bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wildfire and Prescribed Fire Effects on Forest Floor Properties and Erosion Potential in the Central Appalachian Region, USA
Authors: Thompson Emma Georgia , Coates Thomas Adam , Aust Wallace Michael , Thomas-Van Gundy Melissa A.
Published: June 2019

Short- and long-term impacts of wildland fires on forest floor properties and erosion potential were examined at three locations in the Central Appalachian region, U.S.A. In 2018, two wildfires were investigated within six months of burning on the George Washington–Jefferson National Forest (GWJNF) in Bland County, Virginia and the Monongahela National Forest (MNF) in Grant County, West Virginia. An additional wildfire was studied eight years post-fire on the Fishburn Forest (FF) in Montgomery County, Virginia. A 2018 prescribed fire was also studied within six months of burning on the MNF in Pendleton County, West Virginia. Litter and duff consumption were examined to evaluate fire severity and char heights were measured to better understand fire intensity. The Universal Soil Loss Equation for forestlands (USLE-Forest) was utilized to estimate potential erosion values. For the 2018 comparisons, litter depth was least as a result of the wildfires on both the MNF and GWJNF (p < 0.001). Wildfire burned duff depths in 2018 did not differ from unburned duff depths on either the MNF or GWJNF. Eight years after the FF wildfire, post-fire litter depth was less than that of an adjacent non-burned forest (p = 0.29) and duff depth was greater than that of an adjacent non-burned forest (p = 0.76). Mean GWJNF wildfire char heights were greatest of all disturbance regimes at 10.0 m, indicating high fire intensity, followed by the MNF wildfire and then the MNF prescribed fire. USLE-Forest potential erosion estimates were greatest on the MNF wildfire at 21.6 Mg soil ha−1 year−1 due to slope steepness. The next largest USLE-Forest value was 6.9 Mg soil ha−1 year−1 on the GWJNF wildfire. Both the prescribed fire and the 2010 wildfire USLE-Forest values were approximately 0.00 Mg soil ha−1 year−1. Implications for potential long-term soil erosion resulting from similar wildfires in Central Appalachian forests appeared to be minimal given the 2010 wildfire results.
Unraveling the Relationship between Collective Action and Social Learning: Evidence from Community Forest Management in Canada
Authors: Assuah Anderson , Sinclair A. John
Published: June 2019

An important outcome of social learning in the context of natural resource management is the potential for collective action—actions taken by a group of people that are the result of finding shared or common interest. Evidence of the relationship between collective action and social learning is beginning to emerge in the natural resource management literature in areas such as community forestry and participatory irrigation, but empirical evidence is sparse. Using a qualitative inquiry and research design involving a case study of the Wet’zinkw’a Community Forest Corporation, this paper presents research that examined the relationships between collective action and social learning through community forest management. Our findings show strong evidence of collective action outcomes on the part of board members responsible for the community forest, such as establishing a legacy fund, adding value to logs, protecting First Nations cultural values, and hiring locally. Our data also reveal that the actions taken by board members were encouraged through social learning that was related to acquiring (new) knowledge, developing an improved/deeper understanding, and building relationships. However, we found limited opportunities for community forest partners and the general public to learn and contribute to collective action outcomes since the actions taken and associated learning occurred mainly among board members.
Association between Aerobic Exercise and High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels across Various Ranges of Body Mass Index and Waist-Hip Ratio and the Modulating Role of the Hepatic Lipase rs1800588 Variant
Authors: Nassef Yasser , Nfor Oswald Ndi , Lee Kuan-Jung , Chou Ming-Chih , Liaw Yung-Po
Published: June 2019

Changes in concentrations of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) are modified by several factors. We examined the relationship between aerobic exercise and HDL-C among different categories of body mass index (BMI) and waist-hip ratio (WHR) and the impact of rs1800588 variant in the hepatic lipase (LIPC) gene. We analyzed data from 6184 men and 8353 women aged 30–70 years. Participants were grouped into two WHR categories: Normal (0 < WHR < 0.9 for men and 0 < WHR < 0.8 for women) and abnormal (WHR ≥ 0.9 for men and WHR ≥ 0.8 for women). The BMI categories were: Underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (18.5 ≤ BMI < 24 kg/m2), overweight (24 ≤ BMI < 27 kg/m2), and obese (BMI ≥ 27 kg/m2). Multivariate linear regression models were used to investigate associations between HDL-C and exercise. Aerobic exercise was significantly associated with higher HDL-C (β = 1.18325; p < 0.0001) when compared with no exercise. HDL-C was significantly lower in persons with abnormal compared to those with normal WHR (β = −3.06689; p < 0.0001). Compared with normal weight, overweight and obese categories were associated with lower HDL-C, with β values of −4.31095 and −6.44230, respectively (p < 0.0001). Unlike rs1800588 CT and TT genotypes, associations between aerobic exercise and HDL were not significant among CC carriers no matter their BMI or WHR.
Numerical Simulation of Deformation Band Occurrence and the Associated Stress Field during the Growth of a Fault-Propagation Fold
Authors: Robert Romain , Souloumiac Pauline , Robion Philippe , David Christian
Published: June 2019

