bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inconsistent condom use with known HIV-positive partners among newly diagnosed HIV-positive men who have sex with men interviewed for partner services in New York City, 2014
Authors: Burton Nicole Theresa , Misra Kavita , Bocour Angelica , Shah Sharmila , Gutierrez Rodolfo , Udeagu Chi-Chi
Published: November 2018

Objectives

Condomless anal intercourse contributes significantly to the spread of HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM). Factors related to condomless anal intercourse with known HIV-positive partners among MSM are not well understood. The authors describe factors associated with inconsistent condom use with known HIV-positive partners prior to participants’ diagnosis with HIV.

Methods

New York City health department disease intervention specialists interviewed newly HIV-diagnosed MSM ages ≥13 years reporting knowingly having anal sex with HIV-positive partners between June 2013 and October 2014. Univariate and bivariate statistics were calculated, in addition to logistic regression analysis.

Results

Among 95 MSM interviewed, 56% were >30 years and 74% had higher than a high school education. Respondents reported a median of 2 known HIV-positive sex partners. Drug or alcohol use during last sex with their last known HIV-positive partner was reported by 53% of participants. Sixty-five per cent of participants reported inconsistent condom use with last known HIV-positive partner. Inconsistent condom use with all HIV-positive partners was higher among individuals reporting two or more known HIV-positive partners since sexual debut than among those with one (90% vs 59%, p<0.01) and among those reporting feelings of love/emotional attachment as a reason for having sex (85% vs 63%, p=0.02). In the bivariate logistic regression models for inconsistent condom use, feelings of love or emotional attachment were the only significant predictor of inconsistent condom use (OR 3.43, 95%  CI 1.23 to 9.58). After adjusting for confounding, the relationship feelings of love or emotional attachment continued to be the only significant predictor of inconsistent condom use (OR 3.69, 95%  CI 1.06 to 12.82).

Conclusions

Surveyed MSM engaged in high-risk behaviours, including condomless anal sex and drug or alcohol use during sex with persons known to be HIV-positive. These findings can inform interventions with MSM in serodiscordant partnerships.
Exercise-induced arterial hypoxemia; some answers, more questions
Authors: Dominelli Paolo B. , Sheel A. William
Published: November 2018

Exercise-induced arterial hypoxemia (EIAH) is characterized by the decrease in arterial oxygen tension and oxyhemoglobin saturation during dynamic aerobic exercise. Since the time of the initial observations, our knowledge and understanding of EIAH has grown, but many unknowns remain. The purpose of this review is to provide an update on recent findings, highlight areas of disagreement, and identify where information is lacking. Specifically, this review will place emphasis on (i) the occurrence of EIAH during submaximal exercise, (ii) whether there are sex differences in the development and severity of EIAH, and (iii) unresolved questions and future directions.
Log Transform Based Optimal Image Enhancement Using Firefly Algorithm for Autonomous Mini Unmanned Aerial Vehicle: An Application of Aerial Photography
Authors: Samanta Sourav , Mukherjee Amartya , Ashour Amira S. , Dey Nilanjan , Tavares João Manuel R. S. , Abdessalem Karâa Wahiba Ben , Taiar Redha , Azar Ahmad Taher , Hassanien Aboul Ella
Published: November 2018

The Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) are widely used for capturing images in border area surveillance, disaster intensity monitoring, etc. An aerial photograph offers a permanent recording solution as well. But rapid weather change, low quality image capturing equipments results in low/poor contrast images during image acquisition by Autonomous UAV. In this current study, a well-known meta-heuristic technique, namely, Firefly Algorithm (FA) is reported to enhance aerial images taken by a Mini Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (MUAV) via optimizing the value of certain parameters. These parameters have a wide range as used in the Log Transformation for image enhancement. The entropy and edge information of the images is used as an objective criterion for evaluating the image enhancement of the proposed system. Inconsistent with the objective criterion, the FA is used to optimize the parameters employed in the objective function that accomplishes the superlative enhanced image. A low-light imaging has been performed at evening time to prove the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. The results illustrate that the proposed method has better convergence and fitness values compared to Particle Swarm Optimization. Therefore, FA is superior to PSO, as it converges after a less number of iterations.
A new graph radio k-coloring algorithm
Authors: Saha Laxman , Panigrahi Pratima
Published: November 2018

Due to the rapid growth in the use of wireless communication services and the corresponding scarcity and the high cost of radio spectrum bandwidth, Channel assignment problem (CAP) is becoming highly important. Radio [Formula: see text]-coloring of graphs is a variation of CAP. For a positive integer [Formula: see text], a radio [Formula: see text]-coloring of a simple connected graph [Formula: see text] is a mapping [Formula: see text] from the vertex set [Formula: see text] to the set [Formula: see text] of non-negative integers such that [Formula: see text] for each pair of distinct vertices [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the distance between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text]. The span of a radio [Formula: see text]-coloring [Formula: see text], denoted by [Formula: see text], is defined as [Formula: see text] and the radio[Formula: see text]-chromatic number of [Formula: see text], denoted by [Formula: see text], is [Formula: see text] where the minimum is taken over all radio [Formula: see text]-coloring of [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we present two radio [Formula: see text]-coloring algorithms for general graphs which will produce radio [Formula: see text]-colorings with their spans. For an [Formula: see text]-vertex simple connected graph the time complexity of the both algorithm is of [Formula: see text]. Implementing these algorithms we get the exact value of [Formula: see text] for several graphs (for example, [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], some circulant graph etc.) and many values of [Formula: see text], especially for [Formula: see text].
Hydrocarbon charge assessment of frontier basins – a case study of the oceanic crust of the Moroccan Atlantic margin
Authors: Neumaier Martin , Littke Ralf , Back Stefan , Kukla Peter , Schnabel Michael , Reichert Christian
Published: November 2018

