bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The head and neck cancer (HN-5) cell line properties extraction by AFM
Authors: Korayem M. H. , Heidary K. , Rastegar Z.
Published: March 2020

This work incorporates experimental methods based on Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) in order to extract the physical and mechanical characteristics of the head and neck cancer (HN-5) cell line such as cell topography, modulus of elasticity and viscoelastic properties. The initial parameters to determine the mechanical properties are obtained by extracting information from cantilever’s force-displacement curve and vertical and horizontal displacement. Next, the changes in elasticity modulus at different points in the cell are attained using the experimental results, followed by studying the differences of these properties at various spots of the cell. Furthermore, cellular folding factor is calculated as a significant property in diagnosing the extent of cancer progression. Moreover, parameters such as adhesion and intermolecular forces are measured which are involved in the first phase of manipulation and during the application of the cantilever force to the particle. Finally, after calculating the indentation depth and contact radius using contact theories, critical manipulation time and force are obtained. Through modeling the cell, the creep function, the spring constant and the damping coefficient corresponding to the cell, are also extracted.
Impact of concomitant vasoactive treatment and mechanical left ventricular unloading in a porcine model of profound cardiogenic shock
Authors: Udesen Nanna L. J. , Helgestad Ole K. L. , Banke Ann B. S. , Frederiksen Peter H. , Josiassen Jakob , Jensen Lisette O. , Schmidt Henrik , Edelman Elazer R. , Chang Brian Y. , Ravn Hanne B. , Møller Jacob E.
Published: March 2020

Background

Concomitant vasoactive drugs are often required to maintain adequate perfusion pressure in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and cardiogenic shock (CS) receiving hemodynamic support with an axial flow pump (Impella CP).

Objective

To compare the effect of equipotent dosages of epinephrine, dopamine, norepinephrine, and phenylephrine on cardiac work and end-organ perfusion in a porcine model of profound ischemic CS supported with an Impella CP.

Methods

CS was induced in 10 pigs by stepwise intracoronary injection of polyvinyl microspheres. Hemodynamic support with Impella CP was initiated followed by blinded crossover to vasoactive treatment with norepinephrine (0.10 μg/kg/min), epinephrine (0.10 μg/kg/min), or dopamine (10 μg/kg/min) for 30 min each. At the end of the study, phenylephrine (10 μg/kg/min) was administered for 20 min. The primary outcome was cardiac workload, a product of pressure-volume area (PVA) and heart rate (HR), measured using the conductance catheter technique. End-organ perfusion was assessed by measuring venous oxygen saturation from the pulmonary artery (SvO2), jugular bulb, and renal vein. Treatment effects were evaluated using multilevel mixed-effects linear regression.

Results

All catecholamines significantly increased LV stroke work and cardiac work, dopamine to the greatest extend by 341.8 × 103 (mmHg × mL)/min [95% CI (174.1, 509.5), p < 0.0001], and SvO2 significantly improved during all catecholamines. Phenylephrine, a vasoconstrictor, caused a significant increase in cardiac work by 437.8 × 103 (mmHg × mL)/min [95% CI (297.9, 577.6), p < 0.0001] due to increase in potential energy (p = 0.001), but no significant change in LV stroke work. Also, phenylephrine tended to decrease SvO2 (p = 0.063) and increased arterial lactate levels (p = 0.002).

Conclusion

Catecholamines increased end-organ perfusion at the expense of increased cardiac work, most by dopamine. However, phenylephrine increased cardiac work with no increase in end-organ perfusion.
Lipocalin 2 links inflammation and ankylosis in the clinical overlap of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS)
Authors: Lin Aifeng , Inman Robert D. , Streutker Catherine J. , Zhang Zhenbo , Pritzker Kenneth P. H. , Tsui Hing Wo , Tsui Florence W. L.
Published: March 2020

Background

Little is known about the mechanisms underlying the clinical overlap between gut inflammation and joint ankylosis, as exemplified by the concurrence of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). As dysbiosis may serve as a common contributor, the anti-microbial pleiotropic factor lipocalin 2 could be a potential mediator due to its roles in inflammation and bone homeostasis.

Methods

Baseline colonic pathology was conducted in the ank/ank mouse model. Serum lipocalin 2 was analyzed by ELISA, in ank/ank mutants versus C3FeB6-A/Aw-jwt/wt, in patients with concurrent AS-IBD, AS alone, IBD alone, or mechanical back pain, and in healthy controls. In the ank/ank mouse model, the expression of nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) was examined by real-time PCR. Intraperitoneal injection was done with the PPARγ agonist rosiglitazone or antagonist bisphenol A diglycidyl ether for four consecutive days. Serum levels of lipocalin 2 were examined on the sixth day.

Results

This study showed that the ank/ank mice with fully fused spines had concurrent colonic inflammation. By first using the ank/ank mouse model with progressive ankylosis and subclinical colonic inflammation, confirmed in patients with concurrent AS and IBD, elevated circulating lipocalin 2 levels were associated with the coexisting ankylosis and gut inflammation. The intracellular pathway of lipocalin 2 was further investigated with the ank/ank mouse model involving PPARγ. Colonic expression of PPARγ was negatively associated with the degree of gut inflammation. The PPARγ agonist rosiglitazone treatment significantly upregulated the serum levels of lipocalin 2, suggesting a potential regulatory role of PPARγ in the aberrant expression of lipocalin 2.

