bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CAMA: Contact‐Aware Matrix Assembly with Unified Collision Handling for GPU‐based Cloth Simulation
Authors: Tang Min , Wang Huamin , Tang Le , Tong Ruofeng , Manocha Dinesh
Published: May 2016

We present a novel GPU‐based approach to robustly and efficiently simulate high‐resolution and complexly layered cloth. The key component of our formulation is a parallelized matrix assembly algorithm that can quickly build a large and sparse matrix in a compressed format and accurately solve linear systems on GPUs. We also present a fast and integrated solution for parallel collision handling, including collision detection and response computations, which utilizes spatio‐temporal coherence. We combine these algorithms as part of a new cloth simulation pipeline that incorporates contact forces into implicit time integration for collision avoidance. The entire pipeline is implemented on GPUs, and we evaluate its performance on complex benchmarks consisting of 100 – 300K triangles. In practice, our system takes a few seconds to simulate one frame of a complex cloth scene, which represents significant speedups over prior CPU and GPU‐based cloth simulation systems.
Learning to Mean in Spanish Writing: A Case Study of a Genre‐Based Pedagogy for Standards‐Based Writing Instruction
Authors: Troyan Francis J.
Published: May 2016

This case study reports the results of a genre‐based approach, which was used to explicitly teach the touristic landmark description to fourth‐grade students of Spanish as a foreign language. The instructional model and unit of instruction were informed by the pedagogies of the Sydney School of Linguistics and an instructional model for integrating the three modes of communication, as well as the literature on content‐based instruction. An analysis of the writing of a focal student, Jackie, provides evidence of the potential of the pedagogy to develop students' ability to appropriate the linguistic representation of content in ways that current frameworks do not yet consider. Thus, implications of the findings are explored related to the integration of functional linguistics, genre theory, and genre‐based pedagogy for instruction that is informed by the World‐Readiness Standards, the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines—Writing, and the NCSSFL‐ACTFL Can‐Do Statements for presentational writing.
Classical Kaposi sarcoma: case reports with unusual presentation on the penis and scrotum
Authors: Attwa Enayat , Gharib Khaled , Albalat Waleed , Amer Amin
Published: May 2016

Background

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is the most common vascular neoplasm. Any skin area could be involved, including the genitalia. Traditionally, classic KS lesions have a general distribution, often involving skin of the feet and legs, and to a lesser extent, that of the hands, arms, and trunk. KS limited to the external genitalia is extremely rare in HIV seronegative individuals.

Methods

We report six patients of classic KS with generalized dermal KS lesions.

Results

Two of them presenting with unusual KS lesions on the penis and scrotum beside the other dermal lesions. Patients were HIV negative and human herpes virus eight positive. Histological examination showed classical KS.

Conclusions

Primary KS of the penis and scrotum is rare but could occur in HIV‐negative patients.
Two‐year follow‐up of a primary care‐based intervention to prevent and manage childhood obesity: the High Five for Kids study
Authors: Rifas‐Shiman Sheryl L. , Taveras Elsie M. , Gortmaker Steven L. , Hohman Katherine H. , Horan Christine M. , Kleinman Ken P. , Mitchell Kathleen , Price Sarah , Prosser Lisa A. , Gillman Matthew W.
Published: May 2016

Background

The obesity epidemic has spared no age group, even young infants. Most childhood obesity is incident by the age of 5 years, making prevention in preschool years a priority.

Objective

To examine 2‐year changes in age‐ and sex‐specific BMI z‐scores and obesity‐related behaviours among 441 of the 475 originally recruited participants in High Five for Kids, a cluster randomized controlled trial in 10 paediatric practices.

Methods

The intervention included a more intensive 1‐year intervention period (four in‐person visits and two phone calls) followed by a less intensive 1‐year maintenance period (two in‐person visits) among children who were overweight or obese and age 2–6 years at enrolment. The five intervention practices restructured care to manage these children including motivational interviewing and educational modules targeting television viewing and intakes of fast food and sugar‐sweetened beverages.

Results

After 2 years, compared with usual care, intervention participants had similar changes in BMI z‐scores (−0.04 units; 95% CI −0.14, 0.06), television viewing (−0.20 h/d; −0.49 to 0.09) and intakes of fast food (−0.09 servings/week; −0.34 to 0.17) and sugar‐sweetened beverages (−0.26 servings/day; −0.67 to 0.14).

Conclusion

High Five for Kids, a primarily clinical‐based intervention, did not affect BMI z‐scores or obesity‐related behaviours after 2 years.
Parental monitoring may protect impulsive children from overeating
Authors: Bennett C. , Blissett J.
Published: May 2016

Background

Research has highlighted links between impulsivity and weight in children and adults. Nevertheless, little is known about the nature of this link in very young children or about the underlying mechanism by which impulsivity leads to greater adiposity.

Objective

The present study aimed to explore relationships between impulsivity, weight and eating behaviour in a sample of 95 2 to 4‐year‐olds.

Method

Parent–child dyads visited the laboratory and consumed a meal after which parents completed measures of child impulsivity, eating behaviour and parental feeding, whilst children completed impulsivity tasks measuring the impulsivity facet delay of gratification (Snack Delay task), motor impulsivity (Line Walking task) and inhibitory control (Tower task).

