bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beneficial Effect of Multidomain Cognitive Training on the Neuropsychological Performance of Patients with Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Nousia Anastasia , Siokas Vasileios , Aretouli Eleni , Messinis Lambros , Aloizou Athina-Maria , Martzoukou Maria , Karala Maria , Koumpoulis Charalampos , Nasios Grigorios , Dardiotis Efthimios
Published: July 2018

Background and Purpose. There is an increasing interest in the effect of nonpharmacological interventions on the course of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The objective of the present study is to determine the benefits of a structured, multidomain, mostly computer-based, cognitive training (MCT) οn the cognitive performance of patients with early-stage AD. Method. Fifty patients with early-stage AD participated in the study. Patients were randomly allocated either to the training program group (n=25) or to a wait list control group (n=25). The training program group received computer-assisted MCT and linguistic exercises utilizing pen and paper supplemented by cognitive-linguistic exercises for homework. The duration of the MCT intervention program was 15 weeks, and it was administered twice a week. Each session lasted for approximately one hour. Objective measures of episodic memory, delayed memory, word recognition, attention, executive function, processing speed, semantic fluency, and naming were assessed at baseline and after the completion of the program in both groups. Results. Analysis showed that in controls, delayed memory and executive function had deteriorated over the observation period of 15 weeks, while the training group improved their performance in word recognition, Boston Naming Test (BNT), semantic fluency (SF), clock-drawing test (CDT), digit span forward (DSF), digit span backward (DSB), trail-making test A (TMT A), and trail-making test B (TMT B). Comparison between the training group and the controls showed that MCT had a significant beneficial effect in delayed memory, naming, semantic fluency, visuospatial ability, executive functions, attention, and processing speed. Conclusions. The study provides evidence of a beneficial effect of MCT with an emphasis on cognitive-language performance of patients with early-stage AD. Considering the limited efficacy of current pharmacological therapies in AD, concurrent computer-based MCT may represent an additional enhancing treatment option in early-stage AD patients.
The Discreet Charm of Higgsino Dark Matter: A Pocket Review
Authors: Kowalska Kamila , Sessolo Enrico Maria
Published: July 2018

We give a brief review of the current constraints and prospects for detection of higgsino dark matter in low-scale supersymmetry. In the first part we argue, after performing a survey of all potential dark matter particles in the MSSM, that the (nearly) pure higgsino is the only candidate emerging virtually unscathed from the wealth of observational data of recent years. In doing so by virtue of its gauge quantum numbers and electroweak symmetry breaking only, it maintains at the same time a relatively high degree of model-independence. In the second part we properly review the prospects for detection of a higgsino-like neutralino in direct underground dark matter searches, collider searches, and indirect astrophysical signals. We provide estimates for the typical scale of the superpartners and fine tuning in the context of traditional scenarios where the breaking of supersymmetry is mediated at about the scale of Grand Unification and where strong expectations for a timely detection of higgsinos in underground detectors are closely related to the measured 125 GeV mass of the Higgs boson at the LHC.
A Conjugate Heat Transfer Analysis of a Triangular Finned Annulus Based on DG-FEM
Authors: Ishaq Muhammad , Syed Khalid Saifullah , Iqbal Zafar , Hassan Ahmad
Published: July 2018

A DG-FEM based numerical investigation has been performed to explore the influence of the various geometric configurations on the thermal performance of the conjugate heat transfer analysis in the triangular finned double pipe heat exchanger. The computed results dictate that Nusselt number in general rises with values of the conductivity ratio of solid and fluid, for the specific configuration parameters considered here. However, the performance of these parameters shows strong influence on the conductivity ratio. Consequently, these parameters must be selected in consideration of the thermal resistance, for better design of heat exchanger.
Adverse Childhood Experiences, Health‐Related Quality of Life, and Chronic Disease Risks in Rural Areas of the United States
Authors: Chanlongbutra Amy , Singh Gopal K. , Mueller Curt D.
Published: July 2018

Exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) is associated with increased odds of high‐risk behaviors and adverse health outcomes. This study examined whether ACE exposure among individuals living in rural areas of the United States is associated with adult activity limitations, self‐reported general poor health status, chronic diseases, and poor mental health. Data from the 2011 and 2012 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) (N=79,810) from nine states were used to calculate the prevalence of ACEs in rural and urban areas. ACE scores were determined by summing 11 survey items. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine the association between ACE scores and health outcomes, including self‐reported general health status, chronic diseases, and health‐related quality of life. Approximately 55.4% of rural respondents aged ≥18 years reported at least one ACE and 14.7% reported experiencing ≥4 ACEs in their childhood, compared to 59.5% of urban residents who reported at least one ACE and 15.5% reporting ≥4 ACEs. After adjusting for sociodemographic covariates, compared to rural respondents who never reported an ACE, rural respondents who experienced ≥1 ACEs had increased odds of reporting fair/poor general health, activity limitations, and heart disease, which is consistent with previous studies. The odds of experiencing a heart attack were higher for rural residents reporting 2 and ≥4 ACEs; the odds of diabetes were higher for those with 3 ACEs; and the odds of ever having asthma or poor mental health was higher for those with ≥3 ACEs. Although individuals in rural areas are less likely to experience ACEs, over half of rural respondents reported experiencing an ACE in childhood. Programs aimed at preventing ACEs, including child maltreatment, can benefit rural areas by reducing adult morbidity and increasing quality of life.
Physical and Compaction Properties of Granular Materials with Artificial Grading behind the Particle Size Distributions
Authors: Chen Ming-liang , Wu Gao-jian , Gan Bin-rui , Jiang Wan-hong , Zhou Jia-wen
Published: July 2018