Knowledge of the paleo-stress distribution is crucial to understand the fracture set up and orientations during the tectonic evolution of a basin, and thus the corresponding fluid flow patterns in a reservoir. This study aims to predict the main stress orientations and evolution during the growth of a fold by using the limit analysis method. Fourteen different steps have been integrated as 2D cross sections from an early stage to an evolved stage of a schematic and balanced propagation fold. The stress evolution was followed during the time and burial of syn tectonic layers localized in front of the thrust. Numerical simulations were used to predict the occurrence and orientation of deformation bands, i.e., compaction and shear bands, by following the kinematic of a fault-propagation fold. The case study of the Sant-Corneli-Boixols anticline was selected, located in the South Central Pyrenees in the Tremp basin, to constrain the dimension of the starting models (or prototypes) used in our numerical simulations. The predictions of the numerical simulations were compared to field observations of an early occurrence of both pure compaction- and shear-enhanced compaction bands in the syn-tectonic Aren formation located in front of the fold, which are subjected to early layer parallel shortening during the burial history. Stress magnitude and stress ratio variations define the type of deformation band produced. Our results show that the band occurrence depends on the yield envelope of the host material and that a small yield envelope is required for these shallow depths, which can only be explained by the heterogeneity of the host rock facies. In our case, the heterogeneity can be explained by a significant contribution of carbonate bioclasts in the calcarenite rock, which change the mechanical behavior of the whole rock.
Reconnecting Nature and Culture—The INCREAte Approach and Its Practical Implementation in the Island of Kythera
Authors: Georgiadis Nicholas , Melissourgos Yorgos , Dodouras Stefanos , Lyratzaki Irini , Dimitropoulos George , Foutri Angeliki , Mordechai Lily , Zafeiriou Rigas , Papayannis Thymio
Published: June 2019

Integrated Nature CultuRE Approach (INCREAte) promotes the interconnection of culture and nature. this approach primarily targeted toward nature conservation managers but is also applicable to any agent working on nature–culture issues or area and resource management. The focus of this approach is to guide users to design more integrated and efficient conservation projects by working on issues related to culture while also addressing stakeholders’ participation and human wellbeing. Allowing users to be selective and flexible, such issues can also be incorporated in ongoing projects, making the INCREAte approach a practice-oriented guidance and toolkit rather than a "take it or leave it" option. It was developed by the Scientific Secretariat of the Mediterranean Institute for Nature and Anthropos (MedINA) that, since 2003, promotes joint management of natural and cultural heritage and the strengthening of the diachronic relationship between humankind and nature. This approach has been successfully tested in Kythera, where a strategy for tourism has been designed through a sequence of its relevant steps. The main focus of the strategy is the development of an integrated and innovative trail network, which, coupled with the accompanying activities of the programme, is designed to reveal and sustain the natural and cultural heritage of the island.
Interpersonal Sensitivity and Loneliness among Chinese Gay Men: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Jiang Dongdong , Hou Yitan , Chen Xiangfan , Wang Rui , Fu Chang , Li Baojing , Jin Lei , Lee Thomas , Liu Xiaojun
Published: June 2019

To understand the current status of, and factors related to interpersonal sensitivity (IS) and loneliness among Chinese gay men. The Chinese version SCL-90-R was used to evaluate the status of IS, and the short-form UCLA Loneliness scale (ULS-8) was used for assessing loneliness level. Associations between demographics and IS were examined by chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regress analysis. Linear regression was used to assess the correlations between demographic factors and IS and loneliness. Dating practices and venues were summarized by multiple responses. Gay men who screened positive IS was identified in 36%. Age (OR25–29 = 8.731, 95% CI 2.296 to 33.139), education level (ORcollege = 0.037, 95% CI 0.046 to 0.911), being the only-child at home (ORyes = 4.733, 95% CI 2.293 to 9.733), monthly income (OR>7000 = 0.228, 95% CI 0.055 to 0.944), numbers of current sexual partners (OR1 = 0.285, 95% CI 0.129 to 0.629; OR2 = 0.109 95% CI 0.027 to 0.431) were related to IS. IS was also associated with a higher score of ULS-8 (β = 6.903, p < 0.001). Other variables associated with the score of ULS-8 included: living in a non-nuclear family (β = 0.998, p = 0.020), being a college student (β = −1.556, p = 0.044), having a higher monthly income (β for 3000–5000 yuan = −1.177, p = 0.045; β for over 7000 yuan = −2.207, p = 0.002), having sexual partners (all β < 1, p < 0.001), being the only-child (β = 1.393, p = 0.005). Nearly half of the sample (46.78%) reported that they looked for dating partners on the Internet or dating apps. IS and loneliness are positively correlated. Our study suggests that more humanistic care and social support should be given to Chinese gay men.
Local Challenges and Successes Associated with Transitioning to Sustainable Food System Practices for a West Australian Context: Multi-Sector Stakeholder Perceptions
Authors: Sambell Ros , Andrew Lesley , Godrich Stephanie , Wolfgang Justin , Vandenbroeck Dieter , Stubley Katie , Rose Nick , Newman Lenore , Horwitz Pierre , Devine Amanda
Published: June 2019

