bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Categories of diagrams with irreversible moves
Authors: Niebrzydowski Maciej
Published: February 2018

We work with a generalization of knot theory, in which one diagram is reachable from another via a finite sequence of moves if a fixed condition regarding the existence of certain morphisms in an associated category is satisfied for every move of the sequence. This conditional setting leads to a possibility of irreversible moves, terminal states, and to using functors more general than the ones used as knot invariants. Our main focus is the category of diagrams with a binary relation on the set of arcs, indicating which arc can move over another arc. We define homology of binary relations, and merge it with quandle homology, to obtain the homology for partial quandles with a binary relation. This last homology can be used to analyze link diagrams with a binary relation on the set of components.
Patterns in Khovanov link and chromatic graph homology
Authors: Sazdanovic Radmila , Scofield Daniel
Published: February 2018

Khovanov homology of a link and chromatic graph homology are known to be isomorphic in a range of homological gradings that depend on the girth of a graph. We discuss patterns shared by these two homology theories. In particular, we improve the bounds for the homological span of chromatic homology by Helme–Guizon, Przytycki and Rong. An explicit formula for the rank of the third chromatic homology group on the main diagonal is given and used to compute the corresponding Khovanov homology group and the fourth coefficient of the Jones polynomial for links with certain diagrams.
THE INFLUENCE OF ELECTROLYTE STIRRING ON ANODIC GROWTH OF Ni-Ti-O NANOPORES ON NiTi ALLOY
Authors: ZHAO YA , LIU YANLIAN , LIU SI , BAI LONG , YAO XIAOHONG , TANG BIN , HANG RUIQIANG
Published: February 2018

We report on the influence of stirring of electrolyte (glycerol[Formula: see text] H2O [Formula: see text] NaCl) on anodic growth of Ni-Ti-O nanopores (NPs) on nearly equiatomic NiTi alloy at different applied voltages. The results show that anodization is a diffusion-controlled process. The stirring has little influence on the NP diameter, but shortens its length. High stirring speed of electrolyte yields high Ni content in the NPs, which is promising in electrocatalysis, biosensor, supercapacitor, and other related fields.
THE EFFECT OF COPPER ION ON THE FILM FORMATION RATE OF TITANIUM-BASED NANOCERAMIC LAYER ON A MILD STEEL SURFACE
Authors: GHANBARI ALIREZA , POURHOSSAINI MOHAMMAD REZA
Published: February 2018

In this study, the effect of copper ion (Cu[Formula: see text]) was investigated on the film formation rate of Ti-based nanoceramic conversion layer on a ST12 type mild steel. At the first step, the film formation properties of the Ti conversion layer were characterized using DC polarization technique and FE-SEM micrographs. In the next step, concentration of Cu ion was optimized in the Ti solution bath, and finally, the rate of Ti ion (Ti[Formula: see text]) consumption in the conversion solution bath, with and without Cu ion, was detected by spectrophotometric technique using a dye-metal indicator. It was revealed that the addition of Cu ion to the Ti solution bath could increase the precipitation rate of Ti-based compounds on the mild steel substrate, leading to increment of film formation rate of the conversion layer.
SPECTROSCOPIC PROPERTIES OF INDIUM-DOPED CdO NANOSTRUCTURES SUPPORTED BY DFT CALCULATIONS
Authors: ABDULSATTAR MUDAR AHMED , BATROS SHATHA SHAMMON , ADDIE ALI J.
Published: February 2018

Indium-doped cadmium oxide nanocrystals are examined using experimental and theoretical techniques. Raman, UV–Vis, and XRD facilities are used to examine Indium-doped CdO nanostructures with three doping ratios 2%, 4% and 6% weight percentages. Density functional theory (DFT) is used to check and compare lattice constants, energy gaps, and Raman vibrational properties. The presently suggested cages for the cubic rock-salt structured clusters adopted by CdO are called cuboids. These cuboids are investigated in bare, and hydrogen surface passivated cases. Experimental results of In-doped CdO show an increase of lattice constants and energy gap. The same trend is observed using density functional theory calculations. The experimental longitudinal optical Raman peak at 556[Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text] encounters blue shifting to 561.5 [Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text] at 6% weight percentages In doping. This result is in the same trend using DFT calculations of In-doped CdO hydrogen passivated tetracuboid molecular cluster that shifted from 510.2[Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text] to 531.3[Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text] upon In doping. No Burstein–Moss effect is observed by the theoretical model.
Principal component analysis in protein tertiary structure prediction
Authors: Álvarez Óscar , Fernández-Martínez Juan Luis , Fernández-Brillet Celia , Cernea Ana , Fernández-Muñiz Zulima , Kloczkowski Andrzej
Published: February 2018

