bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Exploratory Analysis of Fecal Immunochemical Test Performance for Colorectal Cancer Screening in Nigeria
Authors: Knapp Gregory C. , Sharma Avinash , Olopade Bolatito , Alatise Olusegun I. , Olasehinde Olalekan , Arije Olujide O. , Castle Philip E. , Kingham T. Peter 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIntroductionThe fecal immunochemical test (FIT) for hemoglobin is recommended for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in resource‐limited environments. However, there are several unique variables that may alter FIT performance in this setting, including endemic intestinal parasites and high ambient temperature. This prospective study evaluated the performance of FIT in asymptomatic, average‐risk individuals of screening age in rural Nigeria.MethodsThree hundred and twenty‐four community volunteers completed a questionnaire and provided stool specimens for parasitology and microbiome analysis. Specimens were frozen and stored at −80 °C. Of 324 subjects, 139 met criteria for average‐risk CRC screening and had a stool sample for analysis. These were thawed and tested with a qualitative FIT. Specimens positive for occult blood were retested every two days to evaluate the impact of time and temperature on test performance.ResultsOf 139 individuals, 69 (49.6%) were positive for intestinal parasites and 10 (7.2%) were positive for occult blood. The most common pathogen was Cryptosporidium (40.6%). Among patients with intestinal parasites, 10.1% (7/69) had a positive FIT. Only 4.3% (3/70) of patients without parasites had a positive FIT (p = 0.208). On bivariate analysis, sociodemographic variables were not associated with a positive FIT result. Thirty percent (3/10) of the FIT‐positive specimens became FIT‐negative with routine storage.ConclusionAlthough a positive FIT result was more common in those with parasitic infection, the relationship was not significant in this small cohort. The impact of high ambient temperature on test positivity may necessitate shorter processing time guidelines for equatorial countries. Additional prospective studies are needed to validate FIT performance in Nigeria.
Preoperative Clinical Factors Associated with Short‐Stay Laparoscopic Appendectomy
Authors: Vuagniaux Aurélie , Gié Olivier , Butti Fabio , Marques‐Vidal Pedro Manuel , Demartines Nicolas , Mantziari Styliani 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundOutpatient appendectomy for acute appendicitis is a feasible, yet not widely performed procedure, as there are no universally accepted criteria for patient selection. The aim of this study was to assess preoperative clinical factors associated with successful short‐stay appendectomy (SSA) and establish a predictive score to help with patient selection.MethodsAll consecutive laparoscopic appendectomies performed in our institution between January 2013 and June 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Several preoperative clinical and biological variables were compared between patients with SSA, defined as a postoperative stay <24 h, and those needing inpatient care. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify variables independently associated with SSA, and these variables were then used to create a predictive score.ResultsA total of 578 patients were included, 303 (53%) in the SSA group and 275 (48%) in the long‐stay appendectomy (LSA) group. In multivariate analysis, male gender (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.12–2.31, p = 0.010), ASA class I–II (OR 9.52, 95% CI 1.65–180.69, p = 0.037), absence of generalized guarding (OR 3.55, 95% CI 1.30–11.41, p = 0.019), C‐reactive protein <100 mg/dl (OR 3.09, 95% CI 1.81–5.42, p < 0.001) and leukocyte count <20 g/l (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.02–4.30, p = 0.046) were independently associated with SSA. These five parameters were used to construct a predictive score, whereby ≥17 (range 0–21) was defined as the optimal threshold to predict SSA with a high sensitivity (95.6%) and negative predictive value (82.2%).ConclusionsA purely clinical predictive score based on five widely used preoperative parameters can be used to identify eligible patients for short‐stay appendectomy.
Estimating Children’s Household Instability Between Birth and Age 18 Using Longitudinal Household Roster Data
Authors: Raley R. Kelly , Weiss Inbar , Reynolds Robert , Cavanagh Shannon E. 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Previous descriptions of the composition and stability of children’s households have focused on the presence of parents and the stability of mothers’ marital and cohabiting relationships. We use data available in the 2008 Survey of Income and Program Participation to expand the description of children’s household composition and stability. We find that one in five children lives with nonnuclear household members. These other household members are a source of substantial household instability. In addition, during the period of observation (2008–2013), children experienced considerable residential instability. Thus, children’s experience of household instability is much more common and frequent than previously documented. Moreover, levels of both residential and compositional instability are higher for children with less-educated mothers and for racial/ethnic minorities.
