bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protective effect of breastfeeding on recurrent cough in adulthood
Authors: Gerhart Kimberly D , Stern Debra A , Guerra Stefano , Morgan Wayne J , Martinez Fernando D , Wright Anne L
Published: May 2018

Rationale

Breastfeeding protects from respiratory infections in early life but its relationship to recurrent cough and other respiratory outcomes in adult life is not well established.

Methods

Infant feeding practices were assessed prospectively in the Tucson Children’s Respiratory Study, a non-selected birth cohort and categorised into formula from birth or introduced <1 month, formula introduced ≥1 to <4 months and exclusive breastfeeding for ≥4 months. Infant feeding was assessed as an ordinal variable representing an increasing dose of breastmilk across the three categories. Recurrent cough was defined at 22, 26 and 32 years as ≥2 episodes of cough without a cold lasting 1 week during the past year. Covariates included participant sex, race/ethnicity and smoking as well as parental smoking, education, age and asthma. Covariates were evaluated as potential confounders for the relation between infant feeding and adult outcomes.

Results

Of the 786 participants, 19% breastfed <1 month, 50% breastfed ≥1 to <4 months and 31% breastfed ≥4 months. The prevalence of recurrent cough at 22, 26 and 32 years was 17%, 15% and 16%, respectively. Each ordinal increase in breastfeeding duration was associated with a decreased risk of recurrent cough in adult life: adjusted OR=0.71, (95% CI: 0.56 to 0.89), p=0.004. Additional adjustment for concurrent adult asthma, wheeze, smoking and lung volume did not change these results.

Conclusion

Longer duration of breastfeeding reduces the risk of recurrent cough in adult life, regardless of smoking and other respiratory symptoms, suggesting long-term protective effects on respiratory health.
Successful intensive management in dogs with postoperative cutaneous drug hypersensitivity
Authors: Sasaki Kazumasu , Mutoh Tatsushi , Shiga Takuya , Gómez de Segura Ignacio Álvarez
Published: May 2018

This case report describes three cases of canine cutaneous drug hypersensitivity with systemic signs presumed to be secondary to perioperative drug administration suspected to induce either erythema multiforme (EM) or Stevens‐Johnson syndrome (SJS)/toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). Tentative diagnoses on the canine EM and SJS/TEN disease spectrum were based on clinical and histological assessments. Although no general consensus has been reached regarding the diagnostic criteria and evidence‐based treatment standards for this disease spectrum in veterinary medicine, along with early identification of dermatological signs and withdrawal of suspected drugs, commencement of intensive management as a patient with burn injury in a medical intensive care unit results in favourable outcomes even with generalised disease. This report highlights the importance of early identification and intensive care for the disease and the need for further investigation of the efficacy of adjunctive therapies with reported immunomodulatory agents including glucocorticoids and human immunoglobulins to establish evidence‐based treatment standards.
Superconducting properties of under- and over-doped BaxK1−xBiO3 perovskite oxide
Authors: Szczȩśniak D. , Kaczmarek A. Z. , Szczȩśniak R. , Turchuk S. V. , Zhao H. , Drzazga E. A.
Published: May 2018

In this study, we investigate the thermodynamic properties of the Ba[Formula: see text]K[Formula: see text]BiO3 (BKBO) superconductor in the under- (x = 0.5) and over-doped (x = 0.7) regime, within the framework of the Migdal–Eliashberg formalism. The analysis is conducted to verify that the electron–phonon pairing mechanism is responsible for the induction of the superconducting phase in the mentioned compound. In particular, we show that BKBO is characterized by the relatively high critical value of the Coulomb pseudopotential, which changes with doping level and does not follow the Morel–Anderson model. In what follows, the corresponding superconducting band gap size and related dimensionless ratio are estimated to increase with the doping, in agreement with the experimental predictions. Moreover, the effective mass of electrons is found to take on high values in the entire doping and temperature region. Finally, the characteristic dimensionless ratios for the superconducting band gap, the critical magnetic field and the specific heat for the superconducting state are predicted to exceed the limits set within the Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffer theory, suggesting pivotal role of the strong-coupling and retardation effects in the analyzed compound. Presented results supplement our previous investigations and account for the strong-coupling phonon-mediated character of the superconducting phase in BKBO at any doping level.
The gauge transformations of the constrainedq-deformed KP hierarchy
Authors: Geng Lumin , Chen Huizhan , Li Na , Cheng Jipeng
Published: May 2018

In this paper, we mainly study the gauge transformations of the constrained q-deformed Kadomtsev–Petviashvili (q-KP) hierarchy. Different from the usual case, we have to consider the additional constraints on the Lax operator of the constrained q-deformed KP hierarchy, since the form of the Lax operator must be kept when constructing the gauge transformations. For this reason, the selections of generating functions in elementary gauge transformation operators [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] must be very special, which are from the constraints in the Lax operator. At last, we consider the successive applications of n-step of [Formula: see text] and k-step of [Formula: see text] gauge transformations.
Bäcklund transformation of Frobenius Painlevé equations
Authors: Wang Haifeng , Li Chuanzhong
Published: May 2018