We discuss applicability of principal component analysis (PCA) for protein tertiary structure prediction from amino acid sequence. The algorithm presented in this paper belongs to the category of protein refinement models and involves establishing a low-dimensional space where the sampling (and optimization) is carried out via particle swarm optimizer (PSO). The reduced space is found via PCA performed for a set of low-energy protein models previously found using different optimization techniques. A high frequency term is added into this expansion by projecting the best decoy into the PCA basis set and calculating the residual model. This term is aimed at providing high frequency details in the energy optimization. The goal of this research is to analyze how the dimensionality reduction affects the prediction capability of the PSO procedure. For that purpose, different proteins from the Critical Assessment of Techniques for Protein Structure Prediction experiments were modeled. In all the cases, both the energy of the best decoy and the distance to the native structure have decreased. Our analysis also shows how the predicted backbone structure of native conformation and of alternative low energy states varies with respect to the PCA dimensionality. Generally speaking, the reconstruction can be successfully achieved with 10 principal components and the high frequency term. We also provide a computational analysis of protein energy landscape for the inverse problem of reconstructing structure from the reduced number of principal components, showing that the dimensionality reduction alleviates the ill-posed character of this high-dimensional energy optimization problem. The procedure explained in this paper is very fast and allows testing different PCA expansions. Our results show that PSO improves the energy of the best decoy used in the PCA when the adequate number of PCA terms is considered.
Octahedron shaped lead sulfide nanocrystals as counter electrodes for quantum dot sensitized solar cells
Authors: Xu Tingting , Hu Jinglu , Wei Pengli , Qin Xiulan , Huang Tao , Chen Lixin , Wu Hongjing
Published: February 2018

PbS nanocrystals with octahedron shape are synthesized by a low temperature approach with presence of cation/anion surfactants in aqueous solution. CdS quantum dot sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) based on these novel octahedron shaped PbS counter electrodes (CEs) are fabricated for the first time, achieving PCE of 1.54%. It is observed that the octahedron shaped PbS CE shows higher electrocatalytic activity compared with the Pt CE, indicating that the PbS nanocrystals with a uniformly distributed size is a superior candidate as CEs for QDSSCs application. This work may provide new route for preparing PbS from aqueous solvent medium through a simple synthesis route.
Von Neumann regular graphs associated with rings
Authors: Taloukolaei Ali Jafari , Sahebi Shervin
Published: February 2018

Let [Formula: see text] be a ring with nonzero identity. By the Von Neumann regular graph of [Formula: see text], we mean the graph that its vertices are all elements of [Formula: see text] such that there is an edge between vertices [Formula: see text] if and only if [Formula: see text] is a Von Neumann regular element of [Formula: see text], denoted by [Formula: see text]. In this paper, the basic properties of [Formula: see text] are investigated and some characterization results regarding connectedness, diameter, girth and planarity of [Formula: see text] are given.
Toward an effective peripheral visceral analgesic: responding to the national opioid crisis
Authors: Camilleri Michael
Published: February 2018

This mini-review summarizes recent new developments in visceral analgesics. This promising field is important, as a new approach to address abdominal pain with peripheral visceral analgesics is considered a key approach to addressing the current opioid crisis. Some of the novel compounds address peripheral pain mechanisms through modulation of opioid receptors via biased ligands, nociceptin/orphanin FQ opioid peptide (NOP) receptor, or dual action on NOP and μ-opioid receptor, buprenorphine and morphiceptin analogs. Other compounds target nonopioid mechanisms, including cannabinoid (CB2), N-methyl-d-aspartate, calcitonin gene-related peptide, estrogen, and adenosine A2B receptors and transient receptor potential (TRP) channels (TRPV1, TRPV4, and TRPM8). Although current evidence is based predominantly on animal models of visceral pain, early human studies also support the evidence from the basic and animal research. This augurs well for the development of nonaddictive, visceral analgesics for treatment of chronic abdominal pain, an unmet clinical need.
Antigout Effects of Plantago asiatica: Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitory Activities Assessed by Electrochemical Biosensing Method
Authors: Zeng Jin-Xiang , Wang Juan , Zhang Shou-Wen , Zhu Ji-Xiao , Li Min , Huang Wei-Hua , Wan Jin-Yi , Yao Hai-Qiang , Wang Chong-Zhi , Yuan Chun-Su
Published: February 2018

The XOD inhibitory effects of Plantaginis Semen, that is, the seeds of P. asiatisca, and its representative four single compounds, acteoside, 1H‐indolo‐3‐carbaldehyde, isoacteoside, and myristic acid, were evaluated by electron transfer signal blocking activities (ETSBA), which is based on the electron transfer signal of XOD enzymatic reaction. The blocking activities were detected using an electrochemical biosensing method. Compared with control, significant effects were observed after the addition of P. asiatica extract, acteoside, and 1H‐indolo‐3‐carbaldehyde (all p < 0.05). The IC50 values of the extract and acteoside are 89.14 and 7.55 μg·mL−1, respectively. The IC20 values of the extract, acteoside, and 1H‐indolo‐3‐carbaldehyde are 24.28, 3.88, and 16.16 μg·mL−1, respectively. Due to the relatively lower inhibitory potential of 1H‐indolo‐3‐carbaldehyde, its IC50 was not obtained. In addition, isoacteoside and myristic acid did not show any XOD inhibitory effects. Our data demonstrated that the XOD inhibitory effects of the extract, acteoside, and 1H‐indolo‐3‐carbaldehyde can be accurately evaluated by the ETSBA method. The results from this study indicated that Plantaginis Semen significantly inhibited XOD activities to reduce hyperuricemia and treat gout. The study also proves that measuring the electron transfer signal blocking activities is a simple, sensitive, and accurate method to evaluate the XOD inhibitory effects.
K Nearest Neighbor Algorithm Coupled with Metabonomics to Study the Therapeutic Mechanism of Sendeng‐4 in Adjuvant‐Induced Rheumatoid Arthritis Rat
Authors: Wang Xiye , Li Dan , Jiang Mingyang , Pei Zhili , Xu Liang
Published: February 2018

