bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Schizophrenic Delusion
Authors: Ballerini Arnaldo
Published: March 2019

This chapter examines the relation, if any, between delusion and schizophrenia. The concept of delusion belongs to the semantic universe of psychopathology, whereas the concept of schizophrenia is concerned with that of nosography. In his 1889 work, Kraepelin brought together disparate syndromes, including hebephrenia and delusional syndromes, under the name of Dementia Praecox on the basis of similar outcomes. The chapter first considers some of the studies that have been undertaken to investigate the outcomes of the illness described by Kraepelin, focusing in particular on E. Bleuler’s (1911) concept of “group of schizophrenias” and K. Schneider’s claim that a diagnosis of schizophrenia is a diagnosis of the state and not of the course, and that it is to be founded on Jaspersian psychopathology. The role of autism (not delusions) as the core of schizophrenia is also discussed, along with the fundamental characteristics of schizophrenic delusions.
Association Between Stress and Tinnitus—New Aspects
Authors: Mazurek Birgit , Boecking Benjamin , Brueggemann Petra
Published: March 2019

This contribution focuses on the relationship between stress and tinnitus. While the causal and directional pathways between these constructs continue to remain unclear, this paper uses an allostasis-based framework to discuss associations between physiological stress responses, individuals’ idiosyncratic experiences of the tinnitus percept, and psychological treatment approaches.
Revenue Losses to State and Federal Government From Opioid-related Employment Reductions
Authors: Segel Joel E. , Shi Yunfeng , Moran John R. , Scanlon Dennis P.
Published: March 2019

Objective:

The main purpose of this study was to estimate the tax revenue lost by state and federal governments as a result of adverse labor market outcomes attributable to opioid misuse.

Methods:

We pair existing, plausibly causal estimates of the effect of opioid misuse on the decline in the labor force from 2000 to 2016 with a variety of data sources to compute tax revenues lost by state and federal governments using the online TAXSIM calculator.

Results:

We find that between 2000 and 2016, opioid misuse cost state governments $11.8 billion, including $1.7 billion in lost sales tax revenue and $10.1 billion in lost income tax revenue. In addition, the federal government lost $26.0 billion in income tax revenue.

Conclusions:

By omitting lost tax revenue due to labor force exits, prior studies have missed an important component of opioid-related costs borne by state and federal governments.

Policy Implications:

As more states and the federal government contemplate litigation for opioid-related damages, lost tax revenue represents an important cost that could be recouped and allocated to opioid prevention and treatment programs.
MicroRNA-transcriptome networks in whole blood and monocytes of women undergoing preterm labor
Authors: Paquette Alison G. , Shynlova Oksana , Wu Xiaogang , Kibschull Mark , Wang Kai , Price Nathan D. , Lye Stephen J
Published: March 2019

Preterm birth is attributed to neonatal morbidity as well as cognitive and physiological challenges. We have previously identified significant differences in mRNA expression in whole blood and monocytes, as well as differences in miRNA concentration in blood plasma, extracellular vesicles (EV) and EV-depleted plasma in women undergoing spontaneous preterm labor (sPTL). The goal of this analysis was to identify differences in miRNA expression within whole blood (WB) and peripheral monocytes (PM) from the same population of women undergoing sPTL compared to nonlaboring controls matched by gestational age. We performed single end small RNA sequencing in whole blood and peripheral monocytes from women undergoing sPTL with active contractions(24-34 weeks of gestation, N=15) matched for gestational age to healthy pregnant non laboring controls (>37 weeks gestation, N=30) who later delivered at term as a part of the Ontario Birth Study (Toronto, Ontario CA). We identified significant differences in expression of 16 miRNAs in PMs and 9 miRNAs in WB in women undergoing sPTL. In PMs, these miRNAs were predicted targets of 541 genes, including 28 previously associated with sPTL. In WB, miRNAs were predicted to target 303 genes, including 9 previously associated with sPTL. These genes were involved in a variety of immune pathways, including interleukin 2 signaling. This study is the first to identify changes in miRNA expression in WB and PMs of women undergoing sPTL. Our results shed light on potential mechanisms by which miRNAs may play a role in mediating systemic inflammatory response in pregnant women that deliver prematurely.
A systematic evaluation of the design, orientation, and sequence context dependencies of massively parallel reporter assays
Authors: Klein Jason , Agarwal Vikram , Inoue Fumitaka , Keith Aidan , Martin Beth , Kircher Martin , Ahituv Nadav , Shendure Jay
Published: March 2019