Introducing health technology assessment in Tanzania
Authors: Surgey Gavin , Chalkidou Kalipso , Reuben William , Suleman Fatima , Miot Jacqui , Hofman Karen 
Published: August 2019

AbstractObjectivesHealth technology assessment (HTA) is a cost-effective resource allocation tool in healthcare decision-making processes; however, its use is limited in low-income settings where countries fall short on both absorptive and technical capacity. This paper describes the journey of the introduction of HTA into decision-making processes through a case study revising the National Essential Medicines List (NEMLIT) in Tanzania. It draws lessons on establishing and strengthening transparent priority-setting processes, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.MethodsThe concept of HTA was introduced in Tanzania through revision of the NEMLIT by identifying a process for using HTA criteria and evidence-informed decision making. Training was given on using economic evidence for decision making, which was then put into practice for medicine selection for the NEMLIT. During the revision process, capacity-building workshops were held with reinforcing messages on HTA.ResultsBetween the period 2014 and 2018, HTA was introduced in Tanzania with a formal HTA committee being established and inaugurated followed by the successful completion and adoption of HTA into the NEMLIT revision process by the end of 2017. Consequently, the country is in the process of institutionalizing HTA for decision making and priority setting.ConclusionWhile the introduction of HTA process is country-specific, key lessons emerge that can provide an example to stakeholders in other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) wishing to introduce priority-setting processes into health decision making.
AN EXCEPTIONAL SAGE AND THE NEED FOR THE MESSENGER: THE POLITICS OF FIṬRA IN A 12TH-CENTURY TALE
Authors: von Doetinchem de Rande Raissa A. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThis paper argues that Ibn Ṭufayl (d. 1185) in his Ḥayy ibn Yaqẓān offers a surprisingly intellectual reading of the term fiṭra (pl. fiṭar) and one that has significant consequences for our understanding of the story. We will see that at crucial junctures in the text, fiṭra emerges solely in an intellectual context, implying a gulf amongst humanity that defies common understandings of the term as egalitarian. This gulf, I argue, illuminates the political implications of the tale. For while he emphasizes the broad compatibility of the more established, revealed and the philosophical path recently arrived in Andalusia, Ibn Ṭufayl, with the help of fiṭra, shows that the philosophical life is one for the very few. Attention to Ibn Ṭufayl's use of fiṭra might thus explain one of his reasons for writing this tale for the court. Its overall message heightens the role of religion and tempers the political significance of philosophy in two ways: by arguing that only select individuals have the capacity to access truth independently from revelation; and by denying these exceptionally gifted the ability to communicate their findings to the masses.
Weak Dust Activity Near a Geologically Young Surface Revealed by Chang'E‐3 Mission
Authors: Yan Qi , Zhang Xiaoping , Xie Lianghai , Guo Dawei , Li Yong , Xu Yi , Xiao Zhiyong , Di Kaichang , Xiao Long 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIn spite of great scientific and engineering interests in lunar exploration, natural dust activity near the Moon surface remains unclear. According to distinct reflectance features of lunar rocks and regolith observed by Chang'E‐3 mission, long‐term dust activity near a young surface is quantified with a new method. We found that a dust deposition upper line on rocks is about 28 cm above the ground. Below this line, the quantity of dust deposits becomes smaller as the altitude ascends, whereas above the line, no visible or only negligible amount of dust is distributed on the rocks. This dust distribution pattern could be explained by dust electrostatic levitation process. The results indicate distinctively weak long‐term dust activity near the young surface and suggest possible selection of geologically young regions as landing sites or lunar bases to minimize the effect of dust grains.
