bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Japanese Imperial Mentality: Cultural Imperialism as Colonial Control – Chosun as Exemplar
Authors: Song Seok Won
Published: August 2018

Imperial Japanese colonial rule practiced and justified domination–subjection relations between empire and colony and employed the concept of hierarchy using differences in asymmetric power and culture with the purpose of the constant reproduction of these relations. Assimilation and dissimilation formed the two wheels of Japan's vehicle of colonial control. The characteristics of these relations are clearly expressed in the education policies of Imperial Japan. During the Japanese colonial occupation of Chosun (Korea), Chosun Education Law had a fundamental role. The Law was introduced to comprehensively enforce Japanese cultural elements, such as Japanese language and lifestyle, and went through four revisions. Its clauses were designed and revised to reflect changes of Japan's policy goals, such as “moderatism,” in compliance with shifting colonial conditions. Ostensibly the purpose was “Amalgamation of Japan and Chosun, Japan–Chosun are One,” and the making of loyal imperial subjects. In conjunction with Japanese education policies, various sports were utilized as a means of colonial educational conditioning. However, these sports had ambivalent potential: for colonialism but also for anti‐colonialism. The ambivalence in imperial domination–subjection relations between Imperial Japan and Chosun has had a long‐lasting impact on South Korea–Japan relationships extending into the present. This essay serves as an overview exemplar of East Asian Japanese Imperialism and its post‐Imperial legacies.
Physiological reactivity in response to a fear‐induced virtual reality experience: Associations with psychopathic traits
Authors: Thomson Nicholas D. , Aboutanos Michel , Kiehl Kent A. , Neumann Craig , Galusha Carla , Fanti Kostas A.
Published: August 2018

Despite the longstanding discussion around the link between psychopathy and fearlessness, few studies have explicitly tested this association, and results have been mixed. This may be due, in part, to the lack of specificity in fear assessment. Further, the relation between psychopathy and fear may be better understood using the two‐factor model because, in theory, fear has opposing associations with interpersonal‐affective (Factor 1) and impulsive‐antisocial (Factor 2) traits. The present study aimed to test if the two factors of psychopathy are deferentially related to fear reactivity. To examine this, we collected sympathetic (SNS; skin conductance) and parasympathetic (PNS; respiratory sinus arrhythmia) nervous system reactivity to an interactive virtual reality horror video in a nonclinical sample (N = 103). Also, we included measures of emotional reactivity to fear and self‐report of situational fear. Results indicated that coinhibition (i.e., low PNS and SNS) of the two physiological systems predicted Factor 1, suggesting that individuals high on Factor 1 showed little change in both branches of the autonomic nervous system in response to fear. In contrast, Factor 2 was predicted by high PNS reactivity, suggesting a vulnerability to emotion dysregulation. On emotional reactivity, Factor 1 was related to feeling happier after the fear condition, whereas Factor 2 was related to feeling less in control. Factor 1 was inversely associated with situational fear, specifically, lower scores of social phobias, fear of aggression, and physical injury. In summary, the results provide evidence that psychopathy is related to fearlessness; however, this is unique to the personality features of psychopathy.
Dynamic Stochastic Macroeconomic Model of Disaster Risk Reduction Investment in Developing Countries
Authors: Ishiwata Hiroaki , Yokomatsu Muneta
Published: August 2018

This research formulates a dynamic stochastic macroeconomic model that includes an optimization problem for the formation of stock of human capital, production capital, and household assets, and quantitatively examines economic impacts of disaster on developing countries. We further investigate the optimal policy of development of disaster risk reduction (DRR) capital by considering costs of DRR investment, and show that the effect of DRR investment on economic growth is like a single‐peaked curve with respect to the DRR investment rate, which implies that overaccumulation could decelerate economic growth. Moreover, this study emphasizes an effect that DRR capital increases the shadow values of other types of capital and assets by reducing risks of destruction. Importantly, this effect emerges even in cases of process, in which disaster does not actually occur for a long period. We decompose the effects of DRR investments into two parts: “ex‐ante risk reduction effect” (ARRE) and “ex‐post damage mitigation effect” (PDME). Furthermore, we develop a method of measuring ARRE and PDME by applying the results of Monte Carlo simulation, and show that the scale of ARRE is nonnegligible using a case study of Pakistan. The results imply that types of models that cannot valuate ARRE underestimate the value of DRR investment.
Improvement in HLA‐typing by new sequence‐specific oligonucleotides kits for HLA‐A, ‐B, and ‐DRB1 loci
Authors: Bouthemy Charlène , Ralazamahaleo Mamy , Jollet Isabelle , Filloux Matthieu , Visentin Jonathan , Guidicelli Gwendaline
Published: August 2018

