bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trophoblast proliferation, migration, and invasion is regulated by the miR-195/EGFR signaling pathway in recurrent spontaneous abortion patients
Authors: Bai Xue , Zheng Chunyang , Ren Na
Published: May 2019

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of the miR-195/EGFR signaling pathway on trophoblasts in patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion, thus providing a clinical basis for the diagnosis and treatment of recurrent spontaneous abortion.

METHODS

RT-qPCR, western blot, flow cytometry, CCK8, cell scratch assay, transwell, and a dual Luciferase reporter assay were used to detect changes in the miR-195/EGFR signaling pathways in clinical samples and in vitro cultured cells and to explore how these changes affect trophoblasts in affected patients.

RESULTS

Expression of miR-195 was elevated in villus tissues of patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion, while the expression levels of EGFR and its downstream genes p38 and AKT phosphorylation were down-regulated. In vitro cultured cell experiments showed that miR-195 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of trophoblast cells. EGFR is a target gene of miR-195, and miR-195 suppresses the expression of EGFR.

Conclusion

The miR-195/EGFR signaling pathway regulates the proliferation, migration, and invasion of trophoblast cells, thus playing an important role in recurrent spontaneous abortion.
The effect of ceramic friction pairs on the tribocorrosion behavior of AISI 304 stainless steel in seawater
Authors: Fan Na , Chai Liqiang , Wang Peng , Liang Jun
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to study the tribocorrosion behavior of 304 stainless steel (SS) sliding against SiC and Si3N4 counterparts in artificial seawater.

Design/methodology/approach

The tribocorrosion behavior of 304SS sliding against SiC and Si3N4 balls in artificial seawater has been investigated. The tests were conducted using a ball-on-disk rig equipped with an electrochemical workstation. The friction coefficient, surface morphology, wear volume and current density were determined.

Findings

When 304SS sliding against SiC ball, a smooth surface with a silica layer was formed on the top, which led to the low friction coefficient, current density and small wear volume. For 304SS-Si3N4 tribo-pair, a lot of metal debris was scattered on contact surfaces leading to high friction coefficient, current density and big wear volume.

Research limitations/implications

This research suggests that the lubrication effect of silicon-based ceramics is related to counterpart specimen in artificial seawater.

Practical implications

The results may help us to choose the appropriate ceramic ball under seawater environment.

Originality/value

The main originality of the work is to reveal the tribocorrosion behavior of 304SS sliding against SiC and Si3N4 balls, which help us to realize that the Si3N4 ball as water-lubricated ceramics could not exhibit lubrication effect when coupled with 304SS in artificial seawater.
A rehabilitation gait for the balance of human and lower extremity exoskeleton system based on the transfer of gravity center
Authors: Wang Hansong , Yang Canjun , Yang Wei , Deng Meiying , Ma Zhangyi , Wei Qianxiao
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Most current lower extremity exoskeletons emphasize assistance for walking rather than stability. The purpose of this paper is to propose a rehabilitation gait based on the transfer of gravity center to improve the balance of exoskeleton rehabilitation training of the hemiplegic patients in the frontal plane, reducing the dependence on crutches/walking frames.

Design/methodology/approach

The real-time and predictable instability factors of human and exoskeleton system (HES) are analyzed. Inspired by the walking balance strategy of the blind, a rehabilitation gait based on the transfer of gravity center is proposed and studied by modeling and experimental test and is finally applied to the prototype – Zhejiang University lower extremity exoskeleton (ZJULEEX) – to verify its feasibility.

Findings

At least three real-time and predictable factors cause the instability of HES, and the factor of lateral tilt caused by gravity should be focused in the balance control of frontal plane. With the proposed gait, the hip height of stepping leg of HES does not reduce obviously even when the crutches do not work, which can improve the balance of HES.

Research limitations/implications

However, the rehabilitation gait control needs to be more complete and intelligent to response to other types of perturbations to further improve the balance of HES. In addition, more clinical trials should be conducted to evaluate the effect of the proposed gait.

Social implications

May bring happiness to the rehabilitation of patients with hemiplegia.

Originality/value

The rehabilitation gait based on the transfer of gravity center to improve the balance of HES is first proposed and applied to HES.
Invasive species reduces parasite prevalence and neutralizes negative environmental effects on parasitism in a native mosquito
Authors: Westby Katie M. , Sweetman Brenden M. , Van Horn Thomas R. , Biro Elizabeth G. , Medley Kim A.
Published: May 2019

Invasive species research often focuses on direct effects of invasion on native ecosystems and less so on complex effects such as those influencing host–parasite interactions. However, invaders could have important effects on native host–parasite dynamics. Where infectious stages are ubiquitous and native host–pathogen specificity is strong, invasive less‐competent hosts may reduce the pool of infectious stages, effectively reducing native host–parasite encounter rate. Alternatively, invasive species could alter transmission via changes in native species abundance.

Biotic and abiotic environmental factors can also impact disease dynamics by altering host or parasite condition. However, little is known about potential interactive effects of invasion and environmental context on native species disease dynamics. Moreover, experimental examinations of the mechanisms driving dilution effects are limited, but serve to provide tests of predictions leading to diversity–disease relationships.