First Evidence for Multiple‐Harmonic Standing Alfvén Waves in Jupiter's Equatorial Plasma Sheet
Authors: Manners H. , Masters A. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractQuasiperiodic pulsations in the ultralow‐frequency band are ubiquitously observed in the Jovian magnetosphere, but their source and distribution have until now been a mystery. Standing Alfvén waves on magnetic field lines have been proposed to explain these pulsations and their large range in observed periods. However, in situ evidence in support of this mechanism has been scarce. Here we use magnetometer data from the Galileo spacecraft to report first evidence of a multiple‐harmonic ultralow‐frequency event in Jupiter's equatorial plasma sheet. The harmonic periods lie in the 4‐ to 22‐min range, and the nodal structure is confined to the plasma sheet. Polarization analysis reveals several elliptically polarized odd harmonics and no presence of even harmonics. The harmonic periods, their polarization, and the confinement of the wave to the plasma sheet are strong evidence supporting the standing Alfvén wave model. Multiple‐harmonic waves therefore potentially explain the full range of periods in quasiperiodic pulsations in Jupiter's magnetosphere.
Unified Parameterization of Convective Boundary Layer Transport and Clouds With the Thermal Plume Model
Authors: Hourdin Frédéric , Jam Arnaud , Rio Catherine , Couvreux Fleur , Sandu Irina , Lefebvre Marie‐Pierre , Brient Florent , Idelkadi Abderrahmane 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe representation of stratocumulus clouds, and of the stratocumulus to cumulus transitions which are ubiquitous features of marine boundary layer clouds, remains a challenge for climate models. We show how a mass flux representation of boundary layer convective structures combined with an eddy diffusivity scheme, the “thermal plume model,” first developed to represent cumulus clouds, can also adequately simulate stratocumulus and the stratocumulus to cumulus transition in a climate model. To achieve this, the detrainment formulation, in which detrainment increases for increasing negative buoyancy, has to be slightly modified: the buoyancy of a thermal plume parcel of air is computed by comparing the virtual potential temperature θv,th of the parcel with that of the surrounding environment θv,env at a given distance above instead of at the same level. This is consistent with the picture of detrained air parcels that experience some overshoot and reach a final destination at a level lower than the one at which they effectively leave the cloud or organized convective plume. The impacts of this modification are documented both for selected cases of stratocumulus, in comparison with large‐eddy simulations, and in full 3‐D climate simulations, in comparison with satellite observations of cloud cover. The modified scheme provides a uniform treatment of the dry convective boundary layer, of cumulus clouds, of stratocumulus, and of the transition from stratocumulus to cumulus. It is included in the most recent version of the LMDZ atmospheric general circulation model.
Author Correction: Linc-DYNC2H1-4 promotes EMT and CSC phenotypes by acting as a sponge of miR-145 in pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Gao Yuran , Zhang Zhicheng , Li Kai , Gong Liying , Yang Qingzhu , Huang Xuemei , Hong Chengcheng , Ding Mingfeng , Yang Huanjie 
Published: August 2019

After publication of this article, the below errors were noticed:1. The SOX2 primer is incorrect in Table S2.2. The Poly(T) adaptor sequence of reverse transcription for miR-145 detection is missing in Table S2.This error did not impact the conclusions of the article. We apologize for any confusion or inconvenience to the readers.An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Magnetic field-temperature phase diagram of multiferroic (NH4)2FeCl5·H2O
Authors: Clune Amanda J. , Nam Jisoo , Lee Minseong , Hughey Kendall D. , Tian Wei , Fernandez-Baca Jaime A. , Fishman Randy S. , Singleton John , Lee Jun Hee , Musfeldt Janice L. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractOwing to their overall low energy scales, flexible molecular architectures, and ease of chemical substitution, molecule-based multiferroics are extraordinarily responsive to external stimuli and exhibit remarkably rich phase diagrams. Even so, the stability and microscopic properties of various magnetic states in close proximity to quantum critical points are highly under-explored in these materials. Inspired by these opportunities, we combined pulsed-field magnetization, first-principles calculations, and numerical simulations to reveal the magnetic field–temperature (B–T) phase diagram of multiferroic (NH4)2FeCl5⋅H2O. In this system, a network of intermolecular hydrogen and halogen bonds creates a competing set of exchange interactions that generates additional structure in the phase diagram—both in the vicinity of the spin flop and near the 30 T transition to the fully saturated state. Consequently, the phase diagrams of (NH4)2FeCl5⋅H2O and its deuterated analog are much more complex than those of other molecule-based multiferroics. The entire series of coupled electric and magnetic transitions can be accessed with a powered magnet, opening the door to exploration and control of properties in this and related materials.
