bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐resolution manometry findings after Linx procedure for gastro‐esophageal reflux disease
Authors: Riva Carlo Galdino , Siboni Stefano , Sozzi Marco , Lazzari Veronica , Asti Emanuele , Bonavina Luigi
Published: October 2019

Background

Magnetic sphincter augmentation with the Linx® system is a novel laparoscopic procedure for the treatment of gastro‐esophageal reflux disease (GERD). Only few data are available regarding the impact of Linx on high‐resolution manometry (HRM) variables.

Methods

The prospectively collected database of patients who underwent Linx procedure at a single institution was queried. All patients who completed pre‐ and postoperative HRM, GERD health‐related quality of life (GERD‐HRQL) questionnaire, and functional outcome swallowing scale (FOSS) questionnaire were included in the study.

Key Results

Forty‐five out of 304 patients were included. At a median follow‐up of 12 months (IQR 10) after surgery, a statistically significant increase of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) total length (P = .002), intra‐abdominal length (P = .001), integrated relaxation pressure (IRP), intrabolus pressure (IBP), and esophagogastric contractile integral (EGJ‐CI) was noted (P < .001). Distal esophageal amplitude (P = .004), mean distal contractile integral (DCI) (P < .001), post multiple repeated swallows DCI (P = .001), and the percent of normal peristalsis increased (P = .040). All patients were relieved of reflux symptoms. Ineffective esophageal motility reversed to normal in 36% of patients after surgery. The only factor significantly associated with postoperative dysphagia was preoperative dysphagia (P = .006). Postoperatively, a significant correlation between IRP and DCI (r = 0.361 and P = .019) and between IBP and DCI (r = 0.443 and P = .003) was found.

Conclusions and Inferences

The Linx procedure had a remarkable effect on esophageal motility in the short‐term follow‐up. It appears that the overall postoperative increase of IRP and IBP may justify the higher DCI values. Preoperative dysphagia was the only factor associated with postoperative dysphagia.
Evaluating self‐directed learning abilities as a prerequisite of health literacy among older people: Findings from a validation and a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Cadorin Lucia , Grassetti Luca , Paoletti Eva , Cara Angelisa , Truccolo Ivana , Palese Alvisa
Published: October 2019

Aims and objectives

To validate a tool measuring self‐directed learning (SDL) abilities and to determine these abilities among older individuals attending the University of the Third Age.

Background

Health literacy (HL) and SDL abilities have been documented as being closely linked to each other and as prerequisites in enhancing self‐management competences required by older people to protect their health and to manage health issues. Furthermore, individuals with SDL abilities have been documented to have a full understanding of their health treatment prescriptions, to be able to demonstrate increased compliance and to further develop self‐care competences.

Design

A validation and a cross‐sectional study design.

Methods

A consecutive sample of 313 older people (68.7% female) who attended lessons in two Italian Universities of the Third Age and who were willing to participate in the study were enrolled. The Self‐Rating Scale of Self‐Directed Learning (SRSSDL) validated previously in the healthcare context, was used.

Results

At the exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, the SRSSDL in Older people (SRSSDLO) has demonstrated good psychometric properties: the tool is composed by four factors (“Awareness,” “Attitudes,” “Availability” and “Motivation”) and 13 items. According to the findings, the average SDL score was 54.27 ± 6.69 out of 65, and women achieved significantly higher scores compared with men (54.81 ± 6.69 vs. 53.08 ± 6.54, p = .033), while participants with a university degree (55.95 ± 6.56) or secondary education (54.75 ± 6.13) had higher scores than those with lower secondary education (50.37 ± 7.34, p = .002).

Conclusions

Participants were responsible for their learning processes and were capable of identifying learning needs and goals. They were also internally motivated to develop learning methods and to organise learning activities. However, they were less able to keep up to date with the learning resources available.

Implications for Practice

The SRSSDLO can help nurses identify healthy older people that lack SDL abilities and design tailored educational interventions to prevent health conditions and/or promote self‐care management in chronic conditions.
Foods served at faith community events for children – Is there room for improvements in this unexplored child nutrition site?
Authors: Opalinski Andra S. , Parra Andrea V. , Gropper Sareen S.
Published: October 2019

Objective

To describe food and beverage provisions by Faith Communities from one denomination in association with events for children.

Design, sample and measures

Foods and beverages provided at 32 child‐focused activities were documented using direct observation methodology and analyzed for contribution to food groups and per serving energy, fat, saturated fat, sugar, and sodium contents.

Results

Main dishes were mostly (71%) convenience/casserole‐type foods, and averaged 962 mg sodium and 436 kcal, with 36% of energy from fat and 14% as saturated fat. Cheese was the main source of dairy products. Grain‐based side dishes, provided at 29% of meals, included white rice, pasta, and bread. Non‐starchy vegetables were provided at three (29%) meals. Fruits were served at six events. Desserts, served at 75% of events, contained 41% of energy from fat, with 17% as saturated fat, and 22 g of added sugar. Snack chips, provided at 31% of events, contributed 165 kcal mostly from fat and 243 mg of sodium. Sugar‐sweetened beverages, served at 71% of events, contributed 28 g of added sugar.