Massively parallel reporter assays (MPRAs) functionally screen thousands of sequences for regulatory activity in parallel. Although MPRAs have been applied to address diverse questions in gene regulation, there has been no systematic comparison of how differences in experimental design influence findings. Here, we screen a library of 2,440 sequences, representing candidate liver enhancers and controls, in HepG2 cells for regulatory activity using nine different approaches (including conventional episomal, STARR-seq, and lentiviral MPRA designs). We identify subtle but significant differences in the resulting measurements that correlate with epigenetic and sequence-level features. We also test this library in both orientations with respect to the promoter, validatingen massethat enhancer activity is robustly independent of orientation. Finally, we develop and apply a novel method to assemble and functionally test libraries of the same putative enhancers as 192-mers, 354-mers, and 678-mers, and observe surprisingly large differences in functional activity. This work provides a framework for the experimental design of high-throughput reporter assays, suggesting that the extended sequence context of tested elements, and to a lesser degree the precise assay, influence MPRA results.
Germ Granules Functions are Memorized by Transgenerationally Inherited Small RNAs
Authors: Lev Itamar , Toker Itai Antoine , Mor Yael , Nitzan Anat , Weintraub Guy , Bhonkar Ornit , Shushan Itay Ben , Seroussi Uri , Claycomb Julie M. , Gingold Hila , Zaidel-Bar Ronen , Rechavi Oded
Published: March 2019

InC. elegansnematodes, components of liquid-like germ granules were shown to be required for transgenerational small RNA inheritance. Surprisingly, we show here that mutants with defective germ granules (pptr-1,meg-3/4,pgl-1) can nevertheless inherit potent small RNA-based silencing responses, but some of the mutants lose this ability after many generations of homozygosity. Animals mutated inpptr-1, which is required for stabilization of P granules in the early embryo, display extremely strong heritable RNAi responses, which last for tens of generations, long after the responses in wild type animals peter out. The phenotype of mutants defective in the core germ granules proteins MEG-3 and MEG-4, depends on the genotype of the ancestors: Mutants that derive from maternal lineages that had functional MEG-3 and MEG-4 proteins exhibit enhanced RNAi inheritance for multiple generations. While functional ancestralmeg-3/4alleles correct, and even potentiates the ability of mutant descendants to inherit RNAi, defects in germ granules functions can be memorized as well; Wild type descendants that derive from lineages of mutants show impaired RNAi inheritance for many (>16) generations, although their germ granules are intact. Importantly, while P granules are maternally deposited, wild type progeny derived frommeg-3/4male mutants also show reduced RNAi inheritance. Unlike germ granules, small RNAs are inherited also from the sperm. Moreover, we find that the transgenerational effects that depend on the ancestral germ granules require the argonaute protein HRDE-1, which carries heritable small RNAs in the germline. Indeed, small RNA sequencing reveals imbalanced levels of many endogenous small RNAs in germ granules mutants. Strikingly, we find thathrde-1;meg-3/4triple mutants inherit RNAi, althoughhrde-1was previously thought to be essential for heritable silencing. We propose that germ granules sort and shape the RNA pool, and that small RNA inheritance memorizes this activity for multiple generations.
Sex-biased genetic programs in liver metabolism and liver fibrosis are controlled by EZH1 and EZH2
Authors: Lau-Corona Dana , Bae Woo Kyun , Hennighausen Lothar , Waxman David J
Published: March 2019

Background

Sex differences in the incidence and progression of many liver diseases, including liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, are associated with sex-biased expression of hundreds of genes in the liver. This sexual dimorphism is largely determined by the sex-specific pattern of pituitary growth hormone secretion, which controls a transcriptional regulatory network operative in the context of sex-biased chromatin states. Histone H3K27-trimethylation yields a major sex-biased repressive chromatin mark that is specifically deposited by polycomb repressive complex-2, via its homologous catalytic subunits Ezh1 and Ezh2, at many strongly female-biased genes in male mouse liver, but not at male-biased genes in female liver.

Results

We usedEzh1-knockout mice with a hepatocyte-specific knockout ofEzh2to elucidate the sex bias of liver H3K27-trimethylation and its functional role in regulating sex-differences in the liver. Combined hepatic Ezh1/Ezh2 deficiency led to a significant loss of sex-biased gene expression, particularly in male liver, where many female-biased genes increased in expression while male-biased genes showed decreased expression. The associated loss of H3K27me3 marks, and increases in the active enhancer marks H3K27ac and H3K4me1, were also more pronounced in male liver. Many genes linked to liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma were induced in Ezh1/Ezh2-deficient livers, which may contribute to the increased sensitivity of these mice to hepatotoxin-induced liver pathology.

Conclusions

Ezh1/Ezh2-catalyzed H3K27-trimethyation is thus essential for the sex-dependent epigenetic regulation of liver chromatin states controlling phenotypic sex differences in liver metabolism and liver fibrosis, and may be a critical determinant of the sex-bias in liver disease susceptibility.
Microvasculopathy, Luminal Calcification and Premature Aging in Fetuin-A Deficient Mice
Authors: Herrmann Marietta , Babler Anne , Moshkova Irina , Gremse Felix , Kiessling Fabian , Kusebauch Ulrike , Nelea Valentin , Kramann Rafael , Moritz Robert L. , McKee Marc D. , Jahnen-Dechent Willi
Published: March 2019

Objective

The plasma protein fetuin-A mediates the formation of protein-mineral colloids known as calciprotein particles (CPP) – rapid clearance of these CPP by the reticuloendothelial system prevents errant mineral precipitation and therefore ectopic mineralization (calcification). The mutant mouse strain D2,Ahsg-/- combines fetuin-A deficiency with the mineralization-prone DBA/2 genetic background, having a particularly severe compound phenotype of microvascular and soft tissue mineralization. Here we studied mechanisms leading to soft tissue mineralization, organ damage and premature aging in these mice.

