bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impairment of the autophagy system in repetitively UVA‐irradiated fibroblasts
Authors: Endo Karin , Katsuyama Yushi , Taira Norihisa , Yoshioka Masato , Okano Yuri , Masaki Hitoshi 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundAutophagy is known as an intracellular cleanup system necessary to maintain homeostasis of the skin. Many studies have pointed out the relationship between aging and the inactivation of autophagy function, which suggests that the inactivation of autophagy occurs in aged skin. However, the aging process of the skin is complicated compared with other organs, because the skin is localized at the border between the inside of the body and the environment. Thus, skin aging is strongly affected by environmental factors, and it is well recognized that ultraviolet (UV) radiation is an important environmental factor that promotes skin aging. Therefore, characterizing the autophagic phenotypes induced by environmental factors is important to understand the process of skin aging.MethodsIn order to demonstrate the status of autophagy during environment‐induced aging of the skin, we investigated the autophagy profiles of normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs) treated with repetitive UVA irradiation as model fibroblasts in photoaged skin.ResultsRepetitively UVA‐irradiated NHDFs showed increased numbers of autophagosomes, which coincided with the accumulation of p62 and increased levels of LAMP‐1 and lysosomes. The behavior of repetitively UVA‐irradiated NHDFs on autophagy was similar to that of NHDFs treated with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), which is an inhibitor of lysosomal proteinase.ConclusionIn summary, these results demonstrate that repetitively UVA‐irradiated fibroblasts have reduced autophagy function due to the dysfunction of lysosomes.
Poacic acid suppresses dollar spot and snow mould in amenity turfgrass
Authors: Kabbage M. , Piotrowski J. S. , Thill E. , Westrick N. M. , Ralph J. , Hockemeyer K. , Koch P. L. 
Published: September 2019

Plant‐based antifungal agents offer an alternative to synthetic fungicides in amenity turfgrass disease management. Poacic acid is a by‐product of the biofuel production process that has exhibited antifungal activity, and the objective of this research was to determine its ability to serve as an effective management tool for economically important turfgrass diseases such as dollar spot and snow moulds. In vitro and field tests were conducted in Wisconsin and Michigan, USA from 2015 to 2017 to determine the efficacy of poacic acid in suppressing the economically important turfgrass pathogens Clarireedia jacksonii and Microdochium nivale. Poacic acid demonstrated strong antifungal activity against both pathogens in vitro, inhibiting growth of C. jacksonii and M. nivale by 93% and 74% relative to nonamended media, respectively. Poacic acid reduced dollar spot in the field in one of two years, but failed to suppress snow mould when applied alone. Poacic acid was an effective mix partner for snow mould control when combined with a synthetic fungicide, an important attribute because no single fungicide currently on the market provides acceptable snow mould control under heavy disease pressure. Future research should focus on improving poacic acid field efficacy so that it can be incorporated into plant‐based disease management strategies for amenity turfgrass.
Construction of solutions of the defocusing nonlinear Schrödinger equation with asymptotically time‐periodic boundary values
Authors: Fromm Samuel 
Published: September 2019

AbstractWe study the defocusing nonlinear Schrödinger equation in the quarter plane with asymptotically periodic boundary values. We use the unified transform method, also known as the Fokas method, and the Deift‐Zhou nonlinear steepest descent method to construct solutions in a sector close to the boundary whose leading behavior is described by a single exponential plane wave. Furthermore, we compute the subleading terms in the long‐time asymptotics of the constructed solutions.
Influence of contribution-based resource allocation mechanism on individual resource sharing cooperation in social networks
Authors: Cui Guanghai , Wang Zhen , Dong Ling , Cao Xiaoli , Liu Yue , Zhang Zhiwang 
Published: September 2019

In social networks, resource sharing behaviors always take place in groups of individuals and rely on voluntary cooperation. In this work, first, a multi-player donor recipient game in which strategies describe individuals’ varying degrees of willingness to share resources is formulated, instead of using the limited binary decisions (e.g. share or not share) in a classical donor-recipient game. Second, the evolutionary dynamics of individual strategies are explored under the influence of two contribution-based resource allocation mechanisms: the total contribution-based allocation mechanism (TCAM) and the direct contribution-based allocation mechanism (DCAM). The results indicate that the network is dominated by the full-cooperation strategy when the cost-to-benefit ratio of resources is not too large and the DCAM is more effective than TCAM. Furthermore, the underlying reason why some strategies with higher sharing willingness can coexist in specific situations, is also explained in detail by leveraging macroscopic and microscopic perspective analysis. Finally, the influences of slandering and whitewashing behaviors conducted by a few malicious individuals on the allocation mechanisms are also studied. Current research will offer new insights into understanding the influence and optimizing the resource allocation policies in social networks.
New quantum phase of the Universe before inflation and its cosmological and dark energy implications
Authors: Sanchez Norma G. 
Published: September 2019

