bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cytopathological results of initial endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration for primary mass and prognosis in pancreatic cancer patients
Authors: Lee Jung Hwan , Woo Sang Myung , Hong Eun Kyung , Park Sang‐Jae , Han Sung‐Sik , Kim Tae Hyun , Lee Ju Hee , Lee Woo Jin 
Published: December 2018

ObjectivesClinical outcomes remain unclear in patients suspected of having pancreatic cancer with indeterminate endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) results. This work aimed to investigate the prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients with indeterminate findings at initial EUS‐FNA.MethodsFindings in all patients who underwent EUS‐FNA for suspected pancreatic cancer between 2008 and 2015 at the National Cancer Center, Korea, were retrospectively reviewed. A final diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma was based on pathology reports.ResultsOf the 144 patients evaluated, 113 (78%) were diagnosed as being positive/suspicious for malignancy on cytological evaluation and 31 (22%) as having atypia/negative/non‐diagnostic findings at initial EUS‐FNA but subsequently diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Tumour size, clinical stage and treatment modalities did not differ significantly between these two groups. Median overall survival was significantly shorter in patients diagnosed (11.3 ± 0.74 months; 95% confidence interval [CI], 9.4‐12.8 months) than non‐diagnosed (16.9 ± 2.34 months; 95% CI, 12.0‐17.4 months) on initial EUS‐FNA (P = .024). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that a non‐diagnosis on initial EUS‐FNA was independently associated with better overall survival (hazard ratio, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.38‐0.88; P = .011).ConclusionsNon‐diagnostic results on initial EUS‐FNA of a primary mass may be associated with better prognosis in patients with pancreatic cancer.
Clinical features of isolated proximal‐type immunoglobulin G4‐related sclerosing cholangitis
Authors: Takagi Yuri , Kubota Kensuke , Takayanagi Takuya , Kurita Yusuke , Ishii Ken , Hasegawa Sho , Iwasaki Akito , Sato Takamitsu , Fujita Yuji , Kato Shingo , Kagawa Koichi , Watanabe Seitaro , Sekino Yusuke , Hosono Kunihiro , Matsuhashi Nobuyuki , Yamanaka Shoji , Iwao Toshiyasu , Yoshida Koji , Nakajima Atsushi 
Published: December 2018

Background and AimImmunoglobulin G4‐related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4‐SC) presents as isolated proximal‐type sclerosing cholangitis (i‐SC). The present study sought to clarify the imaging differences between i‐SC and Klatskin tumor. Differences between i‐SC and IgG4‐SC associated with autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP‐SC) were also studied.MethodsDifferentiating factors between i‐SC and Klatskin tumor were studied. Serum IgG4 level, CA19‐9 level, computed tomography (CT) findings, cholangiography findings (symmetrical smooth long stricture extending into the upper bile duct [SSLS]), endosonographic features (continuous symmetrical mucosal lesion to the hilar part [CSML]), endoscopic biopsy results, treatment, relapse, and survival were also compared between patients with i‐SC and those with AIP‐SC.ResultsFor a differential diagnosis between i‐SC (N = 9) and Klatskin tumor (N = 47), the cut‐off value of serum IgG4 level was 150 mg/dL (sensitivity, 0.857, specificity, 0.966). Logistic regression analysis indicated that serum IgG4 level, presence of SSLS, presence of CSML, and presence of swollen ampulla are independent factor for identifying i‐SC. Relapse rate was significantly higher in the IgG4‐SC with AIP group than in the i‐SC group (log rank, P = 0.046).ConclusionIsolated proximal‐type sclerosing cholangitis presents as a nodular lesion with SSLS and/or CSML mimicking a Klatskin tumor. Those endoscopic features might provide a diagnostic clue for i‐SC. i‐SC is likely to have a more favorable prognosis than IgG4‐SC with AIP.
