bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distal‐to‐proximal delay for ablation of premature ventricular contractions
Authors: Clementy Nicolas , Ancedy Yann , Bisson Arnaud , Andre Clémentine , Pierre Bertrand , Fauchier Laurent , Babuty Dominique
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Ablation of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) has emerged as a safe and effective treatment in patients experiencing a high PVCs burden. Mapping of PVCs origin may sometimes be challenging. We sought to evaluate the accuracy of a new electrophysiological criterion, the distal‐to‐proximal (DP) delay, at localizing the optimal site for ablation of ventricular ectopic foci.

Methods and Results

Consecutive patients with ablation attempts of symptomatic PVCs were included. Prematurity and DP delay—that is, the time duration between the onset of ablation catheter distal bipolar electrogram and the onset of proximal bipolar electrogram—were measured at successful and unsuccessful ablation sites by three blinded experienced electrophysiologists. Mean DP delay at effective ablation sites (N = 30) was significantly higher than at ineffective sites (
N = 55) (23 ± 9 vs 11 ± 8 milliseconds; P < 0.0001). DP delay had good‐to‐excellent interrater reliability. A DP delay greater than or equal to 15 milliseconds had the highest accuracy at predicting a successful ablation site (sensitivity 0.97, the area under receiver operating characteristic curve 0.87; P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

DP delay is an additional, simple, and effective electrophysiological parameter to accurately localize PVCs foci.
Filaggrin null mutations are associated with altered circulating Tregs in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Moosbrugger‐Martinz Verena , Gruber Robert , Ladstätter Katharina , Bellutti Marion , Blunder Stefan , Schmuth Matthias , Dubrac Sandrine
Published: December 2018

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a complex pathogenesis. Although regulatory T cells (Tregs) have previously been studied in AD, their role remains controversial, likely owing to patient heterogeneity. Thus, we recruited adult AD patients and age‐matched healthy controls, and assessed their filaggrin (FLG) genotype, serum IgE level, and eczema area and severity index (EASI). We found increased proportions of all circulating Treg subpopulations in AD patients. Moreover, we show positive correlations between circulating Tregs and serum IgE FLG null mutations limited the expansion of both memory and effector Tregs and enhanced that of recently thymus‐emigrated Tregs. Furthermore, proportions of circulating Th2‐ or Th17‐Tregs but not Th1‐Tregs were increased in AD patients, and accentuated by FLG null mutations, thereby mimicking the immune deviation observed in Th cell populations. Moreover, ICOS+ Tregs showed reduced production of interleukin‐10, suggesting impaired immunosuppression in AD. The level of demethylation of FOXP3i1, which reflects the stability of FOXP3 expression, was similar in the blood and skin of AD patients and healthy controls. Overall, these results show that Tregs may participate into AD pathogenesis and that FLG null mutations exert further modifications on specific subpopulations of circulating Tregs.
Using hot water as a pretreatment to extend the shelf life of cucumbers (Cucumis sativus L.) under cold storage conditions
Authors: Amer Baher M. A. , Azam Mostafa M.
Published: December 2018

Cucumber is one of the important horticulture crops that need to extend its shelf‐life under storage conditions. The effect of hot water pretreatment on physical, chemical, and texture properties of cucumbers under cold storage conditions were studied. Experiments included 9 treatments start by submerge the cucumbers in hot water at different temperatures (25, 40, 55 °C), each treatment was running for different times (5, 15, and 25 min), then compared with control treatment. All treatments were stored under cold storage conditions (4 °C ± 1, 85–90%, RH) for four storage periods (3, 6, 9, 12 days), at each storage period changing in cucumber properties were measured. Statistical and regression analysis were conducted to the obtained data. Results revealed the best treatment (submerge in water bath 55 °C for 5 min) had the lowest value of volume 357 mm3, weight loss (24.70%), firmness loss (5.35%), and had the best appearance, color during cold storage and shelf life compared with other treatments. However, significant differences were found between all treatments on texture and chemical properties of cucumber. It may be possible to use this treatment in a packinghouse as a safe commercial treatment to extend the shelf‐life and maintain quality properties of cucumber under cold storage conditions.

Practical applications

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is one of the most important fruiting vegetables especially in Saudi Arabia. Maintaining the postharvest qualities and quantities are an important standard to enhance global food supply in an effective manner to a large extent. High temperature and low relative humidity and Lack of interest to postharvest technology especially in Al‐Ahsa, Saudi Arabia are the most important environmental factors affecting the quality of cucumbers, as well as, consumer acceptance for it offered at the department of products. To improvement the cucumbers quality, the present work was taken‐up with an aim to optimize the postharvest conditions of cucumber after harvest process. The optimized conditions were found to maintain vegetables with satisfactory sensory qualities using hot water pretreatments after harvest which consider one of the important factor to determine the shelf stability of any food. Therefore, improving the postharvest conditions will always ensure quality production.
Comparison of Gaussian process regression, artificial neural network, and response surface methodology modeling approaches for predicting drying time of mosambi (Citrus limetta) peel
Authors: Chaurasia Parul , Younis Kaiser , Qadri Ovais Shafiq , Srivastava Gaurav , Osama Khwaja
Published: December 2018

