bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Microstructural Damage in Ultrahigh‐Performance Concrete under Freezing‐Thawing Action
Authors: Gu Chunping , Sun Wei , Guo Liping , Wang Qiannan , Liu Jintao , Yang Yang , Shi Tao
Published: April 2018

This work aims to investigate the damage in ultrahigh‐performance concrete (UHPC) caused by freezing‐thawing action. Freezing‐thawing tests were carried out on UHPCs with and without steel fibers. Mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X‐ray computed tomography (X‐ray CT) were applied to detect the microstructure of the UHPC matrix before and after the freezing‐thawing tests. The results showed that UHPC possessed very excellent freezing‐thawing resistance due to its dense microstructure. After the freezing‐thawing action, cracks occurred and were prone to initiate at the sand‐paste interface in the UHPC matrix. MIP results also indicated that cracks appeared in the UHPC matrix after the freezing‐thawing action. The number of defects that can be seen by X‐ray CT increased in UHPC after the freezing‐thawing action as well. The mismatch of the thermal expansion coefficients of the aggregate and the paste is considered to be the reason for the cracking at the sand‐paste interface. The steel fibers in UHPC inhibited the propagation of cracks in the matrix and improved the freezing‐thawing performance of UHPC.
Pseudodynamic Bearing Capacity Analysis of Shallow Strip Footing Using the Advanced Optimization Technique “Hybrid Symbiosis Organisms Search Algorithm” with Numerical Validation
Authors: Saha Arijit , Saha Apu Kumar , Ghosh Sima
Published: April 2018

The analysis of shallow foundations subjected to seismic loading has been an important area of research for civil engineers. This paper presents an upper‐bound solution for bearing capacity of shallow strip footing considering composite failure mechanisms by the pseudodynamic approach. A recently developed hybrid symbiosis organisms search (HSOS) algorithm has been used to solve this problem. In the HSOS method, the exploration capability of SQI and the exploitation potential of SOS have been combined to increase the robustness of the algorithm. This combination can improve the searching capability of the algorithm for attaining the global optimum. Numerical analysis is also done using dynamic modules of PLAXIS‐8.6v for the validation of this analytical solution. The results obtained from the present analysis using HSOS are thoroughly compared with the existing available literature and also with the other optimization techniques. The significance of the present methodology to analyze the bearing capacity is discussed, and the acceptability of HSOS technique is justified to solve such type of engineering problems.
Upper Bound Limit Analysis for Seismic Stability of Rock Slope with Tunnel
Authors: Jiang Xueliang , Niu Jiayong , Yang Hui , Wang Feifei
Published: April 2018

The rock slopes with tunnels appear widely in the actual project, but there is no executable basis for the seismic stability calculation of the rock slope with tunnel. According to the upper bound theorem of plastic limit analysis and pseudostatic method, the upper bound solution of the safety factor of the rock slope with tunnel was rigorously derived under earthquake loading. This upper solution takes into account the design parameters of the slope and the tunnel, the horizontal and vertical seismic loads, and the physical and mechanical parameters of the rock mass. Comparing the calculated results with the existing results, the validity of the proposed method was verified. The sensitivity and influence of different parameters on the seismic stability of the slope were analyzed. The results show that the three factors such as the horizontal seismic force coefficient, the slope height, and the internal friction angle are the three key factors that influence the sensitivity of the safety factor and have a great effect on it.
Experimental Investigation on Asphalt Binders Ageing Behavior and Rejuvenating Feasibility in Multicycle Repeated Ageing and Recycling
Authors: Nie Yihua , Sun Shiheng , Ou Yajun , Zhou Chenyang , Mao Kunli
Published: April 2018

Multicycle repeated utilization of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) is a quite recent development of sustainable pavement materials technology. To investigate ageing rules and recycling possibility of asphalt binders in repeatedly used asphalt mixture, virgin asphalt AH‐70 samples were heated by the rolling thin film oven test (RTFOT) at 163°C, respectively, for 40, 85, 180, 240, and 300 minutes to simulate different ageing degrees, and then the aged ones were rejuvenated by adding a self‐made rejuvenator. This ageing and recycling process was repeated altogether for 5 cycles to simulate repeated use of RAP binders. In repeated recycling, rejuvenator contents for different cycle numbers or ageing durations were not the same, and the optimum ones were initially estimated by an empirical formula and finally obtained by comparative tests. Empirical rheological tests and the infrared spectral (IR) analysis were done before and after each cycle of recycling. Results indicate that for impact on deterioration of asphalt binders, ageing time is more important than cycle number. Meanwhile, the asphalt after multicycle repeated ageing and recycling can be restored to the empirical rheological indices level of the virgin asphalt and meet specifications requirements.
CT Perfusion to Guide Placement of Invasive Cerebral Perfusion Monitor in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Induced Vasospasm
Authors: Al-Jehani Hosam , Marcoux Judith , Hadhiah Kawthar , Alabbas Faisal , Angle Mark , Teitelbaum Jeanne
Published: April 2018

