bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CRH promotes human colon cancer cell proliferation via IL‐6/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway and VEGF‐induced tumor angiogenesis
Authors: Fang Xianjun , Hong Yali , Dai Li , Qian Yuanyuan , Zhu Chao , Wu Biao , Li Shengnan
Published: June 2017

Corticotrophin‐releasing hormone (CRH) has been demonstrated to participate in various diseases. Our previous study showed that its receptor CRHR1 mediated the development of colitis‐associated cancer in mouse model. However, the detailed mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we explored the oncogenetic role of CRH/CRHR1 signaling in colon cancer cells. Cell proliferation and colony formation assays revealed that CRH contributed to cell proliferation. Moreover, tube formation assay showed that CRH‐treated colon cancer cell supernatant significantly promoted tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). And these effects could be reversed by the CRHR1 specific antagonist Antalarmin. Further investigation showed that CRH significantly upregulated the expressions of interlukin‐6 (IL‐6) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) through activating nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB). The CRH‐induced IL‐6 promoted phosphorylation of janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3). STAT3 inhibition by Stattic significantly inhibited the CRH‐induced cell proliferation. In addition, silence of VEGF resulted in declined tube formation induced by CRH. Taken together, CRH/CRHR1 signaling promoted human colon cancer cell proliferation via NF‐κB/IL‐6/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway and tumor angiogenesis via NF‐κB/VEGF signaling pathway. Our results provide evidence to support a critical role for the CRH/CRHR1 signaling in colon cancer progression and suggest its potential utility as a new therapeutic target for colon cancer.
Curcumin and metformin‐mediated chemoprevention of oral cancer is associated with inhibition of cancer stem cells
Authors: Siddappa Gangotri , Kulsum Safeena , Ravindra Doddathimmasandra Ramanjanappa , Kumar Vinay V. , Raju Nalini , Raghavan Nisheena , Sudheendra Holalugunda Vittalamurthy , Sharma Anupam , Sunny Sumsum P. , Jacob Tina , Kuruvilla Binu T. , Benny Merina , Antony Benny , Seshadri Mukund , Lakshminarayan Padma , Hicks Wesley , Suresh Amritha , Kuriakose Moni A.
Published: June 2017

Effective chemoprevention is critical for improving outcomes of oral cancer. As single agents, curcumin and metformin are reported to exhibit chemopreventive properties, in vitro as well as in patients with oral cancer. In this study, the chemopreventive efficacy of this drug combination was tested in a 4‐nitro quinoline‐1‐oxide (4NQO) induced mice oral carcinogenesis model. Molecular analysis revealed a cancer stem cell (CSC)‐driven oral carcinogenic progression in this model, wherein a progressive increase in the expression of CSC‐specific markers (CD44 and CD133) was observed from 8th to 25th week, at transcript (40‐100‐fold) and protein levels (P ≤ 0.0001). Chemopreventive treatment of the animals at 17th week with curcumin and metformin indicated that the combination regimen decreased tumor volume when compared to the control arm (0.69+0.03 vs 6.66+2.4 mm3; P = 0.04) and improved overall survival of the animals (P = 0.03). Assessment of the molecular status showed an overall downregulation of CSC markers in the treatment arms as compared to the untreated control. Further, in vitro assessment of the treatment on the primary cells generated from progressive stages of 4NQO‐induced mice tissue showed a concordant and consistent downregulation of the CSC markers following combination treatment (P < 0.05). The treatment also inhibited the migratory and self‐renewal properties of these cells; the effect of which was prominent in the cultures of early dysplastic tissue (P < 0.002). Collectively, our observations suggest that the combination of curcumin and metformin may improve chemopreventive efficacy against oral squamous cell carcinoma through a CSC‐associated mechanism.
CCL20 promotes migration and invasiveness of human cancerous breast epithelial cells in primary culture
Authors: Muscella Antonella , Vetrugno Carla , Marsigliante Santo
Published: June 2017

The relation between the tumor and its microenvironment is one of the most interesting and less understood issues. Recently, we showed a role of CCL20 chemokine in proning the healthy tissue neighboring the tumor to carcinogenesis. Besides, tumor‐secreted CCL20 induced proliferation, migration, and EMT of healthy cells. In this context, we have studied here if CCL20 had effects on the migration of cancer cells and the intracellular pathways used in breast epithelial cells in primary culture. Using molecular (siRNA) and pharmacological (inhibitors) techniques, we found multiple signaling kinases to be activated and involved in CCL20‐induced tumor breast cell migration. CCL20 provoked a 2.5‐fold increase of cell migration and invasion; CCL20 also enhanced MMP‐ 2 and MMP‐9 mRNAs/protein expression and activities. Cell migration and invasiveness due to CCL20 significantly decreased when MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 were inhibited in CCL20‐stimulated cells. CCL20 controlled MMP‐2 expression through the JAK2/STAT3 pathway, while the expression of MMP‐9 occurred by PKC‐α that activated, consequently, c‐Src, Akt, and finally NF‐kB. These results reveal a role for CCL20 also in tumor breast cell and point to CCL20 as a novel therapeutic target in cancer.
The mechanism of interactions between tea polyphenols and porcine pancreatic alpha‐amylase: Analysis by inhibition kinetics, fluorescence quenching, differential scanning calorimetry and isothermal titration calorimetry
Authors: Sun Lijun , Gidley Michael J. , Warren Frederick J.
Published: June 2017

Scope

This study aims to use a combination of biochemical and biophysical methods to derive greater mechanistic understanding of the interactions between tea polyphenols and porcine pancreatic α‐amylase (PPA).