In this paper, in order to generalize the Painlevé equations, we give a [Formula: see text]-Painlevé IV equation which can apply Bäcklund transformations to explore. And these Bäcklund transformations can generate new solutions from seed solutions. Similarly, we also introduce a Frobenius Painlevé I equation and Frobenius Painlevé III equation. Then, we find the connection between the Frobenius KP hierarchy and Frobenius Painlevé I equation by the Virasoro constraint. Further, in order to seek different aspects of Painlevé equations, we introduce the Lax pair, Hirota bilinear equation and [Formula: see text] functions. Moreover, some Frobenius Okamoto-like equations and Frobenius Toda-like equations can also help us to explore these equations.
Enhanced visible-active photocatalytic behaviors observed in Mn-doped BiFeO3
Authors: Si Yun-Hui , Xia Yu , Li Ya-Yun , Shang Shao-Ke , Xiong Xin-Bo , Zeng Xie-Rong , Zhou Ji
Published: May 2018

A series of BiFeO3 and BiFe[Formula: see text]Mn[Formula: see text]O3 (x = 0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, 0.10) were synthesized by a hydrothermal method. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and their photocatalytic activity was studied by photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue in aqueous solution under visible light irradiation. The band gap of BiFeO3 was significantly decreased from 2.26 eV to 1.90 eV with the doping of Mn. Furthermore, the 6% Mn-doped BiFeO3 photocatalyst exhibited the best activity with a degradation rate of 94% after irradiation for 100 min. The enhanced photocatalytic activity with Mn doping could be attributed to the enhanced optical absorption, increment of surface reactive sites and reduction of electron–hole recombination. Our results may be conducive to design more efficient photocatalysts responsive to visible light among narrow band gap semiconductors.
Work function of (001) and (00−1) surface of α-Fe2O3
Authors: He Chunshan
Published: May 2018

The hematite surface will affect the field emission of the iron materials. This work is to investigate the work functions of (0[Formula: see text]0[Formula: see text]1) and (0[Formula: see text]0[Formula: see text]−1) surfaces of [Formula: see text]-Fe2O3 by using the density functional theory. In order to avoid the polarization effect, a symmetric slab model is constructed in the calculation. Their work functions are 6.10 eV and 5.49 eV, respectively.
The study of Eu 4f76p6d autoionizing states with RIS and VMI techniques
Authors: Xu Ya-Wei , Shen Li , Dai Chang-Jian
Published: May 2018

The spectra and dynamic properties of Eu [Formula: see text] autoionizing states are studied systematically with the resonance-ionization spectroscopy (RIS) and the velocity-map imaging (VMI) techniques. The RIS technique is utilized to obtain the spectra of Eu [Formula: see text] autoionizing states with the three-step excitation, while the VMI technique is used to detect the dynamic process of autoionization, from which the branching ratio (BR) of ions and the angular distribution (AD) of ejected electrons from Eu [Formula: see text] autoionizing states are achieved. Not only the energy levels, line width and line shape are obtained, but also the q-reversal phenomenon is observed in the autoionization spectra. The BR represents energy distribution (ED) of ions by observing the radical information of the VMI image, while the AD, characterized by anisotropy parameters, reveals the differential cross-section of autoionization extracted from the angular information of the VMI image. Furthermore, the variation of BR and AD are analyzed within the entire region of autoionization resonance. Based on the results of BR between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] ionic states, the possibility of the population inversion is discussed.
Bose–Einstein condensation at different temperatures below the critical temperature
Authors: Das Abhishek
Published: May 2018

In this paper, we endeavor to show that the phenomenon of Bose–Einstein condensation can take place at discrete temperatures lower than the known critical temperature value.
Impact of the thermal motion of silicon atoms on the viscosity of nanoconfined aqueous NaCl solution
Authors: Li Jiapeng , Wang Haochen , Li Yusheng
Published: May 2018

The properties of nanoconfined fluid are critical for the design and precise control of nanofluidic devices. To understand the fundamental details of the viscosity of nanoconfined aqueous NaCl solution, we investigated the impact of the thermal motion of silicon atoms on the viscosity of nanoconfined aqueous NaCl solution using molecular dynamic simulations. The results show that thermal motion of silicon atoms can decrease the viscosity of NaCl solution, and this impact is significant when the shear rate is small.
Robust tracking control with discrete-time LQR control for micromanipulators
Authors: Yang Liu , Li Dongjie , Xu Donghao
Published: May 2018

This paper presents a robust tracking control with discrete-time linear quadratic regulation (LQR) method for micromanipulators. The micromanipulator is composed of three piezoelectric actuators (PEAs), which results in achieving three-degree-of-freedom motion. PEAs have been widely used in micromanipulation for biomedicine because of the advantages of its infinitely small displacement resolution and precision. However, owning to the nonlinear effects of PEAs, mainly hysteresis, can drastically degrade the tracking control accuracy. Therefore, it is desirable to develop advanced controllers to compensate hysteresis effect for improving the trajectory tracking performance. Before the controller design, a compensation for motion coupling error in vertical plane is concerned. Then, a controller consisting of three parts which are a nominal feedforward control input, a LQR control input and a control input based on system uncertainties compensation is designed. At last, the robust stability of the designed controller is proved through a Lyapunov stability analysis. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed controller is effective in tracking applications, which can provide a high resolution performance.
Evaluation of the Influence of Frequency of Milk Collection and Milking Dayshift on the Microbiological Quality of Raw Milk
Authors: Reguillo Lucía , Hernández Manuela , Barrientos Elisabeth , Perez-Rodriguez Fernando , Valero Antonio
Published: May 2018