A string of prominent structural anticlines is located in the deep offshore Atlantic Ocean
c.
150 km west of Essaouira (Morocco), possibly forming large traps. However, the basement is inferred to comprise oceanic crust, which raises concerns for source-rock presence and sufficient subsurface temperatures for oil generation. The presented work showcases a hydrocarbon charge assessment approach adapted to the very sparse data context and the specific geodynamic settings of the Moroccan Atlantic margin. Regional 2D basin and petroleum systems modelling was performed to assess possible scenarios of hydrocarbon charge of the deep-water folds, its migration style and timing. Several possible oil and gas generation drivers have been identified for postulated Toarcian marine shale source rocks. These range from simple burial-driven heating to more unique scenarios involving early stage oceanic ridge heating and the effect of the Canary Island hotspot. In particular, the latter might have had a major impact on the oil and gas generation, the migration style and overall accumulated amounts.

Supplementary material:
A table with lithology parameters used for modelling, an overview table of modelling cases and annex figures with additional results from modelling cases are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.4183106
Mammalian Sex Chromosome Structure, Gene Content, and Function in Male Fertility
Authors: Liu Wan-Sheng
Published: November 2018

Mammalian sex chromosomes evolved from an ordinary pair of autosomes. The X chromosome is highly conserved, whereas the Y chromosome varies among species in size, structure, and gene content. Unlike autosomes that contain randomly mixed collections of genes, the sex chromosomes are enriched in testis-biased genes related to sexual development and reproduction, particularly in spermatogenesis and male fertility. This review focuses on how sex chromosome dosage compensation takes place and why meiotic sex chromosome inactivation occurs during spermatogenesis. Furthermore, the review also emphasizes how testis-biased genes are enriched on the sex chromosomes and their functions in male fertility. It is concluded that sex chromosomes are critical to sexual development and male fertility; however, our understanding of how sex chromosome genes direct sexual development and fertility has been hampered by the structural complexities of the sex chromosomes and by the multicopy nature of the testis gene families that also play a role in immunity, cancer development, and brain function.
Discrete Event Systems: Modeling, Observation, and Control
Authors: Lafortune Stéphane
Published: November 2018

This article begins with an introduction to the modeling of discrete event systems, a class of dynamical systems with discrete states and event-driven dynamics. It then focuses on logical discrete event models, primarily automata, and reviews observation and control problems and their solution methodologies. Specifically, it discusses diagnosability and opacity in the context of partially observed discrete event systems. It then discusses supervisory control for both fully and partially observed systems. The emphasis is on presenting fundamental results first, followed by a discussion of current research directions.
When Is Proactivity Wise? A Review of Factors That Influence the Individual Outcomes of Proactive Behavior
Authors: Parker Sharon K. , Wang Ying , Liao Jenny
Published: November 2018

There is solid evidence that proactivity, defined as self-initiated and future-focused action to change oneself or the situation, can positively benefit individuals and organizations. However, this way of behaving can sometimes be ineffective or have negative consequences. We seek to understand what factors shape the effect of proactivity on individual-level outcomes. On the basis of a review of 95 articles, we identify three categories of factors that mitigate or exacerbate the effectiveness of proactive behavior: task and strategic considerations (e.g., situational judgment), social and relational considerations (e.g., having an open leader), and self-regulatory considerations (e.g., learning orientation). We then extrapolate from this review, and draw on psychological theories of wisdom, to suggest that individuals can be more or less “wise” in the proactive goals they set, and in how they pursue those goals. In closing, we identify further research directions that flow from the notion of wise proactivity.
Reversal of right ventricular failure by chronic α1A-subtype adrenergic agonist therapy
Authors: Cowley Patrick M. , Wang Guanying , Swigart Philip M. , Raghunathan Anaha , Reddy Nikitha , Dulam Pranavi , Lovett David H. , Simpson Paul C. , Baker Anthony J.
Published: November 2018