Polymerase chain reaction sequence‐specific oligonucleotide is commonly used for HLA‐typing. We replaced our LabType SSO HD (HD) kits with LabType SSO XR (XR) kits (One Lambda, Inc., Canoga Park, California) for HLA‐A, ‐B, and ‐DRB1 following acquisition of a LABScan3D analyzer. The XR kits have more bead regions than the HD kits, allowing for an extended number of probes and exon coverage. They are claimed to improve typing resolution and to diminish the number of allele ambiguities, including common and well‐documented (CWD) and null alleles to be resolved. We retrospectively selected patients who had their first HLA‐typing performed with the HD kits and their second determination with the XR kits between 2015 and 2016. Forty‐two patients were selected for HLA‐A typing comparison, and 48 for HLA‐B and 41 for HLA‐DRB1. XR kits significantly decreased the number of allele ambiguities for HLA‐A and ‐B. On the other hand, the improvement was limited for the HLA‐DRB1 locus. The XR kits did not resolve all the CWD HLA allele ambiguities, which may be important for organ and/or hematopoietic stem cell transplantations. The XR kits eliminated 88%, 62%, and 27% of null allele ambiguities for HLA‐A, ‐B, and ‐DRB1 loci, respectively. In conclusion, the XR kits allow for a significant improvement of HLA‐typing resolution for HLA‐A and ‐B loci in comparison with HD kits. In contrast, the number of oligonucleotides in the XR HLA‐DRB1 kit should be extended to include exon 3 at the very least. It could also be interesting to include oligonucleotides allowing HLA‐DRB3, 4, and 5 typing.
Our experience in riboflavin and ultraviolet light pathogen reduction technology for platelets: from platelet production to patient care
Authors: Jimenez‐Marco Teresa , Garcia‐Recio Marta , Girona‐Llobera Enrique
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

Pathogen reduction technology (PRT) enhances blood component safety, but its implementation is hampered by loss of blood quality and cost.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted to investigate the efficacy, safety, and cost of 9673 riboflavin and ultraviolet light–treated platelet (PLT) transfusions given to 1211 patients during a 3‐year period. The results were compared with the efficacy, safety, and cost of 6424 nontreated PLT transfusions administered to 1500 patients during a 3‐year comparison period before PRT implementation.

RESULTS

Despite a similar PLT transfusion dose per unit for both periods (pre‐PRT period 3.26 vs. PRT period 3.19), the mean number of PLT concentrates per patient (4.2 vs. 7.8; p = 0.006) and the total dose of PLTs received by patients were higher in the PRT period (13.6 vs. 24.8; p = 0.0002). Hematology and medical and surgical patient categories had the highest PLT use per patient. However, febrile (2.5% vs. 1.2%; p = 0.02) and allergic (0.16% vs. 0.08%; p = 0.01) reactions were lower during the PRT period. The blood center saved €284,805.58 due to a reduction of outdated PLTs from 16.8% to 0.72% after PRT implementation.

CONCLUSIONS

Although PRT can improve PLT safety, it can increase the amount of PLTs required for transfusion in some patient categories. The cost of PRT can be partially offset by the savings associated with a lower rate of PLT outdates. This cost reduction can be a key factor in settings where inventory management is challenged by a high percentage of wasted PLTs due to outdating.
Acute sleep loss results in tissue-specific alterations in genome-wide DNA methylation state and metabolic fuel utilization in humans
Authors: Cedernaes Jonathan , Schönke Milena , Westholm Jakub Orzechowski , Mi Jia , Chibalin Alexander , Voisin Sarah , Osler Megan , Vogel Heike , Hörnaeus Katarina , Dickson Suzanne L. , Lind Sara Bergström , Bergquist Jonas , Schiöth Helgi B , Zierath Juleen R. , Benedict Christian
Published: August 2018

Simulated shift work uncovers potential tissue mechanisms for metabolic effects attributed to sleep loss and circadian disruption.
Deuterium metabolic imaging (DMI) for MRI-based 3D mapping of metabolism in vivo
Authors: De Feyter Henk M. , Behar Kevin L. , Corbin Zachary A. , Fulbright Robert K. , Brown Peter B. , McIntyre Scott , Nixon Terence W. , Rothman Douglas L. , de Graaf Robin A.
Published: August 2018

DMI shows metabolism of acetate and glucose in the brain and liver and reveals the Warburg effect in patients with brain tumors.
APOBEC mutation drives early-onset squamous cell carcinomas in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa
Authors: Cho Raymond J. , Alexandrov Ludmil B. , den Breems Nicoline Y. , Atanasova Velina S. , Farshchian Mehdi , Purdom Elizabeth , Nguyen Tran N. , Coarfa Cristian , Rajapakshe Kimal , Prisco Marco , Sahu Joya , Tassone Patrick , Greenawalt Evan J. , Collisson Eric A. , Wu Wei , Yao Hui , Su Xiaoping , Guttmann-Gruber Christina , Hofbauer Josefina Piñón , Hashmi Raabia , Fuentes Ignacia , Benz Stephen C. , Golovato Justin , Ehli Erik A. , Davis Christel M. , Davies Gareth E. , Covington Kyle R. , Murrell Dedee F. , Salas-Alanis Julio C. , Palisson Francis , Bruckner Anna L. , Robinson William , Has Cristina , Bruckner-Tuderman Leena , Titeux Matthias , Jonkman Marcel F. , Rashidghamat Elham , Lwin Su M. , Mellerio Jemima E. , McGrath John A. , Bauer Johann W. , Hovnanian Alain , Tsai Kenneth Y. , South Andrew P.
Published: August 2018

Early-onset squamous cell carcinoma in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa patients is characterized by APOBEC mutagenesis.
Three-dimensional bioprinting to bridge the gap in spinal cord injuries
Authors: Holloway Julianne L.
Published: August 2018

