bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Student selection process effectiveness: Correlations between task performance and undergraduate success
Authors: Hughes Catherine , Gremillion Helen , Bridgman Geoff , Ashley Paul , McNabb David
Published: February 2018

INTRODUCTION: This article is a case study of student selection process effectiveness in an undergraduate social work degree at Unitec in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand. Addressing an internationally under-researched topic, it examines whether admitted candidates’ performance on selection day tasks correlate with their success in the programme.METHODS: Applicant selection data were analysed for 2012 and 2013 cohorts (N = 196). Student success is measured in relation to outcomes across eight courses, considering both course completions and grades received. Correlational analyses were performed to address the research aim. The project also examined whether existing demographic data correlate with success, as these data represent potentially confounding variables.FINDINGS: Performance on selection activities conducted as part of application to this degree does not correlate with course completions, and correlates only moderately with higher grades received for courses. Findings also show that students who are wage-earning or self-employed on admission, studying full time, and/or admitted well before their studies begin are more likely to succeed. No other demographic factors are correlated with student success.CONCLUSIONS: This study supports existing literature documenting the ineffectiveness of selection criteria for social work programmes, and also addresses a gap in scholarship by examining the value of specific selection tools and measures. Factors that do correlate with student success suggest that being well-resourced as a student is paramount. Supporting students to succeed during the course of their study may be of higher value than attempting to select “suitable” students in the first place.
Caring for children with disabilities in a foreign land: Experiences and perceptions of a group of Korean parents and professionals
Authors: Choi Clara , Park Hong-Jae , O'Brien Michael
Published: February 2018

INTRODUCTION: This article aims to provide an overview of the experiences of Korean immigrant parents raising children with disabilities in Aotearoa New Zealand, primarily focusing on their experience of disability services and systems.METHODS: As the present exploratory study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of immigrant parents’ experiences and perceptions, a qualitative approach was employed to collect rich and lived information from participants. Ten participants were recruited and interviewed among Korean parents of children with disabilities and professionals working with those families.FINDINGS: Lack of trust among Korean parents living in Aotearoa New Zealand was frequently discussed by the participants in the present study. Lack of information around available services and alternative support and cultural barriers were often identified to have a significant impact on Korean parents’ experiences with services. A sense of obligation to integrate into the host society and the services provided was also evident. Further, there was a contradictory perception between parents and associated professionals in relation to services’ expectations of Korean parents. CONCLUSIONS: From analysis of the findings, three main themes emerged: experiences of services and its relations with trust, cultural values and expectations, and looking to the future. The study suggests that there is a need for professionals, service providers and government to consider ways to build trusting relationships with Korean parents and their children with disabilities, and makes a number of recommendations.
Radical Social Work by Roy Bailey and Mike Brake: A Classic Text Revisited
Authors: Rogowski Steve
Published: February 2018

A review of a classic social work text.
Site-controlled droplet epitaxy of GaAs quantum dots by deposition through shadow masks
Authors: Zolatanosha Viktoryia , Reuter Dirk
Published: February 2018

Droplet epitaxy is a versatile method for fabricating nanostructures, but the standard process relies on spatially random droplet formation resulting in poor control of the position of the final nanostructure. The authors demonstrate site-controlled droplet formation utilizing local Ga deposition combined with self-assembled droplet formation. The local Ga deposition is realized by employing a shadow mask with small apertures. Our experiments show that out-diffusion of Ga from the aperture area is important and can be minimized by creating a Ga saturated surface before depositing through the mask. The effects of Ga precoverage, Ga amount for droplet formation, and droplet formation temperature on size, height, and density of droplets have been investigated. With optimized parameters, the authors were able to generate a single droplet per aperture with over 90% probability.
The impact of brief restriction to articulation on children's subsequent speech production
Authors: Seidl Amanda , Brosseau-Lapré Françoise , Goffman Lisa
Published: February 2018

This project explored whether disruption of articulation during listening impacts subsequent speech production in 4-yr-olds with and without speech sound disorder (SSD). During novel word learning, typically-developing children showed effects of articulatory disruption as revealed by larger differences between two acoustic cues to a sound contrast, but children with SSD were unaffected by articulatory disruption. Findings suggest that, when typically developing 4-yr-olds experience an articulatory disruption during a listening task, the children's subsequent production is affected. Children with SSD show less influence of articulatory experience during perception, which could be the result of impaired or attenuated ties between perception and articulation.
Randomised controlled trial using a theory-based m-health intervention to improve physical activity and sleep health in adults: the Synergy Study protocol
Authors: Murawski Beatrice , Plotnikoff Ronald C , Rayward Anna T , Vandelanotte Corneel , Brown Wendy J , Duncan Mitch J
Published: February 2018

Introduction

There is a need to reduce physical inactivity and poor sleep health in the adult population to decrease chronic disease rates and the associated burden. Given the high prevalence of these risk behaviours, effective interventions with potential for wide reach are warranted.

