bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical Properties and Failure Behavior of Composite Samples
Authors: Zhang Hongwei , Wan Zhijun , Zhang Yuan , Wu Dong
Published: October 2018

In underground coal mining systems, the occurrences of coal burst hazards and pillar failures relate not only to the condition of stress distribution but also the geometry of roof‐coal‐floor structures. To study the failure response of these structures, the rock‐coal‐rock (RCR) sample, in which a coal component is sandwiched between rocks, is always employed as the experimental subject. In this study, the effect of height ratio (a ratio represents the height percentage of coal component in an RCR sample) on the mechanical properties and deformation behavior of RCR samples was numerically investigated by using the distinct element model (DEM). The results reveal the following. (1) The uniaxial compression strength (UCS) of the RCR sample decreases with increasing height ratio as an inverse proportional function. (2) With increasing height ratio, the elastic modulus of the RCR sample decreases exponentially, while the postpeak modulus is strengthened in an inverse proportional manner. (3) Microcracking activity of the RCR sample is different from that of the pure sample during loading. Specifically, a reactive period always occurs after the quiet and active periods in the RCR sample. (4) The RCR sample fails in a progressive manner, in which cracking bands develop preferentially in coal and then extend to rocks. Expectably, the mechanical properties and failure behavior of RCR samples are height ratio dependent, which may contribute to predicting the hazard of coal bursts and estimating the failure of rock‐coal‐floor structures.
Outcome of Irrigation and Debridement after Failed Two-Stage Reimplantation for Periprosthetic Joint Infection
Authors: Faschingbauer M. , Boettner F. , Bieger R. , Weiner C. , Reichel H. , Kappe T.
Published: October 2018

Introduction. Two-stage revision is the gold standard for the treatment of deep implant infection after knee or hip arthroplasty. Irrigation and debridement may be a treatment option for failed 2-stage revisions in cases where a reinfection occurs within 30 days or the symptoms exist not longer than 3 weeks and is appealing because of its low morbidity. We determined the incidence of recurrent infections following irrigation and debridement for failed two-stage revision hip and knee arthroplasty. Methods. We performed a single center retrospective review of periprosthetic hip and knee infections treated with a two-stage procedure from 2002 to 2010. All patients that subsequently underwent irrigation and debridement for a subsequent infection were selected for the current study. Results. 440 two-stage revisions were performed between 2002 and 2010. Fifty-one two-stage revisions failed (11.6%). Nineteen failed two-stage revisions were treated with irrigation and debridement; 12 (63.2%) patients remained free of infection at follow-up (mean follow-up: 39 months; range, 24-90 months), infection persisted in 6 patients (31.6%), and 1 patient died (5.3%). Conclusions. Success rates of irrigation and debridement for failed two-stage procedures are similar to the success rates of irrigation and debridement in primary implant infections. According to the current paper, irrigation and debridement are an acceptable treatment for acute reinfections after failed two-stage revision if performed within the first 30 postoperative days after failed two-stage procedure or if symptoms are present for less than 3 weeks in the presence of a susceptible organism.
Study on Structural Service Performance of Heavy‐Haul Railway Tunnel with Voided Base
Authors: Zhang Zhiqiang , Zeng Bowen , Dai Chaolong , He Wanping
Published: October 2018

The structural design of heavy‐haul railway tunnels still follows the design method of ordinary railway tunnels. Most of them do not take into account the influence of large axle load of 30 t or more, let alone such problems as void of surrounding rock under long‐term dynamic loads. In order to analyze the dynamic response of heavy‐haul railway tunnels under long‐term reciprocating cyclic dynamic loads, considering the factors such as axle load of vehicle body, unsprung mass, and track irregularity, the vibration load time‐history curve of heavy‐haul railway trains is determined, the three‐dimensional dynamics coupling model of dynamic load‐tunnel‐surrounding rock is established, and the fatigue life of the structure under different void conditions is analyzed based on the S‐N curve of concrete. According to the study, the loading, unloading, and vibration caused by train passing will lead to fluctuations in the vertical displacement response of the monitoring point. The peaks and valleys of the response time‐history curve correspond to the effect of the train wheels rolling through. When the void is 6 m wide and 10 cm thick, the vertical displacement of the inverted arch is increased by about 9 times, the peak velocity of the inverted arch is increased by about 3.8 times, and the maximum principal stress is increased by about 47.3%, compared with the condition without void. With the same void thickness, the vertical displacement and velocity curves of the inverted arch vary significantly with the increase of the void width. The width of the base void has a significant effect on the fatigue life of the structure of heavy‐haul railway tunnels. Based on the operation requirement of 100‐year service life, the ultimate void width is 2 m.
PEGylated Gold Nanoparticles with Interesting Plasmonic Properties Synthesized Using an Original, Rapid, and Easy-to-Implement Procedure
Authors: Nițică Ștefan , Moldovan Alin Iulian , Toma Valentin , Moldovan Cristian Silviu , Berindan-Neagoe Ioana , Știufiuc Gabriela , Lucaciu Constantin M. , Știufiuc Rareș
Published: October 2018