Approach and Results

We analyzed mice longitudinally by echocardiography, X-ray-computed tomography, analytical electron microscopy, histology, mass spectrometry proteomics, and genome-wide microarray-based expression analyses of D2 wildtype and Ahsg-/- mice.

Fetuin-A deficient mice had calcified lesions in myocardium, lung, brown adipose tissue, reproductive organs, spleen, pancreas, kidney and the skin, associated with reduced growth, cardiac output and premature aging. Importantly, early stage calcified lesions presented in the lumen of the microvasculature suggesting precipitation of mineral containing complexes from the fluid phase of blood. Genome-wide expression analysis of calcified lesions and surrounding (not calcified) tissue, together with morphological observations, indicated that the ectopic mineralization was not associated with osteochondrogenic cell differentiation, but rather with thrombosis and fibrosis.

Conclusions

Collectively, these results demonstrate that pathological mineralization can start by intravascular mineral deposition causing microvasculopathy, which impacts on growth, organ function and survival. Our study underscores the importance of fetuin-A and related systemic regulators of mineralized matrix metabolism to prevent cardiovascular disease, especially in dysregulated mineral homeostasis.
Short-term effects of hurricanes Maria and Irma on forest birds of Puerto Rico
Authors: Lloyd John D. , Rimmer Christopher C. , Salguero Faría José A.
Published: March 2019

We compared occupancy in local assemblages of birds in forested areas across Puerto Rico during a winter before (2015) and shortly after (2018) the passage of hurricanes Irma and Maria. Using dynamic community models analyzed within a Bayesian framework, we found significant changes in detectability, with some species becoming more readily detected after the storms and others becoming more difficult to detect during surveys. Changes in occupancy were equally mixed. Five species – mostly granivores and omnivores, but also Black-whiskered Vireo (Vireo altiloquus), a migratory insectivore – occupied more sites in 2018 than in 2015. Thirteen species were less common after the hurricanes, including all of the obligate frugivores. Declines in site-occupancy rates were not only more common than increases, but tended to be of greater magnitude. Our results support the general conclusions that bird species respond largely independently to changes in forest structure caused by hurricanes, but that some dietary guilds, notably frugivores, are more sensitive and more likely to show changes in abundance or occupancy following strong storms.
Parametric optimization of friction stir welding process for marine grade aluminum alloy
Authors: Goyal Amit , Garg Ramesh Kumar
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to deal with the experimental data related to the friction stir welding (FSW) of marine grade Al-Mg4.2 alloy. Mathematical models are developed to study the individual and interaction effects of input variables on the performance characteristics of joints. FSW parameters are optimized to maximize the yield strength and weld nugget microhardness of the welded joints.

Design/methodology/approach

Response surface methodology is applied to establish the mathematical relationship between six input factors, namely, tool rotational speed, transverse speed, tool shoulder diameter, tool material hardness, tilt angle and pin profile; and two response variables, namely, yield strength and weld nugget microhardness. Six factors–five-level rotatable central composite matrix is used for the design of experiments. The quadratic model is used, as suggested by the design expert software, to express the response parameters as a function of investigated input parameters. The competence of the developed models is verified through analysis of variance.

Findings

The present investigation clearly indicates that the studied input factors have a significant effect on the quality of the joints. The optimal combination of input factors is determined to achieve the desired responses.

Originality/value

This paper teems a new look on tensile and hardness properties of Al-Mg4.2 joints by relating the microstructure, fractrographs and grains distribution with the dynamic recrystallization and plasticized material movement during the FSW process. The outcome of this research will help in seizing the opportunities of joining Al-Mg4.2 alloy using FSW, in the offshore and marine applications.
Drivers for IWMS implementation in real estate management
Authors: Maslesa Esmir , Jensen Per Anker
Published: March 2019

Purpose

IT platforms such as integrated workplace management system (IWMS) gain higher importance in real estate management, but there is a lack of knowledge on what IWMS is and what the drivers are for its implementation in real estate organisations. The paper aims to provide knowledge on this.

Design/methodology/approach

The research combines theories of real estate management, IT implementations and change management, with a qualitative case study of IWMS implementation in a public real estate organisation in Denmark. The research data consist of customer surveys, document studies, semi-structured interviews and in-depth analysis of IWMS features.

Findings

The paper identifies several drivers for IWMS implementation, such as data standardisation, validation and easier data exchange, business process optimisation, decrease in IT costs and improved customer service. Furthermore, the case study reveals that the IWMS implementation is not considered as a definite IT project but as an organisational change project impacting the entire organisation.

Originality/value

There has so far not been any public real estate organisations in Denmark using IWMS, and the knowledge about IWMS in public real estate sector is therefore limited. To date, no one has analysed what the drivers are for IWMS implementation in real estate organisations. This research paper brings new knowledge on IWMS and presents drivers for IWMS implementation, observed from an implementation process in a public real estate organisation.
Pride or prejudice: accounting and Polynesian entrepreneurs
Authors: Yong Sue
Published: March 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the role of accounting, accountants and the cash management processes of indigenous Māori and Pacific (collectively referred as Polynesian) entrepreneurs in New Zealand.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research methodology was used; 43 in-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted with Polynesian entrepreneurs, key informants, business experts and accountants to align with the oral Polynesian traditions and protocols.