As a traditional Mongolian medicine, Sendeng‐4 (SD) has been widely used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Inner Mongolia and exhibits a good curative effect. Unfortunately, due to geographical factors, it is difficult to popularize this drug throughout the whole country, and the mechanism of action of SD has been unclear. In this study, a serum metabolite profile analysis was performed to identify potential biomarkers associated with adjuvant‐induced RA and investigate the mechanism of action of SD. Ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UPLC‐Q‐TOF‐MS) was performed for the metabonomics analysis. K nearest neighbor (KNN) models were established in both positive and negative spectra for classifying data from the control, model, and SD administration groups. Accuracy rate for classification was 95.8% in positive ion mode and 91.7% in negative ion mode. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS‐DA) enabled the identification of 12 metabolites as potential biomarkers of adjuvant‐induced RA. After treatment with SD, the levels of uridine triphosphate, calcitroic acid, dynorphin B (6‐9), and docosahexaenoic acid were restored to normal, indicating that SD likely ameliorated RA by regulating the levels of these biomarkers. This study identified early biomarkers of RA and elucidated the underlying mechanism of action of SD, which is worth further investigation for development as a clinical therapy.
Research of Pose Control Algorithm of Coal Mine Rescue Snake Robot
Authors: Bai Yun , Hou YuanBin
Published: February 2018

Aiming at how to achieve optimal control of joint pitch angles in the process of the robot surmounting obstacle, taking the developed coal mine rescue snake robot as an experimental platform, a pose control algorithm based on particle swarm optimization weight coefficient of extreme learning machine (PSOELM) is proposed. In order to obtain the optimized hidden layer matrix of the extreme learning machine (ELM), particle swarm optimization (PSO) is applied to optimize the weight coefficient of hidden layer matrix. The simulation and experiment results prove that, compared with the ELM algorithm, the smaller mean square error (MSE) between the joint pitch angles of robot and the expected values is acquired by the PSOELM, which overcomes the shortcoming that traditional extreme learning machine cannot reach the best performance because of the random selection of the parameters of the hidden layer nodes. PSOELM is superior to ELM algorithm in control accuracy, fast searching for the optimal and stability. Optimal control of robot’s joint pitch angles is achieved. The algorithm is applied to the surmounting obstacle control of the developed snake robot, and it lays the foundation for further implement of the coal mine rescue.
Mediastinal Hematoma and Tracheal Compression following Transradial Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Smilowitz Nathaniel R. , Saric Muhamed , Attubato Michael J. , Slater James N.
Published: February 2018

Vascular complications from transradial percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are rare. We report an unusual case of stridor after PCI due to brachiocephalic artery perforation, pseudoaneurysm formation, and development of a large mediastinal hematoma with tracheal compression. Endovascular repair of the brachiocephalic artery was achieved with covered stent placement at the neck of the pseudoaneurysm. This case highlights the importance of careful guide catheter placement from the right radial approach. Ultimately, rapid diagnosis of vascular perforation, appropriate airway management, and prompt endovascular repair of the injured vessel is critical to the successful management of this life-threatening condition.
Time-Kill Kinetics of Rezafungin (CD101) in Vagina-Simulative Medium for Fluconazole-Susceptible and Fluconazole-ResistantCandida albicansand Non-albicans CandidaSpecies
Authors: Locke Jeffrey B. , Almaguer Amanda L. , Donatelli Joanna L. , Bartizal Ken F.
Published: February 2018

Background.While echinocandins demonstrate excellent efficacy againstCandidaspecies in disseminated infections and demonstrate potent minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values under standard susceptibility testing conditions, investigation under conditions relevant to the vaginal environment was needed. We assessed the antifungal activity and time-kill kinetics of the novel echinocandin rezafungin (formerly CD101) under such conditions, againstCandidaspecies relevant to vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC).Methods. Susceptibility testing of fluconazole-susceptible and fluconazole-resistantC. albicans,C. glabrata,C. tropicalis,C. parapsilosis, andC. kruseiwas performed in RPMI at pH 7.0 and in vagina-simulative medium (VSM) at pH 4.2 for topical rezafungin, terconazole, fluconazole, and amphotericin B. Time-kill kinetics were evaluated for rezafungin and terconazole at 2, 8, 32, and 128 μg/ml over 72 hours.Results.Rezafungin MIC values were the same or 2-fold higher in VSM/pH 4.2 versus RPMI/pH 7.0. SomeC. albicansterconazole MIC values were lower, but most were significantly higher in VSM than in RPMI. Rezafungin was fungicidal against 11/14 strains and near-fungicidal against the others. Terconazole (128 μg/ml) was fungicidal againstC. kruseiand near-fungicidal against susceptibleC. parapsilosisbut fungistatic versus all other strains evaluated.Conclusion.Rezafungin retained anti-Candidaactivity and fungicidal activity under in vitro conditions relevant to VVC.
Migratory Fish Bone in the Thyroid Gland: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Wu EnHao , Huang Lei , Zhou Ya , Zhu Xun
Published: February 2018

