bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Communication Skills Training for Surgical Inpatient Advanced Practice Providers in an Academic Health-Care System
Authors: Joseph Johncy , Sicoutris Corinna , Raper Steven E 
Published: October 2018

Background: Good communication skills enhance the patient experience, clinical outcomes, and patient satisfaction. Objective: A course was developed by an interdisciplinary team (surgeon, nurse practitioner, and nurse MBA) for advanced practice providers (APPs) working for the department of surgery—a mix of practice and hospital-employed professionals—to enhance communications skills in an inpatient setting. Methods: Current concepts on provider–patient communication were discussed. Participants also asked to view and critique a video “provider–patient communication gone wrong” scenario. Lastly, participants were provided with techniques for improving provider–patient communication. The participants assessed the course. Provider communication scores were tracked from quarter 1, Fiscal Year 2014 to quarter 4 Fiscal Year 2017. Results: Of 110 eligible APPs, 95 (86%) attended the course. The anonymous survey response rate was 90% (86/95). Participants expressed satisfaction with the course content confirmed by Likert score weighted averages of >4.6/5 in all 8 domains. Communication scores increased with time. Conclusion: An interdisciplinary course aimed at enhancing provider–patient communication skills was well-received by the APP participants. The course was part of ongoing system-wide efforts to improve patient experiences, satisfaction, and outcomes. Continuing education in communication continues to play a key role in improving clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Lentinan inhibits tumor angiogenesis via interferon γ and in a T cell independent manner
Authors: Deng Shengming , Zhang Guoxi , Kuai Jiajie , Fan Peng , Wang Xuexiang , Zhou Pei , Yang Dan , Zheng Xichen , Liu Xiaomei , Wu Qunli , Huang Yuhui 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Background
Antiangiogenic agents are commonly used in lung and colon cancer treatments, however, rapid development of drug resistance limits their efficacy.

Methods
Lentinan (LNT) is a biologically active compound extracted from Lentinus edodes. The effects of LNT on tumor angiogenesis were evaluated by immunohistochemistry in murine LAP0297 lung and CT26 colorectal tumor models. The impacts of LNT on immune cells and gene expression in tumor tissues were determined by flow cytometry, qPCR, and ELISA. Nude mice and IFNγ blockade were used to investigate the mechanism of LNT affecting on tumor angiogenesis. The data sets were compared using two-tailed student’s t tests or ANOVA.

Results
We found that LNT inhibited tumor angiogenesis and the growth of lung and colon cancers. LNT treatments elevated the expression of angiostatic factors such as IFNγ and also increased tumor infiltration of IFNγ-expressing T cells and myeloid cells. Interestingly, IFNγ blockade, but not T cell deficiency, reversed the effects of LNT treatments on tumor blood vessels. Moreover, long-lasting LNT administration persistently suppressed tumor angiogenesis and inhibited tumor growth.

Conclusions
LNT inhibits tumor angiogenesis by increasing IFNγ production and in a T cell-independent manner. Our findings suggest that LNT could be developed as a new antiangiogenic agent for long-term treatment of lung and colon cancers.
Facial expression recognition using optimized active regions
Authors: Sun Ai , Li Yingjian , Huang Yueh-Min , Li Qiong , Lu Guangming 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
In this paper, we report an effective facial expression recognition system for classifying six or seven basic expressions accurately. Instead of using the whole face region, we define three kinds of active regions, i.e., left eye regions, right eye regions and mouth regions. We propose a method to search optimized active regions from the three kinds of active regions. A Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) is trained for each kind of optimized active regions to extract features and classify expressions. In order to get representable features, histogram equalization, rotation correction and spatial normalization are carried out on the expression images. A decision-level fusion method is applied, by which the final result of expression recognition is obtained via majority voting of the three CNNs’ results. Experiments on both independent databases and fused database are carried out to evaluate the performance of the proposed system. Our novel method achieves higher accuracy compared to previous literature, with the added benefit of low latency for inference.
Cell toxicity mechanism and biomarker
Authors: Zhang Yong 
Published: October 2018