Methods and results

The interaction mechanism was studied through fluorescence quenching (FQ), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and compared with inhibition kinetics. The results showed that a higher quenching effect of polyphenols corresponded to a stronger inhibitory activity against PPA. The red‐shift of maximum emission wavelength of PPA bound with some polyphenols indicated a potential structural unfolding of PPA. This was also suggested by the decreased thermostability of PPA with these polyphenols in DSC thermograms. Through thermodynamic binding analysis of ITC and inhibition kinetics, the equilibrium of competitive inhibition was shown to result from the binding of particularly galloylated polyphenols with specific sites on PPA. There were positive linear correlations between the reciprocal of competitive inhibition constant (1/Kic), quenching constant (KFQ) and binding constant (Kitc).

Conclusion

The combination of inhibition kinetics, FQ, DSC and ITC can reasonably characterize the interactions between tea polyphenols and PPA. The galloyl moiety is an important group in catechins and theaflavins in terms of binding with and inhibiting the activity of PPA.
Subtypes of depression and their overlap in a naturalistic inpatient sample of major depressive disorder
Authors: Musil Richard , Seemüller Florian , Meyer Sebastian , Spellmann Ilja , Adli Mazda , Bauer Michael , Kronmüller Klaus‐Thomas , Brieger Peter , Laux Gerd , Bender Wolfram , Heuser Isabella , Fisher Robert , Gaebel Wolfgang , Schennach Rebecca , Möller Hans‐Jürgen , Riedel Michael
Published: June 2017

Subtyping depression is important in order to further delineate biological causes of depressive syndromes. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical and outcome characteristics of distinct subtypes of depression and to assess proportion and features of patients fulfilling criteria for more than one subtype. Melancholic, atypical and anxious subtypes of depression were assessed in a naturalistic sample of 833 inpatients using DSM‐IV specifiers based on operationalized criteria. Baseline characteristics and outcome criteria at discharge were compared between distinct subtypes and their overlap. A substantial proportion of patients (16%) were classified with more than one subtype of depression, 28% were of the distinct anxious, 7% of the distinct atypical and 5% of the distinct melancholic subtype. Distinct melancholic patients had shortest duration of episode, highest baseline depression severity, but were more often early improvers; distinct anxious patients had higher NEO‐Five Factor Inventory (NEO‐FFI) neuroticism scores compared with patients with unspecific subtype. Melancholic patients with overlap of anxious features had worse treatment outcome compared to distinct melancholic and distinct anxious subtype. Distinct subtypes differed in only few variables and patients with overlap of depression subtypes may have independent clinical and outcome characteristics. Studies investigating biological causes of subtypes of depression should take influence of features of other subtypes into account.
Optimization of acoustic radiation force imaging: Influence of timing parameters on sensitivity
Authors: Dadakova Tetiana , Krafft Axel Joachim , Özen Ali Caglar , Bock Michael
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Optimization of timing parameters for MR‐guided ARFI to achieve the highest displacement signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNRd).

Theory and Methods

In MR‐guided ARFI the phase change induced by motion encoding gradients (MEGs) is measured to assess tissue displacement. The sensitivity of this encoding procedure depends on several timing parameters, such as the MEG duration and the offset time between ultrasound (US) and MEG. Furthermore, mechanical and MR tissue constants and MEG schemes (bipolar or three‐lobed) influence SNRd. Optimal timing parameters were determined in simulations for bipolar and three‐lobed MEGs, and the results were compared with measurements. To provide clinically usable timing parameters, physiologically relevant ranges of tissue constants were considered.

Results

For the considered ranges of tissue constants, optimal timing parameters provide only 6% higher SNRd for bipolar than for three‐lobed MEG. Three‐lobed MEG is less sensitive to motion as confirmed in phantom experiments. Bipolar MEG can use approximately 1.5‐fold shorter MEG durations.

Conclusion

Both bipolar and three‐lobed MEGs can yield approximately the same SNRd if the optimal timing parameters are chosen. Bipolar MEG allows for shorter durations, which is preferable if deposition of US energy needs to be minimized, and three‐lobed MEG is more suitable when residual motion compensation is necessary. Magn Reson Med 79:981–986, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Improved localization, spectral quality, and repeatability with advanced MRS methodology in the clinical setting
Authors: Deelchand Dinesh K. , Kantarci Kejal , Öz Gülin
Published: June 2017

Purpose

To investigate the utility of an advanced magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) protocol in the clinical setting, and to compare the localization accuracy, spectral quality, and quantification repeatability between this advanced and the conventional vendor‐provided MRS protocol on a clinical 3T platform.

