bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Un modèle de la situation d’enseignement-apprentissage pour mieux comprendre l’activité de l’élève en classe
Authors: Hérold Jean-François
Published: October 2019

Afin de permettre une meilleure compréhension du fonctionnement de l’élève en activité en classe, nous proposons un modèle de la situation d’enseignement-apprentissage élaboré dans le cadre d’une approche systémique de la situation, considérée ainsi comme un système complexe. Nous faisons le postulat que le choix de l’instant de la situation permet d’utiliser le modèle avec un certain nombre d’interactions qui peuvent être alors inhibées en raison de la nature de la phase retenue, facilitant ainsi l’étude et l’analyse de la situation, sans pour cela dénaturer la compréhension de cette dernière. Des exemples d’instants retenus sont présentés.
L’intention d’utiliser les référentiels de compétences. Le cas des maitre·sse·s de stage en faculté de médecine
Authors: Detroz Pascal , Huart Johanne , Loye Nathalie , Piazza Aurélie , Giet Didier , Burette Solène , Massart Valérie , Duchesnes Christiane , Verpoorten Dominique
Published: October 2019

Le Département de médecine générale de l’Université de Liège a élaboré un référentiel de compétences. L’objectif de cette étude est de connaitre les intentions des maitre·sse·s de stage quant à son utilisation. Afin de connaitre les éléments prédicteurs de cette intention, nous avons fait appel à la théorie du comportement planifié (Ajzen, 1985, 1991). Nous avons dès lors conçu un questionnaire mesurant de manière directe et indirecte les divers paramètres de ce modèle, à savoir les attitudes, les normes sociales et le contrôle perçu sur la base de sept entretiens avec des maitre·sse·s de stage. Ce questionnaire a ensuite été proposé à la population des maitre·sses de stage. Nous avons obtenu 68 réponses. Après avoir effectué des régressions linéaires hiérarchiques, nous avons conclu qu’ensemble, les attitudes, les normes sociales et le contrôle perçu expliquaient 83 % de l’intention d’utiliser le référentiel. D’autres analyses ont permis de déterminer les leviers et les freins influant directement sur cette intention.
« Boîte à lettres » et signatures : l’auctorialité partagée des femmes dans Awa
Authors: Ducournau Claire
Published: October 2019

Cet article propose de revisiter Awa : la revue de la femme noire à travers le prisme du genre, par une étude des modalités de présence et de représentation des femmes et des hommes qui écrivent dans le mensuel de 1964 à 1973. Il convoque à cette fin deux paramètres du magazine dont il élucide les enjeux littéraires et sociaux : les signatures des articles, entre anonymat, patronymat, prénonymat et pseudonymat, d’une part ; les correspondant·e·s rendu·e·s visibles, notamment dans la rubrique « La boîte à lettres » qui leur est consacrée, d’autre part. L’auctorialité des femmes dans ce magazine apparaît alors partagée, avec les hommes et entre elles : alors que les contributeurs participent par leurs signatures, particulièrement de textes littéraires, à cautionner Awa tout en en surveillant les contenus, les rédactrices y sont beaucoup plus souvent anonymes ou insérées au sein de collectifs susceptibles de les rendre individuellement invisibles. En avançant masquées et groupées, elles proposent des modes d’émancipation plus pratiques que théoriques, toujours susceptibles de reconduire des hiérarchies genrées en une période où l’accès au statut et à l’autorité d’auteur·e est bien moins assuré pour les femmes que pour les hommes. Leurs stratégies d’écriture et leurs trajectoires sociales n’en révèlent pas moins l’existence, autour du périodique, d’un espace vivant de solidarité et d’inventivité vis-à-vis des normes de genre.
Réseaux de genres : relationnalité et intersectionnalité dans Americanah de Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie et Blues pour Élise de Léonora Miano
Authors: Vottero Constance
Published: October 2019

Les deux romans Blues pour Élise de Léonora Miano et Americanah de Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie mettent en scène des personnages qui déjouent les représentations monolithiques et/ou stéréotypées, à la fois des femmes noires et des rôles traditionnels de genre. Pour ce faire, les écrivaines privilégient un genre hybride qui brouille les frontières entre le littéraire et la culture populaire et où se côtoient librement le roman d’amour, la partition de blues, le blog, la nouvelle et la série télévisée. Cet article se propose d’étudier comment les écrivaines critiquent les modèles dominants en matière d’identité et défient le système traditionnel de catégorisation des genres (littéraires et sexuels).
Africana womanism et homosexualité dans Crépuscule du tourment 1 de Léonora Miano
Authors: Ndi Etondi Vanessa
Published: October 2019

Dans Crépuscule du tourment 1 de Léonora Miano, que ce soit dans le « Nord » ou sur le « Continent » subsaharien, l’Afropéenne Ixora lutte pour imposer sa triple marginalité : femme, noire, homosexuelle. Dans la démarche migratoire qu’elle accomplit pour offrir un avenir déracialisé à son fils, Ixora finit par trouver l’amour saphique sous le soleil homophobe des tropiques. L’article analyse la complexité de ce personnage à travers l’approche intersectionnelle de Clenora Hudson-Weems. Élaboré pour circonscrire les facteurs d’oppression de la femme noire, l’africana womanism dénonce successivement le racisme, le classisme et le sexisme. Si le parcours d’Ixora rejoint en partie la théorie de C. Hudson-Weems, il permet aussi de la dépasser et de proposer une image plus libre de la femme noire contemporaine.
КОРИСТАН АКЦЕНАТСКИ ПРИРУЧНИК
Authors: Цукут Слађана
Published: October 2019

