bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What benefits do healthcare organisations receive from leadership and management development programmes? A systematic review of the evidence
Authors: Seidman Gabriel , Pascal Laurie , McDonough John
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Leadership and management training/development programmes have gained increasing institutional attention in healthcare organisations, and they have a wide variety of formats and approaches. However, limited evidence exists about effects of these programmes for the organisations that sponsor them. A minority of healthcare systems in the USA measure the impact of these programmes on organisational metrics such as staff turnover or cost savings. This systematic review sought to answer the question, ‘What evidence exists that leadership and/or management development and training programs yield benefits for health care organizations?’ These benefits could include return on investment, improved productivity/cohesion/teaming, or increased use of specific management skills (eg, strategic planning) that would directly benefit the organisation.

Methods

We followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines to conduct a systematic review of the relevant literature. We conducted two searches in PubMed and one in ABI/Inform, a business literature database. All articles included for the study were further categorised according to their relevance for answering the research questions, using predefined criteria based on their methodology and reported findings.

Results

Our search included 2462 studies, of which 55 met criteria for inclusion. We identified four potential organisation-level benefits to leadership and management training programmes: benefits to other staff (besides those who participate in the programmes), improved patient safety and satisfaction, tangible benefits from projects that were part of the programme and improved ability/confidence using leadership-related skills by programme participants. However, the research base on this topic is limited.

Conclusion

Although this research identified potential benefits of leadership and management programmes at the organisation level, additional research is needed to make definitive conclusions about their impact.
Role of nocturnal light intensity on adaptation to three consecutive night shifts: a counterbalanced crossover study
Authors: Sunde Erlend , Mrdalj Jelena , Pedersen Torhild , Thun Eirunn , Bjorvatn Bjørn , Grønli Janne , Harris Anette , Waage Siri , Pallesen Ståle
Published: February 2020

Objectives

To investigate how a standard ceiling mounted light-emitting diode (LED)-based bright light intervention affected alertness and neurobehavioural performance during three consecutive simulated night shifts, and timing of circadian rhythm after the shifts.

Methods

Twenty seven participants (20 females, 21.4±2.1 years; mean±SD) worked three consecutive night shifts (23:00–07:00) under a full-spectrum (4000 K) bright light (900 lx) and a standard light (90 lx) condition in a counterbalanced crossover design (separated by 4 weeks). Subjective alertness (Karolinska Sleepiness Scale) and neurobehavioural performance (Psychomotor Vigilance Task and Digit Symbol Substitution Test) were assessed five times during each shift. Salivary dim-light melatonin onset (DLMO) was assessed before and after the shifts. The simulated night shifts were conducted in a laboratory while the participants slept at home.

Results

Subjective alertness and neurobehavioural performance deteriorated during the night shifts in both light conditions. However, bright light significantly reduced alertness and performance decrements as compared with standard light. For a subset of the participants, DLMO was delayed by a mean of 3:17±0:23 (mean±SEM) hours after three night shifts in bright light and by 2:06±0:15 hours in standard light, indicating that bright light causes larger phase delay.

Conclusion

Bright light improved performance and alertness during simulated night shifts and improved adaptation to night work. Bright light administered by ceiling mounted LED luminaires has the potential to improve adaptation to night work and reduce the risk of accidents and injuries among night workers.

Trial registration number

NCT03203538.
Smoking trends in Mexico, 2002–2016: before and after the ratification of the WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control
Authors: Zavala-Arciniega Luis , Reynales-Shigematsu Luz Myriam , Levy David T , Lau Yan Kwan , Meza Rafael , Gutiérrez-Torres Daniela Sarahí , Arillo-Santillán Edna , Fleischer Nancy L , Thrasher James
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Mexico was the first Latin American country to ratify the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in 2004, after which it implemented some key FCTC policies (e.g., taxes, smoke-free, pictorial warnings and ad bans). This study assessed trends in the prevalence of current, daily and non-daily smoking in Mexico before and after the implementation of key FCTC policies.

Methods

Data were analysed from two comparable, nationally representative surveys (i.e., the National Survey on Addictions 2002, 2011 and 2016, and the Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2009 and 2015). The pooled sample comprised 100 302 persons aged 15–65 years. Changes in the prevalence of current, daily and non-daily smoking were assessed.

Results

From 2002 to 2016, the prevalence of current smoking fell 11% in relative terms (from 21.5% to 19.0%). The decrease was registered between 2002 and 2009, and after that, a slight increase was observed (from 16.5% in 2009 to 19% in 2016). The prevalence of daily smoking decreased by about 50% between 2002 and 2016 (from 13.5% to 7.0%) with most of the decrease occurring by 2009. Conversely, the prevalence of non-daily smoking increased by 35% between 2009 and 2016 (from 8.8% to 11.9%).

Conclusions

Full implementation of the FCTC is necessary to further reduce smoking. Specific interventions may be needed to target non-daily smokers, who now comprise more than half of current smokers in Mexico.
Association between electronic cigarette use and smoking cessation in the European Union in 2017: analysis of a representative sample of 13 057 Europeans from 28 countries
Authors: Farsalinos Konstantinos E , Barbouni Anastasia
Published: February 2020

Objectives

To examine the association between electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use and smoking cessation in the European Union (EU) in 2017 according to e-cigarette use frequency and smoking cessation duration.