In this study, drying kinetics of mosambi peel was studied. The effect of three variables viz., temperature (50, 58, 70, 82, and 90 °C), salt concentration (2, 5, 8, and 10%), and thickness of drying bed (1, 2, 3, and 4 mm) on drying time was determined by the central composite design. Applicability of Gaussian process regression (GPR)‐based approach for modeling drying kinetics was analyzed. GPR‐based model was compared with the commonly used approaches like artificial neural network (ANN) and response surface methodology (RSM). The models were validated by comparing model simulations with observed values for unseen data. The models were compared based on performance indices like coefficient of determination, mean square error, root mean square error (RMSE), model predictive error, mean average deviation, goodness of fit, and chi‐square analysis. All the three models fit both seen and unseen data excellently. RMSE, mean average deviation, and model predictive error for the unseen data of the GPR‐based model were minimum (0.191, 0.285, 6.8%, respectively) followed by ANN (0.35, 0.298, 7.2%, respectively) and RSM (1.162, 0.905, 32.0%, respectively).

Practical applications

Modeling of the drying process is very important for control of industrial dryers. Several attempts have been made to model drying kinetics using RSM and ANN. This study shows the efficiency of GPR in modeling the drying kinetics of mosambi peel for the first time. GPR‐based models were found to be a better alternative to RSM and ANN. This will help in developing more accurate models and increase the efficiency of drying.
Flood modelling using synthesised citizen science urban streamflow observations
Authors: Fava Maria Clara , Abe Narumi , Restrepo‐Estrada Camilo , Kimura Bruno Y. L. , Mendiondo Eduardo Mario
Published: December 2018

The increase in floods and flash floods over the last decades has motivated researchers to develop improved methodologies for flood risk prevention and warning. Flood forecasting models available today have evolved technologically but are subject to limitations due to the lack of data and limited community participation. This paper presents the Hydrological Alert Model with Participatory Basis (HAMPB) model, an approach for integrating water level data reported by citizens, which has the advantage of being inexpensive and potentially highly available, with traditional data to improve flood forecasting. The model assimilates spatiotemporal water levels measured in the field when they are available through a real‐time estimator. We added random perturbations of up to |10| and |15| cm to those data using the Monte Carlo Method to mimic the uncertainty in citizen science data collection. Applying the HAMPB model for urban nested‐scale catchments (0.11 km2 ≤ Area ≤ 21.84 km2) in Brazil shows: (a) significant improvements in flood simulations when field data was assimilated even considering the volunteered data uncertainty; (b) capability to update simulations in more than one point in the semi‐distributed hydrological model by a regionalization method; and (c) flood hazard indexes and their uncertainties show better estimations using field data for updating.
Snare combined with endoclips in endoscopic submucosal dissection with mucosal traction for gastroesophageal neoplasia
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Yao Xiang , Cai Jian‐qun , Zhang Bao‐hua , Wang Zhen
Published: December 2018

Background and Aim

Mucosal traction as a “second hand” in endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is very helpful for ESD operators. The efficacy of using a snare combined with endoclips to assist in ESD (SC‐ESD) was evaluated whether it could achieve peroral external traction (PET) and peroral internal traction (PIT) and real‐time adjustment of mucosal traction position. This study aimed to preliminarily evaluate its feasibility.

Methods

A snare was fixed using endoclips to the incised mucosal flap that was intended for dissection. Subsequently, the snare was adjusted to achieve mucosal traction. This study included 54 gastroesophageal neoplasias in 54 consecutive patients who underwent SC‐ESD. The operative and clinical data were retrospectively collected.

Results

Peroral external tractions were performed for 22 esophageal neoplasias, and PETs and PITs were performed for 32 gastric neoplasias. The median (interquartile range) sizes of lesions were 4.3 (2.5) and 4.2 (2.1) cm, operation times were 73.4 (43.8) and 60.0 (45.2) min, and submucosal dissection times were 27.0 (32.0) and 31.0 (34.5) min in the esophagus and stomach, respectively. Mucosal traction position could be effectively adjusted by fixing the snare to the incised mucosal flap intended for dissection during SC‐ESD. All lesions in the esophagus and stomach were completely resected, with R0 resection rates of 100%. Besides postoperative bleeding in a patient with gastric neoplasia, no intraoperative and postoperative perforations occurred.

