bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Cleaning with Light”
Authors: Büchter Edwin
Published: April 2018

The laser‐based surface pretreatment of industrial components and surfaces is often an economical alternative to conventional component cleaning. In addition to its low energy consumption, the media‐free process does not require any chemicals or abrasives, which is why “cleaning with light” is particularly sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Biases from different DNA extraction methods in intestine microbiome research based on 16S rDNA sequencing: a case in the koi carp, Cyprinus carpio var. Koi
Authors: Han Zhuoran , Sun Jingfeng , Lv Aijun , Wang Anli
Published: April 2018

This study examined the technical bias associated with different DNA extraction methods used in microbiome research. Three methods were used to extract genomic DNA from the same intestinal microbiota sample that was taken from the koi carp Cyprinus carpio var. koi, after which their microbial diversity and community structure were investigated on the basis of a 16S rDNA high‐throughput sequencing analysis. Biased results were observed in relation to the number of reads, alpha diversity indexes and taxonomic composition among the three DNA extraction protocols. A total of 1,381 OTUs from the intestinal bacteria were obtained, with 852, 759, and 698 OTUs acquired, using the Lysozyme and Ultrasonic Lysis method, Zirmil‐beating Cell Disruption method, and a QIAamp Fast DNA Stool Mini Kit, respectively. Additionally, 336 OTUs were commonly acquired, using the three methods. The results showed that the alpha diversity indexes (Rarefaction, Shannon, and Chao1) of the community that were determined using the Lysozyme and Ultrasonic Lysis method were higher than those obtained with the Zirmil‐beating Cell Disruption method, while the Zirmil method results were higher than those measured, using the QIAamp Fast DNA Stool Mini Kit. Moreover, all the major phyla (ratio>1%) could be identified with all three DNA extraction methods, but the phyla present at a lower abundance (ratio <1%) could not. Similar findings were observed at the genus level. Taken together, these findings indicated that the bias observed in the results about the community structure occurred primarily in OTUs with a lower abundance. The results of this study demonstrate that possible bias exists in community analyses, and researchers should therefore be conservative when drawing conclusions about community structures based on the currently available DNA extraction methods.
Phenylbutyl isoselenocyanate induces reactive oxygen species to inhibit androgen receptor and to initiate p53‐mediated apoptosis in LNCaP prostate cancer cells
Authors: Wu Wei , Karelia Deepkamal , Pramanik Kartick , Amin Shantu G. , Sharma Arun K. , Jiang Cheng , Lu Junxuan
Published: April 2018

Previous studies have established the in vivo bioavailability and efficacious dosages of phenylbutyl isoselenocyanate (ISC‐4), a selenium‐substituted isothiocyanate, against mouse xenograft models of human melanoma and colorectal cancer. To explore its potential attributes against prostate cancer, we treated human LNCaP prostate cancer cells with ISC‐4 and examined their apoptosis responses, and interrogated the signaling mechanisms through pharmacological and siRNA knockdown approaches. Our results show that ISC‐4 was more potent at inducing apoptosis than its sulfur analog phenylbutyl isothiocyanate (PBITC) without suppressing protein kinase AKT Ser473 phosphorylation. ISC‐4 induced apoptosis in concentration‐ and time‐dependent manners, and the apoptosis execution was attenuated by pre‐incubation with a pan caspase inhibitor. ISC‐4 decreased the abundance of androgen receptor (AR) and its best known target prostate specific antigen (PSA) without decreasing their steady state mRNA. ISC‐4 upregulated the abundance of p53 protein and its Ser15‐phosphorylative activation, and that of DNA double strand break marker Ser139‐p‐H2A.X coincident with apoptotic exposure. Similar to the rapid induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by isothiocyanates, ISC‐4 increased dihydroethidium‐detectable signals in LNCaP cells. Pre‐incubation with ROS scavenger N‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine preserved AR and PSA abundance, markedly reduced ISC‐4‐induced apoptosis and attenuated p53 Ser phosphorylation, p21Cip1, and p‐H2A.X. Furthermore, siRNA knockdown of p53 did not suppress ROS production, but decreased ISC‐4‐induced apoptosis. Knocking down p53‐targets PUMA and Bax exerted greater protective effect on ISC‐4‐induced apoptosis than depleting p21Cip1. In summary, ISC‐4 inhibited LNCaP cell growth and survival with ROS‐mediated suppression of AR axis signaling and induction of p53‐PUMA‐Bax mitochondrial apoptosis.
Reply to “Modeling Managerial Altruism, CSR, and Donations: A Comment”
Authors: Ho Shirley J. , Huang Cheng‐Li
Published: April 2018

We point out that the main concern of this comment is on the assumptions about “managerial compensation” and “who should make the donation decision for the firm”.
Opposite Effects of the Spinach Food Matrix on Lutein Bioaccessibility and Intestinal Uptake Lead to Unchanged Bioavailability Compared to Pure Lutein
Authors: Margier Marielle , Buffière Caroline , Goupy Pascale , Remond Didier , Halimi Charlotte , Caris‐Veyrat Catherine , Borel Patrick , Reboul Emmanuelle
Published: April 2018

Scope

Food matrix is generally believed to alter carotenoid bioavailability, but its effect on xanthophylls is usually limited. This study thus aims to decipher the digestion‐absorption process of lutein in the presence or not of a food matrix.