In this letter, we report a new, one-step, rapid, and easy-to-implement method for the synthesis of PEGylated gold nanoparticles (PEG-AuNPs) having a narrow size distribution and very interesting plasmonic properties. Unmodified polyethylene glycol molecules with a molecular weight of 1000 g/mole (PEG1000) have been employed as reducing and capping agents for the synthesis of spherical gold nanoparticles having an average diameter of 35 nm, within a few minutes. The novelty of the herein proposed synthesis method consists in the fact that the synthesis takes place inside of a sealed bottle flask containing aqueous solutions of PEG1000, tetrachloroauric(III) acid (HAuCl4), and NaOH, placed in the center of a microwave oven, capable to provide a very uniform temperature environment. It turned out that, during the very short synthesis procedure (2 minutes), PEG 1000 suffers an oxidative transformation in such a manner that its terminal alcohol groups (-CH2-OH) are transformed in carboxylate ones (-COO−). The as-synthesized PEG-AuNPs possess very interesting plasmonic properties allowing the detection of different molecules by means of SER spectroscopy performed either in liquid droplets or on solid spots. As a consequence of their unique plasmonic properties, the SER spectra acquired using this new class of nanoparticles on different molecules of interest (methylene blue, rhodamine 6G, doxorubicin, and 5-fluorouracil) are highly reproducible, making them ideal candidates for further use as SERS substrates.
Christ–Lee Model: Augmented Supervariable Approach
Authors: Kumar R. , Shukla A.
Published: October 2018

We derive the complete set of off-shell nilpotent and absolutely anticommuting (anti-)BRST as well as (anti-)co-BRST symmetry transformations for the gauge-invariant Christ–Lee model by exploiting the celebrated (dual-)horizontality conditions together with the gauge-invariant and (anti-)co-BRST invariant restrictions within the framework of geometrical “augmented” supervariable approach to BRST formalism. We show the (anti-)BRST and (anti-)co-BRST invariances of the Lagrangian in the context of supervariable approach. We also provide the geometrical origin and capture the key properties associated with the (anti-)BRST and (anti-)co-BRST symmetry transformations (and corresponding conserved charges) in terms of the supervariables and Grassmannian translational generators.
Application of Fractional Differential Calculation in Pretreatment of Saline Soil Hyperspectral Reflectance Data
Authors: Tian Anhong , Zhao Junsan , Xiong Heigang , Gan Shu , Fu Chengbiao
Published: October 2018

Pretreatment of spectrum data is a necessary and effective method for improving the accuracy of hyperspectral model building. Traditional differential calculation pretreatment only considers the integer-order differential, such as the 1st order and 2nd order, and overlooks important spectrum information located at fractional order. Since fractional differential (FD) has rarely been applied to spectrum field measurement, there are few reports on the spectrum features of saline soils under different degrees of human interference. We used FD to analyze field spectrum data of saline soil collected from Xinjiang’s Fukang City. Order interval of 0.2 was adopted to divide 0–2 orders into 11-order differentials. MATLAB programming was used to convert the raw spectral reflectance and its four common types of mathematics and to conduct FD calculation. Spectrum data for area A (no human interference area) and area B (human interference area) was separately processed. From the statistical analysis of soil salinization characteristics, the salinization degree and type for area B were more diverse and complicated than area A. MATLAB simulation results showed that FD calculation could depict the minute differences between different FD order spectra under different human interference areas. The overall differential value trend appeared to move towards 0 reflectance value. After differential processing, the trend of bands that passed the 0.05 significance test of correlation coefficient (CC) showed an increase first then decrease later. The maximum CC absolute value for five spectrum transformations all appeared in the fractional order. FD calculation could significantly increase the correlation between spectral reflectance and soil salt content both for full-band and single-band spectra. Results of this study can serve as a reference for the application of FD in field hyperspectral monitoring of soil salinization for different human interference areas.
Multiview Ensemble Method for Detecting Shilling Attacks in Collaborative Recommender Systems
Authors: Hao Yaojun , Zhang Peng , Zhang Fuzhi
Published: October 2018

Faced with the evolving attacks in collaborative recommender systems, the conventional shilling detection methods rely mainly on one kind of user-generated information (i.e., single view) such as rating values, rating time, and item popularity. However, these methods often suffer from poor precision when detecting different attacks due to ignoring other potentially relevant information. To address this limitation, in this paper we propose a multiview ensemble method to detect shilling attacks in collaborative recommender systems. Firstly, we extract 17 user features by considering the temporal effects of item popularity and rating values in different popular item sets. Secondly, we devise a multiview ensemble detection framework by integrating base classifiers from different classification views. Particularly, we use a feature set partition algorithm to divide the features into several subsets to construct multiple optimal classification views. We introduce a repartition strategy to increase the diversity of views and reduce the influence of feature order. Finally, the experimental results on the Netflix and Amazon review datasets indicate that the proposed method has better performance than benchmark methods when detecting various synthetic attacks and real-world attacks.
Pharmacokinetics and UPLC-MS/MS of Delsoline in Mouse Whole Blood
Authors: Shao Lingjiu , Jin Yue , Fu Huiyan , Ma Jianshe , Wang Xianqin , Jin Yongxi , Wen Congcong
Published: October 2018