Right ventricular (RV) failure (RVF) is a serious disease with no effective treatment available. We recently reported a disease prevention study showing that chronic stimulation of α1A-adrenergic receptors (α1A-ARs), started at the time of RV injury, prevented the development of RVF. The present study used a clinically relevant disease reversal design to test if chronic α1A-AR stimulation, started after RVF was established, could reverse RVF. RVF was induced surgically by pulmonary artery constriction in mice. Two weeks after pulmonary artery constriction, in vivo RV fractional shortening as assessed by MRI was reduced by half relative to sham-operated controls (25 ± 2%, n = 27, vs. 52 ± 2%, n = 13, P < 10−11). Subsequent chronic treatment with the α1A-AR agonist A61603 for a further 2 wk resulted in a substantial recovery of RV fractional shortening (to 41 ± 2%, n = 17, P < 10−7 by a paired t-test) along with recovery of voluntary exercise capacity. Mechanistically, chronic A61603 treatment resulted in increased activation of the prosurvival kinase ERK, increased abundance of the antiapoptosis factor Bcl-2, and decreased myocyte necrosis evidenced by a decreased serum level of cardiac troponin. Moreover, A61603 treatment caused increased abundance of the antioxidant glutathione peroxidase-1, decreased level of reactive oxygen species, and decreased oxidative modification (carbonylation) of myofilament proteins. Consistent with these effects, A61603 treatment resulted in increased force development by cardiac myofilaments, which might have contributed to increased RV function. These findings suggest that the α1A-AR is a therapeutic target to reverse established RVF.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Currently, there are no effective therapies for right ventricular (RV) failure (RVF). This project evaluated a novel therapy for RVF. In a mouse model of RVF, chronic stimulation of α1A-adrenergic receptors with the agonist A61603 resulted in recovery of in vivo RV function, improved exercise capacity, reduced oxidative stress-related carbonylation of contractile proteins, and increased myofilament force generation. These results suggest that the α1A-adrenergic receptor is a therapeutic target to treat RVF.
Assessment of the influence of lung inflation state on the quantitative parameters derived from hyperpolarized gas lung ventilation MRI in healthy volunteers
Authors: Hughes Paul J. C. , Smith Laurie , Chan Ho-Fung , Tahir Bilal A. , Norquay Graham , Collier Guilhem J. , Biancardi Alberto , Marshall Helen , Wild Jim M.
Published: November 2018

In this study, the effect of lung volume on quantitative measures of lung ventilation was investigated using MRI with hyperpolarized 3He and 129Xe. Six volunteers were imaged with hyperpolarized 3He at five different lung volumes [residual volume (RV), RV + 1 liter (1L), functional residual capacity (FRC), FRC + 1L, and total lung capacity (TLC)], and three were also imaged with hyperpolarized 129Xe. Imaging at each of the lung volumes was repeated twice on the same day with corresponding 1H lung anatomical images. Percent lung ventilated volume (%VV) and variation of signal intensity [heterogeneity score (Hscore)] were evaluated. Increased ventilation heterogeneity, quantified by reduced %VV and increased Hscore, was observed at lower lung volumes with the least ventilation heterogeneity observed at TLC. For 3He MRI data, the coefficient of variation of %VV was <1.5% and <5.5% for Hscore at all lung volumes, while for 129Xe data the values were 4 and 10%, respectively. Generally, %VV generated from 129Xe images was lower than that seen from 3He images. The good repeatability of 3He %VV found here supports prior publications showing that percent lung-ventilated volume is a robust method for assessing global lung ventilation. The greater ventilation heterogeneity observed at lower lung volumes indicates that there may be partial airway closure in healthy lungs and that lung volume should be carefully considered for reliable longitudinal measurements of %VV and Hscore. The results suggest that imaging patients at different lung volumes may help to elucidate obstructive disease pathophysiology and progression.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We present repeatability data of quantitative metrics of lung function derived from hyperpolarized helium-3, xenon-129, and proton anatomical images acquired at five lung volumes in volunteers. Increased regional ventilation heterogeneity at lower lung inflation levels was observed in the lungs of healthy volunteers.
Beneficial Effects Exerted by Paeonol in the Management of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Lu Li , Qin Yating , Chen Chen , Guo Xiaomei
Published: November 2018

Atherosclerosis, a chronic luminal stenosis disorder occurred in large and medium arteries, is the principle pathological basis of cardiovascular diseases with the highest morbidity and mortality worldwide. In oriental countries, traditional Chinese medicine Cortex Moutan has been widely used for the treatment of atherosclerosis‐related illnesses for thousands of years. Paeonol, a bioactive monomer extracted from Cortex Moutan, is an important pharmacological component responsible for the antiatherosclerotic effects. Numerous lines of findings have established that paeonol offers beneficial roles against the initiation and progression of atherosclerotic lesions through inhibiting proatherogenic processes, such as endothelium damage, chronic inflammation, disturbance of lipid metabolism, uncontrolled oxidative stress, excessive growth, and mobilization of vascular smooth muscle cells as well as abnormality of platelet activation. Investigations identifying the atheroprotective effects of paeonol present substantial evidence for potential clinical application of paeonol as a therapeutic agent in atherosclerosis management. In this review, we summarize the antiatherosclerotic actions by which paeonol suppresses atherogenesis and provide newly insights into its atheroprotective mechanisms and the future clinical practice.
The Gestation Delay: A Factor Causing Complex Dynamics in Gause‐Type Competition Models
Authors: Zhang Zizhen , Upadhyay Ranjit Kumar , Agrawal Rashmi , Datta Jyotiska
Published: November 2018

