bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Ternary Ordered Intermetallics Cu3ZnSb As Anode for Alkali-Ion Storage
Authors: Pahari Debanjana , Puravankara Sreeraj
Published: October 2019

Ternary Cu3ZnSb crystallises in tetragonal space group P4/nmm (129) with lattice parameters a = 4.2171 (3)Å and c = 8.6925 (11) Å. The structure is built up with [Cu3Sb] slabs that correspond to the unit cells ofCu2Sb and planer 44 nets of Zn atoms. The planar nets of Zn atoms are interspersed between two adjacent[Cu3Sb] slabs. The structure of Cu3ZnSb can be viewed as stacking of Cu2Sb-unit cells interleaved with CsCltype b’-brass (CuZn) layers along c-direction.Ternary Cu3ZnSb anodes exhibit an initial discharge capacity of 323 mAh/g when cycled at a rate of 0.05C inthe voltage range of 0.005 – 2 V (Figure 1b). The average voltage can be calculated as 0.4 V with respect toNa/Na+. Although, the discharge capacity fades in the initial cycles, from the 6th cycle onwards a reversiblecapacity of 56 mAh/g has been observed for the pristine material.
Experimental Study on Flexural Behaviour of Lightweight Multi‐Ribbed Composite Slabs
Authors: Huang Wei , Ma Xiang , Luo Bin , Li Zeliang , Sun Yujiao
Published: October 2019

To develop new slabs with light weight and high rigidity as well as meet the requirements of use and facilitate construction, a large‐span multi‐ribbed composite slab (R‐CS) with filled lightweight blocks is proposed based on systematic research. Static tests of the bending behaviour of the four pieces of the R‐CS specimens and one ordinary concrete cast‐in‐place slab were carried out. The fracture distribution, bearing capacity, deflection, and load‐strain curves of the tensile steel bars were analysed. The difference in the bending behaviour between the R‐CS specimens and the cast‐in‐place slab and the influence of different structural forms on the bending behaviour of the R‐CS samples were studied. By calculating the bearing capacity of the fully composite state, their composite performance was evaluated. The research shows that the bending failure process of the R‐CS specimens is similar to that of the cast‐in‐place slab and the crack and deflection development as well as ductility are relatively good. The measured bearing capacity of the specimen can reach more than 70% of the theoretical calculation strength under the fully composite state. The composite performance is satisfactory.
Smart Detection: An Online Approach for DoS/DDoS Attack Detection Using Machine Learning
Authors: Lima Filho Francisco Sales de , Silveira Frederico A. F. , de Medeiros Brito Junior Agostinho , Vargas-Solar Genoveva , Silveira Luiz F.
Published: October 2019

Users and Internet service providers (ISPs) are constantly affected by denial-of-service (DoS) attacks. This cyber threat continues to grow even with the development of new protection technologies. Developing mechanisms to detect this threat is a current challenge in network security. This article presents a machine learning- (ML-) based DoS detection system. The proposed approach makes inferences based on signatures previously extracted from samples of network traffic. The experiments were performed using four modern benchmark datasets. The results show an online detection rate (DR) of attacks above 96%, with high precision (PREC) and low false alarm rate (FAR) using a sampling rate (SR) of 20% of network traffic.
An Active Controller Selection Scheme for Minimizing Packet-In Processing Latency in SDN
Authors: Yu Haisheng , Li Keqiu , Qi Heng
Published: October 2019

In software-defined network, the use of distributed controllers to control forwarding devices has been proposed to solve the issues of scalability and load balance. However, the forwarding devices are statically assigned to the controllers in these distributed systems, which can overload some controllers while others are underutilized. In this paper, we propose an architecture named ASLB (active controller selection load balance), which proactively selects appropriate controllers for load balancing and minimize packet processing delays. We also present a novel active controller selection algorithm (ACS) for ASLB that efficiently schedules traffic from the switch to the controller and designs an intermediate coordinator for actively selecting a controller to serve a request. We built a system and evaluated it on a physical platform. The results show that ASLB is much better than the static allocation scheme in terms of minimizing latency, bandwidth utilization, and throughput.
Psychosocial Predictors of Bruxism
Authors: Przystańska Agnieszka , Jasielska Aleksandra , Ziarko Michał , Pobudek-Radzikowska Małgorzata , Maciejewska-Szaniec Zofia , Prylińska-Czyżewska Agata , Wierzbik-Strońska Magdalena , Gorajska Małgorzata , Czajka-Jakubowska Agata
Published: October 2019

Objectives. The study aimed to investigate the psychosocial predictors of bruxism. The association of various psychosocial factors such as alexithymia, emotional processing, state and trait anxiety, and stress with awake bruxism was analysed.Methods. The study involved 52 volunteers diagnosed with awake bruxism. The toolkit that was used included the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), the Emotional Processing Scale (EPS), the Cohen Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and the State- and Trait-Anxiety Inventory (STAI), with independent individual psychological diagnoses being made for every patient. The results were statistically analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics 24.Results. The obtained data clearly show that psychological traits—both permanent dispositions (e.g., state anxiety and alexithymia) and temporary states (e.g., trait anxiety, emotional processing deficits, and psychological stress)—are significant determinants of awake bruxism. The percentage of explained variance indicates the presence of other factors as well.Conclusions. Psychosocial factors such as state anxiety and trait anxiety, alexithymia, and perceived stress are as important as somatic causes in the occurrence and maintenance of awake bruxism. The profile of the obtained data suggests the possibility of preventing or minimizing the symptoms of awake bruxism through properly constructed psychoprophylactic interactions.
Prediction of Inadequate Bowel Preparation Using Total and Segmental Colon Transit Time in Patients with Chronic Constipation: Some Different Outcomes
Authors: Zhai Chunying , Huang Qiyang , Chai Ningli , Zhang Wengang , Linghu Enqiang
Published: October 2019

