bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Municipalization for privatization’s sake
Authors: Luthra Aman 
Published: August 2018

PurposeRapid economic growth and urbanization in India have increased demand for municipal services. In response, privatization has emerged as a policy solution to a growing deficit in urban infrastructure and service provision. But, privatization assumes prior state ownership of those services. Certain waste management services, specifically doorstep waste collection, have never been truly public in the sense that private informal actors have historically provided them. The purpose of this paper is to examine the tensions and contradictions between two related policy imperatives – universal service provision and privatization – that appear to be guiding the municipalization of solid waste collection services in urban India.Design/methodology/approachResearch for this paper relies on detailed analysis of key government documents (reports of various committees, regulations and laws) that have been important in defining municipal responsibilities for waste management in India from 1990 to 2016. In addition, where appropriate, research materials from the author’s doctoral dissertation fieldwork in Delhi from October 2012 to December 2013 have also been used.FindingsAn analysis of key policy documents revealed that the government’s efforts to document deficits in service provision ignored, and thus rendered invisible, the work of the informal sector. While a consensus on the need for universal waste collection service had emerged as early as the late 1990s, it was not until 2016 that municipal responsibility for service provision was codified into law. The rules issued in 2016 municipalized this responsibility while simultaneously opening up spaces for the inclusion of the informal sector in waste collection service provision.Originality/valueThis paper fills a gap in the existing literature on how policy interventions have brought the space of the doorstep into the ambit of the state such that it allows for the opening up of those spaces for the entry of private capital. Under the guise of universal service provision, the shift to municipalization and outsourcing to private corporations is not in fact privatization – service provision is already private – but involves the dispossession of informal workers and the transfer of their resource to the formal, corporate sector.
Evaluation of resource burden for bladder adaptive strategies: A timing study
Authors: Kong Vickie , Taylor Amy , Chung Peter , Rosewall Tara 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIntroductionInterfraction bladder motion is substantial and therefore many different adaptive radiotherapy approaches have been developed to accommodate that motion. Previous studies comparing the efficacy of those adaptive strategies have demonstrated that reoptimization (ReOpt) was dosimetrically superior when compared to Plan of the Day (POD) and Patient‐specific PTV (PS‐PTV). However, the feasibility of clinical implementation is dependent upon assessment of the resource burden. This study assessed and compared the resource burden of three adaptive strategies.MethodsUsing the planning CT and all daily CBCTs of 10 bladder patients, the following adaptive strategies were simulated offline to deliver 46 Gy in 23 fractions: POD, PS‐PTV and ReOpt. Additional activities required to execute these strategies compared to a nonadaptive approach were identified and categorized. Time consumed for the execution of each strategy was measured for a single, experienced observer.ResultsThe time (minutes) consumed to execute the additional activities for PS‐PTV, POD and ReOpt was 14.4, 49.1 and 248.5, respectively. In addition to a significantly shorter time spent, all activities associated with PS‐PTV were categorized as those that could be performed without the presence of the patient or a treatment room. On the other hand, ReOpt was the most time intensive and all activities were categorized as those that could lead to increasing patient's time in the treatment room and decreasing capacity.ConclusionsAlthough ReOpt was preferred with respect to improving dosimetry, the heavy resource burden it incurred could be a deterrent for clinical implementation. PS‐PTV was the least resource‐intensive strategy.
The circadian gene, Per2, influences methamphetamine sensitization and reward through the dopaminergic system in the striatum of mice
Authors: Kim Mikyung , Custodio Raly James , Botanas Chrislean Jun , de la Peña June Bryan , Sayson Leandro Val , Abiero Arvie , Ryoo Zae Young , Cheong Jae Hoon , Kim Hee Jin 
Published: August 2018

