bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma survival based on the expression of 15 lncRNAs
Authors: Zhang Boxin , Wang Haihui , Guo Ziyan , Zhang Xinhai
Published: March 2019

Recent evidence suggests that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are essential regulators of many cancer‐related processes, including cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. There is thus a reason to believe that the detection of lncRNAs may be useful as a diagnostic and prognostic strategy for cancer detection, however, at present no effective genome‐wide tests are available for clinical use, constraining the use of such a strategy. In this study, we performed a comprehensive assessment of lncRNAs expressed in samples in the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cohort available in The Cancer Genome Atlas database. A risk score (RS) model was constructed based on the expression data of these 15 lncRNAs in the validation data set of HNSCC patients and was subsequently validated in validation data set and the entire data set. We were able to stratify patients into high‐ and low‐risk categories, using our lncRNA expression panel to determine an RS, with significant differences in overall survival (OS) between these two groups in our test set (median survival, 1.863 vs. 5.484 years; log‐rank test, p < 0.001). We were able to confirm the predictive value of our 15‐lncRNA signature using both a validation data set and a full data set, finding our signature to be reproducible and effective as a means of predicting HNSCC patient OS. Through the multivariate Cox regression and stratified analyses, we were further able to confirm that the predictive value of this RS was independent of other predictive factors such as clinicopathological parameters. The Gene set enrichment analysis revealed potential functional roles for these 15 lncRNAs in tumor progression. Our findings indicate that an RS established based on a panel of lncRNA expression signatures can effectively predict OS and facilitate patient stratification in HNSCC.
Overexpression of TRIM26 suppresses the proliferation, metastasis, and glycolysis in papillary thyroid carcinoma cells
Authors: Wang Kefeng , Chai Linyan , Qiu Zhengguo , Zhang Yundong , Gao Haiyan , Zhang Xiaozhi
Published: March 2019

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the common subtype of thyroid cancer, which is a common endocrine malignancy. Tripartite motif 26 (TRIM26) has been found to act as a tumor suppressor in several cancers. However, the functional roles of TRIM26 in PTC remain unknown. In this study, we examined the TRIM26 expression in PTC and evaluated the effects of TRIM26 on proliferation, metastasis, and glycolysis in PTC cells. The results proved that TRIM26 was significantly downregulated in PTC tissues and cell lines. TRIM26 overexpression inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in PTC cells. TRIM26 overexpression also suppressed the epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition process. Besides, overexpression of TRIM26 caused significant decrease in glucose uptake and lactate production in PTC cells. Further investigations revealed that TRIM26 overexpression inhibited the activation of PI3K/Akt pathway. Treatment with an activator (740Y‐P) of the PI3K/AKT pathway reversed the antitumor effects of TRIM26 on PTC cells. These findings provided evidence that TRIM26 acted as a tumor suppressor in PTC.
Image formation modeling and analysis of near‐eye light field displays
Authors: Qin Zong , Chou Ping‐Yen , Wu Jui‐Yi , Chen Yu‐Ting , Huang Cheng‐Ting , Balram Nikhil , Huang Yi‐Pai
Published: March 2019

Near‐eye light field displays based on integral imaging through a microlens array provide attractive features like ultra‐compact volume and freedom of the vergence‐accommodation conflict to head‐mounted displays with virtual or augmented reality functions. To enable optimal design and analysis of such systems, it is desirable to have a physical model that incorporates all factors that affect the image formation, including diffraction, aberration, defocusing, and pixel size. Therefore, in this study, using the fundamental Huygens‐Fresnel principle and the Arizona eye model with adjustable accommodation, we develop an image formation model that can numerically calculate the retinal light field image with near‐perfect accuracy, and experimentally verify it with a prototype system. Next, based on this model, the visual resolution is analyzed for different field of views (FOVs). As a result, a rapid resolution decay with respect to FOV caused by off‐axis aberration is demonstrated. Finally, resolution variations as a function of image depth are analyzed based on systems with different central depth planes. Significantly, the resolution decay is revealed to plateau when the image depth is large enough, which is different from real‐image type light field displays.
Crosstalk‐free dual‐view integral imaging display
Authors: Wu Fei , Liu Ze‐Sheng , Deng Hui
Published: March 2019

We propose a crosstalk‐free dual‐view integral imaging display. It is composed of a display panel, a barrier array, and a micro‐lens array. The central barrier is located at the vertical central axes of the display panel and the micro‐lens array to split the element image array and the viewing zone. Moreover, other barriers are located at the margins of the elemental images and corresponding micro‐lenses to eliminate the crosstalk. The lights emitting from the left and right half of the element image array are modulated by the left and right half of the micro‐lens array to reconstruct the right and left viewing zones, respectively. A prototype of the proposed dual‐view integral imaging display is developed, and good experimental results agree well with the theory.
Concurrent palliative care in the surgical management of head and neck cancer
Authors: McCammon Susan D.
Published: March 2019

Head and neck cancer affects vital functions of speech, swallowing, breathing, and appearance. Overall survival remains poor and symptom burden is high for both patients with incurable disease at the end of life and for long‐term survivors. Early and concurrent palliative care helps guide treatment decision making and support quality of life during and after treatment. Both narrative competence and directive counsel can affect the concordance of patient goals and tolerance of treatment and outcomes.
Evaluation of Left Atrial Functions by 2‐dimensional Speckle‐Tracking Echocardiography During Healthy Pregnancy
Authors: Tasar Onur , Kocabay Gonenc , Karagoz Ali , Kalayci Karabay Arzu , Karabay Can Yucel , Kalkan Sedat , Kirma Cevat
Published: March 2019

Objectives

We aimed to determine the effects of normal pregnancy on left atrial (LA) mechanics using 2‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiography.

