bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Lipid Components of
Mycoplasma laidlawii
Membranes on Osmotic Fragility of Cells
Authors: Razin S. , Tourtellotte M. E. , McElhaney R. N. , Pollack J. D.
Published: January 2020

Razin
, S. (University of Connecticut, Storrs), M. E.
Tourtellotte, R. N. McElhaney, and J. D. Pollack
. Influence of lipid components of
Mycoplasma laidlawii
membranes on osmotic fragility of cells. J. Bacteriol.
91:
609–616. 1966.—Lipid composition of
Mycoplasma laidlawii
membranes could be significantly changed by variations in the growth medium. The effect of these changes on the osmotic fragility of the cells was studied. Cholesterol, incorporated into the membrane from the growth medium, had no significant effect on osmotic fragility. Carotenoids, synthesized by the cells from acetate, were likewise without effect. Unsaturated long-chain fatty acids increased markedly the resistance of
M. laidlawii
to osmotic lysis and promoted growth. The fatty acids of the growth medium were incorporated mainly into membrane phospholipids. The ratio between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in membrane lipids depended on that of the growth medium.
Host-Parasite Relationships in Experimental Airborne Tuberculosis I. Preliminary Studies in BCG-Vaccinated and Nonvaccinated Animals
Authors: Smith D. W. , Wiegeshaus E. , Navalkar R. , Grover A. A.
Published: January 2020

Smith, D. W.
(University of Wisconsin, Madison),
E. Wiegeshaus, R. Navalkar, and A. A. Grover
. Host-parasite relationships in experimental airborne tuberculosis. I. Preliminary studies in BCG-vaccinated and nonvaccinated animals. J. Bacteriol.
91:
718–724. 1966.—Previous studies from this laboratory on immunogenicity and allergenicity of defatted mycobacterial vaccines involved subcutaneous challenge of guinea pigs and killing of the animals 6 weeks later to evaluate the amount of disease. This type of experiment has discontinued in this laboratory in favor of an airborne challenge type of experiment, with the advantages that animals can be challenged with small numbers of bacilli by a natural route, and the number of primary lesions, the rate of spread from those lesions, and the rate of bacillary multiplication can be used to evaluate protection. Experiments to determine uniformity of infection showed that a fair degree of uniformity resulted when seven guinea pigs were exposed simultaneously, and were studied 3 weeks later to determine numbers of primary lesions and bacilli in the tissues. A less satisfactory degree of uniformity was obtained when more animals were exposed at one time. BCG-vaccinated and nonvaccinated animals were studied to determine the earliest time and the optimal time for killing the animals to detect the effects of vaccination. In guinea pigs, the degree of protection assessed by lesion counts is time-dependent, but the degree of protection assessed by viable counts of bacilli in the tissues was relatively constant 3 to 12 weeks after infection. Mice vaccinated subcutaneously with BCG were not protected against infection at any interval between 2 and 19 weeks. Guinea pigs vaccinated subcutaneously with the same lot of vaccine were protected as judged by counts of viable bacilli in the tissues 3 weeks after infection.
Phylogenetics, Genomic Recombination, and NSP2 Polymorphic Patterns of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus in China and the United States in 2014–2018
Authors: Yu Fang , Yan Yi , Shi Mang , Liu Hai-Zhou , Zhang Hong-Liang , Yang Yong-Bo , Huang Xin-Yi , Gauger Phillip C. , Zhang Jianqiang , Zhang Yan-He , Tong Guang-Zhi , Tian Zhi-Jun , Chen Jian-Jun , Cai Xue-Hui , Liu Di , Li Ganwu , An Tong-Qing
Published: January 2020

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is one of the most significant swine diseases. However, the phylogenetic and genomic recombination properties of the PRRS virus (PRRSV) have not been completely elucidated. In this study, we systematically compared differences in the lineage distribution, recombination, NSP2 polymorphisms, and evolutionary dynamics between North American (NA)-type PRRSVs in China and in the United States. Strikingly, we found high frequency of interlineage recombination hot spots in nonstructural protein 9 (NSP9) and in the GP2 to GP3 region. Also, intralineage recombination hot spots were scattered across the genome between Chinese and US strains. Furthermore, we proposed novel methods based on NSP2 indel patterns for the classification of PRRSVs. Evolutionary dynamics analysis revealed that NADC30-like PRRSVs are undergoing a decrease in population genetic diversity, suggesting that a dominant population may occur and cause an outbreak. Our findings offer important insights into the recombination of PRRSVs and suggest the need for coordinated international epidemiological investigations.
Vomocytosis: Too Much Booze, Base, or Calcium?
Authors: Cruz-Acuña Melissa , Pacifici Noah , Lewis Jamal S.
Published: January 2020

Macrophages are well known for their phagocytic activity and their role in innate immune responses. Macrophages eat non-self particles, via a variety of mechanisms, and typically break down internalized cargo into small macromolecules. However, some pathogenic agents have the ability to evade this endosomal degradation through a nonlytic exocytosis process termed vomocytosis.
Long-Term Effects of Early-Life Antibiotic Exposure on Resistance to Subsequent Bacterial Infection
Authors: Roubaud-Baudron Claire , Ruiz Victoria E. , Swan Alexander M. , Vallance Bruce A. , Ozkul Ceren , Pei Zhiheng , Li Jackie , Battaglia Thomas W. , Perez-Perez Guillermo I. , Blaser Martin J.
Published: January 2020

