bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pregnancy-Induced Physiologic Adaptation of the Abdominal Aorta Is Associated with Changes in Gene Expression and Genomic Methylation
Authors: Gelinne Aaron , Brown Lucia , Ko Nga Ling , Osol George , Brown Stephen
Published: October 2018

Background/Aims: Ten-eleven translocation 2 (Tet2), a DNA demethylase enzyme, has been identified as a master epigenetic regulator of vascular smooth muscle cell plasticity. We hypothesized that pregnancy will induce significant adaptive changes in aortic biomechanics that correlate with the Tet family gene expression. Methods: Abdominal aortas from pregnant and nonpregnant mice were dissected and cannulated. Intraluminal pressure was adjusted using a pressure-servo system while using a video dimension analyzer to measure the lumen diameter. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunoblot was used to analyze the expression of Tet genes. Global genomic methylation was assessed with the luminometric methylation assay. Results: Compared to the nonpregnant (NP, 706 ± 8 µm) control group, the aortic luminal diameter was significantly increased in both E18.5 (836 ± 14 µm) and PP30 (889 ± 16 µm) mice. Distensibility was reduced in E18.5 (90 ± 4%) mice and returned to NP values (108 ± 2%) in PP30 (108 ± 3%) mice. Tet2 transcription decreased at the beginning of pregnancy and subsequently increased in late gestation, inversely corresponding to changes in global methylation. Conclusion: Physiologic changes in the aorta were accompanied by changes in gene expression and genomic methylation, suggesting an epigenetic component to maternal vascular remodeling during pregnancy.
Urinary Biomarkers in the Prediction of Prognosis and Treatment Response in IgA Nephropathy
Authors: Neuhaus Julia , Bauer Frederic , Fitzner Christina , Hilgers Ralf-Dieter , Seibert Felix , Babel Nina , Doevelaar Adrian , Eitner Frank , Floege Jürgen , Rauen Thomas , Westhoff Timm H.
Published: October 2018

Background/Aims: The addition of immunosuppression to supportive care reduces proteinuria in a subset of patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN) but is associated with an increased rate of adverse events. The present work investigates whether urinary biomarkers are able to identify subjects who benefit from immunosuppression and to predict the progression of disease in a sub-cohort of the STOP-IgAN trial. Methods: Urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), calprotectin, and the product of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7 (TIMP2•IGFBP7) were measured in all available urine samples obtained at the time point of enrollment in the STOP-IgAN trial (n=113). Results: Biomarker concentrations in both the overall study population and the subgroup with additional immunosuppression did not differ in subjects reaching vs. not reaching full clinical remission, eGFR loss ≥ 15, or 30 ml/min/1.73 m2 over the 3-year trial phase (p> 0.05 each). Receiver-operating characteristic curves showed a poor predictive accuracy of each biomarker for the above-mentioned parameters in the overall study population (areas under the curve ≤0.611). Accordingly, there was neither a significant correlation of any biomarker and adverse outcome in linear regression analysis, nor between biomarker concentrations at enrollment and change in the eGFR over the 3-year observation period. Conclusion: NGAL, KIM-1, calprotectin, and [TIMP-2]•[IGFBP7] had neither a prognostic value for the progression of IgAN, nor for the response to immunosuppression in the present sub-cohort of the STOP-IgAN trial. The search for appropriate biomarkers for an individualized treatment strategy in IgAN continues.
A strategy for securing unique microbial resources – focusing on Dokdo islands-derived microbial resources
Authors: Park Jong Myong , Hong Ji Won , Son Jin-Soo , Hwang Ye-Ji , Cho Hyun-Min , You Young-Hyun , Ghim Sa-Youl
Published: October 2018

This review focuses on the state of research on the microbial resources of Dokdo, Korea, as a strategy for securing national microbial resources. In the Korean peninsula, studies aimed at securing microbial resources are carried out across diverse natural environments, especially in the Dokdo islands. Until 2017, a total of 61 novel microbial genera, species, or newly recorded strains have been reported. Among these, 10 new taxa have had their whole genome sequenced and published, in order to find novel useful genes. Additionally, there have been multiple reports of bacteria with novel characteristics, including promoting plant growth or inducing systemic resistance in plants, calcite-forming ability, electrical activation, and production of novel enzymes. Furthermore, fundamental studies on microbial communities help to secure and define microbial resources in the Dokdo islands. This study will propose several tactics, based on ecological principles, for securing more microbial resources to cope with the current increase in international competition for biological resources.
Analysis of the Global Microwave Polarization Data of Clouds
Authors: Zeng Xiping , Skofronick-Jackson Gail , Tian Lin , Emory Amber E. , Olson William S. , Kroodsma Rachael A.
Published: October 2018