A novel 3D bioprinting technique allows for precise control over cell type positioning and axonal growth direction toward recapitulating the complex architecture of the spinal cord.
Structural and Biochemical Characterization of Endoribonuclease Nsp15 Encoded by Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus
Authors: Zhang Lianqi , Li Lei , Yan Liming , Ming Zhenhua , Jia Zhihui , Lou Zhiyong , Rao Zihe
Published: August 2018

The lethally pathogenic Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) pose serious threats to humans. Endoribonuclease Nsp15 encoded by coronavirus plays an important role in viral infection and pathogenesis. This study determines the structure of MERS-CoV Nsp15 and demonstrates how the catalytic activity of this protein is potentially mediated, thereby providing structural and functional evidence for developing antiviral drugs. We also hypothesize that the primase-like protein Nsp8 and the Nsp7/Nsp8 complex may interact with Nsp15 and affect enzymatic activity. This contributes to the understanding of the association of Nsp15 with the viral replication and transcription machinery.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Pristinamycin-Producing Strain Streptomyces sp. SW4, Isolated from Soil in Nusa Kambangan, Indonesia
Authors: Aziz Saefuddin , Mast Yvonne , Wohlleben Wolfgang , Gross Harald
Published: August 2018

Streptomyces
sp. strain SW4 exhibited broad-spectrum antibacterial activity toward Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens.
Draft Genome Sequence and Brief History of Rhodovulum sp. Strain BSW8
Authors: Rayyan Amiera A. , Meyer Terry E. , Kyndt John A.
Published: August 2018

Rhodovulum
is a marine Gram-negative purple photosynthetic bacterial genus that is a member of the
Alphaproteobacteria
. Strain BSW8 is a variant that does not appear to make a polysaccharide slime capsule, and its genome sequence further contributes to the diversity of sequenced genomes belonging to this genus.
Alcohol and the risk of pneumonia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Simou Evangelia , Britton John , Leonardi-Bee Jo
Published: August 2018

Objective

A systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the magnitude of the association between alcohol consumption and the risk of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in adults was undertaken.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

Comprehensive searches of Medline, Embase and Web of Science were carried out to identify comparative studies of the association between alcohol intake and CAP between 1985 and 2017. Reference lists were also screened. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to estimate pooled effect sizes. A dose–response meta-analysis was also performed.

Results

We found 17 papers eligible for inclusion in the review, of which 14 provided results which could be pooled. Meta-analysis of these 14 studies identified an 83% increased risk of CAP among people who consumed alcohol or in higher amounts, relative to those who consumed no or lower amounts of alcohol, respectively (relative risk=1.83, 95% CI 1.30 to 2.57). There was substantial between-study heterogeneity, which was attributable in part to differences in study continent, adjustment for confounders and pneumonia diagnosis (clinical vs death). Dose–response analysis found that for every 10–20 g higher alcohol intake per day, there was an 8% increase in the risk of CAP.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that alcohol consumption increases the risk of CAP. Therefore, strengthening policies to reduce alcohol intake would be likely to reduce the incidence of CAP.
Genesis of the Changlingzi Zn–Pb deposit in the southern Great Xing’an Range, northeastern China: constraints from fluid inclusions and H–O–S–Pb isotope systematics
Authors: Liu Qing-Zhan , Han Yi , Wang Ke-Yong , Li Wen , Li Jian , Fu Li-Juan , Cai Wen-Yan
Published: August 2018

The Changlingzi Pb–Zn deposit is located in the southern Great Xing’an Range metallogenic belt of Northeast China. This deposit experienced two types of mineralization including skarn (ore block I) and hydrothermal vein (ore block II), and their orebodies are hosted mainly in the Lower Permian Zhesi Formation. The hydrothermal mineralization is classified into two metallogenic periods: skarn (stage 1) and sulfide (stages 2, 3, and 4). The skarn period affected only the ore block I, whereas the sulfide period similarly affected the two ore blocks. Fluid inclusion studies indicate that the ore-forming fluids during the early stage were medium- to high-temperature, high-salinity heterogeneous NaCl–H2O fluids, and that they eventually evolved to low-temperature, low-salinity homogeneous NaCl–H2O fluids by late stage. Studies of the hydrogen and oxygen isotope compositions (δ18OH2O = −13.85‰ to 3.95‰, δDH2O = −132.8‰ to −102.7‰) show that the ore-forming fluids gradually evolved from magmatic water to meteoric water. Sulfur and lead date suggest that the ore-forming materials were probably derived from deep magma and the Permian strata. Although our data show that ore blocks I and II, in terms of genesis, were skarn- and medium- to low-temperature hydrothermal vein-types, respectively, the ore-forming fluids of both ore blocks were the same period, and the differences in mineralization type can be related to the wall rocks.
Finding Parallel Passages in Cultural Heritage Archives
Authors: Harris Martyn , Levene Mark , Zhang Dell , Levene Dan
Published: August 2018

It is of great interest to researchers and scholars in many disciplines (particularly those working on cultural heritage projects) to study parallel passages (i.e., identical or similar pieces of text describing the same thing) in digital text archives. Although there exist a few software tools for this purpose, they are restricted to a specific domain (e.g., the Bible) or a specific language (e.g., Hebrew). In this article, we present in detail how we build a digital infrastructure that can facilitate the search and discovery of parallel passages for any domain in any language. It is at the core of ourSamtla(Search And Mining Tools with Linguistic Analysis) system designed in collaboration with historians and linguists. The system has already been used to support research on five large text corpora that span a number of different domains and languages. The key to such a domain-independent and language-independent digital infrastructure is a novel combination of a character-basedn-gram language model, space-optimized suffix tree, and generalized edit distance. A comprehensive evaluation through crowdsourcing shows that the effectiveness of our system’s search functionality is on par with the human-level performance.
Windows into Microbial Seascapes: Advances in Nanoscale Imaging and Application to Marine Sciences
Authors: Taylor Gordon T.
Published: August 2018

