bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linalyl acetate restores endothelial dysfunction and hemodynamic alterations in diabetic rats exposed to chronic immobilization stress
Authors: Shin You Kyoung , Hsieh Yu Shan , Kwon Soonho , Lee Hui Su , Seol Geun Hee
Published: February 2018

Although stress is one of the risk factors of diabetes, few studies have assessed the effects of stress on diabetic rats. This study, therefore, analyzed differences in cardiovascular-related factors among control, nonstressed diabetic, and stressed diabetic rats as well as assessed the effects of linalyl acetate (LA) on stressed diabetic rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to immobilization stress throughout the experimental period, and diabetes was induced on day 15 by a single injection of streptozotocin. After confirming the induction of diabetes, stressed diabetic rats were administered LA (10 or 100 mg/kg) or metformin (500 mg/kg) for the last 7 days. Compared with nonstressed diabetic rats, stressed diabetic rats had significantly lower body weight, body fat percentage, ACh-induced vasorelaxation, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), and NF-κB expression as well as increased serum nitrite concentration. Although metformin increased serum insulin concentration significantly, 100 mg/kg LA showed only an increasing tendency. However, treatment with 100 mg/kg LA not only reduced serum glucose and NF-κB expression, but also restored ACh-induced vasorelaxation, SBP, DBP, HR, AMP-activated protein kinase expression, and serum nitrite almost to control levels. Importantly, 100 mg/kg LA was more effective than metformin in ameliorating serum glucose, endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression, HR, and serum nitrite. These findings suggest that chronic stress can aggravate endothelial dysfunction and hemodynamic alterations in diabetes and that LA may have potent therapeutic efficacy in diabetic patients with cardiovascular disease complications or chronic stress.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY To our knowledge, this is the first study to assess the effects of linalyl acetate (LA) on cardiovascular-related factors in diabetic rats exposed to chronic stress. Treatment with LA restored acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation, blood pressure, heart rate, and AMP-activated protein kinase and serum nitrite levels. The present results suggest that LA may have potent therapeutic efficacy in diabetic patients with complications of cardiovascular disease or chronic stress.
Toxic Effects of Di-2-ethylhexyl Phthalate: An Overview
Authors: Rowdhwal Sai Sandeep Singh , Chen Jiaxiang
Published: February 2018

Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is extensively used as a plasticizer in many products, especially medical devices, furniture materials, cosmetics, and personal care products. DEHP is noncovalently bound to plastics, and therefore, it will leach out of these products after repeated use, heating, and/or cleaning of the products. Due to the overuse of DEHP in many products, it enters and pollutes the environment through release from industrial settings and plastic waste disposal sites. DEHP can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact on a daily basis, which has raised some concerns about its safety and its potential effects on human health. The main aim of this review is to give an overview of the endocrine, testicular, ovarian, neural, hepatotoxic, and cardiotoxic effects of DEHP on animal models and humansin vitroandin vivo.
Direct-Current Electric Field Distribution in the Brain for Tumor Treating Field Applications: A Simulation Study
Authors: Sun Yung-Shin
Published: February 2018

Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) in combination with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy have been clinically reported to provide prolonged overall survival in glioblastoma patients. Alternating electric fields with frequencies of 100~300 kHz and magnitudes of 1~3 V/cm are shown to suppress the growth of cancer cells via interactions with polar molecules within dividing cells. Since it is difficult to directly measure the electric fields inside the brain, simulation models of the human head provide a useful tool for predicting the electric field distribution. In the present study, a three-dimensional finite element head model consisting of the scalp, the skull, the dura, the cerebrospinal fluid, and the brain was built to study the electric field distribution under various applied potentials and electrode configurations. For simplicity, a direct-current electric field was used in the simulation. The total power dissipation and temperature elevation due to Joule heating in different head tissues were also evaluated. Based on the results, some guidelines are obtained in designing the electrode configuration for personalized glioblastoma electrotherapy.
Occurrences of Indigestible Foreign Bodies in Cattle Slaughtered at Morogoro Municipal Slaughterhouse, Tanzania
Authors: Bwatota S. F. , Makungu M. , Nonga H. E.
Published: February 2018

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the occurrence of indigestible foreign bodies (IFB) in cattle slaughtered at Morogoro Municipal Slaughterhouse, Tanzania. A total of 387 slaughter cattle were examined for presence of IFB. Out of 387 examined cattle, 93 (24.03%) had IFB in their forestomachs. The observed IFB were plastic bags, fruit seeds, clothing materials, ropes, hairballs, leather materials, stones, metallic nails, and wire. Plastic bags were the most frequently (50.5%) observed IFB followed by fruit seeds (18.3%). A significantly (p<0.05) high proportion of old animals (31.7%) had IFB compared to the young animals (21.2%). Similarly, the frequency of occurrence of IFB was significantly high (p<0.05) in crossbred dairy cattle (42.3%) compared to local breeds (22.7%). Cattle that appeared with poor body condition (37.8%) were found to be more affected (p<0.05) by IFB than those with good body condition (15.9%). In 91.4% of animals which had IFB, all the materials were located in the rumen. This study showed that presence of IFB is a common problem in cattle slaughtered at Morogoro Municipal Slaughterhouse and may significantly cause poor production and mortality in affected animals. Therefore, appropriate solid waste disposal should be implemented.
Design and Construction of a Virtual Bicycle Simulator for Evaluating Sustainable Facilities Design
Authors: Sun Carlos , Qing Zhu
Published: February 2018

