bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-fat diet leads to adiposity and adipose tissue inflammation: the effect of whey protein supplementation and aerobic exercise training
Authors: Ahmadi-Kani Golzar Farhad , Fathi Rozita , Mahjoub Soleiman
Published: August 2018

There is little understanding about dietary proteins and their potential contribution to obesity-induced inflammation. This study investigates the effect of 10 weeks of aerobic training and whey protein (WP) supplementation on visceral adipose tissue inflammation in rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD). In the first phase, which lasted 9 weeks, 40 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: (1) normal diet (n = 8), and (2) HFD (n = 32). In the second phase, rats fed an HFD were randomly assigned into 4 groups (n = 8/group): (1) sedentary, (2) WP, (3) aerobic training, and (4) WP + aerobic training. The aerobic training was performed for 10 weeks, 5 days/week at 21 m/min, 15% incline, for 60 min/day. HFD significantly increased body weight, adiposity index, fat pads weight, glucose levels, and insulin resistance index compared with the normal diet. Also, levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) in adipose tissue and serum levels of TNF-α were increased in the HFD group. Glucose levels, insulin resistance index, and triglycerides were reduced only by WP, independently of aerobic training. Both the aerobic training and WP reduced the fat pads weight and levels of TNF-α, HIF-1α, and VEGF-A in adipose tissue. Nevertheless, the levels of MCP-1 in adipose tissue and serum levels of TNF-α and MCP-1 were not reduced significantly by WP or aerobic training. These findings suggest that both aerobic training and WP supplementation lead to a reduction in adiposity and ameliorate obesity-induced inflammation in visceral adipose tissue.
A transmission-limit inspired immunization strategy for weighted network epidemiology
Authors: Yu Kai , Wu Lei , Guo Wenqiang , Hu Jun
Published: August 2018

In this paper, we study a new type of immunization strategy which is applied to weighted networks. It helps us in maintaining the necessary network efficiency by limiting the transmission (lowering the weight of edges) while suppressing the spread of the epidemic. It is similar to the inflammation around the infected parts of our body, which can not only prevent the disease spreading but also protect the function of the body. First, we set the rate of transmission to be proportional to the edge weight based on the S-I epidemic spreading model. Then, we show the detailed dynamic evolution of the infected nodes which facilitates an effective epidemic control. Theoretical analysis and simulation results indicate that the new immunization strategy can be used to prevent the epidemic spreading effectively, while maintaining the high efficiency of the network.
Plasmon modes in bilayer-graphene–GaAs heterostructures including layer-thickness and exchange-correlation effects
Authors: Men Nguyen Van , Phuong Dong Thi Kim
Published: August 2018

We investigate the dispersion relation and decay rate of plasmon modes in a double-layer system made of bilayer graphene (BLG) and infinite GaAs quantum well at zero-temperature within the generalized random-phase-approximation and taking into account the 2DEG layer-thickness and inhomogeneity of the background dielectric. We illustrate that the acoustic plasmon dispersion curve of the considered system differs significantly from that of monolayer graphene (MLG)–GaAs heterostructure and BLG–GaAs without layer-thickness. Calculations also demonstrate that meanwhile the optical plasmon curve is affected slightly by spacer width and exchange-correlation, the acoustic one depends remarkably on the interlayer distance, inhomogeneity of the background dielectric, carrier densities, spacer dielectric constant, quantum well width and exchange-correlations.
New devices for unidirectional acoustic cloaking for large objects in infinite frequency bandwidth
Authors: Wang Xiaopeng , Han Yu , Wan Lele , Chen Tianning , Song Ailing
Published: August 2018

For years, researchers struggled to realize the acoustic invisibility cloaks with simple for large objects in broadband. In this paper, a new-type unidirectional acoustic cloak is proposed and designed by using eight especial triangles region filled with a certain refractive index inert gas. The acoustic wave can be manipulated to pass through the model but “by-pass” the cloaked region according to the traditional Snell’s law. The incident plane waves will remain without any change. Therefore, the cloaked region cannot be detected. Our designed cloak can realize the infinite length of the invisibility region along the propagation direction and offer good cloaking effect in any frequency range. The simulation results agree well with the theoretical predictions and verify the nondetectability effect of the unidirectional acoustic cloak. Our mechanism may be useful for further actual applications in hiding large objects acoustically.
On Weakly δ-Semiprimary Ideals of Commutative Rings
Authors: Badawi Ayman , Sonmez Deniz , Yesilot Gursel
Published: August 2018

Let R be a commutative ring with 1 ≠ 0. A proper ideal I of R is a semiprimary ideal of R if whenever a, b ϵ R and ab ϵ I, we have [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text]; and I is a weakly semiprimary ideal of R if whenever a, b ϵ R and 0 ≠ ab ϵ I, we have [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we introduce a new class of ideals that is closely related to the class of (weakly) semiprimary ideals. Let I(R) be the set of all ideals of R and let [Formula: see text] be a function. Then δ is called an expansion function of ideals of R if whenever L, I, J are ideals of R with J ⊆ I, we have L ⊆ δ(L) and δ(J) ⊆ δ(I). Let δ be an expansion function of ideals of R. Then a proper ideal I of R is called a δ-semiprimary (weakly δ-semiprimary) ideal of R if ab ϵ I (0 ≠ ab ϵ I) implies a ϵ δ(I) or b ϵ δ(I). A number of results concerning weakly δ-semiprimary ideals and examples of weakly δ-semiprimary ideals are given.
Automorphism Groups of Bouwer Graphs
Authors: Zhang Mimi , Zhou Jinxin
Published: August 2018

