bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the Application of Various Water Additive Ratios on Unconfined Compressive Strength of Cement‐Stabilized Amorphous Peat at Different Natural Moisture Contents
Authors: Rahmi Atikah , Taib Siti Noor Linda , Sahdi Fauzan
Published: September 2018

Natural peat is considered incapable of supporting built structure due to its poor engineering properties. Chemical stabilization is one of the peat soil improvement methods which has been studied by many researchers. This study describes an investigation of water additive (W/A) ratio application on cement‐stabilized peat strength. Peat soil at different moisture contents, which are 1210%, 803%, and 380%, were stabilized with cement by W/A ratio of 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0. Unconfined compressive strength (UCS) test was conducted after the specimens were being air‐cured for 28 and 56 days. The result shows that there is an increase of UCS value as the decrease of W/A ratio (the increase of cement dosage) and the increase of curing time and peat moisture content. The higher strength found in the specimen with higher moisture content, compared to the lower one at the same W/A ratio, shows that the mix design of cement‐stabilized peat using W/A ratio should have differed under different peat natural moisture contents. From the result, it is also found that cement hydrolysis reaction occurred despite the presence of humic acid in the peat soil, which by many studies is assumed will hinder the cement‐soil reaction.
Focal Adhesion Kinase and ROCK Signaling Are Switch-Like Regulators of Human Adipose Stem Cell Differentiation towards Osteogenic and Adipogenic Lineages
Authors: Hyväri Laura , Ojansivu Miina , Juntunen Miia , Kartasalo Kimmo , Miettinen Susanna , Vanhatupa Sari
Published: September 2018

Adipose tissue is an attractive stem cell source for soft and bone tissue engineering applications and stem cell therapies. The adipose-derived stromal/stem cells (ASCs) have a multilineage differentiation capacity that is regulated through extracellular signals. The cellular events related to cell adhesion and cytoskeleton have been suggested as central regulators of differentiation fate decision. However, the detailed knowledge of these molecular mechanisms in human ASCs remains limited. This study examined the significance of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), Rho-Rho-associated protein kinase (Rho-ROCK), and their downstream target extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) on hASCs differentiation towards osteoblasts and adipocytes. Analyses of osteogenic markers RUNX2A, alkaline phosphatase, and matrix mineralization revealed an essential role of active FAK, ROCK, and ERK1/2 signaling for the osteogenesis of hASCs. Inhibition of these kinases with specific small molecule inhibitors diminished osteogenesis, while inhibition of FAK and ROCK activity led to elevation of adipogenic marker genes AP2 and LEP and lipid accumulation implicating adipogenesis. This denotes to a switch-like function of FAK and ROCK signaling in the osteogenic and adipogenic fates of hASCs. On the contrary, inhibition of ERK1/2 kinase activity deceased adipogenic differentiation, indicating that activation of ERK signaling is required for both adipogenic and osteogenic potential. Our findings highlight the reciprocal role of cell adhesion mechanisms and actin dynamics in regulation of hASC lineage commitment. This study enhances the knowledge of molecular mechanisms dictating hASC differentiation and thus opens possibilities for more efficient control of hASC differentiation.
Elevated CA 125 in a CASE of Leaking Endometrioma
Authors: Rao Svetha , Kapurubandara Supuni , Anpalagan Anbu
Published: September 2018

Extremely elevated CA 125, usually suggestive of ovarian malignancy, can be found in physiological or benign conditions such as endometriosis. We present a case of an extremely elevated serum CA 125 level in a patient with stage four endometriosis and bilateral unruptured ovarian endometriomas, with evidence of leakage unilaterally. To avoid costly and unnecessarily invasive tests and procedures it is important to consider the differential diagnosis of endometriosis and/or leaking endometrioma in patients with a profoundly elevated CA 125 level.
The Application of a Macroinvertebrate Indicator in Afrotropical Regions for Pesticide Pollution
Authors: Malherbe Wynand , van Vuren Johan H. J. , Wepener Victor
Published: September 2018

Many biotic integrity indices are not able to isolate community effects due to pesticide exposure as the communities also respond to other anthropogenic and natural stressors. A macroinvertebrate trait bioindicator system that is pesticide specific was therefore developed to overcome these challenges. This system, called SPEAR (SPEcies At Risk), was applied in South Africa as an indicator to link known pesticide catchment usage to changes in the macroinvertebrate community, especially when analytical methods are inconclusive. In addition, the SPEARsalinity index within the SPEAR suite of tools was also evaluated for its effectiveness in South Africa. The results indicated that all of the sites have either been exposed to the same pesticide pressure or not been exposed to pesticides as the SPEAR results were similar when compared to the pesticide intensity. The interaction with other factors like nutrients or salinity was likely a factor that confounded the SPEARpesticides indicator.
Application of 3D-Printed Personalized Guide in Arthroscopic Ankle Arthrodesis
Authors: Duan Xiaojun , He Peng , Fan Huaquan , Zhang Chengchang , Wang Fuyou , Yang Liu
Published: September 2018

