bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adjuvant transcatheter arterial chemoembolization after curative resection for hepatocellular carcinoma patients with solitary tumor and microvascular invasion: a randomized clinical trial of efficacy and safety
Authors: Wei Wei , Jian Pei‐En , Li Shao‐Hua , Guo Zhi‐Xing , Zhang Yong‐Fa , Ling Yi‐Hong , Lin Xiao‐Jun , Xu Li , Shi Ming , Zheng Lie , Chen Min‐Shan , Guo Rong‐Ping 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe optimal strategy for adjuvant therapy after curative resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with solitary tumor and microvascular invasion (MVI) is controversial. This trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of adjuvant transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) after hepatectomy versus hepatectomy alone in HCC patients with a solitary tumor ≥ 5 cm and MVI.MethodsIn this randomized, open‐labeled, phase III trial, HCC patients with a solitary tumor ≥ 5 cm and MVI were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either 1–2 cycles of adjuvant TACE after hepatectomy (Hepatectomy‐TACE) or hepatectomy alone (Hepatectomy Alone). The primary endpoint was disease‐free survival (DFS); the secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS) and adverse events.ResultsBetween June 1, 2009, and December 31, 2012, 250 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to the Hepatectomy‐TACE group (n = 125) or the Hepatectomy Alone group (n = 125). Clinicopathological characteristics were balanced between the two groups. The median follow‐up time from randomization was 37.5 months [interquartile range 18.3–48.2 months]. The median DFS was significantly longer in the Hepatectomy‐TACE group than in the Hepatectomy Alone group [17.45 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 11.99–29.14) vs. 9.27 months (95% CI 6.05–13.70), hazard ratio [HR] = 0.70 (95% CI 0.52–0.95), P = 0.020], respectively. The median OS was also significantly longer in the Hepatectomy‐TACE group than in the Hepatectomy Alone group [44.29 months (95% CI 25.99–62.58) vs. 22.37 months (95% CI 10.84–33.91), HR = 0.68 (95% CI 0.48–0.97), P = 0.029]. Treatment‐related adverse events were more frequently observed in the Hepatectomy‐TACE group, although these were generally mild and manageable. The most common grade 3 or 4 adverse events in both groups were neutropenia and liver dysfunction.ConclusionHepatectomy followed by adjuvant TACE is an appropriate option after radical resection in HCC patients with solitary tumor ≥ 5 cm and MVI, with acceptable toxicity.
The balance of poly(U) polymerase activity ensures germline identity, survival and development in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Li Yini , Maine Eleanor M. 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACT
Poly(U) polymerases (PUPs) catalyze 3′ uridylation of mRNAs and small RNAs, a modification often correlating with decreased RNA stability. We have investigated the importance of three proteins with in vitro PUP activity, PUP-1/CDE-1, PUP-2 and PUP-3, in C. elegans germline development. Genetic analysis indicates that PUP-1/CDE-1 and PUP-2 are developmentally redundant under conditions of temperature stress during which they ensure germline viability and development. Multiple lines of evidence indicate that pup-1/-2 double mutant germ cells fail to maintain their identity as distinct from soma. Consistent with phenotypic data, PUP-1 and PUP-2 are expressed in embryonic germ cell precursors and throughout germline development. The developmental importance of PUP activity is presumably in regulating gene expression as both a direct and indirect consequence of modifying target RNAs. PUP-3 is significantly overexpressed in the pup-1/-2 germline, and loss of pup-3 function partially suppresses pup-1/-2 germline defects. We conclude that one major function of PUP-1/-2 is to limit PUP-3 expression. Overall, the balance of PUP-1, PUP-2 and PUP-3 activities appears to ensure proper germline development.
Apolipoprotein E deficiency accelerates atherosclerosis development in miniature pigs
Authors: Fang Bin , Ren Xueyang , Wang Ying , Li Ze , Zhao Lihua , Zhang Manling , Li Chu , Zhang Zhengwei , Chen Lei , Li Xiaoxue , Liu Jiying , Xiong Qiang , Zhang Lining , Jin Yong , Liu Xiaorui , Li Lin , Wei Hong , Yang Haiyuan , Li Rongfeng , Dai Yifan 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACT
Miniature pigs have advantages over rodents in modeling atherosclerosis because their cardiovascular system and physiology are similar to that of humans. Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) deficiency has long been implicated in cardiovascular disease in humans. To establish an improved large animal model of familial hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis, the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated protein 9 system (CRISPR/Cas9) was used to disrupt the ApoE gene in Bama miniature pigs. Biallelic-modified ApoE pigs with in-frame mutations (ApoEm/m) and frameshift mutations (ApoE−/−) were simultaneously produced. ApoE−/− pigs exhibited moderately increased plasma cholesterol levels when fed with a regular chow diet, but displayed severe hypercholesterolemia and spontaneously developed human-like atherosclerotic lesions in the aorta and coronary arteries after feeding on a high-fat and high-cholesterol (HFHC) diet for 6 months. Thus, these ApoE−/− pigs could be valuable large animal models for providing further insight into translational studies of atherosclerosis.
Unsymmetrical Tetra-Acceptor-Substituted Alkenes as Polyfunctionalized Building Blocks: A Divergent Synthesis of Densely Functionalized Pyrrolizines
Authors: Asahara Haruyasu , Kawakami Shu , Yoshioka Kotaro , Tani Shinki , Umezu Kazuto , Nishiwaki Nagatoshi 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Various tetra-acceptor-substituted alkenes possessing unsymmetrical substituents have been effectively synthesized from vicinal tricarbonyl compounds. The alkenes have polyfunctionality and high electron deficiency. In addition, they easily react with pyrroles to give divergent pyrrolizine derivatives via the conjugate addition of pyrroles followed by intramolecular cyclization. We successfully controlled the chemoselectivity of the intramolecular cyclization (ester/ketone attack) to afford a wide range of valuable pyrrolizine derivatives.
Recent Advances in Chiral Plasmonics — Towards Biomedical Applications
Authors: Kumar Jatish , Liz-Marzán Luis M 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
The field of chirality has seen a strong rejuvenation due to the observation of nanoscale chirality in plasmonic nanoparticles. This account presents recent advances in the field of plasmonic chirality. The various top-down and bottom-up methods adopted for the synthesis of optically active plasmonic nanomaterials are briefly discussed. After achieving significant progress in the synthesis and mechanistic understanding of chirality at the nanoscale, the major focus of researchers is currently set on finding suitable applications for the synthesized nanomaterials. While different applications such as circular polarizers, chiral sensing and catalysis have been proposed, we propose that plasmon-enhanced chiral signals have great potential for use in the detection and therapy of diseases. We therefore introduce recent developments in the use of chiral plasmonic responses in the biomedical field.
Self-Assembling Peptide-Based Nanoarchitectonics
Authors: Zhao Luyang , Zou Qianli , Yan Xuehai 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Self-assembly is omnipresent in nature. While natural self-assembly systems are complicated in structure, the simplification of natural systems while maintaining their inherent functionalities has proven to be a highly promising route towards artificial nanoarchitectonics with great potential for application. In this review, we summarize our recent works on self-assembling peptide-based nanoarchitectonics, where peptides with a simple molecular structure can modulate the assembly of various species in a flexible and controllable way and efficiently construct nanoarchitectonics with desired functionalities. Our recent findings regarding the applications of self-assembling peptides in the fields of biomimetic photosystems, oriented microtubes for optical waveguiding, and phototherapy are discussed in detail. In addition, the self-assembly mechanism and the effects of peptides on self-assembly are reviewed. This review is expected to provide an understanding of the role of peptides in the assembly of nanoarchitectonics and guidance towards the future design and application of novel functional peptide-modulated self-assembling materials.
Two-Year Agility Maintenance Training Slows the Progression of Parkinsonian Symptoms
Authors: TOLLÁR JÓZSEF , NAGY FERENC , KOVÁCS NORBERT , HORTOBÁGYI TIBOR 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition and it is unclear if long-term nonpharmaceutical interventions can slow the progression of motor and nonmotor symptoms and lower drug dose.