Let k, m and n be three positive integers such that 2m ≡ 1 (mod n) and k ≥ 2. The Bouwer graph, which is denoted by B(k, m, n), is the graph with vertex set [Formula: see text] and two vertices being adjacent if they can be written as (a, b) and (a + 1, c), where either c = b or [Formula: see text] differs from [Formula: see text] in exactly one position, say the jth position, where [Formula: see text]. Every B(k, m, n) is a vertex- and edge-transitive graph, and Bouwer proved that B(k, 6, 9) is half-arc-transitive for every k ≥ 2. In 2016, Conder and Žitnik gave the classification of half-arc-transitive Bouwer graphs. In this paper, the full automorphism group of every B(k, m, n) is determined.
Reliability and validity of transfer assessment instrument version 3.0 in individuals with acute spinal cord injury in early rehabilitation phase
Authors: Baghel Preeti , Walia Shefali , Noohu Majumi M
Published: August 2018

Background: Transfers are very important in functional activities of subjects with spinal cord injury (SCI). The transfer assessment instrument (TAI) was the first tool to standardize the assessment of transfer technique.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to establish the reliability and validity of TAI 3.0 in people with SCI in early rehabilitation phase.

Methods: Thirty subjects with acute traumatic SCI were recruited from a tertiary care center for SCI management. Four raters assessed the quality of transfer using TAI 3.0 and a fifth rater used global assessment of transfer scale (VAS). TAI 3.0’s intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for intrarater and interrater reliability, standard error of measurement (SEM), minimal detectable change (MDC), limits of agreement and concurrent validity was determined.

Results: The intrarater ICC was 0.93 to 0.98 and interrater ICC was 0.99, indicating high levels of reliability. The SEMs among the raters for TAI 3.0 total was from 0.23 to 0.28. The MDC among the raters TAI 3.0 total was from 0.54 to 0.86. Correlation for different raters between the TAI 3.0 and VAS ranged between 0.88 and 0.90.

Conclusion: TAI 3.0 is a reliable and valid tool to assess the transfer skill in individuals with SCI in early rehabilitation phase.
TACKLING HURDLES TO DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION — THE ROLE OF COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL INDUSTRIAL INTERNET OF THINGS (IIoT) IMPLEMENTATION
Authors: BUTSCHAN JENS , HEIDENREICH SVEN , WEBER BENJAMIN , KRAEMER TOBIAS
Published: August 2018

Scientific research and innovation management practice have emphasised the important role of individual competencies in meeting the challenges of the digital transformation. However, it still lacks empirical studies that strive to determine how certain competencies of employees might affect the success of the digital transformation itself. In order to empirically determine the individual contribution of specific employee competencies to a successful digital transformation in terms of a high Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) usage performance, a quantitative study among German component manufacturers of the capital goods industry was conducted. Drawing upon a sample of 284 employees, our results reveal that high developed cognitive and processual competencies of individuals promote the digital transformation processes of a firm. Surprisingly, social competencies have only a little influence. Furthermore, our findings also confirmed that a high IIoT usage performance is beneficial for a firm, significantly enhancing divisional success.
OPEN INNOVATION IN SMALL BUSINESSES IN THE INDUSTRY AND CRAFT SECTORS
Authors: HAREL RONEN , SCHWARTZ DAFNA , KAUFMANN DAM
Published: August 2018

The study findings show that the utilization of open innovation (OI) tools is effective in promoting innovation in small businesses. The study differentiated between OI tools aimed at acquiring knowledge in a unidirectional manner from external open sources of information such as Internet searches for professional information or attending professional conferences, and OI tools aimed at obtaining knowledge by interacting with other factors in the business ecosystem. Interestingly, it was found that utilization of unidirectional OI tools contributes more to the level of product innovation, while utilization of networking and external collaboration contributes more to levels of process and marketing innovation, respectively. In addition, the study clarified that these businesses maintain connections to promote innovation mainly with entities in their closest business environment, based on commercial relationships with their suppliers and customers. The empirical study was conducted through face-to-face interviews on a sample of 202 small businesses in the industry and craft sectors. The theoretical contribution of the research stems from its focus on a group of businesses that has rarely been the focus of studies on innovation. The use of face-to-face interviews as a research tool facilitated the attainment of knowledge that is generally not readily accessible. The study may contribute in a practical manner to assisting small businesses in the development and implementation of appropriate OI tools for promoting innovation and enable them to reach beyond their closest business environment.
Assessment of Agricultural Vulnerability to Floods in Shanghai by the DEA Method
Authors: SHI Yong
Published: August 2018