Information about the characteristics of ice particles in clouds is necessary for improving our understanding of the states, processes, and subsequent modeling of clouds and precipitation for numerical weather prediction and climate analysis. Two NASA passive microwave radiometers, the satellite-borne Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Microwave Imager (GMI) and the aircraft-borne Conical Scanning Millimeter-Wave Imaging Radiometer (CoSMIR), measure vertically and horizontally polarized microwaves emitted by clouds (including precipitating particles) and Earth’s surface below. In this paper, GMI (or CoSMIR) data are analyzed with CloudSat (or aircraft-borne radar) data to find polarized difference (PD) signals not affected by the surface, thereby obtaining the information on ice particles. Statistical analysis of 4 years of GMI and CloudSat data, for the first time, reveals that optically thick clouds contribute positively to GMI PD at 166 GHz over all the latitudes and their positive magnitude of 166-GHz GMI PD varies little with latitude. This result suggests that horizontally oriented ice crystals in thick clouds are common from the tropics to high latitudes, which contrasts the result of Cloud–Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) that horizontally oriented ice crystals are rare in optically thin ice clouds.
Physics–Dynamics Coupling with Element-Based High-Order Galerkin Methods: Quasi-Equal-Area Physics Grid
Authors: Herrington Adam R. , Lauritzen Peter H. , Taylor Mark A. , Goldhaber Steve , Eaton Brian E. , Bacmeister Julio T. , Reed Kevin A. , Ullrich Paul A.
Published: October 2018

Atmospheric modeling with element-based high-order Galerkin methods presents a unique challenge to the conventional physics–dynamics coupling paradigm, due to the highly irregular distribution of nodes within an element and the distinct numerical characteristics of the Galerkin method. The conventional coupling procedure is to evaluate the physical parameterizations ( physics) on the dynamical core grid. Evaluating the physics at the nodal points exacerbates numerical noise from the Galerkin method, enabling and amplifying local extrema at element boundaries. Grid imprinting may be substantially reduced through the introduction of an entirely separate, approximately isotropic finite-volume grid for evaluating the physics forcing. Integration of the spectral basis over the control volumes provides an area-average state to the physics, which is more representative of the state in the vicinity of the nodal points rather than the nodal point itself and is more consistent with the notion of a “large-scale state” required by conventional physics packages. This study documents the implementation of a quasi-equal-area physics grid into NCAR’s Community Atmosphere Model Spectral Element and is shown to be effective at mitigating grid imprinting in the solution. The physics grid is also appropriate for coupling to other components within the Community Earth System Model, since the coupler requires component fluxes to be defined on a finite-volume grid, and one can be certain that the fluxes on the physics grid are, indeed, volume averaged.
Public schools for private gain
Authors: Labaree David F.
Published: October 2018

Eminent historian David Labaree describes a gradual shift, over the last two centuries, in Americans’ beliefs and attitudes about the goals of public education. At its founding, our school system was designed mainly to serve the public good, conceived at the time as an effort to create a unified citizenry. By the early 20th century, the schools were understood to serve the public good by developing human capital. More recently, though, the public aims of schooling have faded from view, as Americans have come to see education mostly as a private resource.
The courts, the schools, and the Constitution
Authors: Driver Justin
Published: October 2018

Although, at one time, many observers believed that the courts and the schools should have little to do with each other, Justin Driver argues that the public school has, in recent decades, served as the single most significant site of constitutional interpretation in the nation’s history. He traces four reasons for this growing intersection between schools and the courts. First, public schools touch a larger number of Americans than any other government institution. Second, decisions related to public schools present a lens through which to view American history. Third, cases involving schools frequently highlight contentious legal doctrines. And, fourth, the Supreme Court itself has highlighted the schools’ role in how Americans understand the Constitution.
The Islamic State in the News: Journalistic Differentiation of Islamist Terrorism From Islam, Terror News Proximity, and Islamophobic Attitudes
Authors: von Sikorski Christian , Matthes Jörg , Schmuck Desirée
Published: October 2018

We examined how the journalistic differentiation of Muslims from Islamist terrorists and terror news proximity (i.e., proximity of terroristic acts to viewing audience) influence the effects of news reports about terrorism by the Islamic State on Islamophobic attitudes. Drawing from social identity theory, findings from two experimental studies revealed that coverage not clearly distinguishing Muslims from Islamist terrorists (i.e., undifferentiated coverage) activated negative stereotypes about Muslims and, in turn, heightened Islamophobic attitudes. However, terror news proximity did not affect audiences’ reactions of fear, negative stereotypes about Muslims, or Islamophobic attitudes. We discuss the implications of those findings for research on terrorism as well as for journalistic practice.
Combination effects of roof coating and solar photovoltaic system in the tropical region of Ghana: A case study
Authors: Opare Wisdom , Kang Can , Gu Yiping , Mao Ning
Published: October 2018

A combinative use of the photovoltaic modules and roof coating on building was implemented for an institutional hall in Ghana. Computational fluid dynamics simulation was performed for both coated and uncoated roofs to investigate the heat transfer on the roof with regards to the temperature reduction. Numerical results were compared with the field data. The performance of the solar photovoltaic module deployed on the rooftop was evaluated as well. The results demonstrate that the coated roof gives rise to a significant reduction in temperature, which enhances the thermal comfortability in the building. With the participation of the solar photovoltaic module, a total energy of 427.670 MW h/year could be fed into the national grid. The reduction in the power generation cost is accomplished with the joint application of the solar photovoltaic system and the roof coating.
Acute pain alters P-glycoprotein-containing protein complexes in rat cerebral microvessels: Implications for P-glycoprotein trafficking
Authors: Tome Margaret E , Jarvis Chelsea K , Schaefer Charles P , Jacobs Leigh M , Herndon Joseph M , Hunn Kristen C , Arkwright Nathan B , Kellohen Kathryn L , Mierau Peyton C , Davis Thomas P
Published: October 2018

