bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inflammation‐associated pathologies in a case of prostate schistosomiasis: Implications for a causal role in prostate carcinogenesis
Authors: Peiffer Lauren B. , Poynton Sarah L. , Ernst Sarah E. , Hicks Jessica L. , De Marzo Angelo M. , Sfanos Karen S. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundUrogenital infection with Schistosoma haematobium is a risk factor for the development of squamous cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder. The pathophysiology is thought to be mediated in part by inflammation, cellular damage, and bladder regeneration induced by the parasitic infection. Herein, we report an unusual case of schistosomiasis of the prostate that was found concurrent with prostate adenocarcinoma in a radical prostatectomy specimen from a man in the United States.MethodsThe infecting Schistosoma species was characterized via histomorphology and acid‐fast stain. The concurrent Gleason score 6 prostate cancer was assessed for ETS transcription factor ERG (ERG), phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), p27, and p53 status using immunohistochemistry (IHC). Cellular proliferation and the presence of intermediate cells in prostatic atrophy were assessed via immunostaining for Ki67 and CK903, respectively.ResultsHistomorphology and acid‐fast stain of the infecting species were consistent with S. haematobium. We classified the Gleason score 6 prostate adenocarcinoma via IHC as ERG positive, PTEN intact, p27 intact, and without p53 nuclear accumulation. The prostatic epithelium immediately adjacent to the schistosomiasis‐related granulomatous inflammation was atrophic and accompanied by increased cellular proliferation and the presence of intermediate cells. Upon literature review, we determined that prostate schistosomiasis is associated with a young age of prostate cancer diagnosis and highly aggressive prostate cancer.ConclusionsThis is a rare case of prostate schistosomiasis in the United States; however, prostate schistosomiasis occurs frequently in endemic areas. The patient had traveled to a Schistosoma‐endemic region, which was the likely location of exposure to the parasite. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the association of proliferative inflammatory atrophy and intermediate cells with schistosomiasis of the prostate. We propose that prostate schistosomiasis may be considered as a risk factor for the development of prostate cancer in geographic regions where Schistosoma species are endemic.
Perspective: service‐based business models to incentivize the efficient use of pesticides in crop protection
Authors: Chappell Thomas M , Magarey Roger D , Kurtz Ryan W , Trexler Christina M , Pallipparambil Godshen R , Hain Ernie F 
Published: June 2019

AbstractSeveral problems limit the productivity and acceptance of crop protection, including pesticide overuse, pesticide resistance, poor adoption of integrated pest management (IPM), declining funding for research and extension, and inefficiencies of scale. We discuss the proposition that alternative business models for crop protection can address these problems by incentivizing and benefiting from efficiency of pesticide use. Currently, business models are not linked to the adoption of IPM and are sometimes at odds with IPM practices. We explore a business model based on the provision of pest management adequacy through services rather than the sale of pesticide products. Specifically, we advocate for establishment of crop protection adequacy standards that would allow a market system to maximize efficiency. Changing some of the relationships between agricultural companies and producers from one based on products to one based on services is an idea worthy of debate and evaluation for improving the efficiency of pest management. Contemporary information technology enhancing monitoring and coordination warrants attention in this debate. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Rutin attenuates vancomycin‐induced renal tubular cell apoptosis via suppression of apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress
Authors: Qu Shaoqi , Dai Cunchun , Guo Hui , Wang Cuncai , Hao Zhihui , Tang Qihe , Wang Haixia , Zhang Yanping 
Published: June 2019

Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic widely used to treat infections caused by methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus. However, nephrotoxicity is a major adverse side effect, and the development of effective nephroprotective agents remains a priority in antimicrobial chemotherapy. In this study, we investigated the cell protective effects of the flavonol glycoside rutin against vancomycin‐induced toxicity. Vancomycin added to porcine renal tubular LLC‐PK1 cells caused an increase of production of intracellular reactive oxygen species and subsequent apoptotic cell death. Pretreatment of LLC‐PK1 cells with rutin at 5, 10, and 20 μM for 2 hr prior to 2‐mM vancomycin exposure for 24 hr significantly decreased intracellular reactive oxygen species and increased superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. Rutin pretreatment also protected cells from vancomycin‐induced caspase activation, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, and subsequent apoptosis. This study demonstrates a protective effect of rutin and suggests that rutin coadministration is an alternative therapy for treatment of vancomycin‐induced nephrotoxicity.
