02; p value = 0.02). Patients and providers indicated strong satisfaction with the program components. Less hospital utilization reduced emergency department costs by 51.4% and inpatient costs by 96%. A rural community advisory network indicated satisfaction in delivery of program activities and outcome measures.

Conclusions

This rural model shows potential for improving diabetes control, access to specialty care through telemedicine, and reduction of health care utilization costs.
Food Regimes, Capital, State, and Class: Friedmann and McMichael Revisited
Authors: Tilzey Mark
Published: March 2019

Friedmann and McMichael’s work, through their concept of the ‘food regime’, has been foundational to our thinking about the relation between capitalism, the state, and agriculture. Given the thirtieth anniversary of the publication of their seminal 1989 paper in this journal (Agriculture and the State System: The Rise and Decline of National Agricultures, 1870 to the Present) it seems very appropriate to commemorate this event by undertaking a reassessment of that paper. This article undertakes such a reassessment by examining and critiquing: the theoretical assumptions underlying the paper, particularly in relation to capitalism, class, and the state. This directs attention particularly to: the authors’ (implicit) definition of capitalism; the relation between capitalism and the modern state; their treatment of ‘class’ and ‘class struggle’; and their periodisation of food regimes and the dynamics underlying them, these being premised on their theoretical assumptions. The second, third, and, fourth sections occupy the bulk of the paper. The second section develops a significantly revised theoretical foundation for thinking about the dynamics underlying food regimes, while the third section deploys this as the basis for a new periodisation of food regimes. This periodisation includes a proposed Fifth, or ‘Post‐Neoliberal’ Food Regime, and the final section examines this in detail.
μCT trait analysis reveals morphometric differences between domesticated temperate small grain cereals and their wild relatives
Authors: Hughes Aoife , Oliveira Hugo R. , Fradgley Nick , Corke Fiona M. K. , Cockram James , Doonan John H. , Nibau Candida
Published: March 2019

Wheat and barley are two of the founder crops domesticated in the Fertile Crescent, and currently represent crops of major economic importance in temperate regions. Due to impacts on yield, quality and end‐use, grain morphometric traits remain an important goal for modern breeding programmes and are believed to have been selected for by human populations. To directly and accurately assess the three‐dimensional (3D) characteristics of grains, we combine X‐ray microcomputed tomography (μCT) imaging techniques with bespoke image analysis tools and mathematical modelling to investigate how grain size and shape vary across wild and domesticated wheat and barley. We find that grain depth and, to a lesser extent, width are major drivers of shape change and that these traits are still relatively plastic in modern bread wheat varieties. Significant changes in grain depth are also observed to be associated with differences in ploidy. Finally, we present a model that can accurately predict the wild or domesticated status of a grain from a given taxa based on the relationship between three morphometric parameters (length, width and depth) and suggest its general applicability to both archaeological identification studies and breeding programmes.
Caring for soil life in the Anthropocene: The role of attentiveness in more‐than‐human ethics
Authors: Krzywoszynska Anna
Published: March 2019

This paper considers the work that attentiveness can and can't do in generating more ethical relations with non‐humans. How to build better relations with non‐humans has been a central debate in geography and cognate disciplines. These concerns include ethical relations with non‐humans who both pervade and create liveable environments, such as soil biota. Scholars have specifically identified attentiveness as key in generating more‐than‐human ethics. However, how attentiveness may arise, and what work attentiveness may be able to do in generating ethical relations, has not been sufficiently explored. Additionally, soils as relational materialities remain underexplored in social sciences. In this paper, I address these two important gaps in scholarship. Investigating the rising concern with soil biota in conventional English farming, I propose the care network as a way of conceptualising and investigating the ethical potential of attentiveness. As concerns grow about soil degradation, and the dangers this is posing to food production and to human survival, land managers are attending to soil ecosystems as part of caring for their farm businesses. While this attentiveness is producing some transformative effects, its potential is limited by the configuration of the soil care network. As long as soil care is configured primarily as farmers’ concern, the potential of attentiveness in generating ethical regard to the needs of soil biota will be limited. In the Conclusions, I suggest ways of expanding attentiveness to soils and of building a wider and practical relational ethic of soil care. I also argue we need more attention in geographic research to attentiveness and care as systemic, unequally distributed, and operating at multiple scales.
Topological Fukaya category and mirror symmetry for punctured surfaces
Authors: Pascaleff James , Sibilla Nicolò
Published: March 2019

In this paper we establish a version of homological mirror symmetry for punctured Riemann surfaces. Following a proposal of Kontsevich we model A-branes on a punctured surface$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6F4}$via the topological Fukaya category. We prove that the topological Fukaya category of$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6F4}$is equivalent to the category of matrix factorizations of a certain mirror LG model$(X,W)$. Along the way we establish new gluing results for the topological Fukaya category of punctured surfaces which are of independent interest.
Redefining near-unity luminescence in quantum dots with photothermal threshold quantum yield
Authors: Hanifi David A. , Bronstein Noah D. , Koscher Brent A. , Nett Zach , Swabeck Joseph K. , Takano Kaori , Schwartzberg Adam M. , Maserati Lorenzo , Vandewal Koen , van de Burgt Yoeri , Salleo Alberto , Alivisatos A. Paul
Published: March 2019