The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of milk collection frequency (24 h versus 48 h) and milking dayshift (morning and evening) on total mesophilic aerobic bacteria (MAB) and psychrotrophic bacteria (PSY) counts in raw milk samples. MAB counts were determined by flow cytometry (BactoScan) and PSY counts by the plate counting agar method. An univariate statistical analysis was performed to find out significant differences among the studied factors. Results obtained showed that collecting milk every 24 h was effective in reducing MAB and PSY counts by 32 and 18%, respectively, compared to 48 h milk collection. This positive impact allowed reducing up to 4°C the temperature of the heat treatment in the dairy industry, thus involving energy savings of 22%. Milking during the mornings showed a significant reduction of MAB counts in comparison to milking performed during the evenings (P<0.05). These results are highly useful for the improvement of milk quality through the optimization of collection and milking systems set at primary production.
Recent Development of Nuclear Molecular Imaging in Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Liu Huiting , Wang Xiaoqin , Yang Ran , Zeng Wenbing , Peng Dong , Li Jason , Wang Hu
Published: May 2018

Therapies targeting specific tumor pathways are easy to enter the clinic. To monitor molecular changes, cellular processes, and tumor microenvironment, molecular imaging is becoming the key technology for personalized medicine because of its high efficacy and low side effects. Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy, and its theranostic radioiodine has been widely used to diagnose or treat differentiated thyroid cancer. This article summarizes recent development of molecular imaging in thyroid cancer, which may accelerate the development of personalized thyroid cancer therapy.
Polymeric Foams as the Matrix of Voltammetric Sensors for the Detection of Catechol, Hydroquinone, and Their Mixtures
Authors: Fernandez-Blanco C. , Mugica M. , Rodriguez-Perez M. A. , Garcia-Cabezón C. , Rodriguez-Mendez M. L.
Published: May 2018

Porous electrodes based on polymethylmethacrylate and graphite foams (PMMA_G_F) have been developed and characterized. Such devices have been successfully used as voltammetric sensors to analyze catechol, hydroquinone, and their mixtures. The presence of pores induces important changes in the oxidation/reduction mechanism of catechol and hydroquinone with respect to the sensing properties observed in nonfoamed PMMA_graphite electrodes (PMMA_G). The electropolymerization processes of catechol or hydroquinone at the electrode surface observed using PMMA_G do not occur at the surface of the foamed PMM_G_F. In addition, the limits of detection observed in foamed electrodes are one order of magnitude lower than the observed in the nonfoamed electrodes. Moreover, foamed electrodes can be used to detect simultaneously both isomers and a remarkable increase in the electrocatalytic properties shown by the foamed samples, produces a decrease in the oxidation potential peak of catechol in presence of hydroquinone, from +0.7 V to +0.3 V. Peak currents increased linearly with concentration of catechol in presence of hydroquinone over the range of 0.37·10−3 M to 1.69·10−3 M with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.27 mM. These effects demonstrate the advantages obtained by increasing the active surface by means of porous structures.
Converting a Microwave Oven into a Plasma Reactor: A Review
Authors: Law Victor J. , Dowling Denis P.
Published: May 2018

This paper reviews the use of domestic microwave ovens as plasma reactors for applications ranging from surface cleaning to pyrolysis and chemical synthesis. This review traces the developments from initial reports in the 1980s to today’s converted ovens that are used in proof-of-principle manufacture of carbon nanostructures and batch cleaning of ion implant ceramics. Information sources include the US and Korean patent office, peer-reviewed papers, and web references. It is shown that the microwave oven plasma can induce rapid heterogeneous reaction (solid to gas and liquid to gas/solid) plus the much slower plasma-induced solid state reaction (metal oxide to metal nitride). A particular focus of this review is the passive and active nature of wire aerial electrodes, igniters, and thermal/chemical plasma catalyst in the generation of atmospheric plasma. In addition to the development of the microwave oven plasma, a further aspect evaluated is the development of methodologies for calibrating the plasma reactors with respect to microwave leakage, calorimetry, surface temperature, DUV-UV content, and plasma ion densities.
Polymorphisms of TNF-α -308 G/A and IL-8 -251 T/A Genes Associated with Urothelial Carcinoma: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Wu Chia-Chang , Huang Yung-Kai , Huang Chao-Yuan , Shiue Horng-Sheng , Pu Yeong-Shiau , Su Chien-Tien , Lin Ying-Chin , Hsueh Yu-Mei
Published: May 2018