Introduction. Foreign body stuck in the throat is a common emergency case, which can be removed by the endoscopic treatment. Fish bones are one of the common observed foreign bodies in the pharynx or cervical esophagus. Fish bones have a risk of damaging the mucosa when lodged in the upper digestive tract. Foreign bodies of fish bones located outside the laryngopharyngeal tissue are relatively unusual, and it is even more rare that they remain in the thyroid. It may cause local infection, abscess formation, large blood vessels rupture, and other serious life-threatening complications when the position of the fish bone migrates to the neck. We present a unique case of a 31-year-old woman in whom a fish bone was found in the thyroid. The fish bone had been removed successfully two months after the onset of symptoms. The relevant literature is reviewed and summarized.Case Presentation. A foreign body which is located in the neck area by swallowing is usually found in the emergency case. One of the commonest foreign bodies is the fish bone. The common presenting symptoms include foreign body (FB) sensation and or a sharp pain during swallowing. But we report a rare case in which a migratory fish bone stuck in the thyroid gland was found after 3 months. We retrieved previous literature and made a summary.Conclusions. Fish bones are not easy to be found as a foreign body. Surgeons should be aware that fish bones can become lodged in the thyroid gland. Combined with the history should be a wary fish bone to migrate to the case of the thyroid, to avoid misdiagnosis. To confirm the diagnosis, we can take ultrasound, computerized tomographic scanning (CT), and other tests.
Lung Middle Lobe Laceration Needing Lobectomy as Complication of Nuss Bar Removal
Authors: Henry Brice , Lacroix Valérie , Pirotte Thierry , Docquier Pierre-Louis
Published: February 2018

Minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of pectus excavatum as described by Nuss has been used from 1987. The bar initially introduced blindly is now introduced under thoracoscopic control to increase safety of the procedure. It is usually removed two to three years after its insertion in a one-day procedure. Complications of the bar removal are rare but potentially serious. We report the case of a serious complication which occurred immediately after the Nuss bar removal. A 15-year-old boy underwent a Nuss procedure for a severe pectus excavatum without relevant complication. The bar has been removed two years after its insertion in a minimally invasive procedure. Unfortunately, he developed in the immediate postoperative period a hemopneumothorax due to a right middle lobe laceration which required a middle lobectomy by thoracotomy for hemostasis. Lesions of intrathoracic organs are a rare but potentially serious complication of the removal of the Nuss bar. We now propose to perform this procedure under thoracoscopic control to avoid it. In our experience, adhesions between the bar and the pleura are always present, and those with potential risk for bleeding or inducing intrathoracic organ lesions are suppressed prior to the bar removal.
Macrophages and CD8+ T Cells Mediate the Antitumor Efficacy of Combined CD40 Ligation and Imatinib Therapy in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
Authors: Zhang Jennifer Q. , Zeng Shan , Vitiello Gerardo A. , Seifert Adrian M. , Medina Benjamin D. , Beckman Michael J. , Loo Jennifer K. , Santamaria-Barria Juan , Maltbaek Joanna H. , Param Nesteene J. , Moral John A. , Zhao Julia N. , Balachandran Vinod , Rossi Ferdinand , Antonescu Cristina R. , DeMatteo Ronald P.
Published: February 2018

Tyrosine kinase inhibition of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) is effective but typically culminates in resistance and is rarely curative. Immunotherapy has potential application to GIST, as we previously showed that T-cell checkpoint blockade increases the antitumor effects of imatinib. Here, we showed that ligation of CD40 using an agonistic antibody (anti-CD40) activated tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in vivo in a knock-in mouse model of GIST harboring a germline mutation in Kit exon 11. Activated TAMs had greater TNFα production and NFκB signaling and directly inhibited tumor cells in vitro. Anti-CD40 required concomitant therapy with imatinib for efficacy and depended on TAMs, and to a lesser extent CD8+ T cells, but not on CD4+ T cells or B cells. In an analysis of 50 human GIST specimens by flow cytometry, we found that CD40 was expressed on human TAMs and tumor cells yet was downregulated after response to imatinib. CD40 ligation did not have a direct inhibitory effect on human GIST cells. Our findings provide the rationale for combining anti-CD40 and tyrosine kinase inhibition to treat human GIST. Cancer Immunol Res; 6(4); 434–47. ©2018 AACR.
Yttrium-90-Ibritumomab Tiuxetan (Zevalin®) Radioimmunotherapy after Cytoreduction with ESHAP Chemotherapy in Patients with Relapsed Follicular Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: Final Results of a Phase II Study
Authors: Puvvada Soham D. , Guillén-Rodríguez José M. , Yan Jessica , Inclán Lora , Heard Kara , Rivera Xavier I. , Anwer Faiz , Mahadevan Daruka , Schatz Jonathan H. , Persky Daniel O.
Published: February 2018

Background: Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) is effective in treating relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma (FL), with durable remissions in first-line consolidation. We hypothesized that RIT with ibritumomab tiuxetan (Zevalin®) would result in durable remissions by eliminating minimal residual disease after cytoreduction. Methods: Patients with FL received 2 cycles of ESHAP (etoposide, methylprednisolone, cytarabine, cisplatin) every 28 days, followed by Zevalin 4–6 weeks later if there was no disease progression and bone marrow biopsy showed < 25% involvement. Results: Twenty-eight patients were treated, with a median age of 61 years, median of 3 prior therapies, 49% high-risk disease (Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index, FLIPI), and 39% progressive disease. Three patients did not receive Zevalin due to residual bone marrow involvement. The main toxicities were cytopenias, with 11% febrile neutropenia. The overall response rate (ORR) was 72%, with 45% achieving complete response. With a median follow-up of 73 months, 1-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 38%, and median PFS was 10 months, but median overall survival (OS) was not reached. Conclusion: The study did not reach its primary endpoint of a 1-year PFS of 67.3%. Reasons for this could include low accrual, high-risk disease, and inadequate debulking provided by 2 cycles of ESHAP. However, this protocol was associated with tolerable toxicity, high ORR, and high OS. Further studies would optimize debulking and focus on high-risk FL patients.
Presence of Kidney Disease as an Outcome Predictor in Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Bitker Laurent , Sens Florence , Payet Cécile , Turquier Ségolène , Duclos Antoine , Cottin Vincent , Juillard Laurent
Published: February 2018