Using field and laboratory experiments, we tested competing hypotheses that an invasive species reduces the prevalence of a native parasite in its host by removing infectious propagules from the environment or by reducing native host abundance. In addition, we evaluated the role of detritus quantity as a resource base in mediating effects of the invasive species.

Native parasite prevalence was reduced when the invasive species was present. Prevalence was also higher in high detritus habitats, although this effect was lost when the invasive species was present. The invasive species significantly reduced infectious propagules from the aquatic habitats. Presence of the invasive species had no effect on the native species abundance; thus, the reduction in parasitism was not due to changes in host density but through a reduction in infectious propagule encounters.

We conclude that an invasive species can facilitate a native species by reducing parasite prevalence via a dilution effect and that these effects can be modified by resource level. Reductions in parasitism may have ripple effects throughout the community, altering the strength of competitive interactions, predation rates or coinfection with other pathogens. We advocate considering potential positive effects of invasive species on recipient communities, in addition to effects of invasions on host–parasite interactions to gain a broader understanding of the complex consequences of invasion.
Crystallization Conditions and Mineral Chemistry in the East of Tafresh, Central Iran, with Insights into Magmatic Processes
Authors: RAEISI Davood , MRNEJAD Hassan
Published: May 2019

The Tafresh granitoids are located at the central part of the Urumieh‐Dokhtar Magmatic Arc (UDMA) in Iran. These rocks, mainly consisting of diorite and granodiorite, were emplaced during the Early Miocene. They are composed of varying proportions of plagioclase + K‐feldspar + hornblende ± quartz ± biotite. Discrimination diagrams and chemical indices of amphibole phases reveal a calc‐alkaline affinity and fall clearly in the crust‐mantle mixed source field. The estimated pressure, derived from Al in amphibole barometry, is approximately 3 Kb. The granitoids are I‐type, metaluminous and belong to the calc‐alkaline series. They are all enriched in light rare earth elements and large ion lithophile elements, depleted in high field strength elements and display geochemical features typical of subduction‐related calc‐alkaline arc magmas. Most crystal size distribution (CSD) line patterns from the granitoids show a non‐straight trend which points to the effect of physical processes during petrogenesis. The presence of numerous mafic enclaves, sieve texture and oscillatory zoning along with the CSD results show that magma mixing in the magma chamber had an important role in the petrogenesis of Tafresh granitoids. Moreover, the CSD analysis suggests that the plagioclase crystals were crystallized in a time span of less than 1000 years, which is indicative of shallow depth magma crystallization.
Rheumatoid arthritis patients' oral health and disease activity
Authors: Radwan‐Oczko Małgorzata , Duś‐Ilnicka Irena , Richards Pamela , Thomsen Anna Marie , Rasmussen Claus
Published: May 2019

Aim

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and periodontal diseases (PD) are common chronic, inflammatory, destructive and progressive diseases that may have similar pathophysiological mechanisms and risk factors. RA affects more than 1.5% of the world's population, with a higher percentage of females than males. PD is present in around 20% of the population and has multifactorial etiology. The purpose of this study is to describe patients' self‐reported oral health and the association with RA disease activity.

Method

Three hundred patients under treatment for RA from the Division of Rheumatology, Clinical Medicine, North Jutland Region Hospital, Hjørring, Denmark and were eligible for the study. Questionnaires were emailed to the patients and 164 completed answers were received.

Results

The mean age of the group of 164 patients (61% female) was 65 ± 11 years. The average value of Disease Activity Score of 28 joints was 2.31 ± 0.83. Only 12% of responders were active smokers. Patients estimated their status of their teeth and gingiva respectively as poor in 13% and 11% of cases, good, in 46% and 49%, and excellent, both as 40%. Spontaneous and/or provoked gingival bleeding were experienced by 15% and 49% of patients. Only 14% of patients declared feelings of loose or movable teeth and 10% declared difficulties in biting or chewing.

Conclusions

The status of oral cavity reported by Danish patients indicates a significant proportion with symptoms of gingival/periodontal disease, which may negatively influence RA activity and disease management. Cooperation between rheumatologists and dentists is important in oral health management in periodontal inflammation.
CEO Hedging Opportunities and the Weighting of Performance Measures in Compensation Contracts
Authors: Hung Shengmin , Pan Hunghua , Wang Taychang
Published: May 2019

This study examines the rather controversial practice of managerial hedging, which allows CEOs to delink their compensation from stock price performance. We presume that boards are aware of these practices and adjust the weights placed on accounting‐based and stock‐based performance measures in executive compensation contracts to mitigate the problem. Empirically, we find that, in the presence of managerial hedging opportunities, accounting‐based performance measures receive more weight, whereas stock‐based performance measures receive less weight in determining executive compensation. Moreover, these results are more pronounced when managerial hedging needs are high. Regarding the effects of earnings management resulting from accounting‐based incentives, we find that good auditing and strong governance mechanisms strengthen the benefit of placing more weight on accounting‐based performance measures. Taken together, our findings suggest that corporate boards shift the relative weights of performance measures in compensation contracts in response to managerial hedging opportunities, which is consistent with optimal contracting.
Genetic Epidemiology of Liability for Alcohol‐Induced Blacking and Passing Out
Authors: Davis Christal N. , Slutske Wendy S. , Martin Nicholas G. , Agrawal Arpana , Lynskey Michael T.
Published: May 2019

Background

Individuals differ in their sensitivity to alcohol's physiological effects, including blacking and passing out. Blackouts are periods of impaired memory formation when an individual engages in activities they later cannot recall, while passing out results in loss of consciousness.