P-glycoprotein (PgP) is the major drug efflux pump in human cerebral microvessels. PgP prevents pathogens, toxins and therapeutic drugs from entering the CNS. Understanding the molecular regulation of PgP activity will suggest novel mechanisms to improve CNS drug delivery. Previously, we found that during peripheral inflammatory pain (PIP) (3 h after λ carrageenan injection in the rat paw), PgP traffics to the cortical microvessel endothelial cell plasma membrane concomitant with increased PgP activity. In the current study, we measured the changes in composition of PgP-containing protein complexes after PIP in rat microvessel isolates. We found that a portion of the PgP is contained in a multi-protein complex that also contains the caveolar proteins CAV1, SDPR, PTRF and PRKCDBP. With PIP, total CAV1 bound to PgP was unchanged; however, phosphorylated CAV1 (Y14P-CAV1) in the complex increased. There were few PgP/CAV1 complexes relative to total PgP and CAV1 in the microvessels suggesting CAV1 bound to PgP is unlikely to affect total PgP activity. However, both PgP and CAV1 trafficked away from the nucleus in response to PIP. These data suggest that P-CAV1 bound to PgP potentially regulates PgP trafficking and contributes to the acute PgP activity increase after a PIP stimulus.
Cardiac arrest caused by intramyometrial injection of vasopressin during a robotic-assisted laparoscopic myomectomy
Authors: Lee Gang Geun , Baek Seung Youp , Woo Kim Tae , Jeong Chang Young , Ryu Keon Hee , Park Dong Ho
Published: October 2018

Vasopressin is a locally-injected vasoconstrictor used to reduce bleeding during gynaecological surgery. However, even in these cases, vasopressin can induce adverse effects, including bradycardia, myocardial infarction and cardiac arrest. Elevated blood concentrations of vasopressin may induce the sympathoinhibitory reflex by increasing blood pressure and augment the sympathoinhibitory reflex by activating the area postrema. In addition, pneumoperitoneum formation needed for laparoscopy as well as physiological changes caused by steep Trendelenburg positions used during robotic surgeries may cause bradycardia. Shoulder braces used to prevent slipping from a steep Trendelenburg position may also be hazardous. This case report describes a 31-year-old female patient who underwent a scheduled robotic-assisted laparoscopic myomectomy in a steep Trendelenburg position. The patient experienced a cardiac arrest 2 min after the vasopressin injection and was treated accordingly. There were no abnormal findings on the postoperative laboratory studies, chest X-ray and electrocardiogram. The patient also had clear consciousness with no other notable symptoms. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 2. The report discusses the potential adverse effects of local vasopressin injection during robotic-assisted laparoscopic myomectomy.
Lesions and Cellular Tropism of Natural Rift Valley Fever Virus Infection in Adult Sheep
Authors: Odendaal Lieza , Clift Sarah J. , Fosgate Geoffrey T. , Davis A. Sally
Published: October 2018

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a mosquito-borne disease that affects both ruminants and humans, with epidemics occurring more frequently in recent years in Africa and the Middle East, probably as a result of climate change and intensified livestock trade. Sheep necropsied during the 2010 RVF outbreak in South Africa were examined by histopathology and immunohistochemistry (IHC). A total of 124 sheep were available for study, of which 99 cases were positive for RVF. Multifocal-random, necrotizing hepatitis was confirmed as the most distinctive lesion of RVF cases in adult sheep. Of cases where liver, spleen, and kidney tissues were available, 45 of 70 had foci of acute renal tubular epithelial injury in addition to necrosis in both the liver and spleen. In some cases, acute renal injury was the most significant RVF lesion. Immunolabeling for RVFV was most consistent and unequivocal in liver, followed by spleen, kidney, lung, and skin. RVFV antigen-positive cells included hepatocytes, adrenocortical epithelial cells, renal tubular epithelial cells, macrophages, neutrophils, epidermal keratinocytes, microvascular endothelial cells, and vascular smooth muscle. The minimum set of specimens to be submitted for histopathology and IHC to confirm or exclude a diagnosis of RVFV are liver, spleen, and kidney. Skin from areas with visible crusts and lung could be useful additional samples. In endemic areas, cases of acute renal tubular injury should be investigated further if other more common causes of renal lesions have already been excluded. RVFV can also cause an acute infection in the testis, which requires further investigation.
Expecting the end: Continuous expectancy ratings for tonal cadences
Authors: Sears David R. W. , Spitzer Jacob , Caplin William E. , McAdams Stephen
Published: October 2018