Results

Pearson's correlations showed that girls with greater motor impulsivity were heavier. Additionally, monitoring moderated the relationship between impulsivity and food approach behaviour, indicating that monitoring may protect more impulsive children from displaying problematic eating behaviours.

Conclusions

The motor impulsivity facet appears particularly relevant to child weight; parents can modulate the impact of impulsivity on child eating behaviour through their feeding style.
Theory and social work: A conceptual review of the literature
Authors: Hicks Stephen
Published: May 2016

This article presents a conceptual review of the literature concerning social work and theory. Based on analysis of 93 research studies, drawn from literature in English published between 1968 and 2016, the review considers the many ways that theory is conceptualised in the literature, and asks meta‐theoretical questions about how and why different conceptualisations arise. The article examines definitional questions and ambiguities concerning the use of theory, extant research on the use of theory by social workers in practice, hostility expressed regarding theory in social work, the theory/practice divide and perspectives that emphasise theory's utility or functionality. The article points at some methodological and ethical limitations concerning current research, and summarises dominant, as well as less prominent, versions of what counts as theory within the social work discipline, before finally suggesting that further meta‐theoretical research is needed.
Reliability, validity and cutoff score of the Intra‐Oral Injection Fear scale
Authors: Berge Karin G. , Vika Margrethe , Agdal Maren Lillehaug , Lie Stein Atle , Skeie Marit Slåttelid
Published: May 2016

Background

A proper assessment tool is needed to gain more knowledge about fear of intraoral injections in children.

Aim

The aims of this study were to evaluate the reliability and validity of the novel Intra‐Oral Injection Fear scale (IOIF‐s) and to establish a cutoff score for a high level of such fear.

Methods

Data were obtained from two samples of 10‐ to 16‐year‐olds in Hordaland, Norway. Sample I, 1460 pupils attending elementary and high schools, provided questionnaire‐based data. The survey instruments used were IOIF‐s, Children's Fear Survey Schedule‐Dental Subscale (CFSS‐DS), Mutilation Questionnaire for Children (MQ‐c) and Injection phobia Scale for Children (IS‐c). Sample II was 67 patients, diagnosed with intraoral injection phobia at the Center for Odontophobia, Oral Health Center of Expertise in Western Norway‐Hordaland, who provided IOIF‐s data.

Results

Cronbach's alpha was 0.95. The IOIF‐s discriminated between subjects with and without intraoral injection phobia and was associated with the other survey instruments of similar construct. Principal component analysis revealed a two‐component solution, characterized as ‘Contact Fear’ and ‘Distal Fear’. Receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curve indicated that a cutoff score of 38 was appropriate.

Conclusion

The IOIF‐s showed satisfying psychometric properties in terms of reliability and validity.
Adjustment mechanisms and intergenerational actuarial neutrality in pension reforms
Authors: Meneu Robert , Devesa Enrique , Devesa Mar , Domínguez Inmaculada , Encinas Borja
Published: May 2016

In the context of the reform of defined benefit pension systems under population ageing, we focus on the introduction of automatic adjustment mechanisms linked to life expectancy. Our goal is to establish a relationship between changes in the key parameters of the pension system and changes in life expectancy, applying the principle of intergenerational actuarial neutrality. For a defined benefit pension scheme, we first obtain the fundamental adjustment equation and then, for particular cases, we derive different designs of automatic adjustment mechanisms depending on the involved parameter. We include a numerical application only for illustrative purposes.
Maternal supplementation with a megadose of vitamin A reduces colostrum level of α‐tocopherol: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Grilo E. C. , Medeiros W. F. , Silva A. G. A. , Gurgel C. S. S. , Ramalho H. M. M. , Dimenstein R.
Published: May 2016

Background

Maternal supplementation with vitamin A is one of the strategies for controlling its deficiency in the mother–child dyad, although studies with animals showed that supplementation with high doses of vitamin A reduces the levels of α‐tocopherol (vitamin E) in the mother's serum and milk. The objective of the present study was to assess the influence of maternal supplementation with vitamin A on the concentration of retinol and α‐tocopherol in human milk.

Methods

Healthy puerperal women were randomly distributed into a control group (n = 44) and a supplemented group (n = 44). Blood and colostrum samples were collected after delivery, and mature milk samples were collected 30 days later. The supplemented group received 200 000 IU of retinyl palmitate after the first colostrum collection. The retinol and α‐tocopherol levels in the samples were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography.

Results

The mean (SD) retinol and α‐tocopherol levels in the maternal serum were considered adequate at 46.4 (15.9) and 1023.6 (380.4) μg dL−1, respectively. The colostrum retinol levels of the supplemented group increased significantly 24 h after the intervention (P < 0.001). However, the retinol levels in the mature milk of both groups did not differ (P > 0.05). Moreover, after maternal supplementation with vitamin A, the colostrum α‐tocopherol level decreased by 16.4%, which is a significant reduction (P < 0.05). However, vitamin A supplementation did not affect the α‐tocopherol level of mature milk (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Maternal supplementation with high doses of vitamin A increased the colostrum level of this nutrient but reduced the bioavailability of α‐tocopherol, which may harm the newborn's health because newborns have limited vitamin E reserves.
An Integrative Review of Engaging Clinical Nurses in Nursing Research
Authors: Scala Elizabeth , Price Carrie , Day Jennifer
Published: May 2016

Purpose

To review the literature for best practices for engaging clinical nurses in nursing research.