Methods

The sample consisted of 3,292 adult twins from the Australian Twin Registry. Univariate twin analyses were conducted to examine the contributions of genetic and environmental influences to blacking and passing out occurrence and susceptibility (accounting for frequency of intoxication). Evidence for shared etiology of susceptibility to blacking and passing out was examined using bivariate twin analyses.

Results

Although blacking and passing out were strongly associated (odds ratio (OR) = 4.45, 95% confidence interval (CI): [3.85, 5.14]), the genetic epidemiology was quite different. Genetic (43%) and nonshared environmental (57%) influences contributed to liability for blackout occurrence. For passing out occurrence, there was evidence of sex differences. Among men, genetic (32%) and nonshared environmental (68%) influences contributed, whereas among women, there were shared (29%) and nonshared environmental (72%) influences. After accounting for frequency of intoxication, genetic influences on blackout susceptibility remained significant; in contrast, only nonshared environmental influences were significant for passing out susceptibility. There was evidence for overlapping genetic and nonshared environmental factors influencing susceptibility to blacking and passing out among men; among women, there were overlapping nonshared environmental influences.

Conclusions

Blacking and passing out are 2 common sedative‐like effects of heavy drinking, and people differ considerably in their susceptibility to these effects. This study suggests that differences in blackout susceptibility can be explained by genetic factors in both men and women, while differences in susceptibility to pass out after consuming alcohol may be attributable to environmental influences, particularly among women. These environmental factors may include changing social and cultural norms about alcohol use, drinking context, and the type(s) of alcohol consumed.
Metabolic syndrome in rural Australia: An opportunity for primary health care
Authors: Jancey Jonine , James Anthony , Lee Andy , Howat Peter , Hills Andrew P. , Anderson Annie S. , Bordin Cassandra , Blackford Krysten
Published: May 2019

Objective

To measure the impact of a 6‐month home‐based behaviour change intervention on reducing the risk of chronic disease as determined by metabolic syndrome status and cardiovascular risk score, and discuss implications for primary care in rural areas.

Design

A two‐arm randomised controlled trial of rural adults.

Setting

The rural town of Albany in the Great Southern region of Western Australia.

Participants

Participants (n = 401) aged 50‐69 years who were classified with or at risk of metabolic syndrome and randomly assigned to intervention (n = 201) or waitlisted control (n = 200) group.

Interventions

A 6‐month intervention program incorporating goal setting, self‐monitoring and feedback, with motivational interviewing was conducted.

Main outcome measures

Change in metabolic syndrome status and cardiovascular risk.

Results

Significant improvements in metabolic syndrome status and cardiovascular disease risk score (−0.82) were observed for the intervention group relative to control group from baseline to post‐test.

Conclusion

This home‐based physical activity and nutrition intervention reduced participants' risk of experiencing a cardiovascular event in the next 5 years by 1%. Incorporating such prevention orientated approaches in primary care might assist in reducing the burden of long‐term chronic diseases. However, for realistic application in this setting, hurdles such as current national health billing system and availability of resources will need to be considered.
Involvement of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase in altered expressions of AQP1 and AQP4 after carbon monoxide poisoning in rat astrocytes
Authors: Li Jinlan , Jia Min , Chen Guiqin , Nie Shuke , Zheng Cong , Zeng Weiqi , Xu Yan , Wang Congping , Cao Xuebing , Liu Qunhui
Published: May 2019

Cerebral oedema is a major pathological change of acute carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, the pathogenesis of which is still unclear. In the aquaporin (AQP) water channel family, AQP1 and AQP4 play critical roles in the progress of cerebral oedema of various neuropathological events. However, their functions in CO poisoning have not been demonstrated. In this study, we investigated the expressions of AQPs and associated mechanisms of brain injury in an acute CO poisoning rat model. Compared with the control injected intraperitoneally with equal volume of air, the dry weight/wet weight (DW/WW) ratio of brain water content, levels of AQP1, AQP4, phosph‐p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (p‐p38 MAPK) and astrocyte marker, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the frontal cortex and hippocampal CA1 of acute CO poisoning group significantly increased at 6, 12, 24 hours after CO injection. Intracerebroventricular injection with a p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB203580 (200 µmol/L/kg/d), before CO injection reduced water content in the brain tissues and significantly decreased levels of AQP1, AQP4, p‐p38 MAPK and GFAP. Therefore, our study showed that the overexpressions of AQP1 and AQP4 were involved in the development of CO poisoning‐induced cerebral oedema, which could be attenuated by inhibition of p‐p38 MAPK signalling. Manipulation of AQPs and p38 MAPK may be a new therapeutic strategy for acute CO poisoning.
Pancreatic stone extraction using a pancreatoscopy‐directed, thin‐sheathed basket catheter
Authors: Miyabe Katsuyuki , Yoshida Michihiro , Hayashi Kazuki
Published: May 2019

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Larval experience of stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans Linneaus, 1758 (Diptera: Muscidae) does not influence oviposition preference in gravid females
Authors: Baleba Steve B.S. , Weldon Christopher W. , Masiga Daniel , Torto Baldwyn , Getahun Merid N.
Published: May 2019

1. Hopkins' host selection principle (HHSP) proposes that, in holometabolous insects, gravid females prefer to oviposit on their developmental substrate. This hypothesis is widely explored in phytophagous insects, but few studies have considered blood‐feeding insects. In this study, the HHSP was tested using the haematophagous stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (Diptera: Muscidae). Using no‐choice and two‐choice tests, the study first sought to demonstrate whether S. calcitrans larvae recognise their rearing substrate.