The rising interest in sustainable modes of transportation has increased demand for the design and implementation of bicycle facilities in the United States. However, as compared to the vehicular mode, bicycle facilities have relatively less development, research, and understanding. The availability of a bicycling simulator has the potential to contribute to the understanding of bicycle facility design and bicyclist behavior. The design and construction of a bicycling simulator differs from a driving simulator in many ways. A bicycling simulator requires interfaces for bicycle speed, braking, and steering angle as well as a visual interface. In addition, a representation of a real‐world network, including pavement, buildings, the sky and background, and fixed and moving objects, needs to be modeled using a simulator engine. This paper presents the details of the ZouSim bicycling simulator development and the tradeoffs associated with various design decisions, such as the choice of a steering sensor and graphical display. A sample application of a wayfinding and detection markings study illustrates the use of ZouSim. The authors hope that this article will encourage other researchers who conduct research in sustainable cities to explore the use of bicycle simulators for improving bicycle facility design and operations.
Age‐Dependent Protective Effect of Selenium against UVA Irradiation in Primary Human Keratinocytes and the Associated DNA Repair Signature
Authors: Favrot C. , Beal D. , Blouin E. , Leccia M. T. , Roussel A. M. , Rachidi W.
Published: February 2018

Few studies have focused on the protective role of selenium (Se) against skin aging and photoaging even though selenoproteins are essential for keratinocyte function and skin development. To the best of our knowledge, the impact of Se supplementation on skin cells from elderly and young donors has not been reported. Therefore, the main objective of our study was to evaluate the effects of Se supplementation on skin keratinocytes at baseline and after exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) irradiation. Low doses of Se (30 nM) were very potently protective against UVA‐induced cytotoxicity in young keratinocytes, whereas the protection efficiency of Se in old keratinocytes required higher concentrations (240 nM). Additionally, the DNA repair ability of the old keratinocytes drastically decreased compared with that of the young keratinocytes at baseline and after the UVA exposure. The Se supplementation significantly enhanced the DNA repair of 8‐oxoguanine (8oxoG) only in the keratinocytes isolated from young donors. Therefore, aged keratinocytes have an increased vulnerability to oxidative DNA damage, and the Se needs in the elderly should be considered. Strengthening DNA repair activities with Se supplementation may represent a new strategy to combat aging and skin photoaging.
A Multicentric, Open-Label, Randomized, Comparative Clinical Trial of Two Different Doses of Expanded hBM-MSCs Plus Biomaterial versus Iliac Crest Autograft, for Bone Healing in Nonunions after Long Bone Fractures: Study Protocol
Authors: Gómez-Barrena Enrique , Padilla-Eguiluz Norma G. , Avendaño-Solá Cristina , Payares-Herrera Concepción , Velasco-Iglesias Ana , Torres Ferran , Rosset Philippe , Gebhard Florian , Baldini Nicola , Rubio-Suarez Juan C. , García-Rey Eduardo , Cordero-Ampuero José , Vaquero-Martin Javier , Chana Francisco , Marco Fernando , García-Coiradas Javier , Caba-Dessoux Pedro , de la Cuadra Pablo , Hernigou Philippe , Flouzat-Lachaniette Charles-Henri , Gouin François , Mainard Didier , Laffosse Jean Michel , Kalbitz Miriam , Marzi Ingo , Südkamp Norbert , Stöckle Ulrich , Ciapetti Gabriela , Donati Davide Maria , Zagra Luigi , Pazzaglia Ugo , Zarattini Guido , Capanna Rodolfo , Catani Fabio
Published: February 2018

ORTHOUNION is a multicentre, open, comparative, three-arm, randomized clinical trial (EudraCT number 2015-000431-32) to compare the efficacy, at one and two years, of autologous human bone marrow-derived expanded mesenchymal stromal cell (hBM-MSC) treatments versus iliac crest autograft (ICA) to enhance bone healing in patients with diaphyseal and/or metaphysodiaphyseal fracture (femur, tibia, and humerus) status of atrophic or oligotrophic nonunion (more than 9 months after the acute fracture, including recalcitrant cases after failed treatments). The primary objective is to determine if the treatment with hBM-MSCs combined with biomaterial is superior to ICA in obtaining bone healing. If confirmed, a secondary objective is set to determine if the dose of 100 × 106 hBM-MSCs is noninferior to that of 200 × 106 hBM-MSCs. The participants (n=108) will be randomly assigned to either the experimental low dose (n=36), the experimental high dose (n=36), or the comparator arm (n=36) using a central randomization service. The trial will be conducted in 20 clinical centres in Spain, France, Germany, and Italy under the same clinical protocol. The confirmation of superiority for the proposed ATMP in nonunions may foster the future of bone regenerative medicine in this indication. On the contrary, absence of superiority may underline its limitations in clinical use.
Blunt Pancreatic Injury in Major Trauma: Decision-Making between Nonoperative and Operative Treatment
Authors: Ull Christopher , Bensch Sebastian , Schildhauer Thomas Armin , Swol Justyna
Published: February 2018