Electric properties of molecules confined by the spherical harmonic potential
Authors: Chołuj Marta , Bartkowiak Wojciech 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe harmonic oscillator potential is very often used in quantum chemical studies of electric properties to model the effect of spatial confinement. In the vast majority of works, the harmonic potential of cylindrical symmetry was applied. Thus far, its spherical counterpart was used mainly to describe properties of spatially restricted atomic systems. Therefore, our main goal was to study the molecular electric properties in the presence of the spherically symmetric harmonic oscillator potential and to characterize the impact of the relative position of the considered molecules and spherical confinement on these properties. Moreover, we analyzed how the topology of confining environment affects the dipole moment and (hyper)polarizability, by comparing the results obtained in the spherical and cylindrical harmonic potential. Based on the conducted research, it was found that the position of the molecules relative to the spherical confinement strongly influences their electric properties. The observed trends of changes in the electric properties, caused by increasing the confinement strength, vary significantly. Moreover, it was shown that in the vast majority of cases, significant differences in the values of electric properties, obtained in the cylindrical and spherical confinement of a given strength, occur.
Robust event‐triggered control of second‐order disturbed leader‐follower MASs: A nonsingular finite‐time consensus approach
Authors: Liu Jian , Zhang Yanling , Liu Hao , Yu Yao , Sun Changyin 
Published: June 2019

SummaryThis paper addresses the finite‐time and the prescribed finite‐time event‐triggered consensus tracking problems for second‐order multi‐agent systems (MASs) with uncertain disturbances. The prescribed finite‐time event‐triggered consensus of the second‐order disturbed MASs was obtained for the first time and the controller is nonsingular. Furthermore, a new self‐triggered control scheme is presented for the finite‐time consensus tracking, and the continuous communication can be avoided in the triggering condition monitoring. Hence, the finite‐time consensus tracking can be achieved with intermittent communication. Moreover, Zeno behavior is excluded for each follower. The efficiency of the proposed algorithms is verified by numerical simulations.
Robust trajectory tracking control for unmanned tail‐sitters in aggressive flight mode transitions
Authors: Liu Deyuan , Liu Hao , Lewis Frank L. 
Published: June 2019

SummaryIn this paper, the trajectory tracking control problem is investigated for a new typical tail‐sitter. A robust hierarchical control method is proposed to achieve aggressive flight mode transitions. The proposed control method results in a composite controller including a translational controller and a rotational controller to control the position and attitude respectively. Continuous aggressive flight mode transitions can be achieved without switching on the coordinate systems or the controller structures. It is proven that the tracking errors of the designed closed‐loop system can converge into a given neighborhood of the origin in a finite time. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.
Identifying a typology of high schools based on their orientation toward STEM: A latent class analysis of HSLS:09
Authors: Vaval Luronne , Bowers Alex J. , Snodgrass Rangel Virginia 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to investigate the extent that there is a typology of high schools based on their orientation toward science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), as well as the extent to which school‐level demographic variables and student high school outcomes are associated with subgroup membership in the typology, by analyzing data from a large nationally representative sample of high schools (n = 940) from the High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 (HSLS:09) using latent class analysis (LCA). We used a three‐step LCA approach to identify significantly different subgroups of STEM‐oriented high schools, what covariates predict subgroup membership, and how subgroup membership predicts observed distal outcomes. We find that there are four significantly different subgroups of STEM‐oriented high schools based on their principal's perceptions: Abundant (12.3%), Support (23.3%), Bounded (10.1%), and Comprehensive (54.3%). In addition, we find that these subgroups are associated with school demographics, such as the percent of students eligible for free and reduced‐price lunch, school locale, and control (public or private). Subgroup membership is also associated with student outcomes, such as postsecondary program enrollment and intent to pursue a STEM degree.
