bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Translation from L1 to L2 vs. direct writing
Authors: Jahangard Ali , Holderread Shari 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
This study explores the issue of non-native speakers writing a text in their first language (L1) and then translating the text to the second language (L2) to enhance the final text in L2. Writing samples taken from 25 Iranian engineering students in an intermediate level compulsory general English as a foreign language class served as data. The students were provided with a form which instructed them to write their first essay in Farsi (L1) and then translate it into the foreign language, English. The compositions were suggested to be two paragraphs long to provide enough text to analyze. The second composition done by the same group of students a week later on a second topic was written directly in the target language (English). Each student’s work was evaluated in detail using a rating scale divided into two main sections, writing skills and effective writing. This study showed that intermediate level EFL students writing in L1 and then using a translation strategy did not produce better writing samples in L2 than when they wrote directly in L2.
Racial slurs in Italian film dubbing
Authors: Giampieri Patrizia 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
This paper explores how racial slurs are dealt with in Anglo-American films and rendered in films dubbed in Italian. It focuses on the racist epithets ‘nigger’, ‘gook’ and ‘zipper head’ with a view to unveiling the linguistic choices made by Italian audiovisual translators. Furthermore, it supports the claim that taboo topics vary from culture to culture and sheds some light on self-censorship, which has allegedly shifted from sexual and religious topics to ethnic slurs (Allan and Burridge 2006; Hughes 2006). In some cases the analysis reveals a wide spectrum of translation choices accompanied by subtle linguistic manipulations. In other cases translation choices tend to be fixed owing to the limited range of corresponding slurs in Italian. Also, the paper discusses self-censorship in contemporary Anglo-American films. In this regard, it is observed that ‘the n-word’ has characterized the majority of Anglo-American films since 2000 and has hallmarked a shift in self-censorship. The final question that this paper addresses is whether Italian culture is ready or not for this change.
Dose escalation via brachytherapy boost for nasopharyngeal carcinoma in the era of intensity-modulated radiation therapy and combined chemotherapy
Authors: Chao Hsing-Lung , Liu Shao-Cheng , Tsao Chih-Cheng , Lin Kuen-Tze , Lee Steve P , Lo Cheng-Hsiang , Huang Wen-Yen , Liu Ming-Yueh , Jen Yee-Min , Lin Chun-Shu 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACT
To investigate if dose escalation using intracavitary brachytherapy (ICBT) improves local control for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in the era of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and concurrent chemoradiation treatment (CCRT). We retrospectively analyzed 232 patients with Stage T1–3 N0–3 M0 NPC who underwent definitive IMRT with or without additional ICBT boost between 2002 and 2013. For most of the 124 patients who had ICBT boost, the additional brachytherapy was given as 6 Gy in 2 fractions completed within 1 week after IMRT of 70 Gy. CCRT with or without adjuvant chemotherapy was used for 176 patients, including 88 with and 88 without ICBT boost, respectively. The mean follow-up time was 63.1 months. The 5-year overall survival and local control rates were 81.5% and 91.5%, respectively. ICBT was not associated with local control prediction (P = 0.228). However, in a subgroup analysis, 75 T1 patients with ICBT boost had significantly better local control than the other 71 T1 patients without ICBT boost (98.1% vs 85.9%, P = 0.020), despite having fewer patients who had undergone chemotherapy (60.0% vs 76.1%, P = 0.038). Multivariate analysis showed that both ICBT (P = 0.029) and chemotherapy (P = 0.047) influenced local control for T1 patients. Our study demonstrated that dose escalation with ICBT can improve local control of the primary tumor for NPC patients with T1 disease treated with IMRT, even without chemotherapy.
Botulinum Toxin A as an Adjunct to Abdominal Wall Reconstruction for Incisional Hernia
Authors: Soltanizadeh Sinor , Helgstrand Frederik , Jorgensen Lars N. 
Published: June 2017

Background:
Repair of large incisional hernias remains a surgical and costly challenge. Temporary paralysis of the lateral abdominal wall muscles with topical administration of botulinum toxin A (BTA) is a new therapeutic concept, which may obviate the need for component separation technique (CST) for repair of large incisional hernias. Current literature on the administration of BTA as adjunct to surgical repair of abdominal incisional hernias was investigated.

