bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel psychoactive substance use among treatment‐seeking opiate users: The role of life events and psychiatric symptoms
Authors: Kapitány‐Fövény Máté , Farkas Judit , Pataki Patrícia Andrea , Kiss Anna , Horváth Janka , Urbán Róbert , Demetrovics Zsolt
Published: June 2017

Objective

Over the past 5 years, a shift to the use of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) has been observed among opioid users. The aim of this study was to assess the potential reasons for NPS use among treatment‐seeking patients receiving opiate substitution therapy.

Method

A structured questionnaire was filled out by a sample of 198 opiate dependent patients of Hungary's National Institute of Psychiatry and Addiction. This questionnaire assessed demographics, treatment characteristics, lifetime substance use, potential reasons for NPS use, negative life events (Life Events Scale), and psychiatric symptoms (Brief Symptom Inventory).

Results

The most frequent reasons for NPS use were curiosity, replacing other drugs, and easy availability. The majority of the respondents used synthetic cathinones and chose practical reasons, not psychopharmacological preferences. A series of binary logistic regressions indicated that lifetime amphetamine use (OR = 4.64, 95% CI [2.16, 9.96]) and more severe psychiatric symptoms (OR = 1.89, 95% CI [1.18, 3.04]) may predict NPS use. Time spent in treatment was a minor protective factor (OR = 0.92, 95% CI [0.86, 0.99]).

Conclusion

Synthetic cathinones might still substitute amphetamine‐derivatives, although these NPS are no longer legal. There is a need for the regular screening of psychiatric symptoms and the use of family therapy among participants on opioid substitution programs.
THE TRANSITION FROM MOTHER‐OF‐ONE TO MOTHER‐OF‐TWO: MOTHERS’ PERCEPTIONS OF THEMSELVES AND THEIR RELATIONSHIPS WITH THEIR FIRSTBORN CHILDREN
Authors: Chapman Jennifer K. , Hart Sybil L.
Published: June 2017

This qualitative study aimed to explore mothers’ perceptions of the transition to second‐time motherhood, and advance methodology for supporting mothers during this transition. Fifty‐seven pregnant mothers and their firstborn children (M age = 30.3 months) participated in a laboratory procedure in which the mother exposed her child to a brief episode of differential treatment. The episode was designed to simulate an expected experience of caregiving that would occur after the birth of a second child. During a postnatal visit (M=5.72 weeks following childbirth), mothers provided written feedback on their perceptions of the transition and the contribution of the laboratory experience to that transition. Qualitative content analysis revealed that mothers approached the birth of a second child with apprehension. Intrapersonal themes revealed that participation in the procedure shaped mothers’ understanding of their expanded maternal roles by enhancing their sense of preparedness and confidence in their abilities to support their children. Interpersonal themes revealed that participation helped mothers appreciate the magnitude of the challenge that their children would face and gave mothers reason to believe that their children would adjust successfully. Findings are discussed in terms of their potential contribution toward developing methodology for helping mothers prepare for the addition of a second child.
Transcriptomic Profiling in Human Decidua of Severe Preeclampsia Detected by RNA Sequencing
Authors: Tong Jing , Zhao Weixiu , Lv Hong , Li Wei‐Ping , Chen Zi‐Jiang , Zhang Cong
Published: June 2017

Maternal decidua plays a critical role in implantation and placentation. Impaired decidualization causes failed intravascular trophoblast invasion and inadequate placentation and then increases the risk of preeclampsia (PE). RNA sequencing (RNA‐Seq) has achieved great advances in the characterization and quantification of transcriptomes; is a powerful tool for new transcript discovery, genome annotation, and expression profiling. In the present study, we conducted a RNA‐Seq analysis to compare gene expression between decidua of PE (n = 3, early‐onset severe PE, EOSPE; n = 3, late‐onset severe PE, LOSPE) and normal pregnancies (n = 3). We revealed that decidual gene transcription profile was altered in severe PE and identified 293 key PE‐related genes involved in 19 differentially regulated pathways relevant for the pathogenesis of PE, among which ENO2, PGK1, and HK2 involved in glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and HIF‐1 signaling pathway which are all highly related with tumorigenesis and are significantly upregulated in cancer cells were severely inhibited in the decidua of PE. Moreover, we identified 22 core regulatory genes, including the newly identified pseudogenes BNIP3P1, HK2P1, and PGK1P1 that encode long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA); interestingly, BNIP3/BNIP3P1, HK2/HK2P1, and PGK1/PGK1P1 appear in pairs in core genes. Subsequent analyses using quantitative PCR validated a portion of these results. This study may provide further insight into the mechanisms of PE and function as preventive, predictive, and therapeutic measures. Future functional studies are needed in order to accomplish a greater understanding of the mechanisms involved. J. Cell. Biochem. 119: 607–615, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Calculation of photoionization differential cross sections using complex Gauss‐type orbitals
Authors: Matsuzaki Rei , Yabushita Satoshi
Published: June 2017

