bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GEPSI: A Gene Expression Profile Similarity‐Based Identification Method of Bioactive Components in Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula
Authors: Zhang Baixia , He Shuaibing , Lv Chenyang , Zhang Yanling , Wang Yun
Published: March 2018

The identification of bioactive components in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an important part of the TCM material foundation research. Recently, molecular docking technology has been extensively used for the identification of TCM bioactive components. However, target proteins that are used in molecular docking may not be the actual TCM target. For this reason, the bioactive components would likely be omitted or incorrect. To address this problem, this study proposed the GEPSI method that identified the target proteins of TCM based on the similarity of gene expression profiles. The similarity of the gene expression profiles affected by TCM and small molecular drugs was calculated. The pharmacological action of TCM may be similar to that of small molecule drugs that have a high similarity score. Indeed, the target proteins of the small molecule drugs could be considered TCM targets. Thus, we identified the bioactive components of a TCM by molecular docking and verified the reliability of this method by a literature investigation. Using the target proteins that TCM actually affected as targets, the identification of the bioactive components was more accurate. This study provides a fast and effective method for the identification of TCM bioactive components.
Leverage Website Favicon to Detect Phishing Websites
Authors: Chiew Kang Leng , Choo Jeffrey Soon-Fatt , Sze San Nah , Yong Kelvin S. C.
Published: March 2018

Phishing attack is a cybercrime that can lead to severe financial losses for Internet users and entrepreneurs. Typically, phishers are fond of using fuzzy techniques during the creation of a website. They confuse the victim by imitating the appearance and content of a legitimate website. In addition, many websites are vulnerable to phishing attacks, including financial institutions, social networks, e-commerce, and airline websites. This paper is an extension of our previous work that leverages the favicon with Google image search to reveal the identity of a website. Our identity retrieval technique involves an effective mathematical model that can be used to assist in retrieving the right identity from the many entries of the search results. In this paper, we introduced an enhanced version of the favicon-based phishing attack detection with the introduction of the Domain Name Amplification feature and incorporation of addition features. Additional features are very useful when the website being examined does not have a favicon. We have collected a total of 5,000 phishing websites from PhishTank and 5,000 legitimate websites from Alexa to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. From the experimental results, we achieved a 96.93% true positive rate with only a 4.13% false positive rate.
Structural and Optical Properties of Amorphous Al2O3 Thin Film Deposited by Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Shi Shuzheng , Qian Shuo , Hou Xiaojuan , Mu Jiliang , He Jian , Chou Xiujian
Published: March 2018

Aluminum oxide (Al2O3) amorphous structure with short-range order and long-range disorder has presented promising applications in optical and optoelectronic devices. In this paper, the Al2O3 films with different thickness were prepared by atomic layer deposition (ALD) technology at 200°C in order to achieve amorphous structure. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive spectrum (EDS) results indicated that the Al2O3 films were amorphous structure and stable O/Al ratio. The surface topography investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM) showed that the samples were smooth and crack-free. Spectroscopic ellipsometer (SE) measurements were operated to investigate the effect of thickness on the structure and optical properties of films with Tauc-Lorentz model. It is found that the band gap exhibits a steady value ~2.3 eV by the UV-VIS transmittance method, but the T-L model was ~3.0 eV. The refractive index and extinction coefficient are related to the variation of thickness and the samples surface quality of amorphous network structure in the thin films. The outstanding optoelectronic properties and facile fabrication of Al2O3 films amorphous structure can be extended to other similar oxides, which could display wide applications in various engineering and industrial fields.
Free Vibrations and Nonlinear Responses for a Cantilever Honeycomb Sandwich Plate
Authors: Zhang Junhua , Yang Xiaodong , Zhang Wei
Published: March 2018

Dynamics of a cantilever honeycomb sandwich plate are studied in this paper. The governing equations of the composite plate subjected to both in‐plane and transverse excitations are derived by using Hamilton’s principle and Reddy’s third‐order shear deformation theory. Based on the Rayleigh–Ritz method, some modes of natural frequencies for the cantilever honeycomb sandwich plate are obtained. The relations between the natural frequencies and the parameters of the plate are investigated. Further, the Galerkin method is used to transform the nonlinear partial differential equations into a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. Nonlinear dynamic responses of the cantilever honeycomb sandwich plate to such external and parametric excitations are discussed by using the numerical method. The results show that in‐plane and transverse excitations have an important influence on nonlinear dynamic characteristics. Rich dynamics, such as periodic, multiperiodic, quasiperiodic, and chaotic motions, are located and studied by the bifurcation diagram for some specific parameters.
Ecklonia cava Extract and Dieckol Attenuate Cellular Lipid Peroxidation in Keratinocytes Exposed to PM10
Authors: Lee Jeong-won , Seok Jin Kyung , Boo Yong Chool
Published: March 2018