Rationally Designed Bioinspiredδ‐Amino Valeric Acid Based Hydrogel: One Shot Solution for Drug Delivery and Effluent Management
Authors: Tiwari Priyanka , Basu Anindya , Vij Atul , Bera Siba Prasad , Tiwari Amit K. , Konar Anita Dutt 
Published: June 2019

AbstractTailoring peptide hydrogelators with tunable mechanical properties and diversified applicabilities is an eternal pursuit today. Here, we report the rational design approach of a short, simple enantiomeric segment, Boc‐δ‐Ava‐L‐Phe‐OH (HydrogelatorI) Boc‐δ‐Ava‐D‐Phe‐OH (HydrogelatorII) that manifestsβ‐sheet conformation and nanofibrous morphology at supramolecular level. Our hydrogelators have excellent biocompatibility, proteolytic stability, thermoreversibility and self‐healing properties. Remarkably, these Hydrogelators not only demonstrate an unprecedented ability to release the anticancer drugs 5‐Fluoro uracil/curcumin/Doxorubicin at physiological pH and room temperature but also modulates an effective route in successful removal of harmful organic effluents from waste water, with the aptitude to reuse the hydrogelator few times. Interestingly it has been investigated that subtle changes in molecular structure of the gelator, turns the gelator into a nongelator molecule (Boc‐Gaba‐L‐Phe‐OH ;CompoundIII) and (Boc‐Acp‐L‐Phe‐OH ;CompoundIV) supported by MD simulation studies. Overall this study establishes innovative design principles towards the development of advanced functional materials for future drug delivery applications and waste water management.
Two‐Dimensional Exfoliated MoS2 Flakes Integrated with Polyindole for Supercapacitor Application
Authors: Choudhary Ram B. , Majumder Mandira , Thakur Anukul K. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractMaterials with sheet like morphology which stores charge through highly reversible redox reactions find numerous application in energy storage. They are advantageous to that of the carbon materials storing charge only electrostatically. Molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) has gained significant attention and proves to be expedient attributed to the charge storage in the large surface area as well as in the bulk of the material. The limited conductivity of ion across the layers of the MoS2 can be improved by integrating MoS2 with conducting polymer. Amongst the various conducting polymers, polyindole (PIn) is exceptionally stable attributed to the presence of fused aromatic structure. Integration of MoS2 along with PIn results in the uniform spreading of the polymer eliminating its agglomeration hence, enhancing the active surface area. Presence of PIn in the interlayers can significantly enhance the conductivity of the resulting PIn/MoS2 composite. This work reports the synthesis of PIn/MoS2 composite via. in‐situ oxidative polymerization of indole monomer in the presence of MoS2 showing an enhanced specific capacitance of value 173 F g−1.
Copper‐Catalyzed Oxidative Alkylation of Vinylic Cβ‐H of Enamides with Cyclic Ethers
Authors: Ding Ran , Lu Wang‐Gang , Ci Hao , Mao Yue‐Yuan , Liu Lei 
Published: June 2019

AbstractA general strategy for the oxidative alkylation of vinylic Cβ‐H bond of enamides catalyzed by copper to prepare structurally diverse ethers was developed. Under standard reaction conditions, various cyclic and acyclic enamides reacted well with cyclic ethers to afford the corresponding multi‐substituted alkene products in good yields. In addition, the coupling products could be converted into useful amino alcohol derivatives. The coupling reaction was considered to follow a mechanism based on radical pathway.