Methods

Proton spectra were measured from the posterior cingulate cortices in 30 healthy elderly subjects by clinical MR technologists using a vendor‐provided (point resolved spectroscopy with advanced 3D gradient‐echo B0 shimming) and an advanced (semi‐LASER with FAST(EST)MAP shimming) protocol, in random order. Spectra were quantified with LCModel using standard pipelines for the clinical and research settings, respectively.

Results

The advanced protocol outperformed the vendor‐provided protocol in localization accuracy (chemical‐shift‐displacement error: 2.0%/ppm, semi‐LASER versus 11.6%/ppm, point resolved spectroscopy), spectral quality (water linewidth: 6.1 ± 1.8 Hz, FAST(EST)MAP versus 10.5 ± 3.7 Hz, 3D gradient echo; P < 7e‐6; residual water: 0.08 ± 0.12%, VAPOR versus 0.45 ± 0.50%, WET; P < 2e‐5) and within‐session repeatability of metabolite concentrations, particularly of low signal‐to‐noise ratio data with two to eight averages (test‐retest coefficients of variance of metabolite concentrations, P < 0.01). Concentrations of J‐coupled metabolites such as γ‐aminobutyric acid and glutamate were biased when using the default pipeline with simulated macromolecules.

Conclusions

The quality of MRS data can be improved using advanced acquisition and analysis protocols on standard 3T hardware in the clinical setting, which can facilitate robust applications in central nervous system diseases. Magn Reson Med 79:1241–1250, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Validation of a three‐dimensional constitutive model for nonlinear site response and soil‐structure interaction analyses using centrifuge test data
Authors: Zhang Wenyang , Esmaeilzadeh Seylabi Elnaz , Taciroglu Ertugrul
Published: June 2017

The capability of a bounding surface plasticity model with a vanishing elastic region to capture the multiaxial dynamic hysteretic responses of soil deposits under broadband (eg, earthquake) excitations is explored by using data from centrifuge tests. The said model was proposed by Borja and Amies in 1994 (J. Geotech. Eng., 120, 6, 1051‐1070), which is theoretically capable of representing nonlinear soil behavior in a multiaxial setting. This is an important capability that is required for exploring and quantifying site topography, soil stratigraphy, and kinematic effects in ground motion and soil‐structure interaction analyses. Results obtained herein indicate that the model can accurately predict key response data recorded during centrifuge tests on embedded specimens—including soil pressures and bending strains for structural walls, structures' racking displacements, and surface settlements—under both low‐ and high‐amplitude seismic input motions, which was achieved after performing only a basic material parameter calibration procedure. Comparisons are also made with results obtained using equivalent linear models and a well‐known pressure‐dependent multisurface plasticity model, which suggested that the present model is generally more accurate. The numerical convergence behavior of the model in nonlinear equilibrium iterations is also explored for a variety of numerical implementation and model parameter options. To facilitate broader use by researchers and practicing engineers alike, the model is implemented as a “user material” in ABAQUS Standard for implicit time stepping.
Motivations for physical activity in youth with type 1 diabetes participating in the ActivPals project: a qualitative study
Authors: Wilkie Louise , Mitchell Fiona , Robertson Kenneth , Kirk Alison
Published: June 2017

Around two‐thirds of 5–18 year olds fail to meet physical activity (PA) recommendations. Children with type 1 diabetes tend to be less active and more sedentary than non‐diabetic peers. Research into motivations for PA in this population is lacking.

We aimed to investigate motivating factors for PA in youth with type 1 diabetes participating in a four‐week PA intervention (ActivPals study) to inform the practice of health care professionals promoting PA.

Sixteen semi‐structured interviews with participants plus a parent (n = 32) were carried out between May and July 2016. Following completion of the ActivPals intervention, participants who agreed to interview were recruited to this study. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically.

Factors contributing to motivation to participate in PA are presented as six key themes and nine sub‐themes. The six themes were: ‘motivators related to health’, ‘enjoyment’, ‘self‐efficacy’, ‘family and friends participating’, ‘contribution of third parties’ and ‘good weather’.

It was concluded that enjoyment was key to participation in PA and could be increased by goal setting and the involvement of friends and family. Education and support to manage diabetes for PA are crucial in developing self‐efficacy to enable sustained behaviour change and health care professionals play a key role in providing this support, as well as having the potential to be a motivating role model. Subjective improvement in blood glucose readings and psychological benefits were also acknowledged to provide motivation for further PA. These motivating factors should be applied in supporting children with type 1 diabetes to engage in PA. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons.
Novel therapies in type 2 diabetes: insulin resistance
Authors: Tahrani Abd A
Published: June 2017

Insulin resistance plays an important role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Obesity is a major risk factor for the development of insulin resistance. Hence, treating obesity with lifestyle interventions is the cornerstone of managing insulin resistance. However, when lifestyle interventions fail to produce sustainable impact, then pharmacotherapy and/or bariatric surgery can produce significant improvements in weight, insulin resistance and glycaemic measures. Ectopic fat in the liver and muscle is one of the main mechanisms via which obesity impacts on insulin sensitivity. Hence, there are currently multiple therapeutic interventions in development that aim to improve ectopic fat. With better understanding of the insulin signalling pathways, multiple agents are under development targeting different components of this pathway from the level of insulin receptor to the level of protein kinase B activation and the translocation of glucose transporters. The development of these agents has been slow due to the complexity of the insulin signalling pathway, the multiple negative feedback signals and the fact that the molecules involved in insulin signalling are also involved in other pathways such as cell survival and apoptosis. Sleep‐related disorders are increasingly recognised as independent risk factors for the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes; targeting sleep‐related disorders as a treatment strategy for insulin resistance is under evaluation.