Granular materials in geotechnical engineering is generally considered to be mixtures of clay, sand, and gravel that commonly appear in slopes, valleys, or river beds, and they are especially used for the construction of earth‐rock‐filled dams. The complexity of the constitution of granular materials leads to the complexity of their properties. Particle size distribution (PSD) has a great influence on the strength, permeability, and compaction behavior of granular materials, and some implicit correlation may exist between the PSD and the compaction properties of granular materials. Field testing and statistical analysis are used to study the physical and compaction properties of granular materials with artificial grading behind the particle size distributions. The statistical properties in PSD of dam granular materials and how the variation of PSD renders statistical constant are revealed. The statistical constants of three types of dam granular materials are 2.459, 2.475, and 2.499, respectively, on average. These statistical constants have a positive correlation with dry density and a negative correlation with moisture content. According to this characteristic and little deviation between two different calculation methods (from grading analysis and based on the Weibull distribution), the presentation of the statistical analysis ensures the validity of the Weibull function’s description of the granular materials with artificial grading. After fitting the Weibull function to the PSD curve, the relationship between the Weibull parameters and the compaction degree in different soil samples is consistent with that in different types, providing guiding significance for evaluating and selecting dam granular materials.
Assessment of the Aging of the Brown Adipose Tissue by 18F-FDG PET/CT Imaging in the Progeria Mouse Model Lmna−/−
Authors: Wang Zhengjie , Xu Xiaolong , Liu Yi , Gao Yongheng , Kang Fei , Liu Baohua , Wang Jing
Published: July 2018

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is an important energy metabolic organ that is highly implicated in obesity, type 2 diabetes, and atherosclerosis. Aging is one of the most important determinants of BAT activity. In this study, we used 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging to assess BAT aging in Lmna−/− mice. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVMax) of the BAT was measured, and the target/nontarget (T/NT) values of BAT were calculated. The transcription and the protein expression levels of the uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), beta3-adrenergic receptor (β3-AR), and the PR domain-containing 16 (PRDM16) were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting or immunohistochemical analysis. Apoptosis and cell senescence rates in the BAT of WT and Lmna−/− mice were determined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) and by CDKN2A/p16INK4a immunohistochemical staining, respectively. At 14 weeks of age, the BAT SUVMax and the expression levels of UCP1, β3-AR, and PRDM16 in Lmna−/− mice were significantly reduced relative to WT mice. At the same time, the number of p16INK4a and TUNEL positively stained cells (%) increased in Lmna−/− mice. Collectively, our results indicate that the aging characteristics and the aging regulatory mechanism in the BAT of Lmna−/− mice can mimic the normal BAT aging process.
The Modeling Research on the Early‐Age Shrinkage of UHPFRC in Different Curing Conditions
Authors: Han Song , Liu Yazhou , Liu Dan , An Mingzhe , Yu Ziruo
Published: July 2018

The early‐age shrinkage of ultra‐high performance fiber reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) in dry, sealed, and soaked curing was systematically measured. The calculation model of early‐age shrinkage was established based on the theory of shrinkage of cementitious materials. According to the results of the relative humidity, hydration degree, pore structure, and elastic modulus of hardened slurry, the shrinkage calculation model in different curing conditions was calibrated. The results show that the early‐age shrinkage of UHPFRC can be divided into three parts: chemical shrinkage, autogenous shrinkage caused by self‐drying, and drying shrinkage caused by external drying. Based on the degree of hydration, the chemical shrinkage model was established. Based on the pore structure, the hydration degree, and the relative humidity of hardened slurry, the autogenous shrinkage model was established by introducing the effective pore coefficient. The drying shrinkage model was established based on the internal humidity. According to the shrinkage of soaked samples, the calculated value of chemical shrinkage in sealed and drying conditions was calibrated. This research provides theoretical support for the structural design and engineering application of UHPFRC.
Properties of Metal-Doped Covalent Organic Frameworks and Their Interactions with Sulfur Dioxide
Authors: Wang Ju , Wang Jia , Zhuang Wenchang , Shi Xiaoqin , Du Xihua
Published: July 2018

Covalent organic frameworks are unique for their highly open architecture and attractive for use as promising gas adsorption and storage carriers. In this work, density functional theory calculations have been performed to investigate the properties of metal-doped covalent organic frameworks and their interactions with the SO2 gas molecule. It is found that a single metal atom (including Li, Na, K, and Sc) doped at the top of phenyls within the tetra(4-dihydroxyborylphenyl) silane (TBPS) building block of covalent organic frameworks can easily lose its valence electrons and can be positively charged. The SO2 gas molecule could be stably absorbed onto the metal-doped covalent organic frameworks. The absorbed SO2 molecule interacts with Li, Na, K, and Sc metal-doped covalent organic frameworks by the dominant donor-acceptor delocalization between 1-center lone pair of an oxygen atom within SO2 and 1-center non-Lewis lone pairs of the doped metal atom.
Management of Menstrual Disorder in Adolescent Girls with Intellectual Disabilities: A Blessing or a Curse?
Authors: Nurkhairulnisa Abu Ishak , Chew Kah Teik , Zainudin Ani Amelia , Lim Pei Shan , Shafiee Mohamad Nasir , Kampan Nirmala , Wan Ismail Wan Salwina , Grover Sonia , Nur Azurah Abdul Ghani
Published: July 2018