The gastrointestinal microbiota protects hosts from enteric infections; while antibiotics, by altering the microbiota, may diminish this protection. We show that after early-life exposure to antibiotics host susceptibility to enhanced
Citrobacter rodentium
-induced colitis is persistent and that this enhanced disease susceptibility is transferable by the antibiotic-altered microbiota. These results strongly suggest that early-life antibiotics have long-term consequences on the gut microbiota and enteropathogen infection susceptibility.
Investigation and management of hypocalcaemia
Authors: Nadar Ruchi , Shaw Nick
Published: January 2020

Hypocalcaemia is a common clinical scenario in children with a range of aetiological causes. It will often present with common symptoms but may occasionally be identified in an asymptomatic child. An understanding of the physiological regulation of plasma calcium is important in understanding the potential cause of hypocalcaemia and its appropriate management. The age of presentation will influence the likely differential diagnosis. We have presented a stepwise approach to the investigation of hypocalcaemia dependent on the circulating serum parathyroid hormone level at the time of presentation. The acute and long-term management of the underlying condition is also reviewed.
Adie’s tonic pupil presenting with unilateral photophobia successfully treated with dilute pilocarpine
Authors: Batawi Hatim , Micieli Jonathan A
Published: January 2020

A 40-year-old healthy man presented with a 4-month history of photophobia, blurred vision and a right dilated pupil. Examination revealed a right pupil that was not reactive to light but constricted strongly to a near target and slowly redilated when he looked back in the distance. Pharmacological testing with dilute pilocarpine 0.1% resulted in constriction of the right pupil but no change in the left pupil. This also resulted in resolution of his photophobia and blurry vision. Neurological examination was otherwise normal, and a diagnosis of Adie’s tonic pupil was made. The main differential diagnosis to consider for a large pupil is a third nerve palsy, pharmacological mydriasis, tonic pupil and local iris processes, such as iris sphincter tears from trauma. Knowledge of the key features of these conditions can avoid wasted resources from unnecessary testing. Dilute pilocarpine 0.1% three times a day can be considered as a pharmacological therapy for symptomatic relief.
Use of functional near-infrared spectroscopy to evaluate cognitive change when using healthcare simulation tools
Authors: Taylor Natasha , Wyres Martyn , Bollard Martin , Kneafsey Rosie
Published: January 2020

Background

The use of brain imaging techniques in healthcare simulation is relatively rare. However, the use of mobile, wireless technique, such as functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), is becoming a useful tool for assessing the unique demands of simulation learning. For this study, this imaging technique was used to evaluate cognitive load during simulation learning events.

Methods

This study took place in relation to six simulation activities, paired for similarity, and evaluated comparative cognitive change between the three task pairs. The three paired tasks were: receiving a (1) face-to-face and (2) video patient handover; observing a simulated scene in (1) two dimensions and (2) 360° field of vision; and on a simulated patient (1) taking a pulse and (2) taking a pulse and respiratory rate simultaneously. The total number of participants was n=12.

Results

In this study, fNIRS was sensitive to variations in task difficulty in common simulation tools and scenarios, showing an increase in oxygenated haemoglobin concentration and a decrease in deoxygenated haemoglobin concentration, as tasks increased in cognitive load.

Conclusion

Overall, findings confirmed the usefulness of neurohaemoglobin concentration markers as an evaluation tool of cognitive change in healthcare simulation. Study findings suggested that cognitive load increases in more complex cognitive tasks in simulation learning events. Task performance that increased in complexity therefore affected cognitive markers, with increase in mental effort required.
Efficacy and safety of four interventions for spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage: a network meta-analysis
Authors: Guo Guangyu , Pan Chao , Guo Wenliang , Bai Shuang , Nie Hao , Feng Yangyang , Li Gaigai , Deng Hong , Ma Yang , Zhu Suiqiang , Tang Zhouping
Published: January 2020

Object

To investigate the efficacy and safety of four interventions of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage simultaneously.

Methods

PubMed, EmBase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating endoscopic surgery (ES), minimally invasive puncture surgery (MIPS), conventional craniotomy (CC), and/or conservative medical treatment (CMT). Good functional outcome, death, and hemorrhage recurrence rates were evaluated by a network meta-analysis.

Results

20 RCTs with 3603 patients were included. Compared with CMT, a higher rate of good functional outcome was found after ES (RR=2.21, 95% CI 1.37 to 3.55) and MIPS (RR=1.47, 95% CI 1.24 to 1.73). Both ES (RR=0.62, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.86) and MIPS (RR=0.72, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.90) markedly reduced the rate of death. However, there was no significant difference in efficacy and safety between ES and MIPS. The top ranked P score for the efficacy outcome was for ES (P score=0.9810). ES (P-score=0.0709) ranked lowest for the primary safety outcome. There was a higher risk of hemorrhage recurrence after CC (RR=3.80, 95% CI 1.90 to 7.63) and MIPS (RR=2.86, 95% CI 1.70 to 4.82) compared with CMT whereas no significant difference was found for ES (RR=1.46, 95% CI 0.53 to 4.02).