Geochemical cycles of all nonconservative elements are mediated by microorganisms over nanometer spatial scales. The pelagic seascape is known to possess microstructure imposed by heterogeneous distributions of particles, polymeric gels, biologically important chemicals, and microbes. While indispensable, most traditional oceanographic observational approaches overlook this heterogeneity and ignore subtleties, such as activity hot spots, symbioses, niche partitioning, and intrapopulation phenotypic variations, that can provide a deeper mechanistic understanding of planktonic ecosystem function. As part of the movement toward cultivation-independent tools in microbial oceanography, techniques to examine the ecophysiology of individual populations and their role in chemical transformations at spatial scales relevant to microorganisms have been developed. This review presents technologies that enable geochemical and microbiological interrogations at spatial scales ranging from 0.02 to a few hundred micrometers, particularly focusing on atomic force microscopy, nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry, and confocal Raman microspectroscopy and introducing promising approaches for future applications in marine sciences.
The activity of discrete sets of neurons in the posterior insula correlates with the behavioral expression and extinction of conditioned fear
Authors: Casanova José Patricio , Aguilar-Rivera Marcelo , Rodríguez María de los Ángeles , Coleman Todd P. , Torrealba Fernando
Published: August 2018

The interoceptive insular cortex is known to be involved in the perception of bodily states and emotions. Increasing evidence points to an additional role for the insula in the storage of fear memories. However, the activity of the insula during fear expression has not been studied. We addressed this issue by recording single units from the posterior insular cortex (pIC) of awake behaving rats expressing conditioned fear during its extinction. We found a set of pIC units showing either significant increase or decrease in activity during high fear expression to the auditory cue (“freezing units”). Firing rate of freezing units showed high correlation with freezing and outlasted the duration of the auditory cue. In turn, a different set of units showed either significant increase or decrease in activity during low fear state (“extinction units”). These findings show that expression of conditioned freezing is accompanied with changes in pIC neural activity and suggest that the pIC is important to regulate the behavioral expression of fear memory.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Here, we show novel single-unit data from the interoceptive insula underlying the behavioral expression of fear. We show that different populations of neurons in the insula codify expression and extinction of conditioned fear. Our data add further support for the insula as an important player in the regulation of emotions.
Amniotic Epithelial Cells Accelerate Diabetic Wound Healing by Modulating Inflammation and Promoting Neovascularization
Authors: Zheng Yongjun , Zheng Shiqing , Fan Xiaoming , Li Li , Xiao Yongqiang , Luo Pengfei , Liu Yingying , Wang Li , Cui Zhenci , He Fei , Liu Yuhuan , Xiao Shichu , Xia Zhaofan
Published: August 2018

Human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) are nontumorigenic, highly abundant, and low immunogenic and possess multipotent differentiation ability, which make them become ideal alternative stem cell source for regenerative medicine. Previous studies have demonstrated the therapeutic potential of hAECs in many tissue repairs. However, the therapeutic effect of hAECs on diabetic wound healing is still unknown. In this study, we injected hAECs intradermally around the full-thickness excisional skin wounds of db/db mice and found that hAECs significantly accelerated diabetic wound healing and granulation tissue formation. To explore the underlying mechanisms, we measured inflammation and neovascularization in diabetic wounds. hAECs could modulate macrophage phenotype toward M2 macrophage, promote switch from proinflammatory status to prohealing status of wounds, and increase capillary density in diabetic wounds. Furthermore, we found that the hAEC-conditioned medium promoted macrophage polarization toward M2 phenotype and facilitated migration, proliferation, and tube formation of endothelial cells through in vitro experiments. Taken together, we first reported that hAECs could promote diabetic wound healing, at least partially, through paracrine effects to regulate inflammation and promote neovascularization.
Effects of Conventional Synthetic Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs on Response to Periodontal Treatment in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Jung Gyu-Un , Han Ji-Young , Hwang Kyung-Gyun , Park Chang-Joo , Stathopoulou Panagiota G. , Fiorellini Joseph P.
Published: August 2018

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and periodontitis are common chronic inflammatory diseases and periodontitis is known to be more common and more severe in patients with RA. Based on a paucity of studies about the relationship between common conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) and periodontitis, this prospective study aimed to evaluate the adjunctive effect of csDMARDs on response to nonsurgical periodontal treatment in patients with RA. Thirty-two patients with RA (RA group) and 32 systemically healthy patients (control group) with periodontitis were included in this study. The RA group patients were treated with csDMARDs, such as methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, and sulfasalazine. Conventional nonsurgical periodontal treatment with scaling and root planing was performed in both groups. The extent and severity of periodontitis were evaluated by plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BOP) at baseline and 4 weeks after periodontal treatment. There was no statistically significant difference of periodontal parameters between the RA and control groups at baseline. Four weeks after scaling and root planing, PD reduction, and CAL gain were higher in the RA group treated with csDMARDs compared to the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.006 and 0.003, respectively). A post hoc analysis of the RA group showed no statistically significant difference on the response to nonsurgical periodontal treatment in multiple csDMARDs therapy and addition of NSAIDs and/or steroids to csDMARDs. In patients with RA, csDMARDs showed beneficial effect on periodontal clinical parameters following the nonsurgical periodontal treatment.
Calculation and Improvement of Complex Mechanical Properties of the Mega Arch Dam under Multiple Loads Based on Finite Element Methods
Authors: Fu Chenghua , Zhou Hongbo , Pan Yanfang
Published: August 2018

