bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlates of Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity and Exercise Motivation in Underserved African American Men
Authors: Abshire Demetrius A. , Wilson Dawn K. , Sweeney Allison M. , Pinto Bernardine M.
Published: May 2019

Effective interventions are needed to increase physical activity (PA) in African American men, but little is known about correlates of PA and exercise motivation in this population. Using an ecological approach that considers cognitive, social, and environmental factors, correlates of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and exercise motivation in underserved African American men were examined. Greater exercise motivation, greater social support for exercise, and more favorable environmental perceptions were hypothesized to be associated with higher MVPA, and greater social support and environmental perceptions were hypothesized to be associated with higher exercise motivation. This secondary analysis used baseline data from the Positive Action for Today’s Health (PATH) trial. African American men ( n = 166, aged 48 ± 15 years) completed surveys that assessed cognitive, social, and environmental factors theoretically relevant to MVPA. Accelerometers were used to obtain a 7-day estimate of MVPA. Hierarchical linear regression analyses showed that exercise motivation was positively associated with MVPA ( B = 1.15, SE = .41, p = .006). Exercise attitudes ( B = .16, SE = .07, p = .037), exercise self-concept ( B = .28, SE = .06, p < .001), exercise support from friends ( B = .12, SE = .06, p = .048), and places for walking and cycling ( B = .13, SE = .06, p = .032) were positively associated with exercise motivation. Interventions that improve exercise motivation and associated variables may be warranted to increase MVPA in underserved African American men.

ClinicalTrials.gov # NCT01025726
Thermomechanical fatigue damage evolution of fiber-reinforced ceramic–matrix composites under multiple loading sequences
Authors: Longbiao Li
Published: May 2019

In this article, the thermomechanical fatigue damage evolution of fiber-reinforced ceramic–matrix composites subjected to multiple loading sequences is investigated. The damage evolution models considering synergistic coupling effects of thermomechanical fatigue loading sequences, thermal cyclic temperature, and multiple thermomechanical fatigue damage mechanisms (i.e. matrix multi-cracking, fiber/matrix interface debonding/sliding/wear) are developed. The effects of composite material properties, peak stress, and matrix crack spacing on the thermomechanical fatigue damage evolution of fiber-reinforced ceramic–matrix composites are discussed. Comparisons of damage evolution between the in-phase and the out-of-phase thermomechanical fatigue loading under multiple loading sequences are performed. The thermomechanical fatigue hysteresis energy, hysteresis modulus, peak strain, and interface debonded length of cross-ply ceramic–matrix composites subjected to different loading sequences are predicted. The damage under thermomechanical fatigue multiple loading sequences is much more serious than that under thermomechanical fatigue single peak stress level.
Dynamics stand tests and numerical research of multi-leaf springs with regard to clearances and friction
Authors: Krason Wieslaw , Wysocki Jozef , Hryciow Zdzislaw
Published: May 2019

The article deals with investigations of a prototype single and double multi-leaf spring composed of a four-leaf main spring and a double-leaf supporting spring subjected to the cyclic loads. A methodology of a measurement conducted during experimental tests and a set of research instruments used in the stand research allow evaluation of the effects of friction and the accompanying heat stress of the leaf spring in the quasi real operating conditions. The role of clearances and friction in operation of this type of construction as well as analytical, numerical, and bench testing methods used in the research on the effect of energy dissipation due to friction on operation of the leaf spring are discussed. Dynamic elastic characteristics with hysteresis loops and identification of leaf cooperation areas are presented for the single and double multi-leaf springs tested under different conditions.
Penehyclidine hydrochloride suppressed peripheral nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain by inhibiting microglial MAPK/p-p38/IL-1β pathway activation
Authors: Zheng Shao-Hua , Yan Chao-Ying , Duan Na , Wang Wei , Mei Xiao-Peng
Published: May 2019

Background

Millions of people suffered from neuropathic pain, which is related to neuroinflammation in the central nervous system. Penehyclidine hydrochloride is a premedication of general anesthesia, which has been confirmed possessing neuroprotective effects against various neurodegenerative or neuroinflammatory diseases. However, it is not clear that whether penehyclidine hydrochloride could suppress neuropathic pain through its anti-neuroinflammatory effects.

Methods

This study investigated the effects of penehyclidine hydrochloride on rat spinal nerve ligation injury-induced neuropathic pain with behavioral, morphological, and molecular biological methods in animals.

Results

The results indicated that penehyclidine hydrochloride could attenuate spinal nerve ligation-induced neuropathic pain without any motor impairment and had no effect on sham-operated animals after repeated intraperitoneal administration. Intraperitoneal penehyclidine hydrochloride could suppress spinal nerve ligation-induced ipsilateral spinal dorsal horn microglial activation with downregulation of OX42 expression. Moreover, intraperitoneal penehyclidine hydrochloride inhibited spinal nerve ligation-induced spinal p-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase expression, which was specially colocalized with the spinal dorsal horn microglia. Furthermore, intraperitoneal penehyclidine hydrochloride could depress spinal neuroinflammation by suppressing spinal nerve ligation-induced interleukin (IL)-1β over-expression.