Methods

A total of 47 healthy women with singleton pregnancies were prospectively enrolled in this study. A total of 4 visits, including each trimester and postpartum at 6 months, were planned. Echocardiographic studies were performed with a Vivid 7 device equipped with a 2.5‐MHz transducer (GE Vingmed Ultrasound AS, Horten, Norway).

Results

Although the LA reservoir phase strain showed a gradual decrease from the first trimester to the third trimester during pregnancy, the measurements in the postpartum period were found to return to initial levels (mean ± SD: first trimester, 40.3% ± 11.7%; second trimester, 37.5% ± 12.9%; third trimester, 33.5% ± 9.0%; postpartum, 42.1% ± 11.1%; P < .001). The LA pump function strain was also parallel to the LA reservoir strain and gradually decreased from the first trimester to the third trimester during pregnancy, and it was observed that rose to the initial level in the postpartum period (first trimester, 16.7% ± 7.4%; second trimester, 14.8% ± 5.5%; third trimester, 12.7% ± 4.3%; postpartum, 15.8% ± 5.5%; P < .001).

Conclusions

We prospectively determined normal reference values for LA deformation parameters using speckle‐tracking echocardiography in each trimester and the postpartum period in healthy pregnancy. These reference values may help identify subclinical LA dysfunction in several cardiovascular or systemic conditions. According to this study, these parameters decreased toward the third trimester during pregnancy and recovered in the postpartum period.
Overgrazing leads to soil cracking that later triggers the severe degradation of alpine meadows on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Niu Yujie , Zhu Huimin , Yang Siwei , Ma Sujie , Zhou Jianwei , Chu Bin , Hua Rui , Hua Limin
Published: March 2019

Soil cracking is an important process and feature of degradation in terrestrial ecosystems. However, the patterns and causes of cracks related to alpine rangeland overgrazing have not been reported. In this study, we used a multiscale approach to investigate the distribution of soil‐cracking areas at a landscape scale (217 survey sites), selected the grazing‐induced parameter that was closely related to the cracks at a small scale (2013–2017), and evaluated the water infiltration due to mosaic cracking at a microscale. The results showed that cracks only formed in the alpine meadow after overstocking. Soil compaction and water content explained 89.0% of the total variance in the crack characteristics, and soil compaction was closely related to cracking. The initial infiltration rate and steady infiltration rate of the healed cracks were significantly higher than those in the raised areas in the centre of the mosaic crack patches (p < .001). We propose a new model of alpine meadow degradation considering the cracking phenomenon due to overgrazing and provide key and easy‐to‐measure indicators to prevent overgrazing and cracking: a residual biomass greater than 65 g m−2 and a height greater than 6 cm, and the soil compaction should be lower than 1,044.26 ± 188.88 kPa. These safeguard thresholds warn rangeland managers to reduce the stocking rate or improve grazing management. We suggest that the cracking stage of alpine rangelands is the most critical turning point in the process of rangeland degradation and that rangeland managers should pay more attention to crack phenomena to prevent severe degradation.
Ultrafast (milliseconds), multidimensional RF pulse design with deep learning
Authors: Vinding Mads Sloth , Skyum Birk , Sangill Ryan , Lund Torben Ellegaard
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Some advanced RF pulses, like multidimensional RF pulses, are often long and require substantial computation time because of a number of constraints and requirements, sometimes hampering clinical use. However, the pulses offer opportunities of reduced‐FOV imaging, regional flip‐angle homogenization, and localized spectroscopy, e.g., of hyperpolarized metabolites. Proposed herein is a novel deep learning approach to ultrafast design of multidimensional RF pulses with intention of real‐time pulse updates.

Methods

The proposed neural network considers input maps of the desired excitation region of interest and outputs a single‐channel, multidimensional RF pulse. The training library is, e.g., retrieved from a large image database, and the target RF pulses trained upon are calculated with a method of choice.

Results

A relatively simple neural network is enough to produce reliable 2D spatial‐selective RF pulses of comparable performance to the teaching method. For binary regions of interest, the training library does not need to be vast; hence, reestablishment of the training library is not necessarily cumbersome. The predicted pulses were tested numerically and experimentally at 3 T.