Blunt trauma injuries to the pancreas are rare but are associated with significant overall mortality and a high complication rate. Motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of blunt pancreatic trauma, followed by falls, and sports injuries. We discuss the decision-making process used during the clinical courses of 3 patients with life-threatening blunt pancreatic injuries caused by traumatic falls. We also discuss the utility of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma Organ Injury Scale (AAST-OIS), which provides a system for grading pancreatic trauma. Retrospectively, the cases reviewed were classified as AAST-OIS grade II, III, and IV in each one patient. Although the nonoperative approach was initially preferred, surgery was required in each case due to pseudocyst formation, pancreatic necrosis, and posttraumatic pancreatitis. In each case, complete healing was achieved through exploratory laparotomy with extensive lavage and placement of abdominal drains for several weeks postoperatively. These cases show that nonoperative management of pancreatic ductal trauma results in poor outcomes when initial therapy is less than optimal.
Preference Attitude‐Based Method for Ranking Intuitionistic Fuzzy Numbers and Its Application in Renewable Energy Selection
Authors: Lin Jian , Meng Fanyong , Chen Riqing , Zhang Qiang
Published: February 2018

Many applications of intuitionistic fuzzy sets depend on ranking or comparing intuitionistic fuzzy numbers. This paper presents a novel ranking method for intuitionistic fuzzy numbers based on the preference attitudinal accuracy and score functions. The proposed ranking method considers not only the preference attitude of decision maker, but also all the possible values in feasible domain. Some desirable properties of preference attitudinal accuracy and score functions are verified in detail. A total order on the set of intuitionistic fuzzy numbers is established by using the proposed two functions. The proposed ranking method is also applied to select renewable energy. The advantage and validity of the proposed method are shown by comparing with some representative ranking methods.
Global and Local Path Planning Study in a ROS-Based Research Platform for Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Marin-Plaza Pablo , Hussein Ahmed , Martin David , Escalera Arturo de la
Published: February 2018

The aim of this work is to integrate and analyze the performance of a path planning method based on Time Elastic Bands (TEB) in real research platform based on Ackermann model. Moreover, it will be proved that all modules related to the navigation can coexist and work together to achieve the goal point without any collision. The study is done by analyzing the trajectory generated from global and local planners. The software prototyping tool is Robot Operating System (ROS) from Open Source Robotics Foundation and the research platform is the iCab (Intelligent Campus Automobile) from University Carlos III. This work has been validated from a test inside the campus where the iCab has performed the navigation between the starting point and the goal point without any collision. During the experiment, we proved the low sensitivity of the TEB method to variations of the vehicle model configuration and constraints.
Hydatid Cyst of the Adrenal Gland: Is Radical Surgery Necessary for Recurrent Hydatid Disease?
Authors: Akbulut Sami , Yilmaz Mehmet
Published: February 2018

Hydatid cyst disease caused by E. granulosus is a zoonotic disease that may involve many body tissues and organs, mainly liver. Adrenal glands are rarely involved even in regions where hydatid cyst disease is endemic. A limited number of studies have been reported on adrenal gland involvement by hydatid cyst disease. Herein, we aimed to report a recurrent case of adrenal hydatid cyst that was misdiagnosed as a hepatic hydatid cyst. A 16-year-old boy with a history of partial cyst excision and evacuation for perforated adrenal hydatid cyst disease three years ago presented to our outpatient clinic with nonspecific abdominal pain. Ultrasonography and computed tomography showed a lesion with an approximate size of 70 × 70 mm compatible with a hydatid cyst, which originated from the segment 5-6 of the liver and extended to the posterior-inferior direction. A surgical intervention was scheduled after a 2-week prophylactic albendazole treatment. During laparotomy using the old incision, it was noted that the cystic lesion that reportedly located in liver was actually a recurrent right adrenal cyst. As dense adhesions existed, the cystic lesion was excised en bloc with the right adrenal gland. As the lesion was totally removed without getting ruptured, albendazole was not administered at the postoperative period. No recurrence was observed at one-year follow-up.
Experimental Assessment of a Skyhook Semiactive Strategy for Seismic Vibration Control of a Steel Structure
Authors: Caterino Nicola , Spizzuoco Mariacristina , Occhiuzzi Antonio , Bonati Antonio
Published: February 2018

Sky‐hook damping is one of the most promising techniques for feedback control of structural vibrations. It is based on the idea of connecting the structure to an ideal fixed point of the space through passive dissipative devices. Herein the benefit of semiactive (SA) sky‐hook (SH) damping is investigated for seismic protection of a two‐storey steel frame via shaking table tests. This kind of SA control is achieved implementing a continuous monitoring of selected structural response parameters and using variable dampers. The damping properties of the latter are changed in real‐time so as to make the force provided by the damper match the desired SH damping force as closely as possible. To this aim, two prototype magnetorheological dampers have been installed at the first level of the frame and remotely driven by a SH controller. The effectiveness of the control strategy is measured as response to reduction in terms of floor accelerations and interstory drift in respect to the uncontrolled configuration. Two different calibrations of the SH controller have been tested. The experimental results are deeply discussed in order to identify the optimal one and understand the motivations of its better performance.
Biocompatible Silver Nanoparticle-Modified Natural Diatomite with Anti-Infective Property
Authors: Sun Haolin , Wen Xiaoxiao , Zhang Xiang , Wei Donglei , Yang Huilin , Li Chunde , Yang Lei
Published: February 2018