AbstractCell toxicity may result in organ dysfunction and cause severe health problem. Recent studies revealed many toxicants may induced the over production of Nitric oxide, reactive oxygen species and the subsequent oxidative stress, cause cell toxicity. Mitochondrion dysfunction maybe the subsequent consequence of oxidative stress and has been recognized as another contributing factor in cell toxicity. Besides, oxidative products induced by some toxicants may also produce the compounds that damage cell DNA, leading to toxicity. Especially, the significance of nanoparticle induced cell toxicity was disclosed recently and attract more concern. The mechanism mainly includes inflammation, oxidative stress and DNA damage. On the other side, some biomarkers of cell toxicity including autophagy, cytokines, miRNA has been identified. The understanding of these phenomenon may enable us to clarify the cell toxicity mechanism then contribute to cell toxicity protection, disease treatment and drug side effect prevention.
Differential earthquake footprints on the masonry styles at Qal’at al-Subayba (Nimrod fortress) support the theory of its ancient origin
Authors: Margalit Alon 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Qal’at al-Subayba (Nimrod Fortress), one of the largest medieval fortresses in the Middle East, is strategically located above the city of Banias on the ancient highway from Tyre to Damascus. Scholars have attributed the founding of the fortress to different rulers and periods. Current theory attributes the fortress founding to the Ayyubids. Although the Ayyubic theory is widely accepted, it relies primarily upon alternative interpretation of historical sources rather than firsthand observations. The fortress was constructed using distinctively different masonry styles. The primary styles, Massive, Crusader, Ayyubic, and Mamluk, are characterized here. Some of these masonries carry earthquake footprints and findings show that the damage is correlated with the specific masonry rather than geographical or other constraints. The Massive masonry sustained the greatest damage. The Crusader masonry was damaged to a lesser extent and the Ayyubic and Mamluk were spared. Based on these findings, it is concluded that the fortress was hit by two powerful earthquakes, the one of A.D 749 and the one of A.D 1202. The earthquake of A.D 749 devastated the Massive masonry, prior to later constructions. As this masonry has Hellenistic characteristics, it is suggested that the fortress was founded by the Greco-Syrians.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Prostate Cancer: What Americans Can Learn From International Oncologists
Authors: James Nicholas , Graham John , Maurer Tobias , Eiber Matthias , Gschwend Jürgen E. 
Published: October 2018

The three main sections in this article illustrate a number of facets of European health care. The first section looks at the influence of NICE on treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. The second section explores the impact of molecular imaging on diagnosis and treatment, in particular the development and clinical implementation of 68Ga PET imaging in prostate cancer. The final section of the session looks at the STAMPEDE trial and how running a trial on this scale has impacted care of prostate cancer in the United Kingdom and also at the uptake of docetaxel chemotherapy in hormone-sensitive advanced disease.
Hypermethylator Phenotype and Ectopic GIP Receptor in GNAS Mutation-Negative Somatotropinomas
Authors: Hage Mirella , Chaligné Ronan , Viengchareun Say , Villa Chiara , Salenave Sylvie , Bouligand Jérôme , Letouzé Eric , Tosca Lucie , Rouquette Alexandra , Tachdjian Gérard , Parker Fabrice , Lombès Marc , Lacroix André , Gaillard Stéphan , Chanson Philippe , Kamenický Peter 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Context
Besides GNAS gene mutations, the molecular pathogenesis of somatotroph adenomas responsible for gigantism and acromegaly remains elusive.

Objective
To investigate alternative driver events in somatotroph tumorigenesis, focusing on a subgroup of acromegalic patients with a paradoxical increase in growth hormone (GH) secretion after oral glucose, resulting from ectopic glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) expression in their somatotropinomas.