Superefficient light emission

A challenge to improving synthesis methods for superefficient light-emitting semiconductor nanoparticles is that current analytical methods cannot measure efficiencies above 99%. Hanifi
et al.
used photothermal deflection spectroscopy to measure very small nonradiative decay components in quantum dot photoluminescence. The method allowed them to tune the synthesis of CdSe/CdS quantum dots so that the external luminescent efficiencies exceeded 99.5%. This is important for applications that require an absolute minimum amount of photon energy to be lost as heat, such as photovoltaic luminescent concentrators.

Science
, this issue p.
1199
Acoel genome reveals the regulatory landscape of whole-body regeneration
Authors: Gehrke Andrew R. , Neverett Emily , Luo Yi-Jyun , Brandt Alexander , Ricci Lorenzo , Hulett Ryan E. , Gompers Annika , Ruby J. Graham , Rokhsar Daniel S. , Reddien Peter W. , Srivastava Mansi
Published: March 2019

Acoel-regeneration regulatory landscapes

Some animals, including some types of worms, can undergo whole-body regeneration and replace virtually any missing cell type. Gehrke
et al.
sequenced and assembled the genome of
Hofstenia miamia
, a regenerative acoel worm species (see the Perspective by Alonge and Schatz). They identified a variable motif corresponding to regulation of the early growth response (
egr
) gene that was involved in regeneration. RNA interference experiments and validation in a second species showed that the protein Egr is a pioneer factor that stimulates regeneration.

Science
, this issue p.
eaau6173
; see also p.
1152
Observation of second sound in graphite at temperatures above 100 K
Authors: Huberman S. , Duncan R. A. , Chen K. , Song B. , Chiloyan V. , Ding Z. , Maznev A. A. , Chen G. , Nelson K. A.
Published: March 2019

Graphite gets a second sound

Between the two extremes of ballistic and diffusive lattice thermal transport is the potential for an exotic wave-like state known as second sound. Huberman
et al.
used fast, transient thermal grating measurements to show the existence of second sound in graphite between 85 and 125 kelvin (see the Perspective by Shi). Previous observations of second sound have been rare, confined to isotopically pure materials at very low temperatures. The observation of second sound in graphite is likely due to its layered nature, suggesting that this thermal transport mode may be accessible in other two-dimensional materials.

Science
, this issue p.
375
; see also p.
332
The genomic history of the Iberian Peninsula over the past 8000 years
Authors: Olalde Iñigo , Mallick Swapan , Patterson Nick , Rohland Nadin , Villalba-Mouco Vanessa , Silva Marina , Dulias Katharina , Edwards Ceiridwen J. , Gandini Francesca , Pala Maria , Soares Pedro , Ferrando-Bernal Manuel , Adamski Nicole , Broomandkhoshbacht Nasreen , Cheronet Olivia , Culleton Brendan J. , Fernandes Daniel , Lawson Ann Marie , Mah Matthew , Oppenheimer Jonas , Stewardson Kristin , Zhang Zhao , Jiménez Arenas Juan Manuel , Toro Moyano Isidro Jorge , Salazar-García Domingo C. , Castanyer Pere , Santos Marta , Tremoleda Joaquim , Lozano Marina , García Borja Pablo , Fernández-Eraso Javier , Mujika-Alustiza José Antonio , Barroso Cecilio , Bermúdez Francisco J. , Viguera Mínguez Enrique , Burch Josep , Coromina Neus , Vivó David , Cebrià Artur , Fullola Josep Maria , García-Puchol Oreto , Morales Juan Ignacio , Oms F. Xavier , Majó Tona , Vergès Josep Maria , Díaz-Carvajal Antònia , Ollich-Castanyer Imma , López-Cachero F. Javier , Silva Ana Maria , Alonso-Fernández Carmen , Delibes de Castro Germán , Jiménez Echevarría Javier , Moreno-Márquez Adolfo , Pascual Berlanga Guillermo , Ramos-García Pablo , Ramos-Muñoz José , Vijande Vila Eduardo , Aguilella Arzo Gustau , Esparza Arroyo Ángel , Lillios Katina T. , Mack Jennifer , Velasco-Vázquez Javier , Waterman Anna , Benítez de Lugo Enrich Luis , Benito Sánchez María , Agustí Bibiana , Codina Ferran , de Prado Gabriel , Estalrrich Almudena , Fernández Flores Álvaro , Finlayson Clive , Finlayson Geraldine , Finlayson Stewart , Giles-Guzmán Francisco , Rosas Antonio , Barciela González Virginia , García Atiénzar Gabriel , Hernández Pérez Mauro S. , Llanos Armando , Carrión Marco Yolanda , Collado Beneyto Isabel , López-Serrano David , Sanz Tormo Mario , Valera António C. , Blasco Concepción , Liesau Corina , Ríos Patricia , Daura Joan , de Pedro Michó María Jesús , Diez-Castillo Agustín A. , Flores Fernández Raúl , Francès Farré Joan , Garrido-Pena Rafael , Gonçalves Victor S. , Guerra-Doce Elisa , Herrero-Corral Ana Mercedes , Juan-Cabanilles Joaquim , López-Reyes Daniel , McClure Sarah B. , Merino Pérez Marta , Oliver Foix Arturo , Sanz Borràs Montserrat , Sousa Ana Catarina , Vidal Encinas Julio Manuel , Kennett Douglas J. , Richards Martin B. , Werner Alt Kurt , Haak Wolfgang , Pinhasi Ron , Lalueza-Fox Carles , Reich David
Published: March 2019