In this article, I will briefly review the future treatments of insulin resistance that are in the pipeline, and I will also briefly review the role of bariatric surgery and sleep‐related disorders in the treatment of insulin resistance. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons.
Modeling and experimental validation of interfacial fatigue damage in fiber‐reinforced rubber composites
Authors: Zhang Bin , Yu Xiaoming , Gu Boqin
Published: June 2017

This article presents an experimental and numerical study of short‐fiber‐reinforced rubber sealing composites (SFRC) at different stress amplitudes (1 MPa, 2 MPa, and 3 MPa). The curves of the maximum strain varying with the number of cycles were obtained by the fatigue test, and the damage modes of SFRC at different stress amplitudes were determined by scanning electron microscope. A finite element model (FEM) was established, where fibers distributed randomly and the stress‐based fatigue damage model integrating with a bilinear traction‐separation law of the cohesive zone model was embedded in the fiber/matrix interface. The effect of different stress amplitudes on the fatigue damage of SFRC was investigated by FEM where the interfacial debonding behavior was considered. The predictions at stress amplitudes of 1 MPa are generally consistent with experimental data. The predictions at high stress amplitudes (2 MPa and 3 MPa) are agreeable with experimental data at low number of cycles. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:920–927, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis and characterization of fully biobased poly(propylene succinate‐ran‐propylene adipate). Analysis of the architecture‐dependent physicochemical behavior
Authors: Debuissy Thibaud , Pollet Eric , Avérous Luc
Published: June 2017

Fully biobased aliphatic random poly(1,3‐propylene succinate‐ran‐1,3‐propylene adipate) (PPSA) copolyesters with high molar mass were synthesized with different macromolecular architectures based on various succinic acid/adipic acid (SA/AA) molar ratio, by transesterification in melt. Titanium (IV) isopropoxide was used as an effective catalyst. All synthesized copolyesters were fully characterized by different chemical and physicochemical techniques including NMR, size exclusion chromatography, FTIR, wide angle X‐ray scattering, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. The final copolyesters molar compositions were identical to the feed ones. The different sequences based on succinate and adipate segments were randomly distributed along the chains. All the corresponding copolyesters showed an excellent thermal stability with a degradation onset temperature higher than 290 °C, which increased with the adipate content. According to their compositions and architectures, PPSA copolyesters can exhibit or not a crystalline phase, at room temperature. Tg of copolyesters decreased with the adipate content due to the decrease in the chains mobility, following the Gordon–Taylor relation. PPSA showed a pseudo eutectic melting behavior characteristic of an isodimorphic character. Finally, PPSA copolyesters were not able to crystallize during the cooling or the second heating run, due to the 1,3‐propanediol chemical structure, which led to amorphous materials with the exception of the polyester based solely on AA. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 2738–2748
Effect of polymer chain stiffness on initial stages of crystallization of polyetherimides: Coarse‐grained computer simulation
Authors: Markina Anastasia , Ivanov Viktor , Komarov Pavel , Larin Sergey , Kenny José Maria , Lyulin Sergey
Published: June 2017

We use dissipative particle dynamics simulation to study the role of the intramolecular stiffness in the crystallization process of aromatic polyetherimides. We have developed and parameterized a coarse‐grained model for polyimides R‐BAPB and R‐BAPS, which have similar chemical structures but different macroscopic properties. The former one is known as semicrystalline, while the latter one is amorphous. In our model, the only difference between these two polyimides is the intramolecular stiffness. We show that this model can reasonably reproduce the structure formation in polyimide melts. We observe initial stages of crystallization of polyimide R–BAPB while R‐BAPS stays amorphous. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 1254–1265
Quantum chemistry in environmental pesticide risk assessment
Authors: Villaverde Juan J , López‐Goti Carmen , Alcamí Manuel , Lamsabhi Al Mokhtar , Alonso‐Prados José L , Sandín‐España Pilar
Published: June 2017