Nanosilver as an alternative antibacterial agent of antibiotics has been researched for possible applications in various orthopedic implants. However, it is imperative to achieve controllable release of Ag+ to reduce its cytotoxic effect on normal tissue. Here, a nanosilver release system that has potential to be used in anti-infective bone cement was reported. Nanosilver modified diatomite was developed through the reaction of Tollens’ reagent to improve the antibacterial effect and natural diatomite was used as the carrier of Ag+ ions for controlled release. Cytotoxicity and the antibacterial activities of the nanosilver release system were characterized. After 3 days, the NIH3T3 cells cultured in the extract of nanosilver modified diatomite with an initial concentration of 0.5 mg/ml showed better cell viability than cells cultured in α-MEM. The density of MC3T3-E1 cells cultured in the extract of nanosilver modified diatomite at the same concentration did not differ significantly from the density of cells cultured in α-MEM. The nanosilver modified diatomite exhibited antibacterial effect against E. coli and S. aureus when the concentration was higher than 0.5 mg/ml. With appropriate selection of Ag+ concentration, the nanosilver modified diatomite is promising for improving the antibacterial effect while not affecting the biocompatibility of reinforced calcium phosphate bone cement.
A Case of Spontaneously Improving Secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in an Adult Associated with T-Cell Histiocyte-Rich Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Askin Cyrus , Burris Ashley , Layman Clifton , Haney Brian , Hall Jordan
Published: February 2018

Secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) in adults is a rare, often fatal syndrome characterized by widespread immune dysregulation. It is seen as a complication of infections, autoimmune diseases, and malignancies. Among the malignancy-related causes, aggressive T-cell or NK-cell neoplasms are most notable, while B-cell lymphomas are less commonly implicated. We present the case of a 32-year-old male transferred to our facility with concern for HLH. During the first week of his hospitalization, his diagnosis was confirmed and the patient demonstrated spontaneous improvement in his symptoms prompting us to delay therapy while searching for a primary cause. In the second week, the patient deteriorated, leading us to initiate steroid monotherapy in the absence of a cause for his HLH. Meanwhile, pathology results from an excisional lymph node biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of T-cell/histiocyte-rich large B-cell lymphoma (TCHRLBCL). Subsequently, we initiated therapy with dose-adjusted R-EPOCH. The patient achieved a complete remission of both HLH and TCHRLBCL as well as a complete return to his prior functional status. In our review of the literature, this represents only the second documented case of HLH associated with TCHRLBCL and the only documented case of an adult experiencing significant spontaneous recovery in this context.
Alpha-L-Fucosidase Serves as a Prognostic Indicator for Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma and Inhibits Its Invasion Capacity
Authors: Shuang Zeyu , Mao Yize , Lin Guohe , Wang Jun , Huang Xin , Chen Jianlin , Duan Fangting , Li Shengping
Published: February 2018

Alpha-L-fucosidase (AFU) has been reported to be a predictor of survival in patients with several cancers, but it is unclear whether AFU is associated with prognosis in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA). In this study, we used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to generate the cutoff point of AFU for overall survival (OS). The prognostic influence of the AFU level in serum on OS was studied using Kaplan-Meier curves. Moreover, invasion assays and Western blotting were performed to explore the effects of AFU on iCCA invasion in vitro. We found that higher AFU levels (≥20.85 U/L) were significantly associated with favorable median OS (44.3 months versus 20.1 months;P=0.022) in iCCA patients. Cox regression models’ analyses showed that the AFU level was an independent predictor for OS (P=0.006). Moreover, our results revealed that the AFU could impair the invasion capability of the iCCA cells, HuH28, and also downregulated the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2 and matrix metalloproteinase 9. In conclusion, our results indicate that AFU is a significantly favorable prognostic factor in iCCA patients.
On Minimizing the Ultimate Ruin Probability of an Insurer by Reinsurance
Authors: Kasumo Christian , Kasozi Juma , Kuznetsov Dmitry
Published: February 2018

We consider an insurance company whose reserves dynamics follow a diffusion-perturbed risk model. To reduce its risk, the company chooses to reinsure using proportional or excess-of-loss reinsurance. Using the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman (HJB) approach, we derive a second-order Volterra integrodifferential equation (VIDE) which we transform into a linear Volterra integral equation (VIE) of the second kind. We then proceed to solve this linear VIE numerically using the block-by-block method for the optimal reinsurance policy that minimizes the ultimate ruin probability for the chosen parameters. Numerical examples with both light- and heavy-tailed distributions are given. The results show that proportional reinsurance increases the survival of the company in both light- and heavy-tailed distributions for the Cramér-Lundberg and diffusion-perturbed models.
Cholesterol Depletion by TASIN-1 Induces Apoptotic Cell Death through the ER Stress/ROS/JNK Signaling in Colon Cancer Cells
Authors: Zhang Lu , Kim Sang Bum , Luitel Krishna , Shay Jerry W.
Published: February 2018