Conclusions

This pilot investigation identified areas for improvements in the nutritional quality of foods/beverages served at faith community child‐focused events and aligns with expanding public health efforts to improve child nutrition beyond traditional settings.
Increased susceptibility to Haemonchus contortus infection by interleukin‐5 modulation of eosinophil responses in sheep
Authors: Hernández Julia N. , Meeusen Els , Rodríguez Francisco , Piedrafita David , González Jorge F.
Published: October 2019

Eosinophils are prominent effector cells in immune responses against gastrointestinal nematode infections in ruminants, but their in vivo role has been hard to establish in large animals. Interleukin‐5 is a key cytokine in the induction and stimulation of anti‐parasitic eosinophil responses. This study attempted to modulate the eosinophil response in sheep through vaccination with recombinant interleukin‐5 (rIL‐5) and determine the effect on subsequent Haemonchus contortus infection. Nematode‐resistant Canaria Hair Breed (CHB) sheep vaccinated with rIL‐5 in Quil‐A adjuvant, had lower blood eosinophil counts and higher mean worm burdens than control sheep vaccinated with Quil‐A adjuvant alone. In addition, adult worms in IL‐5‐vaccinated sheep were significantly longer with higher eggs in utero in female worms, supporting an active role of eosinophils against adult parasites in CHB sheep. These results confirm that eosinophils can play a direct role in effective control of H contortus infection in sheep and offer a new approach to study immune responses in ruminants.
The Conditional Permutation Test for Independence While Controlling for Confounders
Authors: Berrett Thomas B. , Wang Yi , Barber Rina Foygel , Samworth Richard J.
Published: October 2019

We propose a general new method, the conditional permutation test, for testing the conditional independence of variables X and Y given a potentially high dimensional random vector Z that may contain confounding factors. The test permutes entries of X non-uniformly, to respect the existing dependence between X and Z and thus to account for the presence of these confounders. Like the conditional randomization test of Candès and co-workers in 2018, our test relies on the availability of an approximation to the distribution of X|Z—whereas their test uses this estimate to draw new X-values, for our test we use this approximation to design an appropriate non-uniform distribution on permutations of the X-values already seen in the true data. We provide an efficient Markov chain Monte Carlo sampler for the implementation of our method and establish bounds on the type I error in terms of the error in the approximation of the conditional distribution of X|Z, finding that, for the worst-case test statistic, the inflation in type I error of the conditional permutation test is no larger than that of the conditional randomization test. We validate these theoretical results with experiments on simulated data and on the Capital Bikeshare data set.
Using hospital‐based studies of community‐onset bloodstream infections to make inferences about typhoid fever incidence
Authors: Marchello Christian S. , Dale Ariella P. , Pisharody Sruti , Crump John A.
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Hospital‐based studies of community‐onset bloodstream infections (CO‐BSI) are less resource‐intensive to carry out than population‐based incidence studies. We examined several metrics capturing the potential role of Salmonella Typhi as a cause of CO‐BSI for making inferences about incidence.

Methods

We systematically reviewed three databases for hospital‐based studies of CO‐BSI. We determined, by study, the prevalence and rank order of Salmonella among pathogenic bloodstream isolates, and the prevalence ratio of Salmonella Typhi to Escherichia coli (S:E ratio). We then describe these hospital‐based study metrics in relation to population‐based typhoid fever incidence data from a separate systematic review.

Results

Forty‐four studies met the inclusion criteria, of which 23 (52.3%) isolated Salmonella Typhi at least once. Among studies isolating Salmonella Typhi, the median (interquartile range) prevalence and rank order of Salmonella Typhi compared to other pathogens isolated in BSI was 8.3% (3.2–37.9%) and 3 (1–6), respectively. The median (interquartile range) S:E ratio was 1.0 (0.4–3.0). With respect to incidence, in Pemba Island, Tanzania, prevalence, rank order, S:E ratio, and incidence was 64.8%, 1, 9.2 and 110 cases per 100 000, respectively, and in Boulkiemdé, Burkina Faso, was 13.3%, 3, 2.3 and 249 cases per 100 000.

Conclusions

We describe considerable variation in place and time for Salmonella Typhi prevalence, rank order, and S:E ratio among hospital‐based studies of CO‐BSI. Data from simultaneous typhoid prevalence and incidence studies are limited. We propose that hospital‐based study metrics warrant evaluation for making inference about typhoid incidence and as covariates in typhoid incidence models.
Impacts of soil moisture level and organic matter content on growth of two Juncus species and Poa pratensis grown under acid soil conditions
Authors: Kaczmarek‐Derda W , Helgheim M , Netland J , Riley H , Wærnhus K , Øpstad S , Østrem L , Brandsæter L O
Published: October 2019

The abundance of Juncus effusus (soft rush) and Juncus conglomeratus (compact rush) has increased in coastal grasslands in Norway over recent decades, and their spread has coincided with increased precipitation in the region. Especially in water‐saturated, peaty soils, it appears from field observations that productive grasses cannot compete effectively with such rapidly growing rush plants. In autumn–winters of 2012–2013 and 2013–2014, a four‐factor, randomised block greenhouse experiment was performed to investigate the effect of different soil moisture regimes and organic matter contents on competition between these rush species and smooth meadow‐grass (Poa pratensis). The rush species were grown in monoculture and in competition with the meadow‐grass, using the equivalent of full and half the recommended seed rate for the latter. After about three months, above‐ and below‐ground dry matter was measured. J. effusus had more vigorous growth, producing on average 23–40% greater biomass in both fractions than J. conglomeratus. The competitive ability of both rush species declined with decreasing soil moisture; at the lowest levels of soil moisture, growth reductions were up to 93% in J. conglomeratus and 74% in J. effusus. Increasing water level in peat–sand mixture decreased competivitiveness of meadow‐grass, while pure peat, when moist, completely impeded its below‐ground development. These results show that control of rush plants through management may only be achieved if basic soil limitations have been resolved.
Metaphors of the Students in the Department of History Regarding the Concept of “Value”
Authors: Oztas Sezai
Published: October 2019