Large-scale food system practices have diminished soil and water quality and negatively impacted climate change. Yet, numerous opportunities exist to harness food system practices that will ensure better outcomes for human health and ecosystems. The objective of this study was to consider food Production, Processing, Access and Consumption domains, and for each determine the challenges and successes associated with progressing towards a sustainable food system. A workshop engaging 122 participants including producers, consultants, consumers, educators, funders, scientists, media, government and industry representatives, was conducted in Perth, Western Australia. A thematic analysis of statements (Successes (n = 170) or Challenges (n = 360)) captured, revealed issues of scale, knowledge and education, economics, consumerism, big food, environmental/sustainability, communication, policies and legislation, and technology and innovations. Policy recommendations included greater investment into research in sustainable agriculture (particularly the evidentiary basis for regenerative agriculture), land preservation, and supporting farmers to overcome high infrastructure costs and absorb labour costs. Policy, practice and research recommendations included focusing on an integrated food systems approach with multiple goals, food system actors working collaboratively to reduce challenges and undertaking more research to further the regenerative agriculture evidence.
Emerging Biomarkers in Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Dementia: From Pathophysiological Pathways to Clinical Application
Authors: Cipollini Virginia , Troili Fernanda , Giubilei Franco
Published: June 2019

Vascular pathology is the second most common neuropathology of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease (AD), with small vessels disease (SVD) being considered the major cause of vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). This review aims to evaluate pathophysiological pathways underlying a diagnosis of VCID. Firstly, we will discuss the role of endothelial dysfunction, blood-brain barrier disruption and neuroinflammation in its pathogenesis. Then, we will analyse different biomarkers including the ones of inflammatory responses to central nervous system tissue injuries, of coagulation and thrombosis and of circulating microRNA. Evidences on peripheral biomarkers for VCID are still poor and large-scale, prospectively designed studies are needed to translate these findings into clinical practice, in order to set different combinations of biomarkers to use for differential diagnosis among types of dementia.
Small RNA Functions as a Trafficking Effector in Plant Immunity
Authors: Zhu Chen , Liu Ting , Chang Ya-Nan , Duan Cheng-Guo
Published: June 2019

Small RNAs represent a class of small but powerful agents that regulate development and abiotic and biotic stress responses during plant adaptation to a constantly challenging environment. Previous findings have revealed the important roles of small RNAs in diverse cellular processes. The recent discovery of bidirectional trafficking of small RNAs between different kingdoms has raised many interesting questions. The subsequent demonstration of exosome-mediated small RNA export provided a possible tool for further investigating how plants use small RNAs as a weapon during the arms race between plant hosts and pathogens. This review will focus on discussing the roles of small RNAs in plant immunity in terms of three aspects: the biogenesis of extracellular small RNAs and the transportation and trafficking small RNA-mediated gene silencing in pathogens.
Pathophysiology and Diagnosis of ALS: Insights from Advances in Neurophysiological Techniques
Authors: van den Bos Mehdi A. J. , Geevasinga Nimeshan , Higashihara Mana , Menon Parvathi , Vucic Steve
Published: June 2019

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disorder of the motor neurons, characterized by focal onset of muscle weakness and incessant disease progression. While the presence of concomitant upper and lower motor neuron signs has been recognized as a pathognomonic feature of ALS, the pathogenic importance of upper motor neuron dysfunction has only been recently described. Specifically, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) techniques have established cortical hyperexcitability as an important pathogenic mechanism in ALS, correlating with neurodegeneration and disease spread. Separately, ALS exhibits a heterogeneous clinical phenotype that may lead to misdiagnosis, particularly in the early stages of the disease process. Cortical hyperexcitability was shown to be a robust diagnostic biomarker if ALS, reliably differentiating ALS from neuromuscular mimicking disorders. The present review will provide an overview of key advances in the understanding of ALS pathophysiology and diagnosis, focusing on the importance of cortical hyperexcitability and its relationship to advances in genetic and molecular processes implicated in ALS pathogenesis.
Chiari Malformation Type 1 in EPAS1-Associated Syndrome
Authors: Rosenblum Jared S. , Maggio Dominic , Pang Ying , Nazari Matthew A. , Gonzales Melissa K. , Lechan Ronald M. , Smirniotopoulos James G. , Zhuang Zhengping , Pacak Karel , Heiss John D.
Published: June 2019