In recent years, as the international community pays increasing attention to disaster prevention and reduction, study on vulnerability has become a new focus in the science of disaster, and it gradually becomes a consideration in strategy-making for sustainable social development. Understanding of vulnerability has become a prerequisite for grasping the nature of disasters, and it is also an area where humans can make a difference in disaster prevention and mitigation. Based on historical disasters and the concepts of vulnerability, this study applies the CCR model, one of the most basic Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) models, to analyze the pattern of variation regarding agricultural vulnerability to floods in Shanghai suburban areas. The results prove the following: chronologically, the overall vulnerability degrees of Shanghai suburbs listed in the descending order are [Formula: see text]; spatially, based on the averages recorded in 2013, the vulnerability levels of Shanghai suburban districts are Nanhui [Formula: see text] Jinshan [Formula: see text] Songjiang [Formula: see text] Baoshan [Formula: see text] Qingpu [Formula: see text] Pudong [Formula: see text] Jiading [Formula: see text] Fengxian. The results are basically consistent with the fact. Based on the characteristics of each district’s vulnerability to floods, some suggestions for flood prevention and mitigation are provided. The assessment models of flood vulnerability are simple and can be used for vulnerability analysis of natural disasters at regional or national levels. The assessment method adopted in this paper contributes to a deeper understanding of agricultural vulnerability to floods in Shanghai and provides a scientific base for the decision-making of related departments.
Fuzzy Dynamic Parameter Adaptation in the Harmony Search Algorithm for the Optimization of the Ball and Beam Controller
Authors: Peraza Cinthia , Valdez Fevrier , Castro Juan R. , Castillo Oscar
Published: August 2018

This paper presents a method for dynamic parameter adaptation in the harmony search algorithm (HS) based on fuzzy logic. The adaptation is performed using Type 1 (FHS), interval Type 2 (IT2FHS), and generalized Type 2 (GT2FHS) fuzzy systems as the number of improvisations or iterations advances, achieving a better intensification and diversification. The main contribution of this work is the dynamic parameter adaptation using different types of fuzzy systems in the harmony search algorithm applied to optimization of the membership functions for a benchmark control problem; in this case it is focused on the ball and beam controller. Experiments are presented with the HS, FHS, IT2FHS, and GT2FHS with noise (uniform random number) and without noise for the controller, and the following error metrics are obtained: ITAE, ITSE, IAE, ISE, and RMSE, to validate the efficacy of the proposed methods.
Saliency Detection by Multilevel Deep Pyramid Model
Authors: Wang Hai , Dai Lei , Cai Yingfeng , Chen Long , Zhang Yong
Published: August 2018

Traditional salient object detection models are divided into several classes based on low-level features and contrast between pixels. In this paper, we propose a model based on a multilevel deep pyramid (MLDP), which involves fusing multiple features on different levels. Firstly, the MLDP uses the original image as the input for a VGG16 model to extract high-level features and form an initial saliency map. Next, the MLDP further extracts high-level features to form a saliency map based on a deep pyramid. Then, the MLDP obtains the salient map fused with superpixels by extracting low-level features. After that, the MLDP applies background noise filtering to the saliency map fused with superpixels in order to filter out the interference of background noise and form a saliency map based on the foreground. Lastly, the MLDP combines the saliency map fused with the superpixels with the saliency map based on the foreground, which results in the final saliency map. The MLDP is not limited to low-level features while it fuses multiple features and achieves good results when extracting salient targets. As can be seen in our experiment section, the MLDP is better than the other 7 state-of-the-art models across three different public saliency datasets. Therefore, the MLDP has superiority and wide applicability in extraction of salient targets.
Effect of Edible Bird’s Nest Extract on Lipopolysaccharide‐Induced Impairment of Learning and Memory in Wistar Rats
Authors: Careena S. , Sani D. , Tan S. N. , Lim C. W. , Hassan Shariful , Norhafizah M. , Kirby Brian P. , Ideris A. , Stanslas J. , Bin Basri Hamidon , Lim Christopher Thiam Seong
Published: August 2018

Cognitive disability is a common feature associated with a variety of neurological conditions including Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), Parkinson’s Disease (PD), brain injury, and stroke. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that neuroinflammation plays an important role in the development of cognitive impairment. Current available therapies are relatively ineffective in treating or preventing cognitive disabilities, thus representing an important, unfulfilled medical need. Hence, developing potential treatment is one of the major areas of research interest. Edible bird’s nests (EBN) are nests formed by swiftlet’s saliva containing sialic acid, which is believed to improve brain function. This present study was embarked upon to evaluate the learning and memory enhancing potential effect of EBN by using Morris water maze test in a Wistar rat model of LPS‐induced neuroinflammation. LPS elicited cognitive impairment in the rats by significantly increasing the escape latency while decreasing the number of entries in the probe trial, which are coupled with increased production of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6) and oxidative markers (ROS and TBARS) in the hippocampus. Treatment with EBN (125 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, and 500 mg/kg; p.o.) effectively reversed the effect of LPS on escape latency and probe trial and, in addition, inhibited the LPS‐induced upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative markers. These findings are suggestive that there is existence of neuroprotective effect contained inside the edible bird’s nest.
Impacts of Neighborhood Characteristics on Treatment and Outcomes in Women with Ductal Carcinoma In Situ of the Breast
Authors: Zhang Shiyang , Liu Ying , Yun Shumei , Lian Min , Komaie Goldie , Colditz Graham A.
Published: August 2018

Background: This study examines associations of neighborhood characteristics with treatment and outcomes of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast.