Objective. To accurately drill the Kirschner wire with the help of the 3D-printed personalized guide and to evaluate the feasibility of the 3D technology as well as the outcome of the surgery. Methods. Patients’ DICM data of ankle via CT examinations were introduced into the MIMICS software to design the personalized guides. Two 2mm Kirschner wires were drilled with the help of the guides; the C-arm fluoroscopy was used to confirm the position of the wires before applying the cannulated screws. The patients who underwent ankle arthrodesis were divided into two groups. The experimental group adopted the 3D-printed personalized guides, while the control group received traditional method, i.e., drilling the Kirschner wires according to the surgeon’s previous experience. The times of completing drilling the Kirschner wires to correct position were compared between the two groups. Regular follow-ups were conducted to statistically analyze the differences in the ankle fusion time and AOFAS scores between the two groups. Results. 3D-printed personalized guides were successfully prepared. A total of 29 patients were enrolled, 15 in the experimental group and 14 in the control group. It took 2.2 ± 0.8 minutes to drill the Kirschner wires to correct position in the experimental group and 4.5 ± 1.6 minutes in the control group (p=0.001). No obvious complications occurred in the two groups during and after surgery. Postoperative radiographs confirmed bony fusion in all cases. There were no significant differences in the fusion time (p=0.82) and AOFAS scores at 1 year postoperatively between the two groups (p=0.55). Conclusions. The application of 3D-printed personalized guide in assisting the accurate drilling of Kirschner wire in ankle arthrodesis can shorten the operation time and reduce the intraoperative radiation. This technique does not affect the surgical outcome. Trial Registration Number. This study is registered on www.clinicaltrials.gov with NCT03626935.
The Effectiveness of Antiviral Treatments for Patients with HBeAg-Positive Chronic Hepatitis B: A Bayesian Network Analysis
Authors: Hao Zhang , Biqing Zhu , Ling Yang , Wenting Zeng
Published: September 2018

This network analysis is to determine the most effective treatment in HBeAg-positive patients. PubMed databases were searched for randomized controlled trials. Bayesian network meta-analysis was used to calculate the pairwise hazard ratios, 95% credible intervals, and ranking of surrogate outcomes. 9 studies were identified. The results show that NA add-on PEG IFN might be a better antiviral approach for HBeAg-positive patients in end point of treatment, with a comparable results of nucleoside/nucleotide analogs (NA), PEG IFN, PEG IFN add-on NA, PEG IFN combined NA, and PEG IFN combined placebo in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normalization and HBV DNA undetectable. Cumulative probabilities of being the most efficacious treatment were NA add-on PEG IFN (30%) for HBeAg loss. The second efficacious (23%) is HBeAg seroconversion. This network analysis shows that NA add-on PEG IFN might be a better antiviral approach for HBeAg-positive patients in end point of treatment. But the long-term efficiency should be further determined.
Pain Reconceptualisation after Pain Neurophysiology Education in Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Qualitative Study
Authors: King Richard , Robinson Victoria , Elliott-Button Helene L. , Watson James A. , Ryan Cormac G. , Martin Denis J.
Published: September 2018

Pain neurophysiology education (PNE) is an educational intervention for patients with chronic pain. PNE purports to assist patients to reconceptualise their pain away from the biomedical model towards a more biopsychosocial understanding by explaining pain biology. This study aimed to explore the extent, and nature, of patients’ reconceptualisation of their chronic low back pain (CLBP) following PNE. Eleven adults with CLBP underwent semistructured interviews before and three weeks after receiving PNE. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed in a framework approach using four a priori themes identified from our previous research: (1) degrees of reconceptualisation, (2) personal relevance, (3) importance of prior beliefs, and (4) perceived benefit of PNE. We observed varying degrees of reconceptualisation from zero to almost complete, with most participants showing partial reconceptualisation. Personal relevance of the information to participants and their prior beliefs were associated with the degree of benefit they perceived from PNE. Where benefits were found, they manifested as improved understanding, coping, and function. Findings map closely to our previous studies in more disparate chronic pain groups. The phenomenon of reconceptualisation is applicable to CLBP and the sufficiency of the themes from our previous studies increases confidence in the certainty of the findings.
The Effectiveness of Remineralizing Agents on Dentinal Permeability
Authors: Berkathullah Marwah , Farook Mohideen S. , Mahmoud Okba
Published: September 2018

The effectiveness of remineralizing agents in reducing dentine permeability by tubule occlusion using fluid filtration device functioning at 100 cmH2O (1.4 psi) pressure and SEM/EDX analysis were evaluated and compared. Seventy (n = 70) dentine discs of 1±0.2 mm width were prepared from sound permanent human molars. Fifty (n = 50) dentine discs were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 10): Group 1: GC Tooth Mousse Plus (Recaldent GC Corporation Tokyo, Japan), Group 2: Clinpro™ White Varnish (3M ESPE, USA), Group 3: Duraphat® Varnish (Pharbil Waltrop GmbH, Germany), Group 4: Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief™ dentifrice (Colgate Palmolive, Thailand), and Group 5: Biodentine™ (Septodont/UK). Dentine permeability was measured after treatment application at 10 minutes, artificial saliva immersion at 7 days, and citric acid challenge for 3 minutes. Data were analyzed by two-way repeated measures ANOVA. Dentine specimens (n = 20) were used for SEM/EDX analyses to obtain qualitative results on dentine morphology and surface deposits. Each treatment agent significantly reduced dentine permeability immediately after treatment application and created precipitates on treated dentine surfaces. All agents increased permeability values after 7 days of artificial saliva immersion except Clinpro White Varnish and Biodentine. Clinpro White Varnish exhibited significant resistance to acid challenge compared to others. Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief dentifrice has a dual mechanism of action in reducing the dentine sensitivity.
New RP-HPLC Method Development and Validation for Dorzolamide in Ophthalmic Dosage Form
Authors: Thangabalan Boovizhikannan , Kahsay Getu , Eticha Tadele
Published: September 2018