Arabidopsis seryl‐tRNA synthetase: the first crystal structure and novel protein interactor of plant aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetase
Authors: Kekez Mario , Zanki Vladimir , Kekez Ivana , Baranasic Jurica , Hodnik Vesna , Duchêne Anne‐Marie , Anderluh Gregor , Gruic‐Sovulj Ita , Matković‐Čalogović Dubravka , Weygand‐Durasevic Ivana , Rokov‐Plavec Jasmina 
Published: December 2018

The rules of the genetic code are established by aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetases (aaRSs) enzymes, which covalently link tRNA with the cognate amino acid. Many aaRSs are involved in diverse cellular processes beyond translation, acting alone, or in complex with other proteins. However, studies of aaRS noncanonical assembly and functions in plants are scarce, as are structural studies of plant aaRSs. Here, we have solved the crystal structure of Arabidopsis thaliana cytosolic seryl‐tRNA synthetase (SerRS), which is the first crystallographic structure of a plant aaRS. Arabidopsis SerRS displays structural features typical of canonical SerRSs, except for a unique intrasubunit disulfide bridge. In a yeast two‐hybrid screen, we identified BEN1, a protein involved in the metabolism of plant brassinosteroid hormones, as a protein interactor of Arabidopsis SerRS. The SerRS:BEN1 complex is one of the first protein complexes of plant aaRSs discovered so far, and is a rare example of an aaRS interacting with an enzyme involved in primary or secondary metabolism. To pinpoint regions responsible for this interaction, we created truncated variants of SerRS and BEN1, and identified that the interaction interface involves the SerRS globular catalytic domain and the N‐terminal extension of BEN1 protein. BEN1 does not have a strong impact on SerRS aminoacylation activity, indicating that the primary function of the complex is not the modification of SerRS canonical activity. Perhaps SerRS performs as yet unknown noncanonical functions mediated by BEN1. These findings indicate that – via SerRS and BEN1 – a link exists between the protein translation and steroid metabolic pathways of the plant cell.DatabaseStructural data are available in the PDB under the accession number PDB ID 6GIR.
Climate change resilience of a globally important sea turtle nesting population
Authors: Patrício Ana R. , Varela Miguel R. , Barbosa Castro , Broderick Annette C. , Catry Paulo , Hawkes Lucy A. , Regalla Aissa , Godley Brendan J. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractFew studies have looked into climate change resilience of populations of wild animals. We use a model higher vertebrate, the green sea turtle, as its life history is fundamentally affected by climatic conditions, including temperature‐dependent sex determination and obligate use of beaches subject to sea level rise (SLR). We use empirical data from a globally important population in West Africa to assess resistance to climate change within a quantitative framework. We project 200 years of primary sex ratios (1900–2100) and create a digital elevation model of the nesting beach to estimate impacts of projected SLR. Primary sex ratio is currently almost balanced, with 52% of hatchlings produced being female. Under IPCC models, we predict: (a) an increase in the proportion of females by 2100 to 76%–93%, but cooler temperatures, both at the end of the nesting season and in shaded areas, will guarantee male hatchling production; (b) IPCC SLR scenarios will lead to 33.4%–43.0% loss of the current nesting area; (c) climate change will contribute to population growth through population feminization, with 32%–64% more nesting females expected by 2120; (d) as incubation temperatures approach lethal levels, however, the population will cease growing and start to decline. Taken together with other factors (degree of foraging plasticity, rookery size and trajectory, and prevailing threats), this nesting population should resist climate change until 2100, and the availability of spatial and temporal microrefugia indicates potential for resilience to predicted impacts, through the evolution of nest site selection or changes in nesting phenology. This represents the most comprehensive assessment to date of climate change resilience of a marine reptile using the most up‐to‐date IPCC models, appraising the impacts of temperature and SLR, integrated with additional ecological and demographic parameters. We suggest this as a framework for other populations, species and taxa.
Warmer and browner waters decrease fish biomass production
Authors: van Dorst Renee M. , Gårdmark Anna , Svanbäck Richard , Beier Ulrika , Weyhenmeyer Gesa A. , Huss Magnus 
Published: December 2018

AbstractClimate change studies have long focused on effects of increasing temperatures, often without considering other simultaneously occurring environmental changes, such as browning of waters. Resolving how the combination of warming and browning of aquatic ecosystems affects fish biomass production is essential for future ecosystem functioning, fisheries, and food security. In this study, we analyzed individual‐ and population‐level fish data from 52 temperate and boreal lakes in Northern Europe, covering large gradients in water temperature and color (absorbance, 420 nm). We show that fish (Eurasian perch, Perca fluviatilis) biomass production decreased with both high water temperatures and brown water color, being lowest in warm and brown lakes. However, while both high temperature and brown water decreased fish biomass production, the mechanisms behind the decrease differed: temperature affected the fish biomass production mainly through a decrease in population standing stock biomass, and through shifts in size‐ and age‐distributions toward a higher proportion of young and small individuals in warm lakes; brown water color, on the other hand, mainly influenced fish biomass production through negative effects on individual body growth and length‐at‐age. In addition to these findings, we observed that the effects of temperature and brown water color on individual‐level processes varied over ontogeny. Body growth only responded positively to higher temperatures among young perch, and brown water color had a stronger negative effect on body growth of old than on young individuals. Thus, to better understand and predict future fish biomass production, it is necessary to integrate both individual‐ and population‐level responses and to acknowledge within‐species variation. Our results suggest that global climate change, leading to browner and warmer waters, may negatively affect fish biomass production, and this effect may be stronger than caused by increased temperature or water color alone.
