bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acidic pH Mediates Changes in Antigenic and Oligomeric Conformation of Herpes Simplex Virus gB and Is a Determinant of Cell-Specific Entry
Authors: Weed Darin J. , Dollery Stephen J. , Komala Sari Tri , Nicola Anthony V.
Published: June 2018

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes infection of the mouth, skin, eyes, and genitals and establishes lifelong latency in humans. gB is conserved among all herpesviruses. HSV gB undergoes reversible conformational changes following exposure to acidic pH which are thought to mediate fusion and entry into epithelial cells. Here, we identified cotranslational folding and oligomerization of newly synthesized gB. A panel of antibodies to gB blocked both low-pH and pH-neutral entry of HSV, suggesting conserved conformational changes in gB regardless of cell entry route. Changes in HSV gB conformation were not triggered by increased temperature alone, in contrast to results with EBV gB. Acid pH-induced changes in the oligomeric conformation of gB are related but distinct from pH-triggered changes in gB antigenic conformation. These results highlight critical aspects of the class III fusion protein, gB, and inform strategies to block HSV infection at the level of fusion and entry.
Dose-interval study of a dual probiotic in preterm infants
Authors: Watkins Claire , Murphy Kiera , Dempsey Eugene M , O’Shea Carol Anne , Murphy Brendan Paul , O’Toole Paul W , Ross R Paul , Stanton Catherine , Ryan C Anthony
Published: June 2018

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate the appropriate dosing interval of a probiotic (Infloran) given daily, biweekly and weekly in preterm infants <32 weeks’ gestation.

Methods

There were 8 infants in the daily group, 8 infants in the biweekly group and 10 infants in the weekly group, all born between 25 and 32 weeks’ gestation. The control group consisted of 12 preterm infants who did not receive the probiotic. Infloran (250 mg/capsule), containing Bifidobacterium bifidum (1×109 colony-forming unit (CFU)) and Lactobacillus acidophilus (1×109 CFU), was administered in 2.5 mL of breast milk per kilogram weight of the infant (2×109 CFU of bacteria in total), until 34 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA). Stool samples were collected at 31, 34, 41 and 44 weeks PMA and frozen at −20°C.

Results

After administration of the probiotic at 31 weeks PMA, Bifidobacterium were significantly higher in the daily group (45%) in comparison with the biweekly (17%) and weekly (9%) groups. At 34 weeks PMA, Bifidobacterium were significantly higher again in the daily (60%) group in comparison with the biweekly (21%), weekly (23%) and control (15%) groups. At 41 weeks PMA a decrease in the relative abundances of Streptococcaceae and Enterococcaceae was found in all three probiotic groups, and by 44 weeks PMA significantly higher levels of Lactobacillus were found in the biweekly group (16.5%) in comparison with the weekly group (2.1%).

Conclusion

Our results indicate that a daily dose of Infloran is a suitable dosage for preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit, with significantly higher levels of Bifidobacterium found in the daily probiotic group up to 44 weeks PMA.
National prevalence estimates of chlamydia and gonorrhoea in the Netherlands
Authors: Heijne Janneke C M , van den Broek Ingrid V F , Bruisten Sylvia M , van Bergen Jan E A , de Graaf Hanneke , van Benthem Birgit H B
Published: June 2018

Objectives

National prevalence estimates of
Chlamydia trachomatis
(chlamydia) and
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
(gonorrhoea) are important for providing insights in the occurrence and control of these STIs. The aim was to obtain national prevalence estimates for chlamydia and gonorrhoea and to investigate risk factors associated with infection.

Methods

Between November 2016 and January 2017, we performed a national population-based cross-sectional probability sample survey among men and women aged 18–34 years in the Netherlands. Individuals were invited to complete a questionnaire about sexual health. At the end of the questionnaire, sexually active individuals could request a home-based sampling kit. Samples were tested for chlamydia and gonorrhoea using nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). Logistic regression analyses were performed for predictors of participation and chlamydia infection.

Results

Of the 17 222 invited individuals, 4447 (26%) participated. Of these, 3255 were eligible for prevalence survey participation and 550 (17%) returned a sample. Participation in the prevalence survey was associated with age (20+) and risk factors for STI. We did not detect any gonorrhoea. The overall weighted prevalence of chlamydia was 2.8% (95% CI 1.5% to 5.2%); 1.1% (0.1% to 7.2%) in men and 5.6% (3.3% to 9.5%) in women. Risk factors for chlamydia infections in women aged 18–24 years were low/medium education level, not having a relationship with the person you had most recent sex with and age at first sex older than 16.

Conclusions

Chlamydia and gonorrhoea prevalence were low in the general Dutch population, as was the participation rate. Repeated prevalence surveys are needed to analyse trends in STI prevalences and to evaluate control policies.
REWARD CULTURE AND BANKS’ PERFORMANCE DURING THE 2008 FINANCIAL CRISIS
Authors: NGUYEN HAZEL THU-HIEN
Published: June 2018

This paper explores the relationship between banks’ “reward culture” and banks’ performance and risk during the 2007–2008 financial crisis. Reward culture is defined as a result-oriented culture influenced through the incentives structure. Reward culture reflects three dimensions: (i) Chief Executive Officer incentives; (ii) Vice Presidents’ incentives; and (iii) employee incentives. A reward culture score represents the common factor in incentives across all employee levels. I find strong evidence of a nonlinear relationship between reward culture and bank returns and risk. Classifying banks into high, average, and low reward culture groups in the pre-crisis year 2006, I find that during the crisis period, banks within both the high and low reward culture groups performed worse, and were more risky than banks within the average reward culture group. The findings are consistent with the problems of adverse selection and moral hazard associated with incentive misalignment when incentives are too low or too high.
HEDGE FUNDS: RISK AND PERFORMANCE
Authors: SHIN SANGHEON , SMOLARSKI JAN , SOYDEMIR GÖKÇE
Published: June 2018