Genomics of the Iberian Peninsula

Ancient DNA studies have begun to help us understand the genetic history and movements of people across the globe. Focusing on the Iberian Peninsula, Olalde
et al.
report genome-wide data from 271 ancient individuals from Iberia (see the Perspective by Vander Linden). The findings provide a comprehensive genetic time transect of the region. Linguistics analysis and genetic analysis of archaeological human remains dating from about 7000 years ago to the present elucidate the genetic impact of prehistoric and historic migrations from Europe and North Africa.

Science
, this issue p.
1230
; see also p.
1153
Histone demethylase KDM6A directly senses oxygen to control chromatin and cell fate
Authors: Chakraborty Abhishek A. , Laukka Tuomas , Myllykoski Matti , Ringel Alison E. , Booker Matthew A. , Tolstorukov Michael Y. , Meng Yuzhong Jeff , Meier Samuel R. , Jennings Rebecca B. , Creech Amanda L. , Herbert Zachary T. , McBrayer Samuel K. , Olenchock Benjamin A. , Jaffe Jacob D. , Haigis Marcia C. , Beroukhim Rameen , Signoretti Sabina , Koivunen Peppi , Kaelin William G.
Published: March 2019

Oxygen sensing revisited

The cellular response to hypoxia (oxygen deficiency) is a contributing factor in many human diseases. Previous studies examining the way in which hypoxia alters gene expression have focused on oxygen-sensing enzymes that regulate the activity of a transcription factor called hypoxia-inducible factor (see the Perspective by Gallipoli and Huntly). Chakraborty
et al.
and Batie
et al.
now show that hypoxia can also affect gene expression through direct effects on chromatin regulators. Certain histone demethylases, such as KDM6A and KDM5A, were found to be direct sensors of oxygen. In cell-culture models, hypoxia diminished the activity of these enzymes and caused changes in the expression of genes that govern cell fate.

Science
, this issue p.
1217
, p.
1222
; see also p.
1148
Terminal coordination of diatomic boron monofluoride to iron
Authors: Drance Myles J. , Sears Jeffrey D. , Mrse Anthony M. , Moore Curtis E. , Rheingold Arnold L. , Neidig Michael L. , Figueroa Joshua S.
Published: March 2019

Iron's new Best Friend

Carbon monoxide (CO) is one of the most widely studied ligands in the chemistry of transition metals. One of its distinguishing features is a two-way bonding motif, in which CO donates electrons to the metal while the metal simultaneously engages in “back bonding” in the other direction. Theory has suggested that the isoelectronic boron fluoride diatomic, BF, would be even more effective at both types of bonding. However, it has been challenging to prepare the requisite compounds for comparison. Drance
et al.
now report synthesis of a terminal iron-BF complex, with donor and acceptor characteristics that compare favorably to analogous CO and N
2
complexes.

Science
, this issue p.
1203
Antiviral Candidates for Treating Hepatitis E Virus Infection
Authors: Netzler Natalie E. , Enosi Tuipulotu Daniel , Vasudevan Subhash G. , Mackenzie Jason M. , White Peter A.
Published: March 2019

Globally, hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes significant morbidity and mortality each year. Despite this burden, there are no specific antivirals available to treat HEV patients, and the only licensed vaccine is not available outside China.
Ibalizumab, a Novel Monoclonal Antibody for the Management of Multidrug-Resistant HIV-1 Infection
Authors: Beccari Mario V. , Mogle Bryan T. , Sidman Eric F. , Mastro Keri A. , Asiago-Reddy Elizabeth , Kufel Wesley D.
Published: March 2019

Limited antiretrovirals are currently available for the management of multidrug-resistant (MDR) HIV-1 infection. Ibalizumab, a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody, represents the first novel agent for HIV-1 management in over a decade and is the first monoclonal antibody for the treatment of MDR HIV-1 infection in combination with other forms of antiretroviral therapy in heavily treatment-experienced adults who are failing their current antiretroviral regimen.
Beware of bone pain with bisphosphonates
Authors: Mailoo Venthan Jeyaratnam , Srinivas Vidya , Turner Jeremy , Fraser William Duncan
Published: March 2019