AbstractDrug addiction is a chronic and relapsing brain disorder, influenced by complex interactions between endogenous and exogenous factors. Per2, a circadian gene, plays a role in drug addiction. Previous studies using Per2‐knockout mice have shown a role for Per2 in cocaine, morphine and alcohol addiction. In the present study, we investigated the role of Per2 in methamphetamine (METH) addiction using Per2‐overexpression and knockout mice. We observed locomotor sensitization responses to METH administration, and rewarding effects using a conditioned place preference test. In addition, we measured expression levels of dopamine and dopamine‐related genes (monoamine oxidase A, DA receptor 1, DA receptor 2, DA active transporter, tyrosine hydroxylase and cAMP response element‐binding protein 1) in the striatum of the mice after repeated METH treatments, using qRT‐PCR. Per2‐overexpressed mice showed decreased locomotor sensitization and rewarding effects of METH compared to the wildtype mice, whereas the opposite was observed in Per2 knockout mice. Both types of transgenic mice showed altered expression levels of dopamine‐related genes after repeated METH administration. Specifically, we observed lower dopamine levels in Per2‐overexpressed mice and higher levels in Per2‐knockout mice. Taken together, Per2 expression levels may influence the addictive effects of METH through the dopaminergic system in the striatum of mice.
Sperm cryopreservation of transgender individuals: trends and findings in the past decade
Authors: Li K. , Rodriguez D. , Gabrielsen J. S. , Centola G. M. , Tanrikut C. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractObjectivesAwareness and acceptance of transgenderism have increased in the last two decades. There is limited literature regarding the incidence and semen characteristics of transwomen banking spermatozoa. We sought to assess the incidence of sperm cryopreservation of transgender individuals compared with the cisgender population in the last 10 years. Semen parameters were also compared between the two groups.Materials and methodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of sperm cryopreservation performed at a single center from 2006 through 2016. Using available data on indications for banking and prior hormonal therapy status, we isolated healthy transgender and cisgender cohorts for semen parameter comparison. Linear regression was used to compare the incidence trends. Semen parameters were compared using the generalized estimating equations method. The rates of semen parameter abnormality of each group were compared using chi‐square test. Semen parameter abnormalities were defined using WHO 2010 reference values.ResultsWe analyzed 194 transgender samples and 2327 cisgender samples for a total of 84 unique transgender sperm bankers and 1398 unique cisgender sperm bankers. The number of transgender sperm bankers increased relative to cisgender sperm bankers from 2006 to 2016. Following exclusion of cisgender sperm bankers with health issues that might impact semen quality and transgender sperm bankers with known prior hormonal therapy, we compared the semen parameters of 141 healthy cisgender sperm bankers and 78 healthy transgender sperm bankers. The transgender sperm bankers demonstrated lower sperm concentration, total motile sperm count, and post‐thaw sperm parameters. The transgender sperm bankers also demonstrated a higher incidence of oligozoospermia.ConclusionsThis is the largest report to date on the incidence of transgender sperm cryopreservation and comparison of semen characteristics with cisgender sperm bankers. The data reveal an increased incidence of transgender sperm banking as well as poorer semen parameters of transgender individuals compared with cisgender controls.
Sex differences in fetal heart rate and variability assessed by antenatal computerized cardiotocography
Authors: Bhide Amar , Acharya Ganesh 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of the current study is to explore the effect of fetal sex on the fetal heart rate and variability.Material and methodsThis is a retrospective cross‐sectional study. We analyzed fetal heart rate (FHR) traces of pregnant women that were recorded antenatally using a commercially available computerized cardiotocograph (cCTG; Oxford system). Fetal sex was ascertained after birth. Baseline FHR and short‐term heart rate variation (STV) were compared between male and female fetuses. Expected mean values for baseline FHR and STV were computed and multiples of the mean (MOMean) of males and females were compared.ResultsInformation on 9259 cases is reported in this study. Baseline FHR of female fetuses was significantly higher (P < 0.001) and STV lower (P < 0.001) than that of male fetuses. This difference remained even after the effects of gestational age and diurnal variation were eliminated by computation of MOMean, but the absolute differences in the baseline FHR (0.9 beats/min [bpm]) and STV (0.246 ms) between male and female fetuses were small. A significant negative correlation was found between baseline FHR and STV (r = −0.518, P < 0.001). Similarly, a significant negative correlation was found between the MoMean of baseline FHR and MoMean STV (r = −0.481, P < 0.001).ConclusionsUsing the Oxford cCTG, male fetuses show a significantly lower baseline FHR and greater variability as compared with female fetuses. However, the absolute differences are small and may not be of major clinical significance.
Extended periprostatic nerve distributions on the prostate surface confirmed using diffusion tensor imaging
Authors: Sievert Karl‐Dietrich , Hennenlotter Jörg , Dillenburg Thomas , Toomey Patricia , Wöllner Jens , Zweers Peter , Pannek Jürgen , Andersson Karl‐Erik , Amend Bastian 
Published: August 2018