Почетком 2018. године објављена је књига Науч3 имо ак3 центе ау-тора Драгомира Козомаре, која доноси основне информацијео акценатском систему и ортоепској норми српског језика, каои корисне вјежбе за савладавање биљежења наших акцената. Књига по-чиње теоријским уводом, подијељеним у више кратких цјелина: Основненапомене о акценту (7–9), Акценатски систем српскога књижевног језика(9–10), Правила стандардне акцентуације у српском језику (11–14), Не-наглашене ријечи у српском језику (15–16), Преношење акцената на про-клитике (16–17), Акценти као средство за разликовање ријечи (18–20),Акценатски дублети (20–21) и Ремећење акценатског система српскогјезика (21–22). Након теоријског увода слиједе дијелови под насловомВјежбе (23–37) и Акцентовани текстови (39–67), а на крају су понуђенаи рјешења задатака (69–76).
Development and incorporation of nanoemulsions in food
Authors: de J. Cenobio-Galindo Antonio , G. Campos-Montiel Rafael , Jimenez-Alvarado Ruben´ , Almaraz-Buend´ıa Isaac , Medina-Perez Gabriela , Fern ´ andez-Luque ´ no Fabian
Published: October 2019

Currently, nanoencapsulation of bioactive compounds is promising, and is one of the methods that has been proven very effective. The development of food-grade nanoemulsions is in a state of constant innovation due to the interesting features that this method of encapsulation has, such as small droplet size, kinetic stability and appearance. With this technology, it is possible to control some food properties, such as texture, taste and stability. In this article, we present a review of the most commonly used methods in the creation of nanoemulsions, the recent developments of these dispersions, the relevant applications of nanoemulsions in food matrices, the most commonly used food-grade materials and the functionality of nanoemulsions, which are designed primarily to encapsulate compounds with biological activity. Nanoemulsions have been shown to be effective in preventing degradation and improving the bioavailability of bioactive compounds, such as oil-soluble vitamins, antimicrobials, flavours and antioxidants. At the end of this article, facts of interest about acceptance issues and nanotechnology regulatory policies in the food industry are presented.
Antidiabetic activity of herbal green tea extract from white mangrove (Avicennia marina) leaves towards blood glucose level of diabetic wistar rats (Rattus novergicus)
Authors: Hardoko Hardoko , Nafi’ah Binti , B. Sasmito Bambang , Halim Yuniwaty
Published: October 2019

Green tea Camellia sinensis contains polyphenol that has antidiabetic activity. Mangrove leaves also contain polyphenol which potentially gives these leave antidiabetic activity. The aim of this research was to determine the ability of herbal green tea extract from white mangrove (Avicennia marina) leaves to decrease blood glucose level of diabetic Wistar rats (Rattus novergicus). The method used was experimental and involved giving a herbal green tea extract from white mangrove leaves with concentration of 100, 200 and 300 mg/200g BW/day, and positive control, i.e. glybenclamide (0.09 mg/200 g BW/day), to diabetic rats injected with Streptozotocin (STZ) and Nicotinamide (NA). The rats were observed on day 0, 5, 10 and 15. The results showed that the herbal green tea extract from white mangrove leaves decreased the blood glucose level of diabetic rats. The effective extract dose that decreased the blood glucose level of diabetic rats was 300 mg/200 g BW, which is comparable to the effect produced by glybenclamide (antidiabetic medicine). This dose could decrease the blood glucose level of diabetic rats to reach a normal blood glucose level after 20 days.
Dissection of central clock function in Drosophila through cell-specific CRISPR-mediated clock gene disruption
Authors: Delventhal Rebecca , O'Connor Reed M , Pantalia Meghan M , Ulgherait Matthew , Kim Han X , Basturk Maylis K , Canman Julie C , Shirasu-Hiza Mimi
Published: October 2019

In Drosophila, ~150 neurons expressing molecular clock proteins regulate circadian behavior. Sixteen of these neurons secrete the neuropeptide Pdf and have been called ‘master pacemakers’ because they are essential for circadian rhythms. A subset of Pdf+ neurons (the morning oscillator) regulates morning activity and communicates with other non-Pdf+ neurons, including a subset called the evening oscillator. It has been assumed that the molecular clock in Pdf+ neurons is required for these functions. To test this, we developed and validated Gal4-UAS based CRISPR tools for cell-specific disruption of key molecular clock components, period and timeless. While loss of the molecular clock in both the morning and evening oscillators eliminates circadian locomotor activity, the molecular clock in either oscillator alone is sufficient to rescue circadian locomotor activity in the absence of the other. This suggests that clock neurons do not act in a hierarchy but as a distributed network to regulate circadian activity.
Rare missense variants in the human cytosolic antibody receptor preserve antiviral function
Authors: Zeng Jingwei , Slodkowicz Greg , James Leo C
Published: October 2019

The genetic basis of most human disease cannot be explained by common variants. One solution to this ‘missing heritability problem’ may be rare missense variants, which are individually scarce but collectively abundant. However, the phenotypic impact of rare variants is under-appreciated as gene function is normally studied in the context of a single ‘wild-type’ sequence. Here, we explore the impact of naturally occurring missense variants in the human population on the cytosolic antibody receptor TRIM21, using volunteer cells with variant haplotypes, CRISPR gene editing and functional reconstitution. In combination with data from a panel of computational predictors, the results suggest that protein robustness and purifying selection ensure that function is remarkably well-maintained despite coding variation.
Epigenetic memory independent of symmetric histone inheritance
Authors: Saxton Daniel S , Rine Jasper
Published: October 2019