Cognitive accounts for the formation of expectations during music listening have largely centered around mental representations of scales using both melodic and harmonic stimuli. This study extends these findings to the most recurrent cadence patterns associated with tonal music using a real-time, continuous-rating paradigm. Musicians and nonmusicians heard cadential excerpts selected from Mozart’s keyboard sonatas (perfect authentic cadence [PAC], imperfect authentic cadence [IAC], half cadence [HC], deceptive cadence [DC], and evaded cadence [EV]), and continuously rated the strength of their expectations that the end of each excerpt is imminent. As predicted, expectations for closure increased over the course of each excerpt and then peaked at or near the target melodic tone and chord. Cadence categories for which tonic harmony was the expected goal (PAC, IAC, DC, EV) received the highest and earliest expectancy ratings, whereas cadence categories ending with dominant harmony (HC) received the lowest and latest ratings, suggesting that dominant harmony elicits weaker expectations in anticipation of its occurrence in cadential contexts. A regression analysis also revealed that longer excerpts featuring dense textures and a cadential six-four harmony received the highest ratings overall.
On Civil and Free Marriages in Romania Before 1914
Authors: Rotar Marius
Published: October 2018

The current analysis looks at the ways in which free marriage was regarded in the Romanian society until 1914. The starting point is the change in the legal status of the institution of marriage in Romania starting with the nineteenth century. Laicization of marriage led in this way to heavy criticism from the part of the Romanian Orthodox Church. Under the influence of European models, the issue of free marriage started to gain ground in Romania as well. In conclusion, it is underlined that the subject was a minor one in Romania, being practiced only as exceptions to the rule.
2.45 GHz microwave radiation impairs learning, memory, and hippocampal synaptic plasticity in the rat
Authors: Karimi Narges , Bayat Mahnaz , Haghani Masoud , Saadi Hamed Fahandezh , Ghazipour Gholam Reza
Published: October 2018

Microwave (MW) radiation has a close relationship with neurobehavioral disorders. Due to the widespread usage of MW radiation, especially in our homes, it is essential to investigate the direct effect of MW radiation on the central nervous system. Therefore, this study was carried out to determine the effect of MW radiation on memory and hippocampal synaptic plasticity. The rats were exposed to 2.45 GHz MW radiation (continuous wave with overall average power density of 0.016 mW/cm2 and overall average whole-body specific absorption rate value of 0.017 W/kg) for 2 h/day over a period of 40 days. Spatial learning and memory were tested by radial maze and passive avoidance tests. We evaluated the synaptic plasticity and hippocampal neuronal cells number by field potential recording and Giemsa staining, respectively. Our results showed that MW radiation exposure decreased the learning and memory performance that was associated with decrement of long-term potentiation induction and excitability of CA1 neurons. However, MW radiation did not have any effects on short-term plasticity and paired-pulse ratio as a good indirect index for measurement of glutamate release probability. The evaluation of hippocampal morphology indicated that the neuronal density in the hippocampal CA1 area was significantly decreased by MW.
Ethical decision-making levels of oncology nurses
Authors: Baysal Ebru , Sari Dilek , Erdem Hatice
Published: October 2018

Aim:

This study was carried out in order to determine ethical decision-making levels of oncology nurses.

Ethical Consideration:

Research Ethics Committee's approval was obtained prior to the data collection. Permission to use the Turkish version of the Nursing Dilemma Test was received from Birgül Cerit. Written approval was taken from school administrators to conduct the study confirming that there were no invasive procedures planned for human beings during the study period. The study was conducted in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration. Verbal consent was obtained from each of the nurses who agreed to participate after they were informed about the study content.

Method:

The population of this study conducted in a descriptive way consisted of a total of 96 nurses working at the oncology units and outpatient chemotherapy units of four different hospitals between September 2017 and March 2018. The study sample included 60 nurses who responded to the question form. The data of the study were collected using “Nurses Information Questionnaire” and “Nursing Dilemma Test” developed by Crisham in 1981.

Results:

Oncology nurses’ mean scores in Principled Thinking (49.00 ± 6.46) and those in Practical Considerations (18.35 ± 4.47) were found to be above the moderate level. It was determined that the oncology nurses participated in the study were familiar with situations similar to the dilemmas included in the Nursing Dilemma Test (15.00 ± 4.20).

Conclusion:

It was concluded that oncology nurses try to take ethical principles into consideration but are also affected by environmental factors while making decisions concerning ethical dilemmas. The most frequently encountered ethical dilemmas by oncology nurses include the following: deciding not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation, telling the truth to the patient, studies being carried out without the patient’s content, and patient’s refusal of treatment. In order to improve oncology nurses’ critical thinking and ethical decision-making skills, it is important to determine ethical dilemmas encountered by oncology nurses, and nurses should be encouraged to be involved in ethical decision-making process through cooperation with the other healthcare personnel.
Financial Development and Economic Growth in ASEAN-5 Countries
Authors: Malarvizhi Chinnasamy Agamudai Nambhi , Zeynali Yashar , Mamun Abdullah Al , Ahmad Ghazali Bin
Published: October 2018

This article explores the relationship between financial sector development and economic growth, using a sample of ASEAN-5 countries (Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and Philippines) from 1980 to 2011. More specifically, this study investigates whether higher levels of financial development (FD) are significantly and robustly correlated with faster current and future rates of economic growth, physical capital accumulation and economic efficiency improvements. Findings of this study revealed that FD has a significant positive effect on economic growth. However, the estimated models show that the influence of FD, as a determinant for economic growth of ASEAN-5 countries, is less than that of domestic investment and export.
Volatility Dynamics in the ASEAN– China Free Trade Agreement
Authors: Diaz John Francis T.
Published: October 2018

This study used three multivariate general autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity models to analyze the volatility dynamics in the ASEAN–China Free Trade Agreement. Results indicated the presence of long-run persistence, wherein shocks in China’s stock market affect other ASEAN stock indices in the long term. Further tests revealed the presence of time-varying correlations, suggesting dynamic models, such as the dynamic conditional correlations model, are appropriate. The Baba, Engle, Kraft, and Kroner model determined that the conditional covariances of the Chinese and ASEAN indices are functions of their lagged covariances, further proving that China’s stock volatilities impact the volatilities of ASEAN counterparts.