Methods
In a randomized trial, after an initial 3-wk-long, 15-session supervised high-intensity sensorimotor agility exercise (E) program designed to improve postural instability, the exercise+maintenance (E + M, n = 19) group continued to exercise three times per week for 2 yr, whereas E (n = 16), and the no exercise and no maintenance control (C, n = 20) continued habitual living. Eight outcomes were measured before and after the 3-wk initial exercise program and then at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months in all patients.

Results
The group–time interactions (all P < 0.005) revealed robust and favorable effects of the initial 3-wk agility program on all six nonmotor (e.g., primary outcome Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale, Motor Experiences of Daily Living, ~7 points; EuroQoL, ~9 points) and on each of the two motor outcomes (timed up and go test: ~6 s; posturography: up to 7 mm improvements in center of pressure path). E + M maintained but did not further improve the benefits produced by the initial 3-wk program. In E, the favorable effects of the 3-wk agility program lasted for 3 to 12 months. In C, patients declined steadily in all outcomes over 2 yr. By year 2, Leva-dopa equivalents increased by 99.4 mg·d−1 (time main effect, P = 0.008).

Conclusions
A high-intensity sensorimotor agility program with but not without a 2-yr maintenance program slowed the progression of parkinsonian symptoms.
Stage 2 Registered Report: Variation in neurodevelopmental outcomes in children with sex chromosome trisomies: testing the double hit hypothesis
Authors: Newbury Dianne F. , Simpson Nuala H. , Thompson Paul A. , Bishop Dorothy V. M. 
Published: October 2018

Background: The presence of an extra sex chromosome is associated with an increased rate of neurodevelopmental difficulties involving language. The 'double hit' hypothesis proposes that the adverse impact of the extra sex chromosome is amplified when genes that are expressed from the sex chromosomes interact with autosomal variants that usually have only mild effects. We predicted that the impact of an additional sex chromosome on neurodevelopment would depend on common autosomal variants involved in synaptic functions. Methods: We analysed data from 130 children with sex chromosome trisomies (SCTs: 42 girls with trisomy X, 43 boys with Klinefelter syndrome, and 45 boys with XYY). Two comparison groups were formed from 370 children from a twin study. Three indicators of phenotype were: (i) Standard score on a test of nonword repetition; (ii). A language factor score derived from a test battery; (iii) A general scale of neurodevelopmental challenges based on all available information. Preselected regions of two genes, CNTNAP2 and NRXN1, were tested for association with neurodevelopmental outcomes using Generalised Structural Component Analysis. Results: There was wide phenotypic variation in the SCT group, as well as overall impairment on all three phenotypic measures. There was no association of phenotype with CNTNAP2 or NRXN1 variants in either the SCT group or the comparison groups. Supplementary analyses found no indication of any impact of trisomy type on the results, and exploratory analyses of individual SNPs confirmed the lack of association. Conclusions: We cannot rule out that a double hit may be implicated in the phenotypic variability in children with SCTs, but our analysis does not find any support for the idea that common variants in CNTNAP2 or NRXN1 are associated with the severity of language and neurodevelopmental impairments that often accompany an extra X or Y chromosome. Stage 1 report: http://dx.doi.org/10.12688/wellcomeopenres.13828.2
Notes from the Editors, September 2018
Authors: The Editors - 
Published: October 2018

buy this issue
Founded in the late 1960s and recently revived, the radical organization Science for the People did—and does—far more than just publish a magazine. Chapters are forming around the country, including physicists, engineers, and biologists, as well as representatives of other scientific groupings and social movements. We at MR welcome the return of this great publication and movement of the U.S. left.
Michelangelos Jüngstes Gericht und Dantes Commedia
Authors: Aurenhammer Hans 
Published: October 2018