The scientific community and regulatory bodies worldwide, currently promote the development of non‐experimental tests that produce reliable data for pesticide risk assessment. The use of standard quantum chemistry methods could allow the development of tools to perform a first screening of compounds to be considered for the experimental studies, improving the risk assessment. This fact results in a better distribution of resources and in better planning, allowing a more exhaustive study of the pesticides and their metabolic products. The current paper explores the potential of quantum chemistry in modelling toxicity and environmental behaviour of pesticides and their by‐products by using electronic descriptors obtained computationally. Quantum chemistry has potential to estimate the physico‐chemical properties of pesticides, including certain chemical reaction mechanisms and their degradation pathways, allowing modelling of the environmental behaviour of both pesticides and their by‐products. In this sense, theoretical methods can contribute to performing a more focused risk assessment of pesticides used in the market, and may lead to higher quality and safer agricultural products. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Abundance, genetic diversity and sensitivity to demethylation inhibitor fungicides of Aspergillus fumigatus isolates from organic substrates with special emphasis on compost
Authors: Santoro Karin , Matić Slavica , Gisi Ulrich , Spadaro Davide , Pugliese Massimo , Gullino Maria L
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

Aspergillus fumigatus is a widespread fungus that colonizes dead organic substrates but it can also cause fatal human diseases. Aspergilloses are treated with demethylation inhibitor (DMI) fungicides; however, resistant isolates appeared recently in the medical and also environmental area. The present study aims at molecular characterizing and quantifying A. fumigatus in major environmental habitats and determining its sensitivity to medical and agricultural DMI fungicides.

RESULTS

A. fumigatus was isolated only rarely from soil and meadow/forest organic matter but high concentrations (103 to 107 cfu/g) were detected in substrates subjected to elevated temperatures, such as compost and silage. High genetic diversity of A. fumigatus from compost was found based on SSR markers, distinguishing among fungal isolates even when coming from the same substrate sample, while subclustering was observed based on mutations in cyp51A gene. Several cyp51A amino acid substitutions were found in 15 isolates, although all isolates were fully sensitive to the tested DMI fungicides, with exception of one isolate in combination with one fungicide.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that the tested A. fumigatus isolates collected in Italy, Spain and Hungary from the fungus' major living habitats (compost) and commercial growing substrates are not potential carriers for DMI resistance in the environment. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Morin Suppresses Astrocyte Activation and Regulates Cytokine Release in Bone Cancer Pain Rat Models
Authors: Jiang Wei , Wang Ying , Sun Wei , Zhang Mengyuan
Published: June 2017

As inflammatory and immune responses are involved in pathophysiology of debilitating neuropathic pain, reagents that can modulate these two responses may have therapeutic potential. Morin, derived from the moraceae family of plants, benefits inflammation‐related diseases, but its antinociceptive effects on cancer pain remain elusive. In the present study, we investigated antinociceptive effects of morin on bone cancer pain using a rat model, where rats were subject to implantation of Walker 256 mammary gland carcinoma cells into the tibia. Morin (5–20 mg/kg) dose‐dependently attenuated behavioral hypersensitivities, including mechanical allodynia and free movement pain, which was accompanied by downregulation of astrocyte marker glial fibrillary acidic protein in the spinal cord in cancer‐bearing rats. Treatment with morin also induced reduction of pro‐inflammatory cytokines TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6 and upregulation of an antiinflammatory cytokine IL‐10. Furthermore, intrathecal injection of AM630 (an antagonist of cannabinoid receptor 2, CB2), but not naloxone (an antagonist of opioid receptors), significantly blocked morin attenuation of behavioral hypersensitivities. Taken together, these results suggest that morin suppresses astrocyte activation and neuro‐inflammation induced by bone cancer pain and its antinociceptive effects on bone cancer pain may be associated with activation of CB2 receptors in the spinal cord. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of Finger Motion Coordination during Packaging Interactions
Authors: Yoxall A. , Gonzalez V. , Rowson J.
Published: June 2017

Packaging accessibility is a significant problem for many older people. Whilst the majority of studies have focused on issues surrounding strength, work has shown that dexterity required to open a pack is also a major issue for many older people.

Hence, the work undertaken here reports a quantitative study that aimed to analyse motion coordination patterns across digits 2–5 (index to little finger) during interactions with three of the most common types of packaging: plastic bottles, jars and crisps packets, and comparing those interactions with a common measure of dexterity, the Perdue Pegboard. Ten subjects (six male participants and four female participants) were examined whilst reaching forward to grasp and open a 300 ml plastic bottle and a 500 g jar. A 10‐camera optoelectronic motion capture system measured trajectories of 25 miniature reflective markers placed on the dorsal surface landmarks of the hand. Joint angular profiles for 12 involved flexion–extension movements were derived from the measured coordinates of surface markers.

The results showed that finger correlations vary widely across the differing pack formats with the crisps having the lowest finger movement correlation and the jar having the highest. Speed and jerk metrics were also seen to vary across the various pack formats.