JEL Classification: C58, G15
The Effects of Data-Based, Individualized Interventions for Behavior
Authors: Bruhn Allison L. , Rila Ashley , Mahatmya Duhita , Estrapala Sara , Hendrix Nicole
Published: October 2018

Data-based individualization (DBI) is a systematic process used to guide teachers in making decisions related to students’ responsiveness to intervention. Whereas this process has been used extensively with academic interventions, far less is known about DBI used within the context of behavioral interventions. In this study, elementary general and special education teachers (a) implemented a technology-based, self-monitoring intervention with students exhibiting challenging behavior; and (b) used DBI to evaluate student progress and make intervention adaptations accordingly. Results of multilevel modeling indicated students improved their positive behavior significantly ( p < .001) from baseline to intervention. For most students, once they began intervention, positive behaviors either maintained or increased gradually when teachers made adaptations to the self-monitoring intervention. In addition to these results, an analysis of the effects of different intervention adaptations (e.g., raising or lowering goals, increasing or decreasing interval length) and visual analysis of individual students’ response are discussed.
Evaluation of Hybrid Arc and Volumetric-Modulated Arc Therapy Treatment Plans for Fractionated Stereotactic Intracranial Radiotherapy
Authors: Li Jun , To David , Gunn Vickie , Shi Wenyin , Yu Yan , Liu Haisong
Published: October 2018

Purpose:

The study was aimed to compare hybrid arc and volumetric-modulated arc therapy treatment plans for fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy of brain tumors.

Methods:

Treatment plans of 22 patients were studied. Hybrid arc and volumetric-modulated arc therapy plans were generated using Brainlab iPlanDose and Varian Eclipse treatment planning systems, respectively, with 6 MV photon beams on a Varian TrueBeam STx linear accelerator (Palo Alto, CA). Prescription dose was 54 Gy. The fractionation was 1.8 Gy per fraction and 30 fractions in total, or 2 Gy per fraction and 27 fractions in total. Planning target volume ranged from 2.4 to 28.6 cm3. Dose conformity index, gradient index, homogeneity index, and maximum doses in organs at risk were compared. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to determine statistical significance in paired comparison.

Results:

Conformity indexes of hybrid arc and volumetric-modulated arc therapy plans are 1.10 ± 0.10 and 1.14 ± 0.07, respectively ( P = .4); gradient indexes are 5.02 ± 1.20 and 5.64 ± 1.28, respectively ( P = .0001); homogeneity indexes are 1.02 ± 0.01 and 1.05 ± 0.01, respectively ( P = .0001); brainstem maximum doses are 53.87 ± 1.63 Gy and 54.06 ± 3.17 Gy, respectively ( P = .1); and optic chiasm maximum doses are 53.86 ± 1.28 Gy and 53.95 ± 1.81, respectively ( P = .4). The monitor unit efficiencies of hybrid arc and volumetric-modulated arc therapy plans are 2.57 ± 0.25 MU/cGy and 2.68 ± 0.24 MU/cGy, respectively ( P = .2). The differences of conformity index, gradient index, and homogeneity index between hybrid arc and volumetric-modulated arc therapy plans are small: 0.08 ± 0.05, 0.65 ± 0.46, and 0.02 ± 0.01, respectively. The maximum doses in organs at risks are similar between hybrid arc and volumetric-modulated arc therapy plans. Hybrid arc and volumetric-modulated arc therapy plans, which have similar monitor unit efficiencies, present similar dosimetric results in the fractionated intracranial radiotherapy.
Feasibility of a Skin Dose Reduction for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Treated With High-Intensity-Modulated Delivery Techniques
Authors: Liao Xiongfei , Li Jie , Wang Pei , Yao Xinghong , Zhang Yulei , Tan Tingqiang , Orlandini Lucia Clara
Published: October 2018

Acute skin toxicity observed in radiotherapy treatment of head and neck cancer is a big concern. The purpose of this work is to evaluate the feasibility of a skin dose reduction in the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma without compromising the overall plan quality. This research focused on comparison of the skin dose reduction that can be obtained for the main high conformal radiotherapy delivery techniques. Sixteen cases of early-stage nasopharyngeal carcinoma were included in this study. For each case, a dynamic intensity-modulated radiation therapy, a volumetric modulated arc therapy, and a helical tomotherapy treatment plans were performed with and without the skin as a sensitive structure in the inverse plan optimization. The dosimetric results obtained for the different treatment techniques and plan optimizations were compared. Dose–volume histogram cutoff points of D95%, D98%, and the homogeneity index were used for target comparison, while Dmean and Dmax/D1cc were used for the organs at risk. The skin volume receiving 5 Gy and then 10 to 70 Gy of radiation dosage registered at step of 10 Gy and Dmean were used for the skin dose comparison. One-way analysis of variance was used to assess the dosimetric results obtained for the different types of treatment plans and techniques investigated. A total of 96 treatment plans were analyzed. When the neck skin was considered in the treatment optimization process, the skin volume that received more than 30 Gy was reduced by 3.7% for dynamic intensity modulated, 4.1% for volumetric modulated arc, and 4.3% for dynamic intensity modulated, while the target dose coverage and organs at risk dosages remained unvaried ( p > .05).
Energy-saving route optimizationin a software-defined wireless sensor network
Authors: Huang Huifeng , Wu Zhihong , Tang Shaoju
Published: October 2018