Conclusion

These results indicated that the anti-allodynic effects of penehyclidine hydrochloride on spinal nerve ligation-induced neuropathic pain did not rely on motor impairment. Inhibiting spinal microglial p-p38/IL-1β pathway activation might contribute to the anti-allodynic effect of penehyclidine hydrochloride on nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain.
Neoadjuvant zoledronic acid for HER2-positive breast cancer: the Zo-NAnTax trial
Authors: Crocamo Susanne , Binato Renata , de Paula Bruno , Vignal Giselle , Magalhães Lídia , Sarmento Roberta , Accioly Maria Theresa , Small Isabele , Gioia Sandra , Maroun Pedro , Moutinho Pamela , Freitas Vivianne , Catein Karuline , Abdelhay Eliana
Published: May 2019

Background:

Preclinical evidence suggests that zoledronic acid (ZOL) works synergistically with chemotherapy by enhancing anti-tumor activity. ZOL blocks the mevalonate pathway and may indirectly interact with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) pathway activation. The clinical efficacy and biological rationale of chemotherapy plus anti-HER2 therapy and ZOL as a part of neoadjuvant therapy has not been previously tested.

Patients and methods:

We conducted a phase II clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ZOL as part of a neoadjuvant treatment in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer (BC). The protocol consisted of four cycles of doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide with ZOL, followed by four cycles of docetaxel with trastuzumab and ZOL prior to surgery. The primary endpoint was the pathologic complete response (pCR) rate. Secondary endpoints were safety and the identification of clinicopathological characteristics associated with pCR.

Results:

A total of 71 patients with stage IIA to IIIB BC were included, with 60 eligible for the safety assessment and 58 for the efficacy analysis. Overall, the pCR rate was 42%, with higher rates in hormone receptor (HR)-positive tumors (40%), which contrasts with the results of pivotal trials. The most commonly observed grade 3 and 4 events were febrile neutropenia (grade 3, 20%; grade 4, 3%) and diarrhea (grade 3, 12%).

Conclusions:

The addition of ZOL as a repositioning drug in neoadjuvant treatment was an effective and well-tolerated therapy. This drug combination might overcome endocrine and anti-HER2 resistance. The higher pCR rates in the HR-positive subgroup deserve further translational investigation.
An Exploration of Factors That Predict Advanced Placement Exam Success for Gifted Hispanic Students
Authors: Graefe Amy K. , Ritchotte Jennifer A.
Published: May 2019

Hispanic students participate in advanced programming at a much lower rate than their White peers. Although Advanced Placement (AP) can have a positive impact on future academic success and attainment of long-term goals, limited research has investigated factors that contribute to AP success for gifted Hispanic students. This study examined factors potentially predictive of success on AP exams for gifted Hispanic students. Contrary to prior literature, findings revealed that race/ethnicity was not a factor that significantly affected AP success for these gifted students. In addition, when examining the performance of all the Hispanic AP students, the only factor that significantly contributed to passing an AP exam was identification as gifted. Implications for practice and suggestions for future research are discussed.
The Conceptualization of the Natural Environment in Healthcare Facilities: A Scoping Review
Authors: Chi Peggy , Gutberg Jennifer , Berta Whitney
Published: May 2019

Objectives:

To identify how the natural environment (NE) in healthcare has been conceptualized.

Background:

The NE appears to afford significant therapeutic benefits. A clear concept of the NE in healthcare affords a shared understanding from which to advance science to facilitate comparisons across contexts. In this article, the various meanings of the NE were brought together into one framework by which to map its themes and their relationships.

Method:

A scoping review was conducted using database searches in MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Cochrane for articles published up to July 2018. The bibliography of the included articles were manually searched for published books.

Results:

This review includes 137 peer-reviewed articles and research-based books from 27 countries. A conceptual framework was developed to identify five themes that conceptualize the NE in healthcare: (1) definitions of the NE in healthcare, (2) processes of the NE in healthcare, (3) usages of the NE in healthcare, (4) opinions about the NE in healthcare, and (5) NE’s impacts on health and work outcomes in healthcare. These themes are filtered by the NE’s physical and programmatic designs; changes in one affect the others. Definitions of the NE are described as human-made space, located in the indoors and outdoors, containing elements of nature and designed with the purpose to positively influence humans. Processes are described as the participatory approach in NE's development and its therapeutic goals. Usages are categorized into nature contact, frequency of usage, and accessibility. Opinions are accounted for by perceptions, preference, and satisfaction. Outcomes are related to physical health, mental health and well-being and work.