Methods

Lutein transfer to gastric‐like lipid droplets or artificial mixed micelles was assessed when lutein was added to test meals either as a pure molecule ((all‐E)‐lutein) or in canned spinach ((Z) + (all‐E)‐lutein). The obtained mixed micelles were delivered to Caco‐2 cells to evaluate lutein uptake. Finally postprandial plasma lutein responses were compared in minipigs after the two test meals.

Results

Lutein transfer to gastric‐like lipid droplets and to mixed micelles was higher when lutein was added in spinach than when it was added as pure lutein (+614% and +147%, respectively, p < 0.05). Conversely, lutein uptake was less effective when micellar lutein was from a meal containing spinach than from a meal containing its pure form (−55%, p < 0.05). In minipigs, postprandial lutein response was delayed with spinach but not significantly different after the two test meals.

Conclusion

Opposite effects at the micellarization and intestinal cell uptake steps explain the lack of effect of spinach matrix on lutein bioavailability.
Probing long‐range spin–spin coupling constants in 2‐halo‐substituted cyclohexanones and cyclohexanethiones: The role of solvent and stereoelectronic effects
Authors: de Rezende Fátima M.P. , Freitas Matheus P. , Ramalho Teodorico C.
Published: April 2018

Earlier studies with 2‐bromocyclohexanone demonstrated a measurable long‐range coupling constant (4JH2,H6) for the equatorial conformer, although 4JH2,H4 and 4JH4,H6 were not observed; as a consequence, it is inferred that the carbonyl group plays an important role particularly due to hyperconjugative interactions σC2H2→π*C═O and σC6H6→π*C═O. In the present study, NBO analysis and coupling constant calculations were performed to cyclohexanone and cyclohexanethione alpha substituted with F, Cl, and Br, aiming to evaluate the halogen effect and acceptor character of the π* orbital on the long‐range coupling pathway. The σC2H2→π*C1═Y and σC6H6→π*C1═Y (Y═O and S) hyperconjugative interactions for the equatorial conformer indeed contribute for the 4JH2,H6 transmission mechanism. Surprisingly, the 4JH2,H6 value is higher for the carbonyl compounds, although the interactions σC2H2→π*C═Y and σC6H6→π*C═Y are more efficient for the thiocarbonyl compounds. Accordingly, the Fermi contact (FC) contribution for the thiocarbonyl compounds decays deeper than in ketones, thus reducing more the 4JH2,H6 values. Moreover, both πC═S→σ*C─X and πC═S→σ*C─H interactions seem to be stronger in thiocarbonyl than in carbonylic compounds. The implicit solvent effect (DMSO and water) on the coupling constant values was negligible when compared with the gas phase. On the other hand, an explicit solvent effect was found and 4JH2,H6 for the thiocarbonyl compounds appeared to be more sensitive than for the cyclohexanones.
Enhanced mixed interpolation XFEM formulations for discontinuous Timoshenko beam and Mindlin‐Reissner plate
Authors: Toolabi M. , Fallah A.S. , Baiz P.M. , Louca L.A.
Published: April 2018

Shear locking is a major issue emerging in the computational formulation of beam and plate finite elements of minimal number of degrees of freedom as it leads to artificial overstiffening. In this paper, discontinuous Timoshenko beam and Mindlin‐Reissner plate elements are developed by adopting the Hellinger‐Reissner functional with the displacements and through‐thickness shear strains as degrees of freedom. Heterogeneous beams and plates with weak discontinuity are considered, and the mixed formulation has been combined with the extended finite element method (FEM); thus, mixed enrichment functions are used. Both the displacement and the shear strain fields are enriched as opposed to the traditional extended FEM where only the displacement functions are enriched. The enrichment type is restricted to extrinsic mesh‐based topological local enrichment. The results from the proposed formulation correlate well with analytical solution in the case of the beam and in the case of the Mindlin‐Reissner plate with those of a finite element package (ABAQUS) and classical FEM and show higher rates of convergence. In all cases, the proposed method captures strain discontinuity accurately. Thus, the proposed method provides an accurate and a computationally more efficient way for the formulation of beam and plate finite elements of minimal number of degrees of freedom.
Foreign educated nurses’ work experiences and patient safety—A systematic review of qualitative studies
Authors: Viken Berit , Solum Eva Merethe , Lyberg Anne
Published: April 2018

Aim

The aim of this systematic review was to identify the evidence contributed by qualitative research studies of foreign educated nurses’ work experiences in a new country and to link the results to patient safety competencies.

Design

A systematic literature review of qualitative studies.

Methods

Electronic searches in the Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library and Cinahl databases and additional manual searches in five scientific journals. A content analysis of 17 qualitative articles was conducted.