Energy efficiency in wireless sensor networks is an important concern of ‘green’ Internet of Things. The existing energy-saving routing protocols usually compute the route in isolation, which is disadvantageous to globally optimize the energy consumption. In this article, we propose a novel energy-saving route optimization solution based on the software-defined wireless sensor network. In our proposed solution, the controller obtains the overall information about the network topology and the existing routes. Based on the above information, this solution centrally optimizes the routes in a global manner. In contrast to the existing energy-saving routing protocols, the central route optimization better reduces the energy consumption from an overall perspective. The global route optimization tends to reduce the overall energy consumption using a small number of sensors, which can improve the effectiveness of the used sensors. However, using a small number of sensors leads to high energy consumption of related sensors. To solve the above problem, our proposed solution uses a routing evasion mechanism to balance the energy consumption between sensors.
‘If you can’t see a dilemma in this situation you should probably regard it as a warning’: a metasynthesis and theoretical modelling of general practitioners’ opioid prescription experiences in primary care
Authors: Kennedy Mary-Claire , Pallotti Phoebe , Dickinson Rebecca , Harley Clare
Published: October 2018

Introduction:

The prescribing of opioids has increased internationally in developed countries in recent decades within primary and secondary care. The majority of patients with chronic non-malignant pain (CNMP) are managed by their general practitioner (GP). Recent qualitative studies have examined the issue of opioid prescribing for CNMP from a GP viewpoint. The aim of this study is to identify and synthesise the qualitative literature describing the factors influencing the nature and extent of opioid prescribing by GPs for patients with CNMP in primary care.

Methods:

MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Database, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, CINAHL and Web of Science were systematically searched from January 1986 to February 2018. The full text of included articles was reviewed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool for qualitative research. The papers were coded by two researchers and themes organised using Thematic Network Analysis. Themes were constructed in a hierarchical manner, basic themes informed organising themes which informed global themes. A theoretical model was derived using global themes to explain the interplay between factors influencing opioid prescribing decisions.

Results:

From 7020 records, 21 full text papers were assessed, and 13 studies included in the synthesis; 9 were from the United States, 3 from the United Kingdom and 1 from Canada. Four global themes emerged: suspicion, risk, agreement and encompassing systems level factors. These global themes are inter-related and capture the complex decision-making processes underlying opioid prescribing whereby the physician both consciously and unconsciously quantifies the risk–benefit relationship associated with initiating or continuing an opioid prescription.

Conclusion:

Recognising the inherent complexity of opioid prescribing and the limitations of healthcare systems is crucial to developing opioid stewardship strategies to combat the rise in opioid prescription morbidity and mortality.
Impact of Gender Cues in Advertisements on Perceived Gender Identity Meanings of the Advertised Product
Authors: Sandhu Namrata
Published: October 2018

The study investigates the phenomenological impact of gender cues in advertisements on the perceived gender identity meanings of the advertised product. The study utilizes a randomly assigned participants design that exposes three separate groups of participants to differently gendered advertisements of the same product and captures the distinction in the participants’ construction of the gender identity meanings of the advertised product under experimental conditions. Results establish the significant influence of gender cues in advertisements on the perceived gender identity meanings of the advertised product. Results also underscore the difference in the perceptions of men and women under the same stimulus. Theoretical contributions and implications for marketers are discussed.
Ex vivo human HSC expansion requires coordination of cellular reprogramming with mitochondrial remodeling and p53 activation
Authors: Papa Luena , Zimran Eran , Djedaini Mansour , Ge Yongchao , Ozbek Umut , Sebra Robert , Sealfon Stuart C. , Hoffman Ronald
Published: October 2018

The limited number of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in umbilical cord blood (UCB) units restricts their use for stem cell transplantation. Ex vivo treatment of UCB-CD34+ cells with valproic acid (VPA) increases the number of transplantable HSCs. In this study, we demonstrate that HSC expansion is not merely a result of proliferation of the existing stem cells but, rather, a result of a rapid reprogramming of CD34+CD90− cells into CD34+CD90+ cells, which is accompanied by limited numbers of cell divisions. Beyond this phenotypic switch, the treated cells acquire and retain a transcriptomic and mitochondrial profile, reminiscent of primary HSCs. Single and bulk RNA-seq revealed a signature highly enriched for transcripts characteristic of primary HSCs. The acquisition of this HSC signature is linked to mitochondrial remodeling accompanied by a reduced activity and enhanced glycolytic potential. These events act in concert with a modest upregulation of p53 activity to limit the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Inhibition of either glycolysis or p53 activity impairs HSC expansion. This study indicates that a complex interplay of events is required for effective ex vivo expansion of UCB-HSCs.
Therapeutic Approach to Young Patients With Low-Risk Essential Thrombocythemia: Primum Non Nocere
Authors: Masarova Lucia , Verstovsek Srdan
Published: October 2018

The Oncology Grand Rounds series is designed to place original reports published in the Journal into clinical context. A case presentation is followed by a description of diagnostic and management challenges, a review of the relevant literature, and a summary of the authors’ suggested management approaches. The goal of this series is to help readers better understand how to apply the results of key studies, including those published in Journal of Clinical Oncology, to patients seen in their own clinical practice.