History course curricula provide students with values along with knowledge and skills. The aim of this study is to determine the metaphors related to the concept of value that the students of the history departments have. The study group of the research consists of 75 senior students (from both "day time education" and "evening education") who continue their education in the Department of History of Kirklareli University Faculty of Arts and Sciences in the fall semester of 2018-2019 academic year. In order to collect data, participants were asked to complete the forms which included the sentence “Values are like………… because…….”. The metaphors proposed by the students were categorized in terms of their common characteristics. Phenomenological design, one of the qualitative research methods, was used in this study. The obtained data were analyzed with content analysis method. Additionally, a quantitative data analysis was performed via IBM SPSS Statistics 20 program as well. Descriptive statistics of the collected data were presented in detail. Moreover, it was analyzed whether there is an association between “the main categories of value metaphors given as samples” and the following variables: “Gender”, “Education Type”, “Mother’s Educational Status”, “Father’s Educational Status”, “Type of High School Student Graduated from”, “Settlement Unit Where Most of Childhood was Spent”, “Perception of Socioeconomic Status”, “Number of Siblings”, “Hometown (as region)", “Family Type” and “Relationship Status of the Parents”. As a result of the Chi-Square Independence Test, it turned out that there was no association between these variables and “the main categories of value metaphors given as examples” (p> 0.05).
Novel mitochondrial transition pore inhibitor N‐methyl‐4‐isoleucine cyclosporin is a new therapeutic option in acute pancreatitis
Authors: Tóth Emese , Maléth József , Závogyán Noémi , Fanczal Júlia , Grassalkovich Anna , Erdős Réka , Pallagi Petra , Horváth Gergő , Tretter László , Bálint Emese Réka , Rakonczay Zoltán , Venglovecz Viktória , Hegyi Péter
Published: October 2019

Key points

Bile acids, ethanol and fatty acids affect pancreatic ductal fluid and bicarbonate secretion via mitochondrial damage, ATP depletion and calcium overload.

Pancreatitis‐inducing factors open the membrane transition pore (mPTP) channel via cyclophilin D activation in acinar cells, causing calcium overload and cell death; genetic or pharmacological inhibition of mPTP improves the outcome of acute pancreatitis in animal models.

Here we show that genetic and pharmacological inhibition of mPTP protects mitochondrial homeostasis and cell function evoked by pancreatitis‐inducing factors in pancreatic ductal cells.

The results also show that the novel cyclosporin A derivative NIM811 protects mitochondrial function in acinar and ductal cells, and it preserves bicarbonate transport mechanisms in pancreatic ductal cells.

We found that NIM811 is highly effective in different experimental pancreatitis models and has no side‐effects. NIM811 is a highly suitable compound to be tested in clinical trials.

Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a crucial role in the development of acute pancreatitis (AP); however, no compound is currently available with clinically acceptable effectiveness and safety. In this study, we investigated the effects of a novel mitochondrial transition pore inhibitor, N‐methyl‐4‐isoleucine cyclosporin (NIM811), in AP. Pancreatic ductal and acinar cells were isolated by enzymatic digestion from Bl/6 mice. In vitro measurements were performed by confocal microscopy and microfluorometry. Preventative effects of pharmacological [cylosporin A (2 µm), NIM811 (2 µm)] or genetic (Ppif−/−/Cyp D KO) inhibition of the mitochondrial transition pore (mPTP) during the administration of either bile acids (BA) or ethanol + fatty acids (EtOH+FA) were examined. Toxicity of mPTP inhibition was investigated by detecting apoptosis and necrosis. In vivo effects of the most promising compound, NIM811 (5 or 10 mg kg−1 per os), were checked in three different AP models induced by either caerulein (10 × 50 µg kg−1), EtOH+FA (1.75 g kg−1 ethanol and 750 mg kg−1 palmitic acid) or 4% taurocholic acid (2 ml kg−1). Both genetic and pharmacological inhibition of Cyp D significantly prevented the toxic effects of BA and EtOH+FA by restoring mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψ) and preventing the loss of mitochondrial mass. In vivo experiments revealed that per os administration of NIM811 has a protective effect in AP by reducing oedema, necrosis, leukocyte infiltration and serum amylase level in AP models. Administration of NIM811 had no toxic effects. The novel mitochondrial transition pore inhibitor NIM811 thus seems to be an exceptionally good candidate compound for clinical trials in AP.
Modified Genetic Algorithm to Traveling Salesman Problem for Large Input Datasets
Authors: Vladimirov* Vladimir , Sapundzhi Fatima , Kraleva Radoslava , Kralev Velin
Published: October 2019