However, finger correlations were seen to be more relevant to perceive dexterity of pack opening than finger speeds and jerk motions. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measuring Performance in Interagency Collaboration: FEMA Corps
Authors: Ward Kevin D. , Epstein Diana , Varda Danielle , Lane Barbara
Published: June 2017

The U.S. Office of Management and Budget and other federal government stakeholders have been encouraging federal agencies to partner and collaborate to solve increasingly complex public problems. However, developing and implementing performance measures in collaborative or partnership arrangements adds complexity to an already complex process. In the case of one interagency partnership, the FEMA Corps, implementing a mechanism to collect and report data demonstrating accomplishments has presented both challenges and opportunities. Through this research, the practitioner‐scholar research team uses the partnership between FEMA and a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) as a case study demonstrating what it takes for two federal agencies to successfully collaborate on data collection and reporting. Despite the challenge, findings demonstrate that the process of developing and implementing joint performance measures may facilitate important conversations relating to the mission, vision, and goals of the partnership.
Large‐bodied fish assemblage characteristics in large rivers across Ontario
Authors: Haxton T. , Friday M. , Cano T. , Hendry C.
Published: June 2017

Large‐bodied fish assemblages were assessed in large rivers across Ontario. The objectives of this study were to (i) determine if there were relationships in large‐bodied fish species within rivers; (ii) determine what factors explain the variability in the abundance of large‐bodied fish within rivers across Ontario; and (iii) assessed variation in large‐bodied fish biodiversity among these river. Standardized index netting was conducted at 22 sites across 12 major rivers and sampled 3889 fish representing 26 species. Species associations were evident based on correspondence analysis. Walleye, Common White Sucker, Northern Pike and Lake Whitefish formed one group; Silver Redhorse, Shorthead Redhorse and Lake Sturgeon (adult and juvenile) formed another; Burbot, Longnose Sucker and Sauger were closely associated; and Cisco, Yellow Perch, Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass and Brown Bullhead grouped. Canonical correspondence analysis was conducted to link species abundance patterns to environmental conditions. Walleye, Common White Sucker, Lake Whitefish and Smallmouth Bass were ubiquitous. Northern Pike abundance was negatively correlated with river discharge and longitude. Burbot, Sauger and Longnose Sucker abundance were positively correlated with deep rivers and discharge. Whereas Cisco, Yellow Perch and Rock Bass abundance were greater in wider rivers with lower discharge. Lake Sturgeon (adult and juvenile), Silver Redhorse and Shorthead Redhorse abundance were greater in narrow, longer rivers. Juvenile Lake Sturgeon abundance was positively correlated with longitude and river discharge. Mean species diversity and richness of large‐bodied fish among all sites was 1.58 (0.36 SD) and 7.7 (2.6 SD). Species diversity was not significantly related to any of the variables used in the Generalized Linear Model; however, species richness was significantly related to maximum depth. This study demonstrated subtle differences in environmental variables affecting large‐bodied fish at the landscape scale rather than those observed at the river scale.
Estimating discharge in gravel‐bed river using non‐contact ground‐penetrating and surface‐velocity radars
Authors: Hong J.‐H. , Guo W.‐D. , Wang H.‐W. , Yeh P.‐H.
Published: June 2017

Discharge measurement is a critical task for gravel‐bed channels. Under high‐flow conditions, the elevation of the riverbed changes significantly by intensive torrential flow. The stage–discharge relations commonly used for stream discharge estimation may no longer be adequate. The contact‐type velocity measuring is also subject to measurement errors and/or instrument failures by the high‐flow velocities, driftwood, stumps, and debris. This study developed a new real‐time method to estimate river discharge in gravel‐bed channels. A systematic measuring technology combining ground‐penetrating radar and surface‐velocity radar was employed. The rating curves representing the relations of water surface velocity to the channel cross‐sectional mean velocity and flow area were established. Stream discharge was then deduced from the resulting mean velocity and flow area. The proposed method was examined in a steep gravel‐bed reach of the Cho‐Shui River in central Taiwan. The estimated stream discharge during three flood events were compared to the prediction by using the stage–discharge relation and the index‐velocity method. The proposed method of this study is capable of computing reasonable values of discharge for an entire flood hydrograph, whereas the other two methods tend to produce large extrapolation errors. Moreover, when the computed discharge is used in 2D flood flow simulation, the proposed method demonstrates better performance than the commonly used stage–discharge and index‐velocity methods.
Therapeutic Efficacy of Fresh, Allogeneic Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Severe Refractory Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis
Authors: Arzi Boaz , Clark Kaitlin C. , Sundaram Ayswarya , Spriet Mathieu , Verstraete Frank J.M. , Walker Naomi J , Loscar Megan R. , Fazel Nasim , Murphy William J. , Vapniarsky Natalia , Borjesson Dori L.
Published: June 2017

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have potent immunomodulatory functions and are a promising therapy for immune-mediated inflammatory disorders. We previously demonstrated the efficacy of fresh, autologous, adipose-derived MSCs (ASCs) to treat feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS), a chronic oral mucosal inflammatory disease similar to human oral lichen planus. Here, we investigate the use of fresh allogeneic ASCs for treatment of FCGS in seven cats. Radiolabeled ASCs were also tracked systemically. Each cat received two intravenous injections of 20 million ASCs, 1 month apart. Oral inflammation, blood lymphocyte subsets, anti-fetal bovine serum antibody levels, ASC crossmatching and serum proteins and cytokine concentrations were determined. Four of the 7 cats (57%) responded to treatment [complete clinical remission (n = 2) or substantial clinical improvement (n = 2)]. Three cats were nonresponders. Prior to therapy, most cats had increased circulating CD8+ T cells, decreased CD8lo cells, and a decreased CD4/CD8 ratio, however clinical resolution was not associated with normalization of these parameters. Nonresponders showed more severe systemic inflammation (neutrophilia, hyperglobulinemia and increased interferon gamma and tumor necrosis factor alpha concentration) prior to ASC therapy. Clinical remission took up to 20 months and no clinical relapse has occurred. A higher fraction of radiolabeled ASCs were identified in the oral cavity of FCGS affected cats than the control cat. The administration of fresh, allogenic ASCs appeared to have lower clinical efficacy with a delayed response as compared to the fresh, autologous ASCs. In addition, the mechanism(s) of action for autologous and allogenic ASCs may differ in this model of oral inflammation.
Effects of hispolon on glioblastoma cell growth
Authors: Arcella Antonietta , Oliva Maria Antonietta , Sanchez Massimo , Staffieri Sabrina , Esposito Vincenzo , Giangaspero Felice , Cantore Giampaolo
Published: June 2017