Design

Cross-sectional survey of EU citizens, representative of the population (Special Eurobarometer 458). Weighted proportions (95% CI) and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) were calculated.

Setting

EU.

Participants

13 057 EU citizens aged ≥15 years (6904 current and 6153 former smokers).

Results

Current daily e-cigarette use was reported by 2.4% (1.8%–3.1%) of current and 3.3% (2.5%–4.2%) of former smokers (p=0.002), while former daily use was reported by 5.6% (4.7%–6.8%) and 1.9% (1.3%–2.7%), respectively (p<0.001). More than half of all former smokers had quit for >10 years. Current daily e-cigarette use was rare among former smokers of >10 years (0.2%, 0.1%–0.6%) and was more prevalent in former smokers of ≤2 and 3–5 years (12.9%, 9.1%–17.9% and 9.0%, 5.8%–13.7%, respectively). Compared with never use, current daily e-cigarette use was associated with being a former smoker of ≤2 (aPR 4.96, 95% CI 3.57 to 6.90) and 3–5 years (aPR 3.20, 95% CI 2.10 to 4.87). Former daily e-cigarette use was associated with being a former smoker of ≤2 years (aPR 1.96, 95% CI 1.21 to 3.12). Current daily e-cigarette use was negatively associated with being a former smoker of 5–10 and >10 years.

Conclusions

Current daily e-cigarette use in the EU in 2017 was rare among former smokers of >10 years and was positively associated with recent (≤5 years) smoking cessation. Former daily e-cigarette use was also positively associated with recent (≤2 years) smoking cessation.
Initial radiation DNA damage observed in prematurely condensed chromosomes of G2-phase human lymphocytes and analytical model of ion tracks
Authors: Kowalska Agata , Czerski Konrad , Nasonova Elena , Kutsalo Polina , Krasavin Eugene
Published: February 2020

In the present work, we have adopted the premature chromosome condensation (PCC) technique to study the initial DNA damage in order to distinguish between the biological and physical components of the dose-effect curves. We have studied G2-chromatid breaks in human lymphocytes, isochromatid-type breaks as well as chromatid exchanges at two different sampling times: directly after irradiation (t0) and 12 hours later (t12). The lymphocyte samples have been exposed to 150 MeV and spread out Bragg peak (SOBP) proton beams, 22 MeV/u 11B ions and for comparison to 60Co γ rays. Dose-response curves for both types of breaks have been determined. We have shown that t0 G2-chromatid breaks follow linear-quadratic dependence for all studied cases and could be used for estimation of the effective ion track radius. A comparison to the expected physical track radii leads to the conclusion that the biological repair mechanism considerably prevails the physical effect of the overlapping ion tracks even at the time t0. The results have been also compared to the dose-effect curves previously obtained in our chromosome aberrations study.

Graphical abstract
Dark matter around primordial black hole at the radiation-dominated stage
Authors: Eroshenko Yu. N.
Published: February 2020

The accumulation of dark matter particles near the primordial black holes starts at the radiation-dominated cosmological stage and produces the central density spikes. The spikes can be the bright gamma-ray sources due to dark matter annihilation. We present the self-consistent derivation of the equation of motion of particle in the metrics of primordial black hole immersed into cosmological background. By numerical solution of this equation we find the central dark matter density profile. The density growth is suppressed in the central part of the profile compared with previous calculations.
Non-equilibrium neutron stars
Authors: Yakovlev D. G.
Published: February 2020

Neutron stars contain superdense matter in their interiors. Characteristic densities in their cores are several times higher than the standard density of nuclear matter. This matter is so dense that it would be natural to assume that frequent particle collisions produce immediate equilibration. However, because of the slowness of some reactions, the equilibration with respect to them can be greatly delayed. Then one should deal with non-equilibrium stars which contain extra energy to be released. Deviations from equilibrium can affect neutrino emission of neutron stars, warm up their interiors and influence their thermal evolution. The effects of equilibration can be important for pulsating, rotating, accreting neutron stars, as well as for merging binary neutron stars.
SCRN: A Complex Network Reconstruction Method Based on Multiple Time Series
Authors: Meng Chao , Jiang Xue Song , Wei Xiu Mei
Published: February 2020

Complex network reconfiguration has always been an important task in complex network research. Simple and effective complex network reconstruction methods can promote the understanding of the operation of complex systems in the real world. There are many complex systems, such as stock systems, social systems and thermal power systems. These systems generally produce correlated time series of data. Discovering the relationships among these multivariate time series is the focus of this research. This paper proposes a Spearman coefficient reconstruction network (SCRN) method based on the Spearman correlation coefficient. In the SCRN method, we select entities in the real world as the nodes of the network and determine connection weights of the network edges by calculating the Spearman correlation coefficients among nodes. In this paper, we selected a stock system and boiler equipment in a thermal power generation system to construct two complex network models. For the stock network model, we used the classic Girvan–Newman (GN) algorithm for community discovery to determine whether the proposed network topology is reasonable. For the boiler network model, we built a predictive model based on an support vector regression (SVR) model in machine learning, and we verified the rationality of the boiler model by predicting the amount of boiler steam.
BPS spectra and 3-manifold invariants
Authors: Gukov Sergei , Pei Du , Putrov Pavel , Vafa Cumrun
Published: February 2020