Conclusion

Relatively effortless training of multidimensional RF pulses, based on non‐MRI‐related inputs, but working in an MRI setting still, has been demonstrated. The prediction time of a few milliseconds renders real‐time updates of advanced RF pulses possible.
Finite rotation exact geometry solid‐shell element for laminated composite structures through extended SaS formulation and 3D analytical integration
Authors: Kulikov Gennady M. , Plotnikova Svetlana V.
Published: March 2019

A nonlinear exact geometry hybrid‐mixed four‐node solid‐shell element using the sampling surfaces (SaS) formulation is developed for the analysis of the second Piola‐Kirchhoff stress that extends the authors' finite element (Int J Numer Methods Eng. 2019;117:498‐522) to laminated composite shells. The SaS formulation is based on choosing inside the layers the arbitrary number of SaS parallel to the middle surface and located at Chebyshev polynomial nodes in order to introduce the displacements of these surfaces as basic shell unknowns. The external surfaces and interfaces are also included into a set of SaS. The proposed hybrid‐mixed solid‐shell element is based on the Hu‐Washizu variational principle and is completely free of shear and membrane locking. The tangent stiffness matrix is evaluated by efficient three‐dimensional (3D) analytical integration. As a result, the developed exact geometry solid‐shell element exhibits a superior performance in the case of coarse meshes and allows the use of load increments, which are much larger than possible with existing displacement‐based solid‐shell elements. It could be useful for the 3D stress analysis of thick and thin doubly curved laminated composite shells because the SaS formulation gives the possibility to obtain the 3D solutions with a prescribed accuracy.
I‐Optimal design of poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic) acid/hydroxyapatite three‐dimensional scaffolds produced by thermally induced phase separation
Authors: Liu Junyi , Zhang Jing , James Paul F. , Yousefi Azizeh‐Mitra
Published: March 2019

In bone tissue engineering, three‐dimensional (3D) scaffolds are often designed to have adequate modulus while taking into consideration the requirement for a highly porous network for cell seeding and tissue growth. This article presents the design optimization of 3D scaffolds made of poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic) acid (PLGA) and nanohydroxyapatite (nHA), produced by thermally induced phase separation (TIPS). Slow cooling at a rate of 1°C/min enabled a uniform temperature and produced porous scaffolds with a relatively uniform pore size. An I‐optimal design of experiments (DoE) with 18 experimental runs was used to relate four responses (scaffold thickness, density, porosity, and modulus) to three experimental factors, namely the TIPS temperature (−20, −10, and 0°C), PLGA concentration (7%, 10%, and 13% w/v), and nHA content (0%, 15%, and 30% w/w). The response surface analysis using JMP® software predicted a temperature of −18.3°C, a PLGA concentration of 10.3% w/v, and a nHA content of 30% w/w to achieve a thickness of 3 mm, a porosity of 83%, and a modulus of ~4 MPa. The set of validation scaffolds prepared using the predicted factor levels had a thickness of 3.05 ± 0.37 mm, a porosity of 86.8 ± 0.9%, and a modulus of 3.57 ± 2.28 MPa. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:1146–1157 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Zinc finger domain of the human DTX protein adopts a unique RING fold
Authors: Miyamoto Kazuhide , Fujiwara Yuma , Saito Kazuki
Published: March 2019

The Deltex (DTX) family is involved in ubiquitination and acts as Notch signaling modifiers for controlling cell fate determination. DTX promotes the development of the ubiquitin chain via its RING finger (DTX_RING). In this study, the solution structure of DTX_RING was determined using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Moreover, by experiments with a metallochromic indicator, we spectrophotometrically estimated the stoichiometry of zinc ions and found that DTX_RING possesses zinc‐binding capabilities. The Simple Modular Architecture Research Tool database predicted the structure of DTX_RING as a typical RING finger. However, the actual DTX_RING structure adopts a novel RING fold with a unique topology distinct from other RING fingers. We unveiled the position and the range of the DTX_RING active site at the atomic level. Artificial RING fingers (ARFs) are made by grafting active sites of the RING fingers onto cross‐brace structure motifs. Therefore, the present structural analysis could be useful for designing a novel ARF.
Water‐soluble food dye of Allura Red as a tracer to determine the spray deposition of pesticide on target crops
Authors: Gao Saichao , Wang Guobin , Zhou Yangyang , Wang Ming , Yang Daibin , Yuan Huizhu , Yan Xiaojing
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

Quantification of spray deposition on a target crop is of vital importance to optimize pesticide application. In traditional determinations of spray deposition, a large amount of organic solvent is used to extract pesticides from the target crops. In this study, a water‐soluble food dye of Allura Red was developed as a tracer to determine pesticide spray deposition on a rice target crop.

RESULTS

The addition of Allura Red does not obviously alter the physicochemical properties of pesticides (viscosity, density and surface tension) and droplet spectra. An ultra‐performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) analytical method was developed and validated to determine the deposition amount of Allura Red on rice plants. Method accuracy and precision for Allura Red were found to be satisfactory with recoveries of 96.07% to 107.48%. To validate the method, comparative deposition analyses were carried out using representative systematic and non‐systematic pesticides (nitenpyram and chlorothalonil) under the same spraying scenarios using a Potter spray tower. Allura Red and pesticides showed comparable deposition under the same application conditions with ratios from 0.98 to 1.21. A field trial using an unmanned aerial vehicle sprayer further indicated that the deposition rates for Allura Red and nitenpyram on rice seedling were 13.04% and 11.07%, with corresponding relative standard deviation values (n = 5) of 16.39% and 18.79%.