Cigarette smoking and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke are well-known risk factors for urothelial carcinoma (UC). We conducted a hospital-based case-control study involving 287 UC cases and 574 cancer-free controls to investigate the joint effects of cigarette smoking and polymorphisms of inflammatory genes on UC risk. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) -308 G/A and interleukin-8 (IL-8) -251 T/A polymorphisms were determined using a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. People who had ever smoked and those who were exposed to environmental tobacco smoke had significantly increased UC odds ratios (ORs) of 1.65 and 1.68, respectively. Participants who had smoked more than 18 pack-years had a significantly increased UC OR of 2.64. People who had ever smoked and who carried the A/A genotype of the TNF-α -308 G/A polymorphism had a significantly higher UC OR (10.25) compared to people who had never smoked and who carried the G/G or G/A genotype. In addition, people who had ever smoked and who carried the IL-8 -251 T/T genotype had a significantly increased UC OR (3.08) compared to people who had never smoked and who carried the T/A or A/A genotype. In a combined analysis of three major risk factors (cumulative cigarette smoking, the TNF-α -308 A/A genotype, and the IL-8 -251 T/T genotype), subjects with any one, any two, and all three risk factors experienced significantly increased UC ORs of 1.55, 2.89, and 3.77, respectively, compared to individuals with none of the risk factors. Conclusions. Our results indicate that the combined effects of cumulative cigarette exposure and the TNF-α -308 A/A genotype and/or the IL-8 -251 T/T genotype on UC OR showed a significant dose-response relationship.
Ibuprofen Release from Poly(ethyl cyanoacrylate) Nanoparticles Prepared by Semicontinuous Heterophase Polymerization
Authors: Balleño J. A. , Mendizábal-Ruiz A. P. , Saade H. , Díaz de León-Gómez R. , Mendizábal E. , Rios-Donato N. , López R. G.
Published: May 2018

Ibuprofen-loaded poly(ethyl cyanoacrylate) nanoparticles were prepared by semicontinuous heterophase polymerization of ethyl cyanoacrylate in the presence of ibuprofen; different surfactant concentration, pH, and temperature were used. Particle size was measured by quasi-light scattering and transmission electron microscopy, while the amount of drug released was determined by UV spectroscopy. Nanoparticles with diameters between 10 and 58 nm, loaded with ibuprofen, were obtained. The smallest particles and the higher drug loading were obtained at the highest pH tested. The analysis of the release data showed that the drug release profiles correspond to the Weibull model. Moreover, it was found that most of the ibuprofen is released within the first 80–120 min; initially the release rate is slow, but then it increases to finally decrease. This behavior contrasts with the reported burst of drug concentration in the plasma after oral administration of IB.
Body Size Misperception and Overweight or Obesity among Saudi College-Aged Females
Authors: Albeeybe Jumanah , Alomer Abdulaziz , Alahmari Tasneem , Asiri Nawal , Alajaji Reema , Almassoud Reem , Al-Hazzaa Hazzaa M.
Published: May 2018

The aim of the study was to investigate the associations between perceived and desired body size and overweight and obesity among college-aged females. A multistage stratified cluster random sample was used to select 907 healthy females from a major Saudi public university. The Stunkard Figure Rating Scale (FRS) was used for body size assessment. Overweight/obesity classification was based on BMI less than or equal to/greater than 25 kg/m2. Overweight plus obesity prevalence was 28.1%. There were significant differences between females with overweight/obesity and those without overweight/obesity in both perceived and desired body size scores. Compared with only 4% of females without overweight/obesity, 37% of the participants with overweight/obesity scored higher than five (median) in the FRS. The perceived body size correlated more strongly with many of the selected variables than did the desired body size, especially with BMI (r=0.679; p<0.001), body weight (r=0.652; p<0.001), and weight loss attempts (r=0.466; p<0.001). Also, there was a significant relationship between BMI and weight loss attempts (r=0.370; p<0.001). BMI and weight loss attempts appear to predict the perceived body size and the discrepancy between perceived and desired body size scores. Psychosocial and lifestyle factors that might influence female’s body misperception need to be addressed in future studies.
Plant Diseases Recognition Based on Image Processing Technology
Authors: Sun Guiling , Jia Xinglong , Geng Tianyu
Published: May 2018

A new image recognition system based on multiple linear regression is proposed. Particularly, there are a number of innovations in image segmentation and recognition system. In image segmentation, an improved histogram segmentation method which can calculate threshold automatically and accurately is proposed. Meanwhile, the regional growth method and true color image processing are combined with this system to improve the accuracy and intelligence. While creating the recognition system, multiple linear regression and image feature extraction are utilized. After evaluating the results of different image training libraries, the system is proved to have effective image recognition ability, high precision, and reliability.
Motion of a Spot in a Reaction Diffusion System under the Influence of Chemotaxis
Authors: Kawaguchi Satoshi
Published: May 2018

We consider the motion of a spot under the influence of chemotaxis. We propose a two-component reaction diffusion system with a global coupling term and a Keller-Segel type chemotaxis term. For the system, we derive the equation of motion of the spot and the time evolution equation of the tensors. We show the existence of an upper limit for the velocity and a critical intensity for the chemotaxis, over which there is no circular motion. The chemotaxis suppresses the range of velocity for the circular motion. This braking effect on velocity originates from the refractory period behind the rear interface of the spot and the negative chemotactic velocity. The physical interpretation of the results and its plausibility are discussed.
Numerical Procedures for Random Differential Equations
Authors: Ben Said Mohamed , Azrar Lahcen , Sarsri Driss
Published: May 2018