We provide a physical definition of new homological invariants [Formula: see text] of 3-manifolds (possibly, with knots) labeled by abelian flat connections. The physical system in question involves a 6d fivebrane theory on [Formula: see text] times a 2-disk, [Formula: see text], whose Hilbert space of BPS states plays the role of a basic building block in categorification of various partition functions of 3d [Formula: see text] theory [Formula: see text]: [Formula: see text] half-index, [Formula: see text] superconformal index, and [Formula: see text] topologically twisted index. The first partition function is labeled by a choice of boundary condition and provides a refinement of Chern–Simons (WRT) invariant. A linear combination of them in the unrefined limit gives the analytically continued WRT invariant of [Formula: see text]. The last two can be factorized into the product of half-indices. We show how this works explicitly for many examples, including Lens spaces, circle fibrations over Riemann surfaces, and plumbed 3-manifolds.
Gravastar: An alternative to black hole
Authors: Ray Saibal , Sengupta Rikpratik , Nimesh Himanshu
Published: February 2020

In this work, we review thoroughly the origin, development and present status of gravastar which has been thought to be an alternative to black hole along with its future feasibility in the sense of astrophysical observation. The Mazur–Mottola model of the gravastar is introduced first followed by a review of its generalizations within the context of general relativity including physical applications like primordial and cylindrical gravastars. The study of gravastar in higher- and lower-dimensional general relativity (GR) including the higher-dimensional theories with physical insight like the Randall–Sundrum model is presented. The gravastar models in a number of modified gravity models starting from [Formula: see text] to Rastall–Rainbow gravity have been reviewed.
User Authentication Scheme for Internet of Things Using Near-Field Communication
Authors: Alharbi Muhammad H. , Alhazmi Omar H.
Published: February 2020

In the Internet of things (IoT), the user authentication process is becoming more critical with the growing number of the services provided by IoT. Securing access to these services by the user authentication process leads to high security to prevent any attack on the IoT network. The approach keeps the private information secured efficiently and ensuring that only authorized users can access this information. The proposed scheme uses only Chaskey hash function and XOR operation. The security analysis proves that it is immune to different types of attacks. Furthermore, the scheme is faster, lighter on resources and energy consumption compared to other existing schemes. Finally, we compare the proposed scheme to several other existing schemes on several aspects highlighting main differences.
A Necessary and Sufficient Condition for Partial Monotonicity of Noncooperative Games
Authors: Matsumoto Naoki
Published: February 2020

It is a classical and interesting problem to find a Nash equilibrium of noncooperative games in the strategic form. It is well known that the game always has a mixed-strategy Nash equilibrium, but it does not necessarily have a pure-strategy Nash equilibrium. Takeshita and Kawasaki proved that every noncooperative partially monotone game has a pure-strategy Nash equilibrium, that is, the partial monotonicity is a sufficient condition for a noncooperative game to have a pure-strategy Nash equilibrium. In this paper, we prove the necessary and sufficient condition for a noncooperative [Formula: see text]-person game with [Formula: see text] to be partially monotone. This result is an improvement of Takeshita and Kawasaki’s result.
Lie conformal algebras related to Galilean conformal algebras
Authors: Han Xiu , Wang Dengyin , Xia Chunguang
Published: February 2020

Let [Formula: see text] be a Lie conformal algebra related to Galilean conformal algebras, where [Formula: see text] are complex numbers. All the conformal derivations of [Formula: see text] are shown to be inner. The rank one conformal modules and [Formula: see text]-graded free intermediate series modules over [Formula: see text] are completely classified. The corresponding results of the finite conformal subalgebra of [Formula: see text] are also obtained as byproducts.
Zero-divisor graph of direct products of matrices over semirings
Authors: Dolžan David
Published: February 2020

We prove that the zero-divisor graph of a direct product of matrices over finite zero-divisor free semirings uniquely determines the sizes of matrices and cardinalities of semirings in question. We also give an example that the semirings themselves are not necessarily uniquely determined.
Ricci curvature and quantum geometry
Authors: Carfora Mauro , Familiari Francesca
Published: February 2020

We describe a few elementary aspects of the circle of ideas associated with a quantum field theory (QFT) approach to Riemannian Geometry, a theme related to how Riemannian structures are generated out of the spectrum of (random or quantum) fluctuations around a background fiducial geometry. In such a scenario, Ricci curvature with its subtle connections to diffusion, optimal transport, Wasserestein geometry and renormalization group, features prominently.
Approximate 5-2 Compressor Cell Using Spin-Based Majority Gates
Authors: Shafiabadi Mohammad Ali , Sharifi Fazel
Published: February 2020