Methods: From the Missouri Cancer Registry, we identified 9,195 women with DCIS diagnosed between 1996 and 2011. A composite index using U.S. Census data and American Community Survey data was developed to assess census tract–level socioeconomic deprivation, and rural–urban commuting area codes were used to define rural census tracts. ORs and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the treatment were estimated using logistic regression. Hazard ratios (HRs) of DCIS outcomes were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results: Women in the most socioeconomically deprived census tracts were more likely than those in the least deprived to have mastectomy (OR = 1.44; 95% CI, 1.25–1.66; Ptrend < 0.0001), no surgery (OR = 1.54; 95% CI, 1.02–2.30; Ptrend = 0.04), no radiotherapy post-breast conserving surgery (OR = 1.90; 95% CI, 1.56–2.31; Ptrend<0.0001), delayed radiotherapy (OR = 1.26; 95% CI, 1.01–1.57; Ptrend = 0.02), and ipsilateral breast tumors (HR = 1.59; 95% CI, 1.07–2.38; Ptrend = 0.03). There was no significant difference in risk of contralateral breast tumors. Compared with urban women, rural women had significantly higher odds of underutilization of radiotherapy (OR = 1.29; 95% CI, 1.08–1.53). Rural locations were not associated with risk of ipsilateral or contralateral breast tumors.

Conclusions: Neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation was associated with higher risks of suboptimal treatment and ipsilateral breast tumors. While DCIS treatment significantly varied by rural/urban locations, we did not observe any statistically significant rural–urban differences in risks of second breast tumors.

Impact: Neighborhood attributes may affect treatment and outcomes of patients with DCIS. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(11); 1298–306. ©2018 AACR.
Evolutionary-Concordance Lifestyle and Diet and Mediterranean Diet Pattern Scores and Risk of Incident Colorectal Cancer in Iowa Women
Authors: Cheng En , Um Caroline Y. , Prizment Anna E. , Lazovich DeAnn , Bostick Roberd M.
Published: August 2018

Background: Whereas diet and lifestyle are strongly implicated in the etiology of colorectal cancer, single exposures generally are weakly and inconsistently associated with the disease. Exposure patterns may be more helpful for investigating diet and lifestyle–colorectal cancer associations. Evolutionary-concordance diet and Mediterranean diet pattern scores were previously found to be inversely associated with colorectal adenoma.

Methods: To investigate associations of these diet scores and an evolutionary-concordance lifestyle score (comprising smoking status, physical activity, and body mass index) with incident colorectal cancer, we analyzed data from the prospective Iowa Women's Health Study. Diet and lifestyle scores were calculated for each participant and categorized into quintiles, and associations estimated using Cox proportional hazards models.

Results: Of the 35,221 55- to 69-year-old cancer-free women at baseline, 1,731 developed colorectal cancer during follow-up. The multivariable-adjusted HR comparing persons in the highest relative to the lowest quintile of the lifestyle score was 0.66 (95% confidence interval, 0.56–0.78; Ptrend < 0.01). Although the estimated associations of the evolutionary-concordance diet and Mediterranean diet scores alone with colorectal cancer were null, relative to those in the lowest tertiles of both the evolutionary-concordance diet and lifestyle scores, those in the highest tertiles of both scores were at the lowest risk (Pinteraction < 0.01).

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that a more evolutionary-concordant lifestyle, alone and in interaction with a more evolutionary-concordant diet pattern, may be inversely associated with colorectal cancer risk.

Impact: These results support further investigation of colorectal cancer etiology using evolutionary-concordance dietary and lifestyle pattern scores. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(10); 1195–202. ©2018 AACR.
Determinants for Participation in Human Papillomavirus Self-Sampling among Nonattenders to Cervical Cancer Screening in Denmark
Authors: Harder Elise , Thomsen Louise T. , Hertzum-Larsen Rasmus , Albieri Vanna , Hessner Marie Vik , Juul Kirsten Egebjerg , Bonde Jesper , Frederiksen Kirsten , Kjaer Susanne K.
Published: August 2018

Background: Offering human papillomavirus–based self-sampling to nonparticipants in routine cervical cancer screening can increase screening participation. However, little is known about characteristics of women who accept self-sampling. In this population-based study, we investigated determinants for participation in self-sampling among Danish nonattenders to routine cervical cancer screening.

Methods: During 2014 to 2015, a random sample of screening nonparticipants ages 27 to 65 years living in the Capital Region of Denmark were invited for self-sampling. Of 21,314 eligible women, 4,743 participated in self-sampling. Information on sociodemographic characteristics and mental and physical health of all the women was obtained from nationwide registries, and 3,707 women completed a questionnaire on lifestyle, sexual behavior, and reasons for nonparticipation in routine screening. We used logistic regression to estimate ORs for participation in self-sampling, crude, and adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics.

Results: Basic education [ORadjusted = 0.79; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.72−0.88], low income (ORadjusted = 0.66; 95% CI, 0.59–0.73), origin from a nonwestern country (ORadjusted = 0.43; 95% CI, 0.38−0.48), and being unmarried (ORadjusted = 0.66; 95% CI, 0.61−0.72) were associated with lower self-sampling participation. Long-term unscreened women (ORadjusted = 0.49; 95% CI, 0.45−0.53), women with prior schizophrenia or other psychoses (ORadjusted = 0.62; 95% CI, 0.48−0.80), women with poor self-perceived health (ORadjusted = 0.42; 95% CI, 0.25−0.69), and women who perceived screening as unnecessary (ORadjusted = 0.54; 95% CI, 0.37−0.80) or irrelevant (ORadjusted = 0.81; 95% CI, 0.78−0.96) were less likely to self-sample.