Heterochromatic gene silencing is an important form of gene regulation that usually requires specific histone modifications. A popular model posits that inheritance of modified histones, especially in the form of H3-H4 tetramers, underlies inheritance of heterochromatin. Because H3-H4 tetramers are randomly distributed between daughter chromatids during DNA replication, rare occurrences of asymmetric tetramer inheritance within a heterochromatic domain would have the potential to destabilize heterochromatin. This model makes a prediction that shorter heterochromatic domains would experience unbalanced tetramer inheritance more frequently, and thereby be less stable. In contrast to this prediction, we found that shortening a heterochromatic domain in Saccharomyces had no impact on the strength of silencing nor its heritability. Additionally, we found that replisome mutations that disrupt inheritance of H3-H4 tetramers had only minor effects on heterochromatin stability. These findings suggest that histones carry little or no memory of the heterochromatin state through DNA replication.
Å etterprøve Wikipedia – kildekritiske muligheter for brukerne
Authors: Thaule Jimi
Published: October 2019

Presentasjon frå Wikipedia-akademiet 2015

Det er nok ingen stor overdrivelse å si at Wikipedia i dag utgjør et svært viktig oppslagsverk, og at det i fremtiden bare vil bli viktigere. Wikipedias styrke ligger i at det lett kan oppdateres, utvides og at det bygger på et stort kollektivt potensiale i brukergruppen. Samtidig er det flere problemer knyttet til etterprøvbarheten. Den sammensatte brukergruppen har nok svært varierende kunnskaper og ferdigheter innen det å holde en viss faglig standard, hvorav bruk av referanser er et viktig element.

Fremveksten av digitale, ikke-statiske, kollektive oppslagsverk som Wikipedia er et vesentlig moment når man skal planlegge for fremtidens forskning og skolevesen. Økt tilgang på kilder, både eldre og nyere er et annet, som igjen påvirker det første gjennom å skaffe tilgang på kilder til amatører og entusiaster. I tillegg er det enklere enn noensinne tidligere å nå ut med sine meninger og originale tekster. (Blogger, Youtube, streamingtjenester, MOOCs, sosiale medier osv.)

Dette reflekteres i studiehverdagen, hvor digital kildebruk har bidratt til å «presse» frem mer undervisning i kildebruk og kildekritikk. Bruk av litteraturlister, presise kildehenvisninger og evnen til å vurdere kilder gjør at man også må stille krav til tekster man bruker som kilder. Blant annet ser vi dette reflektert i Læreplan for historie- og filosofi (UDIR 2006), og i tilknytning til kvalifikasjonsrammeverket for høyere utdanning (Regjeringen.no 2009). Begge disse legger vekt på evnen til å kritisk evaluere informasjon, evnen til å sanke inn informasjon og ferdigheter innen generell kildekritikk.

I kildekritisk sammenheng er etterettelighet et vesentlig spørsmål, og om man skal vurdere hvor godt Wikipedia generelt egner seg som kilde til god informasjon – spesielt i skolesammenheng, er det viktig å granske hvor etterrettlig informasjonen man finner der er.

Artikkelen berører ikke i hvilken grad informasjonen man finner på Wikipedia er god eller ikke, bare i hvilken grad den kan etterprøves gjennom bruk referanser.
Borrowing from Peter to pay Paul: managing threatened predators of endangered and declining prey species
Authors: Davidson Zeke , Dupuis-Desormeaux Marc , Dheer Arjun , Pratt Laura , Preston Elizabeth , Gilicho Saibala , Mwololo Mary , Chege Geoffrey , MacDonald Suzanne E. , Doncaster C Patrick
Published: October 2019

Conservation policy and practice can sometimes run counter to their mutual aims of ensuring species survival. In Kenya, where threatened predators such as lion deplete endangered prey such as Grevy’s zebra, conservation practitioners seek to ensure species success through exclusive strategies of protection, population increase and preservation. We found strong selection for the endangered Grevy’s zebra by both lion and hyena on two small fenced conservancies in Kenya. Despite abundant diversity of available prey, Grevy’s zebra were selected disproportionately more than their availability, while other highly available species such as buffalo were avoided. Lions were therefore not alone in presenting a credible threat to Grevy’s zebra survival. Conservation practitioners must consider interlinked characteristics of prey selection, resource availability and quality, the interplay between carnivore guild members and landscape scale population trends performance in wildlife management decisions.
Endothelium-Independent Vasorelaxant Effects of Anthocyanins-Enriched Extract from Odontonema strictum (Nees) Kuntze (Acanthaceae) Flowers: Ca2+ Channels Involvement
Authors: Nitiéma Mathieu , Koala Moumouni , Belemnaba Lazare , Ouédraogo Jean Claude W. , Ouédraogo Salfo , Kini Félix Bondo , Ouédraogo Sylvin , Guissou Innocent Pierre
Published: October 2019

Aims: We aimed in this study to investigate the mechanisms of the vasorelaxation effect caused by the anthocyanins-enriched extract of Odontonema strictum flowers.

Study Design: Anthocyanins-enriched extract of Odontonema strictum flowers and vasorelaxantes activities of mice aortic rings.

