bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying and understanding the health and social care needs of older adults with multiple chronic conditions and their caregivers: a protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Commisso Elana , McGilton Katherine S , Ayala Ana Patricia , Andrew Melissa, K , Bergman Howard , Beaudet Line , Dubé Veronique , Gray Mikaela , Hale Lori , Keatings Margaret , Marshall Emily Gard , McElhaney Janet , Morgan Debra , Parrott Edna , Ploeg Jenny , Sampalli Tara , Stephens Douglas , Vedel Isabelle , Walker Jennifer , Wodchis Walter P , Puts Martine T E
Published: December 2017

Introduction

People are living longer; however, they are not necessarily experiencing good health and well-being as they age. Many older adults live with multiple chronic conditions (MCC), and complex health issues, which adversely affect their day-to-day functioning and overall quality of life. As a result, they frequently rely on the support of friend and/or family caregivers. Caregivers of older adults with MCC often face challenges to their own well-being and also require support. Currently, not enough is known about the health and social care needs of older adults with MCC and the needs of their caregivers or how best to identify and meet these needs. This study will examine and synthesise the literature on the needs of older adults with MCC and those of their caregivers, and identify gaps in evidence and directions for further research.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a scoping review of the peer-reviewed and grey literature using the updated Arksey and O’Malley framework. The literature will be identified using a multidatabase and grey literature search strategy developed by a health sciences librarian. Papers, reports and other materials addressing the health and social care needs of older adults and their friend/family caregivers will be included. Search results will be screened, independently, by two reviewers, and data will be abstracted from included literature and charted in duplicate.

Ethics and dissemination

This scoping review does not require ethics approval. We anticipate that study findings will inform novel strategies for identifying and ascertaining the health and social care needs of older adults living with MCC and those of their caregivers. Working with knowledge-user members of our team, we will prepare materials and presentations to disseminate findings to relevant stakeholder and end-user groups at local, national and international levels. We will also publish our findings in a peer-reviewed journal.
UNILATERAL VERSUS SIMULTANEOUS BILATERAL PERCUTANEOUS HALLUX VALGUS SURGERY
Authors: Romero Eusebio Crespo , Gómez Silvia Gómez , Candel Raquel Peñuela , Ordoño Alvaro Arcas , Arias Angel Arias , Gonzalez Jaime Gálvez , Romero Ricardo Crespo , Serrano Daniel Dominguez , Nieto Diego Palomino
Published: December 2017

Introduction: The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of simultaneous surgical correction for bilateral hallux valgus compared with unilateral correction using percutaneous forefoot surgery techniques (PFS). Material and Methods: A prospective cohort study of 82 patients (106 feet). The mean follow-up was 58.7[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]1.5 months (range 22.3 to 112.1). Patients were divided into two groups, unilateral surgical group (group U, 58 feet) and simultaneous bilateral surgical group (group B, 48 feet). Results: Preoperative mean visual analog scale (VAS) was 6.2 points in group U and 6.3 in group B ([Formula: see text]), at the last follow-up it decreased in both groups (1.6 group U and 1.8 group B, [Formula: see text]). AOFAS score improved from approximately 50 points preoperative in both groups, to 88 at the last follow-up. Mean hallux valgus angles in groups U and B changed from 34.7[Formula: see text] and 34.3[Formula: see text] preoperatively ([Formula: see text]), to 21.3[Formula: see text] and 22.4[Formula: see text] follow-up, respectively ([Formula: see text]). With the numbers available, no significant inter-group differences were observed in clinical and radiographic outcomes. Conclusions: PFS is a valid procedure for outpatient simultaneous surgical correction in patients with bilateral hallux valgus. Level of Evidence: II Prospective Comparative Cohort Study.
MIMPFC: Identifying miRNA–mRNA regulatory modules by combining phase-only correlation and improved rough-fuzzy clustering
Authors: Luo Dan , Wang Shu-Lin , Fang Jianwen , Zhang Wei
Published: December 2017

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a key role in gene expression and regulation in various organisms. They control a wide range of biological processes and are involved in several types of cancers by causing mRNA degradation or translational inhibition. However, the functions of most miRNAs and their precise regulatory mechanisms remain elusive. With the accumulation of the expression data of miRNAs and mRNAs, many computational methods have been proposed to predict miRNA–mRNA regulatory relationship. However, most existing methods require the number of modules predefined that may be difficult to determine beforehand. Here, we propose a novel computational method to discover miRNA–mRNA regulatory modules by combining Phase-only correlation and improved rough-Fuzzy Clustering (MIMPFC). The proposed method is evaluated on three heterogeneous datasets, and the obtained results are further validated through relevant literatures, biological significance and functional enrichment analysis. The analysis results show that the identified modules are highly correlated with the biological conditions. A large part of the regulatory relationships found by MIMPFC has been confirmed in the experimentally verified databases. It demonstrates that the modules found by MIMPFC are biologically significant.
Polyadic approximations, fibrations and intersection types
Authors: Mazza Damiano , Pellissier Luc , Vial Pierre
Published: December 2017

