bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can laypeople identify a drug-induced QT interval prolongation? A psychophysical and eye-tracking experiment examining the ability of nonexperts to interpret an ECG
Authors: Alahmadi Alaa , Davies Alan , Vigo Markel , Jay Caroline 
Published: December 2018

Abstract

Objective
The study sought to quantify a layperson’s ability to detect drug-induced QT interval prolongation on an electrocardiogram (ECG) and determine whether the presentation of the trace affects such detection.

Materials and Methods
Thirty layperson participants took part in a psychophysical and eye-tracking experiment. Following training, participants completed 21 experimental trials, in which each trial consisted of 2 ECGs (a baseline and a comparison stimulus, both with a heart rate of 60 beats/min). The experiment used a 1 alternative forced-choice paradigm, in which participants indicated whether or not they perceived a difference in the QT interval length between the 2 ECGs. The ECG trace was presented in 3 ways: a single complex with the signals aligned by the R wave, a single complex without alignment, and a 10-second rhythm strip. Performance was analyzed using the psychometric function to estimate the just noticeable difference threshold, along with eye-tracking metrics.

Results
The just noticeable difference 50% and 75% thresholds were 30 and 88 ms, respectively, showing that the majority of laypeople were able to detect a clinically significant QT-prolongation at a low normal heart rate. Eye movement data indicated that people were more likely to appraise the rhythm strip stimulus systematically and accurately.

Conclusions
People can quickly be trained to self-monitor, which may help with more rapid identification of drug-induced long QT syndrome and prevent the development of life-threatening complications. The rhythm strip is a better form of presentation than a single complex, as it is less likely to be misinterpreted due to artifacts in the signal.
Changing South Africa's Competition Law Regime: A Populist Departure from International Best Practices†
Authors: Oxenham John , Currie Michael-James , Stargard Andreas 
Published: December 2018

Key Points:
The Amendment Bill alters key provisions of the South African Competition Act focusing specifically on the redistribution of wealth and transformation of ownership in lieu of pursuing traditional antitrust goals.
The Bill provides for greater ministerial intervention at the initial stage of a merger (based on national security), during the merger investigation (based on public-interest grounds) and broadens the right of appeals to parties outside the merger control review.
The Bill lowers the standard that the South African Competition Commission must meet to prosecute cases and foreshadows a risk of increased third-party interventionism more generally.
The departure from a traditional substantial lessening of competition (SLC) test to an adverse effects-based test, which takes public interests considerations into account, is likely to result in the injection of greater subjectivity into the decision-making process and parties’ increased difficulty in self-assessment of conduct particularly in relation to dominant firms.
The warrior collector
Authors: Amendola Adriano 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
The essay focuses on the military commander Giovanni Battista Castaldo (1493–1563), aiming to reconstruct this figure as a collector and patron. The author analyses the reasons that led Castaldo to found the monastery of Santa Maria ad Montem in Nocera de’ Pagani, where can still be found his portrait bust, here attributed to Annibale Fontana. In the monastery was exhibited the Madonna d’Alba by Raphael, here identified for the first time as the source of a work by Dirk Hendricsz, the presence of Raphael’s canvas in Nocera clarifies the pivotal role played by the painting for the artists working in the Spanish Viceregno.
Anterolateral Approach for a Cervical Nerve Root Compression Syndrome Due to an Ectatic Vertebral Artery
Authors: Venteicher Andrew S , Quddusi Ayesha , Coumans Jean V 
Published: December 2018

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE
Nerve root compression by an ectatic vertebral artery is a known but easily overlooked cause of cervical radiculopathy. Management options include nonoperative conservative therapies or surgical approaches designed to relieve the compression via anterior or posterior cervical approaches.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION
A 72-yr-old female presented with a 6-mo history of sharp, shooting pain in her right arm and shoulder and deltoid weakness. Imaging demonstrated a vertebral artery loop compressing the proximal right C5 nerve root. She previously underwent both nonoperative measures as well as posterior foraminotomy at this level with limited improvement in her pain. Therefore, we performed an anterolateral approach for vascular decompression of the C5 nerve root from the vertebral artery loop. Patient has been pain-free at 1 yr with full recovery of her deltoid weakness.

