bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Luminescent Iridium Complex-Peptide Hybrids (IPHs) for Therapeutics of Cancer: Design and Synthesis of IPHs for Detection of Cancer Cells and Induction of Their Necrosis-Type Cell Death
Authors: Masum Abdullah-Al , Hisamatsu Yosuke , Yokoi Kenta , Aoki Shin
Published: August 2018

Death receptors (DR4 and DR5) offer attractive targets for cancer treatment because cancer cell death can be induced by apoptotic signal upon binding of death ligands such as tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) with death receptors. Cyclometalated iridium(III) complexes such asfac-Ir(tpy)3(tpy = 2-(4-tolyl)pyridine) possess aC3-symmetric structure like TRAIL and exhibit excellent luminescence properties. Therefore, cyclometalated Ir complexes functionalized with DR-binding peptide motifs would be potent TRAIL mimics to detect cancer cells and induce their cell death. In this study, we report on the design and synthesis ofC3-symmetric and luminescent Ir complex-peptide hybrids (IPHs), which possess cyclic peptide that had been reported to bind DR5. The results of 27 MHz quartz-crystal microbalance (QCM) measurements of DR5 with IPHs and costaining experiments of IPHs and anti-DR5 antibody, suggest that IPHs bind with DR5 and undergo internalization into cytoplasm, possibly via endocytosis. It was also found that IPHs induce slow cell death of these cancer cells in a parallel manner to the DR5 expression level. These results indicate that IPHs may offer a promising tool as artificial luminescent mimics of death ligands to develop a new category of anticancer agents that detect and kill cancer cells.
Decoding Motor Imagery through Common Spatial Pattern Filters at the EEG Source Space
Authors: Xygonakis Ioannis , Athanasiou Alkinoos , Pandria Niki , Kugiumtzis Dimitris , Bamidis Panagiotis D.
Published: August 2018

Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) is a rapidly developing technology that aims to support individuals suffering from various disabilities and, ultimately, improve everyday quality of life. Sensorimotor rhythm-based BCIs have demonstrated remarkable results in controlling virtual or physical external devices but they still face a number of challenges and limitations. Main challenges include multiple degrees-of-freedom control, accuracy, and robustness. In this work, we develop a multiclass BCI decoding algorithm that uses electroencephalography (EEG) source imaging, a technique that maps scalp potentials to cortical activations, to compensate for low spatial resolution of EEG. Spatial features were extracted using Common Spatial Pattern (CSP) filters in the cortical source space from a number of selected Regions of Interest (ROIs). Classification was performed through an ensemble model, based on individual ROI classification models. The evaluation was performed on the BCI Competition IV dataset 2a, which features 4 motor imagery classes from 9 participants. Our results revealed a mean accuracy increase of 5.6% with respect to the conventional application method of CSP on sensors. Neuroanatomical constraints and prior neurophysiological knowledge play an important role in developing source space-based BCI algorithms. Feature selection and classifier characteristics of our implementation will be explored to raise performance to current state-of-the-art.
Feed Additives Produced on the Basis of Organic Forms of Micronutrients as a Means of Biofortification of Food of Animal Origin
Authors: Górniak Wanda , Cholewińska Paulina , Konkol Damian
Published: August 2018

In recent years, there has been a steadily growing demand for animal protein. Consumer awareness is also growing every year, which is why breeders are obliged to provide animals with the best possible environmental conditions that will determine the productivity of animals and the quality of raw materials obtained from them. Today's consumer is looking for not only the highest quality food but also the one that will characterize health-promoting properties. Therefore, food is sought, which will be characterized by a favorable profile of fatty acids and a high content of biologically active ingredients, such as vitamins or minerals. One of the most effective methods of enriching food with these ingredients is their supplementation in feed. However, it should be remembered that the form in which such a component will be delivered is very important. High hopes are associated with the possibility of using organic forms of macro- and micronutrients, which are sometimes better absorbed than inorganic salts. The aim of the work was to collect and systematize knowledge related to the possibility of enriching food of animal origin with micronutrients using additional feed containing these ingredients in organic form.
Fixed Point Theorems for Generalized αs-ψ-Contractions with Applications
Authors: Ma Zhenhua , Nazam Muhammad , Khan Sami Ullah , Li Xiangling
Published: August 2018

We study the sufficient conditions for the existence of a unique common fixed point of generalized αs-ψ-Geraghty contractions in an αs-complete partial b-metric space. We give an example in support of our findings. Our work generalizes many existing results in the literature. As an application of our findings we demonstrate the existence of the solution of the system of elliptic boundary value problems.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of New Pyrimidine and Thiophene Derivatives
Authors: Lahsasni Siham , Al-Hemyari Dunya A. M. , Ghabbour Hazem A. , Mabkhoot Yahia Nasser , Aleanizy Fadilah S. , Alothman Asma A. , Almarhoon Zainab M.
Published: August 2018