Place and Duration of Study: The flowers of Odontonema strictum (Nees) Kuntze (Acanthaceae) were collected in January 2015 at the “Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé (IRSS)” experimental station in Ouagadougou. The experiments were conducted in October - November 2018 at the department of Medicine and Traditional Pharmacopeia-Pharmacy (MEPHATRA-PH)/IRSS.

Methodology: The extract was enriched in anthocyanins using Amberlite XAD-7 non-ionic resin column. The vasorelaxant activity of anthocyanins-enriched extract of O. strictum flowers (OSF) was tested using isolated organ-chamber technique with mice aorta rings.

Results: OSF showed concentration-dependent relaxant effects on mice endothelium intact or denuded aortic rings pre-contracted with U46619 (10-7 M) and KCl (80 mM). OSF induced relaxation in the mice aortic rings by stimulating smooth muscle cells. The vasorelaxant effect of OSF (10-1000 µg/mL) was similar in endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded aortic rings. The maximum relaxant effect was 93.78 ± 4.69% and 92.30 ± 3.19% for endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded aortic rings, respectively. Moreover, after incubation of the aorta rings with OSF (400 µg/mL) or vehicle (0.02% of DMSO) in PSS, OSF blocked the contraction through mechanism involving inhibition of CaCl2 and U46619 effect.

Conclusions: The present study provides a pharmacological evidence for the antihypertensive medicinal use of Odontonema strictum by highlighting its vasorelaxant activity.
Motivation to Learn Neuroanatomy by Cadaveric Dissection is Correlated with Academic Performance
Authors: Shell Kellie , Holt Edwin , Kington Amanda , Mohammed Khalil , Black Asa , Troup Chris , Ingiaimo Melinda , Scoles Kimberly , Nathaniel Thomas I.
Published: October 2019

Implementing educational activities, such as a wet lab with cadaveric brain dissection, is known to have a direct impact on medical students' motivation. These activities demonstrate the clinical relevance of concepts taught in the classroom setting. The correlation between motivation and academic performance is not clear. First year medical students participated in wet lab activities. The wet lab included cadaveric dissection of the surface and internal anatomy of the brain, as well as discussions facilitated by the neuroscience faculty and clinicians. Discussions were centered around the clinical relevance of the neuroanatomical features dissected during the wet laboratory activities. Following completion of the laboratory activities, students completed a survey, which was used to assess the students' motivation for learning neuroanatomy based on the Attention, Relevance, Confidence, Satisfaction (ARCS) model of motivation. These results were then correlated with performance on a laboratory examination that tested three‐dimensional and cross‐sectional knowledge of neuroanatomy and practical skills including the use of imaging techniques. The total mean score of motivation was generally high for all categories of ARCS model of motivation (4.26/5) and was highest for Relevance (4.46/5). When these results were correlated with students' performance on the lab examination, a positive correlation between students' motivation and lab examination scores was found (R2 = 0.877). Implementation of the neuroanatomy cadaveric dissection lab led to increased student motivation, which was positively correlated with students' academic performance. Clin. Anat. 32:128–135, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Three‐Dimensional Morphological Variations of the Human Calcaneus Investigated Using Geometric Morphometrics
Authors: Nozaki Shuhei , Watanabe Kota , Kamiya Tomoaki , Katayose Masaki , Ogihara Naomichi
Published: October 2019

The shape of the calcaneus determines the mechanical interaction of the foot with the ground during the heel‐strike in human walking. Detailed knowledge of the pattern of sexual dimorphism of the human calcaneus could help to clarify the pathogenetic mechanism of foot and knee disorders, which are more prevalent in females. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize and visualize the three‐dimensional shape variations of the calcaneus in relation to sex and age using geometric morphometrics. Computed tomography images of 56 feet without subtalar injuries or disorders were used in this study. Thirty‐seven anatomical landmarks were identified on the bone model of the calcaneus to calculate principal components (PCs) of shape variations among specimens. The PC scores were compared between males and females, and their correlations with age were also analyzed. The female calcaneus was longer in length and shorter in height than that of males. The medial process of the calcaneal tuberosity in females was more inferiorly projected and the tuberosity was shifted more laterally. Also, the calcaneus was wider and the sustentaculum tali thickened with aging. Female structural features of the calcaneus alter the kinematics of the foot during walking and could be a structural factor in foot and knee disorders. This study contributes to a comprehensive understanding of shape variations in the human calcaneus. Clin. Anat., 33:751–758, 2020. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In vitro antitumor and immunotropic activity of carrageenans from red algae Chondrus armatus and their low‐molecular weight degradation products
Authors: Cicinskas Eduardas , Begun Maria A. , Tiasto Vladlena A. , Belousov Andrei S. , Vikhareva Valeria V. , Mikhailova Valeria A. , Kalitnik Alexandra A.
Published: October 2019

Antitumor and immunotropic effects of κ‐, λ‐carrageenan from red marine algae Chondrus armatus and their low‐molecular weight (LMW) degradation products were explored. Effects on human esophageal cancer cell lines KYSE30 and FLO1 viability and ability to induce production of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines by human monocytes was assessed. All polysaccharides demonstrated antimetabolic and cytostatic activity towards cancer lines, with high‐molecular weight carrageenans possessing higher antimetabolic and lower cytostatic activity than their LMW degradation products. All carrageenans induced monocytes to produce pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL1β, IL6, IL18, and TNFα. However, secretion of anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL10 was induced only by LMW λ‐carrageenan, which exhibited the highest cytokine production inducing efficacy overall. We demonstrate that LMW carrageenan degradation products not only retain biological activity of their precursors, but also increase their efficacy in type‐dependent manner, allowing for their future development for pharmacological practice.
Comparison of impacts of intraseasonal oscillation on tropical cyclogenesis over the western North Pacific based on two methods
Authors: Cao Xi , Wu Renguang
Published: October 2019