Delsoline, a major alkaloid of Delphinium anthriscifolium Hance, has both a curare-like effect and a ganglion-blocking effect and is used to relieve muscle tension or hyperkinesia. A ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was established for the determination of delsoline in mouse blood, and the pharmacokinetics of delsoline after intravenous administration (1 mg/kg) and intragastric administration (9, 6, and 3 mg/kg) were studied. Gelsenicine served as an internal standard, and a UPLC BEH C18 chromatographic column was used. The mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid; the gradient elution flow rate was 0.4 mL/min. The MRM model was used for the quantitative analysis of delsoline m/z 468.3⟶108.1 and the internal standard m/z 327.1⟶296.1. Mouse blood samples were treated with acetonitrile precipitation to remove proteins. In the concentration range of 0.1–1000 ng/mL, delsoline in mouse blood showed a good linearity (r2 > 0.995), and the lower limit of quantitation was 0.1 ng/mL. The intraday precision relative standard deviation (RSD) was below 14%, and the interday precision RSD was below 15%. The accuracy ranged between 94.3% and 110.1%, the average recovery was above 90.8%, and the matrix effect ranged between 97.0% and 102.5%. The UPLC-MS/MS method was sensitive, rapid, and selective in the study of pharmacokinetics of delsoline. The absolute bioavailability of delsoline was 20.9%.
FDA Approval Summary: Tisagenlecleucel for Treatment of Patients with Relapsed or Refractory B-cell Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: O'Leary Maura C. , Lu Xiaobin , Huang Ying , Lin Xue , Mahmood Iftekhar , Przepiorka Donna , Gavin Denise , Lee Shiowjen , Liu Ke , George Bindu , Bryan Wilson , Theoret Marc R. , Pazdur Richard
Published: October 2018

Tisagenlecleucel (Kymriah; Novartis Pharmaceuticals) is a CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T-cell immunotherapy. On August 30, 2017, the FDA approved tisagenlecleucel for treatment of patients up to 25 years of age with B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) that is refractory in second or later relapse. Approval was based on the complete remission (CR) rate, durability of CR, and minimal residual disease (MRD) <0.01% in a cohort of 63 children and young adults with relapsed or refractory ALL treated on a single-arm trial (CCTL019B2202). Treatment consisted of fludarabine and cyclophosphamide followed 2 to 14 days later by a single dose of tisagenlecleucel. The CR rate was 63% (95% confidence interval, 50%–75%), and all CRs had MRD <0.01%. With a median follow-up of 4.8 months, the median duration of response was not reached. Cytokine release syndrome (79%) and neurologic events (65%) were serious toxicities reported in the trial. With implementation of a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy, the benefit–risk profile was considered acceptable for this patient population with such resistant ALL. A study of safety with 15 years of follow-up is required as a condition of the approval.

See related commentary by Geyer, p. 1133
ProDiet: A Phase II Randomized Placebo-controlled Trial of Green Tea Catechins and Lycopene in Men at Increased Risk of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Lane J. Athene , Er Vanessa , Avery Kerry N.L. , Horwood Jeremy , Cantwell Marie , Caro Gema P. , Crozier Alan , Smith George Davey , Donovan Jenny L. , Down Liz , Hamdy Freddie C. , Gillatt David , Holly Jeff , Macefield Rhiannon , Moody Hilary , Neal David E. , Walsh Eleanor , Martin Richard M. , Metcalfe Chris
Published: October 2018

Epidemiologic studies suggest that diet can alter prostate cancer risk. This study aimed to establish the feasibility and acceptability of dietary modification in men at increased risk of prostate cancer. Men were invited with a PSA level of 2.0–2.95 ng/mL or 3.0–19.95 ng/mL with negative prostate biopsies. Randomization (3 × 3 factorial design) to daily green tea and lycopene: green tea drink (3 cups, unblinded) or capsules [blinded, 600 mg flavan-3-ol ()-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) or placebo] and lycopene-rich foods (unblinded) or capsules (blinded, 15 mg lycopene or placebo) for 6 months. Primary endpoints were randomization rates and intervention adherence (blinded assessment of metabolites) at 6 months with secondary endpoints of acceptability (from interviews), safety, weight, blood pressure, and PSA. A total of 133 of 469 (28.4%) men approached agreed to be randomized and 132 were followed-up (99.2%). Mean lycopene was 1.28 [95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.09–1.50, P = 0.003] times higher in the lycopene capsule group and 1.42 (95% CI, 1.21–1.66; P < 0.001) times higher in the lycopene-enriched diet group compared with placebo capsules. Median EGCG was 10.7 nmol/L (95% CI, 7.0–32.0) higher in in the active capsule group and 20.0 nmol/L (95% CI, 0.0–19.0) higher in the green tea drink group compared with placebo capsules (both P < 0.001). All interventions were acceptable and well tolerated although men preferred the capsules. Dietary prevention is acceptable to men at risk of prostate cancer. This intervention trial demonstrates that a chemoprevention clinical trial is feasible. Cancer Prev Res; 11(11); 687–96. ©2018 AACR.
Factors Associated with High Weight Gain and Obesity Duration: The Norwegian Women and Cancer (NOWAC) Study
Authors: da Silva Marisa , Weiderpass Elisabete , Licaj Idlir , Rylander Charlotta
Published: October 2018