CONCLUSION

A laboratory test and field trial confirmed that the developed method of using Allura Red as a tracer for spray deposition assessment is feasible and practicable. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Modification of the convective adjustment time‐scale in the Kain–Fritsch eta scheme for the case of weakly forced deep convection over the Tibetan Plateau region
Authors: Wang Chenghai , Wu Di , Zhang Feimin
Published: March 2019

There is general uncertainty about the representation of clouds and convective precipitation in almost all models. Efforts to handle the convective parametrization scheme (CPS) in the grey zone (∼1–5 km horizontal grid spacing) are still imperative to the community, especially for the case of weakly forced deep convection. This study proposes a new convective adjustment time‐scale (τ) for the Kain–Fritsch eta (KFeta) scheme in the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model at high resolution, which differs from the current scale‐aware function. The validation was made in three cases of weakly forced deep convection over the Tibetan Plateau. The results confirmed that modifying τ improves the simulation performance. In particular, the modified τ improved the simulated precipitation pattern, horizontal scale and intensity over the original scheme, which could be attributed to the enhanced rate at which convective instability generated by external factors (e.g. large‐scale advection and surface turbulent fluxes) is removed by the parametrized convection. When τ is appropriately chosen, the CPS can be implemented in high‐resolution simulations.
Fostering agency to overcome barriers in college science teaching: Going against the grain to enact reform‐based ideas
Authors: Birt Julie A. , Khajeloo Mojtaba , Rega‐Brodsky Christine C. , Siegel Marcelle A. , Hancock Tamara S. , Cummings Keala , Nguyen Phuong D.
Published: March 2019

Student‐centered and inquiry‐based teaching improve science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning at all levels. However, reform efforts have been met with limited success due to complex interactions between structural relics of our education systems and the pre‐existing beliefs of STEM instructors. Using the Teacher‐Centered Systemic Reform model and the construct of agency, we investigated these interactions through three case studies of new undergraduate science instructors after they completed a graduate introductory course: college science teaching. Data included interviews, in‐class observations, surveys, and classroom artifacts. Forming a case narrative, data revealed instructors' beliefs, practices, and the barriers that had to be circumnavigated, overcome, or accommodated by instructors. Results demonstrated how different forms of agency mediated the barriers and outcomes that emerged between the personal and contextual factors associated with college science teaching. This study provides insight for supporting new college instructors, fills a gap in the literature, and enhances theoretical understanding of the importance of agency in systemic reform.
Reflections on and implications of the Programme for International Student Assessment 2015 (PISA 2015) performance of students in Taiwan: The role of epistemic beliefs about science in scientific literacy
Authors: She Hsiao‐Ching , Lin Huann‐shyang , Huang Li‐Yu
Published: March 2019

The 2015 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) has drawn a substantial amount of attention from science educators and educational policymakers because it marked the first time that PISA assessed students' ability to evaluate and design scientific inquiry using computer‐based simulations. We undertook a secondary analysis of the PISA 2015 Taiwan dataset of 7,973 students from 214 schools to identify critical issues of student learning and potentially reshape our educational system and policies. Thus, this study sought to identify potential latent clusters of students' scientific literacy performance according to a set of focus variables selected from the PISA student questionnaires. In addition, significant determinants of students' scientific literacy and resiliency were analyzed. Cluster analysis results demonstrated the presence of four clusters of high, medium, low, and inferior scientific literacy/epistemology/affective dispositions. Specifically, students in cluster 1 compared with other clusters showed that the higher the scientific literacy scores are, the more positive epistemic beliefs about science, achievement motivation, enjoyment of science, interests in broad science, science self‐efficacy, information and communications technology (ICT) interest, ICT autonomy, more learning time, more teacher supports and teacher‐directed instructions are. Regression results indicated that the most robust predictor of students' scientific literacy performance is epistemic beliefs about science, followed by learning time, interest in broad science topics, achievement motivation, inquiry‐based science teaching and learning practice, and science self‐efficacy. Decision tree model results showed that the descending order of the variables in terms of their importance in differentiating students as high‐ versus low‐performing were epistemic beliefs about science, learning time, self‐efficacy, interest in broad science, and scientific inquiry, respectively. A similar decision tree model to determine students as resilient versus non‐resilient also was found. Various interpretations of these results are discussed, as are their implications for science education research, science teaching, and science education policy.
A review of direct polymerase chain reaction of DNA and RNA for forensic purposes
Authors: Lynch Courtney , Fleming Rachel
Published: April 2019

Short tandem repeat (STR) profiling is frequently carried out on biological stains in forensic casework, and the application of messenger RNA (mRNA) body fluid identification is becoming more prevalent. Increasing constraints on analysis time, resources, an increase in the number of samples for analysis, and a large backlog of cases creates significant demand for quicker methods that direct polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can help overcome. Direct PCR bypasses DNA and/or RNA extraction, and in some cases, quantification by adding the sample or substrate punch to the amplification reaction. This method is currently used in some laboratories on reference samples. Direct PCR is also a component of portable devices, which could improve efficiency even further by producing results at the scene, and enabling triaging of samples for further testing. Portable devices are currently used for STR profiling of reference samples but not for mRNA profiling. Various concerns regarding the reliability of the method and equipment (portable devices) must first be addressed before incorporation into forensic casework. This review discusses the limitations and factors that need to be considered for direct PCR to be used for the analysis of casework samples, including being used for mRNA body fluid identification.