Aims. Radio-opaque markers have been widely used in the study of colon motility in patients with chronic functional constipation (FC). Here, we evaluate the relationship between the colon transit time (CTT) and the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) to determine whether CTT is a sufficient predictor of bowel preparation in patients with chronic functional constipation. Methods. A total of fifty-six patients with constipation and fifty-two healthy controls (HC) were enrolled in this study. All subjects underwent the colonic transit study using radio-opaque markers and were given a follow-up colonoscopy examination on day 3 to 7 to determine BBPS. The correlation between total and segmental CTT and BBPS was evaluated, and risk factors for predicting inadequate bowel preparation were determined. Results. In our study, we found some distinct outcomes compared with previous studies. The mean total CTT (TCTT) was determined to be 43.37±18.82 h in the FC group and 23.08±10.18 h in the HC group. This difference was found to be significant for both the total and segmental CTTs between the two groups (P<0.05). Further, TCTT was negatively correlated with BBPS both in the FC (r=−0.899, 95% CI -0.748 to -0.925, P<0.001) and the HC (r=−0.978, 95% CI -0.854 to -1.003, P=0.004) groups, as was segmental CTTs and segmental BBPS (P<0.05). In the case of patients with slow transit constipation, multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that prolonged TCTT (OR 0.722, 95% CI 0.589-0.885, P=0.002) was independently associated with poor bowel preparation. The total and right to left CTTs were found to predict inadequate bowel preparation and exhibited the best sensitivity and specificity at 48.0 h, 15.5 h, 17.5 h, and 19.0 h, based on ROC curve analysis. Conclusions. The CTT test represents a valuable method for predicting the level of bowel preparation prior to a colonoscopy examination. That is, both total and segmental CTTs can be considered an objective predictor of bowel preparation prior to colonoscopy. The present study demonstrates some distinct results relative to previous studies, including STC subtype proportion in FC, the proportion of inadequate bowel preparation in the STC subtype, and the cut-off value of TCTT for predicting inadequate bowel preparation.
Positive Solutions for a System of Fractional Integral Boundary Value Problems Involving Hadamard‐Type Fractional Derivatives
Authors: Zhang Haiyan , Li Yaohong , Xu Jiafa
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we use fixed‐point index to study the existence of positive solutions for a system of Hadamard fractional integral boundary value problems involving nonnegative nonlinearities. By virtue of integral‐type Jensen inequalities, some appropriate concave and convex functions are used to depict the coupling behaviors for our nonlinearities fi(i = 1,  2).
Nonlinear Numerical Modeling of the Wire‐Ring Net for Flexible Barriers
Authors: Yu Zhixiang , Liu Chun , Guo Liping , Zhao Lei , Zhao Shichun
Published: October 2019

To investigate the nonlinear mechanical behavior of the wire‐ring net, this paper presents a new numerical model that can collectively consider equivalence between numerical and actual wire rings. Quasi‐static tests, including tensile tests on steel wires and one‐ring specimens, and puncturing tests on net specimens were conducted. Based on the test results, the axial constitutive curves of steel wires were obtained. The linear correlation equations for the breaking loads of the one‐ring specimens and the puncturing strength of wire‐ring nets were established, both of which were related to the number of windings. The wire rings were modeled via an equivalent structure with a single winding and a circular cross section. Equivalence between the numerical and actual wire rings in terms of bending and tensile strength, total mass, contact with sliding friction, and rupture behavior were also derived and presented. In particular, the emphasis was on simulating the flattening effect, a phenomenon rarely accounted for in conventional numerical models. All dominant factors were reflected in a model with the material law by the input of material parameters. The proposed mechanical model was calibrated and verified by the data from the tests of the wire‐ring net. The calibrated mechanical model is also shown to successfully simulate a full‐scale test of a flexible rockfall protection barrier according to the ETAG027 standard.
A Possible Mechanism of Metformin in Improving Insulin Resistance in Diabetic Rat Models
Authors: Li Mengsiyu , Hu Xiaowen , Xu Yeqiu , Hu Xiaolin , Zhang Chunxue , Pang Shuguang
Published: October 2019