Findings

The paper highlights the influence of cultural values on Polynesians’ accounting decision-making processes. It also provides some unique insights into the interrelationships of the cultural, economic and social dynamics that sculpt Polynesians’ decisions towards accounting, cash management and their accountants.

Research limitations/implications

Purposive sampling of a small sample was drawn from Auckland, New Zealand. Though statistical generalisability is not possible, in-depth interview data provided rich and contextual evidence which are often missing from a quantitative research approach.

Practical implications

It highlights the need for contextualised accounting services to Polynesian entrepreneurs by the accounting profession. It also calls for more cultural sensitivity when servicing and regulating Polynesian entrepreneurs.

Originality/value

This study identifies some unique insights into the interrelationships of culture, economic and social dynamics in Polynesian entrepreneurs. In particular, the cultural values of communality, reciprocity and “gift-giving” and respect for authority are important factors in shaping the Polynesians’ approach to accounting disposition and business cash management. It also identifies the power differentials between Polynesian entrepreneurs and their accountants, in which the former takes on a subordinate role to the latter.
Conclusion: Energy ethics and ethical worlds
Authors: Appel Hannah
Published: March 2019

What happens when the effects of our ethical actions stretch beyond, often far beyond, first‐ and second‐person phenomena? What happens when one person's richly textured ethical world is another's profound violation? Energy offers a particularly useful empirical terrain on which to think through the questions posed by ethical worlds. Ethical worlds gesture both to the supra‐individual, supra‐present contexts in which we all craft quotidian ethics, and to the expansive geographies and timescapes in which the effects of our ethical practices ramify. Ethical worlds, fields, or landscapes are not bordered by first‐ or second‐person experiences, but rather they intersect and interfere with one another often at great distance, often over multiple generations, and certainly not equally. Ethical practices in more powerful fields spill out, invade, and give shape to ethical practices in other ethical fields. What does it mean to start to see and feel and analyse at these ethical crossroads? In particular, what might it mean to acknowledge that structure, power, and interest – which are too often arrayed against close ethnographic attention to individual and shared experience – are not ‘larger forces’ but other ethical worlds, equally amenable to ethnographic attention?
Impact of Auditor Report Changes on Financial Reporting Quality and Audit Costs: Evidence from the United Kingdom
Authors: Reid Lauren C. , Carcello Joseph V. , Li Chan , Neal Terry L. , Francis Jere R.
Published: March 2019

While substantial revisions to auditor reporting requirements are being implemented internationally, the impact of these reforms on financial reporting quality is unknown. We exploit the United Kingdom's recent auditor reporting changes and find that the United Kingdom's new reporting regime is associated with an improvement in financial reporting quality as proxied by significant decreases in absolute abnormal accruals and the propensity to just meet or beat analyst forecasts, and a significant increase in earnings response coefficients. As for audit costs, we do not find a significant change in audit fees or audit delay surrounding the implementation of the new reporting regime. Taken together, the results of this study suggest that new auditor reporting requirements are associated with a significant improvement in financial reporting quality without detecting a significant increase in audit costs.
Post‐surgical chronic pain and quality of life in children operated for congenital heart disease
Authors: Matsuda Megumi , Takemura Hitomi , Yamashita Ayahiro , Matsuoka Yutaka , Sawa Teiji , Amaya Fumimasa
Published: March 2019

Background

Advances in medical technology have resulted in an increased life expectancy in pediatric patients with congenital heart diseases. Assessment of health‐related quality of life is crucial to improving their healthcare status. We aimed to assess post‐surgical pain prevalence and its impact on health‐related quality of life in pediatric patients who underwent cardiac surgery during childhood.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study recruited patients aged 4 years or older who underwent cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease at least 1 year prior, during the age of 0‐10 years, and were admitted for post‐surgical follow‐up at our institute. The prevalence, intensity, and location of pain and health‐related quality of life were assessed in an interview. Perioperative information was collected from the patients’ medical records. Health‐related quality of life was assessed using the Pediatric quality of life inventory 4.0 (PedsQL).

Results

Pain was reported by 24 (17%) of the 141 participants. One‐third of them reported moderate to severe pain that required medical intervention. After adjustment for several confounding factors, multivariable linear regression analysis demonstrated that the presence of pain and the number of surgeries were associated with lower total PedsQL scores.

Conclusions

Pain was present in 17% of the patients who underwent cardiac surgery during childhood. Presence of pain had a negative impact on long‐term health‐related quality of life after pediatric cardiac surgery.
Parents' perception of health care services for girls with Rett syndrome
Authors: Rodocanachi Roidi Marina Luisa , Grange Francesca , Cozzi Francesca , Pari Elisa , Toshimori Kumiko , Ripamonti Enrico
Published: March 2019

Background

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder, implying impairment and disability across several domains.

Method

We investigated parents' perception of the caregiving process in a sample of 55 mothers and fathers of girls with RTT using the MPOC‐20 questionnaire. The association of parents' satisfaction with clinical variables has also been explored.