Substituted[4,5]thieno[2,3-d]thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidin-5-one (3a–b) and pyrimidin-5(6H)-imine (3c–e) were synthesized via reaction of the starting compounds, ethyl 2-amino-substituted[b]thiophene-3-carboxylate (2a–c) and 2-amino-substituted [b]thiophene-3-carbonitrile (2d–f), respectively, with 2-bromothiazole. Synthesis of (bromo-substituted[b]thiophen-2-yl)alkanamide derivatives (4a–e) and thieno[2,3-d][1,3]oxazin-4-imine derivative (5) was accomplished via reaction of the starting compounds with bromoalkyl chloride through nucleophilic substitution; however, for the synthesis of compound 5, nucleophilic substitution was followed by nucleophilic addition to a nitrile group to form the oxazinimine ring. 1-(3-cyano-substituted[b]thiophen-2-yl)-3-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)thiourea derivatives (6a–c) were obtained via reaction of the starting compounds (2d–f) and 4-(trifluoromethyl phenyl)isothiocyanate. The lead compounds (2d–f) rapidly reacted with 4-(trifluoromethyl)benzaldehyde or 4-(2-pyridyl)benzaldehyde in acidic medium to yield compounds (7a–f) in large quantities. X-ray crystallography of compounds 4c and 7e confirmed their structures. Antimicrobial studies revealed that compound 6a was equally potent to ampicillin against Bacillus strains. Moreover, compounds 3e, 4d, and 6a possessed greater anti-inflammatory potency than that of the standard drug.
Derivative and Lipschitz Type Characterizations of Variable Exponent Bergman Spaces
Authors: Ma Rumeng , Xu Jingshi
Published: August 2018

We give derivative and Lipschitz type characterizations of Bergman spaces with log-Hölder continuous variable exponent.
Evaluation between the Usability and Physicochemical Property of Acyclovir Ointments
Authors: Inoue Yutaka , Mitsumori Akiho , Shinohara Itsuka , Narumi Sachie , Murata Isamu , Kanamoto Ikuo
Published: August 2018

A lot of prescription medicines have become switch over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. However, additives in brand-name drugs, generic drugs, and switch OTC drugs differ; therefore, the feelings associated with the use of these medicines vary for patients. The aim of this study was to compare the physicochemical properties and the feeling of use (assuming skin as an index of usability) of acyclovir (ACV) ointments. Five ACV ointments were used: ACV-A, a brand-name drug, ACV-B and ACV-C, generic drugs, and ACV-D and ACV-E, switch OTC drugs. The physicochemical properties were evaluated by determining the content uniformity, water content, flattening, viscosity and viscoelasticity, and near-infrared (NIR) absorption spectroscopy. Skin friction was measured to evaluate the feeling associated with use. Results of the content uniformity test indicated that the ACV content was uniform, and equivalence was observed. Measurement of moisture content indicated that this parameter differed in each ointment preparation. The yield value, which was calculated by measuring flattening, was 4416.7 dyne/cm2 for ACV-A, 1175.7 dyne/cm2 for ACV-B, 2114.9 dyne/cm2 for ACV-C, 4234.5 dyne/cm2 for ACV-D, and 3620.7 dyne/cm2 for ACV-E. Measurement of viscosity and viscoelasticity revealed that viscosity increased with time and the viscoelasticity of each ointment. The second derivative of the NIR spectrum revealed that ACV-B and ACV-C had a wider spectrum of absorption than the other ointments. ACV-B had lesser friction than other ointments. These findings suggest that differences in the type and content of additives (macrogol) result in differences in the physicochemical properties of individual ointments.
Fault Diagnosis of Electromechanical Actuator Based on VMD Multifractal Detrended Fluctuation Analysis and PNN
Authors: Liu Hongmei , Jing Jiayao , Ma Jian
Published: August 2018

Electromechanical actuators (EMAs) are more and more widely used as actuation devices in flight control system of aircrafts and helicopters. The reliability of EMAs is vital because it will cause serious accidents if the malfunction of EMAs occurs, so it is significant to detect and diagnose the fault of EMAs timely. However, EMAs often run under variable conditions in realistic environment, and the vibration signals of EMAs are nonlinear and nonstationary, which make it difficult to effectively achieve fault diagnosis. This paper proposed a fault diagnosis method of electromechanical actuators based on variational mode decomposition (VMD) multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MFDFA) and probabilistic neural network (PNN). First, the vibration signals were decomposed by VMD into a number of intrinsic mode functions (IMFs). Second, the multifractal features hidden in IMFs were extracted by using MFDFA, and the generalized Hurst exponents were selected as the feature vectors. Then, the principal component analysis (PCA) was introduced to realize dimension reduction of the extracted feature vectors. Finally, the probabilistic neural network (PNN) was utilized to classify the fault modes. The experimental results show that this method can effectively achieve the fault diagnosis of EMAs even under diffident working conditions. Simultaneously, the diagnosis performance of the proposed method in this paper has an advantage over that of EMD‐MFDFA method for feature extraction.
Channel Characteristics of Rail Traffic Tunnel Scenarios Based on Ray‐Tracing Simulator
Authors: Zhao Jinmeng , Xiong Lei , He Danping , Du Jiadong
Published: August 2018