The present study compares the relative contributions of intraseasonal variations of different environmental factors to the western North Pacific (WNP) tropical cyclone (TC) genesis during boreal summer–fall estimated using two methods. The first method is composite based on the phase of the intraseasonal oscillation (ISO). The second method is composite based on local and instantaneous TC genesis. The genesis potential index (GPI) is used as a measure for contributions of different factors to TC genesis. The two methods show consistently that the mid‐level relative humidity has a major contribution to and the absolute vorticity has a secondary effect on positive GPI anomalies in the active ISO phase. However, the two methods obtain different results during the inactive ISO phase. The composite based on the ISO phase obtains negative GPI anomalies, whereas the composite based on the TC genesis location obtains positive GPI anomalies in the regions where TCs are formed. The absolute vorticity and vertical wind shear have a nearly comparative contribution to positive GPI anomalies during the inactive ISO phase. This indicates that composite based on local and instantaneous perspective can better capture the actual environmental conditions that set up the background for TC genesis.
Different Responses and Links of N:P Ratio Among Ecosystem Components Under Nutrient Addition in a Temperate Forest
Authors: Shen Ying , Tian Dashuan , Jiang Liangchao , Wang Jinsong , Chen Xinli , Li Yong , Wang Bingxue , Li Zhaolei , Fu Yiwen , Hou Jihua , Niu Shuli
Published: October 2019

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) deposition have increased rapidly during the past decades, which likely changes soil N and P availability. These soil resource variations will further affect N, P concentration and N:P ratio in different ecosystem pools (i.e., soil, leaf, litter, root, and microbe). Various pools may show different stoichiometric responses to nutrient enrichment, with a further influence on ecosystem nutrient cycling. However, few studies have been conducted to fully examine the stoichiometric responses of different pools and their nutrient relationships in a given ecosystem. Here we established a 2‐year experiment of N (10 g m−2 year−1), P (10 g m−2 year−1), and combined N + P addition in a temperate forest of Changbai Mountain. We found significantly different N:P stoichiometric responses among various ecosystem components under P addition, with the leaves showing a higher response than litter and root while microbe behaving the lowest response. The responses of N:P ratio to N + P addition were similar with those under P addition in all pools. In most cases, N addition did not significantly affect N:P ratio. These results indicate that N:P ratio response was mainly determined by changes in P rather than N concentration in this temperate forest ecosystem. Moreover, we found tighter N:P stoichiometric correlations than elements among diverse ecosystem components under nutrient addition. Overall, our research reveals different responses and tight links of element stoichiometric variations among various ecosystem components in face of nutrient enrichment. It calls our attention to considering stoichiometric changes in the whole ecosystem beyond individual plant organ or microbial component.
In silico chemical screening identifies epidermal growth factor receptor as a therapeutic target of drug-tolerant CD44v9-positive gastric cancer cells
Authors: Mashima Tetsuo , Iwasaki Risa , Kawata Naomi , Kawakami Ryuhei , Kumagai Koshi , Migita Toshiro , Sano Takeshi , Yamaguchi Kensei , Seimiya Hiroyuki
Published: October 2019

Background

Tumours consist of heterogeneous cancer cells and are likely to contain drug-tolerant cell subpopulations, causing early relapse. However, treatment strategies to eliminate these cells have not been established.

Methods

We established gastric cancer patient-derived cells (PDCs) to examine the contribution of CD44 splicing variant 9 (CD44v9)-positive cells in gastric cancer drug tolerance. We performed gene expression signature-based in silico screening using JFCR_LinCAGE, our anticancer compound gene expression database and subsequent validation in BALB/c-nu/nu mouse xenograft to identify agents targeting the drug-tolerant cancer cells.

Results

CD44v9-positive cancer cells were enriched among residual cancer cells after treatment with SN-38, an active metabolic of irinotecan. CD44v9 protein was responsible for this drug resistance. We identified epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors as agents that can target CD44v9-positive cell populations in gastric cancer PDCs. CD44v9 promoted cell proliferation, and EGFR inhibition attenuated CD44v9 protein expression through downregulation of the AKT and the ERK signalling pathways, leading to preferential suppression of CD44v9-positive cells. Importantly, EGFR inhibitors significantly reduced the number of residual cancer cells after cytotoxic anticancer drug treatment and enhanced the antitumor effect of irinotecan in vivo.

Conclusions

EGFR inhibitors could be potential agents to eradicate cytotoxic anticancer drug-tolerant gastric cancer cell populations.
Quasar main sequence: A line or a plane
Authors: Wildy Conor , Czerny Bożena , Panda Swayamtrupta
Published: October 2019

Context. A quasar main sequence is widely believed to reveal itself through objects represented in a plane spanned by two parameters: the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of Hβ and the ratio of Fe II to Hβ equivalent width. This sequence is related to the application to quasar properties of principal component analysis (PCA), which reveals that the main axis of variance (eigenvector 1) is codirectional with a strong anticorrelation between these two measurements.

Aims. We aim to determine whether the dominance of two eigenvectors, originally discovered over two decades ago, is replicated in newer high-quality quasar samples. If so, we aim to test whether a nonlinear approach is an improvement on the linear PCA method by finding two new parameters that represent a more accurate projection of the variances than the eigenvectors recovered from PCA.