Results

We obtained intermediate levels of satisfaction on the MPOC‐20 Coordinated and Comprehensive Care and Respectful and Supportive Care scales. The performance was lower on the scales Providing General Information and Providing Specific Information. Mothers' assessment was not associated with clinical variables such as walking disability, presence of scoliosis, or epilepsy. For children with greater degree of walking impairment, fathers expressed the need of having more information available.

Conclusions

Although parents seemed satisfied of the caregiving process, clinicians should put more emphasis on their need of receiving general and specific information on RTT along the entire rehabilitation program.
Filaggrin gene loss‐of‐function mutations constitute a factor in patients with multiple contact allergies
Authors: Elhaji Youssef , Sasseville Denis , Pratt Melanie , Asai Yuka , Matheson Kara , McLean William H. I. , Hull Peter R.
Published: March 2019

Background

Polysensitivity is defined as three or more positive patch test reactions. The role of filaggrin gene (FLG) loss‐of‐function mutations in patients with polysensitivity has not been studied when barrier bypass and possible preceding barrier damage have been excluded.

Objectives

To determine whether FLG loss of function mutations play a role in patients with multiple contact sensitivities when barrier bypass is excluded.

Methods

One hundred and sixty‐nine patients with three or more, non‐cross‐reacting, positive patch test reactions were prospectively enrolled in this study. Exclusion criteria were a history of hand dermatitis, nickel and metal implants, and stasis dermatitis. Subjects were patch tested with the North American extended patch test series, and with other relevant haptens. DNA was obtained and sequenced for the following FLG loss‐of‐function mutations: R501X, 2282del4, R2447X, and S3247X.

Results

One hundred and sixty‐five patients were genotyped for the four FLG mutations. There was a significant association between R501X mutation and polysensitivity. For the other three tested mutations, there were no significant associations with polysensitivity. When all mutations were combined, there was a significant association between loss‐of‐function FLG mutations and polysensitivity in patients with a history of atopic dermatitis.

Conclusion

When skin barrier bypass is excluded, there is a significant association between polysensitivity and FLG loss‐of‐function mutations.
The Impact of Spinal Manipulation on Migraine Pain and Disability: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Rist Pamela M. , Hernandez Audrey , Bernstein Carolyn , Kowalski Matthew , Osypiuk Kamila , Vining Robert , Long Cynthia R. , Goertz Christine , Song Rhayun , Wayne Peter M.
Published: March 2019

Background

Several small studies have suggested that spinal manipulation may be an effective treatment for reducing migraine pain and disability. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of published randomized clinical trials (RCTs) to evaluate the evidence regarding spinal manipulation as an alternative or integrative therapy in reducing migraine pain and disability.

Methods

PubMed and the Cochrane Library databases were searched for clinical trials that evaluated spinal manipulation and migraine‐related outcomes through April 2017. Search terms included: migraine, spinal manipulation, manual therapy, chiropractic, and osteopathic. Meta‐analytic methods were employed to estimate the effect sizes (Hedges’ g) and heterogeneity (I2) for migraine days, pain, and disability. The methodological quality of retrieved studies was examined following the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool.

Results

Our search identified 6 RCTs (pooled n = 677; range of n = 42‐218) eligible for meta‐analysis. Intervention duration ranged from 2 to 6 months; outcomes included measures of migraine days (primary outcome), migraine pain/intensity, and migraine disability. Methodological quality varied across the studies. For example, some studies received high or unclear bias scores for methodological features such as compliance, blinding, and completeness of outcome data. Due to high levels of heterogeneity when all 6 studies were included in the meta‐analysis, the 1 RCT performed only among chronic migraineurs was excluded. Heterogeneity across the remaining studies was low. We observed that spinal manipulation reduced migraine days with an overall small effect size (Hedges’ g = −0.35, 95% CI: −0.53, −0.16, P < .001) as well as migraine pain/intensity.

Conclusions

Spinal manipulation may be an effective therapeutic technique to reduce migraine days and pain/intensity. However, given the limitations to studies included in this meta‐analysis, we consider these results to be preliminary. Methodologically rigorous, large‐scale RCTs are warranted to better inform the evidence base for spinal manipulation as a treatment for migraine.
Visual fields and foraging ecology of Blacksmith Lapwings Vanellus armatus
Authors: Cantlay Jennifer C. , Portugal Steven J. , Martin Graham R.
Published: March 2019

The visual fields of Blacksmith Lapwings Vanellus armatus show the characteristics of visual guided foragers that use precision pecking for prey capture – a binocular field of narrow width and limited vertical extent, with the projection of the bill close to its centre and a large blind area above and behind the head. The topography of the total field, particularly the binocular field, is similar to that of European Golden Plovers Pluvialis apricaria. We suggest that the ‘foot‐trembling’ behaviour associated with foraging in Plovers is not under visual guidance but forces the escape of hidden prey, which is detected when the prey item moves into the binocular field to enable its capture in the bill. Foot‐trembling thus functions to extend the effective foraging area of a bird beyond the limits of its visual field.
Early morning—Best time window of hourly 24‐hour ambulatory blood pressure in relation to hypertensive organ damage: The Japan Morning Surge‐Home Blood Pressure study
Authors: Wanthong Sirisawat , Kabutoya Tomoyuki , Hoshide Satoshi , Buranakitjaroen Peera , Kario Kazuomi
Published: March 2019