The tunnel scenario is a major rail communication scenario. In this paper, the radio channel characteristics of tunnel scenarios with different carrier frequencies, different distances between the transmitter (Tx) and receiver (Rx), and cross sections are simulated with a ray‐tracing tool. Key parameters such as path loss, Rician K‐factor, root mean square (RMS) delay spread, and angular spread are studied. According to the results, higher frequencies introduce larger path loss and the presence of the vehicle body increases the path loss by about 35 dB in the scenario; at the same time it will also cause the fluctuation and instability of the path loss. Besides, the influence of reflections from the side walls is significant on radio propagation. The channel experiences more severe fading in a narrow tunnel compared with others.
A Transference Result of the Lp-Continuity of the Jacobi Littlewood-Paley g-Function to the Gaussian and Laguerre Littlewood-Paley g-Function
Authors: Navas Eduard , Urbina Wilfredo O.
Published: August 2018

We develop a transference method to obtain the Lp-continuity of the Gaussian-Littlewood-Paley g-function and the Lp-continuity of the Laguerre-Littlewood-Paley g-function from the Lp-continuity of the Jacobi-Littlewood-Paley g-function, in dimension one, using the well-known asymptotic relations between Jacobi polynomials and Hermite and Laguerre polynomials.
Effects of Stochastic Resonance Whole-Body Vibration in Individuals with Unilateral Brain Lesion: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial: Whole-Body Vibration and Neuromuscular Function
Authors: Herren Kaspar , Schmid Stefan , Rogan Slavko , Radlinger Lorenz
Published: August 2018

Introduction. Stochastic resonance whole-body vibration (SR-WBV) devices are promising sensorimotor interventions to address muscle weakness and to improve balance and mobility particularly in the elderly. However, it remains inconclusive whether individuals with stroke or traumatic brain injury (TBI) can profit from this method. The aim of this prospective single-blind randomized controlled trial was to investigate the effects of SR-WBV on muscle strength as well as gait and balance performance in this population. Methods. Forty-eight individuals with stroke or TBI were randomly allocated to an experimental and a sham group. Participants were exposed daily to 5 consecutives 1-minute SR-WBV sessions, whereas the experimental group trained in a standing position with 5 Hz and the sham group in a seated position with 1 Hz. Isometric muscle strength properties of the paretic knee extensor muscles as well as balance and gait performance were measured at baseline, after the first session and after two weeks of SR-WBV. Results. Both groups showed short- and long-term effects in gait performance. However, no between-group effects could be found at the three measurement points. Discussion. Complementary SR-WBV showed no beneficial effects immediately after the intervention and after two weeks of conventional rehabilitation therapy. Future research is needed to identify the potential efficacy of SR-WBV in individuals with stroke and TBI using shorter and less exhausting test procedures and a generally prolonged intervention time.
Artificial Neural Network Classification of Motor‐Related EEG: An Increase in Classification Accuracy by Reducing Signal Complexity
Authors: Maksimenko Vladimir A. , Kurkin Semen A. , Pitsik Elena N. , Musatov Vyacheslav Yu. , Runnova Anastasia E. , Efremova Tatyana Yu. , Hramov Alexander E. , Pisarchik Alexander N.
Published: August 2018

We apply artificial neural network (ANN) for recognition and classification of electroencephalographic (EEG) patterns associated with motor imagery in untrained subjects. Classification accuracy is optimized by reducing complexity of input experimental data. From multichannel EEG recorded by the set of 31 electrodes arranged according to extended international 10‐10 system, we select an appropriate type of ANN which reaches 80 ± 10% accuracy for single trial classification. Then, we reduce the number of the EEG channels and obtain an appropriate recognition quality (up to 73 ± 15%) using only 8 electrodes located in frontal lobe. Finally, we analyze the time‐frequency structure of EEG signals and find that motor‐related features associated with left and right leg motor imagery are more pronounced in the mu (8–13 Hz) and delta (1–5 Hz) brainwaves than in the high‐frequency beta brainwave (15–30 Hz). Based on the obtained results, we propose further ANN optimization by preprocessing the EEG signals with a low‐pass filter with different cutoffs. We demonstrate that the filtration of high‐frequency spectral components significantly enhances the classification performance (up to 90 ± 5% accuracy using 8 electrodes only). The obtained results are of particular interest for the development of brain‐computer interfaces for untrained subjects.
A New Method of Image Steganography Using 7th Bit of a Pixel as Indicator by Introducing the Successive Temporary Pixel in the Gray Scale Image
Authors: Joshi Kamaldeep , Gill Swati , Yadav Rajkumar
Published: August 2018

As the internet has become the medium for transferring the sensitive information, the security of the transferred message has become the utmost priority. Image steganography has emerged out as the eminent tool of information hiding that ensures the security of the transmitted data. Image files provide high capacity, and their frequency of availability over the internet is also high. In this paper, a method of image coding is proposed that hides the information along a selected pixel and on the next value of the selected pixel, that is, pixel + 1. One bit is hidden at the selected pixel, and the second bit is hidden on the pixel +1 value. On the basis of the 7th bit of the pixels of an image, a mathematical function is applied at the 7th bit of the pixels, which generates a temporary variable (pixel + 1). The 7th bit of the selected pixel and 7th bit of pixel + 1 are used for information hiding and extraction. On the basis of a combination of these two values, two bits of the message can be hidden on each pixel. After implementation, the efficiency of the method is checked on the basis of parameters like PSNR and MSE, and then comparison with some already proposed techniques was done. This proposed image steganography showed interesting, promising results when compared with other existing techniques.
Low Carbon Distribution Channel Coordination with a Capital-Constrained Retailer
Authors: Wang Jun , Cheng Xianxue , Zhang Shuhua
Published: August 2018