Aim: To identify factors associated with high weight gain and obesity duration in a representative sample of Norwegian women. Methods: 66,618 Norwegian women aged 34-70 years at baseline were included in the analysis. Baseline and follow-up questionnaires completed in 1991-2011 provided information on height, weight as well as sociodemographic, lifestyle and reproductive factors. We assessed the association with multivariable logistic regression. Results: Women gained on average 0.5 kg/year (95% CI 0.5-0.5 kg/year) during 6 years of follow-up, and 3.5% maintained in obesity during 13 years of follow-up. The factors with strongest association with high weight gain (≥10 kg) were smoking cessation (cessation vs. no change, OR = 4.39, 95% CI 3.91-4.94) and decreased physical activity level (decrease vs. no change, OR = 2.40, 95% CI 2.21-2.61). Low physical activity level (high vs. low, OR = 0.17, 95% CI 0.14-0.20), higher than median age at menarche (over median vs. median or under median, OR = 0.36, 95% CI 0.31-0.41), and less than 10 years of education (>12 years vs. <10 years, OR = 0.44, 95% CI 0.37-0.51) were strongly associated with obesity duration. Conclusion: The modifiable factor with the strongest association with adverse weight development and potential for prevention was low or decreased physical activity level.
Joining Parents' Bed at Night and Overweight among 2- to 6-Year-Old Children - Results from the ‘Healthy Start' Randomized Intervention
Authors: Olsen Nanna Julie , Rohde Jeanett Friis , Händel Mina Nicole , Stougaard Maria , Mortensen Erik Lykke , Heitmann Berit Lilienthal
Published: October 2018

Objective: Parental and child co-sleeping has been suggested as a risk factor for short sleep duration and poor sleep quality that may lead to overweight. We examined if joining parent's bed during night was associated with child overweight. Methods: Cross-sectional data from the ‘Healthy Start' study including 635 2- to 6-year-old Danish children, who were all considered obesity prone. Of these, 496 children had complete information on BMI and whether the child joined parents' bed during night and if so, how frequently. International cut-offs for overweight according to age and gender were applied, and logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratio (OR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI). Analyses were adjusted for the child's age and gender, overall family stress, parental educational level, and parental BMI. Results: Children who did not join their parent's bed were more likely to be overweight compared to children who did (OR 1.75 (95% CI 0.99-3.10)). Children who rarely joined their parents' bed had OR 2.74 of being overweight (95% CI 1.01-7.44) compared to children who joined every night. Conclusion: Children who rarely joined parents' bed during night were almost three times more likely to be overweight than those who joined every night.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Uncertainties and Controversies
Authors: Wang Zheng , Bonella Francesco , Li Wenting , Boerner Eda B. , Guo Qiongya , Kong Xianglong , Zhang Xiaoju , Costabel Ulrich , Kreuter Michael
Published: October 2018

The mechanisms of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a rare, devastating disease with a median survival of 3–5 years, are not fully understood. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a frequent comorbidity encountered in IPF. Hypothetically, GERD-associated microaspiration may lead to persistent inflammation impairing lung infrastructure, thereby possibly accelerating the progression of IPF. IPF may increase intrathoracic pressure, which can aggravate GERD and vice versa. On the basis of the possible beneficial effects of antireflux or antacid therapy on lung function, acute exacerbation, and survival, the recent international IPF guideline recommends antacid therapies for patients with IPF, regardless of symptomatic GERD. However, due to newer conflicting data, several national guidelines do not support this recommendation. Elucidation of these questions by further clinical and bench-to-bedside research may provide us with rational clinical diagnostic and therapeutic approaches concerning GERD in IPF. The present review aims to discuss the latest data on the controversial association of IPF and GERD.
Surgical Outcome after Lamellar Macular Hole Associated with Epiretinal Membrane
Authors: Guber Josef , Scholl Hendrik P.N. , Valmaggia Christophe
Published: October 2018

Purpose: To evaluate functional and anatomical outcomes after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in patients with epiretinal membrane associated with lamellar hole (LH). Patients and Methods: All patients who underwent PPV with epiretinal membrane peeling associated with an LH from January 2016 to December 2017 were included. Each patient received a complete ophthalmological examination including best-corrected visual acuity using Snellen charts (in decimal form; converted to logMAR) and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) before surgery as well as 3 months after surgery. In all patients, the contour of the LH was postoperatively graded using SD-OCT images. Results: A total of 36 consecutive patients (36 eyes) with LH associated with epiretinal membrane were reviewed. Most of the patients had normalization or at least an improvement of the LH contour postoperatively (p < 0.001). Median logMAR improved significantly after surgery from 0.3 to 0.2 (p < 0.001). Conclusions: PPV with epiretinal membrane peeling in symptomatic patients with LH caused by epiretinal membrane is a safe treatment with favorable functional and anatomical short-term outcomes.
Development of a Donor Tissue Holding Technique for Descemet’s Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty Using a 25-Gauge Graft Manipulator
Authors: Kobayashi Akira , Yokogawa Hideaki , Mori Natsuko , Masaki Toshinori , Sugiyama Kazuhisa
Published: October 2018