In this paper, we consider a Gause‐type model system consisting of two prey and one predator. Gestation period is considered as the time delay for the conversion of both the prey and predator. Bobcats and their primary prey rabbits and squirrels, found in North America and southern Canada, are taken as an example of an ecological system. It has been observed that there are stability switches and the system becomes unstable due to the effect of time delay. Positive invariance, boundedness, and local stability analysis are studied for the model system. Conditions under which both delayed and nondelayed model systems remain globally stable are found. Criteria which guarantee the persistence of the delayed model system are derived. Conditions for the existence of Hopf bifurcation at the nonzero equilibrium point of the delayed model system are also obtained. Formulae for the direction, stability, and period of the bifurcating solution are conducted using the normal form theory and center manifold theorem. Numerical simulations have been shown to analyze the effect of each of the parameters considered in the formation of the model system on the dynamic behavior of the system. The findings are interesting from the application point of view.
Subcritical Water Extraction of Chlorella pyrenoidosa: Optimization through Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Thiruvenkadam Selvakumar , Izhar Shamsul , Hiroyuki Yoshida , Harun Razif
Published: November 2018

Subcritical water extraction (SCW) was used to extract oil from Chlorella pyrenoidosa. The operational factors such as reaction temperature, reaction time, and biomass loading influence the oil yield during the extraction process. In this study, response surface methodology was employed to identify the desired extraction conditions for maximum oil yield. Experiments were carried out in batch reactors as per central composite design with three independent factors including reaction temperature (170, 220, 270, 320, and 370°C), reaction time (1, 5, 10, 15, and 20 min), and biomass loading (1, 3, 5, 10, and 15%). A maximum oil yield of 12.89 wt.% was obtained at 320°C and 15 min, with 3% biomass loading. Sequential model tests showed the good fit of experimental data to the second-order quadratic model. This study opens the great potential of SCW to extract algal oil for use in algal biofuel production.
Protective Effects of Lycium barbarum Extracts on UVB‐Induced Damage in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Accompanied by Attenuating ROS and DNA Damage
Authors: Hsieh Feng-Chi , Hung Chun-Tzu , Cheng Kai-Chun , Wu Chang-Yi , Chen Yen-Chun , Wu Yu-Jen , Liu Wangta , Chiu Chien-Chih
Published: November 2018

The medicinal herb Lycium barbarum fruit has been widely used for improving and maintaining the health of the eyes in the Far East for many centuries. This study is aimed at investigating whether protective effects generated from the aqueous (LBA) and ethanol (LBE) extracts of the L. barbarum fruit existed against oxidative stress‐induced apoptosis in human retinal pigment epithelial cells. L. barbarum extracts LBA and LBE exerted the activity of ROS scavenging and rescued UVB irradiation‐induced growth inhibition in retinal pigment epithelial ARPE‐19 cells. Compared to LBA, the ethanol extract LBE exerted a superior protective activity on UVB‐induced growth arrest in ARPE‐19 cells. Both L. barbarum extracts significantly reduced cell cycle G2‐arrest population in ARPE‐19 cells. Furthermore, the cytometer‐based Annexin V/propidium iodide staining assay further showed that both L. barbarum extracts protected ARPE‐19 cells from UVB‐induced apoptosis. L. barbarum extracts also reduced the activation of γH2AX, a sensor of DNA damage in ARPE‐19 cells in a dose‐responsive manner. By using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA), the bioinformatics revealed that the protective effects of both LBA and LBE extracts might be involved in three signaling pathways, especially the Toll‐like receptor (TLR) pathway associated with cellular proliferation. Our study suggests that both ethanol and aqueous extracts of L. barbarum exhibit antioxidant activity and rescue UVB‐induced apoptosis of ARPE‐19 cells. Collectively, the ethanol extract exerts a superior effect on rescuing UVB‐induced growth arrest of ARPE‐19 compared to the aqueous extract, which might be associated with the activation of TLR signaling. Our present work will benefit the preventive strategy of herbal medicine‐based vision protection for treating eye diseases such as age‐related macular degeneration in the future.
CardioMEMS in a Busy Cardiology Practice: Less than Optimal Implementation of a Valuable Tool to Reduce Heart Failure Readmissions
Authors: Singh Robby , Varjabedian Leon , Kaspar Georgy , Zughaib Marcel
Published: November 2018

Introduction. Congestive heart failure is a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality that results in a significant financial burden on healthcare expenditure. Though various strategies have been employed to reduce hospital readmissions, one valuable tool that remains greatly underutilized is the CardioMEMS (Abbott), a remote pulmonary artery pressure-monitoring system, which has been shown to help reduce heart failure rehospitalizations in the CHAMPION (CardioMEMS Heart Sensor Allows Monitoring of Pressure to Improve Outcomes in NYHA Class III Heart Failure Patients) trial. Methods. ICD-9/ICD-10 codes for chronic heart failure were used to identify patients who presented with congestive heart failure. Of this group, those eligible for CardioMEMS device placement, as based on the CHAMPION trial definition, were selected. Subsequently, a retrospective review of the electronic medical records was completed. All patients were on ACC/AHA guideline-directed medical therapy and had at least one hospital admission for NYHA class III symptoms. Results. 473 patients met the inclusion criteria, of which, 85 patients were found to be eligible for implantation of CardioMEMS device based on the CHAMPION trial definition. Only 18/85 patients received the device, roughly 21%, and the overall CardioMEMS implantation rate was only 4% (18/473) of the total cohort. Conclusion. Despite the benefits to patients and reducing healthcare expenditure, there has been a poor adaptation of this groundbreaking technology. Our study revealed that 79% of eligible heart failure patients did not receive the device. Therefore, efforts need to be undertaken to improve physician and patient education of the device to complement the current standard of care for congestive heart failure.
Anti‐Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of Black Mulberry (Morus nigra L.) in a Model of LPS‐Induced Sepsis
Authors: de Pádua Lúcio Karine , Rabelo Ana Carolina Silveira , Araújo Carolina Morais , Brandão Geraldo Célio , de Souza Gustavo Henrique Bianco , da Silva Regislainy Gomes , de Souza Débora Maria Soares , Talvani André , Bezerra Frank Silva , Cruz Calsavara Allan Jefferson , Costa Daniela Caldeira
Published: November 2018