Truncated APC selective inhibitor-1 (TASIN-1) is a recently identified small molecule that selectively kills colorectal cancer cells that express truncated adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) by reducing cellular cholesterol levels. However, the downstream mechanism responsible for its cytotoxicity is not well understood. In this study, we show that TASIN-1 leads to apoptotic cell death via inducing ER stress-dependent JNK activation in human truncated APC colon cancer cells, accompanied by production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition, TASIN-1 inhibits AKT activity through a cholesterol-dependent manner. Human colon tumor xenografts in immunodeficient mice also show the same TASIN-1 induced molecular mechanisms of tumor cell death as observed in vitro. Taken together, cholesterol depletion by TASIN-1 treatment induces apoptotic cell death through activating ER stress/ROS/JNK axis and inhibiting AKT pro-survival signaling in colon cancer cells with truncated APC both in vitro and in vivo. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(5); 943–51. ©2018 AACR.
Carotid Stenting for Treatment of Symptomatic Carotid Webs: A Single-Center Case Series
Authors: Brinjikji Waleed , Agid Ronit , Pereira Vitor M.
Published: February 2018

Background and Purpose: Carotid webs are an increasingly recognized cause of acute is­chemic stroke, particularly in younger adults. The optimal medical and surgical strategies for managing these lesions have not been well established. We report a single-center case series of carotid stenting for treatment of symptomatic carotid webs. Materials and Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing stent placement for treatment of symptomatic carotid webs were included. Carotid webs were defined as a thin intraluminal filling defect along the posterior wall of the carotid bulb just beyond the carotid bifurcation on CTA. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, antiplatelet management, clinical presentation, imaging findings, treatment characteristics, complications, and stroke recurrence rates. Descriptive statistics are reported. Results: A total of 4 patients were treated. Their mean age was 44 years (range 30–50). Three patients were female and 1 was male. All patients were symptomatic presenting with ipsilateral transient ischemic attacks or stroke. Patients were placed on dual antiplatelet therapy with ticagrelor and aspirin prior to the procedure. There were no ischemic or hemorrhagic complications. Three patients had postoperative bradycardia, 1 of whom required atropine immediately following stenting. No patients had recurrent ischemic events. Conclusions: Stent placement for treatment of carotid webs can be performed safely. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings.
Step Numbers and Hoehn-Yahr Stage after Six Years
Authors: Kataoka Hiroshi , Tanaka Noriyuki , Kiriyama Takao , Eura Nobuyuki , Ikeda Masanori , Izumi Tesseki , Furiya Yoshiko , Sugie Kazuma , Ueno Satoshi
Published: February 2018

Background: Freezing of gait (FOG) has been linked to increased numbers of steps taken while walking. We tested the hypothesis that an increased number of steps associated with FOG might predict the exacerbation of the severity of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Methods: We prospectively studied 26 patients. Clinical assessments were performed and balance was evaluated in 30 patients with Hoehn-Yahr stage III PD 6 years previously. Gait parameters were analyzed with the use of an originally designed, suddenly narrowed path. PD-related independent variables, balance investigation-related variables, and gait-independent-related variables were analyzed by multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: The Hoehn-Yahr stage increased in 14 patients and was unchanged in 12 patients. The 36-item Short-Form Health Survey score (OR 1.079, p = 0.041, 95% CI 1.003–1.161) and the number of steps on the suddenly narrow path (OR 1.605, p = 0.047, 95% CI 1.006–2.56) were related to an increase in the Hoehn-Yahr stage. The number of steps was significantly higher on the suddenly narrowed path (11.3 ± 3.6) than on a straightly narrowed path (10.1 ± 3.2) at the time of final follow-up in the 26 patients (p < 0.001). Conclusions: An increased number of steps associated with FOG, which was elicited by the suddenly narrowed path, might be one predictor of an upgrade of stage in patients with Hoehn-Yahr stage III PD.
Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection: Current State of the Science: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association
Authors: Hayes Sharonne N. , Kim Esther S.H. , Saw Jacqueline , Adlam David , Arslanian-Engoren Cynthia , Economy Katherine E. , Ganesh Santhi K. , Gulati Rajiv , Lindsay Mark E. , Mieres Jennifer H. , Naderi Sahar , Shah Svati , Thaler David E. , Tweet Marysia S. , Wood Malissa J.
Published: February 2018

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) has emerged as an important cause of acute coronary syndrome, myocardial infarction, and sudden death, particularly among young women and individuals with few conventional atherosclerotic risk factors. Patient-initiated research has spurred increased awareness of SCAD, and improved diagnostic capabilities and findings from large case series have led to changes in approaches to initial and long-term management and increasing evidence that SCAD not only is more common than previously believed but also must be evaluated and treated differently from atherosclerotic myocardial infarction. High rates of recurrent SCAD; its association with female sex, pregnancy, and physical and emotional stress triggers; and concurrent systemic arteriopathies, particularly fibromuscular dysplasia, highlight the differences in clinical characteristics of SCAD compared with atherosclerotic disease. Recent insights into the causes of, clinical course of, treatment options for, outcomes of, and associated conditions of SCAD and the many persistent knowledge gaps are presented.
RETRACTED: Meanwhile in China … Miao Ying and the Rise of Chinternet Ugly
Authors: Holmes Ros
Published: February 2018