A syndrome of multiple paragangliomas/pheochromocytomas, somatostatinoma, and polycythemia due to somatic mosaic gain-of-function mutation of EPAS1, encoding HIF-2α, was previously described. HIF-2α has been implicated in endochondral and intramembranous ossification. Abnormal bone growth of the skull base may lead to Chiari malformation type I. We report two cases of EPAS1 gain-of-function mutation syndrome with Chiari malformation and developmental skull base anomalies. Patients were referred to the Section on Medical Endocrinology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver NICHD, NIH for evaluation of recurrent and metastatic paragangliomas or pheochromocytoma. The syndrome was confirmed genetically by identification of the functional EPAS1 gain-of-function mutation in the resected tumors and circulating leukocytes. Both patients were confirmed for characteristics of EPAS1 gain-of-function mutation syndrome by complete blood count (CBC), plasma biochemistry, and computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis. Chiari malformation type I and abnormal bony development of the posterior fossa was found on MRI and CT of the head. The present study implicates EPAS1 mutations in abnormal posterior fossa development resulting in Chiari malformation type I.
A Vector-Based Method to Analyze the Topography of Glial Networks
Authors: Eitelmann Sara , Hirtz Jan J. , Stephan Jonathan
Published: June 2019

Anisotropy of tracer-coupled networks is a hallmark in many brain regions. In the past, the topography of these networks was analyzed using various approaches, which focused on different aspects, e.g., position, tracer signal, or direction of coupled cells. Here, we developed a vector-based method to analyze the extent and preferential direction of tracer spreading. As a model region, we chose the lateral superior olive—a nucleus that exhibits specialized network topography. In acute slices, sulforhodamine 101-positive astrocytes were patch-clamped and dialyzed with the GJ-permeable tracer neurobiotin, which was subsequently labeled with avidin alexa fluor 488. A predetermined threshold was used to differentiate between tracer-coupled and tracer-uncoupled cells. Tracer extent was calculated from the vector means of tracer-coupled cells in four 90° sectors. We then computed the preferential direction using a rotating coordinate system and post hoc fitting of these results with a sinusoidal function. The new method allows for an objective analysis of tracer spreading that provides information about shape and orientation of GJ networks. We expect this approach to become a vital tool for the analysis of coupling anisotropy in many brain regions.
Clinical Applications of Natriuretic Peptides in Heart Failure and Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Baba Masako , Yoshida Kentaro , Ieda Masaki
Published: June 2019

Natriuretic peptides (NPs) have become important diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in cardiovascular diseases, particularly in heart failure (HF). Diagnosis and management of coronary artery disease and atrial fibrillation (AF) can also be guided by NP levels. When interpreting NP levels, however, the caveat is that age, sex, body mass index, renal dysfunction, and race affect the clearance of NPs, resulting in different cut-off values in clinical practice. In AF, NP levels have been associated with incident AF in the general population, recurrences after catheter ablation, prediction of clinical prognosis, and the risk of stroke. In this article, we first review and summarize the current evidence and the roles of B-type NP and atrial NP in HF and coronary artery disease and then focus on the increasing utility of NPs in the diagnosis and management of and the research into AF.
Deficiency of GD3 Synthase in Mice Resulting in the Attenuation of Bone Loss with Aging
Authors: Yo Shoyoku , Hamamura Kazunori , Mishima Yoshitaka , Hamajima Kosuke , Mori Hironori , Furukawa Koichi , Kondo Hisataka , Tanaka Kenjiro , Sato Takuma , Miyazawa Ken , Goto Shigemi , Togari Akifumi
Published: June 2019

Gangliosides are widely expressed in almost all tissues and cells and are also considered to be essential in the development and maintenance of various organs and tissues. However, little is known about their roles in bone metabolism. In this study, we investigated the effects of genetic deletion of ganglioside D3 (GD3) synthase, which is responsible for the generation of all b-series gangliosides, on bone metabolism. Although b-series gangliosides were not expressed in osteoblasts, these gangliosides were expressed in pre-osteoclasts. However, the expression of these gangliosides was decreased after induction of osteoclastogenesis by receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL). Three-dimensional micro-computed tomography (3D-μCT) analysis revealed that femoral cancellous bone mass in GD3 synthase-knockout (GD3S KO) mice was higher than that in wild type (WT) mice at the age of 40 weeks, although there were no differences in that between GD3S KO and WT mice at 15 weeks old. Whereas bone formation parameters (osteoblast numbers/bone surface and osteoblast surface/bone surface) in GD3S KO mice did not differ from WT mice, bone resorption parameters (osteoclast numbers/bone surface and osteoclast surface/bone surface) in GD3S KO mice became significantly lower than those in WT mice at 40 weeks of age. Collectively, this study demonstrates that deletion of GD3 synthase attenuates bone loss that emerges with aging.
A Soft Matrix Enhances the Cancer Stem Cell Phenotype of HCC Cells
Authors: Tian Boren , Luo Qing , Ju Yang , Song Guanbin
Published: June 2019

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) comprise a small portion of cancer cells, have greater self-renewal ability and metastatic potential than non-CSCs and are resistant to drugs and radiotherapy. CSCs and non-CSCs, which can reversibly change their stemness states, typically play roles in plasticity and cancer cell heterogeneity. Furthermore, the component that plays a key role in affecting CSC plasticity remains unknown. In this study, we utilized mechanically tunable polyacrylamide (PA) hydrogels to simulate different stiffnesses of the liver tissue matrix in various stages. Our results showed that hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells were small and round in a soft matrix. The soft matrix increased the expression levels of liver cancer cells with stemness properties (LCSC) surface markers in HCC cells and the number of side population (SP) cells. Moreover, the soft matrix elicited early cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase and increased the cell sphere-forming ability. In addition, cells grown on the soft matrix showed enhanced chemoresistance and tumorigenicity potential. In summary, our study demonstrated that a soft matrix increases the stemness of HCC cells.
Project Procurement Method Selection Using a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Method with Interval Neutrosophic Sets
Authors: Su Limin , Wang Tianze , Wang Lunyan , Li Huimin , Cao Yongchao
Published: June 2019