Purpose: To report a modified surgical technique called the “donor tissue holding technique for Descemet’s membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK)” using a newly developed 25-gauge graft manipulator. Methods: Six consecutive patients exhibiting endothelial dysfunction were enrolled and treated by DMEK. In brief, after insertion of a DMEK donor into the anterior chamber, the edge of the roll was grasped using a graft manipulator and this grasp was maintained throughout the centering and opening of the roll (holding technique). The following parameters were evaluated in comparison to the previous 10 consecutive DMEK cases in which the no touch technique was used: time of graft unfolding, incidence of intra-/postoperative complications, and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and endothelial cell density (ECD) 6 months after the procedure. Results: In both technique groups, neither intra- nor postoperative complications were noted in any case. No differences were observed between the two groups in postoperative BCVA (p = 0.88). Also, no differences were observed between the two groups in postoperative ECD (holding technique group: 2,108.3 cells/mm2, no touch technique group: 1,491.7 cells/mm2) (p = 0.08) Most notably, the time of graft unfolding prior to filling with air was significantly reduced in the holding technique group (305.5 s) compared to that of the no touch technique group (1,310.0 s; p = 0.01). Conclusions: This donor tissue holding technique enabled rapid and safe DMEK in a reproducible manner, even in Asian eyes with shallow anterior chambers with high vitreous pressure.
Spontaneous Quick Resolution of Uncombable Hair Syndrome-Like Disease
Authors: Ramot Yuval , Zlotogorski Abraham , Molho-Pessach Vered
Published: October 2018

Uncombable hair syndrome (UHS) is a unique hair shaft disease characterized by frizzy, straw-colored hair, which is resistant to combing and brushing. Familial cases have been described, and recently mutations in genes related to trichohyalin production have been reported as the cause for this condition. UHS usually manifests during early childhood, and gradually resolves at puberty. Herein, we report on a 2-year-old boy whose hair changed to a UHS-like phenotype “overnight” with no apparent trigger. The condition resolved abruptly after 9 months. Genetic analysis revealed a heterozygous variant in the PLCD1 gene, which has been connected to hair development. This case raises the possibility that a genetic cause can lead to a temporary change in hair shaft appearance, possibly after exposure to a yet unknown external trigger.
miR-136-5p Regulates the Inflammatory Response by Targeting the IKKβ/NF-κB/A20 Pathway After Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Deng Guiying , Gao Yunbing , Cen Zhongxi , He Jichen , Cao Baichuan , Zeng Gaofeng , Zong Shaohui
Published: October 2018

Background/Aims: miR-136-5p participates in recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI) via an unknown mechanism. We investigated the mechanism underlying the involvement of miR-136-5p in the inflammatory response in a rat model of SCI. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rat astrocytes were cultured in vitro to construct a reporter plasmid. Luciferase assays were used to detect the ability of miR-136-5p to target the IKKβ and A20 genes. Next, recombinant lentiviral vectors were constructed, which either overexpressed miR-136-5p or inhibited its expression. The influence of miR-136-5p overexpression and miR-136-5p silencing on inflammation was observed in vivo in an SCI rat model. The expression of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-α, and related proteins (A20, IKKβ, and NF-κB) was detected. Results: In vitro studies showed that luciferase activity was significantly activated in the presence of the 3’ untranslated region (UTR) region of the IKKβ gene after stimulation of cells with miR-136-5p. However, luciferase activity was significantly inhibited in the presence of the 3’UTR region of the A20 gene. Thus, miR-136-5p may act directly on the 3’UTR regions of the IKKβ and A20 genes to regulate their expression. miR-136-5p overexpression promoted the production of related cytokines and NF-κB in SCI rats and inhibited the expression of A20 protein. Conclusion: Overexpression of miR-136-5p promotes the generation of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-α, IKKβ, and NF-κB in SCI rats but inhibits the expression of A20. Under these conditions, inflammatory cell infiltration into the rat spinal cord increases and injury is significantly aggravated. Silencing of miR-136-5p significantly reduces the protein expression results described after miR-136-5p overexpression and ameliorates the inflammatory cell infiltration and damage to the spinal cord. Therefore, miR-136-5p might be a new target for the treatment of SCI.
Generation of a Urine-Derived Ips Cell Line from a Patient with a Ventricular Septal Defect and Heart Failure and the Robust Differentiation of These Cells to Cardiomyocytes via Small Molecules
Authors: Cao Yinyin , Xu Jin , Wen Junxiang , Ma Xiaojing , Liu Fang , Li Yang , Chen Weicheng , Sun Liqun , Wu Yao , Li Shuolin , Li Jian , Huang Guoying
Published: October 2018

Background/Aims: Ventricular septal defects (VSDs) are one of the most common types of congenital heart malformations. Volume overload resulting from large VSDs can lead to heart failure (HF) and constitutes a major cause of pediatric HF with a series of often-fatal consequences. The etiology of VSD with HF is complex, and increasing evidence points toward a genetic basis. Indeed, we identified an L2483R mutation in the ryanodine receptor type 2 (RyR2) in a 2-month-old male patient with VSD with HF. Methods: We generated integration-free induced pluripotent stem cells from urine samples (UiPSCs) of this patient using Sendai virus containing the Yamanaka factors and characterized these cells based on alkaline phosphatase activity, pluripotency marker expression, and teratoma formation. Then, we induced the derived UiPSCs to rapidly and efficiently differentiate into functional cardiomyocytes through temporal modulation of canonical Wnt signaling with small molecules. Real-time PCR and immunofluorescence were used to verify the expression of myocardium-specific markers in the differentiated cardiomyocytes. The ultrastructure of the derived myocardial cells was further analyzed by using transmission electron microscopy. Results: The established UiPSC lines were positive for alkaline phosphatase activity, retained the RyR2 mutation, expressed pluripotency markers, and displayed differentiation potential to three germ layers in vivo. The UiPSC-derived cells showed hallmarks of cardiomyocytes, including spontaneous contraction and strong expression of cardiac-specific proteins and genes. However, compared with cardiomyocytes derived from H9 cells, they had a higher level of autophagy, implying that autophagy may play an important role in the development of VSD with HF. Conclusion: The protocol described here yields abundant myocardial cells and provides a solid platform for further investigation of the pathogenesis, pharmacotherapy, and gene therapy of VSD with HF.
Integridade organizacional: muito além dos modismos
Authors: Paraventi Ágatha Camargo , Lemos Else
Published: October 2018