Conclusions

The results suggest that both ES and MIPS significantly improve neurological function and reduce the risk of death compared with CMT, and there is no significant difference between ES and MIPS. Ranking of P scores revealed that ES may be the most optimal intervention to improve functional outcome and prevent death. This needs to be evaluated further.
Analytic results for deep-inelastic scattering at NNLO QCD with the nested soft-collinear subtraction scheme
Authors: Asteriadis Konstantin , Caola Fabrizio , Melnikov Kirill , Röntsch Raoul
Published: January 2020

We present analytic results that describe fully-differential NNLO QCD corrections to deep-inelastic scattering processes within the nested soft-collinear subtraction scheme. This is the last building block required for the application of this scheme to computations of NNLO QCD corrections to arbitrary processes at hadron colliders.
Suspected Radiation-Induced Osteosarcoma in a Domestic Shorthair Cat
Authors: Swieton Natalie , Nykamp Stephanie G. , Poirier Valérie J. , Wainberg Shannon , Oblak Michelle L.
Published: January 2020

A 3-year-old, male neutered domestic shorthair cat, presented for acute onset tail paresis. He was diagnosed with a spindle cell tumour at the level of L7-CD1 and treated with course fractionation radiation therapy. Three years following radiation therapy, the cat developed chondroblastic osteosarcoma of the pelvis, suspected to be secondary to radiation therapy. Hemipelvectomy was performed and the cat was treated with radiation therapy for remaining gross disease. The cat was euthanized 127 days post-operatively due to suspected metastatic disease. Development of radiation-induced tumours should be considered as a rare late complication in cats undergoing radiation therapy.
A Regret Theory-Based Decision-Making Method for Urban Rail Transit in Emergency Response of Rainstorm Disaster
Authors: Wang Yuning , Liang Yingzi , Sun Hui
Published: January 2020

The decision-making for urban rail transit emergency events takes an important role in both reducing the losses caused by disasters and ensuring the safety of passengers. For the rainstorm emergency decision-making without certain scenario prediction information, considering the characteristic that the predisaster prevention measures will influence the effect of in-process countermeasures, this paper aimed to analyze the whole process scenarios for the occurrence, evolution, and development of rainstorm disaster in urban rail transit by considering the regret aversion of the decision makers. An emergency decision-making method for the beforehand-ongoing two stages rainstorm emergencies was developed to assess the emergency decision-making of urban rail transportation in different rainfall flood scenarios. Besides, the utilities and application costs of the emergency plans are also considered when defining the optimal emergency decision-making. This paper purposes the emergency decision-making model based on regret theory to define the optimal predisaster prevention method and ongoing responding measure for different disaster scenarios. Taking the Tianjin rail transportation as an example, this paper defines the optimal emergency decision-making to respond typhoon “Lekima.” The results show that if this method can be implemented in the rail transportation rainstorm disaster emergency responding and relevant disaster prevention management, then the reliability and risk responding capability of public transportation service can both be improved.
Lipid Lowering Treatment and Eligibility for PCSK9 Inhibition in Post-Myocardial Infarction Patients in Italy: Insights from Two Contemporary Nationwide Registries
Authors: Colivicchi Furio , Massimo Gulizia Michele , Arca Marcello , Luigi Temporelli Pier , Gonzini Lucio , Venturelli Vanessa , Morici Nuccia , Indolfi Ciro , Gabrielli Domenico , De Luca Leonardo
Published: January 2020

Introduction. The current use of lipid lowering therapies and the eligibility for proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin-9 (PCSK9) inhibitors of patients surviving a myocardial infarction (MI) is poorly known. Methods. Using the data from two contemporary, nationwide, prospective, real-world registries of patients with stable coronary artery disease, we sought to describe the lipid lowering therapies prescribed by cardiologists in patients with a prior MI and the resulting eligibility for PCSK9 inhibitors according to the European Society of Cardiology (ESC)/European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) and the Italian regulatory agency (Agenzia Italiana del Farmaco; AIFA) criteria. The study cohort was stratified according to the following low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels at the time of enrolment: <70 mg/dl; 70–99 mg/dl and ≥100 mg/dl. Results. Among the 3074 post-MI patients with LDL-C levels available, a target level of LDL-C < 70 mg/dl was present in 1186 (38.6%), while 1150 (37.4%) had LDL-C levels ranging from 70 to 99 mg/dl and the remaining 738 (24.0%) an LDL-C ≥ 100 mg/dl. A statin was prescribed more frequently in post-MI patients with LDL-C levels <70 mg/dl (97.1%) compared to the other LDL-C groups (p<0.0001). A low dose of statin was prescribed in 9.3%, while a high dose in 61.4% of patients. Statin plus ezetimibe association therapy was used in less than 18% of cases. In the overall cohort, 293 (9.8%) and 450 (22.2%) resulted eligible for PCSK9 inhibitors, according to ESC/EAS and AIFA criteria, respectively. Conclusions. Post-MI patients are undertreated with conventional lipid lowering therapies. A minority of post-MI patients would be eligible to PCSK9 inhibitors according to ESC/EAS guidelines and Italian regulatory agency criteria.
Ionotropic Gelation Synthesis of Chitosan-Alginate Nanodisks for Delivery System and In Vitro Assessment of Prostate Cancer Cytotoxicity
Authors: Patiño-Ruiz David , Marrugo Leandro , Reyes Niradiz , Acevedo-Morantes María , Herrera Adriana
Published: January 2020