Out‐of‐plane mechanical characterization of acicular mullite and aluminum titanate diesel particulate filters
Authors: Brodnik Neal R. , Faber Katherine T. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThis study characterizes the flexural and compressive behavior of two porous ceramic honeycombs commonly used in diesel particulate filtration, acicular mullite and aluminum titanate. Compression along the axis normal to the honeycomb cross‐section, referred to as out‐of‐plane compression, is compared to in‐plane flexure. The relationship between these loading modes is assessed using the failure strength and elastic modulus of the honeycomb structure and the constituent wall material. Weibull analyzes showed that flexure and out‐of‐plane compression exhibit similar behavior in cases where failure is governed by a single flaw, such as in acicular mullite. However, in heavily microcracked systems like aluminum titanate, compressive failure occurs by damage accumulation rather than growth of a single flaw, so compressive failure strengths are higher than flexural ones. Buckling was also shown to occur in both systems, but the geometries required are unlikely to be encountered in practical application. In the context of filter life assessment, failure in flexure occurs at much lower stresses for systems that rely on microcracking to accommodate thermal strains, so flexure is better suited as an estimate of filter strength.
Effect of sludge from wastewater treatment processing of a tobacco agroindustry in ceramics matrix
Authors: Ferreira Jéssica S. , de Moura Daiane C. , dos Santos Pâmela A. M. , Arcaro Sabrina , Krann Maira L. , Lopez Diosnel A. R. , Rodriguez Adriane A. L. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe sludge of a wastewater treatment plant of a tobacco processing agroindustry is a waste material, and although it is not considered a hazardous waste, its disposal must occur in landfills, which causes high costs. Therefore, a thorough study to find a suitable destination for the sludge is necessary. In this work, this sludge and red clay were prepared in different formulations, uniaxial compacted and fired at 950, 1050 and 1150°C to evaluate the effects of the incorporation of sludge to obtain ceramic materials and to verify the potential application in the construction industry. Water absorption increases with sludge content (due the evolvement of gases related to the decomposition of hemicellulose and lignin present in tobacco) and decreases with higher firing temperatures, ranging from 9.55% to 20.10%. Values of mechanical resistance ranged from 7.23 to 1.84 MPa at a firing temperature of 950°C, 7.58 and 1.78 MPa at 1050°C and 6.94 and 3.97 MPa at 1150°C. The results show that ceramic materials obtained are promising in the production of masonry blocks. The use of the sludge reduces the environmental impacts that may be caused by waste and decreases the amount of raw material extracted from nature.
Context‐aware language‐learning application in the green technology building: Which group can benefit the most?
Authors: Wang Hong‐You , Lin Vivien , Hwang Gwo‐Jen , Liu Gi‐Zen 
Published: December 2018

AbstractTo assess the effects and learner perceptions of context‐aware ubiquitous language learning (CAULL), a green‐building English‐learning application (GBELA) employing sensing technology was created to develop participants' English listening and reading skills using smartphones and QR codes. This study investigated the effects of 40 participants' perceived ease of use, usability, usefulness, learner attitude, satisfaction with the use of GBELA, and self‐efficacy in smartphone and GBELA usage. Quantitative and qualitative data through pretest/post‐test, questionnaires, and semistructured interviews were collected with a focus on green building–based English (GBbE) reading and listening skills. Results proved the effectiveness of the GBELA for both high‐achievement (HA) and low‐achievement (LA) groups. Furthermore, correlations were found between the HA group and ease of use of the GBELA. The correlations among learner perceptions and self‐efficacy showed that a well‐designed context‐aware learning system can help learners enhance self‐efficacy in CAULL mode. Implications for the design of effective context‐ and knowledge‐specific ubiquitous learning systems are provided in the study.