Conclusions:

This framework contributes to the conceptual discussion and emphasizes NE’s complementarity to the biomedical healthcare system.
Immediate Transfer for Clot Extraction in a Young Woman With Leukemia and Asparaginase-Associated Acute Cerebral Vein Thrombosis
Authors: Kasischke Karl A. , Peguero Edwin N. , Sriaroon Chakrapol , Moreo Natalie , Ren Zeguang , Mokin Maxim V. , Rose David Z.
Published: May 2019

We present the case of an 18-year-old woman with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who developed hemorrhagic stroke and epilepsia partialis continua due to acute cerebral vein thrombosis (CVT). The patient had 10 risk factors for CVT (including use of asparaginase chemotherapy for the ALL) and also unfortunately had 4 biomarkers for poor prognosis for outcome post-CVT diagnosis. Immediate transfer to a Comprehensive Stroke Center allowed for hyperacute neurointerventional clot extraction with rapid restoration of the patency of the superior sagittal sinus. This resulted in an unexpectedly favorable neurological outcome and simultaneously allowed for early resumption of chemotherapy for ALL after only a 5-day hiatus. Our case highlights the importance of immediate transfer of highest risk patients with multiple biomarkers for poor prognosis to a Comprehensive Stroke Center with endovascular and neurosurgical capabilities and the possibility of overcoming the odds of a poor outcome with venous clot extraction if medical management fails. Neurological deterioration due to escalating intracranial pressure with impending herniation may occur rapidly, and treatment at such facilities can be life-saving.
Successful treatment of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis hepatitis in a cat presenting with neurological abnormalities
Authors: Thompson Dan
Published: May 2019

Case summary

A 3-year-7-month-old female neutered domestic shorthair cat was presented for further investigation of acute-onset neurological abnormalities, including marked decreased mentation, ataxia and abnormal cranial nerve responses, with concurrent marked pyrexia (40ºC). Initial blood testing was non-specific with mild-to-moderate increases in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (194 IU/l; reference interval [RI] 17–62 IU/l), aspartate aminotransferase (AST; 150 IU/l [RI 0–51 IU/l]) and total bilirubin (20 µmol/l; RI 0–11 µmol/l), and neutropenia (1.17 ×109/l; RI 2.5–12.5 ×109/l). Brain MRI and cerebrospinal fluid analysis were unremarkable and Toxoplasma serology was negative. Worsening of hepatic biochemical parameters (ALT 265 IU/l, AST 205 IU/l, total bilirubin 42.9 µmol/l) led to further investigations for liver disease, including ultrasound, fine-needle aspirate cytology, histology, fluorescent in situ hybridisation and culture of liver tissue and bile, resulting in a diagnosis of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis hepatitis. The cat was treated with a combination of potentiated amoxicillin (62.5 mg PO q12h), marbofloxacin (5mg PO q24h) and combined s-adenosyl methionine (SAMe)/silybin (90 mg PO q24h), and made a full recovery. Follow-up over 14 months identified a persistent mild increase in ALT, despite no apparent ongoing disease.

Relevance and novel information

Yersinia pseudotuberculosis hepatitis should be considered as a differential diagnosis in cats presenting with acute-onset neurological signs, and, when diagnosed, can be successfully treated with a combination of marbofloxacin, potentiated amoxicillin and SAMe/silybin. This is the first such case treated successfully with licensed veterinary antimicrobials and the first instance where Y pseudotuberculosis hepatitis has presented with primarily neurological clinical signs.
Barriers to and Facilitators of Weight Management in Adults Using a Meal Replacement Program That Includes Health Coaching
Authors: Kleine Hope D. , McCormack Lacey A. , Drooger Alyson , Meendering Jessica R.
Published: May 2019

Purpose: The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics supports meal replacement (MR) programs as an effective diet-related weight management strategy. While MR programs have been successful promoting initial weight loss, weight regain has been as high as 50% 1 year following MR program participation. The purpose of this article is to identify barriers to and facilitators of weight loss (WL) and weight loss maintenance (WM) among individuals participating in a MR program. Methods: Sixty-one MR program clients participated in focus groups (WL = 29, WM = 32). Barriers and facilitators were discussed until saturation of themes was reached. Focus group transcriptions were coded into themes to identify the barriers to and facilitators of weight management that emerged within each phase. Queries were run to assess frequencies of references to each theme. Results: The primary barriers within the WL phase included program products, physical activity, and social settings. WM phase participants referenced nutrition, lack of health coach knowledge, and physical activity as barriers. Personal benfits, ability to adhere to the program, and family support emerged as leading facilitators for WL phase participants. Personal benefits, health coach support, and physical activity emerged as facilitators by WM phase participants. Conclusions: Health coaches have the unique opportunity to use perceived facilitators to improve participant success, and help participants address their personal barriers in order to progress through successful, long-term weight management. Current health coaching models used in MRP should aim to identify participants’ specific barriers and develop steps to overcome them.
Grammatical Constraints on the Borrowing of Nouns and Verbs in Urdu and English
Authors: Maqsood Binish , Saleem Tahir , Aziz Asif , Azam Summiaya
Published: May 2019