One of the most interesting solutions for decreasing the static power of computational circuits is to use approximate computing. Approximate computing has been extensively considered to trade-off limited accuracy for improvements in other circuit metrics such as area, power and performance. On the other hand, the increasing leakage power and limited scalability have become serious obstacles that prevent the continuous miniaturization of conventional CMOS-based logic circuits. Spintronic devices are being considered as a promising alternative technology for silicon-based FET to implement digital circuits. In this paper, an approximate 5-2 compressor cell is presented using spin-based devices. The proposed circuit is designed by majority gates which can be implemented very easily and efficiently by spintronic threshold device (STD). The proposed design has been simulated comprehensively for both quantitative and qualitative metrics. The results show that the spin-based compressor decreases the power consumption about 7X compared to the best state-of-the-art design. Also, the application simulations using the multiplier implemented by the proposed compressor indicate the acceptable results.
A Novel Technique for Solving Fully Fuzzy Nonlinear Systems Based on Neural Networks
Authors: Jafari Raheleh , Razvarz Sina , Gegov Alexander
Published: February 2020

Predicting the solutions of complex systems is a crucial challenge. Complexity exists because of the uncertainty as well as nonlinearity. The nonlinearity in complex systems makes uncertainty irreducible in several cases. In this paper, two new approaches based on neural networks are proposed in order to find the estimated solutions of the fully fuzzy nonlinear system (FFNS). For obtaining the estimated solutions, a gradient descent algorithm is proposed in order to train the proposed networks. An example is proposed in order to show the efficiency of the considered approaches.
Problems of Optimal Control for a Class of Linear and Nonlinear Systems of the Economic Model of a Cluster
Authors: Murzabekov Zainelkhriet , Milosz Marek , Tussupova Kamshat , Mirzakhmedova Gulbanu
Published: February 2020

For the mathematical model of a three-sector economic cluster, the problem of optimal control with fixed ends of trajectories is considered. An algorithm for solving the optimal control problem for a system with a quadratic functional is proposed. Control is defined on the basis of the principle of feedback. The problem is solved using the Lagrange multipliers of a special form, which makes it possible to find a synthesizing control. The problem of optimal stabilization for a class of nonlinear systems with coefficients that depend on the state of the control object is considered. The results obtained for nonlinear systems are used in the construction of control parameters for a three-sector economic cluster on an infinite time interval.
Approximation Techniques for Solving Linear Systems of Volterra Integro-Differential Equations
Authors: Issa Ahmad , Qatanani Naji , Daraghmeh Adnan
Published: February 2020

In this paper, a collocation method using sinc functions and Chebyshev wavelet method is implemented to solve linear systems of Volterra integro-differential equations. To test the validity of these methods, two numerical examples with known exact solution are presented. Numerical results indicate that the convergence and accuracy of these methods are in good a agreement with the analytical solution. However, according to comparison of these methods, we conclude that the Chebyshev wavelet method provides more accurate results.
Local and Systemic Immune Dysregulation Alters Glioma Growth in Hyperglycemic Mice
Authors: Zhang Ian Y. , Zhou Hui , Liu Huili , Zhang Leying , Gao Hang , Liu Shunan , Song Yanyan , Alizadeh Darya , Yin Hongwei Holly , Pillai Raju , Badie Behnam
Published: February 2020

Purpose:

Unlike most cancers, no clear epidemiological correlation between diabetes (Db) and malignant glioma progression exists. Because hyperglycemia activates proinflammatory pathways through the receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE), we hypothesized that Db can also promote malignant glioma progression.

Experimental Design:

We compared the growth of two phenotypically diverse syngeneic glioma models in control and diabetic mice. Tumor growth and antitumor immune responses were evaluated in orthotopic and heterotopic models and correlated to RAGE and RAGE ligand expression.

Results:

Irrespective of tumor implantation site, growth of a “classical” glioma model, GL261, increased in hyperglycemic mice and was mediated by upregulation of RAGE and its ligand, HMGB1. However, growth of a “mesenchymal” glioma subtype, K-Luc, depended on tumor implantation site. Whereas heterotopic K-Luc tumors progressed rapidly in Db mice, intracranial K-Luc tumors grew slower. We further showed that hyperglycemia inhibited the innate antitumor inflammatory responses in both models. Although this contributed to the accelerated growth of heterotopic tumors, suppression of tumor inflammatory responses dampened the growth of orthotopic K-Luc gliomas.

Conclusions:

Hyperglycemia may enhance glioma growth through promotion of RAGE expression and suppression of antitumor immune responses. However, abrogation of the proinflammatory milieu in tumors may also dampen the growth of inflammatory glioma subtypes in the brains of diabetic mice. This dichotomy in glioma growth response to hyperglycemia may partly explain why conflicting epidemiological studies show both an increased risk and a protective effect of Db in patients with malignant gliomas.
Double Trouble: Concomitant RB1 and BRCA2 Depletion Evokes Aggressive Phenotypes
Authors: Mandigo Amy C. , Knudsen Karen E.
Published: February 2020

Coordinate single- or two copy loss of the BRCA2/RB1 tumor suppressor genes, which reside in close chromosomal proximity, were found to be associated with aggressive prostate cancer and therapeutic resistance. Modeling these events and analyses of human cancers suggest that dual depletion of BRCA2/RB1 may represent a distinct subtype of disease.

