bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dominant-negative ATF5 rapidly depletes survivin in tumor cells
Authors: Sun Xiaotian , Angelastro James M. , Merino David , Zhou Qing , Siegelin Markus D. , Greene Lloyd A.
Published: September 2019

Survivin (BIRC5, product of the BIRC5 gene) is highly expressed in many tumor types and has been widely identified as a potential target for cancer therapy. However, effective anti-survivin drugs remain to be developed. Here we report that both vector-delivered and cell-penetrating dominant-negative (dn) forms of the transcription factor ATF5 that promote selective death of cancer cells in vitro and in vivo cause survivin depletion in tumor cell lines of varying origins. dn-ATF5 decreases levels of both survivin mRNA and protein. The depletion of survivin protein appears to be driven at least in part by enhanced proteasomal turnover and depletion of the deubiquitinase USP9X. Survivin loss is rapid and precedes the onset of cell death triggered by dn-ATF5. Although survivin downregulation is sufficient to drive tumor cell death, survivin over-expression does not rescue cancer cells from dn-ATF5-promoted apoptosis. This indicates that dn-ATF5 kills malignant cells by multiple mechanisms that include, but are not limited to, survivin depletion. Cell-penetrating forms of dn-ATF5 are currently being developed for potential therapeutic use and the present findings suggest that they may pose an advantage over treatments that target only survivin.
Transfusional iron overload and intravenous iron infusions modify the mouse gut microbiota similarly to dietary iron
Authors: La Carpia Francesca , Wojczyk Boguslaw S. , Annavajhala Medini K. , Rebbaa Abdelhadi , Culp-Hill Rachel , D’Alessandro Angelo , Freedberg Daniel E. , Uhlemann Anne-Catrin , Hod Eldad A.
Published: September 2019

Iron is essential for both microorganisms and their hosts. Although effects of dietary iron on gut microbiota have been described, the effect of systemic iron administration has yet to be explored. Here, we show that dietary iron, intravenous iron administration, and chronic transfusion in mice increase the availability of iron in the gut. These iron interventions have consistent and reproducible effects on the murine gut microbiota; specifically, relative abundance of the Parabacteroides and Lactobacillus genera negatively correlate with increased iron stores, whereas members of the Clostridia class positively correlate with iron stores regardless of the route of iron administration. Iron levels also affected microbial metabolites, in general, and indoles, in particular, circulating in host plasma and in stool pellets. Taken together, these results suggest that by shifting the balance of the microbiota, clinical interventions that affect iron status have the potential to alter biologically relevant microbial metabolites in the host.
Association between Diabetes and Keratoconus: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Whelchel Amy E. , McKay Tina B. , Priyadarsini Shrestha , Rowsey Tyler , Karamichos Dimitrios
Published: September 2019

Keratoconus (KC) and chronic diabetes mellitus (DM) are both associated with significant defects in the human corneal structure. Studies have long suggested that DM is linked to KC, mainly via the crosslinking mechanism, but scientific evidences are lacking. The role of altered systemic metabolism is well-established in both DM and KC with studies suggesting localized altered cellular metabolism leading to the development of corneal pathologies. We have previously characterized the metabolic defects associated with both conditions using targeted metabolomics. To compare metabolic differences between KC and DM-derived corneal fibroblasts, we performed a respective study of two cohorts of the KC and DM populations using a retrospective analysis of targeted metabolomics data. The goal of this study was to identify the group of differentially regulated metabolites, in KC versus DM, so that we may unravel the link between the two devastating corneal pathologies.
Application of boron-doped diamond electrodes for the anodic oxidation of pesticide micropollutants in a water treatment process: a critical review
Authors: McBeath Sean T. , Wilkinson David P. , Graham Nigel J. D.
Published: September 2019

Boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes have the greatest known oxygen overpotential range; a characteristic that has allowed the material to be well suited for electro-oxidation processes in aqueous media.
Combustion analysis of a light duty diesel engine using oxygen-enriched and humidified combustion air
Authors: Pirola Carlo , Rinaldini Carlo A. , Galli Federico , Manenti Flavio , Milani Massimo , Montorsi Luca
Published: September 2019

The present work presents the results of 3D CFD combustion simulations of a current production 4-cylinder turbocharged Diesel engine using oxygen-enriched and humidified combustion air. Enriched Air (EA) is supposed to be produced by desorption from water, exploiting the different Henry constants of N2 and O2. Simulation results show that EA permits to increase the engine thermal efficiency (up to 10%) and drastically reduces soot emissions but increases in-cylinder peak pressure and NOx emissions. Combustion air humidification helps to reduce NOx increment, without losing the advantage in terms of thermal efficiency and in soot reduction, even if NOx emissions cannot be reported to the base case values.
Effect of meteorological conditions on odour emission at biogas plants processing municipal waste – pilot research
Authors: Wiśniewska Marta , Kulig Andrzej , Lelicińska-Serafin Krystyna
Published: September 2019