The physical history of the Universe is completed by including the quantum Planckian and trans-Planckian phase before inflation in the Standard Model of the Universe in agreement with observations. In the absence of a complete quantum theory of gravity, we start from quantum physics and its foundational milestone. The universal classical-quantum (or wave-particle) duality, which we extend to gravity and the Planck domain. As a consequence, classical, quantum Planckian and super-Planckian regimes are covered, and the usual quantum domain as well. A new quantum precursor phase of the Universe appears beyond the Planck scale [Formula: see text]: [Formula: see text]; the known classical/semiclassical Universe being in the range: [Formula: see text]. We extend in this way the de Sitter Universe to the quantum domain: classical-quantum de Sitter duality. As a result: (i) The classical and quantum dual de Sitter temperatures and entropies are naturally included, and the different (classical, semiclassical, quantum Planckian and trans-Planckian) de Sitter regimes characterized in a precise and unifying way. (ii) We apply it to relevant cosmological examples as the CMB, inflation and dark energy. This allows us to find in a simple and consistent way. (iii) Full quantum inflationary spectra and their CMB observables, including in particular the classical known inflation spectra and the quantum corrections to them. (iv) A whole unifying picture for the Universe epochs and their quantum precursors emerges with the cosmological constant as the vacuum energy, entropy and temperature of the Universe, clarifying the so-called cosmological constant problem which once more in its rich history needed to be revised.
Microsleep is associated with brain activity patterns unperturbed by auditory inputs
Authors: Yong Zixin , Tan Joo Huang , Hsieh Po-Jang 
Published: September 2019

Microsleeps are brief episodes of arousal level decrease manifested through behavioral signs. Brain activity during microsleep in the presence of external stimulus remains poorly understood. In this study, we sought to understand neural responses to auditory stimulation during microsleep. We gave participants the simple task of listening to audios of different pitches and amplitude modulation frequencies during early afternoon functional MRI scans. We found the following: 1) microsleep was associated with cortical activations in broad motor and sensory regions and deactivations in thalamus, irrespective of auditory stimulation; 2) high and low pitch audios elicited different activity patterns in the auditory cortex during awake but not microsleep state; and 3) during microsleep, spatial activity patterns in broad brain regions were similar regardless of the presence or types of auditory stimulus (i.e., stimulus invariant). These findings show that the brain is highly active during microsleep but the activity patterns across broad regions are unperturbed by auditory inputs. NEW & NOTEWORTHY During deep drowsy states, auditory inputs could induce activations in the auditory cortex, but the activation patterns lose differentiation to high/low pitch stimuli. Instead of random activations, activity patterns across the brain during microsleep appear to be structured and may reflect underlying neurophysiological processes that remain unclear.
Strong Dependence of Wintertime Arctic Moisture and Cloud Distributions on Atmospheric Large-Scale Circulation
Authors: Nygård Tiina , Graversen Rune G. , Uotila Petteri , Naakka Tuomas , Vihma Timo 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThis study gives a comprehensive picture of how atmospheric large-scale circulation is related to moisture transport and to distributions of moisture, clouds, and surface downward longwave radiation in the Arctic in winter. Anomaly distributions of the abovementioned variables are compared in 30 characteristic wintertime atmospheric circulation regimes, which are allocated from 15 years (2003–17) of mean sea level pressure data of ERA-Interim reanalysis applying the self-organizing map method. The characteristic circulation regimes are further related to known climate indices—the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), the Arctic Oscillation (AO), and Greenland blocking index—as well as to a frequent high pressure pattern across the Arctic Ocean from Siberia to North America, herein called the Arctic bridge. Effects of large-scale circulation on moisture, cloud, and longwave radiation are to a large extent occurring through the impact of horizontal moisture transport. Evaporation is typically not efficient enough to shape those distributions, and much of the moisture evaporated in the Arctic is transported southward. The positive phase of the NAO and AO increases moisture and clouds in northern Europe and the eastern North Atlantic Ocean, and a strong Greenland blocking typically increases those in the southwest of Greenland. When the Arctic bridge is lacking, the amount of moisture, clouds, and downward longwave radiation is anomalously high near the North Pole. Our results reveal a strong dependence of moisture, clouds, and longwave radiation on atmospheric pressure fields, which also appears to be important from a climate change perspective.
Sedentary behavior time as a predictor of hemoglobin A1c among adults, 40 to 59 years of age, living in the United States: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003 to 2004 and 2013 to 2014
Authors: Nicolo Michele L , Shewokis Patricia A , Boullata Joseph , Sukumar Deeptha , Smith Sinclair , Compher Charlene , Volpe Stella L 
Published: September 2019