We report on the synthesis of chitosan-alginate nanodisks (Cs-Al NDs) using a simple approach consisting of the ionotropic gelation method. Sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) was used as crosslinking agent to promote the electrostatic interaction between amine groups the chitosan and hydroxyl and carboxyl groups of alginate. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images provided direct evidence of the morphology of the nanodisks where agglomeration was observed due to the electrostatic interaction between the functional groups. Furthermore, dynamic light scattering (DLS) showed that the hydrodynamic size of the Cs-Al NDs was 227 nm and 152 nm in pH 1.2 and pH 7.4, respectively, which is in agreement with the information observed in the SEM images. The chemical structure is presented mainly the amine and carboxyl groups due to the presence of chitosan and alginate in the nanodisks, respectively, which allow the electrostatic interaction through N-H linkages. According to the X-ray diffraction, we found that the Cs-Al NDs exhibited the typical structure of chitosan and alginate, which lead the formation of polyelectrolyte complexes. We also evaluated the encapsulation of amoxicillin in the nanodisk, obtaining a loading efficiency of 74.98%, as well as a maximum in vitro release amount of 63.2 and 52.3% at pH 1.2 and 7.4, respectively. Finally, the cytotoxicity effect of the Cs-Al nanodisks was performed in human prostatic epithelial PWR-1E and Caucasian prostate adenocarcinoma PC-3 cell lines, in which the cell viability was above 80% indicating low inhibition and determining the Cs-Al NDs as a promising technology for controlled delivery systems.
Large Orbital Pediatric Intraosseous Hemangioma
Authors: Bacorn Colin , Lin Lily Koo
Published: January 2020

A five-year-old male presenting with progressive right facial swelling underwent multiple biopsies before being diagnosed with a polyostotic frontal-zygomatic primary intraosseous hemangioma. Intraosseous hemangiomas are rare, more frequently afflict adult females, and very rarely involve the orbit. Our case with bony destruction and surrounding soft tissue mass measured 5.3 cm in a child mimicked a more ominous malignancy. This case is unique with its rapid progression and largest reported size, leading to additional challenges such as difficulty in achieving an adequate tissue sample and in the surgical management with respect to significant blood loss in a small child.
Relationship between Mastery Motivation and Sensory Processing Difficulties in South Korean Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder
Authors: Kim Hee Young
Published: January 2020

The aim of this study was to identify the correlation between mastery motivation and sensory processing difficulties among South Korean children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). Ninety-nine children aged 4–7 years with DCD participated. The Dimensions of Mastery Questionnaire was used to assess the mastery motivation of the children, and the Short Sensory Profile was used to assess the children’s sensory processing difficulties. All subjects showed lower mastery motivation and definite differences in sensory processing. Mastery motivation was significantly correlated with sensory processing (r=−0.34, p=0.01). Mastery motivation predicted 41.1% of the sensory processing. In particular, a negative reaction to failure in mastery situations scale (p<0.01) and general competence compared to peers scale (p<0.05) in mastery motivation were significant predictors. This study indicated that sensory processing difficulties and lack of mastery motivation were identified among children with DCD in South Korea. And the children with high mastery motivation show less difficulty in sensory processing. It is suggested to develop possible solution for higher mastery motivation to improve sensory processing of the children with DCD in South Korea.
Production Scheduling considering Outsourcing Options and Carrier Costs
Authors: Choi Byung-Cheon , Min Yunhong , Park Myoung-Ju , Kim Kyung Min
Published: January 2020

We consider a single-machine scheduling problem with outsourcing options in an environment where the cost information of the downstream is available via some information sharing technologies. The due date is assigned to the position differently from the traditional due date. Each job can be processed in-house or outsourced. Note that, for cost saving, as many due dates as the number of outsourced jobs should be canceled. An in-house job incurs a stepwise penalty cost for tardiness, and an outsourced job incurs an outsourcing cost. Thus, the objective is to minimize the total penalty and outsourcing cost minus the total profit from cost savings. We show that the problem is weakly NP-hard and investigate some polynomially solvable cases. Due to the high complexity of the dynamic programming, we developed heuristics and verified their performance through numerical experiments.
Intrathecal Infusion of Autologous Adipose-Derived Regenerative Cells in Autoimmune Refractory Epilepsy: Evaluation of Safety and Efficacy
Authors: Szczepanik Elzbieta , Mierzewska Hanna , Antczak-Marach Dorota , Figiel-Dabrowska Anna , Terczynska Iwona , Tryfon Jolanta , Krzesniak Natalia , Noszczyk Bartlomiej Henryk , Sawicka Ewa , Domanska-Janik Krystyna , Sarnowska Anna
Published: January 2020

Objective/Purpose. Evaluation of efficacy and safety of autologous adipose-derived regenerative cells (ADRCs) treatment in autoimmune refractory epilepsy.Patients. Six patients with proven or probable autoimmune refractory epilepsy (2 with Rasmussen encephalitis, 2 with antineuronal autoantibodies in serum, and 2 with possible FIRES) were included in the project with approval of the Bioethics Committee.Method. Intrathecal injection of autologous ADRC acquired through liposuction followed by enzymatic isolation was performed. The procedure was repeated 3 times every 3 months with each patient. Neurological status, brain MRI, cognitive function, and antiepileptic effect were monitored during 12 months.Results. Immediately after the procedure, all patients were in good condition. In some cases, transient mildly elevated body temperature, pain in regions of liposuction, and slight increasing number of seizures during 24 hours were observed. During the next months, some improvements in school, social functioning, and manual performance were observed in all patients. One patient has been seizure free up to the end of trial. In other patients, frequency of seizures was different: from reduced number to the lack of improvement (3-year follow-up).Conclusion. Autologous ADRC therapy may emerge as a promising option for some patients with autoimmune refractory epilepsy. Based on our trial and other clinical data, the therapy appears to be safe and feasible. Antiepileptic efficacy proved to be various; however, some abilities improved in all children. No signs of psychomotor regression were observed during the first year following the treatment.
Application Research of New Cementitious Composite Materials in Saline Soil Subgrade Aseismic Strengthening
Authors: Huang Shuai , Lyu Yuejun , Peng Yanju
Published: January 2020