Background: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) may lead to right heart failure and subsequently alter glomerular filtration rates (GFR). Chronic kidney disease (CKD, GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2) may also adversely affect PAH prognosis. This study aimed to assess how right heart hemodynamics was associated with reduced estimated GFR (eGFR) and the association of CKD with survival in PAH patients. Methods: In a prospective PAH cohort (2003–2012), invasive hemodynamics and eGFR were collected at diagnosis (179 patients) and during follow-up (159 patients). The prevalence of CKD was assessed at PAH diagnosis. Variables, including hemodynamics, associated with reduced eGFR at diagnosis and during follow-up were tested in multivariate analysis. The association of CKD with survival was evaluated using a multivariate Cox regression model. Results: At diagnosis, mean age was 60.4 ± 16.5 years, mean pulmonary arterial pressure was 43 ± 12 mm Hg, and eGFR was 74.4 ± 26.4 mL/min/1.73 m2. CKD was observed in 52 incident patients (29%). Independent determinants of reduced eGFR at diagnosis were age, systemic hypertension, and decreased cardiac index. Independent determinants of reduced eGFR during follow-up were age, female gender, PAH etiology, systemic hypertension, decreased cardiac index, and increased right atrial pressure. Age ≥60 years, female gender, NYHA 4, and CKD at diagnosis were independently associated with decreased survival. The adjusted hazards ratio for death associated with CKD was 1.81 (95% confidence interval [1.01–3.25]). Conclusion: CKD is frequent at PAH diagnosis and is independently associated with increased mortality. Right heart failure may induce renal hypoperfusion and congestion, and is associated with eGFR decrease.
Novel Role of IL (Interleukin)-1β in Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Formation and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Meher Akshaya K. , Spinosa Michael , Davis John P. , Pope Nicolas , Laubach Victor E. , Su Gang , Serbulea Vlad , Leitinger Norbert , Ailawadi Gorav , Upchurch Gilbert R.
Published: February 2018

Objective—

Neutrophils promote experimental abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) formation via a mechanism that is independent from MMPs (matrix metalloproteinases). Recently, we reported a dominant role of IL (interleukin)-1β in the formation of murine experimental AAAs. Here, the hypothesis that IL-1β–induced neutrophil extracellular trap formation (NETosis) promotes AAA was tested.

Approach and Results—

NETs were identified through colocalized staining of neutrophil, Cit-H3 (citrullinated histone H3), and DNA, using immunohistochemistry. NETs were detected in human AAAs and were colocalized with IL-1β. In vitro, IL-1RA attenuated IL-1β–induced NETosis in human neutrophils. Mechanistically, IL-1β treatment of isolated neutrophils induced nuclear localization of ceramide synthase 6 and synthesis of C16-ceramide, which was inhibited by IL-1RA or fumonisin B1, an inhibitor of ceramide synthesis. Furthermore, IL-1RA or fumonisin B1 attenuated IL1-β–induced NETosis. In an experimental model of murine AAA, NETs were detected at a very early stage–day 3 of aneurysm induction. IL-1β–knockout mice demonstrated significantly lower infiltration of neutrophils to aorta and were protected from AAA. Adoptive transfer of wild-type neutrophils promoted AAA formation in IL-1β–knockout mice. Moreover, treatment of wild-type mice with Cl-amidine, an inhibitor NETosis, significantly attenuated AAA formation, whereas, treatment with deoxyribonuclease, a DNA digesting enzyme, had no effect on AAA formation.

Conclusions—

Altogether, the results suggest a dominant role of IL-1β–induced NETosis in AAA formation.
Genome-Wide Association and Functional Studies Identify
SCML4
and
THSD7A
as Novel Susceptibility Genes for Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Li Yang , Wang Dao Wen , Chen Yundai , Chen Can , Guo Jian , Zhang Shu , Sun Zhijun , Ding Hu , Yao Yan , Zhou Lei , Xu Ke , Song Chun , Yang Fan , Zhao Bin , Yan Han , Wang Wen-Jing , Wu Chong , Lu Xiangfeng , Yang Xueli , Dong Jie , Zheng Guyan , Tian Shuhan , Cui Yanjun , Jin Lijuan , Liu Gangqiong , Cui Hanbin , Wang Shenghuang , Jiang Feng , Wang Changhua , Erdmann Jeanette , Zeng Linyao , Huang Shian , Zhong Jianfeng , Ma Yuehua , Chen Wenjiang , Sun Jianli , Lei Wei , Chen Shenghan , Rao Shaoqi , Gu Dongfeng , Schunkert Heribert , Tian Xiao-Li
Published: February 2018

Objective—

The genetic contribution to coronary artery disease (CAD) remains largely unclear. We combined genetic screening with functional characterizations to identify novel loci and candidate genes for CAD.