Background: Sedentary behavior activities have been associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Aim: Our aim was to determine whether sedentary behavior time (SBT) is predictive of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ≥ 6.5% (48 mmol/mol). Methods: We used cross-sectional data, adults 40 to 59 years of age, from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for 2003 to 2004 and 2013 to 2014. Responses to questions on the Physical Activity Questionnaire regarding time watching television/videos, and time spent sitting in front of a computer per day were compiled into tertiles. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to determine whether SBT was a predictor of a HbA1c ≥ 6.5% adjusting for age, sex, race and ethnicity, and body mass index. Results: In a univariate model, adults reporting ≥ 8 hours of SBT in NHANES 2003–2004 had 2.02 increased odds of a HbA1c ≥ 6.5% (OR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.31, 3.13, p < 0.0001) compared to adults reporting ≤ 3 hours. After adjusting the regression model for age, sex, race and ethnicity, and body mass index, adults reporting ≥ 8 hours of SBT in NHANES 2003 to 2004 had 1.72 increased odds of HbA1c ≥ 6.5% (OR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.10, 2.68, p < 0.0001) compared to adults reporting ≤ 3 hours of SBT. Reported SBT was not a predictor of HbA1c ≥ 6.5% for NHANES 2013 to 2014. Conclusion: Reported SBT was a predictor of HbA1c ≥ 6.5% among adults, 40 to 59 years of age, in NHANES 2003 to 2004, but was not a predictor in 2013 to 2014.
A Single Institution’s Experience of Primary Headache in Children With Celiac Disease
Authors: Hom Grant L. , Hom Brian L. , Kaplan Barbara , Rothner A. David 
Published: September 2019

Background: Few studies exist examining the frequency of primary headache in children with celiac disease and the impact of a gluten-free diet on primary headache symptomology. This study explores characteristics and frequency of headaches in children with celiac disease and response to gluten-free diet at a single institution. Methods: Medical records were reviewed for children with celiac disease confirmed by the presence of elevated tissue transglutaminase IgA levels and histologic changes consistent with the diagnosis of celiac disease on small bowel biopsy. Eligible participants were contacted via letter for participation in a phone survey regarding headaches. Phone interviews were conducted 2 weeks after notification and lasted approximately 10 minutes. Headaches were classified according to ICHD-3 criteria. Results: 247 eligible patients or their families were contacted. A total of 132 (53.44%) agreed to participate. One participant was excluded due to insufficient information provided. Overall, 51 of 131 participants had recurrent headache defined as at least 1 episode per month (39%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 31%-47%) and 33 had migraine with or without aura (25%, 95% CI: 18%-33%). Twenty-eight had frequent tension-type headache (22%, 95% CI: 15%-29%). Thirty-two participants noted headaches before a confirmed diagnosis of celiac disease. Twenty-two of 32 participants (68.75%) noticed decreased headache frequency or intensity, or both, after starting the gluten-free diet. Conclusion: This study suggests that at least one-third of children and adolescents with celiac disease have recurrent headaches at the time of diagnosis. A gluten-free diet led to improved headache symptomology in a significant number of these patients.
A Pilot Study Embedding Clinical Pharmacists Within an Interprofessional Nephrology Clinic for the Initiation and Monitoring of Empagliflozin in Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Triantafylidis Laura K. , Hawley Chelsea E. , Fagbote Christopher , Li Jiahua , Genovese Nicole , Paik Julie M. 
Published: September 2019

Background: The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors as the second medication to be started, after metformin, for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors may cause volume, blood pressure, and electrolyte disturbances; consequently, frequent monitoring and adjustments to other diabetes, blood pressure, and/or diuretic medications may be necessary. Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of an interprofessional clinic model partnering nephrologists and pharmacists for the initiation and monitoring of SGLT2 inhibitors. Methods: A clinical pharmacist was embedded within the nephrology clinic to provide patient education, telephone follow-up, and to work collaboratively with the nephrologists. Diabetes, hypertension, and diuretic regimens were adjusted as needed after empagliflozin initiation. Diabetes regimens were adjusted to adhere to the 2019 ADA guidelines that promote agents with CKD and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease benefit. Results: Fourteen patients were initiated on empagliflozin during the study period. Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) improved (mean % change −12% ± 61%); the mean percentage change was greater in patients with a higher baseline UACR. The mean change in hemoglobin A1c was 0.3% ± 0.6%. Common adverse reactions were observed and improved over time; no serious adverse drug reactions occurred. Finally, empagliflozin initiation necessitated adjustments to diabetes, hypertension, and diuretic regimens in almost all patients (n = 13, 93%). Conclusion: The implementation of an innovative, interprofessional care model within a nephrology clinic for the initiation and monitoring of empagliflozin in patients with DKD demonstrated clinical benefit with minimal safety concerns.
How Does Infrastructure Investment Affect Macroeconomic Performance? Evidence from Portugal
Authors: Pereira Alfredo Marvão , Pereira Rui Manuel 
Published: September 2019