A 51-year-old woman was diagnosed with essential thrombocythemia (ET) the previous year (April 2016) when she was incidentally found to have increased platelets (747 × 109/L) during a yearly physical examination. Her past medical history was significant only for mild hypertension, which was well controlled with a low dose of a β-blocker. There was no history of thromboembolic events. A JAK2V617F mutation was detected in her peripheral blood. A repeated platelet count 1 month later showed increased platelets of 871 × 109/L and she began hydroxyurea. One year later, she presented to our clinic with a white cell count of 8.9 × 109/L, hemoglobin 14 g/dL, and platelets 846 ×109/L while receiving hydroxyurea 500 mg one day alternating with 1000 mg the next day and aspirin 81 mg once per day. The differential as well as other laboratory findings were within normal limits. She had chronic mild to moderate itching, but otherwise denied symptoms referable to ET. Her physical examination was notable for the absence of palpable hepatosplenomegaly. Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy revealed normocellular marrow with hyperplastic megakaryocytes in clusters, no reticulin fibrosis, and 2% blasts, compatible with ET. Molecular testing confirmed JAK2V617F mutations at a variant allele frequency of 12% without any other mutations (81-gene panel), and her karyotype was diploid. She visited the clinic to discuss the next steps in her treatment.
GATA transcription factors in development and disease
Authors: Tremblay Mathieu , Sanchez-Ferras Oraly , Bouchard Maxime
Published: October 2018

The GATA family of transcription factors is of crucial importance during embryonic development, playing complex and widespread roles in cell fate decisions and tissue morphogenesis. GATA proteins are essential for the development of tissues derived from all three germ layers, including the skin, brain, gonads, liver, hematopoietic, cardiovascular and urogenital systems. The crucial activity of GATA factors is underscored by the fact that inactivating mutations in most GATA members lead to embryonic lethality in mouse models and are often associated with developmental diseases in humans. In this Primer, we discuss the unique and redundant functions of GATA proteins in tissue morphogenesis, with an emphasis on their regulation of lineage specification and early organogenesis.
Jet-paddling jellies: swimming performance in the Rhizostomeae jellyfishCatostylus mosaicus(Quoy and Gaimard, 1824)
Authors: Neil Thomas R. , Askew Graham N.
Published: October 2018

Jellyfish are a successful and diverse class of animals that swim via jet propulsion, with swimming performance and propulsive efficiency being related to the animal's feeding ecology and body morphology. The Rhizostomeae jellyfish lack tentacles but possess four oral lobes and eight trailing arms at the centre of their bell, giving them a body morphology quite unlike that of other free-swimming medusae. The implications of this body morphology on the mechanisms by which thrust is produced are unknown. Here we determined the wake structure and propulsive efficiency in the blue-blubber jellyfish Catostylus mosaicus; order Rhizostomeae). The animal is propelled during both bell contraction and bell relaxation by different thrust generating mechanisms. During bell contraction, a jet of fluid is expelled from the subumbrellar cavity, which results from the interaction between the counter-rotating stopping (from the preceding contraction cycle) and starting vortices, creating a vortex superstructure and propulsion. This species is also able to utilize passive energy recapture, that increases the animal's swimming velocity towards the end of the bell expansion phase when the bell diameter is constant. The thrust produced during this phase is the result of the flexible bell margin manoeuvring the stopping vortex into the subumbrellar cavity during bell relaxation, enhancing its circulation, and creating a region of high pressure on the inner surface of the bell and, consequently, thrust. These mechanisms of thrust generation result in C. mosaicus having a relatively high propulsive efficiency compared to other swimmers, indicating that economical locomotion could be a contributing factor in the ecological success of these medusan swimmers.
Staphylococcus aureus Cas9 is a multiple-turnover enzyme
Authors: Yourik Paul , Fuchs Ryan T. , Mabuchi Megumu , Curcuru Jennifer L. , Robb G. Brett
Published: October 2018