Some methodological approaches based on generalized polynomial chaos for linear differential equations with random parameters following various types of distribution laws are proposed. Mainly, an internal random coefficients method ‘IRCM’ is elaborated for a large number of random parameters. A procedure to build a new polynomial chaos basis and a connection between the one-dimensional and multidimensional polynomials are developed. This allows handling easily random parameters with various laws. A compact matrix formulation is given and the required matrices and scalar products are explicitly presented. For random excitations with an arbitrary number of uncertain variables, the IRCM is couplet to the superposition method leading to successive random differential equations with the same main random operator and right-hand sides depending only on one random parameter. This methodological approach leads to equations with a reduced number of random variables and thus to a large reduction of CPU time and memory required for the numerical solution. The conditional expectation method is also elaborated for reference solutions as well as the Monte-Carlo procedure. The applicability and effectiveness of the developed methods are demonstrated by some numerical examples.
Wetland Change Detection Using Cross-Fused-Based and Normalized Difference Index Analysis on Multitemporal Landsat 8 OLI
Authors: Gao Yan , Liang Zeyu , Wang Biao , Wu Yanlan , Wu Penghai
Published: May 2018

Wetlands are one of the most important ecosystems on the Earth and play a critical role in regulating regional climate, preventing floods, and reducing flood severity. However, it is difficult to detect wetland changes in multitemporal Landsat 8 OLI satellite images due to the mixed composition of vegetation, soil, and water. The main objective of this study is to quantify change to wetland cover by an image-to-image comparison change detection method based on the image fusion of multitemporal images. Spectral distortion is regarded as candidate change information, which is generated by the spectral and spatial differences between multitemporal images during the process of image cross-fusion. Meanwhile, the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and normalized difference water index (NDWI) were extracted from the cross-fused image as a normalized index image to enhance and increase the information about vegetation and water. Then, the modified iteratively reweighted multivariate alteration detection (IR-MAD) is applied to the generally fused images and normalized difference index images, providing a good evaluation of spectral distortion. The experimental results show that the proposed method performed better to reduce the detection errors due to the complicated areas under different ground types, especially in cultivated areas and forests. Moreover, the proposed method was tested and quantitatively assessed and achieved an overall accuracy of 96.67% and 93.06% for the interannual and seasonal datasets, respectively. Our method can be a tool to monitor changes in wetlands and provide effective technical support for wetland conservation.
A Novel Method for Predicting Vehicle State in Internet of Vehicles
Authors: Liu Yanting , Cheng Ding , Wang Yirui , Cheng Jiujun , Gao Shangce
Published: May 2018

In the fields of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and Internet of Vehicles (IoV), predicting the vehicle state is essential, including the ego vehicle’s position, velocity, and acceleration. In ADAS, an early position prediction helps to avoid traffic accidents. In IoV, the vehicle state prediction is essential for the required calculation of the expected reliable communication time between two vehicles. Many approaches have emerged to perform this vehicle state prediction. However, such approaches consider limited information of the ego vehicle and its surroundings, and they may not be very effective in practice because the real situation is highly complex and complicated. Moreover, some of the approaches often lead to a delayed prediction time due to collecting and calculating the substantial history information. By assuming that the driver is a robot driver, which eliminates distinct driving behaviors of different persons when facing the same situation, this paper creates a decision tree as a new quick and reliable method adapted to all road segments, and it proposes a new method to perform the vehicle state prediction based on this decision tree.
Radiation Followed by OX40 Stimulation Drives Local and Abscopal Antitumor Effects in an Anti–PD1-Resistant Lung Tumor Model
Authors: Niknam Sharareh , Barsoumian Hampartsoum B. , Schoenhals Jonathan E. , Jackson Heather L. , Yanamandra Niranjan , Caetano Mauricio S. , Li Ailin , Younes Ahmed I. , Cadena Alexandra , Cushman Taylor R. , Chang Joe Y. , Nguyen Quynh N. , Gomez Daniel R. , Diab Adi , Heymach John V. , Hwu Patrick , Cortez Maria Angelica , Welsh James W.
Published: May 2018

Purpose: Radiation is used extensively to treat localized cancer, but improved understanding of its effects on the immune system has increased interest in its potential systemic (abscopal) effects, particularly in combination with checkpoint inhibitors such as anti-PD1. The majority of patients either do not respond or develop resistance to monotherapy over time. Here, we investigated the efficacy of OX40 (CD134) stimulation as an alternative immunotherapeutic approach in combination with radiotherapy (XRT) in a murine model of anti–PD1-resistant lung tumors.

Experimental Design: We established a bilateral tumor model in 129Sv/Ev mice using an anti–PD1-resistant lung tumor cell line. Primary tumors were treated with intratumoral injection of an OX40 agonist antibody, given as adjuvant therapy after XRT (36 Gy in three 12-Gy fractions), whereas secondary tumors were left untreated to investigate abscopal outcomes.

Results: The combination of XRT followed by OX40 stimulation effectively inhibited local and systemic antitumor growth, limited lung metastases, and improved survival rates. This treatment regimen augmented CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell expansion. XRT induced the expression of OX40 on T cells in tumors and spleens and increased the percentages of splenic CD103+ dendritic cells.