Starting from an exact correspondence between linear approximations and non-idempotent intersection types, we develop a general framework for building systems of intersection types characterizing normalization properties. We show how this construction, which uses in a fundamental way Melliès and Zeilberger's ``type systems as functors'' viewpoint, allows us to recover equivalent versions of every well known intersection type system (including Coppo and Dezani's original system, as well as its non-idempotent variants independently introduced by Gardner and de Carvalho). We also show how new systems of intersection types may be built almost automatically in this way.
Handling fibred algebraic effects
Authors: Ahman Danel
Published: December 2017

We study algebraic computational effects and their handlers in the dependently typed setting. We describe computational effects using a generalisation of Plotkin and Pretnar's effect theories, whose dependently typed operations allow us to capture precise notions of computation, e.g., state with location-dependent store types and dependently typed update monads. Our treatment of handlers is based on an observation that their conventional term-level definition leads to unsound program equivalences being derivable in languages that include a notion of homomorphism. We solve this problem by giving handlers a novel type-based treatment via a new computation type, the user-defined algebra type, which pairs a value type (the carrier) with a set of value terms (the operations), capturing Plotkin and Pretnar's insight that effect handlers denote algebras. We then show that the conventional presentation of handlers can be routinely derived, and demonstrate that this type-based treatment of handlers provides a useful mechanism for reasoning about effectful computations. We also equip the resulting language with a sound denotational semantics based on families fibrations.
RustBelt: securing the foundations of the Rust programming language
Authors: Jung Ralf , Jourdan Jacques-Henri , Krebbers Robbert , Dreyer Derek
Published: December 2017

Rust is a new systems programming language that promises to overcome the seemingly fundamental tradeoff between high-level safety guarantees and low-level control over resource management. Unfortunately, none of Rust's safety claims have been formally proven, and there is good reason to question whether they actually hold. Specifically, Rust employs a strong, ownership-based type system, but then extends the expressive power of this core type system through libraries that internally use unsafe features. In this paper, we give the first formal (and machine-checked) safety proof for a language representing a realistic subset of Rust. Our proof is extensible in the sense that, for each new Rust library that uses unsafe features, we can say what verification condition it must satisfy in order for it to be deemed a safe extension to the language. We have carried out this verification for some of the most important libraries that are used throughout the Rust ecosystem.
Eculizumab for Thrombotic Microangiopathy Associated with Antibody-Mediated Rejection after ABO-Incompatible Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Lanfranco Luca , Joly Melanie , Del Bello Arnaud , Esposito Laure , Cognard Noelle , Perrin Peggy , Moulin Bruno , Kamar Nassim , Caillard Sophie
Published: December 2017

Thrombotic microangiopathy is a form of antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR): it is the main complication of ABO-incompatible (ABOi) kidney transplantation (KT). Herein, we report on two cases of ABMR with biological and histological features of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) that were treated by eculizumab after ABOi KT. The first patient presented with features of TMA at postoperative day (POD) 13. Because of worsening biological parameters and no recovery of kidney function, despite seven sessions of immunoadsorption, a salvage therapy of eculizumab was started on POD 23. Kidney function slightly improved during the first 4 months after transplantation. Eculizumab was stopped at month 4. However, kidney function worsened progressively, leading to dialysis at month 13 after transplantation. The second patient presented with features of TMA at POD 1. In addition to immunoadsorption therapy, eculizumab was started on POD 6. Kidney function improved. Eculizumab was stopped on POD 64 and immunoadsorption sessions were stopped on POD 102. At the last follow-up (after 9 months), eGFR was at 43 mL/min/1.73 m2. Our case reports show the beneficial effect of eculizumab to treat ABMR after ABOi KT. However, it should be given early after diagnosing TMA associated with ABMR.
A Novel Model of Cancer-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy and the Role of TRPA1 in Pain Transduction
Authors: Maqboul Ahmad , Elsadek Bakheet
Published: December 2017

Background. Models of cancer-induced neuropathy are designed by injecting cancer cells near the peripheral nerves. The interference of tissue-resident immune cells does not allow a direct contact with nerve fibres which affects the tumor microenvironment and the invasion process.Methods. Anaplastic tumor-1 (AT-1) cells were inoculated within the sciatic nerves (SNs) of male Copenhagen rats. Lumbar dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) and the SNs were collected on days 3, 7, 14, and 21. SN tissues were examined for morphological changes and DRG tissues for immunofluorescence, electrophoretic tendency, and mRNA quantification. Hypersensitivities to cold, mechanical, and thermal stimuli were determined. HC-030031, a selective TRPA1 antagonist, was used to treat cold allodynia.Results. Nociception thresholds were identified on day 6. Immunofluorescent micrographs showed overexpression of TRPA1 on days 7 and 14 and of CGRP on day 14 until day 21. Both TRPA1 and CGRP were coexpressed on the same cells. Immunoblots exhibited an increase in TRPA1 expression on day 14. TRPA1 mRNA underwent an increase on day 7 (normalized to 18S). Injection of HC-030031 transiently reversed the cold allodynia.Conclusion. A novel and a promising model of cancer-induced neuropathy was established, and the role of TRPA1 and CGRP in pain transduction was examined.
Reversal of Experimental Liver Damage after Transplantation of Stem-Derived Cells Detected by FTIR Spectroscopy
Authors: Ye Danna , Heraud Philip , Parnpai Rangsun , Li Tong
Published: December 2017