This paper models hedge fund exposure to risk factors and examines time-varying performance of hedge funds. From existing models such as asset-based style (ABS)-factor model, standard asset class (SAC)-factor model, and four-factor model, we extract the best six factors for each hedge fund portfolio by investment strategy. Then, we find combinations of risk factors that explain most of the variance in performance of each hedge fund portfolio based on investment strategy. The results show instability of coefficients in the performance attribution regression. Incorporating a time-varying factor exposure feature would be the best way to measure hedge fund performance. Furthermore, the optimal models with fewer factors exhibit greater explanatory power than existing models. Using rolling regressions, our customized investment strategy model shows how hedge funds are sensitive to risk factors according to market conditions.
DOES POST-IPO M&A ACTIVITY AFFECT FIRMS’ PROFITABILITY AND SURVIVAL?
Authors: BONAVENTURA MATTEO , BONINI STEFANO , CAPIZZI VINCENZO , GIUDICI GIANCARLO
Published: June 2018

In this paper, we investigate the post-IPO operating performance of acquiring companies listed in the US in the period 1986–2008. We find that acquiring IPO firms delivers better operating returns when compared to non-acquiring IPO firms in the five years after the listing. This result holds controlling for both IPO and firm-specific characteristics. Furthermore, acquiring targets already listed on the stock exchange and running stock deals are associated with the improved operating performance. Finally, we find that acquisitions also affect the newly listed companies’ survival, reducing both the time to failure and the time to being acquired, which suggest a structural acceleration of the “natural” company lifecycle.
Using TEMPEST
Authors: Batalas Nikolaos , aan het Rot Marije , Khan Vassilis Javed , Markopoulos Panos
Published: June 2018

Researchers who perform Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) studies tend to rely on informatics experts to set up and administer their data collection protocols with digital media. Contrary to standard surveys and questionnaires that are supported by widely available tools, setting up an EMA protocol is a substantial programming task. Apart from constructing the survey items themselves, researchers also need to design, implement, and test the timing and the contingencies by which these items are presented to respondents. Furthermore, given the wide availability of smartphones, it is becoming increasingly important to execute EMA studies on user-owned devices, which presents a number of software engineering challenges pertaining to connectivity, platform independence, persistent storage, and back-end control. We discuss TEMPEST, a web-based platform that is designed to support non-programmers in specifying and executing EMA studies. We discuss the conceptual model it presents to end-users, through an example of use, and its evaluation by 18 researchers who have put it to real-life use in 13 distinct research studies.
KAVE
Authors: Gonçalves Afonso , Bermúdez Sergi
Published: June 2018

While CAVE Automatic Virtual Environments (CAVE) have been around for over 2 decades they remain complex to setup, unaffordable to most, and generally limited to data and model visualization applications for academia and industry. In this paper, we present a solution to create a monocular CAVE using the Unity 3D game engine by adding motion parallax and full-body interaction support via the use of a Kinect V2 low-cost sensor. More importantly, we provide a functional and easy to use plugin for that effect, the KAVE, and its configuration tool. Here, we describe our own low-cost CAVE setup, a range of alternative configurations to CAVE systems using this technology and example applications. Finally, we discuss the potential of such an approach considering the current advancements in VR and gaming.
MDE in Support of Visualization Systems Design
Authors: Logre Ivan , Déry-Pinna Anne-Marie
Published: June 2018

Visualization systems such as dashboards are commonly used to analyze data and support users in their decision making, in communities as different as medical care, transport and software engineering. The increasing amount of data produced and continuous development of new visualizations exacerbate the difficulty of designing such dashboards, while the visualization need is broaden to specialist and non-specialist final users. In this context, we offer a multi-user approach, based on Model Driven Engineering (MDE). The idea is for the designer to express the visualization need by characterization, according to a given taxonomy. We provide a Domain Specific Language (DSL) to design the system and a Software Product Line (SPL) to capture the technological variability of visualization widgets. We performed a user study, using a software project management use case, to validate if dashboard users and designers are able to use a taxonomy to express their visualization need.
Partnering with Fishing Fleets to Monitor Ocean Conditions
Authors: Gawarkiewicz Glen , Malek Mercer Anna
Published: June 2018

Engaging ocean users, including fishing fleets, in oceanographic and ecological research is a valuable method for collecting high-quality data, improving cost efficiency, and increasing societal appreciation for scientific research. As research partners, fishing fleets provide broad access to and knowledge of the ocean, and fishers are highly motivated to use the data collected to better understand the ecosystems in which they harvest. Here, we discuss recent trends in collaborative research that have increased the capacity of and access to scientific data collection. We also describe common elements of successful collaborative research programs, including definition of a scientific problem and goals, choice of technology, data collection and sampling design, data management and dissemination, and data analysis and communication. Finally, we review four case studies that demonstrate the general principles of effective collaborative research as well as the utility of citizen-collected data for academic research and fisheries management. We also discuss the challenge of funding, particularly as it relates to maintaining collaborative research programs in the long term. We conclude with a discussion of likely future trends. Ultimately, we predict that collaborative research will continue to grow in importance as climate change increasingly impacts ocean ecosystems, commercial fisheries, and the global food supply.
Intrarenal ghrelin receptor inhibition ameliorates angiotensin II-dependent hypertension in rats
Authors: Kemp Brandon A. , Howell Nancy L. , Padia Shetal H.
Published: June 2018