Hispolon is a polyphenolic compound isolated from Phellinus linteus which exhibits antitumor activity. Here, we explored the effects of hispolon on human glioblastoma cells U87MG. Cell viability was examined by MTT assay. Growth was investigated by incubating cells with various concentrations of hispolon (25 and 50 µM) for 24, 48 or 72 h and daily cell count. Cell cycle and apoptosis assay were assessed by flow cytometry. Hispolon decreased cell viability in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. The cell cycle distribution showed that hispolon enhanced the accumulation of the cells in G2/M phase. Hispolon decreased the expression of G1–S transition‐related protein cyclin D4 but increased the expression of CDK inhibitor p21. Additionally, hispolon enhanced the expression of p53. Moreover, hispolon treatment was effective on U87MG cells in inhibiting cell viability and inducing cell apoptosis. Our results indicate that hispolon inhibits the cell viability, induces G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in glioblastoma U87MG cells, and p53 should play a role in hispolon‐mediated antitumor activity.
Create a guaranteed course schedule to help students graduate more quickly
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: June 2017

NEW ORLEANS — When college officials plan efforts to encourage timely graduation, identifying barriers to completion is an important first step. At Cuyahoga Community College, when officials asked faculty members and students “What is the one thing that is challenging you right now?” they got a consistent response: the schedule.
Review answers to readers' questions about FERPA
Authors: Rainsberger Richard
Published: June 2017

It's been a long time since I answered a few questions from readers regarding the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. The mailbox has become crowded, so here are answers to two questions that arrived recently.
Review the top 5 changes to IPEDS data to stay current for the new academic year
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: June 2017

MINNEAPOLIS — What are the updates to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System that are important for you to know in your role at your institution? James Isaac, senior survey director at RTI International, shared updates to IPEDS and the most important things to know about IPEDS at the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers annual conference. “If you work in the Registrar's Office, you're dealing most with the public face of IPEDS — College Navigator, the FAFSA form, the College Scorecard, it goes on. If you deal with any of those things, you'll be dealing with IPEDS,” Isaac said.
Adopt 10 key strategies for successful leadership
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: June 2017

NEW ORLEANS — If you're looking for higher‐level leadership opportunities, showing leadership in your current position can get you noticed. Chemene Crawford, vice president for student services and enrollment management at El Centro College in the Dallas County Community College District; and Ann Johnson, vice president for student success at Lone Star College, Tomball, explained how to lead from any position at a session at the American Association of Community Colleges annual convention.
Measuring human–wildlife conflicts: Comparing insights from different monitoring approaches
Authors: Songhurst Anna
Published: June 2017

Studies investigating wildlife crop‐damage have been widely documented, but methods often vary and results can be difficult to compare across national and international regions. Standardized data‐collection protocols involving local communities are encouraged in wildlife management research to address this issue; however, it is not clear how data collected from such systems compare with government monitoring schemes. I established an independent monitoring program for human–elephant conflict (HEC) incidents over a 3‐year period (2008–2010) in northern Botswana, following the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) data collection protocol. In addition, the government's monitoring scheme for problem‐animal control continued in the area. With these systems running simultaneously, I compared the data collection efficiency of the 2 approaches and explored implications of each on HEC management. The total number of crop‐damage incidents recorded differed between the 2 systems. The IUCN approach was temporally more efficient than the government approach, which influenced measurements of areas damaged by elephants. Government records showed a greater mean area of damage per elephant crop‐raiding incident compared with community enumerator records. A potential challenge of using the IUCN approach for wide‐scale HEC monitoring is the selection, cost, and management of enumerators. Ultimately, both approaches were effective for general monitoring of HEC incidents when the purpose of data collection was clearly defined. Monitoring systems that address broader issues beyond providing a record of damage incidents are likely to have a greater effect in reducing human–wildlife conflicts in the long‐term. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Assessing enclosure design and husbandry practices for successful keeping and breeding of the Burmese brow antlered deer (Eld's deer, Rucervus eldii thamin) in European zoos
Authors: Wall Ellis L. , Hartley Matt
Published: June 2017