Background. Type 2 diabetes has become one of the most common diseases worldwide, causing a serious social burden. As a first-line treatment for diabetes, metformin can effectively improve insulin resistance. It has been reported that 12α-hydroxylated BA (mainly CA) is associated with insulin resistance. The purpose of this study was to analyze the changes in CA and possible signaling mechanisms in diabetic rats after metformin intervention. Methods. HepG2 cells were cultured after adding different concentrations of metformin. The cell viability was measured using CCK8 kit, and the expression of FXR, MAFG, and CYP8B1 in cells was detected by WB. The rat models of type 2 diabetes were induced by low-dose streptozotocin by feeding a high-fat diet, and the control rats (CON) were fed on normal food; the diabetic rats (DM) were given a high-fat diet without supplementation with metformin, while the metformin-treated diabetic rats (DM + MET) were given a high-fat diet and supplemented with metformin. Biochemical parameters were detected at the end of the test. Expression levels of FXR, CYP8B1, and MAFG were assessed by WB. Serum CA were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results. In HepG2 cells, metformin dose-dependently enhanced the transcriptional activity of FXR and MAFG and inhibited the expression of CYP8B1. Metformin-treated DM rats showed improved glucose and bile acid metabolism. In addition, significantly increased FXR and MAFG and decreased CYP8B1 were observed in DM + MET rats. At the same time, the CA content of metformin-treated rats was lower than that of diabetic rats. Conclusion. Changes in CA synthesis after metformin treatment may be associated with inhibition of CYP8B1. These results may play an important role in improving insulin sensitivity after metformin treatment.
Implementing and Evaluating an Heterogeneous, Scalable, Tridiagonal Linear System Solver with OpenCL to Target FPGAs, GPUs, and CPUs
Authors: Macintosh Hamish J. , Banks Jasmine E. , Kelson Neil A.
Published: October 2019

Solving diagonally dominant tridiagonal linear systems is a common problem in scientific high-performance computing (HPC). Furthermore, it is becoming more commonplace for HPC platforms to utilise a heterogeneous combination of computing devices. Whilst it is desirable to design faster implementations of parallel linear system solvers, power consumption concerns are increasing in priority. This work presents the oclspkt routine. The oclspkt routine is a heterogeneous OpenCL implementation of the truncated SPIKE algorithm that can use FPGAs, GPUs, and CPUs to concurrently accelerate the solving of diagonally dominant tridiagonal linear systems. The routine is designed to solve tridiagonal systems of any size and can dynamically allocate optimised workloads to each accelerator in a heterogeneous environment depending on the accelerator’s compute performance. The truncated SPIKE FPGA solver is developed first for optimising OpenCL device kernel performance, global memory bandwidth, and interleaved host to device memory transactions. The FPGA OpenCL kernel code is then refactored and optimised to best exploit the underlying architecture of the CPU and GPU. An optimised TDMA OpenCL kernel is also developed to act as a serial baseline performance comparison for the parallel truncated SPIKE kernel since no FPGA tridiagonal solver capable of solving large tridiagonal systems was available at the time of development. The individual GPU, CPU, and FPGA solvers of the oclspkt routine are 110%, 150%, and 170% faster, respectively, than comparable device-optimised third-party solvers and applicable baselines. Assessing heterogeneous combinations of compute devices, the GPU + FPGA combination is found to have the best compute performance and the FPGA-only configuration is found to have the best overall estimated energy efficiency.
Mode I Fracture Toughness Test and Fractal Character of Fracture Trajectory of Red Sandstone under Real-Time High Temperature
Authors: Zejin Yang , Zhang Changsuo
Published: October 2019

To evaluate the stability and compactness of high-temperature underground construction, it is necessary to test the fracture toughness of surrounding rock (red sandstone) under real-time high temperature. In this paper, SCB specimens recommended by the International Society for Rock Mechanics are used to measure the mode I fracture toughness of red sandstone at real-time high temperatures. Also, to reveal its fracture characteristics and fracture mechanism, the fracture morphology observation (SEM experiment), XRD experiment, mercury intrusion porosimetry testing, and fractal measurement of fracture trajectory are carried out on the red sandstone specimens at various temperatures. The results show that (1) temperature may have a significant impact on the fracture toughness and fracture characteristics of red sandstone. On the whole, the fracture toughness values decrease with the increase in temperature, while the fractal dimensions of fractal trajectories increase with the increase in temperature. (2) Temperature has a significant influence on the fracture mode of red sandstone. At relatively low temperatures (20°C–400°C), the main fracture mode is transgranular failure. At relatively high temperatures (400°C–700°C), the fracture mode is mainly intergranular failure. (3) The weakening mechanism of red sandstone is mainly due to the effect of thermal dehydration when the temperature is between 100°C and 400°C. When the temperature is between 400°C and 700°C, the weakening mechanism is mainly due to thermal cracking and theα-βphase transition of quartz.
Formaldehyde Use and Alternative Biobased Binders for Particleboard Formulation: A Review
Authors: Kariuki Stephen Warui , Wachira Jackson , Kawira Millien , Murithi Genson
Published: October 2019

Formaldehyde-based resins are conventionally used as a binder in formulation of particleboard. Epidemiologic studies have shown that formaldehyde is carcinogenic. Efforts to reduce the health hazard effects of the fomaldehyde-based resin in the particleboard formulation have included use of scavengers for formaldehydes and use of an alternative binder. Use of scavengers for the formaldehyde increases the cost and maintenance of particleboard formulation. There is no proof that scavengers eliminate the emission of formaldehyde from particleboard. Use of biobased binders in particleboard formulation provides an alternative for eliminating use of the formaldehyde-based resin. However, the alternative is hindered by challenges, which include limitations of physical and mechanical properties. The challenge has continuously been acted upon through research. The paper presents an overview of the use of starch as an alternative binder. Improvement over time of the starch and limitations thereof requires to be addressed. Use of the modified starch has shown increased particleboard performance. Mechanical strength, such as modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, and internal bonding in particleboards, however, remains to be a challenge.
Rebuilding Soil Ecosystems for Improved Productivity in Biosolarized Soils
Authors: Ney Laura , Franklin Dorcas , Mahmud Kishan , Cabrera Miguel , Hancock Dennis , Habteselassie Mussie , Newcomer Quint , Fatzinger Brendan
Published: October 2019