The intrarenal ghrelin receptor (GR) is localized to collecting duct (CD) cells, where it increases epithelial Na+ channel (αENaC)-dependent sodium reabsorption in rodents. We hypothesized that chronic GR inhibition with intrarenal GR siRNA lowers blood pressure (BP) in angiotensin II-dependent hypertension via reductions in αENaC-dependent sodium reabsorption. Uninephrectomized Sprague-Dawley rats ( n = 121) received subcutaneous osmotic pumps for chronic systemic delivery of angiotensin II or vehicle (5% dextrose in water). Rats also received intrarenal infusion of vehicle, GR siRNA, or scrambled (SCR) siRNA. In rats receiving intrarenal vehicle or intrarenal SCR siRNA, systemic angiotensin II infusion increased sodium retention and BP on day 1, and BP remained elevated throughout the 5-day study. These rats also demonstrated increased CD GR expression after 5 days of infusion. However, intrarenal GR siRNA infusion prevented angiotensin II-mediated sodium retention on day 1, induced a continuously negative cumulative sodium balance compared with angiotensin II alone, and reduced BP chronically. Glomerular filtration rate and renal blood flow remained unchanged in GR siRNA-infused rats. Systemic angiotensin II infusion also increased serum aldosterone levels, CD αENaC, and phosphorylated serum and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 1 expression in rats with intrarenal SCR siRNA; however, these effects were not observed in the presence of intrarenal GR siRNA, despite exposure to the same systemic angiotensin II. These data demonstrate that chronic inhibition of intrarenal GR activity significantly reduces αENaC-dependent sodium retention, resulting in a negative cumulative sodium balance, thereby ameliorating angiotensin II–induced hypertension in rats. Renal GRs represent a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of hypertension and other sodium-retaining states.
Predicting the Future Need of Walking Device or Assistance by Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity: A 2-Year Prospective Study of Women Aged 75 Years and Above
Authors: Adachi Takuji , Kamiya Kuniyasu , Kono Yuji , Iwatsu Kotaro , Shimizu Yuko , Honda Ikumi , Yamada Sumio
Published: June 2018

Objective. To examine the association between daily moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and the change in mobility function among community-dwelling Japanese women aged 75 years and above. Methods. This prospective study included 330 older women aged 75 years and above who could walk without a walking device or assistance. MVPA and light-intensity physical activity (LPA) were assessed using an accelerometer for seven consecutive days. MVPA was defined as an activity with an intensity of >3 metabolic equivalents. The study outcome was a change in mobility function, defined as the need of walking device or assistance, during the two-year period. Results. The results of the logistic regression analysis showed that MVPA was inversely associated with a decline in mobility function after controlling for LPA and potential confounders (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.93 per 1 min/d, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.88–0.99; P = 0.017), whereas LPA was not when adjusted for MVPA and confounders (adjusted OR = 0.99 per 1 min/d, 95% CI = 0.96–1.01; P = 0.245). The receiver operating characteristics analysis identified a 7.9 min/d of MVPA as the cut-off value. Conclusions. The results of this study suggest the importance of promoting daily MVPA for preventing mobility limitation in older women aged 75 years and above.
Positive Correlation of Serum N-Acetyl-β-hexosaminidase with Markers of Atherosclerosis in Diabetes Type 2 Patients with Mild Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety
Authors: Chojnowska Sylwia , Cabaj-Wiater Iwona , Mikulska-Baran Aleksandra , Zalewska-Szajda Beata , Waszkiewicz Napoleon
Published: June 2018

Background. Analysis of the correlation between diabetes type 2 (DT2) and serum N-acetyl-β-hexosaminidase (HEX) activity with parameters of fat metabolism and symptoms of anxiety and depression.Material and Method. The study was performed using a random sample of 40 DT2 patients (22 women and 18 men) between the ages of 43 and 71 (median 59) and 40 control persons (28 women and 12 men) between the ages of 18 and 64 (median 46). The activity of HEX was determined by a colorimetric method. The activity of the serum exoglycosidase was expressed in pkat/mL. Each participant underwent Hamilton tests, to evaluate level of anxiety and depression. Additionally, the HEX activity and concentration of particular lipidograms were monitored using a blood sample from each participant.Results. In DT2 patients, a significant positive correlation was found between serum HEX activity and the concentration of serum cholesterol LDL fractions, triacylglycerols (TAG), and Castelligro atherogenic indexes. A significantly increased level of anxiety and depression in comparison to the control group was found as well.Conclusion. Serum HEX activity in DT2 patients is a better marker of atherosclerosis than serum total cholesterol level in persons with mild symptoms of depression and anxiety. In DT2 patients, a routine testing of anxiety and depression is recommended. Early detection of these disorders creates the possibility for treatment, an improvement in a patient’s quality of life, and the overall longevity of DT2 patients.
Immunotherapy in Advanced Gastric Cancer: An Overview of the Emerging Strategies
Authors: Magalhães Helena , Fontes-Sousa Mário , Machado Manuela
Published: June 2018