Capital constraints exist in many supply chains. We examine a low carbon distribution channel that consists of a manufacturer and a retailer, in which the retailer is constrained by capital. The retailer can be financed by bank credit from a competitive bank market. A Stackelberg model is developed to analyze the integrated decision-making process of ordering, financing, and emission reduction. By comparing the decentralized and centralized channels, we obtain that the manufacturer’s green technology investment should be linearly proportional to the retailer’s order quantity in both channels. Thus, a large order quantity leads to increased efforts to reduce emissions. Results further show that the centralized channel in some cases has fewer emissions and can generate more profits for the whole supply chain compared with the decentralized channel. We therefore propose a revenue sharing contract with a function form to coordinate the distribution channel. When the government allocates appropriate quotas to the supply chain, high carbon price can benefit the environment and supply chain efficiency.
The Ideotype for Seed Size: A Model Examining the Relationship between Seed Size and Actual Yield in Pea
Authors: Smitchger Jamin , Weeden Norman F.
Published: August 2018

Seed size plays a large role in determining productivity of large seeded legumes. In many large seeded legumes such as pea and bean, actual yield, defined here as grain yield at harvest minus the weight of seed planted, is often a better measure of actual productivity than grain yield at harvest, because the weight of planted seed varies with seed size. In many grain legumes, the weight of planted seed can be equal to 10% of the total grain yield, and minimizing the weight of planted seed could significantly impact actual yield. This study produced an algorithm to examine the relationship between seed size, yield, and actual yield in silico. The output of this algorithm predicted the ideotype for seed size in peas to be much lower (12.5 g./100 seeds) than the seed size of nearly all commercial varieties, indicating that efficiency in pea cropping systems could be increased by reducing seed size. Modifications to the algorithm would allow the prediction of the ideal seed size in other legumes. The algorithm predicts that there is likely very little correlation between seed size and grain yield, although larger seeded legumes will likely have a higher harvest index. Plant breeders can use the ideotype predicted by this function to create varieties of peas and other large seeded legumes that have higher actual yield. The ideotype for seed size was defined in pea.
Biological Effect of Organically CoatedGrias neuberthiiandPersea americanaSilver Nanoparticles on HeLa and MCF-7 Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Salazar Lizeth , Vallejo López María José , Grijalva Marcelo , Castillo Luis , Maldonado Alexander
Published: August 2018

The aim of this study was to assess the biological effect of organically coatedGrias neuberthii (piton)fruit andPersea americana (avocado)leaves nanoparticles (NPs) on cervical cancer (HeLa) and breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cells with an emphasis on gene expression (p53 transcription factor and glutathione-S-transferaseGST) and cell viability. UV-Vis spectroscopy analysis showed that synthesized AgNPs remained partially stable under cell culture conditions. HeLa cells remained viable when exposed to piton and avocado AgNPs. A statistically significant, dose-dependent cytotoxic response to both AgNPs was found on the breast cancer (MCF-7) cell line at concentrations above 50 µM. While expression levels of transcription factor p53 showed downregulation in treated MCF-7 and HeLa cells,GSTexpression was not affected in both cell lines treated. Cell viability assays along with gene expression levels in treated MCF-7 cells support a cancer cell population undergoing cell cycle arrest. The selective toxicity of biosynthesized piton/avocado AgNPs on MCF-7 cells might be of value for novel therapeutics.
Analyzing the Transcriptome Profile of Human Cumulus Cells Related to Embryo Quality via RNA Sequencing
Authors: Liu Qiwei , Zhang Junhui , Wen Huihui , Feng Yun , Zhang Xunyi , Xiang Huifen , Cao Yunxia , Tong Xiaowen , Ji Yazhong , Xue Zhigang
Published: August 2018

Selecting excellent oocytes is required to improve the outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Cumulus cells (CCs) are an integral part of the oocyte maturation process. Therefore, we sought to identify differentially expressed genes in CCs to assess oocyte quality and embryo development potential. We divided the participants’ embryos into the high-quality embryo group and low-quality embryo group by the information including age, body mass index, and the levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol, and progesterone. We analyzed a total of 7 CC samples after the quality control in RNA sequencing. We found that 2499 genes were unregulated and 5739 genes were downregulated in high-quality embryo group compared to the low-quality embryo group (Padj < 0.05). Interestingly, MSTN, CTGF, NDUFA1, VCAN, SCD5, and STAR were significantly associated with the quality of embryo. In accordance with the results of RNA sequencing, the association of the expression levels of MSTN, CTGF, NDUFA1, VCAN, SCD5, and STAR with the embryo quality was verified by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in 50 CC samples. Despite the small sample size and lack of validation in animal models, our study supports the fact that differential gene expression profile of human CCs, including MSTN, CTGF, NDUFA1, VCAN, SCD5, and STAR, can serve as potential indicator for embryo quality.
CD30 Characterizes Polylobated Lymphocytes and Disease Progression in HTLV-1–Infected Individuals
Authors: Nakashima Makoto , Yamochi Tadanori , Watanabe Mariko , Uchimaru Kaoru , Utsunomiya Atae , Higashihara Masaaki , Watanabe Toshiki , Horie Ryouichi
Published: August 2018

Purpose: Although expression of CD30 is reported in a subset of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma cases, its clinicopathologic significance is poorly understood. We aimed to characterize CD30-positive cells and clarify their tumorigenic role in human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1)–infected cells.