Disinfecting soil can reduce or eliminate crop loss from soilborne pathogens, parasitic nematodes, and weed competition. Biosolarization combines biotoxic products from organic matter decomposition and heat from solarization. While biosolarization offers an organic option for soil pest control and avoids human and environmental health risks associated with chemical fumigants, it still has broad negative impacts on microbial communities. Quickly reestablishing these communities can be key in preventing resurgence in disease pressure and in maximizing nutrient use efficiency. The objective of this study was to determine the ability of fertilization source, N fertilization rate, and/or inoculate to rebuild an active soil ecosystem in biosolarized soils by measuring nematode community structure, microbial biomass, and C and N mineralization in soil as well as kale yield and quality. The study was conducted using potted kale grown in biosolarized soils. Treatments were bare soil, receiving no fertilization, and soils receiving two different rates of organic, composted broiler litter or mineral fertilizer. Half of the pots in each treatment received a locally sourced microbial inoculant (LEM). Among the nonfertilized treatments, the soils that received applications of LEM mineralized more nitrogen and produced higher yields. Soils that received the highest rate of compost immobilized the greatest proportion of nitrogen applied, were the most cold-tolerant, and produced the largest yields. None of the kale that received heavy mineral fertilization without LEM inoculation survived a hard freeze; however, the ones that received LEM applications were able to partially recover. We also found that kale grown with lower rates of N (50 kg·ha−1), applied as compost plus LEM, had the greatest magnesium leaf content and were more economically efficient while producing an equally abundant and nutritious food.
Polyethylene Glycol-Coated Gold Nanoparticles as DNA and Atorvastatin Delivery Systems and Cytotoxicity Evaluation
Authors: Zamora-Justo José Alberto , Abrica-González Paulina , Vázquez-Martínez Guillermo Rocael , Muñoz-Diosdado Alejandro , Balderas-López José Abraham , Ibáñez-Hernández Miguel
Published: October 2019

The application of nanoscience and nanotechnology in medicine has been useful in the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of many diseases. Gold nanoparticles are commonly used for medical imaging studies, biosensors, drug delivery systems, and gene therapy. It has been reported that nanoparticles coated with specific polymers improve the biocompatibility and stability and decrease the cytotoxicity of the nanoparticles. In this work, we performed transfection studies of gold nanoparticles coated with polyethylene glycol, synthetized by two different methods, in a human embryonic kidney cell culture (HEK 293), by using plasmids pSV-β-Gal and pIRES2-EGFP. In addition, we also evaluated the cell uptake of a fluorescent drug (atorvastatin) using the synthetized gold nanoparticles as carriers. Furthermore, the study of cell viability after the interaction between these cells and the nanoparticles was performed. It was shown that the polyethylene glycol-coated gold nanoparticles presented transfection efficiency and cell uptake greater than 45% in each case. These results suggest that the synthetized gold nanoparticles coated with polyethylene glycol could be used successfully and safely as DNA and drug delivery systems.
CPH-I and HE4 Are More Favorable Than CA125 in Differentiating Borderline Ovarian Tumors from Epithelial Ovarian Cancer at Early Stages
Authors: Wang Zhiheng , Tao Xiang , Ying Chunmei
Published: October 2019

Aim. To evaluate the diagnosis value of serum human epididymis protein 4 (HE4), cancer antigen 125 (CA125), the Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm (ROMA), and Copenhagen Index (CPH-I) at early stages for differentiating borderline ovarian tumors from epithelial ovarian cancer. Methods. We recruited 144 borderline ovarian tumors in FIGO stages I and II (BOT I+II), 108 epithelial ovarian cancers in FIGO stages I and II (EOC I+II), and 238 benign ovarian tumor patients with surgical treatment in the retrospective study. The concentration of HE4 and CA125 and the values of CPH-I and ROMA were assessed separately. Results. The HE4 level and ROMA and CPH-I values of EOC I+II were all higher than that of BOT I+II and benign groups whether in all, pre-, or postmenopausal groups (P<0.01). When distinguishing BOT I+II from EOC I+II, the AUC-ROC of CPH-I and HE4 were bigger than CA125 (P<0.001), while the CPH-I has the highest sensitivities in all and postmenopausal groups (78.7%, 85.1%), and HE4 has the highest specificity and PPV (90.91%, 88.64%) in postmenopausal groups. Under pathological stratification, HE4, ROMA, and CPH-I of the serous EOC I+II were higher than that of BOT I+II (P<0.001) and the AUC of the three indices were significantly bigger than CA125 (P<0.001). However, the concentration of HE4 and CA125 and the values of CPH-I and ROMA have no significant difference between the two endometrioid subgroups. The index with the highest sensitivity and NPV among the four indices of different pathological subtype groups was CPH-I, and the index with the highest specificities and PPV was HE4. Conclusion. CPH-I was more valuable than CA125 for differentiating BOT I+II from EOC I+II regardless of menopausal status, while HE4 might be better than CA125 for postmenopausal subgroups. HE4 and CPH-I were more favorable than CA125 for differentiating BOT I+II from EOC I+II in the case of unknown pathology or in serous type.
Biological Influence of Nonswelling Microgels on Cartilage Induction of Mouse Adipose-Derived Stem Cells
Authors: Liu Zheng , Wang Jun
Published: October 2019