Conclusions

In summary, lipocalin 2 modulated by PPARγ could be a potential pathway involved in concurrent inflammation and ankylosis in AS and IBD.
Early progression of pulmonary hypertension in the monocrotaline model in males is associated with increased lung permeability
Authors: Rafikova Olga , James Joel , Eccles Cody A. , Kurdyukov Sergey , Niihori Maki , Varghese Mathews Valuparampil , Rafikov Ruslan
Published: March 2020

Background

The mechanisms involved in pulmonary hypertension (PH) development in patients and pre-clinical models are poorly understood. PH has a well-established sex dimorphism in patients with increased frequency of PH in females, and more severe disease with poor survival prognosis in males. Previously, we found that heme signaling plays an essential role in the development phase of the Sugen/Hypoxia (SU/Hx) model. This study is focused on the elucidation of sex differences in mechanisms of PH development related to heme action at the early stage of the monocrotaline (MCT) PH model.

Methods

Rats received MCT injection (60 mg/kg, i.p.) and followed for 14 days to investigate early disease changes. Hemodynamic parameters were recorded at the end of the study; plasma, lung homogenates, and nuclear fractions were used for the evaluation of protein levels.

Results

Our data indicate that on day 14, rats did not show any significant increase in the Fulton index due to the early disease phase. However, the right ventricular systolic pressure was significantly increased in male rats, while female rats showed only a trend. Interestingly, only males demonstrated an increased lung-to-bodyweight ratio that indicated lung edema. Indeed, lung histology confirmed severe perivascular edema in males. Previously, we have reported that the increased perivascular edema in SU/Hx model correlated with intravascular hemolysis and activated heme signaling. Here, we found that elevated free hemoglobin levels and perivascular edema were increased, specifically in males showing more rapid progress of PH. A high level of heme carrier protein 1 (HCP-1), which is involved in heme uptake from the bloodstream into the cells, was also found elevated in the lungs of males. The upregulation of heme oxygenase in males indicated increased intracellular heme catabolism. Increased heme signaling resulted in the activation of heme-mediated barrier-disruptive mechanisms. Thus, hemolysis in males can be responsible for increased permeability of the lungs and early disease development.

Conclusions

Our study indicates the importance of barrier-disruptive mechanisms as an earlier event in the induction of pulmonary hypertension. Importantly, males are more susceptible to hemolysis and develop PH earlier than females.
600-ns pulsed electric fields affect inactivation and antibiotic susceptibilities of Escherichia coli and Lactobacillus acidophilus
Authors: Martens Stacey L. , Klein Savannah , Barnes Ronald A. , TrejoSanchez Patricia , Roth Caleb C. , Ibey Bennett L.
Published: March 2020

Cell suspensions of Escherichia coli and Lactobacillus acidophilus were exposed to 600-ns pulsed electric fields (nsPEFs) at varying amplitudes (Low-13.5, Mid-18.5 or High-23.5 kV cm−1) and pulse numbers (0 (sham), 1, 5, 10, 100 or 1000) at a 1 hertz (Hz) repetition rate. The induced temperature rise generated at these exposure parameters, hereafter termed thermal gradient, was measured and applied independently to cell suspensions in order to differentiate inactivation triggered by electric field (E-field) from heating. Treated cell suspensions were plated and cellular inactivation was quantified by colony counts after a 24-hour (h) incubation period. Additionally, cells from both exposure conditions were incubated with various antibiotic-soaked discs to determine if nsPEF exposure would induce changes in antibiotic susceptibility. Results indicate that, for both species, the total delivered energy (amplitude, pulse number and pulse duration) determined the magnitude of cell inactivation. Specifically, for 18.5 and 23.5 kV cm−1 exposures, L. acidophilus was more sensitive to the inactivation effects of nsPEF than E. coli, however, for the 13.5 kV cm−1 exposures E. coli was more sensitive, suggesting that L. acidophilus may need to meet an E-field threshold before significant inactivation can occur. Results also indicate that antibiotic susceptibility was enhanced by multiple nsPEF exposures, as observed by increased zones of growth inhibition. Moreover, for both species, a temperature increase of ≤ 20 °C (89% of exposures) was not sufficient to significantly alter cell inactivation, whereas none of the thermal equivalent exposures were sufficient to change antibiotic susceptibility categories.
Finite time blow-up for the nonlinear Schrödinger equation in trapped dipolar quantum gases with arbitrarily positive initial energy
Authors: Yuan Yi , Feng Binhua
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we study the blow-up criterion for the following nonlinear Schrödinger equation arising in trapped dipolar quantum gases: $$i\partial _{t}u=-\frac{1}{2}\Delta u+a^{2} \bigl(x_{1}^{2}+x_{2}^{2}+x_{3}^{2} \bigr)u+ \lambda _{1} \vert u \vert ^{2}u+\lambda _{2}\bigl(K\ast \vert u \vert ^{2}\bigr)u,\quad (t,x) \in \bigl[0,T^{*}\bigr) \times \mathbb{R}^{3}. $$i∂tu=−12Δu+a2(x12+x22+x32)u+λ1|u|2u+λ2(K∗|u|2)u,(t,x)∈[0,T∗)×R3. When $a=0$a=0 or $a\neq 0$a≠0, by constructing an invariant set, we establish a new blow-up criterion, which implies the existence of blow-up solutions with arbitrarily large initial energy. This result gives a positive answer to the problem left by Carles, Markowich, and Sparber (Nonlinearity 21:2569–2590, 2008).
Persistence and extinction for stochastic delay differential model of prey predator system with hunting cooperation in predators
Authors: Rihan Fathalla A. , Alsakaji Hebatallah J.
Published: March 2020