Design

Review of the research and nonresearch papers published between 2005 and 2015 that answered the evidence‐based practice (EBP) question: what are the best practices for engaging clinical nursing staff in nursing research?

Methods

PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Joanna Briggs Institute, and Cochrane were searched using a combination of controlled vocabulary and key words. Nineteen papers that answered the EBP question were selected for review.

Results

It can be difficult to involve clinical nurses in research. There are multiple factors to consider when nursing leadership looks to engage clinical nurses in nursing research.

Conclusions

Nurse leaders can take many approaches to engage clinical nurses in research. Each organization must perform its own assessment to identify areas of opportunity. Nursing leadership can take these areas of opportunity to structure a multifaceted approach to support clinical staff in the conduct and dissemination of nursing research.

Clinical Relevance

The evidence from this review offers EBP recommendations as well as reports on the gaps in the literature related to best practices for engaging clinical nurses in nursing research.
Greedy Spouse, Needy Parent: The Marital Dynamics of Gay, Lesbian, and Heterosexual Intergenerational Caregivers
Authors: Reczek Corinne , Umberson Debra
Published: May 2016

It is well established that married heterosexual women do more intergenerational caregiving for aging parents and parents‐in‐law than married heterosexual men do. However, gay men and lesbian women's recent access to marriage presents new questions about the gendered marital dynamics of intergenerational caregiving. We use dyadic data with gay, lesbian, and heterosexual spouses to examine the marital dynamics of intergenerational caregivers. Results show that gay and lesbian spouses provided intensive time and emotional support for an intergenerational caregiver. In contrast, heterosexual women described their intergenerational caregiving as rarely supported and at times even undermined by their spouse. Dyadic data on heterosexual men corroborate women's accounts; heterosexual men rarely reported providing intergenerational caregiving, and thus heterosexual women rarely described providing spousal support. These findings provide new insight into the intermingled roles of “greedy” marriages and “needy” parents, wherein marital negotiations around caregiving vary by gender for gay, lesbian, and heterosexual marital dyads.
Deferasirox pharmacokinetic evaluation in β-thalassaemia paediatric patients
Authors: Allegra Sarah , Cusato Jessica , De Francia Silvia , Pirro Elisa , Massano Davide , Piga Antonio , D'Avolio Antonio
Published: May 2016

Objectives

Iron chelation in the transfusion-dependent anaemias management is essential to prevent end-organ damage and to improve survival. Deferasirox is a once-daily orally active tridentate selective iron chelator which pharmacokinetic disposition could influence treatment efficacy and toxicity. Therapeutic drug monitoring is an important tool for optimizing drug utilization and doses.

Methods

A fully validated chromatographic method was used to quantify deferasirox concentration in plasma collected from paediatric patients with β-thalassaemia. Samples obtained after 5 days of washout or in naïve patients before and after 2, 4, 6 and 24 h drug administration were evaluated.

Key findings

Associations between variables were tested using the Pearson test. Twenty paediatric patients were enrolled; they were mainly men (13.65%), with median age of 6.35 years and body mass index of 15.45 kg/m2. Concerning pharmacokinetic parameters, a higher interindividual variability was shown. A positive, but not significant, correlation (r = 0.363; P = 0.115) was found between deferasirox area under the concentration curve over 24 h (AUC) and drug dose.

Conclusions

Monitoring plasma deferasirox concentrations appears beneficial for guiding appropriate patient treatment, enhancing effectiveness and minimizing toxicity.
Blocking the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway inhibits neuregulin-1-mediated rescue of neurotoxicity induced by Aβ1–42
Authors: Baik Tai-Kyoung , Kim Young-Jung , Kang Se-Mi , Song Dae-Yong , Min Sun Seek , Woo Ran-Sook
Published: May 2016

Objectives

Neuregulin-1 (NRG1) has an important role in both the development and the plasticity of the brain as well as neuroprotective properties. In this study, we investigated the downstream pathways of NRG1 signalling and their role in the prevention of Aβ1–42-induced neurotoxicity.

Methods

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and TUNEL staining were assayed to examine the neuroprotective properties in primary rat cortical neurons.

Key findings

The inhibition of PI3K/Akt activation abolished the ability of NRG1 to prevent Aβ1–42-induced LDH release and increased TUNEL-positive cell count and reactive oxygen species accumulation in primary cortical neurons.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that NRG1 signalling exerts a neuroprotective effect against Aβ1–42-induced neurotoxicity via activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway. Furthermore, this suggests that NRG1 has neuroprotective potential for the treatment of AD.
Anti-arthritic activity of 11-O-(4′-O-methyl galloyl)-bergenin and Crassula capitella extract in rats
Authors: El-Hawary Seham S , Mohammed Rabab , Abouzid Sameh , Ali Zeinab Y , Elwekeel Ahlam
Published: May 2016

Objectives

Isolation and identification of phytochemicals of Crassula capitella (Thunberg), evaluation of the anti-arthritic potential of the extract and the major isolated compound; 11-O-(4′-O-methyl galloyl)-bergenin and underlying their mechanism on rat model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Different fractions were subjected to column chromatography giving fourteen compound identified by mass and NMR spectroscopic techniques. RA was induced by intraplantar injection of complete Freund's adjuvant into the right hind paw of rats. Influence of tested samples in comparable to methotrexate on paw oedema, body weight gain, serum diagnostic markers, cartilage and bone degeneration enzymes, pro-inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress biomarkers in arthritic rats.