Methods and analysis

The aim of this two-arm RCT will be to test the effect of a three month personalised mobile app intervention on two main outcomes: minutes of moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity and overall sleep quality. In addition, between-group changes in health-related quality of life and mental health status will be assessed as secondary outcomes. The pre-specified mediators and moderators include social cognitive factors, the neighbourhood environment, health (BMI, depression, anxiety, stress), sociodemographic factors (age, gender, education) and app usage. Assessments will be conducted after three months (primary endpoint) and six months (follow-up). The intervention will provide access to a specifically developed mobile app, through which participants can set goals for active minutes, daily step counts, resistance training, sleep times and sleep hygiene practice. The app also allows participants to log their behaviours daily and view progress bars as well as instant feedback in relation to goals. The personalised support system will consist of weekly summary reports, educational and instructional materials, prompts on disengagement and weekly facts.

Ethics and dissemination

The Human Research Ethics Committee of The University of Newcastle, Australia granted full approval: H-2016–0181. This study will assess the efficacy of a combined behaviour intervention, mechanisms of behaviour change and gather high-quality process data, all of which will help refine future trials. Dissemination of findings will include publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presentation at national or international conferences. Participants will receive a plain English summary report of results.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12617000376347; Pre-results.
Retrospective analysis of the national impact of industrial action by English junior doctors in 2016
Authors: Furnivall Daniel , Bottle Alex , Aylin Paul
Published: February 2018

Objectives

To examine the impacts of the four episodes of industrial action by English junior doctors in early 2016.

Design

Descriptive retrospective study of admitted patient care, accident and emergency (A&E) and outpatient activity in English hospitals.

Setting

All hospitals across England.

Participants

All patients who attended A&E or outpatient appointments or those who were admitted to hospital during the 3-week period surrounding each of the four strikes (12 January, 10 February, 9–10 March and 26–27 April, excluding weekends).

Main outcome measures

Raw numbers and percentage changes of outpatient appointments and cancellations, A&E visits, admitted patients and all inhospital mortality on strike days compared with patient activity on the same weekday in the weeks before and after the strikes.

Results

There were 3.4 million admissions, 27 million outpatient appointments and 3.4 million A&E attendances over the four 3-week periods analysed. Across the four strikes, there were 31 651 fewer admissions (−9.1%), 23 895 fewer A&E attendances (−6.8%) and 173 462 fewer outpatient appointments (−6.0%) than expected. Additionally, 101 109 more outpatient appointments were cancelled by hospitals than expected (+52%). The 26–27 April strike, where emergency services were also affected, showed the largest impacts on regular service. Mortality did not measurably increase on strike days. Regional analysis showed that services in the Yorkshire and the Humber region were disproportionately more affected by the industrial action.

Conclusions

Industrial action by junior doctors during early 2016 caused a significant impact on the provision of healthcare provided by English hospitals. We also observed regional variations in how these strikes affected providers.
The cognitive profile of behavioural variant FTD and its similarities with ALS: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Beeldman Emma , Raaphorst Joost , Klein Twennaar Michelle , Govaarts Rosanne , Pijnenburg Yolande A L , de Haan Rob J , de Visser Marianne , Schmand Ben A
Published: February 2018

Approximately 30% of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have cognitive impairment and 8%–14% fulfil the criteria for behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia (bv-FTD). The cognitive profiles of ALS and bv-FTD have been reported to be comparable, but this has never been systematically investigated. We aimed to determine the cognitive profile of bv-FTD and examine its similarities with that of ALS, to provide evidence for the existence of a cognitive disease continuum encompassing bv-FTD and ALS. We therefore systematically reviewed neuropsychological studies on bv-FTD patients and healthy volunteers. Neuropsychological tests were divided in 10 cognitive domains and effect sizes were calculated for all domains and compared with the cognitive profile of ALS by means of a visual comparison and a Pearson’s r correlation coefficient. We included 120 studies, totalling 2425 bv-FTD patients and 2798 healthy controls. All cognitive domains showed substantial effect sizes, indicating cognitive impairment in bv-FTD patients compared to healthy controls. The cognitive domains with the largest effect sizes were social cognition, verbal memory and fluency (1.77–1.53). The cognitive profiles of bv-FTD and ALS (10 cognitive domains, 1287 patients) showed similarities on visual comparison and a moderate correlation 0.58 (p=0.13). When social cognition, verbal memory, fluency, executive functions, language and visuoperception were considered, i.e. the cognitive profile of ALS, Pearson’s r was 0.73 (p=0.09), which raised to 0.92 (p=0.03), when language was excluded in this systematic analysis of patients with a non-language subtype of FTD. The cognitive profile of bv-FTD consists of deficits in social cognition, verbal memory, fluency and executive functions and shows similarities with the cognitive profile of ALS. These findings support a cognitive continuum encompassing ALS and bv-FTD.
Mesenchymal stem cells pretreated with melatonin ameliorate kidney functions in a rat model of diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Rashed Laila Ahmed , Elattar Samah , Eltablawy Nashwa , Ashour Hend , Mahmoud Lamiaa Mohamed , El-Esawy Yasmin
Published: February 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a regenerative therapy comprising mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) pretreated with melatonin (MT) as a new therapy for underlying diabetic nephropathy (DN) pathogenesis in a rat model, and its possible effect on autophagy protein Beclin-1. Forty adult male albino Wistar rats were distributed among 4 groups: (i) control, (ii) DN, (iii) MSC-treated, and (iv) treated with MSCs that were pre-incubated in-vitro with MT (5 μmol·L–1 for 24 h; MSCs + MT). MSCs treatment significantly improved the renal functions and ameliorated the measured underlying DN pathogenesis and elevation of Beclin-1 protein levels compared with the DN group. In-vitro pretreatment of MSCs with MT enhanced proliferation and efficiency, and thus improved the kidney functions by increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD-1) and Beclin-1, and decreasing transforming growth factor (TGF-β) markers in the kidney tissue, compared with the MSC group (P < 0.05). In conclusion: MSCs represent a promising target in DN management, and their effect can be intensified by pretreatment with MT. The elevated levels of Beclin-1 could be a mediator.
Research of the impact of coupling between unit cells on performance of linear-to-circular polarization conversion metamaterial with half transmission and half reflection
Authors: Guo Mengchao , Zhou Kan , Wang Xiaokun , Zhuang Haiyan , Tang Dongming , Zhang Baoshan , Yang Yi
Published: February 2018