Airborne particulate matter can cause oxidative stress, inflammation, and premature skin aging. Marine plants such as Ecklonia cava Kjellman contain high amounts of polyphenolic antioxidants. The purpose of this study was to examine the antioxidative effects of E. cava extract in cultured keratinocytes exposed to airborne particulate matter with a diameter of <10 μm (PM10). After the exposure of cultured HaCaT keratinocytes to PM10 in the absence and presence of E. cava extract and its constituents, cell viability and cellular lipid peroxidation were assessed. The effects of eckol and dieckol on cellular lipid peroxidation and cytokine expression were examined in human epidermal keratinocytes exposed to PM10. The total phenolic content of E. cava extract was the highest among the 50 marine plant extracts examined. The exposure of HaCaT cells to PM10 decreased cell viability and increased lipid peroxidation. The PM10‐induced cellular lipid peroxidation was attenuated by E. cava extract and its ethyl acetate fraction. Dieckol more effectively attenuated cellular lipid peroxidation than eckol in both HaCaT cells and human epidermal keratinocytes. Dieckol and eckol attenuated the expression of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor‐ (TNF‐) α, interleukin‐ (IL‐) 1β, IL‐6, and IL‐8 in human epidermal keratinocytes stimulated with PM10. This study suggested that the polyphenolic constituents of E. cava, such as dieckol, attenuated the oxidative and inflammatory reactions in skin cells exposed to airborne particulate matter.
A Fusion Water Quality Soft-Sensing Method Based on WASP Model and Its Application in Water Eutrophication Evaluation
Authors: Wang Xiaoyi , Jia Jie , Su Tingli , Zhao Zhiyao , Xu Jiping , Wang Li
Published: March 2018

Water environment protection is of great significance for both economic development and improvement of people’s livelihood, where modeling of water environment evolution is indispensable in water quality analysis. However, many water quality indexes related to water quality model cannot be measured online, and some model parameters always vary among different water areas. Thus, this paper proposes a water quality soft-sensing method based on the water quality mechanism model to simulate evolution of water quality indexes online, where unscented Kalman filter is utilized to estimate model parameters. Furthermore, a modified fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method is presented to evaluate the level of water eutrophication condition. Finally, the water quality data collected from Taihu Lake and Beihai Lake are used to validate the effectiveness and generality of the proposed method. The results show that the proposed soft-sensing method is able to describe the variation of related water quality indexes, with better accuracy compared to nonlinear least squares based method and traditional trial-and-error based method. On this basis, the water eutrophication condition can be also accurately evaluated.
Close to Optimally Secure Variants of GCM
Authors: Zhang Ping , Hu Hong-Gang , Yuan Qian
Published: March 2018

The Galois/Counter Mode of operation (GCM) is a widely used nonce-based authenticated encryption with associated data mode which provides the birthday-bound security in the nonce-respecting scenario; that is, it is secure up to about 2n/2 adversarial queries if all nonces used in the encryption oracle are never repeated, where n is the block size. It is an open problem to analyze whether GCM security can be improved by using some simple operations. This paper presents a positive response for this problem. Firstly, we introduce two close to optimally secure pseudorandom functions and derive their security bound by the hybrid technique. Then, we utilize these pseudorandom functions that we design and a universal hash function to construct two improved versions of GCM, called OGCM-1 and OGCM-2. OGCM-1 and OGCM-2 are, respectively, provably secure up to approximately 2n/67(n-1)2 and 2n/67 adversarial queries in the nonce-respecting scenario if the underlying block cipher is a secure pseudorandom permutation. Finally, we discuss the properties of OGCM-1 and OGCM-2 and describe the future works.
Extracellular Citrate Affects Critical Elements of Cancer Cell Metabolism and Supports Cancer DevelopmentIn Vivo
Authors: Mycielska Maria E. , Dettmer Katja , Rümmele Petra , Schmidt Katharina , Prehn Cornelia , Milenkovic Vladimir M. , Jagla Wolfgang , Madej Gregor M. , Lantow Margareta , Schladt Moritz , Cecil Alexander , Koehl Gudrun E. , Eggenhofer Elke , Wachsmuth Christian J. , Ganapathy Vadivel , Schlitt Hans J. , Kunzelmann Karl , Ziegler Christine , Wetzel Christian H. , Gaumann Andreas , Lang Sven A. , Adamski Jerzy , Oefner Peter J. , Geissler Edward K.
Published: March 2018

Glycolysis and fatty acid synthesis are highly active in cancer cells through cytosolic citrate metabolism, with intracellular citrate primarily derived from either glucose or glutamine via the tricarboxylic acid cycle. We show here that extracellular citrate is supplied to cancer cells through a plasma membrane-specific variant of the mitochondrial citrate transporter (pmCiC). Metabolomic analysis revealed that citrate uptake broadly affected cancer cell metabolism through citrate-dependent metabolic pathways. Treatment with gluconate specifically blocked pmCiC and decreased tumor growth in murine xenografts of human pancreatic cancer. This treatment altered metabolism within tumors, including fatty acid metabolism. High expression of pmCiC was associated with invasion and advanced tumor stage across many human cancers. These findings support the exploration of extracellular citrate transport as a novel potential target for cancer therapy.