The transplantation of autologous BM-MSCs holds great potential for treating end-stage liver diseases. The aim of this study was to compare the efficiency of transplanted rBM-MSCs and rBM-MSC-derived differentiated stem cells (rBM-MSC-DSCs) for suppression of dimethylnitrosamine-injured liver damage in rat model. Synchrotron radiation Fourier-transform infrared (SR-FTIR) microspectroscopy was applied to investigate changes in the macromolecular composition. Transplantation of rBM-MSC-DSCs into liver-injured rats restored their serum albumin level and significantly suppressed transaminase activity as well as the morphological manifestations of liver disease. The regenerative effects of rBM-MSC-DSCs were corroborated unequivocally by the phenotypic difference analysis between liver tissues revealed by infrared spectroscopy. Spectroscopic changes in the spectral region from 1190–970 cm−1 (bands with absorbance maxima at 1150 cm−1, 1081 cm−1, and 1026 cm−1) indicated decreased levels of carbohydrates, in rBM-MSC-DSC-transplanted livers, compared with untreated and rBM-MSC--transplanted animals. Principal component analysis (PCA) of spectra acquired from liver tissue could readily discriminate rBM-MSC-DSC-transplanted animals from the untreated and rBM-MSC-transplanted animals. We conclude that the transplantation of rBM-MSC-DSCs effectively treats liver disease in rats and SR-FTIR microspectroscopy provides important insights into the fundamental biochemical alterations induced by the stem-derived cell transplantation, including an objective “signature” of the regenerative effects of stem cell therapy upon liver injury.
A Rare Case Report and Literature Review of External Auditory Canal Cholesteatoma with Circumferential Destruction of Canal Wall Exposing Facial Nerve
Authors: Maharjan Leison , Rayamajhi Pabina
Published: December 2017

External auditory canal cholesteatoma (EACC) is a rare condition with an estimated incidence of 1.2 per 1000 new otological patients. It is often mistaken with keratosis obturans. We discuss an extensive primary EACC with an aural polyp in a male which was managed by modified radical mastoidectomy.
Circulating Nesfatin-1 Levels and Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhai Ting , Li Shi-Zhen , Fan Xin-Tong , Tian Zhao , Lu Xiao-Qing , Dong Jing
Published: December 2017

The role of nesfatin-1 in glucose homeostasis has been investigated previously. However, although numerous studies have examined the relationships between circulating nesfatin-1 levels and type 2 diabetes, the conclusions are contradictory. We aimed to probe the relationship between circulating nesfatin-1 levels and type 2 diabetes by meta-analysis. Seven studies including 328 type 2 diabetes patients and 294 control subjects were included. Although there was no obvious difference in circulating nesfatin-1 levels between patients with type 2 diabetes and the control group (MD = −0.04; 95% CI = −0.32 to −0.23), subgroup analysis showed higher nesfatin-1 levels in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients (MD = 0.59; 95% CI = 0.45 to 0.74) and significantly lower nesfatin-1 levels in type 2 diabetes patients receiving antidiabetic treatment (MD = −0.26; 95% CI = −0.33 to −0.20). In conclusion, the analysis supports a relationship between circulating nesfatin-1 levels and type 2 diabetes, where newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes was associated with an elevated Nesfatin-1 level, and type 2 diabetes patients receiving antidiabetic treatment showed lower circulating nesfatin-1 levels.
Improvement in Neuropathy Specific Quality of Life in Patients with Diabetes after Vitamin D Supplementation
Authors: Alam Uazman , Fawwad Asher , Shaheen Fariha , Tahir Bilal , Basit Abdul , Malik Rayaz A.
Published: December 2017

Objective. To assess the effect of vitamin D supplementation on neuropathy specific quality of life (NeuroQoL) in patients with painful diabetic neuropathy. Methods. This prospective, open label study was conducted between June 2012 and April 2013. Patients with symptomatic diabetic neuropathy were given a single dose of 600,000 IU intramuscular vitamin D, and NeuroQol was assessed at baseline and at five follow-up visits every 4 weeks. Results. Of 143 participants, 41.3% were vitamin D deficient (vitamin D < 20 ng/ml). Treatment with vitamin D resulted in a significant increase in 25(OH)D (P<0.0001) and a significant improvement in the NeuroQoL subscale score for emotional distress (P=0.04), with no significant change in the other NeuroQoL domains of painful symptoms and paresthesia, loss of temperature and touch sensation, unsteadiness, limitation in daily activities, and interpersonal problems. There was a significant reduction in patient perception about foot problems on QoL of “quite a lot” (P<0.05) and “very much” (P<0.0001) with a significant reduction in the baseline response of having a “poor” QoL from 5.2% to 0.7% (P<0.0001) and an increase in the response of an “excellent QoL” from 1.5% to 7.4% (P<0.0001). Conclusion. Vitamin D is effective in improving quality of life in patients with painful diabetic neuropathy.
Delayed Radial Nerve Palsy after Closed Reduction of a Pediatric Humeral Shaft Fracture
Authors: Runner Robert , Whicker Emily , De Sayan
Published: December 2017