This article examines a series of internet artworks by the artist Miao Ying (b. 1985). Contextualizing her digital collages in relation to China's online culture and media spheres, it situates the contemporary art world's engagement with internet art in relation to anti-aesthetics and the rise of what has been termed Internet ugly. Interrogating the assumption that internet art emerging from China can only belatedly repeat works of Euro-American precedent, it argues that Miao's work presents a dramatic reframing of online censorship, consumerism and the unique aspects of vernacular culture that have emerged within China's online realm. Demonstrating a distinctly self-conscious celebration of what has often disparagingly been labeled The Chinternet, Meanwhile in China can be seen to emerge out of the broader contradictions of internet art practices that parody the relationships between The Chinternet and the World Wide Web, global capitalism and Shanzhai [fake or pirated] aesthetics, online propaganda and media democracy, and the art market's relationship to the virtual economies of an art world online.
Introduction to Carlos Mérida's “The True Meaning of
the Work of Saturnino Herrán”
Authors: Montgomery Harper
Published: February 2018

The introductory essay places “The True Meaning of the Work of Saturnino Herrán: The False Critics” (1920), a piece of early criticism written by the Guatemalan artist Carlos Mérida during the first year he lived in Mexico City, within the contexts of the cosmopolitan milieu of post-Revolutionary Mexico and the artist's own trajectory. It suggests that the text both demonstrates intellectuals’ interest in questions of form and national art and Mérida's desire to provide a critical framework for his own paintings of indigenous Guatemalan and Mexican women. In “The True Meaning of the Work of Saturnino Herrán: The False Critics,” Mérida lashed out at Mexican critics for praising Herrán as the best and most Mexican painter of the time, arguing, instead that the realism and sentimentalism of Herrán's paintings dishonored national themes by presenting them as picturesque stereotypes. Published in the widely-read magazine El Universal Ilustrado, the text attacks Herrán's paintings and the critics who praise them while also arguing that the predominance of the artist is symptomatic of the predominant problem of the literary nature of Mexican artists’ engagement with autochthonous art and culture.
Eurozonization of the Chinese Economy: How Do Intergovernmental Transfers Affect Local Government Debt in China?
Authors: Lu Ming , Zhong Huiyong
Published: February 2018

China's local government debt has risen dramatically bringing risks to China's fiscal sustainability and long term economic growth. Using urban construction investment bonds (UCIBs) issued by local government financing vehicles (LGFVs), we study how intergovernmental fiscal transfers impact the issuance of UCIBs under China's unitary currency system. Applying instrumental variable estimation, we find that special-purpose fiscal transfers per capita are positively associated with the issuance of UCIBs. A one-RMB increase in special-purpose fiscal transfers per capita is associated with an increase in the issuance of UCIBs per capita of 0.282 RMB, whereas regular fiscal transfers (including tax rebates and general fiscal transfers) do not affect the issuance of UCIBs. Furthermore, the effect of special-purpose fiscal transfers on the issuance of UCIBs mainly exists in inland cities rather than coastal cities. This imposes risks of “eurozonization” for the Chinese economy. We also find a deterioration of refinancing in terms of issuing more UCIBs.
NeuroCave: A web-based immersive visualization platform for exploring connectome datasets
Authors: Keiriz Johnson J. G. , Zhan Liang , Ajilore Olusola , Leow Alex D. , Forbes Angus G.
Published: February 2018

We introduce NeuroCave, a novel immersive visualization system that facilitates the visual inspection of structural and functional connectome datasets. The representation of the human connectome as a graph enables neuroscientists to apply network-theoretic approaches in order to explore its complex characteristics. With NeuroCave, brain researchers can interact with the connectome—either in a standard desktop environment or while wearing portable virtual reality headsets (such as Oculus Rift, Samsung Gear, or Google Daydream VR platforms)—in any coordinate system or topological space, as well as cluster brain regions into different modules on-demand. Furthermore, a default side-by-side layout enables simultaneous, synchronized manipulation in 3D, utilizing modern GPU hardware architecture, and facilitates comparison tasks across different subjects or diagnostic groups or longitudinally within the same subject. Visual clutter is mitigated using a state-of-the-art edge bundling technique and through an interactive layout strategy, while modular structure is optimally positioned in 3D exploiting mathematical properties of platonic solids. NeuroCave provides new functionality to support a range of analysis tasks not available in other visualization software platforms.
Variability and stability of large-scale cortical oscillation patterns
Authors: Cox Roy , Schapiro Anna C. , Stickgold Robert
Published: February 2018