ObjectiveTo perform a descriptive microscopic study of prostatectomy specimens from 19 patients which anatomically characterizes the distributions of periprostatic nerve qualities, and to visualize these using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).Materials and MethodsSerial whole‐mounted sections were stained for cholinergic (neuronal nitric oxide synthase), adrenergic (tyrosine hydroxylase) and sensory (calcitonin gene‐related peptide) nerves. Extracapsular stained nerves were counted by prostate surface sector, and classified by diameter. Stain‐related relative density was calculated, and distribution patterns were evaluated. To better visualize the reported neuronal structures and independently confirm our findings, nerve concordance in five male volunteers was investigated using a 3‐Tesla magnetic resonance imaging‐DTI system.ResultsAt the base, cholinergic nerves were distributed from the anterolateral to posterior sectors, continuing posterolaterally (mid‐section) into the posterolateral‐posterior sector toward the apex. Adrenergic nerves were distributed across the anterolateral‐posterior sectors at the base, with the course narrowing to the posterolateral‐posterior sectors at the mid‐ and apical levels. Sensory fibres were found posterolaterally posteriorly at the base, continuing posterolaterally over the mid‐ and apical levels. Although it was not possible to determine the different nerve qualities, DTI confirmed histological findings from the base to the apex.ConclusionsDifferent types of nerve fibres were found to vary in distribution. When linked to possible functional aspects of the different nerve types, this morphological evidence may be of importance to further protect function after radical prostatectomy (RP). To our knowledge, this is the first time that DTI has confirmed reported histological findings in nerve‐sparing RPs. DTI could be an important tool with which to correlate nerves to tumour for better preoperative planning and to incorporate imaging into treatment.
Involvement of Akt in mitomycin C and its analog triggered cytotoxicity in MCF‐7 and K562 cancer cells
Authors: Cheng Shu‐Yuan , Vargas Anayatzinc , Lee Ji‐Young , Clement Cristina C. , Champeil Elise 
Published: August 2018

AbstractMitomycin C (MC) is a well‐known DNA alkylating agent. MC analog, 10‐decarbamoyl mitomycin C (DMC), unlike MC, has stronger effects on cancer with p53 mutation. We previously demonstrated that MC/DMC could activate p21WAF1/CIP1 in MCF‐7 (p53‐proficient) and K562 (p53‐deficient) cells in a p53‐independent mode. This study aimed to elucidate the upstream signaling pathway of p21WAF1/CIP1 activation triggered by MC/DMC. Besides p53, Akt plays an important role on deactivating p21WAF1/CIP1. The results showed that MC/DMC inhibited Akt in MCF‐7 cells, but not in K562 cells. By knocking down p53, the Akt inhibition in MCF‐7 cells was alleviated. This implied that the deactivated Akt caused by MC/DMC was p53‐dependent. With Akt activator (SC79), p21WAF1/CIP1 activation triggered by MC/DMC in MCF‐7 cells was not reduced. This indicated that Akt inhibition triggered by MC/DMC was not associated with MC/DMC‐induced p21WAF1/CIP1 activation. Label‐free quantitative proteomic profiling analysis revealed that DMC has a stronger effect on down‐regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in MCF‐7 cells as compared to MC. No significant effect of MC/DMC on PI3K/Akt in K562 cells was observed. In summary, MC/DMC regulate Akt activation in a p53‐dependent manner. This Akt deactivation is not associated with p21WAF1/CIP1 activation in response to MC/DMC.
Oral health and performance impacts in elite and professional athletes
Authors: Gallagher Julie , Ashley Paul , Petrie Aviva , Needleman Ian 
Published: August 2018