Significance: Uptake of extracellular citrate through pmCiC can be blocked with gluconate to reduce tumor growth and to alter metabolic characteristics of tumor tissue. Cancer Res; 78(10); 2513–23. ©2018 AACR.
Comparison of Biomarkers of Tobacco Exposure between Premium and Discount Brand Cigarette Smokers in the NHANES 2011–2012 Special Sample
Authors: Wasserman Emily J. , Reilly Samantha M. , Goel Reema , Foulds Jonathan , Richie John P. , Muscat Joshua E.
Published: March 2018

Background: Increased cigarette costs have inadvertently strengthened the appeal of discounted brands to price-sensitive smokers. Although smokers perceive discounted brands as having poorer quality, little is known about their delivery of toxic tobacco smoke constituents compared with premium-branded tobacco products.

Methods: We investigated the differences between discount and premium brand smokers using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011–2012 Special Smoker Sample. Our analyses focused on demographic differences and 27 biomarkers of harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHC) listed by the FDA, including volatile organic compounds, 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol and its glucuronide [4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol glucuronide; reported as total NNAL (tNNAL)], metals, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Data were analyzed using linear regression models adjusting for potential confounders.

Results: A total of 976 non-tobacco users and 578 recent cigarette smokers were eligible for analysis, of which 141 (26.0% weighted) smoked discount brand cigarettes and 437 (74.0% weighted) smoked premium. Discount brand smokers were older, predominantly non-Hispanic white, and had higher serum cotinine. Discount brand smokers had significantly higher levels of 13 smoking-related biomarkers, including tNNAL, uranium, styrene, xylene, and biomarkers of exposure to PAHs (naphthalene, fluorene, and phenanthrene), compared with premium brand smokers.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that discount cigarette use is associated with higher exposure to several carcinogenic and toxic HPHCs.

Impact: These results may have important regulatory implications for product standards, as higher exposures could lead to a greater degree of harm. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(5); 601–9. ©2018 AACR.
Effect of Perioperative Opioids on Cancer-Relevant Circulating Parameters: Mu Opioid Receptor and Toll-Like Receptor 4 Activation Potential, and Proteolytic Profile
Authors: Xie Nan , Matigian Nicholas , Vithanage Tharindu , Gregory Kye , Nassar Zeyad D. , Cabot Peter J. , Shaw Paul N. , Kirkpatrick Carl M.J. , Cao Kim-Anh Lê , Sturgess David , Parat Marie-Odile
Published: March 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential interplay between opioid analgesia and tumor metastasis through modulation of μ-opioid receptor (MOR), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) activation, and matrix degradation potential.

Experimental Design: Plasma samples were collected from 60 patients undergoing elective lower limb joint replacement preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 24 hours after surgery; pain scores were documented at the same time points. Opioid administration was recorded and converted into morphine IV equivalents. Plasma samples were also collected from 10 healthy volunteers. Alphascreen cyclic AMP assay and MOR-overexpressing cells were employed to quantify MOR activation. HEK-Blue hTLR4 were utilized to measure TLR4 activation. Circulating matrix metalloprotease and tissue inhibitor of matrix protease activities were assessed by gelatin zymography and reverse zymography, respectively.

Results: Postoperative plasma samples displayed the ability to activate MOR and to inhibit lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced TLR4 activation. Linear mixed model analysis revealed that MOR activation had a significant effect on inhibition of LPS-induced TLR4 activation. Furthermore, TLR4 had a significant effect to explain pain scores. Postoperative samples also displayed altered circulating matrix-degrading enzymes activity potential, but this was correlated neither to opioid administration nor to MOR activation potential.

Conclusions: Our results show for the first time that (i) opioids administered to surgery patients result in modulation of ligand-induced TLR4 activation and (ii) postoperative pain is associated with increased circulating TLR4 activation potential. Our study further promotes the use of MOR activation potential rather than opioid intake in clinical studies measuring opioid exposure at a given time point. Clin Cancer Res; 24(10); 2319–27. ©2018 AACR.
The Regulator Gene rnc Is Closely Involved in Biofilm Formation in Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Mao Meng-Ying , Li Meng , Lei Lei , Yin Jia-Xin , Yang Ying-Ming , Hu Tao
Published: March 2018