Conclusions: Certain population groups, including women with low socioeconomic position or of nonwestern origin, were less likely to participate in self-sampling.

Impact: Targeted approaches may be needed to increase screening participation in these groups. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(11); 1342–51. ©2018 AACR.
Enhanced Radiosensitivity in Solid Tumors using a Tumor-selective Alkyl Phospholipid Ether Analog
Authors: Elsaid Mohamed Y. , Shahi Ankita , Wang Albert R. , Baiu Dana C. , Li Chunrong , Werner Lauryn R. , Singhal Sorabh , Hall Lance T. , Weichert Jamey P. , Armstrong Eric A. , Bednarz Bryan P. , Harari Paul M. , Iyer Gopal , Otto Mario
Published: August 2018

Antitumor alkyl phospholipid (APL) analogs comprise a group of structurally related molecules with remarkable tumor selectivity. Some of these compounds have shown radiosensitizing capabilities. CLR127 is a novel, clinical-grade antitumor APL ether analog, a subtype of synthetic APL broadly targeting cancer cells with limited uptake in normal tissues. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of CLR127 to modulate radiation response across several adult and pediatric cancer types in vitro as well as in murine xenograft models of human prostate adenocarcinoma, neuroblastoma, Ewing sarcoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma. In vitro, CLR127 demonstrated selective uptake in cancer cells compared to normal cells. In cancer cells, CLR127 treatment prior to radiation significantly decreased clonogenic survival in vitro, and led to increased radiation-induced double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) breakage compared with radiation alone, which was not observed in normal controls. In animal models, CLR127 effectively increased the antitumor response to fractionated radiotherapy and led to delayed tumor regrowth at potentially clinically achievable doses. In conclusion, our study highlights the ability of CLR127 to increase radiation response in several cancer types. Given almost universal uptake of CLR127 in malignant cells, future research should test whether the observed effects can be extended to other tumor types. Our data provide a strong rationale for clinical testing of CLR127 as a tumor-targeted radiosensitizing agent. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(11); 2320–8. ©2018 AACR.
Increased Genetic Instability and Accelerated Progression of Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer through Intestinal Epithelium–specific Deletion ofKlf4
Authors: Yang Vincent W. , Liu Yang , Kim Julie , Shroyer Kenneth R. , Bialkowska Agnieszka B.
Published: August 2018

Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), a zinc finger transcription factor, regulates homeostasis of the intestinal epithelium. Previously, it was reported that KLF4 functions as a tumor suppressor in colorectal cancer. Here, evidence demonstrates that KLF4 mitigates the development and progression of colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) in a murine model. Mice with intestinal epithelium–specific deletion of Klf4 (Klf4ΔIS) and control mice (Klf4fl/fl) were used to explore the role of KLF4 in the development of azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced CAC. Upon AOM and DSS treatment, KLF4 expression was progressively lost in colonic tissues of Klf4fl/fl mice during tumor development. Klf4ΔIS mice treated with AOM/DSS developed significantly more adenomatous polyps and carcinomas in situ in comparison with treated Klf4fl/fl mice. Adenomatous polyps, but not normal-appearing mucosa, from colonic tissues of treated Klf4ΔIS mice contained a significantly increased number of mitotic cells with more than 2 centrosomes relative to treated control mice. KLF4 and p53 colocalize to the centrosomes in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF). Absence of KLF4 in Klf4−/− MEFs inhibits and its overexpression restores p53 localization to the centrosomes in Klf4−/− MEFs.

Implications:

Taken together, these results indicate that KLF4 plays a protective role against progression of CAC by guarding against genetic instability.
Constitutive Activation of β-Catenin in Differentiated Osteoclasts Induces Bone Loss in Mice
Authors: Sui Xin , Deng Shijian , Liu Mengmeng , Fan Linlin , Wang Yunfei , Xu Huaxing , Sun Yao , Kishen Anil , Zhang Qi
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims: Activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway has been widely investigated in bone biology and shown to promote bone formation. However, its specific effects on osteoclast differentiation have not been fully elucidated. Our study aimed to identify the role of β-catenin in osteoclastogenesis and bone homeostasis. Methods: In the present study, exon 3 in the β-catenin gene (Ctnnb1) allele encoding phosphorylation target serine/threonine residues was flanked by floxP sequences. We generated mice exhibiting conditional β-catenin activation (Ctsk-Cre;Ctnnb1flox(exon3)/+, designated CA-β-catenin) by crossing Ctnnb1flox(exon3)/flox(exon3) mice with osteoclast-specific Ctsk-Cre mice. Bone growth and bone mass were analysed by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and histomorphometry. To further examine osteoclast activity, osteoclasts were induced from bone marrow monocytes (BMMs) isolated from CA-β-catenin and Control mice in vitro. Osteoclast differentiation was detected by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, immunofluorescence staining and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT–qPCR) analysis. Results: Growth retardation and low bone mass were observed in CA-β-catenin mice. Compared to controls, CA-β-catenin mice had significantly reduced trabecular bone numbers under growth plates as well as thinner cortical bones. Moreover, increased TRAP-positive osteoclasts were observed on the surfaces of trabecular bones and cortical bones in the CA-β-catenin mice; consistent results were observed in vitro. In the CA-β-catenin group, excessive numbers of osteoclasts were induced from BMMs, accompanied by the increased expression of osteoclast-associated marker genes. Conclusion: These results indicated that the constitutive activation of β-catenin in osteoclasts promotes osteoclast formation, resulting in bone loss.
combate à corrupção como fato social
Authors: Silva Paulo Vitor da
Published: August 2018