Researches on dynamic responses of the arch dam under seismic waves were not systematic and perfect enough in published papers. They rarely proposed measures to improve the antiseismic performance of the arch dam under seismic waves. Based on the finite element method, this paper completed a systematic and perfect research on stress and damage of the arch dam under seismic waves and proposed an effective measure to improve the antiseismic performance. The computed results of the improved arch dam were compared with the original one. Results proved that improved effects are obvious. In addition, damage stabilization value of the improved arch dam was 0.47, while the original one was 0.13. Obviously, the safety of the improved arch dam under the same loads was higher. Damage of the improved arch dam was increased by stages. It took about 3 s from zero damage to the complete damage, while the time was about only 1.3 s for the original one. Obviously, the antidamage capability of the improved arch dam was better. The improved measure proposed in this paper is very effective. This paper provides one reference for studying and improving the antiseismic performance of the arch dam.
Recurrent Acute Neurogenic Pulmonary Edema after Uncontrolled Seizures
Authors: Sacher Daniel C. , Yoo Erika J.
Published: August 2018

Acute pulmonary edema following significant injury to the central nervous system is known as neurogenic pulmonary edema (NPE). Commonly seen after significant neurological trauma, NPE has also been described after seizure. While many pathogenic theories have been proposed, the exact mechanism remains unclear. We present a 31-year-old man who developed recurrent acute NPE on two consecutive admissions after experiencing witnessed generalized tonic-clonic (GTC) seizures. Chest radiographs obtained after seizure during both admissions showed bilateral infiltrates which rapidly resolved within 24 hours. He required intubation on each occasion, was placed on lung protective ventilation, and was successfully extubated within 72 hours. There was no identified source of infection, and no cardiac pathology was thought to be contributory.
Therapeutic Efficacies of Artemisia capillaris Extract Cream Formulation in Imiquimod‐Induced Psoriasis Models
Authors: Lee Song Yi , Nam Suyeong , Kim Sungyun , Koo Ja Seong , Hong In Kee , Kim Hill , Han Sangin , Kang Minji , Yang Heejung , Cho Hyun-Jong
Published: August 2018

A cream formulation containing Artemisia capillaris (AC) extract (ACE) was developed for psoriasis therapy. Although ACE can be dissolved in organic solvents, its topical application is restricted because of toxicities. Therefore, a cream formulation was developed for the convenient and safe local application of ACE on skin lesions. The antipsoriatic properties of the ACE cream were evaluated using an imiquimod‐ (IMQ‐) induced psoriasis‐like mouse model. In psoriasis‐like mouse models, the cumulative score (redness, thickness, and scaling) of the IMQ + ACE cream group was significantly lower than those of the other groups on day 4 (p < 0.05). The results of the hematoxylin and eosin staining of skin tissues revealed that the epidermal thickness value of the IMQ + ACE cream group was significantly lower than those of the other experimental groups (p < 0.05). The expression level of intracellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1), which indicates the leukocyte infiltration into the skin and subsequent interactions with keratinocytes, was also lower in the IMQ + ACE cream group than in the IMQ group. These results indicate that ACE cream formulation could be used safely and conveniently for psoriasis treatment.
Management of Crown-Root Fracture in Primary Canine by Surgical Extrusion: A Case Report with 1-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Kanimozhi I. , Ramakrishnan Mahesh , Ravikumar Dhanalakshmi , Sharna Ningthoujam
Published: August 2018

Complicated crown-root fractures of primary teeth often present with a greater challenge to the pediatric dentist. Extraction of the involved tooth is the routine treatment indicated. But, early loss of this primary tooth may lead to esthetic and psychological problems and also causes a detrimental effect on the development of occlusion and the alveolar bone. The present case report described the management of crown-root fracture in a primary canine by surgical extrusion and showed a satisfactory prognosis at one-year follow-up.
Study on the Miscibility of Polypyrrole and Polyaniline Polymer Blends
Authors: Tikish Tekalign A. , Kumar Ashok , Kim Jung Yong
Published: August 2018

We report on the miscibility and phase behaviour of polypyrrole‐polyaniline (PPy/PANI) as a function of blend composition. The PPy/PANI blends were prepared by solution processing method, using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solvent. Characterization of the polymer blends was carried out based on the data analysis from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The PPy/PANI system was successfully formed blends in DMSO solvent. The polymer blends showed almost amorphous nature in XRD spectra because of intermolecular interaction between PPy and PANI macromolecules, which was confirmed by FT‐IR data. Specifically, the DSC result for the PPY : PANI = 50 : 50 wt.% blend showed only one glass transition temperature (Tg), which indicates that the two polymers are well miscible without undergoing any phase separation.
Conservative Surgical Treatment of Bisphosphonate-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw with Er,Cr:YSGG Laser and Platelet-Rich Plasma: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Mauceri Rodolfo , Panzarella Vera , Maniscalco Laura , Bedogni Alberto , Licata Maria Ester , Albanese Antonino , Toia Francesca , Cumbo Enzo Maria Giuseppe , Mazzola Giuseppina , Di Fede Olga , Campisi Giuseppina
Published: August 2018