AbstractObjectivesTo measure dental caries, erosive tooth wear (ETW), periodontal health, self‐reported oral health problems and performance impacts in a representative sample of UK elite athletes from different sports using standardized conditions clearly defined clinical indices and a measure of impact on performance with evidence of validity in sport.MethodsCross‐sectional study, with single, calibrated examiner, conducted in the local facilities of elite and professional UK athletes (UCL ethics number 6388/001). Main oral measures: dental caries (ICDAS), erosive tooth wear (BEWE), periodontal health (BPE) and athlete‐reported performance impacts.ResultsWe recruited 352 athletes from eleven sports. The mean age was 25 years (range 18‐39), and 67.0% were male. We found caries (ICDAS code ≥3) in 49.1% of athletes, ETW (BEWE score of ≥7) in 41.4%, gingival bleeding on probing/presence of calculus (BPE score 1 or 2) in 77.0% and pocket probing depths of at least 4 mm (BPE score 3 or 4) in a further 21.6%. One in five athletes reported previous wisdom teeth problems. The odds of having caries were 2.4 times greater in team sport than endurance sport (95% CI 1.3‐3.2). The odds of having erosion were 2.0 times greater in team sport than endurance sport (95% CI 1.3‐3.1). Overall, 32.0% athletes reported an oral health‐related impact on sport performance: oral pain (29.9%), difficulty participating in normal training and competition (9.0%), performance affected (5.8%) and reduction in training volume (3.8%). Other impacts were difficulty with eating (34.6%), relaxing (15.1%) and smiling (17.2%). Several oral health problems were associated with performance impacts.ConclusionsThis is the first large representative sample study of oral health in athletes from different sports at elite level. Although experience of oral disease differs by sport, the prevalence, in UK elite and professional athletes, is substantial, with common self‐reported performance impacts. Regular screening and use of effective oral health promotion strategies may minimize performance impacts from poor oral health.
Missing, delayed, and old: The status of ESA recovery plans
Authors: Malcom Jacob W. , Li Ya‐Wei 
Published: August 2018

AbstractRecovery planning is an essential part of implementing the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA), but conservationists and government agencies recognize challenges with the current planning process. Using data from all U.S. domestic and transboundary ESA‐listed species, we quantify the completeness, timeliness, age, and other variation among ESA recovery plans over the past 40 years. Among eligible listed taxa (n = 1,548), nearly one‐fourth lack final recovery plans; half of plans have taken >5 years to finalize after listing; half of recovery plans are more than 20 years old; and there is significant variation in planning between agencies, and among regions and taxonomic groups. These results are not unexpected given dwindling budgets and an increasing number of species requiring protection, but underscore the need for systematic improvements to recovery planning. We discuss solutions—some already underway—that may address some of the shortcomings and help improve recovery action implementation for threatened and endangered species.
FBXW7 suppresses epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and chemo‐resistance of non‐small‐cell lung cancer cells by targeting snai1 for ubiquitin‐dependent degradation
Authors: Xiao Guodong , Li Yuan , Wang Meng , Li Xiang , Qin Sida , Sun Xin , Liang Rui , Zhang Boxiang , Du Ning , Xu Chongwen , Ren Hong , Liu Dapeng 
Published: August 2018