Biogas plants processing municipal waste on the one hand represent a trend in waste management, and on the other hand constitute an alternative energy source. Next to their unquestionable benefits, due to the character of the provided activity, they can be a potential source of odours. Municipal waste, largely containing biodegradable fractions, is often subject to decomposition processes in uncontrolled conditions still before it is supplied to the mechanical biological treatment plant. One of the effects of the processes, both controlled and uncontrolled conditions, is emission of odorants. Their spread depends on the applied technologies and adherence to the technological regime during operation. One of the factors determining the types and concentrations of emitted odorants are also meteorological conditions in which waste is stored and processed. The paper presents results of two series of pilot research conducted at four plants, involving a preliminary analysis of the effect of meteorological conditions on the emission of odorants at biogas plants processing municipal waste.
Measurements of Horizontal Air Showers with the Auger Engineering Radio Array
Authors: Gottowik Marvin
Published: September 2019

The Pierre Auger Observatory is the largest observatory for the detection of cosmic rays. With the Auger Engineering Radio Array (AERA) we measure the emitted radio signal of extensive air showers and reconstruct properties of the primary cosmic rays. For horizontal air showers (zenith angles larger than 60°) the signal is distributed over a large area of more than several km2. Therefore, detection of air showers using a sparse radio antenna array, compatible with the 1500 m distance between the 1600 surface detector stations, is possible. The radio technique is sensitive to the electromagnetic component of air showers. Combining radio detection with particle information from the surface detector of the Observatory, which at large zenith angles mostly detects muons, allows to study the cosmic ray composition for horizontal air showers.
Determination of cosmic-ray primary mass on an event-by-event basis using radio detection
Authors: Carvalho Washington , Alvarez-Muñiz Jaime
Published: September 2019

Traditionally, the depth of maximum shower development Xmax has been used as a surrogate observable for composition. Here we present the possibility of a new methodology to discriminate between light and heavy cosmic-ray primaries on an event-by-event basis. This method is based on comparisons between detected radio signals and Monte Carlo simulations, but instead of first reconstructing Xmax, we try to infer the cosmic-ray composition directly. We show that a large discrimination efficiency could in principle be reached for zenith angles above θ≃65°, even when some of the typical uncertainties in radio detection are taken into account.
Hydrophone characterization for the KM3NeT experiment
Authors: Muller Rasa , von Benda-Beckmann Sander , Doppenberg Ed , Lahmann Robert , Buis Ernst-Jan
Published: September 2019

With the KM3NeT experiment, which is presently under construction in the Mediterranean Sea, a new neutrino telescope will be installed to study both the neutrino properties as well as the cosmic origin of these particles. To do so, about 6000 optical modules will be installed in the abyss of the Mediterranean Sea to observe the Cherenkov radiation induced by high energy particle interactions in the deep sea. As each module of the KM3NeT telescope includes a piezo hydrophone, KM3NeT will also provide a unique matrix of underwater hydrophones. Results from the measurements show a well understood response of continuous signals, such as tones. In contrast, the response to transients signals exhibit a complex behavior with ringing and echo’s. Amplitude calibration measurements show a frequency dependent response which can be corrected for. Finally a system noise floor has been determined which amounts to 45 dB Re μPa2/Hz at 30 kHz.
Roofing tiles or slates? A network analysis of factors influencing architect choice
Authors: Gerassis Saki , Saavedra Ángeles , García Julio F. , Taboada Javier , López Santiago
Published: September 2019

Tiles and slates are the two most commonly used roofing materials worldwide, yet many customers and construction professionals are frequently unsure about which product to choose. In this article, a network analysis based on a Bayesian machine learning approach was used to identify which are the main factors and how they influence architect decision about roofing tiles or slates. For that, the information collected from a survey conducted to 429 architects working in the Spanish construction sector was used to create a Bayesian network model that represents the conditional dependencies of the variables considered when the decision is taken. The results obtained allow to unveil aesthetic as the main factor conditioning architect decision for roofing tiles. In turn, the decision is more complex when roofing slates, since architects apart from the price they strongly considered the ability of installers in the decision process.
Biological weapons and health protection against biological terrorism
Authors: Blahova Marta
Published: September 2019

The possibility of using biological means has become a reality. A biological attack is the deliberate use of living microorganisms or their toxic products to cause disease and death in humans, animals and plants. Methods of biological attack and its main characteristics. Protection against biological attack and its basic articles. Possibilities of protection against biological attack and division of protective measures. Preventive measures and measures for rapid disease control.
Benefits of night temperature setback in the control strategy of the district heating system
Authors: Dolinay Viliam , Vasek Lubomir
Published: September 2019