Objective. This study aims to describe the menstrual pattern and menstrual care of girls with intellectual disabilities and to evaluate the impact of menstruation and awareness of parents/guardians on girls with intellectual disabilities.Methodology. Parents/guardians of girls aged 9–17 years with known intellectual disabilities who attended a scheduled public forum and Paediatrics and Adolescent Gynaecology Clinic (PAC) were recruited in a questionnaire-based study.Results. A total of 123 parents/guardians with a mean age of 41.83 ± 5.45 years completed the questionnaire. The mean age of girls with intellectual disabilities was 12.28 ± 2.78 years, and the mean menarcheal age was 11.12 ± 1.76 years. Only 53 (43.1%) parents/guardians were aware of availability of menstrual suppression. Parents/guardians with lower family income (OR = 0.00; 95% CI = 0.00–0.20), unable to manage menses (OR = 0.03; 95% CI = 0.00–0.61), and moderate severity of menses (OR = 0.01; 95% CI = 0.00–1.21), were associated with seeking medical help on menstrual suppression. The factors associated with parents/guardians requesting for sterilization were lower family income (OR = 0.02; 95% CI = 0.00–0.36) and concern about sexual abuse (OR = 0.25; 95% CI = 0.06–0.39).Conclusion. Menstrual pattern in girls with intellectual disabilities is similar to those without disabilities. Parents/guardians’ knowledge and awareness on menstrual suppression were still lacking.
Altered Cell-Cycle Control, Inflammation, and Adhesion in High-Risk Persistent Bronchial Dysplasia
Authors: Merrick Daniel T. , Edwards Michael G. , Franklin Wilbur A. , Sugita Michio , Keith Robert L. , Miller York E. , Friedman Micah B. , Dwyer-Nield Lori D. , Tennis Meredith A. , O'Keefe Mary C. , Donald Elizabeth J. , Malloy Jessica M. , van Bokhoven Adrie , Wilson Storey , Koch Peter J. , O'Shea Charlene , Coldren Christopher , Orlicky David J. , Lu Xian , Baron Anna E. , Hickey Greg , Kennedy Timothy C. , Powell Roger , Heasley Lynn , Bunn Paul A. , Geraci Mark , Nemenoff Raphael A.
Published: July 2018

Persistent bronchial dysplasia is associated with increased risk of developing invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the lung. In this study, we hypothesized that differences in gene expression profiles between persistent and regressive bronchial dysplasia would identify cellular processes that underlie progression to SCC. RNA expression arrays comparing baseline biopsies from 32 bronchial sites that persisted/progressed to 31 regressive sites showed 395 differentially expressed genes [ANOVA, FDR ≤ 0.05). Thirty-one pathways showed significantly altered activity between the two groups, many of which were associated with cell-cycle control and proliferation, inflammation, or epithelial differentiation/cell–cell adhesion. Cultured persistent bronchial dysplasia cells exhibited increased expression of Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1), which was associated with multiple cell-cycle pathways. Treatment with PLK1 inhibitor induced apoptosis and G2–M arrest and decreased proliferation compared with untreated cells; these effects were not seen in normal or regressive bronchial dysplasia cultures. Inflammatory pathway activity was decreased in persistent bronchial dysplasia, and the presence of an inflammatory infiltrate was more common in regressive bronchial dysplasia. Regressive bronchial dysplasia was also associated with trends toward overall increases in macrophages and T lymphocytes and altered polarization of these inflammatory cell subsets. Increased desmoglein 3 and plakoglobin expression was associated with higher grade and persistence of bronchial dysplasia. These results identify alterations in the persistent subset of bronchial dysplasia that are associated with high risk for progression to invasive SCC. These alterations may serve as strong markers of risk and as effective targets for lung cancer prevention.

Significance: Gene expression profiling of high-risk persistent bronchial dysplasia reveals changes in cell-cycle control, inflammatory activity, and epithelial differentiation/cell–cell adhesion that may underlie progression to invasive SCC. Cancer Res; 78(17); 4971–83. ©2018 AACR.
Mandibular Myalgia and Miniscule Meckel’s Caves
Authors: Sundararajan Srihari , Loevner Laurie A. , Mohan Suyash
Published: July 2018

Trigeminal neuropathy manifests as episodic sharp, shooting pain in the maxillofacial region. Contributory etiologies are myriad, ranging from central pathology affecting its origin in the brainstem to peripheral processes affecting their distal-most insertion sites. We present a case of bilateral hypoplastic Meckel’s caves in an adult patient leading to the clinical symptomology of trigeminal neuralgia. To the best of our knowledge, this is the only report of its kind highlighting this anatomic variant.
Influence of Age and Education on the Performance of Elderly in the Brazilian Version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Battery
Authors: Pinto Tiago C.C. , Machado Leonardo , Bulgacov Tatiana M. , Rodrigues-Júnior Antônio L. , Costa Maria Lúcia G. , Ximenes Rosana C.C. , Sougey Everton B.
Published: July 2018