Key findings

Fourteen phenolic compounds were isolated and identified for the first time from C. capitella. The major compound identified as 11-O-(4′-O-methyl galloyl)-bergenin. Treatment of arthritic rats with extract or 11-O-(4′-O-methyl galloyl)-bergenin with the tested doses can reduce the progression and severity of RA.

Conclusion

Crassula capitella is a new natural and abundant source for 11-O-(4′-O-methyl galloyl)-bergenin for resolving chronic inflammatory diseases as RA through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and membrane stabilizing mechanism.
A pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model capturing the time course of torasemide‐induced diuresis in the dog
Authors: Paulin A. , Schneider M. , Dron F. , Woehrlé F.
Published: May 2016

A pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modelling approach was used to determine a dosage regimen which maximizes diuretic efficiency of torasemide in dogs. Kinetic profiles of plasma concentration, torasemide excretion rate in urine (TERU) and diuresis were investigated in 10 dogs after single oral administrations at 3 dose levels, 0.2, 0.8 and 1.6 mg/kg, and an intravenous injection of 0.2 mg/kg. Endogenous regulation was evidenced by a proteresis loop between TERU and diuresis. To describe the diuresis–time profile, TERU served as input into a turnover model with inhibition of loss of response, extended by a moderator acting on both loss and production of response. Estimated maximum inhibition of loss of response, Imax, was 0.984 showing that torasemide is an efficacious diuretic able to suppress almost total water reabsorption. A TERU50, value producing half of Imax, of 1.45 μg/kg/h was estimated from the model. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters were used to simulate the torasemide dose–effect relationship after oral administration. Model predictions were in good agreement with diuresis measured in a validation study conducted in 10 dogs, which were administered oral doses of 0.15, 0.4, 0.75, 1.5 and 4.5 mg/kg for 5 days. Finally, oral dose associated with the highest daily diuretic efficiency was predicted to be 0.1 mg/kg.
Addressing epidemiological and public health analytic challenges in outcome and impact research: a commentary on ‘Prechewing Infant Food, Consumption of Sweets and Dairy and Not Breastfeeding are Associated with Increased Diarrhea Risk of Ten Month Old Infants’
Authors: Habicht Jean‐Pierre , Pelto Gretel H.
Published: May 2016

Based on a paper by Conkle et al 2016, in which the authors use a descriptive epidemiological design to examine the relationship of premastication and other dietary behavioral variables to childhood diarrhea in the US, we address larger issues of “plausible causality” and the challenges involved in moving from epidemiological studies to public health policy. Drawing on examples from breastfeeding research and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) research, we discuss the following propositions: 1. Effective outcome analyses require simultaneous investigation of different, even contradictory, pathways; 2. Outcome versus impact assessments require different analytic procedures including context analysis; 3. Impact analysis requires understanding the trade‐offs between detrimental and beneficial outcomes in relation to potential interventions; 4. No estimates exist for the likely detrimental and beneficial impacts of banning premastication, much less for their trade‐offs.
Systematic review of paediatric weight management interventions delivered in the home setting
Authors: Appelhans B. M. , Moss O. A. , Cerwinske L. A.
Published: May 2016

To increase their accessibility, paediatric weight management interventions are increasingly designed to be delivered in the home setting by trained staff. This systematic review summarizes the available evidence for interventions featuring home visitation and identifies key gaps in the literature. PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane and PsycINFO were searched for intervention studies that reported change in objectively measured adiposity outcomes in youth ages 2–18 years. Studies published between 1 January 1995 and 12 February 2016 were analysed. Of 15 eligible studies, nine reported that interventions with home visitation were either superior to a control/comparison condition or achieved significant within‐subjects reductions in adiposity. Interventions in which professional staff (e.g. dietitians and exercise trainers) conducted home visits tended to be more efficacious than those delivered by paraprofessional or community‐based staff, as were interventions with more frequent contact. Most studies were judged to have low or unclear risk of bias across various domains. As most studies compared interventions with home visits with less intensive and qualitatively different approaches, it remains unclear whether home visitation per se enhances weight loss efficacy. Overall, paediatric weight management interventions that feature home visitation are promising, but the incremental benefit of the home visitation treatment modality remains to be rigorously evaluated. © 2016 World Obesity
Using priority effects to manipulate competitive relationships in restoration
Authors: Young Truman P. , Stuble Katharine L. , Balachowski Jennifer A. , Werner Chhaya M.
Published: May 2016