Saline soil affected by earthquakes and groundwater can lead to subgrade subsidence and collapse in highway construction. Consequently, considering the potential activity of the waste slag and magnesia, new cementitious composite materials used in solid saline soil were developed in our study. The unconfined compressive strengths of the saline soil solidified by the new cementitious composite materials with a combination of magnesium oxide, calcium oxide, gypsum, and mineral powder and cement were investigated, and the optimum dosage proportion of the new cementitious composite material for solidifying saline soil was determined; then the SEM, EDS, and XRD of the saline soil solidified by the new cementitious composite materials and cement were analysed. The research result showed that the saline soil solidified by our newly developed cementitious composite material showed compact internal structure and uniformly distributed soil particles; moreover, the new cementitious composite material exhibited a favourable solidifying effect on harmful ions in saline soil, and the Cl− trapping capacity of the new cementitious composite materials was stronger than that of cement. Finally, our developed cementitious composite material was applied to saline soil subgrade strengthening, and the displacement, acceleration, excess pore water pressure, and damage degree of the subgrade strengthening by our newly developed cementitious composite materials decreased remarkably; therefore, our newly developed cementitious composite material can improve the seismic behaviour of the saline soil subgrade and show potential future engineering application value.
Double Hopf Bifurcation in Microbubble Oscillators with Delay Coupling
Authors: Wang Jinbin , Zhang Rui , Ma Lifenq
Published: January 2020

Using center manifold reduction methodswe investigate the double Hopf bifurcation in the dynamics of microbubble with delay couplingwith main attention focused on nonresonant double Hopf bifurcation. We obtain the normal form of the system in the vicinity of the double Hopf point and classify the bifurcations in a two-dimensional parameter space near the critical point. Some numerical simulations support the applicability of the theoretical results. In particularwe give the explanation for some physical phenomena of the system using the obtained mathematical results.
Comparison of Two Wavefront Autorefractors: Binocular Open-Field versus Monocular Closed-Field
Authors: Carracedo Gonzalo , Carpena-Torres Carlos , Batres Laura , Serramito Maria , Gonzalez-Bergaz Anahí
Published: January 2020

Purpose. To evaluate the agreement and repeatability between a new commercially available binocular open-field wavefront autorefractor, as part of the Eye Refract system, and a monocular closed-field wavefront autorefractor (VX110). Methods. A cross-sectional, randomized, and single-masked study was performed. Ninety-nine eyes of 99 healthy participants (37.22 ± 18.04 years, range 8 to 69 years) were randomly analyzed. Three measurements with the Eye Refract and the VX110 were taken on three different days, under noncycloplegic conditions. Mean spherical equivalent (MSE), cylindrical vectors (J0 and J45), and binocular corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA) were compared between both autorefractors. An intersession repeatability analysis was done considering the values of repeatability (Sr) and its 95% limit (r). Results. The VX110 showed more negative values (P<0.001) in terms of MSE in comparison with the Eye Refract (0.20 D). Regarding cylindrical vectors, J45 showed statistically significant differences (P=0.001) between both wavefront autorefractors, but they were not clinically relevant (<0.05 D). In BCDVA, there were no statistically significant differences (P=0.667) between both wavefront autorefractors. Additionally, the Eye Refract was more repeatable than the VX110 in terms of both MSE (SrEYE REFRACT = 0.21 D, SrVX110 = 0.53 D) and J0 (SrEYE REFRACT = 0.12 D, SrVX110 = 0.35 D). Conclusions. The Eye Refract provided enough accuracy and reliability to estimate refractive errors in different age groups, achieving better results than the VX110. Therefore, the Eye Refract proved to be a useful autorefractor to be incorporated into clinical practice.
Optimized Analysis Method for Evaluating the Shear Strength Parameters of Rock Joint Surfaces
Authors: Xiao Yao , Deng Huafeng , Fang Jingcheng , Zhang Hengbin , Li Jianlin
Published: January 2020

The results obtained from the mechanical test of rock samples inevitably suffer dispersion owing to discrepancies between test specimens. In view of these deficiencies, the present study proposes a method based on the empirical equation of shear strength developed by Barton to determine the shear strength parameters of joint surfaces using a single test specimen. This approach is then applied to optimize the analysis of multiple specimens. An analysis of experimental results verifies that the shear strength parameters of joint surfaces obtained by the proposed method can more accurately reflect the shear mechanics of multiple specimens than conventional multiple sample analyses; meanwhile, the results are reasonable and reliable. More importantly, the optimized method ensures the shear strength parameters are no longer affected by the sequence of specimens employed during shear test. The optimized analysis method eliminates the effect of differences between specimens and the influence of subjective factors on test results and therefore provides more realistic evaluations of shear strength parameters.
Mathematical Modeling, Analysis, and Optimal Control of Abstinence Behavior of Registration on the Electoral Lists
Authors: Balatif Omar , Khajji Bouchaib , Rachik Mostafa
Published: January 2020