The use of graphs is widely applied in modeling and solving problems in the field of computer science and bioinformatics.Therefore, it is essential to develop and improve algorithms reducing their computational complexity andВ  increasing the precision of the solutions generated by them as well as the size of the input data.In this study two well-known algorithms for solving the problem for finding a minimum Hamiltonian cycle in weighted, undirected and complete graph (also known as Travelling Salesman Problem Гўв‚¬вЂњ- TSP) are analyzed.The first algorithm is based on the backtracking method and it always finds the optimal solution, while with the second one, the genetic algorithm (GA), finding the optimal solution is not always guaranteed.The aims of the study are to determine: (1)which of the algorithms can be used so that the resulting solution is optimal or near-optimal and the execution time be reasonable depending on the size of the input data; (2)the influence of GA parameter values on the quality of the resulting solutions for large size of the input data. The parameters determine the number of solutions in each population and the number of all generations.The analysis of the results revealed that:(1) the algorithm that finds all possible solutions can be used for graphs with a small number of vertices (not more than 20), whereas GA can be used for graphs with a large number of vertices; (2) in graphs with a small number of vertices: n<20 (and n*(n-1)/2 edges) GA always finds the optimal solution as long asВ  enoughВ  solution space is set. However, the number of all Hamiltonian cycles in a complete graph with n vertices ((n-1)!/2) is bigger than the solution space; (3) all input datasets showed that with the number increase of vertices in the graph it is necessary to increase the number of the current solutions in the population. In this way GA reaches a certain rate of convergence faster, i.e.,В  a generation after which the space of solutions contains only optimal solutions or near optimal ones.Acknowledgments: This work is partially supported by the project of the Bulgarian National Science Fund, entitled: Гўв‚¬Е“Bioinformatics research: protein folding, docking and prediction of biological activityГўв‚¬Вќ, NSF I02/16, 12.12.14.
Asking Real-World Questions with Inquiry-Based Labs
Authors: Dale Daniel A. , Sutter Jessica , Kloster Dylan
Published: October 2019

We have developed and employed a set of inquiry-based labs built around engaging “real-world” scenarios for our studio-style introductory Physics II course. In real-world situations, there is more than one path to success and step-by-step instructions are not provided. For this reason, the primary goal for these labs is to provide students with the freedom to develop collaborative solutions to open-ended challenges, where creativity and independent thought are encouraged. This approach is more akin to what they will encounter in the academic or industrial lab settings. The main challenges facing the students are developing the experimental plan and writing an in-depth lab report; in the end, the necessary measurements typically require only 5-10 minutes. The primary challenge to the instructor(s) is providing just enough guidance to keep students on the path to a feasible plan without giving away the solution. Student feedback has been very positive and we have made these labs freely available to our students and the larger physics community.
Anti-inflammatory Compound Shows Therapeutic Safety and Efficacy against Flavivirus Infection
Authors: Chuang Fu-Kai , Huang Shih-Ming , Liao Ching-Len , Lee An-Rong , Lien Shu-Pei , Chiu Yu-Lung , Chang Tsung-Hsien , Tsai Pei-Ling , Lin Ren-Jye , Shih Chih-Chin , Tsai Yi-Jing , Lin Gu-Jiun , Yen Li-Chen
Published: October 2019

Flaviviruses comprise several medically important viruses, including Japanese encephalitis virus, West Nile virus, dengue virus (DENV), yellow fever virus, and Zika virus (ZIKV). A large outbreak of DENV and ZIKV occurred recently, leading to many cases of illness and death. However, despite decades of effort, we have no clinically specific therapeutic drugs against DENV and ZIKV. Previous studies showed that inflammatory responses play a critical role in dengue and Zika virus pathogenesis.
Human

V
H
1-69

Gene-Encoded Human Monoclonal Antibodies against Staphylococcus aureus IsdB Use at Least Three Distinct Modes of Binding To Inhibit Bacterial Growth and Pathogenesis
Authors: Bennett Monique R. , Dong Jinhui , Bombardi Robin G. , Soto Cinque , Parrington Helen M. , Nargi Rachel S. , Schoeder Clara T. , Nagel Marcus B. , Schey Kevin L. , Meiler Jens , Skaar Eric P. , Crowe James E.
Published: October 2019

The human pathogen
Staphylococcus aureus
causes a wide range of infections, including skin abscesses and sepsis. There is currently no licensed vaccine to prevent
S. aureus
infection, and its treatment has become increasingly difficult due to antibiotic resistance. One potential way to inhibit
S. aureus
pathogenesis is to prevent iron acquisition. The iron-regulated surface determinant (Isd) system has evolved in
S. aureus
to acquire hemoglobin from the human host as a source of heme-iron. In this study, we investigated the molecular and structural basis for antibody-mediated correlates against a member of the Isd system, IsdB. The association of immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region
IGHV1-69
gene-encoded human monoclonal antibodies with the response against
S. aureus
IsdB is described using structural and functional studies to define the importance of this antibody class. We also determine that somatic hypermutation in the development of these antibodies hinders rather than fine-tunes the immune response to IsdB.
See you in court: obstacles to enforcing the ban on electronic cigarette flavours and marketing in Finland
Authors: Ollila Eeva
Published: October 2019