Entrevista com Reynaldo Goto.
Brasilidade, heroísmo, utilidade e necessidade: a construção de um ethos pela propaganda institucional da Petrobras
Authors: Silva Magno Vieira da , Baldissera Rudimar
Published: October 2018

Neste trabalho, estuda-se a organização Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. (Petrobras) considerando-se a existência de atributos simbólicos reconhecidos e utilizados por sua comunicação organizacional. A partir da noção de ethos discursivo, empregada como tópico analítico, estudam-se quatro propagandas institucionais da empresa, em que se busca verificar as estratégias discursivas utilizadas para atualizar e (re)afirmar os atributos de brasilidade, heroísmo, utilidade e necessidade que envolvem a organização.
Restoring Endothelial Function by Targeting Desert Hedgehog Downstream of Klf2 Improves Critical Limb Ischemia in Adults
Authors: Caradu Caroline , Couffinhal Thierry , Chapouly Candice , Guimbal Sarah , Hollier Pierre-Louis , Ducasse Eric , Bura-Rivière Alessandra , Dubois Mathilde , Gadeau Alain-Pierre , Renault Marie-Ange
Published: October 2018

Rationale:

Klf (kruppel-like factor) 2 is critical to establish and maintain endothelial integrity.

Objective:

Therefore, determining upstream and downstream mediators of Klf2 would lead to alternative therapeutic targets in cardiovascular disease management.

Methods and Results:

Here we identify Dhh (desert hedgehog) as a downstream effector of Klf2, whose expression in endothelial cells (ECs) is upregulated by shear stress and decreased by inflammatory cytokines. Consequently, we show that Dhh knockdown in ECs promotes endothelial permeability and EC activation and that Dhh agonist prevents TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor alpha) or glucose-induced EC dysfunction. Moreover, we demonstrate that human critical limb ischemia, a pathological condition linked to diabetes mellitus and inflammation, is associated to major EC dysfunction. By recreating a complex model of critical limb ischemia in diabetic mice, we found that Dhh-signaling agonist significantly improved EC function without promoting angiogenesis, which subsequently improved muscle perfusion.

Conclusion:

Restoring EC function leads to significant critical limb ischemia recovery. Dhh appears to be a promising target, downstream of Klf2, to prevent the endothelial dysfunction involved in ischemic vascular diseases.
Shock Wave Therapy Improves Cardiac Function in a Model of Chronic Ischemic Heart Failure: Evidence for a Mechanism Involving VEGF Signaling and the Extracellular Matrix
Authors: Gollmann‐Tepeköylü Can , Lobenwein Daniela , Theurl Markus , Primessnig Uwe , Lener Daniela , Kirchmair Elke , Mathes Wolfgang , Graber Michael , Pölzl Leo , An Angela , Koziel Katarzyna , Pechriggl Elisabeth , Voelkl Jakob , Paulus Patrick , Schaden Wolfgang , Grimm Michael , Kirchmair Rudolf , Holfeld Johannes
Published: October 2018

Background

Mechanical stimulation of acute ischemic myocardium by shock wave therapy (
SWT
) is known to improve cardiac function by induction of angiogenesis. However,
SWT
in chronic heart failure is poorly understood. We aimed to study whether mechanical stimulation upon
SWT
improves heart function in chronic ischemic heart failure by induction of angiogenesis and postnatal vasculogenesis and to dissect underlying mechanisms.

Methods and Results

SWT
was applied in a mouse model of chronic myocardial ischemia. To study effects of
SWT
on postnatal vasculogenesis, wild‐type mice received bone marrow transplantation from green fluorescence protein donor mice. Underlying mechanisms were elucidated in vitro in endothelial cells and murine aortic rings. Echocardiography and pressure/volume measurements revealed improved left ventricular ejection fraction, myocardial contractility, and diastolic function and decreased myocardial fibrosis after treatment. Concomitantly, numbers of capillaries and arterioles were increased.
SWT
resulted in enhanced expression of the chemoattractant stromal cell–derived factor 1 in ischemic myocardium and serum. Treatment induced recruitment of bone marrow–derived endothelial cells to the site of injury. In vitro,
SWT
resulted in endothelial cell proliferation, enhanced survival, and capillary sprouting. The effects were vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 and heparan sulfate proteoglycan dependent.