See related article by Chakraborty et al., p. 2047
Complex Rab4-Mediated Regulation of Endosomal Size and EGFR Activation
Authors: Tubbesing Kate , Ward Jamie , Abini-Agbomson Raymond , Malhotra Aditi , Rudkouskaya Alena , Warren Janine , Lamar John , Martino Nina , Adam Alejandro P. , Barroso Margarida
Published: February 2020

Early sorting endosomes are responsible for the trafficking and function of transferrin receptor (TfR) and EGFR. These receptors play important roles in iron uptake and signaling and are critical for breast cancer development. However, the role of morphology, receptor composition, and signaling of early endosomes in breast cancer remains poorly understood. A novel population of enlarged early endosomes was identified in breast cancer cells and tumor xenografts but not in noncancerous MCF10A cells. Quantitative analysis of endosomal morphology, cargo sorting, EGFR activation, and Rab GTPase regulation was performed using super-resolution and confocal microscopy followed by 3D rendering. MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells have fewer, but larger EEA1-positive early endosomes compared with MCF10A cells. Live-cell imaging indicated dysregulated cargo sorting, because EGF and Tf traffic together via enlarged endosomes in MDA-MB-231, but not in MCF10A. Large EEA1-positive MDA-MB-231 endosomes exhibited prolonged and increased EGF-induced activation of EGFR upon phosphorylation at tyrosine-1068 (EGFR-p1068). Rab4A overexpression in MCF10A cells produced EEA1-positive enlarged endosomes that displayed prolonged and amplified EGF-induced EGFR-p1068 activation. Knockdown of Rab4A lead to increased endosomal size in MCF10A, but not in MDA-MB-231 cells. Nevertheless, Rab4A knockdown resulted in enhanced EGF-induced activation of EGFR-p1068 in MDA-MB-231 as well as downstream signaling in MCF10A cells. Altogether, this extensive characterization of early endosomes in breast cancer cells has identified a Rab4-modulated enlarged early endosomal compartment as the site of prolonged and increased EGFR activation.

Implications:

Enlarged early endosomes play a Rab4-modulated role in regulation of EGFR activation in breast cancer cells.
OLR1 Promotes Pancreatic Cancer Metastasis via Increased c-Myc Expression and Transcription of HMGA2
Authors: Yang Gang , Xiong Guangbing , Feng Mengyu , Zhao Fangyu , Qiu Jiangdong , Liu Yueze , Cao Zhe , Wang Huanyu , Yang Jinshou , You Lei , Zheng Lianfang , Zhang Taiping , Zhao Yupei
Published: February 2020

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal human malignancies, partly because of its propensity for metastasis. However, the mechanisms of metastasis in pancreatic cancer remain unclear. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor 1 (OLR1), a lectin-like scavenger receptor that recognizes several ligands, such as oxidized low-density lipoprotein, was previously reported in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The role and mechanism of OLR1 in pancreatic cancer is unclear. In this study, we found that OLR1 expression was significantly higher in pancreatic cancer tissues than that in adjacent normal tissues and closely associated with reduced overall survival. OLR1 promoted proliferation and metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, OLR1 increased HMGA2 transcription by upregulating c-Myc expression to promote the metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells. In addition, patients with pancreatic cancer with high expression of OLR1–c-Myc–HMGA2 axis showed worse prognosis compared with patients with low expression of OLR1–c-Myc–HMGA2 axis.

Implications:

Our findings suggested that the OLR1–c-Myc–HMGA2 axis promotes metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells and may serve as potential therapeutic targets and prognosis markers for patients with pancreatic cancer.
Advances in the Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia: New Drugs and New Challenges
Authors: Short Nicholas J. , Konopleva Marina , Kadia Tapan M. , Borthakur Gautam , Ravandi Farhad , DiNardo Courtney D. , Daver Naval
Published: February 2020

The therapeutic armamentarium of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has rapidly expanded in the past few years, driven largely by translational research into its genomic landscape and an improved understanding of mechanisms of resistance to conventional therapies. However, primary and secondary drug resistance remains a substantial problem for most patients. Research into the mechanisms of resistance to these new agents is informing the development of the next class of AML drugs and the design of combination regimens aimed at optimally exploiting therapeutic vulnerabilities, with the ultimate goal of eradicating all subclones of the disease and increasing cure rates in AML.

Significance:

AML is a heterogeneous disease, characterized by a broad spectrum of molecular alterations that influence clinical outcomes and also provide potential targets for drug development. This review discusses the current and emerging therapeutic landscape of AML, highlighting novel classes of drugs and how our expanding knowledge of mechanisms of resistance are informing future therapies and providing new opportunities for effective combination strategies.
Fibroblast Heterogeneity in the Pancreatic Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Helms Erin , Onate M. Kathrina , Sherman Mara H.
Published: February 2020

The poor prognosis for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) impels an improved understanding of disease biology to facilitate the development of better therapies. PDAC typically features a remarkably dense stromal reaction, featuring and established by a prominent population of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF). Genetically engineered mouse models and increasingly sophisticated cell culture techniques have demonstrated important roles for fibroblasts in PDAC progression and therapy response, but these roles are complex, with strong evidence for both tumor-supportive and tumor-suppressive or homeostatic functions. Here, we review the recent literature that has improved our understanding of heterogeneity in fibroblast fate and function in this disease including the existence of distinct fibroblast populations, and highlight important avenues for future study.