The aim of Finnish tobacco policy is to end the use of tobacco and other nicotine-containing products by 2030. Towards that end, the regulation of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) in Finland is stricter than that in other European Union (EU) countries, including a ban on characterising flavours in e-cigarette liquids as well as on marketing e-cigarettes. This article describes the e-cigarette market, its regulation and the challenges faced in enforcing regulations in Finland. The materials used for this study include data from tobacco control authorities on retail licences, product notifications, and guidance and decisions concerning enforcing regulations, as well as public documents from the courts concerning e-cigarette-linked appeals on selling flavours and marketing e-cigarettes. Legislation and documents produced during legislative processes are also used. Access to e-cigarettes is limited, as only 5% of retailers for tobacco or nicotine products have a licence for retailing nicotine liquids. Liquids containing flavours but without nicotine are commonly sold by specialised e-cigarette shops and websites as foodstuffs. Effective regulation is hampered by the enormous number and variety of e-cigarette products notified for potential market access, limited resources for tobacco control to expand in scope and reluctance of the e-cigarette business to comply with the stricter regulations in Finland, resulting in court cases filed by e-cigarette businesses. Mounting evidence suggests that regulating flavours in e-cigarettes to protect youth is wise although not easy. Many counties are currently considering further regulations on e-cigarettes and so should the EU.
Structural, electronic and elastic properties of ZnGeN2 and WZ-GaN under different hydrostatic pressures: A first-principle study
Authors: Chandra S. , Kumar V.
Published: October 2019

The structural, electronic and elastic properties of orthorhombic ZnGeN2 and wurtzite (WZ)-GaN semiconductors have been studied under different pressures using first-principle density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The lattice constants (a, b and c) and energy bandgaps ([Formula: see text]) have been calculated under ambient condition. The elastic properties such as elastic stiffness constants ([Formula: see text]), shear modulus (G), bulk modulus (B), Young modulus ([Formula: see text]), B/G ratio and Poisson ratio ([Formula: see text]) have been studied at 50, 100, 110, 120, 150, 160, 180 and 190 GPa pressures for the first time as well as at 0 GPa. The calculated values of [Formula: see text] show that the ZnGeN2 and GaN are stable up to 180 and 150 GPa, respectively, and afterwards phase changes and become unstable. The band structure of ZnGeN2 reveals direct band gap behavior up to 100 GPa and becomes indirect band gap at 110 GPa. However, GaN is direct band gap up to 150 GPa and becomes indirect at 160 GPa. Comparing the results of both semiconductors, it is observed that ZnGeN2 is similar to WZ-GaN up to 100 GPa in all respect and can be used in many applications in place of WZ-GaN. The calculated values of all parameters are in reasonable agreement with the known values.
The distribution of stationary correlations between qubits and the environment
Authors: Liao Xiang-Ping , Pan Chang-Ning , Rong Man-Sheng , Fang Mao-Fa
Published: October 2019

We study the distribution of the stationary correlations in a system of two nonidentical as well as identical two-level atoms separated by an arbitrary distance and interacting with a squeezed vacuum. We investigate how the interatomic distance and the squeezing mean number of photons influence the way that one of the atoms is quantum correlated with the environment. Both for nonidentical and identical atoms, the approach of the two atoms can maximize the entanglement and quantum discord between the pair of atoms. For nonidentical atoms, the bigger the mean number of photons, the stronger the stationary correlations, i.e., entanglement of formation (EOF) and quantum discord (QD) between the qubit and the environment as the increase of distance. The increase of EOF and QD with the environment is always accompanied by a decrease of the correlations between the subsystems with regard to the interatomic distance no matter what the mean number of photons is. For identical atoms, the stationary correlations EOF and QD between each partition behave similarly with respect to the distance when the mean number of photons is very small.
Income Classification Shifting and Financial Analysts’ Forecasts
Authors: Pan Shanshan , Lacina Michael , Shin Haeyoung
Published: October 2019

Income classification shifting involves misclassifying core expenses into non-core items to boost core earnings. Managers engage in classification shifting because they believe they can manage the perceptions of investors and financial analysts. We examine analysts’ earnings forecasts to determine whether analysts can identify classification shifting ex post and how they respond to shifted income statement components. Analysts play a role as information intermediaries between firms and investors. We find that analysts respond less to increased core earnings from classification shifting. However, analysts fail to gauge the full impact of classification shifting, leading to more optimistically biased and less accurate forecasts.
IMITATION, PROXIMITY, AND GROWTH — A COLLECTIVE SWARM DYNAMICS APPROACH
Authors: GALLAY OLIVIER , HASHEMI FARIBA , HONGLER MAX-OLIVIER
Published: October 2019

This paper is based on the premise that economic growth is driven by an interplay between innovation and imitation in an economy composed of interacting firms operating in a stochastic environment. A novel approach to modeling imitation is presented based on range-dependent processes that describe how firms consider proximity when imitating peers who are found in a given neighborhood in terms of productivity. Using a particularly tractable approach, we are able to analyze how drastically different economic growth scenarios emerge from different imitation strategies. These emerging scenarios range from diffusive growth where the variance of productivity grows indefinitely, to balanced growth described by a traveling wave with fixed variance. The latter scenario is sustained only when imitation strength among firms exceeds a critical bifurcation threshold.
A priori estimates for a relativistic liquid with free surface boundary
Authors: Ginsberg Daniel
Published: October 2019