Individual differences in brain organization exist at many spatiotemporal scales and underlie the diversity of human thought and behavior. Oscillatory neural activity is crucial for these processes, but how such rhythms are expressed across the cortex within and across individuals is poorly understood. We conducted a systematic characterization of brain-wide activity across frequency bands and oscillatory features during rest and task execution. We found that oscillatory profiles exhibit sizable group-level similarities, indicating the presence of common templates of oscillatory organization. Nonetheless, well-defined subject-specific network profiles were discernible beyond the structure shared across individuals. These individualized patterns were sufficiently stable to recognize individuals several months later. Moreover, network structure of rhythmic activity varied considerably across distinct oscillatory frequencies and features, indicating the existence of several parallel information processing streams embedded in distributed electrophysiological activity. These findings suggest that network similarity analyses may be useful for understanding the role of large-scale brain oscillations in physiology and behavior.
Christian Cultural Defeatism in the Arts
Authors: Shannon Nathan D.
Published: February 2018

The goal of this article is to explore the theology of cultural engagement with focus on the fine arts, and to redress a common misunderstanding, certainly in practice if not in theory as well. Looking at Cornelius Van Til’s engagement with Abraham Kuyper on the noetic effects of the fall and regeneration, I diagnose the cultural problem as one of imbalance: the subjective supervenes on the objective, so to speak, so that cultural spheres themselves succumb to the soteric status of regenerate or unregenerate image bearers. Hans Rookmaaker corroborates this account and helps clarify several ways in which this framework translates aesthetically and undermines Christian witness in the arts, cultural disadvantages caught by William Edgar as well. Borrowing from Rookmaaker, Kuyper, and Edgar, I then propose a repaired theology of culture and the artistic sphere.
Effects of density on sex organ development and female sexual maturity in laboratory-bred Microtus fortis
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Zhang Meiwen , Han Qunhua , Guo Cong , Zhou Xunjun , Li Bo , Wang Yong
Published: February 2018

Density dependence plays a key role in determining the population sizes of rodents. To explore density-dependent effects on sexual development, we documented and analyzed the development of the sex organs and hormone concentrations in both sexes, and the time to maturity in females of the reed vole in response to different population densities under laboratory conditions. Weaned voles were put into either same-sex or mixed-sex groups. Upon maturity, organ coefficients were calculated for sex organs as the length or weight of the sex organ divided by the length or weight of the body, respectively. The results demonstrate that, for individuals in same-sex groups, the coefficients for uterine length and short diameter of the testis decreased as population density increased. Population density had a highly significant effect on hormone concentrations as well as time to maturity in females. Population density in mixed-sex groups affects hormone concentrations, and increases the organ coefficients for ovarian weight, uterine weight, and uterine length; however, population density had no significant effect on the time to maturity of female voles in mixed-sex groups. These experiments showed that the effect of density dependence on the development of the vole differed between same-sex and mixed-sex conditions, the effects of increased density being greater in same-sex groups. We conclude that the effect of promoting sexual development between individuals might be greater than the effect of inhibition between individuals in mixed-sex groups.
Larval description and habitat utilization of an amphidromous goby, Redigobius bikolanus (Gobiidae)
Authors: Tran Thanh Trung , Tran Hau Duc , Nguyen Huan Xuan
Published: February 2018

Redigobius bikolanus(Gobiidae), which is distributed widely in the tropical regions of the West Pacific, is categorized as an amphidromous fish. Such fish reproduce in fresh water and newly hatched larvae immediately drift downstream to the estuary and sea where they spend a pelagic stage before returning upstream as juveniles. The morphology of larvalR. bikolanushas been reported mainly from Japan, whereas little is known about the early stages of this species on the Asian continent. To understand larval growth of this goby, monthly and bimonthly collections with ichthyoplankton nets were made in the Tien Yen estuary in northern Vietnam, from October 2014 to September 2015. A total of 282 larvae (preflexion to postflexion stages, 2.3-5.4 mm body length) ofR. bikolanuswere collected from the center of the current in May, but none were captured in the waters near the banks. The larvae were similar in general morphology to those of common gobies, but could be distinguished from other gobiid genera by two very large stellate melanophores on the ventral surface of the trunk and tail. Descriptions ofR. bikolanuslarvae based on a series of wild specimens are provided. The fishes occurred in low salinities (0.2-2.3 PSU) within 1 m from the surface layer. Together with the wide range of size and developmental stages, this suggests that larvae ofR. bikolanusutilize the center of the current of the Tien Yen estuary as their nursery area. This habitat has not been recorded in Japan.
Redescription of the poorly known pea crab, Pinnixa plectrophoros Glassell, 1935 (Decapoda: Pinnotheridae), from the Gulf of California
Authors: SALGADO-BARRAGÁN JOSE , BARRAGÁN ANA K. , BERRIAN JAMES E.
Published: February 2018

A complete redescription of the pinnotherid crab, Pinnixa plectrophoros Glassell, 1935, is presented. Glassell's original description of P. plectrophoros, although without any accompanying illustrations, includes a series of morphological characteristics that help, to a certain extent, correctly identify the specimens of the species. A detailed examination of the holotype and specimens collected from Bahía Santa María-La Reforma, Sinaloa, in the central Gulf of California, revealed that the species has features, such as spines and tubercles, which were not mentioned in the original description. The original description of Pinnixa plectrophoros by Glassell (1935b) is hereby modified on the basis of the holotype, deposited in the San Diego Natural History Museum (SDNHM) and fresh material from Sinaloa, central Gulf of California, including illustrations and a photograph of color in life. The specimens from Sinaloa correspond to the second record of the species, 870 km southeast of the type locality.
Polarizing Figures: Executive Power and Institutional Conflict in Asian Democracies
Authors: Slater Dan , Arugay Aries A.
Published: February 2018