Introduction. The management of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ), with no evidence-based guidelines, remains controversial. We aimed to evaluate the efficiency of a conservative surgical treatment combining Er,Cr:YSGG laser and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for the treatment of BRONJ in cancer patients. Methods. We performed a longitudinal cohort study. Inclusion criteria were (1) age ≥ 18 years; (2) cancer diagnosis; (3) treatment with NBP because of the underlying cancer. Results. We consecutively recruited ten patients diagnosed with BRONJ in stage I or II. These patients underwent a surgical laser-assisted therapy together with autologous PRP. At the latest follow-up at 12 months, clinical improvement was observed in eight patients. Registration Number is IRCT20180329039159N1. Conclusion. We could successfully manage the BRONJ utilizing this combined protocol to heal the 30% of surgically treated sites and to improve the 50% of patients’ lesions clinically. Our findings suggest that a surgical approach combined with Er,Cr:YSGG laser and PRP benefit cancer patients with general health issues.
L-Leucine Templated Biomimetic Assembly of SnO2 Nanoparticles and Their Lithium Storage Properties
Authors: Yu Peng , Liu Mili , Gong Haixiong , Wu Fangfang , Yi Zili , Liu Hui
Published: August 2018

SnO2 nanoparticles have been synthesized by a novel route of a sol-gel method assisted with biomimetic assembly using L-leucine as a biotemplate. The microstructure of as-prepared SnO2 nanoparticles was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR), and Brunner−Emmet−Teller (BET) measurements. The results demonstrated that the growth of SnO2 could be regulated by L-leucine at a high calcination temperature. The electrochemical performance of SnO2 was also measured as anodes for lithium-ion battery. It is a guidance for the growth regulation of SnO2 at high temperature to obtain SnO2/C with nanosized SnO2 coated by a graphitic carbon.
Noncoding RNA Transcripts during Differentiation of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells into Hepatocytes
Authors: Skrzypczyk Aniela , Kehr Stephanie , Krystel Ilona , Bernhart Stephan H. , Giri Shibashish , Bader Augustinus , Stadler Peter F.
Published: August 2018

Recent advances in the stem cell field allow to obtain many human tissues in vitro. However, hepatic differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) still remains challenging. Hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) obtained after differentiation resemble more fetal liver hepatocytes. MicroRNAs (miRNA) play an important role in the differentiation process. Here, we analysed noncoding RNA profiles from the last stages of differentiation and compare them to hepatocytes. Our results show that HLCs maintain an epithelial character and express miRNA which can block hepatocyte maturation by inhibiting the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Additionally, we identified differentially expressed small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) and discovered novel noncoding RNA (ncRNA) genes.
The Utility of Intraoperative Near Infrared Fluorescence (NIR) Imaging with Indocyanine Green (ICG) for the Assessment of Kidney Allograft Perfusion
Authors: Aslim Edwin Jonathan , Lee Fang Jann , Gan Valerie Huei Li
Published: August 2018

Background. Near infrared light (NIR) fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green (ICG) has been used in various aspects of surgery, such as in the assessment of vascular anastomosis, tissue perfusion, and the identification of lymph nodes. In this study we evaluated the utility of NIR/ICG fluorescence imaging in kidney transplantation. Materials and Methods. NIR/ICG imaging was used to assess allograft perfusion in n=1 living donor (LDRT) and n=2 deceased donor (DDRT) renal transplantations, performed in February 2017. The allograft arterial and venous anastomoses were done end-to-side to the corresponding recipient external iliacs, and ureteroneocystostomies were performed for urinary reconstructions. After completion of vascular anastomosis, ICG was given as intravenous bolus at 0.3mg/kg, followed by visual assessment of tissue perfusion and vascular anastomoses at 1-minute interval using fluorescence imaging (KARL STORZ NIR/ICG System). Results. Homogenous global fluorescence of the allograft and vascular anastomosis was observed in all 3 cases. Immediate postoperative perfusion studies showed patent inflow and outflow vessels and well perfused transplanted kidneys. Immediate graft function was observed in 2 recipients (1 LDRT and 1 DDRT). One session of haemodialysis was performed in 1 DDRT recipient, for high serum potassium in the immediate postoperative setting, who otherwise had good urine output and serially declining serum creatinine. Conclusions. NIR/ICG fluorescence imaging can be useful in renal transplantation for the intraoperative assessment of allograft perfusion, especially in complex cases with multiple renal arteries and vascular reconstructions.
From Quantum Unstable Systems to the Decaying Dark Energy: Cosmological Implications
Authors: Stachowski Aleksander , Szydłowski Marek , Urbanowski Krzysztof
Published: August 2018

We consider a cosmology with decaying metastable dark energy and assume that a decay process of this metastable dark energy is a quantum decay process. Such an assumption implies among others that the evolution of the Universe is irreversible and violates the time reversal symmetry. We show that if we replace the cosmological timetappearing in the equation describing the evolution of the Universe by the Hubble cosmological scale time, then we obtain time dependentΛ(t)in the form of the series of even powers of the Hubble parameterH:Λ(t)=Λ(H). Our special attention is focused on radioactive-like exponential form of the decay process of the dark energy and on the consequences of this type decay.
An Integrated Deep Generative Model for Text Classification and Generation
Authors: Wang Zheng , Wu Qingbiao
Published: August 2018