Methods. We selected quasars from the X-shooter archive and a major quasar catalog to build high-quality samples. These samples were tested with PCA.

Results. We find that the new high-quality samples indeed have two dominant eigenvectors as originally discovered. Subsequently, we find that fitting a nonlinear decay curve to the main sequence allows a new plane spanned by linearly independent axes to be defined; this is based on the distance along the decay curve as the main axis and the distance of each quasar data point from the curve as the secondary axis, respectively.

Conclusions. The results show that it is possible to define a new plane based on the quasar main sequence, which accounts for the majority of the variance. The most likely candidate for the new main axis is an anticorrelation with a black hole mass. In this case the secondary axis likely represents luminosity. However, given the results of previous studies, the inclination angle likely plays a role in the Hβ width.
Current Perceptions of the Aesthetically Ideal Position and Size of the Male Nipple-Areola Complex
Authors: Kaoutzanis Christodoulos , Schneeberger Steven J , Wormer Blair , Song Haocan , Ye Fei , Al Kassis Salam , Winocour Julian , Higdon Kent , Perdikis Galen
Published: October 2019

Background

The dimensions of the nipple-areola complex (NAC) and its location on the chest wall are important aesthetic factors in male breast surgery.

Objectives

This study examines the perceptions of aesthetic surgeons and the general population for the aesthetically ideal position and size of male NAC.

Methods

An online survey was distributed to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) members and to the general population. Parameters queried included demographics for all participants and academic details for ASAPS members. Both surveys included a male model picture with 16 separate choices for the NAC position from a frontal view, 5 choices for the NAC position from a lateral view, and 6 choices for the NAC dimensions. For all 3 sets of images, the participants were asked to rank the top 3 images they considered most “aesthetically pleasing” in descending order. A weighted scoring rule was created to quantitatively evaluate image choices. Standard statistical methods were employed for analysis.

Results

The survey was completed by 272 ASAPS members and 4909 participants from the general population. The top 3 choices for NAC location on frontal view were the same for ASAPS members and the general population. The most popular NAC location on lateral view was the same for both groups, but the preferred locations differed between the 2 groups for the second and third choices. The most popular dimensions of the NAC were 2 cm (vertical) × 3 cm (horizontal) followed by 2 cm × 2 cm for both groups. Comparison of the 3 top image choices scores between different ethnic groups and individuals with different gender or sexual orientation demonstrated similar trends.

Conclusions

This survey identified the preferred position and dimensions of the NAC on the male breast for plastic surgeons and the general population. These parameters should be considered when counseling males undergoing breast surgery.
Frequency dependence of the polar motion resonance
Authors: Bizouard C , Nurul Huda I , Ziegler Y , Lambert S
Published: October 2019

The nutation of the Celestial Intermediate Pole can be considered as a retrograde diurnal polar motion. As the common polar motion, it presents a resonance, but with period TPM and quality factor QPM differing from the ones characterizing the Chandler wobble (TCW = 430.2−431.6 d, QCW in the interval (56 255) according to Nastula & Gross): according to the nutation analysis presented in a separate paper, this period is about TPM = 380 d and the quality factor becomes −10. In this study, we aim to revisit the geophysical interpretation of this result. Two complementary factors account for the observed values: the non-equilibrium response of the ocean to the pole tide potential in the diurnal band, and the resonance of the solid Earth tide at the free core nutation period. This leads to a resonance of TPM in the vicinity of the free core nutation period, confirmed by estimates derived from nutation analysis.
Genetic relatedness and space use in two populations of striped hyenas (Hyaena hyaena)
Authors: Califf Katy J , Green David S , Wagner Aaron P , Scribner Kim T , Beatty Karen , Wagner Meredith E , Holekamp Kay E
Published: October 2019

Surprising social complexity and variability have recently been documented in several mammalian species once believed to be strictly solitary, and variation in resource abundance may drive this variation in sociality. Wagner et al. (Wagner, A. P., S. Creel, L. G. Frank, and S. T. Kalinowski. 2007. Patterns of relatedness and parentage in an asocial, polyandrous striped hyena population. Molecular Ecology 16:4356–4369) reported unusual space-use patterns among female striped hyenas (Hyaena hyaena) in central Kenya, where pairwise relatedness among females increased with the geographic distance separating them. The authors suggested that this pattern, very rare among mammals, might reflect attempts by females to avoid competition with close relatives for scarce resources in areas of range overlap. Here, we compare those data to new data, documenting genetic relatedness and space use in a previously unstudied wild population of striped hyenas in southern Kenya. We tested hypotheses suggesting that resource abundance and population density affect patterns of genetic relatedness and geographic distance in this species. Our results suggest that higher per capita prey density results in relaxed competition for food, and greater social tolerance among female striped hyenas. A hypothesis suggesting lower population density in the southern population was not supported. Relaxed resource competition also may lead to female–female cooperation in the southern population; we documented for the first time behavioral evidence of den sharing by adult female striped hyenas. Our data indicate that different populations of this little-studied species exhibit behavioral plasticity; in this case, markedly different space-use patterns and patterns of spatial relatedness under different ecological conditions.
A simulated annealing algorithm to quantify patterns in astronomical data
Authors: Chira Maria , Plionis Manolis
Published: October 2019