AbstractObjectivesFBXW7 acts as a tumour suppressor by targeting at various oncoproteins for ubiquitin‐mediated degradation. However, the clinical significance and the involving regulatory mechanisms of FBXW7 manipulation of NSCLC regeneration and therapy response are not clear.Materials and MethodsImmunohistochemical staining and qRT‐PCR were applied to detect FBXW7 and Snai1 expression in 100 samples of NSCLC and matched tumour‐adjacent tissues. FBXW7 manipulation of cancer biological functions were studied by using MTT assay, immunoblotting, flow cytometry, transwells, wound healing assay, and sphere‐formation assays. Immunofluorescence and co‐immunoprecipitation were used to analyse the possible interaction between Snai1 and FBXW7.ResultsWe detected the decreased FBXW7 expression in majority of the NSCLC tissues, and lower FBXW7 level was correlated with advanced TNM stage. Furthermore, those patients with decreased FBXW7 expression tend to have both poorer 5‐year survival outcomes, and shorter disease‐free survival, comparing to those with higher FBXW7 levels. Functionally, we found that FBXW7 enforcement suppressed NSCLC progression by inducing cell growth arrest, increasing chemo‐sensitivity and inhibiting Epithelial‐mesenchymal Transition (EMT) progress. Results further showed that FBXW7 could interact with Snai1 directly to degrade its expression through ubiquitylating alternation in NSCLC, which could be partially abrogated by restoring Snai1 expression.ConclusionsFBXW7 conduction of tumour suppression was partly through degrading Snai1 directly for ubiquitylating regulation in NSCLC
Tetrahedral DNA nanostructures facilitate neural stem cell migration via activating RHOA/ROCK2 signalling pathway
Authors: Ma Wenjuan , Xie Xueping , Shao Xiaoru , Zhang Yuxin , Mao Chenchen , Zhan Yuxi , Zhao Dan , Liu Mengting , Li Qianshun , Lin Yunfeng 
Published: August 2018

AbstractObjectivesThe main purpose of current study was to explore the effects of tetrahedral DNA nanostructures (TDNs) on neuroectodermal (NE‐4C) stem cells migration and unveil the potential mechanisms.Materials and methodsThe successfully self‐assembled TDNs were also determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS). A bidirectional wound‐healing assay and transwell chamber assay were employed to test the migrating behaviour of NE‐4C stem cells cultured under different conditions.ResultsThrough an in vitro study, we found that stem cells could internalize TDNs quickly, and the cells’ parallel and vertical migration was promoted effectively. Besides, the effects of TDNs were found being exerted by upregulating the gene and protein expression levels of RhoA, Rock2 and Vinculin, indicating that the RHOA/ROCK2 pathway was activated by the TDNs during the cell migration.ConclusionsIn conclusion, TDNs could enter NSCs without the aid of other transfection reagents in large amounts, whereas only small amounts of ssDNA could enter the cells. TDNs taken up by NSCs activated the RHOA/ROCK2 signalling pathway, which had effects on the relevant genes and proteins expression, eventually promoting the migration of NE‐4C stem cells. These findings suggested that TDNs have great potential in application for the repair and regeneration of neural tissue.
Enterically delivered insulin tregopil exhibits rapid absorption characteristics and a pharmacodynamic effect similar to human insulin in conscious dogs
Authors: Gregory Justin M. , Lautz Margaret , Moore Lindsey M. , Williams Phillip E. , Reddy Praveen , Cherrington Alan D. 
Published: August 2018

AimsCurrent therapy fails to emulate rapid (first‐phase) insulin release in relation to a meal, a key defect in types 1 and 2 diabetes. We aimed to quantify the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) profile of insulin tregopil, an enterically‐absorbed insulin analog that restores the normal distribution of insulin between the hepatic portal and peripheral circulations.Materials and methodsThe PK and PD profiles of insulin tregopil were studied in overnight‐fasted, catheterized, conscious canines using four approaches: (1) equimolar intraportal infusions of tregopil vs human insulin; (2) escalating doses of oral tregopil; (3) identical, consecutive enteric doses of tregopil; and (4) comparison of oral tregopil to inhaled and subcutaneous human insulin administration.ResultsEquimolar intraportal infusions of tregopil and human insulin resulted in very similar PK profiles and PD profiles were nearly identical. Enteric delivery of tregopil brought about rapid absorption with tmax= 20 minutes in most cases. Median tmaxwas 20 minutes for oral tregopil and inhaled insulin and 88 minutes for subcutaneous human insulin. The time required for arterial plasma insulin levels to return to baseline was approximately 90, 210 and 360 minutes for oral tregopil, inhaled insulin and subcutaneous insulin, respectively.ConclusionsEnterically delivered tregopil is rapidly absorbed and restores a portal‐to‐peripheral vascular distribution. These characteristics should improve postprandial hyperglycaemia in types 1 and 2 diabetes.