Accurate theoretical calculation of photoelectron angular distributions for general molecules is becoming an important tool to image various chemical reactions in real time. We show in this article that not only photoionization total cross sections but also photoelectron angular distributions can be accurately calculated using complex Gauss‐type orbital (cGTO) basis functions. Our method can be easily combined with existing quantum chemistry techniques including electron correlation effects, and applied to various molecules. The so‐called two‐potential formula is applied to represent the transition dipole moment from an initial bound state to a final continuum state in the molecular coordinate frame. The two required continuum functions, the zeroth‐order final continuum state and the first‐order wave function induced by the photon field, have been variationally obtained using the complex basis function method with a mixture of appropriate cGTOs and conventional real Gauss‐type orbitals (GTOs) to represent the continuum orbitals as well as the remaining bound orbitals. The complex orbital exponents of the cGTOs are optimized by fitting to the outgoing Coulomb functions. The efficiency of the current method is demonstrated through the calculations of the asymmetry parameters and molecular‐frame photoelectron angular distributions of
and
. In the calculations of
, the static exchange and random phase approximations are employed, and the dependence of the results on the basis functions is discussed. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reduced expression of circRNA hsa_circ_0003159 in gastric cancer and its clinical significance
Authors: Tian Mengqian , Chen Ruoyu , Li Tianwen , Xiao Bingxiu
Published: June 2017

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play a crucial role in the occurrence of several diseases including cancers. However, little is known about circRNAs’ diagnostic values for gastric cancer, one of the worldwide most common diseases of mortality.

Methods

The hsa_circ_0003159 levels in 108 paired gastric cancer tissues and adjacent non‐tumorous tissues from surgical patients with gastric cancer were first detected by real‐time quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. Then, the relationships between hsa_circ_0003159 expression levels in gastric cancer tissues and the clinicopathological factors of patients with gastric cancer were analyzed. Finally, its diagnostic value was evaluated through the receiver operating characteristic curve.

Results

Compared with paired adjacent non‐tumorous tissues, hsa_circ_0003159 expression was significantly down‐regulated in gastric cancer tissues. What is more, we found that hsa_circ_0003159 expression levels were significantly negatively associated with gender, distal metastasis, and tumor‐node‐metastasis stage.

Conclusions

All of the results suggest that hsa_circ_0003159 may be a potential cancer marker of patients with gastric cancer.
Three‐dimensional cell culture models for anticancer drug screening: Worth the effort?
Authors: Verjans Eddy‐Tim , Doijen Jordi , Luyten Walter , Landuyt Bart , Schoofs Liliane
Published: June 2017

High attrition of new oncology drug candidates in clinical trials is partially caused by the poor predictive capacity of artificial monolayer cell culture assays early in drug discovery. Monolayer assays do not take the natural three‐dimensional (3D) microenvironment of cells into account. As a result, false positive compounds often enter clinical trials, leading to high dropout rates and a waste of time and money. Over the past 2 decades, tissue engineers and cell biologists have developed a broad range of 3D in vitro culturing tools that better represent in vivo cell biology. These tools preserve the 3D architecture of cells and can be used to predict toxicity of and resistance against antitumor agents. Recent progress in tissue engineering further improves 3D models by taking into account the tumor microenvironment, which is important for metastatic progression and vascularization. However, the widespread implementation of 3D cell cultures into cell‐based research programs has been limited by various factors, including their cost and reproducibility. In addition, different 3D cell culture techniques often produce spheroids of different size and shape, which can strongly influence drug efficacy and toxicity. Hence, it is imperative to morphometrically characterize multicellular spheroids to avoid generalizations among different spheroid types. Standardized 3D culturing procedures could further reduce data variability and enhance biological relevance. Here, we critically evaluate the benefits and challenges inherent to growing cells in 3D, along with an overview of the techniques used to form spheroids. This is done with a specific focus on antitumor drug screening.
MicroRNA: A novel target of curcumin in cancer therapy
Authors: Mirzaei Hamed , Masoudifar Aria , Sahebkar Amirhossein , Zare Naser , Sadri Nahand Javid , Rashidi Bahman , Mehrabian Emadodin , Mohammadi Mohsen , Mirzaei Hamid Reza , Jaafari Mahmoud Reza
Published: June 2017

Curcumin is known as a natural dietary polyphenol which is extracted from Curcuma longa L. It has been shown that curcumin has a variety of pharmacological effects such as antioxidant, anti‐cancer, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐microbial activities. Anti‐cancer effects of curcumin are due to targeting of a wide range of cellular and molecular pathways involved in cancer pathogenesis including NF‐kB, MAPK, PTEN, P53, and microRNAs (miRNA) network. Multiple lines of evidence have indicated that curcumin exerts its therapeutic effects via regulating miRNA expression (e.g., miR‐1, miR‐7, miR‐9, miR‐34a, miR‐181, miR‐21, and miR‐19) which could lead to the regulation of underlying cellular and molecular pathways involved in cancer pathogenesis. Exosomes are one of the important classes of biological vehicles which could be released from various types of cells such as cancer cells and stem cells and could change the behavior of recipient cells. It has been shown that treatment of cancer cells with different dose of curcumin leads to the release of exosomes containing curcumin. These exosomes could induce anti‐cancer properties in recipient cells and reduce tumor growth. Hence, exosomes containing curcumin could be applied as powerful tools for cancer treatment. Here, we highlighted various miRNAs which could be affected by curcumin in various types of cancer. Moreover, we highlight exosomes containing curcumin as suitable therapeutic tools in cancer therapy.
BACE1 Inhibitor Lanabecestat (AZD3293) in a Phase 1 Study of Healthy Japanese Subjects: Pharmacokinetics and Effects on Plasma and Cerebrospinal Fluid Aβ Peptides
Authors: Sakamoto Kei , Matsuki Shunji , Matsuguma Kyoko , Yoshihara Tatsuya , Uchida Naoki , Azuma Fumihiko , Russell Muir , Hughes Glen , Haeberlein Samantha Budd , Alexander Robert C. , Eketjäll Susanna , Kugler Alan R.
Published: June 2017