Design, Setting, and Patients
We performed combined molecular analyses, including array-comparative genomic hybridization, RNA/DNA fluorescence in situ hybridization, and RRBS DNA methylation analysis on 41 somatotropinoma samples from 38 patients with acromegaly and three sporadic giants. Ten patients displayed paradoxical GH responses to oral glucose.

Results
GIPR expression was detected in 13 samples (32%), including all 10 samples from patients with paradoxical GH responses. All GIPR-expressing somatotropinomas were negative for GNAS mutations. GIPR expression occurred through transcriptional activation of a single allele of the GIPR gene in all GIPR-expressing samples, except in two tetraploid samples, where expression occurred from two alleles per nucleus. In addition to extensive 19q duplications, we detected in four samples GIPR locus microamplifications in a certain proportion of nuclei. We identified an overall hypermethylator phenotype in GIPR-expressing samples compared with GNAS-mutated adenomas. In particular, we observed hypermethylation in the GIPR gene body, likely driving its ectopic expression.

Conclusions
We describe a distinct molecular subclass of somatotropinomas, clinically revealed by a paradoxical increase of GH to oral glucose related to pituitary GIPR expression. This ectopic GIPR expression occurred through hypomorphic transcriptional activation and is likely driven by GIPR gene microamplifications and DNA methylation abnormalities.
Mechanical forces on cellular organelles
Authors: Feng Qian , Kornmann Benoît 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACT
The intracellular environment of eukaryotic cells is highly complex and compact. The limited volume of the cell, usually a few hundred femtoliters, is not only occupied by numerous complicated, diverse membranous and proteinaceous structures, these structures are also highly dynamic due to constant remodeling and trafficking events. Consequently, intracellular interactions are more than just opportunities to exchange molecules; they also involve components physically navigating around each other in a highly confined space. While the biochemical interactions between organelles have been intensely studied in the past decades, the mechanical properties of organelles and the physical interactions between them are only beginning to be unraveled. Indeed, recent studies show that intracellular organelles are, at times, under extreme mechanical strain both in widely used experimental systems as well as in vivo. In this Hypothesis, we highlight known examples of intracellular mechanical challenges in biological systems and focus on the coping mechanisms of two important organelles, the nucleus and mitochondria, for they are the best studied in this aspect. In the case of mitochondria, we propose that ER–mitochondrial contact sites at thin cell peripheries may induce mitochondrial fission by mechanically constricting mitochondrial tubules. We also briefly discuss the mechano-responsiveness of other organelles and interesting directions for future research.
Collaborative by Design? How Matrix Organizations See/Do Alliances
Authors: Sytch Maxim , Wohlgezogen Franz , Zajac Edward J. 
Published: October 2018

This study develops and tests a conceptual framework that analyzes how and why a firm’s experiences with complex intraorganizational structures (i.e., matrix) will affect its propensity to enter into, and ability to manage, complex interorganizational structures (i.e., alliances that are multilateral, multifunctional, or involve diverse industry partners). We posit that managers of matrix firms’ greater familiarity with coordination, knowledge sharing, and conflict management challenges in intraorganizational collaboration gives them greater confidence in their ability to manage similar challenges in complex alliances. Using a combination of quantitative data analysis and semistructured interviews, we find support for our core prediction that matrix firms are more likely than nonmatrix firms to enter into complex alliances. Unexpectedly, we find that the stock market penalizes matrix firms that engage in multifunctional alliances, a phenomenon we suggest reflects a “double-complexity discount.” The double-complexity discount refers to reduced organizational outcomes incurred for the simultaneous complexity of intra- and interorganizational governance structures. This study raises questions about the benefits and costs of firms’ simultaneously engaging in complex intra- and interorganizational governance structures, with particular attention to the difference between managerial confidence and competence regarding complex collaboration challenges. The online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2018.1220 .
Mathematical Modeling of a Cross-Flow Rice Dryer with Grain Inverters
Authors: Prakash Bhagwati , Siebenmorgen Terry J. 
Published: October 2018