Background. Vasospasm is a challenging component of the subarachnoid hemorrhage “syndrome” that is unpredictable and very difficult to monitor using noninvasive or invasive monitoring technologies in neurocritical units. Methods. We describe the novel use of computerized tomography perfusion (CTP) imaging to choose proper targets for invasive cerebral blood flow monitors. Results. A total of 3 patients are included in this report. CTP parameters were used to generate points of interest to target using invasive cerebral monitoring of the cerebral blood flow and initiate vasodilator therapy and subsequently guide its weaning. Conclusions. CTP can be useful in localizing a specific anatomical target for invasive monitoring in subarachnoid hemorrhage patients suffering from vasospasm.
A New Movement Authority Based on Vehicle‐Centric Communication
Authors: Shen Tuo , Song Haifeng
Published: April 2018

The communication system that is presently applied in the European Train Control System can only support data exchange between vehicles and ground, but the direct vehicle‐to‐vehicle communication is not available. The details of interlocking information and other vehicles’ movements are invisible to drivers who are the last defense to prevent unsafe scenarios. As connected vehicles have been envisioned to enhance transportation efficiency and improve safety, the direct vehicle‐to‐vehicle communication network is involved in this paper to increase the safety of railway transport. In this paper, a new train movement authority (MA+) is proposed. Apart from a wireless communication unit, this system does not require any other infrastructure. With the assistance of vehicle‐centric communication technology, MA+ can detect the condition of switches and trains within a certain scope. In this paper, the system structure of MA+ is proposed. Additionally, different implementation scenarios are also discussed. The detection range is estimated and validated based on mathematical calculation and experimental equations. An application demo of MA+ is presented on the Driver Machine Interface of the onboard equipment. The results indicate that MA+ can be a flexible and scalable system for furthering the improvement of railway safety.
A Practical Model for Inbound Container Distribution Organization in Rail-Water Transhipping Terminal
Authors: Zhao Jiahao , Zhu Xiaoning , Liu Yong , Wang Li , Yan Baicheng
Published: April 2018

Rail-water transportation is a crucial component of intermodal transportation system. Effective operation of rail-water intermodal transportation requires not only railway network and advanced handling equipment, but also scientific and reasonable transportation organization. In this paper, we first briefly introduced the coordination area and related concepts. Then an inbound container distribution organization model (ICDOM) was established taking into account many factors such as transhipping capacity, network capacity, and importance of containers, in order to minimize the total container-hours in the coordination area, which reflects the efficiency of inbound container distribution organization. Additionally, a genetic algorithm (GA) was developed and the optimization results were evaluated, which showed that both of the model and the algorithm were effective.
BRAF Gene Copy Number and Mutant Allele Frequency Correlate with Time to Progression in Metastatic Melanoma Patients Treated with MAPK Inhibitors
Authors: Stagni Camilla , Zamuner Carolina , Elefanti Lisa , Zanin Tiziana , Bianco Paola Del , Sommariva Antonio , Fabozzi Alessio , Pigozzo Jacopo , Mocellin Simone , Montesco Maria Cristina , Chiarion-Sileni Vanna , De Nicolo Arcangela , Menin Chiara
Published: April 2018

Metastatic melanoma is characterized by complex genomic alterations, including a high rate of mutations in driver genes and widespread deletions and amplifications encompassing various chromosome regions. Among them, chromosome 7 is frequently gained in BRAF-mutant melanoma, inducing a mutant allele–specific imbalance. Although BRAF amplification is a known mechanism of acquired resistance to therapy with MAPK inhibitors, it is still unclear if BRAF copy-number variation and BRAF mutant allele imbalance at baseline can be associated with response to treatment. In this study, we used a multimodal approach to assess BRAF copy number and mutant allele frequency in pretreatment melanoma samples from 46 patients who received MAPK inhibitor–based therapy, and we analyzed the association with progression-free survival. We found that 65% patients displayed BRAF gains, often supported by chromosome 7 polysomy. In addition, we observed that 64% patients had a balanced BRAF-mutant/wild-type allele ratio, whereas 14% and 23% patients had low and high BRAF mutant allele frequency, respectively. Notably, a significantly higher risk of progression was observed in patients with a diploid BRAF status versus those with BRAF gains [HR, 2.86; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.29–6.35; P = 0.01] and in patients with low percentage versus those with a balanced BRAF mutant allele percentage (HR, 4.54; 95% CI, 1.33–15.53; P = 0.016). Our data suggest that quantitative analysis of the BRAF gene could be useful to select the melanoma patients who are most likely to benefit from therapy with MAPK inhibitors. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(6); 1332–40. ©2018 AACR.
Clinical Decision-Making when Treating Diabetic Macular Edema Patients with Dexamethasone Intravitreal Implants
Authors: García-Layana Alfredo , Figueroa Marta S. , Arias Luis , Adán Alfredo , Cabrera Francisco , Abraldes Maximino , Fernández-Vega Álvaro , Navarro Rafael , Cervera Enrique , Silva Rufino , Armadá Felix , Donate Juan , Ruiz-Moreno José Maria
Published: April 2018