Lanabecestat (AZD3293; LY3314814) is an orally active potent inhibitor of human β‐secretase 1 in clinical development for the treatment of Alzheimer disease. In this first Japanese clinical study for an Alzheimer disease intervention to include cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sampling in Japanese elderly healthy subjects, we report the pharmacokinetics and effects on plasma and CSF amyloid‐β (Aβ) peptides of lanabecestat in a phase 1 study involving 40 healthy Japanese subjects (NCT02005211). No safety and tolerability concerns were identified in healthy Japanese subjects exposed to lanabecestat up to the highest doses given, which is consistent with observations in a US phase 1 study of lanabecestat. Exposure to lanabecestat was similar for young and elderly subjects and increased in a dose‐dependent manner. For elderly subjects, plasma lanabecestat half‐life after multiple dosing was 12 to 17 hours (on days 10 and 14). Robust plasma and CSF Aβ peptide reductions were also seen at all doses, with CSF Aβ42 concentrations reduced by 63% and 79% in the 15‐ and 50‐mg lanabecestat groups, respectively. CSF soluble amyloid‐β precursor protein β also decreased following lanabecestat treatment. Suppression of CSF Aβ peptides was similar in elderly healthy Japanese subjects and US patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer disease. Lanabecestat is a promising potentially disease‐modifying treatment in phase 3 development for patients with early Alzheimer disease.
Algal biomass as fuel for stacked‐MFCs for profitable, sustainable and carbon neutral bioenergy generation
Authors: Asensio Yeray , Fernandez‐Marchante Carmen , Villaseñor Jose , Lobato Justo , Cañizares Pablo , Rodrigo Manuel A
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

This work compares the performance of three stacked microbial fuel cells constructed with different number of single‐MFC (MFC1 with two stacked‐MFCs, MFC2 with ten stacked‐MFCs and MFC3 with twenty stacked‐MFCs), and operated under the same conditions for one month.

RESULTS

According to results, algae suspensions can be used as fuel for MFC‐stacks, although current efficiencies obtained are low. In comparing the effect of number of cells stacked on the performance of the stacks, it was found that the higher the number of cells stacked, the higher the energy harvested from algae. However, because of the very efficient consumption of COD in the first MFC of the stacks (not only by electrogenic but also by non‐electrogenic microorganisms) and the sequential circulation of the fuel through the different cells of the stack, in all cases the systems ran out of fuel and this was reflected in lower production of electricity, compared with that expected taking into account the number of cells stacked. Results obtained from the polarization curves and the cathodic oxygen consumption also support this explanation.

CONCLUSIONS

Results demonstrate that algal biomass is a suitable fuel for energy generation using MFC technology and provides microorganisms not only of a carbon source but also with the required nutrients. However, the low coulombic efficiencies obtained in the three stacks indicate that feeding algae to MFC also promotes the formation of an important amount of non‐electrogenic microorganisms that compete successfully with bioelectrogenic microorganisms for the substrate provided. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Evaluating effectiveness of infection control efforts in hospitals using information in microbiological laboratory databases
Authors: Saito Norihiro , Itoga Masamichi , Kimura Masahiko , Inoue Fumio , Minakawa Satoko , Kimura Toshiyuki , Ozaki Hiromi , Saito Yumiko , Takahashi Mikiko , Fujishima Tetsuhiro , Mizuno Sumie , Ogawa Shin , Kitayama Yuko , Kudo Kazumi , Minami Kazushi , Abo Fumiko , Takano Yasuyuki , Ohdaira Naotake , Hamada Satoshi , Ueki Shigeharu , Hirokawa Makoto , Kayaba Hiroyuki
Published: June 2017

Purpose

To analyze the quality of infection control activities, bacteriological data relevant to infection control was evaluated through the microbiological data warehouse networking hospitals in two medical regions.

Methods

Data regarding bacterial test results of 19 hospitals were extracted from two microbiological laboratory information data bases. The rate of MRSA among total S. aureus was used as a general indicator of infection control activities. The occupancy rate of nasal or pharyngeal swabs among MRSA‐positive bacteriological samples was used as an indicator of attention paid for infection control in intensive care wards. The number of blood culture sets per examined patient was utilized as an indicator for life‐long vocational education on updated medical practice relevant to infectious diseases.

Results

The rate of MRSA was significantly higher in secondary private hospitals. The occupancy rate of nasal or pharyngeal swabs was significantly higher in tertiary hospitals. The average number of blood culture set per examined patient were 1.55, 1.54 and 1.39 in tertiary, secondary public and secondary private hospitals, respectively; however, there were no statistical differences between groups.