Conclusions

SC‐ESD seems to be feasible for resecting gastroesophageal neoplasia, and two types of mucosal tractions (PET and PIT) could be effectively achieved during SC‐ESD. Further prospective comparative study with a large sample is warranted.
Bridging the climate mitigation gap with economy‐wide material productivity
Authors: Scott Kate , Giesekam Jannik , Barrett John , Owen Anne
Published: December 2018

Projections of UK greenhouse gas emissions estimate a shortfall in existing and planned climate policies meeting UK climate targets: the UK's mitigation gap. Material and product demand is driving industrial greenhouse gas emissions at a rate greater than carbon intensity improvements in the economy. Evidence shows that products can be produced with fewer carbon intensive inputs and demand for new products can be reduced. The economy‐wide contribution of material productivity and lifestyle changes to bridging the UK's mitigation gap is understudied. We integrate an input‐output framework with econometric analysis and case study evidence to analyse the potential of material productivity to help the UK bridge its anticipated emissions deficits, and the additional effort required to achieve transformative change aligned with 2 and 1.5°C temperature targets. We estimate that the emissions savings from material productivity measures are comparable to those from the Government's planned climate policy package. These additional measures could reduce the UK's anticipated emissions deficit up to 73%. The results demonstrate that material productivity deserves greater consideration in climate policy.
Redenomination Risk
Authors: DE SANTIS ROBERTO A.
Published: December 2018

Euro redenomination risk is the risk that a euro asset is redenominated into a devalued legacy currency. We propose a time‐varying, country‐specific intra‐euro area redenomination risk measure, defined as the quanto credit default swaps (CDS) of a member country relative to the quanto CDS of a benchmark member country. Focusing on Italy, Spain, and France and using Germany as benchmark, we show that the redenomination risk shocks significantly affect sovereign yield spreads, with Italy and Spain being most adversely affected. Finally, foreign redenomination risk shocks spill over and above local redenomination risk shocks, suggesting that this risk is systemic.
Multisystemic Therapy for Child Abuse and Neglect: Do Parents Show Improvement in Parental Mental Health Problems and Parental Stress?
Authors: Hefti Stephanie , Pérez Tania , Fürstenau Ute , Rhiner Bruno , Swenson Cynthia C. , Schmid Marc
Published: December 2018

Multisystemic Therapy for Child Abuse and Neglect (MST‐CAN) is an evidence‐based program for families with children who experience maltreatment. This clinical trial is the first evaluation ofMST‐CANin a German‐speaking area. Parental psychological problems and parental stress have been shown to be risk factors for child abuse and neglect. By the end of treatment, parents reported significantly less psychological distress than before the start ofMST‐CAN. Six months after treatment, this reduction was still evident. However, parents did not report any significant reduction of parental stress at any of the three time points.MST‐CANis an effective intervention for child maltreatment that not only combats child abuse and neglect but also has the potential to alleviate parental psychological distress.
Heart structure in the Amazonian teleost Arapaima gigas (Osteoglossiformes, Arapaimidae)
Authors: Buzete Gardinal Mario Vitor , Rocha Ruiz Thalles Fernando , Estevan Moron Sandro , Oba Yoshioka Eliane Tie , Uribe Gonçalves Ligia , Franceschini Vicentini Irene Bastos , Vicentini Carlos Alberto
Published: December 2018

The fish heart ventricle has varied morphology and may have a specific morpho‐functional design in species adapted to extreme environmental conditions. In general, the Amazonian ichthyofauna undergoes constant variations in water temperature, pH and oxygen saturation, which makes these species useful for investigations of cardiac morphology. Arapaima gigas, a member of the ancient teleost group Osteoglossomorpha, is one of the largest freshwater fish in the world. This species has a specific heart metabolism that uses fat as the main fuel when O2 supplies are abundant but also can change to glycogen fermentation when O2 content is limiting. However, no information is available regarding its heart morphology. Here, we describe the heart of A. gigas, with emphasis on the ventricular anatomy and myoarchitecture. Specimens of A. gigas weighing between 0.3 and 4040 g were grouped into three developmental stages. The hearts were collected and the anatomy analyzed with a stereomicroscope, ultrastructure with a scanning electron microscope, and histology using toluidine blue, Masson's trichrome and Sirius red stains. The ventricle undergoes morphological changes throughout its development, from the initial saccular shape with a fully trabeculated myocardium and coronary vessel restricted to the subepicardium (Type I) (group 1) to a pyramidal shape with mixed myocardium and coronary vessels that penetrate only to the level of the compact layer (Type II) (groups 2 and 3). The trabeculated myocardium has a distinct net‐like organization in all the specimens, differing from that described for other teleosts. This arrangement delimits lacunae with a similar shape and distribution, which seems to allow a more uniform blood distribution through this myocardial layer.
Effects of dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors on transforming growth factor‐β1 signal transduction pathways in the ovarian fibrosis of polycystic ovary syndrome rats
Authors: Wang Fang , Zhang Zhi‐Fen , He Yi‐Ran , Wu Hong‐Yan , Wei Shuang‐Shuang
Published: December 2018

Aim

Examine the effects of dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP4) inhibitor Sitagliptin on the transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) signal transduction pathway in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) rats with ovarian fibrosis.

Methods

Thirty rats were divided randomly into the PCOS model group, Sitagliptin treatment group and blank control group. Dehydroepiandrosterone was administered to the model group and treatment group to establish the models. Then, the phenotype of rats was recorded, and the serum sex hormone levels were measured. The pathological structures of the rat ovaries were observed. The protein and mRNA expression levels of DPP4, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), TGF‐β1 and Smad2/3 in the ovaries were analyzed.