Project procurement method (PPM) selection influences the efficiency of project implementation. Owners are presented with different options for project delivery. However, selecting the appropriate PPM poses great challenges to owners, given the existence of ambiguous information. The interval neutrosophic set (INS) shows power to handle imprecise and ambiguous information. This paper aims to develop a PPM selection model under an interval neutrosophic environment for owners. The main contributions of this paper are as follows: (1) The similarity measure is innovatively introduced with interval neutrosophic information to handle the PPM selection problem. (2) The similarity measure based on minimum and maximum operators is applied to construct a decision-making model for PPM selection, through considering the truth, falsity, and indeterminacy memberships simultaneously. (3) This study establishes a PPM selection method with INS by applying similarity measures, that takes account into the determinacy, indeterminacy, and hesitation from the decision experts when giving an evaluation value. A case study on selecting PPM is made to show the applicability of the proposed approach. Finally, the results of the proposed method are compared with those of existing methods, which exhibit the superiority of the proposed PPM selection method.
Privacy-Aware MapReduce Based Multi-Party Secure Skyline Computation
Authors: Ahmed Saleh , Qaosar Mahboob , Zaman Asif , Siddique Md. Anisuzzaman , Li Chen , Alam Kazi Md. Rokibul , Morimoto Yasuhiko
Published: June 2019

Selecting representative objects from a large-scale dataset is an important task for understanding the dataset. Skyline is a popular technique for selecting representative objects from a large dataset. It is obvious that the skyline computation from the collective databases of multiple organizations is more effective than the skyline computed from a database of a single organization. However, due to privacy-awareness, every organization is also concerned about the security and privacy of their data. In this regards, we propose an efficient multi-party secure skyline computation method that computes the skyline on encrypted data and preserves the confidentiality of each party’s database objects. Although several distributed skyline computing methods have been proposed, very few of them consider the data privacy and security issues. However, privacy-preserving multi-party skyline computing techniques are not efficient enough. In our proposed method, we present a secure computation model that is more efficient in comparison with existing privacy-preserving multi-party skyline computation models in terms of computation and communication complexity. In our computation model, we also introduce MapReduce as a distributive, scalable, open-source, cost-effective, and reliable framework to handle multi-party data efficiently.
Functional Morphology and Defensive Behavior in a Social Aphid
Authors: Siddiqui Junaid Ali , Zou Xuting , Liu Qian , Zhang Hui , Lin Xiaolan , Huang Xiaolei
Published: June 2019

Social aphids produce different morphs, which are genetically identical but morphologically different. Each morph performs a different duty in its community. Social aphids usually produce morphologically distinct soldiers to protect their colonies. The social aphid Pseudoregma bambucicola produces sterile first instar soldiers with specialized body parts and unique defensive behaviors, such as hind leg waving. By using this species as a research model, this study tested the assumption that the functional morphological basis of defensive behaviors of soldiers is related to specialized body parts. Field observations and a comprehensive morphometric analysis were carried out for natural populations. The results showed significant differences in functional morphology between soldiers, first instar nymphs, and adults. Elongated hind legs in soldiers are an important functional morphological basis for the deimatic behavior of hind leg waving, while sclerotized front legs and head horns are related to the function of directly attacking natural enemies. The size variation of different body parts among different morphs also indicates a cost–benefit trade-off in the evolution of the social aphid species.
Blood Pressure Change from Normal to 2017 ACC/AHA Defined Stage 1 Hypertension and Cardiovascular Risk
Authors: Son Joung Sik , Choi Seulggie , Lee Gyeongsil , Jeong Su-Min , Kim Sung Min , Kim Kyuwoong , Yun Jae Moon , Park Sang Min
Published: June 2019

The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical significance of the 2017 American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) defined stage 1 hypertension (systolic blood pressure (SBP) 130–139 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) 80–89 mmHg), and increase in BP from previously normal BP in Korean adults. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 60,866 participants from a nationally representative claims database. Study subjects had normal BP (SBP < 120 mmHg and DBP < 80 mmHg), no history of anti-hypertensive medication, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the first period (2002–2003). The BP change was defined according to the BP difference between the first and second period (2004–2005). We used time-dependent Cox proportional hazards models in order to evaluate the effect of BP elevation on mortality and CVD with a mean follow-up of 7.8 years. Compared to those who maintained normal BP during the second period, participants with BP elevation from normal BP to stage 1 hypertension had a higher risk for CVD (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.23; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.08–1.40), and ischemic stroke (aHR 1.32; 95% CI, 1.06–1.64). BP elevation to 2017 ACC/AHA defined elevated BP (SBP 120–129 mmHg and DBP < 80 mmHg) was associated with an increased risk of CVD (aHR 1.26; 95% CI, 1.06–1.50), but stage 1 isolated diastolic hypertension (SBP < 130 and DBP 80–89 mmHg) was not significantly related with CVD risk (aHR 1.12; 95% CI, 0.95–1.31).
Snail-Overexpression Induces Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition and Metabolic Reprogramming in Human Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma and Non-tumorigenic Ductal Cells
Authors: Liu Menghan , Hancock Sarah E. , Sultani Ghazal , Wilkins Brendan P. , Ding Eileen , Osborne Brenna , Quek Lake-Ee , Turner Nigel
Published: June 2019