Conclusions

Data bases of microbiological test results shared by hospital laboratories are useful for evaluating regional infection control activities.
Solid‐phase extraction assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction based on solidification of floating organic droplet to determine sildenafil and its analogues in dietary supplements
Authors: Li Jing , Roh Si Hun , Shaodong Jia , Hong Ji Yeon , Lee Dong‐Kyu , Shin Byong‐kyu , Park Jeong Hill , Lee Jeongmi , Kwon Sung Won
Published: June 2017

A novel analytical method for the simultaneous determination of the concentration of sildenafil and its five analogues in dietary supplements using solid‐phase extraction assisted reversed‐phase dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction based on solidification of floating organic droplet combined with ion‐pairing liquid chromatography with an ultraviolet detector was developed. Parameters that affect extraction efficiency were systematically investigated, including the type of solid‐phase extraction cartridge, pH of the extraction environment, and the type and volume of extraction and dispersive solvent. The method linearity was in the range of 5.0–100 ng/mL for sildenafil, homosildenafil, udenafil, benzylsildenafil, and thiosildenafil and 10–100 ng/mL for acetildenafil. The coefficients of determination were ≥0.996 for all regression curves. The sensitivity values expressed as limit of detection were between 2.5 and 7.5 ng/mL. Furthermore, intraday and interday precisions expressed as relative standard deviations were less than 5.7 and 9.9%, respectively. The proposed method was successfully applied to the analysis of sildenafil and its five analogues in complex dietary supplements.
Bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide‐based frozen ionic liquid for the hollow‐fiber solid‐phase microextraction of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and its main metabolites
Authors: Pang Long , Yang Peijie , Pang Rong , Li Shunyi
Published: June 2017

1‐Hexadecyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide is a solid‐phase ionic organic material under ambient temperature and is considered as a kind of “frozen” ionic liquid. Because of their solid‐state and ultra‐hydrophobicity, “frozen” ionic liquids are able to be confined in the pores of hollow fiber, based on which a simple method was developed for the hollow‐fiber solid‐phase microextraction of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and its main metabolites. Under optimized conditions, the proposed method results in good linearity (R2 > 0.9965) over the range of 0.5−50 μg/L, with low limits of detection and quantification in the range of 0.33−0.38 and 1.00−1.25 μg/L, respectively. Intra‐ and interday precisions evaluated by relative standard deviation were 3−6 and 1−6%, respectively. The spiked recoveries of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and its main metabolites from real water samples were in the range of 64−113 and 79−112%, respectively, at two different concentration levels. The results suggest that “frozen” ionic liquids are promising for use as a class of novel sorbents.
Contrasting Rulings Shed Light on When an Employer May or May Not Fire an Employee for Obscenities
Authors: DeMaria Alfred T.
Published: June 2017

In two recent cases, the National Labor Relations Board and a federal court reached opposite conclusions on whether employers acted lawfully when they fired employees for using obscenities. In one case, a federal court upheld the NLRB's ruling that an employee's Facebook post calling his supervisor a “NASTY M***** F*****” was protected activity under the National Labor Relations Act. Yet an NLRB administrative law judge (ALJ) in another case determined that an employer lawfully terminated an employee who yelled “F*** you and f*** this job!” at a management representative. How can these two decisions be reconciled?
Identification of an Alu element‐mediated deletion in the promoter region of GNE in siblings with GNE myopathy
Authors: Garland Jennifer , Stephen Joshi , Class Bradley , Gruber Angela , Ciccone Carla , Poliak Aaron , Hayes Christina P. , Singhal Vandana , Slota Christina , Perreault John , Gavrilova Ralitza , Shrader Joseph A. , Chittiboina Prashant , Joe Galen , Heiss John , Gahl William A. , Huizing Marjan , Carrillo Nuria , Malicdan May Christine V.
Published: June 2017

Background

GNE myopathy is a rare genetic disease characterized by progressive muscle atrophy and weakness. It is caused by biallelic mutations in the GNE gene that encodes for the bifunctional enzyme, uridine diphosphate (UDP)‐N‐acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) 2‐epimerase/N‐acetylmannosamine (ManNAc) kinase. Typical characteristics of GNE myopathy include progressive myopathy, first involving anterior tibialis muscle and sparing the quadriceps, and rimmed vacuoles on muscle biopsy. Identifying biallelic mutations by sequencing of the GNE gene confirms the diagnosis of GNE myopathy. In a subset of patients, diagnostic confirmation is challenged by the identification of mutations in only one allele, suggesting mutations in deep intronic regions or regulatory regions.

Methods

We performed targeted sequencing and copy number variant (CNV) analysis of GNE in two siblings who clinically presented with GNE myopathy. Further molecular and biochemical studies were done to characterize the effect of a previously uncharacterized GNE mutation.

Results

We report two siblings of Indian descent with characteristic features of GNE myopathy, including progressive skeletal muscle weakness initially involving the anterior tibialis, and rimmed vacuoles on muscle biopsy, in which a heterozygous mutation, p.Val727Met, was identified in both affected siblings, but no other deleterious variants in either coding region or exon–intron boundaries of the gene. Subsequent insertion/deletion analysis identified a novel 11.3‐kb deletion (Chr9 [GRCh37]: g.36257583_36268910del) encompassing the GNE promoter region, with breakpoints residing in Alu repeats. Gene expression analysis revealed reduced GNE mRNA and protein levels, confirming decreased expression of the deleted allele harboring the deletion.