Results

The analysis revealed one main theme: “Being an outsider at work” and two themes: “Cultural dissonance and Unfamiliar nursing practice. Two sub‐themes emerged from the first theme; Loneliness and discrimination” and “Communication barriers”. The second theme was based on the following two sub‐themes: “Handling work‐related stress” and “Role uncertainty and difficulties in decision‐making”. A better prepared and longer orientation period with continual clinical supervision including systematic reflection on practice experiences is needed to support foreign educated nurses in the transition period and strengthen their Patient Safety Competencies. Nurse Managers have an important role in ensuring the inclusion of foreign educated nurses and providing desirable working conditions.
Plant training for induced defense against insect pests: a promising tool for integrated pest management in cotton
Authors: Llandres Ana L , Almohamad Raki , Brévault Thierry , Renou Alain , Téréta Idrissa , Jean Janine , Goebel François‐Regis
Published: April 2018

Enhancing cotton pest management using plant natural defenses has been described as a promising way to improve the management of crop pests. We here reviewed various studies on cotton growing systems to illustrate how an ancient technique called plant training, which includes plant topping and pruning, may contribute to this goal. Using examples from cotton crops, we show how trained plants can be brought to a state of enhanced defense that causes faster and more robust activation of their defense responses. We revisit the agricultural benefits associated with this technique in cotton crops, with a focus on its potential as a supplementary tool for integrated pest management (IPM). In particular, we examine its role in mediating plant interactions with conspecific neighboring plants, pests and associated natural enemies. We propose a new IPM tool, plant training for induced defense, which involves inducing plant defense through artificial injury. Experimental evidence from various studies shows that cotton training is a promising technique, particularly for smallholders, which can be used as part of an IPM program to significantly reduce insecticide use and to improve productivity in cotton farming. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Low warfarin resistance frequency in Norway rats in two cities in China after 30 years of usage of anticoagulant rodenticides
Authors: Ma Xiaohui , Wang Dawei , Li Ning , Liu Lan , Tian Lin , Luo Chan , Cong Lin , Feng Zhiyong , Liu Xiao‐Hui , Song Ying
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Anticoagulant rodenticides have been widely used in rodent control in China for >30 years and resistant Norway rats have been reported. Mutations in the vitamin K epoxide reductase complex, subunit 1 (Vkorc1) gene can cause anticoagulant resistance in rodents. In this study, we analyzed the Vkorc1 polymorphisms of 681 Norway rats collected in Zhanjiang and Harbin Cities in China from 2008 to 2015 and evaluated the warfarin resistance frequency.

RESULTS

Analysis revealed four mutations, including three not previously reported. Two new synonymous mutations, His68His and Leu105Leu, are not associated with warfarin resistance. One new nonsynonymous mutation, Ala140Thr, was found in Zhanjiang rat samples collected in 3 years with low frequencies (3.3–4.0%) and is probably associated with warfarin resistance. Laboratory resistance tests suggested low warfarin resistance frequencies in rats from Zhanjiang (4.9–17.1%) and Harbin (0–2.5%) Cities.

CONCLUSIONS

Both genetic analysis and laboratory resistance tests suggested low warfarin resistance frequencies in rats from Zhanjiang and Harbin Cities. The alternate usage of first‐generation anticoagulant rodenticides (FGARs) and second‐generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) might represent an effective strategy against the development of warfarin resistance in Norway rats in China. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Proton Irradiation Effect on InP‐Based High Electron Mobility Transistor by Numerical Simulation with Non‐Uniform Induced Acceptor‐Like Defects
Authors: Sun Shuxiang , Chang Mingming , Zhang Chao , Cheng Chao , Li Yuxiao , Zhong Yinghui , Ding Peng , Jin Zhi , Wei Zhichao
Published: April 2018

In this paper, an improved charge control model is proposed to investigate the effect of proton irradiation on InP‐based high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) with fluence varying among 0, 1 × 1011, 5 × 1011, 1 × 1012, and 2 × 1012 cm−2. The non‐uniform acceptor‐like defects in InAlAs/InGaAs hetero‐junction layers have been taken into account in the charge control model of the device after proton irradiation. The simulated characteristics by the charge control model have shown compatible trend with experimental data. The calculated results show that the channel current, transconductance, and current gain cutoff frequency depict a decline trend with the increase of proton fluence, and the pinch‐off voltage drifts toward positive value. Moreover, the performances gradually begin to degrade after the proton fluence reaches 5 × 1011 cm−2, and deteriorate dramatically with proton fluence up to 2 × 1012 cm−2. The observed obvious variation of electrical properties with different proton fluence could be accounted for by the carrier sheet density reduction, which is a result of the carrier removal effect from induced As acceptor‐like defects.
Controllable Band Alignment Transition in InSe–MoS2 Van der Waals Heterostructure
Authors: Chen Xi , Lin Zheng‐Zhe , Ju Ming
Published: April 2018

Van der Waals (vdW) heterojunctions with type‐II band alignment, in which electrons and holes are localized in distinct layers, play a central role in optoelectronic devices and solar cells. The present study analyzes a type‐I→II band alignment transition in InSe–MoS2 vdW heterostructure, proposed to be controlled via changing interlayer distance or applying perpendicular external electric field. The band position shift of InSe relative to that of MoS2 attributes to a surface polarization mechanism. Changing band offset into type II facilitates possible use and allows greater flexibility for band engineering of InSe–MoS2 heterostructure in optoelectronic and solar energy applications. The present findings provide theoretical guidance to a new approach to improve the optoelectronic properties of vdW heterostructures.
Stochastic generation of precipitation fraction at high resolution with a multiscale constraint from satellite observations
Authors: Guilloteau Clément , Roca Rémy , Gosset Marielle , Venugopal Vuruputur
Published: April 2018