The zinc finger transcription factor Snail is a known effector of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process that underlies the enhanced invasiveness and chemoresistance of common to cancerous cells. Induction of Snail-driven EMT has also been shown to drive a range of pro-survival metabolic adaptations in different cancers. In the present study, we sought to determine the specific role that Snail has in driving EMT and adaptive metabolic programming in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) by overexpressing Snail in a PDAC cell line, Panc1, and in immortalized, non-tumorigenic human pancreatic ductal epithelial (HPDE) cells. Snail overexpression was able to induce EMT in both pancreatic cell lines through suppression of epithelial markers and upregulation of mesenchymal markers alongside changes in cell morphology and enhanced migratory capacity. Snail-overexpressed pancreatic cells additionally displayed increased glucose uptake and lactate production with concomitant reduction in oxidative metabolism measurements. Snail overexpression reduced maximal respiration in both Panc1 and HPDE cells, with further reductions seen in ATP production, spare respiratory capacity and non-mitochondrial respiration in Snail overexpressing Panc1 cells. Accordingly, lower expression of mitochondrial electron transport chain proteins was observed with Snail overexpression, particularly within Panc1 cells. Modelling of 13C metabolite flux within both cell lines revealed decreased carbon flux from glucose in the TCA cycle in snai1-overexpressing Panc1 cells only. This work further highlights the role that Snail plays in EMT and demonstrates its specific effects on metabolic reprogramming of glucose metabolism in PDAC.
Efficacy and Safety of Ceftaroline for the Treatment of Community-Acquired Pneumonia: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Lan Shao-Huan , Chang Shen-Peng , Lai Chih-Cheng , Lu Li-Chin , Chao Chien-Ming
Published: June 2019

This study aimed to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of ceftaroline with those of ceftriaxone for treating community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). The PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and clinicalTrials.gov databases were searched until April 2019. This meta-analysis only included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated ceftaroline and ceftriaxone for the treatment of CAP. The primary outcome was the clinical cure rate, and the secondary outcome was the risk of adverse events (AEs). Five RCTs were included. Overall, at the test of cure (TOC), the clinical cure rate of ceftaroline was superior to the rates of ceftriaxone for the treatment of CAP (modified intent-to-treat population (MITT) population, odds ratio (OR) 1.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.31–1.99, I2 = 0%; clinically evaluable (CE) population, OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.07–1.78, I2 = 14%). Similarly, the clinical cure rate of ceftaroline was superior to that of ceftriaxone at the end of therapy (EOT) (MITT population, OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.16–2.11, I2 = 0%; CE population, OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.15–2.33, I2 = 0%). For adult patients, the clinical cure rate of ceftaroline remained superior to that of ceftriaxone at TOC (MITT population, OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.34–2.06, I2 = 0%; CE population, OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.08–1.80, I2 = 30%) and at EOT (MITT population, OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.20–2.24, I2 = 0%; CE population, OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.15–2.36, I2 = 0%). Ceftaroline and ceftriaxone did not differ significantly in the risk of serious AEs, treatment-emergent AEs, and discontinuation of the study drug owing to an AE. In conclusion, the clinical efficacy of ceftaroline is similar to that of ceftriaxone for the treatment of CAP. Furthermore, this antibiotic is as tolerable as ceftriaxone.
The Potential Role of Genomic Medicine in the Therapeutic Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Acosta-Herrera Marialbert , González-Serna David , Martín Javier
Published: June 2019

During the last decade, important advances have occurred regarding understanding of the pathogenesis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Nevertheless, response to treatment is not universal, and choosing among different therapies is currently based on a trial and error approach. The specific patient’s genetic background influences the response to therapy for many drugs: In this sense, genomic studies on RA have produced promising insights that could help us find an effective therapy for each patient. On the other hand, despite the great knowledge generated regarding the genetics of RA, most of the investigations performed to date have focused on identifying common variants associated with RA, which cannot explain the complete heritability of the disease. In this regard, rare variants could also contribute to this missing heritability as well as act as biomarkers that help in choosing the right therapy. In the present article, different aspects of genetics in the pathogenesis and treatment of RA are reviewed, from large-scale genomic studies to specific rare variant analyses. We also discuss the shared genetic architecture existing among autoimmune diseases and its implications for RA therapy, such as drug repositioning.
Machining Chatter Prediction Using a Data Learning Model
Authors: Cherukuri Harish , Perez-Bernabeu Elena , Selles Miguel , Schmitz Tony
Published: June 2019