Sepsis is a complex disease and is the cause of many deaths worldwide. Sepsis pathogenesis involves a dysregulated inflammatory response with consequent production of inflammatory mediators and reactive species. The production and excessive release of these substances into the systemic circulation trigger various cellular and metabolic alterations that are observed during the disease evolution. Thus, more studies have been carried out to investigate the therapeutic potential of plants such as Morus nigra L., popularly known as black mulberry. Studies have shown that plants belonging to the Morus genus are rich in secondary metabolites such as flavonoids which are associated with important biological activities as antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory actions. Based on this context, the objective of our study was to evaluate the anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Morus nigra L. in a sepsis model induced by LPS. Male C57BL/6 mice were distributed in four groups: control, sepsis, sepsis treated with leaf extract of mulberry, and sepsis treated with mulberry pulp. The animals were treated with 100 μL of their respective treatments for twenty‐one days. Sepsis was induced at the 21st day with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) by intraperitoneal injection. The animals were euthanized 24 hours after receiving the LPS injection. The data obtained were analyzed in GraphPad Prism 6.0 software. Our results showed that treatment with either extract significantly decreased the number of leukocytes in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and serum levels of TNF in septic animals. Regarding the redox status, the treatments significantly decreased the antioxidant activity of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase. Regarding metalloproteinase type 2, it was observed that the treatment with black mulberry pulp was able to significantly reduce the activity of this enzyme concerning the sepsis group. Finally, these results together promoted an increase in the animal’s survival that received the black mulberry leaf or pulp extract.
Geohazard Caused by Groundwater in Urban Underground Excavation
Authors: Hsiung Bin-Chen Benson
Published: November 2018

This paper addresses the important role of water in geohazard and failure in urban underground excavation. These so-called underground water-related hazards, such as leakage of the tunnel eye due to launching and docking of the shield, failure of the cross-passage excavation, and failure of the retaining wall caused by water ingress for deep excavation, often lead to catastrophic disasters. Leakage of the tunnel eye during shield launching that results in failure was selected for further analysis using finite element simulations. According to this work, the flush-in of water mainly leads to the failure of soils located at the invert of the tunnel immediately behind the wall, and gravity is the cause of such failure phenomena; these findings agree with field observations. A significant reduction in the pore pressure of soils behind the wall associated with water relief through the tunnel eye and the quantity of water flow into the excavation is predicted. Piping failure is also suggested to occur during shield launching under the current arrangements. Finally, according to parametric studies, reducing the soil permeability and increasing the cohesion force are recommended to prevent the opportunity for failure.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Aqueous Properties of an Amphiphilic Terpolymer with a Novel Nonionic Surfmer
Authors: Yu Qin , Wu Xiaolin , Li Yanqiu , Gao Tenglong , Liu Siliang , Hou Caiqing , Zheng Zirong
Published: November 2018

A series of surfactive amphiphilic polymer PAADs were prepared from the copolymerization of sodium acrylate, dodecyl polyoxyethylene acrylate (DPA, a surfmer), and acrylamide under the action of a mixed initiating agent consisting of ammonium persulfate-sodium bisulfite/2,2′-azobis[2-(2-imidazolin-2-yl) propane] dihydrochloride. The aggregative behaviors of PAADs were explored by 13C nuclear magnetic resonance, a viscometer, and a surface tension instrument. It was found that the apparent viscosity and surface activity of PAADs were significantly improved by the increase of average sequence length of hydrophobic micro blocks, strong intermolecular hydrophobic association, or the formation of mixed micelles between hydrophobic micro blocks and micromolecular surface-active agent. The introduction of long-chain alkyls on molecular chains prolonged the average sequence length of hydrophobic micro blocks in molecular chains and enhanced the hydrophobic association between molecular chains and the tight arrangement of molecular chains on water surfaces, thereby increasing the surface activity. Moreover, the anionic monomer sodium acrylate on molecular chains, via electrostatic repulsion, promoted the conversion from intrachain association to intermolecular association and thereby facilitated the formation of dense interfacial films, enhancing the surface activity of water solutions. Then, the anion surfmer sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate interacted with the hydrophobic micro blocks on the molecular chains to form mixed micelles, which accelerated the interchain association and enhanced the polymer surface activity. The novel polymeric micelle with higher viscosifying ability and surface activity was expected to be a promising oil drive agent for tertiary oil recovery.
Analyzing Policymaking for Tuberculosis Control in Nigeria
Authors: Ahmad Nura M. R. , Montañola-Sales Cristina , Prats Clara , Musa Mustapha , López Daniel , Casanovas-Garcia Josep
Published: November 2018