In this work, we propose a method to generate an ensemble of equiprobable fields of rain occurrence at high resolution (1°/16 and 30 min) using a satellite observational constraint. Satellite observations are used to constrain the spatio‐temporal variations of the precipitation fraction at various scales. Spatio‐temporal averages at scales coarser than 1° and 8 h are deterministically derived from the satellite observations. At finer scales, variations are partially stochastically generated by perturbation of wavelet coefficients obtained through a three‐dimensional discrete Haar wavelet orthogonal decomposition. The proposed method can be viewed either as stochastic weather generation or as stochastic downscaling with a multiscale observational constraint. The observational constraint used here is a high‐resolution precipitation index derived from infrared cloud top temperature. As a proof of concept, the method is used here to generate a 300‐member annual ensemble covering a 12,000 km2 area in Burkina Faso in West Africa, with a parametrization derived from ground radar observations. The stochastically generated fields aim at reproducing the multiscale statistical properties of the true precipitation field (as observed by a ground radar). The ensemble mean is an optimal – in terms of mean squared error – estimation of the true precipitation fraction, with the uncertainty quantified by the ensemble dispersion.
Create a home for international student‐athletes
Authors: Stribling Rosemary
Published: April 2018

When international student‐athletes are separated from their familiar surroundings and comforts of home, they suffer anxiety and stress, to the point of debilitation and depression. Their transition to the United States involves not only the typical academic pressures facing first‐year college students, but also managing their rigorous athletics schedules and adapting to their new identities as temporary residents in a new country.
Was student wrongfully suspended after hearing?
Authors: Gelpi Aileen
Published: April 2018

The Western New England University 2014–15 student handbook stated that sexual harassment and sexual violence weren't tolerated.
Bring students together to create strong bonds to your university
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: April 2018

Jerry Price, Ph.D., first became invested in student affairs as a graduate resident advisor. As dean of student affairs at Chapman University, Price has helped boost his institution's first‐to‐second‐year retention rate from 86 percent to a consistent retention rate in the low‐to‐mid‐90‐percent range. He shared strategies for increasing first‐year retention, as well as for facilitating an atmosphere of critical thinking when tackling tricky topics on campus.
Cathodoluminescence study of defects in thermal treatment of zinc titanate thin films deposited by a cosputtering process
Authors: Chiang Tun‐Yuan , Tsai Chien‐Huang , Huang Ming‐Chao , Wen Hua‐Chiang , Chou Wu‐Ching
Published: April 2018

The effects of thermal treatment of polycrystalline ZnO–TiO2 systems on their luminescence emission and phase properties were investigated using ex situ cathodoluminescence and backscattering electron microscopy. The main features of the spectrum are a blue band at 2.75 eV for the phase of TiO and a complex visible band at 2.18 eV for the phase of ZnO, whose peak intensity depends on the annealing temperature. The spectrum intensity is dominated by the ZnO phase when annealing temperature was 720°C, which is attributed to abnormal grain growth. Competition is observed between the broad band peaked at 2.18 eV and visible band peaked at 2.75 eV as the annealing temperature changed (820°C‐920°C). The cathodoluminescence density is gradually governed by the TiO2 phase, and the emission in polychromatic and monochromatic imaging is stronger equally at 920°C. The nucleation of the TiO2 and ZnO grains is present in the backscattering electron images as well.
Growth of Carbon‐Functionalized, Carbon‐Doped ZnO/C Core‐Shell Nanorods for Photoelectrochemical Solar Energy Conversion
Authors: Majumder Tanmoy , Dhar Saurab , Chakraborty Pinak , Mondal Suvra Prakash
Published: April 2018

Carbon functionalized, carbon doped ZnO/C core‐shell nanorod (C‐ZnO NRs) arrays were synthesized on fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) coated glass substrates by using a chemical process. The presence of carbon in ZnO NRs was confirmed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. C‐ZnO NR photanodes demonstrated superior photoconversion efficiency (η∼0.79%) and short circuit current (JSC∼0.82 mA/cm2) compared to pristine ZnO NRs. The incident‐photon‐to‐current conversion efficiency (IPCE) of the photoanodes has been improved up to 59.4%, after C doping. Quantum dot sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) have been fabricated using nitrogen doped graphene quantum dots (NGQDs) as a photosensitizer with C‐ZnO NR photoanodes. Such carbon based green QDSSCs demonstrated power conversion efficiency up to ∼ 0.247%, which was 6.3 times higher than pristine ZnO NRs.
Eco‐Efficient Ultrasonic‐Responsive Synthesis of Primary O‐Alkyl and O‐Aryl Thiocarbamates Using Brønsted Acid Ionic Liquid [H‐NMP][HSO4] in Aqueous Media at Room Temperature
Authors: Inaloo Iman Dindarloo , Majnooni Sahar
Published: April 2018

In the present report, a highly efficient, simple and one‐pot process has been reported for the preparation of novel series of primary O‐alkyl and O‐aryl thiocarbamates through the reaction of aliphatic alcohols and phenols with thiocyanate salts in the present of N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidonium hydrogen sulfate [H‐NMP][HSO4] as a reusable promoter. This process has also been done in aqueous media at room temperature under ultrasound irradiation. All reactions preceded smoothly and the titled products were obtained in good to excellent yields.
Facile Solvent‐ and Metal‐Free Synthesis of Polymers Including Triazole by Click Reaction
Authors: Ranjbar‐Karimi Reza , Mehrafarin Ali , Mahyari Amir , Mehrabi Hossein
Published: April 2018