In this paper, the impact of coupling between unit cells on the performance of linear-to-circular polarization conversion metamaterial with half transmission and half reflection is analyzed by changing the distance between the unit cells. An equivalent electrical circuit model is then built to explain it based on the analysis. The simulated results show that, when the distance between the unit cells is 23 mm, this metamaterial converts half of the incident linearly-polarized wave into reflected left-hand circularly-polarized wave and converts the other half of it into transmitted left-hand circularly-polarized wave at 4.4 GHz; when the distance is 28 mm, this metamaterial reflects all of the incident linearly-polarized wave at 4.4 GHz; and when the distance is 32 mm, this metamaterial converts half of the incident linearly-polarized wave into reflected right-hand circularly-polarized wave and converts the other half of it into transmitted right-hand circularly-polarized wave at 4.4 GHz. The tunability is realized successfully. The analysis shows that the changes of coupling between unit cells lead to the changes of performance of this metamaterial. The coupling between the unit cells is then considered when building the equivalent electrical circuit model. The built equivalent electrical circuit model can be used to perfectly explain the simulated results, which confirms the validity of it. It can also give help to the design of tunable polarization conversion metamaterials.
Internet of Things: Challenges, Issues and Applications
Authors: Raja S. P. , Rajkumar T. Dhiliphan , Raj Vivek Pandiya
Published: February 2018

Internet of Things (IoT) can be defined as a thing or device, physical and virtual, connected and communicating together, and integrated to a network for a specific purpose. The IoT uses technologies and devices such as sensors, radio-frequency identification (RFID) and actuators to collect data. IoT is not only about collecting data generated from sensors, but also about analyzing it. IoT applications must, of necessity, keep out all attackers and intruders so as to thwart attacks. IoT must allow for information to be shared, with every assurance of confidentiality, and is about a connected environment where people and things interact to enhance the quality of life. IoT infrastructure must be an open source, without ownership, meaning that anyone can develop, deploy and use it. The objective of this paper is to discuss the various challenges, issues and applications confronting the Internet of Things.
Selectable Output Voltage High Efficiency Boost Converter
Authors: Cheng Li-Ye , Sun Chen , Zhou Zhen-Wei
Published: February 2018

The paper proposed a high efficiency boost converter with constant voltage (CV) and constant current (CC) modes. The selection of CV or CC working mode is based on the requirement, and the transient time from CV to CC mode is 230[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]s. The boost converter is particularly for the use of Li-ion battery portable devices. High efficiency is obtained by sleep/burst mode under light load and pulse width modulation (PWM) mode under heavy load. The quiescent current of the whole chip can be down to 6[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]A when the converter enters the standby mode. The converter has been made of 0.35[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) process. Experimental results show that the peak efficiency is 98.2% at a 1.5[Formula: see text]A output current and a 4.2[Formula: see text]V input voltage.
The black hole at the Galactic Center: Observations and models
Authors: Zakharov Alexander F.
Published: February 2018