Conclusions: Our data extend the benefits of radiation to systemic disease control, especially when combined with anti-OX40 agonist to promote immunologically mediated abscopal effects. Moreover, this study provides a rational treatment approach and sequence to overcome anti–PD1-resistant poorly immunogenic tumors. Clin Cancer Res; 24(22); 5735–43. ©2018 AACR.
Pattern-Specific Transcriptomics Identifies ASGR2 as a Predictor of Hematogenous Recurrence of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Tanaka Haruyoshi , Kanda Mitsuro , Miwa Takashi , Tanaka Chie , Kobayashi Daisuke , Umeda Shinichi , Shibata Masahiro , Suenaga Masaya , Hattori Norifumi , Hayashi Masamichi , Iwata Naoki , Yamada Suguru , Nakayama Goro , Fujiwara Michitaka , Kodera Yasuhiro
Published: May 2018

Hematogenous recurrence is a challenging clinical finding that often leads to fatalities of patients with gastric cancer. Therefore, the identification of specific biomarkers and potential therapeutic target molecules for hematogenous recurrence is required to improve the outcomes of these patients. Here, transcriptome and bioinformatics analyses were conducted to uncover candidate molecules differentially expressed in patients with hematogenous recurrence of gastric cancer. One potential candidate identified was asialoglycoprotein receptor 2 (ASGR2), and siRNA experiments were conducted to determine the effect of manipulating ASGR2 expression has on cell phenotypes. ASGR2 mRNA expression analysis using quantitative real-time reverse-transcription PCR was conducted with stage II/III gastric cancer clinical specimens (n = 95). Transcript levels were increased in gastric cancer cells as compared with a control nontumorigenic epithelial cell line. Knockdown of ASGR2 decreased the adhesion and migration potential. Thus, although gastric cancer cell–invasive activity was significantly decreased by knockdown, forced expression of ASGR2 promoted invasive activity. Using a mouse hepatic metastasis model, knockdown of ASGR2 resulted in the absence of hepatic metastasis formation. High ASGR2 expression in primary gastric cancer tissues was an independent predictor of shorter disease-free and overall survival. Finally, patients with high ASGR2 expression were more likely to have a high cumulative rate of hematogenous recurrence but not peritoneal or nodal recurrence.

Implications: ASGR2 expression is associated with the malignant phenotypes in gastric cancer and represents a specific biomarker of hematogenous recurrences after curative resection for gastric cancer. Mol Cancer Res; 16(9); 1420–9. ©2018 AACR.
Cancer as a Social Dysfunction—Why Cancer Research Needs New Thinking
Authors: Axelrod Robert , Pienta Kenneth J.
Published: May 2018

The incidence and mortality for many cancers continue to rise. As such, critical action is needed on many fronts to reshape how a society thinks, discusses, and fights cancer especially as the population grows and ages. Cancer can be described as a broken social contract that requires different conceptual frameworks such as game theory. To this end, it is our hope that this perspective will catalyze a discussion to rethink the way we approach, communicate, and fund cancer research; thinking of cancer as a broken social contract is only one example. Importantly, this endeavor will require infusion of ideas from other fields such as physics, computational medicine, complexity science, agent-based modeling, sociology, and ecology, all of which have the capacity to drive new insights into cancer biology and clinical medicine. Mol Cancer Res; 16(9); 1346–7. ©2018 AACR.
(Quase) anônimos: colaboradores do Escritório Técnico Samuel das Neves no início dos anos 1910
Authors: Nascimento Ana Paula
Published: May 2018

A presença de colaboradores nos escritórios de engenharia e de arquitetura é um tema pouco estudado, sendo que a maioria deles permanece desconhecida até mesmo em publicações da área. O presente trabalho analisa a participação de alguns profissionais no Escritório Técnico Samuel das Neves, durante as duas primeiras décadas do século XX, especialmente nos trabalhos relacionados ao Concurso da Penitenciária do Estado e ao Plano Melhoramentos de São Paulo. Trata-se, principalmente, de estrangeiros com extenso conhecimento profissional e que atuaram na sede paulista do estabelecimento, no período mais conhecido e comentado do estúdio: Carlos Escobar, Giulio Micheli, Giuseppe Sacchetti, A. Maurice de Ladrière, José Talarico e Giácomo Corberi.
Use of Intracardiac Echocardiography in Interventional Cardiology
Authors: Enriquez Andres , Saenz Luis C. , Rosso Raphael , Silvestry Frank E. , Callans David , Marchlinski Francis E. , Garcia Fermin
Published: May 2018