A 71-year-old woman who had been taking ibandronate for 10 years presented to an Endocrinology Department with persistent mid-thigh pain. Pelvic X-ray showed bilateral femoral cortical expansion, indicating impending atypical femoral fractures (AFFs). AFFs have been linked to long-term bisphosphonate therapy and have morbidity and mortality similar to that of hip fractures. Such fractures can be averted by regular reviews of bisphosphonate therapy and vigilance for prodromal symptoms. This patient’s bisphosphonate therapy was stopped, and fractures were avoided by treatment with vitamin D and parathyroid hormone.
Jejunal varices as a rare cause of recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding in a 74-year-old man with extrahepatic portal hypertension after pancreato-biliary surgery
Authors: Kasper Philipp , Schramm Christoph , Jaspers Natalie , Goeser Tobias
Published: March 2019

A 74-year-old man presented to our hospital with recurrent lower gastrointestinal bleeding. His past medical history was remarkable for a duodenal papilla carcinoma and he underwent a pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy 4 years before. During diagnostic work-up a severe portal vein stenosis after surgery and multiple dilated intramural jejunal varices, which formed as collateral pathways could be detected. Based on these findings, the recurrent haemorrhages were considered to be due to repeated rupturing and bleeding of jejunal varices. Therapeutically, the portal vein stenosis was treated with endovascular stent placement leading to a reduction in prestenotic portal pressure. During follow-up no further episodes of gastrointestinal bleeding were observed. Bleeding from jejunal varices is a very rare cause of gastrointestinal haemorrhages and represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. However, it should be considered in differential diagnosis of obscure recurrent gastrointestinal haemorrhages in patients with a history of hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery.
BTNL2 gene polymorphism and sarcoid uveitis
Authors: Chaperon Mayeul , Pacheco Yves , Maucort-Boulch Delphine , Iwaz Jean , Perard Laurent , Broussolle Christiane , Jamilloux Yvan , Burillon Carole , Kodjikian Laurent , Calender Alain , Seve Pascal
Published: March 2019

Background

Uveitis is a frequent and early feature of sarcoidosis. As BTNL2 (butyrophilin-like 2) gene polymorphism was found linked with the susceptibility to sarcoidosis, we investigated whether a specific genotype of BTNL2 gene G16071A (or rs2076530) single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) would be associated with the risk of sarcoid uveitis in all patient subgroups.

Methods

The study compared the genotype frequencies of SNP G16071A of 135 patients with sarcoid uveitis (Sa+Uv+) with those of 196 patients with sarcoidosis without uveitis (Sa+Uv−), 81 patients with uveitis without sarcoidosis (Sa−Uv+), and 271 controls with no sarcoidosis nor uveitis (Sa−Uv−). Three hypothetical subgroups of patients with sarcoid uveitis (Sa+Uv+ cases) were considered: (1) subgroup I: patients aged <45 years of both sexes and all ethnic origins; (2) subgroup II: Caucasian women aged >45 years; and (3) subgroup III: all other patients.

Results

A statistically significant difference in genotype frequencies was found between the groups Sa+Uv− and Sa−Uv− (p=3.2×10−6) and between the groups Sa+Uv+ and Sa+Uv− (p=7.1×10−3). There was no difference between the three subgroups of Sa+Uv+ patients. There was a statistically significant difference in genotype frequencies between Sa+Uv− and Sa+Uv+ subgroup II (p=0.005) but no difference between Sa+Uv− and Sa+Uv+ subgroup I.

Conclusion

No association was found between G16071A and the susceptibility to sarcoid uveitis. BTNL2 gene G16071A SNP seems to be a predisposing factor for sarcoidosis except in Caucasian postmenopausal women with sarcoid uveitis in whom the GG genotype prevails. These and future results will help in understanding differences between particular subgroups of patients with sarcoid uveitis.
Crypt fusion as a homeostatic mechanism in the human colon
Authors: Baker Ann-Marie , Gabbutt Calum , Williams Marc J , Cereser Biancastella , Jawad Noor , Rodriguez-Justo Manuel , Jansen Marnix , Barnes Chris P , Simons Benjamin D , McDonald Stuart AC , Graham Trevor A , Wright Nicholas A
Published: March 2019

Objective

The crypt population in the human intestine is dynamic: crypts can divide to produce two new daughter crypts through a process termed crypt fission, but whether this is balanced by a second process to remove crypts, as recently shown in mouse models, is uncertain. We examined whether crypt fusion (the process of two neighbouring crypts fusing into a single daughter crypt) occurs in the human colon.

Design

We used somatic alterations in the gene cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) as lineage tracing markers to assess the clonality of bifurcating colon crypts (n=309 bifurcating crypts from 13 patients). Mathematical modelling was used to determine whether the existence of crypt fusion can explain the experimental data, and how the process of fusion influences the rate of crypt fission.