O presente artigo tenciona descrever sucintamente a evolução das normas de combate à corrupção ao longo da história ocidental, com ênfase no arcabouço normativo brasileiro desde a fase colonial até o presente estado da arte.
O perfil da Administração Pública no século XXI: uma releitura à luz dos direitos fundamentais
Authors: Oliveira Marcella Rosiére de , Melo Luiz Carlos Figueira de
Published: August 2018

O artigo objetiva analisar o perfil da Administração Pública no século XXI, incluindo as suas novas formas de expressão e instrumentos de ação. Analisar-se-ão as principais características dessa nova faceta da Administração Pública, como por exemplo, a necessidade de um agir administrativo participativo e consensual, que acarreta uma maior democratização das decisões de interesse geral. Além disso, examinar-se-á a importância dos diversos princípios relacionados à estrutura adminis­trativa, principalmente, o princípio da eficiência. Nesse sentido, buscar-se-á desenvolver um estudo acerca da atuação administrativa que melhor se coadune com a realização do interesse público, em meio a esse processo contínuo de redefinição das relações entre o Estado e a Sociedade. Verificar-se-á que se faz necessária a adoção, pelo direito administrativo, de valores e mecanismos contemporâneos a uma nova realidade, atenta à participação, transparência, qualidade e cidadania, que seja capaz de assegurar uma boa administração, bem como a fruição de uma vida digna aos administrados.
Madam Snake White: A Case Study on Virtual Reality Continuum Applications for Singaporean Culture and Heritage at Haw Par Villa
Authors: Cai Yiyu , Zheng Jianmin , Zhang Yuzhe , Wu Xiaoqun , Chen Yong , Tan Bingquan , Yang Bianyue , Liu Tianrui , Thalmann Nadia
Published: August 2018

In this article, we describe a project on the use of Virtual Reality Continuum (VRC) for applications in culture and heritage. Haw Par Villa, a local heritage site in Singapore, is selected to demonstrate the entire process of VRC-enhanced digitization from laser scanning to 3D mapping and to 3D prototyping, using Madam Snake White as an example. The objective of the research is to investigate an effective and integrated solution to developing VRC applications for culture and heritage. Efforts are made for fidelity in the 3D modeling of the existing heritage for multiple applications, with the aim to popularize them in a simple and effective manner. In particular, in the case of Madam Snake White, we investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of digitization, 3D mapping, and 3D printing. We also discuss the use of online and interactive Madam Snake White as VRC heritage. A small group of volunteers were invited to a trial and their feedback was positive. Future work includes the application of VRC-enabled heritage for humanities education in local schools.
Data-Driven Modeling for Chinese Ancient Architecture
Authors: Ren Pu , Wang Yan , Zhou Mingquan , Wu Zhongke , Zhou Pengbo , Zhang Juan
Published: August 2018

The existing 3D modeling studies of Chinese ancient architecture are mostly procedure driven and rely on fixed construction rules. Therefore, these methods have limited applications in virtual reality (VR) engineering. We propose a data-driven approach to synthesize 3D models from existing 3D data that provides more flexibility and fills the gap between academic studies and VR engineering. First, 3D architecture models were preprocessed and decomposed into components, and the components were clustered by their geometric features. Second, a Bayesian network was generated by learning from the dataset to represent the internal relationships between the architectural components. Third, the inference results of the trained network were utilized to generate a reasonable relationship matching to support the synthesis of the structural components. The proposed method can be used in 3D content creation for VR development and directly supports VR applications in practice.
Evaluating Learnability in a 3D Heritage Tour
Authors: Zamora-Musa Ronald , Vélez Jeimy , Paez-Logreira Heyder
Published: August 2018

The implementation of 3D virtual reality (VR) environments to represent human culture and heritage has been growing during the last two decades as a result of information and communication technologies (ICT) development. Precisely, regarding virtual heritage development, some weaknesses have been detected such as “lifeless“ environments lacking interaction, and research still under development on learning assessment. In this article, a VR environment is presented, through users taking a virtual tour visiting some elements of cultural heritage of the island of San Andrés, Colombia. In the tour, users participate in a 3D VR environment, answering questions and learning about the cultural heritage of the island. Also, the usability of the VR environment is assessed through SUMI (Software Usability Measurement Inventory) standard ISO9241-11 evaluating aspects such as usefulness and learnability. The results demonstrate that with the implementation of a VR environment about heritage, the users achieved optimum performance with an 80% average of correct answers and a high correlation between learning and the usability of the 3D VR environment.
Kosovo’s Quest for Council of Europe Membership
Authors: Istrefi Kushtrim
Published: August 2018