A reversed phase liquid chromatographic method with UV detection at 254 nm for dorzolamide assay in ophthalmic solutions was developed and validated. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a Zorbax SB C18 (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) column kept at 30°C with an isocratic mixture of mobile phase (phosphate buffer, pH 2.5, and acetonitrile, 90 : 10 v/v) at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min. The method was validated for its specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision, limit of detection, limit of quantification, and robustness based on ICH guidelines. The validation studies revealed satisfactory results. The proposed method has been applied for the quantification of dorzolamide in commercial samples. The developed method is fast, simple, specific, accurate, and sensitive, hence can be applied for routine quality control analysis of dorzolamide in pharmaceutical dosage form.
Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction Followed by Macroporous Resin Purification for Maximal Recovery of Functional Components and Removal of Toxic Components from Ginkgo biloba Leaves
Authors: Zhou Guisheng , Ma Jiayan , Tang Yuping , Wang Xinmin , Zhang Jing , Yao Xin , Jiang Wei , Duan Jin-Ao
Published: September 2018

In the present study, the process of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) followed by macroporous resin purification was successfully developed to achieve maximal recovery of functional components (flavonoids and ginkgolides) with minimal contents of toxic components (alkylphenols) from Ginkgo biloba leaves. Three effective extracted factors including HAc%, EtOH%, and UAE power were screened by Plackett–Burman design (PBD). The important variables were further optimized by rotatable central composite design (RCCD). By combination of PBD and RCCD, the resulting optimal UAE conditions were as follows: HAc% of 1.8%, EtOH% of 63%, ultrasound power of 303 W, G. biloba leaves powder amount of 1.0 g (solvent-to-solid ratio 40 mL/g), particle size of 60 mesh, extraction time of 40 min, and extraction temperature of 45°C. Under the optimum conditions, the yield of flavonoids was 25.1 ± 0.81 mg/g, ginkgolides was 10.6 ± 0.57 mg/g, and alkylphenols was 3.96 ± 0.31 mg/g. Moreover, the further enriching the functional components and removing toxic components from the obtained extracts of G. biloba leaves using the above optimum UAE condition was successfully achieved by macroporous resin DA-201. After column adsorption and desorption on DA-201, the content of total flavonoids was 36.51 ± 1.53%, ginkgolides was 13.24 ± 0.85%, and alkylphenols was 7.0 ± 1.0 μg/g from the obtained dry extracts (drug to extract ratio of 45-50:1) of G. biloba leaves which were complied with Chinese pharmacopoeias.
Combinatorial Optimization of Service Order and Overtaking for Demand-Oriented Timetabling in a Single Railway Line
Authors: Li Dewei , Ding Shishun , Wang Yizhen
Published: September 2018

Train timetabling is crucial for passenger railway operation. Demand-oriented train timetable optimization by minimizing travel time plays an important role in both theory and practice. Most of the current researches of demand-oriented timetable models assume an idealized situation in which the service order is fixed and in which zero overtaking exists between trains. In order to extend the literature, this paper discusses the combinatorial effect of service order and overtaking by developing four mixed-integer quadratic programming timetabling models with different service order as well as overtaking conditions. With the objective of minimizing passengers’ waiting time and in-vehicle time, the models take five aspects as constraints, namely dwell time, running time, safety interval, overtaking, and capacity. All four models are solved by ILOG CPLEX; and the results, which are based on Shanghai-Hangzhou intercity high-speed rail data, show that either allowing overtaking or changing service order can effectively optimize the quality of timetable with respect to reducing the total passengers’ travel time. Although optimizing train overtaking and service order simultaneously can optimize the timetable more significantly, compared to overtaking, allowing the change of service order can help passengers save total travel time without extending the train travel time. Moreover, considering the computation effort, satisfying both of the conditions in the meantime, when optimizing timetable has not got a good cost benefit.
The Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of Carotid Artery Stenting among the Elderly: A Single-Center Study in China
Authors: Wen Lan , Wang Suxia , Liu Lei , Chen Lin , Geng Jia , Kuang Lei , Qian Gangzhen , Su Junjie , Chen Kangning , Zhou Zhenhua
Published: September 2018