Results

In 55% (21/38) of bifurcating crypts in which clonality could be assessed, we observed perfect segregation of clonal lineages to the respective crypt arms. Mathematical modelling showed that this frequency of perfect segregation could not be explained by fission alone (p<10−20). With the rates of fission and fusion taken to be approximately equal, we then used the distribution of CCO-deficient patch size to estimate the rate of crypt fission, finding a value of around 0.011 divisions/crypt/year.

Conclusions

We have provided the evidence that human colonic crypts undergo fusion, a potential homeostatic process to regulate total crypt number. The existence of crypt fusion in the human colon adds a new facet to our understanding of the highly dynamic and plastic phenotype of the colonic epithelium.
Estimating neoplasia detection rate (NDR) in patients with Barrett’s oesophagus based on index endoscopy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Parasa Sravanthi , Desai Madhav , Vittal Anusha , Chandrasekar Viveksandeep T , Pervez Asad , Kennedy Kevin F , Gupta Neil , Shaheen Nicholas J , Sharma Prateek
Published: March 2019

Background

Biopsies are obtained to confirm intestinal metaplasia and rule out prevalent dysplasia and cancer when Barrett’s oesophagus (BE) is detected at index upper endoscopy (oesophagogastroduodenoscopy [EGD]).

Aim

The purpose of this systematic review was to obtain summary estimates of the prevalence of high-grade dysplasia (HGD) and oesophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) associated with BE during index EGD for chronic GERD symptoms, defined as neoplasia detection rate (NDR) which could be used as a quality measure.

Methods

An extensive search was performed within PUBMED, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library databases to identify studies in which patients underwent index endoscopy for the evaluation of the presence of BE. Two reviewers independently evaluated both the study eligibility and methodological quality and data extraction. A random-effects model (REM) based on the binomial distribution was used to calculate the pooled effects of the prevalence of BE-associated dysplasia and EAC.

Results

For the calculation of dysplasia and EAC prevalence rates, a total of 11 studies with 10 632 patients met the inclusion criteria including 80.4% men with a mean age of 58.7 years and average BE length of 3.5 cm. The pooled prevalence of EAC, HGD and LGD was 3%(95% CI 2 to 5, 9 studies: 396/10 539 patients), 3%(95% CI 2 to 5 [REM], 9 studies: 388/10 539 patients) and 10%(95% CI 7 to 15 [REM], 10 studies: 907/8945 patients), respectively. For NDR, that is, the pooled prevalence of HGD/EAC was 7%(95% CI 4 to 10 [REM], 10 studies: 795/10 632 patients).

Conclusion

NDR is approximately 4% and could be used as a quality measure.
Seeing again: treatment of functional visual loss
Authors: Yeo Jing Ming , Carson Alan , Stone Jon
Published: March 2019

There is very little published literature on treatment strategies for functional visual loss. We present two people with long duration of functional visual loss who achieved complete recovery with a novel combination of therapeutic approaches. These included: (1) the clinician being transparent regarding positive signs such as optokinetic nystagmus, in order to persuade family members of the diagnosis, (2) regularly positively acknowledging everyday events that indicated visual ability, (3) using occipital transcranial magnetic stimulation to induce phosphenes as an artificial temporary visual experience and (4) using hypnotherapy to promote visual recovery. We discuss these individual therapeutic approaches in further detail including their background and rationale and include patients’ reflection on their treatment experiences.
Revised stratigraphy of the middle Simcoe Group (Ordovician, upper Sandbian–Katian) in its type area: an integrated approach
Authors: Paton Timothy R. , Brett Carlton E.
Published: March 2019