We prove energy estimates for a relativistic free liquid body with sufficiently small fluid velocity in a general Lorentz spacetime. These estimates control Sobolev norms of the fluid velocity and enthalpy in the interior as well as Sobolev norms of the second fundamental form on the boundary. These estimates are generalizations of the energy estimates of Christodoulou and Lindblad [D. Christodoulou and H. Lindblad, On the motion of the free surface of a liquid, Commun. Pure Appl. Math. 53(12) (2000) 1536–1602] and rely on elliptic estimates which only require bounds for the second fundamental form of the time slices of the free boundary.
Well-posedness theory for stochastically forced conservation laws on Riemannian manifolds
Authors: Galimberti L. , Karlsen K. H.
Published: October 2019

We investigate a class of scalar conservation laws on manifolds driven by multiplicative Gaussian (Itô) noise. The Cauchy problem defined on a Riemanian manifold is shown to be well-posed. We prove existence of generalized kinetic solutions using the vanishing viscosity method. A rigidity result àla Perthame is derived, which implies that generalized solutions are kinetic solutions and that kinetic solutions are uniquely determined by their initial data ([Formula: see text] contraction principle). Deprived of noise, the equations we consider coincide with those analyzed by Ben-Artzi and LeFloch [Well-posedness theory for geometry-compatible hyperbolic conservation laws on manifolds, Ann. Inst. H. Poincaré Anal. Non Linéaire 24(6) (2007) 989–1008], who worked with Kružkov–DiPerna solutions. In the Euclidian case, the stochastic equations agree with those examined by Debussche and Vovelle [Scalar conservation laws with stochastic forcing, J. Funct. Anal. 259(4) (2010) 1014–1042].
miR-129-5p Regulates the Immunomodulatory Functions of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells via Targeting Stat1 Signaling
Authors: Zhang He-Yang , Wang Yu-Han , Wang Yan , Qu Yan-Nv , Huang Xiao-Hui , Yang Hui-Xin , Zhao Chang-Ming , He Youdi , Li Si-Wei , Zhou Jin , Wang Changyong , Jiang Xiao-Xia
Published: October 2019

Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) have become one of the most promising stem cell populations for cell-based therapies in regenerative medicine and for autoimmune disorders owing to their multilineage differentiation and immunomodulatory capacities, respectively. One advantage of ASC-based therapy lies in their immunosuppressive potential. However, how to get ASCs to provide consistent immunosuppression remains unclear. In the current study, we found that miR-129-5p was induced in ASCs treated with inflammatory factors. ASCs with miR-129-5p knockdown exhibited enhanced immunosuppressive capacity, as evidenced by reduced expression of proinflammatory factors, with concurrent increased expression of inducible nitric oxide synthases (iNOS) and nitric oxide (NO) production. These cells also had an increased capacity to inhibit T cell proliferation in vitro. ASCs with miR-129-5p knockdown alleviated inflammatory bowel diseases and promoted tumor growth in vivo. Consistently, ASCs that overexpressed miR-129-5p exhibited reduced iNOS expression. Furthermore, we show that miR-129-5p knockdown in ASCs results in hyperphosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (Stat1). When fludarabine, an inhibitor of Stat1 activation, was added to ASCs with miR-129-5p knockdown, iNOS mRNA and protein levels were significantly reduced. Collectively, these results reveal a new role for miR-129-5p in regulating the immunomodulatory activities of ASCs by targeting Stat1 activation. These novel insights into the mechanisms of ASC immunoregulation may lead to the consistent production of ASCs with strong immunosuppressive functions and thus better clinical utility of these cells.
Experimental Study on the Deterioration Rules of Anchoring Performance of Rock Mass under Different Joints Distribution
Authors: Ding Wantao , Hou Minglei , Chen Lei , Liu Keqi , Chen Rui , Wang Yang , Wang Mingbin
Published: October 2019

In order to analyze the influence of damage caused by corrosion on anchoring performance of a rock mass with different joints, the anchored rock mass specimens with different joints distribution were prepared. An electrochemical accelerated corrosion test of specimens was carried out, and the mechanical test of them under different corrosion time was also investigated. The results showed that the pitting corrosion is the main form of the anchor bar corrosion of an anchoring rock mass with different joints, and the shape of the etch pit is reverse semi‐ellipse. With the increase of pitting ratio, the ultimate bond strength and the corresponding slide distance decrease gradually. The effects of pitting ratio on the slide distance of the anchor bar in an anchored joint rock mass are insignificant, but these on the bond strength of it are significant. The bond‐slide model of the anchored joint rock mass with different pitting ratios was established. The research results of this paper can provide reference for analyzing the corrosion damage of a complex anchored joint rock mass in practical engineering and a theoretical basis for the design optimization of anchoring support in the complex jointed rock mass.
A Neuropsychological Rehabilitation Program for Cognitive Impairment in Psychiatric and Neurological Conditions: A Review That Supports Its Efficacy
Authors: Gómez-Gastiasoro Ainara , Peña Javier , Ibarretxe-Bilbao Naroa , Lucas-Jiménez Olaia , Díez-Cirarda María , Rilo Oiane , Montoya-Murillo Genoveva , Zubiaurre-Elorza Leire , Ojeda Natalia
Published: October 2019