Significance:

Although the abundant stromal reaction associated with pancreatic cancer has long been appreciated, the functions of the CAF cells that establish this stromal reaction remain unclear. An improved understanding of the transcriptional and functional heterogeneity of pancreatic CAFs, as well as their tumor-supportive versus tumor-suppressive capacity, may facilitate the development of effective therapies for this disease.
Jesus and the Food Laws Revisited
Authors: Grindheim Sigurd
Published: February 2020

This article challenges the emerging consensus that Jesus was a faithful Jew whose teaching could be understood within the bounds of first-century Jewish legal discussion. It is argued that Mark’s remark, that “Jesus declared all foods clean” (Mk 7:19b), adequately represents the originally intended meaning of an authentic saying regarding ethical and ceremonial purity (Mk 7:15, 18–19 par.). If so, he did not consider all of the stipulations of the Mosaic law to be binding.
Indeterminate States in Transcultural Histories
Authors: Sengupta Sulagna
Published: February 2020

This paper explores the Jung-India continuum which encapsulates many centuries of transcultural history. At the centre is Germany’s role in advancing Sanskrit scholarship, the Sacred Books of the East being one of Jung’s primary sources of readings on India. Jung’s notions about India were guided by German romanticism and enclosed many layers of cultural interactions between the two countries. They reflect historical moments of how notions about race and culture were formed through various interconnected movements. Jung’s long engagement with and his journey through India, at many points held indeterminate ideas about culture and feelings of otherness about India, its people, knowledge, religious goals etc. This paper elaborates on Jung’s notion of ‘cultural other’ with reference to India. India was also the ground for his discovery of his own psychological standpoint different from the East and the dream of the Grail. Jung had many divergences with Indian philosophers and spiritualists which made these transcultural exchanges complex. For example, the concept of unconscious psyche is absent in Indian philosophical knowledge. This paper examines these issues in understanding the notion of ‘cultural other’ in Jung, and the various ways by which he carried and expressed his differences, that facilitated a relational pathway between Jung and India, critical for future inquiry and dialogue.
Farīdūn Sipahsālār on the Death of Mawlānā Rūmī
Authors: Waley Muhammad Isa
Published: February 2020

This article presents an English translation of the Persian account by Farīdūn Sipahsālār from his treatise Risāla-yi Sipahsālār on the life of Mawlānā Rūmī, written about half a century after the poet’s death by an individual who was a member of his circle. This work therefore provides a relatively early, perhaps first-hand, devotional account in prose of the funeral of Rūmī. This passage is excerpted from a forthcoming translation of Sipahsālār’s treatise by Muhammad Isa Waley.
Two new Brazilian species of Begonia (Begoniaceae) from Atlantic Coastal Forest

Authors: JACQUES ELIANE DE LIMA
Published: February 2020

Two new species of Begonia (Begoniaceae) from Brazil are described and illustrated. Begonia cunhambebii and Begonia lorenzii are narrow endemic species from Atlantic Coastal Forest, an area full of endemism and with huge species richness. Preliminary IUCN Red List assessments are provided for the species.
The identity of the invasive yellow-striped terrestrial planarian found recently in Europe: Caenoplana variegata (Fletcher & Hamilton, 1888) or Caenoplana bicolor (Graff, 1899)?
Authors: JONES HUGH D , MATEOS EDUARDO , RIUTORT MARTA , ÁLVAREZ-PRESAS MARTA
Published: February 2020

Terrestrial planarians with a dorsal yellow stripe and dark lateral surfaces and up to 15-20 cm long have been found in several countries in Europe, the earliest in 2008. They are similar to two species originally from Australia, Caenoplana variegata (Fletcher & Hamilton, 1888) and C. bicolor (Graff, 1899), both described on external characters only, with no anatomical information. Careful reading suggests that there is no significant difference between the original descriptions. Further: observations on live specimens show considerable variation between individuals and in individuals over time and before and after feeding, negating any distinction between descriptions. Examination of three sectioned specimens shows considerable difference in sexual maturity, though one seems almost fully mature and the reproductive system is described. Molecular results show that specimens from the United Kingdom and Spain are of the same species. It is concluded that the planarians should be referred to as C. variegata, C. bicolor being a junior synonym.
Impacts of Wildfire Aerosols on Global Energy Budget and Climate: The Role of Climate Feedbacks
Authors: Jiang Yiquan , Yang Xiu-Qun , Liu Xiaohong , Qian Yun , Zhang Kai , Wang Minghuai , Li Fang , Wang Yong , Lu Zheng
Published: February 2020