Reducing heating system performance by applying a temperature setback as a means of saving heating costs is a well-known and widely used practice. There are discussions about setback achievements, especially about the amount of real savings it brings. However, it is not easy to declare any number - a percentage, because not only most of the heated objects are different, but especially the effects that affect them - from the location of building to demand and user behavior. In real life, heat consumers apply different setbacks to their heating systems, that is a fact, and from the heat supplier's point of view, it is desirable to adopt this consumer behavior and plan a central heat supply more efficiently with a view to this fact. This article focuses on this issue. It shows the results of a practical experiment that took place in the heating season 2018/2019 in the local district heating system. The experiment carried out was that half the heating season was the temperature of the heating water determined only based on the heating curve coming from the current outdoor temperature, and for the second half of the season was applied night setback - for 5 hours every day, the temperature was lower by 10%. Evaluating the experiment showed a decrease in the demanded heat of about 8% compared to the first part of the heating season. All this savings cannot be unambiguously attributed to the applied setback, because every part of the heating season has its specifics, but as the article shows a value of about 2.4%, it seems real. Contribution in the range of several percent may not at first glance seem attractive, but if we consider that the introduction of the setback procedure does not usually mean extra cost and also the district heating systems require to deliver daily hundreds of gigajoules of the heat (considering a small town), each saved percentage has its value. At the same time, this article highlights other minor improvements that could introduce additional, maybe small but perhaps exciting savings.
A Hybrid Fuzzy-Neural Model for Pattern Detection to Predict the Egyptian Stocks Price Movement Direction
Authors: Badr ElDin Abeer
Published: September 2019

In this paper, a hybrid fuzzy-neural system for Egyptian stocks price prediction is proposed. The model helps choosing the right stock mixture with the highest profit within a certain risk factor. A hybrid fuzzy-neural system is applied to significantly save effort and time of portfolio managers. The model increases the individual investors’ local market understanding by providing buy and sells signals that reflect market sentiments, breaking news and technical analysis expectations. An implemented system of the proposed model has demonstrated a promising performance of the applied test datasets containing 100 Stock Symbols over the past 9 years (January 2009-July 2018). The prediction accuracy of the model is computed by comparing the applied system predicted results against the actual results of the Egyptian stock market during the test period.
Assessments und Outcome-Parameter bei axialer Spondyloarthritis
Authors: Kiltz Uta , Tsiami Styliani , Kiefer David , Baraliakos Xenofon , Bühring Björn , Braun Jürgen
Published: September 2019

Die standardisierte Erfassung der klinischen Manifestation und Patienten-berichteter Endpunkte (heute international gebräuchlich Outcomes) von Patienten mit axialer Spondyloarthritis (axSpA) ist notwendig, um die Erkrankung hinsichtlich Ausmaß und Aktivität der Erkrankung so objektiv wie möglich abbilden zu können und damit die Grundlage für klinische Entscheidungen zu schaffen. Die standardisierte Erfassung bezieht sich auf Domänen wie Krankheitsaktivität, Lebensqualität, Funktions- und Erwerbsfähigkeit, aber auch auf einzelne Aspekte wie Schmerzen, Arthritis und Enthesitis. Sowohl die Domänen als auch die Einzelaspekte werden überwiegend als direkt vom Patienten berichtete Endpunkte mittels eines Selbstauskunftsbogens erhoben (patient reported outcomes (PRO)). Ausnahme bildet die Erfassung der entzündlichen Beteiligung von Gelenken und Sehnenansätzen und die körperliche Untersuchung der Wirbelsäulenmobilität. In interventionellen Studien werden Status- oder Response-Kriterien eingesetzt, um die Veränderung, oft ausgedrückt als20 oder 40%ige Verbesserung, quantitativ erfassen zu können. Die Instrumente sind in den 90er Jahren in Bath und in den letzten 20 Jahren von ASAS (Assessments in Axial Spondlyoarthritis International Society) entwickelt worden.
CRISPR in context: towards a socially responsible debate on embryo editing
Authors: Morrison Michael , de Saille Stevienna
Published: September 2019

Following the birth in 2018 of two babies from embryos altered using CRISPR-Cas9, human germline gene editing (GGE) moved from abstract concern to reality. He Jiankui, the scientist responsible, has been roundly condemned by most scientific, legal and ethical commentators. However, opinions remain divided on whether GGE could be acceptably used in the future, and how, or if it should be prohibited entirely. The many reviews, summits, positions statements and high-level meetings that have accompanied the emergence of CRISPR technology acknowledge this, calling for greater public engagement to help reach a consensus on how to proceed. These calls are laudable but far from unproblematic. Consensus is not only hugely challenging to reach, but difficult to measure and to know when it might be achieved. Engagement is clearly desirable, but engagement strategies need to avoid the limitations of previous encounters between publics and biotechnology. Here we set CRISPR in the context of the biotechnology and fertility industries to illustrate the lessons to be learned. In particular we demonstrate the importance of avoiding a ‘deficit mode’ in which resistance is attributed to a lack of public understanding of science, addressing the separation of technical safety criteria from ethical and social matters, and ensuring the scope of the debate includes the political-economic context in which science is conducted and new products and services are brought to market. Through this history, we draw on Mary Douglas’ classic anthropological notion of ‘matter out of place’ to explain why biotechnologies evoke feelings of unease and anxiety, and recommend this as a model for rehabilitating lay apprehension about novel biological technologies as legitimate matters of concern in future engagement exercises about GGE.
Photonuclear production of medical isotopes 62,64Cu using intense laser-plasma electron source
Authors: Ma ZhiGuo , Lan HaoYang , Liu WeiYuan , Wu ShaoDong , Xu Yi , Zhu ZhiChao , Luo Wen
Published: September 2019