Methods:
The electronic databases PubMed and Embase were searched for eligible studies. Two independent investigators evaluated the literature. Data were sought regarding primary fascial closure with and without CST, safety, hernia recurrence, method of application, and preoperative radiological imaging.

Results:
Six cohort studies including a total of 133 patients receiving BTA were identified. No randomized or case–control studies were found. In total, 83.5% of the patients achieved primary fascial closure. Supplemental CST was necessary in 24.1% of the patients. Two patients developed hernia recurrence during follow-up. No postoperative complications or adverse events were considered related to the administration of BTA, except for impairment of postoperative coughing and sneezing. Additionally, radiological imaging showed that BTA increased the length of lateral abdominal muscles before surgery.

Conclusions:
Preoperative administration of BTA increases muscle length and may facilitate primary fascial closure. Optimal administration is at least 2 weeks before repair, whereas the optimal dose of BTA remains to be defined. Carefully designed randomized controlled trials are warranted to identify patients who would benefit from BTA and to eliminate the confounding effect of CST.
A descending pathway facilitates undulatory wave propagation inCaenorhabditis elegansthrough gap junctions
Authors: Xu Tianqi , Huo Jing , Shao Shuai , Po Michelle , Kawano Taizo , Lu Yangning , Wu Min , Zhen Mei , Wen Quan 
Published: June 2017

Descending signals from the brain play critical roles in controlling and modulating locomotion kinematics. In theCaenorhabditis elegansnervous system, descending AVB premotor interneurons exclusively form gap junctions with B-type motor neurons that drive forward locomotion. We combined genetic analysis, optogenetic manipulation, and computational modeling to elucidate the function of AVB-B gap junctions during forward locomotion. First, we found that some B-type motor neurons generated intrinsic rhythmic activity, constituting distributed central pattern generators. Second, AVB premotor interneurons drove bifurcation of B-type motor neuron dynamics, triggering their transition from stationary to oscillatory activity. Third, proprioceptive couplings between neighboring B-type motor neurons entrained the frequency of body oscillators, forcing coherent propagation of bending waves. Despite substantial anatomical differences between the worm motor circuit and those in higher model organisms, we uncovered converging principles that govern coordinated locomotion.Significance StatementA deep understanding of the neural basis of motor behavior must integrate neuromuscular dynamics, mechanosensory feedback, as well as global command signals, to predict behavioral dynamics. Here, we report on an integrative approach to defining the circuit logic underlying coordinated locomotion inC. elegans.Our combined experimental and computational analysis revealed that (1) motor neurons inC. eleganscould function as intrinsic oscillators; (2) Descending inputs and proprioceptive couplings work synergistically to facilitate the sequential activation of motor neuron activities, allowing bending waves to propagate efficiently along the body. Our work thus represents a key step towards an integrative view of animal locomotion.
EsaB is a core component of theStaphylococcus aureusType VII secretion system
Authors: Guillermina Casabona M. , Buchanan Grant , Zoltner Martin , Harkins Catriona P. , Holden Matthew T.G. , Palmer Tracy 
Published: June 2017