One of the most interesting astronomical objects is the Galactic Center. It is a subject of intensive astronomical observations in different spectral bands in recent years. We concentrate our discussion on a theoretical analysis of observational data of bright stars in the IR-band obtained with large telescopes. We also discuss the importance of VLBI observations of bright structures which could characterize the shadow at the Galactic Center. If we adopt general relativity (GR), there are a number of theoretical models for the Galactic Center, such as a cluster of neutron stars, boson stars, neutrino balls, etc. Some of these models were rejected or the range of their parameters is significantly constrained with consequent observations and theoretical analysis. In recent years, a number of alternative theories of gravity have been proposed because there are dark matter (DM) and dark energy (DE) problems. An alternative theory of gravity may be considered as one possible solution for such problems. Some of these theories have black hole solutions, while other theories have no such solutions. There are attempts to describe the Galactic Center with alternative theories of gravity and in this case one can constrain parameters of such theories with observational data for the Galactic Center. In particular, theories of massive gravity are intensively developing and theorists have overcome pathologies presented in the initial versions of these theories. In theories of massive gravity, a graviton is massive in contrast with GR where a graviton is massless. Now these theories are considered as an alternative to GR. For example, the LIGO–Virgo collaboration obtained the graviton mass constraint of about [Formula: see text] eV in their first publication about the discovery of the first gravitational wave detection event that resulted of the merger of two massive black holes. Surprisingly, one could obtain a consistent and comparable constraint of graviton mass at a level around [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]eV from the analysis of observational data on the trajectory of the star S2 near the Galactic Center. Therefore, observations of bright stars with existing and forthcoming telescopes such as the European extremely large telescope (E-ELT) and the thirty meter telescope (TMT) are extremely useful for investigating the structure of the Galactic Center in the framework of GR, but these observations also give a tool to confirm, rule out or constrain alternative theories of gravity. As we noted earlier, VLBI observations with current and forthcoming global networks (like the Event Horizon Telescope) are used to check the hypothesis about the presence of a supermassive black hole at the Galactic Center.
Effect of impurity doping on AFM magnetization in graphene: A tight-binding model approach
Authors: Sahu Sivabrata , Gouda Himanshu Sekhar , Rout G. C.
Published: February 2018

We report here a tight-binding theoretical study of anti-ferromagnetism in graphene taking electron hopping up to third nearest neighbors. The graphene on substrate introduces inequivalence in the two sublattices of the honeycomb lattice. The on-site Coulomb interactions at two sublattices of graphene are treated within mean-field approximation and the electron occupancies at two sublattices include spin moments in opposite directions giving rise to anti-ferromagnetism in graphene. The AFM sublattice magnetizations are calculated by using Zubarev’s Green’s function technique and computed self-consistently for different ranges of Coulomb potential, substrate-induced gap and impurity concentrations. It is observed that [Formula: see text]-site magnetization is suppressed by [Formula: see text]-site impurity concentration, while [Formula: see text]-site magnetization remains unaffected. Similar effect has been observed at [Formula: see text]-site when doped with pentavalent dopant, while [Formula: see text]-site magnetization remains unaffected. Furthermore, substrate-induced AFM gap has also been observed at different ranges of temperature.
Typed Nominal Rewriting
Authors: Fairweather Elliot , Fernández Maribel
Published: February 2018

Nominal terms extend first-order terms with nominal features and as such constitute a meta-language for reasoning about the named variables of an object language in the presence of meta-level variables. This article introduces a number of type systems for nominal terms of increasing sophistication and demonstrates their application in the areas of rewriting and equational reasoning. Two simple type systems inspired by Church’s simply typed lambda calculus are presented where only well-typed terms are considered to exist, over which α-equivalence is then axiomatised. The first requires atoms to be strictly annotated whilst the second explores the consequences of a more relaxed de Bruijn-style approach in the presence of atom-capturing substitution. A final type system of richer ML-like polymorphic types is then given in the style of Curry, in which elements of the term language are deemed typeable or not only subsequent to the definition of alpha-equivalence. Principal types are shown to exist and an inference algorithm given to compute them. This system is then used to define two presentations of typed nominal rewriting, one more expressive and one more efficient, the latter also giving rise to a notion of typed nominal equational reasoning.
Atrial arrhythmias and autonomic dysfunction in rats exposed to chronic intermittent hypoxia
Authors: Bober Sara L. , Ciriello John , Jones Douglas L.
Published: February 2018

Obstructive sleep apnea, which involves chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH), is a major risk factor for developing atrial fibrillation (AF). Whether or not CIH alone alters cardiac mechanisms to support AF is unknown. This study investigated the effects of CIH on atrial electrophysiology and arrhythmia vulnerability and evaluated the role of autonomics in CIH promotion of AF. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to 8 h/day of CIH or normoxia for 7 days. After exposure, rats were anesthetized for intracardiac electrophysiological experiments. Atrial effective refractory periods (AERPs) and AF inducibility were determined using programmed electrical stimulation and burst pacing in the absence and presence of autonomic receptor agonists and antagonists. Western blot analysis measured atrial protein expression of muscarinic M2, M3, and β1-adrenergic receptors. Compared with normoxia-exposed control rats, CIH-exposed rats had enhanced AF vulnerability using both programmed electrical stimulation and burst pacing, accompanied by greater AERP responses to carbachol and propranolol, lesser responses to isoproterenol, and higher atrial M2 receptor protein levels. Enhanced atrial vulnerability was accentuated by carbachol and abolished by atropine, indicating that the AF-promoting effects of CIH depended principally on parasympathetic activation. Enhancement of atrial vulnerability and AERP shortening with cholinergic agonists in CIH-exposed rats is consistent with sensitivity to parasympathetic activation. Higher responses to adrenergic receptor blockade in CIH-exposed rats is consistent with sympathetic potentiation. These findings implicate CIH as an important mediator of enhanced AF susceptibility in obstructive sleep apnea and provide novel insights into the underlying mechanisms.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our study demonstrates, for the first time, that chronic intermittent hypoxia alone enhances vulnerability to atrial arrhythmia induction, which depends principally on parasympathetic activation. Enhanced atrial vulnerability was accompanied by heightened electrophysiological responses of the atrial myocardium to carbachol and isoproterenol, dampened responses to propranolol, and increased atrial M2 receptor protein levels.
Ponatinib Shows Potent Antitumor Activity in Small Cell Carcinoma of the Ovary Hypercalcemic Type (SCCOHT) through Multikinase Inhibition
Authors: Lang Jessica D. , Hendricks William P.D. , Orlando Krystal A. , Yin Hongwei , Kiefer Jeffrey , Ramos Pilar , Sharma Ritin , Pirrotte Patrick , Raupach Elizabeth A. , Sereduk Chris , Tang Nanyun , Liang Winnie S. , Washington Megan , Facista Salvatore J. , Zismann Victoria L. , Cousins Emily M. , Major Michael B. , Wang Yemin , Karnezis Anthony N. , Sekulic Aleksandar , Hass Ralf , Vanderhyden Barbara C. , Nair Praveen , Weissman Bernard E. , Huntsman David G. , Trent Jeffrey M.
Published: February 2018