The present study aims at establishing grammatical constraints on the borrowing of nouns (Ns) and verbs (Vs) in Urdu and English by adopting Noam Chomsky’s Methodological Naturalism within the field of generative grammar as the theoretical framework of the study. For this purpose, the corpus of Pure Urdu and Pure English sentences from textbooks and the Oxford Dictionary of English was used in this study. The data were analyzed in the light of Minimalist Program, and the findings of the study reveal that there are certain grammatical constraints on the borrowing of Vs in Urdu from Persian, Arabic, Sanskrit, and Hindi as compared with English. It is observed that whenever Urdu borrows Vs from other languages such as Arabic, Persian, and Sanskrit, it adds its little v with the fossil form of borrowed verbs in order to retain the grammaticality of the sentence while in English Vs borrowed from Latin, old English is said to be used in their fossil form and can be used with the inflection of the English and has no effect on the grammaticality of the sentence. The reason observed is the drop v phenomenon. Urdu does not drop its little v due to which whenever it borrows Vs it adds its little v along with root form of borrowed Vs otherwise the resulting structure is considered as ungrammatical. If we talk about the borrowed Ns, there are no grammatical constraints on their borrowing because they can inflect with inflectional morphology of Urdu and English language.
New-Media Screen Time Is Not (Necessarily) Linked to Depression: Comments on Twenge, Joiner, Rogers, and Martin (2018)
Authors: Ophir Yaakov , Lipshits-Braziler Yuliya , Rosenberg Hananel
Published: May 2019

In this commentary, we raise seven methodological concerns regarding Twenge, Joiner, Rogers, and Martin (2018), among which are inaccurate research measurements, negligible correlations between the main variables, insufficient and inadequate statistical analyses, and problematic interpretation of the results. In fact, the negligible associations between screen activities and depression, their decrease when demographic variables are controlled, and their fading away to nil among boys challenge the article’s title and conclusions, according to which increases in depressive symptoms are attributed to increases in new-media screen use. This conclusion cannot be deduced from the reported results and could be misleading to the general public.
Clinical outcome after treatment of single and multiple cartilage defects by autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis
Authors: Gudas Rimtautas , Mačiulaitis Justinas , Staškūnas Mantas , Smailys Alfredas
Published: May 2019

Purpose:

Characterized cartilage lesions have a distinct impact on postoperative clinical outcome, which is still being evaluated. The purpose of this study was to assess the postoperative clinical outcome of autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC) for characterized cartilage lesions.

Methods:

Fifteen patients with articular cartilage (AC) defects of the knee were included in the study. AC defects were characterized intraoperatively by International Cartilage Repair Society score. Grade III–IV AC lesions were treated with AMIC; grade I–II lesions were left untreated. Patients were divided into subgroups and clinically evaluated by subjective autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (IKDC) and Tegner scores at median follow-up of 4.5 years.

Results:

Twenty-eight AC defects were diagnosed (1.9/patient). Multiple subgroup had larger diagnosed (7 ± 2.3 cm2, p = 0.022) and untreated (3.1 ± 2.3 cm2, p = 0.012) lesion areas than the single subgroup. Partly treated subgroup had larger untreated defect areas (3.6±2.3 cm2, p = 0.025) than the Treated subgroup. Average subjective IKDC values of total group and individual subgroups improved significantly at follow-up. More patients restored their previous activity levels ( p = 0.026) and had higher incremental subjective IKDC scores ( p = 0.014) in the single subgroup than the multiple subgroup. Diagnosed defect size negatively correlated to subjective IKDC incremental ( r = −0.624, p = 0.023) and postoperative scores ( r = −0.545, p = 0.054) in total group.

Conclusions:

AMIC can have a clinically relevant outcome for patients with single or multiple knee AC lesions; however, clinical outcome is superior in patients with a single defect per knee. Patients with single defects returned to previous physical activity levels significantly faster than patients with multiple defects. Diagnosed AC defect areas negatively correlate to clinical improvement at follow-up.
Comparison of Short-term Biodex Results After Anatomic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Among 3 Autografts
Authors: Hughes Jonathan D. , Burnham Jeremy M. , Hirsh Angela , Musahl Volker , Fu Freddie H. , Irrgang James J. , Lynch Andrew D.
Published: May 2019

Background:

An individualized approach to anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) typically includes criteria-based postoperative rehabilitation. However, recent literature has suggested residual quadriceps weakness up to 12 months after ACLR, especially with a quadriceps tendon (QT) autograft.

Hypothesis:

The QT would have poorer quadriceps strength symmetry at 5 to 8 months compared with the hamstring tendon (HS) and patellar tendon (BPTB), but there would be no significant difference at 9 to 15 months among all 3 groups.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Patients who underwent anatomic primary ACLR with an autograft were reviewed retrospectively. Isometric quadriceps and hamstring strength measurements were obtained clinically at 5 to 8 months and 9 to 15 months postoperatively. Return-to-running and return-to-play criteria included greater than 80% and 90% quadriceps strength symmetry, respectively.

Results:

A total of 73 patients with 5- to 8-month follow-up were identified, and 52 patients had 9- to 15-month data. The QT group had a significantly lower quadriceps index at 5 to 8 months (69.5 ± 17.4) compared with the BPTB (82.8 ± 14.6; P = .014) and the HS (86.0 ± 18.6; P = .001) groups. More patients with an BPTB autograft met criteria for return to running and return to play (60% and 47%, respectively) compared with the QT group (26% and 13%, respectively) at 5 to 8 months. Given the sample sizes available, we observed no significant difference in the quadriceps index and return-to-play and return-to-running criteria at 9 to 15 months among those undergoing ACLR with a QT, BPTB, or HS graft.