Humeral shaft fractures are common in the United States and may be associated with radial nerve injuries due to their close anatomic relationship in the spiral groove. Most radial nerve palsies are found at presentation due to the initial trauma; however, they can present secondary to orthopaedic intervention following reduction. In this case report, we present a case of delayed radial nerve palsy in a pediatric patient that was identified four days after closed reduction and splinting which required open reduction, nerve exploration, and internal fixation. Fortunately, full motor and sensory recovery was observed at 6 weeks post-op. A unique aspect of this case is that immediate postreduction exam in the emergency department showed no signs of injury or entrapment of the radial nerve.
Genomics-Driven Precision Medicine for Advanced Pancreatic Cancer: Early Results from the COMPASS Trial
Authors: Aung Kyaw L. , Fischer Sandra E. , Denroche Robert E. , Jang Gun-Ho , Dodd Anna , Creighton Sean , Southwood Bernadette , Liang Sheng-Ben , Chadwick Dianne , Zhang Amy , O'Kane Grainne M. , Albaba Hamzeh , Moura Shari , Grant Robert C. , Miller Jessica K. , Mbabaali Faridah , Pasternack Danielle , Lungu Ilinca M. , Bartlett John M.S. , Ghai Sangeet , Lemire Mathieu , Holter Spring , Connor Ashton A. , Moffitt Richard A. , Yeh Jen Jen , Timms Lee , Krzyzanowski Paul M. , Dhani Neesha , Hedley David , Notta Faiyaz , Wilson Julie M. , Moore Malcolm J. , Gallinger Steven , Knox Jennifer J.
Published: December 2017

Purpose: To perform real-time whole genome sequencing (WGS) and RNA sequencing (RNASeq) of advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) to identify predictive mutational and transcriptional features for better treatment selection.

Experimental Design: Patients with advanced PDAC were prospectively recruited prior to first-line combination chemotherapy. Fresh tumor tissue was acquired by image-guided percutaneous core biopsy for WGS and RNASeq. Laser capture microdissection was performed for all cases. Primary endpoint was feasibility to report WGS results prior to first disease assessment CT scan at 8 weeks. The main secondary endpoint was discovery of patient subsets with predictive mutational and transcriptional signatures.

Results: Sixty-three patients underwent a tumor biopsy between December 2015 and June 2017. WGS and RNASeq were successful in 62 (98%) and 60 (95%), respectively. Genomic results were reported at a median of 35 days (range, 19–52 days) from biopsy, meeting the primary feasibility endpoint. Objective responses to first-line chemotherapy were significantly better in patients with the classical PDAC RNA subtype compared with those with the basal-like subtype (P = 0.004). The best progression-free survival was observed in those with classical subtype treated with m-FOLFIRINOX. GATA6 expression in tumor measured by RNA in situ hybridization was found to be a robust surrogate biomarker for differentiating classical and basal-like PDAC subtypes. Potentially actionable genetic alterations were found in 30% of patients.

Conclusions: Prospective genomic profiling of advanced PDAC is feasible, and our early data indicate that chemotherapy response differs among patients with different genomic/transcriptomic subtypes. Clin Cancer Res; 24(6); 1344–54. ©2017 AACR.
ВИВЧЕННЯ ВПЛИВУ ВАГОВИХ КОЕФІЦІЄНТІВ НА ПРОГНОСТИЧНУ ВАЛІДНІСТЬ КОНКУРСНОГО БАЛА ВСТУПНИКІВ ГАЛУЗІ ЗНАНЬ «ОХОРОНА ЗДОРОВ’Я»
Authors: Kotvitskaya A. A. , Zhivora N. V. , Pogorelov S. V. , Krasovsky I. V. , Vislous O. O.
Published: December 2017

Мета роботи. Вивчення впливу вагових коефіцієнтів на прогностичну валідність конкурсного бала шляхом математичного обґрунтування оптимальних значень, що забезпечують максимальну валідність конкурсного відбору.Матеріали і методи. Проведено дослідження успішності здобувачів вищої освіти першого курсу денної форми навчання за спеціальністю 226 «Фармація».Оцінку сили лінійного взаємозв’язку між конкурсним балом (та його складовими) і показниками поточної успішності здобувачів вищої освіти проводили за допомогою розрахунку коефіцієнта кореляції за Пірсоном. Статистичну обробку проведено з використанням Microsoft Excel.Результати й обговорення. У статті розглянуто можливість і допустимість використання результатів ЗНО для виявлення вступників, які зможуть успішно продовжити навчання у вищій школі. Запропоновано математично обґрунтовані рекомендації щодо підвищення якості конкурсного відбору для виявлення вступників та їх потенціалу для вивчення. Рекомендації основані на статистичному аналізі даних про успішність здобувачів вищої освіти першого курсу навчання спеціальності 226 «Фармація» галузі знань «Охорона здоров’я», що вступили до Національного фармацевтичного університету (НФаУ) у 2015 році, в зіставленні з конкурсним балом. Доведено, що цілеспрямовано змінюючи вагові коефіцієнти, які використовуються при розрахунку конкурсного бала, ВНЗ може позитивно впливати на якісний склад здобувачів вищої освіти. Отримано значення вагових коефіцієнтів, при яких досягається максимальна валідність конкурсного відбору.Висновки. За результатами дослідження встановлено силу кореляційного зв’язку між конкурсним балом вступника та поточною успішністю здобувача вищої освіти під час першого та другого семестрів навчання.
ENDOTHELIAL DYSFUNCTION AND CARDIOVASCULAR RISK IN PATIENTS WITH ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS
Authors: Smiyan S. I. , Koshak B. O. , Gnatko I. V.
Published: December 2017