Gastric cancer (GC) remains a public health problem, being the fifth most common cancer worldwide. In the western countries, the majority of patients present with advanced disease. Additionally, 65 to 75% of patients treated with curative intent will relapse and develop systemic disease. In metastatic disease, systemic treatment still represents the state of the art, with less than a year of median overall survival. The new molecular classification of GC was published in 2014, identifying four distinct major subtypes of gastric cancer, and has encouraged the investigation of new and more personalized treatment strategies. This paper will review the current evidence of immunotherapy in advanced gastric cancer.
Experimental Study on Physicochemical and Mechanical Properties of Mortar Subjected to Acid Corrosion
Authors: Huo Runke , Li Shuguang , Ding Yu
Published: June 2018

The 28 days cured cement mortar samples were soaked in HCl (pH = 1 and 2) and H2O (pH = 7) solutions for 90 days. By monitoring the ion concentration of H+ and Ca2+ and measuring the changes in weight loss, longitudinal wave velocity, and uniaxial compressive strength values of the corroded mortar, the physicochemical and mechanical properties of the mortar specimens were studied. Experimental results indicate that the process of the mortar sample subjected to HCL erosion has apparent stage characteristics. In the initial stage of corrosion, the chemical reaction increased the porosity of the specimen, which leads to the decrease of longitudinal wave velocity of the samples. At the same time, the corrosion solution continuously penetrates into the mortar pore system, which leads to the increase of the mass, and it is considered that the diffusion process plays a leading role during this period. Moreover, the colloidal compounds generated by the chemical reaction can not only fill the pore space but also block the continuous reaction, which led to the increase of the longitudinal wave velocity of the specimen. With the prolonging of corrosion time and infiltration path, the pH value and the concentration of Ca2+ tend to be stable, the diffusion action is weakened, and the chemical reaction is continuous, which led to the decrease of the mass and wave velocity gradually. It is considered that the chemical reaction plays a leading role in this process. Based on the induction and analysis of the test results, a generalized porosity model regarding the increase of the porosity and the decrease of effective bearing area of the mortar sample was proposed. The relation between the uniaxial compressive strength and the corrosion time of the corroded mortar is deduced, and the unknown parameters are determined based on the regression analysis of the test data.
A Novel Fifth-Degree Strong Tracking Cubature Kalman Filter for Two-Dimensional Maneuvering Target Tracking
Authors: Li Zhaoming , Yang Wenge , Ding Dan
Published: June 2018

A novel fifth-degree strong tracking cubature Kalman filter is put forward to improve the two-dimensional maneuvering target tracking accuracy. First, a new fifth-degree cubature rule, with only one point more than the theoretical lower bound, is used to approximate the intractable nonlinear Gaussian weighted integral in the nonlinear Kalman filtering framework, and a novel fifth-degree cubature Kalman filter is proposed. Then, the suboptimal fading factor is designed for the filter to adjust the filtering gain matrix online and force the residual sequences mutually orthogonal, thus improving the ability of the filter to track the mutation state, and the fifth-degree strong tracking cubature Kalman filter is derived. The suboptimal fading factor is calculated in a new method, which reduces the number of calculations for the cubature points from three times to twice without calculating the Jacobian matrix. The simulation results indicate that the proposed filter has the ability to track the maneuvering target and achieve higher target tracking accuracy and thus verifies the effectiveness of the proposed filter.
Identification of the Key MicroRNAs and the miRNA-mRNA Regulatory Pathways in Prostate Cancer by Bioinformatics Methods
Authors: Li Dongyang , Hao Xuanyu , Song Yongsheng
Published: June 2018

Objective. To identify key microRNAs (miRNAs) and their regulatory networks in prostate cancer.Methods. Four miRNA and three gene expression microarray datasets were downloaded for analysis from Gene Expression Omnibus database. The differentially expressed miRNA and genes were accessed by a GEO2R. Functional and pathway enrichment analyses were performed using the DAVID program. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) and miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks were constructed using the STRING and Cytoscape tool. Moreover, the results and clinical significance were validated in TCGA data.Results. We identified 26 significant DEMs, 633 upregulated DEGs, and 261 downregulated DEGs. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that significant DEGs were related to TGF-beta signaling pathway and TNF signaling pathway in PCa. Key DEGs such as HSPA8, PPP2R1A, CTNNB1, ADCY5, ANXA1, and COL9A2 were found as hub genes in PPI networks. TCGA data supported our results and the miRNAs were correlated with clinical stages and overall survival.Conclusions. We identified 26 miRNAs that may take part in key pathways like TGF-beta and TNF pathways in prostate cancer regulatory networks. MicroRNAs like miR-23b, miR-95, miR-143, and miR-183 can be utilized in assisting the diagnosis and prognosis of prostate cancer as biomarkers. Further experimental studies are required to validate our results.
An Exceptional Case of Ileocolic Intussusception Secondary to Burkitt’s Lymphoma: What Variations Are There in the Presentation and Management of Those Patients Who Approach Adolescence?
Authors: Kulendran Krish , Choy Kay Tai , Keogh Cian , Ratnapala Dinesh
Published: June 2018