The Upper Ordovician Bobcaygeon Formation of southern Ontario is a widespread unit that spans the Sandbian–Katian stage boundary and contains exceptionally preserved invertebrate fossil assemblages, including the famed ‘Kirkfield echinoderm fauna.’ However, the precise correlation of this interval remains poorly understood. This paper presents new data on high-resolution sequence and carbon isotope chemostratigraphy of the Bobcaygeon interval based on new quarry exposures and introduces refined definitions of unit boundaries based on allostratigraphic criteria. Sequence, chemo-, and biostratigraphic evidence indicate that the Bobcaygeon Formation represents a composite unit as it encompasses a major erosional unconformity. The Coboconk and Kirkfield formations, described in the early 20th century, were merged into a single unit, the Bobcaygeon, out of concern that the original lithostratigraphic divisions would be conflated with biostratigraphic zones of the same names. However, these biostratigraphic zones are no longer favoured, and the lower member of the Bobcaygeon is here elevated again to the status of formation (Coboconk Formation) and represents the uppermost portion of the Sandbian M4 sequence. The middle and upper members of the Bobcaygeon, herein reassigned to the Kirkfield Formation, represent the upper Sandbian to lower Katian M5A and M5B sequences recognized widely in the eastern and central United States. The term Bobcaygeon is retained and elevated to the rank of subgroup. The Kirkfield Formation is divided into three members and contacts are refined, placing a 1–2 m transgressive grainstone at the base of each sequence. These units are correlated with equivalent strata of New York and the Cincinnati Arch.
On the interaction between a time-dependent field and a two-level atom
Authors: Abdel-Wahab N. H. , Salah Ahmed
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we study the interaction between the time-dependent field and a two-level atom with one mode electromagnetic field. We consider that the field of photons is assumed to be coupled with modulated coupling parameter which depends explicitly on time. It is shown that the considered model can be reduced to a well-known form of the time-dependent generalized Jaynes–Cummings model. Under special initial conditions, in which the atom and the field are prepared in the excited and the coherent states, respectively, the explicit time evolution of the wave function of the entire system is analytically obtained. Our proposal has many advantages over the previous optical schemes and can be realized in several multiple experiments, such as trapped ions and quantum electrodynamics cavity. The influence of the time-dependent field parameter on the collapses-revivals, the normal squeezing of the radiation, the anti-bunching of photons and the entanglement phenomena for the considered atomic system is examined. The linear entropy, the von Neumann entropy are used to quantify entanglement in the quantum systems. We noticed that these phenomena are affected by the existence of both the time-dependent coupling field and detuning parameters.
Effect of gamma irradiation on microstructure of the layered Ge 0.995Nd0.005S
Authors: Alekperov A. S. , Jabarov S. H. , Mirzayev M. N. , Asgerov E. B. , Ismayilova N. A. , Aliyev Y. I. , Thabethe T. T. , Dang N. T.
Published: March 2019

X-ray analysis of layered [Formula: see text] crystal has been investigated before and after gamma irradiation. Single crystal [Formula: see text] was irradiated with a [Formula: see text] gamma source which had an energy of 1.33 MeV. The dose rate was [Formula: see text] and the absorption dose was from 1 kGy up to 30 kGy. The thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetric, differential thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis were performed on the samples. The thermodynamic analysis was evaluated for the thermally stable temperature range for unirradiated and irradiated [Formula: see text] compound. The results showed the splitting of GeNdS sample in the manner [Formula: see text] at the temperature range of [Formula: see text] which leads to mass reduction by 0.29%.
Adaptive Architecture and Personal Data
Authors: Schnädelbach Holger , Jäger Nils , Urquhart Lachlan
Published: March 2019

Through sensors carried by people and sensors embedded in the environment, personal data is being processed to try to understand activity patterns and people's internal states in the context of human-building interaction. This data is used to actuate adaptive buildings to make them more comfortable, convenient, and accessible or information rich. In a series of envisioning workshops, we queried the future relationships between people, personal data and the built environment, when there are no technical limits to the availability of personal data to buildings. Our analysis of created designs and user experience fictions allows us to contribute a systematic exposition of the emerging design space for adaptive architecture that draws on personal data. This is being situated within the context of the new European information privacy legislation, the EU General Data Protection Regulation 2016. Drawing on the tension space analysis method, we conclude with the illustration of the tensions in the temporal, spatial, and inhabitation-related relationships of personal data and adaptive buildings, re-usable for the navigation of the emerging, complex issues by future designers.
Going Higher in First-Order Quantifier Alternation Hierarchies on Words
Authors: Place Thomas , Zeitoun Marc
Published: March 2019

We investigate quantifier alternation hierarchies in first-order logic on finite words. Levels in these hierarchies are defined by counting the number of quantifier alternations in formulas. We prove that one can decide membership of a regular language in the levels BΣ
2
(finite Boolean combinations of formulas having only one alternation) and Σ
3
(formulas having only two alternations and beginning with an existential block). Our proofs work by considering a deeper problem, called
separation
, which, once solved for lower levels, allows us to solve membership for higher levels.
Deca
Authors: Shi Xuanhua , Ke Zhixiang , Zhou Yongluan , Jin Hai , Lu Lu , Zhang Xiong , He Ligang , Hu Zhenyu , Wang Fei
Published: March 2019

In-memory caching of intermediate data and active combining of data in shuffle buffers have been shown to be very effective in minimizing the recomputation and I/O cost in big data processing systems such as Spark and Flink. However, it has also been widely reported that these techniques would create a large amount of long-living data objects in the heap. These generated objects may quickly saturate the garbage collector, especially when handling a large dataset, and hence, limit the scalability of the system. To eliminate this problem, we propose a lifetime-based memory management framework, which, by automatically analyzing the user-defined functions and data types, obtains the expected lifetime of the data objects and then allocates and releases memory space accordingly to minimize the garbage collection overhead. In particular, we present Deca,1 a concrete implementation of our proposal on top of Spark, which transparently decomposes and groups objects with similar lifetimes into byte arrays and releases their space altogether when their lifetimes come to an end. When systems are processing very large data, Deca also provides field-oriented memory pages to ensure high compression efficiency. Extensive experimental studies using both synthetic and real datasets show that, in comparing to Spark, Deca is able to (1) reduce the garbage collection time by up to 99.9%, (2) reduce the memory consumption by up to 46.6% and the storage space by 23.4%, (3) achieve 1.2× to 22.7× speedup in terms of execution time in cases without data spilling and 16× to 41.6× speedup in cases with data spilling, and (4) provide similar performance compared to domain-specific systems.
Power Control via Stackelberg Game for Small-Cell Networks
Authors: Jiang Yanxiang , Ge Hui , Bennis Mehdi , Zheng Fu-Chun , You Xiaohu
Published: March 2019