CONCLUSION
Vertebral artery loop formation is an uncommon cause of cervical radiculopathy, which can be readily treated by vascular decompression of the nerve root-vertebral artery loop complex. Although anomalous vertebral artery compression of a cervical nerve root is rare, it is increasingly being recognized as a readily treatable entity that can lead to lasting and full neurological recovery. We also include an operative video to illustrate the vascular decompression of an ectatic vertebral artery causing severe cervical radiculopathy.
Obedience and Authority among Muslim Couples: Negotiating Gendered Religious Scripts in Contemporary Indonesia
Authors: Rinaldo Rachel 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThis study of Muslim married couples in Indonesia shows that religiously justified scripts about wives’ obedience and husbands’ household authority are ways of accomplishing gender as well as achieving status as good Muslims. Such scripts are amplified by a context in which a version of Islamic family law that envisions women as primarily domestic and men as household authorities and breadwinners has been institutionalized. However, this vision is also being challenged by women’s increasing educational attainment as well as competing egalitarian discourses of gender in Islam. The gendered religious scripts used by Muslim couples compensate for social changes that threaten to reshape both domestic and public life. I propose that how Muslim men and women talk about their marriages and households has become a key mechanism for accomplishing modern Muslim gender identities in a context where men’s authority is at risk. These dynamics may be especially prevalent in Muslim contexts where Islamic law is becoming more institutionalized in state bureaucracies and everyday life.
HDL modification: recent developments and their relevance to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
Authors: Wilkins John T. , Seckler Henrique S. 
Published: December 2018

Purpose of review
In the last 2 years, significant advances in the understanding of HDL particle structure and the associations between particle structure, function, and atherosclerosis have been made. We will review and provide clinical and epidemiological context to these recent advances.

Recent findings
Several recent studies have analyzed the associations between HDL particle size distribution, number, and particle function and specific environmental, behavioral, and pharmacologic exposures. Detailed phenotyping of HDL-associated protein complements, particularly apolipoproteins, strongly suggests structural subspecies of HDL exist with differential associations with HDL function and ASCVD risk.

Summary
The recent data on biological and structural variation in HDL suggests the existence of relatively discrete particle species, which share a similar structure and function. We propose that the classical taxonomy that clusters HDL particles by cholesterol content is incomplete. Detailed phenotyping of HDL subspecies in clinical and epidemiological research may yield insights into new risk markers and biochemical pathways that could provide targets for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) therapy and prevention in the future.
Sexually transmitted infections and travel
Authors: Rogstad Karen E. 
Published: December 2018

Purpose of review
The present review considers recent evidence on travel-associated sexual intercourse and sexually transmitted infection (STI) risks and travel with regards to risk behavior and implications of travel on communities. It highlights the lack of research in this area and topics for consideration.

Recent findings
A population-based study, and others, shows significant levels of sex abroad and risk behavior with inconsistent condom use despite increasing travel advice about risks. There is an increasing association of STIs in military personnel from local rather than deployment-associated sex contacts shown in United States and French studies, probably related to deployment of women. Innovative studies are showing the effect of female sex-tourism on the communities involved, and the sexual interaction and risk for tourism employees from tourists. New social networking apps require evaluation as to both their potential to increase and decrease risks. Travel sex continues to be a vector for the global spread of multidrug resistant gonorrhoeae.

Summary
New research challenges previous perspectives with changes to risk behavior in the military, female sex tourism, the change in social networks and ongoing risk behavior research and evidence of increased cross-country partnerships. The lack of high-quality studies evaluating travel advice to reduce risk is a key area for future work.
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome
Authors: Liman Thomas G. , Siebert Eberhard , Endres Matthias 
Published: December 2018

Purpose of review
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinicoradiological syndrome characterized by acute cerebral endotheliopathy with consecutive disruption of the blood–brain barrier and vasogenic edema. Since its first description in 1996, PRES is increasingly recognized. However, many aspects of this syndrome with its wide spectrum of clinical and radiological features are still incompletely understood. In this review, possible pathophysiological mechanisms, approaches to diagnosis, recent study results on outcome, and future directions of research are described.

Recent findings
Clinical manifestations of PRES include seizures, headache, visual disturbances, altered mental state, and more rarely hemiparesis or aphasia. Vasogenic edema predominantly occurs in the parieto-occipital region, but lesions affecting formerly called ‘atypical’ regions such as frontal lobe, cerebellum, or basal ganglia are common. If treated early and adequately, that is by removal of the underlying cause, PRES has a favorable prognosis, but neurological residual symptoms and even mortality can occur, particularly in patients with complications such as intracranial hemorrhage.