A convenient green and rapid synthesis has been developed for the preparation of new polymers including 1,2,3‐triazole under solvent‐free conditions. These polymers were synthesized via a click reaction between alkynes and azido containing polymers in excellent yields without any catalyst for 3 minutes. The synthesized polymers were characterized by 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), gel permission chromatography (GPC), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy.
Synthesis, Opto‐electrochemical and Theoretical Investigation of Pyrazino[2, 3‐b]phenazine Amines for Organic Electronics
Authors: Kanekar Deepali N. , Chacko Sajeev , Kamble Rajesh M.
Published: April 2018

A series of five novel donor–acceptor molecules based on tetraazatetracene skeleton containing electron deficient pyrazino[2, 3‐b]phenazine core as acceptor and electron rich triarylamines as donor moiety have been synthesized by Buchwald−Hartwig coupling amination reaction and fully characterized. The synthesized molecules were studied for their optoelectronic properties. Absorption spectra of all the compounds showed intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) transitions in the range of 430−502 nm. All compounds emit in green−red region with emission maxima in the range of 491−639 nm on excitation at their respective ICT absorption maxima. The HOMO and LUMO energy level were found in the range of –5.40 to –5.66 eV and –3.69 to –3.84 eV respectively as calculated by cyclic voltammetry (CV). Theoretical studies were also carried out by using TD−DFT calculations. On the basis of HOMO and LUMO energy level, synthesized compounds could act as ambipolar materials in organic electronics.
The Buen Formation (Cambrian Series 2) biota of North Greenland
Authors: Peel John S. , Willman Sebastian
Published: April 2018

The diverse metazoan fauna from the upper member of the Buen Formation of North Greenland is described as a complement to published descriptions of the exceptionally preserved fauna of the Sirius Passet Lagerstätte which occurs in the lowest beds of the formation. Considered together with organic‐walled microfossils, which are absent from the Sirius Passet Lagerstätte on account of regional metamorphism, the fauna from the upper member provides an extended picture of the Buen Formation biota (Cambrian, Series 2, Stages 3–4; Montezuman–Dyeran of Laurentian usage). Although dominated numerically by specimens of the olenelline trilobitesLimniphacosandMesolenellus, the oldest assemblages (Montezuma–Dyeran boundary) from the upper member of the Buen Formation are characterized by a high diversity of hyoliths which often occur as partial associations of conch, operculum and helens in the dark mudstones; hyoliths are rare in the Sirius Passet Lagerstätte. Sponges are rare in the upper Buen Formation but diverse at Sirius Passet. Unlike the Sirius Passet Lagerstätte, fossil remains of non‐mineralized metazoans with limbs and other details of internal anatomy do not occur in the upper Buen Formation, although organic tubes assigned to a new selkirkiid stem group priapulid (Sullulika) are common. New taxa:Alutella sikusp. nov.,Sullulika broenlundigen. et sp. nov.,Nevadotheca boerglumensissp. nov.,Kalaallitia myliuserichsenigen. et sp. nov.,Nasaaraqia hyptiotheciformisgen. et sp. nov.,Trapezovitus malinkyisp. nov.,Decoritheca?hagenisp. nov.
In situ vaccination: Harvesting low hanging fruit on the cancer immunotherapy tree
Authors: Sheen Mee Rie , Fiering Steven
Published: April 2018

After 100 years of debate, it is clear that cancer is recognized by the immune system and this has generated immense interest in cancer immunotherapy. The systemic nature of the immune system gives immunotherapy the ability to treat metastatic disease, which currently requires chemotherapy that frequently fails. Like chemotherapy, most immunotherapy is systemically applied in an effort to generate systemic antitumor immune response. However, local administration of immunostimulatory reagents into a recognized tumor by in situ vaccination (ISV) can also generate systemic antitumor immunity to fight metastatic disease. Conventional vaccines contain antigens and immune adjuvants. With ISV, the tumor itself supplies the antigen and the treatment only applies immune adjuvant directly to the tumor. While current immunotherapy often fails to eliminate cancer because of local immunosuppression mediated by tumors, effective ISV changes the tumor microenvironment from immunosuppressive to immunostimulatory, stimulates presentation of tumor antigens by antigen‐presenting cells to T cells, and generates systemic antitumor immunity that promotes antigen‐specific effector T‐cell attack of both treated and importantly, untreated metastatic tumors. The advantages of ISV are: simple and cost‐effective; minimal systemic side effects; feasible and flexible adjuvant delivery; exploiting all tumor antigens in the tumor avoids the need to identify antigens; utilizing all antigens in the tumor minimizes immune escape; and potential synergy when combined with other therapies. This review puts ISV into the broader context of cancer immunotherapy, including the use of nanoparticles, and outlines research needed in order to manifest the potential of ISV for clinical use.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease
Retracted: A Porous Zn2(abct) Framework as an Efficient Carrier for 5‐Fu Delivery and Inhibiting Human Liver Cancer Cells
Authors: Song Bao‐Hua , Ding Xing , Li Chen , An Gui‐Feng
Published: April 2018