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease frequently associated with comorbidities that include diabetic macular edema (DME). The current medical approach to treating DME involves intravitreal injections with either anti-vascular endothelial growth factors or steroids. However, the burden associated with intravitreal injections and DM-derived complications is high, underlining the need to find optimal treatment regimens. In this article we describe the considerations we apply when treating DME patients with dexamethasone intravitreal implants (Ozurdex®), particularly those that influence the clinical decision-making process during the follow-up period. These considerations are based both on the available medical literature and on our clinical experience following the use of these implants in this type of patient, the goal being to optimize the number of injections and the clinical outcome of this therapy. We also provide a general overview of the pathophysiology of DME, highlighting the inflammatory component as a rationale to use steroids in these patients.
Characteristics of Mild Cognitive Impairment Using the Thai Version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease Tests: A Multivariate and Machine Learning Study
Authors: Tunvirachaisakul Chavit , Supasitthumrong Thitiporn , Tangwongchai Sookjareon , Hemrunroj Solaphat , Chuchuen Phenphichcha , Tawankanjanachot Itthipol , Likitchareon Yuthachai , Phanthumchinda Kamman , Sriswasdi Sira , Maes Michael
Published: April 2018

Background: The Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease (CERAD) developed a neuropsychological battery (CERAD-NP) to screen patients with Alzheimer’s dementia. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has received attention as a pre-dementia stage. Objectives: To delineate the CERAD-NP features of MCI and their clinical utility to externally validate MCI diagnosis. Methods: The study included 60 patients with MCI, diagnosed using the Clinical Dementia Rating, and 63 normal controls. Data were analysed employing receiver operating characteristic analysis, Linear Support Vector Machine, Random Forest, Adaptive Boosting, Neural Network models, and t-distributed stochastic neighbour embedding (t-SNE). Results: MCI patients were best discriminated from normal controls using a combination of Wordlist Recall, Wordlist Memory, and Verbal Fluency Test. Machine learning showed that the CERAD features learned from MCI patients and controls were not strongly predictive of the diagnosis (maximal cross-validation 77.2%), whilst t-SNE showed that there is a considerable overlap between MCI and controls. Conclusions: The most important features of the CERAD-NP differentiating MCI from normal controls indicate impairments in episodic and semantic memory and recall. While these features significantly discriminate MCI patients from normal controls, the tests are not predictive of MCI.
Global Scientific Production on Illicit Drug Addiction: A Two-Decade Analysis
Authors: Khalili Malahat , Rahimi-Movaghar Afarin , Shadloo Behrang , Mojtabai Ramin , Mann Karl , Amin-Esmaeili Masoumeh
Published: April 2018

Aims: Addiction science has made great progress in the past decades. We conducted a scientometric study in order to quantify the number of publications and the growth rate globally, regionally, and at country levels. Methods: In October 2015, we searched the Scopus database using the general keywords of addiction or drug-use disorders combined with specific terms regarding 4 groups of illicit drugs – cannabis, opioids, cocaine, and other stimulants or hallucinogens. All documents published during the 20-year period from 1995 to 2014 were included. Results: A total of 95,398 documents were retrieved. The highest number of documents were on opioids, both globally (60.1%) and in each of 5 continents. However, studies on cannabis showed a higher growth rate in the last 5-year period of the study (2010–2014). The United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Australia, France, Spain, Italy, China, and Japan – almost all studies were from high-income countries – occupied the top 10 positions and produced 81.4% of the global science on drug addiction. Conclusion: As there are important socio-cultural differences in the epidemiology and optimal clinical care of addictive disorders, it is suggested that low- and more affected middle-income countries increase their capacity to conduct research and disseminate the knowledge in this field.
Thrombin Generation in Vitreous and Subretinal Fluid of Patients with Retinal Detachment
Authors: Mulder Verena C. , Bastiaans Jeroen , van Leuven Cornelis J.M. , van Meurs Jan C. , Kluft Cornelis
Published: April 2018

Purpose: To measure prothrombin fragments (F1+2) and thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT) in vitreous and subretinal fluid (SRF) of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) patients and to validate and further specify our earlier finding of increased thrombin activity in patients with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Methods: F1+2 and TAT were measured in 31 vitreous and 16 SRF samples using the Enzygnost® immunoassays. Results: We found significant levels of F1+2 and TAT in the vitreous of all patients with RRD compared to patients with macular hole or macular pucker. However, there was no significant difference between patients who would develop PVR in the future, had established PVR, and patients with uncomplicated RRD both in vitreous concentrations of F1+2 (Kruskal-Wallis p = 0.963) and TAT (p = 0.516). Conclusion: The analysis of F1+2 and TAT confirmed significant thrombin generation in both vitreous and SRF of patients with RRD. An imbalance between the thrombin regulation mechanisms TAT and α2-macroglobulin possibly explains the difference from our previous findings.
Phenalen-1-One-Mediated Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy and Chlorhexidine Applied to a Novel Caries Biofilm Model
Authors: Cieplik Fabian , Wimmer Fabian , Muehler Denise , Thurnheer Thomas , Belibasakis Georgios N. , Hiller Karl-Anton , Maisch Tim , Buchalla Wolfgang
Published: April 2018

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) may be useful as a supportive antimicrobial measure for caries-active subjects. In this study, the antimicrobial efficacy of aPDT with a phenalen-1-one photosensitizer was evaluated in a novel in vitro biofilm model comprising Actinomyces naeslundii, Actinomyces odontolyticus, and Streptococcus mutans and was compared to chlorhexidine. The proposed biofilm model allows high-throughput screening for antimicrobial efficacy while exhibiting a differentiated response to different antimicrobial approaches. While chlorhexidine 0.2% showed a reduction of ≈4 log10 for all species, aPDT led to a more pronounced reduction of S. mutans (2.8 log10) than of Actinomyces spp. (1.2 or 1.3 log10). A similar effect was also observed in monospecies biofilms. Therefore, aPDT may be more effective against S. mutans than against Actinomyces spp. when in biofilms, and this antimicrobial approach merits further investigations.
Increased Asics Expression via the Camkii-CREB Pathway in a Novel Mouse Model of Trigeminal Pain
Authors: Wang Yan , Fu Xiujuan , Huang Lifang , Wang Xi , Lu Zuneng , Zhu Fan , Xiao Zheman
Published: April 2018