The correlations between organ damage and hourly ambulatory blood pressure (BP) have not been established. The patients were 1464 participants of the Japan Morning Surge‐Home Blood Pressure (J‐HOP) study participants who underwent ambulatory BP monitoring. The hourly systolic BP (SBP) at x o'clock was defined as the average of SBP values measured at times x − 30 minutes, x, and x + 30 minutes. The mean age was 64.8 ± 11.6 years. The percentage of male participants was 47.8%. The left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was significantly associated with SBP at 6 o'clock (r = 0.166, P < 0.001). The carotid intima‐media thickness was significantly associated with SBP at 5 o'clock (r = 0.196, P < 0.001). After adjustment for age, sex, smoking, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, antihypertensive drug use, clinic SBP, and 24‐hour ambulatory SBP, the correlations of the LVMI and hourly SBP at 6 o'clock remained significant (beta coefficient = 0.125, P < 0.01). In conclusion, morning ambulatory systolic BP especially at 5 and 6 o'clock was independently associated with organ damage.
Comparison of the efficacy and safety of insulin degludec/aspart (twice‐daily injections), insulin glargine 300 U/mL, and insulin glulisine (basal–bolus therapy)
Authors: Kawaguchi Yuji , Sawa Jun , Hamai Chie , Nishimura Yuri , Kumeda Yasuro
Published: March 2019

Aims/Introduction

We compared the efficacy and safety of insulin degludec/aspart (IDegAsp) twice‐daily injections with insulin glargine 300 U/mL and insulin glulisine basal–bolus therapy (Gla300/Glu) using insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla300) and insulin glulisine (Glu).

Materials and Methods

A total of 20 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were treated with IDegAsp twice‐daily injections; achievement of target preprandial glucose concentration of 100–130 mg/dL at breakfast and supper was determined using a wearable flash glucose monitoring system. Patients were later switched to Gla300/Glu basal–bolus therapy before breakfast and before supper. Data were collected on days 2–4 and days 12–14 for each treatment period. The study's primary efficacy end‐point was the mean percentage of time with a target glucose range of 70–180 mg/dL, and safety end‐points were the mean percentage of time with hypoglycemia having glucose levels <70 mg/dL, clinically important hypoglycemia with glucose levels <54 mg/dL and nocturnal (00.00–06.00) hypoglycemia.

Results

Considering efficacy, the mean percentage of time for the target glucose range of IDegAsp was significantly lower than that of Gla300/Glu (73.1 [69.4–81.1] vs 84.2 [80.2–93.1], P = 0.001). Considering safety, the mean percentages of hypoglycemia (<70 mg/dL; 2.1 [0.0–9.4] vs 14.4 [4.4–22.3]), clinically important hypoglycemia (<54 mg/dL; 0.0 [0.0–0.2] vs 1.9 [0.0–5.6]) and nocturnal (00.00–06.00 hours) hypoglycemia (0.5 [0.0–5.9] vs 8.9 [3.1–11.8]) of Gla300/Glu were significantly lower than those of IDegAsp (P = 0.012, 0.036 and 0.007, respectively).

Conclusions

When compared with the IDegAsp twice‐daily injections, Gla300/Glu basal–bolus therapy might achieve more effective glycemic control without hypoglycemic risk.
Development of nutricereals and milk‐based beverage: Process optimization and validation of improved nutritional properties
Authors: Kumar Ashwani , Kaur Amarjeet , Tomer Vidisha , Rasane Prasad , Gupta Kritika
Published: March 2019

The present study was conducted to develop finger millet and oats based functional beverage. The nutricereals were ground into coarse flour and blended in various proportions (90:10–50:50) to prepare the drink. The functional drink, optimized using response surface methodology, was prepared using malt‐drink (diluted formulation of finger millet: oat in the ratio 60:40) and double toned milk (40:60–60:40). The final optimized product was found to be rich in dietary fibers (1.23%) viz. β‐glucan (101.33 mg/100 mL), and the antioxidants like total polyphenols (52.33 mg/100 mL). The drink was low in fat (1.26%), cholesterol (3.10 mg/100 mL), and lactose (1.75%). Sensory acceptability of the selected beverage (7.21) was at par with the sweetened cattle milk (7.52) on a 9‐point hedonic scale. The overall cost of ready to serve drink was INR 10 (serving size 200 mL), ensuring the economic feasibility of the drink.