Intussusception is a common cause of abdominal pain among the paediatric population with up to 10% of cases occurring secondary to a pathological lead point. Burkitt’s lymphoma (BL) is a highly malignant and rapidly growing B-cell neoplasm which in extremely rare cases can present as intussusception. We report a case in an otherwise healthy 15-year-old male who presented with atypical abdominal pain. Imaging subsequently indicated an ileocolic intussusception, and given that the suspicion of a pathological lead point mandates a laparotomy and bowel resection, he proceeded to surgery. The histopathology confirmed Burkitt’s lymphoma as the aetiology responsible for this intussuscepted mass. A detailed discussion including a systematic review of all previous case reports explore the diagnostic dilemma of intussusceptions secondary to BL. This case report aims to highlight the clinical challenges in establishing such a diagnosis and an appreciation for the subtle variations in clinical features, as well as the differences in management between infants and adolescents.
Bcl-2Overexpression Improves Survival and Efficacy of Neural Stem Cell-Mediated Enzyme Prodrug Therapy
Authors: Mooney Rachael , Majid Asma Abdul , Mota Daniel , He Adam , Aramburo Soraya , Flores Linda , Covello-Batalla Jennifer , Machado Diana , Gonzaga Joanna , Aboody Karen S.
Published: June 2018

Tumor-tropic neural stem cells (NSCs) can be engineered to localize gene therapies to invasive brain tumors. However, like other stem cell-based therapies, survival of therapeutic NSCs after transplantation is currently suboptimal. One approach to prolonging cell survival is to transiently overexpress an antiapoptotic protein within the cells prior to transplantation. Here, we investigate the utility and safety of this approach using a clinically tested,v-mycimmortalized, human NSC line engineered to contain the suicide gene, cytosine deaminase (CD-NSCs). We demonstrate that both adenoviral- and minicircle-driven expression of the antiapoptotic proteinBcl-2can partially rescue CD-NSCs from transplant-associated insults. We further demonstrate that the improved CD-NSC survival afforded by transientBcl-2overexpression results in decreased tumor burden in an orthotopic xenograft glioma mouse model following administrations of intracerebral CD-NSCs and systemic prodrug. Importantly, no evidence of CD-NSC transformation was observed upon transient overexpression ofBcl-2. This research highlights a critical need to develop clinically relevant strategies to improve survival of therapeutic stem cell posttransplantation. We demonstrate for the first time in this disease setting that improving CD-NSC survival usingBcl-2overexpression can significantly improve therapeutic outcomes.
Experimental Demonstration of Special-Shaped 32-Quadrature Amplitude Modulation Constellations for Visible Light Communications
Authors: Guo Xinyue , Li Shuangshuang , Guo Yang
Published: June 2018

With the rapid development of light-emitting diode, visible light communication (VLC) has become a candidate technology for the next generation of high-speed indoor wireless communication. In this paper, we investigate the performance of the 32-quadrature amplitude modulation (32-QAM) constellation shaping schemes for the first time, where two special circular constellations, named Circular (4, 11, 17) and Circular (1, 5, 11, 15), and a triangular constellation are proposed based on the Shannon’s criterion. Theoretical analysis indicates that the triangular constellation scheme has the largest minimum Euclidian distance while the Circular (4, 11, 17) scheme achieves the lowest peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR). Experimental results show that the bit error rate performance is finally decided by the value of PAPR in the VLC system due to the serious nonlinearity of the LED, where the Circular (4, 11, 17) scheme always performs best under the 7% preforward error correction threshold of 3.8 × 10−3 with 62.5Mb/s transmission data rate and 1-meter transmission distance.
Electrically Tunable Diffraction Grating Based on Liquid Crystals
Authors: Tien Chuen-Lin , Lin Rong-Ji , Su Shu-Hui , Horng Chi-Ting
Published: June 2018

A periodic electric field is generated in the grating-like electrodes cell by an applied voltage and results in the reorientation of liquid crystals. The linearly polarized probe beam experienced periodic distribution of refractive index and formed a phase grating. He-Ne laser was used as the probe beam to detect the zeroth-order (o) and first-order (+1) diffraction intensities. The experimental results showed that the diffraction grating can be switched on by applying a small voltage. The optimal first-order diffraction efficiency is about 12%. The dependence of the first-order diffraction efficiency on the polarization of the probed beam is also discussed herein.
Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans in Human Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Vicente Carolina Meloni , da Silva Daiana Aparecida , Sartorio Priscila Veronica , Silva Tiago Donizetti , Saad Sarhan Sydney , Nader Helena Bonciani , Forones Nora Manoukian , Toma Leny
Published: June 2018

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, accounting for more than 610,000 mortalities every year. Prognosis of patients is highly dependent on the disease stage at diagnosis. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate molecules involved in colorectal cancer tumorigenesis, with possible use as tumor markers. Heparan sulfate proteoglycans are complex molecules present in the cell membrane and extracellular matrix, which play vital roles in cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, and signaling pathways. In colorectal cancer, the cell surface proteoglycan syndecan-2 is upregulated and increases cell migration. Moreover, expression of syndecan-1 and syndecan-4, generally antitumor molecules, is reduced. Levels of glypicans and perlecan are also altered in colorectal cancer; however, their role in tumor progression is not fully understood. In addition, studies have reported increased heparan sulfate remodeling enzymes, as the endosulfatases. Therefore, heparan sulfate proteoglycans are candidate molecules to clarify colorectal cancer tumorigenesis, as well as important targets to therapy and diagnosis.
Clinical Application of the Socket-Shield Concept in Multiple Anterior Teeth
Authors: Esteve-Pardo G. , Esteve-Colomina L.
Published: June 2018

A case of rehabilitation of the upper front teeth is presented. To prevent bone resorption following extractions, a socket-shield technique on all the extracted teeth was performed. The combination of a staged extraction approach, the sequence of provisionals together with the minimal bone loss of vestibular volume, allowed solving this high aesthetic demanding case in a satisfactory way for the patient both in duration of the treatment and in its final outcome.
Volumetric Mammographic Density, Age-Related Decline, and Breast Cancer Risk Factors in a National Breast Cancer Screening Program
Authors: Hjerkind Kirsti Vik , Ellingjord-Dale Merete , Johansson Anna L.V. , Aase Hildegunn Siv , Hoff Solveig Roth , Hofvind Solveig , Fagerheim Siri , dos-Santos-Silva Isabel , Ursin Giske
Published: June 2018

Background: Volumetric mammographic density (VMD) measures can be obtained automatically, but it is not clear how these relate to breast cancer risk factors.