Results

There was no statistically difference in fasting body weight and blood glucose among the three groups before Sitagliptin treatment (P > 0.05). The fasting blood glucose level was significantly decreased after the administration of Sitagliptin (P < 0.05). The level of testosterone in the model group was reduced remarkably after Sitagliptin treatment (P < 0.001). The protein expression levels of DPP4, CTGF and TGF‐β1 in the ovarian stroma were lower in the treatment group than in the model group (P < 0.01, P < 0.001, P < 0.05). The mRNA levels of DPP4, CTGF and TGF‐β1 in the model group also greatly declined after Sitagliptin treatment (P < 0.05, P < 0.001, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

The DPP4 inhibitor Sitagliptin lowers fasting blood glucose, relieves the high androgen state of PCOS rats and delays the process of ovarian fibrosis, which may be related to reducing the levels of factors related to the TGF‐β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway.
Catastrophe Risk and the Implied Volatility Smile
Authors: Ammar Semir Ben
Published: December 2018

Property–casualty insurers are exposed to rare but severe natural disasters. This article analyzes the relation between catastrophe risk and the implied volatility smile of insurance stock options. We find that the slope is significantly steeper compared to the rest of the economy and exhibits a seasonal pattern due to hurricanes. We are able to link the insurance‐specific tail risk component derived from options with the risk spread from catastrophe bonds and global economic losses caused by catastrophes. Our results provide an accurate, high‐frequency calculation for catastrophe risk linking the traditional derivatives market with insurance‐linked securities.
Tax evasion, social norms, and economic growth
Authors: Bethencourt Carlos , Kunze Lars
Published: December 2018

We propose a theoretical model to account for the negative relationship between tax evasion and economic development. More precisely, we integrate tax morale into a dynamic OLG model of tax evasion. Tax morale is modeled as a social norm for tax compliance. We show that accounting for such nonpecuniary costs of evasion may explain (a) why the share of evaded taxes over GDP decreases when countries grow and (b) that tax morale is positively correlated with the level of GDP per capita. Finally, a higher tax rate increases aggregate evasion and the number of evaders when taxpayers decisions are interdependent.
Periodontal treatment needs in the Medicaid patient population: a retrospective study in a US dental school
Authors: Sukalski Jennifer M. C. , McKernan Susan C. , Avila‐Ortiz Gustavo , Cunningham‐Ford Marsha A. , Qian Fang , Damiano Peter C.
Published: December 2018

Objectives

The aim of this study was to use electronic health records (EHRs) from a US dental school clinic to retrospectively investigate associations between periodontal treatment needs and insurance type in a newly insured adult Medicaid population. We hypothesized that newly insured Medicaid patients, covered by the Iowa Dental Wellness Plan (DWP), would display greater need for treatment than patients with other sources of financing.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of EHRs of patients at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics (UI COD) from 2014 to 2016 was completed. The outcome of interest whether or not a new patient was indicated for scaling and root planing (SRP) based on clinical examination. Logistic regression models analyzed associations between treatment need and source of financing, adjusting for known periodontal disease risk indicators.

Results

A total of 1,259 patient charts were evaluated. SRP was indicated for 56 percent of all patients. Patients with DWP coverage had significantly greater unadjusted odds of being indicated for SRP than privately insured individuals (OR = 1.47, P = 0.009). However, this association did not remain significant after adjusting for known risk indicators.

Conclusions

Although individuals enrolled in DWP were not significantly more likely to need treatment than individuals with other sources of financing when adjusting for risk indicators, their demonstrated clinical need was higher than privately insured adults. Public benefit programs could anticipate greater burden of periodontal need in low‐income populations due to increased prevalence of risk factors in this population.
Curcumin and a hemi-analogue with improved blood–brain barrier permeability protect against amyloid-beta toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans via SKN-1/Nrf activation
Authors: Lee Elaine Hui-Chien , Lim Sherlyn Sheau-Chin , Yuen Kah-Hay , Lee Chong-Yew
Published: December 2018

Objectives

This study aims to investigate the blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability of curcumin analogues with shortened linkers and their ability to protect against amyloid-beta toxicity in a whole organism model.

Method

Four curcumin analogues were synthesized. These analogues and curcumin were evaluated for their BBB permeability in the parallel artificial membrane permeability assay. The transgenic Caenorhabditis elegansGMC101 that expresses human Aβ1–42 was treated with the compounds to evaluate their ability to delay Aβ-induced paralysis. Expression of skn-1mRNA was examined on nematodes treated with selected efficacious compounds. In vitro Aβ aggregation in the presence of the compounds was performed.

Key findings

The four analogues showed improved BBB permeability vs curcumin in the PAMPA with the hemi-analogue C4 having the highest permeability coefficient. At 100 μm, analogues C1 and C4 as well as curcumin significantly prolonged the survival of the nematodes protecting against Aβ toxicity. However, only curcumin and C4 showed protection at lower concentrations. skn-1mRNA was significantly elevated in nematodes treated with curcumin and C4 indicating SKN-1/Nrf activation as a possible mode of action.