Practical applications

Finger millet is a rich source of calcium, iron and zinc; and oats are rich in beta‐glucan. Incorporation of finger millet and oats improve the overall functional properties of milk. The complementation of the finger millet with oats can further enhance the physical as well as the functional properties of the milk. The dietary fiber content of the nutricereal based beverage was also increased, which makes it a potential prebiotic. The drink also provides an improved way for the introduction of millets in futuristic food products.
Scaling‐up evidence‐based obesity interventions: A systematic review assessing intervention adaptations and effectiveness and quantifying the scale‐up penalty
Authors: McCrabb Sam , Lane Cassandra , Hall Alix , Milat Andrew , Bauman Adrian , Sutherland Rachel , Yoong Serene , Wolfenden Luke
Published: March 2019

Maximizing the benefits of investments in obesity research requires effective interventions to be adopted and disseminated broadly across populations (scaled‐up). However, interventions often need considerable adaptation to enable implementation at scale, a process that can reduce the effects of interventions. A systematic review was undertaken for trials that sought to deliver an obesity intervention to populations on a larger scale than a preceding randomized controlled trial (RCT) that established its efficacy. Ten scaled‐up obesity interventions (six prevention and four treatment) were included. All trials made adaptations to interventions as part of the scale‐up process, with mode of delivery adaptations being most common. A meta‐analysis of body mass index (BMI)/BMI z score (zBMI) from three prevention RCTs found no significant benefit of scaled‐up interventions relative to control (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.03; 95% CI, −0.09 to 0.15, P = 0.639 − I2 = 0.0%). All four treatment interventions reported significant improvement on all measures of weight status. Pooled BMI/zBMI data from prevention trials found significantly lower effects among scaled‐up intervention trials than those reported in pre–scale‐up efficacy trials (SMD = −0.11; 95% CI, −0.20 to −0.02, P = 0.018 − I2 = 0.0%). Across measures of weight status, physical activity/sedentary behaviour, and nutrition, the effects reported in scaled‐up interventions were typically 75% or less of the effects reported in pre–scale‐up efficacy trials. The findings underscore the challenge of scaling‐up obesity interventions.
Tissue-specificity in cancer: The rule, not the exception
Authors: Haigis Kevin M. , Cichowski Karen , Elledge Stephen J.
Published: March 2019

Cancer driver genes exhibit remarkable tissue-specificity
Construction of a high-density linkage map and QTL analysis for pistil abortion in apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.)
Authors: Zhang Junhuan , Sun Haoyuan , Yang Li , Jiang Fengchao , Zhang Meiling , Wang Yuzhu
Published: March 2019

A high-density genetic map of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) was constructed using an F1 population constructed by crossing two main Chinese cultivars ‘Chuanzhihong’ and ‘Luotuohuang’, coupled with a recently developed reduced representation library (RRL) sequencing. The average sequencing depth was 38.97 in ‘Chuanzhihong’ (female parent), 33.05 in ‘Luotuohuang’ (male parent), and 8.91 in each progeny. Based on the sequencing data, 12 451 polymorphic markers were developed and used in the construction of the genetic linkage map. The final map of apricot comprised eight linkage groups, including 1991 markers, and covered 886.25 cM of the total map length. The average distance between adjacent markers was narrowed to 0.46 cM. Gaps larger than 5 cM only accounted for <0.33%. To our knowledge, this map is the densest genetic linkage map that is currently available for apricot research. It is a valuable linkage map for quantitative trait loci (QTLs) identification of important agronomic traits. Moreover, the high marker density and well-ordered markers that this linkage map provides will be useful for molecular breeding of apricot as well. In this study, we applied this map in the QTL analysis of an important agronomic trait, pistil abortion. Several QTLs were detected and mapped respectively to the middle regions of LG5 (51.005∼59.4 cM) and LG6 (72.884∼76.562 cM), with nine SLAF markers closely linked to pistil abortion. The high-density genetic map and QTLs detected in this study will facilitate marker-assisted breeding and apricot genomic study.
Domain-Wall Standard Model in non-compact 5D and LHC phenomenology
Authors: Okada Nobuchika , Raut Digesh , Villalba Desmond
Published: March 2019

We propose a framework to construct “Domain-Wall Standard Model” in a non-compact 5-dimensional spacetime, where all the Standard Model (SM) fields are localized in certain domains of the 5th dimension and the SM is realized as a 4-dimensional effective theory without any compactification for the 5th dimension. In this context, we investigate the collider phenomenology of the Kaluza–Klein (KK) modes of the SM gauge bosons and the current constraints from the search for a new gauge boson resonance at the Large Hadron Collider Run-2. The couplings of the SM fermions with the KK-mode gauge bosons depend on the configuration of the SM fermions in the 5-dimensional bulk. This “geometry” of the model can be tested at the future Large Hadron Collider experiment, once a KK-mode of the SM gauge boson is discovered.
Experimental study on water entry of cylindrical projectiles with different nose shapes
Authors: Yan Guo-Xin , Pan Guang , Shi Yao , Wang Guan-Hua
Published: March 2019

Water entry experiments of projectiles with different nose shapes were performed under different entry angles and velocities using high-speed photography technology. The cavity flow characteristics of the near water surface, including splash jet, splash crown, surface seal of cavity, pull away, deep seal of cavity and cavity collapses, were systematically investigated using a high-speed camera. The emphasis of the study is paid on the effect of nose shape, water entry angle and velocity on the evolution of the air entraining cavity. The experimental results demonstrate that the nose shape of projectile has a significant influence on the jet flow, the cavity diameter and trajectory stability in the case of certain other conditions. On the other hand, the splash scale, cavity diameter increase gradually with the increasing of the water entry velocity, as well as the cavitation closed in advance. Furthermore, the water entry angle of the projectile plays an important role in the cavity evolution and the close type.
Substitution, Complementarity, and Stability
Authors: Stuart Harborne W.
Published: March 2019