62,64Cu are radioisotopes of medical interest that can be used for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. Moreover, 64Cu has β− decay characteristics that allow for targeted radiotherapy of cancer. In the present work, a novel approach to experimentally demonstrate the production of 62,64Cu isotopes from photonuclear reactions is proposed in which large-current laser-based electron (e−) beams are generated from the interaction between sub-petawatt laser pulses and near-critical-density plasmas. According to simulations, at a laser intensity of 3.4 × 1021 W/cm2, a dense e− beam with a total charge of 100 nC can be produced, and this in turn produces bremsstrahlung radiation of the order of 1010 photons per laser shot, in the region of the giant dipole resonance. The bremsstrahlung radiation is guided to a natural Cu target, triggering photonuclear reactions to produce the medical isotopes 62,64Cu. An optimal target geometry is employed to maximize the photoneutron yield, and 62,64Cu with appropriate activities of 0.18 GBq and 0.06 GBq are obtained for irradiation times equal to their respective half-lives multiplied by three. The detection of the characteristic energy for the nuclear transitions of 62, 64Cu is also studied. The results of our calculations support the prospect of producing PET isotopes with gigabecquerel-level activity (equivalent to the required patient dose) using upcoming high-intensity laser facilities.
Bioaccumulation and health risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in oyster (Crassostrea sp.) and gastropod (Cymatium sp.) species from the Can Gio Coastal Wetland in Vietnam
Authors: Pham Luu Thanh , Hoang Thuy Thanh Thi , Tu Loan Cam Thi , Tran Yen Hoang Thi , Le Bao Duy , Nguyen Dong Van , Do Huy Xuan , Thai Nam Van
Published: September 2019

The aim of this study was to measure polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in oysters (Crassostrea sp.) and gastropods (Cymatium sp.) collected from the Can Gio coastal wetland (CGCW), Vietnam. Samples were collected from 14 coastal sites, from both port and non-port sites, during a rainy season (September 2017) and a dry season (April 2018). PAH concentrations in oysters ranged from 3.26 to 64.45ngg–1 wet weight (WW), whereas in gastropods PAH concentrations ranged from 4.81 to 23.80ngg–1 WW. Naphthalene was the major component measured in oysters (0.71–46.74ngg–1 WW), whereas pyrene was the major congener measured in gastropods. Both species showed the same dominant accumulation pattern of two- to three-ring PAH compounds. A temporal and spatial distribution of PAHs in gastropods from the CGCW was also observed: higher PAH concentrations were more frequently observed in oysters and gastropods from port sites during the rainy season. The present study indicates that gastropods Cymatium sp. could be used as bioindicators in tropical coastal areas. Human health risk assessment conducted on the basis of the excess cancer risk suggests that there is no current risk to humans as a result of the consumption of oysters and gastropods.
Certainty adverbs in spoken learner language
Authors: Pérez-Paredes Pascual , Díez-Bedmar María Belén
Published: September 2019

Our research examines the use of three stance adverbs of certainty (actually, really and obviously) across B1, B2 and C1 levels in the Trinity Lancaster Corpus (TLC). Particularly, we examined the occurrence of these adverbs in the subset of Spanish L1 speakers from Mexico and Spain. Really, actually and obviously were found to display a distinctive frequency of use across different proficiency levels and the different speaking tasks analysed. Dialogic tasks favoured a more frequent use of really and actually, while obviously was hardly used. Qualitative analyses of the pragmatic functions of really and actually revealed that there is an increase in the use of meanings to express hedging in really and factualness in actually across the proficiency levels. Our research confirms the finding in Gablasova et al. (2017) that the type of speaking task conditions speakers’ repertoire of linguistic devices, although we argue that this conditioning operates on different levels.
Axl is a key regulator of intestinal γδ T‐cell homeostasis
Authors: Kim Su‐Man , Park Min , Yee Su‐Min , Ji Kon‐Young , Lee Eun‐Hee , Nguyen Thi‐Van , Nguyen Thi Hong‐Loan , Jang Jin , Kim Eun‐Mi , Choi Ha‐Rim , Yun Chul‐Ho , Kang Hyung‐Sik
Published: September 2019

Gut‐homing γδ T cells are induced by chemokines and cell adhesion molecules and play a critical role in homeostasis and mucosal immunity; however, little is known regarding their upstream regulators. We investigated the role of Axl as a specific regulator of chemokines and cell adhesion molecule in the distribution of intestinal γδ T cells. The population of γδ T‐cell receptor‐positive cells including Vγ1 and Vγ7 subsets was remarkably increased in the intraepithelial lymphocytes of Axl mice compared with those of wild‐type (WT) mice. An increased number of migrated γδ T cells were observed in the coculture with intraepithelial cells from Axl–/– mice. The mRNA expression level of chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand (CCL) 25 was specifically higher in the small intestine of Axl–/– mice than in WT mice. In adoptive transfer, the migration of both thymic and extrathymic γδ T cells was increased in Axl–/– mice. The activation of Axl signaling down‐regulated CCL25 expression via ERK signaling pathway and reduced the population of γδ T cells. Systemic dissemination was suppressed in Axl–/– mice infected with Salmonella typhimurium. Thus, our findings suggest that Axl plays a critical role in regulating the migration of γδ T cells for the maintenance of homeostasis and bacterial resistance.—Kim, S.‐M., Park, M., Yee, S.‐M., Ji, K.‐Y., Lee, E.‐H., Nguyen, T.‐V., Nguyen, T. H.‐L., Jang, J., Kim, E.‐M., Choi, H.‐R., Yun, C.‐H., Kang, H.‐S. Axl is a key regulator of intestinal γδ T‐cell homeostasis. FASEB J. 33, 13386–13397 (2019). www.fasebj.org
Drug-selective Anesthetic Insensitivity of Zebrafish Lacking γ-Aminobutyric Acid Type A Receptor β3 Subunits
Authors: Yang Xiaoxuan , Jounaidi Youssef , Mukherjee Kusumika , Fantasia Ryan J. , Liao Eric C. , Yu Buwei , Forman Stuart A.
Published: September 2019