2. It was found that when a rearing substrate is offered to S. calcitrans larvae singly (no‐choice) or associated with a non‐rearing substrate (two‐choice), they were able to recognise the substrate in which they developed. This ability disappeared when larvae were transferred to another substrate for 5 h.

3. Next, using oviposition bioassays, it was investigated whether information gathered by pre‐imaginal stages during their development can persist into the adult stages after metamorphosis. It was hypothesised that gravid females emerging from clean and uncleaned pupae reared on sheep and camel dung would still prefer to lay on their rearing substrate. The results revealed that gravid females did not prefer to oviposit on their developmental substrate. In addition, failure to recognise and prefer their developmental substrate was found in gravid females that had emerged from puparia that were cleaned as well as those contaminated with sheep dung.

4. It is concluded that S. calcitrans adult preference is not influenced by their offspring's experience. Overall, the HHSP was not supported by our study, suggesting that this principle may not apply to generalist insects characterised by high plasticity in oviposition substrate acceptance.
Evaluating Mean Level and Within‐Person Consistency in Migraine Pain Intensity and Migraine‐Related Disability for AVP‐825 vs Oral Sumatriptan: Results from the COMPASS Study, A Randomized Trial
Authors: McGinley James S. , Buse Dawn C. , Shulman Kenneth J. , Wirth R. J. , Hugentobler Emmanuelle , Lipton Richard B.
Published: May 2019

Background

Consistency of response across multiple attacks is typically measured as the proportion of study participants who achieve a categorical endpoint over a specified number of attacks (ie, 2‐hour pain‐free response in 2 of 3 attacks). We applied a novel analytic approach for measuring consistency of response in the acute treatment of episodic migraine using data from the COMPASS study.

Methods

The COMPASS study (NCT01667679) was a multiple attack crossover study which compared AVP‐825, a Breath Powered® intranasal delivery system for low‐dose sumatriptan powder (22 mg), with 100‐mg oral sumatriptan tablets in the acute treatment of migraine. Participants were 18–65 years old, met ICHD‐2 criteria for migraine with or without aura, and had migraine for ≥1 year prior to screening. They were instructed to treat up to 5 migraine attacks with each treatment and recorded migraine pain intensity and disability data at pre‐dose and 10, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 minutes post‐dose for each attack. We explored the mean level and within‐person variability (WPV; a measure of consistency) in migraine pain intensity and migraine‐related disability across multiple attacks after treatment with AVP‐825 (22 mg) vs oral sumatriptan (100 mg) using location scale mixed‐effects models (LSMEMs). LSMEMs controlled for pre‐dose pain/disability, demographics, treatment sequence, and treatment period.

Results

The mean age was 40 and the sample was 84.6% women. Participants (N = 259) treated an average of 6.8 attacks each during the course of the study. Attacks treated with AVP‐825 showed significantly lower mean pain intensity and mean disability from 10 to 90 minutes post‐dose (effect sizes ranged from −0.09 to −0.29 and P values ranged from P < .0001 to P = .01). WPV was significantly greater at 10–15 minutes (WPV ratios ranged from 1.20 to 1.58 and P values ranged from P < .0001 to P = .04) but significantly reduced from 45 to 120 minutes for attacks treated with AVP‐825 compared to oral sumatriptan (WPV ratios ranged from 0.67 to 0.81 and P values ranged from P < .0001 to P = .03).

Conclusions

LSMEMs demonstrate that treatment with AVP‐825 is associated with lower average migraine pain intensity and disability from 10 to 90 minutes and greater within‐person consistency across multiple migraine attacks (reduced WPV) from 45 to 120 minutes post‐dose compared to oral sumatriptan. These findings may reflect the more rapid and consistent absorption of sumatriptan using AVP‐825. Increased WPV with AVP‐825 in the first 15 minutes likely reflects the earlier onset of treatment effects with the device compared to oral sumatriptan. LSMEMs show promise as a novel approach for assessing and comparing consistency of treatment response in migraine trials.
IWRM and the Nexus Approach: Versatile Concepts for Water Resources Education
Authors: Grigg Neil S.
Published: May 2019

Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and the nexus approach are tools to identify solutions for water problems across interdependent sectors with interacting social and natural systems. Although both tools aim at solutions for complex water issues using an interdisciplinary approach, IWRM is a management process and the nexus approach is a systems tool to characterize problems. By clarifying their attributes and providing examples, instructors can use them to explain broad social problems and offer practical frameworks for problem‐solving. Given their breadth, IWRM and the nexus approach can seem vague and attract criticism, but if they are replaced, the need for them will endure. The concepts are explained, and similarities between them are explored in the paper. Case study sources for them are identified, and the cases are classified by the processes of water resources management as applied across related sectors. How the concepts and their corresponding case studies can be used will vary by context. Suggestions are made for interdisciplinary instruction and discussions in disciplinary settings.
Water Scavenging from Roadside Springs in Appalachia
Authors: Krometis Leigh‐Anne , Patton Hannah , Wozniak Austin , Sarver Emily
Published: May 2019

Significant challenges in the provision of safe drinking water and appropriate, effective sanitation remain in the United States, particularly among communities with few financial resources and/or situated in challenging terrain. Though previous formal research is limited, anecdotal reports suggest that some households in Appalachia may rely on untreated, unregulated roadside “springs” as a primary source of potable water. This effort monitored the water quality at twenty‐one of these springs in Central Appalachia and identified potential motivations for this behavior through volunteer surveys in order to better define community challenges and to establish communication for future outreach. The majority (>80%) of spring samples collected were positive for E. coli, indicating a potential risk of exposure to waterborne pathogens; measured concentrations of metals and nutrients were generally in accordance with USEPA recommendations for drinking water. Survey respondents generally had a piped source of in‐home water available yet primarily collected the water due to “taste” and “quality/health” and used it directly for drinking. Multiple respondents included extra written information indicating that they either did not trust their in‐home water source or considered it unreliable. Collectively these results suggest that these roadside springs do serve as a regular source of household water for some communities though they generally do not meet federal drinking water standards. Future efforts are encouraged to work with local municipal water authorities to rebuild community trust and/or to determine whether on‐site treatment at these springs is practicable.
Whole‐genome analysis identifying candidate genes of altitude adaptive ecological thresholds in yak populations
Authors: E Guang‐Xin , Basang Wang‐Dui , Zhu Yan‐Bin
Published: May 2019

The domestic yak (Bos grunniens) is an iconic symbol of animal husbandry on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Long‐term domestication and natural selection have led to a wide distribution of yak, forming many ecological populations to adapt to the local ecological environment. High altitude is closely related to oxygen density, and it is an important environmental ecological factor for biological survival and livestock production. The aim of the present study was to perform a preliminary analysis to identify the candidate genes of altitude distribution adapted ecological thresholds in yak using next‐generation sequence technology. A total of 15,762,829 SNPs were obtained from 29 yaks with high‐ and low‐altitude distribution by genome‐wide sequencing. According to the results of the selective sweep analysis with FST and ZHp, 21 candidate genes were identified. 14 genes (serine/threonine protein kinase TNNI3K, TEN1, DYM, ITPR1, ZC4H2, KNTC1, ADGRB3, CLYBL, TANGO6, ASCC3, KLHL3, PDE4D, DEPDC1B and AGBL4) were grouped into 32 Gene Ontology terms, and four genes (RPS6KA6, ITPR1, GNAO1 and PDE4D) annotated in 35 pathways, including seven environmental information processing and one environmental adaptation. Therefore, the novel candidate genes found in the current study do not only support new theories about high‐altitude adaptation, but also further explain the molecular mechanisms of altitude adaptation threshold in yaks.
Reassessing False Discoveries in Mutual Fund Performance: Skill, Luck, or Lack of Power?
Authors: ANDRIKOGIANNOPOULOU ANGIE , PAPAKONSTANTINOU FILIPPOS
Published: May 2019

Barras, Scaillet, and Wermers propose the false discovery rate (FDR) to separate skill (alpha) from luck in fund performance. Using simulations with parameters informed by the data, we find that this methodology is conservative and underestimates the proportion of nonzero‐alpha funds. For example, 65% of funds with economically large alphas of are misclassified as zero alpha. This bias arises from the low signal‐to‐noise ratio in fund returns and the resulting low statistical power. Our results question FDR's applicability in performance evaluation and other domains with low power, and can materially change the conclusion that most funds have zero alpha.
The next‐generation BET inhibitor, PLX51107, delays melanoma growth in a CD8‐mediated manner
Authors: Erkes Dan A. , Field Conroy O. , Capparelli Claudia , Tiago Manoela , Purwin Timothy J. , Chervoneva Inna , Berger Adam C. , Hartsough Edward J. , Villanueva Jessie , Aplin Andrew E.
Published: May 2019

Epigenetic agents such as bromodomain and extra‐terminal region inhibitors (BETi) slow tumor growth via tumor intrinsic alterations; however, their effects on antitumor immunity remain unclear. A recent advance is the development of next‐generation BETi that are potent and display a favorable half‐life. Here, we tested the BETi, PLX51107, for immune‐based effects on tumor growth in BRAF V600E melanoma syngeneic models. PLX51107 delayed melanoma tumor growth and increased activated, proliferating, and functional CD8+ T cells in tumors leading to CD8+ T‐cell‐mediated tumor growth delay. PLX51107 decreased Cox2 expression, increased dendritic cells, and lowered PD‐L1, FasL, and IDO‐1 expression in the tumor microenvironment. Importantly, PLX51107 delayed the growth of tumors that progressed on anti‐PD‐1 therapy; a response associated with decreased Cox2 levels, decreased PD‐L1 expression on non‐immune cells, and increased intratumoral CD8+ T cells. Thus, next‐generation BETi represent a potential first‐line and secondary treatment strategy for metastatic melanoma by eliciting effects, at least in part, on antitumor CD8+ T cells.
Acral bullous lichen sclerosus intolerant to UVA‐1 successfully treated with narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy
Authors: Herz‐Ruelas Maira Elizabeth , Barboza‐Quintana Oralia , Cuéllar‐Barboza Adrián , Cárdenas‐de la Garza Jesús Alberto , Gómez‐Flores Minerva
Published: May 2019