Conclusions

SWT
positively affects heart function in chronic ischemic heart failure by induction of angiogenesis and postnatal vasculogenesis.
SWT
upregulated pivotal angiogenic and vasculogenic factors in the myocardium in vivo and induced proliferative and anti‐apoptotic effects on endothelial cells in vitro. Mechanistically, these effects depend on vascular endothelial growth factor signaling and heparan sulfate proteoglycans.
SWT
is a promising treatment option for regeneration of ischemic myocardium.
Migrant Waste Collectors in Thailand’s Informal Economy
Authors: Campbell Stephen
Published: October 2018

Recent scholarship on primitive accumulation and deagrarianisation in the global South has addressed a decline in formal employment prospects, leaving most ex-peasants (and their heirs) struggling to earn a livelihood in the informal economy. Taking this phenomenon as a point of departure, and drawing on the case of migrant waste collectors in Mae Sot, Thailand, this article examines the multiple ways that waste collectors are embedded in informal relations of production and exchange. This variable relational embeddedness has implications, it is argued, for the forms of struggle available to those engaged in informal labour.
Revision of the Australian leaf beetle genus Cheiloxena Baly, 1860 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Spilopyrinae)
Authors: REID C. A. M. , BEATSON M.
Published: October 2018

The endemic Australian leaf beetle genus Cheiloxena Baly, 1860 is revised, with eight valid species, three new: C. aitori sp. nov.; C. blackburni Reid, 1992; C. conani sp. nov.; C. frenchae Blackburn, 1893; C. insignis Blackburn, 1896; C. monga sp. nov.; C. tuberosa Reid, 1992; C. westwoodii Baly, 1860. A key is provided for their identification and all species are described. Cheiloxena species occur from southern Victoria to central Queensland. Hosts are Araliaceae (Astrotricha), Proteaceae (Lomatia) and possibly Myrtaceae (Eucalyptus).
First record of Alepia Enderlein (Diptera, Psychodidae) in Mexico, with the description of two new species
Authors: DURÁN-LUZ JUANA , IBÁÑEZ-BERNAL SERGIO , SANDOVAL-RUIZ CÉSAR ANTONIO
Published: October 2018

Genus Alepia Enderlein is for the first time recorded in Mexico. Specimens were captured in southern Puebla at the central area of Mexico corresponding to two new species which are described with male and female characteristics. One species belongs to the group of species characterized by a compact group of accessory retinacula originated on a dark area of surtyli, having the eye bridge ending in a small number of facet rows, and the other to the group of species characterized by the accessory retinacula scattered, absence of dark area on the surtyli, and a broad eye bridge with three facet rows.
Needle in a haystack—genetic evidence confirms the expansion of the alien echinoid Diadema setosum (Echinoidea: Diadematidae) to the Mediterranean coast of Israel
Authors: BRONSTEIN OMRI , KROH ANDREAS
Published: October 2018

Diadema setosum (Leske, 1778), a widespread tropical echinoid and key herbivore in shallow water environments is currently expanding in the Mediterranean Sea. It was introduced by unknown means and first observed in southern Turkey in 2006. From there it spread eastwards to Lebanon (2009) and westwards to the Aegean Sea (2014). Since late 2016 sporadic sightings of black, long-spined sea urchins were reported by recreational divers from rock reefs off the Israeli coast. Numerous attempts to verify these records failed; neither did the BioBlitz Israel task force encounter any D. setosum in their campaigns. Finally, a single adult specimen was observed on June 17, 2017 in a deep rock crevice at 3.5 m depth at Gordon Beach, Tel Aviv. Although the specimen could not be recovered, spine fragments sampled were enough to genetically verify the visual underwater identification based on morphology. Sequences of COI, ATP8-Lysine, and the mitochondrial Control Region of the Israel specimen are identical to those of the specimen collected in 2006 in Turkey, unambiguously assigning the specimen to D. setosum clade b. This lends support to the hypothesis of a single introduction event and fits well with the habitat suitability and distribution model for D. setosum published recently. The more rapid and larger range extension along a south-eastern, counter-current trajectory may reflect a strong habitat preference for D. setosum in this area of the Levantine Basin as predicted by the model.
Rapid Intensification of Typhoon Mujigae (2015) under Different Sea Surface Temperatures: Structural Changes Leading to Rapid Intensification
Authors: Chen Xiaomin , Xue Ming , Fang Juan
Published: October 2018

The notable prelandfall rapid intensification (RI) of Typhoon Mujigae (2015) over abnormally warm water with moderate vertical wind shear (VWS) is investigated by performing a set of full-physics model simulations initialized with different sea surface temperatures (SSTs). While all experiments can reproduce RI, tropical cyclones (TCs) in cooler experiments initiate the RI 13 h later than those in warmer experiments. A comparison of structural changes preceding RI onset in two representative experiments with warmer and cooler SSTs (i.e., CTL and S1) indicates that both TCs undergo similar vertical alignment despite the moderate VWS. RI onset in CTL occurs ~8 h before the full vertical alignment, while that in S1 occurs ~5 h after. In both experiments precipitation becomes more symmetrically distributed around the vortex as vortex tilt decreases. In CTL, precipitation symmetricity is higher in the inner-core region, particularly for stratiform precipitation. All experiments indicate that RI onset occurs when the radius of maximum wind (RMW) contraction reaches a certain degree measured in terms of local Rossby number. The contraction occurs much earlier in CTL, leading to earlier RI. These results suggest that vertical alignment, albeit necessary, is not an effective RI indicator under different SSTs, while a more immediate cause of RI is the formation of a strong/compact inner core with high precipitation symmetry. Diagnoses using the Sawyer–Eliassen equation indicate that in CTL the enhanced microphysical diabatic heating of additional midlevel and deep convection along with surface friction contribute to stronger boundary layer inflow near/inside the RMW, facilitating earlier RMW contraction.
Sensitivity of Tropical Cyclone Intensification to Axisymmetric Heat Sources: The Role of Low-Level Heating and Cooling from Different Microphysical Processes
Authors: Paull Georgina , Menelaou Konstantinos , Yau M. K.
Published: October 2018