Background/Aims: Migraine is a disabling condition that severely impacts socioeconomic function and quality of life. The focus of this study was to develop a mouse model of trigeminal pain that mimics migraine. Methods: After undergoing dural cannulation surgery, mice were treated with repeated dural doses of an acidic solution to induce trigeminal pain. Results: The method elicited intermittent, head-directed wiping and scratching as well as the expression of both the c-FOS gene in the spinal trigeminal nucleus caudalis and calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) in the periaqueductal grey matter. Interestingly, the acid-induced trigeminal pain behaviour was inhibited by amiloride, an antagonist of acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs), but not by AMG-9810, an inhibitor of transient receptor potential cation channel V1(TRPV1). In addition, the relative mRNA and protein expression levels of ASIC1a and ASIC3 were increased in the acid-induced trigeminal nociceptive pathways. Furthermore, blocking CaMKII with KN-93 significantly reduced the acid-induced trigeminal pain behaviour and c-FOS gene expression. Conclusion: The data suggested that chronic intermittent administration of an acidic solution to mice resulted in trigeminal hypersensitivity and that dural acid-induced trigeminal pain behaviour in mice may mechanistically mimic migraine. The observations here identify an entirely novel treatment strategy for migraine.
The Protective Effects of the A/ZJU01/ PR8/2013 Split H7N9 Avian Influenza Vaccine Against Highly Pathogenic H7N9 in BALB/c Mice
Authors: Wu Xiao-Xin , Deng Xi-Long , Yu Dong-Shan , Yao Wei , Ou Hui-Lin , Weng Tian-Hao , Hu Chen-Yu , Hu Feng-Yu , Wu Nan-Ping , Yao Hangping , Zhang Fu-Chun , Li Lan-Juan
Published: April 2018

Background/Aims: Since the first case of novel H7N9 infection was reported, China has experienced five epidemics of H7N9. During the fifth wave, a highly pathogenic H7N9 strain emerged. In order to assess whether the H7N9 vaccine based on A/Zhejiang/DTID-ZJU01/2013(H7N9) was effective in protecting against highly pathogenic H7N9, we conducted this study. Methods: Groups of mice were immunized twice by intraperitoneal injection with 500 µl of either split vaccine alone or MF59-adjuvanted vaccine. Serum was collected 2 weeks after the second vaccine booster. The hemagglutinin inhibition test was conducted on vaccine seed and highly pathogenic H7N9 to evaluate the neutralization of highly pathogenic H7N9. We also immunized mice and challenged them with highly pathogenic H7N9. Mice were observed for illness, weight loss, and death at 1 week and 2 weeks post-infection. Then, the mice were sacrificed and lungs were removed. Antibody responses were assessed and pathological changes in the lung tissue were evaluated. Results: The ability of serum to neutralize highly pathogenic H7N9 was reduced. In mice, highly pathogenic H7N9 was more virulent than A/Zhejiang/DTID-ZJU01/2013(H7N9). After challenge with highly pathogenic H7N9, all mice died while mice challenged with A/Zhejiang/DTID-ZJU01/2013(H7N9) all recovered. The A/ZJU01/PR8/2013 split H7N9 avian influenza vaccine was able to protect against infection with highly pathogenic H7N9 in mice, with or without MF59. Moreover, H7N9 vaccine adjuvanted with MF59 produced high antibody levels, which lead to better protection. Conclusions: The A/ZJU01/PR8/2013 split H7N9 avian influenza vaccine based on A/Zhejiang/DTID-ZJU01/2013(H7N9) is effective in protecting against highly pathogenic H7N9. H7N9 vaccine adjuvanted with MF59 offers better protection against infection with highly pathogenic H7N9. In order to make the H7N9 vaccine applicable to humans, further clinical trials are required to evaluate MF59 adjuvanted vaccine. Meanwhile, the vaccine strain should be updated based on the highly pathogenic H7N9 gene sequence.
Genotype–Phenotype Analysis in Pediatric Patients with Distal Renal Tubular Acidosis
Authors: Park Eujin , Cho Myung Hyun , Hyun Hye Sun , Shin Jae Il , Lee Joo Hoon , Park Young Seo , Choi Hyun Jin , Kang Hee Gyung , Cheong Hae Il
Published: April 2018