Today, tuberculosis (TB) is still one of the major threats to humankind, being the first cause of death by an infectious disease worldwide. TB is a communicable chronic disease that every year affects 10 million people and kills almost 2 million people in the world. The main key factors fueling the disease are the progressive urbanization of the population and poverty‐related socioeconomic factors. Moreover, the lack of effective tools for TB diagnosis, prevention, and treatment has decisively contributed to the lack of an effective model to predict TB spread. In Nigeria, the rapid urbanization along with unprecedented population growth is causing TB to be endemic. This paper proposes a mathematical model to evaluate TB burden in Nigeria by using data obtained from the local TB control program in the community. This research aims to point out effective strategies that could be used to effectively reduce TB burden and death due to TB in this country at different levels. The study shows that efforts should be oriented to more active case finding rather than increasing the treatment effectiveness only. It also reveals that the persistence of the disease is related to a large number of latently infected individuals and quantifies the lives that could be saved by increasing the notification rate using active case finding strategy. We conclude that undiagnosis is the bottleneck that needs to be overcome in addition to the incorporation, improvement, and/or strengthening of treatment management and other essential TB control measures in Nigeria.
Loss of the BCR-FGFR1 GEF Domain Suppresses RHOA Activation and Enhances B-Lymphomagenesis in Mice
Authors: Hu Tianxiang , Chong Yating , Lu Sumin , Qin Haiyan , Ren Mingqiang , Savage Natasha M. , Chang Chang-Sheng , Cowell John K
Published: November 2018

Transformation of hematopoietic stem cells by the BCR–FGFR1 fusion kinase found in a variant of stem cell leukemia/lymphoma (SCLL) syndrome leads to development of B-lymphomas in syngeneic mice and humans. In this study, we show that the relatively rapid onset of this leukemia is potentially related to oncogenic domains within the BCR component. BCR recruited a guanidine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) domain to the fusion kinase to facilitate activation of small GTPases such as the Ras homology gene family, member A (RHOA). Deletion of this GEF domain increased leukemogenesis, enhanced cell survival and proliferation, and promoted stem cell expansion and lymph node metastasis. This suggests that, in an SCLL context, the presence of the endogenous GEF motif leads to reduced leukemogenesis. Indeed, loss of the GEF domain suppressed activation of RHOA and PTEN, leading to increased activation of AKT. Loss of the GEF domain enhanced cell proliferation and invasion potential, which was also observed in cells in which RHOA is knocked down, supported by the observation that overexpression of RHOA leads to reduced viability and invasion. In vivo depletion of RHOA in SCLL cells significantly increased disease progression and shortened latency. Collectively, these data show that the BCR GEF domain affects phenotypes associated with progression of SCLL through suppression of RHOA signaling.

Significance:

RHOA activation is a critical event in the progression of BCR–FGFR1–driven leukemogenesis in stem cell leukemia and lymphoma syndrome and is regulated by the BCR GEF domain.
The Reciprocity between Radiotherapy and Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Wang Yifan , Liu Zhi-Gang , Yuan Hengfeng , Deng Weiye , Li Jing , Huang Yuhui , Kim Betty Y.S. , Story Michael D. , Jiang Wen
Published: November 2018

The clinical success of immune checkpoint inhibitors in treating metastatic and refractory cancers has generated significant interest in investigating their role in treating locally advanced diseases, thus requiring them to be combined with standard treatments in the hope of producing synergistic antitumor responses. Radiotherapy, in particular, has long been hypothesized to have actions complementary to those of immune checkpoint blockade, and a growing body of evidence indicates that cancer immunotherapy may also have radiosensitizing effects, which would provide unique benefit for locoregional treatments. Recent studies have demonstrated that when immune cells are activated by immunotherapeutics, they can reprogram the tumor microenvironment in ways that may potentially increase the radiosensitivity of the tumor. In this review, we highlight the evidence that supports reciprocal interactions between cancer immunotherapy and radiotherapy, where in addition to the traditional notion that radiation serves to enhance the activation of antitumor immunity, an alternative scenario also exists in which T-cell activation by cancer immunotherapy may sensitize tumors to radiation treatment through mechanisms that include normalization of the tumor vasculature and tissue hypoxia. We describe the empirical observations from preclinical models that support such effects and discuss their implications for future research and trial design.
Predicting Outcome in Head and Neck Cancer: miRNAs with Potentially Big Effects
Authors: Clump David A. , Pickering Curtis R. , Skinner Heath D.
Published: November 2018

A five-miRNA signature for human papillomavirus (HPV)–negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) identifies patients at risk for inferior outcomes. Combining established clinical variables with this novel miRNA signature affords an opportunity to personalize and intensify treatment strategies in this high-risk patient population.