AbstractType VII secretion systems (T7SS) are found in many bacteria and secrete proteins involved in virulence and bacterial competition. InStaphylococcus aureusthe small ubiquitin-like EsaB protein has been previously implicated as having a regulatory role in the production of the EsxC substrate. Here we show that in theS. aureusRN6390 strain, EsaB does not genetically regulate production of any T7 substrates or components, but is indispensable for secretion activity. Consistent with EsaB being a core component of the T7SS, loss of either EsaB or EssC are associated with upregulation of a common set of iron acquisition genes. However, a further subset of genes were dysregulated only in the absence of EsaB. In addition, fractionation revealed that although an EsaB fusion to yellow fluorescent protein partially localised to the membrane, it was still membrane-localised when the T7SS was absent. Taken together our findings suggest that EsaB has T7SS-dependent and T7SS-independent roles inS. aureus.
Astrin-SKAP complex reconstitution reveals its kinetochore interaction with microtubule-bound Ndc80
Authors: Kern David M. , Wilson-Kubalek Elizabeth M. , Cheeseman Iain M. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractChromosome segregation requires robust interactions between the macromolecular kinetochore structure and dynamic microtubule polymers. A key outstanding question is how kinetochore-microtubule attachments are modulated to ensure that bi-oriented attachments are selectively stabilized and maintained. The Astrin-SKAP complex localizes preferentially to properly bi-oriented sister kinetochores, representing the final outer kinetochore component recruited prior to anaphase onset. Here, we reconstitute the 4-subunit Astrin-SKAP complex, including a novel MYCBP subunit. Our work demonstrates that the Astrin-SKAP complex contains separable kinetochore localization and microtubule binding domains. In addition, through cross-linking analysis in human cells and biochemical reconstitution, we show that the Astrin-SKAP complex binds synergistically to microtubules with the Ndc80 complex, the core component of the kinetochore-microtubule interface, to form an integrated interface. We propose a model in which the Astrin-SKAP complex acts together with the Ndc80 complex to stabilize correctly formed kinetochore-microtubule interactions.
Differential roles of sleep spindles and sleep slow oscillations in memory consolidation
Authors: Wei Yina , Krishnan Giri P , Komarov Maxim , Bazhenov Maxim 
Published: June 2017

AbstractSleep plays an important role in consolidation of recent memories. However, the mechanisms of consolidation remain poorly understood. In this study, using a realistic computational model of the thalamocortical network, we demonstrated that sleep spindles (the hallmark of N2 stage sleep) and slow oscillations (the hallmark of N3 stage sleep) both facilitate spike sequence replay as necessary for consolidation. When multiple memories were trained, the local nature of spike sequence replay during spindles allowed replay of the memories independently, while during slow oscillations replay of the weak memory was competing to the strong memory replay. This led to the weak memory extinction unless when sleep spindles (N2 sleep) preceded slow oscillations (N3 sleep), as observed during natural sleep. Our study presents a mechanistic explanation for the role of sleep rhythms in memory consolidation and proposes a testable hypothesis how the natural structure of sleep stages provides an optimal environment to consolidate memories.Significant StatementNumerous studies suggest importance of NREM sleep rhythms – spindles and slow oscillations - in sleep related memory consolidation. However, synaptic mechanisms behind the role of these rhythms in memory and learning are still unknown. Our new study predicts that sleep replay - the neuronal substrate of memory consolidation - is organized within the sleep spindles and coordinated by the Down to Up state transitions of the slow oscillation. For multiple competing memories, slow oscillations facilitated only strongest memory replay, while sleep spindles allowed a consolidation of the multiple competing memories independently. Our study predicts how the basic structure of the natural sleep stages provides an optimal environment for consolidation of multiple memories.
Live-cell mapping of organelle-associated RNAs via proximity biotinylation combined with protein-RNA crosslinking
Authors: Kaewsapsak Pornchai , Shechner David M. , Mallard William , Rinn John L. , Ting Alice Y. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe spatial organization of RNA within cells is a crucial factor in a wide range of biological functions, spanning all kingdoms of life. However, a general understanding of RNA localization has been hindered by a lack of simple, high-throughput methods for mapping the transcriptomes of subcellular compartments. Here, we develop such a method, termed APEX-RIP, which combines peroxidase-catalyzed, spatially restricted in situ protein biotinylation with RNA-protein chemical crosslinking. We demonstrate that, using a single protocol, APEX-RIP can isolate RNAs from a variety of subcellular compartments, including the mitochondrial matrix, nucleus, bulk cytosol, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER), with higher specificity and coverage than do conventional approaches. We furthermore identify candidate RNAs localized to mitochondria-ER junctions and nuclear lamina, two compartments that are recalcitrant to classical biochemical purification. Since APEX-RIP is simple, versatile, and does not require special instrumentation, we envision its broad application in a variety of biological contexts.
Spatial inequality and dynamics of foreign hypermarket retailers in China
Authors: Zhang Ling , Wei Yehua Dennis 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe globalisation of retailing has intensified since the mid‐1990s with the rise of a group of international retailers. Foreign retailers have greatly impacted the Chinese retail market since the opening up of the retail sector in 1992. This study aims to examine spatial inequality and dynamics of foreign hypermarket retailers at different geographic scales in China. Although the relative gaps in foreign hypermarkets among Chinese regions are narrowing, the absolute gaps are widening. Logistic regression models are used to identify locational determinants of foreign retailers Carrefour, Wal‐Mart, and RT‐Mart at the intercity level. Carrefour prefers cities with larger urban district populations, longer time of being open to international retailers, and more foreign investment. While urban district populations are significant to Wal‐Mart and RT‐Mart as well, they favour cities where people have higher annual salaries and aim to achieve internal economies of scale at the provincial level. The three leading foreign retailers also have different first‐city and city size preferences in their provincial expansions.
Methylation of the ribosomal RNA gene promoter is associated with aging and age‐related decline
Authors: D'Aquila Patrizia , Montesanto Alberto , Mandalà Maurizio , Garasto Sabrina , Mari Vincenzo , Corsonello Andrea , Bellizzi Dina , Passarino Giuseppe 
Published: June 2017