Aims: To provide normative data for the Brazilian version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-BR) and to measure the effect of sociodemographic variables on the cognitive performance of cognitively healthy elderly people. Methods: A sample of 110 cognitively healthy individuals, aged over 65 years, with at least 4 years of schooling were recruited from 3 health care centers for the elderly in Recife, Brazil. The cognitive performance was assessed using MoCA-BR. Results: The average score of these elderly people in the MoCA-BR was 23.2 ± 2.7. Their schooling correlated positively with the cognitive performance, with a Spearman’s coefficient of 0.33 (p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant negative correlation between age and the cognitive performance (Spearman’s rho = –0.19). The multiple linear regression model with the highest adjusted coefficient of determination was the one that included schooling and age (adjusted R2 = 0.127). Conclusions: The cognitive performance of healthy elderly was evaluated and was strongly influenced by schooling and, to a lower degree, by age.
The Extended C-Terminal α-Helix of the HypC Chaperone Restricts Recognition of Large Subunit Precursors by the Hyp-Scaffold Machinery during [NiFe]-Hydrogenase Maturation in Escherichia coli
Authors: Thomas Claudia , Waclawek Mandy , Nutschan Kerstin , Pinske Constanze , Sawers R. Gary
Published: July 2018

Members of the HypC protein family are chaperone-like proteins that play a central role in the maturation of [NiFe]-hydrogenases (Hyd). Escherichia coli has a second copy of HypC, called HybG, and, as a component of the HypDEF maturation scaffold, these proteins help synthesize the NiFe-cofactor and guide the scaffold to its designated hydrogenase large subunit precursor. HypC is required to synthesize active Hyd-1 and Hyd-3, while HybG facilitates Hyd-2 and Hyd-1 synthesis. To identify determinants on HypC that allow it to discriminate against Hyd-2, we made amino acid exchanges in 3 variable regions, termed VR1, VR2, and VR3, of HypC, that make it more similar to HybG. Region VR3 includes a HypC-specific C-terminal α-helical extension, and this proved particularly important in preventing the maturation of Hyd-2 by HypC. Truncation of this extension on HypC increased Hyd-2 activity in the absence of HybG, while retaining maturation of Hyd-3 and Hyd-1. Combining this truncation with amino acid exchanges in VR1 and VR2 of HypC negatively affected the synthesis of active Hyd-1. The C-terminus of E. coli HypC is thus a key determinant in hindering Hyd-2 maturation, while VR1 and VR2 appear more important for Hyd-1 matu­ration.
Clinical Impact of Preoperative Albumin-Globulin Ratio in Patients with Rectal Cancer Treated with Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Toiyama Yuji , Oki Satoshi , Okugawa Yoshinaga , Ide Shozou , Yasuda Hiromi , Fujikawa Hiroyuki , Yoshiyama Shigeyuki , Hiro Junichiro , Ohi Masaki , Inoue Yasuhiro , Araki Toshimitsu , Kusunoki Masato
Published: July 2018

Objective: The serum albumin-globulin ratio (AGR) is associated with malignancy outcomes. However, among patients with rectal cancer (RC) who undergo neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT), the clinical and prognostic significance of the pretreatment AGR is unclear. Methods: We investigated whether the pre-nCRT AGR can help predict oncological outcomes in patients with RC receiving nCRT. We analyzed 114 patients with RC who received nCRT followed by total mesorectal excision at our institution. Results: A lower AGR in pre-nCRT serum was significantly correlated with shorter overall survival and disease-free survival in patients with nCRT-treated RC. In multivariate analysis, a high carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level and a low AGR in pre-nCRT serum were independent predictors of a poor prognosis in these patients. Furthermore, combining the AGR with CEA provided a more accurate indicator of poor prognosis and early recurrence in these patients. In particular, a low pre-nCRT AGR was a stronger indicator of a poor prognosis and early recurrence in patients without than with pathological lymph node metastasis. Combining the pre-nCRT AGR with CEA could more precisely stratify patients’ oncological outcome risks. Conclusion: Assessment of the pretreatment AGR with or without CEA can guide postoperative treatment in patients with RC who undergo nCRT.
The Glymphatic System and Waste Clearance with Brain Aging: A Review
Authors: Benveniste Helene , Liu Xiaodan , Koundal Sunil , Sanggaard Simon , Lee Hedok , Wardlaw Joanna
Published: July 2018