Conclusions

Analogue C4 provides a new lead for the development of a curcumin-based compound for protection against Aβ toxicity with an improved BBB permeability.
On the Ergodicity of First‐Order Threshold Autoregressive Moving‐Average Processes
Authors: Chan Kung‐Sik , Goracci Greta
Published: December 2018

We introduce a certain Markovian representation for the threshold autoregressive moving‐average (TARMA) process with which we solve the long‐standing problem regarding the irreducibility condition of a first‐order TARMA model. Under some mild regularity conditions, we obtain a complete classification of the parameter space of an invertible first‐order TARMA model into parametric regions over which the model is either transient or recurrent, and the recurrence region is further subdivided into regions of null recurrence or positive recurrence, or even geometric recurrence. We derive a set of necessary and sufficient conditions for the ergodicity of invertible first‐order TARMA processes.
Clinical, histopathologic, cystoscopic, and fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of proliferative urethritis in 22 dogs
Authors: Borys Moria A. , Hulsebosch Sean E. , Mohr F. Charles , Watson Katherine D. , Sykes Jane E. , Simpson Kenneth W. , Westropp Jodi L.
Published: December 2018

Background

Proliferative urethritis (PU) is a lower urinary tract disease of dogs characterized by frond‐like lesions in the urethra. The etiology of PU is unknown, although an association with bacterial cystitis is reported.

Objectives

Deep‐seated bacterial cystitis is associated with PU, particularly in dogs with neutrophilic or granulomatous inflammation.

Animals

Twenty‐two client‐owned dogs with PU and 5 control dogs euthanized for non‐urinary disease.

Methods

In retrospective analysis, medical records of dogs with PU from 1986 to 2016 were reviewed. Signalment, clinical signs, cystoscopic findings, antimicrobial use, and results of urine, bladder, or urethral tissue cultures, if available, were recorded. Histopathology was reviewed and classified as lymphocytic‐plasmacytic (LP), neutrophilic, LP‐neutrophilic (LPN), granulomatous, or pleocellular. Eubacterial fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was performed on 18 tissue samples (13 cases, 5 controls), with subsequent evaluation of bacterial species.

Results

Of the 22 dogs, 9 had LP urethritis, 6 had LPN, 4 had pleocellular, and 3 had neutrophilic urethritis. Of note, 7 of 13 PU samples were FISH+ for adherent or invasive bacteria; 1 of 5 controls were FISH+ for adherent bacteria. Five dogs had negative urine and tissue cultures when FISH was positive. There was no association detected between the type of urethral inflammation and the results of urine and tissue culture or FISH.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The type of inflammation varied widely in these 22 PU cases. Deep‐seated bacterial urethritis could be contributing to the inflammatory process in some dogs, regardless of the inflammation type. Urine and tissue cultures likely underestimate bacterial colonization of the urethra in dogs.
Some observations on models of growth and distribution with autonomous demand growth
Authors: Dutt Amitava Krishna
Published: December 2018

This paper offers some theoretical and methodological observations on a model of growth and distribution, recently developed by Franklin Serrano and others and called the Sraffian supermultiplier model, in which the growth of autonomous capitalist consumption demand and distribution are exogenously given and capacity utilization is at an exogenously given “normal” level in long‐run equilibrium. First, it provides a simple long‐run equilibrium version and dynamic formulation of the model, and compares it to other models of growth and distribution using a common framework and focusing on the effect of a change in income distribution on growth. Second, it shows that the model can be modified to examine other components of autonomous demand growth, including government spending, exports, consumption by workers, and investment and technical change, and to simultaneous multiple sources of autonomous demand growth. Finally, it comments on some methodological issues concerning the model, and on its implications for the notion of long‐run equilibrium.
The Queen's preferred chant and Greece's nineteenth century Orthodox‐Christian national problem
Authors: Ignatidou Artemis
Published: December 2018

When in 1875 Queen Olga of Greece insisted a multi‐part chant be introduced in the Athens Cathedral, a widespread debate about the influence of Western European culture upon Greek‐Orthodox tradition was initiated in Athens. With a significant part of this debate originating in mid‐century Vienna, and Russian musical influences affecting the form of the otherwise ancient Byzantine chant, the issue of polyphony acquired cultural‐historical dimensions intimately connected to historical continuity and the Orthodox‐Christian musical tradition. The debate transformed rapidly from a musicological enquiry into a matter of national identity, and an otherwise innocent aesthetic choice showcased the musical dimensions of Greek national claims at continuity. This article examines the historical contingencies that fuelled this debate, showcases the importance of patronage for musical transference and highlights the potency of Greek national Orthodoxy as a carrier of historical continuity for the ethnic group, here seen through music.
Short‐term response to phenytoin sodium in Andersen‐Tawil syndrome‐1 with a cardiac‐dominant phenotype
Authors: Rai Maneesh K. , Pai Rohith , Prabhu Mukund A. , Pasha Syed Waleem , Kedambadi Rakshith C. , Kamath Padmanabh , Augustine Alfred J. , Bhavani Gangham SriLakshmi , Girisha Katta M.
Published: December 2018

Background

Andersen‐Tawil syndrome (ATS) is a rare familial periodic paralysis that typically also affects the heart and skeletal system. Ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) are profound and difficult to control, but minimally symptomatic. In this report, we describe an atypical phenotype of ATS in two related families. We also report our experience with phenytoin sodium for the control of resistant VAs in these patients.