In cartilage tissue engineering, the target cells’ functional performance depends on the biomaterials. However, it is difficult to develop an appropriate scaffold to differentiate mouse adipose-derived stem cells (mADSCs) into chondrocyte despite an increasing number of studies on biological scaffold materials. The purpose of this study was to create a novel scaffold for mADSC culture and chondrogenic differentiation with a new series of microgels based on polyethyleneimine (PEI), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA) and able to resist swelling with changes in temperature, pH, and polymer concentration. The biocompatibility and ability of the nonswelling microgels were then examined and served as scaffolds for cell culture and for cartilage differentiation. The results show that the new microgels are a novel biomaterial that both retains its nonswelling properties under various conditions and facilitates important scaffold functions such as cell adhesion, proliferation, and cartilage induction.
Role of Socioeconomic Status in Hypertension among Chinese Middle-Aged and Elderly Individuals
Authors: Wu Xinyi , Wang Zhonghua
Published: October 2019

Hypertension is an important global health concern. The relationship between hypertension and socioeconomic status (SES) has been extensively studied. However, the role of SES in hypertension is still controversial, and this kind of study is sorely lacking among Chinese middle-aged and elderly individuals. The data of this study come from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey (CHARLS) released in May 2017. A total of 21,126 people from all around China, with ages older than 45 years, were enrolled in the questionnaire survey. Hypertension was determined according to the entry in CHARLS (“Do you have doctor-diagnosed hypertension?”), and 17,676 people responded to this entry. The basic demographic and SES information were collected. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the risk factors of hypertension. Concentration index was used to measure inequality of hypertension incidence. Among the investigated middle-aged and elderly individuals, 5,177/17,676 (29.3%) had doctor-diagnosed hypertension. Multivariate logistic regression implied that individuals older than 55 years (OR 1.436, 95% CI 1.085–1.900 for age interval of 55–64 years; OR 2.032, 95% CI 1.455–2.839 for age interval of 65–74 years; OR 1.672, 95% CI 1.031–2.714 for age interval of older than 75 years), male (OR 0.038, 95% CI 0.595–0.986), overweight (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.462–4.183), and diabetes (OR 3.159, 95% CI 2.129–4.687) were associated with hypertension. For society support, individuals in the lowest quintile were more likely to suffer hypertension. Concentration index results suggested that different income groups did not show inequality on hypertension incidence. Elder age, male, overweight, diabetes, and poor society support were suggested to be associated with hypertension incidence among middle-aged and elderly individuals in China. Our study provides implications for controlling and managing hypertension.
Inhibition of Galectin-3 Alleviates Cigarette Smoke Extract-Induced Autophagy and Dysfunction in Endothelial Progenitor Cells
Authors: Pei ChongZhe , Wang Xiaoyan , Lin Yanjun , Fang Lu , Meng Shu
Published: October 2019

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have the potential to repair damaged blood vessels and promote angiogenesis. Smoking, an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, is associated with impaired functions of EPCs. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) on autophagy and dysfunction of EPCs and the involvement of galectin-3 in its effects. EPCs were treated with 8% CSE for 24 h (without affecting cell viability). EPC functions were assessed by tube formation and migration capacity and intracellular ROS and eNOS expression. Autophagy was assessed by autophagic protein expression by Western blotting and immunofluorescence microscopy and autophagosome accumulation by transmission electron microscopy. Galectin-3 expression was measured by real-time PCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence microscopy, while phospho-AMPK and phospho-mTOR were measured by Western blotting. EPCs were transfected by shRNA-Gal-3 or shRNA-NC before treatment with CSE to examine the effects of galectin-3 on CSE-induced autophagy and dysfunction of EPCs. CSE-treated EPCs showed decreased tube formation and migration ability and eNOS expression but increased oxidative stress. CSE also induced autophagy which was characterized by a decrease in p62 protein, an increase in LC3B-II/I ratio, and accumulation of autophagosomes. CSE upregulated galectin-3 expression on EPCs. Inhibition of galectin-3 abrogated CSE-induced autophagy and dysfunction of EPCs. CSE activated phospho-AMPK and inhibited phospho-mTOR, and inhibition of galectin-3 abolished CSE’s effect on activating phospho-AMPK and inhibiting phospho-mTOR. In conclusion, our results suggest that galectin-3 mediates CSE-induced EPC autophagy and dysfunction, likely via the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway.
Adipokines and Endothelium Dysfunction Markers in Pregnant Women with Gestational Hypertension
Authors: Poniedziałek–Czajkowska Elżbieta , Mierzyński Radzisław , Dłuski Dominik , Leszczyńska-Gorzelak Bożena
Published: October 2019