See related article by Hess et al., p. 1505
Urolithin A, a Novel Natural Compound to Target PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Totiger Tulasigeri M. , Srinivasan Supriya , Jala Venkatakrishna R. , Lamichhane Purushottam , Dosch Austin R. , Gaidarski Alexander A. , Joshi Chandrashekhar , Rangappa Shobith , Castellanos Jason , Vemula Praveen Kumar , Chen Xi , Kwon Deukwoo , Kashikar Nilesh , VanSaun Michael , Merchant Nipun B. , Nagathihalli Nagaraj S.
Published: November 2018

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive malignancy and is highly resistant to standard treatment regimens. Targeted therapies against KRAS, a mutation present in an overwhelming majority of PDAC cases, have been largely ineffective. However, inhibition of downstream components in the KRAS signaling cascade provides promising therapeutic targets in the management of PDAC and warrants further exploration. Here, we investigated Urolithin A (Uro A), a novel natural compound derived from pomegranates, which targets numerous kinases downstream of KRAS, in particular the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways. We showed that treatment of PDAC cells with Uro A blocked the phosphorylation of AKT and p70S6K in vitro, successfully inhibited the growth of tumor xenografts, and increased overall survival of Ptf1aCre/+;LSL-KrasG12D/+;Tgfbr2flox/flox (PKT) mice compared with vehicle or gemcitabine therapy alone. Histologic evaluation of these Uro A–treated tumor samples confirmed mechanistic actions of Uro A via decreased phosphorylation of AKT and p70S6K, reduced proliferation, and increased cellular apoptosis in both xenograft and PKT mouse models. In addition, Uro A treatment reprogrammed the tumor microenvironment, as evidenced by reduced levels of infiltrating immunosuppressive cell populations such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells, tumor-associated macrophages, and regulatory T cells. Overall, this work provides convincing preclinical evidence for the utility of Uro A as a therapeutic agent in PDAC through suppression of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.
Within-Population Variations in Home Range Use and Food Patch Use of Japanese Macaques: A Perspective of Intergroup Hostility
Authors: Kurihara Yosuke , Hanya Goro
Published: November 2018

Behavioral mechanisms of intergroup feeding competition remain unclear, despite its importance as a benefit of group living. Japanese macaques in the coastal and highland forests of Yakushima, Japan, are ideal study subjects because the intensity of intergroup feeding competition differs without phylogenetic effects. We aimed to test whether macaques modify home range use and food patch use in response to the location-specific risk of intergroup encounters. Using behavioral data from 3 groups, we examined the border avoidance and the effects of food patch location on food patch use. All 3 groups used the border less frequently than expected from its area. In the coastal forest characterized by frequent intergroup aggression, the smaller subordinate group, not the larger dominant group, increased the number of co-feeding individuals along the border. This response might reduce the potential costs of intergroup aggression. Feeding duration in one patch, visual scanning, and co-feeding with adult males did not depend on food patch location for the 2 groups. In contrast, the highland group did not modify food patch use along the border owing to the low risk of intergroup encounters. Our results highlight the importance of intergroup hostility as a social factor affecting animal behavior.
Consumer Acceptance and Expectations of a Mobile Health Application to Photograph Skin Lesions for Early Detection of Melanoma
Authors: Koh Uyen , Horsham Caitlin , Soyer H. Peter , Loescher Lois J. , Gillespie Nicole , Vagenas Dimitrios , Janda Monika
Published: November 2018

Background: Mobile teledermoscopy may facilitate skin self-examinations (SSEs) and further improve monitoring and detection of melanoma. Objective: To assess consumer acceptability and expectations of a mobile health app used to: (i) instruct SSE and (ii) conduct consumer-performed mobile teledermoscopy. Methods: People aged 18 years and above were invited to participate in either (i) an online survey or (ii) focus group in Brisbane, Australia. Participants were asked about their SSE practices, mobile teledermoscopy acceptance, and app design and functionality. The online survey responses and focus group discussions were coded by two researchers who conducted thematic analysis. Results: Four focus groups were held with a total of 28 participants; 88 participants completed the online survey. The mean ages of participants in the focus group and online survey were 46 and 38 years, respectively. There were more males in the focus groups (61%, 17/28) compared to the online survey (19%, 17/88). Regular SSEs were conducted by 56 (64%) of the online survey participants. Barriers to SSE were forgetfulness (44%), low self-perceived risk of melanoma (25%) and low confidence in conducting SSEs (25%). The large majority of online survey participants (95%) would consider sending photos of their skin lesions to a medical practitioner via an app. Focus group participants reported that they would accept using mobile teledermoscopy; however, they would prefer to use it to monitor lesions between face-to-face consultations. Conclusions: Overall, participants had positive views on using mobile teledermoscopy to send images of skin lesions to a dermatologist or other medical practitioner.
Developing and Gathering Validity Evidence for a Simulation-Based Test of Competencies in Lung Ultrasound
Authors: Pietersen Pia Iben , Konge Lars , Graumann Ole , Nielsen Bjørn Ulrik , Laursen Christian B.
Published: November 2018