Latent heat release from condensational heating has been recognized as one of the dominating energy sources of a tropical cyclone. Here we argue that other microphysical processes may also play an important role. From an analysis of a real-case simulation of Hurricane Katrina (2005), it was found that cooling from evaporation and melting of some frozen hydrometeors radially outside the eyewall region can have similar magnitudes as condensational heating. Based on this finding, idealized thermally forced experiments were performed. The specified heating and cooling functions mimic those found in the Hurricane Katrina run. The results indicated that the addition of cooling enhances the lower-level inward radial winds, which in turn increases the acceleration of the lower-level tangential winds through an enhanced transport of absolute vorticity. Sensitivity experiments on varying the structure of the cooling functions and the background state of the vortex demonstrate that the lower-level tangential wind acceleration is more sensitive to changes in the vertical structure and location of the cooling than the radial characteristics. In addition, the lower-level acceleration is sensitive to variations in the inertial and static stabilities rather than the vertical tangential wind shear of the initial vortex and its environment.
Probabilistic Skill of Subseasonal Precipitation Forecasts for the East Africa–West Asia Sector during September–May
Authors: Vigaud N. , Tippett M. K. , Robertson A. W.
Published: October 2018

The skill of submonthly forecasts of rainfall over the East Africa–West Asia sector is examined for starts during the extended boreal winter season (September–April) using three ensemble prediction systems (EPSs) from the Subseasonal-to-Seasonal (S2S) project. Forecasts of tercile category probabilities over the common period 1999–2010 are constructed using extended logistic regression (ELR), and a multimodel forecast is formed by averaging individual model probabilities. The calibration of each model separately produces reliable probabilistic weekly forecasts, but these lack sharpness beyond a week lead time. Multimodel ensembling generally improves skill by removing negative skill scores present in individual models. In addition, the multimodel ensemble week-3–4 forecasts have a higher ranked probability skill score and reliability compared to week-3 or week-4 forecasts for starts in February–April, while skill gain is less pronounced for other seasons. During the 1999–2010 period, skill over continental subregions is the highest for starts in February–April and for starts during El Niño conditions and MJO phase 7, which coincides with enhanced forecast probabilities of above-normal rainfall. Overall, these results indicate notable opportunities for the application of skillful subseasonal predictions over the East Africa–West Asia sector during the extended boreal winter season.
Well posedness conditions for planar conewise linear systems
Authors: Şahan Gökhan , Eldem Vasfi
Published: October 2018

In this study, we give well-posedness conditions for planar conewise linear systems where the vector field is not necessarily continuous. It is further shown that, for a certain class of planar conewise linear systems, well posedness is independent of the conic partition of [Formula: see text]2. More specifically, the system is well posed for any conic partition of [Formula: see text]2.
Social entrepreneurs in challenging places: A Delphi study of experiences and perspectives
Authors: White Gareth RT , Samuel Anthony , Pickernell David , Taylor Dan , Mason-Jones Rachel
Published: October 2018

Social Enterprises have grown in number and scope in response to reductions in state-provided welfare and increasing ambition to improve social conditions. While a range of issues have been identified in the literature as affecting the ability of Social Enterprises to successfully conduct their activities, there is currently a dearth of research into the relative influence of these factors. This study explores and ranks the challenges faced by social entrepreneurs in South Wales. Based on a Delphi study with 21 social entrepreneurs, government policy-developers and scholars, it presents a hierarchy of 14 factors, useful instruments for informing social entrepreneurs and policy-makers about the way social enterprises are managed, and how national and local policy should be developed. As part of this, the study also identifies four novel factors that affect the sustainability of social enterprises: ‘Professionalisation of Marketing’, ‘Perception of Validity’, ‘Leadership’ and ‘Situatedness’.
Cerebellar volume in early-onset schizophrenia and its association with severity of symptoms
Authors: Özbek Aylin , Göçmen Mas Nüket , Turan Serkan , Ay Bari , Serim Demirgören Burcu , Nilüfer Yonguç Gökşin , Karabekir Selim , İpek Polat Ayşe , Semra Hız Ayşe , Gencer Kıdak Özlem
Published: October 2018

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate whether early-onset schizophrenia (EOS) cases differ from controls regarding volumes of the total cerebellum and the right and left cerebellar hemispheres, and volumetric asymmetry. Correlations of cerebellar volumes and asymmetry indices with severity of symptoms and general functioning in cases of EOS were also assessed.

Methods

Adolescents with EOS (n = 23) were compared with controls (n = 23). Sociodemographic and clinical data, and magnetic resonance imaging scans that were acquired for routine clinical purposes were collected retrospectively. Cerebellar volumes were evaluated using the stereological method. Asymmetry indices were subsequently calculated. Scores of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale and the Children’s Global Assessment Scale were used to assess the severity of symptoms and general functionality.

Results

There were no significant differences in any of the cerebellar volumes and asymmetry indices between the two groups. Neither cerebellar volumes nor asymmetry indices were correlated with the severity of symptoms and general functionality in EOS.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the early-onset form of schizophrenia does not show apparent volumetric changes of the cerebellum. Additionally, the neural circuits involved in formation of symptomatology may not reflect any correlation with cerebellar volumes at mid-adolescence.