Summary
In summary, validated diagnostic criteria and algorithms are warranted to standardize the diagnosis of PRES. This is essential for further research and future prospective studies that should investigate risk factors for unfavorable outcome and identify the roles of imaging features, clinical symptoms, and other biomarkers in predicting outcome.
In-depth proteomic characterization of Schistosoma haematobium: towards the development of new tools for elimination
Authors: Sotillo Javier , Pearson Mark S. , Becker Luke , Mekonnen Gebeyaw G. , Amoah Abena S. , van Dam Govert , Corstjens Paul L.A.M. , Mduluza Takafira , Mutapi Francisca , Loukas Alex 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundSchistosomiasis is a neglected disease affecting hundreds of millions worldwide. Of the three main species affecting humans, Schistosoma haematobium is the most common, and is the leading cause of urogenital schistosomiasis. S. haematobium infection can cause different urogential clinical complications, particularly in the bladder, and furthermore, this parasite has been strongly linked with squamous cell carcinoma. A comprehensive analysis of the molecular composition of its different proteomes will contribute to developing new tools against this devastating disease.Methods and FindingsBy combining a comprehensive protein fractionation approach consisting of OFFGEL electrophoresis with high-throughput mass spectrometry, we have performed the first in-depth characterisation of the different discrete proteomes of S. haematobium that are predicted to interact with human host tissues, including the secreted and tegumental proteomes of adult flukes and secreted and soluble egg proteomes. A total of 662, 239, 210 and 138 proteins were found in the adult tegument, adult secreted, soluble egg and secreted egg proteomes, respectively. In addition, we probed these distinct proteomes with urine to assess urinary antibody responses from naturally infected human subjects with different infection intensities, and identified adult fluke secreted and tegument extracts as being the best predictors of infection.ConclusionWe provide a comprehensive dataset of proteins from the adult and egg stages of S. haematobium and highlight their utility as diagnostic markers of infection intensity for the development of novel tools to control this important neglected tropical disease.Author SummarySchistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease affecting millions of people worldwide. Of the main three species affecting humans, Schistosoma haematobium is the most common, and is the leading cause of urogenital schistosomiasis. This parasite can cause a range of clinical complications associated with bladder pathogenesis, including squamous cell carcinoma as well as genital malignancy in women. Herein, we have performed the first comprehensive characterisation of the proteins implicated in host-parasite interactions (secreted and surface proteins from the adult flukes and secreted and soluble egg proteins) in order to advance our understanding of the parasite’s biology. Furthermore, we have characterised the different antibody responses in urine from infected human subjects from an endemic area presenting different infection intensities. The data obtained in this study can be used as a first step towards the development of novel tools for the control of urogenital schistosomiasis.
Expansion, Exploitation and Extinction: Niche Construction in Ephemeral Landscapes
Authors: Wetherington Miles T. , Keymer Juan E. 
Published: December 2018

We developed an interacting particle system (IPS) to study the effect of niche construction on metapopulation dynamics in ephemeral landscapes. Using finite scaling theory, we find a divergence in the qualitative behavior at the extinction threshold between analytic (mean field) and numerical (IPS) results when niche construction is confined to a small area in the spatial model. While increasing the area of niche construction leads to a faster rate of range expansion, it also causes a shift from a continuous to discontinuous phase transition, thus returning to the mean field prediction. Furthermore, in the discontinuous regime of the IPS, spatial clustering prior to a critical transition disappears. This is a significant finding as spatial clustering has been considered to be an early warning signal before ecosystems reach their ‘tipping point’. In addition to maintaining stability, we find this local niche construction strategy has an advantage when in competition with an exploiter because of their ability to monopolize the constructed niche due to spatial adjacency. However, as the niche construction neighborhood expands this advantage disappears and the exploiter strategy out-competes the niche constructor. In some cases the exploiter pushes the niche constructor to extinction, thus a tragedy of the commons ensues leading to ecological suicide and a collapse of the niche.Significance StatementMany populations do not exist passively in their environment. Niche construction theory tells us the co-regulatory feedback between a population and its localized environment can have significant impacts on the evolutionary trajectory and ecological stability of the population and broader community. However, if this feedback is not tightly coupled to the niche construction strategy it is left susceptible to exploitation. In some instances this can lead to ecological suicide, where both constructor and exploiter are driven to extinction. This study emphasizes the importance of being spatial when considering the ecological implications of niche construction. Along with adding to the development of niche construction theory, this work has implications for our understanding of critical transitions in vulnerable ecosystems.
Norovirus infection results in assembly of virus-specific G3BP1 granules and evasion of eIF2α signaling
Authors: Brocard Michèle , Iadevaia Valentina , Klein Philipp , Hall Belinda , Lewis Glenys , Lu Jia , Burke James , Parker Roy , Ruggieri Alessia , Goodfellow Ian G. , Locker Nicolas 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACTDuring viral infection, the accumulation of RNA replication intermediates or viral proteins imposes major stress on the host cell. In response, cellular stress pathways can rapidly impose defence mechanisms by shutting off the protein synthesis machinery, which viruses depend on, and triggering the accumulation of mRNAs into stress granules to limit the use of energy and nutrients. Because this threatens viral gene expression, viruses need to evade these pathways to propagate. Human norovirus is responsible for gastroenteritis outbreaks worldwide. Previously we showed that murine norovirus (MNV) regulates the activity of eukaryotic initiation factors (eIFs). Here we examined how MNV interacts with the eIF2α signaling axis controlling translation and stress granules accumulation. We show that while MNV infection represses host cell translation, it results in the assembly of virus-specific granules rather than stress granules. Further mechanistic analyses revealed that eIF2α signaling is uncoupled from translational stalling. Moreover the interaction of the RNA-binding protein G3BP1 with viral factors together with a redistribution of its cellular interacting partners could explain norovirus evasion of stress granules assembly. These results identify novel strategies by which norovirus ensure efficient replication propagation by manipulating the host stress response.
Rapid functional divergence of grass duplicate genes
Authors: Jiang Xueyuan , Assis Raquel 
Published: December 2018