Background: Clinical lung ultrasound (LUS) is a fast bedside diagnostic tool which can assist clinicians in decisions regarding the treatment and monitoring of patients with respiratory symptoms. LUS training and education differ widely, and is often done in a clinical setting, with potential risks for patients if decisions are made based on the wrong interpretations. No clear guidelines or recommendations for objective and standardized assessment of LUS skills exist, and those that do are often based on a fixed time-frame or an arbitrary number of examinations performed; this does not ensure adequate competencies. Objectives: The study aimed to develop and gather validity evidence for a practical, simulation-based test in LUS. Methods: Nine cases were developed in collaboration with 3D Systems Healthcare, Littleton, CO, USA, representing the most common diagnosis and sonographic findings in patients with respiratory symptoms. Thirty-six participants with different levels of competence in LUS, completed the test. The participants were divided into groups, i.e., novices, intermediates, and experienced, according to their experience with LUS, the number of examinations they had performed, and any research they had conducted. Their answers were used for item analyses. Results: The intraclass correlation coefficient, Cronbachs’ α, was 0.69 summarized, and there was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) between the novices and the trained participants (intermediates and experienced). A pass/fail score of 16 points was calculated according to the contrasting-groups method. Conclusion: We developed a test for the assessment of clinical competencies in LUS. The test proved solid validity evidence, and a pass/fail standard without any false-negatives, and only 2 explained false-positives.
Childhood Cancer Treatments and Associated Endocrine Late Effects: A Concise Guide for the Pediatric Endocrinologist
Authors: Chemaitilly Wassim , Sklar Charles A.
Published: November 2018

Endocrine complications are frequently observed in childhood cancer survivors (CCS); in many instances, these complications develop months to years after the completion of cancer therapy. The estimated prevalence of endocrine late effects is 50% among CCS; the main risk factors are external beam radiation that includes key endocrine organs (the hypothalamus/pituitary, thyroid and gonads) and/or alkylating agents. Novel agents targeting tumor growth have increased the options available to a small number of patients albeit with the need for treatment over long periods of time. Some of these agents, such as certain tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immune system modulators have been shown to cause permanent endocrine deficits. This chapter offers a brief summary of the conventional treatment strategies for the most common cancers of childhood and a brief overview of the endocrine late effects most commonly associated with these exposures. The impact of targeted therapies on the endocrine system will also be discussed. The aim of this chapter is to provide basic guidance to the consulting pediatric endocrinologist in preparation for the clinical encounter with a CCS. A more detailed discussion of the management of specific endocrine late effects can be found in the other chapters in this series.
TPPP3 Promotes Cell Proliferation, Invasion and Tumor Metastasis via STAT3/ Twist1 Pathway in Non-Small-Cell Lung Carcinoma
Authors: Li Yintao , Bai Menglin , Xu Yali , Zhao Weiwei , Liu Naijia , Yu Jinming
Published: November 2018

Background/Aims: Non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer death, with tumor metastasis being mainly responsible for lung cancer-associated mortality. Our previous studies have found that tubulin polymerization promoting protein family member 3 (TPPP3) acted as a potential oncogene in NSCLC. Little is known about the function of TPPP3 in tumor metastasis. Methods: RT-qPCR and IHC were used to investigate the expression of TPPP3 in NSCLC tissues. CCK8 assay and transwell assay were used to measure proliferation and migration of NSCLC cells in vitro and xenograft model was performed to assess the tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Results: In the present study, upregulation of TPPP3 was found to correlate with an increased metastasis capability of NSCLC. Ectopic expression of TPPP3 significantly enhanced cell proliferation in vitro and promoted tumor growth in vivo. Furthermore, overexpression of TPPP3 remarkably promoted NSCLC cell migration and invasion along with the upregulation of Twist1 both in vitro and in vivo. Further investigations showed that activation of STAT3 was required for TPPP3-mediated upregulation of Twist1, cell migration and invasion. A strong positive correlation between TPPP3 and Twist1 expression was identified in NSCLC tissues. Patients with low TPPP3 or low Twist1 in NSCLC tissues had a better prognosis with longer overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Conclusion: Overall, this study demonstrates that TPPP3 promotes the metastasis of NSCLC through the STAT3/Twist1 pathway.
miR-142-5p Improves Neural Differentiation and Proliferation of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells
Authors: Yang Liang , Wang Zhi-Fei , Wu Hao , Wang Wei
Published: November 2018

Background/Aims: MiRNAs may regulate neurogenic differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs). In this study, we hypothesized that the miR-142-5p can repress the expression of RhoA/ROCK1 pathway on the neurogenesis of ADSCs. Methods: Deregulated miRNA during neurogenic differentiation of ADSCs were identified. The expression of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and β III tubulin (Neuron-specific class III beta-tubulin) were detected as the markers of neurogenic differentiation by immunostaining and western blot. The targeting of miR-142-5p on RhoA and ROCK1 was verified by dual luciferase assay, qRT-PCR and western blot. The roles of miR-142-5p and the RhoA/ROCK1 signaling pathway were explored by using functional experiments including cell viability and colony formation assays. Results: MiR-142-5p is significantly upregulated during neurogenic differentiation of ADSCs. Knockdown of endogenous miR-142-5p hampered neurogenic differentiation. MiR-142-5p could directly target RhoA and ROCK1 mRNA and repress their expressions, through which it increased the proportion of differentiated cells with positive NSE and β III tubulin. RhoA/ROCK1 signaling pathway is involved in miR-142-5p effect on the process of neurogenic differentiation of ADSCs. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that miR-142-5p functions as a growth promotive miRNA and plays an important role in neurogenic differentiation by targeting RhoA/ROCK1 in ADSCs.