We develop an optimization algorithm, using simulated annealing for the quantification of patterns in astronomical data based on techniques developed for robotic vision applications. The methodology falls in the category of cost minimization algorithms and it is based on user-determined interaction – among the pattern elements – criteria that define the properties of the sought structures. We applied the algorithm on a large variety of mock images and we constrained the free parameters; α and k, which express the amount of noise in the image and how strictly the algorithm seeks for cocircular structures, respectively. We find that the two parameters are interrelated and also that, independently of the pattern properties, an appropriate selection for most of the images would be log k = −2 and 0 < α ≲ 0.04. The width of the effective α-range, for different values of k, is reduced when more interaction coefficients are taken into account for the definition of the patterns of interest. Finally, we applied the algorithm on N-body simulation dark-matter halo data and on the HST image of the lensing Abell 2218 cluster to conclude that this versatile technique could be applied for the quantification of structure and for identifying coherence in astronomical patterns.
Later puberty onset among chronically undernourished adolescents living in a Karachi slum, Pakistan
Authors: Campisi Susan C. , Humayun Khadija N. , Rizvi Arjumand , Lou Wendy , Söder Olle , Bhutta Zulfiqar A.
Published: October 2019

Aim

To assess factors associated with the timing of puberty onset (Tanner Stage Breast 2/Genital 2) among adolescents living in an urban slum in Karachi, Pakistan.

Methods

Girls enrolled at 8‐10 years (n = 1009) and boys 9‐11 years (n = 863) were followed every 6 months from 2006 to 2010. Parametric survival analysis for interval‐censored data was used to estimate median age at puberty onset and assess the association between exposures and timing of puberty onset.

Results

The overall median age at Tanner Stage Breast 2 (AAB2) was 10.1 years (95% CI: 10.1; 10.5), and the median age at Tanner Stage Genital 2 (AAG2) was 10.1 years (95% CI: 10.1; 10.6). Stunting delayed AAB2 1 year and AAG2 about 6 months when compared to non‐stunted peers. In the multivariable model, after adjusting for age at enrolment, stunting, thinness and vitamin A deficiency (VAD) were significantly associated with delayed AAB2, while stunting and anaemia were significantly associated with delayed AAG2.

Conclusion

Among adolescents living in the Karachi slum, stunting and highly prevalent anaemia delayed AAG2, while stunting, thinness and VAD delayed AAG2. Parental and household factors were not significantly associated with the timing of puberty onset.
Pacinian collagenoma: A distinct form of sclerotic fibroma
Authors: Krivošíková Lucia , Janega Pavol , Babala Jozef , Babál Pavel
Published: October 2019

Sclerotic fibroma (storiform collagenoma) is a rare benign skin tumor. A solitary tumor, as well as multifocal lesions, are found either sporadically, or associated with Cowden syndrome. The tumor usually presents as clinically asymptomatic, slowly growing papule or nodule on the skin of the head, neck, and upper extremities. Microscopically the lesion is sharply demarcated, composed of hyalinized bands of collagen with low cellularity and a distinctive irregularly whorled or storiform pattern. We describe a case of a unique variant of this tumor in the scalp of a 33‐year‐old male. The tumor was microscopically composed of concentrically arranged collagen bundles with prevailing type III collagen, which resembled an enlarged Vater‐Pacini corpuscle, with low density of CD34‐positive and glucose transporter 1‐negative spindle shaped cells. The specific microscopic appearance is suggestive of the term “Pacinian collagenoma” for this unique benign tumor.
Myeloid HIF‐1α regulates pulmonary inflammation during experimental Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection
Authors: Resende Mariana , Ferreira Catarina M. , Barbosa Ana Margarida , Cardoso Marcos S. , Sousa Jeremy , Saraiva Margarida , Castro António G. , Appelberg Rui , Torrado Egídio
Published: October 2019

Summary

The transcription factor hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 alpha (HIF‐1α) is a key regulator of the response and function of myeloid cells in hypoxic and inflammatory microenvironments. To define the role of HIF‐1α in tuberculosis, the progression of aerosol Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection was analysed in mice deficient in HIF‐1α in the myeloid lineage (mHIF‐1α−/−). We show that myeloid HIF‐1α is not required for the containment of the infection, as both wild‐type (WT) and mHIF‐1α−/− mice mounted normal Th1 responses and maintained control of bacterial growth throughout infection. However, during chronic infection mHIF‐1α−/− mice developed extensive lymphocytic inflammatory involvement of the interstitial lung tissue and died earlier than WT mice. These data support the hypothesis that HIF‐1α activity coordinates the response of myeloid cells during M. tuberculosis infection to prevent excessive leucocyte recruitment and immunopathological consequences to the host.
Risk factors and complications after body‐contouring surgery and the amount of stromal vascular fraction cells found in subcutaneous tissue
Authors: Morandi Evi M. , Ploner Christian , Wolfram Dolores , Tasch Christoph , Dostal Lucie , Ortner Felix , Pierer Gerhard , Verstappen Ralph
Published: October 2019