Lichen sclerosus (LS) is an uncommon, chronic, lymphocyte‐mediated, inflammatory dermatosis characterized by ivory‐white patches with scar‐like atrophy. Extragenital bullous lichen sclerosus may rarely affect palms and soles, causing severe pain and substantially impairing quality of life. We present the first case of acral bullous lichen sclerosus intolerant to UVA‐1 phototherapy successfully treated with low doses of narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy.
Jump‐starting coastal wetland restoration: a comparison of marsh and mangrove foundation species
Authors: Yando Erik S. , Osland Michael J. , Jones Scott F. , Hester Mark W.
Published: May 2019

During coastal wetland restoration, foundation plant species are critical in creating habitat, modulating ecosystem functions, and supporting ecological communities. Following initial hydrologic restoration, foundation plant species can help stabilize sediments and jump‐start ecosystem development. Different foundation species, however, have different traits and environmental tolerances. To understand how these traits and tolerances impact restoration trajectories, there is a need for comparative studies among foundation species. In subtropical and tropical climates, coastal wetland restoration practitioners can sometimes choose between salt marsh and/or mangrove foundation species. Here, we compared the early life history traits and environmental tolerances of two foundation species: (1) a salt marsh grass (Spartina alterniflora) and (2) a mangrove tree (Avicennia germinans). In an 18‐month study of a recently restored coastal wetland in southeastern Louisiana (USA), we examined growth and survival along an elevation gradient and compared expansion and recruitment rates. We found that the rapid growth, expansion, and recruitment rates of the salt marsh grass make it a better species for quickly establishing ecological structure at suitable elevations. The slower growth, limited expansion, and lower recruitment of the mangrove species show its restricted capacity for immediate structural restoration, especially in areas where it co‐occurs with perennial salt marsh species. Our findings suggest that the structural attributes needed in recently restored areas can be achieved sooner using fast‐growing foundation species. Following salt marsh grass establishment, mangroves can then be used to further assist ecosystem development. This work highlights how appropriate foundation species can help jump‐start ecosystem development to meet restoration objectives.
Beamforming with semi-coprime arrays
Authors: Adhikari Kaushallya
Published: May 2019

A semi-coprime array (SCA) interleaves two undersampled uniform linear arrays (ULAs) and a Q-element standard ULA. The undersampling factors of the first two arrays are QM and QN, respectively, where M and N are coprime. The resulting non-ULA is highly sparse. Taking the minimum of the absolute values of the conventional beampatterns of the three arrays results in a beampattern that is free of grating lobes. A SCA requires fewer sensors than other popular sparse arrays such as coprime arrays, nested arrays, and minimum redundant arrays for a given aperture. Also, a SCA exhibits better side lobe patterns than other sparse arrays. This means that a SCA is better able to mask signals away from the look direction and detect weak sources in the presence of strong interferers. In this paper, the author explores the direction of arrival estimation with the SCA. The results illustrate the SCA's ability to reduce the number of sensors and decrease system cost and complexity in various signal processing applications.
In Vivo
Pharmacodynamic Profile of Ceftibuten-Clavulanate Combination against Extended-Spectrum-β-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae in the Murine Thigh Infection Model
Authors: Abdelraouf Kamilia , Stainton Sean M. , Nicolau David P.
Published: May 2019

Ceftibuten-clavulanate (CTB-CLA) is a novel β-lactam–β-lactamase combination with potential utility for the management of urinary tract infections caused by extended-spectrum-β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing organisms. We examined the pharmacodynamics of the combination against 25
Enterobacteriaceae
expressing β-lactamases (CTX-M, TEM, and SHV wild types and SHV-ESBL) in the murine thigh infection model.
Link between Heat Shock Protein 90 and the Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain in the Caspofungin Stress Response of Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Aruanno M. , Bachmann D. , Sanglard D. , Lamoth F.
Published: May 2019

Aspergillus fumigatus
is an opportunistic mold responsible for invasive aspergillosis. Triazoles (e.g., voriconazole) represent the first-line treatment, but emerging resistance is of concern.
Математическая модель процессов флюоресценции с учетом квантового эффекта нелокального экранирования
Authors: Еремин Ю А , Eremin Yu A , Свешников Алексей Георгиевич , Sveshnikov Aleksei Georgievich
Published: May 2019