Compared to carotid endarterectomy, carotid artery stenting (CAS) is reportedly associated with higher perioperative risks in elderly patients. To verify the long-term safety and efficacy of CAS with embolic protection in elderly patients, we retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with carotid stenosis treated between January 2003 and March 2010 at the Department of Neurology of a large university hospital in China. We included patients with symptomatic, moderate, or severe carotid stenosis of atherosclerotic etiology (other etiologies were excluded), with a disability score ≤ 3 on the modified Rankin Scale, and who received CAS instead of carotid endarterectomy. The clinical endpoints studied were stroke recurrence and all-cause death. The 84 patients included in this study (median follow-up, 8.08 years) were stratified according to age at surgery (<70 vs. ≥70 years), and no significant between-group difference was found regarding baseline characteristics. Of the 14 patients (16.67%) who experienced a defined clinical endpoint, 4 (7.14%) were aged <70 years and 10 (35.71%) were aged ≥70 years (P=0.002). Overall mortality was 14.29% (12/84), with 3 (5.36%) and 9 (32.14%) deaths among patients aged <70 and ≥ 70 years, respectively (P=0.002). Heart disease and cancer accounted for most deaths. The two groups did not differ regarding stroke recurrence, disability score, or rate of in-stent restenosis (blockage ≥ 50%), but patients aged ≥70 years had a higher risk of mortality (odds ratio, 8.3684; 95% confidence interval, 2.048–34.202; P=0.003), and age was an independent risk factor for death (odds ratio, 20.054; 95% confidence interval, 3.094–129.987, P=0.002). Among elderly patients in Southwest China, CAS can effectively prevent stroke recurrence without increasing the risk of stroke-related death, but the risk of all-cause death is higher, with age as an independent risk factor. Careful patient selection is of key importance in the treatment of symptomatic carotid artery stenosis.
Self‐Esteem as a Complex Dynamic System: Intrinsic and Extrinsic Microlevel Dynamics
Authors: de Ruiter Naomi M. P. , Hollenstein Tom , van Geert Paul L. C. , Saskia Kunnen E.
Published: September 2018

The variability of self‐esteem is an important characteristic of self‐esteem. However, little is known about the mechanisms that underlie it. The goal of the current study was to empirically explore these underlying mechanisms. It is commonly assumed that state self‐esteem (the fleeting experience of the self) is a response to the immediate social context. Drawing from a complex dynamic systems perspective, the self‐organizing self‐esteem model asserts that this responsivity is not passive or stimulus‐response like, but that the impact of the social context on state self‐esteem is intimately connected to the intrinsic dynamics of self‐esteem. The model suggests that intrinsic dynamics are the result of higher‐order self‐esteem attractors that can constrain state self‐esteem variability. The current study tests this model, and more specifically, the prediction that state self‐esteem variability is less influenced by changes in the immediate context if relatively strong, as opposed to weak, self‐esteem attractors underlie intrinsic dynamics of self‐esteem. To test this, parent‐adolescent dyads (N = 13, Mage = 13.6) were filmed during seminaturalistic discussions. Observable components of adolescent state self‐esteem were coded in real time, as well as real‐time parental autonomy‐support and relatedness. Kohonen’s self‐organizing maps were used to derive attractor‐like patterns: repeated higher‐order patterns of adolescents’ self‐esteem components. State space grids were used to assess how much adolescents’ self‐esteem attractors constrained their state self‐esteem variability. We found varying levels of attractor strength in our sample. In accordance with our prediction, we found that state self‐esteem was less sensitive to changes in parental support and relatedness for adolescents with stronger self‐esteem attractors. Discussion revolves around the implications of our findings for the ontology of self‐esteem.
Cognitive Rehabilitation of Adaptive Behavior in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ahn Si-nae , Hwang Sujin
Published: September 2018

Objectives. Negative behavioral problems often occur following the onset of neurodevelopmental disorders and have an overall impact on the affected children, specifically in terms of their social developmental level. In children, social development behavior has been shown to spontaneously mature over time with the cognitive therapy intervention effects. This study performed a meta-analysis to provide a statistical synopsis of the available evidence of social development behavioral changes following cognitive therapy in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Methods. Data was collected from two online search engines, including EBSCOhost and PubMed, from January 1, 2006, to August 31, 2016, using the terms “cognition,” “cognitive function,” and “disease including neurodevelopmental disorder with DSM-5.” Two assessors searched the literature using independent inclusion criteria and evaluated the quality of results using the Jadad score. Six articles were chosen using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis program (version 2.0). Results. Six articles reporting randomized controlled trial studies were included. The effective scores for improving adaptive behavior following cognitive therapy in children with neurodevelopmental disorder were 0.64. The effective score of adaptive behavior was significant in this study (p<0.05). The results showed no significant statistical heterogeneity and publication bias. Conclusions. The findings of the meta-analysis suggest that cognitive interventions are effective at improving adaptive behavior associated with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Serum and Ectopic Endometrium from Women with Endometriosis Modulate Macrophage M1/M2 Polarization via the Smad2/Smad3 Pathway
Authors: Nie Mei-Fang , Xie Qi , Wu Ya-Hong , He Hua , Zou Lu-Jie , She Xiao-Ling , Wu Xian-Qing
Published: September 2018