Restoration success is often hampered by the failure of less dominant competitors to establish. An emerging literature on priority effects suggests the manipulation of community assembly as a useful technique to help overcome these difficulties by altering competitive relationships. We present data from a set of four priority experiments, carried out at each of three sites in restoration settings in California grasslands. These data, combined with patterns summarized from the literature, indicate that both short‐term priority (1–3 weeks) and long‐term priority (1 year) can profoundly shift interspecific relationships and benefit otherwise subordinate plant species, but that these effects are sometimes transitory, asymmetric, and contingent on environmental conditions and species composition. Restoration interventions that can produce priority effects include staggered planting times, weed control, seed pre‐germination, plug planting, and spatial aggregation. Such interventions are likely to be at least initially effective, but their strength and persistence can differ considerably across systems in space and time. Further research may help identify the conditions that maximize the strength and persistence of priority effects in restoration settings.
Effect of holding a racket on propulsion technique of wheelchair tennis players
Authors: de Groot S. , Bos F. , Koopman J. , Hoekstra A. E. , Vegter R. J. K.
Published: May 2016

The purpose of this study was to determine possible differences in propulsion technique between propelling the wheelchair with and without a racket in the hand. Eight experienced wheelchair tennis players performed three submaximal exercise tests and six sprint tests on a wheelchair ergometer. Torque and velocity were measured during the tests and power output and timing variables were calculated. Differences between the conditions with and without racket were analyzed. When propelling with the racket, the racket side showed a significantly lower push time (P = 0.03), lower percentage push time (P = 0.001), shorter contact angle (P < 0.001), more power loss before (P = 0.006) and after (P = 0.001) the push, a higher peak (P = 0.009) and mean (P = 0.005) power output during the push, and a lower mean overall velocity (P = 0.03). When the same hand is compared when propelling with and without racket or when the sprint data were analyzed, similar significant differences were found. Propelling the wheelchair while holding a racket has negative effects on the propulsion technique and may lead to injuries of the upper extremity. The longer time needed to couple the hand with the racket to the rim leads to higher power losses and subsequently higher power output generation during the shorter push phase.
Testing Theories of Transfer Using Error Rate Learning Curves
Authors: Koedinger Kenneth R. , Yudelson Michael V. , Pavlik Philip I.
Published: May 2016

We analyze naturally occurring datasets from student use of educational technologies to explore a long‐standing question of the scope of transfer of learning. We contrast a faculty theory of broad transfer with a component theory of more constrained transfer. To test these theories, we develop statistical models of them. These models use latent variables to represent mental functions that are changed while learning to cause a reduction in error rates for new tasks. Strong versions of these models provide a common explanation for the variance in task difficulty and transfer. Weak versions decouple difficulty and transfer explanations by describing task difficulty with parameters for each unique task. We evaluate these models in terms of both their prediction accuracy on held‐out data and their power in explaining task difficulty and learning transfer. In comparisons across eight datasets, we find that the component models provide both better predictions and better explanations than the faculty models. Weak model variations tend to improve generalization across students, but hurt generalization across items and make a sacrifice to explanatory power. More generally, the approach could be used to identify malleable components of cognitive functions, such as spatial reasoning or executive functions.
Requirement for flap endonuclease 1 (FEN1) to maintain genomic stability and transcriptional gene silencing in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhang Jixiang , Xie Shaojun , Zhu Jian‐Kang , Gong Zhizhong
Published: May 2016

As a central component in the maturation of Okazaki fragments, flap endonuclease 1 (FEN1) removes the 5′‐flap and maintains genomic stability. Here, FEN1 was cloned as a suppressor of transcriptional gene silencing (TGS) from a forward genetic screen. FEN1 is abundant in the root and shoot apical meristems and FEN1‐GFP shows a nucleolus‐localized signal in tobacco cells. The Arabidopsis fen1‐1 mutant is hypersensitive to methyl methanesulfonate and shows reduced telomere length. Interestingly, genome‐wide chromatin immunoprecipitation and RNA sequencing results demonstrate that FEN1 mutation leads to a decrease in the level of H3K27me3 and an increase in the expression of a subset of genes marked with H3K27me3. Overall, these results uncover a role for FEN1 in mediating TGS as well as maintaining genome stability in Arabidopsis.
Dual targeting of EGFR and ERBB2 pathways produces a synergistic effect on cancer cell proliferation and migration in vitro
Authors: Gray M. E. , Lee S. , McDowell A. L. , Erskine M. , Loh Q. T. M. , Grice O. , Argyle D. J. , Bergkvist G. T.
Published: May 2016

Members of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR/ERBB) gene family are frequently dysregulated in a range of human cancers, and therapeutics targeting these proteins are in clinical use. We hypothesized that similar pathways are involved in feline and canine tumours and that the same drugs may be of clinical use in veterinary patients. We investigated EGFR and ERBB2 targeting using a panel of feline and canine cell lines. EGFR and ERBB2 were targeted with siRNAs or tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and their effect on cellular proliferation, colony formation and migration was investigated in vitro. Here we report that EGFR and ERBB2 combined siRNA targeting produced synergistic effects in feline and canine cell lines similar to that reported in human cell lines. We conclude that dual EGFR and ERBB2 targeting using TKIs should be further evaluated as a potential new therapeutic strategy in feline head and neck and mammary tumours and canine mammary tumours.
Electromechanical Modeling and Adaptive Feedforward Control of a Self-Sensing Scanning Fiber Endoscope
Authors: Yeoh Ivan L. , Reinhall Per G. , Berg Martin C. , Chizeck Howard J. , Seibel Eric J.
Published: May 2016