Background. Ankylosing spondylitis is a disease that induces damage to the musculoskeletal system. Mortality rate among patients with AS is in 1.5 times higher than the population level. It is caused by cardiovascular disease and chronic renal failure.Objective. The research was aimed to study the prevalence of endothelial dysfunction and to establish its dependence on the factors of cardiovascular risk in patients with AS.Methods. 104 patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) were examined using standard diagnostic methods, such as disease activity, lipidogram, ultrasound of the carotid artery intima media, and endothelium vasodilatation in response to reactive hyperaemia was evaluated. Clinical activity of the disease was determined using the disease activity index BASDAI, BASFI functional index, index BASMI metrology, ASQoL quality of life. To estimate the 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease, the QRISK scale was used.Results. Endothelial dysfunction (ED) was found in 47% cases. It was established that in the patients with ED<10% the incidence of LPL>1.7 mg/L, HDL-C<1.0 mmol/L, TIM thickening>0.9 mm was higher than in the patients with ED>10%. In this group of patients, significant duration of the disease and essential differences in their progress in terms of VAS, CRP,  ESR, index activity and functional disorders were revealed.Conclusions. The problem of CVD in patients with AS may be caused by systemic inflammatory disease associated with the development of endothelial dysfunction and increased levels of atherogenic lipids.
BIOMETRIC METHOD OF AGE ESTIMATION: DEVELOPMENT AND EFFICIENCY, IN CASES OF PATHOLOGIES OF TEETH HARD TISSUES
Authors: Honcharuk-Khomyn M. Yu. , Pohoretska Kh. V. , Patskan L. O.
Published: December 2017

Background. The physiological changes of tooth are the criteria used in evaluation of regressive formula by Kvaal et al. age estimation technique. But in cases of abnormal occlusion, abnormal chewing habits, bruxism, abrasive factors or structural defects of teeth the intensity of tooth aging accelerates.Objective. The aim of the research was to define the options of age estimation according to dental state of individuals with pathological attrition.Methods. 108 panoramic x-ray photos of patients with pathological attrition of teeth were chosen by a randomized selection (49 males and 59 females). All photos were made by means of Planmeca PROMAX orthopantomograph. Nine measurements were made for each tooth: the tooth length, pulp length, root length, root width and pulp width at three different levels: cement-enamel junction (level A, beginning of root), one-quarter of root length from a cement-enamel junction (level B), and mid-root (level C). Due to these measurements, a number of ratios were calculated in accordance with Kvaal et al. method.Results. The errors that reached 27±8.4 years were found when evaluating the dental age using primary coefficients of equations suggested by the authors of the method used. By means of mathematical analyses, principal component regression method as well, the correlation coefficient of Pearson and method of combining linear regression due to the tooth changes in cases of pathological attrition (lowering level of occlusal surface, dystrophy of pulp structures and deposition of tertiary reparative dentine) by regression analysis, the modified formulas for age estimation using radiographic technique were found. Modified coefficients decreased the error to 13±0.8 years, which was relative to the real age upto nearly 42-48% compared to the primary coefficients of equations for pathological attrition.Conclusions. Age estimation technique can be improved taking into account morphological changes in pathological attrition and the calculated coefficients make it possible to expand the circle of person’s age which needs to be found.
Growth Differentiation Factor 6 Promotes Vascular Stability by Restraining Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Signaling
Authors: Krispin Shlomo , Stratman Amber N. , Melick Chase H. , Stan Radu V. , Malinverno Matteo , Gleklen Jamie , Castranova Daniel , Dejana Elisabetta , Weinstein Brant M.
Published: December 2017

Objective—

The assembly of a functional vascular system requires a coordinated and dynamic transition from activation to maturation. High vascular endothelial growth factor activity promotes activation, including junction destabilization and cell motility. Maturation involves junctional stabilization and formation of a functional endothelial barrier. The identity and mechanism of action of prostabilization signals are still mostly unknown. Bone morphogenetic protein receptors and their ligands have important functions during embryonic vessel assembly and maturation. Previous work has suggested a role for growth differentiation factor 6 (GDF6; bone morphogenetic protein 13) in vascular integrity although GDF6’s mechanism of action was not clear. Therefore, we sought to further explore the requirement for GDF6 in vascular stabilization.

Approach and Results—

We investigated the role of GDF6 in promoting endothelial vascular integrity in vivo in zebrafish and in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells in vitro. We report that GDF6 promotes vascular integrity by counteracting vascular endothelial growth factor activity. GDF6-deficient endothelium has increased vascular endothelial growth factor signaling, increased vascular endothelial-cadherin Y658 phosphorylation, vascular endothelial-cadherin delocalization from cell–cell interfaces, and weakened endothelial cell adherence junctions that become prone to vascular leak.