Background/Aims: Primary distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA) in children is a rare genetic disorder, and three causative mutated genes have been identified: SLC4A1, ATP6V1B1, and ATP6V0A4. We analyzed the prevalence and phenotypic differences of genetic mutations in children with dRTA. Methods: A total of 17 children with dRTA were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent genetic testing for all three candidate genes. Results: Pathogenic mutations, including six novel mutations, were detected in 15 (88.2%) patients: dominant SLC4A1 mutations in ten (58.8%) patients, recessive ATP6V0A4 mutations in three (17.6%) patients, and recessive ATP6V1B1 mutations in two (11.8%) patients. Compared to other patients, patients with SLC4A1 mutations showed an older age of onset (3.7 ± 2.6 years) and less severe metabolic acidosis at initial presentation. All patients developed nephrocalcinosis, and sensorineural hearing loss was observed in two patients with ATP6V1B1 mutations. Three (17.6%) patients had decreased renal function (chronic kidney disease stage 2), and five (29.4%) patients had persistent growth retardation at the last follow-up. Long-term prognosis showed no genotype–phenotype correlation. Conclusions: SLC4A1 is the most common defective gene in Korean children with dRTA. Patients with SLC4A1 mutations show later onset and milder disease severity. Long-term follow-up of hearing ability, renal function, and growth is necessary for patients with dRTA.
Cárie e água fluoretada em dois municípios brasileiros com baixa prevalência da doença
Authors: Cruz Mariângela Guanaes Bortolo da , Narvai Paulo Capel
Published: April 2018

OBJETIVO: Analisar a associação entre a exposição à água fluoretada e cárie dentária, em contexto de uso generalizado de creme dental fluoretado no Brasil, em cenário de baixa prevalência da doença. MÉTODOS: Realizado estudo observacional transversal, de tipo censitário, na modalidade de duplo inquérito epidemiológico populacional, em dois municípios paulistas em 2014. Participaram adolescentes de 11 e 12 anos, imersos na sua condição de exposição (n = 184) ou não exposição (n = 128) à água fluoretada, há pelo menos cinco anos. As populações avaliadas residiam em comunidades da mesma região geográfica, de pequeno porte demográfico e com classificação socioeconômica similar, diferenciando-se apenas pela condição de exposição à água fluoretada (Silveiras) e de não exposição (São José do Barreiro). A experiência, a magnitude e o grau de polarização da cárie dentária nessas populações foram analisadas por meio dos índices CPOD e SiC e a associação foi testada empregando-se as estatísticas qui-quadrado de Pearson e razão de prevalência entre não expostos e expostos à água fluoretada. RESULTADOS: Embora a experiência de cárie (CPOD ≥ 1) não tenha se associado com a exposição à água fluoretada (qui-quadrado = 1,78; p = 0,18; α = 5%), observou-se expressiva diferença na magnitude com que a doença atingiu a população: as médias CPOD foram de 1,76 em expostos e 2,60 em não expostos e as médias SiC foram de 4,04 e 6,16, respectivamente. O grau da polarização, indicado pela porcentagem de indivíduos com CPOD = 0, foi diferente, maior (41,8%) em expostos e menor (34,3%) em não expostos. A razão de prevalência entre não expostos e expostos foi de 1,13, indicando pouca expressividade na diferença das prevalências. CONCLUSÕES: A exposição à água fluoretada implicou menores valores médios dos índices CPOD e SiC, ainda que em presença de exposição concomitante a dentifrício fluoretado, em cenário de baixa prevalência da doença e padrão similar de distribuição de cárie nas populações analisadas.
Regulation of Vascular Calcification by Growth Hormone–Releasing Hormone and Its Agonists
Authors: Shen Jian , Zhang Ning , Lin Yi-Nuo , Xiang PingPing , Liu Xian-bao , Shan Peng-fei , Hu Xin-yang , Zhu Wei , Tang Yao-liang , Webster Keith A. , Cai Renzhi , Schally Andrew V. , Wang Jian’an , Yu Hong
Published: April 2018

Rationale:

Vascular calcification (VC) is a marker of the severity of atherosclerotic disease. Hormones play important roles in regulating calcification; estrogen and parathyroid hormones exert opposing effects, the former alleviating VC and the latter exacerbating it. To date no treatment strategies have been developed to regulate clinical VC.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of growth hormone–releasing hormone (GHRH) and its agonist (GHRH-A) on the blocking of VC in a mouse model.

Methods and Results:

Young adult osteoprotegerin-deficient mice were given daily subcutaneous injections of GHRH-A (MR409) for 4 weeks. Significant reductions in calcification of the aortas of MR409-treated mice were paralleled by markedly lower alkaline phosphatase activity and a dramatic reduction in the expression of transcription factors, including the osteogenic marker gene
Runx2
and its downstream factors, osteonectin and osteocalcin. The mechanism of action of GHRH-A was dissected in smooth muscle cells isolated from human and mouse aortas. Calcification of smooth muscle cells induced by osteogenic medium was inhibited in the presence of GHRH or MR409, as evidenced by reduced alkaline phosphatase activity and Runx2 expression. Inhibition of calcification by MR409 was partially reversed by MIA602, a GHRH antagonist, or a GHRH receptor–selective small interfering RNA. Treatment with MR409 induced elevated cytosolic cAMP and its target, protein kinase A which in turn blocked nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase activity and reduced production of reactive oxygen species, thus blocking the phosphorylation of nuclear factor κB (p65), a key intermediate in the ligand of receptor activator for nuclear factor-κ B-Runx2/alkaline phosphatase osteogenesis program. A protein kinase A–selective small interfering RNA or the chemical inhibitor H89 abolished these beneficial effects of MR409.