Purpose: Small cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcemic type (SCCOHT) is a rare, aggressive ovarian cancer in young women that is universally driven by loss of the SWI/SNF ATPase subunits SMARCA4 and SMARCA2. A great need exists for effective targeted therapies for SCCOHT.

Experimental Design: To identify underlying therapeutic vulnerabilities in SCCOHT, we conducted high-throughput siRNA and drug screens. Complementary proteomics approaches profiled kinases inhibited by ponatinib. Ponatinib was tested for efficacy in two patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models and one cell-line xenograft model of SCCOHT.

Results: The receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) family was enriched in siRNA screen hits, with FGFRs and PDGFRs being overlapping hits between drug and siRNA screens. Of multiple potent drug classes in SCCOHT cell lines, RTK inhibitors were only one of two classes with selectivity in SCCOHT relative to three SWI/SNF wild-type ovarian cancer cell lines. We further identified ponatinib as the most effective clinically approved RTK inhibitor. Reexpression of SMARCA4 was shown to confer a 1.7-fold increase in resistance to ponatinib. Subsequent proteomic assessment of ponatinib target modulation in SCCOHT cell models confirmed inhibition of nine known ponatinib target kinases alongside 77 noncanonical ponatinib targets in SCCOHT. Finally, ponatinib delayed tumor doubling time 4-fold in SCCOHT-1 xenografts while reducing final tumor volumes in SCCOHT PDX models by 58.6% and 42.5%.

Conclusions: Ponatinib is an effective agent for SMARCA4-mutant SCCOHT in both in vitro and in vivo preclinical models through its inhibition of multiple kinases. Clinical investigation of this FDA-approved oncology drug in SCCOHT is warranted. Clin Cancer Res; 24(8); 1932–43. ©2018 AACR.
Metabolite Levels in Paediatric Brain Tumours Correlate with Histological Features
Authors: Orphanidou-Vlachou Eleni , Kohe Sarah E. , Brundler Marie-Anne , MacPherson Lesley , Sun Yu , Davies Nigel , Wilson Martin , Pan Xiaoyan , Arvanitis Theodoros N. , Grundy Richard G. , Peet Andrew C.
Published: February 2018

Aims: Metabolite levels can be measured non-invasively using in vivo 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). These tumour metabolite profiles are highly characteristic for tumour type in childhood brain tumours; however, the relationship between metabolite values and conventional histopathological characteristics has not yet been fully established. This study systematically tests the relationship between metabolite levels detected by MRS and specific histological features in a range of paediatric brain tumours. Methods: Single-voxel MRS was performed routinely in children with brain tumours along with the clinical imaging prior to treatment. Metabolites were quantified using LCModel. Histological features were assessed semi-quantitatively for 27 children on H&E and immunostained slides, blind to the metabolite values. Statistical analysis included 2-tailed independent-samples t tests and 2-tailed Spearman rank correlation tests. Results: Ki67, cellular atypia, and mitosis correlated positively with choline metabolites, and phosphocholine in particular. Apoptosis and necrosis were both associated with lipid levels, with the relationship dependent on the use of long or short echo time MRS acquisitions. Neuronal components correlated negatively and glial components positively with N-acetyl-aspartate. Glial components correlated positively with myoinositol. Conclusion: Metabolite levels in children's brain tumours measured by MRS are closely associated with key histological features routinely assessed by histopathologists in the diagnostic process. This further elucidates our understanding of this important non-invasive diagnostic tool and strengthens our understanding of the relationship between metabolites and histological features.
Analysis of Wire-Guided Hemostasis Introducer for Percutaneous Therapy of Bile Duct Stones
Authors: Hollenbach Marcus , Feisthammel Jürgen , Mössner Joachim , Hoffmeister Albrecht
Published: February 2018