Machining processes, including turning, are a critical capability for discrete part production. One limitation to high material removal rates and reduced cost in these processes is chatter, or unstable spindle speed-chip width combinations that exhibit a self-excited vibration. In this paper, an artificial neural network (ANN)—a data learning model—is applied to model turning stability. The novel approach is to use a physics-based process model—the analytical stability limit—to generate a (synthetic) data set that trains the ANN. This enables the process physics to be combined with data learning in a hybrid approach. As anticipated, it is observed that the number and distribution of training points influences the ability of the ANN model to capture the smaller, more closely spaced lobes that occur at lower spindle speeds. Overall, the ANN is successful (>90% accuracy) at predicting the stability behavior after appropriate training.
Volatility Integration in Spot, Futures and Options Markets: A Regulatory Perspective
Authors: Rastogi Shailesh , Athaley Chaitaly
Published: June 2019

The aim of this paper is to study the integration of volatility in the three markets, viz. spot, futures and options, in order to provide input for hedging purposes and the formulation of policies for derivatives. The generalized method of moments (GMM) is used to capture the simultaneous equation modelling of volatility in the three markets. The integration of the volatility in the three markets is also tested for structural breaks. The main finding of the paper is that the volatility in the options market is not associated with volatility in spot and futures market. However, volatility in spot and futures markets are associated with each other. As a consequence, investors can use options for hedging purposes and policy makers do not need to be concerned about the imminent impact of options markets on spot markets. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there is no other study which discusses the integration of volatility in the three markets. Moreover, the finding of this paper that the options market behaves differently compared to the futures market has also not been discussed in earlier studies.
Probing Slip Differential Heat of Magnetorheological Fluids Subjected to Shear Mode Operation and Its Effect on the Structure
Authors: Chen Song , Yang Jing
Published: June 2019

The paper probes slip differential heat of magnetorheological fluids (MRFs) subjected to shear mode operation and its effect on the structure. To begin, we present a novel model for measurement of slip differential heat to describe temperature rise of MRFs mainly caused by friction between magnetorheological particles. It includes two stages: (1) The micro-macro analysis of slip differential heat of MRFs including force, movement and heat between neighboring particles based on magnetic dipole and Hertzian contact theories, and (2) the further application to two basic disc-type and cylinder-type magnetorheological clutches combined with finite element simulations involving electromagnetic field and thermal analysis. The model takes into account the effect of each of the main influencing factors, such as the input current of excitation coil, the rotational speed difference of the clutches, the size and volume fraction of particles, the saturation magnetization of particles, and the structural size of the clutches, etc., on the slip differential heat of MRFs. Then the thermal structure analysis of MRFs comprising thermal deformation and equivalent thermal stress is carried out. Moreover, the effect of typical governing parameters on the slip power of MRFs and the influence of slip differential heat on the structure of MRFs are investigated individually. We show that such a model is effective in reflecting the temperature-slip time relation of MRFs. It is shown that the input current and the rotational speed difference have great effect on the slip power, and the slip differential heat has a certain influence on the micro-structure of MRFs.
Surface Characterization and Tribological Performance of Anodizing Micro-Textured Aluminum-Silicon Alloys
Authors: Chen Luanxia , Liu Zhanqiang , Wang Bing , Song Qinghua , Wan Yi , Chen Long
Published: June 2019

Eutectic aluminum-silicon alloys present high frictional coefficient and a high wear rate due to the low hardness under sliding friction conditions. In this paper, the eutectic aluminum-silicon alloy was textured firstly by micro-milling operations. Then, the micro-textured specimen was subjected to anodizing to fabricate alumina films. The surface topography, surface roughness, and bearing area ratio of micro-textured and anodizing micro-textured specimens were measured and characterized. For the anodizing micro-textured specimens, the surface roughness and superficial hardness increase compared with those for micro-textured ones. Tribological tests indicate that anodizing micro-textured samples present lower friction coefficient of 0.37 than that of flat samples of 0.43 under dry sliding conditions. However, they exhibit higher friction coefficient at 0.16 than that of flat samples of 0.13 under oil-lubricated conditions. The difference between the friction coefficient of anodizing micro-textured and flat samples under dry and oil-lubricated conditions is ascribed to the influence mechanism of surface roughness, bearing area ratio curves, and its relative parameters on the tribological performance of testing samples. The dry sliding friction coefficient has a positive correlation with bearing area ratio curves, while they present negative correlation with bearing area ratio curves under oil-lubricated conditions. The synergy method treated with micro-milling and anodizing provides an effective approach to enhance the dry sliding friction property of eutectic aluminum-silicon alloys.
Using the Steady-State Chloride Migration Test to Evaluate the Self-Healing Capacity of Cracked Mortars Containing Crystalline, Expansive, and Swelling Admixtures
Authors: Abro Fahad ul Rehman , Buller Abdul Salam , Lee Kwang-Myong , Jang Seung Yup
Published: June 2019