Conclusions:

GHRH-A controls osteogenesis in smooth muscle cells by targeting cross talk between protein kinase A and nuclear factor κB (p65) and through the suppression of reactive oxygen species production that induces the
Runx2
gene and alkaline phosphatase. Inflammation-mediated osteogenesis is thereby blocked. GHRH-A may represent a new pharmacological strategy to regulate VC.
Metabolomic Profiling in Acute ST‐Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction Identifies Succinate as an Early Marker of Human Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Kohlhauer Matthias , Dawkins Sam , Costa Ana S. H. , Lee Regent , Young Timothy , Pell Victoria R. , Choudhury Robin P. , Banning Adrian P. , Kharbanda Rajesh K. ,   Oxford Acute Myocardial Infarction (OxAMI) Study, Saeb‐Parsy Kourosh , Murphy Michael P. , Frezza Christian , Krieg Thomas , Channon Keith M.
Published: April 2018

Background

Ischemia–reperfusion injury following ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a leading determinant of clinical outcome. In experimental models of myocardial ischemia, succinate accumulation leading to mitochondrial dysfunction is a major cause of ischemia–reperfusion injury; however, the potential importance and specificity of myocardial succinate accumulation in human STEMI is unknown. We sought to identify the metabolites released from the heart in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention for emergency treatment of STEMI.

Methods and Results

Blood samples were obtained from the coronary artery, coronary sinus, and peripheral vein in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention for acute STEMI and in control patients undergoing nonemergency coronary angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention for stable angina or non‐STEMI. Plasma metabolites were analyzed by targeted liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Metabolite levels for coronary artery, coronary sinus, and peripheral vein were compared to derive cardiac and systemic release ratios. In STEMI patients, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was performed 2 days and 6 months after primary percutaneous coronary intervention to quantify acute myocardial edema and final infarct size, respectively. In total, 115 patients undergoing acute STEMI and 26 control patients were included. Succinate was the only metabolite significantly increased in coronary sinus blood compared with venous blood in STEMI patients, indicating cardiac release of succinate. STEMI patients had higher succinate concentrations in arterial, coronary sinus, and peripheral venous blood than patients with non‐STEMI or stable angina. Furthermore, cardiac succinate release in STEMI correlated with the extent of acute myocardial injury, quantified by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

Conclusion

Succinate release by the myocardium correlates with the extent of ischemia.
Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Autoantibodies in Postural Tachycardia Syndrome
Authors: Yu Xichun , Li Hongliang , Murphy Taylor A. , Nuss Zachary , Liles Jonathan , Liles Campbell , Aston Christopher E. , Raj Satish R. , Fedorowski Artur , Kem David C.
Published: April 2018

Background

Both the adrenergic and renin‐angiotensin systems contribute to orthostatic circulatory homeostasis, which is impaired in postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (
POTS
). Activating autoantibodies to the α1‐adrenergic and β1/2‐adrenergic receptors have previously been found in sera from patients with POTS. We hypothesized that patients with POTS might also harbor activating autoantibodies to the angiotensin
II
type 1 receptor (
AT
1R) independently of antiadrenergic autoimmunity. This study examines a possible pathophysiological role for
AT
1R autoantibodies in
POTS
.

Methods and Results

Serum immunoglobulin G from 17 patients with
POTS
, 6 patients with recurrent vasovagal syncope, and 10 normal controls was analyzed for the ability to activate
AT
1R and alter
AT
1R ligand responsiveness in transfected cells in vitro. Of 17 subjects with POTS, 12 demonstrated significant
AT
1R antibody activity in immunoglobulin G purified from their serum. No significant
AT
1R antibody activity was found in the subjects with vasovagal syncope or healthy subjects.
AT
1R activation by
POTS
immunoglobulin G was specifically blocked by the
AT
1R blocker losartan. Moreover,
POTS
immunoglobulin G significantly shifted the angiotensin
II
dosage response curve to the right, consistent with an inhibitory effect. All subjects with POTS were positive for one or both autoantibodies to the
AT
1R and α1‐adrenergic receptor.

Conclusions

Most patients with
POTS
harbor
AT
1R antibody activity. This supports the concept that
AT
1R autoantibodies and antiadrenergic autoantibodies, acting separately or together, may exert a significant impact on the cardiovascular pathophysiological characteristics in
POTS
.
Word Formation at the Syntax-Morphology Interface: Denominal Adjectives in Bulgarian
Authors: Harizanov Boris
Published: April 2018

A major goal in the study of the interface between syntax and morphology (understood as part of the PF component) is to understand mismatches between syntactic representations and the corresponding morphological representations. Denominal adjectives in Bulgarian provide one such mismatch. In morphology, they are composed of a nominal component D adjoined to an adjectivizing head F. In syntax, however, the nominal component D behaves like a nominal phrase occupying the specifier of F. Denominal adjectives in Bulgarian thus present both a structural mismatch whereby a syntactic specifier-head relation is mapped to head adjunction at PF and a mismatch between the syntactic and morphological category of denominal adjectives. I analyze these mismatches as the result of a morphological (postsyntactic) operation, which converts nominal phrases into denominal adjectives postsyntactically, as part of the word formation process that combines the nominal phrases with adjectivizing morphology. The proposal is an extension of the theory of the syntax-morphology mapping developed within Distributed Morphology ( Embick and Noyer 2001 , et seq.) on the basis of Marantz’s (1984) Morphological Merger and relies on the implementation of Morphological Merger developed by Harizanov (2014a) in the context of cliticization, itself an elaboration of Matushansky’s (2006) and Nevins’s (2011) proposals.
Five Influential Factors for Chinese Buddhists’ Vegetarianism
Authors: Tseng Ampere A.
Published: April 2018