This article is categorized under:

Forensic Biology > Forensic DNA Technologies

Forensic Biology > Body Fluid Identification

Forensic Biology > Applications of RNA
The Sklyanin bracket and cluster adjacency at all multiplicity
Authors: Golden John , McLeod Andrew J. , Spradlin Marcus , Volovich Anastasia
Published: March 2019

Abstract

We argue that the Sklyanin Poisson bracket on Gr(4, n) can be used to efficiently test whether an amplitude in planar

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 4 supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory satisfies cluster adjacency. We use this test to show that cluster adjacency is satisfied by all one- and two-loop MHV amplitudes in this theory, once suitably regulated. Using this technique we also demonstrate that cluster adjacency implies the extended Steinmann relations at all particle multiplicities.
ABJM matrix model and 2D Toda lattice hierarchy
Authors: Furukawa Tomohiro , Moriyama Sanefumi
Published: March 2019

Abstract

It was known that one-point functions in the ABJM matrix model (obtained by applying the localization technique to one-point functions of the half-BPS Wilson loop operator in the ABJM theory) satisfy the Jacobi-Trudi formula, which strongly indicates the integrable structure of the system. In this paper, we identify the integrable structure of two-point functions in the ABJM matrix model as the two-dimensional Toda lattice hierarchy. The identification implies infinitely many non-linear differential equations for the generating function of the two-point functions.
Revisiting constraints on 3 + 1 active-sterile neutrino mixing using IceCube data
Authors: Miranda Luis Salvador , Razzaque Soebur
Published: March 2019

Abstract

Recent IceCube search results for sterile neutrino increased tension between the combined appearance and disappearance experiments. On the other hand, MiniBooNE latest data confirms at 4.9σ CL the short-baseline oscillation anomaly. We analyze published IceCube data based on two different active-sterile mixing schemes using one additional sterile neutrino flavor. We present exclusion regions in the parameter ranges 0.01 ≤ sin2
θ
24 ≤ 0.1 and 0.1 eV2 ≤ Δm
42
2
≤ 10 eV2 for the mass-mixing and flavor-mixing schemes. Under the more conservative mass-mixing scheme, 3σ CL allowed regions for the appearance experiment and MiniBooNE latest result are excluded at ≳ 3σ CL. In case of less-restrictive flavor-mixing scheme, results from the appearance experiments are excluded at ≳ 2σ CL. We also find that including prompt component of the atmospheric neutrino flux relaxes constraints on sterile mixing for Δm
42
2
≳ 1 eV2.
Thermodynamically stable asymptotically flat hairy black holes with a dilaton potential
Authors: Astefanesei Dumitru , Choque David , Gómez Francisco , Rojas Raúl
Published: March 2019

Abstract

We present a detailed analysis of the thermodynamics of exact asymptotically flat hairy black holes in Einstein-Maxwell-dilaton theory. We compute the regularized action, quasilocal stress tensor, and conserved charges by using a ‘counterterm method’ similar to the one extensively used in the AdS-CFT duality. In the presence of a non-trivial dilaton potential that vanishes at the boundary we prove that, for some range of parameters, there exist thermodynamically stable black holes in the grand canonical and canonical ensembles. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of a thermodynamically stable asymptotically flat black hole, without imposing artificial conditions corresponding to embedding in a finite box.
With a little help from my friends? A longitudinal look at the role of peers versus friends on adolescent alcohol use
Authors: Weybright Elizabeth H. , Beckmeyer Jonathon J. , Caldwell Linda L. , Wegner Lisa , Smith Edward A.
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Alcohol is the most commonly used substance by South African adolescents. Social norms play a key role in alcohol use, although distinctions are not always made between descriptive and injunctive norms and peer proximity. Additionally, little research identifies factors attenuating social norms, peer proximity, and alcohol use, such as one's ability to resist peer influence.

Methods

The current study investigates the relationship between adolescent alcohol use in 9th Grade and descriptive peer and injunctive friend norms in 8th grade, the moderating role of resistance to peer influence, and sex differences. Data were from South African students (N = 3592; Mage = 14) participating in the HealthWise South Africa implementation quality trial.

Results

Path model results indicated injunctive friend norms, but not peer norms, influenced alcohol use. Resistance to peer influence did not moderate relationships and group comparisons found no sex differences.

Conclusion

Findings suggest social proximity shapes influences of alcohol use. Despite a differing cultural context, findings were consistent with those from the United States, indicating social proximity is relevant cross‐culturally.
Evidence of causal effect of major depression on alcohol dependence: findings from the psychiatric genomics consortium
Authors: Polimanti Renato , Peterson Roseann E. , Ong Jue-Sheng , MacGregor Stuart , Edwards Alexis C. , Clarke Toni-Kim , Frank Josef , Gerring Zachary , Gillespie Nathan A. , Lind Penelope A. , Maes Hermine H. , Martin Nicholas G. , Mbarek Hamdi , Medland Sarah E. , Streit Fabian ,   Major Depressive Disorder Working Group of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium, Agrawal Arpana , Edenberg Howard J. , Kendler Kenneth S. , Lewis Cathryn M. , Sullivan Patrick F. , Wray Naomi R. , Gelernter Joel , Derks Eske M.
Published: April 2019

Background

Despite established clinical associations among major depression (MD), alcohol dependence (AD), and alcohol consumption (AC), the nature of the causal relationship between them is not completely understood. We leveraged genome-wide data from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC) and UK Biobank to test for the presence of shared genetic mechanisms and causal relationships among MD, AD, and AC.