Experimental Design: CD30-positive peripheral blood mononuclear cells from individuals with differing HTLV-1 disease status were characterized, and the role of CD30 signaling was examined using HTLV-1–infected cell lines and primary cells.

Results: CD30-positive cells were detected in all samples examined, and the marker was coexpressed with both CD25 and CD4. This cell population expanded in accordance with disease progression. CD30-positive cells showed polylobation, with some possessing “flower cell” features, active cycling, and hyperploidy. CD30 stimulation of HTLV-1–infected cell lines induced these features and abnormal cell division, with polylobation found to be dependent on the activation of PI3K. The results thus link the expression of CD30, which serves as a marker for HTLV-1 disease status, to an active proliferating cell fraction featuring polylobation and chromosomal aberrations. In addition, brentuximab vedotin, an anti-CD30 monoclonal antibody conjugated with auristatin E, was found to reduce the CD30-positive cell fraction.

Conclusions: Our results indicate that CD30-positive cells act as a reservoir for tumorigenic transformation and clonal expansion during HTLV-1 infection. The CD30-positive fraction may thus be a potential molecular target for those with differing HTLV-1 disease status. Clin Cancer Res; 24(21); 5445–57. ©2018 AACR.
Local Phototherapy Synergizes with Immunoadjuvant for Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer through Induced Immunogenic Tumor Vaccine
Authors: Zhou Feifan , Yang Jingxuan , Zhang Yuqing , Liu Mingyang , Lang Mark L. , Li Min , Chen Wei R.
Published: August 2018

Purpose: To develop a synergistic combination therapy for advanced pancreatic cancer, using local phototherapy and immunotherapy, and to determine the efficacy and mechanism of the novel combination therapy using a highly metastatic pancreatic tumor model in mice.

Experimental Design: Mice bearing Panc02-H7 pancreatic tumors (both subcutaneous and orthotopic) were treated with noninvasive or interventional photothermal therapy, followed by local application of an immunoadjuvant. Tumor growth and animal survival were assessed. Immune cell populations within spleen and tumors were evaluated by FACS and IHC, and cytokine levels were determined by ELISA.

Results: Up to 75% of mice bearing subcutaneous tumors treated with combination therapy had complete tumor regression. Local photothermal therapy exposed/released damage-associated molecular patterns, which initiated an immunogenic tumor cell death, resulting in infiltration of antigen-presenting cells and Th1 immunity. Concomitant application of immunoadjuvant amplified Th1 immunity, especially the tumor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte response, with increased quantity and quality of T cells. Combination therapy also induced tumor-specific immune memory, as demonstrated by resistance to tumor rechallenge and production of memory T cells. For the treatment of orthotopic tumor, the combination therapy significantly reduced the primary tumors and metastases, and prolonged the animal survival time.

Conclusions: This study indicated that combination of local phototherapy and immunotherapy induced a systemic immunity against established tumors and metastases in an aggressive, preclinical pancreatic tumor model, leading to a potential clinical method for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 24(21); 5335–46. ©2018 AACR.
A Journey through Tafuri’s Unsolvable Contradictions
Authors: Corna Luisa Lorenza
Published: August 2018

Marco Biraghi’sProject of Crisisprovides a broad introduction to the thought and working-methods of historian Manfredo Tafuri. It also explores how this framework informed his studies of contemporary architecture. This review foregrounds the most distinctive aspects of Biraghi’s analysis, focusing upon its attention to the diversity of Tafuri’s philosophical sources. However, it argues that the author’s decision to focus upon the letter of Tafuri’s texts pushes questions of cultural and political context into the background. On occasion, this obscures the formative role that a set of historical, political and cultural changes had upon Tafuri’s work. It also undermines Biraghi’s capacity to grasp the political entanglements and limitations of Tafuri’s thought.
The World as Manifestation of Spirit: Mysticism and Metaphysics in West African Religions
Authors: Brodnicka Monika
Published: August 2018

This paper focuses on the concept of the world as interpreted by Amadou Hampaté Bâ, an initiated scholar, from his experience with Fulani and Bamana religions. It examines the meaning of the world as a manifestation of spirit through Bâ’s mystical concept of the ‘living tradition’. Bâ looks at the complex interaction of the material and spiritual dimensions of the universe as it manifests itself in the physical world through symbols, and as it is informed through invisible forces communicated by the Supreme Being. Based on his understanding of Fulani and Bamana traditions, Bâ uses notions of history and art to better highlight the specific relationship between the spiritual and material realms that illustrate this sacred connection. I argue that Bâ’s mystical approach to understanding this metaphysics offers another method of thinking about some of the diverse African indigenous religions through their underlying esoteric connections.
La seconde patrie of a Basel Missionary: Inscription, Inclination, and Initiative in the Life of Edmond Perregaux among the Akan
Authors: McCaskie T.C.
Published: August 2018