Conclusions—

Our results suggest that GDF6 promotes vascular stabilization by restraining vascular endothelial growth factor signaling. Understanding how GDF6 affects vascular integrity may help to provide insights into hemorrhage and associated vascular pathologies in humans.
Finding the Enemy: Ethnicized State Violence and Population Control in Ceaușescu's Romania
Authors: Bottoni Stefano
Published: December 2017

State violence as a complex system of ideological prescriptions, normative values, and everyday practices has been emerging as a major topic in the study of Soviet-type regimes. Overcoming the Cold War preoccupation with the totalitarian character of these societies, new historiographical approaches put at the center the changing degree of physical and psychological violence. This article sketches the evolution of state violence concepts and practices in Communist-era Romania, focusing on the treatment of the large Hungarian minority in Transylvania. Although Nicolae Ceaușescu's Romania has been largely acknowledged as a special case, incompatible with the overall development of the Soviet bloc, it is possible to apply the model of “civilized violence” and “reliability of expectations” to the specific conditions of the late phase of Romanian national Communism. The most primitive forms of physical violence such as shooting or the savage beating of inmates never disappeared from the power instruments available to the different repressive bodies, but these techniques were supplemented by more refined attempts to encourage social collaboration based on patriotic conviction.
The first ecological study on the oldest allochthonous population of European cave salamanders (Hydromantes sp.)
Authors: Lunghi Enrico , Guillaume Olivier , Blaimont Pauline , Manenti Raoul
Published: December 2017

The introduction of allochthonous species often represents a serious problem for ecosystems and native species. Usually, these cases involve common widespread species that show high adaptability and strong competitiveness against local species. Within amphibians, the introduction of allochthonous species mainly deals with anurans, while cases involving caudata are few and poorly studied. We report the first assessment of an introduced population of European plethodontid salamanders. This population is located in the French Pyrenees and represents the oldest allochthonous Hydromantes population. We reconstructed the history of its introduction and collected data on the ecology and feeding habits of this population. Our results show that this population is stable and reproductive, showing strong similarities to Italian mainland species of Hydromantes. This study provided the base for further studies focused on this allochthonous population of European cave salamanders.
Naturally occurring triploids in contact zones between diploid/tetraploid Odontophrynus cordobae and O. americanus (Anura, Odontophrynidae)
Authors: Grenat Pablo , Salas Nancy , Pollo Favio , Otero Manuel , Baraquet Mariana , Sinsch Ulrich , Martino Adolfo
Published: December 2017

Polyploidization plays an important role in speciation and evolution in anurans. However, a few stable triploid populations and some isolated triploid individuals have been reported. Here, we report the discovery of naturally occurring triploids in contact zones between diploid Odontophrynus cordobae and tetraploid O. americanus from Central Argentina, and propose values of erythrocyte area for the distinction of ploidy levels. A total of 101 individuals from three contact zones were studied and ploidy of each specimen was identified by mean chromosome count and erythrocyte size. Twenty three adult triploid specimens (males: ; females: ) from two contact sites were identified (percentage of individuals per ploidy level: site S2, %, %, %; site S3: %, %, %). The limit values of erythrocyte nuclear area used to distinguish between different ploidy levels were 23.62 μm2 (probability to be assigned to a respective ploidy level = 94.78%) for separating diploids and triploids and 27.67 μm2 (98.62%) for triploids and tetraploids. The high number of adult triploids occurring in more than one contact site between O. cordobae and O. americanus indicates that is not an isolated event. However, further studies are necessary to provide a hypothesis on the origin and evaluate the possible maintenance of triploids in syntopy with O. cordobae and O. americanus.
On Manifestations of the Cult of Human Skulls in the Knÿshovskoe Settlement Dating from the Scythian Period
Authors: Daragan Marina N. , Gavrish Petr A.
Published: December 2017

Human remains have been found in many settlements and fortified settlements of the Scythian period in the forest-steppe zone of the Ukraine. Yet there are substantial differences between the nature of the finds and the circumstances of their positioning in the various settlements concerned. At some sites whole skeletons or parts of skeletons have been found in pits and in habitation levels. At others mainly (and sometimes even exclusively) human skulls or their fragments have been found. A picture of this kind was recorded, in particular, at the fortified settlement of Knÿshovskoe. This article examines the places where human skulls and fragments of the latter were found in the context of cultic and domestic buildings within the Knÿshovskoe settlement. Research was focused specifically on the positions of clay altars and the link between the latter and the anthropological remains within the site. Within the investigated area of the settlement, occupying half a hectare, 110 separate fragments of human skulls were found – 52 altars and 211 pits linked to various structures. Using spatial analysis based ongis-technology, a firm link was established between the clay altars, human skulls and also the skulls or skeletons of dogs, examples of cultic figurines, distaffs and clay cones. The areas in which altars and skulls were concentrated made it possible to regard most of these as having functioned simultaneously in a shrine. Analysis of each specific archaeological find of altars and skulls made it possible to single out certain “archaeological situations” demonstrating clear differences in specific cultic practices, a key component of which was the sacrificing of human heads. The shrine was being used no earlier than the second or third quarter of the 4th centurybc. Establishing the existence of cultic practices involving human sacrifice could provide a crucial step towards an understanding of phenomena, occurring in the forest-steppe zone in the second half and at the end of the 4th centurybc, which eventually led to the complete disappearance of the culture of the Scythian period in the forest-steppe and steppe zones at the end of the 4th centurybc.
Investigation of Atmospheric Rivers Impacting the Pigeon River Basin of the Southern Appalachian Mountains
Authors: Miller Douglas K. , Hotz David , Winton Jessica , Stewart Lukas
Published: December 2017