Objective. This study investigated the alterations in macrophage polarization in patients with endometriosis as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods. Peritoneal washings, serum samples, and endometrial tissues were collected from endometriosis patients and control subjects. Endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) were isolated from endometrial tissue, and conditioned medium was prepared by treating ESCs with or without various concentrations of interleukin- (IL-) 6, estrogen, or progestin. The frequencies of CD86+ and CD163+ cells and expression levels of these markers as well as the cytokines IL-12 and IL-10 were measured in THP-1- (human monocytic leukemia cell) derived macrophages. Results. There was a decrease in the percentage of CD86+ macrophages in the peritoneal wash solution of patients with endometriosis. Ectopic endometrial homogenates could promote M1 to M2 macrophage polarization in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), as evidenced by the increased percentage of CD163+ macrophages and increased IL-10 expression as well as a decreased percentage of CD86+ cells and lower IL-12 expression. In contrast, addition of serum from women with endometriosis to THP-1 cells resulted in the polarization of macrophages towards both M1 and M2 phenotypes. Upregulation of Smad2/Smad3 in macrophages upon exposure to eutopic and ectopic endometrial homogenates as well as serum of women with endometriosis was observed, and blockage of Smad2/Smad3 with their inhibitor SB431542 could reverse the macrophage polarization from M1 to M2. Conditioned medium induced by IL-6, but neither estrogen nor progestin, could facilitate M2 polarization. Neutralization of IL-6 diminished macrophage M2 polarization in endometriosis. Conclusion. This study provides detailed evidence supporting alterations in M1 to M2 macrophage polarization that may contribute to the initiation as well as progression of endometriosis.
Guzhi Zengsheng Zhitongwan, a Traditional Chinese Medicinal Formulation, Stimulates Chondrocyte Proliferation through Control of Multiple Genes Involved in Chondrocyte Proliferation and Differentiation
Authors: Yao Baojin , Lu Bocheng , Gao Hongwei , Zhang Mei , Leng Xiangyang , Zhao Daqing
Published: September 2018

Chinese materia medica (CMM) are essential components of traditional Chinese medicine, and Chinese medicinal formulas consisting of 2 or more types of CMM are widely used. These formulations have played a pivotal role in health protection and disease control for thousands of years. Guzhi Zengsheng Zhitongwan (GZZSZTW), which represents one of the Chinese medicinal formulations, has been used for several decades to treat joint diseases. However, the exact molecular mechanism underlying its efficacy in treating osteoarthritis remains to be elucidated. In the present study, we investigated the effects of GZZSZTW on primary chondrocytes. We demonstrated that GZZSZTW significantly promoted chondrocyte viability, maintained chondrocytes in a continuous proliferative state, and prevented their further differentiation. These effects were achieved by the synergistic interactions of various herbs and their active components in GZZSZTW through an increase in the expression levels of functional genes participating in chondrocyte commitment and proliferation and a decrease in the expression levels of genes involved in chondrocyte differentiation. GZZSZTW treatment also decreased the expression levels of genes that inhibited chondrocyte proliferation. Thus, this study has greatly deepened the current knowledge about the molecular effects of GZZSZTW on chondrocytes. It has also shed new light on possible strategies to further prevent and treat cartilage‐related diseases by using traditional Chinese medicinal formulations.
The Antimicrobial Peptide Nal-P-113 Exerts a Reparative Effect by Promoting Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Cell Cycle Progression
Authors: Liu Nana , Guan Shuo , Wang Hongyan , Li Chen , Cheng Jyawei , Yu Huiyuan , Lin Li , Pan Yaping
Published: September 2018

Objective. The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the reparative efficacy of a novel antimicrobial peptide, Nal-P-113, in shortening the healing time of oral mucosal ulcers by promoting cell proliferation and migration and accelerating the cell cycle. Methods. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and wound-healing assays were used to evaluate the proliferation and migration of human immortalized oral epithelial cells (HIOECs). The cell cycle distribution of HIOECs was analyzed by flow cytometry. Additionally, the RNA levels of EGF, FGF-2, and TGF-β1 of HIOECs were assessed by real-time PCR. Rats were divided into three groups randomly: (a) blank control group; (b) 20 μg/mL Nal-P-113; and (c) 10 ng/mL rhEGF. An oral mucosal ulcer was induced in every rat by the application of 30% acetic acid. An immunohistochemical assay was used to assess the expression of EGF, FGF-2, and TGF-β1 in the rat oral mucosa. Results. In the CCK-8 assay, the optical density values in the Nal-P-113 and rhEGF groups were found to be significantly higher than that in the blank control group. In addition, the scratch areas in the Nal-P-113 and rhEGF groups were found to be significantly smaller (P<0.05). Cell cycle analysis showed that Nal-P-113 accelerated the entry of HIOECs into the S phase and expedited their cell cycles. The RT-PCR results suggested that Nal-P-113 upregulated the RNA levels of EGF and FGF-2 but downregulated that of TGF-β1 at 24 h and 48 h. Lastly, the immunohistochemical assay verified that Nal-P-113 changed the expression of the above cytokines in rat mucosal ulcers. Conclusion. Nal-P-113 promoted the repair of oral mucosal ulcers by increasing the EGF and FGF-2 expression and decreasing that of TGF-β1 in HIOECs, accelerating their proliferation and cell cycle progression. The application of Nal-P-113 might serve as an effective therapeutic approach for recurrent aphthous stomatitis.
Identification of Genetic Risk Factors for Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia in Fujian Province, Southeastern China: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Zhou Jinfu , Yang Changyi , Zhu Wenbin , Chen Shuwei , Zeng Yinglin , Wang Jing , Zhao Hong , Chen Yao , Lin Feng
Published: September 2018