Neuropsychological rehabilitation has been the focus of much scientific research over the past decades due to its efficacy in different pathologies. Advances in the neuropsychology field have led to improvements and changes in neuropsychological interventions, which in turn have given rise to different approaches and rehabilitation programs. REHACOP is an integrative neuropsychological rehabilitation program designed by specialist neuropsychologists. With an integrated bottom-up and top-down approach, REHACOP includes neurocognition, social cognition, and daily living tasks hierarchically organized on an increasing level of difficulty. Task arrangement is addressed to maximize improvements and transfer effects into participant’s daily living. To date, REHACOP has been implemented on different clinical samples such as patients with schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis (MS), and Parkinson’s disease (PD). This manuscript presents the efficacy data of REHACOP across these three populations and discusses it in the context of the available literature. Overall, the magnitude of improvements obtained by means of REHACOP ranged from medium to high across samples. These changes were not restricted to specific neurocognitive domains since participants attending the REHACOP program also showed changes in social cognition and daily functioning variables by means of both direct and transfer effects. Results regarding REHACOP’s efficacy in psychiatric and neurological conditions have contributed to expanding the existing evidence about the use of structured neuropsychological rehabilitation. In addition, the results obtained after its implementation highlighted the need and importance of designing and implementing integrative neuropsychological rehabilitation programs that are focused not only on cognition per se but also on participants’ performance in daily living.
Theory and Implementation of No‐Joint Wire Rope Spatial Geometry Modeling
Authors: Zhang Wu , Zhang Xinqian , Zhang Chuanwei , Zhang Jiafu
Published: October 2019

This paper takes a cross section of 6 × 7 + IWS wire rope as an example to complete the studies on a method of geometric modeling for no‐joint wire rope and implementation of a 3D solid model. Frenet–Serret frame theory establishes three types of Frenet–Serret frame, which are double‐helix winding straight line, single‐helix winding arc, and double‐helix winding arc, and it allows derivation of eight types of center line equation of wire. This paper has ascertained tangent condition of center lines of steel wires with the same name between arc and straight‐line wire rope and closed condition of no‐joint wire rope. It has been concluded that the length of steel wire must be an integer multiple of its lay pitch either in arc wire rope or in straight‐line wire rope, and the name of wires in each wire rope must be consistent at the same time. Finally, using Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire 5.0 software generates a 3D solid model of no‐joint wire rope.
Study on Distribution Characteristics and Displacement Mechanism of Microscopic Residual Oil in Heterogeneous Low Permeability Reservoirs
Authors: Fang Yujia , Yang Erlong , Cui Xiaona
Published: October 2019

In order to explore the development methods suitable for heterogeneous low permeability reservoirs and study the distribution characteristics of residual oil, photoetched glass and artificial core models with three permeability ratios of 1, 6, and 9 were prepared in this research. Three displacement schemes including polymeric surfactant flooding, polymeric surfactant with binary flooding, and binary flooding were designed at the same expenses to obtain the displacement mechanism of various residual oil saturations. The results show that the best displacement efficiency can be achieved by polymeric surfactant flooding, followed by polymeric surfactant with binary flooding, and binary flooding for the models with the same permeability ratio. Binary flooding mainly activates cluster and oil drop residual oils, polymeric surfactant with binary flooding mainly activates cluster, oil film, and column residual oils, whereas polymeric surfactant flooding mainly activates cluster, oil drop, and column residual oils. In addition, with the increase of the model permeability ratio, the recovery ratio of water flooding decreases, whereas the enhanced oil recovery and the variations in residual oil saturation gradually increase after carrying out different displacement measures. The viscoelastic and shearing effects of the polymeric surfactant flooding system can better displace the residual oil, assisting in the further development of heterogeneous low permeability reservoirs.
A Bispecific Antibody Targeting the αv and α5β1 Integrins Induces Integrin Degradation in Prostate Cancer Cells and Is Superior to Monospecific Antibodies
Authors: Joshi Raghav , Ren Wenying , Mathew Paul
Published: October 2019

Fibronectin-binding integrins α5β1 and αv collaborate in prostate cancer–bone stromal interactions relevant to the colonization of the bone marrow microenvironment. Combinatorial inactivation of these integrins on prostate cancer cells was assessed. Monospecific antibodies to α5β1and αv integrins alone (MAb) and in combination (cMAb), and a bispecific antibody that simultaneously targets α5β1and αv integrins (BsAbα5β1/αv) were compared in assays of chemotaxis, clonogenic survival, and induction of endothelial migration. Cellular expression of integrins, their transcription, translation, and degradation fate was compared. The BsAbα5β1/αv was superior to MAbs and cMAbs in abrogating adhesion, migration, clonogenic survival, and induction of endothelial migration responses by prostate cancer cells. Integrin upregulation observed with MAbs or cMAbs was abrogated with the BsAbα5β1/αv. Loss of integrin expression was uniquely induced by the BsAbα5β1/αv and blocked by lysosomal inhibition.

Implications:

A novel and effective combinatorial strategy to target α5β1and αv integrins is defined for translational studies.