Characterization and its implication of a novel taste receptor detecting nutrients in the honey bee, Apis mellifera
Authors: Lim Sooho , Jung Jewon , Yunusbaev Ural , Ilyasov Rustem , Kwon Hyung Wook 
Published: August 2019

AbstractUmami taste perception indicates the presence of amino acids, which are essential nutrients. Although the physiology of umami perception has been described in mammals, how insects detect amino acids remains unknown except in Drosophila melanogaster. We functionally characterized a gustatory receptor responding to L-amino acids in the western honey bee, Apis mellifera. Using a calcium-imaging assay and two-voltage clamp recording, we found that one of the honey bee’s gustatory receptors, AmGr10, functions as a broadly tuned amino acid receptor responding to glutamate, aspartate, asparagine, arginine, lysine, and glutamine, but not to other sweet or bitter compounds. Furthermore, the sensitivity of AmGr10 to these L-amino acids was dramatically enhanced by purine ribonucleotides, like inosine-5′-monophosphate (IMP). Contact sensory hairs in the mouthpart of the honey bee responded strongly to glutamate and aspartate, which house gustatory receptor neurons expressing AmGr10. Interestingly, AmGr10 protein is highly conserved among hymenopterans but not other insects, implying unique functions in eusocial insects.
Recent pace of change in human impact on the world’s ocean
Authors: Halpern Benjamin S. , Frazier Melanie , Afflerbach Jamie , Lowndes Julia S. , Micheli Fiorenza , O’Hara Casey , Scarborough Courtney , Selkoe Kimberly A. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractHumans interact with the oceans in diverse and profound ways. The scope, magnitude, footprint and ultimate cumulative impacts of human activities can threaten ocean ecosystems and have changed over time, resulting in new challenges and threats to marine ecosystems. A fundamental gap in understanding how humanity is affecting the oceans is our limited knowledge about the pace of change in cumulative impact on ocean ecosystems from expanding human activities – and the patterns, locations and drivers of most significant change. To help address this, we combined high resolution, annual data on the intensity of 14 human stressors and their impact on 21 marine ecosystems over 11 years (2003–2013) to assess pace of change in cumulative impacts on global oceans, where and how much that pace differs across the ocean, and which stressors and their impacts contribute most to those changes. We found that most of the ocean (59%) is experiencing significantly increasing cumulative impact, in particular due to climate change but also from fishing, land-based pollution and shipping. Nearly all countries saw increases in cumulative impacts in their coastal waters, as did all ecosystems, with coral reefs, seagrasses and mangroves at most risk. Mitigation of stressors most contributing to increases in overall cumulative impacts is urgently needed to sustain healthy oceans.
Direct test of the FLRW metric from strongly lensed gravitational wave observations
Authors: Cao Shuo , Qi Jingzhao , Cao Zhoujian , Biesiada Marek , Li Jin , Pan Yu , Zhu Zong-Hong 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe assumptions of large-scale homogeneity and isotropy underly the familiar Friedmann-Lemaître-Robertson-Walker (FLRW) metric that appears to be an accurate description of our Universe. In this paper, we propose a new strategy of testing the validity of the FLRW metric, based on the galactic-scale lensing systems where strongly lensed gravitational waves and their electromagnetic counterparts can be simultaneously detected. Each strong lensing system creates opportunity to infer the curvature parameter of the Universe. Consequently, combined analysis of many such systems will provide a model-independent tool to test the validity of the FLRW metric. Our study demonstrates that the third-generation ground based GW detectors, like the Einstein Telescope (ET) and space-based detectors, like the Big Bang Observer (BBO), are promising concerning determination of the curvature parameter or possible detection of deviation from the FLRW metric. Such accurate measurements of the FLRW metric can become a milestone in precision GW cosmology.