Editor’s Perspective

What We Already Know about This Topic

What This Article Tells Us That Is New

Background

Transgenic mouse studies suggest that γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors containing β3 subunits mediate important effects of etomidate, propofol, and pentobarbital. Zebrafish, recently introduced for rapid discovery and characterization of sedative-hypnotics, could also accelerate pharmacogenetic studies if their transgenic phenotypes reflect those of mammals. The authors hypothesized that, relative to wild-type, GABAA-β3 functional knock-out (β3-/-) zebrafish would show anesthetic sensitivity changes similar to those of β3-/- mice.

Methods

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9 mutagenesis was used to create a β3-/- zebrafish line. Wild-type and β3-/- zebrafish were compared for fertility, growth, and craniofacial development. Sedative and hypnotic effects of etomidate, propofol, pentobarbital, alphaxalone, ketamine, tricaine, dexmedetomidine, butanol, and ethanol, along with overall activity and thigmotaxis were quantified in 7-day postfertilization larvae using video motion analysis of up to 96 animals simultaneously.

Results

Xenopus oocyte electrophysiology showed that the wild-type zebrafish β3 gene encodes ion channels activated by propofol and etomidate, while the β3-/- zebrafish transgene does not. Compared to wild-type, β3-/- zebrafish showed similar morphology and growth, but more rapid swimming. Hypnotic EC50s (mean [95% CI]) were significantly higher for β3-/-
versus wild-type larvae with etomidate (1.3 [1.0 to 1.6] vs. 0.6 [0.5 to 0.7] µM; P < 0.0001), propofol (1.1 [1.0 to 1.4] vs. 0.7 [0.6 to 0.8] µM; P = 0.0005), and pentobarbital (220 [190 to 240] vs. 130 [94 to 179] μM; P = 0.0009), but lower with ethanol (150 [106 to 213] vs. 380 [340 to 420] mM; P < 0.0001) and equivalent with other tested drugs. Comparing β3-/-
versus wild-type sedative EC50s revealed a pattern similar to hypnosis.

Conclusions

Global β3-/- zebrafish are selectively insensitive to the same few sedative-hypnotics previously reported in β3 transgenic mice, indicating phylogenetic conservation of β3-containing GABAA receptors as anesthetic targets. Transgenic zebrafish are potentially valuable models for sedative-hypnotic mechanisms research.
Ecological momentary assessment of HIV versus reproductive health symptoms in women of differing reproductive stages living with HIV
Authors: Schnall Rebecca , Liu Jianfang , Reame Nancy
Published: September 2019

Objective:

To what extent menopause is related to symptom burden in women living with HIV (WLWH) is unclear, as a specific reproductive health analysis has seldom been undertaken, in part due to an inadequate assessment of reproductive status. The purpose of this study was to document and compare symptom frequency and attribution over 46 days and examine differences by reproductive status with a sample of 75 WLWH.

Methods:

We conducted an ecological momentary assessment using text messaging to follow 75 women confirmed for menopause stage with hormone profiles for 46 days. Participants were asked to respond to the following open-ended questions via a text message 3× weekly: (1) Did you have your period today? (Yes/No) (2) What were your top three menstrual/menopausal symptoms today? (3) What were your top three HIV-related symptoms today?

Results:

A total of 73 women (mean± SD age = 51 ± 8 y, range= 24-67 y) completed the study (10 pre-, 20 peri-, and 43 postmenopause). The majority of volunteers were black non-Hispanic (74%), nonsmokers (61%), with some high school (68%) and reporting <$20,000 annual income. After controlling for cofactors, HIV symptom profiles differed by menopause stage: postmenopause predicted more fatigue, muscle aches and pains, nausea/vomiting, and diarrhea (vs peri- or premenopause). HIV-related depression was predicted by the peristage. For reproductive symptoms, women endorsed fatigue (58%), hot flashes (52%), depression (49%), and muscle aches and pains (44%) as most common, but of these, only muscle aches and pains demonstrated group differences in period prevalence (post = 35%; peri = 45%; pre = 80%, P= 0.03) Surprisingly, hot flash frequency was similar, but fever/chills/sweats varied across menopause stage (period prevalence: post=42%; peri=15%; pre=0%, P=0.01). Reporting “a period today” predicted the profile of reproductive symptoms, but was not related to HIV symptoms.