AbstractGene duplication has played an important role in the evolution and domestication of flowering plants. Yet little is known about how plant duplicate genes evolve and are retained over long timescales, particularly those arising from small-scale duplication (SSD) rather than whole-genome duplication (WGD) events. Here we address this question in the Poaceae (grass) family by analyzing gene expression data from nine tissues ofBrachypodium distachyon,Oryza sativa japonica(rice), andSorghum bicolor(sorghum). Consistent with theoretical predictions, expression profiles of most grass genes are conserved after SSD, suggesting that functional conservation is the primary outcome of SSD in grasses. However, we also uncover support for widespread functional divergence, much of which occurs asymmetrically via the process of neofunctionalization. Moreover, neofunctionalization preferentially targets younger (child) duplicate gene copies, is associated with RNA-mediated duplication, and occurs quickly after duplication. Further analysis reveals that functional divergence of SSD-derived genes is positively correlated with both sequence divergence and tissue specificity in all three grass species, and particularly with anther expression inB. distachyon. Therefore, as found in many animal species, SSD-derived grass genes often undergo rapid functional divergence that may be driven by natural selection on male-specific phenotypes.
Toxicity of JUUL Fluids and Aerosols Correlates Strongly with Nicotine and Some Flavor Chemical Concentrations
Authors: Omaiye Esther E. , McWhirter Kevin J. , Luo Wentai , Pankow James F. , Talbot Prue 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACTWhile JUUL electronic cigarettes (ECs) have captured the majority of the EC market with a large fraction of their sales going to adolescents, little is known about their cytotoxicity and potential effects on health. The purpose of this study was to determine flavor chemical and nicotine concentrations in the eight currently marketed pre-filled JUUL EC cartridges (“pods”) and to evaluate the cytotoxicity of the different variants (e.g., “Cool Mint” and “Crème Brulee”) using in vitro assays. Nicotine and flavor chemicals were analyzed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry in pod fluid before and after vaping and in the corresponding aerosols. 59 flavor chemicals were identified in JUUL pod fluids, and three were >1 mg/mL. Duplicate pods were similar in flavor chemical composition and concentration. Nicotine concentrations (average 60.9 mg/mL) were significantly higher than any EC products we have analyzed previously. Transfer efficiency of individual flavor chemicals that were >1mg/mL and nicotine from the pod fluid into aerosols was generally 35 - 80%. All pod fluids were cytotoxic at a 1:10 dilution (10%) in the MTT and neutral red uptake assays when tested with BEAS-2B lung epithelial cells. Most aerosols were cytotoxic in these assays at concentrations >1%. The cytotoxicity of aerosols was highly correlated with nicotine and ethyl maltol concentrations and moderately to weakly correlated with total flavor chemical concentration and menthol concentration. Our study demonstrates that: (1) some JUUL flavor pods have high concentrations of flavor chemicals that may make them attractive to youth, and (2) the concentrations of nicotine and some flavor chemicals (e.g. ethyl maltol) are high enough to be cytotoxic in acute in vitro assays, emphasizing the need to determine if JUUL products will lead to adverse health effects with chronic use.