We propose a mathematical model that describes the dynamics of citizens who have the right to register on the electoral lists and participate in the political process and the negative influence of abstainers, who abstain from registration on the electoral lists, on the potential electors. By using Routh–Hurwitz criteria and constructing Lyapunov functions, the local stability and the global stability of abstaining-free equilibrium and abstaining equilibrium are obtained. We also study the sensitivity analysis of the model parameters to know the parameters that have a high impact on the reproduction number ℜ0. In addition, we propose an optimal strategy for an awareness program that helps politicians and officials to increase the rate of citizens registered on the electoral lists with an optimal effort. Pontryagin’s maximum principle is used to characterize the optimal controls, and the optimality system is solved by an iterative method. Finally, some numerical simulations are performed to verify the theoretical analysis using Matlab.
HIF2-Induced Long Noncoding RNA RAB11B-AS1 Promotes Hypoxia-Mediated Angiogenesis and Breast Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Niu Yanling , Bao Lei , Chen Yan , Wang Chenliang , Luo Maowu , Zhang Bo , Zhou Mi , Wang Jennifer E. , Fang Yisheng V. , Kumar Ashwani , Xing Chao , Wang Yingfei , Luo Weibo
Published: January 2020

Hypoxia induces a vast array of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) in breast cancer cells, but their biological functions remain largely unknown. Here, we identified a hitherto uncharacterized hypoxia-induced lncRNA RAB11B-AS1 in breast cancer cells. RAB11B-AS1 is a natural lncRNA upregulated in human breast cancer and its expression is induced by hypoxia-inducible factor 2 (HIF2), but not HIF1, in response to hypoxia. RAB11B-AS1 enhanced the expression of angiogenic factors including VEGFA and ANGPTL4 in hypoxic breast cancer cells by increasing recruitment of RNA polymerase II. In line with increased angiogenic factors, conditioned media from RAB11B-AS1-overexpressing breast cancer cells promoted tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells in vitro. Gain- and loss-of-function studies revealed that RAB11B-AS1 increased breast cancer cell migration and invasion in vitro and promoted tumor angiogenesis and breast cancer distant metastasis without affecting primary tumor growth in mice. Taken together, these findings uncover a fundamental mechanism of hypoxia-induced tumor angiogenesis and breast cancer metastasis.

Significance:

This study reveals the molecular mechanism by which the lncRNA RAB11B-AS1 regulates hypoxia-induced angiogenesis and breast cancer metastasis, and provides new insights into the functional interaction between a lncRNA and tumor microenvironment.
Physical Activity and Breast Cancer: Focusing on High-Risk Subgroups and Putting Recommendations in Context
Authors: Niehoff Nicole M. , White Alexandra J. , Sandler Dale P.
Published: January 2020

While it is well-established that physical activity is associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer, most studies have been conducted in populations at an average underlying breast cancer risk. In this issue of Cancer Research, Kehm and colleagues present compelling evidence that adulthood physical activity is beneficial across the risk spectrum, including among women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. These findings are significant because women who are at a higher baseline risk are not engaging in sufficient physical activity to meet current guidelines but may be more motivated to do so knowing that they, like women in the general population, may benefit.

See related article by Kehm et al., p. 116
Olive Leaf (Olea europaea L. folium): Potential Effects on Glycemia and Lipidemia
Authors: Acar-Tek Nilüfer , Ağagündüz Duygu
Published: January 2020

Background: Olive tree (Olea europaea, Oleaceae) leaves have been widely used in traditional herbal medicine to prevent and treat various diseases especially in Mediterranean countries. They contain several potentially bioactive compounds that may have hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties. Summary: The literature has recently been attempting to define the relationship between olive leaf (Olea europaea L. folium) polyphenols and a number of health problems. Oleuropein, the basic phenolic compound of olive leaf and its extract, is responsible for the characteristic bitter taste and unique aroma of olive fruits. Furthermore, it is shown that oleuropein and its hydrolyzed products have many beneficial effects on human health because of its antioxidant characters. A number of studies report that olive leaf has potentially positive effects on the parameters related to diabetes and cardiovascular diseases by various mechanisms. Besides, toxicity studies suggest that olive leaf is generally safe even at high doses. Key messages: Although current results obtained until today seem promising, the studies in this subject are usually on cell culture and animal trials. Moreover, mostly the extract forms of olive leaves are used in the studies. More randomized controlled human clinical trials with extensive toxicity studies are needed to evaluate potential health effects and safety.
Café e chá na representação visual europeia, 1640-1790
Authors: Bianchini Nicole Leite
Published: January 2020