Abstract. Industrial-scale cross-flow dryers are commonly equipped with grain inverters to improve the uniformity of drying across the column thickness. While a few mathematical models have been reported that include the operation of grain inverters, such models were rarely validated with experiments comprising grain inversions. In this study, a mathematical model was developed to evaluate the impact of grain inverters on the uniformity of grain moisture content (MC) across the column in cross-flow dryers. To improve the accuracy of model predictions, the impact of using two thin-layer drying equations, the Newton and modified Page equations, in the model was also investigated. An experimental setup was fabricated to simulate grain inversion, and drying experiments were performed to measure rice MC and air temperature across the column thickness, which were then compared with model-predicted values. When the modified Page equation was used in the model, the model predictions matched the experimental observations more closely than when using the Newton equation. The model successfully predicted grain and air properties when 0, 1, and 2 grain inversions were used; the root mean square error between predicted and measured values of rice MC and air temperature were within 0.1 to 0.2 percentage points and 1°C to 4°C, respectively. Grain inversions were shown to improve the uniformity of drying in rice kernels; in the tested drying conditions, a single grain inversion produced more uniform drying than two or more grain inversions in the column. The presented results demonstrate the usefulness of the developed model in investigating the role of grain inversion in cross-flow drying of rice. As such, the model could be readily used to improve dryer design, particularly the number and arrangement of grain inverters, and optimize rice drying operations. Keywords: Deep-bed drying, Grain inverters, Mathematical modeling, Reversed airflow, Thin-layer drying.
Retroperitoneal paraganglioma: a chameleon masquerading as an adrenal pheochromocytoma
Authors: Parmar K , Chandna A , Kumar S 
Published: October 2018

Retroperitoneal paragangliomas are rare tumours arising from neural crest cells located near or in the autonomic nervous system; right from the skull bass to the pelvic floor. Often called the great masqueraders, their diagnosis and treatment is often difficult and fraught with danger, considering the close proximity of these tumours to important retroperitoneal organs. A 29-year-old woman presented to the outpatient department with complaints of paroxysms of headache, sweating and palpitations for one year. She was found to have elevated urinary metadrenalines (metanephrines) and a suprarenal mass on contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen, which demonstrated increased tracer activity on I-131 iodine-123 meta-iodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy. Adrenal pheochromocytoma was diagnosed and she underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy after stabilisation of her blood pressure. Laparoscopy revealed a large suprarenal mass with dense adhesions to the inferior vena cava that was carefully separated from the vein and surrounding structures. The cut section revealed a heterogeneous mass encasing a normal adrenal gland and histopathology confirmed the same, confirming the final diagnosis of retroperitoneal paraganglioma.
Editorial: Categorising Migrants: Standards, complexities, and politics
Authors: Meyer Claus K. , Boll Sebastian 
Published: October 2018