Precise image capture using a mechanical scanning endoscope is framed as a resonant structural-deflection control problem in a novel application. A bipolar piezoelectric self-sensing circuit is introduced to retrofit the piezoelectric tube as a miniature sensor. A data-driven electromechanical modeling approach is presented using system identification and system inversion methods that together represent the first online-adaptive control strategy for the scanning fiber endoscope (SFE). Trajectory tracking experiments show marked improvements in scan accuracy over previous control methods and significantly, the ability of the new method to adapt to changing operating environments.
The histone H3.3K36M mutation reprograms the epigenome of chondroblastomas
Authors: Fang Dong , Gan Haiyun , Lee Jeong-Heon , Han Jing , Wang Zhiquan , Riester Scott M. , Jin Long , Chen Jianji , Zhou Hui , Wang Jinglong , Zhang Honglian , Yang Na , Bradley Elizabeth W. , Ho Thai H. , Rubin Brian P. , Bridge Julia A. , Thibodeau Stephen N. , Ordog Tamas , Chen Yue , van Wijnen Andre J. , Oliveira Andre M. , Xu Rui-Ming , Westendorf Jennifer J. , Zhang Zhiguo
Published: May 2016

A cancer-promoting histone protein

Mutations in the chromatin protein histone H3 are found in a number of pediatric cancers. The lysine-36–to–methionine (K36M) “oncohistone” mutation is seen in almost all chondroblastomas. Fang
et al.
show that the K36M mutant histones inhibit the normal methylation of this same residue in wild-type H3 histones. They do so by interfering with the enzymes that normally methylate this residue. The altered chromatin methylation patterns alter the expression of known cancer-related genes and impart cancer-related characteristics to the chondrocyte cells.

Science
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Feasibility of improving identification of familial hypercholesterolaemia in general practice: intervention development study
Authors: Qureshi Nadeem , Weng Stephen , Tranter Jennifer , El-Kadiki Alia , Kai Joe
Published: May 2016

Objectives

To assess the feasibility of improving identification of familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) in primary care, and of collecting outcome measures to inform a future trial.

Design

Feasibility intervention study.

Setting

6 general practices (GPs) in central England.

Participants

831 eligible patients with elevated cholesterol >7.5 mmol/L were identified, by search of electronic health records, for recruitment to the intervention.

Intervention

Educational session in practice; use of opportunistic computer reminders in consultations or universal postal invitation over 6 months to eligible patients invited to complete a family history questionnaire. Those fulfilling the Simon-Broome criteria for possible FH were invited for GP assessment and referred for specialist definitive diagnosis.

Outcome measures

Rates of recruitment of eligible patients, identification of patients with possible FH, referral to specialist care, diagnosis of confirmed FH in specialist care; and feasibility of collecting relevant outcome measures for a future trial.

Results

Of 173 general practices, 18 were interested in participating and 6 were recruited. From 831 eligible patients, 127 (15.3%) were recruited and completed family history questionnaires: 86 (10.7%) through postal invitation and 41 (4.9%) opportunistically. Among the 127 patients, 32 (25.6%) had a possible diagnosis of FH in primary care. Within 6 months of completing recruitment, 7 patients had had specialist assessment confirming 2 patients with definite FH (28.6%), and 5 patients with possible FH (71.4%). Potential trial outcome measures for lipid tests, statin prescribing and secondary causes of hypercholesterolaemia were extracted using automated data extraction from electronic records alone without recourse to other methods.

Conclusions

The intervention is feasible to implement in GP, and facilitates recruitment of patients with raised cholesterol for targeted assessment and identification of FH. Extracting data directly from electronic records could be used to evaluate relevant outcome measures in a future trial.
Electron–phonon interaction in three-, two- and one-dimensional ternary mixed crystals
Authors: Hou Junhua , Fan Yunpeng
Published: May 2016

The electron–phonon (e–p) interaction in three-dimensional (3D), two-dimensional (2D) and one-dimensional (1D) ternary mixed crystals is studied. The e–p interaction Hamiltonians including the unit cell volume variation in ternary mixed crystals are obtained by using the modified random-element-isodisplacement model and Born–Huang method. The polaronic self-trapping energy and renormalized effective mass of GaAs[Formula: see text]Sb[Formula: see text], GaP[Formula: see text]As[Formula: see text] and GaP[Formula: see text]Sb[Formula: see text] compounds are numerically calculated. It is confirmed theoretically that the nonlinear variation of the self-trapping energy and effective mass with the composition is essential and the unit cell volume effects cannot be neglected except the weak e–p coupling. The dimensional effect cannot also be ignored.
FORMATION AND CORROSION RESISTANCE OF Mg–Al HYDROTALCITE FILM ON Mg–Gd–Zn ALLOY
Authors: BA Z. X. , DONG Q. S. , KONG S. X. , ZHANG X. B. , XUE Y. J. , CHEN Y. J.
Published: May 2016