The glymphatic system is a glial-dependent waste clearance pathway in the brain, in place of lymphatic vessels, dedicated to drain away soluble waste proteins and metabolic products. Specifically, the glymphatic network serves as a “front end” for waste clearance, and is connected downstream to an authentic lymphatic network, associated with dura covering the brain as well as cranial nerves and large vessels at the skull exits. The anatomical and functional interconnections between these two networks are not completely understood. Several key physiological processes have been identified that control glymphatic transport function and waste clearance from brain. In this review, we aim to provide an overview and discussion of the concept behind the glymphatic system, current evidence, and controversies, while specifically focusing on the consequences of aging and evidence of its existence in human brain. Discovering novel strategies for optimizing and maintaining efficient brain waste clearance across the lifespan may in the future prove to be important for preventing cognitive decline and sustaining healthy aging.
N-Propargyl Caffeamide Skews Macrophages Towards a Resolving M2-Like Phenotype Against Myocardial Ischemic Injury via Activating Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway and Inhibiting NF-ĸB Pathway
Authors: Cheng Yuanyuan , Yang Chuanbin , Luo Dan , Li Xuechen , Le X. Chris , Rong Jianhui 
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: Macrophages exhibit dynamic pro-inflammatory and resolving activities in myocardial infarction. The present study investigated whether caffeic acid derivatives could induce macrophage polarization towards a resolving M2 phenotype against myocardial infarction injury. Methods: Western blotting, RT-PCR and flow cytometry techniques are used to evaluate macrophage biomarkers expression and specific proteins in the related signaling pathways. Ligation of the left anterior descending artery induced rat model of myocardial infarction, TTC staining and immunohistochemical staining are used to examine cardioprotective effect in vivo. Results: We initially evaluated the anti-inflammatory activity of four caffeic acid derivatives including n-propargyl caffeamide (PACA) in RAW264.7 macrophages. As result, PACA selectively suppressed the up-regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) over cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-stimulated cells. We subsequently examined the effects of PACA on macrophage polarization by determining macrophage biomarkers. PACA down-regulated M1 biomarkers (e.g., iNOS, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), C-X-C motif chemokine 10 (CXCL10) and CD80) but up-regulated M2 biomarkers (e.g., Ym-1 and arginase-1). On the other hand, PACA suppressed macrophage chemotaxis while enhanced macrophage phagocytosis. We further examined the in vivo cardioprotective activity of PACA in a rat model of myocardial infarction. Following ligation of the left anterior descending artery, PACA treatment effectively reduced myocardial infarct size and promoted macrophage M2 polarization. We finally explored the underlying mechanisms. We found that PACA attenuated LPS-induced NF-ĸB activation while activated Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. HO-1 inhibitor SnPP attenuated the effects of PACA on iNOS expression in LPS-challenged macrophages, possibly by regulating the cross-talk between HO-1 and NF-ĸB pathways. Conclusions: The key finding from the present study was that PACA promoted timely switch of macrophage phenotypes from pro-inflammatory M1 to resolving M2. We anticipate that PACA is a potential drug candidate for the resolution of inflammation and cardiac repair after myocardial infarction.
The Role of Alpha-Lipoic Acid in the Pathomechanism of Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Wang Qingqing , Lv Chengmei , Sun Yongxin , Han Xu , Wang Shan , Mao Zhengchun , Xin Yanming , Zhang Bing
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: Ischemic stroke results in increased cerebral infarction, neurological deficits and neuroinflammation. The underlying mechanisms involving the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties of α-Lipoic acid (α-LA) remain poorly understood. Herein, we investigated the potential role of α-LA in a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rat model and an in vitro lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced microglia inflammation model. Methods: In the in vivo study, infarct volume was examined by TTC staining and Garcia score was used to evaluate neurologic recovery. The cytokines were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and protein expression of microglia phenotype and NF-κB were measured using western blot. In the in vitro study, the expressions of microglia M1/M2 phenotype were evaluated using qRT-PCR, and immunofluorescence staining was used to assess the nuclear translocation of NF-κB. Results: Both 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg of α-LA alleviated infarct size, brain edema, and neurological deficits. Furthermore, α-LA induced the polarization of microglia to the M2 phenotype, modulated the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and IL-10, and attenuated the activation of NF-κB after MCAO. α-LA inhibited the expression of M1 markers, increased activation of the M2 markers, and suppressed the nuclear translocation of NF-κB in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglia. Conclusions: α-LA improved neurological outcome in experimental stroke via modulating microglia M1/M2 polarization. The potential mechanism of α-LA might be mediated by inhibition of NF-κB activation via regulating phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of p65.
Nephron‐Specific Disruption of Nitric Oxide Synthase 3 Causes Hypertension and Impaired Salt Excretion
Authors: Gao Yang , Stuart Deborah , Takahishi Takamune , Kohan Donald E.
Published: July 2018

Background

In vitro studies suggest that nephron nitric oxide synthase 3 (
NOS
3) modulates tubule Na
+
transport.