Streptococcus mutans is an important factor in the etiology and pathogenesis of dental caries, largely owing to its ability to form a stable biofilm. Previous animal studies have indicated that rnc could decrease the amount of sulcal caries, and that the downregulation of cariogenicity might be due to its capacity to disrupt biofilm formation. However, the biofunctions by which rnc is involved in biofilm formation remain to be elucidated. In this study, we further investigate the role of rnc based on the study of mature biofilm. Scanning electron microscopy and the crystal violet assay were used to detect the biofilm forming ability. The production and distribution of exopolysaccharides within biofilm was analyzed by exopolysaccharide staining. Gel permeation chromatography was used to perform molecular weight assessment. Its adhesion force was measured by atomic force microscopy. The expression of biofilm formation-associated genes was analyzed at the mRNA level by qPCR. Here, we found that rnc could occur and function in biofilm formation by assembling well-structured, exopolysaccharide-encased, stable biofilms in S. mutans. The weakened biofilm forming ability of rnc-deficient strains was associated with the reduction of exopolysaccharide production and bacterial adhesion. Over all, these data illustrate an interesting situation in which an unappreciated regulatory gene acquired for virulence, rnc, most likely has been coopted as a potential regulator of biofilm formation in S. mutans. Further characterization of rnc may lead to the identification of a possible pathogenic biofilm-specific treatment for dental caries.
Phospholipase A2 of Microbiota as Pathogenetic Determinant to Induce Inflammatory States in Ulcerative Colitis: Therapeutic Implications of Phospholipase A2 Inhibitors
Authors: Stremmel Wolfgang , Staffer Simone , Stuhrmann Nicole , Gan-Schreier Hongying , Gauss Annika , Burger Nina , Hornuss Daniel
Published: March 2018

Background: Attack by commensal microbiota is one component of induction of inflammatory episodes in ulcerative colitis (UC). In UC, the mucus layer is intrinsically devoid of phosphatidylcholine (PC) resulting in low hydrophobicity which facilitates bacterial invasion. Colonic ectophospholipase-carrying bacterial strains are likely candidates to further thinning the PC mucus barrier and to precipitate inflammatory episodes. Objective: To evaluate the effect of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) inhibitors on inflammation in a genetic UC mouse model. Methods: As PLA2 inhibitor, we applied the bile acid-phospholipid conjugate ursodeoxycholate-lysophosphatidylethanolamide (UDCA-LPE) or as control 5% Tween 80 by oral gavage to intestine-specific kindlin 2 knockout mice. Results: Luminal UDCA-LPE reduced the PLA2 activity in stool by 36 ± 8%. Concomitantly no inflammatory phenotype was observed when compared to kindlin 2(–/–) mice not treated with UDCA-LPE. The improvement was documented in regard to stool consistency, calprotectin levels in stool, and macroscopic/endoscopic as well as histologic features of the mucosa. The pattern of colonic microbiota distribution obtained in the UC phenotype mice was reversed by UDCA-LPE to the control mice pattern. Conclusion: The inhibition of the bacterial ectophospholipase A2 activity improves mucosal inflammation in a genetic mouse model of UC. It is assumed that the remaining mucus PC shield is better preserved when luminal PLA2 is suppressed.
Real-World Treatment Patterns, Survival, and Prediction of CNS Progression in ALK-Positive Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patients Treated with First-Line Crizotinib in Latin America Oncology Practices
Authors: Martín Claudio , Cardona Andrés F. , Zatarain-Barrón Zyanya Lucia , Ruiz-Patiño Alejandro , Castillo Omar , Oblitas George , Corrales Luis , Lupinacci Lorena , Pérez María Angelina , Rojas Leonardo , González Lisde , Chirinos Luis , Ortíz Carlos , Lema Mauricio , Vargas Carlos , Puparelli Carmen , Carranza Hernán , Otero Jorge , Arrieta Oscar
Published: March 2018

Objective: This study describes the real-world characteristics, treatment sequencing, and outcomes among Hispanic patients with locally advanced/metastatic ALK-positive non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with crizotinib. Methods: A retrospective patient review was conducted for several centers in Latin America. Clinicians identified ALK-positive NSCLC patients who received crizotinib and reported their clinical characteristics, treatments, and survival. Overall survival and progression-free survival (PFS) were described. A Random Forest Tree (RFT) model was constructed to predict brain progression. Results: A total of 73 patients were included; median age at diagnosis was 58 years, 60.3% were female, and 93.2% had adenocarcinoma. Eighty-nine percent of patients were never smokers/former smokers, 71.1% had ≥2 sites of metastasis, and 20.5% had brain metastases at diagnosis. The median PFS on first-line crizotinib was 7.07 months (95% CI 3.77–12.37) and the overall response rate was 52%. Of those who discontinued crizotinib, 55.9% progressed in the central nervous system (CNS). The RFT model reached a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 88% for prediction of CNS progression. Conclusions: The overall response rate and the PFS observed in Hispanic patients with ALK-positive NSCLC treated with first-line crizotinib were similar to those in previous reports. An RFT model is helpful in predicting CNS progression and can help clinicians tailor treatments in a resource-limited practice.
MicroRNA as Crucial Regulators of Gene Expression in Estradiol-Treated Human Endothelial Cells
Authors: Vidal-Gómez Xavier , Pérez-Cremades Daniel , Mompeón Ana , Dantas Ana Paula , Novella Susana , Hermenegildo Carlos
Published: March 2018