O propósito desta apresentação será o de expor, em linhas gerais, os primeiros resultados de uma pesquisa de mestrado, iniciada em 2017, acerca das representações visuais do consumo de café e de chá. O escopo deste trabalho foram as imagens produzidas em torno destas bebidas a partir dos primeiros registros de seu consumo em torno da década de 1640, dentro do noroeste europeu, até a sua completa assimilação ao cotidiano desta região, que compreende Inglaterra, França e Províncias Unidas, na virada para o século XIX.
Diante da extensão temporal e geográfica proposta, foram usadas as coleções digitalizadas de inúmeros museus, bibliotecas e arquivos, das quais foram reunidas quase duzentas imagens pertinentes ao tema. Na sequência, tais imagens foram reunidas em séries temáticas, que por sua vez poderiam ser analisadas em busca de padrões de representação, escolhas materiais, composição interna e aspectos de sua produção. Paralelo à análise destas séries, o discurso em torno do consumo destas novas bebidas exóticas também foi reunido e revisto a partir das fontes escritas mais utilizadas em torno da bibliografia especializada. Foram reunidos, neste âmbito, documentos como tratados em torno destas bebidas, narrativas de viajantes, propagandas, manuais de bons modos e comportamento direcionados tanto ao público masculino quanto ao feminino, e periódicos.
A pesquisa realizada, assim, se enquadra em uma diversidade de campos historiográficos, atuando dentro da história social e econômica ao passo em que entende as commodities enquanto objetos que compreendem tanto as estruturas de produção e circulação quanto de consumo. O estudo do aspecto visual deste mundo tem por objetivo intervir em uma fortuna historiográfica que ora se debruça somente pelos aspectos econômicos do mercado de commodities moderno, ora se dedica somente aos estudos dos padrões e significados do seu consumo no mundo europeu, entendendo a visualidade como uma fonte privilegiada para observar o encontro destas duas esferas. Dentro dos estudos sobre história da alimentação, a proposta foi agrupar a dimensão material do café e do chá com o seu aspecto mental enquanto símbolo visual adotado por pintores e gravadores.
A partir do diálogo entre as fontes escritas e visuais, então, foi possível delimitar três momentos distintos no processo de longa duração da incorporação do consumo de bebidas quentes ao cotidiano urbano europeu. Partindo da ideia de “aglomerados de consumo”, que são definidos por Jan de Vries como conjuntos de artigos que têm significados específicos que seus componentes em separado não possuem, foi possível pensar a visualidade do café e do chá ao longo desta transformação.
Arenaeocoris enervatus (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Stenopodainae), a new genus and species from the Southeastern United States
Authors: BLINN ROBERT L.
Published: January 2020

Arenaeocoris gen. nov., and a new species, A. enervatus sp. nov., is described from southeastern United States. Diagnosticcharacters to distinguish the new genus from related taxa in the United States, illustrations of the species, and a key to the genera for the United States incorporating the new genus, are provided.
The species of Eulaema (Eulaema) Lepeletier, 1841 (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Euglossina) from eastern Brazil, with description of Eulaema quadragintanovem sp. n. from the state of Ceará
Authors: NEMÉSIO ANDRÉ , FERRARI RAFAEL R.
Published: January 2020

Eulaema (Eulaema) quadragintanovem sp. n., a species similar to Eulaema (E.) seabrai Moure, 1960 and Eulaema (E.)helvola Moure, 2003, is described from ‘Serra do Baturité’ and ‘Parque Nacional de Ubajara’, state of Ceará, northeasternBrazil. This species seems to be restricted to ‘brejos de altitude’—Atlantic Forest physiognomies at the top of mountainsin northeastern Brazil—in the state of Ceará. Since these forested areas are rapidly disappearing, it is possible that in thenear future no suitable habitat will be left for this species. The recent record of Eulaema bombiformis (Packard, 1869) inCeará is also discussed. Six species of Eulaema (Eulaema) are now known to occur in eastern Brazil and an updated identification key for them is provided.
Priopoda Holmgren, 1856 (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) from Nepal with a key to the Oriental and Eastern Palaearctic species
Authors: RESHCHIKOV ALEXEY V.
Published: January 2020

Four species of the genus Priopoda Holmgren, 1856 from Nepal are described as new: P. impressa sp. n., P. lisanevichi sp.n., P. nepalensis sp. n., P. vereshchagini sp. n. from Nepal.
New species of Acanthocinini from South America (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)
Authors: MONNÉ MIGUEL A. , MONNÉ MARCELA L.
Published: January 2020

New species of South American Acanthocinini are described: Neobaryssinus abbreviatus sp. nov. from French Guianaand Brazil (Amazonas); Baryssinus amoenus sp. nov. from French Guiana; Colobeutrypanus barclayi sp. nov. fromEcuador; Sporetus sticticus sp. nov. from Ecuador, French Guiana and Brazil (Pará); Oxathres simillima sp. nov. fromVenezuela; Oxathres griseostriata sp. nov. from Brazil (Maranhão) and Bolivia (Santa Cruz) and Oedopeza tavakiliani sp. nov. from French Guiana.
Pelagodes cancriformis, a new emerald moth species from the north of Thailand, Laos and southern China (Lepidoptera, Geometridae: Geometrinae)
Authors: VIIDALEPP JAAN , LINDT AARE , HAN HONGXIANG
Published: January 2020