Rainfall observations in the Pigeon River basin of the southern Appalachian Mountains over a 5-yr period (2009–14) are examined to investigate the synoptic patterns responsible for downstream flooding events as observed near Knoxville, Tennessee, and Asheville, North Carolina. The study is designed to address the hypothesis that atmospheric rivers (ARs) are primarily responsible for the highest accumulation periods observed by the gauge network and that these periods correspond to events having a societal hazard (flooding). The upper 2.5% (extreme) and middle 33% (normal) rainfall events flagged using the gauge network observations showed that half of the heaviest rainfall cases were associated with an AR. Of those extreme events having an AR influence, over 73% had a societal hazard defined as minor-to-major flooding at the USGS river gauge located in Newport, Tennessee, or flooding observations for locations near the Tennessee and North Carolina border reported in the Storm Data publication. Composites of extreme AR-influenced events revealed a synoptic pattern consisting of a highly amplified slow-moving positively tilted trough, suggestive of the anticyclonic Rossby wave breaking scenario that sometimes precedes hydrological events of high impact. Composites of extreme non-AR events indicated a large-scale weather pattern typical of a warm season scenario in which an anomalous low-level cyclone, cut off far from the primary upper-tropospheric jet, was located in the southeastern United States. AR events without a societal hazard represented a large fraction (75%–88%) of all ARs detected during the study period. Synoptic-scale weather patterns of these events were fast moving and had weak low-level atmospheric dynamics.
Enhancement of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopic Signals in a Liquid Jet with Glow Discharge
Authors: Wu Ding , Sun Liying , Liu Ping , Hai Ran , Ding Hongbin
Published: December 2017

In this work, emission signals of laser-induced breakdown (LIBS) plasma of a flowing liquid jet in the absence and presence of an air-supported glow discharge have been investigated. In combination with a needle-to-needle glow discharge, a Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser (1064 nm, 5 ns) with power density ∼1010 W/cm2 was used to generate a plasma from a liquid jet. Emission lines of Mg, Ca, Al, Li, Na, and K all showed significant enhancements in the presence of the glow discharge. Lower continuum background was also observed. Mechanisms of the line emission enhancement and continuum radiation reduction were discussed.
Accurate Measurement of the Optical Constants n and k for a Series of 57 Inorganic and Organic Liquids for Optical Modeling and Detection
Authors: Myers Tanya L. , Tonkyn Russell G. , Danby Tyler O. , Taubman Matthew S. , Bernacki Bruce E. , Birnbaum Jerome C. , Sharpe Steven W. , Johnson Timothy J.
Published: December 2017

For optical modeling and other purposes, we have created a library of 57 liquids for which we have measured the complex optical constants n and k. These liquids vary in their nature, ranging in properties that include chemical structure, optical band strength, volatility, and viscosity. By obtaining the optical constants, one can model most optical phenomena in media and at interfaces including reflection, refraction, and dispersion. Based on the works of others, we have developed improved protocols using multiple path lengths to determine the optical constants n/k for dozens of liquids, including inorganic, organic, and organophosphorus compounds. Detailed descriptions of the measurement and data reduction protocols are discussed; agreement of the derived optical constant n and k values with literature values are presented. We also present results using the n/k values as applied to an optical modeling scenario whereby the derived data are presented and tested for models of 1 µm and 100 µm layers for dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) on both metal (aluminum) and dielectric (soda lime glass) substrates to show substantial differences between the reflected signal from highly reflective substrates and less-reflective substrates.
The Experiences and Participation of Immigrant Intellectuals in the Cultural Development of Hong Kong
Authors: Yin Chan Hok
Published: December 2017

This study examines the experiences of two generations of intellectuals that migrated to Hong Kong in 1919 and 1949. * The earlier generation included the former Qing remnants Lai Jixi (賴際熙) and Chen Botao (陳伯陶), and the latter included Tang Junyi (唐君毅), a prominent advocate of Neo-Confucianism. Although they shared a similar ethnic pride, they developed divergent attitudes about the colony of Hong Kong. The former Qing remnants all harmoniously related with the local Chinese elites and businessmen in Hong Kong and, thus, successfully integrated with the mainstream Chinese community. They maintained their traditional Chinese culture while working together with the colonial government even as the cultural gap between Hong Kong and Mainland China expanded. In 1949, significant political changes caused by the creation of the People’s Republic of China created a second generation of immigrants, including Neo-Confucianist Tang Junyi, who shared similar attitudes about traditional culture with the earlier immigrants. However, they developed totally different ideas about Hong Kong with respect to nationalism and colonialism. Although Tang and other immigrants like him all claimed to be proponents of traditional Chinese culture and to promote orthodox traditions, they also held different ideas about culture. This study investigates how Tang Junyi’s nationalism and critical attitudes towards coloniality developed, while also explaining the limitations of his efforts to re-establish China’s national culture without participating in the local culture. This examination not only facilitates our understanding of how elites and intellectuals in Hong Kong saw Chinese culture through different periods but also helps us reflect on the roles and functions of Hong Kong during the historical and cultural development process.
The Academic Role of Hong Kong in the Development of Chinese Culture, 1950s–70s
Authors: Kin Au Chi
Published: December 2017