Aerosols emitted from wildfires could significantly affect global climate through perturbing global radiation balance. In this study, the Community Earth System Model with prescribed daily fire aerosol emissions is used to investigate fire aerosols’ impacts on global climate with emphasis on the role of climate feedbacks. The total global fire aerosol radiative effect (RE) is estimated to be −0.78 ± 0.29 W m−2, which is mostly from shortwave RE due to aerosol–cloud interactions (REaci; −0.70 ± 0.20 W m−2). The associated global annual-mean surface air temperature (SAT) change ∆T is −0.64 ± 0.16 K with the largest reduction in the Arctic regions where the shortwave REaci is strong. Associated with the cooling, the Arctic sea ice is increased, which acts to reamplify the Arctic cooling through a positive ice-albedo feedback. The fast response (irrelevant to ∆T) tends to decrease surface latent heat flux into atmosphere in the tropics to balance strong atmospheric fire black carbon absorption, which reduces the precipitation in the tropical land regions (southern Africa and South America). The climate feedback processes (associated with ∆T) lead to a significant surface latent heat flux reduction over global ocean areas, which could explain most (~80%) of the global precipitation reduction. The precipitation significantly decreases in deep tropical regions (5°N) but increases in the Southern Hemisphere tropical ocean, which is associated with the southward shift of the intertropical convergence zone and the weakening of Southern Hemisphere Hadley cell. Such changes could partly compensate the interhemispheric temperature asymmetry induced by boreal forest fire aerosol indirect effects, through intensifying the cross-equator atmospheric heat transport.
Scholars’ influence on their institutions: Reputation, prestige, and rankings
Authors: Williams Adam , Slagle Derek R , Wilson Darrin
Published: February 2020

This research article examines the relationship of individual scholars to overall research production and develops new ranking schema upon the absence of top individual scholarship as demonstrations of individual scholarship relative to total rankings. The study creates a ranking system focused on the impact of individual scholars in public administration research. The contributions of this ranking system are to provide a different view than traditional ranking schemas at the institutional and departmental level. In addition, questions about the significance of scholarship within the discipline and for academic institutions outlines the reinforcing nature of systems aimed at identifying a “best” within public administration. Comparisons of findings are discussed in contrast to reputational and prestige ranking systems. Subsequent discussion is focused on the importance of individual scholarship to the institutional rankings through evaluating individual movement between institutions.
Macrophages, Endothelial Cells, and Lipoprotein Oxidation in the Pathogenesis of Atherosclerosis*
Authors: Rosenfeld Michael E. , Palinski Wulf , Ylä-Herttuala Seppo , Carew Thomas E.
Published: February 2020

One of the earliest phenomena in the atherogenic process in cholesterol-fed rabbits appears to be the trapping of low density lipoproteins (LDL) at lesion-prone sites in the aorta. The resulting increase in residence time may facilitate oxidation of the lipoproteins, which, in turn, may be a chemotactic signal for monocytes to enter the intima. Oxidized lipoproteins may also be the major source of the cholesterol that the cells accumulate during their transformation into macrophage-derived foam cells (MFC). Adherent monocytes appear to cluster over small groups of subendothelial foam cells, perhaps in response to the enhanced expression of specific adhesion molecules on the surface of endothelial cells and/or monocytes following activation by oxidized lipoproteins. Lipoproteins oxidized by MFC may also injure endothelial cells causing them to retract or rupture. The resulting exposure of the MFC facilitates the formation of mural thrombi. MFC contain oxidation-specific lipid-protein adducts and specifically express the mRNA for 15-lipoxygenase, an enzyme potentially involved in lipoprotein oxidation. MFC isolated from atherosclerotic lesions and containing up to 600 μg cholesterol/mg protein are still capable of binding and degrading modified lipoproteins and affecting the oxidation of LDL.
Design of Novel Thrombolytic Agents via Domain Modifications*
Authors: Erickson Laurence A. , Marotti Keith R.
Published: February 2020

Generation of plasmin in the vicinity of a blood clot has proven to be an effective approach for treating thrombotic disorders, particularly myocardial infarction. Conceptually, the ideal thrombolytic agent would initiate the formation of plasmin, primarily in association with fibrin incorporated into the occlusive thrombus. Thus, thrombolytic agents that exhibit relative fibrin specificity and, thus, presumably clot selectivity (e.g., tissue plasminogen activator) were expected to have a marked clinical benefit compared to agents that do not display affinity for fibrin (e.g., streptokinase). However, results obtained recently from clinical trials indicate that these 2 agents essentially were equally effective in treating myocardial infarction. With these findings in mind, efforts are being made to develop novel thrombolytic agents that might achieve more rapid and specific thrombolysis than that achieved by presently available agents and, thus, could be administered earlier because of an improved margin of safety. The available data suggest that tissue-type PA (tPA) mutants possessing resistance to endogenous inhibitors, altered fibrin affinity, and/or slower rates of clearance may prove beneficial in this regard. In addition, adjunctive therapies (i.e., anti-platelet and anti-thrombin compounds) have been found to decrease the time necessary to achieve reperfusion and have reduced rates of reocclusion. These efforts are expected to yield therapeutic agents in the 1990s and beyond that, when administered in combination, would exhibit increased efficacy in the treatment of myocardial infarction and other thrombotic disorders.
Primary Clear Cell Adenocarcinoma of the Head and Neck: A Population‐Based Analysis
Authors: Mukdad Laith , Han Albert Y. , Badran Karam , Alonso Jose E. , Nasser Hassan B. , Goel Alexander N. , St. John Maie A.
Published: February 2020

Objective

To characterize the epidemiology and clinicopathologic determinants of survival following the diagnosis of clear cell adenocarcinoma in the head and neck region.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry (1994 to 2014).