Body contouring surgery following massive weight loss is often prone to complications. Subcutaneous adipose tissue is a rich source of stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells, and moreover it plays an important role in the pathophysiology of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and wound healing. In this retrospective, single‐centred appraisal, complications are examined and correlated with individual SVF numbers in abdominal subcutaneous fat tissue. We analysed whether the weight loss method affected complications. Eighty seven massive weight loss patients undergoing body contouring surgery between 2010 and 2017 were included in the study. In total, 57 cases with at least one complication were recorded (65.5%). Maximum lifetime weight was 109.6 kg (range 48‐184 kg). Half of the complications (50.8%) were minor complications without the need for surgical revision. The mean number of SVF found in the resected tissue was 714 997.63 cells/g fat tissue. We found no statistical difference in complication rates dependent on cell numbers. Smoking (P = .049) and a high BMI at the time point of surgery (P = .031) led to significantly more complications. Also, a high resection weight (P = .057) showed a tendency for impaired wound healing. However, there was no difference in complication rates following body contouring procedures attributable to the method of weight loss in this study.
Primary appendicular soft‐tissue sarcoma resection: What tumour parameters affect wound closure planning?
Authors: Cawley Derek T. , Barrett Peter , Moran Barry , McGoldrick Niall P. , Gillham Charles , Codd Mary , O'Toole Gary C. , Kieser David C.
Published: October 2019

Wound closure after wide, local excision of an appendicular soft‐tissue sarcoma (STS) can be challenging. This study evaluates the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐based tumour parameters in planning wound closure. A total of 71 patients with a primary limb‐based STS, excluding vascular or osseous involvement, excluding the shoulder or hand and hip or foot were included. Axial MRI images were used to measure the circumferences and cross‐sectional areas of the limb, bone, and tumour. The tumour diameter, length, and depth at the level of maximal tumour dimension were measured to identify the tumour's relative contribution to the planning of optimal wound closure management through primary closure (PC) or reconstructive surgery (RS). Eighteen patients required planned wound RS. Wound complications occurred in 14% overall. Tumours, which were closed by PC, were of significantly greater depth, shorter radial diameter, and shorter tumour circumference relative to those closed by RS. On multivariate analysis, tumour depth was the greatest contributory factor in predicting type of wound closure. A quantitative analysis of MRI‐based tumour parameters demonstrates tumour depth as the most predictive factor in planning for the type of wound closure and may prove beneficial in providing greater insight into planned wound management of sarcoma resection.
Older age, symptoms, or anemia: Which factors increase colorectal cancer risk with a positive fecal immunochemical test?
Authors: Hamarneh Zaki , Symonds Erin L , Kholmurodova Feruza , Cock Charles
Published: October 2019

Background and Aim

Fecal immunochemical tests (FIT) are used to screen asymptomatic individuals aged 50–74 years for colorectal cancer (CRC) within the Australian screening program. Gastrointestinal symptoms or iron deficiency anemia (IDA) may also drive primary care physicians to request a FIT. This study aimed to examine factors that may increase neoplasia risk associated with a positive FIT, specifically age, gastrointestinal symptoms, or IDA.

Methods

A retrospective audit was performed on colonoscopies performed in a single hospital in South Australia for a positive FIT (from all referral sources) between 2014 and 2017. Patients aged < 50 years, or who had a colonoscopy in the preceding 5 years, were excluded. A subgroup (n = 198) was evaluated to assess whether age ≥ 75 years, symptoms, or IDA, as well as other demographics, comorbidities, and medications, were associated with risk of neoplasia. Features found to be associated with risk for CRC or high‐risk adenoma were examined in the entire cohort using multivariate analysis.

Results

Colonoscopies (750/4221, 17.8%) were completed in patients ≥ 50 years for a positive FIT. Of these, 7.6% (n = 57) also had gastrointestinal symptoms, 5.5% (n = 41) IDA, and 13.1% (n = 98) were ≥ 75 years. At colonoscopy, 2.8% (n = 21) were diagnosed with CRC and 23.2% (n = 174) with high‐risk adenoma. CRC was more prevalent in ≥ 75 years compared with 50–74 years (7.1% vs 2.1%, P = 0.005), and associated with symptoms (15.8% vs 1.7%, P < 0.001), and IDA (14.6% vs 2.1%, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that IDA (odds ratio 7.68, P < 0.001) and symptoms (odds ratio 10.37, P < 0.001), but not age, were independent risk factors for CRC.

Conclusion

The presence of gastrointestinal symptoms or IDA, independent of age, is associated with an increased risk for CRC following a positive FIT.
Structure–Activity relationship studies of two dietary flavonoids and their Nitric Oxide Synthase inhibition activity by spectroscopic and quantum/classical computational techniques
Authors: Ben Geoffrey A. S. , Prasana Johanan Christian , Muthu S. , Abraham Christina Susan , David Host Antony
Published: October 2019

The Nitric Oxide Synthase inhibitory activity of two dietary phytocompounds naringenin and quercetin that belong to the family of flavonoids was studied by spectroscopic and computational methods. The determining role played by the global reactivity parameters that were calculated using spectroscopic and computational methods were correlated with the Nitric Oxide Synthase inhibitory activity by a Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationship (QSAR) study. The inter and intramolecular charge–transfer interactions responsible for the biological activity of naringenin and quercetin were studied using Natural Bond Orbital Analysis. The reactive sites of the title compounds were studied using their molecular electrostatic map. The likelihood of naringenin and quercetin to be a small drug molecule was determined by Lipinski’s rule. The molecular dynamics and docking studies were carried out to test the energetic and structural favorability of the inhibition of Nitric Oxide Synthase by small drug molecules naringenin and quercetin. Experimental cell culture-based in vitro assays were done to test theoretical predictions. A QSAR study revealed that for Nitric Oxide Synthase inhibitory activity to be better, the compounds belonging to the family of flavonoids ought to have a more negative ionization energy and chemical softness while bandgap and electrophilicity index ought to be more positive.