The endangered Burmese brow antlered deer (Rucervus eldii thamin) is a medium sized tropical cervid kept in a number of European zoos. Studbook data and anecdotal reports have suggested that this species suffers from poor reproductive success and relatively high neonatal mortality in captivity. Questionnaires were sent to 10 European zoos, holding 91 (20.71.0) deer, in order to record information on husbandry practices and enclosure design. Studbook analysis was performed to determine reproductive success and mortality values at each of the zoos participating in the study. Statistical analysis was carried out to identify any links between husbandry or enclosure design and the population parameters calculated from the studbook. From the nine zoos that were analyzed in this study, no significant differences were found for population parameters between male and female deer. Neonatal mortality was negatively correlated to enclosure size (in males) and enclosure cover (in females). Positive correlations were found between enclosure cover, average temperature and group size with life expectancy, and negative correlations between enclosure visibility and visitor distance with female life expectancy. These results may be useful for informing husbandry guidelines, although further research into stress responses in captivity is recommended for this species to improve their welfare.
Applying behavior‐analytic methodology to the science and practice of environmental enrichment in zoos and aquariums
Authors: Alligood Christina A. , Dorey Nicole R. , Mehrkam Lindsay R. , Leighty Katherine A.
Published: June 2017

Environmental enrichment in zoos and aquariums is often evaluated at two overlapping levels: published research and day‐to‐day institutional record keeping. Several authors have discussed ongoing challenges with small sample sizes in between‐groups zoological research and have cautioned against the inappropriate use of inferential statistics (Shepherdson, , International Zoo Yearbook, 38, 118–124; Shepherdson, Lewis, Carlstead, Bauman, & Perrin, Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 147, 298–277; Swaisgood, , Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 102, 139–162; Swaisgood & Shepherdson, , Zoo Biology, 24, 499–518). Multi‐institutional studies are the typically‐prescribed solution, but these are expensive and difficult to carry out. Kuhar ( Zoo Biology, 25, 339–352) provided a reminder that inferential statistics are only necessary when one wishes to draw general conclusions at the population level. Because welfare is assessed at the level of the individual animal, we argue that evaluations of enrichment efficacy are often instances in which inferential statistics may be neither necessary nor appropriate. In recent years, there have been calls for the application of behavior‐analytic techniques to zoo animal behavior management, including environmental enrichment (e.g., Bloomsmith, Marr, & Maple, , Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 102, 205–222; Tarou & Bashaw, , Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 102, 189–204). Single‐subject (also called single‐case, or small‐n) designs provide a means of designing evaluations of enrichment efficacy based on an individual's behavior. We discuss how these designs might apply to research and practice goals at zoos and aquariums, contrast them with standard practices in the field, and give examples of how each could be successfully applied in a zoo or aquarium setting.
Organ Dysfunction and Failure Following Brain Death Do Not Preclude Successful Donation
Authors: Essien Eno‐Obong I. , Parimi Nehu , Gutwald‐Miller Jennifer , Nutter Tyree , Scalea Thomas M. , Stein Deborah M.
Published: June 2017

Background

Organ dysfunction is common after neurologic determination of death (NDD) but before organ collection. Reliable markers for graft success following transplant of these organs would be useful. We sought to determine the relationship between the donor after neurologic determination of death (DNDD) pathophysiology and successful organ donation.

Methods

Donor information was obtained through the local organ procurement organization. Donor demographics and clinical data points for cardiovascular, renal, respiratory, hepatic, hematological and neuroendocrine systems were reviewed 12 h before and 12 h after neurologic determination of death was declared. The worst values were utilized for analysis and generation of the organ‐specific Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores. SOFA scores were calculated and used to quantify the degree of organ dysfunction. The NDD non‐donors for a specific organ were used as a comparison control group. The control group refers to DNDD patients whose specific organs were not transplanted. Lack of use was mostly due to discard by the transplant team as a result of unsuitability of the organ caused by deterioration or possible donor‐specific pathology.

Results

One hundred and five organ donors were analyzed. Mean age was 35.0 (± 13.6), 78.1% male, median GCS 3, interquartile range (IQR) 3–4 and median injury severity score 32 (IQR 25–43). Of the successful donors, organ‐specific severe dysfunction (SOFA 3 or 4) occurred in 96, 27.5 and 3.3% of cardiac, lung and liver donors, respectively. There was no significant difference between the levels of organ dysfunction in donors versus non‐donors except lung donors, in which the median lowest partial pressure of arterial oxygen‐to‐fraction of inspired oxygen (P/F) ratio in the non‐donor was 194 (IQR 121.8–308.3) compared to the median lowest P/F ratio in the donor which was 287 (IQR 180–383.5), p = 0.02. In the recipients, graft failure 6 months after transplantation was reported in one kidney recipient (0.74%) (peak donor creatinine = 1 mg/dL) and in five pancreas recipients (11.4%). The median peak glucose of the pancreas donors in failed recipients was 178 mg/dL (IQR 157–213), whereas in the functioning recipients, the median glucose of their donors was not different (185 mg/dL, IQR 157–216), p = 0.394.

Conclusion

Current measures of organ failure and dysfunction do not predict the success of organ donation. Successful donor management in the face of severe organ dysfunction and failure can result in lives saved.