Approach and Results—

We performed genome-wide screening followed by multicenter validation in 8 cohorts consisting of 21 828 participants of Han ethnicity and identified 3 novel intragenic SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms), rs9486729 (
SCML4
[Scm polycomb group protein-like 4]; odds ratio, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.17–1.34;
P
=3.51×10
−11
), rs17165136 (
THSD7A
[thrombospondin type 1 domain-containing 7A]; odds ratio 1.28; 95% CI, 1.21–1.35;
P
<1.00×10
−25
), and rs852787 (
DAB1
[disabled-1]; odds ratio, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.21–1.38;
P
=2.02×10
−14
), associated with CAD with genome-wide significance. The risk allele of rs9486729 and protective allele of rs17165136 were associated with the decreased expression of their host genes,
SCML4
and
THSD7A
, respectively, whereas rs852787 did not have transcriptional effects on any gene. Knockdown of
SCML4
activated endothelial cells by increasing the expression of
IL-6
,
E-selectin
, and
ICAM
and weakened their antiapoptotic activity, whereas the knockdown of
THSD7A
had little effect on these endothelial cell functions but attenuated monocyte adhesion via decreasing the expression of
ICAM
,
L-selectin
, and
ITGB2
. We further showed that inhibiting the expression of
SCML4
exacerbated endothelial dysfunction and vascular remodeling in a rat model with partial carotid ligation.

Conclusions—

We identify 3 novel loci associated with CAD and show that 2 genes,
SCML4
and
THSD7A
, make functional contributions to atherosclerosis. How rs852787 and its host gene
DAB1
are linked to CAD needs further studies.
Hypoxia Triggers SENP1 (Sentrin-Specific Protease 1) Modulation of KLF15 (Kruppel-Like Factor 15) and Transcriptional Regulation of Arg2 (Arginase 2) in Pulmonary Endothelium
Authors: Pandey Deepesh , Nomura Yohei , Rossberg Max C. , Hori Daijiro , Bhatta Anil , Keceli Gizem , Leucker Thorsten , Santhanam Lakshmi , Shimoda Larissa A. , Berkowitz Dan , Romer Lewis
Published: February 2018

Objective—

KLF15 (Kruppel-like factor 15) has recently been shown to suppress activation of proinflammatory processes that contribute to atherogenesis in vascular smooth muscle, however, the role of KLF15 in vascular endothelial function is unknown. Arginase mediates inflammatory vasculopathy and vascular injury in pulmonary hypertension. Here, we tested the hypothesis that KLF15 is a critical regulator of hypoxia-induced Arg2 (arginase 2) transcription in human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMEC).

Approach and Results—

Quiescent HPMEC express ample amounts of full-length KLF15. HPMECs exposed to 24 hours of hypoxia exhibited a marked decrease in KLF15 protein levels and a reciprocal increase in Arg2 protein and mRNA. Chromatin immunoprecipitation indicated direct binding of KLF15 to the Arg2 promoter, which was relieved with HPMEC exposure to hypoxia. Furthermore, overexpression of KLF15 in HPMEC reversed hypoxia-induced augmentation of Arg2 abundance and arginase activity and rescued nitric oxide (NO) production. Ectopic KLF15 also reversed hypoxia-induced endothelium-mediated vasodilatation in isolated rat pulmonary artery rings. Mechanisms by which hypoxia regulates KLF15 abundance, stability, and compartmentalization to the nucleus in HPMEC were then investigated. Hypoxia triggered deSUMOylation of KLF15 by SENP1 (sentrin-specific protease 1), and translocation of KLF15 from nucleus to cytoplasm.

Conclusions—

KLF15 is a critical regulator of pulmonary endothelial homeostasis via repression of endothelial Arg2 expression. KLF15 abundance and nuclear compartmentalization are regulated by SUMOylation/deSUMOylation—a hypoxia-sensitive process that is controlled by SENP1. Strategies including overexpression of KLF15 or inhibition of SENP1 may represent novel therapeutic targets for pulmonary hypertension.
The Day After Tomorrow: Evaluating the Burden of Trump's Trade War
Authors: Guo Meixin , Lu Lin , Sheng Liugang , Yu Miaojie
Published: February 2018

During his U.S. presidential campaign Donald Trump threatened China with the imposition of high import tariffs on its exports to the United States. To evaluate the repercussions of such an action, this paper uses Eaton and Kortum's 2002 multi-sector, multi-country general equilibrium model with intersectional linkages to forecast how exports, imports, output, and real wages would change if Trump's threat of 45 percent tariffs is carried out. To view plausible scenarios, we evaluate the case of a unilateral action on the part of the United States, as well as a scenario where China retaliates by imposing an equally high 45 percent tariff on its imports from the United States. In addition, because the high U.S. trade deficit with China is a factor that underpins calls for tariff action, we explore simulations where the trade balance is restored to balance as well as a scenario in which the trade balance is unchanged. In all of the scenarios, the calibration exercise suggests that a trade war triggered by high U.S. import tariffs will lead to a collapse in U.S.–China bilateral trade. In all of the scenarios, the United States will experience large social welfare losses, whereas China may lose or gain slightly depending on the effect of trade war on the U.S.–China trade balance. Globally, some small open economies may experience small benefits, while other countries may suffer collateral damage.
How Are the Determinants of Emerging Asia's Cross-Border Mergers and Acquisitions Inflows Different from Outflows?
Authors: Liang Qin , Li Ningxu , Li Jie
Published: February 2018