The article explores five leading factors influencing Chinese Buddhists to observe vegetarian diets. The first one is the influence from the precepts and teachings of the important Mahayana sutras on vegetarianism. The second factor is the influence of Chinese imperial authority, leading political figures who promoted Buddhism to popularize vegetarianism. The third and fourth factors are the influences of Chinese indigenous religions, which consider the contributions of Confucianism and Taoism, respectively, to the vegetarianization of Chinese Buddhists. The final one explores the sociocultural influence, including societal norms or other aspects of one’s lived environment, which can smooth the path to vegetarian eating. We then conduct an assessment to gauge the influence of each factor. By studying and comparing the gauging data, we discover that the second factor, the advocacy of the imperial authority, is the most influential factor for the vegetarianization of ordained Chinese Buddhists. Although the influence levels of Buddhist sutras and Taoism are not as strong as that of the imperial authority, their influences are higher than that of Confucianism and sociocultural influence. Finally, we present a closing remark on future efforts to promote vegetarianism worldwide.
Assessing the impacts of the invasive frog, Xenopus laevis, on amphibians in western France
Authors: Courant Julien , Secondi Jean , Vollette Julie , Herrel Anthony , Thirion Jean-Marc
Published: April 2018

As invasive species are one of the principal threats on global biodiversity, assessing their impact is a crucial element of conservation biology. Quantifying the possible impacts of an invasive population represents the first step in the establishment of efficient management plans. In this study, we applied a method of site-occupancy modeling to estimate the influence of an invasive frog, Xenopus laevis, on the amphibian species richness in western France. In our analyses we took into account habitat characteristics (i.e. the size and general shape of the ponds), the structure of the aquatic vegetation, the presence of other vertebrates, and the physicochemical parameters of the pond. Richness was negatively related to the abundance of X. laevis and to the time since colonization as estimated by the distance of the pond to the site of introduction. Habitat niche breadth of native amphibians did not differ between invaded and non-invaded areas. This might be a consequence of the homogeneity of the habitats selected for our study. The lack of heterogeneity in the abiotic factors, the absence of a correlation between species richness and these abiotic factors, and the correlation of the abundance and time since colonization by X. laevis with species richness suggest a negative effect of this species on local amphibians. This result highlights the importance of conservation and management plans aiming to limit the expansion of this invasive species.
Foregrounding Management in Class Warfare from Above
Authors: Bradshaw Alan
Published: April 2018

The books The Mythology of Management by Peter Fleming and The Dark Side of Management by Gerard Hanlon are reviewed. Both books foreground the practices and ideologies of management as core elements of neoliberalism and provide both historical analysis as well as contemporary observation of management as a persistent form of de-skilling workers that leaves them utterly dependent on an antagonistic class of managers.
Null models for explaining inland water crustacean zooplankton communities in Chile
Authors: De los Ríos Patricio , Figueroa-Muñoz Guillermo , Parra-Coloma Luciano
Published: April 2018

Inland water crustaceans in Chile are characterized by their low species number and marked endemism; this is due to the marked oligotrophy of water bodies and the geographical properties of Chilean territory, which consists of mountains and glaciers. The aim of the present study is to typify the inland water crustaceans in the northern Aysen region (44-46°S), which is branded by the presence of mountains, ice fields and inland seas, with different kinds of water bodies such as large lakes, permanent and ephemeral pools, rivers and streams. The results revealed low species numbers, but the species associations are random, because in many sites the same species frequently reoccur. Nevertheless, there are marked differences in species associations. The present results tend to agree with similar results for the Magallanes region in southern Patagonia and Argentinean Patagonia.
Khinalug in its Genetic Context: Some Methodological Considerations. Part 1: The Problem, Loans and Cognates
Authors: Schulze Wolfgang
Published: April 2018

Khinalug, a minority language spoken by some 1,500 people mainly in the village of Khinalug in the Quba district of Azerbaijan Republic, is generally regarded as the most divergent East Caucasian language. Its exact genealogical place within the group of around 30 East Caucasian languages has been debated since long. Still, at least some of the relevant contributions to this debate, ground their arguments in a rather small piece of evidence, usually taken from a handful of assumed lexical correspondences and typological analogies. In the present paper, I discuss some methodological problems related to the enterprise of determining the place of Khinalug among the East Caucasian languages, addressing both selected lexical and grammatical features. I also include some sociolinguistic features that are crucial to the discussion. As an alternative to the current hypotheses, I suggest to consider the possibility that Khinalug is not an East Caucasian language from a genetic point of view, but a non-East Caucasian language that has become “Caucasianised” over times. In the first part of my paper I will focus on some general issues and on the lexicon.
An annotated checklist of the free-living nematodes from mangrove thickets of Vietnam
Authors: GAGARIN VLADIMIR G.
Published: April 2018