In spring 2017, New York Times correspondent Patrick Kingsley went to Turkey to cover the lives of Syrian refugees. In Istanbul, Kingsley met Abu Mohammed, a former surgeon’s assistant from Syria, who between 2015 and 2016 had helped to facilitate the passage of refugees from his home country into Greece. After narrowly escaping death in his own failed attempt to reach Europe, Mohammed had earned some USD 800,000 with ‘smuggling’ activities. He himself spoke of a ‘dirty business’, but it had also been more than just a business—the refugees whom he had helped reach Europe included relatives and even his own son.
Kingsley also met 15-year-old Syrian Ismail Alanzi, a refugee working ‘up to 11 hours a day, six days a week’ on a farm in the east of Turkey—much more than the limit set by Turkish law for someone his age. With his father unable to find employment, however, the burden of supporting the family fell upon Ismail. He earned about TRY 800 (USD 225) per month for his toil, which was little more than half of the statutory minimum wage in the country. Ismail also received permission for his family to set up a tent on the land of his employer as they struggled to find proper housing. Turkish law restricts refugees to residing in the province where they are registered, but the family had moved in search of work.
Emission of Greenhouse Gases and Odorants from Pig Slurry - Effect on the Environment and Methods of its Reduction
Authors: Marszałek Marta , Kowalski Zygmunt , Makara Agnieszka 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Pig slurry is classified as a natural liquid fertilizer, which is a heterogeneous mixture of urine, faeces, remnants of feed and technological water, used to remove excrement and maintain the hygiene of livestock housing. The storage and distribution of pig slurry on farmland affect the environment as they are associated with, among others, the emission of various types of gaseous pollutants, mainly CH4, CO2, N2O, NH3, H2S, and other odorants. Methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O) are greenhouse gases (GHGs) which contribute to climate change by increasing the greenhouse effect. Ammonia (NH3) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) are malodorous gases responsible for the occurrence of odour nuisance which, due to their toxicity, may endanger the health and lives of humans and animals. NH3 also influences the increase of atmosphere and soil acidification. The article presents the environmental impact of greenhouse gases and odorous compounds emitted from pig slurry. Key gaseous atmospheric pollutants such as NH3, H2S, CH4, CO2 and N2O have been characterized. Furthermore, methods to reduce the emission of odours and GHGs from pig slurry during its storage and agricultural usage have been discussed.
Quantity and Quality of Biogas Produced from the Poultry Sludge Optimized by Filamentous Fungi
Authors: Wrońska Ilona , Cybulska Krystyna 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
One of the methods for recovery and utilization of waste products from the poultry industry is to subject them to the methane fermentation process in the biogas plant. These are waste with a high content of fatty compounds and proteins, including keratin. Their specificity is characterized by rapid possibility of spoilage, rancidity and problems of further management. These wastes are characterized by varying degrees of complexity, thus their use as a raw material for the biogas fermenter should be preceded by a pre-treatment. An example of waste generated in poultry processing is biological sludge. Optimizing this material with highly enzymatic fungi could accelerate the degradation of the organic matter contained and, as a result, increase the energy efficiency of this type of waste. Quantitative and qualitative parameters of biogas produced from biological sludge processed by isolated filamentous fungi with high metabolic potential were determined. Laboratory tests were based on the modified methodology included in the standards DIN 38414-S8 and VDI 4630. Based on the results obtained, it was found that the pre-optimization of biological sludge by fungal strains with different metabolic potential, influences on the yield of biogas production, including methane. There was an increase in the biogas yield from the biological sludge processed by the mixed fungal consortium (by 20 %) and the strain marked as F1 (by 14 %) as compared to the non-inoculated material, which was also reflected in the amount of methane produced in the case of the mixed fungal consortium (by 28 %) and the strain marked as F1 (by 12 %).
Heavy Metal Adsorption by Dewatered Iron-Containing Waste Sludge
Authors: Yildiz Sayiter , Sevinç Selahattin 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Drinking water treatment plants produce significant amounts of waste sludge. In this study, removal of Nickel ion by use of wastewater sludge was aimed. The adsorption capability of waste sludge was optimized with varying physical parameters such as pH, adsorbent dosage, adsorbate concentration, contact time, shaking speed and temperature. Initial concentration was set as 25 mg/dm3, absorbent dose was set as 0.3 g/cm3, and temperature was set as 25 °C. Compliance of balance data with Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin and D-R isotherm models was investigated. The highest R
2 values were obtained with Freundlich isotherm (R
2 = 0.92-0.95). Adsorption kinetics was analysed using pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, Weber and Morris intraparticle diffusion and Elovich kinetic models, and the system was found to be in a better compliance with pseudo-second order kinetic model. Iron sludge was used as sorbent, and accordingly total iron ion measurements were carried out to determine its possible effects on water. Additionally, SEM, EDX, FTIR spectroscopy, XRD spectrum and atomic force microscope (AFM) measurements were conducted to determine the interaction between the sorbent and metal ions, in addition to characterization of the sorbent. As indicated by research results, drinking water treatment sludge proved to be a potential adsorbent for removal of nickel(II) ions from the solution.