Gender differences in mathematics and science competitions: A systematic review
Authors: Steegh Anneke M. , Höffler Tim N. , Keller Melanie M. , Parchmann Ilka 
Published: June 2019

AbstractGendered patterns in mathematics and science interest emerge in early childhood, develop over time, and ultimately reflect advanced course selection in secondary education. During the crucial time adolescents become aware of their strengths and interests and specialize accordingly, they get the opportunity to participate in out‐of‐school learning programs such as mathematics and science competitions. This raises the question whether mathematics and science competitions contribute to gender equity by equally promoting female and male interests. In this article, we present a systematic review on gender differences and the mechanisms explaining success and failure in mathematics and science competitions. On an international level, we found large gender differences regarding participation in all Olympiads with the exception of the biology Olympiad. In fairs and national Olympiads, overall participation rates were not gendered as such, but females preferred biology topics whereas males preferred physics related topics. Male and female achievement in fairs was comparable, but males clearly outperformed female participants at the Olympiads, with the smallest differences in the biology Olympiad. Variables and theoretical frameworks explaining participation and achievement and the role of gender in mathematics and science competitions are discussed. We suggest that gender stereotypes, through their influence on self‐concept and interest, play an important role in the mechanisms resulting in low female participation rates in and beyond mathematics and science competitions (especially in physics and chemistry). The mechanisms we found explaining female representation during a national selection competition might be considered as reflecting those in female mathematics or science careers and could thus serve as food for thought on countering the gender gap in mathematics and science.
Shared river basins in disputed territories: A case study of Indus and Brahmaputra
Authors: Yaqoob Asma 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe present study seeks to explain how the growing water insecurity in the Brahmaputra and Indus basins has remained an underexplored factor in delaying peace building along disputed borders of Southern Tibet and Kashmir. The new water challenges such as natural flow variation, change in land use, water quality, and hydropower development posed by climate variability and domestic compulsions in both Indus and Brahmaputra have resulted in power competition for the riparian states. Mutual interests are the single most peace‐inducing force in the present international order but could only occur under particular conditions and through a set of norms. A failure of regional states to engage in institutional rapprochement to ensure water security is indicative that inter‐state conflicts may flare again especially in the wake of growing water pressures on shared water resources.
Alqueva dam in the Guadiana River Basin—Past and future of illusive water abundance
Authors: Neto Susana 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe historical need for water storage in the Guadiana Basin led to the construction of a large scale dam, creating a reservoir with capacity of 4,000 million m3 and maximum flooded area of 25,000 ha. The Alqueva Dam is a large multi‐purpose project (irrigation, hydro‐electricity production, domestic supply, recreation) that answers to the old expectations of water storage in the dry region of Alentejo, Portugal. The long “stop‐start” decision process was dominated by political objectives, and both local communities and major political forces envisaged Alqueva as a “magic” solution for development of the Alentejo. This Project had a general national consensus, although many environmental NGOs were clearly against it. The final decision of the European Union to fund the Project, due to the regional development perspective, was the decisive step to resume the project. This paper discusses the “social perception of scarcity” and the paradox of how this addition of a large volume of water storage in the Guadiana basin led to a dramatic cultural change in regional landscape and livelihoods, creating new opportunities for foreign stakeholders, and users, but at the same time did not necessarily increase access to water for most of the local communities and small scale farms.
Policy diagnostics for Pakistan’s water security challenge
Authors: Khan Shahbaz 
Published: June 2019

AbstractPakistan is a country already facing water shortages for urban as well as rural water uses. A number of comprehensive water sector reports, a climate change policy, and a national water policy exist, but implementation remains limited due to financial, political, and institutional challenges. The Indus river basin water system is the backbone of the water security in Pakistan and is suffering structural and nonstructural issues of adequate water storage, timely water conveyance, efficient water distribution, and appropriate consumptive use challenges. Inspirational integrated approaches such as integrated water resources management could not be implemented due to national and provincial mandates on the management of surface and ground waters and associated equitable distribution of costs and benefits among stakeholders. This paper presents an overview of the challenges and possible policy options through a diagnostic water balance analysis considering population, cropping patterns, system efficiencies, and storage options.