The creation of effective drug delivery systems is very important in diagnosis and treatment of cancer through controlled and targeted drug delivery. They can increase bioavailability of drugs and reduce their side effects. Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) are alternative drug delivery systems, which are suitable for targeted drug delivery due to their adjustable pore sizes and compatibility by adding some functional groups. In this work, a new porous ZnII‐organic framework was fabricated using a tetracarboxylic acid linker 3,3′,5,5′‐azobenzene‐tetracarboxylic acid (H4abct), which reveals a 3D channel‐type framework with a high free pore volume. The performance of the solvent‐free samples was studied on absorbing and releasing 5‐fluorouracil (5‐Fu). Characterization methods, such as FT‐IR, PXRD, HPLC, BET measurement, and GCMC simulations, were employed to characterize the 5‐Fu loaded framework. Furthermore, anticancer properties of the MOF and drug‐loaded MOF were investigated against four human liver cancer cells (HepG2, SMMC‐7721, HuH‐7 and MHCC‐97H).
Optimising intratumoral treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma models with the diterpene ester Tigilanol tiglate
Authors: Barnett Catherine M. E. , Broit Natasa , Yap Pei-Yi , Cullen Jason K. , Parsons Peter G. , Panizza Benedict J. , Boyle Glen M.
Published: April 2018

The five-year survival rate for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has remained at ~50% for the past 30 years despite advances in treatment. Tigilanol tiglate (TT, also known as EBC-46) is a novel diterpene ester that induces cell death in HNSCC in vitro and in mouse models, and has recently completed Phase I human clinical trials. The aim of this study was to optimise efficacy of TT treatment by altering different administration parameters. The tongue SCC cell line (SCC-15) was identified as the line with the lowest efficacy to treatment. Subcutaneous xenografts of SCC-15 cells were grown in BALB/c Foxn1nu and NOD/SCID mice and treated with intratumoral injection of 30 μg TT or a vehicle only control (40% propylene glycol (PG)). Greater efficacy of TT treatment was found in the BALB/c Foxn1nu mice compared to NOD/SCID mice. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated a potential role of the host’s innate immune system in this difference, specifically neutrophil infiltration. Neither fractionated doses of TT nor the use of a different excipiant led to significantly increased efficacy. This study confirmed that TT in 40% PG given intratumorally as a single bolus dose was the most efficacious treatment for a tongue SCC mouse model.
Preparation, characterization, and evaluation of azoxystrobin nanosuspension produced by wet media milling
Authors: Yao Junwei , Cui Bo , Zhao Xiang , Wang Yan , Zeng Zhanghua , Sun Changjiao , Yang Dongsheng , Liu Guoqiang , Gao Jinming , Cui Haixin
Published: April 2018

To improve the bioavailability of the poorly water-soluble fungicide, an azoxystrobin nanosuspension was prepared by the wet media milling method. Due to their reduced mean particle size and polydispersity index, 1-Dodecanesulfonic acid sodium salt and polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 were selected from six conventional surfactants, the content only accounting for 15% of the active compound. The mean particle size, polydispersity index, and

$$\zeta$$

ζ

potential of the nanosuspension were determined to be 238.1 ± 1.5 nm, 0.17 ± 0.02 and − 31.8 ± 0.3 mV, respectively. The lyophilized nanosuspension mainly retained crystalline state, with only a little amorphous content as determined by powder X-ray diffraction. Compared to conventional fungicide formulations, the nanosuspension presented an increased retention volume and a reduced contact angle, indicating enhanced wettability and adhesion. In addition, the azoxystrobin nanosuspension showed the highest antifungal activity, with a medial lethal concentration of 1.4243 μg/mL against Fusarium oxysporum. In optical micrographs, hyphal deformations of thinner and intertwined hyphae were detected in the exposed group. Compared to the control group, the total soluble protein content, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities were initially increased and then decreased with prolonged exposure time. The azoxystrobin nanosuspension reduced the defensive antioxidant capability of Fusarium oxysporum and resulted in the generation of excessive reactive oxygen species. This study provides a novel method for preparing nanosuspension formulation of poorly soluble antifungal agents to enhance the biological activity and decrease the negative environmental impact.
Influence Factors of Sexual Activity for Internal Migrants in China
Authors: Zhang Junguo , Wu Junqing , Li Yuyan , Zhou Ying , Li Yiran , Zhao Rui , Shi Yuanming , Li Zheng , Huang Wei , Chen Jian
Published: April 2018

Background

Sexual frequency is associated with the quality of life. China’s internal migrants that are sexually active are more likely to participate in sexual behavior. However, less work has been undertaken to assess the sexual frequency and its predictors in migrants.

Aim

This study seeks to explore which factors were related to sexual frequency in migrants and how the association varies with different levels of sexual frequency.

Methods

A total of 10,834 men and 4,928 women aged 20–49 years from 5 cities in China were enrolled by multi-stage sampling during August 2013–August 2015.

Outcomes

Sexual frequency among migrants was determined by asking: How many times have you had sexual intercourse with a man/woman in the past 30 days?

Results

In this study, sexual frequency with an average age of 38.28 years was 5.06 (95% CI 5.01–5.11) time per month. Negative binomial showed that male gender, younger age, earlier age of sexual debut, masturbation, more knowledge of sexual and reproductive health, longer time together with a spouse, and higher school education and incomes were predictors of increased sexual frequency in migrants. Communicating with sexual partners frequently had the largest effect on sexual frequency compared with occasional communicating (β = 0.2419, incidence rate ratio = 1.27, 95% CI 1.23–1.31). In the quantile regression, months of cohabitation (β = 0.0999, 95% CI 0.08–0.12), frequent sexual communication (β = 0.4534, 95% CI 0.39–0.52), and masturbation (β = 0.2168, 95% CI 0.14–0.30) were positively related to lower levels of sexual frequency. Interestingly, migrants who had low and high sexual frequency would be affected in opposite directions by the knowledge of sexual and reproductive health.