The indications for catheter-based structural and electrophysiological procedures have recently expanded to more complex scenarios, in which an accurate definition of the variable individual cardiac anatomy is key to obtain optimal results. Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) is a unique imaging modality able to provide high-resolution real-time visualization of cardiac structures, continuous monitoring of catheter location within the heart, and early recognition of procedural complications, such as pericardial effusion or thrombus formation. Additional benefits are excellent patient tolerance, reduction of fluoroscopy time, and lack of need for general anesthesia or a second operator. For these reasons, ICE has largely replaced transesophageal echocardiography as ideal imaging modality for guiding certain procedures, such as atrial septal defect closure and catheter ablation of cardiac arrhythmias, and has an emerging role in others, including mitral valvuloplasty, transcatheter aortic valve replacement, and left atrial appendage closure. In electrophysiology procedures, ICE allows integration of real-time images with electroanatomic maps; it has a role in assessment of arrhythmogenic substrate, and it is particularly useful for mapping structures that are not visualized by fluoroscopy, such as the interatrial or interventricular septum, papillary muscles, and intracavitary muscular ridges. Most recently, a three-dimensional (3D) volumetric ICE system has also been developed, with potential for greater anatomic information and a promising role in structural interventions. In this state-of-the-art review, we provide guidance on how to conduct a comprehensive ICE survey and summarize the main applications of ICE in a variety of structural and electrophysiology procedures.
Trajectories of Childhood Blood Pressure and Adult Left Ventricular Hypertrophy
Authors: Zhang Tao , Li Shengxu , Bazzano Lydia , He Jiang , Whelton Paul , Chen Wei
Published: May 2018

This longitudinal study aims to characterize longitudinal blood pressure (BP) trajectories from childhood and examine the impact of level-independent childhood BP trajectories on adult left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and remodeling patterns. The longitudinal cohort consisted of 1154 adults (787 whites and 367 blacks) who had repeated measurements of BP 4 to 15 times from childhood (4–19 years) to adulthood (20–51 years) and assessment of echocardiographic LV dimensions in adulthood. Model-estimated levels and linear slopes of BP at childhood age points were calculated in 1-year intervals using the growth curve parameters and their first derivatives, respectively. Linear and nonlinear curve parameters of BP showed significant race and sex differences from age 15 years onwards. Adults with LVH had higher long-term BP levels than adults with normal LVM in race–sex groups. Linear and nonlinear slope parameters of BP differed consistently and significantly between LVH and normal groups. Associations of level-independent linear slopes of systolic BP with adult LVH were significantly inverse (odds ratio=0.75–0.82;
P
=0.001–0.015) in preadolescent children of 4 to 9 years but significantly positive (odds ratio=1.29–1.46;
P
=0.001–0.008) in adolescents of 13 to 19 years, adjusting for covariates. These associations were consistent across race–sex groups. Of note, the association of childhood BP linear slopes with concentric LVH was significantly stronger than that with eccentric LVH during the adolescence period of 12 to 19 years. These observations indicate that the impact of BP trajectories on adult LVH and geometric patterns originates in childhood. Adolescence is a crucial period for the development of LVH in later life, which has implications for early prevention.
Age-Related Blood Pressure Sensitivity to Aldosterone in Blacks and Whites
Authors: Tu Wanzhu , Li Ruohong , Bhalla Vivek , Eckert George J. , Pratt J. Howard
Published: May 2018

Aldosterone sensitivity, defined as the magnitude of the association of plasma aldosterone concentration with blood pressure (BP), seems to be a function of plasma volume. It increases as plasma renin activity decreases, and it is more significant in blacks but less so in whites. Age is a strong determinant of BP, and an increase in aldosterone sensitivity could contribute to the increase in BP. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that aldosterone sensitivity increases with age. We used observational data collected from normotensive blacks and whites enrolled in a prospective cohort study. They were studied as children (248 blacks/357 whites) and again as young adults (74 blacks/125 whites) over an age range of 7 to 39 years. A varying-coefficient regression analysis was used to explore the influences of aldosterone on systolic BP. After controlling for body mass index, race, and sex, both plasma renin activity and plasma aldosterone concentration were lower in blacks, and their levels declined with age (
P
<0.001). In blacks, plasma aldosterone concentration decreased 0.25 ng/dL per year; in whites, plasma aldosterone concentration decreased 0.18 per year. Aldosterone’s effect on BP, characterized by a smooth function of age, intensified as age increased, especially in blacks (
P
<0.01), suggesting an increased aldosterone sensitivity with age. In comparison to blacks, age-related changes in aldosterone sensitivity in whites were not statistically significant. These findings extend the rationale for targeting aldosterone in the treatment of hypertension, especially in blacks.
A 0.01° Resolving TRMM PR Precipitation Climatology
Authors: Hirose M. , Okada K.
Published: May 2018

In this study, rainfall data are prepared at a 0.01° scale using 16-yr spaceborne radar data over the area of 36.13°S–36.13°N as provided by the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Precipitation Radar (PR). A spatial resolution that is finer than the field of view is obtained by assuming rainfall uniformity within an instantaneous footprint centered on the PR footprint geolocation. These ultra-high-resolution data reveal local rainfall concentrations over slope areas. A new estimate of the maximum rainfall at Cherrapunji, India, was observed on the valley side, approximately 5 km east of the gauge station, and is approximately 50% higher than the value indicated by the 0.1°-scale data. A case study of Yakushima Island, Japan, indicates that several percent of the sampling error arising from the spatial mismatch may be contained in conventional 0.05°-scale datasets generated without footprint areal information. The differences attributable to the enhancement in the resolution are significant in complex terrain such as the Himalayas. The differences in rainfall averaged for the 0.1° and 0.01° scales exceed 10 mm day−1 over specific slope areas. In the case of New Guinea, the mean rainfall on a mountain ridge can be 30 times smaller than that on an adjacent slope at a distance of 0.25°; this is not well represented by other high-resolution datasets based on gauges and infrared radiometers. The substantial nonuniformity of rainfall climatology highlights the need for a better understanding of kilometer-scale geographic constraints on rainfall and retrieval approaches.
Internal Variability and Regional Climate Trends in an Observational Large Ensemble
Authors: McKinnon Karen A. , Deser Clara
Published: May 2018