Background/Aims: Estrogen signalling plays an important role in vascular biology as it modulates vasoactive and metabolic pathways in endothelial cells. Growing evidence has also established microRNA (miRNA) as key regulators of endothelial function. Nonetheless, the role of estrogen regulation on miRNA profile in endothelial cells is poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to determine how estrogen modulates miRNA profile in human endothelial cells and to explore the role of the different estrogen receptors (ERα, ERβ and GPER) in the regulation of miRNA expression by estrogen. Methods: We used miRNA microarrays to determine global miRNA expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) exposed to a physiological concentration of estradiol (E2; 1 nmol/L) for 24 hours. miRNA-gene interactions were computationally predicted using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis and changes in miRNA levels were validated by qRT-PCR. Role of ER in the E2-induced miRNA was additionally confirmed by using specific ER agonists and antagonists. Results: miRNA array revealed that expression of 114 miRNA were significantly modified after E2 exposition. Further biological pathway analysis revealed cell death and survival, lipid metabolism, reproductive system function, as the top functions regulated by E2. We validated changes in the most significantly increased (miR-30b-5p, miR-487a-5p, miR-4710, miR-501-3p) and decreased (miR-378h and miR-1244) miRNA and the role of ER in these E2-induced miRNA was determined. Results showed that both classical, ERα and ERβ, and membrane-bound ER, GPER, differentially regulated specific miRNA. In silico analysis of validated miRNA promoters identified specific ER binding sites. Conclusion: Our findings identify differentially expressed miRNA pathways linked to E2 in human endothelial cells through ER, and provide new insights by which estrogen can modulate endothelial function.
Oxymatrine Inhibits Homocysteine-Mediated Autophagy via MIF/mTOR Signaling in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
Authors: Zhang Yanyan , Zhang Yuan , Tang Jiayu , Zhao Shuang , Li Chen , Huang Yong-Pan , Yi Minhan
Published: March 2018

Background/Aims: Genetic or nutritional deficiencies in homocysteine (Hcy)metabolism lead to the accumulation of Hcy and its metabolites in the blood. This can lead to hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), which is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Studies have shown that HHcy leads to endothelial dysfunction, a hallmark of atherosclerosis, which may explain this link. The precise mechanism remains unclear, but a strong possibility is excessive HHCy-induced autophagy. Autophagy has been better studied in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injuries, and previous work showed that Oxymatrine (OMT), a quinolizidine alkaloid, protects cells against myocardial I/R injury by inhibiting autophagy. The aim of this study was to determine whether OMT inhibits autophagy in HHcy. Methods: Autophagy in HUVEC cells treated with Hcy in the presence and absence of OMT was visualized bytransmission electron microscopy and the degree was determined by western blotting and qRT-PCR. Small interfering RNA (siRNA)was used to determine the efficiency of Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) inhibition. Cell apoptosis wasdetected by western blotting and flow cytometric analysis. Results: OMT inhibited autophagy, MIF, and mTOR in HUVECs during Hcy exposure, depending on the dose. siRNA-mediated MIF knockdown decreased Hcy-induced autophagy, while administration of 3-methyladenosine and rapamycin showed that they also induce autophagy. Furthermore, OMT dose-dependently inhibited the Hcy-induced HUVEC apoptosis/death. Conclusions: These results suggest that Hcy can evokeautophagy-activated HUVEC apoptosis/death via a MIF/mTOR signaling pathway, which can be reversed by OMT. Our results provide a new insight into a functional role of OMT in the prevention of Hcy-induced HUVEC injury and death.
Synopsis of the Neotropical genus Jupoata Martins & Monné, 2002 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)
Authors: Nascimento Francisco Eriberto de Lima , Botero Juan Pablo
Published: March 2018

The genus Jupoata is redescribed and Jupoata antonkozlovi, a new species from Costa Rica is described. An updated key to species of the genus and a new geographical record are provided.
Temporal Trends and Clinical Consequences of Wait Times for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Elbaz-Greener Gabby , Masih Shannon , Fang Jiming , Ko Dennis T. , Lauck Sandra B. , Webb John G. , Nallamothu Brahmajee K. , Wijeysundera Harindra C.
Published: March 2018

Background:

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) represents a paradigm shift in the therapeutic options for patients with severe aortic stenosis. However, rapid and exponential growth in TAVR demand may overwhelm capacity, translating to inadequate access and prolonged wait times. Our objective was to evaluate temporal trends in TAVR wait times and the associated clinical consequences.

Methods:

In this population-based study in Ontario, Canada, we identified all TAVR referrals from April 1, 2010, to March 31, 2016. The primary outcome was the median total wait time from referral to procedure. Piecewise regression analyses were performed to assess temporal trends in TAVR wait times, before and after provincial reimbursement in September 2012. Clinical outcomes included all-cause death and heart failure hospitalizations while on the wait list.

Results:

The study cohort included 4461 referrals, of which 50% led to a TAVR, 39% were off-listed for other reasons, and 11% remained on the wait list at the conclusion of the study. For patients who underwent a TAVR, the estimated median wait time in the postreimbursement period stabilized at 80 days and has remained unchanged. The cumulative probability of wait-list mortality and heart failure hospitalization at 80 days was ≈2% and 12%, respectively, with a relatively constant increase in events with increased wait times.