Conclusions:

Although fatigue, muscle aches/pains and depression are perceived as common attributes of both HIV infection and reproductive status in WLWH, they distinguish condition-specific symptom profiles that are dependent on menopause stage.
A Rare Pediatric Case of Lacrimal Gland Pleomorphic Adenoma
Authors: Bryant Justin R. , Mantilla-Rivas Esperanza , Manrique Monica , Keating Robert F. , Nik Narieman A. , Oh Albert K. , Rogers Gary F.
Published: September 2019

Pleomorphic adenoma of the lacrimal gland is a rare benign finding in adults, and extremely uncommon in children. These tumors often present with increased propotosis or hypoglobus, and they invariably require operative excision. While many of these lesions can be removed through a subcranial or transorbital exposure, larger and more posterior tumors occasionally necessitate an intracranial approach. This report describes a large lacrimal gland pleomorphic adenoma in a 16 year-old patient that required use of an expansive intracranial exposure to ensure complete excision including the capsule. We contrast this case and its management to other pediatric cases described in the literature.
The international profile of the firm
Authors: Botero-Pinzón Luz-Dary , Casillas Jose C. , Valencia-Cárdenas Marisol
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design a system for measuring the level of internationalisation of companies in the field of developing countries, through latent variables based on multiple indicators, external and internal orientation.

Design/methodology/approach

From a sample of 112 international companies in Colombia, the methodology of latent variable analysis (LPA) is applied to a series of complementary tools, such as a model of structural equations, regression models and cluster analysis of companies.

Findings

The paper allows to verify the identification of six latent variables and their relationships, as well as to identify four levels of internationalisation from the structure of latent variables identified.

Originality/value

This is the first application of this recent and sophisticated statistical technique to the field of measuring the level of business internationalisation, especially indicated in the Latin American area, where an increasing number of companies are advancing in their process of international expansion.
Bubble to panopticon: dark undercurrents of the big data torrent
Authors: Maavak Mathew
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Big data are indispensable in scientific endeavours ranging from nuclear research to climate studies. However, there is a growing misperception that congeries of data can be easily reconstructed into competitive business insights. Such notions have been encouraged by a plethora of mainstream techno-utopian forecasts.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper investigated such claims and related big data developments, including its “systems-first” and oligopolistic orientations. Due to the paucity of current scholarship on an admittedly pessimistic topic, the paper studied contrarian developments in the industry by relying on secondary data. The study of experts and scholars; industrial trends; and discrepancies and critical gaps in the mainstream data narrative were sourced to prognosticate the likely trajectory of many data giants.

Findings

A key finding was that the big data industry faces an untenable market bubble worth trillions of dollars. This will have severe consequences for common digital access and social stability worldwide. Evidence presented also suggests that the data industrial complex may undergo a function creep by facilitating a transition from surveillance capitalism to surveillance society.

Research limitations/implications

Primary data for a study of this nature may take years to materialize. This is a “first-pass” study that seeks to illuminate latent dangers facing the big data/AI sector. There is a paucity of scholarly study that even remotely touches on this topic. Therefore, supporting arguments was sourced from contemporary reports and expert study (secondary data).

Practical implications

As control of data may have geostrategic implications, balkanization of the wired ecosystem may be underway with Russia and China leading the way. Future superpowers may be defined by the way they handle data. The concentration of data in fewer hands may also affect citizen innovation.

Social implications

A break-down of the data industrial complex may lead to social mayhem as the monetization of presently free software, blogs and social media platforms may be unfeasible.

Originality/value

This topic has hardly been explored due to the novelty of big data, its applications and the daily hype over its potentials. This paper boldly describes dark countercurrents in the industry.
Genomic analysis of a multidrug‐resistant clinical Providencia rettgeri (PR002) strain with the novel integron ln1483 and an A/C plasmid replicon
Authors: Mbelle Nontombi Marylucy , Osei Sekyere John , Amoako Daniel Gyamfi , Maningi Nontuthuko Excellent , Modipane Lesedi , Essack Sabiha Yusuf , Feldman Charles
Published: September 2019

Whole‐genome sequence analysis was performed on a multidrug‐resistant Providencia rettgeri PR002 clinical strain isolated from the urine of a hospitalized patient in Pretoria, South Africa, in 2013. The resistome, mobilome, pathogenicity island(s), as well as virulence and heavy‐metal resistance genes of the isolate, were characterized using whole‐genome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. PR002 had a genome assembly size of 4,832,624 bp with a GC content of 40.7%, an A/C2 plasmid replicase gene, four integrons/gene cassettes, 17 resistance genes, and several virulence and heavy metal resistance genes, confirming PR002 as a human pathogen. A novel integron, In1483, harboring the gene blaOXA‐2, was identified, with other uncharacterized class 1 integrons harboring aacA4cr and dfrA1. Aac(3′)‐IIa and blaSCO‐1, as well as blaPER‐7, sul2, and tet(B), were found bracketed by composite Tn3 transposons, and IS91, IS91, and IS4 family insertion sequences, respectively. PR002 was resistant to all antibiotics tested except amikacin, carbapenems, cefotaxime‐clavulanate, ceftazidime‐clavulanate, cefoxitin, and fosfomycin. PR002 was closely related to PR1 (USA), PRET_2032 (SPAIN), DSM_1131, and NCTC7477 clinical P. rettgeri strains, but not close enough to suggest it was imported into South Africa from other countries. Multidrug resistance in P. rettgeri is rare, particularly in clinical settings, making this case an important incident requiring urgent attention. This is also the first report of an A/C plasmid in P. rettgeri. The array, multiplicity, and diversity of resistance and virulence genes in this strain are concerning, necessitating stringent infection control, antibiotic stewardship, and periodic resistance surveillance/monitoring policies to preempt further horizontal and vertical spread of these resistance genes.
Emergence of moderate opinions as a consequence of group pressure
Authors: Crokidakis Nuno
Published: September 2019