Visual Overview:

http://mcr.aacrjournals.org/content/molcanres/18/1/27/F1.large.jpg.
De laboratório do neoliberalismo à resistência anticapitalista:
Authors: De Vuono Gabriel Dib Daud , Silveira Suzana Maria Loureiro
Published: October 2019

O texto De laboratório do neoliberalismo à resistência anticapitalista: a proposta de socialismo na América Latina no século XXI escrito pelos mestrandos Gabriel Dib Daud De Vuono (PROLAM/USP) e Suzana Maria Loureiro Silveira (Programa de Pós-Graduação em Direitos Humanos e Desenvolvimento Social da Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Campinas) apresenta a resenha do livro “Um mundo a construir: novos caminhos”, da autora chilena Marta Harnecker. Nesta obra, premiada com o Prêmio Libertador de Pensamento Crítico em 2014 e publicada no Brasil pela editora Expressão Popular em 2018, a Harnecker apresenta o debate acerca dos desafios da construção do socialismo na América Latina no século XXI.
Caracterização faciológica e evolução sedimentar da Formação Moeda (Supergrupo Minas) na porção noroeste do Quadrilátero Ferrífero, Minas Gerais
Authors: Madeira Mariana De Resende , Martins Maximiliano De Souza , Martins Gustavo Pereira , Alkmim Fernando Flecha
Published: October 2019

A Formação Moeda, ao longo da região noroeste do Quadrilátero Ferrífero, registra os primeiros estágios da Bacia Minas, desenvolvida no limite Neoarqueano/Paleoproterozoico no sul do Cráton do São Francisco (CSF). Este trabalho analisa essa unidade a partir de seis perfis estratigráficos de detalhe nos quais foram identificadas nove fácies sedimentares: quatro conglomeráticas (Gms, Gm, Gt e Gp), três essencialmente areníticas (St, Sp e Sh) e duas predominantemente pelíticas (Fl e Fsc). As seções estratigráficas foram correlacionadas, possibilitando o agrupamento das fácies em cinco associações geneticamente relacionadas. As associações de fácies AF1 e AF2 representam sistemas de leques aluviais que evoluíram para planícies fluviais entrelaçadas. AF3 está relacionada a um sistema lacustre associado a marinho raso nas porções distais. Por fim, as associações de fácies AF4 e AF5 representam planícies fluviais entrelaçadas encerradas por uma transgressão marinha no estágio final de evolução da bacia. Com o auxílio do mapeamento geológico-estrutural de detalhe dessas associações e da confecção de uma seção restaurada foi possível interpretar que as AF1, AF2, AF3 e a porção basal da AF4 foram depositadas durante os estágios iniciais do rifteamento continental, e as demais associações materializam a transição rifte-margem passiva.
Acute Effects of High-Level PM
2.5
Exposure on Central Blood Pressure
Authors: Fan Fangfang , Wang Shixuan , Zhang Yi , Xu Dandan , Jia Jia , Li Jianping , Li Tiantian , Zhang Yan , Huo Yong
Published: October 2019

Central aortic blood pressure (BP) has been increasingly recognized as having a closer relationship with cardiovascular risks than peripheral BP. However, the effects of particulate matter pollution on central aortic BP have not been clearly demonstrated. In this study, we assessed the association between short-term ambient fine particulate matter (with an aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 μm; PM
2.5
) exposure and central aortic BP in a Chinese community-based population. A total of 4715 visits were in our final analysis, including 2151 visits at the baseline and 2564 visits at the follow-up. Central aortic systolic BP (cSBP) was measured noninvasively using the method of radial artery tonometry with Omron HEM-9000AI machine. Data from air pollution monitoring stations were used to estimate daily PM
2.5
exposure. Generalized additive mixed models with clinical and meteorologic covariates adjusted were used to examine the association between PM
2.5
exposure and cSBP. The relationships between PM
2.5
exposure and cSBP were nonlinear, and significant increments of cSBP were observed when the PM
2.5
exposure concentration was above 100 μg/cm
3
. An interquartile range increase (80.25 μg/m
3
) in daily PM
2.5
on the day of cSBP measurement (lag 0 day) was associated with 2.54 mm Hg (95% CI, 0.92–4.16) elevation in cSBP. The associations of PM
2.5
with cSBP were not modified by age, sex, body mass index, medications, and comorbid diseases except for cardiovascular disease. Our findings demonstrated that short-term exposure to high concentration of ambient PM
2.5
above 100 μg/cm
3
was associated with significant increases in central aortic BP in a Chinese community-based population.
Current Status of Angiotensin Receptor Blocker Recalls
Authors: Gunasekaran Pradeep Moon , Chertow Glenn M. , Bhalla Vivek , Byrd James Brian
Published: October 2019

Losartan was the ninth most prescribed drug in the United States in 2016, and several other angiotensin-II receptor blockers (ARBs) are widely prescribed. Since July 2018, >2 dozen specific ARB products have been recalled owing to the presence of potentially carcinogenic nitrosamine impurities in selected lots. As is the case with all U.S. drug recalls, the ARB recalls have been voluntary on the part of the companies involved. In April 2019, the Food and Drug Administration categorized marketed ARB products with respect to nitrosamine impurities: (1) not present, (2) to be determined with no prior lots removed from the market (TBD), or (3) to be determined in the context of prior lots having been removed from the market (TBD*). The data were structured as hundreds of rows of products. Owing to the complexity of these data, more than a year into the recalls, it remains difficult for clinicians to understand which ARB products are free of impurities.