Objective. The aim of the study was to evaluate the levels of adipokines such as adiponectin and leptin as well as soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and endogenous NOS inhibitor-asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), as the endothelium dysfunction markers in pregnant women with gestational hypertension (GH). Patients and Methods. Adiponectin, leptin, sICAM-1, and ADMA concentrations were measured in a group of 34 patients with GH and in 32 healthy pregnant women between the 24th and 34th week of gestation with ELISA tests. Results. The patients with GH compared with healthy ones were characterized by significantly higher BMI (28.09 ± 7.90 vs. 22.34 ± 4.21 kg/m2, p=0.016) and higher concentrations of leptin (45.89 ± 35.91 vs. 24.09 ± 24.40 ng/mL, p=0.006). sICAM-1 levels were also higher in the GH group but without the statistical significance (264.51 ± 50.99 vs. 232.56 ± 43.3 ng/ml, p=0.057). There were no significant differences between groups in adiponectin (8.79 ± 8.67 vs. 7.90 ± 3.71 μg/mL, p=0.46, NS) and ADMA (0.57 ± 0.26 vs. 0.60 ± 0.24 μmol/L, p=0.68, NS) levels. The significant correlation between leptin levels and BMI value was observed only in patients with GH (R = 0.56, p=0.02). Conclusions. The higher levels of leptin in pregnant women with gestational hypertension may be suggestive of the role of leptin in GH development. As the patients in the GH group had higher BMI, hyperleptinemia may link obesity with gestational hypertension. The significance of leptin as the predictive marker of GH development could be implied. It could be postulated that the higher levels of sICAM-1 in the GH patients, although not statistically significant, could reflect some impairment of the endothelium function occurring in GH regardless of BMI. The comparable adiponectin levels in GH and healthy pregnant patients and the lack of its correlation with BMI may indicate the occurrence of a protective mechanism in pregnancy maintaining its concentration and preserving from the consequences of the decrease in its levels in overweight and obese patients. Since ADMA levels were similar in GH and healthy pregnant women, ADMA seems not to be involved in GH pathogenesis, suggesting that NO synthesis is not impaired in this pregnancy complication. As the data on the gestational hypertension pathogenesis and its correlations with adipokines and markers of the endothelium dysfunction are limited, further studies on this issue are warranted.
Retinal Sensitivity Loss Correlates with Deep Capillary Plexus Impairment in Diabetic Macular Ischemia
Authors: Scarinci Fabio , Varano Monica , Parravano Mariacristina
Published: October 2019

Purpose. To assess retinal sensitivity and retinal morphologic changes of capillary nonperfused areas in diabetic macular ischemia. Methods. Observational cross-sectional study. Patients were examined at IRCCS—Bietti Foundation, Rome, Italy. Fourteen consecutive diabetic eyes showing outer retinal changes on spectral domain optical coherence tomography B-scan were included. Ten eyes of ten diabetic patients with normal outer retinal structure on SD-OCT were included as controls. All eyes underwent optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and MP1 microperimetry. To explore the outer retina findings and localized areas of capillary nonperfusion at the superficial and deep capillary plexus, we used the Spectralis HRA + OCTA (Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany). The B-scans as either normal or having outer retinal disruption and the enface images at the level of the superficial and/or deep capillary plexus were evaluated to identify areas of capillary nonperfusion. Results. Fourteen eyes of 12 consecutive type 2 diabetic patients with outer retinal disruption on SD-OCT showed that areas of capillary nonperfusion of the deep capillary plexus were colocalized to areas of reduced retinal sensitivity. Conclusions. On optical coherence tomography angiography, areas of capillary nonperfusion of deep capillary plexus due to macular ischemia are associated with photoreceptor structural abnormalities and retinal sensitivity loss on microperimetry. This highlights that the health status of deep capillary plexus and not only the choroid is important to the oxygen requirements of the photoreceptors in patients with diabetic macular ischemia. Also, the anatomical and functional consequences of these findings might help to explore the efficacy of new therapy into the macular area in clinical practice.
Acute Hepatitis Secondary to the Use of Ilex paraguariensis (Mate Tea): A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Rodriguez Eduardo A. , Teixeira Yokoda Raquel , Payton David E. , Pai Rish , Byrne Thomas J.
Published: October 2019

Drug induced liver injury is a very frequent cause of hepatotoxicity and within that group, herbal and dietary supplements are a well described subcategory. The following clinical vignette describes the case of a young man with acute hepatitis secondary to the use of Ilex paraguariensis, also known as yerba mate, which is a herbal product commonly drunk in South America. This is the first written case of mate tea induced hepatotoxicity.
Transcription Factor p53 Suppresses Tumor Growth by Prompting Pyroptosis in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Zhang Tianze , Li Yongchao , Zhu Ruidong , Song Pengcheng , Wei Youlei , Liang Tian , Xu Guangquan
Published: October 2019

Objective. To evaluate the effect of p53 on pyroptosis and its inhibitory role on tumor growth in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods. The correlation of p53 and pyroptosis was determined in tumor tissues of NSCLC patients. The pyroptotic level was detected in A549 cells to clarify the effect of p53 on pyroptosis. p53 overexpression A549 tumor-bearing mice were used to clarify the therapeutic target of p53 in NSCLC treatment. Results. p53 expression level was positively related to pyroptosis in NSCLC tissues. In in vitro assays, p53 directly regulated pyroptosis in A549 cells. p53-specific knockdown blocked lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced pyroptosis. In in vivo assays, p53 overexpression in A549 markedly decreased tumor growth and death rate by increasing the pyroptotic level. Conclusions. Upregulation of p53 prompts pyroptosis to produce anti-NSCLC effects suggesting the potential of p53 on suppressing tumor growth in NSCLC patients.
Unilateral Ureteric Endometriosis at the Pelvic Brim Resulting in Complete Loss of Renal Function
Authors: Tanaka Keisuke , Amoako Akwasi A. , Gray Katherine , Baartz David
Published: October 2019