Conclusion:

Patients undergoing ACLR with a QT graft demonstrated clinically meaningful quadriceps asymmetry at 5 to 8 months and 9 to 15 months postoperatively. Additionally, fewer patients in the QT group met criteria for return to play and running at 5 to 8 months than the BPTB and HS groups. These data suggest that a longer time to return to play and specific rehabilitation protocols that emphasize quadriceps strengthening may be necessary because of residual quadriceps weakness after ACLR with a QT graft.
Akbar’s religious policy in the early phase of his reign: A complex story
Authors: Khan Iqtidar Alam
Published: May 2019

The author’s earlier thesis that Akbar in his early years tended mainly to follow a policy aiming to please orthodox Muslim elements possibly oversimplified a complex situation, as if Akbar had either to be orthodox or tolerant. In a fresh review of the entire debate, it is here argued that the picture remained complex until about 1578, with Akbar’s own political interests and personal inclinations often pulling policy on the ground in different directions. It was only after 1578 that tolerance in the form of Sulh-i Kul (absolute peace) became his major principle for dealing with different sections of his subjects.
EFL1 mutations impair eIF6 release to cause Shwachman-Diamond syndrome
Authors: Tan Shengjiang , Kermasson Laëtitia , Hoslin Angela , Jaako Pekka , Faille Alexandre , Acevedo-Arozena Abraham , Lengline Etienne , Ranta Dana , Poirée Maryline , Fenneteau Odile , Ducou le Pointe Hubert , Fumagalli Stefano , Beaupain Blandine , Nitschké Patrick , Bôle-Feysot Christine , de Villartay Jean-Pierre , Bellanné-Chantelot Christine , Donadieu Jean , Kannengiesser Caroline , Warren Alan J. , Revy Patrick
Published: May 2019

Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS) is a recessive disorder typified by bone marrow failure and predisposition to hematological malignancies. SDS is predominantly caused by deficiency of the allosteric regulator Shwachman-Bodian-Diamond syndrome that cooperates with elongation factor-like GTPase 1 (EFL1) to catalyze release of the ribosome antiassociation factor eIF6 and activate translation. Here, we report biallelic mutations in EFL1 in 3 unrelated individuals with clinical features of SDS. Cellular defects in these individuals include impaired ribosomal subunit joining and attenuated global protein translation as a consequence of defective eIF6 eviction. In mice, Efl1 deficiency recapitulates key aspects of the SDS phenotype. By identifying biallelic EFL1 mutations in SDS, we define this leukemia predisposition disorder as a ribosomopathy that is caused by corruption of a fundamental, conserved mechanism, which licenses entry of the large ribosomal subunit into translation.
A novel model of controlling PD-L1 expression in ALK+ anaplastic large cell lymphoma revealed by CRISPR screening
Authors: Zhang Jing-Ping , Song Zhihui , Wang Hong-Bo , Lang Lang , Yang Yuan-Zhong , Xiao Wenming , Webster Daniel E. , Wei Wei , Barta Stefan K. , Kadin Marshall E. , Staudt Louis M. , Nakagawa Masao , Yang Yibin
Published: May 2019

The success of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/PD-L1-based immunotherapy highlights the critical role played by PD-L1 in cancer progression and reveals an urgent need to develop new approaches to attenuate PD-L1 function by gaining insight into how its expression is controlled. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALK+ ALCL) expresses a high level of PD-L1 as a result of the constitutive activation of multiple oncogenic signaling pathways downstream of ALK activity, making it an excellent model in which to define the signaling processes responsible for PD-L1 upregulation in tumor cells. Here, using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 library screening, we sought a comprehensive understanding of the molecular effectors required for PD-L1 regulation in ALK+ ALCL. Indeed, we determined that PD-L1 induction is dependent on the nucleophosmin-ALK oncoprotein activation of STAT3, as well as a signalosome containing GRB2/SOS1, which activates the MEK-ERK and PI3K-AKT signaling pathways. These signaling networks, through STAT3 and the GRB2/SOS1, ultimately induce PD-L1 expression through the action of transcription factors IRF4 and BATF3 on the enhancer region of the PD-L1 gene. IRF4 and BATF3 are essential for PD-L1 upregulation, and IRF4 expression is correlated with PD-L1 levels in primary ALK+ ALCL tissues. Targeting this oncogenic signaling pathway in ALK+ ALCL largely inhibited the ability of PD-L1-mediated tumor immune escape when cocultured with PD-1-positive T cells and natural killer cells. Thus, our identification of this previously unrecognized regulatory hub not only accelerates our understanding of the molecular circuitry that drives tumor immune escape but also provides novel opportunities to improve immunotherapeutic intervention strategies.
Learning in a Group, as a Group, and between Groups
Authors: Gouvea Julia Svoboda
Published: May 2019

Learning in groups is a common feature of science classrooms. The three articles I have chosen to feature in this installment of Current Insights reflect recent research of group learning at different scales. The first examines within-group dynamics, identifying interactions among students that allow scientific sense-making discussions to begin and continue. The second proposes to study groups as the unit of analysis, asking why some groups are able to persevere in the face of challenging problems. The third considers the potential for learning to occur between groups, through connections in students’ extended social networks. Each brings new ideas and questions to the study of group learning.
Normalized shaping regularization for robust separation of blended data
Authors: Zhao Qiang , Du Qizhen , Gong Xufei , Li Xiangyang , Fu Liyun , Chen Yangkang
Published: May 2019