Guenée (1858) described the genus Thalassodes for T. pilaria Guenée from Loyality Island (Tahiti) and some allied species. Prout (1912) revised the genus, listing 32 taxa from the Old World, and later (Prout 1933) listed forty species and divided Thalassodes into four unnamed sections according to habitus and structure of the male legs. Holloway (1996) divided Thalasssodes into three genera using genitalic charactersa and grouped 16 species in genus Pelagodes Holloway (type species: Thalassodes aucta Prout, 1912). Scoble (1999) attributed 22 species to the genus. Later, Inoue (2003, 2005, 2006) revised collections from the Oriental region, describing ten additional species and a further distinct genus, Reniformvalva Inoue, 2006. Han and Xue (2011) added four new species to Pelagodes and found external similarities between P. clarifimbria and moths from Hainan in China, but postponed any differentiation due to limited material. Lindt, while identifying his emerald moths collected in Laos, noticed genitalic differences between brown-fronted Pelagodes specimens from Laos and Thailand, which are allopatric in Thailand. Here we present a comparative description of P. clarifimbria and a new species P. cancriformis. Institutional acronyms are as follows:. EMNH, Estonian Museum of Natural History, Tallinn, Estonia. IZBE, formerly in Institute of Zoology and Botany of the Estonian Academy of Sciences, now deposited in Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia. IZCAS, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
Marmacuma samimei gen. et sp. nov., (Peracarida; Cumacea; Nannastacidae) from Tarantian (Upper Pleistocene) sediments from the Sea of Marmara, Turkey
Authors: ARTÜZ M. LEVENT , SAKINÇ MEHMET
Published: January 2020

A new genus and species of Cumacea, Marmacuma samimei gen. et sp. nov., belonging to the family Nannastacidae is described based on the carapace from the core samples taken from several sites in the Sea of Marmara. The new genus differs from others in the family by the ornamentation of its carapace and strong serration on the lower edge. This is the first cumacean species which is detected from the Tarantian (0.126–0.0117 Ma; Upper Pleistocene) sediments of the Sea of Marmara, Turkey.
miRNA143 Downregulated the Expression of Cyclophilin A to Inhibit the Progression of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Gao Juhua , Hu Chongyu , Liang Hui , Liu Xin , Gao Xiaoping
Published: January 2020

To investigate the influence of microRNA (miR)-143 on atherosclerosis and its working mechanism via cyclophilin A. Human acute monocytic leukemia cells (human acute monocytic leukemia cells, human THP-1 monocytes) were treated with ox-LDL 80 mg/L for 48 h to establish a foam cell model.
The modeling was evaluated by oil red O staining. The expressions levels of miRNA-143 and CyPA were detected by q-PCR. RNA extracted was confirmed by SiO2 nano magnetic bead. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was used to verify the targeted regulatory relationship between miRNA-143
and CyPA. Next, the cells were transfected with miR-143 mimics and treated with a CyPA inhibitor (cyclophilin A). The expression levels of CyPA and downstream matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9) in the downstream were detected by q-PCR and western blot, respectively. No or few lipid droplets
were observed in the normal THP-1 cells. After treatment with ox-LDL for 48 h, a large amount of red-stained lipid was observed in the cytoplasm, indicating that the THP-1 derived foam cell models were successfully constructed. q-PCR results indicated that miRNA-143 was significantly downregulated
in the THP-1-derived foam cell model, whereas CyPA was upregulated (P < 0.05); the dual luciferase reporter gene assay was performed for miRNA-143 and 3'-UTR of CyPA, and the fluorescence intensity of the 3'-UTR vector group was significantly lower than that of the empty vector group
(P < 0.05). Fluorescence intensity detection of mutations at the target site showed that it had no effect was produced on the fluorescence intensity. This implied a negative regulatory effect conferred of miRNA-143 on CyPA; As compared to the model group, transfection with miRNA-143
mimics led to a significant downregulation of CyPA mRNA (P < 0.05), which was accompanied by significant downregulation of both MMP-9 mRNA and protein (P < 0.05). MMP-9 was also significantly downregulated upon the addition of the CyPA inhibitor cyclosporine A (P <
0.05).
Do Free Trade Agreements Matter to Drug Lag? Recent Evidence From Korea After the Korea–U.S. Free Trade Agreement
Authors: Son Kyung-Bok
Published: January 2020

The KORUS FTA includes various clauses on marketing approval of new medicines and their reimbursement decisions. We aim to capture the availability of new medicines, to measure drug lags for new medicines, and to demonstrate the effect of the KORUS FTA on the timely availability of new medicines in the Korean market. We selected new drug applications approved in the United States between 2007 and 2015, calculated the drug lag, which was defined as the time difference between the date of regulatory approval in the United States and in Korea, and constructed a logistic and Cox model to capture the effect of the variables of interest on the availability and drug lag of new medicines in the Korean market. The FDA in the United States approved 160 NDAs between 2007 and 2015. The KORUS FTA does not increase the availability of new medicines or shorten the drug lag of new medicines. However, the presence of the manufacturer in Korea was significantly related to the availability and drug lag in the Korean market. It is noteworthy that the presence of the manufacturer, which is a kind of by-product of free trade in pharmaceuticals, affected drug lag.
Achievement of Students With IEPs and Associated Relationships With an Inclusive MTSS Framework
Authors: Choi Jeong Hoon , McCart Amy B. , Sailor Wayne
Published: January 2020

The present study investigated the effectiveness of an equity-based inclusive school reform model nested within a multitiered system of support (MTSS) framework on the improvement of math and reading performance of students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Descriptive statistics revealed that math state assessment scores of students with IEPs increased over the implementation period. Results of multilevel modeling demonstrated that the model’s fidelity of implementation scores positively and significantly predicted state assessment math scores. A further analysis examining the effectiveness of the model in three schools that implemented with adequate fidelity compared with nonimplementing schools indicated students with IEPs in implementing schools increased their math scores at a greater rate than their peers in comparison schools; however, effects on reading scores were equivocal. Findings are discussed in the context of inclusion and efforts to support high fidelity implementation of MTSS.