SummaryThe transcription of ribosomal RNA genes (rDNA) is subject to epigenetic regulation, as it is abrogated by the methylation of CpG dinucleotides within their promoter region. Here, we investigated, through Sequenom platform, the age‐related methylation status of the CpG island falling into the rDNA promoter in 472 blood samples from 20‐ to 105‐year‐old humans and in different tissues (blood, heart, liver, kidney, and testis) of 15 rats 3–96 weeks old. In humans, we did not find a consistently significant correlation between CpG site methylation and chronological age. Furthermore, the methylation levels of one of the analyzed CpG sites were negatively associated with both cognitive performance and survival chance measured in a 9‐year follow‐up study. We consistently confirmed such result in a replication sample. In rats, the analysis of the homologous region in the tissues revealed the existence of increased methylation in old rats. rRNA expression data, in both humans and rats, were consistent with observed methylation patterns, with a lower expression of rRNA in highly methylated samples. As chronological and biological ages in rats of a given strain are likely to be much closer to each other than in humans, these results seem to provide the first evidence that epigenetic modifications of rDNA change over time according to the aging decline. Thus, the methylation profile of rDNA may represent a potential biomarker of aging.
Talking to healthcare providers about sex in later life: Findings from a qualitative study with older Australian men and women
Authors: Fileborn Bianca , Lyons Anthony , Heywood Wendy , Hinchliff Sharron , Malta Sue , Dow Briony , Brown Graham , Barrett Catherine , Minichiello Victor 
Published: June 2017

ObjectiveHealthcare providers (HCPs) can play an important role in supporting the sexual health of older adults; however, we know little about the experiences of older people in talking to HCPs about sex. This article examines older adults' experiences and perceptions of talking to HCPs about sex.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with 30 men and 23 women aged 60 and older recruited from a national, online survey of older Australians. Data were analysed using a thematic approach.ResultsMost participants did not discuss sex with their HCP, and their HCP did not raise it. For those who did discuss sex with a HCP, negative and stigmatising responses were common. Positive responses could facilitate access to sexual health care.ConclusionOlder people benefit when HCPs are proactive and ask about sexual health. Education in how to talk about sex with older people would also be beneficial for HCPs.
Is it right to ignore learning‐curve patients? Laparoscopic colorectal trials
Authors: Meagher Alan P. , Yang Shi , Li Shuyuan 
Published: June 2017