An environment-friendly technique for depositing a Mg–Al hydrotalcite (HT) (Mg6Al2(OH)[Formula: see text]-CO[Formula: see text]H2O) conversion film was developed to protect the Mg–Gd–Zn alloy from corrosion. The morphology and chemical compositions of the film were analyzed by scanning electronic microscope (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy (RS), respectively. The electrochemical test and hydrogen evolution test were employed to evaluate the biocorrosion behavior of Mg–Gd–Zn alloy coated with the Mg–Al HT film in the simulated body fluid (SBF). It was found that the formation of Mg–Al HT film was a transition from amorphous precursor to a crystalline HT structure. The HT film can effectively improve the corrosion resistance of magnesium alloy. It indicates that the process provides a promising approach to modify Mg–Gd–Zn alloy.
A NOVEL METHOD FOR IMPROVING PLASMA NITRIDING EFFICIENCY: PRE-MAGNETIZATION BY DC MAGNETIC FIELD
Authors: KOVACI HALIM , YETIM ALI FATIH , BOZKURT YUSUF BURAK , ÇELIK AYHAN
Published: May 2016

In this study, a novel pre-magnetization process, which enables easy diffusion of nitrogen, was used to enhance plasma nitriding efficiency. Firstly, magnetic fields with intensities of 1500[Formula: see text]G and 2500[Formula: see text]G were applied to the untreated samples before nitriding. After the pre-magnetization, the untreated and pre-magnetized samples were plasma nitrided for 4[Formula: see text]h in a gas mixture of 50% N2–50% H2 at 500[Formula: see text]C and 600[Formula: see text]C. The structural, mechanical and morphological properties of samples were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), microhardness tester and surface tension meter. It was observed that pre-magnetization increased the surface energy of the samples. Therefore, both compound and diffusion layer thicknesses increased with pre-magnetization process before nitriding treatment. As modified layer thickness increased, higher surface hardness values were obtained.
THE FORMATION OF THE SURFACE DURING AN ABRASIVE FINISHING AT CONSTANT AND VARIABLE CLAMPING FORCES: FINISHING AT CONSTANT AND VARIABLE CLAMPING FORCES
Authors: MURATOV KARIM RAVILEVICH , MURATOV RAVIL ARIFOVICH , ABLYAZ TIMUR RIZOVICH , GASHEV EVGENIY ANATOLYEVICH
Published: May 2016

In this work the flat abrasive finishing process is reported. The mechanical and chemical phenomena taking place during the finishing process are described. The most common forming process schemes observed during abrasive treatment are reviewed. The schemes of pulsed, geometrical and energetic models are discussed. On the basis of the energetic hypothesis and Preston hypothesis, the rational law of clamping force variation during the finishing is established. This law allowed for the stabilization of the contact pressure and an increase of the treatment efficiency. An exponential dependence of a boundary contact area variation during the finishing of planes with different initial profiles of the macro-topography is developed. An experimental confirmation of the Preston hypothesis during the abrasive finishing is carried out with the plane-finishing machine “Rastr 220”. The comparison experiments are carried out at constant and variable clamping forces of the treated surface towards the tool. It is found that by varying the forces according to the exponential law (i.e. similar to the changing of the boundary contact area during the abrasive finishing) the process efficiency is increasing by a factor of 2.5–3. It is shown that the changes of the root mean square deviation [Formula: see text] of the roughness [Formula: see text] of a treated surface in the beginning of the process (at time [Formula: see text] min) during the finishing at a constant clamping force is two times higher compared to the treatment at a variable clamping force in the same time period.
Private Class Action Litigation Risk of Chinese Firms Listed in the US
Authors: Jindra Jan , Voetmann Torben , Walkling Ralph A.
Published: May 2016

We analyze the litigation risk of Chinese firms listed in the US. We find that firm-specific characteristics from prior literature studying US firms are not correlated with the litigation risk of US-listed Chinese firms. However, our findings indicate that the method of listing is the only reliable predictor of litigation risk — firms listing via reverse merger are significantly more likely to face lawsuits compared to firms listing via initial public offering (IPO). We find that Chinese reverse merger (CRMs) firms, relative to Chinese IPOs, have lower analyst following, similar post-listing stock performance, higher operating cash flows, smaller size, and lower cash holdings. We conclude that the litigation risk differential is consistent with the bonding hypothesis of [Stulz 1999, Globalization of Equity Markets and the Cost of Capital, Journal of Applied Corporate Finance 12, 8–25], wherein the higher litigation risk of CRMs is a reflection of increased but varying levels of monitoring, starting with the regulatory oversight at the pre-listing stage and a post-listing tradeoff between enforcement and monitoring by shareholders.
Loss of intestinalO-glycans promotes spontaneous duodenal tumors
Authors: Gao Nan , Bergstrom Kirk , Fu Jianxin , Xie Biao , Chen Weichang , Xia Lijun
Published: May 2016