Text classification and generation are two important tasks in the field of natural language processing. In this paper, we deal with both tasks via Variational Autoencoder, which is a powerful deep generative model. The self-attention mechanism is introduced to the encoder. The modified encoder extracts the global feature of the input text to produce the hidden code, and we train a neural network classifier based on the hidden code to perform the classification. On the other hand, the label of the text is fed into the decoder explicitly to enhance the categorization information, which could help with text generation. The experiments have shown that our model could achieve competitive classification results and the generated text is realistic. Thus the proposed integrated deep generative model could be an alternative for both tasks.
Pancreaticopleural Fistula: A Review of Imaging Diagnosis and Early Endoscopic Intervention
Authors: Kord Valeshabad Ali , Acostamadiedo Jennifer , Xiao Lekui , Mar Winnie , Xie Karen L.
Published: August 2018

A 49-year-old male with history of chronic alcohol-induced pancreatitis presented with one month of worsening left pleuritic chest pain and shortness of breath. Chest radiograph demonstrated bilateral pleural effusions. Thoracentesis revealed increased amylase in the pleural fluid. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) showed a fistula tract between the left pleural cavity and pancreas which was confirmed on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Patient was treated with placement of a pancreatic stent with complete resolution of the fistula tract approximately in 9 weeks. A systematic literature search was performed on reported cases with pancreaticopleural fistula (PPF) who underwent early therapeutic endoscopy within the last 10 years. Imaging modalities, particularly CT and MRCP, play essential role in prompt preprocedural diagnosis of PPF. Early therapeutic ERCP is an effective and relatively safe treatment option for PPF, so invasive surgery may be avoided.
Comparative Genomic Analysis of Members of the GeneraMethanosphaeraandMethanobrevibacterReveals Distinct Clades with Specific Potential Metabolic Functions
Authors: Poehlein Anja , Schneider Dominik , Soh Melissa , Daniel Rolf , Seedorf Henning
Published: August 2018

MethanobrevibacterandMethanosphaeraspecies represent some of the most prevalent methanogenic archaea in the gastrointestinal tract of animals and humans and play an important role in this environment. The aim of this study was to identify genomic features that are shared or specific for members of each genus with a special emphasis of the analysis on the assimilation of nitrogen and acetate and the utilization of methanol and ethanol for methanogenesis. Here, draft genome sequences ofMethanobrevibacter thaueristrain DSM 11995T,Methanobrevibacter woeseistrain DSM 11979T, andMethanosphaera cuniculistrain 4103Tare reported and compared to those of 16 otherMethanobrevibacterandMethanosphaeragenomes, including genomes of the 13 currently available types of strains of the two genera. The comparative genome analyses indicate that among other genes, the absence of molybdopterin cofactor biosynthesis is conserved inMethanosphaeraspecies but reveals also that the three species share a core set of more than 300 genes that distinguishes the genusMethanosphaerafrom the genusMethanobrevibacter. Multilocus sequence analysis shows that the genusMethanobrevibactercan be subdivided into clades, potentially new genera, which may display characteristic specific metabolic features. These features include not only the potential ability of nitrogen fixation and acetate assimilation in a clade comprised ofMethanobrevibacterspecies from the termite gut andMethanobrevibacter arboriphilusstrains but also the potential capability to utilize ethanol and methanol in a clade comprisingMethanobrevibacter woliniistrain DSM 11976T,Mbb.sp. AbM4, andMbb. boviskoreanistrain DSM 25824T.
A New Chaotic Starling Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm for Clustering Problems
Authors: Wang Lin , Liu Xiyu , Sun Minghe , Qu Jianhua , Wei Yanmeng
Published: August 2018

A new method using collective responses of starling birds is developed to enhance the global search performance of standard particle swarm optimization (PSO). The method is named chaotic starling particle swarm optimization (CSPSO). In CSPSO, the inertia weight is adjusted using a nonlinear decreasing approach and the acceleration coefficients are adjusted using a chaotic logistic mapping strategy to avoid prematurity of the search process. A dynamic disturbance term (DDT) is used in velocity updating to enhance convergence of the algorithm. A local search method inspired by the behavior of starling birds utilizing the information of the nearest neighbors is used to determine a new collective position and a new collective velocity for selected particles. Two particle selection methods, Euclidean distance and fitness function, are adopted to ensure the overall convergence of the search process. Experimental results on benchmark function optimization and classic clustering problems verified the effectiveness of this proposed CSPSO algorithm.
Divergent Evolutional Mode and Purifying Selection of theKITGene in European and Asian Domestic Pig Breeds
Authors: Niu Lili , Shi KeYu , Xie Jing-Jing , Liu Sen , Zhong Tao
Published: August 2018