Simultaneous source acquisition has attracted more and more attention from geophysicists because of its cost savings, whereas it also brings some challenges that have never been addressed before. Deblending of simultaneous source data is usually considered as an underdetermined inverse problem, which can be effectively solved with a least-squares (LS) iterative procedure between data consistency ([Formula: see text]-norm) and regularization ([Formula: see text]-norm or [Formula: see text]-norm). However, when it comes to abnormal noise that follows non-Gaussian distribution and possesses high-amplitude features (e.g., erratic noise, swell noise, and power line noise), the [Formula: see text]-norm is a nonrobust statistic that can easily lead to suboptimal deblended results. Although abnormal noise can be attenuated in the common source domain at first, it is still challenging to apply a coherency-based filter due to the sparse receiver or crossline sampling, e.g., that commonly found in ocean bottom node (OBN) acquisition. To address this problem, we have developed a normalized shaping regularization to make the inversion-based deblending approach robust for the separation of blended data when abnormal noise exists. Its robustness comes from the normalized shaping operator defined by the confidence interval of normal distribution, which minimizes the abnormal risk to a normal level to satisfy the assumption of LS shaping regularization. In special cases, the proposed approach will revert to the classic LS shaping regularization once the normalized coefficient is large enough. Experimental results on synthetic and field data indicate that the proposed method can effectively restore the separated records from blended data at essentially the same convergence rate as the LS shaping regularization for the abnormal noise-free scenario, but it can obtain better deblending performance and less energy leakage when abnormal noise exists.
Foundation News
Authors: Rodriguez Ashley
Published: May 2019

When Catalina Lacatusu began organizing a student-led field camp in Poiana (Vâlcea County), Romania, she knew there was much more she wanted to gain than just hands-on experience. The Romanian government had plans to build a highway tunnel in the area but lacked geophysical and geologic research due to high costs. Lacatusu saw this as an opportunity to further her research and apply it to something that could have a huge impact on the area.
Delineation of a complete medieval abbey using magnetometry and ground-penetrating radar
Authors: von der Osten-Woldenburg Harald
Published: May 2019

A geophysical survey on the site of the former Cistercian abbey in Tennenbach, a subarea of the German town of Emmendingen, became necessary due to planned roadwork. While information is readily available on the abbey's demesne and wealth, prior to this geophysical prospection, there has been almost no indication of the extent and layout of the medieval buildings of the abbey, which was founded in the 12th century. Geomagnetic mapping enabled us to narrow down the area of the actual abbey itself and record the position of individual structures. These measurements were disrupted by a number of intense anomalies that could be traced back to several modern supply lines, so the 5-hectare site was resurveyed once more using ground-penetrating radar (GPR). The GPR method enabled the production of a detailed layout plan of the abbey. Besides identifying column bases of the abbey's church, it was also possible to record individual rooms of the outbuildings and two cloisters and to recognize the foundations of buildings from the earliest phases, which lie even deeper in the ground.
‘Global mental health’: systematic review of the term and its implicit priorities
Authors: Misra Supriya , Stevenson Anne , Haroz Emily E. , de Menil Victoria , Koenen Karestan C.
Published: May 2019

Background

The term ‘global mental health’ came to the fore in 2007, when the Lancet published a series by that name.

Aims

To review all peer-reviewed articles using the term ‘global mental health’ and determine the implicit priorities of scientific literature that self-identifies with this term.

Method

We conducted a systematic review to quantify all peer-reviewed articles using the English term ‘global mental health’ in their text published between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2016, including by geographic regions and by mental health conditions.

Results

A total of 467 articles met criteria. Use of the term ‘global mental health’ increased from 12 articles in 2007 to 114 articles in 2016. For the 111 empirical studies (23.8% of articles), the majority (78.4%) took place in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with the most in Sub-Saharan Africa (28.4%) and South Asia (25.5%) and none from Central Asia. The most commonly studied mental health conditions were depression (29.7%), psychoses (12.6%) and conditions specifically related to stress (12.6%), with fewer studies on epilepsy (2.7%), self-harm and suicide (1.8%) and dementia (0.9%). The majority of studies lacked contextual information, including specific region(s) within countries where studies took place (20.7% missing), specific language(s) in which studies were conducted (36.9% missing), and details on ethnic identities such as ethnicity, caste and/or tribe (79.6% missing) and on socioeconomic status (85.4% missing).

Conclusions

Research identifying itself as ‘global mental health’ has focused predominantly on depression in LMICs and lacked contextual and sociodemographic data that limit interpretation and application of findings.