Background: Bile duct stones (BDS) are usually removed via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or, if ERCP remains unsuccessful, percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage (PTCD). However, PTCD provides limited access to large BDSs. We analyzed a modified approach of PTCD for percutaneous therapy of BDS. Methods: We used a modified approach of PTCD with a 13-french (Fr) hemostasis introducer for transhepatic access to BDS. Short-wired balloon or basket catheter were applied for safe removal of BDS. Patient characteristics, effectiveness, and complications were analyzed. Results: We identified 11 patients who underwent PTCD with hemostasis introducer. BDSs were either pushed forward to the duodenum (36%) or both partly pushed and extracted via hemostasis introducer (64%). In some cases, mechanical lithotripsy was necessary (45%). Complete removal of BDS was initially achieved in 36% of patients, 45% received additional PTCD, and in 19% stent implantation was performed. Finally, all BDSs could be removed. Laboratory analysis revealed significant reduction of alkaline phosphatase (p = 0.03) and C reactive protein (p = 0.03). Complications occurred only in 1 patient with post-interventional cholangitis. Conclusion: Our study showed feasibility and safety of a modified PTCD with hemostasis introducer. In addition, protection of liver tissue from sharp-edged catheters and stones was achieved. Therefore, our modification revealed an innovational approach for transhepatic removal of BDS.
Clinicopathological Features and Magnifying Chromoendoscopic Findings of Non-Ampullary Duodenal Epithelial Tumors
Authors: Toya Yosuke , Endo Masaki , Akasaka Risaburo , Urushikubo Jun , Gonai Takahiro , Asakura Kensuke , Yanai Shunichi , Kawasaki Keisuke , Eizuka Makoto , Uesugi Noriyuki , Nakamura Shotaro , Sugai Tamotsu , Matsumoto Takayuki
Published: February 2018

Background and Aims: We aimed to investigate an association between clinicopathological features, including immunohistochemical mucin phenotypes, and magnifying chromoendoscopic findings with crystal violet staining (ME-CV) in non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors (NADETs). Methods: A total of 55 patients with NADET were divided into 3 groups by mucin phenotype: intestinal, gastrointestinal, or gastric. ME-CV findings were classified into 4 patterns: convoluted, leaf-like, reticular/sulciolar, and pinecone. The clinicopathological features and ME-CV findings were compared among the mucin phenotypes. Results: Tumors of the gastric type were located in the duodenal bulb (p < 0.001), and contained pyloric gland adenoma (p < 0.001) more frequently than the other types. White-light endoscopy indicated that milk-white mucosa was less frequent in tumors of the gastric type than in those of the gastrointestinal type (p = 0.006) and the intestinal type (p < 0.001). ME-CV findings were significantly different between the gastric type and the other type (p = 0.028). Totally, 5 of 8 tumors of the gastric type manifested a pinecone pattern, 4 of which were compatible with pyloric gland adenoma. Conclusions: The endoscopic findings of NADETs differ according to mucin phenotype. A pinecone pattern under ME-CV may be characteristic of NADETs of the gastric type, especially pyloric gland adenoma.
Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Endoscopic Hemostasis for the Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding Were Not Influenced by the Timing of Hospital Emergency Visits: A Situation Prevailing in Japan
Authors: Matsuura Satoko , Sakata Yasuhisa , Tsuruoka Nanae , Miyahara Koichi , Hara Megumi , Ito Yoichiro , Nakayama Kenichiro , Shimamura Takuya , Noda Takahiro , Yukimoto Takahiro , Shimoda Ryo , Iwakiri Ryuichi , Fujimoto Kazuma
Published: February 2018

Background: The aim of the present study was to determine differences in the prognosis of patients in Japan who underwent emergency endoscopic hemostasis (i) during regular hours versus off hours and (ii) as outpatients versus hospitalized patients. Methods: The present retrospective study included 443 patients who underwent emergency endoscopic hemostasis for non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding from January 2008 to December 2014. These patients were classified into 2 groups: hospitalized patients and outpatients. The outpatients were further subclassified into those who visited the hospital during regular hours and those who visited during off hours. Results: The outcomes of outpatients who underwent emergency hemostasis during off hours did not differ from patients treated during regular hours. Multivariate analysis revealed that outcomes of hospitalized patients, including mortality, need for blood transfusion and length of hospitalization, were worse than those of outpatients; it also revealed that patient age, malnutrition rate and prevalence of diabetes and neoplasms were higher among hospitalized patients than those in outpatients. Conclusions: The clinical outcomes of patients who underwent emergency endoscopic hemostasis for upper gastrointestinal bleeding during off hours did not differ from those of patients treated during regular hours. Outcomes were worse among hospitalized patients, mainly because of their bad general condition.
Comparison of Outcome of Hepatic Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy Combined with Radiotherapy and Sorafenib for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients with Major Portal Vein Tumor Thrombosis
Authors: Kodama Kenichiro , Kawaoka Tomokazu , Aikata Hiroshi , Uchikawa Shinsuke , Nishida Yuno , Inagaki Yuki , Hatooka Masahiro , Morio Kei , Nakahara Takashi , Murakami Eisuke , Tsuge Masataka , Hiramatsu Akira , Imamura Michio , Kawakami Yoshiiku , Masaki Keiichi , Honda Yoji , Mori Nami , Takaki Shintaro , Tsuji Keiji , Kohno Hirotaka , Kohno Hiroshi , Moriya Takashi , Nonaka Michihiro , Hyogo Hideyuki , Aisaka Yasuyuki , Kimura Tomoki , Nagata Yasushi , Chayama Kazuaki
Published: February 2018