In this work, we study a continuous opinion dynamics model considering 3-agent interactions and group pressure. Agents interact in a fully-connected population, and two parameters govern the dynamics: the agents’ convictions [Formula: see text] that are homogeneous in the population, and the group pressure [Formula: see text]. Stochastic parameters also drive the interactions. Our analytical and numerical results indicate that the model undergoes symmetry-breaking transitions at distinct critical points [Formula: see text] for any value of [Formula: see text], i.e. the transition can be suppressed for sufficiently high group pressure. Such transition separates two phases: for any [Formula: see text], the order parameter [Formula: see text] is identically null ([Formula: see text], a symmetric, absorbing phase), while for [Formula: see text], we have [Formula: see text], i.e. a symmetry-broken phase (ferromagnetic). The numerical simulations also reveal that the increase of group pressure leads to a wider distribution of opinions, decreasing the extremism in the population.
The Stochastic Matching Problem with (Very) Few Queries
Authors: Assadi Sepehr , Khanna Sanjeev , Li Yang
Published: September 2019

Motivated by an application in
kidney exchange
, we study the following
stochastic matching
problem: We are given a graph
G
(
V, E
) (not necessarily bipartite), where each edge in
E
is
realized
with some constant probability
p
> 0, and the goal is to find a maximum matching in the realized graph. An algorithm in this setting is allowed to make
queries
to edges in
E
to determine whether or not they are realized.

We design an
adaptive
algorithm for this problem that, for any graph
G
, computes a (1−ε)-approximate maximum matching in the realized graph
G

p

with high probability, while making
O
(log (1/ε
p
)/ε
p
) queries per vertex, where the edges to query are chosen adaptively in
O
(log (1/ε
p
)/ε
p
) rounds. We further present a
non-adaptive
algorithm that makes
O
(log (1/ε
p
)/ε
p
) queries per vertex and computes a (1/2−ε)-approximate maximum matching in
G

p

with high probability.

Both our adaptive and non-adaptive algorithms achieve the same approximation factor as the previous best algorithms of Blum et al. (EC 2015) for this problem, while requiring an
exponentially smaller
number of per-vertex queries (and rounds of adaptive queries for the adaptive algorithm). Our results settle an open problem raised by Blum et al. by achieving only a polynomial dependency on both ε and
p
. Moreover, the approximation guarantee of our algorithms is
instance-wise
as opposed to only being competitive in
expectation
as is the case for Blum et al. This is of particular relevance to the key application of stochastic matching in kidney exchange. We obtain our results via two main techniques—namely,
matching-covers
and
vertex sparsification
—that may be of independent interest.
Dimensional Variations of Left-Sided Double-Lumen Endobronchial Tubes
Authors: Hegland Niels , Schnitzler Sebastian , Ellensohn Jan , Steurer Marc P. , Weiss Markus , Dullenkopf Alexander
Published: September 2019

Background. Tube size selection is critical in ventilating patients’ lungs using double-lumen endobronchial tubes (DLTs). Little information about relevant parameters is readily available from manufacturers. The aim of this study is to provide reference data for relevant dimensions of conventionally available DLTs. Methods. In this study in a benchmark in vitro setup, several dimensional parameters of four sizes of left-sided double-lumen endobronchial tubes from six different manufacturers were assessed, such as distances and diameters of tube shaft, cuff lengths, and diameters as well the angle at the tip. Results. Endobronchial tubes of ostensibly the same size revealed wide variation in measured parameters between brands from different manufacturers. In some parameters, there was an overlap between different sizes from the same manufacturer, i.e., diameters and distances did not increase with increasing nominal endobronchial tube size. The information about dimensions of endobronchial tubes provided by manufacturers’ leaflets is insufficient. Conclusions. Endobronchial tube size selection carries unnecessary uncertainty because clinically relevant parameters are unknown and vary considerably between different manufacturers.
Therapeutic Effect of Dunaliella salina Microalgae on Thioacetamide- (TAA-) Induced Hepatic Liver Fibrosis in Rats: Role of TGF-β and MMP9
Authors: El-Baz Farouk K. , Salama Abeer , Salama Rania A. A.
Published: September 2019