The survival of mankind requires a Water Quality and Quantity Index (WQQI) and Water Applied Testing and Environmental Research (WATER) Centers
Authors: Kozicki Zigmond A. , Baiyasi‐Kozicki Stephanie J. S. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe survival of the human population requires policy changes regarding water management. Mankind needs real‐time feedback about water quality to respond to threats to the water supply from climate change, population growth, water intensive farming, industrial pollution and urbanization. With the growing scarcity of drinking water worldwide, proactive strategic thinking and planning is necessary. Investing in water quality and water quantity management ensures that the public health and economic benefits for all things related to water is maximized. By 2025, half of the world’s population will be living in water‐stressed areas (World Health Organization, Drinking water, http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs391/en/, 2016). “While the private sector has a key role to play in making innovation happen, government must provide three key public‐good inputs that allow innovation to blossom: investments in human capital, infrastructure, and research” (Pool & Erickson, The high return on investment for publicly funded research, Center for American Progress, 2012). Managing water quality and quantity is a worldwide concern that will require investing in WATER Centers. The feedback humans need to survive can best be described as a Water Quality and Quantity Index (WQQI). To create the WQQI, each country will need to create and operate a Water Applied Testing and Environmental Research (WATER) Center(s) to support public health surveillance of drinking water. Water policy makers need to keep in mind that water quality measurements should be unique to each community and determined by the actual threat to each community’s water sources. Utilizing a WQQI from many communities in a given country would be useful for national public health strategic planning. WATER Centers can improve the safety of drinking water and contribute to water conservation in community water systems worldwide. WATER Centers can facilitate the implementation of a WQQI. The Water Centers can form a global network that shares data and methods for best practices in managing drinking (potable) water. The United States is often considered as having safe drinking water. An examination of the community water systems in the United States reveals that this may be an inaccurate assessment. The testing and treatment of water in the United States is referenced in this manuscript. Water is life—and life on earth is linked to water. Our existence is dependent on water, or the lack of it, in many ways, and one could say that our whole civilization is built on the use of water (International Water Association, 2008, A brief history of water and health from ancient civilizations to modern times).
Are Pre‐hospital Trauma Deaths Preventable? A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Pfeifer Roman , Halvachizadeh Sascha , Schick Sylvia , Sprengel Kai , Jensen Kai Oliver , Teuben Michel , Mica Ladislav , Neuhaus Valentin , Pape Hans‐Christoph 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe first and largest peak of trauma mortality is encountered on the trauma site. The aim of this study was to determine whether these trauma‐related deaths are preventable. We performed a systematic literature review with a focus on pre‐hospital preventable deaths in severely injured patients and their causes.MethodsStudies published in a peer‐reviewed journal between January 1, 1990 and January 10, 2018 were included. Parameters of interest: country of publication, number of patients included, preventable death rate (PP = potentially preventable and DP = definitely preventable), inclusion criteria within studies (pre‐hospital only, pre‐hospital and hospital deaths), definition of preventability used in each study, type of trauma (blunt versus penetrating), study design (prospective versus retrospective) and causes for preventability mentioned within the study.ResultsAfter a systematic literature search, 19 papers (total 7235 death) were included in this literature review. The majority (63.1%) of studies used autopsies combined with an expert panel to assess the preventability of death in the patients. Pre‐hospital death rates range from 14.6 to 47.6%, in which 4.9–11.3% were definitely preventable and 25.8–42.7% were potentially preventable. The most common (27–58%) reason was a delayed treatment of the trauma victims, followed by management (40–60%) and treatment errors (50–76.6%).ConclusionAccording to our systematic review, a relevant amount of the observed mortality was described as preventable due to delays in treatment and management/treatment errors. Standards in the pre‐hospital trauma system and management should be discussed in order to find strategies to reduce mortality.