Cas9 nuclease is the key effector of type II CRISPR adaptive immune systems found in bacteria. The nuclease can be programmed by a single guide RNA (sgRNA) to cleave DNA in a sequence-specific manner. This property has led to its widespread adoption as a genome editing tool in research laboratories and holds great promise for biotechnological and therapeutic applications. The general mechanistic features of catalysis by Cas9 homologs are comparable; however, a high degree of diversity exists among the protein sequences, which may result in subtle mechanistic differences. S. aureus (SauCas9) and especially S. pyogenes (SpyCas9) are among the best-characterized Cas9 proteins and share ∼17% sequence identity. A notable feature of SpyCas9 is an extremely slow rate of reaction turnover, which is thought to limit the amount of substrate DNA cleavage. Using in vitro biochemistry and enzyme kinetics, we directly compare SpyCas9 and SauCas9 activities. Here, we report that in contrast to SpyCas9, SauCas9 is a multiple-turnover enzyme, which to our knowledge is the first report of such activity in a Cas9 homolog. We also show that DNA cleaved with SauCas9 does not undergo any detectable single-stranded degradation after the initial double-stranded break observed previously with SpyCas9, thus providing new insights and considerations for future design of CRISPR/Cas9-based applications.
Psychological impediments to marriage - forensic and psychiatric opinions. Part II
Authors: Cynkier Przemysław
Published: October 2018

Przed sądami biskupimi toczą się postępowania o stwierdzenie nieważnie zawartego małżeństwa i w sprawach tych powoływani są w charakterze biegłych psychiatrzy i psycholodzy. Opiniowanie wymaga od biegłego specyficznego podejścia merytorycznego przy sporządzaniu ekspertyzy, a także znajomości kanonicznych przepisów prawnych. Prawo kanoniczne, określając przesłanki ważnie zawartego małżeństwa uzależnia od ich spełnienia w chwili zawierania małżeństwa ważność związku, tym samym przyjmuje możliwość nieważnie zawartego małżeństwa. O niezdolności tzw. konsensualnej do zawarcia małżeństwa, a pośrednio psychicznej traktuje kanon 1095, który mówi, że niezdolne do zawarcia małżeństwa są osoby: 1) pozbawione wystarczającego używania rozumu, 2) mające poważny brak rozeznania oceniającego co do istoty praw i obowiązków małżeńskich, wzajemnie przekazywanych i przyjmowanych i 3) które z przyczyn natury psychicznej nie są zdolne do podjęcia istotnych obowiązków małżeńskich. Sądy biskupie posługują się terminologią niewystępującą w psychiatrii lub psychologii klinicznej. Za poszczególnymi sformułowaniami kodeksowymi stoją jednak ściśle określone stany psychopatologiczne, które biegli powinni uwzględniać w swoich analizach. W postępowaniach przed sądami powszechnymi uwzględnia się wyłącznie chorobę psychiczną i upośledzenie umysłowe, a w prawodawstwie kościelnym nie są wymieniane żadne konkretne zaburzenia, co sprawia, że biegli muszą uwzględniać w swoich ocenach bardzo różne dysfunkcje psychiczne.
Beyond the Last Touch: Attribution in Online Advertising
Authors: Berman Ron
Published: October 2018

Online advertisers often utilize multiple publishers to deliver ads to multihoming consumers. These ads often generate externalities and their exposure is uncertain, impacting advertising effectiveness across publishers. We analyze the inefficiencies created by externalities and uncertainty when information is symmetric between advertisers and publishers, in contrast to most previous research that assumes information asymmetry. Although these inefficiencies cannot be resolved through publisher-side actions, attribution methods that measure campaign uncertainty can serve as alternative solutions to help advertisers adjust their strategies. Attribution creates a virtual competition between publishers, resulting in a team compensation problem. The equilibrium may potentially increase the aggressiveness of advertiser bidding, leading to increased advertiser profits. The popular last-touch method is shown to overincentivize ad exposures, often resulting in lower advertiser profits. The Shapley value achieves an increase in profits compared with the last-touch method. Popular publishers and those that appear early in the conversion funnel benefit the most from advertisers using last-touch attribution. The increase in advertiser profits comes at the expense of total publisher profits and often results in decreased ad allocation efficiency. We also find that the prices paid in the market will decrease when more sophisticated attribution methods are adopted.

The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mksc.2018.1104 .
Performing neurological observations
Authors: Derbyshire Julie , Hill Barry
Published: October 2018

Trauma to the brain from injury or illness can cause sustained, raised intracranial pressure. In such patients, neurological observations are a fundamental aspect of nursing care and the ability to make and record such observations accurately is an essential nursing skill. Neurological observations are a collection of information on the function and integrity of a patient's central nervous system—the brain and and spinal cord. This article will discuss the tools used in their observation, including the Glasgow Coma Scale tool, pupillary response, and limb power observations, and provide a ‘how-to’ guide on neurological observations
A new threat to women's health and fertility
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: October 2018

Mark Greener looks at a potentially devastating strain of multidrug resistant bacteria
Effect of Shape and Size on Curie Temperature, Debye Frequency, Melting Entropy and Enthalpy of Nanosolids
Authors: Singh Madan , Molibeli Taele Benedict , Patel Ghanshyam
Published: October 2018

The shape and size dependent melting thermodynamics of metallic nanoparticles are predicted by application of bond theory model, free of any adjustable parameter. Thermodynamic properties like Debye frequency, Curie temperature, melting entropy and enthalpy of Al, Sn, In, Cu, β-Fe and Fe3O4 for spherical and non spherical shapes nanoparticles with different size have been studied. In this model, the effects of relaxation factor for the low dimension solids are considered. The depression in Debye frequency, Curie temperature, melting entropy and enthalpy is predicted. The model predictions are supported by the available experimental and simulation results.