Objective: To compare the outcome of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy (HAIC + RT) versus sorafenib monotherapy in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and major portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT). Methods: This retrospective study included 108 HCC patients with PVTT of the main trunk or first branch and Child-Pugh ≤7. Sixty-eight received HAIC + RT and 40 received sorafenib. Patients were then assigned to the HAIC + RT group (n = 36) and the sorafenib group (n = 36) through case-control matching. The decision to treat with HAIC + RT or sorafenib was left to the attending physician. Results: The median overall, progression-free, and postprogression survival were significantly longer in the HAIC + RT group than in the sorafenib group (9.9 vs. 5.3, p = 0.002; 3.9 vs. 2.1, p = 0.048; and 3.7 vs. 1.9 months, p = 0.02, respectively). Multivariate analysis identified HAIC + RT (hazard ratio = 2.02; 95% confidence interval, 1.14–3.57; p = 0.01) as a significant and independent determinant of overall survival. Conclusions: In patients with advanced HCC and major PVTT, survival was significantly longer in those treated with HAIC + RT than with sorafenib.
Medical Overtreatment: Friend or Foe?
Authors: Hadler Nortin M.
Published: February 2018

“Overtreatment” is a neologism coined some 15 years ago to denote medical and surgical interventions that are unnecessary. It is a topical term for an old concept. However, it has rapidly become a shibboleth for those inclined toward finger-pointing and blaming in matters of health policy. As such, it is a “foe” that heats up rather than modulates debate. But if one examines the notion in the context of the contemporary patient-physician dialogue, it is anything but a foe. Overtreatment and its fellow travelers, overutilization and overprescription, face off with contrary notions when a patient contends with the challenge of evaluating any clinical option.
Increased Expression of the Innate Immune Receptor TLR10 in Obesity and Type-2 Diabetes: Association with ROS-Mediated Oxidative Stress
Authors: Sindhu Sardar , Akhter Nadeem , Kochumon Shihab , Thomas Reeby , Wilson Ajit , Shenouda Steve , Tuomilehto Jaakko , Ahmad Rasheed
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: Metabolic diseases such as obesity and type-2 diabetes (T2D) are known to be associated with chronic low-grade inflammation called metabolic inflammation together with an oxidative stress milieu found in the expanding adipose tissue. The innate immune Toll-like receptors (TLR) such as TLR2 and TLR4 have emerged as key players in metabolic inflammation; nonetheless, TLR10 expression in the adipose tissue and its significance in obesity/T2D remain unclear. Methods: TLR10 gene expression was determined in the adipose tissue samples from healthy non-diabetic and T2D individuals, 13 each, using real-time RT-PCR. TLR10 protein expression was determined by immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy, and flow cytometry. Regarding in vitro studies, THP-1 cells, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), or primary monocytes were treated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated oxidative stress. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was measured using a commercial kit. Data (mean±SEM) were compared using unpaired student’s t-test and P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: The adipose tissue TLR10 gene/protein expression was found to be significantly upregulated in obesity as well as T2D which correlated with body mass index (BMI). ROS-mediated oxidative stress induced high levels of TLR10 gene/protein expression in monocytic cells and PBMC. In these cells, oxidative stress induced a time-dependent increase in SOD activity. Pre-treatment of cells with anti-oxidants/ROS scavengers diminished the expression of TLR10. ROS-induced TLR10 expression involved the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB)/mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling as well as endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. H2O2-induced oxidative stress interacted synergistically with palmitate to trigger the expression of TLR10 which associated with enhanced expression of proinflammatory cytokines/chemokine. Conclusion: Oxidative stress induces the expression of TLR10 which may represent an immune marker for metabolic inflammation.
Οὐδὲν λέγειν / nihil dicere
Authors: Chiarini Sara
Published: February 2018

The ancient theoretical debate on language and its purposes has long concerned scholarship, but only in recent years a growing attention has been directed to ancient concepts and instances of nonsense in both communication and artistic-literary expression, as the recent monograph by Stephen Kidd attests. This paper engages in an analysis of the phrase οὐδὲν λέγειν/nihil dicere, used to express the nonsense of a statement. An overview of the occurrences of οὐδὲν λέγειν is followed by a survey of what can be considered the ‘reception’ or calque of the Greek idiom in Latin, namely nihil dicere. The concentration of the occurrences, both in Greek and Latin, in the same two genres, i.e. comedy and philosophical dialogue, suggests that the phrase was borrowed from the colloquial vocabulary of the spoken language. The authority of Aristophanes and Plato seems to have eased the assimilation of the locution by authors such as Plautus, Terence and Cicero. The rarity of the phrase outside these authors and their genres supports the thought that, in literature, οὐδὲν λέγειν/nihil dicere were typical of the lexical repertoires of dramatic ἀγών and dialectics.
Multigene phylogeny and morphology reveal Cytospora spiraeae sp. nov. (Diaporthales, Ascomycota) in China
Authors: ZHU HAI-YAN , TIAN CHENG-MING , FAN XIN-LEI
Published: February 2018