Methods and Results

To assess nephron
NOS
3 relevance in vivo, knockout (KO) mice with doxycycline‐inducible nephron‐wide deletion of
NOS
3 were generated. During 1 week of salt loading,
KO
mice, as compared with controls, had higher arterial pressure and Na
+
retention, a tendency towards reduced plasma renin concentration, and unchanged glomerular filtration rate. Chronic high salt‐treated
KO
mice had modestly decreased total
NCC
and total
SPAK
/
OSR
1 versus controls, however percent phosphorylation of
NCC
(at T
53
) and of
SPAK
/
OSR
1 was increased. In contrast, total and phosphorylated
NKCC
2 (at T
96/101
) were suppressed by 50% each in
KO
versus control mice after chronic salt intake. In response to an acute salt load,
KO
mice had delayed urinary Na
+
excretion versus controls; this delay was completely abolished by furosemide, partially reduced by hydrochlorothiazide, but not affected by amiloride. After 4 hours of an acute salt load, phosphorylated and total
NCC
were elevated in
KO
versus control mice. Acute salt loading did not alter total
NKCC
2 or
SPAK
/
OSR
1 in
KO
versus control mice but increased the percent phosphorylation of
NKCC
2 (at T
96/101
and S
126
) and
SPAK
/
OSR
1 in
KO
versus control mice.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that nephron
NOS
3 is involved in blood pressure regulation and urinary Na
+
excretion during high salt intake. Nephron
NOS
3 appears to regulate
NKCC
2 and
NCC
primarily during acute salt loading. These effects of
NOS
3 may involve
SPAK
/
OSR
1 as well as other pathways.
‘Home, Sweet Home’: Managing Returning Foreign Terrorist Fighters in Germany, The United Kingdom and Australia
Authors: Braun Kerstin
Published: July 2018

Since 2011, the conflict in Syria and Iraq has seen unprecedented numbers of Westerners travelling to the region to support jihadist terror organisations, so-called Foreign Terrorist Fighters (‘FTFs’). However, since 2015, with Islamic State’s financial and territorial losses, the numbers of Western FTFs are dwindling and many are returning to their countries of origin. As a consequence, numerous countries are grappling with how to best manage potential security threats arising from returning FTFs. This article critically analyses legal and criminal justice strategies to address this phenomenon implemented in three Western countries from which a significant number of FTFs originate: Germany, the United Kingdom and Australia. It focuses on prosecution, prevention of re-entry and rehabilitation of returning FTFs. It suggests that a holistic approach focusing on punitive but also on de-radicalising and reintegrating measures is best suited to address the security risks FTFs pose long term.
Contributions to the taxonomy, identification, and biogeography of Thaumatogelis Schwarz, 1995 (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae)
Authors: VAS ZOLTÁN , SCHWARZ MARTIN
Published: July 2018

Three species of Thaumatogelis Schwarz, 1995 are described as new: T. megaera Vas sp. nov. from Mongolia, T. alecto Vas sp. nov. from Jordan, and T. tisiphone Vas & Schwarz sp. nov. from Sicily, Italy. The identity of the previously misinterpreted T. pilosus (Capron, 1888) is clarified, and is redescribed. An updated identification key to the females of all known Thaumatogelis species is provided. Twelve new records from six countries are reported, some of them significantly expanding the known geographical distribution of certain Thaumatogelis species and that of the genus in the Palaearctic region.
Low Self-Control, Information Disclosure, and the Risk of Online Fraud
Authors: Mesch Gustavo S. , Dodel Matias
Published: July 2018

This study investigates the risk of being a target of an attempt at fraud through email by assessing the role of low self-control, online activities, and the disclosure of personal information. A secondary analysis of the 2014 U.S. “Caught in the Scammers’ Net”, a national survey of online victimization ( N = 1,539), indicates that those with low self-control and individuals who engage in online activities are more likely to disclose personal information online. The risk of being targeted with a fraudulent offer is also associated with low self-control and online routine activities. Responding to a fraudulent offer is associated with disclosing personal information online and low self-control. Taken together, our empirical evidence strengthens the central role of low self-control theory.
Prevalence and correlates of psychotic experiences in a nationally representative sample of Australian adolescents
Authors: Hielscher Emily , Connell Melissa , Lawrence David , Zubrick Stephen R , Hafekost Jennifer , Scott James G
Published: July 2018

Objective:

Despite growing literature on psychotic experiences, no nationally representative study has reported on the prevalence of both hallucinatory experiences and delusional experiences in Australian adolescents. Also, while many studies have examined the association between psychotic experiences and certain demographic and clinical correlates, there are more variables of interest to be investigated, including disordered eating behaviour and hours of sleep. The aims of this study were to examine (1) the prevalence of hallucinatory experiences and delusional experiences in Australian adolescents, and (2) the associations between different types of psychotic experiences with a broad range of demographic, clinical, and psychosocial variables.

Methods:

A random sample of Australian adolescents aged 14- to 17-year-olds were recruited in 2013–2014 as part of the Young Minds Matter Survey. Participants completed self-report questions regarding five different psychotic experience types (auditory and visual hallucinatory experiences, and thoughts read, special messages, spied upon) experienced in the past 12 months. Using logistic regression analyses, we investigated associations between psychotic experiences and demographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors.

Results:

The 12-month prevalence ranged from 3.3% (95% confidence interval = [2.6, 4.3]) for special messages to 14.0% (95% confidence interval = [12.3, 15.8]) for auditory hallucinatory experiences. At the bivariate level, each psychotic experience subtype was associated with increased likelihood of major depression, being bullied, psychological distress, low self-esteem, mental health service use and insufficient sleep (<8 hours per night). Multivariate analyses revealed both auditory and visual hallucinatory experiences were associated with an increased likelihood of four of these variables (depression, being bullied, service use, insufficient sleep), whereas associations with delusional experiences were inconsistent.