Conclusions

We have identified GNE as one of the genes susceptible to Alu‐mediated recombination. Our findings suggest that the deletion may encompass the promoter or another region necessary for GNE expression. In patients with typical manifestations of GNE myopathy and a single GNE variant identified, copy number variant (CNV) analysis may be useful in arriving at the diagnosis.
Gradient nonlinearity effects on upper cervical spinal cord area measurement from 3D T1‐weighted brain MRI acquisitions
Authors: Papinutto Nico , Bakshi Rohit , Bischof Antje , Calabresi Peter A. , Caverzasi Eduardo , Constable R. Todd , Datta Esha , Kirkish Gina , Nair Govind , Oh Jiwon , Pelletier Daniel , Pham Dzung L. , Reich Daniel S. , Rooney William , Roy Snehashis , Schwartz Daniel , Shinohara Russell T. , Sicotte Nancy L. , Stern William A. , Tagge Ian , Tauhid Shahamat , Tummala Subhash , Henry Roland G. ,   for the North American Imaging in Multiple Sclerosis Cooperative(NAIMS)
Published: June 2017

Purpose

To explore (i) the variability of upper cervical cord area (UCCA) measurements from volumetric brain 3D T1‐weighted scans related to gradient nonlinearity (GNL) and subject positioning; (ii) the effect of vendor‐implemented GNL corrections; and (iii) easily applicable methods that can be used to retrospectively correct data.

Methods

A multiple sclerosis patient was scanned at seven sites using 3T MRI scanners with the same 3D T1‐weighted protocol without GNL‐distortion correction. Two healthy subjects and a phantom were additionally scanned at a single site with varying table positions. The 2D and 3D vendor‐implemented GNL‐correction algorithms and retrospective methods based on (i) phantom data fit, (ii) normalization with C2 vertebral body diameters, and (iii) the Jacobian determinant of nonlinear registrations to a template were tested.

Results

Depending on the positioning of the subject, GNL introduced up to 15% variability in UCCA measurements from volumetric brain T1‐weighted scans when no distortion corrections were used. The 3D vendor‐implemented correction methods and the three proposed methods reduced this variability to less than 3%.

Conclusions

Our results raise awareness of the significant impact that GNL can have on quantitative UCCA studies, and point the way to prospectively and retrospectively managing GNL distortions in a variety of settings, including clinical environments. Magn Reson Med 79:1595–1601, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Element differential method and its application in thermal‐mechanical problems
Authors: Gao Xiao‐Wei , Li Zong‐Yang , Yang Kai , Lv Jun , Peng Hai‐Feng , Cui Miao , Ruan Bo , Zhu Qiang‐Hua
Published: June 2017

In this paper, a new numerical method, element differential method (EDM), is proposed for solving general thermal‐mechanical problems. The key point of the method is the direct differentiation of the shape functions of Lagrange isoparametric elements used to characterize the geometry and physical variables. A set of analytical expressions for computing the first‐ and second‐order partial derivatives of the shape functions with respect to global coordinates are derived. Based on these expressions, a new collocation method is proposed for establishing the system of equations, in which the equilibrium equations are collocated at nodes inside elements, and the traction equilibrium equations are collocated at interface nodes between elements and outer surface nodes of the problem. Attributed to the use of the Lagrange elements that can guarantee the variation of physical variables consistent through all elemental nodes, EDM has higher stability than the traditional collocation method. The other main features of EDM are that no mathematical or mechanical principles are required to set up the system of equations and no integrals are involved to form the coefficients of the system. A number of numerical examples of 2‐ and 3‐dimensional problems are given to demonstrate the correctness and efficiency of the proposed method.
A Fitbit and Facebook mHealth intervention for promoting physical activity among adolescent and young adult childhood cancer survivors: A pilot study
Authors: Mendoza Jason A. , Baker K. Scott , Moreno Megan A. , Whitlock Kathryn , Abbey‐Lambertz Mark , Waite Alan , Colburn Trina , Chow Eric J.
Published: June 2017

Background

Physical activity (PA) may be important for preventing chronic diseases for adolescent and young adult (AYA) childhood cancer survivors. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of PA interventions for AYA survivors are sparse, but necessary to determine effective programs for increasing PA among this population. Thus, we conducted a pilot RCT, testing the feasibility of a mobile health (mHealth) intervention to promote PA among AYA survivors.

Procedure

We recruited 14– to 18–year–olds who were ≥1‐year post cancer therapy from Seattle Children's Hospital. The 10‐week intervention consisted of a wearable PA‐tracking device (Fitbit Flex) and a peer‐based virtual support group (Facebook group). Research staff helped set step goals and awarded badges weekly. Controls received usual care. Baseline assessments occurred before randomization and follow‐up assessments occurred during weeks 8–10 of the intervention period. Feasibility criteria are defined below. Qualitative interviews assessed acceptability. Exploratory outcomes included PA, quality of life, and motivation for PA.

Results

All feasibility criteria were met: we recruited 60 survivors, intervention participants wore the Fitbit on the majority (71.5%) of intervention days, and ≥90% of all participants completed questionnaires. Qualitative data confirmed intervention acceptability. Exploratory analyses found no significant adjusted group differences for change in moderate‐to‐vigorous PA (4.4 vs. 5.0 min/day;P= 0.92) or sedentary time (−4.5 vs. 1.0 min/day;P= 0.73), comparing intervention subjects to controls. Some modest differences were found for select subscales of quality of life and motivation for PA.