Stochastic differential models provide an additional degree of realism compared to their corresponding deterministic counterparts because of the randomness and stochasticity of real life. In this work, we study the dynamics of a stochastic delay differential model for prey–predator system with hunting cooperation in predators. Existence and uniqueness of global positive solution and stochastically ultimate boundedness are investigated. Some sufficient conditions for persistence and extinction, using Lyapunov functional, are obtained. Illustrative examples and numerical simulations, using Milstein’s scheme, are carried out to validate our analytical findings. It is observed that a small scale of white noise can promote the survival of both species; while large noises can lead to extinction of the predator population.
Challenges of future energy landscapes in Germany — a nature conservation perspective
Authors: Ponitka Jens , Boettner Sarah
Published: March 2020

Background

The energy transition in Germany is characterized by a rapid growth of renewable energy and infrastructure. In order to reduce the impact of humans on the climate system, a more ambitious development of renewable energies is needed. In addition, nature and natural resources must be protected. At the same time, the increasing use of renewable energies leads to impacts on nature conservation aspects, in particular on landscapes, species, and habitats. Therefore, renewable energy systems also affect the protection of biodiversity. Conflicting objectives between the need for renewable energies and their impact on nature and landscape have to be considered equally and as early as possible.

Methods

The article follows an interdisciplinary approach that combines an administrative with a research perspective. First, the energy transition as a national transformation process and challenges due to the expansion of renewable energies with regard to nature conservation and landscape management are presented. The analysis of existing literature identifies key factors for a sustainable energy transition such as land availability, landscapes, and impacts on species and habitats. Examining the most affected nature conservation aspects from an administrative perspective, we highlight selected research projects, derive future research demand, and discuss possible approaches to enhance the integration of nature conservation into the energy transition.

Results

In addition to the need for climate protection efforts, the energy transition further has to preserve biological diversity, as well as characteristic features and the beauty of nature and landscape. Numerous energy transition stakeholders face the challenge of integrating nature conservation and landscape management requirements into research projects, strategic planning, and approval procedures. Based on the dynamic development of renewable energies in Germany and the objectives of nature conservation, we describe key challenges and identify future research demands from an administrative and scientific point of view. Current research projects, the impacts of renewable energy generation, and existing approaches to minimize negative effects on nature and landscape are taken into account.

Conclusions

We conclude that nature conservation aspects in general (biodiversity and landscape) have to be better integrated in the energy transition. Therefore, research, technology development and preference, civil participation, a critical discussion, and academic debate are essential elements for a nature-compatible expansion of renewable energies.
Intravenous calcium Gluconate alleviates Lead-induced abdominal pain, a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Mayel Masoud , Hamzeh Saleh , Rabori Salile Shahabi , Ghasemirad Sareh , Zamani Nasim , Hassanian-Moghaddam Hossein
Published: March 2020

Background

In 2016, in a lead poisoning outbreak in Iran, physicians reported thousands of opium users who presented to emergency departments (EDs) with intractable severe abdominal pain which did not respond to any narcotic medication. During the same period of time, we investigated the efficacy of intravenous calcium gluconate in alleviating lead-induced abdominal pain.

Methods

In a single-center, single blinded, randomized controlled trial, a convenient sample of adult opium-addicted patients who presented to an academic ED with abdominal pain and had an initial diagnosis of lead poisoning were included and randomly subjected to two treatment groups receiving conventional treatment (morphine 0.1 mg/kg + normal saline; group 1) and conventional treatment plus 1 g of intravenous calcium gluconate (group 2) to alleviate their abdominal pain. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was determined by each patient (0 to 100 mm) before treatment, and 15, 30, and 60 min after intervention.

Results

A total of 50 patients (25 in each group) were enrolled. Blood lead levels, VAS scores before treatment, and mean administered dose of morphine were similar between the two groups. After treatment, mean VAS score dropped to 64.7± 10.4 vs. 67.1± 10.9 at 15 min (P = 0.437), 64.6± 10.9 vs. 58.0 ± 11.2 at 30 min (P = 0.041), and 63.8± 10.7 vs. 53.6± 10.9 at 60 min (P = 0.002) in groups 1 and 2, respectively.

Conclusion

Intravenous calcium gluconate administration along with morphine can improve abdominal pain in lead poisoning due to the ingestion of lead-contaminated opium. Further interventional studies are recommended to see if response to calcium salts in suspected lead-induced abdominal pain can rule in lead toxicity.