Liver fibrosis represents a serious global health-care problem and is the outcome of many chronic liver diseases, cirrhosis, hepatitis, and toxin accumulation. The present study aimed to evaluate the antifibrotic curative effect of Dunaliella salina (D. salina) on thioacetamide- (TAA-) induced liver fibrosis in rats. Liver fibrosis was induced by TAA (200mg/kg; i.p.) twice per week for 6 weeks. D. salina was given orally (100 and 200 mg/kg) and silymarin was given orally (100 mg/kg) daily, for 4 weeks after TAA. Serum transaminase activities, liver inflammatory cytokines, fibrotic biomarkers, and liver histopathology were assessed. TAA significantly (p<0.05) elevated serum activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and serum levels of total bilirubin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) with a reduction in albumin. In addition, TAA increased hepatic contents of collagen I, a-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP-1), reduced matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), and finally produced marked degeneration and fibrosis of hepatocytes. Treatment with D. salina or silymarin improved the histological feature of hepatocytes and ameliorated the deleterious effects of TAA in a dose-dependent manner. Based on these results, it could be concluded that the use of D. salina could be assigned for liver fibrosis treatment via its anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic properties.
Adrenergic Autoantibody‐Induced Postural Tachycardia Syndrome in Rabbits
Authors: Li Hongliang , Zhang Gege , Zhou Liping , Nuss Zachary , Beel Marci , Hines Brendon , Murphy Taylor , Liles Jonathan , Zhang Ling , Kem David C. , Yu Xichun
Published: September 2019

Background

Previous studies have demonstrated that functional autoantibodies to adrenergic receptors may be involved in the pathogenesis of postural tachycardia syndrome. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of these autoantibodies on cardiovascular responses to postural changes and adrenergic orthosteric ligand infusions in immunized rabbits.

Methods and Results

Eight New Zealand white rabbits were coimmunized with peptides from the α1‐adrenergic receptor and β1‐adrenergic receptor (β1
AR
). Tilt test and separate adrenergic agonist infusion studies were performed on conscious animals before and after immunization and subsequent treatment with epitope‐mimetic peptide inhibitors. At 6 weeks after immunization, there was a greater percent increase in heart rate upon tilting compared with preimmune baseline. No significant difference in blood pressure response to tilting was observed. The heart rate response to infusion of the β‐adrenoceptor agonist isoproterenol was significantly enhanced in immunized animals, suggesting a positive allosteric effect of β1
AR
antibodies. In contrast, the blood pressure response to infusion of the α1
‐adrenergic receptor
agonist phenylephrine was attenuated in immunized animals, indicating a negative allosteric effect of α1‐adrenergic receptor antibodies. Injections of antibody‐neutralizing peptides suppressed the postural tachycardia and reversed the altered heart rate and blood pressure responses to orthosteric ligand infusions in immunized animals at 6 and 30 weeks. Antibody production and suppression were confirmed with in vitro bioassays.

Conclusions

The differential allosteric effect of α1‐adrenergic receptor and β1
AR
autoantibodies would lead to a hyperadrenergic state and overstimulation of cardiac β1
AR
. These data support evidence for an autoimmune basis for postural tachycardia syndrome.
Stent Design, Restenosis and Recurrent Stroke After Carotid Artery Stenting in the International Carotid Stenting Study
Authors: Müller Mandy D. , Gregson John , McCabe Dominick J.H. , Nederkoorn Paul J. , van der Worp H. Bart , de Borst Gert J. , Cleveland Trevor , Wolff Thomas , Engelter Stefan T. , Lyrer Philippe A. , Brown Martin M. , Bonati Leo H. ,   For the International Carotid Stenting Study Investigators
Published: September 2019

Background and Purpose—

Open-cell carotid artery stents are associated with a higher peri-procedural stroke risk than closed-cell stents. However, the effect of stent design on long-term durability of carotid artery stenting (CAS) is unknown. We compared the medium- to long-term risk of restenosis and ipsilateral stroke between patients treated with open-cell stents versus closed-cell stents in the ICSS (International Carotid Stenting Study).

Methods—

Patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis were randomized to CAS or endarterectomy and followed with duplex ultrasound for a median of 4.0 years. We analyzed data from patients with completed CAS procedures, known stent design, and available ultrasound follow-up. The primary outcome, moderate or higher restenosis (≥50%) was defined as a peak systolic velocity of >1.3 m/s on ultrasound or occlusion of the treated internal carotid artery and analyzed with interval-censored models.

Results—

Eight hundred fifty-five patients were allocated to CAS. Seven hundred fourteen patients with completed CAS and known stent design were included in the current analysis. Of these, 352 were treated with open-cell and 362 with closed-cell stents. Moderate or higher restenosis occurred significantly less frequently in patients treated with open-cell (n=113) than closed-cell stents (n=154; 5-year risks were 35.5% versus 46.0%; unadjusted hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.53–0.88). There was no significant difference in the risk of severe restenosis (≥70%) after open-cell stenting (n=27) versus closed-cell stenting (n=43; 5-year risks, 8.6% versus 12.7%; unadjusted hazard ratio, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.37–1.05). The risk of ipsilateral stroke beyond 30 days after treatment was similar with open-cell and closed-cell stents (hazard ratio, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.35–1.75).

Conclusions—

Moderate or higher restenosis after CAS occurred less frequently in patients treated with open-cell stents than closed-cell stents. However, both stent designs were equally effective at preventing recurrent stroke during follow-up.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.isrctn.com/
. Unique identifier: ISRCTN25337470.