This paper investigates whether the determinants of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) inflows are different from those of outflows in emerging Asia. We use an augmented gravity model with bilateral cross-border M&A data from 2000 to 2015 for 13 emerging Asian countries. We find that the stock market size of the source country matters for both M&A inflows and outflows. In addition, the motives of firms seeking foreign markets, natural resources, and lower labor costs drive both M&A inflows and outflows. Finally, both the bank credit and the stock market liquidity of the source country play important roles in M&A inflows only, not in M&A outflows.
Resting-state brain network features associated with short-term skill learning ability in humans and the influence of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonism
Authors: Zang Zhenxiang , Geiger Lena S. , Braun Urs , Cao Hengyi , Zangl Maria , Schäfer Axel , Moessnang Carolin , Ruf Matthias , Reis Janine , Schweiger Janina I. , Dixson Luanna , Moscicki Alexander , Schwarz Emanuel , Meyer-Lindenberg Andreas , Tost Heike
Published: February 2018

Graph theoretical functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have demonstrated that brain networks reorganize significantly during motor skill acquisition, yet the associations between motor learning ability, brain network features, and the underlying biological mechanisms remain unclear. In the current study, we applied a visually guided sequential pinch force learning task and graph theoretical analyses to investigate the associations between short-term motor learning ability and resting-state brain network metrics in 60 healthy subjects. We further probed the test-retest reliability ( n = 26) and potential effects of the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist ketamine ( n = 19) in independent healthy volunteers. Our results show that the improvement of motor performance after short-term training was positively correlated with small-worldness ( p = 0.032) and global efficiency ( p = 0.025), whereas negatively correlated with characteristic path length ( p = 0.014) and transitivity ( p = 0.025). In addition, using network-based statistics (NBS), we identified a learning ability–associated ( p = 0.037) and ketamine-susceptible ( p = 0.027) cerebellar-cortical network with fair to good reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] > 0.7) and higher functional connectivity in better learners. Our results provide new evidence for the association of intrinsic brain network features with motor learning and suggest a role of NMDA-related glutamatergic processes in learning-associated subnetworks.
John Gill and the History of Redemption as Mere Shadow
Authors: Rathel David Mark
Published: February 2018

John Gill was an influential minister and theologian of the eighteenth century. Deeply influenced by the Reformed tradition, he made significant innovation to the doctrine of the covenant of redemption. Current surveys of his theology have unfortunately not adequately explored this innovation. The primary cause of this failure is a lack of attention to Gill’s historical context, a context shaped by doctrinal antinomianism and no-offer Calvinism. This article will contextualize Gill’s thought and provide a more accurate reading of his covenant theology by arguing that he offered a unique construction of the covenant of redemption that radically minimized human agency in the reception of salvation.
Demographic life history traits in a population of a critically endangered species, Darevskia dryada (Darevsky & Tuniyev, 1997)
Authors: Altunışık Abdullah , Eksilmez Halit
Published: February 2018

Knowing the age structure of endangered species is important in order to contribute to future conservation studies for such species. In this context, we investigated age structure, age at sexual maturity, potential reproductive lifespan and longevity in a population of the Charnali lizard, Darevskia dryada, an endangered species from Turkey. The results show that the Charnali lizard has a longer life span than other lizards of the genus Darevskia that live in the same region. We estimated that these lizards attain their sexual maturity at the age of one or two years and the potential reproductive life span for males and females is six and five years, respectively. As in many other lizards, the Charnali lizard exhibited a low-level male-biased sexual dimorphism in terms of increased size. We believe that this study, in which prior information related to the Charnali lizard is shared, will contribute to future conservation activities for this critically endangered species.
The Réunion Fody and Sonnerat’s Shrew and the validity of scientifically naming animals described without physical types
Authors: CHEKE ANTHONY S. , HUME JULIAN P.
Published: February 2018

An essential requirement of the current edition of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN 1999) is to designate a holotype or syntypes for a species or subspecies newly described after 1999. Where specimens exist this makes sense (and is indeed essential), but is meaningless when describing a species-group taxon from an old illustration or written account in which specimens were not preserved or even necessarily taken at all. The naming of two species which one or both of us described post-1999 from old accounts without designating types has been singled out as invalid on this basis. As the revisers of the ICZN apparently did not anticipate further naming of taxa from old accounts, and thus allowed a logical paradox to arise, we strongly recommend that, in respect of descriptions from old accounts with no specimens, this rule be waived by a retrospective amendment, as it is likely that other similar cases exist, and it serves no-ones’ interest to strike down otherwise properly described names on a pointless technicality. Prior to our proposed change in the Code, in this note Foudia delloni Cheke & Hume sp. nov. (Aves: Passeriformes: Ploceidae), from Réunion Island, and Diplomesodon sonnerati Cheke sp. nov. (Mammalia: Soricomorpha: Soricidae), from southern India, are named anew using the same names and the original diagnoses.
Antlions of southern Africa: genus Crambomorphus McLachlan, 1867, including extra-limital species (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae: Palparinae: Palparini)
Authors: MANSELL MERVYN W.
Published: February 2018

The genus Crambomorphus McLachlan, 1867, is revised. It now comprises six species, four from the western regions of southern Africa and two from Madagascar. Two new species, C. kalaharicus and C. namibicus, are described and illustrated, and a new combination is proposed for Palpares karrooanus Péringuey. Larvae of the two new species are described and illustrated.
Stenochironomus munteanpurin sp. n., a new leaf-mining species from Brazil (Diptera: Chironomidae)
Authors: AMORA GIZELLE , HAMADA NEUSA , PINHO LUIZ. C.
Published: February 2018