Methods: The cohort consisted of 46,428 women (ages 49–71 years) who participated in BreastScreen Norway between 2007 and 2014 and had information on VMD and breast cancer risk factors. We estimated means of percent and absolute VMD associated with age, menopausal status, body mass index (BMI), and other factors.

Results: The associations between VMD and most breast cancer risk factors were modest, although highly significant. BMI was positively associated with absolute VMD, whereas inversely associated with percent VMD. Percent VMD was inversely associated with a 5-year older age at screening in premenopausal and postmenopausal women (−0.18% vs. −0.08% for percent VMD and −0.11 cm3 vs. −0.03 cm3 for absolute VMD). This difference was largest among postmenopausal women with BMI < 25 kg/m2 (P for interaction with percent VMD < 0.0001), never users of postmenopausal hormone therapy (P for interaction < 0.0001), and premenopausal women with a family history of breast cancer (P for interaction with absolute VMD = 0.054).

Conclusions: VMD is associated with several breast cancer risk factors, the strongest being BMI, where the direction of the association differs for percent and absolute VMD. The inverse association with age appears modified by menopausal status and other breast cancer risk factors.

Impact: Because VMD methods are becoming widely available in screening and clinical settings, the association between VMD measures and breast cancer risk factors should be investigated further in longitudinal studies. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(9); 1065–74. ©2018 AACR.
The Vasopressin System in the Risk of Diabetes and Cardiorenal Disease, and Hydration as a Potential Lifestyle Intervention
Authors: Enhörning Sofia , Melander Olle
Published: June 2018

Background: Type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its cardiovascular complications are increasing as health problems worldwide. These diseases are interrelated with overlapping occurrence and once diabetes is established, the risk of cardiorenal disease is dramatically elevated. Thus, a search for unifying modifiable risk factors is key for effective prevention. Summary: Elevated fasting plasma concentration of vasopressin, measured with the marker copeptin, predicts new onset type 2 diabetes as well as renal function decline. Furthermore, we recently showed that increased plasma copeptin concentration independently predicts the development of both CKD and other specified kidney diseases. In consequence, high copeptin is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and premature mortality in both diabetes patients and in the general population. Vasopressin is released when plasma osmolality is high, and the easiest way to lower plasma vasopressin and copeptin concentration is to increase water intake. In a human water intervention experiment with 1 week of 3 L/day increased water intake, the one third of the participants with the greatest copeptin reduction (water responders) were those with a phenotype of low water intake (high habitual plasma copeptin and urine osmolality, and low urine volume). The water-responders had a copeptin reduction of 41% after 1 week of increased water intake compared to a control week; in contrast, a 3% reduction occurred in the other two thirds of the study participants. Among water responders, increased water intake also induced a reduction in fasting glucagon concentration. Key Messages: Elevated copeptin, a measure of vasopressin, is a risk marker of metabolic and cardiorenal diseases and may assist in the detection of individuals at higher risk for these diseases. Furthermore, individuals with high copeptin and other signs of low water intake may experience beneficial glucometabolic effects of increased water intake. Future randomized control trials investigating effects of hydration on glucometabolic and renal outcomes should focus on individuals with signs of low water intake including high plasma copeptin concentration.
Morphological Characterization of Basally Located Uninucleate Trophoblast Cells as Precursors of Bovine Binucleate Trophoblast Giant Cells
Authors: Attiger Jeannette , Boos Alois , Klisch Karl
Published: June 2018

Binucleate trophoblast giant cells (TGCs) are one characteristic feature of the ruminant placenta. In cows, the frequency of TGCs remains constant for most of the duration of pregnancy. As TGCs are depleted by their fusion with uterine epithelial cells, they need to be constantly formed. It is still unclear whether they develop from stem cells within the trophectoderm or whether they can arise from any uninucleate trophoblast cell (UTC). Within the latter, generally accepted theory, a basally located uninucleate cell (BUC) without contact to the feto-maternal interface would represent a transient cell between a UTC and a TGC. So far, no evidence for the existence of such transient cells or for the presence of stem cells has been shown. The aim of the present study is to morphologically characterize the early stages of TGC development. Placentomal tissue of 6 pregnant cows from different gestational stages (gestational days 51–214) was examined for BUCs, UTCs, and TGCs either in serial sections (light and transmission electron microscopy, TEM, n = 3), in single sections (TEM, n = 2), or by serial block face-scanning electron microscopy (n = 1). These investigations revealed the occurrence of BUCs, as well as young TGCs showing contact with the basement membrane (BM), but without apical contact to the feto-maternal interface. The study morphologically defines these 2 cell types as early stages of TGC development and shows that binucleation of TGCs can precede detachment from the BM.
АНАЛІЗ ОСОБИСТІСНОЇ ТА СИТУАТИВНОЇ ТРИВОЖНОСТІ У ХВОРИХ НА ІШЕМІЧНУ ХВОРОБУ СЕРЦЯ
Authors: Petrushchak O. M. , Krynytska I. Ya.
Published: June 2018