Riassunto
Già i contemporanei erano convinti che Michelangelo, il »gran dantista«, si fosse ispirato alla Commedia nel concepire alcuni momenti essenziali del suo Giudizio Universale della Cappella Sistina (1536–1541). Nell’Ottocento, il rapporto Dante-Michelangelo venne poi interpretato come una sorta di unione parentale e spirituale tra due grandi genî. Nel primo Novecento, infine, si tentò di ricorrere a Dante per risolvere tutte le questioni iconografiche aperte del Giudizio Universale – un tentativo destinato a fallire. Oggi si è tuttavia più cauti nel giudicare i riferimenti danteschi di Michelangelo. Attraverso un’analisi accurata di diversi particolari del grande affresco romano, questo contributo illustra come Michelangelo citi e allo stesso tempo trasformi dei personaggi concreti dell’Inferno dantesco – e in particolare le figure di Caronte e di Minosse, che nel Giudizio vengono collocati alle soglie dell’antro infernale. L’autore affronta anche la complessa questione di cosa volesse rivendicare Michelangelo per la propria gigantesca opera escatologica, attraverso questo puntuale, ed evidentissimo, tributo a Dante.
Regulation of Business-Clients Relationships through ‘Organisational Law’
Authors: Mezzanotte Francesco 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIn the European regulatory framework, private law principles, and primarily party autonomy, may be interpreted as legal tools oriented beyond the interests of the single individuals involved in commercial transactions, and rather connected to the superior objectives of the Internal Market, and of the European Economic Constitution. Looking from this perspective at the regulation of Business-Client relationships, while it is clear that the strong interrelation of autonomy/heteronomy elements in commercial transactions calls for a methodological approach capable of providing an integrated view of regulation and private law, it also emerges that, up to now, similar attempts have been developed mainly within contract theory. The aim of this article is to test whether the regulatory perspective of European private law allows the regulation of Business-Client relationships through standards and rules not directly taken from contract law, but rather originating in other, formally different, legal branches. More specifically, attention in centred on corporate law, intended as that part of commercial law which defines the internal structure of the firm. Focus is thus put on organisational rules which are relevant within an incorporated business: the analysis starts from national rules, anchored to the traditional partition between civil law and commercial law; then it traces their rationale within the European framework, looking for hermeneutical insights capable of providing a more unified interpretation of those rules when framed back at a national level, as standards of regulatory private law.
Partial Purification and Characterization of Polyphenol Oxidase from the Wild Edible Mushroom Lepiota Procera Using Three-Phase Partitioning
Authors: Saki Neslihan , Akin Mustafa , Alici Esma H. , Arabaci Gulnur 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) from the wild edible mushroom Lepiota procera is partially purified and biochemically characterized using three-phase partitioning (TPP), which is an easily applied and effective method. This method includes ammonium sulfate saturation at different concentrations, t-butanol addition (1:1; 1:5), and adjustment of pH. Optimum purification parameters with 20% ammonium sulfate saturation and 1:1 t-butanol conditions led to the highest activity at bottom phase with 8.4 fold purification. Sodium dodecyl sulfate- polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis showed the molecular weight of the purified enzyme to be 35 kDa. The partially purified PPO presented a high level of activity with L-DOPA (Michaelis-Menten constant, Km – 0.12 mM), followed by caffeic acid (0.27 mM) and 4-methylcatechol (0.46 mM) and it is classified as a catecholase type of PPO. The enzyme had peak activity at a temperature of 40 °C and a pH value of 7.0. These results demonstrate a new enzyme source and easy purification method, useful for various industrial applications.
Mapping the sea of opportunities: Blockchain in supply chain and logistics
Authors: Petersen Moritz , Hackius Niels , von See Birgit 
Published: October 2018