Methods

Linkage disequilibrium score regression and Mendelian randomization (MR) were performed using genome-wide data from the PGC (MD: 135 458 cases and 344 901 controls; AD: 10 206 cases and 28 480 controls) and UK Biobank (AC-frequency: 438 308 individuals; AC-quantity: 307 098 individuals).

Results

Positive genetic correlation was observed between MD and AD (rgMD−AD = + 0.47, P = 6.6 × 10−10). AC-quantity showed positive genetic correlation with both AD (rgAD−AC quantity = + 0.75, P = 1.8 × 10−14) and MD (rgMD−AC quantity = + 0.14, P = 2.9 × 10−7), while there was negative correlation of AC-frequency with MD (rgMD−AC frequency = −0.17, P = 1.5 × 10−10) and a non-significant result with AD. MR analyses confirmed the presence of pleiotropy among these four traits. However, the MD-AD results reflect a mediated-pleiotropy mechanism (i.e. causal relationship) with an effect of MD on AD (beta = 0.28, P = 1.29 × 10−6). There was no evidence for reverse causation.

Conclusion

This study supports a causal role for genetic liability of MD on AD based on genetic datasets including thousands of individuals. Understanding mechanisms underlying MD-AD comorbidity addresses important public health concerns and has the potential to facilitate prevention and intervention efforts.
THE USE OF ANTI-HYPERGLYCAEMIC AND HYPOGLYCAEMIC AGENTS IN PREGNANCY
Authors: YOGEV YARIV , LANGER ODED
Published: March 2019

Gestational diabetes (GDM) has an estimated incidence of 3–10%, depending upon geography and ethnic origin; it is considered by many to be a major health concern for the mother and fetus. Dietary modification and pharmacological therapy are the principal means employed to control maternal hyperglycemia. The two main pharmacological options for GDM management are administration of insulin or the use of oral hypoglycaemic and anti-hyperglycaemic drugs. Although controversy continues regarding the need for hypoglycaemic agents in all GDM women, approximately 30–60% do require pharmacological therapy in order to maintain targeted levels of glycaemic control.
OBESITY IN PREGNANCY
Authors: RAMSAY JANE E , GREER IAN A
Published: March 2019

Obesity is the modern health epidemic of Western society. The World Health Organisation estimated in the year 2000 that as many as 300 million people worldwide are clinically obese. European countries are now following the worrying trends set by our American neighbours with as many as 30% of adults now classified as overweight and obese (Table 1). In the recent British Women's Heart and Health Study over 4000 women from 23 towns in England, Scotland and Wales were surveyed to establish the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. Over one quarter of the participants were obese (Body mass index (BMI)>30 kg/m2) with the mean BMI of the sample being 27.7 kg/m2 (SD 5.2). One fifth of the women were inactive (participated in less than one episode of moderate activity per week) and two fifths of women did not eat a portion of fresh fruit at least daily. In Sweden, 5600 individuals were surveyed to assess the trends for lifestyle changes between the periods 1986 and 1994. The prevalence of obesity (BMI>30 kg/m2) increased from 6.1% to 9.8% and overweight (BMI 25–29.9 kg/m2) from 19.6%–29.1% in women over this time period. In support of this the proportion of leisure time physical inactivity increased from 19.4% to 26.7%. Perhaps of more concern is the alarming increase in the prevalence of obesity in children. Data from a nationally representative sample of 2630 English children showed that the frequency of overweight (>85th centile) ranged from 22% at age 6 years to 31% at age 15 years and that of obesity (>95th centile) ranged from 10% at age 6 years to 17% at age 15 years. Obesity rates also vary in different ethnic groups with Afro-Caribbean and Pakistani girls living in the UK being more likely to be obese than the general population (OR 2.74 (95%CI 1.74–4.31), OR 1.71 (95%CI 1.06–2.76) respectively. A recent study has suggested that these concerning statistics may not be totally attributable to poor diet but also to a decline in total energy expenditure. For example, at age three the median time spent in sedentary behaviour was 79% of monitored hours and 76% by age five. In general these children spent only 20–25 minutes per day in moderate to vigorous physical activity. The most severe consequences of these observations is the fact that type 2 diabetes, once virtually unheard of in adolescence, now accounts for as many as half of all new diagnoses of diabetes in some populations in North America.
THE PRACTICALITIES OF MANAGING SEIZURES IN PREGNANCY: A REVIEW
Authors: CÔTÉ ANNE-MARIE , OPATRNY LUCIE , KEYES ROBERT D , NULMAN IRENA , MAGEE LAURA A
Published: March 2019

In the United States alone, more than one million women of childbearing age suffer from epilepsy. New cases are diagnosed at a rate of 20–30 per 100,000 young women per year. Therefore, it is not surprising that epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder among pregnant women, complicating between 3 and 6 of every 1000 pregnancies.
Anaphylactic reaction to anakinra in a child with steroid-dependent idiopathic recurrent pericarditis and successful management with canakinumab
Authors: Epçaçan Serdar , Sahin Sezgin , Kasapcopur Ozgur
Published: April 2019