Trial registration

IRCT20171009036661N2. Registered 27 May 2018 - Retrospectively registered,
Ion balance detection using nano field-effect transistor with an extended gate electrode
Authors: Kang Hye-Lim , Yoon Sumi , Hong Dong-Ki , Kim Won-Hyo , Seong Woo Kyeong , Lee Kook-Nyung
Published: March 2020

We developed a nano field-effect transistor (nanoFET) sensor for detecting ions in the air. Air ions can be measured using a commercial ion counter; however, it is large and expensive equipment, requires airflow to be through a cylinder type electrode or the plate electrode. NanoFET sensor is suitable for monitoring the ion generator module in home appliances like air purification. A nanoFET sensor can continuously measure the ion balance to monitor the performance of the ion generators which do static electricity elimination in electronics manufacturing lines. In this study, we developed a semiconductor sensor that can measure the ion balance in the air. The sensor is a nanoFET device with an extended gate electrode. The polarity of the ions adsorbed on the extended gate electrode is measured, and consequently, the ion imbalance is quantitatively estimated. The developed device enables reset with a switch connected to the extended gate. The sensor reads out with a current to voltage converting operational amplifier, a reset switch, and a microprocessor. We expect that the developed nanoFET sensor is practically applied to monitor the malfunction of ion generators in the air cleaner and in the static electricity elimination in electronics manufacturing lines.
Electrochemical activity of Samarium on starch-derived porous carbon: rechargeable Li- and Al-ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Kaiqiang , Lee Tae Hyung , Choi Min-Ju , Rajabi-Abhari Araz , Choi Seokhoon , Choi Kyung Soon , Varma Rajender S. , Choi Ji-Won , Jang Ho Won , Shokouhimehr Mohammadreza
Published: March 2020

Rechargeable metal-ion batteries are considered promising electric storage systems to meet the emerging demand from electric vehicles, electronics, and electric grids. Thus far, secondary Li-ion batteries (LIBs) have seen great advances in terms of both their energy and their power density. However, safety issues remain a challenge. Therefore, rechargeable Al-ion batteries (AIBs) with a highly reliable safety advantage and active electrochemical performances have gathered intensive attention. However, the common issue for these two metal-ion batteries is the lack of cathode materials. Many advanced electrode materials reported provide greatly enhanced electrochemical properties. However, their inherent disadvantages—such as complicated fabrication procedures, restricted manufacturing parameters, and the requirement of expensive instruments—limits their potential for further applications. In this work, we demonstrate the high electrochemical activity of the lanthanide element, Sm, towards storing charges when used in both LIBs and AIBs. Lanthanide elements are often overlooked; however, they generally have attractive electrochemical properties owing to their unpaired electrons. We employed starch as both a low-cost carbon source and as a three-dimensional support for Sm metal nanoparticles. The composite product is fabricated using a one-pot wet-chemical method, followed by a simultaneous carbonization process. As a result, highly improved electrochemical properties are obtained when it is used as a cathode material for both LIBs and AIBs when compared to bare starch-derived C. Our results may introduce a new avenue toward the design of high-performance electrode materials for LIBs and AIBs.
In vitro and in silico antioxidant and antiproliferative activity of rhizospheric fungus Talaromyces purpureogenus isolate-ABRF2
Authors: Sahu Mahendra Kumar , Kaushik Komal , Das Amitava , Jha Harit
Published: March 2020

The present study evaluated the potential biological activities of rhizospheric fungi isolated from the Achanakmar Biosphere Reserve, India. Fungus, Talaromyces purpureogenus isolate-ABRF2 from the soil of the Achanakmar biosphere was characterized by using morphological, biochemical and molecular techniques. Fungus was screened for the production of secondary metabolites using a specific medium. The metabolites were extracted using a suitable solvent and each fraction was subsequently evaluated for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiproliferative and anti-aging properties. The ethanolic extract depicted the highest antioxidant activity with 83%, 79%, 80% and 74% as assessed by ferric reducing power, 2,2-diphenyl 1-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2′-azino-bis3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic and phosphomolybdenum assays, respectively. Similarly, ethanolic extracts depicted marked antimicrobial activity as compared with standard antibiotics and antifungal agents as well as demonstrated significant antiproliferative property against a panel of mammalian cancer cell lines. Furthermore, different fractions of the purified ethanolic extract obtained using adsorption column chromatography were evaluated for antiproliferative property and identification of an active metabolite in the purified fraction using gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance techniques yielded 3-methyl-4-oxo-pentanoic acid. Thus, the present study suggests that the active metabolite 3-methyl-4-oxo-pentanoic acid extracted from Talaromyces purpureogenus isolate-ABRF2 has a potential antiproliferative, anti-aging, and antimicrobial therapeutic properties that will be further evaluated using in vivo studies in future.
29Si solid state NMR and Ti K-edge XAFS pre-edge spectroscopy reveal complex behavior of Ti in silicate melts
Authors: Ackerson Michael R. , Cody George D. , Mysen Bjorn O.
Published: March 2020