Winter morning surge in blood pressure after the Great East Japan Earthquake
Authors: Nishizawa Masafumi , Fujiwara Takeshi , Hoshide Satoshi , Sato Keiko , Okawara Yukie , Tomitani Naoko , Matsuo Takefumi , Kario Kazuomi 
Published: December 2018

This study investigated the association between winter morning surge in systolic blood pressure (SBP) as measured by ambulatory BP monitoring and the housing conditions of subjects in an area damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake. In 2013, 2 years after disaster, hypertensives who lived in homes that they had purchased before the disaster (n = 299, 74.6 ± 8.1 years) showed significant winter morning surge in SBP (+5.0 ± 20.8 mmHg, P < 0.001), while those who lived in temporary housing (n = 113, 76.2 ± 7.6 years) did not. When we divided the winter morning surge in SBP into quintiles, the factors of age ≥75 years and occupant‐owned housing were significant determinants for the highest quintile (≥20 mmHg) after adjustment for covariates. The hypertensives aged ≥75 years who lived in their own homes showed a significant risk for the highest quintile (odds ratio 5.21, 95% confidence interval 1.49‐18.22, P = 0.010). It is thus crucial to prepare suitable housing conditions for elderly hypertensives following a disaster.
Genetic variant in miR‐21 binding sites is associated with colorectal cancer risk
Authors: Xie Lisheng , Li Shuwei , Jin Jing , He Lei , Xu Kaili , Zhu Lingjun , Du Mulong , Liu Yanqing , Chu Haiyan , Zhang Zhengdong , Wang Meilin , Shi Danni , Gu Dongying , Ni Min 
Published: December 2018

AbstractSingle nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within binding sites of microRNAs (miRNAs) could modify cancer susceptibility by changing the binding affinity of miRNAs on their target mRNA 3ʹ‐untranslated regions (UTRs). MicroRNA‐21 (miR‐21) is involved in the development of colorectal cancer. However, the relationship between SNPs within the binding sites of miR‐21 and colorectal cancer risk has not been widely investigated. A case‐control study including 1147 patients and 1203 controls was performed to evaluate the association of SNPs in miR‐21 binding sites and colorectal cancer risk. Dual‐luciferase reporter assays and functional assays were performed to evaluate the effects of miR‐21. The SNP rs6504593 C allele conferred an increased risk of colorectal cancer compared with the T allele in an additive model (odds ratio [OR] = 1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.04‐1.36, P = 0.011). Dual‐luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that the rs6504593 T allele negatively post‐transcriptionally regulated IGF2BP1 by altering the binding affinity of miR‐21. Additionally, colorectal cancer cells transiently transfected with miR‐21 mimics promoted cell proliferation and suppressed apoptosis, whereas inhibition of miR‐21 decreased cell growth. These data suggest that the miR‐21 binding site SNP rs6504593 in the IGF2BP1 3ʹ‐UTR may alter IGF2BP1 expression and contribute to colorectal cancer risk.
Development and evaluation of flipped learning using film clips within a nursing informatics course
Authors: Oh Jina , Kim Shin‐Jeong , Kim Sunghee , Kang Kyung‐Ah , Kan JinSook , Bartlett Robin 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAimTo develop flipped learning classes by using film clips for undergraduate nursing students in an online nursing informatics course, based on the Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation model, and to evaluate the effectiveness and students’ responses to this method of teaching.MethodsSixty‐four second‐year nursing students participated in the course. The nursing students’ knowledge was assessed at the beginning and end of each of the five classes. Moreover, their intention to recommend the classes to other students and additional comments were elicited by using semistructured questionnaires.ResultsKnowledge about each core concept of nursing informatics reflected significant improvement. Regarding the intention to recommend the class to others, 62 (96.8%) students answered “strongly recommend” or “recommend.”ConclusionIntegrating flipped learning classes by using film clips in an online nursing informatics course improved the nursing students’ knowledge and is a format that is desired by students.