Role of Hydrogen Bonding in Green Fluorescent Protein-like Chromophore Emission
Authors: Yang Li , Nian Shifeng , Zhang Guozhen , Sharman Edward , Miao Hui , Zhang Xuepeng , Chen Xiaofeng , Luo Yi , Jiang Jun 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe fluorescence emission from green fluorescent protein (GFP) is known to be heavily influenced by hydrogen bonding between the core fluorophore and the surrounding side chains or water molecules. Yet how to utilize this feature for modulating the fluorescence of GFP chromophore or GFP-like fluorophore still remains elusive. Here we present theoretical calculations to predict how hydrogen bonding could influence the excited states of the GFP-like fluorophores. These studies provide both a new perspective for understanding the photophysical properties of GFP as well as a solid basis for the rational design of GFP-based fluorophores.
Neutrophil extracellular traps and dsDNA predict outcomes among patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Liu Jing , Yang Dandan , Wang Xiqiang , Zhu Zhonghai , Wang Tingzhong , Ma Aiqun , Liu Ping 
Published: August 2019

AbstractNeutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) which have a potential role in noninfectious diseases, may play an important role in patients with acute coronary syndrome. The goal of this study was to investigate the association of NETs and in-hospital major adverse cardiac events among patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Using immunofluorescence staining, ELISA, and fluorescent enzyme standard instrument, we assessed NETs and NETs-related factors. Multivariate analyses were performed after univariate analyses to investigate which variables were independently associated with major adverse cardiac events. Compared with peripheral arteries, we observed neutrophils obtained from infarct-related artery (IRA) releasing NETs. The dsDNA levels, NET-specific marker myeloperoxidase/deoxyribonucleic acid (MPO/DNA) complexes and NETs-related factor tissue factor were significantly higher in coronary plasma samples. Multivariate analysis that white cell counts and coronary dsDNA were independently associated with in-hospital major adverse cardiac events. ROC curve for coronary dsDNA showed sensitivity of 78.0% and specificity of 53% for the cut-off value of 0.39ug/ml. Conclusion, these results provide evidences indicating NETs were associated with STIM, and occurrence of adverse cardiac events.
Matrix Metalloproteinase Expressions Play Important role in Prediction of Ovarian Cancer Outcome
Authors: Wang Shujie , Jia Jia , Liu Dongyan , Wang Meng , Wang Zhen , Li Xueling , Wang Hongzhi , Rui Yong , Liu Zhirong , Guo Wei , Nie Jinfu , Dai Haiming 
Published: August 2019

AbstractOvarian cancer has a high death rate and is often not detected until late stages. While some studies found high expressions of MMPs correlated with cancer invasion, metastasis, and poor prognosis, however, several other studies indicated MMPs might inhibit cancer rather than promote cancer in certain situations. Thus, the role of different MMPs in different cancer types needs a systematic re-evaluation. In this study, we used RNA-Seq and corresponding clinical data downloaded from TCGA and analyzed the correlations between MMP expressions and the clinicopathologic characteristics and outcome in ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma (OSC) patients. Among the MMPs investigated, MMP-3 was significantly increased in high-grade and high-stage tumors compared with low-grade and low-stage ones. Using univariate analysis and multivariate Cox model, high expressions of MMP-19 and -20 were found to associate with poor overall survival independent of clinicopathologic characteristics. Moreover, using in vitro studies, we found ovarian cancer cell lines with higher MMP-19 and -20 protein expressing levels were associated with anti-cancer drugs resistance, while knockdown of MMP-19 or -20 increased ovarian cancer cell sensitivities to several clinical using chemotherapy agents. Finally, knockdown of MMP-19 or -20 also decreased the invasion abilities of several ovarian cancer cell lines. These in vitro studies provided potential mechanisms of high MMP-19 and -20 expressions in the poor prognosis of ovarian cancer.