Conclusions:

Postreimbursement wait time has remained unchanged for patients undergoing a TAVR procedure, suggesting the increase in capacity has kept pace with the increase in demand. The current wait time of almost 3 months is associated with important morbidity and mortality, suggesting a need for greater capacity and access.
Becoming Extinct? Russian Human Rights Activism and the Observer Commissions
Authors: Flikke Geir
Published: March 2018

Human rights defenders (hrds) in hybrid regimes face numerous challenges on the domestic arena. They struggle against complex and non-transparent regulations and hindrances, are obstructed by an intrusive state that seeks not only to regulate human rights activism but also to bar professional and independent human rights ngos; and they also risk being subjected to violence. This article analyses how Russian hrds have succeeded in gaining inspection rights in places of permanent detention in Russia through the system of Public Observer Commissions (Obshchestvennye nablyudatel’nye komissii/ onk), and how state structures seek to co-opt, screen and contain professional and continuous hrd work in these commissions. Although the hrds have succeeded in forming a legal structure that enables them to conduct inspections, since 2013 the Public Chamber has understaffed the onks, excluded prominent hrds from the committees, and used pro-regime organizations in order to gain control over the system of public monitoring.
Biopolitics and Russian Studies: An Introduction
Authors: Makarychev Andrey
Published: March 2018

This introductory article explains how the concept of biopolitics can be used as an analytical tool in the sphere of Russian studies. The author elucidates different approaches to the idea of biopolitics in contemporary political philosophy, and relates the extant theoretical debate to the ongoing political and academic discussions on power and identity in Russia, both from domestic and international perspectives. He claims that biopolitical vocabulary is a nuanced cognitive instrument for unpacking a plethora of social and cultural dimensions inherent to relations of power, and further conceptualizing the specificity of post-Soviet illiberal regimes.
Review of the leafhopper genus Hylica Stål (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Hylicinae) with description of one new species
Authors: TANG JIU , ZHANG YALIN
Published: March 2018

The leafhopper genus Hylica Stål is reported from China for the first time with its type species H. paradoxa Stål; the male genitalia and the female ovipositor are described and illustrated for the first time. A new species, H. scutealba sp. n., from India is described and illustrated. A key to species of Hylica is provided. H. paradoxa is also recorded from Laos, Nepal, Thailand and Viet Nam for the first time.
Redescription of the thread-legged assassin bug Ploiaria anak (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Emesinae) from India, with notes on its biology
Authors: PANSARE PRATIK P. , GHATE HEMANT V. , WEBB MICK
Published: March 2018

The thread-legged assassin bug species Ploiaria anak Distant, 1909 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Emesinae) from India is redescribed based on recently collected material from Pune District, India. Notes on the biology of the species and a key to species of the genus from India are provided. A lectotype is designated for P. anak. Both P. nuda and P. nude appear in the original description of the Ploiaria species described by Ravichandran & Livingstone (1989); nuda is selected as the correct original spelling. As this name is a junior homonym of P. nuda Miller, 1950, it is replaced by the new name P. raviaspinosa nom. nov.
Effect of a High-Order Filter on a Cubed-Sphere Spectral Element Dynamical Core
Authors: Kang Hyun-Gyu , Cheong Hyeong-Bin
Published: March 2018

A high-order filter for a cubed-sphere spectral element model was implemented in a three-dimensional spectral element dry hydrostatic dynamical core. The dynamical core incorporated hybrid sigma–pressure vertical coordinates and a third-order Runge–Kutta time-differencing method. The global high-order filter and the local-domain high-order filter, requiring numerical operation with a huge sparse global matrix and a locally assembled matrix, respectively, were applied to the prognostic variables, except for surface pressure, at every time step. Performance of the high-order filter was evaluated using the baroclinic instability test and quiescent atmosphere with underlying topography test presented by the Dynamical Core Model Intercomparison Project. It was revealed that both the global and local-domain high-order filters could better control the numerical noise in the noisy circumstances than the explicit diffusion, which is widely used for the spectral element dynamical core. Furthermore, by adopting the high-order filter, the effective resolution of the dynamical core could be increased, without weakening the stability of the dynamical core. Computational efficiency of the high-order filter was demonstrated in terms of both the time step size and the wall-clock time. Because of the nature of an implicit diffusion, the dynamical core employing this filter can take a larger time step size, compared to that using the explicit diffusion. The local-domain high-order filter was computationally more efficient than the global high-order filter, but less efficient than the explicit diffusion.
Load application method for shell finite element model of wind turbine blade
Authors: Caous Damien , Lavauzelle Nicolas , Valette Julien , Wahl Jean-Christophe
Published: March 2018

It is common to dissociate load computation from structural analysis when carrying out a numerical assessment of a wind turbine blade. Loads are usually computed using a multiphysics and multibody beam finite element model of the whole turbine, whereas detailed structural analysis is managed using shell finite element models. This raises the issue of the application of the loads extracted from the beam finite element model at one node for each section and transposed into the shell finite element model. After presenting the methods found in the literature, a new method is proposed. This takes into account the physical consistency of loads: aerodynamic loads are applied as pressure on the blade surface, and inertial loads are applied as body loads. Corrections imposed by pressure and body load computation in order to match loads from the beam finite element model are proposed and a comparison with two other methods is discussed.
Sequential Multiple-Assignment Randomized Trials: Developing and Evaluating Adaptive Interventions in Special Education
Authors: Chow Jason C. , Hampton Lauren H.
Published: March 2018