Adult Life Satisfaction and the Role of Forgiveness After Childhood Sexual Abuse: Evidence from a Seventh‐day Adventist Cohort
Authors: Morton Kelly R. , Tanzini Laura , Lee Jerry W. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractNegative physical and mental health outcomes are well documented for those who experience child sexual abuse. We explore the role of three types of dispositional forgiveness (of self, of others, and by God) as effect modifiers of the child sexual abuse and life satisfaction relationship. In 2010–2011, a sample of 5,506 Seventh‐day Adventists reported levels of forgiveness, life satisfaction, and whether or not they had experienced sexual abuse in each of the two age periods (younger than 8 years and 8–18 years). Reported experience of childhood sexual abuse lowered life satisfaction regardless of when the child sexual abuse occurred. Forgiveness of self and of others were associated with higher life satisfaction regardless of sexual abuse exposure. Feeling forgiven by God was associated with increased life satisfaction indirectly through forgiveness of self and others. However, for those abused later in childhood, the association of abuse with reduced life satisfaction was weaker for those who felt forgiven by God. These findings suggest forgiveness by God operates primarily through forgiveness of self (and others) but can also buffer the effects of childhood sexual abuse on later life satisfaction when the abuse occurs in childhood/adolescence.
Your Own Personal Jesus? Doctrinal Beliefs Versus Personal Spirituality Among Inmates Involved in the Monastery Route in Swedish Prisons
Authors: Alm Susanne , Roxell Lena 
Published: December 2018

AbstractPrevious studies, mainly from the United States, have indicated that religious beliefs can help inmates to cope with imprisonment and to build hopes for the future. The purpose of this study was to examine if this is the case also in Sweden, which is usually considered to be one of the most secular countries in the world. The data consist of semistructured interviews with 14 prisoners participating in the so‐called Monastery Route activities within Swedish prisons. Although the activities are based on Christianity, the explicit aim is to invite individuals from all religions, as well as those with an open attitude toward spirituality. How do the inmates formulate their beliefs (if any) along the lines of doctrinal religiousness and personal spirituality, respectively? And, how does this orientation affect the ability to cope with imprisonment, as well as the views of the future? The results show that a small number of the participants defined themselves as Christian, but that the majority had instead developed a more personal form of spirituality. This provided them with a means of working with themselves and gave them a sense of inner calm. The study's findings are contrasted against conflicting results from the United States.
Sustained virological response does not improve long‐term glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Li Jia , Gordon Stuart C. , Rupp Loralee B. , Zhang Talan , Trudeau Sheri , Holmberg Scott D. , Moorman Anne C. , Spradling Philip R. , Teshale Eyasu H. , Boscarino Joseph A. , Schmidt Mark A. , Daida Yihe G. , Lu Mei ,   for the CHeCS Investigators
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundSustained virological response to treatment for chronic hepatitis C virus may improve short‐term glucose control among patients with type 2 diabetes, but the long‐term impact remains largely unknown. We used data from the Chronic Hepatitis Cohort Study to investigate the impact of sustained virological response on long‐term trends in haemoglobin A1c in patients with type 2 diabetes.Methods“Index date” was defined as the date of treatment initiation (treated patients) or hepatitis C virus diagnosis (untreated patients). To address treatment selection bias, we used a propensity score approach. We used a piecewise, linear spline, mixed‐effects model to evaluate changes in haemoglobin A1c over a 5‐year period.ResultsOur sample included 384 hepatitis C virus patients with type 2 diabetes (192 untreated, 192 treated, with sustained virological response or treatment failure). After adjusting for body mass index, haemoglobin A1c was stable among untreated and treatment failure patients. In sustained virological response patients, Hb1Ac trajectories evolved in three phases: (a) index through 6 months post‐index, average haemoglobin A1c decreased significantly from 7.7% to 5.4% per 90 days (P < 0.001); (b) 6‐30 months post‐index, haemoglobin A1c rebounded at a rate of 1.5% every 90 days (P = 0.003); and (c) from 30 months onward, haemoglobin A1c stabilized at an average level of 7.9 (P‐value = 0.34). Results from an analysis restricted to patients receiving direct‐acting antivirals were consistent with the main findings.ConclusionSuccessful hepatitis C virus treatment among patients with type 2 diabetes significantly reduces HbA1c shortly after treatment, but these decreases are not sustained long‐term. Less than three years after sustained virological response, haemoglobin A1c rebounds to levels similar to untreated/treatment failure patients, and higher than recommended for type 2 diabetic maintenance.