Clinical Translation

Clinicians can more understand the relationship between sexual frequency and its factors that can as the symptom basis of sexually-related diseases.

Conclusions

The present findings indicate that specific demographic, socioeconomic, and epidemiological characteristics influenced sexual frequency among migrants. Sexual communication as the largest effect predictor to sexual frequency should be paid more attention to, to improve sexual activity of migrants.
Changes of glucose levels precede dementia in African‐Americans with diabetes but not in Caucasians
Authors: Hendrie Hugh C. , Zheng Mengjie , Lane Kathleen A. , Ambuehl Roberta , Purnell Christianna , Li Shanshan , Unverzagt Frederick W. , Murray Michael D. , Balasubramanyam Ashok , Callahan Chris M. , Gao Sujuan
Published: April 2018

Introduction

Changes in glucose levels may represent a powerful metabolic indicator of dementia in African‐Americans with diabetes. It is unclear whether these changes also occur in Caucasians.

Methods

A secondary data analysis using electronic medical records from 5228 African‐Americans and Caucasians aged ≥65 years was carried out. Mixed effects models with repeated serum glucose measurements were used to compare changes in glucose levels between African‐Americans and Caucasian patients with and without incident dementia.

Results

African‐Americans and Caucasians with diabetes had significantly different changes in glucose levels by dementia status (P < .0001). African‐Americans experienced a significant decline in glucose levels before the dementia diagnosis (estimated glucose decline 1.3421 mg/dL per year, P < .0001) than those who did not develop dementia. Caucasians with and without dementia showed stable glucose levels over time (P = .3071).

Discussion

Significant changes in glucose levels precede dementia in African‐American patients with diabetes but not in Caucasians.
The Impact of 2015 NHSN Catheter-associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI) Definition Change on Central Line-associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI) Rates and CLABSI Prevention Efforts at an Academic Medical Center
Authors: Advani Sonali D. , Lee Rachael A. , Long Martha , Schmitz Mariann , Camins Bernard C.
Published: April 2018

The 2015 changes in the catheter-associated urinary tract infection definition led to an increase in central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) and catheter-related candidemia in some health systems due to the change in CLABSI attribution. However, our rates remained unchanged in 2015 and further declined in 2016 with the implementation of new vascular-access guidelines.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;878–880
Convergence's Democracy Problem: A Critique of Kogelmann and Stich
Authors: HERTZBERG BENJAMIN R.
Published: April 2018

In their 2016 American Political Science Review article, Kogelmann and Stich argue that public reason fails to provide the assurance reasonable citizens require to act justly and that, as a consequence, Rawls's account of political stability fails. Convergence discussions, because they are a costly signal, provide such assurance. Kogelmann and Stich fail to recognize that constituents influence representatives such that the costs of convergence discourse are unknown. It thus cannot assure. Constituents’ influence also undermines convergence's ability to show how decision-making processes that follow its norms result in justified laws. Far from supporting convergence, then, the stability question demands revision of the view. This response develops these objections, extends them from Kogelmann and Stich's analysis to other convergence theorists and political liberals, and explores what political theorists can learn from convergence's difficulties.
Diversity, distribution and parasitism rates of fleas (Insecta: Siphonaptera) on sigmodontine rodents (Cricetidae) from Argentinian Patagonia
Authors: Sanchez J. , Lareschi M.
Published: April 2018

Fleas have great medical relevance as vectors of the causative agents of several diseases in animals and humans and rodents are the principal reservoirs for these pathogens. Argentinian Patagonia has the highest diversity of rodent fleas in South America. However, parasitism rates of rodents by fleas, the factors that influence them and the ecological aspects that modulate geographical distributions of flea–host association remain unknown for this region. This is the first study to record the diversity, prevalence, abundance, geographical distributions and host ranges of fleas in Argentinian Patagonia. It also compares parasitism rates among Patagonian ecoregions and host species. We captured 438 rodents belonging to 13 species, which harboured 624 fleas from 11 species and subspecies (P= 46%; mean abundance = 1.44). The high parasitism rates obtained were consistent with previous records for other arid regions, suggesting that Patagonia favours the survival and development of Siphonaptera. Host geographic range and abundance were related to the parasitological indexes: host species with high-density populations had the highest mean flea abundance and prevalence, whereas widely distributed hosts had the highest richness and diversity of flea species. Our results contribute to the knowledge of the flea–host–environment complex. Our analysis of flea distributions and parasitism rate in Central Patagonia may be useful in epidemiological studies of flea-borne diseases and provide a basis for implementing surveillance systems for better risk assessment of emerging zoonoses in the region.
The potential distribution of the Russian wheat aphid (Diuraphis noxia): an updated distribution model including irrigation improves model fit for predicting potential spread
Authors: Avila G.A. , Davidson M. , van Helden M. , Fagan L.
Published: April 2018