This article presents an annotated list of nematode taxa found in mangrove forests along four Vietnamese rivers: the Mekong, Be, Red and Yen Rivers. The list includes 208 species belonging to 88 genera, 36 families and 11 orders of the phylum Nematoda. Three genera and 138 species were first described from these habitats as new taxa. Theristus orientalis Gagarin, Nguyen Vu Thanh, 2005 is transferred to the genus Daptonema Cobb, 1920 as D. orientale (Gagarin, Nguyen Vu Thanh, 2005) nov.nom.. based on the presence of three terminal caudal setae.
Orbinia wui, a new species from China, with redescription of O. dicrochaeta Wu, 1962 (Annelida, Orbiniidae)
Authors: SUN YUE , LI XINZHENG
Published: April 2018

Two species of the genus Orbinia Quatrefages, 1865 are described including Orbinia dicrochaeta Wu, 1962 and Orbinia wui sp. n. The new species can easily be identified from other species in the genus by a combination of characters: branchiae first present from chaetiger 5, thoracic region with 14–16 chaetigers; first six thoracic neuropodia with 4–5 rows of uncini, with the last row short and curving ventral to anterior rows; subsequent thoracic neuropodia with four rows of subuluncini and one short row of uncini, arranged more densely than anterior chaetigers; both uncini and subuluncini surrounded by long sheath all of its length on concave side, sheath with developed transverse rows of barbs. This study suggests that the species of Orbinia may be divided into two groups. A taxonomic key and comparative table to all species of Orbinia is provided.
A Synoptic Analysis of the First AVE-SESAME '79 Period
Authors: Moore James T. , Fuelberg Henry E.
Published: April 2018

Fields of divergence, vertical motion, stability, and surface pressure tendency are examined at 3 h intervals for the first regional scale AVE-SESAME '79 (Atmospheric Variability Experiment—Severe Environmental Storms and Mesoscale Experiment) day. Two areas of severe storms formed during the period from 1200 GMT 10 April through 1200 GMT 11 April. The Red River Valley outbreak began during the afternoon of 10 April, while a second area formed in southwestern Texas during the early evening hours. Results show the rapid changes in environmental conditions associated with these two storm areas.

The propagation of an upper level jet streak into the region was a major factor in producing the Red River Valley outbreak. This streak was associated with the formation of a strong low-level jet and a small-scale surface pressure perturbation. The sudden development of a strong upper tropospheric wind maximum over Oklahoma and Kansas corresponded with major changes in kinematic parameters at that level. Instability over the Red River Valley was released by strong upward motion producing intense convection.

Similar features were responsible for the storms in southwestern Texas. Although this area was quite unstable, forcing mechanisms appear somewhat weaker than in the earlier outbreak.
Objective Analysis and Assimilation Techniques Used for the Production of FGGE IIIb Analyses
Authors: Daley R. , Hollingsworth A. , Ploshay J. , Miyakoda K. , Baker W. , Kalnay E. , Dey C. , Krishnamurti T. , Barker E.
Published: April 2018

A set of tables has been prepared which allows side-by-side comparison of the characteristics of six data assimilation systems (ECMWF, GFDL, GLAS, NMC, FSU, and NEPRF) used to produce FGGE8 IIIb analyses.
A Low-Cost System for the Acquisition and Display of Digital GOES Satellite Images
Authors: Kidder Stanley Q. , Ochs Harry T.
Published: April 2018

Using new technology, an inexpensive, high quality system for the display of digital GOES images has been developed, which is suitable for use at remote field sites. The digital data are acquired at high speed (up to 10 000 baud) over ordinary telephone lines. The system allows the display of satellite images from either the view point of the satellite or remapped into an azimuthal-equidistant map projection, which allows direct, undistorted comparison with radar displays. The images can be enhanced with several built-in algorithms, and images at several resolutions up to the limits of the GOES satellite can be displayed. Images processed with this system have proved useful for both forecasting and operational decision making in a meteorological field experiment.
Atmospheric Science Education Program at Purdue University: Summer Program for Teachers (Grades 5–9)1
Authors: Smith David R. , Krockover Gerald H. , Snow John T. , Abridge Michelle E. , Harley Shawn B. , McClelland Thomas M.
Published: April 2018

The Atmospheric Science Education Program (ASEP) established in 1986 at Purdue University had two components: (1) To conduct a summer program for teachers on topics in atmospheric science; and (2) To develop educational materials for teaching atmospheric science to grades five through nine.

The ASEP Summer Program for Teachers was conducted at Purdue University in July 1987 for selected Indiana teachers. Its purpose was to help teachers that teach science in grades five through nine to incorporate atmospheric science topics into their school curricula. The teachers participated in a four-week program that included lectures, laboratory sessions, educational applications seminars, field trips, and guest speakers.

The ASEP staff also developed a series of videotapes and an accompanying set of instructional booklets for students and teachers. These materials were designed to reach a nationwide audience of students and teachers of science so they could incorporate atmospheric-related activities into the general science classroom. The participating teachers in the summer program provided input on the suitability (for the targeted school grades) of these materials, which will become available in late 1988.

Follow-up visitations were made by ASEP staff to the schools of the summer participants to determine the impact of the summer program and to assist the teachers with implementation of atmospheric science into their science classrooms. These visitations and other correspondence with the participating teachers have revealed that the teachers are actively adapting the educational materials and components of the summer program instruction into their science curricula, as well as conducting in-service training for other teachers in their own school districts and at state science-teachers' meetings.