In 2014, Kosovo became a member of two Council of Europe (CoE) partial agreements: on the Development Bank and on the European Commission for Democracy through Law (the Venice Commission). More recently, the Government of Kosovo expressed an interest in joining the CoE. This article examines, in the context of Kosovo’s contested statehood, the conditions and procedure for Kosovo’s possible admission to the CoE and describes, in the form of an early warning, the key legal and policy issues that could arise in this process. Insofar as membership criteria are concerned, the article examines Kosovo’s ability to exercise jurisdiction over its territory. In this regard, the case of Azemi v. Serbia before the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR or the Strasbourg Court) and the EU-facilitated agreements between Belgrade and Pristina are considered. In addition, the article argues that that the direct applicability of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (ECHR) and the ECtHR’s case law in Kosovo are evidence of Kosovo’s commitment to fulfilling one of the essential membership criteria. Regarding Kosovo’s prospects for admission, the article submits that the recognition of Kosovo by more than two-thirds of the Council’s member states is an indicator that, in principle, Kosovo could ensure the votes necessary for admission. However, it also highlights the specific challenges Kosovo may encounter in its membership path due to complex admission procedures within the CoE Committee of Ministers and the composition of the members of the CoE Parliamentary Assembly (PACE).
Propositions and the Meaning of ‘Ought’
Authors: Fusco Melissa
Published: August 2018

Matthew Chrisman’s new book, The Meaning of ‘Ought’: Beyond Descriptivism and Expressivism in Metaethics, presents a semantic treatment of the deontic modal operator Ought designed to address the problem of subject-sensitivity: why, for example, “I  ought to dance with you” might be true, while “You ought to dance with me” is false. Such sentence-pairs challenge the view that Ought is an operator on propositions—an assumption which is common ground amongst both classical and much contemporary work. Chrisman argues that rather than propositions, the operator Ought takes as its argument a non-propositional formal object called a practition. In this review, I discuss the inspiration and formal features of this treatment. While I argue that the distinction between practitions and propositions is not adequately characterized in Chrisman’s compositional semantics, subject-sensitivity raises interesting questions about the metaethical assumptions at play in the formal semantics—including the worry that treating Ought as a propositional operator illicitly begs the question in favor of broadly consequentialist views.
Taxonomic Review of Eumenes Latreille, 1802 (Hymenoptera, Vespidae, Eumeninae) from the New World
Authors: GRANDINETE YURI CAMPANHOLO , NOLL FERNANDO BARBOSA , CARPENTER JAMES
Published: August 2018

The genus Eumenes Latreille, 1802, from the New World, is revised based on external morphology and male genitalia. New synonymy is proposed as follows: E. aureus Isely, 1917 = E. americanus de Saussure, 1852; E. bollii oregonensis Bequaert, 1838, and E. b. ehrenbergi Zavattari, 1912 = E. bollii Cresson, 1872; E. consobrinus pedalis Fox, 1894 = E. consobrinus de Saussure, 1855; E. crucifera bolliformis Viereck, 1908, E. c. nearcticus de Saussure, 1855 and E. c. stricklandi Bequaert, 1944 = E. crucifera Provancher, 1888; E. smithii belfragei Cresson, 1872 = E. smithii de Saussure, 1852; E. verticalis coloradensis Cresson, 1875, E. v. neoboreus Bequaert, 1944, E. v. tricinctus Isely, 1917 = E. verticalis Say, 1824. Eumenes flavitinctus Bohart, 1950, revised status, is no longer a subspecies of E. crucifera but elevated to specific level. Eumenes brunneus is elevated to the specific level and a new name is proposed because of homonymy, E. bequaerti Grandinete & Carpenter nom. nov. An identification key for all the species of the genus from the New World is provided and the geographical distributions are updated.
The millipede genus Epanerchodus Attems, 1901 in continental China, with descriptions of seven new cavernicolous species (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Polydesmidae)
Authors: LIU WEIXIN , GOLOVATCH SERGEI
Published: August 2018

Seven new species of Epanerchodus Attems, 1901 are described from caves in southern China: Epanerchodus latus n. sp., Epanerchodus tujiaphilus n. sp., Epanerchodus jiangxiensis n. sp., Epanerchodus coniger n. sp., Epanerchodus parvus n. sp., Epanerchodus gladiatus n. sp. and Epanerchodus chutou n. sp. The first three species are from Chongqing, Hunan and Jiangxi, respectively; the last four are from Guizhou. Additional records, illustrations and descriptive notes are given for the following troglobitic species: Epanerchodus lipsae Golovatch & Geoffroy, 2014, from Sichuan; Epanerchodus soror Geoffroy & Golovatch, 2004, from Yunnan; Epanerchodus stylotarseus Chen & Zhang, 1990, from Guizhou; Epanerchodus varius Geoffroy & Golovatch, 2004, from Hubei, Sichuan and Chongqing; and Epanerchodus draco Geoffroy & Golovatch, 2004, from Yunnan and Guizhou. New records of E. varius from Chongqing and E. draco from Guizhou are documented. A key and distribution maps are provided to all 25 species of Epanerchodus currently known to occur in mainland China.
On the taxonomy of the genus Agrisius Walker, 1855, with descriptions of two new species from Vietnam and Laos (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Arctiinae)
Authors: VOLYNKIN ANTON V. , DUBATOLOV VLADIMIR V. , KISHIDA YASUNORI
Published: August 2018