Interest in self-healing-crack technologies for cement-based materials has been growing, but research into such materials remains in the early stage of development and standardized methods for evaluating healing capacity have not yet been established. Therefore, this study proposes a test method to evaluate the self-healing capacity of cement-based materials in terms of their resistance to chloride penetration. For this purpose, the steady-state chloride migration test has been used to measure the diffusion coefficients of cracked mortar specimens containing crystalline, expansive, and swelling admixtures. The results of the present study show that the time to reach a quasi-steady-state decreased and the diffusion coefficients increased as the potential increased because of the potential drop inside the migration cell and self-healing that occurred during the test. Therefore, use of a high potential is recommended to minimize the test duration, as long as the temperature does not rise too much during the test. Using this test method, the self-healing capacity of the new self-healing technologies can be evaluated, and an index of self-healing capacity is proposed based on the rate of charged chloride ions passing through a crack.
Mechanical and Surface-Chemical Properties of Polymer Derived Ceramic Replica Foams
Authors: Schelm Katja , Abreu Morales Elena , Scheffler Michael
Published: June 2019

Polymer derived ceramic foams were prepared with the replica method using filler free and filler loaded polysiloxane containing slurries for the impregnation of open celled polyurethane foams. A significant change in mechanical strength, porosity and surface energy, i.e., wettability after thermal treatment between 130 °C (crosslinking) and 1000 °C (pyrolysis) in argon atmosphere was observed. While low-temperature pyrolyzed foams are elastic and hydrophobic, foams pyrolyzed at high temperatures are brittle and hydrophilic, and they possess higher compression strength. Changes of these properties were correlated with the polymer-to-ceramic transformation.
Flexible Fingers Based on Shape Memory Alloy Actuated Modules
Authors: Maffiodo Daniela , Raparelli Terenziano
Published: June 2019

To meet the needs of present-day robotics, a family of gripping flexible fingers has been designed. Each of them consists of a number of independent and flexible modules that can be assembled in different configurations. Each module consists of a body with a flexible central rod and three longitudinally positioned shape memory alloy (SMA) wires. When heated by the Joule effect, one to two SMA wires shorten, allowing the module to bend. The return to undeformed conditions is achieved in calm air and is guaranteed by the elastic bias force exerted by the central rod. This article presents the basic concept of the module and a simple mathematical model for the design of the device. Experimental tests were carried out on three prototypes with bodies made of different materials. The results of these tests confirm the need to reduce the antagonistic action of the inactive SMA wires and led to the realization of a fourth prototype equipped with an additional SMA wire-driven locking/unlocking device for these wires. The preliminary results of this last prototype are encouraging.
δ-Almost Periodic Functions and Applications to Dynamic Equations
Authors: Wang Chao , Agarwal Ravi P. , O’Regan Donal
Published: June 2019

In this paper, by employing matched spaces for time scales, we introduce a δ -almost periodic function and obtain some related properties. Also the hull equation for homogeneous dynamic equation is introduced and results of the existence are presented. In the sense of admitting exponential dichotomy for the homogeneous equation, the expression of a δ -almost periodic solution for a type of nonhomogeneous dynamic equation is obtained and the existence of δ -almost periodic solutions for new delay dynamic equations is considered. The results in this paper are valid for delay q-difference equations and delay dynamic equations whose delays may be completely separated from the time scale T .
Salivary and Serum Interferon-Gamma/Interleukin-4 Ratio in Oral Lichen Planus Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mozaffari Hamid Reza , Molavi Maryam , Lopez-Jornet Pia , Sadeghi Masoud , Safaei Mohsen , Imani Mohammad Moslem , Sharifi Roohollah , Moradpoor Hedaiat , Golshah Amin , Jamshidy Ladan
Published: June 2019

Background and Objectives: Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ)/interleukin-4 (IL-4) ratio may indicate a change in the immune response with a potential pathological effect presented in oral lichen planus (OLP) patients. Herein, this meta-analysis evaluated the role of serum and salivary interferon-gamma/interleukin-4 ratio in the severity and development of OLP. Materials and Methods: The Scopus, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched to retrieve the relevant studies published up from the database inception to March 2019. The crude mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated by RevMan 5.3 software using a random-effects model. A sensitivity analysis was performed on the results using the CMA 2.0 software. A total of 98 studies were retrieved from the databases, of which at last seven studies were included in this meta-analysis. Results: The findings showed that the pooled MDs of serum and salivary IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio were −0.22 (95% CI: −1.16, 0.72; p = 0.64) and 0.17 (95% CI: −1.50, 1.84; p = 0.84) in OLP patients compared to controls, respectively. In addition, the pooled MDs of serum and salivary IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio were −0.15 (95% CI: −0.53, 0.23; p = 0.43) and −0.39 (95% CI: −0.63, −0.15; p = 0.001) in patients with erythematous/ulcerative subtype compared to patients with reticular subtype, respectively. Conclusions: In conclusion, the results of meta-analysis demonstrated that serum and salivary IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio cannot play a major role in OLP development and severity.