An understanding of the mechanisms of Ti is incorporation into silicate glasses and melts is critical for the field of petrology. Trace-element thermobarometry, high-field-strength element partitioning, and the physical properties of magmas are all be influenced by Ti incorporation into glasses and changes therein in response to changes in composition and temperature. In this study, we combine 29Si solid state NMR and Ti K-edge XAFS spectroscopy to investigate how Ti is incorporated into quenched Na-silicate glasses, and the influence of Ti on the structure of silicate species in these glasses. 29Si NMR shows that in both Ti-bearing Na2O•4SiO2 (NS4) and Na2O•8SiO2 (NS8) glasses, increasing the amount of Ti in the melt results in a shift of Si Q4 peak in the 29Si NMR spectra reflecting Ti nearest neighbors for Si in Q4 speciation. The Ti XAFS results from NS8 glass indicate that Ti is primarily incorporated in [5]-fold coordination. At higher Ti content, there is a shift of the XAFS pre-edge feature suggesting mixing of [4]-fold Ti into the spectra. Combined, the 29Si NMR and XAFS pre-edge data are consistent with Ti incorporation as isolated [5]Ti atoms and the formation of [5]Ti clusters at relatively low Ti concentrations, with no evidence for Ti–Na interactions as suggested by previous studies. As the Ti content increases, the Ti atoms begin to occupy 4-fold coordinated sites interacting primarily with Si in Q4 speciation (no significant Na–[4] Ti bonding). The internal consistency of these two techniques provides a uniquely complete snapshot of the complexity of Ti incorporation in silicate melts and underlies the importance of understanding Ti incorporation mechanisms in natural magmatic systems.
Older patients’ and their family caregivers’ perceptions of food, meals and nutritional care in the transition between hospital and home care: a qualitative study
Authors: Hestevik Christine Hillestad , Molin Marianne , Debesay Jonas , Bergland Astrid , Bye Asta
Published: March 2020

Background

Older people have varying degrees of unmet nutritional needs following discharge from hospital. Inadequate involvement of the older person and his or her family caregivers in care and care planning, and inadequate support of self-management in the discharge process and follow-up care at home, negatively affects the quality of care. Research on older patients’ and their family caregivers’ experiences with nutritional care in hospital and home care and in the transition between these settings is limited. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore older patients’ and their family caregivers’ perceptions regarding the food, meals and nutritional care provided in the transition between hospital and home care services, focusing on the first 30 days at home. The overall aim of this study is to produce knowledge that can inform policy and clinical practice about how to optimise the care provided to older persons that are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition.

Methods

Using a qualitative interpretive descriptive design, we carried out face-to-face semi-structured interviews with 15 older patients, with documented risk of malnutrition or malnourishment (Mini Nutritional Assessment [MNA]), two and five weeks after hospital discharge. In addition, we interviewed nine family caregivers once during this five week period. The questions focused on perceptions of food, meals and nutritional care in hospital and home care and in the transition between these settings. We analysed the data thematically.

Results

Four overarching themes emerged from the material: 1) the need for a comprehensive approach to nutritional care, 2) non-individualised nutritional care at home, 3) lack of mutual comprehension and shared decision making and 4) the role of family caregivers.

Conclusion

The organisation of nutritional care and food provision to older people, depending on care, lack consideration for the individual’s values, needs and preferences. Older patients’ and their family caregivers’ needs and preferences should guide how nutritional care is provided.
Generalization of soft topological groups
Authors: Tantawy O. , Kandil S. A. , ElShamy A
Published: March 2020

There exists two different definitions for soft topological groups, the first due to Hida and the other due to Tariq Shah. In this paper, we give a generalization for both of them, and also, we study the topological properties for the construction of finer soft topology made by Nazmul and use the same technique to construct a soft topological group via Hida concept starting from a parametrized family of topological groups. Then, we introduce the concept of soft rough and rough soft topological group to generalize the concept of rough and soft topological group.
Electronic payment adoption and consumers’ spending growth: empirical evidence from Nigeria
Authors: Oyelami Lukman O. , Adebiyi Sulaimon O. , Adekunle Babatunde S.
Published: March 2020

The study investigates the determinants of electronic payment adoption and the role of electronic payment on consumers’ purchase decisions as well as its effects on consumers’ spending growth in Nigeria. To achieve this, both primary and secondary data were deployed. The primary data were collected through a cross-sectional survey of banks’ customers who have experienced the e-payment modes in Lagos state, Nigeria. The questionnaire was designed in line with Likert scale and validated. Fifty copies of the questionnaire were piloted. The copies retrieved were subjected to Cronbach alpha test of reliability. All the six variables were found to be reliable ranging between 0.725 and 0.828 Cronbach alpha values, which are within the acceptable limit. The sample size for this study, as determined through Cochran formulae is 384. In like manner, the instrument of data collection was administered on 420 respondents by using the multistage sampling technique to sample respondents across five divisions (locations) of Lagos. The data retrieved were analysed using descriptive (frequency and percentage) and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation, hierarchical regression analysis and analysis of variance). The results revealed that there is a positive significant relationship between electronic payment systems determinants (convenience, security and safety, trust, social influence) and e-payment adoption in Nigeria. These variables accounted for more than half (3/5) of what influences consumers’ adoption of e-payment mode of transaction in Nigeria. The results from the estimations show that factors such as educational attainment, financial inclusion, income level, internet service availability and other financial infrastructures such as point-of-sale machines and mobile banking services are critical determinants of e-payment adoption in Nigeria. The results also indicate that electronic payment influences consumers’ purchase decisions and thus increasing consumers’ spending growth in Nigeria. The policy implication advanced by this study is that the Nigerian government can leverage on electronic payment to increase consumers’ spending and thus improve aggregate demand which will consequently stimulate investment and economic growth in the country.
The Role of Early Intervention in High-Risk Smoldering Myeloma
Authors: Joseph Nisha S. , Dhodapkar Madhav V. , Lonial Sagar
Published: March 2020

Smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) is a precursor disease state that precedes the development of symptomatic myeloma. As we have learned more about the disease biology of SMM and risk factors for progression, updated risk stratification models, such as the Mayo 2018 model, or 20/2/20, have been developed. More accurate risk stratification and the development of effective and well-tolerated therapeutic agents have led to the investigation of early treatment of select patients with high-risk SMM with the aim of delaying time to progression to multiple myeloma. Ongoing debate surrounds which subset of patients with SMM to target, as well as the best treatment approach: preventative versus curative. Phase III data from the Spanish Myeloma Group/PETHEMA as well as the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) E3A06 trial have shown the efficacy of lenalidomide with and without dexamethasone in high-risk SMM in delaying progression to symptomatic disease. Conversely, there exists an alternate strategy attempting to cure the disease prior to progression utilizing more intensive regimens similar to what is used for patients with newly diagnosed myeloma. However, our understanding of the disease biology of SMM and the role of immune regulation in preventing malignant transformation provides a strong rationale for an interventional strategy. Here, we review the definition of SMM, the current models for risk stratification, and the current data available supporting the early treatment of patients with high-risk SMM.
Gray Areas in the Gray Matter: IDH1/2 Mutations in Glioma
Authors: van den Bent Martin J. , Mellinghoff Ingo K. , Bindra Ranjit S.
Published: March 2020

Since the first discovery of isocitrate dehydrogenase ( IDH) mutations in cancer, considerable progress has been made in our understanding of their contribution to cancer development. For glioma, this has helped to identify two diagnostic groups of tumors (oligodendroglioma and astrocytoma IDHmt) with distinct clinical characteristics and that are now diagnosed by the presence of the IDH mutations. The metabolic changes occurring as the consequence of the altered substrate affinity of the mutant IDH protein results in a cascade of intracellular changes, also inducing a relative sensitivity to chemotherapy and radiotherapy compared with IDHwt tumors. Pharmacologic blockade of the mutant enzyme with first-in-class inhibitors has been efficacious for the treatment of IDH-mutant acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and is currently being evaluated in phase III trials for IDH-mutant glioma (INDIGO) and cholangiocarcinoma (ClarIDHy). It seems likely that acquired resistance to mutant IDH inhibitors will eventually emerge, and combination therapies to augment the antitumor activity of mutant IDH inhibitors have already been initiated. Approaches to exploit, rather than inhibit, the unique metabolism of IDH-mutant cancer cells have emerged from laboratory studies and are now also being tested in the clinic. Results of these clinical trials are eagerly awaited and will likely provide new key insights and direction of the treatment of IDH-mutant human cancer.
Identifying Opportunities and Challenges for Patients With Sarcoma as a Result of Comprehensive Genomic Profiling of Sarcoma Specimens
Authors: Hay Margaret A. , Severson Eric A. , Miller Vincent A. , Liebner David A. , Vergilio Jo-Anne , Millis Sherri Z. , Chen James L.
Published: March 2020

PURPOSE

Comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) of sarcomas is rapidly being integrated into routine clinical care to help refine diagnosis and prognosis and determine treatment. However, little is known about barriers to successful CGP or its clinical utility in sarcoma. We set out to determine whether CGP alters physician treatment decision-making, and whether sarcoma subtypes influence the frequency of successful technical performance of CGP.

METHODS

A single-institution study evaluated profiling outcomes of 392 samples from patients with sarcoma, using a commercially available CGP panel. Of this group, 34 patients were evaluated prospectively (Decision Impact Trial) to evaluate the utility of CGP in physician decision-making. All cases were retrospectively analyzed to identify causes of CGP failure.

RESULTS

CGP successfully interrogated 75.3% (n = 295 of 392) of patients with sarcoma. Bone sarcomas had lower passing rates at 65.3% (n = 32 of 49) compared with soft tissue sarcomas at 76.7% (n = 263 of 343; P = .0008). Biopsy location also correlated with profiling efficiency. Bone biopsy specimens had a 52.8% (n = 19 of 36) passing rate versus lung (61.1%; n = 33 of 54) and abdomen (80.1%; n = 109 of 136) specimens. CGP altered physician treatment selection in 25% of evaluable patients (n = 7 of 28) and was associated with improved progression-free survival.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the largest technical evaluation of the performance of CGP in sarcoma. CGP was effectively performed in the vast majority of sarcoma samples and altered physician treatment selection. Tumor location and tissue subtype were key determinants of profiling success and associated with preanalytic variables that affect DNA and RNA quality. These results support standardized biopsy collection protocols to improve profiling outcomes.
Hard Road to Heaven: Bearing the Weight of Soul Judgment in Korea’s First Bible Commentary
Authors: Torrey Deberniere Janet
Published: March 2020