Methods and Results

Between 2014 and 2018, seven siblings were diagnosed with ATS on the basis of cardiac arrhythmias and genetic evaluation. Heterozygous mutation with c.431G > C (p.G144A) in exon 2 of KCNJ2 gene was observed in all patients. Characteristic cardiac manifestations were noted in all patients but periodic paralysis or objective neurological involvement was distinctly absent. Phenytoin was considered for control of symptomatic VA in three patients. Intake of oral phenytoin (5 mg/kg/day) for 1 month completely suppressed VA (<1% in 24‐h Holter monitoring) in two patients, and significantly in the third (8% per 24 h) patient. Phenytoin was well‐tolerated in all three patients.

Conclusions

We describe a cardiac‐predominant phenotype in ATS. ATS should be suspected in patients with typical cardiac manifestations even in the absence of periodic paralysis. Our initial experience with short‐term use of phenytoin for control of resistant VAs is encouraging.
Mutual dependence or state dominance? Large private suppliers and the British state 2010–15
Authors: Greasley Stephen
Published: December 2018

As public outsourcing has grown, the need to understand government's relations with supply side actors has become more important for public administration scholars. The article analyses the role of a small group of large contractors in the British outsourcing system during Britain's Coalition government. These ‘public service conglomerates’ have thus far received little attention in the public administration literature. The article compares two approaches for understanding the role of these corporations and analyses why the corporations faced sometimes severe disruption during the Coalition period in the form of multiple contract problems, conflict with ministers and financial problems. Over the period, the corporations became the objects of policy debate, and what had appeared to be a stable set of arrangements started to fracture. The case shows the value of analysing the political and organizational foundations of contracting arrangements.
A new genomic tool for walnut (Juglans regia L.): development and validation of the high‐density Axiom™ J. regia 700K SNP genotyping array
Authors: Marrano Annarita , Martínez‐García Pedro J. , Bianco Luca , Sideli Gina M. , Di Pierro Erica A. , Leslie Charles A. , Stevens Kristian A. , Crepeau Marc W. , Troggio Michela , Langley Charles H. , Neale David B.
Published: December 2018

Over the last 20 years, global production of Persian walnut (Juglans regia L.) has grown enormously, likely reflecting increased consumption due to its numerous benefits to human health. However, advances in genome‐wide association (GWA) studies and genomic selection (GS) for agronomically important traits in walnut remain limited due to the lack of powerful genomic tools. Here, we present the development and validation of a high‐density 700K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array in Persian walnut. Over 609K high‐quality SNPs have been thoroughly selected from a set of 9.6 m genome‐wide variants, previously identified from the high‐depth re‐sequencing of 27 founders of the Walnut Improvement Program (WIP) of University of California, Davis. To validate the effectiveness of the array, we genotyped a collection of 1284 walnut trees, including 1167 progeny of 48 WIP families and 26 walnut cultivars. More than half of the SNPs (55.7%) fell in the highest quality class of ‘Poly High Resolution’ (PHR) polymorphisms, which were used to assess the WIP pedigree integrity. We identified 151 new parent‐offspring relationships, all confirmed with the Mendelian inheritance test. In addition, we explored the genetic variability among cultivars of different origin, revealing how the varieties from Europe and California were differentiated from Asian accessions. Both the reconstruction of the WIP pedigree and population structure analysis confirmed the effectiveness of the Applied Biosystems™ Axiom™ J. regia 700K SNP array, which initiates a novel genomic and advanced phase in walnut genetics and breeding.
Roles of the circadian clock and endocrine regulator in the photoperiodic response of the brown‐winged green bug Plautia stali
Authors: Tamai Takaaki , Shiga Sakiko , Goto Shin G.
Published: December 2018

The physiological mechanisms underlying photoperiodism in insects have been studied extensively, although the associated molecular machinery remains largely unknown. In the present study, we investigate the roles of the circadian clock gene cycle (cyc) and the endocrine regulator gene myoinhibitory peptide (Mip) in the photoperiodic response of the brown‐winged green bug Plautia stali Scott (Hemiptera, Pentatomidae). Typically, adult females of this species develop their ovaries under long‐day conditions, whereas they suppress its development under short‐day conditions. We find that RNA interference (RNAi) directed against cyc causes malfunction of the circadian clock governing the locomotor activity rhythm and yields abnormal activity profiles not only under constant darkness, but also under light/dark conditions. RNAi directed against cyc and Mip disrupts the photoperiodic response in ovarian development. cyc RNAi suppresses the ovarian development even under long‐day conditions, whereas Mip RNAi induces it even under short‐day conditions. We propose that the core circadian clock gene cyc regulates the photoperiodic response and that Mip is the causal regulator of juvenile hormone biosynthesis in the corpus allatum. Neither photoperiod, nor cyc RNAi affect Mip mRNA levels, and therefore it remains unknown how the photoperiodic information is processed and mediated by Mip.
High CD169 expression in lymph node macrophages predicts a favorable clinical course in patients with esophageal cancer
Authors: Takeya Hiroto , Shiota Takuya , Yagi Taisuke , Ohnishi Koji , Baba Yoshifumi , Miyasato Yuko , Kiyozumi Yuki , Yoshida Naoya , Takeya Motohiro , Baba Hideo , Komohara Yoshihiro
Published: December 2018