У статті викладено сучасні дані щодо визначення рівня особистісної та ситуативної тривожності у хворих на ішемічну хворобу серця у гендерному аспекті. Встановлено, що високий рівень особистісної тривожності є більш характерним для жінок, на відміну від чоловіків, у яких при меншому рівні особистісної тривожності значно переважає тривожність ситуативна.
СИНТЕЗ ФІЛОСОФІЇ ТА МЕДИЦИНИ: ВИНИКНЕННЯ БІОЕТИЧНИХ ПРОБЛЕМ у МЕДИЦИНІ, АНАЛІЗ ФІЛОСОФІЇ ТА МЕДИЦИНИ НА ОСНОВІ ЇХ СПІВПРАЦІ І ВЗАЄМОЗБАГАЧЕННЯ
Authors: Popovych Y. M.
Published: June 2018

У статті розглянуто новий синтез філософії та медицини, пов’язаний із теоретизацією медицини і виникненням цілого спектра біоетичних проблем.
ВИКОРИСТАННЯ ФАСОВАНОЇ ВОДИ НАСЕЛЕННЯМ МІСТА ТЕРНОПОЛЯ ЗА РЕЗУЛЬТАТАМИ АНКЕТНОГО ОПИТУВАННЯ
Authors: Lototska O. V. , Voloschynska K. T. , Voloschynska K. T.
Published: June 2018

У статті проаналізовано результати соціологічного опитування та узагальнено дані незалежної оцінки особливостей вживання води населенням м. Тернополя. Встановлено, що 80,1 % жителів не задоволені якістю водогінної води і використовують для пиття різні альтернативні джерела водопостачання: фільтровану (у 46 %) або фасовану (у 21 %) воду. Більшість опитаних вживає фасовану воду нерегулярно, купляючи її 1–3 рази на тиждень і використовують її в основному для тамування спраги під час прогулянок, фізичного тренування, спортивних змагань. Під час купівлі фасованої води вирішальним фактором при здійсненні вибору для більшості опитаних є смакові якості води. Все це свідчить про те, що жителі м. Тернополя, вживаючи питну воду в достатній кількості, незважаючи на недостатню якість водогінної води, надають перевагу традиційним джерелам водопостачання, а саме водогонам, колодязям і каптажам.
МЕТОДИ ДІАГНОСТИКИ ПОРУШЕНЬ СЛУХУ У ДІТЕЙ
Authors: Kozhushko M. G. , Prokopovych O. A.
Published: June 2018

У статті детально розкрито методи та види діагностики порушень слуху в дітей.
ПАРАМЕТРИ ЯКОСТІ ЖИТТЯ У ХВОРИХ НА ГІПЕРТОНІЧНУ ХВОРОБУ ІІ СТАДІЇ
Authors: Shomodi Z. S. , Venher O. P.
Published: June 2018

У статті викладено сучасні дані щодо визначення параметрів якості життя у хворих на гіпертонічну хворобу ІІ ступеня та їх гендерні особливості.
ФОРМУВАННЯ ГОТОВНОСТІ МАЙБУТНІХ МЕДСЕСТЕР ДО ВЕДЕННЯ ПЕРВИННОЇ ПРОФІЛАКТИКИ ЗАХВОРЮВАНЬ НА ВІЛ/СНІД
Authors: Kordys T. O. , Osinchuk R. R. , Khanas T. B. , Mialiuk O. P. , Bushynska I. V. , Marushchak M. I.
Published: June 2018

У статті наведені дані про рівень знань майбутніх медсестер із питань актуальності проблеми, профілактики ВІЛ-інфекції, факторів ризику інфікування, шляхів передачі збудника, методів захисту. Встановлено, 54 % респондентів моніторингового дослідження вважають достатнім власний рівень знань щодо профілактики ВІЛ/СНІДу. Результати анкетування свідчать, що загальний показник достатньої обізнаності з проблем ВІЛ/СНІД становить 36 %, а решта 18 % осіб мають неповні знання.
ШЛЯХИ ПОКРАЩЕННЯ РОБОТИ МЕДСЕСТРИ МАНІПУЛЯЦІЙНОГО КАБІНЕТУ
Authors: Andrievska O. V. , Myaluk O. P. , Krynytska I. Ya.
Published: June 2018

У статті викладено сучасні дані щодо мотивуючих факторів, що покращать роботу медичних сестер маніпуляційного кабінету.
СУЧАСНІ СПОСОБИ ПРОФІЛАКТИКИ УСКЛАДНЕНЬ ПІСЛЯ ОПЕРАЦІЇ КЕСАРЕВОГО РОЗТИНУ – МОЖЛИВОСТІ ОПЕРАЦІЙНОЇ МЕДИЧНОЇ СЕСТРИ
Authors: Garjak S. M. , Sak I. M. , Dobryanska V. Yu. , Troyanenko A. M.
Published: June 2018