Korea’s first Bible commentary, Direct Exposition of the Bible for Widespread Benefit (Syŏnggyŏng chikhae kwangik), is marked by a strong emphasis on human guilt and eternal judgment in its extensive didactic explication. How might this seemingly pessimistic message, read widely by Korean Catholics during the nineteenth century, support conversion in spite of the burden it imposes? This article explores the theme of soul judgment in Direct Exposition against the background of preexisting Korean cultural paradigms. It shows that this teaching carried a logic that could be compelling to Chosŏn Catholics, and that the psychological burdens such threats of judgment in the afterlife might impose could be mitigated by promises of help featured in the same text. This analysis also concludes that, in the political and social situation of nineteenth-century Korea, the emphasis on soul judgment offered validation of suffering and control over destiny.
Japan’s Education Policies in Korea in the 1910s: “Thankful and Obedient”
Authors: Hall Andrew
Published: March 2020

In the 1910s, Japanese colonial officials worked to legitimize their recently acquired rule of Korea by providing public elementary education, gradually expanding from an initially limited offering. Their public schools existed in tension with Korean-run private schools, which the Japanese barely tolerated. There was also a tension within the Japanese camp over the proper curriculum for the public elementary schools. The Korean Education Ordinance of August 1911 was a compromise between Japanese officials in Korea, who generally favored a gradual approach to colonial rule, and Japanese educators and officials in Japan, who generally were optimistic about Japan’s ability to assimilate the Koreans through education. This article expands our understanding of the process of drafting the ordinance. It examines the Japanese “national language” and “Korean and literary Sinitic” textbooks published during the 1910s, and finds that the compromise resulted in messages of thankfulness and obedience, stressing Japanese superiority and Korean backwardness. Finally, it reviews the Japanese attempts to control Korean-run private schools. This article explicates the creation and implementation of colonial education policy by examining internal and external documents published by the Government-General of Korea and its employees, the textbooks the government published, and Japanese education journals.
SUMOylation in development and neurodegeneration
Authors: Yau Tak-Yu , Molina Oscar , Courey Albert J.
Published: March 2020

In essentially all eukaryotes, proteins can be modified by the attachment of small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) proteins to lysine side chains to produce branched proteins. This process of ‘SUMOylation’ plays essential roles in plant and animal development by altering protein function in spatially and temporally controlled ways. In this Primer, we explain the process of SUMOylation and summarize how SUMOylation regulates a number of signal transduction pathways. Next, we discuss multiple roles of SUMOylation in the epigenetic control of transcription. In addition, we evaluate the role of SUMOylation in the etiology of neurodegenerative disorders, focusing on Parkinson's disease and cerebral ischemia. Finally, we discuss the possibility that SUMOylation may stimulate survival and neurogenesis of neuronal stem cells.
Lymphatics in bone arise from preexisting lymphatics
Authors: Monroy Marco , McCarter Anna L. , Hominick Devon , Cassidy Nina , Dellinger Michael T.
Published: March 2020

Bones do not normally have lymphatics. However, patients with generalized lymphatic anomaly (GLA) or Gorham-Stout disease (GSD) develop ectopic lymphatics in bone. Despite growing interest in the development of tissue-specific lymphatics, the cellular origin of bone lymphatic endothelial cells (bLECs) is not known and the development of bone lymphatics has not been fully characterized. Here we describe the development of bone lymphatics in mouse models of GLA and GSD. Through lineage tracing experiments, we show that bLECs arise from preexisting Prox1-positive LECs. We show that bone lymphatics develop in a stepwise manner where regional lymphatics grow, breach the periosteum, and then invade bone. We also show that the development of bone lymphatics is impaired in mice that lack osteoclasts. Lastly, we show that rapamycin can suppress the growth of bone lymphatics in our models of GLA and GSD. In summary, we show that bLECs can arise from preexisting LECs and that rapamycin can prevent the growth of bone lymphatics.
mRBPome capture identifies the RNA-binding protein TRIM71, an essential regulator of spermatogonial differentiation
Authors: Du Guihua , Wang Xinrui , Luo Mengcheng , Xu Weiya , Zhou Tao , Wang Mei , Yu Luping , Li Lufan , Cai Li'e , Wang P. Jeremy , Zhong Li John , Oatley Jon M. , Wu Xin
Published: March 2020

Continual spermatogenesis relies on the actions of an undifferentiated spermatogonial population that is composed of stem cells and progenitors. Here, using mouse models, we explored the role of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) in regulation of the biological activities of this population. Proteins bound to polyadenylated RNAs in primary cultures of undifferentiated spermatogonia were captured with oligo (dT)-conjugated beads after UV-crosslinking and profiled by proteomics (termed mRBPome capture), yielding a putative repertoire of 473 RBPs. From this database, the RBP TRIM71 was identified and found to be expressed by stem and progenitor spermatogonia in prepubertal and adult mouse testes. Tissue-specific deletion of TRIM71 in the male germline led to reduction of the undifferentiated spermatogonial population and a block in transition to the differentiating state. Collectively, these findings demonstrate a key role of the RBP system in regulation of the spermatogenic lineage and may provide clues about the influence of RBPs on the biology of progenitor cell populations in other lineages.
Determinants of contraceptive use among married women in Indonesia
Authors: Gafar Alfian , Suza Dewi Elizadiani , Efendi Ferry , Has Eka Mishbahatul Mar’ah , Pramono Ahmad Putro , Susanti Ika Adelia
Published: March 2020

Background: Contraceptives in family planning are used to control the timings between pregnancies. Although the number of those using family planning has increased, determinants of contraceptive use among married women in Indonesia remain insufficient. This research aimed to identify the factors associated with contraceptive use among married women in Indonesia.