To date, the genetic risk factors for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia remain unknown in Southeastern China. This case-control study aimed to identify the genetic risk factors for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in Fujian, Southeastern China. A total of 286 hyperbilirubinemic newborns were enrolled as a case group, and 250 randomly selected newborns without jaundice or with a bilirubin level that was lower than the threshold required for phototherapy served as controls. The serum levels of total bilirubin, unconjugated bilirubin, and direct bilirubin were measured, and the common genetic loci in UGT1A1, OATP1B1, and HO-1 genes were genotyped. Higher incidence of ABO incompatibility and G6PD deficiency was detected in the case group compared to the control group (P < 0.01). There were significant differences in the frequencies of rs4148323 and rs1805173 genotypes between the case and control groups (P < 0.05). At the rs4148323 locus, the frequencies of GA heterozygotes and AA mutant homozygotes were higher in the case group than in the control group (P < 0.05), and at the rs1805173 locus, the frequencies of LS, MS, and SS genotypes were higher in the case group than in the control group (P < 0.05). A higher frequency of rs4148323 A allele and rs1805173 S allele was detected in the case group compared to the control group (P = 0). Additionally, multivariate logistic regression analysis identified that the mutant genotype of rs4148323 in the UGT1A1 gene, ABO incompatibility, G6PD deficiency, and SS genotype at rs1805173 locus of the HO-1 gene were genetic risk factors of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Our data demonstrate that G211 mutation in the UGT1A1 gene, ABO incompatibility, G6PD deficiency, and the SS genotype of the repeats in the promoter region of the HO-1 gene are risk factors for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in Fujian, Southeastern China.
A Method Based on Extended Fuzzy Transforms to Approximate Fuzzy Numbers in Mamdani Fuzzy Rule-Based System
Authors: Di Martino Ferdinando , Sessa Salvatore
Published: September 2018

We propose a new Mamdani fuzzy rule-based system in which the fuzzy sets in the antecedents and consequents are assigned in a discrete set of points and approximated by using the extended inverse fuzzy transforms, whose components are calculated by verifying that the dataset is sufficiently dense with respect to the uniform fuzzy partition. We test our system in the problem of spatial analysis consisting in the evaluation of the livability of residential housings in all the municipalities of the district of Naples (Italy). Comparisons are done with the results obtained by using trapezoidal fuzzy numbers in the fuzzy rules.
VR-CPES: A Novel Cyber-Physical Education Systems for Interactive VR Services Based on a Mobile Platform
Authors: Kim Hanjin , Shin Heonyeop , Kim Hyeong-su , Kim Won-Tae
Published: September 2018

The evolution of virtual reality technology allows users to immerse themselves into virtual environments, providing a new experience that is impossible in the real world. The appearance of cyber-physical systems and the Internet of things makes humans to understand and control the real world in detail. The integration of virtual reality into cyber-physical systems and the Internet of things may induce innovative education services in the near future. In this paper, we propose a novel, a virtual reality-based cyber-physical education system for efficient education in a virtual reality on a mobile platform, called VR-CPES. VR-CPES can integrate the real world into virtual reality using cyber-physical systems technology, especially using digital twin. We extract essential service requirements of VR-CPES in terms of delay time in the virtual reality service layer. In order to satisfy the requirements of the network layer, we design a new, real-time network technology interworking software, defined as network and time-sensitive network. A gateway function for the interworking is developed to make protocol level transparency. In addition, a path selection algorithm is proposed to make flexible flow between physical things and cyber things. Finally, a simulation study will be conducted to validate the functionalities and performance in terms of packet loss and delay as defined in the requirements.
Stepped Frequency Pulse Frequency Diverse Array Radar for Target Localization in Angle and Range Domains
Authors: Tan Ming , Wang Chun-yang , Li Zhi-hui , Li Xin , Bao Lei
Published: September 2018

Unlike phased array bringing angle-dependent and range-independent beamforming, a new kind of radar system called frequency diverse array (FDA) has been widely used for its ability to generate angle-range-dependent beampattern, which provides a broad prospect of radar application. Nevertheless, FDA beampattern is coupling in the angle and range responses, which results in the difficulty for FDA to differentiate the target in two domains simultaneously. In this paper, a stepped frequency pulse FDA (SFP-FDA) radar is proposed to wipe off the angle-range coupling in FDA and improve the target’s angle and range localization accuracy. Compared to the double-pulse FDA, the proposed system can achieve a better performance in range resolution and multitarget identification. The Cramér-Rao lower bound (CRLB) is derived and used to analyze the performance of the proposed system and double-pulse FDA radar. Numerical results are implemented to verify the validity of the proposed scheme.
Simvastatin-Induced Insulin Resistance May Be Linked to Decreased Lipid Uptake and Lipid Synthesis in Human Skeletal Muscle: the LIFESTAT Study
Authors: Larsen Steen , Vigelsø Andreas , Dandanell Sune , Prats Clara , Dela Flemming , Helge Jørn Wulff
Published: September 2018