На основе метода дискретных источников разработана математическая модель, позволяющая проводить анализ процесса флюоресценции в присутствии плазмонной структуры с учетом эффекта нелокального экранирования. Показано, что квантовый выход плазмонной структуры может быть представлен в аналитическом виде, минуя процедуры интегрирования. Исследовано влияние эффекта на квантовый выход и коэффициент усиления флюоресценции в зависимости от геометрии плазмонной структуры. Показано, что учет эффекта нелокального экранирования приводит к сдвигу положения максимума в длинноволновую область и снижению амплитуды коэффициента усиления флюоресценции.
Iatrogenic tracheobronchial tear during paediatric thoracoscopic oesophageal repair: an anaesthetic challenge
Authors: Kamath Pooja Bola Rajendra Devendra , Krishna Handattu Mahabaleswara , Budania Lokvendra , Nileshwar Anitha
Published: May 2019

Iatrogenic tracheobronchial injury is rare. Limited data is available on such injuries in infants and management of these is challenging. We present a 7-month-old male infant who was diagnosed with oesophageal stricture, and was planned for thoracoscopic repair of the same. Anaesthetic management with a single lumen tracheal tube ensued. However, an intraoperative loss of capnogram and desaturation led to the diagnosis of iatrogenic tracheobronchial injury. After unsuccessful pursuits with a Fogarty catheter through the tracheobronchial tear and through the right bronchus for lung isolation, blind left endobronchial intubation with a smaller tube and one lung ventilation was successful. The rent was repaired by an open procedure, and oesophageal surgery completed. However, the child succumbed and died of multiorgan failure 3 days later.
Particulate matter with a diameter of ≤2.5 μm induces and enhances bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by stimulating endoplasmic reticulum stress in rat
Authors: Xu Panfeng , Yao Yake , Zhou Jianying
Published: May 2019

This study was designed to investigate the effect of particulate matter with a diameter of ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5) on bleomycin (BLM) induced pulmonary fibrosis. Thirty-two Sprague Dawley rats were assigned into four groups (intratracheal instillation of 500 μL of PBS (control), 2 mg/kg PM2.5, 3.5 mg/kg BLM A5, and BLM plus 2.0 mg/kg PM2.5) and were fed for 14 days. All rats were sacrificed after the study. Lung tissues and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were prepared for histological and biological analysis. We found that PM2.5 caused dose-trend pulmonary alveolitis and fibrosis. Histological scores, expression of α-SMA and Collagen I as well as contents of TNF-α and IL-6 in lung tissues were upregulated by treatment of PM2.5. PM2.5 did not change the percentage of neutrophils and macrophages. The expression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers Chop and GRP78 was upregulated by treatment of PM2.5. In comparison with either PM2.5 or BLM treatment, BLM plus PM2.5 treatment induced higher histological scores, higher expression of α-SMA, collagen I, TNF-α, IL-6, Chop, and GRP78, with increased neutrophil counts and decreased macrophage counts. We concluded that PM2.5 instillation caused pulmonary alveolitis and fibrosis by stimulating ER stress responses in rat. PM2.5 also showed a synergistic effect on BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis.
Modules Whose Endomorphism Rings Are (m, n)-Coherent
Authors: Luo Xiaoqiang , Mao Lixin
Published: May 2019

Let M be a right R-module with endomorphism ring S. We study the left (m, n)-coherence of S. It is shown that S is a left (m, n)-coherent ring if and only if the left annihilator [Formula: see text] is a finitely generated left ideal of Mn(S) for any M-m-generated submodule X of Mn if and only if every M-(n, m)-presented right R-module has an add M-preenvelope. As a consequence, we investigate when the endomorphism ring S is left coherent, left pseudo-coherent, left semihereditary or von Neumann regular.
Broadening the Conceptualization of Theory in the Information Systems Discipline
Authors: Niederman Fred , March Salvatore T.
Published: May 2019

The traditional and most prevalent view of theory in the information systems (IS) discipline is conceptualized in what has been termed ?variance theory," or more properly ?variance meta-theory," where a meta-theory is a means by which to conceptualize the types of constructs and relationships used to develop a specific theory (instance). Variance meta-theory conceptualizes the constructs and relationships in a theory strictly as properties of entities, interrelated in a static (statistical) correlational manner. Theories formulated using variance meta-theory generally seek to explain or predict immutable inferred causal relationships. This view of theory is limiting and constraining in an applied field like IS where phenomena of interest are complex, constantly changing, and reliant on proactive human actions, as well as underlying forces. As new technologies are developed, users adapt and learn, take actions, and respond to results. We argue that alternative meta-theories more readily address this wider range of IS research questions. We examine three such meta-theories ? network, process, and co-evolution, comparing and contrasting their underlying conceptualizations, entities, relationships, and methodologies. We argue further that theory (instances) formulated in the language of each of these meta-theories can be used as part of a broad scientific process of proposing, testing, and reevaluating theory to develop increasingly nuanced understandings of IS phenomena, ultimately resulting in the accumulation of knowledge that is relevant to both theory and practice.
Absorptive Capacity and Enterprise Systems Implementation
Authors: Marabelli Marco , Newell Sue
Published: May 2019