This paper explores the life of the Basel missionary Edmond Perregaux (1868-1905) in Switzerland and among the Akan of Ghana. It is concerned with the construction and expression of his selfhood in and between two different worlds in the later nineteenth century under the aegis of an ever advancing globalization. In brief, the paper looks at a Swiss missionary as an actor in Africa and among Africans and reflects upon the matter of reconciling and integrating these two arenas of experience in the formation of his individual subjectivity. It is aimed at creating a much needed bridge between the discrete concerns of Missionary and Africanist historians, and to suggest within the framework of a single individual life the possibilities for a richer, more textured understanding of personhood when all due attention is paid to the interactions between the shaping environments of both home and abroad.
Time and Evil in the Confessions of Augustine and the Talmud
Authors: Kovelman Arkady , Gershowitz Uri
Published: August 2018

To solve the aporia of suffering and evil, the framers of Bavli Berakhot as well as Augustine combined the idea of love for God with the notion of making the moment linger. According to Augustine, evil prevents man from praising God. Evil derives from perverted human will and poisons a soul. Instead of being distended between the past and the future, a soul should forget the past, concentrate on the present, and extend the present as much as possible. By concentration, the present can be extended to approximate eternity, which is the messianic future. The idea of making a moment linger is salient in Bavli Berkahot as well. The close correlation between redemption and ritual presumes the lingering of time, achieved by prolonging the recitation, concentrating on the text, and merging the blessings. Prolonging halakhic time at any cost hastens the coming of the ultimate meta-historical event. Thus Aqiba’s protracting of the word ehad brings him into a meta-historical context, into the future world. The moment of reading the word ehad lingers amidst torture, spasm, and ecstasy. That ecstasy is the consummation of love with God.
A check list of the Chinese Zeugophorinae (Coleoptera: Megalopodidae), with new synonym, new record and two new species of subgenus Pedrillia from China
Authors: LI KAIQIN , LIANG HONGBIN
Published: August 2018

A total of 28 Zeugophorinae taxa are recognized in China. Two new species of the subgenus Pedrillia are described from China: Zeugophora (Pedrillia) emeica Li & Liang, sp. nov. and Zeugophora (Pedrillia) nigroapica Li & Liang, sp. nov. Three species are recorded for the first time in China: Zeugophora (Pedrillia) longicornis Westwood, 1864; Zeugophora (Pedrillia) bicoloriventris Pic, 1911; and Zeugophora (Pedrillia) indica Jacoby, 1903. For Zeugophora (Pedrillia) longicornis Westwood, 1864 = Zeugophora (Pedrillia) bicoloriventris Pic, 1911, a new junior synonym is proposed. Keys to the Chinese species of the subgenera Zeugophora and Pedrillia and a check list of the species are provided.
Evaluation of Forecasts of a Convectively Generated Bore Using an Intensively Observed Case Study from PECAN
Authors: Johnson Aaron , Wang Xuguang , Haghi Kevin R. , Parsons David B.
Published: August 2018

This paper presents a case study from an intensive observing period (IOP) during the Plains Elevated Convection at Night (PECAN) field experiment that was focused on a bore generated by nocturnal convection. Observations from PECAN IOP 25 on 11 July 2015 are used to evaluate the performance of high-resolution Weather Research and Forecasting Model forecasts, initialized using the Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation (GSI)-based ensemble Kalman filter. The focus is on understanding model errors and sensitivities in order to guide forecast improvements for bores associated with nocturnal convection. Model simulations of the bore amplitude are compared against eight retrieved vertical cross sections through the bore during the IOP. Sensitivities of forecasts to microphysics and planetary boundary layer (PBL) parameterizations are also investigated. Forecasts initialized before the bore pulls away from the convection show a more realistic bore than forecasts initialized later from analyses of the bore itself, in part due to the smoothing of the existing bore in the ensemble mean. Experiments show that the different microphysics schemes impact the quality of the simulations with unrealistically weak cold pools and bores with the Thompson and Morrison microphysics schemes, cold pools too strong with the WDM6 and more accurate with the WSM6 schemes. Most PBL schemes produced a realistic bore response to the cold pool, with the exception of the Mellor–Yamada–Nakanishi–Niino (MYNN) scheme, which creates too much turbulent mixing atop the bore. A new method of objectively estimating the depth of the near-surface stable layer corresponding to a simple two-layer model is also introduced, and the impacts of turbulent mixing on this estimate are discussed.
Trapped Gravity Waves and Their Association with Turbulence in a Large Thunderstorm Anvil during PECAN
Authors: Trier Stanley B. , Sharman Robert D.
Published: August 2018

Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-14 (GOES-14) 1-km visible satellite data with 1-min frequency revealed horizontally propagating internal gravity waves emanating from tropopause-penetrating deep convection on 3–4 June 2015 during the Plains Elevated Convection at Night (PECAN) field experiment. These waves had horizontal wavelengths of ~6–8 km and approximate ground-relative phase speeds of 35 m s−1. PECAN radiosonde data are used to document the environment supporting the horizontally propagating gravity waves within the 200-km-long downstream thunderstorm anvil. Comparisons among soundings within the anvil core, at the downstream anvil edge, and outside of the anvil, together with supporting high-resolution numerical simulations, establish the importance of the storm-induced upper-tropospheric/lower-stratospheric (UTLS) outflow in providing conditions allowing vertical trapping of internal gravity waves over large horizontal distances within the mesoscale anvil. Turbulence was reported by commercial aviation in proximity to the gravity waves near the downstream anvil edge. The simulations suggest that the strongest turbulence was consistent with a mesoscale destabilization of the outer portion of the downstream anvil at elevations immediately below the outflow jet, where differential temperature advection owing to the strong associated vertical shear reduces static stability. The simulated gravity waves are trapped at this elevation and extend for several kilometers below. Local minima of moist gradient Richardson number occur immediately above the simulated warm gravity wave temperature perturbations at anvil base, suggesting a possible role these waves could play in establishing precise locations for the onset of turbulence.
Noncardioembolic Stroke in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Katsi Vasiliki , Georgiopoulos Georgios , Skafida Anastasia , Oikonomou Dimitrios , Klettas Dimitrios , Vemmos Konstantinos , Tousoulis Dimitris
Published: August 2018

Atrial fibrillation (AF) could be a coincidental finding in certain patients with ischemic stroke and increased burden of underlying cardiovascular disease. Concomitant large-vessel atheromatosis and cerebral small vessel disease may be the actual cause of stroke, and distinguishing between different pathophysiologic mechanisms could impose substantial diagnostic difficulties. Despite routine use of oral anticoagulants (OACs) in patients with AF based on their risk for embolism (ie, CHA2DS2-Vasc score), antithrombotic agents may exert differential effects depending on stroke etiology and stroke subtyping should be evaluated as an additional component of risk stratification that could facilitate optimal management. In the present study, we summarize the evidence on noncardioembolic (non-CE) stroke and treatment approaches based on different stroke subtypes in patients with AF. In particular, approximately one-third of patients with AF seem to suffer a non-CE stroke. Within this category, 11% to 24% of patients present high-grade carotid stenosis and 9% to 16% of ischemic strokes are classified as lacunar. In terms of secondary prevention, the effectiveness of OACs in preventing non-CE stroke has been disputed. Additional large-scale prospective studies are warranted to assess the pathophysiologic stroke mechanisms in patients with AF and compare the differential efficacy of antithrombotic treatment strategies in non-CE ischemic syndromes.
The Impacts of Service Failure and Recovery Efforts on Airline Customers’ Emotions and Satisfaction
Authors: Xu Xun , Liu Wenhui , Gursoy Dogan
Published: August 2018

Using online customer reviews for airline services, this study examines the impacts of various attributes of airline service failures and subsequent recovery actions on customer consumption emotions, satisfaction, and recommendation likelihood through text mining, sentiment analysis, and path analysis. Findings suggest that causes, magnitude, and consequences of service failures influence customers’ positive and negative emotions. Providing compensation for the current trip, either monetary or nonmonetary, can alleviate customers’ negative emotions, while providing compensation for future travel does not have any impact on emotions. Findings further suggest that positive employee attitudes, behaviors, and prompt service recovery actions generate more positive emotions while alleviating negative emotions compared to compensations provided. Service failures and timely, reliable, and satisfactory recovery actions have greater influences on travelers who fly with full-service airlines and in business class compared with travelers who fly with low-cost airlines and in economy class. Customers’ emotions influence their satisfaction and recommendation likelihood.
Thermoreversible cross-linking of maleated natural rubber with glycerol
Authors: Srirachya Nuttida , Kobayashi Takaomi , Roy Kumarjyoti , Boonkerd Kanoktip
Published: August 2018

In this article, thermoreversible covalent cross-linking of maleated natural rubber (MNR) with glycerol was studied. Firstly, NR was grafted with maleic anhydride using a reactive processing method. The result showed that MNR was successfully obtained without the addition of initiator. The highest grafting was 1.76%. Secondly, the obtained MNR was dissolved in toluene and then mixed with glycerol, which is used in this study as the thermoreversible cross-linking agent. Fourier transform infrared spectra of the casted MNR film mixed with glycerol showed that upon heating, covalent ester cross-links were formed via the reaction of succinic anhydride ring with hydroxyl groups of glycerol. The swelling test indicated that the swelling index (%) decreased with increasing glycerol loading. This indicated that the degree of cross-linking directly depended on the amount of glycerol. The tensile strength and modulus were significantly improved upon increasing the level of cross-linking. The MNR cross-linked with glycerol can be remolded at 150°C more than three times. After remolding, the mechanical properties decreased with increasing recycling round.
Effects of combined intervention of physical exercise and cognitive training on cognitive function in stroke survivors with vascular cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bo Wang , Lei Mao , Tao Shen , Jie Liu Tuan , Qian Li , Lin Fang Qi , Ping Wang Xiao
Published: August 2018

Objective:

This study evaluated the possible effect of the combined intervention of physical exercise and cognitive training on cognitive function in stroke survivals with vascular cognitive impairment.