In this paper, power control in the uplink for two-tier small-cell networks is investigated. We formulate the power control problem as a Stackelberg game, where the macrocell user equipment (MUE) acts as the leader and the small-cell user equipment (SUE) acts as the follower. To reduce the cross-tier and cotier interferences and the power consumption of both the MUE and SUE, we propose optimizing not only the transmit rate but also the transmit power. The corresponding optimization problems are solved through a two-layer iteration. In the inner iteration, the SUE items (SUEs) compete with each other, and their optimal transmit powers are obtained through iterative computations. In the outer iteration, the optimal transmit power of the MUE is obtained in a closed form based on the transmit powers of the SUEs through proper mathematical manipulations. We prove the convergence of the proposed power control scheme, and we also theoretically show the existence and uniqueness of the Stackelberg equilibrium (SE) in the formulated Stackelberg game. The simulation results show that the proposed power control scheme provides considerable improvements, particularly for the MUE.
In Vitro Antiatherothrombotic Effects of Extracts from Berberis Vulgaris L., Teucrium Polium L., and Orthosiphon Stamineus Benth
Authors: Mohd Nor Nurul Huda , Othman Fauziah , Mohd Tohit Eusni Rahayu , Md Noor Sabariah , Razali Rosniza , Ahmad Hassali Hazlina , Hassan Hadijah
Published: March 2019

Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The pathogenesis is mainly due to atherosclerosis, plaque rupture, and platelet thrombus formation. The main risk factors for coronary artery disease include obesity, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, diabetes, and high blood pressure. As a part of disease management, treatment options using anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs can be applied with addition to lipid-lowering medication. However, medicinal plants comprising antiatherothrombotic effects can be used as options to combat the disease rather than drug therapies with lesser adverse effects. Therefore, the haematological effect of Berberis vulgaris L., Teucrium polium L., and Orthosiphon stamineus Benth extracts was studied using in vitro model to prevent and to treat coronary atherothrombotic disease. The aqueous, methanol, and polysaccharide extracts of B. vulgaris, T. polium, and O. stamineus, respectively, were studied for their anticoagulant and antiplatelet effect on human whole blood. Extracts were subjected to the prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) test for anticoagulant activity. The antiplatelet activity was investigated using an electrical impedance method. B. vulgaris aqueous extract (BVAE), B. vulgaris polysaccharide extract (BVPE), T. polium aqueous extract (TPAE), and T. polium polysaccharide extract (TPPE) significantly prolonged the coagulation time in a concentration-dependent manner (p<0.05). The administration of BVAE demonstrated the most effective antiplatelet activity against platelet aggregation caused by arachidonic acid (AA) and collagen. These antiplatelet activities may correspond to the presence of higher total phenolic compound, which thus inhibit the platelet aggregation activity. In conclusion, these findings provide strong evidence on the antiatherothrombotic effect of BVAE and TPAE.
Information Security Risk Assessment Method for Ship Control System Based on Fuzzy Sets and Attack Trees
Authors: Shang Wenli , Gong Tianyu , Chen Chunyu , Hou Jing , Zeng Peng
Published: March 2019

Information security risk assessment for industrial control system is usually influenced by uncertain factors. For effectively dealing with problem that the uncertainty and quantification difficulties are caused by subjective and objective factors in the assessment process, an information security risk assessment method based on attack tree model with fuzzy set theory and probability risk assessment technology is proposed, which is applied in a risk scenario of ship control system. Firstly, potential risks of the control system are analyzed and the attack tree model is established. Then triangular fuzzy numbers and expert knowledge are used to determine the factors that influence the probability of a leaf node and the leaf nodes are quantified to obtain the interval probability. Finally, the fuzzy arithmetic is used to determine the interval probability of the root node and the attack path. After defuzzification, the potential risks of the system and the probability of occurrence of each attack path are obtained. Compared with other methods, the proposed method can greatly reduce the impact of subjectivity on the risk assessment of industrial control systems and get more stable, reliable, and scientific evaluation results.
Towards Supporting Security and Privacy for Social IoT Applications: A Network Virtualization Perspective
Authors: Sun Jian , Huang Guanhua , Sangaiah Arun Kumar , Zhu Guangyang , Du Xiaojiang
Published: March 2019