We provide necessary and sufficient conditions for a non-empty core in many-to-one assignment games. When players on the “many” side (buyers) are substitutes with respect to any given player on the other side (firms), we show that non-emptiness requires an additional condition that limits the competition among the buyers. When buyers are complements with respect to any given firm, a sufficient condition for non-emptiness is that buyers also be complements with respect to all of the firms, collectively. A necessary condition is that no firm can be guaranteed a profit when the core is non-empty.
A Hybrid Method for Short-Term Host Utilization Prediction in Cloud Computing
Authors: Chen Jing , Wang Yinglong
Published: March 2019

Dynamic resource scheduling is a critical activity to guarantee quality of service (QoS) in cloud computing. One challenging problem is how to predict future host utilization in real time. By predicting future host utilization, a cloud data center can place virtual machines to suitable hosts or migrate virtual machines in advance from overloaded or underloaded hosts to guarantee QoS or save energy. However, it is very difficult to accurately predict host utilization in a timely manner because host utilization varies very quickly and exhibits strong instability with many bursts. Although machine learning methods can accurately predict host utilization, it usually takes too much time to ensure rapid resource allocation and scheduling. In this paper, we propose a hybrid method, EEMD-RT-ARIMA, for short-term host utilization prediction based on ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD), runs test (RT), and autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA). First, the EEMD method is used to decompose the nonstationary host utilization sequence into relatively stable intrinsic mode function (IMF) components and a residual component to improve prediction accuracy. Then, efficient IMF components are selected and then reconstructed into three new components to reduce the prediction time and error accumulation due to too many IMF components. Finally, the overall prediction results are obtained by superposing the prediction results of three new components, each of which is predicted by the ARIMA method. An experiment is conducted on real host utilization traces from a cloud platform. We compare our method with the ARIMA model and the EEMD-ARIMA method in terms of error, effectiveness, and time-cost analysis. The results show that our method is a cost-effective method and is more suitable for short-term host utilization prediction in cloud computing.
ROS Reduction Does Not Decrease the Anticancer Efficacy of X-Ray in Two Breast Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Wang Huizhen , Zhang Xin
Published: March 2019

Radiotherapy is effective on a large number of cancer types and is one of the most frequently administrated treatments for cancer patients. The anticancer efficacy of X-ray radiotherapy has been frequently correlated with reactive oxygen species (ROS) elevation, which is also a limiting factor for its toxicity on normal tissues. Here, we found that although 4-10 Gy X-rays could significantly reduce cell numbers in both MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells, the ROS level changes are less in MCF-7 cells than in MDA-MB-231 cells. Moreover, although both the ROS scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and 1 T static magnetic field (SMF) could reduce X-ray-induced ROS elevation, they did not prevent X-ray-induced cell number reduction or cell death increase, which is significantly different from cisplatin. These results demonstrate that although the anticancer efficacy of cisplatin on two breast cancer cell lines is dependent on ROS, the anticancer efficacy of X-ray is not. Moreover, by testing 19 different cell lines, we found that 1 T SMF could effectively reduce ROS levels in multiple cell lines by 10-20%, which encourages further studies to investigate whether SMF could be used as a potential “physical antioxidant” in the future.
Prognostic Significance of Metastatic Lymph Node Ratio in Patients with pN3 Gastric Cancer Who Underwent Curative Gastrectomy
Authors: Bilici Ahmet , Selcukbiricik Fatih , Seker Mesut , Oven Basak B. , Olmez Omer Fatih , Yildiz Ozcan , Olmuscelik Oktay , Hamdard Jamshid , Acikgoz Ozgur , Cakir Asli , Kapran Yersu , Balik Emre , Oncel Mustafa
Published: March 2019

Background: Lymph node involvement is an important prognostic factor in patients with gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic significance of metastatic lymph node ratio (MLNR) and compare it to the number of lymph node metastasis in pN3 gastric cancer. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 207 patients with pN3 gastric cancer who had undergone radical gastrectomy. Prognostic factors and MLNR were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: An MLNR of 0.75 was found to be the best cut-off value to determine the prognosis of patients with pN3 gastric cancer (p = 0.001). The MLNR was significantly higher in patients with large-sized and undifferentiated tumors, vascular, lymphatic and perineural invasion, and total gastrectomy. In multivariate analysis, MLNR (p = 0.041), tumor differentiation (p = 0.046), and vascular invasion (p = 0.012) were found to be independent prognostic factors for disease-free survival, while both MLNR (p < 0.001) and pN stage (p = 0.002) were independent prognostic indicators, as was tumor size, for overall survival. There was significant difference with respect to the recurrence patterns between MLNR groups. Lymph node and peritoneal recurrences were significantly higher in patients with MLNR > 0.75 compared to the MLNR < 0.75 group (p < 0.05). However, recurrence patterns were similar between pN3a and pN3b. Conclusion: Our results showed that MLNR was a useful indicator to determine the prognosis and recurrence patterns of patients with radically resected gastric cancer. Moreover, MLNR is a beneficial and reliable technique for evaluating lymph node metastasis.