Conclusions

This mHealth PA intervention was feasible and acceptable to AYA childhood cancer survivors and warrants a fully powered RCT.
Fracture toughness of acrylic resins: Viscoelastic effects and deformation mechanisms
Authors: Pini Tommaso , Briatico‐Vangosa Francesco , Frassine Roberto , Rink Marta
Published: June 2017

The time dependence of fracture toughness of two different acrylic resins, one plain and one toughened, intended to be used as continuous fiber composite matrices was studied. By performing fracture tests following the fracture mechanics approach, the energy release rate, GIc, was determined at different temperatures and displacement rates and by applying the time‐temperature superposition it was possible to obtain GIc as a function of crack speed,
, over a wide range of speeds. The trends obtained for the two resins were different. For the plain resin it could be well described by J. G. Williams' viscoelastic fracture theory while for the toughened resin, the trend obtained was attributed to a change in the damage mechanism occurring at the crack tip during fracture. From measurements of the process zone size it was deduced that the damage mechanism at the crack tip for the plain resin was the same irrespective of time and temperature, for the toughened resin instead, different mechanisms seem to take place. This hypothesis was supported by results of volume strain measurements in tensile tests at different temperature and strain rates. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:369–376, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Study of failure mechanisms of CFRP under mechanical load by impulse acoustic microscopy
Authors: Petronyuk Yulia , Morokov Egor , Levin Vadim , Ryzhova Tatiana , Chernov Andrey , Sherbakov Vladimir , Shanygin Alexander
Published: June 2017

Non‐destructive inspection of carbon fiber‐reinforced (CFR) composites applied to aerospace industry attracts wide attention. In this article, high frequency (50–100 MHz) focused ultrasound has been applied to study defects and destruction processes in the bulk microstructure of the CFR material and constructions under the mechanical loading. It has been shown that the impulse acoustic microscopy provides detecting areas of structural failures and adhesion losses at the millimeter and micron level. Behavior of the CFR laminate structure fabricated by prepreg or infusion technology has been investigated under the tensile and impact loading. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 57:703–708, 2017. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Development of a new two‐enzyme biosensor based on poly(pyrrole‐co‐3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) for lactose determination in milk
Authors: Gursoy Oguz , Sen Gursoy Songul , Cogal Sadik , Celik Cogal Gamze
Published: June 2017

A new lactose biosensor was developed by preparing a suitable copolymer of polypyrrole and poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) synthesized using the electropolymerization method. Pyrrole and 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene monomers were deposited in the presence of sodium dodecylbenzene sulphonic acid on a platinum disc electrode, which was used as the working electrode. The sensor is based on the serial reactions of β‐galactosidase and galactose oxidase immobilized on a copolymer‐modified platinum disc electrode. Successful synthesis of the enzyme‐immobilized copolymer was confirmed by FT‐IR spectrometry, SEM, and electrochemical analysis. The response of the enzyme electrode to lactose was determined by cyclic voltammetry at + 0.40 V. The response time of the biosensor was found to be from 8 to 10 s, and the upper limit of the linear working portion was found to be at a lactose concentration of 2.30 mM with a detection limit of 1.4 × 10−5 M. The apparent Michaelis–Menten constant was found to be 0.65 mM of lactose. The effects of interferents were also investigated. Lactose concentrations determined by the biosensor were in good agreement with those measured by the reference methods. Our results show that the developed biosensor has a significant potential to the determination of lactose concentration in milk. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:839–848, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Confocal raman spectroscopy studies on the mutual diffusion behavior at the interface between two different polyesters
Authors: Fukuri Norihiro , Ougizawa Toshiaki
Published: June 2017

To obtain a polyester‐based toner with both low‐energy fusing performance and good storage stability, we investigated a toner with a core–shell structure comprising two different polyesters with a low glass‐transition temperature (Tg) and a high Tg, respectively. In this study, to fabricate and control the properties of core–shell‐structured toner, we used confocal Raman spectroscopy to study mutual diffusion at the interface between the polyesters used as the core and shell for their adhesion. The PG‐PES and BPA‐PES concentration profiles at the their interfaces indicated asymmetric behavior, which appeared to be due to the one‐sided diffusion of PG‐PES with a molecular weight less than 2000 g/mol. Measurements conducted using samples having a narrow molecular weight distribution showed that a decrease of the amount of the low molecular weight component was also effective in preventing one‐sided diffusion. Furthermore, the value of the apparent mutual diffusion coefficient greatly changed in the range of several orders by changing the annealing temperature and the molecular weight. We demonstrated that the quality of toner could be improved by controlling the diffusion behavior at the interface in the core–shell structure. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:991–997, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
MiR‐145 detection in urinary extracellular vesicles increase diagnostic efficiency of prostate cancer based on hydrostatic filtration dialysis method
Authors: Xu Yong , Qin Sihua , An Taixue , Tang Yueting , Huang Yiyao , Zheng Lei
Published: June 2017

Background

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) can be detected in body fluids and may serve as disease biomarkers. Increasing evidence suggests that circulating miRNAs in serum and urine may be potential non‐invasive biomarkers for prostate cancer (PCa). In the present study, we aimed to investigate whether hydrostatic filtration dialysis (HFD) is suitable for urinary EVs (UEVs) isolation and whether such reported PCa‐related miRNAs can be detected in UEVs as PCa biomarkers.