Проблема інфекційних ускладнень після кесаревого розтину в сучасному акушерстві визначається високою материнською смертністю й інвалідизацією молодих жінок та коливається в межах 0,2–2,2 %. При цьому надзвичайно гостро постає проблема внутрішньолікарняних інфекцій (ВЛІ). Збудниками ВЛІ у породіль є переважно факультативні умовно-патогенні мікроорганізми (УПМ), набуваючи множинної стійкості до антибіотиків. Враховуючи періодичну зміну домінуючих збудників ВЛІ та їх антибіотикорезистентність, особливості профілактики цих інфекцій, а також розробка профілактичних та протиепідемічних заходів у операційній не можлива без встановлення їх дійсного рівня, постійного епідеміологічного і мікробіологічного моніторингу, розробки за їх результатами та впровадження протиепідемічних заходів.
АНАЛІЗ ПОШИРЕНОСТІ ЗЛОЯКІСНИХ ПУХЛИН ТА ПОЛІПІВ ТОВСТОЇ ТА ПРЯМОЇ КИШОК У СТРУКТУРІ ПРОВЕДЕНИХ ДІАГНОСТИЧНИХ ПРОЦЕДУР КРАЇНИ МАЛЬТА
Authors: Shandarovska N. , Petrenko N.
Published: June 2018

У статті проаналізовано поширеність колоректального раку та доброякісних новоутворень товстої та прямої кишок у структурі проведених діагностичних ендоскопічних процедур країни Мальта.
Application of seed germination pouch for culture and initial resistance screening of the soybean cyst nematode Heterodera glycines
Authors: You Jia , Hu Yanfeng , Wang Congli
Published: June 2018

Seed germination pouches or seedling growth pouches have been utilised previously for high throughput resistance screening of root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne spp., on legume plants. In this study we demonstrated that soybean cyst nematode (SCN) Heterodera glycines, with a different reproduction mode from root-knot nematode, is also able to invade, complete its life cycle and reproduce in soybean roots in seedling pouches similar to the pot system with soil, indicating seedling pouches can be utilised as an alternate SCN culture method when glasshouse/growth chamber space is limited. Moreover, seedling pouches provide an easy approach to collect large numbers of clean male nematodes, which could accelerate SCN biological study such as SCN mating behaviour and molecular signals associated with mating. The results of SCN resistance screening indicate that seedling pouches could be utilised for initial resistance screening with SCN.
Sense of Justice in School and Social and Institutional Trust
Authors: Resh Nura
Published: June 2018

Based on the notion that trust is an essential feature in the development and maintenance of democratic civil society, and that school is central to the daily life of students who view schooling as critical to their long-term life chances, the author investigates in this study the relationship between students’ sense of justice in school and their social and institutional trust. Sense of Justice, defined as the relationship between one’s actual reward and his/her deserved reward, is reflected in three interrelated but distinct categories: instrumental, relational and procedural. The study was carried out in Israel among over 5000 middle school students in a national sample of 48 public schools. Findings basically support our hypothesis that students, who feel that they were treated fairly by their teachers, will be more trustful. However, these relationships are differential in the comparison of students in three school’s sectors: Jewish general, Jewish religious, and Arab.
Citizens and Transatlantic Free Trade Agreements: How to Reconcile American ‘Constitutional Nationalism’ with European ‘Multilevel Constitutionalism’?
Authors: Petersmann Ernst-Ulrich
Published: June 2018

The free trade agreements (FTAs) of the European Union (EU) aim at protecting transnational public goods (PGs) – such as a rules-based, transatlantic market – that could be progressively extended to other European and North-American FTA members and serve as a model for reforming worldwide trade rules and governance institutions. International law and governance can protect PGs more effectively if citizens are empowered as ‘democratic principals’ to hold multilevel governance institutions legally, democratically and judicially accountable for governance failures. The Lisbon Treaty established a ‘cosmopolitan foreign policy constitution’ requiring ‘protection of its citizens’, ‘strict observance of international law’ and rights-based market regulations also in the EU’s external relations. This contribution criticizes EU policies of disempowering citizens in FTAs and undermining their fundamental rights. Without respect for rule of law, the EU cannot overcome its crises of legitimacy and the distrust of citizens vis-à-vis intergovernmental EU regulations.
TTIP Negotiations and Public Procurement: Internal Federalist Tensions and External Risks of Marginalisation
Authors: Corvaglia Maria Anna
Published: June 2018

Government procurement is perhaps one of the most underexplored areas in the recent academic literature on transatlantic economic relations, yet it was also one of the most protected economic sectors addressed in the now derailed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations. Even though the European Union (EU) and the United States have undertaken extensive reciprocal procurement commitments under the World Trade Organization’s Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA), as well as in their respective preferential trade agreements (PTAs), the liberalisation and harmonisation of the transatlantic procurement market could not be more ambiguous or controversial. This article aims to deepen our understanding of crucial aspects of the contemporary EU–United States procurement relationship. To this end, the article explores the TTIP negotiations as well as similar PTAs and underlines the potential implications in terms of the fragmentation of the international discipline of procurement regulation.
Structural Banking Reforms in the Age of the BRICS: Transatlantic Cooperation Within a Multilateral Framework
Authors: Cervone Elisabetta
Published: June 2018

The Volcker Rule could potentially apply to the global structure of a foreign bank with US branches or any business of foreign banks with US counterparties. In light of the rise of emerging markets such as China and India as key players in the global economy (and the growth in general of the BRICS countries), concerns of an adverse extraterritorial impact of the Volcker Rule are relevant. This article emphasizes that, even when there is no global standard – as in current structural reforms – mutual recognition based on equivalence (as adopted in the European Union reforms) would be a slow, complex process toward harmonization, but it might work. The purpose of this article is to explore the prospects of harmonization and the development of global standards via extraterritoriality in structural banking measures, providing a view on the role of national regulations as a potential source of international financial law.