Conventional algorithm for treatment of pericarditis and prevention of recurrences consists of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs and/or colchicine, followed by corticosteroids in resistant patients. Anakinra has emerged as a promising and safe treatment modality for steroid-dependent idiopathic recurrent pericarditis. However, the efficacy and safety of canakinumab, another anti-interleukin-1 agent, has not been assessed up to date. Herein, we present development of an anaphylactic reaction due to anakinra and a successful subsequent treatment with canakinumab for the first time in the literature.
Analysis of the grammatical functions between adnoun and noun phrases in Korean using Support Vector Machines
Authors: LEE SONGWOOK , SEO JUNGYUN , JANG TAE-YEOUB
Published: March 2019

This study aims to improve the performance of identifying grammatical functions between an adnoun clause and a noun phrase in Korean. The key task is to determine the relation between the two constituents in terms of such functional categories as subject, object, adverbial and appositive. The problem is mainly caused by the fact that functional morphemes, which are considered to be crucial for identifying the relation, are omitted in the noun phrases. To tackle this problem, we propose to employ the Support Vector Machines (SVM) in determining the grammatical functions. Through an experiment with a tagged corpus for training SVMs, we found the proposed model to be more useful than both the Maximum Entropy Model (MEM) and the backed-off model.
The true costs of US agricultural dumping
Authors: Murphy Sophia , Hansen-Kuhn Karen
Published: April 2019

Agricultural commodity ‘dumping’ is the practice of exporting commodities at prices below the cost of production. Dumping cheats farmers of a fair return for their work. It cheats both the farmers in the USA who are paid below cost, and the farmers abroad whose crops compete with US exports in markets distorted by dumping. And dumping shortchanges the ecosystems upon which humanity depends for its survival. Neo-classical economics holds that when prices are low, suppliers will produce less. The persistence of dumping in the US agricultural commodity sector defies that assumption. In trade circles, where the problem is acknowledged to an extent, dumping is explained as a result of government subsidies. The authors argue that the dumping numbers provided by the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy suggest this explanation is at best partial. They look at definitions of dumping, and explanations for how it arises and why it persists, in defiance of expectations that markets are self-correcting.
How Do Main Shocks Affect Subsequent Earthquakes?
Authors: Cook Terri
Published: March 2019

The results of a novel analysis of aftershock size distribution have important implications for more realistically assessing the seismic hazard of earthquake sequences.
The 2005–2016 Trends of Formaldehyde Columns Over China Observed by Satellites: Increasing Anthropogenic Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds and Decreasing Agricultural Fire Emissions
Authors: Shen Lu , Jacob Daniel J. , Zhu Lei , Zhang Qiang , Zheng Bo , Sulprizio Melissa P. , Li Ke , De Smedt Isabelle , González Abad Gonzalo , Cao Hansen , Fu Tzung‐May , Liao Hong
Published: April 2019

We use 2005–2016 observations of formaldehyde (HCHO) columns over China from the OMI, GOME‐2, and SCIAMACHY satellite instruments to evaluate long‐term trends in emission inventories of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that affect air quality. The observations show large increases over 2005–2016 in the North China Plain (+1.1 ± 0.5% a−1 relative to 2005) and the Yangtze River Delta region (+1.5 ± 0.4% a−1 relative to 2005), consistent with the trend of anthropogenic VOC emissions in the Multi‐resolution Emission Inventory for China (MEIC). Unlike other pollutants, VOC emissions have not been decreasing in recent years. An exception is the Huai River Basin in rural eastern China where the satellite data show rapidly decreasing VOC emissions since the early 2010s that appear to reflect bans on agricultural fires.
Natural killer cells limit the clearance of senescent lung adenocarcinoma cells
Authors: Stokes Kate L. , Cortez-Retamozo Virna , Acosta Jonuelle , Lauderback Brian , Robles-Oteiza Camila , Cicchini Michelle , Pittet Mikael J. , Feldser David M.
Published: April 2019

Senescence is an important p53-controlled tumor suppressor program that not only opposes the proliferation of cancer cells but also promotes their immune-mediated clearance in certain contexts. In hepatocellular cancer, p53 induction promotes an innate immune cell-mediated clearance of senescent cells wherein natural killer (NK) cells seem to play the primary sentinel role. Whether NK cells also surveil cancer cells in other tumor types when p53 is activated to promote a senescence response is unknown. To identify the role that NK and other innate immune cell types have on the surveillance and destruction of lung adenocarcinoma cells, we developed an orthotopic transplantation model where p53 gene function could be restored to induce senescence after successful engraftment of tumor cells in the mouse lung. Contrary to precedent, we found that NK cells actually limited the efficient clearance of tumor cells from the mouse lung after p53 restoration. Instead, activation of p53 induced the infiltration of monocytes, neutrophils, and interstitial macrophages. Loss of NK cells further promoted expansion of these inflammatory cell types and tumor clearance after p53 restoration. These observations suggest that NK cell responses to p53 activation in lung adenocarcinoma is distinct from those found in other tumor types and that diverse innate immune cell populations may play context-dependent roles during tumor immune surveillance. Further, our data provide an impetus to understand the broader mechanisms that regulate cancer cell destruction by multiple cell types of the innate immune system and distinct cancer contexts.
Strong modification of the transport level alignment in organic materials after optical excitation
Authors: Stadtmüller Benjamin , Emmerich Sebastian , Jungkenn Dominik , Haag Norman , Rollinger Markus , Eich Steffen , Maniraj Mahalingam , Aeschlimann Martin , Cinchetti Mirko , Mathias Stefan
Published: April 2019