Methods

To analyze EVs miRNAs, we searched for an easy and economic method to enrich EVs from urine samples. We compared the efficiency of HFD method and conventional ultracentrifugation (UC) in isolating UEVs. Subsequently, UEVs were isolated from patients with PCa, patients with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and healthy individuals. Differential expression of four PCa‐related miRNAs (miR‐572, miR‐1290, miR‐141, and miR‐145) were measured in UEVs and paired serum EVs using SYBR Green‐based quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR).

Results

The overall performance of HFD was similar to UC. In miRNA yield, both HFD and UC can meet the needs of further analysis. The level of miR‐145 in UEVs was significantly increased in patients with PCa compared with the patients with BPH (P = 0.018). In addition, significant increase was observed in miR‐145 levels when patients with Gleason score ≥8 tumors compared with Gleason score ≤7 (P = 0.020). Receiver‐operating characteristic curve (ROC) revealed that miR‐145 in UEVs combined with serum PSA could differentiate PCa from BPH better than PSA alone (AUC 0.863 and AUC 0.805, respectively). In serum EVs, four miRNAs were significantly higher in patients with PCa than with BPH.

Conclusion

HFD is appropriate for UEVs isolation and miRNA analysis when compared with conventional UC. miR‐145 in UEVs is upregulated from PCa patients compared BPH patients and healthy controls. We suggest the potential use of UEVs miR‐145 as a biomarker of PCa.
Bureaucratic Accountability and Disaster Response: Why Did the Korea Coast Guard Fail in Its Rescue Mission During theSewolFerry Accident?
Authors: Jin Jongsoon , Song Geoboo
Published: June 2017

The Sewol ferry accident, occurring in the ocean in South Korea on April 16, 2014, resulted in the loss of 304 lives. Some argue that one of the primary reasons for such an excessive death toll was because the post‐disaster rescue operations led by the Korea Coast Guard (KCG) were neither timely nor efficient and effective. In this study, we attempt to understand whether there was any systemic cause behind such an unsuccessful disaster response on the part of the KCG. In doing so, we analyze the KCG's aptitudes, attitudes, and behaviors vis‐à‐vis its rescue operations in the broader context of Sewol ferry disaster management, while utilizing the classic theories of bureaucratic accountability. We conclude this research by arguing that the KCG was more concerned about hierarchical, political, and legal accountability than professional accountability in the midst of the accident, and discuss theoretical and practical ramifications of our findings.
An Assessment of Aggregate Focusing Events, Disaster Experience, and Policy Change
Authors: O'Donovan Kristin
Published: June 2017

To what extent is the rarity of a focusing event important opening the window for policy change? This paper contributes to the Multiple Streams Approach (MSA) by refining the concept of focusing event rarity as an important predictor of the opportunity for policy change. The central contention of this paper is that event rarity is less important than an aggregation of focusing events over time. The theoretical rationale is that aggregate focusing events serve to make the ambiguity of policy problems and solutions more easily manageable. Using data on flood mitigation policy in the United States, this paper examines the effect of aggregate focusing events on state adoption policies buy out flood‐prone land. It develops and tests indices of aggregate focusing events at for 10 years prior to state policy change. The findings support classic definition of focusing events as a trigger for potential policy chance. In addition, exploratory findings suggest that focusing events in the aggregate, of 3 years leading up to policy change are also important for triggering policy change.
Integrating remote sensing and species distribution modelling to predict benthic communities in a Great Lakes connecting channel
Authors: Mehler K. , Burlakova L.E. , Karatayev A.Y. , Biesinger Z. , Bruestle E. , Valle‐Levinson A. , Castiglione C. , Gorsky D.
Published: June 2017

Species distribution models have become widespread in benthic ecology; however, they have mostly been applied to marine and lentic systems. In this study, we applied a maximum entropy model by using remote sensing‐derived environmental variables to predict the distribution of 4 major benthic communities dominated by Tubificidae, Naididae, Echinogammarus ischnus, and Dreissena spp, respectively, in the lower Niagara River, NY, USA. The model showed very good accuracy for benthic communities with a narrow distribution range (Tubificidae and Naididae) indicated by the area under the curve test values of 0.906 and 0.987, respectively. In contrast, the model showed poor performance for E. ischnus and Dreissena indicated by the low area under the curve values of 0.615 and 0.618, respectively. Both communities are known to cope with a wide variety of environmental factors and habitats, making their accurate predictions difficult using presence‐only data. Our results can further be used to locate important feeding grounds for higher trophic levels, to assess the potential spread of exotic species, and to identify areas for restoration.
Large-Scale Ex Vivo Generation of Human Red Blood Cells from Cord Blood CD34+ Cells
Authors: Zhang Yu , Wang Chen , Wang Lan , Shen Bin , Guan Xin , Tian Jing , Ren Zhihua , Ding Xinxin , Ma Yupo , Dai Wei , Jiang Yongping
Published: June 2017