Interventions often require multiple decisions to improve outcomes for every student. Whether the decision to implement a practice, tailor an existing protocol, or change approaches, these decisions should be based on individual variables and outcomes via a sequence of treatment. To develop adaptive interventions that have sufficient evidence to support decisions, components, and sequences, they must be evaluated as they operate. The sequential multiple-assignment randomized trial is a design that experimentally assesses the efficacy of the decisions, components, and sequence of an adaptive intervention. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of this novel methodology and describe how this design can provide meaningful information about components and sequence based on individual differences and response to maximize educational outcomes in special education.
Effects of volatile organic compounds and carbon monoxide mixtures on learning and memory, oxidative stress, and monoamine neurotransmitters in the brains of mice
Authors: Wang Fan , Fangfang Zheng , Guo Xiangmeng , Chen Wanguang , Yao Weiyun , Liu Haifang , Lyu Chengcai , Zhang Yaowen , Fan Chaojie
Published: March 2018

In this study, we investigated the effect of inhaled mixtures of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and carbon monoxide (CO) on neuroethology. Fifty 6-week-old male Kunming mice were exposed in five similar static chambers; zero (control) and four different doses of VOC and CO mixtures (G1–G4) for 10 consecutive days and 2 h/day. The compounds and concentrations were as follows: formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, xylene, and CO as 0.10 + 0.11 + 0.20 + 0.20 + 10.00 mg/m3, 0.20 + 0.22 + 0.40 + 0.40 + 20.00 mg/m3, 1.00 + 1.10 + 2.00 + 2.00 + 100.00 mg/m3, and 5.00 + 5.50 + 10.00 + 10.00 + 500.00 mg/m3, respectively, which corresponded to 1, 2, 10, and 50 times the indoor air quality standard in China. Morris water maze and grip strength tests were performed during the exposure experiment. One day following the final exposure, oxidative damage levels, monoamine neurotransmitters, monoamine oxidase (MAO), and morphology of mice brain were analyzed. Escape latency, dopamine, norepinephrine (NE), and serotonin decreased significantly, while total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase, and MAO increased significantly in G3 and G4. In addition, there were morphological changes and degeneration of neurons in the dentate gyrus regions of the hippocampus in G4. Results showed that the inhaled mixtures of VOCs and CO affected learning and memory of mice. The impairment of monoamine neurotransmitter associated with MAO may be one of the mechanisms of learning and memory impairment of the mice induced by the mixtures of VOCs and CO.
Research of the real-time interpolation based on piecewise power basis functions
Authors: Wang Hui , Liu Chao , Wu Jianhua , Xiong Zhenhua
Published: March 2018

With the outstanding geometric properties of B-spline, its recursive algorithm has been widely applied in numerical control systems to compute interpolation points and their derivatives. However, some of the B-spline basis functions in the recursive algorithm are computed repeatedly during the numerical control interpolation, which makes the interpolation efficiency greatly deteriorated. To deal with this issue, an effective approach by converting B-spline to piecewise power basis functions is proposed in this article. With the proposed power basis functions, formulas for computing interpolation point and its derivative can be established explicitly. Thus, the repeated computation due to the implicit expression can be avoided. To further improve the real-time interpolation performance, curve subdivision based on the proposed power basis functions is implemented simultaneously. Theoretical analysis shows that the computational complexity of the proposed method can be reduced by 71.1% compared with the DeBoor-Cox algorithm during the computation of interpolation points and their derivatives. Furthermore, the computational complexity of the curve subdivision can be reduced by 64.5%. Experimental results on a two-dimensional butterfly and a three-dimensional pigeon show that the proposed methods can greatly improve the computational efficiency.
Multi-objective real-time optimization energy management strategy for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle
Authors: Du Siyu , Yang Yiyong , Liu Congzhi , Muhammad Fahad
Published: March 2018