Network function virtualization (NFV) is a new way to provide services to users in a network. Different from dedicated hardware that realizes the network functions for an IoT application, the network function of an NFV network is executed on general servers, and in order to achieve complete network functions, service function chaining (SFC) chains virtual network functions to work together to support an IoT application. In this paper, we focus on a main challenge in this domain, i.e., resource efficient provisioning for social IoT application oriented SFC requests. We propose an online SFC deployment algorithm based on the layered strategies of physical networks and an evaluation of physical network nodes, which can efficiently reduce bandwidth resource consumption (OSFCD-LSEM) and support the security and privacy of social IoT applications. The results of our simulation show that our proposed algorithm improves the bandwidth carrying rate, time efficiency, and acceptance rate by 50%, 60%, and 15%, respectively.
The Settlement Models of Deep Vacuum Dewatering Method
Authors: Huang Feng , Lyu Jianguo , Wang Guihe
Published: March 2019

The deep vacuum dewatering method is effective for groundwater control in projects. By now, although the vacuum consolidation in soft soil foundation treatment has been analyzed much, the settlement of deep vacuum dewatering has not been researched sufficiently. Because of the extra vacuum pressure, the settlement should be analyzed further. In this paper, the settlement models are derived and analyzed based on the 2 vacuum pressure distribution models (plane seepage model and Johnson’s model), Imai and Chai’s vacuum consolidation models, and elastic model of traditional soil mechanics. And then a project case is provided to verify the theoretical models. The results show that the proposed model is suitable to predict the settlement and provide new references for vacuum dewatering engineering.
Nephroprotective Effect of Embryonic Stem Cells Reducing Lipid Peroxidation in Kidney Injury Induced by Cisplatin
Authors: Mata-Miranda Monica Maribel , Bernal-Barquero Carlos Eduardo , Martinez-Cuazitl Adriana , Guerrero-Robles Carla Ivonne , Sanchez-Monroy Virginia , Rojas-Lopez Marlon , Vazquez-Zapien Gustavo Jesus
Published: March 2019

Introduction. The acute kidney injury (AKI) is characterized by a sudden glomerular filtration reduction. Renal or intrinsic causes of AKI include nephrotoxicity induced by exogenous agents like cisplatin, which causes oxidative stress altering the biochemical process and leading to apoptosis. Therefore, this research is aimed at analyzing the embryonic stem cells (ESC) nephroprotective effect in AKI induced by cisplatin, employing genetic, phenotypic, and microspectroscopic techniques.Methods. Thirty mice were randomly divided into three groups (n=10): the healthy, isotonic salt solution (ISS), and mouse embryonic stem cells (mESC) groups. The ISS and mESC groups were subjected to AKI using cisplatin; 24 h post-AKI received an intraperitoneal injection of ISS or1×106mESC, respectively. At days 4 and 8 post-AKI, five mice of each group were sacrificed to analyze the histopathological, genetic (PDK4andHO-1), protein (p53), and vibrational microspectroscopic changes.Results.Histopathologically, interstitial nephritis and acute tubular necrosis were observed; however, the mESC group showed a more preserved microarchitecture with high cellularity. Additionally, the PDK4 and HO-1 gene expression only increased in the ISS group on day 4 post-AKI. Likewise, p53 was more immunoexpressed at day 8 post-AKI in the ISS group. About biomolecular analysis by microspectroscopy, bands associated with lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids were evidenced. Besides, ratios related to membrane function (protein/lipid), unsaturated lipid content (olefinic/total lipid, olefinic/total CH2, and CH2/CH3), and lipid peroxidation demonstrated oxidative stress induction and lipid peroxidation increase mainly in the ISS group. Finally, the principal component analysis discriminated against each group; nonetheless, some data of the healthy and mESC groups at day 8 were correlated.Conclusions. The mESC implant diminishes cisplatin nephrotoxicity, once the protective effect in the reduction of lipid peroxidation was demonstrated, reflecting a functional and histological restoration.
Geochemical Modeling of Water-Rock Interaction in the Granulite Rocks of Lower Crust in the Serre Massif (Southern Calabria, Italy)
Authors: Apollaro Carmine
Published: March 2019

To simulate the evolution of groundwaters interacting with granulitic rocks of the lower crust exposed in the southern sector of the Calabrian region, reaction path modeling was performed by means of the EQ3/6 software package version 8.0a. Low-salinity waters issuing from granulite have Na–Cl to Na-HCO3 composition, about neutral pH (mean value of 6.7), outlet temperatures of 7.7 to 14.2°C, oxidant redox potentials from 100 to 182 mV, and electrical conductivity from 72.1 to 196.9 μS/cm. The mineral constituents of local granulite are plagioclase, amphibole, biotite, clinopyroxene, garnet, and orthopyroxene. Simulations were carried at constant temperature of 11.8°C (which reproduces the average temperature of local groundwaters) fixing the fugacity of CO2 at 10-2.4 bar (mean value), 10-2.0 bar (mean value +1 σ), and 10-2.8 bar (mean value -1 σ). The analytical contents of major elements in groundwaters were satisfactorily reproduced by modeling and are fully consistent with the secondary minerals produced by weathering processes affecting the same rocks.