Conclusion:

Hallucinatory and delusional experiences are common in Australian adolescents. Hallucinatory experiences, rather than delusional experiences, may be more clinically relevant in this demographic. When psychotic experiences are endorsed by adolescents, further assessment is indicated so as to ascertain more detail on the phenomenology of the experiences to better understand their clinical relevance.
Measuring and Mitigating the Costs of Attentional Switches in Active Network Monitoring for Cybersecurity
Authors: Kortschot Sean W. , Sovilj Dusan , Jamieson Greg A. , Sanner Scott , Carrasco Chelsea , Soh Harold
Published: July 2018

Objective:

The authors seek to characterize the behavioral costs of attentional switches between points in a network map and assess the efficacy of interventions intended to reduce those costs.

Background:

Cybersecurity network operators are tasked with determining an appropriate attentional allocation scheme given the state of the network, which requires repeated attentional switches. These attentional switches may result in temporal performance decrements, during which operators disengage from one attentional fixation point and engage with another.

Method:

We ran two experiments where participants identified a chain of malicious emails within a network. All interactions with the system were logged and analyzed to determine if users experienced disengagement and engagement delays.

Results:

Both experiments revealed significant costs from attentional switches before (i.e., disengagement) and after (i.e., engagement) participants navigated to a new area in the network. In our second experiment, we found that interventions aimed at contextualizing navigation actions lessened both disengagement and engagement delays.

Conclusion:

Attentional switches are detrimental to operator performance. Their costs can be reduced by design features that contextualize navigations through an interface.

Application:

This research can be applied to the identification and mitigation of attentional switching costs in a variety of visual search tasks. Furthermore, it demonstrates the efficacy of noninvasive behavioral monitoring for inferring cognitive events.
Resolving Macrophages Counter Osteolysis by Anabolic Actions on Bone Cells
Authors: Viniegra A. , Goldberg H. , Çil Ç. , Fine N. , Sheikh Z. , Galli M. , Freire M. , Wang Y. , Van Dyke T.E. , Glogauer M. , Sima C.
Published: July 2018

Progression of inflammatory osteolytic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and periodontitis, is characterized by increased production of proinflammatory mediators and matrix-degrading enzymes by macrophages and increased osteoclastic activity. Phenotypic changes in macrophages are central to the healing process in virtually all tissues. Using a murine model of periodontitis, we assessed the timing of macrophage phenotypic changes and the impact of proresolving activation during inflammatory osteolysis and healing. Proinflammatory macrophage activation and TNF-α overproduction within 3 wk after induction of periodontitis was associated with progressing bone loss. Proresolving activation within 1 wk of stimulus removal and markers of resolving macrophages (IL-10, TGF-β, and CD206) correlated strongly with bone levels. In vivo macrophage depletion with clodronate liposomes prevented bone resorption but impaired regeneration. Induction of resolving macrophages with rosiglitazone, a PPAR-γ agonist, led to reduced bone resorption during inflammatory stimulation and increased bone formation during healing. In vitro assessment of primary bone marrow–derived macrophages activated with either IFN-γ and LPS (proinflammatory activation) or IL-4 (proresolving activation) showed that IL-4-activated cells have enhanced resolving functions (production of anti-inflammatory cytokines; migration and phagocytosis of aged neutrophils) and exert direct anabolic actions on bone cells. Cystatin C secreted by resolving but not inflammatory macrophages explained, in part, the macrophage actions on osteoblasts and osteoclasts. This study supports the concept that therapeutic induction of proresolving functions in macrophages can recouple bone resorption and formation in inflammatory osteolytic diseases.
Signals in Stem Cell Differentiation on Fluorapatite-Modified Scaffolds
Authors: Guo T. , Cao G. , Li Y. , Zhang Z. , Nör J.E. , Clarkson B.H. , Liu J.
Published: July 2018