The ex vivo generation of human red blood cells on a large scale from hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells has been considered as a potential method to overcome blood supply shortages. Here, we report that functional human erythrocytes can be efficiently produced from cord blood (CB) CD34+ cells using a bottle turning device culture system. Safety and efficiency studies were performed in murine and nonhuman primate (NHP) models. With the selected optimized culture conditions, one human CB CD34+ cell could be induced ex vivo to produce up to 200 million erythrocytes with a purity of 90.1% ± 6.2% and 50% ± 5.7% (mean ± SD) for CD235a+ cells and enucleated cells, respectively. The yield of erythrocytes from one CB unit (5 million CD34+ cells) could be, in theory, equivalent to 500 blood transfusion units in clinical application. Moreover, induced human erythrocytes had normal hemoglobin content and could continue to undergo terminal maturation in the murine xenotransplantation model. In NHP model, xenotransplantation of induced human erythrocytes enhanced hematological recovery and ameliorated the hypoxia situation in the primates with hemorrhagic anemia. These findings suggested that the ex vivo-generated erythrocytes could be an alternative blood source for traditional transfusion products in the clinic.
Study shows student loan debt burden 4 years after graduation
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: June 2017

About 72 percent of students who graduated with bachelor's degrees in 2007–08 borrowed money to pay for either their undergraduate or graduate education, reports the National Center for Education Statistics Institute of Education Sciences. The Debt Burden of Bachelor's Degree Recipients, a new NCES report, examined the debt these students carried four years after graduation.
Take the lead in providing data, technological solutions
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: June 2017

After 38 years in the registrar profession, Timothy Ebner still feels as invigorated, challenged, and inspired by his work as he did when he started. “We never stop learning,” he said.
Assessment of frequency and duration of point counts when surveying for golden eagle presence
Authors: Skipper Ben R. , Boal Clint W. , Tsai Jo‐Szu , Fuller Mark R.
Published: June 2017

We assessed the utility of the recommended golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) survey methodology in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2013 Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance. We conducted 800‐m radius, 1‐hr point‐count surveys broken into 20‐min segments, during 2 sampling periods in 3 areas within the Intermountain West of the United States over 2 consecutive breeding seasons during 2012 and 2013. Our goal was to measure the influence of different survey time intervals and sampling periods on detectability and use estimates of golden eagles among different locations. Our results suggest that a less intensive effort (i.e., survey duration shorter than 1 hr and point‐count survey radii smaller than 800 m) would likely be inadequate for rigorous documentation of golden eagle occurrence pre‐ or postconstruction of wind energy facilities. Results from a simulation analysis of detection probabilities and survey effort suggest that greater temporal and spatial effort could make point‐count surveys more applicable for evaluating golden eagle occurrence in survey areas; however, increased effort would increase financial costs associated with additional person‐hours and logistics (e.g., fuel, lodging). Future surveys can benefit from a pilot study and careful consideration of prior information about counts or densities of golden eagles in the survey area before developing a survey design. If information is lacking, survey planning may be best served by assuming low detection rates and increasing the temporal and spatial effort. Published 2017. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Native exotic relationships in plant communities: the role of exotic dominance in framing community composition
Authors: Banerjee Achyut Kumar , Dewanji Anjana
Published: June 2017

In tropical urban areas, prone to invasions by multiple exotic species, there is a need for studies to understand the precise nature of the relationship between native and exotic species. This observational study was conducted in a rapidly urbanizing Indian metropolis. It examined the native and exotic species separately as a function of richness and abundance of two focal exotic species, namelyMikania micranthaandAlternanthera philoxeroides, to find support for the hypothesis that an overall native‐exotic relationship does not provide a true picture of the community composition. The richness of exotic species did not turn out to be a good predictor for the native‐exotic richness relationship even after focal exotics were considered. However, when the richness components were analysed separately, Poisson log‐linear models identifiedM.micranthaas the community‐dominant, by virtue of its extensive cover. Neither soil resource availability nor the presence of other exotics had any influence on native species richness. The negative relationship ofM.micranthacover with other exotic species could be associated with a lower risk of native species loss in a community invaded by multiple exotic species.M.micranthaappeared to be a ‘passenger’ of habitat alteration, but was likely to become a ‘driver’ once it attains high covers due to its reported superior competitive abilities. Therefore, in tropical areas there is a need to prioritize management initiatives in order to identify the dominant invader species in a community and effectively manage the dominant‐homogenized plots.
A Realistic Theory of Law
Authors: Tamanaha Brian Z.
Published: June 2017

This book articulates an empirically grounded theory of law applicable throughout history and across different societies. Unlike natural law theory or analytical jurisprudence, which are narrow, abstract, ahistorical, and detached from society, Tamanaha's theory presents a holistic vision of law within society, evolving in connection with social, cultural, economic, political, ecological, and technological factors. He revives a largely forgotten theoretical perspective on law that runs from Montesquieu through the legal realists to the present. This book explains why the classic question 'what is law?' has never been resolved, and casts doubt on theorists' claims about necessary and universal truths about law. This book develops a theory of law as a social institution with varying forms and functions, tracing law from hunter-gatherer societies to the modern state and beyond. Tamanaha's theory accounts for social influences on law, legal influences on society, law and domination, multifunctional governmental uses of law, legal pluralism, international law, and other legal aspects largely overlooked in jurisprudence.