Organic photovoltaic devices operate by absorbing light and generating current. These two processes are governed by the optical and transport properties of the organic semiconductor. Despite their common microscopic origin—the electronic structure—disclosing their dynamical interplay is far from trivial. Here we address this issue by time-resolved photoemission to directly investigate the correlation between the optical and transport response in organic materials. We reveal that optical generation of non-interacting excitons in a fullerene film results in a substantial redistribution of all transport levels (within 0.4 eV) of the non-excited molecules. As all observed dynamics evolve on identical timescales, we conclude that optical and transport properties are completely interlinked. This finding paves the way for developing novel concepts for transport level engineering on ultrafast time scales that could lead to novel functional optoelectronic devices.
A study of the extraordinarily strong and tough silk produced by bagworms
Authors: Yoshioka Taiyo , Tsubota Takuya , Tashiro Kohji , Jouraku Akiya , Kameda Tsunenori
Published: April 2019

Global ecological damage has heightened the demand for silk as ‘a structural material made from sustainable resources’. Scientists have earnestly searched for stronger and tougher silks. Bagworm silk might be a promising candidate considering its superior capacity to dangle a heavy weight, summed up by the weights of the larva and its house. However, detailed mechanical and structural studies on bagworm silks have been lacking. Herein, we show the superior potential of the silk produced by Japan’s largest bagworm, Eumeta variegata. This bagworm silk is extraordinarily strong and tough, and its tensile deformation behaviour is quite elastic. The outstanding mechanical property is the result of a highly ordered hierarchical structure, which remains unchanged until fracture. Our findings demonstrate how the hierarchical structure of silk proteins plays an important role in the mechanical property of silk fibres.
Deviation from the matching law reflects an optimal strategy involving learning over multiple timescales
Authors: Iigaya Kiyohito , Ahmadian Yashar , Sugrue Leo P. , Corrado Greg S. , Loewenstein Yonatan , Newsome William T. , Fusi Stefano
Published: April 2019

Behavior deviating from our normative expectations often appears irrational. For example, even though behavior following the so-called matching law can maximize reward in a stationary foraging task, actual behavior commonly deviates from matching. Such behavioral deviations are interpreted as a failure of the subject; however, here we instead suggest that they reflect an adaptive strategy, suitable for uncertain, non-stationary environments. To prove it, we analyzed the behavior of primates that perform a dynamic foraging task. In such nonstationary environment, learning on both fast and slow timescales is beneficial: fast learning allows the animal to react to sudden changes, at the price of large fluctuations (variance) in the estimates of task relevant variables. Slow learning reduces the fluctuations but costs a bias that causes systematic behavioral deviations. Our behavioral analysis shows that the animals solved this bias-variance tradeoff by combining learning on both fast and slow timescales, suggesting that learning on multiple timescales can be a biologically plausible mechanism for optimizing decisions under uncertainty.
YAP inhibition enhances the differentiation of functional stem cell-derived insulin-producing β cells
Authors: Rosado-Olivieri Edwin A. , Anderson Kendall , Kenty Jennifer H. , Melton Douglas A.
Published: April 2019

Stem cell-derived insulin-producing beta cells (SC-β) offer an inexhaustible supply of functional β cells for cell replacement therapies and disease modeling for diabetes. While successful directed differentiation protocols for this cell type have been described, the mechanisms controlling its differentiation and function are not fully understood. Here we report that the Hippo pathway controls the proliferation and specification of pancreatic progenitors into the endocrine lineage. Downregulation of YAP, an effector of the pathway, enhances endocrine progenitor differentiation and the generation of SC-β cells with improved insulin secretion. A chemical inhibitor of YAP acts as an inducer of endocrine differentiation and reduces the presence of proliferative progenitor cells. Conversely, sustained activation of YAP results in impaired differentiation, blunted glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, and increased proliferation of SC-β cells. Together these results support a role for YAP in controlling the self-renewal and differentiation balance of pancreatic progenitors and limiting endocrine differentiation in vitro.
Integrin activation by the lipid molecule 25-hydroxycholesterol induces a proinflammatory response
Authors: Pokharel Swechha M. , Shil Niraj K. , GC Jeevan B. , Colburn Zachary T. , Tsai Su-Yu , Segovia Jesus A. , Chang Te-Hung , Bandyopadhyay Smarajit , Natesan Senthil , Jones Jonathan C. R. , Bose Santanu
Published: April 2019

Integrins are components of cell-matrix adhesions, and function as scaffolds for various signal transduction pathways. So far no lipid ligand for integrin has been reported. Here we show that a lipid, oxysterol 25-hydroxycholesterol (25HC), directly binds to α5β1 and αvβ3 integrins to activate integrin-focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling. Treatment of macrophages and epithelial cells with 25HC results in an increase in activated αvβ3 integrin in podosome and focal adhesion matrix adhesion sites. Moreover, activation of pattern recognition receptor on macrophages induces secretion of 25HC, triggering integrin signaling and the production of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF and IL-6. Thus, the lipid molecule 25HC is a physiologically relevant activator of integrins and is involved in positively regulating proinflammatory responses. Our data suggest that extracellular 25HC links innate immune inflammatory response with integrin signaling.