Subjects and Methods

A total of 173 cases were identified. Study variables included age, sex, race, tumor subsite, tumor stage, tumor grade, surgical excision, and regional and distant metastases. Survival measures included overall survival (OS) and disease‐specific survival (DSS).

Results

Median age at diagnosis was 63 years, 48% were female, and 80.2% were white. Fourteen percent of patients presented with regional lymph node metastases, while 3.3% of patients presented with distant metastases. Most of the tumors presented in the oral cavity, salivary glands, and pharynx. Kaplan‐Meier analysis demonstrated OS and DSS of 77.2% and 83.7% at 5 years, respectively. Median OS after diagnosis was 153 months. Bivariate analysis showed that surgical excision was associated with 5‐fold increased OS and DSS, whereas advanced age, high tumor grade, advanced stage, larger tumor size, nodal disease, and distant metastases were all significant predictors of decreased OS and DSS.

Conclusions

Clear cell adenocarcinoma is a rare neoplasm that typically affects white individuals in their early 60s, with a generally favorable prognosis. It most commonly arises in the oral cavity, major salivary glands, and pharynx. Surgical excision is associated with 5‐fold survival benefit, whereas advanced age, high tumor grade, advanced stage, nodal disease, and distant metastases are independently associated with worse OS and DSS.
Identification and characterisation of fluorescent substances in spent dialysis fluid
Authors: Meibaum Jörn , Krause Silvie , Hillmer Hartmut , Marcelli Daniele , Strohhöfer Christof
Published: February 2020

Patients who suffer from end-stage renal disease require renal replacement therapy, including haemodialysis. While applying extracorporeal blood treatment, uraemic toxins accumulated in the patients’ blood pass into a physiological solution, the dialysis fluid. Thus, important information about the patient’s health status can be obtained by analysing the spent dialysis fluid. To make use of this information, corresponding analysis concepts must be developed. In this context, this article reports the analysis of fluorescence in spent dialysis fluid. Excitation and emission maxima of fluorescence in spent dialysis fluid were recorded, and the main fluorescent substances were identified and quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. Fluorescence in spent dialysis fluid has two prominent excitation maxima at λex1 = 228 nm and λex2 = 278 nm. However, both excitation maxima cause emission with maxima at λem = 350 nm. Identification of fluorescent substances using high-performance liquid chromatography showed that the main contributors to the overall fluorescence in spent dialysis fluid are tyrosine, tryptophan, indoxyl sulphate and indole-3-acetic acid. However, these substances are responsible for only one-third of the overall fluorescence of spent dialysis fluid. A large number of substances, each of which contributes only to a small part to the overall fluorescence, emit the remaining fluorescence.
On the optimum process parameters of infrared curing of carbon fiber-reinforced plastics
Authors: Alpay YO , Uygur I , Kilincel M
Published: February 2020

Autoclave-cured carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRPs) are widely used in aerospace and aviation industries. However, they have a limited field in automotive or marine industries in which both the unit costs of the products and applicability to mass production are of primary concern. Therefore, out-of-autoclave (OoA) processed products having similar mechanical properties with autoclave cured ones have been extensively studied. In this study, infrared (IR) curing, an OoA curing method, was investigated. The aim of the study is to propose a reliable temperature control method for an IR CFRP curing oven. A methodology that provides the surface and through-thickness temperature distribution of IR cured epoxy matrix CFRP was introduced. Optimum ply number and the distance between the heat source and the material were determined. Material surface was separated into nine virtual regions and region-based thermal evaluations were made by means of the thermal camera images and thermocouple data. Temperature distribution through thickness was determined. When designing a robust IR thermoset CFRP curing process, one should consider the temperature distribution on the surface and through the thickness of the material.
Effect of pyrolysis carbon black from waste tires on the properties of styrene–butadiene rubber compounds
Authors: Lai Sun-Mou , Chu Yun-Lan , Chiu Yu Ting , Chang Ming-Chi , Hsieh Tung-Yuan , Hsieh Ming-Hsien
Published: February 2020

Only a few works focus on the use of commercial pyrolysis carbon black (PCB) to replace with commodity carbon black in terms of increasing environmental awareness. In this work, a commercial PCB (ET (Enrestec) black) from waste tires was compared with N660 carbon black in styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) compounds using standard American Society for Testing and Materials recipes. Particle aggregate size, composition, and surface functionality of ET black and N660 were analyzed through light scattering, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, respectively. Higher compound viscosity and aggregation power for ET black filler in the rubber matrix was observed. A progressive decrement of approximately 20% in M300 from 15.2 MPa for N660-filled SBR to 12.4 MPa for ET black-filled SBR with increasing ET black ratio in the fillers was clearly observed. ET black could potentially replace 20% in N660 without much influence for SBR compounds in terms of tensile strength. The effect of ET black content on the tear strength was less marginal than the tensile strength. However, with increasing the ET black content, the abrasion resistance index progressively decreased. Thus, it was quite beneficial to consider the merit of PCB in terms of the applications required for tearing resistance. This paves the way for the opportunities to expand further commercial application of PCB from waste tires in the light of environmental awareness.