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle provides remarkable results for emission reduction and fuel improvement in the current driving cycles. With the appropriate energy management strategy, the torque can be split by switching of multiple operation modes to improve fuel economy. However, in the process, not only the noticeable jerk or torque fluctuation, which may result in vibration of the drivetrain and unpleasant driving sensation, but also the frequent motor-start-engine process would be triggered, which is accompanied by extra fuel consumption and abrasion of the clutch. Therefore, high attention should be paid to reduce the excess operating times of the motor-start-engine process and take advantage of multiple operation modes to improve fuel economy in plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. To solve this problem, a multi-objective real-time optimization energy management strategy is proposed. First, the motor-start-engine dynamic model of 2-degree-of-freedom is established. Then, the motor-start-engine process is analyzed based on a large number of real-world data, and the cost of the motor-start-engine process is quantified for optimization. What’s more, the optimal torque distribution is realized through the powertrain system. Finally, the proposed strategy is verified by the simulation and experiment platform. Results show that the proposed strategy can greatly improve fuel economy, thereby reducing the excess operating times of the motor-start-engine process.
Through the Decreased Values Gap to Increased Organizational Effectiveness: The Mediating Role of Organizational Commitment
Authors: Malbaši´c Ivan , Mas-Machuca Marta , Marimon Frederic
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this article is to clarify whether congruence between espoused and attributed organizational values (CEAOV) in contemporary business circumstances is a necessity or just ‘nice to have’. Accordingly, two objectives are formulated: (a) to investigate whether CEAOV has a direct impact on organizational effectiveness and (b) to assess the mediating effect of organizational commitment between CEAOV and organizational effectiveness. The research was conducted within 15 Croatian companies ( n = 523). Data were collected through content analysis of the official websites of the companies, surveys of employees, semi-structured interviews with the members of top management and analysis of publicly available financial reports. A conceptual model is proposed regarding the mediating effect of organizational commitment on the impact of the espoused–attributed value fit on effectiveness. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used for the analysis. The results show that CEAOV positively affects organizational effectiveness through the mediation of organizational commitment. The only path to attaining effectiveness is through commitment. No direct effect is found. Our research sheds light on the relevant role of authenticity, in the light of value congruence, in every organization. When employees and organizations live their values to the same degree, there is an impact on organizational commitment and hence on organizational effectiveness.
Sustainable Service Quality Management by Logistics Service Providers: An Indian Perspective
Authors: Gupta Anchal , Singh Rajesh K. , Suri P. K.
Published: March 2018

Due to advancement of technology and globalization, the organizations are giving more importance to the supply chain integration, taking support from logistics service providers (LSPs) and practice several initiatives in direction of sustainability. The assets, processes and performance capabilities of LSPs can be used as an indicator to comprehend and evaluate effective and sustainable service quality management. In this article, there is an attempt to understand and analyse all important components required by LSPs to serve their customers with best quality of services. A comprehensive framework is proposed for evaluating the services of logistics providers. The services are evaluated on the basis of LSPs assets, processes, service quality attributes and sustainable performance parameters. A case study on Indian logistics service provider is taken to support the proposed framework in a real scenario. The assets and processes in context to given case organization are discussed in detail. The service quality index is also evaluated for estimating the quality of services of firm by taking inputs from their customers. After discussing service quality analysis, the performance analysis is done along with SWOT Analysis. Findings of the study will help professionals in developing appropriate strategies for effective and sustainable supply chain management.
Effect of stress redistribution during thermal actuation of shape memory alloys in notched cylindrical bars
Authors: Phillips Francis R , Lagoudas Dimitris C
Published: March 2018

Shape memory alloys present a unique ability to undergo a solid-to-solid, diffusionless, reversible phase transformation. The forward phase transformation is commonly associated with transforming from the austenitic phase to the martensitic phase, while the reverse transformation is defined by going from the martensitic phase to the austenitic phase. In thermal actuation loading paths, forward transformation is generally associated with cooling, while reverse transformation is commonly associated with heating. In this article, however, it is shown that reverse transformation may occur during cooling of notched cylindrical shape memory alloy bars. The reversal in phase transformation is associated with the redistribution of stress in the shape memory alloy due to the phase transformation.
Rolled Tendon Allograft Interposition Arthroplasty for Salvage Surgery of the Hallux Metatarsophalangeal Joint
Authors: Thomas Danielle , Thordarson David
Published: March 2018

Background:

Hallux rigidus is a common osteoarthritic disease of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ). Few salvage treatment options exist that preserve motion for patients who have failed an initial procedure and who are not amenable to fusion, typically patients who are active or who would like to wear high heels. Allograft tendon interpositional arthroplasty is an unconventional salvage treatment option that may preserve motion and prevent bone loss.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review is reported of 19 patients who failed previous procedures and refused fusion who underwent allograft tendon interpositional arthroplasty of the hallux MTPJ by a single surgeon between 2012 and 2015. Outcomes included the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) hallux metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale assessment as well as measurement of apparent joint space on anterior to posterior and lateral views.

Results:

The cumulative average AOFAS score for all patients was 68.5 preoperatively and 74.1 postoperatively. The average AOFAS pain subscore was 24.7 preoperatively and 26.8 postoperatively (SD = 7.7 and 13.8, respectively). Radiographically, patients had an increase in apparent joint space from pre- to postoperatively, most notable on the lateral view (0.6 to 4.7 mm; SD = 0.7 and 3.2 mm). Five patients required a second operative procedure, for an overall 26% reoperation rate. One patient underwent hallux MTPJ fusion after the interpositional arthroplasty. An additional 4 patients (21%) had symptoms requiring a steroid injection, and another 3 patients (16%) were recommended to undergo a revision procedure based on their symptoms.

Conclusion:

Rolled allograft tendon interposition arthroplasty performed poorly as a salvage strategy for failed previous hallux MTPJ surgery for hallux rigidus because of a high rate of complication and minimal benefits. The senior author has abandoned the technique.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.