Declaration of interest

None.
Results of Systematic Desensitization with Phobias Re-examined
Authors: McConaghy N.
Published: May 2019

In the published results of controlled trials of systematic desensitization with phobic patients there has been a consistent trend apparently overlooked by the authors. If this trend is valid, it means the results of such therapy with agoraphobic patients have been better, and those with patients with specific phobias worse than the authors have concluded. Understandably, the authors' interpretation of their results have been accepted and in fact used to discredit the value of behaviour therapy (Mayer, 1969). If an interpretation of results of trials which indicates that treatment is of considerable value is overlooked, and one which indicates that it is of little value stressed, the reason for this should be examined. Psychiatry is not so rich in demonstrably useful therapies that it can afford to allow one to be discredited before it is adequately evaluated. Yet this attitude is not limited to the above trials but is also commonly found in the reports of drug trials (McConaghy, 1966).
Diazepam in the Management of Epilepsy
Authors: Goddard P. , Lokare V. G.
Published: May 2019

A number of publications have appeared in the last few years advocating the use of diazepam in the treatment of status epilepticus (Boyer, 1966; Gordon, 1966; Lombroso, 1966; Parsonage and Norris, 1967). The long term therapeutic value of diazepam in epilepsy is not yet so widely reported. However, Lehmann and Ban (1968) showed that the excitement and hostility so commonly encountered in epileptic patients can be successfully and selectively controlled by diazepam. It was also revealed in this study that diazepam had definite anti-convulsant effects in a certain number of epileptic patients; one third (7 patients) also improved psychiatrically.
Folate Deficiency in Depressive Illness
Authors: Reynolds E. H. , Preece J. M. , Bailey J. , Coppen Alec
Published: May 2019

Two reports have shown that a substantial proportion of patients suffering from various psychiatric syndromes have low serum folate concentrations (Hunter, Jones Jones and Matthews, 1967; Carney, 1967). The present investigation was concerned to examine further the prevalence of low serum folate in a series of depressive patients on admission to hospital. As folate deficiency contributes to the development of mental symptoms in epileptic patients (Reynolds, 1968), we also examined the relationship of low serum folate concentrations to the severity of the depressive illness, certain personality traits, and the response to anti-depressant treatment. The relationship of low serum folate to variables which could influence it such as diet and drugs was also examined. In a proportion of these patients serum folate measurements were repeated just before the patient's discharge. Serum B12concentrations were also estimated.
Randomized Phase II Trial of Chemoradiotherapy Plus Induction or Consolidation Chemotherapy as Total Neoadjuvant Therapy for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: CAO/ARO/AIO-12
Authors: Fokas Emmanouil , Allgäuer Michael , Polat Bülent , Klautke Gunther , Grabenbauer Gerhard G. , Fietkau Rainer , Kuhnt Thomas , Staib Ludger , Brunner Thomas , Grosu Anca-Ligia , Schmiegel Wolff , Jacobasch Lutz , Weitz Jürgen , Folprecht Gunnar , Schlenska-Lange Anke , Flentje Michael , Germer Christoph-Thomas , Grützmann Robert , Schwarzbach Matthias , Paolucci Vittorio , Bechstein Wolf O. , Friede Tim , Ghadimi Michael , Hofheinz Ralf-Dieter , Rödel Claus ,   on behalf of the German Rectal Cancer Study Group
Published: May 2019

PURPOSE

Total neoadjuvant therapy is a new paradigm for rectal cancer treatment. Optimal scheduling of preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and chemotherapy remains to be established.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a multicenter, randomized, phase II trial using a pick-the-winner design on the basis of the hypothesis of an increased pathologic complete response (pCR) of 25% after total neoadjuvant therapy compared with standard 15% after preoperative CRT. Patients with stage II or III rectal cancer were assigned to group A for induction chemotherapy using three cycles of fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin before fluorouracil/oxaliplatin CRT (50.4 Gy) or to group B for consolidation chemotherapy after CRT. Secondary end points included toxicity, compliance, and surgical morbidity.

RESULTS

Of the 311 patients enrolled, 306 patients were evaluable (156 in group A and 150 in group B). CRT-related grade 3 or 4 toxicity was lower (37% v 27%) and compliance with CRT higher in group B (91%, 78%, and 76% v 97%, 87%, and 93% received full-dose radiotherapy, concomitant fluorouracil, and concomitant oxaliplatin in groups A and B, respectively); 92% versus 85% completed all induction/consolidation chemotherapy cycles, respectively. The longer interval between completion of CRT and surgery in group B (median 90 v 45 days in group A) did not increase surgical morbidity. A pCR in the intention-to-treat population was achieved in 17% in group A and in 25% in group B. Thus, only group B ( P < .001), but not group A ( P = .210), fulfilled the predefined statistical hypothesis.