Diuraphis noxia (Kurdjumov), Russian wheat aphid, is one of the world's most invasive and economically important agricultural pests of wheat and barley. In May 2016, it was found for the first time in Australia, with further sampling confirming it was widespread throughout south-eastern regions. Russian wheat aphid is not yet present in New Zealand. The impacts of this pest if it establishes in New Zealand, could result in serious control problems in wheat- and barley-growing regions. To evaluate whether D. noxia could establish populations in New Zealand we used the climate modelling software CLIMEX to locate where potential viable populations might occur. We re-parameterised the existing CLIMEX model by Hughes and Maywald (1990) by improving the model fit using currently known distribution records of D. noxia, and we also considered the role of irrigation into the potential spread of this invasive insect. The updated model now fits the current known distribution better than the previous Hughes and Maywald CLIMEX model, particularly in temperate and Mediterranean areas in Australia and Europe; and in more semi-arid areas in north-western China and Middle Eastern countries. Our model also highlights new climatically suitable areas for the establishment of D. noxia, not previously reported, including parts of France, the UK and New Zealand. Our results suggest that, when suitable host plants are present, Russian wheat aphid could establish in these regions. The new CLIMEX projections in the present study are useful tools to inform risk assessments and target surveillance and monitoring efforts for identifying susceptible areas to invasion by Russian wheat aphid.
A novel technique to identify the nerve of origin in head and neck schwannomas
Authors: Ching H H , Spinner A G , Reeve N H , Wang R C
Published: April 2018

Objective:

Identifying the nerve of origin in head and neck schwannomas is a diagnostic challenge. Surgical management leads to a risk of permanent deficit. Accurate identification of the nerve would improve operative planning and patient counselling.

Methods:

Three patients with head and neck schwannomas underwent a diagnostic procedure hypothesised to identify the nerve of origin. The masses were infiltrated with 1 per cent lidocaine solution, and the patients were observed for neurological deficits.

Results:

All three patients experienced temporary loss of nerve function after lidocaine injection. Facial nerve palsy, voice changes with documented unilateral same-side vocal fold paralysis, and numbness in the distribution of the maxillary nerve (V2), respectively, led to a likely identification of the nerve of origin.

Conclusion:

Injection of lidocaine into a schwannoma is a safe, in-office procedure that produces a temporary nerve deficit, which may enable accurate identification of the nerve of origin of a schwannoma. Identifying the nerve of origin enhances operative planning and patient counselling.
The Balms of White Grief: Indian Doctors, Vulnerability and Pride in Victoria, 1890–1912
Authors: Rhook Nadia
Published: April 2018

This article uses the 1898 manslaughter trial of two Indian medical practitioners in Victoria, Australia, as a lens to explore the settler colonial politics of medicine. Whereas imperial and colonial historians have long recognised the close and complex interrelationship of medicine and race, the emotional dimensions to care-giving have been under-appreciated – as has the place of the emotions within wider histories of sickness and health. Yet, this case studies shows, grief, vulnerability, catharsis and pride shaped the practice of medicine infin-de-siecleVictoria. In particular, I argue that, like other emotions, grief does racial work.
The Desirable and Undesirable in the life of the Chief Immigration Officer in Cape Town, Clarence Wilfred Cousins, 1905–1915
Authors: Dhupelia-Mesthrie Uma
Published: April 2018

This article argues that while immigration exclusions of those considered undesirable were clearly set out by legislation, the subjectivity of the immigration officer was an important aspect of implementation. Drawing on the diaries and personal letters of the officer based at Cape Town, the article focuses on his emotions as he went about his daily life and moved between different intimate city spaces – home, church, docks and office. Bringing together his social world with his world of work, the article argues that what the immigration officer considered desirable in his personal life influenced how he conducted his work at the port.
Fear and Loathing in Amritsar: an Intimate Account of Colonial Crisis
Authors: Wagner Kim A.
Published: April 2018

This essay revisits the events surrounding one of the most emblematic instances of colonial violence, namely the Amritsar Massacre of 1919, through the diary of an Englishwoman, Mrs. Melicent Wathen. Where most histories of the Amritsar Massacre emphasize British brutality and Indian suffering, Melicent’s experience was instead characterized by fear and the uncertainty of what became a headlong flight from Empire. Her diary thus offers an intimate account of colonial crisis. If we are to engage comprehensively with the lived experience of empire, the forms and functions of colonial fears and anxieties must be acknowledged; not because colonial panics were caused by real threats, which often they were not, but because they played such a crucial role in shaping colonial policies and in framing the relationship between rulers and ruled.
Development of stop consonants in three- to six-year-old Mandarin-speaking children
Authors: YANG Jing
Published: April 2018

This study compared the temporal measurements of stop consonants in 29 three- to six-year-old Mandarin-speaking children and 12 Mandarin-speaking adults. Each participant produced 18 Mandarin disyllabic words which contained six stop consonants /p, pʰ, t, tʰ, k, kʰ/ each followed by three vowels /a, i, u/ at the word-initial position in the first syllable. The temporal measurements of VOT, overall burst duration, average duration per burst, number of bursts, and VOT-lag duration were obtained. Although adult-like short-lag VOTs were achieved in all children, the long-lag VOTs were widespread in the younger group and gradually developed to a concentrated distribution in the older children. Further analysis of the burst and VOT-lag revealed that these children tended to produce shorter average duration per burst and longer VOT-lag than the adults. These results indicate that children in this age range may not have developed adult-like laryngeal–oral timing pattern and airflow control for stop production.