Recent findings indicate CD169‐positive lymph node sinus macrophages (LySMs) in the regional lymph nodes (RLNs) play an important role in anti‐cancer immunity. In the present study, we investigated the correlation between CD169 expression in RLNs and clinicopathologic factors. Higher CD169 expression in LySMs was significantly associated with longer cancer‐specific survival (CSS). The density of tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in the cancer nest and CD169 expression on LySMs were positively associated in patients who underwent pretreatment. As CD169 expression is thought to reflect a high interferon signature in RLNs, we tried to identify immunity‐related genes that are up‐regulated by interferon in macrophages as well as CD169. Indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO1) was found to be elevated by interferon, and expression of IDO1 was tested using immunohistochemistry. IDO1 expression on LySMs was positively correlated with CD169 expression; however, there was no significant correlation between IDO1 and clinicopathologic factors. These results suggest that high expression of CD169 in LySMs reflects a high potential for anti‐cancer immune responses in esophageal cancer patients and that monitoring CD169 expression would be useful for evaluating the potential of anti‐cancer immune reactions.
The Jury Is Out: An Ethnographic Study of Lay Participation in the Norwegian Legal System
Authors: Offit Anna
Published: December 2018

The purpose of this article is to explore perceptions and assessments of lay participation in Norway during a historic time of transition away from all‐layperson juries. This study consisted of sixteen months of court observation and interviews with judges, prosecutors, former lay decision makers, defense attorneys, and other contributors to the country's longstanding jury debate. My ethnographic research demonstrates that all‐layperson juries in Norway face practical and procedural checks that differentiate them from Anglo‐American juries, among others. For this reason, legal professionals in Norway evince confidence that mixed courts of lay and professional citizens can facilitate fair case outcomes. A central finding from this research is that comparative analyses of all‐layperson juries and mixed courts require attention to the social specificity of the states that support such systems. To this end, lay participation in Norway challenges the conventional wisdom that jurors have greater independence and control over case outcomes than lay judges.
Social determinants of health and adverse maternal and birth outcomes in adolescent pregnancies: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Amjad Sana , MacDonald Isaiah , Chambers Thane , Osornio‐Vargas Alvaro , Chandra Sujata , Voaklander Don , Ospina Maria B.
Published: December 2018

Background

Adverse outcomes in adolescent pregnancies have been attributed to both biological immaturity and social determinants of health (SDOH). The present systematic review evaluated the evidence on the association between SDOH and adverse maternal and birth outcomes in adolescent mothers.

Methods

Comprehensive literature searches were conducted to identify observational studies evaluating the relationship between SDOH and adverse adolescent pregnancy outcomes. Study selection, risk of bias appraisal, and data extraction of study characteristics were independently performed by two reviewers. Pooled odds ratios (pOR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated to assess the association between SDOH and adverse birth outcomes.

Results

Thirty‐one studies met the inclusion criteria. The most frequently evaluated SDOH was race while the most commonly reported maternal and birth outcomes were caesarean section and preterm birth (PTB), respectively. The risk of bias of included studies was fair on the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale. Meta‐analyses of retrospective cohort studies showed that, compared to White adolescent mothers, African American teens had increased odds of PTB (pOR 1.67; 95% CI 1.59, 1.75) and low birthweight (pOR 1.53; 95% CI 1.45, 1.62). Rural residence was consistently linked with PTB while low maternal socio‐economic (SES) and illiteracy were found to increase the risk of adolescent maternal mortality and LBW infants.

Conclusion

Social determinants of health contribute to the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in adolescent mothers. African American race, rural residence, inadequate education, and low SES are markers for poor pregnancy outcomes in adolescent mothers. Further research needs to be done to understand the underlying causal pathways to inequalities in adolescent pregnancy outcomes.
Toxic Speech: Inoculations and Antidotes
Authors: Tirrell Lynne
Published: December 2018

Toxic speech inflicts individual and group harm, damaging the social fabric upon which we all depend. To understand and combat the harms of toxic speech, philosophers can learn from epidemiology, while epidemiologists can benefit from lessons of philosophy of language. In medicine and public health, research into remedies for toxins pushes in two directions: individual protections (personal actions, avoidances, preventive or reparative tonics) and collective action (specific policies or widespread “inoculations” through which we seek herd immunity). This paper is the beginning of a project of identifying potential inoculations and antidotes to toxic speech. The essay brings a social practice theory of language, with special reliance on language‐games and inferential roles, into conversation with concepts from the study of biologic toxins. Some speech harms are acute while others are chronic and insidious; they have different methods of delivery, come in variable doses, and not everyone is equally susceptible to the power to harm. I argue that of the many kinds of challenges we might issue against toxic speech, challenging its expressive commitments has the greatest potential to stop the damage. The essay explores the different sorts of protections that inoculations and antidotes might offer against discursive toxins and sketches how to imagine these in the practices that govern our speech. The paper does not make policy recommendations, but an epidemiology of discursive toxicity reveals several kinds of “more speech” that might fight against “bad speech.”
Slurs, Interpellation, and Ideology
Authors: Kukla Rebecca
Published: December 2018