In this paper, we focus on how firms engaged in enterprise systems (ES) implementations absorb knowledge from consultant companies. We take a practice-based view of absorptive capacity (AC) and focus on how prior-related knowledge - a necessary condition to absorb new external knowledge - is created (when it is lacking). We therefore move from the traditional positivistic approach to AC to a more nuanced and practice-based approach of the construct, involving materiality and power considerations. We contribute to the IS literature by providing an account of AC that departs from the deterministic and outcome-focused approach that has characterized past studies and propose a view that accounts for everyday practices.
Coevolution of the Asymmetric Morphology and the Behaviour of Simple Predator Agents in Predator-Prey Pursuit Problem
Authors: Georgiev Milen , Tanev Ivan , Shimohara Katsunori
Published: May 2019

Humanity has long strived to create microscopic machines for various purposes. Most prominent of them employ nanorobots for medical purposes and procedures, otherwise deemed hard or impossible to perform. However, the main advantage of this kind of machines is also their main drawback—their small size. The miniature scale, they work in, brings many problems, such as not having enough space for the computational power needed for their operation or the specifics of the laws of physics that govern their behaviour. In our study, we focus on the former challenge, by introducing a new standpoint to the well-studied predator-prey pursuit problem using an implementation of very simple predator agents. Intended to model the small-scale (micro and nano) robots, these agents are morphologically simple—they feature a single line-of-sight sensor. The behaviour of the predator agents is simple as well—the (few) perceived environmental variables are mapped directly into corresponding pairs of rotational velocities of the wheels’ motors. We implemented genetic algorithm to evolve such a mapping that results in a successful capturing of the prey by the team of predator agents. However, as the preliminary results indicated, the predators that use a straightforward sensor could not resolve more than just few of the tested initial situations. Thus, to improve the generality of the evolved behaviour, we proposed an asymmetric sensory morphology of predators—an angular offset to the sensor relative to the longitudinal axis—and coevolved the amount of such an offset together with the behaviour of predators. The behaviours, coevolved with a sensor offset between 12° and 38°, resulted in both an efficient and consistent capture of the prey in all tested initial situations. Moreover, some of the behaviours, coevolved with sensor offset between 18° and 24°, demonstrated a good generality to the increased speed of the prey and a good robustness to perception noise. The obtained results could be seen as a step towards the engineering of asymmetric small-scale for delivery of medicine, locating and destroying cancer cells, microscopic imaging, etc.
A Modern Approach to Analyzing the Flowing Pressures of a Two-Phase CBM and Water Column in Producing Wellbores
Authors: Liu Xinfu , Liu Chunhua , Wu Jianjun
Published: May 2019

A modern methodology is presented for the system analysis of flowing pressures in order to forecast the dynamic behavior and solve the forthcoming problems that emerge in two-phase coalbed methane (CBM) wellbores. The proposed methodology involves a numerical integration technique to calculate flowing pressures and pressure drops of CBM and water flow from the bottom hole to the well head. The methodology is validated against full-scale measured data in coalfields. The relationships developed match CBM reservoir behavior and wellbore conditions along the annulus with an overall accuracy of 1.13%. The computation of flowing pressures involves a liquid holdup and kinetic energy term with flow rate increments, a compressibility factor with depth increments, and a friction factor with Reynolds number. The flowing pressures of a two-phase column fully reflect the dynamic flowing performance due to the combined action of the water level, CBM, and water flow rates. The effect of CBM and water column pressures is more obvious than that of CBM column pressures. The pressure ratios of CBM and the water column to the bottom hole decline rapidly with the increase of the dynamic water level. CBM and water flow rates can be improved with increases in CBM and water column pressure for two-phase producing wellbores. The decrease of flowing pressures and increased increment of the pressure drop for the two-phase column are beneficial to CBM desorption and result in the increased CBM and water production. It will control the falling speed of the dynamic water level above CBM and the water column and enhance CBM reservoir productivity. The increases of CBM and water column pressure from 34.6 kPa to 922 kPa and the decreases of pressure in the bottom hole from 2.252 MPa to 1.328 MPa lead to the increases of the CBM flow rate from 3327 m3/d to 6721 m3/d.
An Improved Oversampling Algorithm Based on the Samples’ Selection Strategy for Classifying Imbalanced Data
Authors: Xie Wenhao , Liang Gongqian , Dong Zhonghui , Tan Baoyu , Zhang Baosheng
Published: May 2019

The imbalance data refers to at least one of its classes which is usually outnumbered by the other classes. The imbalanced data sets exist widely in the real world, and the classification for them has become one of the hottest issues in the field of data mining. At present, the classification solutions for imbalanced data sets are mainly based on the algorithm‐level and the data‐level. On the data‐level, both oversampling strategies and undersampling strategies are used to realize the data balance via data reconstruction. SMOTE and Random‐SMOTE are two classic oversampling algorithms, but they still possess the drawbacks such as blind interpolation and fuzzy class boundaries. In this paper, an improved oversampling algorithm based on the samples’ selection strategy for the imbalanced data classification is proposed. On the basis of the Random‐SMOTE algorithm, the support vectors (SV) are extracted and are treated as the parent samples to synthesize the new examples for the minority class in order to realize the balance of the data. Lastly, the imbalanced data sets are classified with the SVM classification algorithm. F‐measure value, G‐mean value, ROC curve, and AUC value are selected as the performance evaluation indexes. Experimental results show that this improved algorithm demonstrates a good classification performance for the imbalanced data sets.