Recent observed climate trends result from a combination of external radiative forcing and internally generated variability. To better contextualize these trends and forecast future ones, it is necessary to properly model the spatiotemporal properties of the internal variability. Here, a statistical model is developed for terrestrial temperature and precipitation, and global sea level pressure, based upon monthly gridded observational datasets that span 1921–2014. The model is used to generate a synthetic ensemble, each member of which has a unique sequence of internal variability but with statistical properties similar to the observational record. This synthetic ensemble is combined with estimates of the externally forced response from climate models to produce an observational large ensemble (OBS-LE). The 1000 members of the OBS-LE display considerable diversity in their 50-yr regional climate trends, indicative of the importance of internal variability on multidecadal time scales. For example, unforced atmospheric circulation trends associated with the northern annular mode can induce winter temperature trends over Eurasia that are comparable in magnitude to the forced trend over the past 50 years. Similarly, the contribution of internal variability to winter precipitation trends is large across most of the globe, leading to substantial regional uncertainties in the amplitude and, in some cases, the sign of the 50-yr trend. The OBS-LE provides a real-world counterpart to initial-condition model ensembles. The approach could be expanded to using paleo-proxy data to simulate longer-term variability.
Kinematics and Microphysics of Convection in the Outer Rainband of Typhoon Nida (2016) Revealed by Polarimetric Radar
Authors: Wu Dan , Zhao Kun , Kumjian Matthew R. , Chen Xiaomin , Huang Hao , Wang Mingjun , Didlake Anthony C. , Duan Yihong , Zhang Fuqing
Published: May 2018

This study analyzes the microphysics of convective cells in an outer rainband of Typhoon Nida (2016) using data collected by a newly upgraded operational polarimetric radar in China. The life cycle of these convective cells is divided into three stages: developing, mature, and decaying according to the intensity of the corresponding updraft. Composite analysis shows that deep columns of ZDR and KDP collocate well with the enhanced updraft as the cells develop to their mature stage. A layered microphysical structure is observed in the ice region with riming near the −5°C level within the updraft, aggregation around the −15°C level, and deposition anywhere above the 0°C level. These ice-phase microphysical processes are important pathways of particle growth in the outer rainbands. In particular, riming contributes significantly to surface heavy rainfall. These contrast to previously documented inner rainbands, where warm-rain processes are the predominant pathway of particle growth.
Correcting Storm Displacement Errors in Ensembles Using the Feature Alignment Technique (FAT)
Authors: Stratman Derek R. , Potvin Corey K. , Wicker Louis J.
Published: May 2018

A goal of Warn-on-Forecast (WoF) is to develop forecasting systems that produce accurate analyses and forecasts of severe weather to be utilized in operational warning settings. Recent WoF-related studies have indicated the need to alleviate storm displacement errors in both analyses and forecasts. A potential solution to reduce these errors is the feature alignment technique (FAT), which mitigates displacement errors between observations and model fields while satisfying constraints. This study merges the FAT with a local ensemble transform Kalman filter (LETKF) and uses observing system simulation experiments (OSSEs) to vet the FAT as a potential alleviator of forecast errors arising from storm displacement errors. An idealized truth run of a supercell on a 250-m grid is used to generate pseudoradar observations, which are assimilated onto a 2-km grid using a 50-member ensemble to produce analyses and forecasts of the supercell. The FAT uses composite reflectivity to generate a 2D field of displacement vectors that is used to align the model variables with the observations prior to each analysis cycle. The FAT is tested by displacing the initial model background fields from the observations or modifying the environmental wind profile to create a storm motion bias in the forecast cycles. The FAT–LETKF performance is evaluated and compared to that of the LETKF alone. The FAT substantially reduces errors in storm intensity, location, and structure during data assimilation and subsequent forecasts. These supercell OSSEs provide the foundation for future experiments with real data and more complex events.
Income Inequality and Class Divides in Parental Investments
Authors: Schneider Daniel , Hastings Orestes P. , LaBriola Joe
Published: May 2018

Historic increases in income inequality have coincided with widening class divides in parental investments of money and time in children. These widening class gaps are significant because parental investment is one pathway by which advantage is transmitted across generations. Using over three decades of micro-data from the Consumer Expenditure Survey and the American Heritage Time Use Survey linked to state-year measures of income inequality, we test the relationship between income inequality and class gaps in parental investment. We find robust evidence of wider class gaps in parental financial investments in children—but not parental time investments in children—when state-level income inequality is higher. We explore mechanisms that may drive the relationship between rising income inequality and widening class gaps in parental financial investments in children. This relationship is partially explained by the increasing concentration of income at the top of the income distribution in state-years with higher inequality, which gives higher-earning households more money to spend on financial investments in children. In addition, we find evidence for contextual effects of higher income inequality that reshape parental preferences toward financial investment in children differentially by class.