Deep infiltrating endometriosis of the urinary tract is rare but can result in ureteric obstruction, hydroureteronephrosis and renal failure. Ureteric endometriosis usually affects the distal third of the left ureter among women of reproductive age. Greater awareness of ureteric endometriosis and a multidisciplinary approach in the management is essential to achieve optimal outcomes. We present an atypical case of right ureteric obstruction due to endometriosis at the pelvic brim resulting in complete loss of renal function and necessitating nephroureterectomy.
Indigo Naturalis Suppresses Colonic Oxidative Stress and Th1/Th17 Responses of DSS-Induced Colitis in Mice
Authors: Xiao Hai-tao , Peng Jiao , Wen Bo , Hu Dong-dong , Hu Xiao-peng , Shen Xiang-chun , Liu Zhi-gang , He Zhen-dan , Bian Zhao-xiang
Published: October 2019

Indigo naturalis (also known as Qing-dai, or QD), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely used as an anticolitis regimen in the clinical practice of Chinese medicine. However, the precise mechanisms behind its efficacy remain unknown. We investigated the protective effects and associated molecular mechanisms of QD in DSS-induced colitis in mice. We found that QD administration attenuated DSS-induced colon shortening, tissue damage, and the disease activity index during the onset of colitis. Moreover, QD administration significantly suppressed colonic MPO activity and increased the activities of colonic T-SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px, as well the expression of p-AMPK and Nrf-2 in colon tissues of colitic mice. In addition, QD was capable of reducing the colonic Th1 and Th17 cell cytokines, the frequencies of Th1 and Th17 cells, and the phosphorylation of p-STAT1 and p-STAT3 in the mesenteric lymph nodes of colitic mice. An in vitro assay showed that QD significantly suppressed the differentiation of Th1 and Th17 cells. These findings suggest that QD has the potential to alleviate experimental colitis by suppressing colonic oxidative stress and restraining colonic Th1/Th17 responses, which are associated with activating AMPK/Nrf-2 signals and inhibiting STAT1/STAT3 signals, respectively. These findings also support QD as an effective regimen in the treatment of IBD.
A Robust EMD‐Based RVFL Network Fusion Algorithm for Low‐Cost GPS/INS Integrated System
Authors: Liu Da , Zhang Shufang , Zhang Jingbo
Published: October 2019

Global positioning system (GPS) and inertial navigation system (INS) are commonly combined to overcome disadvantages of each and constitute an integrated system that realizes long‐term precision. However, the performance of the integrated system deteriorates on which GPS is unavailable. Especially when low‐cost inertial sensors based on the microelectromechanical system (MEMS) are used, performance of the integrated system degrades severely over time. In this study, in order to minimize the adverse impact of high‐level stochastic noise from low‐cost MEMS sensors, denoising technology based on empirical mode decomposition (EMD) is employed to improve signal quality before navigation solution by which significant improvement of removing noise is achieved. Moreover, a random vector functional link (RVFL) network‐based fusion algorithm is presented to estimate and compensate position error during GPS outage such that error accumulation is suppressed quickly when INS is working standalone. Performance of the proposed approach is evaluated by experimental results. It is indicated from comparison that the proposed algorithm takes advantages such as better accuracy and lower complexity and is more robust than the commonly reported methods and is more appropriate for real‐time and low‐cost application.
Physicochemical and Sensory Characteristics of a Chagalapoli Fruit (Ardisia compressa) Beverage Fermented UsingSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Flores-García Ana , Márquez-Meléndez Rubén , Salas Erika , Ayala-Soto Guillermo , Salmerón Iván , Hernández-Ochoa León
Published: October 2019

Chagalapoli fruit (Ardisia compressa) is similar toVaccinium myrtillus(berries) with high-polyphenol content. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical properties of Chagalapoli fruit and to determine the conditions for the preparation of a fermented beverage usingSaccharomyces cerevisiaeyeast, evaluating the impact on sensory properties. The fermentation process lasted 4 days at 27°C, with absence of light and a fixed pH of 3.8. The phenolic contents obtained in samples were 1.27 epicatechin mg/mL in filtered juice, 1.59 epichatechin mg/mL in filtered fermented beverage, 1.91 epichatechin mg/mL in partially filtered juice and 3.19 epichatechin mg/mL in partially filtered fermented beverage. An affective test was carried out to determine the sensory acceptability of the final product, evaluating the flavor, color and aroma parameters. The fermented beverage with the greatest preference on color and flavor attributes was the partially filtered fermented beverage.
Individual and Institution: The First Secretary Embedded in Rural Governance
Authors: Wang Haixia , Zhao Zhouyang , Yuan Luyi
Published: October 2019

Since 2015, the appointment of a special “first secretary” (for the village party branch 村党支部) has become an important method for reinforcing rural party building and attacking rural poverty. On the obvious level, the first secretary can enhance access to redirected resources and solve the problems of insufficiency and uneven distribution in rural areas. On a deeper level, the first secretary institution can play a role in overcoming problems in bureaucratic governance and optimizing the rural governance structure. Based on an analysis of the actual practices of first secretaries, this article highlights the operational mode, institutional characteristics, and governance effectiveness of the first secretary institution. It points out that the most prominent characteristics of the first secretary institution are non-bureaucratic governance, flexibility, and resource reallocation, thus reflecting the duality of comprehensive party leadership and bureaucratic governance by the government. However, there are still some institutional paradoxes: the first secretary institution retains some characteristics of campaign-style governance, at least to a certain extent, and its social embeddedness is dependent on individual access to resources and particular operational strategies, resulting in practical effects that vary across regions and individuals. Nevertheless, the first secretary institution still has a governance ability and effectiveness that are different from conventional governance and conform to the goal of both establishing links between internal and external resources in rural reconstruction and satisfying the mass line requirement of the party’s rural work in the new era. It will be worthwhile to further study the implications of the first secretary institution for governance in general.
On the molecular phylogeny of sponges (Porifera)*
Authors: ERPENBECK DIRK , WÖRHEIDE GERT
Published: October 2019