Members of Cytospora encompass important plant-associated pathogens, endophytes and saprobes, commonly isolated from a wide range of hosts with a worldwide distribution. Two specimens were collected associated with symptomatic canker and dieback disease of Spiraea salicifolia in Gansu, China. These isolates are characterized by its hyaline, biseriate, aseptate, elongate-allantoid ascospores and allantoid conidia. Cytospora spiraeae sp. nov. is introduced based on its holomorphic morphology plus support from phylogenetic analysis (ITS, LSU, ACT and RPB2), and differs from similar species in its host association.
A new species of Temnocephala (Platyhelminthes) with an unusual pharynx, including an amendment of the diagnosis of the genus
Authors: DE LEÓN RODRIGO PONCE , VOLONTERIO ODILE
Published: February 2018

Three species of Temnocephala have been reported on Aegla from Uruguay: Temnocephala axenos, Temnocephala mertoni and Temnocephala talicei. As part of a systematic review of the Uruguayan species of Temnocephala, a fourth species was found on Aegla platensis and Aegla uruguayana. This species, new for the genus, has the following diagnostic characters: Large temnocephalan; slightly curved penial stylet (225 µm in length) with a symmetrical introvert (27 long by 18 µm in diameter) that has at least 44 spine-like projections, each bearing 7 rows of internal spines; a seminal vesicle that opens sub-polarly into the contractile vesicle; a muscular vagina with a strong asymmetrical sphincter; preequatorial nephridiopores close to the internal borders of the elongate-oval excretory syncytia; a large pharynx with anterior and posterior sphincters of about the same diameter and a narrow pharyngeal lumen with nearly uniform width. To contemplate the characters of the pharynx, an amendment of the genus Temnocephala is given. The new species resembles Temnocephala cyanoglandula, which also has a very long, slightly curved penial stylet, but differs from it by having a shorter penial stylet, a lower number of rows of spines in the introvert, a larger, different type of pharynx, a smaller contractile vesicle and a larger sucker. The new species is carnivorous and feeds on whole preys, which are mainly annelids (Stratiodrilus) and other species of Temnocephala. The new species was found to be hyperparasitised by plerocercoid and nematode larvae, but hyperparasites were not found in the other sympatric species of Temnocephala. Based on the findings presented here, it is clear that detailed histological descriptions of the pharynx should be contemplated as part of the normal work in taxonomy of temnocephalans.
Trends of Aerosol Optical Properties over the Heavy Industrial Zone of Northeastern Asia in the Past Decade (2004–15)
Authors: Zhao Dandan , Xin Jinyuan , Gong Chongshui , Wang Xin , Ma Yongjing , Ma Yining
Published: February 2018

The heavy industrial zone of northeastern Asia is dominated by year-round industrial scattering aerosols that undergo hygroscopic growth in summer. With the rapid economic development over the past decade, aerosol optical depth (AOD) has increased (6.35% yr−1) with an annual-mean AOD of 0.61 ± 0.13. Simultaneously, the aerosol particle size and aerosol scattering have increased, with an annual-mean scattering aerosol optical depth (SAOD) reaching 0.58 ± 0.15. However, considering that the annual AOD/gross domestic product (GDP) per capita decreased, the environmental degradation caused by aerosol emission is expected to reach a turning point based on the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis. In addition, annual-mean radiative forcing at the top, bottom, and interior of the atmospheric column reached −2.35 ± 2.33, −54.16 ± 7.26, and 51.81 ± 7.93 W m−2, respectively. The increase in unit SAOD contributes to the growth in net negative top-of-atmosphere (TOA) forcing and surface (SFC) forcing, and unit absorption aerosol optical depth (AAOD) increases together with atmosphere (ATM) forcing. Moreover, the cooling effect of aerosols on the Earth–atmosphere system showed an increase over the most recent 10 years related to the increase in scattering aerosol from development in the old industrial base. Except for local sources, under the western air masses, the circum–Bohai Sea economic zone was the potential source area of anthropogenic aerosols throughout the year with annual daily mean AOD, single-scattering albedo (SSA), TOA forcing, and SFC forcing values of 0.88, 0.93, −8.08, and −63.05 W m−2, respectively. The Mongolian Plateau was the potential natural dust source area under the northeastern air masses.
Putting the System Into Performance Management Systems: A Review and Agenda for Performance Management Research
Authors: Schleicher Deidra J. , Baumann Heidi M. , Sullivan David W. , Levy Paul E. , Hargrove Darel C. , Barros-Rivera Brenda A.
Published: February 2018

It has been 13 years since the last comprehensive review of the performance management (PM) literature, and a lot has changed in both research and practice in that time. The current review updates (identifying new research directions post 2004) and extends this previous work by creating a systems-based taxonomy and conceptual model of PM. We then use this model to interpret and integrate the extensive work in this area and to identify fruitful and systems-based directions for future PM work. As input to our conclusions, we reviewed the last 36-plus years of PM research (1980–2017) and conducted a comprehensive coding of all empirical PM articles. We offer several specific directions for future PM research, with the ultimate goal of improving PM in practice.