Mucin-type O-glycans, primarily core 1- and core 3-derived O-glycans, are the major mucus barrier components throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Previous reports identified the biological role of O-glycans in the stomach and colon. However, the biological function of O-glycans in the small intestine remains unknown. Using mice lacking intestinal core 1- and core 3-derived O-glycans [intestinal epithelial cell C1galt1−/−; C3GnT−/−or double knockout (DKO)], we found that loss of O-glycans predisposes DKO mice to spontaneous duodenal tumorigenesis by ∼1 yr of age. Tumor incidence did not increase with age; however, tumors advanced in aggressiveness by 20 mo. O-glycan deficiency was associated with reduced luminal mucus in DKO mice before tumor development. Altered intestinal epithelial homeostasis with enhanced baseline crypt proliferation characterizes these phenotypes as assayed by Ki67 staining. In addition, fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis reveals a significantly lower bacterial burden in the duodenum compared with the large intestine. This phenotype is not reduced with antibiotic treatment, implying O-glycosylation defects, rather than bacterial-induced inflammation, which causes spontaneous duodenal tumorigenesis. Moreover, inflammatory responses in DKO duodenal mucosa are mild as assayed with histology, quantitative PCR for inflammation-associated cytokines, and immunostaining for immune cells. Importantly, inducible deletion of intestinal O-glycans in adult mice leads to analogous spontaneous duodenal tumors, although with higher incidence and heightened severity compared with mice with O-glycans constitutive deletion. In conclusion, these studies reveal O-glycans within the small intestine are critical determinants of duodenal cancer risk. Future studies will provide insights into the pathogenesis in the general population and those at risk for this rare but deadly cancer.
Chromosome Banding in Amphibia. XXXIV. Intrachromosomal Telomeric DNA Sequences in Anura
Authors: Schmid Michael , Steinlein Claus
Published: May 2016

The mitotic chromosomes of 4 anuran species were examined by various classical banding techniques and by fluorescence in situ hybridization using a (TTAGGG)n repeat. Large intrachromosomal telomeric sequences (ITSs) were demonstrated in differing numbers and chromosome locations. A detailed comparison of the present results with numerous published and unpublished data allowed a consistent classification of the various categories of large ITSs present in the genomes of anurans and other vertebrates. The classification takes into consideration the total numbers of large ITSs in the karyotypes, their chromosomal locations and their specific distribution patterns. A new category of large ITSs was recognized to exist in anuran species. It consists of large clusters of ITSs located in euchromatic chromosome segments, which is in clear contrast to the large ITSs in heterochromatic chromosome regions known in vertebrates. The origin of the different categories of large ITSs in heterochromatic and euchromatic chromosome regions, their mode of distribution in the karyotypes and evolutionary fixation in the genomes, as well as their cytological detection are discussed.
Furosemide Increases the Risk of Hyperparathyroidism in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Vasco Raquel F.V. , Moyses Rosa M.A. , Zatz Roberto , Elias Rosilene M.
Published: May 2016

Background: Diuretics are widely used in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). While thiazide-like diuretics limit urinary calcium excretion, loop diuretics (LD) promote calcium wasting, which might facilitate the development of secondary hyperparathyroidism (HPT2). We sought to investigate, in CKD patients not on dialysis, the influence of either hydrochlorothiazide (Hydro) or furosemide (Furo) on circulating parathyroid hormone (PTH) and whether such actions are determined by the effects of these compounds on calcium excretion. Methods: Electronic charts of all nephrology outpatients (CKD stages 2-5) who were given Hydro or Furo were included. We assessed estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), biochemical parameters and 24-hour calcium excretion. Hyperparathyroidism was defined as PTH >65 pg/ml. Results: Out of 275 patients, 108 (29%) were taking Hydro and 167 (61%) Furo. Patients on Hydro were younger, mostly female and had higher eGFR. The median 24-hour urinary calcium excretion in the overall cohort was 41 (22, 76), being lower in Furo than in Hydro patients (37 (16, 68) vs. 47 (26, 88) mg/24 h, respectively, p = 0.016). Logistic regression showed that, after adjustment for eGFR, calcium excretion rate was found not to increase the risk ratio for HPT2, whereas Furo was a strong predictor of HPT2. Conclusion: Furo increased the risk of HPT2 among CKD patients compared to Hydro. This effect was independent of eGFR or calcium excretion. The use of LD in CKD, currently preferred in advanced stages, should be reappraised.
Fine-Needle Aspiration with Immunohistochemistry Using a Modified Scrape Cell Block Technique for the Diagnosis of Thyroid and Parathyroid Nodules
Authors: Wuertz Franz G. , Kresnik Ewald , Malle Philipp , Hyden Martin , Lind Peter , Rogatsch Hermann , Gallowitsch Hans J.
Published: May 2016

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a modified scrape cell block (SCB) technique in a large series of patients. The technique was especially developed and tested for fine-needle aspiration of thyroid and parathyroid nodules. Study Design: Eighty-two ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration specimens with the sonographic aspect of a thyroid (n = 33) or a possible parathyroid nodule (n = 49) were studied. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used on cell blocks containing plasma, thromboplastin, and selected 3-dimensional cell aggregates scraped off Papanicolaou-stained smears. Antibodies for chromogranin A, thyroglobulin, parathyroid hormone, calcitonin, and carcinoembryonic antibody (CEA) were used. In cases of reduced immunosensitivity or suspected metastases or rare primary tumors, additional IHC markers were employed. Results: Chromogranin A was expressed in all 28 parathyroid adenomas (PA), in 7 of 8 hyperplastic parathyroid glands, and in 13 of 14 medullary thyroid carcinomas (MTC). When combining positivity for chromogranin A and calcitonin/CEA, the specificity for the detection of MTC was 100%. Parathyroid hormone was expressed in 26 of 36 parathyroid nodules (72.2%). When combining follicular microarchitecture and expression of chromogranin A, the specificity for the detection of parathyroid tissue was 97%. Conclusion: With the modified SCB technique, accurate cytological diagnoses were obtained in 97.6% of 82 patients.