Polarization does not necessarily pit left against right, rich against poor, secular against religious, or ethnicity against ethnicity. Rather than polarizing along deep social or ideological cleavages, today’s democracies often polarize over the perceived abuse of power by popularly elected chief executives. We argue that such conflicts are built into the definition and design of democracy, which requires both vertical accountability (i.e., inclusivity) and horizontal accountability (i.e., constraints) and divides sovereignty into separate institutions. We illustrate our institutional theory of polarization through a comparative analysis of polarizing crises in five Asian democracies since 2000. What mattered most for these crises’ severity and eventual resolution was not the depth of social cleavages, but how the leading elite opponents of polarizing figures managed their removal from office.
Dominant News Frames, Society’s Memory, and the African Asylum Seekers’ Protest in Israel
Authors: Tirosh Noam
Published: February 2018

This study questions the role of media in the formation of society’s memory regarding the asylum seeker struggle in Israel. Through analyzing 180 news articles published during the daily coverage of the refugees’ protest in Israel between December 2013 and January 2014, this study offers an opportunity to explore the mediated environment that also shapes the refugees’ situation in Israel and the role of the printed press in a memory contestation. The study demonstrates that while traditional media are a site in which different versions of the past, even including the refugees’ own version, are being contested and evaluated, they are not enough to guarantee that refugees will gain recognition as such, because traditional media maintain the power to shape and construct the debate in ways that do not always support the refugees’ claims.
Finding the optimal treatment model: A systematic review of treatment for co-occurring alcohol misuse and depression
Authors: Hobden Breanne , Bryant Jamie , Carey Mariko , Baker Amanda L , Farrell Michael , Oldmeadow Christopher , Mattick Richard P , Shakeshaft Anthony , Sanson-Fisher Rob
Published: February 2018

Objectives:

Alcohol misuse and depression are commonly co-occurring conditions. To date, no review has examined the most efficacious treatment model for psychosocial treatment of co-occurring alcohol misuse and depression. This systematic review determined the: (i) methodological quality of publications examining psychosocial treatment of co-occurring alcohol misuse and depression using a sequential, parallel or integrated treatment model; and (ii) effectiveness of each dual treatment model compared to single treatment for those with co-occurring alcohol misuse and depression.

Methods:

PubMed, Medline and PsycInfo databases were searched for studies which were included if they involved treatment for alcohol misuse and depression and could be classified into one of the three treatment models. Included studies were assessed using the Cochrane’s Effective Practice and Organisation of Care risk of bias criteria. Relevant study characteristics and outcomes were extracted and are presented in a narrative review format.

Results:

Seven studies met inclusion criteria. None were categorised as low risk on the risk of bias criteria. No studies examined a sequential model of treatment, three examined a parallel model and four examined an integrated model of dual-focussed treatment. The studies examining the parallel model and two out of four studies examining the effectiveness of an integrated model demonstrated greater improvement for alcohol or depression outcomes compared to control conditions.

Conclusion:

Evidence for the psychosocial treatment of co-occurring alcohol misuse and depression is limited to a handful of studies. The evidence has several methodological limitations, which impact the interpretation of the findings. Therefore, while international guidelines recommend integrated dual-focussed treatment for co-occurring conditions, there is little evidence supporting the superiority of this treatment format for co-occurring alcohol misuse and depression. High-quality research demonstrating improvements in patient outcomes is required to ensure recommendations for clinical practice are based on strong empirical evidence.
A Case of Ivermectin-Induced Warfarin Toxicity: First Published Report
Authors: Gilbert Brian Wesley , Slechta Joe
Published: February 2018

Here, we present the case of a patient who developed a large hematoma under his tongue while taking concomitant warfarin and ivermectin. Ivermectin has been shown to interfere with vitamin K–dependent clotting factors II, V, VII, and X. However, all the data to date have been from in vivo data with little to no reports on its effects on humans. To our knowledge, this is the first case report to present such a case.
Experimental study of the out-of-plane dynamic behaviour of adhesively bonded composite joints using split Hopkinson pressure bars
Authors: Sassi S , Tarfaoui M , Benyahia H
Published: February 2018

The effect of the strain rate on the mechanical behavior and the damage of adhesively bonded joints is one of the most important factors to consider in designing them. Vast research has been carried out on the dynamic behaviour of adhesives at different strain rates; however, the investigation about the dynamic behaviour of the adhesively bonded joints is limited. In this paper, the main objective is to study and assess the effect of the strain rate on the out-of-plane mechanical behaviour of adhesively bonded joints under dynamic compression using Hopkinson bars. These joints are studied using glass/vinylester composite materials which are commonly used in naval applications. The experimantal results have shown a strong material sensitivity to strain rates. Moreover, damage investigations have revealed that the failure mainly occurred in the adhesive/adherent interface because of the brittle nature of the polymeric adhesive. Results have shown good agreement with the dependency of the dynamic parameters on strain rates.