Background. A prevalent side-effect of simvastatin is attenuated glucose homeostasis. The underlying mechanism is unknown, but impaired lipid metabolism may provide the link. The aim of this study was to investigate whether simvastatin-treated patients had a lower capacity to oxidize lipids and reduced expression of the major proteins regulating lipid uptake, synthesis, lipolysis, and storage in skeletal muscle than matched controls. Materials and Methods. Ten men were treated with simvastatin (HbA1c: 5.7 ± 0.1%), and 10 healthy men (HbA1c: 5.2 ± 0.1%) underwent an oral glucose tolerance test and a muscle biopsy was obtained. Fat oxidation rates were measured at rest and during exercise. Western blotting was used to assess protein content. Results. Patients treated with simvastatin had impaired glucose tolerance compared with control subjects, but fat oxidation at rest and during exercise was compatible. Skeletal muscle protein content of CD36, lipoprotein lipase (LPL), and diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) 1 were lower, and DGAT 2 tended to be lower in patients treated with simvastatin. Conclusions. Patients treated with simvastatin had a reduced capacity to synthesize FA and diacylglycerol (DAG) into triacylglycerol in skeletal muscle compared to matched controls. Decreased lipid synthesis capacity may lead to accumulation of lipotoxic intermediates (FA and DAG) and hence impair glucose tolerance.
Effects of Supplemental Calcium and Vitamin D on Expression of Toll-Like Receptors and Phospho-IKKα/β in the Normal Rectal Mucosa of Colorectal Adenoma Patients
Authors: Hodge Rebecca , Mandle Hannah B. , Ray Stephen , Tandon Sonia , Peterson Meaghan , Henry Abigail , Jahan Ferdous A. , Bostick Roberd M. , Baron John A. , Barry Elizabeth L. , Yacoub Rami , Rutherford Robin E. , Seabrook March E. , Fedirko Veronika
Published: September 2018

Chronic inflammation in the colorectum, a significant contributor to colorectal carcinogenesis, can be triggered by the activation of proinflammatory signaling pathways such as those initiated by Toll-like receptors (TLR) and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). Although experimental evidence supports calcium and vitamin D potentially modifying these proinflammatory pathways in the colorectum, human data in these regards are scarce. We investigated supplemental calcium (1,200 mg daily) and/or vitamin D3 (1,000 IU daily) effects on inflammatory signaling pathway-related biomarkers in a subset of 105 participants from a colorectal adenoma recurrence chemoprevention clinical trial. We assessed expression of TLR4 and TLR5, which recognize the bacterial components lipopolysaccharides and flagellin, respectively, and phospho-IKKα/β (pIKKα/β), a biomarker of inflammation, in the normal-appearing rectal crypt epithelium and stroma using standardized, automated immunohistochemistry and quantitative image analysis. Following 1 year of treatment, TLR4, TLR5, and pIKKα/β expression in the rectal mucosa did not statistically significantly change with vitamin D or calcium supplementation, taken alone or in combination. Several baseline participant characteristics, including body mass index, history of sessile serrated adenomas, high red/processed meat intake, and high levels of rectal epithelial cell proliferation (as measured by MIB-1/Ki-67), were associated with higher baseline expression of TLRs or pIKKα/β. Our findings suggest that vitamin D and calcium may have no substantial effect on the investigated biomarkers. However, several modifiable lifestyle factors may be associated with TLRs and pIKKα/β expression in the normal rectal mucosa, supporting their future investigation as potentially treatable, preneoplastic risk factors for colorectal neoplasms. Cancer Prev Res; 11(11); 707–16. ©2018 AACR.
The Migration of Data and Other Life Forms: A Sound Installation for the 70th Anniversary of the Darmstadt Summer Courses
Authors: Varchausky Nicolás
Published: September 2018

The article discusses a sound installation premiered during the 70th anniversary of the New Music Summer Courses in Darmstadt. The project proposes a dialogue between the archive of the Internationales Musikinstitut Darmstadt (IMD), which preserves the voices of contemporary music composers who lectured at the summer courses, and Archivo PAIS, the author’s personal archive of anonymous voices of street vendors, informal preachers, institutional announcers and street artists. Speech analysis software, transducers, modified stethoscopes and a 15-meter-long by 4-meter-high fence were used to reflect on issues of survival, access and displacement though sound.
Translating Historically Reflexive Perceiving from Visual to Sonic Art
Authors: Robinson Camille
Published: September 2018

This article discusses making Within History, an artwork that translates a commentary on historically situated perceiving from the visual realm to the sonic.
Repeatability of combat rate across different group compositions in male house finches
Authors: Hasegawa Masaru , Giraudeau Mathieu , Ligon Russell A. , Kutsukake Nobuyuki , Watanabe Mamoru , McGraw Kevin J.
Published: September 2018

Studies of animal contests have focused on the probability of winning an encounter, because it directly affects the benefits of competition. However, the costs (e.g., physiological stress) and benefits of competition should also depend on the number of aggressive encounters per unit time (combat rate, hereafter) in which the focal individual is involved. Using colourful and drab male house finches (Haemorhous mexicanus) from urban and rural sites, we showed that combat rate was repeatable across the same and different group sizes for birds who won competitions. In addition, colourful urban males exhibited the lowest propensity for frequent aggression (and hence low combat rate). However, male bill size (another trait we previously found to correlate with male competitiveness in this species) was not related to aggressive propensity. Combat rate can be predicted by male identity and some, but not all, predictors of male competitiveness.
“Imagined Territory: The Republic of China’s 1955 Veto of Mongolian Membership in the United Nations”
Authors: Clark II Keith Allan
Published: September 2018

In 1955, Jiang Tingfu, representing the Republic of China (roc), vetoed Mongolia’s entry into the United Nations. In the 26 years the roc represented China in the United Nations, it only cast this one veto. The roc’s veto was a contentious move because Taipei had recognized Mongolia as a sovereign state in 1946. A majority of the world body, including the United States, favored Mongolia’s admission as part of a deal to end the international organization’s deadlocked-admissions problem. The roc’s veto placed it not only in opposition to the United Nations but also its primary benefactor. This article describes the public and private discourse surrounding this event to analyze how roc representatives portrayed the veto and what they thought Mongolian admission to the United Nations represented. It also examines international reactions to Taipei’s claims and veto. It argues that in 1955 Mongolia became a synecdoche for all of China that Taipei claimed to represent, and therefore roc representatives could not acknowledge it as a sovereign state.
Systematics of the genus Aphrophila Edwards with description of fifteen new species (Diptera: Tipulomorpha: Limoniidae)
Authors: SANTOS DAUBIAN , RIBEIRO GUILHERME CUNHA
Published: September 2018