Design:

A single-blind (investigator-blinded but not subject-blinded) randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

Medical Rehabilitation Center of Shanghai General Hospital, China.

Subjects:

A total of 225 patients (mean age 64.59 years, SD = 4.27) who exhibited vascular cognitive impairment were included in this study.

Interventions:

Patients were randomly allocated into one of the four groups: (1) physical exercise ( n = 56; 50-minute session), (2) cognitive training ( n = 57; 60-minute session), (3) combined intervention of physical exercise and cognitive training ( n = 55; 50-minute session + 60-minute session), or (4) control groups ( n = 57; 45-minute session). All participants received training for 36 sessions, three days per week, for 12 weeks.

Primary measures:

Measures were recorded at baseline, after the intervention and at a six-month follow-up. Primary measurements included the Trail Making Part B, Stroop, forward digit span, and mental rotation tests.

Results:

A total of 179 participants (79.56% response rate) completed the study. Cognitive performances on all four tasks in the combined training group improved significantly after the intervention ( P < 0.01). Changes in cognitive performance were greater in the combined intervention group than those in the physical exercise group (e.g. forward digit span, 13.61% vs. 2.18%, P = 0.003), the cognitive training group (e.g. mental rotation, 17.36% vs. 0.87%, P  = 0.002), and the control group (e.g. Stroop, −4.11% vs. −0.72%, P  = 0.026).

Conclusion:

The combined intervention produced greater benefits on cognitive function compared to either training alone in stroke survivors with vascular cognitive impairment.
Bullying Perpetration and Subsequent Delinquency: A Regression-Based Analysis of Early Adolescent Schoolchildren
Authors: Walters Glenn D. , Espelage Dorothy L.
Published: August 2018

The purpose of this study was to determine whether bullying perpetration in early adolescence is capable of predicting delinquency 1 year later. Nine control variables were included in a regression analysis of the bullying–delinquency relationship in 1,001 schoolchildren ([Formula: see text] age = 12.97 years). The nine control variables (age, sex, race, social support, bullying victimization, probullying attitudes, parental knowledge, impulsivity, and peer delinquency), along with bullying perpetration and prior delinquency, were regressed onto delinquency measured 1 year later. Because the majority of participants (63.3%) were missing data on the outcome measure, a full information maximum likelihood (FIML) with auxiliary variables was performed. The results of a preliminary confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated that the bullying and delinquency scales employed in this study were assessing separate constructs. The main analysis revealed that parental knowledge, impulsivity, bullying, and precursor delinquency predicted delinquency one year later.
Beliefs About Fighting and Their Relations to Urban Adolescents’ Frequency of Aggression and Victimization: Evaluation of the Beliefs About Fighting Scale
Authors: Farrell Albert D. , Bettencourt Amie F. , Mehari Krista R.
Published: August 2018

This study investigated the structure and concurrent validity of the Beliefs About Fighting Scale (BAFS). Participants were 2,118 students from three urban middle schools who completed measures of their beliefs, frequency of physical aggression, victimization, and nonviolent intentions. Ratings of students’ frequency of physical aggression, physical victimization, and nonviolent behavior were also obtained from their teachers. The majority of the sample was African American (81%). Confirmatory factor analyses supported a model with separate factors representing beliefs against fighting, beliefs that fighting is sometimes necessary, beliefs supporting reactive aggression, and beliefs supporting proactive aggression. Support was also found for strong measurement invariance across sex, grade, and groups that differed in whether a violence-prevention program was being implemented at their school. The four BAFS factors were associated with adolescents’ frequency of aggression, victimization, and nonviolent behavior. This study underscores the importance of assessing multiple aspects of beliefs associated with aggressive behavior.
A Low-Cost Real-World Planning Strategy for Deploying a Dedicated Short-Range Communications Roadside Unit on a Highway Off-Ramp
Authors: Walker Jonathan B. , Heaslip Kevin
Published: August 2018

The deployment of dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) roadside units (RSUs) allows a connected or automated vehicle to acquire information from the surrounding environment, such as a traffic light’s signal phase and timing, using vehicle-to-infrastructure communication. Several scholarly papers exist on planning strategies for DSRC RSU deployments using simulation without accounting for wireless communication constraints and environmental changes. This paper proposes an empirical-based planning strategy for a highway off-ramp in a real-world environment. The research goal focuses on developing a low-cost and structured deployment plan for DSRC RSUs with the following objectives: use free planning tools; apply the deployment strategy in a real-world environment; utilize publicly available DSRC RSU data measurements; and leverage existing intelligent transportation systems infrastructure when possible. The proposed planning strategy includes three steps: (1) conduct a virtual site survey, (2) gather baseline performance data for the DSRC RSU equipment, and (3) generate a predictive radio frequency signal. The planning strategy was successfully applied on a highway off-ramp at exit 19A of the Capital Beltway, which encircles Washington, DC.