For many people, ‘Hong Kong is a cultural desert’. However, we find that Hong Kong plays an important academic role and acts as a cultural bridge between China and Western countries, especially when China experiences unstable political, economic, social and cultural situations. The People’s Republic of China was established in 1949. During this time, numerous scholars fled China and selected Hong Kong as a ‘shelter’. Some decided to stay for good, whereas others viewed the territory as a stepping stone. Regardless of their reasons, their academic performance has significantly influenced Hong Kong. Two of the most famous scholars in this period were Luo Xianglin (羅香林 Lo Shan Lin) and Qian Mu (錢穆). Luo taught at the Department of Chinese of the University of Hong Kong. Qian was a faculty member at the New Asia College, which was one of the founding members of the Chinese University of Hong Kong. This study will examine the following issues: (i) why these two scholars selected Hong Kong, (ii) what role they played in the development of tertiary education with regard to Chinese studies in Hong Kong, (iii) how they developed the role of Hong Kong as a haven for the protection of Chinese culture and (iv) how Qian Mu developed New Asia College as a vehicle for spreading the ‘New’ Asian culture in the 1960s.
The Impact of Resource Rents on the Foreign Policymaking in West Asia
Authors: Kaynak Akif Bahadir
Published: December 2017

The effect of resource wealth on domestic politics has been widely discussed but its impact on foreign policy conduct is scarcely analysed. On the domestic front, rentier states not only have the repressive mechanisms to subdue discontent within its jurisdiction but they can also provide material benefits to its supporters in return for their loyalties. Hence, for resource-rich countries that have not already developed democratic institutions, authoritarianism seems to be a widely expected outcome. Yet, those rentier states may also develop a certain kind of foreign policy that increases the risk of conflict and political tensions in the international arena. Authoritarian regimes fuelled by the income generated by the sale of underground resources can pursue more aggressive policies as envisioned by democratic peace theory. This article attempts to draw a generalized framework on the effects of energy resources on the actions of exporting states while at the same time tries to draw lessons for Turkey, a country located in a troublesome but resource-rich geography.
Is the Israeli Democracy a Hindrance to Peace between Israel and the Palestinian Authority?
Authors: Halabi Yakub
Published: December 2017

Scholars of Israeli politics have overestimated the role of the Israeli military generals in shaping Israel’s security policy and the peace process with the Palestinian Authority (PA). They also underestimated the role of the Knesset in the process. This article claims that not only the Knesset has a final say in ratifying any peace agreement with the PA but the Knesset has become a hindrance to peace. The structure of Israeli democratic system, that is, the proportional representation (PR) system, has boosted the power of small parties beyond their relative size, while the party primaries bestowed autonomy on the party candidates from their party leadership. Under these circumstances, the Israeli government has become a weak actor, where a small party could break down the governing coalition and topple the government. The article claims that the weak Israeli government operates within a strong State, both domestically vis-à-vis society and internationally. While the State security institutions are able to enforce the rule of law and dissolve settlements for the sake of peace, the government cannot guarantee that the legislative branch could approve such a decision.
Triangular Confluence: Islam and Modernity in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Md Mizanur
Published: December 2017

This paper attempts to investigate modernity in contemporary Bangladesh, going beyond the Secularism–Islamism binary, and arguing that modernity in Bangladesh should be understood by considering the triangular confluence of the impact of the Bengal Renaissance, the rise of Islamism, and the consequences of globalization. Based on history, the paper describes the movements and mechanisms of liberalist and Islamist modernizing approaches and examines their impact on dominant modernization debates in present Bangladesh. This paper examines why secularism became so contested in Bangladesh, why the conservative branch of Islamic modernity became dominant, and the complexities that globalization has added to modernity in Bangladesh.
Exploration relation between interlaminar shear properties of thin-ply laminates under short-beam bending and meso-structures
Authors: Huang Chunfang , He Mingchang , He Yonglyu , Xiao Jiayu , Zhang Jiangwei , Ju Su , Jiang Dazhi
Published: December 2017

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer matrix composite laminates with standard thickness plies (0.125 mm) usually have weak interlaminar shear strength, meanwhile, for thin-thickness laminate structures such as aircraft wing skin, it is difficult to design a balanced laminate with the standard plies. It is a possible way to improve the interlaminar shear performance of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composite laminates and enlarge the design space of the thin-thickness structures by using thin-plies technology. In this paper, the interlaminar shear strength of carbon fiber/epoxy laminates with thin prepreg thickness subjected to short-beam bending is investigated. Unidirectional, cross-ply and quasi-isotropic laminate specimens were prepared by using prepregs with different ply thicknesses. Results show that, with decreasing of the ply thickness, higher interlaminar shear strength and smaller coefficient of variation of the data are obtained. Compared to laminates made by standard thickness prepreg, the laminates with thin-thickness prepreg exhibit more homogeneous microstructures and more regularly interlaminar shear stress distribution. This indicates that inherent anisotropy of the laminate composites is weakened in the thin-ply laminates and show pseudo-isotropic behavior. Especially in the case of ply thickness less than 0.020 mm, the interlaminar shear stress distributions of the cross-ply and quasi-isotropic laminate are almost the same with that of isotropic materials according to the classic laminate theory. On the other hand, as expected, the design space of the thin-thickness laminate structures will be increased since more ply number are allowed and superior interlaminar properties can be obtained due to the pseudo-isotropic behavior of the thin plies.