In the past decade molecular genetic markers have been introduced for research on the evolution and systematics of sponges. Historically, sponges have been difficult to classify due to lack of complex characters with the result that hypothesised phylogenetic relationships for various sponge taxa have changed rapidly over the past few years. Here, we summarize the current status of systematic and phylogenetic hypotheses proposed for sponges. We discuss the relationships among the three classes, Calcarea (calcareous sponges), Hexactinellida (glass sponges) and Demospongiae, as well as those among the members within each class. While molecular phylogenies of hexactinellids corroborate previous morphological hypotheses, phylogenetic hypotheses based on rDNA sequence analyses in Calcarea largely conflict with the previous, typological classifications. Many demosponge taxa have only recently been shown to be para– or polyphyletic and thus their new clades and other phylogenetic relationships have only now begun to be tested using current molecular approaches.
The phylum Cnidaria: A review of phylogenetic patterns and diversity 300 years after Linnaeus*
Authors: DALY MARYMEGAN , BRUGLER MERCER R. , CARTWRIGHT PAULYN , COLLINS ALLEN G. , DAWSON MICHAEL N. , FAUTIN DAPHNE G. , FRANCE SCOTT C. , MCFADDEN CATHERINE S. , OPRESKO DENNIS M. , RODRIGUEZ ESTEFANIA , ROMANO SANDRA L. , STAKE JOEL L.
Published: October 2019

Systema Naturae includes representatives of every major lineage of the animal phylum Cnidaria.  However, Linnaeus did not classify the members of the phylum as is now done, and the diversity of the group is not well represented.  We contrast the Linnaean perspective on cnidarian diversity with the modern, phylogenetic perspective.  For each order, we detail diversity at the family level, providing phylogenetic context where possible.
Annelida*
Authors: ROUSE GREG W. , PLEIJEL FREDRIK
Published: October 2019

The first annelids were formally described by Linnaeus (1758) and we here briefly review the history and composition of the group. The traditionally recognized classes were Polychaeta, Oligochaeta and Hirudinea. The latter two are now viewed as the taxon Clitellata, since recognizing Hirudinea with class rank renders Oligochaeta paraphyletic. Polychaeta appears to contain Clitellata, and so may be synonymous with Annelida. Current consensus would place previously recognized phyla such as Echiura, Pogonophora, Sipuncula and Vestimentifera as annelids, though relationships among these and the various other annelid lineages are still unresolved.
Taxonomy of extant Diplopoda (Millipeds) in the modern era: Perspectives for future advancements and observations on the global diplopod community (Arthropoda: Diplopoda)*
Authors: SHELLEY ROWLAND M.
Published: October 2019

The modern era in diplopod taxonomy began in 1971 with publication of the Nomenclator Generum et Familiarum Diplopodorum. Along with the internet and electronic communications, this pioneering work catalyzed an increased output of synthetic publications beyond mere species descriptions, thereby leading to accelerating advancements. Significant taxonomic and/or cataloging studies have since occurred in 14 of the 16 established orders, all except Stemmiulida and Siphoniulida. Important faunistic works have appeared on Canada, Mexico, Asian Russia, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, Iran, Turkey, central Asia in general, Belgium, Scandinavia, Great Britain & Ireland, Madagascar, and the Comoros, Canary, Cape Verde, and Galapagos Islands. The complete known ranges of four orders, four superfamilies, and 47 families have been mapped along with partial, regional mappings for seven other orders and seven families. With only one resident taxonomist, continental regions of the Neotropics warrant concentrated attention in future years, and emphasis on Chinese millipeds will surely continue because of the discovery of a substantial southeast Asian callipodidan fauna. Taxonomic emphases are needed in the Spirobolidea (Spirobolida), to assess affinities between the 10 component families, and Spirostreptida, to determine taxonomic positions of the suborders Cambalidea & Epinannolenidea. Resolution of the latter may derive from development of the "8th gonopod clade" concept, involving the orders Chordeumatida, Callipodida, Stemmiulida, Polydesmida, & Siphoniulida, and the suborder Spirostreptidea (Spirostreptida). Attributes of the global diplopod community are discussed.
Carl Linnaeus and his scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea)*
Authors: WILLIAMS D. J.
Published: October 2019

Carl Linnaeus named 22 species of scale insects in the genus Coccus, another in the genus Aphis, and one other probably unintentionally.  All are redescribed and discussed.  It is established that Coccus betulae L. is a nomen nudum and that the name was validly described later by Fabricius.  A brief history of Linnaeus’ collection is summarised and his scale insect collection described. Linnaeus’ descriptions of scale insects are here translated into English and all the references to scale insect literature cited by Linnaeus are listed in bibliographical form and annotated.  Lectotypes are designated for the species names Coccus aonidum Linnaeus, Aphis urticae Linnaeus and Coccus uvaeursi Linnaeus.  One species, Coccus phalaridis, is here considered incertae sedis.  Coccus pilosellae is recognised as a syn.nov. of Porphyrophora polonica (L.).  Coccus rusci is recognised as Ceroplastes rusci (L.), not Columnea rusci.