The recent geographic expansion of wild boars and the even more recent development of numerous domestic pigs have spurred exploration on pig domestic origins. The porcineKITgene has been showed to affect pleiotropic effects, blood parameters, and coat colour phenotypes, especially the white colour phenotype formation in European commercial breeds. Here, we described the use of SNPs to identify different selection patterns on the porcineKITgene and the phylogenetic relationships of the inferred haplotypes. The phylogenetic tree revealed four clades in European and Asian wild and domestic pigs: two major clades with European and Asian origins and one minor clade with Iberian origins as well as the other minor clade in Asia, consistent with the major introgression of domestic Asian pigs in Europe around 18th -19th century. The domestication history of pigs, which occurred in the domestication centers (Europe and Asia), has also been demonstrated by mtDNA analysis. Furthermore, both Asian and European domestic pigs evolved under purifying selection. This study indicated that domestic pigs in Europe and Asia have different lineage origins but the porcineKITgene was undergoing a purifying selection during their evolutional histories.
Exact Controllability for Hilfer Fractional Differential Inclusions Involving Nonlocal Initial Conditions
Authors: Du Jun , Jiang Wei , Pang Denghao , Niazi Azmat Ullah Khan
Published: August 2018

The exact controllability results for Hilfer fractional differential inclusions involving nonlocal initial conditions are presented and proved. By means of the multivalued analysis, measure of noncompactness method, fractional calculus combined with the generalized Mnch fixed point theorem, we derive some sufficient conditions to ensure the controllability for the nonlocal Hilfer fractional differential system. The results are new and generalize the existing results. Finally, we talk about an example to interpret the applications of our abstract results.
A Rare Case of Cyclical Hemothorax: Thoracic Endometriosis Syndrome
Authors: Rawala Muhammad Shabbir , Khaliq Muhammad Farhan , Iqbal Muhammad Asif , Naqvi S. Tahira Shah , Farhan Kinaan , Myers Andrew , Helmick Kristen
Published: August 2018

Endometriosis is a common condition in which endometrial cells and stroma are deposited in extrauterine sites. Its prevalence has been estimated to be 10% of reproductive age females. It is commonly found in the pelvis; however, it may be found in the abdomen, thorax, brain, or skin. Thoracic involvement is a relatively rare presentation of this common disease. Thoracic endometriosis commonly presents as pneumothorax in 73% of patients. A rarer presentation of thoracic endometriosis is hemothorax (<14%) or hemoptysis (7%). Thoracic endometriosis is an uncommon cause of a pleural effusion. We present a case of 28-year-old African American female with no other medical conditions. She presented to the hospital with worsening right-sided pleuritic chest pain, dyspnea, and menorrhagia. She had been complaining of pleuritic chest pain for 5 years, the onset of which corresponds to the start of her menstrual cycle and is relieved with cessation of menses. Initial laboratory studies revealed a severe microcytic anemia with normal coagulation profile. Chest X-ray showed small right pleural effusion and suspicious for airspace disease. A computed tomography (CT) of chest was ordered for further clarification and identified large right pleural effusion. CT-guided thoracentesis removed 500 ml of serosanguinous fluid consisting of blood elements. There can be multiple sites involved with endometriosis and can present with wide range of symptoms that occur periodically with menses in young woman. The history and pleural fluid findings of this case are suggestive of Thoracic Endometriosis Syndrome. The diagnosis of this is often missed or delayed by clinicians, which can result in recurrent hospitalization and other complications. As internists we should be suspicious of atypical presentations of endometriosis and treat them early before complications develop. This case also highlights the importance of suspecting atypical etiologies for pleural effusion.
Encuesta Nacional de Salud, ENS 2016-2017: un aporte a la planificación sanitaria y políticas públicas en Chile
Authors: Margozzini Paula , Passi Álvaro
Published: August 2018

Introducción: Las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles del adulto son el principal desafío de los sistemas de salud en el mundo. Se requiere información local para planificación sanitaria.Objetivos: Estimar la magnitud y distribución de problemas de salud crónicos prioritarios y sus determinantes en una muestra nacional representativa de la población general chilena.Métodos: ENS 2016-2017 es un estudio transversal con muestra de hogares aleatoria, estratificada, multietápica y por conglomerados representativa del nivel nacional, regional, urbano rural de 6233 personas de 15 y más años. Personal capacitado (encuestadores y enfermeras) en sucesivas visitas al hogar,  administraron cuestionarios, examen dental, presión arterial, antropometría, recolectaron muestras de sangre en ayunas y orina. Se estimó la magnitud de 72 problemas de salud.Resultados: Se observa un elevado nivel absoluto de morbilidad por enfermedades crónicas y sus factores de riesgo. Se estima una magnitud de al menos 11 millones de personas con multimorbilidad que requieren atención médica y control crónico anual de por vida. Algunos ejemplos de altas prevalencias son: hipertensión (27,6%), dislipidemia HDL (46%), obesidad (34,4%), caries cavitadas (55%), diabetes (12,3%), tabaquismo actual (33,4%), problemas asociados al consumo de alcohol (12%), síntomas depresivos (15,8%), consumo excesivo de sal (98%), bajo consumo de frutas y verduras (85%), sedentarismo de tiempo libre (87%). Las mayores diferencias entre hombres y mujeres se observan en el uso riesgoso de alcohol y los síntomas depresivos.Conclusiones: la magnitud de población que requiere atención médica y cuidados crónicos supera la capacidad de respuesta del sistema de salud. Urgen fuertes estrategias preventivas de tipo poblacional (medidas regulatorias masivas) complementadas con una priorización de las estrategias de alto riesgo individual más costo efectivas. ENS aporta a la evaluación y vigilancia de ambas estrategias.