The genus Aphrophila (Diptera: Limoniidae) is revised. All previously described species are redescribed and illustrated, along with fifteen new species. From the Campbell Island (New Zealand): A. whakapapa sp. n.; from Argentina: A. argentina sp. n., A. huahua sp. n. and A. peuma sp. n.; from Chile: A. aequalitas sp. n., A. alexanderi sp. n., A. dentata sp. n., A. dupla sp. n., A. edwardsi sp. n., A. minuscula sp. n., A. penta sp. n., A. regia sp. n., A. serra sp. n., A. sperancae sp. n. and A. vulcania sp. n. Identification key is provided for all the valid species. A phylogenetic analysis was made which resulted in one single most parsimonious tree with five main groups, classified into five subgenera: A. (Aphrophila) Edwards, A. (Magnodonta) subg. n., A. (Spinalia) subg. n., A. (Sirena) subg. n., A. (Zelandica) subg. n. In order to uncover the biogeographical pattern of the distribution of the species in terms of area relationships, a Paralogy-free subtree analysis was performed, which resulted in the following areagram: ((Campbell Is. + S. America) + New Zealand).
Assessing Extratropical Influence on Observed El Niño–Southern Oscillation Events Using Regional Coupled Data Assimilation
Authors: Lu Feiyu , Liu Zhengyu
Published: September 2018

The extratropical influence on the observed events of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) variability from 1948 to 2015 is assessed by constraining the extratropical atmospheric variability in a coupled general circulation model (CGCM) using the regional coupled data assimilation (RCDA) method. The ensemble-mean ENSO response to extratropical atmospheric forcing, which is systematically and quantitatively studied through a series of RCDA experiments, indicates robust extratropical influence on some observed ENSO events. Furthermore, an event-by-event quantitative analysis shows significant differences of the extratropical influence among the observed ENSO events, both in its own strength and in its relation to tropical precursors such as the equatorial Pacific heat content anomaly. This study provides the first dynamic quantitative assessment of the extratropical influence on observed ENSO variability on an event-by-event basis.
Near-Storm Environments of Outbreak and Isolated Tornadoes
Authors: Anderson-Frey Alexandra K. , Richardson Yvette P. , Dean Andrew R. , Thompson Richard L. , Smith Bryan T.
Published: September 2018

Between 2003 and 2015, there were 5343 outbreak tornadoes and 9389 isolated tornadoes reported in the continental United States. Here, the near-storm environmental parameter-space distributions of these two categories are compared via kernel density estimation, and the seasonal, diurnal, and geographical features of near-storm environments of these two sets of events are compared via self-organizing maps (SOMs). Outbreak tornadoes in a given geographical region tend to be characterized by greater 0–1-km storm-relative helicity and 0–6-km vector shear magnitude than isolated tornadoes in the same geographical region and also have considerably higher tornado warning-based probability of detection (POD) than isolated tornadoes. A SOM of isolated tornadoes highlights that isolated tornadoes with higher POD also tend to feature higher values of the significant tornado parameter (STP), regardless of the specific shape of the area of STP. For a SOM of outbreak tornadoes, when two outbreak environments with similarly high magnitudes but different patterns of STP are compared, the difference is primarily geographical, with one environment dominated by Great Plains and Midwest outbreaks and another dominated by outbreaks in the southeastern United States. Two specific tornado outbreaks are featured, and the events are placed into their climatological context with more nuance than typical single proximity sounding-based approaches would allow.
Breaking the South-South FTA Mould: Why China ‘Went OECD’ with New Zealand?
Authors: Hernandez Fernando M. Schmidt
Published: September 2018

China and New Zealand were able to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in 2008, in spite of the large differences in standards under which they were respectively negotiating trade agreements in the international arena. This article starts with a descriptive analysis of these differences between each country’s standards in terms of FTA quality. With the description of these standards, which seem to stand on opposite sides of a continuum, we examine why China and New Zealand decided to forego the standards under which they had negotiated previous agreements in order to find a middle ground. This process of convergence showcases how the interests of both parties moved them towards the adoption of a middle ground which enabled them to negotiate a win-win agreement.
Editorial Essay: From Cautious Optimism to Renewed Pessimism: Labor Voice and Labor Scholarship in China
Authors: Kuruvilla Sarosh
Published: September 2018

This introductory essay highlights the changing foci of labor scholarship during five distinct periods in the evolution of Chinese industrial relations. In so doing, the author argues that labor scholarship has oscillated between pessimistic and optimistic views regarding whether a labor movement is forming in China. The three articles brought together in this special section focus on the key themes of labor activism, collective bargaining, and the role of labor NGOs during a single period, 2006 to 2015. Together, the articles evidence optimism about the future of labor voice in China. This essay, however, suggests that the post-2015 period has been marked by changes in state policy that are having a chilling effect on labor voice and labor scholarship.