Methods: This study employed data from the Indonesian Demographic and Health Survey 2017. We selected 35,621 married women aged 15–49 years. Then, the determinants of contraceptive use among married women in Indonesia were examined by binary logistic regression.

Results: Women’s age (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR)=0.529; 95% CI=0.470–0.597), the number of living children (AOR=44.024; 95% CI=33.193–58.390), education level (adjusted odds ratio=2.800; 95% CI=2.181–3.594), wealth index (AOR=1.104; 95% CI=0.978–1.246), frequency of watching television (AOR=1.555; 95% CI=1.321–1.829), and frequency of using the Internet (AOR=0.856; 95% CI=0.794–0.924) were significantly associated with contraceptive use among married women.

Conclusions: This study highlights the determinants of contraceptive use among married women in Indonesia. Women’s age, the number of living children, education level, wealth index, and access to information may influence contraceptive use among these women. This study emphasizes that health education and promotion on the importance of using contraception should be initiated in innovative ways.
Complexes of technical diagnostics of mechanical equipment of electric rolling stock
Authors: Fedorov Denis , Maznev Aleksandr
Published: March 2020

The textbook consists of two parts. The first part considers the principles of construction and operation of diagnostic systems to determine the status of parts and assemblies mechanical parts of the electric rolling stock; marked the directions of development of diagnostics systems. The second part is devoted to the physical foundations of the method of acoustic-emission diagnostics of bearing units and diagnostic device — the analyzer of the bearing life of ARP-11 and the application program.
Designed for students majoring in 23.05.03 "Rolling stock of Railways".
Welding: introduction to the specialty
Authors: Shalimov Mihail , Panov Viktor , Votinova Ekaterina
Published: March 2020

The textbook provides information about the origin and about the main stages of development of one of the first, and today one of the most common technological processes of welding materials. A brief information about the main types of welding energy sources used for obtaining permanent connections about the physical nature of the welding processes. Examples of equipment required to implement various technological operations. Modern problems of welding science and technology.
Designed for students directions 15.03.01 mechanical engineering, 12.03.05 "Laser engineering and laser technologies and specialty", 15.05.01 "Design of technological machines and complexes", may be useful to students of lyceums, colleges, vocational schools and technical schools, as well as a wide range of readers to discover the fundamentals of welding technology.
Accounting. A collection of tasks, situations, and tests
Authors: Gadzhiev Nazirhan , Ivlichev Pavel , Ivlicheva Natal'ya , Kornilovich Ruslan , Kolesnikova Elena , Konovalenko Sergey , Lobanov Mihail , Pilyugin Nikolay , Rebrov Aleksey , Trushina Natal'ya
Published: March 2020

The implementation proposed in the collection of assignments and tests will allow cadets and students to master the basic techniques, equipment, accounting, learn to identify errors and irregularities in the registration work of the organization, to acquire skills of accounting.
Comply with Federal state educational standard of higher education of the latest generation specialty 38.05.01 "Economic security".
Designed for the students studying in higher educational institutions, including the Ministry of internal Affairs of Russia.
Regenerative therapy of cerebral disorders in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at the stage of sanatorium rehabilitation
Authors: Kuncevskaya Irina
Published: March 2020

The monograph first presents modern concepts of comprehensive rehabilitation therapy of cerebral disorders in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at the stage of sanatorium rehabilitation. Using these data in the practice of medicine will improve the effectiveness of diagnostics, therapy and rehabilitation of cerebral disorders in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and to provide the students, residents, and graduate students of medical schools, neurologists, physiatrists, pulmonologists, internists, rehabilitation specialists, relevant professional competence.
Designed for doctors, students and teachers of medical colleges and universities, and will also be useful for the system of training and retraining of medical workers.
Managing Security Outsourcing in the Presence of Strategic Hackers
Authors: Wu Yong , Duan Junlin , Dai Tao , Cheng Dong
Published: March 2020

Nowadays, firms tend to outsource security operations to professional managed security service providers (MSSPs) as a result of the sophistication of strategic hackers. Thus, how an MSSP makes security decisions according to a strategic hacker’s action is worth researching. Constructing a contract theory model, this paper examines the interaction between an MSSP and a strategic hacker based on both parties’ characteristics. We find that the hacker will give up less valuable information assets, and thus not all information assets are worth protecting for the MSSP. For both parties, their optimal efforts do not necessarily increase with their respective efficiency, and the firm’s reputation loss has an opposite effect on its respective efforts. Moreover, we distinguish two types of security externalities including MSSP-side externality and hacker-side externality, and we find that the two types of security externalities have different effects on both parties’ optimal efforts and expected payoffs. We also find that as a result of the trade-off between the integration effect of the MSSP and the effect of MSSP-side externality, firms are still willing to outsource their security operations to the MSSP even when an MSSP devotes fewer security efforts than those of firms that manage security in-house. Last, we extend our base model from two aspects to generalize the main results.