BackgroundIncreasingly complex, technically demanding surgical procedures utilizing emerging technologies have developed over recent decades and are recognized as having long ‘learning curves’. This raises significant new issues. Ethically and scientifically, the outcome of a patient in the learning curve is as important as the outcome of a patient outside the learning curve. The aim of this study is to highlight just one aspect of our approach to learning‐curve patients that should change.MethodsThe protocols of multicentre, prospective, randomized trials of patients undergoing either traditional open or laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer were reviewed. The number of patients excluded from the published trial results because they were in surgeons’ learning curves was calculated. The seven editorials accompanying these publications were also examined for any mention of these patients.ResultsThe eight studies identified had similar designs. All patients in the surgeons’ laparoscopic learning curves, which were often several years long, were excluded from the actual trials. The total number of patients included in the trial publications was 5680. The number of patients excluded because they were in the surgeons’ laparoscopic learning curves was >10 605. In none of the studies or accompanying editorials is there any mention of the total number of patients in the surgeons’ learning curves, these patients’ outcomes or how inclusion of their outcomes might have affected the overall results.ConclusionLearning curves are inescapable in modern medicine. Our recognition of patients in these curves should evolve, with more data about them included in trial publications.
Using analytic morphomics to describe body composition associated with post‐kidney transplantation diabetes mellitus
Authors: Cron David C. , Noon Kelly A. , Cote Devan R. , Terjimanian Michael N. , Augustine Joshua J. , Wang Stewart C. , Englesbe Michael J. , Woodside Kenneth J. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackgroundBetter risk assessment tools are needed to predict post‐transplantation diabetes mellitus (PTDM). Using analytic morphomic measurements from computed tomography (CT) scans, we aimed to identify specific measures of body composition associated with PTDM.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 99 non‐diabetic kidney transplant recipients who received pre‐transplant CT scans at a single institution between 1/2005 and 5/2014. Analytic morphomic techniques were used to measure abdominal adiposity, abdominal size, and psoas muscle area and density, standardized by gender. We measured the associations of these morphomic factors with PTDM.ResultsOne‐year incidence of PTDM was 18%. The morphomic factors significantly associated with PTDM included visceral fat area (OR=1.84 per standard deviation increase, P=.020), body depth (OR=1.79, P=.035), and total body area (OR=1.67, P=.049). Clinical factors significantly associated with PTDM included African American race (OR=3.01, P=.044), hypertension (OR=2.97, P=.041), and dialysis vintage (OR=1.24 per year on dialysis, P=.048). Body mass index was not associated with PTDM (OR=1.05, P=.188). On multivariate modeling, visceral fat area was an independent predictor of PTDM (OR=1.91, P=.035).ConclusionsAnalytic morphomics can identify pre‐transplant measurements of body composition that are predictive of PTDM in kidney transplant recipients. Pre‐transplant imaging contains a wealth of underutilized data that may inform PTDM prevention strategies.
Estimating the potential cost of a high dose immune tolerance induction (ITI) therapy relative to the cost of a combined therapy of a low dose ITI therapy with bypassing agent prophylaxis
Authors: Kenet G. , Oladapo A. , Epstein J.D. , Thompson C. , Novack A. , Nugent D. J. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionThe International Immune Tolerance Study (I‐ITI) demonstrated comparable success rates between low (FVIII 50 IU/kg/TIW) and high dose (FVIII 200 IU/kg/day) regimens. While costlier, the high dose ITI regimen achieved shorter time‐to‐treatment success with fewer bleeding episodes compared to the low dose ITI regimen. Adding bypassing agent prophylaxis (BAP) to a low dose ITI regimen may reduce bleeding while still being less costly than high dose ITI.Aim and MethodsAn economic model was developed to compare high dose ITI to low dose ITI with BAP. All model inputs were derived from clinical trials. The I‐ITI study indicated a median time to negative inhibitor titre of 4.6 and 9.2 months and average number of bleeds/patient of 4.2 and 9.9 for the high and low dose regimens respectively. Based on the BAP trials, aPCC (85 U/kg/TIW) and rFVIIa (90 μg/kg/day) achieved a 62% and 45% reduction in bleeding frequency respectively. Cost analysis was from a US third party payer perspective and limited to drug costs. One‐way, two‐way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed.ResultsCosts of low dose ITI with aPCC prophylaxis until negative inhibitor titre is achieved was 24.0% less compared to high dose ITI. Low dose ITI with rFVIIa prophylaxis cost 46.5% more compared to high dose ITI. Model results were robust in the majority of the sensitivity analyses.ConclusionA low dose ITI regimen with aPCC prophylaxis may be cost saving compared to a high dose ITI regimen with the potential to reduce morbidity by lowering the risk for breakthrough bleeds.