Two new species of the genus Agrisius Walker, 1855, A. orhanti Volynkin, Dubatolov & Kishida, sp. n. and A. leloii Volynkin, Dubatolov & Kishida, sp. n. are described from South Laos and Vietnam respectively. A. orhanti sp. n. belongs to the A. japonicus Leech, 1889 species-group. Whereas, the male genitalia structure of A. leloii sp. n. is intermediate between those of the A. japonicus and the A. guttivitta Walker, 1855 species-groups, therefore, it is assigned to a separated species-group (the A. leloii species-group). Agrisius dubatolovi Orhant, 2012 is downgraded as a subspecies of A. japonicus: Agrisius japonicus dubatolovi Orhant, 2012, stat. nov. Female genitalia of species of the A. japonicus and most of the A. guttivitta species-groups are illustrated for the first time.
From Deliberative to Radical Democracy? Sortition and Politics in the Twenty-First Century
Authors: Sintomer Yves
Published: August 2018

This article defends four claims. The first is that in the last few decades, two waves of democratic innovation based on random selection must be differentiated by their partly different concrete devices, embodying different social dynamics and pointing toward different kinds of democracy. The second claim is that the rationale of the first wave, based on randomly selected minipublics, largely differs from the dynamic of political sortition in Athens, as it points toward deliberative democracy rather than radical democracy. Conversely, empowered sortition processes that have emerged during the second wave capture better the spirit of radical Athenian democratic traditions. The third claim is normative: these empowered sortition processes are more promising for a real democratization of democracy. The last claim is that any proposal of a legislature by lot must rely on this lesson when trying to defend a normatively convincing and politically realistic perspective.
21stCentury Cures for the Opioid Crisis: Promise, Impact, and Missed Opportunities
Authors: Beletsky Leo
Published: August 2018

Signed into law in 2016, the landmark 21stCentury Cures Act is as complex as it is divisive. For some stakeholders, including patient groups and representatives of regulated industries, the Act represented a major leap forward in pharmaceutical innovation, human subjects protections, and numerous other provisions. For other observers, this legislation was characterized as a major rollback in important regulations, which would leave patients worse off and the payers holding the bag. The one element of the Act that was relatively uncontroversial covered a number of provisions related to addressing the opioid crisis.

This was by design. Provisions related to this issue were not part of the original legislation and were added to win over additional members of Congress who needed to be brought along to support the legislation. Many of the statute's provisions were intertwined with the Comprehensive Addiction Recovery Act (“CARA”) passed previously, but that legislation was stripped of much of its funding for opioid crisis response.
A RAT by Another Name: 21st Century Cures Act and Stem Cell Therapies
Authors: Riley Margaret F.
Published: August 2018

Regenerative medicine (“RM”) is a 21st century technology whose regulation has badly needed a 21st century cure. It is not clear that the 21st Century Cures Act (“Cures Act”) is that cure, but it has not been a poison. For some months prior to the passage of the Cures Act it seemed that it might be a catalyst for really endangering the field by allowing a flood of untested therapies to continue to enter the market. That, fortunately, did not happen. Thus far, the Cures Act has been a useful tonic; its effect on RM has been largely symbolic. But it has allowed the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) to redirect resources, and it demanded the quick adoption of guidance. That has allowed the Agency to finalize a regulatory framework that has been sorely needed. The evidentiary flexibility within the Cures Act is extremely important for the development of technologies that do not fit easily into the traditional approval rubric.
Accuracy of Neck Ultrasonography in Predicting the Size and Location of Parathyroid Adenomas
Authors: Stern Sagit , Tzelnick Sharon , Mizrachi Aviram , Cohen Maya , Shpitzer Thomas , Bachar Gideon
Published: August 2018

Objectives

Ultrasonography (US) is a reliable tool for the preoperative localization of parathyroid adenomas (PTAs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of US for estimating both the size and the location of PTAs and the effect of operator expertise.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

A single tertiary medical center.

Subjects and Methods

All patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism between 1996 and 2012 were included. The estimated PTA localization and size by preoperative ultrasound were compared with the intraoperative findings and pathology report.

Results

The cohort included 410 patients. US correctly localized the adenoma in 76% of cases with a sensitivity of 76.2% and a positive predictive value of 86.8%. Measurements were least accurate for adenomas measuring <1 cm in diameter (24%). Scans made by a single senior operator specializing in the neck had a higher accuracy rate than scans made by multiple operators, with a significant difference for small adenomas (P <. 001).

Conclusions

US is an accurate and sensitive tool for evaluating PTA size and location. Neck US is less accurate for small adenomas (<1 cm). In these cases particularly, the experience and expertise of the US operator may play an important role.
Oil damping energy loss analysis of landing gear shock absorber
Authors: Jiao Fujun
Published: August 2018

It is seen that previous research on falling vibration of landing gear only provides work–stroke diagram and damping force value. Nevertheless, the change process of buffering medium at a micro-level is yet to be analyzed. The velocity, pressure, and their change over time of fluid particle are rarely researched in reality. To improve the intuitive, concreteness, and accuracy of the falling vibration analysis, this paper uses theoretical calculation and simulation to analyze oil damping energy loss of shock absorber. On the basis of theoretical calculation, the paper provides a feasible solution for calculating oil damping energy loss in the drop test of landing gear. Based on the classical fluid mechanics, the research builds a series-parallel model for calculating oil damping coefficient, and the oil damping energy loss values are calculated. To the flow passage type with one inlet and two outlets, the best solution of volume flow rate weighting of two outlets is determined. With regard to simulation, ANSYS FLUENT is used to show the dynamic flow process of oil in damping orifice. Damping energy loss values are calculated by total pressure difference. By comparison, the results of the theoretical calculation, the simulation, and the drop test achieve a good consistency.