Stenochironomus munteanpurin sp. n. is described and illustrated in all life stages, except eggs, from Brazil. The male is very similar to Stenochironomus quadrinotatus Borkent, 1984 due to same overall pattern of pigmentation. The new species can be distinguished from the other related species principally in immature stages: larva with labral lamella arranged in two groups with one or two conical-shaped teeth, spicules of pecten epipharyngis arranged in a row, unequal and irregularly distributed sizes, SI bifurcated, SII pinnate, SIII pinnate setae and, larval exuviae is compacted; pupa with shagreens being in all TI, less number of hooklets in TII, TVII without shagreens and presence of shagreen in conjunctive III/IV and IV/V. Adult male is very similar to the one of S. quadrinotatus but can be distinguished by combination of the TIX with more than 25 setae medially and phallapodeme curved anteriorly. The new species were collected in the following Brazilian states: Rio de Janeiro, Santa Catarina, Bahia and Acre.
Convergence Dynamics of Robbery Rates in Mexico
Authors: Fondevila Gustavo , Massa Ricardo
Published: February 2018

This work presents a time-series convergence (divergence) analysis for robbery rates in Mexico. Two distinctive features, in relation to previous studies, can be identified: first, the use of an autoregressive vector to better estimate the series dynamic compared with single-equation models, and second, the implementation of an escalation/de-escalation analysis is done using two variants of the same crime—high- and low-impact robberies. Our results suggest that modifications to the national security policy in Mexico have a direct—and rapid—effect on robbery crime trends. Moreover, the three phases of the dynamics between the rates coincide with the three major national security policies implemented in recent years: (a) 1997 to 2006, (b) 2007 to 2011, and (c) 2012 to 2018.
Nurturing a budding flower: External supervisors’ support of the developmental needs of Chinese social workers in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Mo Yuen Han , O’Donoghue Kieran
Published: February 2018

This article examines supervision needs and supervision strategies of Chinese social workers in the light of theoretical considerations and recent empirical findings. Through a qualitative study in Shenzhen, the authors explore how a supervisor may provide and further a supervisee’s development. The supervisors from the study used a range of strategies from counselling skills to consultative advice. This highlights the need for social workers to receive education and psychological support from their supervisors. The findings suggest a relationship between developmental needs and the choice of supervision strategies. It is also argued that in order to be an effective supervisor, one should consider the concept and the importance of culture in the supervisory context.
Does Celebrity Issue Advocacy Mobilize Issue Publics?
Authors: Atkinson Matthew D , DeWitt Darin
Published: February 2018

Case studies and correlational evidence suggest that celebrity political advocacy leads to media coverage and public attention. With a new dataset of celebrity witnesses at congressional hearings, we develop a systematic analysis that allows us to estimate whether celebrities increase media coverage of the issues they advocate in official government venues. We also use this dataset to measure how much celebrity advocacy efforts increase public engagement with policy issues—a necessary condition for the expansion of issue publics. We find that the issues addressed in congressional hearings featuring celebrity witnesses are about three times more likely to be the subject of the New York Times reporting, but the average celebrity witness has no discernible effect on public issue attention, as measured by Wikipedia page views. We conclude that while the Internet vastly expands the opportunities for political communication, it is difficult to appropriate non-political social network infrastructures to promote policy change.
Fabricated narrow diameter distribution nanofiber for an air filtration membrane using a double rings slit spinneret
Authors: Wei Liang , Zhang Hongnan , Qin Xiaohong
Published: February 2018

A needleless electrospinning setup called “Needleless Double Rings Slit Electrospinning” was proposed for the first time. The control pump transports solution to the double rings slits through an insulated infusion tube. High voltage is applied to the metal ring and electric force exceeds the surface tension and viscosity, and multiple jets are spontaneously formed on the top of solution surface. Different spinning process parameters, including solution concentration, applied voltage, collection distance and spinning time, have an influence on nanofiber diameter distribution. The morphology of nanofibers has been observed using scanning electron microscopy. It is worth noting that narrow diameter distribution nanofibers have been fabricated using a novel double rings slit spinneret. Nanofiber diameter distribution has determined the mean pore diameter, pore diameter distribution, filtration efficiency and filtration resistance. The final results show that the pore size and filtration property for nanofiber membranes are significantly related with nanofiber diameter distribution. Narrow diameter nanofibers have contributed to the improvement of filtration properties for nanofiber membranes.
EXPLAINING THE THREE‐WAY LINKAGE BETWEEN POPULISM, SECURITIZATION, AND REALIST FOREIGN POLICIES: President Donald Trump and the Pursuit of “America First” Doctrine
Authors: Magcamit Michael
Published: February 2018

In the age of growing global populism, the continued popularity and relevance of a populist government is anchored on the ability of its populist leader to convince the voters that the primary objective of his foreign policies is to secure the interests of the state and its citizens. However, without an adequate level of state power, pursuing realist foreign policies to improve the state's relative gains and position in the international system can pose significant risks even for the most influential populist leader. Hence, the question is, how do populist leaders acquire an adequate level of state power to implement realist foreign policies, without ultimately losing their political capital and institutional legitimacy in the process? To answer this question, I develop a model that illustrates the three‐way linkage between populism, securitization, and realism. I use this model to explain the rationale behind President Donald Trump's ‘America First’ doctrine, as well as its implications for U.S. foreign policy making. I argue that “populist securitization” is a conduit through which populist leaders formulate, execute, and justify their realist foreign policies. Using Trump's securitization of the U.S. economy as a case study, I reveal how a populist securitization act can trigger the illiberal tendencies and nativist sentiments of the nationalistic voters, which, in turn, allow populist leaders to maintain their popularity and legitimacy among these voters while they experiment with realist foreign policies.