We use the industry-specific effects of 12 different types of infrastructure investment in Portugal to highlight the mechanisms through which such investments affect economic activity. Our main findings are as follows: first, demand-side effects are over 60 per cent of total effects for airport investments, ports, refineries and water, and over 45 per cent for national roads, municipal roads, telecommunications, health and education. Second, site-location effects are also very significant, in particular for national roads, highways and railroads, with 30, 35 and 64 per cent of the total effects, respectively. Site-location effects are negative for water and electricity, and statistically insignificant for municipal roads, airports and refineries, and marginally positive for ports, that is, all these are cases in which we would expect adverse or small location effects. Third, the macroeconomic effects are driven primarily by the effects of these investments on non-traded goods and service industries. The functional channel relating to internationally traded goods is much less significant while the functional effect affecting non-traded industries is much more relevant as it accounts for more than 30 per cent of the effects in the cases of municipal roads, airports and refineries, and in excess of 20 per cent for highways, railroads, telecommunications, health and education. Naturally, these results cannot be automatically generalised, as the nature of the effects of infrastructure investments crucially depends on the level of development of the country in question, on the maturity of its existent infrastructure systems, and on the rigour of all decisions pertaining to infrastructure investment. Nevertheless, they establish that, as infrastructure investments are concerned, the dominance of virtuous supply-side effects is not a foregone conclusion and, conversely, the relevance of Keynesian effects cannot be dismissed. JEL Classification: C32, E22, H54, L90, L98, O52
Therapeutic Window of Clopidogrel and Ticagrelor in Patients With Critical Limb-Threatening Ischemia
Authors: Dhillon Ashwat S. , Caro Jorge , Tun Han , Armstrong David G. , Rowe Vincent , Shavelle David M. , Clavijo Leonardo C. 
Published: September 2019

Background: Critical limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) is associated with an increased risk of major adverse limb events and mortality. High on-treatment platelet reactivity (HPR) is associated with an increased risk of ischemic events, while low on-treatment platelet reactivity (LPR) is associated with an increased risk of bleeding. This study investigates the frequency with which patients with CLTI on clopidogrel or ticagrelor achieve a “therapeutic window” (TW) of platelet inhibition. Methods: Data from the “Switch To Ticagrelor in Critical Limb Ischemia Anti-Platelet Study” were assessed retrospectively to determine the incidence of TW of on-treatment platelet reactivity in 50 consecutive patients with CLTI (mean age: 65.2 ± 10.5 years, 54% male). The data included 4 measurements of patients’ platelet reactivity using the VerifyNow P2Y12 Assay: baseline and steady state platelet reactivity on clopidogrel 75 mg daily and on ticagrelor 90 mg twice daily. Results: At baseline, 46% of patients on clopidogrel were within TW of on-treatment platelet reactivity compared to 10% of patients on ticagrelor ( P < .0001). At steady state, 42% of patients on clopidogrel were within the TW compared to 10% of patients on ticagrelor ( P < .0001). Patients on ticagrelor exhibited higher rates of LPR compared to those on clopidogrel at baseline as well as at steady state (baseline 88% vs 18%, steady state 88% vs 28%; P < .0001). Conclusion: Although ticagrelor has been proposed as an alternative for patients with HPR on clopidogrel, the current study observes an excess of platelet inhibition with ticagrelor in most patients with CLTI at a dose of 90 mg twice daily.
Clinical impact of the etoposide injection shortage
Authors: Li Hualy , Cimino Sarah K 
Published: September 2019

Purpose Drug shortages have become a constant challenge in patient care over the past two decades. In 2018, there was a shortage of etoposide injection in the United States. The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of the etoposide injection shortage. Methods This single-center, retrospective chart review included patients prescribed an etoposide-containing chemotherapy regimen between January 2018 and August 2018. The primary objective was to determine the percentage of patients who required a change in treatment due to the etoposide injection drug shortage. For the secondary objectives, the following was compared between patients who received etoposide injection versus alternative etoposide formulations (etopophos injection or oral etoposide): adverse events, medication errors, treatment delays, disease progression, and drug costs. Results Twenty-two patients were included in this study. Overall, seven (32%) patients required a change in treatment due to the etoposide injection shortage. Of the seven patients, six required the use of an alternative etoposide formulation and one patient had etoposide omitted in at least one treatment cycle. There were no significant differences in adverse events, medication errors, treatment delays, or disease progression when comparing patients who received etoposide injection versus alternative etoposide formulations. The average drug cost per cycle was significantly higher in the patients who required a change in treatment. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first study to characterize the clinical impact of the etoposide injection shortage. Results from this study highlight the direct impact that drug shortages have on patient care.