AbstractDriven by successful pilot projects in supply chain and logistics, Blockchain has become one of the industry’s latest technology hypes. In this paper, we cut through the hype and shed light on the expectations of industry professionals towards the benefits and challenges of Blockchain. Also, we categorize current Blockchain applications that are expected to provide tangible benefits for supply chain and logistics processes. To explore such potentials, we argue that companies should gain own first-hand experiences through small-scale experiments.
A Novel Weakest t-norm based Fuzzy Fault Tree Analysis Through Qualitative Data Processing and Its Application in System Reliability Evaluation
Authors: Kumar Mohit 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
The quantification of the fuzzy fault tree analysis (FFTA) is based on fuzzy arithmetic operations. It is well known that the weakest t-norm (Tw)-based fuzzy arithmetic operations have some advantages. The Tw-based fuzzy arithmetic operations provide fuzzy results with less fuzziness and preserve the shape of fuzzy numbers. The purpose of this study is to develop a Tw-based fuzzy fault tree analysis (TBFFTA) to assess system reliability when only qualitative data such as expert opinions or decisions are available and described in linguistic terms. The developed TBFFTA applies Tw-based fuzzy arithmetic operations to evaluate the lower bound, best estimate, and upper bound top event probability of a system fault tree, where occurrence possibilities of basic events are characterized by triangular fuzzy membership functions. To demonstrate the applicability and feasibility of TBFFTA, a case study has been performed. The computed results have been compared with results analyzed by existing fuzzy approach. The comparative study concludes that TBFFTA reduces fuzzy spreads (uncertainty interval) and provides more exact fuzzy results.
Military Spending and Inequality in Autocracies
Authors: Schwuchow Soeren C. 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
In this note, we outline a general framework for analyzing how inequality and military spending interact in a society governed by a rent-seeking autocrat. Relying on a general equilibrium model, we show that, generally, the autocrat utilizes the military for redistribution in favor of poorer citizens. However, the dictator’s own rent-seeking activity weakens the extent of redistribution and, in the extreme, can even reverse its direction, yielding more unequal secondary distributions instead. Accordingly, the initial level of inequality also affects the impact of military spending on inequality as the former has an impact on the extent of both, the regime’s rent-seeking activity as well as redistribution. Here, our model shows that primary and secondary distributions are rather equal for extreme initial equality/inequality. For medium levels of initial inequality, redistribution is rather large and can be in favor of the poor or of the rich, depending on the extent of rent-seeking and the primary distribution. Based on these results, we highlight the importance of a society’s institutional framework for analyzing the relation of inequality and military spending.
A patient-centred model to quality assure outputs from an echocardiography department: consensus guidance from the British Society of Echocardiography
Authors: Ingram Thomas E. , Baker Steph , Allen Jane , Ritzmann Sarah , Bual Nina , Duffy Laura , Ellis Chris , Bunting Karina , Black Noel , Peck Marcus , Hothi Sandeep S. , Sharma Vishal , Pearce Keith , Steeds Richard P. , Masani Navroz 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Background: Quality assurance (QA) of echocardiographic studies is vital to ensure that clinicians can act on findings of high quality to deliver excellent patient care. To date, there is a paucity of published guidance on how to perform this QA. The British Society of Echocardiography (BSE) has previously produced an Echocardiography Quality Framework (EQF) to assist departments with their QA processes. This article expands on the EQF with a structured yet versatile approach on how to analyse echocardiographic departments to ensure high-quality standards are met. In addition, a process is detailed for departments that are seeking to demonstrate to external bodies adherence to a robust QA process.

Methods: The EQF consists of four domains. These include assessment of Echo Quality (including study acquisition and report generation); Reproducibility & Consistency (including analysis of individual variability when compared to the group and focused clinical audit), Education & Training (for all providers and service users) and Customer & Staff Satisfaction (of both service users and patients/their carers). Examples of what could be done in each of these areas are presented. Furthermore, evidence of participation in each domain is categorised against a red, amber or green rating: with an amber or green rating signifying that a quantifiable level of engagement in that aspect of QA has been achieved.

Conclusion: The proposed EQF is a powerful tool that focuses the limited time available for departmental QA on areas of practice where a change in patient experience or outcome is most likely to occur.
Utilización de macroinvertebrados acuáticos como herramienta para determinar la calidad del agua en la quebrada Santo Tomás, municipio de Pensilvania, Colombia
Authors: Murillo-Montoya Sergio Adrián , Mendoza-Mora Alexander , Restrepo-Bastidas Edwin Santiago , Rodríguez Miguel Ángel 
Published: October 2018

A pesar de la riqueza hídrica del municipio de Pensilvania, Caldas, y del creciente uso de los macroinvertebrados acuáticos como herramienta sencilla, eficiente y de bajo costo para determinar la calidad del agua en diversos ecosistemas, no se conocen estudios de este tipo en el municipio. El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar la diversidad de los macroinvertebrados acuáticos y la calidad del agua de la quebrada Santo Tomás en el municipio de Pensilvania. Se recolectaron muestras de macroinvertebrados entre junio y agosto de 2015 en diferentes hábitats (hojarasca sumergida, sedimento fino y rocas), empleando una red Surber. Se registraron 2.175 individuos pertenecientes a 97 grupos taxonómicos; los órdenes más abundantes fueron Trichoptera y Ephemeroptera (54 %). No se encontraron diferencias significativas (p>0,05) en términos de diversidad entre los sitios evaluados y según los índices BMWP/Col y EPT, las aguas son muy limpias, aunque el índice ASPT indicó la presencia de aguas ligera y moderadamente contaminadas. © 2018. Acad. Colomb. Cienc. Ex. Fis. Nat.