CONCLUSION

Up-front CRT followed by chemotherapy resulted in better compliance with CRT but worse compliance with chemotherapy compared with group A. Long-term follow-up will assess whether improved pCR in group B translates to better oncologic outcome.
Multichannel Stroboscopic Videography (MSV): A technique for visualizing multiple channels for behavioral measurements
Authors: Soto Alberto P. , Po Theodora , McHenry Matthew J.
Published: May 2019

Biologists commonly visualize different features of an organism using distinct sources of illumination. Multichannel imaging has largely not been applied to behavioral studies due to the challenges posed by a moving subject. We address this challenge with the technique of Multichannel Stroboscopic Videography (MSV), which synchronizes multiple strobe lights with video exposures of a single camera. We illustrate the utility of this approach with kinematic measurements of a walking cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa) and calculations of the pressure field around a swimming fish (Danio rerio). In both, transmitted illumination generated high-contrast images of the animal's body in one channel. Other sources of illumination were used to visualize the points of contact for the feet of the cockroach and water flow around the fish in separate channels. MSV provides an enhanced potential for high-throughput experimentation and the capacity to integrate changes in physiological or environmental conditions in freely-behaving animals.
Subsidies and Time Discounting in New Technology Adoption: Evidence from Solar Photovoltaic Systems
Authors: De Groote Olivier , Verboven Frank
Published: May 2019

We study a generous program to promote the adoption of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems through subsidies on future electricity production, rather than through upfront investment subsidies. We develop a tractable dynamic model of new technology adoption, also accounting for local market heterogeneity. We identify the discount factor from demand responses to variation that shifts expected future but not current utilities. Despite the massive adoption, we find that households significantly discounted the future benefits from the new technology. This implies that an upfront investment subsidy program would have promoted the technology at a much lower budgetary cost. (JEL C51, D15, Q48, Q58)
Test Design and Minimum Standards
Authors: DeMarzo Peter M. , Kremer Ilan , Skrzypacz Andrzej
Published: May 2019

We analyze test design and certification standards when an uninformed seller has the option to generate and disclose costly information regarding asset quality. We characterize equilibria by a minimum principle: the test and disclosure policy are chosen to minimize the asset’s value conditional on nondisclosure. Thus, when sellers choose the information provided, simple pass/fail certification tests are likely to dominate the market. A social planner could raise informational and allocative efficiency, and lower deadweight testing costs, by raising the certification standard. Monopolist certifiers also satisfy the minimum principle but set a higher standard and reduce testing rates to maximize revenue. (JEL D42, D83, L12, L15)
The application of a vascular closure device for closing a gastrostomy opening used for procedural access
Authors: Cho Sung Bum , Kim Hyoung Rae , Jung Eui-Chul , Chung Hwan Hoon , Lee Seung Hwa , Park Beom Jin , Sung Deuk Jae
Published: May 2019

Objective:

To study the feasibility of applying the Perclose ProGlide vascular closure device (PPVCD) in vitro for closing a gastrostomy opening for procedural access in the swine stomach in order to prevent peritoneal leakage.

Methods:

The study included four experimental groups: one manual suture (n = 10), two manual sutures (n = 10), one PPVCD suture (n = 10), and two PPVCD sutures (n = 5). In the two PPVCD sutures group, the “pre-close” technique was used. The leak pressure was measured, and statistical analysis was conducted to compare the leak pressures among the experimental groups.

Results:

The gastrostomy openings were successfully closed in all experimental groups. The median (range) values of leak pressure (mmHg) for each experimental group were as follows: one manual suture, 86.0 (75.0–110.0); two manual sutures, 98.5 (44.0–130.0); one PPVCD suture, 96.5 (56.0–119.0); and two PPVCD sutures, 98.0 (66.0–104.0). The Mann–Whitney U test revealed no statistically significant difference in leak pressure between the manual (n = 20) and PPVCD (n = 15) suture groups. The Kruskal–Wallis test revealed no statistically significant difference in leak pressure among the four experimental groups. The Bonferroni post hoc test also revealed no statistically significant difference in the pairwise comparisons among the groups.

Conclusion:

Application of PPVCD is feasible for the closure of gastrostomy openings in an animal model and is as effective as a manual suture.

Advances in knowledge:

In our in vitro study, percutaneous closure of gastrostomy opening using PPVCD was possible; animal survival studies and development of specific devices are needed before clinical application.
Recent discoveries and advancements in research on the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi
Authors: Winslow Christa , Coburn Jenifer
Published: May 2019

This review highlights some of the highest-profile developments and advancements in the research onBorrelia burgdorferi, the Lyme disease spirochete, that have emerged in the last two years. Particular emphasis is placed on the controversy surrounding genus nomenclature, antigenic variation at thevlsElocus, genes involved in infectivity and virulence, membrane characteristics ofB. burgdorferi, and developments in experimental approaches.
From Duels to Battlefields: Computing Equilibria of Blotto and Other Games
Authors: Ahmadinejad AmirMahdi , Dehghani Sina , Hajiaghayi MohammadTaghi , Lucier Brendan , Mahini Hamid , Seddighin Saeed
Published: May 2019

In the well-studied Colonel Blotto game, players must divide a pool of troops among a set of battlefields with the goal of winning a majority. Despite the importance of this game, only a few solutions for special variants of the problem are known. We provide a general technique for computing equilibria of the Colonel Blotto game. Our approach applies to variations of the Colonel Blotto game as well, including an infinite-strategy variant called the General Lotto game. We also apply our technique beyond Colonel Blotto games to create the first polynomial-time algorithms for computing equilibria for a variety of other zero-sum games. Our approach is to reformulate each zero-sum game into a bilinear form, then reduce equilibrium computation to linear optimization over a game-specific polytope.