The goal of this paper is to give an account of the pragmatic and social function of slurs, taken as speech acts. I develop a theory of the distinctive illocutionary force and pragmatic structure of slurs. I argue that slurs help to produce subjects who occupy social identities carved out by pernicious ideologies, and that they do this whether or not anyone involved intends for the slur to work that way or has any particular feelings or conscious thoughts associated with using or being targeted by the slur. I offer an Althusser‐inspired account of what an ideology is, as well as of the mechanisms by which slurs can serve to cue and strengthen ideologies. A slur, I argue, is a kind of interpellation, which reduces its target to a generic identity and derogates and subordinates its target. I explore how slurs and ideologies work in tandem to constitute and fortify one another. I end by applying my account to see how well it fits and helps illuminate three quite different, especially complex slurs.
Excerpt from Vexy Thing: On Gender and Liberation
Authors: Perry Imani
Published: December 2018

This article comes from three different sections from the forthcoming Vexy Thing: On Gender and Liberation, which focus on the terms: personhood, patriarchy, and feminism, and the connection to language and power. The first part of the book is a historically‐based conceptual account of the foundation of patriarchy, and the second part explores the shifts in patriarchy unfold in the hypermedia neoliberal age.
Protective legislation: The “third pillar” of the welfare state
Authors: Olsen Gregg M.
Published: December 2018

Welfare states are built upon three central social policy pillars: (1) income programs, including an assortment of income maintenance and security benefits; (2) social services, comprising a diverse constellation of provisions, which furnish care such as health care and education, and “in kind” benefits; and (3) protective legislation, encompassing a dense web of proactive and preventative laws, rights, and entitlements, such as health and safety legislation, minimum wage laws, child protection acts, rent controls, and laws governing evictions and foreclosures. Despite its centrality to the welfare state and to our well‐being, this third pillar has received considerably less attention in comparative social policy research. The dominant welfare state typologies have focused almost exclusively upon income measures and, more recently, on social services, to construct their welfare state categories or “worlds” of welfare while largely neglecting this crucial third pillar. A greater focus on protective welfare legislation can help sharpen the distinctions among welfare states within and across the welfare worlds, which is particularly valuable in light of the ongoing erosion of the other two pillars over the past few decades.
Genomic full‐length sequence of the HLA‐A*24:20:01:01 allele, identified by cloning and sequencing
Authors: Mei Shao‐Yi , Wang Yan , Huang Xiao‐Sheng , Xu Yun‐Ping , Zhao Jun
Published: December 2018

Genomic full length sequence of HLA‐A*24:20:01:01, was identified by cloning and sequencing from a Chinese donor.
The application of the carcinogenic hazardous property assessment to oil contaminated dredging waste
Authors: Jackson Karen , Nathanail Paul
Published: December 2018

The carcinogenic hazardous property assessment for oil contaminated waste is inappropriate when applied to canal and river dredgings. The presence of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) derived from non‐oil sources means that Benzo(a)Pyrene concentrations cannot be assumed to be markers for the carcinogenicity of any oil contaminants present. Canal dredgings can be suitable for use in a residential without homegrown produce land use whilst also being classified as ‘carcinogenic’ waste. A revision of the basis on which waste is classified as hazardous or non‐hazardous is needed, at least for canal and river dredgings which may contain PAH from several pyrogenic and petrogenic sources. Such a basis could simply refer to a concentration of PAH or individual congeners reflecting risk‐based assessment criteria.
Chitosan/Silica Composite Membrane: Adsorption of Lead(II) Ion from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Rosdi N. , Sokri M. N. M. , Rashid N. M. , Che Chik M. S. , Musa M. S.
Published: December 2018

Chitosan membrane has the potential to separate lead(II) ions from aqueous solution. However, the kind of membrane has a drawback due to the low structural properties. Thus, this study investigates the role of silica in improving chitosan-based flat sheet membrane for removal of lead(II) ions from aqueous solution. The functional groups and structural morphologies were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared-Attenuated Total Reflectance (FTIR-ATR) spectrometer and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), respectively. The membrane performance in terms of adsorption study was conducted at different pHs and initial concentration of lead(II) solution. The FTIR-ATR spectrum showed the existence of new absorption peak of chitosan/silica membrane. SEM images revealted the presence of microvoids on the cross-section of the chitosan/silica membrane whereas pure chitosan membrane possessed dense structure. The adsorption study showed that the composite membrane exhibited higher efficiency of lead(II) removal at optimum pH of 7.0 which was 89.27% as compared to 11.50% of pure chitosan membrane. The amount of lead(II) adsorbed onto the membrane was 57.60 mg/g. Therefore, it indicates the potential use of silica to improve the properties of chitosan membrane for removal of heavy metal from water solution.