Previously, we reported that the fluorapatite (FA)–modified polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofiber could be an odontogenic/osteogenic inductive tissue-engineering scaffold by inducing stem cell differentiation and mineralization. The present study aimed to explore which of the signal pathways affected this differentiation and mineralization process. The Human Signal Transduction PathwayFinder RT2 Profiler PCR Array was used to analyze the involvement of potential signal transduction pathways during human dental pulp stem cell (DPSCs) osteogenic differentiation induced by FA-modified PCL nanofiber scaffolds. Based on the results, perturbation studies of the signaling pathways hedgehog, insulin, and Wnt were performed. Moreover, the autophagy process was studied, as indicated by the expression of the microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3A/B-II (LC3-II) and the cell osteogenic phenotypic changes. In a comparison of the cells grown on PCL + FA scaffolds and those on PCL-only scaffolds, the transcript expression of BMP2, BMP4, FOXA2, PTCH1, WNT1, and WNT2 (PCR array–labeled signal proteins of the hedgehog pathway); CEBPB, FASN, and HK2 (PCR array–labeled signal proteins of the insulin pathway); and CCND1, JUN, MYC, TCF7, and WISP1 (PCR array–labeled signal proteins of the Wnt pathway) doubled at day 14 when obvious cell osteogenic differentiation occurred. Phenotypically, in all the perturbation groups at day 14, ALP activity, OPN, and autophagy marker LC3-II expression were coincidently decreased. Consistently, no positive alizarin red staining or von Kossa staining was observed in the specimens from these perturbation groups at day 28. The results showed that when obvious cell differentiation occurred at day 14 on PCL + FA control groups, the inhibition of the hedgehog, insulin, and Wnt pathways significantly decreased DPSC osteogenic differentiation and mineralization. The osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs grown on FA-modified PCL scaffolds appeared to be positively modulated by the hedgehog, insulin, and Wnt signal pathways, which were coordinated with and/or mediated by the cell autophagy process.
Motivation and Preference for Acoustic or Tablet-Based Musical Instruments: Comparing Guitars and Gayageums
Authors: Kang Sangmi
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of motivation on upper-grade elementary students’ preferences for acoustic or tablet-based instruments. The effect of cultural familiarity on musical instrument preference was also investigated. Participants ( N = 138) were classified by motivation levels (low, medium-low, medium-high, and high) and played the guitar, tablet-based guitar, gayageum (Korean string instrument), and tablet-based gayageum. After playing each instrument, participants rated preferences and provided their reasons. Results of the mixed-model ANOVA revealed two significant main effects for instrumental mode (acoustic vs. tablet-based) and motivation on instrument preference. A significant three-way interaction was also found: Cultural Familiarity × Mode × Motivation. The two main effects of mode and motivation produced a general pattern in instrument preference: (a) Students generally preferred acoustic instruments to tablet-based instruments, and (b) the level of motivation was associated with the degree of preference ratings. However, the interaction effect deviated from the general pattern; the low motivation group participants’ preference ratings between acoustic and tablet-based guitars were not significantly different. This deviation from the general pattern appeared only for the culturally familiar instrument (guitar) but not the culturally unfamiliar instrument (gayageum) among the low motivation group.
The Perception and Production of Word-Initial Korean Stops by Native Speakers of Japanese
Authors: Holliday Jeffrey J
Published: July 2018

Previous studies have shown that non-native speakers of Korean not only have difficulty producing the word-initial three-way stop contrast, but also exhibit a wide range of production patterns. Because these studies have only investigated native (L1) speakers of English and Mandarin and given the overall paucity of research on non-native Korean, it is not yet clear how dependent these findings are on the particular native language under investigation. The current paper reinforces our empirical grounding via extension to L1 speakers of Japanese. It is shown that although naïve Japanese listeners consistently perceive Korean fortis stops as voiced, and Korean lenis and aspirated stops as voiceless, novice second language learners do not produce any significant difference among the three stop categories, despite producing clear differences between their native Japanese stop categories. Unlike in previous studies of L1 speakers of English and Mandarin, there was very little inter-speaker variation, and all speakers produced all Korean stops with long lag voice onset time.
Model development and validation of electrospun jet formation
Authors: Zheng Yuansheng , Xin Binjie , Li Masha
Published: July 2018

The Taylor cone formed at the tip of the syringe used for delivering the solution plays an important role in jet formation. This study presents a novel multiphysics model to simulate the dynamic processes occurring within the cone jet from a flat spinneret and a single needle spinneret. The electric field, volume fraction and velocity magnitude of the polymer jet ejecting from two different kinds of spinnerets are calculated by the multiphysics simulation model. A high-speed camera is employed to capture the jet formed by the Taylor cone. The simulation results are validated by comparison with experimental results. It is found that the spinneret configuration could be the key factor in determining cone morphology in the electrospinning process.
Economic Integration and Security in the Middle East and North Africa: What Prospects for a Liberal Peace?
Authors: El-Anis Imad
Published: July 2018

Since the late 1980s governments in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) have created commercial institutions in order to promote regional economic integration. The primary aim of this policy has been regarded as the promotion of economic welfare gains at the national level. The second, albeit less-emphasized goal, has been to promote regional peace through economic interdependence. This study examines the prospects for a liberal peace in the MENA by analyzing two stages of the commercial institutional peace. First, the study considers whether commercial institutions have promoted intra-regional trade in the MENA. Second, it examines whether economic interaction has had an impact on promoting peace within the region. Twenty states are considered here and the unit of analysis is the dyad-year over a 25-year period from 1990 to 2014. This study finds that commercial institutions in the MENA have only a limited positive correlation with trade volume and while there is a direct positive correlation between economic integration and peace in the region, this is quite limited. These findings suggest that the conclusions made by previous studies demonstrate a direct positive correlation between commercial institutions (and economic integration more generally) and peace, may be less applicable to some regions such as MENA.
The Cynical Genius Illusion: Exploring and Debunking Lay Beliefs About Cynicism and Competence
Authors: Stavrova Olga , Ehlebracht Daniel
Published: July 2018

Cynicism refers to a negative appraisal of human nature—a belief that self-interest is the ultimate motive guiding human behavior. We explored laypersons’ beliefs about cynicism and competence and to what extent these beliefs correspond to reality. Four studies showed that laypeople tend to believe in cynical individuals’ cognitive superiority. A further three studies based on the data of about 200,000 individuals from 30 countries debunked these lay beliefs as illusionary by revealing that cynical (vs. less cynical) individuals generally do worse on cognitive ability and academic competency tasks. Cross-cultural analyses showed that competent individuals held contingent attitudes and endorsed cynicism only if it was warranted in a given sociocultural environment. Less competent individuals embraced cynicism unconditionally, suggesting that—at low levels of competence—holding a cynical worldview might represent an adaptive default strategy to avoid the potential costs of falling prey to others’ cunning.